University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

A Wild Woody Country, where the bushes and underwoods are so closely entwined as to be almost impenetrable—in the back ground a wall, (in which a large breach has been made,) is just discernible through the trees, and farther back rises the cupola of the Temple of the Sun—nearer the front on the right hand appears a cave—on the left a hill, the top part of which is seen above the trees.
Rolla comes down a winding path, among the bushes, followed by Zorimbo—when Rolla arrives at the Cave's mouth, he requests Zorimbo to retire, informing him there he will take up his abode—that shall be his grave—there he will breathe out a life that love has rendered miserable—occasionally gazing on the temple which contains his soul's idol— Zorimbo attempts to soothe him, but he assumes a wild air, commanding him to depart, which he does mournfully, repeating the following accompanied recitative.
ZORIMBO.
And this is Rolla's dwelling? a dark cave!
Within whose limits he would find a grave;
In his last gasp enraptur'd wou'd appear,
If but embalm'd with Cora's pitying tear!

Rolla rushes into the Cavern—ENTER Diego with great caution, followed by Alonzo and Juan —Alonzo points to the breach in the wall, and commands them to be upon the watch—they retire —going towards it he hears a clapping of hands, he intimates 'tis Cora's signal—springs over the ruins, reaches his hand to Cora who follows him, he assisting her over the wall—when brought down towards the front of the stage he presses her to his bosom—she affectionately returns the embrace—on recollection he shudders—fixes his eyes on the ground, with terror in his countenance—she endeavours to sooth him—the Incence in the altar of the cupola catches fire—she tells him she will pray for the sun's blessing and forgiveness if they are guilty of any crime against him, and climbs hastily up the hill—Alonzo wildly following her—she kneels, and by degrees draws him down to kneel beside her— Rolla rushes from the Cave, fixes his eyes first wildly on the earth; then, turning them towards heaven, suddenly espies the lovers kneeling upon the hill; at sight of whom he utters a shriek of horror, and remains immoveable, as if he had seen a spirit —Cora and Alonzo rise slowly with their faces still turned towards the sun, and sink into a silent embrace—Rolla, overpowered, exclaims with a voice almost suffocated with anguish, “Cora!!!” —the lovers start affrighted and perceive him— Cora sinks in a swoon on the declivity of the hill—Alonzo, endeavouring to recover her, calls for “Juan and Diego;” THEY RUSH ON, but perceiving Rolla, precipitately retire on the watch— Alonzo, having recovered Cora, draws his sword, and rushes down the hill towards Rolla, who keeps his eyes immoveably fixed upon her—Juan arrests Alonzo's arm—a pause.
RECITATIVE—Alonzo.
Swear by that power who reigns supreme above,
You'll not betray— (pointing to Cora)
the object of my love!

A pause—Alonzo, unsatisfied, attacks Rolla, who disarms him, and points his sword to his breast— Cora, in anguish, rushes hastily down the hill, and throwing herself at Rolla's feet begs him to save his life, and conceal their guilt—he muses for a while—then with dignity approaches the lovers,

and placing Cora's hand in Alonzo's, gives them his blessing; then turning aside bursts into tears— a pause—Alonzo and Cora throw their arms around him—he embraces Alonzo; kneels and kisses Cora's hand; and swears in the face of heaven to devote his life to their service.

While meditating, what plan to pursue, Cora approaches the temple; which he tells her she must quit for ever, and both secure their safety by flight—Diego ENTERS hastily, and informs them, females draw near—Idali and Amazilla call “Cora!—Cora!”—and appear peeping through the breach, with great eagerness and curiosity— Rolla regrets they are discovered.

QUARTETTO.
Idali.
Trembling we venture chill'd with fear.

Amazilla.
In search of gentle Cora here—

Both.
Our priestess asks her aid.

Zorimbo.
Ye pious virgins this way come, (to Virgins.)

Their secrecy prevents your doom: (To Alonzo.)

You are nor yet betray'd.

Alonzo.
Say should the priestess ask you where,
You Cora found?

Amazilla and Idali.
—Discoursing here,
With Spaniards we should say.

Zorimbo.
No, in the temple lull'd to rest.

Alonzo.
Or in the garden's maze 'twere best.

Zorimbo.
Speak—

Alonzo.
—Speak—

Idali and Amazilla.
—We both obey.
We shall be miss'd, haste, Cora, fly,
The sacred flame perchance may die,
'Twill our imprudence tell.

Alonzo.
When next we meet for flight prepare,
The name of wife must Cora bear:
Farewell, my love, farewell.

The Virgins enter the breach—Rolla, &c. the cave.