SCENE II

_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 the_ EMPRESS _stops 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._]

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._]