Act 1 — SCENE IV.
Ruth Helen Davis translation
The GENERAL, A COURIER from the EMPEROR, An OFFICER, The PRISONERS, The CROWD.
[There is a great stir in the crowd, which is shouting wildly. In the distance trumpets are heard. The TARTAR GENERAL, coming out of his tent, speaks to an OFFICER.]
TARTAR GENERAL
What is that? The ceremonial salute. What is happening now?
The OFFICER
A courier from the Emperor. [The SOLDIERS stand in file on either side and bend the knee. The COURIER is on horseback, and is carrying over his shoulder a small packet, wrapped in yellow silk.]
COURIER [As he dismounts]
An order from the Emperor! [Two SOLDIERS place a table on which the letter is deposited, then the incense-sticks are lighted. The TARTAR GENERAL quickly dons his ceremonial robe, salutes the message three times, and at last takes it.]
TARTAR GENERAL [To the COURIER, after he has examined the envelope] Why does that order arrive so late? It was sent at daybreak from the Forbidden City, and the distance is not long.
COURIER
That is true, my lord. But ill-intentioned men were posted at several places along my route. I had to take a roundabout course, and my horse knocked over many people before surmounting the obstacles.
TARTAR GENERAL [In a low voice]
May Heaven deliver our Emperor from the evil ones who oppose his will!
COURIER [also speaking low]
May Heaven hear your prayer, for the well-being of the people!
TARTAR GENERAL [Opens the letter. In an aside after having read it] This saves many lives, without counting my own——[To the CROWD.] Order of the Emperor. All listen! "This is my express will. I grant unconditional pardon to all the captives of war, chiefs and soldiers, and give them their entire liberty. Respect this."
[He shows the Imperial seal.]
THE CROWD
Ten thousand years, ten thousand years to our Emperor.
[The Soldiers at once set the prisoners free.]
TARTAR GENERAL [To the CROWD]
Listen again. This order should have arrived in time to save all the condemned. The obstacles set in the path of the messenger are the cause of a misfortune which cannot be repaired. Our master was disobeyed and is not responsible.
CROWD
Curse upon the unfaithful ministers! Death to the tigers!
[The women also hasten to unchain the prisoners, who draw near the General.]
ONE OFFICER [In a whisper to another]
What seditious cries our General permits!
SECOND OFFICER
Say rather he encourages them.
TARTAR GENERAL [To the PRISONERS]
My friends, listen to wise advice. Do not remain long in this accursed place. All around the mighty Dragon who has freed you, wild beasts are shrieking, exasperated because they have lost their prey.——Go at once, do not lose a moment. But do not escape by way of the country, you would be too easily found. Disperse and wander through the great city. In the Chinese Quarter the crowd will not betray you.
PRISONERS
We will follow your advice. May Heaven bestow its choicest blessings upon you!
[They bow and disperse. The GENERAL takes his sword, which he had stuck into the ground and slowly replaces it in its scabbard.]
THE CROWD
Death to the tigers! Ten thousand years to our Emperor!
[As the curtain is lowered the shouts of PEDLARS are heard.]
THE FLOWER-SELLER
Royal peonies, Lotus of all kinds, every flower of the season!
HABERDASHER
All the latest styles in my stock! Look, young women; have a look, young girls!
Second Tableau
[The great throne-room in the palace at Peking, entirely decorated in red and gold. The throne is in the middle of a dais, to which lead three staircases flanked by incense-burners and emblems. Pillars of red laquer support a lofty ceiling, on which are enormous writhing dragons among red clouds; the largest standing out so clearly that it looks ready to fall from heaven, holds in its jaws a golden orb, just above the throne. The floor is covered by a yellow carpet, with dragons more than fifty feet in length woven into the design. On one side of the stage is a marble chime, suspended by golden chains from a huge frame work, whose feet are of gold and represent monsters and whose upper angles are ornamented with golden phoenixes spreading their wings toward the ceiling. Near the principal entrance two EUNUCHS are holding dust-dispellers of rhinoceros-hide. Preparations are being made for a solemn audience, to commemorate the triumph of the TARTAR ARMY. Large blocks of porcelain, representing monsters, are arranged in line on the carpet. They mark the places where the various bodies of dignitaries are to stand and to prostrate themselves. Persons in gala robes come and go hurriedly. They are speaking in whispers, and walk noiselessly, in respectful attitudes. They bow as they pass the throne.]