ENRIQUE. (Rising in order to lean over Zoraya's neck) What flower have you robbed of this perfume?
ENRIQUE. It is exquisite!--You who read the future so well in the hand--(She attempts to withdraw her hand) No! No! Do not take away your hand!--do you also know how to read the present in my thoughts? (He turns Zoraya's face gently towards his own.)
ZORAYA. (Returning his ardent gaze) Yes! (In a low voice) You think that I am beautiful and desirable!
ZORAYA. (The same) But I am a Saracen, a pagan, an outcast! I am one whom you have not the right to love!
ENRIQUE. Therefore, you are more desirable!
ZORAYA. (The same) Don't you find the royal edict which would punish us very severe: I thrown into the oubliette--you sent to the galleys or to the stake?
ZORAYA. Wasn't Kalem excusable for risking such a cruel fate?
ZORAYA. And doesn't she, this unfortunate girl who had not the strength to resist the madness of a similar love, deserve pity?
ZORAYA. Ah! I understand why she forgot that she was a Spaniard and a Catholic and became only a woman, simply a woman!--O Nature! the victory was thine!--I envy her for having been given a body to be loved and adored without fear of the torture which menaces this world--and the damnation promised in the next!
ZORAYA. (Rising) Ah! certainly, yes!--who could be braver than she!--Can your race produce a Kalem? If so, he is worthy of me! I promise hours of beauty and rapture to him who does not fear the executioner and who will brave the flames at the stake for that which the sun of Africa has set burning in my veins!----
ENRIQUE. (Taking her in his arms) I shall be that man! (She pushes him gently away. He recovers his presence of mind and quickly withdraws) Ah! demon! You have intoxicated me! Go away from me!
ENRIQUE. (Turning) Adieu!--Yes, adieu!--It is better so! (To Ramiro and Arias) Let that woman go! (Picking up her flowers, she slowly reascends the slope) What creature is that!--her hand burned in mine and her gaze set my brain awhirl!
RAMIRO. I have a remedy, my lord! Say a pater quickly and repeat an ave twice to break the charm!
ARIAS. (Preparing to shoot an arrow from his cross-bow at Zoraya) I have a better one!--Kill the beast, kill----