(The great washing day. Under the music, a parade of WOMEN enters with baskets of laundry on their heads. A ritualistic rhythm takes hold as the linens are soaked, wrung and beaten to dry. AIDA enters and joins in the work. RADAMES enters with a SOLDIER. As they talk, AIDA watches him covertly. RADAMES dismisses the SOLDIER.)
[Radames:]
(To AIDA.)
You were watching me again. All week your eyes have been on me.
[Aida:]
What do you mean?
[Radames:]
Do you think you're going to gain your freedom, just because you've gained my attention? You are beautiful, but I am not so easily led.
[Aida:]
If I've looked in your direction, it was only to see if your chalice needed refilling.
[Radames:]
I have no chalice now… and yet you're looking.
[Aida:]
(Getting up from the bank, picking up her basket and linens.)
Excuse me, Captain, but I have linen to wash.
[Radames:]
(As AIDA walks away from him, he turns after her.)
I do not excuse you. Stop there.
[Aida:]
(She turns to look back at him.)
You wanted something from me?
[Radames:]
Oh yes. I want to make your life easier, Aida. Tell me how. What can I do for you?
[Aida:]
Help my people.
[Radames:]
I want to help you.
[Aida:]
I am my people. And I cannot continue to live in the comfort of the palace while my countrymen are dying. You want my «affection», captain?
[Radames:]
I can have your «affection» right here if I command it. I want to know if you feel anything for me — aside from contempt.
[Aida:]
I don't know.
[Radames:]
Then let's find out.
(RADAMES kisses AIDA, she drops her basket; they are stopped when MEREB enters.)
[Mereb:]
(Shocked at the sight of seeing RADAMES and AIDA kissing.)
Aida, I just saw — Aida, Amneris requests your presence. The princess…
(To RADAMES.)
…your betrothed.
(AIDA leaves.)