SCENE I
_The crowd, the_ EMPEROR _and_ FOUNT-IN-THE-FOREST (_the two latter still disguised, but in full official costume_), _the_ FAITHFUL PRINCE.
THE CROWD [_crying rhythmically_]
Ten thousand years!
Ten thousand years!
A happy life to our King! A happy and a long life to our King.
Ten thousand years! Ten thousand years.
[_The music continues at the back._]
TARTAR EMPEROR [_In a whisper to_ FOUNT-IN-THE FOREST]
This old palace is infinitely more beautiful than mine. Its art is purer and more exquisite.
FOUNT [_Also in a whisper_]
Our Chinese art, Sire, in all its ancient purity.
EMPEROR [_Smiling_]
You have remained our masters in all things. In comparison with you we shall always be barbarians, we the invaders and the conquerors. Oh! may it be the unique glory of my reign to restore the noble Chinese tradition by fusing the two peoples for all time to come.
FOUNT
Let us not speak so much, well beloved master. We are being watched! And do not forget that soon you must prostrate yourself!----
EMPEROR
Before Her! Oh! that will be an easy task.
FOUNT
And your speech, I pray, let it be altogether correct and commonplace----The fascination which She seems to exercise over you terrifies me already.
[_Chorus, singing at the back_]
Forefathers of my race, from Heaven look down Upon this palace with benignant eye! Your son, the chosen of the immortal gods, See now I mount the glorious throne on high.
[_The dancers execute three evolutions of the ritual dance known as the Dance of the Feather and of the Flute_]
CHORUS [_At the back_]
Let but your spirit and your bravery, Your virtues be the guidance of my life; Then shall I triumph over evil foes And fear no fortune in the fiercest strife.
[_The dancers execute three more figures._]
CHORUS [_Again_]
The Dragon, on my standard there unfurled, Bathes his gold scales in Heaven's azure pure. My reign shall famous be all times to come 'Neath his protection, powerful and sure.
[_The dancers complete the three last figures_]
MUSIC
[_The master of ceremonies approaches, the guardian of the seals salutes him, and with a gesture indicates that he is to follow him. He conducts him to a golden table at the back of the stage. The guardian of the Seals, after having bent the knee, takes from that table the great seal of the Empire, which lies on a large salver. The master of the ceremonies then conducts him to the foot of the throne and withdraws. The guardian of the seals bends the knee and offers the seal to the FAITHFUL PRINCE. When the FAITHFUL PRINCE has taken it, the guardian kneels before the throne, makes three prostrations, rises, and withdraws backwards. The FAITHFUL PRINCE bends the knee, and holding the salver with both hands, offers it to the_ Empress, _then he rises._]
[_The music stops_]
FAITHFUL PRINCE [_To the_ EMPRESS]
In the name of all the princes here assembled, in the name of the faithful people and of the army ready to die for the Bright Dynasty, I present to Your Majesty the most sacred treasure, the priceless trust which your ancestors have transmitted to us from generation to generation--the Great Seal of State. In giving You this, we recognise you as the Sovereign of the Empire during the minority of your beloved Son. Accept the decree of Heaven with composure and reverence.
[_Two_ LADIES-IN-WAITING _descend the steps of the Throne, take the salver and place it on a table very near the_ Empress.]
FAITHFUL PRINCE
Oh! Daughter of Heaven, whom we swear to serve faithfully! To the end that you may accomplish the work of your deified ancestors, never forget the ten precepts which are the rule of conduct of all sovereigns. As they are engraved here on the precious jade, it is my privilege to read them to you this day in the hearing of all.
[_Reading from a block of jade, which is handed to him._]
Fear Heaven. Love the people. Exalt the soul. Cultivate the sciences. Honour merit. Listen to wise counsels. Lessen taxes. Mitigate the laws. Spare the treasury. Avoid the allurements of the senses!
Obeying these commands, one is sure to follow in the right path. But one must advance along this road without turnings aside or falterings. Oh! our Sovereign, be attentive and anxious, as though each hour of the day you carried a chalice filled to the brim with water not one drop must be spilled. Act thus, and then your conduct will be just and your dynasty endure eternally----
ALL
Ten thousand years!
Ten thousand years!
[_The orchestra plays,_ FAITHFUL PRINCE _bends the knee, prostrates himself three times, stands, and retires to his place. The music ceases, complete silence reigns, the_ EMPRESS _rises._]