RUD., MAR. and COL. Yes, yes!

(_Amid applause they surround_ Schaunard _and make him get off the chair._)

SCH. Some dancing, accompanied by singing?

COL. Well, clear the stage for action.

(_Moving chairs and tables aside, they prepare for a dance; they suggest various dances._)

COL. Gavotte.

MAR. Minuet.

RUD. Pavanella.

SCH. (_imitating a Spanish measure_) Fandango.

COL. I vote we dance quadrilles first. (_the others approve_)

RUD. Now take your partners.

COL. I'll lead it. (_pretends to be very busy arranging a quadrille_)

SCH. (_improvising, beats time with comic pomposity of manner_) La-lera, la-lera, la-lera!

RUD. (_approaching_ MARCEL_, and bowing very low, offers him his hand as he gallantly says_) Oh! maiden fair and gentle!

MAR. (_with coy bashfulness of manner, counterfeiting a woman's voice_) My modesty respect, sir, I beg you.

SCH. Lal-lera, lal-lera, lal-lera, la!

COL. (_giving directions as to the figures, while_ RUDOLPH _and_ MARCEL _dance the quadrille_) Balancez!

MAR. (_in his ordinary voice_) Lal-lera, lal-lera, lal-lera!

SCH. (_teasingly_) First there's the Rond.

COL. No, stupid!

SCH. (_with exaggerated contempt_) You've manners like a clown!

COL. (_offended_) As I take it, you're insulting!

Draw your sword, sir!

(_rushes to the fireplace and seizes the tongs_)

SCH. (_taking up the poker_) Ready! Have at you! (_preparing to receive his adversary's attack_) Thy hot blood would I drink!

COL. (_doing likewise_) One of us shall now be gutted! (Rudolph _and_ Marcel _stop dancing and burst out laughing._)

SCH. Now get a stretcher ready.

COL. And get a grave-yard, too.

(SCHAUNARD _and_ COLLINE _fight._)

RUD. and MAR. (_gaily_) While they beat each other's brains out, Our fandango we will finish.

(_They dance round the combatants, whose blows fall faster. The door opens and_ Musetta _enters in a state of great agitation._)

MAR. (_amazed_) Musetta! (_All anxiously cl.u.s.ter round_ Musetta)

MUS. (_hoa.r.s.ely_) 'Tis Mimi--'tis Mimi who is with me--And is ailing!

RUD. Mimi!

MUS. She has not strength to climb the staircase.

(_Through the open door _RUDOLPH_ spies _MIMI_, seated on the topmost stair; he rushes to her, followed by _MARCEL.)

SCH. (_to _COLLINE) Here's the bed: we'll put her on it.

(_they drag the bed forward_)

RUD. (_supporting _MIMI_ and leading her towards the bed, aided by _MARCEL) There! some water!

(_MUSETTA_ brings a gla.s.s of water and makes _MIMI_ sip it.)

MIMI. (_pa.s.sionately_) Oh, Rudolph!

RUD. Gently, lie down there. (_gently lowers her on the bed_)

MIMI. (_embracing RUDOLPH_) My darling Rudolph! Ah! let me stay with you!

RUD. Darling Mimi! stay here ever!

(_He induces _Mimi_ to lie down at full length on the bed, and draws the coverlet over her; he then carefully adjusts the pillow be neath her head._)

MUS. (_taking the others aside and whispering to them_) I heard them saying that Mimi Had left the rich old viscount; And now was almost dying.

Ah! but where? After searching, I met her alone just now, Almost dead with exhaustion.

She murmured: "I'm dying! dying!

But listen; I want to die near him.

Maybe he's waiting!

Take me thither, Musetta!"

MAR. Hush! (_MUSETTA moves farther away from MIMI._)

MIMI. I feel so much better.

All here seems just the same as ever.

(_with a sweet smile_) Ah! It is all so pleasant here!

Saved from sadness, All is gladness; Once again new life is mine!

RUD. Lips delightful, speak again to me!

Once more enchant me!