COL. (_who has removed his overcoat while Marcel and Musetta were talking_) Garment antique and rusty! A last good-bye! farewell! Faded friend, so tried and trusty, We must part, you and I. For never yet your back did you bow To rich man or mighty! How oft, Safe in your pockets spacious, Have you concealed philosophers and poets! Now that our pleasant friendship is o'er, I would bid thee once more, Oh! companion tried and trusty, Farewell! farewell! (_He folds up the coat, puts it under his arm, and is about to go, but seeing Schaunard, he approaches him, pats him on the back, and mournfully exclaims_) Schaunard, our methods possibly may differ, But yet two kindly acts we'll do: (_pointing to the coat_) Mine's this one, and yours--leave them alone in there. SCH. (_overcome by emotion_) Philosopher, you're right! 'Tis true; I'll go! (_He looks about him: then, to justify his exit, he takes up the water bottle and goes out after Colline, gently closing the door. Mimi opens her eyes, and seeing that all have gone, holds out her hand to Rudolph, who affectionately kisses it._) MIMI. Have they left us? (_Rudolph nods_) To sleep I only feigned, For I wanted to be alone with you, love. So many things there are that I would tell you. There is one, too, as spacious as the ocean, As the ocean, profound, without limit: You are my love, my all, and all my life! (_putting her arms round Rudolph's neck_) RUD. Ah! Mimi! my pretty Mimi! MIMI. (_letting her arms drop_) You still think I'm pretty! RUD. Fair as the dawn in Spring! MIMI. No, the simile fits not; you meant to say: Fair as the flame of sunset. "They call me Mimi; (_like an echo_) They call me Mimi, but I know not why." RUD. (_in tender, caressing tones_) Back to her nest comes the swallow in Spring-tide. (_He takes out the bonnet and gives it to Mimi._) MIMI. (_gaily_) Why, that's my bonnet! (_motions RUDOLPH to put the bonnet on her head_) Why, that's my bonnet! (_makes RUDOLPH sit next to her, and rests her head on his breast_) Ah! do you remember how we both went shopping When first we fell in love? RUD. Yes, I remember. MIMI. This room was all in darkness! RUD. While you, you were so frightened! Then the key you mislaid, love. MIMI. And to find it you went groping in the darkness. RUD. Yes, searching, searching. MIMI. And you, my young master, Now I can tell you frankly, That you soon managed to find it. RUD. It was Fate that did help me. MIMI. It was dark, and my blushes were unnoticed. (_faintly repeating _Rudolph's_ words_) "Your tiny hand is frozen, Let me warm it into life!" It was dark, and my hand then you clasped-- (_a sudden spasm half suffocates her; she sinks back fainting_) RUD. (_raising her in alarm_) Oh! God! Mimi! (_At this moment _Schaunard_ returns, and hearing _Rudolph's_ exclamation, hastens to the bedside._) SCH. What now? MIMI. (_opens her eyes and smilingly reassures _Rudolph_ and _Schaunard) Nothing; I'm better.