[One of the valets, seeing the street door open, runs to it and looks into the street. The other joins him and they spring out, running away and shouting: "Stop those assassins! Stop them! Arrest them!" During this part of the scene, which is very rapid, the serenade continues.]
Scene.--The meeting place of the Tribunal of the Inquisition. It is a low-vaulted chamber with ogive arches, lighted with candles. On the walls are religious paintings. At the foot of the scene is a narrow glazed window. At the right is a large high gate closing the entrance of a corridor leading to the Episcopal palace. On the same side, in the foreground, are seats of the Tribunal. Facing the left are an altar and a wooden Calvary. On the other side of them are an iron door and an arch leading to the jail. Seats and stools are scattered about. It is three o'clock in the morning. At the end of the act dawn begins to light the windows.
[The Members of the Tribunal, Fray Eugenio Calabazas, and Fray Teofilo Ibarra, Dominicans, later Cleofas, Oliveira, Fray Miguel Molina and Fray Hernando Albornos, Franciscans. An Usher of the Tribunal, at the foot of the stage.]
[As the curtain rises, Calabazas, seated, and Ibarra, at the left outside, are discovered talking in a low voice. Cleofas and Fray Hernando Albornos enter at the right.]
CLEOFAS. (Advancing into the scene) I have slept so well after that excellent feast! Nothing is more injurious to the health than being startlingly awakened during one's first sleep.
ALBORNOS. What business is so urgent that we must convene before daybreak?
CLEOFAS. (Joining the group at the left) You Excellencies should have the goodness to tell us.
CALABAZAS. We know no more about it than you.
IBARRA. We were greatly surprised at the morning visit of the agent of the Tribunal. We are here at the special request of His Eminence to consider a pressing and serious matter.
ALBORNOS. Then you have no idea what it is?
CLEOFAS. (To Molina, who enters at right) And you, my reverend father?
CALABAZAS. In any case, I think, without question, that the two women whom we again examined after vespers are guilty of sorcery.
CLEOFAS. (Seeing Oliveira, who enters at the left) Is it not the opinion of my excellent colleague. Master Oliveira, that there is not sufficient evidence to condemn them?