花箋
​1.
Hiva Iseon be
CHINESE COURTSHIP.
IN VERSE.
TO WHICH IS ADDED,
AN APPENDIX.
TREATING OF THE REVENUE OF CHINA,
&c.
&c.
BY
PETER PERRING THOMS.
LONDON:
PUBLISHED BY PARBURY, ALLEN, AND KINGSBURY, LEADENHALL-STREET,
SOLD BY JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMALE-STREET; AND BY THOMAS
BLANSHARD, 14, CITY-ROAD.
MACAO, CHINA:

PRINTED AT THE HONORABLE EAST INDIA COMPANY'S PRESS.
1824.



895.8
į
LbH
+T48
1


7-22-88
(
5-17-2
36214
PREFACE.
IN submitting the following Translation of a Popular Chinese Work to the
public, an apology seems unnecessary, for though much has been written
respecting the Chinese, their poetry has remained almost unnoticed. This
has arisen chiefly from the difficulties which the language presents to fo-
reigners, and has discouraged every attempt of the kind, beyond a Stanza,
or a few occasional verses. As those translations are considered inade-
quate for an European to form a correct opinion of their poetry, an at-
tempt has been made to render into English, the Hwa-tseenThe
Flower's Leaf,' the Eighth's Chinese Literary Work. It is a work of
more than ordinary length, for most of their poetry consist only of a
few verses, written, it might be presumed, on the spur of the moment.
花箋
​Though the Chinese are fond of poetry, they have no Epic poems; and
while they are wanting of those beauties which distinguish the works of the
Roman and Grecian Poets, they have nothing that resemble the extravagan-
ces of their Gods and Goddesses. The art of Poetry, if it may be so called,
notwithstanding is thought a great accomplishment, and every one who has
iv.
This pro-
any pretentions to letters, indulges himself in writing verses.
ceeds probably from the candidates at the public examinations being re-
quired to write one of their themes in verse. It does not appear that the
Chinese are not sufficiently inventive to excel in poetry, but that they fail
from adhering to ancient laws laid down. Nor will it be imagined, that of
about seventy thousand graduates, (besides those who have acquired de-
grees) who still devote themselves to letters, and attend at each triennial
examination, many of whom have applied both to book and to nature,
that there is not one who has genius and an inventive imagination—but
the contrary may be presumed, Even Tsaou-tsze-këen, who is one of
their eminent Poets, exceeded not the usual laws laid down by his pre-
decessors; and though there are several volumes of his poetry extent,
they are all of that short description. The Chinese prefer a slight al-
1
lusion to a subject, rather than amplify it.
}
The odes of the She-king, which were compiled by Confucius, are ge-
nerally short, containing only four characters in a line; resembling our
Iambic verse; and few odes that exceed five couplets, or Chinese verses,
But being their ancient national odes, in praise of their sovereigns, great
statesmen, and of a miscellaneous description, independent of the com-
piler, they are held in high esteem.*
* As Du Halde is a little erroneous in his division of the She-king,
and in several of his remarks on that work; the reader, by a perusal of
the preface by an eminent writer, will be enabled to form his own opi-
It commences thus: "A certain person asked, Why odes were
nion.
V.
The Hwa-tseen, from which the following translation is made, is in
a colloquial style, peculiar to the province of Kwang-tung, and is much
read by persons of both sex. The reviewers of the work, pass very high
encomiums on it, and rank it next to Se-seang, another work on Courtship.
It made its appearance during the Ming dynasty, and is supposed to be
the production of two persons of Canton, who had acquired high literary
honors. It is of the narrative kind, as most of their poetry is that is
of any length, affording a greater scope to the genius of the poet than
what they usually indulge in, for the Chinese not having been favoured
with that mine of rich and sublime ideas, (the Sacred Scriptures) or but
partially, which other nations have, must generally speaking, be deficient
in invention, variety of imagery, sublimity of thought, as well as of bold-
ness of metaphor.
written? I replied, Man when created, possessed a quiescent principle, the
principle of heaven: excitements proceed from what is around us; hence
there is motion, or inducements, the desires of nature. Having desires,
it is impossible not to think; possessing a thinking faculty, it is impos-
sible to be without language; having language, what is there that may
not be fully comprehended? By means of which we deliberate, admire,
rejoice, and lament. There being, doubtless, an infinite variety of
concordant sounds, it is by a combination of those sounds that poetry is
made. It was asked, Is poetry proper for instruction ? I replied,
Odes are the resemblance, in words, of the effect of things on the mind.
As the heart is excited by correct or virtuous principles, words being their
form, poetry accordingly, is correct or the contrary, As the Sages are of
the superior order of beings, they excite nothing but what is correct; hence
vi.
In the original, the poem is not only interesting, but often poetical.
But in a close translation, it is to apprehended, that it has lost much of
its native softness and connection. However, to those who feel interest-
)
ed in Chinese literature, (as few have been disposed to attempt their
poetry) the translator presumes that the following work, notwithstanding
its many defects, will be perused with pleasure; and he thinks that those
who are fond of rural poetry, cannot but be pleased with the Chinese
description of a garden, and their frequent allusion to the flowers, that
occur in the course of the work. The distress and reciprocal feelings
of the lovers, the pleasing and artful address of the servants, with the
virtue and constancy of the young ladies, are not only entertaining por-
tions of the poem, but appear calculated to excite the softer feelings of com-
passion: while the gallantry and bravery of Leang, and the disinterested
what they have written is proper for instruction. If the excitements or in-
fluences are many and various, and it be not easy to make selections, doubt-
less they considered what made for and against their principles, and warns
and corrects accordingly-hence their writings are proper for instruction.
When the state Chow was in its prosperity, B. C. 700, the state odes, and
those which prevailed among the people, were correct and chase. The sages
of that day set them to music, and communicated them to the people, to the
smaller states, and thoughout the whole Chinese empire. During the
Leč-kwo period, when the sovereigns made tours through the kingdom,
the poetical productions of the day were collected and submitted to thein.
The compositions that excelled were recorded. During the two reigns
of the emperors Chaou and Müh, this usage was adhered to, but afterwards
was discontinued. When, from the commotions that prevailed, the govern-
vii.
friendship of Hea ou, added to the interest the Emperor took in the marri-
Din
age of the former, seem to claim for the poem, an attention which it might
not otherwise demand.
The style of the original, in Chinese, is called Muh-yu. It consists of
four lines to a verse, and seven characters or words in each line; but the
poem affords specimens of several kinds of metre, as may be noticed by the
number of characters in a column.
The Se-seang, mentioned above, is very different from the IIwa-tseen.
That work is in the form of a Dialogue, and is written in a concise strain.
The responses or chorus are sung, which are composed without any atten-
tion to the quantity of the rhythm; some lines of the chorus consist only
of one or two characters, and others even of twelve and fifteen, but the last
To each of those
character invariably rhymes with the preceding line.
verses there is an appropriate tune affixed to them.
This work is much
ment was removed to the east of the empire, poetry was no longer cultivated.
Confucius, lived during this period, not being called to the throne, he
possessed not the power to induce the government to admonish the sloth-
ful-repress the froward-degrade the vicious-and promote the virtuous.
It was at this time that he compiled the She-king, and accompanied it with
explanatory notes. He excluded repetitions-corrected what was indistinct,
-virtuous sentiments, that were inadequate to form a precept, and those of
a vicious tendency, that did not afford a warning, were by him all laid aside.
Having retrenched and revised the work, he published it, that it might pass
down to posterity. Here the student and the lover of antiquity obtain in-
formation, with regard to the virtues and vices of the ancients. Here the
virtuous man finds a preceptor; the profligate character, motives to change
!
viii.
extolled by the Chinese, both for the talent displayed, as well as for its cor-
rect sentiments.
In the preface to the Hwa-tseen, when describing the nature of Chinese
Poetry, the following account occurs. There are stanzas, which consist
of only four or eight lines; and which contain five or seven characters in
each line, and rhyme every other line. There are also verses of five and
seven characters, of which every other character rhymes; i. e. allowing the
second character to be Ping-shing, Even sound,' the third would be Tscih,
Oblique sound,' either of the three sounds Shang, Kew, Juh; and the
fourth character would be Ping, as the second character of the same line.
This rhyming of characters or words, is carried through the verse, so that
the first and third line, second and fourth line, rhyme character for cha-
racter. In the eight line verses, while causing every other line to rhyme
his mode of living. The laws for poetry then laid down, though then not
adopted, have since become models for ten thousand ages; thus the odes of
that age, afford instruction to the present day.
It was asked, in what do the
differ? (The She-king is divided into four parts, Fung
Scaou-ya
and Ta-ya
National airs, and
Eulogies,
National odes,
Lesser and greater Elegant Extracts,
and Sung Eulogies.) I replied, I have heard that the national Odes were
written by the lower class of the people, and were sung by both male and
female, and contain their ideas or sentiments. The two sections Chow-nan
and Chaou-nan, the one containing eleven, and the other fourteen odes, a-
lone enabled the illustrious prince Wan-wăng, to regenerate his people-
their sentiments became correct, in their intercourse they suffered not their
pleasures to approach to lewdness; and when lamenting, their grief was not
ix.
they frequently make the four middle lines still farther to agree; i. e. if
the two first characters of the third line contain a single meaning, or ex-
press two distinct actions, the two first characters of the fourth line, must
also convey one or two meanings; the same attention is also paid to
the last three characters of the middle lines; i. e. if they contain one, two,
or three significations, the third line must also contain the same number
of distinct ideas, and so through the other two lines." This kind of verse
is considered the most difficult of Chinese poetry, and is greatly admired.
As such compositions require a retentive memory, there are but few poets
who excel in it; for though each Chinese character is a distinct word, it
often occurs that two or more characters are necessary to form a phrase.
In the Hwa-tseen, from which this is taken, there are several verses of the
carried to excess. Those writings are models for national poetry. From
the state Pe, and downwards, during the intervals of peace and commotion,
poetry of a moral and immoral tendency prevailed. The beautics of the
national airs, ascribed to the earlier poets, were by those latter writers en-
tirely departed from. As to the Eulogy poems, they commenced during
tha Chow dynasty, and were adoped by the reigning emperors, and at an-
nual sacrifices. They are harmonious and grave. Their meaning is signi-
ficant and profound. And being composed by the disciples of the sages,
doubtless they will be transmitted to the latest posterity, without under-
going any alteration. Owing to the period in which the worthies lived,
who commiserating the viciated customs that then prevailed, generously,
faithfully, and sincerely endeavoured to excite the people to virtue, and to
detest vice. This is what they aimed at. Really the eminent scholars of
the present day are unable to rank with them. As those odes are now
b
X.
above composition, and yet the thread of the story is continued without the
least interruption.
In the preface to the Tang-she-ho-keae, collection of short Stanzas for
the use of Literary Students, is the following account of the progress of poe-
try: "Poetry did not commence with the writers of the odes which form
the work called She-king, for the Teen-mo, a work on poetry existed much
earlier. From that period, the writers of poetry continued to improved
till the publication of the She-king, which Confucius denominated a King,
or Classical Work, a standard for succeeding ages. In the order of succes-
sion, the works of Le-saou, formed a new era in Chinese poetry, which
lasted till the Han dynasty, when the poets Loo, and Le, introduced
formed into a King, or Classical work, and treat of occurrences in life, it
must be handed down. The ways of Providence are conspicuous in their
writings. It was asked, what plan should be adopted to become acquaint-
ed with them? I replied, In the commencement of the work, are the odes of
Chow-nan and Chaou-nan. Seek to possess yourself of their correct prin-
ciples, and compare them with those of the Lee-kwŏ period, and become
acquainted with the changes that the states underwent. Attend to the
the harmony and laws of the Ya sections, and stop with the Sung Eulogies.
This plan is of the greatest importance to those who wish to be acquainted
with poetry.
Then each division and section will appear in connective
order. When recited, they will appear elegant and rich in thought. Ex-
amine their hidden springs, and investigate the language. It teaches to
adorn one's self with virtue and to regulate the family; and are the princi-
ples universally allowed. The enquirer, satisfied with the information
given, withdrew." Choo-he, the Prince of Literature.
xi
the metre of five monosyllables. From the reign of Höen-te, (close of
the three contending nations), A. D. 552; names of celebrity arosed,
when every
one adopted his own metre, From the dynasty Chin, to
the end of the dynasty Suy, (during an interval of about 70 years,)
no regard was paid to ancient laws laid down for poetry. At the com-
mencement of the Tang dynasty, poetry made nearer approaches to
perfection, and the poets Ching and Sung, who concealed under a plain
style its beauties, laid aside the bombast. Their odes when sung, had
an agreeable effect. When the dynasty Tang was in its splendour,
poetry was very generally cultivated, and may be compared to a tree.
The three hundred odes (the She-king) its roots; the poetical productions
of Loo and Le, its tender sprouts; the compositions during the reign of
Heen-te, its branches; during the Six Dynasties, its leaves; when, from
Lang and downwards, its pendant branches bore delicate and beautiful
flowers,".
In reference to the structure of Chinese poetry, Sir George T. Staun-
ton's remarks, when speaking of Chinese Poetry, in his Miscellaneous No-
tices relating to China, are too judicious not to be availed of: "The great
difficulty (he says) of Chinese poetry has not been over-rated, though it seems
to have been imputed to wrong causes. The structure of their poetry is in
fact much the same in principle as that of ours. Their stanzas are measured
as with us, and the order of the characters, that is of the words, is regulated by
xii.
what we term their accent or intonation, just as our syllables and words,
when monosyllabical are chosen and placed according to quantity, The
beauty as well as difficulty, arising likewise from much the same causes-
namely, the use of images, metaphors and allusions, and sometimes of in-
dividual words, which though not trite or universally obvious, at once
strike the intelligent reader, as happy and appropriate,"
Mr. Bowring's remark on Russian poety, is not inapplicable to the
Chinese, by substituting China for Russia, "Many phrases cannot be verbally
rendered—many associations cannot be felt, To a Chinese red and beau-
tiful are synonymous; he uses the same word for both, Does a Chinese
see any thing brighter than the sun, or vaster than the ocean, or more
beautiful than a cloudless night? Is any thing more venerable than his
mountains, or more poetic than his streams" and gardens ?
The Eloge de la Villa de Mougden, traduit en François par le P.
Amiot, 1770, has not met the notice of the translator, and he is indebted
to the Miscellaneous Notices for its account. From the extracts given,
however correctly rendered, not retaining the form of the original, can give
the European reader but an imperfect idea of the structure of Chinese
poetry, having adopted much more freedom, than the translator of the
following work could, from the plan he has adopted, and which seems
best calculated to give the sense and meaning of his author.
The same
may also be said of Du Halde, for the few poems that occur in his work
1
rendered from the She-king. His style is far too diffuse to give the ani-
xiii.
mating style of the original.
ed as an apology for the defects that may be noticed in the course of
the present work, As a work of fancy, the translator submits it to the
reader and hopes, together with the notes, that while it holds forth
the spirit of the original, it will be found no small acquisition to that
branch of castern literature to which it particularly belongs,
The failure of these authors is advanc-
Macao,
February, 1824,
P. P. T.
INDEX.
Introduction,
Leang taking leave of his mother,
An interview with his aunt Heaou,
Conversation between the two brothers,
The Young Ladies at Chess,
Pih-yuč going after the chess board,
Leang's Private thoughts,
Leang interrogating his Aunt,
*
Thoughts while walking by the light of the moon,
The young Ladies return home,
On purchasing a study,
On visiting and writing an Ode,
PART II.
Leang's thoughts on returning to his chamber,
The Mistress and Maids reading the Ode,
General Yang returns the Visit,
The husband and wife desiring a Son-in-law,
Leang communicates his wishes to the Maid,
Yun-heang communicates what has transpired,
Leang again meets with Yun-heang,
PART III.
Page
1
4
8
12
•
14
19
25
27
31
.
35
39
43
50
52
55
57
59
67
71
The Mistress and Servant looking at the moon,
76
A second meeting of the lovers,
83
Sighing before the flowers,
89
The Mistress and Maid,
92
The Oath of Constancy,
100
Marriage decision while on board ship,
115
The Servant sent to bid his Master's return,
117
Taking leave beneath the bamboos.
120
XV.
PART IV.
Leang returns home to see his father,
Sighing in the presence of the moon,
Yaou-seen scolds her Servant,
Yaou-seen throwing aside her ornaments,
Yaou-seen informed of her father's entering into office,
The family Yang residing with the magistrate Tsĉen,
Leang's return to Chang-chow,
On hearing of General Yang being surrounded by the enemy,
Heaou advises Leang to attend the literary examination,
The two youths enter the Literary arena,
On the opening of the examination,
Meeting with Yaou-sĉen in the Han-lin garden,
Leang petitions to be sent against the rebels.
Leang surrounded by the enemy,
PART V.
Heaou takes leave of his Aunt,
Yun-heang informing her Mistress of the death of Leang,
The parents hear of the death of their son,
Yüh-king on hearing of the death of Leang,
Leang's manœuvre to defeat the enemy,
The magistrate Lew urging a second marriage,
Yüh-king plunges into the river,
An officer rescuing Yüh-king,
Seeking the corpse of Yüh-king,
Sending a letter by means of an arrow,
The victorious army returns to the capital,
Yaou-seen on hearing of the joyful news,
The three Leaders promoted,
A conversation between Lew and Leang,
A proposal of marriage by his Majesty,
Leang complying with the Imperial will,
Lung petitions his Majesty respecting Yüh-king,
Yaou-seen approves of Leang's marrying Yüh-king,
On marrying two wives,
126
127
134
鹼
​•
139
142
143
146
·
•
152
155
158
160
164
179
181
•
184
•
185
191
193
199
•
•
202
209
214
219
221
224
228
•
231
233
235
238
239
242
•
243
xvi.
BIOGRAPHY.
249
254
271
Soo-hwuy's ode,
Lady Mei-fe, Lady Pan-tsze-yu, &c.
Queen-Tang,
APPENDIX.
On the Revenue of China,
283
Land Tax,
289
Abstract of the Annual Revenue; Manners of the People, and Na-
tural Productions of each Province.
294
Amount of Annual Revenue of China,
313
Income of the Higher Officers of the Provincial Government,
The annual Disbursements of the Civil Government,
314
314
Ministers of State, and number of officers in the Government,
Members of the Hin-lin College, and Income of officers attendant
317
on the palace.
The income of Military Officers,
The number of Troops in each Province,
317
318
319
Amount of sums annually paid into the National and Provincial Treasuries,
and total Amount of Civil and Army List for each Province, 322
Total amount of Revenue; Annual Disbursements; Resources of the
Empire, and Population,
323
An address to the Emperor Taou-kwang, respecting those who have ob-
tained degrees, and on the expenses of the palace,
325
土
​hoa 140 (8844
Isten 118. (7490)
ta.34.
i. 61.
61. (2958)
CHINESE COURTSHIP.
1 2 3
6 7 8
起​秋​只​人​細​人​得​何
​凭​風​見​話​想​生​快​妨
​危​吹 ​天​雉​何​樂​竊
​欄送​】孫夜​上期​苦​時​玉
​納​白新光​今​會​還​捱​須​共
​蓮如​牛有​凄​快​偷
​凉​香水​郎​會​凉​樂​香​。
工​花箋​大意
​1
2
AS the evening advances, rise, lean on the railing, and imbibe the cool a,
For the autumnal breeze is imbued with the fragrance of the white water lily.
3 A single horn of the bright moon, resembling clear water, can only be seen,
4
5
For to night, it is said, heaven's bride and bridegroom unite. *
Since love exists among the stars, and they have conjugal intercourse,
⑥ Why should living man endure distress, and be benumbed by the cold ?
7
At seasons of joy and mirth, he should be sprightly and merry;
8 What should hinder his coveting a pearl, or robbing a flower of its fragrance?
new
* This alludes to the constellations Chih-neu織女​Lyra, and Këen-
牽​牛 ​or New-lang 牛郎 ​Capricornus. The Koo-sze-yuen says, East
of the Milky Way is the constellation Chih-neu, the grand-daughter of Tëen-
te, (sovereign of the stars). She was very industrious, and yearly wove articles
of delicate texture.
So intent was she on weaving, as to be careless of a-
B
2
1
1 2 3
G
10
12
但​私自​只​山​多​但​龠​埋​故
​能​情​古​要​水​情願​要​途​聞​情​没​此
​兩​密​有​堅​無​唔​世​而 ​好​風​替
​下​約​情​心情​信​間​廢​段​似​流​他
​全​也​等​能​肯​情​就​奇海​誰​后
​終​何​途​頭​耐​成​聚​重​拋​風​天​曉
​始​妨​願​雙​會​忘​者​荒​月​長得​看
​Since persons of different sex can dwell in harmony together through life,
2 Why should not we, by a secret agreement, enjoy the entercourse of love ?
The ancients when once in love, were bent on enjoying their heart's desire,—
5
Be therefore of a firm mind, and patiently wait till united in one. [selves;
Though mountain springs are insensible of love, yet they revolve within them-
⑥ Why, when so much esteemed, should you believe you are forgotten ~
9
The prevailing wish of the age is, that love should exist during life;
Why then suffer it to decay or expire ere you have half run your course? —
As yet I have heard but of one extraordinary instance of love,
10 Whose natural feelings resembled the sea, and vast expanse of heaven.
11
12
To prevent so unusual occurrence of galantry from being unknown,
I narrate it, for the happy pair, that posterity may peruse it.
dorning her person. Teen-te, commiserating her living alone, married her to
Këen-new, a constellation to the south of the Milky Way. When married,
she no longer applied herself to work. The sovereign displeased, ordered
her to return to her former residence, and from that time only permitted her
once a year to visit her husband, which takes place on the seventh evening of
the seventh moon. Chih-neu is now worshipped by unmarried women to ob-
tain skill in embroidery.
3
2
蘇​有​父母​雁​名​貌​才​風雅​年​只
​州 ​號​親​行​諱​比如​流​致​登​待
​府​才​印​姚​孤​芳​春​鮮​好​猶​十​飛
​内人​波​氏​獨​洲​紅​錦​似​如​八​騰
​吳​身為​極​無​字​添​燦​騎​跨上
​江​姓​學​賢​兄​亦​月​雲​鯨​鳳​儒​帝
​縣​梁士良​弟​愴​色光​客​郎​列​邦
​It appears that at the district Woo-keang, in the province Soo-chew-foo,
1
2
Dwelt a youth of talent, whose family name was Leang;
His father, a person of letters, was usually called Jin-po,
!-
And his mother, a woman of strict virtue, was of the family Heaou.
As geese are known to walk alone, so did Leang, not having a brother;
His sacred name was Fang-chow, and his surname, Jih-tsang.
His countenance excelled the vernal red when added to the pale white of the
moon;
And his elegant talents promised to lead him to the splendid temple of fame.
As for vivacity and mirth, he greatly resembled Ke-king,
While his decorous and genteel manners surpassed those of Fung-lang.
Having, ere he had attained his eighteenth year, acquired a literary degree,
He impatiently waits that at once he may leap into his Majesty's presence.
32 Werkzeiler.
2:)
4
ON LEANG'S TAKING LEAVE OF HIS MOTHER.
2
6 7
8 9
10
芸​湝​好​百​桃花​人​若​算
​拜 ​來​鳥​花花​惹​因​貌​不​來
​母 ​自​花枝​叢​片​遊​春​何​風​難
​覺​下頭​內​片​人​盡
​片​人​盡​龠​流​及
​多​笑迎​噴​隨​欲​多​得​虛​水
​寥​尋​客人​流​斷​零​久​一​鴛
​登程
​寂​芳​呌​香水​腸​落​長​世​鴦
​YOUNG Leang, surprised, at finding himself alone in the silent study;
1
2 Rosed, and with a smile entered the garden, in quest of a fragrant flower.
> The lovely birds, on his entering,from the tops of the trees,welcomed the visitor,
ہے
And the flowers, for man's enjoyment, emitted their exhalations,
As leaf, after leaf, of the full blown peach, is borne along by the stream,
6 So the rambler is led by allurements till his heart is broken.
y
The flowers fade, and drop their leaves, because spring is gone,-
Where is the man that through life retains the bloom of youth?
If youth be not spent in gaiety and pleasure, the life is in vain,
10 For few are they who enjoy the felicity of the water birds Yuen and Ying,*
*"A pair of faithful birds, much employed to be emblems of matrimonial
fidelity and happiness, by Europeans called Mandarin ducks. Their prevail-
ing colour is a light yellow varied with other colours; the head is red,
the wings black, and the tail long. They are considered the emblem of
conjugal fidelity, from their never pairing after the death of one; and are
eaten as a philtre."
5
2
Ca
مسلم
8 9 10
相​相​自​誰 ​誰​點​等​聞
​等​聞​嫩​意​風
​挨​愛​想​能​能​我​得 ​紅 ​欲 ​流
​相​相​韶 ​得手​長​嬌​館​或
​倚​憐​華​世​個​排​椴​洲​白​者
​池​幾​虛​守​崔​學​多​聞​城​邃
​邊​在​十​孤​鶯​西​美​新​上心
​行​八 ​女​厢女​粧住​腸
​/ Which accompany and lean against each other by the side of the pond,
2 With so much affection and love,-how delightful the sight!
3
When I reflect, eighteen splendid Springs have all passed in vain,
1 I often think, who through life is able to remain a solitary scholar?
/ If now I am unable to obtain Tsuy-ying's lovely daughter,
( Ought I not wait till I have learnt the exploits of the lover Se-seang ? *
Chang-chow, I have heard, has long been famed for lovely women,
7
10
» Who, with a soft pale countenance, strive to excel each other in rich attire.
To the schools of that famed city, am I anxious to remove my abode,
For there to advantage I might realize the pleasures of the mind.
* The Se-seang, work mentioned in the preface, is founded on the fol-
lowing occurrence. A person named Chang-sang (who was repairing to
the capital to attend the literary examination), on his arrival at Po,
heard that an elegant temple had just been built at that place by order
of his majesty. Chang-sang went to see it. At that time Tsuy-she, a
widow, with her daughter, female servant, and slave, were conveying the
corpse of her husband to Po-ling, to inter it. But the country then
being infested with robbers, they were unable to proceed, when she
took up her abode in the new temple. Chang-sang, while looking at
6
1
2
10
忙將​啟​狐
​啟​狐​人​兼​欲​禀​夫​嘗
​忙​言​說話​且​訪​知人​聞
​舉​禀​縣​難​長​交​賢​慈​答
​步​上​中​以​洲​游人​母語​友
​忙忙​舉步​來​堂上
​來​老​無​習​才​盡​相​啓​孩​好
​堂​萱​好​夾子​大​議​行​兒​同
​上​堂​友​章​盛​方​論​裝​聽​您
​With precipitate steps, he then ascended the hall,
1
2 To communicate his wish to his aged mother: -
3
He began by stating, "In this village I am without a kind friend,
And the student from being alone finds it difficult to acquire fame,
It is said, Chang-chow abounds with men of literary talents,
6 There to advantage I might form a friendship with persons of repute.
My object being to seek a companion with whom I might commune,
??
I beg that you, kind mother, will grant my baggage to proceed.
The lady replied, “ My son, listen to what I have to propose,
/ Having heard that a communicative friend makes a good fellow student,
!
the building saw Ying-ying, the daughter of Tsuy-she; she being exceeding-
ly handsome he fell in love with her; and begged of her servant, who was
called Hung-neang, to communicate the same to her Mistress. On the
15th of the second moon, while Ying-ying was offering up prayers with
offerings to her deceased parent, a number of persons came on purpose
to see her, among others was Sing-fe-hoo, the chief of the banditti, who
it is said, commanded 5000 men. He afterwards surrounded the temple,
and wanted to seize Ying-ying, and compel her to be his wife.
The peo-
ple being unable to oppose a force so formidable, Tsuy-shc, addressing
77
2
56
3
in
10
况​别​明​當​就​用​月​望​獨家
​且​來​朝​攜​在心​府​兒​愁
​縣​朝​乃​禮​姚​尋​桂秋​父​無
​中​夕​係​物​家​友​枝​榜​在​人
​姚​掛​渠​去​芸​習​原​繼​燕​代
​姈​心​生​稱​館​交​不​書​京​主
​母​腸​日​觴​住​章​遠​香​遠​張
​/ You can reside with your aunt Heaou, in the hëen district,
2 Who, since we took leave of each other, has been constantly in my mind.
To-morrow will be the anniversary of her birth day,
/ You will take a few presents, and ge ani congratulate her on it's return.
In the house of your aunt, you may persue your various studies,
6 And there seek an accomplished companion, one after your own mind.
Ere long, my son, I hope you will pluck the Olea Fragrans from the moon,
And at the autumn examination have your name enrolled with your ancestors.
I only regret, that your honored father lives so remote as Yen-king,
For now I shall have no one to assist in managing the family affairs.
;
the priest said, whoever can devise a plan to defeat these plunderers, whether
priest or not, I will give my daughter Ying-ying to wife. Chang-sang, on
hearing of it, and being well acquainted with Too-kes, a general of that
country, despatched him a letter, who came, and after several severe battles
dispersed the banditti. The mother of Ying-ying elated, instantly pro-
mised her daughter to Chang-sang, who after obtaining literary honors
at the capital, returned and married the amiable Ying-ying. Her charms,
and filial affection for her deceased parent, render Ving-ying an agreeable
heroine. The Se-seang is frequently alluded to in this poem.
8
2.
7
10
12 13 14
孩​免​語​家​禮​别
​耳
​速​一​棹​忘舟​敬呼夫
​兒​今​畢​物​親
​姚​府
​喚​葉​歌​機​泊​入​童​人
​早​母​滄​倌​般​步
​圖​倚​忙​束​俱​到
​歸​閭​拜​行​取​長
​計​看​别​裝備​江
​祝
​尙​老​亦​歸諸​和 ​舟​浮​聲​鷗​蘇​城​先​傳
​人​槎​徹​鳥​州​來​入​命
​來​印​雲​自​齊​拜堂​請
​解​碧​端​迴​上​妗​前​梁
​纘​滄​响​翔​岸​娘​禀​郎
​My son, you must early contrive to plan a speedy return,
2. Thereby prevent your aged mother from leaning over the door with expectation.”
3
When she had thus spoken, Yih-tsang took an hasty leave of his mother,
When several domestics entered to carry his baggage on board.
ہو
The presents of various kinds being prepared,
He left his mother and proceeded to the river Chang.
!
AN INTERVIEW WITH HIS AUNT HEAOU.
9
The boatman was ordered in haste to cast off the painter,
When the boat glided along, as a leaf impressed on the green surf.
The echo of the boatman's song, being heard from beyond the clouds,
Caused him to forget to observe the flight of the ominous bird Gow.
10
On the boat anchoring at Soo-chow, Leang went or shore,
12
And entered the city, reverently to pay his respects to his aunt.
?
His servant was despatched to announce his arrival,
14
When the lady communicated her pleasure to see Master Leang.
9
1 2 3
4
6 7
8 9
10
12
13
15 16
生​啓​薄​少​夫​吟​料​姑​賢​蟾​復​寸​梁​輕​椿​愚
​見​言​具​致人​吟​必爺​甥宮​蒙心生​微萱甥
​姈​母​微​殷​聞​微​尊​京​近​不​厚​懷​答禮​幸​無
​娘​命​儀​勤​見笑​堂上​日​日​禮​納​語​物​托​分
​忙​到來​表​多​答​多​定​才​桂​重​未​稱​愧​平​繼
​下​稱​致​寸​歡​梁​納安​情​枝​重​嘗​唔​難​安​書
​拜​觴​賀​腸​喜​郎​福康​好​香​至​忘​敢當​福​香
​The youth, on seeing his aunt, hastily made a low bow,
[return.
2 And said, « By my mother's command I congratulate you on your birth day's
3 She has sent you a few presents, which she begs you to accept,
4 Though trifling, they manifest her kind remembrance.
The lady, on hearing what he said, was exceedingly elated,
6 When with a smile and affable air, she thus accosted young Leang,
"Doubtless your honored mother continues to enjoy many a blessing,
8 And my brother-in-law, at the metropolis, is in his wonted good health.
10
G
I am happy to learn, that my nephew delights in literary persuits,
And is intent on plucking the Olea Fragrans from the palace of the moon.
// Again, I heartily thank you for your many and valuable presents,
/2 Their remembrance, I will cherish in my heart, and will never forget them. "
13
Young Leang, addressing her, said, "It is unnecessary to flatter,
For such trifling invaluable presents, I blush at what you say;
// My father and mother, relying on your auspicies, are happy,
16 But(I) your nephew has not intellect, to continue the fame of his ancestors.
C
10
67
9
10
11 12
1 2 3 4
亦無​人​問​夫​知​才​指​不​暫​梁​賜
​因​人​聞​此​友人​子​高​日​留​生​館
​做​指​貴​尋​文​八​題​舍此​聽​洪
​處​點​地​師​答​章​斗​名下​處​罷​恩
​才​易​賢​到​梁​壓​人​在​多​深
​人​抛​人​上​生​上​難​玉清​文​深​敢
​少​聚​方​聽​蒼​及​堂​簡章​揖​忘
​1
The place of my nativity, enjoying but few literary men,
2
And having no one to aid my studies, I easily forget what I have learnt.
3 Long since, having heard that at your honored abode, virtuous men abound,
متر
I
am therefore come to ask a friend to seek me an able tutor."
The lady, on hearing what Leang said, with a smile replied,
7
6 "I know my son, that your aspiring mind, is suppressed only by the heavens';
That your talents equal those of Pa-tow,* which others with difficulty attain,
And ere many days, your name will be recorded in the temple of fame.
9
If you object not to remain in my retired and humble abode,
11
10 You can dwell here for the present and persue your various studies."
Master Leang, on hearing the kind offer of his aunt, made a profound bow,
12. When he said, Your kindness, in granting me a study,shall never be forgotten,”
* Pa-tow, was a name given to Tsaou-tsze-këen, who lived about B. C. 200.
He excelled in writing Poetry and Essays. Tsay-ling-hwan, estimating the
talents of the empire at ten, affirmed that Tsaou-tsze-këen possessed eight
of the number, or as it occurs in the original, Pa-tow, hence his name. Tsze-
köen, was much given to liquor, and on that account degraded, and banished
from the capital by his brother Tsaou-pei, sovereign of Wei. The letters he
addressed his brother, lamenting his fate, are interesting as to matter and style.
11
i
轉​舅​表​慰​夫​相​兒​近​幸
​姚​兄​堂
​聲​爺​弟​我​人​公​在​來得​兒​命​生​弟​前​勸​生
​又​陞​請多​接​傳​您​書​賢​奮​小​迎​相​擺​一沉
​對​任​來​時​語​報​前​史​甥​塞​童​命​酒​酬​醉
​夫​轉​同​間​轉​觀​來​又​前​到​多​進​廳​轉
​人​何​聚​别​言​都​典​抛​共生​去​中​喜​霞​上​紅
​講​方​會​腸道​堂​籍​館​光​請​堂​色​觴​飮​粧
​Again, addressing the lady, he thus further accosted her,
"I am anxious of knowing where my uncle is discharging his office;
I also desire that I may be favored with an interview with my cousin,
Thereby restore peace to my mind, for we have long been separated.”
The lady answering him, was pleased thus to reply,
(My husband, by letter informs me, that he is raised to the rank of General.
My son is now in his study investigating the ancient classics,
Having of late entirely neglected his literary persuits.
”
It is a fortunate occurrence, that you my virtuous Nephew are come,
For by you, the mind of my stupid doltish boy, will be illumined.
She ordered the servant instantly to call his young master,
When Heaou, in obedience to his mother's command, entered the hall.
The two brothers, on meeting, seemed highly pleased with an interview,
When banquetting wine was ordered in honor of the natal day;
Thus the two youths sat pledging and repledging, at the head of the hall,
Till their countenances, from inebriation, became florid.
12
相​又​揖​二 ​曲​金天安​二​只​姚​哥
​兄
​看見​别 ​徑​魚​街​童​生​見​生
​弟​談情
​盡​一夫​携 ​兩​池​直​秉​抱起​你
​改​輪​人手 ​傍​過​透​燭​膝前​對​影
​桃​孤​照​歸​繞 ​栽​百​靑​入​談​月​梁​到
​小花​雲​書​風​入​痕​生 ​移​紗
​花​晒​館​欄
​色​廊​去​杆
​竹​堂房​月光​語​花
​On looking at each other, they perceived they resembled the flower of the peach,
And that the lonely moon's shadow shone on the western wall.
On wishing good night to the lady, as they repaired to their room
The two youths hand in hand, sauntered along by the garden railings.
CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE TWO BROTHERS.
The winding path, on cach side, was planted with small bamboos;
On passing the golden fish pond, they came to the nursery of flowers.
After ascending the terrace, they went direct to the azure-cloud room,
Where the servant, stood with a candle, to conduct them to their apartment.
On taking a seat, the two youths sat at their case, and talked of pleasure,
Till they saw the moon's bright rays shine through the window;
When Heaou, on rising, thus addressed young Leang,
“ Brother, sce, the moon's light casts the flower's shadow within the window.
1
13
我​唔​你​一​亦​呌​有誰​總​因​二​忽​別​留
​想​該​話​生​滄​言​誰​愛​為此​人​傳​下
​人​愁​世​勞​微​賢​風​奔​利​餐​正​母​且​密
​世間​問​碌​笑​弟​月​馳名​風​好命​去​前
​屈​資​多​奔​為​開​未​唔​別​牽​閒​請​高
​春​誰​言​知​貪​故​繫​銘​談​姚​堂​亦
​景​光​客​忙​答​詳​賞​鄉​繄​場​論​郎​上​滄
​Thus men, I think, should be as complaisant as the flower and shadow,
And not mourn nor grieve, but be grateful for the splendour of Spring.
In the affairs of the world, you see there is much hurry and bustle,
I would ask, why is it a life of so much anxiety? ?"
YYh-tsang, with a smile, in answer replied,
« Virtuous brother, I will tell you for your instruction,
That there are none, but what covet pleasure and mirth:
Or that like to ramble remote from their native village:
It is gain or fame that incessantly drags us through life;
What is it else that enables us to dine on the road or sleep on the water ?
While the two youths were thus agreeably conversing together,
A message came from Mrs. Heaou requesting her son's attendance.
On taking leave of his brother, Heaou ascended the hall,
And left Yih-tsang at the window to persue his lucubrations.
7
14
THE YOUNG LADIES AT CHESS.
四​棹​金銀​雙​古​鮮​起​白​風​塘​一
​棋​史上​爐​箏​陸​畫​花​來​見​欄​鶴​擺上​見​帶
​邊​層​花瑤​一​玉​圍​名​盤​窓​杆​避​楊紅​微
​相​層​氣​琴​個​笛​棋​詩​景​外​繞​人​花橋​波
​堆​噴​安​炷​懸​放​垂​列​觀​白​輕​颱​通​漾
​滿​人​玉​名​墻​兩​兩​成風​步​水​内​月
​架​香 ​香​上​旁​便​行​景​塘​月​狂​苑​光
​Eu
Young Leang now saw that the book stands were filled with books, row after row;
And perceived that the flowers in every direction sent forth their fagrance.
On the table lay the pearly dulcimer, with its silver strings,
And in the brazen vase, was lit a stick of famed incense.
The silver sang and pearly flute, hung against the wall,
And in the corner was placed a double set of dice with the chess board.
On each side of the room were suspended ancient drawings and elegant stanzas ;
And the newly blown flowers were arranged in a line.
As he approached the window, he beheld a beautiful prospect,
And also perceived a railed path which led to the white lily pond.
The white stork, on seeing man, retires with a light step to the moon,
And the bending willow causes, by the wind, a ripple on the stream.
On entering the garden, about to cross the red bridge at the head of the pond,
He perceived, in the water, a ripple agitating the reflection of the bright moon.
15
兩​採​遊水​舉​凭​扳​杜​黃​舞​花
​岸​蓮​魚​中​步​襴​枝​搖​鵑​鳥​碎​楷
​垂​船​浪雲​過去​貪​驚​恰
​微
​楊​繫​起​影​橋​弄​採​起​似​聲​輪​露
​相​柳​波​白​臨​野​茶​鳥啼​惱​明​酒
​對​陰​中​洗水​花​薇​飛​殘​客​月​衣
​舞​旁​錦​茫​閣​香​露​狂​月​腸​色​裳
​On each side of it's banks, danced the drooping willow,
While in the shade lay the boat for gathering the fruit of the water-lily. *
The sportive fish caused the ripple on the water to sparkle,
While the reflection of the clouds in the pond, appeared a vast void.
On crossing the bridge, he ascended to the cool pavilion,
Where he leaned over the balusters and plucked the wild flowers.
On his reaching the branches of the Too-we, to obtain their dew,
Their motion, unexpectedly, alarmed the birds, which flew in confusion.
The cry of the Too-keuen,† was as if weeping for the moon expiring,
While the cries of the yellow bird, enraged the visitor's breast.
The motion of the branches effaced the moon's bright reflection,
When the dew, from their tops, besprangled his clothes.
* In the provinces of Fo-kien and Canton, the water-lily is cultivated very
generally, it's root is a common article for the table, and the seeds are much
esteemed. At Canton there are ponds, or land inundated for rearing them,
several acres in exent, hence the poetical allusion of a boat for gathering the
flowers. The white flowers, by the Chinese, are prefered to the red.
+ A species of the cuckoo, the harbinger of Spring.
16
再​梅​孔​金​面​干​小步​只​芳​薔​好​輕
​過​子​雀​籠​前​葉​想​生​轉​見​草​薇​花​輕
​小青​雙​鶵​一​桃​仙寧西​嬌​凄​隱​我​移
​橋​青​雙​鵡​所​花​源​願​邊​嬌​凄​隱​亦​步
​臨​逰​呌​藏​種​如​做​紅燜​迷​出​無​轉
​曲​兩​月​聲​春​兩​有​漁​杏​去​高​心​芸
​徑旁​下長​塢行​路​郎苑​芳路​墻賞​窓
​After crossing the little bridge, he came to the winding path,
When he saw, in luxuriance, the green plums hanging on each side.
It was there, that he first saw a pair of poacocks, just flown from the moon,
And parots, of lofty note, in cages of gold.
Before him lay the island called Tscang-chuen,
On its banks danced the thousand leaved peach.
From hence a road he imagined must lead to the immortal springs,
If so, how desireable for him to become the fisherman Yu-leang. *
On taking a few retrograde steps to the west, he entered the almond grove,
Where he saw the delicate red almonds which had strove to appear in Spring.
The grass, had grown luxuriantly, and obscured the path,
And the spreading branches of the Tscang-we, † ascended above the lofty wall.
Having no taste for admiring the flowers that were in full bloom,
With a slowful and careless step he strooled back to his study.
* Yu-leang, a person, in ancient story, said to have met with an immortal
at the sacred streams Taou-yu. + Tseang-we, or Too-we, a rose that groWS
large, like a vine, and that bears flowers in clusters.
17
細​夜​悄​遠​花​似​笑聲​隨行​花​凑​了​唔​故​梁
​想想​深​聲望​間​有​語​嬌​風​前​問​環​去​生
​送​誰​尙​移​牡​斜​幾​頻​必​蘭​仔​原​浮​錯​亭​得
​得​人​有​步​丹​影​人​頻​定​麝​細​有​雲​認​前​到
​棋​咁​棋​入​亭​有​花到​風​過​偷​女​遮​係​報​石
​聲​在​中東​一​燈下​耳​流​來​觀​人​朗​姚​小​欄
​到​行​方​座​光​旁​女​香​看​行​月​郎​姐​杆
​While considering, the eastern wind, wafted the sound of the chess board,
Who, thought he to himself, can be thus happy?
At this late hour, is it possible that any one can be playing at chess?
When, without the least noise, he lightly tripped to the eastern room.
From a distance, he saw a seat in the Mow-tan summer house,
And by the reflected shadow of the flowers, he espied a lamp ;
When he perceived several persons were standing beneath the flowers,
Whose shouts of laughter, repeatedly burst on his car,
Such shrill sounds, he thought, must doubtless come from some gay lass,
Which being wafted by the wind, were as a breeze impregnated with perfumes.
On advancing towards the pavilion, he espied,
Several girls walking to and fro among the flowers.
By a fortunate occurrence,a cloud at that moment obscurred the bright moon,
When the servants, through mistake, recognized him for young Heaou;
By their not entering the summer house, to inform their Mistress,
Leang was enabled to reach the stone balustrades of the pavilion.
D
18
睇​圍​南​入​料​好​天色​整​唔做​丢​梁​杏​芙
​見​棋​邊​眼​知​他​胆​想​乜​下生​賑​蓉
​嬌笑​一​誰​不​留​就​前​驚​花​一​着​時​面
​姿​着​個​知​是​意​從​去​動​一​間​個​棋​意​時​色
​人​對方​斷​塵​等​今​會​沙​頻​細​關​柳
​兩銀​披​客​凡​劉​晚​嬌俏​年​舉​觀​住​眉
​個​釭​髮​腸​女郎​大娘​丟​眼​郎​步​看​我​長
​There he beheld, to his surprise, two lovely young women,
Sitting tittering, while playing at chess by the aid of the silver light!
The hair of her who sat towards the south, did not reach beyond her shoulders,
On glancing an eye, who could have known his spirits would have been wounded !
These ladies, he might be certain, were not mortal creatures,
For they greatly resembled those genii who retained a thought of Lew-lang,
This night, a mere glance of their persons, made him courageous,
When adjusting his clothes, he entered to view their beautiful forms.
Little did he think, that while surprising the ladies, he would be smitten by a
glance of the eye.
[flowers!"
《What !”exclaimed they, "there is a young man rushing from among the
Down the ladies threw the drafts, and hastily ran away,
When Leang endeavoured minutely to survey them.
He could only perceive, that as she cast her almond eyes on him;
She resembled the flower Foo-yung,* and her eyebrows the willow's leaf.
* Hibiscus Mutabiles, a handsome growing flower.
19
1
1
生​春​的
​我​一​梁​姊​沉
​玉瑤​你​做
​點​成風​息​重​咕​除​生​妹​吟 ​碧​人​仙​們​也
​1月​坐​小​幾
​紅​模​陣​金​回​哩​了​如​二​無​月
​唇​樣​陣​蓮​頭條​環​醉人​語 ​收​定​姐​個​佢
​眞 ​斷 ​羅 ​二 ​𨳊​個 ​殘​死​跟​倚​擕​轉 ​棋​東​呌​欄​直到
​佾​人​衣​寸​一笑​花​主​欄​玉香 ​坡​芸​杆​欄
​麗​腸​捲​長​臉旁​去​杆​手​房
​A red dot, on her chin, gave beauty to her person,
椅​香​外​杆
​While her elegant form was enough to break the heart of man.
As each succeeding gust of the vernal breeze, moved her dress,
He beheld the golden lilies (her small feet), which exceeded not three inches.
On her looking round, with a smiling countenance,
He was as one death-smitten by the side of the flowers.
The servants, in waiting, with their Mistress, instantly withdrew,
When Leang, leaning against the railings, appeared as intoxicated.
The two sisters, grasping each other by the pearly hand,
Surprized, dained not a word, but entered the fragrant apartment.
FII-YUE, GOING AFTER THE CHESS BOARD.
When the fair lady, had scated herself in her arm chair,
Miss Yaou-sċen called her servant Yun-heang,-
เ
“When,” said she, " Several of you were without the palisades,
Why permit that youth to approach without announcing him:
20
平​露​得​猖​芸​呌​賤​月​八​行​彩​早​人​姨​想​花
​生​面​知​狂​香​言​妾​陰​人​移​姬​時報​娘​必​前
​與​相​佢唔​見​小​幾​難​都唔​小​共​梁​留​醉​撞
​佢​逢​係​似​問​姐​人​辨​話​係​姐​婢​家​飲​中​着
​無心​誰​大將​聽​佢​姚​咁​開​出​公​歇​遊​亦
​相​㸃​家家​言​言​下行​公​猖​言​中子​芸​何
​識​安​子​方​禀​章​立​藏​子​狂​答​堂​到​您​月​妨
​From the day of my birth, of him I have not the least knowledge ;
To be seen unveiled, greatly disturbs my mind,
I should like to know to what family this rude youth belongs,
For such liberties, shew a want of good breeding.”
Yun-heang, on hearing what her Mistress said,
Thus simply replied for the information of the young lady,
“ Your slave, with several others, while standing beneath the flowering shrubs,
Were unable, from the moon being obscured, to discern who slyly walked along.
We, all concluding that it was no other than Master Heaou,
Therefore, did not think his approach a breach of good breeding.
Miss Tsae-ke, on rising, thus addressed her companion,
This morning, when I left the inner hall with the servants,
A person came and announced the arrival of Master Leang ;
Your Mother welcomed him into the adjoining room, to regale himself;
I suppose, through inebriation, he has taken a ramble by the light of the moon;
Seeing nothing but the flowers, he rushed forth, where was the harm?”
21
}
語​檯​料​圍​碧​穿​遠​如​手​我​世​行​梁​小​為
​罷​中​必​棋​月​花​望​癡​托思​想​人​近​生生​娘
​瑤​棋​梁​收​領​隨​梁​如​香腸​深​多​牡​遠​一​飛
​仙子​生​起​言​柳生​醉​腮​斷​閨​少​丹​遠​副​散
​呼​未​歸​速​花​繞​猶​倚​愁​為何​為​亭​揖​魂​在
​碧​收​去​歸​下​池​未​襴​默​嬌​奸​花上​嬌​和​何
​月​藏​了​房​去​塘​去​杆​默​娘​已​去​娘​魄​方
​When Tsae-ke had thus spoken, Yaou-sëen calling to Pih-yuě, said,
"You left the chess-board with its men on the table;
When you think young Leang has withdrawn,
You will go for the board and bring it with speed."
Pih-yuě, on being bid, hastened into the garden,
On following the winding path, she passed along by the flowers to the fish pond;
While at a distance, she perceived, that young Leang had not left,
But looked, as one foolish or intoxicated, leaning against the railings.
His hand supported his check, whilst he appeared lost in thought,
Doubtless, thought she, he has fallen in love with our amiable ladies.
Can I imagine that the ladies of the retired apartments will think of you!
For how many youths of the age perish, through love for the fair!
As she advanced towards the Mow-tan summer house,
Young Leang, at a distance, made her a polite bow,
“
When addressing her, said, My soul with my spirit,
Has flown away with the ladies, I know not whither.
122
見​為​先​定​定​把​臨​笑​有​好​碧​將​誰敢
​姐​雨​時​係​係​人​去​日月​人​係​惹
​此​為​着​嫦​蓬​魂​之​傳​得​張​聞​閨​紅紅
​來​雲​白​娥​萊​魄​時​情​姐​生​言​女​娘
​知​學​誰​到​天​盡​丟​惹​共通​小心​比​共通​到
​有​楚​家​此​上​飛眼​胆​音​卻​事​西​廣
​意​王​女方​女​揚​色​肝​信​娘​惱​廂​息​寒
​On seeing you advance, Miss, I know you are disposed,
To aid me, in imitating the conduct of the sovereign of Tsoo.*
Whose daughter is the lady, that I saw in white?
She certainly is the goddess Chang-go,t from the palace in the moon ;
[
Or doubtless, is an angel that has descended from heaven,
Who, after robbing men of their souls, take their flight.
On leaving the room, she cast on me the glance of her eye,
When her artful smile, excited my affections, and made me courageous.
!
By your aid, I am desirous. of communicating with her, by means of a letter,
And thus imitate the conduct of Chang-sang, by the aid of little Hung-ncang."
Pih-yuě, on hearing what he said, being indignant thus replied,
“ Do yo take the ladies of the retired apartments to be Se-scang ?
Who is Miss Hung-neang, that she should deliver your letters of love?
Or,how dare the red dust (carnal desires) to enter the celestial palace.
It is said of Tsoo-scang, the sovereign of the state Tsoo, that while at
Woo-shan, in Kaou-tang, he passed the night with a genius, who on leaving
him, called herself The morning cloud and evening dews.
+ Chang-go, in ancient story, was the wife of How-seih, who begged of the
23
請​閨​天日​歸​斬​行​梁​姐​做​满​肯
​君​門​上邊​家​斷​埋​生​話​乜​面​話
​莫家​碧​紅​取​相​檯​帶​氷​賣​春天​無
​講​敎​桃杏​把​思​上​笑​清​弄​風​台​路
​風​凛​休​莫​龍​莫​收​啟​塵​過​頻​賺
​流​氷​望​思​泉​掛​棋​言​不​帶​劉
​事​霜​想​量​劍​腸子​章​染​看​笑​郎
​I beg, Sir, that you will decline speaking on love affairs,
For the secluded ladies have been taught to remain as unsullied as isicles.
Cease, therefore, to think of possessing the celestial pearly peach,*
Or being in love with the red almond by the side of the sun.
Hasten home, and seize with speed, the massive weapon,
And slay those feelings, which cause you to love."
On her slyly proceeding to the table, to seize the chess-board,
Young Leang, with a smile, thus further accosted her:
“ If crystal stalactites, as you say, cannot be sullied with dust,
Why did she excite in me those painful feelings of love?
When, with a gay air and undisclosed face, she laughed at me,-
How say, there is no road for Lew-lang + to the celestial altar!
Chang-go without
goddess Wang-moo, a medicine that confers immortality.
the knowledge of her husband, eat it, and was instantly translated to a supposed
palace in the moon. She is now considered the Venus of China.
* It is fabled, 'that the goddess Wang-moo, planted a peach in the western
hemisphere, which bore fruit of a beautiful carnation colour.
+ Lew-lang, a fisherman, of ancient story, is said to have arrived at a
24
望​不​碧​無​我​見​任​如​講​氣​無​誰
​娘​敢​月​情​姐​君君​亦​一​死​緣​憐
​指​忘​聞​休​笑​行​逞​唔​句​花​檢​今
​引恩​言​認容​動​盡憂​笑​前​得​夜
​藍​資​微​有​非​亂​風​也​一一​相​捱
​橋​我​笑​情​别​流​耳​行​亦​思​凄
​路​娘​答​看​意​常​舌​裝​一步​滄​苦​凉
​I hope, Miss, you will shew me the way to the blue bridge, *
Then I will never forget how much I am indebted to you."
Pih-yuě, on hearing what he said, with a smile replied,
"Those who are not in love, cannot sympathize with those who are,-
When my Mistress smiled, could it be on any other account,
Than on seeing you, Sir, as you advanced, entangled in a net?.
You may talk, Sir, as much as you please about love,
My Mistress does not grieve, nor will she listen to what you say,”
When she had thus spoken, with a smile she withdrew,
And left Yih-tsang expiring among the flowers.
Since his mind, without any cause of his own, has been thus wounded,
Who can pity him, though this night he has been bitten by the frost.
sacred island beyond the Taou-yuen streams, where he lived with those
who had become immortal.
* One Po-kang resides at the blue bridge, whoever crosses it, is by her ad-
·mitted into a state of bliss.:
25
LEANG'S PRIVATE THOUGHTS.
生​癡想
​目​只​疎​憎​那​懶​記​佢​于​不安​花
​梁
​送​見​星​殺​堪​步​得​話​今​由​排​前
​柳園​對​回​早​花​撞人​手​就
​人​梢​點​花​此​密​間​前​着​不​段​死
​歸​鍬​明​弄​凄​路​同​肠​碎​做
​去​羅​河​晚​凉​見​弟​悲​家​肝​個​香​何
​急​裳​漢​香​景​長​講​傷​債​腸​偷​客​妨
​WHILE his eye accompanied the fair nymphs, as they hastily withdrew,
He could only notice their dress, as the moon shone through the willows.
A few stars, here and there, besprangled the Milky Way;
He fain would have destroyed the flowers on account of their fragrance.
The beautiful order of the garden, added fresh grief to his mind; [dious.
When with a sluggish step he returned to his room,-the distance appeared tc-
He then recollected what had passed between him and his brother Heaou,
That we ought not to grieve, when beneath the moon, nor in the presence of
the flowers.
Bouncing on her, as when unexpectedly meeting with an enemy or creditor,
It was impossible for man not to have his feelings distressed ;
Nor cease scheming, till he had succeeded in carrying her off;
[flowers ?
For who, for such a lovely woman, would refuse dying in the presence of the
E
26
歸​心​燈​佾​只​白衫​玉​莫​料​北​私​花​恨​忽​月
​窓​心​下​麗​帶​紗​亦​指​道​應​邊​情​問​難聽​沉
​懸​見​唔​靑​裙​不​敲​小​坭​只​一​飛​擂​星
​夜​念​渠​同​蘭​襯​長​棋​生​佛​衣​愛​會​入聲​落
​何​此​真俗​花白​方​幾​心​亦​人​白​如​傍​频​彩
​會​嬌​美女​一​羅​到​在​事​思​亦​衣​膠​紅​徹​雲
​睡​娘​貌​粧​朶​裳​膝行​愴​量​好​娘​漆​粧​耳光
​On retiring to his bed, he was unable to sleep the whole night,
For his heart and mind were suspended to this beautiful Miss;
By the light of the lamp, to him she appeared exceedingly handsome,
And her elegant gait, made her excel the generality of women.
In her hair, was stuck a single flower of the Epedendum;
Her upper dress was of white silk, her petticoat of rich crape,
The former of which extended only to her knees;
And her delicate fingers gently struck the board with the kings as she crossed it.
It is unnecessary to say, that the young gentleman's heart was confused,
For I believe the god Fùh would have been in love with her.
The person, dressed in black, who sat towards the north, was also pretty,
But he loved only the fair lady who was dressed in white.
In the midst of the flowers, he stood as one benumbed,
Enraged because he could not fly to her side.-
Suddenly he was roused by the loud sound of the morning drum ;
As the moon dropt and stars disappeared, the clouds were illumined.
麈
​27
LEANG INTERROGATING HIS AUNT.
生​問
​東​含​滿​懶​夫​見賢​無​館​名​讀​不​書​昨
​梁​方​愁​腔​步​人生​甥​事​邊​花​髋​妨​生​臂
​抱​心​遲早​行​獨有​好詩​遊​乘​會
​出​問​事​遲​起​近處​閒​度​鳥​書​玩​便​探
​紅​擓​難​入​廳​啟​清​見​紅​亦​情​解​將​百
​輪到​梳​畫​前言​幽​日內​見​事​愁​言​花
​現​天​洗​堂​坐​章​館長​通​苑​風光​俗​腸​問​香
​妗
​WHEN the red orb made its appearance in the east,
The distressed knew no relief to his sorrow, though the day had began to dawn.
The uneasiness of his mind made it unpleasant cither to wash or to dress,
When with a lazy step he slowly entered the principal room.
The lady, having previously entered and taken her seat,
On seeing him approach, thus politely accosted him,
« Virtuous Nephew, your remaining alone in the retired study,
Disengaged, the day to you must appear tedious.
By the side of your study is a bridge, which leads to the garden,
Where are famed flowers and lovely birds, with an enchanting prospect.
When, from intense application, you are wearied by the study of poetry,
What should prevent your taking a ramble, by way of recreation?"
The student, from what passed, took occasion thus to reply,
《 Last night, while I was inhaling the fragrance of the flowers,
28
風​遊​偶​望​燈​未​妗​同​髮​他​表​聰​許​頭
​光​人​在​見前​知母​來​母​字​明日​為生
​不​醉​牡​佳​笑​何​答​祝​短​同​彩​人​酒​吾​拖​好
​異​景​丹​人​把​姓​言​壽​些​吾​姬​物​筵​子​肩​着
​蓬​不​亭​有​女​姨​到​身​姊​年​亦​作​吾​白
​萊思​上​一​栱​嬌​舅​中​姓​妹​十​超​講​妻舅​衣
​島​鄉​過​雙​着​娘​女​堂​馬​行​五常​到​房​女​裳
​I beheld a lovely prospect, which might be compared to the region of bliss,
For the rambler, so intoxicated with its beauties, never thought of returning,
By chance, I roved towards the Mow-tan summer house,
Where I unexpectedly saw a pair of lovely ladies at chess;
They sat in the presence of the lamp, tittering and moving their kings.
But as yet I am unacquainted with their names,"
His Aunt, replied, "They are the daughters of my brother and sister,
They are within, and are come to celebrate my birth day's anniversary.
She who you saw with short hair, her name is Ma,
Her mother and I, are elder and younger sisters.
Her usual name is Tsac-ke, and is aged fifteen,
She is well skilled in the affairs of life, and excels the generality of women,
While conversing with her yesterday, at the entertainment,
I promised that my son should receive her in marriage.
She, whose hair reaches her shoulders, is my niece,
Whose chief delight is to appear in white attire,
29
瑤​二​吟​瑤​世聰​人​個​梁​心
​仙​八​詩​琴​上明​品​對​生​在
​正方​每​指​千​壓​想​金​聽​紅
​係​年​出​法​般​省​唔​蓮​罷​閨
​渠​身​驚​更能​料​居​二​心身
​芳​姓​人​高​盡​無​第​村​神​在
​表​楊​句​強​膮​雙​二​長​亂
​Her fragrant name is known to be that of Yaou-seen,
She is of the family Yang, and is just turned the age eighteen.
Every ode that she composes, astonishes mankind,
And when she dictates laws to the harp, it sounds louder and louder;
Being thoroughly versed in every affair in life,
Doubtless she surpasses the whole province, and knows no equal.
For politeness and gentle manners, I think a second is not to be found,
Her golden lilies (her small feet) * do not measure three inches."
Young Leang's spirits, on hearing what passed, were bewildered,
For while he remained in the hall, his heart was in the female apartments.
* The golden lilies has reference to lady Pwan, who was concubine to
prince Tung-hwan, who lived about A. D. 900. She was considered an ex-
cellent dancer. The prince, it is said, had the flower of the water-lily
made of gold, six cubits high, from which was suspended precious jewels.
The wall and ceiling of the room, was painted to resemble the clouds. He
caused lady Pwan to bind her feet in the shape of a half moon, by means
of tape, over which she wore a stocking, and requested her to dance on
the top of the flower of the water-lily, which she did, and appeared
as whirling in the clouds; the effect, it is said, was grand. From this, tis
probable, originated the singular custom, with the women of China, of binding
30
夫夫​書​手​花​昨​夫​呌​笑​人
​人​塗​人​花生​執​香​人言​對話
​幾​答​又​亭​只​金​空​神​頗​侍​梁​讀
​次​應​呌​上​着​盃​噴​女​曉​女生​書
​將​不​人​賞​相​懶​愁​往生​進​將​能​月
​言​成​排​韶​陪​舉人​何​心語​中
​問​章​酒​光​去​嘗​鼻​方​事​觴​道​香
​The lady, again and again, put to him questions,
To which he replied only in a confused indistinct manner,
Perceiving him thus dejected, orders were given for the wing to be placed
In the Gow-hwa hall, that they might enjoy the pleasant splendour of Spring.
The student merely accompanied the lady, wherever she went,
And when scated, lazily lifted the golden goblet to taste its contents.
As the fragrant flowers, to those in love, are void of smell-
He asked, of himself, where is the angelic creature gone that I saw last night?
The lady, perceiving what troubled his mind,
Gave orders for the maids to attend on the wine;
When, smiling, she thus accosted young Leang,
« Those who study, I have heard, can pluck the Olea Fragrans from the moon.
their feet, and causing them to be small ; for many of their customs, or fashions,
such as painting their eyebrows, and dressing their hair to represent birds,
have originated from similar trivial circumstances. In poetry, their small feet
(the smaller the more genteel) are generally styled the flower of the water lily.
* The obtaining the Olca Fragrans, is a poctical figure, and reminds one of
the Roman crowns of laurel, sought by and bestowed on pocts and orators, at
their public games.
31
嫦​常​過​採​梁​開
​娥​望日​個​生​顏
​自​賢​與​嬋​盡​只
​古​甥​兒​娟​着
​貪​步​為​對​夫​飮
​年​廣​月​玉人​瓊
​少
​老​郎​意​漿
​月
​酒花​纏​無​留​日​淚​傷
​闌​前生​奈​沉​濕​心
​只​又去​相​不​西​花​無
​話​撞​買​陪​覺​嶺​邊​伴
​歸​見​書​出​天 ​倚
​「相思
​書​姚​和​外​將​回​為​欄
​館​郎​扇​晚​容止​杆
​It has been said, that the goddess Chang-go, loves those that are young;
It has long been my wish that my Nephew might enter the palace Kwang-han;
When, after a few days has elapsed, I will make a proposal for your marriage,
And for my precious youth, will I select a beautiful Miss."
1
1
Young Leang, fully understood the lady's meaning,
Resuming his pleasing countenance, drank freely of the golden goblet.
THOUGHTS WHILE WALKING BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON.
ON finishing the wine, Leang-sang proposed returning to his room,
But while in the presence of the flowers, he bounced against young Heaou,
By him he was constrained to go and purchase some books and a fan,
Not being able to decline, he consented to accompany him.
They loitered about, till the evening advanced,
And returned only as the sun sunk behind the western mountain.
[flowers ?
While alone, he said, "Who is able to stop my tears, which flow beside of the
All from my heart being wounded, and having no one to lean on !”
32
非​留​思​了​自​起​只​風​料​怎​只​撇​今​伴​從​果
​惹​量​環​是​來​見​傳​得知​因​下​农​人​來​然
​俁​相​欲​唔​懷​觀​月​一​玉​寒​一​私​為​空​唔​今
​入​思​效​肯​人​看​明​陣​人​舘​笑​情​姐​有​信​夜
​桃​透​崔​做​眠​月​如​百​從​斷​留​海​躭​月​懷​咁
​源​膽​張紅​不​華​水​初​花​此​肝​深​樣​煩​痕​人​凄
​路​肝​事​娘​得​光​静香​去​腸​意​長​惱​光​苦​凉
​On retiring to his room, he said, "Last night I trespassed on enchanted ground,
For the desires and feelings of love, scem to penetrate my very gall,
Fain would I imitate the conduct of Chang-sang,
But the servant objects acting the part of Hung-neang.
Being unable to sleep, from cherishing these thoughts in my mind,
I will arise and behold the beautiful splendour of the moon."
Then the bright moon was only to be seen, for man was in his first nap,
And the nightly breeze was imbued with the fragrance of the flowers.
He presumed, that the fair ladies, had retired from the garden,
[heart!
For how were they to know, that in the study, there was a youth breaking his
"My grief" resumed he, “is occasioned by a smile, which sunk deep in my
And, by my feelings, I am as one dragged into an immense ocean,
Why am I, this night, in such distress, on account of these ladies?
Having no associate, but the fleeting shadow of the moon.
[mind,
Hitherto, I would not believe the anguish of a troubled mind,
But, this night, indeed, I am as one benumbed,
33
蘭​鳥​無​夜​轉​空​音​唔​欲將​又​花
​閨​語​聊​深​過​聞​書​想把​情​怕​前
​咫​花​無​寒​牡​孤​每​鴻​瑤​訴​深​亦
​尺​香​賴​冷​丹​雁​欲​雁​琴​出​閨​係
​天​總​花​襲​亭​幾​憑​惱​彈​鳯​人​枉
​涯​斷​邊​衣​上​鴻​髂​月​求​隔​悲
​遠​腸​立​裳​坐​揚​寄​腸​下​凰​遠​傷
​Their apartment, though only a few cubits distant, is to me as remote as the
heavens ;
While the chattering of the birds, with the flower's fragrance, add to my distress.
Here I stand without dependance or support, beside of the flowers,
Late at night, till the cold penetrates my inner garments.”
On turning himself round, he entered the Mow-tan pavilion and took a seat,
When he heard, in the air, the repeated cries of the wild geesc.
By them he was desirous of sending a letter to his beloved,
Did he not think, that their lofty flight, was to distract the stranger's mind.
He was now intent playing, beneath the moon, on his favorite violin,
And detail his feelings, as the bird Fung when seeking its mate Hwang.
Still he was fearful, that the retired apartment lay too remote,
So he remained before the flowers bowed down with grief.
* The birds Fung and Hwang, are two imaginary birds, variously describ-
ed, the latter is the female. History frequently makes mention of their
appearance, and they are considered the king and queen of the feathered
tribe. Their appearance is ominous of national prosperity.
F
34
早​不​又​愁​無​天​耳​依
​知​若​見​人緣​台​聽​前
​凡​移​清​何​徒​無​樵​拭
​世居​風​日​酒​計​樓​淚
​相​桂​嵕​可​傷​學​更​轉
​思​樹​囉​偷情​劉​二 ​芸
​苦​旁​袂​香​淚​郎​鼓​您
​Thus carly have I learnt to know, the pains of love, which occur in every age;
Would it not be better to remove my dwelling by the side of the Kwei tree? *
I fancy, I now see a gust of wind, moving her garments,
O! when will the man of grief be able to present the marriage presents!
What fate has not decreed,-in vain are the trickling tears of grief,
And heaven is unable to teach one the exploits of Lew-lang?"
When he had thus spoken, he heard the drum announce the second watch,
IIis clothes being wet with tears, he retired to his room.
* The Olea Fragrans, but he means by the side of his beloved.
PART II.
THE YOUNG LADIES' RETURN HOME.
回​府
​嬌女
​未​且​自​了​姑​拜​歸​慢​碧​芸
​言​誦​到​環​母​別​家​舉​月​香
​生​姚​來​再​登​拜金​執​前
​為​閨​衙​接​三​程​罷​蓮​匙​去
​多​一​將​轉​留​去​轉​開啓
​家​不​路​和​綉​綉​紗
​情
​惱​娘​日​堂​住​萡​媽​房​戶​窓
​WE will not continue to detail the distress that Leang endured,
But of an individual Miss, who dwelt in the retired apartment.
After she had remained several days at her aunt Heaou's,
Her domestic servant came to request her speedy return,
Her aunt Hcaou, repeatedly entreated her to remain, but she would not;
Having taken leave, she commenced her journey, and was soon out of sight.
On her return home and making her respects to her father and mother,
She carefully lifted the golden lilies, and entered the embroidered room.
Pih-yuě, who wailed on her with the keys, unlocked the silken door,
When Yun-heang, entered to open the gauze windows;
{
36
麗​玉​金玉菊​玉潤​姚​瑤​園​池​牡​碧​個​因
​春​顏杏燕​英​花​霞​衙​仙林​塘​丹​月​晚​冩​竟
​忙​爐​香​行​就​瓶​水景​答​我​亭​接​馬​唔
​把​內​籠​前​汲​插​問​緻​道​木屋​上聲​生​家​會
​粧​炷​薰​拂​新​牡​多​點​多​四​都​見​言​渾​同學
​台​名​錦綉​泉​丹​嬌​風​幽​時​相​陰​過​一​娘​過
​抹​香​被​床​水​香​姐​光​雅芳​似​凉​姐​場​伴娘
​Le-chun, with speed, dusted the dressing glass and toilet;
In the sacred vase, Yüh-lëen, offered some fragrant insence.
Kin-han, laid the coverlet over the fire sereen, to perfume it,
When Yuh-yen, proceeded to dust the curtains and bedding;
Ko-ying, repaired to the purling spring for fresh water,
While Yüh-hwa, stuck a flower of the Mow-tan, in the flower stand.
Yun-keă, came and made enquiries of the lovely Miss,
If her Aunt's mansion and garden were pleasantly situated.
Yaou-seen, replied, "The house is handsome, and garden umbrageous,
And the flowers and shrubs are in bloom all the year round.
The fish pond, greatly resembles that in our garden,
And the Mow-tan summer house is both cool and shady."
Pih-yuě, addressing her Mistress, thus spoke, “Madam,
The evening I met Master Leang, for once I acted foolishly;
My folly was occasioned by your being in company with little Miss Ma;
And hitherto, I have been unable to acquaint you with what occurred;
37
奴​睇​凭​見​佢​魂​一​要說​一​我​入世​相​肝​怕
​奴​見​住​奴​話​魄​意​學​盡​句​亦​家​間​思​腸​相
​前​梁​石​說得​相​貪​劉​幾​言​見​女​有​係​想​思
​晚生​欄​盡​隨​郎​多​來​佢​子​咁​斷​成
​收​未​渾​短​嬌​轉​共​凄​一​眞​有​也​一​掛​多病
​棋​轉​似​和​姐​綉​阮​惨​斷​好​相​情​心​和​為
​子​醉​長​面​房​理​郎​語​腸​笑​干​子​腸​少​亡
​Your slave, on going that evening to bring the chess board,
Saw that young Leang had not retired to his room.
He was then leaning against the pillar, confused, as though intoxicated;
On seeing your slave, he mentioned what occurred to his mind.
He said, "When he had a glimpse of your lovely face,
His soul fled with you into the silken apartment.
His chief desire is to be united with you by marriage,
And of imitating the courtship that united Yuen to the family Lew.
All that he said, was the sincere language of love;
One expression that he made use of, was breaking his heart.'
When I saw him, and heard what he said, I could not refrain from laughing,
To think that a female of a different family, should so much engross his mind.
In the world, can their be such another loving foolish youth,
That the object of his desires should be suspended to his heart.
I know not how much his feelings are wounded,
But I fear, being sick of love, he will die on account of a flower.
38
着​幾​好​我​何小世​古​葉​大​見​只​莫​今 ​縱 ​垂​任
​我​聲​似​姐​間​來​家人​要​引​日​有​簾​他
​幾​長​落​採​聞​常​少女​邪​我​隔​蝴
​句​花​言​有​少​命​年​女人​風​在​思​住​蝶
​詠​自有​隨​斷​深​咁​貪​為​楓​就​行​八​南​齮​花​過
​詞​掃 ​悲 ​流 ​肝 ​好 ​痴​花​偷​月​思​得​綉​時​在​路​煺​間​東
​佢​傷​水​腸​笑​郎​客​香​性​量​正房​北方​月​墻
​When I addressed him a few scolding admonitory sentences,
He repeatedly sighed from severe distress of mind.
Love, like a fallen flower, delights in following the stream;
But I am not the person who can case his troubled breast."
When Yaou-sëen, heard what passed, she laughed prettily,
To think, that in the world, there should be such a foolish youth.
She said, "From time immemorial, numbers, who out of regard for the fair,
Have forsook their families, and died on account of love;
Such conduct scems natural to loving youths,-
Who, on sceing a virtuous girl, can refrain from esteeming her ?"
But the conduct of woman is required to be chaste,
A depraved thought should not be permitted to enter the bride's chamber.
To-day I reside towards the north, while he dwells on the south,
Should he follow the bent of his mind, no road leads to those distant parts.
I will drop the screen, to screen myself from the influence of the flowers
[room.
and moon,
And prevent the butterflies, on ascending the eastern wall, from entering my
39
ON PURCHASING A STUDY.
訪​買​書房
​莫​再​聞​分 ​隔天​今​前​日夜​玉青​夢​時
​訪​言​誦​道​明​斷​上​生生​裡​來​貌​燈​想​時
​主​芸​玉​攪 ​紅人​不​燒​含​垂​為​黃​眠​顛
​婢​密​容​碎​塵​間​邃​了​愁​淚​嬌​卷​思​倒
​私​客​歸​別​難​路風​斷​瞻​對​駝​盡​成​着
​談​斷​去​離​入​渺​流​頭​碧​銀​累​抛​蹓
​論​腸​了​腸​手​茫​愿​香​落​缸​瘦​蹬​裳
​We will not narrate what passed between the Mistress and maids,
But again relate of the broken hearted student.
When he heard that the fair ladies had returned home,
The news was as acute to him, as rending asunder of the intestines.
[creased.
Being thus separated, the difficulty of obtaining his beloved, was thereby en-
For the road, which extends from earth to heaven, cannot be discerned,
He said, "If I am unable in this life, to obtain what I so much desire,
Doubtless it is owing to irreverently worshipping the Gods in a former state.
Daily do I perceive accumulating sorrows to fall on me,
And nightly I ccase not to weep before the silver light;
Thus, from constantly thinking on her lovely person, I am become emaciated,
While the sacred lamp, and volumes of books arc neglected.
Whether sleep, or awake, my thoughts on her account are so confused,
That being deranged, I invert the order of my dress;-
40
思​只​細​盡​整​只​相​院​音​滿​去看​深​速​話​內​花
​量​着​問​道​衣腑​宇書​腹​去​見鎖​命係​中​園
​無​跟​姚​楊​且​潭​深​誰​相​來​府​朱安​人​一
​計​尋​家​爺​去​潭​沉​為​思​來​邊門​童​家​大​所
​酬​在​僮​標​尋​他人​報​何在​一​空​靠前​賣​如有
​心​婀​與​賢​踪​女​不​蘭​處​府​痫​隔​訪​此​揚​池
​願​方​僕​坊​跡​娘​見​房​散​傍​屋​墙​問​房​府​塘
​Love can devise no plan to ease this troubled mind,
But by going and seeking out the residence of this woman.
He then enquired of the boys and servants respecting Heaou's residence,
Who all replied, that father Heaou, lives at Hëen-fang,
As soon as he had changed his attire, he went himself in quest of her ;-
The stately house he discovered, but was unable to see the young lady.
Though the house was large and spacious, no servant could be seen,
That would become the bearer of a letter to the retired apartment.
Perceiving no opportunity to dispel the grief of his mind,
He continued to walk to and fro in front of the mansion.
On his perceiving that the adjoining house was unoccupied,
And that a single wall only separated it from the female apartment,
He ordered his servant to ascertain to whom it belonged,-
Who, on his return informed him that the house was to be sold.
C
“Within,” ” said he, “ the house as to dimensions, is as large as father Yang's,
With a spacious garden, that contains a fish pond."
41
梁​此​巫​安​歸​買​不​齦​後​西​花​東北​萬​一面
​生​處​山​排​館​條​惜​工​園​邊邊​風​邊​種​溪​前
​聽​分​有​好命​仙​千​修​要​起​一​傳​一名​曲​就
​罷​明​路​夢​童​路​金​整整​所帶​送​所​花​水係
​多​近​逢​赴​忙到​酬​做​多​晚​欄​異​藏​種​通​錦
​廣​神​高​訪​香​賣書​華​香​杆​花春​兩​魚鱗
​喜​寒​女​唐​實​房主​房​麗​堂​香​閣​傍​沼​塘
​Young Leang, on hearing what was said, exceedingly clated,
Concluded that he could not be far from the palace of the immortals.
Since this enchanted hill has a road that leads to the angelic creature,
I will retire to rest, and delightfully dream of meeting her at Kaou-tang.
On his return home, he ordered the servant with speed to make further enquiries,
That he might purchase a road that invisibly leads to the fragrant room. [gold.
"To obtain the building," said he, "I will not grudge a thousand pieces of
And will order the joiner to build a good room for a study.
The back-garden shall be laid out with the choicest taste;
To the west of which shall be raised the Evening-fragrant hall.
By the side of the flowers, I will erect a winding railing,
That the eastern wind may send forth the fragrance of every rare flower;
To the north shall be built the Secluded-spring room,
Where famed flowers, of every kind, shall be arranged on each sida.
From thence, a spring of water shall flow to the pond,
While the bason, for the gold and silver fish, shall appear in front of the garden
G
42
兩​紅​看​金​紫​朱​堂​美​南​畫​怪​珍​風景
​傍蓮​雲輪​竹欄​前​石​便​檻​石​禽光​緻
​盡​相​亭​掩​桃​轉​多​杏​雕​叠​異​不分
​種​間​在​映​花​入​少​花花​爛​成​獸​讓​明
​垂​白​東​彩​栽​集​奇​擺​亭​五​山​列​神​賽
​絲​蓮​方​雲​兩​香​花雨​一​彩​上​成仙​廣
​柳​香​起​光​便​堂​草​傍​座​装​景行​府​寒
​On each side shall be planted the delicate drooping willow,
And near to cach other, shall be the red and white water lilies.
The room for observing the passing clouds, shall front the cast,
And be ornamented with divers colours to reflect the evening's splendour,
In two rows shall be planted the peach and black bamboos,
While the red railings, shall lead to the hall of delightful odours,
In front of the hall, shall grow many a rare shrub,
And handsome pans of blown flowers shall be arranged on cach side,
To the south, shall be raised a temple to the green plum,
Which pillars, shall be inlaid with five different colours.
A hill shall be formed with stones of grotesque appearance,
On which birds and strange beasts shall appear in motion.
It's beautiful appearance, shall excite the envy of the gods,
While it's lovely prospect shall surpass the garden of the immortals.
43
ON VISITING AND WRITING AN ODE.
梁​就​二​亦​隔​與​理​望​姚​梁​楊傳​二​香
​拜​生​携​生​愴​籬​我​當​弟​生​生命​言​生​茶
​訪​别​賢​同​同​芸​拜​相​拜​看​請​舉​飮
​和​妗​弟​到​弟​舅​窓​訪​陪​喜帖​罷​入​步​罷
​詩​搬到​新​啓​楊​隔​通過​皆​遞​通​兩​來​問
​行書​書​言​都​粉​名畫​承​入​名賢​相​言
​李​房​舘​章​督​墻​姓​堂​應​幃​帖​郎​會​章
​YOUNG Leang, on taking leave of his Aunt removed his luggage,
When, in company with his Nephew, he repaired to his mansion.
On the two youths entering the newly built study,
Yih-tsang, thus addressed his Nephew,
“ As in the adjoining house, lives your uncle General Yang,
Whose library from mine is only separated by a thin wall,
It is my duty to repair to him and pay my respects,
I hope my brother you will accompany me to his elegant hall."
Master Heaou, highly pleased at what was proposed, consented,
When, with young Leang, on sending in their card entered the inner hall.
Father Yang, as soon as he saw the card, recognized the names,
And requested the two young worthies to enter.
The two youths, instantly entered to pay their respects;
When, after taking tea and making civil inquiries,
44
姚伏梁​父​攻​隔​甥​特​梁​下​卑​恩相​算​少​同
​生​唯​兄​為​書​墻​亦​來生​鄰​末​垂​公​君​年​案
​作​舅​正​學​意​新​忝​叩​乘​為​得​没​吟​龠​相​聯
​揖​父係​士​愛​整​同​拜​興​舘​蒙​世​笑​共處​名
​將​聽​吾​住​圖 ​書​到​恭​賴​尊​敢​將​我​如​共
​言知姑​吳清​書舘​中身​餘敎​相​言​同​兄進
​啓​詳​表​江​淨​房​住​堂​啟​光​益​忘​啓​窓​弟​場
​Master Heaou, with a respectful bow, thus addressed Mr Yang,
I humbly beg, that my uncle will listen to me a few words:
Brother Leang is really my Nephew,
His father ranks a led-tsze, and dwells at Woo-kcang.
Being fond of retirement, and delighting in literature,
Leang has built himself a study, beyond the adjoining wall.
Your Cousin, having determined with him to prosecute his studies,
Has come expressly to inform you of his intention."
Young Leang, embracing the opportunity that offered, respectfully said,
'Having taken the adjoining house, I hope it will be illuminated with your
For your menial is desirous of receiving your instruction,
Such kindness, from age to age, shall never be forgotten."
The gentleman, with a smile, in reply said,
** Sir, your revered father and I, were fellow students.
[presence.
While young, the friendship that existed between us, was that of brothers,
!
And together we entered our names as candidates for fame.
45
辛​我​盡​僥​凑​薦​今​通​就​與​二​只
​卯​因​把​馬​倖​將​遇​吾​朝​家​呌​君​生​明
​尊​無​詩​開​狀​蒙​个​都​幸​情​望​聊​舉​花​竹
​君​中​書​弓​元​陞​尊​督​覩​誼​波​作​步​秀
​登 ​丢​習​守​榮​到​賢​未​誹​話​來​柳
​虎​文​落​武​武​浙​東南​公​堆​園​絲
​榜​草​水​場​職​江 ​方子​忘​宴​腸內​長
​During the year Sin-mow, your father was enrolled,
{
But I, being unsuccessful, for ever laid aside my essays.
My books of poetry and prose, I threw into the river,
}
And took to my horse and bow, and learnt military arts.
1
By good luck, I gained the first military prize, Chwang-yuçn,
When I petitioned to be appointed the Tae-tseang of Chih-keang.
It was fortunate that your revered father filled the splendid office Tung-kŏ,
For by his recommendation I was appointed General on the south;
I am happy, this morning, in seeing you, my worthy Sir,
For our families are united by acts of kindness that can never be forgotten.”
Till a repast was prepared in the Hopeful-stream summer house,
They conversed freely together of what occupied their minds.
The two youths, of their own accord, sauntered into the garden,
Where they beheld elegant tall bamboos with beautiful flowers.
* Chwang-yuen, is the highest rank in China. It is bestowed both or
civil and military officers.
46
池​又​新​墨​原​二
​亭​見​詩​跡​來生
​樓​望​寫​淋​彩​行
​閣​波​落​漓​筆​近
​多​有​花​貼​題​細
​華​詩箋​粉​池​觀
​彩​章​上​墻​柳​看
​相​拙​此​無
​誰​春​青​肯
​把​來​青​向​公​詩​成
​垂​飛​不​人 ​何​小​詞
​楊絮​是​間 ​立​女​調
​植​點​溪​管
​溪​管 ​微笑​閒​不
​微​大中​成
​笑​方​筆​章
​内​漣​前​别
​池​漪​種​離
​While looking at the fish pond and gallery, which had a splendid appearance,
They saw, in the Hopeful-spring summer house, some lines of poetry.
The verses, it appears, had just been written and pasted against the wall,
For the damp of the wall had caused the ink to run on the paper.
As the elegant pencil had been used in praise of the fish pond and willows,
The two youths approached to examine it more minutely.
THE ODE.
Who could it be that planted the drooping willow within the pond,
For the spring breeze, causes its delicate branches to agitate the water's bosom.
Being of a beautiful green, should it not be planted by the side of the stream?
Who is there that can transplant it and make it a native shrub
The gentleman, who stood by their side, with a smile artfully said,
"At such a dull performance, who can refrain from laughing aloud!
Those lines are the composition of my little daughter,
Who, as yet, has never learnt to throw her ideas in verse.
47
幸​園​敢​花​梁​愚​相​久​又​園​小​忙​筆​梁​我​無
​遇​林​求神​生人​公​聞​呼​林​姐​取​生​有人
​才​花​妙​生​帶​未​回​麗​侍​路​閨​花​取​把​衷​傳
​人​木​句​色​笑​暇​道​句​女​遠​中​箋​齊​筆​情​遞
​臨​盡​留​賴​回​學​休​壓​前​隔​還​紙​亭​細​沾到
​小生​佳​賢​言​書​推​群​吩​書​數​上思​肺​香
​圃​光​筆​郎​答​章​故​芳​咐​房​近​張​擺​量​腑​房
​What a happy occurrence, that a person of talent has entered my garden,
For all the flowers and shrubs are now in full bloom.
May I request, that your clegant poncil will leave a bewitching stanza,
For the god of the flowers produce various tints to excite virtuous youths."
Young Icang, in reply, with a smile thus spoke,
“ I, the silly youth, have not had time to study poetry."
The gentleman, said, “ You are not permitted to decline,
For, as to poetry, it has been said that you excel all the literati !"
He, on calling to the female servant ordered her,
(That as the study lay to some distance from the garden,
And his daughter's apartment was much nearer,)
That she should hasten to her Mistress, and bring a few sheets of paper.
Young Leang, while in the summer house, perceiving the pencil and ink,
On taking hold of the pencil, thought that he would write on love.
Ilis tender feelings were already wounded, and lungs contracted,
For he had no one to communicate his wish within the bride's chamber.
48
聞​柔​遙​那
​等​將​或​鵲​就
​詩​兩
​我​情​者​橋​柳 ​道​條​知識​罷​張
​詩​打​深​有​小​新 ​春​嬝​種​人 ​相​齊
​中
​風​嬝​向​間​公​貼
​意​如​詞
​就​女​識​渡​前​冩 ​遍​動​朱​有 ​稱​粉
​把​情​嬙​黏​牛​詿​幾 ​綠​淸​門​别 ​讚​墻
​池​漪​裏​離
​新娘​人事​郎​韻​行
​好​邊
​“ In this ode,” said he, “I will detail the anguish I feel on being separated,
And thus excite the sympathy of the beautiful maid,
Supposing this virtuous lady is acquainted with the heart of ınan,
She will be desirous of crossing the bridge of birds to the god New-lang, *
Adopting the metre and rhyme of the young lady's ode,
When to perpetuate her stanza and the willows, he wrote:
REPLY.
I have heard that the spring breeze causes a ripple in the green pond,
And that the slender and pendant branches dance in the pure stream,
Ilaving been informed, that within this garden, grows a tree of that description,
Can it be insensible to the distress and feelings of those who are deserted.?
When Leang had finished the stanza, the gentleman extolled it;
And caused it to be pasted against the wall, by the side of the other,
* It is fabled, that all the magpies, on the evening of the seventh of the
seventh moon, ascend to heaven,' and form a bridge across the Milky Way, to
enable the two stars New-lang and Chih-ney, to have conjugal intercourse,
See note, page 1.
49
檯​梁​只​唔​望​飲​二​相​姚​梁
​上​生​話​想​波​到​生​公​生生
​花​籠​相​亭​紅​沉​送​亦​獨
​箋​起​欄​公​上輪​醉​出​别​自
​餘​出​觀​入​傳​弄​相​大​歸​轉
​兩​花​景​譁​杯​晚​辭​門​家​花
​片​前​緻​筵​盞​天​别​邊​去​園
​On the table there still remained two sheets of the paper,

Which as Leang went forth among the flowers he put in his sleeve.
As they passed along by the railings to admire the beautiful garden,
Little did they imagine that the gentleman would invite them to partake
of wine!
On entering the Po-ting pleasure room, where a repast was prepared,
They continued drinking till the red orb had set, and night had advanced.
The two youths, cheered with the reception, rosed to take their leave,
When the gentleman accompanied them as far as the front door.
Master Hcaou, on taking leave, returned immediately home,
And young Leang took a solitary walk in his garden.
50
THOUGHTS ON RETURNING TO HIS CHAMBER.
歸
​相思
​歸​咖​軹​弄​共​閨​朱​條​早​唔​為時​早​袖
​館​賊​生​為​得​姐​門​腸​知遇​姐​時間​中
​開​將 ​心​别​遠​深​想​命​寃​相​想​壁​籠
​窓​近​個​神​來​過​鑽​斷​薄​家​思​起​上​起
​觀​要​紅​顛​將​一​人​眼前​免​何​骨​題​兩
​朗​團​顏​到​半​重​難​將​緣​掛​日頭​詩​張
​月圆​女​顚​載​天​見​穿​少​牽​了​酸​句​箋
​On returning to his room, Leang opened the window to gaze at the bright moon,
When he perceived that the goddess Chang-go, ere long would be at her full :
He said, within himself, “ I from love for this beautiful girl,
Both my spirits and mind are confused and bewildered."
From the time that I first saw her, six months have elapsed,
Still the distance to her room, exceeds that of the earth to the heavens ;
The red doors being locked, man finds it difficult to obtain an interview,
Thus I continue to think of her till my eyes are drim and my heart is broken.
Could I have previously known my infelicitous fate,
Would I not have avoided being thus worried, as by an enemy ?
Though my love is thus ardent, I know not the day of our union,
And by constantly thinking of her, my bones are diseased."
After writing the ode, which obtained a place in the summer house,
He retained two sheets of paper, which he put in his sleeve,
51
恣​滿​深​芳​小​重担​一​傷​為​種​陣​只​推
​前​紙​閨名​生​雲​住​天​心​娘​種​陣​着​密
​取​餘​有​唔好​何​花​愁​哭​-殘​相​寒​歸​唔
​出​香​咁​枉​似​苦​箋​句​命​思​風​床​管
​花​彩​高​呌​逢​隔​唔​向​瑤​喪​唔​冷​捱​月
​箋​色​才​瑤仙​蟬​放​誰​仙花​覺​背​永​中
​看​鮮​女​仙女​娟​手​言​如​邊​久​肩​夜​天
​On taking out the paper and examining it while at the window,
He found it to be fragrant, and composed of various colours.
“ In yonder room,"continued he, " dwells a lady of extraordinary abilities,
Her name, which is Yaou-sëen [an immortal], I shall never forget.
I on meeting with her viewed her as an angel,
Why are the thick clouds so cruel as to screen me from the goddess Shen-keun?"
He continued examining the paper, and would not lay it down,
For to whom could the silken cords of love complain?
His heart being grieved, he wept and called on Miss Yaou-sëen;
Saying, I shall die, on your account, while by the side of the flowers."
Love's seeds being sown deep in his heart, time glided imperceptibly,
For he knew not the hour till the cool breeze penetrated his shoulders,
On repairing to his bed, he continued ressless the whole night,
When he closed the window shutter to exclude the light of the moon.
52
THE MISTRESS AND MAIDS READING THE ODE.
主婢
​莫​瑤​主​粉​小​芸姐​將​字​因​瑤​昨​隔​其
​道​仙​婢​墻​姐​香​罷​來​迹​何​仙​日​籬​人
​梁​早 ​上​近​碧​個​貼​又​又笑​了​整​拜
​看 ​生​起​波​有​前​月​首​上​非​係​對​環​起​訪
​詩 ​凄​出​亭​一​吟​就​新​粉​相​姐​芸​對​一​新到
​花上​花​一​開​新​墻​公​花香​我​廳
​極​邊​過​箋​遍​言​作​邊​筆​箋​語言​館​前
​We will not now detail of Leang, though intensely chilled by the cold,
But of Yaou-seen, who had risen carly to ramble among the flowers.
When the Mistress and maids repaired to the Po-ting summer house,
They saw on the wall a slip of paper containing an ode,
The young lady, as soon as she approach it, read it aloud,
When her domestics, Yun-heang and Pih-yuë, thus accosted her;
“ Mistress, who could it be that wrote this ode,
And has brought and pasted it against the wall?
The form of the characters, does not resemble the hand of my Master,
Yet the ode is written on my Mistress' paper ???
Yaou-sëen, with a smile, thus replied Yun-heang,
<<
Yesterday, one of my servants thus accosted me:
Our next door neighbour, having finished building his study,
Has called on your father to pay his respects.”
53
又​父​想​因​今​梁​詩​和​話​我​用​方​碧莫
​話​親​必​此​日​生​中​我​我​想盡​纔​月​非
​共​留​請​差​見​名句​當​深​梁​幾​得​行​同
​同​飮​他​環​佢​姓​句​時間​生​多​到​前​佢
​姚​後​題​取​詩​寫​關​咏​不离​馹​奸​我​係
​表​花​景​我​花​一​傍​情​柳​人性​成​狡​墙​小​前
​弟​園​色​箋​首​邊​我​篇​苦​顛​計​邊​妲​緣
​She farther said, “ That he came in company with my Nephew Hcaou,
When by my father they were detained in the garden to partake of wine.
Desirous that they should write a few lines to extol the beautiful prospect,
My father sent the servant to me for a few sheets of paper.
Since perusing the ode, that he has written,
I perceive it is signed with the name and surname of Leang.
Each line of his ode describes the intense love that he has for me,
And in imitation of mine, sings the praise of the drooping willows.
He says, 'I who dwell in the secluded apartment, disregards the distress of the
solitary youth;'
From which I presume, that Leang from his hankering thoughts will become
deranged.
Having failed in every artifice that he could devise to obtain an interview,
He, at last, has come and taken up his residence next door to us.”
Pih-yuě, on approaching her Mistress, thus spoke,
“ It is certainly decreed by fate, that you shall be united to him!
f
54
粉​才​瑤​深​有​自​你​切莫​好​移​隔
​墻​子​仙​來​閨​誰​古​壞​我​莫​被​留步​墻
​一​佳​小​共​不能​流網​共​留​浮​清​共有
​對​人​妲​你​惹​見​傳​常​為​心​雲​影​環​耳
​題​好​低​講​月​斜​播​深​想​掩​照​歸​古
​佳​並​聲​長​仙​中頻​萬​閣​個​倥​山​去​人
​句​肩​罵​篇​客​仙​月​年​女​邊​川​罷​傳
​Only look at the pair of elegant stanzas, pasted against the wall,
From the pencil of a man of talent, and a beautiful Miss, arranged even like
one's shoulders."
Miss Yaou-sëen, in a low voice, scolding thus replied,
6 Who has been with you, and told you thus much.
The secluded ladies do not seduce the rambling gods ;
But who is able to behold the goddess that dwells in the moon?
Of old, those who indulged themselves in vicious propensities,
Caused their foul deeds to descend for ten thousand ages.
As you and I have learnt to live a virtuous life,
We ought not to retain a thought in our hearts respecting that youth.
Nor should we remain here to intercept the refulgence of the bright moon;
Better let us permit its bright lustre to illumine the mountains and springs."
When she had thus spoken, she with her servants returned to her room,
For the ancients say, the neighbouring walls have cars by which to hear.
55
GENERAL YANG RETURNS THE VISIT.
楊
​爺​回拜
​謾​梁​細​就差​園​日​二​茶​晚​講​相​賢​何
​言​生​想​呌​人​林​午​生​罷​香​論​公​姪​時
​淑​曉​楊家​去打​果​迎​相​亭​一​微​婚​金
​女​起​君​童​請​掃​然​接​邀​上場​笑​姻​屋
​歸​在​開​姚​佳​入​歸​擺​情​對​會
​香​密​定​回​玳 ​公​光​客廳​後​瑱​愈​生​定​嬋
​閣​前​拜​筵​子​鮮​到​前​苑​筵​密​言​否​娟
​We will defer relating of the virtuous lady, who had retired to her room,
And detail of young Leang, who had risen early, and was at the window.
He, thinking that the General would that day return his visit,
Ordered the servant to prepare an elegant repast.
He
On despatching a messenger to request Master Heaou's return,
gave
orders for the garden to be swept, and put in order.
At noon, indeed, the revered and honored visitor came,
When by the two youths, the gentleman was conducted into the hall.
On taking tea, they requested him to enter the back garden,
For in the Evening-fragrant hall was placed the entertainment.
The longer they continued conversing together, better friends they became,
When the gentleman, with a smile thus addressed young Leang.
"Virtuous Nephew, is it yet settled with whom you are to be married?
And when the golden mansion is to receive the goddess Shen-keun ?”
56
生​只​楊​此​轉​隔​旣​何​開​或​無​亦​梁​又​迩​速
​乃​為君​時​聲​墻​係​妨​個​者​事​見​生怕​我​叫
​答​功​已​未​貼​通​後​横​閒​大人​喜​明南​工
​言​名​有​便​答​實​家苑​門​遊​家​間​在朝 ​人
​猶​日​招​就​梁​我​如​兩​通過​同​小心​也​修​入
​未​掛​婚​開​公​花子​相​小​我​鑽​洞頭​變​未
​娉​意​言​子​園​姪​連​徑​園​閉​天上​遷​起​園
​The youth in reply, said, “ As yet no proposal has been made,
For I have been daily intent on acquiring literary fame."
The General was then desirous of offering him his daughter,
(But disliking to introduce the subject at that time)
Changing his voice he thus farther addressed young Leang,
"Your garden I perceive is only separated from mine by a thin wall;
Since our families are intimate, and we dwell together as relations,
What should prevent our gardens from being thrown into one?
Let an opening be made in the wall to cause a thoroughfare,
That when at leisure and disposed, you may ramble into my garden,
When occasions require the door to be shut, it can be locked,
And thus, at pleasure, the two gardens will form a celestial retreat."
Young Leang, at what he heard, was exceedingly clated,
But was fearful that the gentleman ere the morning would change his mind.
Having decided on opening the door before the summer house was finished,
He ordered the workmen with speed to enter the back garden,
57
横​從
​門​此
​通​能
​入​風​到
​楊​碧
​爺​桃
​府​邊
​夫妻​食​婿
​相​歸​好​必​心​點​先
​房​個​然​中​傳
​飲​又​高​身​愛​紅
​罷​共​才​近​佢​葉
​辭​老​梁​帝​為​到
​生​妻​秀​王​吾​堂
​轉言士​邊培​前
​That a communication might be made with General Yang's mansion,
And thus cause the vernal breeze to pass by the side of the celestial peach.
THE HUSBAND AND WIFE DESIRING A SON-IN-LAW.
WHEN the gentleman had done drinking, he took his leave.
On his return home, he thus addressed his wife;
《 The worthy and eminent scholar, Leang, the Sew-tsac,
Will, doubtless, ere long have an audience with his Majesty.
From my very heart I wish he was our Son-in-law;
But I recollect that he should first send the red leaf." *
* The red leaf, alludes to lady Han-suy-pun, who was an attendant on one
of the sovereigns of the Tang dynasty. It is said, that she put in the stream
of his Majesty's park, a leaf with the following lines :
Flowing stream, why in such precipitate haste?
Those in the palace's retired apartments are disengaged.
With haste and speed I urge this red leaf,
That it may communicate to men my desire.
I
This
58
夫​爹​幾​等​相​佢​開​等​此​與
​人為​好​佢​公​個個​我​子​生
​答​閣​便​差​又​花​廣​橫​日​情​談
​道​老​時​媒​對​大門​長​過​親​笑
​眞​做​開​傢​夫​百​通​佢​如​樂
​登​人​一句​問​心​人​花​過​花子 ​餘
​對​賢​口​就​田​語​鮮​去​園​姪​年
​The lady, who was of the same mind, in reply said,
“ His father is a person of probity, and a minister of state.
You should embrace the first opportunity to communicate your mind,
Then send a person to propose marriage, and ascertain the ground of his heart."
The gentleman, for the information of the lady, farther said,
"His spacious garden has rare flowers of every kind :
Since he intends opening a door, as a thoroughfare to the two gardens,
When at leisure, and the days are long, we will take a walk and survey it.
The youth's disposition resembling that of our Nephew's,
With him we could jest and talk and cheer our declining years.”
This, it is said, was picked up by one Yu-gow; who wrote the following an-
swer on a leaf, and put it in the water to ascend the stream,
Having obtained a red leaf with a repining stanza,
I beg to know who wrote it and who sent it ?
which was found by lady Han-suy-pun. On his Majesty allowing the ladies
of the palace to settle in life, Yu-gow applied to Han-yung, who was ac-
quainted with Han-suy-pun to procure him a bride. Han-yung, proposed to
him the above mentioned lady. When married, they each took from a small
box the leaf they had obtained, and which they had kept by them, when they
59
LEANG COMMUNICATING HIS WISHES TO THE MAID.
遇
​!婢​陳​情
​莫​又​芸​去​嘵​關​轉​溒
​道​談​香​摘​露​關​入​見
​夫​閨​早​蘭​朦​啼​東​株
​人​閣​起​花​朦​鳥​欄​們
​情​貪​一​承​入迷​噪​穿著
​好​嬋​娘​後​樹​晴​曲​個
​靖​娟​命​園​色​天​徑​邊
​We will not detail of the husband and wife's wish, to obtain a Sonsin-law,
But relate of that angelic creature, that dwells in the retired apartment.
Yun-hoang, having risen early to receive her Mistress' commands,
Entered the back garden to pluck a flower of the Epedendrum species.
At that early hour, she was unable to distinguish the hue of the flowers,
For the birds were then chirping that the heavens might be illumined.
On turning herself round, intent on entering the winding walk,
She saw at a distance, two red doors placed against the wall.
observed, it is evident our union did not happen by chance. The lady on
smiling, sung the following distich:
The clegant stanza was borne along by the stream,
And contained the sentiments I had pondered on for ten long years;
Now we are married and resemble the loving birds Fung and Iwang,
We are sure that a red leaf is an excellent marriage proposer.
60
迪
​趱​新​芸​人​旣​就​果​池​千​遠​倚​有​梁​舉​早​手
​步​門​香​話​有​趱​見​塘​條​望​住​些​生​頭​起​執
​近一​企​隔​黃金​嬌​秋​愓​有​柳​情​正
​前​度​住​籬門​蓮花​水​柳​個​陰​緒​在​見​雲​花
​觀​柳​心​新​通往​迷​映​臨​遊​愁​垂​一​獲​正
​子​陰​偷​花​得​個​去​殘​風​個​默​眉​楊​嬋​未​妙
​細​前​想​一​園​去​邊路​蓮​舞​在​邊​默​尖​下​娟​整​年
​As she advanced, to satisfy herself of what she saw ?
She perceived that the new doors were placed in front of the willows.
Yun-heang, paused, when she said to herself,
“I heard it mentioned, that our neighbour has elegantly laid out his garden,
Since there is a communication opened, I will go and view it,
When the golden lilies proceeded in that direction.
As she advanced, she saw that the delicate flowers obscured the path,
And through the spring water the faded lilies were seen at the bottom of the
pond.
On observing the thousand-branched willows dancing to the wind,
She saw, while at a distance, a person by their side;
He appeared pensive and distressed, leaning against the willows,
Having something that contracted his eyes-brows, and that bound his affections.
1
Indeed it was young Leang, who was below the willows,—
On lifting his head, he fancied that he beheld the angelic Shen-keun
;
Who, having rosed carly, as yet had not braided her hair.
[lass.
He instantly plucked a flower of the Epedendrum and gave it to the blooming
61
記​跟​月​今​莫​就​見​羅​姐​一​心肌​不​為​客
​得​隨​底​日​道​係​我​步​呀​自​心​骨​思​我​邊
​花​小米​花瑤​丰​來​風​近​相​棋​懸​誰​茶​深​腸
​陰​妲​會​前​仙​環​時​捲​前邊​嵞​憐​飮​斷
​同​在​觀​一​又​悲​忙​過​忙​何​相​月​因​不​言
​佢​棋子​心​我​人​轉​西​扣​會​中​姐​成​過​哀
​會​邊​細​酸​恨​顛​去​邊​住​悭​姐​仙​瘦​眠​主​憐
​He then recollected having seen this person among the flowers,
And that it was she who waited on her Mistress while playing at chess.
At that time, the moon being low in the horizon, he could not decry her person,
But now on seeing her, a recollection of what had passed, imbittered his heart,
It is unnecessary to say, that Yaou-sëen had excited his affections,
But this ruddy servant girl was enough to make one mad.
For on his approaching towards her, she hastily recceded,
When the wind seizing her clothes, waſted her towards the west.
With nimble steps, he soon overtook her, detaining her, thus spoke,
“ Miss, since we have met, why are you so hard hearted ?
Are you not the person that I saw by the side of your Mistress when at chess ?
From that time my heart has been thinking of the goddess of the moon.
Can you not pity one, who from love to your Mistress, is thus emaciated,
And who is unable to take rest, or endure the thought of tea or food!
On your return home, inform the lady of the retired apartment,
That the heart of her neighbour is distracted, and that she ought to pity him.
62
只​多少​深​芸​我​冇​一​勸​誰​梁​暗​依​殘​可
​為​凄​閨​人​香​中​主​君​肯​生​垂​命​惜​聲
​猢​凉​若​殘忍​誰​瑤​凡​莫​傳​聽​珠​今​唔​我​長
​前​下​到​不​命​笑​敢​池心​講​音​罷​淚​朝​憂​⁻情​噗
​情​得​憐​死​嬌​亂​天​亂​風​入​心​又​言​推開​一
​難​府​憔​花​聲​開​上掛​流​畫​如​開​共​得 ​聲
​捨​邊​悴​前​答言​女​事業​醉​言語​年​水​天
​My mind and affections being fixed on her, from the first moment I saw her,
My sufferings were great, ere I could arrive by the side of her mansion.
If the virtuous lady has no compassion on the disconsolate,
The deceived youth will perish in the presence of the flowers!"
Yun-heang, repressing a smile, in an artful voice replied,
“ Who among the virtuous fair, can dare use deceitful language ?,
My Mistress, Yaou-sëen, being of celestial extraction,
Has not a single atom of this earth to bind her affections to any one.
I advise you, Sir, cease thus to talk on affairs of love,
For no one will communicate them beyond the painted screen."
Young Leang, on hearing what she said, was as one bewildered
[her 3.
And as the pearly tear strooled down his cheek, he thus continued to address
“ This morning, I rely on you, Miss, that you will communicate to her,
That I from grief shall not live to see the end of the year.
She ought to have pity on one, whose undivulged thoughts flow like water.".
Having thus spoken, he hove a long sigh, and called on Heaven.
63
羅​低​芸​見​嬌​着​世​做​亦​細​燈會​龠​月​因​用​安
​裳​頭​香​生​聲​乜​間​乜​滄​把​下​將​貌​此​盡​排
​偷​靠​自​愁​又來​多​留​長​情​得​心​花​不​心​青
​抹​住​小​緒​呌​由​少​心​嘆​由​逢​事​容​辭​機​眼
​腮​曲​心​亦​梁​咁​紅​獨​回​對​嬌笑​到來​會
​邊​欄​腸​堪​公​掛​颜​磘​環姐​小​中​可​花到​神
​淚​邊​軟​憐​子女​仙​語言​傳​比​邊​此​仙
​With his garment he slyly wiped away the falling tear from his cheek,
When, with his head in his bosom, he leaned on the winding railings.
Yun-heang's little heart had become complaisant to his earnest request,
Seeing him thus distressed, considered him worthy of compassion.
With a bewitching voice she thus addressed young Leang,
How happens it, young man, that you are thus entangled,
For in the world there are many beautiful women;
Can it be that your heart is solely fixed on Miss Yaou-sċen ?"
Yih-tsang, sighing aloud, in reply to the servant said,
'I will thank you to detail my feelings minutely to the lady ;
For when I had a glimpse of the beautiful Miss by the light of the lamp,
She dained to smile at me from what occurred in her mind.
[equal her!
For beauty, she may be compared to the flowers and the fair moon, who can
I, from being unable to rid myself of distress, have come among the flowers.
Every plan having failed that could be devised, I removed my residence,
And have made those alterations to have a glimpse of that celestial creature.
64
三​只​唔​一​小​亦​回​你​有​鐒​芸
​生​話​想​場​生​唔​歸​閉​人​香
​我​對​我​試
​亦​花​試​姐
​有​滿​相​春​不​留​拜​腸​重​身​又​嬋​見長​為​心
​幸​懷​逢​夢​得​命​上​斷​門​喪​對​娟​君​日​君​腸
​逢 ​您​得​諧​見​多​為難​碧​書​悞​悽​悶​歸​堅
​嬌
​團​連​粧​嬌​他​入​桃​生​少​慘​厭​探​未
​妲​傳話​圓​理​前​姐​牽手​邊​語​年​慓​聽​堅
​Thrice have I had the happiness of meeting with you, lovely Miss,
And each time unbosomed myself, that you might relate it to the fair lady.
Could I imagine, when we met, that you would decline speaking a word on love,
The whole affair, appears a Spring dream, for if thus we can never be united.
If it be my fate, never to be united to her by marriage,
I will not live to see her the wife of some other person.—
Hasten home, and pay your respects to the very beautiful Miss,
And tell her, that there is a person breaking his heart on her account.
As her apartment is securely locked, I am thereby unable to enter ;
Being deceived, I am determined to die by the side of the celestial peach."
Yun-heang, addressing the student, said,
46
Why did a youth permit the goddess of love to deceive him!
[ingly,
When I looked at you, Sir, and saw you distressed, I pitied you exceed-
And daily, while beholding the flowers, grieve on your account.
I will return home and endeavour to pry into my Mistress' mind,
And thereby ascertain whether her ladyship will consent or not.
65
或​雲​若玉​落​梁​满​深​何​尙​我​粉​相​芸​辭
​者​憑​係​郎​花生​面​深
​得​姐​身​思​香​生
​為​風​夜​紅​相​流​聽​揖​相
​恩​不​無​領​轉
​君​引​靜​粉​思​水​罷​顏​謝​逢​樓​情​敢​主​命​入
​堅​出​魚​兩​歸​也​芸​喜​賢​春​大​忘​望​忙​柳
​不​長​不​無​去​徒​香​色​嬌​咁​漏​潲​過​今​哀​移​陰
​得​天​餌​緣​罷​然​語​添​姐​賢​息​天日​憐​步​邊
​Suppose, Sir, she should possitively refuse, as it is by no means certain,
For the clouds depend on the wind for what direction they take; [bite,
As, in clear nights, when the water is cold, the fish are unable to spring to the
So the union of the blooming youth and painted Miss may never be consum-
You must then give up ali hopes of her and return home,
And yield to fate, like a flower that is borne along by the stream."
Leang-sang, as soon as he heard what Yun-heang said,
His countenance brightened, and he assumed a pleasant aspect.
With a low bow, he thanked the rosy maid, and said,
How exceedingly happy I am in meeting with so worthy a person.
Should you be enabled to induce your Mistress to disclose her mind,
Your kindness as to extent, will exceed the vast expanse of heaven.
Till my person is reduced to powder, I shall never forget this day,
Being in love with a person who has no compassion for me.”
Yun-heang, in obedience to his request, with hasty step
「mated.
Took her leave of the student, and passed along in the shade of the willows.
K
66
花
​梁​行​忘​鮦​芸​微​奴​八​只​伴​咁​世​自​日​講
​生前​記​伴​香​微​奴​人​有​姐​久​上​小​日​完​陰
​見​幾​問​有​聽​含​名​同​奴​深​未​難​相​花​步​搖
​得​步​娘​幾​罷​笑​喚​伴​奴​閨​嘗​逢​親​前​入
​了​對​名位​書​對​芸姐​同​有​離​妲​如​快​横​舉
​環​嬌​與​嬋​生生​香​粧​碧​十​左​咁​姊​活門​金
​去​言​字​娟 ​語言​婢​前​月​年​右​賢妹​仙​去​蓮
​Master Leang, on seeing the servant about to leave,
Advanced a few steps and thus farther addressed her,
. It escaped my recollection, to ask your name and surname,
And how many servants there are in the retired apartments?”
Yun-heang, in reply to the student's request,
With a pleasing smile thus answered him ;
"Your slave's name is Yun-heang,
There are eight of us in all who attend on our Mistress.
Of the servants, only your slave with her companion Pih-yně,
That have dwelt for ten years in the retired apartments.
As we for no length of time have been absent from her person,
I aver that you will find it difficult to meet with a more worthy lady.
From a child, I became her attendant, since which we have lived as sisters,
And like the Gods, daily we tako pleasure among the flowers."
When she had thus spoken, she entered the communication,
And in the shade of the flowers, tottering, moved along the golden lilies.
67
YUN-HEANG COMMUNICATING WHAT HAD TRANSPIRED.
位
​[門​達​情
​步​蘭​瑤​朦​歸​花​芸​奴​見​我​原​花柳​對
​入​花仙​朧​時間​香​承​有​就​來​香​陰​花
​粧​遞​就​天日​何​稟​主​橫​潛​一連​一​無
​台上​把​色​照​故​上​命門​身​所​路​個​語
​見​襯​芸​出欄​咁​粧​出​通往​新​鳥​風​淚
​小​鴉​香花​杆​留​台​花​隔​個​書​聲 ​流​偷
​姐​蟬​問​邊上​連​聽​前​苑​邊​館​隑​客​漣
​YUN-HEANG, on approaching the dressing table saw her Mistress,
When she presented an Epedendrum flower for adorning her hair.
Yaou-sëen, on receiving it, thus accosted Yun-heang,
"You left me ere the day began to dawn on the flowers;
On your return, I perceive the sun's shadow appears on the railings;
What among the flowers could detain you so long?"
Yung-heang, for the information of her Mistress, said,
* On my entering the garden, by your order, to obtain a flower,
I saw a thoroughfare that communicated with the adjoining garden,
When I became intent to pass to the other side.
It led indeed to the newly built study,
There the birds sing, and flowers of fragrance grow on each side of the path.
In the shade of the willows, I saw a person sitting discomposed,
Who, without uttering a word, continued weeping before the flowers.
68
柳​就​佢​共​懷 ​薄​不多​干​指​共​我​豈​佢​團​聲​梅
​梢​把​抱​命​沾​方​金​望​姐​話​容​見​團​聲​花
​脏​私​棋​相​幾​茶​百​唔​閨​同​姐​春​我​珠​殘​骨
​見​情​邊​思​乎​便​計​中心​係​夢​言​涙​命​葬
​奴​對​龠​有​因​夢​尋​買​離​到​和​攪​心​濕​因​粉
​奴婢​得​牛​姐​魂​踪​花​不​百​玉​孤​哽​花​嬌​墻
​到​言​會​年​喪​顛​跡​園​遠​年​潔​眠​咽​前​死​邊
​On perceiving me, from amidst the branches approaching, he arosed,
When, divulging his mind, he thus addressed your slave:
From the time that I first saw your Mistress playing at chess,
Six months have elapsed, during which I have cherished feelings of love :'
Alas! Miss, his life on your account, is nearly terminated,
For being unable to make use of tea or rice, his nightly dreams make him mad.
To obtain a sight of your person, he has sought you in every direction,
Nor has he grudged a thousand pieces of gold to possess the adjoining garden,
All with a hope of not being remote from the retired apartments,
That with you, Miss, he may live for a hundred years",
In answer to him, I said, “ My Mistress being as pure as crystial,
How could she during Spring, by dreaming of you, disturb her lonely rest!"
On hearing me thus express the sentiments of my mind, he became convulsed,
And over the flowers he dropped the globular pearly tear.
“ Heaffirmed, that on your account, he should meet with an untimely death,
And that his parched bones would be interred by yonder white wall."
69
話​誰​奴​當​好​一只​可​瑤​愁​靜​知​少​可​才
​出​人​奴​時​知​竟​怕​惜​仙​容​坐​佢​年​惜​貌
​凄​體​頗​玉​近​容​多風​聽​堆​多​會​閒​容​爹​般
​凉​見​記​貌​日​顏​情​流​罷​起​時​見​愁​易​在​般
​聽​不​燈​幾​相​減​人​咁​傷​總​開佢​深​喪​為​得
​不​心​前天​思​半​鼱​少​心​無​玉​花​似​心​辨​占
​得​酸​事​然​苦​邊​死​年​語言​口​箋​海​田​相​先
​When I heard him speak such chilling language, listen to it I could not;
What human creature could look at him without his heart being grieved!
Your slave has some recollection of what occurred by the lamp,
He then possessed an appearance that was healthy and strong.
Oflate, I full well know, that through the distress of love,
That in his person he is reduced more than one half.
I am only fearful that this loving man will die from love,
May not so much gallantry be regretted in a youth ?”
Yaou-sĉen, as soon as she heard the very affecting account,
(For it excited in her breast feelings which could not be suppressed),
Sat pensive for some time, when she opened her pearly mouth,
And said, " From his ode, I perceived he was deeply in love;
I know his grief, as to extent, may be compared to the vast ocean;
But the minds of youths, are easily excited,
He should be pitied, as his father, a minister of state, resides at the capital,
For his person and various attainments would usurp him the preference.
70
好​為​捨​何​低​此​但​環​見​個​故​包​主​又​瑤​丫
​比​人​得​愁​聲​事​係​你​此​婢​報​仙​環
​金​何​差​好​又無​深​了​一​話​凄​順​莫​私​舉​伴
​枝​苦​媒​月​呌​該​閨​個​佢​凉​嚟​被​談​步​主
​和​咁​來​不​芸​你​如​在心​亦多​外​猶​出​離​趲
​玉​癡​借​團​香​我​姊​身​可​有​風​廳​香​金
​葉​纏​問​圓​婢​言​妹​邊​愴​憐​錯​傳​了​前​閣​蓮
​He may be compared to a gold branch with pearly leaves';
But for who is he thus foolishly bound, and why endure so much distress?
Let a person be sent to make the necessary enquiries previous to marriage,
Why should grief prevent the lovely moon from attaining her full ?”
With a low voice, she again addressed her servant Yun-heang,
And said, "None but you and I may be acquainted with this affair.
While in the retired apartments, we arc as elder and younger sisters,
And of all the servants there is none that attends so frequently on my person.
When I heard you unravel the thread of his wounded heart,
You sowed the seeds of love, and caused him to be pitied."
After they had conversed together for some time, without much untruth,
They determined to keep secret what had transpired, lest the winds should di-
vulged it abroad.
Ere the private conversation between the Mistress and maid had ended,
A message from the lady was announced for Miss to attend in the hall,
As Yaou-seen was about to quit the fragrant room,
Her servant Yun-heang came and attended on the golden lilies.
71
LEANG AGAIN MEETS WITH YUN-HEANG.
勿​又​送​愁​雖​許​獨​不​又​惹​行​抱​都​消
​復​講​道别​愁​然​我​怕​知​怕人​思​膝​因​滅
​遇 ​閨​梁​芸​悶得​蘭​玉​客​芸​懸​坐​長​一​容
​芸 ​中​生​香​悶​會​閨​容​館​香​望​想​嗟​個​顏
​香​人​在​歸入​芸​探​人​怨​奸​眼​添​誰​如​悞
​議​隔​去​窓​香​主​薄​孤​狡​將​愁​可​花​少
​論​園​後​前​姐​言​幸​眠​婢​穿​閟​憐​女​年
​WITHOUT detailing the deliberations of those of the retired apartments,
We will again relate of young Leang, whom we left in the adjoining garden.
On taking leave of Yun-heang, he receded,
When from grief and distress he repaired to his room.
"How happy am I," said he, "In obtaining a meeting with Yun-heang,
For she has promised to communicate my wishes to her Mistress.
But I am apprchensive, that the lady will not consent,
[account.
For she considers not that the stranger who sleeps alone, is pining on her
I am also afraid, that Yun-heang will act the part of a crafty slave,
And keep me in suspense with hope till my eyes become dim.
Now, whether walking or sitting, my thoughts enhance my grief,
[me.
And while embracing my knees, I continue to mourn, having no one to pity
Thus, on account of a woman who resembles a beautiful flower,
Am I reduced in my person, and deceived in my youth.
72
當​唔​心​整​柳​歸​轉​镢​紫​羅​遠​正梁​叫​想​今
​初​想​事​衣​陰​鴉​過​愀​竹​裳​望​係​生​聲​必
​只​惹​何​移​遙​成​隔​斜​搖​閃​一​芸​望​賢​已
​話​得​會​步​望​陣​園​凭​風​閃​人​香​見​姐​經​否
​相​淚​丢出​人​晚​花​曲​啼​出​移入​了​喜​傳​會
​逢​痕​得​花​唔​來​樹​爛​鳥​花​玉​後​環​客​神
​好​鮮​下​前​見​天下​邊​亂​前​步​園​到​天​約​仙
​At first, only to talk about a mecting with her, was pleasant,
Could I imagine, that an interview would cause fresh traces of tears!
As the mind, cannot relieve itself of its load,
I will adjust my dress, and repair to the garden amidst the flowers.
While in the willow's shade, expecting, without being able to discern any one,
He noticed, as the evening advanced, the return of flocks of wild geese.
On repairing beneath a tree, in the neighbouring garden,
Ile being weary from grief rested himself against the railings;
[chirp.
While looking at the bamboo branches agitated by the wind, he heard the birds
And fancied that he saw the appearance of silken dresses among the flowers.
Presently from a distance he espied a person approaching;
It proved to be Yun-heang, who had entered the back garden.
Leang-sang, as soon as he saw the servant coming towards him,
Being elated, called a loud, " Virtuous Miss !”
Supposing that she would communicate a sacred agreement,
[ture ?"
Impalient, said, "Shall I this might have an interview with that angelic crea-
73
芸​一​深​我​若​掃​我​舌​話​氣​我​雖​料​事​待
​香​寛​姐​要​開​昔​劍​君​死​姐​有​然​有​要
​答​唔​不​心​嫦​雲​別​唇​多​因​見​一​情​未​私​便​因
​道​會​比​腸​娥​霧​君​鎗​少​渠​奴​些​事情​中​便
​非​講​閑​鐵​臨​得​歸​講​凄​實​言​為​心​未​纔​又
​容​個​花​石​世​團​綉​萬​和​可​得​君​中肯​點​開
​易​邊​草​堅​界​圓​閣​千​慘​憐​慘​事​言​景​言
​Yun-heang in reply, said, “ That affair is not so easy to arrange,
As yet I have not been able to communicate your request to the lady.
Can
you imagine that virtuous ladies resemble grass that is shaken by the wind!
For my Mistress' heart is as obdurate as stone or steel.
If
you desire the goddess Chang-go to descend into the world,
Sweep away the hoar frost that your union may be consummated.
On taking leave of you, I returned to the silken room,
When my sharp tongue and pointed chin, related ten thousand affairs t
I spoke, Sir, how great your anguish was from love,
And that, alas! you would die on her account!
My Mistress, on hearing her servant's cutting words,
Cherished in her bosom for you a few fond feelings of esteem
Though, as yet, she has not disclosed her mind,
Doubtless she consented to your wish, though she did not say as much.
A convenient opportunity is only necessary to decide this affair;
You must wait till your slave can mention the subject again.
74
今​霎​奴​别​亦​乞​兩​寒​今​好​憑​齜​得​只​所​激
​我​時​奴​憑​熗​姐​字​您​似​娘​時​姐​話​因​娘
​見​就​從​鴻​聽​容​相​捱​得​凡​指​時​再​救​不​抱
​君​要​此​雁​罷​生​思​日​姐夫​引​翹​來人​顧​恨
​蠻​到​寄​忙​訴​眞​勝​哀​得​藍​首​通​殘​言​上
​性​身​開​雲​施​一​惡​如​憐​遇​橋​到​花信​生​粗眉
​緊​邊​手​箋​禮​言​抵​年​我​仙​路邊​息​率​尖
​I perceive,Sir, you are as impatient as a barbarian,
And instantly want to be seated by her side.
If so, your slave from this moment will bid you adicu,
Then you must depend on the wild geese to be bearers of your letters."
Yih-tsang, on hearing what she said, hastily made her a low bow,
And begged her to stop, while he addresed her a few words.
1
IIe said, "What the word love expresses, really cannot be endured,
For a single day, in the lonely study, seems to be a whole year.
Since this morning, Miss, I have obtained your compassion,
I am as happy as though an angel had condescended to visit me.
In you, Miss, do I confide, to shew me the road that leads to the blue bridge.
And will wait with extended neck to watch your return.
Should you then communicate pleasing news,
I will affirm that you are the sole preserver of my existence.
On this account, I dare not address you in a rude manner,
Nor ought I, by opposing you, excite your frown and indignation.
75
我
​捨​芸​死​一塵​淹​一​與​梁​切​性​使​芸​亦
​姐​途​事​條​香​個​世​滯​笑​生生​莫​命中​香​滄
​為​而​若​殘​聽風​相​靑​一​辭​致​丟​在​勞​票
​∧廢​然​命​罷​流​思春​談​別​囑​閑​乎​步​首​步
​須​悞​唔​謝​呵​快​無​年​天​轉​言​在​嬌​到​忙​過
​到​青​掛​粧​呵​活​了​過​欲​金​千​個​手​花​歸​東
​底​年​意​前​笑​仙​日​年​晚​蓮​萬​邊上​前去​園
​Miss, you must continue to aid me till all is accomplished,
And not discard me after proceeding thus far, and thereby deceive a youth.
If my request be not agreeable to your mind,
Permit me, after thanking you, to terminate my life in your presence."
Yun-heang on hearing what passed, laughing heartily said,
. When you are dead, you will become a gallant loving God.
Time knows of no vacuum for the lovers of the age,
For the stream of time continues to roll en year after year."
After laughing and talking for awhile, on seeing the night advance,
She took leave of the youth, and moved along the golden lilies.
Young Leang, " Again begged of her, a thousand times ten thousand,
That on reaching the painted room, not to forget her promise,
As, alas! my life, Miss, is in your lovely hands,
{
When at leisure, I will thank you to take a walk among the flowers.”
Yun-heang, consented by a nod, and hastily retired,
When Yih-Isang proceeded to the castern garden.
PART III.
THE MISTRESS AND SERVANT LOOKING AT THE MOON,
不​又​時​吩​與​只​一陣​時​瑤​四
​主題​談​遇​咐​環​輪​隙​時​仙​時
​主婢​看​只
​月
​公​閨​初​芸​倚​氷清​花​細​光
​子​內​秋香​檻​影​風影​共​景
​花​一​明​捲​觀​色​臨​落​芸​g
間​瑤​月​明娟​綉​墻​香​時
​事​仙​好​簾​月娟​戶​邊​語​天
​LEAVING the young gentleman by the side of the flowers,
We will again relate of the virtuous Yaou-sëen,
It being the commencement of autumn, and the moon shining bright,
She ordered Yun-heang to roll up the painted screen,
In company with her servant, she went on the terrace to gaze at the moon,
For its globular reflection in the water, was beautiful to behold.
As brecze after breeze of the pure wind entered the silken doors,
The shadow of the flowers appeared to dance on the wall;
1
Yaou-seen, while conversing with Yun-heang, said,
"Each season of the year has its peculiar beauties
77
景​萬​澄​西碧​光​不​天花​歲​人​白​記​轉​個小
​入​里​澄​風月​景​久​涯​開​中​世​髮​得​眼​年​小
​秋​無​秋寒​在​催​朔​遊​花​明​靑​催​今​韶​種​青
​來​雲​水​弄​傍​人​風​子​落月​春​人​年光​得​青
​將​月​嫦​柳​將​年​寒​想​年​幾​容​上​正大​一​垂​到
​半​自​娥​梢​語​又​透​衣​年​回​易​鬢​月​牛​繇​膊
​月圓​淨​烟道​年​戶​添​在​圓​老​邊​事​年​柳​肩
​Since autumn commenced, half a month has elapsed,
[moon.
Yet a cloud, to the distance of ten thousand lee has not obscured the bright
In the stream, during autumn, the moon appears as if contending with the
water?
While the mist, by the western cold wind, plays with the tops of the willows.”
Pǐh-yuě, on approaching her Mistress' side, thus addressed her,
"The splendour of the various seasons urge men to pass year after year.
Ere long the northern cold breeze will enter your room;
When the stranger will be desirous of adding to the number of his clothes,
The flowers from season to season continue to bloom and fade,
So the bright moon in the course of the year, repeatedly arrives at her full,
Man, on passing the bloom of spring, soon becomes old,
And the gray hairs, ascending from the sides of the head, hasten to the crown,
On calling to recollection, what passed on the first of the present year, [year,
The sun seems in the twinkling of an eye, to have shone for more than half a
Some time has elapsed, since I planted a row of silken willows,
Though small they were then green and reached to the top of my shoulders.
1
78
近​屈​近​轉 ​我​中秋​形​綠
​日​指​被​番​想過​容​楊老
​真​莫​且​你​有
​似​言​講話​人
​枝​算​西​黄​人​亦​就​身​枯​尙​何​却​風​歲​今​照相
​條​來​風​色​生​似​似​衰​槁​有​龠​也​捲​月​盡​對
​都有​吹​有​垂​立​和​有​春​轉​將​殘​催​好幾​弄
​長​幾幾​乜​絲​秋葉​誰​歸​少​言​人​月​绁​朱
​大年​日​鮮​柳​天​敗​憐​日​道​過​天​老​圓​界​絃
​I perceive to-day, the branches have grown long and stout;
Let me count with my fingers, how many years have elapsed,
The western wind, having of late blown for several days,
I perceive they are blighted, and are stripped of their blooming huc.
I think mankind in general, resemble those delicate willows,
For on attaining manhood their autumn commences,
When autumn is passed, the human trunk becomes weak and casts its leaves,
Who has compassion on it when it appears withered and decayed ?
The blighted willows will again experience the return of Spring,
But man, as yet, when old has never become young,"
Yun-heang, when Pih-yuě had finished speaking, thus spoke,
“ Such thoughts we should discard, as the wind disperses the evening's clouds.
Let it not be said, that the revolutions of the moon and year make us old:
But let us converse respecting this evening's beautiful moon,
You say that its splendour illumines every part of the globe,
And that men, by its light, play in concert on the musical strings.
79
亦無​榭​沉​亦有​寒​重​夢醒​個
​有​釐​愁​吟​有​殺人​有​魂​來​陣
​貪財​凄​客​團​懷​做個​飛​體​凄
​歡​掛​悶​楚​巾​圓​念起​種​入​見​凉
​和​似​無​對​思​照​天​倩​攤​楚​中​實
​作​神​聊​嬋​故​客​涯​誰​台​天​可
​樂​仙​賴​娟​里邊​客​傳​面前​月​憐
​That the lovers of mirth are by it incessantly delighted,
And are drawn by its allurements, as though by the Gods.
Still there are persons whose grief is incessant, and who know of no relicf,
Who moan from anguish, and look towards the goddess Shen-keun.
While those from distant parts, when they think of their native village,
Vexed, would gladly destroy the shadow of the full moon.
There are others again, cherishing esteem for their friends when abroad,
Make warm clothes, and grieve because they have no one to deliver them.
But how more difficult it is to see the face of those who have sown the seeds
Whose souls in their dreams fly to the celestial altar.
On waking, when they behold the moon in the heavens,
They are still more benumbed, and ought really to be pitied.
[of love!
* The idea conveyed by the full moon, is, that as the moon wans and
waxes, so does man; he is never at his full, at the heighth of happiness, till
married. Being separated from his partner, he would efface the moon's
shadow from regret.
80
客​殘​别​我​但​大​但​百​點
​中​命​樣​一​思想​抵​到​年​共
​又唔​閒情​嫦​到​人​春​壽​閻
​有​憂愁​重​娥​處​生來​算​王
​人​走​獪​怕人 ​須​老​終​一
​開​得​自​孤​間​般​快 ​一​須得​歲
​解​到​邊​可​眠​苦​圓​活​年​满​添
​The stranger while roving abroad, has none to dispel his sorrows,
Whose life, from grief cannot last to the end of the year.
Other sources of grief, what regard may be paid to them,
For the chief among them all is love, for then one is afraid to sleep alone.
I think the goddess of the moon, is unacquainted with him who suffers such
For she visits every clime, and every where appears at her full.
[distress,
From this it may be presumed, that man should always be happy,
For on Spring's return, he will be a year older.
When we have seen a hundred years, our race on earth closes,
[year-
And then are unable to solicit the sovereign of Hades* to grant us another
* The king of Hades is called Yen. In a fabled life of Tung-hëen, given in
the Kwei-shin-tǐh, a work treating on Benevolence, he is described as presid-
ing over hades as a sovereign, attended with officers. On ordering one of his
attendants to bring the soul of Tung-heen, who during the latter twenty years.
of his life had given away, as an act of charity, three thousand six hundred
coffins, to inter poor persons, it is said, Heaven, carth, and the gods were ac-
quainted with his benevolence. On his strength failing from age, the gods as-
sembled, and called for the gods of the streets, with the three thousand spirits,
that had experienced his kindness. When the messenger, on the 15th of the
third moon, went to execute his commission, those all kneeling by the side of the
81
樂​光​瑤​惹​相​呌​掩​卸​悖​更
​亦​陰​仙​起​思​環​起​却​身長
​好​那​聽​愁​萬​推​紗​殘​孤
​時​肯​心​種​出​密​粧​入​枕
​愁​為​雙​總​從​月​歸​解​羅​不
​亦​人​環​不​今​還​去​翠​幃​成
​好​延​語言​起​天​罷​細​內​眠
​At times to be pleased is well, at times to be grieved is also well,
For time will not stop his course out of regard to man.
Yaou-sëen, on hearing what the two servants said,
Gave vent to the grief of her heart, but dained not a reply.
From that moment, ten thousand seeds of love shot forth,
When she called to the servants to exclude the light of the moon.
On their closing the gause windows, she entered her room,
Where she disrobed herself, and placed her ornaments in the toilet.
On repairing alone within the curtains of her bed,
She lay her head the whole night on the pillow without taking rest.
road, repeated his benevolent acts, and so thronged it, that the messenger was
unable to enter the house, to bring away the soul. They were requested by
the messenger, to wait on his majesty, when every one breathing gratitude,
presented his petition to spare the life of Tung-hëen. Yen, on receiving the
petitions, ascended to heaven, and presented them before Shang-te, the Deity,
who, on account of Tung-hëen's benevolence, prolonged his life forty years.
This is the prevailing notion of the Chinese as to a future state. When the
K
82
寂​芸​十​綠​梁​客​知​玉​若無​翠
​靜香​六​鬢​生​怒​他​貌​得​枉​被​夜
​思春​朱​為​寒​亦​高​共​今​牽
​量​月光​顏​我​冷​係​才​佢​生​侵​愁
​今​是​閒得​相​夢​多​美​諧​結​眠​到
​夜​真​度​幾​思​魂​情​少​所​不
​事
​過年​損​颠​種​年​願​緣​穩​天
​During the silence of night, she thought on what had occurred that evening;
And whether what Pih-yuě and Yun-heang had said, were true or false.
"Sixteen splendid springs," said she, « has already passed in vain,
And my black hair and handsome appearance cannot last long,
Leang-sang from love 'to me is become emaciated;
His solitary study is comfortless, and his dreams make him mad.
I know he is a person who is constant in his affections,
Young, handsome, and also a person of talent.
Could I have my wish, I would be married to him,
To him I would be united without the least compulsion."
The coverlid remaining cold, she was restless and unable to sleep,
Thus distressed she spent the whole night till the dawn of day.
spirit of the departed has remained in hades for a certain period, where, it
would seem they recognise those whom they have known in this life, ascends
to bliss, or is born again into the world.
83
A SECOND MEETING OF THE LOVERS.
花園
​·托​芸​知​忙​小​近​美​幾​新​瑤​青紗​飄
​聲​腮​香​他​來​姐​來​色​好​整​仙​青​羅​鋼
​愁​聽​愁​對​多​新​嬌​共​池​一聽​唔​白​壓
​復 ​嘆​倚​得​為​姐​時​種​嬈​娘​雙​罷​在​色​倒
​遇 ​抽​嬌​夜​將​不一​奇​罩​消​探​來​帶​紅月
​身​屏​聲​間​言​到​花眼​吓
​起​邊​嘆​言​啓​園​草​鮮
​梳​花​為​中
​船 ​洗​釧​裏​仙
​AFTER breathing a long sigh, she rosed from her bed,
When leaning against the screen, she rested her cheek on her hand.
Yun-heang on hearing the moan of her Mistress' plaintive voice,
Knew that it was occasioned by what had transpired the preceeding night.
With haste she repaired to her Mistress, when she thus accosted her,
"Miss, long time has elapsed since you entered the garden;
Of late there has been planted a number of rare flowers,
Which to the eye for delicacy and beauty scem to rival each other.
How much better for you, Miss, to go there to dispel your grief,
For in the pond is built a boat for gathering the water lilies."
Yaou-sëen, on hearing what her servant said, washed and combed her hair,
Which was done with speed, but not adorned with flowers.
Beneath her white crape dress, a red suit could be perceived,
Which, with her waving gait, made her surpass the genii of the moon.
84
單​金​出​一​罩​芸​指​共​小​恐​花​知​待​梁
​叫​蓮​園​塘​住​香​定​娘​姐​怕​陰​他​女生
​芸​輕​就​秋​探​呌​横移​回​梁​撞​平​答​重
​香​印​到​水​蓮姐​門​步​言​生日​言​在
​同​綠​蓮​弄​船​過​言​看​唔​在​難​慣​天​夢
​作​苔​池​睛​不​東​過​新​去​個​迴​癡​尙​魂
​伴​鮮​上​烟​見​邊​妲​園​罷​邊​避​早​顛
​Among all the servants, Yun-heang alone was called to attend on her person;
When, as they walked along, the golden lilies lightly trod on the green moss,
On entering the garden, she proceeded to the water lily pond,
Where they beheld the autumnal vapours ascending and playing in the air.
The boat for plucking the water lilies, being obscured from their view,
Yun-heang called to her Mistress to pass over to the eastern side,
While pointing at the door, she thus accosted the young lady,
« Mistress, I will accompany you to look at new the garden."
The young Miss, in reply said, "I would rather not go,
Being apprehensive that young Leang my be there.
Should we rush on him, while under the influence of the flowers, our es
cape may be difficult,
Knowing, from what has occurred, that he is silly enough to be bound by a
silken cord."
The servant in reply said, "As yet, it is still carly with the morn,
And Leang, doubtless is dreaming with his soul by his side.
85
消​瑤​輕風​啼​主​唔​出​朦​聽​慌​瑤​不
​耍​何​仙​烴​光​鳥​婢​想到​朧​見​忙​仙​理
​片​得依​移​滿​聲​留​梁​早​花樹​花​舉​聽​芸
​時​姐​了​步​目​聲​連隂​色​陰​步​見​香
​同​到​芸​過​堪​到​食​怕​閒​掛​人​到​人​步
​步​花香​東​遊​耳​玩​孤​縱​朝​笑​西行​占
​轉​園​語​園​賞​邊​景​眠​步​烟​語​邊​動​先
​To dispel your sorrow, and pass the time agreeably, let us proceed,
For when, Miss, will you have another opportunity to sec his garden?"
Yaou-seen in compliance with what Yun-heang had proposed,
Lightly lifted her feet, and passed into the eastern garden,
On beholding the splendour that attracted the eye, they determined on a
ramble,
When the repeated notes of the birds incessantly vibrated on their ears.
The Mistress and maid, being detained by the beauties that surrounded them,
Concluded that young Leang would not rise carly, not fearing to sleep
alone.
On his first entering the garden, he took a careless s!rool;
Owing to the morning's mist, he was unable to distinguish the various trees.
On hearing, among the flowers, some persons laughing and talking,
He with alacrity and speed moved towards the western side.
Miss Yaou-seen, on hearing some one approach towards her,
Disregardless of Yun-heang, would in her flight take the precedence.
86
兩只​雲​舉​嬌​從​及​神​小姐​時​安​未​今​想​姵​人
​想​榔頭​姿​來​至​魂​生​呀​時​排​同​日​是​花​不
​剛​罩​體​無​多相​稍​何​我​玉​遙​為​嬌花​前​銻​風
​剛​住​見​限​少​逢​定​幸​鎔​望​姐​會​間​生​一流
​如​惡​瑤​可​相​無​開​見​躭​月​相​點​重​結​難​枉
​對​觀​仙人​思​一聲​粧​寂​中​思​心​會​下​際​少
​面​瞻​姐​憐​句​言​道​前​寞​仙​死​甜姐​緣​遇​年
​Not considering, that either path she took, she would be opposed,
For the mist of the morn rendered it difficult to select a road of escape.
Leang-sang, on raising his head, perceived that it was Miss Yaou-sëen,
Whose beautiful form knew no limits to excite men's affections.
“ From the first time I saw you,” said Leang, “ I have been deeply in love,
But till the present meeting, we have never exchanged a word."
When his fluttered spirits were a little composed, he thus addressed her,
. How happy Iam, in thus having an interview with you.
On account, Miss, of your beautiful person, long have I mourned in silence,
And have been constantly gazing to behold you the Goddess of the moon.
I had determined to meet death through love for you, Miss,
Having as yet not a meeting to sweeten my heart.
To day, since I have a sight of you among the flowers,
I am inclined to think that fate has decreed our union.
[perfumes,
Rare it is that we perceive a snowy moon with a breeze impregnated with
So I think man, if not gay during youth, his years pass to no account.”
87
瑤​相​君​雪​奴​日​婚​點​禮
​婚禮​一​勸​丹
​仙​逢​係​怒​係​長​姻​該​法​由​君​心
​羞​李​讀​尋​綠​鋮​自​兒​所​父​莫​留
​愧​下​書​咏​窓​指​有​女​拘​母​講 ​伴
​開​共​嬌​古​紅​度高​亂​難​二​閑​帝
​聲​瓜​貴人​粉​芳​堂​開​亂​由​風​王
​道​田​客​篇​女​年​在​言​動​天​月​邊
​Yaou-sëen, blushing, in answer thus replied,
"We have met beneath the plum tree and among the melons. *
You, Sir, being a literary person, and of a respectable family,
Should be in your study extracting the sweets from the works of the ancients.
I am a person, who lives in the retired apartments,
And who, the whole day long from my youth, have worked at my needle.
As to affairs relative to marriage, my honored parents being alive;
It is unnecessary for their daughter to talk confusedly about it.
The usages, through custom that are binding, cannot be dispensed with;
In the first place I must obtain the will of my parents, and in the next that of
[heaven.
I advise you, Sir, not to talk heedlessly about love,
For your honest heart, by study, may retain you by the side of his Majesty."
*It implies that the meeting is not a prudent one, for as those who meet
beneath a plum tree, on putting their hands to their head, may be supposed
to be stealing the fruit, so of melons, on touching their shoes, i. c. I am ap-
prehensive, if seen, that my character my be stained.
88
梁​生​但若​旣​憑​世​夫​故​窓​小​再不​瑤​總
​生​豈 ​為​唔係​媒​間​拙​此前​生​敢​仙​在
​哽​無​百​登​聽​傳​多​妻​今​閨​不​重​微​前
​咽​知​年​對​從​遞​少​賢​朝​內​得​婚​笑​生
​稱​禮​長​悞​由​不​實​同​兩​同​結​回​結
​嬌​法​靑​父​眞​平​可​盟​心​娘​鳳​公​下
​如​計​年​母​言​事​憐​誓​堅​配​鸞​子​緣
​Leang,convulsed, in answer, thus addressed the beautiful nymph,
"I, how not know that the usual ceremonies must be rigidly observed.
But as marriage is a union, which is to exist during one's life,
If we are not equally paired we are deceived in our youth.
Suppose me listen to the counsel of our father and mother,
Our union must depend on the uncertain accounts of the go-between.*
In this world's affairs, there are many things unpleasant,
Thus, when a virtuous woman is married to a stupid man, ought she not to be
Therefore let us this morning, my beloved, take an oath,
[pitied!
That whether in the study or retired apartments, we remain firm to our vow.
Lang-sang, if he is unable to be married to you, Miss, [Fung and Lwan.”
Vows never to be united to another, though he should be as happy as the birds
Yaou-seen, with an artful smile, thus replied to the young Gentleman,
« All marriages, are they not decreed in a previous state?
* Go-between, is a person that arranges marriages, such persons are new
cessary in China to attest that the parents agree to the marriage.
89
古​世​舉​又​二​梁
​道​間​頭​怕​家​生
​離​日​了​只​抱
​縁​合照​環​着​問
​空​總​茶​入​相​入
​對​由​薇​到​分​密
​面天​架​園​手前
​自​多​堅​惹眼​對
​花
​對​艹
​恨​少​心​場​前​花
​玉​私​不​新​多​長
​容情​愛恨​少
​空​對​人​上​離​淚
​對​佢​腸​眉​入​偷
​面​言​斷​尖​恨​漣
​The ancients say, to whom marriage is not decreed, they must remain single,
For in this state, whether married or not, rests solely with Heaven.
[wei,
On raising her head, she perceived the sun to shine on the railings of the Too-
When she became apprehensive that her domestics would enter the garden.
The two youths, though unwilling, could do no other than separate;
When Leang-sang, restraining his grief, retired again to his room.
SIGHING BEFORE THE FLOWERS.
LEANG regretted that during the late interview, nothing had been decided,
Though he had spoken much to her of the distress of his mind.
Her firm heart disregarding him, whose feelings were wounded,
She thereby induced fresh anger to appear on his eye brows.
"How great is my grief," said he, "by being separated from her?
Here I remain before the flowers sighing till the tears leave traces on my check.
N
90
花花​花​悠​許​心​眼花​水尺​倚​心​花花​廣
​秀​嬌​在​悠​多​想​中​獻​中​咫​舟​凭​想​顏​貌​寒
​茂​翕​眼​春​别​痛​流​錦​搖​波​誰​垂​愴​恰好​龠
​石​似​前​恨恨​嬌​涙​白​曳​濤​波​楊​嬌​似是
​榴​姐​嬌​掛​憑​類似​蓮​似​難​探​空姐​木
​紅顏​不​心​誰 ​花香​嬌​入​花眼​上​羅​犀​枝
​容​見​屮​送
​紅 ​娘​手​郎​望 ​裳 ​歸
​How beautiful and luxuriant is the pomegranate,
Its delicate appearance resembles the beautiful nymph.
Though I stand before the flowers, I am unable to see that lovely creature ;
Alas! I repine at Spring, and regret that my heart is fixed on her.
Since I bid her adieu, what grief have I endured, who can dispel the thought!
Being distressed in my mind, she harrasses me in my dreams.
While the tears that incessantly flow from my eyes resemble its red flower,
Flowers of every kind offer me their tints, and the white lily its fragrance.
The motion of the lilies, may they not be compared to the beautiful girl?
And though only a few feet distant, they are beyond the reach of the hand.
Yonder is the boat, but who is there that will row the Tan-hwa?"
Thus he leaned against the willows without seeing any one approach.
The flower's reflection in the autumn-stream again caused his mind to flutter,
For he fancied their varied colours happily resembled the young lady's attire."
"Of all the flowers," said he, "there is none to be compared to the Müh-se,
Of which only a single plant has been obtained from the palace of the moon.
91-
姮​書​借​休​愁​花花​國​見​把​魂​見​閒​私
​娥​問​阻滯​人​富​王​色​花​我​要 ​亦​悶​情
​未​無​桃​但​及​貴​名​天​懷​條​散​凉​難​閒​無
​肯​路​源​鯃​早​是​字​香腸​唔​時​愁​計
​憐​到​邊​鎖​到​牡​播​人​姐​都​别​何​可
​孤雲​處​門​閉​紅​丹​人​所​容​想​慣​亦​日
​客梯​係 ​閨 ​一​間​愛​顏​爛
​難​了​閒
​The goddess Chang-go does not commiserate the solitary stranger,
Nor doth the study now afford a road for the acquirement of fame.-
I beg to ask where is situated the garden of the nymphs,
Hinder me not, for I am desirous of entering it, ere the doors be locked.
The disconsolato was again intent on repairing to the retired apartment,
For the chief among all the flowers is the Mow-tan.
It is known throughout the empire as the queen of flowers,
The national colour, embued with celestial fragrance, the delight of mankind.
感
​When I look at it, I cherish thoughts for the beautiful girl,
Till every feeling is wounded by intense thought.
The soul, thus dispersed, the frigid seeds of love cannot be endured
For whether I see her, or am absent from her, I am constantly distressed.
Thus, without any alleviation, do I grieve day after day;
Can the mind from so much anguish find no relief?”
92
THE MISTRESS AND MAID.
莫​又​自訴​花​時​我​何​我​冇​近​盡
​主​言談​係​出​陰​時​想​况​係​些​日​把
​婢​書​小花​私​但​球​風​深​閒​見​衷
​私​館​姐​陰​情​見
​姐​陰​情​見​淚​鞭​流​閨​事​生​情
​談​因​綉​同​亦​愁​濕​貪
​亦​愁​濕​貪​咁​紅​掛​情​對
​花房​講​見​容​衣​風​後​粉​心​與​我
​惱​間​論​難​慘​衫​月​生​女​間​態​談
​We will not speak of him who remains in his study, enraged on account of a
flower,
But narrate respecting a little Miss, who dwells in the silken room.
While the two lovers were conversing together in the shade of the flowers,
He related to her the feelings of his mind, which excited her compassion.
When Yaou-seen recollected seeing him dejected in the garden,
And the pearly tears constantly bedewing his clothes,
She thought it was natural for youth to covet gaiety and pleasure,
Why then should pleasure be withheld from this princely youth?
I, the rouged girl," said she, "who dwells in the retired apartment,
Have also a trifling affair that dwells on my mind.
Of late, when I saw him, his feelings induced him
To detail to me the whole distress of his mind.
93
引​日​鉬​免​入​虧​镪​免​個​躭​芸​前​姐​做​春光​青
​動​躭​逢​得​話​他​得​敎​段​愁​香​來​嚼​山陰​春
​閨​愁​不愁​相​寒​百​同​離​亦知​對​花​頻​易​一
​闈​悶​若​愁思​館​年​病情​怕​姐姐​容​鎖​過去
​風​幾​無​悶​積​第​難​怨​諧​减​空​見​心細
​月​多相​問​如一​消​孤​白​朱自​丫​中​言
​淚流​恨
​偷​年
​性​番​識​山​散​單​髮​顏​惱​環​事​談​惱​彈​快​番
​Then it was that he excited in my breast feelings of love,
Since which I have been subject to repeated fits of sorrow.
When we met, would it not have been better if we had never known cach other,
We should then have avoided both sorrow and grief, that have accumulated to
Love, it is said, is the most difficult of all diseases to cure;
Alas, for the solitary student, he is worthy to be pitied.
[amountain!
[grey headed,
What plan can be devised to facilitate our union, which is to endure till we are
Thereby prevent our loosing our bloom through the distress of love.
The sorrow that I now feel from separation, what does it avail?
Further, I am fearful that the servants will perceive that I am grieving."
Yun-heang, who was acquainted with what troubled the mind of her Mistress,
On approaching, in soft language, thus addressed her:
“ Miss, why is your lovely countenance so sedate ? who has displeased you?
Why are your eyes so closely locked? and why do they send forth tears?
As the ball of time easily glides along, and years pass in quick succession,
The vernal spring if once gone, regret will not cause it to return.
94
開​滿​瑤光​我​芸​白自光​愀​那一​我​不
​懷​天仙​暆​陰​想​香​古​陰​諷​了​日​謎​姐​知
​且​愁​對​秋​一​人​-乘​催​黃​一个​客​見​腸
​講​赭​婢​凉​竟​生​與​人​金​去​透​生​斷腸​在
​風​且​將​透​如​幾​言​兩​容​再​羅​離​同​兩​如​斷
​花​言​薄​流​般​知​易​唔​裳​枕​姐​三​鐡​腸
​事​閒​啓​衫​水​難​妲​班​得​還​溥​單​會​番​石​間
​Come, unbosom yourself, and let us talk of love,
Thereby throw loose the cords which so closely bind you.
??
Yaou-sëen, in reply thus answered the maid,
[attire.
"Should you listen, I am fearful that the autumn's breeze will penetrate your
As time, like a stream, incessantly glides on,
I think mankind in every age is doomed to trouble?"
Yun-heang, enmbracing the opportunity, informed her Mistress,
"That as soon as grey hairs appear, they hasten over the crown.
Wealth, in every age, has been easily obtained,
But time, when once fled, never again returns.
You say, you are fearful lest I should be affected by the autumnal breeze,
Alas! I grieve for the solitary student, who mourns alone!
The day, on which I saw you with young Leang,
He conversed with me for an hour on the distress of his mind.
I think my Mistress' heart must be as hard as iron or stone,
If she can disregard the man whose feelings are thus wounded. "
95
瑤
​你​試​豈​將​快​縱​只​禮​被​此​百​恐​人世​俁
​仙​吐​我​把​有人​活​然​係​義​人生​年​怕​情人
​體​真相​私​做​情​百​仙​所​談​雖​一千​只​翻​多​閨
​見​情​親情​人​當年​女​關​論​係​個​係​顧​少女
​無​對​如​講​如水​誰​亦​簾​見​風​事​眼​似​無​當
​人​婢​姊​一般​不​思​耻​羞​流​非​前​共​波​情​為
​處​談​妹​番​木​閒​愛​凡​重​慙​客​閒​颶​瀾​漢​閒
​Yaou-sëen, perceiving no male friend by her side,
Relieved her mind by detailing her distress to the maid.
She said, "We being related, as by the ties of elder and younger sister,
I will try to detail to you the feelings which I endure.
Can man be as unfeeling as inanimate creatures, carth and wood, -
When his feelings are excited, they should be as complaisant as water.
Who is there that does not wish to be happy through life?
For pleasure even appears to be the desire of the immortals.
A blush is the consequence of violating the rules of decorum,
And I felt ashamed lest I should be seen conversing with him.
Young Leang is a person who is fond of gaiety and pleasure;
One's settlement in life, is an affair that should not be slighted.
I am apprehensive that he loves me only when in his presence,
For the affections of men are like the fluctuating waves.
In the present age, many there be who are wanting of noble principles,
And who at their pleasure take delight in seducing the virtuous fair.
96
又​爹​你​饑​流​芸​我​梁​言​富​詩​若​高小​第​只​空
​怕​娘​傳​香​亦​生​談​貴​詞​肯​堂姐​一​憂
​前​别​枉​人​笑​時​唔​當​歌​差​未 ​玉人​父​富
​緣​處​費​世​答​常​似​靜​朝​賦​媒​必​容​生母​貴
​非​體​閒​做​賢​想​輕​穩居​播​求​重​塵​匹​憑​體
​是​年​心​清​嬌​再​浮​如​第​江​配​刁​世​配​媒​年
​佢​生事​談​三​子​山​一​合​難​少​難​講​生
​I am also afraid that the destinies have not decreed our union,
And that my parents will require my espousing some other person,
You say there are many who take pleasure in distracting the mind,
And afterwards publish their exploits to the world, as a worthy jest,"
Yun-heang,with a smile, thus replied the virtuous and beautiful Miss,
"I again and again have thought on this affair:
Leang, by no means resembles a light and flippant youth,
For whether talking or discoursing, at rest or in motion, he appears firm as a
He is the noblest person living, under the present sovereign,
And in poctry and prose, excels the whole literati of Keang-nan.
Where he now to send a person to propose marriage to you,
[mountain.
It would be a thing impossible for your honored parents to refuse him.
Though there are few ladies that may be compared to you for beauty,
Still it is no easy matter to be united to the chief of mankind.
I am only anxious, lest your parents should be influenced by the go-between,
Who may scheme to unite you to some wealthy youth.
97
湊​縱​縱​多​昭​楊
​着​有​然​悺​君​妃
​不​城​好​愁​出 ​出​飲
​才​料​極​捱​塞​恨
​愚​幾​為​怨​歸​!
拙​多​皇​身 ​何​嵬
​子​閒​后​單​處​山
​Should they fix on some person who may become a fool of a husband,
What would it avail, could he more than fill the measure tow with gems?
Though in this life to become queen is what is most desired among women,
Still there are many, repining, left alone in the Lang-kwan apartments.
Recollect the unfortunate Chaou-keun,* who left the frontiers, where is she
And Yang-fe,+ who being indignant, repaired to the hill Ma-kwei.
[gone?
* Lady Chaou-keun, who was otherwise called Wang-tseay, entered
the palace when only seventeen years of age. The emperor Yuen, who
kept a number of concubines, ordered their likenesses to be taken. When
the painter was about to make a drawing of lady Chaou-keun, he expected
that she would make him a present, but on her not so doing, he drew her
a very indifferent likeness. When the chief of the Heung-noo tribe came
to court to obtain one of the princes to become their queen, his Majesty
fixed on lady Chaou-keun. On her leaving the palace, his Majesty saw
her, and was struck with her beauty, which was apparent to all that at-
tended him. It being of importance to keep the treaty, lady Chaou-keun,
on obtaining a few articles, mounted her horse, and carried in her hand
her favorite instrument the Pe-pa. On leaving the frontiers of China, she
threw herself from her horse. Where she died, the grass faded, except
at her tomb, which ever afterwards was called The Verdant Tomb. His
98
烏西​千​六​不才
​江​施​金​宫​如​子
​自​沉​難​嘗
​嘗​及 ​及​佳
​刎​落​買​會​早​人
​虞​五​相​減​尋​際
​姬​湖​如果​佳​會
​死​間​顏​配​難
​The beautiful Yu-ke, on her arrival at Woo-keang, cut her throat;
And the lovely Se-she, § terminated her existence in the five streams.
Do you imagine that a thousand pieces of gold will purchase Seang-joo, ||
For the six private apartments of the palace are constantly loosing the fair.
How desirable it is early to seek a handsome husband
;
For it is rare that a pretty woman, and a man of talent meet.
Majesty, on his return to the palace, could not refrain from thinking of
her, and ordered the painter and his attendants to be instantly beheaded.
+ Yang-fc, was concubine to Ming-wang, of the Tang dynasty, after
having illicit intercourse with a revolting minister, she with the emperor
repaired to the hill Ma-kwei, where from the consciousness of guilt, she
put an end to her existence, by hanging herself. She was considered very
beautiful, and was greatly beloved by the emperor.
‡ Yu-ke, was the esteemed concubine of Kang-yu, and accompanied
him, when defeated at Kea-hca. Kang-yu, seeing how he was circumstanced,
addressed her thus, "It will be better for you to attend on the sovereign
of Han," (his conqueror). Yu-kc, replied, “I have heard that a faith-
ful minister cannot serve two princes, and a virtuous woman two hus-
bands. I beg to meet death before you suffer," and instantly cut her throat.
f Sc-she, who lived at the river Hwan-ke, was a person of low birth,
but was considered handsome. The king of the state Yuč, presented her
to the sovereign of the state Woo, who was greatly in love with her. She
99
我​梁​恐​欲​瑤​不​撞
​姐​生怕​尋​仙​覺​散​輪
​堅​必​明​踪​未​玉​兩​狐
​心​定​珠​跡​答​簫​家​月
​轉​一​他​信​芸​言​照
​尋​踪跡​信音​慳
​採​家​音​香​到​房​共
​佢​山​手​慳​語​間​語
​My Mistress, if you are so hard hearted as not to give him an answer,
Leang, indignant, will doubtless return home.
Then I am fearful this splendid gem will fall into some other hand,
And if desirous of tracing his footsteps, it will be all in vain.”
Ere Yaou-seen had replied to Yun-heang,
Yüh-scaou, unexpectedly entered the silken room,
Her appearance, put a stop to the conversation,
When they discovered the moon's bright reflection in the pond.
">
had been in the habit of resorting to the brook Hwan to wash crape. The
moderns out of respect to her memory, erected a triumphal arch by the side
of the stream. The ode says of her,
When Se-she resorted to the book Hwan, to wash crape.
The green moss on the stones, from jealously, wanted to destroy man.
But she is gone to Ko-soo (the capital) never again to return,
Why then doth the peach by the side of the stream continue to blossom?
|| Seang-joo, (a person of probity), who was otherwise called Sze-ma-
seang-joo, while at Lëen-ying, was intimate with Chy-wang-san, who had a
daughter, a widow, called Chy-win-keuen, aged only seventeen, who delight-
ed in music. Seang-joo, while at her father's house, attracted her attention
by means of the Kin, or guitar. Cho-wan-keuen for some time espied
him through the crevice of the door, when it is said, she fell in love with
him, and in the evening was married to Scang-joo.
100
THE OATH OF CONSTANCY,
誓​表​眞​情
​謾​講​深
​謾​又​光​轉​多​音​算​家​對​獨​金
​光
​道​陰​眼​情書​來​家​月​我​樽​娘​問​明
​梁​易​韶​一​誰​今​絃​幾多​不​事​姮​何
​京山
​生​過​光​去​為​晚​管​多​燜​落​事​娥​苦
​情​惊人​八​無​寄​中​亂​人​積​愁​盡​如​到
​與​玉​難​月​踪​嬌​秋​吹​快​如​人​丢​有人
​意​顏​會​間​跡​顏​節​彈​活​山​肚​閑​恨​間
​"
We will by and bye, relate the wish of the lady of the retired apartment,
But now we will speak of young Leang, on remembering her lovely counte
Time flies easily, though man finds it difficult to obtain a mecting, [nance.
Thus, in the twinkling of an eye, we are in the middle of the eighth moon.
Since my beloved," said Leang, "has left without leaving the traces of her
Who will undertake for me to deliver a letter to the beautiful fair one? [feet,
I recollect that this evening the autumnal festival will be observed,
When every family will be playing on their instruments of music.
Then what numbers of persons will be merry in beholding the bright moon,
While I am alone, whose grief has accumulated to a mountain.
As the contents of the golden goblet, never enters the stomach of those who
So, I, on account of this lady, have laid asile every employment. [grieve,
I'll endeavour to ascertain whether the goddess Chang-go, be still indignant,
If so, why is she at the trouble of shining among men !
101
側​寒​翠​舉​竹​蓮​忽​分​吹​兩​月​走​體
​耳​燈​被​步​徑​池​聽​明​起行​入​中人​見
​城​一生​遲​無​有誰​一​離​珠​橫​流​柳
​頭​點​遲​人​月​家​調​人​淚​門​麗​陰​羣
​敲​照​難​出​風水​吹​滿​愁​濕​遊​似​忙​降
​二​愁​獨自​生​玉​關​與​個人​躲
​鼓​顏​臥​欄​响​瀾​笛​山​恨​衫​便​行​間
​On listening, he heard the drum from the city battlement, announce the se-
cond watch,
Whilst a solitary taper casted its dim light on his grieved countenance.
Though he rolled himself in the counterpane, he could not sleep alone,
He therefore rosed, sauntering, walked forth to the painted terrace.
The rows of bamboos on being agitated by the wind, uttered a sound,
When he perceived the lovely moon glittering in the water pond.
1
While there, he heard the sound of the flute, though he knew not from
whence it camey
But he plainly perceived that the tune was Man-kwan-shan.
As the notes ascended, it gave fresh grief to the solitary youth,
When the pearly tears streaming from both eyes, bedewed his clothes.-
On turning himself round to pass the thoroughfare, to take a ramble,
He fancied that he saw some persons walking in the shadow of the moon,
As they endeavoured to conceal themselves among the willows,
He found himself surrounded by a number of angelic beings.
102
1
風​嬌​體​瑤​主​好​雖​唔​豈​許​走​姐​碧​誰​小​膽
​舞​聲​眞​仙​婢​然​捨​知​多​出​呀​月​八​姐​大
​羅​傳​又​小​三​一​賞​飄​人情​花​有​行​深​到​如
​衣​送​似​姐​人年​罷​景​在​邊緣​前夜​來​天
​飄到​楊​共​遊​有​堂​垂​為​忙將​到​當​敢
​旖​花​家​丫​月​幾​前​逰​楊​嬌​作​平​語​花​躱​咁
​旎​間​女​環​下​番​月​行​下​顏​揖​生​道​間​避​蠻
​The wind, on agitating their garments, gave them the appearance of ban-
And wafted their soft and delicate voices among the flowers.
[ners,
On closer inspection, it proved to be no other than the daughter of Yang,
Little Miss Yaou-sëcn, along with her domestic attendants.
The Mistress to the two maids, whilst walking beneath the moon,
“
Said, " during the whole year, we seldom enjoy such a lovely night,
Though it be pleasant to pass the evening in front of the hall,
How much more agreeable to take a ramble by the splendour of the moon."
Could she imagine, that any person was beneath the drooping willows,
And that he was bound by many ties of love, to this beautiful Miss?
On Leang's rushing forth from among the flowers to make a low bow,
He said,
64
Miss, how happy am I in seeing you, for I think fate has decrced
Pih-yuě, on approaching, was thus pleased tp accost him,
"Who so late at night remains thus among the flowers?
[our union."
As my Mistress is here, I beg you will with speed withdraw,
You possess a deal of assurance, or why approach in this rude manner."
103
生​伏​一​不​孤​為​今​團​共​庶​小​花裙​單
​聽​乞​自​辭​窓​娘​夜​圓​姐​唔​妲​間​釵​曉
​罷​粧​棋​路​守​操​姮​光​細​辜​細​唔​不​深
​啓​前​邊遠​盡​盡​娥​照​談​資​言​係​管​閨
​言​恕​相​到​悽​幾​偏​百​風月​公​武​風​做
​陳​學會​跟​凉​多​有​花​月中​子陵​和​指
​生​如​尋​夜​心意​林​事​人​聽​津​月​針
​Young Leang, on hearing what she said, thus replied,
“I prostrately beg of you, Miss, that you will forgive the pupil:
For from the time that I saw your Mistress by the side of the chess board,
I have sought her alone, disregardless of the length of the road.
While alone, at the window, enduring the chilling cold of the night,
To your Mistress has my mind incessantly reverted.
This evening the goddess Chang-go seems propitious,
Being at her full she defuses her luster among the flowers.
Since we have obtained an interview, let us talk on love's affairs,
In so doing you will not grieve the man influenced by the moon's shadow.”
The young Miss, with a soft voice, permitted the gentleman to listen,
When she said, "The rambler among the flowers, resembles not the in-
habitants of Woo-lin-tsin.
For those who wear the gown and the pin, are insensible of love,
Being only acquainted with the science of the needle.
104
{
請​隔​梁​姐​小​相對​花​一面​改​日夜​極​破
​君​墻​生​亦​生​思​月​間​身​徨​顏​變​裡​來​怕人
​移​花​帶​何​為​無​有​腸​骨​無​好​形​凄​孤​鼓​肝
​步​柳​淚​須​姐​藥​時​斷​肉​主​似​容​凉​枕​聲​膽
​歸​莫​回​鐵​長​可​雙​幾​成​向​林​有​猶​實​敲碎
​書​關​言​石​年​除​淚​多​消​誰​間​十​自​難​潁​人
​館​心​答​心​病根​落​勻​瘦人​竹​分​可​禁
​I will thank you, Sir, to take a step towards your apartment,
For the flowers beyond yonder wall, do not distract the mind."
Young Leang,while the tears flowed through grief, said,
“ Your heart, Miss, I think, must be as hard as iron or stone.
For during a whole year, on your account have I been ill,
And medicine I find is unable to cure the disease of love.
心
​At times when I look at the moon, tears stream from both eyes,
And when amidst the flowers, my heart is incessantly ready to break.
My flesh and bones, on your account, are reduced to a skeleton,
For my fluttered mind has no one on whom it can rest.
From constant grief my countenance resembles the black bamboos,
While in person and appearance, I am greatly altered.
Frigidness by day, scarcely needs to be regarded,
But by night, whilst sleeping alone, it is insupportable.
1
[scure the moon,
What I most dread is the sound of the morning drum, when the clouds ob-
The very thought robs me of my courage, and almost breaks my heart.
105
個​凄​姐​試​妲​分​我​不​偷​瑤​芸​行​梁​姐​恰
​陣​凉​囒​體​若​明​橄​彈​仙​香​前​君​今​如
​傷​對​一​若不​羅​不對​怨​十​亦難​叫​果​不​仗
​情​住​盞​然​黵​衣​偢​面​娘​指​忍​句​實​肯​劍
​眞​斷​相​卻​和​喪​虧​怨​多​淚​賢​見​留​殺
​惡​腸​思​少​珠​不​殘​悞​前​凄​沾​嬌​傷心​其
​抵​燈​苦​痕​探​生​我​生​妲​心​佢​人
​These wounded feelings are really more than can be borne,
Thus I sit frost-bitten before a heart-breaking lamp.
Miss, if you cannot believe the distress I endure from love,
Look at my clothes and observe how many traces they contain of my tears.
If, Miss, you will not condescend to give me a favorable reply,
I shall most assuredly die in your presence.
I dare not be displeased with you, nor can I say that you have decei-
ved me,
But while playing on my ten fingers, I repine at my unhappy fate!"
Yaou-seen, perceived that he was exceedingly grieved;
And it was with difficulty that Yun-heang restrained the falling tear.
Who on advancing a few steps, thus addressed the virtuous Miss,
!
※ Young Leang, I perceive is indeed much distressed in his mind;
If Miss, you are now unable to retain him in your thoughts,
How much better for you to seize a sword and kill him at once,
I
106
我​伯​願同​二​做​一
​1
自​何​瑤​默
​想​牙​娘​郎​家​段​來​則​古​限​仙​對
​嫏​何​俯​發​堅​奇​百​梁​鍾​憐​聽​嫦
​牙​處​聽​晢​意​縁​歲​郎​情​香​罷​娥
​眞​寬​奴​表​無​播​諧​免​非​惜​無​想
​惡​知​奴​眞​更​世​連​掛​獨​玉​言​未
​得音​語​心 ​人​理​心​姐​人語​眞
​It is seldom, I think, that a beautiful woman and a person of talent meet,
For where are we to go and seek the ancient Pih-ya? *
I, your slave, beseech you, Miss, that you will listen to what I say,
And vow with the youth to love each other with sincerity of heart,
When your minds are once established, it will not be easy to change,
Having decided, then publish the affair to the world,
By so doing, in the first instance, you will be united to him during life,
And in the second, will prevent young Leang from anxiety of mind,
The feelings of love, of old, have existed in others beside you,
As to compassion and pity, it has known none like the gay and the fair.”
Yaou-sëcn, on hearing what she said, being unable to reply,
1
Sat pensive, looked towards the moon, and thought that it was not true,
* Pih-ya, is a handsome person of ancient story, who on the death of
an esteemed friend, repaired to his tomb to seek him; when he broke to
pieces his favorite violin, saying, "I have now no friend left that is ac-
quainted with my notes”.
107
伧​呌​看​兩​瑤​妾​垂花​只​未​今​花​但​唔
​俐​言​雲​人​仙​長​簾​落​知​龠​者​間​知​係
​芸​碧​亭​移​羞​蘭​未​花​母​移​為​無​發​淫
​香​月​上​步​對​有​開​訓​步​君​奈​誓​奔
​知​過​排到​梁​十​觀​懶​勤​出​垂​順​同​喪
​姐​花香​亭​生​六​春​去​針​東​愛郎​諧​節
​意​陰​案​心語​春色​行​鄰​我​心​老人
​The artful Yun-heang, knowing the mind of her Mistress,
Called to Pih-yue to pass yonder beneath the flowers,
And in the cloud-hall to place a table with offerings of incense,
While they, together repaired to the centre of the room.
Yaou-sëen, with a blush, thus addressed young Leang,
"Sixteen tedious Springs have I dwelt in the secluded room;
During which time, the verdant Spring has been withheld from my view;
And, though the flowers bloom and fade, I have been too lazy to behold them.
All the knowledge I possess, is embroidery, which I have been taught by
my mother,
For as yet I have never travelled so remote as yonder village.
Since, Sir, you have condescended to be in love with me,
Being among the flowers, I can but comply with your mind.
I know of no proceeding so good, as to pledge my word to be yours
through life,
For I am not of a lecherous mind, or one who will break her marriage vow.
108
百一​梁​感​嫦​誰​歷​事​袖​此​你​留​梁​誓​上​再
​年​言​生​娘​娥​敢​盡​非​中​紙​我​為生​章​寫寫
​事​為​帶​情​月​忘​幾​容​取​將​各​他​舉​同​二 ​芸
​在​准​笑​義​府​情​多​易​出來​人日​筆​寫​家​香
​今​不​回​海​為​起​愁​到​花​寫​收​表​琴​告​名​婢
​有​容​言​般​憑​别​苦于​箋​誓​一​眞​檯​知​與​二
​定​更​啓​深証​心​處​今​紙​文​紙​心上​神​姓​人
​Let us this night decide an important affair, which shall interest us during life;
Having once given our word, let us never think of exchanging it."
Leang, on hearing what she said, with a smile thus replied,
Gracious lady, your rectitude and love scem to resemble the vast sea!
This night the Goddess Chang-go shall be our witness;
How can I ever dare forget you, my love, or think of another!
For you, have I endured a deal of grief and distress,
And from the first time I saw you, the time as passed heavily away."
When from out of his sleeve he drew a sheet of beautiful paper,
On which he designed to write the marriage vow.
“ Of our vow," said he, “you and I will cach retain a copy,
Which we will keep till the day of our marriage consummation."
Leang, took the pencil, and leaning on the music stand,
Wrote a Vow of Constancy, which they both announced to the Gods.
Each vow was signed with their family and adopted names,
To which were added Yun-heang's and that of the other two servants;
109
Է
事​問​百​天​趑​一​男女​難​寫​名​一​願​春​團
​因​跡​計​緣​此輪​若​墮​如​逃​畢​香​炷​郎​風​圓
​姚​尋​千​有​月​氷​頁​豐​背​斧​二​三名​得​衣
​府​踪​方​分​圓​鑑​盟​都​誓​鉞​家​炷香​采​意​錦
​燈​到​纔​遇​同​照​刀​不​江​殺​齊​禀​是​筆​揚​早
​前​上​得​着​發​終​下​轉​中​其​下​知​馬​生​名​還
​會​林​面​会​誓​身​死​輪​变身​拜神​牙​花​姓​家
​Stating, This affair originated from my seeing you at the mansion of Heaou;
From which time I have sought you, tracing your footsteps to this garden;
After adoping a thousand stratagems to obtain a glympse of your face,
It seems our union accords with Heaven, for we have met in the shade of the
flowers.
“ While influenced by the moon," said he,
now let us perform our vow,
For the chrystal mirror dains to shed its lustre on our persons."
“ May I," continued Leang," if I break this my oath, dic beneath the sword,
Descend into hades forever, and never again re-enter the world.
May you, if you keep not your marriage vow, die in the river,
Or, with difficulty evade the axe from severing your head from your body!"
When they had signed the oath, they both prostrated,
On announcing it to the Gods, they offered three famed sticks of incense.
One sort of incense which they offered was called Ma-ya,
That the youth's literary pencil might produce many luxuriant flowers
;
And that at the Spring examination, acquire fame like father Yang;
Return in rich attire that their nuptials might be celebrated.
110
香​雙​早​芳​三百​山地​拜​花​梁​姐​今​守​咁​人
​添​雙​遂​名​炷​年​盟​久​告​前生​呀​日久​話
​二​綠​今​留​沉​唯​海天​已​坐​啟​相​夏雲​相​別
​炷​生​取​香​愿​誓​長​完​下​齒​逢​完​開​思​離
​係​對​連播​拜​守​休學​同​細​開​係​見​虧​一​當
​黃​紅​理​人​月初​辜​古​步​談​聲​得​初​ㄡ​月​我​三
​檀​顏​願​間​神​心​資​人​起​論​道​春​到​輪​捱​春
​Two sticks of sandle wood incense was also lit,
That the fair Miss, and blooming youth, might regain their former vigour ;
And when united might realize their heart's wish.
For the vow bore their usual signatures, that their sincerity might be known.
Three sticks of fragrant incense was offered to Venus, the goddess of love,
That they, during life, might retain their first love.
"Ye hills, and scas, witness this our oath, and involve us in distress!
And ye spacious carth, and vast heaven, if we imitate not the virtuous ancients."
When they had announced their oath to the Gods, and worshipped, they arosed,
And in presence of the flowers sat down and conversed together.
Young Leang, broke silence by thus accosting the nymph,
« Miss, when I first saw you, I remember it was the commencement of Spring,
Now, since summer has passed, and autumn is come,
We must wait till the clouds are dispersed, and the moon is again at her full.
Thus must I longer continue to pine through love,
For an hours separation appear as long as three Springs.
111
今​光​我​瑤​誰​奴​留​今​舉​只​丟​恐​故​順​若​寧
​晚​明​將把​仙人​本心​夜​頭​為​拋​怕​情​然​捨
​相​長​妲​團​羞​肯​淸​要​同​應​東​黃​為​盟​迫​殘
​逢​照​比​圓​愧​學​廉​學​郎​媿​君​卷​奴​誓​我​軀
​好​世​姮​照​回​卓​古​花​月​頻​共​終​解​風​謝
​腿間​娥​學​言​文​下​賢​下​中​着​靑​了​身​郎​花​古
​天​月​人​女生​道​君​女人​誓​神意​燈​事​心事​人
​May not my meeting with you, this evening, be compared to the moon on one
For then her splendour constantly emanates on mankind. [side of the heavens,
To me, Miss, you far excel Chang-go, the goddess of love,
I therefore beg that you will continue to shine on the scholar,'
Yaou-seen, confounded, blushing thus replied,
"Who is able to imitate the conduct of the prince Cho-wăn?
Your slave, a modest, virtuous, studious girl,
Is only ambicious of attaining the virtue of the ancients.
This evening, when I pledged my word with you beneath the flowers,
I raised my head, and responded to the Goddess of the moon.
On account of you, Sir, being harrassed in your mind,
I have thrown aside my books and neglected my solitary lamp,
Apprehensive, lest for me you should injure your constitution,
I in compliance have vowed to give rest to your mind,
Should ever an attempt be made, to force me to disgrace myself,
I'll yield my person to death, and imitate the illustrious ancients.
112
免​為​梁​花​低​一​誰料​這​小​勸​到​何​奴​道
​得​奴​生前​頭​番​想​了​知​回​姐​郎​低​苦​奴​理
​東​丟​見​飛​不​憔​玉​高​别 ​一​見​寧​有​花​豈
​君​冷​妲​淚​語​容​堂姐​定​生​耐​緣​前​不通
​長​讀​言​酒​長​把​擔​白​難​死​情​且​終​迫​知​勢
​掛​書​推 ​嗟​言​俁​髮​長​歸​慘​歡​配​結​人​惡
​念​心​却​衿​嘆​陳​我​親​久​陰​切​心​合​親​苦行
​By acting thus, I shall prevent you, Sir, from anxious thoughts,
And on account of your slave, deter you from neglecting your studies,
t
Young Leang, on hearing what she said, wanted to embrace her,
When her tears, which flowed among the flowers, left traces on her gown,
Sighing, being unable to reply, her head sunked in her bosom;
When Leang,grieved to see her, thus farther addressed her,"
“ Who could have thought, lovely Miss, that you would refuse me,
And thus slight my honored mother and grey headed father.-
When me are separated, it is doubtful whether I shall long exist,
On my leaving you my bewildered soul will certainly again return,
The little Miss, on seeing the anguish of his soul thus acute,
To tranquillize his mind, advised him to possess patience;
Saying," If our marriage be decreod, can there be a doubt of our union,
Why then, amidst the flowers, do you urge me to an illicit compliance ?
How can your slave be unacquainted with the distress which men endure,
When their virtuous lives are once overcome of evil?
113
自​無​殺​堅​梁​只​兩​不了​驚​呌​此​莫
​小​媒​身心​生​着​家​覺​環​起​一句​愁​中將
​極​苟​誓​留​見​含​談​城​離​姐​比​望​盟
​嫌​合​不待​姐​愁​笑​頭​姐​人​時​舊​姐​誓
​淫​敗​從​洞​無伴​坐​如​擂​歸​兩​心​又​留​當
​賤人​郎​房​從​姐​花​膠​五香​涙​哽​添​心​微
​婦​倫​命​春​順​陰​漆​更​閣​淋​咽​新​事
​From a child I have been taught, to detest base vicious women,
So our union, without adhering to custom, will violate the rules of decorum.
Were you to kill me, I aver I will not consent to your wish,
But with a firm resolution wait in the bride chamber till Spring."
Young Leang, perceiving that she would not yield to his embrace,
Restraining his grief, sat by her side in the shade of the flowers.
Thus they agreeably passed the time in talking and laughing,
When unexpectedly the morning drum announced the fifth watch.
On the female servant jutting her Mistress to retire to the fragrant room,
Surprized, she rosed. On taking leave, tears trickled from both eyes of the
youth.
While calling after the lovely lady, Leang-sang became convulsed,
When his grief, at that moment, exceeded what he had formerly felt.
66
Miss,” said he, “ when alone I hope you will retain me in your thoughts,
Nor think trival of the vow that this night you have made.
114
1
消​免​瑤​涙​妾​唔​今​始
​息​使​仙花​長​信​日​知
​便​寒 ​浮​朱​相​別離
​傳​發粉​門 ​思君​恨
​鴻​寂​難​把​生​會​歸​海
​雁​您​分​言​綉​壞​去​般
​寄​音​手​陳​閣​人​也​深
​By embracing every opportunity of sending a few lines by the wild geese,*
You will prevent the student from distracting his mind for an absent lady."
Yaou-sëen, with great reluctance, withdrew from him her hand,
And as the tears raised the ruge on her check, she thus accosted him :
"I who was born in the embroidered hall, and dwell within the red doors,
Could not imagine that love would thus wound man.
Now, on taking leave of you, Sir, to return to my room,
I begin to know that the regret of parting is as vast as the sea.t
* During the reign of Chaou-te, (one of the Han sovereigns,) Soo-woo, a
minister of state, was sent embassador to the IIeung-noo tribe, who detained
him in confinement 19 years. Afterwards, his Majesty to promote a good
understanding, sent their chief a princess, and begged the liberation of Soo-
WOO.
The Heung-noo's prevaricated, and affirmed that the embassador was
dead. It happened while his Majesty was in his park shooting wild fowl,
that he saw a goose with a letter tied to its foot, which proved to be a letter
from Soo-woo, mentioning that he was an herdsman at Ta-tsih. The
Heung-noo's on being informed by the emperor of the circumstance, were
astonished, and acknowledged their crime, and sent home the embassador.
From which story, the sending of letters by wild geese, is a common allusion.
The allusion is, that as the sea is unfathomable, the painful feelings
of separated lovers, are not to be described.
115
致​早​相​無​梁​四 ​一​好 ​好​悽
​囑​憑​牽​奈​生​條​個個​似​惶
​功​相​雞​步​銀​躭​遲​鴛​無
​停​夾
​舟​書​道
​中​謾​梁
​名​葉​柤​啼​送​淚​愁​鴦​主 ​許​講​爺
​須​見​難​鳥​瑤​亂​歸入​遭​兩 ​親​花​轉
​着​雙​離​西​仙​交​綉​柳浪​邊
​意​親​别​沉浸​閣​陰​湧​行
​間​故
​事​林
​I advise you with diligence to persue your studies, thereby acquire fame,
And early decide on our wedding, when you will wait on my father and mother.
To obtain our heart's desire, we will pull together determined never to separate,
Disregardless of the crowing of the cock, the chattering of the birds, or the
moon's dipping in the west,"
Leang, on accompanying Yaou-sëen to the bottom of the garden,
Shed forth tears, which continued to flow down her checks.
One we have seen retire with grief and regret to the silken room,
While the other, with slothful steps entered the shade of the drooping willows.
They, like the water birds Yuen and Ying, when separated by the dashing
Agitated and bewildered, walked two different ways,
「waves,
MARRIAGE DECISION WHILE ON BOARD SHIP.
Wp will wave, for the present relating what transpired among the flowers,
And detail of what occurred while Leang was returning to his native village.
116
入​帶有​亦​一​無​次​一一​相​日​日​相​正
​閣​俸​個​係​見​心​早​齊​對​逢​暮​長​親​係
​多​歸​尙​吳​梁​留​上​江​座​總​泊​相​相​他
​年​田書江​爺​戀​朝​上船​係​船​對​愛​鄉
​思​沐​劉​縣​歸​做​求​買​同​故​同​舉​如​遇
​故吏​裹​畫​朝​致​舟​蕩​鄉​講​金​兄​故
​里恩​部​人​錦​臣​仕​行​漿​親​論​樽​弟​入
​He having for sometime filled an important office in the state, decided on
resigning,
When he took his emoluments, the bounty of his sovereign, to return to cul-
tivate his fields,
Lew, an intimate friend of his, member of the Board of Magistracy,
Was also a native of the far famed district Woo-heang.
On seeing the minister Leang, dressed for his intended journey,
Felt indisposed to remain any longer in office,
On the following day, he entered the palace and resigned his scal,
When, on purchasing a vessel, they commence their journey together,
The boat which contained a pair of seats was moved along by the oars,
Till they reached their native village, where they were met by their friends,
At night, when they anchored, they passed the time in conversing together,
And during the tedious day, they incessantly raised the golden goblet.
As the esteem and love they bore for each other, being that of brothers,
We may be assured they were natives of the same village.
117
劉​話​梁​劉​舟​歷​兩
​梁​夫​間​紅​夫​接
​差
​日​爺​極​爺爺​中​盡​家 ​女人​别​顏​人​回
​細 ​聰​有​亦​許​波​迎
​僕
​接​幾​都​差​公
​接
​主
​言​女​明​意​愛​口​濤​送 ​岸​見​年​變​僕​子
​兒​正​多​欲​梁​結​歸​各 ​回​笑​人​白​長​轉
​女​靑​禮​求​公​為​到​紛 ​歸​吟​貌​頭​洲​家
​事​春​貌​婚​子​親​屋​紛
​府​吟​改​人​去​行
​It happened, while they were talking on domestic affairs,
That father Lew said, he had a young and blooming daughter,
Exceedingly handsome, and endowed with a comprehensive mind.
Leang, as soon as it was mentioned, solicited her as a bride for his son.
Father Lew retaining an high esteem for young Leang,
Instantly decided, that the youths should be united by the ties of wedlock.
After being repeated wetted by the waves, they arrived at their abodes,
On their parting, the servants took charge of their baggage,
THE SERVANT SENT TO BID MASTER LEANG'S RETURN.
THE minister Leang, on going on shore repaired to his residence,
And was received by the lady, who was exceedingly clated ;
She then perceived that several years absence had altered his appearance,
And that the florid countenance was now crowned with grey hairs.
The lady despatched a servant to repair to Chang-chow,
To request his young master with speed to return home.
118
相​吏​十名​船​一​差​氷​擇​謾​又​書​就​老
​公共​部​七​喚​中​面​人人​取道​談​了​窓​話​爺
​笑​孩​劉芳玉​許​差​一個​食​艮​梁​主​來​接
​對​兒​爺​年​卿​配​人​面​命​時​緣​府​人​見​取​日
​夫​定​一​表​未​我​請​送​忙​就​前​此​嚴​亦​大師​轉
​人​了​個​致​許​俐​兒​公​年​定​世家​命​滄​府​鄕
​講​親​女人​極​身子​庚​遞​親​定​人​去​身​去​津
​The gentleman, with a smile, addressing the lady, said,
« I have already decided with whom my son shall wed.
Father Lew, the Commissioner, has an amiable daughter,
Who is seventeen, as yet was never betrothed in marriage.
Her name is Yüh-king, and is considered extremely clever,
While on board he promised her in marriage to my son."
The servant with speed was bid to hasten his master's return,
While a person was ordered to prepare the necessary certificates of his age,
The marriage proposer, in compliance, hastily presented the marriage proposal,
When he selected a propitious day for celebrating their nuptials.
We will wave for the present, relating affairs that were previously decreed,
And again detail respecting a domestic servant of Leang's houso,
He, on receiving his Master's stern command, immediately proceededr
When on arriving at Chang-chow he saw his Master Yih-tsang.
He apprized him of his illustrious father's return,
That he yesterday arrived at his native district,
119
梁​收​拜​又​相​筵​我​勞​老​不​梁​敬
​生​拾​别​來​公​中​有​君​夫​生​依
​聞​琴​姈​奉​擺​微​一​歸​一​寒​見​嚴
​父​書​娘​别​酒​笑言​對​女​門​語​命
​歸​返​和​姓​同​對​誠​合​年​願​忙​喜
​田​故​表​楊生生​獻​算​登​結​恭​歡
​宅​林​弟​人​餞​云​笑​陳​對​親​揖​欣
​Leang on being informed of the return of his father,
Hastily packed his books and guitar to repair home.
1
On taking leave of his Nephew and Aunt,
He repaired to bid adieu to the family Yang.
The gentleman immediately ordered food and wine to be brought,
While they were partaking of it, Yang with a smile thus addressed him;
“I have a word or two to say to you, which will assuredly make you smile,
It is, Sir, that on your return you will thus address your honored parent,
That I, the old man, have a daughter of the same age with yourself,
And hope that he will not think lightly of the scholar, but grant your union.”
Leang-sang, on hearing what he said, hastily made a respectful bow,
When, dutifully relying on his promise, became exceedingly elated.
120
TAKING LEAVE BENEATH THE BAMBOOS.
陰​哭​别
​酒​心​忙​湊​行​前​深​未​今​我​深​煩​我​一​欲
​柳
​闌​中​入​親近​晚​恩​知​因​亦​閨​勞​對
​拜​懷​後​對​多​長​何​我​前​拜​蓮​衷​粧
​别​念​園​月​環​勞​記​日​父​來​上​步​情
​歸​誓​花​入​輕​姐​歸​報​辭別​賢​到​心細
​書​心​架​園​啓​二​肝​娘​朝​姐​嬌花​上​剖
​館​人​下​林​齒​人​膽​恩​轉行​主​陰​事​陳
​On taking leave, at the repast, Leang returned to his study,
Where, cherishing thoughts of the person with whom he had vowed,
With speed he repaired to the back garden; while below the flower supporters
He fortunately espied Pih-yuč enter the garden.
On his near approach, he thus softy addressed her,
I have to thank you and Yun-heang, for the trouble you have taken;
Your profound kindness, I shall long remember;
But I know not the day when I shall be able to recompence you.
On account of my father's return, who has resigned his office,
I am come to take my leave of you, cre I return home.
You will repair to the silken room and inform your virtuous Mistress,
That I will trouble her to take a walk among the flowers.
Having a sentence, which weighs heavy on my mind,
I am desirous of communicating it to her myself.”
121
碧蘭​生​别​瑤​做​亦​就​忙​三​梁​步​未​携
​月​房​在​娘​仙​也要​共​你​人生​入​講​手
​領​見​花​今​聽​相​致​芸​金​掩​望​先​雙
​言​主​前晚​得​入​囑​香蓮​映​見​杆​知 ​雙
​移​報​專​轉​心​又​旗​碧​離​入​瑤​按​離​入
​步​根​候​鄉​神 ​離​媒​月 ​繡花​仙​玉​别​柳
​去​因​姐​津​亂​分​案​行​閣​林​姐​入​苦​隂
​Pih-yuě, in compliance with his request, proceeded
To her Mistress' apartments, where she communicated the message.
Leang, impatiently waited by the side of the flowers till she came,
For after taking leave, he had that evening to return to his native village.
Yaou-sĉen, as soon as she heard the message, her spirits were bewildered,
Why,” said she, “since we have not long been acquainted, must we so soon
part "
She was intent on sending for a go-between to propose marriage to him.
When in company with Pih-yuě and Yuu-heang, she entered the garden
On quitting the silken room, she with precipitancy lifted the golden lilies,
When their persons were alternately obscured as they entered among the
flowers.
Leang, on seeing Miss Yaou-söen approach,
Entered within the railings to receive the fair lady.
Ere he had communicated to her the distress he felt on the thought of parting,
On taking each other by the hand, they entered beneath the willows.
色
​122
梁​别​家​不可​姐​當​酒​小​共​總​柳​小​前
​生​離​君山​憐​呀​先​筵​生​姐​係​絲​姐​怕​縁
​哭​今​帶​不​兩​莫​會​許​不​團​瞓​難​對​難
​對​日​俸​共​地​把​共​共​圓​前​恨​繫​生​定
​瑤​隔​歸​妲​相​另​尊​姐​尋​有誰​别​雙​事
​仙​烟田​離​思​珠​滸​君​生​媒​日​為​離​淚​關
​語​雲​隱​群​苦人​別​親​問​辰​解人​落​心
​Leang,with tears, addressing Yaou-sëen, said,
"To day our separation must take place, and we be parted as by a dense cloud,
For my father having resigned his office, has returned to cultivate his fields;
I shall thereby be prevented from enjoying your company.
Ought not we, who cannot live together, be pitied on account of the dis-
tress of our minds!
Never think, Miss, of seizing the splendid pearl and give it to some other;
For when taking leave at the banquet of your honored father,
He promised that I should obtain you in marriage.
Ere long, 1 will seek a person who shall make the necessary arrangements,
For my union with you, Miss, there certainly must be a day.
Who is able to relieve me of the anguish I now feel on parting,
Can the willow's silken thread bind the single youth?
While addressing the youth, tears flowed from both eyes of the lady,
When she said, "I am fearful lest fate will not accomplish what we so much
desire.
123
雖
​花​兩​縱​必​人​願​未可​梁​姐​若​葉
​則​家​箋​家​係​不​生​留下​對​生​呀​不​家
​爹​堂​誓​唔​爹​虧​自​靑​我​花​執​已​共
​爹​上​約​做​媽​郎​古​塜​君​前​住​自​娘​命
​會​老君​頁​另​誰​伴​心​話​瑤​禀​諧​亦
​許​雙​牢​心​獼​嫁​無​黄​内​一句​仙​知​白​跟
​你​親​記​人​願​君​死​昏​事​真​手​神​髮​尋
​Although my father has promised to give me in marriage to you,
Still there is the consent of your honored parents to be obtained.
You must constantly bear in mind the Vow that you have made,
Nor should either of us be wanting in keeping our word.
From henceforth, though your father and mother should not give their con-
Most assuredly I will never trifle with you by marrying some other person,
[sent,
Since death, which regards neither the rich nor the poor, is the lot of all
mankind,
It is my determination to leave behind me a chase grave, a companion for the
evening's dusk.
As yet, I am unacquainted with the decision, of you my husband,
But you can now say a few sincere words whilst before the flowers."
Leang, on taking Yaou-sëen by the hand, said,
Miss, while among the flowers I besought the Gods,
That if I do not remain united to you till I am grey headed,
That I might disregard life, forsake my family, and go in search of you.
124
死​决​我​莫​自​躞​瑤​保​天​留​執​不​你​那
​生​做個​姐​為​古​仙​重​緣​心​手​覺​不堪
​不全​别​愚​相​花​哭​前​有​黄 ​捨​對
​資​終​離​生​容​叫​程​分​榜​衣​镪​時​面
​賢​到​歸​日​成​惱​梁​莫​終​占​唔​柳​我​割
​嬌​底​綉​掛​病​壞​公​愴​須​高​覺​搖​不離
​姐​人​閣​心​症​人子​神​在​登​久​金​捨​羣
​Whether dead or live, I will never forsake you, lovely and virtuous Miss,
But most assuredly will remain your's while life shall last.
My Miss, on parting you will return to the embroidered room,
And not silily spend day after day in thinking of me,
In former times, those who were crossed in love, fell ill:
I am fearful lest you become emaciated, and be stripped of your bloom."
Yaou-sten, weeping thus farther addressed young Leang,
《 Promise me again, cre you leave that you will refrain from grieving;
If fate has decreed our union, it must be consummated;
1
Let therefore your mind be fixed on the temple of fame, and aspire to the
highest scat."
Thus they continued hand in hand, dallying, they knew not how long,
Till they saw the sun in the west, and the willows' shadow reflected on them.
One to the other said, « If you will not let me go, I will not let you go,
For while together how can we endure the thought of parting!
125
彩​地​忽​難​轉​五​恨​梁
​雲​北​聽​分​一頭​步​殺生
​易​天一​捨​時​那​花​拭
​散​南​聲​處​流​開​陰​淚
​琉​苦人​着 ​十​人​轉
​璃​語​相​步
​脆​人​响​分​淚​行​影​行
​The azure cloud is suddenly dispersed, and the glass bowl is easily broken,
…
But the thought of your dwelling on the north and I on the south, is enough
to kill one.”
On unexpectedly hearing some persons conversing together,
Being unwilling to part, they instantly secluded themselves.
On advancing a few steps they cach turned round and wept,
When from the grief of parting they lengthened out five paces to ten.
I
Fain would they have destroyed the flowers because they obscured their sha-
When Leang,wiping away the tears, returned to his room.
[dows.
PART IV.
LEANG RETURNS HOME TO SEE HIS FATHER.
回家​見​父
​歸​載​流​悯​歸​梁​父​相​芸​來
​將​水​人​到​生子​公​窓​秋
​離​潺​秋​家​堂​相​堂​切​奮
​起​恨​潺​色​鄉​上​逢​上​要​志
​書 ​落花​斷​見​多​把​勤​去
​和​江​自​人​上​雙喜​言​書​登
​劍心​落​魂​岸​親​色​陳​史​雲
​On repairing to his room, he packed his books and sword,
Which, with the regret of parting, he repaired on board.
Wave after wave bore him along like a fallen flower,
When, enraged, he was ready to break his heart at Spring's approach,
As soon as he arrived at his native place, he hastened on shore,
And entered the hall to pay his respects to his father and mother,
The father and son, were exceeding happy in seeing each other;
When his father at the head of the hall, thus addressed him :
“ My son, when in the study, be intent on acquiring knowledge of the classics,
That in autumn, by strength of mind you may ascend the temple of fame.”
127
夫​昨​更名​梁​滿滿​忙
​人​共​部​題​生​面​腹​辭
​笑​吾​尙​金​開​愁​私​父
​共​兒​書​榜​得​容情​母
​孩​定​劉​好​婚​惱​誰​入
​兒​了​屋​成​姻​十​敢怒
​語​親​女​親事​分道​心
​難​哽​搥
​對
​嘆
​聲​阻​咽​胸
​月
​長​腮​將​大
​自
​嗼​邊​將​哭
​歸​兩​身​苦
​書​淚​氣​傷
​館​淋​死心
​The lady for the information of her son, thus addressed him,
Yesterday I settled for you with whom you should wed.
It is to be to the daughter of Lew, of the Revenue Board,
And your marriage will take place, on your acquiring literary fame."
Leang, as soon as he heard the mention of marriage,
Evinced displeasure, and was exceedingly enraged.
Who is able to described the feelings of those in love?
On taking an hasty leave of his parents he retired to his room.
SIGHING IN THE PRESENCE OF THE MOON.
ON breathing a long sigh, he repaired back to his room,
Where he found it difficult to restrain the tears from trickling down his checks;
From constant sobbing he was nearly suffocated,
When beating his breast, be burst into tears to releave his troubled mind.
128
無​虧​早​當​無​呌​今​唔​條​頓​哭​可
​綠​了 ​初​緣​天生​望​命​人​穿​倒​惜​場
​瑤​共​何​割​無不​陽​必​腸​鞋​床​花​風
​費​仙​你​敢​斷​應​得​間​然​斷​底​中​容​月
​花​妲​難​悞​情​地​同​重​因​定​彈​十​無​落
​間​玉​諧​娘​和​無​衿​做​姐​唔​崩​數​我​波
​誓​人​老身​義​開​枕​人​喪​會​指​勻​分心
​"Our union," said he,
“
being not decreed, my oath amidst the flowers is
of no avail;
Alas! I have trifled with the fair and beautiful Yaou-seen.
Miss, had I early known that we could not live together during life,
How would 1, from the first, have dared to insult your person:
Now, since our union is not decreed, we will cut asunder the feelings of
love,
For if I call to Heaven it will not answer, nor will carth give an car to my
Since in this life, we can never sleep together on the same pillow,
J
I have no wish to live in the present state of affairs.
My sole desire is to die on account of that beautiful lady,
Ah! Miss, did you know that my heart for you is ready to break t
And that from grief, I stamp with my feet, and flip with my fingers,
While my bed, night after night, is made wet with my tears !
How much may I be pitied, as I cannot obtain her lovely person,
[prayer.
For the pleasures and mirth of this life have fallen in the waves of the sea.
129
就​詩​共​三​茶​縱​無​就​觀​可​記​幾​今​往​無​對​唔
​把​詞​妲​元​糕​情​將​朗​憐​得多​時​望月​知
​文​歌​無​連​一​羊​美​極​明月​人​當​情​前​風​肝
​章​賦​緣​中​些​酒​怕​月​叫​世​初​意​情​流​腸​樣
​丟盡​尋​也​難​共​花​嬋​不同​在​爹​結​都​算
​落​燒死​閒​入​誰​間​離​娟​團​花​滚​鳳​想
​水​焚​罷​交口​斟​月​羣 ​圓​戀​園​亂
​I will now seize the whole of my themes and throw them into the river,
My books of poetry and prose, I will consign to the flames.
Since Heaven has not decreed our union, I will seek death,
Despising fame though I could obtain the three highest literary ranks.
Tea and food to me is now become unpleasant and insiped,
Had I veal, or lamb, with excellent wines, with whom could I pledge?
While disregarded, I dread the bright moon which shines among the flowers,
And now while beneath her fulgent beams I sigh for the absent lass."
On beholding the unclouded moon, he called to the goddess of love,
To have compassion on a youth who cannot obtain his heart's wish.
Recollect," said he, "that from the first I was united to the family by
And the feelings of love we bore each other whilst in the garden.
[esteem;
To day, my father having deranged the feelings of love of a former day,
We have no hope of enjoying the felicity of the water birds Fung and Lwan,"
While addressing the moon, his heart seemed broken,
Being dejected he knew not what course to pursue.
S
130
料​時​觀​舊​共​衿​海羅​可​瑤​拆​丹​觀​百花​歸
​想​時​朗​淚​娘​寒​誓​幃​憐​仙​散心​朗​般​下來
​今​流​月​唔​未​枕​山​唔​要​妲​鴛​誰​月​離​自​惹
​生​淚​獨​乾得​冷​盟​望​會​嚼​鴦​料​淚​恨​同​下
​難​骨​徘​新​成​請​今​得​無​妹​難​化​交​在​嬌​-
途​頭​徊​淚​雙​誰​反​埋​由 ​匹​成​流​心​别​場
​願​酸 ​催​對​倍​悔​堆​會 ​配​灰 ​頭​後​愁
​" I perceive (continued he) in this life I am not likely to obtain my wish,
And from continual grieving my head and bones are diseased.
While alone, and beholding the bright moon, I am irresolute,
For ere the former tears are wiped dry, they are succeeded by others,
Before my union with this lady is consummated, and we form a pair,
The coverlet has become cold, and the pillow frozen,-who for the future
shall I love!
I now regret our Vow which was to endure with the sea and mountains,
For I have no hope of ever having a companion within the bed curtains,
Ought I not to be pitied, being desirous of marrying but cannot,
Alas! my fair and lovely lady, Miss Yaou-sëen!
[pair;
As the loving birds Yuen and Ying, when once dispersed with difficulty again
Who could have thought that the desires of a sincere heart would prove ineffec-
When I behold the bright moon, the tears in streams cross cach other, [tual
{
And a hundred painful sensations of parting dwell on my mind.
From the time that I took leave of that beauty among the flowers,
And returned home, my mind has been seized with grief.
131
天​多​此​心​點​堅​觀風​從​分​哭​舉​東​捨
​長​情​生​想​敢​心​朗​流​有​明​哭​頭​我​風​條
​盼​都​若​透​貪​除​月​往​相​今​啼​無​與​拆​殘
​望​付​不 ​新​係​涙​事​思​日​啼​主​嬌​散​命
​空​水​成
​翹​東​佳
​首​流​偶
​忘​死​飄​總
​忘​死​飄​總​無​似​心​怨​情​鸞​報
​却​方紅成​路​飄​想​天​萬​和​嬌
​舊​休 ​空​送​蓬​痛​公​種​鳳​容
​Incessantly with the day do I gaze with extended head,
Till by feelings of love, I am carried along the eastern stream.
If in this life, my union with her cannot take place,
At which thought my heart reverts;
Can I ever esteem a new face and disregard the old?
No, I'll retain my thoughts of her and devorce her only at death.
On beholding the bright moon, I weep tears of blood,
Till the pleasures and enjoyments of life are entirely gone.
From the time that I fell in love with her, she has not been from my mind.
Indeed the whole affair to the present moment, appears but a phantom,
Thus I remain sighing and weeping till I am diseased from love.
When I raise my head and see I have no partner, I am angry at my fatc,
For fate has deceived us both, in giving us such an effusion of love.
As the castern wind has dispersed the conjugal birds Lwan and Fung,
I will terminate my existence to recompence this lovely lady."
132
觀​淚​十​咁​暗​肯​滿​想​生​料​幾​虧​誰想​點​月
​明珠​指​好​地​話​腹​一​不想​時​他​想起​能​底
​月​如​偷​姻​思​私​凄​陣​相​玉​知​望 ​此​夜
​憶​雨​彈​緣​量​情​凉​幾​逢​人​我​我​場​情​得​間
​情​落​嗟​又​心​就​多​死​居​另尋​風​和​個​風
​人​紛​命​拆​不​化​少​噘​亦​綉​生​媒​他​此條​漸
​紛​運​羣​分​塵​恨 ​尋​閣​親​問​人​恨​心​猛
​On beholding the bright moon, he again remembered his love,
When the pearly tear fell in confusion, like drops of rain.
Flipping his fingers, he continued to sigh at his unhappy fate,
In being disappointed in so desireable an union.
When the thought occurred, that he should never be united to her,
He would exclaim, I will certainly rid myself of those feelings!
His bosom being filled with regret, he became indignant,
When by the recurrence of a single thought he was nearly suffocated.
"If," said he, "I cannot have an interview with her in this life, I will seek
For doubtless the fair lady still dwells in the silken chamber.
[her in death.
Does she yet know that I am promised in marriage to another ?
Alas! she is deceived in the expectation of my secking a marriage proposer.
Who could have forseen that some other person would enjoy her company?”
The very thought excited the irritability of his feelings.
But these thoughts he was unable to rid from his mind;
For at midnight, as the moon sunk, his grief encrcased.
133
師​嶰
​手​一​花​能​我​除​我​不只​一
​房​想​衣​詞​執​篇​箋​有​料​非​橄​有​條
​睡​體​依​誓​情​會​撫​此​來​虧​死
​下​見​舊​詞​事​寫​心情​世​娘​路
​免​花​紙​流​化​阻​辜​得​重​係
​傷​箋​中​血​虚心​雙​負​成​配​終
​神​紙 ​新浪​文事​親了親​合身
​On repairing to his room, with dejected spirits,
As he was wont to undressed himself, he observed the sheet of paper;
It contained the marriage vow, which appeared as just written;
On taking it in his hand, he wept over it till he shed tears of blood,
“ Thus in a moment," said he, “ are all our plans of love rendered nugatory,
Though on this paper we wrote the decision of our minds.
Though firm to our vow, we durst not oppose our parents.
They doubtless will insist on our friendship being broken off;
Then our union can only take place in a future state.
I will never dare presume to deceive that lady by marrying some other,
But will remain to the end of my days a single man.
134
開
​鬦​婚​罵​婢
​YAOU-SEÉN SCOLDS HER SERVANTS.
謾​又​楊​姚​湊​滿​相​梁​書​柳​姚​梁​料​故
​講道​爺​生​着​堂​公​生​密​殘生​因此
​書​楊壽恭​瑤​歡​便​别​冷​花​見​家​親​無
​家​誕​賀​仙​叙​把​後​淡​謝​問​下​事​會
​偷​二人​到​廳​倒​姚​杳​無​總​回​已​多​到
​怨​老​恭​上​金​生​無人​無言​生​館
​命​人​賀心立​樽​問​音​理​人道​親​冗​行
​We will refrain from narrating the student's disappointment,
But will again relate of father and mother Yang..
Yang, on the anniversary of his birth day, made a feast,
}
When Heaou entered the hall to congratulate him on its return.
Miss Yaou-sëen, was seen standing at the head of the hall,
1
While the guest, who filled the room, were empling the golden goblet,
The gentleman, addressing Master Hcaou, thus asked,
Why, Leang from the time he left, has not sent a single line?
Is the study become cold and solitary,
And are the flowers permitted to bloom and fade disregarded by man ?”
Heaou, in answer to what was said, thus replied,
"Brother Leang, since his return home has determined with whom to wed;
Doubtless his being worried and distressed by love,
Is the sole reason of his not returning to his study,"
135
相​誰​生​尙​父​後​相​此​有​他​一連​兩​魄​心
​公​為​答​書​母​憑​公子​女​年​仙​陣​忙​眼​散​頭
​又媒​舅​小​自​媒​喐分​得​必席​凄​别垂​魂​僕
​問問​言​姐​家​氏​口​明​他​定​上​凉​母​珠​飛​僕
​誰​結​劉​共​會​遞​深​大為​做​親​耳​歸​破​情​淚
​家​婚​屋​成​許​年​嗟​貴​坦夫​聽​底​香粉​豬​粉
​女​姻​女​親口​庚​喫​人​腹​人​見​生​閣​痕​亂​紛
​The gentleman, further asked with whose daughter,
And who were the persons that decided the marriage?
The youth replied, "It is to the daughter of my uncle Lew,
Who is member of the Shang-shoo board, to whom he is to be married
His father and mother having determined on the union,
It will take place when the marriage proposer has obtained their age.”
The gentleman gasping, astonished at what he heard, replied,
!
“This youth doubtless will become some extraordinary personage;
Since the young lady herself is intent on the marriage,
Can I doubt but that cre long she will certainly be his wife?”
Yaou-sëen, remained at the head of the table listening,
}
Till she felt a cold shiver pass over her lovely frame.
On hastily taking leave of her mother, she entered the fragrant room,
When, as her eyes dropt the pearly tear, it left traces on her clicek.
The soul and spirit having flown, her mind became confused,
While her heart beat incessantly, the tears flowed in confusion ;
136
嗟​薄​己​冇​狐​只​可​轉​早點​叫​必​大​芸姐
​嗟​情​許​乜​單​怕​惱​眼​知​好哦​然​哭​香​灞​謝
​怨​虧​共​重​一​爹​梁​與​花​凄​條​汪​共​雖​唔
​怨​我​郎​婚​世​娘​郎​人生​前​凉​命​汪​姐​則會
​梁​俁​為​背​何不​眞​另​緣​容​誰​見​情​解​共
​公​靑​配​誓​妨​開​薄​結​真是​閻​極​開​生​了結
​子​春​合​盟​事 ​倖​親​少​心​主​君​慘​心​誓​親
​Sighing, she felt indignant at the conduct of young Leang,
Proving inconstant, and having trifled and deceived her in her youth.
Already having promised to be married to him,
"Shall I," said she, brake my vow in being united to some other!
No, I'll remain single, while life shall last, what shall hinder ?
All that I dread is, lest my father and mother should make a fresh proposal.
May I not despise young Leang, as an unprincipled man?
Who, in the twinkling of an eye has cast me off to marry some other.
Thus in my youth have I learnt, that the decrees are but little in my favor,
And regret, when amidst the flowers that I divulged my whole mind.
Now, since I am thus distressed, who dains to advise with me?
I will most assuredly put an end to my life, and visit the sovereign of hades,"
After weeping aloud, and by tears giving relief to her feelings,
Yun-heang, to her Mistress, thus embosomed her mind.
Miss, though you have pledged your word to young Leang,
You ought to be thankful that you still retain your chastity,
137
佢​小​咁​另​葉美瑤​利​當​勾​今​重​我​想​一​花
​若​姐​好​尋​敗​玉​仙​口​初​引​朝​敢​係​唔​醮​前
​貪​何​花​一枝​無​大​花​尙​漁​見前​知​似​終​已
​心​須​容​個​殘​瑕​喝​詞​佢​人​佢​來​書​佢​身​自
​忘​守​愁​賽​都​芸​大​如​到​唔​弄​全​另​從​許
​意思​舊​有​梁​想​點​香​賤​花​問​終​舌​禮​貪​古​梁
​義​盟​對​生​嫁​塵​婢​人​錦​津​始​唇​義​新​道​生
​For, if his unsteady mind disregards your esteem and noble feeling,
Ought you, Miss, to retain your former vow?
Shall so handsome a person grieve, of having only one suitor ?
No, we will seek another far more to be esteemed than young Leang! [ing,
If those who resemble the faded leaf and whithered branch, think about marry-
How much more you, who are a beautiful gem without the least speck."
Yaou-sëen, displeased, scolding her servant Yun-heang,
Called her a talkative meddling wench.
"At first you described him as rich embroidery of flowers,
Sufficient to induce the fishermen to go and enquire for the Tsin.
This morning, on seeing that he has changed his mind,
Do you presume to enter my presence and play with your tongue ?
I who am well acquainted with books, and with what is correct,
Do you think that I'll resemble him in choosing another suitor !
The ancients when they once gave their vow, retained it inviolable,
So will I, who betrothed myself to young Leang, is the presence of the flowers.
T
138
雖​我​到​做​碧​事​自​為​况​就​事​姐​縱​己​眼​人
​則​亦​頭​個​月​有​古​兒​且​傳​有​呀​係​能​前世
​佢唔​萬​銅​前因​婚​點​別​親​奈莫​梁​錯​且​幾
​今​憂​事​肝​來由​姻​敢​娘​定​何​要​生​過​講​何
​無​肯​無​鐵​開​妲​由​亂​方​姓​監​將​躭​莫​風​得
​道​變​過​膽​解​未​父​推​幾​劉​定​錯​悞​傷​花​後
​理​更​死人​如​聞​母親​日人​佢​怪人​心事​生
​In this affair, doubtless he has acted improper,
Yet I'll not grieve, nor consent to the union being broken off.
Since affairs have arrived at this head, death is preferable to life,
I'll embrace it, and manifest to the world, a firm and resolute mind."
Pih-yuě, on approaching, thus advised her Mistress,
Miss, have you not heard that all affairs are decrced by heaven?
And that, for ages past, all marriages depend on one's parents;
If so, can the children disannul their decision?
Since Leang left you, Miss, a few days has only elapsed,
Yet people say he is betrothed to the family of Lew!
If thus, what can be done, for he being over ruled;
You,Miss,should not err in being angry with him!
Young Leang, although he has seriously injured you, Miss,
The error, though irretrievable, yet you ought not to grieve.
Let us for the future talk of gaiety and pleasure,
For we cannot always retain the sprightliness of youth."
139
YAOU-SEEN THROWING ASIDE HER ORNAMENTS.
房
​中​化
​瑤​新​料​這​脂​粧​總​盡​脂​有​風​黄​碎​世
​仙​淚​我​場​粉​匣​總​把​與​誰​流泉​密​|
聽​重​今​寃​料​無​算​房​粉​重​快​有​鏡​誰
​生​債​知心​來​中落​講​活路​破​係
​物
​了​舊​無​悞​無理​都​物​池​理​都​去​瑤​我
​環​淚​快干​我​冇​化​塘​容​休​茫​琴​知
​語​痕​活​生​分​雲​用​焚 ​光望 ​音
​YAOU-SEEN, the moment she heard, what her servant said,
The trickling tears effaced the traces of what had previously fallen.
"In this life," said she, “ doubtless there can be no joy for me,
For this monster has deceived me in my youth.
From this time forth I will not own these balls of cosmetics,
Nor am I disposed again to dress my hair at the toilet.
Presuming that I shall never again have use for these ornaments,
I will take them all and commit them to the flames.
These balls of cosmetics and ruge I will cast into the pond,
For who will come again and talk of my beauty?
My hopes of pleasure and happiness for ever being at an end,
I will with speed enter the road that leads to the yellow springs.
My looking glass I will smash to pieces, and destroy my precious kin,
For who in this world is acquainted with my plaintive notes?
140
鏡​孤​丟​好弄​一​燒​信​一​焚​因​個​空​銀
​中​鸞​玉​似玉​堆​彩​台​息​生​雙​郎​種​係​箏​多
​顏​獨​笛​玉簫​黃​筆​無不​憔​陸​百​風​眼​流​破​點
​色​燕​碎​關​郎​土​擘​望​傳​悴​撒​事​流血​碎​亂
​誰​過​琵​濕​都是​花​寫​人​對​冇​都​濕​牙​惱
​偢​平​琶​湖​係​兒​箋​書​不​花​棋​心​冇​衫​牌​人
​問​生 ​沙​假​家 ​篇​見​眠​機​味​裿
​機​味​裿​懷
​Though I appear in the glass to be handsome, who regards me?
I'll spend my life like the swallow and the widow bird Lwan.
The pearly flute, I will throw aside, and destroy the Pe-pa,
And weep like Yǚh-kwan, * whose tears stained her garments.
Should ever another solicit my hand, though as handsome as Lang-yüh, † I will
And at once make the yellow grave my abode.
[refuse him.
I will burn my elegant pencil, and tear up my ornamented paper,
For I never wish again to write another ode at my desk.
This chess board I will burn, and these dice shall be thrown away,
For on account of this youth, they afford me no pleasure.
The seeds of love having now lost their virtue,
And being alone, I weep tears of blood till my clothes are bedewed.
The silver reed and ivory cards, I will break to pieces,
For these, with their strings, enrage and distract my mind.
* Yüh-kwan, is a lady who is said to have died from grief and incessant
weeping on leaving the frontiers of China, to be married to one of the Tar-
tar princes.
+ Lang-yih, an admirable performer on the flute, and one who could imi~
late the notes of the bird Fung.
141
寃​爲​燒​粧​衫​腸​焚​綉​薄​虛​各​留​記​~
家​郞​錦​整​帶​斷​綉​床​命​勞​物​下​取​做個
​結​近​綉​唔唔​梁​線​冷​枉​盡​花​共​貞
​下​日​化​憂​綯​郎​拗​落​顏​做​將​箋​郎​廉
​憑​學​羅​似​都​知​金​總​無​世​來​一​花​死
​誰​長​衣​舊​忘​未​針​無可​間​化​誓​下​節
​解​齋 ​時​記​知 ​心​信​人​了 ​事​人
​Being so involved by this wretch, who can relieve me?
From henceforth, on account of this youth, I'll become a nun;
Then my rich suits of embroidery and crape, shall be burnt,
When I will dress myself in plain attire, as those of old times.
The girdle for my waste I have forgotten to twist,
Does the broken hearted Leang, know of it or not?
I will burn the various silks for embroidery, and break my needle S
Nor have I a mind for employing my loom.
Hitherto I would not believe that handsome people had unhappy fatos:
Thus I have lost my reputation, and my labour has been in vain.
Every article that I possess will I speedily destroy,
Retaining only the paper, which contains the marriage vow.
This I will keep to remember what transpired beneath the flowers,
And from henceforth retain my virtue to the end of my days.
* There are nuns both of the Taou and Budh sect. They have temples
in which they offer incense. They frequently go about begging. They
are dressed similar to the priests, and can only be distinguished by their up-
142
YAOU-SEEN INFORMED OF HER FATHER'S ENTERING
INTO OFFICE.
聞​爹​陞任
​種​不​報​左​選​帶​瑤​哩​天​樑​哩​百
​種​覺 ​話​軍​定​隨​仙​回​涯​瑯​世​年
​相​麗​老​都​良家​聽​無路​又​孤​懐
​思春​爺​督​期​罷​望遠​配​眠​抱
​難​來​姐​陞​管​將​往​添​再​江​姓​天​對
​盡​知​任人​解​京​煩​逢​山​劉​注​誰
​數​聞​到​民​行​惱​君​阻​人定​陳
​The multiplicity of thought that crowded on Yaou-seen's mind,
Prevented her from regarding the information of the servant Le-cheun,
Who informed her that her father had received an appointment,
And that he was made governor, with the rank of Lieutenant-general:
As soon as the propitious day arrives he will take his departure,
When his family and domestics will accompany him to the capital.
Yaou-sëen, on hearing what the servant said, was still more vexed,
Because now she had no hope of ever meeting with her beloved,
“
“ For the future,” said she, I shall be parted from him by mountains and
[strcams;
For young Leang is promised in marriage to the family Lew.
It is doubtless decreed by heaven that the present age's solitary female,
During life shall have no one to whom she can unbosom herself.
per dress, which extends only a little below the knees. The head is shaved
similar to the Budh priests,
143
打​吉​滿​一​有多​程​已
​點​日​目​溪​也​愁​途​到
​衣​開​江流​心​多​履​皇
​裝船​山水​神​悶​歷​都
​從​就​頻​動​觀​在​多​岸
​父​起​掛​愁​景​船​崎​上
​命​行​意​人​色​心​險​行
​就​衙 ​凑
​托
​眷
​錢
​衙
​時​門​日​着
​上​景​上邊
​岸​緻​朝庭
​搬​又​一朝​有​在
​家​帝​糊
​新主​塵
​In compliance with her father's order, she packed up her clothes,
When on the propitious day, she with the family set sail.
Her attention being engaged with the prospect of hill and dale, her mind
was rest,
Till she noticed the flowing stream, which excited in her feelings of grief:
From that moment she could not endure to behold the varied landscape,
Being much grieved and dejected, she remained in her cabin.
The family, after experiencing much fatigue from the time on board,
Arrived at the city, when they proceeded by land.
YANG'S FAMILY RESIDING WITH TSEEN THE MAGISTRATE.
YANG and his family, as soon as they arrived at the capital,
Perceived that the public buildings had a splendid appearance.
It happened, while at court, and having an interview with his Majesty,
That a messenger from the borders brought intelligence of an insurrection.
144
聖​差​一​論​楊​歸​我​忙​今​共​你​錢​待​免
​君​往年​功​爺​對​今​中​有​你​共​我​得
​就​邊​任​行​頠​夫​郎​家​翰​同​女​暫​番​絀
​庭​滿​賞​了​人​往​眷​林​胞​兒​住​朝​人
​楊​做​番​不​君​慢​邊​惡​錢​姊​歸​一方​見
​都​守​京​虧​王​酌​庭​歸​舅​妹​佢​年​接​操
​督臣​日人​勅​斟​去​津​父親​處​春​你​心
​His Majesty, on obtaining the information, appointed Yang, General,
When he ordered him immediately to repair and retain possession of the
frontiers.
[the capital,
"On filling your office for a year," said his Majesty,
66 you are to return to
When, if your conduct be meritorious, by promotion you shall rise in the es-
teem of mankind."
General Yang, on receiving the imperial order,
Returned to his lady, to arrange his domestic affairs.
He said to her "As I am forthwith to proceed to the frontiers,
It will not be well for you, unprotected, to return home.
As your brother-in-law Tsëen, member of the Han-lin, resides here,
It will be pleasant for you to live with your sister.
You therefore with your daughter will repair to their residence,
And pass a year with the magistrate Tsëen.
By waiting there till I return from my appointment to embrace you,
You will prevent persons from distressing and annoying you."
145
夫​又​相​致​夫​姊​後​安​相​任​二​上相​點​兵​果
​人​排​公​囑​人​妹​園​排​公​滿​人馬​公​齊​威​係
​佳飲​夫​搬相​一甥​又回​拜楊​來兵​勇朝
​命​宴​罷​人​入​逢​所​女​對​朝​別​鞭​到​馬​猛​廷
​忙​餞​離​共​錢​細​閒​共​錢​報​相​出​邊​守​人​老
​收​行情​女​衙​論​書​夫​爺​舅​分​寨​關​城​心​將
​拾​人​酒​身​住​心​館​人​講​恩​手​行​上​軍服​臣
​The lady on hearing of his leaving, hastily made preparations,
When the table for the traveller was presently covered with excellent dainties.
The Gentleman after regaling himself, took the parting glass,
And again repeated his wish to his daughter and wife.
The lady on packing her goods, removed to the public court,
Where the sisters on meeting, unbosomed to each other their minds.
The elder said, " In the back garden, there is a spare room or two,
In which you and my Niece my take up your abode."
The General addressing the magistrate Tsëen, said,
[ness.
When my appointment has expired, I shall return to recompence your kind-
As soon as they had taken leave of each other,
The General got on horseback, and was soon out of sight.
Immediately on his arrival on the frontiers,
He ordered forth the troops to defend the city.
The troops being valiant and bold, the people rejoiced,
That his Majesty had appointed over them an experienced General.
U
146
LEANG'S RETURN TO CHANG-CHOW.
往
​在​長​洲
​莫​又​自​癡​時​短小​必​我​有​苦​不再​把​同
​復 ​道​言​從​逃​時​姐​然​在​如​去​我​进
​邊​密​不做​恣​長​若​話​難​心​堂​長​丹​地
​庭​下​遂​事​下​嗟​然​我​言​頭上​洲​心​府
​公​一心​喪​哀​幾​知​資​肝​告辭​會​言​亦
​相​書​中心​哀​十​我​初​膽​甚​爹​姐​過​甘
​事​生​願​神​哭​勻​聘​心事​人​媽​身​姐​心
​We will not now relate of what transpired on the frontiers,
But again resume the student's narrative.
From the time that he could not obtain his heart's desire,
He became silly, and was unable to manage his affairs.
In his study the whole day did be remain, weeping and wailing,
Sighing and moaning incessantly for whole hours together.
Oft did he say,
Ah, Miss, if you knew of my being pledged to some other,
Doubtless you would say I have broken my first promise."
As the distress which I continue to feel is not to be described,
To whom shall I reveal the anguish of my heart?
It is not better for me to take leave of father and mother
And again return to Chang-chow, to have an interview with Yaou-sĉen?
There will I detail to her the feelings of my sincere heart,
That when we ramble together in hades we may be happy in cach other.
147
高​重​家​欲​爹​勤​望月​到​愁​連​只​入​只​寒
​堂​係​中​辭​媽​謹​滄​見得​娘​了​愁​忙​望到​融
​就​他​只​爹​答​攻打​江​重​花​長​悶​走​將​花​黄
​共​鄉​見​媽​言​書​疉​山​望​謝​洲​閟​入​情​陰​鳥
​雙​好心​上​從​就​登​苦​同好​搬入​花​訴​加​呌
​親​習​無​洲​你​係​程​殺​諧​傷​上​陰​姐​陣​幽
​講​交​靜​行​意​好人​去​人​老​心​岸​行​去​聞​苦​林
​On entering the hall, he thus addressed his parents,
“
'Knowledge is only attainable, by my returning to the former district.
Perceiving, that while I remain here, my mind will not be at rest,
I am therefore desirous of retracing my steps back to Chang-chow."
His father and mother, consented with their son's request,
And urged him in his studies to be diligent that he might become a good man.
Yih-tsang, as soon as he had packed his clothes, commenced his journey,
When the grief that he felt, on the receding hills, was enough to kill him.
I remember," said he, "On taking leave, it was my wish to be her's through
But since,the moon has set, the flowers have faded,and my heart is broken! [life,
On his arrival at Chang-chow, he immediately went on shore,
When grieved and dejected, he entered his lonely room.
With speed he retired to the shady walk of the garden,
Entertaining an hope that there he should detail his feelings to the lady.
But as he advanced, in the shade of the flowers, what were his feelings !
For he could only notice the loud hiss of the cricket and the screaming of the
yellow bird.
148
重​梅花​滿​轉​又一​嫩​石​搜​單​梁​做​層​石​園​原
​來​花園​過​見​池​綠​橋​盡​見​生​也​層​檯​公​來
​又​雪​好​風​横​春​條​冷​花園​行​蒼​落石​好​你
​係​白​景​月​門​水​條​落​間​公​近​苔​葉 ​重
​春​向​人​總​臨​漾​鋪​少​人​坐​將​路​無​起​言​不
​初​愁​無​虛​隔​波​水​人​冇​柳​言​生​人烟​回​知
​景​人​樂​文苑​紋​面​行​個​隂​問​草根​掃​塵​答
​On his revisit, every thing bore the lovely appearance of Spring,
And the snowy blossomed peach greeted the disconsolated youth,
Flowers, though they appear lovely, yet if man is not happy,
The whole garden, however delightful, becomes a mere blank.
As he passed through the thoroughfare, and entered the adjoining garden,
He saw in the pond the spring water gently rippled by the wind.
The delicate and tender branches were there to be scen troubling the water;
And that the stone bridge had been seldom crossed by man.
Though he searched every where amidst the flowers, yet no one was to be seen,
Save the lonely gardener who was sitting in the shade of the willows.
Young Leang, on approaching, thus interrogated him,
Why is the moss and the green grass permitted to grow in the path!
Sec, the fallen leaves, piled one on the other, have they no one to sweep them
Why is the stone table and seat thus covered with dust?"
The gardener, with a smile thus spoke,
Ilitherto have you not been informed,
Į
[away?
149
楊​盡​花花​梁​聽​滿​悽​只​衷​㸃​相​看​往​粉​緣
​爺​往​花園​生​罷​面​惶​話​情​想​逢​看​時​墻​何
​陞​長​朶​單​不​之​淚​無​尋​一​雲​除​打​風​上​不
​任​安​朶​剩​聽​時​流​主​娘​一山​是​在​景​面​見
​携​個​誰​我​情​極​珠​入​花​訴​阻​人​夢婷​又​詩​和
​家​便​來​老​獪​惡​咁​花​下​嬌​千​中​上​添​還​詩
​小​行​賞​年​人​可​禁​落​陰​會​閉​里​尋​過​新​在​人
​That the General, on receiving his appointment,
Took the whole of his family and proceeded to Chang-gan!
The flowers though they bloom they have no one to admire them,
For I, an old man, am left alone in charge of the garden,
Leang, had he not heard what was said, all would have been well;
But at the mention of the last sentence, his feelings were insupportable,
While confused, the pearly tears streamed on the ground,
And having no one to console him, he entered in the shade of the flowers,
He said,
And. detail to her lovely person every feeling of my mind.
"Here among the flowers have I come to I seek my beloved,
Could any one have supposed that we should have been thus separated,
And that I shall never meet with her again, except in a dream!
"
I will go and take a look at the Po-tang summer house;
As he advanced he perceived its appearance greatly changed,
The odes, on the white wall were both still to be seen,
But why was there not a meeting of the persons who composed them ?"
150
見​誰​記​當今​亦​枉​不死​閟​此​誓​遠
​景​想​得​初​日​姐​滄​我​敢​天​到​入​地​章​沉
​傷​共​致​誰​靑​何​孤​從​若​黄​看​同​都​踪
​情​娘​囑​知春​敢​爹​不​泉​雲​嬌​話​跡
​珠​不​言​盡​因​頁​完​另​從​候​亭​發​存 ​點
​淚​世​同​和​化​我​娘​一​結​人​姐​上​誓​天​相
​落​群​語​塵​悞​恩​世​親​願​身​去​监理​親
​The alterations that had taken place wounded his feelings, till the tears
dropped,
[lady.
For who could have imagined, that in this life he should not be united to this
« I will cherish a remembrance of what she said, when we vowed,
For now I well know all that is past is irretrievably gonc,
This lady, on my account being deceived in the bloom of her youth,
Shall Yih-tsang prove ungrateful to so condescending a person!
Since I am also deceived, I will remain a solitary youth through life,
For I will never comply with my father's wish in being married to some
other.
As the azure heavens deign not to grant me my heart's desire,
I am desirous of entering hades first, and wait her arrival."
While thus grieved, he entered the Yun-tang pavilion,
It was here that he with his beloved vowed fidelity to cach other.
**
Though the vow," said he, "that we here made was consonant with reason,
Yet, now when I trace her footsteps, I am unable to see her,
151
算​今​自​氣​園​體​慌​梁​未​蠟​梁​一家​相​睡​哭
​去​生​思​死​公​見​忙​家​知​九​生​聲​僮​扶​倒​呌
​算​無​自​亭​偶​梁​呌​公​救​甦​長​未​公​牙​皇
​番​望​想​間​人生​喊​僕​子​解​醒​敢​子​床​天
​惟​錦​喉​冩​亭​身​人​亂​因​得​啼​好​將​轉​悽
​有​堂​頭​玉​前​婷​來​紛​何​還​珠​傷​言​密​慘​五
​死​春​咽​人​坐在​心​救​死​魂​淚​心​問​行​極​行
​Do what I will, think what I may, there is nothing for me but death,
For in this life I can have no hope of adorning the bridge-chamber.”
Thus continued he to think about her, till nearly suffocated,
When, on account of this beautiful lady, he swooned away in the pavilion.
The gardener, happened at that time, to enter the pavilion to rest himself,
When he saw Leang, lying breathless in the middle of the room.
With speed he hastened to call some one to his assistance,
When Leang's servants came with all possible speed.
Though they knew not what caused their Master to swoon,
They gave him a pill to restore him again to life.
Leang, on recovering, continued to drop the pearly tear,
When the heavy sighs that he breathed, were enough to break one's heart
Though the servants could not presume to enquire the cause,
They assisted their Master in returning to his room.
His grief, while reposing on the ivory bed, being extreme,
Weeping he called aloud to Heaven, and regretted his unhappy fate
152
ON HEARING OF GENERAL YANG'S BEING SURROUNDED
BY THE ENEMY.
聞
​爹​遭​困
​莫​又​今​胡​尊重​唔​姑夫​歸​瑤​掩
​道道​日​親​重​知​爺​人​房​仙​面
​梁​錢​邊​十​番​幾何​聽說​聞​悲
​遭​生​爺​庭​萬​困​時​日見​與​得​哀
​身​入​老人​亂​邊​不平​轉​哀​女​爹​幾
​氣​鴃​走​紛​城​通​翻​歸​哀​兒​遭​喪
​死人​報​紛​內​針​津​哭​身​困​神
​We will avoid relating what happened to young Leang,
And detail of Magistrate Tsëen, who entered to pay his respects to the lady.
66
“ To day,” said he, a messenger from the frontiers has arrived and announe-
That a hundred thousand of his Majesty's subjects had revolted.
[ed,
The city, which your honored husband governs is beseiged by the rebels,
Who are so numerous, file upon file, that they are impenetrable.
From which account I can form no idea when the insurgents will be tranquil-
Nor when your honored husband will be able to return."
The lady on hearing what he said, being grieved, wept,
And returned to her room to communicate the news to her daughter.
Yaou-sčen, on hearing that her father was surrounded by the enemy,
Vailed her face ;–when from grief, her spirits failed her.
[lized.
153
頗​天​恨​難​可​合​邊​虧​夫​瑤​因​嚴​偷​重​眼​八
​耐​兵​我​救​憐​身​庭​了​人​仙​郎​親​思​重​中​字
​番​何​女​爹​孤​難受​高​别​獨​薄​今​命​殃​流​唔
​奴​日​兒​爹​獨​救苦​堂​女​自​倖​又​薄​禍​淚​知
​無​破​無​轉​無​我​何​白​回​苦​愁​如​到​無​點
​道​胡​手​故​兄​嚴​時​髮​堂​傷​無邊​張​來​乾​樣
​理​人​段​林​弟​親​了​人​去​心​了​塵​紙​侵​日​生
​She detested the rebels for want of correct principles,
Not knowing the day when the celestial troops would subdue them.
She said, "How I regret that I am a woman, and know not military arts,
Did I, I would hazard my life to rescue and hasten my father's return.
Ought I not to be pitied, being an only child, and having no brother;
Had I, I would consent to his disregarding his person to rescue my father.
Since it is uncertain when the troops on the frontiers will enjoy rest,
Alas! that my honored father from age is grey headed."
The lady on leaving her daughter, retired to her room,
When Yaou-seen being left alone, thus gave relief to her feelings :
“ On account of that detestable youth, my grief knows no end,
But how much more since my honored father is surrounded in a distant land.
I think my unhappy fate may be compared to a flimsy sheet of paper,
For one misfortune seems in quick succession to follow another.
Though my eyes, day after day, are moistened with tears,
Still I am unacquainted with my destiny.
X
154
前​紅​欲​丢​雖​料​况​百​只​侍
​世​顏​將​娘​則​渠​且​年​着​奉
​未​薄​捨 ​無​嚴​有​單​誰​留
​修
​今古​歸​㸃​今​轉​吾​繼​居
​命​命​伴​親
​伴​親​日​生​為​條
​世人​黄安​受​歸 ​香​人​百
​折​云​土​心
​津​女​燈​世​旬
​My union for want of virtue in a former state, is broken off,
And I find what the ancient say, is true, that handsome women are unfortunate."
She became desirous to rid herself of life and return to the yellow earth,
But was pained, when she thought of leaving her mother forlorne.
She said, "Though my father is surrounded by the enemy,
Doubtless the day will arrive when he will return home.
Farther, I being the only child that my parents have borne,
When they have paid nature's debt, who shall offer them incense?
Since it is thus, I will endeavour to cherish life,
And with filial respect serve my parents till I am old.
155
HEAOU ADVISES LEANG TO ATTEND THE LITERARY
EXAMINATION.
姚​生​勸​試
​謾​又​芸​捱​日​時​一​大宗​今​我​為
​啓​言​密​得​長​時​朝​師兄​何
​玉​日​春​無痛​表​來​不​秋​須​終
​人​病​把​完​計​哭​弟​見​日​榜​要
​因此​殘​夏​開​想​姚​亦​臨​要​勤​鑽
​父​書生​又​懷​佳​公​滄​科​高​書​眉
​惱​生​捱​臨​抱​人子​身​考​登​史​心
​PASSING over the grief of the fair lady, occasioned by the distress of her
We will again relate of the diseased and sleepless student.
[father,
Day after day, while in the study did he continue to suffer distress,
And disregardless permit Spring to be succeeded by Summer,
Being unable through the tedious day to devise a plan to ease his troubled
1
Incessantly did he weep when he thought of her lovely person.
Unexpectedly his Nephew Heaou, early one morning
Entered Yǐh-tsang's study to make civil enquiries.
He informed him, that ere many days the Professor would arrive,
When he, Leang, that autumn must acquire new literary honors.
[breast,
He said, "My brother, you must be diligent in your various studies,
Why the whole day should your eyebrows be so closely locked with grief?
156
有​貐​亦​開​細​那​秋​幾​我​我​姚​賢​知​要
​也​一​愁​滄口​叫得​榜​時​弟​頭​亦​性​生​兄​君​取
​因​偷​難​偷​一心​料中​大​獨​無​好說​平​功
​由​惱​把​知​聲​神​知​着​才​步
​不​笑話​日​名
​到​回​太高​只
​言​易​眞​苦​賢​去​無​病​須​占
​過​傷情​殺​表​習​我​中​大​高舉​新​言​癡​才​當
​我​人​訴​人​聽​分​人​用​登​事​春​道人​子​塵
​Have you any thing that distresses you? communicate it to mo,
17
For concealed grief and vexation, is what casily injures a person,
It was with difficulty that Leang, related the feelings of his mind,
For when he attempted what lay concealed, his grief was insufferable,
In a faultering voice, he said, " Virtuous brother, listen for a while,
Where shall I find spirits to enable me to prosecute my studies?
I am aware that I have no share in the honors of the examination,
For when were its favors bestowed on those who are discased?”
[use,
My brother, replied Heaou, "Your eminent talents should have extensive
For on ascending the Dolphin car, you are within a step of Chwang-yuen,
Leang replied, “I have no wish to attend this year's examination,
For I am fearful that my declining life will not last till Spring.'
>>
Young Heaou, laughing heartily thus returned a reply,
6 Virtuous brother, what you say, is it not the language of a silly youth ?
For I know from what occurred on a former day, that you are a person of ta-
And that for you to acquire fame, is as easy as to stoop to take up dirt. [lent,
157
無​含​不​十三​誰​縱​今​勸
​過
​年年​人​然​榜​君
​自​莫​梁​亦​就​起
​古​做​生​愛​依​來
​近​不​科​枉​一​無​天​題​不​為​為​痴​聽​京​姚​窓
​為​俾​場​費​度​望​大名​必​你​人​呆​中表​下
​些​我​唔​讀​開​步​無​就​躭​日​須​蹓​心​會​言​習
​閒​知​考​書​科​青​平​途​煩​操​盡​蹬​中​玉​和​書
​事​聞​試​心​舉​雲​事​心​惱​心​孝​人​想​人​語文
​At present it is only necessary for you to obtain a little leasure;
Why, therefore, do you retain your grief and not inform me of its cause,
If, as you propose not to attend the literary examination,
Your studies, for ten years past, will all be in vain.
As there is only one examination in three years,
Where is the person who does not wish to ascend the azure cloud ?
Although your mind may be disturbed with some unpleasant affair,
On your name once being enrolled, you can follow the bent of your mind.
Brother, I advise you to restrain from repining,
Lest by so doing you should cause your parents to grieve.
The ancients of old, failed not of being dutiful through life,
You must not act foolishly and thereby miss your road,"
Leang, on hearing what he said, thought within himself,
That by visiting the metropolis he might have an interview with the fair lady.
He in reply said, "I will act agreeably to what my Nephew suggests,
And return to my study to acquire fresh stores of literary knowledge,
158
姚​不​亦​要
​生​久​愴​别
​揖​宗兄​爹
​别​師弟​娘
​同赴​秋
​回​又​居​京
​闈
​歸​到​頭上
​去​臨​等​行
​梁堂​回​不​楸
​生前​飄
​打 ​拜​細 ​細​頻
​疊​見​讀
​回​老​諸​入
​鄉​雙​經​場
​井​親​史​行
​IIcaou, on taking his leave, returned home,
When, ere long, the literary Professor arrived at the city,
Leang and his brother Heaou, on obtaining the two highest degrees,
Were desirous of taking leave of their parents, and proceeding to the capital,
THE TWO YOUTHS ENTER THE LITERARY ARENA,
LEANG on packing his clothes, returned to his native village,
And entered the hall to pay his respects to his parents,
On repairing to his study, he applied himself to history and the classics,
When autumn arrived he entered the literary arcna.*
* The arena, or public building in which the literati assemble, is divided off
into small compartments sufficient to admit a table and scat, The Sew-Isac
graduales enter carly in the morning, and are liberated in the evening; they
cach write two themes and some verses. The Keu-jin remain two nights and
a day, and write three themes and a piece of poetry. The number of Tsin-
tsae graduates that assemble in the province of Kwang-tung is about 4000,
They are not permitted to converse together.
159
堂​爹​涉​會​京​舟​若不​就​望​梁​又​姚​片​江​頻
​前​娘​水​同​都​係​必​到​兒​生​到​生​帆​湖蕩
​拜​致​登​姚​花​常​秋​回​燕平​拜​長​別​高​景
​别​灟​山​表​柳​要​闈​家​京​步​别​洲​母​掛​緻​舟
​雙​亦宜​一​休​習​登​見前​到​登​會同​出​無
​親​愴​保​齊​留​書​虎​老​會
​表​生​江​心路
​老身​重​行​戀​交​榜人​試​雲​去​親​去​心​賞​行
​On ascending the hall, to take leave of his two parents,
His father and mother thus advised their son Yih-tsang :
"When fording a stream, or ascending a hill, be careful that no accident
And fail not to continue in company with your Nephew IIcaou.
[happen,
On your arrival at the capital, be not led astray by the flowers and willows,
But from the time you go on board tinue to prosecute your studies.
If at the examination, your name be enrolled on the tiger's list,
You need not return home to see the two old people.
While you remain at the metropolis, you will attend other examinations,
For we hope, that our son will at once ascend the azure cloud."
Leang, on taking leave, went immediately on board,
And returned to Chang-chow, to meet his Nephew IIcaou.
His Nephew accompanied him, as soon as he had taken leave of his mother,
When on the sail being hoisted, the boat made for the centre of the stream.
Not being disposed for beholding the beautiful prospect on the river,
They permitted the boat to scud through the waves.
160
ON THE OPENING OF THE EXAMINATION.
天​開​文
​船​清​二​歸​揭​解​姚​差​宴​就
​到​淨​人​來​元​生人​罷​同
​南樓​共​得​粉​正​同歸​鹿​江
​京房​大意​紛​係​榜​報​鳴​上
​運
​同​賃​三人​姓​居​兩​歸​僱
​Hovis
Kimik
上​歇​場​歡​走​梁​三家店​船
​店​身​满​欣​報​人​十​聞​去​行
​On their arrival at Nan-king, they repaired to the tavern,
Where they rented a retired room in which they might dwell.
The two youths at the fixed time, entered the arena and wrote their essays,
When released, pleased with what they had composed, returned.
*
On the following morning, when the degrees were publicly announced,
The people thronged to communicate that Leang was declared a Kae-yuen.
That the name of Heaou, was the thirtieth on the golden list,
When suddenly a royal messenger arrived who verified the same.
After pertaking of the Lüh-ming feast,† they returned to the their lodgings,
On hiring a boat, they sailed for the present capital Pe-king.
* Kae-yuen is the person at the head of the Keu-jin degree, which is the
highest rank obtainable in the provinces.
+ Lüh-ming feast is a banquet given by the governor of a province to
those who have obtained the degree Keu-jin, when the chief Examiner pre-
161
解​偷​有​榮​今​水​有​怕​悶​夢​愁
​元​垂​分​華​日​綠​懐​惹​懹​魂​腸
​憶​珠​得快​僥​山​不​姚​獨​夜​不​上
​及​淚​嬌​活​倖​靑​敢​生​自​夜​覺​岸
​瑤​自​為​百​顯​憶​高​苦​長​會​燕​歇
​仙​傷​配​年​不遠​聲​問​吁​嬌​京​安
​姐​心​合​春​人見人​哭​人氣​身​到​身
​The Kac-yuen (Leang) when he thought on Miss Yaou-sëen,
His mind still being wounded, secretly dropped the globular tear.
Were I," said he, "to be so fortunate as to obtain this beautiful woman,
My happiness would endure for a hundred splendid Springs.
To day, though I have acquired fame, still I have not seen her person,
Nor can I forget her while the rivers and mountains appear green.
Though I continue to cherish thoughts of her, I dare not weep aloud,
Lest I induce Ileaou by his incessant questions to annoy me.
The grief, occasioned by thinking of her alone causes me to sigh,
While my soul, in my dreams is an attendant on her lovely person."
The repining youth, ere he was aware, arrived at the capital,
When, on going on shore, he repaired to the tavern to rest himself.
sides, attended by the governor and other high officers, both civil and mi-
litary. On which occasion, boys dressed as woodland naiads chaunt the fol-
lowing verse, from the She-king,
. Hark to the cry of the bleating deer,
While feeding on the desert herb.
162
梁​人​近​唔​生​奔​風​生​共​無​無​姚
​生​傳​被​知​聞​波​塵​死​如​緣​心​生
​打​都​胡​嬌​消​無​隔​存​相 ​相​辜​會​相
​聽​督​人​容​息​路​絕​心​逢​資​試​勸
​楊​往​遭​何​肝​竟​多​總​知​舊​功​入
​家​邊​困​處​追​腸​佳​嬌​未​那時​名​場
​事​行​尋​斷​人​姐​真​日​心事​行
​The moment of his arrival, Leang made enquiries for the family Yang,
When he learnt that he was made General, and commanded on the frontiers;
That of late, while contending, he had been surrounded by the enemy;
person
But his lovely daughter they knew not were to seek her ?
Leang's heart, on hearing what they said, being greatly agitated,
It resembled a restless wave, for he knew not where to go in quest of her
He said, "Being separated from this beautiful Miss, as by a cloud,
I really know not were she is to be found, or whither she be dead or a live,
Neither do I know the day when I shall again meet with her,
Since our union scems not decreed, I have trifled and deceived her!"
Though Leang was not disposed for persuing literary fame,
Young Heaou advised him again to enter the arena.
Here we have honored guests,
Sound the drum, the harp, the reed.
Blow the cheerful reed, play on the hwang,
For here is a plenteous storc,
O ye men who love me,
Shew me the great path of virtue !”
163
揭​姚​金​探​姚​皇​姚​御​亦​玉​衙​晚
​生​堦​花​表​恩​生​滄​堂內​來
​梁​亦​殿​名姓​敕​吏​梁​身​金​後​乘
​生​在​試​姓名​賜​部​生​入​馬​1 月
​名​榜​傳​係
​榜 ​傳​係​居​宴​來​入​翰​做​多​入
​第​中​臚​梁二瓊​觀​翰​林朝景​園
​八​心​日​生​甲​林​政​林院臣​緻​林
​When the public decision was made known, his name was the eighth in order,
While that of Heaou's adorned the centre of the list.
On the day on which the golden steps (his Majesty) issued it's report,
The literary degree Tan-hwa, * was conferred on Leang.
And Heaou was announced a Tsin-sze + graduate,
When his Majesty gave a banquet at the hall Kin-lin.
Heaou was made a member of the board of Magistracy, †
When his Majesty appointed Leang a member of the Han-lin college.
Yǐh-tsang, from the moment he entered the Han-lin,
His pearly mansion and golden horse declared him a minister of state.
The garden to his office, being elegantly laid out with choice flowers,
He embraced the evening, when the moon shone, to enter among the flowers.
* “ Tan-hwa, is the lowest of the triad, that obtains the highest rank.
Their order is thus, Chang-yuen, the ornamented head, his head being
on the day of his appointment, decorated with flowers ; the second, Pang-
the eye of the accepted graduate ; and the third, is called, Tan-hwa,
a searcher for flowers,' in allusion to his not being allowed flowers, but
his obtaining some from the two first named persons, with which to decorate
himself."
yen,
+ Tsin-sze, is the third degree of literary rank from among whom are
chosen the Tan-hwa, Pang-yen, and Chwang-yuen.
164
R MEETING WITH YAOU-SEEN IN THE HAN-LIN GARDEN.
翰​苑​重逢
​停​又​自新​又​芸​近​瑤​開​步​姮
​語​談​報​愁​嘆​人​香​前​仙​了​出​娥
​梁​小​嚴​舊​薄​牛​碧​撟​慢​園​花​孤
​生​姐​親​恨​情​世​月​姐​舉​門邊​影
​居​抱​遭​鎖​無​守​知​出​金​共​翹​照
​翰​愁​大于​信​孤​娘​園​蓮​婢​首​愁
​苑​人​難​心​行​燈​惱​行​步行​望​人
​We will pause relating of Leang, whom we left in the Han-lin garden,
And again detail of the distress endured by the young lady.
Yaou-sëen, when she heard that her father was suffering the calamities of war,
The new grief, added to what she had already experienced, locked up her af-
fections.
Sighing she exclaimed, “That unprincipled youth has proved insincere,
Having left me for an half an age, to burn the lonely lamp."
Yun-heang and Pih-yuě, knowing the distress of their Mistress,
Drew near and urged her to take a walk in the garden.
Yaou-sëen, slowly lifted the golden lilies, as she advanced,
When the garden gate being opened she went forth with her domestics.
As they walked along by the side of the flowers, to survey the garden,
The goddess Chang-go shed her lustre on the distressed lady.
165
低​團​記​明​一​誰​柳​查​無從​袁玉​桃​流​誰​對
​頭​團​得​月​心​知​陰​無緣​此​情​容​花​水​憐​月
​細​珠​共​娟​只​兩​哭​音​頁​相​欲​憔​空​天​今
​想​淚​郎​娟​望​下​别​信​却​逢​訴​悴​對台​夕​嗟
​當​濕​相​照​為​拆​人​到​花​陌​憑​為​春​何​相​憶
​年​羅會玉​夫​離​何​于​間​路​誰​思​風​處​思遠
​事​衿​處​人​婦​群​處​今​誓​人​寄​君​落​尋​苦人
​On drooping her head, as she thought on what had transpired,
The pearly globular tear incessantly moistened her attire.
She still remembered the place where she last saw her beloved,
And that then, the goddess of the moon shone on her fair form.
She said, "It being then our sole wish to become husband and wife,
Who could have foreseen that we should have been thus separated?
Since we took leave, beneath the willows, I know not where he is gone,
For, from the time he left me to the present, I have received no news of him.
As our union is not decreed, alas, our
not decreed, alas, our vow has been in vain:
And for the future, if me meet, it must be as passing strangers in the street.
I am desirous of revealing my mind, but in whom shall I confide,
For by constantly grieving for him, my beauty has faded away.
It is in vain for the flower of the peach, to drop by the Spring breeze,
For the flowing stream cannot reach the abode of the immortals.
Who pitics me, thought this night thus distressed by the feelings of love,
And sigh to the moon, while I remember the absent youth!”
166
唔​亦​春 ​梁​是​好​估​廣​花​唔​遠遊​聽 ​風​原​太
​想​滄​風​生​誰​似​係​寒​陰 ​想 ​山​魚​罷​擺​來​湖
​隔​花​遙​苑​花​黃​姮​嗟​悺 ​鶴 ​雲​空​嬌​羅​隔​石
​籬​下​遞​內​底​鶯​嬂​怨​步​眠 ​掩​浪​聲​衣​苑​上
​就​梁​也​嬌​就​傳​噪​居​自​尋​花​蛾​水​人​入​人​細
​生​閒​聲​聽​嬌​上​月​孤​踪​醮​眉​中​不​柳​遊​觀
​館​行​遠​聞​語​林​府​身​跡​人​淨​痕​見​陰​玩​親
​She did not imagine, that yonder wall only separated her from her love's abode,
And that Leang, was then walking among the flowers.
Her soft voice, being wafted to a distance by the castern wind,
Enabled Leang, to hear what she said, while he remained in his garden.
Surprized, asked whose voice it could be that he heard from the yonder wall,
For it greatly resembled the notes of the bird Ying, from the tops of the trees.
“Iconjecture (said he) it is from the goddess Chang-go, who resides in the moon,
And is sighing and moaning being left alone in her palace."
Softly beneath the flowers, he continued to trace his steps to and fro,
Supposing that the stork had retired to roost, and the flowers had dropped
their heads.
The clouds on yonder hill having dispersed, the horned moon shone forth,
When in the pond the roving fish in vain raised a ripple on the water.
After listening for some time to the voice, though unable to see any one,
He suddenly heard the sound of silk garments enter beneath the willows.
It proved, that in the adjoining garden, there were persons running to and fro,
And that by standing on the stone over the kennel, he could look over the wall,
167
池​偷​丰​但​單​躭​了​笑​體​共​心​縁​凄​肝​命​誓
​邊​將​姿​係​衣​愁​環​指​真​同​中​何​凉​腸​薄​海
​見​一​羅​極​顏​病​必​兩​雲​正​碧明​飄​記​寸​唔​山
​個​神似​容​怯​定​個​間​係​月白​落得​斷​能​盟
​如 ​瑤​迎​凉​月​芸​二​楊​此​當​涙​諧​盡
​花​啼​仙​三​風​傷​亭​一​香​釵​家​間​年​紛​白化
​女​痕​姐​分立​春​上輪​婢​裙​女​行事​紛​髮​塵
​By the side of the pond, he fancied he beheld a lovely woman,
Who slyly raised her sleeve to wipe away the traces of tears.
To him her beautiful form greatly resembled that of Miss Yaou-sĉen,
Though in her countenance she appeared considerably reduced,
Bcing ill, and slightly attired, she stood to inhale the breeze,
Grieving, it was evident she had been injured by the Spring breeze.
Her two domestics, who had left her, were at the head of the cool-pavilion,
Laughing, pointing at the receding moon in the clouds.
These domestics proved indeed to be Yun-heang,
Who was in company with her companion Pih-yuč.
From that moment he was certain that the lady was the daughter of Lew;
But he was anxious of knowing how she had been wafted to this place.
His grief, on remembering what he had felt the preceding year,
Caused the tears to flow profusely, for his heart was ready to break.
"What an unhappy fate is mine," said he, “being unable to marry during life;
Though I remain firm and sincere to my vow, all is in vain.
168
早​當​墻​難​决​七​捨​危​嚇​忙​膽​不​碧​敢​梁​如
​知​初​高​道​要​尺​命​墻​得​呼​細​覺​月​來生​何
​風​何​點​相​共​微​與​高​瑤​侍​芸​梁​喝​花​作​忘
​月​敢​得​逢​娘​軀​嬌​跳​仙女​香​生​聲​底​揖​却
​難​咁​同​就​談​比重​落​心​看​推​步​何​嚇​稱​姓
​從​情​相​轉​肺​當​會​花​膽​何​碧​到​盜​釵​嬌​梁
​願​深​會​行​腑​塵​合​陰​震​人​月​臨​裙​姐​人
​Since I have early learnt to know that it is difficult to obtain one's wish,
Why from my youth have I those sincere feelings?
By this lofty wall, am I prevented from having an interview,
And being unable to ascend it, I am doomed to remain and pass to and fro,
I am determined to see this lady and unbosom myself,
Though in stature I am seven cubits high, I esteem myself but as dust,
This life, to have an interview with her lovely person, will I disregard,
When he ascended the wall and leaped into the adjoining garden,
Yaou-sëen's bold heart, being intimidated, called out,
Servants, haste come and see who this person is?
Yun-heang's courage failing her, she urged Pih-yuě to gor
When unexpected, young Leang advanced towards them,
Pih-yué, surprized, called aloud, what thief
Dares to advance amidst the flowers to alarm the maids!
Lecang making a bow, addressing her said, " Miss,
How happens it that you have forgotten the name of Leang ?
169
當​别​芸​忙​二​傷​未​芸​梁​深​當​百​今​願​瑤​才
​日​離​香​來​人情​語​香​生​恨​年​般​把​仙​郎
​花​不​月​池​含​珠 ​栻​重​攜​腸​幸​衷​悲​不
​邊​覺​下​畔​淚​淚​頭​月​淚​山​别​斷​得​情​切​比
​會​又​親​報​重​染​先​亦將​隔​歸​為​逢​訴​回​舊
​會​經​聽​佳​相​羅​哽​傷​言​雨​鄉​佳​嬌​姐​言​時
​姐​春​見​人​會​衿​咽​心​啟​雲​井​人​面​開道​人
​Since the day I saw your Mistress by the side of the flowers,
And took leave of her, Spring has again returned.'
”
Yun-heang, who, under the influence of the moon, on hearing what he said,
Hastened to the side of the pond, to inform her lovely Mistress.
On the lovers seeing cach other, they both endeavoured to restrain their tears,
But their feelings being wounded, the pearly tear bedewed their clothes.
At first from incessant sobbing, next from joy, they were unable to say a single
At which the feelings of Yun-heang and Pih-yuč were moved.
Young Leang, wiping away the tears, thus accosted her,
[word,
"How intensely have I regretted that we have been separated by mountains.
Since I took my leave of you last year to return home,
A hundred affairs on your account has transpired to break my heart.
This night, how happy am I, in obtaining a glimpse of your lovely face,
For I now desire to detail in your hearing my uudivalged mind.”
Yaou-söen, who was deeply affected at what she heard, said in reply,
"Since you have acquired fame, I dare not consider you the same person.
Z
170
蘭
​房
​身​可​花​梁​當​誰​虧​孤​悞​妾​守​此​要
​榮​憐​前​郎​初​想​我​幃​我​天​身​持身​存
​已​前​發​正​不​無​今​獨​終​來​雖​忠​雖​心​己​物
​有事​哲​係​信​情​生​守身​是​義​未​事件
​嫦​化​今​資​人​就難​你​君​薄​尋​重​為​對​劉​盡
​娥​為何​心​無​係​配​點​過​情​常​千​君​花​家​燒
​配​在​人​義​君​合​心意​人​女​金​婦​神女​焚
​You, doubtless have already decided on marrying a more worthy lady,
But ought you not to regret what has already transpired !
Where is now the vow that we made in the presence of the flowers!
And is young Leang indeed a faithless youth ?
At first I would not believe that man was void of just principles;
But who could have thought that you, Sir, was destitute of love!
Having deceived me, will it not be difficult for me to obtain another suitor ?
And when you are alone within the bed curtain, will your mind be at rest !
Since you have trifled with me, Sir, what can be the state of your mind!
I am only apprehensive that the azure heavens will behold you a man of no
Though your espoused is a person of low birth,
[integrity.
She esteems virtue more valuable than a thousand pieces of gold.
From henceforth, though unable to become your wife,
I am determined to devote my heart to the service of the god of the flowers.
The day when I heard that you, Sir, was pledged to the daughter of Lew,
I seized every article of the fragrant rooms and committed them to the flames.
171
拼​有​丹明​等​百​新​知青​奴​細​哭​明​虫
​定​乜​心​日​君​年​花​郎​塜​奴​語​凭
​今​今​先​勿​夫​知​不​黄​何​未​欄
​生​心​夜​為​以​婦​勝​顧​堆​敢​完​杆​光​寂
​怨​雙​斷​花​伴
​孤​還​逢​地​奴​樂​前​誓​明​怨​雙​斷
​寡​生​郎​府​為​芳​花心​月​他​涙​素​不愁
​訴​人​念​晨​好人​人​落​魂​語​人
​了
​Having come to a determination to live single during life,
For after once being deceived, can I think of being pledged to another!~
Since I have seen you this evening and detailed the sentiments of my heart,
I to-morrow will be the first that shall enter hades.
You, Sir, for the future should not continue to think about your slave,
But for a hundred years, be happy in your wife's embrace-
I know that a new flower is esteemed more pretty than an old one,
I also know that you cannot disregard the person with whom you vowed.-
When I have entered the green grave, beueath the bright moon,
Your slave, will then never envy nor be jealous of any one!"
Ere she had done speaking, the tears flowed from both eyes,
When she lained on the railings as though her heart was broken.
The bright moon at what passed, withheld her splendour-and the flowers
refused to speak,
For the cricket's gay note, in the silence of night, was a fit companion for
the distressed,
172
傷​兩​梁​伏​小​姻​幾​藍天​鬱​當​椿​私​抱​本​訴
​心​人生​乞​生​綠​回​橋​地​鬱​年​萱​情​恨意​明
​人​凄​哽​粧​何​磨​愛​無可​愁​携​堂​未​與​心
​對​楚​咽​前​敢​難​把​路​憐​腸​別​上​敢​愁​嬌​事
​傷​不​開​聽​忘​不​衷​會​重​訴​歸​已​言​幾​圖
​心​堪​言​剖​恩​由​情​卿​會​姐​鄉​生​親​喪​配​甘
​景​聞​道​陳義​人​訴​身​合​聞​井​親​聽​神​合
​The youth, whose feelings were wounded, looked towards the caused of such
When, both from extreme grief, were unable to utter a word.
[anguish,
Young Leang, at last broke silence and said,
"Miss I humbly entreat that you will listen to what I say:
How could I dare forget your kind condescension!
But marriages, you know, rest not with man.
How oft have I desired to detail to you the feelings of my mind,
But from the blue bridge, there is no road to your person.
Will not both heaven and earth pity us, since we have met,
For as I attempt to relate to you my grief, my heart is ready to break.
When I took my leave of you to return to my parents,
My father and mother had already promised me in marriage.
Being unable to detail to my parents my private feelings,
I concealed my grief till my spirits were depressed.
It was the wish of my heart to be united to you, lovely Miss;
But since I cannot, I'll detail to you the cause, that I may die in peace.
173
劉​已​後​亭​感​喊​無​姚​強​特​聞​烟​思 ​近​病
​郎​聞​園​中​得人心​弟​赴​來得​水量​馳​來​久
​再陞​不​氣​園​救去​多​秋​京​尊​雲​命​無 ​愁
​到任​見​死​公​解​戀​方​聞​上​君山​薄​路​把​多
​天​轉​賢​為​知​得名​勸​訪​遭​隔​成​覓​梅​不
​台​京​嬌​佳​覺​番​和​我​第​卿​虜​玉秋​知​花​似
​路行姐​人​早生​利行​一身​困人​葉音​骨​人
​Lew-lang, (Leang) on repairing to the celestial altar (her garden),
Heard that your father, on being promoted, had repaired to the capital.
On my entering the back garden, being unable to see you, virtuous Miss,
I swooned away in the pavilion on thinking of your lovely person.
I am grateful to your gardener, who as soon as apprized of it,
Hastily called some persons to my assistance, who restored me to life.
I had no desire to persue my studies in quest of fame,
Nor would I, till repeatedly advised by brother Heaou.
[degree,
It was with reluctance that I entered the arena, though I obtained the highest
And have come expressly to the capital to search out your abode.
When I heard that your honored father was surrounded by the enemy,
And recollected I was separated from your precious person by mountains.
{
I thought my unhappy fate resembled an autumn leaf,
When I went in every direction to obtain intelligence of your abode.
Of late, my bones appear as white as the Mei flower,
And from grief, and the time I have been ill, I cease to resemble man.
174
寒​終​已​但​春​傳​今​猶​我​根​瑤​誰​事​總​前​月
​不​朝​知​恨​闈​臚​晚​恐​姐​由​仙​知​在​由​抵​生​此​寒
​思​憔​不​無​僥​月​相​原​乞​聽​君​爹​天​共​花
​衣​悴​久​緣​倖​中​圓​逢​何​對​罷​亦​娘​意​你 ​落
​饑​到​居​悞​登​探​人​是​居​小​長​不難​不​緣​不
​不​黄人玉​金花​再​夢​此​生​嗟​忘​勸​由​分成
​食​昏​世人​榜​身​會​魂​地​陳​喫​恩​解人​少​羣
​Though cold, I think not of dressing; though hungry I disregard food;
Thus I spend the whole day from morning to night in grief.
I knowing full well, that in this state I cannot live long,
I regret that our union is not decreed—and in having deceived you: [list,
At the Spring examination I was so fortunate as to be inscribed on the golden
Soon after it was announced that I had obtained the rank Tan-hwă,
This evening, though I have met with you, and the moon is at her full,
I am apprehensive that our interview at present is no more than a dream,
Miss, I am desirous of knowing why you reside here;
Take its origin, I entreat you, and inform me of it? ??
Yaou-sëen, on hearing what he said, sighed aloud,
Though she knew that he had not forgotten her kindness;
“ As this affair," said she, “rests with your parents, it was difficult to advise,
But it is evident, that in a former state the destinies are but little in our favour,
Hitherto the mind of heaven has differed from man,
For during the present cold moon, the flowers fade ere they are full blown.
175
狂​無​妾​慌​與​係​奴​飄​爹​萬​今​相​他​只​梁​小
​風​限​為​忙​母​奴奴​零​爹​里​夜​逢​日​愁​生生
​暴​凄​嚴​未​晢​舅​好​湖邊​幸​都未​冷​又​條
​雨​凉​親​得​來​父​似​海​審​城​逢​是​知​月​語
​分​我​邊​轉​居​姓​浮​任生信​公​異​能​照​瑤​比
​連​二​外家​翰​錢​萍​浮​和​不​子​鄉​見​孤​仙​秋
​理​人​去​行​苑​人​草​沉​死​聞​面​人​否​墳​姐
​We being separated by the rude wind and the boisterous rain,
There seems no bounds to the grief of our minds.
I, on account of my honored father's repairing to the frontiers,
Being hurried and confused, was unable to return home.
With my mother, I removed to the garden of the Han-lin,
And we are residing with my father's uncle, the magistrate Tsëen.
Your slave greatly resembles a blade of grass on the surf,
Borne along by the stream, disregardless whether rising or sinking.
As to my father, I know not whether he be dead or alive,
For as yet a letter has not arrived from the borders of the endless wall.
This night, I think myself happy in seeing your face,
For it is pleasant to meet with a person of one's native abode.
Hereafter we know not whether we shall ever meet again,
For I am fearful that ere long from grief the cold moon will shine on my tomb."
Young Leang, said in reply to Miss Yaou-sëen,
My life, as to longevity, may be compared to an autumn's cloud.
176
寧​不​手​奪​功​若​戰​賢​各​瑤​知​奴​花​月
​死​做​持​却​取​成​然​場​嬌​存​仙​郎​奴​神​看​移
​沙​忘 ​胡​算​或​不​身​必忠​哭​情​志​應​共​花
​場​恩​尺​人君​者​途​死​定義​復​義​頗​鑒​訴
​歸​資​龍​報​歸​得​英​亦知​世​梁​海​如​二​凄​夜
​報​義​泉​姐​故​如​雄​甘​書​間​生​般​金人​凉​深
​姐​人​劒​恩​國親​願​心​禮​聞聽​深​石​心事​沉
​To recompense you, I had better die fighting in the desart of Sha-mo,
By so doing I shall not forget your kindness nor be wanting in principle.
I will now go and seize the three cubit dragon sword,
And from gratitude to you will I exterminate the insurgents.
On rescuing your father, I will hasten our return home,
Thereby ennoble myself that our union my be consummated.
If I cannot achieve some noble enterprize,
I will be content to terminate my life in battle.
Virtuous Miss! you doubtless know what books record,
That the names of the virtuous are handed down to posterity."
Yaou-seen with tears, again responded to young Leang,
For she knew that his esteem for her resembled the profound sca.
She said, “ Your slave's mind may be compared to pure gold,
For the Gods of the flowers responded, when they beheld our hearts.
While they were thus detailing their acute feelings,
They perceived by the flower's shadow that it was late at night,
177
起​團​雞​芸​殘​對流​瑤​未​勿​梁​多​今生
​來​圓​聲​香​星​樓​姐​連​仙​知​雲​敎​生​嬌​日​若
​對​偏​呌​碧影​將再​只見​何​有​紅​忍​還​分​難
​月​照​破​月​落​有​圖​恐​語​地​意​粉​淚​未​離​逢
​同​别人​把​催​晓​他​外​雙​再​休​怨​長​曉​從​死
​擕​離離​言​斜​粧​日​方​流​逢​重​黄​嗟​人​此亦
​手​人​恨​陳​月​人​會​聞​淚​君​戀​昏​嘆​心​去尋
​On rising and looking towards the moon they embraced each other by the hand,
When, as about to separate, they were alternately illumined by the moon.
The crowing of the cock aroused them from the grief of parting,
When they were thus accosted by Yun-heang and Pih-yuč,
“ The expiring stars, with their shadows, urge the moon to disappear,
For doubtless, those in yonder room are about to follow their occupations.
I humbly beg, Miss," said her lover, “ that you will select some other day,
For while conversing, I am fearful lest persons should over hear what we say."
Yaou-söen while attentive to what he said, the tears flowed from both eyes,
For she knew not when she might again see her beloved.
The enchanting clouds being desirous of exciting ardent feelings,
Taught the fair lass to regret the approach of morn.
Leang, restraining his tears, sighing, said,
"You, they very lovely Miss seems still unacquainted with the heart of man.
Since we must now take leave of each other,
[in death."
Though unable to realize our hearts' wish, we will seek to enjoy each other
A 2
178
二
​早​不免​相​可​將從​鳥​情​含
​心
​人​衣​知​如​得​逢​憐​人​今​啼​到​愁
​哭​携​前生​相​誓 ​恩​咫​花​不​繳
​倒​手​世​長 ​向​把​愛​尺​落淚
​花​怕​姻​異​情​夢 ​無​割成​共​回
​隂​離​緣​方​掛​中情​離​千​消​首​歸
​下​羣​薄​人​帶​尋​劍​群​里​魂​處​行
​When from incessant weeping, they both fell beneath the flowers,
Holding each other by the hand and garments, they dreaded the thought of
parting.
“ Since we know from what has transpired,” said Leang," that our fates
are infelicitous,
Better for us to take up our abode in remote parts far from each other.
By so doing, we shall avoid the constant hankerings of love,
And in our dreams, seek a meeting agreeable to our vow.
Alas! how cruel is the loveless sword,
Which forever separates lovers.
[heart."
Though now together we must be separate by thousands of miles,
Notwithstanding that the notes of birds, and the falling flowers melts one's
Leang, unable to endure those painful feelings turned himself round;
When restraining their grief, and wiping their tears, they cach returned home.
179
LEANG PETITIONS TO BE SENT AGAINST THE REBELS,
梁​燈​願​斬​着​君​得​少​若​封​就​十
​奏
​旨​征​番
​生下​出​平​起​王​卿​年​得​侯​時​萬
​含​連​邊​胡​朝見​出​英​成​何​賜​雄
​戾​忙​關​虜​衣​奏​力​氣功​把​兵
​歸​寫​征​報​來​喜​征​壓​邊​報​諸​出
​書​表​皇​面​歡​胡​朝​塞​鄕​侯​塞
​舘​文​寇​恩聖欣​虜​臣​靜​身​劍​行
​LEANG, on possessing himself, repaired to his room,
When by the aid of the lamp, he addressed a letter to his Majesty,
Desiring to be sent against the rebels on the frontier,
That they might be exterminated, thus recompense the kindness of his Prince,
On dressing himself in his military attire, he entered the palace;
When this Majesty, on beholding him, was exceedingly elated,
Said, “ Since you, Minister, desire do reduce the rebels,
Though young, by bravery you may eclipse all the officers of the army,
If you by distinguishing yourself, suppress the rebellion,
I will create you a Duke, and liberally provide for your person.
His Majesty then presented him with a sword usually worn by Dukes,
And ordered a hundred thousand troops to be got immediately ready.
180
探​大​飲​只​風​舉​都​擠​此​成
​花​小​完​見​捲​頭​因​死去​敗
​領​朝​起​邊​塵​回 ​沙​未​由
​1
旨​官​馬​庭​沙​望​個​場​知​天
​辭​共​登​風​迷​絕​多​篇​生​自
​皇​餞​程​去​行情​姐​與​古
​去​行​去​好人​路人​女​身​死​云
​The Tan-hwa on receiving his appointment, took leave of his Majesty,
When all the officers of state drank his health.
After exchanging cups, he mounted his horse and commenced his march,
But the dreary prospect of the country greatly distressed his mind.
As he advanced, the wind raised clouds of sand, so as to obscure the road;
When on looking round he found himself and his troops in a dessert land.—
These distresses he endured from love for a beautiful woman,
And to obtain her person, has ventured his life in battle.
Since he commenced his march, who knows whither he be dead or alive?
For, as the ancient say, victory and defeat rest with Heaven.
PART V.
LEANG SURROUNDED BY THE ENEMY,
梁​生​被困
​身​梁​書​差​差​梁山​想​豬​攻
​到​生​寄​兵​人生​路條​兵 ​其
​邊寨​邊​來​心​崎​良​打​無
​庭上​關​命​下​嶇​計​聽
​忙​就​投​破​忙​自​人​正​唐​古
​下​差​總​番​前​思​未​施​兵​來
​寨​人​制​人​去尋​熟​行​到​云
​LEANG as soon as he arrived at his appointment, encamped,
And from hence despatched a messenger,
Who was bearer of a letter to the Commander-in-chief,
[my:
Informing him that he had been sent by his Majesty, to aid in subduing the ene
The messenger on being despatched hastened with all speed,
When Leang within himself thought,
As he and his men were unacquainted with the country,
That it would be indispensible for him to manœuvre with his troops.
He determined to keep the enemy ignorant of his arrival,
And to attack them, as the ancients did, when unprepared.
}
182
如​梁​豈​慌​番​梁​點​蕩​只​番​寡​亦​困​縱​感​番
​山​生​料​忙​兵​生知​入​話​奴​無​滄​住​有​謝​兵
​塞上​唐​立​乘空​不​帶​把​敵​無​山​英​梁​唔
​領​馬​兵亂​勢​剩​慣​前​兵​截​眾​計​前​雄​生​敢
​來​敵​心​且​來​幾​胡​無​忙​路​從​得​無​勢​猛​近
​交​番​未​逃​追​千人​路​殺​中​來​逃去​惡人​其
​戰​人定​生​殺人​路​行​轉​心語​生路​行​緻​身
​On the approach of the enemy from the hills to give battle,
Leang immediately mounted his horse and rode forth to oppose them,
Who could have conjectured that the (Tang) imperial troops,
Would have be thrown into disorder, and fled to preserve their lives!
The victorious enemy, advancing committed great slaughter,
When Leang, was left with only a few thousand men.
From being unacquainted with the enemy's country,
In their flight they ascended a hill which afforded them no road of escape,
On his giving an order for his troops to advance and force a passage.
The enemy with troops blocked up the road.
As the military law says, a few cannot contend with a multitude,
General Leang, could devise no plan to effect a retreat.
The hill before him not having a road, and being encompassed in the rear,
Even the bravest of leaders would have found a difficulty of proceeding.
With gratitude be it recorded, Leang for bravery stood unrivalled,
Thereby the enemy durst not approach his person.
183
幾番​假​招​聲​朝​卽​迤​騾​别
​千​奴​話​降​音​廷​時​糧​守
​兵​外​梁​殘​傳​萬​傳​前 ​邊​良
​馬​面生​卒​入​歲​旨​去​關​將
​亂​幾​京​就差​守​無​往
​傳​死​千​都​知​兵​關​亂​邊
​困​云​難​人​去​聞​部​人​動​行
​He being left with only a few thousand infantry and horse,
The enemy spread abroad various vague reports;
They falsely asserted, that Leang had fallen in battle,
And that his troops had surrendered, on decapitating a few thousand of his men.
The report soon reached Peking the capital,
When his Majesty was made acquainted with the news.
Immediately the royal will was communicated to the Military Board,
That a farther supply of provisions and troops should he sent to the camp.
Instructions were also given for strengthening the passes to prevent the enemy's
approach,
When another General was appointed to march against the enemy.
184
HEAOU TAKES LEAVE OF HIS AUNT.
别​妗​解
​糧
​姚​解​就​夫​姚​只​探​正​誰​可​拋​欽​我
​生​糧​知​來​人生​因​花​是​知​憐​離​差​爲
​初​點​姈​錢​接​流​邊​情​梁兵​年​父​兵​主
​選​着​母​府​見​淚​外​願​生​敗​少​母​部​政
​為​佢​居​别​姚​啓​胡​出​吾​喪​英​悞​傳​却
​兵​們​錢​夫​公​原人​征​舍​胡​雄​殘​粮​當
​部​身​府​人子​因​亂​行​表​塵​子​生​草行
​HEAOU was appointed by the Military Board,
To take charge of the stores and provisions for the troops.
He, knowing that his Aunt resided with the family of Tsëen,
Repaired to her residence to take leave of the lady.
The lady with pleasure received young Heaou,
But when he mentioned the cause of his visit, she burst into tears.
Their separation was occasioned by the rebellion of the foreigners,
But Leang's was from love to Yaou-sëen, who had gone to subdue them.
IIe said, “ Leang is indeed my much esteemed brother,
Could it have been supposed that he would have fallen in a foreign land!
Such a brave and worthy man, ought to be pitied,
For after having forsaken his father and mother, has fallen in battle.
The Military Board, having issued an order for a farther supply of provisions,
I am appointed to superintend their conveyance to the camp.
185
故​未​夫​邊​若​舅​姚​芸
​此​知人​塵​到​爺​生​香
​特​何​聽​路邊​書​頜​傍
​來​日語​遠​庭​信​命​立
​相​正​長​點​須報​相​盡
​拜​歸​流​能​探​吾​辭​聽
​别​津​淚​行​聽聞​出​聞
​芸香​報​主
​I am therefore come expressly to take my leave of you,
Not knowing the day on which I shall return.
珠​慌 ​見 ​如​這
​涙​忙​姐​呀​場
​暗​跌​未​災
​垂​大​言​禍
​歸​綉​先​好
​報​房​淚
​主​心​落​人
​The lady on hearing what he said, shed tears profusely,
Considering the great distance to the frontiers,
And replied, "As soon as you arrive, you must make enquries
Concerning your Uncle, and send word by all possible speed.
IHeaou, on receiving her commands, took his leave;
But Yun-heang, who was standing by, heard what passed.
7%
YUN-HEANG INFORMING HER MISTRESS OF THE
DEATH OF LEANG.
Tur pearly tears began to ſlow as Yun-heang ran to apprize her Mistress,
And in her haste went direct into the centre of the silken room,
Ere she could address her Mistress, the tears fell in profusion,
1
When she exclaimed, "Miss! the miseries of this war is enough to astonish one!
B 2
186
梁​沙​姚正堂​奴​瑤​兩​梁​奴​地​免​可​沙
​生​場​生來​前​奴​仙​行​郎​奴​府​郎​惜​場
​為​戰​又​拜​話​傍​聽​珠​為​唔​尋​孤​少​無
​姐​敗​解​別​起​罷​淚​我​敢​郎​獨​年​主
​提​命​錢老​梁​盡​神​好​輕​自相​地​因​做
​兵​歸​糧​夫​郎​聽​魂​傷身​偷​會​中​我​孤
​去​陰​去​人死​聞​喪心​死​生​罷​行​喪​魂
​Leang, on your account, took the command of an army,
And whilst fighting in the dessert, has been defeated, and has fallen in battle,
Hcaou, who is to proceed with a supply of provisions and stores,
Has just taken his leave of your Aunt, the elderly lady.
While he was in the hall, he mentioned the death of Leang,
Your slave stood by his side, and heard every word that he said. '
Yaou-sëen, while listening to what passed, her spirits forsook her,
Her feelings being wounded, the pearly tear streamed in profusion.
She said, "Since Leang on my account has fallen, lightly cstecming his per-
His slave will never presume clandestinely to live.
[son,
She will enter hades in search of her beloved,
Thus prevent him from being solitary in the bowels of the earth.
是
​Ilow ought he to be pitied who has died on my account,
”
Having fallen in the dessert, and having become an orphan spirit. "" *
* For an account of Orphan Spirits, see a small work by the Translator
of this Poem, published by Kingsbury, Parbury, and Allen, London, entitled
The Affectionate Pair, or History of Sung-kin.
4
187
牙​好​大黄​奴​粉​無​無​無​相干​哭​骨​夜​日
​床​傷​聲​泉​奴​身​望望​望​逢​聲​厭​罷​瘦​夜來
​横​情​哭​等​無​寧​今​歡​花​除​哭成​之​形​羅​又
​睡​處​呌​我​願​願​生​娛​間​是​叫​病​畤​枯​幃​哭
​哀痛​梁​伴​居​報​同​共同​夢​郎​重​不哭​到
​哀傷​公​君​八郎​配​枕​笑​中​無​床​又似​到​黄
​哭​心子​行​世​恩​合​衾​語​尋​應​心​哭​人​曉​昏
​At night, when she retired to rest on the ivory bed, she lay bewailing,
For her feelings being wounded her heart was severely pained.
While weeping aloud, she called on Leang
To wait patiently in hades, till she accompanied him.
« Your slave,” said she, “ has no desire to live any longer,
But desires to be pulverized to recompense your kindness.
All hope, of being united to you in this life having terminated,
We can never expect to be happy together on the same pillow. [the flowers,
Nor must I indulge a hope of ever conversing and laughing with you amidst
For should I seek an interview, I can obtain none but in a dream.
While lamenting, if I call on you with a thousand voices, I obtain no answer,
Thus I lay and pine away till I am dangerously ill.
After weeping for awhile, she again gave place to her tears,
Till by incessant grief she was so reduced, as not to resemble a human being.
Night after night, she continued to weep till the dawn of day,
When the succeeding day till night was accompanied by tears.
188
漸​一​碧​行​姐​辣​雖​幾​雖​爹​夫​老​服​神​一​高
​漸​些​月​埋​呀​則​時​乃​娘​人​爺​事前​旦​堂
​容​茶​怕​床​茶​情​梁​哭​夫​養​孤​遭​百​重​為​白
​顏​飯​娘​晔​飯​義​郎​得​妻​育​獨​難​年​望​郎​髮
​都不​身​把​起​惯​因​佢​情​係​生​未​都​姐​身​靠
​改​沾​氣​言​來​一雙​姐​番​義​天​嬌​回​係​香氣​誰
​變​唇​死​陳​親​死​生​重​恩​姐​身​姐​燈​死人
​My comeliness and beauty," said she, "gradually leaves me,
From being unable to admit the least morsal of food within my lips.
Pih-yue, apprehensive lest her Mistress would die,
Drew near to the bed, and thus addressed her;
6d
Miss, do take a mouthful of tea and rice,
For you ought not on account of a lover to distress your parents.
Though Leang, Miss, has died from love to you,
How long must you weep before you can restore him to life?
Allowing that the love between husband and wife is great,
That which exists towards father and mother, is it not celestial !
Since my Mistress has borne only you, lovely Miss,
And the General, is in distress, and unable to return;
The care of serving them during life must devolve on you,
For the gods of the tablet expect that you will offer the incensc.
If you die on account of your beloved husband,
On whom can your father and mother depend!
}
189
夫​相​小​莫若​碧瑤​梁​若​黄​父​仔​叫爹
​且​人​公​姐​來​然​人​月仙​郎​夫​者​泉​母​細​我​娘
​近​唔​重​操​見​又​勸​長​捨​還​女​無​深思​百​必
​多見​該​壞​姐​娘​嘆​命​肯​流​面​恩​量​年​定
​日​日​開​老身​姐​千​把​因為​虧​見​奴​惡​遵​要
​煩​操​解​年成​傷​與​言​奴​釵​節​東曉​做​奉​生
​惱​心​佢​人​病​心​萬​陳​死​裙​義​君​得​人​母親
​Farther, of late the lady has been much distressed,
Being daily grieved that she cannot see her husband's return.
Miss, you should dispel your gricf,
And not be stubborn and pain the elderly lady.
If you should become ill and be confined,
I am fearful that the lady will also be distressed on your account. "
On Pih-yue giving a thousand and ten thousand admonitions,
Yaou-seen breathed a long sigh, and thus responded,
6
Young Leang, disregardless of life, has fallen on my account,
For men take pleasure in the company of the fair.
Women if they once loose their virtue disgrace their persons,
J
And when in hades are unable to see their husband's face.
I well know the kindness of my father and mother,
When I think of it, I regret that I ever was born.
Doomed as I am to serve my parents while life shall last,
I am certain that my mother will require me to marry again.
190
若​俁​地​沙​若​難​左​不​芸​事​生​料​相​夫​若​團
​依​郎​府​場​不​把​右​如​香​到​已​娘​公人​得​圆
​母​枉​千​枯​順​眞​算​尙​又​其​爲​必​受​未​老子
​命​死​年​骨​從​情​來​早​對​間​娘​不必​母
​重​勢​埋​點​唔​訴​都會​佳​又​邊​肯​無​就​回​且
​婚​唔​怨​甘​二​一郎​人​酌​外​招​消​開​轉​歡
​配​行​我​心​嫁​親​死​身​語​斟​死​親​息​庚​日​心
​Should I act in compliance with her stern command,
I shall deceive my lover, and after death can never accompany him.
Were he to remain in hades for a thousand years, how will he detest me!
Lamenting that his bones are left rotting in the field of battle.
By my not complying with her wish, I shall avoid being married,
But then it will prove difficult to be filial to my parents.
On either side, death seems most desireable;
How much better for me carly to be by the side of my lover."
Yun-heang, again addressing the lady in reply said,
6 Since affairs have arrived at this crisis, you should hercafter deliberate.
As Leang, on your account, has dicd on the frontiers,
I think, Miss, you cannot be required to marry again;
For having as yet received no news from your father, since surrounded,
The lady is unable to alter your previous determination.
On the happy day of your father's return home,
When you and your parents are rejoicing together,
191
或​任​瑤​二老​暫​為​提​何​料
​時​娘​仙​婢​母​留​鯽​起​限​知
​講​心子​言​在​殘​心情​凄​腸
​到​事​細​來​堂​命​事由​凉​斷
​婚​點心​句​須​定​難​便​何​過
​姻​施​中​句​敬​晨​丟​碎​限​終
​事​行​想​真​奉​昏​落​心​淚​身
​聞​兒​身​喪
​停​且
​語​談
​裙 ​梁
​釵​府
​閨
​閣​雙
​事​親
​Suppose then you should mention the affair of your marriage;
Doubtless they will consent to your request, and will permit you to do as you
Yaou-sëen, pausing, considered within herself,
[please,"
Whether every word that the servants had said, were true or false,
66
She replied, “ While my mother remains, she must be honored,
I will retain my wasting life, and night and morn enquire after her health.
The whole of my distress, is from love to Leang, which I cannot discard;
When these thoughts arise, my heart seems pulverized.
There is no ond to my grief, there is no end to my tears,
Doubtless my distress will continue to the end of my days.
THE PARENTS HEAR OF THE DEATH OF THEIR SON.
We will pause from detailing the occurrences of the retired apartments,
And narrate respecting the parents of young Leang.
192
自高​一​辭​相​孩​邊​朝​夫​過​冇​果​搥​可​膝
​報​堂​朝​皇​公​兒​庭​臣​性​妻​得​日​然​胸​憐​前
​孩​接​邊​讀​把​賊​無​喪​談​一​眉​報​哭​兒​孤
​兒​喜得​外​罷​命​寇​計​在​論​日​開​到​倒​死​冷
​金​笑​孩​破​心​當​紛​靜​邊​日​又​得​身​地​香​好
​榜​吟兒​胡​煩​微​紛​胡​庭​傷​惱​放​遭​中​燈​愁
​中​吟​信​人​惱​座​亂​塵​外​神​一日​心​難​心​絕​人
​When they heard of their son being enrolled on the golden list,
Overjoyed, the father and mother tittered and laughed aloud.
Early, one morning, they received a letter from their son,
Mentioning that he had taken leave of his Sovereign to march against the rebels
The gentleman, as soon as he had read the letter, being vexed,
Grioved, fearing that his son would fall in a foreign land.
The troops that had revolted, being in the greatest state of commotion,
The government could devise of no effectual plan to lay the foreign dust.
The husband and wife apprehending the death of their son,
Conversed together, till their spirits were depressed.
Day after day did they thus continued to grieve,
When their knitted eyebrows from sorrow knew no relief.
Indeed when they received intelligence that he had fallen by the enemy,
They, beating their breasts, cried aloud, till they swooned on the ground.
"How much," said they, "is our son to be pitied, who has no one to offer
And who, dying without issue, is left alone and disconsolate. 「him incense.
193
可​為​夫​幾招​掛
​劉玉​可
​惜​因​妻​乎​魂​孝 ​音​爺​妻​卿​惜​收
​傳​聽說​聞​才​骸
​聰​名流​氣​設​安
​明利​盡​死​醮
​年​送​長老​開​哭
​玉卿​思​節
​入​見​與​得​郎​骨
​尙​亦​孩​淚​邊​轉
​傷​兒​紛​外鄉
​少​青​江​年​喪​子
​府​心​聽​紛​死​津
​子​春​淚​人事​身
​He is worthy of pity, being a youth of extraordinary talents,
}
Who, on account of fame has perished in the bloom of youth.
The tears flowed from the husband and wife, like a stream
Till the old people were unable to sustain themselves.-
They prepared offerings, and offered up prayers to recal his spirit,
When on sitting up his tablet, they wore mourning, and wept daily before it.
YUII-KING ON IIEARING OF THE DEATII OF LEANG.
On the news of Leang's death arriving at the office Shang-shoo,
Father Lew, on obtaining information of it was grieved to his heart.
The husband and wife apprised their adopted daughter of the sad news,
When Yih-king on hearing of it, burst into tears.
“
You," said she,
“
are to be pitied, a youth of talent, having died on the
[froliticrs,
For who shall bring your corpse back to your native village ?”
c 2
194
歸​從​梳​無​時​脂​了​前​問問​得​姐​雖未​世​生
​房​今​粧​心​時​憔​環​來​娘娘​知​亦然​龠​間​前
​脫​無不​玩​悲​粉​見​對​因​何必​何​已​相​多相
​下​望​整​景​切​悴​姐姐​甚​事​為​須​受​會​少​愛
​羅​着​花​不​思​日​因​啟航​淚​梁​日​梁​也​為​死
​衣​羅​唔​遊​君​傷​郎​原​煩​紛​家​喪​家​虛​為
​服​祫​戴行子​心​惱​因​惱​紛​子​神​聘​婦
​She entered her room to lay aside her choice dresses,
For she had now no hope of ever appearing in rich attire.
IIer toilet would not be required, nor her hair be adorned with flowers,
Having no desire to appear gay, or to ramble in the garden.
From constant grief and thinking of her deceased husband,
She forgot to apply the ruge and cosmetics, for her heart was daily pained.
The servant on seeing her Mistress grieving on account of her lover,
Drew near and thus divulged her mind :
“ I beg to ask, Miss, why you so distract yourself a
And on what account do the tears fall in such profusion ?
Can your grief be on account of young Leang?
Miss, day after day why so wound your feelings?
Though you have been promised in marriage to Leang,
Having not yet seen him, the proposal becomes void.
In the world, Miss, there are many who become husband and wife,
Who while alive love cach other, but after death are lightly esteemed.
195
未​墳​夫​床​世​一​我​何​無​少​玉​說
​滿​土​婦​上​上​般​妲​苦​過年​卿
​七日​猶有​兒​未​相​只​科長​休
​旬​乾​長​如​誰​女​逢​思​為​第​嗼​來
​開​就​相​睡​談​列​公​兩​聰​喜​言​惱
​口​嫁​鬭​四​論​成​子​淚​明​娘​知​我
​嫁​人口​人​佢​羣​面​淋​子​心​婢​心
​There are others, cre forty nine days have elapsed, talk about marriage,
Breathe on the tomb * because not dry, to facilitate their union.
Others there are, who scold during the whole day,
And at night are not content to sleep less than four in a bed,
Though in the world, there are persons who speak in praise of such,
Yet there are a host of young women who glory in retaining their virtue.
My Mistress, as you have not yet seen the young gentleman's face,
Why do the pains of love cause the tears to flow from both eyes?
It can be on no other account than because he is clever,
Being young, and having obtained fame,–delight your heart.
Yüh-king, sighing aloud, said to her domestic,
“ Cease thus to address me, for you distract my mind ;
1
"
* This alludes to a poor widow who lived contemporary with the phi-
losopher Chwang-tsze, who was desired by her husband not to marry till
his grave was dry. The widow from reduced circumstances repaired to the
tomb to fan it, to facilitate its drought, when she was met by the philoso-
pher, who it is said, fanned the grave for her.
196
貞​貪​古​烈​雪​甘​不​萬​我​料​好​改
​節​淫​有​烈梅​心​圖​載​雖​唔
​載​雖​唔​笑​嫁
​世​喪​投​綱​未​情​富​千​不​更​市​重
​間​德​崖​常見​願​貴​年​及​改​流​婚
​人​敗​兼​四​親​守​寒​播​人​另​街​比
​嗼​人​斷​海夫​孤​門​遠​豪​招​上當
​羨​倫​臂​聞​面​單​守​人傑​親​女
​For those who retain their virtue are esteemed,
1
While the lewd, injure virtue, and violate the tics of socicty.
[their arms,
Among the ancient there are those who retired to the vallies and who broke
Whose fame, with the rapidity of caloric has extended to the four seas.
Seih-mei, * who had never an interview with her husband,
From love cheerfully desired to remain single through life.
Those sentiments being entertained both by the rich and the poor,
Within the revolution of ten thousand years, extend to the remotest man.
Though I aspire not to rank with persons of high virtue,
Doubtless I will never change my mind and marry some other!
How ridiculous do the women of the markets and streets appear,
Who by frequent marrying level themselves with the dirt.
* Seǚh-mei was the bride of Shang-lang, but their marriage was never
consummated. As her intended husband was taken dangerously ill, she be-
ing unable to attend on him herself, sent her servant Gac-yih, who it is said,
proved with child by him. On the death of Shang-lang, Seih-mei, repaired
to the house of her intended husband, and observed the usual funeral ob-
197
有​願​豈​嫁​個​何​我​今​快​爹​孤​若​新
​等​郎​知​郎​種​顏​狌​活​媽​幃​不​土
​見​早​天​依​枉​面​不​風​若​清​從
​郎​死不​舊​生​見​敢​流​從​靜​奴​寥
​另​從​又​人世​重​總​奴​侍​心​對
​事​招​人家​世間​婚​讓​守​雙​與​白
​薄​親​願​貧​上人​配​人​節​親​意​雲
​There are those, who on seeing that the family of their intended husband is poor,
Early desire his death, to select a more worthy person.
How do they know that the will of Heaven accords with their mind,
For of old, those who changed on account of wealth became poor,
Persons of this description, viciate the manners of the age;
What face in a future state, will such have for beholding those whom they have
I, during the present life, will never presume to marry again,
For pleasure and gaiety are calculated to distract one's mind,
If my father and mother will permit me to retain my chastity,
I will remain solitary within the curtains, and attend on my parents.
If they will not let me follow the bent of my mind,
I'll enter the new mansion and silently gaze at the bright clouds."
[injured,
sequies, and refused to marry again. Gae-yüh, on being delivered of a
son, called him Shang-lo, who obtained the three highest literary ranks in
China, when he petitioned his Majesty to erect his mother's mistress, a tri-
umphal arch, to commemorate the constancy of her virtue.
198
侍​姐​依​咁​守​淹​縱​死​玉​了​燕​鳳​鴛​雁​禽​何
​婢​嚼​我​好​節​滯​博​後​卿​環​雀​凰​鴦​行​鳥​况
​幾​獨​不​花​何​芳​得​唔​聽說​安​邊​失​分​人
​人​愁​如​容​龠​年 ​憂​罷​話​知​入​偶​拆​知​生
​尋​有得​悞​留有​心得​鴻​野​無​願​有​識
​深
​嘆​靑​快​幾​到​一世​耳​中人​鵠​雞​尋​孤​節​五
​惜​你​春​活人​肚​生​名​上​聞​惱​憎​志​羣​對​身​義​倫
​The several servants in waiting, sighing acutely, responded,
"Miss! we are apprehensive that so much distress will injure you in your
Better to confide in us and seek to be merry,
[youth,
For there are but few who resemble the lovely flowers;
Or that by retaining their chastity, satisfy the desires of nature,
While those, who are immersed in grief, injury themselves through riper years,
Should you hereafter obtain a vain name, and leave it behind you,
When dead will you not grieve being then unable to listen to it?"
Yüh-king, on hearing what was addressed to her, being enraged,
Said, “ Servants, who can endure to hear such language!
Know you not that the sparrow is unacquainted with the mind of the stork,
And that the ominous birds Fung and Hwang do not associate with the wild
If the Ying or Yuen losses its mate, it does not seek another, [fowls!
And the desire of the wild geese, when once separated, are to be alone!
Those birds seem to know how to retain chastity,
Yet is woman alone unacquainted with the five relative duties!
199
你​怎​了​玉
​今​奈​環​卿
​講求​不​長
​出​流​敢​日
​如​不​前​為
​花花​來​思
​梁
​生
​錦​心​答​君
​議​計
​未​叉​山​眼​四​感​唐​獨​救
​道​談​中​中方​得​兵兵
​玉​受​受​依​兵​山​得​無
​卿​難​困​舊​馬頭​水​至
​思​此​無​幾週​洞​唔​日
​節​梁​生​千​上​滄​饑​憂
​義​生路​人​緊​深​渴​心
​What you have just said may be compared to the down of flowers,
And though it flows like a stream, it is disregarded by the fallen flower."
The servants not daring to reply in the presence of their Mistress,
Yüh-king the whole day long continued to think of her husband.
LEANG'S MANEUVRE TO DEFEAT THE ENEMY.
WE will desist detailing respecting the virtuous young lady,
To relate of the fatigue and distress endured by Leang.
When encompased by hills, and unable to sec a road of retreat,
He was attended by only a few thousand men,
On every side his infantry and horse were closely beseized,
When, grateful be it remembered, a stream rushed down from the mountain.
The imperial troops on obtaining water, knew neither hunger nor thirst :
And only grieved because an army was not sent to their deliverance.
200
梁​前​眾​我​虧​不​你​一​眾​老​感​眾​糧​等​若​盡
​生來​人​亦​你​如​等​人​兵​爺爺​人​草​待​是​力
​就聽​伴​唔​眾將​眾​身​流​何​相​何​尙​汝​救​山
​呌​我​我​憂​人​我​入​死​淚​故​待​敢​能​兵兵​前
​兵​一​都有​因​獻​都​亦將​起​如​資​支​來​無​殺
​和​言​無路​我​番​有​甘​言​疑​兄​爺​一​到​能見
​卒​陳益生​死​人命​心​禀​心​弟​恩​月​就​生​到​勻
​Leang, issued an order for the officers and troops
To approach, and listen while he addressed them a few words,
He said,
66
My men! you with myself, are all infelicitous,
Nor should I now repine where you able to effect your escape.
Alas, I am detested, you will all die on my account!
Would it not be better for you to take and deliver me up to the enemy.
In so doing, the lives of you my men will all be preserved,
While I, an individual, will meet my fate with resignation.”
The troops on hearing what he said, with tears replied,
“ Venerable father, why do such doubts arise in your mind.
We are grateful to our chief, who has treated us as though we were brothers.
How can the troops prove ungrateful to the kindness of their commander !
The food and provender being sufficient for another month,
We will patiently wait till an army is sent to our deliverance.
In case the reinforcements should not arrive,
We with united strength will ascend the hill which lays before us.
201
生​各​梁​時​番​亦只​自知​有
​生存​生​時​兵​無​話​然​生​翼
​死忠​聽​巡​體​敢​等身​好難
​死​義​罷​察​見​佢​死​似​飛
​都​報​安​四​生​這​糧​不​籠
​由​皇​心​邊​嚴​梁​草​勞​中​出
​命​恩​等​行​紫​生​盡心​鳥​身
​Life and death being previously decreed,
We to a man will retain our loyalty to reward the kindness of our Sovereign."
Leang, on hearing what they said, his mind being composed,
Frequently went round to ascertain the movements of the beseigers.
The enemy, seeing the royal troops daring, and constantly on the clert,
Dared not to advance and make an assault on General Leang.
All that they said was, "We will wait till their food is entirely consumed,
When they will die from want without giving us the least trouble.
We well know, they resemble a bird confined in a cage,
Had they wings, they would find it difficult to effect their escape.
D 2
A
202
THE MAGISTRATE LEW URGING A SECOND MARRIAGE.
劉​府​逼婚
​停​又​自古​- 本​父​久​才​差​娸​藍​欲
​語言​想​云​面​來​洲​為​聞​貌​媒婆​府​求
​山​劉​梁​女​開​禮​有​給​小乘​去​下​大小
​中​生​大​庚​物​個​事​妲​全​到​跪​人​姐
​人​老身​要​尋​退​藍​有​劉​極​劉​見​多​結
​受​夫​已​生​好​還​公​黄​家​妙​家​夫​上​婚
​難​人死​親人​子金​女人​府​人​福​姻
​We must desist from relating of the sufferings of the army, whilst among the
And again detail what passed between the husband and wife.
Lew accorded (that as Leang had fallen in battle)
[ravine,
With the ancients, that the marriage of one's daughter is of the first importance.
ઃઃ
He said, I will ascertain her natal hour, and seek another Son-in-law,
And next make a return of presents to the parents of Leang,
For in my native district, dwells a worthy youth named Lan,
Whose father is of the rank Koïh-sze, a person of wealth."
Lan, on hearing that the daughter of Lew,
Besides being a person of talent, was esteemed exceedingly handsome,
Sent a person to make a proposal of marriage.
As soon as the female Go-between entered, she knelt before the lady,
“
Addressing her, said, " Lady Lan, who wishes you great happiness,
Is desirous of soliciting your amiable daughter in marriage,
203
第​年​蘇​年​珍​媒​夫​堂​相​問​自語​夫​就​孩
​三​幾​州​年​珠​仔​A前​公​過​小​怕人​話兒
​公​相​第​歲​寶​容​聽話​就​孩​做​心​相​話​親​有
​子​登​一​物​顏​得過​對​兒​人情​公​過​事​福
​風​十​稱​占​如​壓​多相​夫​正心​唔​移​女​一​登
​流​九​才​頭​山​世​歡​公人​結​性​驌​步​兒​頭​對其
​極​春​子​人​積​人​喜​門​講​硬​惡行​出身​極​人
​To her third son, who is considered extremely clever,
IIaving seen the revolution of ninteen Springs.
Ile is esteemed the wisest person in all Soo-chew,
And obtains the chief honors at each literary examination.
福​遇
​For gems, and what is precious, the family wealth resembles a vast mountain,
While young Lan's handsome appearance, surprises the age.
The lady on hearing what was said, being highly elated
Entered the hall and announced it to her husband.
The gentleman in answer replied,
"We ought to know whether our daughter is willing to marry or not.
If it accords not with her mind, serious consequences may be apprehended,
For, from a child, as she has grown up, she has been obstinately disposed. "
Having thus spoken he withdrew;
When the lady requested her daughter to enter the hall.
「desired,
While conversing, she said, "One's settlement in life is what is most to be
How happy would you be, if so fortunale as to obtain a good husband. '
204
小​雙​孩​此​才​孤​心​幾​觸​烈​爹​奴​服​月​夫​何
​姐​流​兒​身​郎​魂​腸​過​燕​女​媽​願​事​破​人​苦
​聞​珠​已​原​身​寂​未​梁​高​何不​孤​爹​花​又​鍾
​言​淚​受​屬​死​寞​冷​家​飛​龠​須​眠​娘​殘​勸​情
​忙​禀​梁​姓​邊​好​監​舌​唔​嫁​長​過​千​學​孩​為
​下​萱​家​梁​庭​傷​奴​與​逐​二​掛​此​載​古​兒​那
​跪​親​聘​人​外心​嫁​唇​伴君​慮​生​後人​聽​生
​The young Miss, on hearing what was said, hastily fell on her knees,
While the tears streamed from her eyes, she thus replied:
"Your daughter has been promised in marriage to Leang,
It is therefore the sole wish of her person, to be united to him.
He, a youth of extraordinary talents, having died in remote parts;
The thought that he remains an orphan spirit greatly wounds her feelings.
Yet ere her affections have abated, you require her to marry again,
Are you not afraid of the slander of the family of Leang ?
Of old, the widowed swallow never sought another male,
But when did a virtuous woman ever choose a second husband?
Father and mother, you must not entain these thoughts in your mind,
For your daughter's desire, during life, is to sleep alone.
It is her wish to serve you for a thousand years and after,
That when the flowers fade, and the moon wanes, she may attain to the virtues
The lady again advising her daughter to listen,
[of the ancients.”
Said, "Why should you thus slenuously continue to think of him?
205
梁
​共​如​與​玉​高​百​雖​一​王​算​古​紅
​生​過​係​兒​今兒​堂​供​年​則​言​婆​來​道​顏
​共​為​無​恰​拺​為​哭​言​梁​未​為​答​小​百​須
​你​定​緣​似​得​配​告​語​郎​自​成​定​嘴​姐​年​對
​唔​許​歸路​名​樂​親​欠​如​許​夫​重​將​太​天​綠
​相​生​世​邊門​青​娘​思​終​婦​千​言​癡​注​衣
​識​親​早​人子​春​聽​尋​路​身​禮金​道人​定​人
​As Leang was unacquainted with your person,
What crime will it be to bind you by an inch of silk ?
Since it is not decreed that he shall early return home,
Should you ever meet, you will resemble passing strangers in the street.
Now as your parents have selected the son of a wealthy family,
You should consent to marry to gladden your youth,'
Yüh-king, with tears, requested her mother to listen, when she said,
“ Father and mother, you do not consider what you say,
Do you think that Leang and I can pass without noticing cach other,
Whose union was decreed to last during life?
Though the marriage ceremonies have never been performed,
One decisive word is as valuable as a thousand pieces of gold,"
Wang-po (the go-between), displeased in reply thus spoke:
‘How happens it, Miss, that you are such a foolish girl ?
The ancients say, all the affairs of life are decreed,
And that the handsome must revert to those who have acquired fame.
206
這​家​蠻​唔​佢​皇​琥​珍​花​左​冬​愛​三​或​有
​紙​把​富​抵​體​父​帝​珀​珠​園​邊​麗​着​把​弦​上​時
​年​手​年高​同​珊​寶​濶​楊​丫​綾​圍​彈​高清
​生​講​大​生​官​佢​瑚​石​大​柳​環​羅​棋​罷​樓​唱
​居​過​身​亦​唔做​如​似​真​有​夏​來​把​吹​和
​第​娘家​算​在​契​蠟​泥​消​邊​一百​着​着​筝​玉​琵
​聞 ​差​話​家​姵​沙​洒​花​把​紗​下​揸​笛​琶
​This
paper which describes his birth, pronounces him the first of youths
And his family being wealthy, I mention it for your information.
IIe is a person of talent, and of a respectable family,
r
So fine a youth, as yet, you have never seen his like.
Tis unnecessary to state, that as his father fills an important office,
That he is on intimate terms of friendship with his Sovereign.
The family being wealthy, values amber beads and corals, as dust,
While pearls and gems are esteemed but as pebbles.
His garden, which is extensive is delightful for pleasure;
To the right are planted rows of willows, and on the left are flowers,
One hundred handsome domestics constantly attend on his person,
Who in winter dress in silk, and in summer their altire is rich crape,
They are extremely fond of playing at chess,
On the soft reed, and three stringed instruments.
At times, they ascend the lofty room, and play on the flute,
While again, they sing accompanied by the Pe-pa (guitar).
207
我​個​風 ​公​聰​進​文情​飮​體​客​富​獨​小勝 ​恐
​想​的​流​子​明士​章​醉​見到​貴​佢​姐​如​如​怕
​了​何​精​佾​狀​做​溫​唔係​呌​眼見​若​身​聲​心
​環​况​英​麗​元​出​循​憂​人​環​高​人们​然​到​聲​事
​都​主​唔​大​拈​錦​甜​要​都​斟​從​就​一​歸​帝​言​亂
​快​人​係​方​穩​添​順​反​揖​好​古​團​佢​皇​守​如
​活​家​假​家​手​花​極​家​也​茶道​花​屋​家​寡​蔴
​I think if all the servants are thus happy,
That pleasure and mirth must be still more enjoyed by their master.
The young Gentleman's amiable manners, are no affectation;
A person of talent, polite, and a descendant of an ancient family.
The literary degrees of Tsin-sze and Chwang-yuen are as sure as in his hand,
For his essays resemble elegant embroidery added to flowers.
Moreover, his disposition being mild and complaisant in the extreme,
So much so that if he gets intoxicated, he does not quarrel nor scold in the least.
Whoever he sees, whatever be their rank, he is polite,
And whenever a friend comes, the servants are ordered to bring tea.
The rich, the ancients say, are always lofty and proud,
But he alone, considers all mankind like a lovely flower.
Miss, should you be so fortunate as to be married to him,
Ilow much better provided for than in the royal palace.
Wherefore must you maintain to retain your widowhood?
I am fearful as to affairs of marriage that your mind resembles a ball of flax.
208
少​落​玉​王​話 ​藍​何​自​十​夫​女​自稱​這​再
​一年​魄​卿​婆​我 ​家​勞​古人​兒​有​言​頭​有
​心​原​聽​何​少​嬈​好​錦​媒​言​喝​休​高​一​親​誰
​事​來​胃
​來​罷​必​年​琶​極​上人​來​住​要​堂​面​事​人
​拈 ​- 心口​難過​心​又無​九​多嘴​親​過​交​敢
​唔​着頭​生​守​别無​添​實​句​嬌​吧​主​麻​還​嚙
​穩​差​惱​花​寡​家​願​花事​差​女​吧​意​茶​我​牙
​In youths, that which is most to be dreaded, is there indescision,
For should you despise him, hereafter you will find that you have acted wrong."
Yüh-king, on hearing what was said, being grieved to her heart,
Replied,
<<
Wang-po, why do you use such flowery language?
Do you say, because I am young, that I am unable to retain my chastity!
Or think that I will take my Pe-pa and remove into another family?
However respectable may be the family of Lan, if I have no desire to marry,
Where is the use of adding flowers to elegant embroidery?
The ancients considered what the marriage proposer affirmed, of no validity,
For of every ten assertions, nine were considered as erroneous. "
“
The lady, displeased, scolding her daughter, thus spoke,
Daughter, ccase replying, we do not want so many words. »
•
This affair depends. entirely with us, your parents.
She then gave her consent to the usual presents being received.
"Your settlement in life," resumed she, "devolves entirely on me;
Who by advising will for the future again dare to interfere. "
209
王玉
​婆​卿
​領​回
​命​步
​玉卿​投​江
​歸​可​今​同​忽​綠​正​今​思​唔
​房​憐​窅​郎​聞​樹​是​生​想​願
​倒​今​死地​日​枝​奴​無​起​貪
​日​做​府​晚​頭 ​哭​生
​回​淚
​歸​抛
​牙​黃​訴​飛​呌​尋​享​聲​嫁
​床​寃​泉​因​歸​暮​死​榮高富
​去​沙
​上​家​客​亞​烏鴉​日​華 ​豪
​Wang-poo, as soon as she obtained the lady's consent, returned;
When Yuh-king weeping bitterly retired to her room.
YUH-KING PLUNGES INTO THE RIVER.
ON her return to her room, she threw herself on the ivory bed,
And regretted that she had that day met with one who was an enemy to her peace.
“ This night," said she, “ will I put an end to my existence, and visit hades,
When to my husband, in his carthly mansion, will I unbosom
my mind.
1)
While thus considering, she suddenly heard the flight of the evening birds,
When from the green tree's lofty branches they uttered their plaintive note.
"To night am I determined," resumed she, "to put an end to my existence,
For in this life, I can have no wish of being either happy or wealthy."
As she continued to think on the horrid act, she wept aloud,
Disregarding life, and having no desire to be married to the wealthy.
E2
210
别​只​存​只​可​無​捨​一​苦​玉​忙​拜​虧​無​家​守
​母​話​屍​有​憐​望​命​片​呀​顏​收​辭​娘​望​道​節
​拋​斷​又​投​年​番​黄丹​苦​誰​拾​爹​養​番​交投
​爹​送​怕​江​少​頭​泉​心 ​料​換​媽​育​頭​還​江
​尋​殘​爹 ​歸路​見​無 ​喪​新​淚​恩兄​逐
​死​生​有​娘​樣​陰 ​我​路
​波​衣​珠​和​女弟​水
​路​刀​惱​高​土 ​夫​訴
​濤
​濤 ​飛​義​兒​理​湄
​To be freed from her parents, she deliberated on the best means to effect her
death,
When she thought on putting an end to her life by cutting her throat,
But, apprchending that her parents would be distressed on seeing her corpse,
She concluded that it would be far better to plunge into the river,
“ Is a pity " said she, “ that so young a person as me, shquld so soon return to
But from this desperate step there is no alternative!
[the shades,
When I have freed myself of life, and behold my husband in hades,
I will then detail to him the whole feelings of my sincere heart.
Bitter: ah! bitter is the thought ?
Who could have conceived that a beautiful woman would perish in the waves.'
}
On thus speaking, she put in order her apartment, and changed her new clothes.
On leaving her father and mother, the tears streamed from her eyes,
When she said, "Your daughter for virtue disregards your kind attentions.
Nor may you entertain an hope of ever secing her again.
[ther.
The affairs of the family must be transferred to the management of my bro-
For to retain my virtue, I will throw myself in the river and follow the stream."
211
離​頓珠​嗟​年​黃​無​今​六月​爹​情​後​舉​月​這
​綉​足​涙​命​少​泉​望​生​婦​缺​娘​愿​園​頭​有​段
​閣​槌​行​蹇​遭​路​粧​無​眞​花​漚​投​開明​團​寃
​凶​上臺​望​情​殘​我​江​了​月圓​家
​變​好​開​得​今​悞​重​不忙​在​人​實
​心​寳​團​晚​少​婚​愧​移​天​有​可
​出​胸​行
​房​哭​流
​前​呌​满
​天​面
​酸​盒​圓​見​年​嫁​天​步​邊​恨​憐
​On leaving the embroidered room, she passed through the front door,
When stamping her feet, and beating her breast, she called aloud on Heaven.
The full tear streamed till it covered her face.
She exclaimed, "Alas, my infelicitous fate!
In my youth all my pleasures are blighted,
And while on the road to hades my heart is grieved.
I have now no hope of opening my espoused's letter, or dressing for him,
Nor have I the least prospect of ever being happy in this life.
It being the desire of the husband and wife to see each other this evening,
Shall the horned moon and fading flowers deceive the young?
Since my father and mother compel me to marry again,
%
I will throw myself in the river, not being ashamed to see Heaven.
The back garden door being open, she entered the garden with hasty steps,
When, on raising her head she saw that the moon was in her second quarter.
She said, " The moon attains to her full, but I am distressed,
I thus cruelly dealt with, ought indeed to be pitied !
212
明​今​可​爹​頻​只​雙​冰​世​好​風​片​水​奴​舉​月
​年年​惜​媽​舉​見​淚​汪​上​吹​片​流​奴​頭​照
​今​此​青​步
​落​汪​塵​一​雨​飛花​一​禮​裙
​日夜​春​勞​到
​完​係​綠枝​打來​落​去拜​釵
​奴​喪​年​盡​江​江​雙​我​今​花​難​逐年​冇​當
​奴​江​十​化​頭​棟​淚​盡​罷​綉​長​水​年​番​空​女
​流落​頭​手​茂​久​流​有​頭​月​流
​忌​邊​八​烟
​This night next year, will be kept as the anniversary of my death,
For this night, this year, I perish by the side of the river.
Ought I not to be pitied, a person only eighteen, and in her bloom?
Ah, father and mother! the merit of rearing me has vanished like smoke!"
With hasty steps she proceeded to the head of the river,
Which appeared a vast sheet of water, flowing to the east.
From both eyes the tears flowed in quick succession,
When she exclaimed, "This stream shall terminate my life!
This night shall put an end to all my troubles,
Though I greatly resemble a beautiful flower in full bloom;
But when beaten by the rain, and blown on by the wind it cannot last long,
For leaf after leaf will take its flight and be borne down by the stream.
Annually the flowers fall and the streams continue to flow,
But I, when once gone, forever will be unable to return !"
On raising her head, she worshipped the moon in the firmament,
Which continued to shine refulgent on her attire and person.
213
我​拋​要​專​被​捨​江​花​伏​深​禱​唔
​為​爹​學​守​母​身邊​容​處​告​想
​不​别​投​舊​逼​無​今​寂​嫦​當​已​哀
​願​母​江 ​婚​願​夜​寞​娥​流​完​情
​重​到​錢​唔​享​沉​水​相​淺​跳​驚
​婚​氏​江氏 ​肯​春​屍​悠​引​莫​落​辦
​藍子​頭​女 ​就秋​首悠​誘流​水
​I," exclaimed she, "because I will not consent to marry the son of the
family Lan,
Forsake my father and mother and plunge into the stream.
I am desirous of imitating the daughter of Tseen, who perished in the river,
Thus acquire lasting fame.
Being unable to consent to my mother's wish, in marrying again,
I disregard my person, having no. wish to enjoy the Spring of youth.
This night my corpse will remain by the side of the river,
Silence will sit on my countenance, while the water will spread far and wide!
Prostrately I beg that the goddess Chang-go will lead the away
Into the deep part, and teach me to avoid the shallow."
When she had thus prayed, she plunged into the stream,
But did not think that her screams would alarm the boatmen.
214
AN OFFICER RESCUING YUH-KING.
提​學​救
​舟​家​兩​專​生​花​逐​梢​湧​救​夫​世​做​捨
​中小​老​等​意​榕​公​浪​公​波​起​妻​上​姓
​有​船​船​候​前已​連​隨​聽​撈​玉​同​有​寧
​個​灣​頭來​逐​忙​波​罷​月​人​問誰​願
​龍​在​聽 ​救​水​呼救​忙​過​歸​佢​無​葬
​東​水​女​忙​前​艇​根​畏​東
​問
​提​上好
​學​流​久
​流​手​流​走​洲​去死​流
​Ar that time there happened to be a person called Lung, the Te-tuh,
Whose family vessel had anchored at the head of the stream;
He and his wife, on hearing the screams for sometime,
Called for silence.
When the Master sent forth an order to go to the person's assistance,
Not imagining that a beautiful woman was borne eastward by the stream.
The gentleman, with haste called to the men,
To follow the waves and the stream to rescue a young woman.
The sailors, on hearing the command, got instantly underway;
After toiling with the moon and waves, they soon reached the creck.
On rescuing the young lady they carried her on board,
When the husband and wife interrogated her as to the cause for such conduct,
For who is there, (said they) that is not afraid of death ?
On being asked why she desired to be buried in the eastern stream,
215
玉​此​奴​父​生年​絲​求得​掃​譌​爹​苦​呌​奴
​鄉情​長​任​長年​蘿​名​中平​想​國​娘​勸​我​奴
​洒​提名​尙​閨​淸​已​身​探​胡​身​逼​未​再​未
​淚​起​門​書​門​静​許​往​花​虜​我​婚​掃​敢
​將​萬​生​身​持​過​梁​帝​為​覓​邊​結​難​蛾​重
​言​千​宦​姓​婦​春​家​皇​翰​封​塞​鸞​守​剔​婚
​禀愁​族​劉道​秋子​州​苑​候 ​外​儔節​過​配
​Yǚh-king while wet, with tears thus replied:
"To detail to you the whole affair, would cause you ten thousand sorrows,
Your slave, is the daughter of a family who holds rank in the state.
My father, whose name is Lew, is member of the Shang-shoo board,
Brought me up in the retired apartments, and taught me the duties of woman.
In tranquillity did Spring succeed Autumn, from year to year,
Till the silken attire was promised to a son of the family Leang,
In quest of fame he being borne along by royal favor,
Obtained the honor Tan-hwa, and became a member of the Han-lin.
The sovereign intent on reducing the Hoo rebels, gave him an appointment;
Who could have imagined, in his country's cause, he would have fallen on the
My parents urged me to give my consent to marry again,
「frontiers!
I, as strenuously refused, our nuptials not having taken place, to retain my
}
virtue.
[suitor,
They required me to braid my hair, adorn my eyebrows, and accept of another
But your slave will never presume to be betrothed again.
+
216
勸​奴​千人​烈​故​烟​夫​虧​誰​德​相​爾​旣​花
​盡​想​年​生​烈​此​水​人​你​肯​行​公​把​然​容
​爹​貪​遺​百​聲​拋​茫​聽​芳​捨​分​又​懷​不​何
​娘​生​臭​歲​名​離​茫​罷​年​身​明​對開​肯​在
​不忘​萬​終​要​父​葬​多​一​存​壓​佳​淚​污水
​轉​節​須​遠​𨨏​妾​嗟​女​節​四人​且​名​邊
​頭​義​羞死​流​投​浪​愁​暎​流​義​州​語​收​節​浮
​Having reasoned with my father and mother, but since they disregard me,
By coveting life, I shall loose the reputation of being chase,
When my name will be handed down as a reproach to ten thousand years.
Man, on attaining an hundred years must die,
While the names of the virtuous flow down the stream of time,
It was this, why I left my father and mother, and threw myself into the waves,
Being desirous at once to burry my grief and myself in its foam and billows,”
The lady on hearing what she said, exclaimed,
“ Unfortunate young woman! you are to be pitied!
But who is there that can disregard life to retain their virtue ?
By such heroic deeds you surpass all the virtuous within the four seas,
The old gentleman, addressing the young lady, said,
"Compose your mind and refrain from weeping,
For since you will not permit your person to be defiled,
Why should so much beauty float on the water's surff?
217
我​再勸​囉​玉​夫​父​亦​縱​亦​日​節​我​快​萬​依
​今​享​解​你​幃​卿​人​母​唔係​然​久​義​亦​活​望​前
​送人​爹​清​含​在​若​今​無​必​何不​風​夫​將
​你​間​娘​靜​淚​上​能​晚娘​過​然​會​流入​我
​回春​從​永​來​聽​依​把​從​兩​尋​得​留​一​休​水
​家​與​順​無​分​因​我​江​我​三​配​到​草​筆​救​中
​去​秋​你​憂​訴​由​意​投​守​秋​合​頭​命​勾​我​流
​I will now accompany you home to your parents,
When in their midst you will be happy from Spring to Autumn.
I will advise your father and mother to let you follow the bent of your mind,
That you may ever remain alone within the courtains without knowing sor-
Yüh-king, refraining from weeping, thus spoke,
Madam, while in your presence, permit me to detail my mind;
If my father and mother will allow me to enjoy the wish of my heart,
I on another night will never plunge myself again in the stream.
If my parents should be pleased to grant me this my desire,
I would not retain it above two or three Springs.
Hereafter I most certainly will consent to be married,
Not being ambtiious to maintain my celibacy for ever.
Still I am no ways desirous of retaining this flecting life,
But wish to rid myself of pleasure and mirth as with the dash of a pen.
I ten thousand times wish, Madam, that you had never rescued me,
Then I should have been borne down by the stream.
[row."
218
此​薄​夫​何​老​算​見​聰​今​百​相​削​和​任玉夫
​身​命​人​苦​身​來​你​明​晚年​待髮​公​中​卿​人
​任​生就​輕​六​身為​合​就​和​我​為​答​同​頜
​葬​成​叫​身​十​後人​得​收​伴​們​尼​言​伴​命​德
​江​不​賢​地​無​似​多​我​為​解​終​任​眞​過​前​重
​魚​自​哉​府​兒​雲​孝心​已​憂​世​你​有​春來​山
​腹​由​女​遊​女​浮​義​頭​女​愁​日​修理​秋​拜​邱
​This frame of mine might then have been buried in some fish,
For falc, from the beginning has thus decreed concerning me."
The lady exclaiming, said,
“ Virtuous girl!
Why think so lightly of a ramble to hades.
I who am sixty, am blessed with neither son nor daughter,
Hereafter, doubtless I shall resemble a curved cloud.
On seeing you, a woman of filial piety and virtue,
A person of your talents accords with my heart's wish.
This night I shall consider you as my daughter;
By serving me while life shall last, you will relieve me of sorrow.
In attending on us till the close of our days,
Then you can shave, become a nun, and adorn yourself with virtue.”
[days. ”
The old gentleman, in reply said, "The proposal seems excellent,
And on our arrivelat my appointment, you will contribute to beguile our
Yuh-king, complying with what was said, drew near and paid her respects,
When the abundance of the lady's kindness seemed to exceed a vast mountain.
219
就​情​玉​天
​取​親​卿​明
​乾​子​從​解
​衣​母​此
​來​永​身​又
​女​無​安​開
​換​憂​樂​舟
​聞​報​尋​屍
​莫​又​早​了​小​房​後​踪​夫​頓
​道論​起環​姐​中​門跡​人​足
​玉​尙​夫​大​不​物​幾​全​聽​搥
​卿​書​妻​眾​知​件​度​無​見​胸
​身​房​報​何​盡​都​實​雙​哭
​遇​老​内​根​處​封​開​可​流​女
​救​坐​去​收​了​愁​淚​兒
​She then hastened and brought her a change of linen to put on, [again.
When the relationship of mother and daughter commenced, never to grieve
Yüh-king, from that time became tranquil and happy,
On the morrow they cast off the painter and set sail,
SEEKING THE CORPSE OF YUII-KING.
We will not relate of Yuh-king's deliverance,
But again detail of Lew, of the Revenue Board.
On his rising carly and taking a seat in his wife's apartment,
All the domestics rushed in to inform their Master,
That they knew not where their young Mistress had gone;
And that her drawers and boxes were securely locked.
[open,
"On repairing," said they, "to the back of the house, we found all the doors
And though with grief we sought her footsteps we know not where she has flown.
The lady on hearing what was said, burst into tears.
Beating her breast, and stamping with her feet, wept aloud
220
就​家​回​四​獨​夜​一​想​相​就已​慢​今​賊​就​家​夫
​呌​人​來​方​有​來​聲​必​公​話​知​慢​日​性​人​妻
​家​去​都​尋 ​江 ​聽​水​佳​聽​夫​你​從​逼​分​四​長
​人​了​話​問​邊​見​响​人​罷​人​女​容​佢​明​散​日
​分​許​無​冇​見​哭​人​逐​心​少​唔​另​投​恨​撈​鑽
​散​多​踪​人​個人​聲​唔​水​煩​見​從​設​大​女屍​雙
​去​時​跡​知​艋​悲​見​湄​惱​機​順​施​海​兒​首​眉
​She bid her domestics to go in quest of her in every direction,.
Who, after a diligent search returned,
Stating “That they could not find the least trace of their Mistress,
Nor obtain the least intelligence, though they sought her in every directon;
Except what a boatman stated, who is anchored by the side of the stream,
That last night he heard a female crying,
[to be seen,
When suddenly a person was heard to plunge into the water, but no one was
He concluded that it must be some person intent on dividing the stream."
The gentleman on hearing what was said, became distracted,
Scolding his wife, he affirmed she was wanting in prudence,
6 C
Knowing, " said he, " that your daughter would not readily consent,
You should have artfully induced her to comply,
By your compelling her, she has thrown herself into the river;
By your stupidity, it is evident you detest your child,
”
He then ordered his servants to go and drag for the corpse.
The whole day long the husband and wife knew no relief to their sorrow.
221
SENDING A LETTER BY MEANS OF AN ARROW.
箭​傳​機密
​未​又​姚​解​聞​一​姚​願​主​就​五​姚​胡​梁
​可​講道​生​上​得​月​弟​頜​帥​發​萬​生​兵​兄
​劉​解​到​兵​梁​之​開​雄​見​英​精​立​近​被
​家​糧​了​糧​生​前言​兵​生​雄兵​寨​日​困
​尋​絀​邊​總​獪​被​來去​多​兵​聽​自強​已
​小​涼​庭​未​賊帥​出​勇​一號​尋​無​多
​姐​畿​上知​死​圍​府​師​猛​枝​令​思​敵​時
​We will not speak of the minister Lew seeking his only daughter,
But detail respecting the troops and stores which left the capital.
Heaou, as soon as he arrived on the frontiers,
Delivered over the troops and stores to the Chin-che Commander,
He then gained intelligence that Leang was not dead,
But that from the preceding month, he had been surrounded by the enemy,
Heaou on hearing the news, went immediately to the Commander-in-chief,
Desiring some brave troops that he might march to his assistance,
The General, on seeing him a brave youth,
Ordered a division of daring troops to be got ready.
Fifty thousand spirited men, were obedient to his command,
When Heaou, on pitching his camp, considered on the mode of attack.
The enemy, from not experiencing the fatigues of war, were daring,
Thus his worthy brother Leang had long been surrounded,
222
得出​卹​私​夜​離​走​蝴​占​冇​姚​原​要​救走​响
​他​其​日​行​間​寨​上​兵​住​釐​生來​破​出​回​箭
​内​不​按​不​乘​將​山​立​山​齊​望​胡胡​梁​寨
​應​意​兵​俾​月​將​頭​亂​窠​整​見​賊兵​兄​上​忙
​方正​全​外​前夜​偷​幾​齊​亂​心​未​容​莫​將​帶
​纜​為​不​人​來​- 多​下​紛​偷​知​也​待​書​兩
​好奇​動​知​探​時​望​枝​寨​飛機​易​遲​寫​枝
​He determined on co-operating with the beseiged,
To surprize the enemy, and thus rescue Leang.
During the day, the troops were permitted to rest themselves,
While he kept every one ignorant of his intended manœuvre.
In the dead of the night, while the moon shone, he went to espy the enemy,
And was absent from his camp the greater half of the night.
On ascending a hill, from a distance he espied
That the enemy's troops, were dispersed in all directions.
On ascending still higher, he could command the whole camp,
And observed that the greatest disorder prevailed among the enemy's troops.
Heaou, while thus observing them, rejoiced exceedingly,
For he knew that the enemy was unacquainted with his scheme,
He then saw that it was casy to defeat them,
And that ere long he should be enable to rescue General Leang.
On his return to the camp, he wrote two letters,
Which he immediately fastened to sounding arrows,
223
再​四​我​捐
​四​伏​兩頭​先​書​約​銃​兼
​上​往​今​軀​則​則​來​與​乞​封​箭​向​呈​知​响​請
​山​虛​為​情​為​英​梁​皇​書​一邊​母​明​領​回
​頭​空​國​臣​雄​取​兄​天​報​枝​庭​舅​晚​兵書
​來​神​勤​退​思​四​吾​解​垂​二​書​射​楊​二​齊​示
​跪​鬼王​胡​報​海​娘​鑒​人 ​一​都​更​殺​我
​下​知事​夷​國​知​舅​圍​念​知​札​枝​督​時​出​知
​On his reascending the hill, kneeling, he worshipped,
And petitioned the aid of the Gods of the four quarters ;
Saying "I from the troubles of the nation, and loyalty to my Prince,
Disregard my person, being anxious of subduing the Hoo rebels.
In the first place, I will attempt to restore tranquillity to my country;
In the second, that the brave may know of my valour;
In the third, that I may deliver my esteemed Niece's father;
And in the fourth, that I may raise the seige of my brother Leang.
I humbly beg that the Sovereign of Heaven will condescend to think of me,
That these letters may only be known to my Uncle and Leang."-
Immediately he shot forth an arrow which bore a letter,
And which fortunately fell within the wall of the city.
The letter was addressed to his Uncle, General Yang,
Saying To-morrow night about the second watch,
On hearing the report of a cannon, your troops are to rush oui ;
I request an answer that I may know of your determination.
224
報
​封​與
​射​梁
​入​兄
​山​好
​陂​得
​奏凱​回朝
​停​又一​眾​此​山​忽​墮​梁​箭​拆​低
​吾​啟​月​八​夜​頭​然​下生​頭​開​聲
​姚​梁​將​相​月​坐​山​撿​札​讀​傳
​生生​將對​明​下​箭​前​起​住​罷​合
​思​在​糧​盡​將​論​頭​插​來​一​歡​眾
​報​眬​草​傷​四​兵​邊​草​觀​封​何​人
​去​知
​國​圍​盡​悲​鼓​機​响​陂​看書​限​知
​The other arrow bearing a letter, he shot into the valley,
To apprize his brother Leang of his noble intentions.
THE VICTORIOUS ARMY RETURNS TO THE CAPITAL.
We will decline relating of Heaou's efforts to serve his country,
And again relate of Leang, who was at his time besciged.
[ed,
All communications for a month being cut off, his stores were nearly exhaust-
When his men from apprehending the want of provisions became dejected.
That evening about the fourth watch, while the moon shone bright,
Leang, sat on the top of an hill, planning the mode of an attack;
Suddenly he heard the sound of an arrow pass, which fell by his side,
And stuck in the grass of the mound that lay before him.
Lcang, rosed, on plucking it up to examine it,
Discovered a letter fastened about the head of the arrow.
On his reading the letter, he knew no bounds to his joy,
When, in a faultering voice he published it to all his men.
225
今​約​但​殺​忙​通​書​養​望​梁​成​挢​眾​忽​出
​者​定​聽​出​寫​與​去取​盡​生命​人​然​寨​牛
​姚明​銃​山​音​姚​眾​精​日​又​在​赴​聽​銃​將​臨
​爺​有​聲​前​書生​人​神​長​語​乎​生命​响​兵​城
​來​二​為​認​回​好​都​待​天​眾​今​在心​振​分解
​救​鼓​號​號​一得​喜​設​色​兵​一​此​雄​天​兩​賊
​我​時​合​旗​紙​知​倪​施​晚​知​舉​時​壯​飛​處​圍
​"Heaou," said he, "is now come to deliver us,
And we are to be ready to-morrow night about the second watch.
On our hearing the report of a gun, which is the signal,
We are to rush out, and cut our way till we see the royal standards."
With speed he immediately wrote a letter in reply,
Which was sent for the information of the Minister Heaou.
When the letter was despatched, being highly elated
The troops eat and drank their full, to incease their strength for the morrow.
With eager expectation, they waited the close of that day,
When Leang thus addressed his troops:
66
Victory or defeat, this day depends on ourselves,
Let us, disregardless of our fate endeavour to escape with our lives!”
The troops on hearing what he said, became desperate,
When the report of a cannon suddenly agitated the air.
On quitting their station the troops formed themselves into two divisions,
While one prepared for an attack, the other descended from the city.
G2
226
一​聞​恨​况​一​胆​亂​五十​天​唐安梁​三​迩​破
​半​着​得​無​且​人​又​殺​萬​明​兵營​兄​人​此​其
​山​胡​唐​插​唐​當​壯​胡胡​山​四​做​姚​相​胡​巢
​前人​兵​翼​兵​百​時​人人​上​散​飯​弟​會​人​穴
​為​飲​四​上​都​四​心​似​都​血​齊​且​楊​議​心​正
​外​如​散​天​拼​邊​又​斬殺​成​來​充​都​兵​胆​班
​合​醉​坭​起飛​命​追​懇​坭​淨​他​會​饑​督​機​喪​師
​A detachment was stationed on a hill to co-operate with those without,
When fortunate, the enemy from feasting, were insensibly drunk.
They, on perceiving the Imperial troops advance in four directions,
Regretted that they had not wings whereby they might escape to heaven.
The imperial troops, disregarding their lives,
A single soldier put a hundred of the enemy to flight.
Rushing forth courageously and with united effort,
J
They cut down the enemy's troops in every direction.
Five hundred thousand of the enemy lay dead in the field;
By the morning their blood flowed from the hill as from a spring.
On mustering the imperial troops, which had been dispersed,
{
They immediately commenced cooking, for they were extremely hungered.
The thrce commanders, Hcaou, Leang, and General Yang,
Drew near to deliberate on the further mode of subjugating the rebels.
They determined on pursuing the enemy, whose courage had failed,
And at once destroy their dens and seize their leader..
227
三​拔​一​軍​三​賊​打​番​就​凱
​人​寨​路​威​個​將​破​王​把​歌
​議​興​殘​大​胸​聞​賊​被囚​齊
​論​師​兵​振​祫​風​城​捉​車​唱
​担​降​馬​謀​盡​擒​淚​來​共
​同​號​服​如​倒​賊​珠​陷​班
​意​旗​盡​飛​廣​旗​黨​飛​了​師
​The three commanders after deliberation, being of the same mind,
Struck their tents and hoisted the Imperial banners.
The vanquished enemy submitted to them in every direction,
For the imperial troops being daring, they were smitten with dismay.
The three leaders intent on possessing themselves of the field,
Awed the enemy, for on their approach they instantly struck their colours.
On seizing the inhabitants, they raised the city to the ground,
When their leader on being made prisoner, wept bitterly.
They detained him in confinement till he submitted,
When the troops with songs of victory returned to the capital.
228
YAOU-SEEN, ON HEARING OF THE JOYFUL NEWS.
瑤仙​聞喜
​停​又​自​長​死​好​可​日​今​都​落​妾
​書道​係長​別​似​憐日​世​為花貌
​未​瑤​梁​流生​杜​不成​最​君​流​至
​講​仙​生​淚​離​鵑​及​雙​難​歸​水​存
​班​日​凶​濕​千​流​梁​向​逢​黄春​骨
​師​皺​信​衫​古​血​花​間​妾​快​如​共
​事​眉​到​裿​恨​燕飛​活​我​依舊​皮
​We will desist from detailing respecting the victory,
To relate of Yaou-seen, whose eyebrows were daily knitted,
From the time that unpleasant news was received of General Leang,
Incessantly did she weep and bedew her clothes with tears.
Separation by death, or living in remote parts, how great the grief it causes ?
It greatly resembles that of the Too-keun, which moistens the branches with
its blood.
"How I lament," said Yaou-sëcn, " that I am not so happy as the sparrows
of yonder oves,
Which, as day succeeds day, in pairs fly towards me,
In this life, I can never expect either mirth or pleasure,
For my husband having returned to the grave, I have no one to depend on.
As year after year the flowers continue to fall, and the stream to flow,
So my beauty passes away and leaves me nothing but skin and bone!"
229
汪​時日​再​夜​迷​脚​眉​鏡​窓​解​無​一​芸​口​我
​汪​時​長​有​裡​迷​亦​心裡​前​悶​人日​香​口
​兩​偷​常​臨​不惜​未​全​狐​愁​開​就​抱​入聲​團
​涙​苦​帶​粧​時​慒​嘗​冇​鸞​殺​愁​係​愁​到​聲​圓
​無​怕​三​巧​尋​總​離​放​愁​蝶​憑​自​無​笑稱​有
​乾​人​分​畫​死​成​綉​開​獨​雙​侍​傷​可​嘻​賀​日
​日​知​病​眉​路癡​閣​時​照​飛​婢​悲​奈​嘻​喜​期
​Her tears flowing daily, she knew no cessation of her grief,
And being constantly dejected, she was apprehensive lest it would be known,
Thus three part of the day, being incompassitated by disease,
Not once did she think of adorning her eyebrows.
Night even brought her no relief, for she constantly sought death,
And continuing thus to grieve and fret, she became stupified.
Her feet for a long time not having quitted the silken room,
Her heart and her eyebrows had been incessantly locked.
[solitary bird,
“When I take the looking glass," said she, “I grieve to behold the
And could kill myself, on seeing the butterflies fly in pairs before the window.
I am dependent on my servants to dispel my grief and sorrow,
For having no one to accompany me, my mind continues to be distressed.'
One day, while thus dejected, when there seemed no relief,
Yun-heang, entered her room, tittering and laughing aloud.
The sound of her voice, was that of mirth and rejoicing,
"Miss," said she, "there certainly is a day for your union;
230
老​今​梁​不​小​莫​梁​莫​芸​自若​此​瑤​從
​爺​日​生日​姐​來​郎​想​香​小​是​事​仙​此
​殺​差​未​同​開​提​已​同​笑​何不​唔​聽​偷
​退​人死​歸​言​起​作​奴​會​真​憂
​真​憂​得​開
​番​特​身​畫​稱​我​他​有​回​有​奴​錯​心
​胡​報​離​錦​假​傷​鄉​會​娘​句​不
​中線
​賊​知​難​時事​悲​鬼​期​聽講​釐​喜​眉
​For your venerable father has subdued the Hoo rebels,
To day, a messenger has arrived from the frontiers,
Who brought intelligence of General Leang having affected his escape,
19
And that ere long he will return to the embroidered apartments, ”,
The little Miss, in reply said, o What you say is all false,
You only thus talk afresh to wound my feelings;
Leang is dead, and his spirit remains in the field of battle,
Nor have I the least hope of ever seeing him again.
Yun-heang, laughing replied to the young lady,
“ From a child to the present, did I ever deceive you?
Were it not true, your slave, would not have mentioned the news,
I assure you this statement has not the least crror.”
Yaou-sëen, on hearing what was said, was exceedingly clated,
When from that moment she loosened a stitch of the silken thread that bound
her eyebrows.
231
THE THREE LEADERS PROMOTED.
聖旨​皆​封
​曼​又​路​往​當​深​捨​反​今​梁​都​交​交​冩
​言談​上日​日​憐​命​遭​朝​兄​督​情​談​表
​侍​得​姚​情​梁​舅​提​胡​得​情​聞​到​不​連
​女生​由​兄​父​兵​見​義​言​此​覺​忙
​閨​轉​同​細​常​困​來​困​昇​亦深​古​燕
​中​歸​舅​講講​城​救​山​平​當作​人​京​聖
​報時​諭​知​到​池​你​陂​日​知​揖​稀​到​知
​We will decline relating of the servant communicating the intelligence,
To detail an account of the victory and return of the Generals.
Hcaou, while repairing to the capital in company with his Uncle,
Informed him fully of what had transpired on a former day.
He, spoke of his brother Leang, and his reasons for taking the comma nd,
That it was from sincere regard to my Uncle, when you were beseiged.
He disregardless of his person, raised troops and marched to your assistance,
When being defeated the enemy cut off his retreat.
This morning since the imperial troops have proved victorious,
I have informed you of the noble motives of my brother Leang.
The General on hearing what he said, made him a profound bow,
And replied, “Such noble feelings the ancient rarely witnessed. "
Ere they had done conversing, they arrived at the capital;
When, on drawing up a statement, they hastily despatched it to their Sovereign'
232
君​可​梁​楊忠​今​三​兒​謝​瑤​又​衙​聖
​王​見​卿卿​肝​日人​孫恩​人​仙​怕​門​恩
​見賢​誓​忠義​功​御​世​各​相​拜​婚​整​榮
​奏​卿​不​義胆​勞​筆​自​見見​姻​起​耀
​龍​志​降​守​姚​萬​都​在​回​喜​嚴​事​搬​盡
​顏​量​番​城鄉​古​封​京​歸​中​親​皺​家​稀
​喜​奇​賊​池​事​稀​伯​畿​府​悲​後​眉​奇
​His Majesty on reading an account of the victory obtained, the Dragon coun-
tenance gladdened,
And said, "It is evident the leader possessed a noble and an extraordinary mind.
The minister Leang, swore that he would not submit to the rebels;
The noble feelings and loyalty of the minister Yang, in retaining the city;
The bravery and and intrepid conduct of the minister Heaou ;-
This memorable day's achievement, eclipses the heroic deeds of the ancients. "
By imperial appointment, the three leaders were created Dukes,
And their sons and grandsons to possess land at the capital.
After thanking his Majesty they returned home,
When the lady on seeing her husband was overcome with joy.
Yaou-seen, when she had congratulated her father on his return,
Was uneasy in her mind, lest her father should require her to marry again.
The General, for the accommodation of his family, caused a spacious build-
ing to be raised,
[he lived.
For enjoying his Prince's bounty, he was ambitious to surpass the age in which
233
A CONVERSATION BETWEEN LEW AND LEANG.
舅​訴​情
​梁​又​身​算​此​正​官​邊​年​可​埋​就​梁
​劉
​生​為榮​來​時​是​生​庭​惜​少​憐​浸​去​生
​面​瑤​未依​有​尙​蔭​事​梁​封​我​芳​拜​聞
​聖​仙​得​舊​個​書​務​生​妹​名​生​得
​事​同​似​劉​吏​來​盡​還得​無​點​言​又
​言​文
​歸​可​諧​先公​部​京​開​在意​辜​得​此​傷
​後​悲​老​時​子​兒​上知​世​時​死​知事​悲
​LEANG, after having an interview with his Sovereign, returned home,
When on account of Miss Yaou-sëen, his mind again became distressed.
Though he had acquired renown, still he remained unsettled in life,
The very thought distressed him, like what he first endured.
It happened at this time that he was visited by young Lew,
Who was the son of Lew, member of the Shang-shoo board.
Holding the above office by hereditary succession,
He was made acquainted with Leang's military exploits.
On hearing of his arrival, he exclaimed, “ Ah! Leang is still alive,
And in his youth is promoted to the exalted rank of Duke.
How much is my sister to be pitied, in terminating her life,
Her name being thus concealed who will know of her virtue?
I will wait on General Leang and inform him of what has occurred. "
Leang, on hearing of the lamentable affair, was grieved to his heart, and said,
II 2
234
可不​亦​鍾​公​作​梁​歸​點​無
​憐​肯​滄​情​子​揖​生​堂​想​緣
​小​重​命​如​見​辭​送​啼​玉​虧
​姐​婚​薄​姐​生​生出​淚​卿​佢
​存​嫁​難​世​情​送​劉​濕​情​喪
​貞​富​諧​間​極​别​公​羅亦江
​節​兒​老​稀​若​離子​衣​重​湄
​"The young lady is to be pitied, possessing a chase heroic mind,
Thereby she is prevented from marrying a young nobleman.
Jǐh-tsang's fate is infelicitous, and entertains no hope of being married,
For there are few in the world whose love resemble this lady's."
The young Gentleman on seeing Leang greatly distressed,
Made a profound bow, and took his leave.
Leang on accompanying Lew as far as the door,
Returned to the hall, shed tears till his clothes were bedewed.
He could not have imagined that Yuh-king bore him so much esteem,
And from the union not being decreed, he accused himself as the cause of
her death.
235
Ą PROPOSAL OF MARRIAGE BY HIS MAJESTY,
聖旨​爲​媒
​傷​問​生​尊​當​我​家​此​被​伊​呌​練​相​少
​心​生​乃​臺​初​為人​女​母舅​人​殺​風​公​年
​不​何​答​聽​父​邊​傳​寜​逼​前​怎​搖​聞​忠
​覺​故​言​我​聘​庭​報​將​婚​來​不​落​語義
​楊​咁​眞​訴​劉​被​吾​節​投​報​肝​海​皆
​爺​傷​不​因​家​賊​身​義​水​我​腸​棠​乘​今
​到​悲​幸​依​女​死​持​死​知​斷枝​淚​稀
​GENERAL Yang, at this time unexpectedly visited the disconsolate youth,
When he asked Leang the cause of his incessant grief,
Leang, in reply said, "Indeed I am unfortunate in my amours,
Your Excellency will listen while I detail the cause of my distress.
My father, at first betrothed me in marriage to a daughter of Lew;
While I was surrounded by the rebels on the frontiers,
Intelligence was conveyed to my family that I had fallen in battle;
This lady, on hearing the news, determined to retain her chastity inviolable,
On her mother urging her to marry again, she threw herself into the river :
Her brother has just been to apprized me of the doleful news.--
Who, on being informed of it can remain insensible to grief! [the stream."
Or not regret, that the Hae-tang (Pyrus Japonica) by the wind, is dashed into
The General, on hearing what passed, could not refrain from sympathizing,
When he said, “The virtues of this lady were seldom equalled by the ancients.
236
可​留​勸​好​梁​一早​本​節​牌​金​男​楊​孤​甲​閨
​憐​取​君​把​生​本​起​上​義 ​女​爺​獨​子​門
​良​芳​亦​賢​答​歸​二​君​綱​高​又​嬌​執​單​計​猶
​玉​名​莫​良​道​朝​人​王​常​竪​將​生生​來​未
​沉​播​傷​奏​眞​莫​同​御​天後​楊​有​前​一个​途
​波​四​懷​主​高​待​上​筆下​人​伯​來​女​十
​底​方​抱​知​見​遲​奏​批​少​知​問​枝​葵​兒​九​絲
​What a pity, that so precious a jewel should have sunk to the bottom of the
Merely to cause her name to extend to the four quarters of the globe! [streamn,
I advise you, Sir, not to continue to cherish thoughts of her ;
How much better for you to represent her virtues to his Majesty,"
Leang, in answer replied, "What you say is really just,
I will repair to court, and cre long inform his Majesty of her.
The General accompanied him to court, and waited on their Sovereign,
When the Prince, with the red pencil, thus declared his will:
“ Under the whole canopy of heaven, few are there who possess equal virtue.”
When he ordered a monument to be raised, that her fame might descend to pos-
The Golden Mouth, (the Emperor) addressing Duke Yang enquired, [Lerity.
“How many sons and beautiful daughters have you?”
The Duke approaching this Majesty, replied,
"IIcaven has only favored me with one daughter,
On calculating her age, he said, "She is now nineteen,
As yet she has not been promised in marriage to any one."
237
萬​月​賜​百​御​欲​兩​歸​一​第​恰​死​重​芸​一​唔
​歲​老​卿​年​賜​選​下​報​屋​一似​裡​開​香​天​托
​龍​還​女​相​多明謝夫​聽​瑤​法​還​寳​碧​好​香
​顏​須​與​敬​般​朝恩​人​聞​仙​場​生​匣​月事​腮
​開​要​梁​效​珍​是​多​與​都​轉​天​係​磨​笑​從不
​口​朕​卿​齊寶吉​喜​女​快​笑​赦​此​鸞​嘻​今​皺
​笑​為​配​眉​物​期​色​兒​活​眉​到​時​鏡​嘻​定​眉
​His Majesty, with a smile and pleasant countenance replied,
"The God of marriage has resigned the arrangement of this affair into my hands,
Minister! take your daughter and marry her to Duke Leang,
During life, their love and esteem will know no bounds.
His Majesty on making a handsome present of jewels,
Selected the following morning, being felicitous, for their union.
The Generals, being elated, thanked his Majesty for his condescension,
When they returned home to communicate the news to the lady and her
The family on hearing of the proposal were all highly elated,
[daughter.
But most of all, was Yaou-sëen, whose eyes immediately brightened.
She was as happy as a person reprieved, when at the place of execution,
Who, expecting death, was granted by his Majesty to live.-
Once again she opened her toilet, and dusted her looking glass,
When Yun-heang and Pih-yuě incessantly laughed and tittered together.
[hand."
They said, "From this day what a change will take place,
We no longer shall behold knitted eyebrows, or resting the check on the
238
LEANG COMPLYING WITH THE IMPERIAL WILL,
奉旨​迎
​親
​梁​蟒​多​此​花​滿​男​萬​鳳​洞​點​兩
​生​龍​少​日​燭​街​賓​歲​冠​房​得​家
​打​玉​官​風​煇​全​女​為​霞​原​更​講
​點​帶​員​流​煌​擺​客​媒​帔​係​長​鼓​盡
​迎​赴​來​萬​金​五​都​實​多​舊​漏​當
​親​佳​伴​古​鼓​方​偷​見​情​相聲​年
​事​期​送​稀​閙​旗​講​奇​女​知​遲​事
​LEANG, as soon as he had made the necessary arrangements,
Dressed himself in his court dress, and repaired to the house of his bride,
The principal officers of state, in their state dresses accompanied him,
When the pleasures of that day surpassed what is known of the ancients.
Before him proceeded loud drums, attended with large blazing candles,
While the crowed streets were lined with the five national standards.
The marriage excited the attention of strangers, for persons of every class
talked on the affair,
Saying, “This is an extraordinary occurrence, for his Majesty himself
proposed the marriage!"
The very loving Miss, when dressed, wore a veil and an elegant cap;
And recognized Leang, immediately on his entering the bride chamber.
They that night were desirous of retarding the flecting watches,
To detail of what had transpired on a former year.
239
此​無​天​夫​一​從
​奈明​妻​雙月​此
​何​更鼓​梳​容​芸​唔
​樂​籌​樂​洗​貌​香​憂
​背​偏​閙​來​賽​隨​怨
​何​見​東​叅​仙​左​别
​龍爺
​莫文​陞​梁
​道​言​任​生
​奏
​婚
​夫提​北​之
​妻​學​京​事
​魚​上​為​盡
​水​京​布​聞
​悲​短​籬​拜​姬​右​離
​事​畿​政​知
​They considered the delights of that night a recompence for the grief they
had endured;
Alas! by them the night watches seemed to glide imperceptibly away,
For ere they were aware, they were disturbed by the morning drum.-
The husband and wife, as soon as they rosed, paid the usual morning com-
pliments.
When in their appearance they surpassed that of the Gods and Goddesses.
Pih-yue and Yun-heang received orders to attend on her person,
Who from henceforward, will never grieve on account of separation.
LUNG PETITIONING HIS MAJESTY RESPECTING YUH-KING.
WE will not relate of the husband and wife, who were as happy as fish in water,
But detail of the Tě-hed officer, who was repairing to the capital.
On his arrival at the metropolis, he was appointed the district Treasurer,
When he became acquainted with what had transpired on the frontiers.
240
歸​梁​你​世​今​誰​共​此​不一​玉​爹​佢好​快
​對​生活上​要有​想​上​佢​事​若​本​爹​已​亦​活​悲
​小​得​幾​邊​牌​于​為​于​明​題​歛​不​重​唔​任由
​人​姐​勝 ​多 ​庭​今​媒​今朝​明​必​婚​思​從​得
​同​破​人事​做​重點​朝​萬​前​費​他​給​我
​談​胡亂​總​表​我​娶​設​聖​歳​來​心​姓​髮​快​傷
​論​兒​講​非​女兒​了​施主​知​禀​機​女​期​活​悲
​On his return from office while conversing with the lady and daughter,
He mentioned that Leang had subdued the Hoo rebels.
He said,
“ This being the talk of every person that he met,
It can not be true that Leang while fighting had fallen.
They are now raising a monument in honor to his virtuous lady,
Can we imagine that it is for this our only daughter ?-
His Majesty, it is said, has given him in marriage to another,
In an occurrence so delicate how are we to act?
I to-morrow had better repair to the palace,
And present his Majesty with a statement of the affair."
Yüh-king, making a low courtesy; drew rear and thus spokey
Father, father, it is unnecessary to take so much trouble.
Since he is already married to a person of a different surname,
Your slave will cease to think of the day of his union.
For happiness secins to be his portion through life,
While neglect and distress of mind is evidently mine.
241
夫​我​佢​聖​兩​得​玉​夜​布​龍​世​就​梁​俱​-
人​兒​不​上​老兒​卿​間​政​顏​間​生​封​依
​好​言​忘​為​于​安​聽​辭​早​看​有​依​一​前
​笑語​恩​媒​今​樂​罷​別​朝見​咁​舊​品​例
​稱​未​旌​單​放​無​轉​忙​笑​稀​娶​夫​勿
​嬌​知​表​主 ​開​言​香​啓​微​奇人​推
​豆
​仔​機​爾​持​你​眉​答​閏​奏​微​事​枝​職​遲
​The lady, laughing heartily, replied,
My child, you know not what you are talking about;
He, in crocting you a monument, has not forgotten your condescension,
And as his Majesty proposed the marriage, he could not refuse.
We having nothing but what concerns you to engage our minds,
[life.”
It is our wish to cause your eyes to sparkle, and make you happy through
Yuh-king, on hearing what was said, was unable to reply;
Being late, on taking her leave, she retired to her room.
In the morning, the Treasurer repaired to present his petition to the Sove-
Ilis Majesty on reading the document, smiling, said,
"This is the most extraordinary affair that ever occurred!
[rcign.
My will is, that Leang marries again, and considers the two wives as one.
I now raise them both to be ladies of the first rank,
And require that the marriage immediately takes place, and be observed with
equal splendour."
1 2
242
YAOU-SEEN Approves of LEANG'S MARRYING
YUH-KING.
梁​辭
​瑤
​玉​有​這​瑤​玉明
​勸
​生​朝​房​場​卿​人​上場​仙​龍​卿​明
​仙
​得​歸​就​趣​小​救​又​奶​龠​小節
​見報​呌​事​姐​佢​批​債​奶​困​姐​義
​君​玉瑤​極​唔​在​同​點將​水​因​鬼
​王​人​仙​支​龠​京​配​撑​官​中郎​神
​意​知​姐​離​死​畿​合​持​道​池​死​知
​娶
​LEANG knowing the will of his Sovereign,
On leaving the palace returned to communicate it to his lady.
As soon as he entered his room, he called for Yaou-sëen,
And said, "I have a strange unaccountable affair to communicate.
Miss Yüh-king, is still alive, who was reported to be dead,
And the person who rescued her, is still at the capital.
His Majesty's will is, that I should marry her,
But in an affair so unreasonable, who can give his consent?"
Lady Yaou-sëen, in reply said,
"Ere you had obtained the rank that you now possess,
Miss Yüh-king attempted to put an end to her life,
It is evident she is a person of heroic virtue, which is known to the Gods.
243
與
​今​話​君​奴​梁​我 ​忙​英​布​禮
​雙
​日出​今​做​生​妻 ​忙​堆​政​后
​鳳
​頠​偏​微​賢 ​備 ​粧​相
​團
​奴​情​旨​房​笑 ​德 ​禮​樣​奩​逢
​圓
​同​見​同​分​回​世
​成​似​豐​姊
​配​理​諧​所言​間
​親​當 ​當​厚​妹
​合​非​老​宜​道​稀
​Since you and I, are united by marriage,
事​時​極​時
​It would be impoper for me to advise you to do what is wrong.
My husband, act agreeable with the Sovereign's will, and live happy in con-
jugal union,
Your slave will be content in being only your lady at call,
General Leang, smiling, returned answer,
“ In the world there are few such loving wives as you to be met with."
MARRYING TWO WIVES.
WITH speed the necessary preparations were made for the marriage,
When the military officers full dressed attended the wedding as at first.
With the bride, the Provincial Treasurer gave a large dowery.
On the ceremony being observed, the two wives esteemed each other as sisters.
244
卿​平​芸​後​接​夫​只​誰​聖​兩代​平​從​春​又​玉
​長​為​香​來​齊​人​話​想​恩人​代​胡​此​風​報​卿
​瑤​姊​碧​個​父​見​共​相​准​容​兒​英​滿​常​劉​房
​仙​妹​月​個​母子​兒​娶 ​貎​孫 ​氣門​到​爺​內
​年​冇​收​產​來​淚​無​又​雙​壓​都​貫​生​萬​今​就
​一​相​為​麟​京​沾​會有​賢​西​受​當年​起​聞
​歲​欺​妾​兒​上衣​日期​媳​施​蔭​時​枝​取​知
​Yüh-king, it would appear, was a year older than Yaou-sëen,
But dwelt in harmony without the least jealously.
Yun-heang and Pih-yuě became his women of call,
Who, with his wives, were each delivered of a fine boy.
At that time the parents of Leang repaired to the capital,
When the mother on seeing her son, wept for joy.
Addressing him, she said, " After so long a separation,
Who could have anticipated that this would have been the day of our meeting!
His Majesty by required you to marry two virtuous ladies,
Whose appearance, surpass the lovely lady Se-she, what cause for rejoicing.
For ages to come, your sons and grandsons will obtain rank in the state,
All on account of your bravery and valour in subduing the IIoo rebels !'
From that time forward, all that dwelt within his house being happy,
Prosperity incessantly continued to smile on him.-
**
Information was obtained that the family of Lew had arrived at the capital;
Yüh-king, who was in her room, on hearing it,
245
拜​鳳​二人​沉​幾​御
​人​沉​幾​御​兩​紛​相​誰​舉
​别​冠​十八​香​十​斧​面​紛​公​咁​頭
​翁​霞​了​嬌​傘​家​金​金​擺​堂​威​體
​姑​帔​環​艷​人​瓜​牌​到​上風​見
​回​映​跟着​英​背​分​及​劉​細​來​女
​見​嬌​背​羅​雄​後​兩​令​家​思​拜​嬌
​母​姿​後​衣​女​隨便​旗​府​疑​我​兒
​Hastily took leave of her father and mother-in-law to visit her parents,
Dressed in her veil and cap, she looked extremely handsome,
Twenty female domestics attended on her person,
Who were all genteelly dressed in rich silks,
The fragrant umbrella shaded the wife of the bravest of men,
When a number of servants followed in her train.
As she passed along, the bearers of the mace and battle-axe, formed two rowS,
While on each side waved the banners, accompanied by the golden boards of
prohibitions. #
Thus she proceeded till she come to the mansion of Lew,
Where she espied her father, who was at the head of the hall.
On secing her approach, he wondered who it could be attended with so much
pomp,
When, on raising his head, he saw that it was his lovely daughter.
* Boards carried by lictors, who precede the officers of government,
requiring all persons to stand at a respectful distance.
246
相​抹​分​傳​夫​深​玉人​喜​往​且​英​翁​團
​公開​明​請​人​恨​卿​人​得​事​喜​雄​圓
​心​眉​是​夫​見​當​講​今​丟​女​節​就​歡
​下​眼​我​人​女​年​盡​淚​朝​閒​兒​義​時​樂
​還​認​多​會​哀​係​從​盡​呌​不​封​四​相​餐
​疑​嬌嬌​女​哀​我​前​沾​健​必​一方​拜​瑤
​夢​姿​女兒​哭​非​事​衣 ​題​品​知​訪​池
​The Gentleman, within himself, doubted whether what he saw was not a
vision.
When on rubbing his eyes he recognized her lovely person,
"This certainly is my very amiable child,” exclaimed he,
Servants hasten call the lady that she may come to receive her. "
The lady, on seeing her daughter, wept being much distressed,
And said, "How have I lamented what transpired the preceding year,
When Yuh-king, had detailed what she had undergone,
They all wept still the pearly tear moistened their clothes.
"How happy am I," said the lady, "on seeing you this morning,
What is passed and gone, let it never be mentioned again,
How I rejoice in seeing you my daughter raised to be a lady of the first rank,
For your heroic virtue will cause your name to extend to every quarter.”
The father and Son-in-law, on seeing each other made civil enquiries,
When all being at their full, they were as happy as though in heaven.
247
深​往​梁
​或​或​快​風
​恩來​生​對​愛​臨​活​月
​又​親​夫​紅​舉​風​百​流
​報​眷​婦​粧​杯​外​般​傳
​龍​再多​共​邀​共​難
​提​唔​歡​夜​題​盡​卷
​學​離​樂​奇​月​詩​講​書
​The Gentleman on repairing to the residence of Lung, the Te-hed, thanked
him for his kindness,
Formed a friendship which knew of no intermission till the day of their death.
The wives of Duke Leang, being happy, dwelt in harmony together,
And endeavoured to excel each other in kind attention.
When disposed to lift the cup, they repaired beneath the bright moon,
And when enjoying the cool breeze, they alternately recited verses.
It would be difficult to detail all the pleasures they enjoyed,
For their mirth and gaiety if transmitted, would alone form a volume.
THE END.
BIOGRAPHY.
THE following brief notices of Female Biography, are extracted from
the Pih-mei-she-yung, The Songs of a Hundred Beautiful Women,"
as also several of the preceding notes. The work appeared in the 32nd
year of Keen-lung. The following Ode is free the Koo-sac-tsin-yuen.
SOO-HWUY,
was the wife of Tow-taou, who lived during the Viceroyship of Ho-
keen. Tow-taou had held a situation in the government at Tsin-chow, but
for some misconduct he was banished by the Viceroy for life to the
dessert Sha-mo. Sometime after his banishment, Soo-hwuy continuing to
lament his absence, wrote the following Ode in the form of an Endless
Knot, which she woved and presented to his Majesty. The Ode com-
mences at the ✪ circle, and reads along at the top, and then down-
wards on the right hand side, on forming the first square, it ascends
and comes down again in the same manner. It measured in width eight
feet, and was worked in five different colours. It contains 280 Chinese
Characters.
2 K
250
SOO-HWUY'S ODE.

别​河
​製品
​糖
​送
​君
​亦
​紅​梅花
​誰​信
​八面
​願
​贈​君​言
​乏
​願
​莫忘​恩 ​D
情​便​長
​如
​江​声​此
​前​春草​是
​甲
​越​萬里
​正​芬
​鲜​向​誰​道
​成
​君
​早
​意
​願
​她
​葉
​*
先
​腸
​寄​情深
​思
​到
​朔
​·点​春​早春
​淳​得​江
​及
​7座
​散
​長​為​客
​海​月​年
​君​承​皇​學​白​百花​系
​逢​夫​面
​去​何​期
​一​去​音
​骨
​鬼​仔
​心
​信​断​意
​妾​屏​幃
​春​不​暖
​断
​車
​君
​垂楊​滿
​開
​凸眼
​N
ད
飛
​地​為君​雷軍​再
​的
​君​旁​千
​裡
​遍​飛
​战
​憶
​花​皆
​金​緩
​251
I.
My husband! when you by his Majesty's decree was banished beyond the
frontiers,
I accompanied you to the foot of the bridge, were we parted.
From intense grief, being unable to say farewell, I retired to suppress my tears s
Forget not my ardent affection though you have been absent many a year.
II.
Why, from the time that we parted, have I not received from you a line?
Remember that your wife's bed, even in Spring is not warm:
Through grief, the flight of steps which you raised have been suffered to decay,
While the pearly bed is permitted to be filled with carnal dust.
II.
When I took my farewell, my spirits were bewildered,
Not knowing in whom to confide, or when I should meet you again.
In my heart, at times, I desire to become the reflection of the moon in the sea,
When again, it is my wish to become the cloud that tops the lofty mountains.
IV.
The lofty clouds year after year behold the face of my husband,
As doth the sea-moon, when making her monthly course.
They are ever near you, whether receding or approaching,
And can discern you though at the distance of a thousand or ten thousand le.
252
V.
Being banished to a distance, beyond the passes and impassable mountains,
I still mourn that my husband should remain a fugitive,
Since we parted, the green rushes by the side of the river have faded,—
Who could have believed, that ere we meet that the Mei would blossom again
and again?
VI.
The flowers of every kind,hastily unfold themselves, to greet the early Spring;
It is the will of Spring that urges man and wife to commune together.
The willow at the door, by my eager watching your return, bends to the ground,
While the falling flowers have no one to sweep them away,
VII.
The Spring grass in front of the cottage, has grown luxuriantly;
The flute that you blew, I have placed in the hall,-
You not being at home as usual to sing a chearful song,
I send you this letter, of my ardent love, to your place of confinement,
VIII.
Since you are banished beyond mountains and rivers,
And no letter from those remote parts is suffered to come;
My attire and pillow, from grief are bedewed with tears,
While my rich dresses of flowers and embroidery are permitted to spoil
253
IX.
For these three Springs have I heard the geese utter their cries on crossing
the river;
The thought of such an elapse of time rends the heart of her who is forsaken.
My spirits are broken ere the strings of my favorite kin,
And before my song has ended, my repining has arrived at it's height,
X.
My husband! remember your wife, whose affections are as an immoveable
mountain.
Your wife also thinks on her husband without the least interruption.
She therefore weaves this letter and presents it to his Imperial Majesty,
Beseeching him to grant you an early return,
His Majesty on receiving the Ode, had compassion on Soo-hwuy, and
recalled her husband Tow-taou from banishment. The compilers of the
Koo-sze-tsin-yuen, assert that the above ode was woved, but considering
the number of characters, it appears rather improbable. However, the
filling up of the squares with a character in each, and bringing the words
His Majesty," in the centre square, shews Soo-hwuy to be a person of
no ordinary mind.
254
LADY MEI-FE,
Concubine to the emperor Ming, of the Tang dynasty, was able when
only nine years old, to repeat all the Odes of the She-king. Addressing
her father, she observed, "Though I am a girl, I wish to retain all the Odes
of this book in my memory."
This incident much pleased her parent,
who named her Tsae-pun, “ Ability's root." She entered the palace during
the national epithet Kae-yuen. The Emperor was much pleased with her
person. She was learned and might be compared with the famous Tseay-
In her dress she was careless, but being handsome, she needed not
the assistance of the artist. On lady Yang-ta-chung becoming a favorite.
with the Emperor, Mei-fe was removed to another apartment. The Em-
peror, it is said, again thought of her; at which time a foreign state sent
a quantity of pearls, as tribute, which his Majesty ordered to be given
to Lady Mei-fe, She declined receiving them, and sent his Majesty by
the messenger, the following lines.
neu.
The eyes of the Kwei flower, have been long unadorned :
Being forsaken my gridle has been wet with tears of regret.
Since residing in other apartments, I have refused to dress,
How think by a present of pearls, to restore peace to my mind?
255
LADY PAN-TSE-YU,
a person of talent, was calumniated by her sister Fe-yin, to his Majesty
Ching-te. On being interrogated as to what she had been accused, she thus
replied his Majesty. "I have been informed that life and death are both
decreed, and that poverty and wealth rest with Heaven. If I daily do that
which is right, and obtain not your favour; what if I do that which is
wrong, what am I to expect! If the Gods possess knowledge and disregard
me, who have not erred: if they are ignorant of my distress, where is the
use of petitioning their assistance!" It is implied, where is the utility
of seeking your clemency.
QUEEN YIN,
otherwise called Ying-le-hwa, was a native of Nan-yang. She was very
handsome, and the Emperor Kwang-woo was very fond of her.
It was
a usual saying with him, "All the officers of the government should arrive
at the honorable post Chih-kin-woo; and all who marry should obtain a
Yin-le-hwa for his wife."
LADY SHANG-KWAN,
otherwise called Chaou-yung, lived during the Tang dynasty. Her mother;
was of the family Ching. While with child with Shang-kwan, she dreamt
that an angel gave her a large pair of scales, saying, "With this you are to
256
weight the earth.” When Lady Shang-kwan was forty years of age, she en-
tered the palace. As to abilities and general knowledge, she was without
a rival, and was familiar with the Poetry of the day. On the fourteenth of
the first month of the national designation Chung-tsung, she entered the hall
Kwang-ming-che, to receive odes. In consequence of a royal order, the
Ministers presented upwards of a hundred, and waited the selection of Lady
Shang-kwan. Shortly after the verses were delivered, they were all thrown
out of the window, except the two odes composed by Chin and Sung. While
criticizing on them, she observed, "The same labour as been bestowed on
each of the compositions. The ode by Chin, terminates of itself; that
by Sung, has the following two lines, which are happily expressed:
"Grieve not for the moon, which has just set,
For the nightly gem will certainly appear again."
LADY MANG
played skilfully on the reed, and had a fine voice, was much beloved
by Woo-tsung, an Emperor of the Tang dynasty. When the Emperor was
near death, casting his eyes on her, said, "Alas! I am afraid I shall never
see you again." She replied, "My employment being that of singing,
I desire to breath my last while singing in your presence. When she
came to the last words of the Ode, "To the flowing tide," she suddenly
expired."
257
LADY HWA-JUY,
on account of her abilities and personal charms was admited into the palace
of the state Shuh. The young prince was enamoured with her, and named
her Hwa-juy, "The bud." She was an imitator of the poet Wang-keen,
and wrote a hundred Odes. When the state Shah fell, she went over
to the state Pëen, and from thence to the state Tsoo. From the time the
Sovereign of the state Tsoo took her to himself, her former husband was
never from her mind. She drew his portrait, to which she presented of-
ferings. It is now worshipped to obtain children.
LADY HEA,
was considered a remarkably handsome person, and when advanced in years,
appeared young. She had been married seven times to persons who held
situations in the state, and was thrice Queen. The Princes all contended
for her, there were none that saw her, but was in love with her.
MO-KEUEN-SIIO0,
Sëč-ya-lac, Teen-shang-e, and Tun-leaou-kaou, were ladies highly es-
teemed by Tsaou-pe, Emperor of the state Wei, and were constantly atten-
dant on him. Mŏ-keuen-shoo, excelled in the ingenious manner she dress-
ed her hair. Tun-seaou-kaou, acquired fame by her skill in embroidery,
↓ 2
258
and devices on silk shoes. Teen-shang-e was a proficient in singing and
drawing, and Lady See-ya-lae, in dress-making. These ladies as to taste
and ingenuity, are said to excel every other person of their sex. The last
mentioned is frequently styled The divine Semstress.
LADY SAN-TANG,
an Imperial concubine, endeavoured to defame the character of Queen
E-tsih, by affirming that she had illicit intercourse with Chaou-wei. She in-
duced a person to write the Ode called Shih-heang, which she afterwards
affirmed to be composed by Queen Tscih-le-köen, of the state Sung. The
ode being short, she requested Queen E-tsih to add a couple of verses, which
she did. The Ode speaking in praise of the family Chaou, was afterwards
adduced to prove of her partiality to that family, and Lady San-tang af-
firmed that the Queen wrote the whole stanza. It read thus,
Of all the Ministers of the palace, the family Chaou takes the
precedence,
Thus the sovereign of IIan is despised by the morning clouds and
evening rain.
[love,
None but the shadow of the moon is conscious of the intercourse of
Still the bird continues to fly into the interior imperial apartments,
259
LADY FUNG-SEANG-LIN,
after being in the harem for five months, during which time she sung, danced,
and played on various stringed instruments to amuse the Emperor, being
pleased with her person, he made her Assistant-qucen. She sat at table
with him and accompanied him on horseback. While on a hunting ex-
cursion with the Emperor, the army of Chow entered his territory. Lady
Fung-seaou-lin was discovered in a well, and was presented to their Sover-
eign Füh.
One day while playing on her favorite instrument Pe-pa
(guitar), she broke one of its strings, on which occasion she impromtu
recited the following stanza.
Though I thank you for the kindness which you daily manifest,
Yet when I remember the love of a former day;
If desirous of knowing whether my heart be broken,
It is only for you to look at the strings of my Pe-pa.
QUEEN YANG,
consort to Hwuy-te, of the Tsin dynasty, was during those troublesome times,
frequently with the nobles and revolting ministers of state. On the death
of Lew-yuen, Lew-chung seized on the capital Lo-yang, when he was
acknowledged Emperor. At this time addressing Queen Yang, asked, "Who
am I." She replied, "Your Majesty is that holy Prince, who lays the
260
foundation of a flourishing nation; he, (alluding to her late sovereign
IIwuy-te) my foolish husband, who lost the throne, why should we talk
about him? He was by birth an Emperor, yet he was unable to save
himself, wife, and child. At that time I really had no desire to live,
and my mind was impressed with an idea that all men resembled him.
From the time I came to wait on you, I then knew that there was a man
of talent in the empire." In consequence of this compliment, she was
raised to be Queen.
LADY SEUEN-HWA,
was the only daughter of the Emperor Seuen of the Chin dynasty. She
was esteemed a beauty, and possessed an extraordinary mind. At the close
of the Chin dynasty, she entered the harem of the Emperor Wan, of the
Suy dynasty, and attended on the Emperor during his illness. On her leav-
ing him to change her dress, the Emperor's son wanted to seduced her,
but she would not consent. On her return, his Majesty was surprised to
see her blush so exceedingly, and asked the cause. Lady Scuen-hwa, replied
with tears, "The young Prince was rude." His Majesty, highly displeased,
said to him, You brute, you are not worthy to aspire to the throne."
Soon after his Majesty's death, the Prince sent a person with a gold box,
and a letter to Lady Seuen. On receiving the box, she was surprised,
supposing it to contain poison, which she should be required to drink. On
261
opening the box it contained three characters or words, which imply "Both
hearts united." She, displeased, sat down, and refused to receive the usual
presents previous to marriage; but her attendants constrained her to comply.
THE PRINCESS SHAN-YIN,
was the daughter of the Emperor Woo, of the Sung dynasty, and sister to
king Te. She was an immoral character. Her brother Te was partial
to her, and frequently drove her out in his carriage. The Princess one day
addressing him said, "We are both descendants of royal blood, you have
several private apartments, where you have a great number of ladies; I
have only one husband; is it not very disproportionate › "
PAOU-SZE,
was concubine to Chow-wang, and was highly pleased with the noise of
rending cloth. His Majesty on a certain occasion, to put her in a pleasant
humour, rented several pieces; but Paou-sze still refused to smile. His
Majesty failed in every attempt, till he ordered an attendant on his person,
to make signals by means of smoke in several directions. The nobles from
the different provinces, immediately hastened to the capital, supposing an at-
tack of the rebels. On their arrival, perceiving it a false alarm, returned
at which Paou-sze laughed heartily. History corrobates this, but the nobles
were highly displeased with his Majesty for being trifled with; and after-
wards refused to lend their assistance when the capital was actually attacked.
262
LADY TSIN-KWO,
lived during the Tang dynasty. Ming-wang, her sovereign, wrote a ballad,
and assembled a number of persons to hear it sung. The performance lasted
from morning to noon, with which all were highly entertained. Lady
Tsin-kwo, sat the whole time. When it was over, his Majesty addressing
her, said, "The performers are delighted with the piece, and have performed
it out of respect to you, I hope you will give them a trifle to recompence
them." Lady Tsin-kwo, a little piqued, replied, "Why should the servants
of an illustrious Emperor of the Tang dynasty be without money?
immediately ordered them a sum about three thousand dollars.
And
LADY LE-SHE,
The Princess
was chosen by Wan-ping-shuh, to be his concubine.
Nan-hang, his wife, on hearing of it, scized hold of a sword, intent
on killing her. Lady Le-she was at that time at the window combing
her hair which reached the ground. She, advancing towards the door,
with a mild and composed countenance, and at the same time braiding
up her hair, said, "When our state was subdued, and our family ex-
terminated, it was not my wish to live thus. If you are able to put me to
death, do so; it is what I have desired!" She spoke this in an casy undis-
turbed tone, without her countenance being the least changed. The Princess
263
on hearing her speak thus, threw away the sword, and embracing her, said,
My daughter, on hearing what you say, I have compassion on you, how
much more the old slave (meaning her husband)," and from that time they
became intimate friends.
LADY SEE-YAOU-HING,
was the beloved concubine of Yun-tsac. She was handsome, a good dancer,
and a poetess. A person on hearing her sing, and seeing her dance addressed
her the following lines.
When dancing you appear unable to sustain your garments studdied
with gems,
Your countenance resembles the flower of new-blown peach. *
We are now certain, that the Emperor Woo of the Han dynasty,
Erected a screen lest the wind should waft away the fair Fe-lin.
* In England, it is usual to compliment those who are gifted with more
than ordinary beauty to the gay primrose, the beautiful pink, and the blush-
ing rose; but in China where those flowers are not known, or grow not to
that perfection, the fairest of the fair, are compared to the beautiful flower
of the peach, of which they have several varieties, and which bear flowers
of different hue, convey at once to a Chinese, an idea of inexpressable
delicacy and beauty combined.
264
LADY CHUNG-TSEAY
was considered handsome, and she had an excellent voice. Strangers were
not permitted to see her. The famous poet, Le-tac-pih, while intoxicated,
said in a sportive manner, to Ning-wang, her husband, "Why do you not
like to let any one see this woman? Ning-wang ordered a screen to be
brought, and requested Lady Chung-tscay, to sing within.
When she
Though not
had done singing, Lc-tac-pih, rosed to thank her, and said,
permitted to see your face, I consider myself highly privileged to hear
your enchanting voice."
TSAE-WAN-KE,
while only six years of age, on hearing her father while playing, break one
of the strings of the instrument Kin, said, "That string which you have
broke, is the second." Yung, her father, was much surprized, and inten-
fionally broke the fourth string, and asked her which string he had just
broken. She replied, the fourth. Her father, said, "You do not know it,
you only suppose so." The child responded, "If Wo-chă, by the art of
Geomancy was able to tell the rise and fall of a state; and Szc-kwang, by
playing on the flute could tell whether the wind was southerly or not, why
do you say I do not know which string you broke!”
265
MUH-LAN,
a native of Shang-kew, lived during the Leang dynasty. Her father being
taken ill, was unable to join the army.
Muh-lan, from filial respect,
assumed the garb of a soldier, and commanded on the southern frontiers
instead of her father for twelve years, without any one suspecting her to
be a female.
KIN-TSAOU,
a person of ill repute, was a native of Keang-chow. She was considered
clever in answering questions that were put to her. Tung-po, a person of
repute, esteemed her on account of her talents. One day while admonishing
her on account of her illicit life, said, "When you were young, you were
esteemed; but now you are advanced in years, you are despised." The ad-
monition made an impression on her mind. From that time she shaved
her head and became a nun.
LADY CHANG-FUNG-HUNG,
who was married to Wei-tsing, possessed an excellent car for music. While
the musician was playing a new tune, Wei-tsing desired her to remain behind
the screen to hear it. She did so, when the musician had done playing, her
husband bid her sing the tune in the adjoining room, which she did without
S 2
266
losing a note. The musician was much surprised with her retentive powers,
and by means of a friend, apprized his Majesty of her, The Emperor
King-tsung, of the dynasty Tang, invited her to his palace, and named
her the Ke-küh Neang-tsze, “The retentive female songster." On being
informed of the death of her husband, she became disconsolate, and died of a
broken heart.
CHOO-SHUH-CHING,
whilst young, was considered shrewd and delighted in reading. She com
posed many songs of a complaintive tendency. Her work was called the
Rending of the Intestines. The following lines were by her.
On the new year's eve of last year,
The decorated streets by lanterns were as light as day.
On the moon sinking below the tops of the willows,
A friend agreeable to promise spent the evening with me.
On the eve of the present new year,
Though the moon and the lanterns are the same,
Being unable to see my esteemed friend of last year,
I from regret bedew my sleeves with my tears,
267
TSIN-YANG-KE,
was a native of Chang-gan. She was a skilful performer on the Pe-pa, or
guitar, having received lessons from the eminent performers Müh and
Tsaou. When advanced in years she became an abandoned character, and
performed for liquor. She frequently remarked, "Singing was my delight-
ful employment while young, but now advanced in years, I am compelled
to remain at Keang-ho, an abandoned place. Yu-tso-tseen inscribed an
ode to her memory, which he named the Pe-pa-hing, "The rise of the
Pe-pa."
LADY KEA-GAE-YİNG.
While Le-sze-ching, a poet, was at an inn on the road to Shen-se,
Lady Kea-gae-ying entered. Le-sze-ching impromtu addressed her the
following lines.
If I could obtain my wish, I would command an hundred thousand men,
Thereby restore peace by hunting the rebels out of their dens.
On my return, I would despise the rank of Duke,
But I would ask my Prince to bestow on me the beautiful Kea-gae-ying:
268
LADY KWAN-PUN-PUN,
was a favorite actress of Chang-keen. After his death she refused to marry,
and lived for ten years in a room known by the name Yin-tsze. From
grief she starved herself to death.
LADY LUH-CHOO,
was concubine to Shih-sung, who resided at Kaou-che, who bought her
for three measures of pearls. She was a fine figure, and exceedingly
handsome. She sung and danced admirably. A person named Sun-soo
begged Shih-sung to present her to him; but he refused. On which account
he accused Shih-sung of a capital crime to his Majesty. Being apprized
of the proceeding, Shih-sung while dining with Lady Lüh-choo, said,
"On your account I am accused of a capital crime." She with tears
replied, “If so, I will put an end to my existence in the presence of the
officers." When they came to seize Shih-sung, she threw herself from
the window, and expired on the spot.
LADY JIN-SHE,
became the wife of How-kc-too, who was a literary gentleman. It happened,
in Autumn, while he was in his room, that he saw a leaf blown in, with
the following lines wrote on it,
269
Wipe dry the trickling tears that fall from the contracted eyebrows,
And which are occasioned through the grief of the heart:
I seize a pen, and withdraw from the hall,
To write an ode on love.—
This ode I write not on stone,
This ode I write not on paper,
But write it on an Autumnal leaf,
Hoping that the wind will raise it,
And waft it to the man in the empire who is in love;
And who is able to enlarge my heart, which burns even to death.
The burthened minds throughout the universe,
How insensible to the feelings of love!
As there are those who are moved by the passion, and those who are not,
I know not with whom this leaf may fall.
How-ke-too, on obtaining it, put it carefully in his box. Five
years afterwards when he divined for a wife, the lot fell on Lady Jin-she.
The above lines he constantly recollected and frequently repeated them.
His wife on hearing them, said, "Them lines are what I wrote." How-
ke-too, doubting it, requested her to recite them, which she did from
memory.
270
LADY CHAOU-YUN.
was an attendan't to Tung-po, who resided at Hwey-chow. While sitting
at leasure with Chaou-yun, he of a sudden became pensive, and regretted
that it was then Autumn. He requested her to sing, "The drooping flow-
ers loose their hue." Chaou-yun continued to sing till she was bathed
in tears. Tung-po, asked the cause of her weeping; she replied,
unable to sing; I really feel as weak as the extreme branches of the willow,
which are agitated by the wind; and so insignificant as a blade of grass,
grows everywhere beneath the canopy of heaven.”
which
"I am
KAE-YUEN,
was an attendant on the palace. On the Sovereign Yuen-tsung sending a
large quantity of regimental clothing to the troops on the frontiers, muély
of which had been made in the harem; one of the soldiers found in the
pocket of his coat, the following stanza.
While in the field of battle contending with the enemy;
And unable to sleep from intense cold,
I make you this garment,
Though I know not who will wear it.
Being anxious for your preservation, I add a few extra stitches,
And quilt it with a double portion of wadding.
271
Though in this life we are unable to dwell together,
I desire we may be wedded in a future state.
The soldier on finding the ode presented it to his office. His command-
ing officer presented it to his Majesty. His Majesty ordered an attendant
to make strick enquiries throughout the harem, to ascertain who wrote it;
whoever did was not to deny it. On the enquiry being made, an individual
said,
"I am the person, and am deserving of ten thousand deaths." The
Emperor Yuen-tsung, pitied her, but married her to the person who ob-
tained the ode, when his Majesty jocosely observed, "We notwithstand-
ing have been wedded in this life,"
QUEEN TANG,
Her
was the grand-daughter of Yu, the Ta-foo of the dynasty Han.
father, who held the situation of Hoo-keang-keaou-wei, was called Shun;
her mother was of the family Ying, and niece to the Empress Yin. When
Tang was only six years of age, she was able to read history. At twelve
she studied poetry and the works of Confucius, When her brothers were
engaged with their books, she would invariably ask them many questions
as to what they were reading. Her mind being occupied with books,
she concerned not herself about the female department of the family.
Her mother was displeased with her on that account, and said to her,
you do not apply yourself to your needle, you shall have no clothes to
"If
272
wear; by studying poetry are you ambitious of becoming a professor of
letters! From this time during the day she applied herself to learn those
cmployments that became her sex, and devoted the evenings to her studies.
The domestics named her, "The preceptor." IIer father, who viewed her
as an extraordinary child, consulted with her on all affairs.
During the fourth year of the national designation Yung-yuen, she was
chosen to enter the palace of the Emperor Woo of the Han dynasty. On
the death of her father she wept exceedingly, and for three years cat nothing
that was savory or delicious, and from constant grief her beauty forsook her.
In the seventh year, with many other females, she entered the palace. She
was very tall, genteel and of a florid countenance, and surpassed all the
ladies of the palace. During the eighth year, she removed to the Ya-ting
apartments, and was raised to be a Lady of honor. She was now sixteen,
courteous and attentive, and did every thing by system. Being appointed
to attend on the Queen, she was unremitting in her attention. The Em-
peror was highly pleased with her conduct; and when unwell, her mother
and brothers were permitted to visit her, with the hope that their company
would soon restore her; but, before many days had passed by, she thus ad-
dressed the Emperor, "The palace is the most restricted of all places, by
your permitting persons who are not inmates to live within the palace for
any length of time: it will be well, in the first place, if you are not calum-
niated; in the second, they will affirm that I am not contented; thus both
ways slander will be diffused abroad; this great indulgence I really do not
273
desire." His Majesty replied, “All persons consider themselves favoured
by their friends being allowed to enter; how is it that you are of a different
opinion, even to the depriving yourself of their company? This is not
easy to be comprehended."
The ladies at any banquet given in the palace endeavoured to surpass
cach other in their ornaments and dresses, while Lady Tang alone ap-
peared in plain attire. If it happened at any time that her dress was of the
same colour with the Queen's, she would immediately go and change it; and
when in the presence of his Majesty, would not presume to sit with the
Queen, but stand at a respectful distance; and when walking with her,
would give the precedence, The same conduct was persued if any questions
were put to them, she would not reply till the Queen had first spoken.
His Majesty seeing what trouble she gave herself, with a sigh, exclaimed,'
"Who is competent to adorn himself with virtue."
The Queen Yin, at this time, from some slight offence, when requested
to attend on his Majesty, repeatedly declined, assigning indisposition
for non-attendance; but on seeing Lady Tang daily become more and
more in favour with the Emperor, devised plans for her ruin. The
Emperor falling dangerously ill, she confidentially said, "I shall now
obtain my desire, and will exterminate the whole of her family." Lady
Tang on being informed of it, with tears said to her companions, "I who
have been unremitting in my attention to the Queen, does not she regard
me! Though women are not required to immolate themselves with their
N Q
274
husbands, yet as Chow-kung, on seeing the king of Woo near death, entrcat-
ed of Heaven that he might die in his stead, that his life might be prolonged;
and a Concubine of the state Yue, vowed that she would die with her prince;
I am desirous of imitating them, and thereby recompense the kindness of my
Prince; by so doing I shall rescue my family from the evil designed against
them." She was then intent on taking poison, but Chaou-yùh, an officer of
the palace, restrained her, and asserted that his Majesty was out of danger.
In the summer of the fourteenth year, Queen Yin, on account of having
recourse to spells, was banished the palace. Lady Tang interceded with the
Emperor in her behalf, without succeeding; and became ill in consequence
of the Queen's expulsion, and was confined to her apartments,
The officers
of the palace decided on Building the Perpetual Autumn Palace, When it
"The mother of
was finished his Majesty went to examine it, when he said,
the people, is viewed as I the Emperor am, and a successor to the national
altars. It is no easy trust to dischange! But as the virtues of Lady
Tang surpass all the ladies of the palace, she alone is competent to fill the
dignified station.” In winter his Majesty raised her to be Queen, or Em-
press of China. She thrice declined, but afterwards ascended the throne,
when she read his Majesty a document which she had drawn up, thanking
him for the honor done her, at the same times stating that her abilities or
virtues were few, and therefore incompetent to fill the throne,
H
At this time it was a prevailing custom with the neighbouring states
to send very valuable presents, but from the time the Queen ascended
275
the throne, she put a stop to it, and would receive from them only
paper and ink, probably meaning letters of fealty.
The Emperor was desirous of conferring rank on the whole of her family,
but she earnestly entreated him not to do so; in consequence, her brother
filled no higher situation than a Hoo-pun-chung-lang, a Captain in the
army.
In the first year of Yun-hing, the Emperor died, at which time the heir
apparent was taken ill, and upwards of ten persons related to the royal family
died. The successor to the throne was only three months old; on being
proclaimed Emperor, Queen Tang became Queen-dowager. On giving
audience to her Ministers of state, she allowed Lady Chow-fung to drive
a carriage and four, and the covering of her carriage to be of the Imperial
colour; and presented her with thirty pounds weight of gold; three thous-
and pieces of coloured silks; of Pih-yuč, four thousand pieces; with
a piece of silk stamped with the national seal.
This being a time of national mourning, and the laws not being observ-
ed, a box containing large valuable gems was missing. The Queen sus-
pecting that numbers in the palace were innocent, determined on making
enquiries herself, supposing that she should be able to detect the delinquints
by their countenances. The persons confessed of their own accord to the
Queen, when she committed to prison Ma and Tow, two officers of the
palace, who were afterwards degraded to be common person, unworthy
ever of filling situations in the state.
276
She now reduced the number of officers about the palace, as well as
dispensed with the sumptuous manner in which her table had been served.
The rice and grain, that was not devoted to the service of the altars, that
of an inferior quality was only received; and from morning to evening
she partook of only one flesh meal. The ancient establishment for the great
officers of state, which amounted to two hundred thousand tales annually,
was discontinued; and the annual tribute from the neighbouring states was
reduced to one-half. Hawks and dogs for hawking and hunting; brazen
utensils and weapons from the state Shuh, were not required. Painters,
weavers, goldsmiths, and workers of various devices, who were employed in
the palace, with the expenses for the Le-kung and Pah-kwan, and the
department for taking charge of the rice and coals, were also reduced. She
announced to the Ladies who resided in the different gardens and to their
domestics, that if any of them was so advanced in age, as to be unable to
fill situations, or were desirous of retiring, that the unuchs were to take
down their names, and that they were to repair to the northern palace, that
she might have the pleasure of seeing them. The same day five or six
hundred persons quilted the palace.
On the demise of the young emperor Tsang, the Queen-dowager decided
on raising Gan to the throne, when she gave an audience to the Ministers
of state. At this period the distress of the nation was exceedingly great;
the young Emperor was in consequence privately interred, with only one-
tenth of the usual expenses attending a royal funeral.
277
The Queen despatched a letter to the Sze-le-kaou-wei of Ho-nan, and
to the Nan-yang Ta-show, or Governor, informing them that persons
related to her, by claiming relationship oppressed the people, while the
inferior officers were afraid to exercise their authority; that if there were
such, that the laws were to be put in force. Her brother Chĩh, the Che-
ke-tseang-keun, who she supposed was well attached to her person and
obedient to her orders, but his influence being great, and surrounded with
numerous relations who associated with persons who were not well dis-
posed to her, that it become them to be diligent to prevent anarchy.
The Queen-dowager lamenting the folly of Queen Yin, forgave her,
and permitted her with all her attendants to return home, and settled on
her the sum of 5,000,000 Tales. During the first year of Yung-tsoo, she
conferred on her the title of Lady, and gave her the country Tsin-ya.
During the summer of the second year, there was a drought at the capital,
when her Majesty herself visited the prisons of Lo-yang; among others that
were confined, was a person accused of murder. The magistrale who had
committed him, knew of his innocence, but dared not acknowledge it.
The prisoner on seeing the Queen, raised his head and looked towards her
as though desirous of speaking to her. The Queen ordered that he might
be brought forward, that she might interrogate him; when she discovered
that he had been falsely accused. She caused him to be liberated, and cast
the magistrate into prison, who afterwards suffered death. Before her
Majesty had returned to her palace, a heavy fall of rain commenced.
278
During the third of Yung-tsoo, the Queen-dowager became seriously
ill. Her Nobles and Ladies in waiting grieved much on her account, and
repaired to the temple to pray for her, and invoked the Deity that they
might die in her stead, that her life might be speared. The Queen on being
informed of it, was much displeased; but apprehending that she was suffer-
ing the Deity's displeasure, bid them to pray for her, but were not to pray
to die in her stead. Her disease was occasioned chiefly from close
application to state affairs. In consequence of the army at this time
being in constant motion, she required of the higher ministers of state to
dispense with feasts and great entertainments.
The ten years which her Majesty had sat on the throne, proved a grie-
vous time; excess of rain and drought had been experienced; the foreigners
on every quarler had encroached on her territories; and commotions had
existed in the empire. On being informed of persons dying of hunger
she was so affected by the information as to be unable to take rest, and
would lessen her personal expenses, and send the amount to the relief of
those who were suffering. After a time tranquillity was restored, and
the conditions of the people were annually improved.
The Queen appointed IIo, brother of the late emperor, king of Pih-ho-
köen, and ordered all his children above five years old, in all forty; and
also the relations of the Ex-queen, thirty persons, to be educated at Te-te.
She herself superintended their education. They were required every
279
morning to enter the palace. Her maternal care towards them was very
great.
In the second month of the second year of Yung-ming, the Queen
being ill, she was helped into her carriage, and droved to the hall of
audience, where she was met by the higher officers of state, and the
members of the Shang-shoo board, who accompanied her to the northern
Shen-kung palace, to wait on the young Emperor. On her return, she
issued a general pardon to all prisoners confined, and bestowed royal pre-
sents on the ladies who resided in the Imperial gardens; when she issued
the following Proclamation,
I (the Queen-dowager) being unaided by Heaven, possess not
virtue (or ability) to discharge the important trust of being Mother
of the Nation. By the death of the Emperor, I was early called to
experience sorrow, when all within the four seas were without a
Sovereign. The course of Providence involved me in difficulties.
From bitterness of soul, and diligence to the affairs of the state I dared
not assume the splendour of a Sovereign, nor seek pleasure; in the
first place least I insult Heaven, and hereafter be ashamed to see his
Majesty; in the second, that I turn not my back on my people, and
prove unfaithful, but that I might sincerely promote the wellfare of
all within the Empire, and give peace to the royal family Lew. These
were my motives, which I now make known to the powers of Heaven
280
and Earth, beseeching their blessing, and the removal of this my disease.
My grief from the demise of near and distant relations has known no
alleviation, which has occasioned my present illness, and which for
a long time has prevented me from repairing to the national altars.
The fatigue that I experienced when I visited the royal tombs
occasioned my spitting of blood, from which illness I have never
recovered. Life and death been decreed, there is no remedy. Ministers
of state, and officers of the government, you must exert yourselves
and prove faithful to your Sovereign, and thereby support the govern-
ment."
During the third month, this amiable and virtuous Queen died, after
reigning twenty years, aged only 41.
(Extracted from the History of the Han Dynasty,)
0 2
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
ON THE REVENUE OF CHINA.
THE following sheets, which treat of the Situation and Extent of the
Provinces of China, with the Revenue, Manners, and Productions of the
People, are rendered from a Chinese Manuscript drawn up by Wang-kwei-
shing, a Tsin-tsze Graduate of Kwang-se, in 1823. In the preface which he
has prefixed to it, he says it is extracted from the works of &
Han-kwan-pëen-led: 漢​郡國​志 ​Han-keun-kwǒ-che, and 大​清​一
​*
Ta-tsing-yih-tung-che, Histories of the reigns of the Han Sove-
reigns, and from the extensive History of the present reigning family. The
account of the officers of the Government, with their annual income, and
the number of the Troops and Military Officers throughout the empire,
is what I have extracted from the Government Quarterly Publication,
entitled Tsin-shin, which bears some resemblance to our Royal
櫃​紳
​Kalendar, and may be equally relied on.
It is proper to remark in reference to the Natural Productions, that
I merely adhere to my Manuscript. What is stated in Du Halde, on
that subject, must be far more satisfactory, for the Missionaries detailed
284
APPENDIX.
what came under their notice during their travels, and may therefore be
relied on; while the Manuscript records only what is rare or esteemed
valuable. But as to the actual amount of the Revenue of the Provinces, I
am inclined to think, that while the Missionaries demonstrated to the
Chinese the superior genius of the western nations as to Arts and Sciences,
that the Chinese were not wanting in duplicity to impress them with an
imaginary idea of the wealth and resources of the Celestial Empire. This
seems not to admit of a contradiction, for Du Halde states the Revenue
of Keang-nan "to amount to 52 Millions of Tales, exclusive of the Duties
arising from every thing Exported and Imported," while the Statistical
Account states it to be only 5,807,952 Tales. Treating of the Revenue
of China, he states it to be 200,000,000 of Tales! each an ounce of silver
whereas, by the annexed statement, it appears to be only 33 Millions and
odd Tales;—and the number of Troops, infantry and horse, are esti-
mated at 1,495,000 men! (Page 244, vol. I,)
The amount of the Taxes, Duties, and Quantity of Grain, I have com-
pared with the Tsin-shin, which, being a work sanctioned by Government,
and the total the same in both works, I feel confident, that whatever
may be the gains of the officers of government, by contenancing illegal
trade, or by the mal-administration of justice, which is too notorious to
be questioned, that the sums levied on the Provinces do not exceed
what I have stated them to be, which is the nett Revenue of China.
In reference to Duties, the Provincial Government adopts the system
APPENDIX.
285
of stipulating a sum for each particular district, or what may be termed
Farming the Duties; this mode tends considerably to regulate that part
of the annual revenue of the Province, and a more certain plan of rais-
ing the sums required, but it is evidently a system that leads to oppression.
This applies also to the other departments of the Government, hence the
necessity of money or influence to obtain promotion, and of course a deal
of venality exists throughout. In the following document relating to
the transfer of grain, there is a singular remark by the Emperor Tac-
sung, when apprized of the defalcation in the transfer, Smuggling and
CC
petty thiefts committed in a vessel," said the Emperor, “resemble a hole
made by a rat in a vessel, which from its situation, is stopt with diffi-
culty; you need not be over strict." The writer observes, if his Majesty
had not commiserated his subjects (for they gained little by the transfer),
he would not have thus advised. From this it may be presumed, that the
Government countenances, or rather does not notice slight pecuniary gains
acquired by its officers to augment their annual incomes, which of the in-
ferior officers is very trifling.
As to the Revenuc of China at a very early period, little information
can be collected respecting it, further than that it has differed under diffe-
rent dynastics. The government under the dynasty Chow, (which commen-
ced 1105, and continued till 243 years B. C.) possessed a tenth of the whole
Jand, which tenth part was cultivated by the Agriculturists, agreeable to
certain laws laid down, which are explained under Land Tax, for the good
286
APPENDIX.
of the state, together with cloth and silks, which were received as the ground
rent of traders and private individuals, composed the Revenue of Go-
vernment of that period. Agriculture was considered an honorable oc-
cupation, and its Tax was viewed as aiding the Government, while Com-
merce was thought lightly of. They knew nothing of duties on the transfer
of goods from one province to another; though even then there were
officers to prevent what was considered illegal trade. At the close of the
Han dynasty, situations in the government were sold, which brought in
considerable Revenue, and which has continued to the present day, but
1
{
thought the disgrace of the reigning family. In consequence of a spirited
document presented in 1822, by Sin-tung-yih and Yuen-scen, the Yu-shes
of Yun-nan, the reigning Emperor Taou-kwang decided on dispensing
with it, and to confer situations solely on those who have obtained literary
distinctions. Persons may purchase rank, but not hold situations in the
government. This improvement in his government, shortly after ascending
the throne, caused him to be very popular.* During the Sung dynasty,
every family consisting of so many males, were required to pay an annual
sum to the government.
{
To the History of the Yuen, or first Tartar Chinese dynasty, is given
a table shewing the quantity of rice that was annually imported into the
* In the paper submitted, it is stated that there are upwards of five
thousand Tsin-sze Graduates, (from among whom are chosen the officers of
the Han-lin College,) and twenty-seven thousand Keu-jin Graduates, who
have received no appointments
287
APPENDIX.
capital from the west of Chih-keang. The statement was submitted by
the minister Shaou-yuen-ping to Kang-he, in the thirty-eighth year of his
reign, to point out the mismanagement of the affairs of government during
that period. In the later editions of the Urh-yih-she, the document is
placed to precede the History of the Yuen dynasty, from whence the fol-
lowing extract is made.
An estimate of the quantity of Rice levied, received, and lost, in the transfer.
至元
​20th year of Shih * 46,500
Rec. 42,172
Lost, 4,328
9 years hence,
1,527,250
1,281,615
245,635
18 years hence,
2,926,532
2,716,913
209,619
19 years hence,
3,522,163
3,340,306
181,857
The loss during 30 years may be estimated annually at 30 to 40,000 Shih,
owing to the bad construction of their boats. Each vessel carried 1000 Shih,
or bags, so that the transferring of 3,522,163 Shĩh of rice employed no less
than 3,523 vessels. The writer observes, the transfer of grain by sea
commenced with Tsin-che-hwang; before his time the Revenue was sent by
the rivers and canals. During the San-tae period, there was no transfer
by sea.
He allows that the transfer by sea is far more convenient, but
taking into consideration the quantity annually lost, with the vessels, and
the lives that perished, which he estimates from 6 to 7000 persons; he re-
commends sending the Revenue by the inner passages, as a great save to
* A Shih weighs about 140 lbs.
288
APPENDIX.
the nation; and affirms that the people perished from Tsin-che-hwang not
regarding the lives of his subjects. He observes, though the expense at-
tending the inner passages is greater, what is it in comparison of the lives
of the people? Should the present dynasty (the dynasty Tsing) continue
the same system, how may it be endured
Similar views, at different
periods, no doubt led the Chinese to adopt a Land Tax, with Duties on
Commerce, instead of the system of the Chow dynasty of retaining a
tenth part of all the land, and requiring the Agriculturists to cultivate
it for the good of government, which doubtless was attended with much
oppression; and that of the Sung dynasty, of requiring a Poll Tax.
A mow, or Chinese acre of land, measures 6000 Chinese square cubits,
or 8640 square feet, which is nearly one-fifth of an English Acre contain-
ing 43,560 feet. Its Tax for five acres is one dollar. The value of
Land per acre is from 40 to 70 dollars and upwards, and produces ten
Shih of rice during Spring and Autumn. The tenant pays the owner
three shih, which is worth six dollars, thus the annual rent of five mow
is 30 dollars, or £7: 10:0: per acre. Agreeable to this statement, the
Land Tax and Ground Rent of Land in England is considerably less than in
China, from the latter being the principal source of Revenue.
APPENDIX.
289
LAND TAX.
The following is taken from the Four Books of Confucius, and shews
the manner in which the Land was laid out during the Chow dynasty, and
for a considerable period later. The measurement of Land has differed
at different periods. At present a Mow of land measures 240 square
paces, each 5 cubits.
The following describes TEN LE* OF LAND divided off.

洫
​##
溝
​tsing
Each of the squares is supposed to be a Tsing, containing 630 Mow
of land thus, "a furrow is four inches in width; the ridge or small path-
way for dividing the fields, which is called a Fa, is required to be a
at
cubit high and a cubit wide. The small water course at the extremity
* About three and half Chinese le go to an English Mile.
P 2
290
APPENDIX.
of each mow of land, is required to be two cubits broad, and is called a
Suy, as described by the perpendicular and horizontal lines. The up-
per and lower lines of the square, which form the border, is intended to
describe a Kow, or channel for water larger than the Suys, the nine
Suy's or perpendicular lines, communicate with the Kow, or channel; and
the nine horizontal lines with the channels run into a Seih, or large
stream, on the left.
A PLAN OF AN HUNDRED LE OF LAND.

洫
​澮
​洫
​ching
Each of those squares describes Ten Le of land, and is called a Ching.
The stream for supplying it with water, which is called a Seth, is re-
quired to be eight cubits in width and depth, as given in the preced-
ing plan. The upper and lower border lines, which represent a 澮
​291
APPENDIX.
Hwuy, a large water course, are required to be ten cubits in width and
depth. Every hundred Le of land thus laid out, contains 9,000 water
courses, measuring two cubits each 900 courses for water measuring
four cubits each, 90 ditto measuring eight cubits, and nine Hwuy's
measuring ten cubits.
It is presumed, that it will not be questioned but that this plan of
laying out of the ground, and suppling it with water, has led the Chinese
to cut many of their canals, which are convenient not only for Agriculture,
but advantageous to Commerce.
THE TSING, OR A PLAN OF SIX HUNDRED AND
THIRTY ACRES.

70 mów.
70 mow.
70 mow.
公​田
​70 mow.
14 mow for
houses and 56
general field.
70 mow.
70 mow.
70 mow,
70 mow.
This plan represents the character Tsing, without the border, and
#Tsing,
allows to the proprietor of each division seventy acres of land for cultiva-
tion. The centre division, which also contains seventy acres, fourteen
292
APPENDIX.
of which are designed for buildings occupied by the possessors of the other
nine divisions, leaving for the good of government fifty six acres, is eul-
tivated among them, each taking a share; that is, to cultivate seven acres
for the good of government. This exempted them from any Tax on their
own land, and the produce formed the Revenue of China.
A PLAN OF NINE HUNDRED ACRES OF LAND,

100 mow.
100 mow.
100 mow.
公​田
​100 mow.
20 mow for
houses, & 80
public field.
100 mow.
100 mow.
100 mow.
100 mow.
On this scale, twenty acres are allowed for buildings, leaving for the
good of government eighty Mow or acres. Each person cultivates ten
acres of the centre or General Field, which is a tenth of the whole. The
Commentator considers this an extremely light or easy tax, for as twenty
Mow are allowed between the Possessors for their buildings, which is two
and half Mow to each, allowing that each lives on his own land, he has the
produce of two and half Mow towards cultivating the ten acres of the
Government Field.
APPENDIX.
293
PLAN OF CITY GROUND.

Inhabitants.
Shopkeepers.
Shopkeepers.
Inhabitants.
IMPERI AL
Inhabitants.
Inhabitants.
Inhabitants.
PALACE.
Gods of grain
Royal altars
Inhabitants.
Government.
A plan describing that part of a city, where merchandise is carried on;
it is on the same principle as that of the Tsing, already described. The
centre division is the ground intended for the Imperial residence. The
front division includes the land to the Family Altars, the Court or Govern-
ment, and the Altar to the Gods of the Grain. In the upper division where
merchandise is carried on, there are streets or avenues leading in every
direction; here also reside the officers of government to prevent anarchy,
confusion, and to govern both natives and foreigners (people belonging to
other states), this land pays a duty or Tax to government. The six other
divisions are where the inhabitants reside. Each division is supposed to
contain forty householders; and every nine hundred houses is considered
equal to two and half mow of land in the city. From this it appears that
the third part of the ground of every city was claimed by government.
294
APPENDIX,
AN
ABSTRACT OF THE REVENUE OF CHINA.
SHING-KING,
from the capital extends eastward 1470 le.
In extent from east to west
5100 le; from north to south 3000 and odd le. On the east it is bounded by
the sea; on the west it extends to the barrier at Shan-hae; on the south to
the sea; on the north to the Russian frontiers. On the south-east to the
He-kih-tă mountain; on the south-west bounded by the sea; on the north-
east is the sea; on the north-west to the Too-mih-tih Tartars.
REVENUE.
The sum levied by government is
Grain
Tales 38,780
Shih 58,582
Land Tax, received in rice,
32,392
Grain collected at Koo-ta-pih-too-na. 20,700
Total
111,674
I. CHIH-LE PROVINCE.
Pe-king is situated in the district of Paou-ting-foo. From east to west
it is in extent 1228 le; from south to north 1628 lc. On the east it extends
to Ning-yuen-chow of Shing-king in Tartary. On the west it is bounded
by Kwang-le-heen, in Shan-se; on the south by Lan-yang-hëen, in Ho-nan;
on the north by the great wall. On the S. E. by the shore; on the S. W.
by Chang-tih-foo, in Hoo-nan; on the N. E. by the district Ching-tih-
foo; and on the N. W. by the district Tëen-chin, in Shan-se.
295
APPENDIX.
REVENUE.
The duties collected at Shun-teen-foo amount to in Tales 154, 173
Land Tax, &c. collected by the Treasurer,
Duty on coals,
Duties, (in general)
Duty on Salt,
·
2,334,475
32,420
41,093
437,949
Sums collected at the wharfs, at the passes, and on the mountains, 28,200
At Chang-kea-kow,
At Teen-tsin,
MANNERS.
10,000
40,460
Total in Tales, 3,078,870
The people are of a stubborn disposition, but of tranquil habits; polite,
but ambitious after distinctions; economical. This is the first province
that submitted to the present reigning family, and probably the reason for
its being the seat of government,
PRODUCTIONS.
Salt; cotton, Jin-şang; musk; horn bows; glue from deer; walnuts ;
dales; fragant pears; apples; peaches; the medicinal plant Cho-yo.
II. KEANG-NAN PROVINCE.
The capital of Keang-nan is Keang-ning-foo, or Nan-king. Distant south
from Peking 2400 le. It extends from east to west 1630 le; from N. to S.
1700 lc. On the cast it is bounded by the shore of the sea, or Yang-se-keang ;
on the west by the district Ko che in Ho-nan; on the south by the district
Lo-ping in Keang-se; on the north by Tang-höen in Shan-tung. On the
296
APPENDIX.
south-east, by Hae-pin in Kin-shan. On the South-west by the district
Hwang-mei, in Hoo-pih; on the North-east by Jih-chaou in Shan-tung,
and on the North-west, by the province Ho-nan.
N. B. Keang-nan, is the ancient name. It is now divided into two
Provinces, and called Keang-soo, and Gan-hwuy. The metropolis of Gan-
hwuy is Gan-king-foo, and distant from Peking 2700 le.
PROVINCE OF KEANG-SO0.
REVENUE.
Taxes collected at Keang-soo, amount to
Duties
Tales 3,116,826
46,910
•
•
Duty on Salt
93,240
PROVINCE OF GAN-HWUY.
Taxes collected at Gan-king-foo,
1,718,824
Dutics.
13,284
Duty on Salt
38,584
Duties collected at Lung-keang and Se-sin,
23,680
Duties on weaving, &c. and the iron mines at Yang-chow,
55,753
Weaving, and dutics collected at tolls, &c.
191,149
Duties collected on melons and other vegetables
7,660
Tolls at Tüh-le, at Hwae-nap, and at Chaqu-kwan,
•
201,960
Duties collected at Woo-hoo, by an inspector of Salt,
Duties at Yang-kwan,
194,026
ditto.
.
79,830
Turnpike duties at Shang-hac,
25,326
Tales
5,807,952
The amount of grain for the two provinces is 1,431,273 Shih.
APPENDIX.
297
MANNERS.
The province of Keang-soo, is very populous, Abounds in articles of
every kind, numbers given to literature.
The province Gan-hwuy,-the people are light and flippant, or unsteady;
economical, but agreeable in their manners,
PRODUCTIONS.
Keang-soo produces silks of various kinds; sattin; salt; rice; crape
Loo crape; carp fish; Pih-hwǎ wine; a four jawed fish; citron. Gan-hwuy
produces cloth; teą; the medicinal plants Tsew-shih and Ko-fun; skins of
the keuen ; ink; pencils; paper; maize or Indian corn. Copper; iron;
oil; varnish; the Keuen silk.
III. KEANG-SE PROVINCE.
Nan-chang-foo is the metropolis. Distant from Peking S. by W. 3850
le. It extends from E. to W. 970 le; from N, to S. 1800 le. Bordered
on the E. by Wei-yuen in the province Gan-hwuy; on the west by Low-
yang in Hoo-nan; on the south by Ho-ping in Kwang-tung; on the north
by Hwang-chow in Hoo-pih. On the E. by S. by Sung-gan in Foo-këen;
on the south by west, by Pin-chow in Hoo-nan. On the north-cast, by
Tung-lew in Gan-hwuy. On the north-west by Hing-kwo-foo in Hoo-pih.
Q 2
298
APPENDIX.
Taxes,
Dutics,
REVENUE.
Q
1,878,682
4,470
Duties on Salt,
•
5,150
Duties collected at Kew-keang, and Ta-koo-pun, &c.
Duties at Ilang-chow-kwan, &c.
173,880
46,471
Tales
2,108,653
Grain,
Shih 795,063
Fourteen boats for transferring grain.
MANNERS,
Scholars partial to the classics. The people fond of dress; agricul-
ture is what is principally followed, The country productive,
PRODUCTIONS.
Paper; tea; grass cloth; China ware; Yu tea; while lily or lotus ;
the flour of the lily root; Loo fish, Medicinal plants. Ma-koo wine; red
rice, Variegated bamboos. Cotton; coals,
IV. CIIIH-KEANG.
The metropolis is Hang-chow-foo. Distant south of Pcking 3300 lc. It
extends from E. to W. 880 le; from north to south 1280 lc. On the cast
it is bordered by the sca; on the west by Wei-chow in Keang-nan ; on
the south by Keen-ning in Füh-keen on the north it extends to Soo-chow
3
in Kcang-nan. On the S. E. it extends to Füh-ning in Füh-köen; on the
S, by W. to Yüh-shan in Keang-se; on the E. by N. to Sung-keang in
Keang-nan; on the N. by W. to Kwang-tih-chow in Gan-hwuy,
299
Taxes,
Dutics,
APPENDIX.
REVENUE.
2,914,946
10,650
Salt duty, grain, &c. .
Duties collected at Pih-sing-kwan,
•
501,044
122,660
Duties collected at Nan-chih-kwan,
26,500
·
Duties collected by the Foo-yuen, at Ning-poo,
32,030
Tales
3,607,830
Grain and Rice collected at Kca-hoo, Shih 611,720
White rice,
66,600
678,320
24 Boats for carrying grain.
MANNER8.
The people are industrious, and trade to all parts of the empire. The
people are well made and handsome. Literature and the arts prevail.
PRODUCTIONS.
Silks of every description; crape; raw silk; cotton. Lung-tsing tea;
lead flour of the lotus or Leen-hwa.
$
Paper; Yang-mei or plum fruit ;
Hwang-tsing plant; white lead; felt hats; fans; salt; coals; iron, and gold.
Medicinal plants.
V. FOO-KIEN PROVINCE.
Füh-chow-foo is the metropolis. It is situated to the south of the capital,
and distant 6130 le. It extends from E. to W. 950 le; from north to south
980 le. On the cast is the sea; on the west it extends to Ilang-chow in
300
APPENDIX.
Keang-se; on the south to the sea; on the north to Keu-chow in Chih-
keang. On the east by south to the sea; on the south by west it extends to
Chaou-chow in Kwang-tung; on the north by east, to Wăn-chow in Chih-
keang; on the north-west to Keang-shan in Chih-keang.
Taxes,
•
REVENUE.
Duty on Salt,
Duties,
•
Duties collected at Füh-këen-kwan,
MANNERS.
•
1,074,489
85,470
24,850
73,549
Tales
1,258,358
In their manners the people are plain and upright. Delight in business,
and are economical; not given to litigations. Students fond of poetry.
PRODUCTIONS.
Tea; salt; plantains; potatoes; cloth; iron; paper; young bamboos
for preserves; Kin-keih orange; a kind of olives; Dimocarpus Longan;
Dimocarpus Litchi; oranges; carambolas. Silk; white wax; bird's nest
crystal; sugar candy, &c.
IV. HOO-PIH PROVINCE.
Woo-chang-foo is the metropolis.
Distant south-west from Peking
3155 le.
It extends from cast to west 2440 le; in extent it is from north to
I south 680 le. On the east it is bordered by Suh-sung in Keang-nan; on
APPENDIX.
301
the west by Woo-shan in Sze-chuen; on the south by Lin-seang in Hoo-
nan; on the north by Loo-shan in Ho-nan. On the south-east, by Suy-
chang in Keang-se; on the south-west, by Pang-shwuy in Sze-chuen; on
the north-east by Ko-shan in Keang-nan; on the north-west, by Shang-
yang, in Shen-se.
Taxes,
Duties,
Duties collected by the Troops,
Post duties, .
REVENUE.
Duties collected at King-chow-kwan,
4
Grain,
Tales
96,934 Shih.
Twelve boats for tranferring grain.
MANNERS.
1,174,110
58,781
32,640
18,140
•
9,644
1,293,315
The people without the cities live scattered, and regard not the notions
of the Fung-shwüy, or Geomancy, which prevails so much in China. In
their dispositions they are unyielding, but upright. Diligent in agricul-
ture, and in the fishery.
PRODUCTIONS.
Tea; iron; rattan ; paper; fish; crystal; spotted bamboo; cotton;
wild fowl: the Wo-sze bird; cypress; tin; yams; the Ko-plant of which
cloth is made; Fang-ling (ornamented silk); marble; Füh fish, and Ting-
kung-soo.
302
APPENDIX.
VII. HOO-NAN PROVINCE.
Chang-sha-foo is the metropolis. It is distant south-west from Peking
4500 le. From east to west in extent 1420 le; from south to 'north 1150
le. It is bounded on the cast by E-ning-chow in Keang-se; on the west
by Tung-jin in Kwei-chow; on the south by Leen-chow in Kwang-tung ;
and on the north by Tung-ching in Hoo-pih. On the north-west by
Yew-yang-chow in Sze-chuen; on the south-east, by Jin-hwa, in Kwang-
tung; on the south-west by Kung-ching in Kwang-se; due north, by Keen-
le in Hoo-pih.
Taxes,
Dutics,
Duties collected by the troops,
Post duties,
Rice,.
•
REVENUE.
•
882,745
80,530
20,350
13,880
Tales
947,505
Shih 96,214
MANNERS.
Dispositions of the people correct; fond of etiquette; wealthy. Much
land uncultivated.
Those who devote themselves to literature intelligent.
PRODUCTIONS.
Iron; lead; cinnabaris; quicksilver; Ko cloth; variegated bamboo;
Gan-hwa tea; the Yuh-mëen fox; gold dust; Too saltin; oil of the tea
plant; medicinal plants; Lung-seu grass. The bamboo or cotton fowl,
Nanking species; Ling-ling fragrance; square bamboos.
303
APPENDIX.
VIII HO-NAN PROVINCE.
1
Kac-ting-foo is the metropolis. Distant south-west from Peking 1540 le.
It extends from east to west 1120 le; from north to south 1290 le. On the
east it extends to Tang-shan in Keang-nan; on the west to Tung-kwan in
Shen-se; on the south to Sc-gan in Hoo-pih; on the north, to Ching-gan
in Chih-le. On the south-east, it is bordered by Hang-chow in Keang-
nan; on the south-west by Seang-yang in Hoo-pih; on the north-east by
Tsaou-hëen in Shan-tung; on the north-west by Leagu-chow in Shan-se,
Taxes,
Duties,
•
REVENUE,
.
•
3,164,758
12,650
Tales
3,177,408
Grain,
Shih 221,342.
A military officer to superintend the transfer of grain,
MANNERS.
The literati devote themselves to the five classical works. The people
diligent in agriculture and weaving; in their manners upright, kind and
well disposed. The country productive.
PRODUCTIONS.
Pëen-ling silk, carpeting; blue pomegranates; mats made of the stems of
quills; silk; mountain gems; China-ware; paper; medicinal plants;
Tin; cotton; Kŏ cloth; stone of which sceeens may be made.
iron ore.
The Mow-tan; Seuen-füh flower.
304
APPENDIX,
IX. SHAN-TUNG PROVINCE.
Tse-nan-foo is the metropolis. It is distant south of Peking 800 le. From
east to west it extends 1640 le; from south to north 810 le. On the east it
is bordered by the sea; on the west by Yun-ching in Chih-le; on the south
by Peen-hëen in Keang-nan; on the north by Ning-sin, in Chih-le, On
the south-east, by Hae-chow in Keang-nan; on the south-west by Shang-
kew, in Ho-nan; on the north-east by the sea; on the north-west by, fen..
kung in Chih-lc,
Taxes,
?
Duty on Salt,
REVENUE,
Duties collected at Tsing-chow-kwan,
?
Grain,
+
9,376,185
. 120,720
•
29,680
3,526,565
Tales
Shih 358,963,
21 Boats employed for the use of government,
MANNERS.
Those devoted to letters, ambitious after literary distinctions. Weaving
and the mechanic arts diligently applied to. The dispositions of the people
sincere and unassuming; and in their intercourse polite and ceremonious,
PRODUCTIONS.
Silk; dates; Diospyros; the snow pear; Yang-ke, or floating stone,
Medicinal herbs Poo-kung-ying, Ma-tow-tseucn, Teen-seen-tsze. Ne-shan
ink stone; Lin-tsing silk; Chang-tsew carpeting; Hwang-hwa vegetable.
APPENDIX.
305
X. SHAN-SE PROVINCE.
The metropolis is Ta-yuen-foo. Distant south-west from Pcking 1200
Ic. In extent from east to west 880 le; from north to south 1620 le. It is
bordered on the east by Tsin-king in the province Chih-le; on the west
by Woo-heen in Shen-se; on the south by Shen-chow in Io-nan; on the
north by Sha-hoo-kow in Leang-ching. On the south-east it extends to
Hwuy-hëen in Ho-nan; on the south-west to Chaou-yih in Shen-se; on
the north-cast to Hwae-gan in Chih-le; on the north-west to Hwang-kuh
in Shen-sc.
Taxes,
Duties,
Duties on salt,
REVENUE.
Duties collected at Shå-hoo-kow,
2,990,675
•
31,100
507,028
10,919
3,539,722
MANNERS.
Merchandize of all kinds. The people diligent in their callings. Both
rich and poor are happy in their stations. In their dispositions the people
are unyielding and economical.
The literati are persevering in their
studies.
PRODUCTIONS.
Salt; silver; iron; coals; bear skins; grapes; tin; alum; silk;
pears; dates. Carpeting; felts; Fun wine; Tsih silk. Medicinal plant
Lung-keŏ (dragon's bones); Shih-hung-hwang. Yu-yu-lcang. Pih-tcaou
fish.
R 2
306
APPENDIX.
XI. SHEN-SE PROVINCE.
The metropolis is Se-gan-foo. Distant south-west from Peking 2650 lc.
In extent from east to west 935 le; from north to south 2426 le. On the
east it is bordered by Lang-chow in IIo-nan; on the west by the river Tsing;
on the south, it extends to Ta-ping-hëen in Sze-chuen; on the north to
Tscang-peen in Yu-lin. On the south-east to Chih-chuen in Ho-nan,
on the south by west to Kwang-yuen in Sze-chucn; on the north-east
to Ho-kuh in Shan-se; on the north-west to Kwang-ling in Shan-sc.
Taxes,
Duties,.
•
REVENUE.
Tales
1,658,700
•
40,623
1,699,323
Duties collected at Tung-kwan not certain, therefore not specified.
MANNERS.
The people live scattered. In their intercourse they arc sincere, upright,
and economical; are just and civil in their dealings.
PRODUCTIONS.
Gems; iron; carpets; silk; skins; dcer's horns; the downy fowl; pcas;
yellow rats; wax, horn bows, salt; sugar cane; fragrant stones for rubbing
ink on. Medicinal plants. Pih-yen-tung.
XII. KAN-SUII PROVINCE.
The metropolis is Lan-chow-foo.
Distant south-west from Peking
4040 le. In extent from cast to west 2120 le; from north to south 2400 le.
307
APPENDIX.
On the east it extends to Chang-woo in Shen-se; on the west to Lang-
mun-fan, in Ho-chow; on the south to Ping-woo in Sze-chuen; on the
north, to Jih-puh-tsze mountain. On the south-east to Leo-yang in Shen-
se; on the south-west to Taou-chow-wei-fan in Shen-se; on the north-cast
to Paou-gan in Shen-se, on the north-west to Chin-se district.
Taxes,
Duties,
Grain and rice,
REVENUE.
280,652
39,450
Tales
320,102
Shih 218,550
MANNERS.
The people of an ardent unyielding disposition, partial to martial arts.
Diligent in agriculture.
Sincere.
PRODUCTIONS.
Carpeting; Kŏ cloth; caps for the winter; tassels; skins; gold; salt;
varnish; cornealian stone; stag's horns; quicksilver; deal timber; marble;
Kwo fish; rhinoceros; horns of the rhinoceros; wild horses; Pih-nac.
XIII. SZE-CHUEN PROVINCE.
The metropolis is Ching-too-foo. Distant south-west from Peking 5700
le. From east to west it measures 3000 le; from north to south 3200 le.
On the east it is bordered by Pa-lung in Hoo-pih ; on the west by Maou-urh-
308
APPENDIX.
kih-too-sang, belonging to Tibet; on the south by Yuen-kew in Yun-nan
on the north by Ning-keang-chow in Shen-se. On the south-east by Chuen-
tsëě in Kwei-chow; on the south-west by Hoo-le-kung-tan; on the north-
cast by Chang-gan in Shen-se; on the north-west by Wän-hëen in Kan-sŭh.
Taxes,
Duties,
REVENUE.
631,094
20,520
Tales
651,614
Duties on Salt collected at Ta-lung-yen, not specified.
MANNERS.
Large population; the country very extensive, and produces a great
abundance of whatever is esteemed valuable. The Chinese who submitted
on the present family ascending the throne, and those who would not, now
live together amicably. At present the distinction is not observed.
Few litigations; and the manners of the people correct.
PRODUCTIONS.
Gold; iron; the following kinds of silk, Kin, Loo, Ling, Keun, and
Sze; Kin-chow crapc. Sëč-taou; the Tseen bamboo; the Ko plant.
Salt; Hae-tang (Pyrus Japonica); Pa-twan silk; silk carpets, or carpeling;
cotton; fox tails; chillics, or cayanne pepper; musk of the Moschiferus
animal; IIeang-koo, a fragrant plant; Fungus.
}
309
APPENDIX.
XIV. KWANG TUNG PROVINCE.
Kwang-chow-foo is the metropolis. Distant south-west from Peking
7570 le. In extent from east to west 3500 le; from north to south 1800 le.
On the east it is bordered by Chaou-gan in Füh-keen; on the west by Nan-
ning in Kwang-se; on the south by the sea; on the north by Kwei-yang
in Hoo-nan. On the south-east it extends to the sea; on the south-west to
the sea at Yae-chow; on the north-east to Chang-ning in Keang-se; on
the north-west to Kea-hëen in Kwang-se.
Taxes,
Licences to Pawn brokers, &c.
Duties on salt,
REVENUE,
1,264,304
5,990
47,510
43,750
53,670
Tales 1,415,224
Duties collected by Hoppos at, and dependent on Canton,.
Duties collected at Chaou-chow,
MANNER9.
The people given to splendour and extravagance. The style of literary
compositions is elegant. The dispositions of the people gentle and liberal.
A place where great trade is carried on.
PRODUCTIONS,
Salt; tea; Nan wood; Hwa-le, or pear wood; rose wood; horn
lanterns; gause lanterns; Beche-de-Mer; glass; tortoise shell; chrystal;
coral; pearls; spices; silver; tin; brass, or copper; cloth; cotton.
Sugar camphire; silks. Plums, Wang-pe; plantains: oranges; peaches;
310
APPENDIX.
pine apples; lemons; Carica Papaya; Dimocarpus Litchi; Dimocarpus
Longan; Loquat. Birds of all feather.
XV. KWANG-SE PROVINCE.
The metropolis is Kwei-lin-foo. Distant south-west from Pcking 7460 le.
In extent from east to west 2810 le; from north to south 2960 le. On the
east it extends to Kwang-ning in Kwang-tung; on the west to Shang-foo
in Yun-nan; on the south to Kwei-shan in Kwang-tung; on the north to
Yung-tsung in Kwei-chow. On the south-east to Shih-ching in Kwang-tung;
on the south-west to Gan-nan, or Cochinchina; on the north-east to Tung-
gan-heen in Hoo-nan; on the north-west to Chin-le-chow in Kwei-chow.
Taxes,
•
REVENUE.
Dutics, Pawn broker's licences, &c.
Duty on Salt.
1
MANNERS,
416,399
25,880
47,150
Tales
489,423
The literati partial to the five classics. The people are sedate and
follow the occupations of their ancestors; form strong attachments. The
country productive.
PRODUCTIONS.
Silver; copper; the Ko plant; iron; lead; tin; musk; Suh crape; Puh-
szc-tsaou; Kca fish; jacca; Pih-shih-ying; Tang-woo, or black snake; Ko-
scen rice; Tee-le wood, suspending birds; pheasants.
311
APPENDIX,
XVI. YU-NAN PROVINCE.
Yun-nan-foo is the metropolis. Distant south-west from Peking 8200 le.
It extends from cast to west 2510 le; from north to south 1150 le. On the
east it extends to Sze-ching in Kwang-se; on the west to Shin-hoo-kwan Ya-
jin (the divine rustic protecting pass or boundary); on the south to Keaou-
che, Cochinchina; on the north to Kwan-le in Sze-chuen. On the south-cast
to Chin-gan in Kwang-se, on the south-west to the Mëen-seun boundary
in Tëen-tsin; on the north-east to Poo-gan in Kwei-chow; on the north-
west to Too-loo-soo-fan.
Taxes,
Duties.
REVENUE.
Summer and winter grains, Shih 227,626
MANNERS.
209,581
34,256
Tales
243,837
Agriculture and literature are what is chiefly followed. The people are
fearful of violating the laws. They are respectful and ceremonious. Their
usages are good.
PRODUCTIONS.
Salt; tea; carpeting; Tsze-shih, or Armina lapidis? Figured silks; Sha-
loo cloth; black salt; pheasants; Yun-chüh (cloud bamboo); iron; colton;
the Tow-ming fish; stones of all description; amber; areca; Dimocarpus
Litchi; ebony; Jin-meen, or human face bamboo.
312
APPENDIX.
XVII. KWEI-CHOW PROVINCE.
Kwei-yang-foo is the metropolis. Distant south-west from Peking 7640
le. In extent it measures from east to west 1090 le; from north to south 7079
lc. On the east it extends to Shin-chow in Hoo-nan; on the west to Keùh-
tsing in Yun-nan; on the south to Nan-tan in Kwang-se; on the north to
Chung-king in Sze-chuen, On the south-east, to Se-lung in Kwang-se;
on the south-west to Keŭh-tsing in Yun-nan; on the north-east to Shing-
chow in Hoo-nan; on the north-west to Tung-chuen in Yun-nan.
Taxes,
Duties,
Duties on Salt, .
u
REVENUE.
MANNERS.
102,628
13,690
6,230
Tales
122,548
The literati possess an elegant style. The people know how to be
diligent to their advantage; are economical and are of good dispositions,
PRODUCTIONS.
Lead; iron; the Ko plant; wax; the downy fowl; Kin-sing stone;
cinnabar; quicksilver; oils for paint; cotton; square bamboo; Nan wood;
pines or deals; yellow Yang wood; Wei-ling-seen; Tsze-shih-ying; musk
called Lung-heang; sung bamboo, Müh-kwo, or papaya.
313
APPENDIX.
GRAIN.
Shing-king,
Bags
TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE REVENUE OF CHINA.
Amount of Taxes and Grain levied on the Provinces.
TAXES.
Tales 38,780 Shing-king,
The quantity of Grain and Rice that is re-
tained in the District granaries of each pro-
vince, for the troops, and a time of scarcity.
Shin-king, Grain 156,810 Rice 139,504
111,674
Chih-le,
3,078,870
Chih-le,
869,192
91,077
Keang-nan,
1,431,273
Keang-soo,
3,257,676
Keang-soo,
1,466,000
1,048,602
Gan-hwuy,
2,550,276 Keang-se,
795,063
Gan-hwuy,
864, 110
155,053
Keang-se,
2,108,653
Keang-se,
1,139,689
787,454
Chih-keang,
3,607,830
Foo-këen,
Chih-keang,
1,258,385 Hoo-pĭh,
678,320
Chih-keang,
1,503,605
615,663
96,934
Fùh-këen.
1,778,887
232,547
Hoo-pĭh,
1,293,315
Hoo-pih,
465,627
96,848
Ho-nan,
221,242
Hoo-nan,
947,505
Hoo-nan,
1,435,958
72,462
Ho-nan,
3,177,408
Hoo-nan,
96,214
Ho-nan,
2,221,300
221,941
Shan-tung,
3,526,565 Shan-tung,
353,963
Shan-tung,
966,500
478,690
Shan-se,
3,539,722
Shan-se,
1,306,987
none
Shen-se,
1,699,323 Kan-sub,
218,550
Shen-se,
2,697,62€
636,523
Kan-suh,
320,102 Yun-nan,
Kan-suh,
227,626
3,080,000
402,246
Sze-chuen,
651,614
Sze-chuen,
1,045,179
9,840
Shih 4,230,959
Kwang-tung,
1,415,224
Kwang-tung, 2,585,000
none
Kwang-se,
L
489,423
Kwang-se,
990,471
127,175
Yun-nan,
Kwei-chow,
243,837
Yun-nan,
750,411
none
122,548
Kwei-chow,
157,818
none
Total 33,327,056
Total 25,481,164
5,115,625
314
APPENDIX.
ANNUAL INCOME OF THE HIGHER. OFFICERS OF THE
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT.

PROVINCES,
croy. Deputy
Viceroy.
Trea-
Provincl. Inspector
Viceroy. surer, Judge. of Salt.
Chih-le,
15,000
9,000 8,000
Keang-nan
Keang-se,
Keang-soo
12,000
10,000
8,000
Gan-hwuy
18,000
!0,000
8,000
6,000
·
6,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
Chih-keang,
Fùh-köen,
10,000
15,000
7,000 6,000 4,500
13,000
8,000 6,000
IIoo-pih,
Hoo-han,...
IIo-n in
Shan-tung,
Shan-se,..
·
15,000
10,000 8,000
6,000
10,000
8,000 6,500
•
Shen-se,
12,000
15,000 8,000 8,540
15,000 8,000 6,059
10,000 8,000 7,000
8,000 5,000
2,000
• •
Kan-süh,
Sze-chuen,.
Kwang tung.
Kwang se,
20,000
7,000 4,000
20,000
8,000
4,000
13,000
8,000
6,000
15,000
8,000
10,030
5,600
4,900
Yun-nan,
Kwei-chow,
•
•
10,000
8,000
5,000
20,000
10,000 4,500 3,000
The Foo-yuen or Deputy-Viceroy presides over Ho-nan, Shan-lung, and Shan-se,
ANNUAL DISBURSEMENTS OF THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT,
KWANG-TUNG PROVINCE, *
In this Province there are nine cities denominated Foo, ten of the second
class called Chow, and sixty-eight IIëen districts. The number of Civil
Officers employed throughout the Province, is 622.

In the government of Kwang-chow-foo, which presides over
14 Hëen districts, there are..
officers. Income,
Tales
110 23,640
The district Heang-shan-höen, in which Macao is situated,
is under the jurisdiction of Kwang-chow-foo. It is dis-
tant from Canton 220 le, or 70 miles. Its Taxes amount
*This province, which is better known than the others, is given at full
length, it will answer to show how the amount of each province has been
ascertained, without being unnecessary prolix,
APPENDIX.
315
to 34,509 Tales. Ils granary receives annually 50,000
Shih of grain. The Heen magistrate's income is 1000
Tales; he has an assistant officer called Tso-lang, who
resides at Macao, his income is 80 Tales, but he enjoys
privileges, which make it a lucrative situation.
Officers. Income.
Shaou-chow-foo, has six Heen districts,
43
11,680
Hwuy-chow-foo, has nine Heen and one small Chow dis-
trict,
71
16,760
Chaou-chow-foo, has nine Hëen, districts,
65
14,700
•
Shaou-king-foo, has ten Heen districts,.
60
16,520
Kaou-chow-foo, has one Chow, and five Hëen districts,…….
Löen-chow-foo, has one Chow, and two Höen districts,.
Luy-chow-foo, has three Heen districts,.....
Keung-chow-foo, has three Chow, and nine Höen districts,.
Loo-ting-chow, has one Chow, and two Heen districts, .
Tih-king-chow, has one small Chow and two Heen districts,
Kea-ying-chow, has one small Chow,and four Heen districts,
Nan-heung-chow, has one small Chow, and two Heen dis-
tricts,
40
10,600
30
6,100
22
5,320
67
17,460
16
3,380
14
2,660
26
5,160
13
2,360
Leen-chow, has one small Chow, and one Heen district,
17
2,840
594
139,180
Income of the higher officers of the government,
28
59,260
Total 622
198,440
Shing-king, exclusive of the six Tartar Boards, there are 164 Civil
officers, whose income is,
8,527
Chih-le province has ten Foo cities, twenty-five Chows; and one
hundred and twenty-four Hëen districts. The number of civil
officers is 869, whose income amounts annually to
Keang-soo province has eight Foo cities, three Chows, and fifty-three
Heen districts. The civil officers 958, whose income is,
Gan-hwuy province has eight Foo cities, eight Chows, and fifty Hëen
districts. There are 378 Civil officers, whose income is,
Keang-se province has thirteen Foo cities, two Chows, and seventy-
five Heen districts under its government. The number of civil
officers is 549 whose annual income amounts to……………
Chih-keang Province has eleven Foo cities, one Chow, and seventy-
281,148
314,590
121,000
190,840
2 8 2
316
APPENDIX.
six Heen districts under its jurisdiction. There are 556 Civil
Officers, whose income amounts to
• •
•
•
181,850
159,640
Foo-keen Province has ten Foo cities, two Chows, and sixty-two
Heen districts. There are 471 Civil Officers, whose annual in-
come amounts to....
IIoo-pih Province has ten Foo cities, seven Chows, and sixty Heen
districts. There are 463 Civil Officers, whose income amounts to 172,896
Hoo-nan Province has nine Foo citics, seven Chows, and sixty-four
Heen districts. There are 438 Civil Officers, whose income is,.. 154,500
Ho-nan Province has nine Foo cities, ten Chows, and ninty-seven
Heen districts. There are 578 Civil Officers, whose income is, 260,970
Shan-tung Province has ten Foo cities, cleven Chows, and ninty-six
Heen districts. There are 657 Civil Officer's, whose income a-
mounts to
•
·
•
There are 65 Officers attendant on the temple dedicated to Confucius.
Shan-se Province has nine Foo citics, sixteen Chows, and eighty-
seven Heen districts. There are 512 Civil Officers, whose in-
come amounts to
•
Shen-se Province has seven Foo cities, ten Chows, and seventy-three
Heen districts. There are 408 Civil Officers, whose income
amounts to
293, 162
296,270
144, 100
Kan-suh Province has nine Foo cities, thirteen Chows, and fifteen
Heen districts. There are 303 Civil Officers, whose income
amounts to
138,500
Sze-chuen Province has twelve Foo cities, eighteen Chows, and one
hundred and twelve Heen districts. There are 567 Civil Officers,
whose income amounts to
.217,230
{
Kwang-se Province has cleven Foo cities, two Chin-tac Chows,
fifteen smaller ditto, and forty-seven Heen districts. There are
430 Civil Officers, whose income amounts to
Yun-nan Province has fourteen Foo cities, four Chin-tae Chows,
twenty-seven smaller ditto, and thirty-nine Heen districts. There
are 389 Civil Officers, whose income amounts to
Kwei-chow Province has fourteen Foo cities, thirty-four smaller
ditto, and thirty-four Höen districts.
165,186
204,821
There are 299 Civil
Officers, whose income amounts to
117,060
1.
Total expenses of the Civil Service, Tales 3,623,730
APPENDIX.
317
MINISTERS OF STATE, AND NUMBER OF OFFICERS IN THE
GOVERNMENT AT PEKING.
Officers of the Imperial Household, (three who rank as kings)
Attendants on the preceding,.
Writers to ditto,
*
4
6
12
National Treasury.-Comptrollers, (the president a king).
Clerks,....
Prime Ministers of State, (2 and 2 secondary)
Hee-pan Ta-hed-sze, (profound scholars)
6
*
24
4
2
Nuy-ko HeŎ-sze,
She-tüh Heo-sze,
She-tuh.
Chung-shoo Ministers,
10
8
16
.98
Han-peaou-tseen Chung-shoo, bearers of the despatches,
Sung-wae-nuy-keo Chủng-shoo,
.32
121
Chung-shoo-koo,
8
Pëě-tee-shě, Writers,
6
Gih-wae Chung-shoo,
9
Le-poo, Board of Magistracy, (including clerks)
152
Hoo-poo, Board of Revenue,
ditto..
282
Le-poo, Board of Rites,
240
Ping-poo, Board that presides over the Army,
227
Hing-poo, Board of Punishments,
396
Kung-poo, Board of Public Works,
.317
Surgeons,..
90
#
Officers in various departments at the capital,.
1,455
MEMBERS OF THE HAN-LIN COLLEGË.
Sew-seuen, who are at the Head of the College. Rank VI. No. only 6
Peen-sew,
Keen-taou,
Chay-këě-tsze,
Woo-king Po-tsze,
*
VII.
VII.
VII.
VIII.
138
18
93
27
Those persons at first obtain the degree Tsin-sze, and are then according
to order nominated to enter the College; after passing through its grada-
tions are called forth to fill important situations in the government.
INCOME OF THE CIVIL OFFICERS ATTENDANT ON THE
PALACE.
RANK.
TALES, RICE SHIH
I.
Drive a carriage and four.
Annually allowance, 180 180
IL
Ditto
three.
ditto
150
150
III.
Ditto
three.
ditto
130
130
IV.
Ditto
two.
ditto
105
105
V.
Ditto
two.
ditto
80
80
VI.
Ditto
two.
ditto
60
60
VII.
45
45
VIII.
40
40
IX.
•
-
4
❤
*
4
34
34
318
APPENDIX.
ARMY LIST.
Tscang-keun, Tartar General
Rank Second of First Order
Te-tüh, General there are 18.
Tsung-ping, Lieutenant General,
64.
Foo-tseang, Major-General,
121.
Tsan-tseang, Colonel.
165.
ditto
Principal of Second.
2nd of Second Order.
Principal of Third.
Yew-koih, Lieutenant Colonel. 373.
Second of Third.
Too-sze, Major,
373.
Principal of Fourth.
Show-pc, Captain,
425.
Principal of Fifth.
Tsëen-tsung, Ensign,
1549.
Principal of Sixth.
Show-pc, belonging to Imp.Guards, 44.
Principal of Fifth.
Show-yu-so,
Wei-tseen-tsung,
ditto
43.
2nd of Fifth Order.
330.
2nd of Fifth Order.
The Officers who arc of the First, second, &c. of the Nine Orders, receives
annually, as follows:
Tartar General.
FIRST RANK.
Monthly pay,
Fire wood,
Major General. SECOND.
81 6 0 0 Monthly pay,
144 0 0
53 4 5 8
Fire wood and coal,....144 0 0 0
72 0 0 0
Vegetables,candles,coals 180 0 0 0 Vegetables
Paper, account books, 200 0 0 0 Paper,
General.
Monthly pay,...
Tales 605 600
SECOND.
81 6 0 0 Monthly pay,
108 0 0 0
Tales 377 4 5 8
Colonel.
THIRD RANK.
Fire wood,..
Vegetables,coals, candles, 180
144 0 0
0 0 0 Fire wood,
39 3 4 0
124 0 0 0
0 0
0 Vegetables, coals,
Paper, account books, 200
0
0
0 Paper, account books,
48
..36
0' 0
{
36 0 0 0
Tales 605 6 0 0
Tales 247
GO
4 0
Lt. General.
SECOND RANK.
Lt. Colonel.
Monthly pay,
Fire wood,.
Candles and 'coals,
Paper,
.67 5 7 6 Monthly pay,
144 0 0 0 Fire wood,
140
0 0 0 Vegetables,
160 0 0 0 Paper,
Tales 511 5 7 6
3 4 0
SECOND,
.39
124 0 0 0
36 0 0 0
7
36 0 0 0
Tales 235 3 4 0
APPENDIX.
319
Major.
Monthly pay,
FOURTHI RANK.
SIXTH RANK.
Fire wood,.
27 3 9
72 0 0 0
4 Monthly allowance, ....48
....48 0 0 0
Candles and coals,
.24 0 0
0
SEVENTII RANK.
Paper,....
24 0 0
0
0 Monthly allowance,
..36 0 0 0
Tales 147 3 9
4
Monthly,
Fire wood,...
FIFTH RANK.
18 7
0 6
.48
0 0
0
12 0 0 0
Vegetables, coals,.
Paper,
12 0 0 0
Tales 90 7 0 6
ARMY.
Shing-king, Tartary. There are three Tartar Generals, or field of
cers, who are of the first rank, and ten Tartar Generals, who are
seconds of the first rank. The number of troops, who are Tar-
tars, is ....
The Imperial city.-There are 207 commissioned officers. There
are three Tartar Generals, and one Chinese General who has
charge of the nine outer city gates, (there are also seven inner
gates). The number of troops amounts to
to.....
Chih-le Province.-There are 681 officers. The Viceroy for the time
being has under his command 5000. The General retains in and
about Chih-le five encampments, that is 5000 men. There are
six Major-Generals, and six Lt. Generals, who command cach
three encampments, or 3000 men. Land force 148,000. Marine
3000,
Keang-soo and Gan-hwuy Provinces.-Commissioned officers 630.
One Tartar General of the first rank, and two secondary. The
Viceroy has five encampments, or 5000 men, obedient to his
orders; one General who superintends the transfer of grain
has under him 3000 men; two treasurers each 2000 men. The
General who remains at the Capital of the provinces have 5000
4,000
26,000
Total 151,000
320
APPENDIX.
men; there are also four Lt. Generals, each 3000 men, and three
Major-Generals, each 2000 men. The other troops are stationed
in different parts of the Province. The land force is 125,000.
Tartar troops for defence of the cities 3000. Marine 4000.
Keang-se Province.-There are 173 commissioned officers. The
deputy Viceroy, has obedient to his orders 4000 men; two Lt,
Generals, each 3000; and two Major-Generals each 2000; these
are stationed in and about the metropolis or capital of the pro-
vince. The force throughout the province is 35,000 foot and
horse; and 4000 marine....
Chih-keang Province.-There are 468 commissioned officers. One
Tartar General, two secondary ditto. The deputy Viceroy has
2000 men. The Chinese General 5000 men. There are five
Lt. Generals, and nine Major-Generals who have each 3000 men
stationed at the Capital of the Province, The land force
throughout the province is 56,000; marine 3000....
Foo-keen Province.-Commissioned officers 602. One Tartar Gene-
ral who commands 1000 Tartar troops, he has charge of the city.
The Viceroy has 4000 men at his command; the deputy Viceroy
2000 men. The Chinese General has 3000 men, There are eight
Lt. Generals and seven Major-Generals who have each at the
capital of the Provincial 2000 men. The land force including
Tartar troops is 73,000. Marine 3000.
Hoo-pih Province.-There are 298 commissioned officers, The
Viceroy has 3000 troops under his command; the deputy Vice-
roy 2000. The General has 5000 men stationed in the city; the
two Lt. Generals each 4000, three Major-General each 2000. The
land force amounts to 35,000; marine 2000.....
Iloo-nan Province.-There are 355 commissioned officers. The de-
puty Viceroy has at his command 2000 men. The General
retains 5000 men at the city; there are three Lt. Generals, cach
3000, and eight Major-Generals, 2000 cach.
49,000, marine 2000.
Ho-nan Province.-There are 181 officers.
132,000
.39,000
59,000
76,000
37,000
The land force is
51,000
The deputy Viceroy
has under him 3000 men. The two Lt. Generals whose com-
pliment at the capital is below a 1000 men cach. The land force
is....
Shan-tung Province.-There are 249 officers, The Viceroy has at
his command 3000 men. The deputy Viceroy who acts as Genc-
24,000
321
APPENDIX.
35,000
ral, has in the city 3000 men. There are two Lt. Generals
and four Major-Generals, whose compliment at the city is under
1000 men. The land force is 34,000, marine 1000...
Shan-se Province.-There are 385 officers. The deputy Viceroy who
commands instead of the General has 4000 men in the city. There
are two Tartar Generals in charge of the city, and two Lt. and
The number of troops is 53,000
two Major-Generals, each 3000 men.
Shen-se Provinec.-Commissioned officers 447. Three Tarlar Ge-
nerals who have under them 4000 Tartar troops for defending
the city. The deputy Viceroy has 4000 men at his command.
The Chinese General retains 5000 men at the capital of the
province; four Lieutenant and six Major-Generals, each com-
mands 3000 men.
The number of troops is
Kan-suh Province.-Commissioned officers 635. The Viceroy who
acts also for the deputy-Viceroy has at his command 5000 men.
There are seven Lt. Generals cach 4000 men, and eight Major
There are three
Generals whose number is below 1000 men.
Tartar Generals in charge of the city. Number of troops.
Sze-chuen Province.-Commissioned officers 451.
The Viceroy
who acts also for the Deputy Viceroy, commands 5000 men.
There are three Tartar Generals. The Chinese General at
There are four
the capital of the province has 5000 men.
104,000
123,000
Lt. Generals, each commands 3000 men, and six Major-Generals
whose number is below 1000 men cach. The land force is .... 85,000
One Tartar
Kwang-lung Province.-Commissioned officers 708.
General and two Too-tung Generals, who command 4000 men for
2000.
99,000
the defence of the city.
One General and one Admiral, who
have cach 5000 men at Canton. The Viceroy has under his com-
mand 5000 men; the Deputy Viceroy 2000. There are seven
Lt. Generals each 3000 men, and eleven Major-Generals cach
The land force is 88,000 Chinese, and 4000 Tarlar
troops. The marine 7000,
Kwang-se Province.-There are 281 commissioned officers. The
Deputy Viceroy has 2000 men under his command. The General
and Admiral have cach 5000 men at the capital of the Province.
There are two Lt. Generals each 2000 men, and six Major-Generals,
who have each 2000 men. The land force is 40,000. Marine 2000, 42,000
Yun-nan Province.-There are 411 commissioned officers. The
Viceroy has obedient to his orders 4000 men ; the deputy Governor
T 2
322
APPENDIX.
·
2000, the General at the capital of the Province 3000 men. There
are six Lt. Generals, and five Major-Generals, whose compli-
ment of men is below 1000 men each. The force is
Kwei-chow Province-Commissioned officers 390. The Deputy
Governor has obedient to his orders 2000 men. The General has
3000 men stationed at the capital of the Province; there are two
Lt. Generals and ten Major-Generals whose compliment at the
city is below 1000 men cach.
Troops...
•
•
53,000
70,000
Total number of Troops 1,263,000
Sums paid into the National and Provincial Treasuries, and the total
amount of the Civil and Army List.
National Tredsury.
Provincial
Treasury:
Civil List:
Army.
Total
Shing-king,
·
8,527
Imperial city,
Chih-le,...Tales 1,939,943
611,811
281,148
71,872 80,399
434,272 434,272
2,470,807 2,751,955
Keang-soo,......2,564,728
1,446,051
314,590
Gan-hwuy,.. 1,394,904
412,709
124,000
2,182,707 2,621,297
Keang-sc,..
J
.1,602,431
Chih-keang,. .2,287,346
•
•
Foo-këen,
Hoo-pih,
Hoo-nan,
Ho-nan,
Shan-tung,
+
1,054,209
776,173
540,705 190,840 641,339 832,179
687,277 181,850
208,052
159,640
333,543 172,896
967,402 1,149,252
1,228,006
1,387,646
621,254
794,150
944,422
265,379
154,500 844,990
999,490
2,441,110
620,623
260,970
395,613
656,583
2,730,136
692,141
293, 162
582,814
875,976
Shan-se,
Shen-sc,
2,702,285
328,290
296,270
875,600
1,171,870
•
1,344,548
265,498
144, 100
1,759,677
1,903,777
Kan-suh,.
182,644
72,275
138,500
2,040,995
2,179,495
Szc-chuen,
216,366
13,029
217,230
1,402,162 1,619,392
Kwang-tung,… 719,307
319,307
198,440
1,582,654 1,781,094
Kwang-se,
278,559
86, 145
165,186
728,258 893,444
Yun-nan,
188,927
53,596
204,821
892,678 1,097,499
Kwei-chow,.
53,340
13,340
117,060 1,161,103 1,278,163
Total 23,421,378
6,969,771
3,623,730 20,884,203 24,507,933
323
APPENDIX.
TOTAL AMOUNT OF REVENUE.
TALES,
Total Amount of Taxes, collected from the eighteen Provinces, 33,327,056
Amount of Rice sent to Peking,
Probable consumption of Grain and Rice by the Troops,.
•
6,346,438
7,227,360
Total
46,900,854
ANNUAL DISBURSEMENTS,
Total Amount of Taxes,
33,327,056
Civil Service and Army,..
24,507,933
Balance in favor of National Treasury,
8,819,123
Annual Repairs of the Yellow River,
2,000,000
Ditto Yuen-ming Gardens and Jih-ho,..
1,000,000
•
3,000,000
Income of Ministers of State, Clerks, Keu-jin and Tsin-sze
Graduates, and expenses of the Palace,...
Total 5,819,123
THE RESOURCES OF THE EMPIRE.
Amount of Rice annually imported into the Capital,.....
Amount of Grain in Provincial Granaries, for the troops, and
•
a time of scarcity,.
Amount of rice for ditto,
Amount of Taxes,
Amount of sums remaining in Provincial Treasuries,
6,346,438
20,144,931
7,673,437
33,327,056
6,969,771
Total
74,461,633
POPULATION.
Population,
Population on the water,
Civil Officers,
Military Officers,
• •
Infantry,
Cavalry,
Marinc,
143,000,000
2,000,000
9,611
7,552
822,000
410,000
31,000
Total 146,280,163
324
APPENDIX.
From the preceding statement it has been shewn that the Taxes of China
amount only to 33 Millions and odd. The Provincial Treasuries annually
retain the sums specified in the second column, page 322, in case of com-
motion or scarcity; and which sum at the close of the year affords the
Provincial government means of proceeding without embarrassment.
The Revenue of the Provinces Sze-chuen, Kwang-se, Yun-nan, and
Kwei-chow, being inadequate to the expences of the Civil Government
and Troops, receive assistance from the other Provinces or immediately
from the Capital. The sums stated to be paid into the National Trea-
sury, are only 23,421,378 Tales, which is 9,905,678 Tales, below the a-
mount of Taxes; whether this forms the balance to the National Treasury,
instead of 5,819,123 Tales, as already stated, or the difference between
the two sums, which is 4,086,555 Tales be carried forward to discharge the
Civil List, has not been ascertained. The Rice sent to the Capital being
for the use of the Palace, and the Officers of the Government, &c. cannot
be considered as adding any thing to the Annual Revenue; further than
by their receiving a monthly supply, the officers income is consequently less.
From the extensive Foreign Trade carried on at Canton, though not
noticed when particularizing the sums levied on the Provinces, the Duties
resulting therefrom must more than make up the deficiency required to
meet the expenses of the Government and Army, which is 365,870 Tales.
It is remarkable that the disbursements of the Province Füh-këen, only
exceed the Taxes levied by 29,261 Tales, which the Government may have
APPENDIX.
325
means of discharging, and require no further aid.
This doubtless was
the case even when the English traded to Amoy; and as the trade actually
did, or was anticipated would augment the Revenue of the Province, be-
yond what it might be deemed necessary; and the Portuguese at that
time having possession of Macao, it might be desircable that all Euro-
peans should frequent but one part of the Empire; and as we have seen
the taxes of Kwang-tung were insufficient to meet its expenditure, I
entertain no doubt, but what the whole of the impositions complained of
by the English Residents when at Amoy, and the subsequent Imperial
Edicts, in 1702, excluding the Foreign Trade from Amoy, and confining
it solely to Canton, were political schemes of those who were at the head
of government at Peking, for improving the Revenue of the Province of
Kwang-tung. They no doubt took into consideration, that by the Trade
being confined to this latter Province, considerable benefit would result
to the empire at large, as the expense attending the transfer of the Tea from
the Black Tea district would be considerably encreased.
The expenses attending the transfer of Black Tea to Fu-chow-fu, has
been estimated at four Mace three Candareens per pecul, which is about one
half of the distance to Amoy; while the transfer to Canton amounts to three
Tales, six Mace, five Candareens. According to this estimate, allowing the
annual Export to be 152,384 peculs, the porterage alone would be 65,525
Tales; while the transfer to Canton amounts to Tales 556,201, no small
difference certainly, and which is obtained from the Foreign Merchants,
326
APPENDIX.
without causing any diminution of the Article in demand. Allowing that
the Green Teas were taken to Amoy for nearly one half of the expense
they are brought to Canton, the total amount of the Green and Black Teas
being 189,634 peculs, the porterage, &c. would then amount to 690,000
Tales annually; exclusive of what is gained on the extra carriage of 1,556
peculs of Raw Silk, and 179,000 pieces of Nankeens. This calculation
is made only on what is Exported by the Honorable East India Company;
if the whole of the Foreign Trade be considered, a very considerable ad-
vantage, beyond this estimate, must result to the Government by making
Canton the Emporium of the Trade, resulting solely from the transfer.
These, and similar expenses for Clerks, and the tranferring back the
amount of Teas sold, which expenses finally fall on the Foreign Merchant,
must farther tend very considerably to promote the wealth and industry of
the people, which if the trade had been continued at Amoy, would not
have existed. From this view of the subject, though comparatively only
a small sum may be paid into the Treasury, in consequence of Canton be-
ing the Port of Foreign Trade, by the extra duties in the transfer of the
Teas, more than what would if confined to Amoy, still the nation muşt
be benefitted nearly 1,000,000 Tales annually. If these premises are just
we cannot but admire the prudence and foresight of the Chinese Govern,
ment, in rendering the Foreign Trade as advantageous and beneficial as pos-
sible in the principal Articles of commerce with Foreigners.
In page 323 is given the Resources of the Empire, which, including
APPENDIX,
327
the sums retained in the Provincial Treasuries, and the estimate of Grain
and Rice in the granaries, with the Taxes, give a Total of only 74,461,633
Tales.
As to the sums retained in the Provincial Treasuries, it is probable
that on the present family ascending the throne, that such sums then
existed, if not then, at no long period afterwards; for on referring several
years back the sums specified remain the same, no addition or reduc-
tion occurs. This applies also to the Grain and Rice in the Provincial
Granaries. When the Grain has been injured from the length of time it has
been stored up, a statement is presented to the Emperor, who issues an
order for its being replaced. An occurrence of this kind lately took
place in the district Chang-ping, belonging to Kwang-tung; the damaged
Grain was sold and replaced at the loss of 11,707 Tales.
From the annexed address it will be seen that considerable sums
have occasionally been raised by selling of situations in the government ;
as such sums come not under the head of Taxes, they of course are not
stated; and also by granting rank, which is very generally sought after
by persons who possess property. The fourth rank is the highest that
can be purchased, for which a 1000 Dollars is usually paid; the lowest,
that of a Köen-sang, 180 Dollars. These and such like sums, tend to
augment the Balance of the National Treasury, or to make up the defi-
ciency for discharging the Army and Civil List.
The Army, which amounts to 1,263,000 men, whose annual income
328
APPENDIX.
is 20,884,203 Tales, exclusive of rice and provender for the horses, must
be viewed as a very heavy burden on the nation; whereas one-third of
the number, if well disciplined, would be of far more service. At present
The officers and men are
they can only be considered as a militia.
chiefly natives of the province in which they are stationed. A foot soldier
receives monthly about two dollars, i. c. one tale, and three tow measures of
rice; a horse soldier, two tales, and six tow of rice; but then they have
claims on the people.
In regard to conferring literary degrees at triennial examinations,
and selecting from such the officers of the government, it is attend-
ed both with advantages and disadvantages. Fame, being a predominant
passion with the Chinese, all who possess a little property are anxious
that one of their sons should venture in this state Lottery, in the hope of
his becoming a Grandee; hence the boy applies to his book to the neglect
of every other pursuit. About 5000 candidates for the Province of
Kwang-tung usually attend these examinations, of whom only 74 Chinese,
and two Tartars can obtain the Degrees. It doubtless excites a spirit
of enquiry, and a close application to their moral and standard works,
hence knowledge is generally diffused; on the contrary, were there not
those public contests, from the want of periodical and similar publications,
the minds of the people would relax.
On the part of the writer it is proper to state, that the Chinese publish
APPENDIX.
329
no account of the Revenue of the Empire; hence the above is not a
mere transcript. Having ascertained the amount of Taxes stated for each
Province, he was anxious to know how it was expended. The Civil Service
and the Army naturally engrossed his attention; by ascertaining their
number, and finding that their income excluded sundry charges, he has
been enabled to furnish the preceding statement of the Revenue of China.
▼ 2
330
APPENDIX.
The following address to the Emperor Taou-kwang is inserted, as
it conveys considerable information relating to the annual expenses of
the palace. It is alluded to at page 286.
The minister Sin-tsung-yih, the Tsze-che-sin-tsih, Nuy-ko-heö-sze, Member
of the Le-poo Board, and the Heo-ching of Shan-tung; and the Minister
Yuen-sëen, Pëen-sew of the Han-lin College, the Yu-she of Pih-yih,
and Taou-yuen of Yun-nan.
}
เ
Your Ministers have heard that the sale of situations and rank in the
government commenced with the Emperors Ling and Yuen of the Han
dynasty. We lament that the present dynasty adopts so servile a measure
as the selling of situations; for what at present occurs exceeds what tran-
spired under the reigns of Heuen and Ling. Then the whole amount ob-
lained was paid into the treasury, but now one half is retained by those
who dispose of the situations. It is on this account that Ministers ap-
prove of the measure. The assigned reasons for the present government
disposing of situations are, that the Revenue may be improved, and persons
of ability be obtained. But the ancient worthies all sprung from the lowest
class of society! The disposing of situations was to assist persons of
talent who had failed at the triennial examinations. The motive was
extremely good, and hence it became an established rule, that at each
APPENDIX.
331
examination, eleven persons should obtain the degrees, and eight per-
sons should be allowed to purchase situations. This having been car-
ried into effect, all the officers without the principal cities, (excepting the
Chow and Heen Magistrates, and the district Teacher), and those who are sent
on special duty, have all purchased their situations; still their number is
found inadequate, while those who have obtained degrees, but have no
situations, yearly encrease. Of the persons who have obtained the rank
Tsin-sze, but who have no appointments, there are remaining 5000 and
upwards, and of the Keu-jin degree 27,000 and odd. Many of those
persons obtained their degrees eighteen examinations (or 50 years) since.
Is your Majesty waiting till they are old, then call them forth to fill
public situations ? We really can form no idea when those of the
ninteenth examination may expect appointnients. Doubtless they must
wait thirty years. If they obtain their diplomas when upwards of
thirty, and wait thirty odd years for an appointment, of which they are
uncertain, they will be upwards of seventy. Should they then receive an ap-
pointment from the Le-poo board, on entering into office, they will have
attained that period at which they are required to resign. If not then blamed
for being old, doubtless they are censured for being remiss; and are neces-
sitated to resign their situations. It is not so with those who have purchas-
ed situations, being wealthy and young, they are recommended and pro-
moted, and held up as uncorrupted. In this wherein did his Majesty ma-
nifest the excellence of his laws and the benevolence of his intentions!
332
APPENDIX.
Further, the existing regulations respecting the district and pro-
vincial examinations, are extremely rigorous. Each Candidate is re-
quired to trace his lineage back for three generations, and is necessita-
ted to obtain five persons to testify the validity of the same; and to
obtain a certificate from the district instructor under his seal, to certify
that every thing be correct; that he is not the descendant of police
runners, prostitutes, or players. This is very rigorous. Of those who
purchase situations it is not so; no questions are put to know from whence
they sprung. Why is it thus? On paying the amount of their situations,
the officers of the Chow and Heen districts, give a receipt with their
cals affixed, when the Foo-yuen and Viceroy become responsible for them,
and within the space of one year they obtain situations. It was thus with
the Che-foo of Seang-yang, who had been a priest belonging to the
Shaou-lin temple. The Taou-tae of Ning-foo had been a postman, who
purchased the honorable post he held, as did also the
ting-foo. All these persons were not of good birth.
Tung-che of Poo-
Within these few
years eight persons have been accused and discharged. Of those whose birth
is not known, your Ministers can form no idea of their number. It is this
class of persons that covet extortions. By extortion they acquire wealth;
having wealth, they become intimate with their superiors, when the
Viceroy says of such, that they are polite and well bred. Fond of ex-
tortions, they are rigorous in enforcing the laws. The laws being op-
pressive, the people live in awe, when their superiors affirm of such
APPENDIX.
333
that they are able officers. It may be seen that all of whom it is thus
spoken that they are of this class.
Of what we now submit to your Majesty, among the higher officers
of the government, there will be found those who will oppose what we
state. Your Ministers are aware of such. We will not mention of
affairs prior to Keen-lung. In the third year of Kea-king, owing to
the revolt which took place at Sze-chuen, Shan-se, and Hoo-kwang, when
the provincial treasuries were exhausted; situations were sold to replen-
ish the treasury, and 70,000 Tales were obtained. During the 13th year,
when another commotion took place in Hoo-kwang, situations were a-
gain sold, and 60,000 Tales were received into the Treasury; again every
two and three years, when there was a deficiency. Thus within twenty
years the sum of 300,000 tales were obtained. But by dispensing, for
only one year with the heavy expenses of the Queen's palace, there
might be saved more than what is gained by the sale of situations in
ten years.
The annual expenses for the Fung-seaou palace, amount
to upwards of 100,000 tales. The sum annually given to the priests in and
about the metropolis is 120,000 tales.
The repairs for the Yuen-ming
Salaries of the Officers who have
Gardens, annually is 200,000 tales.
charge of the Yuen-ming Gardens is 600,000 tales. The royal gifts to
ladies who reside in the Yuen-ming gardens amount to 250,000 Tales-
If all these expenses were done away with, yearly there might be saved
1,000,000 of Tales and upwards. This sum if well applied would call
334
APPENDIX.
forth real talent,-men of integrity. The nation would then have ways
and means, and the people prosper.
Your Ministers have ascertained that all the officers without the royal
city, from the Viceroys and Foo-yuens downwards to the Heen Magis-
trates, all combine to screen each other to obtain what they so much
desire. It was thus with the six higher officers who leagued together
and defrauded in the delivery of the salt for the use of the Imperial
family. On this account Pih-ling, the Viceroy of Hoo-kwang was
degraded, and Wang-che-yun, the Tsuy-tüh of San-keang, This was
highly gratifying to the Minister To-tsin. To-tsin is now the Ta-heŏ-sze,
(one of the principal Ministers of state) and presides over affairs both
Tartar and Chinese. Glory has descended on him! How important he
feels himself! Why does he enjoy so much royal favour? His indul-
gences and intrigues we will not mention; but only what transpired
on the 29th of the 7th moon of last year, when his late Majesty changed
his state of probation. He hoping to engraciate himself with your
Majesty, then asserted that his late Majesty was born at Wang-yang, and
that he died at Wang-yang. If your Ministers wanted to know where
the Dragon descended (where the Emperor was born) we would refer to
the royal Genealogy. It is there clearly stated that his Majesty was
born at Shin-leaou. This is one instance in which To-tsin insulted your
Majesty. To insult Majesty is an unpardonable crime. It was he who
Your Majesty
vilified, Sun-keun and Tung-keaou, and many others.
APPENDIX.
335
should examine whether what we state be true or false, and make known this
document to all the Ministers in the state, and announce it before the
altar of his late Majesty; it will gladden the hearts of both the troops
and the people. Should your Ministers be called to suffer the axe, or
be thrown into a chaldron of boiling oil, they will not avade it.”
The document meeting the royal approbation, his Majesty added to
it,—“ The Ministers Yuen-seen and Sin-tsung-yih, are faithful Ministers
who love their country, and resemble those illustrious characters Yun-
chwang-too and Hung-leang-kuh of antiquity. Diligently observed this."
First year of Taou-kwang
FINIS.
NOTE TO APPENDIX.
The following Amount of Sums paid as Import Duties on the Foreign
Trade, by the Hong Merchants of Canton, for the Season 1822-23, and re-
mitted to the National Treasury at Peking, has been obtained since the
Appendix was Printed, which is as follows.
NAMES OF MERCHANTS.
Howqua, amount of Duties
209,606 7
TALES. M. C. C.
8 4
Mowqua,
ditto
51,402 9 4
Puankhequa,
ditto
40,652 2 5
4
Chunqua,
ditto
69,057 5 5
3
Conseequa,
ditto
12,589 8 6
8
Manhop,
ditto
87,955 8 2
5
Exchin,
ditto
33,832 4 2 7
Poonequa,
ditto
63,782 6 4 6
Goqua,
ditto
27,563 8 7 4
Kinqua,
ditto
92,535 2 4 $
Fatqua,
ditto
Howqua and other Merchants,
79,742 4 3
21,503 1 3
3
Total Tales
790,224 9 8 3
Another Correspondent, who gives both Imports and Exports, states it thus:
IMPORTS.
Honorable Company's Trade, 395,112 2 4 0
Bengal or Country Trade, 118,533 6 0 0
American Trade,
513,645 8 4
276,578 6
0
Tales
790,224 4 8 0
338
NOTE TO APPENDIX.
EXPORTS.
TALES.
M. C. O.
Honorable Company's Trade, 460,042 1 8 0
Bengal or Country Trade, 80,623 4 4 0
American Trade,
540,665 6 2 0
339,409 4 4 0
880,075 0 6 0
790,224 4 8 0
Total Tales,
1,670,299 5 4 0
Total amount of Export Duties,
Total amount of Import Duties,
At page 324 we have stated that there is a deficiency in the Revenue
of Kwang-tung, for defraying the expenses of the Army and Civil List of
365,870 Tales, which, not then having succeeded in obtaining the preceding
documents, it was conjectured that the Foreign Trade was adequate to
meet such a demand; but we now find that there is an overplus of 1,304,429
Tales;
which being added to the remaining ballance of the Annual Dis-
bursements, at page 323, makes it 7,123,552 Tales. Allowing Three Mil-
lions for Income of Ministers of State, Kew-jin Graduates, and private
expenses of the Palace, &c. there is then annually remaining in the Na-
tional Treasury upwards of Four Millions of Tales, to meet the exigencies
of the Empire.
From the above information, the importance of the Foreign Trade to
the Chinese is apparent, we see that its Duties may be annually estimated
at about 1,670,000 Tales, which allowing a trifling sum for the few extra
officers that superintend it, is nett gains; and if we add the 1,000,000 Tales,
mentioned at page 326, which is supposed to be acquired by the Transfor
NOTE TO APPENDIX.
339
of the Teas, &c. in consequence of Canton being the Port of Foreign
Trade, instead of Amoy; the importance therefore of the Trade to the
Chinese is not less than 2,670,000 Tales annually, which is more than
the stated amount of Taxes levied on the flourishing Province of Gan-
hwuy, exclusive of the profits acquired by the Commerce.
Ready for the press.
An History of China, while divided into three kingdoms; rendered
from the San-kwo-che, and collated with the Standard History of that
period; giving a detailed account of the troubles that distracted the
nation of China, from the ascent of Ling-te to the throne, to the close
of the three nations, when the empire was possessed by the dynasty Tsin;
affording much interesting information as to the manners and customis
of the people; with Official Documents, and a full account of their
battles, political intrigues, &c. &c. In two volumes octavo.
BY PETER PERRING THOMS.
For a specimen of the work, the reader is referred to the 1st page of
the Asiatic Journal for December 1820.