FIR-SAPLING
What was it? Tell us.
HUMPBACK
Well, it was yesterday, after sundown. The other gardeners had just gone away; I had not yet finished my task, but remained to polish one of those great marble lions, at the Gateway of State. I was working all unsuspicious, when suddenly I heard the great drum and the clanging of the bell, and I saw the watchers descend from their tower to open the great gate. The guards and generals and ministers were all running. I heard it said that the new arrival was the most important of all the invited guests, the Viceroy of the Southern Provinces. How could I make my escape in the midst of all these wonderful personages? It was impossible! I hid behind one of the huge paws of the lion and made myself very small. No one took any notice of me——and I saw, I saw through the pierced globe, you know, which the lion holds in his clutch——.
FIR-SAPLING
You saw the Viceroy of the South enter with his retinue?——
HUMPBACK
Yes, I saw! Oh! such costumes of silk and gold! Such horses shining with gems! Such banners! And some terrible faces, too, some glances awful in their pride!——But when he came, oh! then I understood that besides him all the others counted for naught. He was pale, with a very weary air, on a horse led by two attendants——His costume was simple, but seemed richer than all the others——He was so imposing that my heart would no longer beat in my breast, and it seemed to me that if only he turned his unseeing eyes towards me, I should drop dead.
FIR-SAPLING
Ah, was it like that? If one feels like that for no more than a Viceroy, how would it be if one were gazed upon by the Emperor himself?