Page:A history of Chinese literature - Giles.djvu/279

 My gorgeous cap is broidered o*er

With flocks of glittering birds :

Here shine the seven stars, and there

A boy is muttering holy "words.

My bodice dazzles with its lustrous sheen :

My skirts are worked -with many a gaudy scene.

[Showing BalL

His Majesty on me bestowed this Ball, And from a balcony he bid me let it fall, 7 hen take as husband whomsoever it struck, Prince, merchant, beggar, as might be my luck. And having left my parents and my home, Hither to the Painted Tower I've come. As I slowly mount the stairs, I ope my eyes and see A crowd of noble youths as thick As leaves up on a tree. But ah ! amongst the many fornts^ Which meet my eager eye, The figure of my own true love I cannot yet descry.

The pledge I gave him at the garden gate Can he forget? The hour is waxing late.

A nd the crowds down below

Bewilder me so

That I am in a most desperate state. Oh ! P ing Kitei, if you really love me, Hasten quickly to my side : If the words you spoke were idle, Why ask me to be your bride ? He perhaps his ease is taking, While my foolish heart is breaking. I can't return till I have done This work in misery begun, And so I take the Flowery Ball And with a sigh 1 let it fall.

[Throws down the ball

P'u-sa. '7 'is thus I seize the envied prize, And give it to my protege" ', I'll throw it in his earthen bowl.

[Throws the ball to P'ing Kuei.

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