GOLDEN LOTUS
How many hearts beat for Her, how many strong arms are ready to defend Her!
TRANQUIL BEAUTY
Have all the invited guests arrived at the Palace?
ARROW-BEARER
I believe so. The most powerful of all, the Viceroy of the South, has been lodged not far from here, in the Pavilion of Limpid Fountains. If the bushes were not so leafy you would be able to see the roof of his residence from your Pavilion.
CINNAMON [In a whisper]
I should love to get a look at the Prince.
GOLDEN LOTUS
One question more, my Lord. Does not some new danger threaten us? Dark rumours have reached us——Are our reconquered Provinces well garrisoned?