Yes, Your Majesty.

EMPEROR

Until to-day I had seen but the nests of ordinary birds, and I did not believe in that incomparable bird the Phoenix. It is only to-day that its existence was disclosed to me by the evidence of my enchanted eyes. [He hangs the jewel on his belt.]

EMPRESS

Alas, the phoenix and the dragon are dragged down by chains to-day, and cannot reach the heights to which they aspire in the clouds.

EMPEROR

Ah, how ardently I wish I were the Tartar Emperor reigning at Peking!

EMPRESS

What a strange and dismal idea! You wish you were my mortal enemy? Why?

EMPEROR