FRAGRANT HARBOUR

At rise: The dim light of an opium lamp is seen at one side of the stage. In the opaque gloom, we see an elderly, emaciated, sallow-faced CHINESE MAN, with hairstyle and dress of the Ch'ing Dynasty, lying on his side on an opium bed. His head is raised up onto a filthy rattan pillow.

HE withdraws a needle from his opium tray and attaches a small quantity of opium. With a circular motion, HE holds the opium to the lamp until it is the treacly consistency of molasses. His voice is scratchy and feeble.

Yong Sang!..Ahee! Children! Come!

SISTER, WHAT IS ON YOUR HEAD NOW?

SOMETHING'S THERE; SOMETHING'S THERE

SISTER, HAS A SPARROW LANDED?

IN MY HAIR; IN MY HAIR

SISTER, WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART NOW?

SOMETHING'S THERE; SOMETHING'S THERE

SISTER, HAVE YOU FOUND A TRUE LOVE?

DO I DARE? DO I DARE?

You and your "love." How can you believe in something so strange?

One day I will know what love is. And I will know what love is for.

Yong Sang! Ahee!

You must take care of your sister.

Yes, father.

When I am gone you must leave here and begin to search for a suitable husband for her. Many from here have settled in Hong Kong and are growing rich. You might find a match for her there.

Yes, father.

And you must try not to hate me.

I do not hate you, father. I hate the distant-coming barbarians who made you like this!

At dusk, lights come up on the bustling town of Victoria, Hong Kong, specifically Pedder's Wharf. Sailors and boardinghouse keepers; gentlemen in frock coats and ladies in crinolines. Chinese coolies and foreign seamen are unloading a clipper ship, and townspeople have come to meet people disembarking. On board the ship, men aloft and on deck are shouting orders to one another. Itinerant Chinese hawkers sing out their wares as they pass by with their products on each end of shoulder poles. We see a pipe seller, fish monger, basket weaver, etc. A flute seller appears with a basket of flutes over his shoulder. He plays a short tune.

Alow from aloft!..Avast hauling!..Belay the lines!..Aye, aye, sir!..Well the starboard main topsail sheet!..Haul the gantline!..Tar the larboard rigging!..Aye, aye, sir!..

Mai som ju! (oranges)...Mai chu hut chuk! (pigs' blood congee)...mai yu shang chuk! (fish congee)...mai dau fu! (bean curd)...ham yu! (salt fish)...mai lan t'it lan t'ung! (buyer of old iron and copper)...sun meng! (fortuneteller)...

WE HAVE COME TO THIS ISLAND TO DO BUSINESS
THERE IS NOTHING ON THIS GODFORSAKEN, GOOD-FOR-NOTHING ISLAND OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS
AND WHEN WE HAVE EXTRACTED ALL OUR PROFITS FROM OUR BUSINESS
WE'LL GO HOME!

HONG KONG! IN 1857
NOT EXACTLY HELL, BUT NOWHERE CLOSE TO HEAVEN!
THIS YEAR! SOMETHING COULD GO WRONG!
THIS YEAR! SOMETHING COULD HAPPEN HERE! AND IT'S CLEAR, FOR SOME IN HONG KONG
THERE MIGHT NOT BE A "NEXT YEAR"!

CHINESE! DO NOT RESPECT US!
HEATHENS! ARE FULL OF HATE AND SPITE!
 

THANK GOD OUR GUNS PROTECT US
 

THEY MUST BOW TO ENGLISH MIGHT!
THEY WILL BOW TO ENGLISH MIGHT!

Lieutenant Wilson!

Oh, hello, Mr. Avery! Good day to you, Mrs. Avery. Here to greet someone?

Good day, Lieutenant. We're meeting the clipper ship from San Francisco; the son of an old friend should be aboard. You're meeting someone also?

No, ma'am. Governor Bowring's escorting a mandarin official to his boat. The mandarin's goin' back to the mainland; where 'e bloody well belongs, if you ask me. Oh! Pardon my language, ma'am.

And did Sir John find his meeting with the mandarin to his liking?

Oh, yes, sir. As the devil would find being sprinkled with holy water to his liking.

One can only wonder if John Chinaman will ever acknowledge the benefits of a Christian God.

He will, ma'am; when two Sundays come together. (belches)

Lieutenant, I hope you're not inebriated while on duty.

In where, sir?

I mean to say you are chirping merry, are you not, sir?

A nip of nappy ale from a bawdy 'ouse bottle to quench the spark in my throat, sir. Nothing more.

You had better shut your bone-box, mate!

I'll give you a clout on your jolly knob, you bacon-faced sea crab!

Excuse me, sir, I 'ave to clear the pier of doubtful characters.

There would be one less doubtful character here if he would start by clearing himself. Ah! That must be Dr. Taylor.

Charles Taylor?

Yes! You must be Mr. Avery. And Mrs. Avery. It's marvelous to meet you at last. After all the wonderful things my father said about you.

Why, thank you, doctor. And how was your voyage?

Smooth sailing until we neared Hong Kong. A fleet of pirate ships appeared but they stayed clear of our cannon. (Looking around) What a marvelous place! Decorations everywhere. Is it always this colorful?

Chinese New Year is approaching.

Don't let looks deceive you. There isn't a Chinaman here who wouldn't love to slit our throats. We carry pistols; and so will you.

Chinamen here are busy chopping off foreign heads and scampering across the harbor with them to the mainland where they're paid for them in silver!

ENGLISH GREETING ONE ANOTHER BY THE BAY!
ENGLISH MEETING ONE ANOTHER AT THIS LOVELY PIER!
WHAT A CITY!
WHAT A PITY THEY ARE HERE!

FOR SIXTEEN YEARS OUR BRITISH 'FRIENDS'
HAVE RULED OUR FRAGRANT ISLE
AND ALL THE WHILE
SERVILE...

WE BOW AND SMILE.

FOR FAR TOO LONG OUR BRITISH 'FRIENDS'
HAVE SHOWN THEIR ROYAL MIGHT
BOTH DAY AND NIGHT

QUITE RIGHT!

HONG KONG! IN 1857
FROM OUR PROFITS WHEN WE SELL!
WE'LL BUY OUR WAY TO HEAVEN!

THIS YEAR! SOMETHING COULD GO WRONG!
THIS YEAR! SOMETHING COULD HAPPEN HERE! AND
IT'S CLEAR, FOR SOME IN HONG KONG
THERE MIGHT NOT BE A "NEXT YEAR"!

ENGLISH! WERE NOT INVITED!
ENGLISH! ARE FAR TO STRONG TO FIGHT!
ONE DAY WHEN WE'RE UNITED
THEY MUST BOW TO CHINESE MIGHT!
THEY WILL BOW TO CHINESE MIGHT!

That woman...

What? Where? I don't see any women.

The one buying flowers. She's lovely.

Oh. You mean the Chinawoman. She's the wife of the town's main baker. Somewhat attractive, I suppose - for a celestial.

Oh, the governor is coming.

I repeat my assurance to you, sir, that no official in China was involved in the recent attacks on foreigners; yet I regret to say that your fleet is still bombarding Canton.

I do not deny my suspicion regarding your involvement, sir, and you may recall the Chinese saying: 'If there is no wind, the grass does not move.'

There is another Chinese saying: 'Paper cannot hold fire.' It refers to the anger that burns inside patriots whose land has been seized.

I warn you, sir: this island is now under British law. Do not attempt any mischief here.

If patriots living in Hong Kong refuse to yield to a foreign shield, there is little a mandarin official in China can do.

WE BOW TO THE ROYAL DRAGON!
WE BOW TO THE GLORY OF THE DRAGON THRONE!

HAIL TO QUEEN VICTORIA!
GOD SAVE OUR MIGHTY QUEEN!

HONG KONG! IN 1857
NOT EXACTLY HELL BUT NOWHERE CLOSE TO HEAVEN!
THIS YEAR! SOMETHING COULD GO WRONG!
THIS YEAR! SOMETHING COULD HAPPEN HERE! AND
IT'S CLEAR, FOR SOME IN HONG KONG
THERE MIGHT NOT BE A "NEXT YEAR"!

Come, Dr. Taylor, let us be off. It isn't wise to be in this part of town after dark. I'll introduce you to our governor on a more appropriate occasion; when he's in a better mood.

WE HAVE COME TO THIS ISLAND TO DO BUSINESS
THERE IS NOTHING ON THIS GODFORSAKEN, GOOD-FOR-NOTHING ISLAND OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS
AND WHEN WE HAVE EXTRACTED ALL OUR PROFITS FROM OUR BUSINESS
WE'LL GO HOME!

Yong-sang!

Do not disobey this official proclamation!

DAMN THEIR EYES IF EVER THEY TRIES
TO ROB A POOR MAN OF 'IS BEER!
DAMN THEIR EYES IF EVER THEY TRIES
TO ROB A POOR MAN OF 'IS-

Yeu there! 'Alt!

Damn your eyes! I said, 'Alt!'

Bloody 'ell, What dya do that for?

The Chinaman 'ad no lantern. Yeu know the rules. Aftah eight the Chinamen got to 'ave a lantern and a pass.

He had his pass, all right. He works for the E-sing Bakery in Spring Garden.

Well, 'e didn't 'ave 'is lantern, did 'e?

You think you hit him?

Oi duhnow! 'oo cares?

DAMN THEIR EYES IF EVER THEY TRIES
TO ROB A POOR MAN OF 'IS BEER!
DAMN THEIR EYES IF EVER THEY TRIES
TO ROB A POOR MAN OF 'IS BEER!

CHEUNG AH-LUM and his wife, AHEE, are in an upstairs bedroom. AHEE, about 25, is sitting on the bed dressed in samfu, a plain calf-length tunic (sam) over her trousers (fu). Her HUSBAND is at least fifteen years her senior. HE is preparing for bed. HE stretches, yawns and sits on the bed.

AHEE jumps up and removes his felt shoes. SHE puts his outer robe away and again sits on the bed. SHE reaches out to him but sleep overtakes him even before HE can unbraid his queue. HE begins snoring immediately.

As AHEE sits looking down at him, there are several quick knocks on the door at the end of a hallway off the bedroom. AHEE starts to wake her husband, then decides to answer the door herself. SHE stands behind it.

Who is there?

Sister, open the door.

Brother, I heard shots. Are you all right?

Yes. Don't worry. Drunken foreign-devil police cannot shoot straight. I just need to stay here for a minute in case they're coming this way.

You could have been killed!

Sister, I am fine. I just wanted to see you before I meet with your husband and his father...but...

What is it?

I heard something while I was in Canton. Your husband...

What about him?

A woman there is coming to Hong Kong to...Your husband is taking a concubine.

My husband...

This is my fault. I never should have arranged this marriage for you.

My husband has every right to take a concubine...I am only worried about you and about...

Sister, you mustn't worry. Things will work out.

But, what if-

SISTER, WHAT IS ON YOUR HEAD NOW?
SISTER, HAS A SPARROW LANDED?

Oh, stop it. We are not children any longer.

Then try to remember to stop worrying so much. Now, I must go.

Be careful, brother.

My husband, you should have seen the crinoline dress an English lady was wearing in the bakeshop today...It had green silk flounces and swayed back and forth revealing her ankles. The foreign men seemed to...

Were you tickling me?

I was trying...to interest you.

Interest me?

My husband-

In the midst of all the turmoil in Hong Kong, it is all I can do to take care of business and you, my wife, are trying to "interest" me...

With my queue!

I am sorry, my husband. I only wanted-

It is not a question of being sorry, but you should realize I have other things to think about now than...

Yes, my husband.

A man's queue is not a toy, you know.

But, my husband, what if one day Chinese men no longer wear their hair in a queue? The Western men living in Hong Kong-

Chinese men not wear a queue?! (laughs) I think you've been speaking with foreign customers in the bread shop again.

I...I learn from them...

Oh, I don't mind. But my father warned you before about being overly curious of Western ways. If he ever-

Ah-lum!

Father?

Ah-lum! Come. Quickly!

Yong-sang is downstairs.

I'm coming.

Ah-lum?

I'll be back in a little while. Go to sleep!

...Has my brother returned from Canton?

Yes! Now, go to sleep!

My husband, how can I sleep? I am afraid. Drunken English sailors practically attacked my servant today. I want to leave Hong Kong.

Leave? Where would we go? Do you know of some Jade Garden in the Western Paradise where there are no mandarin officials?

But there must be somewhere-

Aiyaah! When will you learn to face reality and deal with it as best you can!?

And, from now on...you'll sleep over the bakery in Spring Garden.

Sleep over the bakery? But why?

Because...the foreign-devil ships with their drunken sailors anchor just outside our window. As you say, it is too dangerous for you here at night.

...Is that the only reason?

It is the only reason I need give you!

...Will not your new concubine face the same dangers?

My...Aiiyaah! You act as if I am the only man who ever took a concubine! Why are you always so full of questions?

I do not question you, my husband; I know until now I have failed to give you a son. It is only that my father-

Yes, yes, I know your father took no concubine! But I am not a Confucian scholar like your father was! I am a Hong Kong baker and you are my wife. All of your dreams will not change that. Now, I must speak with your brother. You'll see him tomorrow.

Yes, my husband.

FROM MY WINDOW
I HEAR THE SHIPS' BELLS CHIME THE TIME
THE SCENT OF LOTUS BLOSSOM FILLS THE AIR
FROM MY WINDOW
IN THE EVENING I SEE THE SHIPS MOORED, ANCHORED
AND TIED - AS I AM MOORED, ANCHORED AND TIED

YES, MY HUSBAND, I, OF COURSE, OBEY;
WE WILL HAVE A SON
AND I'LL BOW TO EVERYONE
AS YOU WISH, IT WILL BE DONE,
AND TOMORROW LIFE WILL BE AS YESTERDAY

NOW, IT'S EVENING, WHEN I'M MOST ALONE;
ALL MY HOPES I HIDE
AND TO SPARE MY HUSBAND'S PRIDE
I'LL KEEP EVERYTHING INSIDE
HE WILL NEVER KNOW WHICH FEELINGS ARE MY OWN.

WHEN I FEEL THIS LONGING FOR
TENDERNESS, AND I'M IGNORED;
THEN I FEAR THERE'S NOTHING MORE
NOTHING WORTH LIVING FOR...

YES, MY HUSBAND, I, OF COURSE, OBEY;
WE'll STAY IN HONG KONG
IT IS HERE THAT I BELONG
SOMEHOW, SOME WAY I'LL BE STRONG
BUT THE WORLD I DREAM I'LL NEVER PUT AWAY!

FROM MY WINDOW
I SEE GULLS WITH OUTSTRETCHED WINGS FLY...

JOHN AVERY is standing next to a table in a living room. HE is holding a revolver. At first we can barely perceive him in the darkness but as HE turns up the wick on the oil lamp the scene is clearer. HE takes his gold pocket watch from his waistcoat pocket and checks the time against a large grandfather clock.

HE places percussion caps over the nipples of the revolver then moves past the table and clock (toward the audience) and walks onto the verandah. HE sits in one of the two rattan chairs, the revolver on his lap. HE lights up a cheroot and looks out across the harbor toward the dark, mysterious hills of Kowloon. HE irritably slaps at a mosquito. Behind him, CHARLES TAYLOR walks from the living room onto the verandah.

Not in bed yet, Mr. Avery?

I was, Dr. Taylor. Fighting off mosquitoes as usual.

With your revolver?

No, no. I heard gunshots.

So did I. Near the harbor, I think.

Yes. In the Chinese quarter. Of course, I wasn't asleep, anyway. Mosquitoes inside the bed curtain. Did my wife leave you the mosquito broom?

Yes. Very kind of her, indeed.

How quiet it is. Something's brewing I fear.

(cont)

John, do you really think the Chinese are planning something?

I mean, I've always dreamed of following in my father's footsteps and coming out to Asia as a member of the medical profession, but when I left San Francisco I had no idea there was such tension here between the British and the Chinese. Hong Kong is so beautiful, but somehow I had thought it would be more, well, more...civilized.

They're always planning something, Dr. Taylor. It's just a question of what and when. John Chinaman wants our blood no less than the bloody mosquitoes. That much you can count on.

Forgive me, but as the Chinese seem so hostile, why stay in a place where you're not welcome?

There are compensations. A man with his wits about him can do quite well 'chasing the dollar' in a place like Hong Kong. There are, how shall I say, fewer restraints placed on 'riding the wagon' than there would be back home.

I see. Yes, Mrs. Avery did mention that you've been appointed administrative assistant to Governor Bowring and-

Bowring?! How Her Majesty's Government ever imagined that a literary scholar like Sir John Bowring could be the proper ruler of a military colony, I should like to know. And now he's proposing that Chinamen become magistrates and that they be allowed to sit on our Legislative Council! If I were not his assistant I would myself be facing off with him in tonight's meeting!

GOVERNOR JOHN BOWRING is sitting behind his desk facing an angry group of Hong Kong's leading English MERCHANTS. THEY are dressed in the style of the period with top hat, cravat, cloak and boots.

LIEUTENANT WILSON, an English officer - Bowring's assistant and guard - is standing at parade rest apart from them.

I KNOW I HEARD SHOTS ON THE WAY HERE TONIGHT!
WHERE WERE THE POLICE?

NONE WERE IN SIGHT!
ONE THOUSAND OF US, FIFTY THOUSAND CHINESE!
THEY LAUGH AT OUR LAWS!
DO JUST AS THEY PLEASE!

WE DID NOT COME HERE TO ACCUSE OR MALIGN!

So kindly be still!

IF YOU'LL RESIGN!

The very same Chinamen making our beds are secretly plotting to cut our throats!

BEFORE YOU GO, GENTLEMEN,
AND THIS IS NOT A BOAST;
AS YOU MUST KNOW, GENTLEMEN,
MY HEAD IS WORTH THE MOST!

I'LL SEE YOU OUT, GENTLEMEN,
AND SPEAKING MAN TO MAN;
PLEASE NEVER DOUBT, GENTLEMEN,
I DO THE BEST I CAN!

THE CHINESE HERE, GENTLEMEN,
HAVE COME TO BUILD HONG KONG;
WHEN YOU ACCUSE, GENTLEMEN,
I THINK YOU DO THEM WRONG!

WE KNOW YOU GROW CLOSER TO THEM EVERY DAY!
WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?

What did you say?! How dare you?! Simply because I suggested that Chinese might serve as magistrates and as-

WE CAME HERE TO WARN YOU:
OUR MAGISTRATES' ROBES
NEVER WILL BE WORN
BY CONFIRMED ANGLOPHOBES!

BRITISH MERCY AND JUSTICE

ARE NOT FOR CHINESE!
WE MAKE OUR DEMANDS
YET YOU DO AS YOU PLEASE!

WE THINK YOUR EXAMPLE
OF TREATING THEM WELL
EMBOLDENS OUR FOES
THEY MIGHT EVEN REBEL!

THE DANGER IS CLEAR LET US MAKE NO MISTAKE
SOON IT WILL BE THEIR YEAR OF THE SNAKE! YEAR OF THE SNAKE! YEAR OF THE SNAKE! YEAR OF THE SNAKE! YEAR OF THE SNAKE!

Gentlemen! You're wasting my time! You make unscrupulous use of Her Majesty's laws while committing your crimes! Hypocrites! Bloody hypocrites! Your chests full of opium, ships armed for war?! Lieutenant Wilson!

Sir!

SHOW THESE...GENTLEMEN...THE DOOR!

I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to get one of the celestial devils appointed governor after he's gone.

Lieutenant Wilson.

Sir!

Lieutenant, I've decided to appoint a Chinese to replace me as governor. I'd like you to make the announcement in the morning.

Sir, I...I dunno, sir...I mean...

Relax, Lieutenant. I was being facetious.

Bein' what, sir?

I was making a joke.

Oh! I must say, sir, you 'ad me goin' there for a minute. I swallowed the bullock, horns and all. I was afraid you might 'ave caught a touch of Colonial Fever. A Chinaman as guv'nor! That's a good one, that is!

Lieutenant, do you suppose it would be possible to set up a network of Chinese informants in Hong Kong?

I don't see why not, sir. A lot of the Chinamen 'round 'ere don't fancy their government in Peking any more than we do. And you'd be surprised 'ow 'elpful John Chinaman becomes if 'e knows there's to be some silver in it for 'isself.

Then tomorrow you will begin special assignment for me. As distasteful as these opium-dealing...I mean, leading merchants may be, we wouldn't want to ruin our careers by allowing them to be massacred in their beds, now would we?

Oh, no, sir! We wouldn't want that, sir. Well, goodnight, sir.

Goodnight, Lieutenant.

Whose side am I on! How dare they!

I SEE HONG KONG - FUTURE HONG KONG
A CITY RICHER THAN MANY A NATION
I DREAM TODAY FOR A FUTURE GENERATION
A CITY OF WEALTH, POWER, SUCCESSFUL IN ITS QUEST
TO BLEND THE WISDOM OF THE EAST WITH THE PROMISE OF THE WEST

I SEE HONG KONG - FUTURE HONG KONG
I SEE - I DON'T UNDERSTAND ALL THAT I SEE
WHEN I DREAM OF FUTURE HONG KONG
BUT I KNOW IT WILL BE!

A CITY RICHER THAN MANY A NATION
AND CHINESE SERVING, NO, LEADING IN EVERY OCCUPATION;
A BRITISH JEWEL HELD IN HIGH ESTEEM
THAT'S WHAT I SEE WHEN I DREAM OF HONG KONG
I SEE HONG KONG; FUTURE HONG KONG

AH-LUM and his FATHER enter the room. Ah-lum's brother-in-law, YONG-SANG, is examining a hole in his jacket.

What is it?

British police shot at Yong-sang. He's lucky to be alive.

You are lucky, brother-in-law. A few inches to the left...

Yes. Lucky.

So, what news from Canton? Is the city still-

The British ships are bombarding the city, shells are falling in the streets, our people are-

Yes, yes, I know all that. I'm asking why the mandarin officials sent for you.

Why? Why do you suppose? It's been weeks since they ordered all Chinese to stop doing business with foreign devils here in Hong Kong, but here we are serving them bread as if there were no war going on.

Many Chinese haven't left Hong Kong. Why single me out?

Did you think mandarin officials are ignorant of the fact that we're baking bread for foreigners when we should be fighting?

Fighting?! China's obsolete armies can never hope to defeat foreign soldiers so why not trade with them and take their money?

Our armies may be obsolete, but our spirit is not! With guile and cunning a few brave men may defeat a stronger enemy.

Aiiyaahh! Brother-in-law, you are a dreamer. Like your sister!

Yes, like my sister, I am a dreamer. And what are you? When our friends in Canton are fighting and dying?! What do you do? Sell bread to the barbarians and make your profit!

I am a baker. I leave the dreams of glory to-

Enough! Things are bad enough without my own relations attacking one another.

I have no time for this. I'm going to our bakery at Spring Garden.

Ah, yes. Be sure our enemies are well fed.

Our bakery business keeps you well fed, does it not?

I said, 'Enough'! Ah-lum, you will have to bribe the police to let you travel at night. Don't waste money.

It's all right, father. I'll keep to the back lanes. If I don't check on the bakers day and night, they play rather than work. (HE pauses) And as for the threats of mandarin officials, my business is here in Hong Kong and I am not leaving!

Father-in-law, do you wish to read it again?

No need. Call your sister.

Ahee!..Ahee!

I wish you to cross to Kowloon.

If it is your wish of course I will go. But may I know why?

It is important to learn if the foreign-devil soldiers will search you when you return to Hong Kong island.

The mandarin officials have given us the honor of striking a blow against the foreign-devils. We shall place arsenic in their bread!

Arsenic? In the bread of the foreigners?

Yes! They will never expect this. We will achieve victory!

Victory? You would poison an entire community of innocent people and call it 'victory'? Brother, please do not ask me to be a part of your 'victory.'

Aiiyaahh! My sister, you are becoming as fond of Westerners as your husband! Just how much humiliation do you think we must endure before we strike back?!

Ahee, your brother and I did not ask for this.

But the mandarin officials have spoken and I will not risk their displeasure. They have already threatened our cousins in China. If we disobey we may all lose our heads.

But surely you must tell my husband...your son, what his bakers will do.

No. I know my son well. He will never agree to this. For his own safety, you must make certain he never suspects anything. We need you to go to Kowloon and bring us the arsenic!

I...I cannot.

Sister, you are attractive and educated. And you speak their language well. If anyone can get the arsenic past the British sentries, a woman can! If I thought there was the least danger, I would not ask you.

I cannot.

Sister, please. The chief barbarians forcing opium on us live here in Hong Kong! We can avenge our father's death and finish them with one blow!

Please do not use our father's opium addiction as an excuse for poisoning an entire foreign community! Our father did not hate them!

Perhaps if he had, he might-

Enough! Ahee. If you cannot do this, no one will force you. But there is one thing you must do. To protect your husband.

I will do anything to protect him.

I want you to persuade Ah-lum to leave Hong Kong on the morning of the 15th no later than the Hour of the Rabbit. You must make certain he is on the steamer to Macau when the bread is being baked and delivered.

Yes, my father-in-law. I will do so.

Father-in-law, she must bring the arsenic!

It is no use. Even if we force her, her anxiety would give her away to anyone who challenged her. It must be you, Yong-sang. I'm sorry.

Don't worry. I am not afraid.

That is what worries me.

Father-in-law, please talk to Ah-lum. Sometimes he seems not to care for his own country.

MY SON IS TOO YOUNG TO REMEMBER WHEN
THE EMPIRE WAS RULED BY BETTER MEN;
WHEN THE SON OF HEAVEN HELD HIS SCEPTER OF JADE
THE WORLD TOOK HEED - MONARCHS TREMBLED AND OBEYED.

AND NOW YOUR SON TRADES WHERE WE DON'T BELONG!
AND COUNTS UP HIS PROFIT!

IS MAKING IT SO WRONG?

OUR COUNTRY NEEDS CHANGES!

I FEAR CHANGES FAR TOO FAST!

WILL MY GRANDSONS HEAR ONLY OF AN EMPIRE THAT HAS PASSED?

THE PASSION OF YANG!

NEEDS THE CAUTION OF YIN!

WHEN IN HARMONY

STRENGTH!

WHEN IN CHAOS

CHAGRIN!

Father-in-law, we must fight to win!

MY SON IS TOO YOUNG TO HAVE SEEN OUR WORLD
WHEN ARMIES WENT FORTH; FLAGS UNFURLED!

WHILE THE SON OF HEAVEN HOLDS HIS SCEPTER OF JADE

OUR LAND IS LOST - DEVILS MOCK US AND INVADE!

AND WHAT OF THE CRIME YOU CHOOSE TO IGNORE?
YOU'RE POISONING CHILDREN!

WE'RE ENGAGED IN A WAR!

IS THIS REALLY MY BROTHER!?

I WILL DO WHAT MUST BE DONE!

HAS THE MANDATE OF HEAVEN NOW ABANDONED HEAVEN'S SON?

I'VE GIVEN MY OATH AT OUR ANCESTORS' SHRINE!

THEY'LL STILL CALL IT MURDER!

THEN THE GUILT WILL BE MINE!

MY SON IS TOO YOUNG; AND CHINA TOO OLD
GREAT TALES OF GREAT MEN; NO LONGER TOLD
I SENSE A BEGINNING; BUT WHAT HAVE WE BEGUN?

PLEASE BE CAREFUL, MY BROTHER! HAS THE MANDATE OF HEAVEN

I ONLY DO WHAT/YOU ARE OUR/NOW
ABANDONED HEAVEN'S SON?!
MUST BE DONE! FATHER'S ONLY SON!

SARAH AVERY and CHARLES TAYLOR are in a kitchen. From the kitchen there is a short hallway leading to a storeroom. A long hallway from the kitchen leads to a living room and verandah. JOHN AVERY is sitting in the living room reading newspapers. MAIDS and other servants are bustling about cleaning.

As TAYLOR unpacks some boxes, HE and SARAH are in the middle of singing a folksy tune.

WHEN THE SOLDIER HEARD HIS LADY - CRYING
HOW COULD HE DARE FAIL TO HEED HER PLEA:
'ALL I ASK IS THAT YOU REMAIN ALIVE
JUST PROMISE (WON'T YOU PLEASE) YOU'LL DO THAT FOR ME!'

WHEN THE SOLDIER FELL IN BATTLE - DYING
ALL THE MEN AROUND HIM HEARD HIM SAY
'IF MY LOVE SHOULD ASK WHAT BECAME OF ME
JUST TELL HER (WON'T YOU PLEASE) THAT I RODE AWAY!'

I had no idea that song was as well known in England as in America!

Indeed it is. We always - Oh!

Would you look at that? Now the servants have managed to chip my only platter which wasn't smashed to pieces on its voyage out to Hong Kong.

I think this can be fixed almost as good as new.

Yes, and no doubt the Chinaman who fixes the platter is related to the Chinaman who broke it so the former gets some business thrown his way while the latter gets his 'squeeze'. God only knows how much of the shopping money our servants manage to keep for themselves. And speaking of squeeze, where is Ah-ling? He should have been back with the bread an hour ago. Ah-ling!

It's all right, Sarah. I can finish here.

No, I will not have my houseguest doing kitchen work the servants should be doing! Wong and Ah-mei will finish here! Ah-ling!

Wong! Where have you been?

Master wantchee Ah-Ling walkee chop chop catchee one piecey chair coolie. Maybe laining soon, not easy then catchee chair coolie. My tell coolie-boy bring chair coolie now.

Well, my wantchee now you finishee cook my chow-chow chop chop, you savvy?

Yes, Mississey. My makee numba' one chow-chow chop-chop!

And who-man makee blake that one-piecey platter?

One piecey platter? Ah-ling blake, mississey.

Beforetime my talkee Ah-ling buy numba one first chop bread. Bread hab got?

No, mississey. Ah-ling no catchee bread.

No!? No catchee bread? Ah-ling now in what-place?

Mississey...likee looksee he?

Yes, mississey likee looksee he!

Ah-Ling...he sick, Mississey.

My wantchee savvy what-place Ah-ling sick!

Ah-ling, he in storeroom sick.

Oh, is he? Well, we'll just see about that. Come with me, Dr. Taylor.

What is it, Sarah?

I know of only one reason a cook would condescend to involve himself in getting a sedan-chair. That's to cover up for the domestic who should be getting the chair. For a price, no doubt.

What is that smell?!

Precisely!

Ah-Ling! Beforetime my talkee you smokum pipe - no can! What for you makee so fashion? Outside house, can! (pointing up and downstairs) Topside house, no can! Bottomside house, no can! I shall report this to Master, Ah-Ling! You gave your word that you would never smoke opium in my house again. This is very bad pidgin! Bad business!

Aiiiyaaah! If these foreign-devils don't want opium in their houses what do they bring it to China for in the first place? And why are their hands and faces so white?

My father says the foreign-devils paint them white. But I can't bear to look at them; they look like ghosts!

What I can't bear is listening to you and this foreign female ghost speak such silly baby language to each other.

What are you blaming me for? The foreign-devils aren't smart enough to learn Chinese; if we didn't create pidgin English for them, nobody can do business. No business, no profit.

It's bad enough to work for people with ghost faces but this woman has green eyes! She may be some kind of evil spirit.

My father says the eyes of foreign-devils are dark like ours when they're born but then they fade.

Aiiiyaaah!

That is a very...pungent smell.

Oh, I am sorry, Doctor. But at least now should I ever return to London I'll appreciate the quality of British domestic help. Let's get some fresh air. Whoever said Chinamen make good servants must have been high on opium himself.

Very bad business, indeed! The poor natives on the mainland as well as the clerks at Jardines thought you were yelling at them, and they've all dumped their opium into the harbor.

John Avery, it is not funny! And if you would take a firmer attitude toward the household staff I could get a bit more respect out of them. As if this island-prison were not enough aggravation-

Quite right, darling, I'm sorry. You relax for awhile. I'll go to the baker's shop and pick up the bread.

Dr. Taylor, do sit down.

Never mind the cynic, Doctor. You relax here for a bit while I move to the drawing room and have a glass of soda water. I'll get no sympathy here.

I almost made a fatal mistake there, Charles. I should know by now when my wife is on the verge of tears. Most Western women in Hong Kong seem perpetually on the verge of tears or close to hysteria or about to have a severe case of the vapors.

Actually, I could use a stroll myself. Could I accompany you to the baker's shop?

Well, if you really feel like taking a stroll, you could get the bread for me. Then I could sneak over to the racetrack for a bit.

Oh, my heavens! Look at this carpet. The servants must have used the black-lead brush on it. It's ruined! Ah-mei! Wong!

Aiiiyaaahh! This turtle's egg is more trouble than she's worth!

How can anyone consider these foreign-devil women attractive? They haven't even had their feet bound!

My father said they wear those huge dresses to hide the fact that their bodies are deformed.

Is that why foreign-devil women are always upset and screaming?

No. Their noses are so big they can't even get close to each other. If you had been born with a nose like that, you'd be upset and screaming too!

Yes, mississey!

On his way to the bakeshop, TAYLOR takes a stroll through Hong Kong. During his stroll, people pass along the lane: Foreign residents - and Chinese peddlers calling out their winter wares of oranges, sugarcane and Tientsin pears, etc.

CHINESE TEMPLE BELLS...CHRISTIAN CHURCH BELLS...
IN THE TOWN, CANTONESE OPERAS ARE HEARD ALL DAY
AND AS SAILORS WEIGH ANCHOR, SHIP BELLS RESOUND IN THE BAY!

Jack, looksee! Number one silk! First chop!

Jack, how you dooah? You catchee what thing, Jack?

Beautiful! Everything is beautiful! But another time. Thank you!

IS IT TRUE?...AM I HERE?
DO I DARE BELIEVE MY EYES?
IN A CULTURE SO OLD, YET SO NEW TO ME

ALL AROUND ME ADVENTURE IS CALLING MY NAME!
ALL THE NOISE AND EXCITEMENT; SO MUCH TO SEE!

BOUNTEOUS TREASURES ALL AROUND ME
SILK! JADE! BLACK DRAGON TEA AND FINE PORCELAIN FIGURINES
FRAGRANT HARBOUR WITH YOUR BEAUTY ALL AROUND ME
WHAT A WORLD I AM IN! IT MUST BE A DREAM!

IN THE BUSTLING MARKETPLACE, SHOPKEEPERS BEG MY ATTENTION
AND SOUNDS OF CONSTRUCTION ARE CONSTANTLY FILLING THE AIR
SWEET SANDLEWOOD INCENSE AND PERFUME OF JASMINE SURROUND ME
SUCH EXOTIC DELIGHTS, I CAN'T HELP BUT STARE!
EVERYWHERE!

PAINTED, FIERCE GOLDEN DRAGONS ON SIGNPOSTS AND DOORWAYS
WILL WARD OFF DEMONS
FAT RED CANDLES FOR LUCK BURN BRIGHTLY AS BUDDHIST MONKS
IN SAFFRON ROBES GO BY
NEAR THE BANYAN TREE CROWDS GATHER 'ROUND IN
DELIGHT
WHILE OVERHEAD DANCES A DRAGONTAIL KITE

WHEN A MAN SEEKS ADVENTURE A MAN ALWAYS GAMBLES TO WIN
AS I WALK I CAN FEEL THE ROMANCE AND ADVENTURE BEGIN!

AH-LUM appears from within his retail shop (bakeshop) at Queen's Road. HE walks up to his WIFE who, along with assistants, has been waiting on customers and tending to business. HE motions for her to step aside so HE may speak privately to her.

Go upstairs and take the box in my desk to the bakery. Hide it in your room. And don't lose it! It is full of silver!

Silver? For whom?

The new assistant to Governor Bowring has asked to meet with me later. John Avery.

What does he want?

What does any British official want with a Chinese merchant? He smells money. Their decision on the baking contract is due. I think I will keep it again if the right palm is greased.

That is not business, that is-

Well, that is Hong Kong business! Now do as I ask.

Wonderful smell in your shop! Nothing like the smell of fresh bread!

You are...British?

No. American. Charles Taylor is my name.

My name is Ah-lum. Cheung Ah-lum. You are new to Hong Kong?

Just arrived. From California. I guess you've been in Hong Kong a long time.

Yes! Many years. My first job was for Mr. Bingham, but Mr. Bingham went to California. Oh! You from California! You must know him!

No. I don't think so, I-

But, finally, I got to start my own business! This is my bakeshop; my bakery is about a mile from here in Spring Garden. And, now, I supply the Navy with biscuit! The British Navy!

Well, good for you! And business is good?

...Good. But now there is plenty trouble between Chinese officials in China and British troops. Too much trouble! Business need peace, you savvy?

This is my back-of-the-house person.

How do you do? I'm very pleased to meet you.

Yes. I learned in China from tutors and from missionaries.

I thought most Chinese spoke only a kind of amusing, broken English.

I think you will find that the Chinese spoken by Englishmen in Hong Kong, if any, is far more 'amusing' and 'broken' than our attempts to communicate in English.

I beg your pardon; I meant no offence. I only-

I took no offence. You are a merchant from London?

No. I am a physician from America.

Of course. Your accent. I should have known. And you have left your own country to be a physician in Hong Kong?

My grandfather was the ship surgeon on board the Empress of China, the first American ship here. And my father was a surgeon for many years in Malaya and Singapore.

I see. And I had thought it was only Chinese who had such strong family traditions!

Ahee!

Excuse me.

GENTLE, ORIENTAL MAIDEN, IF SHE WERE NEAR, WHAT DELIGHT
HER LOVELY FACE, I COULD SEE DAY AND NIGHT
A VISION OF SATIN AND SILK EMBROIDERED IN BRIGHT, GAY HUES
AND AS SHE WALKS, THERE ISN'T A SOUND WHEN SHE GLIDES BY IN VELVET SHOES

EARRINGS OF JADE, BRACELETS OF PEARL, ANKLETS OF GOLD
IVORY COMBS IN HER RAVEN HAIR
OH, TO KISS HER CRIMSON LIPS...
WOULD I DARE?!

IS THIS MAGIC? HAS SHE CAST A SPELL ABOUT ME?
I CAN FEEL THAT MY FUTURE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME
TELL ALL CAPTAINS - LET THEIR CLIPPERS LEAVE WITHOUT ME
WHEN I FIRST SAW HER FACE - I KNEW WHY I CAME!

I am sure Hong Kong can use the services of another surgeon. And, now, if you will excuse me, I must go to our bakery.

Your...'back-of-the-house person' is lovely.

Thank you. She is from a high-class family in China. (touches his head) Everybody smart. Everybody scholar. (laughs) Not like me. (gestures at TAYLOR) You are always welcome to be my customer. Most foreign people in Hong Kong take my bread. I-

Ah-lum!

Thank you. I must go!

I beg your pardon. Could you direct me to the E-Sing Bakery?

About one mile. Just follow the road along the harbour to Spring Garden.

Thank you!

FRAGRANT HARBOUR - BOUNTEOUS TREASURES ALL AROUND ME
SUNLIGHT BATHING THE HARBOUR CREATES A GOLDEN GLEAM
FRAGRANT HARBOUR - IN YOUR SPLENDOR, YOU ASTOUND ME
THIS ADVENTURE IS REAL, YET TRULY MY DREAM!

The POISONERS (including YONG-SANG) are seen silhouetted against the backdrop and then in person. We discern them only indistinctly against the black background and in the red glow of the woodburning brick bread oven.

As the powerful, percussive music (from the end of the following full song) is heard, the bakers begin choreographed steps, a combination dance/tai ch'i in which, as their heads quickly turn in unison, their queues are thrown back in a show of defiance. This is then combined with actions of bread baking.

WE MIX THE DOUGH
IN WITH THE YEAST
BAKING BRE-EAD
A BREAKFAST FEAST

WE FINISH WORK
THEN START AGAIN
FERMENTING DOUGH
FERMENTING MEN

We bake their bread, build their roads and empty their chamber pots! When do we strike back?!

When the time is right! Be patient!

Why can't we fight the outside barbarians like men?! We should be taking up swords!

Swords and spears against their rifles and fire ships armed with cannon?!

So we do nothing?!

Watch the door.

I received instructions from mandarin officials at Canton. (excited murmuring) We are to act very soon. And if we carry out their instructions, we will change history and restore Hong Kong to China! (excited murmuring)

What is it?!

What is the plan?!

We are going to...poison...their...bread.

Ah-lum is coming! The baker is coming!

WE ARE THE E-SING BAKERS
WE'RE AT SPRING GARDEN LANE;
FINE BREAD AND BISCUIT MAKERS
AND CAKES BOTH PLUM AND PLAIN. PLUM AND PLAIN!
PLUM AND PLAIN!

WE ARE THE E-SING BAKERS
IN CHEUNG AH-LUM'S EMPLOY;
(SOLO) I AM AH-PUK!
(SOLO) I AM AH-CHEE! (SOLO) AH-FUK!
(SOLO) AH-TSAT!
(SOLO) AH-TSOI!

(SOLO) WE WEIGH THE FLOUR
(SOLO) AND BLEND THE YEAST;
(SOLO) AND MIX IT WITH A PINCH OF SALT.
(SOLO) DAYTIME!
(SOLO) NIGHTTIME!
(SOLO) ALLATIME!
(SOLO) ANYTIME!

IF SOMEBODY'S SICK? HOW CAN THEY SAY IT'S OUR FAULT?

WE ARE THE E-SING BAKERS
WE'RE AT SPRING GARDEN LANE;
FINE BREAD AND BISCUIT MAKERS
AND CAKES BOTH PLUM AND PLAIN. PLUM AND PLAIN!
PLUM AND PLAIN!

WE ARE THE E-SING BAKERS
IN CHEUNG AH-LUM'S EMPLOY;
(SOLO) I AM AH-PUK!
(SOLO) I AM AH-CHEE! (SOLO) AH-FUK!
(SOLO) AH-TSAT!
(SOLO) AH-TSOI!

WE KNEAD AND KNEAD THE MIXTURE
UNTIL IT STARTS TO RISE;
THE BALL OF DOUGH IS GROWING
THE BALL OF DOUGH IS GROWING

THE BALL OF DOUGH IS GROWING
THE BALL OF DOUGH IS GROWING
THE BALL OF DOUGH IS...RISING...

IT MIGHT BE SAID
IT'S ONLY BREAD;
DOESN'T MATTER
WHEN THEY'RE ALL DEAD!

I GUESS YOU KNOW
WE'LL SPIKE THE DOUGH
THEN WE'LL POP IN
AND SAY 'HELLO'!

IT MIGHT BE SAID
IT'S ONLY BREAD;
DOESN'T MATTER
WHEN THEY'RE ALL DEAD!

I GUESS YOU KNOW
WE'LL SPIKE THE DOUGH
THEN WE'LL POP IN
AND SAY 'HELLO'!

TAYLOR finds himself in Spring Garden. His theme music continues. HE is in a quiet lane at the far end of which is the facade of a large house with the sign in English and Chinese: E-SING BAKERY. Caged birds hanging from trees chirp against one another. TAYLOR sits beneath a tree on a large rock and leans on his walking stick.

An elderly congee HAWKER walks laboriously along the lane weighted down with a pole across the back of his neck and shoulders. A large, burdensome, cooking pot dangles from each end of the pole.

Two British SAILORS appear in chairs borne by two Chinese BEARERS. The congee HAWKER doesn't see them soon enough and as HE turns, one of his cooking pots hits one of the BEARERS. The BEARER falls to his knees and the chair tips over, spilling out the SAILOR. The SAILOR picks himself up and charges after the HAWKER. HE begins whipping the man with his stick.

You bloody fool!

What the bloody 'ell?!

It's not the hawker's fault. It was an accident.

Mind your own business, Yank! Or you'll get the same.

You thrash that man again, and I'll give you a thrashing.

Let him alone! You foreign-devils let him alone and get away!

Foreign devil?! What the bloody 'ell do you think 'e is?

He is a physician!

'E don't fight like one!

Come with me. I will tend to your cut.

Thank you. But I think-

You are bleeding. (to YONG-SANG) Help me get him to the parlor. (YONG-SANG hesitates) Brother, he fought for one of us!

It's all right, brother. You can go back to work.

I will not leave you alone with him.

Brother, he is a physician who is injured. Besides, I am not alone; Aloy is here. Now, please go!

Rest a minute, please. I need to wash your cut.

There is a bit of blood but I think it is not so serious.

You are American. A surgeon. And you fought two British sailors in defense of an elderly Chinese hawker of congee?

I only intended to release him. I wanted no fight. I'm glad you arrived when you did. What are you rubbing on the cuts?

A mixture of Chinese herbs. How does it feel?

Pleasant. Cooling. I didn't dare hope the wife of a baker would be so skilled with Chinese herbs, Mrs...

I learned from my father in China, Dr. Taylor....and you may call me Ahee. (SHE glances toward ALOY) Aloy, you may go. (ALOY hesitates) You may go!

I'm sorry.

Sorry? Whatever for?

My father taught me how to apply herbs to injured people. I do it automatically. But I think a Western lady would not have touched you. Now you will think I am not...ladylike.

Ahee, you are the most "ladylike" person I've ever met.

Really? I try to observe the foreign ladies to see how they dress and how they behave. I wish I could read the foreign newspapers and magazines that arrive on the ships.

You speak English so well, but cannot read?

I do read and write, but not well.

The house where I'm staying has stacks of foreign papers. I could bring you some. If you like, I could read articles on foreign customs to you. And on world events.

Would you really? I want to know everything about Western ways. What people are doing far away from here. Hong Kong is only a place for business and it is always in so much turmoil.

Yes. But I think...despite all the troubles swirling about this colony, I think you have more than enough strength to deal with whatever may come...You are a very remarkable woman. And...

Yes?

And very beautiful.

I am sure your wife is very beautiful.

I have no wife. I journeyed to Hong Kong alone.

I could come tomorrow about this time if you like.

Yes. I would like that very much.

Well, I feel much better. Please tell your father he taught you well.

My father passed away some time ago.

I'm sorry.

He was a scholar living near Canton. Respected and successful. Then he was introduced to foreign mud.

"Foreign mud?"

It is what you call "opium". My father...In any case, when he died, my brother and I came to Hong Kong and my brother was able to arrange a marriage for me. Excuse me, I say too much.

And so you became a baker's wife.

Yes. My husband provides well for me.

But it sounds like you are not happy...Forgive me, I meant the political situation between China and England seems to be closing in around Chinese willing to do business with foreigners.

Yes. Fortune-tellers have warned me that things will get worse for us if we don't leave; but my husband will not listen. I try not to think about things too much. Sometimes...

Sometimes I dream.

And, what, may I ask, do you dream about?

I have never told anyone that, Dr. Taylor. Besides, you might laugh.

Please call me Charles. And I give you my word I will not laugh. Now tell me your dream.

What I dream of was a real place, but so far removed from my own life, that, for me, it will always be magical.

The Great Exhibition.

Yes. London's magnificent Crystal Palace. Some of our bread customers were there. One gave my husband this tapestry. But his father is not fond of things Western; so I brought it here. And, sometimes, I even imagine...I was there.

THE GREAT EXHIBITION!
I SAW PEDDLER AND PATRICIAN!
ON EVERY ROAD TO HYDE PARK THEY CAME
EVERY LIVELIHOOD I TRIED TO NAME
MENDICANT TO MILLIONAIRE
I WAS THERE...

THE GREAT EXHIBITION!
OPENING DAY ADMISSION!
THREE GUINEAS FOR GENTLEMEN
LADIES JUST TWO;
BUT I DID NOT PAY LIKE THE REST
FOR I WAS AN INVITED GUEST
A MEMBER OF HER MAJESTY'S RETINUE!
I WAS THERE TOO...

AND A VOICE WAS HEARD ABOVE THE CLAMOR OF THE THRONG:

MAKE WAY, MAKE WAY, MAKE WAY FOR THE LADY FROM HONG KONG!

ALL HEADS TURNED AS I REACHED THE HEAD OF THE QUEUE
AND THE QUEEN SMILED AND SAID

MY DEAR, AFTER YOU

IN THE GLITTERING FAIRY TALE PALACE OF CRYSTAL
ALL DREAMS CAN COME TRUE!

THE GREAT EXHIBITION!
I WAS ON A NOBLE MISSION!
I HAD WRITTEN THE QUEEN WITH AN URGENT PLEA
AND ASKED THAT SHE MIGHT SPEAK WITH ME
AS I STOOD BY HER SIDE THE SUN APPEARED
AND IN MY HEART ALL OF CHINA CHEERED;
AND I SAID, "REGINA, VICTORIA, REGAL QUEEN - (spoken) Your policy on opium is wrong!!"
 

AND A HUSH BESTILLED THE CLAMOR OF THE THRONG!

INDEED!

ROARED THE QUEEN

EXPLAIN THEN WHAT ENGLAND SHOULD DO!

I SPOKE, SHE LISTENED, THOUGH TENSE, SHE AGREED
SHE ISSUED HER COMMANDS AND THE OPIUM SHIPS WITHDREW!

IN THE GLITTERING FAIRY TALE PALACE OF CRYSTAL
ALL DREAMS CAN COME TRUE!

THE GREAT EXHIBITION!
NATIONS PAID RECOGNITION!
THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON KISSED MY HAND
AND THANKED ME FOR TAKING A MORAL STAND;
WHEREVER I WENT PEOPLE CHEERED MY NAME
AND THANKED ME FOR ENDING ENGLAND'S SHAME!
I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES TO SEE
THAT AS I WALKED MEN BOWED TO ME
THEY TIPPED THEIR HATS SO PERFECTLY DEBONAIR
I WAS THERE...

AND A VOICE WAS HEARD ABOVE THE CLAMOR OF THE THRONG:

MAKE WAY, MAKE WAY, MAKE WAY FOR THE LADY
FROM HONG KONG!

IN THE GLITTERING FAIRY TALE PALACE OF CRYSTAL

ALL DREAMS CAN COME -"

You should have offered tea and sweatmeats to your guest.

My husband, Dr. Taylor was-

Yes, I heard about the attack. You are feeling better now?

Yes. It was fortunate for me that your wife has such extensive knowledge of Chinese herbs.

Then I shall walk you out.

Most kind of you. (to AHEE) I certainly thank you for your kindness.

It is I who should thank you. You attempted to aid one of my countrymen. I remain in your debt, Dr. Taylor.

He's a foreign devil!

Brother, not all foreigners are devils.

Sister, I know how unhappy you are living apart from your husband, but you must never bring shame on him!

I did nothing to bring shame on my husband! Is that why you have come? To lecture me? Then you may as well-

No. (lowering his voice) I came to tell you I am leaving for Kowloon tomorrow. I will take three or four men with me after dark and return with the arsenic.

We will hide the arsenic here. I think ten pounds should be- (He sees the silver bars; removes one) What is this silver?

That is to aid my husband in securing his baking contract with the British.

So Chinese must first bribe the outside barbarians before they will allow us to feed them?!

Has Ah-lum no pride at all?!..No matter. After tomorrow night all on this island will be ours.

Brother, please don't go. It is too dangerous! And it is wrong!

Do you not remember it?

Remember what, my brother?

Our father's gentle laughter. Before the foreign mud arrived. Before he stopped studying, stopped eating, stopped caring about anything except lying down with his opium pipe.

Brother, please...

And when in his stupor he had forgotten my name, the pathetic wreck who was once our father summoned the courage to take his life! (softer) It is too late for our father, little sister. But if we can force the foreigners to withdraw from Hong Kong, then perhaps China will be saved.

Brother, not everything foreign is evil. The physician we helped is not evil. There are many good things here in Hong Kong that-

Good!? On our land, we are told to carry passes at night or be arrested! And when they arrest us they grab us by our queues and herd us to jail like some kind of animals! Their Jesus-men mock our gods and call them heathen idols! This is our land!

I am afraid for you.

Don't be. But know this: I know how unhappy you are living in Hong Kong; but if anything happens to me, your husband and his father will protect you. You in turn must always honor and obey them. Promise me this.

I...I promise. And you must promise to be careful. You are all the family I have.

Careful? Yes, I promise. For your sake. Your pretty head is always full of dreams. Someone more practical must be here to look after you. I will be careful but I will do what I must.

THE PASSION OF YANG!

NEEDS THE CAUTION OF YIN!

WHEN IN HARMONY - STRENGTH!

WHEN IN CHAOS - CHAGRIN!

I SENSE A NEW BEGINNING!

BUT WHAT HAVE WE BEGUN? PLEASE BE CAREFUL, MY BROTHER!

I ONLY DO WHAT MUST BE DONE/ YOU ARE OUR
FATHER'S ONLY SON

The Great Exhibition of 1851. A Chinese swordsman & juggler did in fact show up at the Great Exhibition. He spoke no English and was dressed in mandarin robes. The British assumed he must be the Chinese ambassador and gave him a place of honor (as seen in this painting). Proof, if any were needed, of how it pays to dress for success.