[The Second and Third Chinese support her. The First Negro whispers to the First Chinese, then takes the lanterns and goes through the opening to the road, where he disappears in the direction of the valley.]
First Chinese [to Second Chinese]. Bring up fresh water
From the spring.
[The Second Negro takes the jug and enters the trees to the left. The girl comes gradually to herself. She looks at the Chinese and at the sky. She turns her back toward the body, shuddering, and does not look at it again.]
Anna. It will soon be sunrise.
Second Chinese. One candle replaces
Another.
[The First Chinese walks toward the bushes to the right. He stands by the roadside, as if to attract the attention of any one passing.]
Anna [simply]. When he was in his fields,
I worked in ours—
Wore purple to see;
And when I was in his garden
I wore gold ear-rings.
Last evening I met him on the road.
He asked me to walk with him
To the top of the hill.
I felt the evil,
But he wanted nothing.
He hanged himself in front of me.
[She looks for support. The Second and Third Chinese help her toward the road.—At the roadside, the First Chinese takes the place of the Third Chinese. The girl and the two Chinese go through the bushes and disappear down the road. The stage is empty except for the Third Chinese. He walks slowly across the stage, pushing the instrument out of his way with his foot. It reverberates. He looks at the water bottle.]
Third Chinese. Of the color of blood ...
Seclusion of porcelain ...
Seclusion of sunrise ...
[He picks up the water bottle.]