[Before the curtain rises, shots are heard. It is nightfall in the Imperial Citadel at Nanking, half battered-down by theTARTARS.Behind a huge wall with battlements are heard the sound of trumpets and the shouts of soldiers in the distance. At the back, to the left is a bronze gate, heavily boarded and surmounted by a black turret with a three-tiered angular roof. In the middle of the stage is a funeral pile of scaffolding and fagots. At the back, to the right, the crenellated wall continues; terraces are visible and in the far distance the outline of the palace stands out in relief against the sky, yellow in the setting sun. On the top of the wall, and over the gateway are Chinese soldiers, who are firing their last shots at the invisible besiegers.]
[Before the curtain rises, shots are heard. It is nightfall in the Imperial Citadel at Nanking, half battered-down by theTARTARS.Behind a huge wall with battlements are heard the sound of trumpets and the shouts of soldiers in the distance. At the back, to the left is a bronze gate, heavily boarded and surmounted by a black turret with a three-tiered angular roof. In the middle of the stage is a funeral pile of scaffolding and fagots. At the back, to the right, the crenellated wall continues; terraces are visible and in the far distance the outline of the palace stands out in relief against the sky, yellow in the setting sun. On the top of the wall, and over the gateway are Chinese soldiers, who are firing their last shots at the invisible besiegers.]
THE EMPRESS,theFAITHFUL PRINCE, ARROW-BEARER,theLADIES-IN-WAITING, CHINESE SOLDIERS.
[Wounded men are lying in their own blood here and there among the ruins. TheEMPRESSis in the middle of the stage, accoutred like a warrior, helmeted, holding a weapon in her bleeding hand. TheFAITHFUL PRINCEis on the top of the rampart with theSOLDIERS. ARROW-BEARER,mortally wounded, lies in the foreground to the left.]
FAITHFUL PRINCE[From the height of the ramparts giving orders to cease fire] Enough, my brave friends!——Stop shooting down the fugitives——Let us keep our powder for the final attack.
[The soldiers cease firing.]
[The soldiers cease firing.]
They have fled, once again we are saved!——
EMPRESS
Ah! Saved, yes!——Saved for a few minutes at least. We have time to meditate before death. [She sits on a stone. To theLADIES-IN-WAITINGwho flock about her.] Look now to those who are suffering. I need nothing, only my hand is bleeding, that does not matter——See what they need, go to their aid; you have the poison in the tiny flasks, have you not?
LADIES-IN-WAITING
[Showing her the golden flasks which they carry in the folds of their dress, on to each of which is attached a little cup of jade.] We have them, noble Sovereign.
EMPRESS
That which they most desire, no doubt, is death——Pour out the draught of the Great Deliverance for those who are suffering the most——Be sparing with it, however, for, alas! we have not enough for all. The contents of the little cup of jade chained to the flask is sufficient for one man, it is the proper dose. Go, my devoted maids, bring them sleep. That is your duty in this hour. [ToCINNAMON.] And you, Cinnamon, remain near me, you shall pour out my portion——Place your flask on the stone, very near me, with my Imperial cup.
[CINNAMONobeys. The otherLadies-in-Waitinggo among the wounded, leaning over them and offering them the potion in a low voice. In the distance firing is still heard.]
GOLDEN LOTUS
[Very gently toARROW-BEARER,whom she approaches at once]
My lord, do you wish to die? Then I shall empty the cup also soon after you——Do you wish to die?
ARROW-BEARER[After a silence and as if in a trance]
No, my fair trembling flower, my fair flower of the lake!——Before you came to me, I wished it——Now I wish it no longer. Let me remain for a little while among the living, to cherish in my heart that word of love which you have just spoken. Help those who are suffering more than I, without a friend——and then you will return and I shall rest my head on your knees before going to the Land of the Shades.
GOLDEN LOTUS
It shall be as you command, dear lord——Be sure I will return to you.
[She goes to the assistance of the other wounded, followed by the gaze of the dyingARROW-BEARER.The soldiers in the foreground add beams, fagots, and branches to the funeral pile. A tumult is heard to the right, in the wings, where more soldiers come on.]
[She goes to the assistance of the other wounded, followed by the gaze of the dyingARROW-BEARER.The soldiers in the foreground add beams, fagots, and branches to the funeral pile. A tumult is heard to the right, in the wings, where more soldiers come on.]
EMPRESS
Who is there?
CAPTAIN OF SOLDIERS
It is our envoy Wan-tsi who has succeeded in approaching our walls and will bring us the news from without. We have thrown down the rope-ladder to him, and here he is.
EMPRESS
Ah!——Let him come. [To the soldiers who stand behind her and are adding to the fire.] Rest awhile my friends! There is more than enough now to consume my body——Why do you make the fire so large?
CAPTAIN
Why do we want so large a fire?——Faithful Prince will tell your Majesty, when he presents our last request.
The same, with theENVOY WAN-TSI,who approaches theEMPRESS.His shoes and the hem of his robe are blood-stained. He prostrates himself.
EMPRESS
Arise, we have no further need of prostrations. We are all equal here. There is but one rank now, that which is conferred on all alike by the nobility of sacrifice. [WAN-TSIrises.] Now, speak——spare me nothing——Besides I guess——
WAN-TSI
Ah, yes, all is over, Oh, my Sovereign. Only your Palace still stands.
EMPRESS
But not for long!
WAN-TSI
The approaches to the walls have been abandoned. Perchance they may permit us to live until to-night has ended.
EMPRESS
And the rest of the city, the western citadels?
WAN-TSI
Are in the hands of the Tartars. All alike!——This cast off uniform of some enemy saved me——In the streets they are burning, killing, and murdering. Several thousand women have succeeded in throwing themselves into the river——The others have been outraged, and strangled at the same time. Blood flows along the pavement in streams like the water of Heaven after a storm. Every gutter discharges itself in the river like a great red fan. Down the whole length of the street corpses are to be seen, their bodies still warm, pouring blood through the gashes in their throats—— Noble Sovereign, on my way I climbed over thousands of dead bodies, my feet became entangled in their long hair trailing from the several heads——Oh Majesty, it is the end. [He kneels again.] And now forgive me for being the messenger of misfortune.
EMPRESS
My brave and faithful messenger, I thank you! Arise, I told you, and take your place among my last remaining soldiers——
[WAN-TSIrises and takes his place among the soldiers, who still continue to add fuel to the fire. ToCINNAMON,pointing to the flask and the golden cup.]
[WAN-TSIrises and takes his place among the soldiers, who still continue to add fuel to the fire. ToCINNAMON,pointing to the flask and the golden cup.]
Cinnamon, the hour has come.
CINNAMON
Oh Majesty, not yet. [The otherLADIES-IN-WAITING,scattered among the wounded, have heard the command and silently come and take their places about their Sovereign.]
EMPRESS
Would you wish to have them take me alive? That man who has seen, you have heard what he has just said.
TRANQUIL BEAUTY
But the palace is still standing.
PEARL
The army of the South may come to save us.
EMPRESS
To avenge us perhaps——later. But to save us——child, who think you could save us? [To herself.] Ah, that mysterious aid for which I have so foolishly hoped!——"The Star," said the handsome lying spy, "the star which shall watch over me so well when all shall bow before the triumph of the Dragon." Child, who think you could save us?——We have no more powder, no more men, no water, nothing. We have hurled down the stones of our ramparts; the gates give way, the walls are crumbling——[ToCINNAMON] Give it to me, the hour has come.
TRANQUIL BEAUTY
Sometimes when one believes all lost, fortune changes.
PEARL
Beloved sovereign, hasten not the irretrievable.
EMPRESS
The irretrievable would be to wait too long!
[She makes an imperious sign toCINNAMON,who pours the poison into the cup. But an uproar is heard from the summit of the rampart to which theFAITHFUL PRINCEhas just mounted again above the barricaded gate. Night continues to fall]
[She makes an imperious sign toCINNAMON,who pours the poison into the cup. But an uproar is heard from the summit of the rampart to which theFAITHFUL PRINCEhas just mounted again above the barricaded gate. Night continues to fall]
What is it now?
FAITHFUL PRINCE
A small body of Tartars has boldly come unarmed to the very foot of the walls. One of them, whose manner is calm and noble, says that he has been sent by the Emperor with a last communication to your Majesty. He showed us, under the light of a torch which we lit, the Imperial seal of the Tsings, of a scroll of yellow silk.
EMPRESS
A communication? From the usurper to your Sovereign, a communication? Is not the very idea an insult? Let these bold men go away unharmed, but tell them to go at once.
[CINNAMONgradually retires with her cup of poison.]
FAITHFUL PRINCE[Descending again from the ramparts and approaching theEMPRESSwith an air of mystery.] The one whose bearing is so dignified, I seem to have seen before.
EMPRESS
To have seen him. Where?
FAITHFUL PRINCE
[Coming nearer and lowering his voice] My sovereign, I think——that unknown, who came the day of the investiture——I am sure of it—It is he!
EMPRESS
[Arising bewildered] Why do you whisper?——Prince, you almost insult me with that tone of confidence, when it concerns that man. You mean him who presented himself fraudulently as our Viceroy of the South?
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Yes.
EMPRESS
Very well then, have him brought here. Throw the rope-ladder to him that he may appear before me. [The ladder is thrown from the top of the wall.]
Hide the poison, Cinnamon, and the golden flask as well. He who is coming need not know.... Has the fire darkened my face?
[The newcomers appear at the top of the rampart, theTARTAR EMPERORfirst, followed byFOUNT-IN-THE-FORESTand three other persons in Tartar soldiers' uniform, but unarmed.]
[The newcomers appear at the top of the rampart, theTARTAR EMPERORfirst, followed byFOUNT-IN-THE-FORESTand three other persons in Tartar soldiers' uniform, but unarmed.]
TheTARTAR EMPERORand TheEMPRESS
[TheEMPERORadvances while the four men of his suite remain in the rear. At a signal from theEMPRESS,theLADIES-IN-WAITINGand all others on the stage retire to the back.]
EMPEROR
[Bending the knee before her, as on the Coronation day] Oh, Sovereign, oh, brave warrior, may the day dawn which will brighten your dark destiny! [He rises.]
EMPRESS[Trembling]
Oh, dispense with all vain formalities. The minutes left to us are sparingly numbered——Drop the mask and speak quickly. Who are you? A Tartar, alas! are you not? Otherwise you would have been unable to break through their ring of steel——A Tartar, say?
EMPEROR
Yes.
EMPRESS
A spy, then, when you came on my Coronation day? Nothing but a spy, alas!
EMPEROR
No! One who risked his life that day, as he does again, to save yours.
EMPRESS
My life is no longer of any importance, and the right to save it belongs to none. At the Court of the Usurper who reigns at Peking what position is I yours?——Secret agent for venturesome missions? No, a great dignitary, then? Tell me.
EMPEROR
Yes.
EMPRESS
And a Prince?
EMPEROR
What matters it what I am? Your Majesty is the chief concern. Deign to listen to what the Emperor——
EMPRESS[Interrupting]
Where is your Emperor? At the head of his troops?
EMPEROR[Embarrassed]
Well——No, in his place over yonder. The rites, I need scarcely tell you, do not permit him to leave it.
[Throughout this dialogue the cannon is heard incessantly in distant parts of the city.]
[Throughout this dialogue the cannon is heard incessantly in distant parts of the city.]
EMPRESS
The rites, ah, the rites! You see what attention I have paid to the rites, I, the daughter of the Mings, the daughter of Heaven and the Invisible——I am here in the midst of my soldiers. I am fighting like them!——And it is he, your phantom Emperor, who dares to send me a message?
EMPEROR
With a message of pardon one always dares——
EMPRESS
Say rather that a message of pardon is the last message which may be sent when it is from him and concerns me!——So the Tartars dare to offer pardon!——You have just passed through my city of Nanking and you have seen? It is glorious, is it not, their work?——
EMPEROR
Alas! yes, I have seen with horror,——but I can swear to you by my life that such were not the orders which were given by my Sovereign.
EMPRESS
Ah! a Sovereign then, who has not the force wherewith to command obedience!——So others have told me that before——I still hate him with that ineradicable race-hatred which you know, to which now contempt is added. Oh, that Emperor who smokes opium in his mummy's palace, while his hordes of soldiers at their own free will go through the provinces, leaving red tracks behind and charnel-houses for the vultures!
And if the impossible were to happen and I were to humiliate myself sufficiently to accept his pardon, who would warrant me after all—since he is not obeyed? Amid that army of wild beasts which was here awhile ago and will return soon to shout for our death, who could enforce the order of pardon of your phantom Emperor?——Who, I ask?
EMPEROR
I!
EMPRESS
You! [More gently and in some agitation.] You! Perhaps in very truth you might, for you seem to be one of those whom one dare not disobey. Moreover you have the superb audacity to reappear at this moment! But if the loyalty which I read in your eyes does not deceive me, cease the game which you are playing, and this time answer———Who are you?
EMPEROR
Who am I? Up to now nothing! Inexistent as a vaporous cloud! Nothing! But to-morrow perhaps everything, if you so wish it. To-morrow everything and radiating at your side like a sun in the blue ether——
EMPRESS[Drawing back]
Ah, you remember all too well my recent indulgence toward your enigmas. Amid the perfume of incense, amid pomp and luxury, I betrayed the weakness of a woman. To-day, no; you find me stronger and more stern, precisely because I am defeated, and know that I must die.
EMPEROR[Bowing before her]
Oh, Sovereign, never were you more sacred to me Do not be offended by my words and for a short time still allow me my mask and my mystery. Hear only this: A fortnight ago, when I left that palace where I saw you in all your Imperial splendour, I hastened to Peking to request of that Emperor whom you hate that he would stop this horrible war. On the way I learned that our Tartar armies were marching with lightning speed, and I turned back as quick as my ship and horses could take me, to give to them myself the order for peace. I have the right to do so. See, here is the seal which gives me full power in the name of Tsings. As you have said, I am one of those whom men dare not disobey; at least, not face to face, when I speak——I have learned now how to give orders and to enforce them. Deign only to allow your soldiers to give the signal for a truce, just to hoist the flag on the tower, and not one of their heads shall fall, I swear it——
EMPRESS
To make that offer to me, Prince, you must not be of the Imperial blood——The Daughter of Heaven can never accept the mercy of a Tartar!——
The same,FAITHFUL PRINCE, A WATCHMAN,theCAPTAINof theSOLDIERS,and theSOLDIERS.
WATCHMAN
[Announcing from the height of a turret at the summit of the ramparts] An army, see, over there. The Tartars are returning! Thousands and thousands of them. In the distance they appear in the twilight like a long black trail——
FAITHFUL PRINCE
How far?
WATCHMAN
At the bend of the river, I can see their vanguard——They are marching along the avenue of Sitche-Men.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Let them come——It will be their last attack——Only at the bend of the river. Then we have still half an hour——
WATCHMAN
They are lighting their torches, and now I hear their war-trumpets.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Be it so!——We shall be ready.
EMPEROR[Imploring her with clasped hands]
Sovereign!
TheEMPRESS[As though ready to yield]
For myself, no!——I have declared my intentions, that is my last word!——[Pointing to herSOLDIERS.] But all these brave men, who are ready to drop with exhaustion, with hunger and thirst——[ToFAITHFUL PRINCE] Ah, well, for their sakes, yes, let us raise the flag of truce.
FAITHFUL PRINCE[Incredulously]
The flag of truce!
EMPRESS
Yes, I have said so, oh, noble subject! I have said it!——My death alone must be sufficient satisfaction for the enemy. Since there is no more hope, of what avail is this final slaughter? Let the signal be raised.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Not one of the warriors will yield.
EMPRESS
But if I command them!——Am I no longer their Empress?
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Submissive to your every command, they refuse to obey that one order.
EMPRESS[To herSOLDIERS]
Can it be true——My friends, this instant I command it, do you hear me?——Oh, spare me this excess of anguish, my dear rebels!——You cannot wish that I should be transported into the other world along the stream of your blood——
[TheSOLDIERSdrop their heads and stand motionless, holding their weapons.]
[TheSOLDIERSdrop their heads and stand motionless, holding their weapons.]
CAPTAIN OF SOLDIERS.[After a silence] Majesty, the Prince has already answered for all of us! We emphatically refuse to ask for a truce.
EMPRESS[Turning towards theEMPERORin a sudden exultation of triumph.] Ah, you see I am like yourTARTAR EMPEROR; I am not obeyed. Go tell him, report to your master——and at the same time you may tell him that we know how to die nobly in the palace of the Mings. Go, my lord, you may take your leave.
EMPEROR[Imploring more insistently]
Sovereign, what if I now were to implore your pardon——the right to remain here and die at your side?
EMPRESS
I grant the honour of dying at the side of the Empress, only to those brave men—who are of my race, do you understand?——and who have spilled their blood to defend me. Go, my lord, I have commanded you.
[Coming toward him, speaking very low and quickly, like a desperate woman.] One more word, however——My son, who is still in the keeping of the army of the South——My son——since you seem to dare all and to have all power will you try to save him?——But no——when it is the mother who speaks in me I can no longer reason——To attempt that would mean to be a traitor to the master whom you serve——
EMPEROR
I serve no master, I am above treason, free as the gods, and answerable to my own conscience only. I will try——I will live to try.
EMPRESS
Do so, and be this your reward——Later, among the clouds, where all the dead meet and are at peace——my shades shall not be hostile to yours——Now go, my lord, our last moments are necessary to us——[ToFAITHFUL PRINCE,making a sign to him to conduct theTARTAR EMPEROR.] Prince, the audience is at an end.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
[To theEMPEROR,who hesitates, as if on the point of making a decisive revelation] Go, my lord. You have heard our sovereign dismiss you.
[He wants to lead him to that part of the wall where he ascended]
[He wants to lead him to that part of the wall where he ascended]
EMPRESS. [Indicating the bronze gate, barricaded by boards] No, open that gate. We still have time. For the last time, I desire that my palace be left as if I still had liberty and power——Open it. [TheSOLDIERShasten to take away the boards and open the two doors of the gateway.] All honour must be accorded the messenger of peace.
[TheSOLDIERSkneel, the gong and the trumpets are sounded.]
[TheSOLDIERSkneel, the gong and the trumpets are sounded.]
EMPEROR
Yes, messenger of peace, in spite of you yourself and in all circumstance. [Turning about, facing her and speaking like one inspired.] The dragon will descend from the height of the dark storm clouds——and in his claws he will gently pick up, in her own despite, the beautiful phoenix who wished to die——
[He goes out, followed by the fourTARTARwarriors. TheSOLDIERSbarricade the gate again with planks and stones.]
[He goes out, followed by the fourTARTARwarriors. TheSOLDIERSbarricade the gate again with planks and stones.]
The same, without theEMPERORand theTARTARS.
TheEMPRESS, [as theLADIES-IN-WAITINGgather about her.] Who is that man——who is so like a god?
PEARL
All of a tremble, we watched him from afar——
TRANQUIL BEAUTY
His eyes radiated noble love.
CINNAMON
Yet your Majesty, always so gentle to us, seemed very haughty towards him.
EMPRESS. [Without replying, dreamily repeats the Coronation admonition.] Be attentive and anxious as if you carried a vase filled to the brim with water, of which not a drop must be spilled.
TheWATCHMAN[From the height of the turret over the gate] The torches of their vanguard can be seen at the corner of the Avenue of the East——The sound of their artillery-wagons can be faintly heard——
EMPRESS
Already at the corner of the Avenue of the East!——Death is flying to us on wings [She takes the cup full of poison whichCINNAMONhad hidden behind a stone] The hour has come!——[To theLADIES-IN-WAITINGaround her, pointing to the pyre.] As soon as the potion has accomplished its work, you will place me there, and when the flame mounts higher and clearer, then your service to your Empress will be terminated, you will empty the golden flask, to follow me. [She puts down the cup of poison which she was about to raise to her lips.] Faithful Prince, I wish to say good-bye to him——Call him.
[During the preceding dialogue, theFAITHFUL PRINCE,at the back of the stage, a torch in his hand, superintends a group ofSOLDIERS,who are using crowbars and pickaxes.]
[During the preceding dialogue, theFAITHFUL PRINCE,at the back of the stage, a torch in his hand, superintends a group ofSOLDIERS,who are using crowbars and pickaxes.]
CINNAMON
Over yonder, is that not he?
[FAITHFUL PRINCEorders theSOLDIERSto remove a rock, which hides a small bronze door.]
[FAITHFUL PRINCEorders theSOLDIERSto remove a rock, which hides a small bronze door.]
EMPRESS
Ah, I knew——
PEARL
What is he doing?
EMPRESS
What must be done! He too, realising that the hour has come for me to go to my last sleep, is preparing my couch. These galleries beneath the earth lead to my tomb.
[The bronze door opens.PEARLkneels and hides her face.GOLDEN LOTUS,a little apart from the group, is kneeling nearARROW-BEARER,and speaks tenderly to him, as she smooths his forehead.]
[The bronze door opens.PEARLkneels and hides her face.GOLDEN LOTUS,a little apart from the group, is kneeling nearARROW-BEARER,and speaks tenderly to him, as she smooths his forehead.]
This proud tomb, long ago hewn out secretly, is of no use now. There rather, there in the beautiful flame and the eddying smoke, my spirit will ascend to the clouds——Nothing of me shall remain for the hands of the Tartar to profane. In vain they will have surrounded me. I shall escape them, in the air——
TRANQUIL BEAUTY [Also kneeling]
But Sovereign, since this tomb is secret and is inviolable, at least permit your attendants to bury you there, in magnificence.——Permit that, oh, well beloved Sovereign;——That flame, oh, why that flame? No, no, it is too horrible.
EMPRESS
Child, do you not know the history of our race? My ancestor, defeated in this same place, defeated as I am, killed himself——An hour later his tomb was violated, his body was thrown into the street as food for the dogs and the vultures——I have declared my will. Go call Faithful Prince. He wastes his strength in a vain task, when he is bleeding. See, the blood covers his robe. His wound has reopened, he pays no heed to it. At least let him spare time to bid me farewell——Go, it is my wish. [TRANQUIL BEAUTYrises and goes over to thePRINCE.During the preceding dialogue, he has been ordering theSOLDIERSto light more torches and to carry them into the vault.]
TRANQUIL BEAUTY[Advancing toFAITHFUL PRINCE]
Prince!——The Empress——
[FAITHFUL PRINCEapproaches theEMPRESS.]
[FAITHFUL PRINCEapproaches theEMPRESS.]
TheEMPRESS, FAITHFUL PRINCE, TRANQUIL BEAUTY,TheCAPTAINof theSOLDIERS,AWATCHMAN.
EMPRESS [ToFAITHFUL PRINCE]
Prince, I wish to bid you farewell. My last spoken word must be to you, with my everlasting gratitude.
[She raises the poison-cup to her lips.]
[She raises the poison-cup to her lips.]
FAITHFUL PRINCE[With a gesture as though to stop her.]
No, my Divine Empress, no. The hour of rest, alas! has not come for you or for me. No, your hard task is not yet completed!——
EMPRESS
My task, you say, is not yet completed? But the palace is only a ruin. The gates are giving way, the walls are crumbling——This time we can withstand the attack only ten minutes——it is the end!——
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Alas, I know it all too well. There is no hope.
EMPRESS
Then let me go——the Tartars are returning. Listen, I too begin to hear their war-trumpets. You would not have that they should take your Empress alive, or even find her body to throw to the crows.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Hear me, I entreat you!——[He motions toVEILED-LIGHT,who has just appeared at the back. TheEMPRESShas set down the cup on a stone.] We have deferred making known to you the last heroic service which we purpose to demand——Permit your Councillor to convey to you our unanimous opinion.
VEILED-LIGHT[Bending the knee]
Oh, Majesty, 200,000 soldiers have died for you. The few hundred, also, who remain here within our walls, are about to sacrifice their lives at once. Do you wish them to die for a lost cause. [He motions to theCHIEFof the Soldiers to approach.] Deign to permit their chief to add his prayers to ours.
TheCAPTAINof theSOLDIERS, [After bending the knee.]
Proudly and without regret we give up our lives for our Sovereign——May she too do what we have learned to expect of her marvellous courage, a thousand times greater than that of her humble defenders.
VEILED-LIGHT
Oh, Majesty, we must envy these men who are about to die so gloriously. Our duty is otherwise; it is longer, it is more terrible.
EMPRESS
Our duty longer and more terrible?——Then what do you expect of me? Speak, what would you say. Your Empress will obey you, but speak at once, I do not understand. [She takes again the golden cup.]
FAITHFUL PRINCE
What we must do, my beloved Sovereign, is to flee and live.
EMPRESS [Violently]
Ah, no! All that you have demanded of me I have done, but I refuse to take flight like a coward.
VEILED-LIGHT
To flee, alas! yes. But to escape from the enemy, to deprive them of the prize of war——and thus their success will be but failure. Soon the blood of our heroes will inspire other heroes. A new army will rally to the cause of the Daughter of Heaven, and the war will begin again.
EMPRESS
And more blood will be spilt——and the ravaged country will people the realm of the shades——No, no, enough of death's——I fear to have my reign handed down as that of a fatal and murderous Sovereign. All this blood! All this blood spilled for me! It seems to me that my very hands are red with it!
FAITHFUL PRINCE
The blood of your subjects is inexhaustible, and their devotion is limitless.
EMPRESS[Suddenly becoming very calm and as though beseeching]
But my courage is exhausted. [Pointing to the Soldiers, who are piling wood upon the fire.] I want to die with them.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Live, that their death may not have been in vain. Live to bring back our young Emperor, whom the Army of the South is protecting for us. Live for us all and for him.
EMPRESS
My son! Oh, speak not that name. Do not, to influence me, do not try to touch upon that string, that alone I forbid you touch. At the very moment when you tore him from me, I had an intuition that I should never see him again, never again gaze upon his dear little face, his beautiful eyes——I have courage to listen to all except when you speak to me of him,——for then, do you not see, I become again a mother, nothing but a mother, like other women, and I have no longer, no longer the strength.——[She turns her head and begins to sob.] Oh, not to belong to one's self, not even to be allowed to lay down on the roadside the burden of one's life!——To be the impersonal idol of a whole people, to be dealt with in accordance with their will! To be a wretched fetish, whom all watch as carefully as the tablets of their ancestors on the family altar!——
FAITHFUL PRINCE
You are the shining standard, the ever-radiant goddess, toward whom we turn in our supreme distress——and you will do what millions of your subjects demand of you, through the mouths of these few brave men who are about to die.
THE WATCHMAN[from the height of the turret,] He hurls himself against their vanguard, the man who was here just now, the Messenger of peace——with the three others who accompanied him. He hurls himself against their vanguard as though to make them halt. Yes, he wishes them to stop, that is it. And he seems to command like a master, and to inspire them with fear.
EMPRESS[To theWATCHMAN]
So! Let not that man's name be mentioned again to me. And you, poor Watchman, whose task is finished, you may come down and join your brothers in arms, to die with them. Of what concern to us now are the movements of the Tartars? We are no longer of this world. [ToFAITHFUL PRINCE] But how, then, is what you asked of me possible?——Surrounded on all sides, how and whither can we flee. Where can we hide? Where?
[TheSOLDIERS,having loosened the rock, are standing in front of the bronze door, still holding their crowbars and pickaxes. They have an air of expectancy.]
[TheSOLDIERS,having loosened the rock, are standing in front of the bronze door, still holding their crowbars and pickaxes. They have an air of expectancy.]
FAITHFUL PRINCE
There in the tomb. On the cement lying all ready now to seal the rocks we shall throw dust——as soon you shall have entered.——
TheEMPRESS[After a silence, speaking slowly, submissive and very melancholy] In my grave entombed alive! Be it so! And after that?——
FAITHFUL PRINCE
There is a subterranean passage, which passes through the vaults where your father and your husband sleep. You know, as I do, that its end opens out upon brushwood in the country, at the foot of the Hill of Tortures.
EMPRESS
[Quickly and breathlessly] If it is not already obstructed by the soil, yes! And all about the Hill of Tortures the Tartars are encamped.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
We will wait until they are no longer there.
EMPRESS
And shall we have sufficient air in this vault, where sleep our dead?
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Yes, I believe so——but let us take this potion with us which you wished to drink a while ago.
EMPRESS[Very excitedly]
And if the Tartars take us there, if they track us like beasts of the night, hunted into their burrows? Remember how they violated the tomb of my ancestor.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
It was not secret, like yours.
EMPRESS[Still in great excitement]
And, clothes wherewith to escape through the country where the enemy roams at large? [Pointing to her uniform.] Not these, for sure?
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Some taken from the enemy will serve admirably——The ground must be covered with them.
EMPRESS
Rags torn from some festering corpse, is it thus you would clothe your Empress!——So be it, even to that I consent——But how can we live in the depths of that tomb? Since we are not yet of the Shades, we must eat, you know that. I divided my last grains of rice this morning with you and my soldiers!——What then?
FAITHFUL PRINCE[Pointing to the tomb.]
The consecrated cakes there on the table of the dead.
EMPRESS
Horror and sacrilege!
VEILED-LIGHT
There is no sacrilege, when the safety of the Bright Dynasty is at stake. The August Shades will come in person to invite us to eat. Our sacrifice will make them indulgent and favourable.
EMPRESS [Slowly]
And so I must be the one to live in the chill gloom with no certainty of ever coming forth. I must be the one to creep about like a ghost in the vaults peopled by phantoms, groping my hands over the pious offerings shrivelling on the altars of the dead——Aye, it is indeed more terrible than dying here. But I accept it. Lead me on, I am resigned.
THE WATCHMAN[From the top of the wall]
The Tartars have stopped their march, a small group is running toward us, unarmed, but carrying signs on long poles. In spite of the darkness, it looks like a message which grants pardon.
EMPRESS
Ha, a forced pardon——that would be more insulting still. Bury me in my tomb, Prince, before they come.
FAITHFUL PRINCE[Pointing toVEILED-LIGHT]
Your Councillor and I will follow you into the tomb, and perhaps two of these young girls if they feel brave enough for the ordeal.
The same, theLADIES-IN-WAITING.
EMPRESS
So here are my household, my court of death, and doubtless my last retinue of mourners; just four persons! [To theLADIES-IN-WAITING] Which two of you, my maidens, will have the courage to follow me down those gloomy paths below?
LADIES-IN-WAITING[Bowing]
All of us, we are all ready. Your Majesty has but to deign to name two of us.
EMPRESS[After a pause]
Tranquil Beauty, Cinnamon!
[TRANQUIL BEAUTYandCINNAMONapproach theEMPRESS.]
All of you are dear to me, but I have called those who in adversity have shown the bravest hearts. [To the others.] And you, my sweet flowers, so untimely faded, may the Water of the Great Deliverance convey you easily beyond this world through the peace of sleep.
PEARL
We have given it all to the wounded.
ANOTHER LADY
Our flasks are empty.
PEARL
The flames terrify us——but we know how to die, noble Sovereign.
ANOTHER LADY
The Lake in the garden is deep, around the Isle of Jade.
PEARL
As soon as we have conducted your Majesty to the threshold of the tomb we shall repair to the lake-side.
ANOTHER LADY
Deep in the mud, where we shall sleep tranquilly, The Lotus will entwine us in her roots and we shall live again in her flowers.
EMPRESS
[ToGOLDEN LOTUS,who is seated to the left, holding in her lap the dyingARROW-BEARER'Shead.] And you, Golden Lotus?
GOLDEN LOTUS
Oh, Majesty, receive from here my last greeting——To leave him, to set down his head, forgive me if I have not the courage——
[The trumpets and gongs of theTARTARSare heard without, with a shouting which grows nearer and nearer.]
[The trumpets and gongs of theTARTARSare heard without, with a shouting which grows nearer and nearer.]
EMPRESS[ToARROW-BEARERandGOLDEN LOTUS]
Alas, poor lovers without a to-morrow, here is the marriage gift from your Empress. [She pours out some poison into her golden cup and gives it to them.] Farewell, may you be united in the clouds. [ToFAITHFUL PRINCE] Let us go, Prince, show me the way. I am ready.
TheCHIEFof theSOLDIERS[advancing toFAITHFUL PRINCE.]
Prince, speak for us.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Your Majesty, your soldiers ask one more favour of you.
EMPRESS
Is it then in my power still to do aught for them? All, all that they ask I will give.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
You desired to know why they were piling so much wood on the fire. It was for themselves. They want to die before the entrance of the Tartars, and this is the last request that they make, that you will set the torch to their funeral pile.
[TheCHIEFof theSOLDIERSkneels, and hands a lighted torch to theEMPRESS.]
[TheCHIEFof theSOLDIERSkneels, and hands a lighted torch to theEMPRESS.]
EMPRESS[Taking the torch and addressing theSOLDIERS.] My well beloved soldiers, be assured that your Empress will soon follow you into the land of the Shades. She accepts your request that she should flee, only that she may try to avenge you. But if happier days smile upon the Bright Dynasty she will refuse to live them. Before you all, she takes this solemn vow; When once her relentless task is at an end, she will hasten to join you in the land of the Shades——Oh, victims that are more than men, oh, conquered ones that wear the halo of glory! Oh, my heroic army!——A day shall come when the story of your sublime death shall be engraved in letters of gold on the Imperial Jade, that posterity may weep for you. [She sets the torch to the pile] and that the brightness of your funeral pile may dazzle the world for ever!——
[The pile takes fire. TheSOLDIERSthrow themselves into the flame as they sing.]
[The pile takes fire. TheSOLDIERSthrow themselves into the flame as they sing.]
TheSOLDIERS
Long live our King! Long and happy life to our King!
[A cloud of black smoke envelopes them. The sound of an approaching gong is heard at regular intervals, and then the voice of aTARTAR HERALD.]
[A cloud of black smoke envelopes them. The sound of an approaching gong is heard at regular intervals, and then the voice of aTARTAR HERALD.]
THE TARTAR HERALD[outside, in the distance.] The Command of the Emperor! Tremble and obey!
FAITHFUL PRINCE[Hastily to theCAPTAINof the soldiers.] Let the rock be replaced as I told you. Block it up quick and throw earth upon the cement, and a pile of dust. [TheCAPTAINrejoins the few men who are standing before the tomb, still holding their crowbars and pickaxes. TheEMPRESS, FAITHFUL PRINCE, VEILED-LIGHT, TRANQUIL BEAUTY,andCINNAMONgo towards the bronze door. The otherLADIES-IN-WAITINGfollow, and kneel as they approach the door.]
EMPRESS[At the threshold of the tomb, addressing the four who are to enter with her.] Go in before me. I will be the last to pass through. My funeral is this!——And then I wish to gaze for the last time upon my heroes and my beautiful palace yonder, still standing out in relief. [To the kneelingLADIES] Arise, my cherished maidens. Do not delay. The lake to which you go is not near by.
[TheLADIES-IN-WAITINGgo out, hand-in-hand, and as they disappear their sobs are heard. TheEMPRESSsets foot on the threshold of the door and then turns round like one inspired, watching the flames of the pyre, which rises higher and higher. She raises her arms as though in an ecstasy.]
[TheLADIES-IN-WAITINGgo out, hand-in-hand, and as they disappear their sobs are heard. TheEMPRESSsets foot on the threshold of the door and then turns round like one inspired, watching the flames of the pyre, which rises higher and higher. She raises her arms as though in an ecstasy.]
EMPRESS
See the glorious red flame! See the beautiful eddying smoke. It is bright within my palace for the last time. And I see them too, those noble souls, mounting ever higher and higher in the dark whirling spirals of smoke!
SOLDIERS[Singing in the flames]
Ten thousand years! Ten thousand years.
EMPRESS[To theSOLDIERS]
Go, my brave men!——Soar up on high, fly to the heaven of your ancestors, ascend to the god of the clouds.
SOLDIERS[More feebly]
Ten thousand years, ten thousand years!
[TheTARTAR'Sgong is heard ever closer and closer.]
[TheTARTAR'Sgong is heard ever closer and closer.]
EMPRESS[To theSOLDIERS]
I too am doomed like you, be sure of that! Only a little later my soul will take flight. But already I am dead, dead to all save vengeance, save the fury of battle, save merciless hate. And now I must shut my door of bronze. [To theSOLDIERSwho hold the crowbars.] Cement it well, my friends, to hide your Empress! Replace the heavy boulder. Immure this living corpse in her tomb. [She closes the bronze door after her. TheCAPTAINand the few men who remain replace the rock, hastily piling cement and dust upon it.]
The Voice of theTARTAR HERALD[now at the foot of the wall] The command of the Emperor! Tremble and obey! To all without condition, pardon and liberty! Open your gates and have no fear, the Emperor grants pardon to all.
One of theSOLDIERS[who is cementing the rock] The insult of your pardon comes too late. Before you can break down our walls, we shall all be dead.
Voice ofTARTAR HERALD
Open and have no fear, our Emperor grants life to all.
ANOTHER SOLDIER
Nay, there shall not even be dead to receive your pardon, nought but ashes!
CaptainofSOLDIERS[as he finishes cementing the rock against the door of the Imperial tomb] Our beautiful Phoenix, for want of power to spread her wings, has vanished under the earth.
The voices of theSOLDIERS[becoming feebler in the flames and smoke] Ten thousand years to the Bright Dynasty! Ten thousand years!
[The flames and smoke envelope the entire scene.]
[The flames and smoke envelope the entire scene.]
[Before the curtain rises the shouts of the crowd are heard, mingled with sound of gongs and bells. The execution-ground under the ramparts of Peking. A colossal grey wall with battlements, occupies the back of the stage, and, on the left, disappears from view in the distance. Chinese prisoners are attached to stakes all along the wall, others are in the cangue, under a huge red signboard. Here and there decapitated heads hang dripping from spikes. There are bloodstains all over the ground. A noisy crowd hurries along the front of the scene. The men wearing modern Peking costume, long queues, blue cotton robes and goat-skin tunics. TheTARTARwomen, of lower-class, wear a horn-like coiffure with large artificial flowers in it. In the foreground, to the left, is the large tent of theTARTAR GENERAL;of greenish leather, with a yellow roofing, surmounted by a silver bell-turret. It is wide open. The interior is carpeted with the skins of wild beasts; a circular table surrounds the central pole; carpets, camp-stools, a little table, and a square banner bearing the name of theGENERAL.Guards and Soldiers, with naked sabres. Camels are lying all around, among bales of goods and arms. Carriages, palanquins.
As the curtain rises, the crowd continues to shout wildly. Vendors of hot drinks are walking about with copper urns on their backs; barbers are ringing their bells; blind conjurers are playing the flute, sweetmeat-pedlars are striking gongs. The executioners in the immediate foreground are wiping the dripping blades of their swords.]
TheEXECUTIONERS,theCROWD.
FIRST EXECUTIONER[As he wipes his sword, speaking to two young women standing near him] Our arms are pretty tired, my little beauties.
ONE WOMAN
Ah! But your arms look very strong, Master Executioner.
THE EXECUTIONER
Strong, well I don't say they are not. But all the same——
A FLOWER-PEDLAR
Imperial peonies, lotus of all kinds, every flower of the season.
A FRUIT PEDLAR
Sweet as honey, red fruit of the mountains.
TARTAR CHILD[Approaching theEXECUTIONER.] Mr. Executioner, do you have to strike very hard to cut off their heads?
[Some men carrying a bucket full of water suspended on their shoulders, begin to swill the ground with a large wooden ladle.]
[Some men carrying a bucket full of water suspended on their shoulders, begin to swill the ground with a large wooden ladle.]
EXECUTIONER
It requires skill, my little lamb——to find just the right place——skill and force too, of course——Ah! I can tell you, our business is not learnt in a day——
A SWEETMEAT-PEDLAR
[Ringing a small bell] They have the flavour of sugar-cane, the sweets that I have for sale.
FRUIT-VENDOR
Ay, ay! White as tallow, white as jade, my fresh melons.
TWO BEGGARS[Playing guitars]
Come listen to the legend of the King of the Dragons.
[They sing in a very shrill voice.]
Near the Bamboo Lake,Three owls, three owls.
SECOND EXECUTIONER
[To some other women as he points to the prisoners tied to stakes.] What, the second group there? Their turn will come very soon. The Chief Executioner has given us a few minutes' rest, and we've earned it well, haven't we? [He hails a pedlar of drinks and orders one for himself.]
HABERDASHER[Striking a small bell]
All the latest styles in my stock!——Look, young women, look, young girls!
ONE TARTAR WOMAN[To Another]
Oh, I'm not one of those who take pleasure in seeing heads cut off——and, besides, the sight is always the same. No, it is their goddess whom I wish to see.
SECOND TARTAR WOMAN.
Their goddess?——their Empress?——Ah, and so do I. All of us want to see their goddess. She is the one who interests us the most.
THIRD TARTAR WOMAN
And do you suppose they will show her to you?
SECOND WOMAN
Why not? They are showing us all their generals and princes, and all the rest of them——Prisoners are made to be seen, that is why they were brought here to Peking.
THIRD WOMAN
Oh, yes, but she——it seems that while she was being brought here, she was treated with every consideration that could be shown to a queen. And the Emperor has had her placed in the Forbidden City, you know; in his very Palace indeed.
SECOND WOMAN
It is said that her eyes are so wonderful that ordinary people like us cannot meet their gaze.
JASMINE-FLOWER
Yes, and I should be afraid to look at her! A woman who has been dead—for she was dead for at least two moons, you know!
SECOND WOMAN
Jasmine Flower believes everything that is told her.
JASMINE
Why, every one knows that she was dead——For two moons, I tell you! She spent two moons in her grave.
FRUIT-VENDOR
Ay, ay, white as tallow, white as jade, new melon!
FIRST WOMAN
It is well known that bullets and grapeshot passed through her as through a ghost. [Seeing aCAPTAINof theSOLDIERS,who is standing near.] There, ask Lee-Phuang, who was there when she was taken. Isn't it true, Lee-Phuang?
LEE-PHUANG
Oh, yes, I was a witness myself. The bullets could not touch this goddess of theirs!
Two subordinateOFFICERS
[leading to the execution-ground a new group of Chinese prisoners, with hands tied behind them, among whom bringing up the rear, is theFAITHFUL PRINCE,his garments all stained and torn.]
[leading to the execution-ground a new group of Chinese prisoners, with hands tied behind them, among whom bringing up the rear, is theFAITHFUL PRINCE,his garments all stained and torn.]
Make room, make room!
[The prisoners pass along to join the others who are awaiting their turn to be beheaded at the foot of the wall.]
[The prisoners pass along to join the others who are awaiting their turn to be beheaded at the foot of the wall.]
LEE-PHUANG. [To theWOMENwho questioned him] You see the last one in the line, look at him, the one who walks with so haughty an air? He is the greatest chief of the Nanking rebels. His name is the Faithful Prince, he was the right hand of the Goddess in battle, he was always at her side.
HABERDASHER[Striking his bell]
All the latest styles in my stock! Look young women, have a look, young girls!
FAITHFUL PRINCE.TheTARTAR GENERAL
TheTARTAR GENERAL[coming out of his tent and salutingFAITHFUL PRINCE,who brings up the rear of the last group of condemned men.]
Enter here, noble captive. Look not over yonder. Each man should die but once, and you would die each time you saw a head fall. Is it not punishment enough for you to be the last of all the victims?
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Perhaps my presence may strengthen my poor soldiers, so simple in their heroism.
TARTAR GENERAL
No, no, your suffering only adds to their pain——Grant a loyal enemy the great honour of passing the last minutes of your glorious life in his tent. You are now above worldly trivialities and implacable hates.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
The sword is not responsible, not even the executioner.
TARTAR GENERAL
Nor yet even the General!
[The new prisoners are tied to the stake.]
[The new prisoners are tied to the stake.]
FAITHFUL PRINCE
I bear no malice.
[He enters the tent with theTARTAR GENERAL.]
[He enters the tent with theTARTAR GENERAL.]
TARTAR GENERAL
And I make no boast. I know that the sages disapprove of war and hold that the work of the conqueror amounts to no more than the dust of ten thousand skeletons——
FAITHFUL PRINCE
And that those who triumph deserve no more than the honour of a funeral.
TARTAR GENERAL
Yes, the glory of arms is indeed but the smoke of a fire! [They seat themselves on camp-stools, and rice wine is served to them. Throughout the following dialogue executions are in progress in the foreground, amid the shouts of the crowd. Every minute the sword of an executioner describes a circle in the air, and as each head falls, it is hung up on the great wall of Peking. Deafening shrieks and cries accompany the conversation of the two men in the tent.]
TARTAR GENERAL
Before passing from this world, have you not some mission for your dear ones which you might desire carried out? I would undertake it respectfully.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Beyond a doubt all who were dear to me have perished. I thank you for your considerate offer.
TARTAR GENERAL
Have you no last desire?
FAITHFUL PRINCE
One only. To know the fate of our Empress. She was fighting too in that dreadful battle where I was taken prisoner. Is she alive or dead, free or captive?
TARTAR GENERAL
She is living, a captive only a fortnight since, and yesterday was brought to Peking, not far from here in the Forbidden City.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
She is not far from here, my Sovereign! Ah, if only the gods, wearied with afflicting us, would permit——To know that she is so near!——
TARTAR GENERAL
At the end of that battle which was so great an honour to the defeated, she succeeded in escaping with a thousand soldiers. But her retreat was cut off, and the Warrior Empress would have been captured long before had not contradictory orders hindering our movements, enabled her to delay her capture from day to day. You would have thought someone in great authority was watching over her with wonderful solicitude, warning her of dangers or endeavouring to turn them aside from her.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
May he live long happy days, and may his fame be imperishable!
TARTAR GENERAL
Oh, when will this dreadful war cease, which is renewed and has already soaked the soil of our country in the blood of her sons?