CH’ANG-O opens with a song in praise of the beautiful surroundings in which she is about to pick flowers. (_Speaks_) Since arriving in the Moon, I have had a very pleasant time. The hot summer is now past and Mid-Autumn is come. In preparation for the celebration of the Festival, I look forward with delight to the making of wine for the entertainment of the fairies whom I am inviting to my feast. (_Sings_) Deftly though I roll up my sleeves and lightly though I pluck the flowers, I cannot help brushing off the bees and butterflies. This sprig is full of fragrance and is weighed down with abundance and splendor. That one is yet in bud. And when I lift up my eyes I behold above me a tree that reaches to the clouds. Lifting my hand I begin to pluck the flowers. (_Speaking_) Ah! How beautiful! I have so soon filled my basket with flowers, and now I must carry them home to make my wine. (_Singing_) How thickly do the butterflies follow in my trail! SECOND ACT.—The Moon Fairies invite other fairies to the Banquet. THIRD ACT.—The invited guests proceed to the Banquet Hall. FOURTH ACT.—The Moon Palace. The Moon Fairies dust the Palace and make preparations for the coming Banquet and the receiving of their guests. FIFTH ACT.—The Banquet. Ch’ang-O, under the influence of wine, soliloquises on the lonesomeness of her life amid her present surroundings and yearns for the companionship of mortals and more particularly of Ho Yi. CH’ANG-O (_singing_). Forsaking the mortal world, I have come to the Moon to be Queen of the Fairies. My time has passed so pleasantly and fast that I have lost all count of time. I have gathered flowers and made wine, and have invited other fairies to join me on this festive occasion. (_Sitting in meditation_) Spring and autumn come and go, as the evening follows the morn. My time has flown by pleasantly amidst these beautiful surroundings. Once a year the moon is fullest on this night. Heaven and earth are happy in mutual enjoyment. (_Speaking_) This day is the Mid-Autumn Festival. I have directed the Palace to be dusted and cleaned. The attendants have conveyed the invitations to the fairies to share with me in my happiness. You, attendants, await their arrival. (_The fairies arrive and sit down to feast._) FAIRIES. O Queen! behold the mortal world! See how every family on earth prepares its delicious food and wine to offer to thee as sacrifice? (_Ch’ang-O speaking_) Let me look. (_Ch’ang-O is moved and the fairies speak._) FAIRIES. Why, Queen, dost thou feel so sad? CH’ANG-O. Look at the mortals and see how they celebrate in couples. A hundred times better are they than we who lead a lonesome life. FAIRIES. Do not speak thus, O Queen! But partake more of this beautiful wine and drown thy sorrow. CH’ANG-O. Then let us drink. (_Lifts her cup._) (_Ch’ang-O is overcome with wine and the fairies take their leave._)