Mistress and Maid (Jiohong Ji) by Meng Chengshun 0231121695, 9780231121699

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Mistress & Maid ( Jiaohongji)

translations from the asian classics

Translations from the Asian Classics

Editorial Board Wm. Theodore de Bary, Chair Paul Anderer Irene Bloom Donald Keene George A. Saliba Haruo Shirane David D. W. Wang Burton Watson

Mistress & Maid ( Jiaohongji) by Meng Chengshun

Translated by Cyril Birch

columbia university press / new york

columbia university press New York Columbia University Press wishes to express its appreciation for assistance given by the Pushkin Fund toward the cost of publishing this book. Columbia University Press Publishers Since 1893 New York

Chichester, West Sussex

Copyright © 2001 Columbia University Press All rights reserved Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Meng, Ch˚eng-shun, 17th cent. [Chiao hung chi. English] Mistress and maid : Jiaohongji / by Meng Chengshun ; translated by Cyril Birch. p. cm. — (Translations from the Asian classics) ISBN 0–231–12168–7 — ISBN 0–231–12169–5 (pbk.) 1. Meng, Ch˚eng-shun, 17th cent.—Translations into English. I. Title: Jiaohongji. II. Birch, Cyril, 1925– III. Title. IV. Series. PL2698.M44 C4713 2000 895.1′246—dc21 00–034583

Casebound editions of Columbia University Press books are printed on permanent and durable acid-free paper. Printed in the United States of America Designed by Lisa Hamm c 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 p 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

To J. I. Crump & the chimes at midnight

Contents

Introduction Signposts of Romance Cast of Characters

ix xxiii 1

scene 1 Legend

3

scene 2 Leaving Home

5

scene 3 Meeting with Bella

11

scene 4 Evening Embroidery

22

scene 5 In Search of a Beauty

30

scene 6 Flower Poems

37

scene 7 Response in Rhyme

43

scene 8 Trouble from Tibet

52

scene 9 Sharing the Lampblack

55

scene 10 Hugging the Stove

62

scene 11 Frontier Defense

71

scene 12 Thwarted Rendezvous

75

scene 13 Dispatching the Summons

83

scene 14 Quiet Despair

86

scene 15 Parting Vows

91

scene 16 Defense of the City

98

scene 17 Seeking a Cure

101

scene 18 Secret Pact

106

scene 19 The Portraits Delivered

113

scene 20 Cutting the Sleeve

117

scene 21 Sending the Matchmaker

126

scene 22 The Match Opposed

132

scene 23 A Drink with Courtesans

141

scene 24 The Matchmaker Reports

150

scene 25 Exorcism

158

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scene 26 Third Visit

168

scene 27 The Slippers

176

scene 28 Petal Scolded

184

scene 29 Interrogation

190

scene 30 Viewing the Portraits

196

scene 31 Solemn Pact

202

scene 32 Petal Tells

211

scene 33 Reluctant Parting

220

scene 34 Envoys Appointed

228

scene 35 The Keepsake

232

scene 36 The Road to the Examinations

239

scene 37 Celebration

245

scene 38 Return in Triumph

249

scene 39 Bewitched

254

scene 40 A Haunting Suspected

260

scene 41 The Ghost Exposed

268

scene 42 Master Shuai Proposes

275

scene 43 Parting in Life

281

scene 44 Wedding Rehearsal

290

scene 45 Weeping on the Boat

296

scene 46 Petal Questioned

310

scene 47 Maiden’s Passing

313

scene 48 Joined in Death

324

scene 49 United in the Tomb

335

scene 50 Reunion with Immortals

342

Introduction

The author of Mistress and Maid ( Jiaohongji), Meng Chengshun, lived from 1599 to 1684. Renewed interest in his plays in China during the last twenty years has led to the unearthing of some details of his life story, but there are still blanks, especially for the last twenty-odd years of his long life. He styled himself Meng Zisai, Ziruo, or Zishi, and invented sobriquets like Squire Cloud-Rest and Transcendent Chronicler of the Isles of Flowers, which express his disdain for worldly trammels but suggest also a mild selfmockery. Meng Chengshun’s family belonged to the mandarin class of Shaoxing, a populous city in the central coastal province of Zhejiang. Shaoxing has long been noted for the production of fine wine, lawyers, and literary talent; Meng’s own writings reflected the libertarian ideas of his brilliant, unpredictable fellow-townsman, the dramatist and painter Xu Wei, who died just a few years before Meng was born. In the twentieth century, Shaoxing’s traditional eminence was reaffirmed by the fiery and greatly gifted fiction writer and polemicist Lu Xun. Meng Chengshun was already middle-aged by 1644, the year the Ming dynasty finally collapsed under its weight of corrupt and inefficient senility and the alien Manchus entered Beijing to establish the last of China’s dynasties of conquest, the Qing. The national catastrophe did not spare the intellectual and artistic elite of Jiangnan, “South of the River.” One of Meng’s closest friends, Qi Biaojia, a Ming loyalist official, was a noted book collector and a diarist who recorded an extraordinary number of dramatic performances he had witnessed. Qi’s estate in Shaoxing was the meeting place for the convivial poets, artists, and music lovers who comprised the Maple Club. But Qi had also served the Ming as a censor and later a local governor, and in 1644 he retired to a monastery; the following year he drowned himself rather than accept office under the Manchus. Another close friend was the famous painter, the bohemian Chen Hongshou, who took refuge as a Buddhist monk in a mountain monastery after 1644 and died eight years later. Meng Chengshun was for years a member of the reform-minded Revival

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Society, but like many of the educated men of his time he was not destined for an important role in the imperial bureaucracy, whether of the native Ming or of the new Manchu power. He was fifty before he passed the provincial examination for the second degree, the juren, in 1649 and began service as a xundao, supervising the education of prospective examination candidates in the prefecture of Songyang, in the southern part of Zhejiang province. He “left a fragrant name” in local records for his improvements in the restoration of buildings and the provision of land for funding studies. A few years in this modest post, however, was the total extent of his official career. It has been suggested that his resignation and return home in 1656 may have been related to his defense of local literati against the threat of persecution by the Manchu authorities.1 Meng Chengshun’s claim to fame as a dramatist and scholar of the drama was already established by the 1630s. He seems to have been a man of the stage as well as the study, holding that it was the duty of the drama scholar to take part in dramatic performance, and of the playwright to think himself into the characters he was portraying. He compiled and carefully edited an important collection of fifty-six zaju or northern-style plays from the Yuan and Ming dynasties. Plays of this kind had usually only one or two singing roles and could be performed in a single afternoon or evening. Meng himself wrote five zaju plays, which still survive (he included four of them in his own great collection). The other favored mode of poetic drama in Meng’s day was the chuanqi or “southern” romance, which might run to fifty or more scenes as numerous personages, almost all singing roles, worked out an involved plot. Three of the five chuanqi Meng composed are still extant; the chuanqi romance Mistress and Maid, in fifty scenes, is his longest play and is regarded as his masterpiece. Three of Meng’s plays celebrate lovers faithful unto death. There were at least two good reasons for the popularity of such a theme in late-Ming times. One lay in the intellectual atmosphere created by the eclectic philosophers of the immediately preceding generations: liberation from stifling convention, celebration of the claims of spontaneous feeling, sympathy for the aspirations of youth. But given the political background of the time it is easy to see the other reason: the loyalty of the romantic lover to his chosen one

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could stand as metaphor for a different kind of commitment. Both before and after 1644 the world of the aspiring scholar-official was a world of dilemma. He would train all his life to serve his emperor but might never win appointment to office. Once he was established in the bureaucracy, what might be his response should a foreign usurper occupy the dragon throne? The intellectual world, as we see from the experiences of Meng Chengshun himself and his associates, was agog with clashing loyalties and agonizing choices: continued service to what remnants survived of the doomed and rapidly fading authority of the Ming? Transfer of allegiance to the conqueror in Beijing? Retirement to the seclusion of a monastery or one’s estate or the hills? Suicide? We may well agree with critics who suggest that the faithful, doomed lovers of Meng’s plays served at one level to represent and honor the many men who chose obscurity, privations, or even martyrdom out of reverence for the three-hundred-year-old regime of the great Ming.2 Meng’s best-known zaju play, Peach Bloom and Winsome Face (Taohua renmian), is based on a narrative poem of Tang times. Its heroine, in her seventeenth year giving her heart to a young stranger, pines in his absence and is saved at the very point of death by his timely return to claim her hand. No complications, no parental opposition or rival suitor, simply a moving manifesto of the sanctity of requited passion. The second of Meng’s plays about steadfast lovers, The Chaste Poetess (Zhenwenji), a chuanqi romance in thirty-five scenes, is based on the life of the historical woman poet Zhang Yuniang, who lived in Songyang in the thirteenth century. A branch of Meng Chengshun’s clan had established itself in Songyang, and on a visit to relatives some years before he assumed his post in the educational hierarchy there, he learned of Zhang Yuniang’s life and was saddened by the neglected state of her tomb. Eventually he was able to publish her collected poems and build a temple to her memory. His play tells the story of her vow to remain faithful to the man to whom her parents betrothed her, and her continued observance of the vow even after her father’s cancellation of the engagement and the young man’s premature death shortly thereafter. The preface to The Chaste Poetess is dated 1643, but this is false: Meng probably wrote the play shortly after his resignation in 1656, but “recognizing its political implications and fearing persecution, he purposely dated the work to precede the Ming collapse.”3 Mistress and Maid was the first chuanqi play Meng composed. It bears pref-

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aces dated 1638 and 1639 by the author himself and by friends, including Chen Hongshou, who provided illustrations and a marginal commentary in addition to his preface. The full title of the work reads The Story of (Wang) Jiao(niang) and (Fei)hong and of Chastity and Integrity in the Mandarin-duck Tomb (Jieyi yuanyangzhong Jiaohongji); normally this is shortened to The Mandarin-duck Tomb or simply The Story of Jiao and Hong. Jiaoniang is the mistress, Feihong the maid of the title I have adopted for this English translation. To help the reader distinguish the female characters from the males I have translated their names, so that Jiaoniang (“charming girl”) becomes Bella, and Feihong (“flying red”) becomes Petal. Names of male personages are romanized rather than translated. Including the maid Feihong or Petal in the title, whether in the original Chinese or in my translation, may seem odd when Bella’s cousin and lover, Shen Chun, is obviously more central to the action, but it is a justifiable recognition that Petal is a much more fully developed character than the usual stock “pert maidservant” of the Chinese stage. The meaning of the alternative title of the play, The Mandarin-duck Tomb, becomes clear when we reach the final scenes. The allusion is to the numerous early tales of faithful but ill-fated lovers, above whose adjoining graves grew trees that shared common roots and interlocking branches. The graves were thus integrated, paired and forever inseparable in the way of the prime symbols of absolute fidelity, the male and female mandarin duck. In a classic case, the point is underscored by having actual mandarin ducks roost in the branches of the interlocking trees. This happens in a story set in the ancient period of the Warring States. A palace steward named Han Ping has a beautiful wife named Ho. The prince their master seizes Ho for himself, and Han Ping in despair takes his own life; Madam Ho swiftly follows him in death but leaves a request to the prince to inter her body with that of her husband. The fourth-century account continues: The angry prince refused her wish. He had the locals bury her where she lay: their two graves faced each other from a distance. “Your love is supposed to be forever! If it can bring these tombs together, I shall not stand in the way,” said the prince. Within a day a great catalpa tree had sprung up on the corner of each grave. In ten days the trees’ girth could not be spanned by human arms,

Introduction

xiii

and they had inclined toward each other; their roots mingled below the earth and their limbs twined above. Two love-birds (mandarin ducks), one male and its mate, roosted in these trees both night and day; they twined their necks and called most plaintively. The sound of their cries moved all men.4 Mistress and Maid is Meng Chengshun’s longest and most highly regarded play. In essence it is a retelling of what has been called one of the two most influential love stories in Ming literature, the other being celebrated in the great zaju sequence The Story of the Western Wing. The “Story of Jiaoniang and Feihong” was first told in the form of a classical-style novella by Song Yuan (Song Meidong) early in the Yuan period. Song Yuan’s tale (purportedly based on a reallife tragedy that occurred in the twelfth century) reappeared in various modified versions in Ming-dynasty fiction miscellanies and formed the basis of at least five zaju plays and two other chuanqi dramas before Meng Chengshun’s fifty-scene masterwork; some of these earlier plays are lost, others survive only in fragmentary form.5 There is a modern reprint of the fifteenth-century two-zaju cycle Jiaohongji by Liu Dui.6 Wang Jiaoniang (Bella), Feihong (Petal), and the other major characters of Mistress and Maid are already present in the original novella. As in The Chaste Poetess, we have a father reneging on his daughter’s marital pact and the refusal of two lovers to accept separation other than by death—or even after death, since they make and fulfill their vow to share a single burying place, the mandarin-duck tomb. The daring twist in the plot of Mistress and Maid, however, is the heroine’s self-assertion in selecting her own partner, bestowing herself on him, and participating in a private, clandestine rite of marriage in advance of any marital negotiations on the part of her parents. In this way the play poses a strong challenge to the conventional morality of the arranged marriage. But if it were no more than just another volley in the battle for freedom of choice, for the rights of the young and especially of the sequestered daughters of social-climbing parents, it would be of less interest to us as a play. The glory of Mistress and Maid is the tender delicacy of the lovers’ interactions. The influence of Tang Xianzu’s masterpiece, The Peony Pavilion (1598), is very evident in the establishment of qing, “feeling, passion” as a supreme value in

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Bella Wang’s life commitment. The depth of feeling manifested by the young cousins is what distinguishes the play from the mass of “talent-meetsbeauty” (caizi-jiaren) tales, the classical Chinese version of boy-meets-girl romance, that flourished throughout the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries, the late-imperial age. The whole genre of romance is filled with conventions of plotting and imagery: the heroine’s fragile sensitivity to the fading blossoms that mark the passing of her springtime; the obtuseness of her parents; the hero’s despair of success in his career; the boorishness of the rich young wastrel who threatens to win the marital stakes. Again, what saves Mistress and Maid is the appeal of the two young lovers, their sheer likability and the sensitive depiction of the interplay between them. They are squarely in the caizi-jiaren tradition, yet neither of Meng Chengshun’s principal characters is fully in accord with the standard of the genre. Bella, the cloistered dutiful daughter, is startlingly modern at times in her sense of her own individual worth, her boldness in recognition and pursuit of her lover, Shen Chun, and her refusal to let him take her for granted. As for Shen Chun himself, he is an honorable and devoted suitor—but human enough to have a history of modest roistering, and not above some suggestive flirtation with the maid. This girl, Petal, has a prominence in the action well beyond that of the conventional maidservant-confidante that fully justifies the inclusion of her name in the play’s title. Her characterization develops in interesting ways through the course of the play. In the early scenes, the combination of the pathos of her position (her evident destiny to become concubine rather than wife) with her devotion to Bella’s well-being elicits audience sympathy.Yet she has her own amorous yearnings for Shen, feels the indignity of her menial status, flirts with him, and deliberately causes trouble for her young mistress. Then, after all the complications brought about by her aspiration to be Bella’s rival, by the closing scenes her heart fills with compassion for the illfated lovers. In the spectacular “Reunion with Immortals” scene that provides the grand finale, Petal is, fittingly, granted the first vision of the spirits of the lovers, inhabitants now of a higher sphere. Chinese historians have listed Mistress and Maid among their “ten great tragedies,” and although it is not one of the best-known chuanqi romances, it has a special place in the development of the literature. The central narrative

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xv

of the supreme eighteenth-century novel Dream of the Red Chamber (Hongloumeng, which David Hawkes translated using the alternative title Story of the Stone) is woven around the doomed love of two cousins, Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu (Black Jade). No pair of lovers in earlier Chinese fiction or drama is more likely to have provided the model for these two than the protagonists of Mistress and Maid, Shen Chun and Wang Jiaoniang (Bella in my translation). The modern editor of the Chinese text, Ouyang Guang, is confident that Shen Chun, in prizing marital happiness above the achievement of rank and fame, is prefiguring Jia Baoyu as romantic hero. The author of the Red Chamber, Cao Xueqin, was such an enthusiast of the drama that he seems originally to have planned a play rather than a novel—traces of his plan survive in the songs of early chapters. There can be no doubt he knew Meng Chengshun’s play, and we cannot now read the scenes of the nervous, almost neurotic mutual misunderstandings between Shen and Bella without thinking ahead a hundred years to the wonderful episodes in Cao Xueqin’s great work, such as the quarrel over the Western Wing in chapter 23 or the incident of the fisherman’s hat in chapter 45. The Western Wing is a romantic play—with a reputation for licentiousness— that Lin Daiyu cajoles Jia Baoyu into showing her. Her evident enjoyment emboldens Baoyu to quote a suggestive couplet: The more she read, the more she liked it, and before very long she had read several acts. . . . “Well,” said Baoyu, “is it good?” Daiyu smiled and nodded. Baoyu laughed: “‘How can I, full of sickness and of woe, Withstand that face which kingdoms could o’erthrow?’“ Daiyu reddened to the tips of her ears. The eyebrows that seemed to frown but somehow didn’t were raised now in anger and the lovely eyes flashed. There was rage in her crimson cheeks and resentment in all her looks. “You’re hateful!”—she pointed a finger at him in angry accusal—“deliberately using that horrid play to take advantage of me. I’m going straight off to tell Uncle and Aunt!” . . .

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“Please, please forgive me! Dearest coz! If I had the slightest intention of taking advantage of you, may I fall into the water and be eaten up by an old bald-headed turtle!” . . . His ridiculous declamation provoked a sudden explosion of mirth. She laughed and simultaneously wiped the tears away with her knuckles. . . . —(hawkes translation)

Chapter 45 of the Dream of the Red Chamber tells of the consumptive Lin Daiyu composing melancholy verses on a rainy night. Suddenly Baoyu arrives for a visit, wearing a fisherman’s straw cloak and enormous woven bamboo hat. She laughs at this spectacle and greets him as “The Old Fisherman!” They chat amicably for a while; Baoyu points out the advantages of his rustic get-up and offers to get her a similar outfit: “I don’t want one, thank you,” said Daiyu laughing. “If I were to wear one of those, I should look like one of those old fisherwomen you see in paintings sometimes and on the stage.” Immediately after saying this she realized that she had virtually been offering herself as a fishwife to Baoyu’s old fisherman and wished the remark unsaid. She blushed with embarrassment and leaned forwards, racked with coughing, over the table. But Baoyu appeared not to have noticed. What drew his attention was the poem he had just spotted which lay on the table beside her. He picked it up and read it. A murmur of praise which escaped involuntarily from his lips brought Daiyu to her feet. She snatched the paper from him and burned it over the lamp. But Baoyu only laughed. “Too late! I’ve already memorized it.” —(hawkes translation)

Cao Xueqin was a writer of true and extraordinary genius, and the scope and complexity of his fiction permitted him to delve more deeply into the psychology of his lovers. And yet the young cousins of Meng Chengshun’s play, like the characters of Cao Xueqin’s novel, develop an individuality that sets them apart from the stereotypical figures of the caizi-jiaren romances. In his poetic diction also, Meng shows a good deal of originality, although he ex-

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ploits the usual allusions to classical model lovers and other poetic tropes to a degree that risks trying the reader’s patience. The set of what I have labeled “Signposts of Romance” appended to this introduction will give some idea of the dominance of cliché in plays of the chuanqi genre: I list some thirteen of Meng Chengshun’s favorite sources of allusion, indicate their general range of significance, and ask the reader on coming across a Roman numeral in the text simply to refer to this section for enlightenment. Frequently in the course of the play, Meng Chengshun assumes audience familiarity with people and incidents appearing in early collections of anecdotes. Two such works have recently been translated into English: the fourth-century Soushenji, translated by Kenneth DeWoskin and James I. Crump under the title In Search of the Supernatural (Stanford University Press, 1996, quoted above); and the fifth-century Shishuo xinyu, translated as A New Account of Tales of the World by Richard H. Mather (University of Minnesota Press, 1976). What raises the level of the play’s language above the commonplace, indeed, time and again to true and brilliant poetry, is the exploitation of such symbolic actions as “sharing the lampblack” in scene 9. It is early in the courtship—Shen Chun and Bella have done little more than exchange amorous glances and verses with matching rhymes—when Shen visits his beautiful cousin to find her completing her morning toilet. She has been collecting lampblack to paint her eyebrows. Shen has an aria envying the lampblack, which has “served at your dressing-table to grace mascara’d brows . . . left its trace on pillow by rouge of cheek”; he begs a portion of it to make ink for a letter to his distant parents. Bella assents, soils her fingers as she divides the lampblack into two piles, and rather daringly dusts her hands off on Shen’s sleeve. Emboldened, Shen laughingly declares, “I shall cherish these stains as love-tokens!” No cliché here: unlike peach bloom by moonlight or slippers embroidered with paired mandarin ducks, lampblack is hardly something associated with romantic love.Yet lampblack in this scene is the central symbol for our caizi-jiaren, our two users of the brush, Bella to cosmetically enhance her beauty and Shen Chun to express his genius in calligraphy and poetry. Calligraphy, painting, poetry, and feminine beauty are inextricably linked, and indeed the shared lampblack is the harbinger of shared bodies, prefigured when Bella leaves her sooty fingerprints on Shen’s sleeve. The passage vividly conveys the yearnings and the torments of budding

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young love: no sooner have they touched than Bella repulses Shen for his overexplicit teasing. Longing for love, fear of rejection, desires and scoldings, a clumsy advance in the midst of elegant wooing, kneeling for forgiveness, and regret expressed in private: the scene is full of movement and the perfect foil for the tender confessions of love in the scene that follows, “Hugging the Stove.” Again, just as lampblack may have special connotations in the Chinese context, so the phrase “hugging the stove” conjures up important associations. For these, we need to recall the history of Zhuo Wenjun and Sima Xiangru, which I have sketched below in the paragraph labeled IX of my “Signposts of Romance.” One more “symbolic action” deserves comment. It commemorates the lovers’ first commitment to each other in scene 20 and provides the scene’s title, “Cutting the Sleeve.” The sleeve as keepsake is not something unique to Chinese romance: the costumes of young gallants and their mistresses in Renaissance Europe had detachable sleeves, which could conveniently be given or exchanged as love tokens. Moreover, in the classical forms of Chinese theater sleeves have a special use and significance as a most expressive item of the actor’s garb. The long, flowing white “water-sleeve” of the female lead, or even the shorter white cuff of the male, can tremble, flutter, twist, droop, fly up, screen the face, dry the eyes—can all by itself convey a range of emotional states through a unique code. When in scene 9 Bella leaves traces of lampblack on Shen’s sleeve, she is foreshadowing what will happen in scene 20. This is the time of her willing submission to Shen’s ardent pleas. He leads her (by the sleeve, we should note) offstage, and when they return he surveys his own sleeve to find it stained with blood. Bella is suitably embarrassed but still sufficiently self-possessed to cut off the sleeve as she sings the aria line “This sleeve bears its rouge traces of our love” and vows to keep it “as token for the time to come” of this, their first night. Mistress and Maid is more exclusively dedicated to its young protagonists and to the progress of their ill-fated love, especially in the first half of the action, than a number of chuanqi plays. It lacks the wide range of characters and incidents of a play like Tang Xianzu’s Peony Pavilion, mentioned above, whose lush romantic scenes are offset by low-life burlesque, satire of pedantic scholars and bawdy nuns, solemn pomp of military action, and the lampooning of clownish barbarians. Meng Chengshun evidently, and no

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xix

doubt with justification, credited his mid-seventeenth century audience with a high degree of tolerance of the pathetic. As a result the reader or playgoer of today is likely to find some stretches of Mistress and Maid, especially the late scenes, irritatingly tear-filled and prolix. But even the repetitious cycle of partings and pinings has its positive side in the incremental growth of tragic force. Bella’s heroic resistance to the oppression of a mediocre marriage is matched by Shen Chun’s willing sacrifice of career, and his sacrifice in the end of life itself, in fulfillment of his loyal commitment to his chosen bride. Obviously Mistress and Maid, with fifty scenes and hundreds of arias, many sung at slow tempi, was far too long to be performed on a single day. Chuanqi plays of this length often feature a central scene that acts as a kind of “minor grand finale,” ending the first day’s presentation.7 Precisely the twenty-fifth scene, “Exorcism,” provides a lesser climax to the action that furthermore is guaranteed to leave the audience laughing as they await the adventures, and the concluding pathos, of the second day. Bella’s family has just rejected Shen Chun’s proposal of marriage, and our hero must find a way to reinsert himself into her household and renew his suit. With the help of his matchmaker, he comes up with a brilliant stratagem involving the phony exorcism of a nonexistent demon. The carrying out of the plan in scene 25 provides effective satire of pseudo-Daoist mumbo-jumbo and creates a genuine comic masterpiece as a rascally crew succeeds in hoodwinking Shen’s solemnly innocent father and brother. The first half of the play is the most lyrically passionate, principally concerned as it is with exploring the growth of mutual devotion between the two principals, Shen Chun and Bella. But the second half has its own riches to offer. It is here that the character of Petal, the maid, reaches full development through the twists and turns of her flirtation with Shen and her eventual dedication to consoling the dying Bella. Minor characters further enliven the later scenes. Some entertaining burlesque revolves around Shen Chun’s rival, the fatuous rich kid Shuai, and his attendants Tertius Ma and Decimus Ge, two scoundrelly lickspittles who would fit perfectly into a performance of The Alchemist. Lovey Ding, in contrast, is a movingly presented character, the standard courtesan with heart of gold. In the long and lively scene 23, which sets up the complications of the discovery of Bella’s slippers in the hero’s studio, she ungrudgingly helps along Shen’s courtship of Bella; yet she is

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obliged to please any patron, even the horrible young Shuai in whose “Wedding Rehearsal” she participates (scene 44). An intriguing ghost causes complications in a sequence of scenes from 39 on. The “hungry revenant,” a vampirish spirit who assumes the form of a bewitching beauty to seduce a mortal and replace him in the world of the living, is a common motif in the imaginative literature of the time. But the ghost who impersonates Bella is a curiously wistful creature, a character of some complexity. It is hard to withhold sympathy from her, whether or not the dramatist intended such an effect. More than three and a half centuries after it was written, there are all sorts of reasons for reading Mistress and Maid. For the past twenty years it has been hailed by Chinese critics as essentially revolutionary in its depiction of youthful resistance to an oppressive system of latter-day Confucian values. In the dramatic literature, even if it cannot quite rank with The Story of the Western Wing or The Peony Pavilion, the lyric quality and psychological truth of Mistress and Maid have secured for Meng Chengshun’s tragedy an honorable place in the line of succession.

notes 1. See Wai-yee Li, “Heroic Transformations: Women and National Trauma in Early Qing Literature,” Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies, Vol. 59, No. 2 (December 1999): 363–443. 2. See the English-language article by the Dutch scholar Wilt L. Idema, “Female Talent and Female Virtue: Xu Wei’s Nu Zhuangyuan and Meng Chengshun’s Zhenwenji” in Hua Wei and Wang Ailing, eds., Ming-Qing xiqu guoji yantaohui lunwenji (Taipei: Academia Sinica, 1998), II:551–574. 3. Wai-yee Li, “Heroic Transformations,” 426. 4. Translation by Kenneth DeWoskin and James I. Crump, In Search of the Supernatural, 138. 5. Richard G. Wang gives a comprehensive listing of Yuan-Ming versions of the Jiaohongji story in his article “The Cult of Qing: Romanticism in the Late Ming Period and in the Novel Jiao Hong Ji,” Ming Studies 33 (August 1994): 12–55. He sums up the situation as follows: “In short, there remain at least nine Ming versions of Jiaohongji, eight of which belong to the period of the late Ming, and two complete Ming dramas adapted from it, one of which belongs to the late Ming” (32). The other “most influential”—and nowadays

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much better known—love story is that of Cui Yingying, by the Tang writer Yuan Zhen, which formed the basis for the great Yuan-Ming serial zaju Romance of the Western Wing. 6. In Zheng Zhenduo, ed., Shijie wenku (Shanghai: Commercial Press, 1936), 3:985–1016. 7. Wilt Idema’s phrase, in correspondence; I am indebted to him for underlining the significance of scene 25 as a major turning point in the play.

Signposts of Romance

Numerous fairy-tale and other figures were so ever-present to the Chinese imagination during the late Ming that it was evidently impossible to write a romance without reference to them. They live and breathe always in the background, and mention of them, or of things or places associated with them, acts as a signpost to some kind of romantic or marital relationship. Such signposts crop up in Meng Chengshun’s Mistress and Maid at least as frequently as in most other works of its genre. The following paragraphs are offered as a sort of master lexicon of this play’s favorite allusions—or we might say Meng Chengshun’s favorite allusions, since most of the thirteen listed here occur in the brief span, no more than a score or so pages, of his zaju play Peach Bloom and Winsome Face. I have numbered the paragraphs for convenience, and invite the reader to consult these brief explanatory notes whenever a Roman numeral appears in the translated text of the play. Less frequently used allusions are footnoted in the usual way, but flagging the thirteen most common ones helps to avoid an excess of cross-references of the type of “see above, scene so-and-so, note so-and-so.”

signpost i: Herdboy and Weaving Maid Folktales relating to heavenly bodies have a strong romantic flavor. The Herdboy is the bright star Altair, of the constellation Aquila, and the Weaving Maid is Vega, which is in Lyra. Because the two stars are visible simultaneously only for a short time in the year, legend identifies them as two lovers condemned to dwell apart on opposite sides of the Milky Way (the Silver Stream or River of Heaven) and permitted to cross it only on the night of the seventh day of the seventh month. This date marked the Lovers’ Festival; on that night, magpies formed a bridge to permit the astral pair’s reunion.

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Signposts of Romance

signpost ii: The Old Man in the Moonlight and His Red Thread of Betrothal From an early tale of an encounter with a old man seated outside an inn, reading by moonlight. His text proves to be a universal Register of Betrothals, and his pack contains a quantity of red thread with which, he explains, his task is to link together the feet of those predestined to marry, no matter how far they might be separated by distance, rank, or fortune.

signpost iii: Chang’o, Goddess of the Moon In mythical times,Yi the Great Archer, who shot down nine of the ten suns that threatened to incinerate the earth, requested and received the elixir of immortality from the Queen Mother of the West. Chang’o stole the elixir and fled with it to the moon. Not only an emblem of great beauty, she is associated with success in scholarship and in love, since one who placed high on the examination lists was held to have “plucked the cassia flower that blooms in the moon.”

signpost iv: Bluebird, Wild Goose, and Fish Messengers The bluebird served as messenger for the legendary Queen Mother of the West in her trysts with the Han emperor Wudi. Lovers and others use various creatures for their correspondence, as demonstrated by stories of captives beyond the frontier sending back messages by tying them to the legs of migrating birds, and of fish that when caught and gutted prove to have secret missives written on silk inside their bellies. Perhaps associated with such tales of fish messengers is an account of a lady who makes paper envelopes in the shape of carp, painting scales on each side and inserting her letters in the belly.

signpost v: Witch’s Mount, Jasper Pavilion, Terrace of the Sun The Gaotang fu by the pre-Han poet Song Yu was a most fecund source of sexual imagery. E. H. Schafer (The Divine Woman [Berkeley: University of California Press, 1973], pp. 35–36) describes the prose introduction to the poem as follows (romanization modernized):

Signposts of Romance

xxv

In the “Rhapsody on Gaotang,” named for a holy hill in Chu, a king, posthumously styled “Xiang,” is revealed strolling in the company of Song Yu. He is amazed to see a misty column rising on Gaotang’s eminence—a vapor that constantly wavers and assumes new but inconstant shapes. The king asks the poet, “What is that vapor?” and Song Yu replies, “It is called ‘Cloud of Dawn.’”“To what does ‘Cloud of Dawn’ refer?”“Once, long ago,” says Song Yu, “a former king strolled at Gaotang.” He goes on to tell how that ancient king had once disposed himself lazily for a daytime rest and, in a dream or vision, had seen a woman who addressed him thus: “Your handmaiden is the Woman of Shamanka Mountain, now a visitor at Gaotang. Hearing that you, milord, were strolling at Gaotang, I wished to offer myself to your pillow and mat.”The king therefore gave her his favor. She left him with these words: “On the sunlit slope of Shamanka Mountain, at the steep places of the high hill-your handmaiden is ‘Dawn Cloud’ in the morning, ‘Moving Rain’ in the evening. Dawn after dawn, evening after evening, below the sunlit platform!” In the morning the king looked for her in vain. Later he raised a temple to her and styled it “Dawn Cloud.” The poem itself describes, in Schafer’s words, “the mystic powers of the deity herself, embroidering the facets of her beauty, her protean shapes, and her evanescent charms in scintillating language. She appears almost as a meteorological phenomenon, sparkling and trembling, darting and quivering, like a sequence of misty rainbows, but often also like a fleeting bird.”

signpost vi: The Cuckoo’s Tears The soul of Wangdi, king of the southwestern state of Shu in ancient times, transmigrated at his death into a hawk-cuckoo. The red breast of this bird is attributed to its weeping tears of blood—the tears the dying ruler shed for the loss of his kingdom. The Chinese word dujuan is the name for both the cuckoo and the azalea, its flowers stained red by these tears; the bird’s melancholy call is heard by humans as the words bu ru guiqu, “better go back!”

signpost vii: Xiang River Bamboos More tears, and back to the myth-haunted land of Chu: a speckled bamboo grows there, whose markings resulted from the weeping of the two widows of the legendary sage-emperor Shun.

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Signposts of Romance

signpost viii: Fondle Jade Fondle Jade was the daughter of Duke Mu of Qin in classical times. She was given in marriage to an expert flautist named Xiao Shi, who taught her both to play the flute and to imitate the call of the phoenix. So cleverly did she do this that a phoenix appeared, whereupon Fondle Jade mounted it and rode as an immortal to heaven, Xiao Shi riding a dragon by her side. The use of “playing the flute” as a euphemism for fellatio may have both given rise to this tale and contributed to its popularity as an emblem of romantic love.

signpost ix: Wenjun and Sima Xiangru The classic lovers most frequently alluded to in Mistress and Maid, no doubt because of their successful resistance to parental opposition. The Han dynasty poet Sima Xiangru eloped with Wenjun, daughter of the wealthy Zhuo family, and kept a wine shop with her to ward off poverty in the years before the court recognized and rewarded his talent. The action of scene 10, “Hugging the Stove,” is in itself an allusion to the stove on which Sima heated the wine for Wenjun to serve to their customers. Wenjun once dissuaded Sima from taking a concubine by writing a poem on growing white-haired together; another element of their history alluded to in the play is the swansdown robe that Sima once traded for wine.

signpost x: Peach-Blossom Spring The great fourth-century poet Tao Qian or Tao Yuanming wrote a celebrated allegory about a fisherman of Wuling who followed to its source a stream that bore peach blossoms on its surface. He discovered a utopian mountain realm totally isolated from the contemporary world, which no one ever could find again after he returned to his home. Ming writers often conflated this legend with that of two men named Liu Chen and Ruan Zhao, who found fairy love by following a peachbloom-laden stream into the Tiantai (Terrace of Heaven) Mountains.

signpost xi: Blue Bridge A Tang story about a man named Pei Hang contains a poem predicting that he would meet the love of his life,Yunying, at Blue Bridge (Lanqiao). A partic-

Signposts of Romance

xxvii

ularly precious jade comes from a place called Lantian, “Indigo Field,” whose name also suggests the old legend of a man who was given a load of rocks by an immortal and told to plant them; he did so, and by turning into jade they helped him win a beautiful wife. “Jade Capital” is a term for the Daoist paradise. The envoi to scene 3 juggles Blue Bridge, Indigo Field, and the Jade Capital in lines that richly suggest the hero’s bewildered infatuation with the lovely young cousin he has just met. A later allusion to Blue Bridge identifies it as the place where in classical times a young man named Wei, awaiting his beloved, clung to a pier and drowned in flood waters rather than break their assignation.

signpost xii: The Rainbow Skirt The “Song of the Rainbow Skirt” was music taught in Fairyland to the Tang emperor Xuanzong, who had his musicians play it for his beautiful Honored Consort,Yang Guifei, to dance to. The all-consuming love of these two, which cost Xuanzong his empire and Guifei her life, has been among the most popular subjects of ballads, novellas, and plays throughout the centuries.

signpost xiii: The Red Leaf Poem A woman named Han of the Tang imperial harem inscribed a love poem on a leaf, which she floated out of the palace confines down a drainage ditch. It was picked up by Yu You, who floated a response by similar means back into the inner palace. In the course of time, three thousand residents of the harem were given their freedom, and Yu You and the lady Han became man and wife.

Mistress & Maid ( Jiaohongji)

Cast of Characters (in order of appearance)

shen chun, aspiring candidate for the state examinations shen qing, retired scholar of Chengdu, Sichuan, and father of Shen Chun madam shen, née Wang, mother of Shen Chun shen lun, older brother of Shen Chun wang wenrui, Assistant Magistrate of Meizhou, Sichuan, and brother of Madam Shen madam wang, wife of Wang Wenrui petal (Feihong), maidservant to Madam Wang gatekeeper to Wang family bella (Wang Jiaoniang), daughter of Wang Wenrui tertius ma decimus ge

}

rascally hangers-on of Master Shuai

master shuai, a rich idler smartie river lass

}

maids in the Wang household

king of tibet tribesmen of tibet shuai, Military Governor of Western Sichuan and father of Master Shuai scout and troops serving under Governor Shuai Militiamen and squad leaders

gatekeeper to Shen family matchmaker chen zhongyou, friend and drinking companion of Chen Chun lovey ding little chubby

}

courtesans

2

Cast of Characters

sister zhang, Daoist priestess lad, acolyte in attendance on Sister Zhang coachman two students attending the state examinations ghost of a girl boatman boatman’s wife lord of the brightening east, god of love, with attendant sylphs

scene 1 Legend

prologue speaker (enters and sings): (Tune: Xijiang yue) Wine-hazy, watching dancers grace the garden sit at ease now to enjoy the latest songs. Splendor and desolation, both alike dissipate today in an instant turns into long ago. One spell of wandering for dim-lit soul two trickling lines of red-stained tears. Where in this world, true husband and chaste wife? Love too intense is burden hard to bear. (He recites in verse): Jiaoniang, Miss Bella, daughter of the Wang family and Master Shen whose name, Houqing, means “steadfast” the one a matchless beauty, the other a talent supreme secret betrothal their hearts’ desire each vows to each to be true. Laughingly tossing sprays of flowering pear chatting by cosy stove a love to endure through life and death. Nuptial affinity bright they share lampblack, sever a sleeve as boon begin now their romance of breeze and moon. But the sought match is blocked regrets outreach the heavens, cover the earth no way the two can unite. Then Petal, secretly jealous makes rift after rift between them

4

scene 1: Legend

and Master Shuai, lordly and lustful screws down his family’s power to force a marriage tie. But man and maiden love adamant their doom pair as twin mandarin ducks in faithful tomb.

ENVOI: Chaste Bella gives her heart to passionate lover pretty Petal’s jealousy blocks true bliss rich wastrel forces his company on swallow and oriole faithful Shen’s love lights mandarin-duck tomb.

scene 2 Leaving Home

shen chun: (Tune: Man jiang hong) With talents Heaven-bestowed youthful ambition outsoaring the white clouds how to take wing across the sky’s broad dome to a life of honor and glory? The bright sword at my waist cries out for use1 and when shall red thread of betrothal bind my heel? (II)

Like Pan An or Song Yu, poets of old I dread my autumn thoughts my yearnings never cease. (He recites): Gan Luo at twelve served at the court of Qin while I at twenty drift in obscurity worthless until I ride the dragon’s head;2 topknot raven black, career already flecked with frost! A lamentable lot

1. Shen’s line actually alludes to the sword by the name of a celebrated weapon of antiquity, Green Duckweed, so called presumably because of its propensity to roam like duckweed in endless, restless search. Shen’s eagerness for martial action recalls the old tradition of chivalrous swordsmen (see James J.Y. Liu, The Chinese Knight Errant), but the sword he speaks of is probably a metaphorical one, to be wielded in bureaucratic service of the emperor. Even as late as Ming times, however, a scholar traveling to the capital for the examinations might still find a sword useful to discourage bandits on his journey. 2. I.e., until I achieve success in the state examinations.

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scene 2: Leaving Home

solitary, adrift no prospect yet for marriage or advancement: only a meeting with moon goddess Chang’o (III) will bring my brother and myself fame as twin phoenix of Chengdu! My name is Shen; my personal name, Chun, stands for “pure”; and I am styled Houqing, which implies “steadfast.” My family is from Bianzhou, but for the time being my father is making his home here in Chengdu. By my eighth year I had gained familiarity with the Six Classics, by my tenth I had attained skill in composition. I am an accomplished equestrian and archer, and both my older brother and I are regarded as promising in our generation. Last fall the two of us attended the examinations, but we returned unsuccessful. I feel despondent and hard put to occupy myself. But I have a maternal uncle, Wang Wenrui, currently serving as an assistant magistrate in Meizhou. I am thinking of using a visit to relatives as an excuse for a stay there to cheer myself up, perhaps for a month or so, six months at most. I am not sure whether my parents will permit this. But just as I am speaking of them, here they are, and my brother with them.

shen qing, madam shen (enter with Shen Lun): (Same tune) In country retreat at this time pursuing the scholar’s family tradition the Odes, the Documents, the Rites: how long till my sons win glory and honor to bring luster to ancestral house?

shen lun: A hundred years of tranquil nights a white colt racing past a crack in the wall: the splendor of an entire springtime gone like the flowing of a stream. Before old age assails them I attend my parents to serve them choicest foods.

scene 2: Leaving Home

7

shen qing: I, Shen Qing, with my wife née Wang, have two sons, the elder Shen Lun and the younger Shen Chun. Shen Lun is twenty-two and has already taken a wife. When my wife was giving birth to Shen Chun she dreamed of swallowing a brightly colored cloud, and when she awoke the room was still lit by a strange brilliance. This is his twentieth year, the age for the capping ceremony, but still no betrothal has been arranged for him. My wife’s brother Wang Wenrui has a daughter named Jiaoniang or Bella. She is said to be accomplished and of pleasing appearance, and I should like her to become my daughter-in-law. Wenrui holds office in Meizhou, however, and I have not yet commissioned a matchmaker to arrange this matter. So now I plan to send Shen Chun to Meizhou to convey our respects and use the occasion to test the possibility of such a match. Shen Chun!

shen chun (bows): Sir!

shen qing: I have for some time been intending to send you to Meizhou to inquire after the health of your uncle, but you have been occupied with the examinations. Now these are over, you may take advantage of your freedom to visit, but do not linger there so long as to cause concern here at home.

shen chun: I understand, sir. shen qing: Note well, my son: (Tune: Yi chun ling) Beneath the dipping eaves blossoms at their finest but when petals fall is the time you must return. Do not delay as months and seasons pass making your mother and me stand by the gate, gazing till vision dims for the wanderer’s return.

madam shen: And when you greet your uncle and aunt tell them our hope that they, husband and wife

8

scene 2: Leaving Home

may know blessings without end though our brows, as parents, grow lined with care.

shen qing, madam shen: Remember to seize the chance of wild goose passing send word from time to time. (IV)

shen chun: (Same tune) In this interval of leisure I quit brocade-hung comfort take up my whip and leave for western parts. Though Meizhou is not far distant from here, this very day I’ll look back my thoughts still binding me to parents’ side. With no desire to linger in a strange city I’ll gaze toward home where my soul ever waits and before the courtyard flowers show sign of fading your son will know the time for his return.

shen lun: You and I, brother, at home shared the same mat, when abroad rode bridle to bridle. Now that so suddenly we must take leave of each other, what pangs to fly apart! (Same tune) Blossoms just opened grasses thick the young lord’s steed bears him forth on his journey. Today you leave us with simple shoulderbag, riding afar. Say nothing of the elders’ constant concern— when were we two brothers ever apart? Take care that swansdown robe not hinder you, (IX)

scene 2: Leaving Home

come back soon, let’s stand together while the flowers still bloom.

shen chun: I shall not fail to return promptly. (Same tune) Not for fame, not for profit do I tear myself away to dwell apart, far off as skies of Chu. Making now my farewells “the shrike flies eastward, partnerless.”3 My flight is for a short while, to visit our aunt: you, brother, take good care of our parents’ needs. I promise that before these flowers have faded I’ll know it is the time for my return.

shen qing, madam shen: (Tune: Yu wen) What in our lives most holds our thoughts?

shen lun: A somber parting, west of Thousand League Bridge.4

shen chun: Most bitter: parents at home, their son far away.

3. He is traveling south and slightly west, not east, and not very far, certainly not as far the vast land of Chu (present-day Hunan), but these metaphors for parting are purely conventional. 4. In this case the allusion is topographically apt; an old saying is related to this bridge just outside Chengdu: “A journey of a thousand leagues starts at this bridge.”

9

10

scene 2: Leaving Home

ENVOI:

shen qing, madam shen: Willow branches yellowing at the tips

shen chun: honoring parents’ command I journey far.

shen lun: Already we count the days till your return

all: don’t dally among beauties of Loyang!

scene 3 Meeting with Bella

wang wenrui (enters together with his wife, Madam Wang, and attended by the maidservant Petal and Gatekeeper): (Tune: Fenghuang ge) Courtyard stretches empty in early spring bright blossoms dangle, soon to burst open. In prefect’s hall, no cases today I await my children’s visits from curtained chambers.

madam wang: Innermost wishes hard to express modest our station when shall we win a worthy son-in-law?

wang wenrui (recites): Meizhou my post two years and more an honest folk, a just administration;

madam wang: darling son and daughter at our knees

wang wenrui: as incense burns we guide their education. I am Wang Wenrui, this lady is my wife, née Zhao, and this is her maid, Petal. My family home is Chengdu, but I hold office currently as Assistant Magistrate of Meizhou. We have one son, Shanfu, “father’s support,” who is just six, and a daughter, Jiaoniang or Bella, whose child name was Yingqing, “bright precious.” When my wife gave birth to her she dreamed that a heavenly maiden broke off a single fairy blossom as an offering. It had an unusual, delicate beauty, and it was because of this that we chose the name Bella for our daughter. She is now in her sixteenth year, accomplished and of pleasing appearance, but assigned to hold office in this place, I have not yet arranged her betrothal. I have only a single sibling, a sister married to Shen Qing, also of Chengdu. They have two sons, each

12

scene 3: Meeting with Bella

possessed of literary talent. My daughter being so young, I had the notion of inviting my younger nephew to visit us here to discuss plans for the future, but since he is just at the stage of studying for the examinations I have delayed taking any action. Now I learn that this nephew is coming of his own accord to visit us and will be here at any moment. Gatekeeper! Wait in the gatehouse; keep a lookout for young Master Shen and let me know the minute he arrives. (Gatekeeper assents and all leave the stage)

shen chun (enters): (Tune: Xin shui ling) Every stage, every step shows blossoms starting to open warm breezes waft over suburb and open field. See where paired swallows swoop so close beaks stuffed with pellets of clay bearing their message of springtime’s discontent. I have traveled as far as this on my way to visit my uncle’s home. How lovely, this Meizhou landscape! (He recites): West of Chengdu, City of Brocade a region of pretty cottages so many natural beauties. Green waters before one’s gate flow a hundred leagues emerald hills beyond number. Most charming of all the elegant young bamboo the road ahead shaded by pine and cypress. In courtyard deep hidden behind close-screened doorways to music of pipe and string daylong they dance and sing. Ever at these haunts of the rich and eminent in past days I would gape in awe;

scene 3: Meeting with Bella

13

today, riding closer I rest by embroidered bridle to gaze where flowers in profusion bloom all about. Who can master his hidden longings? Companions in wine and verse making seeking pleasure here amid flowers and groves of willow— surely some rare adventure is to follow. As I speak I reach the gateway, where an old porter keeps watch. Gatekeeper, inform your master and mistress that Master Shen is here.

gatekeeper: Ah, Master Shen has arrived. I was just waiting for you on the master’s orders. I’ll go and report. (He does so.)

wang wenrui (reenters with Madam Wang and Petal, and is greeted by Shen Chun): It is long since we had news of you, nephew, and we welcome you here today with the greatest of pleasure.

shen chun: I have been too long absent from your honored presence, please accept my salutation. (Tune: Bubu jiao) A ride of a hundred leagues to inquire your health I hasten to bow before the steps of your hall.

wang wenrui: Please dispense with ceremony, nephew, but tell me if your parents are well.

shen chun: Absent through the frosts of two seasons still happily my parents both enjoy good health. I trust all is well with Uncle and Aunt?

wang wenrui: By good fortune, we are well. shen chun: That we should find both houses in peace and health makes today’s meeting a time of utmost joy.

wang wenrui: You have had a hard journey, nephew. Gatekeeper, wine here to wash away the dust of the road!

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scene 3: Meeting with Bella

(Gatekeeper brings wine, all take their seats and toast each other)

shen chun: I hope my cousins, little Han and his sister “One in a Hundred,” are well?1

wang wenrui, madam wang: (Same tune) Our tender daughter and silly lad have been excessively pampered.

shen chun: Little Han is still very small. “One in a Hundred” must still be in her teens.

wang wenrui, madam wang: Our daughter is your junior.

shen chun: I have heard she is exceptionally intelligent. wang wenrui: She has a certain bent for study.

shen chun: Has her betrothal been arranged? wang wenrui, madam wang: No match has yet been made and this we regret.

shen chun: May I ask what kind of person you are seeking for her partner?

wang wenrui, madam wang: A true partner to form a pair “faithful as mandarin ducks” will need to be a man of talent such a man as your good self.

1. The children are denoted by their pet names, Han and “One in a Hundred” (Baiyi), which did not form part of Wang Wenrui’s original introduction of them. Such an omission is unusual according to the conventions of this kind of play. The names represent holdovers from the source story Jiao Hong zhuan, by Song Meidong of the Yuan dynasty.

scene 3: Meeting with Bella

15

shen chun: I hope it will be proper for me to meet her. madam wang: Petal, ask your young mistress to come greet her cousin. petal (after leaving the stage briefly, returns and whispers in Madam Wang’s ear): Miss has not yet completed her toilet.

madam wang: Master Shen is a member of the family. What harm if she presents herself in informal dress to greet him? (Petal again exits and reenters, followed by Bella)

bella (recites): Fresh blooms outside the window grille—another year begun before embroidered curtains, the bees’ provoking toil. No mind to thread gold needle to work the flowered silk I pluck a pin from my hair to tease the incense coil.

petal: Miss, you look more attractive than ever today, with your cheeks unrouged and your hair in two chignons so glossy black. (Tune: Lan hua mei) Tousled clouds of hair bound in “Han palace” style. . . . (she straightens Bella’s hair) This hair ornament is going to fall out. Just at her temple a golden phoenix pin dangles aslant. And her dress so exquisite, she has put on a richly brocaded “lotus fiber” gown. Madam is waiting for you in the hall, Miss. So hesitant, as you pass by fine gauze drapes patterned with fresh plum blossom —surely shy maiden of Witch’s Mount bashful before the clouds and rain of love! (V)

bella: (Same tune) Embroidering in my chamber, paired mandarin ducks just finished

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scene 3: Meeting with Bella

putting away my needle to go look at the crabapple I hear a soft scratching, my maid at the window gauze . . .

petal: Your cousin Shen is here, Madam wants you at once. bella: says my mother is entertaining a guest in stately hall. . . . let me take a peep: Oh! A smart young man in swansdown robe (IX) complexion clear as jade! (She enters the hall and greets Shen)

madam wang: Your cousin has come a long way to visit us, child.You must offer him a cup of wine.

shen chun (takes the cup Bella offers): Oh, what a lovely girl! (Tune: Yu jiao zhi) Sudden vision, an immortal descended her face a flower, her dress rose-tinted as the sky nature’s own queen of beauty, out of the common run. Slender as river goddess she glides into the hall cheeks flushed with spring, clear jade yet fragrant— they were no lies, those tales of beauties stepping forth from painted scrolls! My dizzy soul takes flight, my senses reel my heart goes glimmering, my mind runs wild!

bella: This cousin Shen is a fine-looking boy! (Same tune) Clear-spirited jadelike youth the flash of his eye lights up the hall. Drinking the dizzying grape wine of his host he still shows not a trace of loose behavior. His manner gentle, with a shy appeal everything about him breathes romance; in jeweled court he’d stand out from the crowd yet still be tender within brocade bed-hangings!

scene 3: Meeting with Bella

17

shen chun: Once I set eyes on this young cousin I lost all track of conversation with my uncle and aunt. May I ask, Uncle and Aunt, whether you also usually take a little wine?

wang wenrui: Your aunt and I usually drink a little, just a cup or two. shen chun: Does my cousin also drink? madam wang: She is not given to drinking wine. (Bella lowers her head)

shen chun: (Same tune) Appealing looks youthful charms enhanced by stylish dress! My young cousin and I, bending sideways, stealing glances: so gently nurtured a maiden she must be swift blushes flush her dimpled cheeks. Say she knows nothing of love, then how does love waft on the air she breathes? My soul staggers in a drunken maze my senses soar to a realm of bliss.

wang wenrui: Since you are an able drinker, nephew, why not enjoy yourself and have a few cups more?

madam wang: Petal, keep Master Shen’s wine cup filled. shen chun: “The gift of my elders I dare not decline.” But the disappointment of my hopes for success brought on a sickness, and I must not drink too much.

bella (whispers to Petal): It seems my cousin cannot stand too much wine. petal (laughs softly): Your first sight of him—how can you understand him so well?

bella: When I see him (Same tune) put down his cup to look at me his voice, his smile send a soft breeze through the hall.

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scene 3: Meeting with Bella

There he sits, here I sit, the two of us stealing glance after glance— what an attractive young scholar! Though sprays of blossom hang from the eaves between us so newly met, already we sit so close. Surely his soul takes flight through a haze of wine just as my senses soar to a verdant grove!

wang wenrui, madam wang: Despite your sickness, nephew, you should drink a few cups more to counter the hardships of the road. (Tune: Jiang’r shui) Fragrant rice brew poured into cup of jade fills it with amber glow. Drink deep, in your travels, to restore your energy!

shen chun: I cannot drink any more. (He takes a peek sideways) She pretends to straighten her jade “head-scratcher” as I snatch another glimpse. (He spills his wine) I’ve soaked my blue shirt with this cup of wine I’m beginning to look like a boor my eyes so blurry with drinking I’m seeing all these good people as fairy gentry from the Terrace of Love!

petal: When I look at Miss and her cousin Shen (Tune: Yu baodu) the two of them, heads lowered, stealing glances suddenly I say to myself beauty and talent, here’s a pair each as lovestruck as the other! brows of one fly wild goose messages while the other’s eyes send carp missive to Loyang! (IV)

scene 3: Meeting with Bella

19

wang wenrui, madam wang: Since our nephew declines, we will drink no more for now but take another cup tomorrow. (Tune: Yushan gong) Seeing your tired look and dazed expression we’ll put off further toasting till tomorrow.

shen chun: I really am a little the worse for wine. (He sings an aside): I watch her fingers slender as springtime shoots press back the clouds of her hair

bella (sings aside): I watch him spill the golden nectar soaking his blue shirt.

madam wang: Petal, take Miss back to her room now. petal: When the wine is finished the guests disperse each through a separate curtained doorway. But my young mistress— say she departs, still her head turns to look back.

bella: My feelings stirred so what heart have I now to sit by my window embroidering mandarin ducks! (She exits with Petal)

shen chun: Now that I have paid my respects, Aunt and Uncle, in accordance with my parents’ instructions, I must beg your leave to return home.

wang wenrui, madam wang: You have made a long and arduous journey, nephew, and furthermore we have family affairs we should like to discuss with you. Please do not speak of leaving yet.

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scene 3: Meeting with Bella

(Tune: Hao jiejie) Just over here we’ll prepare a modest room for you a place to keep your lute and your books, your sword and baggage. Please be at ease do not let homesickness hasten your departure. We are your uncle and aunt; as you stay here with us think of this as a family reunion “make Bingzhou your second home,” as the poet says. (They exit)

shen chun: Never did I anticipate such a wonderful encounter as today has brought. And now my aunt and uncle are pressing me to stay—why not make this my home for life? (Tune: Chuan bo zhao) The more I think of it this journey of mine was not made for nought! All at once I find a beauty “fit for golden chamber” all at once I find a beauty “fit for golden chamber” and suddenly wonder, where does my true home lie? I must take my time ponder at leisure calm my emotions brave the long night. (Same tune) Recalling her face so lightly powdered her looks of love from tortoiseshell-inlaid chair my heart thrown into a wild confusion my heart thrown into a wild confusion the sight of her beauty refuses to quit my eyes. Try to forget her how to forget her? Plan to be with her

scene 3: Meeting with Bella

all grows hazy. (Tune: Jiaojiao ling) Empty hall, she is gone orioles cease to tune their pipes. Wine fumes wear off, senses return and desolation deepens. This vile, futile lovesickness who knows how to bear? (Coda) All praise the willow’s springtime fronds but longer by far is the one word “lovesickness” and today how can I even think of going back? ENVOI: Viewing the blossoms would fill my eyes with tears; suddenly I meet my own Yunying, “Cloud Splendor.” Indigo Field is surely the immortals’ home, why scramble cliffs to challenge Paradise? (XI)

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scene 4 Evening Embroidery

bella: (Tune: Yizhi hua) Spring rain wilts the almond blossom look where you will, a swirl of fragrant snow. Idle day, the air chill the blood pulsing. Before my jeweled mirror stand lazily rouging hibiscus cheeks fresh cares hard to put by. Toying with plant leaves, fingering blossoms1 a waste of fine days and tranquil nights. (She recites): Cooling or warming, the driving rain; a lull, then everywhere an urge to growth. An urge to open, an urge to fade petals drift throughout the garden. Seated alone in empty court so quiet, speaking no word fingers twist a flowering branch. A treetop cuckoo sees off the fading light: who knows what bitterness tonight? This is what I have been thinking: There can be no happiness in life

1. The common metaphorical meaning of these phrases would imply sexual exploration. Bella may be using the words, as in the verse that follows, only in their literal or surface meaning, simply describing the idle pursuits of a secluded young girl; another possibility is that at the back of her mind is a concern about what the young man she has just met might be up to.

scene 4: Evening Embroidery

23

greater than the harmonious marriage of a man of talent and a beautiful woman. And if a lovely girl fails to find a partner, the regret is beyond telling. Therefore an intelligent, good-looking young woman should seek her own loving mate as Zhuo Wenjun did, rather than follow Li Qingzhao’s example and end up with some nonentity.2 So long as two hearts are as one, then she can have no regrets even if, like Purple Jade or Fragrant White, her grave is a desert mound and her love no more than a seed planted for the next incarnation.3 I have reached my sixteenth year, the age to pin up my hair, but no suitable match has yet been made for me. Time slips by, as a colt flashes past a gap in the wall. Often I gaze with deep sighs at the blossoming trees, unable to control my feelings. Then yesterday in the guest hall I caught a glimpse of Master Shen. From his evident intelligence and handsome appearance I believe him to be my ideal life partner. For this reason I have had tender thoughts of him all day, feeling as though we share a common bond. This has been a chill spring day, and as I lean against my embroidery frame I feel alone and sad, truly someone to be pitied. (She sits down with an air of gloom)

petal (enters and recites): Spring stirrings tease pink tip of almond bough love longings touch the heart—who can tell how? Sitting by yourself in this little corner, Miss, fiddling with your needle and

2. For Zhuo Wenjun, see Signpost IX. Li Qingzhao, a leading woman poet of the Song dynasty, in marital terms was less fortunate. After the death of her husband she is said to have entered a second marriage with a man of little worth from whom she quickly became estranged. 3. Purple Jade was the daughter of King Fuchai of the ancient state of Wu. Her marriage with Han Chong, the youth to whom she had promised herself, was obstructed by the king her father. She died heartbroken, but her ghost appeared to her lover as he paid homage before her tomb. The memory of Fragrant White, Suxing, a royal concubine of the tenth century, was preserved by giving her name to a jasmine that grew magically above her grave.

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scene 4: Evening Embroidery

staring blankly—not sick and can’t have been drinking, must be spring longings!

bella: Nothing to do the livelong day but copy flower patterns and stretch my embroidery; ignorant of where these splendors of the spring are to be found, how can I be accused of “spring longings”? (Tune: Xiang luo dai) Voices stilled by green gauze window, idly stretch embroidery patterns.

petal: Miss, why do you stay your needle and fall silent? bella: I stay my needle, fall silent from lassitude glimpsing the slanting sun beyond curtains patterned with thrushes. I’ve worked a pair of brocade butterflies.

petal: If you’re tired, Miss, why not relax in the garden for a while, why keep on at your needlework?

bella: Listen, the busy birds twittering pair by pair: tell me, why should this disturb one? Stroll out to empty court, find flowers to pluck.

petal: I don’t want to speak out of turn, Miss, but just lately I’ve been noticing your (Tune: Luojiang yuan) skirt grown looser, needs more pleats thinning waist and limbs— what is it that’s bothering you? From childhood you have been indulged to the full in scented boudoir— what kind of discontent has brought these frowns to your brow? It’s my guess

scene 4: Evening Embroidery

25

you grieve to see slow fading of spring’s beauty hear cuckoo’s insistent call everything wounding your sensitive feelings.

bella (sighs): (Tune: Wugeng zhuan) You speak of my melancholy here in scented boudoir. From childhood sensitive no cares, still easily wounded night after night gazing at the blossoms weeping tears of blood how to express my heart’s inmost secrets? Dreading the desolate cuckoo calling sobbing from lonely branch and west of willow lodge moon fading in dawn breeze.

petal: That’s it, what Miss is lacking is a husband by your side. Wait till the master comes home, then surely there will be someone invited to discuss your betrothal. But what sort of a husband will best suit your wishes?

bella: A girl like me, (Same tune) how can I speak of such matters as these?

petal: There’s no one else here, no harm in talking about it. Wouldn’t some young Squire Li or Master Zhang suit you, from one of those hugely rich great families?

bella: Tell of cellars stuffed with gold and pearls scion of grand and monied clan still I should dread his coarse behavior his nature wicked and depraved.

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scene 4: Evening Embroidery

Find me some “paper phoenix,” faux gallant “straw unicorn,” some rustic beau ideal— what a mismatch! Fair flower plucked, plucked by village boor how could a marriage such as this lead to contentment?

petal: In that case, is it only a youth of talent and education who will suit? bella: But even youths of talent and education may differ one from another.

petal: How would they differ? bella: (Same tune) Xiangru in Linqiong would lightly have put aside Wenjun had she not sighed her “Song of the White-haired Lovers.” (IX) So many clever men have proved so callous!

petal: So what is best to do? bella: Pretty face oft ill-fated fairest flower soonest plucked. Just to find one to share my heart in death one tomb in life one room I should rest content beneath locked limbs of twin trees combining, combining our graves.4 But the harried soul to whom can it fly?

petal: Marriage affinities are predetermined, there isn’t much choosing to be done. However, there is a prospect right here in front of your eyes. Just think of this Cousin Shen,

4. See page xii, explanation of the “mandarin-duck tomb.”

scene 4: Evening Embroidery

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(Tune: Wugeng zhuan fan) born to become the handsomest of men and your temperaments just suited.

Bella (embarrassed and annoyed): A skivvy like you— what a wicked way to talk! he and I should rank as brother and sister how could we be joined in marriage?

petal: It’s done all the time, no harm in mentioning it. bella: Don’t they say walls have ears have ears for secret listening? And yet you babble so shamelessly.

petal (aside): Miss is only angry with me because I’ve hit on her secret wishes. (To Bella): I’ve stayed here too long, I must see to Madam. What’s on your mind, three parts out of five I already have a good idea; why do you have to argue and pretend? Well, I’ll just “shut the door and ignore the moon at dusk, let the plum shed all the blossoms it wants.” (She exits)

bella: “Of eight or nine of your troubles and cares, not two or three can ever be shared.” How could I ever discuss my innermost thoughts with Petal? I’ll gather up my needlework and retire to my boudoir. (Tune: Er fan wugeng zhuan) Now at dusk I gather up my patterns, my needles and thread. (She leans back wearily) Lean back on ivory couch as incense thins struggle to rise to rise is too much for tired limbs. See, the moon is up already— I see moon slivers through the willow fronds as by my evening mirror stand

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scene 4: Evening Embroidery

I catch its flickering light. Fixedly gazing hard to get through this long spring night. (She sighs) Moonlight fills the sky, bringing lovers together on such a night, but alas, no trace of him who waits beyond the flower shadows. (Shen Chun steals onstage and Bella, startled, turns to look behind her) dense bamboos tremble embroidered hangings lift an inch can there be someone here?

shen chun (greets her and asks in a low voice): Sister, you lean sighing against your couch; could you be thinking of someone? Could you be waiting for someone?

bella (turns to face him): How did you get here, cousin? It is late, the spring night is chill, don’t you feel it?

shen chun: Indeed the spring is chill. bella: (Coda) Spring chills the quiet of lonely court and kiosk I shun the unfeeling moon this lovely night. Let flowers bloom beyond the curtain, I must retire to rest. (She exits)

shen chun: Well, Cousin Bella has left me, somehow she wanted to be rid of me. When I arrived here Uncle and Aunt pressed me to stay, and occasionally moving between halls and passageways I have come face to face with my cousin. Seeing her formally dressed and serious in demeanor, I have never dared to joke or flirt with her. Then just now, leaning back on her couch and sighing deep sighs, she seemed in a passionate mood. But the first word I said to try her out made her resist me, give me one brief look and take her leave. (He sighs) How can I tell what is in her mind? These hopeless love longings will surely be the death of me!

scene 4: Evening Embroidery

ENVOI: Sweet birds on every branch chorus the spring while I sit sad and alone before the blossoms. Nowhere to vent my melancholy thoughts I turn my head, my tunic wet with tears.

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scene 5 In Search of a Beauty

tertius ma, decimus ge (enter and recite): Guests one and all, no racket please while we announce our pedigrees:

(ma): My dad as C.H.Eat won fame

(ge): S.Windler was my old man’s name.

(both): No truck have we with laboring classes we specialize in kissing asses help big shots throw their weight about and soak the rich for crust and clout. We patronize the gambling den and play in cheap bands now and then; whores and wines are our expertise not Changes, Songs, or Histories. To straight folk we’re the enemy to scoundrels we’re like family; unlucky homes we set our shoe in are halfway down the road to ruin; when Y must mortgage his estate we blithely head for X’s gate.

(ma): Tertius Ma, dear friends, you see

(ge): Decimus Ge, of course, is me.

(both): Creep, crawl, and cringe, but don’t feel shame— that’s the name of nowadays’ game.

ma: Decimus, yesterday you and I got sodden drunk at Squire Zhang Two’s

scene 5: In Search of a Beauty

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place, and today Master Shuai has sent for us, so let’s be off. I tell you, brother: know every trick in the book, we do no rich kid gets by till we’re through. Old lady sits home, let her starve— we’ll eat our bellies’ fill, me and you! (Both exit)

master shuai (enters and sings): (Tune: Yi jiang feng) Posh young gent to the manor born, raised in luxury right from the egg. Doted on by mum and dad, precious pearl in the palm of their hand. Never a page have I read not a line can I write but from childhood days I’ve stomped on people’s heads. (He recites): Plant beans, hoe weeds, not much fun I’m happy to be just a rich man’s son; drink and gamble and sniff the flowers that’s me, Hell-raiser Number One. Master Shuai, at your service. My father is currently Military Governor of Western Sichuan, with power and influence to set the sky alight. From the day I was born I’ve always had exactly what I wanted. Just one thing lacking: I’ve always been a romantic sort, nothing I like more than a really pretty girl. There’s a courtesan in these parts called Lovey Ding, a famous beauty, and I have her in every day to drink with me and share my couch, but when all’s said and done she’s no more than “misty hair and powdered cheek,” a common whore, not the answer to my wishes. So I’ve decided to search near and far through the ten prefectures of Chengdu for

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scene 5: In Search of a Beauty

a top-class beauty to be my wife.Yesterday I sent for Tertius Ma and Decimus Ge to come talk things over; why aren’t they here yet?

ma, ge (enter and greet Shuai): Don’t ask if his news is good or bad just see if his face is glad or sad! You sent for us,Your Honor, and you seem a bit grumpy; what’s the matter?

shuai: You’re a crafty couple of maggots, can you guess what’s bothering me? Just try.

ma, ge: Let’s think: someone’s been cheating you? (Same tune) A man like you rich, highborn, a prince or an earl, everywhere people bow and scrape. Really, who would dare try to cheat you! Think again: You’re longing for something nice to eat? But you always have finest brews, choicest stews. Something nice to wear? But you’re always dressed in ’broideries and brocades. Whatever you want is provided. Not enough spending money? Chests full of gold and silver beds piled high with silks and satins so what can be making you gloomy?

shuai: None of these things, none of these things. (Same tune) A man like me from childhood such a dashing lover.

scene 5: In Search of a Beauty

33

ma, ge: That’s it, it’s your thingy that’s bothering you. shuai: Something to do with that.

ma, ge: Go get Lovey Ding, she’ll fix it. shuai: Enough of this: that “floating world” shady retreats, painted chambers willow paths, flowery lanes I’ve roamed them all. What I’m missing is someone a wife for my room to lay on my bed for sport like mandarin ducks on a pond.

ma, ge: No problem, take a proper wife and that’s it. shuai: That’s just what I’ve got in mind, to take a proper wife. Question is, where am I to find a girl who’s a real stunner?

ma, ge: Squire Zhao, Governor Qian, both of them have grown daughters, pick one or other of them, how about that?

shuai: Well, tell me what they look like. ma, ge: (Same tune) Those dames they look like rakshas, devil women, not one feature in the right place. Count ‘em up: hair a tangled mop body like a toad one glimpse starts people running; four yards tall feet half a yard long real tatty dung-baskets, moulting brooms, pick one of them— you’d be a well-matched pair!

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scene 5: In Search of a Beauty

shuai: Stop your yapping, you curs! But tell me quick if you know of a good-looking girl.

ma, ge: What we think is that the real beauties of this world all want to marry geniuses, and if Your Honor married one it would mean lifelong misery. Isn’t it best just to pick the daughter of some rich family for your wife?

shuai: Rubbish. Nowadays any young fellow of quality will claim to be a genius. (He thinks hard) Are you trying to say that a handsome young chap like me isn’t the equal of one of those pickle-eating pedants? Just you choose an absolute stunner and tell me about her, and we’ll see if she’ll turn down a proposal from me.

ma, ge: You really want a top beauty? Well, there’s Xi Shi, who seduced the King of Wu; there’s Zhuo Wenjun, who eloped with the poet Sima Xiangru; there’s the Honored Consort Yang of the Tang Emperor Xuan Zong, there’s Cui Yingying of the Romance of the West Wing.

shuai: These are all dead. ma, ge: So where are any live ones in this world today? Mencius, Confucius, the only names people ever talk about are all dead.

shuai: Stop this nonsense, and hurry up and tell me! ma, ge: If we tell Your Honor, you mustn’t get excited. There’s Miss Sun, Rarer-than-jade; there’s Miss Li, Emerald; there’s Miss Zhou, Iris; there’s Miss Wu, Lotus. But forget all these, there’s Miss Wang Jiaoniang, Bella, with beauty to shame fish into sinking, make wild geese drop from the sky screen the moon, cause flowers to hide their heads; peerless among the fairy throng prime goddess of them all. (Same tune) This Bella looks like a bodhisattva each feature in perfect harmony. Count ‘em again: creamy limbs hibiscus face one glimpse and your spirit soars.

scene 5: In Search of a Beauty

35

Gleaming hair perfumed gown —if Your Honor could only see her, willy-nilly you’d topple over on your couch of gold.

shuai (topples over): Oh, I’m dying. (Same tune) Hearing of Bella truly an angel from Heaven one word and my soul expires. How can I get my hands on her? Think of it: if I could only marry her complete the prostrations in ancestral hall open together the tasseled bed curtains! When that time comes we’ll slaughter a lamb set out the wine cups and have a nice slow chat about my good fortune with you, my faithful go-betweens. But right now, since I’m in too much of a hurry to interview all these girls myself, I want you two to hire a painter who can find a chance to sneak in and sketch them, so I can have a look at them. And find out if there are any more pretty girls worth painting, so then I can check them all out thoroughly before I send a matchmaker to arrange the wedding.

ma, ge: We obey Your Honor’s command!

ENVOI:

shuai: Tales of famous beauties, glamorous and bewitching

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scene 5: In Search of a Beauty

ma, ge: flashing eyes like autumn streams, cheeks like water lilies.

shuai: Come the day I truly win such a creature for my wife

ma, ge: then we’ll see how generously he gives his thanks to Heaven!

scene 6 Flower Poems

shen chun: (Tune: Fenghuang ge) Careless, unfeeling calls of a scatter of orioles passing. A stroll on rising, here in the court where perhaps my sweet will come. Where is my sweet one? Solitary rests my shadow. Ah, lady: A word, a smile, barely perceived uncaring, yet you seemed to care. My hopes fail: in the late spring mists (he sighs) were you sun? Were you rain? Were you really there? For the sake of my Bella I have stayed on here a month and more, and several times I have encountered her here in the courtyard. She seems now real now unreal, now welcoming now dismissive; try to leave her, she remains close at hand; try to come close, she recedes ever farther. I think of my sweet cousin (Tune: Jin wutong) so young, her sixteenth year a stranger to heart’s distress. Yet from her boudoir at dusk she gazes out at the blossoms red against green, and deep, deep their sorrows furrow her brow. How can one never heartsore grieve so bitterly? Truly hard to fathom, a nature so sweet.

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scene 6: Flower Poems

I picture her resting against her couch at night, embroidering her silks, frowning in concentration and softly sighing—how true, how deep her feelings! (Same tune) She stays her needle—rises—hesitates turns tear-filled eyes to the blossoms, makes no sound so swiftly touched by all that breathes she catches at one’s heartstrings. Try to stop thinking of her how can the thinking stop? Last night I saw her in a dream—how it thrilled me! Unbidden, my spring dreams fly ever to her chamber. And when I wake still hangs the dusk-red sun beyond the window silk. The path on the left leads from the garden in to her sewing chamber. I’ll chance it, blunder in there, take her in my arms, what’s to stop me? (He takes a few steps) (Same tune) Stillness on peach-blossom path no bluebird for messenger. What fairy maid languishes dawn to dusk? I’ll be the fisherman seeking the ford who stumbles on the Peach Blossom Spring! (X) (He halts) No good. Suppose she were to reveal my presence—wouldn’t that spoil everything? And if the creek were swollen with spring rains preventing the fisherman’s crossing he’d wait in vain on the trail to Wuling. When I think about it, my sweet cousin is just like Zhuo Wenjun as she listened to Sima Xiangru’s lute, and I need fear no comparison with the

scene 6: Flower Poems

39

poet himself as he served by the wine stove! (IX) But who knows what our destiny will be? (Tune: Wutong shu fan) Mist and moon of romance beckon for nought in the lovers’ register we are falsely matched. (II) That old gentleman in the moon has got things wrong many times before. She, doting Wenjun, finds her love hard to tell; I, unlucky Xiangru, condemned to solitary fate. How can I be with my cousin, tell her my innermost longings and perhaps move her heart to pity? Sight of Sun Terrace blocked, alas, where is she? (V) How can I meet with her again as last evening amid the blossoms? (He exits)

bella (enters and recites): A fine rain deepens the mosses’ green peonies open to the wind’s caress sad that the blossoms’ tale is ending I cling to the rail; tears stain my dress. (She sighs) There by the Flower-Care Pavilion the new season’s peonies are coming into bloom. Three divisions of spring, yet how long can their splendors last? When I think how swiftly the flowers fade, and how human life resembles the dew at break of day, how desolate I feel to face this garden scene!

shen chun (reenters): (Tune: Bush lu) A sudden glimpse of my fair one lone slender shadow, leaning by the balustrade. Steal another glance the clouds of hair dressed low as that first time. Frail enough to need a supporting arm in wordless compassion she gazes at the flowers.

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scene 6: Flower Poems

(Bella sighs softly) The garden scene draws from her a secret sigh. (Bella starts upon seeing Shen, who bows) Again I find you as Pei Hang dreamed of fairy paths. (XI) Do not take fright do not take fright. Tell me, cousin, what you are looking at. (Bella lowers her head without speaking) (Same tune) Spring shoots on the plum branch is the message of the blossoms still to be read? Wordlessly gazing a thousand sorrows gather on her lovely brow. (Bella turns again to look at the garden) See, cousin, the peonies by the balustrade, trying to open but not yet in bloom, they seem almost dispirited. I have written a couple of feeble poems about them. (He shows them to Bella, who scans them and sighs softly but says nothing) Reading these verses A secret sigh traces of gleaming tears spell out her grief while springtime heart’s blood dries there on the page. (A call of “young mistress” from offstage. Bella slips the poems into her sleeve and starts to leave) See how she quickly puts them away as some sweet voice calls from adjoining court and now she turns to go now she turns to go. (Bella slowly exits)

scene 6: Flower Poems

41

So, my cousin as she opened and read my poems lowered her head, her hair concealing her face; seemed about to speak but said nothing, then slowly left me. And so today another meeting with her proves fruitless. (Tune: Huan sha xi) Again today like the last time we met enough to drive one to distraction. That last time with you a glimpse of spring’s beauty, a brief remark; and today myriad spring longings but not one word. Figuring it out I don’t believe you can be sincere to wrong your Xiangru with such careless scorn. (Same tune) Hateful lovesickness nothing to support it today fades into nothingness. The warmth of you— bees cluster murmuring around the sweet spring blossoms; your coldness— lone wild goose shadow on cloud-darkened autumn stream. How to tell my despair when you cast me aside for no reason? Better, it seems, to make my plans now for an early departure. No way now to explain my innermost feelings to her; all I can do is write a verse on the silk of this window. (He does so) (Tune: Coda) Idly composing

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scene 6: Flower Poems

desolation deepens hard to find words for this gut-twisting misery. Who in the wide world is as lone and forsaken as I? Surely not even poor Pan Yue, judging in Heyang!1

ENVOI: Spring compassion brings lament for the blossoms: as the flowers bloom, the tears flow down. Neither bloom nor spring shows any concern: flower falls, spring fades, each goes its way.

1. Pan Yue was the very image of the handsome young poet: there were tales of women throwing fruit into his carriage as he passed. His romantic appeal was enhanced by the elegiac tone of his verse, and no doubt by his lament over the graying of his hair at thirty. He held office as a magistrate, hence Shen’s reference to his “judging in Heyang.”

scene 7 Response in Rhyme

petal (enters and recites): Little maid, sixteen, pretty and smart should pass salad days fancy-free; still gets smitten by passion’s dart tries out loving looks secretly! My name is Feihong, “Flying Pink,” or simply Petal. I am quite well endowed with feminine charms and I’m good at reading and writing. Unhappily, I was destined to be only a serving maid, and so I spend time in and around the master’s private quarters. His wife is a jealous woman, though, and keeps a strict watch, so although you could say the master and I are very close, as it happens I’ve stayed intact so far. I’m in my sixteenth year, born the same year, same month as the young mistress. When I have some time to spare from my duties with the master and madam I walk across to the young mistress’s boudoir to keep her company and admire her needlework and calligraphy. The young mistress has it all, looks and brains both, and she’s sweet and ladylike as well, very serious and dignified, never an unseemly word or a careless laugh. Among all the women who’ve ever been celebrated for talent and virtue it would truly be hard to find her equal. And yet: I’ve been quietly watching her, and ever since she set eyes on this Cousin Shen she seems to have developed a sudden attachment to him. I’ve tried a few hints, hoping to find out more, but she never responds. (She sighs) Oh Miss, Miss, you may keep your feelings to yourself, but I’ve a good idea what the attraction is. And if you’re going to play Cui Yingying, don’t tell me I can’t manage the part of Red Maid!1 But enough of this. I can see for myself that Cousin

1. Cui Yingying is the heroine of the Romance of the West Wing, the best known of all Chinese plays; it has been translated by Stephen H. West and Wilt Idema in their book The Moon and the Zither (University of California Press, 1991). The progress of Yingying’s romance with the young scholar Zhang is helped along by her maidservant, the pert, flirtatious Red Maid (Hongniang).

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scene 7: Response in Rhyme

Shen is sharp and lively, handsome and elegant; never mind the young mistress falling for him, the minute I saw him I started hankering after him too! The master is away from home today and Madam is taking a nap, so I’m just on my way to the front rooms to take a peep at him. (She sighs as she goes) At the sight of all these beauties of the springtime, even a heart of steel or stone would have to be moved! (Tune: Su di jin dang) Shining reeds and butterflies in pairs spring silks shimmer in sunlit breeze; how can we humans grow old for nought when birds and bugs know love’s unease? Oh look, here’s little Smartie.

smartie (enters): I’m Smartie, personal maid to Miss Bella. Miss has gone to her mother’s room and the master is away from home, so I’m off to the front rooms to have some fun. (Same tune) Always in the sewing chamber, cutting out silks not a worry, not a care, happy all day long. Spring’s here, don’t let it go to waste Madam has her back turned—let’s have a song. (She greets Petal) Come on to the front rooms, Petal, let’s seize our chance to have some fun while the master’s away. Here’s Xiang’e, River Lass, too!

river lass (enters): I saw Petal and little Smartie on the way to the front rooms; I’ll go with them for some fun. (Same tune) Nothing beats the sights of spring for a rosy maid just past eighteen. Always in the garden, looking for a lad; what to do if none’s to be seen?

petal: All right, you’re looking for a lad—which lad? river: Where would I find a lad? I’m just looking at the plum blossom to slake my thirst!

scene 7: Response in Rhyme

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smartie: That Master Shen is a fine one, only why would he want a scabby toad like you?

river: Stop this nonsense; let’s see whether he is about, and if he isn’t let’s all go to the garden and have some fun playing hunt-the-flower or riding the swing or trying to find some cute little page boy.

petal (aside): What’s so great about getting dragged into their games? I’ve got to get away from them. (She turns back to them) Oh, listen, Madam’s calling.

river, smartie: Where? petal: If you didn’t hear her you stay here, I’ll go. (She exits) river: Well, Petal’s gone, not much fun just the two of us; let’s have a song. (Tune: Gua zhier) Little maid leaves the sewing room walks as far the garden gate runs into sexy lad who knows his stuff grabs her sleeve, holds her, both start to flirt. Who turns up but old Madam herself: “Little beggar, what are you up to here?” Oh, oh, oh, doesn’t it just make you jump give you a good old scare!

smartie: (Same tune) Little maid tells Madam “Don’t get upset for nothing nobody got much from me today.” Here I am in the garden that rascal drags me into the shade if he’d given me a hug I’d deserve a beating if he’d given me a kiss a scolding, I wouldn’t care but oh, heaven!

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scene 7: Response in Rhyme

All I get is blame for nothing and oh, a good old scare! (They exit giggling)

bella (enters): (Tune: Fengmaer) Solitude by green gauze of window. Primp up kingfisher hairpins idly inspect the courtyard flowers. East wind no more than a whisper no words, so many regrets! (She recites): Glory of spring beguiles through slatted blind daylong filaments of rain; announcing passage of another year petals shower down. Clouds lighten, water rushes seeks escape; last evening as tonight task the east wind to bear again a thousand moans of pain. Yesterday when Cousin Shen chanced upon me by the green-shaded balustrade he presented me with poems he had composed. I should have liked to respond with lines of my own but was startled into leaving by the calls of a slavey. All night I found it hard to sleep, thinking of this. Rising this morning to face such a distressing day, I ask myself how I am to get through it! (Tune: Ji xian bin) Incense smoke dissolving from emerald brazier in quiet boudoir: What news of the spring’s progress? Rain scatters the last almond blossoms painful to see how fast the beauty fades. Mirror’s brightness dims

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daub on the makeup any way you feel. Brows locked in frown when will this miserable sickness lighten? I believe Petal is the only one of the maids who understands me at all. But she is a blabbermouth and I can’t just casually tell her of my feelings. Little Smartie is still a child and knows nothing of life, yet she follows me about day and night: (Same tune) Two of us, inseparable as a shadow. She asks me, “Mistress, with such a pretty face, why so thin and wan?” I hesitate, say nothing, think of how just lately the sickness has spread and worsened. Who knows the cause? Fearful and shy lest others guess the truth how to withstand this passion? All I can do, sit silent here by the balustrade. When I think of Cousin Shen yesterday, (Same tune) With poem new-written, seeking my response each word he spoke seemed fondly meant. Longing to look him full in the face time and again I pretended to straighten my gown. Kingfisher hairpins hid my bashfulness for I fear that this handsome Xiangru, though that name means “close feelings,” may not really have feelings close to mine! Ready to answer yes how could I answer yes?

petal (enters): “Sad that glory of spring is passing, take time out for youthful pranks!”Young Mistress, why sit here so gloomy? The master has gone out and Madam is taking a nap; come with me into the courtyard for a stroll to pass the time.

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bella: Is Cousin Shen there on the other side of the court? petal: Cousin Shen has gone out also. bella: In that case I’ll come for a stroll with you. (They take a few steps) (Tune: Zhuan lin ying) Softly creep in past flower terrace. Oh, what was that sound? Someone must be coming!

petal: It’s no one, it’s those birds swooping at kite strings, pecking at the tree trunks.

bella: We pass the carved balustrade steps clad with green in mossy solitude. Look, Petal, isn’t that him? Surely there’s someone by the window!

petal (looks): He hasn’t returned yet. Look, Mistress, how dignified and elegant his study is! Such brocade covers, embroidered cushions and some fallen blossoms have alighted on his desk bedecked with petals like fragrant emerald clasps.

bella: So many poems decorating each wall! Close reading of the new poems on his wall will reveal his deepest feelings!

petal: There’s a quatrain written on the window silk. bella (reads aloud): I wake as sun laces the steps with shadow Incense smoke thins to a thread, noon breezes still: When jade flute ends its Song of Rainbow Skirt Who will show mastery of phoenix trill? (VIII, XII) A fine poem!

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(Tune: Cu pao ying) Mind rich as brocade feelings demon-inspired shearing the spring brightness embroidered on lightest silk. Talent to claim the high throne of romance surpassing Xiangru himself! Cloud pavilion, water kiosk so many sights to wound the heart; dawn flowers, moon at dusk so many thoughts to wound the spirit: from his brushtip flow a thousand sorrows.

bella, petal: Poor foolish lad like Shen Yue haggard, like Pan Yue grizzled2 in secret willful wasting.

petal: This young man is showing off his erudition; why don’t you match a verse to his? (Tune: Tanpo Cu yulin) Matched lines of verse

2. There was good reason for the fifth-century poet Shen Yue to look haggard. His great-grandfather had been executed as an associate of rebels, and when he was twelve years old his father was put to death. “These experiences of his forebears made him extremely circumspect throughout his life,” writes Richard Mather (in Wu-chi Liu and Irving Yu-cheng Lo, eds., Sunflower Splendor [Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1975], p. 545), “and help to explain how he managed to hold positions of trust through three (short-lived) dynasties, though at his death he was plagued by feelings of guilt at having betrayed the last ruler of Ch’i.” As a young man Shen Yue was noted for his good looks, and he wrote tender love lyrics, hence his particular appeal to Bella and Petal. Pan Yue lamented the early graying of his hair (see preceding scene, note 1), Shen Yue the thinning of his waist, and the two (who shared the same personal name) are linked as figures of romance worn down by suffering.

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two minds in tune stand-ins for many words at lovers’ meeting.

bella: I picture him, lone shadow on window’s gauze silk gown tear-stained beneath the moonlit blossoms. (She sings aside): His lovesickness is all on my account and he has brought me suffering vast as the sky. How is it with each? Light tunic of spring soaked through with the same wealth of tears. (She composes a poem following Shen Chun’s own rhymes): Bitter to wake from dreams weighed down by spring sun high, strong breeze, water clock holding still. Heartsore to hear when first I rose from sleep as petals drifted down the oriole’s trill.

petal: You have matched his poem beautifully, Mistress.You and Cousin Shen certainly make a perfect pair. (Tune: Cu yulin) Plaint inscribed on red leaf (XIII) copious tears of blood. Innermost desires now confessed to him. Poems new-composed, matching rhyme for rhyme the same helpless sorrow two loving hearts in tune. When that young man returns and sees this he’ll say tonight the Weaving Maid crossed the Silver Stream for nought. (I)

bella: What are you babbling about, Petal?

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(Tune: Hupo maoer zhui) Hearing you talk— what a string of wild inventions! All I did when incense smoke dissolved and the sun began to slant was play at matching verses to his own. Stop this nonsense of Weaving Maids and Silver Streams and two so full of love. (A bird calls)

petal: The sun is past high noon; Madam will be waking from her midday nap. We should go back. (Coda) Blossom-teasing oriole cries from branch— is it in fear of Madam’s waking?

bella, petal: Let you and me return to quiet chamber to read his poem closely word by word. ENVOI:

petal: Breeze rustles the shade of bamboo door hanging

bella: matched verses intoned at leisure by study window.

petal: Don’t say the boudoir has lost the gift of verse—

bella: here like some hidden orchid is one who understands.

scene 8 Trouble from Tibet

king of tibet (enters and recites): Buckskin-clad, felt-browed, russet-bearded horde wielding our power from Lhasa to Koko Nor. Nightlong our warriors’ pipes drown out the sentry’s tune the heavens’ western half accepts me as its lord. This is who I am, lord of the land of Tibet. From the foothills of the Kunlun Mountains my lands run to the borders of Shaanxi and Sichuan. But what now—the Song court has confessed allegiance to the Khitan in the north and made peace with the Xixia in the west, looks on my nation with contempt and declines to bring tribute! And so today I am summoning our tribes, man and boy alike, to raid into Sichuan and take Chengdu. Not long to wait then for the Song to sue for peace! Tribesmen all, this is our moment to advance. Not so feeble, I believe, our brave cavalry: (Tune: Northern Duan zheng hao) Young tribesmen born in the saddle tribesmen grown, raised on horseback warriors by nature, thirsting for victory. Such robust, curly-whiskered, hawk-nosed braves like so many cast-iron figures of the battle god Tianpeng! (Tune: Gun xiuqiu) Red the shadows of windblown banners brown the sun through clouds of dust level sands stretch to a crimson sky mounted columns bristle with swords and bows. We shall smash the altars of the men of Tang trample the borders of the Song empire chorus our triumph to the clash of golden stirrups take swift dominion over the western lands. Then drunk with grape wine, red blood pounding

scene 8: Trouble from Tibet

we’ll dress in brocades, stick flowers in our sable caps our pride a sight to see. What place is this, my chieftains?

tribesmen: We have reached western Sichuan. king: Then set to rape and pillage without delay. These horses of ours, (Tune: Tang xiucai) no whit inferior to sky-climbing pythons and these men, fierce as the vicious wolf that lurks in the hills. Behold, one blow of our fist flattens the Kunlun ranges, one roar of our war cry roils up a thousand billows on the Koko Nor. Don’t tell us “Heaven favors the rebel” or “fortune woos the nomad realm”— our strength is in our horses and our men! Just see how swiftly the Song troops will scatter with the wind! (Tune: Daodao ling) Greater chiefs, lesser chiefs joshing and joking joking and joshing shake all at once the passes of the sky; steeds dappled black, steeds dappled white stomping and stamping stamping and stomping stir all at once a twilit fog of dust; ox-hide drums, lizard-skin drums thudding and thumping thumping and thudding pound all at once a mighty thunderous roar; arrows feathered with lotus fiber, arrows feathered with wild-rice blades hissing and swishing swishing and hissing speed all at once to soar on their own swift wind.

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Oh oh oh, scares a man to death! Oh oh oh, scares a man to death! Troops iron-clad, troops clad in bronze in terror and turmoil turmoil and terror flee all at once in panic and despair. (Coda) Our little western nomad state stirred to battle outroars all larger tribes. See how the troops of Han tremble in fear, dithering in their fright! Let alone seize Chengdu we’ll take for ourselves that piddling Central Plain easy as turn our hand!

ENVOI: Founding our state beneath the Kunlun range no shortage ours of mounted warriors; the Han court, lacking skillful generals must openly concede and leave the field.

scene 9 Sharing the Lampblack

bella: (Tune: Gua zhen’er) Rising at dawn to silent chamber blossoms by gauze window—which of us the prettier? Wearily make my toilet: so thin my limbs, my waist so much deeper the fold in my embroidered skirt. (She recites in verse): Dream rendezvous lost in woodland mists “skyline” brows close-knit on waking whom to tell of this secret plaint? Chill night of spring, slow to rise gleam of blossoms as dawn light nears damp the silk covers with rouge-stained tears. With such a sharp springtime chill today and the scene outside so lonely and desolate, how depressing it is to rise and face the dressing mirror. (Tune: Xiang bian man) Dying lamp’s feeble glow cold within bed curtains, fitful sleep as birds on branch salute the spring rise now to see how blossoms have fared. Sad that pearl-like tears have washed away traces of jade-white powder: when will these sorrows ever have an end? I shall use this lampblack to paint my eyebrows. (She does so) (Tune: Lan zhenxian) Lover close at hand yet distant as skies of Chu loath to paint brows so set in melancholy how sad this worthless passage of sad nights.

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Past beaded door hangings silently creeps the chill solitary here I rest by dressing table. When I recall those poems of his I feel a hidden pang: his fluent verses hymn the fragrant verdure while I lack will to powder peach-bloom cheeks. So many sorrows dawn follows dawn helpless to root out secret shoots of longing.

shen chun (enters): Yesterday while I chanced to be out my cousin came to my room and wrote a poem to match my own rhymes. Not only was it worded with such subtle skill, such lyric freshness as to put to shame Su Hui or the Flowerbud Mistress,1 but it revealed also the myriad sweet longings of her heart. Ah, Shen Chun, Shen Chun, there’ll be a cure for your lovesickness yet! Today, under the pretext of thanking her for her poem, I am visiting her in her own boudoir to see how she responds. Ah, cousin, (Tune: Lan hua mei) The poem you wrote was speckled with fresh tears just as the willow’s budding hints at spring and from one sign of love I guess at nine when one so young already feels so deeply. (He enters the boudoir and greets Bella) I see you are up, cousin, and making your toilet moth eyebrows’ lonely image in bird-carved mirror.2

1. Su Hui was a fourth-century woman poet best known for a long set of verses she embroidered in palindrome form in a message to her husband, a captive of the northern nomads. The Mistress of the Flowerbuds was a tenth-century royal consort celebrated for her palace-style lyrics. 2. A more literal version of this line would read “Desolately the luan-decorated mirror and the moth-antenna eyebrows regard each other.” (The luan is a mythical bird related to the phoenix.)

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(Tune: Liu Bomao) Solitary, wordless by mirror stand at dawn lightly shading your eyebrows in curves of springtime hills. (He bows) Thank you, cousin, for the warmth of feeling in your matching verse. (Bella blushes but bows in return. Aside, Shen sings): How utterly lovely she is her flowerlike face even sweeter than before!

bella: (Tune: Huan xi sha) Cousin, your gifted brush displays such talent a style of your own apparent in each word. I am no more than bird on branch piping her song to the spring young girl trying her flute among the flowers.

shen chun: How could I claim such quality of verse as yours, cousin! Let alone all else, so many sweet secrets of your heart all poured into a single quatrain!

bella (blushing): Don’t make fun of me mere woman trying to match her verse to yours but letting her callow feelings show!

shen chun (seeing the little heap of lampblack): Tell me, is this lampblack or candle soot?

bella: It is lampblack; I have been saving it on purpose and have just managed to collect this much.

shen chun: Lucky lampblack, I am not so fortunate; it has (Tune: Hong na’ao) served at your dressing table to grace mascara’d brows

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entered bed curtains, gazed on tiny phoenix slippers smiled as it made lamp flare in happy omen left its trace on pillow by rouge of cheek. Your own little hand has scraped it free gathering it here on purpose the work of a beautiful girl over many days— “though candle turn to ash, its tears do not dry!”3 I should like to beg half of it to use for a letter home; would you let me have it?

bella (nods her assent): This lampblack (Same tune) fit companion for Duan Creek inkstone, to moisten Jade Rabbit brush hairs for drafting phoenix-winged characters on Sichuan luan-bird paper for transcribing “Phoenix Woos Bride” to strum on jasper zither for composing new lyrics to perform on flute of jade.

shen chun: Since you have agreed to my request, let me ask you to divide it and give me half.

bella: I will, since it is for you and I have promised. (She divides the lampblack into two piles) My own white fingers part the heap careful lest oily soot stain embroidered jacket. (She dusts off her fingers on Shen’s sleeve) Now that you have this, can you claim to be uninvolved? Lightly I brush where my fingers touched his gown: truly, green sleeves as lamp is shared wear darker hues!

shen chun (laughs): I shall cherish these stains as love tokens! bella (displeased):

3. Adaptation of a line from the Tang poet Li Shangyin.

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(Tune: Qiu ye yue) Treating you as sister treats brother how did I act improperly? But by speaking like that you humiliate me scorn me as worthless wildflower. (She starts to leave) I shall make my complaint to my parents I will not let you when no one else is present tease and torment me like this!

shen chun (catches at Bella’s sleeve): (Tune: Dong Ou ling) Please, cousin, do not be cross forgive me this once don’t look so offended now. (He kneels) Here before the throne I kneel with ingratiating smile. For a silly thing I should not have said like King Wen I dismount to bow to the thorns that would scourge me!4 Sweet cousin, pardon me!

bella: And if I will not?

4. Shen pleads to be let off lightly. The classical precedent he cites is that of King Wen of Chu, who was reprimanded by his minister for neglecting to hold court, preferring hunting and dalliance with consorts to the fulfillment of his royal duties. A flogging was prescribed, but the king objected to such a humiliation and was permitted instead to prostrate himself while a bundle of fifty thorn sticks was placed on his back.

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shen chun: Then here I kneel till dawn!

bella (stoops to help him to his feet, only to have him attempt to embrace her. Stepping back): (Same tune) Please get up, cousin don’t play the fool and never again assume I am acting boldly.

shen chun (rising to his feet): Light blushes, lotus pink on jade-white cheek see, she is lovelier than ever! I apologize: forgive me just this once and gratitude will stamp itself on my heart! (Aside): My cousin is a little upset with me today; there is no way I can tell her of my feelings. And I am afraid someone will see us if I stay here too long. It would be best to leave now. (To Bella): I have offended you, cousin, and am very much at fault. I beg to be excused now. Truly, trying to tell the blossoms how sadly they’ll be missed only makes spring’s longings harder to resist! (He exits)

bella: Ah, Shen Chun, Shen Chun, what is in your heart I fully understand; do you really know what is in mine? (Coda) Your firmness of resolve I know in my heart: Witch’s Mount, lovers’ union, must be close at hand. (V) After that little scolding I gave you, I’m afraid tonight more pearls of lovesick tears will splash your pillow!

scene 9: Sharing the Lampblack

ENVOI: Precious lampblack saved over many weeks willingly halved, presented to my love; not daring to speak openly before the blossoms for fear news of spring’s glory will escape my chamber.

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scene 10 Hugging the Stove

shen chun: (Tune: Rao di you) When the peach bloom falls comes the time for my return: for whose sake do I linger on till now? Old sorrows press so heavily new cares add their weight; when shall I make my lovely one understand? (He recites): Swift passage of a wasted spring racked with longing this night again scheming to win this beauty’s favor— will she be cloud or driving rain? (V) It is over a month since I left home, but lost in adoration of my cousin I have missed the date by which I promised to return.Yesterday when she did me the favor of sharing the lampblack it seemed as though she cared for me, but then right in the middle of our conversation her attitude suddenly changed and she repulsed me. Half swallowing, half spitting out again—how long can she go on this way? The next time I see her I shall insist she make up her mind. Truly, “learning the zither’s secret depends on the fingers’ strumming.” (He exits)

bella (enters with her maid Smartie): (Same tune) Still in late spring a chill lingers in my chamber. These slender blossoming stems keep company daylong but with the pain of spring’s heartbreak the body wastes away, thinner than flowering branch: this spring, last fall—what difference to cold brow?

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(She recites): Petals fall in tiny court, no one to sweep them up a faint scent everywhere, and always the east wind’s breath.

smartie (joins in the recitation): Pair by pair, swallows gossiping behind brocade screen, endless days of spring.

bella: Now darken eyebrows to curve as spring hills sadly wipe the pink-stained tear seated alone where branches blossom thinking of him, all unaware. I feel the spring chill, little Smartie, more sharply today than last evening. As I sit alone in my secluded chamber, it is so hard to pass the time.

smartie: These spring breezes bite cold, Miss; it’s best to go into the warm by the stove. (She leads her mistress into the next room, where Bella seats herself with a sigh) Miss, you are sleeping and eating so poorly these days, always a frown and never a smile, what can the reason be?

bella: Can you guess, little Smartie? (Tune: Jin luosuo) Secluded chamber, sadness unrelieved but why so deep a sorrow? If not grief for the spring yet a grievous wasting as if for spring’s passing. Day after day, night after night tormenting thoughts a spring-swollen stream that flows on endlessly. Spring floods will end but passion knows no end each hour a thousand measures of fresh sadness. (She sighs) Each time we meet longing to confess then tongue-tied again trying to harden my heart

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only redoubles my sorrows before one sadness leaves a new one adds itself.

smartie: Miss, for looking after you I get my three meals a day; I don’t know what this “sadness” is. Why do you talk about nothing but sadness all day long?

bella: What does a little slavey like you understand? Go look for my mother and let me know if she wishes to see me.

smartie: Yes, Miss. Never knew of such a thing as sadness yet; all I do for fun is peep at flower lads in the street. (She exits)

bella: A child like little Smartie, not a care in the world; that’s the way to be happy. But how could I be like her? It seems to me there must be a great number of women in the world who know such sadness as mine. (Same tune) How can we marry as heart dictates? Great event so often spoiled. So many beauties life partner wrongly matched man and wife determined by fate a union not to be forced. How many perfect loves last to the end? How many a phoenix is joined with phoenix mate how many a purple swallow mismatched with oriole? Meeting by chance a happy life must be the work of both. Let me ask the Lord of Heaven: love at first sight if not predestined, surely not to be known? A woman’s marriage is in the hands of Heaven, it is her whole life, not something she can take lightly! When I first heard talk of marital arrangements I took not the slightest notice. But now that I have set eyes on Cousin Shen, for some reason or other I can’t get him out of my mind, try as I may. (Same tune) Ever bashful before a stranger

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one glimpse of him and at once my heart was caught. Now in bright day or shades of dusk my soul in dream is by his side. I long to know what he desires can our feelings be as one? I believe the Lord of Heaven has declared our lifelong partnership, phoenix and mate yet fear this peach-bloom beauty will not survive spring breezes nor twin mirrors ever reflect our white-haired heads. With sorrowing heart wordless I hug the stove in anxious dread. (She sighs) I cannot think that Cousin Shen is heartless and callous: if we could be close-bound for one brief moment I’d gladly wait through lives past, present, and to come.

shen chun (enters bearing a spray of blossoms, and recites): Maid sits alone with furrowed brow: who occupies her musings now? I broke off this sprig of blossoming pear to put in a slender-necked vase. There warming herself by the stove is my cousin. I’ll go blundering in and see how she reacts. (He greets Bella, who remains seated. Shen throws down the sprig of blossom)

bella (gives a startled look, then slowly rises and picks it up): Why did you throw this blossom down, cousin?

shen: The flowers are brimming with tears, who knows what they are thinking? That is why I threw them away. (Tune: Xi wutong) Finest blossoms picked by my hand who knows if flowers’ thoughts resemble maiden’s? I cast the sprig aside break off with both of you

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if you are truly cold to me I’ll let you disturb me no more and from now on I’ll have no further truck with blossoming branch.

bella: The Queen of the East who governs the spring knows what she is about. It is enough to set up a sprig of blossom to appreciate its beauty for an evening: why do you seek for more? (Same tune) Flowers brimming with tears flowering branch all wasted for them too can it be pangs of love have shrunk their slender form? Flower or pretty face each alike careworn and fearing heart will not outlast the blossom that when the wind blows fades and falls, fades and falls at dusk.

shen: You favored me with your promise; don’t go back on your word. bella (laughs): Promise of what? shen: Just think, cousin. bella: There is a strong spring breeze, sit here by the stove with me. (Shen seats himself ) Are your clothes warm enough? I am afraid the chill will strike you: (Tune: Jin wutong) spring chill through emerald gown as you sit out the daylight hours alone traveling far from home and subject to spring sickness.

shen: My traveling gown is pitifully thin and your concern so kind are you prepared to pity also a heart that is close to breaking?

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bella (laughs): What threatens to break your heart? I will try to help you think it out. The cause of this heartbreak I’ll try to help you find with a thorough diagnosis.

shen: Don’t tease me, cousin. Ever since the moment we met my twin souls earthy and ethereal have completely deserted me and I have lost all control. The pain is even worse at night; I lie sleepless through the darkness hours longing to tell my innermost thoughts and unable to do so. Over and over I analyze your words and actions, and it seems you are not without some feeling for me. But as soon as I speak of what I deeply feel your manner changes and you repulse me. Can it really be your naiveté in worldly affairs that causes this? Forgive my clumsiness, I can’t measure up to your delicacy of mind; it will be best for me to bury my secret thoughts deep in my heart. I will speak them this once and then take my departure. (He weeps) (Tune: Cu pao ying) For you I have suffered melancholia till emerald gown hangs loose longing for that happy time wiping tears from my eyes. Like Xiangru on zither’s silken strings over again I have strummed “Phoenix Woos Bride”— have you, cruel Wenjun, been unaware? (IX) A hundred miles distant from your dressing table how could my zither’s message reach you? Yet here before your jadelike face what response to the riddle of your poems? Convinced no common mortal can hope to partner goddess I confess my love relinquish hope of happiness in this lifetime and go at once to plan my journey home.

bella (with a long sigh): Since you harbor these suspicions of me, how can I refrain from speaking out? I have long known what is in your heart, but I fear we can win no lasting union and dread what evils may befall in the

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end! I too this past month have been too distraught to concentrate on anything, sleepless or with troubled dreams, able neither to eat nor to drink, but what have you known of this?

shen: But cousin, feeling like this, how can you at the same time repulse me?

bella: Surely you understand that when a man and a woman marry it is a matter for long-term planning. Since you have this love for me you should return home to inform your parents and have them send a matchmaker to arrange our union. How can you treat it as some spur-ofthe-moment task?

shen: Consumed with lovesickness, I cannot carry a plan from morn to eve. Going back and forth seeking to arrange a marriage will take months, and by that time you will need to look for me “in the dried-fish shop”! And then if my suit is rejected and I must go skulking off red-faced, what kind of plan shall I be able to make?

bella: All we need is firmness of purpose on both our parts, and we are bound to succeed in the end. If it is hopeless, I shall recompense you with my death!

shen: I shall carry these words of yours, cousin, inscribed deep in my heart.

bella: There is one more thing I have been concerned with. shen: What concern is that, cousin? bella: (Same tune) You and I hearts so close try to speak bashful still. So many doting girls there have been does a Xiangru like yourself understand this? What I fear is some autumnal beauty for whom you’ll cast aside a white-haired partner or that some amorous red leaf message will float fading along the palace drain. (IX, XIII) It’s common for men to be easily tempted

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however loving the blossoms fall, the catkins fly the stream flows east, we question it in vain.

shen (rises to his feet and bows to Heaven): No need for such worries, cousin. If I prove faithless, Heaven shall bear witness.

shen, bella: (Tune: Mao’er zhui tonghua) Facing each other here by the stove we two have told hearts’ deepest longings of one too weary to make her toilet in shaded boudoir of one with tear-soaked sleeve by Chu’s far stream one solitary drinker, gate closed against the blossoms one sadly plying her needle as the chill deepens. (Same tune) Deepest desires of each alike beset by spring sadness Night after night, dawn after dawn without cease in life, in death, when will it ever end? Now today maid’s mind, man’s heart both emptied out: may it be Heaven’s will Heaven’s will to fulfill our match.

smartie (reenters): Madam wishes to see you, Miss. bella: My mother wishes to see me, I must go to her. (She exits with Smartie)

shen: Today my cousin and I confessed our innermost thoughts to each other, and she has granted my plea for our union in marriage. So this lovesickness I have suffered has not gone for naught. I was even on the point of proposing a secret date for our wedding when suddenly Smartie appeared and called her away. Truly, how can one ever get one’s wish in this world!

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(Coda) Planning to fulfill tonight the day’s good fortune my farewell to care frustrated by that ornery Lord of the East!1 And so tonight I’ll grieve in vain to the west wind at Swallow Lodge.2

ENVOI: Hopes assured by heartfelt words beside the stove more certain than prediction of Yunying. (XI) Lovesickness now will surely lead to love and red threads link our feet in marriage tie.

1. Just as the east wind prompts thoughts of love, the Lord of the East is in charge of affairs of the heart. 2. The Swallow Lodge was built for the concubine of a governor of Xuzhou in the Tang period. After his death she did not remarry but lived on there for ten years or more.

scene 11 Frontier Defense

military governor shuai (enters at the head of his troops): (Tune: Fan bu suan) Commander flying falcon banner myriad leagues echo my renown: “in Chengdu town sits General Hua his name familiar to plant and tree.”1 (He recites): Where watchtowers crown each cloudy Sichuan pass my sires commanded tigerish warriors bold. Our slaughtering swords cut down men like grass our shadows alone make children’s hearts grow cold. Military Governor Shuai, at your service, descendant of a family stationed for generations in Chengdu, charged with the four commanderies of Jiannan and western Sichuan: truly a case of “fair flowering branch of lordly tree, tiger-cub scion of servants of the throne.” News has come recently that the high chieftain of the Tibetans is planning to sneak across the border. I have sent my scouts to investigate and am still awaiting their report.

scout (enters): (Tune: Bushi lu) Ten thousand horsed barbarians pouring in swift as tidal wave!

1. Punning adaptation of two lines from Du Fu. The original second line declared that even children lisping their first words knew the name of the general Hua Qing. But the surname Hua means “flower,” hence our playwright’s substitution of “plant and tree” for “children.”

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governor: Where is their raid headed? scout: Border flutes spread fear they plan to carry their attack all the way here to Chengdu, City of Brocade.

governor: What are our frontier troops doing to block their advance? scout: At sight of forward banners troops mill with womenfolk rushing to escape panicked by call of crane or the wind’s soughing.

governor: Whereabouts have they reached by now? scout: Beacon fires burn closer they’ve crossed the border into western Sichuan. Your Excellency must make speedy dispositions make speedy dispositions.

governor: (Same tune) Surprise attack from Tibet half our defensive walls already in ruins. When not a man of our border towns is willing to resist, what use is it for our court to maintain an army? So strong the nomad stench officers civil and military flee for their lives.

troops: Your Excellency must move swiftly to the rescue! governor: Order one man in three throughout Chengdu, official families and commoners alike, conscripted for guard duty on the city walls. All troops encamped here to prepare for immediate action.

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Muster troops and civilians keep watch from every crag and tower while cavalry burst forth like shooting stars!

troops: Where will Your Excellency’s force engage the enemy? governor: We shall advance to allow no breach of Chengdu’s boundaries. Make haste to proclaim these orders make haste to proclaim these orders.

troops (in response): By order of His Excellency: in face of moonlight invasion of the border by Tibetan forces, one man in three, official families and commoners alike, to be conscripted for guard duty on the city walls. Any man resisting and refusing to obey, to be beheaded in accordance with this order. (Cries of assent from offstage)

governor: All troops break camp for immediate advance. (Tune: Ji ban ling) Clang and crash, confusion of gongs and drums2 flutter and sway of banners obscures the sun now raise the spear for defense and for capture now raise the spear for defense and for capture. Our ancients told us floods rise, use earthen dikes to meet them rebels come, use troops to greet them. A thousand-league advance to sweep away the nomad stench.

2. Drums to sound the advance, gongs to halt.

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all: So to display our general’s manifold might to inscribe his name in the imperial Unicorn Hall!

governor: (Same tune) Thunderclaps strike from gong and drum stars of light glitter from sword and spear. Westward urge the troops on westward urge the troops on: ranks of men wheel on command warhorses follow the cymbals’ clang forward as finger points the advance a force none can hold back.

all: So to display our general’s manifold might to inscribe his name in the imperial Unicorn Hall! ENVOI:

governor: Troops and populace mobilized, not to be withstood

troops: majestic ranks of spearmen and armored riders.

governor: The border cut, keep inner and outer apart

troops: do not let Chengdu become a battleground!

scene 12 Thwarted Rendezvous

shen chun (enters and recites): White walls, gate closed against spring breeze cloud-distant seems my love’s abode as in the ancient Tiantai hills green pine-clad ranges hid the road. (X) Not once since we shared our secret thoughts by the warmth of the stove have my cousin and I had the good karma to meet again, and this lovesickness only gets worse. When I recall that day, (Tune: Bubu jiao) pears bloomed in hush of empty court a sudden glimpse of her lovely face subtlest of scents, hair unadorned sad brow careworn bright glance averted. Leaning on painted balustrade we two told our hearts’ deep yearnings. (Tune: Tete ling) After myriad tortured longings winning at last her heart’s response swearing a secret rendezvous her words held back by blushes still. Then—who could guess?—an interruption both lost for words and all at once from balustrade’s side my darling girl had vanished. (Tune: Jiaqing zi) Longing for sight of my love, far now as sky, bed canopy grown chill, how to find sleep at night? A thousand twists each inch of tender heart no vision left

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of peach-blossom spring (X) seek word from her find only misty haze. Today I am going back there to wait for her. (Tune: Yin ling) Here once again seeking a chance to meet reaching secluded court where night’s scent lingers fearful of prying eyes behind gauze windows stealthy, on tiptoe (He creeps forward) I’d tap on her chamber door, but dare not move!

bella (enters and recites): I recall our meeting by painted balustrade trying to tell our feelings, startled apart again. All night the crows have cawed till break of day and here in cloistered chamber tears fall like rain. After Cousin Shen and I shared our secrets by the warmth of the stove, I returned to my room with my thoughts in a whirl and lay sleepless all night long. Now with the dawn’s return I must make my toilet by the mirror stand before the window. . . . Oh, shadows moved outside the window—was it merely the flowering branches or is someone there? (She peeps out)

shen: Sounds from within, who may it be? I’ll recite a verse to find out. (He recites): Don’t wake me, neighbor’s dawn-announcing cock let me finish the dreams that take me south of the river.

bella: These are lines from Su Shi expressing his homesickness. (She calls through the window gauze) Are you so anxious to go home, cousin?

shen (peeps in at the window): You are up very early. (Tune: Pin ling) Spring morning chill by green gauze window

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where her mirror stand waits she rises, concerned for the blossoms leans forward, clouds of hair aslant.

bella: Why are you so anxious to go home, cousin? shen: My heart is filled with despair; there is no point in staying here, all I can do is go back. I hear the hawk-cuckoo’s “go back, go back” (VI) urging the wanderer home. No rendezvous in prospect what good to go on longing? The call says “better go back” than bear a hopeless karma into the life to come.1

bella: But if you really care nothing for me, why did you say those things the other day?

shen (with a laugh): How can you think I don’t care for you? But when you pretend to be offended, it is useless for me to stay on here and so I must make plans to return home. If your feelings for me were true I would stay here a hundred years!

bella: In the daytime like this there are too many people about for us to make any plan. But outside your rooms a little window opens onto the courtyard of my own apartments. When evening comes, climb through this window and cross over by the rose-raspberry trellis till you come to the hall named Spring Splendor. Few people go there and the foliage is thick; there I will meet with you. Truly,

1. A failed or thwarted love affair could be viewed as a love affinity inherited as karma from the previous lifetime and obliged to await fulfillment in the life to come: thus, a “love of three lifetimes.” Shen Chun is impatient enough to desire union with Bella in their present incarnation.

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“For bodies no fluttering side by side of splendid phoenix wings Between hearts the one minute thread from root to tip of the magic horn.”2 (She exits)

shen (enraptured): What joy at last! Now back to my study to wait. (Tune: Douye huang) Joy that my fair one has promised the mutual sealing of our happy karma. (He makes a low bow) Thank you, Lord of Heaven, for answering my prayer thank you, Lord of Heaven, for answering my prayer. Sweet face fresh as spring breeze warm, scented flesh jade-white yet softly yielding beneath the moon, before the blossoms payment in full of this life’s debt of love payment in full of this life’s debt of love. Surely this is a dream: can it be our daytime meeting was a dream of the Tiantai hills? (X) I suffered limitless lovesickness before winning my sweet cousin’s sympathy. And now today, a sky like this, how can the dusk be so long in coming? (Tune: Yuanlin hao) O dragging slow, day long as a year red wheel my gazing can’t roll down the sky uselessly pacing each inch of empty court poor invalid Xiangru seething with fever! (IX) Inspect the sky again: still no dusk. Heaven, I plead to you, I make re-

2. A couplet from a love poem by the Tang poet Li Shangyin, translation by A. C. Graham. The magic horn of the unicorn (i.e., rhinoceros) is celebrated as an aphrodisiac; the unbroken thread of the nervous core symbolizes the union of hearts.

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spectful greeting, how come nothing moves? I kneel to you, still nothing moves. I bow low to you, still nothing moves. Pah, lousy bunch of feathers stuck tight up there with fish glue,3 shiny face flaming red, sink west at night up again east at dawn, why today do you have to hang on there rooted between the two? All very well to say if one desires the good Heaven will grant it: here I make respectful greeting and nothing moves; kneel to you, still nothing moves; bow to you, still nothing moves. I’m going to give you a good tongue-lashing: (Tune: Jiang’er shui) I curse your jealous scruffy-crow face stuck with fish glue there in the sky. Try to get you down it’s like a back-to-the-wind struggle along the Yellow River’s bank a nag that staggers backward on a plank above a precipice a condemned man trudging in fetters to Yama’s infernal court. Lingering up there this way how can Heaven be so hateful unwilling to do one a favor? Ha, tell me people fear a bully, Heaven fears a bully too: before I start making a fuss it’s still early afternoon; now I make a fuss and the sun goes down! (Tune: Sanyue haitang) I stand here, eyes transfixed east railing, west corner, I’ve leaned on every inch before this red wheel will dim its light. Oh, clouds coming up an inky mass, mist rising. Misery: a sudden swirl of rain-filled clouds curtains the face of the moon goddess Chang’o.

3. Ancient legend located a three-legged crow in the sun.

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Here comes the rain storm waves rise roiling the river’s surface cutting off fisherman from peach-flowering bank. See how the multitude of raindrops strike like strung pearls, scattered gems of jade, a bucketing down from jug and basin, a night of endless rain: swift as cold spring spurting from bosky cliff, fierce as rattle of kettledrums beneath embroidered banners, gust after gust stripping blossom and leaf from branch of pear, drip after drip shattering the sorrowful heart. No rain yesterday, no rain tomorrow, but tonight it just would have to rain as hard as this! Truly, Wang Bo met his moment and a fair wind bore him to the feast; Fan’s fortune failed and a thunderbolt cracked his tablet.4 Ah, Shen Chun, your own fate is a poor lame limping thing! (Tune: Jiang’er shui) As if the Silver Stream of the Milky Way poured out its waters from the ninefold heavens or spring flood soaked the wheat drying in the yard5

4. More legendary tales: divine spirits provided a favoring wind to waft the boat of the Tang poet Wang Bo to a banquet in the Prince Teng Pavilion, which he celebrated in a famous piece; it was a journey of two hundred miles in a single night. As a contrasting instance of ill fortune, when the Northern Song poet Fan Zhongyan planned to donate rubbings of an auspicious inscription to a poor scholar, the stone tablet bearing the text was destroyed in a thunderstorm. 5. Allusion to an old story reminiscent of King Alfred burning the cakes: the wife of the scholar Gao Feng asked him to guard the wheat drying in the courtyard against marauding chickens, and he did so but, absorbed in his reading, failed to notice that a rainstorm was soaking the grain through.

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or dragons battled to crack the ancient tablet6 or in the dark north the whale transformed and spread huge wings7 of a sudden great billows are here, and my fair one, inches away is far off as spring swan from autumn swallow. Even if I wanted to sleep tonight, what sleep will come to my eyes? (Tune: Yu du jiao) Dusk-filled court mournful drip-drip from blossoming branches shivering chill, alone by dim lamp turn and toss, depressed and sleepless paper window soaked through, leaking trickling misery at heart’s core lamplight and shadows hateful, hateful cheek and pillow tearful, tearful. (He sighs) With Heaven as unkind as this, not to speak of myself, but my sweet cousin also

6. Dragons are lords of the waters and in charge of rainbearing; thus, a battle of dragons would result in a prodigious thunderstorm, sufficient to crack a stone tablet as in note 4. 7. Shen Chun concludes this display of his erudition with a reference to the opening lines of the Daoist philosophical work Zhuang Zi, which Burton Watson translates as follows: In the northern darkness there is a fish and his name is Kun. The Kun is so huge I don’t know how many thousand li he measures. He changes and becomes a bird whose name is Peng. The back of the Peng measures I don’t know how many thousand li across and, when he rises up and flies off, his wings are like clouds all over the sky. . . . When the Peng journeys to the southern darkness, the waters are roiled for three thousand li.

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(Tune: Chuan bo zhao) powdered cheek besmudged tear-filled eyes staring transfixed tell of her plaint against Heaven tell of her plaint against Heaven. Deep in her chamber scent fades from brocaded finery each disappointment deeper than the last each new sad thought harder to express. (Same tune) Midnight, the lamp exhausted let down embroidered curtain from twin hooks no chance tonight of blissful dream no chance tonight of blissful dream longing for sleep I once knew each disappointment deeper than the last each new sad thought harder to express. (Coda) So many lovers’ trysts wrecked in the past but nothing like this present bleak despair. Not even a heart of iron or stone could endure these rain-filled watches, this never-brightening sky!

ENVOI: True enough, lovers’ meetings often thwarted but when was torment worse than this tonight? Odious, cruel nightlong rain new Silver Stream forming in blossoms’ shade! (I)

scene 13 Dispatching the Summons

shen qing (enters with Madam Shen): (Tune: Haitang chun) Son traveling afar, absent dawn and dusk1 here by the gate we keep a fruitless watch.

madam shen: Blossoms long since fallen what so delays his return?

shen qing: Two months now since our son went to visit his uncle. His failure to return is causing me a good deal of anxiety.

madam shen: You must send a message instructing him to come home. shen qing: We will discuss the sending of a message with our elder son when he comes.

shen lun (enters in haste): “Skies fill with unforeseen clouds, men meet with inconstant good and ill.” Five scouts in succession today have brought word that Tibetan troops have invaded our borders, have driven into western Sichuan, and are on the point of threatening Chengdu. The military governor has issued orders for the mobilization of troops to resist the enemy, while men will be chosen also from official families and commoners alike throughout the region to mount the walls for defense of the city. What are we to do? (Tune: Suo nan zhi) Spears of battle are raised and in an instant the hills resound to flutes of the tribal Qiang.

1. That is to say, unable to fulfill the morning and evening visits to inquire after the parents’ well-being, visits prescribed by the rites for sons sharing their parents’ roof.

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Beacon fires burn in outskirts and open plain men fly like sparks to the four winds. The populace conscripted to maintain a stout defense by principals, not proxies: how shall we deal with this?

shen qing: In this case, what is to be done? Your brother is more familiar with martial matters; it will be best if he can join in the defense of the walls. Let us send an urgent message to summon him. (Same tune) Practiced in martial arts he is gone and not returned. Let us send him an urgent summons to hasten home on the instant not a moment’s further delay.

shen qing, madam shen, shen lun: But shield and spear may block his way make it hard to advance or retire and try as he may to come home, this crisis will make his route a tricky one to find. ENVOI:

shen qing: Day and night let feathered message speed2

2. Army practice was to mark a message as urgent by attaching a feather to it.

scene 13: Dispatching the Summons

madam shen: as western frontier erupts with clash of weapons.

shen lun: Fearing the road beset by many perils

all: may still delay the hour of his return.

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scene 14 Quiet Despair

shen chun (enters, the worse for wine, and recites): Tipsy, babbling to myself nightlong lovesickness, new white hairs: peel last year’s shiny bark to write my woes drink to Liu Ling beneath the blossoming pears.1 Last night the love fulfillment I had waited for all day was blocked by a sudden storm of rain. This morning when I rose at dawn I encountered my sweet cousin in the reception hall, and she promised we shall make a fresh plan when the chance offers—but oh, when will that time ever come? I feel so sick at heart! My uncle and I spent today drinking with the neighbors, and having soused myself stupid I’m off to my study now for a nap. (He exits)

bella (enters and sings): (Tune: Qi niangzi) The last flowers fallen, rouge chill to the touch secluded in maiden chamber as once behind barred gate a jealous consort languished in palace depth. Past rendezvous unattained future hope uncertain —for so many bright-cheeked girls, such cruel fates! (She recites):

1. Shen Chun vows to commit his sighs to strips of bark in imitation of the late-Tang poet Li He, who begins a poem on new bamboo with the line “I’ve peeled off the shiny green bark, on which to write my songs of sorrow” (translation by Irving Lo); and also to assuage his grief with wine in the manner of the third-century poet Liu Ling, who claimed that drinking was his sole vocation.

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Unfeeling rain that dripped nightlong blocking his path to garden rendezvous! Seated till break of day by perfumed clothes stand2 whom to tell of griefs that rack me through? I had promised to meet Cousin Shen last night by the hall named Spring Splendor, but without warning a storm of rain began. (She sighs) The more I think of it, the more unkind Heaven appears! (Tune: Shuazi dai furong) Star-lover pair cut off by cloud and rain it seems fulfillment of love in this world is something rare. Love match so imminent now drifts like bell-hung kite with severed string. So cold shadows of flowering branches after dusk and wasting maiden just as lonely in thick-curtained silence wordless by silver lamp as tears crisscross.

smartie (enters): “Busy means carrying thread for Miss to sew, idle means pushing garden swing to and fro.” Miss, the master has come home a little tipsy and the madam has ordered all the staff to see to things at once.

bella: Very good, you must go see what Madam needs. (Smartie bobs and exits) Now that the staff are all occupied I can sneak out of my chamber and go see Cousin Shen. (She circles the stage) (Tune: Pu tian dai furong) Concealed by double blossoms of the peach tread scented paths all pink with fallen petals.

2. To freshen and perfume a gown overnight, one draped it over a wicker framework beneath which burned charcoal with sandalwood or incense added.

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Oh, his door is shut all still, his door tight shut against the pear bloom (She taps against the window grille) if I tap softly at his window surely he’ll whisper in reply. But why no shadow of a sign of him? He must be lovesick, spring-intoxicated imagining some Gaotang dream of love! (V) How can he go on sleeping like this? Hesitating here by his window a soft-voiced call or two: Cousin Shen! Cousin Shen! (Tune: Zhu nu cha furong) Here I stand softly calling there he lies, no response in vain cold stockings print the moss-grown step. Why has he grown so fond of his bed? Come to think of it, surely these scholars are a callous breed. Ponder, reflect no words for growing anguish: this love match is like petals on the stream— no concern one for other. (Sound of wind offstage; Bella listens intently) (Tune: Yu furong) Sudden rustle of wind in the bamboos I tell myself the dreamer wakes. Back and forth, watching in vain start to leave, stop once more red paper windowpane a silent barrier stark as the massed twelve peaks of Witch’s Mount. (V)

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Surely he cares nothing for me and so is pretending to be asleep! And I infatuated mistook this young man’s meaning saw one spark of affection and multiplied by nine! Cousin Shen, how cruel you can be! (Tune: Shan tao fan) In dream he roams Witch’s Mount I wait in the garden in vain. Scholars were ever a callous breed one third of their talk deceitful. He has betrayed me cruelly— what now of solemn vow beneath the blossoms? (Tune: Cui pai) Not his to drown in the flood like young Wei rather than yield his Blue Bridge tryst; (XI) but mine the role of Yueying leaving her slipper as token and reproach for the lover who slept through the Lantern Festival!3 I see myself, doting girl I see myself, doting girl vain imitation of Wenjun saying yes to elopement with Xiangru and him unbearably cruel breaking his vow destroying the prospect bright as brocade. Why there in the beginning did I ever confess my love?

3. The allusion is to the zaju play Liu xie ji by the Yuan dramatist Zeng Ruiqing. The heroine goes to the Temple of the Chief Minister on the night of the Lantern Festival to keep an assignation with her lover, Guo Hua. Guo is there but sunk so deep in drunken slumber that he cannot be wakened, and Yueying has no recourse but to leave her slipper by his insensible form.

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At thought of it now heart fills with pain. What am I doing here? So then, go back. (She circles the stage again) (Tune: Yi cuo zhao) Follow flower-strewn path heart thumping despite myself. Truly dejected to be going back to stand again lone shadow behind gauze window. To think of that day so many meaningless words and now such callousness where to seek truth in him? From now on I shall try to rid myself of these feelings yet thought of separation leaves my heart in upheaval and tonight my dreaming soul will fly in vain to the Jasper Pavilion of Chu! (V) (Coda) Jasper Pavilion, lover far off, no breath of east wind myself left wordless, weeping despairing tears. And as I go back (She turns to gaze behind her) flower shadows block from view the setting sun.

ENVOI: A breeze sweeps bamboo shadows across the green moss dully I pace the garden alone for grief that the King of Chu, his passion faded has drawn the goddess to the Sun Terrace in vain.(V)

scene 15 Parting Vows

shen chun (enters and recites): Poplar’s flowering finished, hawk-cuckoo cries wanderer far from home, tears glistening on his sleeve: lovesickness at every turn tugs at the heart so many thoughts of home, still he cannot leave. It is on my sweet cousin’s account that I linger on here. The other day she stole out for an assignation with me, but to my own disgust I was sunk in drunken slumber and so ruined our chance of blissful rendezvous. She worried lest I was deliberately trying to offend her and insisted over and over that I swear an oath, to the point where I could only bring her around by cutting off a lock of my hair and presenting her with a written vow of fidelity. Suddenly today arrives a letter from home, urging my return at once because of an invasion by Tibetan troops. I have no choice but to take leave of my aunt and uncle and set out this very night. But how can I find it in my heart to abandon my cousin?

wang wenrui, madam wang (enter and recite): Reports of fighting on Shaanxi border no more delay now urgent call has come: hurry the singing of the dirge “Homesick Thoughts” but may “Bingzhou remain your second home”! I have heard the news of the Tibetans, nephew, and that your parents are urging your return. What is the situation now?

shen: The Tibetan troops are threatening Chengdu, and all at home are filled with alarm. (Tune: Huang ying’er) Beacon fires redden the sky in city outskirts, across the plains all is swept bare a thousand wooded ranges tremble in fear. Hills block the road home

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repeated letters urge the cuckoo’s call “go back” starts dreams of home. Thoughts in turmoil my soul takes flight a thousand leagues east to Chengdu, City of Brocade.

wang: We have taken advantage of your presence here to discuss many matters, nephew. Now that you are summoned home we must let you go for the time being, but we insist you take good care of yourself on your journey. (Same tune) Nomad riders crisscross the land roads are blocked by sword and spear thousand-mile journey filled with terrors. Send early word by some chance traveler spare us from fruitless watching while the storms rage!

madam wang: Nephew, you must come back to us again.

wang, madam wang: Go now swiftly but when the beacon fires burn out come back to this brocaded hall.

shen: I shall certainly come back to you again. wang, madam wang: Then we must part for now. “The river brims with parting tears, thoughts of the wanderer course through heart’s core.”(They exit)

bella (enters and greets Shen): Suddenly today comes word that you are to return east at once. My heart is stunned, what now becomes of our love? (Tune: Shanpo-li yang) Magpies cried from the eaves, flying to escort you and startling me from silken-curtained dream.

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That day by brocaded hall we shared the lyric “Phoenix Woos Bride” two hearts as one “one magic thread from root to tip.” And who could tell but tonight in the shadows (She wipes away a tear) in the shadows we might achieve our bliss. A thousand tears fall red in wintry pool. Fading vision yesterday’s meeting an illusion frantic thoughts each calculation an illusion.

shen: Ever since the day I first arrived here I have been favored with your love. (Same tune) Thank you, sweet girl, for messages of love sent from your eyebrows, curves of springtime hills on our first meeting; for whispered pact by window gauze eternal, incense-sealed. How hateful this tumbleweed fate petals borne eastward as the river flows. A moment’s romance, interrupted dream now countless roads will bar me from your chamber. Frantic thoughts of parting in an instant fading vision. . . . Where shall we meet tonight?

bella: The vows we made as we hugged the stove are deeply etched in both our hearts. Now though we must still wait to be united in bliss, how can we be anything but united in grief? (Tune: Zao luo pao) To speak of parting brings a thousand sorrows

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distress that the Lord of Heaven holds us back a thousand leagues from Witch’s Mount. Cuckoo on branch nightlong sheds bloody tears but no parrots crossing hills of Shu will give voice to our dreams. Balustrade by Flower-Care Pavilion will bear the weight of my despair lovesick tears will rain beneath flower-’broidered window gauze two will share pangs of parting at this time.

shen: Though these two months past I have not served you in your boudoir, my ardent dreaming soul has never for an instant left your side. Now I must hasten from you, and who knows on what distant night we shall meet again? Oh, the pain at heart! (Same tune) Sudden blare of horn calls up the anguish of parting fish cut off from stream. I recall that day when we cut locks of hair, eager to show devotion made vows of phoenix faith though lifetimes pass. The fragrant path to Peach-Blossom Spring— (X) when will it ever open for us or in what year shall we meet again on moonlit Jasper Terrace? (V) Tearstains soak my blue sleeve through.

bella: I shall share this sadness of parting when you are gone. I have a poem as parting gift: Green leaves’ deep shade, remaining blossoms few cuckoo’s “go back,” spring’s farewell to Xiangru; her lover now a thousand miles away hot tears will soak this Wenjun’s clothing through.

shen: Thank you for this kindness. Let me try a poem in matching rhyme:

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Dense curtain of leaves, butterflies few swallow returns but not this poor Xiangru; “Gold Finery” not lightly cast away1 let Wenjun’s heart stay ever steadfast through. I have still one thing to say; may I say it?

bella: Of course. shen: Though you and I are just reaching marriageable age, fortunately no betrothal has been arranged for either of us, so we might say that Heaven is not against us. But when you spoke the line “Green leaves’ deep shade” just now I couldn’t help wondering:2 (Tune: Jie san cheng) as cousins you and I share lasting affection yet though stronger our love than between man and wife weapons of war still blight our dream of union; I fear only that by the time I return the blossoms gone green leaves will form deep shade and I like poor Yu Xin3

1. Adaptation of a line from an old song that runs “Do not grudge the gold-’broidered dress (grudge rather the passing of your youth).” The late-Tang poet Du Mu refers to the song in his poem about an aging beauty, Du Qiuniang. 2. Du Mu’s poem “A Sigh for Blossoms” contains phrasing very similar to these words from the first line of Bella’s quatrain. Shen Chun’s problem is that Du Mu’s poem laments the failure of a young girl to wait for him to claim her as his bride: the blossoms of her youth have faded (she is now a married woman) and the green leaves cluster thick (she has borne children). Shen thus fears that Bella’s line shows her own awareness that, like the subject of Du Mu’s lament, she might marry someone else before his return. In fact Shen has already hinted at this fear with the reference in his response-quatrain to the song “Gold Finery” (see preceding note). 3.Yu Xin was a leading “palace style” poet of the sixth century.

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must sing in vain sad songs of lonely boudoir for you, fled to some dream-wrapped peak of Witch’s Mount. Pain strikes the heart the green, green sprig of willow married off to east wind!

bella (sighs): Ah, you still do not understand this heart of mine! (Same tune) Speak not of green sprig snapped, spring freshness flown: gladly by emerald screen I’ll watch for phoenix mate. I recall our whispered pact beside the stove when it seemed upon the instant we should mount on dragon’s back to our bliss. When you return it will be as before I’ll wait where blossoms smile in the spring breeze. Only, come often in your dreams to our Gaotang Terrace. Longing brings pain don’t leave me watching from lodge’s height for wild goose messenger across a thousand leagues.

shen: Your loving thoughts move me deeply. But leaving now, not knowing when I may return, twin love longings far apart, we must surely die either of sickness or of suffering!

bella: The ancients said, “if there is love, why fear years of waiting?” We need only hold steadfast in our hearts; our bliss is not something to be hurried on. (Tune: Diao jiao wang xiang) Word of your leaving left me heartsore and desolate promise of your return speaks of love strong and true. Two of us all in all for all time to come let none view this as dance of bees or butterflies.

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bella, shen: Dream paired with dream love matched with love two as one in this life or in death united in bliss let us join soon in bridal chamber behind the gay curtains two trees whose branches intertwine as one.

shen: I took leave just now of Aunt and Uncle, it is time for us to say farewell. (Coda) Loath to take leave grieving to go back when shall we meet again beneath the blossoms? This coming night dream-barred in crumbling, lonely posting station. (He exits)

bella: My cousin is gone. We were drawn to each other in unavailing love, and the day of our reunion is hard to foresee. I have courage neither to weep nor to smile in the presence of others, yet private reflection only means redoubled sighs of distress. Today I realize to the full the taste of lovesickness and of parting. ENVOI: Hurried leave-taking as of old on southern bank cherries after rain, branches drip with blood. Weeping before others, forever wiping tears privately penning so many songs of heartbreak.

scene 16 Defense of the City

militiamen (enter in double file): (Tune: Liu yao ling) Forbidding walls round and about tight-packed, close-set sword and spear in bristling array banners wave o’er battlement formations squad after squad tramps its round dawn or dusk, each inch of wall patrolled dawn or dusk, each inch of wall patrolled. We are the militia entrusted with the defense of Chengdu. With the invasion of nomad forces, the commander-in-chief ordered the conscription door to door of guards for the city wall, and we have no choice but to patrol and keep watch by day and night.

shen chun, squad leaders (enter): (Same tune) A comet sweeps across the sky bubbling, swirling miasma of killing, dread clash of arms. Timid students don riding jackets soldier and scholar must act in concert hold the city, not thwart commander’s will hold the city, not thwart commander’s will. We graduates of school and university are residents of Chengdu prefecture. With the invasion of nomad forces, males from every commoner household have been conscripted to defend the city wall, and we are appointed to lead squads of ten, to command the able-bodied day and

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night upon the wall. Brothers, we must all exercise caution and pay close heed!

shen chun: I have just now returned from Meizhou and have not yet been able to familiarize myself with details of the city’s defense. I must ask you gentlemen to instruct me.

squad leaders: All we scholars are used to is sitting about in comfortable gowns, tugging each other’s capacious sleeves in discussion of the affairs of peacetime—how can we be expected to defend this wall?

shen: Nowadays the posts of military inspector and contractor and such at the frontier are all being filled by scholars.

squad leaders: Filling a post is one thing, only there’s no managing these local levies!

shen: You say you aren’t used to it, but those fellows grasping their long spears and whirling their broadswords—which of them are used to it?

squad leaders: That’s very true, now that we have been posted here all we can do is try our best to hold on. (They exit)

king of tibet, tribesmen (enter): (Same tune) A sweeping, shrieking wind we plunder outskirts and open plain the populace runs screaming while we ride proud to clang of gong and drum. Where our steeds pass only lonely shadows are left we nomads laugh to see Chinese weep and stumble we nomads laugh to see Chinese weep and stumble. Plundering and slaughtering all the way, our troops have reached Chengdu. Not a man of all the Chinese generals has dared to oppose us. Now that we have seized all the women we can carry off and filled our saddlebags with gold and silver, back we go to our own country. (They exit)

military governor shuai, chinese troops (enter): (Same tune) Flocking like fledgling birds to each other’s call nomad hordes crash forward in tidal wave

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scene 16: Defense of the City

their yells overbrimming hill and plain. On desert sand two armies clash no telling who lives who dies, who wins who fails no telling who lives who dies, who wins who fails. Rising dust signals the barbarians’ approach. We have no way to escape, we can only fight to the death. (Tibetans reenter and offer battle. Military Governor Shuai and his men are defeated and flee. Tibetans repeat their song and exit.)

military governor shuai, troops (reenter): Run, run! (They look behind them) Ha, the barbarians are leaving with blowing of flutes and banging of drums; why don’t we turn and give chase? Then once they are well on their way we can ride back beating our drums of victory! (Same tune) Sun dwindles in dusty haze as far off we watch barbarian force ride proud to songs of triumph while we skulk behind to see them across the bridge. Let them go back to their nest. Now bang boom boom the drum that shouts our victory now bang boom boom the drum that shouts our victory!

ENVOI: Ferocious riders crisscross the land border town a bamboo shoot stripped by autumn wind. Our general really did see the nomads on their way which surely counts as first-class act of merit!

scene 17 Seeking a Cure

shen chun (enters, sick, and sings): (Tune: Jin jiao ye) Thousand, myriad longings fill my eyes with tears dawn to dusk scarecrow waist, mere willow wand the very image of a mournful swain. (He recites in verse): Secret pact deep buried boundless sorrow of parting far range half hidden, incense smoke lingers on. Silent on balcony, heart near to breaking pale sky turns leaf and petal wan. Two months since my return; thankfully the Tibetans are gone and the land is at peace. I long to visit my cousin, but without instruction to do so from my parents I dare not suddenly take my leave. Worry on this score has brought on a sickness—when shall I recover? (Tune: Zheng hu bing) Reverse script, lovers’ code on patterned paper but never words to express this pain. Grown sallow in recent days, shrunk by spring lusts to a wasp-waist a pair of hands could span for shame hiding the pleats in my gauze tunic1

1. A line of extraordinary compression here, literally “spring-breeze-jade-one-surround”: i.e., amorous longings (borne to him by the spring breeze) have left him as emaciated as a beauty whose jade (i.e., precious) waist two hands could encircle. Likewise, his tunic has grown so loose that he has had to have pleats taken in, as Petal advised Bella to do with her skirt in scene 4.

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scene 17: Seeking a Cure

and all for her, distant as Chu’s far corner —how to reach Chu’s far corner? (Same tune) Recalling lovers’ talk in garden kiosk, moonlit chamber our time of bliss at hand and now, alas, apart, cut off so long a separation no channel for loving word. In dreams my thoughts fly far to her but she comes not. Dear cousin, I am thinking of you at this moment, do you know? (Tune: Xiang bian man) On the table a thousand sheets of paper every sheet filled with her name. Drunk with secret hopes ready to die of wasting I force myself to speak to others locking my folly in my bosom; whom to tell of my heart’s desire? Cousin, cousin! I call but you do not answer. Then let me sleep and dream of you. (He falls asleep, then wakes with a start) (Same tune) Ah, dream demon, just now again we leaned by the railing, whispering beneath the blossoms eyes brimming red-stained tears. But you and I separate now beneath our emerald covers myself with grizzled temples like old Pan Yue your fabled beauty fading from the mirror surely each like to each in force of passion.

shen qing (enters with Madam Shen and Shen Lun, and recites):

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Our younger son bedridden, sickness worsening medicines no help, depression deepens fast a twisting in the gut, pain every instant from finger-ends reaching the heart at last. How is your sickness now, my child?

shen chun: Your son’s sickness worsens daily. shen qing, madam shen: Son, how did this illness start? It seems to us it must have been brought on by the traveling you have done, the uncertain diet and the rigors of the road. (Tune: Luozhang-li zuo) Hunger and cold on the road returning in sudden haste service at arms day and night repeated trials and hardships.

shen lun: Combined with these things, brother, I’m sure the disappointment of your failure to win examination honors crippled your heart’s seven passions2 beyond healing by subtlest herb. To cure this sickness the only remedy surely must be distraction from sorrow and freedom from care.

shen chun: Even I myself cannot tell what brought about this sickness. It is lamentable that a city as large as Chengdu should contain not a single doctor who can diagnose it. Meizhou would be far better, with several skilled doctors specializing in nameless sicknesses. Our best plan is to invite one of them to examine me.

shen lun: Meizhou is so far away, what doctor would be prepared to come? You will simply have to go there yourself to be cured.

2. The classical Rites cite the seven passions as joy, anger, sorrow, fear, love, hate, and desire.

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madam shen: These doctors kill more patients than they cure. In my opinion there is no need to consult a doctor. All would be well if we would only invite a Daoist priestess to intercede with a mass for the sick.

shen qing: The ancients had a saying, “Number one way to fail to cure: trust a soothsayer not a doctor.” Better to go consult a doctor. But as sick as you are, how can you manage such a journey?

shen chun: To seek a cure for my sickness I shall have to make the effort to go. But my dear father and mother, how can I bear to part from you?

shen lun: I shall be here to look after our parents; you just be sure to take good care of yourself on your journey. (Same tune) Through mountains and perilous places you will need protection and help. Our revered parents at home I pledge myself to serve.

shen qing: I pray that this journey will result in your renewed health and put an end to our worries day and night.

madam shen: When you are a little better send us word, do not make us watch from the gateway for news that never comes.

shen qing, madam shen: Fix these words firmly in your breast.

shen chun: Your child will bear them constantly in mind. ENVOI:

shen qing: Why such varied ailments among the young

madam shen: the bones grown lean against autumn chill!

scene 17: Seeking a Cure

shen lun: On this journey may your sickness recover of itself

shen qing, madam shen, shen lun: report to us soon your return to full health!

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scene 18 Secret Pact

bella: (Tune: Que qiao xian) Scented flesh, jade-smooth body ailing, ravaged by sorrow dreading to see red blossoms gusting down. Tearstains mottle gold-’broidered dress no sign of his approach from sky’s far edge. (She recites in verse): Earnest exchange of verses on the eve then with a hasty farewell he was gone. From narrow terrace recalling plum-blossom pact I watch far hills cut off the setting sun. Over a month since Cousin Shen left in such haste, and still I anxiously await some word. (Tune: Gui zhi xiang) Such melancholy, such ennui emerald skirt grown too loose. By the flowering peach our bliss escaped us; new sorrows multiply beneath the cherry-apple. Torment of mind to no purpose torment of mind to no purpose thoughts silently turning and who to know, who to care? Pity poor spring three months of splendor fluttering to their end a scatter of falling petals take their leave. Remembering Cousin Shen:

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(Same tune) A thousand distinctions of person a hundred amorous ways borne away as the stream bears off the blossom and who to bring word from his far corner? Lovesick so long for nought lovesick so long for nought endure spring’s passage sigh to feel autumn near secretly grieving the road to the Terrace of Heaven, so close, now changed to myriad miles of cloud over Witch’s Mount. (V)

petal (enters): “Ordered here to fragrant chamber, bearing word to window’s grille.” Your cousin Shen has arrived; Madam wants you to come greet him.

bella: Is he really here? Don’t tease me! petal: I’m not teasing, come see for yourself. (Aside): One mention of Master Shen’s arrival and Miss’s face lights up with joy. Like they say, want to know what’s in her heart, just take a look at her face. (They exit)

shen chun (enters): (Tune: Nu guanzi) Revisiting the mouth of White Cloud Creek I seek the stream-borne peachbloom. (X) In failing health and fated to loneliness how to dispel the sorrows of spring gone by? (He recites in verse): Spring-long sadness, bitterness hard to bear as sorrow grows so health daily declines; our former pact brings only fresh regrets no new joys follow from those past designs. I am here under the pretext of seeking a cure for my sickness, but although my aunt and uncle have welcomed me with sympathy, I have had no opportunity for a meeting with my sweet cousin since one brief glimpse on first arrival. All alone in canopied bed, what a pitiable state!

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(Tune: Da sheng yue) Watching dust gather on the cords of the bed bright coverlet pressing cold on embroidered sheets “faded the scent of the Six Dynasties’ powdered beauties”1 who will share warmth and tenderness with me? Young Liu returns for the message of the peachbloom (X) still hoping to find the maiden beneath the blossoms. Alas, though here at hand, far as sky’s edge. In vain I grow sallow and worn finding no rest in sleep. (Same tune) Chill silence, moss growing all about stillness behind gate shut and barred ended the garden’s blooming, but not my sorrow vain gaze cut off by clouds over distant Chu. Behind this wall she is far away, the sky’s edge close at hand scent faded from the bed, soul wandering cuckoo-lost. (VI) Worn down by futile journeying sleeping on the road, napping on my feet suffering each blow five elements hold in store.2 The silence of this room only deepens my frustration. I’ll go out into the passageway and wait there on the chance my cousin may come out.

bella (reenters): I have learned that Cousin Shen has still not recovered from his sickness, but for several days I have not found a chance to visit him. Now that I can keep it from the knowledge of the maidservants I shall sneak in to have a look at him.

shen (starts upon seeing her): I have been here for days, but you haven’t been to see me. I suppose you had forgotten my existence.

1. This line, like numerous others in similar situations in the play, is a very slightly adapted quote from The Story of the Western Wing, in this case from part II, act 1. 2. One’s fate is determined by one’s constitution, which in turn is the product of the interaction of the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. It is the task of a certain type of fortune-teller to determine or predict this process.

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bella: For days on end I have had no opportunity to visit you. If you think I had forgotten you, Heaven be my witness! (Tune: Zhu ma ting) Cruel Liu Chen (X) cut off by dusty world from the Terrace of Heaven. Because of you I have been loath to face my mirror shy to choose trinkets unwilling to dress my hair. So many dusks silent by tiny window trimming the lamp wick, watching the fading light grown haggard on your account no pear-blossom powder gracing jade-smooth cheek.

shen: Since I left you that day (Same tune) dreams torment my soul longing for you each hour of every day. Like Herdboy and Weaving Maid (I) sentenced to dwell apart out of all sound or sight. Blue of tunic fresher where tears have dried no pain, no hurt, but endless melancholy suffered for you far off as River of Heaven with never a messenger.

bella: It is true your face has grown so much thinner, you must rid yourself of these sad feelings. (Same tune) Do not let spring griefs turn you into a haggard scarecrow.

shen: How can I put an end to these sad cares? The road to the Terrace of Love is blocked new griefs join with regrets for the past I seek but find no gateway.

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bella: Why not ask a doctor to examine you? shen: What cure does any doctor have? You are the only one who can save me.

bella: I know nothing of medicine, how can I save you? shen: Can you have forgotten what we said to each other before we parted? You promised to marry me and cut off a lock of your hair as token of faith. Now you have grown heedless and forgotten this, “green leaves’ deep shade, remaining blossoms few,” the solemn pact rejected.3

bella (weeps): What we said before parting, how could I forget? (She recites in verse): One heart, a thousand threads of loving thought tears over parting soaking through my gown longing at every dusk, each break of day from apple’s blooming to this moment now.

shen: If this is true, how can you sit and watch me die without trying to save me?

bella: During the daytime there are too many people about, there is nothing we can do. But come to my bedchamber tonight by way of the window and then we can make some plan. We’ll wait till moonlit dusk by chamber window then tell each other again the spring’s fond tale.

shen: We planned a tryst once before and it was blocked by a sudden rainstorm. If we wait until late at night I am only afraid something else will go wrong! (He tugs at her sleeve) Best to seize this happy morning and here by the window seek news of the plum’s flowering!

bella (pushing him away): This is an open courtyard, a dozen eyes can see us. Don’t behave like this! (Petal and River Lass come rushing in, startling Shen and Bella, who exit)

3. See above, scene 15, note 2.

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petal: Did you see that, River, the young mistress and that Cousin Shen hobnobbing together, then as soon as they catch sight of us, off they fly in a panic.

river lass: Absolutely. This sickness young Miss has been suffering from is something that rhymes with dove, glove, and Heaven above,4 and what she’s doing now is going to a fire with a lighted lantern!

petal: What do you mean? river (laughs): It’s already started! (Tune: Ti yin deng) One romantic devil of a handsome young scholar one pretty girl with a heart full of spring suddenly spotted, heads together in garden confab eyebrows fly up showing their alarm. The two of them as man and wife, they’d make a well-matched pair! Dilly-dally see the bluebirds do their dance like one of those sexy paintings!

petal: My young mistress is a sly one, (Same tune) In front of others only tepid remarks but what feelings come out in private! A real Yingying waiting for the moonrise the two of them trading their verses in secret!5 Shilly-shally hiding the root but letting the pistil show not quite the model of a respectable young miss!

4. River Lass indicates the word “lovesickness” by listing the separate parts of the written characters for the expression. Since English does not offer this kind of possibility, the translation uses a rhyming device to give a comparable cryptic effect. 5. Back to the Story of the Western Wing (see above, note 1), where Yingying, the heroine, uses a riddling poem to make a moonrise assignation with her lover.

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river: We’ll keep a quiet eye on them, you and I, see what happens, get them at our mercy. ENVOI:

petal: Private words by the railing

river: an ambush hides within.

petal: Find out what’s up in the garden—

river: keep a cool eye peeled!

scene 19 The Portraits Delivered

master shuai: (Tune: Gua zhen’er) Saddled from lifetimes past with wine-and-women debts born to dedicate my whole soul to romance yet still my ivory bedstead canopied with brocade waits dusk to dawn for a fair companion! (He recites in verse): Twenty years of age a sucker for women and wine you can keep your fame and fortune one stunner will suit me fine! I’m trying to find a top-class beauty that I can take to wife, and I’ve sent Tertius Ma and Decimus Ge out hunting all around with orders to get portraits made for me to look at. I wonder why they’re taking all this time to report back? I’m as antsy as a slug on a cinder patch, can’t contain myself any longer.

tertius ma, decimus ge (enter bearing portraits): (Tune: Guangguang zha) Trained in tricks from childhood swindlers by profession unmatched as crafty ne’er-do-wells masters of the moonlit-breezes orioles-and-blossoms stockade. The two of us have been following the boss’s orders, hunting out beauties and getting their portraits painted. We’ve come up with nine and we’re racing back to report to the boss. (They greet Master Shuai)

shuai: You two have been gone so long, not coming back before this; I’ve been so bothered I’ve had flames flaring up from my heart every night. So how many beauties have you found? Let me see the portraits, quick.

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ma, ge: The two of us have used every trick in the book and finally come up with nine winners. Take a look—every one of them will knock you out! (Tune: Zhu yun fei) Acting upon instructions we’ve searched far and wide for top-class beauties. Take a look, boss: Charms that would conquer cities, topple kingdoms matchless, supreme in their generation. Ooh, ooh-h-h! Bodhisattvas on lotus thrones hang ‘em in your study burn incense morn and eve make ‘em a thousand solemn bows till these beauties step down live from the scroll!

shuai (looks at the portraits and goes numb all over): Wow, they’re really gorgeous! (Same tune) One look and you wonder are they goddesses thronging down from Chu Terrace? (V) Radiant as the moon in spring graceful as spring willows. Ooh, ooh-h-h! Almond faces, peach-bloom cheeks smiling, laughing so lifelike they could speak draped there over the railing one look and I’m numb all over!

ma, ge: We’ll hang them up, boss, and you can have a good look. (They do so) (Same tune) Spaced around the room like singing girls at a banquet. Take a peek, boss, every single one

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a seductive cutie ogling you with sparkling eyes. Ooh, ooh-h-h! So ready for games of cloud-and-rain off with them to the Terrace of Love hand in hand, leaning against you settle a lifetime of love debts in and out where you want like a butterfly.

shuai (inspects the portraits): Ah, my lovely ones, my darlings! How am I going to get my hands on you for some hey-diddle-diddle? (Same tune) When do we get to play together open brocade bed curtains, crush embroidered pillow tear the slits of silk skirts fling aside gauze waistbands? Ooh, ooh-h-h! One curvy little slipper in each hand hugging you to my bosom butterfly probing the blossom till the flower yields its heart a Heaven-sent gift of romance.

ma, ge: No need to get steamed up, boss, all anyone needs to find a wife is cash and clout. Rich and powerful as you are, which one of these is going to refuse you? Spend a bit of money, a bolt or two of cloth for betrothal gift, get her home, and you can enjoy her any time you want. Only when that time comes don’t forget the two of us! (Tune: San xueshi) Young gallant with your light fur cloak and emerald sash lord of the spring in the haunts of the singing girls host to three thousand satin-slippered guests master of a dozen files of rouge-cheeked beauties with your aura of tosspot and gay gallant we’ll soon have you swaggering in bridegroom’s hat!

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shuai: When that happens I’ll be sure to set up an altar to honor my generals! (Same tune) With goblets of gold and amber brimming wine I’ll hasten to salute my generals in their triumph. Gliding girls shake silver castanets tipsy guests drink madly from satin slippers all this to celebrate go-betweens’ success as joy radiates from bridegroom’s brilliant cheeks! ENVOI:

ma, ge: Portrait paintings of beauties never surpassed how might it be to meet them face to face?

shuai: I shall burn incense, make obeisances then dreams must bring our loving union!

scene 20 Cutting the Sleeve

petal: As the sun came up the young mistress and that Cousin Shen were whispering together in the courtyard; this evening she’s sent off all her attendants to go wait on Madam in her apartment; what’s this all about? Wait till River Lass gets here; we’ll talk it over, figure out what she’s up to.

river lass (enters laughing): Oh, Petal: Did you ever expect to see a trick like this for a rarity: to think our young Miss, sly little witch tonight in her chamber a lover will snitch!

petal (laughing in turn): Rarity, say you! That’s not all: Who ever went fishing without a hook or sewed without thread, just a needle alone? But our young mistress is one of a kind dumps us and steals a man all on her own! Today the master is away from home and Madam is not feeling well, so Miss has sent all us attendants off to keep Madam company. It’s obvious the two of them made an assignation this morning. But right now let’s not tell on them, let’s see what happens tonight. Like they say, Maiden by window gets romantic

river: embroiders lovebirds, shows she’s aflame petal: peeping eyes next door see it all: river: shame and shame and shame again! (They exit) shen chun (enters and recites): From balcony watch setting sun dew thickens, water clock drips on; go seek your cherry-apple tryst when eastern wall is lit by moon. This morning my sweet cousin and I made a tryst for tonight in her boudoir, and I have watched and waited for darkness to fall. Now the hour is late and the night is still. I came here by climbing through the window and now must creep by the rose-raspberry trellis.

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(Tune: Shui hong hua) Late-roosting crows cawing from high branch cease your racket! By her boudoir white moonlight flawless, pure and where foot treads mosses grow slick with heavy dew. Turn by the low rose-raspberry trellis— what is it catches at me? Brambles catch at the flap of my gown. Quickly now past the cherry-apple and I am there! (He exits)

bella (enters and recites): Secluded boudoir, lamp shadows dim listening by window to rooks’ last cries waiting, wondering why he’s not here— is his lodging so high it slows the moonrise? Earlier in the day Cousin Shen and I made a tryst for this evening, and it is already late into the night watches; why doesn’t he come? (Same tune) Brows locked, no words, facing the lamp flame in whose rooms does phoenix flute fall silent? (VIII) The river of Heaven sparkles, the moon grows bright shadows deepen flowering boughs hang low. What startled flurry is that, flutter of treetop crows? (She listens intently) Surely it’s him, tapping at the window grille he is here!

shen (reenters): Here before Spring Splendor Hall not a soul is about; in the wide courtyard, all is still; it’s frightening.

scene 20: Cutting the Sleeve

(Tune: Wutong hua) Water clock’s level sinks watches reach their end I stand amid soaking dew heart thumping, timid, fearful. Ha, her window is open! (He peeps in) Ah, to see her like this (he recites in balanced prose): red ribbon dangling from her hair lightly swept up from temples cicada-style; delicate line of brows cloud shadows on spring hills; her face moonlit whiteness of jade sparkling in autumn stream; head raised to the sky and an air of renewed concern! Twin chignons tilted back, fair face turned to window brimming eyes flash their clear gaze upward yet fail to tell the moon goddess Chang’e all that is in her heart! (He plucks at the window gauze)

bella (with a joyful start) Oh, Cousin Shen, you are here! (Tune: Xiu dai’er) Where fronds of willow dangle beneath the moon softly you step to my adjoining rooms then as garden shadows foil my searching eyes you suddenly snatch aside the window gauze— a telltale sound— you, handsome Xiangru, so bold in your passion scaring this timid Wenjun half to death. (IX)

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Now till the drum booms out the watch’s end let’s sit and chat by the window at our ease.

shen: (Same tune) Flawless this lovely face commanding adoration: Surely Chang’o has left her moon palace to sit before this mirror here on earth! How can I, mere mortal of the muddy world match this choice bloom from fairyland? Like rash Zhang Qian of legend I’ll ride a star-raft up the river of Heaven we’ll steal across the magpie bridge together! (I) How fine, this night’s clear brilliance “one moment’s price a thousand bars of gold.”

bella: (Same tune) Alas a young girl’s marriage, such a weighty matter how can she lightly “ogle the boy next door”? But when she longs so for so fine a youth little she cares for infractions of the rites!

shen: The clepsydra has dripped half the night away. Joyous meeting so hard to achieve—come now to bed.

bella: In my flowering time my tender sixteenth year what do I know of amorous dalliance? We’ll sit awhile to enjoy the moon together thankful for cassia shadows and Chang’o’s company.

shen (tries to drag her off, but is pushed away):

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(Same tune) Adorable beneath the lamplight, shy loveliness dream encounter on Witch’s Mount! Elegant coiffure, hangings of brocade glamorous scene, gauze window, moonlit blossoms! Sweet love the night watch deepens, flowers are sleeping we’ll twine our limbs as phoenix pairing link the red thread from the Inn of Betrothals: (II) jade gives off scent in the joy of our desire.

bella (as Shen takes her by the sleeve and leads her offstage): (Tune: First Coda) Wenjun’s first journey in the perfumed carriage! (IX) (She speaks in a low voice): I am too young to understand the ways of the world; please, handsome Xiangru, don’t look on me as experienced mistress ready to elope by night!

shen: No need for many words. Together we’ll gently test this lotus flower the leaves shield from the breeze. (They exit)

river lass (enters with Petal): “Don’t want it known? Then best not to do it!” Did you hear how they’ve been chattering away in the young mistress’s room half the night through! This is fine behavior, Miss, and still you’ll brazen it out! (Tune: Zui luo ge) Tiptoeing, tiptoeing, drawing the gauze curtain listen to them, listen to them, two so lovey-dovey! That Cousin Shen, over the wall in the middle of the night like “waiting for the moon by the West Wing.” Serving maid tells on him

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flower picker gets caught; Madam finds out perfume thief gets punished:1 walls have ears, but what do those two care? —But you can’t blame this Cousin Shen, it’s always the girl entices the man in this world. Who ever heard of the man enticing the girl? Look a bit closer it’s all because of her all sprouting from those whispers in the garden.

petal: If we make a noise now, first of all Miss will be annoyed with us, and second of all we’ll spoil things for Master Shen. Let’s hide till Shen comes out, then we’ll grab him and see what he has to say for himself.

river: Right. (They exit) shen chun (reenters hand-in-hand with Bella): (Tune: Taishi yin) Brocade couch springtime beyond price. (He surveys the sleeve of his gown) Soft fragrant gauze, red blooms against the green.

bella: What are you looking at? I blush for shame. shen: Memories of our loving beneath the coverlet twin birds with conjoined wings sporting on sunlit bank

1. The handsome Han Shou was an aide to Jia Chong, grand marshal of the third-century state of Jin. Between him and Jia Chong’s daughter Wu there developed a clandestine romance. To please her lover, Wu presented him with a rare and distinctive perfume that had been a gift to her father, a mark of special favor from the emperor himself. Rashly, Han Shou wore the perfume in Jia Chong’s presence. The theft of the perfume thus came to light, but Jia Chong concealed the fact of his daughter’s illicit affair by giving her to Han Shou in marriage.

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your tremulous soft body shyly opening to me sweet perspiration, a fine rain moistening the blossom soft cries, orioles calling in evening court succumb to low love murmurs as clouds shed rain.

bella: The night watches are ending, we shall be discovered; you must go now.

shen: How can I leave you? (Same tune) Here in the lamplight such loveliness. (He embraces her) So strong our passion, so closely bound our hearts!

bella (points to his sleeve): This sleeve bears its rouge traces of our love. (She takes scissors and cuts it off ) I shall keep this as token for the time to come. In after days I want you never to forget this night of splendor. I am only a girl, confused and driven by passion to transgress the laws of propriety; please keep our secret: don’t brag of this, my handsome lover lightly to send me down to my grave mere subject of a spicy tale.

shen: How could I do such a thing? But cockcrow announces the dawn, the clepsydra has filled its measure; I must leave you now.

bella: Then early this coming night I’ll meet with you beneath the window hangings where blossoms shade the moonlight. (She exits)

petal, river lass (they come rushing in before Shen is able to exit in his turn): A tale, a tale, for Madam’s ears!

shen (in panic): What . . . what for Madam’s ears? Oh sweet sisters, please keep this quiet!

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petal, river lass (laughing): Master Shen! An educated gentleman like you, how can you stoop to these tricks? (Tune: Gun bian) Flower plucked by stealth in the lamplight flower plucked by stealth in the lamplight so much crafty scheming! Into the house at dead of night daring all for lust! When Madam finds out think she’ll just let it pass?

shen: Now it’s leaked out let me beg mercy please, sisters, don’t keep me here in terror!

petal: You scholars that go stealing incense, filching jade—nothing but thieves, that’s what you are, don’t come asking us to let you off lightly.

shen: All I came for was to (Same tune) enjoy the moonlight in empty court enjoy the moonlight in empty court chat a while by her window. Nothing more than that— why not just let me go?

petal: And did you “enjoy the moonlight” right into Miss’s bedroom? You had it all planned, and now you want to deny it. My poor young mistress, cherry-apple flower fallen to earth in a gust of spring breeze!

river: A perfectly respectable young lady, and now look what you’ve turned her into!

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petal, river: And still you go on brazening it out with all this mealy-mouthed talk.

shen (bows to them, smiling): No need to argue, dear honest sisters, if you’re willing to let me off then let me off. Otherwise . . .

petal: Otherwise what? shen: If you won’t let me off, then she’ll have to play Oriole in the Western Wing, and that makes both of you Red Maids, and no one escapes the charge of procuring!

petal: Will you look at this woman stealer, this expert seducer? And if we do have mercy on you just this once, how will you thank us?

shen: I’m here away from home and have nothing else to offer you; I’ll just have to thank you with my body.

petal (spits in disgust): What would we want with your body? river (laughs): Which of us gets thanked first? shen: How about three in a bed? petal: Pooh! What a shameless creature! shen: Dear sisters: (Coda) Say nothing when morning comes and I’ll show my thanks for this cover-up.

petal, river: Never mind anything else, you’ll need to burn incense in the garden and bow and chant for us! ENVOI:

petal, river: Cassia flower plucked by stealth beneath the moon just like that time in the West Wing play.

shen: Don’t let the breeze carry one word of this don’t let the parrot tell everyone around.

scene 21 Sending the Matchmaker

gatekeeper (enters with traveling bundle on back): “On orders from painted hall, a sojourner in the post houses.” Gatekeeper here, ordered by the master to carry a message to summon home the young master, who has been absent now close on half a year on a visit to his uncle in Meizhou. I’ve been hastening all the way, and it’s getting toward dark. (Tune: Yifeng luo) Wanderer not returned from edge of sky bearing him a message I hasten on. Across the rivers, over the hills, evening draws on tavern flag dangles at roadside rest. Flock after flock the birds return to treetop roost file after file of travelers rest at the inn then one more stretch of dusty road till night. (He exits)

shen chun (enters): (Tune: Lin jiang mei) Look back: secluded maid left far behind that night’s sweet dream already dimmed. Brocade sash carries still her scent tug of passion by day still besets dreaming soul in the dark. (He recites in verse): Parting, reunion, joy and tears, one cup of wine north, south, or east, or west, a ten-mile march: never meant, love’s dream, to be held forever

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so soon cockcrow announces the fifth watch. My sweet cousin and I had opened our hearts to each other and were just reaching the most blissful understanding when my father’s gatekeeper appeared to urge me to return home. I had no recourse but to take leave of my uncle and aunt and hasten back, filled with misery the whole length of the journey. True it is, “Willow-shaded rest stops same as before, still the way back is the sadder road.” Here I am now at my own parents’ home; I will go in.

shen qing, madam shen (enter and recite): Son at edge of sky delays return aging parents strain their anxious eyes suddenly from the eaves a magpie’s call sad faces brighten now in glad surprise. (They greet their son) You are home, child. But why did you linger on so long in your uncle’s house?

shen chun (makes obeisance): (Tune: Naizi yi chun) Blossoms when I left were opening in the court now I am back fallen leaves cover the stream; half a year has passed without my salutations morn and eve.

shen qing: My instructions to you from the beginning were to return without delay. How could you have forgotten?

shen chun: How would I dare forget them? But so urgently did my uncle and aunt press me to stay, I found no way to ply the homeward whip. Bowing low I entreat my parents’ loving sympathy and pardon for your son’s transgression.

shen qing: (Same tune) Since you left for their house, half a year, a year.

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In ordering you home, my first concern fear of a drifting life in neglect of your books.

shen chun: How should I dare? shen qing: My second, that though you have reached manhood, still before the hangings phoenix-embroidered you have not yet succeeded in mounting the dragon of a successful match. Now I understand that your uncle’s daughter, “One in a Hundred,” is a most attractive girl, to whose feet the red thread of marriage has not yet been tied. This very day I plan to send a matchmaker to her home to seek her for your wife.

shen chun (aside): Then our bliss is near at hand! shen qing: I sent my gatekeeper to summon the matchmaker, how is it she is not here yet?

matchmaker (enters): (Tune: Yi chun ling) Skilled in cajoling used to mediating sweet talk and flowery phrases all I need to help a fairy maid flute her way to an immortal match. (VIII) (She greets Shen Qing and Madam Shen) Honored sir, venerable dame, what is your need for a matchmaker?

shen qing: I have sent for you on behalf of our son, who wishes to marry.

matchmaker: I am on my way: Only make ready the requisite bolts of red silk and gold swallow hairpins will find their place!

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My sole concern in life to do good turns for all. But tell me to which family I should proceed.

shen qing: To the residence of my wife’s brother, who holds office in Meizhou and has a daughter of marriageable age by the name of Jiaoniang, Bella. (Same tune) Man and maid happy wedded lot by matchmaker’s red thread discreetly tied.

matchmaker: “Marry a relative, add flowers to brocade.” I guarantee their agreement upon my first visit.

madam shen: Convey my greetings to my brother, and my wish to bind our Wang family of time-honored line by harmonious marriage ties with the Shen as in the ancient village of the Zhu and the Chen two surnames only were known. We shall look for your good news soon to prepare the hundred-year joyous feast!

shen qing, madam shen: Our thanks to you, Matchmaker: there will be strings of copper cash bolts of red silk cloth.

matchmaker: This is an auspicious day, I shall leave at once. (They recite in verse):

shen qing: Skilled matchmaker to bear the happy news

madam shen: marriage ties to the hundredth generation;

shen chun: let Heaven send its bluebird messenger

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matchmaker: no need for red leaf poem on this occasion! (XIII) (Shen Qing, Madam Shen, and Shen Chun exit)

shen chun (reenters in haste): One minute, Matchmaker, please. matchmaker: Why, sir, why such a hurry? shen: There’s a secret I must tell you. (He bows) (Tune: San xueshi) With a bow I beg you, Matchmaker, to hear me and bring this matter to full fruition.

matchmaker: No need for all this, sir, of course I shall do all I can. shen: I won’t keep it from you: the young lady and I already vowed before the stars a love of three lifetimes and now beneath this moon we seek instant union.

matchmaker (with a laugh): So, this new bride is actually an old love! shen: This is why I want you to make every effort secure this love of a lifetime to be my wife and I’ll burn heart-shaped cakes of incense in gratitude to Heaven. (He pulls out a letter) I have a letter here; please deliver it secretly for me into the young lady’s hands.

matchmaker: Of course. Two like you (Same tune) beauty and genius, no shallow passion already bound by vows beneath moonlit blossoms. I shall bear your heart’s secrets in this missive I shall secure your union with a thousand red threads. I guarantee your loving match

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husband and wife brocade-clad, dazzling in broad light of day!1

shen: If you can accomplish this, I shall give you an extra reward on my own account. (Coda) This match does not come about by chance

matchmaker: surely it’s Heaven decrees a happy union.

shen: Now leave at once and hurry back I’ll watch and wait for bluebird’s joyful message.

ENVOI:

shen: Secret whispers speak of heart’s desire till matchmaker carry the happy news.

matchmaker: Stand then and wait by riverbank where the green willows weave close shade.

1. A metaphor for success in one’s career, from an old saying that to attain wealth and renown without returning to one’s hometown to show it off is as pointless as wearing brocade in the dark where it can’t be seen. The matchmaker may also be twisting the application here to imply that the couple will also be freed from the stigma of clandestine love.

scene 22 The Match Opposed

matchmaker: (Tune: Pu xian ge) Flowers sprout from every matchmaker’s lips but no matchmaker’s better known than I. Carry a proposal east carry a proposal west ten proposals, ten accepted. (She recites in verse): Matchmaker, matchmaker bustling all the way who knows what the fates have in store today? Commissioned by Squire Shen to make a match for his son, I’ve inquired my way as far as this, the official residence of His Honor Wang. I don’t like to just barge straight in, so I’ll give a shout: Uncle Gatekeeper, are you there?

gatekeeper (enters): “Slack day, no one comes to court, only the flunkeys mill about like oxen.” Where did you spring from, old woman?

matchmaker: I’m here with a marriage proposal, uncle, all the way from Chengdu, so please announce me.

gatekeeper: Wait a moment, His Honor’s just taking his seat. wang wenrui (enters): (Tune: Dao lianzi) In twilight years temples speckled white daughter at my knee a budding beauty when will the Red Phoenix star shine on her betrothal? (Gatekeeper announces Matchmaker. She greets Wang, who asks): Whose family commissioned you to come here?

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matchmaker: Beg to report: (Tune: Yushan gong) I have hastened here bearing a proposal from young Master Shen.

wang: Which Master Shen is this? matchmaker: None other than Your Honor’s brother-in-law’s family. It’s Third Young Master, genius Heaven-sent to pair with your daughter’s beauty couple well-matched as twin emerald phoenix. Families of such favored standing union secured by red thread from lifetimes past. Your Honor’s sister and brother-in-law send their greetings, and trust that for the sake of past affection since on both sides affinities prevail today will seal this happy marriage contract.

wang: (Same tune) Obliged for this proposal I am not averse to its consideration. But there is one drawback: my daughter and Master Shen first cousins in their generation— how can they be joined as husband and wife?

matchmaker: Nothing against this. And since Your Honor is well aware of Master Shen’s address and ability, you would have no regrets with him for a son-in-law.

wang: Yet his outstanding gifts one day may win him a match of highest eminence! I am afraid my poor daughter

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is destined to marry no such paragon; a wasted effort to bear the red leaf of this marriage pact! (XIII)

matchmaker: Let me still hope you may give your assent. wang: Since you are here, you may pay your respects to my wife and we can discuss it further.

madam wang (enters): “From afar I hear the matchmaker’s voice, a message from the old man in the moon.” (She greets Matchmaker)

wang wenrui: The matchmaker has come from a considerable distance, she should stay for a cup of tea and something to eat. (He exits)

matchmaker: Young Master Shen is seeking your daughter’s hand, ma’am; I pray that you will be willing to give your support. (Same tune) In the betrothal of a daughter yes or no should depend on mother’s word. Master Shen is a fairy peach from Heaven your young lady an apricot from the land of the sun twin phoenix reflecting a single image the heights of human joy will all be theirs. If Madam will help bring about this happy marriage her kind act will be such as builds a magpie bridge for the starry lovers. (I) (Bella steals onstage unobserved to eavesdrop)

madam wang: (Same tune) Families well suited indeed a possible marriage match. But children owe obedience to their father

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how is this for me as mother to decide? If their affinity is Heaven-destined their day to mount the phoenix will surely come.

matchmaker: Madam’s sister-in-law sends warmest greetings. madam wang: Convey my respects on your return, and ask my sister-inlaw not to be importunate for a marriage contract demands careful thought and guidance from the gods.

matchmaker: There can be no room for doubts about this proposal, what is the need for divine guidance? Is the young lady here? I should like if I may to pay my respects to her.

madam wang: You maids, ask your young mistress to come here. bella (emerges with slow steps, and singing sotto voce): (Tune: Yu baodu) From shelter of silver-mounted screen I heard my mother speak no sincere word. Master Shen and I a pair of mandarin ducks with conjoined wing how could each be forced into solitary flight? (She sighs) Lovelorn before bright promise of romance from now on we say farewell to future hopes.

matchmaker (greets Bella, then whispers): Is it not true that you are Master Shen’s beloved?

bella (gives a start, and whispers in her turn): It is true. (She wipes away a tear)

matchmaker (sighs softly): Oh, the sight of the young lady (Same tune) as she answers in a whisper eyes a-glisten with crystal drops

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barred from her Herdboy by Silver Stream (I) her silken kerchief grows moist with sparkling tears. Heart-rending sobs distressing to the ear as mournful howls of apes in Chu’s far gorges. Master Shen asked me to give you this letter, Miss. (She pulls out the letter and hands it to Bella, who places it in her sleeve and exits) Young lady elegant as jade and pretty as a flower; Master Shen’s mind and character rich brocade, refined as silk; they are truly a perfect match. And then the young lady has reached her sixteenth year, the age of pinning her hair; Madam should take care not to miss such an opportune match.

madam wang: (Same tune) Phoenix must mate but how to find happy predestined match? The master’s tenure of office has stranded our daughter in this place, and though her salad days approach no fair future has been secured for her. Someday the moon will light the Lovers’ Festival and she will smile as a romantic suitor hits the painted peacock’s eye!1

matchmaker: Let me plead once more with the master, and please give me your support.

wang wenrui (reenters): Your proposal is not acceptable, Matchmaker, and we should not detain you further. When you report to my brother-in-law, tell him:

1. Allusion to a legend that the founder of the Tang dynasty passed the archery test of hitting the eyes of peacocks painted on a screen to win the hand of his consort.

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(Tune: Wu gong yang fan) It is no pride of mine that prevents this match. The young master is truly a scholar of talent and address destined for eminence someday who should seek a worthier alliance. My daughter is a silly girl of no consequence no fitting match for one whose perfumed presence recalls the ancient paragon Xun Huo!

matchmaker: Your Honor is too modest. Who is going to say this match is not a suitable one?

wang: Collect yourself do not be so importunate. Throughout the ages all ties of marriage have been predetermined.

matchmaker: Ties of marriage, ties of marriage: all that’s needed is Your Honor’s consent! (Same tune) A marriage affinity properly aligned: one a Pei Hang of modern times the other a Yunying from her fairy palace; Indigo Field is the place to grow jade what need to ascend to the Jasper City? (XI) “Marry a relative, add flowers to brocade,” just like Wen Qiao of former days with a jade mirror stand as wedding gift for his cousin.

wang: My mind is made up, there is no need to go on.

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matchmaker: If this proposal is not accepted, how is this poor matchmaker to make her report? Journey of a hundred leagues for nought enough to make a matchmaker die of shame. This is a worthy union to be secured by tying the scarlet thread!

wang (angrily): (Same tune) You speak without thinking: a worthy union must be secured with respect for family relationships; laws established by our imperial court forbid the marriage of maternal cousins. They call each other brother and sister— how can such a pair marry? Our respects to the boy, and tell him there’ll be no lack of families of rank eager to win him with embroidered ball!2 Back with you at once, Matchmaker, do not relax your efforts but tie this red thread of yours to another maiden’s ankle! (He exits)

matchmaker: Enough, enough, if this marriage is not to be I’ll take my leave, but let me say good-bye to the young lady first.

madam wang: You maids, ask your young mistress to come back. (Bella reenters)

2. Refers to the tradition by which a maiden would throw down an embroidered ball into a group of suitors and select the one she hit as her betrothed.

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matchmaker: His Honor persists in opposing your match; why don’t you yourself try to bring him around?

bella: A girl such as I am, Matchmaker: (Tune: Jiang’er shui) How can I speak of this marriage proposal say what I want to say? He and I made a solemn pact there in the garden for a hundred years of joyous union— who could foretell one second would tear apart this pair of mandarin ducks with necks intertwined! So they say, pretty face oft ill-fated. For my marriage I can only sit within my mosquito net—and wait.

matchmaker: A perfectly suitable marriage alliance, a waste for you both if His Honor is against it.

bella (sighs, then sings): (Same tune) Future prospect rich as brocade but the cruel Lord of Heaven will not permit it. An end to it all, an end! I’ll stay a solitary mandarin duck the rest of my life south-flying magpie to roost in cold wintry woods: I’ll strum no lute at dusk on autumn river!3 Meetings and partings, affinities and pledges, all are the work of Heaven above. There is nothing more for Cousin Shen to concern himself with, he must not distress himself over the failure of our match. (She produces a letter) What I have tried to say in this letter

3. Allusion to the celebrated ballad by Bai Juyi in which a former courtesan laments her marriage late in life to a traveling merchant. The preceding line derives from a poem by Cao Cao of the third century: the magpie fails to find a roost, symbolizing a woman’s lifelong spinsterhood.

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you must explain to my true love: in this life, in the next let him never forget that night of incense-perfumed stillness. (She exits)

matchmaker: Now I’ve said good-bye to the young lady I must thank you, ma’am, and be on my way.

madam wang: Do not fail to give our best respects to my sister-in-law and the young master, and beg that they will not blame us for the failure of this proposal.

matchmaker: I will. (Coda) I hasten to do your bidding.

madam wang: We have made you trudge a hundred leagues for nought

madam wang, matchmaker: because what isn’t fated can’t be forced! ENVOI:

madam wang: Marriage affinities never were things of chance.

matchmaker: The secret scarlet thread must needs be tied.

madam wang: Do not complain if your proposal fails:

matchmaker: mortals propose, it’s Heaven that disposes.

scene 23 A Drink with Courtesans

chen zhongyou: (Tune: Haitang chun) Familiar figure ‘mid the capital’s elite I’ve ridden each alley of the pleasure quarter calling for wine, detained as honored guest bowled over like the rest by the local blossoms. In boyhood years ambitious to grasp the clouds cutting a dash, a pattern to my sex I fixed my gaze on silver flasks of wine and dropped the Classics and the Analects. Chen Zhongyou, at your service. Born into a family of means, raised among the elite, I have cultivated the friendship of men of talent and enjoy the reputation of a gallant, being something of a favorite indeed among the more celebrated courtesans. Of my male friends Shen Chun is the closest, of female Lovey Ding, and we never tire of our constant commitment to wine and verse making. Just lately I’ve tried over and over to drag Shen off to Lovey Ding’s place for a bowl of wine, but for some reason or other he always excuses himself. Lovey too keeps insisting that I bring him with me, and yesterday I went to see him and at last got his agreement to pay her a visit. He should be along any moment now. (He exits)

shen chun (enters and sings): (Same tune) Crimson sleeves linked, off to drink amid the blossoms why are my steps so hesitant? —For thought of the lady of the marble balcony her rouged cheek drenched with tears.

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The other day a matchmaker was dispatched to my uncle’s house with a marriage proposal. The question tugs at my mind, will it be successful or no? Now comes Chen Zhongyou with an invitation to join him on a visit to Lovey Ding. I didn’t want to go, but he insisted time and again and I just had to force myself to accept. (He exits)

lovey ding (enters followed by Little Chubby, and sings): (Tune: Niannu jiao yin) The courtesan’s trade values signs of wealth above all else and makes close relatives out of hard cash. However handsome and witty a gallant you be when your cash is spent, out you go. Crude clients throng the pleasant ones never come and bad temper gets you nowhere.

chubby: Oh sister, clever and sharp as you may be, how are you ever going to jump clear of this dirty trade of ours?

lovey (recites in alternation with Chubby): “Misty blossoms” for sisters

chubby: unions short-lived as the dew

lovey: grow old and before your gate

chubby: those who stop are few.

lovey: Lovey Ding, courtesan, at your service, and this is my “sister” in the profession, Little Chubby. I have long been noted for my grace and good looks, and am a skilled musician. There’s not one of the great families but has a scion who’s lost his head over me, yet I have no feelings for any of them. There is only Shen Chun, a brilliant young man of this city and a frequent visitor to my house, whose attentions I welcome with all my heart. For some time now his visits have been few and far between, I have no idea why. The other day I pleaded with Chen Zhongyou to drag

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him here by any means he could, and today is the day they have promised to come. I have wine and refreshments waiting for them; what can be keeping them, I wonder?

shen chun (enters with Chen Zhongyou; all exchange greetings, then recite in verse): Half a year since last we met

chen: peaches blossom as of yore;

lovey: flowerlike face alas grows old

chubby: guest invited, calls no more!

shen: Ah, Miss Lovey, how can you say such things?

lovey: Please be seated and let us talk a while. (All take their seats) I thought you had deserted me, sir—what wind blows you here today? You must first drink three large cups of wine.

chen: A fair penalty. shen: I accept your judgment. (He drinks) (Tune: Niannu jiao xu) With kind intent this lovely girl entreating, bright sleeves raised high offers the golden cup once and again.

chubby: Please drain your cup, sir, for me to refill. shen: I’m getting drunk. chen: You’ve only just sat down to drink, how can you say you’re drunk?

shen (aside): There in her boudoir where each held other’s gaze now I picture her, brows drawn in the dim lamplight. Here I sit drinking, but what will my love be doing now? Ah pitiful bodily self in painted chamber soul flown to fragrant boudoir already drunk before a sip is taken.

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all: A waste of this lovely night when blossoms and moonlight vie for brightness.

chen: Play for us, Lovey, to persuade Shen to drink some more. lovey: Gladly. (She plays a song)

chen: (Same tune) Sitting together shoulder emerald-clad leans against red sing up, sing loud for joy drown care in a thousand jugs of wine. (Shen falls asleep) When the lute’s strumming ceases why is the officer’s blue sleeve wet?1 Shame on you while silver-mounted candles burn bright and gold cups softly offer so to collapse into a sprawling slumber.

chen, lovey, chubby: A waste of this lovely night when blossoms and moonlight vie for brightness.

lovey: I wonder how it is that Master Shen (Same tune) in the old days with a thousand graceful gestures

1. Allusion to the celebrated Ballad of the Lute by Bai Juyi, who wept to hear the lament of a deserted wife; see preceding scene, note 3.

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myriad gallant ways would down gay cup after cup among the blossoms— how then today can he slump drunk, a lump of putty here at the table?

chen (gives Shen a push): Wake up, Houqing, have some wine. (Shen mumbles in his sleep)

lovey: Strange conduct a couple of offhand remarks the merest flicker of warmth no taste for dalliance amid flowers and willows.

chen, lovey, chubby: A waste of this lovely night when blossoms and moonlight vie for brightness.

chubby: Master Shen is fast asleep. Come, Master Chen, let’s have a few more cups to cheer us up.

chen: Good enough, but cups won’t serve the purpose, bring out the big bowls. (He drinks one bowl after another)

chubby: Master Chen knows how to drink! (Same tune) Well matched one with bosom of soft damask one with belly to hold a river each on each pressing goblets of gold.

lovey: It’s getting late. chubby: Sharply strikes sharply strikes the sound of clepsydra’s drip as Dipper wheels.

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lovey: I’m drunk too. Come to bed, Chubby. chubby: See them here one with eyes blurrily slanting one with senses off in the clouds. (Chen spills his wine) There goes the wine sleeve of palace brocade soaked through.

chen, lovey, chubby: A waste of this lovely night when blossoms and moonlight vie for brightness.

lovey: Since Master Chen is so drunk you must help him to his bed, Chubby. I shall wait here for Master Shen to wake up.

chubby (recites as she helps Chen to his feet): Helping each other to wine by green marble table now tipsily we totter where brocade bed canopy waits. (They exit)

lovey (calls): Master Shen! shen (startled into wakefulness, embraces her): Ah, cousin! lovey: Cousin? shen: Oh, suddenly I wake to find myself in this place. What time is it, Lovey?

lovey: Past midnight. shen: Where’s Chen? lovey: He’s asleep. shen: Then I’ll take my leave. lovey: Where will you go at this time of night? shen: Back home, why not? lovey: Master Shen, I’ve invited you so often but you wouldn’t come, and now you want to leave already. I may be only a common courtesan, but in the past you’ve favored me with your affection. Why today are you pretending to ignore me and treating me so shabbily?

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(Tune: Liu yao jin) Feelings blurred like a drunken man’s but for whose sake? I recall the hopes of time gone by that we’d share our joy forever— why now all at once is “peach sweet, plum sour” so we face each other as strangers? But of course, how is so talented a youth to saddle himself with a courtesan from the windblown dust? Leave if you must, but from now on don’t park your carriage anymore in this quarter of flowers and willows this quarter of flowers and willows.

shen: I’m sorry, Lovey, don’t be angry with me. But there’s no way I can tell you of the jumble of feelings in my heart.

lovey: What is so hard to tell? It’s just off with me, on with someone else. shen: Whether in Chengdu or wherever, who am I going to find like you, Lovey?

lovey: “Want to know what’s in his mind, just listen to what comes from his lips.” Who were you calling out to just now in your dream?

shen: Since you’ve found me out I won’t try to hide it. But the one I’ve found now is not someone from the windblown dust. (Same tune) Beneath the blossoming tree-peonies is where I found a rare bloom.

lovey: Who is it then? Tell me! shen: Her name is Wang Jiaoniang, Bella, and she is the daughter of Assistant Magistrate Wang of Meizhou. She and I, our minds as one met as secret lovers.

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lovey: What is she like? shen: I can’t believe anyone like her exists in this world. Snow on pear blossom, crabapple flowering in the rain, nothing comes up to her: her charms outclass the rarest, choicest bloom. Not to catalogue each lovely feature of her person her eyebrows alone, finest bright crescent moons not even Xi Shi the Western Maid or Consort Yang could vie with.

lovey (after some thought): Her name Bella, and such a beauty as you say— could her child name be Yingqing, “bright precious”?

shen: How do you know this? lovey: Just recently Master Shuai was seeking a beauty to take to wife and sent people all over the place to collect portraits, nine girls all together, and hers was one of them. White skin and vivid coloring, wide fascinating eyes, hair curled at the temples in “paired cicadas” style, a look of wistful longing on her face. I saw the portrait on a visit I made to the inner apartments at Shuai’s place and remembered the name. Could she really be the one?

shen: It’s as if you’d seen her with your own eyes.Yes, this is the girl I found.

lovey: No wonder you think I’m dirt; she really is like an angel. A girl like Bella, rarest of creatures you’d find her peer you’d find her peer only in Fairyland, in the Pearl Stamen Palace!

shen: This Bella of mine has a talent for poetry and a face and form to put the flowers to shame; truly a beauty from beyond the mortal world and no less than a woman genius.You do not exaggerate in calling her an angel of Heaven. How can I help but love her, long for her? (Tune: Jiaojiao ling) Charming grace of springtime blossoms

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spring moon shadows gleaming in the mist. Our paths led to meeting by Peach-Blossom Spring (X) two hearts bewitched by mutual tenderness— how could I bear to leave her?

lovey: Let alone you men, when I saw her portrait I couldn’t tear my gaze away, I would give anything for a glimpse of her in person. They say she has tiny feet; when you go to her please beg a pair of her discarded slippers for me.

shen: Those tiny feet are worth a whole cartload of gold. When I go I’ll bring back a pair of her slippers as a gift for you.

lovey (with a sigh): No wonder you look on us as faded blossoms when you’ve met with the goddess of Witch’s Mount. (V)

shen, lovey: For dreams pursue where clouds hang dense with rain.

ENVOI:

shen: Glamour of Xi Shi sent to the ruin of Wu a thousand charms unknown to latter days;

lovey: portrait alone enough to move men’s hearts how fondly she must view her mirror image!

scene 24 The Matchmaker Reports

shen qing, madam shen: (Tune: Feng ru song man) Till a joyous aura rises at our gate why have we still no word? Reckoning the distance, counting the days tonight must see her return.

shen chun (enters): I dreamed of good news coming but awoke forlorn as before.

shen qing (recites): All effects rise from previous cause:

madam shen: most true is this of marriage tie;

shen chun: Red Phoenix shines not on matchmaker-moon till bluebird message descend from sky. (IV)

shen qing: The matchmaker has gone to your brother’s house, Madam, to seek his daughter’s hand for our son. I am most anxious to know whether the proposal will be acceptable or no.

madam shen: Last night the lamp wick flared up, this morning the magpie cawed, both happy omens; surely this match will succeed.

matchmaker (enters): (Tune: Suo nan zhi) Staggering along roads short and long match proposed and rejected, what a blow for me— not one cent’s reward just a faceful of mud.

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When I think how this match fell through, man and maid both set to cry their eyes out and all my matchmaking toils for nought! (She enters the house and greets the family)

shen qing, madam shen: Now you are back, Matchmaker, how did our proposed match fare?

matchmaker: If I tell you, don’t be angry with me,Your Honor, and Madam please don’t be upset. I went with your proposal and presented it time and again, wore down half my tongue, but His Honor your brother wouldn’t give his consent. He said the laws of the imperial court don’t permit marriage between maternal cousins. I pushed and pressed until in the end your brother lost his temper, so I made haste to be off and came tramping back here in such a state I don’t know where to put my poor feet.

madam shen: How could my brother refuse his consent? shen qing: I had thought this match was nine-tenths a certainty. If it has failed it must be the will of Heaven. (Same tune) No marriage bond can be joined by force if the Lord of Heaven’s register list it not.

madam shen: He was inventing excuses to decline and Matchmaker, your running back and forth was to no avail. He says maternal cousins may not marry—

shen qing, madam shen: what he’s after is some noble house some grand alliance and us his own family he casts aside as dirt.

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shen chun: What did my aunt say? matchmaker: Your aunt said their daughter’s marriage arrangements were for her father to decide.

shen chun: (Same tune) From what they say they are treating me most harshly! They think a student without prospects an unlikely son-in-law, and yet I think of Wen Qiao in the olden days with the gift of a jade mirror stand taking his cousin as his spouse. If a man like me in this lifetime cannot marry into such a household does it mean a young scholar must remain single all his days?

matchmaker: I can’t blame you for complaining, young sir, but still let me give you a word of encouragement: (Same tune) there’s no call for such lengthy sighs think what the capital holds for you, a future bright as brocade! Those that take in Prize Candidates as sons-in-law— all families of dukes and such! When you’re casually claiming their daughter’s hand you’ll realize it’s true, “in books there are beauties with skin clear as jade”!1 (She whispers aside to Shen Chun):

1. The proverb cites as the rewards of scholarship not only beautiful maidens but also chambers of gold to house them.

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Only it’s a shame for the young lady (Same tune) a wilting blossom a willow bud slow to open green silk bodice speckled with fragrant tears! The moment I mentioned your name, sir, tears fell before she spoke a word then wildly she poured out her tale of heartbreak. Here is the reply she makes to your message. (She takes out the letter, which Shen secretes in his sleeve) And she says you must not distress yourself over the failure of your proposal, how could her parents be so horridly stubborn, their own daughter emerald phoenix so ready to pair in marriage so unfeelingly tricked? (Shen Chun gives vent to a long sad sigh)

shen qing: My son, (Same tune) try not to feel too great a grievance it must be not yet your time to marry.

madam shen: Matchmaker, our son here is worthy the hand of a scholar to rival the lady historian Ban Zhao! And son, I am only concerned that you may not enter your portrait in the gallery of the eminent—

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I have no fear of your lacking a partner ‘neath the embroidered bed canopy.

shen qing, madam shen: Seize the moment when the scholar tree’s leaves grow sere the halls of examination open and successful candidate wins fairest bride!

matchmaker: Meanwhile I’ll be off and look out for another good prospect I can secure for the young gentleman.

shen qing: Thank you for the trouble you have taken; please accept this silver in recompense. (Gives her an ingot)

matchmaker: Many thanks,Your Honor, Madam: “Draw the thread, but if the thread breaks . . .”

shen qing, madam shen: “. . . don’t blame Heaven for your own mistakes!”

shen qing, madam shen, matchmaker: True it is, “a thousand miles is nothing to two who share one fate, face to face is too far for two who don’t.” (They exit, leaving Shen Chun to speak the scene’s epilogue)

shen chun: A happy outcome hard to win; a frown on the brow, a hurt in the heart. (He sighs) A marriage proposal rejected, no great matter for concern. But the match I plan is no ordinary one. Ah Heaven, Heaven, how can you be so unkind? But let me read my cousin’s reply. (Opens the letter) So, it is in the form of a lyric to the meter of “Man ting fang.” (He reads it aloud): Golden light sieved by window hangings ripples across bamboo mat garden court a cool green shade. Through the long silent night slow wasting of sorrow.

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Recalling again and again the moonlight then intimate talk of love by little window but a meager fate a cloud passing on leaving no wisp when it is gone. A thoughtful red leaf billet-doux (XII) conveyed the secret yearnings of a wonderful new suitor. But blocked at every turn love became null: surely my unlucky destiny prohibits union with a gallant, handsome mate. But think of me strive anew to redeem our bond do not reject Du Qiu for being too fond.2 Oh, but now that this match has been declined I should feel ashamed to go back again to my uncle’s house. Clouds and rain over Witch’s Mount I fear I must relinquish forever; the breeze-blown mists by the banks of the Luo are only a vain hope for me.3 Faced with such a love lyric as this, I cannot hold back my tears. (Tune: Xiao Nanzhi) Reading these lines of verse does heart break or no? Our fated bond of three lifetimes sundered now after those few short tender months thrust apart far as skies of Chu.

2. Du Qiu or Du Qiuniang is an archetype of the aging or rejected beauty. She was alluded to by her emblem, the song “Gold Finery,” in an earlier aria: see scene 15, note 1. 3. The ode to the Goddess of the Luo River by the third-century poet Cao Zhi is almost as fertile a source of erotic allusion as the Gaotang fu of Song Yu, set on the Witch’s Mount above the Yangzi Gorges (see Signpost V).

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The suit I pleaded blocked no way our marriage can succeed our love betrayed and null. Truly, “tree felled, down comes every branch” floods block the road to Blue Bridge. (XI) When can there ever come an end to this regret? Now fresh tears speckle the green silk bodice— how shall we endure the long cold dawns and dusks? I recall our secret pledges those nights in the lamplight, our solemn vows beneath the moon—how could all have come to nought? (Same tune) Now today recalling the start of our love laughing I showered pear blossoms on her, we hugged the stove together. She said if our union could not be fulfilled she would repay me with her death— tender words of deepest feeling committed to be man and wife now phoenix flown apart and solitary. By her lonely window the sadness of Wu Ziyu.4 To speak of that night is to suffer pain at heart. She tells me not to distress myself over this failure, but how can I cease to think of her and long for her? Callously your father tore up my loving petition yet I swear that in this present incarnation in life we’ll share one pillow, in death one tomb!

4. Bella prophetically invoked the tragic fate of Wu Ziyu, Purple Jade, in an earlier scene: see scene 4, note 3.

scene 24: The Matchmaker Reports

ENVOI: Thick clouds hide the blossoms from view fierce winds hold back the promised rain. The injunction you send is hard to follow I can respond only with tears.

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matchmaker: “Accept a commission, faithfully execute same.” Master Shen has fallen sick because of my failure to secure his marriage proposal. He sent for me on the sly to talk things over: he wants to visit the young lady again but is afraid his father won’t allow it, so he’s got me to persuade His Honor to send for a Daoist priestess to perform an exorcism. Then we’ll declare he’s possessed by a demon and the only cure will be for him to seek refuge somewhere a long way away. That’s why I’m off to consult Sister Zhang and her son.

sister zhang (enters): (Tune: Shui-di yu’er) Pacing the Dipper, invoking the stars1 self-proclaimed a shamaness consecrating water, writing charms useless but still designed to impress! (She greets Matchmaker) Ah, Mama Li, it’s been a long time, what wind blows you here today?

matchmaker: There’s a matter I need your help with. A little while ago I was sent with a marriage proposal for Master Shen, but the family was dead against it.

sister: Well, so they were against it. What now? matchmaker: It turns out that the young gentleman and this young lady are old sweethearts, and he wants to go visit her but is afraid his father won’t allow it. So he wants you to perform an exorcism to cure his sickness, pretend he’s possessed by a demon and the only cure is to take refuge somewhere a hundred or two miles away in the southwest. Here’s

1. To “pace the Dipper” the Daoist adept steps out the pattern of the constellation in the course of his or her ritual summoning of the star spirits.

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an advance of two ounces of silver for you if you’ll just come along with me.

sister: Very well, and I’ll tell my son to come with us. (They exit)

shen chun (enters, sick and supported by Madam Shen and Shen Lun): When shall I be free of this sickness? (Tune: Shan po yang) Rickety-stick bones on point of collapse feather-frail body, when will it mend?

madam shen: How sick do you feel, son? shen chun: The moment I close my eyes sweet and charming, there she is, like a flower, like shining jade. (He weeps) Plop-plop the pearl tears fall. What I loathe is that storm that rages down the River of Heaven and traps this cursed flesh of mine in the temple on Witch’s Peak! (V) Just to think of it my sad soul fades to nought!

shen chun, shen lun, madam shen: False flush flaming up like raging fire sharp pain icy cold of drenching flood. (Shen Chun falls asleep)

shen qing (enters): How is the boy’s sickness? madam shen: He has just gone off to sleep. shen lun: My brother’s sickness is a very strange one. (Same tune) Now all at once his mind goes glimmering now all at once his words stand on their heads. Someone or other seems to visit him in dream a few nights pass and already he grows haggard.

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(Shen Chun laughs)

shen qing: What does this mean? madam shen: It must be he’s lost his wits because his proposal wasn’t accepted: hear him babble like someone bewitched crazy mumbling that bodes no good.

shen qing, shen lun, madam shen: Weird behavior how to discern what he means? Mind a blank his very life in peril.

shen qing: This is clearly some kind of demonic possession. I already sent Matchmaker Li yesterday to ask Sister Zhang to perform an exorcism for us; we’ll see what she says when she comes.

matchmaker (enters followed by Sister Zhang and Lad): Here we are, we’ll go straight in. (All exchange greetings) Sister Zhang, what kind of exorcism can you perform that will restore our young gentleman’s health?

sister zhang: My method is the wizards’ own transmission, the True Rite of the Dark Maiden of the Ninth Heaven. It requires the preparation of wine and the three beasts, ox, sheep, and swine, for a sacrificial feast for the Spirit General. First charm burned ascends to the courts of Heaven. Second charm burned, Spirit General takes up residence in the body of my son. If there be demon, demon is seized, if there be monster, monster is seized; no possibility of failure.

shen qing: The sacrifices are already in place, please burn the charms to summon the General.

sister: Let Your Honor offer incense and I will burn the charms to summon him. (She goes through ritual motions) Incense of the Way, Incense of the Power, Incense of Jeweled Favor, Incense to Link the Three Realms of Heaven, Earth, and Man: at the command of the Dark Maiden of the

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Ninth Heaven I offer this holy incense in sacrifice to the Spirit Comptrollers of the Three Realms, the Attendant Powers of the Ten Directions,2 the Earth God and the Dragon King of this locality, the various City Gods and Temple Ministrants, the Holy Ones of the dark underworld, and all Supreme Adepts whether dwelling near or far. Lend your divine majesty and glorious omnipotence to drive off all demons and restore all propitious forces, with your infinite magic powers sweep away all monsters that creation may be nourished and sustained. Here Shen Qing, of this same city of this same county of this same prefecture, for the sake of his child Shen Chun, who dreams of evil ways and is cursed with sickness of the body, at this present hour of this present day of this present month of this present year respectfully requests your Spirit Officer to undertake investigation of this case, if there be demon to seize the demon, if there be monster to seize the monster. Prostrate here I offer incense, myriadfold I beseech the aid of your all-revealing mirror of justice.

shen qing (bows and offers incense): (Tune: Zhu yun fei) Bowed in prayer before the gods helpless as my son’s health mends not: wild and fanciful his speech with laughter perverse as tears. Behold for sickness so protracted sacrifices without blemish to entreat your mighty aid swiftly to drive off this evil dispel on the instant this calamity.

sister (recites as she beats on her tablet): Beat number one, Heaven clear beat number two, Earth revere

2. The ten directions are the four cardinal points of the compass, the four intermediate directions, plus above and below.

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beat number three, Lord of Five Thunders swiftly in true form appear glory of sun in east ascend gold tablet sounds General descend! (Lad costumed as Spirit General takes up stance before the altar, leaning on his sword; Sister Zhang writes out a charm, spurts water from her mouth, and continues to recite): No common water hold I here but dragon-spit Heaven and Earth to clear myriad ages in Polaris Pool now to dispel all monsters drear. Earnestly we beseech the Spirit General on duty at this present hour of this present day of this present month of this present year speedily to descend before our altar to seize and punish such evil demon as he may find. This without fail, by express command of the Dark Maiden of the Ninth Heaven, so ordained! (Lad falls flat; Sister Zhang spurts more water; Lad gets to his feet and goes into a dance)

lad: (Tune: Bei Ji sheng cao) Bright shines power of priestess’s charm sincere is heart of supplicant dark coils the incense smoke from holy altar hot swirl the ashes of charm scripts in air swift gusts the infernal wind through ceremonial hall. To clash of gold tablet demon and god submit before my gleaming blade vile monsters tremble.

sister: We are favored by the visit of the Spirit General. May we now ask from whence come these demons or goblins who are tormenting Master Shen?

lad: Let me take a look. (He inspects Shen Chun and bursts out laughing) I wondered what kind of monsters they might be, and look what I find:

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(Same tune) A bunch of slick-haired demons, lovelost maidens have snared his ailing body.

sister: What sort of harpies are these? lad: One dressed in green trimmed paired lamps but failed to snare a mate; one dressed in white grieved that no slip of pear would grow on barren grave mound; one dressed in red from misty grave could not relate the grief of the perfumed sachet.3 These are all petty harpies who haunt the garden and are trying to cheat this young breeze-and-moonlight gallant.

3. Three tragic heroines of traditional fiction and drama. The lady in green is probably from a story in the fourteenth-century collection Trimming the Lamp, in which a young girl named Liqing dies and becomes a ghost. At the Lantern Festival (first full moon of the new year) she joins the strollers, accompanied by her maidservant, each carrying a peony-decorated lantern. She meets a young man named Qiao and they fall in love, marry, and live happily together, but their union is destroyed at last by a Daoist exorcist. The lady in white is the ill-fated imperial consort Yang Guifei. In fiction and drama, the Tang emperor Xuanzong’s obsessive infatuation with her cost him his throne. On the road to refuge his mutinous bodyguard demanded her death, and she strangled herself beneath a pear tree at Mawei. The lady in red is Liu Panchun, heroine of the fifteenth-century play The Perfumed Sachet by Zhu Youdun. She is a prostitute in love with a poor scholar, Zhou Gong, whose father prohibits him from seeing her. She swears fidelity to him and refuses to entertain other patrons, and Zhou writes her a letter reaffirming his devotion. Pressured by her bawd to accept a rich patron, Panchun hangs herself. After her body is cremated, her perfume sachet containing Zhou’s letter is found intact in the ashes.

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shen chun (in disguised voice, as if bewitched): From whence comes this Spirit General who dares interfere with us?

lad: You petty demons, hear my reply: (Same tune) I am the Elfin General of Cloud Fairyland descended with sacred warrant from the Ninth Heaven to display such power can switch the stars and twist the Dipper to manifest such glory can drive the thunder and grasp the lightning to unfold such majesty can order the hills and establish the seas.

shen: However many tricks you may have, there’s nothing you can do to us. We are tied to Master Shen by an infernal destiny that has to be, and you shouldn’t meddle with what doesn’t concern you.

lad (in a rage): You petty demons trying your monstrous tricks in this noble hall— (he slashes with his sword) hide as you may, I’ll chase you back to your holes beneath the underworld’s Black Mountain!

shen: Don’t try to bully us. Our names are joined with Master Shen’s in the register of predestined marriages; if you come after us aren’t you contravening the will of Heaven?

lad: Silence, demons! You say that in the register of marriages (Same tune) your marriage with him is predestined: how can a living person permit such a ghostly tie?

shen: All through history there have been unions between living people and ghosts.

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lad: Were you sprites from Fairyland how could you attract this scholar? Were you dragon spirits from the Palace of the Deep how could you marry this mortal? Were you harpies from the Eight Caves of Hades how could you seduce this gallant? You plan to drag his soul to your Terrace of Torment but I’ll have you all in chains before the Court of Exorcism!

shen: Enough, enough! You press us too hard, we’ll withdraw for the moment. But wait twenty-five days, or thirty-seven, or forty-six, we’ll be here again, and you won’t be able to follow him around forever. (He falls into a swoon)

lad: The demons have left. Shen Qing, all of you, here are my instructions: Pursuing grievances from former lives this lifetime sees them plot to be his wives. One time and place alone is safe and sound: the time and place where Chicken meets with Hound!4 Wake up, Shen Chun, I leave you now. (He falls to the ground)

sister zhang: The god has given his instructions and the young gentleman will be swiftly restored to health.Your Honor should offer incense to thank the General.

shen qing (burns incense): (Tune: Zhu yun fei) In boundless merciful response

4. Chicken and hound correspond to signs of the zodiac; their significance here is explained by the dialogue that follows.

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your glorious might commands our solemn faith. All demons now dispersed this sickness cannot endure. Lo, incense smoke curls from jade brazier the sacrificial beasts are all arrayed. We bow toward holy altar perform three thousand kotows in valediction as the god ascends again to the ninth heaven.

lad (wakes and rises to his feet): A good snooze. shen chun (wakes): A good sleep. What time is it? I feel much better for my nap, I wonder why?

shen qing: What happened as you took this midday nap, my son? shen chun: I saw a Spirit General in golden armor come into the room and chase a bunch of harpies out the door.

madam shen: Sister Zhang’s charms really work! shen qing: What did the god mean by the instructions he just gave? sister zhang: By “pursuing grievances from former lives” he meant that these demons had become involved with the young gentleman in a previous incarnation. “This lifetime sees them plot to be his wives” means that this is something predestined from the underworld and so it would not do to try to capture them. Just now the young gentleman said that the demons would return after twenty-five or thirty-seven or forty-six days of lurking about, and the god specifically ordered the young gentleman to go into hiding. What he said was, “one time and place alone is safe and sound: the time and place where Chicken meets with Hound.” “Chicken” indicates the southwest, “Hound” indicates a xu day, a day governed by the dog sign, like the day after tomorrow. So he was telling the young gentleman he will only be safe if he starts out day after tomorrow for someplace over a hundred miles to the southwest. If he waits till these evil demons return it will be very difficult to drive them off again.

shen qing: What the god says is surely true, but where in the southwest can he seek refuge?

shen lun: My uncle’s house is in the southwest, over a hundred miles from here.

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shen qing: We sent a marriage proposal only the other day that was rejected. How can he go back there now?

madam shen: That doesn’t matter, just so long as our son recovers his health.

matchmaker: That’s right: new bond fails, old bond still prevails; there’s no reason he shouldn’t go.

madam shen: When our boy first fell sick he recovered as soon as he reached his uncle’s house, it must be the right thing for him to go now.

shen qing: In that case we’ll send word first, and then he can start out. Here are a couple of ounces of silver, with our thanks to Sister Zhang.

sister zhang: Thank you,Your Honor.

ENVOI: Clearly to him the divine message came to flee at once far off with no delay. This journey guarantees return to health: when heart is sick let heart provide the cure.

scene 26 Third Visit

bella: (Tune: Yu mei ren) When will the last flower fall, the last leaf fade? So many sorrows of passion fled. Regrets unspoken, more than east wind can bear pacing by window screen, recalling his presence. (She recites in lyric verse): A burst of warmth, a return of the chill the night’s blustering settled. Courts and kiosks silent, the Sweeping of the Graves at hand the last blossoms falling accentuate last year’s sickness. Hard to break free from reveries of the past deep-gated stillness, everyone gone. The match we planned thwarted forever stars lose each other, the Silver Stream flows on. (I) After Master Shen and I last parted, a matchmaker arrived to propose our betrothal, but who could believe my father would oppose this, forcing the betrayal of our vows? The other day I was told that Master Shen had fallen sick and intended to visit our home to recuperate. Now today both my parents have gone to our neighbor Verger Wang’s home to view his garden, and I shall try to catch a glimpse of Master Shen from my courtyard here. (Tune: Luo jiang yuan) Sweet-scented mist thickens by window’s green a flurry of pink as petals swirl down. I met my “Young Liu” in time past beneath the blossoms but ah, today

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peach bloom alone smiles now in the spring breeze. Thoughts of those days bring sudden spurts of tears. Phoenix pair sundered, when to be reunited? Hateful, the Lord of Heaven denying us our joy: in loneliness unending in loneliness unending how to pursue destined romance? Devotion lasting as hills and seas sworn to each other in vain. I think back to when he and I were first together amid the blossoms: (Same tune) Strong the desire to share our joy for him, for me alike; today, alas, adrift like tumbleweed often in silence I reproach the Lord of Heaven. Months and years hasten on blossoms blow west, waters flow east the past recalled seems no more than a dream. Forlorn and desolate he with brows drawn in sharp regret myself with pink-stained tears of deepening sorrow, fulfillment of our married happiness all vanished with the dreams of that lost spring. I feel so tired, I’ll sit for a little while here in the creekside pavilion. (She sits)

shen chun (enters and recites): A year departed from this place unchanged stand gate and pillared hall spring breeze like an old friend again wafts to my ears the oriole’s call. For love of my cousin I fell sick, but I pleaded possession by an evil de-

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mon and came here seeking refuge. How deeply my heart is moved to behold this garden scene just as it was before! (Tune: Suo chuang han) Within this gate this day one year ago peach bloom and maiden cheek shared blush of pink; today the peach alone smiles in spring breeze. In the beginning we hoped to share lifelong happiness, like twin trees with branches intertwined, but now this hope is thwarted. Alas, goodwill is at an end our former joy is but a dream and her despairing grief must surely match my own. (He sees Bella) Ha, it is my cousin, sitting alone in the pavilion there.

bella (rises to her feet): Oh, Master Shen is here! shen: Encountering each other so abruptly here what other than two sorrowful gazes joined? I hope you have been well, cousin, since last we saw each other?

bella: Greetings, cousin. shen: Why are you sitting here all alone, cousin? Where are my aunt and uncle?

bella: They are invited to Verger Wang’s home today to view his garden. They will not be back until evening-do sit with me here for a while. (They seat themselves side by side) I heard you were sick, and indeed your face is much thinner. (Same tune) Staring at blossoms desolate in east wind the same pale light shone on my sallow cheek. Ever since the failure of our betrothal agreement no trace of rain, alas, on Witch’s Mount. This life, past life, all a spring dream for paired phoenix blocked from Emerald Terrace.

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Why have you come here now? Back and forth through wind and rain only to distress yourself the more!

shen: How could we put each other out of mind in the few days and months that have elapsed? It was not only “the gleam of moonlight on the rafters”1 that made me think of you-walking or resting, sitting or sleeping, have done so ever since I left you. At length I sought my parents’ authority to engage a matchmaker in hopes of a successful marriage agreement, but Heaven would not permit it and my lifetime dream was thwarted. Now I have used a hundred tricks to return here, hoping to revive the pact we had, and you greet me with “Why have you come?” Can’t you imagine how downcast I feel? (Tune: Xiu taiping) For your sake I endured the clepsydra’s slow drip for your sake shed tears to crimson the fallen petals. Fearing no wedded phoenix bliss awaits us I vowed we’d share one grave, “twin trees, boughs intertwined.” So suddenly the gong of dawn broke into the spring night startling apart our mutual dreams of bliss. The memory only deepens distress of heartbreakwhat then of shared longings, your heart, my heart and vows enduring as the hills!

bella: Your heart is truly set firm as iron or rock; how could I dare to doubt you? (Tune: Zhenxian xiang) Your love lasting as Heaven and earth my fond heart truly understands.

1. In a famous poem, the moon lighting up the rafters of his room made Du Fu think of his friend Li Bai.

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scene 26: Third Visit

If bliss were not for phoenix pair in this life surely the emerald coverlet was not for us to share. For three years’ constant dream of clouds and rain I thank you— how could my night of moonlit blossoms be cast to the passing breeze? (She performs an obeisance) I am more convinced than ever and from now on I’ll proclaim our shared devotion to the blue sky above.

shen, bella (as they walk hand in hand across the stage): (Tune: Dong Ou ling) Two as one fish and stream. scholar and beauty deep in love the day of their joy must come at last.

shen (catches sight of the poems they once wrote): The old study is still the same, the desk by the window, the ink of the poems fresh as if still wet; yet how sad to think of the months and years that have flown.

shen, bella: Sights to bring sighs of sadness and pain the things of bygone years before our eyes all at once like blowing tumbleweed.

voice from within: The master and Madam have returned. bella: The servants are announcing my parents’ return.You must go to the hall to greet them; I shall stay in my room for the moment. (She exits)

wang wenrui, madam wang (enter followed by Petal, Gatekeeper, and Groom): (Tune: Bushi lu) Each fragrant cluster admired year after year spring’s beauties bring delights flower scents suffuse the drinkers’ sunset leave-taking.

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shen (greets them with an obeisance): Parting the door hangings I hasten to the hall for kotow of greeting.

wang wenrui, madam wang: Ah, Third Nephew, it’s you. We heard of your sickness and your slowness to recover, and indeed traces of ill health linger at your temples. We worry also that your journey here held many hardships: you must look after yourself you must look after yourself!

shen: I am grateful for your kind concern. wang: What gave rise to your sickness? shen: (Same tune) It was my fate to cross an evil spirit sickness entered deep in my vitals no medicine could prevail.

wang: What form did the sickness take? shen: Alarm and terror confused dreams beset with demons.

madam wang: All this was brought about by our nephew’s unsettled state of mind.

wang: Anxiety of mind failure to win success and fame has muddied your spirit. This is not something for medicine to treat: diversion and relaxation will ease this sickness.

shen: If Uncle and Aunt will take pity on this slight indisposition and restore me to health, I shall remember your kindness as long as I live.

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If I may disturb you to perch like a wren for a while in your home I shall presume on your kind favor presume on your kind favor.

wang, madam wang: Your old study is unchanged, no reason you should not stay there. It seems to us your illness is due to despair of ever attaining success and fame, something quite different from the tribulations of hunger and hardship, but you will need to take good care of yourself. (Tune: Duan pai) Choicest drugs little avail choicest drugs little avail when heart is deep distressed. Make haste to dispel the autumnal sadness from your brow: your elegant little studio by good fortune is secluded and quiet just right to rest the traveler’s burden and gradually ease your turbulent distress.

shen: Thank you for your caring thoughts. (Coda) Favor so great kindness so deep smiling acceptance by gracious elders already my sickness lightened by half!

ENVOI:

shen: Journeying afar to cure dire sickness

wang: former study awaits you still.

scene 26: Third Visit

madam wang: Truly, old garden has fairest flowers

shen: homing bird can’t stay away!

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scene 27 The Slippers

shen chun: (Tune: Lan hua mei) Stealing unseen into her apartments all still, flowers scent the spring breeze. And here is her boudoir (he peeps inside) —where can my cousin be? Surely she is dreaming of love, “now cloud, now rain”! Softly I raise the plum-blossom pink gauze curtain —ha, still no sign of my charming, enticing beloved. (He turns back the bedclothes) To speak of nothing else, how delicate this ivory bed, the embroidered hangings, the brocade coverlet and horn-inlaid pillow softly gleaming.1 Spotless with no need of duster, sweet without burning of incense, what kind of owner’s taste does all this bespeak! (He catches sight of her slippers) And see, two little golden lotus petals peeping out beside the pillow, dazzling the eye!2 How could a thousand ounces of gold buy such a pair of tiny feet? Lovey Ding once begged a pair of her old slippers, and I have

1. To the Western mind a horn-inlaid pillow hardly sounds inviting, but traditional Chinese pillows were usually curved blocks of ivory, porcelain, or bamboo, which held the sleeper’s head in cool comfort through the humid nights or were used in conjunction with the kind of embroidered cushions that are noted on Bella’s bed later in the scene. 2. The ideal in foot-binding was to create the pointed shape of a lotus bud no more than three or four inches in length. The water chestnut, whether flower or fruit, provides another pointed shape that the maid Petal uses as an emblem for Bella’s slippers in the “guessing” aria that follows.

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asked for them several times without success—why not sneak this pair now? (He takes the slippers and begins to walk off) Examining these slippers, (Same tune) Red silk with phoenix embroidered at toe squeezed into miniature three-inch length— impossible not to be stirred by desire at the sight such as disturbed the heart of Chu’s King Xiang! (V) The print of her steps upon the green moss a scattering of fragrant lotus petals! Back here in my study, I’ll hide these slippers for the moment while I go pass the time of day with my uncle. (He exits)

petal (enters and recites in verse): Prettily made up with “green snail” mascara scent of soft bosom on the breeze languid she leans by carved balustrade as partridge calls in garden’s ease. Ever since Master Shen left I have missed him so much, deep in my heart. Now he has come to visit the family again to recuperate from sickness, and I’ve run into him a few times in the passageways. We’ve chatted and joked, we really seem attracted to each other. I’m on my way now in the middle of the day to take a peep at him in his studio. (She takes a few steps) Ha, here’s the moss so thick and the door tight shut; he must have gone out. (Same tune) Deserted desk by cold gauze window pear blossom silently guards the long day. I’ll go in and have a look around. These cool bed curtains, elegant window hangings, how charming! (She turns back the bedclothes and discovers the slippers) Oh, the young mistress’s slippers, how did these get here? The young mistress was at it back then, but there’s been no hard evidence and so she’s always denied it. I wonder what she’ll say when I take these slippers and return them to her?

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I’ve caught two slippery customers between the sheets!3 Ha, my young Miss, grit your teeth and be stubborn as you may you’ve let a gleam of spring sun escape you here! (She exits)

bella (enters carrying a sprig of blossom): (Same tune) Breaking off a flowering branch, strolling the verandah (she looks down at her dress) see, drops of dew soaking my emerald-green Hunan silk skirt. (She puts down the blossom) I must change my skirt and slippers return to boudoir to change my dress. (She lifts the bed curtain) Oh! Who has disturbed these hibiscus-patterned curtains scattered the cushions patterned with mandarin ducks? (She searches about) Why aren’t my slippers here?

petal (enters): The young mistress is usually out by the window sewing, why is she still in her chamber today?

3. Literally, she refers to the slippers as “two pointed ones,” but jian, “pointed,” has a homonym meaning “adulterer.”

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(Same tune) Sneaking a glance through the little gauze window— is she dreaming still of love with King Xiang of Chu? Now I wonder what she is searching for? (She enters the chamber and greets Bella) Miss, why this wordless muttering, why this fretting?

bella: Someone has been in my chamber just now. . . . petal (sarcastically): Miss, a young lady’s boudoir like yours, who would get to come near your dressing table?

bella: Then why have things disappeared from my room? petal: What can’t you find? Why suddenly so upset by some spring passion?

bella: Truly, who has been in my room? petal: Honestly, I haven’t seen anyone; what are you so bothered about, Miss? (Tune: Hong na’ao) Could it be some plum branch plucked a jade comb from your hair?

bella: No. petal: Could it be thorns caught your emerald skirt as you trod the green moss?

bella: No. petal: Could it be someone besmirched the mandarin duck patterns in your sewing case?

bella: No.

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scene 27: The Slippers

petal: Could it be someone dropped and broke your seven-jewel flowered coronet?

bella: No. petal: Could it be someone stole your cloud hairpin or your moon earrings?

bella: No again. petal: I’ve got it: it must be someone took a pair of your “water-chestnut points.”

bella: Yes, that’s it. I put them right here in my bed, why have they disappeared?

petal: If it’s those embroidered slippers you mean there was someone picked them up. (She produces the slippers from her sleeve) Why didn’t you say so before, instead of this useless fussing, the moon lighting up reed flowers!4

bella: Very strange! These slippers (Same tune) in depth of night I hid them by my pillow today’s dawn found them still on fragrant couch.

petal: If that’s so, how did they get out of your chamber?

4. Presumably, since reed flowers are white to begin with, the white moon is wasting its time lighting them up.

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bella: I was no Fondle Jade, riding her phoenix to the palace of Qin— (VIII) how could they turn to wild ducks soaring cloud-high?

petal: I think Miss must have given these slippers to someone. bella: Hush! Why would I give my slippers to anyone? These embroidered slippers of mine like pretty coral branches on the seabed someone has come and stolen them away unless it’s you, lying minx, inventing some slander to make me fuss and fret from ferry to ford!

petal: It’s you, Miss, who’s slandering me! If you want to know who took your shoes, I can tell you.

bella: Who was it then? petal: Your Petal early on (Tune: Qi yan hui) strolling past the studio window caught sight of these “golden lotus” twin pointed, ruby-red delicate curves, bright gleaming. A good thing it was me who saw them and grabbed them specially for you. What if someone else had passed by and spotted them? If you didn’t give them to the young gentleman, Miss, then he must have taken them. Otherwise, tell me how these slippers got from boudoir to young man’s bed!

bella: What young man? petal: Miss, how many are there in this house? bella: (Same tune) How can we get to the bottom of this?

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scene 27: The Slippers

If you’re saying the young gentleman took them, my boudoir and his studio are quite separate; it’s not as if we were close to the guest quarters, with doorways side by side. If he were acting the “perfume thief”5 surely he would not in broad daylight dare to come robbing my boudoir.

petal: Miss didn’t give them to him, and he didn’t take them—I suppose it’s all just Petal slandering her young mistress! Very well, I’ll take the slippers to Madam and she can investigate. (Petal makes to walk off, but Bella catches hold of her)

bella: Don’t be too hasty, I didn’t say you’d taken them. But it’s a good thing they’ve fallen into your hands—if anyone else had seen them, how would it look? Only, be careful what you say don’t blurt things out before others.

petal: All right, then I won’t tell Madam. bella: If you did, I’d ask, since the slippers ended up with the student then how did a little skivvy like you find them in the student’s bed?

petal: You really can be a sly one, Miss. I’m not going to argue with Miss, I’m going straight to Master Shen and see what he says. Like they say, “try to find out what east wind wants, east wind will torment you.” (She exits)

bella: I know that Cousin Shen has asked me for my slippers time and again, it had to be he who took them. But I wonder exactly how they fell into Petal’s hands? There’s something going on between those two. They

5. For the theft of perfume as emblematic of illicit love see scene 20, note 1.

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always say, trusting maiden, two-faced man—Cousin Shen, how heartless you can be! (Tune: Yi bu jin) Feelings were ever hard to judge and a man’s desires flow like the flowing stream. This frantic buzz of butterfly and bee— a gleam of spring sunshine—something to take to heart! ENVOI: Trying to figure how I should feel flower just in bloom, here comes the butterfly! I’d open my heart to the shining moon but for moon shadows crossing the guest-wing stair!

scene 28 Petal Scolded

petal: (Tune: Dao lianzi) Spring day scrolls on forever swallows fly in pairs banish ennui from the gut, it lands again on the brow. Long harbored, this ennui, with no outward sign, but let spring yearnings overflow and everybody knows! Master Shen has been on my mind ever since I first set eyes on him, but he is only interested in the young mistress and doesn’t take much notice of me. I tried to see him yesterday but he was out. I found a pair of slippers on his bed that I picked up and returned to Miss, and what does she do but start suspecting me! I’m going to tax Master Shen with this now, and we’ll see what he has to say! (She takes a few steps, and recites a couplet) Seeing these delicate blooms slow to open after the night’s rain verdant willows unfolding, moistened by the mist —what a pretty springtime sight it is! (Tune: Feng ru song) Year after year the flowers and willows shrouded in chill mist glory of spring ignores a person’s feelings. Thousand, myriad cares oppress the brow and try to shake them off, when can you ever? (Shen Chun enters unobserved and eavesdrops on her) Watching here as spring breeze ruffles the green curtain heartsick to see the swallows pairing to roost.

shen: Don’t be heartsick, Petal, how about roosting with me? petal: Oh, what a sneak thief you are!

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shen: If I’m a thief, what have I stolen? petal: Stealing in to eavesdrop on what people say, aren’t you a thief? shen (with a laugh): Don’t they say “catch a thief, show the loot”? Where’s the loot when you eavesdrop?

petal: Where’s the loot indeed! Tell me, how did those embroidered slippers get in your bed?

shen: No wonder I couldn’t find those slippers in my bed—so it was you who stole them.

petal: For shame, you play the thief, then turn around and accuse me! I’ll take you before the magistrate and see what you’ve got to say then.

shen: Take me before the magistrate, I don’t care. petal: If you don’t care about the magistrate, I’ll have you up in front of Madam.

shen: That I do care about. Let me plead with you. . . . (He bows to her)

petal: Not enough. shen: I’ll kneel. petal: Still not enough. shen: What then? petal: Kneel and call me by name. shen: What name? How about dearest sister? petal: Pooh, who’s your sister? Call me mother.1 shen: “Mother” and “maid” are the same word.Your own name is Flying Red—I’ll call you Red Maid!2

petal: What do you mean, Red Maid! Naughty child, you’re a proper Zhang Junrui, don’t need me for your Red Maid. (She sees a pair of butterflies) Look at these butterflies flitting to and fro, that’s what you are—see how they

1. It is a sign of subjection and deep self-abasement to place another person in the position of one’s own father or mother. 2. Red Maid is the name of the heroine’s saucy confidante in the play Romance of the West Wing. The male lead in the same play, the seducer of the heroine,Yingying (Oriole), is Zhang Junrui.

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scene 28: Petal Scolded

(Tune: Zhuo mu’er) graze the sweet flowers touch wings as they fly dare to brush gold-tipped saddle chasing the horse’s hooves knock at boudoir door in pursuit of tryst helplessly foiled, alas, by embroidered curtain; wild as willow floss swirling in the wind roaming deserted palace steps in search of jeweled hairpin greenhouse walls cut off their dream of love!

shen: And these butterflies remind me of you, Petal: (Same tune) Pursuing a lingering fragrance west across the stream fluttering with the breeze, now high now low chasing the last spring sunlight in neighbor’s garden then back to drink in the blossoms’ springtime colors; roaming with wandering bees in search of sweetness your butterfly chalk, alas, tattered as bees’ bright gilt yet still you whirl by the window—for whose sake?

petal: Stop this nonsense. If you can catch this pair of butterflies, I’ll get the slippers back for you. (They try together to catch the butterflies)

shen, petal: (Tune: San duanzi) See them floating side by side garments a-flutter in the spring sunlight crazily whirling vain enough to sneak a peep in the mirror; like gossamer strands adorning the choice blooms each pair intent to crush the heart of the flower! (They mime catching them) Now trapped and lightly borne on this little fan!

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bella (enters and recites in verse): Rustle of green curtains against hooks of gold empty court silent, spring shade over all; toilet completed, wordless descend the steps watching the butterflies drift across the wall. I just saw a pair of butterflies in front of my window, where can they have gone? (She sees Petal) Oh, what are you two doing here? (Shen sees her and hurries off)

petal: I was just having fun catching butterflies. bella (annoyed): Playing here instead of busying yourself with your embroidery!

petal: Such a fine spring day, how can a person help wanting to play? bella: Spring games are something for men to play, why should a girl like you copy them? (Tune: San duan cui) Many a young nobleman rides on gold-tipped saddle to indulge himself “treading the green” in spring; many a gifted scholar bears his jar of wine to compete in verse as cups float down the stream.

petal: Do you mean to say we girls aren’t people too? bella: It’s for you little slaveys to stitch and embroider in your room, that’s all.

petal: Nothing else? bella: Clean off the makeup traces from dressing mirror. Who ever said you could stroll in the moonlight laugh beneath the stars view the pretty flowers idly stirring up spring passions luring the fishing lad to Peach-Blossom Spring! (X)

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Just wait till Madam hears of it! She’ll take a thick rod and beat the life out of a slavey like you!

petal: Your maid Petal (Same tune) never painted thin green line of brow nor burned night incense in hibiscus court, never dressed up in embroidered gown to tie lover’s knots west of raspberry trellis. Only, as I was enjoying the fine spring breeze, the plum blossoms opening, flowering I may have stepped on a stray red bloom or two in the empty court. Even if I played some games enjoyed the sweetest scent sought out the choicest bloom it was only your little handmaid going her childish ways as usual, never a cloud-and-rain tryst on Witch’s Mount!

bella: Any more talk like this, I’ll report you to my mother and she’ll give your bottom a good thrashing!

petal (kotows to her): Please, Miss, forgive your little slavey just this once.

bella (aside): It’s me this little maid is hinting at. (To Petal): I’ll just make a note of it for now, but if it happens again I certainly won’t let you off. (She exits)

petal (angrily points after her): Who do you think you are fooling, Miss? You come scolding me time and again, but I don’t care; wait till I get a chance to tell Madam, and we’ll see how you talk your way out of it then! Ah, Miss, Miss,

scene 28: Petal Scolded

(Tune: Gui chao huan) When no one’s about no one’s about what tricks you get up to, then you go right ahead and sneer at me— truly a case truly a case of fair words and faulty deeds. I’m afraid this innocence is all a show how can you keep on covering up forever? Wait till word leaks out about guest wing in the moonlight and red leaf down palace drain reveals the name! (XIII) When that time comes too late for regrets when the spring sun gleams out! ENVOI: Amazing, the tricks she can try on sending word without wild goose knowing! When bluebird brings message from the clouds then you’ll see some stormy weather!

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scene 29 Interrogation

shen chun: (Tune: Ti yindeng) Desires, despairs, so many, so hard to banish daylong listlessness whether seated or afoot spring flowers, autumn moons, the seasons pass until two hearts shall grow together as one. Why before old sorrows mend do new griefs already stir? (He sighs and recites a couplet): So heavy this world’s woes, so few our joys before the Lord of Heaven must I still my voice? The other day I sneaked a pair of embroidered slippers from my cousin’s boudoir and hid them beneath the cushions on my bed, never dreaming that Petal would find them and return them to her young mistress. Then yesterday in front of my aunt and uncle, Petal, at odds with her mistress, pointed to the slippers Bella was wearing and said to me in a loud voice, “Those are the slippers you couldn’t find the other day!” My cousin colored up and hastily changed the subject, so fortunately our secret didn’t leak out. But since then she has been avoiding me—I don’t know whether because she is afraid of discovery or because she resents me. I’ve worried how I might sort things out with her, and it’s too bad I haven’t had the chance yet. I’m on my way now to the rear garden to see if my cousin might show herself, who knows? (He takes a few steps) Oh, a sheet of notepaper lying under the blossoms here! (He picks it up and reads aloud): Orioles tread pink petals fallen from the branch, weight of spring thoughts presses to listless ennui.

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Willow floss dreams disperse, clouds over Chu lie thick, endless longings stir to no avail. Fond thoughts reveal themselves as snares for the mind but no inch of sorrowing heart will be governed. No way to send faithful word to edge of sky I turn for help to swallows under the eaves. —A lyric to the meter of “Green marble table.” It is a lyric of spring’s discontents—as I savor its message I’m convinced my sweet cousin composed it. (Tune: Yu jia ao) In this scented note I read such strong feelings: “treading pink petals”— what an image of spring melancholy! Willow floss all gone, brows still locked as two true hearts are cast apart. Her pretty room so close at hand cut off as if by hills and swollen streams so that I moan and gaze in endless longing! (He reads the poem again) The thoughts in the poem are my cousin’s, yet the strokes of the calligraphy do not seem like hers. I shall ask her about it when I see her. (He leaves the paper on the table and exits)

bella (enters): (Tune: Zui fu gui) Others have gained some inkling of my spring longings, storm waves rise though Blue Bridge is so close. (XI) How to dispel new sorrows, old regrets? From dreams of love come love’s own tragedies! Time and again sight of the blossoms has specked my silk gown with tears but secrets of my heart

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to whom can I reveal? Nothing that happens in this world happens by chance. The other day Cousin Shen stole my embroidered slippers. If he is not having an affair with Petal, how did the slippers happen to fall into her hands? I found them teasing each other there in the garden and gave Petal a scolding. She took offense and deliberately mentioned the slippers in the presence of my parents. Fortunately I managed to change the subject, but my heart gave a jump halfway up to the sky. I believe they must be fond of each other, because why would she risk getting Cousin Shen into trouble unless he had told her to say what she did? As they say, “hills and streams can be fathomed but not the human heart; how many men can be as callous as you?” At first I foolishly trusted Cousin Shen, and now I am filled with endless remorse. (Same tune) Thinking back, I have only myself to blame I should realize students are a shabby lot. How can I bear such betrayal face to face— ah, why did I ever compose those matching verses! (She takes a few steps and catches sight of a parrot) When I met with Cousin Shen in this hall there was no one else to see us, but this parrot saw everything! (She tosses a handful of beans at it) Tease the parrot with a handful of red beans for the thousand miseries it might remind me of!

parrot’s voice (from offstage): Why are you throwing things at me, Miss Bella?

shen chun (reenters in haste): “Flowers’ stillness shows no one has been, bird’s call announces someone comes.” (He bows to Bella) Why have I seen so little of you these last few days?

bella: Male and female should keep their distance, how can frequent meetings be permitted?

shen: Please don’t be so formal. There’s an old saying, “One day without sight of you is like three autumns’ separation.” I’ve been longing to see you for days. Please come into my study for a while so we can talk.

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bella: How can male and female cousins be permitted to meet unchaperoned?

shen: I’m afraid you must be cross with me. Do come into my room and let us talk things over. (He drags her into his study) Please sit down. (Bella sits but stays silent. Catching sight of the poem on the table, she picks it up and reads it, but says not a word) Why don’t you say anything, cousin? (Tune: Gui zhi xiang) Sitting there so depressed silent, avoiding me brows so lightly painted locked in a mist of sadness. There must be in your heart must be deep in your heart a thousand ramparts of misery hard to imagine, hard to break down. Nerve-racked, a goose with head cut off ten thousand hurts but why, what has caused this? Tell me, cousin, when did you write this lyric? (Bella makes no reply; Shen bows to her) Why won’t you answer, cousin? (Bella twists around to turn her back to him) Why are you like this? (Same tune) Such gestures of chagrin clouds of hair bent low sole response to my thousand entreaties eyes lowered, gaze averted. Her thoughts must be filled her thoughts must be filled with a sadness wide as the sky and all on my account. Try to guess the cause:

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surely something has just happened to upset her in some way? (He bows to her again) Please don’t be angry, cousin, I beg you to say what is on your mind.

bella: This is Petal’s writing.You got it from her, so why try to deceive me? shen: So the poem is Petal’s! I found it just now in the garden, why are you so suspicious? (Tune: Da ya gu) An idle glance around the garden a chance discovery a single sheet woven of plantain fiber. This was no casual love lyric matched on the sly giving a glimpse of hidden lusts— why then this frown, these close-knit brows? (Bella does not speak but gives a long sigh, then begins to adjust her gown in preparation for leaving. Shen tugs at her sleeve) Stay a little longer, cousin, let us get things clear before you leave. (Same tune) I try to resolve in my mind what fault I can have committed to cause you such distress. Is it your whim to reject our former love and seek to foment a quarrel with no cause? How can I stand these thousand fruitless worries?

bella (again adjusts her gown and rises from her chair): “Breast by grief tormented so, how can others ever know?” (She exits)

shen: Oh, oh, my cousin is so cold to me, straightening her dress and formally taking her leave. To whom could I ever express this sense of grievance I feel? (He sighs) Ah, cousin, cousin, (Same tune) You are as bitter as you are passionate! So many silences

scene 29: Interrogation

such creasings and wrinklings of the brow— misunderstood, to whom can I speak my heart’s truth? How can it be that you have wiped from your mind those nights of moonlit blossoms to show a poor student such wanton cruelty? ENVOI: Mumbling to myself, thoughts spinning sight of flowers deepens regret. Failing to fathom what is in her heart I lean by the rail and question the east wind.

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scene 30 Viewing the Portraits

master shuai: (Tune: Ye xing chuan) Smiling amid the flowers, smiling beneath the willows who but yours truly every inch the gallant? The only flaw, no fair mate yet encountered no marriage partner won and heart sore frustrated. Born and raised in gilded chambers yet unwed, I deck my walls all about with scrolls of beauties, worship each as evening falls; though they stay beyond my grasp still their glamour never palls. To aid my search for a wife I have sent all about to purchase portraits of beauties, nine all told. I can’t tell which are true and which are fake and so don’t care to go straight ahead and make a marriage proposal. But when I’ve nothing else to do I view them, call to them, make obeisance, sing their praises, wishing hard that one of them would come to life. Today I’m free, so why not a viewing session? (He inspects the portraits) Oh, this beauty is a real stunner! (Tune: Xiao jin zhang) A master painter no false or lying stroke a fairy goddess straight from Heaven above. See how graceful how elegant— oh! all at once all at once my spirit stirs within me. Lovesick the long night through

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fever spreading, no one to relieve me— how can I get her get her here within the gilt bed curtains? I’ll call to her, see if she will respond. (He calls “O beautiful maiden,” responds for her, and laughs at himself) (Same tune) Here I’m calling to her and answering myself but her eyes are still looking straight at me— how bright her gaze, limpid as autumn stream! Every curve of her body is so luscious! Her luscious body, so shy, so soft it really is sculpted of jade molded of fine powder slender waist palace-style slender as willow swaying before the breeze. O beautiful maiden, speak back to me! (He pretends to call “O sir,” then responds to her and laughs at himself) Lips about to speak, surely alive how she keeps on teasing me! How can I get her get her here within the gilt bed curtains? Every one of these girls has the looks “to cause fish to sink, wild geese to drop from the sky, to cloud the moon and put the flowers to shame.” I don’t believe such beauties really exist in this world, (Same tune) companions of the fairy Flying Garnet beside her on the Terrace of the Sun— where to seek such in this mortal world? Not to speak of getting one of them for my wife, if I could only jostle against her

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(he mimes an embrace) cuddle her in my arms! But no chance, alas, in this lifetime and no chance is hard to bear night after night burning incense to no avail cry after cry of “Oh, my heart’s own darling!”— how can I get her get her here within the gilt bed curtains? I’d sit yearning for them all day through, and every night they’d come to share my bed. One would say, “Sir, I am here to keep you company,” and the next one would say, “Sir, tonight it’s my turn to serve you.” (Same tune) Lovey-dovey as phoenix pairing and one lucky enough for marriage night after night a partner of my dreams so loving, so willing so devoted to me I cuddle her in my arms as she sweetly murmurs murmurs and squirms without cease. Oh dear, but then I wake up lying alone as before cold coverlet as the dusk fades. How can I get her get her here within the gilt bed curtains? Well, all this be as it may, might as well take a nap now and have myself a dream.

lovey (enters and recites in verse): Who would want to be a woman a “flower in the mist,” the saddest case hiding the way things are from herself fooling others with smiling face?

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Lovey Ding here. Master Shuai sent for me yesterday but I was busy, booked for an official banquet, so I’m on my way to see him today. (She enters his study) Here is his study, how come it’s so quiet everywhere? (She catches sight of him) Oh, so he’s still asleep. I’ll wake him.Your Honor,Your Honor!

shuai (wakes with a start and embraces her): Oh my beautiful darling, you’re here!

lovey (laughs): What devil’s got into you—who’s your beautiful darling? shuai: Ugh, it’s Lovey! I sent for you yesterday, why didn’t you come? lovey: I was booked for an official banquet yesterday, I couldn’t come see Your Honor till today. But sir, why are you all worked up like this?

shuai: All I can think of is finding a wife. Tell me, Lovey, you’re always coming and going in the houses of the great; have you ever seen any live girls as beautiful as the ones in these portraits?

lovey (examines the scrolls): Why not? Just to take this one, this Miss Bella, I’m told her golden lotus feet are half the length of others’ and her every feature is beautiful. And furthermore, no one can touch her for poetry and calligraphy. A portrait can only give you a fraction of an idea. So judging from this one, I should think the rest are all the same way. (Tune: Yu baodu) Lovely girl young and tender powdered fragrance subtle as pear blossom evening showers, clouds at dawn at Gaotang (V) beyond the skill of painter to depict. So many winning charms no painted scroll can show truly the pick, the number one in the world.

shuai: From what you say, it seems there really exists a girl like this in the world—then I’m going to propose to her. (Same tune) Impossible to depict in full a rare creature, Bella, in this modern world. Truly beats Chang’e, goddess in the moon let alone the top model here on earth. If in this present lifetime I can really

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climb Phoenix Tower with her playing pipes for me (VIII) I’ll gladly cancel out my past and future!

lovey: There’s just one thing: beautiful as she may be, I’ve heard there’s someone she’s known; I’m afraid she may no longer be a virgin.You’d best go back to your scrolls here and choose another beauty. (Tune: Jiang’er shui) Faces like flowers, but flowers that can speak certainly can be found in this world, but this Miss Bella, already plucked by another hand green freshness not what it was spring radiance flown to the pleasure quarters— when a man like you seeks a “perfume thief”1 to become his loving mate he need fear no lack of daughters of good family.

shuai: But when I look at the beauties in these portraits I can’t find her equal. If I can get a wife like her that’s all I want, nothing else matters. (Tune: Chuan bo zhao) She’s Heaven-blessed with “beauty to topple nations” I’m provided with a “fit mate” in marriage. As long as she’s willing to dispense her charms as long as she’s willing to dispense her charms what do I care how fresh the bloom? Say she’s a faded petal borne by the stream— why shouldn’t I play the fisherman? (X)

lovey (aside): If it turns out like this, I’ve done Master Shen an injury! (To Shuai) Your Honor is the respected scion of a wealthy family,

1. I.e. a girl sufficiently enamored to steal perfume for him; see scene 20, note 1.

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(Same tune) it’s you should pluck the number one bloom— why scrape the faded blossom from the wall?

shuai: No harm in that. Just as long as a girl is gorgeous though she come from a scarlet-pillared house of joy though she come from a scarlet-pillared house of joy we can still be playmates, phoenix cock and hen. Say she’s a fading petal borne by the stream— why shouldn’t I play the fisherman?

lovey: So you’re happy to be a turtle of a cuckold! shuai: Well, there’s plenty more of that sort these days. Tomorrow I’ll get someone to talk to His Honor and then I’ll go ask for her hand in marriage. (Coda) My soul already flies to her dressing table I only wish it could be done this day, this very minute to romp and roll with her, phoenix cock and hen settling our debt of predestined love! ENVOI:

lovey: Silk scrolls all around bear portraits of beauties

shuai: but this little charmer outdoes the rest.

lovey: Winning her for your marriage partner

shuai: beats “breaking off the cassia bough” as Prize Candidate!

scene 31 Solemn Pact

bella: (Tune: Shi’er shi) When will old regrets disperse? Now at a stroke more griefs pile up. This callous Xiangru so quick to dodge and shift filling my heart with pointless torment thinning my waist to a willow wand. (She recites in lyric verse) Here in secluded garden a thousand thoughts cluster on waking how long ago our passion fled a flying cloud, a passing shower. Watching the pairing swallows return more than one gold hairpin crushed desolate here, the old flowers turned to dross don’t let new blossoms brighten the kiosk moss. I gave myself to Cousin Shen, never thinking that his heart would change. He has betrayed the pact we made, as if the deep feelings we once had for each other were tossed into the flowing stream. How bitterly I reproach him as I think of these things! (Tune: Ji xian bin) Cuckoo’s cry in blossoms’ ruffled shade bears endless griefs of spring to maiden’s chamber. Brows lightly limned draw down, clouds on spring hills as memories of bygone days recur. Each corner of carved balustrade for support despite myself my sad heart twists and turns coiffure neglected now twin red threads of betrothal break asunder.

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I think of those old Tang stories, how young Zhang betrayed Yingying and Li Yi cast off Huo Xiaoyu1—so many men have gone back on their word this way. But it would only happen because they had to spend two or three years in another part of the country—there has never been another like Master Shen, breaking his word in the twinkling of an eye! (Tune: Wutong shu fan) Before the flowerlike cheek has paled don’t say his heart has changed— a sudden freezing wind one night and the garden turns to autumn. But the Eastern Prince, God of Love, pities those “wild flowers” who vie before their mirrors with brocade trinkets while I find silken coverlet, coiling incense smoke jeweled mirror, scented dressing case

1. Arthur Waley’s fine translation of the first of these stories is included in the first volume of my Anthology of Chinese Literature. Yingying, daughter of a good family, arouses the passion of the young scholar Zhang (Chang) and gives herself to him. He leaves for the examinations in the capital. They exchange letters,Yingying’s being a most eloquent statement at once of her love and of the “shame of self-surrender.” Zhang declares his decision to break with her, citing the examples of ancient rulers each brought to ruin by a single woman: “If Yingying were to marry a rich gentleman and become his pet, she would forever be changing, as the clouds change to rain, or as the scaly dragon turns into the horned dragon. . . . I know that my constancy could not withstand such spells, and that is why I have curbed my passion.” The most notable of numerous works based on this story by Yuan Zhen is Wang Shifu’s Romance of the West Wing (Xixiangji). Tang Xianzu’s chuanqi play The Purple Hairpin (Zichaiji) is based on the second tale, Jiang Fang’s Story of Huo Xiaoyu. Xiaoyu is the daughter of a prince, but by a slave woman, and she is expelled from the palace on the death of her father. She becomes a courtesan and attracts a young scholar, Li Yi, who promises lifelong union but eventually deserts her. A stranger brings Li at last into Xiaoyu’s presence at a feast, where she upbraids Li, dashes a cup of wine to the ground, and dies with a curse on her lips. Her curse is fulfilled: Li attains no peace with any woman for the rest of his life.

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useless as round silk fan in autumn’s chill. (Tune: Jin wu xi shan yang) Icy strings tuned with tears lack power to express my grief. Languid on ivory couch thoughts circle to no purpose: who more loving than he yet changing in an instant; how foolish we were then burning incense to seal our pact. Torment sparkle of tears flooding to Heaven pitiful clutching my coverlet, trying to sleep. I can find no distraction today, let me lie on this bed and sleep a while. (She falls asleep)

shen chun (enters): (Tune: Wu ye’er) Blue sleeve moist speckled with tears to whom to open my inmost heart? Every inch trodden of idle court each turn of deserted gallery. Prostrate I plead with highest Heaven: how to retrieve a fair maid’s love? Thousand, myriad regrets: if only I had not been so careless, leaving those slippers there to arouse my sweet cousin’s suspicion. Today I am seeking an opportunity to visit her room and tell her of my true feelings. (He takes a few steps) In the past when I came here she would welcome me with a joyous smile. Today the curtains hang cold and undisturbed; I wonder if she can be still sleeping. Oh, a poem written here on the window paper: (He reads it aloud) Ash-laden incense hard to light fitful breeze, flower shadows start.

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Pacing my room, limitless thoughts idle lines from a breaking heart. Ah cousin, (Tune: Huang ying’er) A poem of heartbreak from you tear-bespeckled like dew-fresh moss. So may joy turn to sad lament as coils of incense smoke disperse trinket flowers fade. Hard to untangle the twists of my inmost heart: I ask high Heaven what reason for this discord storm wave on tranquil stream? (He strokes Bella’s back) Cousin, what are you doing asleep here at midday?

bella (gets up angrily): This is my bedchamber, why do you come here without excuse?

shen (bows to her): I am at fault. But let me ask you one question: since our reunion you have shown me much affection, but in recent days you have avoided my company. It must be that you reject me, or why this contrast between past and present? (Bella makes no reply) Being rejected, I acknowledge my unworthiness and shall no more presume to enter your boudoir. But I beg to be informed of the reason for this rejection.

bella (in tears): In the past I had more than a little affection for you, but never dreamed the day would come when you would cast me aside. It is you now who have rejected me—how should I dare reject you? (Tune: Mao’er zhui yuzhi) On that past day we two made vows beneath the moonlit blossoms: till earth grew old, till Heaven failed our passion would endure. Who could foretell that months and years would pass and still no happy union with you? Whether the change was in your heart or mine I leave to you, sir, to explain I leave to you, sir, to explain.

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shen: How could my heart ever change? It’s you, womanlike, fickle in your affections, then throwing the blame on me.

bella (sighs): Well, so you say. (Tune: Jin luo suo) Foolish to call a woman’s love light changing at a moment’s whim. The old saying is “doting woman, faithless man”: this parallel makes a perfect fit; how are such a pair to grow old together?

shen: I made a vow, “in life one room, in death one tomb.” bella: This I shall never forget, do not speak of it again. It was you traded billets-doux in the garden it was you set aside our betrothal pact for this life it was you sought to retie the scarlet thread elsewhere. I shall cling to a lonely pillow pass desolate days whether by day or night or in my dreams go down in solitude to the Yellow Springs of Hell (she weeps) and in life to come never never do I ever want to see you again.

shen: If my love for you had altered, how could we ever have arrived at this day? But tell me cousin, what has happened to make you so suspicious of me? I beg you to tell me straight out if I am to die at peace, eyes closed.

bella (sighs): You know very well, no need for me to tell you.You chanced to leave a pair of slippers, and Petal found them; Petal chanced to drop her poem, and you found it. How many coincidences in this world can top these?

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(Tune: Tanpo cu yulin) These things you did too much by chance amazing, chance piled on chance. The slippers you took she found in your study the poem she wrote you picked up from the flowerbed. It seems the two of you share a predestined fate of no common sort and so I must never complain though I choke off choke off my love for you. Enjoy your new love, don’t worry about me: I order you to care for one alone take no thought for old ties that might hinder a happy marriage.

shen (casts his eyes heavenward and gives a great sigh): I’ve tried to imagine what offended you so deeply—so it was all on account of Petal! (Tune: Huang ying’er) What a shame this happened: to know what is in my heart you need only ask Heaven above then your true love for me surely must return. In moonlight by empty pavilion beneath trees in sacred grove how could I coolly ignore the Prince of the East, god of love? No matter what I say now you’ll never believe me. But what if I swear a solemn oath before the gods? (He draws Bella by the sleeve) We will stand side by side telling our thousand cares, our myriad plaints to the cuckoo whose tears ran blood in former days. (VI)

bella (smiling again): Do you mean this? shen: Of course.

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bella: Then if you do, there is a pool in the rear garden that faces the shrine of the Prince of the Shining Soul. He is a spirit most attentive and forthright who is certain to answer every prayer. I will believe what you say only if you will direct your words straight toward his shrine.

shen: Then let us go. I am certain the Prince of the Shining Soul must know what is in my heart. (They circle the stage, reach the rear garden, and make prostrations) I, Shen Chun . . .

bella: I, Bella Wang . . . shen, bella: . . . beg your aid for us twain, divided in form but one in mind, born in different hours but wishing to die on the same instant, to become in Heaven paired birds with conjoined wing, on earth twin trees with branches intertwined. May we be apart no morn or eve, abandoned neither in this incarnation nor in any to come, while summers and winters succeed each other on the path by the Thousand Year Rock of Zhu Yingtai, while winds whip and rains drench the hundred-foot tablet of Liang Shanbo.2 May our earthly parts be interred and like the blood of Chang Hong turn to jasper incorrupt;3 may our souls cry eternally to the moon, ageless as Wangdi of old. (VI) May our love remain ever unchanging, may these words stay forever fresh. Should this woman desert this man may she sink into everlasting perdition; should this man desert this woman may he instantly perish by stroke of thunderbolt. Heaven and earth in your majesty, bear witness to this vow; spirits divine in glory, let the mirror of your truth illumine this oath. (They make prostrations, rise, and sing in unison) (Same tune) Heads bowed, prostrate before divine spirit accept our hearts’ sincerity our adamantine will. No lusting after casual flower, alluring willow

2. The folktale of Liang Shanbo and his beloved Zhu Yingtai tells in essence a similar story to this play: after death the tragic couple metamorphosed into butterflies that fly with conjoined wing. 3. This legend of the righteous Chang Hong occurs in the Daoist philosophical text Zhuangzi.

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but in this life sharing one couch in life to come by Rock of Incarnations4 paired mandarin ducks rejoicing in one tomb. May the betrayer of this oath be apprehended by the Spirit and swiftly cast into the Yellow Springs.

bella (makes obeisance to Shen): I am grateful for the depth of your affection. I made a hasty judgment and wrongly blamed you. We two (Tune: Si fan Huang ying’er) voices as one speaking our oath our happy love stronger than before surely the Lord of Heaven will grant our desire as years come and go sharing one pillow three incarnations recalling this sacred vow each night, each dawn in love unfailing transformed, two purple swallows on the wing.

shen: By leaving those slippers on my couch and chancing to pick up that note I offended my sweet cousin. If you had not told me everything that was in your heart, when would this ever have been cleared up? (Same tune) Thinking of our failed betrothal tears spurted forth to wear away a stone.

4. The Rock of Incarnations appears often in popular literature as physical testimony to the strength of karma. It alludes to the close friendship between a scholar named Li Yuan and a Buddhist monk named Yuanguan, “Perfected Vision.” “Twelve years following my death,” Yuanguan instructs Li, “you must meet me at the Indian Temple in Hangzhou.” Li duly arrives at the temple, where he finds a young herdboy who sings a ditty about “souls of yore by the Rock of Three Lifetimes” and reveals himself as the reincarnation of the monk Yuanguan.

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Bemoaning our loss, couple put asunder I feared that never again in the shadows of this life the dreams of the life to come should my eyes be granted sight of my beloved. Now as this day brings blessing the return of your loving smile I long only to fuse our jade-pure bodies into one.

shen, bella (hand in hand): (Coda) One love in two hearts intertwined may the joyous centenary feast be ours at the last. The recovery this day of the sweet devotion we had lost sight of recalls the story of Wei Gao and his beloved Jade Flute returned to life to fulfill predestined union!5 ENVOI:

shen: To gods and demons confess our love

bella: swear not to part while Heaven and earth shall last.

shen: Let no trifle ever again come between

bella: to prompt us to compose verses of heartbreak.

5. The legend tells how Wei Gao gave Jade Flute a ring before departing on a far journey. As years pass without his return, Jade Flute despairs and dies. At length Wei Gao is presented with a singing girl also named Jade Flute, and discovers that her finger bears a circle of raised flesh as though a ring lies hidden beneath the skin. A Yuan play, Qiao Mengfu’s Love of Two Lifetimes, retells the story.

scene 32 Petal Tells

petal: (Tune: Yifeng shu) Curtains open to mist-freshened air profusion of blooms brightens the eye grasses greening the steps on spring stroll lotus-bud footprints lightly placed. Few visit as sun wheels over court but calls of oriole break the silence. Oh, Master Shen is coming. Elegant Sir Scholar more than once in spring flirtation I’ve smiled a welcome among the flowers.

shen chun (enters): (Same tune) Brocade-hung pavilion shines in splendor deepening spring ennui until the time she wakes. Linger on empty stair treading the fragrant dust the green spring grass. Incense burner grows cold as long day passes window . . .

petal (calls): Master Shen! shen: . . . but suddenly I hear a pretty warbler’s call!

petal (calls again): Master Shen, where are you going?

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shen (looks around): It’s Petal calling me. I’ll pretend not to hear and escape to the rear garden. Secret flutter in my heart turn by emerald screen to forestall more rumors of springtime dalliance at Wuling. (X) (He exits)

petal: Oh, Master Shen obviously saw I was here and he’s slipped away pretending not to notice me. I’m sure it’s because of the young mistress that he’s treating me so rudely. Ah, Miss, you managed to gloss over that business of losing your slippers the other day, but the next thing of the sort that happens I’m going straight to Madam, and then won’t we be sorry for you! Like they say, “in spring breeze I hate him chasing me, by autumn moon he’s cooled and I’m in love!” (She exits)

bella (enters): (Tune: Busuanzi) Boudoir silent the livelong day sun casts shadows on window gauze rising from sleep, resenting sight of flowers red candles, rouge traces cold. (She recites a lyric): Tender thoughts memories cling nightly light incense to honor Wangdi. (VI) Old sorrows, new delights no others share only our two hearts secretly aware. Ever since Master Shen and I swore our pact, our fondness for each other has doubled in intensity. Idle on this spring day, I plan a gentle stroll to enjoy the garden’s fragrance, wishing only that Master Shen were here to keep me company. (She takes a few steps) (Tune: Jin wutong) Light ‘broidered curtains hung for spring blossoming branches on every hand before the petals fall I tread each scented path.

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This springtime scene is one and the same with previous years: year by year the loveliness returns spring after spring causing the same distress absence of my beloved robbing the spring of its charm wasting the beauty of the garden scene.

shen (reenters): I’ve managed to dodge Petal and make my way here. Ah, here before me is my sweet cousin, gazing all about her on the path beside the tree-peonies. (Tune: Dong ou ling) By the carved rail screened by path’s turnings I come upon my beloved standing all alone delighting the eye, adorned or simply coiffed her form set off by willows’ grace charming, lips open as if to speak. (They greet each other)

bella: I was strolling here in the garden alone, I am glad you have come. shen: See her happy smile of greeting. bella: By good luck the maidservants are all busy attending on my mother in the main hall, so now you are here we can walk together in the garden.

shen: I am delighted to accompany you. See, cousin, no step disturbs the famous garden . . .

bella: red petals grieve on mossy stair . . . shen: powder traces on golden dimpler . . . bella: scent of incense as garments air.1

1. The “dimpler” performed the function of the beauty spot of the eighteenth-century belle; incense smoke freshened the lady’s garments when she hung them at night over a frame in her chamber. The lovers here extemporize a quatrain that turns the garden scene into a boudoir, in readiness for the lovemaking that follows.

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(Tune: Zao luo pao) Splendors on every side outdo each other happily in quiet grove only the sweet birds call. Delicate pinks, soft purples screen the glade lingering blooms like traces of paint and powder. Shadows quiver in spring breeze flower scents rise against glow of morning clouds red finery doubly bright every new aspect vying for attention.

shen: Before these lovely scenes, spring urges rise unbidden: (Tune: Da sheng yue) Fine gauze garments, breeze-stirred willows cheeks start to flush soul half tipsy. (He leads Bella by the sleeve) We steal, you and I, a-tiptoe down the paths . . .

bella: Where are we going? shen: In front by the Hundred Flowers Kiosk is a shaded spot where no one comes. There with grass for coverlet, leaves for mat mandarin ducks may twine their necks in the flowers’ shade for truly, love deepens in a lovely spot.

bella: It’s embarrassing to talk like this, please be a little more reserved. shen: See her part pleased, part upset half resisting, half drawing me on wrenching my whole soul from me.

bella (pushing him away as he takes her in his arms): (Same tune) I order you to stop, my Prince of the East, lord of love.

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shen: No one can see us here, what is the harm? bella: Shame lest Heaven should see us— what then?

shen: My passion is at its height, I can’t help myself. bella: They say true romance lies not in consummation. shen: Unconsummated, how can it be borne? bella: How hotly he assails me how coldly I fend him off!

shen: Why this talk of fending off? bella: I am an unworthy creature and dare not refuse you. But I fear when clouds and rain first join, when joy is most intense and passion turns to swooning, should someone indeed chance upon us, I should have no place to hide for shame! Lost in the ardor of clouds and rain passion not easily suppressed. (She starts at the call of a bird) Oh, isn’t there someone coming? (Shen releases her) Bird on bough calls prettily and my heart gives a jump! Don’t be so hasty, sir— there in the shade someone is listening.

shen: How can there be anyone? It’s the call of a bird has ruined our moment of joy. But there’s something else: since you and I have sworn to become husband and wife, from now on let us no longer call each other cousin. Here where no one can hear us I call you by name, Bella, my wife!

bella: Yes! shen: Now, wife, call me husband! bella (in a low voice): Master Shen, husband! shen: Yes!

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bella (weeps): (Tune: Jie san cheng) Phoenix cock and hen answer each other from each to each respect and deepest love but with joy at its height come sudden sobs of anguish.

shen: Bella, wife, why these tears? bella: Since we so love each other why can’t our union come soon? What use to tell our inmost desires when each word blurs sight of Heaven for the names “husband” and “wife” contain no truth! And I fear it is for nought we walk hand in hand chatting and laughing here in the garden.

shen: You and I are entitled (Same tune) to join in flight, phoenix cock and hen as when maid of Qin played the flute on her balcony! (VIII) (He wipes away a tear) In the depths of misery I think of joy: (He dries Bella’s tears) Since we so love each other we need not speed our union but the words “husband” and “wife” we shall keep safe gold pins in jeweled box to prove our faith though today we torment each other walking hand in hand laughing and chatting here in the garden.

bella: If you will remain faithful to our pact, Cousin Shen, then though I die I shall close my eyes in peace.

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shen: Our pact was made long ago, no need to arouse sad thoughts by speaking of it today. Let us make the most of this lovely spot and take our pleasure there by the raspberry trellis.

shen, bella (as they walk hand in hand): (Tune: Diao jiao’er) Hibiscus-verdant screen raspberry-fragrant path. By winding balustrade a host of wildflowers set off each other in gay profusion. You and I, constant hearts to face this lifetime to await the next inseparable. Together our joy redoubled as tree-shaded cloud pavilion birdsong by flower-decked kiosk conspire to gladden the stroller’s sense and inspire such depth of feeling!

petal (enters and spies them): What can the young mistress be doing here with Master Shen? I shall bring Madam here to catch them. (She exits)

bella: We have stayed too long, what if someone should see us? We must go back.

shen: We can give ourselves a little longer. Let’s go look at the flowers again. (Tune: Coda) Delight in spring stroll still unsated past belvedere, past poolside pavilion to gaze once more as our reflections join on the silvery water. (They exit)

petal (calls from offstage): A lovely day, and the peonies open to the fullest, do come see them, Madam!

madam wang (enters with Petal):

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(Tune: Yi duo jiao) So green the grass so bright the blooms beauty returning year by year. Old eyes at sight of blossoms brim with useless tears: turn by the kiosk turn by the kiosk already the breeze bears off the falling petals. (She points to the peonies) How early the peonies are this year!

shen, bella (reenter hand in hand): (Same tune) Fresh the blooms bright their colors more charming yet the flowerlike faces as we two man and wife stroll here on flower-strewn path and orioles on the bough orioles on the bough weary the listener with their song. (They catch sight of Madam Wang, and Shen hurries offstage)

madam wang: What are you doing here, Bella, instead of in your boudoir? bella: I grew weary of sitting so long in my boudoir and came to look at the garden for diversion.

madam wang: Ha, how can a young girl like you be allowed to walk alone in the middle of the day in such a deserted place? (Tune: Dou hei ma) Cold dank groves shrouded in cloud and mist all still, no one about but weasels and flying squirrels everywhere wicked flower goblins willow elves at their pranks: how would your mother feel should you stir up some of these?

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bella: I shall not dare do it again. madam wang: If you wish to take a stroll you must have slaveys to keep you company. Though splendor of spring disturb your thoughts gazing at blooms beyond the pavilion how should a young girl like you a young girl like you walk out without a maid for company?

petal: Oh Miss, (Same tune) you slipped away from your chamber for a peek at all the finery. If it hadn’t been that Madam saw you with her own eyes she’d have thought it just chatter of orioles and swallows or all the fault of your poor little maid luring you into willful ways. This copse is gloomy in broad day don’t be so careless of your precious little body. If it’s flowers you’re after flowers you’re after at least let your maid keep you company.

madam wang: Tchah, who asked you to butt in, creature! See Miss back to her boudoir now. (She watches as Petal exits with Bella) I’ve noticed a change in my daughter’s speech and behavior these last few days; I’ve been uneasy in my mind about her. And today here she is with Master Shen and no one about, what can they have been up to? Better send Master Shen back home tomorrow. True it is, “to keep bees and butterflies from your vase, fasten tight the window gauze!” (She exits)

scene 33 Reluctant Parting

shen chun: (Tune: Nu guanzi) Spite aroused for no cause spirit desolate looks neglected restless pacing of marble terrace no recourse but return. Success comes hard, no gain without loss all look at me with eyes askance: Fan Li sailed off with his Western Maid— when comes fulfillment of our romance?1 Yesterday in the garden we were betrayed by Petal, and now I can do nothing but take leave of my aunt and uncle and return home. My uncle seems still undecided, but my aunt is set against my staying and so I must resume my wanderings. (He sighs) But after I leave here today how shall I ever see my sweet cousin again? This is why I hang about and procrastinate, hoping for a chance to say farewell to her. Oh, what a cruel blow!

bella (enters): (Tune: Ku xiangsi) Nightlong a harsh wind blocked the spring fallen petals in wild disarray.

1. The ancient courtship of the beautiful spy Xi Shi, the Western Maid, by Fan Li, chief minister of the King of Yue, is alluded to in this line, which reads literally “moonlit breezes (i.e., romance) of the five lakes suddenly stilled.” The phrase I have translated as “romance” in the last line refers literally to the (love) debts owed to each other by paired mandarin ducks.

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Ah Heaven, so fiercely you have struck this sorrowing maid breaking my heart what hope of mending? I’ve been told Cousin Shen has taken leave of my mother and father and is to return home; I suppose there was nothing else he could do. I have stolen out now to say farewell to him. Here is his study. (She greets Shen with tears) No sooner had you and I renewed our joy than a sudden storm arose. Although this was Petal’s doing, in truth it was what fate had in store for us at this time. Ah Heaven, Heaven! What a meager destiny you have granted to Bella Wang!

shen (weeping also): The ancients had a saying, “success comes hard.” I could never have believed you and I would be put through such trials as these! (Tune: Wu geng zhuan) By verdant pool at setting sun cuckoo calls as bloody tearstains dry. (VI) Each cry announces death’s approach death’s approach that urges parting over and over vain longing to remain. Blocked by rubble waters flood the ford to Peach-Blossom Spring. (X) Tonight I’ll wake from dream wake from dream to find myself where? Myriad desolations to whom to impart?

bella: (Same tune) Flowing tears a thousand strands of rain does your heart break as mine?

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I heard you were going now it is clear you are forsaking me nor can thousand, myriad tendernesses hold you here with me. So hateful this parting cruel interdiction of the road to Blue Bridge. (XI) Even the gift of dream the sweetest dream will not find you: only regrets to weight the brow the sky itself frowning its sorrow.

shen: How hateful of Petal to bring all this about by her treachery! (Same tune) Split asunder the intertwining branches parted the pair-eyed fish.2 Fair blossoms rousing the harsh wind’s jealousy now strew the steps and rot into mud. This is the conjunction of former lifetime’s woes with this life’s wrongs: birth in some mismatched hour recorded recorded in Lovers’ Register (II) loneliness to come the dictate of Heaven’s will.

bella: Although it is that creature Petal who has disrupted our betrothal, I don’t feel resentment toward her now.

shen: If not toward her, then whom? bella: You are the one I’m concerned about:

2. Flatfish are symbols of marital bonding.

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(Same tune) They say success has many setbacks but tell me, will our springtime never come? Poor fragrant soul adrift on the flowing years I command you, Prince of Love not to reject our old passion. So readily forsaking me swift to tear apart hard to reunite: now you are leaving leaving when to return again— for waning moon to regain her fullness broken string to be mended?

shen: With our situation as it is now, how can we predict the time of our reunion? (Same tune) Regrets press close for this our parting with little hope of reunion to come. Oh my sweet cousin, keep closest watch by jeweled screen and curtain while I by willow bank reed-flowering ford under bright moon beside misty waters follow uncharted ways; for our dream of three lifetimes is cut off cut off the road of return and hope of happy marriage hard now to restore.

bella: Don’t they say “hills and streams block the way, but nought can block this love”? I ask only that you keep me always in your heart, come

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back again when the chance arises, let no doubts or misunderstandings lead you to reject me and leave me prey to the wiles of others. (Same tune) Do not on my account sink deeper into melancholy sighing before the mirror’s bronze; put aside “the Six Dynasties’ powdered beauties.” Let’s vow that our devotion shall not perish as the dew at dawn: I shall watch for your horse at the gate your carriage on the path the moment of your coming. By the Hold-Back-Spring Pavilion the flowers will bloom as before in life, in death one room, one tomb.

gatekeeper (enters; Bella hides): “Song of farewell follows departing steed, three cups of bitter wine see off the traveler.” Is your baggage packed and ready, Master Shen? His Honor has a banquet early tomorrow, and Madam is not feeling well, so they will be unable to see you off. They have sent me with money for your journey, and word that you should leave at your convenience and not trouble yourself with farewells.

shen: Very well. My regards to His Honor and Madam. gatekeeper: Very good, sir. (He exits; Bella emerges from hiding)

shen: Obviously the gatekeeper didn’t come just to present me with traveling funds but to speed my departure. I can delay no longer and must take my leave of you now. (In tears, he makes a formal bow to Bella)

bella: My mother is very cruel. I have written a lyric for you; whenever you read it you will feel as if you were with me. (She draws it from her sleeve)

shen (reads it aloud):

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Nutmeg branch denies the spring3 wind on the hills before us rain on the hills before us. Cuckoo weeps blood as fifth watch ends (VI) cold grips the blossoms cold grips the traveler. What difference, meeting and parting, sorrow and joy? Joy and sorrow at meeting sorrow and joy at parting easy to leave, hard to meet again. Afraid to sing “Sunlight Pass” mustn’t sing “Sunlight Pass.”4 (He weeps) I shall rehearse this poem in my memory day after day.

bella: I wonder what will become of me when you are gone! (Tune: Xiang luo dai) Loath from now on to dress these clouds of hair loath to embroider my flower patterns flute played by moonlight, yes, but phoenix soars alone: (VIII) behind spring bed curtains I’ll wait for dream or word passing the days in thoughts of our early times the pear-blossom sprig you tossed, the hugging the stove together love’s pangs a thousandfold before trust grew secure. Don’t say the east wind in a single night can blanch green leaf, pink cheek!

3. The budding nutmeg is a symbol of virginity. Bella here seems to be reflecting ironically on the early passage of her own “springtime.” 4. Sunlight Pass (Yangguan) leads into Central Asia and figures in Wang Wei’s wellknown quatrain of parting, which ends “Take another cup of wine / Once out of Yangguan, no old friends.”

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shen: Now that it has come to this, you must take good care of yourself, cousin, until we can be together again.

bella: Soon after you leave now, the autumn examinations will begin. My one wish is that you pass high on the list; then perhaps when you send to renew your suit my father may be willing to give his consent.

shen: Whether I achieve fame and fortune is the will of Heaven, but your true love, cousin, I shall never lose sight of. (Same tune) I fear no loss of fame and fortune only the failure of our marriage hopes. Tears of blood dry on blue sleeve as song of “Sunlight Pass” begins sun sinks behind far hill clamor of wild birds past sorrows, desolate lonely dreams. My body leaves you, not my heart; try to dispel your sadness cherish for me your flowerlike beauty and I will mine the earth or pierce the sky to win reunion with you.

bella: I am deeply grateful for your sincerity. I will wait for you till death. shen: I shall see you back to the courtyard path. (They part from each other, then stop)

bella (weeps): Oh, Cousin Shen, you are really leaving me! (Coda) Really to leave me— a thousand strands of sorrow— to go where at sky’s edge old friends are few. When you can, Cousin Shen, send me a letter.

shen: Hai, sweet cousin, close confined in maiden’s chamber, I only fear too long a flight for wild goose to maiden chamber!

scene 33: Reluctant Parting

ENVOI:

bella: Hearts poured out by secret patterned window

shen: longing to crest blue peaks on phoenix wing

bella: alas, on scented path to Peach-Blossom Source

shen: dreams are blocked by flurry of wind-tossed petals.

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scene 34 Envoys Appointed

marshal shuai: (Tune: Qi niangzi) All-powerful guardian of western frontier commanding staffs civil and military: a wastrel only son diseased and sick torments my mind by day and night. Forebears high-placed, vermilion-clad renowned throughout the vast southwest rich and honored in high degree yet with no worthy offspring blest. For many years I have maintained order on the western frontier, my might and powers long known to all. When the Tibetans raided across the border they glutted themselves with pillage but then left for home again, and high officers both central and provincial seized this pretext to gain promotion. That was how I rose to the rank of marshal, entrusted with sword and mace of authority to execute first and investigate afterward in any troublous circumstance. My place is above all other officials, whether civil or military. Is this not the height of fame and fortune? Yet I have only a single son at my knee, and though he has reached manhood, for some reason or other he has resisted the idea of marriage every time we have discussed it. Moreover, he is sick at present and keeps to his bed, which causes me a great deal of uneasiness. His constant companions Tertius Ma and Decimus Ge must surely know what has caused this sickness.You men, have them brought in for questioning.

tertius ma, decimus ge (enter in response to servants’ shouts): (Tune: Zizi shuang) High-quality hangers-on here, don’t snigger, light jackets, skullcaps, cutting a figure,

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same faults as our playboy chums, but bigger, we flatter and kiss ass with ceaseless vigor. The young governor got the notion to take that Bella Wang to wife and has ordered the two of us to plead his case before the old man. Going before the old man doesn’t consort with our dignity, but now he has sent for us; it may be he’ll ask about such things and we can seize our chance to propose the match. And if we do succeed, imagine the favors we’ll get from the governor! (They greet Marshal Shuai and kotow)

marshal: The two of you spend all day every day with my son, how have you managed to get him into this state? (Tune: Hua qiao ling) It’s you lot, good-for-nothing parasitic bums have lured my son into hanging around every inn and brothel in town.

ma, ge: What, us two? We wouldn’t dare! marshal: If it’s not you, then how come he’s sick today, half crazed no energy, flat on his back burning hot as fire herbs and drugs no help: just tell me please what’s brought this about?

ma, ge: We won’t try to deceive Your Honor; there is a reason for the young master’s sickness. It was one day, (Same tune) a sudden glimpse of a pretty face a looker, a real eyeful one look and he was on fire

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more than his heart could stand. The young master had sworn he would take a real stunning beauty for his wife, to spend his lifetime with her cock and hen, tupping and turning but because Your Honor was away on the frontier the fighting went on the wedding was off. And that’s why he’s sick to his stomach feverish, wasting away.

marshal: (enraged): So that’s what it is! Infuriating! (Same tune) Eminent family like ours, the peak of society phoenix nest, not for some common chick! Counselor Zhang’s daughter, Governor Li’s daughter, each one’s hand at his choosing and your young master turns up his nose and refuses. I’ll wager this woman is nothing but a common trollop, a casual tart not for polite society. Go, you two, inform the young master that when he’s recovered from his sickness I myself shall select a fine partner for him secure his marital bliss.

ma, ge: Is Your Honor aware who this young lady is? She’s none other than the daughter of Assistant Magistrate Wang of Meizhou, Bella, pretty and accomplished to beat all. Scions of gentry and noble families all want her

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for their wife, but because her father is on assignment in Meizhou he still hasn’t promised her to anyone. (Same tune) Family ranked as lesser gentry yet listed in offices civil and military. Blessed with bewitching beauty finished in all proper feminine studies ideal prospective partner. If Your Honor desires his son’s recovery from sickness only the taking of this girl to wife will dispel this foul contagion.

marshal: I too have heard of this girl’s high quality.You may go inform your young master that the assistant magistrate’s term of office is almost completed, and on his return here I shall send the two of you to seek his daughter’s hand for my son. (He exits)

ma, ge: All right! Now that His Honor has given his consent, this match can’t fail. We’ll go tell the young master—won’t he just be cock-a-hoop! ENVOI: Falcons, running dogs for the rich flowers bloom from our panderers’ lips: when red candles burn for our young lord’s wedding what rosy goblets we’ll toast him with!

scene 35 The Keepsake

shen qing, madam shen: (Tune: Lin jiang xian) Glad news by letter yesterday loaded with honors, kinsman returns.

shen lun (enters with Shen Chun): Though still far off, goblets and jars await them.

shen chun: Privately try to guess the day of their arrival.

shen qing: A messenger from your uncle reported yesterday that he has completed his term in Meizhou and will be passing through here en route to his new post. His transfer being urgent and his household numerous, it will not be convenient for him to stay in Chengdu, but we are to meet with them at the posting station. Are the wine and refreshments made ready? We must hasten now outside the city walls to welcome them.

shen chun, shen lun: The wine and refreshments are ready; we may leave at once. (All exit)

bella (enters in carriage, with Coachman): From our start in Meizhou to this place, windblown dust of the road, how wearying a journey! (Tune: Xiangliu niang) Hateful carriage wheels, horses’ hooves hateful carriage wheels, horses’ hooves heart crushed beneath them pale cheeks more gaunt than autumn flowers. Crossing high hills and river valleys from childhood cosseted in maiden’s chamber

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how to endure these hardships? And in the lonely hostels in the lonely hostels tossed like a tumbleweed no rest for grieving heart. (She exits)

petal, river lass (enter in shared carriage): The young mistress’s carriage is in front and we follow on behind; what lovely scenes all along the way! (Same tune) Rumble of carriages, horses’ neighing rumble of carriages, horses’ neighing endless blowing dust shuttling of travelers north and south. Through this village, by that creek through this village, by that creek woodland tints deepen with setting sun as we part the blind to peek out: ranges of blue hills forest-clad ranges of blue hills forest-clad elegant carriages pressing close a procession in a painted scroll! (They exit)

wang wenrui, madam wang (enter with numerous Attendants): Several days out of Meizhou, soon we shall reach Chengdu: (Same tune) Long resident in Meizhou long resident in Meizhou dreams still tethered there alas, “another pointless crossing of the Sanggan.”1 Hiding the sadness at heart

1. North China’s Sanggan River was a metaphor used by poets to represent the border between the civilized world and the barbarian wilds. The citation here is of a line from the Tang poet Jia Dao.

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hiding the sadness at heart leaving never to return looking back, the tears start.

attendants: Your Honor’s family are waiting at the posting station ahead to receive you.

wang: Let us hasten to the posting station to greet them: Posting station by the bridge posting station by the bridge east and west, night and morn officials in endless procession.

shen qing, madam shen, shen chun, shen lun (enter and greet Wang and Madam Wang by exchanging lines of verse): Passage of years since last we met

wang, madam wang: roadside reception here arranged

all: fond thoughts always in our dreams joy that loved faces have not changed. (Same tune) After long separation after long separation all looking as before.

shen qing: I raise my cup to salute your promotion, brother-in-law: wine at posting station, heart-to-heart talk.

madam shen: I am afraid we have allowed our son to put you to much trouble during these years of your residence in Meizhou.

wang, madam wang: Our own flesh and blood, how can you speak of trouble?

madam shen: How is it your daughter, Bella, is not with you? wang, madam wang: We shall not have the time to pause in our journey and have sent her on ahead. She will miss seeing her aunt, but we must leave again very shortly.

shen qing, madam shen, shen chun, shen lun: Stay a little longer,

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another cup to ease you another cup to ease you: when shall we meet again once you leave us now?

madam wang: We should go, the day grows late and we must not keep the girls waiting.

all: Twilight over the woodlands twilight over the woodlands urges the travelers on tells them they may not linger.

shen qing, madam shen: Then we shall say farewell. Shen Chun, escort your uncle and aunt a little farther. “At the rough halt, a few cups of wine, before we part north, south, east, west.” (They exit with Shen Lun)

wang: How far in front are the other carriages? attendants: A mile or two. wang: Make haste to catch up with them. “Jade-handled whip to noble steed, or stray at night in forest mists.” (Exits with Madam Wang and Attendants)

shen chun: I came on purpose to see my cousin; how could I guess her carriage would have gone on in front? I’ll follow the narrow paths to overtake her. Truly, “to follow the phoenix back to the heavens, oh that I had a pair of wings!” (He exits)

bella (reenters in carriage, with Coachman): They tell me Cousin Shen is to be at the posting station to receive my mother and father. I long to see him but cannot do so; oh, how I long for him! (Same tune) Alone and desolate alone and desolate yearning for him but he comes not sad heart unfathomable as the sea.

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shen chun (swiftly reenters): That is my cousin’s carriage in front. Luckily the other carriages aren’t here yet, I’ll spur up to it and raise the blind to see her. (He calls out) Cousin, Shen Chun is here.

bella (answers his call and hides her tears behind her sleeve): Cousin Shen, it’s you. shen: Wild moans of grief and pain wild moans of grief and pain no word, but tears flow down each gazes at other, heartbroken.

bella: Never since we first met have I been able to bear one single day away from you, and this parting is for years to come, a distance of hundreds of miles. I think of you so constantly, but how can we be sure ever to meet again in future days? Who knows but I shall lower my head to close my eyes in death, my bones decay, my body waste away, and you will seek another mate and bestow the tenderness of the bedchamber on another. I fear this body’s wasting, bones’ decay I fear this body’s wasting, bones’ decay and you at that time in amorous play among the “flowers and willows” all tender feelings cast aside.

shen: Ah, sweet cousin, how little you know my heart! (Same tune) Gods and spirits bear witness gods and spirits bear witness my heart and mind are as your own through lives to come no thought of change.

bella: If you truly honor me with your love in this way, I shall die without regret. Moved by the depth of your devotion moved by the depth of your devotion

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though bones grow cold and turn to dust my spirit self is bound to yours forever.

coachman (urging departure): It is growing late, we must hasten on. bella (recites in verse): Impatient coachman halts our talk pain deepens to be torn away three years, a thousand miles apart no Daoist magic of one brief day.2 You and I must part now not knowing when we may ever meet again. This perfume sachet is worked inside with gold thread and a hundred pearls in a phoenix roundel. It can be taken for a lovers’ knot. I give it to you with all my heart so that you may think of me whenever you see it. Come to me when you are at liberty, take no count of distance as a hindrance. Hateful the coachman’s urging hateful the coachman’s urging a hurried farewell now this perfume sachet for remembrance. (She exits)

shen (in tears): My cousin is gone. If I try to overtake her again, (Same tune) though hills ahead are lost in mist hills ahead are lost in mist hiding her carriage from view my soul pursues her image a thousand miles. I could never catch up, can only turn back

2. She refers scornfully but perhaps also wistfully to Daoist teachings concerning the relativity of time (as of all phenomena). She anticipates also Shen Chun’s allusion, in the scene’s envoi, to the Terrace of Heaven (Tiantai) mountains, where two men of Han times found that six months of dalliance with fairy maidens proved on their return home to have spanned the same time as seven generations.

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back to lonely room back to lonely room my love far off as spreading skies of Chu where to seek even in dream? Wintry crickets on every side wintry crickets on every side for whom do they creak out their melancholy like mine? (Coda) Torn away at parting, tears fall faster love longings of the past redoubled now. But when I look at this lovers’ knot perfume sachet I shall take it to be herself to give this passion rest. ENVOI: Parting from loved one on misty riverbank seeking sweet dreams to follow her from afar I grieve for the blocked road to the Terrace of Heaven will my dreams bring at least a glimpse of her?

scene 36 The Road to the Examinations

first student (enters with companion): (Tune: Zui luo po) Dragons long coiled in ditch obscure; comes a sudden thunderclap: spring tides, a rosy halo the river’s length!

second student: Vying to leap the gateway to success spirit of ancient heroes seen once more!1

shen lun (enters with Shen Chun): (Same tune) Ten years by study window, no one calls now joy should fortune smile— we hasten to the palace eager for victory.

shen chun: Gazing back toward her boudoir heart filled with secret grief. (They recite in verse):

shen chun: Three years’ wait to face the test

1. The metaphor behind the lines of both men is that of the unrecognized talent that “hides in a pond” as commonplace fish until the day it can leap the rocky falls of Dragon’s Gate (Longmen) and turn into a dragon: when, in other words, the poor obscure student can achieve success in the state examinations.

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shen lun: the empire’s heroes join the fray

first student: but blurry-eyed examiners

second student: fail the gold steed, pass the clay!

both students: As we travel together to the examinations each of us is clenching his fists and flexing his muscles, telling himself he is sure of success, each of us except Shen Chun. He alone looks ill at ease; why is this?

shen lun: My brother has been melancholy the whole journey, you must ask him to explain the reason.

first student: With your talent and learning, Shen Chun, winning renown should be as easy as picking greens. Why are you so downhearted?

second student: Indeed, Shen Chun, your learning is immense. First place on the list is right there in your satchel, you have no need to worry.

shen chun: It is you gentlemen who are advanced in their studies and certain to pass in high position. I am an ignorant boor, I don’t expect to make the list at all; I’m just tagging along now in the dust of your carriage wheels. The dreary scenes along our way have greatly depressed me and I have given up any idea of winning renown. (Tune: Basheng Ganzhou ge) Thousand, myriad sorrows to think of our first meeting fine rain and gentle clouds; now the pink petals flying tell of one more spring’s passage, graying of autumn at my temples further torture on lonesome road.

all: Sun half set behind sparse willows chirp of cicadas mournful to the ear. Speak no more

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of fame and fortune tell the Lord of the East, god of love, what’s in your heart.

shen lun: You seem so lethargic, brother, sad as though something were deeply troubling you. Shake off this mood and brace yourself for the scholarly battle to come, and you are certain to pass high on the list; what then can be beyond your reach? (Same tune) Skilled in letters beyond the common run now attend battle in the examination halls join in the fray with fragrant brush see dragons rise up from your inkstone with one stroke sweep away battalions! Then with the flowers of office at your brow clad in the green cloud-patterned gown as Advanced Scholar ride forth from the palace to ardent clamor of pipe and drum whirling spring dust through the capital’s streets excited babble from red-lacquered balconies toss of embroidered ball to chosen bridegroom!2

first student: So many wearers of the scholar’s silken hat know nothing of letters, only wealth and influence. And the way I see it, even influence doesn’t matter as much as wealth—just get rich and the influence is yours. These days, if fathers want to see their sons in office they don’t need to teach them to read and write, all they need to do is earn some cash. Enough cash, and you can pass on your Elevated Ones and Advanced Scholars down the generations. (Same tune) Let the Bureau of Appointments close its doors young men of genius die of grief

2. See scene 22, note 2.

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who knows, who cares? By the Phoenix Pool of the royal palace see the innermost councils of the court staffed by a troop of illiterate apes, babes with the milk stench, the womb fuzz still on them wildly disputing secrets of Heaven and earth.

all: Top of the lists holders of key posts— whenever were these all learned men? Short of cash though talent tried and true still you’ll end up like poor Liu Fen.3

second student: We can say these things, friend, but don’t tell me everyone who makes the pass list is a man of wealth and influence. If Heaven will just give you a hand up, you can be a poverty-stricken nobody with no writing skills and still worm your way in somehow. Even useless characters like us, there’s no saying we can never pass. It’s like the ancients used to say, it’s all a matter of luck, fate, chance, destiny. (Same tune) If it’s in our stars, no problem no need for the likes of us to be giants of the world of letters. We’ll make the list, stroll the palace walks rise from earth to soar the clouds our sleeves filled with fragrance divine tottering drunk among red-skirted bevies.

3. Liu Fen, scholar of Tang times, an archetype of the critic of government policies whose outspokenness kept him lifelong out of high office.

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all: Dust of the capital on sable cloak still the same person we were before but now the golden carp hangs at our belt new gowns, brocade, the latest style lording it in glory over family and friends.

shen chun, shen lun, first student: What you say makes sense. But is that all you plan to do with your success, just show off before family and friends and not take up some noble task as sage or saint?

second student: Where will you find sages or saints these days? Elevated Ones count as sages, Advanced Scholars count as saints. Get to be a high official, build a mansion or two, buy some land, take a few concubines, put up some laudatory placards, display a bit of phony erudition, let your family and friends throw their weight about, and that’s it.

shen chun, shen lun, first student: This is the truth of it. But we are close to Chang’an; let’s each find lodging and prepare for the examinations.

all: (Epilogue) Gates of the capital in view imperial palace close at hand now to submit our writings hoping to outsoar the white clouds members all of the company of young hopefuls, companions of the Sprouts of Jade! ENVOI:

shen chun: Traveling the long and dusty road

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shen lun: bold spirits pack the official carriages:

first student: who will pass in highest place

second student: to pluck first blossoms from the moon?

scene 37 Celebration

shen qing (enters with Madam Shen): (Tune: Sheng zhazi) Now joy lightens the brow this day as never before.

madam shen: Word comes that both our sons dress now in brocade. (They recite in verse):

shen qing: Grieve not for meager property: madam shen: in virtuous sons find heart’s desire; shen qing: high on the lists together both, madam shen: Heaven now will feed the clan entire! shen qing: Our two sons, Shen Lun and his younger brother Shen Chun, attended the examinations together. In the autumn examination for the status of Elevated One and in the following spring examination for Advanced Scholar, both placed high on the lists. Our elder son is appointed Chief Secretary at Mianzhou in Sichuan; our second son, because of his additional command of the skills of archery, is granted the post of Registrar at Yangzhou in Shaanxi. Both are returning home before proceeding to their posts. Have servants tidy the gates and courtyards, wife, in preparation for their arrival.

shen lun (enters with Shen Chun, the two of them wearing the square hats and loose girdles of officials and followed by Attendants): (Tune: Lin jiang mei) Brothers twain returning, clad in brocade by broad day1 fresh fame outvying the “gilded youths of the south.”

1. See scene 21, note 1.

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scene 37: Celebration

shen chun: Crossing the high hills and the deepest waters remembering our kin bringing comfort to our kin. (They greet their parents with obeisances, and recite in verse):

shen lun: Humble cot left at dawn for palace gate

shen chun: swift to succeed, the world acclaims our merit.

madam shen: Truly the studious will attain their goal

shen qing: Heaven will not forsake the ardent spirit. We rejoice, our sons, in your success, and in the fine appointments you have won, conferring good fortune indeed on all our family.Yesterday, in the evening (Tune: Yu furong) the flaring lamp wick presaged good news of your return, two brothers brocade-clad. Clansmen and neighbors all about all filled with joy; honor and glory to our ancestors, whose blessing ensured fair prospect for your scholarship.

shen qing, madam shen: We are conscious of your efforts morn and eve in studious recitation till scholarship today brings sweet reward.

shen lun, shen chun: That your children have chanced to win success is due to the favor from on high of Heaven and earth, and to the protection and succor of our father and mother here below. (Same tune) Flowers at our temples, palace-style

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plain commoners’ garments traded for brocade: what will they say of our writings—one character a thousand ounces of gold! Down at heel last year, look at us now— mastery of letters has brought us to this day. All this we owe to our family’s support and each other’s company in the examination halls. Your sons, the two of us brothers each strummed his lute for the ears of a kindred soul.

gatekeeper (enters): “Destitute in your own village, no one knows you; get rich and you’ll find relatives everywhere.” When my master read the names of the two young masters Shen on the examination pass lists he sent me to congratulate them. This is the place, I’ll go on in. (He greets the family) Congratulations to the two young gentlemen on passing their examinations; my master sends his felicitations by his gatekeeper. As for my master himself, (Tune: Cu yu lin) when he set eyes on the pass list his heart was filled with joy in hopes to bask in the favor of influential in-laws. The two young gentlemen, he says, sharing one surname, each gowned in cloud-patterned brocade! So he sends me as bluebird messenger (IV) bearing his gilt scroll of greeting to seek out your residence and salute you in token of ancient friendship.

shen qing, madam shen: A long journey, we have put you to such trouble.

gatekeeper: My master also wanted me to say that since the two young gentlemen have been honored with appointments but the date for them to assume their posts is still some way off, it would be a glorious thing for our humble house if they would condescend to visit.

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shen chun: It would be fitting, brother, for you to go in response to our uncle’s summons.

shen lun: As the Analects say, “While father and mother live, do not travel afar.”Yet we may not disobey the instructions of our uncle and aunt: I as older brother must bear responsibility for matters at home while you make the visit.

shen qing, madam shen: Since it was you, our younger son, who put your uncle’s family to the trouble of entertaining you in the past, you should visit them at this time to show your gratitude.

shen chun: I understand. But give me your sympathy (Same tune) as one just now returned from the capital to his ancestral grove compelled to leave home once more to travel the muddy road scurrying morn to eve without respite.

shen qing, madam shen: The time for you to assume your office is not far distant: before spring ends you’ll proceed to your post in splendor.

shen qing, madam shen, shen lun: Do not delay your return ply the hasty whip we shall be looking out for your homecoming. ENVOI:

shen chun: As I grasp the jeweled reins to leave your presence my soul in dreams will linger in parents’ hall.

shen qing, madam shen, shen lun: Fond thoughts will follow you on this far journey linger not in distant parts with no word sent.

scene 38 Return in Triumph

wang wenrui: (Tune: Xi di jin) Curtains lit by glancing sun shadows of blossoming boughs across the steps auspicious magpies chattering from the eaves: what welcome visitor comes now? (He recites in verse): Sunlight passes in a snap of the fingers imperceptibly the flower shadows fade. I sent my gatekeeper to convey our congratulations to our two nephews, and to invite them to visit us—how is it they are not here yet?

shen chun (enters, hatted and girdled and followed by Gatekeeper): (Tune: Ye xing chuan) Willow-shaded rest halts along the route lean nag bears me to edge of sky slow travel for hasty heart— how to reach that lovely maiden my vision blocked by tinted clouds? After long separation from my sweet cousin I have received her father’s invitation to visit and am on my way in hopes of seeing her once more. Here is her home. (He enters and greets Wang, reciting in verse): More than a year since I stood in your presence,

wang: far for carp missive to greet your eyes; (IV)

shen: meeting today as long ago

wang: but raised in triumph to the skies!

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I was overjoyed, good nephew, to learn that your brother and yourself had placed high on the lists of examination success. (Tune: Yu jiao zhi) Acclaimed in examination halls your names the envy of the streets of the capital scholars reaping learning’s reward footsteps clear of the common dust in curtained carriage, banners flying pride now of kinsmen, neighbors near and far: whose face but beams with happiness whose bosom but overflows with joy!

shen: All this we owe to our uncle’s benevolent support. My brother and I, in truth, (Same tune) for years availing nothing now joyfully take flight to phoenix terrace. Speak as you may of youth’s cloud-soaring ambition, when useless mediocrities like ourselves suddenly one day find fame and fortune land by chance among residents of the moon we can only credit our ancestors’ deserts and the edict of the Lord of Heaven!

wang: How is it your brother has not accompanied you? shen: He has stayed behind to attend to the needs of our parents. I trust my aunt and yourself, and my fair cousin, have enjoyed good health since I last saw you?

wang: All has been well with us. Gatekeeper, ask Madam and the young mistress to come greet our guest. (Madam Wang and Bella enter and greet Shen)

shen: Uncle and Aunt, permit me to make obeisance to you. madam wang: You must be tired from your journey, we shall excuse you. (Same tune) We heard of your “strolling the flower-filled lanes” as a successful candidate

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and of your undertaking this long journey braving the rigors of the road and no time yet to shake the dust from your person.

wang: Some wine to slake the thirst in your throat! (Gatekeeper pours wine) A few cups now to refresh the visitor’s bosom; tomorrow we’ll prepare a welcoming feast. Have the guest’s baggage taken to the east wing where he may wash away the dust of the road.

bella (aside, as she gazes at Shen): (Same tune) In a year of separation for locked brow not one moment’s clearing. Now facing each other here in solemn hall not a word to express our feelings! Gazing, unspeaking, minds a-whirl face to face yet blocked from Witch’s Mount! (V) When will our mutual joy ever be fulfilled? (She wipes away a tear) I fear to lift sad face for others to see. (She exits)

madam wang: You are weary from your long journey, nephew. We have made ready a quiet room in the east wing where you may take your rest for the time being.

shen: I am most grateful, Uncle and Aunt. wang, madam wang: (Tune: Ge wei) Tranquil guest chamber by quiet paths cut off from central hall as by a sea.

shen (as Wang and Madam Wang exit): But my soul in dreams may still fly off to boudoir’s jeweled mirror stand!

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Here is my room, a remote enough place indeed! Obviously my aunt has her suspicions of me and is keeping me well out of the way. My cousin and I stood gazing at each other just now and found it impossible to exchange a word. If I had known it would be like this, I would have done better not to come at all. (Tune: Wu gong yang) Prisoner in lonely room mist-wrapped, cloud-enshrouded no sign of visiting blossoms. Sad soul dream wandering where can I turn for love? How am I to endure cold isolation like this? Spring shadows breeze-tossed beyond the wall here, yet as if not here— oh, the waste of an old love, come a thousand miles to this moonlight! (Tune: Jiang’er shui) To be with my lovely one, my own “gold hairpin” I hurried and scurried this far: now in jeweled boudoir still she waits but moon rises cold, flowers fill the loveless dawn; speechless we gazed in hapless melancholy. Impossible situation bottomless love longing turning my hair to white in utter torture! (Tune: Jiejie dai yaoyao) Useless, fruitless visit hundred, thousand griefs past supporting. Those past times—all a dream of Nanke, the life of the world in an anthill?1

1. A Tang story by Li Gongzuo, which provided Tang Xianzu with the framework for the last of his “four dreams” plays, tells of a man who fell asleep by an anthill, which he entered in a dream; within that miniature world, he underwent all the vicissitudes of an adventurous life.

scene 38: Return in Triumph

Meeting in broad day yet held far apart— who could endure these myriad desolations? (Coda) Yet to force my way into maiden’s chamber would bring down the wrath of my elders. Nothing to do but suffer bearing still this burden of helpless love longing: best to despair of spring hopes and go back! ENVOI: Thick bamboos creak like tinkling jade dreams colder than night rain by obscure window. Try to make out where her precious chamber lies rise at dawn to trim the lamp once more.

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scene 39 Bewitched

ghost of a girl (enters in the guise of Bella Wang and recites): Nor cloud nor mist nor wisp of smoke I move between Heaven and Hades’ Springs, a thwarted love millennium-old still to my wasted body clings. I am the ghost that haunts the Green Bamboo Pavilion, in front of which I was buried, maiden untimely dead. There is a secret love that remains unresolved, and each night as I roam in spirit form by moonlight I see a young scholar in the studio just to the west of my pavilion. He rests on his bed and gazes at the bamboos, moaning and heaving long sighs. It must be his longing for the young lady of the house that has brought him to such a state. It stirs my amorous heart and revives once again my own unforgettable passion. Tonight I plan to indulge these suppressed desires, myself impersonating the young mistress. See there on the horizon, the moon has already risen: (Tune: Yue shang wu geng) Blossoms faded, petals fallen lonely spirit roaming free passion’s embers glowing still till earth grow old and Heaven fail. Now in this eerie shimmering between the twilight and the moonglow softly I pass the trellised roses to where a flickering lantern its candle dripping waxen tears is sole companion to a handsome, sad young scholar. He stirs my heart till I can’t resist can’t resist this longing a demon fever this time stronger than ever in my mortal life!

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(She exits)

shen chun (enters and recites): Mat of speckled bamboo, tears of the river goddess (VII) moving the solitary heart, blocking the path to dreams; here on my couch I lie in deepening sadness door barred, awaiting the rising moon’s bright beams. It was for the sake of my beloved cousin I came here, but her mother already harbored suspicions and housed me in this remote part of the guest quarters. Fearful of arousing further resentment, I dare not blunder uninvited into the main house; yet after this journey of hundreds of miles I can’t bring myself simply to give up, take my leave, and return home.Yesterday, paying my morning respects to my aunt and uncle, I chanced upon my cousin, who said her mother has grown too old to pay much attention and it was Petal whose meddling had caused this estrangement. So now I am going to make up to Petal, get her on my side so that perhaps I’ll be able to stay on another month or so and have the chance to be together again with my cousin. I don’t know whether I shall succeed in this. Meanwhile I spend my evenings in solitary worrying, shut in here facing my lamp. Truly, “if only the frogs’ croaking could tell you my secret wish—could not the fireflies’ glow light us to rendezvous?” How depressing! (He reclines on his couch) (Same tune) Alone in the cold lamplight waxen tears of the candle match my own lying here on ivory couch: real or unreal, the woman in my dreams? Image without form heart and soul thrust apart what length of watches through how many nights? Chill of emerald coverlet sadness of lonely bed. A sudden rustling outside my window: silk-clad feet, surely, softly treading the moss?

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(He listens closely) No, only a chilly gust lightly stirs my papers.

ghost (reenters): Here is the young man’s study. (Tune: Zui luo ge) Chill of night, moonlight fading crickets’ chirp by window gauze sighs of lonely wandering soul filled once again with longing for her lover. I share just the same feelings as the young lady of the house: There she sits, moping from dawn to dusk and all for him; here am I, soul-weary and shaken and all for him. I skulk and sneak, false form disguised yet woman and ghost two maidens still both share the same true passion! (She knocks at the window frame)

shen (startled): Just now I heard footsteps outside my door, and now a knocking at my window. Is someone here? (Tune: Bai lian xu) Listening as the watches deepen tracing the bamboo shadows on moonlit window gauze . . . (Ghost knocks more urgently) So late, the night so still, who is it knocking? Who knows whether mortal or fearsome demon? Open the door to see. . . .

scene 39: Bewitched

(He sees the Ghost) Oh, cousin, what are you doing here? All alone in chill dew and night breeze here beneath my window hesitant, half hidden jade-white shoulders bowed!

ghost: I waited for you so long! (Tune: Zui taiping) Do not be alarmed night after night I’ve yearned for you to come to you, solitary soul by light of waning moon.

shen: How did you manage to come tonight, cousin? ghost: Tonight while my maidservants slept I stole here to your window; boundless the myriad loving thoughts my lute would express could I share a moment of this breeze with you to confess every last secret here by this night incense stand till our two minds are one.

shen: I have longed for you so much, you have never been out of my thoughts for a second. (Tune: Bai lian xu) So close at hand yet cut off as by Ba River from Witch’s Mount morning and night my heart filled only with you clutching my cold sheets, tears like tangled hemp never dreaming that tonight

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trimming the dying lamp your perfumed shoulder pressing mine we might tell old sorrows and new griefs till the cock cries at dawn!

ghost: No sooner do we come together than the night is ending: (Tune: Zui taiping) Ah, ah, why must moon’s frozen wheel decline my signal to depart crows cawing here and there as Mercury, hook of the dawn, awaits the moonset and wandering soul takes its flight. Ai, ai, and you must watch nightlong, trimming your lamp till we may mount together the paired phoenix. (Cockcrows sound offstage) I leave you now. Coming by night like this, leaving at dawn, for fear of discovery slipping like cloud shadows through the moonlight no different from a ghost!

shen: I shall be as lonesome as ever when you are gone. ghost: From now on I promise to come every night.You must not enter the residence without good reason, and if we should chance upon each other do not greet me; if I should say anything to you, be careful not to make any kind of flirtatious reply. We must convince people you have no interest in me, so that we can dispel their suspicions and go on enjoying each other’s company.

shen: As long as you will come to me each night, what cause would I have to visit your room? But do not fail in your nighttime visits, to leave me hoping here in vain. (Coda) Though slippery your footing in the blossoms’ shade come earlier if you will tonight, don’t make me guard my failing lamp till eyes grow dim!

scene 39: Bewitched

ENVOI: Alone by my lamp, listless among the shadows I long for your coming, your voice in this solitude.

ghost: Do not break this nightly pact we make; know that my heart is constant as the surging tide.

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scene 40 A Haunting Suspected

bella: (Tune: Yizhi hua) No word spoken, but such anxious thoughts: how hard to cope with callousness! Cheeks drawn with care for long days now so many sorrowful moments surely his love no longer as it was. Far-seeming as edge of sky myriad desolations useless to speak of them to slaveys. (She recites in verse): Old affection cold as ashes dust gathers, orchid drapes hang still; by flowered bed curtain, darkened screen last night my candle flared at will.1 Though Cousin Shen is so close at hand, Petal has obstructed my every attempt to see him and we have had no chance to talk about our long separation. All I can do is make up to her and try to get her on my side. But somehow Cousin Shen’s former affection for me seems to have cooled, and ten days or more may pass without his visiting the main residence. He answers neither invitation nor summons.Yesterday Petal told me that celebrated courtesans and beauties crowd his apartments; he must surely have found a new attachment and so lost sight of his old love for me. I ordered a slavey to peek in at his window in the evening, and true enough a woman was sitting close beside him. What is more, her face and manner were the image of my own—who knows if this be

1. Indicating the proximity of a ghost or spirit.

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living woman or ghost? When Petal comes I shall get everything she knows out of her.

petal (enters): Young mistress, yesterday the slaveys were saying that woman in Master Shen’s apartments was the very image of you. If she’s a living person, how can such an exact likeness exist in this world? And if it’s a ghost, how can we believe such creatures really exist? (Tune: Nu guanzi) Sitting by his lamp, flowerlike face a new light-o’-love for sure, a bit of floating froth: heartless rascals, these students, as everybody knows. Otherwise, what kind of wicked demon could play a trick like this so we don’t know, are we in a dream or crazy? Fond lover turned to callous wretch while you his phoenix mate beckon in vain!

petal, bella: Ponder as we may no way to solve this riddle.

bella: (Same tune) Romantic hero singing a new love song making a fool of me weeping here in the garden, moaning for him! True and false weirdly confused ghost or devil hard to make out. Coming hundreds of miles to reach me how then can he reject me, Xiangru-style (IX) and take his jeweled lute to strum elsewhere?

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bella, petal: Ponder as we may no way to solve this riddle.

petal: We shall need to invite Master Shen himself here to explain this situation.

bella: I’ve sent for him several times, but he always makes some excuse; what can be going on?

petal: Wait in the inner hall, Miss, I’ll get Smartie to say Madam is sending for him; then he’s bound to come. (They exit and Smartie enters, dragging Shen Chun by the sleeve)

shen: (Tune: Yijiang feng) Waking with the morning blossoms alone by dawn-brightened window suddenly a maidservant calls.

smartie: Madam wants you and if you don’t go she’ll be annoyed. shen: Strange message— why does your mistress send so urgently for me?

smartie: I don’t know, come to the inner hall and find out. shen (aside): My cousin already told me not to enter the main residence for no reason. I want to go but hang back, want to go but hang back.

smartie: Don’t dilly-dally, just go straight in. shen: Is it something I’ve been up to that has annoyed your mistress?

smartie: She isn’t annoyed with you. shen (sees Bella and tries to turn back): Oh, my cousin sitting here alone, how can I go in?

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(Same tune) So delicate, so lovely alone in chamber’s stillness secluded spot where no intruder comes.

smartie: The young mistress was just asking for you. bella (reenters and calls): Cousin Shen! shen (doesn’t respond, but turns to leave): I’m off. bella: What an act how many times repeated leaving me here among the blossoms calling, calling in vain! (She tugs at his sleeve)

shen: My aunt has sent for me, I must go, I must go. Don’t pull at my green sleeve don’t pull at my green sleeve— my heart thumps uncontrolled for fear we may be seen!

bella: Sit down a minute, there’s something I have to say to you. (Shen looks about helplessly, then sits down) I have never treated you unkindly in the past; why then, now you have become successful, should you suddenly cast me aside? (Shen makes no reply) (Tune: Liangzhou xu) Ennui of cloistered chamber no sign of living being close at hand yet far as edge of sky. For your sake I’ve spent balmy nights alone silk kerchief soaked with tears not dreaming you would casually reject me time and again denying me to my face;

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truly, bright clouds block notes of fairy pipe (VIII) our moment of love leads nowhere a thousand regrets but who will hear my plaint?

shen (still makes no reply; aside): What devil talk is this from my cousin today? bella: Why will you never answer me? And tell me, who is it sits there with you each night?

shen: No one. bella: I know about her, don’t try to deny it. shen (aside): How can she say this? (To Bella, after looking all around): You told me not to speak to you, why are you asking me all these questions now?

bella: Why should I have asked you not to speak to me? shen (startled): What’s this? (He looks around) Is there someone about? bella: There’s no one here, you may say what you wish. shen: When you came the other night, (Same tune) in the cool of evening the courtyard was still when unknown to your maids you stole to me.

bella: What a monstrous story! Then let me ask you, what am I supposed to have said when I saw you?

shen: You said when others were present I should say no tender word to you.

bella: And did I come every night? shen: Beginning last month until this very morning each night in joy and laughter.

bella: This is truly a strange tale. By lonely lamp fretting the long cold nights away how could I be sharing my sad thoughts by your window?

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How could you invent a tale like this?

shen: There is no one else here, why are you denying it? You have come to my studio every night, and you ordered me to say no word lest Petal and the others know of it and make trouble.

bella: Well then, you are truly bewitched. I’ve always heard that the place you’re staying in is out of the way and haunted by evil spirits; I believe one of them must have taken on my shape and form and bewitched you. I’ve been making up to Petal and now we have her on our side. Day and night I’ve sent servants to invite you and you’ve never come; I have asked you questions and received no reply. I told myself you had found another love. I sent a slavey to spy on you and she saw a woman exactly like me—what can this be but an evil spirit? This is why I had you come here, to ask you about it—if you don’t believe me, call for Petal and ask her!

petal (reenters): Why have you cast off my mistress, sir? (Same tune) So often with others present you put on an act leaving my young mistress completely bewildered— heartbreakers like you should be scorched with moxa or incense!2 Last night we had a slavey spy as you sat by lamplight murmuring together with someone just like my young mistress flowerlike face her very image surely a gossamer sprite flown down from the moon or a jade-bedecked flirt from the house next door

2. Cauterization with moxa was a painful remedy for various sicknesses and sometimes used for punishment (of refractory slaveys, for example), as was the application of burning incense sticks to the skin.

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come to upset people just for the fun of it.

shen (alarmed): Petal, is this the truth you’re telling me? (Same tune) I. . . I hear these things you are saying and suddenly my soul takes flight!

bella: I can’t believe there are really such things as ghosts, either. bella, shen: Surely our mutual yearnings in so many lovelorn dreams have prompted prompted some evil demon to show its face!

shen (with a bow to Bella): If it hadn’t been for your love, your ceaseless tender concern for me, I should have died at the hands of a wicked demon! For these past two months I have ignored your kindness toward me— how could I have been so heartless? Loving affection for two long months carelessly cast aside condemning you to pitiful lonely nights: tears brim and well from my eyes this sudden revelation sets my heart thumping.

petal: Now that it’s all cleared up, you must stay no longer here in the inner quarters but return to your guest chamber.

shen: How can I go back out there tonight? I shall stay here. petal: So many times in the past you wouldn’t come when we sent for you; now you won’t go when we tell you. I was teasing you just now. If you go back to your quarters, how will you survive without the young mistress coming to keep you company?

shen: I was really beginning to wonder if what you were telling me was all devil talk. I’m not leaving now, I’m staying right here.

petal: But go back just for now, and when night comes I’ll bring Madam to

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visit you and we’ll make some plan. But when Madam asks you, don’t tell her it was the image of the young mistress, or she’ll begin to suspect things.

shen: Then I’ll go. But Petal, be sure to come early! ENVOI: Monster, demon, not by chance

bella: studio becomes false Peach-Blossom Spring

petal: as Liu and Ruan once on the Terrace of Heaven (X)

all: were tricked into centuries of fairy love.

scene 41 The Ghost Exposed

madam wang (enters with Petal): Petal, are you telling me Master Shen has been bewitched by some demon? Who discovered this?

petal: All the servants in the guest quarters are talking about it. Some of the slaveys didn’t believe it, but last night they went and saw for themselves.

madam wang: Then tonight you and I must go also and look into this. (They exit)

shen chun (enters): (Tune: Yue yun gao) Silent, empty the green-clad steps chirping of crickets all about no sooner sinks the evening sun than misty moon begins its rise. Will-o’-the-wisps, green glow of lamp flickering as curtain quivers. When I think how my cousin has come to me night after night and we have shared our joy in the way of lovers with nothing amiss in any way— how can it be that when I see her in the daytime she tells me my night visitor is a ghost or demon, and Petal says the same? Tonight they want me to wait for the ghost and find out right or wrong true or false— bewildered, I’m lost in doubt. (He starts in alarm as a wind rises offstage) Leaves rustle on the trees, the ground shakes by the wall, surely it must be a ghost coming! A dark wind pierces chill through the window my body shivers with the cold.

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I will force myself to sit here and wait to see what happens. (He takes a seat)

ghost (enters): (Same tune) Solitary in the Yellow Springs below I could not wait for moonrise. Ghost as I am, I have been impersonating the young lady of the house and holding secret trysts with Master Shen for a month and more. This flowerlike countenance is a false face, not my own but my lonely spirit lives on with a passion that is no sham! At this hour tonight passing through pavilion’s shade rounding the weed-grown steps— (She takes sudden fright) what is that clanging now? Oh, the wind stirring the chimes below the eaves. I will cross over now over low wall in shadows of clouded moon back to mortal world to bewitch young Ruan.1 Here you are, sitting by yourself, Master Shen; I could hardly wait till evening to come keep you company.

shen (aside, rising startled to his feet): This is obviously my cousin, how can they speak of a ghost? (Tune: Taishi chui xiudai) Hesitant to believe

1. A double allusion, to the fabled lover of our Signpost X, and also to Ruan Zhan of the third century, who stoutly disputed the existence of ghosts until one argued with him for a while, then in exasperation proved his point by disappearing as they sat talking.

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how can they say these things? See how a soft glow lights the room at her entrance. . . . It’s said a ghost casts no shadow and wears seamless clothing (he peers at Ghost) Her face in the lamplight quite as usual her dress a rainbow skirt with emerald sheen— how can this be a ghost? Only, I wonder why coming at night, leaving at dawn, a month and more why does no maidservant keep her company? I’ll ask her. Cousin, in the chill dews of this bare, desolate arbor how can you not be frightened, all by yourself?

ghost (with a sigh): Thinking only of you (Tune: Zui taishi) my love I longed so impatiently for dusk and moonrise. Evening toilet no sooner made evading the servants’ eyes fearful and in haste I crept here to your studio in true devotion willing to cheat the spirits, to scare off ghosts and demons. But the night grows late, let’s talk no more of this. (She tugs at his sleeve) While moon is shadowed and scent of flowers sweet let’s set ourselves to celebrate our joy don’t waste this lovely night till the watches end with cockcrow.

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shen (stumbling back in fright): Stay away, cousin! (A wind rises offstage) I’m afraid, I’m afraid! (Tune: Taishi chui xiudai) A chilly wind (He shades the lamp) threatens the flickering lamp shadows loom as clouds steal light of moon. I stare at her flowerlike face: ghost or not, utterly enchanting surely this is the Bella I’ve always known? Eyeing her closely true or false revolving in my mind: has a sprite by chance descended from the Jade Heaven to lure my soul to flights of wild desire? (He starts to approach her, then backs away) But what if this really is a demon? I’d take her in my arms, but terror fills me!

ghost: Master Shen, on seeing me you start to draw close, then back away again; why is this? (Tune: Zui taishi) Don’t be afraid. You and I will be man and wife showing our love in a thousand ways. Why now pretend to ignore me preparing to cast me aside?

shen: Cousin . . . can it be you’re not . . . human? bella: Nonsense, if I’m not human I’m what, a ghost?

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Callous King of Chu taking me for some creature of a Gaotang dream! (V) Master Shen, I believe your heart is fickle! Painful truth: students were ever scoundrels paying no heed to ties of former days. (Madam Wang and Petal reenter and spy on them. Ghost tugs at Shen’s sleeve; he dodges her) You and I, life companions stable as the hills till rivers cease to flow in death itself together still, two graves, a single bier. (Petal rattles the window frame; Ghost instantly exits)

madam wang (rushes with Petal into the studio and looks all about): Who was that person just now? (Tune: Xiang Liu niang) Whose daughter that whose daughter that graceful as a flower murmuring sweet nothings here by studio window?

shen (panicked): No . . . no one. petal: There was obviously someone here, how can she have disappeared? Mysterious being mysterious being! Search behind patterned screen still no sign of her!

shen: I daren’t lie to you, there actually was a girl here. How can she have disappeared?

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Turning it in my mind turning it in my mind can she have been some fairy maid suddenly flown back to Heaven?

petal: Don’t you understand, sir—you have been bewitched! (Same tune) Some flower harpy or willow demon some flower harpy or willow demon assuming human form snaring a young man’s soul away from him.

madam wang: Can it be we have all been seeing a ghost? shen: It’s my fault, I’ve misbehaved and been bewitched. Please save me, Aunt! I was in utter terror I was in utter terror— this was not some mirage mere shadows quivering in the breeze.

petal: This is an out-of-the-way spot, that’s why there are demons.You’ll be all right if you move where there are other people.

madam wang: You must move to the inner hall for a while. Don’t be distressed don’t be distressed come back to the inner rooms and be safe there from all harm.

shen: I owe you thanks for saving my life! ENVOI:

petal: Whose were the midnight chats by light of lamp?

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shen: Human or ghost, fruitlessly we ponder.

madam wang: Deep in painted halls the traces linger

all: where amorous bees and butterflies come not.

scene 42 Master Shuai Proposes

tertius ma, decimus ge (enter and recite): Running our errands for the rich known as joy boys to all about. Red Phoenix star lights happy pair bluebird of love gets the message out. A while ago His Honor Shuai ordered the two of us to act as go-betweens to seek the hand of Miss Wang for his son, but with Assistant Magistrate Wang in office in Meizhou it wasn’t possible for us to go right away. Now his term is up and he is being transferred, so Master Shuai wants us to call on him to propose the match. The day the affair is concluded we get a handsome reward. It’s a fact, the day that they agree is the day our fortune’s made. (They exit)

wang wenrui (enters): (Tune: Biyu ling) No choice yet made of dragon suitor for tender child in lonely chamber but to our joy this gifted youth comes to redeem his former pledge. A happy marriage prospect: may the Lord of Heaven quickly grant our wish. (He recites in verse): Grievous the loss of white-haired partner heart torn with care for girl and boy; family station once secured progeny will bring lasting joy. It was my misfortune some months ago to lose my wife of many years to a mortal sickness. I am left with a son too young yet to know anything of the world, and my daughter, Jiaoniang, Bella, who though grown to adulthood has not yet been betrothed in marriage. When Master Shen

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first sought her hand I denied him on the ground of their relationship as maternal cousins. But during his present stay in our home I have observed his ready ability in the management of affairs, and moreover his examination success at such an early age presages a boundless future career. In the hope of resuscitating his original proposal I had Petal sound him out, and he seems agreeable. I have sent a matchmaker to his family and obtained their consent also. Now all that remains is to select an auspicious date and make the exchange of gifts, and I shall be able to set my mind at rest.

tertius ma, decimus ge (reenter): “Bearing word from bluebird of love, we call at home of peacock screen.”1 We’re here to put forward the boss’s marriage proposal, so let’s go straight in.

wang: What is the reason for your visit, gentlemen? ma, ge: The two of us are retainers of the Shuai family, who have sent us here on a mission of Heaven-sent joy.

wang: If you are retainers of the Shuai family, you are welcome to take a seat. Please let me know the details of this joy you bring.

ma, ge: Hear then: (Tune: Suo chuang han) In your home a maiden fair and our young master in the springtime of his youth: two matched in beauty as bright-plumaged mandarin ducks. On this account we bear our bluebird message in prayer for fulfillment of union divine. Please,Your Honor,

1. For the allusion to the son-in-law hitting the eye of the painted peacock, see scene 22, note 1.

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no need for contest before peacock screen when Heaven has ordained this happy match; we guarantee we’ll leave you overjoyed.

wang: There is something you gentlemen are not aware of. Handsome though this proposal may be, there is one drawback: (Same tune) How could a lowly family like mine aspire to gaze on such cloud-soaring heights? No good can result from climbing by alliance with the great.

ma, ge: This is no problem: though our master’s family boasts an unending line of generals and ministers of state,Your Honor is himself an official of the prefectural court and may be considered of appropriate social standing.

wang: But my daughter commonplace girl of drab appearance ill suited to so high a match: please make apology as graciously as possible.

ma, ge: What kind of apology could be acceptable? The family has put together a thousand gold ingots, ten pairs of white jade discs, a hundred bolts of silk, two bushels of pearls, all awaiting immediate delivery as bridal gifts. A match like this, how many dukes and earls would pursue it for their daughters and not succeed? So how can you go turning it down?

wang: It is just too much for a lowly family like mine to aspire to. Don’t speak of growing jade in Indigo Field—2 I have no wish for a match of this description.

ma, ge: You had better not persist in this refusal. Surely you understand

2. I.e., securing a happy match, from the tale of a man told by the spirits to plant a rock in Indigo Field. It turned to precious jade, which he used to win a distinguished bride.

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the extent of our master’s power and influence. If he wants something from you there can be no question of your not being willing.

wang: But when there are so many eminent families in this area, why does he have to choose such a humble one as mine?

ma, ge: (Same tune) Must family that lords it over West Sichuan fear lack of eminent houses seeking marriage ties? And then our young master firm and sincere in quest of virtuous young maiden: Your Honor is a member of the class of officials; surely you must understand the meaning of the word “influence”? Promise your daughter to this family, and close ties with relatives among the great must bring you limitless pride and glory.

wang: And if I won’t? ma, ge: Do you suppose a military officer like His Excellency Shuai will not know how to deal with you? In his possession currently are the sword and mace of authority, which entitle him to execute first and hear the case afterward. Each of his brothers, furthermore, holds office at court: no place to hide should they exert their power! Good fortune or ill, it’s up to you to choose but withhold assent at this time, and tomorrow it will be too late to repent, so let’s not hear any more of “no wish for a match of this description”!

wang (rising to his feet, aside): True enough, who in the whole of this province but fears the might of the Shuai? And then the son is young and a charmer, and to bestow my daughter on him would bring no disgrace.

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(Same tune) Family of power and prosperity to rival Heaven: decline this alliance, what would their wrath be like? I am concerned about the marriage agreement previously concluded with Master Shen. However, he has not yet sent the bridal gifts: the bluebird message has fortunately far to come red leaf must float in vain. (XIII) Then I must switch the red thread that binds the couple, contract a new connection for my daughter. (He turns back to Tertius and Decimus): My respects to His Excellency Shuai, and assure him that since he deigns to make this request I should not dare do other than respectfully submit. Only, I fear my little chick unworthy of this bird of paradise.

ma, ge: Granted the favor of your assent, we are off to report this to our young master. Joyous acceptance of happy marriage bond sure to delight him beyond the telling. (Coda): Gracious assent brings bliss to affirm by joyous feast

wang: hundred-year happy union, no product of mere chance.

ma, ge: We will tell our young master to hasten preparation of red-candle wedding banquet.

ENVOI:

wang: Open the peacock screen, set out hibiscus pillows

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ma, ge: here comes a handsome hero to enter the archers’ lists.

wang: All recognize the marital tie as Heaven-ordained

ma, ge: bustle of happy throng fills lodge and terrace.

scene 43 Parting in Life

bella: (Tune: Xinghua tian) From their lodge at Qin the phoenix scatter (VIII) clouds mask the serried peaks of Witch’s Mount. (V) No longer trusting last night’s pleasant dream its recollection brings grief to the heart. (She recites in verse): Today recalling glad days past time of love by time betrayed: limitless sorrows of this life glazed tile shatters, bright clouds fade. Master Shen and I exchanged secret marriage vows, but our plans have been frustrated. When my mother died my father grew concerned that there was no one to look after family affairs, and so he promised me in marriage to Master Shen. I thought perhaps it was true that Heaven above would not deny the hopes of mortals, but suddenly along came young Shuai demanding to marry me, and my father felt helpless in the face of such a powerful and important family and went back on his former word. How hateful to think of these things: (Tune: Xiao tao hong) Though the world’s myriad schemes must fail in the end what heart ever knew wounds deeper than mine? Old vows in doubt new griefs at hand where will the stream carry the fallen blossoms? Sighs for the two of us, parted from now on one east, one west no thought of wedded bliss only despair to bring this life to an end.

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(She sighs and recites in verse): Truly, as rain on plane tree fall the tears each heavy drop a separate grief; for tears of sorrow, a time to end for sorrowing bosom no relief. This is the cruel fate I must suffer, as night rain strikes plane tree beyond window’s gauze though every willow and peach is bride to the east wind. When I heard what Petal had to say the shock almost killed me. (Tune: Xia shah hu) Still night, water clock dripping to its end dawn drum, last stroke of bell scattering dreams of lovers’ paradise. As new passions strengthen new grievances arise: clandestine joy, fond adoration sigh now for all our past, wiped out in an instant. Stupid of Heaven to strip apart twin blossoms from one stem and lure a crow to mate with nesting phoenix! Heaven dim, earth god blind for me the mortal sorrow of a hateful marriage. I am preparing now to tell him what has happened—for him too the shock will be a huge one. (She takes a few steps and peeps in at Shen) Oh, he is still asleep.

shen chun (enters, still sleepy): (Tune: Jin jiao ye) Sound sleep by green gauze window— who peeps through silk-hung frame? (Sees Bella) So it’s Bella, my wife suddenly breaking through the flying clouds.

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(He takes her in his arms) I squeeze her waist, press close her fragrant body.

bella: There’s something you don’t know, Cousin Shen: yesterday I could be your wife, today I can’t! (She weeps)

shen: What are you saying? bella: Our marriage pact of former days is ruined.Young Shuai came asking for my hand, and my father felt helpless before such power and influence and promised me to him.

shen (startled): How can this be—your father has promised you to someone else, to Shuai? (Tune: Zhang tai liu) Oh, oh, cruel storms from a wicked Heaven mandarin ducks asunder, where will they ever meet again? So recently your father promised that we should marry, two surnames one and I prepared to be son-in-law, close as fish to water: why now from a flat plain does he raise a new Mount Hua thrusting us apart, one east, one west? (He weeps) Pearls of tears burst forth this very day we must part.

bella: Though my father has gone back on his word you must not blame him. (Same tune) Not the fickleness of my treacherous father but myself to blame, too passionate, too ill-fated. Never meant, you and I, for red brocade in spring sun as blossoms on the stream we must follow the eastward flow. No path to lead to Blue Bridge in this lifetime (XI) we shall strive for union in death though none in life. We must see in our affection for each other only the fading dream of an azalea branch. (VI)

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shen: It’s myself rather that have been dealt a meager fate. (Tune: Zui niangzi) Red Phoenix Star registered our match but Flower Star gave no support pact long agreed voided in an instant. Since times of old so many beauties and men of talent have found each other as partners fates as one, wills as one; it was only for you and me to suffer so many myriad pains of heartbreak and be meant in the end to find no mutual bliss.

bella: Vows we made in life frustrated, dying vows still remain. (Same tune) Meager fate in former life cruel fate in this life constant loneliness ever repining. I recall the little court east of the raspberry trellis our loving tenderness deep as ocean longing only for instant phoenix mating.

shen: Parting and reunion, joy and sorrow, all are decreed by Heaven. Now that young Shuai has sent to demand your hand the wedding day cannot be far away, and I should take my leave. Our union in this lifetime is at an end from this time forth; you must exert yourself to serve your new lord. But when you recall moonlight by window of west chamber, the deep flower shadows, our love as deep, our devotion sincere, at those times do not forget me! (He weeps) (Tune: Wu ban yi) Be swift to play and sing in gilded hall be swift to wear a smile in the spring breeze.

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Mine is the misery of poor Han Chong1 truly ill-fated our marriage doomed to failure. Old happiness remembered seems a dream now one of us goes west, one east. You must see the future brings no hope of chance encounter with young Xiao on the road:2 we must part as if forever in life and death.

bella (angrily): You, a man, a stalwart six-foot male, and can’t hold on to a mere woman! And now matters have reached this point you would hand her over to another man—how can you bear to do this? This body of mine is not to be shamed a second time. It was promised to you, and it belongs to you! (Same tune) How could I strum my lute on the Han’s east bank3

1. Han Chong’s clandestine betrothal to his beloved Ziyu, the princess Purple Jade, was negated by order of her father, King Fuchai of Wu; see scene 4, note 3. 2. “Young Xiao” was a name commonly applied to a lover in Tang poems, rather as “Young Lochinvar” was used in English. 3. Bella compares herself to the unhappy wife of Bai Juyi’s celebrated Ballad of the Lute (Pipa xing). The poet hears her playing on a boat moored near his own by the riverbank. As Arthur Waley describes the content of the poem: (Bai) knew by the touch that the player must have been trained at the Capital, and on making enquiries was told that she had once been a courtesan very well known for her lute-playing. When she lost her beauty and the young men no longer came galloping to her gate she married a tea-merchant and settled at Jiangzhou. Her husband, she said, was often away on business. . . . Bai was deeply moved both by the woman’s story and by the music. . . . “She made me for the first time realize that I was living as an exile.” . . . (At the poet’s request she plays again): “Everyone present wept bitterly. But who wept the most? The Marshal of Jiangzhou (the poet himself): his blue shirt was wet with tears.”

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how could I dance again in the misty willow groves! Call yourself a man your affections such a muddle when we have sworn deep love, sincere devotion how can you so casually let me go so easily accept failure! You must see when I reach the Yellow Springs in death I will still be yours though grievous hurt makes tears of blood spurt forth. (She gives herself over to bitter weeping, hiding her face with her sleeve)

shen (holds her close): How can you think what I said came from my inmost heart? It’s just that for now I can think of no way out: (Tune: Jiang tou song bie) Not my intent not my intent so lightly to dismiss our vows; I only fear this love of ours we must in the end let go. Better to thrust apart the phoenix pair to save both from lovesickness and bitter grief. (He sighs) Not to leave now, how could I bear to see (Tune: Jiang shenzi) with my own eyes these blossoms fall and bloom anew? And if I leave, how to bear prospect of endless wandering, drifting? Thinking back, I blame the Lord of Heaven better he had never joined our hearts at the start then today we should not be brought to bury our love this way.

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bella: Since you have not given up your love for me, I look to you to make some plan soon to save me.

shen: Now it has come to this, we must think carefully. (Tune: Yu wen) Thoughts of our pact, incense-sealed in garden shade

bella: no choice but to keep close company in death

shen, bella: how could red candles in bridal chamber burn for another? (Bella exits)

gatekeeper (hastens onstage as Shen prepares to exit): Letter from a hundred leagues, to greet the wanderer.Your visit has lasted for months, young sir, and your father has worried about you. Now he has developed a sickness that will not leave him, and he has sent me on purpose to bring you back home.You must come at once, if you please.

shen (pondering): What to do now? Because my sweet cousin is so sick at heart I feel I must stay. But this summons from my ailing father makes it impossible for me to delay any longer. And I have already announced my departure to my uncle.

wang wenrui (enters): A lash of fading sunlight hastens departure, eyes blurred by west wind deepen grief. Why do you make such haste to leave us, nephew?

shen: My father is sick and has summoned me to him; I must leave at once. Ever since I came here, Uncle, you have treated me as though I were your own son, and I am truly sad at heart to take leave of you now. (Bella reenters, and stands peering at Shen from behind Wang’s back) (Tune: Yi ying’er) For years past in your company I have received kindness deep as ocean. This day we part, reunion hard to foresee stream after stream, pass after mountain pass cloud after cloud above.

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(He catches sight of Bella, and each of them wipes away secret tears) In memory our old friendship seems a dream tearstains run deep blue sleeve soaked through back turned to hide from east wind.

wang: When you reach home I trust you will find your father recovered, and be able to visit us again. My daughter’s wedding will take place in the near future and I hope you will come to help manage our family affairs.

shen: My cousin’s wedding day will be very soon, and it will be some months before I can return to assist you. Also, the time approaches when I must take up my appointment, and it is hard to predict when we shall meet again in the future.

wang: My daughter will marry soon and the day of your return is uncertain: perhaps we shall not see each other again.You maids, ask the young mistress to come forward to say farewell to her cousin. (Bella hastens offstage, wiping away her tears)

smartie (enters): The young mistress is not feeling well and does not wish to come.

wang: She must make the effort. smartie (exits and reenters at once): The young mistress has been feeling unwell and is sleeping.

shen: Then I must take my leave. (Same tune) Copious tears at parting reunion hard to foresee.

wang: Your aunt has left us, and now you are going and my daughter to be married one day soon: only a lonely old age to look forward to. You will return home to serve your father and mother, “strong cedar, gentle lily” while here I sit daylong in empty hall.

scene 43: Parting in Life

wang, shen (weeping together): Sad at heart gazing into each other’s eyes against the east wind blue sleeves soaked knowing the heartbreak of wild goose flying. (Coda)

wang: No sorrow in life more bitter than parting

shen: so many times this journey made but today for me sorrow at parting inexpressible. ENVOI:

wang: Years of traveling these long roads

shen: in posting station sighing for home

wang: saddest of all this parting today

shen: could any onlooker understand?

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scene 44 Wedding Rehearsal

master shuai: (Tune: Lihua’er) Cheeks a-bloom, nattily dressed dashing groom as all admit. Check them off: three months to wait! Tchah— how can I last till the happy day? I’ve got myself betrothed to Bella for wife; the exchange of gifts is this month and the wedding in the tenth month. Reckon it up, that’s three whole months’ worth of days—how am I going to wait that long? I’ve sent for those two, Tertius Ma and Decimus Ge, get them to hurry things along a bit. How come the lazy hounds aren’t here yet?

tertius ma, decimus ge (enter): (Same tune) Rare skills are ours as go-betweens to lure the Moon Goddess down from the clouds when blossom time comes blooming red we get our share, never fear. (They greet Shuai)

shuai: I’ve been on fire and you two act like you’re on ice. Useless couple of layabouts: I told you the second the match was arranged I wanted her brought here for me to wed, how do you think I can last till the tenth month? I sent for you first thing this morning and this is the time you get here—disgusting! Infuriating!

ma, ge: Oh dear, when did you ever see anyone as desperate for a wife as this? Exchange of gifts this month, wedding in the tenth, the day selected by His Honor himself. When you get your wife we both get our share—if

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it were up to us, never mind today, you’d have had your hands on her days ago!

shuai: Huh, what do you mean, I get my wife, you get your share? ma, ge: There you go, jealous again. We’re not talking about sharing your wife’s what-d’you-call-it, it’s the go-betweens’ reward we’re after. (Tune: Yu feng huamei xu) Bright candles in bridal chamber light up romantic scene new bride, new groom hand in hand through tasseled curtains what so precious as this moment of spring! Splendid man and wife you’ll make one tightly clasping slender waist one lightly grasping jade-white body. Don’t forget then don’t forget your go-betweens remember the longings you had today!

shuai (makes a face): I’m burning for a wife and here you come and fan the flames! Let me ask you, a dashing elegant bridegroom like this, don’t you think the bride will be delighted? (Same tune) Beaming with joy hat a-gleam crisp new gown taking Bella to wife sleeping with her behind tasseled drapes— thrill of joy beyond compare just like butterfly entering blossom just like fish playing in stream! Try out the cherry apple’s new blooms— oh, there’s no end to romantic thoughts! But there’s one thing: before you can strike the bell, first smelt the bronze. Now that we’re nearing the time of the wedding it’s important to practice being the groom.Yesterday I sent for Lovey Ding to come and act

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the bride, so now that you two go-betweens are here too we can have a rehearsal of the ceremony. How come Lovey isn’t here by this time? Let’s see if she’s coming. (He looks out the door) Ah, here she is.

lovey ding (enters): (Tune: Tao liu zheng chun) Still in the act of dressing I hear the summons and hurry here: I wonder what he’s after? (She greets Shuai)

shuai: What took you so long, Lovey? lovey: Yesterday I had a friend wouldn’t leave me alone, so I was late getting up.

shuai: You had a friend wouldn’t leave you alone, I was by myself all night all shriveled and shrunk.

ma, ge: No more chitchat. The boss has got himself up as bridegroom; he wants you to act the bride for now in a wedding rehearsal, and if you’ll stay the night afterward he needn’t stay shrunk any longer.

lovey: When is His Honor getting married? ma, ge: Tenth month. lovey: Then it’s a bit early to be instructing the bridegroom. shuai: I’ve hardly been able to wait this long. ma, ge: Time for Your Honor to get dressed. (They dress Shuai in ceremonial hat and girdle) Lovey dress up too. (They dress her as bride) We dress up too. (They dress as masters of ceremony) Before you go through the kneeling rituals, if Lovey is going to instruct you as bridegroom you must kotow to her as your tutor. (Shuai kotows, and Ma and Ge sing out instructions)

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Bow to tutor, bow to tutor: so many girl pupils become brides, today the bride becomes tutor here! Teacher at school soft as cotton, teacher in the bedroom is the one to fear! Now that you’ve bowed to the tutor, you must retire to the rear hall and wait for us to call you forth. (They call three times for him before he comes out and takes his position) Your Honor is got up good and proper! (Tune: Pu deng e) Silver flowers stuck in your hair every inch the bridegroom. Now Your Honor goes up to the palanquin and helps the bride out. Before red candles and brocade screen bring the radiant beauty forth. (Shuai ushers Lovey forward to take up her position) Stand side by side. Let the bride take the east side, your honor. One east, one west sound gongs and drums. Now you kneel to the ancestors. (Shuai kneels; Ma and Ge call out) Bow to ancestors, bow to ancestors: bride stands still while bridegroom bows, henpecked husband trying to please. Kneel by day and kneel at night, down in the bed on both his knees. In the past bridegroom tutored bride; bride tutors groom in times like these!

shuai: What do you mean, bride tutors groom? ma, ge: Groom’s not used to it, bride’s an old hand, tonight you’ll find out by degrees! Now groom tugs red silk sash to lead bride into nuptial chamber. Now both have bowed to ancestors giggling for joy they haul red sash behind gauze curtains.

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What happens now isn’t for us to teach you; Lovey will have to explain it.

lovey: (Same tune) Wine cups emptied, enter the nuptial chamber. Your Honor will need to use a bit of subtlety here, don’t let your crude ways show. A hundred sorts of tenderness to invite her within the gold-’broidered drapes. Now’s the time,Your Honor, to undo her jeweled headdress remove her silken garments. If she’s willing, well and good, if not, down on the floor on both your knees!

shuai: Why should I do that? lovey: Tell me, who doesn’t go kneel to his missus these days? I’m sure you don’t need me to teach you that. When you lift her onto the bed expect a hundred coy displays of innocence.

ma, ge: Give us a few details of what happens next, Lovey. shuai: A real man has his own system for these things, he doesn’t need to have it all explained.

lovey: It’s just those cracked old jars you’re used to,Your Honor, a young bride isn’t going to be the same thing at all: (Same tune) Lean lightly against her jade-white body as your young bride will gently resist with spring-shoot fingers half bashful, half feigning to push you away you must show delicate sympathy forcing the tender bud

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disposing waist and limb she sweetly panting, softly moaning.

shuai (makes a face): Ai, you’re getting me all hot. ma, ge: We’re getting all hot too. shuai: Tchah, is this a time for you go-betweens to stick your noses in? lovey: What a time of romantic bliss sweeter than stepping on clouds in the heavens.

ma, ge: Right, end of instruction of groom, all that remains is to thank your tutor.

shuai: And it goes without saying, once I’m married you go-betweens too will get your reward. (Coda) I’ll keep in mind every last detail and when it’s time for boudoir felicitations then you’ll see tutor and go-betweens all rewarded.

ENVOI:

ma, ge: Tender the peaches, lush their leaves

shuai: a maid to be wed to make happy home.

lovey: Learn child-rearing, then get wed

all: a credit to family, a lesson to the nation.1

1. The third line of the envoi twists a maxim from the Confucian classic the Great Learning; the other three lines are derived from an epithalamium in the Book of Songs.

scene 45 Weeping on the Boat

smartie (enters and recites): There on her bed the beauty lies sick flesh grown haggard, bones grown weak like the last quarter of waning moon as dawn winds chase by Chu’s high peak. All the time I’ve been tending the young mistress I’ve been watching her spirits sink lower and lower, few happy moments, long spells of sadness. Now she is seriously ill, her lovely face all altered, her chaste beauty fading, seeming to moan in her sleep then waking dizzy and confused, truly a pitiful sight. But just as I’m telling you this, here’s Petal.

petal (enters and recites): Blossoms opening, falling as the seasons change all else passes from this world, only sorrow stays through the Three Gorges the endless surging tide never carried grief away, not since earliest days. Likely lad and loving maid fail to form a pair old man in the moon didn’t write it in his books (II); greatest beauty in the land, might destroy a city but alas, the wild wind was jealous of her looks. Through the ages Wangdi’s soul has wept its cuckoo tears (VI) When will it be called back to fulfill its span of years? Our young mistress, so talented, so beautiful, but most of all so passionate, no sooner set eyes on Master Shen than she placed her fate in his hands. Ever since her mother died I’ve been urging her father to complete the arrangements for their marriage, but who could foresee that the Shuai family would force themselves on her and His Honor would go back on his word? Grief over this has made the young mistress desperately ill, within an inch of her life by this time.

smartie: Hai, the young mistress so sick now, what is best to be done? petal: I’ve overheard the mistress talking in her sleep, all she wants is to see Master Shen again. I sent a secret note summoning him and he has already come back as close as the riverbank, but he doesn’t dare risk

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coming here and encountering His Honor. So we’ve arranged to secretly help the young mistress, sick as she is, down to Master Shen’s boat to see him.You keep watch in her chamber, Smartie, while I take her there. Hai, young mistress, in dreams you thread the willows in the cold dawn breeze . . .

smartie: life hangs like pear blossom in the spring’s last chill . . .

petal: you would turn your chaste spirit into solid rock . . .

smartie: but how will you make the climb up Lookout Hill?1 (They exit)

boatman (enters with Wife and recites): Waves run high on Wash-Brocade River here comes the boatman rowing his little skiff rocks one way, rocks the other, can’t control the oar like last night with Mother on the cabin floor!

wife: You cheeky! boatman: We’ve reached the bank.Young gentleman in the cabin there, come see if you can make out the Wang family estate.

shen chun (enters): (Tune: Meihua yin) Myriad dismal feelings, whom to tell them to? Sudden stabs of pain tears turn to blood. How many dawns and dusks returning up the stream soul a-tremble, starting up moment to moment but never a glimpse of the beloved face.

1. There is more than one Lookout Hill (Wangfushan or Watch-for-Husband Mountain) in China, named for some boulder at the top that is believed to resemble the figure of a standing woman, turned into stone as she watched for the return of her husband. In one version of this legend, a woman daily carried a basket of earth up to the summit so that the mountain gradually grew higher to permit her to see farther.

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(He recites in verse): Heartbeats like rain on autumn plantain limbs worn as blossoms at end of spring ceaseless love longings, endless sorrow fevers of homeless wandering. I was hastening homeward at the news of my father’s ill health when unexpectedly my sweet cousin’s sickness grew critical and Petal sent a secret message to summon me back. Not daring to inform my father, I hired a boat at dead of night, stealthily retraced my steps, and arranged a clandestine meeting with my cousin on board the boat. Truly, “autumn over Witch’s Mount, drizzling night rain, so different from western lodge, waiting for moon to rise.” (He exits)

bella (enters, sick and supported by Petal): (Tune: Qiu rui xiang) Lying a-swoon, bowels twisted by sadness I prop myself up, stupidly stare at nothing.

petal: How many more times to bloom and fade in the wind?

bella: My sickness drags on and deepens. (They recite in verse): New fevers thousandfold crease the brow spring’s glory past, the loved one hard to reach now.

petal: Night and morn rice bowl untouched fate forlorn.

bella: Dreaded lone wild goose crossing sky brings sorrow nigh. Almost a month now, Petal, since Master Shen left, and my sickness

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grows desperate. But you tell me he has been waiting close by for days now in the hope of seeing me again. My father has gone some distance out of the city today; you must help me go to Master Shen.

petal: Your strength so feeble, Miss, your body so frail, how will you be able to walk? (With her support, Bella takes a few slow steps) (Tune: Bu bu jiao) So frail, so little of skirt waist left to fold each stumbling step a hardship spirit timid and faltering spectral soul a flame that flares and dies. Oh Miss, I beg you end this grieving do not so lightly let your poor body perish.

bella: Ah Petal, surely you know what is in my heart: (Tune: Chen zui dong feng) Longing for him my fragrant flesh has wasted night and day passed in grievous sighing. Till the Xiang River runs dry rocks turn to ashes, mountains crumble how can this heartache cease?

bella, petal: Shared pillow a butterfly dream2 bloodstained tears there in the garden through life and death at Heaven’s will to perish together.

2. The common allusion to the Daoist classic Zhuangzi. The author dreamed he was a butterfly. On waking he realized that he would never again be certain whether he was Zhuang Zhou who dreamed he was a butterfly, or a butterfly now dreaming it was Zhuang Zhou.

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petal: There is Master Shen’s boat moored beneath that cliff. I’ll help you down, Miss, then go look out for your father.

shen chun (enters and supports Bella while Petal exits): How short a time since we parted, cousin, for your sickness to have reached this stage! (Tune: Hao jiejie) Not one full month of autumn since I left my loving cousin: how could you grow so gaunt so cruelly worn by sickness!

shen, bella: Frail waist hardly three folds of green skirt remain thinner than chrysanthemum stem.

bella: Oh Cousin Shen, no longer than a month since you and I parted, yet it seems more than an entire autumn. (She takes Shen’s hand and is shaken with grief) (Same tune) I sigh that one month’s parting seems years of separation. Life flickers as dying lamp flame that waits to perish in the wind.

bella, shen: Sharp the pain as all along the river red leaves fall yet redder the blood that rims our longing eyes.

bella: No sooner did you and I meet than I promised myself to you. Who could have foreseen this day when our dreams are at an end? (Tune: Sanyue haitang) Think back to the joy of our love

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meeting at night by raspberry trellis laughter and singing as in the lodge at Qin tune after tune on jade pipes. (VIII) Alas phoenix pact never recorded by the old one in the moonlight mandarin duck contract torn up by the Lord of Heaven. Bitterness high as mountain peak tears that will end when the waves end held apart as sun and moon, as stars in separate skies.

shen: It is my own cursed fate that has brought us to this, you must not blame yourself. (Same tune) Still no closure to debt from former life, bad karma in this blossoms open only to be shrouded in mist clouds hide the moon at the full. Sad, sad pretty face ever ill fated just as poor scholar doomed to fail. Cast aside all prospect of romance the years of youth thrown away.

bella: (Tune: Tete ling) All for nought, our vows beneath the stars burned in vain the incense before the gods. Fair dawn, foul dusk a thousand grinding ills unbearable ennui: broken marriage pact and soul’s memorial tablet meet in sharp collision.

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shen: (Tune: Wu gong yang fan) Broken the marital mirror3 loosened the lovers’ knot when to be retied?

bella: Ill-fated young Wenjun (IX) not for her to ride in perfumed carriage. (She takes out the severed length of sleeve) I am grateful for your deep affection. Thinking back now, shall we ever know such a time again? I give back this perfumed fragment of your green sleeve token of romance forbidden to this life. This meeting today must be our eternal farewell. It is meant that you must leave but how can I bear this parting?

bella, shen: True it is, face lovely as a flower fate like a single leaf.

shen: How could I not be aware that your love for me is firm as the hills? But under the compulsion of your father’s dictates, all you can do is submit now to marriage to another.

bella: Do not speak of this again, Cousin Shen. (Same tune) An evil marriage fate

3. The broken mirror as symbol of marital separation originates in stories of husband and wife on the eve of departure from each other breaking a (metal) mirror, each to keep half as pledge.

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no way for you and me to share in life one room in death one tomb. But how can one steed be doubly saddled a single wheel describe two ruts? I shall keep the three chastities and seven loyalties committing this life to fulfillment of past life’s karma. That time when you and I sat together hugging the stove, I told you that if our love proved hopeless I would recompense you with my death. If today I cannot die in your company how can I let you go?

bella, shen: Remember the pear blossom tossed with a smile the time we sat hugging the stove. (Tune: Yu jiao zhi) The time we sat hugging the stove framing our pact before the blossoms.

shen: A pact there was, but do not speak of it. bella: How could I forget our pact even if I wanted to? I pledged my youth to you alone what hurt should I feel in death? There is just one thing: your future career holds endless promise; you must choose a worthy partner. I dare not hope to share in your fame and fortune. But you have only a frail constitution and have often been subject to ill health: How will your weak body withstand a thousand trials? I am afraid I have done you harm, imperiled those future nights of spring within brocade curtains.

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bella, shen: How to suppress these feelings? How to be at ease in the Yellow Springs?

shen (in tears): With your own health in such danger, cousin, still you are so solicitous of mine. Thoughts of this kind I long ago committed to Heaven’s will. (Same tune) I moan for sorrow each word you utter brings pain. Those times we knew all cast aside it is cruel of the Lord of Heaven cruel to torment us so. From this time forward I banish the words “wealth” and “honor” from my considerations: fame and success, idle as snow in spring sun. And speak no more either of such a thing as marriage, thought of predestined bride more faint than moon at daybreak.

shen, bella: To whom to lament these innermost longings? When will there come an end to these regrets?

petal (reenters): “They meet, and every word brings tears, enough to make the gibbon howl.” Miss, sir, please don’t stay here weeping, His Honor is on his way home and you must leave each other now.

shen: Petal, you well know the deep affection between your mistress and myself. This meeting today must be our eternal farewell, but how can we bear to part?

petal: Success or failure of marriage hopes is as unpredictable as a turning wheel. How can you be sure you will not meet again in the future? All Miss must do is look well after herself so that she can recover her health.

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bella: Say nothing of a broken pact that will prevent our future meeting. Even should a meeting be possible, my sickness is so desperate I do not think I can hold on for long. (Tune: Jiang’er shui) Talk of those old days slices my heart inch by inch. From this time on don’t think to imitate the old poet Yu Liang serenading the pear blossom watching the moon rise over South Lodge, don’t think to inscribe your message of love to float on leaf through palace drain: (XIII) we are fated to spot the Xiang River bamboos with our own bloodstained tears. (VII) I’ll sleep alone through the long night of death for who who will come to warm with sympathy the chill of a weed-grown tomb? (With a great sob she swoons against Shen’s breast)

shen (loudly calling): Cousin, cousin, come back to us! (Tune: Dou ye huang) See the incense melted, jade worn down her body drained by sickness. Don’t think to meet again in this world don’t think to meet again in this world to scoop up the moon reflected in the wave to grasp the image from the mirror’s face oh, oh, the ever-turning pain. From now on from now on my will is spent, my love despairing the tearstains on this shirt sleeve layered thousand, ten thousandfold.

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petal (weeping): Who could see this without grieving! (Tune: Yuan lin hao) Moan after moan of pain, of hurt stain after stain: of tears? Of blood? (Bella revives)

bella, shen: How to believe the cruel fate, the ill karma that tortures us like this that grinds us to destruction!

boatman (enters with Wife): There’s a favorable wind just now, sir, a good time for setting off back.

petal: His Honor will be here soon, Miss, you must hurry ashore. bella (clutches at Shen’s sleeve): So many times in the past we have parted in tears, but this must be our farewell forever! (Tune: Chuan bo zhao) This parting today of the living cuts deeper than parting in death. Now that you must leave me, I want you soon to find a fair bride, do not let our few years of romance secret romance among the flowers and willows rob you of a lifetime of love a lifetime of moonlit nights ‘mid incense and brocade.

bella, shen: Each syllable slicing the heart inch by inch word after word myriad folded sorrows.

shen: Sweet cousin, if truly you are doomed to die on my account, then there is no way I can bear to live on alone.

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(Same tune) This “jewel in the palm”4 tied so close to my heart never did I dream we must part for a thousand ages. Vowing to share with you both life and death vowing to share with you both life and death how could I seek new happiness new happiness with another?

shen, bella: Each syllable slicing the heart inch by inch word after word myriad folded sorrows.

bella: This life is over for us—but shall we be permitted to meet again in our next life? (Same tune) Parting today in life as if in death blossoms never to open again, moon forever occluded not for one brief moment not for a moment can we be husband and wife no more than an idle tale for the life to come.

bella, shen: Each syllable slicing the heart inch by inch word after word myriad folded sorrows.

petal: A thousand partings or ten thousand partings, part you must: His Honor is back, make haste and hurry ashore!

bella (clinging in tears to Shen as Petal tries to drag her away):

4. Phrase commonly used by parents to refer to a beloved daughter.

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(Tune: Ku xiangsi) Parting how bitter, how cruel never to meet again unless in dream! (She exits leaning on Petal’s arm)

shen (weeps as he watches them go): Ai, she is gone. Finished, all finished. In the Nine Songs are the lines no joy greater than first meeting with true friend no greater sorrow than parting for all of life. Long ago, in the moonlight by the west window, my cousin and I exchanged vows before Heaven—how could we know that this would be the upshot of it all? I would linger on a few days more to see whether my cousin is recovering from her sickness, but dare not for fear of discovery by her father; nothing for it but to hasten back downriver. (Boatman and Wife mime rowing out from the bank) See the boatman ply his oar, the weed-strewn waves curl in the wind, the cormorant-painted prow shoot forward. The wild swan disappears from sight, strain the eyes as you may, hills and streams without end. How to withstand this depth of pain? (Coda) Boat homeward bound, eyes fill with grievous pain somewhere a cry of wild swan leaving— or is it my beloved the sound of her bitter weeping still in my ears? ENVOI:

shen: Ailing beloved borne to riverbank

boatman: waves of the Wei River choke and will not flow.5

5. The name of the Wei River occurs in a famous song of parting and is used figuratively here.

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wife: One call, one echo, one breaking heart

all: the gibbons’ wailing deepens sorrow.

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scene 46 Petal Questioned

wang wenrui: (Tune: Shuang quan jiu) Spoiled young lady dead set against engagement: can’t think what’s in her mind to act so foolishly. Must ferret out what’s behind this to set my mind at rest. “Fail to take good care of things and you’ll find yourself full of care.” I promised my daughter to the Shuai family and the wedding day is drawing near, but here she is resisting to the death; comes with hair all mussed and face unwashed, pleading to break the engagement. I can’t think what she’s up to. I suspect Petal must know all about it, so let me call her in and question her. Petal!

petal (enters): (Same tune) My beautiful young mistress sick grown all thin and haggard. Try a hundred ways to console her she only sinks deeper in mute despair: that young scholar will have to return before this illness can be cured. (She greets Wang)

wang: How does your young mistress’s sickness progress? petal: Bad as can be. wang: Let me ask you, now that your mistress is grown to womanhood, surely she must want a husband? I’ve promised her to Shuai, but she insists she wants to break the engagement. What’s her reason for this?

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petal: For my young mistress (Tune: Huaqiao’er) her one heart’s desire is betrothal to a young scholar to share the light of his dim lamp to serve him with respect “raising the tray to the level of her brow.”1 Those scions of rich and noble houses— who knows what sort they are? Few can be wise and good most of them stupid and wild: better to sleep alone all your life than breathe their foul atmosphere.

wang: So that’s it. She doesn’t realize the extent of the Shuai family’s wealth and eminence, or that Master Shuai is in line to inherit all its honors. Furthermore, he is a thoroughly upstanding and superior young man, quite unlike the common run.You tell all this to your mistress, make her stop worrying and compose herself in readiness for the day of her wedding. (Same tune) Noble house of wealth and eminence young and handsome as well soon to set black silk hat on his head jeweled belt at his waist. When your mistress enters his family she will be addressed as “Madam” and “My Lady,” honored with rose cape and headdress of gold splendid beyond all compare a very different matter than a

1. As did the paragon of feminine humility, the wife of Liang Hong of Han times, who knelt to serve his food and would not presume to look up to meet his gaze.

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sour-breathed son-in-law and poor scholar’s partner porridge-wife eating husks in a stink of pickles and leeks.

petal: I understand. wang: Take Master Shuai’s portrait to show her and it will be sure to please her. And tell her ENVOI: Marriage was ever predetermined what point in grieving or worrying then?

petal: If dry vine clings to jade peach tree

petal, wang: calm down and let things take their course!

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bella (enters, sick and supported by Petal): (Tune: Haitang chun) Ailing spirit forever poised to flee winning no word of pity tearstains dry, dark with blood weeping till death in empty room. (She recites in verse): Not for frail health succumbing to autumn chill but for love’s sorrow and the tears that flow: others seek life but life is not for me I now seek death, but death comes dragging slow.

petal: What can be in your mind, Miss? All His Honor wants is for you to get over your sickness and fulfill your marriage plans—why is dying the only thing you can talk about?

bella: Others cannot know what I have at heart, but how could I keep it from you? But tell me, what did my father say when he called you just now?

petal: He said that marriage is Heaven-ordained and you should not be stubborn and waste your life for nothing. Master Shuai is ready to take you to wife at once, and so will you please compose yourself in readiness for the wedding day.

bella (enraged): Don’t ever speak of Shuai again! As soon as you mention him I want to slash my throat and kill myself. (She seizes a knife to do this, but Petal takes it from her)

petal: Oh Miss, why be like this? bella (with a sigh): I gave my word long ago: (Tune: Ji xian bin) The oath I swore reverberates in my ear

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how could I forget it for a second? I am bound now to pine to death for him.

petal: What’s so great about dying? Even in death you’ll surely be filled with regret.

bella: There is no sighing in my heart I shall die with no regrets: a swift return to the infernal springs one way or another fulfills my heart’s desire.

petal: You have been educated and know the Rites, Miss; surely you have learned that a maiden before her marriage must obey the dictates of her father. Such stubborn resistance as you maintain now, how can this be termed filial obedience?

bella: There’s something you don’t realize, Petal. When I first met Master Shen, even though I had not received my father’s instructions I reflected on how important a matter was marriage, and how many fair maidens had been linked to spouses of little worth and had spent their lives in misery. Rather than feel remorse after the fact, why not choose my fate from the start? And so at that time the two of us determined on marriage, and my father gave us word of his consent. But now of a sudden he has promised me to another man; the fault for this betrayal lies with him and not with myself. There was once a daughter of the Xun family who cut off her hair and disfigured her face in resistance to the order to marry, but later generations did not call this unfilial. How can I now be forced to follow my father’s dictates and thereby break my first vow?

petal: When you first met Master Shen you were just enamored of his talent and handsome looks. This Shuai family is one of the wealthiest and most eminent in the land, and Master Shuai himself is a thoroughly upstanding and superior person, perhaps even more than Master Shen. I’ve been told he hungers for you even more than for food and drink, never thinks about anything else. If you switch to the Shuai family then there’ll be neither breach of promise for your family nor disappointment for theirs; won’t that be a gain for both sides?

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(Same tune) Surely there were many beauties in the past who needed only to wed a husband to find their hearts’ content. His Honor has given me a portrait of Master Shuai for you to see, Miss, just look: shows him a gallant young man, rich and distinguished elegant as Song Yu of old handsomer than Pan An himself every bit as good as that other charmer. Oh Miss, don’t do this don’t let your flowerlike face jade-smooth limbs perish for nought!

bella (pushes the portrait aside without looking at it): What is it to me however handsome he is? (Same tune) Who has there ever been who loved like this in life, in death never ceasing? Let him be gallant and noble as he may how could I cast aside my lover and follow another man? How be so inconstant in my marrying faithfulness of mandarin ducks turned topsy-turvy!

petal: I think the reason you refuse to obey your father’s orders is that you once made a pact with Master Shen. But I’ve been told that now Master Shen is on his way home they are already proposing his marriage into an eminent family. It will do you no good to stay faithful to him. (Tune: Huang ying’er) Only a beauty “fit for golden chamber”

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taken now as bride will content his heart: already he has forgotten what is past. Oh Miss, such shrunken limbs such chill and lonely tears wasting your life away grieving for him! If you don’t believe me, he has sent back the perfumed sachet you gave him, with the broken bracelet and hair ornament attached. (She produces these) Think what it means: this broken hair ornament nothing but a bill of divorce!

bella (examines them and weeps): I’ve belonged to Master Shen for so many years; do you think I don’t understand what is in his mind? He has heard that I am desperately sick and knows there must be some cause for this, and so he has sent these to release me from our pact. (Same tune) Close for so long a time his heart my thoughts as one in sympathetic understanding. He in my thoughts each morn, each eve and I in his wherever he might be surely both now destined to die of grief. Two loving vows that night beneath the moon offered together before the Sea God’s shrine.

petal: Despite the pact you made long ago, now that Master Shen has learned of your new betrothal he can only seek a wife elsewhere. And

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because of this you yourself must accept another man. Neither of you is betraying the other, Miss, in your secret heart—please think of this and reconsider.

bella (with a sigh): What is the use of repeating all this! (Tune: Cu yu lin) Though I am but a young girl wayward as water by nature yet how could I imitate willow or peach brides to the east wind’s blowing or act with such inconstancy to sell smiles in the brothel’s doorway? Let alone that Master Shen is not that kind of person alas for me even should his heart have changed still I should long to be his.

petal: The ancients said it well: “If he’s proved unfaithful, I can change my mind too”—you mustn’t be so headstrong, Miss, and sacrifice your own life to no purpose.

bella (takes out the sachet and examines it closely, then throws it aside): I have always known that Master Shen would never betray me. Having behaved improperly on first coming to know him, should I now change heart and go to another man, this would be the height of wantonness. I lacked control in the beginning, and now I must follow through to the end. (She gives a long sigh) Because you are so deeply concerned for me, Petal, I must beg you to say no more. Truly I do not begrudge dying to recompense Master Shen’s love. (She weeps) (Same tune) I am no “girl washing silk” yet for chastity’s sake like the faithful concubine Green Pearl I would leap from a tower or like Spring Swallow

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stain with my youthful tears the poplar pillar: all these, I think, knew the same pains of love.1 The words of our old pact till Heaven fades and earth grows old unchanged since those hours hugging the stove.

petal (sighs): But Miss, even if Master Shen hasn’t found another wife already, if anything should happen to you, do you really think he would stay single all his life? And then what a bitter cup you’d have to drink there in your weed-grown tomb, down below in the Yellow Springs, while he’d be taking his pleasure feasting on his Jasper Terrace—and too late then for regret! (Tune: Huangying xue huamei) To see your life-spirit delicate as a thread rain driving the fading blossoms tossed by the wind east and west swirling, never resting! You cling to your sorrow— who knows what joy is his? And should the worst come to pass (She weeps) Who’ll pity your lone shade in the chill of the Yellow Springs?

bella: Don’t distress yourself so,

1. When the ancient hero Wu Zixu came to a river in his flight from his enemies, he begged food from a girl washing silk. After serving him she drowned herself; tales of the event give various explanations for her act, such as her wish to reassure Wu that she would not betray his whereabouts or her remorse because by seeking her silence Wu had not shown greater trust in her. The purported reason most relevant here, however, is her sense of shame, as an unmarried girl, at having had dealings with a strange man. Green Pearl was a concubine who committed suicide rather than submit to the man who had killed her husband; Spring Swallow is the subject of a ballad by the great Tang poet Bai Juyi.

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sorrowing— I shall die gladly, constant to one never to imitate wanton flower on wayward branch!

petal: Since you were so determined to sustain your vow, why didn’t you tell His Honor how things were when he first promised you to Shuai?

bella (sighs): From that day forward there was only death for me, I gave up thoughts of love forever. My father had broken his word; whatever I said, he would never listen. And my clandestine meetings with Master Shen— how could I speak of these before my father! (Tune: Huangying chuan zaopao) Illicit love between man and maid— how could I for very shame confess such a thing to my father!

petal: If you didn’t tell him right at the beginning it’s too late now. Oh Miss, how hard regret must come if you die now!

bella: I have no regrets now. I have written two poems, which are under my pillow; you may show your love for me by sending them to Master Shen when I am dead.

petal (in tears): You can talk of nothing but dying, Miss! I don’t believe you have taken either food or drink for days now, and all the color and sparkle you used to have, I don’t know where they can have gone. All that remains is two rows of tearstains like palest rouge, and a body worn to skin and bone like sticks of ice-cold jade. It’s pitiful, pitiful! When did half a spoonful of rice half a cup of tea ever pass your lips these last few mornings!

bella (sighs): Scattering tears like wind-driven rain feeble body blowing willow floss

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saddest of cuckoo cries cannot call back (She sobs) cannot call back my spirit now departing! (VI) (She faints away)

petal: Oh Miss, Miss! Oh, it’s happened,Your Honor, come quickly, quickly! wang wenrui (enters): (Tune: Huangying dai yifeng) My two eyes drained of tears I hear the summons my daughter’s life in crisis. Oh child, child, again and again I cry, but there’s no stir of breath.

petal (calls her): Miss, oh Miss! petal, wang: Call after call in our sorrow but you lie swooning, unaware.

wang: It is over, nothing more to say, it’s I have destroyed your youth, to my bitter regret. To see her brows drawn in pain tears drying to dust eyes wide open—accusing whom?

petal: Miss has taken neither food nor drink for days now, and so she has fainted away. If we can get some warm water into her perhaps that might bring her around. (They put a cup to Bella’s lips and she comes around)

bella: Aiyo, my father, your child begs forgiveness. wang: Don’t say such things, child, just hold on now! bella (sighs): It is over, Father, your daughter has . . . (Tune: Shan po-li yang) here in your own house, Father, I have failed you.

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Let me die now and go to serve my mother: my only wish to be with her, to care for each other forever.

petal: If you will only get better, Miss, your father is bound to let you have all your heart desires.

bella: Don’t speak of this anymore. I have nothing to demand from you, Petal, except first, my father will be left all alone and you must take good care of him, and second . . . (She falls silent)

petal: Why do you stop, Miss? bella (lowers her voice): You must never never mention to others what I did. I choke back the words in my heart’s depth that only Heaven shall know and earth shall hear; when I am dead let purple grasses clothe my tomb a thousand years while I, changed to a springtime silkworm spit out new threads to the moment of my death.

bella, petal, wang: Let tears like specks of blood spot green bamboos on great Shun’s burial hill (VII) and the breeze bear this frail wandering spirit to the Chaste Wife’s shrine on Lookout Mountain.2

2. Multiple allusions here: the late-Tang poet Li Shangyin has an image of the silkworm, spinning out its threads until the very moment of death; in the same way the poet’s work involves endless and involuntary sacrifice. Bella seems to be suggesting that her efforts to keep silent about her love must result after death in the transformation and magical manifestation of the words she has left so long unspoken. Bamboos speckled with spots that originated as the mourning tears of the consorts of the legendary emperor Shun figured in the aria “Jiang’er shui” in scene 45; Lookout Hill appeared in the same scene in the early exchange of rhymed verses between Petal and Smartie.

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wang: Child, if you will only recover your health, I will break off the contract with the Shuai family.

bella (sighs): Please never mention the name Shuai again, Father. (Same tune) The marriage paper you speak of is my funeral spirit-money; the family you name is my sworn foe in this life. Never, never, never never mention again my heart’s desire to speed me ever faster to die of sorrow. Death, death, death a thousand, myriad deaths, but death must come what better than to speak my farewells today!

bella, petal, wang: Let tears like specks of blood spot green bamboos on great Shun’s burial hill and the breeze bear this frail wandering spirit to the Chaste Wife’s shrine on Lookout Mountain.

wang: Child, you must hold on to your life! bella: Help me to the main hall, Father. wang: I’ll help you, child. (Wang and Petal support Bella between them)

bella: (Coda) Truly west wind has borne away the tears that drenched my eyes all that is left in my heart is ashes (She gives a long sigh) that surely in death will fly as rain to shower on the Terrace of Love! (All exit, then Wang and Petal reenter, weeping)

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wang: Oh, pitiful, pitiful, the worst has happened and she is dead. Now we must send word to the Shuai family informing them of this and breaking off the marriage contract, while at the same time we convey the sad news to the Shen family. Ai, child, child, what bitter grief you have caused me!

ENVOI: Pink-blooming maiden to the Yellow Springs

petal: white-haired age destroyed by weeping.

wang, petal: Bystanders who learn of this all must join us with flowing tears.

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shen chun (enters, melancholy): (Tune: Po Qi zhen) One or two drooping plantain leaves room empty, curtains cold, soul forsaken sad wild goose at sky’s edge wintry crickets in the grass rain on dark gusts of wind. No flicker of flame from darkened lamp brow pale and graying as death approaches: has she reached there, she of my dreams? Heaven of Lovers’ Parting, farthest of all but today I climb to a level higher still; my soul gone wandering, nowhere to be found loneliness grows at sight of lamp grown chill. Since I parted from my sweet cousin and returned home I have soaked my pillow with ceaseless tears, stained the sleeves of my gown with blood from my eyes. The day of her wedding is close at hand, but I do not know whether she still lives or is dead. In my imaginings I wonder how even with the blue sky for writing paper, Mount Omei for ink stick, the Three Gorges of the Yangzi to wet my inkstone, and tall bamboo from the River Xiang for the stem of my writing brush (VII)—even with all these, how could I find a way to express the bitterness that fills me? (Tune: Shuazi dai furong) Sudden recall of those days among the flowers, beneath the moon when we found our joy together vowing never in this life should paired phoenix fly apart on lonely wing. Now I sigh

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for so many sad times of separation for failure in the end to grow together two trees with branches intertwined. I gaze where green plane trees pierce the evening clouds and a single wild goose croaks from Chu’s broad sky. If my cousin is indeed to die on my account, then I can do nothing but follow her example. (Tune: Pu tian le) I moored my boat and we wept there on the river weeping that sliced our two hearts inch by inch. A place of grief the sky grew dark the river mists thickened and from the sobbing of the waves the very fish darted off. Is there another in the world with pain like mine? When you in your youth and beauty choose the path to Hades how could I bear to paint a new wife’s eyebrows? I recall our words as we sat hugging the stove our vow to be together through life and death!

shen lun (enters and recites in verse): Demon of sickness, demon of grief which of these brings greater woes? Sickness more serious than grief yet grief through sickness deeper grows! My brother has always been something of a gallant, elegant and self-assured. But for years now, on each visit to our uncle’s home, he has set out with his face wreathed in smiles and come back in low spirits, all pleasure fled. This has been even more acute the last few days; he sits in his room like the man in the old tale writing characters in the air with his finger, nothing but the words “Oh, oh!” as if he were talking to someone— and what has brought this about I have no idea. I must go now and see how he is. (He comes upon Shen Chun, who sits there with a vacant expression and pays no attention to him) Why are you sitting here moping like this, brother?

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shen chun (startled, jumps up): My sickness has left me a little confused, please excuse me.

shen lun: (Tune: Wei fan xu) Sighing here all by yourself— why so distressed so bereft of sense? If I’m to make a guess, must be some singing girl you knew, some Tiny Su whose painted carriage you can’t get out of your mind. Don’t lose your way: a man of your gifts, toast of the palace a “striped tiger” of the Orchid Terrace will find no lack of jade-smooth partner to cuddle ‘neath the bridal curtains— take care you don’t risk your precious health wandering among the wanton blossoms!

shen chun (sighs): (Same tune) Wanting to speak but hesitant . . .

shen lun: Don’t be so hesitant, tell me all about it; perhaps I can help.

shen chun: There is someone I love and long for.

shen lun: Who is it? shen chun: This “beauty in chamber of gold” has promised we shall be bound in marriage. But oh, oh such bliss is not for us in this life some former existence destined us

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to be wrenched apart for no good reason till eyes run dry with weeping.

gatekeeper (enters): “Pitiful the parting cup, bitterest of all the eternal farewell.” (To Shen Chun) Sad news, our young mistress is dead. I have His Honor’s letter here.

shen chun (startled): My cousin is dead? Oh Heaven, the bitter pain! (He tears open the letter) Ai, Petal has put in two farewell poems from my cousin; as I read them, my breast is rent in a thousand pieces, my bowels sliced inch by inch! Oh Heaven, Heaven! Time now for Shen Chun to die! (He falls in a swoon)

shen lun (raises him): Come around, brother! shen chun (slowly revives): Ah Heaven! Oh cousin, how miserable your fate to come to this! (Tune: Xiang liu niang) Recalling how by chance recalling how by chance we met among the flowers sat hugging the stove, poured out our inmost thoughts and now you are dead now you are dead your soul flown to Chu’s most distant skies: can I see you even in dream? The pain, to be barred forever to be barred from this time forward our paths lost in the clouds red thread severed, never to be joined again.

shen lun: Do not grieve so, brother. shen chun: (Same tune) Sorrow for the lodge at Qin, silent now sorrow for the lodge at Qin, silent now gone the listener to fairy pipes who shall dance with lone phoenix under the moon? (VIII)

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To read the sadness in these verses to read the sadness in these verses as she moistened her brush by the ancestral hall makes me shout my grief to Heaven above. Our road to reunion blocked road to reunion blocked gladly I go to the Nine Springs to be by her side again.

shen lun: Ah, brother, how can you say such ill-omened things? Isn’t it true that what has been severed cannot be joined again, what has died cannot come back to life? Furthermore, Bella was your maternal cousin; two attempts to propose marriage failed to secure a lifelong contract: how could such excessive grieving be other than an offense against what is proper? You are an educated man familiar with the Rites, it is essential for you to control yourself to protect your health. I shall go inform our parents; then all we can do is prepare funeral items for the gatekeeper to take back with him. (He exits with Gatekeeper)

shen chun: Hai, brother, how can you understand the power of the love, the strength of the loyalty between Bella and myself, never to fail though a hundred ages pass? Now that she is dead on my account, how can I bear to live on alone? I shall leave behind a poem of farewell to my parents and my brother, then my only course can be to strangle myself and follow my love into the shades below. (With tear-filled eyes he writes and recites a poem to his parents) Live long as Old Dou, hoary as cedar and Mother Cai, venerable crane: I die before you, debts unpaid for care and nurture and loving pain. (And one to his brother) Two brilliant young phoenix thought to soar high among fortune’s sunlit clouds; today the wild geese fly apart one a lone shadow the cold mist shrouds.

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(Throws down the brush; in a voice full of grief ) Father, mother, brother, it is not that I am careless of your goodness to me and willing to leave your side prematurely. But since time began no true hero or man of honor has ever begrudged sacrificing his life to keep his solemn vow. My cousin and I vowed on oath that though born in different hours we would die on the same day. She awaits me now in the Nine Springs below, and Heaven would never countenance my betraying our pact. She once gave me an embroidered silk kerchief as an earnest of the time when golden lotus candles would burn and the silver lamps shine bright, when together we should take in hand the red sash of marriage and fasten emerald girdles over skirts of rare brocade. Never did I imagine that today I would use this kerchief to strangle myself, that it would become a summons to my soul, a banner for my funeral. Ah Heaven, Heaven, is this not pitiful? (He starts to strangle himself)

shen qing, madam shen, shen lun (rush in, see him, and go to his rescue): (Tune: Jiang’er shui) Terror terror to fright the heart to set the body trembling! Tight drawn the perfumed silk about his throat panic keeps hand and foot from helping! (They untie the kerchief and cry out “Son! Son!” and “Brother! Brother!”) We call, no response—what can we do? (Shen Chun gasps for breath and cries “Aiyo! Aiyo!”) Listen—a rattle in his throat breath cut off, but still a low groan he gasps and moans snatching some slender thread of life.

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Child, brother, come around, come around.

shen chun (in a hoarse whisper): (Tune: Ku xiangsi) Hastening down the path to follow her— who calls me back from the road to the Springs?

shen qing, madam shen: Oh child, your father and mother are here, what has brought you to this desperate act?

shen chun (sighs): My respects to you, my parents, hear what I have to say: for the maintenance of our ancestral traditions, the increase of our family greatness, it is sufficient that my brother is at hand. Unfilial, I cannot continue to serve you. I can only ask that you put out of your mind your tender love for me and avoid excessive sorrow on my account, so that my eyes may close peacefully in death. (He grieves deeply) (Tune: Erlang shen) Hear my plea do not distress yourselves, my parents, over me. As for my brother, his feet are already set above the clouds his honored rank, his phoenix and dragon seals will bring new glory to our house while I, unfilial son my life wasted, gone for nought in mid-career must leave my parents’ side.

shen qing, madam shen: Oh son, do not say these things. Our only wish is that you will rest now, take care of your health, to be our comfort as we advance to white-haired age.

shen chun: I fear there can be no hope of my recovery. Brother, with the aging of our parents and my own premature death you must serve them diligently, for they have only you to rely on. Look well to their needs our white-haired parents in the evening of their day as sun’s last rays touch mulberry and elm.

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shen lun: Brother, how can you be so wrong-headed? The man of worth exerts his will to the four corners of the world—how could he be content to die at the hands of a girl? You have achieved distinction at an early age, the bright clouds are beneath your feet, what is this trivial infatuation for a mere female? Think of the number of beautiful women in this world—and yet for the sake of just this one you would betray the hopes of our parents and sacrifice the six-foot body they bequeathed you! I submit, brother, this is not worthy of you. (Same tune) I sigh for you academician of renown habitué of the palace, the orchid halls: is there no powdered daughter of minister or prince flowerlike cheeks smooth as white jade to share your song of courtship? And must you now sacrifice your precious youth? Look, please, at your father and your mother aging, infirm, their tears run dry for you. If in fact you do not recover but grieve your white-haired parents with such pain how will it be?

shen qing: Every word your brother says makes sense, my son, give up this obstinacy at once!

madam shen: Do you think there won’t be a fine wife for you, son, now you’re an official? To throw your life away just because a marriage proposal miscarried, what a senseless folly!

shen chun: How could I fail to understand what my parents are saying? But I have reached the point now where I could not decide for myself even if I wished to. I can only ask you, my father and mother both, not to harm the living for the sake of the dead but to let your son repay in the next life the boundless loving care you have bestowed on him in this. (Tune: Er ying’er) Words come hard

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my body in this place my soul already flown. I recall that time long ago a pact for life and death written by moonlight known to the spirits, not to be forsworn. (He weeps) Oh my parents, my brother, I cannot do as you say. No tear is left to fall no shred of breath will come the sooner I die the better to join her where she is.

shen qing, madam shen: Do not talk like this anymore, son. shen chun (stares wide-eyed): To snatch another moment of time is only to breathe more sighs! (He closes his eyes and faints away)

shen qing, madam shen (weeping): Oh son, son! We shall die, we shall die of grief! (Tune: Er xian bin) Hearing these words a rain of tears, not to be wiped dry. As we grew old we looked to you to see us off at the end aware that father and son cannot long accompany each other in white-haired age but now you take your leave so young the phoenix pair must mourn their chick!

madam shen (with tears of rage): It is my brother who is at fault in all this! Twice over he repudiated the marriage pact

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himself the cause of his young daughter’s death and traitor to another’s son.

shen qing, madam shen: Bitter the pain ah Heaven, why does Heaven gouge the flesh from our very hearts?

shen lun (tries to raise Shen Chun to his feet): Hold on, brother, how can you die like this with your parents at hand, how can you let yourself go? (Same tune) Hastening to wipe cold sweat that pours like rain from his temples limp and sprawling his poor worn body cannot be raised. See, brows drawn tight no thread of breath: all for this maid, his cousin a man of learning lost for nought.

shen qing, madam shen, shen lun: Bitter the pain ah Heaven, why does Heaven gouge the flesh from our very hearts? (They abandon themselves to loud wailing)

shen chun (struggles to regain his senses and is propped up by them all): Father, mother, brother, it is no use for you to cry out, I can live no longer. (Coda) Not my lot in this life to remain with you my soul already soars high to the Jasper Terrace. (He sighs) I have lived to my twenty-fourth year only to become a fragment of three incarnations’ dreaming.

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ENVOI: Cruel it is to part for all of life but parting in death a greater sorrow still. Green grass where tears spot wintry pool through ages to come, the water specked with blood.

scene 49 United in the Tomb

petal (enters and recites): River Ba flows east west rise hills of Shu a thousand ages past each to each lost from view. Oh, oh, how pitiful, what pain! Seems to me when people have daughters, or sons either, it’s best for them to be stupid and ignorant, for then they can live long lives free of calamities and end up as respected elders. But take my young mistress, so full of wit and passion, and yet it’s exactly those two things have destroyed her. As for me, Petal, I don’t see myself as inferior to others in looks or ability, but since it’s my place to be only a serving maid there’s no smart young man for me. I’ve always fretted about this, but now that I’ve seen what became of my young mistress it doesn’t bother me nearly so much. She’s left me her hair ornaments, all gold filigree and kingfisher feathers, and every time I see them I feel twice as sad. Then I go into her room and there are unfinished poems and paintings strewn all over, it’s just as though she’s there herself smiling and laughing, weeping and sighing—what can I do but feel the bitter pain! His Honor is filled with remorse over her, so sorry he went back on his word; he cries and cries every day till his old eyes can’t see. Today marks the seventh se’nnight of her passing; I’m visiting her spirit tablet to call back her soul. Ah, and here comes His Honor, in tears.

wang wenrui (enters, weeping, and recites): Temples hoary, white hair sparse life like a dream goes glimmering; precious daughter before my eyes a fledgling partridge mourned in spring. Petal, when your mistress passed away I had still your young mistress to wait on me morning and evening and so did not feel too lonely and deserted. I had arranged her betrothal to Shuai in the expectation that he would enter this family, a son-in-law to be “half a son,” be my heir and

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support me in my old age. Who could have known she would die so soon? Seeing her spirit tablet standing there unpartnered, so cold and lonely, what can I do but grieve! (Tune: Bei xin shui ling) Sorrowing, crying till eyes grow dim for precious child bowels sliced inch by inch never again to watch her graceful movements to and fro never again to hear her lively voice in my halls: who will warm my declining years? Melancholy deepens with each new thought.

petal: It’s really sad to think of my young mistress: (Tune: Nan Bubu jiao) A night of autumn wind blighted the chrysanthemums and took the life of my beautiful young mistress. I watch dust gather on her dressing table approach the curtained spirit tablet ask her lovely spirit: Young Mistress,Young Mistress can your tiny ears hear me? (She sighs) But I can see you frowning still, as if the regrets you had in life still cling to your brow.

wang: When first I promised my daughter to Shuai I had one purpose only: (Tune: Bei Zhe gui ling) Because my youngest child was not yet grown to manhood I chose a family of substance for her betrothal in marriage: not for their gifts of white jade and yellow gold but for the support of “half a son” to reestablish our house.

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Who could have foreseen Heaven’s will casting down this “jewel in our palm” gouging out this flesh from our very hearts. To speak of it wounds the spirit to think of it grieves the soul. Oh child, though your mother will be company in the Yellow Springs will you not think of your father white-haired, sorrowing, life as good as over!

petal: Oh my young mistress, others didn’t understand what was in your innermost heart, but Petal knew your every secret: (Tune: Nan Jiang’er shui) Your heart’s secrets could not be told you body’s weakness could not be borne. Often I watched you when spring flowers bloomed eyes moist, brows drawn in pain or when the moon gleamed white shrinking back chill and lonely but never dreamed the green grave mound so soon would claim your living body. I say this, and wipe the tears from my eyes: how can we see the hour of your rebirth even if like Qiannu in the story your wandering soul rejoined your sleeping corpse?1

gatekeeper (enters): Toil and trouble on the road, grief and sorrow the message I bring. (He greets Wang and Petal) Beg to report to Your Honor: I

1. The Tang story of Qiannu, who lay apparently dead while her soul pursued her lover, was the basis of a masterpiece of the Yuan zaju drama, Zheng Dehui’s Qiannu li hun.

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took word of the young lady’s passing to Master Shen, and when he heard she was dead he hanged himself.

wang: What? Master Shen has hanged himself? gatekeeper: Luckily the family found him and brought him around. petal: Then he came around, and it’s all right. gatekeeper: But although they brought him around he refused to eat for a couple of days, and so he died after all.

wang, petal (amazed): What, Master Shen is dead as well? (They weep) gatekeeper: There’s a letter here from Your Honor’s brother-in-law; he blames all this on Your Honor because you twice broke off your daughter’s engagement.

wang (reads the letter): I can’t wonder he blames me. Oh, Nephew Shen: (Tune: Bei Yan’er luo dai De sheng ling) When I consider your gifts, so young in years eagle already soaring to the moon’s bright palace sure to be portrayed with leaders of the age in the imperial gallery of the Unicorn Hall: lost now for love of a simple mandarin-duck mate! My daughter and he two in the springtime of their youth so nicely matched in beauty and in talent not theirs in this life the alliance of Qin and Jin2 they can seek union only in the life to come. Bitter each sorrowful word he spoke at his dying sobbing to wring tears from a man of stone or iron.

petal (weeps): Surely each one of them to be pitied as much as the other. wang: Ai, Petal, I believe it is you who are to be blamed for the deaths of both my daughter and Master Shen. Why couldn’t you have told me the

2. Two early feudal states long linked by marriage alliances.

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truth when I questioned you, instead of letting their affair go on ripening till it bore such fruit as this? What good is it for you to bewail them now?

petal (crawls on the floor begging forgiveness): Your poor Petal was truly at fault in this. I was only hoping that you might go along with the betrothal, and then the affair would not have come to light. Who could have guessed it would turn out as it did and cost the lives of the two of them! Such a couple: (Tune: Nan Jiaojiao ling) One a frustrated Xiangru, fretting by palace gate (IX) one with the passion of Qiannu’s wandering soul3 watching by green gauze window for her lover endless regrets nursed in the heart of each dead now, no hope of growing side by side twin trees with intertwining roots twin trees with intertwining roots.

wang (sighs): Twice breaking off the marital agreement, that was my own misdeed, too late now to repent. (Tune: Bei Shou Jiangnan) Oh had I only known how they would be torn asunder, been swifter to conclude their marriage pact! Tender luan bird, fledgling phoenix fly apart both now transformed, cuckoos that cry their grief. (VI) Weep weep till sound fades, breath fails while in the Yellow Springs they curse this white head.

petal: I don’t think their dying can be blamed either on Your Honor or on my own fault; it was all predestined by Heaven above. They are gone now and cannot return again, dead and cannot come back to life.You are an old man,Your Honor, you must not distress yourself with grieving.

3. See note 1 above.

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(Tune: Nan Yuan lin hao) Do not let grief for them trouble your soul in dreams do not let tears for them flood your sorrowing cheek in truth, only predestined fate can bring about a harmonious match still less may we foretell whether we live or die.

wang: When I think of Master Shen’s appearance and deportment and the quality of his gifts, his learning, I cannot wonder at my daughter’s love for him. Now, since I thwarted their hopes in life, it is fitting I should unite their fates in death.

petal: What do you mean by “unite their fates in death”? wang: I shall have the gatekeeper escort my daughter’s coffin to the Shen family home for burial by the side of Master Shen. If the dead have awareness, this will surely cause them to rejoice in the Springs below.

petal: This is just the right thing to do. gatekeeper: I shall see to the conveyance of the young mistress’s coffin straightway.

wang (strokes the coffin): Child, can your spirit hear what I say? (Tune: Bei Gu mei jiu dai Taiping ling) Recalling your sad lot in life I wish your love to thrive in death: paired mandarin ducks laid close in tomb’s high mound may the souls of both know joy husband and wife together in the ghostly caverns secure at last in your eternal union. While your coffin was here, child, it was like seeing you before me, but now even that is being taken away: only I remain, lonely, bereft of daughter no one to care for me, look to my needs left to a vain and empty white-haired age. (He weeps) Mind darkens, eyes grow dim with weeping: you were to be my heir, to follow behind my hearse; ai, myself grown old, how could you be first to die?

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gatekeeper (kneels): Though the young mistress is dead before her time, Your Honor has still the young master here before him. If you should harm your health,Your Honor, by falling victim to excessive grief, who could be entrusted with such a substantial estate? They used to say “can’t keep at home a daughter grown”; if the young mistress had lived she would have gone as bride to another family. How could she have stayed forever by your side? Now she has become a spirit, roaming the realms of paradise or fairyland; how does this differ from leaving home in marriage? We beg Your Honor to take care of your precious health, do not harm the living for the sake of the dead.

petal: The gatekeeper has put it well. And now that the young mistress and Master Shen will share the same tomb in accordance with your instructions, they will soon find their joy. (Southern coda) I recall how they told their love beneath the stars, unwilling to part in this life or the next. And now paired mandarin ducks sharing a single tomb in the Springs below the two will find their peace.

ENVOI:

wang: Vows blocked in life, achieved in death

gatekeeper: Heaven’s Lord works his secret way.

petal: Each spring the moon, pitying the green tomb

all: will shine on blossoms of crabapple and pear.

scene 50 Reunion with Immortals

shen chun, bella (enter together, wearing the flowing garb of immortals): (Tune: Tang duo ling) Petals fall, still the stream flows on past the ancient Terrace of Heaven ford. Recalling true love constant in life and death mirror and hairpin tokens redeemed at last hand in hand we roam the cyan clouds. (They recite in verse):

shen: Drawn as one by love through sun and rain

bella: The “Love of Two Lifetimes” now is ours.1

shen: Pear blossoms fleck the green grave mound

bella: the changing years’ perpetual flowers.

shen: After that first meeting among the blossoms, cousin, when straightway we made our marriage pact, we encountered many obstacles and went to our deaths lamenting our fate. Today, though the hopes we had in life were dashed, we have fulfilled our vow of union in death.Your father had our coffins laid side by side in the tomb by the Washing-Brocade River, so that dawn and dusk we should be together. The nether world has its pleasures no less than the mortal, so let us make a nostalgic journey today to view once more the scenes of our old rendezvous. (Tune: Er fan Pang zhuangtai) By your dressing chamber

1. See scene 31, note 5.

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slender blossoming branches still shade the tiny window everything unchanged from former days.

bella: Here again are last year’s swallows, pairs flying together: their chattering recalls the ennui of the past.

shen: I am thinking it is only now that the myriad griefs and regrets of those old times are at an end. Loving companions through a dream of three incarnations those cares of former years all canceled now.

shen, bella: Clouds chill the Qin Terrace the river rolls on through nature’s splendor but our devotion endures as Heaven and earth.

bella: I remember it was more than once that you and I happily strolled these paths, (Same tune) joined in pure devotion through the many turning years. (She sighs) But never did we think to meet with such obstacles, until suddenly in the Phoenix Lodge the purple flute was stilled. (VIII)

shen: Do not speak of these things now. Mandarin-duck partners in the Marriage Register decreed from times of old our secret vow to be united in death through boundless true devotion is today fulfilled.

bella: I wonder, do my father and Petal know that I have come here today? (Sadly) Life and death two different realms, separate paths through light and shade.

bella, shen: Thinking back to those old times thousand, myriad obstacles say only “can’t keep at home a daughter grown.”

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(They seat themselves)

petal (enters and recites): Cold gauze window, spring breeze still the mistress gone, sad traces remain; purple swallows by painted eaves old nest still fragrant, powder-stained. It has been a sad time, all alone here since my young mistress passed away. Today is the Clear and Bright, the Festival of Cold Food in remembrance of the dead, and I am recalling how in the past we would go up together to her dressing chamber for the view out over the fresh green of the willows fringing the field paths. Today the willows are just the same, but where is my young mistress? (She mimes climbing the stairs, sees Shen and Bella, and collapses in terror) Hai, how can my young mistress and Master Shen be here?

bella: Don’t be frightened, Petal. When Master Shen and I left the mortal world we found refuge at once on the paths of the immortals, where we roam together from dawn to dusk, in joy beyond that known to the living. Although my body lies dead I have no regrets, but I have never been able to repay the kindness of my parents and my brother is still a child, so I must depend on your support in the management of the household. Serve my father diligently and do not grieve for me. If you are able to attend at my tomb for the offerings of food and sweeping of the grave, I shall see you there. (Petal sits there stunned)

shen, bella: We must write a poem on the wall as proof of our visit. (They do so and swirl offstage together)

petal (comes to herself ): Ai, how can there be such weird happenings in this world? The two of them as large as life, talking so freely; could I have been dreaming wide awake? The young mistress said clear as day she would see me by her tomb—I must ask His Honor to go there with me. Your Honor, may I please speak to you at once?

wang wenrui (enters):

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(Tune: Yunu bu rui yun) Fine rain and gentle wind the Clear and Bright comes around once more to pierce the heart of a white-haired elder. Petal, this is the day of the Clear and Bright Festival; we must prepare the offerings to be made at my daughter’s tomb. But what are you looking so startled about?

petal: I went upstairs just now and there I saw the young mistress and Master Shen, laughing and talking just like in life, and they ordered me to go sweep their grave and said I would meet them there. How could such a weird thing happen in this world?

wang: What are you talking about? I’ll go up there with you and we’ll see. (They mime climbing the stairs) Where are you, daughter, Master Shen? (They look about the room) Oh, something is written on this wall. (He reads aloud) Love denied in maiden chamber now we rest in halls of jade and amber; guided back by posts of stone2 scenes unchanged, though that day’s lovers gone. Moonlight like a flowing stream enters a new tomb where twin souls dream; urged on by yellow crane leaving now, when may we come again? (He grieves) Oh child, If your spirit is truly here, cannot you come forward and greet your father?

petal: Strange—some of the strokes are growing paler, now it is all fading away. The young mistress was just saying something about roaming the

2. The allusion here is to a Daoist sage who after death was transmuted into a crane (immortals were often described as ascending to or riding above the clouds on yellow cranes) and roosted on a stone pillar by his hometown city gate. The allusion to the “stone perch” is repeated following the aria by Shen Lun later in the scene, and again in the last aria before the coda.

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paths of the immortals; I believe she must already have become one. She arranged to meet me by her tomb; we must leave at once and go there.

wang: Very good, very good: Let broken words between ghost and mortal stand for hearts shared in worlds of light and shadow. (He exits with Petal)

shen qing, madam shen (enter with Shen Lun and Attendants): (Tune: Juhua xin) Watching from village gate where Brocade River winds: no messenger bluebird comes, leaves fall from grave-mound trees.

shen lun: Memories, tears hard to restrain a cup of wine offered by desolate tomb.

shen qing: This is the day of the Clear and Bright. The son we lost was buried together with Bella, daughter of the Wang family, on the bank of the Washing-Brocade River. We go now to offer sacrificial wine at their tomb.Your Uncle Wang, son, arranged to join us for the sweeping of the graves today; what do you think is keeping him?

shen lun: Here is a party coming now. (Wang Wenrui enters with Petal and Attendants; all exchange greetings)

wang (recites in verse): Sad visit after partings in life and death;

shen qing, madam shen: meeting today in deeper sadness still.

shen lun, petal: Endless regrets filling the heart of each

all: as pine and cypress moan above grave’s green hill.

wang: By twice repudiating their betrothal I thrust apart my esteemed nephew and my own daughter. As we meet today I am filled with remorse not only toward the dead but toward the living also.

scene 50: Reunion with Immortals

347

shen qing, madam shen: It was the cruel fate our young ones shared that brought about this sad result. They owe their present union in the tomb to your kind favor.

wang: To see the aspen drooping over this lonely grave mound and to think of two in the springtime of their youth lying here like this—how bitter the pain!

all (sobbing in grief): (Tune: Zhu ma ting) Pine and catalpa fill the view fox and hare scamper about old graves. The Clear and Bright, the Day of Cold Food here beside the Jade Wall Mountain the banks of the Brocade River peaks lost in cloud, the stream flows on icy winds gust and moan. (They pour out the offering of wine) Sniveling tears flow down with the last drops of sacrificial wine.

shen: Son, daughter-in-law, dead before your time, think of your parents in advancing age, who looked to you for their own tomb sacrifices. How could you cause your parents to make the oblation for you? (Same tune) By common fate condemned to the dark leaving behind your white-haired elders: reluctant to curb your fond desires you swore the marriage oath shared your abode of love never considering how the elders of both families bereft of children at their side would mourn through their declining years.

all: Weeping to bring down lonely grave mounds can your ears hear us, deep in the tomb?

348

scene 50: Reunion with Immortals

wang: Child, nephew, now in death it is clear you have ascended as spiritbeings. But think of your parents: (Same tune) Who to care for their declining years; when will their cries of pain, their weeping cease? We recall the perfection of your match truly a champion in the grove of letters allied to a paragon of feminine grace; now talent and beauty lie beneath desolate mound your fates fallen short even of the common run.

all: In death may you be as paired mandarin ducks together in paradise, the islands of the blesed.

madam shen: Son, daughter-in-law, so young, laid beneath desolate mound drenching in bitter tears your white-haired parents. In a dream last night I saw my son and daughter-in-law standing side by side before me, but I woke to find it was nothing but a “dream of Nanke,” the human world in an anthill.3 Together you entered my dream last night hand in hand, chatting and laughing till to waking eyes no vision remained only a shaft of moonlight through gauze window. During your lifetime your marriage plans were thwarted; now you lie buried here and all for nought.

3. See scene 38, note 1.

scene 50: Reunion with Immortals

349

all: Paired in death as mandarin ducks your destiny as man and wife too far to seek.

shen lun: My brother, your name and mine were linked in the world of letters, and the amity between us was that of the redbud legend.4 Swift successes in the examinations presaged honors for us both, to the glory of our family and our native place. Who could have foretold that you would fail to consider your white-haired parents, and willingly seek death for the sake of a young girl, whose life with yours is now committed to the Yellow Springs? How sad that you have caused the elders of both houses to prostrate themselves in tears before this common tomb. (Same tune) As your name rode at the head of the current you were summoned like the dying Li Ho in his dream to record the building of the White Jade Tower in Heaven leaving me, lone wild goose, bereft of company and your aging father and mother both to weep before your grave. Grief insupportable cuts off cuckoo’s cry where youthful cheeks lie buried clouds of wildflowers brighten the yellow clay.

all: Ceaseless regrets, reproaches; will you return to stone perch in the moonlight?

4. The legend of three brothers who, in planning to divide the family estate, decided to cut down and split into three parts a redbud that grew before the ancestral hall. Overnight the tree was blighted, as if by fire. The brothers took this as an omen and rescinded their decision to divide the property, whereupon the redbud resumed its flourishing state.

350

scene 50: Reunion with Immortals

petal: I recall how my young mistress and Master Shen from the moment they first met were anticipating their deaths. Now all has taken place as they said; their concern was not for nothing.You promised to meet me at your tomb—why is there no sign of you? (Same tune) The romance of those days one thread of passion, two minds drawn so close torn apart in life vowing union in death on phoenix mounts roaming the upper air. Moonlight on twin mounds by lonely Tiger Creek now brings fulfillment of their garden oath.

all: Surely another Herdboy and Weaving Maid (I) visit each dawn and dusk the Terrace of Love!

petal: (She sees a pair of mandarin ducks) Look, a pair of mandarin ducks, fluttering up and down there ever since we arrived, won’t be caught, can’t be chased off—so close, inseparable, the very image of my mistress and Master Shen! Can these be their souls in transformation?

all: A wonder, a marvel indeed! (Tune: Cui pai) Two mandarin ducks flutter about the grave mound sad cries like cuckoo’s calling rise to the trees. See the bare hills, dark stream bare hills, dark stream white clouds edge the sky a thousand ages without change; one spark of deep devotion when shall it ever burn out?

scene 50: Reunion with Immortals

351

Serried desolate graves far as the eye can see; as we look back sniveling tears flow down. (Same tune) Branches intertwine flowers bear double blooms birds fly on wings conjoined fish frolic side by side: what can destroy the soul what can destroy the soul? Summers come, winters go spring and autumn alternate prairie grasses, wildflowers all cover the earth with sadness: Serried desolate graves far as the eye can see; as we look back sniveling tears flow down.

petal: Oh dear, suddenly that pair of mandarin ducks has disappeared— it’s obvious it was the souls of the two of them made manifest to us. They used to say that when they died they would return at once to the paths of the immortals, and it seems these were no idle words. Truly, “nothing human is more changeless than the heart, nothing in the world endures like love.”

all: (Tune: Yi cuo zhao) Heaven endures as a river flowing east: when will the gathered clouds lift at dusk from Witch’s Mount or tearstains disappear from the bamboos by the River Xiang? The moon of ancient times still shines by night on pine and cypress but first to last imperishable is love:

352

scene 50: Reunion with Immortals

do you not see the mandarin-duck tomb standing a thousand years by the Brocade River?

FIRST ENVOI: Life and death an instant’s rise and fall: a sorrowing sunset wind tossing the aspens. The years will end, but love can have no end: what is this life if not a dream? (All exit)

shen chun, bella (reenter together): We asked Petal to meet us by our tomb, and today when both our families gathered at our graves we transformed into mandarin ducks to manifest ourselves to them. They did not recognize us, though face to face, and hurried away.

bella: (Tune: Yifeng shu) Shades of darkness separate sylph and mortal before our families we weep in vain.

shen: Vows of man and wife fulfilled we roam forever the Jasper Terrace: time on earth a lightning flash endless the days and months of immortality.

shen, bella: Singing hymns of the immortals pouring wine from nephrite jars we roam together in peach-blossom shade.

shen: (Same tune) Lush the blooms of plum and pear at autumn’s end still the hibiscus open.

scene 50: Reunion with Immortals

353

bella: Life no more than froth on the stream yet the love between you and me can never end. Night after night the moonlight cool as water shines on the mandarin ducks’ fresh grave.

bella, shen: Sailing the Islands of the Blessed climbing the moon’s Agate Tower we sweep away love longings of the world of dust.

lord of the brightening east (enters with attendant Sylphs, and recites in verse): A fleck of passion took on mortal form for love in Lovers’ Heaven to endure; mortals, say not the sylphs dwell far away: where passion’s roots are cut they rest secure. Shen Chun, Bella Wang, hear my instructions to you: (They kneel) In the beginning the two of you dwelled as Golden Boy and Jade Maiden by the Jasper Pool on Mount Kunlun, home of the Queen Mother of the West. A wish you conceived to taste worldly pleasures was punished by exile to mortal confines, where after experiencing to the full the bitterness of love longing it was your fate first to join in illicit union, and at last to find refuge in the ways of propriety. No shame can attach to Bella Wang, who vowing to die for her love of a partner of talent displayed the chastity of Lookout Hill.5 Nor should we scorn Shen Chun, who sacrificing his life to fulfill his promise exhibited the dedication of young Wei, drowning in the flood at Blue Bridge. (XI) Though lustfulness and succumbing to passion are deviations from the correct path, steadfastness

5. See scene 45, note 1.

354

scene 50: Reunion with Immortals

and the guarding of integrity are of the utmost import to the immortals; working out the initial Cause, you have escaped the fall into ultimate Disaster. Shen Chun is promoted Revisioner of Documents before the bench of the Jade Emperor, Bella Wang to Sylph Overseer of Blossoms in the bower of the Queen Mother of the West, with the concurrent charge of Registrar of Marital Affinities for the mortal world. It will be her responsibility to estimate the worth of all persons of beauty and talent, to ensure fulfillment of their desires and safeguard against mismatches. (Shen and Bella give thanks, rise, and don ceremonial robes)

all (circling the stage in procession): (Tune: Hong xiu xie) Sylphs through months and years endure forever, forever; passions of the dusty world all severed, all severed. Robes of bright brocade cloud-patterned skirts of silk gauze sunset-hued bearing tablets of white jade pouring wine from jars of gold joined in procession to the Triple Peaks joined in procession to the Triple Peaks.

shen, bella: (Tune: Fu huan zhuo) Among the ancient Triple Peaks among the ancient Triple Peaks here we ramble now. Sun’s black raven, moon’s jade hare pass and repass like shuttles and the stars swarm by while mortals struggle in all directions entangled, alas, mired in the swamp of passion. How to evade the blows of passion’s folly the endless turning of fortune’s wheel? Only as now by the grace of Heaven we are led to the ford of the Peach-Blossom Spring. (X)

scene 50: Reunion with Immortals

all: Harmony of sylph companions phoenix partners all allied cangues of jade, golden fetters struck now from our wrists. (All bow their heads) (Tune: Yong tuanyuan) Ten million years for our gracious sovereign lord! May his mercy and virtue spread to darkest corner the people open smiling lips in peace ants and insects couple in harmony. These deathless souls of phoenix and luan bird fulfill in truth their three incarnations inscribed of old on sacred Rock.6 Mortals and spirits reunited flourish as the woods in spring; to ripen true feeling in human hearts needs all the days of earth and Heaven; after return to perch of stone the city walls remain unchanged. (Coda) Association of living and dead phoenix and luan bird comradeship imperishably deep and true: may all the loving wives and husbands under Heaven win each and every one their hearts’ desire.

6. See scene 31, note 4.

355

356

scene 50: Reunion with Immortals

SECOND ENVOI: Moonlight pales above Swallow Lodge7 green willows shade the mandarin-duck tomb. Sadness clings to the hundred-year autumn scene no waking yet from vinous dream of spring. Talented writers revive old tunes new lyrics only for the ears of beauties: plumb the secrets of three incarnations don’t let passion fleck your locks with snow!

7. See scene 10, note 2.

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363