Scene IV Enter Idali and Amazili
Alonzo. We are too late, they are here already!
Idali. Cora! we were looking for you.
Cora. I am coming.
Rolla. Tarry a moment!—They have seen and heard us,—for God’s sake! do not let them escape thus; we must win them over to our interest.
Juan. That were a task for a minister of state!—If this be accomplished, I shall be persuaded that Rolla is capable of conquering whole provinces, without a stroke of the sword.
Rolla. Nothing more easy!—Flatter them, they are women.
Juan. Lovely maidens! will you not come near?
Idali. (To Amazili) I believe he means to address us.
Amazili. How he fixes his eyes upon us!—Let us hasten back.
Idali. Come, Cora, the High-Priestess sent us to seek for you.
Alonzo. Pray come nearer, pious virgins!
Juan. And receive the homage due to your charms.
Idali. (To Amazili.) Shall we run away?
Amazili. Yes; let us fly. (Neither of them stir.)
Cora. I will go with you directly. But why do you stand there so bashfully among the trees?—Come here, sisters.
Idali. Oh no, not among men.
Juan. Men!—Fair maidens! how came you to suppose us men? Three of us are only Spaniards, and the other will readily withdraw, if you wish to avoid his presence. (He makes a sign to Rolla, who immediately retires into the entrance of his cave.) Are you still afraid, sweet maidens?
Amazili. (To Idali) What do you think,—shall we venture?
Idali. You step first, and I will follow.
Amazili. No, you are the oldest.
Idali. But you got over the wall first.
Amazili. Yes; but it was you that first spied the breach.
Juan. The contest may easily be decided. (He steps between them, and draws them both after him) Now you may safely swear that neither took the first step.
Amazili. Ah, Idali! he has laid such fast hold of me!
Idali. And of me too!
Juan. Be quiet, dear children! no harm shall happen to you. (He chucks Idali under the chin) You are blooming as a rose. (Turning to Amazili) And you, as—as—as—
Diego. (With great gallantry) As a sun-flower.
Juan. (To Idali) Your eyes are so soft and blue.
Diego. (To Amazili) Yours are so very roguish.
Juan. You smile so sweetly.
Diego. The coral of your lips is so alluring.
Juan. This hand is so soft.
Diego. This waist is so slender.
Amazili. (To Idali) Shall we run away?
Idali. I think we may as well stay a little.
Amazili. But are you certain that you are not men?—We must die if you deceive us.
Cora. Come, sisters, we shall be missed.
Idali. And then the High-Priestess will scold.
Amazili. We ought to be dressing for the festival.
Idali. And there is nobody in the temple—the sacred flame will be extinguished.
Diego. You can easily kindle it again with your bright eyes.
Cora. Tell me, Idali, how happened it that the High-Priestess sent you hither?
Idali. We repaired to the temple this morning to take your place, and not finding you there, we went and reported it to the High-Priestess, who immediately sent us to look for you in the garden.
Cora. Did she give you no further orders?
Amazili. Only when we found you, to send you to her.
Juan. And should she ask where you met with Cora, what will you answer?
Idali. That we found her talking with some Spaniards.
Juan. Oh you must not mention us, sweet girls! for the High-Priestess will be angry at your staying so long, and forbid your meeting us again—and you would like, I hope, to come here sometimes, and amuse us with your conversation.
Diego. (To Amazili) I have fallen so desperately in love with you, my little rogue, that I hope you will come and meet me again.
Amazili. (To Idali) What do you say, Idali?
Idali. I can’t tell.
Juan. Say rather that Cora had fallen asleep behind one of the pillars in the temple, and in the dusk of morning you did not perceive her.
Diego. Or that she was lying under the shade of the great palm-tree, in the court before the temple.
Amazili. Oh charming!
Idali. An excellent thought!
Cora. Come, let us hasten back.
Idali. It is indeed time; let us go.
Amazili. Yes, let us go. (Neither she nor Idali stir)
Juan. Go sweet maiden.
Diego. Go you little rogue.
Idali. Well, good morning—good morning.
Amazili. Farewel—farewel. (They return over the wall)
Cora. (Embracing Alonzo) Farewel, Alonzo!
Alonzo. Farewel, my beloved—soon my wife. [Exit Cora.