FOUNT
A few polite commonplaces.
EMPEROR
Can I do so? [He approaches the FAITHFUL PRINCE and salutes him.] Illustrious Prince, may a long and happy life be yours! It is a blessing of Heaven to be permitted to gaze upon your noble countenance and to meet the light of your eyes.
FAITHFUL PRINCE [Returning the bow]
In truth I might say the same to you——But I beg of you let us dispense with compliments. Are you satisfied with your government of the South?
EMPEROR
That region is the most faithfully rebellious of the whole Empire, and is so far away that the orders for its repression are lost before they reach it. The inhabitants refuse to pay the tax levied by the Tartars and of their own accord deposit the money in our coffers.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
You do not fail to accept only half of it, and to refuse it altogether during bad years?——