Near the Bamboo Lake,
Three owls, three owls.
SECOND EXECUTIONER
[To some other women as he points to the prisoners tied to stakes.] What, the second group there? Their turn will come very soon. The Chief Executioner has given us a few minutes' rest, and we've earned it well, haven't we? [He hails a pedlar of drinks and orders one for himself.]
HABERDASHER [Striking a small bell]
All the latest styles in my stock!——Look, young women, look, young girls!
ONE TARTAR WOMAN [To Another]
Oh, I'm not one of those who take pleasure in seeing heads cut off——and, besides, the sight is always the same. No, it is their goddess whom I wish to see.
SECOND TARTAR WOMAN.
Their goddess?——their Empress?——Ah, and so do I. All of us want to see their goddess. She is the one who interests us the most.
THIRD TARTAR WOMAN