And all you, noble chiefs, wise men of letters, dignitaries, are you too of the opinion that we must send the young Emperor away. [All nod their heads affirmatively without speaking.] And not to-morrow, not even this evening alas—for each moment the danger increases——We must act at once, if your Majesty consents to the sacrifice.
EMPRESS
Oh! You place me in a circle of fire, which you narrow again and again, far too quickly. But where are the Tartar armies, now? Not yet beneath our walls, surely. We are not besieged! The roads are still open——[She presses her son to her breast.] Leave him with me just another day, at least give me time to find the necessary strength to bear this new affliction——I am the Empress, yes, but I am also a mother——One does not take a child from its mother as one plucks a flower from its stem——Wait!——
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Wait, my Sovereign! But will not your despair be infinitely more intense should harm come to his Majesty because of a weak tenderness? Think of the turmoil of a siege, the horror and the risk of battle! Let us thank Heaven for giving us time to place our young Master in safety. As soon as the danger is over, he will return to you.
EMPRESS
Oh, do not speak of return to lessen my distress, as you would comfort a child!——Let us not talk of the future, which is black and cloudy——But Wisdom has spoken, and my rebellion is over. I shall have the strength to submit. [To the child, whom she holds still pressed close against her.] My son, you must go away from me for a little while——Ah, tears fill my eyes at the idea. But when I think of keeping you in this palace, in the midst of such terrible dangers, anguish crushes my heart——My best beloved, you must go.
THE CHILD [Embracing her]
What? I must go on account of the Tartars? Well, I am not afraid, I am not really. Do you think that I am afraid? You remain here, my mother, and where you remain there I must be too.——Leave my mother on account of the Tartars? I do not want to! You all hear me. I do not want to.
EMPRESS