_The same_, THE ASTROLOGER
[_He is one hundred years old. He has a white beard, stiff
and rough. He is blind, and is led by a young boy. He tries
to prostrate himself, but the_ EMPRESS _stops him._]
EMPRESS
Remain standing, noble old man. Your age and your sightless
eyes excuse you from formalities.
ASTROLOGER
My sightless eyes see into the invisible. My spirit,
meditating through so many days of darkness, is clairvoyant
and prophetic.
EMPRESS
How do you explain the mystery of that dream which obsesses
me?
ASTROLOGER
In the guise of a serpent, the dragon has come to the
phoenix to carry her off and to heap on her his treasures.
But the phoenix has not understood. He flapped his wings
and made his escape. Let her take shelter at present from
the terrible storm which, all unwillingly, the dragon
brings in his train.
EMPRESS
These words are more unfathomable than the dream.
ASTROLOGER
Yet thus the magic numbers have replied.
EMPRESS
Can you not illumine the darkness?
ASTROLOGER
The veil which covers the future may not be torn away. To
raise one corner at the utmost is all that is allowed to us.
EMPRESS
And by that means should one not at least see a faint
glimmer?
ASTROLOGER
Take shelter from the terrible storm! Let the precious
torch which shall illumine the future be placed far beyond
the reach of the wind. That is the decree. There is nothing
more.
EMPRESS
It is well. I will meditate upon these enigmas. Go in
peace, noble old man.
ASTROLOGER
May propitious Heaven shower all its blessings on the
Bright Dynasty!
[_He retires. Day breaks, and flower-beds in
the foreground, near the incline, come to view.
They are flowers of Imperial yellow._]
EMPRESS [_To her attendants_]
For mercy's sake, for once in my life, leave me alone. I
need no further attention. Go!
[_The attendants leave and re-enter the
Pavilion._]