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- 8 -
| SCENE II | |
| [In the palace of the Emir of Ramla. Gaston is lead into a room and left alone to await the Emir.] | |
| GASTON | GASTON |
| L’émir auprès
de lui m’appelle. Que
dois-je craindre encor? De la France banni, captif au sein d’une ville infidèle, je ne pourrai combattre dans mon zèle pour les ingrats qui m’ont injustement puni! Hélène est près de moi, dans leur camp... Chère Hélène, dont un destin cruel m’a séparé. Ne pas te voir quand le ciel te ramène! Je briserai ma chaîne et je te reverrai... Je veux encore entendre ta voix,
ta voix
|
So, I am summoned before
the Emir.
What more do I have to fear? Banished from France. made a prisoner in an infidel city. I cannot battle zealously for the ingrates who have punished me unjustly! Helene is near here, in their camp... Dearest Helene from whom a cruel fate separates me. Not to be able to see you after heaven has lead you so near! I will break my bonds to see you again... I wish to hear your voice once more,
|
| [The Emir enters, followed by several Arab Sheiks.] | |
| EMIR | EMIR |
| Prisonnier, dans Ramla je te laisse
la
vie, car je ne voulais pas sur ma ville attirer par une perfidie la vengeance des tiens. Mais ils portent leurs pas vers ces murs. Ce palais est ta prison. Prends garde! Si tu cherches à fuir, c’est la mort. Dieu te garde! |
Prisoner, I allow you to live in
Ramla,
for I do not wish to attract through perfidy the vengeance of your comrades. Yet they are making their way toward the walls of this city. This palace is your prison. Beware! Should you attempt to escape, it will mean certain death. May God help you! |
| AN OFFICER | AN OFFICER |
| Une femme chrétienne en Arabe
vêtue
vient d’être prise, Émir, dans les murs de Rarnla. Ordonne, et sa tête abattue... |
A Christian woman in Arab clothing
has
just been captured, Emir, within Ramla’s walls. Give the order and her head will fall... |
| EMIR | EMIR |
| Non, qu’on l’amène. | No, have her brought here. |
| EMIR | OFFICER |
| La voilà. | She is here. |
| [Helene is led into the room by soldiers.] | |
| GASTON | GASTON |
| Hélène!... | Helene!... |
| HELENE | HELENE |
| Ciel... Gaston! | Heavens... Gaston! |
| EMIR | EMIR |
| Approche, jeune fille...
Ici que cherche-tu? Dis ton nom... ta famille. |
Come forward, young lady...
What are you looking for here? Tell us your name...where you are from. |
| HELENE | HELENE |
| Je te suis inconnue et tu peux,
sans
danger m’accorder un asile. Les chrétiens passeront sans attaquet ta ville; mais, mon trépas, ils sauraint le venger! |
You need not know me and may, without
any danger grant me asylum. The Christians will pass this city by without attacking; but, for my death, they will seek revenge! |
| EMIR | EMIR |
| (Ce regard... cet orgueil!) | (Such bearing.., what pride!) |
| OFFICER | OFFICER (to the Emir) |
| Ils sont d’intelligence... | They know one another... |
| EMIR | EMIR (to the officer) |
| Qu’ils restent seuls... ils
pourront se trahir. Si ta bouche a dit vrai, compte sur
|
Let’s leave them alone... perhaps
they
will reveal something. (to Helene) If you are telling the truth, trust in my clemency. Await my orders here. |
| OFFICER | OFFICER |
|
Et moi, je veille, Emir. |
(to the Emir as they depart)
I shall watch them. Emir. |
| [As soon as they are alone. Gaston and Helene embrace passionately.] | |
| GASTON | GASTON |
| Hélène! | Helene! |
| HELENE | HELENE |
| O ciel, Gaston! | Oh God, Gaston! |
| GASTON | GASTON |
| Chère âme, sois bénie! | Dearest one, bless you! |
| HELENE | HELENE |
| Chère âme, sois bénie!
Ah, mon Gaston, pour cet instant j ‘aurais donné ma vie, car tu n’es pas coupable. Oh, Dieu t’a préservé et m’a vers toi guidée. |
Dearest one, bless you!
Ah, my Gaston, for this one moment I would have given my life for I know you are not guilty. Oh, God has saved you and brought me to you. |
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