144 



times it was said: ,/A family who hoards up virtues, most surely will have abundance of 

 blessings." You all must obey and observe this. 



After the reading of this oath, the brethern all rise from their knees, to confïrm this oath 

 by shedding blood. Firstly tea is made, and each new member drinks a cup ofit to purify 

 his mouth. The water for making the tea is brought in, and this verse recited: 



In the golden orcliid the water fiows for myriads of ages; 



Idlers are not allowed to stand at the entrance of the bridge; 



After having entered the league and drunk the water of the three rivers, 



You can roam about the world according to your wishes. 



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Tea is then made with this water, and this quatrain recited: 



A cup of fine tea is properly the first; 



Two emperors of the Ming-dynasty worshipped Phu-hien. ( 1 ) 



The faithful and loyal shall beconie dukes and marquises; 



The mountains shall resound „ a myriad of years !" ( 2 ) to thank for the favour of the prince. 



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Having' drunk this tea, a great bowl is filled with wine , and this quatrain recited : 



A cup of the original colour is on the table: 

 The oath-pledged brethern drink three cups of it ; 

 The faithful and loyal will enjoy the blessirigs of Heaven; 

 But those, who oppress the feeble and cheat each other, Heaven won't suffer, 



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(') The first two emperors of the Ming-dynasty worshipped the Budha Phu-hien. 

 (~) See pag. 18, note 1. 



