Chapter VII: Part II (4)

Oh, yes! The Cardinal is coming--that is true. You'll see, then, gentlemen, that he will hear! My Didier, you shall hear me talk to him! The Cardinal! Indeed, you must be all insane, To think such an old man--a Christian too, The gracious Cardinal--will not be glad To pardon you. Have you not pardoned me?

[_Nine o'clock strikes. Didier makes sign to all to hush. Marion listens with terror. After the nine strokes have sounded, Didier goes and stands close to Saverny._

DIDIER (_to the spectators_).

You who have come to see the last of us, If any speak of us, bear witness all, That without faltering we have heard the hour Bring us its summons to eternity.

[_The cannon sounds at the door of the tower; the black veil which concealed the opening in the wall, falls: the gigantic litter of The Cardinal appears, borne by twenty-four foot-guards, surrounded by twenty other guards bearing halberds and torches: the litter is scarlet and ornamented with the arms of the House of Richelieu. It crosses the back of the stage slowly. Great agitation among the crowd._

MARION (_dragging herself up to the litter on her knees and wringing her hands_).

In your Christ's name! In name of all your race, Mercy for them, my lord!

A VOICE (_from the litter_).

No mercy!

[_Marion falls to the ground. The litter passes and the procession of the condemned men follows it. The crowd rush madly after them._

MARION (_alone, lifts herself half way up, and drags herself along by her hands: looking around._)

Ah! What did he say? Where are they gone? My love! My Didier! No one! Not a sound! Is it A dream--this place? the crowd?--or am I mad?

[_The people rush back in disorder. The litter reappears in the background on the side where it went off. Marion rises and gives a terrible cry._

He's coming back!

GUARDS (_pushing the people aside_).

Make way!

MARION (_erect and half-wild, pointing to the litter_).

Look, all of you!
It is the red man who goes by!
[_She falls senseless._

ESMERALDA

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

Esmeralda.
Phoebus de Chateaupers.
Claude Frollo.
Quasimodo.
Fleur-de-lys.
Madame Aloise de Gondelaurier.
Diana.
Bérangère.
Viscount de Gif.
M. de Chevreuse.
M. de Morlaix.
Clopin Frouillefou.
The Town-Crier.
_Populace, Vagrants, Archers, etc._

ESMERALDA

_ACT I_

SCENE.--_The Court of Miracles. It is night. A crowd of vagrants. Noisy dancing. Male and female beggars in different attitudes of their profession. The King of Thune on his cask. Fires, lights, torches. In the shadow a circle of wretched dwellings_

SCENE I

_Claude Frollo, Clopin Frouillefou, then Esmeralda, then Quasimodo. The Vagrants_

CHORUS OF VAGRANTS.

Long live Clopin! Long live the King of Thune! Long live the rogues of Paris. Let us strike our blows at dusk-- The hour when all the cats are drunk. Let us dance! Defy Pope and bull, And let us laugh in our skins, Whether April wets or June burns The feathers in our caps. Let us smell from afar The shot of the avenging archer, Or the bag of money which passes On the back of the traveler. In the light of the moon, We will go dance with the spirits. Long live Clopin, King of Thune! Long live the rogues of Paris!

CLAUDE FROLLO (_apart behind a pillar in a corner of the stage. He is covered with a long cloak which hides his priestly garb_).

In the midst of this infamous band What matters the sigh of a soul? I suffer! Oh, never did fiercer flame Burn in the bowels of a volcano. [_Esmeralda enters, dancing._

CHORUS.

There she is! There she is! It is she--Esmeralda!

CLAUDE FROLLO (_aside_).

It is she! oh, yes--'tis she!
Wherefore, relentless fate,
Made you her so beautiful,
Me--so unfortunate?

[_She reaches the center of the stage. The Vagrants form an admiring circle around her._

ESMERALDA.

An orphan am I,
Child of woe,
To you I turn
And flowers throw!
In my wild joy
Sad sighs abide;
I show a smile,
The tears I hide.

Poor girl--I dance
Where brooklets run,
As chirp the birds
My song flows on:
I am the dove
Which, hurt, must fall;
Over my cradle
Hangs death's pall.

CHORUS.

Young girl, dance on!
More gentle you make us.
Take us for family,
And play with us,
As stoops the nightingale
Unto the sea,
Teasing its waves
To ecstasy.

'Tis the young girl--
Child of woe,
When beams her eye
Grief must go.
She's like the bee
Which trembling flies
To the flower's heart,
Its Paradise.

Young girl, dance on!
More gentle you make us.
Take us for family,
And play with us!

CLAUDE FROLLO (_aside_).

Tremble, young girl--
The priest is jealous.

[_Claude attempts to draw near to Esmeralda; she turns away from him with a kind of horror. The procession of the Pope of Fools enters. Torches, lanterns and music. In the middle of the procession, upon a litter surrounded with candles, Quasimodo, decked with cope and miter, is carried._

CHORUS.

Salute him, clerks of Vasoche! Shell-heaps, lubbers, beggars! Salute him, all of you! He comes. Behold the Pope of Fools!

CLAUDE FROLLO (_perceiving Quasimodo, and starting toward him with a gesture of anger_).

Quasimodo! What a strange part to play! Profanation! Here--Quasimodo!

QUASIMODO.

Great God! what do I hear?

CLAUDE FROLLO.

Come here, I tell you.

QUASIMODO (_jumping from the litter_).

Here I am!

CLAUDE FROLLO.

Be anathematized!

QUASIMODO.

God! it is himself!

CLAUDE FROLLO.

Outrageous audacity!

QUASIMODO.

Moment of terror.

CLAUDE FROLLO.

To your knees, traitor!

QUASIMODO.

Pardon me, Master!

CLAUDE FROLLO.

No! I am a priest.

[_Claude Frollo tears off Quasimodo's pontifical ornaments, and crushes them underfoot. The Vagrants begin to murmur; they form menacing groups around him; he looks at them angrily._

THE VAGRANTS.

He threatens us, O comrades! Here in this place, Where we reign.

QUASIMODO.

What means the audacity Of these robbers? They menace him, But we shall see!

CLAUDE FROLLO.

Race unclean, You menace me. Robbers--Jews-- But we shall see!

[_The anger of The Vagrants bursts forth._

THE VAGRANTS.

Stop! stop! stop! Down with the mar-joy! He shall pay for it with his head; In vain he defends himself.

QUASIMODO.

Have respect for his head. Let every one cease, Or I change this festival To a bloody battle.

CLAUDE FROLLO.

It is not about his head That Frollo is troubled. [_Puts his hand on his heart._ There is the tempest, There is the battle!

[_At the moment when The Vagrants' fury has reached its highest pitch, Clopin Frouillefou appears at the back of the stage_

CLOPIN.

Who in this infamous den Dares to attack my lord the Archdeacon, And Quasimodo, bell-ringer Of Notre Dame?

THE VAGRANTS (_subsiding_).

It is Clopin, our King!

CLOPIN.

Clowns! Be off!

THE VAGRANTS.

We must obey!

CLOPIN.

Leave us!

[_The Vagrants retire to their hovels. The Court of Miracles appears deserted. Clopin approaches Claude cautiously._

SCENE II

Claude Frollo, Quasimodo, Clopin Frouillefou

CLOPIN.

What purpose brings you to this orgy? Has your lordship any orders to give me? You are my master in sorcery; Speak--I will do all.

CLAUDE FROLLO (_grasping Clopin's arm excitedly, and dragging him to the front of the stage_).

I have come to end all.
Listen!

CLOPIN.

My lord!

CLAUDE FROLLO.

I love her more than ever. You behold me quivering with love and with anguish. I must have her to-night.

CLOPIN.

You will see her pass by here--in a moment; It is the way to her home.

CLAUDE FROLLO (_aside_).

Oh! Hell has hold of me!
[_Aloud._] Soon--you say?

CLOPIN.

Upon the instant!

CLAUDE FROLLO.

Alone?

CLOPIN.

Alone.

CLAUDE FROLLO.

That is enough.

CLOPIN.

Will you wait?

CLAUDE FROLLO.

I wait--
Let me have her, or let me die!

CLOPIN.

Can I help you?

CLAUDE FROLLO.

No!

[_He motions to Clopin to leave him, after having thrown him his purse. When he finds himself alone with Quasimodo, he draws him to the front of the stage._

CLAUDE FROLLO.

Come! I need you!

QUASIMODO.

It is well!

CLAUDE FROLLO.

For a deed that is impious, frightful, awful!

QUASIMODO.

You are my lord and master!

CLAUDE FROLLO.

Chains, death, the law--
We brave them all.

QUASIMODO.

Count upon me.

CLAUDE FROLLO (_recklessly_).

I mean to abduct the gypsy!

QUASIMODO.

Master, take my blood--without telling me why!

[_Upon a sign from Claude Frollo he retires up stage and leaves his master down stage._

CLAUDE FROLLO.

Oh, Heaven! to have given one's mind to the depths, To have tried all the crimes of sorcery, To have fallen lower than hell itself: A priest, at midnight, in the dark to watch for a woman! And to reflect that in this state in which I find my soul God sees me!

Well! what does it matter?
Fate drags me on!
Its hand is too strong,
Its will be done!
I begin life over--
The priest insane
Feels hope no longer,
Knows terror is vain!
Demon, who drugs me,
Give her to me;
And I, who evoked thee,
Thy slave will be--
Receive the priest
Whose bonds are riven!
Hell with her
Will be my heaven!
Come, exquisite woman,
Your beauty I claim.
You shall own me forever--
I swear, in God's name!
Since he--since the master
By whom love was given,
Bids me choose--me, a priest,
Between passion and heaven!

QUASIMODO (_returning_).

Master, the moment is at hand!

CLAUDE FROLLO.

Yes--the solemn hour:
It will decide my fate. Be silent! Hush!

_CLAUDE FROLLO and QUASIMODO._

The night is dark,
Footsteps I hear:
In shadow does not
Some one draw near?

[_They go to the back of the stage to listen._

THE WATCH (_passing behind the houses_).

Vigilance and peace!
Whoever passes here
Must ope the eye to darkness,
To silence strain the ear.

_CLAUDE FROLLO and QUASIMODO._

In shadow they come;
They make no sound:
Still let us be
While the watch goes round!

[_The voices of the watch grow fainter._

QUASIMODO.

The watch has passed!

CLAUDE FROLLO.

Our terror follows it.

[_Claude Frollo and Quasimodo look anxiously at the door through which Esmeralda must pass._

QUASIMODO.

Love inspires,
Hope renders strong,
Him who watches
While sleeps the throng.
I see her come--
Lo! she appears.
Maid divine!
Have no fears!

CLAUDE FROLLO.

Love inspires,
Hope renders strong,
Him who watches
While sleeps the throng.
I see her come,
Maid divine!
Lo! she appears--
She is mine!

[_Esmeralda enters: they throw themselves upon her and try to drag her away: she struggles._

ESMERALDA.

Help--help! To me--help!

_CLAUDE FROLLO and QUASIMODO._

Hush, young maiden--hush!

SCENE III

_Esmeralda, Quasimodo, Phoebus de Chateaupers, the archers of the watch_

PHOEBUS (_entering at the head of a body of archers_).

In the King's name!

[_In the struggle Claude escapes. The archers seize Quasimodo._

PHOEBUS.

Arrest him! hold him close! Be he lord or valet! At once--we will conduct him To the prison Chatelet.

[_The archers take Quasimodo up stage and off. Esmeralda, recovered from her fright, approaches Phoebus with curiosity, mingled with admiration, and draws him gently to the front of the stage._

ESMERALDA (_to Phoebus_).

Deign to tell me Your name, sir! I beg you to.

PHOEBUS.

Phoebus, my child-- Of the family Of Chateaupers.

ESMERALDA.

Captain?

PHOEBUS.

Yes, my queen!

ESMERALDA.

Queen? oh, no!

PHOEBUS.

Exquisite grace!

ESMERALDA.

Phoebus! I like your name!

PHOEBUS.

Upon my soul
I have a blade
Which has, Madame,
Great havoc made.

ESMERALDA (_to Phoebus_).

A beautiful captain,
An officer grand,
With corselet of steel
And an air of command!
Often, kind sir,
Our hearts they break,
And only laugh
At the tears they make.

PHOEBUS (_aside_).

With a beautiful captain,
An officer gay,
Love hardly succeeds
In living a day.
All soldiers desire
To pluck every rose,
Joys without troubles,
Love without woes.

PHOEBUS (_to Esmeralda_).

A radiant spirit Smiles at me Through thine eyes.

ESMERALDA.

A beautiful captain,
An officer grand,
With corselet of steel
And an air of command!
Long watches the girl
He carelessly passed;
And the dreams he awakened
Forever may last!

PHOEBUS.

With a beautiful captain,
An officer gay,
Love hardly succeeds
In a living day!
It's like lightning which flashes--
This eager desire
Which the eyes of sweet maidens
Kindle to fire!

ESMERALDA (_standing before the Captain and admiring him_).

My lord Phoebus! Let me see you! Let me admire you a hundred-fold! Oh the beautiful scarf of silk-- Oh the fine scarf with fringe of gold!

[_Phoebus takes it off and offers it to her._

PHOEBUS.

Does it please you?

ESMERALDA (_taking the scarf and putting it on_).

Yes, it is beautiful!

PHOEBUS.

One moment!
[_He goes to her and tries to embrace her._

ESMERALDA (_drawing back_).

Don't, I beg you!

PHOEBUS (_insisting_).

You must kiss me!

ESMERALDA (_drawing away still more_).

No, truly!

PHOEBUS (_laughing_).

A beauty
So cruel,
So haughty,
Is charming.

ESMERALDA.

No, beautiful captain,
In vain you plead!
Can I tell how far
A kiss might lead?

PHOEBUS.

I am a captain,
Why abuse me?
I want a kiss--
Don't refuse me!
Give it me--give it, or I will take!

ESMERALDA.

No, leave me! I beg of you, for my sake.

PHOEBUS.

One kiss, one kiss--'tis nothing, you see.

ESMERALDA.

Nothing to you, but much to me!

PHOEBUS.

Look at me, dear! I am playing no part!

ESMERALDA.

Alas, but I cannot look into my heart!

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 passes 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 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.

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.

Phoebus, my future son-in-law, listen to me. I am fond of you. Be master here, as if you were another self. Look to it that every one is gay to-night. And you, my daughter, come, get ready. You will be the most beautiful at this festival, Be also the most happy.

[_She goes up stage and gives orders to the servants, who continue the preparations._

FLEUR-DE-LYS.

Sir, since the other week, We have hardly seen you twice! This festival brings you back. How fortunate for us!

PHOEBUS.

Don't scold, I beg of you!

FLEUR-DE-LYS.

I understand. Phoebus forgets me!

PHOEBUS.

I swear to you--

FLEUR-DE-LYS.

Don't swear!
They only swear who deceive.

PHOEBUS.

Forget you? What folly! Are you not the most fair? Am I not the most loving?

PHOEBUS (_aside_).

My beautiful betrothed
Is out of sorts to-day;
Suspicion is in her mind.
What a pity!
Beauties, the lovers you treat ill
Go elsewhere.
You can do more with pleasure
Than with tears.

FLEUR-DE-LYS (_aside_).

To betray me, his betrothed,
Who belong to him!
I, who have only him to think of
And worry about!
Ah! whether he is away or here,
What grief!
Present, he scorns my joy;
Absent, my tears.

FLEUR-DE-LYS.

Phoebus, the scarf that I worked for you-- What have you done with it? I don't see it.

PHOEBUS (_troubled_).

The scarf? I don't know! [_Aside._] Good God! unlucky chance!

FLEUR-DE-LYS.

You forgot it? [_Aside._]To whom has he given it? And for whom am I deserted?

MADAME ALOISE (_coming up to them and trying to reconcile them_).

Heavens! get married! Then you can quarrel.

PHOEBUS (_to Fleur-de-lys_).

No! I have not forgotten it. I remember, I carefully folded it And put it in an enameled box That I had made for it.

[_Passionately to Fleur-de-lys, who still frets._

I swear I love you better Than one could love Venus herself!

FLEUR-DE-LYS.

Don't swear! Don't swear! They only swear who deceive!

MADAME ALOISE.

Children, don't quarrel--everything is bright to-day! Come, my daughter, you must be seen! The guests are coming! Everything has its turn. [_To the servants._] Light the candles and let the ball begin. I want everything to be beautiful, to seem as bright as day.

PHOEBUS.

Since we have Fleur-de-lys, nothing is wanting to the ball.

FLEUR-DE-LYS.

Yes, Phoebus--love is wanting! [_They go out._

PHOEBUS (_watching Fleur-de-lys go out_).

She speaks the truth: my heart is sad
Even when she is near--
The one I love, the one who fills my soul--
Alas! she is not here.

Exquisite creature,
To you my love!
Oh, dancing shadow,
My sweet-voiced dove,
Absent, yet with me
Wherever I move!

She's as bewildering and sweet
As is a nest 'mid rushes,
Sweet as a rosebud crowned with moss,
Sweet as the joy which sorrow hushes.

Humble child and virgin proud,
Soul that's pure though free!
Voluptuous ardors sink abashed
Before thy chastity.

In the dark night she comes,
An angel from the skies;
Her forehead veiled by shadows,
Flames darting from her eyes.

I see her face forever--
Now bright, now dark it seems;
But strangely--'tis in heaven
I see her in these dreams.

Exquisite creature.
To you my love!
Oh, dancing shadow,
My sweet-voiced dove,
Absent, yet with me
Wherever I move!

[_Enter several lords and ladies in gala dress._

SCENE III

_The preceding. Viscount de Gif, M. de Morlaix, M. de Chevreuse, Madame de Gondelaurier, Fleur-de-lys, Diana, Bérangère. Ladies, Lords_

VISCOUNT DE GIF.

My salutations, noble hostesses!

MADAME ALOISE, PHOEBUS, FLEUR-DE-LYS (_bowing_).

Good-evening, noble viscount! Forget all care and grief Beneath this hospitable roof.

M. DE MORLAIX.

Ladies, may God send you Health, pleasure, and happiness!

MADAME ALOISE, PHOEBUS, FLEUR-DE-LYS.

May Heaven return with interest All your good wishes, my lord!

M. DE CHEVREUSE.

Ladies, from the bottom of my soul I belong to you, as I do to God!

MADAME ALOISE, PHOEBUS, FLEUR-DE-LYS.

Kind sir, may our good Lady Come always to your aid! [_All the guests enter._

CHORUS.

Come to the festival, come!
Page, lordship, and ladyship, come!
With flowers in your hand,
A joy-seeking band,
Come to the festival, come!

[_The guests greet and salute each other; servants circulate among the crowd, bearing platters laden with flowers and fruits. A group of young girls forms itself near a window to the left. Suddenly one of them calls to the others, and motions to them to look out of the window._

DIANA (_looking out_).

Come and look! come and look, Bérangère!

BÉRANGÈRE (_looking into the street_).

Isn't she quick? Isn't she light?

DIANA.

It is a fairy or it is love.

VISCOUNT DE GIF (_laughing_).

Who dances in the public square?

M. DE CHEVREUSE (_after having looked_).

Indeed! it is the magician. Phoebus, it is your gypsy Whom, the other night, with valor You saved from a robber.

VISCOUNT DE GIF.

Oh, yes, it is the gypsy.

M. DE MORLAIX.

She's as beautiful as the day.

DIANA (_to Phoebus_).

If you know her, tell her to come And dance for us.

PHOEBUS (_looking out with an absent air_).

It might be she!

[_To M. de Gif._] Do you think she would remember?

FLEUR-DE-LYS (_who watches and listens_).

Every one remembers you. Come, call her, tell her to come up. [_Aside._] I will see whether to believe what I am told.

PHOEBUS (_to Fleur-de-lys_).

You wish it? Well, let us try!
[_He motions to the dancer to come up._

THE YOUNG GIRLS.

She is coming!

M. DE CHEVREUSE.

She has disappeared under the porch.

DIANA.

She has left the mob, stupefied.

VISCOUNT DE GIF.

Ladies, you will see the nymph of the streets.

FLEUR-DE-LYS (_aside_).

How quickly she obeyed that sign from Phoebus!

SCENE IV

_The same. Esmeralda. The gypsy enters timidly, confused and radiant. Movement of admiration. The crowd falls back before her_

CHORUS.

Look! her brow is fair amid the fairest, As a star would shine, surrounded by torches.

PHOEBUS.

Oh, creature divine!
Admiration is duty.
Of this ball she is queen,
Her crown is her beauty.

[_He turns to Messieurs de Gif and de Chevreuse._

Friends, my soul is on fire.
War and death would I face,
To hold in my arms
Such bewildering grace.

M. DE CHEVREUSE.

She is a heavenly vision,
A dream most rare and tender,
Which, floating through earth's darkness,
Radiates celestial splendor.
Born in the public streets--
Oh, blind caprice of fate,
To trail through muddy streams
A flower so immaculate!

ESMERALDA (_fixing her eyes on Phoebus in the crowd_).

It is my Phoebus, I was sure,
Just as that night I found him;
Whether in satin or in steel,
How grace and strength surround him!
Phoebus--my head is all on fire,
All burns within me, joy and pain;
My soul's consumed for lack of tears,
Just as earth yearns for rain.

FLEUR-DE-LYS.

How fair she is--yes, I was sure!
Jealous, indeed, I ought to be;
But yet to match that loveliness
How great must be my jealousy!
Alas! perhaps we both, foredoomed
To waste 'neath sorrow's harsh caress,
Full soon shall die--she in her flower,
I in my loneliness!

MADAME ALOISE.

A radiant creature, truly,
But, faith, 'tis a disgrace
That such a wretched gypsy
Should have so sweet a face.
Alas! the curious laws of fate
'Tis not for mortal mind to know:
The serpent hides his treacherous head
Beneath the fairest flowers that grow.

ALL (_together_).

She has the calmness, the delight
Of radiant skies on a warm night.

MADAME ALOISE (_to Esmeralda_).

Come, child! My beauty, come-- Come and dance us some new dance!

[_Esmeralda prepares to dance, and draws from her bosom the scarf which Phoebus gave her._

FLEUR DE-LYS.

My scarf! Phoebus, you have deceived me! My rival! Here she is!

[_Fleur-de-lys snatches the scarf from Esmeralda, and falls in a swoon. All the people rush angrily toward the gypsy, who flies for protection to Phoebus._

ALL.

Is it true that Phoebus loves her?
Infamous creature, go--depart!
To brave us thus in our own home,
You must have an audacious heart.
Oh! height of insolence! Retire!
Go back into the public street!
The common tradesmen, they can praise
The jumping of your low-born feet.
Away with her, away at once!
Out at the door! 'Tis a disgrace
For this degraded girl to lift
Her eyes to such a lofty place.

ESMERALDA.

Oh, defend me! Help! Defend me,
Save me, Phoebus, I implore thee;
For the poor forsaken gypsy,
Stands defenseless now before thee!

PHOEBUS.

I love her, and I love but her.
Yes! her defender I will be.
I'll fight for her, and my strong arm
Will bear my heart out valiantly.
If some one must be her protector,
I am the one--and doubt me not,
Her wrongs are mine, and who insults her
Must answer for it on the spot.

ALL.

What! She is what he loves! Indeed!
Away from here, away from here!
A gypsy he prefers to us;
With loving words he calms her fear.
Hush! silence! Both of you be still!
No further words of insolence.

[_To Phoebus._] From you, 'tis too much arrogance!

[_To Esmeralda._] From thee, too much impertinence!

[_Phoebus and his friends protect the gypsy, who is menaced by all the guests of Madame De Gondelaurier. Esmeralda staggers toward the door._