Before them, Harlequin, Scaramouche, Punchinello and Pantaloon are performing a dance.
At its conclusion Capocomico rises, and addresses the Maskers.
CAPOCOMICO
Enough! Go, bring the nameless prince before us.
[Dismissing them with a gesture, he turns toward Altoum]
Altoum,—our greater emperor, the Sun,
Sits higher even than our august selves,
And soon shall set his throne at highest noon.
Then must I abdicate my one day’s reign,
First having sealed your daughter’s perfect marriage,