P‘ing [sings.] Oh I dear, he’s stopped me! why, Heaven knows!
It must be my hat and tattered clothes.
I’ll stay here and raise an infernal din
Until they consent to let me in.
Gatekeeper. I haven’t anything to spare,
So come again another day.
P‘ing. Oh! let me just go in to look.
Gatekeeper. Among the sons of noblemen
What can there be for you to see?
Begone at once, or I’ll soon make you.
P‘ing. Alas! alas! what can I do?
If I don’t get within the court,
The Lady Wang will tire of waiting.
Enter P‘u-sa.
Pu-sa [sings.] By heaven’s supreme command I have flown
Through the blue expanse of sky and air;
For a suffering soul has cried out in woe,
And Heaven has heard his prayer.
For the Lady Wang he’s nearly broken-hearted,
But cruel fate still keeps the lovers parted.
“Hebbery gibbery snobbery snay!”
On the wings of the wind I’ll ride,
And make the old porter clear out of the way
Till I get my poor beggar inside.
The Lady Wang is still within the hall
Waiting till the Emperor sends the Flowery Ball.
[Raises the wind.
Gatekeeper. Oh dear! how cold the wind is blowing.
I do not see the lady coming,
And so I think I’ll step inside.
Enter Lady Wang.