Act 1 — SCENE XIV

The same. THE WOMEN, and ARROW-BEARER

FIRST NURSE

All the preparations are completed.

ARROW-BEARER

The escort is ready.

EMPRESS [Embracing her son]

Yes, but to whom will you now entrust your Emperor? Let us take time to think at least——Or perhaps, since there is such immediate need, you have deceived me, and we are surrounded? Where is the Tartar army? I am not an idol shut up in a shrine. Let me be told the truth!——Where is this army?

FAITHFUL PRINCE

Very near and in great force——The messengers will bring us details this evening——In order not to cloud the brow of your Majesty during the glorious days of your investiture we have deceived you it is true. Forgive us!

EMPRESS

I understand——but now my son, to whom is he to be entrusted?

FAITHFUL PRINCE

Still to the Viceroy of the South, to the real, one we may trust him. His devotion of ten years has stood all tests. So we must now march to meet him, and without losing an hour he must re-trace his steps toward Yunnan with his precious charge. To this end the start must be made instantly, so that the two escorts may meet before nightfall. [To WINGED PRINCE] Prince, until further orders, remain with the Emperor. Keep up constant communication with the frontier, and on the first alarm take the child out of the Empire.

EMPRESS

And every day a courier must bring me news, as long as the roads are free about our walls and our gates are open.

WINGED PRINCE

I shall attend to all, relying on none other than myself.

FAITHFUL PRINCE

And we all know the value of your watchfulness.

[One of the officers who left previously at the command of the EMPRESS returns hastily.]

OFFICER

The horsemen have returned——The fugitives have been seen, the man and his accomplice. They were riding horses which devoured the ground. One of those swift ships such as are used by the Western Barbarian was awaiting them at the water's edge. It is bearing them along at present with the speed of lightning. All pursuit would be futile.

EMPRESS

I was prepared for that——He would not permit himself to be captured like an ordinary fugitive!——No, I knew that he would carry away with him the mystery which he was pleased to keep up here.

FAITHFUL PRINCE [To The EMPRESS.]

Your Majesty, the time has come, we must hasten.

EMPRESS

Yes, I am ready——Only one instant, one last minute! [She conducts the little EMPEROR to the throne, on which she seats him.] Permit me to render to the Son of Heaven the homage which is his due. [She kneels.] May your life be happy and long, your reign peaceful and prosperous! [She bows three times.] May your dynasty endure eternally.

[The men and the nurses prostrate themselves.]

THE CHILD [on the verge of tears]

I promised that I would not cry.

EMPRESS

In triumph and glory may you come back to us soon! [She rises. THE CHILD descends from the throne, approaches the EMPRESS, and kneels in turn]

THE CHILD

Mother, tell me, I am not going for long, am I?

EMPRESS

[Stooping and embracing her son passionately]

No, my best beloved, no——only for a few days if the gods whom I implore will it so!——Have courage sweet little flower——[To the NURSES] Now go!

[The NURSES lead away the little EMPEROR. He keeps his gaze fixed on his mother until he is out of sight.]