Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait341879roya).pdf/22

 the East Gate of which, Go-Kim-lai, (31 吳金來) and Go-Hoan-ji (32 吳喚兒) are the guardians. Practically, there is only one Gate represented in the Singapore Lodges, but theoretically, the city has a Gate at each point of the compass, guarded respectively by the ancient heroes, Han-peng, (33 韓朋) Han-Hok, (34 韓福) Teⁿ-Chhan (35 鄭田國) and Li-chhang-kok, (36 李昌) whose flags adorn the City walls,

The couplet on the East Gate is,


 * "At the command of the General, the gate opens and myriads stream forth.
 * The awe-inspiring "Ang" heroes, guard the entrance to the " Willow City."

Also the following.


 * "To the East, in the wood, it is difficult to walk quickly.
 * "The sun appearing above the hills, rises from the Eastern Ocean.

On the West Gate.


 * "In the metal road of the West, one must be careful,
 * "But of the two paths, the Western is more clear.

On the South Gate.


 * "The fiery South Road, is exceedingly hot.
 * Chang-Chiu, Chuan-Chiu, and Yen-ping, extend their protection as far as the Southern Capital.

The couplet of the North Gate is,


 * "The Northern waters are deep and hard to cross.
 * In Yun-nan and Sze-Chuan there is a way by which we can pass."

Entering the East Gate of the "City of Willows," we come to the "Red flowery Pavilion," (37 紅花亭) before which Chiang Kiet-hin (38 蔣結興) dispenses the purifying waters of the Sam-Ho, (39 三河) or three Rivers, to the new members.

Above the Pavilion is the Grand Altar, (40 壇) with the pulpit of the Sien-Seng, or Master of the Lodge; and on the East side, is the "Circle of Heaven and Earth,"(41 乾坤圈) with its couplet.


 * "Agitate Heaven and Earth, and reform the world.
 * "Let the "Beng" triumph, and let righteousness obtain throughuotthroughout [sic] the Empire.