quarters of the Ladies-in- Waiting, and my curiosity is eager on this most solemn day, when our Empress is to restore the throne of the bright dynasty of the Mings and to take on her the regency of the Empire. At what precise hour will the festival begin?——Do you know the order of the ceremonies?
Arrow-Bearer
What great pleasure for me to be able to inform you. The Criers of the Minister of Rites proclaimed last night the order of the ceremonies. I have taken note of what I heard.
[He takes from his sleeve a small scroll.]
I hope to write several poems about this later. It is a date quite unique in the annals of China.
Golden Lotus
Oh! read it to us, my lord.
[The young girls eagerly gather about Arrow-Bearer.
Arrow-Bearer [reading]
"On this holy day on which our Empress, laying aside her mourning for her illustrious Husband, is about to take up the power in the name of Her son, in defiance of that usurper who for three hundred years has held all China under his yoke: An order to all high Dignitaries of the Palace, to the Masters of the Ceremonies, to the Grand Secretaries of State, to the Ministers, Warriors, and Princes, to the Guardians of the Imperial Seal! Let them
