The Viceroy sent this courier in all haste; he awaits orders to come and prostrate himself at the foot of the throne and sue for pardon.
EMPRESS
Then that man who was here?——Oh, in what frightful web are we now caught?——And I was about to entrust my son to that unknown man!——I ordered him to remain here. Run, perhaps he has not yet gone.
ARROW-BEARER [Returning]
The pavilion is empty. This silk scroll was placed so as to attract immediate attention.
EMPRESS [excitedly]
Give it to me!——[ARROW-BEARER gives the scroll to FAITHFUL PRINCE, who gives it to the EMPRESS. Aside.] In my dream——The serpent that coiled about me——Ah! It was he! [She steps aside to read.] Verses!——In my trouble, I shall scarce be able to read them. And then the meaning seems so mysterious. [To THE OFFICERS standing nearest to her.] Let twenty horsemen be sent out at once in all directions, pursue him. Let the neighbouring towns be searched as well. A hundred thousand taels to him who brings that man back to me. Go!——[To FAITHFUL PRINCE handing him the silken scroll.] Read it to me Faithful Prince.
FAITHFUL PRINCE [reading]
Beneath my mask I kept a secret watch on you.
You saw my face, but not my features true;
You heard my words, but not my secret heart.
The day will come when I shall throw away the mask,
Play your good angel's part,
And all shall bow beneath the conquering dragon's task.
The traitor is a fine scholar, but he does not unmask his identity.