to have been a
brave, great angel who could bear heaven on her wings.
Long ago I knew it, Edgar. When the truth came I looked
every way and there was no help. Then when I found I was
to die, it seemed that God had pitied and helped me. For
that was the only way.... O, these little women who can do
nothing but love! I wish I could take them all with me.
These tears are for them, not for myself, darling. O, I am
happy, but they must wait ... they can not die. How you
shiver! You must take your cloak. I am warm now. Indeed, I
am quite comfortable.... Don't--don't weep. You must be
happy because I am. Let us smile the rest of the time,
darling,--it--is such a little while.

Poe. (Brokenly) Yes ... yes.... O little flower, little flower,
dropping back to God's bosom, how have I dared to touch
thee!

Vir. (Rubbing her hand on his arm) 'Tis damp! You have been
out? O, my dear, you must, must take your cloak! I am
quite, quite warm! See, feel my hands! (Smiling)

Poe. (Taking her hands) Little icicles!

Vir. You have been out! O, save yourself for the great things
... now I am going out of your way. Don't let my death be
as vain as my life. Let that count for something, Edgar.
O, promise me you will live for your genius' sake, you
will be true to your heavenly gift! Kneel by me and
promise!

Poe. I ... promise.

Vir. Dear husband ... I.... (faints)

Mrs. C. O, she is gone!

Poe. No! She faints! My beautiful idol! O, some wine! Heaven
and earth for some wine!

Mrs. C. She looks at us! My daughter!

Poe. O, do not try to speak! Let your beautiful eyes do all the
talking!

Mrs. C. She looks toward the fire. She would have you go, Edgar,
and try to keep warm. Come, dear. (Poe kisses Virginia
gently, and goes to fireside, looking back adoringly) Do
not look at her, and she will sleep again.

Poe. Ah, God! It will take more than sleep to help her. And I
can give her nothing--nothing!

Mrs. C. Don't, Edgar! Remember your terrible illness--how you
worked for her when fever was burning your brain--until
your pen fell from your hand.

Poe. I brought her to this land of ice an