The Virgin of the Sun, a Play. from the Germ. , by B. Thompson

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1801 edition. Excerpt: ...Yncas. (As they are going, the music suddenly ceases.) Ataliba. (Starting.) What means that? (Chamberlain rushes in, trembling and out of breath.) Chamberlain. Sire, the High Priestess of the Sun ap' proaches with a numerous train, clothed in mourning. Their piteous moans pierce to the very soul. In silent tremor all the people follow, and dread some great calamity. (The whole assembly is in consternation Ataliba excepted.) Ataliba. (Composedly gives a signal to the Chamberlain.) Conduct them hither. Alonzo. (To Juan.) Heavens!--Velasquez! What can this mean r Juan. Pshaw! I believe you tremble. The doors open. Enter Hjgh Priestess, a the head of the virgins, veiled and bending forward. While the procession approaches, all stand in silent anxious expectation. High Priestess. (Throws her veil violently back.) Woe! Woe! Woe be unto them J Ataliba. (Somewhat startled.) Unto whom? High Priestess. The temple is polluted--the altars are defiled--the holy lamp is extinguished. Woe be unto them! Ataliba. Name the transgressors, that the revenge of Heaven may be mine. High Priestess. Son of the Sun! Let the festive song be heard no more! Let the garlands be torn from the temple, and the fillets from the lamb for sacrifice. This day shall be no festival I Let our song be lamentation, and our garments mourning! A viper with its poison has defiled the house of stars. A virgin of the Sun has broken the oath of chastity. (Pauses--All shudder--Alonzo is thunderstruck. She proceeds.) Woe be unto Cora! (At this name, aery if affliclion escapes the King.--Old Telasko props his trem Ming frame upon his stick. Zorai, overpowered with shame, Aides his face with both hands. Alonzo it sinking, but is supported by Juan. A confused noise pervades the rest of the...