SCENE VI

ARROW-BEARER, ATTENDANTS

[_They enter hastily along the path at the foot of the steps._ ARROW-BEARER, _raising his head, recognises the_ EMPRESS, _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-BEARER _makes a sign to the_ ATTENDANTS _to rise._]

ARROW-BEARER [_To the_ ATTENDANTS]

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._]