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.

Lady W.—Here is the jar; now go to work and mend it.

Niu Chau.—[Takes the jar in his hand and tosses it about, examining it.] This jar has certainly a very appalling fracture.

Lady W.—Therefore it requires the more care in mending.

Niu Chau.—That is self evident.

Lady W.—Now Lady Wang will retire again to her dressing-room,

And after closing the doors, will resume her toilet.

Her appearance she will beautify,

On the left, her hair she will comb into a dragon’s-head tuft,