Act 1 — SCENE IX

The EMPEROR and FOUNT-IN-THE-FOREST

FOUNT

You are still all of a tremble.

EMPEROR

My trouble is mixed with sweetness——Would it not seem that Heaven approves of me and will be my ally? This child comes to me, defends me, is uneasy because of my pallor, and gives me his plaything——Ah! how precious to me is this little gift.

FOUNT

Yes! I felt with you the emotion of that chance encounter——But let calm descend upon your soul. You will need all your composure not to betray yourself during the ceremony of the robing, for this time you are not playing the leading part. Do not forget the three obeisances, the nine complete prostrations. You cannot accustom yourself to bend the knee to another.

EMPEROR

But I know all these fine points of etiquette better than anyone, for am I not condemned always to see men prostrated at my feet, touching the ground with their foreheads?

[OFFICERS, GUARDS and HERALDS enter at the back of the stage and begin to form into lines. Some unfurling banners. The CHIEFS give out orders].

FOUNT

Let us return! It is time, since you must rehearse your speech. Above all, Sire, change nothing in it. I so much fear that you will betray: yourself by some imprudent words.

EMPEROR

It seems too commonplace, that speech of mine——Since I have seen her, Her, I must compose another——

FOUNT

Oh! no, I beg you. You might distract yourself, break off short, or, more likely, let yourself be carried away beyond measure.

EMPEROR

You may prepare an opium-pipe for me. Then my mind will work with more ease and clearness.

FOUNT

Oh! you promised me to give up that poison. You know full well that it is the complete destruction of your energies and your will. The exaltation which results from—it, you know very well with what depression you must pay for that later on.

EMPEROR

Come! come! only one puff. I swear to you this shall be the last.

[They leave. Trumpet-calls are heard and shouts of command as the curtain falls.]

Second Tableau

The throne-room in the palace of Nanking, seen from the side. The EMPRESS and the throne upon which she is seated appear in profile. The LITTLE EMPEROR is seated near her. The throne is raised on a number of steps; the LADIES-IN-WAITING are behind the EMPRESS, fanning her with large, feathered fans. The bodyguard is placed on the steps of the throne, and each man is holding a censer containing Tibetan incense. All the dignitaries and officials are standing, in order of rank. At the back, across a colonnade, open-air galleries may be seen, in which are musicians and singers. The palanquin of the EMPRESS, with its dragons of gold, is also visible. Outside the crowd can be vaguely seen and heard. Opposite the throne, on a platform, are some dancers costumed as armed warriors, standing motionless. Everyone is standing, with the sole exception of the EMPRESS and her little son.