Apu Ollantay

Chapter 27

Tupac Yupanqui (to Rumi-naui and other chiefs.)

You also render him homage.

Rumi-naui.

Prince Ollantay! Incap Ranti!

Thy promotion gives me joy.

All the Antis now released, Return rejoicing to their homes.

(He and all the Chiefs bow to Ollantay.)

Guards without.

You cannot pa.s.s. Go back! go back!

Voice without. Why, is this a festive day?

Let me pa.s.s. I must see the king; I pray you do not stop me, Do not drive me from the door; If you stop me I shall die.

Have a care. You will kill me.

Tupac Yupanqui.

What noise is that without?

Guard.

It is a young girl who comes weeping And insists upon seeing the king.

Tupac Yupanqui.

Let her come in.

(Enter Yma Sumac.)

Yma Sumac.

Which is the Inca, my lord, That I may kneel down at his feet?

Uillac Uma.

Who art thou, charming maid?

Behold the King.

(Yma Sumac throws herself at the King"s feet.)

Yma Sumac. O my King! be thou my father, s.n.a.t.c.h from evil thy poor servant.

Extend thy royal hand to me.

O merciful child of the Sun, My mother is dying at this hour In a foul and loathsome cave; She is killed in cruel martyrdom-- Alas I she is bathed in her own blood.

Tupac Yupanqui.

What inhumanity, poor child!

Ollantay, take this case in hand.

Ollantay.

Young maiden, take me quickly there; We will see who it is that suffers.

Yma Sumac.

No, sir. Not so. It is the King himself Should go with me.

Perhaps he may recognise her;

(To Ollantay.)

For you, I know not who you are.

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