No! destiny cannot be cruel to you; before Your sacred presence, its weapons will be dashed to pieces. Do not the laws of Heaven and earth seem always to yield to certain superior beings? Do you remember the beautiful favourite, who formerly captivated one of your sovereign ancestors? When the day arrived on which, having forfeited the Imperial favour, she was given into the keeping of the executioners, she gazed upon them calmly, and as they brandished their swords against her, she smiled sweetly—her only defence. Then they threw their weapons at her feet, for no one had the courage to extinguish that radiant smile——
[A murmur of astonishment makes itself felt throughout the crowd.]
[A murmur of astonishment makes itself felt throughout the crowd.]
And so you will disarm destiny, and your most deadly enemies will bend the knee before you——
[So saying, he bends his knee]
[So saying, he bends his knee]
The EMPRESS
[After a moment of astounded silence, without rising from the Throne]
[After a moment of astounded silence, without rising from the Throne]
Thank you, my noble subject! Your bold words have surprised us, but have also charmed us. Moreover, the tragic circumstances of our investiture make excuse for passionate thoughts and exceptional speech. Your prophetic vision has touched us very deeply——Thanks to you! Thanks to all!
[TheTARTAR EMPERORrises and resumes his place. Music March. TheEMPRESSdescends slowly from her throne; her retinue forms up to follow her and crosses the stage. She reaches the terrace where She enters her palanquin decked with gold dragons. The whole assemblage, without leaving their places, bend the knee and then prostrate themselves.]
[TheTARTAR EMPERORrises and resumes his place. Music March. TheEMPRESSdescends slowly from her throne; her retinue forms up to follow her and crosses the stage. She reaches the terrace where She enters her palanquin decked with gold dragons. The whole assemblage, without leaving their places, bend the knee and then prostrate themselves.]
CHORUS[At back of stage]
Let all happiness and peaceRule here now and never cease!Heaven, grant our humble prayer,Give us blessings mild and fair,Gentle rain and balmy air!Let our pious voices riseTo the gods above the skies!
ALL[Interrupting the Choruses]
Ten thousand years!
Ten thousand years!
[The great drum and bell are sounded alternately.]
[The great drum and bell are sounded alternately.]
[The stage setting is all of white marble, glistening in the moonlight. At the centre back is seen theEMPRESS'SPavilion rising upon several terraces of white marble. Its curved roofs are ornamented with monsters and small bells. Leading to the terraces, in the middle of the stage, is an "imperial stair," an inclined plane of white marble, on which an immense dragon is carved in bas-relief; and also, on either side of this, two identical marble staircases bordered by bronze and jade animals and huge censers on marble brackets. Numerous symmetrical kiosks flank the pavilion on this side and that with curved roofs similar to those of the pavilion, ornamented with small bells and monsters.
As the Curtain rises, no one is on the stage. A gentle breeze causes the small bells to tinkle at the angles of the roofs.]
TheEMPRESSandFOUR ATTENDANTS.
[TheEMPRESScomes out of the pavilion and advances slowly to the edge of the terrace, her eyes raised to the moon.FOUR ATTENDANTSfollow her, but remain in the background.]
EMPRESS
[Halting at the top of the Imperial stair] Oh, Night of enchantment! Pure light and silence cool!——Oh, scintillating stars, envelope me in your rays! And thou, pale moon, shroud me in thy blue light; calm my soul, cool my fever! [She commences her descent down the "Imperial Stair," two of her attendants following, one by the staircase on the right, the other by the staircase on the left, regulating their steps according to those of theEMPRESSin the middle.] That dream, that strange dream which has aroused me from my sleep, I still feel the terror of it——[Lowering her voice] The terror and the charm. [To her attendants] Let the astrologer be called at once, that he may discover the meaning of this dream and explain it without dissembling. Listen carefully to my words. I was about to become the prey of a serpent with shining scales,—already he was twining about me and slowly choking me with his chilly coils. Fascinated by his steady gaze, I had not the force to struggle; enervated, inert, I surrendered myself, with no repugnance against death. With fear and suffering a languor that was almost a delight was mingled——A supreme effort of the will, however, extricated me from his grasp, and suddenly aroused from sleep and dreams I found myself regretting those deadly coils which had imprisoned me——What can this dream portend? [To the women] Report what I have told you to the astrologer. Let him question the Unknown, and give me his response here without delay. Go at once! [Two of the Attendants depart at this command. TheEMPRESScontinues to descend slowly. She is alone in the middle of the Imperial stair, which is very long, and whose white surface seems sown with tiny glistering spangles.] How the dew sparkles on the marble footpath! It seems like a carpet of stars. But as I walk I put out their light, and my trailing gown changes the little glistening drops into a pool of water, which soaks the hem of my robe. [She continues to descend.] Why is there ever before my eyes the image of that man whom I saw this morning for the first time? Why, on this day, when so many heavy duties have devolved upon my weakness, can I recall only that deep and ardent gaze, which met mine with such sovereign audacity? Why was I no more offended by that gaze than by the rays of the kindly sun that beat upon my palace? He found me beautiful, and his admiration for me shone like an ornament more precious than the Imperial Phoenix of my head-dress. How well I understood, when he prostrated himself before me, with what feelings he threw himself at my feet——And my son exchanged glances of recognition with him! How came he to know him? Why did I not even dare to ask him, as though to speak of that man to my own child were criminal? Oh, kindly powers of the night, spirits of my deified ancestors who are about me in the air, august shades to whom I have rendered homage in your golden temples, come to my aid, gather about your unworthy and feeble daughter! That man, that stranger in my path, on such a day! Oh, divinities from whom I am descended, take from my soul the very remembrance of him. In a solemn vow I have renounced my earthly personality. Nothing of myself belongs to me. Daughter of Heaven, Empress and Regent, I am claimed entirely by my more than human mission——Help me to triumph over the weaknesses which were the charm of life. Aid me to forget that there are flowers and pearls and perfumes, grant that I may lose consciousness of the fact that love is the only realm of woman, and beauty her true power. May my breast from henceforth be only the marble prison of my frozen heart! Should it revolt and wish to beat again, may my will become its stern gaoler! Aid me, oh, come down, pure spirits of the air! Make me as unyielding as the goddesses of jade, who keep their eyes lowered that they may not see the things of this world!
[The two attendants return and prostrate themselves.]
[The two attendants return and prostrate themselves.]
FIRST ATTENDANT
The astrologer is ready to give your Majesty his answer.
EMPRESS
Let him come!
[The attendants leave.]
[The attendants leave.]
That serpent which entwined me, Ah! that cannot be he. His commanding gaze, riveted to mine, was noble and open. Why should he appear to me in that hostile and terrible form? No, no! in a soul that has eyes like that treachery cannot flourish——It cannot be he——and yet I was carried away by that icy embrace. Who else then, in the world could it be?
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 theEMPRESSstops 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.]
[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.]
[The attendants leave and re-enter the Pavilion.]
THE EMPRESS[alone]
TheEMPRESS[at the foot of the imperial stair, leaning on the marble banisters.] The storm, said the old man——The storm, it will come from the north as always!——Black clouds on the horizon, the armies which are marching against my phantom empire. Black clouds, the armies of the Tartar Emperor——But this torch which shall illumine the future, what it is? All! My son, it must be——Ah, yes, that it is; my son!——To shelter him, he said, to hide him, to send him far away, perhaps, from this palace that is threatened on all sides; to separate myself from him in this grave danger—that is what is now demanded of me?——Still more agony and sacrifice! And it is I who am expected to guide a whole people, when I lack the force to guide myself——Oh you women who can lean on a strong supporting arm, who can depend for help upon the advice of a manly and farseeing mind! Oh you wives who find in the heart of your husbands a refuge in your weakness! But I am the Empress, and the widowed Empress, all alone and so high that I have no equal to whom I may confide my anxieties and my weaknesses——[She advances to the middle of the flower-plot] Come, listen to the confession which is overpowering me, oh you flowers of early morning, moist with fresh dew! Oh airy spirits which hover over flower-beds at the dawn of springtime, hear me, since I must speak and someone must listen. That man you know, who came yesterday, whose gaze tyrannical and yet caressing is like none other's, he has troubled the sad Empress's heart, and now in the hour of great peril she is no longer mistress of herself——He is only one of her subjects, and yet she would love to obey him——
The same,THE GRAND MISTRESS OF THE CEREMONIES, TWO ATTENDANTS.
THE GRAND MISTRESS
[Prostrating herself] I have to inform your Majesty that it is almost the hour of morn, fixed for the farewell audiences.
EMPRESS
It is well. I come.
THE GRAND MISTRESS
All is in readiness for the toilette of the Empress. What are her orders?
EMPRESS
I shall give audience here, and let the wearisome ceremony be made as simple as may be.
THE GRAND MISTRESS[Still prostrating herself]
My duties as Grand Mistress make it necessary for me to call your Majesty's attention to the fact that this is contrary to the rites. Audiences must take place in the Throne Room, and be conducted in accordance with all the rules of immemorial etiquette.
EMPRESS
We are above all rites and rules. I have spoken my will.
THE GRAND MISTRESS
The orders of your Majesty shall be transmitted to the officials of the palace, who will inform the princes and the dignitaries.
EMPRESS
It is well.
[TheGRAND MISTRESSrises and goes out.]
[TheGRAND MISTRESSrises and goes out.]
THE EMPRESS
[Leaving the flower-garden, she halts before ascending the marble stair and turns again to the flowers.] Guard well, oh, flowers of the morning, the secret which I have confided to you. Now it has escaped from my soul! That it may never return, lock it up, oh, flowers, in your blossoms. [She mounts several steps] And you, ancestral shades, to whom I make this last prayer, Oh! lend your aid to your daughter, powerless to triumph over herself. Make my heart invulnerable, since you have called me to this sovereign mission. Give me the force to thrust aside all but my noble duty. Oh, help me to remember only "the brimming cup of which not a drop must be spilled!"
[She mounts the stair.]
ARROW-BEARER, ATTENDANTS
[They enter hastily along the path at the foot of the steps.ARROW-BEARER,raising his head, recognises theEMPRESS,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-BEARERmakes a sign to theATTENDANTSto rise.]
ARROW-BEARER [To theATTENDANTS]
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.]
[Enter the guards, whom he draws up at the foot of the stairs.]
The sameFAITHFUL PRINCE, MINISTERandCOMMANDER IN CHIEF. WINGED PRINCE, GENERALandGRAND SECRETARY; POPLAR,a minister;VEILED-LIGHT, COUNCILLOR; CHAMBERLAINS, COUNCILLORS, MANDARINS,etc. They enter in turn. Lastly theTARTAR EMPERORandFOUNT-IN-THE-FOREST.
POPLAR[ToFAITHFUL PRINCE]
If your Excellency would say a word for me to the Empress, my desires would be fulfilled and I should obtain the red button, which I have earned by my services.
FAITHFUL
I know your merits and I realise what you deserve. But believe me, true greatness is above titles. We are devoting our lives to a noble cause, for the joy of seeing it triumph, and not in the hope of a reward. If we die in the service, our name will shine with a brightness, more enduring I assure you, than that of a ruby in the crown of your hat——However, rest assured I shall do my utmost to obtain it for you, since you aspire to it.
POPLAR
I shall be grateful to you to my dying day.
[He bows and goes out.]
[He bows and goes out.]
WINGED PRINCE[ToFAITHFUL PRINCE]
May I enquire after your precious health?
FAITHFUL PRINCE[Bowing]
How kind of you to trouble about so trifling a matter! My health is good, thank you. I dare to hope that yours, infinitely more precious, is also excellent to the joy of us all.
WINGED PRINCE[Bowing again]
You see me overwhelmed by a solicitude of which I am unworthy. Thank you, I am very well. Without excessive pain I am reaching the allotted span—a poor thing, it is true—of my days.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Did you succeed in seeing the representative of our enemies, the Viceroy of Nanking?
WINGED PRINCE
I saw him and I dictated a report, which he agreed to send to Peking, but I have had to pay dearly for his discretion.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
If only we gain thereby a few days' respite, we shall not need to regret the bait thrown into the mouth of the Tiger. The treasures of the Mings, happily, are far from exhausted and the secret vaults, all unknown to the Tartars, still contain more than is necessary to defray the expenses of war.
[They go out in conversation]
[They go out in conversation]
VEILED-LIGHT[Talking with aCOUNCILLOR]
There is a method of obtaining calabashes of a magnificent red. You graft the young plant with cockscombs——
COUNCILLOR
With cockscombs?——Can it be done?
VEILED-LIGHT
Yes, you bury them alongside the roots and pass the stems through the flesh.
A SECRETARY
I know another process for obtaining gourds of celestial blue.
COUNCILLOR[ToVeiled Light]
Where did you get your information?
VEILED LIGHT
I read it in the Tu Tien Shan, a work in 20 volumes, containing the most curious secrets of horticulture.
[They pass on.]
[They pass on.]
AN OFFICER
How kind of our Empress to give us audience in the open air, among the flowers!
A STOUT MANDARIN
And to dispense with prostration. At my age and with my figure, the performance is very difficult, and, as you know, one is so easily made to appear ridiculous!
WINGED PRINCE[ToFAITHFUL PRINCE,watching the approach of theTARTAR EMPERORandFOUNT-IN-THE-FOREST]
I once met the Governor of the South, but I must be confusing him with someone else, for I recollect a person very different from this one. Yet, if I had ever seen those eyes, it seems to me that their expression would have remained in my memory.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Indeed he has most uncommon expression and an extraordinary dignity.
EMPEROR [To FOUNT]
What makes you so uneasy?
FOUNT [In a whisper]
I am certain that I recognised here in the palace two officers from Peking, disguised, like ourselves.
EMPEROR
Yes? No doubt they were spies sent out in pursuit of me.
FOUNT
I do not think so. More likely the leaders of a conspiracy, against Nanking, perhaps to take it by surprise. We must leave here as soon as possible. All is in readiness, the horses are saddled, the vessel under steam——You wished to see this palace with your own eyes. You have succeeded, now let us depart.
EMPEROR
Depart before having seen her for a last time? Oh, no. Nothing could make me give up that happiness, which has come to be for me the most desirable thing in the world.
FOUNT
Every minute here we are risking our heads——At least as soon as you have had your audience, I beg you not to delay another instant.
EMPEROR
You have my promise.
FOUNT
The Faithful Prince has looked toward you several times and you cannot do otherwise now than greet him. He is Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief, the most important person here; a great heart and a fine character. His rank places him above a viceroy.
EMPEROR
What shall I say to him?
FOUNT
A few polite commonplaces.
EMPEROR
Can I do so? [He approaches theFAITHFUL PRINCEand salutes him.] Illustrious Prince, may a long and happy life be yours! It is a blessing of Heaven to be permitted to gaze upon your noble countenance and to meet the light of your eyes.
FAITHFUL PRINCE[Returning the bow]
In truth I might say the same to you——But I beg of you let us dispense with compliments. Are you satisfied with your government of the South?
EMPEROR
That region is the most faithfully rebellious of the whole Empire, and is so far away that the orders for its repression are lost before they reach it. The inhabitants refuse to pay the tax levied by the Tartars and of their own accord deposit the money in our coffers.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
You do not fail to accept only half of it, and to refuse it altogether during bad years?——
EMPEROR
I have done so, which accounts for our popularity.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Perhaps you would like to be near the throne, in order to obtain a higher rank, more in accordance with your merits. Make use of my influence to support your request——
EMPEROR
I am the slave of her Majesty, ready to serve her in any position in which she may wish to employ me, but I ask for nothing, and the good opinion which Your Excellence has of my merits is to me the most acceptable recompense.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
I congratulate you on being without ambition and not fixing a prize on your devotion——Our Sovereign will appear soon.
EMPEROR [ToFOUNT]
Did I acquit myself creditably?
FOUNT
In very dangerous words. Ah, how I wish I saw you safely away from here!
EMPEROR
Oh, that I might remain always!——She is coming!
The same,THE EMPRESS,in Costume of State
[As soon as she appears at the top of the terrace the perfumes begin to burn in the censers. The guards unfurl the banners which they are holding in their hands. Chamberlains and grand equerries form a line on either side of the staircase, bending the knee. Before her is carried the yellow umbrella with three flounces, mounted on a handle bent in the form of a swan's neck. Behind twoATTENDANTScarry tall feather screens, emblems of sovereignty.]
ALL THE ATTENDANTS[in a low voice, with eyes lowered]
Ten thousand years! Ten thousand years! ten times ten thousand years!
EMPRESS
Happiness be with you, my faithful ones! May you live very long days!——[She descends. TheFAITHFUL PRINCEand theWINGED PRINCEreceive her at the foot of the steps.]
WINGED PRINCE
The flowers grow pale with envy at the approach of our Sovereign.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Her presence doubles the brilliancy of the day.
FOUNT[In a whisper to theEMPEROR]
In truth, she is as beautiful as the pink peony.
EMPEROR
Say rather that the flower is all but as lovely as she.
EMPRESS[Stopping on the last steps, betweenPRINCES] There are some hours when nature appears more splendid, the light of Heaven more radiant, when all things of the world seem transfigured and new, and the soul then expands in the joy of living——Oh, my faithful ones despite our threatening to-morrows, the present is for your Sovereign one of those rare hours. [In an aside] It seems as though I had suddenly become two personalities, a new rapture and unknown hopes fill my bewildered heart.
EMPEROR [ToFOUNT]
Her words express what I feel in myself. Before this glorious hour I knew not what it meant to live——
TheEMPRESSadvances slowly, stopping to speak a few words to persons bowing before her. ToVEILED-LIGHTshe says]
You desired the government of the fortress of Tang-Men. The Emperor accords you that title and the appanages which go with it.
VEILED-LIGHT
[Bending the knee] I shall redouble my zeal to be worthy of such an honour.
EMPRESS
Do so. [She passes on, whileGRAND EQUERRYplaces a scroll of yellow satin in the hand ofVEILED-LIGHT,who receives it on his knees. To an officer.]
The Emperor appoints you to that higher rank which you have so deservedly earned.
THE OFFICER
My life belongs to your Majesties, and my sole desire is to be able to sacrifice it in a good cause.
EMPRESS
Keep it for our service.
[A yellow scroll is given to the officer]
I offer to each of you a slight gift in assurance of my protection and as a memento of my accession——
ALL
Ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years.
[Pages distribute the gifts.]
[Pages distribute the gifts.]
FAITHFUL PRINCE [PresentingPOPLAR]
Your devoted servant is ambitious to see the coral button of his hat changed to a ruby. I venture to support his request to your Majesty.
EMPRESS
Recommended by you, his merit is certain. I accord the rank with pleasure.
POPLAR
My heart overflows with gratitude.
TheEMPRESS[To theTARTAR EMPEROR]
And you, Prince, do you desire nothing? Are you too proud to name the favour which would please you?
POPLAR
Nay, I ask one of Heaven, one only, that it will stay the flight of time and prolong this rapturous hour.
EMPRESS[At once surprised and somewhat offended, she looks at him a long time, but her gaze becomes tender and she finally smiles.] Does that depend on Heaven alone? [She takes her place on the throne.]
HERALD[Announcing]
The Empress commands tea to be served.
ALL
Ten thousand years!——
[The cup-bearers serve tea, fruit and cakes. Each one bends the knee as he takes his cup.]
[The cup-bearers serve tea, fruit and cakes. Each one bends the knee as he takes his cup.]
TheEMPRESS[Making a sign to theTARTAR EMPEROR,to be seated on the tabouret, near the throne]
Come here Prince. There is also a present for you.
AGRAND SECRETARY[In a whisper to aCOUNCILLOR] With one word she has made him Prince, and now she permits him to be seated in her presence!
COUNCILLOR
He does not seem at all surprised at the honour.
GRAND SECRETARY
He is the favourite of to-morrow. We shall have to reckon with him.
EMPRESS
You gave my son a jewel marvellously cut, a dragon, emblem of the Imperial Power. He is delighted with it, and wishes me to offer you in his name, the emblem of the Empresses, a phoenix, with wings of sapphires and rubies.
[GOLDEN LOTUSapproaches and presents a jewel-case on a salver]
[GOLDEN LOTUSapproaches and presents a jewel-case on a salver]
EMPEROR
I wish to receive it on bended knee, and to assure you that it will be with me always. [He bends the knee.]
EMPRESS [ToGOLDEN LOTUS]
Golden Lotus, did you, as I command, attach a ring on which to hang it?
GOLDEN LOTUS
Yes, Your Majesty.
EMPEROR
Until to-day I had seen but the nests of ordinary birds, and I did not believe in that incomparable bird the Phoenix. It is only to-day that its existence was disclosed to me by the evidence of my enchanted eyes. [He hangs the jewel on his belt.]
EMPRESS
Alas, the phoenix and the dragon are dragged down by chains to-day, and cannot reach the heights to which they aspire in the clouds.
EMPEROR
Ah, how ardently I wish I were the Tartar Emperor reigning at Peking!
EMPRESS
What a strange and dismal idea! You wish you were my mortal enemy? Why?
EMPEROR
That I might attempt to set all China at your feet, to bring to you your own, and then to be your most faithful subject.
EMPRESS[Smiling]
What a dream!——But from that Emperor I could accept nothing——nothing, but death. Do not desire to be anyone else than you are for no one has ever inspired in me so sudden and deep a sympathy. Do not leave the palace yet——Await my commands. Since you have no ambition I must have it in your place, and keep you perhaps more near to me——Farewell until we meet!
EMPEROR[Rising and bowing]
Whether near or far, my thoughts will ever be prostrated at the feet of your Majesty.
[He goes, on his way saying in a whisper toFOUNT] Friend, in my disguise, I triumph! For the first time for three hundred years a Chinese woman has given her love to a Tartar!
FOUNT
Carry away with you your glorious joy; but I beg you, let us depart at once.
[Tea is offered to theEMPEROR.Gradually he slips away, led by hisMINISTERS]
[Tea is offered to theEMPEROR.Gradually he slips away, led by hisMINISTERS]
THE COUNCILLOR [To aSECRETARY]
He did not even bend the knee to receive the Imperial tea.
SECRETARY
He understands that to him already all is permitted.
EMPRESS. [In an aside, dreamily]
I am no longer mistress of my will——The words fly from my lips, like captive birds escaped and making for the sky——I have betrayed myself——with happiness.
[Uproar and cries, all the attendants in alarm. Officials of the Palace enter hurriedly, their hands on their sabres.FAITHFUL PRINCEandWINGED PRINCEapproach to defend theEMPRESS,who has risen from her throne.]
[Uproar and cries, all the attendants in alarm. Officials of the Palace enter hurriedly, their hands on their sabres.FAITHFUL PRINCEandWINGED PRINCEapproach to defend theEMPRESS,who has risen from her throne.]
The same except theEMPERORandFOUNT. PALACE OFFICIALS, ARROW-BEARER.
EMPRESS
What has happened?
OFFICER
A conspiracy.
ANOTHER
It has failed!
ARROW-BEARER[Kneeling]
Our young Emperor is safe.
EMPRESS[Crying aloud]
My son!——It was against my son!——Where is my son?
The same.THE CHILDwith hisNURSESandGUARDS.
THE CHILD[Running to his mother and kneeling before her]
Here I am, mother.
EMPRESS
Ah! [She arises and embraces him.] Now I can control myself to listen——Speak!
ARROW-BEARER
Divine Sovereign, two Tartar spies entered the palace with the monstrous design of kidnapping our young Emperor. Like tigers they lay in wait, hidden in the bushes. They came out all unawares and dared to lay a hand on the sacred person of your son.
THE CHILD
Mother they threw a cloth over my head and tightened it round my throat.
EMPRESS
Oh!
THE CHILD
I could not cry out, but I struggled hard. Oh! I am very strong, I am——
ARROW-BEARER
We were on guard. The nurses with cries of horror called for our aid. We ran to them and seized the criminals.
EMPRESS
Ah, you have them? Let them be brought here at once.
[ARROW-BEARERrises and goes out. TheEMPRESSseats herself again.]
[ARROW-BEARERrises and goes out. TheEMPRESSseats herself again.]
WINGED PRINCE
Their trial will not take long.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Heaven was watching over its young son and saved him.
ALL
Ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years.
The same.TWO SPIES,their hands tied, each one held by two guards. They are thrown on to their knees at the foot of the throne.
WINGED PRINCE
Who are you?
FIRST SPY
Faithful servants of the dynasty of the Tsing.
WINGED PRINCE
Where do you come from?
SECOND SPY
From the only capital of our great and pure Empire.
WINGED PRINCE
Your crime is flagrant and needs no further proof, what have you to say?
FIRST SPY
Nothing.
SECOND SPY
Yes! We wished to kidnap the child, to hold him as a hostage and thus to have you at our mercy. We have nothing further to say. Our lips are sealed.
WINGED PRINCE
Name your accomplices.
SECOND SPY
We shall say nothing.
WINGED PRINCE
Ha! ha! We have made others speak. [To theEMPRESS] The torture at once, is it not?
EMPRESS
Torture, no! Death, instant death.
FAITHFUL PRINCE[To theEMPRESS]
I venture to suggest to your Majesty that it might be better perhaps to imprison these men in a dungeon. We do not know who they are, nor of how great importance in the eyes of the enemy. What secrets might we not indeed extract from these two!——
EMPRESS
What! After what they have done, you would have them see the light of another day?——remember that they have dared to lay a hand on the sacred person of him in whom lives all our hope; they have bruised his neck, frail as a stem of a flower. To kidnap him as hostage, they said! How do I know that they did not rather mean to kill my child.
ALL
Death! Death!
EMPRESS
Yes, death! And have them thrown to the beasts that eat dead bodies. Their graves will be the maws of crows and dogs. At once!
[TheFAITHFUL PRINCEgives a signal, and the condemned prisoners are lifted to their feet.]
[TheFAITHFUL PRINCEgives a signal, and the condemned prisoners are lifted to their feet.]
FIRST SPY
We have risked our lives. We have lost and we accept death.
SECOND SPY
We shall be soon avenged by the great army which is marching against you. To-morrow it will be before your walls.
ALL
Death! Death!
[The condemned men are led away.]
[The condemned men are led away.]
The same, except theSPIES,A. B., andTHE GUARDS.
EMPRESS [To theCHILD]
Oh, my best beloved! Oh, you, who bear the sweet name of Son of Springtime, how near was I to losing you!
THE CHILD
Tell me, mother are those men to be put to death?
EMPRESS
That is the lightest punishment which their crime deserves.
THE CHILD
No, it is too much, as they did not kill me.
EMPRESS
But they desired your death. The sentence is too lenient. And see, I spared them the torture-chamber——Now, I shall never again dare to be away from you. No, not even for a minute, my priceless jewel, shall you again be out of my sight.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
My Sovereign, how it pains me to be forced to tear your heart by telling you what we believe to be your painful duty, we to whose advice your Majesty deigns to listen. For many days, we have been resolved to speak, and yet we shrank from the ungrateful task. But to-day the danger is too pressing.
EMPRESS
Oh, what are you going to say? [She descends from her throne.]
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Alas, that my words shall be like the cold north wind which kills the flowers.
EMPRESS
I already feel the chill in my very soul.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
You must for a time be separated from your son.
EMPRESS
[With drooping head] I knew too well!
FAITHFUL PRINCE
The hope of all,THE VICTORYto come, our Young Emperor!—He should be protected from the dangers of war, in safety, far from here, in some inaccessible province.
EMPRESS
"Let the precious torch which shall illumine the future be placed beyond the reach of the wind." Thus spoke the astrologer. Yes, the blind man did see into the invisible. Thus is the mystery of his words explained——!
FAITHFUL PRINCE
We must obey the oracle. Misfortune foreseen can often be avoided. Winged Prince, and you Veiled-Light, sage councillors, does your opinion coincide with mine.
WINGED PRINCE
It is the same in every point.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
And all you, noble chiefs, wise men of letters, dignitaries, are you too of the opinion that we must send the young Emperor away. [All nod their heads affirmatively without speaking.] And not to-morrow, not even this evening alas—for each moment the danger increases——We must act at once, if your Majesty consents to the sacrifice.
EMPRESS
Oh! You place me in a circle of fire, which you narrow again and again, far too quickly. But where are the Tartar armies, now? Not yet beneath our walls, surely. We are not besieged! The roads are still open——[She presses her son to her breast.] Leave him with me just another day, at least give me time to find the necessary strength to bear this new affliction——I am the Empress, yes, but I am also a mother——One does not take a child from its mother as one plucks a flower from its stem——Wait!——
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Wait, my Sovereign! But will not your despair be infinitely more intense should harm come to his Majesty because of a weak tenderness? Think of the turmoil of a siege, the horror and the risk of battle! Let us thank Heaven for giving us time to place our young Master in safety. As soon as the danger is over, he will return to you.
EMPRESS
Oh, do not speak of return to lessen my distress, as you would comfort a child!——Let us not talk of the future, which is black and cloudy——But Wisdom has spoken, and my rebellion is over. I shall have the strength to submit. [To the child, whom she holds still pressed close against her.] My son, you must go away from me for a little while——Ah, tears fill my eyes at the idea. But when I think of keeping you in this palace, in the midst of such terrible dangers, anguish crushes my heart——My best beloved, you must go.
THE CHILD[Embracing her]
What? I must go on account of the Tartars? Well, I am not afraid, I am not really. Do you think that I am afraid? You remain here, my mother, and where you remain there I must be too.——Leave my mother on account of the Tartars? I do not want to! You all hear me. I do not want to.
EMPRESS
My son! You will show greater courage in saying good-bye to me. And you must prove yourself worthy of your noble, your more than human lot. Remember that you are not an ordinary child. Under your delicate flesh, in the fine network of your veins, flows the blood of divinity. The Bright Dynasty has no representative but you alone. Oh, my best beloved! You are the son of Heaven!
[THE CHILD,very thoughtful, lets his head sink]
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Raise up your face, do not turn it down, dazzled by the bright name of your ancestors. Already you must be master of your feelings. You owe your heart as a debt to this people unnumbered, which is conquered and oppressed and looks to you for its deliverance. To this people alone belong your thoughts, your actions, your very life.
THE CHILD[Sad and grave]
I will go——I will not cry.
EMPRESS
To whom shall we entrust this greatest of our treasures? You have no doubt thought about it. I feel that your plans are made.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Our young Emperor has shown without knowing him, a sympathy for the Viceroy of the South. Now he is precisely the best situated to offer him an inviolable refuge. My advice is that we entrust him to him.
EMPRESS [ToTHE CHILD]
Will that please you?
THE CHILD
Yes.
EMPRESS
It was also my idea. The Viceroy is certainly still at the palace awaiting my orders. [ToARROW-BEARER] Call him here.
[ARROW-BEARERgoes out.]
FAITHFUL PRINCE[To theNURSES] Prepare for an immediate departure. You will not leave your young master.
EMPRESS [ToTHE CHILD]
I envy them. Would that I were to-day only your servant.
FAITHFUL PRINCE[To theGUARDS]
An escort of five hundred men, well chosen and fully armed.
[ExitTheGUARD][ToWINGED PRINCE.]
[ExitTheGUARD]
[ToWINGED PRINCE.]
Prince, you will accompany the Emperor, and as soon as he is in safety you will return to take your place here among us.
WINGED PRINCE
I shall prove myself worthy of your trust, my preparations will be brief. [He goes out.]
To your posts now, noble defenders of the Son of Heaven. We are always ready for war, I know it But let us make ourselves still stronger. Let us brace up our courage, let us prepare our hearts——Let messengers be sent out at once to discover exactly the position and importance of the army which is marching against us. [TheEMPRESSgives a signal] You may take your leave.
[TheSOLDIERSgo out one after another, with a genuflection.]
[TheSOLDIERSgo out one after another, with a genuflection.]
EMPRESS [ToTHE CHILD]
I gaze upon you to engrave on my memory your adorable features. I fill my eyes with them, just as if I did not already know every detail, every line; but they are going from me——I would wish to have them carved in marble, and memory is as unstable as water.
The same,WINGED PRINCEreturns hurriedly.
WINGED PRINCE [ToFAITHFUL PRINCE.]
A courier has just arrived and brings strange news.
EMPRESS
What is it now?
WINGED PRINCE
The Viceroy of the South sends to explain to your Majesty that the reason that he was unable to reach the palace for the ceremony to which he was invited was because he was taken prisoner at the moment when he was about to enter Nanking.
EMPRESS
But the Viceroy came here!
WINGED PRINCE
That was not the real Viceroy.
EMPRESS
Not the real Viceroy?
WINGED PRINCE
He was imprisoned on a ship, but no harm came to him, and he was treated with every consideration——His letter explains how he escaped.
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Treated with every consideration! What does that imply? The spies of the Tsings are less generous.
WINGED PRINCE
The Viceroy sent this courier in all haste; he awaits orders to come and prostrate himself at the foot of the throne and sue for pardon.
EMPRESS
Then that man who was here?——Oh, in what frightful web are we now caught?——And I was about to entrust my son to that unknown man!——I ordered him to remain here. Run, perhaps he has not yet gone.
ARROW-BEARER[Returning]
The pavilion is empty. This silk scroll was placed so as to attract immediate attention.
EMPRESS[excitedly]
Give it to me!——[ARROW-BEARERgives the scroll toFAITHFUL PRINCE,who gives it to theEMPRESS.Aside.] In my dream——The serpent that coiled about me——Ah! It was he! [She steps aside to read.] Verses!——In my trouble, I shall scarce be able to read them. And then the meaning seems so mysterious. [ToTHE OFFICERSstanding nearest to her.] Let twenty horsemen be sent out at once in all directions, pursue him. Let the neighbouring towns be searched as well. A hundred thousand taels to him who brings that man back to me. Go!——[ToFAITHFUL PRINCEhanding him the silken scroll.] Read it to me Faithful Prince.
FAITHFUL PRINCE[reading]
Beneath my mask I kept a secret watch on you.You saw my face, but not my features true;You heard my words, but not my secret heart.The day will come when I shall throw away the mask,Play your good angel's part,And all shall bow beneath the conquering dragon's task.
The traitor is a fine scholar, but he does not unmask his identity.
WINGED PRINCE[ToTHE CHILD]
Your Majesty must no longer keep about your neck like a relic a present given you by an impostor.
THE CHILD[Excitedly]
But I will keep it. I thought of my dead father when I saw that man, and when he told me that he would like to have me for a son, he was keeping back his tears.
EMPRESS
The instinct of children does not mislead them——nor can I believe, either, that the unknown visitor meant us harm——Let us wait awhile before we begin to hate him.
[She stretches out her hand and takes the poem which she places next to her heart.]
[She stretches out her hand and takes the poem which she places next to her heart.]
The same.THE WOMEN,andARROW-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. [ToWINGED 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 theEMPRESSreturns hastily.]
[One of the officers who left previously at the command of theEMPRESSreturns 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 TheEMPRESS.]
Your Majesty, the time has come, we must hasten.
EMPRESS
Yes, I am ready——Only one instant, one last minute! [She conducts the littleEMPERORto 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 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 CHILDdescends from the throne, approaches theEMPRESS,and kneels in turn]
THE CHILD
Mother, tell me, I am not going for long, am I?
EMPRESS
[Stooping and embracing her son passionately]
[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 theNURSES] Now go!
[TheNURSESlead away the littleEMPEROR.He keeps his gaze fixed on his mother until he is out of sight.]
[TheNURSESlead away the littleEMPEROR.He keeps his gaze fixed on his mother until he is out of sight.]
TheEMPRESS,theFAITHFUL PRINCE,and severalLADIES-IN-WAITING.
[TheEMPRESSwatches him disappear, and thenmounts the steps of the terrace to get a last glimpse of him, and when he is out of sight she cries aloud in her anguish, wringing her hands.]
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Noble Sovereign, have courage.
EMPRESS
Ah, no, leave me. I am at the end of my strength!——I played the Empress, did I not, as long as my child was here?——Now that he is gone, let me be a woman, let me be his mother!——I shall never again see him whom you have just taken away from me. Never, do you hear? I feel it, I know it! Since we are above ordinary beings, may Heaven be just to us and give us superhuman strength! Why have we hearts like other people, and anguish which breaks them?——Ah, the very beggar-women in rags in the street are less miserable! No handsome spy comes to them, to make their souls falter, and then flees-and after that their children are not taken away from them!——Your Empress would rather be a beggar, hungry and cold, but clasping her little one to her breast——Yes, a beggar I tell you, who holds out her hand to passers-by as she sits on the steps of a temple!——[Sobbing, she throws herself on the terrace steps.]