664
MADAME BUTTERFLY
father's sword and reads the inscription:) "To die with honor . . . when one can no longer live with honor." . . .
(She draws her finger across the blade, to test the sharpness of the sword, then picks up the hand glass, puts on more rouge, re-arranges the poppies in her hair, bows to the shrine, and is about to press the blade of the sword against her neck, when the door is opened and the child is pushed into the room by Suzuki, who keeps out of sight. Madame Butterfly drops the sword and takes the baby in her arms. A knocking is heard but she pays no heed. She sets the child on a mat, puts the American flag in its hand, and picking up the sword, goes behind the screen that the child may not see what she is about to do. A short pause—the sword is heard to drop. Madame Butterfly reappears, her face deathly—a scarf about her neck to conceal the wound. Suzuki opens the door, sees the face of her mistress—backs out of the room in horror. Madame Butterfly drops to her knees as she readies the child, and clasps it to her. A hand is thrust through the shoji and the bolt is drawn.)
(Kate enters quickly urging the reluctant Pinkerton to follow her.)
Lieutenant Pinkerton. (Discerning what she has done.) Oh! Cho-Cho-San!
(He draws her to him with the baby pressed to her heart. She waves the child's hand which holds the flag—saying faintly.)
Madame Butterfly. Too bad those robins didn' nes' again.
(She dies.)
