You are the shining standard, the ever-radiant goddess, toward whom we turn in our supreme distress——and you will do what millions of your subjects demand of you, through the mouths of these few brave men who are about to die.
THE WATCHMAN [from the height of the turret,] He hurls himself against their vanguard, the man who was here just now, the Messenger of peace——with the three others who accompanied him. He hurls himself against their vanguard as though to make them halt. Yes, he wishes them to stop, that is it. And he seems to command like a master, and to inspire them with fear.
EMPRESS [To the WATCHMAN]
So! Let not that man's name be mentioned again to me. And you, poor Watchman, whose task is finished, you may come down and join your brothers in arms, to die with them. Of what concern to us now are the movements of the Tartars? We are no longer of this world. [To FAITHFUL PRINCE] But how, then, is what you asked of me possible?——Surrounded on all sides, how and whither can we flee. Where can we hide? Where?
[The SOLDIERS, having loosened the rock, are standing in front of the bronze door, still holding their crowbars and pickaxes. They have an air of expectancy.]
FAITHFUL PRINCE
There in the tomb. On the cement lying all ready now to seal the rocks we shall throw dust——as soon you shall have entered.——
The EMPRESS [After a silence, speaking slowly, submissive and very melancholy] In my grave entombed alive! Be it so! And after that?——
FAITHFUL PRINCE
There is a subterranean passage, which passes through the vaults where your father and your husband sleep. You know, as I do, that its end opens out upon brushwood in the country, at the foot of the Hill of Tortures.