Scene VII Enter Ataliba With His Train. All Present Prostrate Themselves Before the King
Ataliba. (Addressing the High-Priest.) I rejoice, good old man, to see how much your strength bears up beneath the weight of years.
High-Priest. Under such a sovereign one cannot grow old.
Ataliba. For what I am. I have solely to thank you; that I can never forget. (To Xaira.) It is a charming day, Xaira, the gods are favourably disposed towards us.
Xaira. (With hesitation) Yet—unfavourable omens, have disquieted my bosom.
Ataliba. How so?
Xaira. The lamb which I was about to sacrifice at midnight, struggled beneath the sacred knife.
Ataliba. Most natural.
Xaira. And the lungs, which, when they tremble and quiver after they are torn out, promise happiness for the ensuing year, lay still and motionless.
Ataliba. I thank you for the information, but I desire that it may not be spread abroad among the people. (To the High-Priest, smiling and speaking in a half whisper.) We have tygers enough to annoy us, why should we tremble before a lamb?
High-Priest. To the people such a lamb is more formidable than a tyger; and the king owes respect to popular faith.
Ataliba. True, good old man, for it was upon that foundation that Manco-Capac erected his dominion.—(Turning to Alonzo.) I rejoice, my beloved friend, to see that you are still contented to live among us.
Alonzo. How can I be otherwise, royal Inca, while you continue to entertain me thus hospitably?
Ataliba. Which I shall never cease to do, as long as I behold you so worthy of my love. (To Velasquez) Well, Don Juan, do the troops that you are training make a rapid progress?
Juan. They are brave fellows;—they have arms of iron, and hearts of wax.
Ataliba. Oh that I could be certain of enjoying eternal peace!—then should those nervous arms be devoted to agriculture alone. (Turning to the High-Priest.) Is it not time that we go to the Temple?
High-Priest. We are all ready.
Chamberlain. (Approaching the king.) Sire, the old Telasco, governor of the castle of Antis, is arrived, and wishes to pay his homage to the first-born of the Sun.
Ataliba. My worthy Telasco!—Let him come in.
Alonzo. (Aside to Velasquez) Oh Juan!—my heart! my heart!
Juan. Do not betray yourself.