ACT III.
High-Priestess.
There, there, little Bibi!—You rogue you would devour every thing!—These girls are gone a long time, I suppose they are somewhere prattling together, upon some trifling subject, till they forget how time goes.—Wait a few minutes, Lulu,—your turn will come in time.—These tedious creatures put me out of all patience, Heaven knows what they are doing, they are as stupid as oysters, and as slow as tortoises.—Come hither, Dudu,—there take this, and give a bit to your wife—oh you little ingrate! you can bite, can you.—This is too much!—the sun is already risen above the hills, and they are not returned!—the giddy creatures rely too much upon the mildness and gentleness of my heart, don’t they Bibi?—I am too ready to overlook a fault, am I not Lulu?—But locking them up for a while without food will tame them, and make them more tractable, won’t it Dudu?
Idali and Amazili.Here we are already.
High-Priestess.Softly, softly, children!—Poor Bibi, are you frightened?—And so you are absolutely here already?
Idali.Oh yes, we have run all the way.
High-Priestess.Whence, then, do you come?
High-Priestess.One of you must be guilty of a falsehood.
High-Priestess.Why how now?—One of you have uttered an untruth again. What is at the bottom of all this?—Idali, do you remain where you are, and you, Amazili, come with me. (She leads her to the other side of the Stage, and speaks in a half whisper) Tell me truly, do you come from the temple?
Amazili.Yes.
High-Priestess.Now don’t stir. (She goes to Idali.) Amazili positively asserts that you come from the garden, I can scarcely believe her—tell me the real truth.
Idali.Oh yes, we come from the garden.
High-Priestess.So, so!—Some pretty trick has been playing here, and I must sift out the truth as well as I can. Idali, don’t stir from your corner.—And what is the meaning of all this winking, and nodding, and shaking of the head?—Keep your head still, and your eyes upon the ground. (She goes to Amazili) Have you found Cora?
Amazili.Yes.
High-Priestess.Where did you find her?
Amazili.She had fallen asleep under the large palm-tree that stands before the porch of the temple.
High-Priestess.Remain there, and don’t take your eyes from the ground. (She goes to Idali) Have you found Cora?
Idali.Yes.
High-Priestess.Where did you find her?
Idali.Sitting behind a pillar in the temple, fast asleep. We might have passed her twenty times without perceiving her.
High-Priestess.Admirable!—Now both of you come hither. (She takes a hand of each, and looks steadfastly first at one, then at the other) You have both uttered falsehoods! You say that Cora was asleep behind a pillar in the temple, and you that she was under the palm-tree in the court of the temple. (Idali and Amazili hem, and cough, and look terrified and embarrassed) Which am I to believe?
Idali.(To Amazili) Silly girl, you have forgotten every thing.
Amazili.No, it is you who have forgotten.
Idali.No, indeed it is you.
Amazili.I am sure that I was bid to say under the shade of the great palm-tree.
Idali.I am sure I was bid to say behind the pillar.
High-Priestess.I was bid!and,I was bid!—What may all this mean? (Idali and Amazili hesitate) If you will not please to recollect yourselves now, I shall soon find a way to assist your memories.
Idali.(To Amazili.) This is your fault.
Amazili.No, it is your’s.
Idali.I certainly did not mention him first.
High-Priestess.Him!—who?—who?——Oh you wicked girls, why you have not been among men I hope?—The gods defend us from so horrible a misfortune!
Idali and Amazili.Oh no!—no indeed!
High-Priestess.No?
Idali.They were not men.
Amazili.Only Spaniards.
High-Priestess.Spaniards!—how?—what?—Spaniards!—(She pauses and somewhat recovers herself.) Well, well, if they really were only Spaniards?—And how many might there be?
Amazili.(Growing pleased and communicative) Three. One for Cora, one for Idali, and one for me. Mine, had fine brown hair, and eyes just the same colour.
Idali.Mine had black curling hair, and such a sweet countenance.
Amazili.But mine was the handsomest.
Idali.No, mine was much handsomer.
High-Priestess.Well, well, this may be settled another time. Now tell me how came these Spaniards in the temple?
Idali.They were not in the temple.
High-Priestess.What, then; had they flown over the high walls into the garden?
Idali.They were not in the garden.
Amazili.But they might have come in, as easily as we got out.
High-Priestess.You got out of the garden?—and how could that be managed?
Idali.According to your orders we went to look for Cora. We ran hither and thither, and called her by her name, but to no purpose, till at last as we were lookingabout, and listening, we thought we heard voices on the other side of the wall, just by the arbour, where the little stream is lost in the wood. We followed the sound, and crept softly through the thick bushes, till at last we came to a great, great rent in the wall, from the top, quite to the bottom, and so broad that Amazili and I could easily go through it, and we had only to step over a few stones to get quite on the outside.
High-Priestess.And you did step over the stones and get on the outside?
Amazili.Else we should not have found Cora.
High-Priestess.Indeed!—What, she too had stepped over the stones?
Idali.Yes, and was talking with the Spaniards. At first we thought they were men, and were going to run away, but they entreated us very earnestly to stay; and as we found that they really were only Spaniards, we thought there could be no harm in complying with them.
Amazili.And they wanted us to promise that we would come again.
High-Priestess.Which promise you made?
Idali.We only half promised it.
High-Priestess.But you intend meeting them again?
Amazili.What do you say, Idali?
Idali.Perhaps so, if you are inclined, Amazili.
High-Priestess.Well, well, at present go and send Cora hither—then dress yourselves, prepare the bread of sacrifice, and dispose it in the baskets.
Idali.(Taking Amazili’s hand) Come, sister, I have such an inclination to dance.
Amazili.And I could laugh and sing. (Exeunt both.)
High-Priestess.(Alone) Dance, laugh, and sing, if you please, your simplicity protects you from my anger;—but you shall not find the breach in the wall again, that I promise you. As for this, Cora—can the shameless creature have been carrying on an intercourse with men?—Chaste Oello, look down with compassion upon thy servants, and avert from us this last of all calamities!—I have long observed, that she has hung down her head—that her ruddy cheeks have lost their colour—that she has appeared abstracted, full of thought, and seemed scarcely to know with whom she was speaking, or to hear when she was addressed.—All this indicates no good, does it Dudu?
High-Priestess.Shameless girl, do you dare to appear in my presence?
Cora.I come from the service of our god.
High-Priestess.Be thankful that his thunder is not entrusted to my hands.
Cora.What do you mean?—how have I incurred your anger?
High-Priestess.Do you suppose that I am unacquainted with your licentious conduct?—that I am ignorant how Cora disgraces these sacred walls, and exposes her own, and her sister’s honour to censure.
Cora.I have done nothing wrong.
High-Priestess.Look stedfastly in my face,—you have been in the company of men?
Cora.I have not offended the gods.
High-Priestess.Cora, I command you to look at me!—you are acquainted with a Spaniard?
Cora.I am innocent.
High-Priestess.This very morning you have seen and conversed with him?
Cora.The sun was witness of all my actions.
High-Priestess.Confess your crime.
Cora.I have not been guilty of a crime.
High-Priestess.Oh blinded, misguided creature!
Cora.The path which I pursue, is that of nature and innocence.
High-Priestess.Obstinate girl!—But remember that you are a priestess of the sun, and tremble at the torments to which the severity of our laws destines those by whom they are transgressed.
Cora.I shall suffer undeservedly.
High-Priestess.You will not confide in me?
Cora.No.
High-Priestess.Nor confess your fault?
Cora.No.
High-Priestess.I admonish you for the last time, Cora!—But a few moments remain, in which confession is left to your choice—make your use of them. I know all—I am instructed in every particular. Soon shall I assemble the Virgins in the Temple, and convene thither the priests,who shall judge you, and by whom you will be judged with severity. Death will then be your lot, and worse than death, shame. At present we are alone,—do you persist in silence?
Cora.Yes.
High-Priestess.(Changing her tone) Enough, I cannot believe Cora to be really so guilty. I knew your mother, when you were yet a child, we had frequent intercourse with each other.—“My Cora,” she would often say, “has a gentle and complying spirit, for which quality I love her most tenderly.”
Cora.Oh, she was always an affectionate mother!—All the happiness of my life was buried in her grave.
High-Priestess.You have doubtless a sacred reverence for her memory?
Cora.Can that be made a question!—Alas how many are the tears which I have shed for her in secret.
High-Priestess.If such your affection, you surely would not convict her of a falsehood, as she rests in her grave. Must I be compelled to think that it was only the blindness of maternal love which could ascribe to you this gentle and complying disposition?—or will you convince me that she was right in her judgment?
Cora.She was right!
High-Priestess.Then prove it to me. The mother’s friend has an undoubted claim upon the daughter’s confidence.
Cora.Ah me!—
High-Priestess.The last words that were uttered by her pallid lips, still vibrate in my ears. “My child” she said, “is young and inexperienced, should she ever want maternal counsel, be it received from you!”—She spoke,—with her cold hands pressed mine, and expired. (Cora betrays symptoms of irresolution, and appears combating with herself. The High-Priestess continues after a pause) And your aged and reverend father, when he gave you into my hands, kissed you and said, “Take her, she is a good girl, and will not occasion you any trouble.”—Afterwards, when he was about to return home, when he gave you his last blessing, while a tear trembled on his grey eye-lashes, what were his parting words—“Cora, honour her as a mother.”
Cora.(Falling at her feet) I love!
High-Priestess.(Starting with horror) You love?
Cora.I can no longer remain a priestess of the Sun!
High-Priestess.No longer remain a priestess of the Sun?
Cora.But will marry.
High-Priestess.Marry!—youmarry!
Cora.The gods have given me a feeling heart.
High-Priestess.To be devoted to their service.
Cora.I was born to become a wife.
High-Priestess.The Sun is your husband.
Cora.To him I can offer only prayers and thanks; but our heart and our love can be bestowed only on a husband.
High-Priestess.Cora, recollect yourself, you are in a dream.
Cora.I have now laid open my whole soul. If the affection you bore the mother be indeed transferred to the daughter, you will be my friend.
High-Priestess.And the person you love is a Spaniard?
Cora.Yes.
High-Priestess.His name?—
Cora.Is Alonzo.
High-Priestess.When, and where, did you first see him?
Cora.In the Temple, by the side of our king.
High-Priestess.And what miracle brought you to a nearer intercourse?
Cora.The natural miracle which threatened the Temple with destruction, and rent asunder the walls by which it is enclosed.
High-Priestess.Well, I must not know more, and let what has passed be buried in eternal oblivion. To shew you in how high regard I hold your mother’s memory, I will preserve your secret inviolate, and you must by severe repentance endeavour to avert the wrath of the gods. Erase the image of Alonzo from your heart, forget his smooth and deceitful tongue, think of him no more, but attend to your employments and devotions.
Cora.You certainly have never loved?
High-Priestess.No, thanks be to the gods!
Cora.Had you ever felt one half of what I now feel, you would have known that what you enjoin is no longer in my power. Erase the image of Alonzo from my heart!—think of him no more!—When I awake in the morning, he is always the first object of my thoughts, andat night when I lie down he is still the last.—When I kneel in the temple, his name intrudes itself into my prayers,—when I look at the image of the sun, I see only him,—and when I would turn my thoughts to my God, I cannot detach them from Alonzo.
High-Priestess.These are heavy offences, Cora!—You must fast, pray, humble yourself.
Cora.I can pray for nothing but that the gods may grant me Alonzo. Love is so soft, so exquisite a sensation that it never can be sinful.
High-Priestess.Sinful!—It is to be held in the utmost abhorrence.
Cora.Areyouthen so entirely free from all emotions of this passion.
High-Priestess.I am wholly devoted to the gods.
Cora.In this assertion you either deceive me or yourself. Do I not often see how tenderly you nurse and feed these birds,—taking, now this, now that, out of the cage, setting it on your finger, stroaking it, kissing it, talking to it?
High-Priestess.Poor little creatures, to love them is such an innocent affection.
Cora.And my love is equally innocent.
High-Priestess.Love for a man!
Cora.The feeling is still the same!—the heart must love!—a turtle-dove engages your affections,—am I to blame if mine are fixed on other objects.
High-Priestess.Do not deceive yourself, Cora. Is it a matter of indifference, whether you employ the sacred flame only in consuming the sacrifice, or use it to set the temple on fire?
Cora.I do not comprehend your simile, my heart speaks in a plain and simple manner. I always thought that love must be pleasing to the gods, I have made the experiment, and the event has justified my opinion. The gods cannot be offended with me; for say, good mother, when Cora serves in the temple, does a sudden gloom overcast the heavens, does the sun conceal himself behind a cloud?
High-Priestess.No, your guilty course has been pursued only in darkness—the rays of the great light have never witnessed your crimes.
Cora.Yes, they also have witnessed my love. On this very morning I solemnly embraced Alonzo in the presence of the sun himself.
High-Priestess.(With a start of horror) Embraced Alonzo?
Cora.Pressed my lips, my breast, to his.
High-Priestess.Your lips—your breast!
Cora.And our god smiled upon us.
High-Priestess.No more, unhappy girl!—Go and conceal yourself before I repent that I made you a promise of secrecy. It is notyourhonour alone that is concerned in this affair, it is the honour of our whole order.—Go, and settle as well as you can with your heart, whether it may find the extinction of your passion pleasing, or displeasing; only of this be allured, that you must see Alonzo no more.
Cora.(Resolutely) I will no longer remain a priestess of the sun.
High-Priestess.Vain resolution!—Death only can release you from his service.
Cora.But you say that I am criminal.—Well, then, I am no longer worthy to serve the sun. If however I devote to him in my place, an innocent creature, pure and free from sin, will not this be pleasing to him, shall I not then have discharged my duty, and be released from my oath.
High-Priestess.I do not understand you.
Cora.The innocent creature which I bear within me shall be devoted to the sun. (The High-Priestess starts back, attempts to speak, but is unable; she totters and is obliged to support herself against a chair) What is the matter?—Have you misunderstood me?—The innocent creature which I bear within me shall be devoted to the sun.
High-Priestess.(Running about in a phrenzy) Idali!—Amazili!—Runa!—Ye daughters of the Sun, hasten hither!—Ah!—I cannot support myself!—(She sinks down upon a chair)
All talking together.What is the matter?—What has happened?—She is in a swoon!—Cora, tell us what is the matter?—What has thrown her into this agitation?
Cora.(With great composure) I do not know.
High-Priestess.(Recovering) Hasten, ye daughters of the Sun, shut up this sacrilegious creature in our darkestdungeon, that the rays of our god may not be profaned by falling upon a being so contaminated. You Runa, and Odila must answer with your lives for the prisoner, till the moment when she shall be brought forth to judgment. The rest of you veil yourselves in the deepest mourning, and follow me to the royal palace. The Sun is incensed against us!—the wrath of the gods has lighted upon us!—heavy sins are to be answered!—curses must fall upon Peru, and the avenging arm of the powers above will pursue us into the most secret places. Hasten!—extinguish the sacred light in the temple, tear down the wreaths of flowers, no festival can now be solemnized, this day is changed into a day of mourning!—Let us repair to the foot of the throne to demand vengeance, dreadful vengeance against the criminal! (She rushes out, a confused noise and murmuring is made by all present who all at once question Cora)
All.What have you done, Cora?—Tell us?—Tell us?—
Cora.I have done nothing wrong. (Exit with composure.)
All.(As they follow her) Look well to her!—Take care that she does not escape!—Your lives must answer it! Away—away! (Exeunt.)
Chamberlain.(To the Guards) Throw open the doors!—Let all enter, who are come hither on this solemn day of festival to salute their sovereign the first-born of the sun, and conduct him to the temple. As soon as the king shall be arrayed in his Inca’s robes, he will appear himself.
Xaira.(To the High-Priest.) Why do these strangers come hither?
High-Priest.Probably to attend the king when he goes to the sacrifice.
Xaira.Oh impious, to permit the presence of strangers at the celebration of our solemnities, perhaps only to make them the subject of their mockery.
High-Priest.Mockery!—No, that were to shew themselves fools, and I can rely upon that brave youth for not being guilty of any folly. Have you forgotten that our king is indebted to him for his life—that he has made the people of Quito the terror of their enemies since he taught them the mode of fighting practised in his country—that he has also instructed us in many useful arts of peace?
Xaira.Mere deception. He has only increased our wants.—We were much happier without him.
High-Priest.Discontented man!
Chamberlain.Gentlemen, do you know any news for the entertainment of the king?
One of the Company.None, excepting that old Telasco arrived here yesterday evening from his province.
Another.And has brought his son Zorai to present him to the Inca.
Chamberlain.How long is it since the venerable old man last visited the capital?
First Speaker.Two years. He has not been here since he brought his daughter Cora to be consecrated as a Priestess.
Alonzo.(Starting, and speaking aside to Juan) Velasquez, do you hear that Cora’s father is in Quito?
Juan.Yes, I hear it.
Alonzo.And her brother?
Juan.I hear that too.
Alonzo.This alone was wanting to make my misery complete!—How will their unsuspecting features harrow my conscience. (Martial instruments are heard behind the scene, playing a march.)
All.The king approaches.
Ataliba.(Addressing the High-Priest.) I rejoice, goodold man, to see how much your strength bears up beneath the weight of years.
High-Priest.Under such a sovereign one cannot grow old.
Ataliba.For what I am. I have solely to thank you; that I can never forget. (To Xaira.) It is a charming day, Xaira, the gods are favourably disposed towards us.
Xaira.(With hesitation) Yet—unfavourable omens, have disquieted my bosom.
Ataliba.How so?
Xaira.The lamb which I was about to sacrifice at midnight, struggled beneath the sacred knife.
Ataliba.Most natural.
Xaira.And the lungs, which, when they tremble and quiver after they are torn out, promise happiness for the ensuing year, lay still and motionless.
Ataliba.I thank you for the information, but I desire that it may not be spread abroad among the people. (To the High-Priest, smiling and speaking in a half whisper.) We have tygers enough to annoy us, why should we tremble before a lamb?
High-Priest.To the people such a lamb is more formidable than a tyger; and the king owes respect to popular faith.
Ataliba.True, good old man, for it was upon that foundation that Manco-Capac erected his dominion.—(Turning to Alonzo.) I rejoice, my beloved friend, to see that you are still contented to live among us.
Alonzo.How can I be otherwise, royal Inca, while you continue to entertain me thus hospitably?
Ataliba.Which I shall never cease to do, as long as I behold you so worthy of my love. (To Velasquez) Well, Don Juan, do the troops that you are training make a rapid progress?
Juan.They are brave fellows;—they have arms of iron, and hearts of wax.
Ataliba.Oh that I could be certain of enjoying eternal peace!—then should those nervous arms be devoted to agriculture alone. (Turning to the High-Priest.) Is it not time that we go to the Temple?
High-Priest.We are all ready.
Chamberlain.(Approaching the king.) Sire, the oldTelasco, governor of the castle of Antis, is arrived, and wishes to pay his homage to the first-born of the Sun.
Ataliba.My worthy Telasco!—Let him come in.
Alonzo.(Aside to Velasquez) Oh Juan!—my heart! my heart!
Juan.Do not betray yourself.
Ataliba.(Meeting and embracing Telasco.) Welcome venerable old man!—What brings you from your enviable solitude into the bustle of a court? (Calling to the Attendants.) Let a seat be brought.
Telasco.Suffer me to stand, good Inca. It is the posture which best becomes a petitioner.
Ataliba.Has Telasco any request to make?—Speak then.
Telasco.Two years ago I brought my daughter here, to devote her, according to her own desire, to the service of the gods. I cannot deny that the parting with her was a severe trial to me, for I had long been accustomed to enjoy her innocent society, and ever since the death of my wife, when I fell into ill health, had been nursed and attended by her with the tenderest care and affection. It may be supposed, therefore, that we did not separate without many tears on both sides. My son, at that time a youth, was then the only treasure remaining—he is now grown up to manhood, and as his sister is devoted to the gods, I would devote him to the service of his country. To you, great king, I present him—be you his father when I am gone!—I do not doubt that he will conduct himself worthily—I have no fear he will ever forget that the blood of the Incas flows through his veins. Accept my present with favour!—I bring you the greatest treasure that I possess upon earth!—I bring you my all!
Ataliba.He shall be my own son!—Come hither, young man. (Zorai kneels to him) Inherit thy father’s virtues, and thou shalt be heir to thy father’s honours.
Zorai.Pardon my silence. Time only can decide whether or no I shall deserve such favour.
Ataliba.Rise!—Alonzo, I consign him to thy care. Let him be enrolled among my life-guards, and learn of thee to fight and conquer.
Alonzo.(Embarrassed) Oh king! I will endeavour to gain his confidence.
Telasco.(To Alonzo) Art thou the man in whom the people bless the saviour of their Inca? Permit these old arms to embrace thee! (He embraces Alonzo) Thy fame has reached to the remotest parts of this nation—thy name is repeated with transport by our children’s children!—Happy is my son in being placed under such a leader.
Alonzo.(Extremely embarrassed and affected) He shall be my brother.
Telasco.(To Ataliba) To your goodness am I indebted that the last moments of my life are made thus happy. Accept my grateful thanks!
(A solemn march is heard playing at a distance)
Ataliba.Now, my children, let us repair to the temple!—Come, Telasco, go on my right hand, and should you find the walk fatiguing, let me be your support!—Ah, how often have you supported me!
Telasco.Blessings on you worthy, Inca!
(As they are preparing to go, the music, which had continued gradually to advance nearer, suddenly stops)
Ataliba.(Starting) What means this?
Chamberlain.(Rushing in trembling, and almost breathless) Sire, the High-Priestess of the Sun approaches, with a long train of priestesses all clad in mourning, and uttering dreadful lamentations. Their cries pierce the very soul; while the people gather round them trembling, and observing them with silent awe and terror. (The whole assembly appear in the utmost confusion; the king alone preserves his composure)
Ataliba.Conduct them hither.
Alonzo.(Aside to Juan) Oh God, Velasquez, what can this portend!
Juan.You tremble, and look pale;—for shame; rouse yourself; shew yourself a man!
High-Priestess.(Throwing back her veil) Oh woe! woe! woe!
Ataliba.On whom dost thou imprecate woe?
High-Priestess.The temple is polluted!—the altars are profaned!—the holy lamp is extinguished!—Oh woe! woe! woe!
Ataliba.Name the criminal, that the gods may be avenged for these heavy offences.
High-Priestess.First born of the Sun, let the stringed instruments, let the festal song, cease!—Let the temple be divested of its ornaments, and the garlands be taken from the beasts prepared for sacrifice; to-day can no festival be solemnized!—Lamentations must be our only songs, mourning veils our only ornaments!—A serpent has with his poison polluted the house of the Stars!—A Virgin of the Sun has broken her vow of chastity! (She pauses a few moments—the whole assembly shudder—Alonzo appears like one thunderstruck—at length the High-Priestess proceeds) Woe! woe! uponCora!!!
(At the mention of this name theKingutters a cry of agony.—Telasco, trembling, supports himself upon his staff—Zorai, full of confusion, conceals his face in his garments—Alonzois sinking to the ground, but is supported by Velasquez—A confused murmur is heard among the rest of the assembly.)
High-Priestess.Vengeance! vengeance! upon the murderer of virtue!—upon the wretch who could abuse the hospitality of a peaceable people, and violate the sacred asylum of the Wives of the Sun!—Woe! woe! uponAlonzo!!!
(Atalibautters a more piercing cry than before—Alonzostands with downcast eyes, while a death-like paleness overspreads his countenance—The attention of the whole company is immediately turned towards him—Telascolooks around with a vacant stare.)
High-Priestess.First born of the Sun!—image of our God upon earth!—I stand here, and require from thee an awful atonement for this sacrilege!
Ataliba.(With deep gloom) Which thou shalt have.
High-Priestess.Be death and shame the lot of the seducer!—Be death and shame the lot of Cora, and her whole family!
(Telascostarts, murmurs to himself the word“shame,”and falls to the ground—Zoraithrows himself by him.)
Ataliba.All-merciful God! (Calls to the attendants) Come to the assistance of this poor old man. (Telasco israised up—the High-Priestess is about to proceed, but the King makes her a sign to be silent, and addresses her and her train) Enough, ye pious women! I know my duty, and will perform whatever may be required by the ordinances of Manco-Capac. To question you, Alonzo, concerning the truth of the charge alledged against you, were needless;—thy death-like countenance, thy downcast eyes confess the fault too plainly, and thou art lost beyond the possibility of redemption.—Hadst thou excited my provinces to rebel against me; had thy sword deprived me of half my kingdom, I would have given thee my hand, and said, thou didst once save my life, and all that I have I share willingly with thee!—But now, the king alone must speak; the friend must remain silent.—Alonzo, thou art lost beyond the possibility of redemption!—Unhappy youth, what hast thou done!
Alonzo.Let me die!—Death is no more than I justly deserve, for having repaid with such base ingratitude the unmixed happiness I have enjoyed in this kingdom. Yes, let me die, oh king! (Falling upon his knees) But save, save, the hapless Cora!—she is innocent!—her seducer only is guilty!
Ataliba.Rise!—My power is confined within certain limits: and in no respect is it so rigidly circumscribed as in all matters which concern religion. (He stands for some moments wrapt in mournful musing, and apparently struggling with himself, then says, with averted countenance) Guards, put him in irons! (To the High-Priest) Assemble your priests in the court of the temple, to judge the culprits according to our holy laws and customs; and ere the sun sink into the ocean, let me be summoned to confirm the sentence. (Going)
Xaira.Sire, it is necessary the father and brother should also be put in irons.
Ataliba.Poor old man!—he will not run away from you!
Xaira.The brother at least.
Ataliba.Well, if it must be!—(Zorai is put in irons) Oh what misery is it to be king when one is compelled to punish! (Exit)
High-Priestess.(To the High-Priest) Hasten, thou first servant of our gods, hasten to avenge your masters, that this very evening the last rays of the declining sun maybeam upon the grave which encloses Cora—Go, ye daughters of the sun, bow yourselves down in prayer, wash the altar with your tears, and conceal your blushing cheeks beneath sevenfold veils, till the disgrace with which our Order has been branded by that profligate stranger, be wholly effaced!—(Exit, followed by the Virgins of the Sun)
High-Priest.(Aside) Poor Rolla! (Exit)
Xaira.(To some of the other Priests) Go out at the northern gate, and prepare a grave in that waste and desolate spot which is distinguished by numerous heaps of stones.
Telasco.And let me be the first laid within it![Exeunt Priests.
Xaira.(To the Guards) Lead the prisoners away.
Alonzo.(To Juan) Farewel, Velasquez!—When you return to our native country, bear my tenderest greetings to my poor mother; but be careful to conceal from her my unhappy story.
Telasco.(As he is seized by the guards) Whither would you drag me, old as I am?
Alonzo.Oh, Velasquez, this old man!—this unfortunate old man!
Telasco.Give me my daughter!—restore me my daughter!
Xaira.Away with them all.
Telasco.(As he is led off) Give me my daughter!—restore me my daughter![Exeunt omnes.
END OF THE THIRD ACT.