Alas, I know it all too well. There is no hope.
EMPRESS
Then let me go——the Tartars are returning. Listen, I too begin to hear their war-trumpets. You would not have that they should take your Empress alive, or even find her body to throw to the crows.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Hear me, I entreat you!——[He motions to VEILED-LIGHT, who has just appeared at the back. The EMPRESS has set down the cup on a stone.] We have deferred making known to you the last heroic service which we purpose to demand——Permit your Councillor to convey to you our unanimous opinion.
VEILED-LIGHT [Bending the knee]
Oh, Majesty, 200,000 soldiers have died for you. The few hundred, also, who remain here within our walls, are about to sacrifice their lives at once. Do you wish them to die for a lost cause. [He motions to the CHIEF of the Soldiers to approach.] Deign to permit their chief to add his prayers to ours.
The CAPTAIN of the SOLDIERS, [After bending the knee.]
Proudly and without regret we give up our lives for our Sovereign——May she too do what we have learned to expect of her marvellous courage, a thousand times greater than that of her humble defenders.
VEILED-LIGHT