_Xaira._ (_Approaching him with solemnity_) First born of the Sun, a virgin, devoted to the gods, has broken her sacred vow!—Cora, come forwards!—A stranger who sojourns in this land is the associate of her crime!—Alonzo, come forwards!—We, the priests of the incensed gods, and servants of the Temple which has been profaned, faithful to the ordinances of thy great ancestor, have sat in judgment upon their crime, and pronounced sentence upon both.—This sentence is DEATH!!! _Ataliba._ (_After a pause, addressing Cora and Alonzo_) Have you anything to say in your defence? (_Cora and Alonzo remain silent_) I ask you, Cora, and you, Alonzo, if you have any thing to urge in your defence? _Cora._ Nothing. _Alonzo._ Nothing. _Ataliba._ How, Alonzo, have you nothing to urge in extenuation of your conduct? _Alonzo._ Nothing. _Ataliba._ Do not speak rashly!—I give you time for recollection!—Consider well—STRANGER! _Alonzo._ I have deserved death, and submit to it willingly. _Ataliba._ Once more I admonish you to consider well what you are about—a few moments longer, and it will be too late.—Oh ye assembled judges, know that I regard it as a sacred duty to grant this indulgence, since this man is a stranger, and could not be impressed with that sacred reverence for our faith, which the wisdom of our priests instils from their earliest infancy into the breast of every Peruvian. Unacquainted with our laws, he could not see with our eyes, could not know the magnitude of his transgression. Once more, Alonzo, you are at liberty to speak.—Our gods are just, reasonable, merciful! _Alonzo._ I have deserved death. _Ataliba._ Is that your last word? _Alonzo._ My last. _Ataliba._ (_Rests his elbow upon the altar, and conceals his face in his hands for some moments, then, recovering himself, proceeds_) Priests, perform your duty! (_Two priests ascend to the altar, one on each side of the king. One takes the sword, the other the palm-branch from the altar, when, descending again, they deliver them to Xaira._) _Xaira._ (_Presenting the sword to the king_) First born of the Sun, receive from my hands the symbol of justice! (_Presenting the palm-branch_) First born of the Sun, receive from my hands the symbol of mercy!—The gods direct your judgment! _Ataliba._ (_Kneels_) Oh God, thou seest how my heart is racked at this awful hour!—Grant that I may never again be compelled to the performance of so mournful a duty!—Ye shades of my forefathers, hover over me!—let me be enlightened by your wisdom, and since I exact no more than justice demands, let my soul find rest in that reflection. (_He rises—Cora, Alonzo, Telasco, and Zorai, kneel with their heads bowed down.—After a few minutes struggle with himself, the king raises the sword, and is about to speak._) SCENE V.—_Enter the CHAMBERLAIN in great haste, and with a strong impression of terror upon his countenance._