The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 100

The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 100

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 Cupids 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 Kings 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, sdeath! hes 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 Cupids 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.