MINISTER.  I am a minister of Han.  In the western palace of
    the Emperor is a lady, named Chaoukeun, of rare and surpassing
    charms.  When your envoy, great king, came to demand a princess, this
    lady would have answered the summons, but the Emperor of Han could
    not bring himself to part with her, and refused to yield her up.  I
    repeatedly renewed my bitter reproaches, and asked how he could
    bear, for the sake of a woman’s beauty, to implicate the welfare of
    two nations.  For this the Emperor would have beheaded me; and I
    therefore escaped with the portrait of the lady, which I present,
    great king, to yourself.  Should you send away an envoy with the
    picture to demand her, she must certainly be delivered up.  Here is
    the portrait. [Hands it up.

K’HAN.  Whence could so beautiful a female have appeared
    in the world!  If I can only obtain her, my wishes are complete. 
    Immediately shall an envoy be despatched, and my ministers prepare a
    letter to the Emperor of Han, demanding her in marriage as the
    condition of peace.  Should he refuse, I will presently invade the
    South:  his hills and rivers shall be exposed to ravage.  Our warriors
    will commence by hunting, as they proceed on their way; and thus
    gradually entering the frontiers, I shall be ready to act as may
    best suit the occasion. [Exit.

The Palace of Han.  Enter Lady, attended by females.

PRINCESS.  A long period has elapsed since I had to thank his
    Majesty for his choice.  The Emperor’s fondness for me is so great,
    that he has still neglected to hold a court.  I hear he is now gone
    to the hall of audience, and will therefore ornament myself at my
    toilet and be ready to wait on him at his return. [Stands opposite
    a mirror.

Enter Emperor.

EMPEROR.  Since we first met with Chaoukeun in the western
    palace, we have been as it were deranged and intoxicated; a long
    interval has elapsed since we held a court; and on entering the hall
    of audience this day, we waited not until the assembly had
    dispersed, but returned hither to obtain a sight of her.
    [Perceiving the Princess.] Let us not alarm her, but observe in
    secret what she is doing.
    [Comes close behind and looks over her.] Reflected in that round
    mirror, she resembles the Lady in the Moon. [2]

Enter President, and an Officer in waiting.

PRESIDENT [recites verses.] Ministers should devote themselves
          to the regulation of the empire; They should be occupied with public
    cares in the hall of government.  But they do nought but attend at
         the banquets in the palace.  When have they employed a single day in
    the service of their prince?