SCENE II.

_The same. The_ GRAND CHAMBERLAIN

GRAND CHAMBERLAIN [_Entering by a door at back_]

An order from the Emperor! [_All listen with bowed heads._] Let the members of the Privy Council, Ministers, and Dignitaries, robed in their costumes of state, meet in silence in the galleries near the throne-room, ready to enter when his Majesty strikes this gong three times. [_He points to the large gong at the foot of the steps of the throne._] Let no one be here, and guards at all the doors!

[_All bow and prepare to go out._]