Before taking my place against that bloody wall, I would greatly desire to have one hour's freedom, on my word of honour——
TARTAR GENERAL
The word of a man such as you are is stronger than a chain of iron on his feet, or a canque of cedar wood about his shoulders——an hour, yes! Even an hour and a half, we can wait——The use which you wish to make of it perhaps I can imagine. You dream of seeing again your adored Empress——There, alas! I am unable to aid you. May the gods come to your assistance!——[Offering him a robe embroidered in gold, which is hanging from the tent-pole.] One thing alone I can do for you. Consent to wear one of my robes. It will be a safeguard for you.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
How could I dare?
TARTAR GENERAL
I beseech you——This garment will be to me the more precious because it has protected you [He passes the robe to FAITHFUL PRINCE, who no longer protests, then he raises a curtain at the back to the tent.] Go that way, Prince!——
[FAITHFUL PRINCE goes out.]