_Chamberlain._ Pardon me, royal Inca, that I must be the messenger of evil tidings. The flame of insurrection rages among the people—they run wildly hither and thither about the streets—the troops assemble on all sides, crying to arms! to arms!—Drums beat, trumpets sound, weapons clash, and a forest of lances are collected together. No answer is to be obtained to a single question; all that is to be heard is the name of Rolla shouted by ten thousand voices. The troop belonging to the foreigner Velasquez, was drawn up in the meadow; I saw him run hastily from one soldier to another; and could plainly perceive by his gestures, that he entreated, threatened, expostulated, and employed every effort to restrain them within their duty, but in vain, all by turns deserted to Rolla. (_The whole assembly, except the king, manifest great consternation and alarm._) _Ataliba._ What can this mean?—Rolla, did you say, at the head of the army?—that cannot be insurrection.—Rolla’s name can never be united with insurrection—this must be a mistake. Did you see him yourself? _Chamberlain._ Only at a distance. The officers had made a little circle round him, he harangued them eagerly, and with a loud voice, his eyes flashed fire, which seemed to communicate to those about him, who frequently interrupted his harangue with impetuous shouts, then brandishing their swords and shaking their lances, they began to throng towards the Temple, the whole multitude following them, while I hastened on before, to prepare you for their reception. _Ataliba._ (_Without changing countenance_) Well, all will soon be explained. (_He looks around_) I see terror pourtrayed on every countenance.—Why are you dismayed?—He who only studies to promote his people’s happiness, has no reason to fear his people. In that conviction my heart finds repose. Let them come! (_A noise is heard behind the scenes._) _All present cry with confusion._ They come!—they are here already! SCENE VI.—_ROLLA rushes in with a drawn sword in his right hand, a javelin in his left, and a bow and quiver at his back. He is followed by a considerable number of OFFICERS and SOLDIERS._ _Rolla._ Be guided by me, my friends. _Xaira._ A profanation of the Temple! _Rolla._ You have profaned it by a sanguinary sentence. _Xaira._ (_To the assembled Priests_) Avenge your gods! (_A confused murmuring is heard among them_) _Ataliba._ (_To Xaira_) Silence!—(_He makes a motion with his hand, signifying that he is about to speak, when a general silence is observed. He then turns to Rolla, and addresses him_) Who are you? _Rolla._ Do you not know me? _Ataliba._ I had once a chieftain, who much resembled you in features—his name was Rolla, and he was a noble-minded man.—But who are you?