Three wives of the Mandarin

The Wife

There is still wine in the deep glass,

And swallow’s nests are on the dish.

From the beginning of the world

The Mandarin respects his wife

The Mistress

There is still wine in the deep glass,

And a big and fat goose is on the dish.

If the Mandarin has no children,

He finds a mistress.

The Maid

There is still wine in the deep glass,

And plenty of sweets are on the dish.

What for are you both to Mandarin,

He wants a new one every day.

The Mandarin

There is no more wine in the deep glass.

Only a red pepper is on the dish.

Be quiet, you foolish blabbers,

Don’t mock the poor old man.