Book Three: Scholar Zhang Stricken with Lovesickness — Prelude
[Act III: Scholar Zhang Junrui Suffers from Love-sickness: Prologue]
[Cui Yingying enters, recites the spoken parts:] Since that night I listened to his zither playing, I heard that Scholar Zhang has fallen ill. Now I will let Hongniang go to the study and see what he has to say. [Makes a gesture of summoning Hongniang.] [Hongniang enters, recites the spoken parts:] My young mistress calls for me; I wonder what business she has. I must go at once. [Cui Yingying recites the spoken parts:] I feel so unwell; why haven't you come to see me? [Hongniang recites the spoken parts:] You are thinking of Zhang... [Cui Yingying recites the spoken parts:] Zhang what? [Hongniang recites the spoken parts:] I was "looking" after you, sister. [Cui Yingying recites the spoken parts:] I have a matter to trouble you with. [Hongniang recites the spoken parts:] What matter? [Cui Yingying recites the spoken parts:] You will go and visit Scholar Zhang for me. See what he says, then come back and report to me. [Hongniang recites the spoken parts:] I won't go. If the lady finds out, it will be no joke. [Cui Yingying recites the spoken parts:] Dear sister, I will bow to you twice; just go for me this once! [Hongniang recites the spoken parts:] Young mistress, please rise. I will go. I shall say: "Scholar Zhang, you are so gravely ill, but our young mistress is no better off." It is only because of the hand that plucked the zither at midnight that stirred the heart of the secluded maiden longing for the moon.
[To the tune "Xianlü: Appreciating Flowers"] Our young mistress neglects her needlework, the scent of her powder and rouge fades, and she is too lazy to apply more. The sorrow of spring presses upon her brows. If only their hearts could meet in a single point, it would cure this languishing state. [Hongniang exits.]
[Cui Yingying recites the spoken parts:] Hongniang has gone. I will see what she says when she returns, and then I will decide what to do. [Cui Yingying exits.]