The End of the Song Dynasty

July 13 2022; people 102

1127 A.D., Kaifeng, China

EMPEROR QINZONG’S THRONE ROOM.

Messenger:

Mighty Emperor, I bear urgent tidings.

Qinzong:

Speak.

Messenger:

The Jurchen, mounted on horses, are riding high,

Sacking villages, burning everything in sight.

Pillaging and destroying, they draw nigh,

They will be in Kaifeng before the night.

Qinzong:

What? Are my generals fools? Is my army so weak,

That barbarians could defeat them! Rally the warriors,

For I, the mighty Emperor Qinzong, keeper of the ancient Mandate of Heaven,

The heir of the Yellow Emperor, the descendent of the Song dynasty,

Will dress for war, I will strap on my sword,

I will rout the nomads, driving them from Kaifeng,

I have given my word.

Servants, ready my armor.

EXIT.