LAN-TSIH Q9 



I could ne'er again be happy." 

 Following message sent the mother : 

 ''Only lately has my daughter 

 To her parents home returned. 

 She regrets, she is not able 

 To fill this dignified position." 



Later came upon a visit 

 The assistant of the Prefect 

 And his registrar came also. 



Spoke of Master's handsome daughters 



Who at Court held high positions. 



Praised especially the fifth son, 



Who, alas, was still un -married. 



Then they spoke straight out their errand. 



They had come to make proposals 



From the Prefect's son for Lan-tish. 



The mother thanked them for the honour, 

 llegretted that she must refuse it. 



The brother heard of this proposal. 



Full of wrath he spoke to Lan-tsih : 



11 Foolish art thou ! Thy first husband 



Only was a secretary ; 



Now a prefect's son desires thee. 



Luck un-heard of, I assure thee. 



If thou dost not want to marry, 



Who, dost thou think, will support thee ?" 



" Maybe thou art right, my brother," 

 Lan-tsih with bent head then answered. 

 " My own home I'd left already, 

 Then returned to be a burden. 

 Unrelenting Fate compells me ; 

 To thy will I must surrender. 

 Tell him I accept his offer." 



Then the middlemen elated 

 Kose from velvet-covered cushions, 

 Took their leave and to the Prefect 

 Brought the words of happy issue. 



