My reply is that, neither living nor dead, will I permit the Emperor of the Tartars even to touch my hand. It is too late; too many rivers of blood flow between us.
EMPEROR
Still one word, one last word. We are not alone at this solemn historical hour, in this place which seems so empty and silent. The shades of warriors and the illustrious spirits of departed emperors are all about us, listening anxiously for your decision. Your beloved dead are all here, at peace with mine in the lofty harmony of heaven. You are mistaken, they are not calling to you to join them; they are commanding you to live for years to come, to aid me in this great work of peace, of which I dream and which, without you seated at my side on this throne, I shall be powerless to carry out. You have not the right to decline this duty! In the name of the thousands of invisible spirits who surround us, I beg of you, Daughter of Heaven, to live! [A silence.] I have said all that I find possible to say. I await your decision. I have finished.
EMPRESS [Growing colder and more distant in her attitude, pointing to the golden jewel-case attached to the Emperor's girdle] Then give it to me now!
EMPEROR [In absolute despair]
No, no! Give it to you with my own hands I cannot. Have pity——I cannot! I cannot!
EMPRESS [Severely]
But your promise, sire, your imperial word of honour. Give it to me!
[The EMPEROR, after another silence, kneels before her, takes the golden box from his girdle and hands it to her slowly, his face turned downward to the ground.]
EMPRESS [After opening the box, speaking gently, like a child in a dream.] Yes, they are tiny, shining pearls——And they will bring death, peace, nothingness. [She puts the pearls in her mouth, then throws the box to the ground, and rises in exaltation. Triumphant and dominating the room, she addresses the invisible spirits of her forefathers.] Oh, my ancestors, behold me! Am I not glorious? You see me in that place whence you of old dominated the world, and it is upon your throne, usurped by the Tartar, that I am about to die! Your daughter has remained worthy of her race. Despite temptation more than human, she has kept her word. Open wide before the portals of death,—to receive her among you. [Smiling and quite gentle, she turns to the EMPEROR who is still kneeling.] And now that my mission is accomplished, approach me, sire. [She takes his hand gently, to indicate that he may rise and be seated.] For the second time in her life, the Empress invites you to be seated in her presence, as once before, over there, you remember, one morning in my palace which is now no more——[She seats herself on the throne again.]