Act IV
Scene I.—A barren Spot on the Outside of the Walls of the Temple. Four Priests are employed in making a Grave;—several other Priests are scattered about. While they sing the first Chorus, Rolla appears upon the Stage.
(Solemn Chorus of Priests.)1
Haste!—dig with eager hands a grave,
Our guiltless heads from death to save!
A grave, to turn from us aside
The darts destruction’s daemons guide!
For hark!—both justice and compassion cry,
“To save the guiltless, let the guilty die!”
Rolla. (Starting) What do I hear!—say,—what is the meaning of this?
(Chorus of Priests.)
Haste!—dig a grave t’avenge the gods!
A grave, that in death’s dark abodes,
Lost Cora’s crime, of deepest die,
May soon for ever buried lie!
Rolla. Cora’s crime!—speak!—answer me!
A Priest. Away from this spot!—It is cursed for Cora’s sake.
Rolla. Curses upon thyself, thou damned babbler!—But say!—why these solemn preparations?—for what miserable victim is this grave designed?
(Chorus of Priests.)
Brethren!—the grave’s prepar’d!—away!
Bring Cora hither!—hence!—obey!—
That perishing in earth’s dark womb
Which must her living form entomb,
She a sin-offering may become, for sin;
And by her sufferings heaven’s compassion win.
Rolla. Ye powers above!—what sounds are these!—they fall like a mountain upon my head! (The priests collect their tools, and prepare to depart) Speak, ye flinty-hearted men!—speak!—speak!—it is Rolla who entreats you!—Rolla entreats!—One who is not accustomed to solicitation entreats you to tell him the meaning of what he sees!—What has happened here?—for what purpose is this grave prepared?—and why do you sing that ill-omened song? (The priests are going, Rolla stamps on the ground) Stop, and speak, or dread the violence you will provoke! (Exeunt the Priests, Rolla is following them)
Notes
1 The translator acknowledges her obligation to a friend, for the verification of these chorusses.