And bury this child.
For it is not fitting that I should soil by commerce with the dead the Majesty of Empire.
This dead child! The dawn of my future glory!
(He goes out with a convulsive sob.
(Pause.
(Enter the group of Mourners who take their places around the body of cébès.
(Drum-beats. They raise the body on their shoulders and sombrely go out.
(Increasing murmur outside. Confused noise of bells and voices. Discharge of cannon at regular intervals. All go out except cassius. Military music is heard approaching amid a tremendous hubbub. All at once it breaks of and loud cries are heard, which draw nearer, and the noise of an armed crowd running.
(They enter the palace. Frightful clamor. The soldiers, some of them carrying their standards, crowd into the hall. Others enter through the windows. Rattle of sabres on the stairs. The discharge of firearms. Scene of confusion through which can be heard only the cry, "Tête-d'or!"
Cassius (to an officer): What is the matter?