帕布莉卡第五本 歌舞声中花泣血 ACT V Songs and Tears
第一出 骂筵
【缕缕金】〔副净扮阮大铖吉服上〕
风流代，
又遭逢，
六朝金粉样，
我偏通。
管领烟花，
衔名供奉[1]。
簇新新帽乌衬袍红，
皂皮靴绿缝，
皂皮靴绿缝。
〔笑介〕我阮大铖，亏了贵阳相公破格提挈，又取在内庭供奉；今日到任回来，好不荣耀。且喜今上性喜文墨，把王铎补了内阁大学士，钱谦益[2]补了礼部尚书。区区不才，同在文学侍从之班；天颜日近，知无不言。前日进了四种传奇，圣心大悦；立刻传旨，命礼部采选宫人，要将《燕子笺》被之声歌，为中兴一代之乐。我想这本传奇，精深奥妙，倘被俗手教坏，岂不损我文名。因而乘机启奏：“生口不如熟口，清客强似教手。”圣上从谏如流，就命广搜旧院，大罗秦淮，拿了清客妓女数十余人，交与礼部拣选。前日验他色艺，都只平常；还有几个有名的，都是杨龙友旧交，求情免选，下官只得勾去。昨见贵阳相公说道：“教演新戏是圣上心事，难道不选好的，倒选坏的不成。”只得又去传他，尚未到来。今乃乙酉新年人日[3]佳节，下官约同龙友，移樽赏心亭[4]；邀俺贵阳师相，饮酒看雪。早已吩咐把新选的妓女，带到席前验看。正是：
花柳笙歌隋事业，
诙谐裙屐晋风流。
〔下〕
【黄莺儿】〔老旦扮卞玉京道妆背包急上〕
家住蕊珠宫[5]，
恨无端业海风[6]，
把人轻向烟花送。
喉尖唱肿，
裙腰舞松，
一生魂在巫山洞[7]。
俺卞玉京，今日为何这般打扮，只因朝廷搜拿歌妓；逼俺断了尘心。昨夜别过姊妹，换上道妆，飘然出院，但不知那里好去投师。
望城东云山满眼，
仙界路无穷。
〔飘下〕
〔副净、外、净扮丁继之、沈公宪、张燕筑三清客上〕
【皂罗袍】〔副净〕
正把秦淮箫弄，
看名花好月，
乱上帘栊。
凤纸[8]签名唤乐工，
南朝天子春心动。
我丁继之年过六旬，
歌板久抛；
前日托过杨老爷，
免我前往，
怎的今日又传起来了。
〔外、净〕俺两个也都是免过的，不知又传，有何话说。
〔副净拱介〕两位老弟，大家商量，我们一班清客，感动皇爷，召去教歌，也不是容易的。
〔外、净〕正是。
〔副净〕二位青年上进，该去走走，我老汉多病年衰，也不望甚么际遇[9]了。今日我要躲过，求二位遮盖一二。
〔外〕这有何妨，太公钓鱼，愿者上钩[10]。
〔净〕是！是！难道你犯了王法，定要拿去审问不成。
〔副净〕既然如此，我老汉就回去了。
〔回行介〕
急忙回首，青青远峰；
逍遥寻路，森森乱松。
〔顿足介〕
若不离了尘埃，
怎能免得牵绊。
〔袖出道巾，黄绦换介〕
〔转头呼介〕二位看俺打扮罢，道人醒了扬州梦[11]。
〔摇摆下〕
〔外〕咦！他竟出家去了，好狠心也。
〔净〕我们且坐廊下晒暖，待他姊妹到来，同去礼部过堂。
〔坐地介〕
〔小旦扮寇白门，丑扮郑妥娘，杂扮差役跟上〕
〔小旦〕桃片随风不结子。
〔丑〕柳绵浮水又成萍[12]。
〔望介〕你看老沈老张不约俺一声儿，先到廊下向暖，我们走去，打他个耳刮子。
〔相见，诨介〕
〔外问杂介〕又传我们到那里去？
〔杂〕传你们到礼部过堂，送入内庭教戏。
〔外〕前日免过俺们了。
〔杂〕内阁大老爷不依，定要借重你们几个老清客哩。
〔净〕是那几个？
〔杂〕待我瞧瞧票子。
〔取票看介〕丁继之、沈公宪、张燕筑。
〔问介〕那姓丁的如何不见？
〔外〕他出家去了。
〔杂〕既出了家，没处寻他，待我回官罢！
〔向净、外介〕你们到了的，竟往礼部过堂去。
〔净〕等他姊妹们到齐着。
〔杂〕今日老爷们秦淮赏雪，吩咐带着女客，席上验看哩。
〔外、净〕既是这等，我们先去了。正是：
传歌留乐府，
笛傍宫墙[13]。
〔下〕
〔杂看票问小旦介〕你是寇白门么?
〔小旦〕是。
〔杂问丑介〕你是卞玉京么？
〔丑〕不是，我是老妥。
〔杂〕是郑妥娘了。
〔问介〕那卞玉京呢？
〔丑〕他出家去了。
〔杂〕咦！怎么出家的都配成对儿。
〔问介〕后边还有一个脚小走不上来的，想是李贞丽了？
〔小旦〕不是，李贞丽从良去了！
〔杂〕我方才拉他下楼，他说是李贞丽，怎的又不是？
〔丑〕想是他女儿顶名替来的。
〔杂〕母子总是一般，只少不了数儿就好了。
〔望介〕他早赶上来也。
【忒忒令】〔旦〕
下红楼残腊雪浓，
过紫陌早春泥冻；
不惯行走，
脚儿十分痛。
传凤诏，
选蛾眉，
把丝鞭，
骑骄马；
催花使乱拥。
奴家香君，被捉下楼，
叫去学歌，是俺烟花本等，
只有这点志气，就死不磨。
〔杂喊介〕快些走动！
〔旦到介〕
〔小旦〕你也下楼了，屈尊，屈尊。
〔丑〕我们造化，就得服侍皇帝了。
〔旦〕情愿奉让罢。
〔同行介〕
〔杂〕前面是赏心亭了，内阁马老爷，光禄阮老爷，兵部杨老爷，少刻即到。你们各人整理伺候。
〔杂同小旦、丑下〕
〔旦私语介〕难得他们凑来一处，正好吐俺胸中之气。
【前腔】
赵文华陪着严嵩，
抹粉脸席前趋奉；
丑腔恶态，演出真鸣凤[14]。
俺做个女祢衡，挝渔阳，
声声骂；看他懂不懂。
〔净扮马士英，副净扮阮大铖，末扮杨文骢，外、小生扮从人喝道上〕
〔旦避下〕
〔副净〕琼瑶楼阁朱微抹。
〔末〕金碧峰峦粉细勾。
〔净〕好一派雪景也。
〔副净〕这座赏心亭，原是看雪之所。
〔末〕请酒！
〔同举杯介〕
〔副净问外介〕选的妓女，可曾叫到了么？
〔外禀介〕叫到了。
〔杂领众妓叩头介〕
〔净细看介〕
〔吩咐介〕今日雅集，用不着他们，叫他礼部过堂去罢。
〔副净〕特令到此伺候酒席的。
〔净〕留下那个年小的罢。
〔众下〕
〔净问介〕他唤什么名字？
〔杂禀介〕李贞丽。
〔净笑介〕丽而未必贞也。
〔笑向副净介〕我们扮过陶学士了，再扮一折党太尉何如？
〔副净〕妙！妙！
〔唤介〕贞丽过来斟酒唱曲。
〔旦摇头介〕〔净〕为何摇头？
〔旦〕不会。
〔净〕呵呀！样样不会，怎称名妓。
〔旦〕原非名妓。〔掩泪介〕
〔净〕你有甚心事，容你说来。
【江儿水】〔旦〕
妾的心中事，
乱似蓬，
几番要向君王控。
拆散夫妻惊魂迸，
割开母子鲜血涌，
比那流贼还猛。
作哑装聋，
骂着不知惶恐。
〔净〕原来有这些心事。
〔副净〕这个女子却也苦了。
〔末〕今日老爷们在此行乐，不必只是诉冤了。
〔旦〕杨老爷知道的，奴家冤苦，也值当不的[15]一诉。
【五供养】
堂堂列公，
半边南朝，
望你峥嵘[16]。
出身希贵宠，
创业选声容，
后庭花[17]又添几种。
把俺胡撮弄[18]，
对寒风雪海冰山，
苦陪觞咏[19]。
〔净怒介〕！这妮子胡言乱道，该打嘴了。
〔副净〕闻得李贞丽，原是张天如、夏彝仲辈品题之妓，自然是放肆的。该打！该打！
〔末〕看他年纪甚小，未必是那个李贞丽。
〔旦恨介〕便是他待怎的！
【玉交枝】
东林伯仲[20]，
俺青楼皆知敬重。
干儿义子从新用，
绝不了魏家种。
〔副净〕好大胆，骂的是那个，快快采去丢在雪中。
〔外采旦推倒介〕
〔旦〕冰肌雪肠原自同，铁心石腹何愁冻。
〔副净〕这奴才，当着内阁大老爷，这般放肆，叫我们都开罪了。可恨！可恨！
〔下席踢旦介〕
〔末起拉介〕
〔净〕罢！罢！这样奴才，何难处死，只怕妨了俺宰相之度。
〔末〕是！是！丞相之尊，娼女之贱，天地悬绝，何足介意。
〔副净〕也罢！启过老师相，送入内庭，拣着极苦的脚色，叫他去当。
〔净〕这也该的。
〔末〕着人拉去罢！
〔杂拉旦介〕
〔旦〕奴家已拼一死。
吐不尽鹃血[21]满胸，
吐不尽鹃血满胸。
〔拉旦下〕〔净〕好好一个雅集，被这奴才搅乱坏了。可笑，可笑！
〔副净、末连三揖介〕得罪，得罪！望乞海涵[22]，另日竭诚罢。
〔净〕兴尽宜回春雪棹[23]。
〔副净〕客羞应斩美人头。
〔净、副净从人喝道下〕
〔末吊场介〕可笑香君才下楼来，偏撞两个冤对[24]，这场是非免不了的；若无下官遮盖，香君性命也有些不妥哩。罢！罢！选入内庭，倒也省了几日悬挂；只是媚香楼无人看守，如何是好？
〔想介〕有了，画友蓝瑛托俺寻寓，就接他暂住楼上；待香君出来，再作商量。
赏心亭上雪初融，
煮鹤烧琴宴钜公[25]；
恼杀秦淮歌舞伴，
不同西子入吴宫。
注释：
[1]衔名供奉：供奉是指以文学、技艺供奉内庭的官。
[2]王铎：字觉斯，孟津（今河南孟县）人，书法名家。钱谦益，字受之，号牧斋，常熟人。
[3]乙酉新年人日：乙酉为南明弘光二年，即公元1645年。人日是阴历正月初七日。
[4]赏心亭：在江苏江宁县西，下水城门上，下临秦淮。
[5]家住蕊珠宫：意说她本与神仙有缘，表现她这时要出家入道的心情。蕊珠宫，神仙居住的地方。
[6]业海风：业海是佛经上的话，意说世人造成种种罪业，无量无边，有如大海。业海风指从业海吹来的风。
[7]一生魂在巫山洞：这里是卞玉京自怨一生过着娼妓的生活。
[8]凤纸：凤诏，皇帝的诏书。
[9]际遇：机遇。
[10]“太公钓鱼”二句：相传姜太公（吕望）曾在渭水边用无饵的直钩钓鱼，说“负命者上钩来”。
[11]道人醒了扬州梦：意说他已从歌舞繁华中清醒过来。唐朝杜牧《遣怀》诗：“十年一觉扬州梦，赢得青楼薄倖名。”
[12]柳绵浮水又成萍：我国古时传说，以为浮萍是柳绵入水所化的。
[13]（yè）笛傍宫墙：这引用唐李謩的故事。李謩爱好音乐，唐玄宗在宫里奏乐时，他拿笛子在宫墙外偷听，把曲调都记回来了。笛，用手指按笛子。
[14]鸣凤：《鸣凤记》，相传是明朝王世贞撰的。
[15]值当不的：值不得。
[16]峥嵘：强盛、振作之意。
[17]后庭花：歌曲名，陈后主所作。后人一般以《后庭花》指亡国之音。
[18]胡撮弄：任意摆布玩弄。
[19]觞咏：饮酒赋诗。
[20]伯仲：本指兄弟，这里意指朋党。
[21]鹃血：传说杜鹃的啼声很凄苦，甚至啼到口里流出血来。
[22]海涵：海量包涵。
[23]兴尽宜回春雪棹：东晋时，王子猷在雪夜乘船到剡溪访问戴安道，船将要到时，他忽然又叫船夫把船开回去。船夫问他，他说：“乘兴而来，兴尽而返。”
[24]冤对：冤家对头。
[25]煮鹤烧琴宴钜公：煮鹤烧琴指杀风景的事情。钜公指大官。
Scene 1 The Banquet
(Enter Ruan Dacheng in ceremonial dress.)
Ruan(Singing to the tune of Golden Wreath):
In times of gallantry,
We see the Six-Dynasties grace
Of golden dress and powdered face.
I am Secretary
In charge of ceremony of the capital town,
Wearing my new hat and black gown
And my leather shoes green or brown,
And my leather shoes green or brown.
(Smiling)I am exceptionally promoted to be Secretary in charge of ceremony through the influence of Prime Minister Ma.I am further honored to be imperial secretary in literary service.The other day I had the honor of presenting four musical plays to His Majesty who was so much delighted that orders were given to select actors and songstresses to sing and perform mySwallow’s Billet as musical drama to glorify his succession to the throne.I am afraid my drama might be spoiled by unskilled actors and songstresses,so I requested that experienced and skillful performers and amateurs might be selected.His Majesty granted my request and dozens of actors and songstresses are selected by the Ministry of Ceremony.But during the rehearsal,their performance has left much to be desired.Some well-known songstresses and amateurs are old acquaintances of Secretary Yang Longyou,and at his request I exempted their service in the palatial theatre.Yesterday the prime minister told me that His Majesty was much concerned with the performance,so the most skillful actors and songstresses should be selected.Today is the lunar Spring Festival.I have invited Secretary Yang to the Delightful Pavilion to drink and enjoy the snow scene and see if the performance would please the prime minister.So the newly selected actors,songstresses and amateurs are ordered to come for rehearsal.
We shall hear songs and flutes under the willow trees
And see if the new actors’performance will please.(Exit.)
(Enter Jade Bian in Taoist dress.)
Bian(Singing to the tune of Orioles’Song):
I lived in Pistil Bower,
But an ill wind blows me into a sing-song flower.
My throat is strained,
And my waist pained.
My soul longs for the cloud to quench my thirst with shower.
I am Jade Bian.Why should a smile-selling songstress be clad in a Taoist dress?Since the songstresses are forced to sing and dance on the palatial stage,we cannot be paid as before.So I said goodbye to my sisters and left them for a fairy bower.But where can I find it?
Gazing eastward,I see but clouds and hills appear.
How can I know where is the celestial sphere?
(Exit with sleeves spread like wings.)
(Enter three amateurs:Ding Jizhi,Shen Gongxian and Zhang Yanzhu.)
Ding(Singing to the tune of Silk Robe):
I play on flute in riverside bowers,
Viewing through window screen the moon and flowers.
Musicians are summoned to the palace to sing
For the imperial heart is stirred in spring.
I am Ding Jizhi,amateur musician of over sixty years old who has not sung to the rhythm of the clappers for a long time.The day before yesterday,I asked Secretary Yang’s favor to be exempt from palatial service and won his approval.But unexpectedly I am still summoned to the palatial theatre today.
Shen & Zhang:We were also exempt from service and are summoned today,too.And we do not know what for either.
Ding(Saluting them with clasped hands):My fellow amateurs,it is not easy for us to be summoned to teach in the palatial theatre.
Shen & Zhang:Indeed it is not easy.
Ding:You are young and have a bright future while I am old and ill,having no chance for advancement.So I wish not to go to answer the summon.Do you think it possible?
Shen: You may do as you will.The equality of unequals are inequality.How could the unequals be forced to be equal?
Zhang:You have committed no crime against the palatial theatre.Why should you be forced to teach actors on the stage?
Ding:What you say is right.Then I will not go to the palatial theatre.(Going back)
(Singing):
Turning my head,I see green peaks afar.
Going back,how lush the pine trees are!
(Stamping the feet)
If I do not take off my dusty dress,
How can I get free from the mess?
(Taking Taoist dress out from his sleeves and put it on,then turning back and calling):
Do you not find I seem
A Taoist awake from his dream?(Exit.)
Shen:Ah!How can he be determined to become a Taoist?
Zhang:Let us sit down and warm ourselves in the sunshine and wait for our fellow sisters to go together to the Ministry of Ceremony.(Sitting on the ground)
(Enter White Kou and Safe Zheng with a Man of Service.)
Kou: The peach petals without fruit will fly with speed.
Zheng: The willow down floating on water becomes duckweed.
(Gazing at Shen and Zhang)They have gone to warm themselves in the sunshine without calling us.Let us go and box them on the ear.
(Saluting them and making fun)
Shen(To Man of Service):Do you know where we are summoned?
Man of Service:You are summoned by the Ministry of Ceremony to teach in the theatre.
Shen:Last time we were exempt from the service.
Man of Service:The exemption is not approved by the prime minister,so you are again summoned to the palatial theatre.
Zhang:Do you know the names of those who are summoned?
Man of Service:Let me see the list.
(Reading the list)Ding Jizhi,Shen Gongxian,Zhang Yanzhu.
(Asking)Why is Ding Jizhi not here?
Shen:He is no longer an amateur musician but a roving Taoist.
Man of Service:Where can I find a roving Taoist?I shall report to my superior.
(To Shen & Zhang)You may go to the Ministry of Ceremony now.
Zhang:We shall wait for our fellow sisters to go together.
Man of Service:High officials will enjoy the snow scene on the riverside and songstresses are requested to take part in the performance.
Shen & Zhang:If so,we shall go now.
We shall sing in the music hall.
And play on flute by palace wall.
(Exeunt.)
Man of Service(Reading the list and asking Kou):Are you White Kou?
Kou:Yes,I am.
Man of Service(Asking Zheng):Are you Jade Bian?
Zheng:No,I am Safe Zheng.
Man of Service:So you are safe.But where is Bian?
Zheng:She has also become a roving Taoist.
Man of Service:Ah!Will the Taoists rove in pair?Who is the one with lotus feet lagging behind?Is she Chaste Lee?
Kou:No,Chaste Lee is married to a high official.
Man of Service:When I pulled her downstairs,she said she was Chaste Lee.How can it be otherwise?
Zheng:Perhaps her daughter has come in her place.
Man of Service:I do not care if it be mother or daughter,provided that we have not lessened the number of songstresses.(Turning back)She will soon overtake us.
(Enter Fragrant.)
Fragrant(Singing to the tune of A Tootoo Song):
Downstairs I go
In winter late in piled-up snow.
I pass the way
With early spring on frozen clay.
Unused to walking,my feet feel sore;
Songstresses are called to the palace door.
On a proud steed I may flip
My silken whip.
How can I hasten flowers
To run riot in royal bowers!
I am hastened downstairs to learn to perform on the palatial stage,that is a songstress’duty.But it is not my duty to marry again,and my determination will not change even at the price of death.
Man of Service(Calling her):Be quick!
(Fragrant comes.)
Kou:You condescend to come down.
Zhang:We have the good luck to serve His Majesty.
Fragrant:I wish the good luck will not fall on me.
(They walk together.)
Man of Service:Ahead is the Delightful Pavilion.The prime minister and secretaries will be there soon.You may get ready for the performance.(Exit with Kou and Zhang.)
Fragrant:I do not know they should come together with me.Then it would be a chance for me to give vent to my discontent before them.
(Singing to the previous tune):
An evil-doer and his flatterers base,
How could they talk with grace?
Beating the drum with my two hands,
I’ll blame him and see if he understands.
(Enter Prime Minister Ma and Secretaries Ruan and Yang,followed by attendants.)
(Exit Fragrant.)
Ruan: The crimson mansions are adorned with jasper bright,
Yang: The green mountains are covered in powder white.
Ma:What a beautiful snow scene!
Ruan:The Delightful Pavilion is built for the enjoyment of beautiful scenes.
Yang:Let us drink.
(They hold up their cups and drink.)
Ruan(To Attendants):Have the selected songstresses come here?
Attendant:Here they are.
(Another attendant leads the songstresses in and they kowtow to the high officials.)
Ma:We need no songstresses in our feast.Tell them to withdraw.
Ruan:They are summoned for the performance.
Ma:Then leave the youngest here.
(Exeunt all songstresses but Fragrant.)
What is her name?
Attendant:Chaste Lee.
Ma(Laughing):How can she be chaste?
Ruan(To Fragrant):Come here to serve wine and sing!
(Fragrant waves her head.)
Ma:Why are you waving your head?
Fragrant:I do not know how to serve.
Ma:If you do not know how to serve,how can you be a songstress?
Fragrant:I am not a service songstress.(Hiding her face with her sleeves)
Ma:What do you have in your mind?You may tell us.
Fragrant(Singing to the tune of Water in the River):
My mind is in pell-mell.
It is His Majesty I’d like to tell.
My lord from me is torn apart;
My mother left me with broken heart.
You are more cruel than the foe
And harder than the rebels’blow.
You pretend not to hear the blame;
You feel nor fear nor shame.
Ma:Is that all in your mind?
Ruan:She has suffered indeed.
Yang:Do not let her grievance disturb our pleasure.
Fragrant:Secretary Yang knows my grievance.Why should I give vent to it?
(Singing to the tune of Five Provisions):
You are officials high.
On you the Southern Dynasty would rely.
You do not do your duty,
But seek to enjoy beauty.
You sing the song of conquered land with glee,
And make light of poor me.
You order me to sing in biting breeze,
Of snowy sea and icy mountain as you please.
Ma(Angered):What is she singing?She should be given a box on the ear or on the mouth.
Ruan:As a renowned songstress,she should be given more boxes.
Yang:But she looks so young.Maybe she is not Chaste Lee.
Fragrant(Resentfully):What if I am?
(Singing to the tune of Entwined Branches):
We songstresses respect those who do no wrong,
But not those who to Eunuch Wei’s party belong.
Ruan:How dare she blame high officials!Push her down in snow!(Attendants push her.)
Fragrant: Pure heart and icy skin since days of old,
Like stone or iron,I fear no cold.
Ruan: How dare a servile songstress insult the prime minister!Nor are we exempt from her insult.How hateful!(Going down from the table to kick her,but stopped by Yang.)
Ma:It would be easy to put to death such a servile songstress,but it might not become my premiership’s dignity.
Yang:Yes,yes,your dignity and her servility are as far apart as heaven from earth.So your premiership might not mind such trifles.
Ruan:If your premiership will,send her to be punished in the palatial theatre.
Ma:That would be her due.
Yang:Then send her to the palatial theatre!
(Attendants come to pull Fragrant out.)
Fragrant: I am not afraid of death.
Could I care for the cuckoo’s bloody breath?
Could I care for the cuckoo’s bloody breath?
Ma:A joyful feast is spoiled by this servile songstress.How regrettable!
Ruan and Yang(With clasped hands):Excuse us.We shall remedy our fault by putting on a new performance.
Ma: We may go back when we feel no more pleasure.
Ruan: We’re sorry not to have punished her at leisure.
(Exeunt with attendants.)
Yang:It is regrettable that Fragrant has offended two adversary high officials.It would seem inevitable for her to lose her life without my poor excuse.Now she is sent to the palatial theatre.It might take a load off my mind for sometime.But who shall take care of her bower,where nobody dwells now?
(Thinking over)Well,my friend Lan Ying is looking for an artist’s atelier.I may ask him to live in it before her return.
Epilogue of the Scene
When snow begins to melt in the delightful bower,
A sumptuous feast is spread for officials in power.
The riverside songstress is angry with the guest;
Another Beauty enters the palace in the west.
(Exeunt.)
