189 



Two cups of tea placed nexfc each other are the //Sun- and Moon-tea." (i) 

 The guest ought to pour their contents back again into the teapot, and, having filled the cups 

 again, raay drink of the tea. 



Three cups of tea placed in a row, represent the tea of the brotherhood. The guest may 

 drink the middle cup. 



If the snout of the tea-pot is directed towards the guest, it means //the combat on the bridge." ( 2 ) 

 The guest says this quatrain before drinking: 



Liu, Kwan and Chang pledged fraternity in a peach-garden ; 



Their faith and loyalty is renowned afar. 



They would not follow the aim of the lord Thsao ( 3 ); 



Their name shall be ever transmitted and be renowned in the world. 



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The host places three cups of tea in a row, the middle cup being of a smaller size. 

 The guest may drink this smaller cup, saying this quatrain: 



The young lord ( 4 ) stands in the middle; 



Two ministers stand on both sides; 



Both, civil and military officers, 



Assist the lord to sit on his throne. 



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( a ) M ^ thatis>»Ming-te a ," flj J£ , 



( 2 ) See pag. 177 , note 1. 



( 3 ) Thsao-thsao the famous usurper during the civil wars, known as the period of the three states. 



( 4 ) This quatrain alludes to the young prince, the last offspring of the Ming-dynasty. 



