Alas, I [4] know too well that I can do no more than
yourself!
PRESIDENT. I entreat your Majesty to sacrifice your love, and
think of the security of your Dynasty. Hasten, sir, to send the
princess on her way!
EMPEROR. Let her this day advance a stage on her journey,
and be presented to the envoy.--To-morrow we will repair as far as
the bridge of Pahling, and give her a parting feast.
PRESIDENT. Alas! Sir, this may not be! It will draw on us
the contempt of these barbarians.
EMPEROR. We have complied with all our minister's propositions--shall
they not, then, accede to ours? Be it as it may, we will witness her
departure--and then return home to hate the traitor Maouyenshow!
PRESIDENT. Unwillingly we advise that the princess be sacrificed
for the sake of peace; but the envoy is instructed to insist upon
her alone--and from ancient times, how often hath a nation suffered
for a woman's beauty!
PRINCESS. Though I go into exile for the nation's good, yet ill
can I bear to part from your Majesty! _[Exeunt._
[Footnote 1: The honor of the imperial alliance being the chief object.]
[Footnote 2: Changngo, the goddess of the moon, gives her name to the
finely curved eyebrows of the Chinese ladies, which are compared to the
lunar crescent when only a day or two old.
Pages:
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354