Cao Yu's The Thunderstorm - Triceratops Home

front of the dresser is a rectangular carpet; on top of that, parallel with the dresser, is a
low red sandalwood table, probably used previously to hold a display of elaborate
porcelain antique curios or figurines; now it holds a pile of snow-white tablecloths, white
bed linens, and the like, newly washed and not yet put in the dresser. As seen from the
front, between the dresser and the alcove is a round stool. On the left side of the alcove
(to the right of the center door) is a rectangular, mahogany dining table. On the table are
two old candlesticks; on the wall is a large, old oil painting. A red sandalwood cupboard
with elaborate glass stands on the left side of the central door. Originally, it contained
antiques, but now it is empty; in front of this cupboard is a long, narrow, low bench. Not
far from the corner of the left wall, and perpendicular to it, is a wide, dark-colored sofa
placed crookedly. Behind the sofa is the long table; in front of it is a short desk, both
empty. On the left of the sofa is a yellow standing lamp; the left wall near the edge of the
alcove, forms a corner with the stag left side of the upstage wall. The alcove has a tea
table; a small oil painting is hung low on the wall. Beside the tea table, and further to the
front, is the left door, which leads to the dining room. There is a carpet in the middle of
the room. On top of it are two large sofas, placed slantwise; in the middle is a round
table, covered in a white tablecloth.
[At the start of the scene, the distant sound of bells is heard outside. The choir
in the church is singing with organ accompaniment, preferably is Bach's High
Mass in B Minor—Benedictus qui venait Domini Nomini 13--the room is silent
and empty.
[After some time: the central door opens slowly and heavily, and Nun A
enters; her dress is like an ordinary nun in a Catholic church, hair bundled
under a snow-white cloth, thick like a woman from Holland, wearing a dark
blue gown of coarse cloth; the dress almost drags on the ground. A cross
hangs in front of her chest, at her waist hangs a ring of keys, making a jingling
noise when she walks. She quietly walks in, her face very gentle. She turns
around to face the outside.
Nun A (Kindly) Please, come in.
[A pale old man walks in, wearing a very tasteful, old leather overcoat. He
takes off his hat when he enters, his hair is graying, and his eyes are quiet but
sad. His chin has a short, pale beard, and his face is full of wrinkles. He is
wearing a pair of gold-framed glasses, which he also takes off after he enters,
and puts them in a glasses case, his hand trembling a little. He fiddles with it
for a second, and then coughs weakly. The sounds of music from outside
stop.]
Nun A (smiling) It's freezing out!
Old Man (nods) Yes—(concerned) Is she all right?
Nun A (sympathetic) Yes.
Old Man (quiet a time, then points to his head) And up here?
Nun A (pityingly) Well—it's still the same as always. (sighs softly)
Old Man (quietly) I think it's difficult to cure.
13 The Benedictus from the High Mass in B minor has no organ, and is actually a bass
singer accompanied by a flute and a harpsichord.