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._ ACT III Scene.--_The front yard of a tavern. Tavern to the right; trees to the left. In the back a door, and a small low wall which closes in the yard. In the distance the roof of Notre Dame with its towers and its spire. A dark silhouette of old Paris outlines itself against the red sunset. The river Seine is at the base of the picture_ SCENE I _Phoebus, Viscount de Gif, M. de Morlaix, M. de Chevreuse, and many other friends of Phoebus, seated at tables, are drinking, and singing; afterward Don Claude Frollo_ CHORUS. Be propitious and well-inclined, Our Lady of Saint Lo, To him who only water hates Of all things here below! PHOEBUS. Give to the brave In every place A well-filled cellar, A pretty face. Happy fellow! Help him hold Dainty women, Wine that's old.