Page:The Chinese Repository - Volume 01.djvu/507

1833. The story contained in this paper is probably a fiction; but the mode of proof adopted by the magistrate was suitable and convincing. We remember to have read of a similar one adopted, if we mistake not, in Ireland. A soldier in some of their troublesome times was noticed by some of the too busy alarmists, to retire every evening to a solitary field and remain there for some time. His enemies accused him of plotting dangerous things; and the soldier was examined by his commanding officer about his object in going to that field at night. His answer was that he went thither to pray to his God in secret. It struck the officer immediately that if it were true, the man who could pray in the dark and was in the habit of prayer, would be able to pray without a book; and he forthwith desired the accused person to let him hear one of his prayers. The pious soldier readily complied, and kneeling down presented to the throne of the Eternal a prayer so devout and appropriate, that he was immediately released from all suspicion and restored to the confidence of his superiors.

—a ballad: scene, Honan; period A. D. 250, during the civil wars.

Exceedingly cold and distressed, San-neang approached the village well, weeping as she went to draw water from the crystal spring. Her bare feet which trod the snow, were pinched with cold; and on her shoulder she carried a broken pitcher. See the birds loath to quit their nests, or sheltered, remain among the mountain trees. And on the adjoining river, the aged angler has desisted from his occupation. In the adjoining forest there was a deep silence, except of the wind whirling round the sleet. And the thick fog joined heaven to earth. For several days the north wind had penetrated the weak frame of San-neang, as she went backwards and forwards, proceeding with difficulty to draw water. At a distance, the abodes of gay and luxurious worldlings were to be seen; whilst near her were lumps of cold ice on the hills and the streams. At times the snow flakes filled the air like the clippings of the stork's white wings, or fell on the ground like myriads of butterflies alighting on the mud.

She exclaimed;—"to day my life is a burden to me, because of my distress. I shall perish with cold in the midst of the snow. O heaven! tell me who will pity me? My husband has gone far from me, in search of the honors of war. He promised soon to return; but my eyes are consumed by looking with anxious expectation. My infant son too,—for whom, unassisted, I bit the natal chord,—he is far away. Nor sound nor letters have I heard or received from either. My husband returns not! My son I see not! Oh! painful destiny! All my hopes are disappointed. Tell me how to recover my husband! how to effect the return of my son."