Yes, I know: when I have given him back his life, at the risk of my own, he will have the kisses, the lips and the eyes, the days and the nights, all, in short, that forms love's vain and ephemeral happiness!... But I, I shall have something much better; and sometimes, by chance, in passing, I shall be vouchsafed a kindly smile, which will not perish, provided that I refrain from demanding it too often.... No, Joyzelle, at my age we are no longer satisfied with illusions of that kind nor with those deceptive dregs. The hour of heroic falsehoods is past for me. I wish to have what he will have. I care little for your smile, which I know to be impossible: I want yourself; I want you absolutely, were it only for a moment; but I shall have that moment: he will give it me.... (_Approaching LANCÉOR._) Look at him, Joyzelle: his features are becoming distorted; we have waited too long and the danger increases with each minute that passes.... Will you come?... JOYZELLE. (_Casting a bewildered glance around her._) Nothing bursts, nothing falls and I am alone in the world!... MERLIN. (_Feeling LANCÉOR'S body._) The danger is becoming grave.... I know the symptoms.... JOYZELLE. Well, then, yes, I will come!... I will come to-night! I will come this evening!... But save him first and restore him to life!... See, his eyes are hollowing and his lips are fading and I stand here bargaining for his life, as though it were a question of.... MERLIN. He shall be restored to you; but remember, Joyzelle, if you are not true to your promise, the hand that cures him will strike him mercilessly.... JOYZELLE. But I shall be true to it and I would go on my knees to the end of the other world to remain true to it!... Ah, I will come, I tell you! I give myself absolutely and I am wholly yours!... What more do you want?... I have nothing left!... MERLIN. It is well; I have your promise; I will fulfil mine.... (_Aside, taking LANCÉOR in his arms._) Forgive me, my son, in the name of your destiny, which demands this torture.... (_He leans over LANCÉOR and presses a long kiss on his eyelids and lips. Aloud._) See, he returns from the regions without light.... Life is restored to him, but he will awake only in your eager arms. I leave you to your work. Remember your word.... [_Exit MERLIN. JOYZELLE has taken LANCÉOR in her arms and looks at him in anguish. Soon her lover's eyes half open and his hands move feebly._ JOYZELLE.