ACT FIRST
Outside a city gate, at Pekin.
Above the gate, in a row, severed heads of young men are impaled on stakes. On the wall, at one side, more heads of older men, with grizzled locks, stare down: among them, conspicuous, one with a white beard.
It is early morning; the sun just rising.
The gate is closed.
From behind is heard barbaric martial music.
Outside, from the right, drums roll, and Chinese soldiers enter, accompanied by a few beggars and peasants.
Pausing before the gate, they sound a trumpet.
The gate is opened and they pass within, followed by all, except two beggars, a young man and a middle aged.
The gate remains open.