PELLEAS AND MELISANDE
Scene two shows the subterranean vaults beneath the castle. Golaud leads Pelléas to the edge of a rock overlooking a stagnant and miasmatic lake and causes him to look down into it while he holds him back. Pelléas grows faint but Golaud leads him away.
Scene three shows the outside of the vaults. Pelléas is happy at breathing the air of heaven once more. Golaud is gloomy and gives Pelléas a warning about Melisande.
Scene four shows the castle tower and Melisande's window. Golaud questions litte Yniold as to the actions of Pelléas and Melisande together. The child endeavors to shield the two. Melisande's window is lighted up and Golaud hoists Yniold so that he may see into the room. The child says that he sees both Pelléas and Melisande there, looking at each other, motionless.
The Fourth Act shows a passageway of the castle. Pelléas makes a hasty appointment with Melisande to meet him, one last time before he goes away, at the fountain in the park. Arkel comes in and sympathizes with Melisande's joyless life here, but Golaut, entering, is furious. He hints at danger to her and, growing distraught, seizes her by the hair, bringing her to her knees and dragging her one way and another. She takes it all silently but Arkel interferes and Golaud desists.
In scene two Yniold is lifting a stone to find his golden ball when a runaway flock of sheep is heard, followed by a shepherd. Yniold marvels at their number and that they do not know their way home.
Scene three is the fountain. Pelléas awaits Melisande in the dark. She is late but explains that Golaud had a bad dream and that in her haste the nails of the gate tore her dress. Pelléas, about to go, says that he must tell her that he loves her and she then avows her love for him. At this revelation both are overcome and alternate between joy and despair. Suddenly, in the moonlight, they see the shadow of Golaud. Knowing they are both lost, they wildly throw themselves in each other's arms as Golaud springs forward and with his sword strikes Pelléas dead. He then pursues Melisande.
The Fifth Act discloses Golaud. Arkel and the Physician in the room of Melisande, who is extended on the bed. She partly recovers consciousness after weeks of sickness. Golaud, repentant but still savage and morose, wants her to tell the truth—Did she love Pelléas? Yes. Was it a guilty love? No.
Melisande dies.
CHARACTERS
| Pelléas | | Genevieve |
| Melisande | Little Yniold | |
| Golaud | A Physician | |
| Arkel |
