Mandarin—(Wearily.) Go away, Death. Take her, if you must, after she is wed. The wealthy Ta-yin can better bear the sad expenses.
Kwen-lin—I'm dying now, dying, dying. It's quite delicious! (Lies down. Property Man puts a blue cushion under her head.) I'm almost dead!
Mandarin—You can't die like this. It's most absurd, besides being unbeautiful.
Kwen-lin—Have no fear, my death will be magnificently beautiful. I have practiced many times, and know.
Mandarin—Get up, fox soul!
Kwen-lin—(Sitting up.) Have respect for my solemnly departing life. My heart will not throb longer. (Lies down.) I am dead!
Mandarin—(Prodding her with foot.) Get up, get up, get up! I must carry her! (Stoops, and puts arms under Kwen-lin.) Oh, for the strong muscles of my lusty young arms. We have fed her too well. She weighs many pounds. (Stands up, and claps hands. Chang-sut-yen enters.)
Chang-sut-yen—My serene mind presents itself to you, great master.
Mandarin—Sleep should be gathering up the ends of your serene mind, but it is as well. My daughter's honorable body has persuaded itself to seek its illustrious ancestors—
Chang-sut-yen—(Kneeling beside Kwen-lin.) Kwen-lin dead, dead! Then let the lady moon fall from the mighty loft of Heaven, and burn my life to ashes of wistaria!