Moctezuma

Act I.
Scene I.

A small Temple illuminated in the Imperial Palace, wherein Motezuma has consulted the Oracles. Statues of fantastical Divinieties. An Altar still Smoaking. Night. A two headed Dragon on high, which, in passing, brandishes several fiery Tongues.
Motezuma, Lisinga, Pilpatoe, Priests, Grandees of the Empire, and Guards with lighted Flambeaux; they all stand near the Altar in the utmost Consternation, looking at the human Victims offered up.

Mo. Where am I wand'ring? What's this which so affects me? Weakness and dread of mind were sensations unfelt in Motezuma's breast. But now my soul is agitated with horror and affright! O ye cruel and ungrateful gods, in what have I pffended you? Was not I more than profuse in offering you victims and incense? Thousands of harmless creatures were sacrificed on your altars. And this very night, this fatal night, how much blood I have shed, ye all know! And ye speak not, and ye are silent!
Cruel Gods, assuage the anguish
That within my bosom glows;
Calm the pangs by which I languish,
Which destroy my soul's repose.

[Exit.

But the fiery serpents that infest the air, and the doleful groans that are re-echoed around, plainly express
your fatal decrees! Alas! I comprehend but too well you abandon me to my cruel destiny. I'll bear with it. Ye most ungrateful gods, whatever my fate may be, I'll undauntedly encounter it.

[He is dejected and thoughtful