Like a tree above a well where men and herds come to drink. And his spirit is like a marvellous fig tree Together disclosing the flowers and the fruit. THE FIRST SUBALTERN: As for the army that he has brought to this place-- THE STANDARD BEARER: Never has such an army been seen! And one would think it was led by Love himself. All see it from afar like a golden flower in the grass. And, dearer than the face of his wife, each one of these gross men Bears graven on his heart the holy image of the King. And there is no question of officers and soldiers, but each one Takes his part like a musician and they form a single body, And death has lost its meaning. _(Pause. Vague clamor in the distance. All keep their eyes fixed on the Standard._ THE FIRST SUBALTERN: He has left behind the ancient flag. THE STANDARD BEARER: The Standard of the Empire is here, but they march under various ensigns. Many bear the image of the Sun Who embraces the Heaven and the Earth, and arms go out from his radiance. Fishermen in a bark are throwing their net about him, spurred foresters are mounting towards him through the spreading oaks. And those who have come from the place where the earth, comes to an end Hoist ocean weeds or the lead of the sounding-line, and floating above them one sees The Sword-fish with scarlet fins, or the god of the Sea, with eyes of horn, disgorging his tongue like a stone, Or the salutary sign of the cross with equal branches: And such are the signs of those who live on the brink of the deep abyss. Other flags are green like a field, and grass is fastened there and the hair of animals and bones and sacks of earth. The image of the wheat arises from the furrow amidst a flight of pigeons with outspread wings; and words come out of the mouth, And the vine like a woman is bound upon the wine-press; And something also recalls the Sun When in September, after the harvest is gathered, Like a pontiff who prostrates himself, he piously kisses the naked earth. Others still! And they represent nothing defined, but are like a field of flowering buckwheat, Or the shimmering azure, full of the leaves of peartrees, when seen through the fringe of drooping lashes, Or an irruption of bees, or the seducing sea! And others, stiff with embroidery, embody curious legends, A reaper plies his scythe; a naked man Grasping a whip in both hands is fighting a four-winged eagle of silver. And others portray strange dreams; the disk of the moon, Dragons, panthers that eat the gods, Or roses, and an embroidered briar. But I could not tell you all the signs though I were to speak forever. THE SECOND SUBALTERN: There is one that you did not mention. _(A great square of silk is hoisted above one of the mountains to the East._ THE FIRST SUBALTERN: Eh? THE STANDARD BEARER: I do not know what it is! I do not know what this means! _(A trumpet is heard sounding clearly as if it announced something._