"Fly with thy father. Fly or thou art lost." His voice was so full of agony for her that she suddenly turned and fled.
"Follow them," Ramphis demanded of the soldiers, while Radames said hopelessly:
"Ramphis, I yield to thee."
ACT IV
There was no joy in the court, and Amneris sat in the vast hall of the palace between Radames's prison, on the one hand, and the hall of justice on the other, where the trial of the gallant soldier was soon to be held. He was in prison, and Aïda and her father were far away. Amneris still loved him, and hoped yet to save him, and thus to win his love. Presently she called to the guard to bring him before her, and almost at once he was brought through the hall accompanied by the priests who were to try him in the underground dungeon.
"Radames, the priests who are to judge thee are assembled. Consent to clear thyself. Say that thou didst not mean to betray us and I, myself, will kneel to the King, and promise you your freedom. I would give my life and power and country for thee," Amneris pleaded, as he passed before her.
"I would give no less for Aïda," Radames declared sadly. "I shall not try to save myself. I shall say nothing in my own defense. I wish to die."
At the mention of Aïda, Amneris was enraged.
"I'll hear no more of her!" she cried.
"Ah, you have killed her——"