Mandarin—(Looking at invisible garden.) This late frost will surely steal the jewels in my garden. The servant Chang must cover the iris. I can trust Chang.
Kwen-lin—You marry me to Chang-sut-yen?
Mandarin—Do I throw my child of five thousand and one delectable graces into the arms of a servant? I was speaking of my garden.
Kwen-lin—If I am to wed, let us speak of husbands.
Mandarin—Ah, many men have sought to wed you, but I have turned their eyes away, until the sublime one should ask.
Kwen-lin—To whom do I go?
Mandarin—To the greatest of all! To be dazzled, to be petted, to be surrounded by every superior luxury.
Kwen-lin—(Impatiently.) To whom do I go?
Mandarin—There is honor and eminence the alliance will give me, and money it will add to my already considerable store. We will not, as a matter of policy, show we are flattered. We will be proud, we will be haughty, we will drive a shrewd bargain when the wealthy Ta-yin of Canton would make you his bride.
Kwen-lin—The Ta-yin of Canton! I will not marry the Ta-yin of Canton!