ARROW-BEARER, ATTENDANTS
[_They enter hastily along the path at the foot of the
steps._ ARROW-BEARER, _raising his head, recognises the_
EMPRESS, _on her way along the Imperial stair. He makes a
sign of warning to those who follow him, and all terrified
throw themselves prostrate, their faces to the ground. As
soon as she has disappeared,_ ARROW-BEARER _makes a sign to
the_ ATTENDANTS _to rise._]
ARROW-BEARER [_To the_ ATTENDANTS]
Put the throne here and set this bench very near, in case
the Empress should accord to some privileged one the honour
of being seated in her presence. Place these perfumes in
the censers that the ladies-in-waiting will only have to
light them.
[_Enter the guards, whom he draws up at the
foot of the stairs._]