帕布莉卡
第三本 三罪阻立继位人 ACT III Crime and Succession
第一出 辞院
【西地锦】〔末扮杨文骢冠带上〕
锦绣东南列郡，
英雄割据纷纷；
而今还起周郎恨，
江水向东奔[1]。
下官杨文骢，昨奉熊司马[2]之命，托侯兄发书宁南，阻其北上，已遣柳敬亭连夜寄去。还怕投书未稳，一面奏闻朝廷，加他官爵，荫他子侄；又一面知会各处督抚，及在城大小文武，齐集清议堂[3]，公同计议，助他粮饷，这也是不得已调停之法。下官与阮圆海虽罢闲流寓，都有传单，只得早到。
〔副净扮阮大铖冠带上〕黑白看成棋里事，须眉扮作戏中人。
〔见介〕龙友请了，今日会议军情，既传我们到此，也不可默默无言。
〔末〕事体重大，我们废员闲宦，立不得主意，身到就是了。
〔副净〕说那里话。
【啄木儿】
朝廷事，
须认真，
太祖神京今未稳，
莫漫愁铁锁船开[4]，
只怕有萧墙人引[5]。
角声鼓音城楼震，
帆扬帜飞江风顺，
明取金陵，
有人私启门。
〔末〕这话未确，且莫轻言。
〔副净〕小弟实有所闻，岂可不说。
〔丑扮长班[6]上〕处处军情紧，
朝朝会议多。
禀老爷，淮安漕抚史可法[7]老爷，凤阳督抚马士英老爷俱到了。
〔末、副净出候介〕
〔外白须扮史可法，净秃须扮马士英，各冠带上〕
〔外〕天下军储一线漕[8]，
无能空佩吕虔刀[9]。
〔净〕长陵抔土关龙脉，
愁绝烽烟搔二毛。
〔末、副净见各揖介〕
〔外问介〕本兵熊老先生为何不到？
〔丑禀介〕今日有旨，往江上点兵去了。
〔净〕这等又会议不成，如何是好？
【前腔】〔外〕
黄尘起，王气昏[10]，
羽扇难挥建业军[11]；
幕府山蜡檄星驰，
五马渡[12]楼船飞滚。
江东应须夷吾镇，
清谈怎消南朝恨[13]，
少不得努力同捐衰病身。
〔末〕老先生不必深忧，左良玉系侯司徒旧卒，昨已发书劝止，料无不从者。
〔外〕学生亦闻此举虽出熊司马之意，实皆年兄之功也。
〔副净〕这倒不知，只闻左兵之来，实有暗里勾之者。
〔外〕是那个？
〔副净〕就是敝同年侯恂之子侯方域。
〔外〕他也是敝世兄，在复社中铮铮有声，岂肯为此？
〔副净〕老公祖[14]不知，他与左良玉相交最密，常有私书往来，若不早除此人，将来必为内应。
〔净〕说得有理，何惜一人，致陷满城之命乎？
〔外〕这也是莫须有之事[15]，况阮老先生罢闲之人，国家大事也不可乱讲。
〔别介〕请了，正是
“邪人无正论，
公议总私情。”〔下〕
〔副净指恨介〕
〔向净介〕怎么史道邻就拂衣而去，小弟之言凿凿有据；闻得前日还托柳麻子去下私书的。
〔末〕这太屈他了，敬亭之去，小弟所使，写书之时，小弟在傍；倒亏他写的恳切，怎反疑起他来？
〔副净〕龙友不知，那书中都有字眼暗号，人那里晓得？
〔净点头介〕是呀，这样人该杀的，小弟回去，即着人访拿。
〔向末介〕老妹丈，就此同行罢。
〔末〕请舅翁先行一步，小弟随后就来。
〔副净向净介〕小弟与令妹丈不啻同胞，常道及老公祖垂念，难得今日会着。小弟有许多心事，要为竟夕之谈。不知可否？
〔净〕久荷高雅，正要请教。〔同下〕
〔末〕这是那里说起！侯兄之素行虽未深知，只论写书一事呵。
【三段子】
这冤怎伸，硬叠成曾参杀人；
这恨怎吞，强书为陈恒弑君。
不免报他一信，
叫他趁早躲避。
〔行介〕眠香占花风流阵，今宵正倚薰笼[16]困，
那知打散鸳鸯金弹狠。
来此是李家别院，不免叫门。
〔敲门介〕
〔内吹唱介〕
〔净扮苏昆生上〕是那个？
〔末〕快快开门！
〔净开门见介〕原来是杨老爷，天色已晚，还来闲游。
〔末认介〕你是苏昆老。
〔问介〕侯兄在那里？
〔净〕今日香君学完一套新曲，都在楼上听他演腔。
〔末〕快请下楼！
〔净入唤介〕
〔小旦、生、旦出介〕
〔生〕浓情人带酒，
寒夜帐笼花。
杨兄高兴，也来消夜。
〔末〕兄还不知，有天大祸事来寻你了。
〔生〕有何祸事，如此相吓？
〔末〕今日清议堂议事，阮圆海对着大众，说你与宁南有旧，常通私书，将为内应。那些当事诸公，俱有拿你之意。
〔生惊介〕我与阮圆海素无深仇，为何下这毒手。
〔末〕想因却奁一事，太激烈了，故此老羞变怒耳。
〔小旦〕事不宜迟，趁早高飞远遁，不要连累别人。
〔生〕说得有理。
〔愁介〕只是燕尔[17]新婚，如何舍得。
〔旦正色介〕官人素以豪杰自命，为何学儿女子态？
〔生〕是，是，但不知那里去好?
【滴溜子】
双亲在，
双亲在，
信音未准；
烽烟起，
烽烟起，
梓桑半损。
欲归，
归途难问。
天涯到处迷，
将身怎隐。
歧路穷途，
天暗地昏。
〔末〕不必着慌，小弟倒有个算计。
〔生〕请教！
〔末〕会议之时，漕抚史可法、凤抚马舍舅俱在坐。舍舅语言甚不相为[18]，全亏史公一力分豁[19]，且说与尊府原有世谊的。
〔生想介〕是，是，史道邻是家父门生。
〔末〕这等何不随他到淮，再候家信。
〔生〕妙，妙！多谢指引了。
〔旦〕待奴家收拾行装。
〔旦束装介〕
【前腔】
欢娱事，
欢娱事，
两心自忖；
生离苦，
生离苦，
且将恨忍，
结成眉峰一寸。
香沾翠被池，
重重束紧。
药裹巾箱[20]，
都带泪痕。
〔丑上，挑行李介〕
〔生别旦介〕暂此分别，后会不远。
〔旦弹泪介〕满地烟尘，重来亦未可必也。
【哭相思】
离合悲欢分一瞬，
后会期无凭准。
〔小旦〕怕有巡兵踪迹，快行一步罢。
〔生〕吹散俺西风太紧，
停一刻无人肯。
〔生〕但不知史漕抚寓在那厢。
〔净〕闻他来京公干，常寓市隐园，待我送官人去。
〔生〕这等多谢。
〔生、净、丑急下〕
〔小旦〕这桩祸事，都从杨老爷起的，也还求杨老爷归结。明日果来拿人，作何计较?
〔末〕贞娘放心，侯郎既去，都与你无干了。
〔 末〕人生聚散事难论，
〔 旦〕酒尽歌终被尚温；
〔小旦〕独照花枝眠不稳，
〔 末〕来朝风雨掩重门。
〔众下〕
注释：
[1]“而今还起周郎恨”二句：周郎即周瑜，周瑜为吴将时，曹操自荆州顺流东下，引起赤壁之战。江水向东奔，暗指左兵的东下。
[2]熊司马：兵部尚书熊明遇。
[3]清议堂：当时朝廷大臣商议军政大事的地方。
[4]铁索船开：这里引用了王濬的故事。《晋书·王濬传》：西晋太康元年，龙骧将军王濬带兵攻打吴国。吴人在长江中要害之处横拦铁锁链，并在江中放置大铁锥，以阻挡王濬船舰。王濬造了几十只大木筏，上面绑着草人，让会水的军士驾着行驶在船队前头，木筏遇到铁锥，就将锥带走。又造了长十几丈的大火把，灌上麻油，放在船前，点燃烧断锁链，使船队顺利通过。后吴王孙皓投降。
[5]只怕有萧墙人引：祸起于内部的往往叫作祸起萧墙。
[6]长班：官僚的仆从。
[7]史可法：字宪之，号道邻，河南祥符人，崇祯进士，曾任南京兵部尚书。
[8]天下军储一线漕：天下的军需靠一线漕河来运输。
[9]吕虔刀：吕虔，三国时期魏国人，他有一把宝刀，铸工说：“要位登三公的人才可佩带它。”史可法在上场诗里用这典故，表示他才德不称官位。
[10]“黄尘起”二句：我国古时传说，认为金陵有王者之气。
[11]羽扇难挥建业军：《晋书·顾荣传》中说陈敏在江南作乱时，顾荣以羽扇指挥三军，与他交战，陈敏的兵纷纷溃散。这里借用这故事。建业，南京。
[12]五马渡：南京地名，在旧上元县西北二十三里。
[13]清谈怎消南朝恨：南朝士大夫往往排弃世务，从事清谈；南朝各代国力不振，和这种风尚有关。
[14]老公祖：明清时绅士称地方官作公祖。
[15]莫须有之事：指凭空诬陷的冤狱。
[16]薰笼：有笼子罩着的薰炉。
[17]燕尔：安乐。
[18]不相为：不相助。
[19]分豁（huò）：开脱。
[20]巾箱：指放头巾的箱子。
Scene 1 Parting
(Enter Yang Wencong in official dress.)
Yang(Singing to the tune of Western Brocade):
In the southeastern land
Heroes rose in command,
But General Zhou of bygone day
Has passed with waves on eastward way.
By order of Governor Xiong,I asked Master Hou to write a message for General Zuo in order to prevent his army from marching on the Southern Capital.This message was sent by Liu Jingting last night.Unsure if it could succeed,we requested the imperial court on the one hand to promote General Zuo’s rank,and on the other,all civil and military officers are summoned to the assembly hall to discuss how to provide food supply to his army.That is the only precautionary measure we can take.Retired as we are from civil service,Ruan Dacheng and I are summoned for the discussion,so we come early to attend the meeting.
(Enter Ruan Dacheng in official dress.)
Ruan(Singing) :Filling an office is like playing chess,
An actor should play his role nonetheless.
(Saluting Yang)Dear Master Yang,summoned to discuss the military situation,we should not remain taciturn on this important matter.
Yang: Important as the matter is,but retired officials as we are,I am afraid we cannot have much to say,while our attendance has expressed our concern on the situation.
Ruan: I beg to differ from you.
(Singing to the tune of Wood Peckers):
The state affair
Demands great care.
We are not sure
If the capital is secure.
Do not let warships break iron chains and come near.
A hidden traitor is what to fear.
Hearing the bugle and drumbeats,the town would shiver,
When warships sail down in the wind along the river.
I am afraid they try to change the city’s fate;
A traitor may open the city gate.
Yang: Do not say what you are not sure!
Ruan: Why can I not say what I have heard?
(Enter an announcer.)
Announcer(Singing) :When you see armies in array,
Meetings are held from day to day.
Here comes His Excellence Shi Kefa.
Here comes His Excellence Ma Shiying.
(Yang and Ruan come out in attendance.)
(Enter Shi Kefa and Ma Shiying in official dress.)
Shi(Singing) :Though in charge of military supply,
In vain is my sword brandished high.
Ma(Singing) :On royal tombs the fate of empire lies.
What can we do to see beacon fires rise!
(Yang and Ruan salute Shi and Ma.)
Shi: Why has Governor Xiong not yet come?
Announcer: By imperial order,Governor Xiong has gone to a manoeuvre on the river.
Ma: How can we discuss the matter at his absence?
Shi(Singing to the previous tune) :
Yellow dust rain
Dims royal reign.
A feathered fan cannot command soldiers to fight;
A message should be sent in starry night.
The warships sail on rolling waves like steeds in flight.
The eastern shore should listen to royal command.
How can lip service take revenge for southern land?
We do our best in vain
Although with might and main.
Yang: Your Excellecy need not worry too much.General Zuo was a subordinate officer under Marshal Hou,who has just sent a message to him,which must lead to good result.
Shi: I have heard that it is you who,under the command of Governor Xiong,asked the Marshal to write this message.
Ruan: I have heard something to the contrary.It is the intrigue of some traitor who enticed Zuo Liangyu to march on the Southern Capital.
Shi: Who can this traitor be?
Ruan: It is Hou Fangyu,son of Marshal Hou.
Shi: He is a renowned member of the Recovery Society.How could it be possible for him to do such a base action?
Ruan: Your Excellency did not know that he is on intimate terms with Zuo Liangyu,so it would be necessary to get rid of this traitor.
Ma: You are right.For the security of the Southern Capital,I think it is safe to sacrifice this man.
Shi(To Ruan):Do not spread baseless rumor!A retired official like you should not damage the reputation of a renowed personage of the state.
(Leaving)I beg to leave the assembly.
(Singing):We can tell right from wrong
As we know short from long.(Exit.)
Ruan(Pointing to Shi and speaking to Ma):Why is His Excellency Shi displeased and leaves us?Will he not believe what I say is not baseless rumor?I am sure Pockmarked Liu sent a message for Hou Fangyu.
Yang: Witness to the message sent by Liu,I know it tries to dissuade General Zuo from marching eastward.How could he be suspected as traitor?
Ruan: You do not know that the message may say one thing and mean another.
Ma(Nodding):Such an insidious traitor must be executed.Back to my office,I will have him arrested.(To Yang)My dear nephew,I am going back now,will you go with me?
Yang: My dear uncle,please go ahead!I will go later.
Ruan(To Ma):On intimate terms with your nephew,I have many things to talk with you.I do not know if you have the time to listen.
Ma: You are welcome.Let us go together.(Exeunt.)
Yang: This is far beyond my knowledge.Though not on intimate terms with Master Hou,I know the whole process of the message.
(Singing to the tune of Three Stanzas):
How could such a baseless rumor spread?
I must try to prevent such an unjust bloodshed
I think it would be better
To write a preventive letter.(Walking)
He sleeps with fragrant flower to sweeten his heart,
But golden balls would drive love-birds apart.
Here is Lee’s Bower.I shall knock at the door.
(Knocking)
(Music and songs are heard within.Enter Su Kunsheng.)
Su: Who is knocking?
Yang: Open the door,please.
Su(Opening and saluting):It is you,dear Master Yang.For what are you coming so late?
Yang: Oh,dear Master Su,will you please tell me where Master Hou is?
Su: Fragrant has just learned a new song and Master Hou is listening to her sing it upstairs.
Yang: Would you please ask him to come down?
Su(Calling):Master Hou!
(Enter Hou with Fragrant and Mother Lee.)
Hou(Singing):Drunken with wine and love and sweet delight,
Flowers in curtained bed fear no cold night.
Ah,dear Master Yang,are you coming to enjoy a sweet night?
Yang: Ah,Master Hou,you do not know disaster would come like a bolt out of the blue?
Hou: What disaster has frightened you so much?
Yang: Ruan Dacheng said in the assembly hall that you are on intimate terms with General Zuo and would open the city gate for him when his army march eastward.Some officials in charge who believe what they have heard would try to arrest you.
Hou(Startled):I am not in enmity with him.Why should he spread such rumor against me?
Yang: Perhaps your rejection of the dowry he provided for you has angered him,so he would take revenge on you.
Mother: If so,you had better leave here at once so as not to compromise others.
Hou: You are right.But how can I leave my darling bride!
Fragrant: How can a renowned intelligentleman like you hesitate like an undecisive woman!
Hou: Then where shall I go?
(Singing to the tune of Dripping Drop by Drop)
I have not heard a word
From my family dear,
From my family dear.
When beacon fire
Runs higher and higher,
The state is devastated far and near,
Far and near.
Homeward I’d go,
But which way?I don’t know.
I’m puzzled on my way.
Where can I stay?
Can I not stray?
Dark is the sky,
The earth is dim far and nigh.
Yang: Do not worry.I think there is a way for you.
Hou: Will you please tell me which?
Yang: His Excellency Shi Kefa came with my uncle Ma Shiying to the assembly hall.Ma did not say anything helpful for you.But Shi did not believe the rumor at all.On the contrary,he said your respectable father Marshal Hou has been very kind to him.
Hou: Oh,yes,my father was in charge when he passed the civil service examinations.
Yang: If so,why do you not go to his office and wait for the message from your father?
Hou: Good.Thank you for your timely advice.
Fragrant: Then I will go to pack your baggage.
(Singing to the previous tune):
Thinking of the delight we share,
Deep in the heart,
Deep in the heart,
How can we bear,
How can we bear,
Each from the other to part!
What can I do but knit my brow
And pack up your things now?
Although your fragrant quilt and box in places
Are stained with tear traces?
(Enter a servant carrying the baggage.)
Hou(Bidding adieu):We part now but soon we shall meet again.
Fragrant(Shedding tears):The land is torn by war,can we not be torn apart?
(Singing to the tune of Longing in Tears):
Soon we shall part in sorrow.
When shall we meet again?Never tomorrow.
Mother: You had better go at once for fear of the patrols.
Hou(Singing):The west wind hastens me to depart,
But who cares for my broken heart?
(To Yang)Do you know where His Excellency Shi dwells?
Yang: It is said when he comes to the Southern Capital on mission,usually he dwells in the Secluded Garden.I may ask someone to accompany you to go there.
Hou: Thanks a lot.
(Exeunt.)
Mother: Dear Master Yang,it is you who have caused this disaster.So I can only ask you to avert it.What if men should come here to arrest Master Hou?
Yang: Do not worry,dear Mother Lee.Since Master Hou is gone,no one shall be arrested.
Epilogue of the Scene
Yang: In our life we cannot drink together for long.
Fragrant: When wine is drunk,in warm quilt we hear no more song.
Mother: How can a lonely blooming branch fall into sleep,
Yang: When over double door wind and rain swiftly sweep!
(Exeunt.)
