Your devoted servant is ambitious to see the coral button of his hat changed to a ruby. I venture to support his request to your Majesty.
EMPRESS
Recommended by you, his merit is certain. I accord the rank with pleasure.
POPLAR
My heart overflows with gratitude.
The EMPRESS [To the TARTAR EMPEROR]
And you, Prince, do you desire nothing? Are you too proud to name the favour which would please you?
POPLAR
Nay, I ask one of Heaven, one only, that it will stay the flight of time and prolong this rapturous hour.
EMPRESS [At once surprised and somewhat offended, she looks at him a long time, but her gaze becomes tender and she finally smiles.] Does that depend on Heaven alone? [She takes her place on the throne.]