SCENE I

The crowd, the EMPEROR and FOUNT-IN-THE-FOREST (the two latter still disguised, but in full official costume), the FAITHFUL PRINCE.

THE CROWD [crying rhythmically]

Ten thousand years!

Ten thousand years!

A happy life to our King! A happy and a long life to our King.

Ten thousand years! Ten thousand years.

[The music continues at the back.]

TARTAR EMPEROR [In a whisper to FOUNT-IN-THE FOREST]

This old palace is infinitely more beautiful than mine. Its art is purer and more exquisite.