P‘ing [sings.] _Ah! that day within the garden When my lady-love divine, Daughter of a wealthy noble, Promised that she would be mine. At the garden gate she pledged me, Bidding me come here to-day; From my miserable garret I have just now crept away. And as I pass the city gates I ope my eyes and see A crowd of noble youths as thick As leaves upon a tree. Forward they press, but who knows which The lucky man will be? In vain I strain my eager eyes-- Alas! ’twill break my heart-- Among the well-dressed butterflies I find no counterpart. Let her be faithless or be true I lose the Ball as sure as fate; Though, if she spoke me idle words, Why trifle at the garden gate? Nevertheless, I’m bound to go Whether I get the Ball or no: My bowl and my staff in my hands--just so. Rank and fortune often come From matrimonial affairs; I’ll think of it all as I walk along-- And perhaps I’d better say my prayers. Why, here I am at the very spot! I’ll just walk in._ Gatekeeper. _I say you’ll not!_ P‘ing [sings.] _Oh I dear, he’s stopped me! why, Heaven knows! It must be my hat and tattered clothes. I’ll stay here and raise an infernal din Until they consent to let me in._ Gatekeeper. _I haven’t anything to spare, So come again another day._ P‘ing. _Oh! let me just go in to look._ Gatekeeper. _Among the sons of noblemen What can there be for you to see? Begone at once, or I’ll soon make you._ P‘ing. _Alas! alas! what can I do? If I don’t get within the court, The Lady Wang will tire of waiting._ _Enter ~P‘u-sa~._ Pu-sa [sings.] _By heaven’s supreme command I have flown Through the blue expanse of sky and air; For a suffering soul has cried out in woe, And Heaven has heard his prayer. For the Lady Wang he’s nearly broken-hearted, But cruel fate still keeps the lovers parted. “Hebbery gibbery snobbery snay!” On the wings of the wind I’ll ride, And make the old porter clear out of the way Till I get my poor beggar inside. The Lady Wang is still within the hall Waiting till the Emperor sends the Flowery Ball._ [Raises the wind.