Page:A history of Chinese literature - Giles.djvu/277

 That all the world her chosen spouse might ste t Among the noble suitors down below But who knows who the lucky man will be ?

Hu [sings.] I think your luck is sure to take you through.

Su [sings.] Your handsome face should bring the Ball to you.

Hu [sings.] At any rate it lies between us two.

Su [sings.] Therms hardly anybody else who'd do.

Hu [sings.] Then come let us go, let us make haste and run.

Su [sings.] Away let us go, but don't be so slow, Or we shan't be in time for the fun.

[Exeunt Enter P'ing Kuei.

Ping [sings.] Ah! that day within the garden When my lady-love divine, Daughter of a wealthy noble, Promised that she would be mine. At the garden gate she pledged me t Bidding me come here to-day; From my miserable garret I have just now crept away. And as I pass the city gates I ope my eyes and see A crowd of noble youths as thick As leaves upon a tree. Forward they press, but who knows which The lucky man will be ? In vain I strain my eager eyes Alas ! 'twill break my heart Among the well-dressed butterflies I find no counterpart. Let her be faithless or be true I lose the Ball as sure as fate ; Though, if she spoke me idle words, Why trifle at the garden gate ? Nevertheless, I'm bound to go Whether I get the Ball or no : My bowl and my staff in my hands just s. Rank and fortune often come

From matrimonial affairs j fll think of it all as I walk along

And perhaps Fd better say my prayers.

�� �