PHANTOM (furiously propelling the boat onwards) Down once more to the dungeon of my black despair! Down we plunge to the prison of my mind! Down that path into darkness deep as hell!
(He rounds on her, bitterly)
Why, you ask, was I bound and chained in this cold and dismal place? Not for any mortal sin, but the wickedness of my abhorrent face!
(He hears the offstage voices of the pursuing MOB)
MOB (offstage) Track down this murderer! He must be found!
PHANTOM (moving off again) Hounded out by everyone! Met with hatred everywhere! No kind word from anyone! No compassion anywhere!
Christine, Christine . . . Why, why . . .?
(RAOUL and GIRY appear above. They make their way down, meeting a pack of rats. GlRY screams and lowers her guard. The rats and the RATCATCHER pass them. GIRY raises her hand again)
GIRY Your hand at the level of your eyes!
RAOUL . . . at the level of your eyes . . .
MOB (offstage) Your hand at the level of your eyes!
GIRY He lives across the lake, monsieur. This is as far as I dare go.
RAOUL Madame Giry, thank you.
(She turns to go back up the slope. RAOUL looks at the water. He removes his coat and plunges in. The MOB appears at the top of the slope. They come down to the lake edge, their torches flickering.)
MOB Track down this murderer - He must be found! Hunt out this animal, who runs to ground! Too long he's preyed on us - but now we know: the Phantom of the Opera is there deep down below . . .
He's here: the Phantom of the Opera . . .
(They turn back up the slope. Perhaps there is another way in. The gate to the lair descends, as the rest of the lair appears.)
Scene 9 BEYOND THE LAKE
(The dummy of CHRlSTlNE sits crumpled on a large throne. The PHANTOM drags CHRISTINE roughly out of the boat. She frees herself and backs away as he stares blackly out front. Braving her terror, she addresses him fiercely).
CHRISTINE Have you gorged yourself at last, in your lust for blood?
(no reply)
Am I now to be prey to your lust for flesh?
PHANTOM (Coldly) That fate, which condemns me to wallow in blood has also denied me the joys of the flesh . . . this face - the infection which poisons our love . . .
(He lakes the bridal veil front the dummy, and moves slowIy towards her)
This face, which earned a mother's fear and loathing . . . A mask, my first unfeeling scrap of clothing . . .
(He places the veil on her head)
Pity comes too late - turn around and face your fate: an eternity of this before your eyes!
(They are almost touching. She looks calmly and coldly into his face)
CHRISTINE This haunted face holds no horror for me now . . . It's in your soul that the true distortion lies . . .
(The PHANTOM suddenly senses RAOUL'S presence. Behind the portcullis, RAOUL climbs out of the water)
PHANTOM
Wait! I think, my dear, we have a guest!
(to RAOUL)
Sir, this is indeed an unparalleled delight! I had rather hoped that you would come. And now my wish comes true - you have truly made my night!
RAOUL (pleading, grasping the bars of the gate) Free her! Do what you like only free her! Have you no pity?
PHANTOM (to CHRISTINE, dryly) Your lover makes a passionate plea!
CHRISTINE Please, Raoul, it's useless . . .
RAOUL I love her! Does that mean nothing? I love her! Show some compassion . . .
PHANTOM (snarls furiously at RAOUL) The world showed no compassion to me!