You swear it?
EMPEROR
Yes. After you have listened to me, I shall have this supreme courage. To refuse you would be unworthy of you and of myself. But, after you have heard me, only afterwards——
EMPRESS
Well, speak, sire. In return for your promise, take the last minutes in which my ears can hear, my eyes can see——
SCENE VIII.
The same. An OFFICIAL
EMPEROR [He strikes the gong gently, an OFFICIAL appears. To the OFFICIAL] Double the number of guards at the gates. Instant death to any one who, for any reason whatever, dares to open that door before I sound the gong Three Times! Is that understood? You may go!
[The OFFICIAL turns to go.]