sro would
have done. Meantime all was confusion. People shouted for the guard,
and Radames cried to Aida:

"Fly with thy father. Fly or thou art lost." His voice was so full of
agony for her that she suddenly turned and fled.

"Follow them," Ramphis demanded of the soldiers, while Radames said
hopelessly:

"Ramphis, I yield to thee."

ACT IV

There was no joy in the court, and Amneris sat in the vast hall of the
palace between Radames's prison, on the one hand, and the hall of
justice on the other, where the trial of the gallant soldier was soon
to be held. He was in prison, and Aida and her father were far away.
Amneris still loved him, and hoped yet to save him, and thus to win
his love. Presently she called to the guard to bring him before her,
and almost at once he was brought through the hall accompanied by the
priests who were to try him in the underground dungeon.

"Radames, the priests who are to judge thee are assembled. Consent to
clear thyself. Say that thou didst not mean to betray us and I,
myself, will kneel to the King, and promise you your freedom. I would
give my life and power and country for thee," Amneris pleaded, as he
passed before her.

"I would give no less for Aida," Radames declared sadly. "I shall not
try to save myself. I shall say nothing in my own defense. I wish to
die."

At the mention of Aida, Amneris was enraged.

"I'll hear no more of her!" she cried.

"Ah, you have killed her----"

"No! Her father is slain, but she lives. She has vanished--no one
knows where!"

"Then may the gods guide her safe to her home and country, and keep
her from knowing how I die."

"If you will swear to see her no more, Radames, I will save thee."

"If I were to live I should find her. I will not swear."

"Then you shall die. If you will not hear me, I shall avenge myself,"
she answered bitterly, motioning to the guards to take him away.

Radames was taken below to the subterranean hall which was to be his
grave and judgment hall alike, while Amneris was left alone, both
grief-stricken and revengeful. Her jealousy was certain to bring
fearful retribution upon her. As more white-robed priests passed
below, looking spectral and ominous, she hid her face in her hands.

"It was I who brought him to this fate," she murmured, and then
listened in anguish to the chorus of the priests which sounded
dismally from below.

Then a voice called from the crypt, three times:

"Radames, Radames,