Page:A history of Chinese literature - Giles.djvu/314

 302 CHINESE LITERATURE

charged with the smell, in spite of hunger, in spite of cold, in spite of a blazing heat. At nightfall, the porter who has pocketed the money comes forth and says his master is tired and begs to be excused, and will he call again next day. So he is forced to come once more as requested. He sits all night in his clothes. At cock- crow he jumps up, performs his toilette, and gallops off and knocks at the entrance gate. ' Who's there ? ' shouts the porter angrily ; and when he explains, the porter gets still more angry and begins to abuse him, saying, 'You are in a fine hurry, you are ! Do you think my master sees people at this hour ? ' Then is the visitor shamed, but has to swallow his wrath and try to persuade the porter to let him in. And the porter, another fee to the good, gets up and lets him in ; and then he waits again in the stable as before, until perhaps the great man comes out and summons him to an audience.

" Now, with many an obeisance, he cringes timidly towards the foot of the dais steps ; and when the great man says 'Come!' he prostrates himself twice and remains long without rising. At length he goes up to offer his present, which the great man refuses. He entreats acceptance ; but in vain. He implores, with many instances ; whereupon the great man bids a servant take it. Then two more prostrations, long drawn out ; after which he arises, and with five or six salutations he takes his leave.

" On going forth, he bows to the porter, saying, ' It's all right with your master. Next time I come you need make no delay.' The porter returns the bow, well pleased with his share in the business. Meanwhile, our friend springs on his horse, and when he meets an

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