have been less tardy; forgive, then, this
delay.

EMPEROR. Truly this is a very perfect beauty! From what
quarter come such superior charms?

LADY. My name is Chaoukeun: my father cultivates at Chingtoo
the fields which he has derived from his family. Born in an humble
station, I am ignorant of the manners that befit a palace.

EMPEROR. But with such uncommon attractions, what chance
has kept you from our sight?

LADY. When I was chosen by the minister Maouyenshow, he
demanded of my father an amount of treasure which our poverty could
not supply; he therefore disfigured my portrait, by representing a
scar under the eyes, and caused me to be consigned to seclusion and
neglect.

EMPEROR. Keeper of the yellow gate, bring us that picture,
that we may view it. [_Sees the picture_.] Ah, how has he dimmed the
purity of the gem, bright as the waves in autumn. [_To the
attendant_] Transmit our pleasure to the officer of the guard, to
behead Maouyenshow and report to us his execution.

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