ACT TWO

[_The stage setting is all of white marble, glistening in the moonlight. At the centre back is seen the_ EMPRESS'S _Pavilion 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._]