Act 5 — SCENE I.—The Inside of the Temple of the Sun—at the Back, the Image of the Sun upon an Altar raised some Steps above the Ground. The High-Priest, Xaira, and several other Priests, the latter of whom are employed in the Back Ground in burning Incense, and preparing the Sacrifices. The High-Priest advances to the Front of the Stage with Xaira.

High-Priest.

Yet one word more, Xaira, ere, by pronouncing a hasty sentence, we profane the sacred name we bear. Are we not ministers of the divine favour?

Xaira. And of the divine vengeance.

High-Priest. Vengeance!—Can we suppose that the merciful God seeks vengeance on his creatures?—No, if this principle has been encouraged to awe the vulgar, we who are initiated into the mysteries of a purer doctrine, may speak to each other without reserve.

Xaira. For what purpose?—and why at this moment?

High-Priest. Because an error committed at this moment, may draw after it an eternity of misery to us both.

Xaira. My conduct is the result of my conviction.

High-Priest. Then surely that cannot be just. God created man weak and liable to err, a truth on which your conviction should be founded. This earth is imperfect, so is every thing that lives and moves in it, and will not that God who suffers the tyger to mangle the harmless lamb, look down with forbearance on frail man when he listens to the voice of nature.

Xaira. But we men slay the tyger, and we do right,—we punish the faults of man, and we do right.

High-Priest. Yes, if by his weakness he produce disorder in the state.

Xaira. And is not that the case in the affair before us?

High-Priest. No!

Xaira. No?

High-Priest. Your own designs have been solely to avenge the gods.

Xaira. And would you then sanction the licentious conduct that must inevitably ensue, should indulgence be shewn in the present instance?

High-Priest. At the source of a clear stream, we do not think of the mud by which it may be contaminated in its course. I entreat you, let us be true to our vocation, let us resemble the god whom we serve, whose rays diffuse light and heat over all! let us acquit Cora!—It will then lie in the king’s bosom to act as he shall judge right, either by confirming, or reversing, our sentence; and should it be reversed, we shall, at least, have done our duty, in shewing a disposition to clemency, while the hapless victim will breathe her last sighs in gratitude for our intended mercy.

Xaira. What would you require of me?—You speak as if the decision of this point rested upon me alone. Are not you High-Priest?—do not the duties of your office demand that you lay the case before the whole assembly of the Priests, in which I have but a single voice.

High-Priest. You know well, that in representing this affair to the assembly, I am forbidden by our laws to employ any persuasions of eloquence,—what I am to say, must be expressed in the fewest and the simplest words, and I am therefore precluded from the power of influencing the auditors. You, it is true, have only one voice, but you are the oldest of the order, next to me, and successor to the high-priesthood at my death. To you therefore all the young Priests look up, and will incline which way soever they shall see you inclined.

Xaira. This case may be rightly stated as to what concerns yourself, but it is otherwise with the Inca who has always power to grant a pardon.

High-Priest. But when has this power been exercised?—Has not every Inca, from father to son, for centuries past, uniformly confirmed the sentence of the Priests?—will Ataliba, think you, venture to deviate from the practice of his ancestors?

Xaira. No more!—It is equally inconsistent with your duty to endeavour to extort from me the sentence I shall pronounce, as with mine to listen to such entreaties. (Turns away from him)

High-Priest. Well then, their blood be upon thee!

Xaira. (Coldly.) Yes, their blood be upon me!

High-Priest. Hither ye Priests! (The Priests assemble round him) I already read in their gloomy countenances the sentence I am to expect! (Aside.—After a few moments pause, in which he endeavours to assume resolution, he proceeds) You know the criminals and the crime—we wait your decision.

Xaira. What say the laws? (The High-Priest remains silent) I ask you what say the laws?

High-Priest. (After a conflict with himself, in suffocated voice) Death.

Xaira. (Solemnly and audibly) The laws pronounce sentence of death upon Cora and Alonzo.

All. Death!

High-Priest. (After a pause, and in a tone of resolution) I cannot give my sanction to this sentence, my opinion inclines to mercy; I feel that I am myself a mortal liable to error. Search your bosoms, my brethren, prove well your hearts, and if they in a low and gentle voice whisper mercy,—then join with me and cry aloud mercy!—mercy!

Xaira. What say the laws?—Death to Cora and Alonzo.

All. Death!

High-Priest. Then it must be as you decide.—Oh thou unknown God, look down upon us, observe that none of this blood stains my hands!—Bring hither the unfortunate victims of your blind zeal. (Exeunt two Priests on different sides) The rest of you lay the sword and a fresh branch of palm upon the altar. (They do as he directs) Now, Xaira, follow me to the king. (Exit, accompanied by Xaira)