EMPRESS
Horror and sacrilege!
VEILED-LIGHT
There is no sacrilege, when the safety of the Bright Dynasty is at stake. The August Shades will come in person to invite us to eat. Our sacrifice will make them indulgent and favourable.
EMPRESS [Slowly]
And so I must be the one to live in the chill gloom with no certainty of ever coming forth. I must be the one to creep about like a ghost in the vaults peopled by phantoms, groping my hands over the pious offerings shrivelling on the altars of the dead——Aye, it is indeed more terrible than dying here. But I accept it. Lead me on, I am resigned.
THE WATCHMAN [From the top of the wall]
The Tartars have stopped their march, a small group is running toward us, unarmed, but carrying signs on long poles. In spite of the darkness, it looks like a message which grants pardon.
EMPRESS
Ha, a forced pardon——that would be more insulting still. Bury me in my tomb, Prince, before they come.