SCENE X
The same. THE CHILD with his NURSES and GUARDS.
THE CHILD [Running to his mother and kneeling before her]
Here I am, mother.
EMPRESS
Ah! [She arises and embraces him.] Now I can control myself to listen——Speak!
ARROW-BEARER
Divine Sovereign, two Tartar spies entered the palace with the monstrous design of kidnapping our young Emperor. Like tigers they lay in wait, hidden in the bushes. They came out all unawares and dared to lay a hand on the sacred person of your son.
THE CHILD
Mother they threw a cloth over my head and tightened it round my throat.