Be always white and red, my love,
And smile at our bright lot;
Smile sweet at love, which we've awaked,
And chastity, which we've forgot.
Your mouth is heaven—my heaven, love—
My soul would cling in bliss
Upon it, love, and pray that life
Might end with one long kiss.
ESMERALDA.
Your voice delights my ear, love;
Your smile is sweet and free.
The laughing passion in your eyes
Benumbs and conquers me.
Your wishes are my law, love,
But I can't yield to this:
My virtue and my happiness
Might die in that long kiss!
CLAUDE FROLLO.
Don't let them hear your step, Death,
As near to them you creep!
My jealous hatred will keep watch
While their love falls asleep.
From out their arms so closely locked
You'll steal away their bliss!
Phœbus—your wish is granted,
You die for that long kiss!
[Claude Frollo rushes upon Phœbus and stabs him; then he opens the window in the back, through which he escapes. With a great cry, Esmeralda falls upon the body of Phœbus. The men stationed at the corner rush forward, seize her, and seem to accuse her.
ACT IV
Scene.—A prison. Door in the center
SCENE I
ESMERALDA (alone, chained, lying upon a bed of straw).