FOUNT
Eaves-droppers, rather. That is the Pavilion of Ladies-in-Waiting.
EMPEROR
The Pavilion of the Ladies-in-Waiting——So there are also Ladies-in-Waiting here? In very truth, it seems to me that I am dreaming. Yet I knew what I came hither to find that after three centuries of reign the Emperors of my dynasty had never succeeded in subduing the secret resistance of the conquered—I knew that. That in the Southern Provinces the rebels had never yet bowed the head, aye, I knew that. That Nanking was their capital and that here a descendant of the Mings had even reigned. For more than seventeen years before being crushed by our armies, of all that I was aware——But I thought this phantom empire was more mysterious, more hidden in the dark, and here I find a palace as beautiful as mine, with guards, dignitaries, ministers, a ceremonial regulated as at my own Court——Our Empire is too large it seems, to be governed by one head alone——I wished to see with my own eyes. I was prepared for all surprises, yet this is beyond me.
[He sits down on a bench under a tree in full bloom.]
FOUNT
What is more surprising still is that you are here unknown to all; here in the midst of your implacable enemies, and clad in the fashion of three hundred years ago.
EMPEROR
It is a happy coincidence that this Viceroy of the South whose place I have taken is of my build——What can he be thinking of this adventure, in the ship where he is now held a prisoner for me? What can he imagine, do you suppose?
FOUNT