On my bosom, Edgar. (Presses him to
the large chair and sits on the arm of it, caressing him)
This forehead is as pure as heaven-lit ivory of angels'
brows!

Poe. O, golden heart! (Kisses her over her heart) I will work
so hard, Virginia! We shall be rich, and I will take you
to some wonderful land where beauty can not die! Will you
forgive me then when you are bright and strong in some
happy isle of roses?

Vir. I will forgive you now, dearest, if you will do one thing
for me.

Poe. O, what, my darling?

Vir. Eat the poor little supper I have cooked for you.

Poe. Yes--yes--I'll eat it though it be hell's coals!

Vir. Now that's a compliment to your cook, isn't it? (Takes
food from oven and puts it on table. Poe eats, at first
reluctantly, then hungrily)

Poe. It is late--so late! O, my Lenore, you kept up for me!
Your weary eyes would not close until they had found their
lover! O, can you forgive me, and take me back to your
heart? You will love me again?

Vir. Ah, Edgar, if love were enough we should always be happy.

Poe. Love me, love me, dear! I want no more! And this cough ...
we shall stop all that, darling! O, how weary you must be,
and you tried to have everything so beautiful for me! How
pretty your dress is! You look like a Naiad smiling out of
a lily. But it's too cold! Here, I will wrap you! (Puts
shawl about her) Ah, little wife, little wife, what evil
power locked your gentle heart with mine? Bear with me,
love. It will all be different soon. I shall try so hard
the gods for pity will not let me fail! See how I have
eaten! You may give me more, love. You did not cook this,
I know. You stole it from Jove's kitchen.

Vir. (Getting food) Yes, I did, and Jove caught me, but he let
me go when I told him it was for a poet.

Poe. Little witch! (Kisses her) How happy we shall be,
Virginia, as soon as I have money. I shall go to New York
for a year. It will take only a year. Then I shall come
back bringing the lady Fame with me, and you must not be
jealous of her.

Vir. (Slowly) You--would not--take me?

Poe. Why, the north-wind would blow the Spring from my