ACT V.
High-Priest.
Yet one word more, Xaira, ere, by pronouncing a hasty sentence, we profane the sacred name we bear. Are we not ministers of the divine favour?
Xaira.And of the divine vengeance.
High-Priest.Vengeance!—Can we suppose that the merciful God seeks vengeance on his creatures?—No, if this principle has been encouraged to awe the vulgar, we who are initiated into the mysteries of a purer doctrine, may speak to each other without reserve.
Xaira.For what purpose?—and why at this moment?
High-Priest.Because an error committed at this moment, may draw after it an eternity of misery to us both.
Xaira.My conduct is the result of my conviction.
High-Priest.Then surely that cannot be just. God created man weak and liable to err, a truth on which your conviction should be founded. This earth is imperfect, so is every thing that lives and moves in it, and will not that God who suffers the tyger to mangle the harmless lamb, look down with forbearance on frail man when he listens to the voice of nature.
Xaira.But we men slay the tyger, and we do right,—we punish the faults of man, and we do right.
High-Priest.Yes, if by his weakness he produce disorder in the state.
Xaira.And is not that the case in the affair before us?
High-Priest.No!
Xaira.No?
High-Priest.Your own designs have been solely to avenge the gods.
Xaira.And would you then sanction the licentious conduct that must inevitably ensue, should indulgence be shewn in the present instance?
High-Priest.At the source of a clear stream, we do not think of the mud by which it may be contaminated in its course. I entreat you, let us be true to our vocation, let us resemble the god whom we serve, whose rays diffuse light and heat over all! let us acquit Cora!—It will then lie in the king’s bosom to act as he shall judge right, either by confirming, or reversing, our sentence; and should it be reversed, we shall, at least, have done our duty, in shewing a disposition to clemency, while the hapless victim will breathe her last sighs in gratitude for our intended mercy.
Xaira.What would you require of me?—You speak as if the decision of this point rested upon me alone. Are not you High-Priest?—do not the duties of your office demand that you lay the case before the whole assembly of the Priests, in which I have but a single voice.
High-Priest.You know well, that in representing this affair to the assembly, I am forbidden by our laws to employ any persuasions of eloquence,—what I am to say, must be expressed in the fewest and the simplest words, and I am therefore precluded from the power of influencing the auditors. You, it is true, have only one voice, but you are the oldest of the order, next to me, and successor to the high-priesthood at my death. To you therefore all the young Priests look up, and will incline which way soever they shall see you inclined.
Xaira.This case may be rightly stated as to what concerns yourself, but it is otherwise with the Inca who has always power to grant a pardon.
High-Priest.But when has this power been exercised?—Has not every Inca, from father to son, for centuries past, uniformly confirmed the sentence of the Priests?—will Ataliba, think you, venture to deviate from the practice of his ancestors?
Xaira.No more!—It is equally inconsistent with your duty to endeavour to extort from me the sentence I shall pronounce, as with mine to listen to such entreaties. (Turns away from him)
High-Priest.Well then, their blood be upon thee!
Xaira.(Coldly.) Yes, their blood be upon me!
High-Priest.Hither ye Priests! (The Priests assemble round him) I already read in their gloomy countenances the sentence I am to expect! (Aside.—After a few moments pause, in which he endeavours to assume resolution, he proceeds) You know the criminals and the crime—we wait your decision.
Xaira.What say the laws? (The High-Priest remains silent) I ask you what say the laws?
High-Priest.(After a conflict with himself, in suffocated voice) Death.
Xaira.(Solemnly and audibly) The laws pronounce sentence of death upon Cora and Alonzo.
All.Death!
High-Priest.(After a pause, and in a tone of resolution) I cannot give my sanction to this sentence, my opinion inclines to mercy; I feel that I am myself a mortal liable to error. Search your bosoms, my brethren, prove well your hearts, and if they in a low and gentle voice whispermercy,—then join with me and cry aloud mercy!—mercy!
Xaira.What say the laws?—Death to Cora and Alonzo.
All.Death!
High-Priest.Then it must be as you decide.—Oh thou unknown God, look down upon us, observe that none of this blood stains my hands!—Bring hither the unfortunate victims of your blind zeal. (Exeunt two Priests on different sides) The rest of you lay the sword and a fresh branch of palm upon the altar. (They do as he directs) Now, Xaira, follow me to the king. (Exit, accompanied by Xaira)
Alonzo.I am struck with awe!—This temple, it is true, is only dedicated to the worship of an idol, but God is everywhere; even in this place, where he is adored under the image of one of his own works. This temple I have profaned!—I am brought hither as the murderer of an artless woman—as the murderer of a venerable old man who never wronged me—as the murderer of a gallant youth, one of the destined supports of his country—as one who has disturbed the peace of a liberal nation, among whom he has been received with unbounded hospitality!—Oh earth! earth! open wide, and swallow at once this monster with all his crimes!—may no grass ever grow upon his grave!—may it never be moistened with the dew of Heaven!—may no wanderer ever repose his wearied limbs upon the sods, and may they never be trodden by the innocent feet of children, in their harmless sports! (Cora enters.) Ah, Cora! how blest did the sight of you once make me!—how miserable does it make me now!
Cora.Alonzo, this cannot be uttered from your heart!—Have you not often declared, that if you could not live with Cora, you would die with her; and Cora has always thought the same in respect to her Alonzo. Yes, we will die together, that we may live together hereafter!
Alonzo.Oh that hereafter!—It is the haven of rest to the virtuous, but for me, an evil conscience accompanies me to the grave.
Cora.Do not think so!—we have neither of us done wrong!—we loved each other—we could not avoid loving; was it in the power of either to repress our mutual feelings? Can either of us then be criminal?—Chance, or perhaps our God himself, first brought us together—all is of his appointment, and I am resigned to my fate. Even man is kind to us, since he facilitates our union. As a Virgin of the Sun I could not have become your wife, but in death we shall be united. Resume your fortitude then, oh Alonzo!—How often have I sprung with you over the rugged stones at the breach?—Death is no more than a spring over a few rugged stones; and these once passed, we shall find love and freedom waiting to receive us on the other side.
Alonzo.Amiable creature!—thy guiltless soul can look with composure both towards the past and future.—But for me!——
Cora.How, if I can prove that you may more justly look with composure towards futurity, than Cora?—Your mother is far hence, and should she hear of you no more,will believe that your days were ended by shipwreck, sickness, or some common disaster, and this idea will console her for your loss; while her maternal fancy will see in her son nothing but what was fair and good, will frequently recur with transport to the noble actions he has already performed, and form to itself a thousand charming images of what he would have achieved had his life been longer spared. But I!—I have a father, at present, indeed, in a remote province; but who will soon learn for what offence, and in what manner, his daughter died. It is that thought alone which makes death dreadful to me!—He is so good, so venerable, and loves me so tenderly!—Were he to witness this scene, it would break his heart.
Alonzo.(Aside) Oh Heaven! then she knows not——
Cora.Within the last hour I fell upon my knees and prayed most fervently, that some calm and easy death might snatch my father from the world, before his daughter’s fate could reach his ears. Suddenly a sweet serenity was diffused over my soul, as if the mild rays of a new sun had fallen upon me; and I hoped this was an assurance that my prayer was heard. My remaining wish is, that what I must suffer may be over quickly, lest solemn and protracted preparations should excite my rebel senses to mutiny, and shake my fortitude.
Alonzo.Oh it is the thought of what you have already endured, and must still endure, which alone oppresses my soul.
Cora.Let not my sufferings oppress you; believe me, I am resigned.
Cora.(Uttering a loud and piercing shriek) Oh, I am heard!—Behold my father’s spirit!—Yet his features are full of indignation!—his countenance is terrible!—Alonzo, awake me from this dream!
Alonzo.Would to God it were, indeed, only your father’s shade!—but, alas! it is he himself.—Oh what an hour of horror!
Cora.(Casting a look of awe towards Telasco) My father!
Telasco.(To Zorai) Why was I brought hither at this moment?—Do not the important services which I have done my native country through so long a course of years, give me a just claim to expect some forbearance? Go and demand of the priests if I must be compelled to stay with her,—I will, meanwhile, support myself against this pillar.
Cora.(Approaching him with trembling steps) My father!
Telasco.(With agony) Save me Zorai—save me!
Zorai.(Thrusting Cora away) Hence serpent!—spare the old man at least in his last moments. (Telasco turns away his face)
Cora.(Falling upon her knees, and clasping her hands in agony) Brother!
Zorai.I, thy brother!—Alas, yes!—these chains speak too plainly that I am thy brother.
Cora.Father!
Telasco.(With still averted eyes) Who calls me by that name?—I do not know that voice!
Cora.Father!—brother!—Oh these are the only agonies of death! (Wringing her hands)
Telasco.(Turning his eyes towards Cora) Oh Zorai, my paternal feelings will not be suppressed!—It is the voice of her mother!—it is the form of her mother!—Cora!—Cora—I have passed through life with honour, and now you cover my grave with shame!—Away, away! nor hope to experience my compassion!—Do you deserve it?—Did I constrain you to devote your youth to the service of the sun?—Did I not, on the contrary, frequently admonish you to consider well what you intended? Did I not represent to you, that the world afforded many pleasures of which you were then ignorant, and which you would first learn to think desirable when their enjoyment would be criminal, and when your life would consequently be rendered miserable by the impossibility of their attainment? Even on the very last evening before your irrevocable oath was taken—(God only knows how I assumed courage for the purpose)—did I not again entreat you to reflect upon all these things while it was yet possible to retract?—Dark and gloomy then appeared the future to my soul, as the ocean on a cloudy day. Even you wept—yes, Cora, you wept; your heart was overpowered.—It was the warning voice of a guardian spirit within you; but you resisted the impulse, adhered firmly to your enthusiastic resolution, and would think of nothing but of a nearer intercourse with the gods—Behold us now standing here,—I, a poor old man with my grey hairs, mourning the honour of my house destroyed for ever;—this youth, full of energy and love for his native country, cut off even in the prime of life, guiltless himself, yet involved in your destiny;—both,both, murdered by the hand of a daughter—of a sister;—and worse than murdered, hurled to the grave with shame as their companion!—Oh that I should have lived to see this day!—Blest, blest, was thy mother’s lot, that she died before the dawn of so fatal a morning! (Cora, overpowered with her father’s reproaches, sinks to the ground with a sigh; Telasco exclaims with an emotion of tenderness) Zorai, support her!
Zorai.(Raising up his sister, in which Alonzo makes an effort to assist him, but is thrust back by Zorai) Hence, thou murderer of innocence!—Oh that a hero should thus sink to nothing when we behold him near!—How did I reverence this man at a distance!—how admire him when I listened to the detail of his noble actions!—I felt my young heart elevated, and wished for nothing so ardently as that I were myself in his place!—Fool that I was!—His heroism was the effect of chance, not principle; he is still but a man, and weak as the rest of mankind!—Look here, and exult at this scene, it is thy work; and thou may’st thank these chains that, even in the midst of the temple, and in the presence of our god himself, thou art not made the victim of my vengeance.
Alonzo.Did you know how my heart is tortured, how inexpressibly I love, you would be more compassionate to my sorrows!
Telasco.Say no more, my son—his fate is much more deplorable than ours: we have one treasure left, which we shall carry with us to another world, a pure conscience;—that treasure he has lost; he is poorer than ourselves.
Cora.Oh, my father, do not let me die in despair!—Can you refuse me your blessing in the hour of death! (She falls at his feet) I will cling round your knees, my anguish shall move you!—have pity on your kneeling daughter!—bless me, my father!—forgive me, my brother! (Telasco and Zorai appear much affected) See how I humble, how I twine myself about you!—Oh, my agony is inconceivable!—Have compassion upon me, or my heart will break!
Telasco.Son! son!—let us not aggravate the bitter stroke of death!—the wretched easily forgive!—Raise her up to my arms. (Zorai raises up his sister. Telasco clasps her to his breast) Die in peace—I forgive thee!
Cora.(In a faint voice) My brother!
Telasco.Yes, yes, Zorai!—no resentment!—forgive the penitent!—call her sister!
Zorai.(Embracing her) Unhappy—sister!
Cora.Ye gods, I thank you!—the bitterness of death is past.
Alonzo.Your hearts are softened!—Might Alonzo venture!—Zorai, you called me a weak man. Yes, I am weak; but I am not a villain!—Misery soon unites the sufferers to each other—let us not die in enmity.
Telasco.Stranger, I harbour no resentment against you!—Can I leave the world in a better state of mind, than in speaking pardon to those by whom I have been injured. Have you any parents living?
Alonzo.An aged mother.
Telasco.For her sake come hither, that I may bless thee in her place! (He embraces him)
Alonzo.From what a grievous burden is my heart relieved!—And you too Zorai! (Offering him his hand)
Zorai.Away! I admire my father’s conduct; but—I cannot follow his example.
Alonzo.Not to give peace to a dying man?
Zorai.I cannot!—Would you have me dissemble reconciliation?—You are hateful to me!—leave me!—I will endeavour to subdue this bitter feeling; and should I succeed, I will reach out my hand as our last moments approach, and you will understand my meaning.
Alonzo.Accept my thanks even for this concession.—I acknowledge it to be more than I deserve. (Cora leans against a pillar, and endeavours to recover herself).
Xaira.The king approaches!
(The Priests range themselves on the steps of the altar;Cora,Telasco, andZorai, remain in the front of the stage on one side;Alonzostands opposite to them;Ataliba, attended by his suite, enters with slow and solemn steps, and with a countenance marked with deep anxiety; he kneels before the Image of the Sun, and remains for some time in an attitude of devotion, while a solemn silence is observed by all present. When his prayer is finished, he rises, and turns towardsAlonzo, to whom he speaks hastily, and in a low voice.)
Ataliba.Save yourself, Alonzo!—Urge that you are a foreigner, and were unacquainted with our laws andcustoms!—urge your services to the state, to me, to the people!—urge, in short, whatever your danger may suggest!—Your judge is your friend, let it be possible for him to shew you mercy without incurring a suspicion partiality. (Alonzo bows silently, with a countenance expressive of ardent gratitude. Ataliba turns to Telasco) Good old man, you are free!—He who has hazarded his life a thousand times in the service of his native country, has sacrificed it already to the gods. I dare not proceed against you!
Telasco.How, Inca!—Can you be so cruel as to deprive the aged tree of all its branches, and yet leave the trunk standing?
Ataliba.(To Zorai) Young man, you also are free! (Turning to the assembly) For it is the will of my father, that henceforward the guilty only shall suffer. (A murmuring is heard among the priests; Ataliba casts a look of displeasure upon them, and again addresses Zorai) Comfort your aged father, nurse him and attend upon him as long as he lives; then come to me, as to your elder brother. (Zorai attempts to throw himself at the king’s feet, who prevents him, and turns to Cora) For you, Cora,—I can do nothing.
Cora.Oh, you have done all that I could wish!—more than I could dare to hope.
Ataliba.Your offence comes immediately within the laws, and to the laws the king himself is subject. (He ascends to the upper step of the altar, prostrates himself once more before the Image of the Sun, and then turns towards the assembly) High-Priest, execute your office!
High-Priest.Pardon me, good Inca!—spare my age!—my infirm state of health!—my throbbing heart!—Permit Xaira on this occasion to take my place.
Ataliba.Be it as you desire!
Xaira.(Approaching him with solemnity) First born of the Sun, a virgin, devoted to the gods, has broken her sacred vow!—Cora, come forwards!—A stranger who sojourns in this land is the associate of her crime!—Alonzo, come forwards!—We, the priests of the incensed gods, and servants of the Temple which has been profaned, faithful to the ordinances of thy great ancestor, have sat in judgment upon their crime, and pronounced sentence upon both.—This sentence isdeath!!!
Ataliba.(After a pause, addressing Cora and Alonzo) Have you anything to say in your defence? (Cora and Alonzo remain silent) I ask you, Cora, and you, Alonzo, if you have any thing to urge in your defence?
Cora.Nothing.
Alonzo.Nothing.
Ataliba.How, Alonzo, have you nothing to urge in extenuation of your conduct?
Alonzo.Nothing.
Ataliba.Do not speak rashly!—I give you time for recollection!—Consider well—Stranger!
Alonzo.I have deserved death, and submit to it willingly.
Ataliba.Once more I admonish you to consider well what you are about—a few moments longer, and it will be too late.—Oh ye assembled judges, know that I regard it as a sacred duty to grant this indulgence, since this man is a stranger, and could not be impressed with that sacred reverence for our faith, which the wisdom of our priests instils from their earliest infancy into the breast of every Peruvian. Unacquainted with our laws, he could not see with our eyes, could not know the magnitude of his transgression. Once more, Alonzo, you are at liberty to speak.—Our gods are just, reasonable, merciful!
Alonzo.I have deserved death.
Ataliba.Is that your last word?
Alonzo.My last.
Ataliba.(Rests his elbow upon the altar, and conceals his face in his hands for some moments, then, recovering himself, proceeds) Priests, perform your duty!
(Two priests ascend to the altar, one on each side of the king. One takes the sword, the other the palm-branch from the altar, when, descending again, they deliver them to Xaira.)
Xaira.(Presenting the sword to the king) First born of the Sun, receive from my hands the symbol of justice! (Presenting the palm-branch) First born of the Sun, receive from my hands the symbol of mercy!—The gods direct your judgment!
Ataliba.(Kneels) Oh God, thou seest how my heart is racked at this awful hour!—Grant that I may never again be compelled to the performance of so mournful a duty!—Ye shades of my forefathers, hover over me!—let me be enlightened by your wisdom, and since I exact no more than justice demands, let my soul find rest in that reflection. (He rises—Cora, Alonzo, Telasco, and Zorai, kneel with their heads bowed down.—After a few minutes struggle with himself, the king raises the sword, and is about to speak.)
Chamberlain.Pardon me, royal Inca, that I must be the messenger of evil tidings. The flame of insurrection rages among the people—they run wildly hither and thither about the streets—the troops assemble on all sides, crying to arms! to arms!—Drums beat, trumpets sound, weapons clash, and a forest of lances are collected together. No answer is to be obtained to a single question; all that is to be heard is the name of Rolla shouted by ten thousand voices. The troop belonging to the foreigner Velasquez, was drawn up in the meadow; I saw him run hastily from one soldier to another; and could plainly perceive by his gestures, that he entreated, threatened, expostulated, and employed every effort to restrain them within their duty, but in vain, all by turns deserted to Rolla. (The whole assembly, except the king, manifest great consternation and alarm.)
Ataliba.What can this mean?—Rolla, did you say, at the head of the army?—that cannot be insurrection.—Rolla’s name can never be united with insurrection—this must be a mistake. Did you see him yourself?
Chamberlain.Only at a distance. The officers had made a little circle round him, he harangued them eagerly, and with a loud voice, his eyes flashed fire, which seemed to communicate to those about him, who frequently interrupted his harangue with impetuous shouts, then brandishing their swords and shaking their lances, they began to throng towards the Temple, the whole multitude following them, while I hastened on before, to prepare you for their reception.
Ataliba.(Without changing countenance) Well, all will soon be explained. (He looks around) I see terror pourtrayed on every countenance.—Why are you dismayed?—He who only studies to promote his people’s happiness, has no reason to fear his people. In that conviction my heart finds repose. Let them come! (A noise is heard behind the scenes.)
All present cry with confusion.They come!—they are here already!
Rolla.Be guided by me, my friends.
Xaira.A profanation of the Temple!
Rolla.You have profaned it by a sanguinary sentence.
Xaira.(To the assembled Priests) Avenge your gods! (A confused murmuring is heard among them)
Ataliba.(To Xaira) Silence!—(He makes a motion with his hand, signifying that he is about to speak, when a general silence is observed. He then turns to Rolla, and addresses him) Who are you?
Rolla.Do you not know me?
Ataliba.I had once a chieftain, who much resembled you in features—his name was Rolla, and he was a noble-minded man.—But who are you?
Rolla.No mockery Inca!—for the love of God no mockery!—Yet you may be right—I am no longer Rolla—I no longer know myself!—A storm drives me on!—a rapid stream hurries me forwards!—but have compassion upon me!—I honour you, Inca—I love and honour you truly.
Ataliba.You honour me?—Once indeed I indulged in such glorious visions, I said within myself, as long as I have Rolla for a chieftain, the monarch of Cuzco may rage, may try to seduce my provinces from their obedience, yet Rolla’s heroic courage is a tree under whose shade I shall always repose in peace.
Rolla.But answer me, I entreat?—is the tree under whose shade you were reposing thus quietly, responsible to itself, if a whirlwind should come, tear it up by the roots, and throw it down upon you?
Ataliba.What whirlwind has seized upon you?—what is it you desire?—speak, and thank your former services, that you are now indulged with the liberty of speaking. I have never sufficiently rewarded your heroic achievements, I do it now, in granting this permission.
Rolla.I have only a plain story to urge in my defence, let it suffice for my vindication, if you partake more of the human, than of the divine nature!—I love to excess!—While I was still a boy, this passion stole into my heart sosweetly, so pleasantly, so devoid of all uneasiness, that I felt delight in cherishing and indulging it. Love was at that time like a day of serenity to my soul, and remained so, till the period of youth intervened, when my passion became a storm, to which all must bend,—when nothing could restrain the impetuosity of my feelings. To love and be beloved were the highest objects to which I aspired—I thought of nothing but enjoying my sweet intoxication in Cora’s arms, regardless of honour or of the services due to my country, and to the noble race of our Incas, of which tree I am a branch. My good uncle sought to stem the torrent, or at least to conduct it into another channel, and sent me to serve my king in battle, trusting that the fever which burned within me, might thus in time be wholly exhausted. But vain was the hope, that in urging my steps to climb the lofty heights of honour, I might be enabled when I had gained their summit, to look down with calmness on the passion I had left below. This passion would not be shaken off—it accompanied me up the steep, and it was that alone which prompted all my heroic actions. Yes, Inca, whatever great or good I have performed in your service, is to be ascribed solely to love—it was my companion in the field of battle, and in my most adventurous moments, I thought not of my king nor of his throne, neither of the welfare of my country; I only thought of Cora—that I should become the object of Cora’s admiration—You owe nothing to me, all to my love for that matchless woman, and that love you must this day pardon. I am past the days of youth indeed, but my heart remains the same, it retains all the impetuosity of my earlier years; I still cherish the lovely visions of childhood; my passion is become like a tree, the root of which is so deeply entwined with my life, that the one cannot be plucked up without destroying the other. Oh, Inca, shew that you have the feelings of a man!—extend your mercy to Cora!—on my knees I intreat for her life! (He kneels) Since she has called the forsaken Rolla, brother, he is become proud, yet he still condescends on his knees to beg his sister’s life.
Ataliba.(Endeavouring to conceal his emotions and preserve his dignity) Rise!
Rolla.Mercy!
Ataliba.Rise!—lay thy arms at my feet, dismiss thy followers, and then wait silently, and submissively, the judgment of thy king.
Rolla.Mercy!—Mercy!—Uncle, Sister, aid me to entreat!—I have been so little accustomed to entreaty, that I scarcely know the form in which it should be clothed.
Ataliba.A petitioner in arms!—would you mock your sovereign?
Rolla.(Rising up) Oh no!—but you require impossibilities—you expect a man in a burning fever to sleep. Can Rolla behold Cora in chains, and lay down his arms?—by Heaven that cannot be!
Ataliba.I command you to deposit them at my feet.
Rolla.Pronounce her pardon Inca!—declare her absolved from her detested vow, and you shall instantly be obeyed.
Ataliba.No conditions—your arms must instantly be resigned.
Rolla.Impossible!—Come to my heart, Cora!—be my breast your shield, and let my sword hew asunder those chains!
Ataliba.Rebel, do whatever you please.—whatever the gods will permit—but know that Ataliba will not pronounce sentence till he beholds you kneeling disarmed at his feet. Never shall it be said, that youextortedmercy from the king. (In a pathetic tone) Ye people of Quito, listen to the voice of your sovereign!—I stand here at this moment, in the temple, in the presence of our God himself!—For seven years have I now reigned over you, I ask if any one can charge me during that time with a wilful injustice?—if any can, let him come forwards!—Has any one been dismissed from before my throne without assistance, where assistance could be granted?—if any has, let him come forwards!—I have conquered other countries, I have triumphed over other kings, but that is little.—When a few years ago the anger of the gods had cursed the country with unfruitfulness, I threw open the doors of my full barns, fed the hungry, and revived the sick, while many a night I lay sleepless in my own bed, because your misery oppressed my soul, and I had not power to relieve all. Ye people of Quito your present conduct is undeserved by me!—Seize that man, chain him, or I lay down my sceptre at this moment. (A confused murmuring is heard among the crowd.)
Rolla.(Turning to his followers) You seize me!—youput me in chains!—which among you will do this?—You perhaps, my old companion in battle, with whom I once shared my last morsel when famine stared us in the face?—or you, whose life I saved in the field of Tumibamba?—or you, whose son I rescued from the enemy’s hands, even at the moment when the lance was pointed against his breast?—Which among you will seize me?—Speak?
High-Priest.Rolla, my adopted son, how am I bowed down by this scene. Would you see me, miserable old man, as I am, prostrate at your feet?
Rolla.Forbear!—I honour you as a father, but do not spread out your hands to the stormy winds,—it is in vain! (The High-Priest is about to proceed in his entreaties, but Rolla prevents him impatiently) Uncle, no more!—the lots are cast, and whatever may be the consequence I am resolved to save Cora.
Cora.(Goes up to Rolla, embraces and kisses him) Brother, take this kiss from your sister, and let these tears speak my gratitude for love so ardent. Your soul is truly noble,—this day, for the first time in my life, have I really known you. But one so great, so good, must be his sovereign’s friend. Cora has been guilty of a crime, and would you seek to shelter her by the commission of another? Oh, what an added weight of remorse would that reflection heap upon my already overburthened conscience!—No, Rolla, do not act thus beneath yourself!—do not seek to snatch the reins from the hands of God, who assuredly directs my fate!—Suffer me to die!—I have received my father’s and my brother’s forgiveness; Alonzo dies with me, and I die contentedly. Our spirits shall hover around you, and will rejoice when they behold you true to your king, and devoting all your powers to the service of your country.—resolve to endure the remainder of your life without me!—it is my last request, and I know that Rolla will yield to Cora’s entreaty; then will she have performed a good action at her departure from the world, and will be indebted to her brother for that grateful reflection. Yes, Rolla, I see the clouds upon your brow dispersing, I see tears start into your eyes—do not repress them,—give them free scope—they are no disgrace even to the eyes of a warrior.—And now, my brother, give me your sword, your javelin!—(She takes his sword and javelin gently out of his hands, and lays them at Ataliba’s feet) Behold now a hero indeed!—Withthose tears that are trembling on his cheeks, has he washed away the stain which was beginning to tarnish his fame and virtue—now Rolla, I am indeed proud of your love!—One only effort sill remains, throw yourself at the feet of our good king—kneel to him, and let virtue remain sole victor! (She draws him gently towards Ataliba, at whose feet she throws herself.—Rolla, after a few moments’ struggle with himself, kneels by her—Cora addresses the king) Oh sovereign of Quito, I bring you back your hero!—pardon him!—he deserves your pardon! (She rises and returns to her former station.) Now Inca, proceed to judgment! (Rolla remains kneeling before the king)
Telasco.(Embracing Cora) My daughter!—for as such I may now embrace thee without shame.
Ataliba.Does Rolla submit to his king?
Rolla.Entirely.
Ataliba.Your life is forfeited.
Rolla.Of that I am sensible.
Ataliba.You have my free pardon.
Rolla.(Raising up his eyes to the king with haste and anxiety) And Cora?
Ataliba.You are pardoned.
Rolla.(Casting his eyes again to the ground) Oh God!
Ataliba.Rise!
Rolla.No, let me hear the sentence upon my knees, for in pronouncing Cora’s doom you pronounce mine.
Ataliba.Well then! (He takes again into his hands the sword and palm-branch, which at the beginning of the tumult he had laid upon the altar.)
High-Priest.(Throwing himself suddenly at the king’s feet) Oh Inca, pardon them!
Ataliba.(Raising him up with mildness) Do you also ask this, my father?—have the gods manifested their will to you?
High-Priest.Mercy is the will of the gods!—Those rude times when your illustrious ancestor first established the worship of the sun are no more. Naked as the beasts of the forest, our race then lived under the open canopy of Heaven alone, while their women were considered like the dates upon the palm-tree, as fruit which every one might pluck according to his fancy. At that time they had no subsistence but what they could snatch precariously from day to day,—they were without religion, without laws,without property. Then Manco-Capac, endowed with supernatural powers, appeared among them—he built a temple to the sun, and consecrated virgins to his service, instituting at the same time the vow of chastity, because vice reigned so triumphantly throughout the kingdom, and reason was so much in its infancy, that without such a precaution, the temple on the solemn days of festival had become a theatre of debauchery. But a long series of years has changed what was then a forced obedience to the laws of order, into an inward feeling of their beauty, and where this rules, compulsive institutions are no longer necessary. Therefore, Inca, I stand here in the name of the gods, and call upon you, as the benefactor of your people, to crown all your noble deeds with a sacrifice due to reason, and through her to the gods themselves. Shrink not from the trial!—be eager to do what is right, or if any thing still be wanting to your conviction, let the supplication of an old man at least move you!—the supplication of one by whom you were educated, who loves you as his own son, who has watched with anxious care your infant slumbers, and who now asks this mercy as the recompence of all his cares! (He takes the fillet from his head and shews his grey hair.) Grant this request, oh Inca, for the sake of these grey hairs, become thus silvery in your service!
Ataliba.Enough!—Come forwards, Cora!—and you, Alonzo!
High-Priest.Ye gods, direct his noble heart!
(CoraandAlonzocome forwards trembling.)
Telasco.(To Zorai) Support me, my son,—support me!
(Atalibaafter a solemn pause, with his right hand strikes the sword against the ground and breaks it, then with his left presents the palm-branch toCora.)
Ataliba.Be the law abolished, and Cora released!
(Corasinks down in a swoon,—Alonzothrows himself by her—Rollasprings up and presses the king wildly to his breast.—TheHigh-Priestraises his hands gratefully towards Heaven—Telascosupported byZoraitotters towards his daughter,—The people shout repeatedly, crying)
All.Long live the Inca!!! (The Curtain falls.)
END OF THE PLAY.