Part 111 (2/2)

Oinis Ubi plorant anith, when near the doors, which open suddenly and discover the interior of the church It is filled with a long procession of priests in their robes of ceremony; banners are borne before them Claude Frollo, in sacerdotal costuoes toward the criminal_

THE PEOPLE

Alive to-day, to-s around her spread!

ESMERALDA

It is Phoebus who calls me Unto our home eternal, Where God will hold us in His ared in the abyss of woe, A joyful hope is given: I am to die upon the earth To be re-born in heaven!

CLAUDE FROLLO

To die so young, so beautiful!

Alas! the guilty priest Must suffer greater woe than she; He ne'er will be released

Oh, hapless child of sorrow, Lost through my infamy, You only die from off this earth, While heaven is lost to me!

THE PEOPLE

Alas! she is an infidel

God's words, unto us spoken, Say that in heaven for such as she No blessed gate shall open

Death holds her fast, what misery!

She can escape it, never!

She dies unto the world this day, And unto heaven forever!

[_The procession approaches Claude accosts Esmeralda_

ESMERALDA (_frozen with terror_)

It is the priest!

CLAUDE FROLLO (_low_)

Yes, it is I! I love you, I entreat you!

Say but one word! 'Tis not too late; I can yet save you!

Say, I love you!

ESMERALDA

I abhor you! Go!

CLAUDE FROLLO

Then die! I'll go where I can find you!