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.