Ximénès. This woman?—All of our torments would not wrest one word from her.
All. What other means will you use, Eminence?
Ximénès. (Rising) Then!—(Loud enough for Zoraya to hear him) We shall question her accomplice (Zoraya starts) and ask him to explain the reason for the murder of Cardenos, which he confesses, and (Zoraya again starts) why this woman was in his house on such a night.
Zoraya. In spite of that he!—— (She rises quickly.)
Ximénès. It is not for you to plead his case!——
Zoraya. (Quickly, going to Ximénès) Yes, yes! it is I! (Ximénès makes a sign to Gil Andrès.) Wait!—Oh! wait, wait, then! (Andrès stops.) It is only I who can explain for him!—He was maddened by my tears, my reproaches, my furious jealousy!—The other arrived and insulted me—then, in the height of his rage!—Ah!—that crime—I am more guilty than he! Would he have killed him, had I not been there?
All of the Inquisitors advance and group themselves at her left.
Ximénès. (Quickly going to her) Then you wish to convince us that this murder is your work?
Zoraya. Yes, it is my work!
Ximénès. It is you who caused this unfortunate man to become an assassin?