POOR WOODCUTTER'S WIFE (sighing). No, madam.
[Enter an AIDE; crosses to Emperor's room; announces at curtains.]
AIDE. The boys have returned, sire!
[Enter the CAPTAIN with the BOYS. Enter the GENERAL from Emperor's room.]
GENERAL (announcing). The Emperor!
[Enter the EMPEROR; all bow.]
EMPEROR (sitting in armchair). I will now give the test. Captain, bring up the first boy.
[The Captain brings up the RICH MERCHANT'S SON.]
EMPEROR. Well, my lad, what did you see in the forest?
RICH MERCHANT'S SON. Many, many trees, sire.