帕布莉卡第二本 ACT II
第一折 寺警
（孙飞虎领卒子上云）自家孙飞虎的便是。方今天下扰攘[1]，主将丁文雅失政，俺分统五千人马，镇守河桥。探知相国崔珏之女莺莺，眉黛青颦，莲脸生春，有倾国倾城之容，西子太真之色。现在河中府普救寺停丧借居。前日二月十五，做好事追荐父亲，多曾有人看见。俺心中想来，首将尚然不正，俺独何为哉！大小三军，听吾号令：人尽衔枚[2]，马皆勒口，连夜进兵河中府！掳掠莺莺为妻，是我平生愿足！
（引卒子下）
（引卒子下）
（法本慌上云）祸事到！谁想孙飞虎领半万贼兵，围住寺门，犹如铁桶，鸣锣击鼓，呐喊摇旗，要掳小姐为妻。老僧不敢违误，只索报知与夫人、小姐。
（夫人慌上云）如此却怎了！怎了！长老，俺便同到小姐房前商议去。
（俱下）
（莺莺引红娘上云）前日道场，亲见张生，神魂荡漾，茶饭少进。况值暮春天气，好生伤感也呵！正是：好句有情怜夜月，落花无语怨东风。
〔仙吕·八声甘州〕（莺莺唱）
恹恹瘦损，
早是多愁，
那更残春！
罗衣宽褪[3]，
能消几个黄昏？
我只是风袅香烟不卷帘，
雨打梨花深闭门；
莫去倚阑干，
极目行云。
〔混江龙〕
况是落红成阵，
风飘万点正愁人。
昨夜池塘梦晓，
今朝栏槛辞春。
蝶粉乍沾飞絮雪，
燕泥已尽落花尘。
系春情短柳丝长，
隔花人远天涯近。
有几多六朝金粉，
三楚精神！
（红娘云）小姐情思不快，我将这被儿熏得香香的，小姐睡些则个。
〔油葫芦〕
翠被生寒压绣裀，
休将兰麝熏；
便将兰麝熏尽，
我不解自温存。
分明锦囊佳句来勾引，
为何玉堂人物难亲近？
这些时坐又不安，
睡又不稳，
登临[4]又不快，
闲行又困。
镇日价情思睡昏昏。
〔天下乐〕
我依你搭伏定[5]，
鲛绡枕头儿上盹。
我但出闺门，
你是影儿似不离身。
这些时他恁般堤备人；
小梅香服侍得勤，
老夫人拘系得紧，
不信俺女儿家折了气分[6]。
〔那吒令〕
你知道我但见个客人，
愠的早嗔；
便见个亲人，
厌的[7]倒褪。
独见了那人，
兜的[8]便亲。
我前夜诗，依前韵，
酬和他清新。
〔鹊踏枝〕
不但字儿真，
不但句儿匀，
我两首新诗，
便是一合回文。
谁做针儿将线引，
向东墙通个殷勤。
〔寄生草〕
风流客，
蕴藉人。
相你脸儿清秀身儿韵，
一定性儿温克[9]情儿定，
不由人不口儿作念心儿印。
我便知你一天星斗焕文章，
谁可怜你十年窗下无人问。
（夫人、法本同上，敲门科）
（红云）小姐，夫人为何请长老直来到房门外？
（莺莺见夫人科）
（夫人云）我的孩儿，你知道么？如今孙飞虎领半万贼兵，围住寺门。道你眉黛青颦，莲脸生春，有倾国倾城之容，西子太真之色，要掳你去做压寨夫人[10]。我的孩儿，怎生是了也！
〔六幺序〕
我魂离壳，
这祸灭身，
袖梢儿揾不住啼痕。
一时去住无因，
进退无门，
教我那埚儿人急偎亲？
孤孀母子无投奔，
赤紧的先亡了我的有福之人。
耳边金鼓[11]连天震，
征云冉冉，土雨纷纷。
〔后〕
风闻，胡云，
道我眉黛青颦，
莲脸生春，
倾国倾城，
西子太真。
把三百僧人，
他半万贼军，
半霎儿便待剪草除根。
那厮于家于国无忠信，
恣情的掳掠人民。
他将这天宫般盖造焚烧尽，
则没那诸葛孔明，便待要博望烧屯。
（夫人云）老身年纪五旬，不为寿夭。奈孩儿年少，未得从夫，早罹此难，如之奈何？
（莺莺云）孩儿想来，只是将我献与贼汉，庶可免一家性命。
（夫人哭云）俺家无犯法之男、再婚之女，怎舍得你献与贼汉？却不辱没了俺家谱！
（莺莺云）母亲休要爱惜孩儿，还是献与贼汉，其便有五：
〔元和令带后庭花〕
第一来，免摧残国太君；
第二来，免堂殿作灰尘；
第三来，诸僧无事得安存；
第四来，先公的灵柩稳；
第五来，欢郎虽是未成人，
算崔家后代儿孙。
若莺莺惜己身，
不行从乱军：
伽蓝[12]火内焚，
诸僧血污痕，
先灵为细尘。
可怜爱弟亲，
痛哉慈母恩。
〔柳叶儿〕
俺一家儿不留龆龀[13]。
待从军，
果然辱没家门。
俺不如白练套头，
寻个自尽，
将尸榇献贼人，
你们得远害全身。
（法本云）咱每同到法堂上，问两廊下僧俗，有高见的，一同商议个长策。
（同到科）
（夫人云）我的孩儿，却是怎的是？你母亲有一句话：本不舍得你，却是出于无奈。如今两廊下众人，不问僧俗，但能退得贼兵的，你母亲做主，倒陪房奁，便欲把你送与为妻。虽不门当户对，还强如陷于贼人。
（夫人哭云）长老，便在法堂上，将此言与我高叫者。我的孩儿，只是苦了你也！
（本云）此计较可。
〔青哥儿〕
母亲，你都为了莺莺生分，
你对人一言难尽。
你更莫惜莺莺这一身，
不拣何人，
建立功勋，
杀退贼军，
扫荡烟尘；
倒陪家门[14]，
愿与英雄结婚姻，
为秦晋。
（法本叫科）
（张生鼓掌上云）我有退兵之计，何不问我？
（见夫人科）
（本云）禀夫人，这秀才便是前十五日附斋的敝亲。
（夫人云）计将安在？
（张生云）禀夫人，重赏之下，必有勇夫；赏罚若明，其计必成。
（夫人云）恰才与长老说下，但有退得贼兵的，便将小女与他为妻。
（张生云）既是恁的，小生有计，先用着长老。
（本云）老僧不会厮杀，请先生别换一个！
（张生云）休慌，不要你厮杀。你出去与贼头说：“夫人钧命，小姐孝服在身，将军要做女婿呵，可按甲束兵，退一箭之地。等三日功德圆满，拜别相国灵柩，改换礼服，然后方好送与将军。不争便送来呵，一来孝服在身，二来于军不利。”你去说来。
（本云）三日后如何？
（张生云）小生有一故人，姓杜，名确，号为白马将军，见统十万大军，镇守蒲关。小生与他八拜至交，我修书去，必来救我。
（本云）禀夫人，若果得白马将军肯来时，何虑有一百孙飞虎，夫人请放心者。
（夫人云）如此，多谢先生。红娘，你服侍小姐回去者！
（莺莺云）红娘，真难得他也！
〔赚煞尾〕
诸僧伴，
各逃生，
众家眷，
谁偢问。
他不相识横枝儿着紧。
非是他书生明议论，
也自防玉石俱焚。
甚姻亲，
可怜咱命在逡巡。
济不济，
权将这秀才来尽。
他真有出师的表文，
下燕的书信，
只他这笔尖儿敢横扫五千人。
（莺莺引红娘下）
（法本叫云）请将军打话[15]。
（虎引卒子上云）快送莺莺出来！
（本云）将军息怒，有夫人钧命，使老僧来与将军说。（云云）
（虎云）既然如此，限你三日，若不送来，我着你人人皆死，个个不存！你对夫人说去，恁般好性儿的女婿，教他招了者！
（虎引卒子下）
（法本云）贼兵退了也，先生作速修书者。
（张生云）书已先修在此，只是要一个人送去。
（本云）俺这厨房下有一个徒弟，唤作惠明，最要吃酒厮打。若央他去，他便必不肯；若把言语激着他，他却偏要去。只有他，可以去得。
（张生叫云）我有书送与白马将军，只除厨房下惠明不许他去，其余僧众，谁敢去得？
（惠明上云）惠明定要去，定要去！
〔正宫·端正好〕（惠明唱）
不念《法华经》。
不礼《梁皇忏》。
[16]了僧帽，
袒下了偏衫[17]。
杀人心斗起英雄胆，
我便将乌龙尾钢椽揝。
〔滚绣球〕
非是我搀[18]，
不是我揽，
知道他怎生唤做打参[19]。
大踏步，
只晓得杀入虎窟龙潭。
非是我贪，
不是我敢，
这些时吃菜馒头委实口淡。
五千人也不索炙煿煎燂[20]。
腔子里热血权消渴，
肺腑内生心先解馋，
有甚腌臜[21]！
〔叨叨令〕
你们的浮羹、宽片粉添杂糁，
酸黄齑[22]、臭豆腐真调淡。
我万斤黑面从教暗，
我把五千人做一顿馒头馅。
你休误我也么哥！
休误我也么哥！
包残馀肉旋教青盐蘸。
（本云）惠明呵，张解元不用你去，你偏生要去。你真个敢去不敢去？
〔倘秀才〕
你休问小僧敢去也那不敢，
我要问大师真个用咱也不用咱？
你道飞虎声名赛虎般，
那厮能淫欲，
会贪婪，
诚何以堪！
（张生云）你出家人，怎不诵经持咒，与众师随堂修行，却要与我送书？
〔滚绣球〕
我经怕谈，禅懒参；
戒刀[23]新蘸，
无半星儿土渍尘淹。
别的女不女，
男不男，
大白昼把僧房门胡掩，
那里管焚烧了七宝伽蓝。
你真有个善文能武人千里，
要下这济困扶危书一缄，
我便有勇无惭。
（张生云）你独自去，还是要人帮扶着？
〔白鹤子〕
着几个小沙弥，
把幢幡宝盖擎，
病行者将面杖火叉担。
你自立定脚把众僧安，
我撞钉子[24]将贼兵探。
（张生云）他若不放你过去，却待如何？
（惠云）他敢不放我过去？你宽心！
〔二〕我瞅一瞅，古都都翻海波；
喊一喊，
厮琅琅振山岩。
脚踏得赤力力地轴摇，
手攀得忽剌剌天关撼。
〔三〕远的破一步将铁棒，
近的顺着手把戒刀钐，
小的提起来将脚尖撞，
大的扳过来把骷髅砍！
（张生云）我今将书与你，你却到几时可去？
〔耍孩儿煞〕
我从来驳驳劣劣[25]，
世不曾忐忐忑忑，
打熬成不厌，天生是敢。
我从来斩钉截铁常居一，
不学那惹草拈花没掂三[26]。
就死也无憾。
便提刀仗剑，
谁勒马停骖[27]。
〔二〕我从来欺硬怕软，
吃苦辞甘，
你休只因亲事胡扑掩。
若杜将军不把干戈退，
你张解元也干将风月担。
便是言辞赚，
一时纰缪[28]，
半世羞惭。
我去也！
〔收尾〕
你助威神擂三通鼓，
仗佛力呐一声喊，
绣幡开遥见英雄俺。
你看半万贼兵先吓破胆。
（张生云）老夫人，吩咐小姐放心，此书一到，雄兵即来。
鲤鱼连夜飞驰去，
白马从天降下来。
（俱下）
（杜将军引卒子上云）自家姓杜，名确，字君实，本贯西洛人也。幼与张君瑞同学儒业，后弃文就武，当年武状元及第，官拜征西大将军，正授管军元帅，统领十万之众，镇守蒲关。有人自河中府来，探知君瑞兄弟在普救寺中，不来看我，不知甚意。近日丁文雅失政，纵军劫掠人民。即当兴师剪而朝食，奈虚实未知的，不敢造次[29]。昨又差探子去了。今日升帐，看有甚军情来报者。
（开辕门坐科）
（惠明上云）俺离了普救寺，早至蒲关，这里杜将军辕门，俺闯入去。
（卒捉住报科）
（杜云）着他入来！
（惠进跪科）
（杜云）兀那和尚，你是那里做奸细者？
（惠云）俺不是奸细，俺是普救寺僧人。今有孙飞虎作乱，将半万贼兵，围住寺门，欲劫故臣崔相国女为妻。有游客张君瑞奉书，使俺递至麾下，望大人速解倒悬[30]之危。
（杜云）左右的，放了这和尚者！张君瑞是我兄弟，快将他的书来。
（惠叩头递书科）
（杜拆念云）“同学小弟张珙顿首再拜，奉书君实仁兄大人大元帅麾下：
自违国表，寒暄再隔，
风雨之夕，念不能忘。
辞家赴京，便道河中，
即拟觐谒，以叙间阔。
路途疲顿，忽遘采薪[31]，
昨已粗愈，不为忧也。
轻装小顷，乃在萧寺，
几席之下，忽值弄兵。
故臣崔公，身后多累，
持丧闻戒，暂僦安居。
何期暴客，见其粲者，
拥众五千，将逞无礼。
谁无弱息，遽见狼狈，
不胜愤懑，便当甘心。
自恨生平，手无缚鸡，
区区微命，真反不计。
伏惟仁兄，仰受节钺，
专制一方，咄叱所临，
风云变色。夙承古人，
方叔召虎，信如仁兄，
实乃不愧。今弟危逼，
不及转烛，仰望垂手，
非可言喻。万旂招摇，
前指河中，譬如疾雷，
朝发夕到，使我涸鲋[32]，
不恨西江，崔公九原，
亦当衔结。
伏乞台照不宣。
张珙再顿首拜。
二月十六日书。”
既然如此，我就传令。和尚你先回去，我星夜便来。比及[33]你到寺里时，多敢我已捉了这贼子也。
（惠云）寺中十分紧急，大人是必疾来者。
（下）
（杜传令云）大小三军，听我号令：就点中权五千人马，星夜起发，直指河中府普救寺，救我兄弟去，走一遭。
（众应云）得令！
（俱下）
（孙引卒奔上云）白马爷爷来了，怎么了，怎么了！我们都下马卸甲，投戈跪倒，悉凭爷爷发落也！
（杜引卒上云）你们做甚么都下马卸甲，投戈跪倒？你指望我饶你们也。也罢，止将孙飞虎一人砍首号令，其馀不愿的，都归农去，愿的开报花名，我与你安插者。
（贼众下）
（夫人、法本上云）下书已两日，不见回音。
（张生上云）山门外暴雷似声喏，敢是我哥哥到也！
（杜与生相见拜科）
（张生云）自别台颜，久失听教；今日见面，乃如梦中。
（杜云）正闻行旌，近在邻治；不及过访[34]，万乞恕罪。
（杜与夫人相见拜科）
（夫人云）孤寡穷途，自分必死；今日之命，实蒙再造！
（杜云）狂贼跳梁，有失防御；致累受惊，敢辞万死？敢问贤弟，因甚不至我处？
（张生云）小弟贱恙偶作，所以失谒。今日便应随仁兄去，却又为夫人昨日许以爱女相配。不敢仰劳仁兄执柯，小弟意思，成过六礼，弥月[35]后便叩谢。
（杜云）恭喜贺喜！老夫人，下官自当作伐[36]。
（夫人云）老身尚有处分。安排茶饭者！
（杜云）适间投诚五千人，下官尚须料理，异日却来拜贺。
（张生云）不敢久留仁兄，恐妨军政。
（杜起马科）
马离普救敲金镫，
人望蒲关唱凯歌。
（下）
（夫人云）先生大恩，不可忘也！自今先生休在寺里下，便移来家下书院内安歇。明日略备草酌[37]，着红娘来请，先生是必来者。
（夫人下）
（张生别法本云）小生收拾行李，
去书院里去也。
无端豪客传烽火，
巧为襄王送雨云。
孙飞虎，小生感谢你不尽也！
（法本云）先生得闲，仍旧来老僧方丈里攀话者！
（张生下，法本下）
注释：
[1]扰攘：动荡、混乱。
[2]衔枚：古时行军、狩猎或行丧礼时，口中含物称“衔枚”，以禁喧哗。
[3]宽褪：指宽松。
[4]登临：登高临水，此处泛指游玩。
[5]搭伏定：即伏在某物之上。
[6]折了气分：丢了颜面、失了光彩。
[7]厌的：猛的、突然。
[8]兜（dǒu）的：猛的、突然。
[9]温（yùn）克：温良谦恭。
[10]压寨夫人：旧时戏曲小说里常指占山为王的寇盗首领之妻。
[11]金鼓：钟鼓，古时用以指挥军队的进退；击鼓而进，鸣金则退。
[12]伽（qié）蓝：本指修筑僧舍之基地，转而为佛寺总称。
[13]龆龀（tiáo chèn）：指童年或儿童。
[14]倒陪家门：家门即指家私财物；倒陪家门指不仅不索取财礼，反陪送家产。
[15]打话：对话。
[16]（diū）：甩、抛掷。
[17]偏衫：僧人法衣，开脊接领，斜披于左肩上。
[18]搀：争、抢。
[19]打参：即打坐，佛教徒跏跌（盘腿）而坐，摒除杂念而使心入定。
[20]炙煿（bó）煎燂（tán）：全系烹饪之法，即烤、爆、炒、炖。
[21]腌臜（ā zā）：不洁净。
[22]酸黄齑（jī）：即酸菜。
[23]戒刀：僧人所带的月头小刀，按律只许用以割衣物，绝不可杀生。
[24]撞钉子：比喻自己将如尖钉直楔入物体般向敌阵冲去。
[25]驳驳劣劣：粗鲁、莽撞、蛮憨。
[26]没掂三：形容做事不果断、不着调。
[27]骖（cān）：古时四马驾车，中间驾辕的称服，两边的马叫作骖。
[28]纰缪（pī miù）：差错、纰漏。
[29]造次：仓猝、轻率、鲁莽。
[30]倒悬：原意为人被倒挂，此处是比喻处境危急险恶。
[31]采薪：原意为打柴，而此处是生病的婉称。
[32]涸鲋（hé fù）：以身陷干涸车辙里的鲋鱼，比喻处于困境急待救援的人。
[33]比及：等到。
[34]过访：访问、拜访。
[35]弥月：满一个月；整月；（新生婴儿）满月。
[36]作伐：即做媒。
[37]草酌：酌，酒饭；草酌，自谦的话，说自己准备的粗茶淡饭。
Scene 1 Alarm
Sun Feihu(The Flying Tiger)enters with a company of soldiers and says:
I am Sun Feihu.Now the Empire is in a state of disorder.My commander-in-chief has failed to discharge his duties.I have been given a separate command of five thousand men to guard the Bridge on the River.It is said the late Prime Minister Cui has a daughter called Yingying whose black eyebrows with winning expressions and whose face as beautiful as the lotus in spring are of such an overwhelming charm that she matches the most famous beauties of old.She is now in the Salvation Monastery where the coffin of her late father is resting.She was seen by many people on the fifteenth of the second moon when a religious service was held in memory of her father.When I come to think that even my chief has not discharged his duties,why should I not follow his example?Officers and men,listen to my command!All you men,with your mouth gagged and your horse bitted,march all night long to the Mid-River Prefecture.If I could have Yingying as my wife,then the desire of my life will be fulfilled.
(Exit with his troops.)
Faben,entering in agitation,says:
A calamity has come upon us.Who would have thought that Sun Feihu would have led five thousand men to surround the monastery as tightly as iron hoops round a barrel?They are sounding gongs,beating drums,waving flags and loudly shouting that Sun would make the Young Lady his wife.I dare not hush up the matter but must inform Madame and her daughter at once.
Madame Cui,entering in agitation,says:
What is to be done?What is to be done?Abbot,let us go to discuss the matter outside my daughter’s room.
(Exeunt.)
Yingying enters with Rose and says:
When I saw Master Zhang the other day at the religious service,I was so beside myself that I could scarcely eat or drink.My feelings are intensified by the fact that it is late spring when
The moon which shines so bright
Pities my lonely night;
Blooms fallen from the trees
Resent the eastern breeze.
She sings to the tune of EIGHT BEATS OF GANZHOU SONG:
Sorrow and grief are wearing me away.
How can I bear late spring’s departing day!
My robe of silk becomes too large for me to wear.
How many lonely nights can I still bear?
The curtain not uprolled,the incense wafts in breeze;
I shut the door and let the rain beat on pear trees.
I dare not lean on balcony:
The clouds are blown as far as the eye can see.
Tune: DRAGON IN TROUBLED WATER
What’s more,red flowers
Are falling in showers.
It saddens me to see.
Ten thousand petals twirl in wind and flee.
Last night I dreamed of seeing poolside green grass grow,
This morning spring has left my chamber in the west.
White butterflies and willow down mingle like snow;
The soil from fallen blooms is made the swallows’nest.
The willow branch so long can’t make spring stay;
The man beyond the blooms seems farther off than the sky.
How many beauties like me have pined away
By heaving sigh on sigh!
Rose says:
My Young Mistress is pensive and melancholy.I will make her coverlet fragrant so that she may sleep well.
Yingying sings to the tune of FIELD CRICKET:
My coverlet and broidered mattress grow so cold
That you can’t warm them with musk perfumes spread.
Even if you used all the perfumes manifold,
You could not warm and sweeten a lonely bed.
It is clear his fine verse tried to lure me away.
Why can’t I get in touch with him today?
I do not like to sit on the one hand
Nor on the other to stand.
No vista brings me pleasure;
I’m wearied when I walk at leisure.
Lost in a love so strong,
I’m drowsy all day long.
Tune: UNIVERSAL JOY
I can but on my pillow rest my head
In my embroidered bed.
When I go out of door,
My maid won’t leave me,shadow-like,no more.
Of late she’s been so cautious as not to let me free,
Ever in close attendance on me.
My mother rules me with a strict control
Lest I should play an indecent role.
Tune: SONG OF CHERUBIN
You know whenever I see a stranger,I’m annoyed;
Even relations I would fain avoid.
But on that day when I saw him appear,
At once I felt he was my dear.
So I composed a verse the other night
To rhyme with his so bright.
Tune: MAGPIE ON THE BRANCH
Not only were the words so fine,
But also natural was each line.
Two poems read as one.
Oh,who would thread the needle and run
Over the eastern wall to reveal
To him what in my heart I feel?
Tune: PARASITIC GRASS
He’s gallant and benign,
With handsome face and figure fine.
He must be kind and constant in love.
Can I not repeat his name and think of him alone?
Although he writes as brilliantly as stars above,
Who will regret his labor for ten years unknown?
( Madame Cui enters with Faben and knocks at the door.)
Rose says:
Why has my Mistress invited the abbot to come straight to our door?
(Yingying salutes her mother.)
Madame Cui says:
Have you not heard,my dear child,that Sun Feihu has besieged the monastery with his five thousand men?He says that you have black eye-brows with winning expressions,a face as beautiful as the lotus in spring and such overwhelming charms as to match the most famous beauties of old.He wants to take you by force and make you his mistress of the camp!My dear child,what is to be done?
Yingying sings to the tune of PRELUDE TO GREEN WAIST:
My soul is gone,my body full of woe,
My sleeves can’t stop my tears which overflow.
I cannot stay
Nor go away.
Where can we find a friend
On whom we can depend?
My widowed mother finds not one before;
At such a crisis my blessed father is no more.
I hear the drums resounding loud;
The bandits raise a dust as high as the cloud.
Tune: PETTY SONG
It is reported the bandits say
I have black eyebrows with winning way
And a face full of such overwhelming charm
As to disarm
Those who behold.
Such a peer of famous beauties of old
Might do away with priests and bandits in mass
Just as uprooted grass.
How could I bear the bandits to loot and rob their fill
And burn the palace-like monastery at will?
Madame Cui says:
I am fifty now.For me death would not be premature.But you,my dear child,you are still young and not yet married.How can I bear to see you fall victim to this disaster?
Yingying says:
I think all that can be done is to hand me over to the bandit so that the lives of our family can be saved.
Madame Cui,weeping,says:
In our family not a man has ever violated the law and not a woman has ever remarried.How can I bear to hand you over to the bandit so as to disgrace our family!
Yingying says:
My dear mother,do not think much of your daughter.I think there will be five advantages in handing me over.
She sings to the tune of BACKYARD FLOWER:
Firstly,dear mother,your safety may be ensured;
Secondly,the temple from fire may be secured;
Thirdly,the priests may pray without alarm;
Fourthly,my father’s coffin protected from harm;
Fifthly,Merry Boy,although young,will be
A scion of our family.
Should I not make this sacrifice
And disobey the bandit steeped in vice,
The temple with the coffin would be burned to ashes
And the monks stained with bloody splashes.
Can I be so unkind to my adopted brother
And so ungrateful to my widowed mother?
Tune: WILLOW LEAVES
Not a child would be left to continue our race.
Should I follow the rebel host,
To our family it would be a disgrace.
The best for me to do is to give up the ghost
So that you may present to the head
Of the brigands my body dead.
Thus you all may escape injury
And save our family.
Faben says:
Let us go to the preaching hall and inquire of the monks and laymen in the two corridors if they have any suggestions to offer so that we can make a workable plan.
(They all go and arrive there.)
Madame Cui says:
My dear child,what is to be done?I have something to say to you.Not that I can bear to be separated from you,but that I know no way out.If any one in the corridors,priest or layman,is able to induce the bandits to withdraw,I will present you to him as his wife and give him a handsome dowry.Though a lop-sided alliance,such a match would be better than falling into the hands of the brigand.
(Weeping)Abbot,please proclaim my proposal in the preaching hall.My dear child,it is you who will suffer.
Faben says:
This is a better proposal.
Yingying sings to the tune of BLUE SONG:
You think of none but me,my mother dear;
What you have said is not for other ears to hear.
But be not anxious for poor me!
It matters little who it be.
So long as he can display
His bravery to drive the bandits away,
With handsome dowry I would be his wife
To the end of my life.
(Faben proclaims the above conditions.)
Master Zhang enters applauding the declaration and says:
I have a plan for driving away the bandits.Why not ask me?
(He greets Madame Cui.)
Faben says:
I beg to tell you,Madame,this scholar is my relative who joined in the religious ceremony on the fifteenth of the moon.
Madam Cui says:
What is your plan?
Master Zhang says:
I beg to say,Madame,large reward will secure brave men.Since a handsome reward is offered,I think my plan will work.
Madame Cui says:
I have just told the abbot:I will give my daughter as wife to any one who can drive the bandits away.
Master Zhang says:
If that is the case,I have a plan which,first of all,requires the assistance of the abbot.
Faben says:
An old priest is no fighter.I must ask you,sir,to find someone else in my place.
Master Zhang says:
Be not afraid.I do not want you to fight.You just go out and tell the rebel chief the decision of Madame that her daughter in mourning cannot marry a general in arms.If he wishes the marriage,he must take off his armour,lay down his arms and withdraw as far as an arrow can shoot.He must wait three days until the religious service is finished.After she bids farewell to her father’s coffin and changes into her bridal robes,she will be escorted to him.If she should be escorted at once,it would be unlucky for his army because she is still in mourning.Go and tell him as above.
Faben says:
What is to be done after the three days?
Master Zhang says:
I have a friend whose name is Du Que and whose title is General on the White Horse.He is now in command of an army of a hundred thousand men,guarding the Pu Pass.He and I are sworn brothers.If I write a letter to him,he is sure to come to my rescue.
Faben says:
If the General on the White Horse comes.Madame,we need not be afraid even if there were a hundred Flying Tigers.Please be not worried,Madame.
Madame Cui says:
Our warmest thanks are due to you,sir.Rose,see your Young Mistress back to her chamber.
Yingying says:
Rose,what a lucky strike!
She sings to the tune of PSEUDO-EPILOGUE:
The priests for their own lives would flee.
Who would take care of our family?
Although an unacquainted outsider mere,
To help us he would volunteer.
Not that he’s wise to give advice,
But that he’s not afraid of sacrifice.
We’ve no relation near;
Upon a thread hangs our lives dear.
Sink or swim,live or die,
Upon this scholar we can but rely.
O that his letter would restore order
And conquer brigands as generals did on the border!
I wish the point of his pen
Would sweep away five thousand men.
(Exeunt Yingying and Rose.)
Faben says loud:
I request the general to come out.
Sun Feihu enters with soldiers and says:
Send Yingying to me at once!
Faben says:
Calm down your anger,General.I am ordered by Ma-dame Cui to inform you that…
(He repeats the order.)
Sun Feihu says:
If such is the case,I limit you to three days.If Yingying is not sent to me by the end of that time,I will have you put to death one and all.Go and tell Madame what an excellent son-in-law I will make.Say she ought to accept me.
(Exit Sun Feihu with his soldiers.)
Faben says:
The bandits have withdrawn.You must write your letter without delay,sir.
Master Zhang says:
The letter is already written.What we need is a man to send it.
Faben says:
I have a disciple in the kitchen called Huiming,who is good at fighting and drinking.If you ask him to send the letter,he is sure to refuses;but if you can arouse his perverse spirit,nothing will deter him from going.He is the only man on whom we can rely.
Master Zhang says loud:
I have a letter to send to the General on the White Horse.Who dare to take it?But I would not allow Huiming of the kitchen to go.
Huiming enters and says:
I will go.I will go.
He sings to the tune of CALM DIGNITY:
I won’t recite the Scripture nor pray;
In Imperial Confession I do not believe.
I have thrown my monk’s cowl away
And doffed my robe which has only one sleeve.
If anyone arouses my desire to kill,
There’s nothing but my iron poker could fulfill.
Tune: ROLLING BALL
Not that I am perverse,
Nor that I care a curse
What they call Buddha worship,
But that I only know
To take big strides and go
To kill the tiger,heedless of hardship.
Not that I’m full of greed,
Nor that I hate the creed,
But that the meatless diet is tasteless indeed.
Five thousand bandits need not be fried or stewed first.
Their blood would quench my thirst,
Their flesh would satisfy my appetite.
Can you say I’m not right?
Tune: MURMURING SONG
Your soup so thin
And noodles thick
With flour mixed in
Would make my stomach sick.
Your yellow leek and strong-smelling bean-curd
Are tasteless and absurd.
Ten-thousand-catty dumplings are good to eat,
With these five thousand bandits as minced meat.
Deter me not!Deter me not!
If any of their flesh were left unserved,
I’d sprinkle it with salt and have it well preserved.
Faben says:
Oh Huiming,don’t you know that Master Zhang will employ anyone but you?Why should you venture to go?Are you not afraid of the bandits?
Huiming sings to the tune of PSEUDO-SCHOLAR:
Don’t ask me if I dare to go,
But tell me if I’ll be employed.Yes or no?
You say Sun is a flying tiger indeed;
I say he is a beast of lust and greed.
How can I bear a brute of such breed!
Master Zhang says:
How is it that you,a monk,will not recite your sacred books and follow other priests for spiritual instruction,but want to bear message for me?
Huiming sings to the tune of ROLLING BALL:
I will not read my sacred books
Nor meditate in my religious nooks.
My newly polished sword remains
Without rust or stains,
When other priests look like laymen
Shut up by daylight in their den.
They care not if the entire
Monastery is on fire.
If you do know a general miles away,
To whom you have a message to convey,
I will send it for you
And brave the foe in view.
Master Zhang says:
Will you go by yourself or do you need someone to accompany you?
Huiming sings to the tune of WHITE CRANE:
Send with me some young monks with banners and parasols
And weakling acolytes with rolling pins and poles.
If you are firm to calm down the whole community,
I’ll boldly go to meet the enemy.
Master Zhang says:
What if they don’t let you pass?
Huiming says:
Don’t worry if they don’t let me pass!
He sings to the tune of A SECOND STANZA:
My angry glance would make the billows leap and bound;
With my thundering voice the mountains would resound.
I stamp my feet and there would come an earthquake;
I raise my arms and Heaven’s gates would shake.
Those who stand afar,
I’d sweep away with my iron bar;
Those who are nigh,
I’d cut in two while passing by.
Those who are small,
I’d pick up and kick like a ball,
And smash the head of those who are tall.
Master Zhang says:
Now I give you the letter,when will you start?
Huiming sings to the tune of PLAYING THE CHILD:
Explosive I have always been;
I do not know what fear could mean.
Tempered through fighting,I’m not outworn;
Intrepid I was born.
I’ve ever been decisive and determined,
Unlike the thoughtless straw in the wind.
Even to death I’m not afraid to go.
With sword in hand,would I stay my horse before the foe?
Tune: A SECOND STANZA
I’d help the weak;the strong I’d beat,
Preferring the bitter to the sweet.
Don’t worry about me more than your would-be wife.
If no armed troops of White-Horsed General came,
It is not I but your letter that is to blame.
Fair words alone could not persuade,
And a mistake once made
Would cause you shame for the rest of your life.
He says:
I am off!
He sings to the tune of THE EPILOGUE:
You beat the drum three times to stir my spirit high,
And blessed by Buddha,I’ll utter a loud war cry.
Behold from far a hero amid their flags appear
And five thousand bandits tremble with fear!
Master Zhang says:
Madame,you may tell the Young Lady not to worry.As soon as my letter is received,the army will come at once.
If through the night my letter flies,
The White Horse would come from the skies.
(Exeunt.)
General Du enters with his soldiers and says:
I am Du Que,styled Junshi,born west of Luoyang.While young,I studied Confucian classics together with Zhang Junrui.Then I gave up the pen for the sword and came out first in the military examinations.I was appointed General of the Western Front,commanding a hundred thousand men stationed at the Pass of Pu.A man coming from the Mid-River Prefecture told me my sworn brother Junrui is staying in Salvation Temple.Why does he not come to see me?I do not understand.Recently Ding Wenya,instead of fulfilling his duty,has allowed his men to plunder the people and I must despatch my troops to wipe them away.But as I do not yet know the whole truth,I cannot make a well-considered decision.Yesterday scouts were sent for information.Now I am going to the tent to see if they have come back.
(He opens the entrance of his tent and sits down.)
Huiming enters and says:
Having left the Salvation Monastery,here I am at the Pass of Pu.This is the encampment of General Du.I must get in at once.
(He is arrested by soldiers who report to the general.)
General Du says:
Bring him in!
(Huiming enters and kneels down.)
General Du says:
Hello,monk!Are you not a spy?
Huiming says:
I am not a spy.I am a monk of the Salvation Monastery.It is now surrounded by Sun Feihu with his five thousand men,declaring he would force the daughter of the late Prime Minister Cui to be his wife.
I have brought a letter from Zhang Junrui,who requests Your Excellency to come to their rescue as soon as possible.
General Du says:
Attendants,release the monk!Zhang Junrui is my sworn brother.Hand his letter to me.
(Huiming prostrates himself and presents the letter.)
General Du opens the letter and reads:
Zhang Gong,your former fellow-student and sworn brother,makes his bow once and again and presents this letter to Your Excellency General Du Junshi.Two years have passed since we met last,and I can never forget the windy and rainy night when we shared the bed together.On my way from home to the capital I passed the Mid-River Prefecture and intended to pay you a visit.But the journey had so exhausted me that I fell ill.Now I am far better and there is no cause for worry.I have taken up quarters in a quiet monastery which unexpectedly became a scene of arms.The widow of the late Premier Cui has brought her husband’s coffin to the monastery.But,at the sight of her beautiful daughter,a bandit named Sun Feihu has besieged the temple with his five thousand men.Anyone who should see their helpless state would feel indignant and try all means to drive the bandits away.But,to my regret,as I am a mere scholar unable to truss a chicken,I could do nothing to help them even at the sacrifice of my life.Then I think of you who have received full powers to control the area and are able to lull the storm.You who follow the tradition of the heroes of old are in no way unworthy of them.I am now in danger;the matter is pressing.Words fail me to express my longing for your help.I beseech you to come to the Mid-River Prefecture as soon as possible and wish you would start in the morning and arrive in the evening.We should be grateful to you as a fish stranded on dry land to the water brought from the far-off West River.The late Minister Cui,though in the eternal Shades below,would also be grateful to you for your timely arrival.Hoping you will give this matter enough attention,Zhang Gong salutes you again on the sixteenth day of the second moon.
General Du says:
Since the matter is urgent,I will give orders at once.Monk,you go back ahead and I will follow this very night.By the time you reach the monastery,probably I may have already captured the brigand.
Huiming says:
The monastery is in a dangerous situation.I pray Your Excellency to speed up.
(Exit.)
General Du,giving orders,says:
Officers and men,listen to my orders!Select five thousand soldiers and start this very night for the Salvation Monastery in the Mid-River Prefecture to the rescue of my sworn brother.
All answer:
Your orders will be obeyed.(Exeunt.)
Sun Feihu rushes in with his men and says:
The General on the White Horse has come.What is to be done?What is to be done?Let us dismount,doff our armour,lay down our arms,kneel down and await the General’s decision on us.
General Du enters and says:
Why have you all dismounted,doffed your armour,laid down your arms and knelt down?Do you expect me to forgive you?All right.Sun Feihu is to be beheaded.As for the rest,those who will not be enlisted may go home,those who will may give their names and be enlisted.
(Exeunt all the bandits.)
Madame Cui enters with Faben and says:
The letter was sent two days ago,but no reply has come.
Master Zhang enters and says:
Thunderlike noises are heard from outside the gate:probably it is my sworn brother who has arrived.
(Du and Zhang meet and bow to each other.)
Master Zhang says:
So long I have not heard from you since we parted that our meeting seems like a dream.
General Du says:
I have just heard you were travelling in my neighborhood,but I have not been able to pay you a visit,and I beg you to forgive me.
(General Du and Madame Cui meet and bow to each other.)
Madame Cui says:
We were in such a hopeless situation that we deemed death inevitable.It is due to you that we can still enjoy life today.
General Du says:
I have not taken proper precautions against these bandits so that you have been alarmed,for which I should bear the blame.
(To Master Zhang)May I ask you why you did not come to my place?
Master Zhang says:
I happened to be indisposed,so I failed to pay you a visit.I ought to accompany you back today,but Madame promised to give me her beloved daughter in marriage.I should be grateful to you if you could defer your departure and act as go-between.My plan is that a month after the wedding ceremony I will pay you a visit and express my gratitude to you.
General Du says:
My hearty congratulations and best wishes to you,Madame.I shall be delighted to act as go-between.
Madame Cui says:
I have still other arrangements in mind.Let dinner be served.
General Du says:
As five thousand men have just surrendered,I must go and deal with the matter.I will certainly come some other day to renew my congratulations.
Master Zhang says:
I dare not detain you lest it should interfere with your duties.
(General Du mounts his white horse.)
The horsemen leave the temp amid the cymbals’sound;
The soldiers sing victorious songs,for Pu Pass bound.
(Exit General Du.)
Madame Cui says:
We are deeply grateful for your invaluable help.From now on you should no longer dwell in your present quarters but move to the library of ours.A dinner will be prepared tomorrow and Rose will come to invite your presence.You must not refuse to come.
(Exit.)
Master Zhang bids goodbye to Faben and says:
I am going to pack up my things and remove to the library of Madame’s quarters.
The fire ignited by the bandits brings a shower
Unexpectedly to satisfy the thirsting flower.
Sun Feihu,you can never know how much I am indebted to you.
Faben says:
When you have leisure,Master Zhang,I hope you will come to my cell and we may have a chat as usual.
(Exeunt.)
