The same FAITHFUL PRINCE, MINISTER and COMMANDER IN CHIEF. WINGED PRINCE, GENERAL and GRAND SECRETARY; POPLAR, a minister; VEILED-LIGHT, COUNCILLOR; CHAMBERLAINS, COUNCILLORS, MANDARINS, etc. They enter in turn. Lastly the TARTAR EMPEROR and FOUNT-IN-THE-FOREST.
POPLAR [To FAITHFUL PRINCE]
If your Excellency would say a word for me to the Empress, my desires would be fulfilled and I should obtain the red button, which I have earned by my services.
FAITHFUL
I know your merits and I realise what you deserve. But believe me, true greatness is above titles. We are devoting our lives to a noble cause, for the joy of seeing it triumph, and not in the hope of a reward. If we die in the service, our name will shine with a brightness, more enduring I assure you, than that of a ruby in the crown of your hat——However, rest assured I shall do my utmost to obtain it for you, since you aspire to it.
POPLAR
I shall be grateful to you to my dying day.
[He bows and goes out.]
WINGED PRINCE [To FAITHFUL PRINCE]
May I enquire after your precious health?