The Daughter of Heaven

EMPEROR, FOUNT.

EMPEROR [_To_ FOUNT, _who is still prostrate_]

Arise, friend, we are alone. You have already guessed my project, have you not? I want her to come here, near me. [_Pointing to the throne._] Pale and in the white of her deep mourning as she is, I want her to come here, to sit beside me on my throne----To-day, I am going to present her to my people as my affianced bride. Let the Dignitaries of my Court prostrate themselves before their Empress, at the same time as before their Emperor----without her there is neither Empire nor triumph for me----

Fount. She has consented?

Emperor. Alas, I do not know if she will agree. I have postponed till now that meeting so full at once of charm and terror. It is to-day and here that we shall see each other again for the first time----May Heaven help me! You will say that I am still a child; I wished to invest our supreme moment with all magnificence. Ah, if only there were not between us the death of her son, I should tremble less.

Fount. But you did all in your power to save him. Since your conscience cannot reproach you, sire, it is better for your plans that the child should be resting in peace among the shades. To impose him upon your Tartars would have been dangerous indeed-----Whereas now, the two Dynasties may blend, another son be born, of your blood and hers.

Emperor. A son born to me by her! Oh, friend, be silent. The dreams that are too beautiful, one must not speak of. [_He strikes the gong lightly._] But come, the dreaded moment of seeing her again has arrived. Come! [_To an_ Official _who enters in response to the gong._] Let the prisoner be brought here, with all the respect which I have commanded. Go! [_Recalling the_ Official _as he is leaving._] Wait a moment! [_To_ FOUNT, _who is going too._] No, her pride would be offended at being ushered into my presence. Rather, let her be the first to arrive, and I will follow, appearing before her with the air of one vanquished, begging pardon. [_To the waiting_ OFFICIAL.] As soon as I leave, bring the Empress here and leave her alone. Now you may go!

[_Exit the_ OFFICIAL _at the back._]

FOUNT [_as he goes out with the_ EMPRESS]

She loves you, sire. Have confidence. Who is the woman, even though she be almost a goddess, who would not yield?

Emperor. She! Only she!----

Fount. But, as she loved you once----

Emperor. And to-day must she not hate me? How much blood has been spilt by traitors despite my command! How has my decree of pardon been intercepted or changed to a death warrant!---- The hate, the implacable hate of our two peoples ever triumphs.

Fount. But how many lives you have saved!----And she must too know that.

EMPEROR [_as he goes out_]

Oh, that hour whose memory still enchants my heart! That hour there, in the garden of her palace, in the midst of that crowd where we were so alone, when she gazed upon me, when our souls were united in one supreme rapture----But now at the thought of seeing her again, I tremble like a guilty man.

[_Exit the_ EMPEROR, _with his councillor, through a side door. Two eunuchs and two women attendants conduct the_ EMPRESS _to the foot of the throne, and after having prostrated themselves retire, leaving her alone. She is in white robes of mourning, her hands are tied by a silken cord._]