Apu Ollantay Part 18

(Bowing to the Inca.)

Thus I, thy augur, prophesy.

(Acclamation.) (Exeunt all but Uillac Uma and Rumi-naui.)

Tupac Yupanqui (turning to Rumi-naui).

Behold the Hanan-suyu Chief Who let the enemy escape, Who led to almost certain death So many thousands of my men.

Rumi-naui.

Before his death thy father knew Disaster had befallen me; 'Tis true, O King, it was my fault, Like a stone[62] I gave my orders, And volleying stones soon beat me down; It was with stones I had to fight, And in the end they crushed my men.

Oh! grant me, Lord, a single chance, Give perfect freedom to my plans, Myself will to the fortress march, And I will leave it desolate.

Tupac Yupanqui.

For thee to strive with all thy might, For thee thine honour to regain, For thou shalt ne'er command my men Unless thy worthiness is proved.

Uillac Uma.

Not many days shall pa.s.s, O King, E'er all the Antis are subdued.

I've seen it in the quipu roll, Haste! Haste! thou Rumi Tunqui. [63]

(Exeunt.)

SCENE 3

The great terrace entrance to Ollantay-tampu. On R. a long masonry wall with recesses at intervals. At back a great entrance doorway. On L.

terraces descend, with view of valley and mountains.

(Guards discovered at entrance doorway. To them enter RUMI-NAUI in rags, his face cut and slashed with wounds, and covered with blood.)

Rumi-naui.

Will no one here have pity on me?

One of the Guards. Who art thou, man?

Who has ill-treated thee?

Thou comest in a frightful state, Covered with blood and gaping wounds.

Rumi-naui.

Go quickly to thy king and say That one he loves has come to him.

One of the Guards. Thy name?

Rumi-naui.

There is no need to give a name.

One of the Guards. Wait here.

(Exit one of the guards.)

(Enter OLLANTAY with guards, R. front.)

Rumi-naui.

A thousand times I thee salute, Ollantay, great and puissant king!

Have pity on a fugitive Who seeks a refuge here with thee.

Ollantay.

Who art thou, man? Approach nearer.

Who has thus ill-treated thee?

Were such deep and fearful wounds Caused by a fall, or what mishap?