themselves before the king._
_Ataliba._ (_Addressing the High-Priest._) I rejoice, good old man, to
see how much your strength bears up beneath the weight of years.
_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.
_Alonzo._ How can I be otherwise, royal Inca, while you continue to
entertain me thus hospitably?
_Ataliba._ Which I shall never cease to do, as long as I behold you so
worthy of my love. (_To Velasquez_) Well, Don Juan, do the troops that
you are training make a rapid progress?
_Juan._ They are brave fellows;—they have arms of iron, and hearts of wax.
_Ataliba._ Oh that I could be certain of enjoying eternal peace!—then
should those nervous arms be devoted to agriculture alone. (_Turning to
the High-Priest._) Is it not time that we go to the Temple?
_High-Priest._ We are all ready.
_Chamberlain._ (_Approaching the king._) Sire, the old Telasco, governor
of the castle of Antis, is arrived, and wishes to pay his homage to the
first-born of the Sun.
_Ataliba._ My worthy Telasco!—Let him come in.
_Alonzo._ (_Aside to Velasquez_) Oh Juan!—my heart! my heart!
_Juan._ Do not betray yourself.