by Tang Xianzu
And the temple willows,
Its branches constitute a shelter
That reaches palace windows.
I was predestined to found a state,
Small though others may consider it.
As a king who leads the ants,
I assume manners strict and regal.
(To the tune of Jiangshuiling)
Thanks to heavenly grace
And earthly power,
Within the walls stands the splendid palace.
With twists and turns,
The corridors extend afar
Into lanes
And street fairs.
They either bow
Or kowtow —
The ministers show their respect to the king;
They either walk
Or stand —
The common folk are ignorant.
(To the tune of Coda)
I have founded a state and ascended the throne;
Prime Minister,
You have become Prime Minister at court.
I wish that the State of Peaceful Locust
Shall last forever and put down the deepest of roots.
Everything is a being of its own,
Which constitutes a little world.
I dare to see through the absurd
And build the state in another zone.
Scene Four
Inviting a Monk to Preach Zen
(Enter Master Qixuan)
MONK QIXUAN (In the pattern of Collected Tang Poems):
“An old monk lives upon the Western Peak,
In a glazed temple lit by the hanging moon.
Although he sticks to jade and does not speak,
It’s hard for him not to leave the forest soon.”
I, Master Qixuan, a Pravrajana master since early childhood, am ninety-one years old now. Devoted to Buddha, I have always been following the Buddhist instructions, from what World-Honoured One preached in the west to what Bodhidharma moralised in the east. Under a shadowless tree, I play with the moon and sneer the wind; in the seamless pagoda, I’ll rest myself and live an eternal life. But for a sin I committed five hundred years ago, I should have recovered to my original nature just as the bubbles become water again or as the bright moon returns to the sky. In the first years of the Liang Dynasty, I was a Buddhist monk in my previous life and followed Bodhidharma to cross the river. There was in Yangzhou a pagoda in honour of Vipasyin, one of the seven bodhisattvas. One evening I was carrying a lotus lamp on the seventh floor of the pagoda when my lamp tilted, spilling the hot oil into an ant-hole. At first I did not notice that a young acolyte guarding the pagoda looked unhappy. When I asked him whether he was unhappy because he would have to clean the pagoda, the acolyte replied that he was unhappy for no other reason than that a sacred monk had enlightened on him that there were eighty-four thousand ant families in the hole. When the acolyte lit the lamp and prayed to Buddha, the ants would come out of the holes to listen to the chant. At such moments, the acolyte would scatter some rice and play with them. Now the spilt hot oil must have hurt many ants. When I heard about this story, I repented and reported it to Bodhidharma, who said, “Never mind! Never mind! These ants will soon be relieved from their karma as insects. A miracle will be worked out in five hundred years and they will ascend to the sky.” These words have been kept in my mind, ringing at my ears for three lives. Five hundred years have passed since that time. I’ll go to Yangzhou to settle this case at my senile age. Look, the city of Runzhou faces Mount Jin and Mount Jiao, thus providing magnificent scenery. Now that the meditation room is peaceful and secluded, I shall sit quietly and meditate for a while to see what state of mind I shall be in.
(Enter a monk, followed by three laymen, with a letter of petition in his hands)
MONK:
“The cranes may leave the woe behind
While dragons come to hear the preaching.”
I am abbot to the Xiaogan Temple and the Chanzhi Temple in Yangzhou across the river. To meet the demands of the lay Buddhists, I have come to ask Master Qixuan to preach to them. Here we are at the meditation room of the Sweet Dew Temple. Let’s enter the room to present the letter of petition. Well, as Master Qixuan is sitting in meditation, I’ll strike the iron plate three times.
(Strikes the iron plate)
MASTER QIXUAN (Wakes up):
What have you all come here for?
MONK, LAYMEN (On their knees):
The monks and laymen in Yangzhou are respectfully inviting you to preach on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the Ullambana Day. Here is the letter of petition from all the Buddhist disciples.
(Present the letter of petition)
MASTER QIXUAN:
Please rise to your feet and read the letter.
MONK (Unfolds and reads the letter):
“As we live in the decadent area of Yangzhou, how can we escape from our evil fate? At the same time, as we border on the area of ancient Runzhou with its Mount Jin and Mount Jiao, we can cherish good fate as well. Those who come to the temple in Runzhou are all Buddhist disciples. Master Qixuan of the Sweet Dew Temple is magnanimous and benevolent, embodying the three pearls of inward virtue and the five phases of outward transformation. Since the bell and the drum do not mix their sounds, the sangha is enlightened on its way of life; since no wind or flag but the heart stirs, the sangha is to rid itself of human bondage. You are not only able to witness the true faces of Shakyamuni, Maitraya and Kassapa, but also to perceive the samadhi of all living creatures. In the basin of Ullambana, there is the purity of heart; in the lamp of bright moon, there is no web of complications. Like the smiling Kassapa, you will convert the sangha. We pray that you will convert us with your maitri and karuna.”
MASTER QIXUAN:
I can hardly cross the river at my senile age of sickness.
(Aside)
Is the karma of the ants to appear in this trip of mine?
(To the tune of Zhenggong Duanzhenghao)
I am the second Manjusri,
Descending from the three Indian Temples,
To convert the ants to the south of Yangtze.
With bells and drums near Mount Jin and Mount Jiao,
The temple is known as Sweet Dew.
(Turns to reply)
I’d better stay. The monks seem to be good at interpreting the sutra. However, what they preach in a glaring and yelling manner has nothing to do with the essence of the sutra.
(To the tune of Gunxiuqiu)
I only hear of wild geese carrying the letters,
But never see them come back.
Why does a stone lady dance?
Why does a new bride ride a donkey?
Where is the man who picks a flower in smile
Or eats litchi in good taste?
If you come to the point,
How can you miss the target?
I can harmonise the world
And clear the path,
Because everyone is in the dark.
(The monk and laymen implore him to go)
MASTER QIXUAN:
Since you implore me to go, I’ll pay a visit across the river.
(To the tune of Tangxiucai)
As Buddha’s wisdom enlightens the universe,
There is no need to print his verse.
The practitioners of Dhyana strike the plate
While worldly people read and contemplate.
What is the present state of mind
That you will find?
For me, the Buddha stands behind.
You go first and follow my instructions!
(To the tune of Quasi-coda)
Prepare an attendance-book in the Chanzhi Temple
And a painting of Sudhana attending the preaching.
On hearing my preaching, the stones may nod
And sparkling stars may dot the sky.
Get ready the canopy and banners
To wait for me to cross the river by a vessel.
By the time when I
work the miracles,
All the ants will have to surrender.
Scene Five
Admonishing the Princess
(Enter the Ant Queen, followed by maids of honour)
ANT QUEEN (To the tune of Yeyougong):
With my palace under a locust-tree,
Female virtue is what the earth has endowed me.
MAIDS OF HONOUR:
We hold painted fans and go behind,
While in the palace,
The sound of clock
Vanishes beyond the garden flowers.
(Kowtow)
We kowtow to Your Majesty the Queen. We wish you a long life.
ANT QUEEN (In the pattern of Qingpingyue):
“The State of Peaceful Locust in autumn
Is away from the worldly din.
The sweet songs behind palace walls
Will not subvert the state.
In two lines with peacock fans in their hands,
The maids of honour wear short-sleeved dress.
Behind closed palace doors,
Their amazing dance entices the king.”
I am Queen of the Great State of Peaceful Locust. When I was a young ant, I was married to a handsome mayfly. My waist is as slim as a louse, but my figure is as large as a gadfly. When my spouse was enthroned, I naturally became the Queen. I only have a daughter by the name of Yaofang, entitled Princess Golden Branch. With utmost beauty, she has reached the age of marriage. She studies classics and histories under the instruction of Sister Shangzhen and learns embroidery under the guidance of my sister-in-law Lady Lingzhi. I received the decree of His Majesty the King yesterday to find a spouse for my daughter in the human world. Only people with deep insight can pick out a passionate son-in-law. It comes to my mind that my niece Princess Qiongying has a penetrating eye for men. I shall first talk it over with my daughter and then tell my niece to follow my instructions.
MAIDS OF HONOUR:
Her Highness the Princess is at the door.
(Enter Princess Golden Branch)
PRINCESS GOLDEN BRANCH (To the previous tune):
Whether clever or foolish by nature,
Any girl can apply the rouge and powder.
Charming and tender,
I have a heart
That has been stirred
In my chamber.
(Greets the Ant Queen)
Your daughter Yaofang kowtows to you. I wish you a long, long life.
ANT QUEEN:
As you have reached the age of fifteen, Yaofang, you are a qualified princess to be well-matched. You are now staying with me, but sooner or later you’ll get married. Do you know about the “four virtues and three obediences”?
PRINCESS GOLDEN BRANCH:
As I am still young, please tell me about them.
ANT QUEEN:
The three obediences are obedience to your father before marriage, obedience to your husband during married life and obedience to your sons in widowhood. The four virtues are propriety in speech, fidelity, physical charm and efficiency in needlework. With these three obediences and four virtues, you will be a virtuous lady. Now listen to me:
(To the tune of Bangzhuangtai)
By the spiritualised root of the locust-tree,
I live in the magnificent chambers.
In spite of my miniature size,
I have assumed a human figure.
First wife to your father the King,
I am First Lady in the eyes of other states.
In charge of ladies’ education in the state,
I live well with your father in dignity,
As a woman of chastity and fidelity.
PRINCESS GOLDEN BRANCH (To the previous tune):
A tiny beauty in the world,
I am born in a royal family.
Although it is not the human world,
I am treasured as a pearl in your palm.
In cold weather I stay in my chamber;
In warm weather I feel the warms of parental care.
With lectures from my father
And instructions from my mother,
How can I lack three obediences and four virtues?
(Enter Princess Qiongying)
PRINCESS QIONGYING (To the tune of Wanxiandeng):
With hurried steps,
I walk to the palace door.
I am Qiongying, niece of the Ant King. Summoned by Her Majesty, I shall wait for an audience with her.
(Kowtows to the Ant Queen)
Princess Qiongying kowtows to Your Majesty the Queen. I wish you a long life.
(Greets Princess Golden Branch)
How do you do, Princess Golden Branch.
PRINCESS GOLDEN BRANCH:
How do you do, Princess Qiongying.
ANT QUEEN:
Listen to my edict, Princess Qiongying. As Princess Golden Branch has come of age, she is to find a spouse. His Majesty the King has decreed that he is to find a son-in-law in the human world because she may not find a wise and valiant spouse in our clan to be the pillar to the state. I hear that the Xiaogan Temple in Yangzhou has invited Master Qixuan to expound the sutra on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. By the time when a multitude of monks and laymen gather in the Indian Yard of the Chanzhi Temple, you can go with Lady Lingzhi and Sister Shangzhen to listen to the preaching. See to it that you find a handsome and energetic young man.
PRINCESS QIONGYING:
Yes, I’ll follow your edict to the letter.
ANT QUEEN (To the tune of Bangzhuangtai):
When a girl has come of age for marriage,
She will be matched disregarding social standings.
The dragon’s daughter may find a human spouse
And a wedding may be held in the dream.
PRINCESS QIONGYING:
Who is anticipated to be her spouse
And requite the parental favours?
I shall appear in public
But hide my smile
To find a proper spouse for her.
PRINCESS GOLDEN BRANCH:
May I go with you to the preaching, Qiongying?
PRINCESS QIONGYING:
As a royal princess, you’d better not go out with me.
PRINCESS GOLDEN BRANCH:
In that case, I’ll present a pair of gold phoenix hairpins and a striped rhino-horn case to Master Qixuan as a token of my good will.
(To the previous tune)
In such a pleasant season,
I’d like to go but I am a girl.
I’ll present him the gold phoenix hairpins
And a striped rhino-horn offering case.
PRINCESS QIONGYING:
All your good will
Will be heard by the Avalokitesvara.
I’ll bring your token
And make it known to the congregation
So that you will find a spouse to your heart.
ANT QUEEN:
It’s no small matter, Princess Qiongying.
(To the tune of Coda)
For brilliant young men in the congregation,
I hope you will fix your eye on one.
In this trip,
You must keep secret and make my heart at ease.
You shall select a man in the sacred place
And find him near the meditation bed.
In your trip, you must conceal your race
But bring me pleasant news instead.
Scene Six
A Random Pastime
(Enter Liu’er)
LIU’ER (To the tune of Zizishuang):
I live in ancient Yangzhou —
Beyond Wazipu.
I have inherited loose behaviours —
Since childhood.
I’m dressed in rags and a slanted hat —
With underarm odour.
I often scrape a meal or get some wine —
Smart enough.
I am the notorious Liu’er in Yangzhou. I’ve been dissolute and dissipated all my life. Those who are in bad luck need
me to make quips and jokes; those who are dandies with or without taste want me to flatter and toady. I do not have many skills but have a ready tongue. When I meet a dupe, I just make him pay through the nose — this is a sharp practice of beating the grass to startle the snake; when I try to swindle someone, I let him take some advantages first — this is the simple trick of angling a carp with the bait of a shrimp. No matter in the south farm or in the north field, whoever provides for me is my parent of food and clothing; no matter whether I am invited by the neighbour in the east or in the west, Sha San is my brother for wining and dining. Those who understand me say that I am a wonderful man, a good man and an honest man; those who do not understand me say that I am a spendthrift, a ruffian, a rascal. I do not care who is sneering at me or scolding me; I care nothing but having a good time. As I haven’t seen Sha San for several days, I’ll look for him and idle away some time with him.
(Enter Sha San)
SHA SAN (To the previous tune):
I am Sha the thirteenth child —
Named Lan.
I’m like the water moon on the thirteenth day —
Floating round.
Six and seven is thirteen —
Sheer rubbish.
Thirteen strokes of flogging at court —
It’s nonsense.
LIU’ER:
You’ve violated the curfew, Sha San.
SHA SAN:
If I do not violate the curfew, I won’t be called a whore-master or an amateur performer, brother.
LIU’ER:
We haven’t wined or dined for days, brother.
SHA SAN:
Let’s saunter around the highway.
(Enter Partridge)
PARTRIDGE:
“Where does the white cloud flow?
Where does the bright moon go?”
SHA SAN:
The moon goes here, brother.
PARTRIDGE:
My master Chunyu wants to while away some time with Liu’er and Sha San. Where are they living?
LIU’ER, SHA SAN:
We are the men you’re looking for. What business is your master doing?
PARTRIDGE:
He is serving as an assistant general.
SHA SAN:
Oh, he’s an assistant cobbler. Does he want us to help with the drilling?
PARTRIDGE:
He’s an assistant general in the military camp.
LIU’ER:
Is he the heavy drinker Master Chunyu?
PARTRIDGE:
Yes, he is.
LIU’ER, SHA SAN:
Let’s go at once. Let’s go at once.
“If you have wine, we are bosom friends;
If you do not have money, we are total strangers.”