[Showing her the golden flasks which they carry in the folds of their dress, on to each of which is attached a little cup of jade.] We have them, noble Sovereign.
EMPRESS
That which they most desire, no doubt, is death——Pour out the draught of the Great Deliverance for those who are suffering the most——Be sparing with it, however, for, alas! we have not enough for all. The contents of the little cup of jade chained to the flask is sufficient for one man, it is the proper dose. Go, my devoted maids, bring them sleep. That is your duty in this hour. [To CINNAMON.] And you, Cinnamon, remain near me, you shall pour out my portion——Place your flask on the stone, very near me, with my Imperial cup.
[CINNAMON obeys. The other Ladies-in-Waiting go among the wounded, leaning over them and offering them the potion in a low voice. In the distance firing is still heard.]
GOLDEN LOTUS
[Very gently to ARROW-BEARER, whom she approaches at once]
My lord, do you wish to die? Then I shall empty the cup also soon after you——Do you wish to die?
ARROW-BEARER [After a silence and as if in a trance]
No, my fair trembling flower, my fair flower of the lake!——Before you came to me, I wished it——Now I wish it no longer. Let me remain for a little while among the living, to cherish in my heart that word of love which you have just spoken. Help those who are suffering more than I, without a friend——and then you will return and I shall rest my head on your knees before going to the Land of the Shades.
GOLDEN LOTUS