Their language is so clear that it's charming. You must on no account, read poetry of the kind. It's because you people don't know what verses mean that you, no sooner read any shallow lines like these, than they take your fancy. But when once you get into this sort of style, it's impossible to get out of it. Mark my words! If you are in earnest about learning, I've got here Wang Mo-chieh's complete collection; so you'd better take his one hundred stanzas, written in the pentameter rule of versification, and carefully study them, until you apprehend them thoroughly. Afterwards, look over the one hundred and twenty stanzas of Lao T'u, in the heptameter rule; and next read a hundred or two hundred of the heptameter four-lined stanzas by Li Ch'ing-lieu. When you have, as a first step, digested these three authors, and made them your foundation, you can take T'ao Yuan-ming, Ying, Liu, Hsieh, Yüan, Yü, Pao and other writers and go through them once. And with those sharp and quick wits of yours, I've no doubt but that you will become a regular poet before a year's time.


Well, in that case, bring me the book, my dear miss, so that I may take it along. It will be a good thing if I can manage to read several stanzas at night.


Only peruse those marked with red circles They've all been selected by me. Read each one of them; and should there be any you can't fathom, ask your miss about them. Or when you come across me, I can explain them to you.


Of all these, how many stanzas can you recollect?


I've read every one of those marked with a red circle,


Have you caught the ideas of any of them, yes or no?


Yes, I've caught some! But whether rightly or not I don't know. Let me tell you.


You must really, minutely solicit people's opinions if you want to make any progress. But go on and let me hear you.


From all I can see, the beauty of poetry lies in certain ideas, which though not quite expressible in words are, nevertheless, found, on reflection, to be absolutely correct. Some may have the semblance of being totally devoid of sense, but, on second thought, they'll truly be seen to be full of sense and feeling.


There's a good deal of right in what you say. But I wonder how you arrived at this conclusion?


I notice in that stanza on 'the borderland,' the antithetical couplet: In the vast desert reigns but upright mist. In the long river setteth the round sun. Consider now how ever can mist be upright? The sun is, of course, round. But the word 'upright' would seem to be devoid of common sense; and 'round' appears far too commonplace a word. But upon throwing the whole passage together, and pondering over it, one fancies having seen the scenery alluded to. Now were any one to suggest that two other characters should be substituted for these two, one would verily be hard pressed to find any other two as suitable. Besides this, there's also the couplet: When the sun sets, rivers and lakes are white; When the mist falls, the heavens and earth azure. Both 'white' and 'azure', apparently too lack any sense; but reflection will show that these two words are absolutely necessary to bring out thoroughly the aspect of the scenery. And in conning them over, one feels just as if one had an olive, weighing several thousands of catties, in one's mouth, so much relish does one derive from them. But there's this too: At the ferry stays the setting sun, O'er the mart hangs the lonesome mist. And how much trouble must these words 'stay,' and 'over, have caused the author in their conception! When the boats made fast, in the evening of a certain day of that year in which we came up to the capital, the banks were without a trace of human beings; and there were only just a few trees about; in the distance loomed the houses of several families engaged in preparing their evening meal, and the mist was, in fact, azure like jade, and connected like clouds. So, when I, as it happened, read this couplet last night, it actually seemed to me as if I had come again to that spot!


Seeing that you know so much, you can dispense with reading poetical works, for you're not far off from proficiency. To hear you expatiate on these two lines, makes it evident to my mind that you've even got at their secret meaning.


You say, that the line: 'O'er (the mart) hangs the lonesome mist,' is good; but aren't you yet aware that this is only plagiarised from an ancient writer? But I'll show you the line I'm telling you of. You'll find it far plainer and clearer than this.


Really, the word 'over' is educed from the two characters implying 'faint.'


You've already got it! There's no need of explaining anything more to you! Any further explanations will, in lieu of benefiting you, make you unlearn what you've learnt. Were you therefore to, at once, set to work, and versify, your lines are bound to be good.


To-morrow. I'll stand an extra treat and invite you to join the society.


Why make a fool of me, miss? It's merely that mania of mine that made me apply my mind to this subject at all; just for fun and no other reason.


Who doesn't go in for these things for fun? Is it likely that we improvise verses in real earnest? Why, if any one treated our verses as genuine verses, and took them outside this garden, people would have such a hearty laugh at our expense that their very teeth would drop.


This is again self-violence and self-abasement! The other day, I was outside the garden, consulting with the gentlemen about paintings, and, when they came to hear that we had started a poetical society, they begged of me to let them have the rough copies to read. So I wrote out several stanzas, and gave them to them to look over, and who did not praise them with all sincerity? They even copied them and took them to have the blocks cut.


Are you speaking the truth?


If I'm telling a lie. I'm like that cockatoo on that frame!


You verily do foolish things! But not to mention that they were doggerel lines, had they even been anything like what verses should be, our writings shouldn't have been hawked about outside.


What's there to fear? Hadn't the writings of women of old been handed outside the limits of the inner chambers, why, there would, at present, be no one with any idea of their very existence.


Do choose some theme, and let me go and write on it. When I've done, I'll bring it for you to correct.


Last night, the moon was so magnificent, that I meant to improvise a stanza on it; but as I haven't done yet, go at once and write one using the fourteenth rhyme, 'han,' (cool). You're at liberty to make use of whatever words you fancy.


Why, do you bring such trouble upon yourself? It's that P'in Erh, who has led you on to it! But I'll settle accounts with her! You've all along been a thick-headed fool; but now that you've burdened yourself with all this, you've become a greater fool.


Miss, don't confuse me.


This isn't good! This isn't the way to do it! Don't fear of losing face, but take it and give it to her to peruse. We'll see what she says.


There's a good deal of spirit in them, but the language is not elegant. It's because you've only read a few poetical works that you labour under restraint. Now put this stanza aside and write another. Pluck up your courage and go and work away.


That girl must certainly be cracked! Last night she kept on muttering away straight up to the fifth watch, when she at last turned in. But shortly, daylight broke, and I heard her get up and comb her hair, all in a hurry, and rush after P'in Erh. In a while, however, she returned; and, after acting like an idiot the whole day, she managed to put together a stanza. But it wasn't after all, good, so she's, of course, now trying to devise another.


This indeed shows, that the earth is spiritual, that man is intelligent, and that heaven does not in the creation of human beings bestow on them natural gifts to no purpose. We've been sighing and lamenting that it was a pity that such a one as she, should, really, be so unpolished; but who could ever have anticipated that things would, in the long run, reach the present pass? This is a clear sign that heaven and earth are most equitable!


If only, you could be as painstaking as she is, what a good thing it would be. And would you fail to attain success in anything you might take up?


Let's follow her there, and see whether her composition is any good.


What are they like?


This is naturally a hard job for her! They're not yet as good as they should be. This stanza is far too forced; you must write another.


It doesn't sound like a song on the moon. Yet were, after the word 'moon', that of 'light' supplied, it would be better; for, just see, if each of these lines treated of the moonlight, they would be all right. But poetry primarily springs from nonsensical language. In a few days longer, you'll be able to do well.


Miss Ling, do have a rest!


The character 'rest;' comes from lot N.° 15, under 'shan', (to correct); so it's the wrong rhyme.


In very fact, she's under a poetical frenzy, and it's all P'in Erh who has incited her.


The holy man says, that 'one must not be weary of exhorting people'; and if she comes, time and again, to ask me this and that how can I possibly not tell her?


Let's take her to Miss Quarta's rooms, and if we could coax her to look at the painting, and bring her to her senses, it will be well.


Every one who can write verses is to be put here,


so be quick and learn.


She has racked her brains the whole night long. I wonder, however, whether she has succeeded in finishing her task. She must be tired now, so I won't disturb her.


I've got it. It cannot be that this stanza too won't be worth anything.


How sad and ridiculous! What have you got? With that firmness of purpose of yours, you could even become a spirit! But before you can learn how to write poetry, you'll be getting some illness.


Just you look at this stanza! If it's all right, then I'll continue my studies; but if it isn't worth any thing, I'll banish at once from my mind all idea of going in for versification.


This stanza is not only good, but it's original, it's charming. It bears out the proverb: 'In the world, there's nothing difficult; the only thing hard to get at is a human being with a will.' We'll certainly ask you to join our club.


Several young ladies and ladies have come, but we don't know any of them. So your ladyship and you, young ladies, had better come at once and see what relatives they are.


What are you driving at? You might, after all, state distinctly whose relatives they are.


Your ladyship's two young sisters have come. There's also another young lady, who says she's miss Hsüeh's cousin, and a gentleman who pretends to be Mr. Hsüeh P'an's junior cousin. We are now off to ask Mrs. Hsüeh to meet them. But your ladyship and the young ladies might go in advance and greet them.


Has our Hsüeh K'o come along with his sisters?


My aunt has probably also come to the capital. How is it they've all arrived together? This is indeed a strange thing!


Little wonder is it, if the snuff of the lamp crackled time and again; and if it formed and reformed into a head! It was, indeed, sure to come to this to-day!


Don't you yet hasten to go and see them? Who'd ever have fancied that cousin Pao-ch'ai's own cousin would be what he is? That cousin of hers is so unique in appearance and in deportment. He looks as if he were cousin Pao-ch'ai's uterine younger brother. But what's still more odd is, that you should have kept on saying the whole day long that cousin Pao-ch'ai is a very beautiful creature. You should now see her cousin, as well as the two girls of her senior sister-in-law. I couldn't adequately tell you what they're like. Good heavens! Good heavens! What subtle splendour and spiritual beauty must you possess to produce beings like them, so superior to other human creatures! How plain it is that I'm like a frog wallowing at the bottom of a well! I've throughout every hour of the day said to myself that nowhere could any girls be found to equal those at present in our home; but, as it happens, I haven't had far to look! Even in our own native sphere, one would appear to eclipse the other! Here I have now managed to add one more stratum to my store of learning! But can it possibly be that outside these few, there can be any more like them?


You'd better, be off at once and have a look at them. Our elder mistress' niece, Miss Pao's cousin, and our senior lady's two sisters resemble a bunch of four leeks so pretty are they!


Our poetical society is in a flourishing way,


It is. Here no sooner do we, in the exuberance of our spirits, start a poetical society, than the devils and gods bring through their agency, all these people in our midst! There's only one thing however. Have they, I wonder, ever learnt how to write poetry or not?


I just now asked every one of them. Their ideas of themselves are modest, it's true, yet from all I can gather there's not one who can't versify. But should there even be any who can't, there's nothing hard about it. Just look at Hsiang Ling. Her case will show you the truth of what I say.


Of the whole lot. Miss Hsüeh's cousin carries the palm. What do you think about her, Miss Tertia?


It's really so! In my own estimation, even her elder cousin and all this bevy of girls are not fit to hold a candle to her!


This is indeed odd! Whence could one hunt up any better? We'd like to go and have a peep at her.


Our venerable senior, was at the very first sight of her so charmed with her that there's nothing she wouldn't do. She has already compelled our Madame Hsing to adopt her as a godchild. Our dear ancestor wishes to bring her up herself; this point was settled a little while back.


Is this a fact?


How often have I gone in for yarns? Now that our worthy senior, has got this nice granddaughter, she has banished from her mind all thought of a grandson like you!


Never mind. It's only right that girls should be more doated upon. But to-morrow is the sixteenth, so we should have a meeting.


That girl Lin Tai-yü is no sooner out of bed, than cousin Secunda falls ill again. Everything is, in fact, up and down!


Our cousin Secunda, doesn't also go in very much for verses, so, what would it matter if she were left out?


It would be well to wait a few days, until the new comers have had time to see enough of us to become intimate. We can then invite them to join us. Won't this be better? Our senior sister-in-law and cousin Pao have now no mind for poetry. Besides, Hsiang-yün has not arrived. P'in Erh is just over her sickness. The members are not all therefore in a fit state, so wouldn't it be preferable if we waited until that girl Yün came? The new arrivals will also have a chance of becoming friendly. P'in Erh will likewise recover entirely. Our senior sister-in-law and cousin Pao will have time to compose their minds; and Hsiang Ling to improve in her verses. We shall then be able to convene a full meeting; and won't it be better? You and I must now go over to our worthy ancestor's, on the other side, and hear what's up. But, barring cousin Pao-ch'ai's cousin,—for we needn't take her into account, as it's sure to have been decided that she should live in our home,—if the other three are not to stay here with us, we should entreat our grandmother to let them as well take up their quarters in the garden. And if we succeed in adding a few more to our number, won't it be more fun for us?


You've got your wits about you! My mind is ever so dull! I've vainly given way to a fit of joy. But to think of these contingencies was beyond me!


You really, kick up such a din, that it's quite unbearable! Fancy a girl doing nothing else than turning poetry into a legitimate thing for raising an argument! Why, were some literary persons to hear you, they would, instead of praising you, have a laugh at your expense, and say that you don't mind your own business. We hadn't yet got rid of Hsiang Ling with all her rubbish, and here we have a chatterbox like you thrown on us! But what is it that that mouth of yours keeps on jabbering? What about the bathos of Tu Kung-pu; and the unadorned refinement of Wei Su-chou? What also about Wen Pa-ch'a's elegant diction; and Li I-shan's abstruseness? A pack of silly fools that you are! Do you in any way behave like girls should?


Where did you get this? It was snowing, so her venerable ladyship turned up this piece of clothing and gave it to me.


No wonder, it looks so handsome! It's verily woven with peacock's feathers.


What about peacock's feathers? It's made of the feathers plucked from the heads of wild ducks. This is a clear sign that our worthy ancestor is fond of you, for with all her love for Pao-yü, she hasn't given it to him to wear.


Truly does the proverb say: 'that every human being has his respective lot.' Nothing ever was further from my thoughts than that she would, at this juncture, drop on the scene! Come she may, but here she also gets our dear ancestor to lavish such love on her!


Unless you stay with our worthy senior, do come into the garden. You may romp and laugh and eat and drink as much as you like in these two places. But when you get over to Madame Hsing's rooms, talk and joke with her, if she be at home, to your heart's content; it won't matter if you tarry ever so long. But should she not be in, don't put your foot inside; for the inmates are many in those rooms and their hearts are evil. All they're up to is to do us harm.


Were one to say, that you're heartless, (it wouldn't do); for you've got a heart. But despite your having a heart, your tongue is, in fact, a little too outspoken! You should really to-day acknowledge this Ch'in Erh of ours as your own sister!


This article of clothing, is only meet for her to wear. It wouldn't verily look well on any one else. Our old mistress, bade me tell you, Miss Pao-ch'ai, not to keep too strict a check over Miss Ch'in, for she's yet young; that you should let her do as she pleases, and that whatever she wants you should ask for, and not be afraid.


Even you couldn't tell whence this piece of good fortune hails from, she said. Be off now; for mind, we might hurt your feelings. I can never believe myself so inferior to you!


Cousin Pao, you may, it's true, be jesting, but what if there were any one to entertain such ideas in real earnest?


If any one took things in earnest, why, she'd give offence to no one else but to him.


He's not that sort of person!


If it isn't he, it's she.


That's still less likely, for my cousin is like her own sister; and she's far fonder of her than of me. How could she therefore take offence? Do you credit that nonsensical trash uttered by Yün-erh! Why what good ever comes out of that mouth of hers?


These two, were never like this before! From all I can now see, they're, really, a hundred times far more friendly than any others are! Sister,


Albeit I've read the 'Record of the Western Side-room,' and understood a few passages of it, yet when I quoted some in order to make you laugh, you flew into a huff! But I now remember that there is, indeed, a passage, which is not intelligible to me; so let me quote it for you to explain it for me!


Recite it and let me hear it,


In the 'Confusion' chapter, there's a line couched in most beautiful language. It's this: 'What time did Meng Kuang receive Liang Hung's candlestick?' (When did you and Pao-ch'ai get to be such friends?) These five characters simply bear on a stock story; but to the credit of the writer be it, the question contained in the three empty words representing, 'What time' is set so charmingly! When did she receive it? Do tell me!


The question was originally nicely put. But though the writer sets it gracefully, you ask it likewise with equal grace!


At one time, all you knew was to suspect that I (was in love with Pao-ch'ai); and have you now no faults to find?


Who ever could have imagined her such a really nice girl! I've all along thought her full of guile!


To tell you the truth. I was just wondering when Meng Kuang had received Liang Hung's candlestick; and, lo, you, indeed, got it, when a mere child and through some reckless talk, (and your friendship was sealed). This is again bringing trouble upon yourself! Just see how much thinner you are this year than you were last; and don't you yet look after your health? You deliberately worry yourself every day of your life. And when you've had a good cry, you feel at last that you've acquitted yourself of the duties of the day.


Of late. I feel sore at heart. But my tears are scantier by far than they were in years gone by. With all the grief and anguish, which gnaw my heart, my tears won't fall plentifully.


This is because weeping has become a habit with you. But though you fancy to yourself that it is so, how can your tears have become scantier than they were?


Our senior mistress, lady Chia Chu,


has just sent a servant to say that, as it snows, arrangements should be made for inviting people to-morrow to write verses.


Just see here! Here comes Sun Hsing-che the 'monkey-walker!' Lo, like him, she holds a snow cloak, and purposely puts on the air of a young bewitching ape!


Look here, all of you! See what I wear inside!


Her weak point,


is to get herself up to look like a young masher. But she does, there's no denying, cut a much handsomer figure like this, than when she's dressed up like a girl!


Lose no time, in deliberating about writing verses, for I'd like to hear who is to stand treat.


According to my idea. I think that as the legitimate day, which was yesterday, has gone by, it would be too long to wait for another proper date. As luck would have it, it's snowing again to-day, so won't it be well to raise contributions among ourselves and have a meeting? We'll thus be able to give the visitors a greeting; and to get an opportunity of writing a few verses. But what are your views on the subject?


This proposal is excellent! The only thing is that it's too late to-day; and if it clears up by to-morrow, there will be really no fun.


It isn't likely, that this snowy weather will clear up. But even supposing it does, the snow which will fall during this night will be sufficient for our enjoyment.


This place of mine is nice enough, it's true, yet it isn't up to the Lu Hsüeh Pavilion. I've already therefore despatched workmen to raise earthen couches, so that we should all be able to sit round the fire and compose our verses. Our venerable senior, I fancy, is not sure about caring to join us. Besides, this is only a small amusement between ourselves so if we just let that hussy Feng know something about it, it will be quite enough. A tael from each of you will be ample, but send your money to me here! As regards Hsiang Ling, Pao-ch'in, Li Wen, Li Ch'i and Chou-yen, the five of them, we needn't count them. Neither need we include the two girls of our number, who are ill; nor take into account the four girls who've asked for leave. If you will let me have your four shares, I'll undertake to see that five or six taels be made to suffice. I've long ago, settled them in my own mind, so tomorrow at the proper time you'll really know all about them.


We were just remarking that what was lacking was a fisherman, and lo, now we've got everything that was wanted! The young ladies are coming after their breakfast; you're in too impatient a mood!


I feel peckish!


This is medicine for us, who are advanced in years. They're things that haven't seen the light! The pity is that you young people can't have any. There's some fresh venison to-day as an extra course, so you'd better wait and eat some of that! I'm well aware, that as you're up to something again to-day, you people have no mind even for your meal. Let them keep, that venison for their evening repast!


What an idea! We'll have enough with what remains of it.


As there's fresh venison, wouldn't it be nice to ask for a haunch and take it into the garden and prepare it ourselves? We'll thus be able to sate our hunger, and have some fun as well.


Those two, can't get together! The moment they meet, how much trouble doesn't arise! They must surely have now gone to hatch their plans over that haunch of venison.


How is it, that that young fellow, with the jade, and that girl, with the golden unicorn round her neck, both of whom are so cleanly and tidy, and have besides ample to eat, are over there conferring about eating raw meat? There they are chatting, saying this and saying that; but I can't see how meat can be eaten raw!


All this fuss, is the work of that girl Yün. I'm not far off again in my surmises.


If you two are bent upon eating raw meat. I'll send you over to our old senior's; you can do so there. What will I care then if you have a whole deer raw and make yourselves ill over it? It won't be any business of mine. But it's snowing hard and it's bitterly cold, so be quick and go and write some verses for me and be off!


We're doing nothing of the kind. We're going to eat some roasted meat.


Mind you don't cut your hands, for we won't have any crying!


Just smell that sweet fragrance. One can smell it even here! I'm also going to taste some.


The guests are all assembled. Haven't you people had enough as yet?


Whenever. I eat this sort of thing, I feel a craving for wine. It's only after I've had some that I shall be able to rhyme. Were it not for this venison, I would to-day have positively been quite unfit for any poetry. You idiot, come and have a mouthful to taste.


It's too filthy!


It's capital! Your cousin Lin is so very weak that she couldn't digest it, if she had any. Otherwise she too is very fond of this.


Miss Shih, won't let me go. So just return ahead of me.


You're having, such dainties to eat, and don't you tell me?


Where has this crowd of beggars turned up from? But never mind, never mind! Here's the Lu Hsüeh pavilion come in for this calamity to-day, and, as it happens, it's that chit Yün by whom it has been polluted! But I'll have a good cry for the Lu Hsüeh pavilion.


What do you know? A genuine man of letters is naturally refined. But as for the whole lot of you, your poor and lofty notions are all a sham! You are most loathsome! We may now be frowzy and smelly, as we munch away lustily with our voracious appetites, but by and bye we'll prove as refined as scholars, as if we had cultured minds and polished tongues.


If by and bye, the verses you compose are not worth anything, I'll tug out that meat you've eaten, and take some of these snow-buried weeds and stuff you up with. I'll thus put an end to this evil fortune!


I know where this bracelet has gone to; But just you all go and attend to your poetry. We too can well dispense with searching for it, and repair to the front. Before three days are out, I'll wager that it turns up. What verses are you writing to-day?


I can't write verses very well, so all I'll do will be to devise three lines, and the one, who'll finish the task first, we'll have afterwards to pair them.


We should, after all, make some distinction with regard to order.


Well, in that case. I'll also give a top line.


The whole night long the northern wind was high;


The whole night long the northern wind was high; and then she herself subjoined the antithetical couplet:


All o'er the ground is spread, alas, this bright, refulgent gem; But with an aim; for it is meant dry herbage to revive.


Without design the dying sprouts of grain it nutrifies. But in the villages the price of mellow wine doth rise.


In a good year, grain in the house is plentiful. The bulrush moves and the ash issues from the tube.


What time spring comes the handle of the Dipper turns. The bleaky hills have long ago their verdure lost.


On a frost-covered stream, no tide can ever rise. Easy the snow hangs on the sparse-leaved willow twigs.


Hard 'tis for snow to pile on broken plantain leaves. The coal, musk-scented, burns in the precious tripod.


Th' embroidered sleeve enwraps the golden sable in its folds. The snow transcends the mirror by the window in lustre.


The fragrant pepper clings unto the wall. The side wind still in whistling gusts doth blow.


A quiet dream becomes a cheerless thing. Where is the fife with plum bloom painted on?


In whose household is there a flute made of green jade? The fish fears lest the earth from its axis might drop.


What time the dragon wages war, the clouds dispel. Back to the wild shore turns the man with single scull.


The old man hums his lines, and with his whip he points at the 'Pa' bridge. Fur coats are, out of pity, on the troops at the frontiers bestowed.


More cotton coats confer, for bear in memory th' imperial serfs! The rugged barbarous lands are (on account of snow) with dangers fraught.


The twigs and branches live in fear of being tossed about. With what whiteness and feath'ry step the flakes of snow descend!


The snow as nimbly falls as moves the waist of the 'Sui' man when brandishing the sword. The tender leaves of tea, so acrid to the taste, have just been newly brewed and tried.


The fir is the sole tree which is decreed for ever to subsist. The wild goose follows in the mud the prints and traces of its steps.


In the forest, the axe of the woodcutter may betimes be heard. With (snow) covered contours, a thousand peaks their heads jut in the air.


The whole way tortuous winds like a coiled snake. The flowers have felt the cold and ceased to bud.


Could e'er the beauteous snow dread the nipping of frost? In the deep court the shivering birds are startled by its fall.


On the bare mountain wails the old man Hsiao. The snow covers the steps, both high and low.


On the pond's surface, it allows itself to float. At the first blush of dawn with effulgence it shines.


In confused flakes, it ceaseless falls the whole night long. Troth one forgets that it implies three feet of cold.


Its auspicious descent dispels the Emperor's grief. There lies one frozen-stiff, but who asks him a word?


Glad is the proud wayfarer when he's pressed to drink. Snapped is the weaving belt in the heavenly machine.


In the seaside market is lost a silk kerchief.


With quiet silence, it enshrouds the raiséd kiosque.


The utter poor clings to his pannier and his bowl.


The water meant to brew the tea with gently bubbles up.


When wine is boiled with leaves 'tis not easy to burn.


The broom, with which the bonze sweepeth the hill, is sunk in snow.


The young lad takes away the lute interred in snow.


In the stone tower leisurely sleeps the stork.


Th' embroidered carpet warms the affectionate cat.


Inside Selene's cave lo, roll the silvery waves.


Within the city walls at eve was hid a purple flag.


The fragrance sweet, which penetrates into the plums, is good to eat.


What a fine line! The drops from the bamboo are meet, when one is drunk, to mix with wine.


Betimes, the hymeneal girdle it moistens.


Oft, it freezeth on the kingfisher shoes.


No wind doth blow, but yet there is a rush.


No rain lo falls, but still a patter's heard.


Do you also sometimes come to your wits' ends; and run to the end of your tether? I'd like to see what other stuff and nonsense you can come out with!


If you've got any gumption about you, take the second rhymes under 'Hsiao' and exhaust them all, and I'll then bend the knee to you.


It isn't as if I were writing verses, it's really as if I were fighting for very life.


It's for you to come out with something,


They haven't as yet been brought to a proper close,


That's enough, that will do!


This is mainly due,


Let's review them line by line as they come, but yet as if they formed one continuous poem. Here's Pao-yü last again!


I haven't, the fact is, the knack of pairing sentences. You'd better therefore make some allowance for me!


There's no such thing as making allowances for you in meeting after meeting, that you should again after that give out the rhymes in a reckless manner, waste your time and not show yourself able to put two lines together. You must absolutely bear a penalty today. I just caught a glimpse of the red plum in the Lung Ts'ui monastery; and how charming it is! I meant to have plucked a twig to put in a vase, but so loathsome is the way in which Miao Yü goes on, that I won't have anything to do with her! But we'll punish him by making him, for the sake of fun, fetch a twig for us to put in water.


This penalty,


is both excellent as well as pleasant.


It's exceedingly cold outside, so have a glass of warm wine before you go. Now swallow the wine we give you. And if you don't bring any plum blossom, we'll inflict a double penalty.


Follow him carefully.


There's no such need. Were any one to go with him, he'll contrariwise not get the flowers.


Yes! And when he comes back, we must recite verses on the red plum.


I'll indite a stanza in advance,


We'll on no account let you indite any more to-day. You beat every one of us hollow; so if we sit with idle hands, there won't be any fun. But by and bye we'll fine Pao-yü; and, as he says that he can't pair antithetical lines, we'll now make him compose a stanza himself.


This is a capital idea! But I've got another proposal. As the lines just paired are not sufficient, won't it be well to pick out those who've put together the fewest distiches, and make them versify on the red plum blossom?


An excellent proposal! The three girls Hsing Chou-yen, Li Wen and Li Ch'i, failed just now to do justice to their talents; besides they are visitors; and as Ch'in Erh, P'in Erh and Yün Erh got the best of us by a good deal, it's only right that none of us should compose any more, and that that trio should only do so.


Ch'i Erh, is also not a very good hand at verses, let therefore cousin Ch'in have a try!


Let the three words 'red plum blossom,' be used for rhymes; and let each person compose an heptameter stanza. Cousin Hsing to indite on the word 'red;' your elder cousin Li on 'plum;' and Ch'in Erh on 'blossom.'


If you let Pao-yü off. I won't have it!


I've got a capital theme, so let's make him write some!


What theme is it?


If we made him, versify on: 'In search of Miao Yü to beg for red plum blossom,' won't it be full of fun?


That will be full of zest,


Well, may you look at it now,


You've no idea what an amount of trouble it has cost me!


Dear senior cousin, dear junior cousin, let me use my own rhymes. Don't bind me down to any.


Go on as you like,


This bough of plum blossom was, in fact, only two feet in height; but from the side projected a branch, crosswise, about two or three feet in length the small twigs and stalks on which resembled coiled dragons, or crouching earthworms; and were either single and trimmed pencil-like, or thick and bushy grove-like. Indeed, their appearance was as if the blossom spurted cosmetic. This fragrance put orchids to the blush. So every one present contributed her quota of praise.


Each of the three stanzas has its beauty. You two have daily made a fool of me, and are you now going to fool her also? Have you got yours ready?


I'd got them, but the moment I read their three stanzas, I once more became so nervous that they quite slipped from my mind. But let me think again.


I shall go on tattooing. Now mind if when the drumming ceases, you haven't accomplished your task, you'll have to bear another fine.


I've already got them!


Recite them, and I'll write them down.


The first tattoo is over,


I'm ready. Go on writing. The wine bottle is not opened, the line is not put into shape.


They begin very smoothly,


Be quick!


To fairyland I speed to seek for spring, and the twelfth moon to find.


It's rather good,


I will not beg the high god for a bottle of the (healing) dew. But pray Shuang O to give me some plum bloom beyond the rails.


They're ingenious, that's all,


I come into the world and, in the cold, I pick out some red snow. I leave the dusty sphere and speed to pluck the fragrant purple clouds. I bring a jagged branch, but who in pity sings my shoulders thin? On my clothes still sticketh the moss from yon Buddhistic court.


Our venerable mistress has come.


How comes it that she is in such good cheer?


I've given, your Madame Wang and that girl Feng the slip and come. What deep snow covers the ground! For me, I'm seated in this, so it doesn't matter; but you mustn't let those ladies trudge in the snow. What beautiful plum blossom! You well know how to make merry; but I too won't let you off! Just go on as before with your romping and joking, drinking and eating. As the days are so short, I did not venture to have a midday siesta. After therefore playing at dominoes for a time, I bethought myself of you people, and likewise came to join the fun. What's there in that dish? These won't hurt me, so cut off a piece of the leg and give it to me. Sit down again, and go on with your chatting and laughing. Let me hear you, and feel happy. Just you also seat yourself, and behave as if I were not here. If you do so, well and good. Otherwise, I shall take myself off at once. What were you playing at?


We were writing verses,


Wouldn't it be well for those who are up to poetry, to devise a few puns for lanterns so that the whole lot of us should be able to have some fun in the first moon? It's damp in here; so don't you sit long, for mind you might be catching cold. Where it's nice and warm is in your cousin Quarta's over there, so let's all go and see how she is getting on with her painting, and whether it will be ready or not by the end of the year. This is dreadful! Why, she has really wasted more labour on it than would have been actually required to lay out this garden!


The weather is so bitterly cold, that the glue, whose property is mainly to coagulate, cannot be moistened, so I feared that, were I to have gone on with the painting, it wouldn't be worth looking at; and I therefore put it away.


I must have it by the close of the year, so don't idle your time away. Produce it at once and go on painting for me, as quick as you can.


Venerable senior! You don't even so much as let any one know to-day, but sneak over stealthily. I've had a good hunt for you!


I was afraid, that you'd be feeling cold. That's why, I didn't allow any one to tell you. You're really as sharp as a spirit to have, at last, been able to trace my whereabouts! But according to strict etiquette, you shouldn't show filial piety to such a degree!


Is it out of any idea of filial piety that I came after you? Not at all! But when I got to your place, worthy senior, I found everything so quiet that not even the caw of a crow could be heard, and when I asked the young maids where you'd gone, they wouldn't let me come and search in the garden. So I began to give way to surmises. Suddenly also arrived two or three nuns; and then, at length, I jumped at the conclusion that these women must have come to bring their yearly prayers, or to ask for their annual or incense allowance, and that, with the amount of things you also, venerable ancestor, have to do for the end of the year, you had for certain got out of the way of your debts. Speedily therefore I inquired of the nuns what it was that brought them there, and, for a fact, there was no mistake in my surmises. So promptly issuing the annual allowances to them, I now come to report to you, worthy senior, that your creditors have gone, and that there's no need for you to skulk away. But I've had some tender pheasant prepared; so please come, and have your evening meal; for if you delay any longer, it will get quite stale.


Strange enough, two of us were missing! But she's waiting over there. She's also been after some plum-blossom. Just look, that human creature has been put there to match with the snow-covered hill! But with that costume, and the plum-blossom at the back of her, to what does she bear a resemblance? Is there in that picture any such costume? What's more the persons represented in it could never be so pretty! What other girl is that? My eyes, are getting dimmer and dimmer!


I've just been again to the Lung Ts'ui monastery, and Miao Yü gave me for each of you a twig of plum blossom. I've already sent a servant to take them over.


With all this snow. I haven't been over the whole day to see how you, venerable senior, were getting on. Your ladyship couldn't have been in a good sort of mood to-day, for you should have gone and seen the snow.


How not in a good mood? I went and looked up these young ladies and had a romp with them for a time.


Last night. I was thinking of getting from our Madame Wang to-day the loan of the garden for the nonce and spreading two tables with our mean wine, and inviting you, worthy senior, to enjoy the snow; but as I saw that you were having a rest, and I heard, at an early hour, that Pao-yü had said that you were not in a joyful frame of mind, I did not, in consequence, presume to come and disturb you to-day. But had I known sooner the real state of affairs, I would have felt it my bounden duty to have asked you round.


This is, only the first fall of snow in the tenth moon. We'll have, after this, plenty of snowy days so there will be ample time to put your ladyship to wasteful expense.


Verily in that case, my filial intentions may well be looked upon as having been accomplished.


Mrs. Hsüeh, mind you don't forget it! But you might as well weigh fifty taels this very moment, and hand them over to me to keep, until the first fall of snow, when I can get everything ready for the banquet. In this way, you will neither have anything to bother you, aunt, nor will you have a chance of forgetting.


Well, since that be so, your ladyship had better give her fifty taels, and I'll share it with her; each one of us taking twenty-five taels; and on any day it might snow, I'll pretend I don't feel in proper trim and let it slip by. You'll have thus still less occasion to trouble yourself, and I and lady Feng will reap a substantial benefit.


An excellent idea. This quite falls in with my views.


Pshaw! You barefaced thing! (You're like a snake, which) avails itself of the rod, with which it is being beaten, to crawl up (and do harm)! You don't try to convince us that it properly devolves upon us, as Mrs. Hsüeh is our guest and receives such poor treatment in our household, to invite her; for with what right could we subject her ladyship to any reckless outlay? but you have the impudence, of impressing upon our minds to insist upon the payment, in advance, of fifty taels! Are you really not thoroughly ashamed of yourself?


Oh, worthy senior, you're most sharp-sighted! You try to see whether Mrs. Hsüeh will be soft enough to produce fifty taels for you to share with me, but fancying now that it's of no avail, you turn round and begin to rate me by coming out with all these grand words! I won't however take any money from you, Mrs. Hsüeh. I'll, in fact, contribute some on your ladyship's account, and when I get the banquet ready and invite you, venerable ancestor, to come and partake of it, I'll also wrap fifty taels in a piece of paper, and dutifully present them to you, as a penalty for my officious interference in matters that don't concern me. Will this be all right or not?


Let's leave her alone, to proceed with her meditations; we can meanwhile have a chat among ourselves. Yesterday our worthy senior bade us devise a few lantern-conundrums, so when we got home, I and Ch'i Erh and Wen Erh did not turn in (but set to work). I composed a couple on the Four Books; but those two girls also managed to put together another pair of them.


This refers to a passage in the Four Books.


You should ponder over the meaning of the three words implying: 'handed down by ancestors',


before you venture a guess.


Think again!


It's: 'If, notwithstanding all that benevolence, there be no outward visible sign…'


Now find the name of the rush?


This must certainly be the cat-tail rush! Can this not be right?


You've succeeded in guessing it. Li Wen's is: 'Cold runs the stream along the stones;'


Can it be Shan T'ao?


It is! Ch'i Erh's is the character 'Yung' (glow-worm). It refers to a single word,


The meaning of this is certainly deep. I wonder whether it's the character, 'hua,' (flower) in the combination, 'hua ts'ao, (vegetation).


That's just it!


All these are, I admit, good, but they won't suit our venerable senior's taste. Won't it be better therefore to compose a few on some simple objects; some which all of us, whether polished or unpolished, may be able to enjoy?


I've devised one on the 'Tien Chiang Ch'un' metre. But it's really on an ordinary object. So try and guess it. The creeks and valleys it leaves; Travelling the world, it performs. In truth how funny it is! But renown and gain are still vain; Ever hard behind it is its fate.


All your guesses are wrong. I've got it! It must for a certainty be a performing monkey.


That's really it!


Mrs. Hsüeh mentioned yesterday that you, cousin Ch'in, had seen much of the world, and that you had also gone about a good deal. It's for you therefore to try your hand at a few conundrums. What's more your poetry too is good. So why shouldn't you indite a few for us to guess?


The relics of various places I've seen since my youth, are not few, so I've now selected ten places of historic interest, on which I've composed ten odes, treating of antiquities. The verses may possibly be coarse, but they bear upon things of the past, and secretly refer as well to ten commonplace articles. So, cousins, please try and guess them!


The first eight stanzas, are founded upon the testimony of the historical works. But as for the last two stanzas, there's no knowing where they come from. Besides, we don't quite fathom their meaning. Wouldn't it be better then if two other stanzas were written?


The lines composed by cousin Pao ch'in are indeed devised in a too pigheaded and fast-and-loose sort of way. The two stanzas are, I admit, not to be traced in the historical works, but though we've never read such outside traditions, and haven't any idea what lies at the bottom of them, have we not likely seen a couple of plays? What child of three years old hasn't some notion about them, and how much more such as we?


What she says is perfectly correct,


She has besides, been to these places herself. But though there be no mention anywhere of these two references, falsehoods have from old till now been propagated, and busybodies have, in fact, intentionally invented such relics of ancient times with a view of bamboozling people. That year, for instance, in which we travelled up here to the capital, we came across graves raised to Kuan, the sage, in three or four distinct places. Now the circumstances of the whole existence of Kuan the sage are established by actual proof, so how could there again in his case exist a lot of graves? This must arise from the esteem in which he is held by posterity for the way he acquitted himself of his duties during his lifetime. And it is presumably to this esteem that this fiction owes its origin. This is quite possible enough. Even in the 'Kuang Yü Chi', you will see that not only are numerous tombs of the sage Kuan spoken of, but that bygone persons of note are assigned tombs not few in number. But there are many more relics of antiquity, about which no testimony can be gathered. The matter treated in the two stanzas, now in point, is, of course, not borne out by any actual record; yet in every story, that is told, in every play, that is sung, and on the various slips as well used for fortune telling, it is invariably to be found. Old and young, men and women, do all understand it and speak of it, whether in proverbs or in their everyday talk. They don't resemble, besides, the ballads encountered in the 'Hsi Hsiang Chi,' and 'Mou Tan T'ing,' to justify us to fear that we might be setting eyes upon some corrupt text. They are quite harmless; so we'd better keep them! been to these places herself. But though there be no mention anywhere of these two references, falsehoods have from old till now been propagated, and busybodies have, in fact, intentionally invented such relics of ancient times with a view of bamboozling people. That year, for instance, in which we travelled up here to the capital, we came across graves raised to Kuan, the sage, in three or four distinct places. Now the circumstances of the whole existence of Kuan the sage are established by actual proof, so how could there again in his case exist a lot of graves? This must arise from the esteem in which he is held by posterity for the way he acquitted himself of his duties during his lifetime. And it is presumably to this esteem that this fiction owes its origin. This is quite possible enough. Even in the 'Kuang Yü Chi', you will see that not only are numerous tombs of the sage Kuan spoken of, but that bygone persons of note are assigned tombs not few in number. But there are many more relics of antiquity, about which no testimony can be gathered. The matter treated in the two stanzas, now in point, is, of course, not borne out by any actual record; yet in every story, that is told, in every play, that is sung, and on the various slips as well used for fortune telling, it is invariably to be found. Old and young, men and women, do all understand it and speak of it, whether in proverbs or in their everyday talk. They don't resemble, besides, the ballads encountered in the 'Hsi Hsiang Chi,' and 'Mou Tan T'ing,' to justify us to fear that we might be setting eyes upon some corrupt text. They are quite harmless; so we'd better keep them!


Send also, for one of the married-women, who are in attendance when we go out-of-doors, and let you two, together with a couple of young maids, follow Hsi Jen home. But despatch four cart attendants, well up in years, to look everywhere for a spacious curricle for you as well as her, and a small carriage for the maids.


All right!


Hsi Jen, is a person not fond of any fuss, so tell her that it's I who have given the orders; and impress upon her that she must put on several nice, coloured clothes, and pack up a large valise full of wearing apparel. Her valise, must be a handsome one; and she must take a decent hand-stove. Bid her too first come and look me up here when she's about to start.


These three articles of clothing, given to you by our dowager lady,


Our Madame Wang gave me this one with the grey squirrel. I've also got one with ermine. She says that when the end of the year draws nigh, she'll let me have one with long fur.


I've got one with long fur. I don't fancy it much as the fringe does not hang with grace. I was on the point of having it changed; but, never mind, I'll let you first use it; and, when at the close of the year, Madame Wang has one made for you, I can then have mine altered, and it will come to the same thing as if you were returning it like that to me.


How could Madame Wang ever give a thought to such trifles as these? They are, in fact, matters of no consequence. Yet were I not to look after them, it would be a disgrace to all of us, and needless to say, I would myself get into some scrape. It's far better that I should dress you all properly, and so get a fair name and finish; for were each of you to cut the figure of a burnt cake, people would first and foremost ridicule me, by saying that in looking after the household I have, instead of doing good, been the means of making beggars of you!


Keep this felt one for yourself, and take this one along with you and tell some one to send it to that elderly girl, who while every one, in that heavy fall of snow yesterday, was rolled up in soft satin, if not in felt, and while about ten dark red dresses were reflected in the deep snow and presented such a fine sight, was the only one attired in those shabby old clothes. She seems more than ever to raise her shoulders and double her back. She is really to be pitied; so take this now and give it to her!


She surreptitiously wishes to give my things away! I haven't got enough to spend upon myself and here I have you, better still, to instigate me to be more open-handed! If any one therefore has read my heart, it's she, but yet she only knows it in part. If your mother gets well, all right, but if anything happens to her, just stay over, and send some one to let me know so that I may specially despatch a servant to bring you your bedding. But whatever you do, don't, use their bedding, nor any of their things to comb your hair with. As for you people, continuing, she observed to Mrs. Chou Jui, you no doubt are aware of the customs, prevailing in this establishment, so that I can dispense with giving you any injunctions.


Yes, we know them all. As soon as we get there, we'll, of course, request their male inmates to retire out of the way. And in the event of our having to stay over, we'll naturally apply for one or two extra inner rooms.


Now,


you're not to put on the airs of a young lady! I advise you to also move about a bit. When you're all clean gone. I shall have ample time to budge. But every day that you people are here, I shall try and enjoy peace and quiet.


My dear girl. I'll make the bed, but drop the cover over that cheval-glass and put the catches right; you are so much taller than I.


Hai! one just sits down to warm one's self, and here you come and disturb one!


Warm yourselves. I've done all there was to be done.


I can't manage, to get warm at all. It just also strikes me that the warming-pan hasn't yet been brought.


You've had the trouble to think of it! But you've never wanted a chafing-dish before. It's so warm besides on that warming-frame of ours; not like the stove-couch in that room, which is so cold; so we can very well do without it to-day.


If both of you are to sleep on that, there won't be a soul with me outside, and I shall be in an awful funk. Even you won't be able to have a wink of sleep during the whole night!


As far as I'm concerned. I'm going to sleep in here. There's She Yüeh, so you'd better induce her to come and sleep outside.


Even I, have been disturbed, fast asleep though I was; and, lo, she keeps a look-out by his very side and doesn't as yet know anything about his cries! In very deed she is like a stiff corpse!


He calls Hsi Jen, so what's that to do with me? What do you want?


I want some tea. Throw my pelisse over you; for mind it's cold!


My dear girl, do give me also a sip.


You put on more airs than ever,


My dear girl; to-morrow night, you needn't budge; I'll wait on you the whole night long. What do you say to that?


Won't you two go to sleep, but keep on chatting? I'll go out for a time; I'll be back soon.


Are there any evil spirits waiting for you outside?


It's sure to be bright moonlight out of doors, so go, while we continue our chat.


Hallo! It's freezing; it's no joke!


Ch'ing Wen has come out.


How could I ever frighten her to death? It's just your way; you're as great a coward as an old woman!


It isn't at all that you might do her harm by frightening her, but, in the first place, it wouldn't be good for you to get frost-bitten; and, in the second, you would take her so much off her guard that she won't be able to prevent herself from uttering a shout. So, in the event of rousing any of the others out of their sleep, they won't say that we are up to jokes, but maintain instead that just as Hsi Jen is gone, you two behave as if you'd come across ghosts or seen evil spirits. Come and tuck in the coverlets on this side! How cold your hand is! I told you to look out or you'd freeze! Come at once under the cover and warm yourself!


I've had such a fright. Goodness me! I saw in the black shade, at the back of the boulders on that hill, some one squatting, and was about to scream, when it turned out to be nothing else than that big golden pheasant. As soon as it caught sight of a human being, it flew away. But it was only when it reached a moonlit place that I at last found out what it was. Had I been so heedless as to scream, I would have been the means of getting people out of their beds! Ch'ing Wen, you say, has gone out, but how is it I never caught a glimpse of her? She must certainly have gone to frighten me!


Isn't this she? Is she not here warming herself? Had I not been quick in shouting, she would verily have given you a fright.


There was no need for me to go and frighten her. This hussy has frightened her own self.


Did you forsooth go out, in this smart dress of a circus-performer?


Why, of course, she went out like this!


You wouldn't know, for the life of you, how to choose a felicitous day! There you go and stand about on a fruitless errand. Won't your skin get chapped from the frost?


How about that? There you are; you've after all caught a chill!


Early this morning, she shouted that she wasn't feeling quite herself. Neither did she have the whole day a proper bowl of food. And now, not to speak of her taking so little care of herself, she is still bent upon playing larks upon people! But if she falls ill by and bye, we'll let her suffer what she will have brought upon herself.


Is your head hot?


It's nothing at all! When did I get so delicate?


Don't let's talk! for, mind, we'll also induce them to start chattering. and don't make a fuss, for your mistress, my mother, may come to know of it, and bid you also shift to your house and nurse yourself. Your home might, of course, be all very nice, but it's in fact somewhat cold. So isn't it better here? Go and lie down in the inner rooms, and I'll give orders to some one to send for the doctor to come quietly by the back door and have a look at you. You'll then get all right again.


In spite of what you say, you must really say something about it to our senior lady, Mrs. Chia Chu; otherwise the doctor will be coming unawares, and people will begin to ask questions; and what answer could one give them?


if she gets all right, after taking a couple of doses of medicine, it will be well and good. But that in the event of not recovering, it would, really, be the right thing for her to go to her own home. That the season isn't healthy at present, and that if the other girls caught her complaint it would be a small thing; but that the good health of the young ladies is a vital matter.


Have I got such a dreadful epidemic, that she fears that I shall bring it upon others? I'll clear off at once from this place; for mind you don't get any headaches and hot heads during the course of your lives.


Don't lose your temper. This is a responsibility which falls upon her shoulders, so she is afraid lest Madame Wang might come to hear of it, and call her to task. She only made a harmless remark. But you've always been prone to anger, and now, as a matter of course your spleen is larger than ever.


Sir, don't go yet. Our young master is fretful and there may be, I fancy, something more to ask you.


Wasn't the one I saw just now a young lady, but a young man, eh? Yet the rooms were such as are occupied by ladies. The curtains were besides let down. So how could the patient I saw have ever been a young man?


My dear sir, it isn't strange that a servant-girl said just now that a new doctor had been sent for on this occasion, for you really know nothing about our family matters. That room is that of our young master, and that is a girl attached to the apartments; but she's really a servant-maid. How ever were those a young lady's rooms? Had a young lady fallen ill, would you ever have penetrated inside with such ease?


He deserves to be hanged! He deserves death! Here he treats girls in the very same way as he would us men! How could this ever do? No matter what internal obstruction there may be, how could she ever stand citrus and sida? Who asked him to come? Bundle him off at once; and send for another, who knows what he's about.


Whether he uses the right medicines or not, we are not in a position to know. But we'll now tell a servant-lad to go and ask Dr. Wang round. It's easy enough! The only thing is that as this doctor wasn't sent for through the head manager's office his fee must be paid to him.


How much must one give him?


Were one to give him too little, it wouldn't look nice. He should be given a tael. This would be quite the thing with such a household as ours.


When Dr. Wang comes, how much is he given?


Whenever Dr. Wang and Dr. Chang come, no money is ever given them. At the four seasons of each year however presents are simply sent to them in a lump. This is a fixed annual custom. But this new doctor has come only this once so he should be given a tael.


I can't make out where sister Hua put it;


I've often seen her take money out of that lacquered press, ornamented with designs made with shells;


Which is the one tael mark?


It's amusing that you should appeal to me! You really behave as if you had only just come!


This piece, must, I fancy, be a tael. But it would be better to let him have a little more. Don't let's give too little as those poor brats will have a laugh at our expense. They won't say that we know nothing about the steelyard; but that we are designedly mean.


This ingot, weighs five taels. Even if you cut half of it off, it will weigh a couple of taels, at least. But there are no sycee shears at hand, so, miss, put this piece aside and choose a smaller one.


Who'll go and fumble about again? If there's a little more, well, you take it and finish.


Be quick, and tell Pei Ming to go for another doctor. It will be all right.


These are the medicines, suitable for girls! They should, it's true, be of a laxative nature, but never over and above what's needful. When I fell ill last year, I suffered from a chill, but I got such an obstruction in the viscera that I could neither take anything liquid or substantial, yet though he saw the state I was in, he said that I couldn't stand sida, ground gypsum, citrus and other such violent drugs. You and I resemble the newly-opened white begonia, Yün Erh sent me in autumn. And how could you resist medicines which are too much for me? We're like the lofty aspen trees, which grow in people's burial grounds. To look at, the branches and leaves are of luxuriant growth, but they are hollow at the core.


Do only aspen trees grow in waste burial grounds? Is it likely, pray, that there are no fir and cypress trees? What's more loathsome than any other is the aspen. For though a lofty tree, it only has a few leaves; and it makes quite a confused noise with the slightest puff of wind! If you therefore deliberately compare yourself to it, you'll also be ranging yourself too much among the common herd!


I daren't liken myself to fir or cypress; Even Confucius says: 'after the season waxes cold, one finds that the fir and cypress are the last to lose their foliage,' which makes it evident that these two things are of high excellence. Thus it's those only, who are devoid of every sense of shame, who foolishly liken themselves to trees of the kind!


The right thing would be, that you should let them go and get it ready in the tea-room; for will it ever do to fill this room with the smell of medicines?


The smell of medicines, is far nicer than that emitted by the whole lot of flowers. Fairies pick medicines and prepare medicines. Besides this, eminent men and cultured scholars gather medicines and concoct medicines; so that it constitutes a most excellent thing. I was just thinking that there's everything and anything in these rooms and that the only thing that we lack is the smell of medicines; but as luck would have it, everything is now complete.


The days are now short as well as cold, so wouldn't it be advisable that my senior sister-in-law, Mrs. Chia Chu, should henceforward have her repasts in the garden, along with the young ladies? When the weather gets milder, it won't at all matter, if they have to run backward and forward.


This is really a capital idea! It will be so convenient during windy and rainy weather. To inhale the chilly air after eating isn't good. And to come quite empty, and begin piling up a lot of things in a stomach full of cold air isn't quite safe. It would be as well therefore to select two cooks from among the women, who have, anyhow, to keep night duty in the large five-roomed house, inside the garden back entrance, and station them there for the special purpose of preparing the necessary viands for the girls. Fresh vegetables are subject to some rule of distribution, so they can be issued to them from the general manager's office. Or they might possibly require money or be in need of some things or other. And it will be all right if a few of those pheasants, deer, and every kind of game, be apportioned to them.


The only thing I feared was that with the extra work that would again be thrown upon the cook-house, they mightn't have too much to do.


There'll be nothing much to do. The same apportionment will continue as ever. In here, something may be added; but in there something will be reduced. Should it even involve a little trouble, it will be a small matter. If the girls were exposed to the cold wind, every one else might stand it with impunity; but how could cousin Lin, first and foremost above all others, resist anything of the kind? In fact, brother Pao himself wouldn't be proof against it. What's more, none of the various young ladies can boast of a strong constitution.


Quite so! I meant the other day to have suggested this arrangement, but I saw that every one of you had so many urgent matters to attend to, (and I thought) that although you would not presume to bear me a grudge, were several duties now again superadded, you would unavoidably imagine that I only regarded those young grandsons and granddaughters of mine, and had no consideration for any of you, who have to look after the house. But since you make this suggestion yourself, it's all right. I've never before ventured to give utterance to the remarks that just fell from my lips, as first of all I was in fear and trembling lest I should have made that girl Feng more presumptuous than ever, and next, lest I should have incurred the displeasure of one and all of you. But since you're all here to-day, and every one of you knows what brothers' wives and husbands' sisters mean, is there (I ask) any one besides her as full of forethought?


There are indeed but few like her! That of others is simply a conventional 'face' affection, but she is really fond of her husband's sisters and his young brother. In fact, she's as genuinely filial with you, venerable senior.


Albeit I'm fond of her. I can't, on the other hand, help distrusting that excessive shrewdness of hers, for it isn't a good thing.


You're wrong there, worthy ancestor. People in the world as a rule maintain that 'too shrewd and clever a person can't, it is feared, live long.' Now what people of the world invariably say people of the world invariably believe. But of you alone, my dear senior, can no such thing be averred or believed. For there you are, ancestor mine, a hundred times sharper and cleverer than I; and how is it that you now enjoy both perfect happiness and longevity? But I presume that I shall by and bye excel you by a hundredfold, and die at length, after a life of a thousand years, when you venerable senior shall have departed from these mortal scenes!


After every one is dead and gone, what pleasure will there be, if two antiquated elves, like you and I will be, remain behind?


If the others have left, there's nothing strange about it, but are She Yüeh and Ch'iu Wen too so utterly devoid of feeling as to have each gone after her own business?


As regards Ch'iu Wen. I told her to go and have her meal. And as for She Yüeh, P'ing Erh came just now and called her out of doors and there they are outside confabbing in a mysterious way! What the drift of their conversation can be I don't know. But they must be talking about my having fallen ill, and my not leaving this place to go home.


P'ing Erh isn't that sort of person. Besides, she had no idea whatever about your illness, so that she couldn't have come specially to see how you were getting on. I fancy her object was to look up She Yüeh to hobnob with her, but finding unexpectedly that you were not up to the mark, she readily said that she had come on purpose to find what progress you were making. This was quite a natural thing for a person with so wily a disposition to say, for the sake of preserving harmony. But if you don't go home, it's none of her business. You two have all along been, irrespective of other things, on such good terms that she could by no means entertain any desire to injure the friendly relations which exist between you, all on account of something that doesn't concern her.


Your remarks are right enough, but I do suspect her, as why did she too start, all of a sudden, imposing upon me?


Wait, I'll walk out by the back door, and go to the foot of the window, and listen to what she's saying. I'll then come and tell you.


How did you manage to get it?


When I lost sight of it on that day that I washed my hands, our lady Secunda wouldn't let us make a fuss. But the moment she left the garden, she there and then sent word to the nurses, stationed in the various places, to institute careful search. Our suspicions, however, fell upon Miss Hsing's maid, who has ever also been poverty-stricken; surmising that a young girl of her age, who had never set eyes upon anything of the kind, may possibly have picked it up and taken it. But never did we positively believe that it could be some one from this place of yours! Happily, our lady Secunda wasn't in the room, when that nurse Sung who is with you here went over, and said, producing the bracelet, 'that the young maid, Chui Erh, had stolen it, and that she had detected her, and come to lay the matter before our lady Secunda. I promptly took over the bracelet from her; and recollecting how imperious and exacting Pao-yü is inclined to be, fond and devoted as he is to each and all of you; how the jade which was prigged the other year by a certain Liang Erh, is still, just as the matter has cooled down for the last couple of years, canvassed at times by some people eager to serve their own ends; how some one has now again turned up to purloin this gold trinket; how it was filched, to make matters worse, from a neighbour's house; how as luck would have it, she took this of all things; and how it happened to be his own servant to give him a slap on his mouth, I hastened to enjoin nurse Sung to, on no account whatever, let Pao-yü know anything about it, but simply pretend that nothing of the kind had transpired, and to make no mention of it to any single soul. In the second place,' (I said), 'our dowager lady and Madame Wang would get angry, if they came to hear anything. Thirdly, Hsi Jen as well as yourselves would not also cut a very good figure.' Hence it was that in telling our lady Secunda, I merely explained 'that on my way to our senior mistress,' the bracelet got unclasped, without my knowing it; that it fell among the roots of the grass; that there was no chance of seeing it while the snow was deep, but that when the snow completely disappeared to-day there it glistened, so yellow and bright, in the rays of the sun, in precisely the very place where it had dropped, and that I then picked it up.' Our lady Secunda at once credited my version. So here I come to let you all know so as to be henceforward a little on your guard with her, and not get her a job anywhere else. Wait until Hsi Jen's return, and then devise means to pack her off, and finish with her.


This young vixen has seen things of this kind before, and how is it that she was so shallow-eyed?


What could, after all, be the weight of this bracelet? It was once our lady Secunda's. She says that this is called the 'shrimp-feeler'-bracelet. But it's the pearl, which increases its weight. That minx Ch'ing Wen is as fiery as a piece of crackling charcoal, so were anything to be told her, she may, so little able is she to curb her temper, flare up suddenly into a huff, and beat or scold her, and kick up as much fuss as she ever has done before. That's why I simply tell you. Exercise due care, and it will be all right.


She says, that you're so fond of having things all your own way that were you to hear anything of this business, now that you are ill, you would get worse, and that she only means to broach the subject with you, when you get quite yourself again.


If you go on bawling like that, won't you show yourself ungrateful for the regard with which P'ing Erh has dealt with you and me? Better for us to show ourselves sensible of her kindness and by and bye pack the girl off, and finish. Your suggestion is all very good, but how could I suppress this resentment?


What's there to feel resentment about? Just you take good care of yourself; it's the best thing you can do.


Go, to our lady Secunda, and ask her for some. Tell her that I spoke to you about them. My cousin over there often uses some western plaster, which she applies to her temples when she's got a headache. It's called 'I-fo-na.' So try and get some of it!


While you were lying sick, you looked like a mangy-headed devil! But with this stuff on now you present a fine sight! As for our lady Secunda she has been so much in the habit of sticking these things about her that they don't very much show off with her! Our lady Secunda said, 'that to-morrow is your maternal uncle's birthday, and that our mistress, your mother, asked her to tell you to go over. That whatever clothes you will put on to-morrow should be got ready to-night, so as to avoid any trouble in the morning.'


Anything that comes first to hand, will do well enough! There's no getting, the whole year round, at the end of all the fuss of birthdays!


Our two young ladies, are in Miss Lin's rooms; so I'm also now on my way thither.


There comes some one else! There's no room for you to sit! What a fine picture of beautiful girls, in the winter chamber! It's a pity I come a trifle too late! This room is, at all events, so much warmer than any other, that I won't feel cold if I plant myself on this chair. What lovely flowers! The warmer the room gets, the stronger is the fragrance emitted by these flowers! How is it I never saw them yesterday?


These are, from the two pots of narcissi, and two pots of allspice, sent to Miss Hsüeh Secunda by the wife of Lai Ta, the head butler in your household. Of these, she gave me a pot of narcissi; and to that girl Yün, a pot of allspice. I didn't at first mean to keep them, but I was afraid of showing no consideration for her kind attention. But if you want them, I'll, in my turn, present them to you. Will you have them; eh?


I've got two pots of them in my rooms, but they're not up to these. How is it you're ready to let others have what cousin Ch'in has given you? This can on no account do!


With me here, the medicine pot never leaves the fire, the whole day long. I'm only kept together by medicines. So how could I ever stand the smell of flowers bunging my nose? It makes me weaker than ever. Besides, if there's the least whiff of medicines in this room, it will, contrariwise, spoil the fragrance of these flowers. So isn't it better that you should have them carried away? These flowers will then breathe a purer atmosphere, and won't have any mixture of smells to annoy them.


I've also got now some one ill in my place, and medicines are being decocted. How comes it you happen to know nothing about it?


This is strange! I was really speaking quite thoughtlessly; for who ever knows what's going on in your apartments? But why do you, instead of getting here a little earlier to listen to old stories, come at this moment to bring trouble and vexation upon your own self?


Let's have a meeting to-morrow, for we've also got the themes. Let's sing the narcissus and allspice.


Never mind, drop that! I can't venture to write any more verses. Whenever I indite any, I'm mulcted. So I'd rather not be put to any great shame.


What's the matter? Why are you again making fun of me? I'm not afraid of any shame, but, lo, you screen your face.


The next time. I convene a meeting, we'll have four themes for odes and four for songs; and each one of us will have to write four odes and four roundelays. The theme of the first ode will treat of the plan of the great extreme; the rhyme fixed being 'hsien,' (first), and the metre consisting of five words in each line. We'll have to exhaust every one of the rhymes under 'hsien,' and mind, not a single one may be left out.


From what you say, it's evident that you're not in earnest, cousin, in setting the club on foot. It's clear enough that your object is to embarrass people. But as far as the verses go, we could forcibly turn out a few, just by higgledy-piggledy taking several passages from the 'Canon of Changes,' and inserting them in our own; but, after all, what fun will there be in that sort of thing? When I was eight years of age, I went with my father to the western seaboard to purchase foreign goods. Who'd have thought it, we came across a girl from the 'Chen Chen' kingdom. She was in her eighteenth year, and her features were just like those of the beauties one sees represented in foreign pictures. She had also yellow hair, hanging down, and arranged in endless plaits. Her whole head was ornamented with one mass of cornelian beads, amber, cats' eyes, and 'grandmother-green-stone.' On her person, she wore a chain armour plaited with gold, and a coat, which was up to the very sleeves, embroidered in foreign style. In a belt, she carried a Japanese sword, also inlaid with gold and studded with precious gems. In very truth, even in pictures, there is no one as beautiful as she. Some people said that she was thoroughly conversant with Chinese literature, and could explain the 'Five classics,' that she was able to write odes and devise roundelays, and so my father requested an interpreter to ask her to write something. She thereupon wrote an original stanza, which all, with one voice, praised for its remarkable beauty, and extolled for its extraordinary merits.


My dear cousin, produce what she wrote, and let's have a look at it.


It's put away in Nanking; So how could I at present go and fetch it?


I've no luck, to see anything like this in the world.


Don't be humbugging us! I know well enough that you are not likely, on a visit like this, to have left any such things of yours at home. You must have brought them along. Yet here you are now again palming off a fib on us by saying that you haven't got them with you. You people may believe what she says, but I, for my part, don't.


Really P'in Erh you've got into the habit of talking like this! You're too shrewd by far.


Bring them along, and give us a chance of seeing something and learning something; it won't hurt them.


There's a whole heap of trunks and baskets, which haven't been yet cleared away. And how could one tell in which particular one, they're packed up? Wait a few days, and when things will have been put straight a bit, we'll try and find them: and every one of us can then have a look at them; that will be all right. But if you happen to remember the lines, why not recite them for our benefit? I remember so far that her lines consisted of a stanza with five characters in each line. For a foreign girl, they're verily very well done. Don't begin for a while. Let me send for Yün Erh, so that she too might hear them. Go to my place, and tell her that a foreign beauty has come over, who's a splendid hand at poetry. 'You, who have poetry on the brain,' (say to her), 'are invited to come and see her,' and then lay hold of this verse-maniac of ours and bring her along.


What foreign beauty has come?


We heard your voices long before we caught a glimpse of your persons!


Be quick, out with it! Let's hear what it is! She does deserve credit, for she really is far superior to us, Chinese though we be.


Madame Wang, has sent a servant to inform you, Master Secundus, that 'you are to go at an early hour to-morrow morning to your maternal uncle's, and that you are to explain to him that her ladyship isn't feeling quite up to the mark, and that she cannot pay him a visit in person.'


Yes. Are you two going?


We're not going. We simply went there yesterday to take our presents over but we left after a short chat.


When is Hsi Jen, after all, coming back?


She'll naturally come back after she has accompanied the funeral,


Off with you!


We'll have another chat to-morrow. Now that the nights are longer than they were, you're sure to cough often and wake several times in the night; eh?


Last night. I was all right; I coughed only twice. But I only slept at the fourth watch for a couple of hours and then I couldn't close my eyes again.


I really have something very important to tell you. It only now crossed my mind. I think that the birds' nests sent to you by cousin Pao-chai….


Miss, have you been all right these last few days?


Many thanks, dame Chao, for the trouble of thinking of me, and for coming in person in this intense cold.


You should awake. The only thing is that you haven't had enough sleep. If you go out and tell them to get the water for tea ready for him, while I wake him, it will be all right.


Let's call him to get up and dress in his fine clothes. We can summon them in, after this fire-box has been removed. The old nurses told us not to allow him to stay in this room for fear the virus of the disease should pass on to him; so now if they see us bundled up together in one place, they're bound to kick up another row.


That's my idea too,


It's cloudy again, so I suppose it's going to snow. You'd better therefore wear a woollen overcoat!


What! is it snowing?


The weather is dull, but it isn't snowing yet.


This, bird gold This is woven of the down of peacocks, caught in Russia, twisted into thread. The other day, I presented that one with the wild duck down to your young female cousin, so I now give you this one. Go and let your mother see it before you start,


My dear girl, do look at the coat I've got on. Is it nice or not? My mother, has seen what I've got on. But all she said was: 'what a pity!' and then she went on to enjoin me to be 'careful with it and not to spoil it.' what a pity! careful with it and not to spoil it.


There only remains this single one, so if you spoil it you can't have another. Even did I want to have one made for you like it now, it would be out of the question. Don't, have too much wine and come back early.


Brother Chou and brother Ch'ien, let's go by this side-gate. It will save my having again to dismount, when we reach the entrance to my father's study.


Mr. Chia Cheng is not in his study. It has been daily under lock and key, so there will be no need for you, master, to get down from your horse.


Though it be locked up. I shall have to dismount all the same.


You're quite right in what you say, master; but pretend you're lazy and don't get down. In the event of our coming across Mr. Lai Ta and our number two Mr. Lin, they're sure, rather awkward though it be for them to say anything to their master, to tender you one or two words of advice, but throw the whole of the blame upon us. You can also tell them that we had not explained to you what was the right thing to do.


My obeisance to you, sir.


All he's good for, is to squeeze people's money. But he doesn't know how to prescribe a single dose of efficacious medicine for his patients.


You have far too impatient a disposition! 'A disease,' the proverb has it, 'comes like a crumbling mountain, and goes like silk that is reeled.' Besides, they're not the divine pills of 'Lao Chün'. How ever could there be such efficacious medicines? The only thing for you to do is to quietly look after yourself for several days, and you're sure to get all right. But the more you work yourself into such a frenzy, the worse you get!


Where have they gone? Have they bored into the sand? They see well enough that I'm ill, so they make bold and runaway. But by and bye when I recover, I shall take one by one of you and flay your skin off for you.


Miss, what's up with you?


Is it likely that the rest are all dead and gone, and that there only remains but you? Look at this vixen! If I don't ask for her, she won't come. Had there been any monthly allowances issued and fruits distributed here, you would have been the first to run in! But approach a bit! Am I tigress to gobble you up? What's the use of such paws? They don't ply a needle, and they don't touch any thread! All you're good for is to prig things to stuff that mouth of yours with! The skin of your phiz is shallow and those paws of yours are light! But with the shame you bring upon yourself before the world, isn't it right that I should prick you, and make mincemeat of you?


You're just perspiring, and here you are once more bent upon killing yourself. Wait until you are yourself again! Won't you then be able to give her as many blows as you may like? What's the use of kicking up all this fuss just now?


Our master Secundus, Mr. Pao-yü, recently asked me to tell you, that Chui Erh is very lazy. He himself gives her orders to her very face, but she is ever ready to raise objections and not to budge. Even when Hsi Jen bids her do things, she vilifies her behind her back. She must absolutely therefore be packed off to-day. And if Mr. Pao himself lays the matter to-morrow before Madame Wang, things will be square.


What you suggest is well and good, it's true, but it's as well to wait until Miss Hua (flower) returns and hears about the things. We can then give her the sack.


Mr. Pao-yü urgently enjoined this to-day, so what about Miss Hua (flower) and Miss Ts'ao (grass)? We've, of course, gob rules of propriety here, so you just do as I tell you; and be quick and send for some one from her house to come and fetch her away!


Well, now let's drop this! Whether she goes soon or whether she goes late is one and the same thing; so let them take her away soon; we'll then be the sooner clear of her.


Young ladies, what's up? If your niece doesn't behave as she ought to, why, call her to account. But why banish her from this place? You should, indeed, leave us a little face!


As regards what you say, wait until Pao-yü comes, and then we can ask him. It's nothing to do with us.


Have I got the courage to ask him? In what matter doesn't he lend an ear to any settlement you, young ladies, may propose? He invariably agrees to all you say! But if you, young ladies, aren't agreeable, it's really of no avail. When you, for example, spoke just now,—it's true it was on the sly,—you called him straightway by his name, miss. This thing does very well with you, young ladies, but were we to do anything of the kind, we'd be looked upon as very savages!


Yes, I called him by his name, so you'd better go and report me to our old lady and Madame Wang. Tell them I'm a rustic and let them send me too off.


Sister-in-law, just you take her away; and if you've got aught to say, you can say it by and bye. Is this a place for you to bawl in and to try and explain what is right? Whom have you seen discourse upon the rules of propriety with us? Not to speak of you, sister-in-law, even Mrs. Lai Ta and Mrs. Lin treat us fairly well. And as for calling him by name, why, from days of yore to the very present, our dowager mistress has invariably bidden us do so. You yourselves are well aware of it. So much did she fear that it would be a difficult job to rear him that she deliberately wrote his infant name on slips of paper and had them stuck everywhere and anywhere with the design that one and all should call him by it. And this in order that it might exercise a good influence upon his bringing up. Even water-coolies and scavenger-coolies indiscriminately address him by his name; and how much more such as we? So late, in fact, as yesterday Mrs. Lin gave him but once the title of 'Sir,' and our old mistress called even her to task. This is one side of the question. In the next place, we all have to go and make frequent reports to our venerable dowager lady and Madame Wang, and don't we with them allude to him by name in what we have to say? Is it likely we'd also style him 'Sir?' What day is there that we don't utter the two words 'Pao-yü' two hundred times? And is it for you, sister-in-law, to come and pick out this fault? But in a day or so, when you've leisure to go to our old mistress' and Madame Wang's, you'll hear us call him by name in their very presence, and then you'll feel convinced. You've never, sister-in-law, had occasion to fulfil any honourable duties by our old lady and our lady. From one year's end to the other, all you do is to simply loaf outside the third door. So it's no matter of surprise, if you don't happen to know anything of the customs which prevail with us inside. But this isn't a place where you, sister-in-law, can linger for long. In another moment, there won't be any need for us to say anything; for some one will be coming to ask you what you want, and what excuse will you be able to plead? So take her away and let Mrs. Lin know about it; and commission her to come and find our Mr. Secundus and tell him all. There are in this establishment over a thousand inmates; one comes and another comes, so that though we know people and inquire their names, we can't nevertheless imprint them clearly on our minds.


Is it likely, that a dame like you doesn't know what manners mean? Your daughter has been in these rooms for some time, so she should, when she is about to go, knock her head before the young ladies. She has no other means of showing her gratitude. Not that they care much about such things. Yet were she to simply knock her head, she would acquit herself of a duty, if nothing more. But how is it that she says I'm going, and off she forthwith rushes?


Hai!


What's the reason of such behaviour?


My old grandmother, was in such capital spirits that she gave me this coat to-day; but, who'd have thought it, I inadvertently burnt part of the back lapel. Fortunately however the evening was advanced so that neither she nor my mother noticed what had happened.


This, must have been done by some spark from the hand-stove. It's of no consequence. Take this out on the sly, and let an experienced weaver patch it. It will be all right then. It should be ready by daybreak. And by no means let our old lady or Madame Wang know anything about it.


Not only, have weavers, first-class tailors, and embroiderers, but even those, who do women's work, been asked about it, and they all have no idea what this is made of. None of them therefore will venture to undertake the job.


What's to be done? But it won't matter if you don't wear it to-morrow.


To-morrow is the very day of the anniversary. Grandmother and my mother bade me put this on and go and pay my visit; and here I go and burn it, on the first day I wear it. Now isn't this enough to throw a damper over my good cheer?


Bring it here, and let me see it! You haven't been lucky in wearing this; but never mind! This is made, of gold thread, spun from peacock's feathers. So were we now to also take gold thread, twisted from the feathers of the peacock, and darn it closely, by imitating the woof, I think it will pass without detection.


The peacock-feather-thread is ready at hand. But who's there, exclusive of you, able to join the threads?


I'll, needless to say, do my level best to the very cost of my life and finish,


How ever could this do? You're just slightly better, and how could you take up any needlework?


You needn't go on in this chicken-hearted way! I know my own self well enough.


This, isn't quite like them; but when it's patched up with it, it won't show very much.


It will do very well. Could one also go and hunt up a Russian tailor?


Whether she would like a little hot water to drink.


My junior ancestor! do go to bed and sleep! If you sit up for the other half of the night, your eyes will to-morrow look as if they had been scooped out, and what good will possibly come out of that?


That will do! One couldn't detect it, unless one examined it carefully.


Really, it's quite the same thing.


It's mended, it's true, but it does not, after all, look anything like it. Yet, I cannot stand the effort any more!


Yesterday, she was much better, so how is it that to-day she is instead weaker, and has fallen off so much? She must surely have had too much in the way of drinking or eating! Or she must have fatigued herself. A complaint arising from outside sources is, indeed, a light thing. But it's no small matter if one doesn't take proper care of one's self, as she has done after perspiring.


What's to be done? Should anything happen to her, it will all be through the evil consequences of my shortcomings!


Hai! Dear Mr. Secundus, go and mind your own business! Have I got such a dreadful disease?


what a very hasty disposition (that girl Ch'ing Wen has!).


Hsing Erh


informs your ladyship that the pieces of gold in that bundle of the other day amount in all to one hundred and fifty-three taels, one mace and seven candareens; and that the ingots of pure metal and those not, contained in here, number all together two hundred and twenty.


Have we received, the bounty conferred (by His Majesty) for our spring sacrifices or not?


I've sent Jung Erh to-day to go and receive it.


Albeit, our family can well do without those paltry taels, yet they are, whatever their amount may be, an imperial gift to us so take them over as soon as you can, and send them to our old lady, on the other side, to get ready the sacrifices to our ancestors. Above, we shall then receive the Emperor's bounty; below, we shall enjoy the goodwill of our progenitors. For no matter if we went so far as to spend ten thousand ounces of silver to present offerings to our forefathers with, they could not, in the long run, come up this gift in high repute. Added to this, we shall be the participators of grace and the recipients of blessings. Putting one or two households such as our own aside, what resources would those poverty-stricken families of hereditary officials have at their command wherewith to offer their sacrifices and celebrate the new year, if they could not rely upon this money? In very truth, therefore, the imperial favour is vast, and allproviding!


Your arguments are quite correct!


Our young master has arrived.


How is it you've been away the whole day?


I didn't receive the money to-day from the Board of Rites. The issue was again made at the treasury of the Kuang Lu temple; so I had once more to trudge away to the Kuang Lu temple before I could get it. The various officials in the Kuang Lu temple bade me present their compliments to you, father. (They asked me to tell you) that they had not seen you for many days, and that they are really longing for your company.


What an idea! Do they care to see me? Why, here's the end of the year drawing nigh again; so if they don't hanker after my presents, they must long and crave for my entertainments.


Go and ask your aunt Tertia, yonder, whether the day on which the new year wine is to be drunk has been fixed or not? If it has been determined upon, timely notice should be given in the library to draw out a proper list in order that when we again issue our invitations, there should be no chance of two entertainments coming off on the same day. Last year, not sufficient care was exercised, and several persons were invited to both mansions on the very same occasion. And people didn't say that we hadn't been careful enough, but that, as far as appearances went, the two households had made up their minds among themselves to show an empty attention, prompted by the fear of trouble.


he would attend to his injunctions


Go, and give it to Lai Sheng so that he may see its contents and invite the guests. But mind he doesn't fix anything else for the dates specified in here.


Wu, the head-farmer in the Hei Shan village, had arrived.


What does this old executioner come for to-day?


For a farmer, it has several good points!


Pay no heed to the style, but to the good wishes.


Bring him in! You're still so hale!


I don't deceive you, Sir, when I say that yours servants are so accustomed to walking, that had we not come, we wouldn't have felt exceedingly dull. Isn't the whole crowd of them keen upon coming to see what the world is like at the feet of the son of heaven? Yet they're, after all, so young in years, that there's the fear of their going astray on the way. But, in a few more years, I shall be able to appease my solicitude on their account.


How many days have you been on the way?


To reply to your question, Sir, so much snow has fallen this year that it's everywhere out of town four and five feet in depth. The other day, the weather suddenly turned mild, and with the thaw that set in, it became so very hard to make any progress that we wasted several days. Yet albeit we've been a month and two days in accomplishing the journey; it isn't anything excessive. But as I feared lest you, Sir, would be giving way to anxiety, didn't I hurry along to arrive in good time?


How is it, I said, that he's come only to-day! But upon looking over the list just now it seemed to me that you, old fossil, had come again to make as much as fun of me, as if you were putting up a stage for a boxing-match.


I must tell you, Sir, that the harvest this year hasn't really been good. Rain set in ever since the third moon, and there it went on incessantly straight up to the eighth moon. Indeed, the weather hasn't kept fine for five or six consecutive days. In the ninth moon, there came a storm of hail, each stone of which was about the size of a saucer. And over an area of the neighbouring two or three hundred li, the men and houses, animals and crops, which sustained injury, numbered over thousands and ten thousands. Hence it is that the things we've brought now are what they are. Your servant would not have the audacity to tell a lie.


I had computed, that the very least you would have brought would have been five thousand taels. What's this enough for? There are only now eight or nine of you farmers, and from two localities reports have contrariwise reached us during the course of this very year of the occurrence of droughts; and do you people come again to try your larks with us? Why, verily these aren't sufficient to see the new year in with.


And yet, your place can be looked upon as having fared well; for my brother, who's only over a hundred li away from where I am, has actually fallen in with a vastly different lot! He has at present eight farms of that mansion under his control, and these considerably larger than those of yours, Sir; and yet this year they too have only produced but a few things. So nothing beyond two or three thousand taels has been realised. What's more, they've had to borrow money.