EMPRESS
In triumph and glory may you come back to us soon! [She rises. THE CHILD descends from the throne, approaches the EMPRESS, and kneels in turn]
THE CHILD
Mother, tell me, I am not going for long, am I?
EMPRESS
[Stooping and embracing her son passionately]
No, my best beloved, no——only for a few days if the gods whom I implore will it so!——Have courage sweet little flower——[To the NURSES] Now go!
[The NURSES lead away the little EMPEROR. He keeps his gaze fixed on his mother until he is out of sight.]