Act 1 — SCENE III
Reading edition
Esmeralda, Quasimodo, Phœbus de Chateaupers, the archers of the watch
PHŒBUS (entering at the head of a body of archers).
In the King's name!
[In the struggle Claude escapes. The archers seize Quasimodo.
PHŒBUS.
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 Phœbus with curiosity, mingled with admiration, and draws him gently to the front of the stage.
ESMERALDA (to Phœbus).
Deign to tell me Your name, sir! I beg you to.
PHŒBUS.
Phœbus, my child— Of the family Of Chateaupers.
ESMERALDA.
Captain?
PHŒBUS.
Yes, my queen!
ESMERALDA.
Queen? oh, no!
PHŒBUS.
Exquisite grace!
ESMERALDA.
Phœbus! I like your name!
PHŒBUS.
Upon my soul I have a blade Which has, Madame, Great havoc made.
ESMERALDA (to Phœbus).
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.
PHŒBUS (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.
PHŒBUS (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!
PHŒBUS.
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 Phœbus! 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!
[Phœbus takes it off and offers it to her.
PHŒBUS.
Does it please you?
ESMERALDA (taking the scarf and putting it on).
Yes, it is beautiful!
PHŒBUS.
One moment!
[He goes to her and tries to embrace her.
ESMERALDA (drawing back).
Don't, I beg you!
PHŒBUS (insisting).
You must kiss me!
ESMERALDA (drawing away still more).
No, truly!
PHŒBUS (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?
PHŒBUS.
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.
PHŒBUS.
One kiss, one kiss—'tis nothing, you see.
ESMERALDA.
Nothing to you, but much to me!
PHŒBUS.
Look at me, dear! I am playing no part!
ESMERALDA.
Alas, but I cannot look into my heart!
PHŒBUS.
To-night love shall make an entrance there!
ESMERALDA.
Wherever love enters, soon follows despair.
[She slips out of his arms and escapes. Phœbus, disappointed, turns to Quasimodo, whom the archers hold bound at the back of the stage.
PHŒBUS.
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.