Page:The Incas of Peru.djvu/386

346 Am I, forsooth, thy humble slave? That I know all I'll quickly prove.
 * Ollantay. My beating heart is filled with dread,

Beholding thee so suddenly; Perchance thy coming is a sign, Of evils overtaking me.
 * Uillac Uma. Fear not, Ollantay! not for that,

The High Priest comes to thee this day. It is perhaps for love of thee, That, as a straw is blown by wind, A friend, this day, encounters thee. Speak to me as to a friend, Hide nothing from my scrutiny. This day I come to offer thee A last and most momentous choice— 'Tis nothing less than life or death.
 * Ollantay. Then make thy words more clear to me,

That I may understand the choice; Till now 'tis but a tangled skein, Unravel it that I may know.
 * Uillac Uma. 'Tis well. Now listen, warlike Chief:

My science has enabled me, To learn and see all hidden things Unknown to other mortal men. My power will enable me To make of thee a greater prince. I brought thee up from tender years, And cherished thee with love and care; I now would guide thee in the right, And ward off all that threatens thee. As chief of Anti-suyu now, The people venerate thy name; Thy Sovereign trusts and honours thee, E'en to sharing half his realm. From all the rest he chose thee out,