LAN-TSIH 87 



Thus she the large Guest Hall entered, 

 Greeted low her husband's mother, 

 Who had seen her preparations 

 But done nothing them to hinder. 



"Brought up in the country am I, 

 Ignorant of polished manners. 

 I am very grieved." said Lan-tsih, 

 "That I could not win your favour, 

 Thou hast often given me presents. 

 Silk, and gold, and many trinkets, 

 I am sad, I've failed to please thee. 

 Still when I am gone, it may be 

 Thou wilt miss my care and service." 



But when from the little sister 

 Lan-tsih parted, then the tears flowed 

 Un-controlled : " When I came here, 

 Little girl you were, so pretty, 

 Now you're nigh as tall as I am. 

 Care with love for parents aged, 

 Be, as ever, brave and gentle. 

 Think of me sometimes. Eemember 

 The good times we've had together." 



Then from out the house passed Lan-tsih, 

 Stepped into the carriage waiting, 

 Chow, in front, his horse was riding. 



On the highroad Chow alighted, 



And to Lan-tsih bent and whispered : 



"To thy parents pay a visit, 



Very soon, I'll come and fetch thee. 



By High Heaven I'll keep my promise." 



"Deeply does thy love affect me, 



I 'm thy faithful wife for ever. 



If my husband like a rock be, 



Like Nan Mountains, strong, unshaken, 



I'll be like the Typha rushes, 



Which together bound, break never. 



Still my heart has great misgivings. 



Both my father and my brother 



In their anger are like tempests, 



And if they should both oppose me. 



Then my heart may fail for terror." 



