_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. SCENE VII.—_Enter ATALIBA with his train. All present prostrate themselves before the king._ _Ataliba._ (_Addressing the High-Priest._) I rejoice, good old 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 old Telasco, 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.