MUS. (_taking the others aside and whispering to them_) I heard them saying that Mimi Had left the rich old viscount; And now was almost dying. Ah! but where? After searching, I met her alone just now, Almost dead with exhaustion. She murmured: "I'm dying! dying! But listen; I want to die near him. Maybe he's waiting! Take me thither, Musetta!" MAR. Hush! (_MUSETTA moves farther away from MIMI._) MIMI. I feel so much better. All here seems just the same as ever. (_with a sweet smile_) Ah! It is all so pleasant here! Saved from sadness, All is gladness; Once again new life is mine! RUD. Lips delightful, speak again to me! Once more enchant me! MIMI. Ah! beloved! Ah! leave me not! MUS. (_aside to the others_) What is there to give her? MAR. _and_ COL. Nothing! MUS. No coffee? no wine? MAR. (_in great dejection_) Nothing; the larder's empty. SCH. (_looking closely at Mimi_) In an hour she'll be dead! MIMI. I feel so cold! If I had but my muff here! My poor hands are simply frozen! How shall I get them warm? (_Mimi coughs; Rudolph takes her hands in his and chafes them._) RUD. In mine, in mine, love! Silence! for speaking tires you. MIMI. Tis coughing tires me. I'm used to that, though. (_seeing RUDOLPH'S friends, she calls them by name, when they hasten to her side_) Good-morrow, Marcel! Schaunard, Colline, good-morrow! All are here, as I see, glad to welcome Mimi. RUD. Hush! Mimi, do not talk. MIMI. I'll speak low; don't be frightened. (_SCHAUNARD and COLLINE mournfully withdraw; the former sits at the table, burying his face in his hands, the latter is a prey to sad thoughts._) MIMI. (_motioning Marcel to approach_) Marcel, now believe me, A good girl is Musetta. MAR. (_giving Musetta his hand_) I know, I know. MUS. (_drawing Marcel away from Mimi, takes off her earrings and gives them to him as she whispers_) Look here! sell them, And buy some tonic for her-- Send for a doctor! (_Mimi gradually grows drowsy; Rudolph takes a chair and sits down beside the bed._) RUD. Keep quiet. MIMI. You will not leave me? RUD. No, no! (_MARCEL is about to go, when Musetta stops him and takes him still further from Mimi._) MUS. Stay, listen! Maybe, what she has asked us Will be her last request on earth, little darling! I'll go for the muff--I'll come with you. MAR. How good you are, Musetta! (_MUSETTA and MARCEL hastily go out._)