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.