Hangwan. Yes, I am to blame for my lateness; but I think there is still time ere we appear before His Highness.
Recitative. He takes a letter-case out of his sleeve.
Hangwan. A servant of mine has brought this to be handed to you; it is from my wife Kaoyo.
Recitative. He hands it to Moronao.
Moronao. Yes, yes. Your wife is a very accomplished lady. Hearing that I take to the composition of poetry, she has asked me to correct her odes. No doubt, she has written on the matter.
Recitative. He opens the letter-case and reads out.
Moronao
“Heavy the burden love doth lay,
E’en when ’tis free from sin; Let not thy heart, then,
go astray