SCENE VIII.—_On a signal from the Chamberlain, the Guards open the door,

when TELASCO, and ZORAI, enter._

_Ataliba._ (_Meeting and embracing Telasco._) Welcome venerable old man!—What brings you from your enviable solitude into the bustle of a court? (_Calling to the Attendants._) Let a seat be brought.

_Telasco._ Suffer me to stand, good Inca. It is the posture which best becomes a petitioner.

_Ataliba._ Has Telasco any request to make?—Speak then.

_Telasco._ Two years ago I brought my daughter here, to devote her, according to her own desire, to the service of the gods. I cannot deny that the parting with her was a severe trial to me, for I had long been accustomed to enjoy her innocent society, and ever since the death of my wife, when I fell into ill health, had been nursed and attended by her with the tenderest care and affection. It may be supposed, therefore, that we did not separate without many tears on both sides. My son, at that time a youth, was then the only treasure remaining—he is now grown up to manhood, and as his sister is devoted to the gods, I would devote him to the service of his country. To you, great king, I present him—be you his father when I am gone!—I do not doubt that he will conduct himself worthily—I have no fear he will ever forget that the blood of the Incas flows through his veins. Accept my present with favour!—I bring you the greatest treasure that I possess upon earth!—I bring you my all!

_Ataliba._ He shall be my own son!—Come hither, young man. (_Zorai kneels to him_) Inherit thy father’s virtues, and thou shalt be heir to thy father’s honours.

_Zorai._ Pardon my silence. Time only can decide whether or no I shall deserve such favour.

_Ataliba._ Rise!—Alonzo, I consign him to thy care. Let him be enrolled among my life-guards, and learn of thee to fight and conquer.

_Alonzo._ (_Embarrassed_) Oh king! I will endeavour to gain his confidence.

_Telasco._ (_To Alonzo_) Art thou the man in whom the people bless the saviour of their Inca? Permit these old arms to embrace thee! (_He embraces Alonzo_) Thy fame has reached to the remotest parts of this nation—thy name is repeated with transport by our children’s children!—Happy is my son in being placed under such a leader.

_Alonzo._ (_Extremely embarrassed and affected_) He shall be my brother.

_Telasco._ (_To Ataliba_) To your goodness am I indebted that the last moments of my life are made thus happy. Accept my grateful thanks!

(_A solemn march is heard playing at a distance_)

_Ataliba._ Now, my children, let us repair to the temple!—Come, Telasco, go on my right hand, and should you find the walk fatiguing, let me be your support!—Ah, how often have you supported me!

_Telasco._ Blessings on you worthy, Inca!

(_As they are preparing to go, the music, which had continued gradually to advance nearer, suddenly stops_)

_Ataliba._ (_Starting_) What means this?

_Chamberlain._ (_Rushing in trembling, and almost breathless_) Sire, the High-Priestess of the Sun approaches, with a long train of priestesses all clad in mourning, and uttering dreadful lamentations. Their cries pierce the very soul; while the people gather round them trembling, and observing them with silent awe and terror. (_The whole assembly appear in the utmost confusion; the king alone preserves his composure_)

_Ataliba._ Conduct them hither.

_Alonzo._ (_Aside to Juan_) Oh God, Velasquez, what can this portend!

_Juan._ You tremble, and look pale;—for shame; rouse yourself; shew yourself a man!