The horsemen have returned——The fugitives have been seen, the man and his accomplice. They were riding horses which devoured the ground. One of those swift ships such as are used by the Western Barbarian was awaiting them at the water's edge. It is bearing them along at present with the speed of lightning. All pursuit would be futile.
EMPRESS
I was prepared for that——He would not permit himself to be captured like an ordinary fugitive!——No, I knew that he would carry away with him the mystery which he was pleased to keep up here.
FAITHFUL PRINCE [To The EMPRESS.]
Your Majesty, the time has come, we must hasten.
EMPRESS
Yes, I am ready——Only one instant, one last minute! [She conducts the little EMPEROR to the throne, on which she seats him.] Permit me to render to the Son of Heaven the homage which is his due. [She kneels.] May your life be happy and long, your reign peaceful and prosperous! [She bows three times.] May your dynasty endure eternally.
[The men and the nurses prostrate themselves.]
THE CHILD [on the verge of tears]
I promised that I would not cry.