SCENE IV.

_The_ GENERAL, _A_ Courier _from the_ EMPEROR, _An_ OFFICER, _The_ PRISONERS, _The_ CROWD.

[_There is a great stir in the crowd, which is shouting wildly. In the distance trumpets are heard. The_ TARTAR GENERAL, _coming out of his tent, speaks to an_ OFFICER.]

TARTAR GENERAL

What is that? The ceremonial salute. What is happening now?

_The_ OFFICER

A courier from the Emperor. [_The_ SOLDIERS _stand in file on either side and bend the knee. The_ COURIER _is on horseback, and is carrying over his shoulder a small packet, wrapped in yellow silk._]

COURIER [_As he dismounts_]

An order from the Emperor! [_Two_ SOLDIERS _place a table on which the letter is deposited, then the incense-sticks are lighted. The_ TARTAR GENERAL _quickly dons his ceremonial robe, salutes the message three times, and at last takes it._]

TARTAR GENERAL [_To the_ COURIER, _after he has examined the envelope_] Why does that order arrive so late? It was sent at daybreak from the Forbidden City, and the distance is not long.

COURIER

That is true, my lord. But ill-intentioned men were posted at several places along my route. I had to take a roundabout course, and my horse knocked over many people before surmounting the obstacles.

TARTAR GENERAL [_In a low voice_]

May Heaven deliver our Emperor from the evil ones who oppose his will!

COURIER [_also speaking low_]

May Heaven hear your prayer, for the well-being of the people!

TARTAR GENERAL [_Opens the letter. In an aside after having read it_] This saves many lives, without counting my own----[_To the_ CROWD.] Order of the Emperor. All listen! "This is my express will. I grant unconditional pardon to all the captives of war, chiefs and soldiers, and give them their entire liberty. Respect this."

[_He shows the Imperial seal._]

THE CROWD

Ten thousand years, ten thousand years to our Emperor.

[_The Soldiers at once set the prisoners free._]

TARTAR GENERAL [_To the_ CROWD]

Listen again. This order should have arrived in time to save all the condemned. The obstacles set in the path of the messenger are the cause of a misfortune which cannot be repaired. Our master was disobeyed and is not responsible.

CROWD

Curse upon the unfaithful ministers! Death to the tigers!

[_The women also hasten to unchain the prisoners, who draw near the General._]

ONE OFFICER [_In a whisper to another_]

What seditious cries our General permits!

SECOND OFFICER

Say rather he encourages them.

TARTAR GENERAL [_To the_ PRISONERS]

My friends, listen to wise advice. Do not remain long in this accursed place. All around the mighty Dragon who has freed you, wild beasts are shrieking, exasperated because they have lost their prey.-----Go at once, do not lose a moment. But do not escape by way of the country, you would be too easily found. Disperse and wander through the great city. In the Chinese Quarter the crowd will not betray you.

PRISONERS

We will follow your advice. May Heaven bestow its choicest blessings upon you!

[_They bow and disperse. The_ GENERAL _takes his sword, which he had stuck into the ground and slowly replaces it in its scabbard._]

THE CROWD

Death to the tigers! Ten thousand years to our Emperor!

[_As the curtain is lowered the shouts of_ PEDLARS _are heard._]

THE FLOWER-SELLER

Royal peonies, Lotus of all kinds, every flower of the season!

HABERDASHER

All the latest styles in my stock! Look, young women; have a look, young girls!

Second Tableau

[_The great throne-room in the palace at Peking, entirely decorated in red and gold. The throne is in the middle of a dais, to which lead three staircases flanked by incense-burners and emblems. Pillars of red laquer support a lofty ceiling, on which are enormous writhing dragons among red clouds; the largest standing out so clearly that it looks ready to fall from heaven, holds in its jaws a golden orb, just above the throne. The floor is covered by a yellow carpet, with dragons more than fifty feet in length woven into the design. On one side of the stage is a marble chime, suspended by golden chains from a huge frame work, whose feet are of gold and represent monsters and whose upper angles are ornamented with golden phoenixes spreading their wings toward the ceiling. Near the principal entrance two EUNUCHS are holding dust-dispellers of rhinoceros-hide. Preparations are being made for a solemn audience, to commemorate the triumph of the_ TARTAR ARMY. _Large blocks of porcelain, representing monsters, are arranged in line on the carpet. They mark the places where the various bodies of dignitaries are to stand and to prostrate themselves. Persons in gala robes come and go hurriedly. They are speaking in whispers, and walk noiselessly, in respectful attitudes. They bow as they pass the throne._]