145 



The brethern now take a silver needie, and prick themselves in the middle finger, letting 

 some blood drop into this bowl of wine. ( l ) 



They then all taste of this mixed wine, during which ceremony these quatrains are recited: 



We mixed the blood and, unanimoasly, worshipped the five mea 



Who, at that time, made a league under the peach-trees. 



Trom the present time that we've sworn this oath, we'11 never chaDge; 



But we'11 be more cordial than those born from the same womb, and of one flesh and bone. ( 2 ) 



* ' jé. n '* n $. a 



* m in tt * m * 



« 4 9 # m K 



n m # ft m 



( 1 ) Sometimes the blood of the finger is not mixed with the wine, but a cock is pricked with a needie and 

 it's blood mixed with the wine, which ceremony is called: Pricking out the cock's blood, I ^)j pfë jfif )<> 

 During this ceremony this quatrain is recited: 



This cock is not a common or vulgar cock : 



The divine bird with five virtues (a) announces the dawn by crowing. 



This night we shall take reef as our witness ; 



When the brethern have drunk the blood, their hearts are just and equal. 



Jt I ? I * A I 



a£ fë 9. ifr # fê pf 



4- «L - J» . *t * « II 



JL S* «; Jfc # JE ÏF 



( 2 ) Comp. pag. 107, A. 308. 



, («)" The five virtues of the cock are: 1. Courteousness (jjjf!). because he wears a comb on lus head. 2. Mi- 

 litary spirit (jÉ£), because he takes , great and firm strides. 3. Bravery ( -f§ h because he never flinches 

 before au enemy. 4. Benevolence ( / fn), because he' cackles when he lias found some food, so 

 that the hens may participate. 5. Faith [fë\ because he crows at the destined hours without ever 



failing. 



19 



