Page:The Beating of a Golden Branch.pdf/11

 You may pass through the pool of mercy. But I see the chariot of my Liege. May Your Majesty live for ever!

A wonderous light is seen in the palace gates; my brother Kuo Tzu-I is here. Yesterday was your birthday. I did not come to felicitate you in person, yet did I send a royal feast. My land and all I have I owe to you. Hereafter do not perform obeisance at your entrance; the eunuchs are commanded to conduct you in; come, sit by me and let us talk.

How painful are these bonds!

There sits bound a subject’s son; I pray you tell me why.

The bound one is my worthless son, guilty, alas! of treason. Your Majesty will speak but a word and he will be led to death.

Gently. Worthy brother, you are too hasty. He is but a youth and the Princess scarce a bride. Of old they said the trusty servant knows nought of his home affairs, of the unceasing quarrels of his women folk. I am slow to impute wrong to you. Loose his bounds, lead him away, and dress him in court costume.

I thank the Eternal One.

The Most Correct speaks his will, and both my son and I rejoice. May Your Majesty live for ever!

Come, sit by me.

I thank Your Majesty.

Knew you of this quarrel?

I did; a servant came and told me all.

Bring in Kuo Ai.

We hear. Bring in the noble one.

I hear. A thousand waves rolled over me, buried was I in the deep. I thank the Eternal One for sparing my life.

Advance. You and Our daughter quarrelled. Why was that?