High-Priest. Under such a sovereign one cannot grow old.
Ataliba. For what I am. I have solely to thank you; that I can never forget. (To Xaira.) It is a charming day, Xaira, the gods are favourably disposed towards us.
Xaira. (With hesitation) Yet—unfavourable omens, have disquieted my bosom.
Ataliba. How so?
Xaira. The lamb which I was about to sacrifice at midnight, struggled beneath the sacred knife.
Ataliba. Most natural.
Xaira. And the lungs, which, when they tremble and quiver after they are torn out, promise happiness for the ensuing year, lay still and motionless.
Ataliba. I thank you for the information, but I desire that it may not be spread abroad among the people. (To the High-Priest, smiling and speaking in a half whisper.) We have tygers enough to annoy us, why should we tremble before a lamb?
High-Priest. To the people such a lamb is more formidable than a tyger; and the king owes respect to popular faith.
Ataliba. True, good old man, for it was upon that foundation that Manco-Capac erected his dominion.—(Turning to Alonzo.) I rejoice, my beloved friend, to see that you are still contented to live among us.