Still, those
who were left did what they could, and the women, alert and
brave, with but few exceptions, gathered the children and handed
such weapons as they could muster to the men, and themselves,
taking knives and daggers, helped to defend the inner rooms.
In the farthest, the Queen, having given her commands and
encouraged all with brave words, like a wise, prudent princess,
sat with her son beside her. Her duty was now to him. Loved or
unloved, he was still the heir, the root of the House tree. If
all failed, she must make ransom and terms for him, and, if they
died, it must be together. He, with sparkling eyes, gay in the
danger, stood by her. Thus Dwaymenau found them.
She entered quietly and without any display of emotion and stood
before the high seat.
"Great Queen" - she used that title for the first time - "the
leader is Meng Kyinyo of Prome. There is no mercy. The end is
near. Our men fall fast, the women are fleeing. I have come to
say this thing: Save the Prince."
"And how?" asked the Queen, still seated. "I have no power."
"I have sent to Maung Tin, abbot of the Golden Monastery, and he
has said this thing.
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