Thou taker away of tears.
The smoke quivers across Kwan-yin’s face again and the same woman’s voice sings:
Wherefore remember pain?
Is there a road of escape out of the unending wilderness of pain?
Can Kwan-yin find a way where there is no way?
Still the voice is unheard by the worshippers. Fourth priest sings, and while he sings the acolyte beats the drum softly at quick irregular intervals:
Kwan-yin shall come, shall come,
Surely she shall come,
To bring content and a new day to the desolate,
To bring the touch of hands and the song of birds