81 



Q,. 160. What else did you see? 



A. I saw a small inlefc. ( ] ) 



0,. 161. What was in this inlefc? 



A. There was a bridge of two planks. ( 2 ) 



Q,. 162. Of wliich materials was it made? 



A. The left plank was made of copper, and the right plank of iron. 



CL 163- How can you prove that? 



A. I can prove it by a verse. 



Q. 164. How does this verse run? 



A. Myriads of soldiers have passed the bridge of two plaiiks ; 



The left one (was made) of copper, and the right one of iron, no difference discernible. 



The Chu-people have laid them to let the Hung-people pass; 



Those who don't enter the Hung-gate, go at the side of the bridge. ( 3 ) 



— te tt ■ 'IR >& 1$ S 

 ~& §0 ^f M ^P M 5h 



# m m & «u m m 



^ A p PI * ■# ft 



Q. 165. I have heard people say that it was not copper or iron. Do you know the origin 



of it? 

 A. On the day that the Shao-lin- convent was destroyed by fire, the Gods broughfc the 



five founders across those planks to Shih-san-li at Ufan where the white clouds join 

 the heavens. ( 4 ) 

 Q,. 166. How can you prove that? 

 A. I can prove it by a verse. 



Q. 167. How does this verse run? 



A. A yellow and black cloud condensated into this bridge ;- 



The five men could reach Yuir-siao over it. ( 5 ) 

 The white porcelain censer was the first inducement 

 To help, loyally and faithfully, the djnasty of Ming. 



I 1 ) /]n )djj| ! vai ' 1: a small creek, /L M* |WJ • i. e. the rovv of brethern. 



( 2 ) Zl $j£ ^ f i- e. two swords: „The arch of steel." (Comp. pp. 13 & 58.) 

 ( 5 ) Vari: 1°: Budha has changed himself into two bridge-planks ; 



the 2° & 3° lines are the same. 



the 4°: He who does uot pass this bridge is a stranger. 



»•• - * i I # ft f 



*° ^ m it m & n\- a 



( 4 ) Compare p. 13. ■ ( 5 ) Compare p. 14. 



11 



