trated Infinite I may be the Sun himself!

Mrs. C. O, my mother-heart!

Poe. Think a little more and you will forget it. The heart
makes the being there on the bed your daughter--my
wife--but the mind makes her a part of the divine force
which has chosen her shape for its visible flower. The
heart is wrung by the falling of the bloom, for it is
endeared to that only, but the mind rejoices in its
reunited divinity. Come.... (Moves a step toward the bed)
I can look on her now ... and be quiet. Sweet rose, I can
watch your petals fall. But they fall early ... they fall
early ... blasted in the May. Not by the divine breath
drawing you home, but by my mortal, shattering hand! I
promised you sun and dew.... I have given you frost and
shadows. O God! O God! let me _not_ think! Keep me a
little, weeping child!

Mrs. C. Dear son, cast out this bitterness. Only your love and
devotion have kept her alive so long.

Poe. No! I touched her like a wing of doom, and she fell
blasted! (She tries to soothe him) No, no! Call devils
from hell to curse me!

(A knock at the door. Mrs. Clemm opens it and a basket is
delivered to her. Poe, deep in agony, does not notice. She
takes things from the basket)

Mrs. C. O, Edgar! Wine, and soft blankets!

(He looks up, and rushes across to her)

Poe. Wine! wine! O, spirit that bendest from pitying clouds, a
mortal thanks thee! Quick, mother, these drops of strength
will give her back to us!

Mrs. C. She sleeps, my son, which is ease more precious than
these drops can give.

Poe. (Taking bottle) Give it to me!

Mrs. C. Edgar, Edgar, do not wake her!

Poe. Lenore, Lenore, out of thy dream, though 't were the
fairest ever blown to mortal from Elysium! This will put
thee to such smiles that dreams--

Mrs. C. Be quiet, for God's sake!

Poe. Quiet! 'Tis a word for clods and stones! You'd hold me
from her when my hand brings life? (Rushes to cupboard and
gets a glass which he fills)

Mrs. C. Just a little, Edgar. Too much would--

Poe. She shall drink it all, by Heaven! I will save her!

(Mrs. Clemm sinks to a chair, helpless and sobbing. A
knock at t