SCENE IV.

_The same,_ FAITHFUL PRINCE, A WATCHMAN, _the_ CAPTAIN _of the_ SOLDIERS, _and the_ SOLDIERS.

WATCHMAN

[_Announcing from the height of a turret at the summit of the ramparts_] An army, see, over there. The Tartars are returning! Thousands and thousands of them. In the distance they appear in the twilight like a long black trail----

FAITHFUL PRINCE

How far?

WATCHMAN

At the bend of the river, I can see their vanguard-----They are marching along the avenue of Sitche-Men.

FAITHFUL PRINCE

Let them come----It will be their last attack-----Only at the bend of the river. Then we have still half an hour----

WATCHMAN

They are lighting their torches, and now I hear their war-trumpets.

FAITHFUL PRINCE

Be it so!----We shall be ready.

EMPEROR [_Imploring her with clasped hands_]

Sovereign!

_The_ EMPRESS [_As though ready to yield_]

For myself, no!----I have declared my intentions, that is my last word!----[_Pointing to her_ SOLDIERS.] But all these brave men, who are ready to drop with exhaustion, with hunger and thirst----[_To_ FAITHFUL PRINCE] Ah, well, for their sakes, yes, let us raise the flag of truce.

FAITHFUL PRINCE [_Incredulously_]

The flag of truce!

EMPRESS

Yes, I have said so, oh, noble subject! I have said it!-My death alone must be sufficient satisfaction for the enemy. Since there is no more hope, of what avail is this final slaughter? Let the signal be raised.

FAITHFUL PRINCE

Not one of the warriors will yield.

EMPRESS

But if I command them!----Am I no longer their Empress?

FAITHFUL PRINCE

Submissive to your every command, they refuse to obey that one order.

EMPRESS [_To her_ SOLDIERS]

Can it be true----My friends, this instant I command it, do you hear me?----Oh, spare me this excess of anguish, my dear rebels!----You cannot wish that I should be transported into the other world along the stream of your blood----

[_The_ SOLDIERS _drop their heads and stand motionless, holding their weapons._]

CAPTAIN OF SOLDIERS. [_After a silence_] Majesty, the Prince has already answered for all of us! We emphatically refuse to ask for a truce.

EMPRESS [_Turning towards the_ EMPEROR _in a sudden exultation of triumph._] Ah, you see I am like your TARTAR EMPEROR; I am not obeyed. Go tell him, report to your master----and at the same time you may tell him that we know how to die nobly in the palace of the Mings. Go, my lord, you may take your leave.

EMPEROR [_Imploring more insistently_]

Sovereign, what if I now were to implore your pardon----the right to remain here and die at your side?

EMPRESS

I grant the honour of dying at the side of the Empress, only to those brave men--who are of my race, do you understand?----and who have spilled their blood to defend me. Go, my lord, I have commanded you.

[_Coming toward him, speaking very low and quickly, like a desperate woman._] One more word, however----My son, who is still in the keeping of the army of the South----My son----since you seem to dare all and to have all power will you try to save him?----But no----when it is the mother who speaks in me I can no longer reason-----To attempt that would mean to be a traitor to the master whom you serve----

EMPEROR

I serve no master, I am above treason, free as the gods, and answerable to my own conscience only. I will try----I will live to try.

EMPRESS

Do so, and be this your reward----Later, among the clouds, where all the dead meet and are at peace----my shades shall not be hostile to yours-----Now go, my lord, our last moments are necessary to us----[_To_ FAITHFUL PRINCE, _making a sign to him to conduct the_ TARTAR EMPEROR.] Prince, the audience is at an end.

FAITHFUL PRINCE

[_To the_ EMPEROR, _who hesitates, as if on the point of making a decisive revelation_] Go, my lord. You have heard our sovereign dismiss you.

[_He wants to lead him to that part of the wall where he ascended_]

EMPRESS. [_Indicating the bronze gate, barricaded by boards_] No, open that gate. We still have time. For the last time, I desire that my palace be left as if I still had liberty and power----Open it. [_The_ SOLDIERS _hasten to take away the boards and open the two doors of the gateway._] All honour must be accorded the messenger of peace.

[_The_ SOLDIERS _kneel, the gong and the trumpets are sounded._]

EMPEROR

Yes, messenger of peace, in spite of you yourself and in all circumstance. [_Turning about, facing her and speaking like one inspired._] The dragon will descend from the height of the dark storm clouds----and in his claws he will gently pick up, in her own despite, the beautiful phoenix who wished to die----

[_He goes out, followed by the four_ TARTAR _warriors. The_ Soldiers _barricade the gate again with planks and stones._]