EMPEROR. Since the beauties were selected to grace our palace, we have not yet discovered a worthy object on whom to fix our preference. Vexed and disappointed, we pass this day of leisure roaming in search of her who may be destined for our imperial choice. [_Hears the lute._] Is not that some lady's lute? ATTENDANT. It is.--I hasten to advise her of your Majesty's approach. EMPEROR. No, hold! Keeper of the yellow gate, discover to what part of our palace that lady pertains; and bid her approach our presence; but beware lest you alarm her. ATTENDANT [_approaches in the direction of the sound, and speaks_]. What lady plays there? The Emperor comes! approach to meet him. [_Lady advances_. EMPEROR. Keeper of the yellow gate, see that the light burns brightly within your gauze [2] lamp, and hold it nearer to us. LADY _[approaching_]. Had your handmaid but known it was your Majesty, she would have been less tardy; forgive, then, this delay. EMPEROR. Truly this is a very perfect beauty! From what quarter come such superior charms? LADY. My name is Chaoukeun: my father cultivates at Chingtoo the fields which he has derived from his family. Born in an humble station, I am ignorant of the manners that befit a palace. EMPEROR. But with such uncommon attractions, what chance has kept you from our sight? LADY. When I was chosen by the minister Maouyenshow, he demanded of my father an amount of treasure which our poverty could not supply; he therefore disfigured my portrait, by representing a scar under the eyes, and caused me to be consigned to seclusion and neglect. EMPEROR. Keeper of the yellow gate, bring us that picture, that we may view it. [_Sees the picture_.] Ah, how has he dimmed the purity of the gem, bright as the waves in autumn. [_To the attendant_] Transmit our pleasure to the officer of the guard, to behead Maouyenshow and report to us his execution. LADY. My parents, sir, are subject to the tax [3] in our native district. Let me entreat your Majesty to remit their contributions and extend favor towards them! EMPEROR. That shall readily be done. Approach and hear our imperial pleasure. We create you a Princess of our palace. LADY. How unworthy is your handmaid of such gracious distinction! [_Goes through the form of returning thanks_.] Early to-morrow I attend your Majesty's commands in this place. The Emperor is gone: let the attendants close the doors:--I will retire to rest. _[Exit._ [Footnote 1: Boding a short but fatal distinction to her offspring.] [Footnote 2: Instead of glass, to defend it from the wind.] [Footnote 3: The principal taxes in China are the land-tax, customs, salt monopoly, and personal service; which last is the source of much oppression to the lowest orders, who have nothing but their labor to contribute.] ~ACT SECOND~