[She mounts the stair.]
SCENE VI
ARROW-BEARER, ATTENDANTS
[They enter hastily along the path at the foot of the steps. ARROW-BEARER, raising his head, recognises the EMPRESS, on her way along the Imperial stair. He makes a sign of warning to those who follow him, and all terrified throw themselves prostrate, their faces to the ground. As soon as she has disappeared, ARROW-BEARER makes a sign to the ATTENDANTS to rise.]
ARROW-BEARER [To the ATTENDANTS]
Put the throne here and set this bench very near, in case the Empress should accord to some privileged one the honour of being seated in her presence. Place these perfumes in the censers that the ladies-in-waiting will only have to light them.
[Enter the guards, whom he draws up at the foot of the stairs.]