On arriving yesterday at a district pertaining
to Chingtoo city, I met with a maiden, daughter of one Wongchang.
The brightness of her charms was piercing as an arrow. She was
perfectly beautiful--and doubtless unparalleled in the whole empire.
But, unfortunately, her father is a cultivator of the land, not
possessed of much wealth. When I insisted on a hundred ounces of
gold to secure her being the chief object of the imperial choice,
they first pleaded their poverty--and then, relying on her
extraordinary beauty, rejected my offers altogether. I therefore
left them. [_Considers awhile_.] But no!----I have a better plan.
[_He knits 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.
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