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.