SIMON
I shall wait here. I am ready. I shall serve the Lord.
POLORUS
Suppose you let me have that knife. I am more used to such things. You are a clergyman. It may cut you.
[As he steps forward, there are noises outside, to the left. The band behind the curtain strikes up more loudly, and presently voices call "The Emperor! The Emperor!">[
SIMON
[Flourishing the dagger] Nay! I shall wait here! I am ready.
[More cries. The music grows louder. PISO and POLORUS grow increasingly alarmed. Cries of "The Emperor! The Emperor!">[
PISO
[In a panic] What are we to do?