Scene VII (Enter Citizens, With Lighted Torches; Afterwards Siebel and Marguerite.)
Cho. Hither, hither, come this way—
They’re fighting here hard by!
See, one has fallen;
The unhappy man lies prostrate there.
Ah! he moves—yes, still he breathes;
Quick, then, draw nigh
To raise and succor him!
Val. ’Tis useless, cease these vain laments.
Too often have I gazed
On death, to heed it
When my own time hath come!
(Marguerite appears at the back, supported by Siebel.)
Mar. (advancing, and falling on her knees at Valentine’s side).
Valentine! ah, Valentine!
Val. (thrusting her from him).
Marguerite!
What would’st thou here?—away!
Mar. O heav’n!
Val. For her I die! Poor fool!
I thought to chastise her seducer!
Cho. (in a low voice, pointing to Marguerite).
He dies, slain by her seducer!
Mar. Fresh grief is this! ah, bitter punishment.
Sie. Have pity on her, pray!
Val. (supported by those around him).
Marguerite, give ear awhile;
That which was decreed
Hath duly come to pass.
Death comes at its good pleasure:
All mortals must obey its behest.
But for you intervenes an evil life!
Those white hands will never work more;
The labors and sorrows that others employ,
Will be forgotten in hours of joy.
Darest thou live, ingrate?
Darest thou still exist?
Go! Shame overwhelm thee! Remorse follow thee!
At length thy hour will sound.
Die! And if God pardons thee hereafter,
So may this life be a continual curse!
Cho. Terrible wish! Unchristian thought!
In thy last sad hour, unfortunate!
Think of thy own soul’s welfare.
Forgive, if thou wouldst be forgiven.
Val. Marguerite; I curse you! Death awaits me.
I die by your hand; but I die a soldier.
(Dies.)
Cho. God receive thy spirit!
God pardon thy sins!
(Curtain.)