_High-Priest._ Hither ye Priests! (_The Priests assemble round him_) I already read in their gloomy countenances the sentence I am to expect! (_Aside.—After a few moments pause, in which he endeavours to assume resolution, he proceeds_) You know the criminals and the crime—we wait your decision. _Xaira._ What say the laws? (_The High-Priest remains silent_) I ask you what say the laws? _High-Priest._ (_After a conflict with himself, in suffocated voice_) Death. _Xaira._ (_Solemnly and audibly_) The laws pronounce sentence of death upon Cora and Alonzo. _All._ Death! _High-Priest._ (_After a pause, and in a tone of resolution_) I cannot give my sanction to this sentence, my opinion inclines to mercy; I feel that I am myself a mortal liable to error. Search your bosoms, my brethren, prove well your hearts, and if they in a low and gentle voice whisper _mercy_,—then join with me and cry aloud mercy!—mercy! _Xaira._ What say the laws?—Death to Cora and Alonzo. _All._ Death! _High-Priest._ Then it must be as you decide.—Oh thou unknown God, look down upon us, observe that none of this blood stains my hands!—Bring hither the unfortunate victims of your blind zeal. (_Exeunt two Priests on different sides_) The rest of you lay the sword and a fresh branch of palm upon the altar. (_They do as he directs_) Now, Xaira, follow me to the king. (_Exit, accompanied by Xaira_) SCENE II.—_CORA and ALONZO are brought in on different sides. During this and the following scene, the Priests walk backwards and forwards, and are busied about the altar. ALONZO appears a few minutes sooner than CORA._ _Alonzo._ I am struck with awe!—This temple, it is true, is only dedicated to the worship of an idol, but God is every where; even in this place, where he is adored under the image of one of his own works. This temple I have profaned!—I am brought hither as the murderer of an artless woman—as the murderer of a venerable old man who never wronged me—as the murderer of a gallant youth, one of the destined supports of his country—as one who has disturbed the peace of a liberal nation, among whom he has been received with unbounded hospitality!—Oh earth! earth! open wide, and swallow at once this monster with all his crimes!—may no grass ever grow upon his grave!—may it never be moistened with the dew of Heaven!—may no wanderer ever repose his wearied limbs upon the sods, and may they never be trodden by the innocent feet of children, in their harmless sports! (_Cora enters._) Ah, Cora! how blest did the sight of you once make me!—how miserable does it make me now! _Cora._ Alonzo, this cannot be uttered from your heart!—Have you not often declared, that if you could not live with Cora, you would die with her; and Cora has always thought the same in respect to her Alonzo. Yes, we will die together, that we may live together hereafter! _Alonzo._ Oh that hereafter!—It is the haven of rest to the virtuous, but for me, an evil conscience accompanies me to the grave.