ACT I.
Scene.—Emma's boudoir. A door on the left leads to the palace courtyard; another, centre back, opens into private apartments, which have no other entrance. The room is furnished befitting the dignity of a princess. Emma, in gala-attire, has just returned from a great function in honour of the Calif Haroun-al-Rashid's ambassadors. Etta helps remove her cloak. The princess then throws herself on a couch, while Etta stands before her admiringly.
Emma. A moment's rest to gather memories
Of what this day has meant; those swarthy Eastern
Ambassadors! the gifts their king has sent. Etta. How beautiful you are! In Frankland, who
Approaches you in mind or character?
That's what the scholars say. The people though
Dwell on your loveliness. What plaudits when
You rode that bulky beast! the contrast! a Princess,
Alive with happiness. Emma. 'Twas wonderful
To mount so high, an elephant for steed,
To feel that heavy, ambling gait, to know
Such strength for mischief could be chained to work
Man's will. How kind of great Haroun to give
The King, my Father, this unwieldy proof
Of his affection; to teach such animals
Are real, not fabled monsters, as some of us
Have whispered! 'Twas tremulous that ride, up-perched
Above the marvelling throng; to feel myself,
A Frankish maid, upon that leathery
Ungainliness. An elephant in Europe!
Who'd have thought to see the day? But now
Unbind my hair. [In a low voice.] I think he will not come
Tonight. [A knocking is heard.] 'Tis he! but no, my Father's knock,
So tender yet so masterful. Thou may'st
Retire. I'll wait upon his royal pleasure,
Will then disrobe myself.
[Etta opens door on the left.
Enter Charles in ceremonial robes, wearing his crown.
Exit Etta through the door at the centre back after
making deep obeisance.]
[A light knock is heard.]
[Emma opens the door on the left. Enter Eginhardt.]
[Distant singing is faintly heard.... Emma
opens door, left. Eginhardt throws a cloak
over her. They stand looking out.]
Here are lodged the sacred clothes;
Bow your heads and stainless be.
Earth is draped with glistening snows,
Garbed anew with purity.
Let each soul be undefiled,
God and man be reconciled.
Let each soul be undefiled,
God and man be reconciled.——
[She totters for a second beneath Eginhardt's
weight.]
[Exit Emma with Eginhardt on her back. After a
time she returns, panting, and closes the door.]
[She takes up a crucifix and kneels before the silk.]