Ah, you remember all too well my recent indulgence toward your enigmas. Amid the perfume of incense, amid pomp and luxury, I betrayed the weakness of a woman. To-day, no; you find me stronger and more stern, precisely because I am defeated, and know that I must die.
EMPEROR [Bowing before her]
Oh, Sovereign, never were you more sacred to me Do not be offended by my words and for a short time still allow me my mask and my mystery. Hear only this: A fortnight ago, when I left that palace where I saw you in all your Imperial splendour, I hastened to Peking to request of that Emperor whom you hate that he would stop this horrible war. On the way I learned that our Tartar armies were marching with lightning speed, and I turned back as quick as my ship and horses could take me, to give to them myself the order for peace. I have the right to do so. See, here is the seal which gives me full power in the name of Tsings. As you have said, I am one of those whom men dare not disobey; at least, not face to face, when I speak——I have learned now how to give orders and to enforce them. Deign only to allow your soldiers to give the signal for a truce, just to hoist the flag on the tower, and not one of their heads shall fall, I swear it——
EMPRESS
To make that offer to me, Prince, you must not be of the Imperial blood——The Daughter of Heaven can never accept the mercy of a Tartar!——
SCENE IV.
The same, FAITHFUL PRINCE, A WATCHMAN, the CAPTAIN of the SOLDIERS, and the SOLDIERS.
WATCHMAN
[Announcing from the height of a turret at the summit of the ramparts] An army, see, over there. The Tartars are returning! Thousands and thousands of them. In the distance they appear in the twilight like a long black trail——