_Idali._ Cora! we were looking for you. _Cora._ I am coming. _Rolla._ Tarry a moment!—They have seen and heard us,—for God’s sake! do not let them escape thus; we must win them over to our interest. _Juan._ That were a task for a minister of state!—If this be accomplished, I shall be persuaded that Rolla is capable of conquering whole provinces, without a stroke of the sword. _Rolla._ Nothing more easy!—Flatter them, they are women. _Juan._ Lovely maidens! will you not come near? _Idali._ (_To Amazili_) I believe he means to address us. _Amazili._ How he fixes his eyes upon us!—Let us hasten back. _Idali._ Come, Cora, the High-Priestess sent us to seek for you. _Alonzo._ Pray come nearer, pious virgins! _Juan._ And receive the homage due to your charms. _Idali._ (_To Amazili._) Shall we run away? _Amazili._ Yes; let us fly. (_Neither of them stir._) _Cora._ I will go with you directly. But why do you stand there so bashfully among the trees?—Come here, sisters. _Idali._ Oh no, not among men. _Juan._ Men!—Fair maidens! how came you to suppose us men? Three of us are only Spaniards, and the other will readily withdraw, if you wish to avoid his presence. (_He makes a sign to Rolla, who immediately retires into the entrance of his cave._) Are you still afraid, sweet maidens? _Amazili._ (_To Idali_) What do you think,—shall we venture? _Idali._ You step first, and I will follow. _Amazili._ No, you are the oldest. _Idali._ But you got over the wall first. _Amazili._ Yes; but it was you that first spied the breach. _Juan._ The contest may easily be decided. (_He steps between them, and draws them both after him_) Now you may safely swear that neither took the first step. _Amazili._ Ah, Idali! he has laid such fast hold of me! _Idali._ And of me too! _Juan._ Be quiet, dear children! no harm shall happen to you. (_He chucks Idali under the chin_) You are blooming as a rose. (_Turning to Amazili_) And you, as—as—as— _Diego._ (_With great gallantry_) As a sun-flower. _Juan._ (_To Idali_) Your eyes are so soft and blue. _Diego._ (_To Amazili_) Yours are so very roguish. _Juan._ You smile so sweetly. _Diego._ The coral of your lips is so alluring. _Juan._ This hand is so soft. _Diego._ This waist is so slender. _Amazili._ (_To Idali_) Shall we run away? _Idali._ I think we may as well stay a little. _Amazili._ But are you certain that you are not men?—We must die if you deceive us. _Cora._ Come, sisters, we shall be missed. _Idali._ And then the High-Priestess will scold. _Amazili._ We ought to be dressing for the festival. _Idali._ And there is nobody in the temple—the sacred flame will be extinguished. _Diego._ You can easily kindle it again with your bright eyes. _Cora._ Tell me, Idali, how happened it that the High-Priestess sent you hither?