QUEEN OXARA
He was talking about the armies on the frontier.
QUEEN ATHARLIA
Ah! That reminds me of that young captain in the Purple Guard. They say that he loves Linoora.
QUEEN OXARA
Oh, Thearkos! Linoora probably said that.
[When the Queens come to the doorway they halt on each side of it. Then they turn facing one another. Then the King leaves his throne and passes between them into the Chamber of Banquets, each couple courtseying low to him as he passes. The Queens follow, then the attendants. There rises the wine-song, the chant of the nobles, drowning the chant of the low-born. Only the Idol-Guard remains behind, still kneeling beside Illuriel.
THE IDOL-GUARD
I do not like those things the Prophet said—It would be terrible if they were true—It would be very terrible if they were false, for he prophesies in the name of Illuriel—Ah! They are singing the wine-song, the chant of the nobles. The Queens are singing. How merry they are!—I should like to be a noble and sit and look at the Queens. (He joins in the song)
THE VOICE OF A SENTINEL