So be it, my children; in my old age I hear the gods speaking in an altered voice and I obey them.

It is nothing to me who am about to die, yet I tell you that rather would I myself be stretched upon the ancient stone than see the worship of our forefathers thus turned into a mockery.

The sacrifice is sacrificed: now may the Maid intercede with the Snake that plenty may bless the land." And he smiled satirically and turned away.
Those of the audience who were near enough to hear his words cried them out to the ranks behind them, and when all understood there followed a scene of most indescribable tumult.
"Blood, give us blood!" roared the populace, their fierce faces alight with rage.

"Shall we be mocked with the sacrifice of goats?
Offer up the servants of the false gods.

Give us blood! Lead forth the victims!" In the midst of this uproar Juanna, clad in her white robes and with the red stone bound upon her brow, rose from her seat to speak.
"Silence!" cried Nam, "hear the voice of Aca;" and by degrees the shouting died away, and she spoke.
"Do ye dare thus to offer outrages to the gods ?" she cried.