[The CHIEF of the SOLDIERS kneels, and hands a lighted torch to the EMPRESS.]
EMPRESS [Taking the torch and addressing the SOLDIERS.] My well beloved soldiers, be assured that your Empress will soon follow you into the land of the Shades. She accepts your request that she should flee, only that she may try to avenge you. But if happier days smile upon the Bright Dynasty she will refuse to live them. Before you all, she takes this solemn vow; When once her relentless task is at an end, she will hasten to join you in the land of the Shades——Oh, victims that are more than men, oh, conquered ones that wear the halo of glory! Oh, my heroic army!——A day shall come when the story of your sublime death shall be engraved in letters of gold on the Imperial Jade, that posterity may weep for you. [She sets the torch to the pile] and that the brightness of your funeral pile may dazzle the world for ever!——
[The pile takes fire. The SOLDIERS throw themselves into the flame as they sing.]
The SOLDIERS
Long live our King! Long and happy life to our King!
[A cloud of black smoke envelopes them. The sound of an approaching gong is heard at regular intervals, and then the voice of a TARTAR HERALD.]
THE TARTAR HERALD [outside, in the distance.] The Command of the Emperor! Tremble and obey!
FAITHFUL PRINCE [Hastily to the CAPTAIN of the soldiers.] Let the rock be replaced as I told you. Block it up quick and throw earth upon the cement, and a pile of dust. [The CAPTAIN rejoins the few men who are standing before the tomb, still holding their crowbars and pickaxes. The EMPRESS, FAITHFUL PRINCE, VEILED-LIGHT, TRANQUIL BEAUTY, and CINNAMON go towards the bronze door. The other LADIES-IN-WAITING follow, and kneel as they approach the door.]
EMPRESS [At the threshold of the tomb, addressing the four who are to enter with her.] Go in before me. I will be the last to pass through. My funeral is this!——And then I wish to gaze for the last time upon my heroes and my beautiful palace yonder, still standing out in relief. [To the kneeling LADIES] Arise, my cherished maidens. Do not delay. The lake to which you go is not near by.
[The LADIES-IN-WAITING go out, hand-in-hand, and as they disappear their sobs are heard. The EMPRESS sets foot on the threshold of the door and then turns round like one inspired, watching the flames of the pyre, which rises higher and higher. She raises her arms as though in an ecstasy.]