150 



III. 



We have raised the Willow (*) and stuck the red flower ( 2 ); 



The myriad families form together one family. 



Three ages they have been peaceably united together every where; 



On another day we shall assist our lord to sit on the throne of China, 



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Next the Army-flags are raised, and this quatrain is pronounced: 



The great banners of the Hung-heroes convoke myriads of troops 

 Who, by an oath, are pledged to fraternity in the red pavilion. 

 Faithful and loyal like the five elements ( 3 ) , — 

 The countless host ( 4 ) ought to rise simultaneously. 



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The flags are now consecrated : three cups of wine are poured on the ground as a liba- 

 tion to the Gods, and this prayer is said: 



CoNSECRATION OP THE B ANKERS. 



,/ August Heaven! Queen of Earth! Gods of the land and grain on the mountains and in 

 ,/the waters! Venerable spirits of the three rivers! May we obtain the victory when these flags 

 z/are unfurled! May we succeed when our horses have arrived! Now we offer the wineofgra- 

 z, pes and the (wine steeped with) green bamboo-leaves to the master, in order to display our 

 z/sincere feebmgs; this night the whole brotherhood has come to pledge fraternity; with this 

 //(wine) we consecrate the flags, and go to destroy Tsing." 



The mountains, streams, land and grain have their deities; 

 With three cups of imperial wine we consecrate these flags; 

 Shields and spears are piled up high; 

 We'11 draw our swords and firstly kill the horse with the bells. ( 5 ) 



Q-) The lodge. ( 2 ) The red pavilion. ( 3 ) Zit: like wood, water and fire. (The elements metal 



and earth are omitted.) ( 4 ) Zit: the ninety millions. 



( 5 ) Little bells hung about a horse to announce approach. On flags they are, also, hung. 



