[The child runs away, followed by his nurses. The EMPEROR gases after him until he is out of sight.]
SCENE IX
The EMPEROR and FOUNT-IN-THE-FOREST
FOUNT
You are still all of a tremble.
EMPEROR
My trouble is mixed with sweetness——Would it not seem that Heaven approves of me and will be my ally? This child comes to me, defends me, is uneasy because of my pallor, and gives me his plaything——Ah! how precious to me is this little gift.
FOUNT
Yes! I felt with you the emotion of that chance encounter——But let calm descend upon your soul. You will need all your composure not to betray yourself during the ceremony of the robing, for this time you are not playing the leading part. Do not forget the three obeisances, the nine complete prostrations. You cannot accustom yourself to bend the knee to another.