79 



ft. 147. Whence do they issue , and where do they discharge themselves? 



A. They issue at the foot of the Nail-mountain, and flow to the five lakes and four seas. 



ft. 148. ïïow can you prove that? 



A. I can prove it by a verse. 



ft. 149. How does this verse run? 



A. 



The united waters of the three rivers flow since myriads of years; 



ïravellers are not allo wed to stand at the head of the bridge; 



But he who has entered and drunk of the water of the three rivers", 



Is allowed to roam about the world according to his wishes. 



SM é 



« A % 



a ft ik 



jl m ra 



# n # 



m s m 



m 



ft. 150. Bid you cross the water? 



A. Yes, I crossed it. 



ft. 151. How many of you crossed it? 



A. One and twenty of us crossed it. 



ft. 152. How can you prove that? 



A. I can prove it hy a verse. 



ft. 153. How does this verse run? 



A. 



The sworn brethern brought me on board; 



Twenty one persons were together in oue ship. 



The Lo-han ( l ) and Diamond-ones ( 2 ) assisted to the right and left • 



Favorable winds were with us and, so, we sailed across. ( 3 ) 



h + 



» * 



- A 



C 1 ) See p. 74, note 13. ( 3 ) See p. 76, note 5. 



( 3 ) Vari: One and twenty persons were, together, in one ship; 



Eight oars were added at the ship's bow. 

 At the stern of the ship were held three sculls, 

 The sea was broad, the ship was high, and we sailed as we liked. (*) 



(!) This means again the character Hung , composed of 3, 8 (jpah or 100), and 21; and which means an 

 inundation. (Comp. Introduction, 3). 



