Kwen-lin—Is my august father yet stamping on the road? Peep out of the door, heroic one, and show but part of one eye, lest the radiance from both light the world like stars, and he swoop upon us.
Chang-sut-yen—(Looking out of imaginary doorway.) I see not his angry body.
Kwen-lin—I would not face him here. Let us go outside, and sit neath the eaves of the pagoda. He may miss our presence, and leave without shattering this temple of our love dreams.
(Property Man opens invisible door, they descend two steps and sit down, and Property Man closes the door.)
Chang-sut-yen—Little humming bird, your heart wings beat wildly against my solemn breast.
Kwen-lin—His fiery breath will wither our blood. Feel how it scorches the grey veil of night. He is coming to consume us, he is coming to consume us! I fear his terrible rage.
Chang-sut-yen—Nay, tremble not, for I, your lover, shelter you in my heart.
Chorus—The Mandarin comes.
Kwen-lin—(Sadly.) The wine cup is drained, the love songs all are silenced.
(Enter Mandarin.)