_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? SCENE III.—_Enter CORA._ _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.