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.
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