University of Virginia Library

The First ENTRY.

The Audience are entertain'd by Instrumental Musick and a Symphony (being a wild Ayr sutable to the Region) which having prepar'd the Scene, a Lantdchap of the West-Indies is discern'd; distinguisht

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from other Regions by the parcht and bare tops of distant Hills, by Sands shining on the shores of Rivers, and the Natives, in feather'd Habits and Bonnets, carrying in Indian Baskets, Ingots of Gold, and Wedges of Silver. Some of the Natives being likewise discern'd in their natural sports of Hunting and Fishing. This Prospect is made through a Wood, differing from those of European Climats, by representing of Coco-Trees, Pines, and Palmitos; and on the boughs of other Trees are seen Munkies, Apes, and Parrots; and at farther distance, Vallies of Sugar-Canes.
The Symphony being ended: The chief Priest of Peru enters with his Attendant after him. The Priest is cloth'd in a garment of Feathers, longer than any of those that are worn by other Natives, with a Bonnet whose ornament of Plumes does likewise give him a distinction from the rest, and carries in his hand a guilded Verge. He likewise, because the Peruvians were worshippers of the Sun, carries the Figure of the Sun on his Bonnet and Breast.
The First Speech, Spoken by the Priest of the Sun:
Taking a short view of their condition, before the Royal Family of the Incas taught them to live together in multitudes, under Laws, and made them by Arms reduce many other Nations.
Thus fresh did Nature in our world appear,
When first her Roses did their leaves unfold:
E're she did use Art's Colours, and e're fear
Had made her pale, or she with cares lookt old.
When various sports did Man's lov'd freedom show,
And still the free were willing to obey;
Youth did to Age, and Sons to Parents bow.
Parents and Age first taught the Laws of sway.
When yet we no just motive had to fear
Our bolder Incas would by Arms be rais'd;
When, temp'rately, they still contented were,
As great examples, to be only prais'd.
When none for being strong did seek reward,
Nor any for the space of Empire strove:
When Valour courted Peace and never car'd
For any recompence, but publique love.
We fetter'd none, nor were by any bound;
None follow'd Gold through Lab'rinths of the Mine:
And that which we on strands of Rivers found,
Did only on our Priests in Temple shine.
Then with his Verge, each Priest
Could, like an Exorcist,
The coldest of his students warm,
And thus provoke them with a Charm.

The First Song.
In pursuance of the manner of their Life, before their Incas brought them to live in Cities, and to build Forts.

Chorus.


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