Act 2 — SCENE I
Reading edition
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.