l be ready to act as may
best suit the occasion. [_Exit._

_The Palace of Han. Enter Lady, attended by females_.

PRINCESS. A long period has elapsed since I had to thank his
Majesty for his choice. The Emperor's fondness for me is so great,
that he has still neglected to hold a court. I hear he is now gone
to the hall of audience, and will therefore ornament myself at my
toilet and be ready to wait on him at his return. [_Stands opposite
a mirror_.

_Enter Emperor_.

EMPEROR. Since we first met with Chaoukeun in the western
palace, we have been as it were deranged and intoxicated; a long
interval has elapsed since we held a court; and on entering the hall
of audience this day, we waited not until the assembly had
dispersed, but returned hither to obtain a sight of her.
[_Perceiving the Princess_.] Let us not alarm her, but observe in
secret what she is doing.
[_Comes close behind and looks over her._] Reflected in that round
mirror, she resembles the Lady in the Moon. [2]

_Enter President, and an Officer in waiting_.

PRESIDENT [_recites verses._] Ministers should devote themselves
to the regulation of the empire; They should be occupied with public
cares in the hall of government. But they do nought but attend at
the banquets in the palace. When have they employed a single day in
the service of their prince?

This day, when the audience was concluded, an envoy arrived from the
Tartars to demand Chaoukeun in marriage, as the only condition of
peace. It is my duty to report this to his Majesty, who has retired
to his western palace. Here I must enter. [_Perceiving the
Emperor._] I report to your Majesty that Hanchenyu, the leader of
the northern foreigners, sends an envoy to declare that Maouyenshow
has presented to him the portrait of the princess, and that he
demands her in marriage as the only condition of peace. If refused,
he will invade the South with a great power, and our rivers and
hills will be exposed to rapine.

EMPEROR. In vain do we maintain and send forth armies; vain
are the crowds of civil and military officers about our palace!
Which of them will drive back for us these foreign troops? They are
all afraid of the Tartar swords and arrows! But if they cannot exert
themselves to expel the barbarians, why call for the princess to
propitiate them?

PRES