LAN-TSIH 85 



"No," said Lan-tsih, "all my trouble. 

 Is that I am here a stranger. 

 T'is impossible to please thee, 

 Tried I have with all my power. 

 Now I can endure no longer. 

 Kindly send me to my mother." 



The young husband greatly troubled, 

 Went at once to see his mother, 

 And thus reasoned with her gently. 

 "From his face it is predicted, 

 That thy son will ne'er be famous. 

 Fortune has how'er been gracious, 

 Given him a wife, who is perfect. 

 Since the nuptials us united, 

 We have shared one mat and pillow. 

 Till we meet at the Yellow Fountain 

 We'll be faithful to each other. 

 Blameless always is her conduct. 

 Why then dost thou treat her harshly ? 

 Maybe within two or three years. 

 We can set up house together." 



Then to him replied the mother : 

 "From thy words I gather plainly. 

 That her influence corrupts thee. 

 She has awkward country manners. 

 And a wilful disposition. 

 I don't like her," said the mother. 

 "East of here there lives a lady, 

 Tsing Lu-fu, both rich and noble. 

 Let me seek that girl in marriage. 

 And dismiss this 'good-for-nothing'." 



Chow then reverently kneeling. 

 Pleaded with her in deep anguish. 

 Eising he with these words ended : 

 "Never shall I wed another, 

 If my true wife is rejected." 

 Angrily the mother answered : 

 "Son, undutiful I call thee, 

 In this manner to defend her. 

 Speak no more to me of Lan-tsih, 

 Never yield I in this matter." 



