蘇六娘 • Sou-lag-niê • Guangdong Pêng’im (in progress)

The story of sou-lag-niê (Sixth Lady Sou) is one of the earliest known indigenous Teochew operas, set in the Teochew region and using the local language. This transcription is based on the 1957 film version produced by the 香港鴻圖影業公司 (Hong Kong Great Prospect Film Company), and adapted from Chinese subtitles by 王曉班 (uploaded to YouTube Part 1, Part 2 [no longer available] and Youku) and a commemorative booklet published by 大地唱片藝術工業; characters were converted to traditional and some usages were changed to fit the rest of this website. Lines that are sung are indicated with a • character at the beginning.

劇中人物 • Dramatis personae

In order of appearance.

• 渡公 • dou-gong • Old boatman who ferries passengers across the river. (Played by 陳水和)
• 桃花 • to-huê • Maidservant of sou-lag-niê, who helps lag-niê and gi-cung elope. (陳馥閨)
• 蘇六娘 • sou-lag-niê • Young lady of the sou family, the only child of a rich landowner and his wife (but called lag-niê 六娘 “Sixth Lady” because she is the sixth-born female of her generation, i.e. among her cousins). She spent a large part of her childhood in the household of her mother’s maiden family, where she was raised and educated alongside her male cousin, guêh-gi-cung. (姚璇秋)
• 郭繼春 • guêh-gi-cung • Young man of the guêh family, educated and refined, cousin of lag-niê; the two were raised and educated together and eventually fell in love. (陳麗華)
• 員外 • uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou, father of lag-niê; he is a rich landowner, but still has to respect the wishes of the sou clan elder (族長 zog-diên). (吳林榮)
• 安人 • ang-ring • Mrs Sou, mother of lag-niê. (吳麗君)
• 族長 • zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou, senior member of the sou clan; he was involved in arranging the match between sou-lag-niê and iên-siu-zai. (郭石梅)
• 楊秀才 • iên-siu-zai • Scholar Ien, a young man of the iên family; although he holds the licentiate 秀才 siu-zai degree, he is depicted as an oafish, uncultured man. (蔡錦坤)
• 梅香 • bhuê-hiên • One of the maids in the sou household.
• 乳娘 • ru-niê • The nursemaid of iên-siu-zai, who now comes to the sou household to help prepare sou-lag-niê for her marriage to him. (洪妙)

第一出 • Scene 1

桃花佮渡公鬥歌 • to-huê and the Boatman compete in song

Video 1: 2:44

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ziou-sêg bai-dou do gang-biêng
朝夕 擺渡 在 江邊
TODO

cên-suan lêg-zui puan ua liêng
青山 綠水 伴 我 臉
Green hills and blue water keep me company.

cian-hi ciu-bing ru seng-bêh
且喜 鬚鬢 如 霜 白
Even if I were to be glad about my snowy-white whiskers,

iu dig e-nang gian huang-biêng
又 得 與人 行 方便
I still have to be at the disposal of others.

（桃花）• to-huê

bêh-a, kuai-sê bê guê-lai, ua ain guê-dou a
伯啊，快些 扒過來，我愛 過渡 啊
Uncle, paddle over here quickly, I want to cross the river.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

o? nguêng-lai si a-to-huê
哦？原來 是 阿桃花
Oh? It’s To-hue.

le cig-za boih-za, ain ke di-go han?
汝 七早八早，愛 去 底塊 ～？
Where do you want to go so early in the morning?

（桃花）• to-huê

uêng-ghua u sing huê-lai, suêh-dao da-ian guan-si
員外 有 信 回來，說道 打贏 官司
My master received a letter, saying that he has won the suit in court,

ziu ain huê-gê, ing-ce ang-ring mêng ua zoin-uang sai-lou, zih-huê niê-gian
就 愛 回家，因此 安人 命 我 前往 西蘆，接回 娘囝
and wants to go home. So my mistress instructed me to go to Sai-lou and fetch our young Miss.

bêh-a, dan kuai-sê bê guê-lai!
伯啊，旦 快些 過來！
Uncle, come quickly!

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ho! ua lai!
好！我來！
Right! I’m coming!

bhuê, hê hê hê, zui-lao zian do pu, zung gou-bug-geng ngai
未，～～～，水流 正 在 浮，船 靠不近 岸
Wait a moment, the current is strong and the boat can’t come close to the shore.

to-huê a, gah oi-gian teng-diou, liou ê-loh-lai, ê-loh-lai a
桃花 啊，甲 鞋囝 褪掉，了 下落來，下落來 啊
to-huê, take off your shoes and get in the water, get in.

（桃花）• to-huê

ho, lai zih bao-hog
好，來 接 包袱
Alright then, catch my bag.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ho, gag-lai!
好，捔來！
Throw it over!

（桃花）• to-huê

a-bêh, zih a!
阿伯，接 啊！
Uncle, catch!

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

e? a? o? le zia gui-gian, sang-mag li bho toin-zung, dan bao-hog [mo?] bung-zui lao-ke liou
噁？啊？哦？汝 者 鬼囝，雙目 哩 無 睇准，旦 包袱 ［麼］ 分 水 流去 了
Huh? You little devil… you didn’t look where you were throwing, and now the bag has been carried away by the water.

“mo” (transcribed here as 麼) meaning “then”, “on the other hand”. This is probably the same word written as 厶 in the Ming-era edition of 蘇六娘, which has a similar meaning (inferred from context).

（桃花）• to-huê

bêh a, mo mo mo, do zi-go
伯啊，～～～，在 只塊
Uncle, look it’s still right here.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ha ha ha ha ha! ua zai ua lao-nang mag-huê, (coh?)-lai bhu-long ua?
哈哈哈哈哈！我 知 我 老人 目花，［撮］來 誣弄 我？
Ha ha! I know that my eyes are old and long-sighted, and you still want to tease me like this?

（桃花）• to-huê

bêh a, dan lai-zih
伯 啊，旦 來接
Uncle, now catch it for real.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ai-ia, gang-gang si le-gai ba-hi
哎呀，剛剛 是 汝個 把戲
Aiyah, this was all just your game.

dan mê-mê ê-loh-lai
旦 猛猛 下落來
Now come down quickly.

（桃花）• to-huê

ho!
好！
Alright!

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

a!
啊！
Ah!

le zia gui-gian, bho-gao-bho-dai
汝 者 鬼囝，無交無代
You little devil, without giving any warning,

ziê-sên ziu bian-loh-lai, ua ziah zung hiêm-hiêm boi, hiêm-hiêm boi
照生 就 拚落來，我 隻船 險險 擺，險險 擺
you jumped down so suddenly that my boat almost capsized!

“boi” also pronounced “bai”

險險 - “almost”

（桃花）• to-huê

bhoi no, bhoi no. bêh a, le [mo] ho ziên-ciu, zung bhoi boi
𠁞𰇇，𠁞𰇇，伯 啊，汝［麼］ 好 槳手，船 𠁞 擺
No, no, Uncle, you have good control of your oars, the boat will not capsize.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

hê hê hê, dan kia-ho, kia-ho
～～～，旦 徛好，徛好
Heh, then stand fast, stand fast.

ê? to-huê a, gao dui-ngai huêng-liou hng
耶？桃花 啊，到 對岸 還了 遠
To-hue, it will be some time before we reach the other bank.

le ho-m ciang diou-gua lai gib a-bêh tian-tian zêg-ê
汝 好唔 唱 條歌 來 給 阿伯 聽聽 一下
Come sing some songs for Uncle to listen.

（桃花）• to-huê

bêh a, le mo ia-si (?) ciu ciang-gua-gian, ain li ziu-lai dao-gua
伯 啊，汝 ［麼］ 也是 X 手 唱歌囝，愛 哩 就來 鬥歌
Uncle, you are also a good singer, if you want we could have a singing competition.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

dao gua? ai-ia ain ziu lai!
鬥歌？哎呀 愛 就 來！
A song duel? If you want to, bring it on!

he, le mai toin ua lao-nang bhoi ciang-gua
許，汝 勿 睇我 老人 𠁞 唱歌
Don’t think that this old man can’t sing.

ua-gai gua-gian gao dua-lua
我個 歌囝 到 大籮
I have a whole basket full of songs

zêg-coin boih-bêh gang-le dao, dao-gao le u-kao m-gan kua
一千八百 共汝 鬥，鬥到 汝 有口 唔敢 誇
I have a thousand eight hundred songs to compete with yours, we’ll compete until you have nothing to say.

lai, ua zêg-ming ko, zêg-ming ciang, a le soin, le soin
來，我 一面 舸，一面 唱，啊 汝先， 汝先
Come, I’ll row and sing at the same time. You go first.

（桃花）• to-huê

mai, le soin
勿，汝 先
No, you first.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

huan ain ua soin? ia ho, le lai tian
還 愛 我 先？也好，汝 來 聽
You even want me to go first? That’s just as well. Listen:

• zian-ghuêh bêh-huê kai, bêh-ia bêh-huê kai
正月 百花開，百 呀 百花 開
In the first month, a hundred flowers bloom, a hundred o hundred flowers bloom.

• bêh-huê kai lai pang-diêb kuang
百花 開來 蜂蝶 狂
A hundred flowers bloom and the butterflies go into a frenzy.

• za-mê gai hng-mung bho ziên-so
昨暝 個 園門 無 上鎖
Last night, the gate to the garden was not locked.

• to-huê tao-zao lai dou-gang, loi-ia loi lai dou-gang
桃花 偷走 來 渡江，～呀～ 來 渡江
To-hue sneaked off to cross the river, loi-ia-loi to cross the river.

（桃花）• to-huê

o, piêng mê ua, tai ua lai
哦，騙 罵 我，待 我來
Oh, so you are pretending to scold me. Just wait for my turn.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

diêh le ia
着 汝 也
It’s your turn.

（桃花）• to-huê

• ri-ghuêh bhag-mi-huê, bhag-a bhag-mi-huê
二月 木棉花，木呀 木棉花
In the second month, the kapok flowers bloom, the kapok o kapok flowers bloom.

• ang-huê kui-liou kui bêh-huê, bêh-huê huê-loh e sing-ziên
紅花 開了 開 白花，白花 花落 與 身上
After the red flowers come the white ones, the white flowers fall on one’s body.

• dung-bin hiah-gag ho ang-gê, loi-ia loi ho ang-gê
脣邊 額角 好 安家，～呀～ 好 安家
Cheeks and forehead show that it’s good to settle down, loi-ia-loi good to settle down.

loi-ia-loi - onomatopoeic expression

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

o, (?)-lai bai-cai ua lao-nang
哦，X 來 擺踩 我 老人
So, you’ve come to make fun of an old man.

ê-rig bho-nang lai to-zo le ziu zai ia hng!
下日 無人 來 討坐 汝 就 知 呀 哼！
If no one wants to come on board tomorrow, you’ll have to answer for it!

• san-ghuêh in sang-buê, in-ia in sang-buê
三月 燕 雙飛，燕呀 燕 雙飛
In the third month, the swallows fly in pairs, the swallows o the swallows fly in pairs.

• sang-buê in-ze liang-tao-gê, le bi in-ze m-sêng-dui
雙飛 燕子 兩頭家，汝 比 燕子 唔成對
A pair of flying swallows make a couple, unlike the swallows you don’t have a partner.

• sai-lou le-pou ke iu-huê, loi-ia loi ke iu-huê
西蘆 呂浦 去 又回，～呀～ 去 又回
From sai-lou to le-pou you go to and fro, loi-ia-loi you go to and fro.

sai-lou 西蘆 is the hometown of guêh gi-cung 郭繼春, the lover of sou lag-niê, whereas le-pou 呂浦 is the hometown of sou lag-niê.

The place name le-pou is written as 呂浦 in the Ming-era edition, but also given as li-pou 荔浦 in some publications.

（桃花）• to-huê

• si-ghuêh hou-miêng-miêng, hou-a hou-miêng-miêng
四月 雨綿綿，雨啊 雨綿綿
In the fourth month, the rain is continuously falling, the rain o the rain is continuously falling.

• [lou-ze?] guan-zui ziên gig-iêng, le bi [lou-ze?] do gi ziên
鸕鶿 趕水 上 揭陽，汝 比 鸕鶿 多 枝 槳
The cormorants race across the water to gig-iêng, unlike the cormorants you have an oar.

揭陽 gig-iêng, one of the counties of 潮州 diê-ziu subprefecture, is usually pronounced today as gig-iên.

• zêg-ni si-kui siu gang-biêng, loi-ia loi siu gang-biêng
一年 四季 守 江邊，～呀～ 守 江邊
Through the four seasons in a year you keep watch at the river bank, loi-ia-loi keep watch at the river bank.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

zê, ru-bi ru-mo-tian, zê nai oi-dig ke a?
這，愈比 愈孬聽，這 奈 會得 去 啊？
As this goes on it sounds even worse on the ear, how can I let this slide?

• ngou-ghuêh bê lêng-zung, ang-lam lêg-neng ru gian-hung
五月 扒 龍船，紅男綠女 如 行 雲
In the fifth month, the dragon boats come out to race. The youth turn out as if walking on clouds.

• na-gai neng-gung hah le i?
哪個 郎君 合 汝 意？
Which young gentleman will catch your fancy?

• a-bêh zo bhuê lai dian-hung, loi-ia loi lai dian-hung
阿伯 做 媒 來 定婚，～呀～ 來 定婚
Uncle will play matchmaker and find you a match, loi-ia-loi find you a match.

（桃花）• to-huê

• lag-ghuêh su tin-si, su-a su tin-si
六月 署 天時，署啊 署 天時
In the sixth month, the weather is hot, hot o hot is the weather.

• ngou-niê lao-ziên gag li-gi, ng u li-gi ze-gi gag
五娘 樓上 捔 荔枝，阮 有 荔枝 自己 捔
Fifth Lady casts down a lychee branch from the tower. We can cast down a lychee branch by ourselves.

An allusion to the story of 陳三五娘 dang-san-ngou-niê, where 黃五娘 ng ngou-niê tossed a lychee branch from her balcony to 陳三 dang-san as a sign of her love.

• miêng-êng a-bêh le hui sim-gi, loi-ia loi hui sim-gi
免用 阿伯 汝 費 心機，～呀～ 費 心機
We don’t need you, Uncle, to waste your effort, loi-ia-loi to waste your effort.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

cig-ghuêh si…
七月 時……
In the seventh month…

（桃花）• to-huê

cig-ghuêh zo-ni? zo m-ciang?
七月 做呢？做 唔唱？
What happens in the seventh month? Why did you stop singing?

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ai-ia, m-dui ia, bho siên zui-lao do dua
哎呀，唔對 呀，無 想 水流 在 大
Aiyah, something’s wrong, I did not expect the current to be so strong.

ziah-zung hiêm-hiêm bung-i pu-gao sang-goi cui
隻船 險險 分伊 浮到 雙溪 嘴
The boat was almost carried away to the mouth of the river.

雙溪 - This could be a “false cognate” loan word from Malay sungai (“river”)

（桃花）• to-huê

ai-ia, bêh a, mê-mê cug-lag, zung bê huê-lai ke a
哎呀，伯 啊，猛猛 出力，船 扒 回來 去 啊
Aiyah, Uncle, put more effort into it, row the boat back on course.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ho ho, le do kia-ho, kia-ho a
好好，汝 在 徛好，徛好 啊
Alright, alright, stand fast where you are, stand fast!

（桃花）• to-huê

bêh a, le mêng-ki za sê, lai zi-dou-tao dêng ua
伯 啊，汝 明起 早 些，來 只 渡頭 等 我
Uncle, do come somewhat earlier tomorrow, and wait for me at the river bank.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

zi-gai ze-riêng oi, ha ha ha ha ha
只個 自然 ～，哈哈哈哈哈
Of course, haha!

• ua lao-nang ia cong hao-sên lai, hao-sên gai sim-se ua oi zai
我 老人 也 從 後生 來，後生 個 心事 我 會 知
This old man was young once; I know how young people think.

（桃花）• to-huê

• nang gao-lao lai [su?]-hog lao, guêng-nang oin-se ia bug-gai
儂 到老 來 ［舒？］服 老，管人 閒事 也 不該
When one is old, [one should be comfortable in one’s old age?] and not bother about other people’s business.

cug-lag a!
出力 啊！
Row hard!

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ho, le kia ho, tai a-bêh lai loh hiang ziên. kia ho a!
好，汝 徛好，待 阿伯 來 落向 槳。徛好 啊！
Alright, you stand fast, and wait for me to row. Stand fast!

This version of the opera cuts off this scene at the seventh month. In other versions, to-huê and the boatman continue taking turns until the boatman begins with the “thirteenth month” and loses the competition because there is no thirteenth month (see Helga Werle, “Notes on Chiuchow Opera”, J. Royal Asiatic Soc. Hong Kong Branch (1975) vol. 15, pp. 71-87).

Werle writes of this scene: “This is a most delightful scene, a fully choreographed dance with the music based on Chiuchow [Teochew] folk tunes. The music and the dance are fresh and cheerful. This opening shows characteristic features of Chiuchow opera; it is beautiful, lighthearted and full of songs and dances.”

第二出 • Scene 2

Video 1: 12:06

（六娘）• lag-niê

• cung-huang ziêng-iêh gao hng-lim
春風 踐約 到 園林
In the winds of Spring, I keep an engagement in the garden

• siê-lib huê-zoin dog dim-lêng
小立 花前 獨 沉 呤
TODO

• biê-hian hiou ua ui ho-gu
表兄 邀 我 爲 何故
For what reason has Cousin Gi-cung asked me here?

• zuêng-guê-liou dang-li huê-pou lai-gao sui-liu-im
轉過了 東籬花圃 來到 垂柳蔭
Past the Eastern fence of the garden, to the weeping willow’s shade

• dang gin na dêng sia sog-sog
但 見 那 亭 榭 寂寂
But seeing that lonely pavilion

• sim uêng-iu
甚 緣由
What reason

• sim uêng-iu u-iêh bug lai-lim?
甚 緣由 有約 不 來臨
What reason keeps him from his appointment?

（繼春）• gi-cung

siên-gig dang-sim-gig, gi-dou kai-kao lang
想結 同心結，幾度 開口 難
TODO

cung-huang u-iêh ao-hng dang
春風 有約 後園 中
With the Spring wind there is an appointment in the back garden

zê-zêg-ce zai-mo co-guê liang-uêng
這一次 再莫 錯過 良緣
This time I cannot again miss the opportunity to meet my future partner

muê-muê huêng bhuê-lai
妹妹 還 未來
Sister is not yet here

siu-giu-huê! siu-giu pao-gib le mong-zêng
繡球花！繡球 拋給 呂蒙正
A hydrangea blossom! Toss the hydrangea to le mong-zêng!

呂蒙正 : Reference to the love story of 呂蒙正 and 月娥

zing-si gia-diou, gia-diou!
真是 佳兆，佳兆！
A good omen indeed!

o, nguêng-lai si biê-muê soin-ua re-lai
哦，原來 是 表妹 先我 而來
Oh, so my cousin has arrived before me.

muê-muê, ce-huê gag-dig ho, ko-siêh bug-do cai-lao zoin
妹妹，此花 捔得 好，可惜 不在 彩樓 前
Sister, these flowers are beautiful, but it is a pity they are not growing before the flowery tower.

（六娘）• lag-niê

biê-hian, hiê mai luêng-gang
表兄，～勿 亂講
Cousin Gi-cung, don’t speak foolishly about these things

（繼春）• gi-cung

sêng-ga liou
承教 了
I accept your criticism.

（六娘）• lag-niê

biê-hian iêh-hiou, bhuê-sêg u ho-ga-ngang?
表兄 約邀，未識 有 何教言？
Cousin, you asked to meet. Is there something you want to tell me?

（繼春）• gi-cung

muê-muê, ui-hian e le dang-hag gui-ni
妹妹，爲兄 與 汝 同學 幾年
Sister, you and I were educated together for many years.

ru-gim kuê-ki ziang-zi, big-su e le ziêm-biêg
如今 科期 將至，必須 與 汝 暫別
Now the examination season is approaching, and I must take my leave from you.

（六娘）• lag-niê

ziêm-biêg?
暫別？
Take your leave?

（繼春）• gi-cung

zian-si, muê ia ni in gib-gi
正是，妹 也 年 已 及笄
Yes, sister you are already of marrigeable age,

kiong-pa bug-lêng gu-zu sai-lou
恐怕 不能 久住 西蘆
I fear you cannot stay much longer in Sai-lou.

西蘆 : Lak-nie was sent to be brought up in the household of her maternal uncle and aunt at Sai-lou, but now that she is of marrigeable age will soon be returned to her parents who will decide on whom she shall marry.

zêg-biêg ze-ao, ziu bug-zai zai-huê ho-ki liou
一別 之後，就 不知 再會 何期 了
After we say goodbye, I don’t know when we will ever see each other again.

（六娘）• lag-niê

biê-hian, nguêng zog-le zêg-ge sêng-mia
表兄，願 祝你 一舉 成名
Cousin, I wish you success in the official examinations.

（繼春）• gi-cung

sia-sia muê-muê, dang-si…
謝謝 妹妹，但是……
Thank you Sister, but…

muê-muê, zê bêh ghêg-dui si le diou-hia di moh?
妹妹，這 白玉墜 是 汝 掉下 的 麼？
Sister, was it you who dropped this white jade pendant?

（六娘）• lag-niê

zian-si
正是
Yes it was

（繼春）• gi-cung

muê-muê, zê ghêg-dui ho-ciên si ua ri-si sang-gib le di
妹妹，這 玉墜 好像 是 我 兒時 送給 汝 的
Sister, this jade pendant looks like the one I gave to you when we were children.

ui-ho sig-loh e-ce?
爲何 失落 與此？
How did it get lost?

（六娘）• lag-niê

zê bêh ghêg-dui zian-si biê-hian so-zang
這 白玉墜 正是 表兄 所 贈
This white jade pendant was indeed the one that Cousin Gi-cung gifted me.

muê si-kêg dua do sing-bin
妹 時刻 帶 在 身邊
I wore it constantly on my person,

sêg-cai bug-gag, diou-hia do-ce
適才不覺，掉下 在此
but without realizing it, I dropped it here just now.

（繼春）• gi-cung

huê-êg tong-ni, cên-bhuê dêg-bhê
回憶 童年，青梅 竹馬
Thinking back to our childhood years, those innocent sweetheart years.

青梅竹馬 - idiom, lit. “green plums and bamboo (hobby) horse”

zêng-gi ho-si, le-ua ziu ziang-dai sêng-ring liou
曾 幾 何時，你我 就 長大 成人 了
In not much time, you and I have grown into adulthood.

muê-muê, le ka gi-dig: ri-si le ain mêng-siêm
妹妹，汝 豈 記得，兒時 汝 愛 鳴蟬
Sister, do you remember how you loved chirping cicadas as a child?

ua ziu pang-ziên zê-ciu ke-cog, hiêm-sê diêg-hia-lai
我 就 攀上 這樹 去捉，險些 跌下來
So I climbed up this tree to catch some, and almost fell down from it.

（六娘）• lag-niê

ai-ia, gi-dig, gi-dig! biê-hian a!
哎呀，記得，記得！表兄 啊！
Ah, I remember, I remember! Cousin Gi-cung!

• zai siêm-sian gi-dou muêh-huêng cên-i
知 蟬聲 幾度 物換星移
I recognize the sound of cicadas. Things change and the stars move.

• rim cên-i muêh-huêng, nang-liang sim-siang-ain bho kiong-ki
任 星移物換，俺倆 心相愛 無 窮期
Although the stars move and things change, our feelings for each other do not wane.

biê-hian, le toin
表兄，汝 睇
Cousin, look,

• zêng gi na
曾 記 那
do you remember…

• zêng gi na si-gang liu-im ê dang sui-[iêh]
曾 記 那 時間 柳蔭 下 同垂（約？）
do you remember that time when we met in the shade of the willow tree?

（繼春）• gi-cung

• dang siên iu-he sang bi-mag
同 賞 游魚 雙 比目
And enjoyed watching the fish swim, like a pair of flatfish.

比目 : Flatfish or flounder, symbol of marital love.

（六娘）• lag-niê

• oin-si zêng do zê tang-biêng, hi sia ze-uê di zag-ziêng
閒時 曾 在 這 溏邊，戲 寫 書畫 地 作 箋
We spent our leisure beside this pond, tracing out words and pictures in the dirt.

• guêng-lai guêng-siên di-dang ho
倦來 觀賞 池中 荷
When we got tired we admired the lotus in the pond.

• dêng-dêng-ghêg-lib ko-nang-liêng
亭亭玉立 可儂憐
Slender and elegant, that we could love.

亭亭玉立 : idiom

（繼春）• gi-cung

• na si-gang le ain noi-huê ua diah-zang
那 時間 汝 愛 蓮花 我 摘贈
At that time, when you wanted a lotus flower I ventured out

• zang le zêg-gi bêng-di liêng
贈 汝 一枝 並蒂 蓮
and plucked a double-headed lotus blossom for you.

蓮開並蒂 : idiom referring to marital love; lotus flowers are usually single headed.

muê-muê, nang liang-nang ko-u zêg-bi
妹妹，俺 兩人 可有 一比
Sister, there is one thing that we could be compared to.

（六娘）• lag-niê

bi-zoh sim-moh?
比作 什麼？
Compared to what?

（繼春）• gi-cung

• huê-kai bêng-di ko-nang-liêng
花開 並蒂 可人憐
A double-headed flower is a desirable thing,

• ho-bi nang hian-muê ciê-ghe bêng-giang
好比 俺 兄妹 笑語 並肩
Like us cousins sitting side by side, happily chatting,

（六娘）• lag-niê

• iu ho-bi cêng-huê hu-diêb sang-sang bhu
又 好比 穿花 蝴蝶 雙雙 舞
And like butterflies fluttering in pairs amongst the flowers.

（繼春）• gi-cung

• nang zê-li bug-diêb nang-ri bhu sang-sang
俺 這裏 抔蝶 人兒 舞 雙雙
We chased butterflies here, dancing in pairs.

（六娘）• lag-niê

• hu-diêb ni-ni huê-gang bhu
蝴蝶 年年 花間 舞
The butterflies dance every year in the flowers.

（繼春）• gi-cung

• nguêng bug-diêb nang-ri iong sêng-sang
願 抔蝶 人兒 永 成雙
I wish that those who catch butterflies shall forever be a couple.

（桃花）• to-huê

• bug-co, dui-ia, hu-diêb ze-êng sang-sang bhu
不錯，對呀，蝴蝶 自應 雙雙 舞
That is right, butterflies naturally dance in pairs,

• bug-diêb nang-ri iong sêng-sang
抔蝶 人兒 永 成雙
Those who catch butterflies shall forever be together.

（六娘）• lag-niê

zuan-bi le, gui-tao gui-nao, hêh-dig nang-sim gian-mêh tiou
賤婢 汝，鬼頭 鬼腦，吓得 人心 經脈 跳
Stupid wench! You clumsy head! You startled me out of my skin!

le m-do-gê, hong-si ang-ring, kiag lai-ce ho-se?
汝 唔在家，奉侍 安人，卻 來此 何事？
Why are you not at home serving my mother? What business do you have here?

（桃花）• to-huê

zi ing uêng-ghua lai-sing suêh-dao, bug-rig huê-gê
只因 員外 來信 說道，不日 回家
It is only because Mr Sou sent word that you should return home,

ing-ce ang-ring mêng bi zih le huê-ke
因此 安人 命 婢 接 汝 回去
So Mrs Sou sent me to bring you back.

ang-ring suêh-dao: mêng-tin gig-rig ziu su ki-têng
安人 說道：明天 吉日 就 須 啓程
Mrs Sou said that tomorrow is an auspicious day for it.

（繼春）• gi-cung

muê-muê, le mêng-rig huê-gê, ua iu ziang hu-ci
妹妹，汝 明日 回家，我 又 將 赴試
Sister, you will return to your own household tomorrow, and I will go off to the examinations.

zêg-biêg zai-biêg, ao-huê ho-ki?
一別 再別，後會 何期？
A farewell upon a farewell, when shall we see each other again?

（六娘）• lag-niê

• gang-lam gang-bag
江南 江北
Jiangnan and Jiangbei

• gang-lam gang-bag zêg-koi zui
江南 江北 一溪 水
Between Jiangnan and Jiangbei is the River

• biêg-si iong-i, gin-si lang
別時 容易，見時 難
Parting is easy, meeting is difficult

（繼春）• gi-cung

• muê gui le-pou, hian hu-ci
妹 歸 呂浦，兄 赴試
I return to Lv-pou, brother you go to the examinations

• zêg-biêg zai-biêg cou gêng-ziang
一別 再別 愁 更長
A farewell upon a farewell, makes it even more sorrowful

（桃花）• to-huê

• ain-siên bhuêng-kuang siên-se zê
愛償 萬頃 相思 債
Love makes up for the longing of ten thousand moments

• huan-su gib-za gib-za dêng liang-uêng
還須 及早 及早 訂 良緣
TODO

biê-siou-ia,
表少爺，
Young master,

• ua keng-le, huê-kai kam-zih huêng-su zih
我 勸你，花開 堪折 還須 折
I urge you, when the flowers bloom they have to be plucked,

• mo-tai bho-huê kong zih gi
莫待 無花 空 折 枝
Do not wait too long lest the branch becomes bare again.

• nang-se cong-cong do biêng-huê
人事 匆匆 多 變化
Human affairs are busy and full of change,

• za toh liang-bhuê ba cing ti
早 託 良媒 把 親 提
Do not delay in finding a matchmaker soon to come propose a match.

（六娘）• lag-niê

to-huê, guê-lai
桃花，過來
to-huê, come here.

（桃花）• to-huê

biê-siou-ia, ho-liou a, niê-gian u dian-cêng ze-muêh sang le!
表少爺，好了 啊，娘囝 有 定情 之物 送 汝！
Young master, look, Miss has a token of her love for you!

（繼春）• gi-cung

do na-li? kuai na-lai!
在 哪裏？快 拿來！
Where is it? Hand it over!

（桃花）• to-huê

ai! siu-zai ho bho-li, niê-gian cêng-cim ngi-dong
唉！秀才 好 無理，娘囝 情深 義重
Ai! Sir you are impatient. Miss has deep feelings and sincere emotion.

to-huê cong-deng bhuê-ciêb, ia bho zêg-ngang dao-sia
桃花 充當 媒妾，也 無 一言 道謝
Although I act as a go-between there is not a word of thanks for me.

（繼春）• gi-cung

o… sia-sia to-huê-zê sêng-cuêng
哦，謝謝 桃花姐 成全
Oh, thank you Sister to-huê for your help,

siê-sêng zê-li u li
小生 這裏 有 禮
I owe you a debt of gratitude.

（桃花）• to-huê

• u dao si, liang-kim doh gia-bhag
有 道 是，良禽 擇 佳木
The principle is that virtuous beasts choose a fine woodland.

• gim-ziêh ru cêng-giêng, ce-dang u cim-i
金石 喻 情堅，此中 有 深意
Gold is like firm devotion, the feelings therein are deep.

• iong-iêng mo siang-bhuang
永遠 莫 相忘
It will not ever be forgotten.

（繼春）• gi-cung

sia-sia muê-muê liou!
謝謝 妹妹 了！
Thank you, sister!

o, to-huê, to-huê a!
哦，桃花，桃花 啊！
O to-huê!

第三出 • Scene 3

Video 1: 27:33

（僕人）• bog-ring • Servant

bing ang-ring, uêng-ghua zog-diên gao-liou
稟 安人，員外 族長 到了
Mrs Sou: Mr Sou and the clan elder have arrived.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

o gao-liou, lib-ziêg tong-zai niê-gian ziên-deng ing-zih dia-dia
哦 到了，立即 通知 娘囝 上堂 引接 爹爹
Since they have arrived, go at once to call my daughter up to the hall to welcome her father.

（梅香）

si
是
Yes.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

zêg-gong, uêng-ghua huê-lai, zêg-lou sing-kou a!
叔公、員外 回來，一路 辛苦 啊！
Great Uncle, husband, you are back, it must have been an arduous journey!

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ha ha ha ha… si-so, guê-suan u giê, hong-zui sêng-zung, seng-dig si-mih sing-kou? ha ha ha ha
哈哈哈哈…… 四嫂，過山 有 轎，逢水 乘船，算得 是乜 辛苦？哈哈哈哈
Haha, Fourth Sister-in-law, we rode a sedan chair over the hills, took a boat across the water… can that be called arduous? Haha!

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

zêg-gong, cian-zo, cian-zo
叔公，請坐，請坐
Great Uncle, please sit, please sit.

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

o, zo zo zo zo
哦，坐坐坐坐
Ah yes, let’s all sit down.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ang-ring, neng-ri ka-zêng huê-gê?
安人，女兒 豈 曾 回家？
My wife, has our daughter come home?

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

neng-ri za-tin cong sai-lou huê-lai liou
女兒 昨天 從 西蘆 回來 了
She came back yesterday from sai-lou.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

huê-lai ziu ho
回來 就好
That is good to hear.

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

si-so, diêg-neng gai hi-se lai-liou, in-ao bug-ain zai bung ta ke sai-lou ba
四嫂，侄女 個 喜事 來了，以後 不愛 再 分 她 去 西蘆 吧
Sister-in-law, my niece’s wedding date is approaching. In the future it would be best not to send her to sai-lou again.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

zêg-gong, ua neng hi do ho-lai?
叔公，我 女 喜 在 何來？
Great Uncle, how did my daughter come to have a wedding date?

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ha ha ha ha! zê-ce ua e si-hian ziên-sian pah guan-si
哈哈哈哈！這次 我 與 四兄 上城 拍 官司
Haha! This time when Fourth Brother and I went up to the city for the court hearing,

m-duan guan-si pah-ian, huan-u gah ning doh gai sêng-lêng gian-sai
唔單 官司 拍贏，還有 佮 恁 擇 個 乘龍 囝婿
Not only did we win the case, but we also arranged a good match for your daughter.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

zêg-gong, bhuê-zai neng-sai si sui?
叔公，未知 女婿 是誰？
Great Uncle, who is this prospective son-in-law?

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ziu-si hu-ghê lai ze-ia ze ze iên ze-liang siu-zai
就是 府衙 內 書爺 之 子 楊子良 秀才
It is the licentiate iên ze-liang, son of the scholar-official of the prefecture yamen.

ta mua-bag bhung-cai, cui-ziêm big-lai, iêng-geng gai-zai
他 滿腹 文才，嘴尖 筆利，遠近 皆知
He has a breast full of learning, a mouth sharp with wit, and knowledge of things near and far.

zian-si zêg-gai kuai-sai
正是 一個 快婿
He will be a good son-in-law.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

sia-sia zêg-gong liou
謝謝 叔公 了
Thank you, Great Uncle.

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

sia ua si bug-co di, riag-bho ua ui bhuê cuêg-hah, na lêng-dig sêng guan-cing?
謝我 是 不錯 的，若無 我 爲 媒 撮合，那 能得 成 官親？
It’s not wrong to thank me. If not for me acting as a go-between, how would you have gotten an official family for in-laws?

dan ning lao hu-ci cian-zo, ua gao-si liou
旦 恁 老夫妻 請坐，我 告辭 了
Now, please remain seated, I will take my leave.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

zêg-gong, ning e uêng-ghua iêng-dao huê-lai
叔公，恁 與 員外 遠道 回來
Great Uncle, you and my husband have traveled a long way home.

gim-mung ziu cian-lai im-buê boh-ziu
今晚 就 請來 飲 杯 薄酒
Please come by tonight for a drink of wine.

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ha ha ha ha, ho-mê ning pah-ian guan-si, iu dig-liou kuai-sai
哈哈哈哈，XX 恁 打贏 官司，又 得了 快婿
Haha, you have not only won the court case, but have gained a son-in-law.

sang-hi ling-mung, zian gai cian ua lai zo dang-ig-ui
雙喜 臨門，正 該 請我 來坐 東一位
Twin successes have come to your door, so you invite me to sit at the place of honor as you should.

tiang-im gi-buê, ua zêg-dian lai, zêg-dian gao
暢飲 幾杯，我 一定 來，一定 到
I will certainly come to drink with you.

ho ho, ze-gê-nang miêng sang-liou
呵呵，自家人 免 送了
Ha ha, we are all family, there’s no need to get up to see me to the door.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

uêng-ghua, iên-gê neng-sai le ka-zêng gin-guê?
員外，楊家 女婿 汝 豈曾 見過？
Husband, have you ever met this prospective son-in-law from the iên family?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ciêh-ang ze-ziên, cing-ming gin-guê, siang-mao dao ia guê-dig ke
席宴 之上，親面 見過，相貌 倒也 過得 去
Before the banquet I met him face-to-face. He appears to be good enough.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ru-ce, ua ziu uan-sim liou
如此，我 就 安心 了
If so, my heart is at rest.

ta si na-li nang?
他 是 哪裏 人？
Where is he from?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ta zia-guêng riou-pêng
他 籍貫 饒平
His native place is riou-pêng.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

han?! riou-pêng?
X，饒平？
What? riou-pêng?

uêng-ghua, le zing tai-bho da-siou liou a
員外，你 真 太無 打數 了 啊
Husband, you didn’t think this over at all!

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

iên-gê mung-doin, neng-sai gong-mia
楊家 門第，女婿 功名
The iên family is of high status, our son-in-law has a good name.

zian-si zêg-mung ti-ming guan-cing, ui-ho suêh ua bho da-seng?
正是 一門 體面 官親，爲何 說 我 無 打算？
This is a proper official family that we are marrying our daughter to. What do you mean I haven’t thought this over?

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

nang zi-u ce-neng, za-rim ba ta hng-gê?
俺 只有 此女，怎忍 把 她 遠嫁？
We only have this one daughter, how could you bear to marry her off to a family so far away?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

mung-guêng siang-dui, sui-hng ho huang
門冠 相對，雖遠 何 妨
If the match is good, distance is not a consideration.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

e!
噁！
Ugh!

sog-dao bho-lam gou-neng, hng-gê riou-pêng, ru-ho sai-dig?
俗道 無男靠女，遠嫁 饒平，如何 使得？
The proverb says: If there is no son, rely on the daughter. If she is far away in riou-pêng, what are we to do?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ru-gim bhag-in sêng-ziu, sai-bug-dig ia-ain sai-dig liou
如今 木已成舟，使不得 也欲 使得了
The lumber has already been made into a boat. We shall just have to make do.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

zê ru-ho si ho?
這 如何 是 好？
What good is this?

第四出 • Scene 4

Video 1: 31:48

（六娘）• lag-niê

• bhung-dao dia-dia gui-lai
聞道 爹爹 歸來
I hear that Father has returned,

• pao-hia liou zam-suan mang hiang-zoin
拋下了針線忙向前
So I cast down my embroidery and head outside.

• mê-riêng-gang zi-gin dia-niê cung-suan so
猛然間 只見 爹娘 春山鎖
Only to see Father and Mother furrowing their brows in worry.

• sim cêng-iu
甚 情由
What is the matter?

• sim cêng-iu sai-nang hui ghi-cai
甚 情由 使人 費 疑猜
What is the matter that causes you concern?

dia-niê bhuêng-hog
爹娘 萬福
Many blessings, Father and Mother.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ua gian bug-êng, zo-hia
我囝 不用，坐下
There’s no need, my child. Sit down.

（六娘）• lag-niê

si
是
Yes.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ua-gian, le-bê ce-ce ziên-sian
我囝，你父 此次 上城
My child, your father was up in the city,

ziang-le zong-sing he-puê riou-pêng iên se-ia ze ze,
將你 終身 許配 饒平 楊師爺 之子，
And has found you a match, a life partner, the son of Master iên of riou-pêng,

iên ze-liang siu-zai liou.
楊子良 秀才 了。
The licentiate iên ze-liang.

（六娘）• lag-niê

za-suêh? dia-dia ziang neng-ri he-puê nang liou moh?
怎說？爹爹 將 女兒 許配 人 了 麽？
What do you mean? Father you have betrothed your daughter to him?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zian si
正是
Yes, that is so.

（六娘）• lag-niê

i…
哎……
Ah…

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ri a, mih (…)
兒 啊，乜 XX
Child, what is the matter?

（六娘）• lag-niê

• sig zi-mo biou-hian za-hia ghêg gian-tai
實 指望 表兄 早下 玉鏡臺
In truth, I had hoped to be betrothed to my cousin.

玉鏡臺 : Metaphor for betrothal, allusion to the story of Wen Jiao of Jin 晉溫嶠

• za… za zai-dao dia-dia soin ba uêng-pou co ang-bai?
怎…… 怎知道 爹爹 先把 鴛譜 錯 安排？
How… how was I to know that Father had already promised me to the wrong person?

• pêng-di huang-bo zou-ki, ce-cêng lang ai
平地 風波 驟起，此情 難 挨
Strong winds whip up across the plains. This is a difficult matter!

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

neng-ri!
女兒！
Daughter!

（六娘）• lag-niê

bho-cing!
母親！
Mother!

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

neng-ri, ui-ho ru-ce?
女兒，爲何 如此？
Daughter, what is this?

（六娘）• lag-niê

dia-dia, neng-ri bug-gê, neng-ri bug-nguêng gê ia
爹爹，女兒 不嫁，女兒 不願 嫁 呀
Father, I do not want to marry, I don’t want to marry him.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ê! lam-dua deng-hung, neng-ziang deng-gê, za-moh ho-suêh bug-gê han?
啞！男大 當婚，女長 當嫁，怎麼 好說 不嫁 X？
What? When men and women come off age they are to be married. How can you say that you do not want to marry?

（六娘）• lag-niê

• ui-ri ze-iun hag si-li
爲兒 自幼 學 詩禮
Your child has studied the classics of poetry and rites from a young age.

• ia-zai hung-ing su iu dia zu-cai, a
也知 婚姻 須 由 爹 主裁，啊
I know that fathers should decide on matters of matrimony.

za-nai ua mua-bag…
怎奈 我 滿腹……
But my chest is full…

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

le mua-bag sim-moh?
你 滿腹 什麼？
What is your chest full of?

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

neng-ri, za-moh iu bug-suêh liou?
女兒，怎麼 又 不說 了？
Daughter, why have you stopped talking?

（六娘）• lag-niê

mua-huai sim-se…
滿懷 心事……
Chest full of matters of the heart…

（桃花）• to-huê

niê-gian…
娘囝……
Miss…

（六娘）• lag-niê

• sung-mung to-huê se biêng-zai
詢問 桃花 事 便知
Ask to-huê, she knows

（桃花）• to-huê

ha? mung ua?
哈？問 我？
What? Ask me?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ze uêg-tag uêg-m-siên-iên, zing-zing ka-u-ce-li?!
書 越讀 越唔像樣，真真 豈有此理？！
The more books you read the more improper you become. What is the meaning of this?!

to-huê, kuai-kuai ziên-lai!
桃花，快快 上來！
to-huê, come here!

（桃花）• to-huê

ziu-lai
就來
Yes.

bi-ze kao-gin uêng-ghua ang-ring
婢子 叩見 員外 安人
Greetings to Master and Mistress.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zêg-pang!
一旁！
TODO

to-huê!
桃花！
to-huê!

（桃花）• to-huê

bi-ze zai
婢子 在
I am here.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

niê-gian ge-hung bug-gê, gao-doin so-ui ho-ing?
娘囝 拒婚 不嫁，到底 所爲 何因？
What is the reason that Miss refuses to marry?

（桃花）• to-huê

bing uêng-ghua ang-ring, zê-si niê-gian zong-sing dai-se
稟 員外 安人，這是 娘囝 終身大事
Master, Mistress, this is Miss’s big day

gê e bug-gê, bi-ze ho-cong dig-zai?
嫁 與 不嫁，婢子 何從 得知？
As a servant, I would not know why she wants to marry or not.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

hu-suêh! niê-gian cing-kao suêh-dao, sim-se rui-u le zai
胡說！娘囝 親口 說道，心事 唯有 你知
Nonsense! She said herself that only you know what is in her heart.

le su ho-ho sig-suêh, huang-miêng siu-zêh, huang-miêng siu-zêh liou a
你 須 好好 實說，方免受責，方免受責 了 啊
You’d better speak the truth if you don’t want to be punished!

（桃花）• to-huê

i…
哎……
Ai…

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

huan-bug kuai-kuai suêh-cug ha?
還不 快快 說出 哈？
Still not going to tell the truth quickly?

（桃花）• to-huê

uêng-ghua a, ang-ring
員外 啊，安人
Master, Mistress…

niê-gian sim-se, bi-ze sig-si bug-zai, huêng-kiu kuêng-su, huêng-kiu kuêng-siu
娘囝 心事，婢子 實是 不知，還求 寬恕，還求 寬恕
What Miss has in her heart, I truly do not know. I beg your forgiveness!

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zuan-bi! huan-gan gao-nai, ka-lêng siang-iong a
賤婢！還敢 狡賴，豈能 相容 啊
Stupid wench! You dare to be evasive? Can this be tolerated?

bhuê-hiên, cu gê-huab ziên-lai, cu gê-huab ziên-lai!
梅香，取 家法 上來，取 家法 上來！
bhuê-hiên, bring the rod!

家法 : Lit. “family discipline”, figuratively punishments used on children or servants.

kuai suêh!
快說！
Speak up!

（桃花）• to-huê

bing uêng-ghua ang-ring, se gao ru-gim bi-ze mua ia bug-dig
稟 員外 安人，事 到 如今 婢子 瞞 也 不得
Master, Mistress, things have come to a head, I cannot hide anything.

zi-si tian-deng ze-ziên, sêng-kiong ngang ze bug-biêng
只是 廳堂 之上，誠恐 言 之 不便
I only fear that it would not be opportune for me to speak openly in the receiving hall.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

bhuê-hiên to-hia
梅香 退下
bhuê-hiên, you may leave

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

kuai-suêh, kuai-suêh!
快說，快說！
Speak up, speak up!

（桃花）• to-huê

iong-bing
容稟
Alright,

• hung-ing dai-se sui lêng miêng
婚姻 大事 誰 能 免
Who can avoid the calling of matrimony?

• bê-bho zu-hung, bê-bho zu-hung ze-gou so gai-riêng
父母 主婚，父母主婚 自古 所 皆然
The parents decide on the match, this has been the way since ancient times.

• niê-gian u-gim gan kang-mêng, ze-u uêng-iu do ki-dang
娘囝 于今 敢 抗命，自有 緣由 在 其中
Miss dares to resist this only because she has her reasons for doing so.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ta ze-iun gia-tag gu-gê, zai-ze dag-li
她 自幼 寄讀 舅家，知書 達理
She has been raised and educated in her uncle’s household since she was an infant. She knows the classics and observes the law.

na u sim-moh uêng-iu?
那有 什麼 緣由？
What reasons could these be?

（桃花）• to-huê

ang-ring oi, ziu-si zê-gai gia-tag gu-gê, cai-u zê-diên huang-bo li
安人 ～，就是 這個 寄讀 舅家，纔有 這場 風波 哩
Madam, it is precisely this time in her uncle’s household, that has stirred up this trouble.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ua-hian gê-gui ngiêm-sog, sui-gan ria-si sên-hui?
我兄 家規 嚴肅，誰敢 惹是生非？
My brother’s house rules are strict. Who dares flout them?

（桃花）• to-huê

guêh-hu mung-têng cim se-hai
郭府 門庭 深 似海
The Gueh household’s reputation is as deeply established as the ocean.

sui-zai huang-liu ung-se gêng-do siê-ciên ze-dong
誰知 風流 韻事 竟在 小牆 之中？
Who knew that the trigger for amorous intentions could stir up within those walls?

gu lao-ia di-gê ngiêm lai-ghua
舅老爺 治家 嚴 內外
Mr Gueh governs his household strictly, within and without.

lao hu-ring siêh-sung, lai-ghua zêg-buan tong
老夫人 惜孫，內外 一般 同
Mrs Gueh loves her niece, within and without.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ho-kuang nang-gê niê-gian e biê-siou-ia
何況 俺家 娘囝 與 表少爺
To say nothing of our daughter and her cousin…

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

han?! ta liang-nang zo sim-moh?
～？！他兩人 做 什麼？
Huh?! What did they do?

（桃花）• to-huê

ta liang-nang ze-iun tong-têng gang-in
他兩人 自幼 同窗共硯
The two were raised together in the same household.

zê siou-ghuêh ciou-sêg siang i-bang
這 數月 朝夕 相 依傍
These many months and seasons they have been each others’ companions.

iu sai to-huê tuêng-ze di-gang
又使 桃花 傳書 遞柬
And instructed me to pass letters back and forth between them.

di-gang tuêng-ze coin-bêh-piêng
遞柬傳書 千百遍
These have been hundreds and thousands of letters.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ai-ia, zê, zê huêng liou-dig
哎呀，這 還 了得？
Alas, is that all?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ai-ia, ko-nao, ko-nao!
哎呀，可惱，可惱！
Alas, how vexing, how vexing!

• hng ngêg-neng ru-ce mong-long, bug-siu gui-hung bai gê-hong
遠 逆女 如此 朦朧，不守 閨訓 敗 家風
This rebellious girl has been so foolish, she has offended against propriety and soiled the family name.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

• toin ki-lai dou-si le
睇 起來 都是 你
It looks like it was all your fault.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

• dou-si le kang-zam ing-suan luêng gui-goh
都是 你 牽針 引線 亂 閨閣
You were the one who led her astray.

• ui im-bhuê tuêng-ze di-gang ba se-tong
爲 淫媒 傳書 遞柬 把 私通
In the manner of a matchmaker, passing secret messages back and forth.

ua ki ziang ki-lai ziang le pah
我 氣 將 起來 將你 拍
I am so angry that I will hit you.

（桃花）• to-huê

da-dig nang, tang co lang ai
打得 人，痛 楚 難 挨
TODO

• da-dig nang tong co lang ai
打得 人 痛 楚 難 挨
TODO

• to-huê sên-ui zêg si-bi, niê-gian u-mêng za tui-kai
桃花 生爲 一 侍婢，娘囝 有命 怎 推開
I am just a servant, how could I refuse Miss’s orders?

• mêng-si ning sên-ui bê-bho bho iêng-giêng
明是 恁 生爲 父母 無 遠見
It is you as her parents who lacked foresight,

• zêg-liêm ze ca-co ang-bai
一念 之 差錯 安排
Making arrangements without thinking them over.

• ka bug-bhung, neng-ze bho-cai biêng-si dêg
豈 不聞，女子 無才 便是 德
Have you not heard the idiom: “a woman without talent is a virtuous woman.”

• sai-lou gia-tag ui-ho lai?
西蘆 寄讀 爲何 來？
Who sent these letters from Sai-lou?

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ciang le
娼 你
You immoral woman

• sui-se ua zou-bê gong-ze, nai-si gê-hag, u-ho bug-ko?
隨師 我 祖父 功書，乃是 家學，有何 不可？
TODO

（桃花）• to-huê

• gou u niê-zog huê-diêb
古 有 梁祝 化蝶
TODO

• niê-zog huê-diêb ing dang-in, gou-biê dang-têng, ia bug-gai
梁祝 化蝶 因 同硯，姑表 同窗 也 不該
TODO

• zê-se si ning co zu-i, guai-zêh to-huê li-ho-lai?
這事 是 恁 錯 主意，怪責 桃花 理何來？
TODO

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

dou-si le, ce-bho bai-ri, zong-iong ke sai-lou iu-hag
都是 你，慈母 敗兒，縱容 去 西蘆 遊學

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

e!
□！

deng-si le ia nguêng-i, ru-gim gêng tui-do lao-sing sing-ziên
當時 你 也 願意，如今 竟 推在 老身身上

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

• uêg-se uêg-siên uêg-nao-ki
越思 越想 越惱氣

• dian ain cê-giu ce se-duêng
定愛 查究 此 事端

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

mang, le si lao-hu-tu liou
慢，你是 老糊塗 了

se in zi-ce, huêng-siên ziang-iang?
事 已 至此，還想 張揚？

le lang-dao ziu bug-pa rog-liou mung-hong, rog-liou mung-hong moh!
你 難道 就 不怕 辱了 門風，辱了 門風 麼！

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

riag-bug dui-giu, iên-gê zêg-dang lai cu, na-si ziang ru-ho si ho?
若不 追究，楊家 一旦 來 娶，那是 將 如何 是 好？

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

o, zê-ziu zing-to liang-lang liou a
哦，這就 進退 兩難 了 啊

（桃花）• to-huê

uêng-ghua ang-ring, cian-tian siê-bi zêg-ngang
員外 安人，請聽 小婢 一言

• sou-gê bho-ze kong u-cai, cing-ziên gia-cing li zian gai
蘇家 無子 空 有財，親上 加親 理 正 該

• gou-biê liêng-hung ze-gou u, za-ba ing-uêng kiang tiah-kai?
姑表 聯婚 自古 有，怎把 姻緣 強 拆開？

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ua hui bho-ce liêm-tao, zi-si neng-ri bug-ko zao bho-lou
我 非 無此 念頭，只是 女兒 不可 走 母路

kuang-cian ru-gim hung-ing in dian-liou
況且 如今 婚姻 已 定了

（桃花）• to-huê

ang-ring a
安人 啊

• cang-lo siang-cian ui-gian si, gug-nêg ng-ain ho-ring guah-kai?
田螺 尚且 爲囝 死，骨肉 恩愛 何認 割開？

• neng-ri gê-gao coin-li-ghua, dai-gang dang-ke lang zai-lai
女兒 嫁到 千里外，大江 東去 難 再來

• bhuêng-ig ghêg-iong ziou-cui sung
萬一 玉容 憔翠 損

• ning no-nang siou-diou mo-gêng cêng ko-ai
恁 二人 蕭條 暮景 情 可哀

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

si-a, dou-si le zia lao bug-si haon pah guan-si
是啊，都是 你 者 老 不是 好 拍 官司

ziang zêg-gai cing-sên neng-ri gê-gao coin-li ghua
將 一個 親生 女兒 嫁 到 千里 外

le lang-dao ring-sim dig-ke
你 難道 忍心 得去

re-cian rig-ao zê bhuêng-guêng gê-cai, giê-sui sêng-siu, giê-sui sêng-siu?
而且 日後 這 萬貫 家財，叫誰 承受，叫誰承受？

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ai-oi, coin-uêng bhuêng-uêng, dou-si zog-ziên zê-gai lao-huai-dang
哎□，千怨萬怨，都是 族掌 這個 老壞蛋

piêng-piêng cog-sêng ce-cing a
偏偏 觸成 此親 啊

（桃花）• to-huê

uêng-ghua ang-ring, niê-gian e biê-siou-ia in dang-têng gang-in
員外 安人，娘囝 與 表少爺 已 同窗 共硯

rig-gu sên-ain, zê-si nang-cêng ze siên
日久 生愛，這是 人情 之常

ning gim kiang-doh ta si, he puê iên-gê, giê ta ru-ho tian-cong, ru-ho tian-cong?
恁 今 強奪 他勢，許 配 楊家，叫他 如何 聽從，如何 聽從？

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

to-huê suêh-dig u-li, ho-bug ba iên-gê cing-se to-liou?
桃花 說得 有禮，何不 把 楊家 親事 退了？

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

to-hung?
退婚？

• houn si lao-puê nang lao-mia, he-hung to-hung bai gê-sian
虎死 留皮 人 留名，許婚 退婚 敗 家聲

• kuang-iu zog-diên ui bhuê-iêh, houn-su lang-buêg goi lang-gian, goi lang-gian!
況又 族長 爲 媒妁，虎須 難拔 計 難行，計 難行！

（桃花）• to-huê

uêng-ghua gi-bho zu-i, niê-gian iu-si dig-bên
員外 既無 主意，娘囝 又是 得病

zê-ziu lang-miêng long-cug hua lai
這就 難免 弄出 禍 來

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ai-ia! no-lao zi-u ce-neng, riag-guan ru to-huê so-ngang,
哎呀！二老 只有 此女，若果 如 桃花 所言，

ziang-lai le-ua so-gou ho-nang, so-gou ho-nang?
將來 你我 所靠 何人，所靠 何人？

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

kia-houn lang-hia, zi-u siê-sim guêng-huang, zai-siên liang-cêh ba
奇虎 難下，只有 小心 觀防，再想 良策 吧

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

to-huê, le su siê-sim hog-si niê-gian
桃花，你 須 小心 服侍 娘囝

（桃花）• to-huê

bi-ze cong-mêng!
婢子 從命！

第五出 • Scene 5

Video 1: 47:48

（楊秀才）

a-ni gian-ki!
阿妮 行起！
Let’s go, Nanny!

（乳娘）

ho, lai gian
好，來行
Alright, let’s go.

（楊秀才）

• dang-hua-lao ziên dêng hung-ing
東華樓 上 訂 婚姻
A marital match made at the Eastern Flowery Tower

• san-tui si-to ge sêng-cing
三推四托 拒 成親
Many times have excuses been given for not following through

• a-ni oi!
阿妮 ⿰口會！
O Nanny!

（乳娘）

• siu-zai oi!
秀才 ⿰口會！
O Young Master!

（丑、阿妮）

• nang gim sog-gao le-pou ke, toin ta lai-dang ho-nguêng-ing
俺 今 速到 呂浦 去，睇 他 內中 何原因
We speed along to le-pou, to find out what the reason could be

• toin ta lai-dang ho-nguêng-ing
睇 他 內中 何原因
What the reason could be

（楊秀才）

ze-cong dang-hua-lao dian-cing, lu-ce ke-sing cui-cu,
自從 東華樓 定親，屢次 去信 催娶，
Ever since the match was agreed on at the Eastern Flower Tower, we have sent many letters urging for the wedding to be organized

sou-gê zong-si to-san-iêng-si
蘇家 總是 托三延四
But the sou family keep delaying

gim-rig cing-dua ru-niê, gao gig-iên cui-cing
今日 親帶 乳孃，到 揭陽 催親
Today I go personally with my Nanny to gig-iên to press the matter

揭陽 : Province in Teochew where Sai-lou is located.

a-ni, kuai-sê lai gian-ki
阿妮，快些 來 行起
Quick Nanny, let’s go!

（乳娘）

ho, lai-gian, lai-gian
好，來行 來行
Alright, let’s go

（丑、阿妮）

• ain-gian ziu lai gian, nang gian-gian iu gian-gian
欲行 就來 行，俺 行行 又 行行
We will go, we will go along our way,

• bug-gag lai-gao diê-ziu-sian
不覺 來到 潮州城
Without realizing it we come to Teochew City

（楊秀才）

a-ni, gao diê-ziu-sian
阿妮，到 潮州城
Nanny, we are at Teochew City

（乳娘）

ha, gao-liou diê-ziu-sian liou
哈，到了 潮州城 了
Oh, we have arrived at Teochew City

e, siu-zai oi, le toin zê-gai suan, giê-zo sim-moh suan?
噁，秀才 ⿰口會，你 睇 這個 山，叫做 什麼 山？
O Young Scholar, look at that mountain, what is its name?

（楊秀才）

hang-suan!
韓山！
Mount Han!

（乳娘）

suan-ka[?] zêg dua-cu, sim-moh cu?
山腳 一 大厝，什麼 厝？
That large building at its foot, what is it called?

（楊秀才）

hang-se!
韓祠！
Han Temple!

（乳娘）

suan-ê he-diou koi nê?
山下 許條 溪 呢？
And the river flowing by the mountain?

（楊秀才）

hang-gang, hang-gang
韓江，韓江
The Han River!

（乳娘）

a, siu-zai, zo-ni long-zong si hang?
啊，秀才，做呢 攏總 是 韓？
Young Scholar, why are they all called “Han”?

（楊秀才）

a-ni…
阿妮……
Nanny…

（乳娘）

oi
⿰口會
Ay?

（楊秀才）

• hang-bhung-gong puê ping-gao diê-iên, cong-ce diê-ziu cug hao-hiêng
韓文公 被 貶到 潮陽，從此 潮州 出 豪賢
After Han Yu was despatched to this region, Teochew has produced many worthy talents.

韓文公 : Han Yu 韩愈 (768–824 CE), Tang era scholar-official who was sent away to a post in faraway Teochew province after writing an essay critical of the Emperor. While in Teochew he promoted education and good governance and is hence commemorated by many place names today.

TODO: Check pronunciation of 潮陽 in video

• ao-si diê-ring gam sêng-dêg, sui ba gang-suan goi sên hang
後世 潮人 感 盛德，遂 把 江山 改 姓 韓
Succeeding generations of Teochew people were grateful for his contribution, and renamed the river and mountain as Han.

sêg-bhuê?
識未？
Do you understand?

（乳娘）

siu-zai, le e lao-ia si-bug-si hang-bhung-gong di mung-sêng?
秀才，你 與 老爺 是不是 韓文公 的 門生？
Young Scholar, are you and your father disciples of Han Yu?

（楊秀才）

bug-si, ta si tang-ziou nang, li mag-zoin gui-bêh-ni liou
不是，他 是 唐朝 人，離 目前 幾百年 了
No, he was a man of the Tang period, which was several hundred years ago.

（乳娘）

o, bug-riêng a si tag-guê ta-di ze
哦，不然 啊 是 讀過 他的 書
Oh, but you have read his books.

（楊秀才）

ha ha ha! tag-guê, tag-guê. a-ni, le ui-ho mung-ki zê-se ni?
哈哈哈！讀過，讀過。阿妮，你 爲何 問起 這事 呢？
Haha! Yes I have read them. Nanny, why do you ask about this matter?

（乳娘）

ua si toin le e lao-ia di bung-nia hua hang-bhung-gong zêg-iên ê
我 是 睇 你 與 老爺 的 本領 和 韓文公 一樣 啞
I see that you and your father are talented like Han Yu.

（楊秀才）

ho, le cong-ho gin-dig?
呵，你 從何 見得？
Why do you say so?

（乳娘）

hang-bhung-gong lai diê-ziu zo-guan
韓文公 來 潮州 做官
Han Yu came to serve as an official in Teochew.

ziang nang-gê di suan a, gang a, se-tang a dou in guêng-zian liou
將 人家 的 山 啊，江 啊，祠堂 啊 都 已 管正 了
And took over people’s mountains, rivers, and even shrines.

le e lao-ia guêng-zian nang-gê di cang a, cu a, huang-zui a, muêh-ngiêb a, ia dou bug-ziê
你 與 老爺 管正 人家 的 田 啊，厝 啊，風水 啊，物業 啊，也 都 不少
You and your father have taken over people’s fields, houses, land, things, and more.

ka bug-si bung-nia e ta zêg-iên?
豈 不是 本領 與 他 一樣？
Isn’t that because you are as talented as he?

（楊秀才）

hiun-iou luang-gang! gian gian gian!
休要亂講！行行行！
Enough with the idle talk, keep walking!

（乳娘）

a, o-lo diêh suah sên-ki
啊，～～ 着 ～ 生氣
What, why are you angry at being praised?

o-lo – “to praise” suah – “then, however”

（楊秀才）

• hang-gang gung-gung dang-lam liu, hang siang-ze hiêng-sian ba giê siu
韓江 滾滾 東南 流，韓湘子 顯聖 把 橋 修
The Han River churns as it flows to the South-East. hang siang-ze appears to fix the bridge.

韓湘子 : According to legend, the nephew of Han Yu, who later became one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism.

• zab-boih (?) , no-ziah sên-ghu zêg-ziah liu
十八［梭船廿四州］，兩隻 鉎牛 一隻 溜
Eighteen boats and twenty-four islets; two brown cows, one of which is stolen.

（乳娘）

ai-oi, bho-guê nang dan, nang dan zê dua di-hng zing-si ho huang-gêng
哎⿰口會，無過 人呾，人呾 這 大 地方 真是 好 風景
Ah, it is as they say, this place really has great scenery.

（楊秀才）

a-ni oi, ua li to-cing sim-gib, le li gu-diêh toin huang-gêng
阿妮 ⿰口會，我 哩 討親 心急，你 哩 顧着 睇 風景
Nanny, here I am worried about my coming marriage, while you admire the scenery.

huêng-si zêg-ming gian zêg-ming toin, mai dam-ghou si-gang
還是 一面 行 一面 睇，勿 耽誤 時間
Let’s look while walking, and not waste time.

（乳娘）

ho, zêg-ming lai gian, zêg-ming lai toin
好，一面 來 行，一面 來 睇
Alright, look while walking.

（楊秀才）

gian gian gian
行行行
Let’s go!

第六出 • Scene 6

Video 1: 52:50

（乳娘）

a! e! a! zê-sê dong-si ain-suêh si mung, li bho cu!
啊！噁！啊！這些 東西 欲說 是 門，哩 無 厝！
Ah! I’d like to say that this is a doorway, but there is no building!

ain-suêh si hou-dêng, li bho zia-hou!
欲說 是 雨亭，哩 無 遮雨！
I’d like to say it is a rain shelter, but it doesn’t block out the rain!

（楊秀才）

iu-lai, iu-lai! zê-si dêng, zê-si dêng!
又來 又來！這是 亭，這是 亭！
Oh not again. It is a pavilion!

（乳娘）

dêng?
亭？
Pavilion?

（楊秀才）

si zag-hu-dêng
是 節婦亭
It is a pavilion for virtuous widows.

節婦 : Widows who do not remarry after the death of their husbands were considered to be virtuous and loyal.

（乳娘）

zag-hu-dêng
節婦亭
Pavilion for virtuous widows.

（楊秀才）

hu si bug-gê cêng zag-hu, guan-hu ui-ta lib bai-huang
夫 死 不嫁 稱 節婦，官府 爲他 立 牌坊
When a woman’s husband dies, but she does not remarry, she is called a virtuous widow. The state will build a memorial for her.

（乳娘）

lib bai-huang
立 牌坊
Build a memorial

（楊秀才）

a-ni, na le si ua-gai ru-niê, siu-zag buan-sêng
阿妮，那 你 是 我個 乳孃，守節 半生
Nanny, you were my wet nurse, and have devoted half your life looking after me.

tai-ua ziang-lai zo dua-guan nê, ze-riêng e-le giêng gai zag-hu-dêng
待我 將來 做 大官 呢，自然 與你 建 個 節婦亭
When I become a great official, I will naturally build you a memorial to your virtue!

（乳娘）

ai-ia ho-no ho-no
哎呀 好𰇇 好𰇇
Oh that would be nice

（楊秀才）

gian!
行
Let’s go!

（乳娘）

e…
噁……
Oh…

（楊秀才）

a-ni, le ui-ho ti-kao?
阿妮，你 爲何 啼哭？
Nanny, why are you weeping?

（乳娘）

ua dou bhoi-kao, le dan ke-mung a-dia ziu zai
我 都 𠁞哭，你 旦 去問 阿爹 就知
You had better ask your father why.

The nurse is implying that she is not a virtuous widow because his father has had his way with her.

（楊秀才）

mung ung a-ba? gian gian gian gian gian
問 阮 阿爸？行行行行行
Ask my father? Let’s keep walking…

（乳娘）

siu-zai oi, tai-ua zêg-ê…
秀才 ⿰口會，待我 一下……
Young Scholar, wait for me…

（楊秀才）

• ain ziah ho-hê bêh-bag-ciên, ain cu giou-ci sou-lag-niê
欲食 好蝦 白腹䱽，欲娶 嬌妻 蘇六娘
I will eat good prawns and white-bellied pomfret; I will marry the beautiful maiden sou lag-niê!

• sim-dang huan-hi bug-gag iêng, buan-suan guê-nia ziên gig-iên!
心中 歡喜 不覺 遠，盤山 過嶺 上 揭陽！
If one is happy one does not mind the distance. Across the mountain and the pass we go to gig-iên!

（乳娘）

siu-zai oi, mai na (?) mê a, tai-ua zêg-ê a!
秀才 ⿰口會，勿 那 X 猛 啊，待我 一下 啊！
Young Scholar, don’t be so fast, wait for me!

第七出 • Scene 7

Video 2: 0:02

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

• goi-ka di mua-si, san-ge da diêh-ci
雞腳 纏 麻絲，衫裾 搭 着刺
When a chicken tries to sew with its claws, the clothes will be full of holes.

• bian li bian-m-kui, zao li zao-m-li
拚 哩 拚唔開，走 哩 走唔離
Making no headway, unable to find a way out.

• ru-gim iên-gê lai to-cua, goi kiêm-ziên sog-si
如今 楊家 來 討𡥘，計歉上 孰是
Today, the iên family has come to demand its bride, what excuse can we make?

• sai ua ka-mang ciu-luêng, bho-liou zu-i!
使我 腳忙手亂，無了 主意！
I’m all worked up, and out of ideas!

• hng zi hng na lao-ciang bho-ho ga-si
恨 只恨 那 老娼 無好 教示
I can only blame that old immoral woman for not having taught her proper values.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

• lao-gao suêh-uê bho-dao-li, uêng-tin uêng-di huêng-su uêng ze-gi
老狗 說話 無道理，怨天 怨地 還須 怨 自己
What an old dog yaps makes no sense. One may blame Heaven and Earth, but still has to blame oneself.

• le zong-rig ziah-ba bho-se zo, zuêng-mung cuê-pah guan-si
你 終日 食飽 無事 做，專門 揣打 官司
All your days you have been looking for trouble, launching suits against others.

• ui-liou hong-ngiêng guan-hu, bug-gu cing-sên neng-ri
爲了 奉迎 官府，不顧 親生 女兒
Because you want to curry favor with the officials, you have not paid attention to your own daughter.

• ru-gim hua-se lim-tao, toin le zo-ni si!
如今 禍事 臨頭，睇你 做呢 死！
This dilemma we face today is all caused by you!

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

lao-ciang, le huêng-lai huê-ziên gê-iu a!
老娼，你 還來 火上加油 啊！
Immoral woman, you dare to add fuel to the fire?

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

lao-gao, sui giê-le luêng-bui?
老狗，誰 叫你 亂吠？
Old dog, who asked you to yap nonsense?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zê-gai ho-nai a?
這個 何奈 啊？
How can I put up with this?

（僕人）

bing uêng-ghua ang-ring, zog-diên hua iên-gou-ia lai-liou
稟 員外 安人，族長 和 楊姑爺 來了
Master, Mistress, the Clan Elder and Mr iên are here.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

han? lai-liou? ngiêng-zih ngiêng-zih ngiêng-zih
～？來了？迎接 迎接 迎接
What? They are already here? Receive them, receive them.

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

rui-hu mung-sian ua u-zêh, guêng-ga cai-neng2 gui cai-neng5
維護 門聲 我 有責，管教 才女 歸 才郎
I am charged with protecting our clan’s good name, to see to the education of worthy ladies and gentlemen.

（楊秀才）

sai-tin-hug bug-ru tou-di-bêh, cuêng-ziang zog-diên zo zu-ziang
西天佛 不如 土地伯，全仗 族長 做 主張
The Buddha of the Western Paradise does not compare to the Earth God. We all depend on you, Clan Elder, for your guidance.

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ho-uê, ho-uê
好話，好話
Well said, well said.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zêg-gong, siu-zai
叔公，秀才
Great Uncle, Young Scholar.

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

siu-zai, ngag-bê le gin-guê, zê-ui ziu-si le ngag-bho
秀才，岳父 你 見過，這位 就是 你 岳母
Young Scholar, you have met your father-in-law. This is your mother-in-law.

（楊秀才）

ho, ho! ngag-bê ngag-bho do-ziên, siê-sai u-li
好好！岳父 岳母 在上，小婿 有禮
Good, good! Parents-in-law have the place of honor, their humble son-in-law pays his respects.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

miêng-li, cian-zo cian-zo
免禮，請坐 請坐
There’s no need to stand on ceremony, please sit.

（楊秀才）

zo zo zo zo
坐坐坐坐
Let’s all sit.

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

zo zo zo zo
坐坐坐坐
Let’s all sit.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

siu-zai, cing-lim hang-sia u-ho gui-gang?
秀才，親臨 寒舍 有何 貴幹？
Scholar, what noble purpose brings your esteemed self to our humble abode?

（楊秀才）

kai-kao siu-zai, bi-kao siu-zai, mung ua u-ho gui-gang
開口 秀才，閉口 秀才，問我 有何 貴幹
You flatter me by calling me Scholar and speaking of my noble purpose.

keg-lai gê-ci zag-ngai, hng!
卻來 假癡 作呆，哼！
Let’s drop the pretence and stop playing dumb!

lai lai lai, ngag-bê, deng-rig dang-hua-lao siah-ziên dian-cing, si le cing-kao dab-êng
來來來，岳父，當日 東華樓 席上 定親，是你 親口 答應
Come on, father-in-law. That day at the Eastern Flowery Tower we agreed on a match, and it was you who promised personally.

zog-diên ui-bhuê, ui-ho san-tui si-iêng, bug-ziang ngiêng-cu?
族長 爲媒，爲何 三推 四延，不將 迎娶？
Clan Elder was the go-between. Why do you constantly delay, and not arrange the wedding ceremony?

gim-rig siê-sai dêng-mung, ziu-si gao-lai ngiêng-cing
今日 小婿 登門，就是 到來 迎親
Today, your son-in-law has come to your door to get his bride.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zê…
這……
This…

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

a? si-hian, ua e-le suêh-guê gi-ce liou
啊？四兄，我 與你 說過 幾次 了
Ah? Fourth Brother, we have spoken about this many times.

le zong-si suêh hao zêh gig-rig
你 總是 說 候擇 吉日
You always tell me that you are looking for an auspicious date.

ru-gim siu-zai si dêng-mung lai cu-cing di
如今 秀才 是 登門 來 娶親 的
Today, the Scholar has come to get married.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zêg-gong, le u-so m-zai, zi-ing ng no-lao duan-sên ce-neng
叔公，你 有所 唔知，只因 阮 二老 單生 此女
Great Uncle, you may not know, this is because we are an old couple with only this one daughter.

ni-gi siang-iun, bug-sim bang-sim, gu-ce cian-kiu iêng-mang
年紀 尚幼，不甚 放心，故此 請求 延慢
She is still young, and we are uneasy, and ask for more time.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

si-a, kuang-cia zuang-liêm bhuê-bi, siu-zai ui-ho ru-ce gib-ciêg?
是啊，況且 妝簾 未備，秀才 爲何 如此 急切？
Yes, after all the bridal goods are not yet ready. What is the rush, Scholar?

（楊秀才）

ai, lêng-ain ni in gib-gi, kuêng dian-hung in gu
哎，令愛 年 已 及笄，況 定婚 已 久
Your dear one has already come of age, and the match has been long made.

笄 - lit. “hairpin”, fig. girl who has come of age

令愛 - “your daughter” (polite)

ngag-bê, ngag-bho, suêh-uê su-ain geng-li sê-sê!
岳父、岳母，說話 須欲 近理 些些！
Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, please be reasonable!

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

si-a, si-a
是啊，是啊
Yes, yes.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

hên, bu-gui nang-gê, hung-ing dai-se, su gang bai-ciang
吓，富貴 人家，婚姻 大事 須講 排場
A wealthy family should take time to arrange the wedding ceremony.

sui-si dian-hung, dang tiu-bi bhuê-siu
雖是 定婚，但 籌備 未收
Although a match has been agreed upon, the preparations are not yet complete.

ziu-lai san-tui-si-bêg, dian sim-moh iên-ze?
就來 三推四逼，定 什麼 樣子？
How does it appear when you are pushy and insistent?

（楊秀才）

a! ngag-bho, to-cing ia-si nang-cing ze siên, za ho-suêh si tui-bêg?
啊！岳母，討親 也是 人親 之常，怎 好說 是 推逼？
Mother-in-law, to seek one’s bride is a natural thing in human affairs. How can this be called pushiness?

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

hên, bêg ia-ho, bug-bêg ia-ho, ung no-lao zi-u ce-neng
吓，逼 也好，不逼 也好，阮 兩老 只有 此女，
Pushy or not, this old couple has only this one daughter.

ain ru-ziên ziên-du, mag-zoin bhuê-gam riang ta cug-goh
愛 如掌上珠，目前 未甘 讓 他 出閣
We love her like a pearl in the hand, and at the moment we do not have the heart to have her leave the house.

le gi bêg bug-gib tai, ziu cian-ke lêng-cim sog-neng
你 既 迫不及待，就 請去 另尋 淑女。
If you are unwilling to wait, then you are welcome to go find another bride.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ce-ngang za-gang?
此言 怎講？
What did you say?

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

lêng-cim sog-neng
另尋 淑女
Find another bride

（楊秀才）

ai-za! ko-nao, ko-nao!
哎咋！可惱，可惱！
How vexing!

• bhung ngang-ghe ki cong-tin, bhung ngang-ghe ki cong-tin
聞 言語 氣 沖天，聞 言語 氣 沖天
On hearing this my anger rises to the sky, to the sky!

• to-hung huêng-hung ho dao-li?
退婚 緩婚 何 道理？
Withdrawing a match, where is the principle in this?

• nguêng-lai ning lu-ce siang tui-to
原來 恁 屢次 相 推托
So your repeated delays

• si tiog-i huê-hung ba nang ki, ba nang ki!
是 蓄意 悔婚 把 人 欺，把 人 欺！
Were intentionally meant to break the promise of marriage and to cheat me!

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ho ho, siu-zai, hu-ring-gê bug-hiou si-bhu, siu-zai mo guai
好好，秀才，婦人家 不曉 世務，秀才 孬怪
Alright, Scholar, women are not schooled in wordly affairs, please don’t blame her

sou-si kiang-zong sêng-zog, na-u he-hung to-hung ze-li e?
蘇氏 強宗盛族，那有 許婚退婚 之理 噁？
The sou clan is renowned and strong: what breaking of marriage promises is there?

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

zêg-gong, siu-zai
叔公，秀才
Uncle, Scholar

（楊秀才）

zing-zing ka-u-ce-li
真真 豈有此理
What is the meaning of this?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

mai ki, mai ki, dan dan dan dan
勿氣 勿氣，呾呾呾呾……
Don’t be angry, come now…

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

• uang no-lao gian-ni guê buan-bêh, cêg-ê rui-u ce neng-ri
阮 兩老 行年 過 半百，膝下 唯有 此 女兒
These two elders are each over fifty, and have only this one daughter

• zi-gag li-nêg sim-tao tian, gug-nêg siang-liêng lang guah-li
指甲 離肉 心頭 痛，骨肉 相連 難 割離
The pain of parting is like pulling out fingernails, or separating flesh from bone.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

• dang-guê sui-dua huan-si cai, siê-neng ni-iun siang bho-di
冬瓜 雖大 還是 菜，小女 年幼 尚 無知
A winter melon, even if it is large, is still just a vegetable. A young girl is most ignorant

• kiu zêg-gong, huêng cian zêg-gong lai zo-zu
求 叔公，煩 請 叔公 來 做主
Please, Great Uncle, be the judge in this matter

• ba hung-ki iêng-mang tai lai-ni
把 婚期 延慢 待 來年
Delay the marriage until next year.

（楊秀才）

ha, siên ning zê-iên siêg-zing gui-goi, ia-si uang-hui sim-gi
哈，像 恁 這樣 設盡 詭計，也是 枉費 心機
This scheming and plotting of yours is just a waste of time.

lao-sig suêh, ghu-gag m-ziêm m-gan guê-nia
老實 說，牛角 唔尖 唔敢 過嶺
To be frank, if the bull’s horns are not sharp, it wouldn’t dare to cross the mountain pass.

ua gim-rig dêng-mung, biêng ain ngiêng-cing
我 今日 登門，便愛 迎親
I came here today to fetch my bride.

riag zai ge-hung, ziu cian gong-deng siang-gin, gong-deng siang-gin!
若 再 拒婚，就請 公堂 相見，公堂 相見！
If you once again reject me, we shall see each other in court!

（桃花）• to-huê

gim-tin deng-ziên gin gou-ia, ho-se zêng-gong ziên guan-tian
今天 堂上 見 姑爺，好似 諍公 上 官廳
Meeting you sir here today, has been just like meeting you in the courthouse.

姑爺 : husband of an aunt, here used as an honorific by to-huê to refer to her mistress’s husband-to-be.

（楊秀才）

han? le zê ia-tao, ze-ngang-ze-ghe suêh-sê sim-moh nê?
哈？你 這 丫頭，自言自語 說些 什麼 呢？
What? You servant girl, what are you muttering to yourself about?

（桃花）• to-huê

ua suêh gou-ia le
我 說 姑爺 你
I was speaking of you, sir.

（楊秀才）

gou-ia zo-ni?
姑爺 做呢？
What about me?

（桃花）• to-huê

• gou-ia gim-rig zêg zing-mung, sian-sian suêh ain bo gong-deng
姑爺 今日 一 進門，聲聲 說 愛 報 公堂
From the moment you came in here today, sir, everything you have said has been as if you were arguing a legal case.

• cing-gê bhuê-sêng uêng-gê soin-zo, diêm-ziu bhuê-im soin biêng seng
親家 未成 冤家 先做，甜酒 未飲 先 變 酸
Before becoming a relation by marriage, you have already become a plaintiff. Before the drinking sweet wine, it has already turned sour.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

a zê zê zê…
啊 這這這……
This…

（楊秀才）

zu-ring tai kêh, bi-neng gan lai do-ngang? zing-zing cuêng-bho loi-ngi
主人 待客，婢女 敢來 多言？真真 全無 禮儀
Your master is receiving a guest. How dare you as a servant girl interject? This is most improper!

（桃花）• to-huê

• gou-ia gi-si tag-ze hiou loi-ngi
姑爺 既是 讀書 曉 禮儀
Sir you have learned propriety from reading books.

• deng zai ring-lung ze dao, diên-iun zung-bui
當知 人倫 之 道，長幼 尊卑
You know the principles of human relations, the positions of senior and junior,

• tin do ziên, tin do ziên, su-ain ngiang tao mo, di do ê, ain toin ba tao di
天 在 上，天 在 上，須愛 仰頭 望，地 在 下，愛 看 把 頭 低
That Heaven is above all; to see Heaven above, one has to raise one’s head, to see the Earth below, one has to lower one’s head.

• nab cing deng-zoin su-zib pian-li, za-ko sian-sian gu-gu da guan-si?
納親 當前 須 執 聘禮，怎可 聲聲句句 打 官司？
To take a wife, you have to first send betrothal gifts. How can you threaten a lawsuit with every word?

（楊秀才）

toin ning zê-iên so-ui, lai-dang dian u cêng-mig
睇 恁 這樣 所爲，內中 定 有 情密
From what you are dong, there must be some secret love affair going on.

（桃花）• to-huê

cian-mung u ho cêng-mig?
請問 有 何 情密？
What secret love afffair?

（楊秀才）

• mog-hui si zêg-neng e no-sai, mog-hui si ua-ci e-nang u sai-cêng?
莫非 是 一女 與 二婿，莫非 是 我妻 與人 有 私情？
Could it be that one bride has been promised to two sons-in-law? Could it be that my wife has a secret lover?

（桃花）• to-huê

siu-zai ia, siu-zai, uang le tag-ze mêng-li, gim-rig gêng suêh-cug ce-uê
秀才 也 秀才，枉 你 讀書 明理，今日 竟 說出 此話
Scholar, you have studied books and morality in vain, that you could say something like this today.

tang-riag niê-gian bhung-zai, za-kêng e-le gang-hiun? e-le gang-hiun?
倘若 娘囝 聞知，怎肯 與你 干休？與你 干休？
If our Miss would have heard you, how could she tolerate it?

（楊秀才）

zu-kao zu-kao! le zê hia-zuan ia-tao!
住口 住口！你 這 下賤 丫頭！
Shut up! You low-class servant-girl!

gan-lai e-ua dao-kao, ua siên m-siên a
敢來 與我 鬥口，我 想唔想 啊
How dare you talk back to me, I cannot imagine.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ai-ia mo-i-se mo-i-se, zo-la zo-la
哎呀 孬意思 孬意思，坐啦 坐啦
This is most embarrassing, please sit.

（桃花）• to-huê

e! gou-ia oi! mai-ki mai-ki, to-huê nang zuan li bug-zuan
噁！姑爺 ～！勿氣 勿氣，桃花 人 賤 理 不賤
Sir! Don’t be angry. I may be low-class but morality is not.

siên ua sên-ui nou-bi, dou-si rim-nang cug-ki
想 我 生爲 奴婢，都是 任人 出氣
As an indentured servant I am here for people to take out their temper on me.

zi-si gou-ia guê-mung si kêh, bug-ko sig-loi
只是 姑爺 過門 是 客，不可 失禮
It is only that Sir you are here as a guest, I should not flout propriety.

in-ao liang-gê cai-ho zo-cing, huan-mo gou-ia san-se su-zuê a, su-zuê!
以後 兩家 才好 做親，還望 姑爺 三思 恕罪 啊，恕罪！
For the two families to be joined in marital relation, please forgive me, sir!

（楊秀才）

ko-nao a!
可惱 啊！
How vexing!

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

to-huê a, le si nou-bog, zu-ring tai-kêh, ho-êng le lai do-ngang a?
桃花 啊，你 是 奴僕，主人 待客，何用 你 來 多言 啊？
to-huê, you are a servant. Your master is receiving a guest, why do you speak so much?

TODO check who is speaking

（桃花）• to-huê

zog-diên gong, siê-bi m-gan
族長 公，小婢 唔敢
Clan Elder, I do not dare.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

huan-bug kuai-kuai to-hia ke a
還不 快快 退下 去 啊
Why are you not yet leaving?

TODO check who is speaking

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zog-diên gong giê le hia-ke, le zu hia-ke
族長 公 叫你 下去，你 住 下去
If the Clan Elder asks you to go, you go.

（楊秀才）

ko-nao, ko-nao a!
可惱，可惱 啊！
How vexing!

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ho ho, diên-nang gian-sai, riang-liou m-gian-iên
好好，丈人 囝婿，嚷了 唔 行樣
Well, it is most unseemly for parents-in-law and son-in-law to bicker.

siu-zai, le ko ziêm huê ua-gê, zê-se hao ua e si-hian mang-mang siang-ngi
秀才，你可 暫 回 我家，這事 候 我 與 四兄 慢慢 商議
Scholar, why don’t you first go to my house for now. I will slowly talk this over with Fourth Brother.

（楊秀才）

ho, iu ta ke pah-seng
好，由他 去 拍算
Fine, let him deal with it.

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ho, cian-huê cian huê
好，請回 請回
Yes, please return.

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

lao-si, ce-hung ka-si le cing-kao dab-êng
老四，此婚 豈是 你 親口 答應
Fourth Brother, this marriage is something that you promised yourself.

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

si, si ua cing-kao dab-êng
是，是 我 親口 答應
Yes, I did promise it myself.

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ho-nang ui-bhuê?
何人 爲媒？
Who was the matchmaker?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ze-riêng si zêg-gong le
自然 是 叔公 你
Naturally it was you, Great Uncle.

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ho zai-dao! gê-ziang zu-hung, zog-diên ui-bhuê
好知道！家長 主婚，族長 爲媒
Good that you know! The head of the household decided on the match, and the head of the clan was the go-between.

gim-rig gêng-gan ti-cug to-hung no-ri
今日 竟敢 提出 退婚 二字
And today you dare speak of breaking the marriage promise?

sou-si sêng-zog, ti-ming ho-cung, ti-ming ho-cung a?
蘇氏 成族，體面 何存，體面 何存 啊？
Where is the Sou clan going to show its face?

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

zêg-gong, ngang-ze sui-si, zi-si ua-neng ia-bug nguêng-i
叔公，言之 雖是，只是 我女 也不 願意
Great Uncle, be it as it may, my daughter is unwilling.

tang-u ca-co, ru-ho si ho?
倘有 差錯，如何 是好？
If this was a mistake, what can be done?

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ên? toin-lai lai-dang… dui a! ha ha ha
啞？睇來 內中…… 對啊！哈哈哈
Huh? TODO

si-so, huê ka-iong zua-bao
四嫂，火 豈容 紙包
Fourth Sister-in-law, can you contain a fire in a paper bag?

lai-dang cêng-bi, huêng-su mêng-ngang, cai-ho siêg-huab goi-ui a
內中 情祕，還須 明言，纔可 設法 解圍 啊
If there is a truly a secret lover, then you should come clean. How else can we figure out a plan?

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

zêg-gong, gê-mung bug-hêng, na ngêg-neng, e ua diêg-ri gi-cung…
叔公，家門 不幸，那 逆女，與 我 侄兒 繼春……
Great Uncle, our household is most unfortunate. That rebellious girl and my nephew gi-cung…

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

han?! lag-niê e gi-cung? hng! lang-guai, lang-guai ia!
～？六娘 與 繼春？哼！難怪，難怪 呀！
What? lag-niê and gi-cung? No wonder!

• bê-bho hung-iong neng bug-siou, bai-huai zou-zong rog mung-hong
父母 昏庸 女 不肖，敗壞 祖宗 辱 門風
Foolish parents and an unseemly daughter, have spoiled the good name of our ancestors.

• lang-guai ning san-tui si-iêng, kiag nguêng-lai a
難怪 恁 三推 四延，卻 原來 啊
No wonder that you have repeatedly delayed, so this was the reason.

• zong-neng im-luêng e-nang se-tong, sou-si si-do cêng-bêh cong-ce sang!
縱女 淫亂 與人 私通，蘇氏 世代 清白 從此 喪！
To permit your daughter to be promiscuous and have a secret affair, the clean reputation of the Sou clan has now been squandered!

• gê-gui zog-huab ia bug-siang-iong, ua dian ain cui ta-mung dian zog-huab
家規 族法 不相容，我 定 欲 催 他們 定 族法
If family rules and clan law are not in alignment, then I have to enforce the clan law.

• ba-ziang le-neng dim gang-dong!
把將 你女 沉 江中！
And have your daughter thrown into the river!

ai-ia! lao-si a lao-si a
哎呀！老四 啊 老四 啊
Ah, Fourth Brother…

ua ziêg-si tong-zai iên siu-zai, i-huab kong-su
我 即時 通知 楊 秀才，依法 控訴
I have to inform Scholar iên, and following the law,

bian-giê zêg-sung bang-nang dim-gang, guêng-ga ning gê-pua nang-bhuang
併叫 叔孫 綁人 沉江，管教 恁 家破人亡
Denounce your daughter and have her bound and thrown into the river, to discipline and ruin your family.

pei!
呸！
Pah!

（員外、安人）

ai, zêg-gong zo-cêng, zo-cêng!
哎，叔公 做情 做情！
Great Uncle, be merciful!

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ia-ba, riag-ain bo-cuêng le-neng sên-mia, su i ua-ngang
亦罷，若欲 保全 你女 性命，須 依 我言
Just as well. If you want to save your daughter’s life, then do as I say.

（員外、安人）

cian zêg-gong si-mêng
請 叔公 示明
Please instruct us, Great Uncle

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

bêh-gu ngou-zab sang
百句 五十雙
There’s no use wasting one’s breath

一百句 五十雙 : Idiom

riag-si dab-êng iên-gê ngiêng-cu, biêng ko deng-zoin bug-giu
若是 答應 楊家 迎娶，便可 除前不究
If she accepts being married to the iên family, then we can forget about the past

riag-gan buan-sian bug-si a…
若敢 半聲 不是 啊……
If she dares raise half a voice in objection…

ha ha! na-si hiun-guai siê-lao liou, hiun-guai siê-lao liou!
哈哈！那時 休怪 小老 了，休怪 小老 了！
When the time comes, don’t blame me!

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zêg-gong zog-hu, ui-diêg ze-deng zung-mêng
叔公 囑咐，爲侄 自當 尊命
Great-Uncle, I will do you as you say.

zi-si na ngêg-neng zib-i bug-cong, tang-riag zêg-ca no-co, ru-ho si ho?
只是 那 逆女 執意 不從，倘若 一差二錯，如何 是好？
But this disobedient girl simply will not obey, compounding her errors. What is to be done?

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

zê-gai…
這個……
This…

dao-ia bug-lang, hao ua mêng-nang gao le-gê bo-hi
倒也 不難，候 我 命人 到 你家 報喜
This is not difficult either. Let me despatch someone to bring an announcement to your house,

suêh si sai-lou guêh-gê gu-bê in-ui gi-cung pêng-dian mia-mung
說是 西蘆 郭家 舅父 已爲 繼春 聘定 名門
Saying that the uncle of the guêh family of sai-lou has arranged a match for gi-cung to a good family

deng-zoh lag-niê dui gi-cung ci-cêng
斷絕 六娘 對 繼春 癡情
This will break any affection that lag-niê has for gi-cung

ta ze-riêng kêng-gê iên-gê liou a
他 自然 肯嫁 楊家 了 啊
So that she will naturally want to marry into the iên family.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

zê…
這……
This…

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ru-ho?
如何？
What about it?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zêg-gong, se gao ru-gim… tian-cong le ziu si a
叔公，事 到 如今…… 聽從 你 就是 啊
Great Uncle, given how things have become, we shall do what you say.

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

tian ua ziu ho, ua ziêg tong-zai iên-siu-zai
聽 我 就 好，我 即 通知 楊秀才
It’s best to do as I say. I shall inform Scholar iên

ao-tin biêng-lai ngiêng-cu
後天 便來 迎娶。
to come and take his bride the day after tomorrow.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ai-ia, zai-ho zê-iên kuai?
哎呀，怎好 這樣 快？
Why such haste?

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

oi? mê-ciang-mang-do, cong-sog-ui-miou, ua gao-si liou a!
～？夜長夢多，從速爲妙，我 告辭 了 啊！
A long night allows more dreaming, being quick is good. I take my leave!

me-ciang-mang-do, cong-sok-ui-miou – idiom, meaning that the more time is allowed, the more opportunities there are for things to go wrong.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

zêg-gong!
叔公！
Great Uncle!

第八出 • Scene 8

01:11:30

（桃花）• to-huê

• iên-gê hiou-ag ru lang-houn, zog-diên ui houn ba êg tiêm
楊家 梟惡 如 狼虎，族長 爲 虎 把 翼添
The iên family is as ruthless and evil as wolves or tigers. Clan Elder has given the tiger wings.

• no-lao sui-riêng ain riêg-neng, im-ui ze-ê lang siang-liang
二老 雖然 愛 弱女，淫威 之下 難 商量
Although the old couple love their poor daughter, it is hard to bargain with such tyranny.

• im-ui ze-ê lang siang-liang!
淫威 之下 難 商量！
It is hard to bargain with such tyranny!

bêh a! kuai-sê tên ua guê-gang a!
伯 啊！快些 撐 我 過江 啊！
Uncle, quick, row me across the river!

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

to-huê, ui-ho ziê-sên huang-mang?
桃花，爲何 照生 慌忙？
to-huê, why are you so flustered?

（桃花）• to-huê

• zi ing-ui iên-gê huê-giou in ling-mung
只 因爲 楊家 花驕 已 臨門
It is because the bridal sedan from the iên family has reached our door

• iu-tuêng guêh-hu dian ing-cing
又傳 郭府 定 姻親
And passed on news that the guêh household has made a marital match

• sog-gao sai-lou tam siou-sêg
速到 西蘆 探 消息
I am speeding to sai-lou to find out more

• gang-siang miou-goi giu ghêg-ring
共商 妙計 救 玉人

• hog-mo a-bêh siang-zo lag
伏望 阿伯 相助 力
I hope for your help, Uncle

• dou ua guê-gang gam-ng cim
渡 我 過江 感恩 深
I will be deeply grateful if you bring me across the river.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

a! nguêng-lai zê-dêng. ho, kuai-sê sui-ua loh-zung
啊！原來 這等。好，快些 隨我 落船
So that is what the matter is. Quick, come with me on the boat.

第九出 • Scene 9

01:12:23

（六娘）• lag-niê

• cou-hng mua-huai, cou-hng mua-huai!
愁恨滿懷，愁恨滿懷！
Worry fills my breast, worry fills my breast!

• cou-hng mua-huai, mung cang-tiêng bho-ngang
愁恨滿懷，問 蒼天 無言
Worry fills my breast, but no response comes when I beseech heaven.

• sai-lou gu-mang in lang-sang, bug-kam huê-siu gim-ghêg uêng
西蘆 舊夢 已 闌珊，不堪 回首 金玉緣
Memories of sai-lou are fading like an old dream, there is no chance of returning to the precious hopes of before.

• cong-lai ho-se do bhua-zih, ze-gou boh-mia si ang-nguêng
從來 好事 多 磨折，自古 薄命 是 紅顏
TODO

• iên-gê cui-bêg sim cên-huê, zog-diên hiou-ag se houn-lang
楊家 催逼 甚 星火，族長 梟惡 似 虎狼
The iên family press us as urgently as a meteor trail, and the Clan Elder is as devious as a wolf or tiger.

急如星火 : idiom

• ai, dia-niê oi, ning ho rim-sim sia-neng sing ham lo-lang?
唉，爹娘 ～，恁 何 忍心 舍女 身 陷 牢籠？
Ah, Father and Mother, how can you bear to send your daughter off to be a prisoner?

• to-huê sai-lou bhuê huê-huêng, zing ga-ua cou-ciang giêm bêh-gag
桃花 西蘆 未 回返，真 教我 愁腸 兼 百結
to-huê has not yet returned from Sai-lou, piling anxieties on my worries.

• cou-ciang bêh-gag sim ziou pang
愁腸 百結 心 焦 盼
Anxiety and worry are all that I see.

（梅香）

bing niê-gian, uêng-ghua mêng-ua dêng gib niê-gian cu-lai i-sêg
稟 娘囝，員外 命我 等 給 娘囝 取來 衣飾
Miss, Master has instructed me to bring you these clothes

zung-bi mêng-za cug-goh siu-zuang
準備 明早 出閣 梳粧
And to do your hair and makeup for your wedding tomorrow morning.

（乳娘）

siu-zai niê
秀才娘
Mrs Scholar

（六娘）• lag-niê

bhuê-hiên, ce si ho-nang?
梅香，此 是 何人？
bhuê-hiên, who is that?

（梅香）

zê-si iên-gê ru-niê, gou-ia mêng-ta lai puan-bang di
這是 楊家 乳娘，姑爺 命他 來 伴房 的
This is the iên family nanny, Sir has sent her to accompany you.

（乳娘）

si si si, ua si lai puan-bang lê
是是是，我 是 來 伴房 ～
Yes, I am here to accompany you.

na zo no
～ 坐 𰇇
I’ll sit myself down

siu-zai-niê oi, le ia-oi tag-ze a?
秀才娘 ～，你 也會 讀書 啊？
Mrs Scholar, can you also read books?

hai-oi, ning zia tag-ze nang, zing-si tin-dêng u cên, u hog-ki a!
～～，恁 者 讀書人，真是 天頂 有 星，有 福氣 啊！
Oh, you book readers are really like stars in the sky, truly blessed!

a siu-zai ia-si tag-ze-nang
阿 秀才 也是 讀書人
Our young Sir also reads books.

nang nang-gê lai cian-ta sia zeng pa guan-si
俺 人家 來 請他 寫 狀 拍 官司
Those of our family ask him to write legal briefs for their lawsuits.

i-gi big kiêh ki-lai gao ziu uêh lêng a, uêh houn a, liou ghia nang ke ing-ing zeng-tao ho
伊枝 筆 挈 起來 到 就 畫 龍 啊，畫 虎 啊，了 ～ 人 去 印印 指頭 號
TODO

ai-oi, ziê-sên, hia-ngeng gê-gê ziu tam rib-lai
哎～，照生，～銀 加加 就 貪 入來！

The nursemaid describes how her master uses his literacy in a vulgar way to make profit, which disgusts the high-minded Lak-nie

siu-zai-niê oi, le sên-lai iu-ngia iu-ghao
秀才娘 ～，你 生來 又雅 又𠢕

lai puê-bung ua siu-zai, zing-si zêg-dui ho uêng-iên a!
來 配分 我 秀才，真是 一對 好鴛鴦 啊！

（六娘）• lag-niê

bhuê-hiên, le dua ru-niê huê-bang ke uan-sui ba
梅香，你 帶 乳娘 回房 去 安睡 吧

（梅香）

si! ru-niê, zao ba
是！乳娘，走吧

（乳娘）

ho, dan gian
好，旦 行

ê… bhuê bhuê bhuê bhuê bhuê
～…… 未未未未未

siu-zai-niê oi, siu-liêng li-do iu-si, cah-huê li-do bhao-si
秀才娘～，修臉 哩在 酉時，插花 哩在 卯時

酉時 – evening hours around dusk

卯時 – morning hours around dawn

ua si-gang zai-lai gah-le siu-zuang, gah-le siu-zuang
我 時間 再來 甲你 梳粧，甲你 梳粧

ai-oi, sên-lai ngia-zai-zai, ngia-zai-zai ia!
哎～，生來 雅哉哉，雅哉哉 呀！

• li-muê-bhuang-liang bêg suah nang
魑魅魍魎 逼 煞 儂

• ua lêng-si ia bug gê-gao lang-o dong
我 寧死 也 不 嫁到 狼窩 中

• gao ru-gim gui-mung guêng-tao in do-mo
到 如今 鬼門 關頭 已 在望

• giu-cên iu miou-u-hung bhuêng-kong
救星 猶 杳鳥雲 漫空

si ce siu-sêg bui iu hung!
視 此 首飾 悲 又 憤！

• piêng ga lag-niê im-hng zong
偏 教 六娘 飲恨 終

to-huê? o! bho-cing!
桃花？哦！母親！

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

neng-ri, u-uê cian-suêh, hiun ain siên-sim
女兒，有話 請說，休欲 傷心

（六娘）• lag-niê

bho-cing, le zing-di rim-sim ziang ri gê-gao iên-gê mo?
母親，汝 真的 忍心 將 兒 嫁到 楊家 孬？

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

neng-ri, hui-si ui bho…
女兒，非是 爲 母……

（六娘）• lag-niê

• ri si bho-cing sim-tao-nêg, ziou-sêg bug-li sui niê-sing
兒 是 母親 心頭肉，朝夕 不離 隨 娘身

• in-ze ham ni ui ain-ze, bho le sim-bag ho-rim hia zoh-cêng?
燕子 銜泥 爲 愛子，母 汝 心腹 何忍 下 絕情？

• ai cing-niê o, cong-gim ao
唉 親娘 哦，從今 後

• cong-gim ao ho-bi hong-zêng duêng-liou suan
從今 後 好比 風箏 斷了 綫

• iu ho-bi sig-dua piêng-ziu cang-hai rim piou-lêng
又 好比 失舵 扁舟 滄海 任 飄零

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

• ua mêng-zai ri bi noi-zi sim gên kou
我 明知 兒 比 蓮子 心 更 苦
I know that my child feels more bitterness than a lotus seed.

• za-zai bho bi cên-bhuê lui gên seng
怎知 母 比 青梅 淚 更 酸
But know that mother’s tears are more sour than an unripe plum

• ui to-hung cing hiang zog-diên kou ai-kiu
爲 退婚 親 向 族長 苦 哀求
TODO

• za nai hiên-gui zog-huab bêg-dig nang zing-to bho-mung?
怎 柰 鄉規 族法 迫得 人 進退無門？

• ai-ri oi, gao ru-gim
愛兒 ～，到 如今

• gao ru-gim dai-co zu-sêng bhag-in-sêng-ziu
到 如今 大錯 鑄成 木已成舟

• dang nguêng ning hu-ci dang ng-ain
但 願 恁 夫妻 同 恩愛

• hu-ci ng-ain gao bêh-ciu
夫妻 恩愛 到 白鬚

（六娘）• lag-niê

bho-cing, to-huê zoin ke sai-lou, ing-ho zi-gim bhuê huê?
母親，桃花 前 去 西蘆，因何 至今 未 回？

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

gig-rig ru-ce gib-bêg, gu-gê se-zoin bug-zai
吉日 如此 急迫，舅家 事前 不知

ua zou-bho zêg-hiang iu dong-ain le, bug-miêng poin sê loi-muêh sang gê?
我 祖母 一向 又 疼愛 汝，不免 辦 些 禮物 送嫁？

kiong-pan to-huê hui-gao tiêng-liang bug-lêng huê-lai
恐怕 桃花 非到 天亮 不能 回來

ri a, to-huê bhuê-huê, ui-niê do-ce e-le zag-puan
兒啊，桃花 未回，爲娘 在此 與汝 作伴

（六娘）• lag-niê

miêng-êng, ri ain zên-zo piêng-kêg, cian bho-cing huê-bang uan-sui
免用，兒 欲 靜坐 片刻，請 母親 回房 安睡

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ru-ce, mêng-tin gig-ki, ri le ia gai za-sê uan-sui
如此，明天 吉期，兒 汝 也 該 早些 安睡

（六娘）• lag-niê

neng-ri cong-mêng
女兒 從命

ri-gên liou!
二更 了！

• ri-gên gou-sian dong dong
二更 鼓聲 咚咚

• zêg-sian-sian kiou-dig lang-sim tong
一聲聲 敲得 人心 痛

• lah-zêg u-sim huan siêh-biêg, cên-ziou bho-cêng sing lang tong
蠟燭 有心 還 惜別，青鳥 無情 信 難 通

• to-huê oi ain bi oi, niê-gian zing-cêng le ia zai
桃花～ 欲 婢 ～，娘囝 真情 汝 也 知

• rim gia-im ngag-ho ia gai za sang gui-dong
任 佳音 噩耗 也 該 早 送 閨中

si in ri-gên, to-huê iu-riêng bug-lai
時 已 二更，桃花 猶然 不來

mo-hui guan-ru bho-cing ze ngang…
莫非 果如 母親 之 言……

bug-si, bug-si, to-huê guêg bho-ghou ua dai-se
不是，不是，桃花 決 無誤 我 大事

• mog-bug-si oi bhung-liêng iong nang bug-do (?)
莫不是 表兄 他 會 文聯 詠 人 不在

• zian di ta bug-lêng gib-si huê-zuêng
正 致 他 不能 及時 回轉

• mog-bug-si biê-hian ing-uêng in lêng-dian
莫不是 表兄 姻緣 已 另定

• cing mêng lang-ngêg huê-tiêng bho-lag, ta liu-loh i-hiên
親 命 難逆 回天 無力，他 流落 異鄉

• nou zê-li uêg-se uêg-siên uêg-ziou-gib
奴 這裏 越思 越想 越焦急

• huang-sim bho-zu lui lang-gang
芳心 無主 淚 難干

第十出 • Scene 10

[01:26:51]

（六娘）• lag-niê

san-gên, san-gên liou!
三更，三更了！
TODO

• bhag-so ga-soh bou-bou ging, gên-gou cui-mêng hiang dêng-dong
木梭 絞索 步步 緊，更鼓 催命 嚮 叮咚

• to-huê im-sing in bho-mo, ga lag-niê ho-so sêg-cong?
桃花 音訊 已 無望，教 六娘 何所 適從

to-huê lim-gian, ua zêng zog ta
桃花 臨行，我 曾 囑 他

tang-hog biê-hian ing-uêng lêng-dian, ziu ko bug-big huê-lai
倘或 表兄 姻緣 另定，就 可 不必 回來

ce-si miou-bho im-sing, siên big dian-hung ze-se si sig
此時 杳無 音訊，想 必 定婚 之事 是 實

• long-hung mig-bou huang-hou lai, zêg-ngai tiêng-mêng lang do zai
濃雲 密布 風雨 來，一捱 天明 難 逃 災

• dang-ciên-tih-biah in bho-lou, ce-cêng ce-gêng sig lang-ngai
銅牆鐵壁 已 無路，此情 此景 實 難捱

pêng ziang zêg-si ciu di-gi
拼 將 一死 酬 知己

• gang-bo cim-cu hung ziang mai
江波 深處 魂 長埋

zoin-rig dou dêng dian-iag, tou-di ui bhuê
前日 渡 亭 定約，土地 爲 媒

ru-gim iong-biêg, huêng-su zêg-mo sai-lou
如今 永別，還須 一望 西蘆

bug-miêng lao-hia rui-ze, dao iong-gang ke ba!
不免 留下 遺書，投 榕江 去 吧！

榕江 – name of the river

• zua bhuê diêm-bhag soin diêm-lui, gia-kui bhuê-gao gao si-ki
紙 未 沾墨 先 沾淚，佳期 未到 到 死期
Before the paper is wet with ink, it is wet with tears. Before I reach my wedding day, I reach my day of death.

• boh-ze riag-ziêh mia ru si, dang-huang kiang-bao lang gi-tên
薄姿 弱質 命 如 絲，東風 強暴 難 支撐
Weak and frail, life like a silk thread, it is hard to resist the violent East Wind

• gao-tang ni-mai sui hong-ti, ngang liêm gib-ce bug sêng bui
高堂 年邁 誰 奉持，言 念 及此 不 勝悲
Who will support one’s parents in their old age? These words cannot overcome sorrow.

dia-niê!
爹娘！
Father, mother!

第十一出 • Scene 11

[01:30:02]

（乳娘）

u-se do-sim ming bug-dig, bug-ru zing-bang ke re zuang
有事 在心 眠 不得，不如 進房 去 女妝
I cannot sleep with things on my mind; why not go to the lady’s chamber to prepare her makeup?

zê-si siên big ia-do ki-sing liou
這時 想 必 也在 起身 了
I suppose she must already be up at this time

a! gai bang-mung suan-kui do-go
啊！個 房門 散開 在塊
Ah! The door is standing open

siu-zai-niê oi, lai siu-zuang oi
秀才娘 會，來 梳妝 ～
Missus, it’s time to do your makeup

siu-zai-niê oi, lai siu-zuang oi
秀才娘 會，來 梳妝 ～
Missus, it’s time to do your makeup

siu-zai-niê? siu-zai-niê? siu-zai-niê?
秀才娘，秀才娘，秀才娘？
Missus? Missus? Missus?

bang-dang bho-nang, zê ziu ki liou
房中 無人，這 就 奇 了
No one is in the room, that is strange

ai diêh, bug-miêng cian cing-ong cing-m cug-lai mung gai mêng-bêh
哎 着，不免 請 親翁 親姆 出來 問個 明白
Aye, let’s ask Master and Mistress to figure out what’s going on

huang miêng rig-gua ghou-liou gian-têng, mo-seng mo-seng
方 免 日～ 誤了 行程，孬耍 孬耍
We don’t want any mixups to ruin the big day; let’s not play around

cing-ong oi!
親翁 ～！
Master!

第十二出 • Scene 12

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

huai-liou, huai-liou a!
壞了，壞了 啊！
All is lost, all is lost!

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ho-se?
何事？
What is it?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zê-si neng-ri zoh-mia-ze a!
這是 女兒 絕命書 啊！
This is our daughter’s suicide note!

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

zê-si neng-ri zoh-mia-ze?
這是 女兒 絕命書？
This is our daughter’s suicide note?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zian-si
正是
Yes it is

（乳娘）

cam-liou a, siu-zai-niê ke si, mê-mê bo-zai siu-zai a
慘了 啊，秀才娘 去 死，猛猛 報知 秀才 啊
This is terrible, Missus is going to die, I must rush to tell Sir

（僕人）

bing uêng-ghua ang-ring, niê-gian bho-zong, ao-hng-mung dang-kai
稟 員外 安人，娘囝 無蹤，後園門 洞開
Master, Mistress, we have found no trace of Miss, the rear gate to the garden is wide open

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ao-hng-mung dang-kai? niê-gian big-si dao hiang gang-bin
後園門 洞開？娘囝 必是 投 向 江邊
The rear garden gate is open? She must be headed towards the river bank

sog-sog bi-huê dui-cim!
速速 備 火 追尋！
Quick, get torches and pursue her!

（僕人）

zung-mêng!
尊命！
Yes sir!

第十三出 • Scene 13

[01:31:51]

（六娘）• lag-niê

• gib-mang hu dong liu
急忙 赴 中 流
Make haste, to float in the current

siên ua lag-niê, gim-sên bug-lêng sêng dêng huê-giê gê guê-hu
想 我 六娘，今生 不能 乘 頂 花轎 嫁 過府
Since I in this life cannot ride the bridal sedan across the threshold

si-ao nguêng toh gang-dong hu sai-lou
死後 願 托 江中 赴 西蘆
I shall float in death in the river towards Sai-lou

• gim-sên bug-ui guêh-gê-hu, zêg-mo sai-lou si bho-iu
今生 不爲 郭家婦，一望 西蘆 死 無憂
In this life I will not be a wife of the Gueh family, with a glance at Sai-lou I shall die without regrets

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

guai-se, guai-se a
怪事，怪事 啊
This is terrible, terrible

• (?) sig-zong, gian u kiou-ki
［有加一夜？］失蹤， 驚 有 蹺蹊 TODO

• giê-sian siu-zai mai dam-goh, sog-sog dui-cim gao gang-bin
叫聲 秀才 勿 耽閣，速速 追尋 到 江邊

（桃花）• to-huê

bê a, kuai-sê a!
伯啊，快些 啊！
Uncle, hurry!

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ho, ua lai, ning kia-ho
好，我來，恁 企好
Right, leave it to me, hold on tight

（六娘）• lag-niê

• siên na-rig…
想 那日……
TODO

• siên na-rig, dou-dêng siêh-biêg i-i, liang-cêng mêh-mêh hah se liu-si
想 那日，渡亭 惜別 依依，兩情 脉脉 合 似 柳絲

• coin-ngang bhuêng-ghe…
千言萬語……

• coin-ngang bhuêng-ghe zog-hu zêg-gu-gu do sim-tao geng-gi
千言萬語 囑咐 一句句 在 心頭 謹記

• ai, biê-hian oi, ua e le bug-zag bi êg ziou
唉，表兄 ～，我 與 汝 不作 比 翼 鳥

• lai-si nguêng-ui liêng-li-gi
來世 願爲 連理枝
In the next life, I hope that we will grow as interlocking branches

連理 – idiom, metaphor for a loving married couple

dia-niê, sang-cing… dia-niê, ba!
爹娘，雙親…… 爹娘，罷！
Father, mother, my parents… father, mother, bah!

（桃花）• to-huê

niê-gian!
娘囝！
Miss!

（繼春）

muê-muê!
妹妹！
Sister!

（六娘）• lag-niê

muê-muê? a? biê-hian!
妹妹？啊？表兄！
Sister? Who? Cousin!

• mo-hui ua-sing do mang li, liou-gao gim-sên lang siang-gin
莫非 我身 在 夢 里，料到 今生 難 相見
TODO

• siên-si zui-sing siang liêng-miêng, kiêng ua hung-pêg lai-gao hian le sing-bin
想是 水神 相 憐憫，遣 我 魂魄 來到 兄 汝 身邊

（繼春）

muê-muê, si ui-hian do-ce
妹妹，是 爲兄 在此

（六娘）• lag-niê

ag-mang cên iu bui, hian ho to-huê ui-ho ce-kêg cai gao-zê?
惡夢 醒 又 悲，兄 和 桃花 爲何 此刻 才 到這？

• hai-dig ua deng-guan cung-cung lih
害得 我 腸肝 寸寸 裂

（繼春）

• biêg-ao se gung zêg-bên cim, ain ziêng uêng-mêng hui dim-ngim
別後 思 君 一病 深，欲 踐 鴛盟 費 沉吟

• hug-tuêng hiong-sing gian ain zoh, cim-se zong hu biou cung sim
忽傳 凶訊 驚 欲 絕，尋思 踵 府 表 寸 心

• mog nai-ho, gê-ga siêm-ngiêm gian bug-dig
莫 奈何，家教 森嚴 行 不得
What was to be done? The family rules are stringent, and I could not leave

• ing-ce siang liêng-mê se-pung gao lai-ling
因此 上 連夜 私奔 到 來臨
Hence I fled secretly through the night to come here

（桃花）• to-huê

• niê-gian ing-ho ia gao-ce?
娘囝 因何 也 到此？
Why has Miss also come here?

（六娘）• lag-niê

• zi ing-ui…
只 因爲……
It is only because…

• to-huê zêg-ke bho siou-sêg, siou-zing gên-tiu duêng-zing ziang
桃花 一去 無 消息，數盡 更籌 斷盡 脹
to-huê left for so long without any news, my mind churned through and could only conclude the worst,

• siên big-si hian le ing-uêng in lêng-dian
想 必是 兄 汝 姻緣 已 另定
I thought you must have been engaged to be married to another,

• rim-liêng ui-muê do kou-hai diêng-liêng
忍念 爲妹 在 苦海 顛連
Leaving your sister to drift alone on the sea of bitterness.

• bug-gam gê-zoh iên-gê-hu, ing-ce siang lao rui-ze li gui-goh
不甘 嫁作 楊家婦，因此 上 留 遺書 離 閨閣
Not content to be a wife of the iên family, I hence left a note and escaped my chamber,

• pêng ziang zêg-si dao iong-gang
拼將 一死 投 榕江
Planning to drown myself in the Iong River.

（桃花）• to-huê

ai-ia, riag-hui ce-si siang-ngo, ka bug-ghou liou dai-se!
哎呀，若非 此時 相遇，豈 不誤 了大事！
Ah! If we had not met just now, there would have been a great tragedy!

（繼春）

muê-muê, le ho-big ru-ce king-sên
妹妹，汝 何必 如此 輕生
Sister, why do you treat your life so lightly?

ui-hian ka-si bug-siu sing-ngi ze nang?
爲兄 豈是 不守 信義 之 人？
Is your brother such an unfaithful person?

（六娘）• lag-niê

biê-hian, ui-muê bêng bug-guai le, zi-si ru-gim sui dig siang-hong
表兄，爲妹 並 不怪 汝，只是 如今 雖 得 相逢
Brother, your sister doesn’t blame you, it is just that, even though we have now run into each other,

ain uang ho-cu?
欲 往 何處？
Where are we to go next?

（繼春）

zê…
這……
This…

（桃花）• to-huê

bing siou-ia, dou-zung zing bêh, sên-sên hao-suang
稟 少爺，渡船 進 伯，生性 豪爽
Young Master, the old boatman is a straightforward man.

tai-ua ing-ning gao ta zung-ziên, kiu-ta dua ning gao ta-gê ziêm-zu
待我 引恁 到 他 船上， 求他 帶 恁 到 他家 暫住
Let me bring you to his boat, and ask him to let you stay for the while at his home.

bi-guê hong-tao, zai-zag goi-ga
避過 風頭，再作 計較
Once things blow over, we can make new plans.

（繼春）

se-gib liou, zi-ho ru-ce, to-huê, le ziu e ta siang-liang ba
事急 了，只好 如此，桃花，汝 就 與 他 商量 吧
Time is pressing, we have no choice. To-hue, go and negotiate with him.

（桃花）• to-huê

si
是
Yes.

bêh a, bêh a
伯 啊，伯 啊
Uncle, Uncle!

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ho dao-si ho, zêg-lai huang-sian siêb-lou, giê-ua ru-ho dan-dig-ki gang-hi?
好 倒是 好，一來 風聲 泄露，叫我 如何 擔得起 干係？
Fine is fine, but once the word gets out, will I be responsible for everything?

ri-lai, rig-ao ru-ho cug-cu a?
二來，日後 如何 出處 啊？
Secondly, how will they emerge from hiding the next day?

（桃花）• to-huê

a-bêh miêng gian-ghi, siên ce-kêg gên-lang mê-zên, sui-nang zai-gi?
阿伯 免 驚疑，想 此刻 更闌 夜靜，誰人 知機？
Uncle don’t be afraid, if we go in the dead of night, who will know?

ru-gim kuê-ki do-ziêg, giê-ta sang-sang ziên-gian hu-ci
如今 科期 在即，叫他 雙雙 上京 赴試
The examination season is close; have him go to the capital to sit the exam.

tang-riag dig-dêng gao-di, ho-pa iên-gê kuêng-si?
倘若 得定 高第，何怕 楊家 權勢？
If he scores his degree, there will be nothing to fear from the Gueh family.

ziu-zoh loh-doin huê-lai, cên-bhi in-gêng sêg-bung
就作 落第 回來，到 那時，生米 已經 熟飯
Even if he fails and comes back, by that time, the uncooked rice will be cooked,

kuang-ziang lou-tao kiou-ki du-diêh tin, zi-ain uêng-ghua gan cug-zin
況將 路頭 翹起 堵着 天，只欲 員外 敢 出錢
TODO

zog-diên gai cui ziu hah-mi, gao na-si, ho-zên-hou-hiah, cuêng-gai bho-gin
族長 個 嘴 就 合咪，到 那時，河靜雨歇，全個 無見

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ha-ha-ha-ha, le zi-gai sim-se tang a, ho, mê-mê giê-i loh-lai
哈哈哈哈，汝 只個 心事 桶 啊，好，猛猛 叫伊 落來
Ha ha! You wily creature, fine, call them down.

（桃花）• to-huê

ua zai
我知
I know

siou-ia niê-gian, kuai-ke hia-zung
少爺 娘囝，快去 下船
Young Master, Miss, quick, go to the boat.

（繼春、六娘）

gam-sia bêh-bêh giu-mia dai-ng!
感謝 伯伯 救命 大恩！
Deep thanks, Uncle, for mercifully saving our lives!

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

miêng-êng, miêng-êng
免用，免用
There’s no need

（桃花）• to-huê

bêh a, kuai-kuai kui-zung a
伯 啊，快快 開船 啊
Uncle, quickly start rowing!

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ho, kui-zung liou
好，開船 了
Setting off now!

（桃花）• to-huê

bêh-bêh, mang-kui, mang-kui a!
伯伯 慢開，慢開 啊！
Wait, Uncle, don’t set off yet!

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ê? le ain dang-ke a m-si?
啞？汝 欲 同去 啊 唔是？
Huh? Do you want to come along too?

（桃花）• to-huê

m-si ah. niê-gian gi-si lao-hia zoh-mia-ze, ziu-ain gê dig-siou
唔是 啊。娘囝 既是 留下 絕命書，就欲 假 得肖
No I don’t. Since Miss left behind a suicide note, we should make it seem like she has drowned.

niê-gian, le ko tug-ke siu-oi, tai-ua bai do gang-bin
娘囝，你 可 脫去 繡鞋，待我 擺 在 江邊
Miss, could you take off one of your shoes, and let me place it on the river bank.

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ho! zêg-tao gêng-guê zêg-tao a!
好！一套 經過 一套 啊！
Fantastic! Each plan is better then last!

（六娘）• lag-niê

to-huê, se-cêng ru-ho, su diêh-lai bo a
桃花，事情 如何，須 着來 報 啊
To-hue, you have to come and tell us what happens

（桃花）• to-huê

zê-gai ze-riêng, kuai-kuai kui-zung
這個 自然，快快 開船
Of course, now quick, go!

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

kui o!
開 哦！
Let’s go!

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

to-huê
桃花
To-hue

（桃花）• to-huê

uêng-ghua ang-ring
員外 安人
Master, Madam

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

to-huê, le ui-ho zê-si cai huê-lai? ka-u toin-gin niê-gian?
桃花，汝 爲何 這時 才 回來？豈有 睇見 娘囝？
To-hue, why are you only back now? Did you see Miss?

（桃花）• to-huê

bho a, ua si sêng-mê guan huê-lai sang niê-gian cug-goh di
無啊，我 是 乘夜 趕 回來 送 娘囝 出閣 的
No, I rushed through the night to come back to see Miss off for her betrothal.

ru-gim ui-ho huêng mung-ki niê-gian nê?
如今 爲何 反 問起 娘囝 呢？
Why do you now ask me about Miss?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

niê-gian lao-hia zoh-mia-ze, tao-kui ao-hng-mung cug-lai dao gang ze-zing a
娘囝 留下 絕命書，偷開 後園門 出來 投 江 自盡 啊
Miss left behind a suicide note; she stole out of the rear gate to drown herself in the river

（桃花）• to-huê

za-suêh? guan-u ce-se?
怎說？果有 此事？
What? Could such a thing happen?

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

zian-si, le zêg-lou re-lai, ka-u gin ta?
正是，汝 一路 而來，豈有 見 他？
Indeed, you were on the road coming here, did you see her?

（桃花）• to-huê

dian-riêng si-liou… ai, niê-gian!
定然 死了…… 唉，娘囝！
She is dead for sure… Ah, Miss!

（員外、安人）

nou a…
孥 啊……
My child…

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

lao-si a
老四 啊
Fourth Brother

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zêg-gong, ua do-zê
叔公，我 在這
Uncle, I am here

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

lao-si, se-cêng za-iên?
老四，事情 怎樣？
Fourth Brother, how is the situation?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

zêg-gong siu-zai, siê-neng mi-sig bho-zong, zi-u lao-hia zoh-mia-ze
叔公 秀才，小女 迷失 無蹤，只有 留下 絕命書
Uncle, Siu-zai, our daughter is lost without a trace, she only left behind a suicide note

（楊秀才）

han? zoh-mia-ze? zoh-mia-ze do na-li? na-lai toin!
～？絕命書？絕命書 在 那裏？拿來 睇
What? A suicide note? Where is it? Let us see it

kuai-sê na cug-lai, mê lêh!
快些 拿 出來，猛～！
Bring it out; quick!

[Reciting]

• ciêb-neng boh-ze riag-zi, mia boh ru si
「妾女 薄姿 弱質，命 薄 如絲 TODO

• dang-huang kuang-bao, lang in ze-ti
東風 狂暴，難 以 自持

• mung-sên zui-boh, gao-deng sui-ti?
門生 水泊，高堂 誰持

• ngang liêm gib-ce, bui bug ze-i
言 念 及此，悲 不 自已

• hng-bi kiang-tu, si-kuêng i-si
［遠避］ 強徒，施權 倚勢

• bêg ua riag-neng, uê-bi he-big
迫 我 弱女，慰被 漁筆

• gung ru u-lêng, big ziang têng ze
君 如 有靈，必 將 懲 之

• boh-mia-neng lag-niê zoh-big
薄命女 六娘 絕筆」
The ill-fated girl Lak-nie puts own her pen.

[Ends recitation]

ze-dang suêh ua bêg-si ta-sing, bug-miêng ziang ze cang mua
書中 說 我 逼死 他身，不免 將 書 藏麻
This letter says that I pressured her to kill herself, I should hide it away.

huang-miêng lao-hia hua-geng
方免 留下 禍根
TODO

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

siu-zai, ui-ho ziang ze cang-ki?
秀才，爲何 將 書 藏起？
Scholar, why do you conceal the letter?

（楊秀才）

zê gai… ua mung le
這個……我 問 汝
This… let me ask you instead

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ho-se?
何事？
What about?

（楊秀才）

ua toin ce-ze lai-dang dian u kiou-ki
我 睇 此書 內中 定 有 蹺蹊
I see that there must be strange in this letter.

cian-mung le-neng pêng-rig u-bho e-nang sai-cêng?
請問 汝女 平日 有無 與人 思情？
Did your daughter have any secret feelings for anybody?

ui-ho zê-buan king-sêng?
爲何 這般 輕生？
Why did she treat her life so lightly?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

siu-zai, ciêg-mai luêng-suêh! siou-neng zêg-siang gian-ui duêng-zian
秀才，切勿 亂說！ 小女 一向 行爲 端正
Don’t spout nonsense! My child was always proper in her behavior.

cuêng-hiên nang-nang zai-dao di
全鄉 人人 知道 的
Everyone in the village knows this.

（楊秀才）

gi-si gian-ui duêng-zian, ui-ho lim-gê cim-si?
既是 行爲 端正，爲何 臨家 尋死？
If she was so proper, why did she flee the betrothal and kill herself?

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ta si dui zê hung-ing bug-mua, cai ze-cim do-gin di
他 是 對 這 婚姻 不滿，才 自尋 短見 的
She was unhappy with the match, and so made a rash decision.

（楊秀才）

ai, ngag-bê ngag-bho, gou-dao neng-ze do-gê cong-bê
哎，岳父 岳母，古道 女子 在家 從父
Ah… father-in-law, mother-in-law, the saying goes that a girl at home follows her father’s wishes,

hung-ing su tian bê-bho ze mêng
婚姻 須 聽 父母 之 命
and should marry whom her parents choose for her.

bhuê-iag ze ngang, ning no-lao ze siên huê-hung
媒約 之 言，恁 兩老 自 想 悔婚
After the proposal was made, you two old people started to have second thoughts,

ga neng bug-lag, i-di hua-biêng
教 女 不力，以致 禍變
you were not strict in teaching your daughter, leading to this tragedy.

ning kag-sig lang-si-ki-giu, lang-si-ki-giu!
恁 確實 難辭其咎，難辭其咎！
You truly cannot escape the blame!

難辭其咎 – idiom

（桃花）• to-huê

ai! siu-zai a siu-zai
唉！秀才 啊 秀才
Ah! Scholar iên

mêng si le to-cing bêg-deng, di ki ce-hua
明 是 汝 討親 逼堂， 致 起 此禍
It was clearly you that pressured the family into accepting the proposal, and caused all this

niê-gian zoh-mia-ze mêng-mêng suêh le bêg-si ta-sing
娘囝 絕命書 明明 說 汝 逼死 他身
In her suicide note, she clearly said that you pestered her into taking her life

le ui-ho cang-ze mig-zêng, huêng-re ham-huêh-pung-nang?
汝 爲何 藏書 滅證，反而 含血噴人？
Why did you try to hide away the letter, and try to smear other people instead?

含血噴人 – idiom

（乳娘）

a-di oi, zi-diên zoh-mia-ze ua ia cing-mag toin-guê o
阿弟 ～，只張 絕命書 我 也 親目 睇過 哦
I saw this letter with my own eyes too.

（楊秀才）

kui ke!
開去！
Shoo!

duan-pêng zêg-hong zoh-mia-ze, muêh-zêng bug-zog
單憑 一封 絕命書，物證 不足
All this is based on a suicide note, there is no other evidence

gi bho-nang zêng, iu bho-si zêng, ang-zai lai-dang u-bho gang-bi?
既 無人 證，又 無屍 證，安知 內中 有無 奸祕？
Since neither she nor her corpse is here to prove anything, who knows if you are trying to play some tricks?

ning ru bho cong-zog zêng-ge, ziu-si gê-ze cang-neng
恁 如 無 充足 證據，就是 假書 藏女
If you don’t have any real proof, then you must have faked the note and are hiding her

dian ain ning ziang neng hiêng-cug!
定 欲 恁 將 女 顯出！
I demand that you present her!

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ai-ia! bug-êng zên-biêng, rui-ze gi suêh dao-gang ze-zing, kuai gao gang-bin toin-gai giu-gêng
哎呀！不用 爭辯，遺書 既 說 投江 自盡，快 到 江邊 睇 個 究竟
Aiyah! There’s no need to debate it. Since it says that she wanted to jump into the river to drown herself, go to the river bank and find out for yourself.

（楊秀才）

ho, riag-si cê bho sig-ge, duêng bug e ning gang-hiun
好，若是 查 無 實據，斷 不 與 恁 干休
Fine, if I cannot find any real traces, then I will not let this matter rest!

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

ho, hung-hu gê-ring sog gao gang-bin
好，吩咐 家人 速 到 江邊
Fine, tell the servants to go to the river bank now

（僕人）

zung-mêng!
遵命
Yes sir!

bing uêng-ghua ang-ring, gang-bin u siê-zê siu-oi zêg-sang
稟 員外 安人，江邊 有 小姐 繡鞋 一雙
Master, Mistress, there is a pair of Miss’s brocade shoes on the river bank

（員外、安人）

neng-ri! ua-gian! ai! kou!
女兒！我囝！唉！苦！
Daughter! My child! Alas, how cruel!

（乳娘）

zi-ê cua bho nang ke cua zo-gai gui he-a…
只下 𡥘 無 人 去 𡥘 做個 鬼 噓啊……
We went to get a woman but ended up getting a ghost…

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

oi, zêng-nang ka-si ain guê-dou?
～，衆人 豈是 欲 過渡？
Hey, do you all want to cross the river?

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

lai, tên-dou di, za-gang ka-u nang do-ce zoin-ao dao-gang ze-zing bho?
來，撐渡 的，早間 豈有 人 在此 前後 投江 自盡 無？
Come, boatman, was there anyone who threw themselves into the river here in the early hours?

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

dao-gang? nguêng-lai zing-sig si dao-gang
投江？原來 真實 是 投江
Threw themselves into the river? So it really was a suicide

（楊秀才）

u a bho? ui-ho bug-suêh?
有 亞 無？爲何 不說？
Was there or not? Why don’t you speak?

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

si-gên si-hao, ua do zung-ziên da-sui, tian-gin u-nang do kao
四更 時候，我在 船上 打睡，聽見 有人 在 哭
At the fourth watch, I was sleeping in my boat, when I heard someone crying.

ua ghou-zoh si seng-ciê, bho ke li i
我 誤作 是 耍笑，無去 理 伊
I thought someone was trying to prank me, so I ignored it.

hug-riêng zui-ming gong zêg-giê
忽然 水面 攻 一叫
Suddenly I heard a crash in the water

zê-iên suêh ziang ki-lai, zing-di si u-nang dao-gang ze-zing a
這樣 說 將 起來，真的 是 有人 投江 自盡 啊
Now that I put it all together, there really was someone who jumped into the river

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

si-liou… nou!
死了……孥！
She really is dead, my child!

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

ai-ia, nang-mia guêng-tin se-cêng bug-siou a
哎呀，人命 關天 事情 不小 啊
Life and death is decided by heaven, this is no trivial business

（桃花）• to-huê

ai, ru-gim nang zêng-muêh zêng-gu ki, toin ning huan-u ho-suêh a?
哎，如今 人 證物 證據 齊，睇 恁 還有 好說 啊？
Now that we have witnesses and evidence, do you have anything left to say?

uêng-ghua ang-ring duan-sên ce-neng, ru-gim bi ning bêg-si
員外 安人 單生 此女，如今 被 恁 逼死
Master and Mistress have only one daugther, today she was driven to death by you

niê-gian zêg-hiang do sai-lou ziang-dai, gu-lao-ia e lao-hu-ring ain ru mêng-zu
娘囝 一向 在 西蘆 長大，舅老爺 與 老婦人 愛 如 明珠
Miss grew up in Sai-lou, where her Uncle and Aunt loved her like their own daughter

gu-lao-ia ia zêng-ui guan, ziou-dang guan-cing sim-do
舅老爺 也 曾爲 官，朝中 官親 甚多
Uncle was also once an official, and has many relatives in the court

bhung-zai ce-se, ka kêng gang-hiun?
聞知 此事，豈 肯 干休？
Once he hears about this, could he let the matter rest?

（員外）• uêng-ghua • Landlord Sou

bug-co, uang no-lao duan-dog ce neng-ri, ru-gim bi bêg bug-mêng si
不錯，阮 兩老 單獨 此 女兒，如今 被 逼 不明 死
That’s right, we two old people have only this one daughter, who was driven to her death today.

gê-cai zong-riêng lai pua zing, ia ain e-le gin gao-di
家財 縱然 來 破 盡，也 欲 與汝 見 到底
Even if we deplete our whole fortune, we will pursue you to the end.

（安人）• ang-ring • Mrs Sou

ziêg-si biêng gao sai-lou ke, cian-kiu ua-hian zo zu-i
即時 便 到 西蘆 去，請求 我兄 做 主意
We shall go immediately to Sai-lou, and ask my brother to make a plan

cing-sên gug-nêg bi bêg-si, bhuêng-guêng gê-ze u ho-ki?
親生 骨肉 被 迫死，萬貫 家資 有 好奇？
My own flesh and blood has been driven to suicide; what use is great wealth?

（楊秀才）

hung-ing bêng bhuê zêng, zog-diên ze zu-ti
婚姻 憑 媒 證，族長 自 主持
A marriage is arranged by the match-maker. Clan Elder, you oversaw this,

si ning zog-lai se, e ua bho guêng-hi!
是 恁 族內 事，與 我 無 關係！
and it is the internal business of your clan. Not my responsibility!

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

zo-cing si ning nguêng, ho-dai ning ze-li
做親 是 恁 願，好歹 恁 自理
You wanted to make a match. This unhappy business is for you to settle.

bhuê-nang kang nang-in, guêng-sên bho guêng-si
媒人 牽 人圓，管生 無 管死
A matchmaker brings people together and is responsible for life, not for death.

（桃花）• to-huê

nang-mia guêng-tin, hui-dang ri-hi, dian-ain e-ning, gong-tang siên-gin!
人命 關天，非同 兒戲，定愛 與恁，公堂 相見！
Human life is a matter for Heaven, and is not child’s play; we shall see you in the courthouse!

（員外、安人）

ba lao-mia bian sên-si, bian sên-si ia!
把 老命 拚 生死，拚 生死 呀！
TK

（族長）• zog-diên • Clan Elder Sou

cian bhuê a, ho ia-si ning diên-nang gian-sai, mo ia-si ning diên-nang gian-sai
且未啊，好 也是 恁 丈人 囝婿，孬 也是 恁 丈人 囝婿
Not so fast. Good times or bad, you are father-in-law and son-in-law,

ua zo bhuê-nang, zi-u diêm-diêm tao, suêh-suêh hah
我 做 媒人，只有 點點 頭，說說 合
I was the matchmaker, all I did was to nod my head and propose the match.

bo-gao guan-si, e ua bho-guêng, ning cian ua deng
報告 官司，與 我 無關，恁 請 我 轉
Any court case is no business of mine. I take my leave!

（楊秀才）

bho zam na-lêng ing-dig suan? se do ning hiên-li huêg-sên
無 針 那能 引得 線？事 在 恁 鄉里 發生
How can a thread be sewn without a needle? This all happened in your village,

ziu-si ning zog-lai gai se, ning ga-gi ke li
就是 恁 族內 個 事，恁 家己 去 理
and is the internal business of your clan, so you should be responsible for sorting it out.

ua lou deng-hng, gian-tian iu deng, a-ni a, zao a!
我 路 長遠，行程 又 長，阿奶 啊，走 啊！
I have a long journey head to go home. Nanny, let’s go!

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

oi, ain giê-nang lao-si a-mai a? o! ha ha ha ha ha!
喂，愛 叫人 撈屍 啊勿 啊？哦！哈哈哈哈哈哈！
Hey, do you need someone to go dredging for the corpse? Oh! Hahaha!

（桃花）• to-huê

bêh a, le gah niê-gian dan, ua mêng-tin…
伯 啊，汝 甲 娘囝 呾，我 明天……
Old man, please tell my mistress that tomorrow, I will…

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ho, do ua sing-ziên, le dan mê-mê deng-ke, mêng-tin za-sê lai ho! ha ha ha ha ha!
好，在 我 身上，汝 旦 猛猛 轉去，明天 早些 來 好！哈哈哈哈哈哈！
Very well, I’ll take care of it. Go home quickly now, and come early tomorrow. Hahaha!

第十四出 • Scene 14

[1:50:01]

hung iong mêng-ghuêh zui iong tiêng, huê-gang uêng-iên gao-gêng miêng
雲 擁 明月 水 擁 天，花間 鴛鴦 交頸 眠
TODO

gi-cung lag-niê siên-sui zao, to-huê ing-lou do zoin-biêng
繼春 六娘 相隨 走，桃花 引路 在 前邊

cung-huang ngiêng-nang ziou hia li, zing bêh ciê-goi liang-bing suêng
春風 迎人 朝 霞 里，進 伯 笑解 兩鬢 霜

（桃花）• to-huê

bêh-a, cian, cian!
伯 啊，請，請！
Old man, farewell!

（渡公）• dou-gong • Boatman

ho, ho, cian cian cian! ha ha ha ha ha ha!
好好，請 請 請！哈哈哈哈哈哈！
Good, good. Farewell! Hahaha!