to his task. I, for my part, have ordered a festal procession through the streets of the city. It shall be no mere revel for my courtiers, nor a banquet within four walls. The citizens shall be free to join me or to hold aloof; I will discern the pure from the impure, the pious from the misguided.
Oh Sun-King, shed light and beauty over the day! Oh Dionysus, let thy glory descend in floods upon our minds; fill our souls with thy sacred storm-wind; fill them till all trammels are burst asunder, and ecstasy enfranchised draws breath in dance and song!—Life, life, life in beauty!
[He goes out hastily to the right. The courtiers break up into whispering groups, and gradually disperse.
SCENE THIRD.
A narrow street in Constantinople.
A great concourse of people, all looking in one direction down the street. Noise, singing, and the music of flutes and drums is heard at some distance.
A Shoemaker.
[At his house-door, calls across the street.] What a foot, dear neighbour?
A Shopkeeper.
[In the house opposite.] They say 'tis some Syrian jugglers that have come to town.
A Fruit-seller.
[In the street.] No, no, 'tis a band of Egyptians going around with apes and dromedaries.
