ts his brows and matures his scheme_.] I will disfigure her
portrait in such a manner that when it reaches the Emperor it shall
secure her being doomed to neglected seclusion. Thus I shall
contrive to make her unhappy for life--Base is the man who delights
not in revenge! [_Exit._

_Night_.--_Enter the Lady Chaoukeun, with two female attendants_.

CHAOUKEUN [_recites verses_]. Though raised to be an inhabitant
of the imperial dwelling
I have long been here without the good fortune to see
my prince.

This beautiful night must I pass in lonely solitude, with no
companion but my lute to solace my retirement. I am a native of
Chingtoo city; and my father's occupation is husbandry. My mother
dreamed on the day I was born that the light of the moon shone on
her bosom, but was soon cast low to the earth.[1] I was just
eighteen years of age when chosen as an inhabitant of the imperial
palace; but the minister Maouyenshow, disappointed in the treasure
which he demanded on my account, disfigured my portrait in such a
manner as to keep me out of the Emperor's presence; and now I live
in neglected solitude. While at home, I learned a little music, and
could play a few airs on the lute. Thus sorrowing in the stillness
of midnight, let me practise one of my songs to dispel my griefs.
[_Begins to play on the lute_.

_Enter Emperor, attended by a Eunuch, carrying a light_.

EMPEROR. Since the beauties were selected to grace our palace,
we have not yet discovered a worthy object on whom to fix our
preference. Vexed and disappointed, we pass this day of leisure
roaming in search of her who may be destined for our imperial
choice. [_Hears the lute._] Is not that some lady's lute?

ATTENDANT. It is.--I hasten to advise her of your Majesty's
approach.

EMPEROR. No, hold! Keeper of the yellow gate, discover to
what part of our palace that lady pertains; and bid her approach our
presence; but beware lest you alarm her.

ATTENDANT [_approaches in the direction of the sound, and
speaks_]. What lady plays there? The Emperor comes! approach to meet
him. [_Lady advances_.

EMPEROR. Keeper of the yellow gate, see that the light burns
brightly within your gauze [2] lamp, and hold it nearer to us.

LADY _[approaching_]. Had your handmaid but known it was
your Majesty, she would