_The Same_. THE WOMEN, _and_ ARROW-BEARER
FIRST NURSE
All the preparations are completed.
ARROW-BEARER
The escort is ready.
EMPRESS [_Embracing her son_]
Yes, but to whom will you now entrust your Emperor? Let
us take time to think at least----Or perhaps, since there
is such immediate need, you have deceived me, and we are
surrounded? Where is the Tartar army? I am not an idol shut
up in a shrine. Let me be told the truth!----Where is this
army?
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Very near and in great force----The messengers will bring
us details this evening----In order not to cloud the
brow of your Majesty during the glorious days of your
investiture we have deceived you it is true. Forgive us!
EMPRESS
I understand----but now my son, to whom is he to be
entrusted?
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Still to the Viceroy of the South, to the real, one we
may trust him. His devotion of ten years has stood all
tests. So we must now march to meet him, and without
losing an hour he must re-trace his steps toward Yunnan
with his precious charge. To this end the start must
be made instantly, so that the two escorts may meet
before nightfall. [_To_ WINGED PRINCE] Prince, until
further orders, remain with the Emperor. Keep up constant
communication with the frontier, and on the first alarm
take the child out of the Empire.
EMPRESS
And every day a courier must bring me news, as long as the
roads are free about our walls and our gates are open.
WINGED PRINCE
I shall attend to all, relying on none other than myself.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
And we all know the value of your watchfulness.
[_One of the officers who left previously at
the command of the_ EMPRESS _returns hastily._]
OFFICER
The horsemen have returned----The fugitives have been seen,
the man and his accomplice. They were riding horses which
devoured the ground. One of those swift ships such as are
used by the Western Barbarian was awaiting them at the
water's edge. It is bearing them along at present with the
speed of lightning. All pursuit would be futile.
EMPRESS
I was prepared for that----He would not permit himself
to be captured like an ordinary fugitive!----No, I knew
that he would carry away with him the mystery which he was
pleased to keep up here.
FAITHFUL PRINCE [_To The_ EMPRESS.]
Your Majesty, the time has come, we must hasten.
EMPRESS
Yes, I am ready----Only one instant, one last minute! [_She
conducts the little_ Emperor _to the throne, on which she
seats him._] Permit me to render to the Son of Heaven the
homage which is his due. [_She kneels._] May your life be
happy and long, your reign peaceful and prosperous! [_She
bows three times._] May your dynasty endure eternally.
[_The men and the nurses prostrate themselves._]
THE CHILD [_on the verge of tears_]
I promised that I would not cry.
EMPRESS
In triumph and glory may you come back to us soon! [_She
rises._ THE CHILD _descends from the throne, approaches
the_ EMPRESS, _and kneels in turn_]
THE CHILD
Mother, tell me, I am not going for long, am I?
EMPRESS
[_Stooping and embracing her son passionately_]
No, my best beloved, no----only for a few days if the gods
whom I implore will it so!-----Have courage sweet little
flower----[_To the_ NURSES] Now go!
[_The_ NURSES _lead away the little_ EMPEROR.
_He keeps his gaze fixed on his mother until
he is out of sight._]