_Zorai._ I cannot!—Would you have me dissemble reconciliation?—You are hateful to me!—leave me!—I will endeavour to subdue this bitter feeling; and should I succeed, I will reach out my hand as our last moments approach, and you will understand my meaning. _Alonzo._ Accept my thanks even for this concession.—I acknowledge it to be more than I deserve. (_Cora leans against a pillar, and endeavours to recover herself_). SCENE IV.—_Enter the HIGH-PRIEST, XAIRA, and several other PRIESTS._ _Xaira._ The king approaches! (_The Priests range themselves on the steps of the altar; CORA, TELASCO, and ZORAI, remain in the front of the stage on one side; ALONZO stands opposite to them; ATALIBA, attended by his suite, enters with slow and solemn steps, and with a countenance marked with deep anxiety; he kneels before the Image of the Sun, and remains for some time in an attitude of devotion, while a solemn silence is observed by all present. When his prayer is finished, he rises, and turns towards ALONZO, to whom he speaks hastily, and in a low voice._) _Ataliba._ Save yourself, Alonzo!—Urge that you are a foreigner, and were unacquainted with our laws and customs!—urge your services to the state, to me, to the people!—urge, in short, whatever your danger may suggest!—Your judge is your friend, let it be possible for him to shew you mercy without incurring a suspicion partiality. (_Alonzo bows silently, with a countenance expressive of ardent gratitude. Ataliba turns to Telasco_) Good old man, you are free!—He who has hazarded his life a thousand times in the service of his native country, has sacrificed it already to the gods. I dare not proceed against you! _Telasco._ How, Inca!—Can you be so cruel as to deprive the aged tree of all its branches, and yet leave the trunk standing? _Ataliba._ (_To Zorai_) Young man, you also are free! (_Turning to the assembly_) For it is the will of my father, that henceforward the guilty only shall suffer. (_A murmuring is heard among the priests; Ataliba casts a look of displeasure upon them, and again addresses Zorai_) Comfort your aged father, nurse him and attend upon him as long as he lives; then come to me, as to your elder brother. (_Zorai attempts to throw himself at the king’s feet, who prevents him, and turns to Cora_) For you, Cora,—I can do nothing. _Cora._ Oh, you have done all that I could wish!—more than I could dare to hope. _Ataliba._ Your offence comes immediately within the laws, and to the laws the king himself is subject. (_He ascends to the upper step of the altar, prostrates himself once more before the Image of the Sun, and then turns towards the assembly_) High-Priest, execute your office! _High-Priest._ Pardon me, good Inca!—spare my age!—my infirm state of health!—my throbbing heart!—Permit Xaira on this occasion to take my place. _Ataliba._ Be it as you desire!