Act II
Scene.—The square of Grève. 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 pass 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 God 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,
Nobody 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.