not let me hurt you ... the dearest, the
most unselfish of mothers ... but it is better for me to
meet my husband alone.

(Mrs. Clemm turns and goes slowly upstairs. Virginia goes
back to fire)

Vir. Watch and pray! I can but watch and pray!... He said 'twas
love he wanted ... and I brought him that ... love that
shakes but with the globe itself. But it does not help ...
'twas all wrong ... all wrong! (Weeps. Rises, and busies
herself about an oven on the hearth) Three times I have
prepared his supper that it might be fresh enough to tempt
him. But now ... I am so tired. I must try to keep this
warm. The sight of it may make him angry ... but I must
try. (Arranges some clothes on a chair) He will be so wet
with the rain. Ah, I can do nothing ... nothing. (Looks
toward door) He is coming! Strength, strength. O my God!

(Poe throws door open. Turns and speaks as if to
companions outside)

Poe. Goodnight, goodnight, brave Beauty's fearless angels!
(Comes in) Well, Dame Venus, what thoughts for your
hobbling Vulcan?

Vir. (Brightly) My Hermes, you mean. I'm sure you're
feather-footed, you go so far and fast.

Poe. Why, sweet-mouth, a kiss for that! (Kisses her)

Vir. O, my love, you are dripping with the rain.

Poe. Well, and so are the trees. Not a leaf out there but is
shaking her pearls. Who flies from Nature but man? Let her
be terrible, glorious, worthy of his eyes and his heart,
and forthwith he takes to his hole.

Vir. I hate her to-night. She kept me from following you.

Poe. Virginia! (Seizes her hands, crushing them in his, and
gazing at her with fierce earnestness) Never do that
again! Never again! (Lets her hands fall, and turns toward
door as if he must go out. Her eyes follow him eagerly,
but she tries to speak carelessly)

Vir. Here are your dry things, dear, and I've kept something
hot for your supper.

Poe. (Turning) Yes ... this is a very valuable skin of mine.
Make it comfortable. But what of me, Virginia? That
something here burning with fires that would brighten
Olympos' head! Have you no welcome for me? (Virginia is
silent) Why are