University of Virginia Library

1. PART I.

SCENE I.

AN immense chain of mountains, down which torrents rush impetuously.
An Indian discovered climbing a precipice, from which issues a cataract, that undermines the projection he has gained, and he is carried away with the torrent—ANOTHER, viewing his fate, seeks for shelter in a tree, which, being struck by a column of fire, is consumed, and he falls.—Alonzo, his page Juan, and Diego, are discovered descending different parts of the mountains in the utmost distress—thunder, light'ning, wind, rain, &c.—sometimes they are visible, at others obscured.—At length Alonzo descends, deprived of guides and companions.
Exeunt Alonzo, &c.
On the other side of the stage ENTER Telasco, Zorai and Zulma, leading on Cora, followed by Female Indians, and her Infant Sister.— Rolla views her with the utmost affection, kneels to her—she informs him she must not hear a repetition of his passion—he asks why?—Xaira and Priests ENTER, to whom she is delivered—after affectionately taking leave of her former companions, who sing the following strain—(Rolla keeping the centre of the stage lost in sudden terror and reflection)
FEMALE INDIANS
CHORUS.
Cora farewell—thy race cœlestial run,
Chaste as purity's self-bride elect of the sun.

The priests, Cora and her family exeunt on one side of the stage, followed by Rolla in a gloomy state of distraction, gazing after Cora; the Indians, &c. on the other.

SCENE II.

Outside View leading to the Temple of the Sun.
Enter Cacique, Alonzo, Juan, and Diego. Female voices heard in the garden of the Temple of the Sun, joining in the following

DUET AND CHORUS.
While the sun's boundless blessings to chear us combine,
To adorn his glad temple the chaplet entwine.
In strains of delight,
Enraptur'd unite,
Soul of light! we adore thee! our consort divine!

While Alonzo is listening to the above strains, Cora ENTERS, veiled, attended by her Relatives, Priests, &c.—Alonzo seems struck with her figure —the door of the temple opens, and she is received by the Priestess, &c. and enters with some degree of trepidation—Alonzo's eyes following her—music is heard without—a shout of extacy from the multitude.
CHORUS OF ATALIBA'S ATTENDANTS, without.
“The day's golden birth, bids us joyfully sing,
“To the god of his people, the worth of our king.”

The Cacique informs Alonzo the king is near at hand, and proffers to conduct them to him—Alonzo looks mournfully towards the door Cora had entered, and follows him—Diego returns prying, and endeavours to peep through the door—Rolla rushes on wildly, looks at the temple, and fetches a sigh— seeing Diego prying, he seizes, and dashes him to the earth—Diego appears dreadfully alarmed—he orders him to depart—he goes off much frightened —Rolla appears mournful—Zorimbo, his bow-bearer, ENTERS, looks at Rolla, and shakes his head, knotting his quipos—Rolla starts, and seeing him, asks his business.
ZORIMBO
—AIR.
BALLAD.

Rolla seems much agitated during this ballad, and goes off in perturbation, followed by Zorimbo.

SCENE III.

A Romantic View.
Enter Diego running—apes the conduct of Rolla to him in the former scene—A Peruvian Flower Girl ENTERS—he looks round with caution, and then approaches her—she appears astonished —he admires her flowers—takes out a large purse, as if going to purchase some, but finds he is not in possession of a single dollar.—She, admiring him, offers him flowers—he receives them with extacy, and proceeding to make love, points to her golden ornaments—she smiles—he speaks.
RECITATIVE—DIEGO.
Oh! what a roguish smile!—yes, yes (sighing)
I'm done for!
My blooming rose (chucking her under the chin)
oh! no,—my charming sun flower!

He endeavours to engross her attention and affection —she takes off the fillet from her head, and puts it on his—he struts about—she smiles—he puts his mulateer cap on her—while they are enjoying the exchange, Juan ENTERS, stamps with his foot, frowningly at Diego, and commands him to follow —he does so, slyly beckoning the Peruvian after him.

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.

SCENE V.

Romantic View.
Rolla ENTERS gloomily—the sound of the trumpet heard—his bow-bearer (Zorimbo) follows hastily—Rolla asks him the cause—he replies
RECITATIVE—ZORIMBO.
You ask me why Exertion's on the wing?
The answer's brief, to serve heav'n and our king!

Rolla receives this intelligence with the utmost satisfaction, strikes the bow he gives him on the ground, and his Troops ENTER—Rolla thanks heaven he can use that life in the cause of his country which would otherwise be a burthen to him, and commands his bow-bearer to cheer the troops, (who does so) with the following
SONG—ZORIMBO.
At the close of the song, Rolla marches off his troops.

SCENE VI.

Huescar's Tent—Sun Rise—Martial Music.
Enter Huescar—his Chieftains following, bearing the banners of his tribe—he prostrates himself before the sun.
RECITATIVE—Accompanied Huescar.
War's banners are unfurl'd; the god of day
Lights us to vengeance on Ataliba!
On Cayamburo's heights encamp'd they lie,
Follow your chief to death or victory.

As he is leading the troops off a trumpet sounds, and Alonzo, preceded by a Herald, and followed by Peruvians, with presents, ENTER.
RECITATIVE—ALONZO.
Monarch—this fatal difference I would heal,
This war of brothers fain would I bid cease;
The bond of social amity reseal,
And blend endearments with returning peace.

Huescar.
So says Ataliba? this answer bear,
I scorn his proffers urg'd by dastard fear;
Blood must be shed—my great revenge to sate,
Unnumber'd enemies shall bite the dust!

Alonzo.
Their blood be on thy head—I yield to fate—
Thy foe, lov'd by his people, is as good as great:
That king's invincible whose cause is just!

Exit WITH FOLLOWERS.
Huescar.
Presumptuous reptile! at the Illapa's sound,
Swear on my sword!
No childish pity shall your souls debase.
(They swear)
(Kneeling)
Thou sun adored!
Blood! blood alone! can heal my honour's wound!
Ambition's wishes can alone be crown'd,
In total extirpation of a brother's hated race.

March AND EXEUNT.

SCENE VII.

The Plains of Cayamburo intersected with trees—the Heights interspersed with Peruvian encampments on the back ground—the ascent and descent rendered practicable—towards the front of the stage a prominent rock as an out-post.

Trumpets and warlike music on each side—the illapa sounded—different warriors meet—the standard of the sun placed by a standard-bearer on the prominence.

A General Battle TAKES PLACE.
Ataliba's party drive Huescar's off—Zulma and her Child descend the heights, the former scarcely knowing which course to take to elude pursuers, but most interested for the safety of her child.—Zorai is attacked by TWO Caciques of the opposite party —Zulma draws her arrow and dispatches the chief, who is aiming a blow at Zorai, who beats off the other Cacique—another party attack her, she endeavours to guard her child, and receives her death wound, the child exclaiming:
RECITATIVE—CHILD.
Save, save her life, Telasco! father, brother;
She bleeds! she dies! my mother! oh! my mother.

Zulma dies in the arms of her husband and son, and is born off on the shields of their party.
The general Fight re-commences.
The king is surrounded, and his life preserved by Alonzo, who, being wounded, is falling under the hand of his enemies, when Rolla, (who had ascended the rock, and seized the standard of the sun, in the act of doing which he receives a gash on his forehead with a club, and an arrow in his arm) leaps from the rock at the moment Alonzo is overcome, and receives the arrow in his breast aimed at Alonzo's life by Huescar—Alonzo recovers his weapon, and attacks Huescar driving him off—A Warrior attacks Rolla, who staggers, but still retains the standard for which they struggle, and he at length conquers his opponent —Ataliba ENTERS on one side with his party, Alonzo on the other with Huescar, &c. prisoners—the characters groupe, and the prisoners, &c. are marched off.

SCENE VIII.

The Golden Garden of the Sun.
Enter Cora melancholy, her action evincing the unsettled state of her mind.
Enter AMAZILLA.
Recitative—Amazilla.
Ah, Cora! why so melancholy grown?
Restless—some secret preys upon thy mind,
Poor solitary bird, why flutter thus alone?
The presence of the bridegroom should cheer the new made bride.

Cora shrinks at the name of bridegroom, but, recovering herself, bows to the sun, trembling at the former impurity of her wishes, and, heaving a sigh, is retiring when she is met by the
High Priestess.
TRIO.
High Priestess.
Why droop sweet maid?
Forbear to sigh;
Must I upbraid,
Fair Cora?—fye!
To heav'n allied,
No earthly toils
(The sun's sweet bride)
Should cloud thy smiles,
No, Cora, no!
Dispel thy fears,
Impurely flow
Those causeless tears,
In love most pure.
Your heart his throne,
Our godlike sire;
His love has shewn,
Then live for him
And him alone.

Amazilla.
To hail the day!
And glad the night;
Joy's pinions play,
In calm delight.
Serenely blest,
No busy thought
Distracts the breast
With poison fraught.
No, Cora, no!
Th'omnifick eye
Beholds thy vow
With extacy,
In love most pure, &c. &c.

(Martial music heard without)
Enter IDALI.
Idali.
In accents delighting,
To pleasure inviting;
Triumphant's alighting,
From victory's car,
Our king; whose voice cheering
His subjects, revering;
Brings peace! which (endearing)
O'er shadows each scar!
Triumph's shouts, loud resounding,
(Base traitors confounding;)
Name Alonzo and Rolla,
Our champions in war!

They join in the latter part of the verse as a trio— Cora's features, at the name of Alonzo, brightening into a smile.
Exeunt EXULTINGLY.

SCENE IX.

Exterior View of the Temple of the Sun, behind which is a mountainous View.
Enter Ataliba in triumph—Rolla and Alonzo on each side followed by Caciques, Soldiers, &c. some guarding Huescar as an hostage.
RECITATIVE—ATALIBA.
Guard well the hostage of returning peace,
But treated as our kindred let him be;
Misfortune claims compassion, 'twill decrease
The constrain'd rigour of captivity!

FINALE.
Ataliba.
Rolla! Alonzo! chiefs in honour's cause,
Accept our thanks—a grateful monarch's prayer.
He presents each with a rich embroidered scarf, as a token of affection for the services rendered him in the recent battle!
Protectors of our altars, our liberty, and laws,
(The people bow to them)
My people view, exult with you!
My people who're my children! my paternal care!

Alonzo, Cacique, Juan, Chorus, and Ataliba.
With heart, hand, and voice,
Attune loyalty's string;
A happy people's choice,
Must reign a happy king!
And curs'd be the traitor the golden band who'd sever,
Long live my people! the king live for ever!

Exeunt exultingly.
The chorus dying away, Rolla returns followed by Zorimbo; he looks on the scarf bestowed on him by Ataliba, and, shaking his head, hints it only conceals a heart tortur'd with hopeless love; then gazes at the temple, intimating the object of his wishes is sequestered there—then sighs.
ZORIMBO
endeavouring to console him,
Rolla forbear! why heave the hopeless sigh?
Take thy last look—'twill wring thy tortur'd breast;
By victory crown'd, a nation's wishes blest,
In glory's blaze the fatal flame should die!
Away! away!
Madness attends your stay,
Retire—retire awhile, and lull your griefs to rest!

Rolla is unwillingly hurried off.
ALONRO
RE-ENTERS.
While he is gazing on the temple—distant thunder is heard—the sky appears clouded, the earth agitated, the temple convulsed, and the mountainous volcano threatens an eruption.

The eruption commences with a dreadful crash, part of the temple gives way—the voices of the Virgins of the sun are heard complaining.
Virgins.
Oh! save us heaven! hear our moans!

Alonzo.
The temple totters! shrieks and groans—

Virgins.
Oh! save us!

Alonzo.
Tell death's dreadful tale!
Cora's retreat the flames assail!
Shall dire destruction crush her charms?

Cora.
The love lorn Cora who will save?

Alonzo.
Her voice! I'll clasp her to my arms,
Rescue or perish in her grave.

Another part of the temple breaking—Cora is seen clinging to a pillar—he ascends the ruins—she faints in his arms, and for a period they are invisible— Rolla ENTERS, distracted, followed by Zorimbo.
Virgins.
Oh! heaven! thy pity we invoke!

Zorimbo.
Rolla assistance ne'er denies!
See! see! he darts through clouds of smoke!

Rolla rushes up the ruins followed by Zorimbo, when out of sight, Alonzo enters with Cora in his arms through a chasm in the temple.
Alonzo.
Open my love thine azure eyes!
“To gaze on this angelic form,
“Stern Virtue's self could not reprove;
“My throbbing heart 'gins her's to warm,
“Cora, awake to life and love!

She wakes from her trance, views and embraces him—another dreadful crash—HE BEARS HER OFF.
Ataliba, Priests, &c. ENTER—a variety of characters discovered supplicating—Rolla in an attitude of despair near one of the columns.
SUPPLICATING CHORUS OF Ataliba, Priests, Children, and Virgins.
Oh! light supreme! thy mighty power,
The world's extinction can command;
On us mild peace and plenty shower,
Or stretch Destruction o'er the land!
Whate'er our crime just punishment fulfill,
We yield unmurmuring to thy godlike will.