Etext by Dagny
Etext by Dagny
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1849
Characters:
Durandin, business man
Rodolphe, a poet, his nephew
Marcel, a painter
Schaunard, a musician
Gustave Colline, a philosopher
Benoit, hotel manager
Baptiste, a servant
A waiter/cashier
A gentleman
A doctor
Cesarine de Rouvre, a young widow
Mimi
Musette
Phemie
A lady
A commissioner
Cesarine's servants
Guests
Ten men, four women
A house in the country in the neighborhood of Paris. A garden. In the rear a balustrade giving on the countryside. To the left a pavilion with an open window facing the public. To the right a garden bench. Chairs.
Baptiste (alone, at the back near the wall looking at the
countryside)
What's that cloud of dust? Could it be the carriage of Madame
Cesarine de Rouvre? That would be surprising to me, because it's noon
and Monsieur Durandin doesn't expect the lady until two o'clock. Why,
it's not a carriage. (looking attentively) Some young men with large
easels and young girls with big hats. I know what it is—it's a
caravan. Happy youth—laugh, laugh—you haven't read Monsieur Voltaire.
But, think of it—what imprudence. (taking a book which he had
forgotten on the bench) If Monsieur Durandin, the numbers man, as
Monsieur Rodolphe says, had found this in octavo, my removal would be
imminent. See, Monsieur Durandin has informed me that they will take
coffee in this pavilion which hasn't been opened for three months.
Let's put things in order. (goes into the pavilion and opens the
blinds) Or rather no, everything's fine as it is—as Monsieur Voltaire
said. Thanks to the dust, the Louis XV furniture has a more venerable
appearance. I won't bring a profane duster to it. As for these
populations of arachnids, they'll give this place a more antique
character, completely artistic. So, I won't remove these spiders. My
only regret is there aren't more of them. (shutting the door)
Everything is ready and now Madame Rouvre can arrive.
Durandin (enters from the back, notebook in hand, reading)
Paris to Rouen, from 575 to 555 remains at 560—15 francs lower—
bravo—it's time to buy. (to Baptiste without turning) Where is my
nephew?
Baptiste
In his room, monsieur.
Durandin (always calculating)
200 at 5.6, 112,000. 200 at 500—probable fall—116,000, 4,000
francs profits net— (rubbing his hands) Where is my nephew?
Baptiste
In his room, monsieur.
Durandin (waking up from his reverie)
Huh? What? It's not true, I'm coming from there. By the way, his
room is in a pretty state. You aren't taking care of it?
Baptiste
Pardon me, monsieur. On the contrary. I take meticulous care of it.
I open the window in the morning and I shut it in the evening.
Durandin
And that's all?
Baptiste
And that's all, monsieur. I follow to the letter the instructions
given me by your nephew, Monsieur Rodolphe, who told me when he came to
live here: “Baptiste, you please me infinitely, but if you wish to
preserve my esteem, you will never touch anything in my room. If you
had the imprudence to put my things in their place, it would be
impossible for me ever to find them again.”
Durandin
Then, that's why I observed a pair of boots on the chimney and the
clock in the cupboard.
Baptiste
I can't give an account of the motive which assigned that place to
the pair of boots, but as for the clock, it's different and can be
explained. (Durandin is back at his notebook) You're not listening to
me, monsieur.
Durandin
Oh, yes, imbecile.
Baptiste
I continue: The first time Monsieur Rodolphe saw the clock in
question he wanted to throw it out the window.
Durandin (stupefied)
Out the— A clock worth four hundred francs, in gilded bronze with
a bronze representing Malek-Adel.
Baptiste
Yes, monsieur, I know quite well—Malek-Adel—by Madame Cottin. But
the clock had a defect.
Durandin
What was that?
Baptiste
It marked the hour.
Durandin
Well?
Baptiste
My God! I know that it was only doing its duty—but Monsieur
Rodolphe judged otherwise. He said he didn't want this domestic tyrant
that counted his existence minute by minute, whose needle stretched
right to his bed and came to sting in the morning with those
instruments of torture in the vicinity of which nonchalance and reverie
are impossible.
Durandin
What are all these wandering? Oh, this cannot last much longer; my
nephew will make me as crazy as he is. Happily, Madame Rouvre is coming
today, she's a widow, rich—womanly.
Baptiste
That's her most beautiful honor.
Durandin
I'm not talking to you. She's a woman and what a woman wants—.
Rodolphe must come down to earth to sign the contract. He must be in
the garden musing over his nonsense. Go find him for me.
Baptiste
Right away, monsieur.
(Baptiste goes out back left. As he does, he opens his Voltaire and continues to read.)
Durandin (alone)
My nephew is indeed the son of my brother. It's the same disordered
spirit. Vocation! Art! Genius! And the father died leaving debts the
son is ready to double. The arts! The arts! Doesn't he have a beautiful
history and pretty job. But I am here—and soon I will have our
charming auxiliary flanked by 40,000 francs income, and I really
hope—but if, to the contrary, Monsieur Poet, the dreamer resists, if
he refuses his luck—so much the worse for him! He can go to the devil!
Rodolphe (entering, very eccentric)
Is that why you made me come, uncle?
Durandin
Ah, there you are, hothead.
Rodolphe (gaily)
Hello, Uncle Million. You're in a bad mood. I am going to recite a
sonnet for you, jolly fellow, that's going to cheer you up and cool you
down.
Durandin
Would you talk reasonably for a minute?
Rodolphe
Willingly? Willingly, my uncle, but not more, you quite understand.
The minute is gone. Let's talk of something else.
Durandin
You're settled on it, right? You don't wish to understand anything?
Rodolphe
My uncle, I understand nothing about business. You do it, as much
as you like, I am not preventing you.
Durandin
Truly? And as for you, you'll write odes to the moon, right? And
you will curse the egoistic century that refuses to nourish you for
doing nothing.
Rodolphe
Wrong, my uncle, grave mistake! I am not seated at the banquet of
life with the intention of cursing fellow guests over dessert. By
dessert, I'm rolling under the table, and my muse, a good fat wench
with an insolent eye and a turned up nose picks me up, leads me
stumbling to my lodging, and we spend the night laughing at those
who've paid us to dine. It's ingratitude if you like, but it's amusing.
Durandin
And is this what concerns you?
Rodolphe
What concerns me? Absolutely nothing for the moment. But that will
concern me later. You've studied men and you speculate on the
telegraphs. You live by your enterprise. As for me, I want to live by
my imagination. I will do whatever they wish—sad, gay, pleasant,
grave. I will feel like fasting and jesting loudly after dinner—
(striking his head) My capital is here. A superb enterprise under the
direction of Piochage and Company. Social capital—courage, wit, and
gaiety.
Durandin
But, truly, I am really glad to hear that from you. Madame de
Rouvre is coming today—in an hour.
Rodolphe
You did quite well to warn me, my uncle. I'm going out right away.
Durandin
Not another step or I'll disinherit you.
Rodolphe
Damn! I ask to sit down.
Durandin (sitting on the bench with his nephew)
Listen, my boy, in the past you paid court to Madame de Rouvre, you
pressed her assiduously for an entire winter.
Rodolphe
I cannot deny it, uncle.
Durandin
In the Spring, we spent a month at her country estate—and, between
us, those walks in the solitary alleys of her park—
Rodolphe
Hush! Be as discreet as I am, uncle.
Durandin
I'm not reproaching you. On the contrary, you did well, it was a
masterful stroke—for she's very rich and she loves you.
Rodolphe
She loves me?
Durandin
I'm sure of it.
Rodolphe
She's a woman of wit, she will understand that I don't want to
marry her.
Durandin
You don't want to marry her?
Rodolphe
I never promised her that.
Durandin
Promised—this lad is a bit conceited.
Rodolphe
Why no, uncle, I wish to remain a bachelor, that's all.
Durandin
But, wretch, Madame de Rouvre is pretty.
Rodolphe
I know it, uncle.
Durandin
Well?
Rodolphe
Well! So much the worse for the others.
Durandin
By marrying her, you would have from your wife's side alone, forty
thousand francs of income. You would have a calm, quiet position. You
would have children.
Rodolphe
Yes, that's right, many children and rabbits. Thanks, that doesn't
suit me. I need air, freedom, a picturesque life, tempestuous if you
like, free not to dine every day—that's all the same with me—in the
days of feasting, I will eat for a month.
Durandin
You will never do anything in your life. You will follow in the
tracks of your father.
Rodolphe
Ah, uncle, let's not speak of that, let's not rake up the ashes.
Durandin
That's very well, but nonetheless, it is true that my brother also
didn't want to do anything except as he pleased, and when he died, he
owed everybody.
Rodolphe (serious)
Except you, uncle.
Durandin
I'll have to be bled from four veins to support a mad man.
Rodolphe
No, uncle, you've done well. After all, my father left me an
honorable name—a name that is respected—and some paintings that are
admired. But once again, let's not speak of that.
Durandin
So be it! I have to leave to greet Madame de Rouvre. I hope, on my
return, you'll be in a better frame of mind.
Rodolphe
Can't swear to it, uncle. There's nothing immutable under the sun.
Durandin
Think about it, and if you become reasonable you won't regret it.
Together (singing)
Durandin Rodolphe True happiness There's no happiness Is for the
heart. In marriage in my heart. No slavery For between you and me For
us No slavery Is so sweet. Is sweet.
(Durandin goes out by the right.)
Rodolphe (alone)
Uncles are astonishing. They would make you marry every woman
you've sworn eternal love to by moonlight. Why, they'd have a legalized
harem. For me to marry Madame Cesarine de Rouvre, the most flirtatious
and imperious woman on earth, who orders you to love her so to speak—
I'm not so crazy! From tomorrow I shall take my flight. I am fleeing
this insipid and monotonous villa that no one ever visits by chance or
unexpectedly.
Chorus (outside)
Our future must light up In the sunshine of our youth. Let's love
and sing some more. Youth comes only once.
Rodolphe
What's that? Could it be the unexpected I asked for? (goes to the
back) Some artists and grisettes, not doubt. They are having lunch on
the grass. Bon appetit! Now there's happiness as I understand it. Walks
without gloves and dinners without forks. Heavens, they're bowing to
me. (he bows and comes back) I almost want to hurl myself into the
midst of their group and invite myself. Indeed, why not?
Marcel (appearing above the balustrade)
Sir—Sir!
Rodolphe
Who's calling me?
Marcel
I ask your pardon, monsieur. You couldn't, by chance, lend us some
place settings and silverware?
Rodolphe
Sir, if you want to wait, I'll ring. I will go find a bell. You're
an artist, monsieur?
Marcel
Yes, monsieur.
Rodolphe
Painter.
Marcel
It's you who said it.
Rodolphe
Of what school?
Marcel
Of my own.
Rodolphe
I congratulate you on it.
Marcel
And me, too, monsieur.
Rodolphe
And your name is?
Marcel
Marcel, to serve you.
Rodolphe
And as for my name—Rodolphe, to be agreeable to you.
Marcel
This nest belongs to you?
Rodolphe
Not the least bit. I am the nest's nephew. Take the trouble to fall
this way.
Marcel
This doesn't disturb you?
Rodolphe
Not at all.
Marcel (jumping)
Allow me to offer you my hand—it's all I have on me.
Rodolphe
Willingly—but on condition that you offer it also to those pretty
persons who sing so well.
Marcel
I can refuse nothing to you, monsieur. (calling) Hey, Musette, you
are invited to enter by scaling—
(Orchestra music.)
Musette (appearing on the balustrade)
Here I am.
(Musette pulls up her dress a little and shows a bit of her leg as she climbs over. Rodolphe runs to help her.)
Rodolphe
By God, there's a pretty leg. I must offer my arm.
Musette
The gentleman sells madrigals.
Rodolphe
Yes, madame.
Musette
And you get paid for it?
Rodolphe (kissing her hand)
In cash!
Marcel (taking Musette's hand)
Allow me to present her to you more formally. Miss
Musette—twenty-two years old.
Musette
In six months.
Marcel
A charming girl who's only defect is to lose the key to her heart
too often. All the same, I have nothing to complain of—that's how I
found shelter one rainy day.
Musette (low to Marcel, pointing to Rodolphe)
He's sweet!
Marcel (to Rodolphe)
She thinks you're sweet. That's the beginning—impossible to tell
where it will end.
(Rodolphe offers a chair to Musette. Schaunard appears on the support of the balustrade.)
Schaunard
Hey! Marcel! I can't find Musette any more. I think she fell into
her cup.
Marcel
Don't worry, faithful friend. Climb in. (Schaunard climbs in)
Monsieur Schaunard, orphan by vocation, painter by taste, musician to
do something and poet with nothing to do. Spending half his life in
search of money to pay his creditors and the other half in fleeing his
creditors when he has found money.
Schaunard (bowing)
The scheme is faithful like a poodle. But you are seeing only half
of myself. Allow me to present the other half. Phemie!
(Phemie appears and Schaunard helps her down.)
Marcel
Miss Phemie—a devoted wife—when she's dined.
Rodolphe (offering a chair to Phemie)
Miss—
Phemie
Very grateful, monsieur, I am not yet tired.
(Phemie sits near Musette.)
Schaunard (with severity)
Phemie! Please excuse her, monsieur. She comes from—I met her in a
forest.
Rodolphe
Virgin forest?
(Schaunard sneezes. Colline appears.)
Marcel (indicating Colline to Rodolphe)
Don't be worried, monsieur, that's all of us. Monsieur Gustave
Colline, philosopher, the treasurer of the society, a sinecure.
(They all come forward.)
Rodolphe
Ladies and gentlemen.
All
Listen.
Rodolphe
Please believe in my sympathy.
Marcel
And—
Rodolphe
The speech is over.
Phemie (rising)
Bravo!
Musette
It's in very good taste—it's not long.
Schaunard
Pardon, monsieur. I have to ask some information of you.
Rodolphe
Speak, monsieur.
Schaunard
Could you tell me where they put the tobacco in this house?
Rodolphe
Here, monsieur. (pointing to his pocket and offering tobacco to
Schaunard who fills his pipe) You've got a nice looking pipe, Monsieur
Schaunard.
Schaunard (negligently)
I don't have a prettier one to suit me in the world.
Musette (to Rodolphe)
Sir, would it be indiscreet to ask your permission to pick some
flowers from the garden?
Phemie
And some apricots?
Rodolphe
What do you think?
(The ladies come forward.)
Colline
Sir, if you will allow me, I will accompany these ladies to do a
little botany.
(The ladies pick flowers and put them in Colline's arms.)
Musette (laughing)
This may embarrass you!
Colline
Oh, no, I assure you. (going to a bench and depositing everything
at the foot of a tree) Look a bit. (pulls several books from his
pocket) Botany—that's what I need.
Musette
We are here.
Phemie
Let's go to it, gaily.
Musette and Phemie (singing together)
Let's glean, Let's pick The daisies Among the green turf. To the
sweet songs of warblers. Let's mingle, mingle, Our gay tunes.
(The women leave by the left, Colline leaves by the right. Rodolphe takes up, one by one, the books Colline deposited on the bench.)
Rodolphe
Chemistry, engineering, physics. Ah, indeed, why, your friend is a
walking library.
Marcel
Ah, you see, it's that Colline is the studious and dreamy child of
Bohemia.
Rodolphe
Bohemia?
Marcel
Bohemia, bordered on the north by hope, work and gayety—on the
south by necessity and courage—on the west and east by slander and the
Hotel Dieu.
Rodolphe
I thank you very much, but I don't understand.
Marcel
You desire a second lesson in geography relative to Bohemia? It's
very easy, monsieur, for you see before you two natives of the country.
Schaunard
Bohemia—us.
Rodolphe
You?
Marcel
That is to say, all those who, driven by an obstinate vocation, go
into art with no other means of existence than art itself; wit always
kept on watch by their ambition which beats the charge before them and
drives them to an assault on the future. Their everyday existence is a
work of genius, a quotidian problem. But if a small fortune falls into
their hands, they are to be seen cavalcading in the most serious
fantasies, loving the youngest and the most beautiful, drinking the
best and oldest wines—never finding enough windows to throw their
money out of.
Schaunard
Then, when their last franc is dead and buried—they begin diving
over again at the table d'hote, where their place is always set—and to
hunt down from noon to midnight that ferocious arrival—a one hundred
sous coin—intelligent folk who would have found truffles on the raft
of the Medusa.
Marcel
They don't know how to take the steps on the boulevard without
meeting a friend.
Schaunard
Or thirty steps—no matter where—without meeting a creditor.
Marcel
And when January comes, pockets full of colds and hands full of
chilblains, they warm themselves philosophically by burning their
furniture.
Schaunard
That's what moderns call sitting by the chimney.
Rodolphe
Truly, gentlemen, your carefree courage, your joyful philosophy
enchants me. I would never like to leave you.
Schaunard
We will stay here just as long as you like, monsieur.
Ladies (outside)
Here we are!
(Musette and Phemie come in, loaded down with flowers. Phemie has an apple.)
Chorus
Let's glean, Let's pick The daisies Among the green turf. To the
sweet songs of warblers. Let's mingle, mingle, Our gay tunes.
Musette
There's our harvest.
Phemie (eating an apple)
The country is excellent.
Marcel (to Rodolphe)
As to the rest, monsieur, we have sweet compensations in our life
of trials. These young girls are our living joys. We love them madly
and perhaps they will love us forever.
(Phemie passes by Schaunard who is seated.)
Rodolphe
If forever doesn't last too long.
Marcel
And if the ribbons don't cost too much. They will remain with us so
long as they have heart—and they'll leave us when they have wit.
Musette
Meaning I am stupid?
Marcel
Alas, no, my sweet.
Musette
As for me, who refused a bank clerk with fine mahogany furniture—
Marcel
Yes, but if it had been the banker himself, and he had driven
audacity to the point of touching the rosewood—
Musette
True. I would have refused him. I've still got time—besides, you,
too, will be rich.
Marcel
Certainly—still, some measure of patience. Anyway, I have an idea.
Starting next Monday we will practice economies and I will—
Musette
Yes, my little Marcel. I really love you, go on, for you I would
throw myself from the top of the towers of Notre Dame.
Schaunard
Musette, that impudent remark will cost you four sous. It's the
penalty. (to Phemie) And you! Would you like to die for me?
Phemie
Yes, but not of starvation.
Schaunard (to Rodolphe)
She is astounding, monsieur. She finds words like those all by
herself—without hesitation. She is astounding. I am infatuated with
her.
(Phemie pulls a fruit from her pocket and a paper falls out. Schaunard rises and picks it up.)
Phemie (aside)
These fruits! It's extraordinary how they make you hungry.
(Phemie goes back upstage.)
Schaunard (aside)
What do I see! A declaration with an emblem representing a heart
pierced by a bayonet—and signed “A soldier of the 29th.” It was two
weeks ago I surprised the presence of another paper signed “A
cavalryman of the 24th.” Her heart is a barracks. (calling) Phemie!
Phemie (coming to him)
Huh?
Schaunard
You know too many people in uniform. (showing the letter) What is
this love prospectus signed by a member of the French Cavalry?
Phemie (troubled)
That—it's from a little red man who handed it to me on the Pont
Neuf.
Schaunard
Very well. (pointing to his cane) Tonight you'll have an
explanation with the bamboo.
(Colline and Baptiste enter, arm in arm. Colline has a basket. They enter from the back right.)
Colline
You are a sceptic, Monsieur Baptiste.
Baptiste
Sir, I've read Voltaire.
Colline
As for me, I'm a pantheist. Everything is in everything. Have you
read Spinoza?
Baptiste
Me!
Colline
Reread him! Also look at Descartes. (Musette and Phemie come to
take the basket) (to Rodolphe) Monsieur, you have a very wise servant.
I took him for an article in the Review of Two Worlds. (goes near
Marcel)
Marcel
Where are you coming from?
Colline
By jove! You are a rare featherbrain. You left our provisions in
the midst of the country, where they would have become the prey of
scavengers. I had to find them with the aid of Monsieur Baptiste.
Musette (looking in the basket)
But the bottles are empty.
Colline
In the midst of a serious discussion with this gentleman on the
immortality of the soul, we became very exalted. We drank the bottles,
but there are the corks.
Musette
Well, with what will we eat the duck which is in the pie?
(Phemie looks in the basket.)
Phemie
The duck flew off. All that's left is the crust.
(Phemie and Musette throw it all over the balustrade with Marcel's help.)
Baptiste
In the midst of a grave discussion with this gentleman on the
objective and the subjective— (to Musette) The mine and the not—
mine, if you prefer—as we were very exalted—we ate the duck.
Musette (to Rodolphe)
Your servant is sweet. Do you pay him much?
Rodolphe
Don't troubel yourself. We are going to straighten all this out.
Baptiste, you understand— (Baptist leaves by the rear) Now, allow me
to offer you lunch.
Schaunard
Indeed, it's the hour honest folks spend in the dining room. Let's
go.
Rodolphe
The dining room is here—in a moment we will be served and we will
drink to Bohemia, my future country!
All
What!
Rodolphe
Listen to me. Here I am running the greatest dangers.
Marcel
You?
Rodolphe
They want to marry me.
Marcel
That's horrible.
Rodolphe
It's my Uncle Million who had that idea.
Musette
Your Uncle Million?
Phemie
What a pretty name!
Schaunard
Indeed, I'd like to have your uncle's money.
Rodolphe
Me marry—can you grasp that? Imprison my freedom in a contract?
Throw my heart in the household pot-boiler, clip the wings of my
youth—all that simply to provide for my uncle the pleasure of having
little grand-nephews!
Schaunard
By jove, if he wants 'em—let him make 'em himself.
Rodolphe
I've been meditating flight for a long while—but all alone, I
wouldn't know where to go. Now, it's quite decided—I intend to lead,
like you, the beautiful life of work and pleasure. I have a great heart
and great courage—you will see me at work. So, if you will permit it,
I will be your companion at first—until the day you really want to
call me your friend!
(During this monologue, Baptiste has brought a cloth and placed lunch on the ground.)
Marcel
But you already are!
Musette and Phemie
Yes, monsieur, you are.
Baptiste
You are served.
Rodolphe
Baptiste, you will leave with us. You are a studious lad—you will
make your way.
Baptiste
What an honor.
Phemie (aside)
He's really quite nice, this Baptiste—if only he had a uniform.
Rodolphe
And now—to lunch.
All
To lunch!
(They sit on the bench and overturned chairs and attack the lunch.)
Chorus
To lunch, my friends. Chance gaily unites us On this flowered
strand. Already our places are set.
Marcel (holding a bottle)
Royal Champagne, I recognize him by his silver helmet. Stay away
from it, it's not wine!
Rodolphe (astonished)
What is it, then?
Marcel
Elegant cider.
Schaunard
Tasteless.
Marcel (throwing the bottle to Baptiste)
Offer it to the ladies. The first duty of wine is to be red.
Baptiste, my friend, pass us some burgundy.
(Marcel takes a bottle and pours.)
Baptiste
Do you want some water?
Marcel
Water in wine? That's like Platonism in love.
Phemie
What is Platonism?
Musette
Stupidities—the disease of men who don't dare to embrace women.
Phemie
Fie! The horror.
Musette (embracing Marcel)
Let's drink our pure wine.
Marcel
And long live youth!
All (as they drink)
Long live youth.
Chorus (all)
Our future must shine In the sun of our twenty years. Let's love
and sing together, Youth is too short.
Schaunard
Armed with patience Against evil destiny, Courage and hope, We
mould our bread. Our careless attitude To the fanfares of our song
Makes our misery happy, Youth is too short.
Chorus
Our future must shine In the sun of our twenty years. Let's love
and sing together, Youth is too short.
Marcel
If the chosen mistress, Who by luck loves us And makes our poetry
bloom With the flame of her glance, Knowing her taste for being
beautiful Without causing us pain— Let's love her all the same—sweet
infidel. Youth is too short.
Chorus
Our future must shine In the sun of our twenty years. Let's love
and sing together, Youth is too short.
Musette
Since the most beautiful things, Love affairs and beauty Like
lilies and roses, Have only the season of summer, When May in flowering
arbors Drapes the green flag of spring, Let's love and sing some more.
Youth is very short.
Chorus
Our future must shine In the sun of our twenty years. Let's love
and sing together, Youth is too short.
Baptiste (at the back, utters a scream)
Ah!
All
What is it?
Baptiste
Monsieur Durandin! Monsieur Durandin! I notice his carriage—and
quick—quick!
Marcel
The devil!
Schaunard
Let's help the waiter.
(Schaunard puts a bottle in his pocket. Phemie puts cakes and fruits in her pockets.)
Rodolphe
Gentlemen! I am desolated! But—
(All fill the hamper which they carry behind the pavilion.)
Marcel
We understand perfectly.
Rodolphe
We will see each other again soon. There's time to pack my suitcase
and not to embrace my uncle.
Colline (in the back)
The carriage is approaching.
Rodolphe
Wait for me in the little wood that adjoins the garden.
Phemie
But, which way to leave?
Baptiste
Not by the door.
Musette
Over the wall.
Marcel
Doubtless.
Baptiste
The carriage is entering the courtyard.
Musette and Phemie
Save yourself if you can!
(Musette and Phemie go over the balustrade. Marcel shakes Rodolphe's hand and jumps in his turn. Colline stops and returns.)
Colline
Ah! My God! I've forgotten my books.
Schaunard
You will take them another time.
(Colline vanishes.)
Schaunard
Say, Monsieur Rodolphe, I left a chicken leg.
Rodolphe
That doesn't matter.
(Schaunard disappears.)
Baptiste (looking to the right)
Just in time.
Rodolphe
They're already far away. Now it's a question of finding an honest
way to leave here.
Baptiste
Ah! My God! Monsieur Million seems so agitated.
Rodolphe
Heavens, he's alone.
Baptiste
It's true. Here he is.
Durandin (coming in from the right)
Ah! My friend! My dear nephew.
Rodolphe
What's the matter with you, Uncle?
Durandin
What an adventure! Madame de Rouvre—
Rodolphe
You are terrifying me!
Durandin
Getting out of the carriage—she sprained her ankle.
Rodolphe
Where is she?
Durandin
At the Lion Inn—a terrible inn.
Rodolphe (aside)
Ah! Now, there's my way out. (aloud, uneasily) What! Madame de
Rouvre will be deprived of those thousand little nothings to which
she's become accustomed! Uncle, I am taking your carriage.
(Rodolphe passes near Baptiste.)
Durandin (aside)
He's going there.
Rodolphe (to Baptiste)
Ah! Baptiste—a suitcase, some linen, plates, my books to distract
her—don't forget anything. (low) Don't forget my pipes.
Baptiste
Where are we going?
Rodolphe (low)
To Bohemia. (aloud) Go—run!
(Baptiste leaves by the right.)
Rodolphe (to Durandin)
Goodbye, Uncle.
Durandin
Goodbye my boy.
(Rodolphe leaves quickly by the right.)
Durandin (alone, rubbing his hands)
The trick succeeded. Now we know what we've got. He loves her like
a madman. It's true what they say—what a woman wants, God wants. (a
carriage can be heard leaving) Gone already!
Chorus (heard from off)
Our future must shine In the sun of our twenty years. Let's love
and sing together, Youth is too short.
Durandin
What's that? (runs to the back and looks over the balustrade) Ah!
My God, he tricked me.
CURTAIN
Two contiguous rooms in a furnished hotel. In each of the two rooms a door at the back and a bed. Furnished as little as possible. In the room on the left, a little table on the right with writing materials. On the left, a chimney with a mirror next to the chimney, an armchair and a little round table. A chair to the right. On the chimney a bottle with a bonnet on it. To the right a trunk from which hangs a veil and a hat. Cards on the chimney. In the room to the left a window which is shut with a blue curtain. To the right by the window a round table with printer's proofs. Underneath a rack of pipes. To the right, near the bed, a commode. Above the commode a shelf of books with some brochures. To the left a table with paper, pen, ink, etc. On the same side, a trunk from which hang a vest, an overcoat and a hat. Two chairs—one near the table—the other by the round table. On that of the right, a pea-jacket. Under the bed, a suitcase in which there's only a book and a suspenders.
Musette in the room at the left. It is broad day. Rodolphe is in the room at the right, so hermetically sealed that it is completely dark.
Musette (doing her hair in front of a mirror, singing)
Pretty mouth and rosy lips To sing out, always open. See Rose,
Alert like a gay lark. To plait a crown With both hands from ripe
wheat. Rose, go harvest, and return With both hands full of azure
flowers.
(Musette sits and arranges the bonnet which is perched on the bottle.)
Musette
Who would have been able to say that the Vicomte, not seeing me,
would not return? Ah, my word, so much the worse! He would bore me,
he's turned weeping willow, he's pressing his branches. I told him that
I was going to the waters of Bagneres. He's capable of believing it and
flying there. So much the better. He's gone. I am returning to my
apartment. But from here—am I dumb to be gone without money. I never
think about myself. Ah! Bah! A pretty woman is never embarrassed for
money. (hums)
Rodolphe (stretched, completely dressed, on his bed, dreaming)
Is it possible? Such a fortune to me! My worthy uncle. To leave me
in his will a whole province in Peru, Peruvians included.
(A rapping on the door at the right. Rodolphe falls back to sleep and doesn't wake up. More knocking.)
Musette
Come in!
(A man enters Rodolphe's room.)
Musette
Heavens! It's over there, the home of that gentleman who sleeps so
loud.
Cashier
Monsieur, monsieur—
Rodolphe (waking up and looking at the cashier who is fumbling in
a
large portfolio) Who's this stranger? Ah, I've got it, he's here
about my inheritance.
Cashier
Sir, I'm here to—
Rodolphe
I know what it is. Put it there. Ah! You want a receipt. That's
fair. Pass me pen and ink—there on the table.
Cashier
No, monsieur. I've come to collect one hundred fifty francs. Today
is the 15th of July.
Rodolphe (examining the note)
The 15th of July! It's astonishing. I haven't yet eaten any
strawberries. Ah! Birmann's order! He's my tailor. Alas! (looking at
his clothes strewn on a chair) The causes have gone but the effects are
returning.
Cashier
You have until four o'clock to pay. (takes back the note, places a
small paper on the table and leaves)
Rodolphe (with nobility)
These are not times for honest men. (regretfully) The intriguer! He
carried off his bag. (going back to bed) It's the 15th of July. The
Cape of Storms is difficult to get past. Day that begins with a rain of
notes and end with a hail of protests. (goes back to sleep)
Musette (singing)
Beautiful sunflowers worn as a crown In fair weather, Beautiful
flowers given by Spring To presage its first loves, All fade so
quickly, Rose. One day you'll have to gather Flowers that bloom In
memory's fields.
Rodolphe (waking and starting)
Who the devil's singing like that? I can't hear myself dream.
(yelling) Madame!
Musette (responding louder than he)
Sir!
Rodolphe
Is it day at your place?
Musette
A bit! And in your place, is it night?
Rodolphe
Very much so. It's night all day long. I've stopped the sun on
account of a going-out-of-business sale.
Musette
Sir!
Rodolphe (going back to bed)
Madame.
(Musette rises and puts her bonnet back on the bottle at the chimney on the left.)
Musette
You are impolite. (sings louder)
Rodolphe
Heavens, why, I hadn't noticed. It seems to me I recognize that
sweet voice. Why yes, the sound is familiar to me.
(Rodolphe jumps up from the bed and puts on a jacket.)
Musette
Ah! Why, hold on. Rodolphe!
Rodolphe
What do you think!
Musette
What a fortunate coincidence. I offer you my hand.
Rodolphe
I kiss your face. Why, indeed— (rapping on the wall) Can I come
in?
Musette
Always! But this way, go round.
(Rodolphe leaves his room and enters Musette's room. He embraces her.)
Rodolphe
I went round, my pretty little Musette.
Musette
My good Rodolphe! What's become of you?
Rodolphe
I became a philosopher.
Musette
Which means you haven't any money.
Rodolphe
Pardon me, I have some. I have some to pay—
Musette
You have debts?
Rodolphe
Money! Would you like some?
Musette
No, thanks. Are you still writing poetry?
Rodolphe
Yes, on holidays, but during the week it's different. And recently
I just finished a very interesting little work entitled “The Perfect
Smoker.” It's the height of literature. Anyway, it sells. Baptiste read
it and he's satisfied with it.
Musette
Baptiste is here!
Rodolphe
Yes, under my protection.
Musette
Do you realize it's a year since we've seen each other!
Rodolphe
I know it.
Musette
And your uncle?
Rodolphe
Six months or more ago. And it's at the end of those six months,
the first that I spent in Paris, in the breast of Bohemia, that you
abandoned it, you inconstant Musette, to go live in the heights of Eros
in the red light district of Breda.
Musette (laughing)
Vicomtesse, my dear. (going to the right)
Rodolphe
Ah, I was really sure that you would end that way—one night or the
other. But then, how is it that I meet you again in this humble garret?
Musette
I rented it, through foresight just in case, two months ago—and I
came here last night for the first time. It's a small hideaway.
Rodolphe
On the fifth floor? Then, I understand the heart of a Vicomte
without prejudice to others.
Musette
No! No! It's finished.
Rodolphe (sitting down)
And Marcel?
Musette
I love him more than ever. And the proof— (pointing to a little
box on the table at the right) There are his letters. It's the only
thing I took with me in my flight.
Rodolphe (rising)
Then, you are returning to us?
Musette
Yes, decidedly, I want to eat with you again—the bread blessed by
gaiety. (singing) It's over. I'm forgetting My brilliant life And I
repudiate My noble love affairs. Yes, I say to you goodbye forever,
Diamonds and admirers. Only to you, Marcel, My love, caresses and
smiles. It's over. I'm forgetting My brilliant life And I repudiate My
noble love affairs.
Together
Musette Rodolphe It's over. I'm forgetting At last she's forgetting
My brilliant life Her brilliant life, And I repudiate And she's
repudiating My noble love affairs. Her noble love affairs.
Rodolphe
Ah, you are really making me happy, Musette. But, if you find
Marcel, if he forgets the past, in the future you must not break his
heart with your little red nails.
Musette
I'll cut them very short. (goes to the left)
Rodolphe
That's it! And try not to let them grow back too fast. Because, you
see, it's serious, Musette. The rest of us, we live on our youth, our
courage, our talent—with the woman we love. For a while at least. I
know something about it.
Musette (elbows on the chimney)
Marie, right?
Rodolphe
Yes, Marie.
Musette
She really loved you.
Rodolphe (astride a chair)
Yes—for a month. During that time, a source of wealth flowed
through my room. But the river changed its bed.
Musette
And Marie?
Rodolphe (with a significant gesture)
She followed the current. Ah, during the first moment, I wasn't
very amused, really! Chagrin mortified me. I became enraged.
Musette
Poor boy.
Rodolphe
And then I had bizarre, fantastic ideas. I absolutely had to have a
being to love. I adopted a live lobster. I made it paint itself red—
it was more gay. But this affection wasn't enough for me. (rising) I
made a salad of it. Then another idea came to me. I went to the
Abandoned Children.
Musette
Huh?
Rodolphe
Looking over the children, I saw a pretty young girl of eighteen.
An orphan like the others—but who was kept in the house.
Musette
You wanted to adopt her?
Rodolphe
Better than that. I wanted to marry her. I made my proposal. I
spoke frankly of my means of living—a lyric poet. The marriage fell
through.
Musette (laughing)
Poor friend!
Rodolphe
Well—really—it made me ill to lose her. And I thought that on her
side—yes, when I left—her eyes followed me through the door of the
house. Wouldn't that be very nice—all that—with vignettes?
Musette
Tell me, do you believe Marcel still loves me?
Rodolphe
It's to be feared.
Musette
Where is he?
Rodolphe
I don't exactly know. He's traveling. I think he must have gone to
make portraits of the Savoyards.
(Knocking on Rodolphe's door.)
Musette
They're knocking at your place.
Rodolphe
You think so?
Benoit (outside)
Monsieur Rodolphe, it's me!
Rodolphe
Ah, it's our proprietor; he's come looking for money. That's a good
idea he's got there. (shouting) Come in! Goodbye, Musette. (leaves)
Benoit (entering Rodolphe's room)
Pardon! Perhaps I am indiscreet— (seeing the room is empty)
Heavens, there's nobody here. (Rodolphe enters behind him) Ah, here he
is. Monsieur, I greet you.
Rodolphe
Hello, Monsieur Benoit. Sit down, please!
(Benoit sits to the left. Musette, in her room, is opening the box of letters and running through them. She sits in an armchair.)
Musette
What love there was in these.
Rodolphe (opening the curtain and the window)
Allow me to offer you a ray of sunshine, Monsieur Benoit. What
happy conjunction of circumstances brings me your visit?
Benoit (aside)
He's polite. That worries me. (aloud) Why, I came to tell you that
today is July 15th. (pulling a paper from his pocket)
Rodolphe
Really? I have to buy some pants from Nankeen on the 15th of July.
I would never have thought of it without you, Monsieur Benoit.
Benoit
It's 162 francs and time to settle this little bill.
Rodolphe
I am not absolutely pressed. It's not necessary to bother you. The
little bill will grow larger.
Benoit
Huh?
Rodolphe
But, if you absolutely insist, let's settle it, Monsieur Benoit.
(Rodolphe sits beside Benoit.)
Benoit (smiling)
Ah!
Rodolphe
Oh, my God! Today or tomorrow—it's absolutely indifferent to me.
What is it I owe you?
Benoit (showing him the paper)
First of all, three months rent at 25, that's 75. Then loans for
three pairs of boots at 20 francs each. More money loaned, 27
francs—75 + 60 + 27—all that comes to 162 francs.
Rodolphe
That's extraordinary—162 francs! What a fine thing addition is.
(rising) Well, Monsieur Benoit, now that the account is straightened
out— (pulling a tobacco pouch from his pocket and filling his pipe) We
can be relaxed.
Benoit (rising)
Sir, I don't like being mocked. It's money I need.
Rodolphe
Money! Money! You are astonishing! Do I ask it of you? Anyway, I
wish that I had some so as not to give you any. A Sunday—that bodes
ill.
Benoit
Damn it, monsieur!
(Musette puts the letters back in the box and takes the cards and reads them.)
Rodolphe (lighting his pipe)
Look, Monsieur Benoit, wait a few days.
Benoit
No, monsieur. I know what I've got to do. And if someone comes to
rent a room from me—
Rodolphe
Would you like an object of art as security?
Benoit
An object of art? A useless thing? Thanks— (beginning to leave)
Rodolphe (noticing Benoit has left his purse on the table)
Monsieur Benoit. (Benoit turns back) You forgot an object of art:
your purse. (giving it to him.
Benoit (furious)
Ah! Very fine! Monsieur, you will have news of me. (leaves)
Musette (rising and replacing the cards)
The outcome was good. I'll get him back.
Rodolphe
Ah! Why, I cannot remain here. The allied invasion is going to
begin. I have to flee. Where are my ornaments? (gets dressed)
Benoit (at Musette's door)
Can I come in?
Musette
Yes, Monsieur Benoit. I am visible.
Benoit (entering)
Miss—
Musette
You're making your rounds, Monsieur Benoit?
Benoit
Yes, and I will confess to you that I came—
Musette
Why, of course! It's quite natural.
Benoit (aside)
Ah, finally.
Musette
I ask your permission to lace my boots.
Benoit
Very fine. I must have the receipt.
(Benoit fumbles through his pockets. Musette laces her boots. Schaunard abruptly enters Rodolphe's room.)
Schaunard
Hello! (sits on the bed) Ooof!
Rodolphe (arranging himself at a mirror on the little table at the
left) Heavens, it's you!
Schaunard
You don't have one hundred francs to loan me?
Rodolphe
One hundred francs! You always do fantasize. You've been taking
hashish.
Schaunard
I haven't taken anything at all. Ah, yes—I took a cab by the hour
to look for money.
Rodolphe
Ah! Fine.
Benoit (reading a receipt)
No, this isn't it. It's Monsieur Rodolphe's receipt.
Rodolphe
Well—
Schaunard
I haven't found money anywhere, but I find my cab everywhere. Five
hours—seven and one-half francs. Do you have that?
Rodolphe
I don't think so. Look in that drawer. (points to the chest of
drawers)
(Schaunard opens the drawers and searches.)
Benoit
I must have left it downstairs. I'll draw up another.
(Benoit sits and writes. Musette finishes one boot and starts lacing the other.)
Schaunard
There's no money here.
Rodolphe
The prior tenant didn't leave any.
Schaunard
Who will pay my cab?
Rodolphe
Who will invite me to dinner? (he thinks)
Schaunard
Ah, damn! Today's Sunday. Sunday, you won't eat or anything like
that.
Benoit (rising from the table)
Miss, here's the thing—25 plus 25—
Musette (adjusting her dress)
Will you do this hook for me?
Benoit
Why—
Musette (turning her back)
Well, hurry up.
(Benoit makes prodigious efforts; Musette sings and ways to the tune.)
Rodolphe (striking his head)
Ah! I've got an idea!
Benoit
Miss, if you keep moving around like this—
Musette
I thought it was done.
Rodolphe
If you borrowed them from the coachman—
Schaunard
Impossible, my dear fellow, he's been burned that way recently.
Benoit (mopping his face)
There!
Musette (standing on her toes to look in the mirror)
Let's see.
Schaunard
You have nothing to here to sell?
Rodolphe
Maybe so.
(Rodolphe and Schaunard inventory the effects.)
Musette
Really, for your age, you're not so clumsy.
Benoit (offering his receipt)
Fifty—25 plus 25.
Musette
Fifty! You'll never get that.
(Musette takes her hat and her shawl.)
Benoit
But, allow me.
Musette
I'll be with you in a minute.
Rodolphe (triumphantly, finding a book in his trunk)
Ah! Let's sell a volume of poetry with a portrait of the author
wearing glasses.
Schaunard
I'd prefer a pair of pants—without glasses.
Musette (having taken her hat and shawl)
Monsieur Benoit, you must lose a lot of money with the young people
who live with you.
Benoit
Yes, Miss, a lot.
Musette
And when they don't pay you, what do you do?
Benoit
I have them pursued.
Musette
And when they are women?
Benoit
I pursue them myself.
Musette
Really? Well, run after me!
(Musette runs out, laughing.)
Benoit (furious)
Miss! Miss! (runs after her)
Schaunard
There's nothing to sell here. Ah, five and one-half hours for the
cab. Seven francs eighty. Goodbye, I'm going to find some money.
(starts to leave)
Rodolphe (with a shout)
Ah! (fumbling in his pocket and pulling out a paper) I've got it!
(Schaunard comes back) Banquet for five hundred in the honor of the
birth of—
Schaunard
They seat only one on your ticket?
Rodolphe
Yes, but they seat two in your cab. Let's get going. I will bring
you out some hazel nuts.
Schaunard
Oh! What an idea! I'll keep my cab, by the month.
Rodolphe (seeing Baptiste at Musette's door)
Baptiste, if they come from England for me, say I'm in the
Pyrenees.
(Rodolphe and Schaunard disappear.)
Baptiste
Yes, monsieur. Pyrenees. Country of King Henry IV. (goes into
Musette's room)
(Baptiste is carrying a broom, a feather duster, a pail, a zinc pitcher and two pairs of sheets. He puts all this down when he enters.)
Baptiste
Monsieur Benoit told me to fix up this room and put sheets on the
bed. Was this room inhabited? I don't know. Heavens, my word, it's true
and these fragments of a uniform spread about here and there
sufficiently indicate to what gracious regiment the creature who lodges
here belongs. Under these eaves, she's a daughter of Eve, an eater of
apples. (rummages about the room) Let's see a bit—how this bonnet is
coquettishly placed on this bottle! Just as these flowers and ribbons
indeed attest the passage of a roguish and capricious hand. (going to
the bed) That's where she slept. The bed retains a voluptuous imprint
in which one could view a Venus! And Monsieur Benoit imagines that I am
going to destroy that. (disdainfully) Ah! Barbarian! Vandal! (taking
all his equipment) Come, let's do another room. (starts to leave and
goes to the room on the right; in the middle of the room he bursts into
laughter) Ah! Ah! What an admirable disorder. Nothing is in its
place—everything is perfectly deranged. (dropping all his equipment)
What an antithesis! Over there—grace, coquetry. Here— strength, work.
(sits near the table) Over there—flowers, ribbons. Here—pipes,
papers, ink—everywhere, even on the sheets, and I'm supposed to change
them. Never! There's a lot of work in this room. To think, I have
twenty-seven rooms to do like this every day. It takes all my time.
(looking at the table) Heavens, Monsieur Rodolphe has received the
proofs of the Perfect Chimney Sweep. (takes the proofs and rises) I am
going to correct them and put in a hundred commas. (sitting at the
table at the right, reading) Chapter one— (he continues to read to
himself and make corrections)
(At the left, Monsieur Benoit, Marcel and a porter with a trunk.)
Benoit (entering first)
This is it, monsieur. Do you like it?
Marcel (entering)
Fine! Admirable! The Louvre isn't small. (to porter) Put that thing
there. Careful, it's a bit heavy.
(Marcel helps the porter place the trunk against the bed.)
Benoit (aside, satisfied)
That young man seems to have plenty of livery. Would you like me to
help you open your trunk?
Marcel
I thank you much. It's not locked.
(Marcel pays the porter who then leaves.)
Benoit
Excuse me, monsieur, if I leave you, but there's a young girl below
who is waiting for me. She wants to see the side room.
Marcel
Have a good day. Don't let me keep you. (escorts Benoit out) A
young woman near me! That's a gift from Providence.
Baptiste
Twenty-two errors in three lines. O Gutenberg!
Marcel
Oh, I have an idea. Quickly, a drill.
(Marcel opens his trunk and pulls back some linen, crayons and pincers which he places on the bed.)
Baptiste
I think that lady has returned. My word, at this moment, love of
literature is less powerful in me than curiosity.
(Baptiste rises and puts his ear to the partition.)
Marcel (piercing the partition)
This will do it. Thanks to this observatory if this person is built
agreeably—
Baptiste (with his ear still to the partition)
I think I don't hear anything.
Marcel
I will place her shoulders on my chaste Suzanne, who doesn't have
any yet. I think this will work.
Baptiste
That's singular. The voice doesn't penetrate. (uttering a scream
and leaping back, hands on his cheeks) Ah! A beast—a snake!
Marcel (recoiling)
There's a lot of people in this wall.
(The orchestra plays. Mimi and Benoit appear on the right.)
Benoit (entering first)
Here we are. (Mimi enters and leans on the bed) Sit down, Miss. You
appear ill.
Mimi (hand on her breast)
Yes. It's when I climb stairs—but it is nothing.
(Mimi puts her hat and shawl on the bed.)
Marcel (looking through the partition)
Oh! How pretty she is. Now, there's a neck that will do my business
nicely.
(Marcel takes a paper and a crayon and sits down to sketch.)
Mimi
Can you see clearly here?
Baptiste
Ah! Miss, the sun is an assiduous tenant!
(Mimi has placed her box on the little round table and gone to the window.)
Mimi
You see—there's going to be a storm tonight. That's partially why
I don't feel well.
Benoit
Miss is a dressmaker?
Mimi
I make flowers, monsieur.
Baptiste
That's really a pretty profession. The Spring is your colleague.
Benoit (low to Baptiste)
What's this! Why isn't this room made?
Baptiste
Pardon me, monsieur. It is made—from the point of view of art.
Benoit
Huh? Look—hurry up.
Baptiste
Yes, monsieur.
Benoit (bowing)
Miss, they're going to prepare everything.
(Exit Benoit.)
Baptiste (taking all his equipment)
Miss, if you need something, you'll ring. I won't be here. I am
going to the literary office.
(Baptiste bows and leaves.)
Mimi (taking an arrangement of flowers from her carton)
I hope no one followed me! Let's see. I will examine my room later.
I want to finish this arrangement before night.
(Mimi sits at the round table and works.)
Marcel (eye at the partition)
The Devil! She's got a high dress. I don't even see the origin of
the shoulders. I need shoulders.
Mimi
It's getting very hot in here.
(Mimi takes off a little kerchief which was covering her shoulders.)
Marcel (joyously)
Ah—ravishing arms! (sketching)
Mimi
That's funny. When I was ill just now, it made me sad immediately.
It seemed to me I would never laugh again. All my sorrows came
back—but when the sadness passed, as it does at this moment, I only
think of what can make me happy. I think only of him—and my songs
return to my lips. (singing) Arise, my darling Jeannette And put on
your best clothes. Today is the day of the celebration, The day of
national holiday.
Marcel
Ah—that pretty voice. Why, she's charming, adorable! I'm madly in
love with her. And I am admiring the outlines instead of depicting them
with passion. (rises and places his paper and crayon on the table)
Quick, when something has ninety degrees. Richlieu ! A pen! (runs into
the room and notices a bonnet) A bonnet! (takes it up) A bonnet has
come to my place—or rather—it's I who came to the bonnet. I remember,
a poor girl who couldn't pay—that booby of a hotel manager told me.
(replacing the bonnet on the bottle) Oh, it's peculiar.
Mimi
Night's falling. I won't be finished in time.
Marcel
Ah! This is strange. This little bonnet resembles Musette's—it
has, like hers, something turned up in its appearance. What's that?
(finding a belt on the chimney) A belt—indeed—Musette's very size.
Ah! My God! Is it? Let's see. (continues to pry about)
Rodolphe (outside, shouting)
Baptiste, my key!
Marcel
Heavens! (listens)
Rodolphe
Baptiste—my key—animal.
Marcel
I know this human instrument.
Rodolphe (opening the door to the left)
Isn't anyone here?
Mimi
Oh! It seemed to me— (listens)
Marcel (shouting)
Exactly.
Rodolphe (entering to the left)
Ah! Bah! It's you.
Marcel
It's me.
Rodolphe
It's you! It's me! It's us! Let's embrace. Loan me five francs.
Marcel (giving him money)
Here.
Rodolphe
I am yours.
(Rodolphe and Marcel go out by the back arm in arm.)
Mimi
I am a mad woman! I still think I'm seeing him or hearing him.
Baptiste (entering from the left)
Here I am monsieur.
Rodolphe
That's lucky.
Baptiste
I was in the room opposite. I was editing. Heavens, Monsieur
Marcel!
Rodolphe (giving him money)
Here, go—get going and bring five francs of nourishment here.
(Baptiste leaves.)
Marcel
You haven't dined then?
Rodolphe
I missed dinner. I was on the brink of a soup—but the police came
and upset it. (the half hour is heard ringing) And that poor Schaunard.
When I think, that in an hour, he'll be in a cab for eleven hours.
(Rodolphe sits down in the armchair.)
Marcel
Ah! What's that! Once I was fifteen days in a steam boat. Anyway,
if he has the notion to come, I'll relieve his distress.
Rodolphe
You're a millionaire then?
Marcel
Almost. I have two thousand francs invested. There, in my suitcase,
two thousand francs, in Auvergnats. God, how heavy they are. But they
pay well! Ah, indeed, my friend, allow me to continue my searching. I
am on a track. (continues prying)
Rodolphe
Don't bother yourself. Well, you are reconciled?
Marcel
With whom?
Rodolphe
With Musette.
Marcel
Why's that?
Rodolphe
What do you mean, why's that?
(Marcel has found and opened the little box.)
Marcel
Letters.
Rodolphe
Well, yours—
Marcel
Bah! And this bonnet—
Rodolphe
Hers.
Marcel
She's here. I suspected as much.
Rodolphe (rising)
You haven't seen her?
Marcel
Why, no. They rented me this room and gave her notice.
Rodolphe
It's a trick of Benoit's.
Marcel
She's gone!
Rodolphe
She'll come back. She clings to your letters.
Marcel
You think so? I am going to wait five minutes. And after that I'll
go to Madeleine's. She'll tell me where Musette is. Let's consecrate
these five minutes to friendship. You're lodging here?
Rodolphe
Yes, there.
Marcel
What do you mean, there? There's a young girl there.
Rodolphe
Impossible!
Marcel
Look!
Rodolphe (goes to the partition, shouts)
Ah!
Marcel
What?
Rodolphe
Mimi.
Mimi
Who's calling me?
Rodolphe (with joy)
It's Mimi.
Marcel
One child's found.
Mimi (rising, going to the partition)
Oh, I wasn't mistaken.
Rodolphe (going close to Marcel)
Ah, my friend.
Mimi
It's his voice!
Rodolphe (leaning on Marcel
My legs are no longer holding me up. Lend me yours.
Marcel
I've only got these. I need them to run after Musette.
Rodolphe
It's funny. I don't dare go into my room—her room. Ah! Bah! Get
going. (leaves)
Mimi
I don't hear anything any more. Did he leave?
(Rodolphe raps on her door.)
Mimi (joyfully)
That's him! Come in!
Rodolphe (entering)
Miss—
Mimi (offering him her hand)
It's me!
Rodolphe
Ah! I was really sure of it, my dear Mimi.
Mimi
Then you haven't forgotten me?
Rodolphe
Forget you! Oh, I thought too much about you for that.
Mimi (joyous)
Oh! Blessed Providence which has really wanted to bring us back
together!
Rodolphe
Yes. That was what willed that I owed my landlord two months rent
and my landlord rented the chamber to another person—and that other
person was you.
Mimi
Ah, indeed. Aren't you astonished to see me?
Rodolphe
Oh! As for me, I am happy—first off. Later I will be astonished.
Mimi
Aren't you going to ask me any questions?
Rodolphe
What's the good? You're near me. Nothing else matters.
Mimi
Why, as for me, I don't want you to have any bad ideas—and I am
going to tell you everything.
(Rodolphe gets her a chair, makes her sit down and sits beside her.)
Baptiste (entering from the left with a basket)
Here's the eats. (looking around him) Nobody. (placing the basket
near the chimney) This will keep it warm if they make a fire. (leaves)
Mimi
And now, listen to me.
Rodolphe
Give me your hands, I'll hear better.
Mimi
Here they are.
Rodolphe (clasping her hands)
I am listening.
Mimi
Since that day you came, you know?
Rodolphe
Yes, to ask you to get married—an idea that had no success.
Mimi
Since that day, I've never stopped thinking of you.
Rodolphe
Dear little Mimi!
Mimi
Perhaps it seems funny that I am saying this to you.
Rodolphe
No, no. Go on.
Mimi
I always hoped that you would come back.
Rodolphe
My fortune was not yet well enough established.
Mimi
That's what I thought. One day they suggested I go to the home of
an old woman, like a companion. The idea came to me when leaving the
hospice that perhaps it would provide me the opportunity of meeting
you. I accepted with joy. But I wasn't slow to repent of it.
Rodolphe
What!
Mimi
The lady with whom I was living often received the visit of an old
gentleman. And every time he came to the house, she always found a
pretext to leave me alone with him.
Rodolphe
Ah, I understand.
Mimi
This gentlemen said things—if you knew—
Rodolphe
I know them by heart.
Mimi
At last, yesterday, when I least expected it—he took me in his
arms.
Rodolphe
Oh!
(Rodolphe hugs Mimi protectively.)
Mimi
And he embraced me.
Rodolphe (embracing her)
That's terrible.
Mimi
Madame came, and she told me that if there was another such scene,
she would kick me out.
Rodolphe (rising)
Ah! That's very sweet.
Mimi (also rising)
As for me, I didn't want to remain any longer in that house. I
escaped, and that's how I came here.
Rodolphe
Darling little Mimi, don't be afraid of anything. Before I wanted
to marry you, today I want to adopt you. (after having embraced her)
Will you allow me to embrace you?
Mimi
Why, you've already embraced me once.
Rodolphe
No—only twice.
Mimi
Oh! That's different.
(They embrace again.)
Rodolphe
Goodbye, Mimi. I'm going to pack my trunks—because I must leave.
(Rodolphe picks up his papers and puts them in his trunk.)
Mimi
If there were only two rooms.
Rodolphe
Yes, but there's only one.
Mimi
Ah! Don't you have a friend on the side?
Rodolphe
He's not alone—he's married.
(Night begins to fall.)
Mimi
Well, that gentlemen will come here with you, and as for me, I will
spend the night with that lady. That comes to the same thing.
Rodolphe
No, Mimi. It doesn't come to the same thing. I'm going.
Mimi (going to the window)
Ah! It's pouring.
Rodolphe
It's only a shower. It won't rain after tomorrow.
Mimi
If it were daytime—
Rodolphe
Yes, but it's night. I will tell them to send you some light.
(Marcel enters abruptly into his room, candle in hand. He closes the door nosily, puts his candle by the chimney and takes off his hat.)
Marcel
No Musette! I am soaked.
Mimi (to Rodolphe as he is about to leave)
It seems to me that gentleman has returned.
Rodolphe
You think so? (calling) Is it you, Marcel?
Marcel
Heavens, you are there, you dog, you.
Rodolphe
Yes.
Marcel
The two of you?
Rodolphe
Yes. Also, I am changing residence. I am waiting for the shower to
calm.
Marcel
I didn't find Musette! If you want to come lodge with me.
Mimi
What luck!
Rodolphe
May the devil take you.
Marcel
Ah, right. I understand.
Mimi
What?
Rodolphe
Nothing, nothing. (aside) Got to leave.
(Noise on the stairway.)
Musette
I need my letters.
Marcel
It's Musette. (runs out the door)
Musette (throwing herself into Marcel's arms)
Marcel!
Marcel
What luck!
(Marcel makes Musette sit down.)
Benoit (entering)
Madame, this is scandalous. You are no longer in your own home
here.
Marcel
That's true. She's in my home. (going to the partition and yelling)
I withdraw my hospitality, Rodolphe!
Benoit
What! Monsieur Rodolphe is here, too. Ah! That's too much. (leaves)
(Marcel locks the door after him.)
Mimi (frightened)
He's coming here—he's going to cause a scene.
(Mimi closes the door. Benoit, outside, rapping on the door to the right.)
Benoit
Leave monsieur. You are no longer at home here.
Rodolphe
No, I am at the home of the young lady.
Benoit
This is scandalous.
Rodolphe
Calm down. I'm pulling up anchor.
Marcel
And now, let's eat.
(Aided by Musette, they set the table, pull out the food from the hamper and eat.)
Musette (rising)
And Rodolphe?
Marcel (holding her back)
He's not eating.
Rodolphe
Goodbye, Mimi.
Mimi
You are leaving?
Rodolphe
I am going to send you Musette and take her place. (aside) It's not
going to be all the same like I was saying, but still— (aloud) Look,
Mimi, I could perhaps stay—but compromising you—for I ordinarily keep
my word—but I'm twenty-two and you are eighteen. Oh, Mimi—I'm going.
(The orchestra is heard.)
Mimi
We won't see each other again until tomorrow. (Rodolphe hugs her
again) Happily the nights are short.
(Rodolphe leaves with his suitcase.)
Rodolphe (rapping on Marcel's door)
Marcel, open for me.
Marcel
Huh?
Rodolphe
You've go to.
Musette
You're making fun of everybody.
Rodolphe
Marcel. Don't consult Musette. Consult Morality.
Marcel (rising and moving the table to a corner)
I'm consulting my heart. I'm not opening. (kneeling to Musette)
Rodolphe
No stupidities. (raps loudly)
Marcel
Rap on the other door. (hugs Musette.)
(Mimi is near the bed.)
Rodolphe (outside)
Mimi, it's me.
(Mimi remains speechless.)
CURTAIN
Musette's place.
A room, door at the back and both sides. On each side a couch. A table against the left wall. Chimney to the left. In the back right, a console-table. Chairs, armchairs, a small stool.
AT RISE, Musette is stretched on a sofa reading and smoking. Mimi, on the left, is finishing a wreath.
Musette
Ah, indeed! You'll work all your life?
Mimi
Ah, leave me alone. When I come to see you, I can't just do
nothing. I work much better here than in our little room.
Musette
You will die; you aren't so well already and since I've known you,
I've never seen you rest for a day.
Mimi
Well, Rodolphe is not rich.
Musette (rising)
And why isn't he rich? It's stupid—men who don't have a sou.
Mimi (also rising)
Ah! Musette!
Musette
It's true, indeed. With them you always have to be frugal.
Mimi
Still, it seems to me you are not.
Musette
You think so? Well, my little one, since the birth of those two
thousand francs, we've lived like skin-flints.
Mimi
You—with a servant.
Musette
Baptiste? Is he a serious servant? He's good at nothing. He hasn't
even (thoughtlessly) the intelligence for love letters.
Mimi (astonished)
What do you mean?
Musette
Nothing I will tell you about.
Mimi
Say, Musette, you recall the day after you got Marcel back? You
gave a pretty jar of pansies.
Musette
Yes.
Mimi
You promised to love as long as the flowers lived. You won't take
on more.
Musette
It's true.
Mimi
But a few days later you secretly watered them so they wouldn't
die.
Musette
Yes, I regretted not having chosen immortals.
Mimi (low)
Have you stopped watering your flowers?
Musette (embarrassed)
Why—I think that—
Mimi
Is it that you no longer love Marcel?
Musette
Yes. He's a nice boy, but he'll never get anywhere.
Mimi
He will get somewhere.
Musette
Well, when he gets there—perhaps I'll return.
Mimi
What do you mean?
Musette (laughing)
Heavens, don't pay attention. I am in my day of ambition. The wind
is in cashmeres.
Mimi
Oh, lower; Marcel is there with Rodolphe. (pointing to the room at
the right) If he were to hear— (puts her wreath in her box, low to
Musette) Look, Musette, don't have such wicked thoughts. If you deceive
that poor lad, he would be capable of dying.
Musette (laughing, aside)
He'd have been dead long ago. (aloud) Do you think people really
die of love?
Mimi
Indeed, yes. If Rodolphe were to leave me, I would die. Yes, I am
sure of it. (as if to herself) If I don't die before—
Musette
Ah! My God! How gay all these people are!
Mimi
Pardon me?
Musette
No, indeed, it's I who am an egoist, but it's not my fault. Boredom
is killing me. I can't endure it. God made me that way. (sings) I love
what shines, I love what resonates. Gold in joyous reflections,
Whatever in life Gleams in poetry To the ear or the eye. I love drunken
folly Which ceaselessly Livens up Love and desire And the burning
fevers Which make lips Red with pleasure. I love what shines, I love
what resonates.
Mimi
Well, today, you will be happy since you are giving a soiree.
Musette
You call it a soiree? There's not even a milord at the door. The
guests are arriving on foot and going away giddy. (laughing) I told you
I was having a bad day, but it's over—and whatever happens, I will
still be Musette. (aside) At least until morning.
Mimi
Yes, go. Don't think any more about that, and love Marcel well,
since you can't be prevented from it.
Musette
Well, is there someone who wants to prevent you from loving
Rodolphe?
Mimi (troubled)
No—no— (aside) Anyway, they'd be wasting their time.
(Musette goes to sit on the couch at the left. Baptiste enters from the back with a letter. He approaches Mimi.)
Baptiste
Miss, a letter from Monsieur Durandin. Hush. (gives it to her
secretly)
Mimi (aside, hiding the letter)
Again!
Baptiste (going to Musette)
Miss, milord's valet is below.
Mimi (reading, low)
“If you decide . . . tonight at eleven . . . by the small gate . .
. a bay coupe with two white horses . . . “ (coming to) No, it's the—
Musette (bursting into laughter)
My God! How stupid this Baptiste is.
(Baptiste goes back to Mimi.)
Mimi (aside)
Me, forget Rodolphe, how can I? (low to Baptiste) You will return
this letter to Monsieur Durandin, as you have returned the others.
That's my only response.
Baptiste
Fine, Miss. (aside) I know what I have to do.
(Marcel and Rodolphe leave the room at the right. Marcel reads a paper. Rodolphe goes to Mimi.)
Mimi (packing her box)
I'm going to take the wreath to the store, do you hear? Bye.
(Rodolphe hugs her and she leaves by the right.)
Marcel (reading)
“The supper will come from the stores of Chevet, the sherbets from
the drink-maker Blanche, the flowers, Madame Prevost.” (to Musette)
What do you think of it?
Musette
It's not bad.
Marcel
And you, Rodolphe?
Rodolphe
It seems mythological to me, dazzling, but this artistic festivity
is going to cost you dearly.
Marcel
Four hundred francs almost!
Musette (rising)
Ah!
Rodolphe
The Devil! Are you still really rich?
Marcel
Damn! For two months we've been living with such economy.
Musette
Indeed, it's quite true.
(Baptiste sits on the couch at the left.)
Rodolphe (laughing)
Strict superfluity.
Marcel
Leave me alone. I don't even have a black suit. I'm going to need
to get one to receive the white vest of an influential critic. But we
have no time to lose, Baptiste.
Baptiste (rising and leaving his book)
Sir.
Marcel (giving him a paper)
Here's a list of orders. Don't forget anything.
Baptiste
No, monsieur. I never forget anything. Ah, by the way, here's a
paper I was just given. It's for Madame. (giving it to Musette)
Musette
Again?
Marcel
What is it?
Musette
Prospectuses for new magazines. I never read them.
(Musette gives the paper to Marcel and goes to sit at the right. Baptiste goes to sit at the left and resumes his reading.)
Marcel (opening the paper)
Ah, good—oh, fine, ah, very well!
Rodolphe (looking at the paper)
Why, it's a court paper.
Musette
Court paper!
Marcel (to Musette)
They are funny—your new magazines. Listen to what they
express—1846, the 25th of October—at the request of—your upholster—
Musette (rising)
What's that mean?
Marcel
It means that you thought your furniture was paid for and it is
not— that's all.
Musette (aside)
Fie! A vicomte. (aloud) I am shocked.
Marcel
It's not until tomorrow morning that it will be repossessed.
Rodolphe
Ah, fine, then—
Marcel (to Baptiste)
Why, how is it that you didn't know all this? When did they come to
repossess?
(Musette sits down again.)
Baptiste (without rising)
Repossess? Ah, I've got it. A few days ago, I was alone at the
house, and a very thin gentleman, in a very loose outfit came here and
took an inventory in the name of the law.
Marcel
Why didn't you say anything?
Baptiste
Oh—I didn't attach any importance to it.
Marcel
He's got to be paid! We will give a reckoning. It's going to upset
our plans for economy. Anyway, let's see where we are. (to Baptiste)
Baptiste, go find the strong box.
Baptiste
Yes, monsieur.
(Exit Baptiste by the left. Enter Colline at the back.)
Rodolphe
Ah! There's Colline.
(Musette rises.)
Colline
Hello, my friends. (goes to Musette) Suffer that I kiss your hand
on the person of your cheek. (kissing her face)
(Baptiste enters with the strong box.)
Baptiste (placing the strong box on the round table)
Sir, it's really very light.
Marcel
There's nothing in it except bills. Colline, you are going to be
present at the autopsy.
Musette (after opening the box)
Ah!
Marcel
What's the matter?
Musette
There's nothing there at all.
Baptiste
Pardon me, there's a spider.
Marcel
Why, we can't have spent two thousand francs in two months. We must
verify our expenses. Baptiste, bring the housekeeping books. (Baptiste
goes out left, carrying the strong box) We will find the error.
Musette (bitterly)
It's not always what I bought that could—
Marcel
Musette—reproaches.
Musette
Me! There was some money, now there isn't. What do I care?
(Musette goes and sits on the other couch and smokes a cigarette. Baptiste returns with an enormous register.)
Baptiste
Here it is, monsieur.
(Baptiste places it on the round table, then goes to the couch and smokes a cigarette.)
Marcel
Let's see. (opens the register) August 22—received in cash two
thousand francs. August 23—a Turkish pipe—twenty-five francs.
Purchase of two little Chinese condemned to be thrown in the Yellow
River—two francs fifty.
Colline
The necessity of buying back the Chinese—if at least it had been
Eau de vie.
Marcel
August 24—dinner at forty sous. Musette and I—twenty-two francs.
August 25—gave five francs to Baptiste for his wages. (Baptiste nods)
August 26—Six francs to Baptiste—
Musette (rising)
You gave often to Baptiste.
Marcel
August 27—a monkey—seventy francs. A parakeet—one hundred fifty
francs.
Colline
A monkey!
Rodolphe
A parakeet! I never knew you had one.
Marcel
The day they came the monkey died from indigestion caused by having
eaten the parakeet. August 28—gave Baptiste—
All
Ah!
Marcel
Three francs, ten sous. (closing the register) There's nothing else
noted.
Rodolphe
As to the rest, it's clear. Yes, if it was like that a long time.
(Baptiste rises.)
Musette
Yes, that explains it; it was all given to Baptiste! But, what did
he do with so much money?
Rodolphe
For certain, he's got a secret vice.
Colline
He's protecting a dancing girl.
Marcel
Come, the situation is clear. The upholster won't get his payment,
but we are going to give a superb party.
Colline
By the way, you must lend me a white cravat so I can do you honor.
Marcel
Willingly, but you will lend me your black suit, so I can do honor
to your white tie.
Colline
My suit? Why don't you wear your own?
Marcel
There's only a flap left.
Colline
Oh, being well brushed. And then, besides, what will I wear?
Marcel
I allow you to come casual.
Rodolphe (laughing)
You'll only stay a moment.
Marcel
Just time for a quick glance around.
Colline
You are charming. Lend my black suit. You want me to have to come
in shirtsleeves.
Musette
That doesn't matter. You'll pass for a servant.
Rodolphe
A faithful servant.
Marcel
As for me, you understand—appearances. (taking Colline's suite off
him) Come on, make these gentlemen see you imitating Saint Martin.
Colline (resisting)
No indeed, no indeed. Anyway, I need it. I have to go give a lesson
to an Indian prince who has come to Paris to learn Arabic.
Musette
An Indian prince! Does he have diamonds?
Colline
All over his body. He is—
Musette
You must bring him to our party.
Colline
I'll try.
Musette
We'll put in the candles—that will make them shine.
(Marcel, after taking Colline's suit, gives him an overcoat.)
Marcel
Here, here's another vestment. It's even more solemn than a suit.
(helps him to put it on)
Colline
Say, Musette, does this envelope go well with me?
Musette (choking with laughter)
Perfectly. (low to Marcel) He looks like a coachman who has lost
his coach.
Marcel (embracing Musette)
Your gayety has returned. You were paining me just now.
Musette (touched)
Poor boy. (aside) Indeed, there's still time.
(Schaunard enters from the back, breathless.)
Schaunard
My friends, offer me a seat, I am ill. (Marcel brings him a chair)
Baptiste, a stool for my feet. (Baptiste brings him one) (bursting out)
God! How sweet it is! If you knew what's just happened to me. I must be
quite pale.
Baptiste
No, monsieur. You are all yellow.
Schaunard
Baptiste, take flight! (Baptiste leaves by the rear) All
yellow—it's showing itself already. It's Phemie who has colored me
this way.
Musette
On the subject of Phemie—where is she?
Schaunard
You won't see her any more. I've broken with her.
Musette
Broken!
Schaunard
Yes, broke my cane—a superb cane of Malaysia wood. The binding and
the bamboo no longer hold together.
Rodolphe
My poor Schaunard! Phemie's done it again.
Schaunard
Always—it's a habit. Here's the thing.
All
Let's see!
(Marcel sits on the couch at the right, Musette on the arm next to him, Colline on the little stool that Schaunard has his feet on. Rodolphe remains standing.)
Schaunard
I noticed that Phemie's bellicose tastes were increasing more and
more. This morning, as I entered her place, I was assailed by
suspicions. Something told me that a troop had come in my absence. I
questioned Phemie with my Malacca cane. In the heat of the discussion,
she let the proof of her crime drop from her pocket. And here's that
proof. (pulls out an artillery pompom)
Musette
What's that?
Schaunard
It's a pompom—belongs to the artillery. My Malacca cane spoke
again and Phemie confessed to me that, indeed, she had received a visit
from her godfather. He smells of powder, I told her—the wretch! A
young woman who receives an artillery man in an honest house—it's
scandalous. Finishing these words, my Malacca cane broke in two. I
offered the pieces to Phemie as a souvenir of me—and I left her
forever, carrying off this warrior's ornament. That's how it came
about. I have neither Phemie nor my cane any more!
Colline
Poor lad!
Rodolphe
Phemie was reading the Victories and Conquests too often.
Marcel
Ah, indeed. Why, it's the devil who's mixing in it today.
Schaunard
What's happened to you?
Marcel
Court papers have been introduced into our lives.
Musette (laughing)
All my furniture's under the gavel of the law.
Schaunard
Really. (reproachfully) That's the imprudence of having furniture
in your home. What are you going to do?
Musette
It's the work of chance.
Marcel
The most embarrassing thing is that we don't have a sou and the
execution of the program for our party demands four hundred francs.
(showing a paper)
Schaunard
Four hundred francs—why, that's a slice of Peru. (taking the
paper) Ices—one hundred francs for ices—that's dear for ices. I'd
suppress them. People who want them can bring 'em themselves.
(scratches it out) There's already one hundred francs saved.
Marcel
Three hundred francs remain.
Schaunard
What do I see? Truffles—everywhere, in everything. Roe, pheasant,
salmon, lobster. Why not whalebone right away? Ah, indeed, why, it's a
Noah's Ark, your supper. One finds all the animals here. This is all
fixed. I am replacing the truffles, the lobster, the pheasant, etc.,
with a varied course of sausages. Your supper will cost ten francs.
Entertainment, lighting, and refreshments—ten francs. Total twenty
francs. That's twenty francs discovered—we've really discovered
America.
Marcel
That's it. Tally ho! After it.
All
Tally ho! After it.
Musette
I am leaving with you.
Marcel
Where are you going?
Musette
They told me about velours at eight francs a meter. I've got to see
that. (putting on her veil and hat)
Marcel
Ah—very well.
Musette
Marcel, your arm.
Marcel
Tally ho!
All
Tally ho!
Together (singing)
As always, making common cause, Bold adventurers for pleasure. We
run through all the City's quarters To meet fortune's steps.
(They leave by the back. Rodolphe's going to go also, but Baptiste enters from the left and detains him.)
Rodolphe
What do you want with me?
Baptiste
Since this morning I've sought an opportunity to speak to you
alone. (showing letters) I've made a discovery, monsieur.
Rodolphe
Letters?
Baptiste
Yes, monsieur—addressed to Miss Mimi.
Rodolphe
Give them to me. (takes them)
Baptiste
I am counting on you not to say that it's I who—
Rodolphe
Don't worry. Leave me.
Baptiste
Yes, monsieur. (aside) My word. Since Monsieur Durandin proved to
me what Monsieur Rodolphe's future could be—literature will absolve
me!
(Baptiste leaves by the left)
Rodolphe (alone, running through the letters)
What do these letters signify? Offers—promises—if she wants to
leave me—no signatures—they tell her to leave me—to engage me to go
to Madame de Rouvre's ball on Tuesday. She's said nothing to me about
it. Perhaps she's tempted to accept. And yet, if this life of
privations were to kill her? (Mimi come in from the back) It's her.
(hides the letters)
Mimi
Ah, you didn't go. So much the better.
Rodolphe
Did you have to speak to me?
Mimi
No. I have to kiss you. (Rodolphe kisses her) I am annoyed. They
didn't pay me at the department store. It's the third time. It's as if
it were intentional. Madame is out. She thinks I have income.
Rodolphe
Don't be troubled.
Mimi
Oh—villainous money! How happy we would be if we didn't need it.
Rodolphe
Yes, you are right. It's the source of all our troubles. I fear,
indeed, that Marcel will soon no longer be noticed by Musette. For one
thing, she regrets her past life.
Mimi (with constraint)
Oh, you could be mistaken.
Rodolphe
After all, we would be egoists if we demanded that you remain
faithful to us. In the early days, we say: Patience, perhaps better
times will come. But these days are so long in coming—to keep you
waiting for them—then—one night, you are alone, sad, sulking, seated
in a corner of the chimney with no fire—love dozes off, ambition
awakens and one glimpses in imagination the paradise of luxury and
pleasure where those who are rich can give entry to those who are
beautiful.
Musette
Why say this to me?
Rodolphe
Because it is the truth. Love is a fragile sentiment which dies in
a room where the thermometer drops below zero. Ah, poverty—it's the
death of everything.
Mimi (taking Rodolphe's hand)
Why say this to me?
Rodolphe
Do you really love me, Mimi?
Mimi
Can you ask that?
Rodolphe
Yes, today you really love me. I believe it.
Mimi
Today more than yesterday and tomorrow more than today—and like
that always, right up to the end.
Rodolphe
To the end of what?
Mimi
Of the world.
Rodolphe
Don't engage yourself too much. Who knows?
Mimi
You doubt what I tell you? What have I done to you?
(Mimi coughs and sits on the couch at the right.)
Rodolphe (aside)
That cough again! (aloud) Listen, my girl, you are good and
devoted, but as I don't want you to deceive me later, I don't wish to
deceive you today. We are going to be really wretched. And tomorrow,
it's winter!
Mimi (laughing)
Winter—the carnival—Mardi Gras. (tapping him on the cheeks) We
will make crepes and you will have some.
Rodolphe
Musette also was like you in the beginning. She laughed up her nose
at misery and passed up dining well. But the day came, when she didn't
know how to pass up ribbons.
Mimi
I am not Musette.
Rodolphe
For you—so frail—so delicate—our life is full of dangers. Oh,
you see, Mimi, I love you so much that rather than see you unhappy with
me, I would prefer—yes!—I would prefer to see you happy with someone
else.
Mimi
And this is how you love me?
Rodolphe
Pardon me. It's a presentiment. My heart is beating like a tocsin
signaling the approach of danger. (Mimi coughs in her handkerchief) You
are more ill.
Mimi (rising)
No—you are frightening yourself for nothing. This autumn, again,
you were afraid. Well the leaves have fallen—
Rodolphe (aside)
Not all.
Mimi (gaily)
Indeed, you see, it's stupidities I don't believe in. And then,
anyway, if I was ill from the malady that causes death with yellow
leaves, we will go live in a fir woods where the leaves are always
green.
Rodolphe (pressing her to his heart)
Oh, my darling Mimi! You are all that I love in the world—and all
who love me, perhaps. You are my youth, and my living poetry. Yet, I
say again, consider, and whatever happens, I pardon you in advance.
(Music from the orchestra.)
Mimi
Shut up!
(Mimi embraces Rodolphe. Baptiste enters from the left.)
Baptiste (aside)
Ah, it seems it didn't work.
Rodolphe
Goodbye, till—soon.
(Rodolphe leaves by the back.)
Mimi
What's the matter with him? And what do his words signify?
Baptiste (aside)
The nephew gone, the uncle can enter.
(Baptiste goes to the door at the left and makes a sign. Durandin appears.)
Baptiste (to Durandin, low)
Sir, the story of the letters didn't produce any effect.
Durandin (low)
Fine. Get out.
(Baptiste leaves by the back.)
Mimi (turning)
Someone!
Durandin
Hello, Miss.
Mimi
Sir.
Durandin
You don't know me? I am going to make myself known. I will be
brief. We don't have much time to talk because I don't want them to
know I came. So, you understand, not a word to my nephew.
Mimi
You are Rodolphe's uncle?
Durandin (sitting on the couch at the right)
It has that appearance. Why haven't you replied to my letters?
Mimi
Demon. You want me to leave Rodolphe. If you think that's easy—
Durandin
I will help you. Look, let's not play games. How much do you need?
Mimi
Why, I'm not asking anything of you.
Durandin
She's very expensive. (fumbling in his wallet) Would you take two
thousand francs?
Mimi
Two thousand francs? What for?
Durandin
So that you will leave in peace. My nephew and I—
Mimi
I am not torturing him, monsieur. I love him, that's all. It's not
forbidden for me to love him.
Durandin
Well, as for me. I forbid you to do it. Will you take three
thousand francs?
Mimi
No.
Durandin
It's not worth the trouble, is it? You love my fifty thousand
francs of income more. But you're miscalculating, miss. For I warn you,
I will disinherit him if he marries you.
Mimi
But, he isn't going to marry me. I don't know why you are saying
all this to me. I've always worked. I ask nothing better than always to
work.
Durandin (holding his watch)
Look, miss—the Bourse closes at three o'clock. Will you decide?
Mimi
Leave Rodolphe? But, I cannot so long as he wants to keep me. I am
only happy since I've been with him.
Durandin
You will be happy with someone else. You are sweet. With what I am
offering you—
Mimi
But I don't want anyone else. Could I love someone else? What you
say to me is comical. It seems to me I am having a bad dream.
Durandin
Let's pass the stage of folly.
Mimi
My God! Why are you after me like this? What have I done to you?
(coughs)
Durandin
Why, what the devil! You must clearly understand that this is not a
situation for Rodolphe. He cannot remain with you all his life.
Mimi
All my life. It won't be long. (coughs again)
Durandin
What's that supposed to mean?
Mimi
Look, monsieur, leave him to me another month and then he will be
free.
Durandin
A month? The end of November. You have a bill to pay?
Mimi
No, monsieur. I have no debts. I have only some to pay to God.
Durandin
And the due date approaches? That's very sentimental, but I don't
trust such grand phrases. You won't die. There are honest women who
will die—
Mimi
This is frightful. You shouldn't treat me like this. I don't
deserve it. (weeps)
Durandin (aside)
I've been too far from the mark. I'll never bring it to a
conclusion this way. (aloud) Look, my child, let's talk reason. You
think I'm hard-hearted. You're mistaken. It's my affection for Rodolphe
which makes me talk like this, for it's a question of a future for him.
And, since you love him—
Mimi
Oh, yes. I love him.
Durandin
Well, you ought to understand me. He needs to see the world—to
become known—
Mimi
But I am not preventing him. If you think it will harm him to be
seen with me, we'll never go out together. He shall keep all his money.
I do not ask better. What I earn will suffice me to live; I don't eat
much.
Durandin
No, no, we don't understand each other. My nephew will never accept
that treaty. He will stick around you—and that will finish him. He
would have been able to have a position, and he will vegetate
eventually—and it's you who will be the cause of it.
Mimi
But I am not preventing him from working.
Durandin
You are not preventing him—you think that work of intelligence and
needlework are the same thing. In a life of torments and privations at
all times, intelligence becomes exhausted and comes to curse those who
caused it.
Mimi
Oh, monsieur, don't say that to me.
Durandin
Yes, he will curse you, for you will have done more than to kill
him— you will have killed his dream.
Mimi (broken)
Enough, enough, I beg you. I will do whatever you wish.
Durandin
Good. He must stop loving you. He mustn't find in you a simple,
resigned girl, but an ambitious, demanding woman.
Mimi
I don't know how—
Durandin
He must. The happiness, the whole life, of Rodolphe that you say
you love, depends on it. You hesitate? You don't love him.
Mimi
I will obey you. I will try, at least.
Durandin
That's fine, that's fine, my child. You won't repent of it.
Mimi
Ah, you revolt me. I want nothing, monsieur. Do you plainly
understand? I don't want to be paid. I want Rodolphe to owe his
happiness to me.
(Mimi falls on the couch at the right and weeps in her hands. Baptiste comes in from the back with lit candelabras.)
Baptiste (low to Durandin)
Sir, I noticed Monsieur Rodolphe and Monsieur Marcel at the end of
the street. You've only time enough to get back in the same road.
(Baptiste goes to light the candelabras on the chimney.)
Durandin (low)
That's fine. (to Mimi) Goodbye, Miss. Remember. (aside) Pooh! She
will console herself.
(Durandin leaves by the left, followed by Baptiste.)
Mimi (alone, weeping)
I was too happy. It couldn't last. I was hoping to retain my
happiness for a while, and now it must end right away. (rising) But, My
God! What's Rodolphe going to think? He's going to think I'm an
egoist—and yet, if I do as I am ordered, that's what I am not—and
then—I fear that he will only detest me later.
(Mimi hears a noise and dries her tears. Marcel and Rodolphe enter by the back. Musette enters behind them.)
Marcel
Nothing?
Rodolphe
Nothing at all.
Marcel
It's not enough.
Musette (aside)
The carriage is there.
(Musette takes off her shawl and hat and sits on the couch at the right.)
Marcel
Not the least entertainment to offer our guests. At least if they
could conduct the seizure during the party—that at least would pass
for a surprise.
Rodolphe
Happily, as Schaunard says, there remains the most frank cordiality
between us.
Marcel
Yes, we must deploy much wit and verve. Musette, we are counting on
you—you will replace the refreshments.
Musette (dully as she rises)
Oh, impossible, my dear. I only have wit with champagne.
Marcel
Musette, you slander yourself. We know you. We also know Mimi. We
know that you are never more devoted than in adversity.
Rodolphe (to Mimi)
Marcel's right, isn't he? Why, what's the matter with you?
Mimi (aside)
Look, it's got to be done.
Rodolphe (low)
Are you thinking about what I told you?
Mimi (with effort)
Yes, I think you neglect too much acquaintances who could be useful
to you.
Rodolphe (astonished)
Ah!
Mimi (aside)
Courage.
Rodolphe
I thought to please you. I didn't want to leave you alone. So, I
received an invitation for next Tuesday, and—
Mimi (excitedly)
You must go.
Rodolphe (aside)
Ah! My God! (aloud) You advise me to do that?
Mimi (coldly)
Yes.
Marcel
Still, all hope is not lost. Schaunard is going to come. Come on,
Musette, it's time to think of dressing.
Musette
I'm already dressed.
Marcel
What do you mean? You are going to present yourself before an
influential critic in clothes of such simplicity?
Musette
What do you want me to put on? Lend me some trousers then.
Marcel
It seems to me I have heard of a certain dress which made your
natural satin shine outstandingly.
Musette
My blue velour dress? Ah, indeed, it's long gone. You are
astonished, the rest of you?
Marcel
But—
Musette
You really thought—?
Rodolphe
And you, Mimi, what are you going to wear?
Mimi
The same thing, as always.
Rodolphe
It's not my fault, Mimi.
(Mimi turns to hide her tears.)
Musette
Ah! My God! No one is mad at you for it, but it is annoying.
Marcel
Musette, are you going to have an outburst of grandeur?
Marcel
It's true—it's revolting. I've just met Marguerite—a girl as ugly
as the seven sins—and skinny as Sunday. Well, she's dragging the train
of a Duchess.
(Marcel sits down on the sofa at right.)
Rodolphe
Mimi, have you, too, met Marguerite?
Mimi (with effort)
Yes.
Rodolphe (after a gesture)
Mimi, (taking her hand) whatever happens, I forgive you, you know?
Mimi (sobbing aside)
Oh my God! My God!
(Mimi sits on the couch at left.)
Rodolphe (low to Marcel)
Let's give each other a handshake, my friend.
Marcel
Yes, that's been hatching since yesterday. It's going to break out
of its shell.
Rodolphe
I told you so—their love resembles that of swallows—it flies off
when the first frost comes.
Marcel
Well, so be it.
(Schaunard enters cautiously from the back.)
Schaunard (aside)
Let's rejoice in their surprise. (let's a five-franc piece fall)
They didn't hear it. (drops another, the same immobility) They are
petrified.
(Schaunard comes between Rodolphe and Marcel and drops a coin in front of each of them.)
Rodolphe (emerging from his revery)
Ah! It's you?
Marcel (indifferently)
You found it?
Schaunard
And that's all. Is this the way you receive (picking up the coins)
these noble strangers?
Rodolphe
We are sad.
Schaunard
Somebody died here?
Marcel (low)
Musette's love.
Rodolphe
Mimi's love.
Schaunard
Ah! Bah! We are all mortal. Anyway, the party won't take place?
(Marcel gestures no) But, your guests are going to be arriving. It's
time, and after the brilliant promises you made, you will ruin your
reputation. (striking his head) Ah! There's one way—charcoal.
(Schaunard runs and takes a piece of charcoal from the table.)
Marcel
What are you going to do?
Schaunard
I'm going to save your honor.
(Schaunard opens the door and writes on the outside. Baptiste enters from the right and approaches Musette.)
Baptiste (to Musette, low)
The carriage is going to leave.
Musette (low)
Tell them to wait a bit longer. (exit Baptiste) (aside) Poor
Marcel. Ah! Bah! Perhaps I bring him bad luck.
(Musette leaves through the open door without being seen.)
Rodolphe (going to Marcel)
Tuesday, are you going to Madame de Rouvre's?
Marcel
What will you be doing there?
(Rodolphe looks at Mimi who remains dreaming.)
Rodolphe (low)
Forgetting.
(Schaunard has come to take two candles from the candelabras. He sticks them on the outside of the door after opening the two sides of the door.)
Schaunard
There! (reading what he has written in black letters) “Postponed
because of divorce.” (hearing the noise of people arriving, he shuts
the door) They're coming. It's them. Silence.
(The noise stops on the stairway.)
A voice (outside, reading)
“Postponed because of divorce.”
(A general cry of disappointment outside.)
Schaunard
That's the voice of the influential critic. We are lost.
CURTAIN
At the home of Madame de Rouvre.
A richly lit room with many candelabras. Door at the back giving on another room lit with chandeliers. Two doors on the right. On the left a door and a window, torches left and right. A round table at the left next to the couch. Armchairs. Two etageres with vases. On the one on the right a richly decorated album.
AT RISE, we can hear the music of a ball.
(Colline and Schaunard enter from opposite sides.)
Schaunard (entering from the back)
Heavens! Colline, of all people.
Colline
Heavens! Schaunard disguised as a man well turned out.
Schaunard
Madame de Rouvre begged me to play the piano, and from friendship
for Rodolphe— But still, it's the last time. It bores me to go into
society. It involves expenses. I came by bus.
Colline
You took a tour of the salons. What do you say of this party?
Schaunard
It lacks punch. How did you get here?
Colline
By way of the quays.
(Colline pulls a book from his pocket.)
Schaunard
Did you see Rodolphe?
Colline
Where's that?
Schaunard
Here. He must come. He's late, but I understand. They are
forgetting each other. Rodolphe went to dine with Marcel at the Cafe
Anglais.
Colline
No!
Schaunard
It's the uncle who is the host.
Colline
Monsieur Durandin. I walk on the ugly rope of surprise.
Schaunard
Why, don't you know anything? Rodolphe is now in good with his
uncle. A paper, continually well informed, is announcing his marriage
with Madame de Rouvre as approaching very soon.
Colline
Are you jesting with philosophy?
Schaunard (taking his arm and walking with him)
Not in the least. Here's the story. She's as sad as anything. The
divorce has been put into execution. Musette escaped through the
keyhole of the lock and Rodolphe has left Mimi. I've been charged to
obtain news of the little one—and she is always ill, she feels sick.
That softens me. I've stationed her there.
Colline
Why, then this is a debacle of love?
Schaunard
Musette is the fiancée of a lord of high rank. I met her the other
day, beside her Englishman, in a superb carriage. He's a well brought-up man. He invited me to dinner. They are properly lodged.
Collins
And Rodolphe?
Schaunard
His uncle is tossing money at all hands to distract him. Rodolphe
shares everything with Marcel—and for the last two days they've been
superb times. They resemble fashion engravings. They are doing like me,
they are trying to drown their love. Oh, Phemie! (Baptiste, in grand
livery and bearing a plate, enters by the back) What's that?
Baptiste
Ices, monsieur.
Schaunard
And the punch?
Baptiste
I no longer have any, monsieur. These ladies have taken it all.
Schaunard
Heavens, it's Baptiste!
Baptiste
Alas! Yes, monsieur.
(Colline gives Baptiste a handshake.)
Schaunard
Baptiste in livery, ah, fie!
Baptiste
Sir, I was ambitious, and I am indeed punished. This life is
unsupportable! Everything is agreed and arranged in advance. They lunch
at noon and dine at night—every night. I can never accustom myself to
a regime like that.
Schaunard
Return with us, then. That will change you.
Baptiste
I dream of it, monsieur, but I would like to return with titles to
your esteem, for I've done wrongs, monsieur. You will learn of them
sooner or later.
Schaunard
I will pardon you for them on one simple condition. You are going
to find me some punch.
Baptiste
They're going to make some, monsieur. But, while waiting, would you
like an ice? (exits)
Colline
Who's coming there? Ah, it's Rodolphe and Marcel.
Schaunard (aside)
I don't want them to recognize me. I'm going to put on gloves.
(puts one on)
(Marcel and Rodolphe, very elegant with monocles, enter from the back.)
Marcel
Shall we enter?
Rodolphe
In a moment. I was afraid of not being gentleman enough.
Marcel
Colline.
Rodolphe
Schaunard.
(Rodolphe shakes hands with Schaunard.)
Schaunard (aside)
I've been recognized. I might as well take off my mask. (removes
his glove)
Colline (contemplating them)
The portrait wasn't flattering. This dress is very habitable.
Marcel
Yes, we've made some repairs.
Colline
The rumor runs through the Bourse that you've dined at the Cafe
Anglais. They believe it's a cataclysm and they're rushing to sell.
Marcel
Come on, Monsieur Durandin does things agreeably.
Rodolphe
My word, yes. It's very nice at that tavern. You can dine for
fifteen francs.
Schaunard
How many times?
Marcel
Once—without wine.
Schaunard
Without wine!
Rodolphe
We shall return there, right, Marcel?
Marcel
Our means permit us to. (pats his pocket)
Schaunard
If we were to return there right away?
Rodolphe
We will sup there, if you like, after leaving here.
Colline
We'll have supper twice?
Schaunard
I don't see any inconvenience. Anyway, it will be lunch, for it's
soon going to be tomorrow morning.
Rodolphe
Well, it's agreed.
Schaunard
It's not a joke. You have official stocks and ready money.
Marcel
It is stitched with gold.
Schaunard
It must be unstitched. I ask to see how it is made. (taking some
gold pieces from Rodolphe's vest) How pretty, these medals— To think
there is a country where these are pebbles! I had a relative who picked
up a good many, but he wound up in the clutches of some savages. (to
Rodolphe) I'll owe you these. I met a Russian in the game room. I am
going to avenge Poland!
(Schaunard bows to Monsieur Durandin, who he meets as he leaves by the back. Durandin enters accompanied by a servant.)
Durandin (to servant)
You'll place everything here.
(The servant goes out left.)
Marcel
Hey! It's the good Monsieur Durandin.
Durandin (coming forward)
Gentlemen.
Marcel
Monsieur Durandin, allow me to present to you Monsieur Colline, one
of our friends.
(Colline approaches Durandin.)
Durandin (to Colline)
Shake, monsieur, I beg you.
(Colline, speechless, searches for words and finding none, bows awkwardly.)
Durandin (to Rodolphe)
Madame de Rouvre is going to be in this room with some intimate
friends. We are going to take tea here. Just a few intimate friends. If
you like, you can make all her admirers die of jealousy. Madame de
Rouvre asks nothing better.
Rodolphe
As for me, I desire no one's death, Uncle.
Durandin
Ah, tell me, do you know the waltz?
Rodolphe
Yes, by reputation.
Marcel
The waltz is the step of the love charge.
Colline
What a happy definition.
Durandin (to Rodolphe)
You will invite Madame de Rouvre to waltz. She adores it.
Rodolphe
Agreed!
Marcel (low to Rodolphe)
But, you've never waltzed.
Rodolphe
That doesn't matter. I will invent a step and I will call it the
step of regrets.
Durandin
Ah, indeed. Are you still thinking of—?
Rodolphe
Of Mimi? Oh, for heaven's sake! I don't even remember her name.
Durandin
Great! They're coming this way—be amiable.
Rodolphe
I will try, Uncle.
(Durandin and Colline go off. Rodolphe and Marcel look about.)
Rodolphe (to Marcel)
Ah, see that young woman with roses in her hair?
Marcel
Right. She's the one I was looking at.
Rodolphe
Don't you think she resembles Mimi?
Marcel
No. I think she resembles Musette.
(Enter Madame de Rouvre on the arm of a gentleman. Several guests accompany her, entering from the back. Servants enter from the left and begin serving tea.)
Gentleman (to Madame de Rouvre)
Madame, music has always seemed something fabulous to me. I would
really have loved to be a musician.
(Rodolphe goes to Madame de Rouvre and bows.)
Madame de Rouvre (to Rodolphe)
You are really late coming, monsieur.
Rodolphe
Madame!
(Madame de Rouvre sits in a couch at the left near the round table with a lady. Rodolphe stands near her, speaking low. Durandin, Marcel and Colline mingle with the guests as the tea is served.)
Madame de Rouvre (to Rodolphe)
If I've assembled a privileged few here, it's to listen to you.
Rodolphe
How's that, Madame?
Madame de Rouvre
It's a snare, monsieur. Yesterday, the poet made me a promise and I
propose to remind him of it.
Rodolphe
I don't understand, Madame.
Madame de Rouvre
You are really forgetful, monsieur.
(Rodolphe and Madame de Rouvre continue speaking low.)
Gentleman (in a discussion with Colline)
What, monsieur, you know Chinese? That's fabulous. I would really
have loved to know Chinese.
Colline
I will teach you.
Durandin (bringing tea to Madame de Rouvre)
Madame, will you allow me?
Madame de Rouvre (taking the cup)
Monsieur Durandin, doesn't your nephew owe me something?
Durandin
Indeed, Madame, why he owes you much—and if you like, he must owe
you more in the future.
Madame de Rouvre (to Durandin)
I accept the madrigal. (to Rodolphe) But, I don't allow you to quit
the sonnet.
Durandin
Ah! Yes, a sonnet. I recall.
(Madame de Rouvre gestures to Baptiste, who brings an album.)
Madame de Rouvre
Look, monsieur. It gives us so much pleasure and it costs you so
little.
Rodolphe (protesting)
Madame—mercy.
Durandin
We aren't listening to you.
A Lady
On the contrary, we are listening.
Madame de Rouvre
You can no longer back out.
Marcel (to Rodolphe, laughing)
Come on, Master Poet.
Rodolphe (low to Marcel)
What! You are joining my enemies?
Marcel (to Rodolphe)
Certainly. We mustn't let the enthusiasm cool.
Rodolphe (low to Rodolphe)
Ah, so that's the way it is. Wait. (to Madame de Rouvre) Madame,
your desires are our orders, and here's Monsieur Marcel, one of our
first artists of the pen, who demands with energy a page of your album.
Marcel (low, pushing him)
What the deuce are you saying?
Madame de Rouvre
Ah, monsieur, I don't dare to ask it of you.
(Schaunard enters quietly and comes to sit on the couch at the right where he takes tea.)
Marcel
Madame—
Durandin
Bravo! Bravo!
Marcel (low to Rodolphe)
May the devil take you!
Gentleman (to Marcel)
You will do my profile?
Marcel
You don't know about drawing?
Gentleman
No, but I would have loved to.
Marcel
I was sure of it.
(Marcel turns his back on the gentleman.)
Durandin
Baptiste! Pen and ink.
Rodolphe (laughing)
And crayons.
(Baptiste goes to fill the request from the console on the right.)
Madame de Rouvre (to Marcel and Rodolphe)
Pardon us, gentlemen, but you know it's the fashion in Paris.
Rodolphe
Yes, it's true. In Bengal, one finds tigers; in the Atlas, lions;
in the swamps of the Nile, alligators; and in the middle of Paris,
lying on the soft ottomans in boudoirs hung in red, there exists
something more formidable than the monsters of the desert and the seas.
Madame de Rouvre (laughing and giving him the album)
It's the album.
Baptiste (bringing pens which he places on the table, low to
Rodolphe)
Here are the instruments of torture.
All
Listen!
(Everyone presses around Rodolphe, who sits beside the round table.)
Marcel (aside)
I'm sorry I came.
(Durandin gives a pen to Rodolphe and a crayon to Marcel.)
Marcel
Much obliged.
Schaunard (aside, rising)
Oh—the torture of the album is going to begin. I'm going to go
smoke a pipe in the courtyard.
(Schaunard sneaks out by the door at the left.)
Marcel (aside)
Ah—she wants a drawing. I've got my subject.
(Marcel draws while Rodolphe writes. The orchestra plays.)
Rodolphe (as he writes)
The Queen, wanting to put a star in her crown, had a diver come,
and said to him: “You will go into the damp place where the siren sings
and harvest the white pearl and bring it to me.” The diver plunged
beneath the waves—through the gold sand and purple coral, harvested
the white pearl, and brought it, captive, for his sovereign in a pearly
case.
Durandin (low to Marcel, observing him)
What are you doing there, monsieur?
Marcel
Ah! You nudged me!
(Marcel continues to draw.)
Rodolphe (writing)
The poet is like the diver, Madame, and if your caprice smilingly
demands a verse that must everywhere proclaim your beauty—obedient
slave, he dives into the depths of his thought, a jewel case where
love's rhyme is encased and finds the jewelled desire.
All
Bravo! Bravo!
Gentleman
That poem is very fine from one end to the other. In fact, it's
fabulous.
Madame de Rouvre (rising and shaking Rodolphe's hand, low)
Thank you, my poet.
(Rodolphe rises.)
Marcel (rising)
That's finished. (everyone rises) That's finished.
(Marcel gives the album to Madame de Rouvre.)
Madame de Rouvre
Let's see your drawing, monsieur.
Durandin (low to Marcel)
Are you crazy, monsieur?
Marcel
What do you mean?
Madame de Rouvre
It's very pretty. Who's portrait is it?
Marcel
A memory.
Lady
Ah! Let's see!
(Lady and Madame de Rouvre look. Rodolphe also looks and is surprised.)
Madame de Rouvre (to Rodolphe)
What's wrong with you?
Rodolphe
Nothing, Madame. (steps back a bit, low to Marcel) Mimi's portrait.
Marcel (low)
In Madame de Rouvre's album. That's amusing, isn't it?
Madame de Rouvre (looking at Rodolphe suspiciously, aside)
He's upset. (low to Durandin) This is the portrait of that girl,
isn't it?
Durandin (embarrassed)
Why—pardon me.
Madame de Rouvre (low)
I'm sure of it.
(Madame de Rouvre looks at the picture, dreaming. The orchestra plays a waltz.)
Gentleman (to Marcel)
What do you call that thing he just recited?
Marcel
It's a sonnet.
Gentleman
Ah, a sonnet. It's very pretty, but it's not long enough.
Marcel (astonished)
It's a sonnet.
Gentleman
I heard you, but I was saying—it's not quite long enough.
Madame de Rouvre (aside)
Oh, I intend to find out if he still loves her!
Rodolphe (coming to her)
Madame, you seem ill.
Madame de Rouvre (upset)
Oh, the heat.
(Rodolphe offers her his arm and escorts her to the window which he opens.)
Gentleman (to Marcel)
Ah! Monsieur, I would really have loved to write poetry.
(Gentleman pirouettes away.)
Marcel
Oof!
Madame de Rouvre (looking outside)
Ah! (to Rodolphe) Would you fix me a little more tea?
(Rodolphe goes to the console at the left.)
Madame de Rouvre
I wasn't mistaken—it's she with Monsieur Schaunard.
Rodolphe
Do you feel better, Madame?
Madame de Rouvre (very troubled)
Yes, yes, monsieur, much better. (leaning out the window, aside)
They are talking to a chamber maid who's pointing to the service
stairs. They are coming. That girl in my home! Ah, that's too much
audacity. She will pay dearly for it. (Rodolphe approaches, she moves
quickly away from the window) Thank you, monsieur, it's unnecessary.
But—the waltz has begun and you've engaged me, I think.
(Madame de Rouvre moves toward the right. Rodolphe places the tea on the console.)
Rodolphe
I am at your disposal.
Madame de Rouvre (going rapidly to Durandin)
Get everybody out of here.
Durandin
Yes, Madame. (aside) I don't understand.
Marcel (to Rodolphe as he passes near him)
I'm going to the card game. In a quarter of an hour, you will
please rescue me.
(Marcel goes out left.)
Durandin (at back)
Come on, gentlemen—the salon reclaims you. The orchestra
demands—we must obey.
(Durandin offers his arm to a lady and leaves. Everyone follows him, Rodolphe and Madame de Rouvre are last.)
Madame de Rouvre (aside, looking at the service door)
Miss Mimi—till later!
(The stage clears. Baptiste enters and begins straightening up. Schaunard enters from the left, speaking to someone in the wings.)
Schaunard
There's no one. Come in.
(Mimi appears behind Schaunard.)
Schaunard
What childishness. To remain in the court of a hotel in such cold!
Baptiste (looking up surprised, aside)
Miss Mimi—my victim.
Schaunard (to Mimi)
Sit down.
Mimi (sitting on the couch at the right)
But, if someone were to come?
Baptiste
There's no danger.
Mimi (excitedly)
Where's Rodolphe?
Baptiste
Where? He's waltzing with Madame. (Schaunard nudges him) No—he's
not waltzing with Madame de Rouvre. How cold you are! Would you like me
to find a bouillon for you?
Mimi
My good Baptiste.
Baptiste (aside, reaching the door at the left)
She calls me her good Baptiste—it's horrifying. (exits excitedly)
Schaunard
Are you feeling better?
Mimi
Not much.
Schaunard (aside)
Oh, this will never do. This will never—I don't know how to
console women. (aloud) Look, Mimi, don't cry like that.
Mimi
It does me good. He no longer loves me, right? You told me on his
behalf that he had proof I was deceiving him—that I'd had enough of
life with him? Who made him believe that, huh?
Schaunard
Hell! You didn't want to wear a straw hat in winter.
Mimi
Yes, yes, I know—stupidities, but all that was a pretext. Oh, if I
could speak to him. Why no, leaving all those beautiful women, he would
find me ugly. Are my eyes all red?
Schaunard
Well—not so bad as that.
Mimi
I wept so much! I waited for him two days and two nights. Finally,
today, I learned he was going to the ball at Madame de Rouvre's. I
couldn't stand it. I had to see him. If I don't see him—you will see
him, and you will tell him that I've done nothing. He doesn't need to
take me back if he doesn't want to, but he mustn't believe that I
cheated on him. I knew well enough that he couldn't stay with me
forever. They told me that. I understood that—really I wish happiness
for him, but for him to believe me guilty—oh—I don't want that.
Schaunard
You will tell him all that yourself; I'm going to get him.
Mimi (stopping him)
No, no. Decidedly, I don't dare—if they saw him with me, that
would, perhaps, anger him—and if he no longer loves me at all— Don't
tell him that I am here. I am superstitious, you know. Well, if chance
brings him, I will believe that the Good Lord will reconcile us. Don't
tell him anything.
Schaunard
Hell! If that suits you better—but if they see you—
Mimi
They see me.
Schaunard
Then, I'm leaving you. It's a long while since I've been at the
buffet. I fear my absence may be noted. Goodbye, Mimi. All this will
straighten itself out. Go!
Mimi
You think so?
Schaunard (aside)
I am stupid with the ladies! (goes toward the door at the right)
Mimi
And Phemie?
Schaunard (ready to leave)
Phemie? She's with the Cavalry. (leaves)
(Baptiste returns with a setting which he places on the table.)
Baptiste
There's no more consommé, but here's a pudding. Ah, Miss Mimi,
console yourself. Soon you will be happy.
Mimi
What do you mean?
Baptiste
Leave it to me. First of all, I'm going to tell Monsieur Rodolphe
that you are here. (gesture by Mimi) Don't be afraid. I've only to say
a word for him to fall at your feet.
Mimi
Is it possible?
Baptiste
I am sure of it.
Mimi
Oh, how happy I am! My heart is beating enough to choke me.
Baptiste
Calm yourself. Would you like a glass of water?
Mimi
Yes—for my eyes. Can you tell I've been crying?
Baptiste
Yes. Here—you'll find all you need in here.
Mimi
Is there a mirror?
Baptiste
There are two mirrors. Go! Meanwhile I will find Monsieur Rodolphe
and I will bring him to you.
Mimi
That's it. Hurry.
(Mimi goes into the cabinet at the right.)
Baptiste
The time has come to execute my plans. It's Calas and Voltaire who
suggested it all to me. I intend to rehabilitate this child. (starts to
go out, then stops) Ah! My God, what a piece of ill luck! Monsieur and
Madame de Rouvre are coming this way. (runs to Mimi's door and raps)
Miss! Miss!
Mimi (opening the door and entering)
What is it?
Baptiste (very troubled, watching the back all the while)
I've reconsidered. You would do better to wait for Monsieur
Rodolphe downstairs. That would be more clever.
Mimi
You are hiding something from me. (coming forward despite
Baptiste's effort to prevent her) Ah! I understand—Madame de Rouvre
and Rodolphe.
Baptiste
They are going to come to this room.
Mimi
That's all right. (reopens the door on the right)
Baptiste
But—
Mimi (calmly)
I intend to remain. (goes in)
Baptiste (aside)
But, my God! She's going to listen.
(Madame de Rouvre, on Rodolphe's arm, enters from the back. Baptiste closes the door on the right.)
Madame de Rouvre (aside)
She's there!
Baptiste (aside)
I've got to warn Monsieur Rodolphe. How to do it? (goes to
Rodolphe)
Madame de Rouvre (guessing Baptiste's intent)
Leave us.
Baptiste
Pardon, Madame, it's that—
Madame de Rouvre (imperatively)
Leave now!
Baptiste (aside)
What's going to happen?
(Baptiste leaves with the food he brought. Madame de Rouvre leads Rodolphe toward the round table on which the album is placed.)
Madame de Rouvre
Monsieur Rodolphe, you are going to know why I brought you to this
place. (pointing at the drawing) Who is this woman?
Rodolphe (smiling)
You know well enough, Madame, since you ask me.
Madame de Rouvre
That is clever, but it's true. Be frank to the end. Tell me, is
your story with this what's her name—Mimi, I think—over?
Rodolphe
Mimi—yes, Madame.
Madame de Rouvre
It's history?
Rodolphe
Like Charlemagne.
Madame de Rouvre
You loved her?
Rodolphe
Madame!
Madame de Rouvre
You loved her?
Rodolphe
People say so.
Madame de Rouvre (after a moment of scorn)
Is she pretty?
Rodolphe (embarrassed)
Very pretty. Would you like to be seated, Madame?
(Rodolphe wants to escort Madame de Rouvre to the couch at the left.)
Madame de Rouvre (excitedly)
Thank you. She has blue eyes?
Rodolphe
No, Madame, black.
Madame de Rouvre
Very large?
Rodolphe
Eyes all around her head.
Madame de Rouvre
You are making me impatient.
Rodolphe (taking her hands which he admires)
Is it still Pradier who finishes your hands, Madame?
Madame de Rouvre
You find them pretty? Prettier than those of Miss Mimi?
Rodolphe
Hers were less well cared for.
Madame de Rouvre (ironic)
Not gloved?
Rodolphe
Pardon, Madame, gloved—with kisses. (kisses her hands)
Madame de Rouvre (scornfully pulling her hands away)
I have my gloves— (Rodolphe smiles coquettishly) Look, Rodolphe,
do you still love Miss Mimi?
Rodolphe
Madame, I ought not to love her any more—and perhaps I loved her
more for myself than for her.
Madame de Rouvre (with a gesture of satisfaction)
Ah, let's sit down then. (she leads him to the couch at the right
near the room Mimi is in and they sit) You were saying you loved her
rather for yourself than for her? What sort of passion is that?
Rodolphe
The passion of a poet, the passion of an artist—meaning—it's very
vain.
Madame de Rouvre
And very false at the same time.
Rodolphe
Yes, Madame, it's the perpetual exploitation of the heart by the
imagination.
Madame de Rouvre
You renounce your love, then? You agree it was only a caprice, a
fantasy?
Rodolphe
Perhaps.
Madame de Rouvre
What you loved in her was her beauty?
(Music by the orchestra.)
Rodolphe
Yes, her beauty, her youth, the luster of her smile, the fanfare of
her gayety.
Madame de Rouvre
Finally, your loves were those which are born in the spring with
the first leaves and die in the winter with the first snow?
Rodolphe
What's to be done? You see, Madame, love is a little room visited
by the sun and also by cold winds—love which dines at a frugal setting
and even drinks from the same glass—this love is something charming
when one is still under the rising sun of first youth. But there comes
a day when the pride of it begins to dispute with the heart—the
liberty of its sympathies and its enthusiasms. Then everything
changes—naivete appears vulgar—the chatter of a pretty mouth seems
monotonous—and you begin to find tepid the kiss of her ardent lips.
(surrounds Madame de Rouvre's waist)
Madame de Rouvre (turning towards the door)
Rodolphe!
Rodolphe (leaning on her shoulder)
It's then one dreams of another love—one which walks on carpets,
is draped in silk or velours, is strewn with diamonds, goes to the
woods, to the opera, speaks pure language, writes on velum crowned with
heraldic vignettes, and is called by a name which is recorded in
history.
(Rodolphe kisses Madame de Rouvre's shoulder. A slight noise is heard in the cabinet. Madame de Rouvre rises abruptly and walks to the left.)
Rodolphe (rising)
There's someone there?
Madame de Rouvre
My chambermaid.
Marcel (outside)
A refugee from the card game.
Madame de Rouvre (a bit agitated)
They're calling you. Leave. I will see you soon. Go—go—soon!
Rodolphe
Soon!
(Rodolphe kisses the hand of Madame de Rouvre and leaves. As he leaves, Mimi enters.)
Madame de Rouvre (aside)
There she is.
Mimi (noticing Madame de Rouvre)
Excuse me, Madame.
Madame de Rouvre
You're looking for someone?
Mimi
Yes, Madame. I'm looking for Rodolphe.
Madame de Rouvre
Monsieur Rodolphe, you mean.
Mimi
For me—he's plain Rodolphe. I'm the little one you were speaking
of just now.
Madame de Rouvre
Wait then, miss—
Mimi
Mimi—you know my name quite well, Madame.
Madame de Rouvre
Miss, think where you are.
Mimi
I recall, Madame, as they won't let me forget!
Madame de Rouvre
What do you want?
Mimi
I want my lover, Madame! (Madame de Rouvre takes a step to leave
but Mimi places herself in front of her and bars the way) You aren't
going, Madame, or I scream.
Madame de Rouvre
This is scandalous!
Mimi
So much the worse! I want my lover.
Madame de Rouvre
You are mad, young lady.
Mimi
That could be.
Madame de Rouvre
I am desolated to tell you, miss, but you ought to understand that
Monsieur Rodolphe doesn't desire this meeting. (pointing to the
cabinet) You were there—you must have heard. I thought that would
suffice for you. (sits on the couch at the left) Monsieur Rodolphe no
longer loves you. What do you want me to do about it?
Mimi
Oh, yes, Madame, he still loves me! The tone in which he said he no
longer loves me proves the contrary.
Madame de Rouvre (coldly)
Not only does he no longer love you—but he loves another.
Mimi (laughing convulsively)
You, perhaps! Ha, ha, ha, you make me laugh, really! I am only a
little girl, a lost child coming into this world, I am ignorant of five
languages and beautiful manners, and yet, Rodolphe adores me! Yes,
Madame, adores! It's not too much to say. So he hasn't forgotten me in
four days—to be in love with another. To she who could believe herself
loved by him, I would say: He's deceiving you and himself,
perhaps—don't listen to him for you won't be slow to notice that you
are only a distraction for him—and that will hurt you.
Madame de Rouvre
Continue, miss, you amuse me very much.
Mimi
No, Madame, I don't amuse you. On the contrary, if Rodolphe doesn't
love you, what can I do about it? Perhaps, he will be your husband—he
will be my lover! He was a poet—he will become a man of affairs. As to
the rest—it will happen, and we grisettes—as you call yourselves
great ladies—we often have the crème de la crème of your loves.
Madame de Rouvre (rising)
Is that all you have to tell me, miss?
Mimi (a little intimidated)
Pardon, Madame, if I've spoken this way to you—but all that I've
said to you, I'm sure of, you see.
Madame de Rouvre
I've listened to you right to the end. You came to parade before me
your little affairs that I never asked you about. I've answered you—
that's much—believe it. Let's leave it at that. If I were to speak, I
could destroy the illusions that you obstinately cling to—and that
would hurt you—as you were saying to me just now. Allow me therefore
to retire.
Mimi
So be it—but let me see Rodolphe.
Madame de Rouvre (going to the right)
You want him to repeat to you what he was saying to me just a while
ago?
Mimi
What?
Madame de Rouvre
As for me, I remember it—love is a small room visited by the sun—
Mimi
I know!
Madame de Rouvre
But soon the dream of another love—you get it now, miss?
Mimi
Well, yes, it's true—diamonds, clothes, pretty things—I have none
of all that—but I have devotion—which can replace them.
Madame de Rouvre
Do you believe that your love is worth the sacrifice of his future?
Mimi (aside)
Oh! My God! It's really true, since everybody tells me so. (aloud)
But, I cannot forgo him, Madame. Why, this love is all my happiness.
Madame de Rouvre
That is, indeed, the utterance of your egoism. Look, you don't know
what devotion is! Your heart is too small to contain it!
Mimi (coldly)
Enough, Madame! You don't believe in my devotion? Tomorrow, you
will— and Rodolphe will, too. Goodbye, Madame, love him well.
(Mimi goes out to the left. She is half crazy. The door closes. Madame de Rouvre, very upset, has made a gesture to detain her. She runs to the table and rings. Baptiste enters by the back.)
Madame de Rouvre (very agitated)
Baptiste, go down instantly and follow a young girl just leaving
the hotel.
Baptiste (aside)
Miss Mimi! Ah, my God!
Madame de Rouvre (passionately)
Go on!
(Baptiste runs out left.)
Madame de Rouvre
Ah, her goodbye struck my heart.
Rodolphe (coming in rapidly through the back, aside)
What have I learned? These letters were only lies—and she was
there.
(Rodolphe goes toward the cabinet. Madame de Rouvre bars his passage.)
Madame de Rouvre
She's no longer there, monsieur.
Rodolphe
What? You knew?
Madame de Rouvre
Well, yes, I knew it. You must choose between two mistresses,
monsieur. I don't want such a rival. (falls onto the couch at the
right)
Rodolphe
A rival! Ah, yes—you kicked her out, Madame. The tears of that
child didn't touch you.
Madame de Rouvre
Do mine touch you, monsieur?
(Durandin appears at the back with Marcel and Colline.)
Rodolphe
Eh, Madame, it's not your love weeping—it's your pride.
Madame de Rouvre
Monsieur?
Durandin (running to Rodolphe)
What is it? What's wrong?
Rodolphe
Leave me alone. Your conduct is shameful.
Durandin
Monsieur!
Marcel
My friend—
Rodolphe
This girl that I loved—that I still love—you slandered her!
Madame de Rouvre
What do you mean?
(Baptiste enters through the small door at the right.)
Baptiste (to Rodolphe)
Ah, monsieur, I fear that some misfortune has befallen Miss Mimi.
Rodolphe
What?
Baptiste
I saw her leave, running. I tried to follow her, but I lost her in
the darkness.
(Marcel, Colline and Baptiste rush to the window.)
Rodolphe (with sadness)
Mimi! (to Durandin and Madame de Rouvre) Do you hear? At this
moment, perhaps, she's dying—the victim of your love and your perfidy.
(Durandin shrugs. Madame de Rouvre looks defiantly at Rodolphe.)
Madame de Rouvre
You are in my home, monsieur.
Rodolphe
Yes, Madame, of your perfidy—for she was here—and she heard me
foreswear her, cowardly—
Madame de Rouvre
For whom, monsieur?
Rodolphe (low, to Madame de Rouvre)
For another who will, in her turn, renounce me. Goodbye, Madame.
You told me just now to choose.
(Madame de Rouvre tears the portrait from the album, crumples it and hurls it at Rodolphe's feet.)
Madame de Rouvre
I won't say it to you again, goodbye, monsieur.
Durandin
Go, monsieur. Continue your life of disorder, your beautiful
Bohemian life. All is over between us.
Rodolphe (to Durandin)
Keep your money. (to Madame de Rouvre) Keep your pride, as for me,
I'll keep my love.
(Rodolphe goes toward Marcel and Colline. Madame de Rouvre collapses on the couch at the left. Schaunard comes in from the right and follows them, but is stopped by Baptiste.)
Baptiste (low)
Monsieur, you wouldn't need a servant, would you?
Schaunard
Yes, sometimes—to loan me money against his wages.
(Baptiste makes a gesture that that would be fine with him and follows him off as the curtain falls.)
CURTAIN
A room. In the rear, a bed. Door on the left near the bed. A window on the left. To the right a chimney near the audience. A little to the left of the chimney, a table covered with bottles and empty plates. On the floor bottles and napkins, shells of oil, etc. A Voltaire style armchair near the chimney. Everything is in great disorder.
AT RISE, Colline and Schaunard are near the chimney jammed into the extinguished corner. Marcel and Rodolphe are seated at the table, sad and silent. The wind can be heard blowing.
Colline (recoiling from the chimney)
Who's that coming?
Schaunard
It's old man Boreas—ambassador of the month of December. (he
shakes till his teeth rattle) Brr! Brr! Hey, Marcel.
Marcel (turning his head)
Well?
Schaunard
You're standing—go into the library to see if there's not a small
faggot remaining.
Marcel (pointing to the heavens through the window)
Do you see that little cloud of smoke? That's our last log stealing
away.
Schaunard
Brr! Brr! By God, we're not safe in here. It's a Siberia. There's a
temperature reigning here capable of hatching polar bears. (taking a
glass from the chimney) Let's drink!
Colline (taking a bottle and turning it upside down)
The edition is— (rising and going to Marcel)
Schaunard (replacing the glass on the chimney)
God! How stupid our empty glass is! (in a tone like a mandolin)
Where shall we dine today?
Colline
We will know tomorrow. (striking Marcel's shoulder) We're not going
to think of working?
Marcel
I never work without eating after I've remained for five days
uninterruptedly. I'm no longer in the mood.
Schaunard (rising)
I know that. It's our nature. There are whole years one isn't in
the mood.
Colline (low to Schaunard, rising)
Come on. The sorrows of our friends require solitude.
Schaunard
Goodbye, Rodolphe.
(Rodolphe rises. Colline and Schaunard shake hands with Rodolphe and leave. Rodolphe goes to the right. For several moments Rodolphe and Marcel remain silent, then a noise is heard on the stairway. Marcel gets up hurriedly and puts his ear to the door. The noise dies down.)
Marcel (aside)
I was mistaken.
Rodolphe
The one you are waiting for isn't coming.
Marcel
What do you mean?
Rodolphe
You are waiting for Musette.
Marcel
I'm waiting for her, but I don't expect her any more. It's true, it
was five days ago that I wrote her; I told her we had money, a stunning
apoplexy of luck—my gambling winnings, you know—and I invited her to
come warm herself while there was fire. She replied immediately that
she would come. Then, truly, I expected her—for five minutes. (goes
near chimney)
Rodolphe
You've expected her for five days and you still expect her.
Marcel
No.
Rodolphe
And if you see her enter, your heart will leap on her neck.
Marcel (pointing to his heart)
No. The little beast is dead. (sitting by the chimney) And to think
that for five days this room flamed like Hell. If Musette had been
here—she who was so chilly—
Rodolphe
The little beast is dead, you said?
Marcel (rising)
Well, no—it's not—it's stupid, but it's like that. Ah, you, at
least, you can love your Mimi with a full heart. She's never deceived
you, and if you are not rich, her love provides you with credit.
Rodolphe
Musette really loves you too. But why didn't you try to keep her
before? Perhaps she wouldn't have left you.
Marcel
I couldn't duel with every fur coat that came to pay court to her.
(Marcel sits back down by the chimney.)
Rodolphe
It's true. Whereas, I lost Mimi through my own fault. I suspected
her when she was faithful—and she left ten days ago. During the first
five days I sought her everywhere and I didn't find her and I've been
unable to learn anything.
Marcel
She'll have gone to England.
(Marcel rises and pushes the table against the wall at the left, then straightens it up.)
Marcel
Ah, indeed, sooner or later, she too will have been set up there by
a frazzled notary's clerk who will have seduced her with madrigals made
of money.
Rodolphe (dreaming)
It's all the same! We owe them beautiful memories.
Marcel
Yes, but all these memories are good only for regrets. Bah! Let's
talk of something else and try to warm up—for it's getting very cold.
What is there we could burn to thaw out our fingers for a moment? Ah,
speaking of memories, I have some autographs of Musette. (goes to a
sort of desk in a corner and at the left and takes letters from a
drawer) Since I am in the mood to forget—but first— (sitting near the
chimney) Let's reread one last time these burning letters. (reading) “I
am going to dine with my aunt. As it perhaps will rain tonight, I won't
return until tomorrow noon.” Very fine, I know her aunt—he was my
cousin! And here's another: “I took the money which was in the
snuff-box to go buy some green boots.” Those boots danced many a
country dance I was unaware of. (in a jesting tone) O my letters of
love, of virtue, of youth—to the post— (throws them on the fire) So
much the worse. When I am cold, I will burn one leg to heat the other.
Rodolphe (sitting near the table)
O little Mimi! Joy of my house, is it really true that you've left
and that I will never see you again. O little white hands with blue
veins, when I carry you to my lips! Have you, then, received my last
kiss?
(On the stairs a voice can be heard singing: Wake up my darling, Jeannette, and get all dressed up. Rodolphe runs to the door and finds that Marcel has arrived before him.)
Rodolphe
That's Mimi's song!
Marcel
Yes, but it's Musette's voice!
(Mimi enters gaily. She stops upon seeing the shabby appearance and their sad faces.)
Marcel (aside)
Let's be proud and disdainful.
(Marcel strikes a haughty pose while Rodolphe gives his hand to Musette and then takes a step to go.)
Musette
Are you going to leave us?
Rodolphe
Yes, I'm going to buy some Havana tobacco.
(Rodolphe leaves as Musette makes a grateful gesture.)
Musette (aside)
I no longer dared to enter. (calling softly) Marcel! Marcel! (he
doesn't budge) Must I leave?
Marcel
Evidently.
(Musette starts to leave, but almost involuntarily Marcel is at her side. She throws off her hat and shawl and goes into his arms.)
Musette
My little Marcel
Marcel (turns away, with effort)
I am no longer your little Marcel.
Musette (looking around her)
It's really cold in here.
Marcel
The fire's been waiting for you for five days, the table, too.
(pointing to the chimney) Ashes are all that remain. (pointing to the
table) And crumbs.
Musette (timidly sitting)
I am late.
Marcel
Five days to cross the Pont Neuf? You went by way of the Pyrenees,
I suppose.
(Instead of replying, Musette rests her head on his chest.)
Marcel
What kept you? A caprice? Was he blonde or brunette?
Musette
It was the rain.
Marcel
The rain. I understand. (bitterly) O damn!
Musette
It's the truth—and if I wasn't afraid of hurting you—
Marcel
Oh—one needle more or less in the pincushion. (touches her dress)
But what have you got under there?
Musette (coquettishly)
You know quite well. Listen, when I got your letter I showed it to
Milord.
Marcel
How old is Milord?
Musette
Two weeks. First of all, that surprised him a little. He gave an
“Oh” —but I told him: “Listen, Milord, since I've had an eighty franc
corset, I no longer feel my heart beat. For sure, I left it in one of
Marcel's drawers. I'm going to find it.” And I left. But when I was
half-way, lo, there was a sudden shower! Ah, and not one carriage. I
was at the gate of Madeleine, I went up, they were having a lottery to
help a poor family. Madeleine jumped on my neck and demanded a ticket
—she took something from my pocket. I let her do it without looking.
The lottery was drawn and suddenly a nice gentleman approached me and
said to me: “I have number twenty-three.” (lowering her eyes) And
number twenty-three was—
Marcel
Twenty-three was?
Musette
Heavens, let's talk politics.
Marcel
Well?
Musette (very low)
It was the key to my boudoir, and as I begged him to return it to
me: “Miss,” he replied, “I will return it, but in the lock.”
Marcel
Here—get out!
Musette (bursting out laughing)
Ah, bah! He was a Spaniard and I have never been to Spain.
Marcel
I told you that you went by way of the Pyrenees.
(Marcel sits down.)
Musette
What do you want? My crazy existence is a song. Each of my loves is
a couplet—and you are the refrain.
(Musette hurls herself into Marcel's arms.)
Musette (singing)
Memories of long ago Recall to him my tenderness. Unfaithful lovers
Are always the most charming. Like a tempting demon, Pride seduced my
heart. But the true, the only joy, The only wealth, It's love in
gaiety; It's the adventurous life; And it's our liberty. Still so
joyous—
(Musette forces Marcel to kiss her. Rodolphe returns, looking pensive.)
Musette
Ah! It's Rodolphe. (to Marcel) How sad he looks.
(Musette goes to Rodolphe.)
Rodolphe
You haven't seen her for the last ten days?
Musette
Who?
Rodolphe
Mimi.
Musette
What do you mean?
Marcel (low to Musette)
A bunch of scandals, jealousies, suspicions. It's Rodolphe's uncle
who caused all that. At last, Mimi ran away—and perhaps she now has a
new love and hats with feathers.
Musette (laughing)
Mimi with a hat with feathers! Oh, God! She must look funny.
(changing her tone, to Rodolphe) Ah, bah! She'll come back. After all,
I came back.
Marcel
By God! You only come and go.
(Musette approaches Rodolphe as if to console him. Suddenly a noise is heard on the stairs. Rodolphe shivers. Music.)
Rodolphe
Ah, my God. This time I'm not mistaken. (listens)
Musette
What is it, then?
Rodolphe (placing his hand on his heart)
Listen, it's my heart that's crying for her.
(Mimi appears, leaning against the casing of the door.)
Musette
Mimi! Ah! I told you so.
Rodolphe (running to Mimi)
Yes, yes, it's she! Ah!
Mimi
Rodolphe!
Rodolphe (covering her with kisses)
Mimi, my darling Mimi.
Mimi (in his arms)
Rodolphe! My friend, oh, let me sit down. I cannot hold myself
together.
(Marcel pulls up an armchair. Mimi sits and Musette sits beside her.)
Mimi
Ah, you here. Hello, Musette, you've come back. You did well!
(giving her hand to Marcel) Hello, Marcel. You're well, and me, too.
(to herself) No, I'm not well.
Rodolphe
Are you ill?
Mimi
No, I'm just tired.
Rodolphe
My poor Mimi.
Mimi
Yes, your poor Mimi, who's going to fall back in your arms. You no
longer expected me, huh?
Rodolphe
But, where did you come from? So late, in this bad weather?
Mimi
Where am I coming from? I'm not coming from dancing. I am returning
from hospital.
Rodolphe
Oh, my God!
(Marcel takes Rodolphe aside.)
Marcel (low to Rodolphe)
Say, I don't know why, but I'm afraid. Mimi seems really ill.
Rodolphe (low)
I see it as you do.
Marcel (low)
I'm going to find that young doctor that we know.
Rodolphe
Yes, and bring him right away.
(Marcel leaves and Rodolphe returns to Mimi. Mimi is continuing to talk with Musette.)
Mimi (to Musette)
My God! Yes, my darling, I am coming from the Hotel Dieu—a
villainous place to die. I really had trouble to get out. They didn't
want to let me leave. Happily they needed beds, and my leaving made one
more. Finally, here I am. (to Rodolphe) Ah, my poor friend, I really
was afraid of not seeing you again.
Rodolphe (kneeling by her)
But, that night of the ball, when you let the hotel—
Mimi
Yes, I know.
Rodolphe
Where were you?
Mimi
I was right on the bridge. Just like a grisette in a novel.
Rodolphe
You wanted to die?
Mimi
Hell! What did you want me to do? They told me I was an obstacle to
your future. I doubted it at first, but then— (smiling) Ah, at last—
that decided me. I thought you had forgotten me for good—and I ran to
the river. Where did you want me to go?
Rodolphe (lovingly)
Mimi—
Mimi
I watched the water flow by. It was really dirty. It wasn't pretty.
I kept leaning against the parapet. I was looking around me
mechanically. Suddenly, I don't know why, my eyes turned toward the
quay and I noticed, at our little window, the light I had forgotten to
put out. All my past joy seemed to watch me through that little window.
Then I forgot the great lady. I forgot the river and I no longer
thought of anything else except of you. I remembered the time we lived
in this room. In those days, you recall the light also burned late. You
were working late, and from time to time you would bother yourself to
come hug me in my bed. All these memories had troubled my thoughts a
little. The swelling river vainly asked me: Are you coming? Standing
under the arches, I wasn't rushed and I said to myself: When I'm at the
bottom of the river, he can no longer come to kiss me. Still, it really
must be ended. I didn't come there to amuse myself. I again bent over
the parapet—but courage again failed me. Then I looked at the window
where the light was still burning and I said to myself: I'll jump in
the river when the light goes out. Ah, you see, my friend, when you're
ill you soon say: I'm going to die of it. You think it's easy, but
you're jolly well deceived. While I was awaiting the signal to jump, my
fever seized me. I lost my head, I fell in a faint on the pavement.
When I came to, I was in a bed in the Hotel Dieu.
Musette (rising, aside)
Poor girl!
Rodolphe (to Mimi who wants to rise)
You are tired, rest.
Mimi
I will do whatever you like. Say, if I'd found another woman here,
I would have jolly well have come down by way of the window.
Rodolphe
Don't talk any more.
Mimi
You still love me, right?
Rodolphe
Yes, I love you.
(Rapping is heard at the door.)
Doctor
You asked for me?
Rodolphe (rising and going to the doctor)
Hush.
(Musette whispers to Mimi.)
Doctor
I understand.
Rodolphe
Mimi, my little girl, here's one of my friends who came to see me
as he was passing by. He's a doctor. If you would tell him where you
hurt, what pains you?
Doctor (going to Mimi and taking her hand)
You'll allow me, Miss?
(Rodolphe anxiously watches the doctor's expression. The doctor gestures for him to move away. Marcel reenters.)
Marcel
The doctor's come?
Musette
He's here.
Marcel
What does he say?
Rodolphe
We don't know anything yet.
(Musette and Marcel approach Mimi.)
Doctor (to Mimi)
Don't worry, miss. It's nothing, some rest—and everything will be
fine.
Rodolphe (joyful)
Ah!
(Marcel and Musette sit near Mimi. The doctor talks to Rodolphe in a corner.)
Doctor (grasping Rodolphe's hand, low)
My friend, she's finished.
Rodolphe (shaking)
Lost? O Mimi! My poor Mimi!
Doctor
In a week at most.
Rodolphe
What! So soon?
Doctor
Maybe sooner. Tomorrow, perhaps.
Mimi (leaning towards Rodolphe)
What is it the two of you are saying?
Rodolphe (coming to her, in a gay tone)
We are planning to make you take something very bad—which will
quickly cure you.
Musette (to Mimi)
You see quite well that, if you were in danger, he wouldn't be
laughing.
(Marcel places a writing pad and paper on the desk.)
Marcel (low to Rodolphe)
What's the doctor say?
Rodolphe (low)
She's finished!
Doctor (to Mimi)
Come on! Don't torture yourself.
Mimi
Oh! I am better already, since I came here. (fever begins to take
her) You must cure me quickly, monsieur. (pointing to Rodolphe who has
taken her hand) You see him? I'm all his joy—a sad joy, right? Still,
he loves me all the same. (looking at Musette's dress) That dress is
pretty. Just now, coming back from hospital I was looking in the shops.
What a misfortune that everything is so expensive. (vivaciously) How
funny it is when you are sick. You have all sorts of cravings. (to
Rodolphe) You know quite well I'm no coquette, but I'd like to have—
(sadly) No, let's not think of it any more!
(The doctor sits at the table and writes his prescription. Marcel has come close to Musette.)
Rodolphe
Yes, on the contrary, what is it? What would you like? A pretty
silk dress like Musette's with white trim?
Mimi (laughing and then coughing)
Ah, white! How dumb he is—it's lace. No, I don't want a silk
dress. I'd like to have a muff. Why, I'd really like one.
(Musette gestures to Rodolphe to say “yes.”)
Rodolphe (to Mimi)
Is that all, my darling? You shall have it.
Musette (low to Marcel)
I've got one at home. You'll have to go get it.
Mimi
Soon?
Rodolphe
Right away.
(Marcel goes near the doctor.)
Mimi
A muff is expensive. Are you rich?
Rodolphe
Yes, we're rich.
Mimi (repeating)
Ah, indeed, yes, we are rich. We have to keep commerce going. Go
get me a muff!
(The doctor rises, gives the prescription to Marcel, then goes to Rodolphe.)
Doctor (to Rodolphe)
I have some calls to make.
(The doctor leaves, escorted by Marcel and Rodolphe.)
Musette (to Mimi)
Come on. Rest now.
Mimi
I'd really like to. (leaning on Musette and Rodolphe who has
returned) Heavens! The doctor is gone.
Rodolphe
Yes.
Mimi
What did he say about me?
Rodolphe
He said that if you were really obedient, in a week, you would be
going to a ball.
Mimi
With my muff?
Rodolphe
With your muff, yes.
Mimi (as they help her to the bed)
What luck! Then, to begin, I am going to try to sleep—for I almost
wasn't able to sleep there. Those huge rooms, it's sad at night.
(Musette arranges the armchair near the chimney.)
Mimi (holding Rodolphe in her arms)
Ah, my friend. Don't send me back to hospital. I would die if you
did. (sweetly) I am so well here. (lowering her voice) In my little
room. (lower still) Near you, my Rodolphe. (sleeps)
Musette (low)
She's begun to sleep.
(Musette closes the curtains.)
Marcel (pointing to the debris of the party)
Huh! If we'd been able to foresee it—we haven't got a drop left of
the one hundred shillings we drank from these bottles.
Musette
You'll take care of her, won't you?
Rodolphe (exalted)
Yes, I'll take care of her.
Musette
And the money?
Rodolphe
I'm going to go to my uncle.
Musette
Ah! Why, how dumb I'm getting! Meanwhile, (removing her bracelets
and giving them to Marcel) go pawn these for me. You know where. How
mad I am not to have thought of that sooner.
Rodolphe (shaking her hand)
Ah, Musette, thank you!
(Night comes on, little by little.)
Musette
God! How dumb you are. (to Marcel) Don't forget to go to my place
to get the muff. And while you are on the way, stop by Schaunard and
Colline's.
Rodolphe
Yes, let them know what's happening.
Marcel (pulling Rodolphe aside)
Yes, come. We're going to beat the retreat for money.
(Marcel and Rodolphe leave.)
SHORT BLACKOUT (no change of set)
As the lights go up, Mimi is sleeping in the bed. Musette is near
the
bed.
Musette
She's sleeping.
(Musette goes to the chimney and lights candles. The room lights up.)
Musette
There's one who never had any luck. If she'd wanted to she,
perhaps, could have been like me. Indeed, I'd have been like her if I
were able. We've each had our illness! For me, an illness that makes me
live a life of coquetting and pleasure. She, a mortal illness, of love
and fidelity. (returning to the bed) She's cold. (placing her shawl
over Mimi) It's never been put to better use.
(Marcel and Rodolphe return. Marcel places a carton on the table and extracts a muff. Rodolphe is sad and silent.
Musette
Well?
Rodolphe (abruptly)
Nothing.
Musette
What! You didn't meet anyone?
Rodolphe (bitterly ironic)
I met a poor man who asked me for alms.
Musette (to Marcel)
And you—how much were you able to borrow on it?
Marcel
Nothing.
Musette
What!
Marcel (returning the jewels to her)
Today is Sunday. The pawnshop's closed. We have to wait until
tomorrow.
Musette
Tomorrow. But from now till then—
(Colline and Schaunard enter together. Schaunard is in a yellow suit.)
Marcel
Well?
Schaunard (fumbling in his pocket)
Here's thirty sous. (gives it to Marcel)
Rodolphe (to Colline)
Well?
Colline
Here's three francs.
Marcel (taking them)
Four pounds ten. I'm going to the pharmacist. (leaves)
Musette (to Schaunard and Colline)
What did you do?
Schaunard
I wanted to sell a rag which I counted on liberating, but today's
Sunday. These things happen only to me. There wasn't a single clothes
merchant in the streets, and the rag dealers were closed. Still, I
found one of them—he offered me thirty sous for my alpaca and a mouton
suit in return. I had no choice. I took it, that's all.
Musette
Poor boy! A nankeen suit in this weather?
Schaunard
It's not warm—but it's pretty and then I've wanted to have one for
a long while.
Colline
It's quite another thing with me. I wanted to sell my books, but
all the shops were closed and everyone in their homes. When I saw that,
I went to a grocer and I negotiated with him for a series of Greek
philosophers—by the pound. They were worth ten shillings, but they
weighed only three francs. I took it, that's all.
(Rodolphe has gone to the window.)
Schaunard
Art is in the doldrums. At this moment half of Paris is trying to
borrow one hundred sous of the other half which refuses them.
Musette (to Rodolphe)
Will your habitual Providence abandon you?
Rodolphe (always ironic)
Providence! Providence! (pointing to the window) When the weather
is like this, Providence remains in its corner warming its toes by the
fire.
Musette
And your uncle?
Rodolphe
I saw him. He was in his carriage that was taking him to a ball at
Madame de Rouvre's.
(Schaunard sits down by the window.)
Musette
Well?
Rodolphe
There's nothing to expect from him.
Musette
You didn't tell him—?
Rodolphe
I told him everything, but he didn't believe a thing. He said she
was playing a part and that it's a way to swindle the world and arrive
at her end.
Musette (in a rage)
God! Is it possible to listen to that calumny!
(Musette goes to the right and flings herself in the armchair. Colline sits near the chimney.)
Rodolphe (half opening the bed curtains)
Poor girl. You loved me, and in my selfish love, I involved you in
my life of misery. Each day I was present at your patient martyrdom,
and as you trembled from the shivers of fever, I warmed myself in the
warmth of your love. (kneeling) I implore your pardon—yes—it's
because of me that you are so soon lying on this bed where I see death
being born on your face. (Madame de Rouvre enters silently) You, you
here, madame!
(All rise.)
Madame de Rouvre
Speak low. (pointing to the bed) So she doesn't hear you.
Rodolphe
What, you know?
Madame de Rouvre
Monsieur Durandin is at my house at this time. He informed me of
everything.
Rodolphe
Madame—
Madame de Rouvre
At another time, Rodolphe, I said some things about this young
girl—
Rodolphe
And as for me, Madame, how can I excuse myself for my shocking
behavior in your home?
Madame de Rouvre
Don't excuse yourself. Here, there are no improper behaviors nor
rivalry. (pointing to the bed) There's only misfortune and pity,
sincere pity which will suffer at a refusal. (pulling out a purse) This
illness may last a long while, take it. (gives him the purse)
Rodolphe (low, kissing her hand)
Ah, Cesarine, thank you.
Madame de Rouvre
And now, allow me to retire.
(Durandin enters at the same time as Marcel, who places the prescription medication on the table.)
Durandin (to Madame de Rouvre)
You've come here? What folly!
Rodolphe
Uncle!
Durandin
Let me have a word with Madame. I'll speak to you later.
Madame de Rouvre
Not here, monsieur. Escort me.
Durandin (to Madame de Rouvre)
Just now, when I told you what was happening here, you accused me
of insensitivity—even of cruelty. Well, I came expressly to prove to
you that I am neither insensitive nor cruel—only that I don't intend
to be duped.
Rodolphe
Uncle!
Durandin
And I don't want you to be either. For my word of honor, you are
all as crazy as you can be.
Madame de Rouvre
Monsieur, be quiet.
Durandin
I repeat to you, you are all duped in a comedy.
Schaunard
A comedy? (placing a chair near the bed) Allow me to offer you a
box seat so you can see it the better.
Musette (to Durandin)
Ah! Indeed, you have no heart.
Durandin (to Musette)
You defend your kind. I understand that.
Musette (exploding)
Mimi—my kind! Mimi so good, so devoted, so sweet—oh—how little
you know me. Ah, Monsieur Million, if only you were still young.
Durandin
Well?
Musette
I would like nothing more than to dissolve your fortune in the
crucible of my caprices. You see these little teeth—they devour golden
ingots. (stamping her foot) Don't you have a son somewhere that I could
beggar?
Durandin
Well, good—as for you—you are frank. (going to Rodolphe) Look,
she's ill, you say. Well, I'll get her into a nursing home. (raising
his voice more and more) But I don't want her to remain here!
(The bed curtain opens, Mimi appears and listens. Musette observes her and runs to her.)
Durandin
On that condition I will provide money, but she will leave.
Madame de Rouvre
You will give nothing, monsieur, and she won't leave.
Durandin
Madame—
Rodolphe (seeing Mimi get out of bed, helped by Musette)
Uncle, will you go away?
Mimi (seeing Durandin, to Musette)
Monsieur Durandin! Let me leave—
Durandin (finishing a discussion with Rodolphe)
You are crazy, I tell you. You are crazy!
(Mimi, staggering and supported by Musette, walks to Durandin.)
Mimi
Don't scold him, monsieur. I'm going away. (to Rodolphe who runs to
her) Let me leave. I don't want them to give you alms for me.
Rodolphe (clasping Mimi)
Ah! (to Durandin) Go away, uncle.
(Rodolphe supports Mimi in her arms, and with Musette leading her, she goes to the armchair that Colline pushes forward. Musette gives her the muff.)
Musette
See how pretty it is.
Mimi
Yes, very pretty.
(Mimi puts her hands in the muff and dries her eyes with it.)
Rodolphe (taking her hand)
Mimi!
Mimi
Yes, you really love me, my poor friend, but I bother you.
Rodolphe
Be quiet.
(Mimi turns and notices Madame de Rouvre. She utters a scream and stands up.)
Mimi
Madame de Rouvre! Goodbye, Rodolphe, goodbye!
(Madame de Rouvre moves away.)
Rodolphe
Mimi—
Mimi (taking a step)
Goodbye. I intend to leave. Don't stop me. I will go to hospital.
I'll come back when I'm cured.
(Mimi faints in the armchair. Durandin shrugs his shoulders.)
Madame de Rouvre (seated by the table, rising)
You are cruel, monsieur.
Rodolphe
Ah, yes, really cruel.
Durandin (in a deep voice, to Rodolphe and Madame de Rouvre)
Well—look—she's in danger, you say?
Rodolphe
She's dying, monsieur.
Durandin
I'm going to save her. (takes off his hat and places it and his
cane on the table) Miss Mimi—it was a test; it's over. (takes
Rodolphe's hand and Mimi's hand) I give you to him.
(Mimi utters a long sigh and makes no response. Music.)
Durandin
You love him and he loves you. You are good and he will be rich. Be
happy. Come, get up and kiss me.
(A moment of silence. Musette, who's been leaning towards Mimi, pulls back suddenly with a scream and falls to her knees. Everyone surrounds Mimi. Durandin, after a gesture, releases Mimi's hand—which falls lifeless.)
Durandin
Ah, my God.
Rodolphe (kneeling by Mimi)
Ah—
(Schaunard opens the door abruptly and brings Durandin his cane and his hat.)
Schaunard
A comedy? Well, monsieur, the play is over. They're going to put
the lights out.
Musette
Goodbye, Mimi.
Rodolphe (rising and bursting into tears)
Oh, my youth! It's you they are going to bury.
CURTAIN