The Indian Woman (L'Indienne) (1771) - Page 9

SCENE III.

AZORA, alone.

Burned alive at twenty-two!... That is harsh! If it were for a beloved Lover... one would think twice; but it still passes. And if the other one did not want me, unfortunately, what would become of me?... Oh! He will want to; he loved his wife well, he will love me, he will want to... at least I flatter myself so.

AIR.

What enchanting hope

Comes to revive my soul!

Love, with a victorious dart,

Inflame his heart once more:

To make my happiness

Make your flame triumph;

Love, with a victorious dart,

Inflame his heart once more.

I hear him, I believe, let us stay a little to the side.

SCENE IV.

CALEB, MENDÈS, AZORA aside,

TROOP OF SLAVES.

MENDÈS.

I assure you, Sir, that you could not do better.

CALEB.

Ah! My poor wife!...

MENDÈS.

Believe me, it is a better action to save the life of a pretty and young woman than to die for an old one.