Page:Pelléas and Melisande.djvu/7



Melisande discovered on the edge of a fountain.—Enter Golaud.

I shall not be able to leave this forest again.—God knows how far this beast has led me. Yet I thought I had wounded it unto death; and here are traces of blood. But now, I have lost sight of it. I fear that I am lost myself—and my dogs no longer find me.—I shall retrace my steps…—I hear weeping… Oh, oh, what is it there by the water?… A little girl who weeps near the water? (He coughs.)—She does not hear me. I do not see her face. (He goes near and touches Melisande on the shoulder.) Why dost thou ween? (Melisande rises, trembles and wants to fly.)—Do not fear. You have nothing to be afraid of. Why do you weep here all alone?

Do not touch me! do not touch me!

Have no fear… I will do you no… Oh, you are beautiful!

Do not touch me! Do not touch me! or I shall throw myself in the water…

I do not touch you… See, I'll stay here, against the tree. Have no fear. Has any one hurt you?

Oh, yes, yes, yes!

(She weeps profoundly).

Who has done you harm?

All, all!

What harm has been done to you?

I will not say it. I cannot say it.

Come; do not weep thus. Whence come you?

I escaped, escaped, escaped!

Yes; but from where did you escape?

I am lost… lost here. I am not from here… I was not born there…

Where are you from? Where were you born?

Oh, oh! far from here… far… far…

What sparkles thus at the bottom of the water?