PHOEBUS.

To-night love shall make an entrance there!

ESMERALDA.

Wherever love enters, soon follows despair.

[_She slips out of his arms and escapes. Phoebus, disappointed, turns to Quasimodo, whom the archers hold bound at the back of the stage._

PHOEBUS.

She escapes me, she resists me!

A gay adventure, verily!

I keep the worst of our two birds of prey-- The owl remains; the nightingale flew away!

[_He places himself at the head of his guard and goes out, taking Quasimodo with him._

CHORUS OF THE WATCH.

Vigilance and peace-- Whoever pa.s.ses here Must ope the eye to darkness, To silence strain the ear!

[_The sound grows fainter and finally ceases._

_ACT II_

Scene.--_The square of Greve. The pillory. Quasimodo is in the pillory. Populace on the square_

SCENE I

CHORUS.

He abducted a girl-- What! is it possible?

Hark! how they abuse him!

Do you hear, my friends?

Quasimodo has been hunting on Cupid's domain!

A WOMAN OF THE PEOPLE.

He will pa.s.s through my street On his return from the pillory; And it is Pierrat Forterne Who will give us the signal.

TOWN-CRIER.

In the King's name, whom G.o.d protect!

The man you see here, will be put Under a strong guard, In the pillory for one hour.

CHORUS.

Down with him! Down with him!

The hunchback, the deaf, the one-eyed creature This Barabbas!

I believe, s'death! he's looking at us.

Down with the sorcerer!

He makes faces, he kicks; He makes dogs bark in the streets.

Punish the rascal well!

Double the whip and the penalty.

QUASIMODO.

Drink!

CHORUS.

Hang him!

QUASIMODO.

Drink!

CHORUS.

Be accursed!

[_Esmeralda, some instants ago, joined the crowd. She perceives Quasimodo, first with surprise, then with pity. Suddenly, in the midst of all the noise, she mounts the pillory, unfastens a little cup which she carries on her belt, and gives a drink to Quasimodo._

CHORUS.

What are you doing, beautiful girl?

Leave Quasimodo alone!

When Beelzebub roasts, n.o.body gives him water.

[_She comes down. The archers unfasten Quasimodo and take him away._

CHORUS.

He abducted a woman!

Who? This dolt!

It is terrible, it is infamous, It is too much!

Do you hear, my friends?

Quasimodo Dared to go hunting on Cupid's domain.

SCENE II

_A magnificent drawing-room in which people are making preparations for a festival._ Phoebus, Fleur-de-lys, Madame Aloise De Gondelaurier

MADAME ALOISE.