[During an instant of silence, they remain embraced. Then the EMPEROR rouses himself, cries aloud in his grief, and the dead body falls back on the throne.]
SCENE X.
The EMPEROR, and then the CROWD.
[The EMPEROR descends the steps of the throne, quickly, runs to the gong and strikes three deep strokes. The doors are thrown open. DIGNITARIES and OFFICIALS appear on the threshold.]
The EMPEROR [addressing the crowd, who enter in robes of state, and pointing to the dead EMPRESS.]
Come, all dignitaries and great men of the Empire! Put perfumes in the censers, keep on amber! Sound the marble chimes, as for the gods. Pay homage to Your Empress! On your knees, all, before The Daughter of Heaven!——
[He kneels on the steps himself. The marble chimes are sounded. The brilliant crowd fills the throne-room, prostrating themselves before the dead.]