ROSEI.
But who are you?
ENVOY.
I am come as a messenger to tell you that the Emperor of the Land of So[148] resigns his throne and commands that Rosei shall reign in his stead.
ROSEI.
Unthinkable! I a king? But for what reason am I assigned this task?
ENVOY.
I cannot venture to determine. Doubtless there were found in your Majesty’s countenance auspicious tokens, signs that you must rule the land. Let us lose no time; pray deign to enter this palanquin.
ROSEI (looking at the palanquin in astonishment).
What thing is this?
A litter spangled with a dew of shining stones?
I am not wont to ride. Such splendour! Oh, little thought I
When first my weary feet trod unfamiliar roads
In kingly state to be borne to my journey’s end.
Is it to Heaven I ride?