Oh, Heaven! to have given one's mind to the depths,
To have tried all the crimes of sorcery,
To have fallen lower than hell itself:
A priest, at midnight, in the dark to watch for a woman!
And to reflect that in this state in which I find my soul God sees me!
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).