Scene III
A chamber. In the background, a window which opens on the river. Clopin Frouillefou enters, bearing a torch. He is followed by several men, to whom he makes a preconcerted sign, and places them in a dark corner, in which they disappear; then he returns to the door and signals to some one to come up. Don Claude appears
CLOPIN (to Claude).
From here you can see the captain
And the gypsy without being seen.
[He shows him an alcove behind some tapestry.
CLAUDE FROLLO.
The men are stationed and ready?
CLOPIN.
They are ready.
CLAUDE FROLLO.
The projector of this must never be known.
Silence! take this purse.
I will give you as much more afterward.
[Claude Frollo hides himself in the alcove. Clopin exits with caution. Esmeralda and Phœbus enter.
CLAUDE FROLLO (aside).
Oh, woman adored,
Destiny’s prey!
She enters in beauty,
In tears goes away.
ESMERALDA (to Phœbus).
My lord the count,
My feelings I try to hide.
My heart is filled with shame,
And filled also with pride.
PHŒBUS (to Esmeralda).
My beauty, white and red,
I beg you blush no more.
Love, entering love’s domain,
Leaves fear outside the door.
[Phœbus makes Esmeralda sit down on the bench beside him.
PHŒBUS.
Dost thou love me?
ESMERALDA.
I love thee!
CLAUDE FROLLO (aside).
What torture!
PHŒBUS.
The adorable creature!
Upon my soul, you are divine!
ESMERALDA.
Your lips are flatterers;
You make me feel ashamed.
I beg of you, don’t come so near.
CLAUDE FROLLO.
They love each other. How I envy them!
ESMERALDA.
My Phœbus! I owe my life to you.
PHŒBUS.
And I—I owe my happiness to you.
ESMERALDA.
Be good to me!
Oh, try to be
Gentle, I entreat,
To the young maid,
Who much afraid
Trembles at your feet!
PHŒBUS.
Oh, my white queen,
Goddess serene,
Sovereign of beauty,
Whose bright eyes shine
With fires divine
Of passion and of duty!
CLAUDE FROLLO.
I wait for them;
I hark to them.
How tender she,
How handsome he!
How near their doom!
Be joyous he,
And happy she,
While I prepare their tomb!
PHŒBUS.
Nymph or woman,
Saint or human,
Be my wife to me!
All day I yearn,
All night I burn,
Such is my love for thee!
ESMERALDA.
I am woman,
I am human,
And my soul afire,
Trembles ever,
Longs forever,
As throbs a lover’s lyre!
CLAUDE FROLLO.
Woman, wait!
My flame as great,
My blade must have its turn.
Oh! I admire
These souls afire,
And these hearts which burn!
PHŒBUS.
Be always white and red, my love,
And smile at our bright lot;
Smile sweet at love, which we’ve awaked,
And chastity, which we’ve forgot.
Your mouth is heaven—my heaven, love—
My soul would cling in bliss
Upon it, love, and pray that life
Might end with one long kiss.
ESMERALDA.
Your voice delights my ear, love;
Your smile is sweet and free.
The laughing passion in your eyes
Benumbs and conquers me.
Your wishes are my law, love,
But I can’t yield to this:
My virtue and my happiness
Might die in that long kiss!
CLAUDE FROLLO.
Don’t let them hear your step, Death,
As near to them you creep!
My jealous hatred will keep watch
While their love falls asleep.
From out their arms so closely locked
You’ll steal away their bliss!
Phœbus—your wish is granted,
You die for that long kiss!
[Claude Frollo rushes upon Phœbus and stabs him; then he opens the window in the back, through which he escapes. With a great cry, Esmeralda falls upon the body of Phœbus. The men stationed at the corner rush forward, seize her, and seem to accuse her.