The Empress.
[Hastily and softly.] Fear nothing!
The Emperor.
Remain without. Come not into the church with those thoughts in your mind. When you pray before the altar, it is to call down evil upon me.—Oh, lay not that sin upon your soul, my beloved kinsman!
[The procession moves forward towards the church. On the steps, beggars, cripples, and blind men crowd round the Emperor.
A Paralytic.
Oh, mightiest ruler on earth, let me touch the hem of thy garment, that I may become whole.
A Blind Man.
Pray for me, anointed of the Lord, that my sight may be restored!
The Emperor.