University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

The Inside of the Temple of the Sun.
The image of the Sun upon an altar, raised some steps from the ground, on which that luminary reflects its brightest rays—the olive branch on the altar.
Emblematical Pas Seul—Miss Adams.
The Youth of both Sexes, dressed in robes of light down, ENTER, with garlands to adorn the sacred columns—as they dance round them, they encircle one another with their garlands, (this mysterious chain serving to typify the charms of that connection which the laws are to cement)— when thus in attitude,
A Pas de Deux by the Miss Cabanals.
A short figure ensues, and they, at the entrance of the procession, prostrate themselves inclined towards the altar.—Enter in Procession the Pontiff, High Priests, and Ataliba—they all prostrate themselves, the king kneeling, before the altar.
CHAUNT—ATALIBA.
Source inexhaustible of good! thy golden rays,
Ripening our harvest, claim our warmest praise!

Soft music heard without—Xaira introduces the High Priestess, Virgins of the Sun, &c. followed in procession by Telasco, Idali, and Zorai; between the two former Cora is placed, veiled, Priestess and Zulma holding in their hands the end of that mysterious flame coloured girdle, the sign and pledge of that spotless chastity Cora devotes herself to maintain—the high Priestess following.
CHORUS—Priestesses and Virgins in Procession.
Oh, delight of the world! our celestial spouse!
Divine sire of Manco, receive a bride's vows.

As they arrange themselves, Rolla rushes on in the utmost agitation, followed by Zorimbo— Ataliba, &c. approach the altar—Cora bends before it—the Priest unties the veil—she, alarmed, seizes her mother's hand, and appears reluctant—Telasco bows to the altar requesting the Pontiff to proceed— she imprints an ardent kiss on her father's cheek— heaves a sigh, and approaches the altar nearer— Rolla's agitation encreases.
CHAUNT—HIGH PRIEST.
In chastity pure as the sun's brightest rays,
Unreproach'd 'till life's close must revolve Cora's days!
The world's lost endearments no longer in view,
She must bid to its joys an eternal adieu.

Cora, much agitated, falls on the neck of her father, kisses him, and her brother, and sister—her eye meets Rolla's—they tremblingly approach each other to take a last farewell—embrace—Xaira, with religious awe, separates them, and she again reluctantly approaches the altar.
THE PONTIFF
PROCEEDS.
But if our holy laws she violate,
Hear trembling her, and her seducer's fate;
A living grave his dreadful end will prove,
A shameful death her sacrilegious love!
Her sire, her brother, (kindred's dearest names)
To expiate her guilt must perish in the flames;
To heaven's high throne Cora religious bow,
In conscious token of thy solemn vow.

She, tremblingly, bends to the altar—Rolla, delirious, is on the point of dispatching himself, but prevented by Zorimbo, who arrests his hand, and impells him to retire.
PONTIFF
to the High Priestess and Virgins.
Children retire—Cora, be it thy care,
The sacrificial offerings to prepare!

High Priestess and Virgins retire on one side with Cora, who, embracing her relatives, they retire on the other—the king comes forward—ENTER THE Cacique, (who had escorted Alonzo) followed by Alonzo and Page—Alonzo kneels at Ataliba's feet—presents a pacquet, which Ataliba gives the Pontiff to peruse, then raises, and embraces him— he waves the Pontiff forward, and pointing to the altar, the Pontiff brings down an olive branch which he presents Alonzo, who kisses it in token of peace and amity, and presents his sword and shield, which is deposited near the altar—High Priestess and Virgins RETURN with baskets of sacrificial bread—Cora, crowned with flowers, is commanded by Xaira, and presents it to Ataliba kneeling, who commands her to present it to Alonzo —Cora trembles as she offers the golden basket— Alonzo views her with emotion—she scarcely can prevent the basket from falling, and her trembling knees almost fail to convey her again to the Priestess, who supports her—Trumpet sounded—Capana (a Cacique) ENTERS in haste.
RECITATIVE—CAPANA.
Huescar, Cusco's Inca, noble chief,
To every plea of amity is deaf;
Our plains disfigur'd with a crimson flood,
His sword already drinks your subjects' blood.

ATALIBA.
For retribution ev'ry bosom warms,
Brave children of the sun, to arms, to arms.

Warriors with their Caciques ENTER, and offer their services to Ataliba, and among the rest Alonzo—the king beckons the Pontiff to him, and pointing to the altar, Pontiff brings forward Alonzo's sword and shield which he had deposited there —Ataliba girds on the sword, and the Pontiff presents him his shield.
CHORUS—HIGH PRIEST, &c.
Receive brave youth and nobly wield
In virtue's cause the sword and shield:
Our champion, counsellor, and friend,
In peace a lamb, in war a lion be,
Let Conquest's consort be humanity,
And Pity's feeling Valour's steps attend.

A double procession of the king, warriors, &c. on one side, and the Pontiff, Priests, &c. on the other—Alonzo on one side, Cora on the other, bringing up the rear—they exchange glances of affection at parting; and at the end of the procession the scene closes, Cora kneeling in solicitation for Alonzo's safety.