90 LAN-TSIH 



Much delighted was the Prefect 

 He the Calendar examined, 

 Chose the soonest day auspicious 

 For the wedding and thus ordered : — 

 " Son, this is the twenty-seventh, 

 Thirtieth is the day most lucky. 

 With despatch make all things ready, 

 Fetch the bride here for the wedding. " 

 While he spoke the servants hurried 

 To obey quick-given orders. 

 Like as clouds by winds are driven, 

 So the busy crowd of menials, 

 Hurried with officious aspect. 



A sailing bark was 'mongst the presents 



Like a crane's shape was it fashioned, 



Graceful dragon sails were loosened, 



Swift it plied the rippling waters. 



Then a carriage all resplendent 



Wheels with precious stones were glistening. 



Dappled horses, harnessed to it, 



Stamped the ground and neighed impatient. 



Other wedding gifts were silk rolls 



All in shades of different colours. 



For the sumptuous feast were ordered 

 Many dishes quaint and tasteful. 

 Last, three million cash were sent her, 

 Neatly strung with silken tassels. 

 To accompany the bridegroom 

 Were five hundred men assembled. 



Lan-tsih's mother spoke with sorrow : — 

 " Word has come from the prefecture, 

 That to-morrow they will fetch thee. 

 Why preparest thou not thy bride's dress? 

 Ah, my heart has sad forebodings ! ' 



Dazed was Lan-tsih with her grieving, 

 Down her pallid cheeks the tears rolled, 

 Silently she took the satin, 

 Sat her down beside the window. 

 Skirt of silk by noon was finished 

 And by night her filmy garment. 

 After sunset in the darkness, 

 While for grief her heart was breaking, 

 She went out to weep in secret. 



