LADY.  My parents, sir, are subject to the tax [3] in our native
    district.  Let me entreat your Majesty to remit their contributions
    and extend favor towards them!

EMPEROR.  That shall readily be done.  Approach and hear our
    imperial pleasure.  We create you a Princess of our palace.

LADY.  How unworthy is your handmaid of such gracious distinction!
    [Goes through the form of returning thanks.] Early to-morrow I
    attend your Majesty’s commands in this place.  The Emperor is gone: 
    let the attendants close the doors:—­I will retire to rest. [Exit.

[Footnote 1:  Boding a short but fatal distinction to her offspring.]

[Footnote 2:  Instead of glass, to defend it from the wind.]

[Footnote 3:  The principal taxes in China are the land-tax, customs, salt monopoly, and personal service; which last is the source of much oppression to the lowest orders, who have nothing but their labor to contribute.]

ACT SECOND

Enter K’han of the Tartars, at the head of his Tribes.

K’HAN.  I lately sent an envoy to the sovereign of Han, with
    the demand of a princess in marriage; but the Emperor has returned a
    refusal, under the plea that the princess is yet too young.  This
    answer gives me great trouble.  Had he not plenty of ladies in his
    palace, of whom he might have sent me one?  The difference was of
    little consequence. [1] Let me recall my envoy with all speed, for I
    must invade the South with out forces.  And yet I am unwilling to
    break a truce of so many years’ standing!  We must see how matters
    turn out, and be guided by the event.

Enter Minister of Han.

MINISTER.  The severity with which I extorted money, in the
    selection of beauties for the palace, led me to disfigure the
    picture of Chaoukeun, and consign her to neglected seclusion.  But
    the Emperor fell in with her, obtained the truth, and condemned me
    to lose my head.  I contrived to make my escape—­though I have no
    home to receive me.  I will take this true portrait of Chaoukeun and
    show it to the Tartar K’han, persuading him to demand her from the
    Emperor, who will no doubt be obliged to yield her up.  A long
    journey has brought me to this spot, and from the troops of men and
    horses I conclude I have reached the Tartar camp. [Addresses
    himself to somebody] Leader, inform King Hanchenyu that a great
    minister of the empire of Han is come to wait on him.

K’HAN [on being informed].  Command him to approach.
    [Seeing Maouyenshow] What person are you?