HERALD [Announcing]
The Empress commands tea to be served.
ALL
Ten thousand years!——
[The cup-bearers serve tea, fruit and cakes. Each one bends the knee as he takes his cup.]
The EMPRESS [Making a sign to the TARTAR EMPEROR, to be seated on the tabouret, near the throne]
Come here Prince. There is also a present for you.
A GRAND SECRETARY [In a whisper to a COUNCILLOR] With one word she has made him Prince, and now she permits him to be seated in her presence!
COUNCILLOR
He does not seem at all surprised at the honour.