_High-Priestess._ (_Recovering_) Hasten, ye daughters of the Sun, shut up this sacrilegious creature in our darkest dungeon, 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._) SCENE V.—_A large hall in the king’s palace, with guards ranged on each side. Enter the KING’S CHAMBERLAIN._ _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. SCENE VI.—_The doors are thrown open. Enter the HIGH-PRIEST, XAIRA, DON ALONZO, DON JUAN, with a long train of priests and courtiers. Many compliments are exchanged on all sides; they walk about, and converse in different groupes. Several of the courtiers assemble round the chamberlain._ _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.