Record of Places Outside the Tributaries

the rest of the text. Wai and Lao Dan Why does a person care so much about things in their heart? Student I am consumed by sadness west of the Ten-Thousand-Li Bridge. Student The most painful thing is that my parents are in the high hall while the child is far away.
Wai: The willow branches change to yellow. Student I respectfully accept my parents’ orders to travel to a strange land.
Old one: Little servant, start counting the days until the return. Together Do not linger in Luoyang just to see the flowers.

Act 3: Meeting Jiaoniang

Covering the head, they meet.
Playing the Xiao and Dizi flutes.
Speaking until the purse is empty.
Playing without knowing the patterns.
Feelings are born from the feelings.

Mo, Wai Dan, and Tie/Jing enter together Mo The empty courtyard is broad in spring. Beautiful colors hang down.
I want to ascend the painted railing, sitting in the yellow hall with nothing to do. Watching the children, before the curtain, coming and going. Wai Dan My inner feelings—

stagnate as I look toward my home, my soul stretching long. I wait to see if the garden flowers have yet fallen; this will be the news of my son’s return. My two sons, you and I, when at rest, we share the mat; when going out, we ride side by side. Now, suddenly, we must part. How can one bear the sigh of being separated?
Same tune The flowers have just bloomed, the grass is luxuriant again. You set out on your journey, the horse’s hooves of the traveler. You are leaving now, half a shoulder of luggage. The journey is long. Do not say that mother and father are worrying day and night; it is just us two brothers. After experiencing so much separation, you must remember: do not linger in the traveling clothes, return soon to sit before the flowers with you.
Student My brother, I will return as soon as I go.
Same tune It is not for fame or profit that we are forced apart. Separated by the distance, a corner of the Chu sky southern region. From now on we part, like the shrike flying east symbol of separation, with no one to lean on. I go only to visit my uncle; I will be separated only briefly. Brother, take good care of our parents. Remember: when the garden flowers have not yet fallen, that will be the news of your brother’s return.