The GENERAL, A COURIER from the EMPEROR, An OFFICER, The PRISONERS, The CROWD.
[There is a great stir in the crowd, which is shouting wildly. In the distance trumpets are heard. The TARTAR GENERAL, coming out of his tent, speaks to an OFFICER.]
TARTAR GENERAL
What is that? The ceremonial salute. What is happening now?
The OFFICER
A courier from the Emperor. [The SOLDIERS stand in file on either side and bend the knee. The COURIER is on horseback, and is carrying over his shoulder a small packet, wrapped in yellow silk.]
COURIER [As he dismounts]
An order from the Emperor! [Two SOLDIERS place a table on which the letter is deposited, then the incense-sticks are lighted. The TARTAR GENERAL quickly dons his ceremonial robe, salutes the message three times, and at last takes it.]
TARTAR GENERAL [To the COURIER, after he has examined the envelope] Why does that order arrive so late? It was sent at daybreak from the Forbidden City, and the distance is not long.
COURIER