Kotzebue Virgin of the S\m THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES I FREDERIC THOMAS BLANCHARD ENDOWMENT FUND THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, \ A PLAT, IN FIVE ACTS; By AUGUSTUS VON KOTZEBUE. TRANSLATED FROM THE GENUINE GERMAN EDITIOM BY ANNE PLUMPTRE, TRANSLATOR OF KOTZEBUE's NATURALKs'oN (LOVER'S VOWs)» AND OF HIS COUNT OP "BURGUNDV. %econti Cnition. LONDON: PRINTED for R. PHILLIPS, NO. 71, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD. SOLD BY H, D. SYMONDS, AND T. HURST, PATERNOSTER-ROW f CARPENTER AND CO. OLD EOND-STREET; AND BV ALL OTHER BOOKSELLERS. [Price Ildlf-a-Crozvn.'^ 1799. Cnteteu at ^tationerg* ^all* ft AUTHOR'S DEDICATION. TO MADAME VON DER WENSE, OF THE FA- MILY OF AHLEFELD AT ZELL, LADY OF THE PRESIDENT VON DER WENSE. I T has frequently been faid, that poetry, like love, cannot be commanded. This, my very amiable Friend muft now acknowledge to be an error, fince, if her memory be accurate with regard to trifles, flie will recolleci, that this Drama owes its origin folely and entirely to her commands. One evening at Pyrmont, the weather being too wet and melancholy to permit of her enjoy- ing the charms of nature, to which her pure foul is fo clofely allied, Hie had recourfe to the Tempk 958202 iv THE author's DEDICATION. Temple of Thalia, where Nauraann's Opera of Cora happened to be reprefented. The per- formers were of a very inferior kind, and the only thing that pleafed me during the evening, was that I had the good fortune to fit behind my Friend, who fometimes condefcended to favour her humble fervant with a little conver- fation. Among other, remarks which the occa- iion called forth, fhe obferved once, when the conclufion of an act gave us a fhort refpite from being merely auditors, that the Opera at which we were prefent, contained excellent ground work for a Drama. I felt that this idea ought rather to have ori- ginated with me, but I eafily found an excufe for my apparent negligence, in the circumftance of my being in company with one whofe powers of pleafing were fo great and fo various, as to preclude, wherever iTie was prefent, the inter- vention of any other thoughts but what her own perfedlions infpired. Yet I csught eagerly at the idea when once fuggefled, and declared to my friend that her commands only were requifite for the imm-ediate employment of my pen upon the THE author's dedication. die fubjeft-. For a long time flie evaded bo- nouring me with fuch a command, preferring, in all that Die faid to encourage me to the undertaking, the politer language of exhortation, to which her "entle nature is more accuftomed, I however infilted upon a pofitive command. " IVell then, I command it,'^ She faid, at lafl, with the naivete fo peculiarly her own. — 1 made a low bow, and now have the honour of prefent- ing to her my Virgin of the Sun. At her command the trembling maiden appears with dovt^ncaft eyes in the anti-chamber, and hopes for permiffion humbly to wait there, till a friend-* ly invitation fhall call her to the toilette of her Patronefs. " Come nearer, gentle creature ! — thou fhalt -" be welcome to me for the fake of thy father, ■" with whom I have long lived on terms of ^* friendfliip, and whom I fliould now be the ?' more fcrupulous of depriving of what does re- " main to him, fince he has fo little that is de- -** firable left in the world." Ahj Vi THE AUTHORS DEDICATION- Ab, you are but too much in the right, my nioft amiable friend ! — I once poiTefTed a treafure who greatly refembled you, inafmuch as ilie was one of the bed of wives, and of mothers. But file is gone to her proper home, to the fociety of angels. At the moment when I experienced this moft fevere of all afflictions, you benig- nantly embalmed my forrows with a tear ; — for that tear my heart retains a lafting gratitude, and my pen gladly embraces an opportunity, at the fame time of dedicating my work to you, and of giving this public teftimony of the high ef« teem entertained for you, by Augustus von ICotzebue, ADVERTISEMENT, ADVERTISEMENT. THE Tranjlator has JeleEled the virgin of ■THE SUN as the Third of her propofed Series of Kotzebue's Plays. The great reputatio?i tJm Drama has acquired in its native country gives her hopes that it will not be found lefs interefting to the EngliJIi Reader under its prefent form.^ It zvill be followed y as the natural courfe direBs, by the Spa- niards IN PERU, or THE DEATH OF ROLLA, which zvill be Jiublijlied fome . time in the month of ' March. London, Feb, 25/^, 179<)* Lately was publlflied, and may be had of all Bookfellers, THE NATURAL SON, (Performing at Covent-Garden under the Title o£ Lover's Vows), by the fame Author and Tranfla- tor. — The Sixth Edition. The COUNT OF BURGUNDY, by the fame, — The Second Edition. EACH PRICE HALF-A-CROWN. DRAMATIS PERSONyE, Ataliba, King of ^ito. The High-Priest of the Sun. Xaira, another Priejl of the ^xi-^^ Telasco, an Old Man of the Family of the Incas. ZoRAT, hh Son. Cora, his Daughter, the Virgin of the Sun. RoLLA, formerly General of the Peruvian Army. The High-Priestess of the Sun. Idali, l Virgins of the Sun. Amazili, j Don Alonzo Molina, a Spaniard. Don Juan Velasquez, his Friend. Diego, an Attendant on Don Alonzo. A Chamberlain to the King. Priests of the Sun, Virgins of the Sun, Cour- tiers, Soldiers, Populace. THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN. ACT 1. SCENE I. — A luild and woody Country y where the Biijhes and Underivood are fo clcfely entwined as to be ahnojt impenetrable. In tJ)e Back- ground, a IVall^ in which a large Breach has been made^ is jujl d'fcernible through the Trees \ and farther backy rifes the Cupola of the Temple of the Sun. Nearer the Front, on the right Hand., appears a Cave j on the left, a Hilly the Top of which isfeen above the Trees. Holla cotnes dcwn a vjinding Bath among the BuJI^eSi follovjed by the High-Friest, Ai High-Priest. .ND this is the way to Rolla's dwelh'ng ? — Ah, equally wild and inacceffible as the way to Rolla's heart ! Rolla. Spare me, uncle, I entreat you ? — fpare me, and leave me ! — If you could underftand me High-Priejl. Ought I to attempt it? — To underftand thee, means to pay homage to thy idol, — to flatter thy paliion. Rolla. Unhappy wretch that I am ! — I am a miferable folitary being ! — a drop, which can find no kindred drop wherewith to aiTociate ! — a.Jonely voice, which cannot find its echo throughout all animated nature. The worm that crawls upon this leaf foon meets its help-mate, with whom it is united — buc I — I alone ! — Oh ye gods ! if it be your harfn will that, amid the throng; of livins; creatures which animate creation, I only (hould be left alone ! — (cafiing an impatient glance upon the High-Prieji) Then — man! • — man ! — leave me alone! B High- 10 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, H'tgh-Pneji. Rolla ! Rolla ! I am indeed old, yet if afFeflion only be wanting to bring repofe to thy heart, thou wilt find it here in this faithful bofom. — Young man, I love thee as a father. Rolla. Well then, if the happinefs of thy fon be dear to thee, fuffer him to live according to his own pleafure! — In •this cave I am far happier than thoufands who inhabit pompous palaces. Be this my grave! — only make me this promife, uncle; it is my fule requeft: When I fhall be no more, then, on fome dark melancholy day, lead Cora to the entrance of my rugged habitation, and fhew her the remains of Rolla, as they lie upon the cold damp earth on "which he breathed out a life that love had rendered mifera- ble. Let her fee thofe lips on which the name of his be- loved murderer quivered even to the laft gafp ; and by the fmile ftill refting on them, let her know that they clofed bleffing the name of Cora. Then perhaps, affected by this pidlure, flie may ftrew flowers' over my corpfe; or — oh tranfporting thought ! — even embalm it with a tear! — A tear! — ah! a tear from Cora would recall it again to life. High-Prieji. Oh enthufiaft ! Rolla. Call me what you pleafe I — Yet, if I be an enthufiaft, think not that I am fuddenly become fo. This heart was born to be the feat of mighty paffions. — To the common fwarm of emmets which buftle about the world, 1 had an averfion, even as a boy. When m.y play-mates were merry and fportlve around me, I played it is true, but I always found it irkfome, though I never could precifely afcertain to what caufe that feeling might be afcribed. But when ftorms lowered around the horizon, when our mountains vomited forth flames at midnight, or fubtcrrancous groanings announced an approaching earth- quake, then my heart felt elevated; my languifning fpirit revived; the withered plant again reared its head. As I advanced in life, no female attractions had power to charm my eyes ; — they remained ftedfaftly and eagerly fixed on the more brilliant ravs of honour. Blinded to every beauty of nature, my heart, my throbbing heart, burned folely to run the career of fame and glory; while each viiftory that I obtained, far from proving an afl'uaging drop to mitigate the flame, ferved only to encre.ife its ar- dour. — Then it was that 1 fiiw Cora again ! A PL AY. II High-Prlcjl. And the flame which at firfl bui*f{: out with a force that promifed its eternal duration, was inftantly ex- tinguiflied^! — Extinguiilied as a lamp by the breath of a child. Rolla No, not fo ! — The flame continued to burn, it only found a different fpecies of nourifhment. What was before a wild and all-confuming blaze, was changed into a gentle, genial warmth. Honour gave way to love. Hlgh-Priejl. A gentle, genial warmth ! — thefe words found well, indeed — But whom does thy flame illumine ? — whom does it warm ? Rolh. (With indifference) I feel what you would fay. High-Pritji. You feel it, yet are not afhamed ?— Young man ! — endowed with powers to achieve the nobleft deeds, perhaps to form the bleffing of a v/hole hemifphere, you contrail your circle of a6tion — within a cave ! — Inca, born of the race of the children of the fun, entitled to be- come one of the firfl: bulwarks of the throne, you fly— into a CAVE ! — Leaders entrufted by your native country with the conduct of her armies, and thus called upon, by a fuc- ceflion of noble actions, to prove yourfelf worthy fo ho- nourable a confidence, you can yet bury yourfelf — in a CAVE ! — Rolla. Would you feduce me to be a boafter ? — As Incj, and as leader of the armies of my country, I have fulfilled my duty through wounds and victories! — Have I not at various times proved myfelfdcferving of her confi- dence ! — Was not this more particularly proved on that awful day when Ataliba's throne was fliaken by Hu- afcar's power, and Rolla's fword dyed the fields of Tumi- bamba with the blood of his fovereign's enemies. Know you not the hiflory of that day? — One arrow was lodged in my left arm, another pierced my breaft ; I received a large gafh in my cheek from, a fword, and was ftunned by the ftroke of a cliib upon my forehead. Look at the fears of thofe wounds, here, and here, and here! — Yet I never ftirred from the field of battle. — Tell me now, have I given my country caufe to' repent her confidence? High -Pr'i eft. {Much afe^ed) Brave youth I — But were the bleflings of thy native-country, the friendfliip of thy fovereign, and the love and fhouts of thy army, no re- (Co.nnenfe to thy heart? Rolla. (Withafigh) They were ! B 2 Hlgh^ 12. THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, Htgh-Prieft. But are fo no longer? R^lla. No ! High-Prlejl. Oh ye gods! 'tis thus by annihilating the former man, that you chaftife this unv.'orthy love which blights every noble germ implanted in the heart I Rolla. Judge not fo harfhly ! — Love, like honour, is the parent of great actions ! — But I — for whom fhould 1 fight ? — Is there on earth a heart to which I ftiould com- municate joy, were I longer to purfue the road to fame ? — ■ Cora does not love me ! — 1 have neither father nor mo- ther, neither brother nor fifter I— I am alone in the world. High-Priejl. (Clafping bim in his arms) My fon ! — my fon ! Rolla. Leave me, leave me, uncle ! — I cannot re- turn this love. You, with thofe grey hairs, clothed in thofe prieftly garments, bearing an appearance fo folemn, fo entitled to refpeil, can never become the confident of my bofom. In you I cannot feparate the man from the dignity of the priefthood. — Ah that I had a mother ! — God created woman to be the confident of man ! — Can{l: thou not fhare thy forrows with her who loves thee ? then fly to thy mother ! — But I — I enjoy not the love of any one ! • — I have no mother ! High-Prieft. Fly then to the gods ! Rolla. The gods hate me, becaufe I love a maiden who is devoted to their fervice — becaufe I love this maiden more than I love the gods themfelves ? — Whether I behold the fun rife, or fee Cora appear, a like impreffion is miade upon my fenfes, upon my heart I — Ah no!— Cora makes the ftrongeft impreffion on both. High-Prieft. May the gods pardon this enthufiafm ! — Ah, Rolla ! it is thus that the children of mortality always defire moft eagerly, what is impoffible to be attained. Cora, the maiden, had only pleafed your fancy — Cora, the Virgin of the Sun, you love with unbounded pailion. Rolla (JVith rifmg warmth) What! — {he refirains himfelf; hut cajls a look cf indignation upon the tiigh^ Prifjl) Good night, uncle. (He is going into his cave.) H'gh-Priejl, Whither art thou going, young man ?— Cannot thy friend, thy fmcere friend, obtain fome little in- fluence over thee ? — Live according to thy own pleafure! ■ — Withdraw thyfelf if thou wilt from mankind, only fly this defcrtj where fatal images inevitably diilurb thy foul, as A P L A Y, 13 as the wild thorns thy fenfes. Come to my houfe ! — that quarter of it which runs down to the fca Ihore is well known to thee j — there may'ft thou live fequeftered and i:i folitude, even in the midft of thoufands; and there no im- portunate intruder fiiall deprive thee of the vifions which thy heart fo fondly loves to cherifh. Thy doors may be clofed agtiinft me — mine fhall always be open to thee. RoJla. ' Uncle, accept my thanks. I feel thefe propofals to be meant in kindnefs — I know your habitation j I know that it abounds with charms^ for thofo who love retirement; but Rolla is refolved to live and die in this cave. There, "where the cupola of the temple towers above the trees — ■ there Cora lives — here I can at leaft behold her dwelling. — Rolla, then, muft live and die in this cave ! — Good night. High-Pr'ieji. Obftinate young man ! — ^Yet, furely you will not forget what your duty requires during the folernnities of to-morrow. Your prefence in the king's palace, and in the temple, is indifpenfible at the grand feili- val of the Sun. Rolla. Excufe me I — Say what you pleafe to the king —tell him I am dead— I come no more among men. Yet to-morrow \ will facrifice to the gods-*-whether in a tem- ple, or in a cave, is alike acceptable to them. — Good r.ight. \_Exit into his cave. SCENE l\.— The High-PrI£ST alone. Young man ! — young man ! — thou doft not fufpc6^ how deeply this heart is interefled in thy repofe ! — But the evening fun already glitters upon the golden cupola of the temple, and here below amid thefe tree?, the night is faft approaching. I fear I fhall find fome difficultv in tracing out the meandering path through this wiidsrnefs. (As he is goings he almojl runs agalnji £}iego.) SCENE m.^-Dl-EGO gropes his Way through the Bufies, and fl arts violently at meeting the High-Priest. High-Prie/l. Whence come you ? — and whither v/ould you go ? Diego. Whitherfoever chance may condu'fl a pedeftrian. High-'PrieJl, Do you v/allc for pleafure in fuch un- beaten wa_)'S \ Ditgo, I^ THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, Diego, (Pert'y) Yes. High-Prieji. You may probably have miftaken your path ? Diego, So it fliould f^em, fmce I find myfelf in your way. High Priji. Are you not Don Alonzo's attendant ? Diego. You are not very wide of the truth. High-PrieJl. If you be not well acquainted with 'this wood, you are in great danger of lofmg yourfelf. Accom- pany nie, and I will conduct you in a lliort time into the right path. Diego, (Jffiiming an angry tone) Who told you that I was in the v/rong path ? — Signor High-Prieft, I would have you to know, that neither in Caflile nor Arragon, neither in Grenada nor Murcia, no, nor in any other of the countries belonging to my king, by whatfoever name dijuinguifhed, has any mother's fon ever been known to excel Diego in valour and virtue. High-Prirji. (fmiling) I readily believe it. And what gives the greater currency to this afl'urance is, that it is uttered by yourfelf. Diego. It was forcibly extorted by you, from my mo- defty. ■ High-Prifji. Pardon me ! — And now permit me to re- queft an explanation of this riddle ? — How can you be wandering at night in fo wild a fpot as this, and yet be in the right way ? — x'^re you alone, or is your mafter near ? — What is it you want r — for never can I be perfuaded that you come hither only for a walk. Diego, (with hefitation) Since you prefs me fo clofely then — I — muft confefs — that — I am in love. High-Pricji. (f?niUKg) You are in love ? Diego, (extravagantly) Yes, in love to defperation ! — I am tortured with jealou fy ; driven almoft tophrenzyl — In the tumult of paffion I am now hurried up to the fum- mits of the higheft hills, now driven into the loweft recefTes of afubterranean cavern, — till at length I have wandered infeniibiy into this fpot, devoted to tender feelings, here to hold folitary intercourfe with the mournful turtle-doves. Pligh-Priejl. This fpot does indeed feem to be feleded by the gods, as an afylum for enamoured fools. Diego. Here will I tell of my forrows to the filent trees ! — here breathe out my amorous fighs to the chafle moon ! Iligh-Pritjl, Thou art a coxcomb ! (Exit.) Die; cgs. A p L A y, 15 Diego. (Alone) A coxcomb !— So much the worfe For you Signor ! — for if fuch be the cafe, the moft illuftri- ous High-Prieft of the Sun has been made the fport of a coxcomb. Live wit, fay 1 — it will fetch its price in the new world, as well as in the old. — But is he really gone? — Yes.— I hear nothing more! — Hifl ! — Hift ! — (He gees and looks out at the other fide ofthejiage.) SCENE IV. Enter Bon Alonzo and Don Juan, The latter zuith a large Cloak wrapped round him. Juan. Are we fafe, Diego ? Diego. A fine quefiion, truly. — Yes, as fafe as men can be who are wandering about a foreft in the dead of night, and under the open canopy of heaven, after, faving your honour's prefence, a piece of knavery, ^y Saint Barnabas I believe we are about as fafe as a drunkard who fhould at- tempt to crofs the river Amazons upon a wire. juan. Have you {&tn any thing ? Diego. In the dark I feldom fee any thing — but I have heard — Alon%o. What ! — what have you heard ? Diego. The voice of the great High-Prieft himfelf. Jilon%o. The High-Prieft ! — What could he want here? Diego. To put me into the right path, nothing more. It is the (iime in this, as in all other countries, Priefts are the only people who are able to lead us into the right path. Jlmzo. But what could bring him into this wildernefs? ■ — Oh, fpeak, Velafquez ! — tell me, what doft thou think could be his errand ? fnan. To what purpofe fpeak? What end can conjec- ture ferve ? To rulh with my fword drawn, and eyes averted, into thethickeft of the prefs, is my maxim in any cafe of danger. Talking diffipates courage, as a fhower difperfes the thin coat of earth fcattered over a rock, fo that no foundation remains from which any adventurous action can fhoot forth. If I were difpofed to talk, I could find enough to fay. Jlonzo. Of what nature ? Di.go. Oh fpeak. Sir, I entreat you ! — When it is dark 1 always like to hear talking. Juan. Well, it fliall be (o. It may amufe you too, Alonzo, till the hour when your conftellation fnall rife ; a fcr l6 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUNT, for the time always appears horribly tedious when one is %vaiting for a tender appointment. I will therefore talk till you command my filence ; and this (hall be the text with which I introduce my dlfcourfe. — My friend, this ad- venture bodes no good ! — believe me, it bodes no good ! Dug''. Righi, Sir, right. Jlonzo. This is ^language foreign to thy fentiments. "When has the time been Icnown that Don Juan Velafquez turned his back upon an adventure, becaule it was dan- gerous ? Juan. There is the matter ! — Hear me, Alonzo ! — • If thou wert capable of doubting my courage, I might eafily prove it, by engaging the next rattle-fnake I fliould meet. Thou knoweft my principle, tha;:I do not value my life more highly, than a moment of happineft, and happy is every moment that I facrince to friendftiip. If, therefore, thou haft any regard for me, no more of this ! — My arm, my fword, are devoted to thy fervice — I have followed thee blindly into the labyrinth in which we are now involved; but I muft ftill be permitted to think, that v/e do not give any proof of our Vv^ifdom in groping our way here when we might be more advantageoufly employed. Jl.nzo. More advantageoufly ?— let me hear in what wav ? yuan. He who is doing ill, may always be more ad- vanti'.geoufly employed ; and by theblood of all the knights that does or does not flow in my veins^ I think we are now curf^dly in the wrong. I fay nothing of the fword fufpended by a thread over our heads-^affeilion takes pre- cedence of life — You love Cora — I have the ftrongeH: attachment to you, and Diego is attached to both. Diego. Certamly, certainly, Sir ! — but — notwithflifnd- ing — pray don't take it amifs, if i think that life has prece- dence of afl^edion. yuan. Granted therefore that the profecution of this enterprize fliould prove the means of fliortening the dura- tion of our lives, yet v/e perhaps only give up fome years of unhappinefs ourfelves, to purchafe the happinefs of a frieftd. — And fince they have lived long, who have lived happily, and he only can be efteemed to have lived happily who has di^d fo ; what better can we wifh, or how can we end our lives more fatisfadtorily, than in offering them up a facrifice to friendfliip. D:ego» A P L A Y. 17 Diegc. Curfed maxims, thefe ! Juan. But, Alonzo, to be happy, according to my ideas of happinefs, you will underftand that I confider this fahitary ftate of the foul as infeparable from integrity and virtue. Lay your hand then upon your heart, and tell me what are now your feelings in moments of temperance and reflection ? — Don Alonzo Molina quitted the favage fol- lowers of Pizarro, becaufe he abhorred their barbarities — that was a noble principle 1 — I will go, he faid, among thefe mild and benevolent people, and by cultivating their minds, and inftru6ting them in the arts of civilized life, become their friend and benefacW. — Objects worthy of my friend ! — But what has been the end of thefe virtuous refo!utions ? — You came among them indeed — the king of the country received you with open arms and an expanded heart — the people loved you — the family of the Incas ho- noured you — the great men of the nation beheld you with- out envy, enjoying the favour of their fovereign. You fhared that fovereign's cares ; but you alfo fhared his joys, his wealth ;" — you were no longer confidered as a foreigner, and even the priefts themfelves murmured not when they faw you appear at the worfhip of their gods. — Oh fatal forbearance ! — On one of thefe folemn days, my noble friend beheld In the temple one of the prieftefies of the fun, as ihe prefented the bread of facrltice to the king. — She was young — fhe was lovely — Alonzo's heart was inftantly loft — and at the fame moment all the grand defigns he had formed, were funk In the ocean of forgetfulnefs. — The champion for th^ rights of humanity flumbered upon his poft, while the charming device upon his fhield, the united hands beneath a crofs furroiinded with fun-beams, gave way to a burning heart, pierced through with arrows. — And now, if I with to fpeak with Alonzo, where muft I feek him ? — Among the counfellors of the king — the judges of the people — or the inftruilors of youth ? — It was among thefe, or fuch as thefe, that I fhbuld once have expected to find him : — but now, now he is only to be found ftealing nightly about thefe walls, or behind thefe walls, with his face deeply burled-in his cloak, hiding him- felf from his own confc'ience — while all his glorious pro- jects are cruflied in the embryo, as the future brood is de- Itroyed by a mifchievous boy who breaks the eggs of the fcttino; hen. C Alonzo^ iS THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, Alon%o. (Indignantly) Velafquez ! "Juan. Awzy with that menacing countenance, it ill ac- cords with your fituation. A man fhould not dare to afl'ume the privilege of growing angry, unlefs his confci- ence be pure.— You will perhaps v/onder at the jocund Velafquez becoming on a fudden a preacher of morality — but Velafquez was only jocund and light-hearted^^ becaufe he was an honeft man — let him therefore preach on, fince he has entered upon the fubjetSt. You, by whom formerly every article of popular faith, even to the mofl: minute, was held inviolate, becaufe you confidered that to every one was attached, in a confiderable degree, the peace of mind of fome weak, but honeft man — you now rafhly bid defiance to one of the moft facred tenets of a whole nation that has I'eceived you hofpitably into their bofom, and feduce a chafte virgin devoted to their gods. — The confliils of na- ture herfelf, are made fubfervient to your defires ; and while a dreadful earthquake fliakes thefe inaccelTible walls even to their foundation, the bold intruder takes ad- vantage of the paflage thus opened to him to rufli into Cora's arms, and amidft this elemental warfare to murder innocence. Alon7.o. Forbear, Velafquez ! —have you no compaffion for me ? — believe me, my confcience does not flumber. 'Juan, Well then, if it flumber not, it is at leaft deaf, and the malady muft be removed. — Ataliba is thy bene- fa6lor, — this amiable people have received thee as a brother, — and thou, afTaiiin-like, art fiabbing them in the dark. Jlonzo. Oh Velafquez, once more I entreat you to forbear! — I acknowledge, with gratitude, the voice of friendihip, — but what wouldfl thou require of me. Juan. Heaven be thanked that I have fucceeded at laft in awakening you to fome degree of refle/V^#. Were I in the place of the valiant knight Don A Juan A PLAV, 21 Juan de Velafquez, in the firft place I would deliver a difcourfe pretty nearly to the fame purpofe as he has done ; but then if that produced no efFe6t, I would fay— my dear friend Alonzo, or my dear Don Alonzo, you cannot ex- pecft that 1 fhould ftay to be roafted alive for your fake! — ■ Fare thee well — I fhall return home, and take our worthy Diego with me. — We v/ill fay over our beads in your be- half. yuan. That may as well be done here. Diego. Here ! — on heathen ground ! — in view of a heathen temple ! Juan. Blockhead ! — Our God is every where, and by a firm adherence to the facred claims of friendfhip we ferv-e him more acceptably than by faying over a rofary — there- fore will I offer no prayers at this moment. I am here as the guardian of my mifguided friend. Diego. And pray then in what capacity am I here ? Juan. As his .attendant, whom he employs to carry his arms. Diego. My prefence then, it fhould feem, is now wholly fuperfluous, fmce I am not permitted to appear publlckly as fuch. Juan. Thy part is to obey, not to remonftrate. Go, take this whiftle, and fteal filently to the left, along the wall that furrounds the Temple, while I go round by the right — we fhall by this means meet on the other fide ; and fhould you encounter any thing fufpicious by the way, make ufe of the whifcle. Here, take it. Diego. (Trembling as he takes it) To the left did you fay? Juan. Yes, to the left. Diego. And quite alone ? Juan. Yes, quite alone. Diego. I am afraid of lofing myfelf among thebufhes. Juan. Fool, can you not fee the wail, and the cupola of the Temple ? Diego. Do you take me for an owl. Juan. Is not the moon brisht enough to li2,ht thee ? Diego. JN o. Juan. No! — Ha! ha! ha! — Fear feems wholly to have deprived Signor Diego of his fenfes. Diego. 1 muft beg leave to obferve, Sir, that the night i<; devoted to fell, £,nd evy^n if the rnan himfelf be not allowed to 22 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN", to ficep, his internal courage, commonly takes the liberty of enjoying a comfortable nap. My fortitude always goes to bed with the fun, Juan. (Going up to him earncjlhj) Friend Diego, we will awaken it with fome hearty blov/s. Diego. (Shrinking avjay from him) Oh it is eafily awakened : it does not fleep very foundly. Junn, Go, then, fool ! — (He thrufis him off" on one ftdc, and gees off himfelf on the other.) SCENE YI. — Alonzo fprings over the Ruins of the JVally and then reaches his Hand to Cora, who follows bim. Alon%o. (As he affifis her) Only one little jump, dear Coral — throw yourfclf boldly into my arms! — Here will you find a fecret and retired fpot, formed for love, and guarded by friends. This is not fo wide and wafte a fcene 2S your garden, in which, barren as it is of all fhade, the treacherous moon betrays every form that ventures within its circuit. (He preffes her to his bofom) At length I have thee in my arms again. Cora. (Returning his embrace) And I have thee again in mine. Alonzo. Ah! it is now three long weeks Cora. Only three weeks ? Alonzo. Months to love. Cora. Years to my heart. Alonzo. Every evening at twilight has poor Alonzo wandered hither, and liftened in anxious expedlation of the fio-nal which might fummon him to a ni^ht of tranfport. Cora. And every evening has Cora wept becaufe flie Jared not meet Alonzo. Alonzo, You have not been ill, I hope. Cora. Ah I I am always ill when I am not with you. Alonzo. Say, deareft Cora, what has prevented our meeting? — You promifed that I fhould fooner Cora. Did I promfe F — That was not right, as I could only hope that it might be fooner; but love always adds hopes to its wifhes, and too foon begins to confider thofe hopes as certainties. It does not often fall to my lot to take the niglitly fervice in the temple, but I relied upon havino; A P L A Y. 23 having the turn of one of my compan'ons who was ill, and whofe place 1 had offered to fupply. She, however, re- covered; and, inliead of the promifed happinefs, I had only her thanks for my intentions. Poor Cora was heartily vexed at this difappointment, and her flcepiefs nights ap-< peared fo tedious. Jlonzo. Alas! I have alfo been a ftranger to reff-. The dews of morning found me under thefe trees, while my cloaths were ftill damp with the dews of the paft even- ing, and my limbs ftill fhivered with the cold of midnight, Beneath yon palm-tree have I flood, night after night, with my eyes fixed upon your temple; and often, as 1 have feen a form wander backwards and forwards, v»here glimmers the eternal lamp, I have pleafed myfelf vvith thinking that it might be Cora's. Cora. It was not that in my folitude I could be de- ceived by faadovv's, yet I feemed every where to fee your image. The idea made me reftlefs. and 1 ran with hurried iteps hither and thither — kept inceflantly moving from one /pot to another. Oh tell me, does love always render peo- ple impatient? — It was not thus with me formerlv; but I was gentle, quiet, and bore without a murmur the failure of any trifling wifh ; the difappointment of any cherifhed expectation — whether it were that a fhower de- prived me of a promifed walk, or that the wind deftroved the flowers which I had carefully reared wirii my own hands. Now all is changed; 1 am no longer the fame perfon. When I iit at my daily employments, and fpin, or weave, if a thread happen to break, I am {o peeviflh that 1 fometimes even ftartie at myfelf. (CareJJiug him) Tell me, Alonzo, does love improve, or fpoil us ? j4lo7izo. True love improves. Cora. Oh no, no! — True love reigns in my heart, yet I am not fo good as I was. Jlonzo. It is only that thy blood runs foinev/hat more fwiftly. Cora. Or elfe that I am ill.— Yes, I am now often i!L Jlonzo. Indeed! Cora. Yes, indeed! — But that muft; be fo — for foon — foon — I fliall not love you alone. Jlon-zo, (Starting) Not me alone ? Cora. [Smiling) Not you alone! Alonzo. Your words involve a riddle, or elfe a crime. Cora, 24 THE VIRGIN OF THE StrN", Cora, love cannot comprehend more than one objecl.-^ You will not love me alone? (He f.xes his eyes earnejily vpon her) No, you cannot mean to fay fo — if it were true, you could not look at me with fo much compofure, fuch perfe6l unreferve. Cora. And why fhould I not look at you with compo- fure? — My feelings are fo fweet that they cannot be crimi- nal. An unknown, but pleafmg fadnefs has taken poflef- fjon of my heart — I experience fenfations not to be de- fcribed. When lately at the Solftitial fealf, I was orna- menting the porch of the temple with flowers, I faw upon the loweft of the fteps which lead up to it, a young woman ileeping, at whofe bread lay a little fmiling angel : my heart was altogether dilfolved at fo interefting afpeclacle, and I in- voluntarily ftretched out my arms to the Child, intending to take it gently from its mother, and prefs it to my bofoni. But how eafily are the {lumbers of a tender mother dif- turbed; for fcarcely had I touched the babe ere flie awoke, rofe up anxioully, clafped her treafure to her heart, and caft on me a look of deep diftruft. Say, Alonzo? — Do you not think an afFe6lionate mother one of the moil re- fpcctable of creatures ? Alon%o. {Bewildered) Oh, whv that qucftion ? Cora. Can't you guefs? — (With pure and innocent tranfport) I fhall foon be a mother myfelf. JlonxQ. (Thunder J} ruck) Great God! ! 1 Cora. ■ W hat is the matter ? — You need not be alarmed ! —I love you more than ever ! — Ah, at the firft commence- ment of our love I thought it impofTible that the attach- ment I then felt could ever be exceeded; for in you, Alonzo, I, beheld the moft charming of youths. Rut, en- chanter, you have ftolen into my heart under a ftill more attractive form, fmce I behold in you, the father of my child. Alon-z.0. Cora I Cora ! — my hair is eredl with horror, while your mind feems wholly at eafe. Cora. And what do you fear? — Is it a crime to be- come a mother ? — My father always taught me, that who- ever commits a crime, inftantly forfeits all peace of mind j but for me, I feel no uneafmcfs. Alonto. Do you not recolle£l the circumftances of your fituation ? — To what rigid ordinances you fwore obedience when this figure of the fun was faftened upon your bofora ? Coram A P L A Y. 25 CJfjra. I fwore to obey the ordinances of our temple. ullon-zo. And what do they enjoin you ? Cora. I know not. My father told me, that by whom- foever virtue was held facred, its precepts would be ful- filled without particular inftru6lion. To me virtue is facred. Alonzo. And know you then what conftitutes virtue ? — Alas I your uncorrupted foul is ignorant of the terrible diftinftion between virtue as founded in the eternal prin- ciples of nature, and virtue as conftituted by the diftorted imaginations of fanatics. [He clafps her eagerly in his arms) Oh, Cora! Cora! what have we done ? — In other fituations, love and joy recompenfe the anguifli which every mother muft endure — in yours alone, thofe fufFerings, however fevere, are but the forerunners of others flill more dreadful, in the moft horrible of all deaths. Cora. Death ! Jlcnzo. (In accents of defpair) And I — I am your mur- derer I Cora. (With compofure) How can you thus unnecefla- rily torment yourfelf ? — Wherefore, and by whom, fhould I be put to death ? Alonzo. The priefts will affirm, that you have offended the gods. Cora. I offended the gods !-^No, Alonzo, I love the gods. Alonzo. Cora, I do not doubt it; yet you mufl become the viiSlim of an ancient fiiperftition. Our only fafety would be in flightj but, alas ! v/hither can we fly in a fo- reign land ? Cora. Be compofed, dear enthufiaft I — I have thought of means to confole you. Alonzo. If fo, it muft be the fuggeflion of God himfelf. Cora. The plan is fimple, yet will give me certain af- furance whether or not the gods are really incenfed againfc me ; and the approaching morning may decide this impor- tant queftion. Hitherto the moon and ffars alone have been the confidents of our love; but the fun himfelf, the greatefl of all our gods, fhall now be witnefs to it. — At prefent I dare not flay any longer, for I muft haften back to attend the eternal lamp in the temple. Do you then, Alonzo, refl here under thefe trees, and, as foon as the dawn of morning ihall begin to gild the eaitern horizon, I D . will 26 THE VIRGIN OF TKE SUN, will return, and we will afcend yonder hill togctlier. Then will we turn our faces towards the eaft, entwine our arms within each other, join lip to lip, and thus boldly wait the rifing of the fun. — You underftand me? Alonzo. But half. Cora. Do you not comprehend, that if Cora have done evil, either the fun will veil himfelf from her fight, or the firft ray of his light that falls upon her, will annihilate the .criminal. But if, oh Alonzo I he, my Father, and my God, fhall rife clear and refplendent — if he fliall fmile upon the affedlionate pair as he beholds them joined in mutual em- brace, then fhall we have a certain token that he favours our love, and your mind may be relieved from its cares — • for when fatisfied that we are guiltlefs in the eyes of the fun, whofe eyes fball Cora need to fear. Alon%o. Oh aiFeding fimplicity ! — Oh fweeteft of thy fex! Cora. But, more flill remains, my Alonzo. To-mor- row is the grand feftivalof the fun — if on that day he rife in unveiled majefty, wc always regard it as a joyful fignal, that the gods are favourably difpofed towards us, confe- quently that no dreadful crime can have called forth their anger. Then look up, Alonzo; caft thy eyes around the heavens; behold how the ftars glitter ; how blue and ferene is every part within our view!' — not a cloud threatens us — not a zephyr moves the trees — Oh we fhall have a glo- rious morning ! — One embrace then at parting — farewel \ —Let Cora at her return find thee fleeping beneath thefe trees, and then will fhe awaken thee with a kifs. (Bhs hajii ns back through the breach in the wall.), Jlonzi. (TVho^funk in ojlonijhment and horror^ has fcarcely heard zvhat Cora has been faying)^ Sweet, benevo- lent creature! — Oh I have been a villain, the worfl of villains! Let me fiive her ! — fave her, if it be poflible, before the flame fhail burfl out over her head! — Ah, it is too late ! She is irrecoverably lo(l, and I can only die with her. (He leans again/} a tree ivith both hands upon his forehead. ) SCENE Vn Diego enter-- from the right Side, and feeing Alonzo, whfiles zvith all his Strength. Alonxo. (Turni}!g round wildlyy and grafping his fword) What is the matter?- Juan, A P L A Y. 27 yuan. ( Springing forvjards from the left fide) What is the matter ? Diego. Is it you, Don Alonzo ? — Why did you not fay immediately that it was you ? Juan. [Clapping Diego i^ipon the Jhoulder) My friend, you muft take a frightened hare for your device. Diego. Better than a bhnd lion. Signer Velafquez, you knights confider it as one of the duties of your order to revile prudence as cowardice, in the fame manner as we who cannot write, call all learned men, in deriiion, feather heroes. Did not you yourfelf order me to whiiHe whenever I fhould encounter any thing fufpicious ? Juan. Fool ! hov/ long has thy mafter been an object of fufpicion to thee ? Diego. To tell you the truth, Signor Don Juan, fome time. Look at him now, how he ftands there. [Pointing to Alonzo, who has refumed his former attitude.) Juan. ( Shaking Alonzo) My dear friend, was the adieu then fo very heart-breaking ? Alonzo. (Falling on his neck) Ah, Velafquez, thy ad- monitions came too late ! Juan. Oh God !— What !— is flie ? • Alonzo. She is indeed! Juan. Then may we confider our profpedl-of feeing the kingdom of heaven as no very diftant one. Alonzo. (Taking Juanls ha7id) Oh do not forfake me, my friend, my companion, my brother in arms ! Juan- (Shaking his hand ardently) Alonzo, it is not my praflice to call to the boy who is flrugglin* in the water, '■^ Tcu fould not have fallen in:" — I would rather, if it were polTible, draw him out. But, by the powers above, I do not know what is to be done here! — Had we a velTel at our command, or could we procure an enchan- ter's cloak, which would convey us through the air, then would not I be among the h\{\ to recomm.end flight. But fmce no fuch means lie at prefent within our reach, the courfe to be purfued is not very obvious. Weil, v/ell, Ve- lafquez ! arm thyfelf with courage to meet the worft — wrap thyfelf up in thy cloak, even to the very teeth, and leave the thunder to rattle, and the lio-htnino- to flafh quietly around thee. Alonzo. (JVringing his hands') All is loft! No refource, no way of efcape left ! D 3 Juan. 28 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, yuan. Be not fo defponding. All is not loft as long as a man retains his fenfes. Let us depart, eat, drink, and take our reft ; — then, by to-morrow, both mind and body- will have acquired new ftrength, and we fliall be better able to confider what is to be done. Diego. Oh, flower of knighthood ! Monzo. Stop! fhe will return foon; fhe promifed me at the dawn of morning Juan. So, fo! — Well, of all employments under the fun, commend me to that of being confident to a lover ! They have no idea that a man can have any human feel- ings — that he muft fleep Diego. That he muft eat — ^that he muft drink — Jlonxo. Forgive me ! Juan. Yes, yes, I forgive you freely; but you muft infcribe this facrifice deeply in your heart j for, by Heaven! the lofs of my night's reft — yet, no, rather than lofe it, I will repofe under the trees. (He fpreads out his cloak, and lies down upon it) It is alv/ays good to make a virtue of neceflity ; fo, with the fage remark, that wearinefs is the beft of all opiates, I wifh you a good night, Alonzo. He who has an unfuUied confcience can fleep, even with the trunk of a tree only for his pillow, as foundly as the feven fleepers themfelves. (He ckjes his eyes.) Diego. (Alfo fpreading himfelf a bed) If there fhould happen to be a rattle-fnake or two hereabouts — -or, per- chance, a tyger as hungry as myfelf ! — Hold! an idea oc- curs to me. (He takes out a rofary^ which he hangs upon the neareji tree) Now I think we are fafe. (He lies down) If I can fleep now, who will fay that I am not a mafter in the trade ; for my head is full of thought, my heart full of fear, and my poor ftomach quite empty. (He falls ajleep.) Alonxo. (Contemplates both for a while., then exclaims) Happy men ! (He leans in mufing melancholy againjl a tree.) (The Curtain falls.) END OF THE FIRST ACT. A PLAy„ ?9 ACT IL SCENE l.^The Scene remains the fame as at the Clofe of the firji JSi. Don Juan and Diego are jl'ill Jleep- itig. — Alonzo ivalks about mournfully among the Trees. Alonzo. w> ILL this night never come to an end? — The ftars flill twinkle in the heavens, the moon fcarcely yet begins to Ijfe her hiftre, and a deep and foiemn filence reigns around. — More grateful to the finner's foul are noife and tumult, for they affift to deaden the voice of confcience. — WS-it faid the fool Diego lately ? — that it is the fame w;fh confcience as v/ith the ftomach, the moment either coinpeh us to feel its exiftence, we may be fure it is not in perfe£t health. — And the fool fpoke truly. — Oh my excellent mother ! thy golden inftruclions may one day conducl: me into a better world — they have not taught me how to conduct myfelf in another hemifphere ! — Perhaps at this very moment thou art upon thy knees, praying for a bleffing upon thy fallen fon ! — Ah pray for him! inter- cede for him ! — he needs the interceffion of a faint ! — But away, away ye gloomy thoughts I — All may yet be well ! -4-Night is followed by twilight — twilight by the firft rays of the rifing fun ! — (Looking towards the eafi) And fee there the precurfor of returning joy ! — Already the eaft begins to be ftreaked with purple, and the liars are dif- appearing. — Hift ! I hear the chirping of a diftant bird ! — the moment draws near which is to bring Cora back to her Alonzo ! — while I prefs her to my bofom, confcience is mute, and I can laugh at danger. I will awaken thefe ileepers. (He Jhakes Diego) Diego, rife, — it is already day. Diego. (Rubbing his eyes) Hey!— how J — you joke! it is ftill dark, Jlonzo. 30 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, Alonzo. No, no, the moon is going dov/n, the ftars arc vanifhing. Du'go. {Tazvi?ing) Take heed what you are about, or you will foon find that it is dark enough. (He turns on the other Jide^ mutters fome inarticulate tuordsy and falls ajleep again.) Alon-zo. If that fellow have not flept, or eaten his fill, he is like a watch not wound up. [He Jhakes Don 'Juan) Velafquez, the day begins to break ! yuah. (Raijing himfelf upy and looking about) Well! —and what of that ? j^.'onzo. Will you not rife and enjoy fo fine a morning ? yuan. Write an Ode upon the Morning, if it be fo very fine ; but prithee let me fleep quietly. (He lies down again.) Jlonzo. Have you forgotten that we may foon expert Cora ? yuan. That is no concern of mine, (he does not come to fee me. Jlonzo. And don't you think it worth while to unbar your eyes a itw minutes earlier, to fee an angel ? yuan. I will dream of her. {He falls ajleep.) Jlon%o. There they lie and fleep as tho' in mockery of the troubles of my foul. Ah, it is only the unembarraifed mind which can thus recruit itfelf by inaclivity. Yes, I perceive that the more man throws oiFhis rational nature, and aflimilates hlmfelf with the brute, who looks to fenfe alone for his enjoyments, the happier is his lot. — Happier ? — Moft certainly io ; in his own eyes, at leaft, if not in the eyes of wifdom ; and what more can be required ? (A clapping of hands is heard behind the tvalls) But hark r — fhe comes !— >0h, all that I have faid of fenfual delight is falfe ! One moment, when the foul partakes of real tran- fport, outweighs whole hours of mere corporeal pleafure. (He hpjiens to meet Cora.^ SCENE 11. Cora enters and fprings into Alonzo's, Ayins. Cora. Here I am, deareft Alonzo !— But you have de- prived Cora of an expected pleafure — I hoped to have found you buried in fleep — I meant to have concealed my- I'elf behind a tree, to have fcattered leaves over you, and 2 then A p L A y. 31 then reproved you as a fluggard. — Do you not hear me, Alonzo, or are you in a waking dream ? — elfe, when your arm is thrown around my neck, how can you ftand with eyes thus fixed, and think of any thing befides your Cora? Alonzo. Amiable creature ! fufpedt me not unjuftly! — Cora alone rules in my heart, as one fun alone rules in the heavens. — Yet I cannot ceafe to think of the difcovery made this night ! — My peace ! my peace of mind is loft • — Confcience, — a thoufand horrible images, — Death in its moft hideous form, with cold and outftretched arms, tearing Cora from my heart, — thefe, thefe are the ideas which haunt me inceflantly. Cora. (Laying her .hand upon his mouth) Be filent and trufl to the gods ! — Look up, the heavens are clear and ferene all around us, and my heart is full of tranfport I — Soon will the fun be rifen above the horizon, haften, haften to afcend the hill! [She climbs haftily up the hill, Alonzo following her) Oh behold ! — a minute longer and we had been too late — fee how the eaft already glitters with flreaks of gold — fee how the twilight vanifhes over the hills and woods — fee v.'hat thoufands of dew-drops fparkle with the rays of morning, and liften to the notes of birds innumerable, Warbling their early fongs ! Oh, Alonzo ! My God is great ! — My breaft is too contracted for all my feelings !— Burft forth, -burft forth, ye tears of tranfport which ftand in my eyes ! — Rejoice with me, my love ; be- hold where the God afcends in unclouded majefty — he is not offended. (She kneels.) Father, to whofe fervice I have devoted myfelf ! — Father, whofe image I bear exter- nally on my bofom, and internally in my heart ! — Vouch- fafe to caft one of thy many eyes upon me, be wifnefs of my love for this young man, and be my judge ! — If the feelings which nov/ engrofs my foul be fuiful, then veil thy flaming forehead in darknefs, or command thy thunder- clouds to gather round thee, and fend down upon me thy forked lightning, as the minifter of thy vengeance! — Give me, oh i" ather 1 — Give me a fign of thy love or of thy anger ! — (After a paiife) Oh with what mildnefs, what gentlenefs, do his rays fall upon me ! — how benignantly he looks down and blefles me ! — [She rifcs) Well then I dare venture upon the trial — dare venture to make it even in the prefence of my God himfeif ! — Alonzo, come to my arms. i^She embraces hi-ri) It is over, and now all my fears 3* THE VIRGIN OP THE SUN'. fears are difpelled !— Had t'lis embrace been finful, he"ha We muft die if you deceive us. Cora. Come, fifters, we fhall be mifled. Idali. And then the High-Prieftefs will fcold. Amazili. We ought to be drefling for the feftival. Idali. And there is nobody in the temple — the facred flame will he extinguifhed. Diego. You can eafily kindle it again with your bright eyes. Cora. Tell rrje, Idali, how happened it that the ffigh- Prieflefs fent you hither? Idali. We repaired to the temple this morning to take your place, and not finding you there, we went and re- ported it to the High-Prieftefs, who immediately fent us to look for you in the garden. Cora. Did (lie give you no further orders? Amazili. Only when we found you, to fend you to her. juan. And fhould flie afk where you met with Cora, what will you anfwer ? Idali. T hat v/e found her talking with fome Spaniards. Juan. Oh you muft not mention us, fvveet girls ! for F the 42 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, the High-Prleftefs will be angry at your flaying (o long, and forbid your meeting us again — and you would like, I hope, to come here fometimes, and amufe us with your converfation. Diego. (To Jmaz'ili) I have fallen fo defperately in love with you, my little rogue, that I hope you will come and meet me again. Jmuz'di. {To Idal'i) What do you fay, Idali ? Idali. I can't tell. Juan. Say rather that Cora had fallen afleep behind one of the pillars in the temple, and in the dufk of morning you did not perceive her. Diego. Or that fhe was lying under the (hade of the great palm-tree, in the court before the temple. Atna%Hi. Oh charmina; ! Idaii. An excellent thouo-ht I Cora. Gome, let us haften back. Idali. It is indeed time ; let us go. Ama-zili. Yes, let us go. [Neither Jke nor Idali Jiir) yuan. Go fweet maiden. Diego. Go you little rogue. Idali. Well, good morning — good morning. Ama%ili. Farewel — farewel. (They return over the. wall) Cora. ( E?7ibracing Alonzo) Farewel, A lonzo ! Jlonzo. Farewel, my beloved — ^foon my wife. [Exit Cora, SCENE V .—Re-enter RoLLA. Holla. Well, how have you managed them ? Diego. Moft completely — v/e have v/ound them round our fingers. yuan. Rolla knows their fex. Rolla. By report chiefly. Diego. I begin to like the adventure extremely — my little creature feemed difpofed to be very loving. yuan. \et the clouds, fo pregnarit with thunder, every moment gather thicker over our heads, and wear a more menacing afpeft. Alonzo. (Taking Rolla' s hand) Brother! — dearefl bro- ther haflen to extricate us I Rolla. I muft confider the matter more calmly. — Oh % what A p L A y. 43 wTiat new vigour have my limbs acquired ! — I am become quite another man. No longer are all things indifferent to me; I find fomtthing again to intcreft me in the world; I can again hope and fear, defire and reje£t. — Thanks to thee, Cora, for the mild rain v/hich has thus revived the withered plant. Yes, we will fly! — Flight may be dan- gerous, but I (hall find it therefore the more grateful. \Vhen our purfuers fhall be fo clofe upon us, that their cries afiail our ears, and their arrows fly around us, then fhall I be infpired with new life. When Rolla (hall fight for Cora — when he {hall brandifh his fword in her defence, then will be, indeed, the moment for difplaying the full ex- tent of his powers. I was called valiant under the walls ofCuzco, and in the fields of Tumibamba; but then I did not fight for Cora — did not fight under her eyes ! — In that fituation I fhall become a god ! Jlonzo. (Falling on his neck) Exalted man ! — Deign to give me but one friendly glance as an affurance that you have pardoned the headftrong boy ! Rolla. No, Alonzo, I v/ould not have more merit afcribed to me than I can juftly claim. All that I do is for Cora-^notbing for you. Were fhe only to drop a withered flower into the water, and exprefs a wifii to have it again, I would inft^antly plunge into the flream to recover it for her, even at the hazard of my life. It is for her fake alone that I am your friend — for her fake that I pardon you. Alonzo. Yet permit me at leaft to cherifh a hope, that I may one day be thought worthy of a place in your friend- fhip, for my own fake. Rolla. You are beloved by Cora, what more can you wifh. Ohl if Cora loved ?/2t', the gods themfelves might feek my friendfhip in vain! — But we are merely talking, when we ought to be in action. Come into my cave, there we fhall be fecure from lifteners ; there we can ar- range the plan of our efcape, and caroufe together unmo- lefted; — for to-day I am refolved to caroufe — ye?, even to intoxication! — I am already intoxicated — intoxicated with joy ! From the crov^n of my head to the fo!e of my foot, every atom of my frame is in a commotion of extacy. My flrength, my faculties, have acquired fuch additional power, that at this moment I feem as if I could controul the world I (He takes Jlonzo" s hand^ and leads him into his cay£.) F 2 yuan. 44 THE VIRGTN OF THE SUN, "Juan. (Following them) Happy is it for the king of Quito that this man is in love. Either to love with fuch unbounded paffion, or to precipitate his fovereign from his throne, feems to be the deftination of fuch a mind. \_Exit. Diego. Drink, and caroufe! — I am your man for that. — It {hall quickly be feen -who can empty his glafs, to the honour of his girl, moft frequently, and with the greateft expedition. [^ExiU End of the second act. PLAT. 45 ACT III. 3CENE I. The High-Priestess's Jpartment in a Building called the Ho'fe of the Stars. Several Cages with Parrots, Turtle-Doves^ and other Birds, are hanging or Jianding about the Room, jf/*^ High-Priestess u fmploycd in feeding the Birds. x High-Priestess. HERE, there, little Bibi! — You rogue you would devour every thing ! — Thefe girls are gone a long time, I fuppofe they are fomewhere prattling together, upon forne trifling fubjeit, till they forget how time goes. — Wait a few minutes, Lulu, — your turn v/ill come in time. — Thefe tedious creatures put me out of all patience, Heaven knows what they are doing, they are as flupid as oyfters, and as flow as tortoifes. — Come hither, Dudu, — there take this, and give a bit to your wife — oh you little ingrate ! you can bite, can you. — This is too much ! — the fun is already rifen above the hills, and they are not returned ! — the giddy creatures rely too much upon the mildnefs and gentlenefs of my heart, don't they Bibi r — I am too ready to over- look a fault, am I not Lulu ? — But locking them up for a while without food will tame them, and make them more trainable, won't it Dudu I SCENE IL Enter Idali and Amazili in hafle and ahnoji hreathlefs. They both fpeak together. Ifioli and Amazili, Here we are already. High-Priefhfs. Softly, foftly, children !— Poor ribi, are you frightened ? — And fo you are abfolutely here al- ready ? Idali. Oh yes, we have run all the way^ High-Priejttfs. WJience, then, do you come ? Idali From the g-ardcn. "1 ,r> w /- r- i .i^na-m. From the temple, / i^'^i^' fP^^^^^g together.) High. 46 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN. Htgh-Priejlefs. One of you muft be guilty of a falfe- hood. Idali. It is I! '\ (Extremely terrified and fpeaking Ama?dlt, It is I ! / together.^ High-Prifjiefs. Why how now? — One of you have uttered an untruth again. What is at the bottom of all this ? — Idali, do you remain where you are, and you, Ama- zili, come with me. (She kads her to the other fide of the Stage, and fipeaks in a half vjhifiper) Tell me truly, do you come from the temple ? Jfna%ili. Yes. High-Priejicfs. Now don't ftir. [She goes to Idali.) Amazili pofitively afferts that you come from the garden, I can fcarcely believe her — tell me the real truth. Jdali. Oh yes, we come from the garden. High-Prlejiefs. So, fo ! — Some pretty trick has been playing here, and I muft fift out the truth as well as I can. Idali, don't ftir from your corner. — And what is the mean- ing of all this winking, and nodding, and fhaking of the head ?-^Keep your head ftill, and your eyes upon the ground. (She goes to Amazili) Have you found Cora ? j4>nazi!i. Yes. High-Prirjlefs. Where did you find her? Ama%iii. >\\q had fallen aflecp under the large palm- tree that ftands before the porch of the temple. High-PrieJlefs. Remain there, and don't take your eyes from the ground. (She goes to Idali) Have you found Cora ? Idali. Yes. HJgh-Priefiefs. Where did you find her ? Idali. Sitting behind a pillar in the temple, fafl: afleep. We might have pafled her twenty times without perceiv- ing her. High Priejtefs. Admirable ! — Now both of you come hither. (5/;^ takes a hand of eachy and looks Jledfaft y jnjl at one., then at the other) You have both uttered falfehoods ! You fay that Cora was afleep behind a pillar in the temple, and you that fhe was under the palm-tree in the court of the temple. (Idali avd AmarAli hem, and ccugh., and Lok terrified and embarrajjed) Which ami to believe ? Idali [To Amazili) Silly girl, you have forgotten every thing. Amazili. No, it is you who have forgotten. Idali. A P L A Y. 47 Idal'i. No, indeed it is you. Jmazili. 1 am fure that I was bid to fay under the fhade of the great palm-tree. Idali. I am fure I was bid to fay behind the pillar. High-Prirjiefs. I vjas bid f and, I was bid! — What may all this mean? [Idali and JlmaztU heftate) If you will not pleafe to recolIe6t yourfelves now, I fhall foon find a way to aflift your memories. Idali. ( To Aniazili.) This is your fault. Ama%Hi, No, it is your's. Idali. I certainly did not mention him firft. High-Pric/iefs. Him! — who? — who? Oh you wicked girls, why you have not been among men I hope ? ■ — The gods defend us from fo horrible a misfortune 1 Idali and Jmazili. Oh no ! — no indeed ! High-Priepfs. No ? Idali. They were not men. Amazill. Only Spaniards. High Priejlefs. Spaniards I — how ? — what ? — Spani- ards ! — [She paufes and jomevjhat recovers herfelf.) Well, well, if they really were only Spaniards ? — And how many- might there be? Amazili. [Growing phafed and communicative^ Three. One for Cora, one for Idali, and one for me. Mine, had line brown hair, and eyes juft the fame colour. Idali, Mine had black curling hair, and fuch a fweet countenance. Ama:iiU. But mine was the handfomeft, Idali, No, mine was much handfomer. High-Pricflefs, Well, well, this may be fettled another time. Now tell me how came thefe Spaniards in the temple ? Idali. They were not in the temple. HighPrieJiefs. What, then j had they flown ofer the high walls into the garden ? Idali. They were not in the garden. Amazili, But they might have come in, as eafily as we got out. High-Priejiefs, You got out of the garden ? — and how could that be managed ? Idali. According to your orders we went to look for Cora. We ran hither and thither, and called her by her name, but to no purpoff , till at laft as we were looking about 48 THE VIRGIN OF THS SUNT, about, and liflening, we thought we heard voices on. the other fide of the wall, juft by the arbour, where the little ftream is loft iii the wood. We followed the found, and crept foftly through the thick bufhes, till at laft we came to a great, great rent in the wall, from the top, quite to the bottom, and fo broad that Amazili and I could eafiiy go through it, and we had only to ftep over a few ftones to get quire on the outiide. High-Pr'iejlejs. And you did fi:ep over the flones'and get on the outfide ? Jmaztli. Elfe we fhould not have found Cora. High-Prieftefs. Indeed ! — What, ihe too had flepped over the ftones ? Llali. Yes, and was talking with the Spaniards. At lirfl: we thought they were men, and were going to run away, but they entreated us very earneftly to ftay ; and as we found that they reslly were only Spaniards, we thought there could be no harm in complying with them. Amazili. And they wanted us to promife that we would come again. High-Prlejicfs. Which promife you made ? Idali. We only half promifcd it. H'tgh-Priejlefs. But you intend meeting them again ? Jm.izili. What do you fay, Idali ? Mali. Perhaps fo, if you are inclined, Amazili. High-Priejiefs. Well, well, at prefent go and fend Cora hither — then drefs yourfelves, prepare the bread of facriBce, and difpofe it in the bafkets. Idali. {Taking J/nazili's hand) Come, fifter, I have fuch an inclination to dance. Amazili. And I could laugh and fing. (Exeunt both.) High-PrieJlefs. {Alone) Dance, laugh, and ftng, if you pleafe, your fimplicity protedts you from my anger ;— but you fiiall not find the breach in the wall again, that I pro- mife you. As for this, Cora — can the fhamelefs creature have been carrying on an intercourfe with men .'' — Chafte Oello, look down with compaffion upon thy fervants, and avert from us this laft of all calamities ! — I have long ob- ferved, that (he has hung down her head — that her ruddy cheeks have loft their colour — that fhe has appeared ab- ftraclcd, full of thought, and feemed fcarcely to know with whom fhe was fpcaking, or to hear when ftie w;^s ad- dreffed. — All this indicates no good, does it Dudu ? SCENE ■J i. A 1? h AY» 49 SCENE III. Enter CoKA. High-Priejiefs. Shamelefs girl, do you dare to appear in my prefence ? Cora. I come from the fervice of our god. High-Pricjiefs. Be thankful that his thunder is not entrufted to my hands. Cera. What do you mean ? — how have I incurred your anger ? High-PrlJIefs. Do you fuppofe that I am unacquaint- ed with your licentious conduit ? — that I am ignorant how Cora difgraces thcfe facred walls, and expofes her own, and her filler's honour to cenfure. Cora. I have done nothing wrong. H'lgh-Priejiefs. Look ftedfaftly in my face,_i_you have been in- the company of men ? Cora. I have not offended the gods. High-Prieftefs. Cora, I command you to look at me ! — you are acquainted with a Spaniard ? Cora. I am innocent. High-Pr'ieftefs. This very morning you have feen and converfed with him ? Cora. The fun was witnefs of a'l my aftions. High-Prieji.fs. Confefs your crime. Cora. ' I have not been guilty of a crime. High-Prie/iefs. Oh blinded, mifguided creature ! Cora. The path which I purfue, is that of nature and innocence. High-Prieftefs. Obftinate girl I — But remember that you are a prieftefs of the fun, and tremble at the torments to which the feverity of our laws deftines thofe by whom they are trangrefTed. * Cora. I fhall fufFer undefervedly. High-Prieftefs. You will not confide in me ? Cora. No. High- Prieftefs. Nor confefs your fault ? Cora. N o. PJigk-Priefifs. I admoniib you for the laft time, Cora ! — But a few moments remain, in which confeffion is left to your choice — make your ufe of them, I know all — I am inilrucSled in every particular. Soon fhall I aflemble the Virgins in the Temple, and convene thither the priefts, G ' who 50 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, who Hiall judge you, and by whom you will be judged with feverity. Death will then be your lot, and woiie than death, fhame. At prcfcnt we are alone, — do you per* iift in filence ? Cora. Yes. High-Priejiefs. (Changing her tone) Enough, I can- rot believe Cora to be really fo guilty. I knew your mo- tlfer, when you were yet a child, we had frequent inter- courfe with each other. — '■*■ My Cora^' (he would often fay, " has a gentle and complying fpirit^for which quality I love her moji tenderly." Cora. Oh, flie was always an affectionate mother !— All the happinefs of my life was buried in her grave. Higb-Priejiefs. You have doubtlefs a facred reverence for her memory ? Cora. Can that be made a queftion ! — Alas how many are theg:ears which I have died for her in fecret. High-Priejlt'fs. If fuch your affection, you furely would not convicPc her of a falihood, as fhe refls in her grave. Muft I be compelled to think that it was only the blindnefs of maternaMove which could afcribe to you this gentle and complying difpofition ? — or will you convince me that fhe was right in her judgment ? Cora. She was right ! High-PrieJlefs. Then proi^e it to me. The mother's friend has an undoubted claim upon the daughter's confi- dence. Cora. Ah me ! — High-PrieJlefs. The lafl: words that were uttered by her pallid lips, flill vibrate in my ears. *' My child" flie faid, " is young and inexperienced^ JJjouldJhe ever want ma~ ternal counfel^ be it received from you /" — Shefpoke, — with her cold hands ^reffed mine, and expired. (Cora bit'-ays fymptotns of irrefolution, and appears combating with herjelf. The High-PrieJlefs continues after a paufe) And your aged and reverend father, when he gave you into my hands, kiffed you and faid, *' Take^her, Jloe is a good ^irl^ and will not occafon you any trouble.'" — Afterwards, when he was about to return home, when he gave you his laft blefHng, while a tear trembled on his grey eye-lafhes, what were his parting words — " Cora-^ honour her as a mother." ' Cora. (Falling at her feet) I love ! High-PrieJlefs. (Starting with horror) You love ? 2 Coro:. vj ' A p L A y. 51 Cora. I cat! no longer remain a pricftefs of the Sun ! High'Prieftefs. No longer remain a prieftels of the Sun ? Cora. But will marry. High-Prieficfi. Marry ' — you marry ! Cora. The gods have given me a feeling heart. High-P.rie fiefs. To be devoted to their fervice. Cora. T sN&i born to become a wife. High-Prirjirfs. The Sun is your hufband. Cora. To him I can otFer only prayers and thanks ; but our heart and our love can be beftowed only on a huf- band. High-Prleftefs. Cora, recoUeil yourfelf, you are in a dream. Cora. I have now laid open my whole foul. If the affection you bore the mother be indeed transferred to the daughter, you will be my friend. High-Pr'iejlejs. And the perfon you love is a Spaniard ? , Cara. Yes. H'lgh-Prieflejs. His name ? — Cora. Is Alonzo. High-Priejiefs. When, and where, did you firft fee him? Cora. In the Temple, by the fide of our king. High'Prii-Jiefs. And what miracle brought you to a nearer intercourfe. Cora. The natural miracle which threatened the Temple with deftru£lion, and rent afunder the walls by v^^hich it is enclofed. High-Pri-flefs. Well, I muft not know more, and let what has pafled be buried in eternal oblivion. To fhew you in how high regard I hold your mother's memory, I will preferve your fecret inviolate, and you muft by fevere repentance endeavour to avert the wrath of the gods. Erafe the image of Alonzo from your heart, forget his fmooth and deceitful tongue, think of him no more, but attend to your employments and devotions. Cora. You certainly have never loved ? High-Prieftefs. No, thanks be to the gods ! . Cora. Had you ever felt one half of what I now feel, you would have known that what you enjoin is no longer in my power. Erafe the image of Alonzo from my heart ! — think of him no more ! — When 1 awake in the mornii g, he is always the firft objeit of my thoughts, and G 2 "at 52 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, at night when I lie down he is ftill the laft. — When I kneel in the temple, his name intrudes itfelf into my prayers,— when I look at the image of the fun, 1 fee only him, — and "when I would turn my thoughts to my God, 1 cannot de- tach them from Alonzo. High-Priejlefs. Thefe are heavy offences, Cora 1 — • You muil: faft, pray, humble yourfelf. Cora. I can pray for nothing but that the gods may . grant me Alcnzo. Love is fo foft, fo exquifite a fenfation that it never can be fmful. High-Friefcejs. Sinful ! — It is to be held in the utmoft abhorrence. Cora. Are ^i7« then fo entirely free from all emotions of this paffion. Higb-Pricjfefs. I am wholly devoted to the gods. Co^-a. In this aflertion you either deceive me or your- felf. Do I not often fee how tenderly you jiurfe and feed thefe birds,— taking, nov/ this, now that, out of the cage, fetting it on your finger, firoaking it, kiiTing it, talkmg to it ? , " High'Pr't'Jiefs. Poor little creatures, to love them is fuch an innocent affection. Cora. And my love is equally innocent. High-Pr'tc/iefs. Love for a man ! Cora. The feeling is fliil the fame ! — the heart mufl love ! — a turtle-dove engages your affections,— am I to blame if mine are fixed on other objeCts. High-PrieJisJ-. Do not deceive yourfelf, Cora. Is it a matter of indifference, whether you employ the fdcred flame only in confuming the facrifice, or ufe it to fet the temple on fire ? Cora. I do not comprehend your fimiie, myheart fpeaks in a plain and fimple manner, i aKvays thought that love mull be pleafing to the gods, I have made the experiment, and ths event has juflified my opinion. 1 he god^ cannot be offended with me ; for fay, good mother, when Cora ferves in the temple, does a fudden gloom overcaft the heavens, does the fun conceal himfelf behind a cloud? High-Priejlefs. No, your guilty courfe has been purfued only in darknefs — the rays of the great light have never witneffed your crimes. Cora. Yes, they alfo have witneffed my love. On this very morning I folemnly embraced Alonzo in the prefence of the Cua himfelf. Hiib' \ PL A'Y. 5 2 High- Pricjl.-fs. ( With a Jlart of horror) Embraced Alonzo ? Cora. Preffed my lips, my breaR, to his. High-Pr'irJIefs. Your lips — your brcafl ! C')ra^ And our god I'miied upon us. High-Prhjlefs. No more, unhappy girl ! — Go and conceal yourfclf before I repent that i made you a promifli of fecrecy It is not your honour alone that is concerned in this affair, it is the honour of our whole order. — Go, and fettle as well as you can with your heart, whether ic may find theextinclion of your pailion pleafing, or difpleaf- ing ; only of ihis be aflured, that you mull: fc;e Alonzo no more. Cora. [Refolutdy) I will no longer /emain a pricflefs of the fun. Hloh-Prii'/iefs. Vain refolution ■' — Death only can re- leafe you from his fervice. Cord. But you fay that I am criminal. — Well, then, I am no longer worthy to ferve the fun. If however I devote to him in my place, an innocent creature, pure and free from fin, will not this be pleafmg to him, fhall I not then have difcharged my duty, and be releafed from my oath, High-Priejiefs. I do not underftand you. Corel. The innocent creature which I bear within me fhall be devoted to the fun. {The High-Prirjl fs Jiarts hack^ attempts to [peak., but is unable ; flie totters and ts obuo-.d to ftipport herfeif agalnji a chair) What is the matter ? — ■ Have you mifjnderitood me ? — The innocent creature which I bear within me {li?dl be devoted to the fun. High-PrieJIejs. {^Runnin^ about in a phrenzy) Jdali ! — • Amazili I — Runa I — Ye daughters of the Sun, haiten hither ! — Ah ! — 1 cannot fupport myfelf ! — [She fmks dovjn upon a chair) SCENE IV. EnterlDA^i^ Amazili^ and f.veral other VIRGINS OF THE ^Vi^frotn different parts. Ml talking together. What is the matter? — What has happened ? — She is in a fvvoon ! — Cora, tell us what is the matter ? — What has thrown her into this agitation ? • Cora. [With great compofure) I do not know. Hi-^h-PrieJiejs. (Recovering) Haften, ye daughters of ika Sun, jliut up this facrilegious creature in our darkeft dungeon, 54 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, dungeon, that the rays of our god may not be profaned by falling upon a being fo contaminated. You Runa, and Odila muft anfwer with your lives for the prifoner, till the moment when fhe Ihall be brought forth to judgment. The reft of you veil yourftlves in the deepeft mourning, and follow me to the royal palace. The Sun ^s incenied sgainft us ! — the v/rath of the gods has lighted upon us! — heavy fms are to be anfwered ! — curfes muft fall upon Peru, and the avenging arm of the powers above will purfue us into the moft fecret places. Haften ! — extinguiih the fa- cred light in the temple, tear down the wreaths of flowers, no feftival can now be folcmnized, this day is changed into a day of mourning ! — Let us repair to the foot of the throne to demand vengeance, dreadful vengeance againft the criminal ! [She riif/jes out^ a confufcd ncife and mur- muring is made by all prefent who all at once queji'ion Cora) Jll. What have you done, Cora? — Tell us? — Tell us ? — Cora. I have done nothing wrong. (Exit with com" pofure. ) Jll. {As they follow her) Look well to her ! — Take care that fhe does not efcape ! — Your lives muft anfwer it ! Away — away ! [Exeunt.) SCENE V. J large hall in the king^s palace, with gvards ranged on each fide. Enter the Kiao's Cham- berlain. Chamberlain. ( To the Guards ) Throw open the doors ^ i — Let all enter, who are come hither on this folemn day of feftival to falute their fovereign the firft-born of the fun, and condu£l him to the temple. As foon as the king fhall be arrayed in his Inca's robes, he will appear himfelf. SCENE VL The doors are thrown open. Enter the High-Priest, Xaira, Don Alonzo, Don Juan, ^vtth a hng train of priejis and courtiers. Mavy com- pliment are exchanged on all fides; they %valk about ^ and converfe in different groupcs. Several of the ^'courtiers affemble round the chamberlain. Xaira, {Tothe High-Prieji.) Why do thef^^ftrangers come hither ? High.^ 0^ A PLAY. 55 High-Prlcjl. Probably to attend the king when he soes to the flvcrifice. Xaira. Oh impious, to permit the prefence of (trangers at the celebration of our folemnities, perhaps only to make them the fubjecl of their mockery. H'lgh-Pr'iefi. Mockery! — No, that were to fhew them- felves fools, and I can rely upon that brave youth for not being guilty of any folly. Have you forgotten that our king is indebted to him for his life — that he has made the people of Q^iito the terror of their enemies fince he taught them the mode of fighting prailifed in his country — that he has alfo inllrucled us in many ufcful arts of peace ? Xaira. Mere deception. He has only in'creafed our wants. — We were much happier without him. High-Pr'tejl. Difcontented man ! Chamberlain. Gentlemen, do you know any news for the entertainment of the king? One of the Company. None, excepting that old Telafco arrived here yefterday evening frorti his province. Another. And has brought his fon Zorai to prefenthim to the Inca. Chamberlain. How long; is it fince the venerable o'.d man laft vifited the capital ? Fir/i Speaker. Two years. He has not bee'ti here fince he brought his daughter Cora to be confecrated as a Frieftefs. Alon-zo. (Starting., and /peaking ajide to yuan) Ve- lafquez, do you hear that Cora's father is in Q^iito ? yuan. Yes, I hear it. Jlonzo. And her brother ? yuan. I hear that too, Alonr.Q. This alone was wanting ta make, my mifery complete! — How will their unfufpecting features harrow my confcience. {Martial injiruments are heard behind the fcene-, playing a march.) All. The king approaches. SCENE N\\.— Enter Ataliba with his train. All present projirate themfelvei before the king. Atallha. {A.UreJfmg the High Priejl.) I rejoice, godd """ old 56 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN. old man, to fee how much your ftrength bears up beneath the vveijit of vears. Hi'^h-Prifji. Under fuch a fovereign one cannot grow old. Jtaliba. For what I am, I have folely to thanlc vou ; that I can never forget. (7o Xa'tra.) It is a charming day, Xaira, the gods are favourably difpofed towards us. Xa'ira. ( With hefitLition) Yet — unfavourable omens, have difquieted my bofom. Jtaiiba. How fo ? Xaira. The lamb which T v/as about to facrifice at midnight, ftruo-wled beneath the facred knife. Jtaiiba. MoPr natural. Xaira. And tne lungs, v/hich, when they tremble and quiver after they are torn out, promife happinefs for the enfuing year, lay ftill and motionlefs. Jtnliba. I thank you for the information, but I defire that it may not be fpread abroad among the people. (To the High-Prieji^ jmiling and f peaking in a half tvhifper.) We have tygers enough to annoy u=, why fhould we trem- ble before a lamb .'' Hi'yh-Prieji. To the people fuch a lamb is more for- midable than a tyger ; and the king owes refpedl to popular faith. Ataliba. True, good old man, for it v/as upon that foundation that Manco-Capac ere6i:ed his dominion.— (Turning to Jlonzo.) I rejoice, my beloved friend, to fee that you are ftill contented to live among us. Ahnz.0. How can I be otherwife, royal Inca, while you contitme to-entertain me thws hofpitably ? Atalila. Which I I'hall never ceafe to do, as long as I behold you fo worthy of my love. {To Velafqucz) Weil, Don Juan, do the troops that you are training make a rapid progrefs ? "Juan. They are brave fellows i — they have arms of iron, and hearts of wax. Ataliba. Oh that I could be certain or enjoying eternal peace! — then {houJd thofe nervous arms be devoted to agriculture alone. {Turning to the High-Prie/l.) Is it not time that we go to the Temple? High Prieji. We are all ready. Chamberlain, {Approaching the king.') Sire, the old Telafcoj A P L A V. 57 Telafco, governor of the caftle of Antis, is arrived, and wifhes to pay his homage to the firft-born of the Sun. Jtaliba. My worthy Telafco ! — Let him come in. Alon%o. {Ajide to FAafquez) Oh Juan! — my heart! my heart ! Juan. Do not betray yourfelf. SCENE VIII. On a ftgnal from the Chamberlain, the Guards open thedoor^ zvhen Telasco, and Zorai, enter, Atalila. {Meeting and embracing Telafco.) Welcome venerable old man ! — What brings you from your en- viable folitude into the buftle of a court ? [CsUlng to the Attendants. ) Let a feat be brought. Telafco. Suffer me to Hand, good Jnca. It is the pof- ture which beft becomes a petitioner. Atallha. Has Telafco any requeft to make ? — S peak then. Telafco. Two years ago I brought my daughter here, to devote her, according to her own defire, to the fervice. of the gods. I cannot deny that the parting with her was a fevere trial to me, for I had long been accuftomed to enjoy her innocent fociety, and ever fmce the death of my wife, when I fell into ill health, had been nurfcd and at- tended by her with the tendereft care and afFef^ion. It may be fuppofed, therefore, that we did not feparate without many tears on both fides. Aly fon, at that time a youth, was then the only treafure remaining, — he is now grown up to manhood, and as his filler is devoted to the gods, I would devote him to the fervice of his country. To you, great Icing, I prefrnt him— be you his father when 1 am gone 1 — I do not doubt that he will condu£l himfelf wor- thily — I have no fear he will ever forget that the blood of the Incas flows through his veins. Accept my prefent with favour ! — I bring you the greateft treafure that I poffefs iipon earth! — I bring you my all ! Ataliba. He (hall be my own fon ! — Come hither, youngs man. (Zoral kneels to htm) Inherit thy father's virtues, and thou Ihalt be heir to thy father's honours, Zoral. Pardon my filence. Time on'y can decide V/hether or no I (hall deferve fuch favour. Ataliba. Rife! — Alonzo, I confign him to thy care. Let him be enrolled among my life-guards, and learn of thee to fight and conquer. H Alonzo. ^S THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, Alonta. ( Embarrajfed) Oh king ! I will endeavour to gain his confidence. Tclafco. {To Jlonzo) Art thou the man in whom the people blefs the faviour of their Inca ? Permit thefe old arms to embrace thee ! [He embraces Monzo) Thy fame has reached to the remoteft parts of this nation — thy name is repeated with tranfport by our children's children I - — Happy is my fon in being placed under fuch a leader. Jlonzo. [Extremely ernbarrajj'ed and offe^led) He (hall be my brother. Telafco. ( To Jtal'iba) To your goodnefs am I indebted that the laft moments of my life are made thus happy. Accept my grateful thanks ! (Ajolemn march is heard playing at a dijiance) Jtaliba. Now, -my children, let us repair to the temple! • — Come, Tclafco, go on my right hand, and fliould you find the walk fatiguing, let me be your fupport! — Ah, how often have you fupported me ! TeUifco. Bleflings on you worthy, Inca ! (As they are preparing to go^ the ?nujic^ which had continued gradually to advance nearer, fuddenly Jlops) Jtaliba. (Starting) What means this r Chamberlain. ( Rujlnng in trernbling, and ahnoji breath' Icfs) Sire, the High-Prieilefs of the Sun approaches, with a long train of prieftefles all clad in mourning, and utter- ino; dreadful lamentations. Their cries pierce the very foul ; while the people gather round them trembling, and ■obferving them with filent awe and terror. [The whole ajje?nbly appear in the utmcji confufioni the king alone pre- Jerves his compofure) Jtaliba. Conduct them hither. Jlonzo. ('AfM to 'Juan') Oh God, Velafquez, what can this portend ! "Juan. You tremble, and look pale; — for fhame ; roufe yourfelf; fhew yourfelf a man ! SCENE IX. — Enter the High-Priestess, follovjed by a long train ^Virgins of the Sun. They are clad in thick mourning veils, and ?narch in Jlow and folemn proccff.on tozvards the King. Jn azuful Jilcnce is obferved by the whole company, zvho zvait the Jequel of the jcene ■with anxious expeSiation. High-Priejiefs. (Throwing back her veil) Oh woe ! woe! woel Jtaliba. A P L A Y. 59 jftallba. On whom doH: thou imprecate woe ? High-Prie/lefs. The temple is polluted! — the altars are profaned ! — the holy lamp is extinguiftied ! — Oh woe ! woe ! woe ! Ataliba. Name the criminal, that the gods may be avenged for thefe heavy ofFences. High-Priejlcfs. Firft born of the Sun, let the ftringed inftruments, let the feftal fong, ceafe ! — Let the temple be divefted of its ornaments, and the garlands be taken from the beafts prepared for facrifice; to-day can no feftival be folemnized! — Lamentations mud be our only fongs, mourning veils our only ornaments ! — A ferpent has with his poiibn polluted the houfe of the Stars! — A Virgin of the Sun has broken her vow of chaftity ! {She paufes a few immenis — the whole ajjembly Jhudder — Jllon7,o appears like one thunderjlruck — at length the High-Priejiejs pro- ceeds) Woe! woe ! upon Cora ! ! ! ( At the mention of this name the King utters a cry of agony. — Telasco, tremblings fupports himfelf upon his ftc-iff" '—'Z.QKKX, full of co^fvfion^ conceals his face in his garments — Alonzo is finking to the ground^ hut is fupported by Ve-- lafquez. — A confvfed murmur is heard amo^ig the refi of the affemhly.) High-Priefefs. Vengeance! vengeance' upon the mur- derer of virtue !-^upon the wretch who could abufe the hof- pitality of a peaceable people, and violate the facred afylum of the Wives of the Sun ! — Woe ! woe ' upon Alonzo ! I ! (Ataliba utters a ?nore piercing cry than before — Alonzo fiands with downcafi eyes., while a death-like pale- nefs overfpreads his countenance — The attention of the whoh company is immediately turned towards h.m — Telasco look^ around with a vacant flare.) High-Prieflefs. Fiift born of the Sun ! — image of our God upon earth ! — I ftand here, and require from thee an awful atonement for this facrilegei Ataliba. (With deep gloom) Which thou fhalt have. High-Prieflfs. Be death and fliame the let of the fe- ducer ! — Be death and Ihame the lot of Cora, and her whole familv ! ('Te L Asco flarts^ murmurs to hhnfelf the word " fhame,'* and falls t'j the ground — ZoRAl throws himfelf by h'nn.) Ataliba. All-merciful God! (Calls to the attendants) Come to the affillance of this poor old man. (Telafco is H 2 raifed do THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, raifed up — the High-Priejiefs is about to proceed, hut the King makes her a fign to be filent, and addrejfes her and her train) Enough, ye pious women! I know my duty, and will perform whatever may be required by the ordinances of iVlanco-Capac. To queftion you, Alonzo, concerning the truth of the charge alledged againft you, were need- lefs; — thy death-like countenance, thy downcaft eyes confefs the fault too plainly, and thou art loft- beyond the poffibility of redemption. — Hadflr thou excited my pro- vinces to rebel againft me ; had thy fword deprived me of half my kingdom, I would have given thee my hand, and faid, thou didft once fave my life, and all that I have I {hare willingly with thee ! — But now, the king alone muft fpeak; the friend muft remain filent. — Alonzo, thou art loft be- yond the poffibility of redemption ! — Unhappy youth, what haft thou done ! Alon-zo. Let me die ! — Death is no more than I juftly^ deferve, for having repaid with fuch bafe ingratitude the' unmixed happinefs I have enjoyed in this kingdom. Yes, let me die, oh king ! {Falling upon his knees) But fave, fave, the haplefs Cora! — flie is innocent !— her feducer only is guilty ! * Jtaliba. Rife ! — My pov/er is confined within certain limits: and in no refpe£l is it fo rigidly circumfcribed as in all matters which concern religion. (He Jiands for Jome moments %vr apt in mournfulmujing, and apparently Jiruggling •with himfelf, then fays, with averted comtenance) Guards, put him in irons! (To the High-Priejl) AflTemble your priefts in the court of the temple, to judge the culprits according to our holy laws and cuftoms; and ere the fun fmk into the ocean, let me be fum.moned to confirm the fentence. (Going) Xaira. Sire, it is neceftary the father and brother Ihould alfo be put in irons. Jtaliba. Poor old man !— he will not run away from you! Xaira. The brother at leafl:. Jtaliba. Well, if it muft be! — (Zorai is put in irons) Oh what mifery is it to be king when one is compelled to punifh! [Exit) High-Priejlcfs. {To the Eigh-Prieji) Haften, thou firft fervant of our gods, haften to avenge your mafters, that this very evening the laft: rays of the declining fun may beam A P I A Y. 6l beam upon the grave which enclofes Cora — Go, ye daughters of the fun, bow yourfelves down in prayer, wafli the altar with your tears, and conceal your blufhing cheeks beneath fevenfold veils, till the difgrace with which our Order has been branded by that profligate flranger, be V/holly effaced ! — [Exit, fcllotved by the Virgins of the Sun) Higb-PrieJI (4/7V^) Poor Roila! {Exit) Xaira. [To Jo me of the other Prie/is) Go out at the northern gate, and prepare a grave in that wafte and defolate fpot which is diftinguiflied by numerous heaps of ilones. Telafco. And let me be the firft laid within it ! {^Exeunt Priejls* Xaira. [To the Guards) Lead the prifoners away. Alon%o. ( 7(7 Juan) Farewel, Velafquez ' — When you return to our native country, bear my tendered: greetings to my poor mother ; but be careful to conceal from her my unhappy ftory. Telafco. [As he is feixed by the guards) Whither would vou drag me, old as I am ? Alonzo. Oh, Velafquez, this old man! — this unfortu- nate old man ! Telafco. Give me my daughter! — reftore me my daughter ! Xaira. Away with them all. Telafco. [As he is led off) Give me ray daughter!— reftore me my daughter ! [ Exeunt mines. |:nd of the third act. 6* THE VIRGIN OF THE SVN, ACT IV. SCENE I. — A barren Spot on the Out fide of the Walk ef the Temple. Four Priests are employed in making a Grave; — Jtveral other Priests are fcattered about. While they fing the firjl Chorus^ Roll A appears upon the Staze, "S"- {Solemn Chorus of Priejis.)* JtlLASTE ! — dig with eager hands a grave. Our guiitlefs heads from death to fave ! A grave, to turn from us afide The darts deftru£lion's daemons guide ! For hark ! — both juftice and compaffion cry, ** To fave the guiitlefs, let the guilty die !" Rolla. (Starting) What do I hear !-*-fay, — what is the meanins: of this ? o (Chorus of Prie/is.) Hafte ! — dig a grave t'avenge the gods ! A grave, that in death's dark abodes, Loft Cora's crime, of deepeft die. May foon for ever buried lie ! Rolla. Cora's crime ! — fpeak ! — anfwer me ! yf Pricft. Away from this fpot ! — It is curfed for Cora's fake. Rolla, Curfes upon thyfelf, thou damned babbler ! — But fay ! — why thcie foiemn preparations ? — for what mi- ierabie victim is this grave defigned ? * The tranfl.itor acknowledges her obligation to a fi lend, for the veirmcafion of tlielc chcrudes. * Chorus A P L A Y. ^5 (Chorus of Prtefts.) Brethren 1 — the grave's prepar'd !— away ! Bring Cora hither ! — hence ! — obey! — That perifhing in earth's dark womb Which muft her living form entomb. She a fin-offering may become, for fm ; And by her fufferings heaven's compaflion win. RoUa. Ye powers above ! — what founds are thefe !— =- they fall like a mountain upon my head ! {The pr lefts coU leSf their toolsy and prepare to depart) Speak, ye flinty- hearted men ! — fpeak ! — fpeak ! — it is Rolla who entreats you ! — Rolla entreats ! — One who is not accuftomed to folicitation entreats you to tell him the meaning of what he fees ! — What has happened here ? — for what purpofe is this grave prepared ? — and why do you fing that ill-omened fong ? ( The priejis are goings Rolla Jiamps on the ground) Stop, and fpeak, or dread the violence you will provoke ! {Exeunt the Priefts, Rolla is following them) SCENE II. Diego enters in great hajie^ and extreme agitation. Rolla flops on feeing him. Rolla. Ha ! — Surely I recolleft you, my friend ! — • Were not you alfo prefent at my late interview with Alonzo ? — Tell me then what has happened fince he de- parted hence ? — fpeak ! — inftantly fpeak ? Diego. See, 1 tremble in every limb. My poor unfor~ tunate mafter ! — Ah, he languifhes in chains ! Rolla. And Cora ? — Cora ? Diego. Probably Ihares his fate.-^Don Juan mufl know more, for he was prefent during the whole fcene. Rolla. Don Juan ! — I thank you for mentionino- his name! — Where is he ? — haften, hallen to feek him ' — Conduct him hither inftantly ! — 1 will wait here to re- ceive him. — Begone, I entreat you ! — the moments are precious ! {Exit Diego) My agony is intplerable ! — 1 am impatient to know all, yet tremble at the thoughts of what I may hear I — I can fcarcely breathe for anguilh ! — Uncle, uncle, where are you r {Gai::g) SCENE 64 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN", SCENE III. Enter the High-Priest. Rolla. Hal — hsre he is! — Oh tell me inftantly, whe- ther this be true or falfe ? Higb-Prie/l. Your words are fcarcely fnteHigible, yet the wlldncfs of your looks explains them but too dearly.— Alas ! it is true ! RoUa. (Pointing to the grave) And here ? High-Prieji. (JFith a deep Jlgh^ and turning away his face) Yes ! Rolia. Tremble then, oh earth, and let thy whole fur- face become deiblate !— Groan ! groan ! ye hills ' — Thou lire burft forth in the valleys and confume the fruits of the foil, that the fertile fpots may no longer be crowned with verdure, but the whole earth appear as one vaft fcene of conflagration! — Rife ye terrors of nature, ye ftorms and whirlwinds, that I may breathe more freely amid your mighty conllicls, — that the voice of my agony may con- tend with your roarings ! — that my arm may flay more ra- pidly than the lightning itfelf ! High-PrieJi. RoUa, for the fake of all the gods ! — > Rolla, No, fhe fiiall not die !— fooner fliall the facred lamp be extinguifhed, and the temple itfelf become a defert I —Believe me. Uncle, fne fhall not die! — you may tell me that the grave is already prepared — that her fate is inevi- table ! — Yes, it is prepared, but Rolla ftill lives ! High-Pr'isji. Your words are of dreadful import! Rolla. Sooner iliall it be RoUa's (rrave i — fuoner ftiall he be ftretched „upon the earth, fenfelefs, motionlefs, a breathlefs corpfe ! — Yet let him not even then be trufted haftily! — exatnine carefully that every fpark of life be really extinguifhed, fmce if only one be left fmothering, it will ailuredly burft forth into a flame, and confume the perfecutors of Cora. Oh, while 'this hand can wield a fword, let no one venture to touch Cora! — the blood of him who fhould harbour fo facrilegious a thought, fhall anfwcr for his ralhnefsl — the priefts — the king — even thou thyfelf. Higb-Pricjf. Madman rage on !— dare in thy phrenzy to raile thy arm agaiuft the gods ! — I RoUa, A p L A y. 6^ Rolla. Acrainft the gods! — No, the gods are on my fide, their lightning is in my hand, their lliield before my breaft ! —Short-righted mortals! — What are the brighteft,' warmeft rays of our god but pure efFufions of that benign love which alike unfolds the rofe-bud, and expands the hu- man heart. Woe then to the miferable wretch who re- 'mains infenfible to its genial influence, and pining in a cold damp corner of the earth lives a life fcarcely fuperior to the fenfelefs oyfter. Cora even excels her former felf, fince fhe has y elded to this impulfej — and how could fhe fail to do fo, for the gods would never leave their mafter-piece unfinifned ; and what is the heart without love, but a lamp without light, an eye without the power of vifion ? • Thefe are things, Uncle, which however you cannot un- derlland. Hlgb-Prirji. You do me injuftice, Rolla; Rolla, Injuftice ! — You cannot have been yourfelf fuf- ceptible of the exquifite, the heavenly, feeling of love, when it is your lips that have condemned Cora. High-Priejl. You are right now — it was my lips con- demned her. Rolla. But not your heart ? High- Friejl. Not my heart. Rolla. Come then to my armS; — I rejoice to find that you are a man! — But why ftand here fo cold and inactive ? — fly and fave her ■' High-Pricji. That is impoflible. Rolla. Courage, dear Uncle, courage ! — Your grey hairs, your mild eloquence, my fword, and the arm of God ! — all thefe united — Yes, yes, we will fave her! High-Prirji. Alas, young man, zeal blinds you to the fleep rocks which lie in our way. Rolla. I feel fufEcient energy to defy them. High-PricJl. Ancient popular opinions — the cuf^oms of whole centuries Rolla. Nature is older than thefe. Hioh-Prieft. But not more powerful. Rolla. Adere evafion. High-PrieJl. Could I, by facrificing the fev/ fliort years remaining of my life, redeem the haplefs Cora's, I would inftandy with firm and refolute ftep defcend into this vault. Rolla. Babble. I ^ High, 66 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN% High-pYicJi. Are thefe tears alfo babble? Rclla. Hypocrlfy ! — do not talk, but act. Jiigh-Prtefi. What can I do ? Rolla. ( Raifmg his hands towards Heaven) Oh Father above, do thou then interpofe to fave her! — fufFer not the mod perfcdl vvorlc upon which thy rays ever flione to be deflroj'ed, but, to the confufion of thefe unfeeling priefls, fave her ! — Oh, how could I expe61: to find a heart of fenfi- bility within fuch a fhell ! — the heart that beats beneath thofe garments never can have any feeling, except for vain and fenfclefs cuftoms ; it diffcmbles towards its god, and is blood-thirfly as a tyger's. High-Priejl. Oh Rolla, you know not how much you wrong me ! Rolla. Carefully infl:ru£lcd by your fathers and mo- thers to pluck every flower which might lie in your way, — to wring the neck of every bird vi^hich might f^ll into your hands, — from your infancy each avenue in your hearts has been clofed againft humanity, while he, who could with the greateft compofure perform fuch ignoble actions, was con- fidered as bearing in his bofom the germs of the future High-Pried. High-Pr'iejl. This from you, Rolla ? ^ Rolla. Beloved and pampered felf is the fole objetSt of your attention, — beauty is to you as a blunted arrow — and love appears an abfurd romance. A fliake of the head is the utmoft tribute you can pay to the fufferings of a bro- ther, nor does the tear of fym.pathy ever Jlart into your eyeS, it only quivers there by compulfion. No emotion of concern would Intrude into your breaft were the world it- felf to be laid in ruins, provided you Vv'cre Ipared and could continue to live in eafe and affluence. High Prieji. Rolla, you torture me — you break my heart I — I mufl; fpeak out and (hame you. Rolla. Yes, fpeak ! — that alfo you can do fometimes — - not always. H'tgh-Prieft. Learn to be filent when an old man would be heard, and if you cannot refpeJt my age, at leaft refpect my misfortunes. Is the llation in which I am placed that of my own free choice r — are not the neareft relations of the king priefts by birth ? — am I to blame becaufe the ca- price of chance deftined me to the altar, to immolate turtle- doves, to draw omens from the entrails of Iambs, and to in- terpret A P L A Y. 67 terpret dreams ? — Oh had you known me in my youth, you would have fcen me full of ardour and en^-rgy. — more eager to brandifh the fword, than to wield the knife of fa- crifice ! — Believe me, there are but few perfon?; in the world placed in the fituacions for which they are moft luiced, leaft of all thofe who hold an office by def.ent. Rolla. {^In (I cold and co'ifiraiKcd mar.7ier) Iflhavefaid too much, pardon me. Overpowered as I am with rage and anguiih, fcarcely do 1 know myfelf. High-Priejt. Had it been poffible to throw afide this dignity with which I am reproached, as one cafts ofF a tight and uneafy garment, I had fpurned it a thoufand, and a thoufand times ; for it has occafioncd mc forty years of the bittercfl fuffering. Rolla, Rolla, I cannot endure the chilling frown upon thy countenance ; the eye of con- tempt with which I am regarded! — Thou the only beino- on whom my heart ft ill hangs !-^thou only being whofe affections 1 Hill wifii to attra(^ \ — liften, Rolla, to my tragic flory — a ftory nearly rcfembling thine own ! — My forrows, like thine, proceeded from the heart — my forrows arofs from an ill-fated paflion — I too loved a Virgin of the Sun' Rolla. How.: ! ! Htgh-Prieji. By virtue of my office as High-Prieft, I had at all times free ingrefs and egiefs, to and from the houfe of the Stars. Daily did my eyes rove about amon')- the expanding blolToms that were confined within its walls, and I was pleafed with contemplating their varied charms, though this long remained a mere amufement to the eye, while the heart took no fhare in the glances that I calt around me. At length Zulma came, a meteor am.ong meteors ; fhe fhoiie in the midil of her fifters a brilhant image of the god file ferved. I fav/ her often, and every time I beheld her, only wifhed more ardently to fee her again— yet I continued infenfible to fhe danger of my fitu- ation, till I was one day accidentally led into a ftrict exa- mination of my heart, when I was terrified at the.ref.Jt. My conduct with regard to Zulma was infigntlj changed; I was no longer unrcftrained in her prefence; I fcarcely dared to raife my eyes to hers ; and my whole frame trem- bled as I approached her. I was foon convinced that her heart beat refponfively to mine, fince fhe immediately be- gan to avoid me, as if too fenfible of my meaning. I raw that the effort was painful, that love and duty were at war 1 2 in 68 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, • in her bofom, and, defirous to render the conflict lefs fe- vere, I determined equally to avoid her. Many months lingered on in this miferable fituation, while both endured the keeneft torments of hopelefs paffion : our cheeks grev^r pale; our eyes became hollow and funk; defpair reigned in every feature; till at length Zulma's weaker irame could no longer fupport fuch complicated forrov/ — fhe was attacked with a violent illnefs, and lay at the point of death ; while I Rolla, you feem afie£ted ! RoUa. {Holding out his hand to him -juith averted eyes) Oh, how unjuft have I been ! — [ am aihamed ! — pardon m£ ! — and — proceed. Uncle — tell me flie died! High-Pricji. I haftened to her affiftance— day and night 1 climbed the mod rugged rocks, or ranged the fo- relts, to feek medicinal herbs for her reftoration. I fum- moned together the oldeft priefts in the kingdom who were celebrated for their fkill in the medical fcience ; and at length, by our unwearied exertions, the lovely Zulma was fived. She funk in my arms overpowered with gra- titude — not a word was fpoken by either, we explained ourfelves only by the expreffive language of tears— f/iV appears extremdy aff'eded) Oh, Rolla! I am now grov/n old, yet fee how the recolle£lion of this fcene ftiil fhakes me. Rolla. [Clafping his hand eagerly) Beloved, excellent Uncle ! High-Piieji. Stop till you hear the conclufion of my ftory! — The long-fmothered flame of love now burft out with unconcroulable wildnefs — the voices of reafon and duty were liftened to no longer — paffion had gained the fole afcendency in our bofoms — and {Rolla Jl arts., and fixes his eyes on the High-Prieji^ vjho fpreads out his arms towards hifn) Rolla, you are my fon ! Rolla. ( I'Vith the moji eager emct:on)0\d man, you mock me! High-Priejl. You are indeed my fon. R'lla. {Throws h'lmfidf into the High-Priejl's arnis\ after a few mom nts, he breaks from him again hc-Jldy) And my mother — is flie ftill alive? High-Prieji. No— from above fhe looks down and blefl'es this fcene ! ( Rolh Jlands with his artns foUud, his head funk upm his hofom.^ and his eyes fixed uj on the ground., endeavouring to rejlrain h s tears) Think then how my pat-rnal heart has been tortured by your bitter rcvil- iny;s! — Underftand v.'hy I have always clung to. you v/idi fuch ardent fonducfs i — why I have fcl'owcd-you every A PLAY. €9 -every where, and intereRed myfelf (o eagerly in your fate -. — The anxiety I exprefled when 1 faw you depart to head the armies of your fovereign, is now folved!— folved equally are the tranfports by which I was overpowered when I beheld you return as vi£tor. RoHu. (Falling on his neck) Have I then ever commu-. nicated the throb of tranfport to any human breaft? — My father ! — Oh this name is fo new to my tongue ! — filial feelings are fo nev/ to my herjt! — Hov/ often, when -at the head of the army I have knelt to receive your prieftly bleiTing. have 1 felt your hand tremble as it was laid upon me ! — Oh, why did I net guefs the caufe of this tremor 1 — why did I not know that it was a father's bleiling I knelt to receive 1 — My father !— my father ! — why have you concealed yourfelf fo long from your fon? — why have you not fooner communicated joy to a bofom to which it has hitherto been a ftranger ? High-Priejl. Was it pofilble to truft the wildnefs and ardour of thy youth ? Rolla. But all is not yet clear to me. Oh then unveil the fequel of your ftory ! — tell me— could you efcape dif- covery ? High-PricJl. What would have been impofTible to another, was poflible to me from my fituation as High- Prieft. Our haplefs advent'.ire was never known; and as foon as you v/ere born, I fent you to the frontiers of the kingdom, among the people of Ibara, of v/hich province my brother was governor. You were educated as his fon; but as he died while you were Hill a child, his death fur- niflied me with a pretence for removing you to Quito, that I, as a near relation, might take you under my protection; and, from that time, I have never ceafed to pay as much attention to your education myfelf, as I thought { might do with fafety, and without exciting fufpicion. Your mo- ther had gone to the piaca of reft fome months before your arrival, and left me condemned for a long feries of vears to drag about a miferable exiilence. Rolb. Miferable! — when you had a fon! — I have indeed hitherto confidered my exigence as miferable, be- caufe I thought m)f£lf fmgle and folitary in the world; but never fhall I think it fo again, now I know that I have a father living — a, father who loves me, v/hofe heart will fjmpatliize with mine. Yes, I am reconciled to the woiid I 'jO THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, world ! — It is true, my fafher, that neither of us can be perfe6liy happy ; yet a life that fhall be fupportable, nay in which you fliall experience many hours of real enjoy- ment, I dare promifs you. Hear what golden vifions my fancy has formed: — Cora and Alonzo (liall fly, we will accompany them, and i will condu6l- you to one who, for my fake, will be a friend to us' all. There we will live, —there pafs the remainder of our days quietly, contented- ly, and free from cares ; — and, my father, if fometirnes when I- witnefs Cora's and Alonzo's carefTes, and the tranfports they mutually experience — if when — pierced to the heart with the idea that Alonzo's happinefs might have- been mine, 1 cannot bear to be a fpeitator of the fcene any longer, I will make you a iignal that we depart together, and leave the lovefs alone ; then we will retire under the /hade of fome neighbouring tree, and you (hall foothe my cruel feelings by talking to me of my mother. High-Priiji. You do not confider, my fon> that fli2;ht js iiT.pofnble. Cora and Alonzo are both in chains, and both vigilantly guarded ; nor v.'ill many hours elapfe be- fore fentence is pafi'ed upon them by the aiTernbled priefls. Do not then deceive yourfelf with vain hopes ! — Cora is irretrievably loft. Rblla, Oh do not tell me fo ! — I cannot bear to hear it ! • — (he muft, fhe muft be favtU ! — Are you not high-prieil? ■ — the firft amons: her iudo-es ? H'lgh-Priefi. But what can the voice of one avail ngainft many ? — againft the ftorm of Xaira's zeal ? — Wc may cry to the roaring winds till we are hoarfe, and we cannot hinder them froni tearing up the young trees by the roots. Rolla. You will at leaft have done your part — God and my fvvord fhall achieve the reft. Think, my father, when Cora (liall meet your Zulma in the regions of peace, zind tell her, I am a Virgin of the Sun, condemned to death becaufe I loved High Prieji. No more ! — AH that lies within my powTr fhall be done. 1 will harangue, entreat, exert every effort which the infirmities of age will permit 1 — Alas, the ' hour of judgment approaches. RoUa. Oh fliil not in your word ! — Do all that you can for Cora, and remember that my life hangs upon hers — But Ihoul'J A P L A y. 7E fllould your endeavours prove vain, you fhall find that in the mean time I have not been idle. High-Prieji. (Taking his hand mourn fully) May \vc meet again, happier than we now part! — Farewel !— (Exit) SCENE IV. RoLLA, alone. He priufes^ and looks after the High-PrieJi — then Jlrikes his forehead. Oh, my father, you know not what thoughts are brood- ing here ! — To your powers of eloquence alone, I dare not truft a matter of this importance ! — force! — force ! — that is the only eiFeitual method of perfuaficn. — "Where can Velafquez be ? — I would fain clafp him in my arms, and endeavour to communicate to his breaft, an ardour equal to that which glows in mine. Yes, I will fave her ! — I muft fave her ! — My mother was a Virgin of the Sun, though I muft not dare to pronounce her name, left the echoes fhould learn to repeat it, — to refcue Cora is ;i facrifice due to her memory. Thus it is that the gods wonderfully entwine together every link in the chain of fate ! — Ye powers of heaven ! — you cannot be amiigned if Rolla fhould die poor in deeds of heroifm, fince you have not withheld glorious opportunities for t'.ieir per- formance! — To give freedom to her he loves, and to pre- fcnt a grateful oft'eririg to his mother's memory, are objects of fuch magnitude, that if they did not raife a flame within this bofom, it muft have been moulded from the eternal fiiow on the fummits of the Cordilleras. SCENE V. Enter Don Juant. Rolla. Welcome, Velafquez ! — 1 have waited for you here! — I have oocaiion for your afilftance. yuan. In what way ? Roll^. Have you fuiHcient magnanimity to hazard your life for a friend ? Juan. Moft certainly, if it can be of any avail ! Rolla. ^2 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUK", Molla. Then give me your hand. yuan. Take it. Rolla. Cora and Alonzo are loft. yuan. Alas ! Rolh. We muft fave them. yuan. If ft be poffible. Holh. Only ftrike a bold ftroke. yuan. With all my heart ! — provided it be not a cri- minal one. Rolla. Criminal ! — Ha ! — you have touched me in- deed ! — Yes, I am afraid it too nearly referfibles a crime ! yuan. Then leek fome other perfon to fhare in tlic attempt. Rolla. Yet ftatc the queftion thus, — Say, which is molt criminal, to inftitute, or to abolifh, an inhuman lav/ ? yuan. To efrecl: the latter is an ac^ of virtue. Rolla. Which we will practice. yuan. That is not in our power. This virtue can be pra^^ifed by the king alone. Rolla. Let us then counfcl the king. yuan. To that I have no objection. Rolla. But v/ith arms in our hands. ' yuan. Such counfel were rebellion. RcV.a. What fignifies a name when good is to be effeaed ? Juan. I am moreover much indebted to Ataliba, he- has received me with hofpitality, has been my bene- factor. Rolla. Your friend is in danger. yuan. I will not commit a crime even to fave him. Rolla. How, if! engage m^y honour, that not a hair of the king's head, or of the heads of any of his fervants, fhall be injured, — that we will conquer by fear alone ? — You know that I was once general of the army — I)y that army I am liili beloved ; for the brave fellows have not forgotten how often they triumphed under my command, nor that Vv'hen Vv^e were in t-he field to2;ether the loweft among; them was treated as my brother. To you alfo, Velafquez, the king has entrufted the conduct of a valiant band. On the leatt fignal given, all who have borne arms under my ilandafd, will aJTemble round me — we will alk nothing for 2 ouifelves, A P L A Y. 73 ourfelves, — facred fliall be the throne — facred the life and property of every individual, — nothing Ihall be required but freedom for Cora and Alonzo. yuan. Noble Rolla, you are blinded by love. Search your heart, you will there detedt, probably for the firil time, evil defigns. RoUa. I have no ears to liften to your morality. Vir- tue is but an empty name, if it has never been oppofed by paffion. Juan, And then the ftronger the oppofition the more noble is the victory. Rolla. It may be '^o^ yet I can feel nothing but Cora's danger,^hear nothing but Cora's voice crying for help ! —Look, here is Cora's grave ! — Icy- hearted man, behold Cora's grave !- — Yet why wafte time thus inefFedtually ? — - What intereft have you in the fate of Cora ? — Well then, {Hefetzes "JuarCs hand in hnJJe and agitation) come with me, 1 will lead you to the pile prepared for your friend ! — If at the fight of fo dreadful an object your heart can fufFer your head to reafon — if on that fpot i cannot infpire you with rage and anguifh, equal to my own ?- — then farewel, I muft refign you wholly to your own apathy, and fly to rny mother's grave, — there as I behold the wind waving the blades of grafs, and think whofe form is mouldering be- neath, all your precepts will in a moment be forgotten, and my foul be armed with new refolution. Come I ^ — away ! (Exity drawing "Juan after him) SCENE VI. The Court before the Temple. Xaira in converfation with other Priests. Xaira. He (lays a long time. A Priej}. Very long. Another, T!ie time is fwiftly paffing, A Third. 'Tis now paft noon. Xaira. What could the king want with him ? A Prieji. The mefl'enger was wholly ignorant. Another. All he knew Avas, that the king required id fpeak with the High-Priell-, before fentenceihould be pro- nounced upon Cora. K Xaira, *^4. THE VIRGIN OF THE SUK, Xa'ira. 'Tis very extraordinary. A Prieji. The meflenger was in great hafte. Xa'ira. Probably the king wifhed to talk vi^lth hinl about the fentence, — perhaps to confult with him on the poflibility of mitigating the punifhment. Ah, my friends^ I fear that this Inca is not eager in promoting the ven- geance due to our offended gods. Didn't you remark with what reluflance he confented to Zoral's being put in irons ? — with what compaffion he looked upon the ftran- ger ? — nay, that he even degraded his dignity, fo far as to fpeak to him ? — His father was a very different fort of man ! J Pr'iejl. He was indeed. Another. He never omitted attendance at any facrifice. A Third. And trembled whenever he entered the Temple. Xaira. Nor ever failed in fhewing due refpeft to our facred office. A Prieji. Of reverencing our near intercourfe with the gods. Xaira. He caft down his eyes with awe, where his fon looks up and fmiles with thoughtlefs levity — exad^ed the flrideft juftice, where his fon would fhew mercy. But who are we to condemn ? — who, but his tutor ? — the man to v/hom his education was entrufted ? — ^in fhort, the High-Prieft-, I v/ill not fay more now, this is neither the place nor the time for long harangues j however 1 know his principles. Take heed ! — be on your guard ! — A Prieji. ( Interrupting him) He comes. Xaira. At laft. SCENE Vir. £«/^r//j^ High-Priest. Xaira. We have expe£t^ed you impatiently. Hi^h- Prieji. I was fummoned away to the Inca. Xaira. Is the objeft of the interview a fccret? High-Prifji. By no means. Ataliba requires of the judges of Cora and Alonzo, that they flriftly examine whether both be equally guilty, and whether the one iiiight no ' A P L A Y. 75 not have feduced the other — might not have thrown out improper lures to lead aftray the imagination. Xaira, Well, and fuppofmg this fhould appear to be the cafe. Higb-Prleji. Then he orders that the feducer only fliall fufFer, and that the feduced fhall be releafed. Xaira. Do I hear rightly ? — Could the king fay this, and dare the High-Prieft of the Sun repeat it after him ? H'lgh-Prieft. Why fhould he not ? Xaira. " The tranfgrejfors of the laws Jhall die." —Thus fpake our god himfelf. High-Prieji. Did you hear the god fay this ? — or was it not rather fpoken by the firfl: Inca, as the ordinance of our god ? Xaira. 'Tis the fame. High-Priffi. That I readily allow. — The Inca is the image of god upon earth, and the interpreter of his will ; but the laft Inca is equally fo with the firft. I'he fe- vere lav/s, therefore, which his anceftcr might find ne- cefl'ary to inftitute among a wild and uncivilized people, the defcendant may be allowed to meliorate when the neceflky for their enforcement no'longer exifts. Xaira. (Sarcajiically) Why then not abolifh them entirely ? High-PrieJ}. To this the king was ftrongly inclined. Yet he ftill thinks that he owes an example to the repofe of his people. Xaira. One example only ? — And what is that to be ? — He fays that the guilty onlv fhall die ; but v^'hat earthly wifdom is competent to decide this queftion ? — Will not both afTert their innocence ? — and will not each endeavour to throw the blame of fedudion upon the other ? . High-PricJl. 'Tis poffible. Xaira. What then is to diredl our judgment ? High-Prie/i.. Of that hereafter. At prefent, duty re- quires that we obey the Inca's mandate. Let Cora and Alonzo be brought hither ! [Exit one of the Prifis) Xaira. No, 1 will not violate my principles, even to gratify the Inca ? — Both are guilty ; and v,^hetherfeducing, or feduced, is a matter of total indifference. To his own face I will tell the king the fame- — I will found it in thee?,rs K 2 or f ^O THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, of the people — and if Ataliba no longer trembles before the gods, he fhall at leaft tremble before his own fubjects. High-Priejl. Confcience ishis law, and it ought equally to be ours. We are to judge Cora and Alonzo, but let us not forget that we ourfelves are one day to be judged by a fuperior power. Now take your places. ^CENE VIII. — The HiGH-V RiEsr Jiands in the centre^ with Xaira at his right hand^ and the reft of the Priejls ranged in a femi- circle round the Jlagc. Cora, and Alonzo, both in chains^ are brought in on different fides, • — Cora no longer bears the image of the fun upon h(r ireaji, nor her flame-coloured girdle. Cora. My Alonzo ! jilonzo. Oh God !-»-you alfo in chains \ Crra. Mourn not my fate ! — I fhall die with you ! Jlonzo. With your murderer. Xaira. Silence ! High-PricJl. [With tnildfokmnity) We, thefervants of the gods, appointed to execute their holy will, are here atFemblcd to pafs judgment upon Cora the daughter of Te- lafco, and Alonzo the ftranger. — Oh thou, our Father above, who furveyeft the whole world with one glance, dilFufe thy light into our hearts ! — thou haft appointed us judges over honour and fhame, over life and death! — let thy wifdom then enlighten our minds that no partiality may bias them, that they may alike be free from weaknefs and revenge. (He kneels^ accompanied by all the other Priejls.) We fwear, oh fun, to judge according to thy laws communicated by Manco-Capac ! — We fwear to fliew mercy, if the profanation of thy temple will permit mercy to be fliev/n — or if ftri£t juftice be required, to exacl ftrict juftice ' — We fwear, finally, fo to conduct our- felves, that Ihould we be called into thy prefence to-morrow, we may not be afliamed of rendering a faithful account of this avvful hour ! ' Jll the Priefts. \Vt fwear this, oh fun ! (They rife.] Pligh-Pricft. Cora, have you broken your vow ? Cora. I have. High-Prkji. Do you know this young man ? Cora. He is my hufband. High-- A PLAY. 77 H'lgh-Vrlejl. Alonzo, do you know this woman ? Alon%'), She Is my wife. Xaira. You are both guilty — both mufl die. High-Prieft. Before we proceed to pafs fentence upon you, an important duty remains to be difcharged. In the name of our king, I am to announce favour to the party, who was folely the vidim of feduftion. Ataliba, the firfl- born of the fun, under whofe dominion the kingdom of Quito flourifhes, requires a free and ingenuous confeflion, which of you was the feducer, and which the feduced. Cora. It was I feduced him. \ (Both fpeaking toge- Alo7ixo. It was I feduced her. j ther.) Cora. Do not beheve him, he fpcaks faHel}'. Alonxo. Do not believe her, fhe would deceive you. Cora, I alone am guilty« Alon-zo. On me muft your fentence be pronounced. Cora. Releafe him, he is innocent. AIcH'z.o. Shall the weaknefs of woman be puniihed ?— « No, let the man make atonement. Cora. Oh no ! — for the love of heaven ! (The High-' Pr'uft turns afide to conceal his emotions.) JCaira. Silence ! — Who can extract the truth amid this confufion ?^-Let one only fpeak. High-Priejf. Cora begin! — Alonzo, do you remain filent. Cora. The firO: time that I fav/ this young man was in the temple. I immediately employed every artifice to at- tract his attention, — I always made the longeft paufes wherever he was ftanding, and contrived various means to continue near him — I drew afide my veil whenever I pafled him, and endeavoured by expreffive glances to excite his afFeftions. Alonzo. 'Tis falfe 1 — Her eyes were, ^always cafl downwards ! Xidra. Silence, ftranger, it Is not your turn to fpeak, Cora. My advances infpired him with boldnefs — he fprang over the ruins of our facred walls, yet fcarcely was he within their circuit, when, affrighted at his own raftinefs, he was about to retreat without an interview. But his figure had caught my attention as I was walking at a dif- tance — I called — I made figns to him when I ought to have fled, — intercourfe with him was forbidden to me, — inter- Courfe with me was not forbidden to him, — He flood trem- blins: 7^ THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, bllng and Irrefolute, while I ran towards him, threw my arms round his neck, and preJTed my lips to his. Still he was anxious to depart, but I detained him— he would not have returned, but I entreated him — he defcribed to me the danger of my fituation, but I refufed to liften to him. On me, on me, pafs fentence, ye reverend judi>-es, k is I who have feduced, Alonzo. Nature herfelf convicts you of falfehood. Modefty is the fifter of beauty—the n\2.videclarei love, the woman only returns it. "Who then can believe your ftoryi^ — No, ye priefts, it was I, who, when I faw her in the temple, ,firft threw forbidden glances upon her, by which I difturbed her quiet, and ruffled the fvveet ferenity of her mind. It was I who difrcgardino; the laws both of God nnd man, with thoughtlefs confidence overleaped the facred walls, and when at fight of me fhe ftarted back and would have fled, I cafi: myfelf at her feet, and holding her by her garments, forcibly detained her, to poifon hsr mind with flattery and deceit. But why fhould I urge all ihis ? Ye judges, ye know the charatfter of man, and muft be aflured, by the feelings of your own hearts, that I was the feducer. Pronounce your fentence then on me I (hra. Recollect that he faved the Inca's life [ — Spare him ! — he is guiltlefs ! Jlonzo. She raves, fhe knows not what fhe fays, 1 alone am guilty. Cora. Can you have a more convincing proof that I only am the criminal, when you fee me wholly uncon- cerned and unmoved by any em.otions of repentance, while the ftranger is bowed down v/ith the weight of his remorfe. 1 glory in my guilt, and here in the prefence of the gods, in the prefence of all thefe fpeclators, do I embrace my huiband I (She rnJJyes vp to Alonxo^ and drifts him in her arms.) Now obferve his tremor — he breaks from me, while I would iliii hang about him ! — Can you then doubt any longer ? — 'Tis I, — I only am guilty. Alonzo. Cora ! Cora ! Think of v^^hat you are doino- ! Cora Hear him, how he reproves, how he admonifhes me ! — Thus has he ever done, yet I would not lifien to him^ but regardlefs of his admonitions drew hiin with me into thi^ abyfs of miferv. Xoira. Shamelcfs woman ? — Tear her from him ! A P L A Y. 79 Cora. (Returning to hev former Jfation) Now pro- nounce fentence. Xaira. I fhudder. H'lgh-Pricji. Lead her away. Alonzo. (Spreading out his arms toivards Cora) Fare- v/el ! • Cora. We fhall foon meet a2:ain. O Xaira. In the hour of death, Cora. When a mightier power begins to fpin the web of a more bleil exiftencc ! JCaira. Lead her away. Alon%o. Farewel. Cora. We part on this fide of the grave with bitter tears, to meet with fmiles in the realms above. (Cora and Alon~ KO are guarded out on different fides. ) Xaira. Need vi^e any farther proof? — my voice Is for death ! — death to both ! High-Priefl. (Addreffing the afjemhiy zvith a mournful voice.) Follow me into the temple, and let us facrifice to the gods. Meantime, weigh well in your hearts whatyoa have feen and heard, and then as mortals, let us proceed to pafs our judgment upon mortals. (Exeunt omnes.) END OF THE FOURTH ACT, So THE VIRGIN OF THE SUNj ACT V. SCENE I. — The Infide of the Temple of the Sun — at the Back^ the hnage of the Sun upon an Altar rafedfome Steps above the Ground. The High-Priest, Xaira, and fever al other Priests, the latter of whom are employed in the Back Ground in burning Incenfe, and preparing the Sa^ crifices. The High-Priest advances to the Front of the Stage with Xaira. High-Priest. Yi ET one word more, Xaira, ere, by pronouncing a halty fentence, we profane the facred name we bear. Are we not minifters of the divine favour ? Xaira. And of the divine vengeance. High-Prieft. Vengeance ! — Can we fuppofe that the merciful God feeks vengeance on his creatures ? — No, if this principle has been encouraged to awe the vulgar, we who are initiated into the myfteries of a purer doctrine, may fpeak to each other without referve. Xaira. For what purpofe ? — and why at this moment ? High-Priefi. Becaufe an error committed at this mo- ment, may draw after it an eternity of mifery to us both. Xaira. My conduct is the refult of my conviction. High-Pricjl. Then furely that cannot be juft. God created man weak and liable to err, a truth on which your conviction Ihould be founded. This earth is imperfedt, fo is every thing that lives and moves in it, and will not that God who fuffers the tyger to mangle the harmlefs lamb, look down with forbearance on frail man when he lifcens to the Voice of nature. Xaira. But we men flay the tyger, and we do right, *— we puniih the faults of man, and wc do right. Bvih^ A P L A Y. 8r Hloh-Pruji. Yesj if by his weaknefs he produce dif- order in the ftate. Xa'tra. And is not that the cafe in the affair before us ? High-Priejl. No! Xairn. N o ? Hlgh-Pr'ufl. Your own defigns have been folely to avenge the gods. X'a'ira. And would you then fandtion the licentious conduct that muft inevitably enfue, fhould indulgence be fliewn in the prefent inftance ? Eigh-Priejl. At the fource of a clear ftream, we do not think of the mud by which it may be contaminat- ed in its courfe. I entreat you, let us be true to our vocation, let us refemble the god whom v/e ferve, whofe rays difFufe light and heat over all !-^ let us- acquit Cora! — It will then lie in the king's bofom to acl as he fhall judge right, either by confirming, or reverf- ing, our fentence ; and fhould it be reverfed, we fhall, at leaft, have done our duty, in fhewing a difpofition to cle- mency, v/hile the haplefs viftim will breathe her lafl fighs in grattude for our intended mercy. Xa'ira. What would you require of me ? — You fpeak as if the decifion of this point refted upon me alone. Are not you High-Frieft? — do not the duties of your ofEce demand that you lay the cafe before the whole alTembly of the Priefts, in which I have but a fmgle voice. High-Prieji. You know well, that in reprefenting this affair to the affembly, I am forbidden by our laws to em- ploy any perfuafions of eloquence, — what I am to fay, muft be exprelfed in the feweft and the fimpleft 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 oldeft of the order, next to me, and fucceilor to the high-prieflhocd at my death. To you therefore all the young Prlefls look up, and will incline which way foever they fhall fee you inclined. Xaira. This cafe may be rightly flated as to v/hat concerns yourfelf, but it is otherwife with the Inca who has always power to grant a pardon. High-PrieJi. But when has this power been exercifed ? " — Has not every Inca, from father to fon, for centuries pafl, uniformly confirmed the fenrence of the Priefls ? — - will Ataliba, think you, venture to deviate from the prac- tice of his anceftors \ L Xaira^ 82 tHE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, Xaira. No more ! — It is equally Inconfiftent with your duty to endeavour to extort from me the fentenCe I fhall pronounce, as with mine to liften to fuch entreaties. [T'urns atvay from him) High-Priejl, Well then, their blood be upon thee ! Xaira. (Coldly.) Yes, their blood be upon me ! ' High-Prieji. Hither ye Priefts ! (The Priejis ajfem- hie round him) I already read in their gloomy counte- nances the fentcnce I am to expert ! (Jftde. — After a fetu mo?nents paufe, in which he endeavours to afjume refolution^ he proceeds) You know the criminals and the crime — we wait your decifion. Xaira. What fay the laws ? ( The High-Priefl remains filent) I afk you what fay the laws ? High-PrieJl. {After a conflidl with himfclf in afvffo- cated voice) Death. Xaira. ( Solemnly and audibly) The laws pronounce fentence of death upon Cora and Alonzo. AlK^ Death! High-Priefl. [Afer a patfe^ and in a tone cf refolidiGn) I cannot give my fandion to this fentence, my opinion in- clines to mercy; I feel that I am myfelf a mortal liable to error. Search your bofoms, my brethren, prove well your hearts, and if they in a low and gentle voice whifper mercy^ — then join with me and cry aloud mercy ! — mercy ! Xaira. What fay the laws?- — Death to Cora and Alonzo. All. Death I High-Priefl. Then it muft be as you decide. — Oh thou unknown God, look down upon us, obferve that none of this blood ftains my hands ! — Bring hither the un- fortunate vidims of your blind zeal. {Exeunt tivo Pricfls on different fide i) The reft of you lay the fword and a freOi branch of palm upon the altar. (They do as he di- rc6ls) Now, Xaira, follow me to the king. (Exit^ ac- companied by Xaira) SCENE II. Cora and Alc^jzo are brought in on differ- ent fides. During this and the following fc en e^ the Priefs walk bac hoards oJid forwards y and ore bified about the altar. Alonzo appears a few minutes fooner than Qoka. Alonzo. I am ftruck with awe ! — This temple, it is true, is ©nly dedicated to the worfliip of an idol, but God is every where. A P L A Y. 83 where; even in this place, where he is adored under the image of one of his own works. This temple 1 have profaned ! — I am brought hither as the murderer of an artlefs wo- man — as the murderer of a venerable old man who never wronged me — as the murderer of a gallant youth, one of the deftined fupports of his country — as one who has difturbed the peace of a 1 iberid nation, among whom he has been received with unbounded hofpitality ! — Oh earth ! earth ! open wide, and fwallow at once thismonfter with all his crimes ! — may nografs ever grow upon his grave ! — may it never be moili- ened with the dew of Heaven ! — may no wanderer ever re- pofe his wearied limbs upon the fods, and may they never be trodden by the innocent feet of children, in their harm- lefs fports ! [Cora enters.) Ah, Cora! how bleft did the fight of you once make me ! — how miferable does it make me now ! Cora. Alonzo, this cannot be uttered from your heart ! — Plave you not often declared, that if you could not live v/ith Cora, you would die with her ; and Cora has alv/ays thought the fame in refpeil to her Alonzo. Yes, we will die together, that we may live together hereafter ! Alonzo. Oh that hereafter ! — It is the haven of reft to the virtuous, but for me, an evil confcience accompanies me to the grave. Cora, Do not think fo! — we have neither of u"? done wrong I — we loved each other — we could not avoid lov- ing ; was it in the power of either to reprefs our mutual feelings ? Can either of us then be criminal ? — Chance, or perhaps our God himfelf, firft brought us together — all is of his appointment, and I am refigned to my fate. Even man is kind to us, fince he facilitates our union. Asa V^irgin of the Sun I could nor have become your wife, hue in death we fhall be united. Refume your fortitude then, oh Alonzo ! — How often have I fprung with you over the rugged {tones at the breach ? — Death is no more than a fprino- over a few rugged flones ; and thefe once paffed, we (hall find love and freedom waiting to receive us on the other fide. Alon'z.o. Amiable creature ! — thy guiitlefs foul can look with compofuie both towards the paft and future. — But for me! Cora. How, if I can prove that you may more juftly look with compofure towards futurity, than Cora? — Your mother is far hence, and fhould (he hear of you no more, L 2 will ^4 THE VIRGIN OF THE StJ^T, will believe that your days v/ere ended by fhipwreck, fick- nefs, or fome common difafter, and this idea Avill confole her for your lofs ; while her maternal fancy will fee in her fori nothing but what was fair and good, will frequently recur with tranfport to the noble adiions he has already performed, and form to itfelf a thoufand charming images of what he would have achieved had his life been longer fpared. But I I — I have a father, at prefent, indeed, in a remote province; but who will foon learn for what of- fence, and in what manner, his daughter died. It is that thought alone which makes death dreadful to me I — He is fo good, fo venerable, and loves me fo tenderly! — Were he to witnefs this fcene, it would break his heart. Monzo. {Afide) Oh Heaven! then fhe knows not— — Cora. Within the laft hour I fell upon my knees and prayed moft fervently, that fome calm and eafy death might fnatch my father from the world, before his daughter's fate could reach his ears. Suddenly a fweet ferenity was dif- fufed over my foul, as if the mild rays of a new {mx\. had fallen upon me ; and i hoped this was an aflurance that my prayer was heard. My laft remaining wifli is, that what 1 mufl: fufFer may be over quickly, jell folemn and pro- tradled preparations {hould excite my rebel fenfes to mu- tiny, and fhake my fortitude. Jlonxo. Oh it is the thought of what you have already en- dured, and muft ftill endure, which alone opprefles my foul. Cora. Let not my fufFerings opprefs you j believe me, I am refigned. SCENE lll.-^Enter TelASCO, with Zorai in chains, Cora. {Uiterinor n htid and piercing foriek) Oh, lam heard ! — Behold my father's fpiiit I — Yet his features are full of indignation ! — his countenance is terrible ! — Alonzo, awake me from this dream ! AloK-zo. Would to God it were, indeed, only your father's fhade ! — but, alas ! it is he himfelf. — Oh what an hour of horror ! Cora. (Ca/iing a look of awe towards Telafco) My father ! Telafco. ( To Zorai) Why Vv'as brought hither at this moment? — Do not the important fervices v/hich I have done my native country through (o long a courfe of years, give me a juft claim to expert ibme foibearance ? Go and demand of the priefts if 1 muff be compelled to ftay with hu", — 1 will, meanwhile, fupport myfelf againft this pillar. A r L A Y. 85 Cora. {Approaching him with trembling Jlcps) I^.ly father ! Tehifco. [With agovy) Save me Zorai — fave me ! 'Zorai. [Thru/ling Cora aivay) Hence ferpent I — fpare the old man at lead in his laft moments. (Telcifo turns away his face) Cora. (Falling upon her knees, and clafping her hands in agony) Brother! Zorai. \ thy brother! — Alas, yes ! — thefe chains fpeak too plainly that I am thy brother. Cora. Father! Telafco. {IVithJlill averted eyes) Who calls me by tliat name ? — 1 do not know that voice ! Cora. Father! — brother ! — Oh thefe are the only ago- nies of death ! (Ti^r'-njing her hands) Telafco. (Turnng his eyes towards Cora) Oh Zorai, my paternal feel-ngs ui!l not be fupprefled ! — it is the voice of her mother! — ii is the form of her mother! — Cora! — Cora — I have pafTed through life with honour, and now you cover my grave with fliame ! — Away, away ! nor hope to experience my compaffion ! — Do you deferve it? — Did I confrrain you to devote your youth to thefervice of the fun ? — Did I not, on the contrary, frequently admo- nifh you to conilder well what vou intended ? Did I not reprefe.nt to you, that the, world afforded many plea- fures of which you were then ignorant, and which yo\i would firft lea''n to thmlc defirable when their enjoyment would be criminal, and when your life would confequently be rendered mife: able by the impoflibility of their attain- ment ? Even on the very laft evening before your irrevo- cable oath was taken — (God only knows how 1 affumed courage for the purpofe) — did I not again entreat you to refie''^ upon all thefe things while it was yet poffible to re- trail ? — Dark and gloomy then appeared the future to my foul, as the ocean on a cloudy day. Even you wept — yes, Cora, you wept; your heart v/as overpowered. — It was the warring-voice of a guardian fpirit within you ; but you refifted the impulfe, adhered firmly to your enthufiaftic refolution, and would think of nothing but of a nearer inter- courfe with the gods — Behold us now ftanding here, — I, a poor old man with my grey hairs, mourning the honour, of my houfe deftroyed for ever ; — this youth, full of energy and love for his native country, cut off" even in the prime of life, guiltlefs himfelf, yet involved in your defliny; — 2 both. 86 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN, both, both, murdered by the hand of a daughter — of a fir- ter ; — and worfe than murdered, hurled to the grave with fhame as their companion ! — Oh that I fhould have lived to fee this day ! — Blefc, biefl, was thy mother's lot, that fhe died before the dawn of fo fatal a morning! (Cora, cverpcLvered with her father's reproaches^ fmks to the ground lurth afigh : Telafco excluims with an emotian oftendernefs) Zorai, fupport her 1 ■ Zorai. ( Raifwg up his fijier-) in which Jlonzo makes an effort to ojjjji him, but is thrii/i back by Zorai) Hence, thou murderer of innocence ! — Oh that a hero fhould thus fink to nothing when v/e behold him near I — How did I reve- rence this man at a diftance ! — how admire him when I lifbened to the detail of his noble a6^ions ! — 1 felt my young heart elevated, and wifhed for nothing fo ardently as that 1 were myfelf in his place ! — Fool that I was ! — His he- roifm was the effect of chance, 'not principle ; he is ftill but a man, and weak as the reft of mankind I — Look here, and exult at this fcene, it is thy work; and thou may'ft thank thefe chains that, even in themidlt of the temple, and in the prefence of our god himfelf, thou art not made the victim of my vengeance. Aknzo. Did you know how my heart is tortured, how inexpreflibly i love, you would be more com>paiHonate to my forrows 1 Telafco. Say no more, my fon— his fate is much more deplorable than ours : we have one treafure left, which we fhali carry with us to another world, a pure confcience ; — that treafure he has loft ; he is poorer than ourfelves. Cora. Oh, my father, do not let me die in defpair ! — Can you refufe me your blefling in the hour of death f (She falls at his feet) I will cling round your knees, my anguifh Ihall m^ov^e you ' — have pity on your kneeling daughter : — blefs me, my father ! — forgive me, my brother J {Telafco and Zorai appear much affeSled) See how I humble, how 1 twine myfelf about you ! — Oh, my agony is incon- ceivable : — Have compailion upon me, or my heart will break ! Telafco. Son ! fon ' — let us not a2;gravate the bitter ftroke of death ! — the v/retched eafily forgive \ — Raife her up to my arms. [Zorai raifes up Ins ffler, Telafca clafps her to his brenji) Die in peace ! — I forgive thee! Cora. (In a faint voice) My brother ! Telafco, Yes, yes, Zorai !— ,".o refentment ! — forgive thef eniteijt .'—call her fifter ! Zorai* A P L A Y. 87 Zcrai. (Emlraclng her) Unhappy— fider .' Cora. Ye gods, I thank you ! — the bitternefs of death is palV. Alon%o. Your hearts are foftened !-^Might Alonzo venture ! — Zorai, you called me a weak man. Yes, I ani weak ; but I am not a villain ! — Mifery foon unites the lufferers to each other — let us not die in enmity. Telcfco. Stranger, I harbour no refentment againfl: you ! — Can I leave the world in a better ftate of mind, than in fpeaking pardon to thofe by whom I have been injured. Have you any parents living ? Alon%o. An aged mother. Telafco. For her fake come hither, that I may bicfs ihee in her place ! (He embraces him) Monzo. From what a grievous burden is my heart re- lieved ' — And you too Zorai ! (Offering him his hand) Zorai. Away ! I admire m,y father's conduct ; but — I cannot follow his example. Alonzo. Not to give, peace to a dying man ? Zorai. I cannot ! — Would you have me difTem.ble re- conciliation ? — You are hateful to me ! — leave me ! — I v/ill endeavour to fubdue this bitter feeling ; and fliould I fucceed, I will reach out mv hand as our laft moments ap- proach, and you will underftand my meaning, Alonzo. Accept my thanks even for this concefuon. — I acknowledge it to be more than I deferve. [Cora leans againji a pillar^ and endeavours to recover herfelf). SCENE IV. — Enter the High-Priest, Xaira, and feveral other Priests. Xaira. The king approaches I (The Priejis range themfelvts on the Jicps of the altar \ Cora, 7'elasco, ^W Zorai, remain in the front of tlyt Jlage en one fide \ Alokzo Jlands oppcfite to them; Ata- LIRA, attended, hy his fuite, enters with foiv and folemn Jleps^ and zvith a countenance marked zvith deep anxiety: he kneels before the Image cf the Sun, and remains for form time in an attitude cf divotion, while a folemn fdence is ob- Jcr-ved hy ail prefent. When his prayer is finifed, he rifeSy and turns towards Alonzo, to zvhom he fpeaks hafiHy^ and in a lovj voice). Ataliha. Save yourfelf, Alonzo ! — Urge that you are a foreigner, and were unacquainted with our laws and cuf- toms ? SB THE VIRGIN Of THE SUN", toms [ — urge your fervices to the ftate, to me, to the pea-- pie ! — urge, in fliort, whatever your danger may fuggeft I • — Your judge is your frit^nd, let it be poffibic for him to ihew you mercy without incurring a fufpicion of partiality. ( Alotizo bows fuently^ with a countenance exprejftvc of ardent gratitude. Aialiba turns to Telafco) Good old man, you are free ! — He who has hazarded his life a thoufand times in the fervice of his native country, has facrificed it already to the gods. I dare not proceed againft you ! Telafco. How, Inca ! — Can you be fo cruel as to de- prive the aged tree of all its branches, and yet leave the trunk (landing ? Ataliha. {To Zoro.l) Young man, you alfo are free! (Tu-ming to the affembly) For it is the will of my father, that henceforward the guilty onlv fhall fufFer. (A murmuring is heard among the pricfis ; Aialiba cajis a look of difpleafure upon them., and again addreffes Zorai) Comfort your aged father, nurfe him and attend upon him as long as he lives; then come to me, as to your elder brother. [Zorai at- tempts to ihroiv hinfelf at the king's feet, vjho prevents him, and turns to Cora) For you, Cora, — I can do nothing. Cora. Oh, you have done all that I could wi(h ! — more than I could dare to hope. Aialiba, Your offence comes immediately within the laws, and to the lav/s the king himfelf is fubjeci. [He cfcends to the upper (lep of the altar ^ proflrates himfelf once more before the Image of the Sun^ and then turns towards the ajjcmbly) High-Prieft, execute your office 1 High-Prieji. Pardon me, good Inca !-^-fpare my age! — my infirm (late of health I — my throbbing heart ! — Permit Xaira on this occafion to take my place. Ataliba. Be it as you defire ! Xaira. [Approaching him with folemnity) Firfl born of the Sun, a virgin, devoted to the gods, has broken her fa- cred vow ! — Cora, come forwards ! — A flranger v/ho fo- journs in this land is the alTociate of her crime! — Alonzo, come forwards ! — We, the priefts of the incenfed gods, and fervants of the Temple which has been profaned, faithful to the ordinances of thy great anceftor, have fat in judgment upon their crime, and pronounced fentence upon borii. — This fentence is death ! ! 1 AtaJiba. [After a paufs^ addrejfing Cora and Alonzo) Have you anything to fay in your defence ? [Cora and Alcnzo remain f lent) 1 afkyou, Cora, and you, Alonzo, if you have any thing to urge in your defence ? Cjra. A PLAY. Sg Cora. NotIiIn2;. Alonzo. Nothing. Jtaliba. How, Alonzo, have you nothing to urge in extenuation of your condudl ? Alonzo. Nothing. Atnliba. Do notYpeak ralhly !— I give you time for re- colleftion !— Confider well— Stranger ! Alonzo. I have deferved death, and fubmit to it willingly. Ataiiba. Once more I admonifli you to confider well what you are about — a few moments longer, and it will be too late. — Oh ye afTembled judges, know that I regard it as a facred duty to grant this indulgence, fince this man is a ftranger, and could not be imprefled with that facred re- verence for our faith, which the wifdom of our priells in- ftils from their earlieft infancy into the breaft of every Peruvian. Unacquainted with our laws, he could not fee with our eyes, could not know the magnitude of his tranf- greffion. Once more, Alonzo, you are at liberty to fpealc.— Our gods are juft, reafonable, merciful I Alonzo. I have deferved death. Ataiiba. Is that your laft word ? ' Alonzo: My laft. ' Ataiiba. (Rejls his elboiv upon the altar, and conceals his face in his hands for feme mo?mnts, then^ recover i?ig himfelf proceeds) Priefts, perform your duty ! (Two priefl' afcend to the altar, one on each fide of the king. One takes the fvuord^ the other the palm-branch from the altar^ when, defending again, they deliver thc?n to Xaira.) Xaira. [Prefnting the fivord to the king) Firft born of the Sun, receive from my hands the fymbol of juftice 1 (Prefenting the palm-branch) Firft born of the Sun, re- ceive from my hands the fymbol of mercy ! — The gods dire(ft your judgment ! Aialiba. (Kneels) Oh God, thou feeft how my heart is racked at this awful hour ! — Grant that I may never again be compelled to the performance of fo mournful a duty! — Ye fhades of my forefathers, hover over me ! — let me be enlighten 'd by your wifdom, and fmce I exaiSl no more than juftice demands, let my foul find reft in that refledtion. (He rifes — Cora, Alonzo, Telafco, and Zorai, kneel with their heads boiveddown. — After afetv minutes /iruggle ivith himfelf, the kin^ raifes the [word, and is about tofpcak) ^ -^ ■' M SCENE go THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN*, SCENE V. Enter the Chamberlain in great hnfe, and with a Jirong imprejfion of terror upon his coun~ tenance. Chamberlain. Pardon me, royal Inca, that T muft be the mefTenger of evil tidings. The flame of infurredlion rages among the people — they run wildly hither and thither about the flreets — the troops affemble on all fides, crying to arm.s ! to arms !— Drums beat, trumpets found, wea- pons clafh, and a forefl of lances are coliedted together. No anfwer is to be obtained to a fmgle queftion ; all that is to be heard is the name of Rolla Ihouted by ten thoufand voices. The troop belonging to the foreigner Velafquez, was drawn up in the meadow j I faw him run haflily from one foldier to another ; and could plainly perceive by his gefiures, that he entreated, threatened, expoftulaled, and employed every effort to reftrain them within their duty, but in vain, all by turns deferted to Rolla. (The ivhole cffembly, except the ^ingy 7nanifejl greed conjlernation and alarm) Ataliha. What can this mean ?— Rolla, did you fay, at the head of the army ? — that cannot be infurredtion. — Rolla's name can never be united v/ith infurre£lion — this muft be'a miftake. Did you fee him yourfe'.f ? Chamberlain. Only at a diftance. The ofEcers had made a little circle round him, he harangued them eagerly, and with a loud voice, his eyes flafeed fire, which feemed to communicate to thofe about him, who frequently inter- rupted his harangue with impetuous fhouts, then brandifh- ing their fwords and fhaking their lances, they began to throng towards the Temple, the whole multitude follow- ing them, while I haftened on before, to prepare you for their reception. Ata'iba. [Without changing countenance) Well, all will foon be explained (He looks around) I fee terror pourtrayed on every countenance. — Why are you dif- mayed ? — He who only ftudies to promote his people's happinefs, has no reafon to fear his people. In that con- viilion my heart finds repofe. Let them come ! {J noife is heard behind the fcenes.) All prefent cry vjith confufion. They come I — they are here already ! SCENE A P L A Y. 91 SCENE VI. Roll A r:iP)es In-ivlth a drawn fxvor din hi right hand J a javelin in his left, and a bow and quiver at his back. He is folloiucd by a conjiderable number of Officers ««fi^ Soldiers. Rolla. Be guided by me, my friends. JCaira. A profanation of the Temple ! Rolla. You have profaned it by a fanguinary fentence. Xaira. ( To the a£cmbled Priejis) Avenge your gods ! ( A confufed murmuring is heard among them) Jtaliba. (To Xaira) Silence! — {He makes a motion with his hand, J^S"^fy^"S ^^•'^^ ^^ ^'^ about to /peak, zvhen a general filence is obferved. He then turns to Rolla, and ad' drejfes hitn) Who are you ? Rolla. Do you not know^ me ? Ataliba. I had once a chieftain, who much refembled you in features — his name was Rolla, and he was a noble- minded man. — But who are you ? Rolla. No mockery Inca ! — for the love of God no mockery! — Yet you may be right — I am no longer Rolla — I no longer know myfelf I — A ftorm drives me on ! — a ra- pid ftream hurries me forwards'! — but have compaflioa upon me 1—^1 honour you, Inca — I love and honour you truly. Ataliba. You honour me ? — Once indeed I indulged in fuch glorious vifions, I faid within myfelf, as long as I have Rolla for a chieftain, the monarch of Cuzco may rage, may try to feduce my provinces from their obedience, yet Rolla's heroic courage is a tree under vvhofe fhade 1 fhall always repofe in peace. Rolla, But anfwer me, I entreat ? — is the tree under whofe (hade you were repoling thus quietly, refponfible to itfelf, if a whirlwind fliould come, tear it up by the roots, and throw it down upon you ? Ataliba. What whirlwind has felzed upon you ? — what is it you defire ?— fpeak, and thank your former fervices, that you are now indulged with the liberty of fpeaking. I have never fufficiently rewarded your heroic achievements, I do it now, in granting this permiflion. Rolla. 1 have only a plain ftory to urge in my defence, let it fuffice for my vindication, if you partake more of the human, than of the divine nature! — 1 love to excefs ! — "WhiJc i was ftiil a boy, this paffion ftole into my heart fo M 2 fweedv. qZ THE VIRGIN OF THE SUK, fweetly, fo pleafantly, fo devoid of all uneafinefs, thatlfek delight in cherifhing and indulging it. Love was at that time like a day of ferenity to my foul, and remained fo, till the period of youth intervened, when mypaflion became a llorm, to which all muft bend, — when nothing could re- train the impetuofity of my feelings. To love and be be- loved were the higheft objeds to which I afpired — I thought of nothing but enjoying my fweet intoxication in Cora's arms, regardlefs of honour or of the fervices due to my country, and to the noble race of our Incas, of which tree I am a branch. My good uncle fought to ftem the tor- rent, or at leaft to condufl it into another channel, and fent me to ferve my king in battle, trufting that the fever which burned within me, might thus in time be wholly ex- haufted. But vain was the hope, that in urging my fteps to climb the lofty heights of honour, I might be enabled when I had gained their fummit, to look down with calm- iicfs on the paflion I had left below. This paffion would Jiof be fhaken off — it accompanied me up the fteep, and it v\'as that alone which prompted all my heroic a6tions. Yes, Inca, whatever great or good I nave performed in your fervice, is to be afcribed folely to love — it was my compa- nion in the field of battle, and in my moft adventurous mo- ments, I thought not of my king nor of his throne, neither of the welfare of my country j 1 only thought of Cora — that I fhculd become the object of Cora's admiration — You owe nothing to me, all to my love for that matchlefs wo- man, ^nd that love you muit this dav pardon. 1 am paft the days of youth indeed, but my heart remains the fame, it retains all the impetuofity of my earlier years j J ftill cherifh the lovely vifions of childhood; my paflion is be- come like a tree, the root of which is fo deeply entwined with my life, that the one cannot be plucked up without deftroying the other. Oh, Jnca, fhew that you have the feelings of a man ! — extend your mercy to Cora ! — on my knees I intreat for her life! {He kneels) Since fhe has called the forfaken Rolla, brother, he is become proud, yet he flill condefcends on his knees to beg his filler's life. Ataliba. [Endeavouring to conceal his ejnotions and pre" ferve his dignity) Rife ! Rollci. Mercy ! Ata'iha. Rife ! — lay thy armfr at my feet, difmifs thy followers, and then wait filently, and iubmiilively, the judgment of thy king. Rolla. A P L A Y. 93 Rolla. Mercy ! — Mercy [ — Uncle, Sifler, aid ms to entreat ! — 1 have been fo little accullomed to entreaty, that I fcarcely know the form in which it fhould be clothed. Ataliba. A petitioner in arms ! — would you mock your fovereign? Rol'.a. [Rifing tip) Oh no! — but you require impofli- bilities — you expect a man in a burning fever to fleep. Can Rolla behold Cora in chains, and lay down his arms? — by Heaven that cannot be ! jitaliba. I command you to depofit them at my feet. Rolla. Pronounce her pardon Inca ! — declare her ab- folved from her deteiled vow, and you fliali inftantly be obeyed. Ataliba, No ccnditions — your arms muft inftantly be rellgned. Rolla. Impoffible ! — Come to my heart, Cora! — be my breaft your fhield, and let my fword hew afunder thofe chains I Ataliba. Rebel, do whatever you pleafe. — whatever the gods will permit — but know that Ataliba will not pro- nounce fentence till he beholds you kneeling difarmed at his feet. Never fhall it be faid, that you extorted mercy from theking. (In apathetic tone) Ye people of Quito, liften to the voice of your fovereign I — I ftand here at this moment, in the temple, in the prefence of our God him- felf! — For feven years have I now reigned over you, I afk if any one can charge mc during that time with a wilful injuftice? — if any can, let him come forwards ! — Has any one been difmified from before my throne without alnftance, where affiftance could be granted : — if any has, let him come forwards! — I have conquered other countries, I have triumphed over ether kings, but that is little. — When a few years ago the anger of the gods had curfed the country with unfruitfulnefs, I threw open the doors of my full barns, fed the hungry, and revived the fick, while many a night I lay fleeplefs in my own bed, becaufe your mifery oppreffed my foul, and I had not power to relieve all. Ye people of Quito your prefent conduct is undeferved by me ! — Seize that man, chain him, or I lay down my fceptre at this moment. {A confujed tnur muring is heard amorig the crotvd.) RoUa. [Turning to his followers) You feizeme! — 2 you N 94 THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN', you put me in chains ' — which among you will do this r-— You perhaps, my old companion in battle, with whom I once fhared my laft morfel when famine fiarcd us in the face? — or you, whofe life I faved in the field of Tumibam- ba ? — or you, whofe fon I rcfcued from the enem)''s hands, even at the moment when tije lance was pointed againft his bread? — Which among you will feizeme? — Speak? H'lib-Pr'iijl. Rolla, my adopted fon, how am I bowed down b-y this fcene. Would you fee me, miferable old man, as I am, proRrate at your feet ? Rolla. Forbear ! — I honour you as a father, but do not fpread out your hands to the iiormy winds, — it is in vain! (The liigh-Friej} is about to proceed in his entrea^ ties-, hut Rolla preve7zts him impatiently) Uncle, no m.ore ? • — the lots are caft, and whatever may be the confequence J am refolved to fave Cora. Cora. (Goes up to Rolla, embraces and kijfes hi?n) Bro- ther take this kifs from your fifter, and let thefe tears fpeak my gratitude for love fo ardent. Your foul is truly noble, —this day, for the firll time in my life, have I really known you. But one fo great, fo good, muft be his fovereign's triend, Cora has been guilty of a crime, and would you feek to flielter her by the commiffion of another ? Oh, v^hat an added weight of remorfe would that refle6lion heap upon my already overburthened confcience! — No, Rolla, do not act thus beneath yourfelf 1 — do not feek to fnatch the reins from the hands of God, whoaffuredly direi^s my fate! — Suffer me to die ! — I have received my father's and my brother's forgivenefs ; Alonzo dies with me, and I die contentedly. Our fpirits flaall hover around you, and will rejoice when they behold you true to your king, and de- voting all your powers to the fervice of your country. — refolve to endure the remainder of your life v/ithout me ! — it is my laft requeft, and I know that Rolla will yield to Cora's entreaty; then will fhe have performed a good ac- tion at her departure from the v/orld, and will he indebted to her brother for that grateful refledtion. Yes, Rolla, I fee the clouds upon your brow difperfing, I fee tears flart. into your eyes — do not teprefs them, — give them free fcope —they are no difgrace even to the eyes of a warrior. — And now, my brother, give me your fword, your javelin. '— (She takes hisjivord and javelin gently out cf his hands, and lays them at Jtubila's feet) Behold now a hero indeed! — J I I DO UUOUC A PLAY. 95 With thofe tears that are trembling on his cheelc<;, has he waflied away the ftain which was beginning to tarnifh his fame and virtue — nov/ Rolla, I am indeed proud of your love! — One only effort ftill remains, throw yourfelf at the feet of our good king — kneel to him, and let virtue remain fole victor ! [She ciraivs him gently towards Atal'iba^ at ivhofe feet Jhe throws her f. If. — RoUa^ after a few moments Jiruggle tuith himfef^ kneels by her — Cora addreffes the king) Oh fovereign of Quito, I bring you back your hero !-— pardon him ! — he deferves your-pardon ! (She rifes and re- turns to her former Jlation.) Now Inca, proceed to judg- ment! (Rolla remains kneeling before the king) lelofco. ( Embracing Cora) My daughter !-^for as fuch I may now embrace thee without {liame. Jtaliba. Docs Rolla fubmit to his king ? Rolla. Entirely. Jtaliba. Your life is forfeited. Rolla. Of that 1 am fenfible. Jtaliha. You have my free pardon. Rolla. (Raifitig up his eyes to the king with hafle and anxiety) And Cora? Ataliba. You are pardoned. Rolla. (Cdfl'ing his eyes again to the ground) Oh God ! Jtaliba. Rife ! Rolla. No, let me hear the fentence upon my knees, for in pronouncing Cora's doom you pronounce mine. Jtaliba. Well then ! (He takes again into his hands the fivord and palm-branchy which at the beginning of the tumult he had laid upon the altar.) H'gh-Pricfi. [Throwing himfelf fuddenly at the ki}ig's p;t) Oh Inca, pardon them 1 Jtaliba. {Rc,ifnghi?nup with mildnefs) Do you alfo afk this, my father ? — have the gods manifcfted their will to you? High-Priejl. Mercy, is the will of the gods !— Thofe rude times v/he.n your illuftrious anceftor firll eftablifhed the worfhip of the fun are no more. Naked as the beaits of the forefi-, our race then lived under the open canopv of Heaven alone, while their women were confidered like the' dates upon the palm-tree, as fruit which every one might pluck according to his fancy. At that time they had'no fubfifteuce but what they could fnat.-h precarioufly fro:n day to day,— they vvefe without religion, without laws, without v THE VIRGIN OF THE SUN", •w'riiottt' property. Then Manco-Capac, endowed with fupernatural powers, appeared among them — he built a temple to the fun, and confecrateJ virgin' to his fervice, inftitutlng at the fame time the vow of chaftity, becaufe vice ' reigned fo triumphantly throughout the kingdom, and rea- lon was fo much in its infancy, that without fuch a pre- caution, the temple on the folemn days of fefiival had be- come a theatre of debauchery. But a long feries of years has changed what was then a forced obedience to the laws of order, into an inward feeiing of their beauty, and where this ruleSj compulfive infcitutions are no longer neceffary. Therefore, Inca, I Hand here in the name of the gods, and cali upon you, as the bencfadlor of your people, to crown, all your noble deeds with a facrifice due to reafon, and through her to the gods themfelves. Shrink not from the trial' — be eager to do what is risht, or if anv thing fdll be wanting to your convi6tion, let the fupplication of an old m.an at leafl.- move you I — the fupplication of one by whorri you were educated, who loves you as his own fon, v.'ho has watched with anxious care your infant flum.bers, and who now afks this mercy as the recompcnce of all his cares ! ( He takes the fillet from his head and flniJOs his gny Bair.) Grant this rcquett, oh Inca, for the fake of thefe grev hairs, become thus fiivery in your fervice ! Ataiiba. Enough! — Come forwards, Cora! — and you, Alonzo ! Hi^h-Prlcf}. Ye gods, direfl: his noble heart ! ('Cora, and Alonzo ccvjs forwards trefnbliyi^.) . Tehfco. [To Zorai) Support me, my fon, — fupport' me: C'Ataliba after a Jolemn paufe^ "with his ri^ht handfirikes the fivord agairfi the ground and breaks itj then ivith his lift prefenis the palm-branch to Cora.) Ataiiui. Be tlie law abolifiied, and Cora.releafed ! (Co^A finks down in a jivcon^ — kLOh'.%0' throws himfelf by her — Roll A jprings up and preff'es the king wildly to his breafi. — 'J/?^ High-Priest rafes his hands grate- fi-.V.y towards Heaven — Telasco fupportcd by Zorai tyters towards his daughter^ — The people JJiout repeatedly^ crying) All. L on2; live thi Inca ! ! ! {The Curtain falls.) END OF THE PLAY. •NIVKHaiTY Oir OALIFCMRNIA LOS ANGKLKR PAMPHLET BINDeT - - Syracuse, N. Y. :z:::i Stockton, Calif. ^J 1 I KJ\J V^V^VV'^C UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY A A 000191 540 4 Jniversity of Ca. iv: i. }i REGIONAL LIBf . ^ 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeia^, wA 9U024-«www Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. ^^m^^W9n n