A disconsolate old man, I am a slave to inconveniences. For several days past, I have been unable to go abroad, But observing this morning a clear sky and fine air, I was induced to recommence my street wanderings. [_Sings._] At dawn I left my home, But as yet have had no job. Hither and yon, and on all sides, From the east gate to the west, From the south gate to the north, And all over within the walls Have I been, but no one has called For the mender of cracked jars. Unfortunate man! But this being my first visit to the city of Nanking, Some extra exertion is necessary. Time is lost sitting idle here, And so to roam again I go. [_Shoulders his boxes and stool, and walks about, crying: “Plates mended! bowls mended! jars and pots neatly repaired!”_] _Lady Wang_ (_heard within_).—Did I not hear the cry of the mender of cracked jars? I’ll open the door and look. [_She enters, looking around_] Yes, there comes the repairer of jars. _Niu Chau._—Pray have you a jar to mend? I have long been seeking a job. Did you not call? _Lady W._—What is your charge for a large jar; and how much for a small one? _Niu Chau._—For large jars, one mace five. _Lady W._—And for small ones? _Niu Chau._—Fifty pair of cash. _Lady W._—To one mace five and fifty pair of cash, add nine candareens, and a new jar may be had. _Niu Chau._—What, then, will you give? _Lady W._—I will give one candareen for either size. _Niu Chau._—Well, lady, how many cash can I get for this candareen? _Lady W._—Why, if the price be high, you will get eight cash. _Niu Chau._—And if low? _Lady W._—You will get but seven cash and a half. _Niu Chau._—O, you wicked, tantalizing thing! [_Sings._] Since leaving home this morning, I have met but with a trifler, Who, in the shape of an old wife, Tortures and gives me no job; I’ll shoulder again my boxes, continue my walk, And never again will I return to the house of Wang. [_He moves off slowly._] _Lady W._—Jar-mender! return, quickly return; with a loud voice I entreat you; for I have something on which I wish to consult with you. _Niu Chau._—What is it on which you wish to consult me? _Lady W._—I will give you a hundred cash to mend a large jar. _Niu Chau._—And for mending a small one? _Lady W._—And for mending a small one, thirty pair of cash. _Niu Chau._—One hundred and thirty pair—truly, lady, this is worth consulting about. Lady Wang, where shall I mend them? _Lady W._—Follow me. [_They move toward the door of the house._] [_Sings._] Before walks the Lady Wang. _Niu Chau._—And behind comes the _pu-kang_ (or jar-mender). _Lady W._—Here, then, is the place. _Niu Chau._—Lady Wang, permit me to pay my respects. [_Bows repeatedly in a ridiculous manner._] We can exchange civilities. I congratulate you; may you prosper.