It is now in an imperial hearse, making its slow way to the north, preceded by funeral music, followed by a thousand dignitaries in costumes of state befitting the rank of a young sovereign.
EMPRESS
And where are they taking him, my son?
EMPEROR
To those inviolable forests where the Tartar Emperors repose. There, in a vale, which the spade of men has never touched, two leagues of dark cedars will envelope in their silence, his tomb built all of porcelain.
EMPRESS
Will you grant me the favour to sleep near him?
EMPEROR [Very gently, speaking like a child]
But——in accordance with the custom of the Empresses, you will yourself choose the site and scene in the forest and will have the long marble avenues built——so that all may be in readiness when your hour strikes.
EMPRESS