Scene V A Large Hall in the King’s Palace, With Guards Ranged on Each Side. Enter the King’s Chamberlain
Chamberlain. (To the Guards) Throw open the doors!—Let all enter, who are come hither on this solemn day of festival to salute their sovereign the first-born of the sun, and conduct him to the temple. As soon as the king shall be arrayed in his Inca’s robes, he will appear himself.
SCENE VI.—The doors are thrown open. Enter the High-Priest, Xaira, Don Alonzo, Don Juan, with a long train of priests and courtiers. Many compliments are exchanged on all sides; they walk about, and converse in different groupes. Several of the courtiers assemble round the chamberlain.
Xaira. (To the High-Priest.) Why do these strangers come hither?
High-Priest. Probably to attend the king when he goes to the sacrifice.
Xaira. Oh impious, to permit the presence of strangers at the celebration of our solemnities, perhaps only to make them the subject of their mockery.
High-Priest. Mockery!—No, that were to shew themselves fools, and I can rely upon that brave youth for not being guilty of any folly. Have you forgotten that our king is indebted to him for his life—that he has made the people of Quito the terror of their enemies since he taught them the mode of fighting practised in his country—that he has also instructed us in many useful arts of peace?
Xaira. Mere deception. He has only increased our wants.—We were much happier without him.
High-Priest. Discontented man!
Chamberlain. Gentlemen, do you know any news for the entertainment of the king?
One of the Company. None, excepting that old Telasco arrived here yesterday evening from his province.
Another. And has brought his son Zorai to present him to the Inca.
Chamberlain. How long is it since the venerable old man last visited the capital?
First Speaker. Two years. He has not been here since he brought his daughter Cora to be consecrated as a Priestess.
Alonzo. (Starting, and speaking aside to Juan) Velasquez, do you hear that Cora’s father is in Quito?
Juan. Yes, I hear it.
Alonzo. And her brother?
Juan. I hear that too.
Alonzo. This alone was wanting to make my misery complete!—How will their unsuspecting features harrow my conscience. (Martial instruments are heard behind the scene, playing a march.)
All. The king approaches.