XIMÉNÈS. An insult is not a reply!--She affirms; you deny. The
accusation stands. And the Tribunal judges. (To Gil Andrès) Bring the
other. (They make come forward Manuela, who is weak and trembling
with fright) You, also, you have confessed it!--You have gone to the
witches' revels?
MANUELA. Only once, Your Eminence--Only once! Mercy!
XIMÉNÈS. That is once too often!
MANUELA. I was so unfortunate!--My employer drove me from his home
when he discovered that I was to become a mother--for he was the
father of the child. I was too weak to work in the fields and no one
would keep me because my poor baby, which I nourished with my thin
milk, was so hungry that It cried all of the time!--Ah! I have never
known anything but shame and misery!--I have prayed fervently to
God--He has done nothing for me--Then--Ah! my benevolent lords!--(She
falls upon her knees on the steps before Ximénès and weeps) Have
pity!--I have harmed no one!--And I am punished enough now!
XIMÉNÈS. (Severely) What else?
MANUELA. Then--a gypsy woman, who saw me on my knees before a cross
on the road where I had been begging, said to me: "You are foolish
enough to address that object, which helps only the happy ones of
this world! Charity for the poor comes only from the Other One!--Come!
go home with me and you will see for yourself. He loves the jolly
girls and will give you an apron full of gold!"
XIMÉNÈS. And you went to the home of the Other One?
MANUELA. That night--after having left my child with a woman as poor
as myself--the gypsy woman conducted me into a wood where many men
and bad women were feasting round a fire!--They gave me food and
drink and more and more of--I know not what kind of liquor--until I
became like a fool!--And after!--Ah! God, no, oh! no, I cannot
relate that!--In the morning I lay asleep on the ground, poorer than
before, for my miserable, ragged clothes were gone! The archers threw
me into a dungeon, where I have done nothing but shed tears day and
night, thinking of my poor little baby! I do not know what has become
of that! They will not tell me! (Sobbing) Ah! my good lords, do not
make me more miserable! If they intend to burn me, why should I not
be the first one selected from those doomed to die?
XIMÉNÈS. Raise your head--and look at this woman. (Manuela obeys) Do
you recognize her as one of those who attended the witches' revel?
MANUELA. (After looking at Zoraya) No, no, Your Eminence.
XIMÉNÈS. Look at her carefully. And remember that you will receive
some consideration if you answer frankly.
ZORAYA. (Going to her) Yes, look at me.
MANUELA. (Tremblings after looking at Zoraya) They made me drunk--I
had no reason left--I do not remember clearly!----
XIMÉNÈS. Are you afraid that she will avenge herself?--She cannot
harm you!--Then, confess that you saw her at this diabolical feast!
MANUELA. (With the same voice) I cannot remember!
XIMÉNÈS. Take care, for we have sure methods for refreshing your
memory.
MANUELA. Have mercy, my lord!--I am telling the truth!
XIMÉNÈS. No!--You recognize her, but will not admit it!
MANUELA. Should I accuse an innocent one!--condemn her without being
certain?--I shall lose my soul!
XIMÉNÈS. The safety of your soul depends upon us--as does that of
your body!--Then, you have seen her, have you not?