with unpowdered face. When His Majesty visited the River Bend the other day, we were told to follow in his train. While my two sisters were feasted in the pavilion outside, I was summoned into the vernal palace to attend the emperor. Then I won his favor. Though the emperor is fond of me, I am afraid slanderers may speak against me. So when His Majesty asked me to accompany him to the palace yesterday, I declined the favor and came back. When I think it over, I still feel how fortunate I was. （Singing to the tune of "Word on Word in Brocade"）： This was a favor sent from high above; It's surely Fate that destined us to love. The golden cage was open "neath the flower; I was trapped like a phoenix in his bower.
Under the torches red Wine flowed and cups were passed on tables spread.
With wine cups near, The emperor whispered in my ear:"Make haste！
There is no time to waste." Then I was led To curtained bed. In the curtained bed it would seem Happy as in a dream. He brought fresh shower For my thirsting flower; O We were so near heart to heart That we would never part.
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