remembrance from a man whose greatest desire is to have you for his son.

CHILD

Oh! thank you——

FIRST NURSE

Sire, it is time——

CHILD

It is a little dragon—an Imperial Dragon! I recognise it! But how do you come to have it? You have not the right to wear it! Do not be afraid, I will tell nobody. Good-bye till next time.

EMPEROR

Till next time!

[The child runs away, followed by his nurses. The EMPEROR gases after him until he is out of sight.]

SCENE IX

The EMPEROR and FOUNT-IN-THE-FOREST

FOUNT

You are still all of a tremble.

EMPEROR

My trouble is mixed with sweetness——Would it not seem that Heaven approves of me and will be my ally? This child comes to me, defends me, is uneasy because of my pallor, and gives me his plaything——Ah! how precious to me is this little gift.

FOUNT

Yes! I felt with you the emotion of that chance encounter——But let calm descend upon your soul. You will need all your composure not to betray yourself during the ceremony of the robing, for this time you are not playing the leading part. Do not forget the three obeisances, the nine complete prostrations. You cannot accustom yourself to bend the knee to another.

EMPEROR

But I know all these fine points of etiquette better than anyone, for am I not condemned always to see men prostrated at my feet, touching the ground with their foreheads?

[OFFICERS, GUARDS and HERALDS enter at the back of the stage and begin to form into lines. Some unfurling banners. The CHIEFS give out orders].

FOUNT

Let us return! It is time, since you must rehearse your speech. Above all, Sire, change nothing in it. I so much fear that you will betray: yourself by some imprudent words.

EMPEROR

It seems too commonplace, that speech of mine——Since I have seen her, Her, I must compose another——

FOUNT

Oh! no, I beg you. You might distract yourself, break off short, or, more likely, let yourself be carried away beyond measure.

EMPEROR

You may prepare an opium-pipe for me. Then my mind will work with more ease and clearness.

FOUNT

Oh! you promised me to give up that poison. You know full well that it is the complete destruction of your energies and your will. The exaltation which results from—it, you know very well with what depression you must pay for that later on.

EMPEROR

Come! come! only one puff. I swear to you this shall be the last.

[They leave. Trumpet-calls are heard and shouts of command as the curtain falls.]

Second Tableau

The throne-room in the palace of Nanking, seen from the side. The EMPRESS and the throne upon which she is seated appear in profile. The LITTLE EMPEROR is seated near her. The throne is raised on a number of steps; the LADIES-IN-WAITING are behind the EMPRESS, fanning her with large, feathered fans. The bodyguard is placed on the steps of the throne, and each man is holding a censer containing Tibetan incense. All the dignitaries and officials are standing, in order of rank. At the back, across a colonnade, open-air galleries may be seen, in which are musicians and singers. The palanquin of the EMPRESS, with its dragons of gold, is also visible. Outside the crowd can be vaguely seen and heard. Opposite the throne, on a platform, are some dancers costumed as armed warriors, standing motionless. Everyone is standing, with the sole exception of the EMPRESS and her little son.

SCENE I

The crowd, the EMPEROR and FOUNT-IN-THE-FOREST (the two latter still disguised, but in full official costume), the FAITHFUL PRINCE.

THE CROWD [crying rhythmically]

Ten thousand years!

Ten thousand years!

A happy life to our King! A happy and a long life to our King.

Ten thousand years! Ten thousand years.

[The music continues at the back.]

TARTAR EMPEROR [In a whisper to FOUNT-IN-THE FOREST]

This old palace is infinitely more beautiful than mine. Its art is purer and more exquisite.

FOUNT [Also in a whisper]

Our Chinese art, Sire, in all its ancient purity.

EMPEROR [Smiling]

You have remained our masters in all things. In comparison with you we shall always be barbarians, we the invaders and the conquerors. Oh! may it be the unique glory of my reign to restore the noble Chinese tradition by fusing the two peoples for all time to come.

FOUNT

Let us not speak so much, well beloved master. We are being watched! And do not forget that soon you must prostrate yourself!——

EMPEROR

Before Her! Oh! that will be an easy task.

FOUNT

And your speech, I pray, let it be altogether correct and commonplace——The fascination which She seems to exercise over you terrifies me already.

[Chorus, singing at the back]

Forefathers of my race, from Heaven look down
Upon this palace with benignant eye!
Your son, the chosen of the immortal gods,
See now I mount the glorious throne on high.

[The dancers execute three evolutions of the ritual dance known as the Dance of the Feather and of the Flute]

CHORUS [At the back]

Let but your spirit and your bravery,
Your virtues be the guidance of my life;
Then shall I triumph over evil foes
And fear no fortune in the fiercest strife.

[The dancers execute three more figures.]

CHORUS [Again]

The Dragon, on my standard there unfurled,
Bathes his gold scales in Heaven's azure pure.
My reign shall famous be all times to come
'Neath his protection, powerful and sure.

[The dancers complete the three last figures]

MUSIC

[The master of ceremonies approaches, the guardian of the seals salutes him, and with a gesture indicates that he is to follow him. He conducts him to a golden table at the back of the stage. The guardian of the Seals, after having bent the knee, takes from that table the great seal of the Empire, which lies on a large salver. The master of the ceremonies then conducts him to the foot of the throne and withdraws. The guardian of the seals bends the knee and offers the seal to the FAITHFUL PRINCE. When the FAITHFUL PRINCE has taken it, the guardian kneels before the throne, makes three prostrations, rises, and withdraws backwards. The FAITHFUL PRINCE bends the knee, and holding the salver with both hands, offers it to the Empress, then he rises.]

[The