_Xaira._ No, I will not violate my principles, even to gratify the Inca?—Both are guilty; and whether seducing, or seduced, is a matter of total indifference. To his own face I will tell the king the same,—I will sound it in the ears of the people—and if Ataliba no longer trembles before the gods, he shall at least tremble before his own subjects. _High-Priest._ Conscience is his law, and it ought equally to be ours. We are to judge Cora and Alonzo, but let us not forget that we ourselves are one day to be judged by a superior power. Now take your places. SCENE VIII.—_The HIGH-PRIEST stands in the centre, with XAIRA at his right hand, and the rest of the Priests ranged in a semi-circle round the stage. CORA, and ALONZO, both in chains, are brought in on different sides.—Cora no longer bears the image of the sun upon her breast, nor her flame-coloured girdle._ _Cora._ My Alonzo! _Alonzo._ Oh God!—you also in chains! _Cora._ Mourn not my fate!—I shall die with you! _Alonzo._ With your murderer. _Xaira._ Silence! _High-Priest._ (_With mild solemnity_) We, the servants of the gods, appointed to execute their holy will, are here assembled to pass judgment upon Cora the daughter of Telasco, and Alonzo the stranger.—Oh thou, our Father above, who surveyest the whole world with one glance, diffuse thy light into our hearts!—thou hast appointed us judges over honour and shame, over life and death!—let thy wisdom then enlighten our minds that no partiality may bias them, that they may alike be free from weakness and revenge. (_He kneels, accompanied by all the other Priests._) We swear, oh sun, to judge according to thy laws communicated by Manco-Capac!—We swear to shew mercy, if the profanation of thy temple will permit mercy to be shewn—or if strict justice be required, to exact strict justice!—We swear, finally, so to conduct ourselves, that should we be called into thy presence to-morrow, we may not be ashamed of rendering a faithful account of this awful hour! _All the Priests._ We _swear_ this, oh sun! (_They rise._) _High-Priest._ Cora, have you broken your vow? _Cora._ I have. _High-Priest._ Do you know this young man? _Cora._ He is my husband. _High-Priest._ Alonzo, do you know this woman? _Alonzo._ She is my wife. _Xaira._ You are both guilty—both must die. _High-Priest._ Before we proceed to pass sentence upon you, an important duty remains to be discharged. In the name of our king, I am to announce favour to the party, who was solely the victim of seduction. Ataliba, the first-born of the sun, under whose dominion the kingdom of Quito flourishes, requires a free and ingenuous confession, which of you was the seducer, and which the seduced. _Cora._ It was I seduced him. } (_Both speaking together._) _Alonzo._ It was I seduced her. } _Cora._ Do not believe him, he speaks falsely. _Alonzo._ Do not believe her, she would deceive you. _Cora._ I alone am guilty. _Alonzo._ On me must your sentence be pronounced.