SCENE VII.—_Enter the HIGH-PRIEST.

_Xaira._ We have expected you impatiently.

_High-Priest._ I was summoned away to the Inca.

_Xaira._ Is the object of the interview a secret?

_High-Priest._ By no means. Ataliba requires of the judges of Cora and Alonzo, that they strictly examine whether both be equally guilty, and whether the one might not have seduced the other—might not have thrown out improper lures to lead astray the imagination.

_Xaira._ Well, and supposing this should appear to be the case.

_High-Priest._ Then he orders that the seducer only shall suffer, and that the seduced shall be released.

_Xaira._ Do I hear rightly?—Could the king say this, and dare the High-Priest of the Sun repeat it after him?

_High-Priest._ Why should he not?

_Xaira._ “_The transgressors of the laws shall die._”—Thus spake our god himself.

_High-Priest._ Did you hear the god say this?—or was it not rather spoken by the first Inca, as the ordinance of our god?

_Xaira._ ’Tis the same.

_High-Priest._ That I readily allow.—The Inca is the image of god upon earth, and the interpreter of his will; but the last Inca is equally so with the first. The severe laws, therefore, which his ancestor might find necessary to institute among a wild and uncivilized people, the descendant may be allowed to meliorate when the necessity for their enforcement no longer exists.

_Xaira._ (_Sarcastically_) Why then not abolish them entirely?

_High-Priest._ To this the king was strongly inclined. Yet he still thinks that he owes an example to the repose of his people.

_Xaira._ _One_ example only?—And what is that to be?—He says that the guilty only shall die; but what earthly wisdom is competent to decide this question?—Will not both assert their innocence?—and will not each endeavour to throw the blame of seduction upon the other?

_High-Priest._ ’Tis possible.

_Xaira._ What then is to direct our judgment?

_High-Priest._ Of that hereafter. At present, duty requires that we obey the Inca’s mandate. Let Cora and Alonzo be brought hither! (_Exit one of the Priests._)

_Xaira._ No, I will not violate my principles, even to gratify the Inca?—Both are guilty; and whether seducing, or seduced, is a matter of total indifference. To his own face I will tell the king the same,—I will sound it in the ears of the people—and if Ataliba no longer trembles before the gods, he shall at least tremble before his own subjects.

_High-Priest._ Conscience is his law, and it ought equally to be ours. We are to judge Cora and Alonzo, but let us not forget that we ourselves are one day to be judged by a superior power. Now take your places.