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_).