RUD., MAR. and COL. Yes, yes! (_Amid applause they surround_ Schaunard _and make him get off the chair._) SCH. Some dancing, accompanied by singing? COL. Well, clear the stage for action. (_Moving chairs and tables aside, they prepare for a dance; they suggest various dances._) COL. Gavotte. MAR. Minuet. RUD. Pavanella. SCH. (_imitating a Spanish measure_) Fandango. COL. I vote we dance quadrilles first. (_the others approve_) RUD. Now take your partners. COL. I'll lead it. (_pretends to be very busy arranging a quadrille_) SCH. (_improvising, beats time with comic pomposity of manner_) La-lera, la-lera, la-lera! RUD. (_approaching_ MARCEL_, and bowing very low, offers him his hand as he gallantly says_) Oh! maiden fair and gentle! MAR. (_with coy bashfulness of manner, counterfeiting a woman's voice_) My modesty respect, sir, I beg you. SCH. Lal-lera, lal-lera, lal-lera, la! COL. (_giving directions as to the figures, while_ RUDOLPH _and_ MARCEL _dance the quadrille_) Balancez! MAR. (_in his ordinary voice_) Lal-lera, lal-lera, lal-lera! SCH. (_teasingly_) First there's the Rond. COL. No, stupid! SCH. (_with exaggerated contempt_) You've manners like a clown! COL. (_offended_) As I take it, you're insulting! Draw your sword, sir! (_rushes to the fireplace and seizes the tongs_) SCH. (_taking up the poker_) Ready! Have at you! (_preparing to receive his adversary's attack_) Thy hot blood would I drink! COL. (_doing likewise_) One of us shall now be gutted! (Rudolph _and_ Marcel _stop dancing and burst out laughing._) SCH. Now get a stretcher ready. COL. And get a grave-yard, too. (SCHAUNARD _and_ COLLINE _fight._) RUD. and MAR. (_gaily_) While they beat each other's brains out, Our fandango we will finish. (_They dance round the combatants, whose blows fall faster. The door opens and_ Musetta _enters in a state of great agitation._) MAR. (_amazed_) Musetta! (_All anxiously cluster round_ Musetta) MUS. (_hoarsely_) 'Tis Mimi--'tis Mimi who is with me--And is ailing! RUD. Mimi! MUS. She has not strength to climb the staircase. (_Through the open door _RUDOLPH_ spies _MIMI_, seated on the topmost stair; he rushes to her, followed by _MARCEL.) SCH. (_to _COLLINE) Here's the bed: we'll put her on it. (_they drag the bed forward_) RUD. (_supporting _MIMI_ and leading her towards the bed, aided by _MARCEL) There! some water! (_MUSETTA_ brings a glass of water and makes _MIMI_ sip it.) MIMI. (_passionately_) Oh, Rudolph! RUD. Gently, lie down there. (_gently lowers her on the bed_) MIMI. (_embracing RUDOLPH_) My darling Rudolph! Ah! let me stay with you! RUD. Darling Mimi! stay here ever! (_He induces _Mimi_ to lie down at full length on the bed, and draws the coverlet over her; he then carefully adjusts the pillow be neath her head._)