(Enter PIQUI CHAQUI from back, R.)
Piqui Chaqui, go back with speed,
Tell the Princess I come to-night.
PIQUI CHAQUI.
I have only just come from there—
The palace was deserted quite,
No soul to tell me what had passed,
Not even a dog[34] was there.
All the doors were closed and fastened,
Except the principal doorway,
And that was left without a guard.
OLLANTAY.
And the servants?
PIQUI CHAQUI.
Even the mice had fled and gone,
For nothing had been left to eat.
Only an owl was brooding there,
Uttering its cry of evil omen.
OLLANTAY.
Perhaps then her father has taken her,
To hide her in his palace bounds.
PIQUI CHAQUI.
The Inca may have strangled her;
Her mother too has disappeared.
OLLANTAY.
Did no one ask for me
Before you went away?
PIQUI CHAQUI.
Near a thousand men are seeking
For you, and all are enemies,
Armed with their miserable clubs.
OLLANTAY.
If they all arose against me,
With this arm I’d fight them all
No one yet has beat this hand,
Wielding the champi sharp and true.