e can enter without danger. There are dangerous
places, and the path is very narrow between two lakes whose bottom has
not yet been found. I did not think to bring a torch or a lantern, but
I think the light of the sky will be enough for us.--You have never
gone into this grotto?

MELISANDE.

No....

PELLEAS.

Let us go in; let us go in.... You must be able to describe the place
where you lost the ring, if he questions you.... It is very big and
very beautiful. There are stalactites that look like plants and men.
It is full of blue darks. It has not yet been explored to the end.
There are great treasures hidden there, it seems. You will see the
remains of ancient shipwrecks there. But you must not go far in it
without a guide. There have been some who never have come back. I
myself dare not go forward too far. We will stop the moment we no
longer see the light of the sea or the sky. When you strike a little
light there, you would say the vault was covered with stars like the
sky. It is bits of crystal or salt, they say, that shine so in the
rock.--Look, look, I think the sky is going to clear.... Give me your
hand; do not tremble, do not tremble so. There is no danger; we will
stop the moment we no longer see the light of the sea.... Is it the
noise of the grotto that frightens you? It is the noise of night or
the noise of silence.... Do you hear the sea behind us?--It does not
seem happy to-night.... Ah! look, the light!...

[The moon lights up abundantly the entrance and part of the
darkness of the grotto; and at a certain depth are seen three
old beggars with white hair, seated side by side, leaning upon
each other and asleep against a bowlder.]

MELISANDE.

Ah!

PELLEAS.

What is it?

MELISANDE.

There are ... there are....
[_She points out the three Beggars._

PELLEAS.

Yes, yes; I have seen them too....

MELISANDE.

Let us go!... Let us go!...

PELLEAS.

Yes ... it is three old poor men fallen asleep.... There is a famine in
the country.... Why have they come to sleep here....

MELISANDE.

Let us go!... Come, come.... Let us go!...

PELLEAS.

Take care; do not speak so loud.... Let us not wake them.... They are
still sleeping heavily.... Come.

MELISANDE.

Leave me, leave me; I prefer to walk alone....

PELLEAS.

We will come back another day.... [_Exeunt._

SCENE IV.--_An apartment