mmrniMi:... m LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Slielf. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. '^ '"^'^l lS*-">. 1 A ROMANCE OF THE WILLOW. MARIE WOODRUFF-WALKER |r 111 IVIN ESDAILK). New York i8q2 Copyright /So/ Marie Wooiiruff-U'alkcr. Alt rights reserved. HOSFORD 6. eONS, NEW YORK. A ROMANCE OF THE WILEOW The Miindarin with haughty mien uprose While wrathfully he cursed his absent foes. " Wide lands and gold are mine," in rage quoth he, " Yet from the court I now must quickly flee " For storms are gathering here, I well may dread " Their crushing force on my unsheltered head. " Perchance if one had right, he might defy "His enemies, but an accursed spy " Unto the Emperor will the tale convey, "Unless ere willows bloom I haste away ; " Yes, fly ! to save myself disgrace; aye, worse I " Again the bamboo vibrates with his curse. ****** Pleading his cause, he urged his deep desire, Again to worship tablets of his sire. His Majesty, the Dragon Emperor, heard The filial love expressed in every word The Mandarin spoke ; bade him that very day Unto his provinces to start away. How fair it was, that country seat 1 a place, Spacious and large, where willow, peach and mace, Grew ill luxuriant sweetness ; casting shade (.)'er fair magnolias, whose rich perfume made The air fall languorous, with a r\'thmic sense Of poppied drowsiness, to inspire intense. Sweet waking dreams that bend and sway like these Bright golden orbs that stud the orange trees. They move and beckon 'neath the weight of some Rich feathered, fire-backed pheasant rendered dumb. Intoxicated by the wealth of all These aromatic odors ; faint its call. And then the silence, eloquent of life, Speaks clearer than the world's discordant strife. I 'Twas on an island in the great Po-Vang, Where to the lotus blooms the waters sang. There rippled 'neath the windows opened low, Laving its walls with ever constant flow. To this abode the Mandarin now came,. With all his household and his ill-got fame. His private secretary had the place in charge And his accounts, his business being large. The household still was robed in funereal white For one whose soul had taken its eternal flight. His wife no longer with regret mourned he ; Not so the Mandarin's daughter. Young Uuong-Si Still to the sacred-room would oft repair. And there unnoticed pour forth her despair. Before the ancestral tablets ; as she dwelt On all the beauty, sweetness, goodness, felt How sad it is a mother's love to miss ; Although that mother dear had gone to bliss. A foreigner of noble birth was she, The yearned-for mother of the maid Ouong-Si. Thus before shrine the maid's rebellious heart With anguish at her deeper loss would smart. Despising other women who knew naught Of all the wondrous lore her mother taught Her to believe and reverence. Thus it chanced That little Ouong-Si's eyes with wisdom glanced. As never maids before in Chinese lands Had dared to question, e'en in heart, commands That held the woman bound in slavish chains As chattels of their lords like other gains; So Ouong-Si ever mourned the mother wise. And bv her shrine the tears rained from her ej'es. But day by day the loveliness around Soothed her young sorrow ; till no bird was found So blithesome, merry, musical, as she The great man's daughter. Thus at last Ouong-Si (Her hand-maid with her) wandered o'er the isle, And gathered blossoms, or paused merrily to smile Into a placid inlet's crystal face, To see her own reflected. Till a race Of finny gold-fish, hastening (to be fed From her small hand) made tiny rings, which led Each other to the lotus-guarded shore. Where each in tiny turbulence could pour Its small self out around the lotus, fair. Which, stirred, gave forth its perfume on the air. Then sometimes to the neighboring isle went she, Together with her hand-maid ; rice and tea Were cultivated by the gardener; he, right glad To see these maids, brought forth the best he had Of fruits and candied-watermelon-seeds ; Offering e'en his life for any needs The happy young Ouong-Si might ever know ; Then to the hand-maid with his face aglow He'd dedicate the life given back in glee. By merry, dark-eyed, lady fair, Ouong-Si. While wandering thus at evening (where the shade Fell in warm, amorous veiling) with her maid, Ouong-Si paused 'neath an orange tree to rest. She watched the great red-moon lift high her crest From out the lake's still bosom, glints of light Were quickly scattered by the spirit Night, Until the moon seemed seated on a throne. From whence she reigned unrivalled and alone. While fl(_)wer-like stars, and star-like flowers all gave Their best of light and perfume ; each a slave That lived but to its Queen's behest obey. And lose its quickened sense at break of day. Then Ouong-Si, seated in the spicy grove, Let winsome fancy lead her far to rove ; She thought her little life might liap'ly glide For ever on that moonbeam, then she sighed And dreamed again. As like a chant she sang A sweet weird ditty. Silently had Chang, Her father's private secretary, come Into the garden's shade ; he stood like one Before ancestral shrine — as still was he As hapless Daphne buried in the tree. Long seasons had this learned youth from far Gazed on his master's daughter, as some star The unwearied scientist its course will scan With eager watchfulness. Spirit and man More distant and obscure to him appear Than does the Heavenly body. But as near As Chang ere this had to his mistress come Was watching from his window, now made dumb By finding he was close beside Ouong-Si, While unobserved by her, he fain would flee. Alas ! like Daphne's, helpless seem his limbs ; His arms hang nerveless, a branch the mo(jnlight dims. And Ouong-Si, rising, gives a startled cry, Then droops her lovely eyes, no one is nigh, While Chang (his voice recovering at the sound) Prostrates himself upon the flowery ground. ' Arise," then quoth Ouong-Si in gentle tone. But Chang was rigid as a man of stone. "If I mistake not, this should be brave Chang, " My father's private secretary ; rang " Of late the converse with the lore that he Had mastered " — Was it indeed Quong Si ? Thought Chang; as on the ground he inhaled the breath Of broken blooms, which render up in death A fragrance sweeter than to life belong, As swan-like welcoming lifelessness with song. So Chang in humble murmur thus replied : " Great lady, daughter of a house of pride, " Peerless in beauty, unsurpassed in wealth, " Unequaled in all graces, Chang by stealth " Hath watched thee passing 'neath the flowering trees "And in thy dainty ear a thousand pleas, " He ever longs to make, that thou wilt spare " His life — Alas, how hopeless is his prayer!" " Nay, say not so, but rise and tell me how "Ouong-Si can aid you ; and I here avow, " That she will help you — helpless though she be, " You have the word of — of your friend Quong Si." The maiden hesitated, downward drooped her eyes, So strange it seemed. Was it alone surprise That fluttered the young heart within her breast And lent so sweet a sense of being blest ? We may not guess, for here the hand-maid brought A message from the Mandarin, who sought His daughter. In a bamboo balcony The willow blossoms dropped their flowers to see The silkens curtains and the cushions fine. Where the great Mandarin pleased to sip his wine Ouong-Si long lingered on her thoughts of one So far beneath her rank that surely none Could foresee danger, so far removed was he, The secretary Chang, from great Ouong-Si. II At last, the Mandarin's affairs arranged, (How should he know his daughter's heart had changed From child's to maiden's?) suddenly there sprang On the young lovers a deep woe ; for Chang, No longer needed by the Mandarin, Was summoned to liis presence : in a din Of sounding jihrases he was told to go. With dazed thought, with faltering step, and slow, Chang turned and staggered to the open door ; Then paused and bowed him prostrate to the floor. "Great Lord, most mighty Mandarin, I pray "That thy most humble servant yet may stay "And do thy work ; no more than this I ask, " Being 'neath thy roof is payment of the task." The Mandarin both men and manners knew. Nor imagined for an instant Chang was true In what he said ; devotion to his cause He ne'er had found, save by enforcing laws. While thinking thus his jetty eyes flashed fire. His yellow face contorted in his ire. While quickly worked his cunning brain, quoth he I'nto himself : " So ; we will wait and see." Then to the prostrate secretary spoke, "Truly, devotion lighteneth every yoke, " And since n'Ou would remain with us ; consent " You have from me." Chang rose and joyful lent His ear to business plans of the estate, Until the Mandarin said: "The hour grows late; "Withdraw." All stars above were sending rays To light his path, as by familiar ways Chang stealthily proceeded; wild his heart As at each rustling twig he gave a start. Beneath the willow tree he paused where all Was hushed and silent; like a strange bird's call. He whistled low three times, then listened near ; With strained acuteness he could faintly hear The bending of the bamboo rail above ; " Quong-Si, my lotus flower ! Ouong-Si, my love ! " Tell me that thou art near, that thou art well, " That thou still lovest me ; quickly, sweetest, tell " Me all these things, or driven from thy side "I'll hide my madness in yon rolling tide." " As fall the blossoms when I touch this bough " Upon thy head, dear love, ah ! that is how " My waking thoughts, my sleeping dreams and all ■' I hope, I think, I do, I am, but fall " Upon the shrine, which sacred to thy name "Within my heart doth dwell, where burns love's flame. " Yet, my beloved, strange as it may seem, " There hovers o'er me still a fatal dream. "As yon funereal cypress sighs of woe, '' E'en so my loving heart foresees some foe, " Which threatens us with sorrow. Oh ! m)- lord ! " Give me a ray of comfort ; for a horde " Of deep and subtle fears assail my heart ; "Assure me, Chang, that we shall never part." As thus the maiden spoke, with earnestness, Chang felt a strange misgiving — " Sweet, confess " That if aught of misfortune fall on me "No man shall e'er call 'bride' my own Ouong-Si. Without a moment's hesitancy then, The maiden, deftly, from her garment's hem, A jewelled bead broke off, and hid it in The chalice of a blossom; small and trim The girlish form stood out against the sky. As with a loving word, a gentle sigh. She bent the burthened bough until in reach Of him she loved. " As blooms the fragrant peach, " E'en so my soul doth blossom in thy smile ; "Being absent from thee, hcnirs I vainly wile. "Should'st ever doubt, oh, Chang, my constancy, " Send but this rubied bead. I swear Ouong-Si "Will join the ages, the gold-leaf suicide "Shall take me to the tomb ere I be bride " To any but my noble, lordly Chang." Just then the hand-maid to her mistress sprang : "Oh dearest lady, some one stands without "And watches thee. I pray thee do not doubt, " For I have seen the tallest leaving teas " Swayed back and forth — " "Nay, 'tis the evening breeze," 13 Said Chang, who heard these words from Ouong-Si's door And turned aside the slirubbery to explore. "Alas ! alas ! My lord, I foresaw woe ; '■ Now list, the funereal cypress — ! " ■' — 'Tis the flow "Of waters in the lake thou hearest, dear." These loving reassurances the fear Of Ouong-Si soon allayed ; and when she heard The fluttering wing of some belated bird She laughed a noiseless laugh at her late fears. Laugh on, sweet maid, the time soon comes for tears. How mellow, amorous, soft and sweet is night And Chang in thought late watched the rosy light Shed by the lantern in Ouong-Si's bamboo, And blessed the Joss of lovers. Deep and true Was Chang's warm heart : And all the wealth of lore Of ancient times, he challenged forth to pour Their richest virtues, bravery and love Unto his lady's praise ; so far above All other maids to him seemed young Ouong-Si, So radiant in youth ; her constancy He prized with all the depth his being owned. But, hist I again the funereal cypress moaned. III. Again the morning waked the sleeping flowers. Where languorous fragrance drank the dew. The showers 14 Wept in the night-time by some distant star Engulfed in yon white nebula, its bar Of golden dust, the Empyrean to divide. Where the sad Pleiad moaning, wept and sighed. N< % :{« ^ ^ As oft as comes the morn, so oft mankind Awakes from restlessness or woe, to find The world more goodly than in shadowed night To him it seemed, so hideous is the blight Of darkness linked to a corroding care Blasting the watcher with a cold despair. Then bright-eyed morning comes and shows a face All dimpling o'er with loveliness and grace ; Till midnight 'bodings of approaching ill Are crowded out for peace the void to fill. Most blithesome, joyous, boundless seems the earth. To ring in soft vibrations with its mirth. Yet sadder (than the night time hours of care When palpitating starlight throngs the air, And morning's touch dispels the phantoms grim) Is waking from sweet sleep, to find a dim Half unformed sense of sorrow ; like a stone The heart sinks heavy ; with a bitter moan. The \-esterday's old burden rolls again Upon the soul ; unwelcome is the strain Of happy birds ; ah ! would that one might sleep ; And, sleeping, join oblivion's ocean deep. There 'neath forgetful waters bear away No bitter sense, flung back from yesterday. Ne'er to again the sparkling world behold. Which mocks our sorrow with her beauties hold. 15 Thus wakened by tlie early thrush, Ouong-Si Her drooping eye-lids lifted ; why had she So sad a memory within her heart ? With quivering lips she rose to break apart The thread which held her to a painful dream ; And still, though quite awakened — did it seem That apprehension lurked in every thought, That e'er before with tenderness was fraught ; Again she fain would hap'ly fall to sleep ; And so forget this strange desire to weep. IV The fatal day had dawned when Chang was bade To quit the island's shore. The Mandarin had The meetings of the lovers scented out. While lurking in the garden, beyond doubt. Had heard Ouong-Si her maiden-heart outpour To a poor youth, whose only wealth was lore And love ; yet richer far indeed was he In their possession with his own Uuong-Si Than many a mighty lord with titles grand And glittering gold, or an extensive land. :}: ^ ^ :}: :}£ The weary days passed on ; Chang was not far, But on the gardener's isle. The watery bar His eager gentle glance would leap ; his gaze Then rested on Ouong-Si in distant maze. Listless the maiden wanders o'er the isle ; She sighs and weeps ; no more the waters smile i6 At her reflection, but show saddened lines On her sweet face. And Chang thought, "She repines " For me, alas ! unworthy though I be. "Would I alone could suffer ; not Ouong-Si ! " Alas 1 alas ! such ne'er may be the case ; " In all the vastness of the human race, " As in the garden, not so mean a tree " But casts a shadow ; so it is with thee, " O, man ; no moan but echoes in some heart, " No bitter tear but in a life apart " From thine a deep wound-scar is wrought ; " No sigh was ever lost ; some night wind brought, "Its answer back, to make us mad with woe, " And yet ecstatic be that it is so." Thus Chang would muse. The hand-maid came one day And in much glee told Chang she had found a way For him to see Quong-Si each day an JKuir, Then told him of a fair but secret bovver. When Chang would fain have thanked her she was gone, To reappear but at the morrow's dawn. " I pray you thank me not for this, kind sir, " For ever all my life is but for her ; "If I could give one joy to our Quong-Si, " Believe me, sir, 'twould be reward to me." ^ * * * * sK Thus, happy days and weeks and months passed by. The lovers daily meeting ; sweet and shy Quong-Si would listen to the future's plans, While Chang so earnestly the pathway scans, To wealth and glory for his sweetheart fair, That nothing seemed too difficult to dare. IT With glowing eye, and graceful gesture free, He laid his plans before his love, Ouong-Si ; But she, with tender glance would still repeat, "Ah, leave me not, beloved ; no great feat " Could e'er compensate for the woe I feel "At thought of separation." Chang would kneel And tell her that 'twas all for her he longed To prove his place 'mid great ones ; else he wronged Himself and her whom most he prized on earth ; He fain would work, that he might prove his worth — If not of her, yet of the rank she bore. And thus the happy tide they would outpour Of mutual love and pride, the all that gives, The blessedness of love, to each who lives To join his heart to one so like his own, That first he learns to know he was alone. Then, this life enters his ; no longer now Shall isolation crown his thoughtful brow. But o'er him shines a lofty glow that he Can ne'er forget, nor dark, nor lonely be. Then two warm hearts with happiness are brave. Each proud as monarch, humble as the slave. While yet Chang lingered liidden in the grove, And saw each day the object of his love, Again the cunning Mandarin discovery made. Then awful was his wrath, nor long delayed. He cursed his daughter, locked her safe within A suite of rooms, awav from friend or kin. iS Which overhung the lake, so no one could Approach the bamboo where the lady stood. So lonely, sad and woeful was her mien. As listlessly she viewed the placid scene, That e'en the finny friends beneath the tide, The butterflies that with each other vied To send more radiant tints to all the bowers Than fair Proserpine while strewing flowers. And glorious birds whose plumage was aglow As though just sprinkled by the bright rainbow. Yes, all of these ; fish, butterfly and flowers, The rainbow pledge, gay epilogue of showers, And winged bird that came from o'er the tide, The wimpling wavelets gently, fondl}^ sighed. The zephyr pregnant with a spicy smell, That fanned her cheek and murmured "all is well," The distant star, so well beloved of yore. The far-off azure line of yonder shore. Each one of these gave her the best it had — Yet vainlyl — for the maiden still was sad. And daily sadder grew, until the rose Upon her cheek no more in color glows. Her hand-maid was dismissed, and she alone Had power to comfort, yet none heard a moan, For Ouong-Si's hope seemed dead : a mortal fear Had entered her deep soul. The frozen tear. Which might liave flowed and washed the woe away. Became an icy needle, that by day Pierced her sore heart, where tears of blood were shed, As ever more she mourned : " Mv Love is dead." 19 V While in the sorrow of her broken youth, Not knowing aught of what might be tlie truth, She felt the maddening horror of suspense, In which all womankind, with heart strings tense, In every clime, in every age and place. Lives its sad life of sacrifice. The race Excitement swayed, thinks not of those who wait With anxious hearts and strained nerves — Too late The news of victory or of loss appeals ; The watching eye, the listening ear He seals, That welcome Angel, Dcatli. Mark this, oh, man. And then give all the sympathy you can ; Remembering that 'tis harder far to stay With coldly clasped hands and watch the gray Days melting each in each, and not to know Whether the tide of life shall ebb or flow. Than in the midst of carnage on the field. Your life for honor in all glory yield. And so Quong-Si, not knowing aught without Her small bamboo, no longer felt a doubt That Chang was dead. And lo ! the maid was changed While ever to her lover memory ranged. Was it the spirit of her mother fair With glints of gold light in her dusky hair — So wise and witty, versed in classic lore, Her mother who had come from some far shore, Had she perchance imbibed rebelliousness From that sweet spirit ? Ah 1 she could not guess From whence had come these alien thoughts of him Who as progenitor she owed the worship. Dim Were Ouong-Si's ideas, yet for her wicked sire She felt no love ; but pity, loathing, ire. And in an ecstasy of fright she went Before her mother's tablet, where she spent Long hours invoking help from ever)' god ; Craving to love and kiss the uplifted rod : Yet all in vain. Came once the Mandarin Unto his daughter ; cursed that she was thin And pale. Then quickly changed to merry mood And bade her laugh, for that she would be wooed And wed by one, a mighty Tai-Jin, who Was rich and great (though twice her years, t'was true), ; " And, furthermore," the Mandarin then said, " The willow now doth blossom ; when the red "Of peach-buds first shall show upon the tree, "On that same day thy nuptials I decree." Ouong-Si then wept and plead ; of no avail ! The Mandarin stormed and cursed, "What I shall a pale, " Weak. puny, crying girl my will oppose ? " By every Joss ! I swear I'll pay in blows "This insolence upon that villain's hide ; "That you and he shall learn I'll be defied " By none ! You heard me, girl, b}' none, I said, " And understand, the Tai-Jin you shall wed ; " And when he hither comes, paint up your face, " Nor let me hear that whining voice disgrace " My offer of my daughter to this duke ; " Or by my life you'll find a worse rebuke " Than words," He went. The maiden, left alone, Sank to the floor ; yet one word did atone For all the rest — "Surely, Chang lives," she said, " Else had the Mandarin told me he was dead." From that morn on, the days to poor Quong-Si Passed westward o'er the lake ; scarce noted she Their flight, the sunrise or the sunset's rays, F"or hour by hour her patient, listless gaze Was centered o'er her balcony ; for there, A persevering peach-tree seemed to dare What nothing else had ventured ; straight and strong Its branches sent, the prison house along. And where it forked, a bird's nest then appeared. The birdlings chirruped all day and nothing feared. '■ A happy omen comes, oh, bird, with you, " Refreshing to my heart as is the dew "To day-worn flowers that, drooping in the night, " Drink dew's ambrosial nectar, and with light, '■ Behold ! they wanton in the perfumed bowers. " But then, alas, they still are only flowers, " Whilst I a maiden am, beloved b\- one "Who is my god of day, my heaven, my sun, " My golden morning, and my crimson eve, " The amber of the unshed tears (that grieve " The roses from my cheek), the storms which swirl " Into my heart the grain of sand, a pearl "Of Heavenly beauty to my life bequeathed. "Oh, gain of loss ! Oh, loss of gain I That seethed " About my inmost citadel of love, " And hung its beauteous ensign far above." VI As Quong-Si lingered on her terrace small, Above the lake, she noted not the fall Of shadowy, star-gemmed evening's obscure veil. When sudden she beheld a tiny sail Float towards her, on the restive Po- Yang's tide Which 'neath her terrace then did softly glide. Swift, with the dexterous use of parasol, She lifted from the wave a junk, with all The tiny fittings ; a cocoanut's half shell, With miniature of sail. This bark the swell Of waves had wafted to her feet. Indeed, She scarce could see, for joy, the rubied bead, Which gleamed a fiery, shaft-like, burning dart. And waked responsive echoes in her heart. For well she knew whose hand had set afloat, Upon the restless lake, the tiny boat. Beneath the jeweled bead Ouong-Si espied A bit of vellum, and aloud she cried. The old duenna heard the cry of joy And limping, hastened in — " Why dost annoy "The evening air, wild girl, with such a shout ? "Tell me this instant what 'twas then about ; " Or I'll to the Mandarin and tell him that " He should no longer house so vile a brat ! " Quong-Si was blushing at the old dame's word, And trembling, too, like some ])oor frightened bird. 23 I. est in her ample sleeve, where she had hid Tb.e tiny boat, ere she could safely rid Her of the old hag's presence, she shoidd spy Her new-found treasure ; with a quivering sigh Ouong-Si then said, " At dusk I fell asleep, " And wakening thus, so strange my dream ; so deep " I still was dreaming — and knew naught, yet it seemed "That though I was awake — I yet but dreamed." And Quong-Si scarcely dared to lift her eyes Unto her cruel jailer. E'en her sighs Were always punished by rough slaps and those Atrocious words that hurt like heavy blow'S. Ouong-Si so struggled with her sense of right And filial love and duty, that the sight Of this vile wench, or of her cruel sire, Set every fibre of her soul afire ; Till vain her struggles grew ; each day she heard Some wild atrocity of thought or word, That made her loathe and dread the fiendish man. Whose opium-bleared eyes from his sedan Looked in at her, as she sat still and lone, Until she found e'en duty's name had flown. In vain she strove, no more would it return. And bitter were her tears, her cheeks would burn. Unheard of such a crime in all the land As any maid's ignoring the command Of her progenitor ; what e'er his rank Or character, or habits ; she should thank Her father, the grand Mandarin, that he Permitted her to //Vr, e'en though not free. ****** 24 VII So turbulent the conscience of the maid, That when alone again, she scarce betrayed The eagerness she felt. Lo ! in her heart She heard a mighty voice : " The cruel smart " InflicUd on Qtiong-Si by evil sire " Sliall be avenged ; Quong-Si, disasters dire " Shall fall on him ; cease struggling in thy heart. " Henceforth, from his it is a thing apart." Ouong-Si upon the ground her forehead laid. " Behold ! it is a god ! yet not afraid " Is thy poor servant ; I will henceforth be, ''Child of my mother and of Chang and Thee." Then Ouong-Si took mock-money from a case And burnt it to the gods ; did then replace The ashes ; then with reverent hand she took The tiny boat again. The rose forsook Her soft round cheek, so powerful was her fear ; Lest some new sorrow lingered even here. Her courage came at last which she had misseil And softly she the flimsy vellum kissed, In rapture at the thought : " My love still lives, " He loves me ! joy unspeakable, he gives "Me words of comfort — ah ! I scarce can see "The written lines, so great my ecstasy." Unfolding, she the bamboo paper read Such words as lovers in all times have said. 25 Then followed in a sadder strain these words (Referring, doubtless, to the peach-tree birds) : " Look well, the nest yon winged artist builds, "Some cruel robber bird shall tear away. " So fain must yield her hopes the affianced bride, " Sad and reluctant, yet the Tai-Jin's prey — " ("Ah ! surely he is well and near to me, " For he has seen my bird's nest in the tree "), Quong-Si's fond heart so trembled in her breast, She scarce could see, for joy, to read the rest. "The fluttering bird prepares a modest home, " In which, alas ! the spoiler soon shall dwell. "And rhus g<;)es forth the weeping bride, constrained ; " A hundred tongues the mighty triumph swell. " In pity mourn for the small architect ; " A stronger bird hath ta'en its well-loved nest, " And not less mourn the hapless, stolen bride, "How vain will be the hope to soothe her breast." Quong-Si read on — " As this lioat sails to you, "There tend my thoughts to the same centre true. "When from the bough the willow's blossom slips, "And the peach-tree, fair, unfolds its rosy tips, " That day thy faithful Chang will sink beside "The lotus blooms, beneath the secret tide. "There mark the circles on the river smooth, "Widening ever (them no thing can soothe) "When blossoms on it fall from boughs above, "Broke from their parent stem, like is his love." Such was Chang's note ; and farther down Ouong-Si These words then saw, with heart more light and free: 26 "Cast thoughts upon the wave as I have done. And I shall hear th\- words, my dearest one." VIII Such language understood Ouong-Si too well : And trembled as she read; hot tears then fell Adown her cheeks ; that self-destruction threat She knew was wrung from anguish : quick she set To work, Chang's melancholy notes' reply, With many a tear, with many a moan and sigh. Writing materials having none, she took Her 'broider)- needle, and on an ivory book. Or tablet's leaves, she scratched her answer so Unto her lover in the same strain ; lo, Thus ran her answering note : "Wise husbandmen, "Who fear their fruits will stolen be, do then " Straight gather them : the sunshine lengthens now, " The vineyard fair, the fragrant orchard bough, " Are threatened to be spoiled by stranger's hands. " That fruit which most you prize in all the lands, "Will gathered be when the willow blossom droops." Much doubting if 'twould reach him, then she stoops To place her tablets in the tiny boat, With stick of frankincense ; then watched it float, Thus lighted by the burning stick. Her gaze Was fixed upon it till lost in the haze Of night and distance ; carried from her view Still safe and lighted. This seemed a promise true That since disaster had not turned it o'er. Or wind extinguished its small iigiit. the shore 27 It safe would reach. With lighter heart CJuong-Si her casement closed and sought a part Of her embroidery she loved the best. And while her agile fingers worked, confessed Ihito her half-formed silken flower, the hope That newly 'gainst grim fear its strength could cope. This maid loved well to picture all her moods, In silken glory on the stuffs and goods That formed the hangings draped upon the walls. And to this day the sight of them recalls A maiden's heart, a maiden's life and love Bids us to know Fidelity, above All other virtues takes precedent rank, Revered of gods themselves ; a faithful, frank And hopeful loi'e may change the. course o' things Till e'en the clods of earth may feel their wings. And soar to realms of Heart, above the Mind, To view a world that Thought can never find. ^ * * * * Days slipped away and weeks succeeded these ; Till Quong-Si saw, with woe, the willow trees About to drop their withering flowers ; no more Small boats had drifted freighted to her door. And oft she sighed and pale she grew and wan, While counting still tlie days from dawn to dawn. rp Jp ^ ^ -T* One morn strange voices pierced her apathy ; And preparations for some feast Quong-Si 28 Could note ; her active terror grew apace When came the Mandarin with drug-bleared face, A casket rich of Orient Jade he held. His voice was sinister as her doom it knelled. " I bring you, girl, some golden trinkets rare, " And gems to glisten in your dusky hair, " Sent by the Tai-Jin : who will come to-day "To drink and eat with me ; and, now, I say " That you must show more joy at sight of me, " Nor vex me with your sullen airs, Ouong-Si ; " Nor melancholy looks, nor heavy eyes, "The Tai-Jin you shall wed, so save your sighs." With this last sneer he left. Ouong-Si was mute, Like to tile music in the shattered lute. A strange, cold sorrow, quenched the heart's clear fire. " And is this death ? " she murmured. A desire Once more Chang to behold, and then to die, And thus the Mandarin's mandates to defy, Engulfed her sinking heart ; as now alone. She felt the soft, caressing breezes moan Their tender words ; she heard the distant sound Of servants hastening to and fro, around The palace rooms, and from the banquet hall Came murmuring voices; now and then a call, As preparations for the mighty lord Were occupying the unnumbered horde Of servants. Ouong-Si's dazed eyes at last then saw The casket near her hand. As touch of thaw- In spring-time tiuickens all the meadow's green, So quickened anguish, when the dazzling sheen 29 Of jewels pierced her sad, abstracted gaze ; The sounds without seemed far away ; a haze Crept o'er her senses. " Chang, my Chang," she cried, Then slipped, unconscious, down. The waters sighed. The breezes still sang on, the birds still glad. No thing in nature seemed responsive, sad Or tender. ***** IX While the Mandarin and Duke Were drinking deep and deeper ; a rebuke From unknown source seemed o'er them both to creep, "An omen's evil wing flaps near, drink deep," One shouted, and they drank. Retainers went To fetch more wine, the goblet's contents spent. Then roamed at will ; while ever more and more Wild jests arose. The ceremonial o'er Of tossing compliments from guest to host ; Each strove the other's widest fame to boast. They quaffed the glowing wine, until their mirth To wildest echoes gave abnormal birth. And feasting, drinking, revelry ran mad Within the banquet hall, and even had To Ouong-Si's lone apartment entered, where The gentle maid lay, still and deathly fair; Peace furled at last her sails, the journey done. ^ ^ SfC ^ ^ The Mandarin noted not that there came one, Drawn thither by the merriment and light ; To list the music and to beg a sight 30 Of all the glories of this regal house ; Where greatness pleased itself with this carouse. Who stood in the garden, asking to be aimed Of those who hurried past ; his mind he calmed As still he stood unnoticed ; unobserved He caught up then an outer garment, nerved His facial muscles to a stolid stare, Then wrapped him up, and straightway entered where The feasting was. A screen concealed the door, He dropped upon his knees ; along the floor, (Scarce breathing, lest som.e one should notice liim) Close passed he to the merry Tai-Jin ; dim The room he entered, then. " Ouong-Si, my fair," Excitedly he whispered ; all was noiseless there. Alcine the distant banquet answer gave, Of echoing merriment ; but, hist ! the wave Is mounting now ; the night is growing dark, Chang, listening, creeps along with caution ; hark ! A sigh ! yes, sure a sigh ; or such a moan As rises when a heart dies out alone. Chang to that sound, that bitter sound, quick flew. And as for Quong-Si there, she never knew Just where the agony of life went out And left her hap'ly dead ; (beyond a doubt. As she supposed) or when new languid hope Awoke within her breast. ■' I dare not cope "With feeble strength of mine against the thought "Tiiat Chang is near : or am I highly wrought 31 " And in my fainting mind, perchance I dream. " Ah, speak ! art thou then real or do but seem ?" '■ Oh, love, dear love, thy lately marble hand " Now warms and pulses ; quickly, love, command " Thy servant, and what e'er thou bidst me be. " Ah, well thiiu knowest thv wish is law to me. "My hope, my life, then wilt thou say farewell " To all the tender past, ne'er more to tell " The secret sweet of love ; when in the bowers, " Or spicy groves, the fragile myrtle flowers, "In blue-ej'ed sympathy, the story hear, " Until a dew-drop rests there like a tear ? " Tell me, Quong-Si, that I shall leave thy side "And thou wilt be the Tai-Jin's beauteous bride, "And Chang — still loving thee, will ever strive " To be more worthy ; always he'll derive " The good of memory, and the hope that thou " Art happy, loved and honored : On thy brow " The flash of rubies, and within thy heart — " " Nay, nay, loved one, from thee I cannot part. "Knowest thou that tiny worm we've oft-times seen, "So smally feeble, insignificantly mean, " Vet, dwelling on a certain kind of tree, " It tireless weaves the richest silks ? Ouong-Si, "Oh, Chang ! upon thy breast alone can live, " Or hope one useful moment e'er to give "That she has been — My lord, thou art that tree, " h lowly silk-worm is thy maid, Quong-Si." 32 X Ah I he who separation useless deems Has ne'er (not even in air-castle dreams) Followed with eager step on absence trail ; To watch the laggard days like shell-topped snail Crawl on, until at last there comes a dawn, With roseate glow — no more a morning wan. But fair and bright, when all the pain is past, And heart meets heart as hand meets hand at last. And then the eager words when no atone Is needed, when those dear eyes meet our own. Misunderstandings, petulance and pride. Are then but names and well may be defied. These lovers, in the joy reunion brought, Some speedy means of flying vainly sought. Until the maiden said, " Dear one, I think " The banquet hall we safe may traverse ; drink " They who there assemble deep ; ere nmv " The liquid fire has touched them on the brow. " Forgetful of all else, they quaff their wine, "And we may fly while they still sit and dine." These lowly spoken words Chang heard with joy And felt far prouder than the proud viceroy. Who o'er his cups was thinking of his bride; Nor guessed the thread was snapping, to divide This young life from his own. The bridegroom then. Grown maudlin o'er his wine, was dozing, when A shout of rage and anger roused him to A sense of what was passing. As he tlirew 33 A hasty glance around, yet saw no thing Thus to arouse his host, began to sing A rollicking and noisy ballad. Quick, Though staggering slightly, giving here a kick To one tired servant sleeping ; there a blow Upon the head, that they might surely know Their master's wrath — the Mandarin straightway went To Quong-Si's vacant rooms : and then he sent A cry of frenzied wrath ; he mightily cursed And swore and fumed, no servant near him durst Approach ; he howled, " Tliat vile wretch has been here, " That puny girl is gone ! yet never fear, " I'll have the fellow's head and you shall take "The girl." The Tai-Jin, lastly, half awake. And parti}' sobered by the vehemence Of his bride's father, gathered in a sense. The idea vague that some one had his prize, Stolen away beneath his very eyes. As he sat drinking, dreaming of his love, A fierce wild falcon swooped down and his dove Had borne away. The Mandarin was gone Already on the chase. The Tai-Jin, drawn By sound of voices distancing, he ran, Yet, reeling, to the open door; began To thunder forth a volleying command, And deal his heavy blows on every hand. Till wine and passion overcame his wit. And down he crashed unconscious in a fit. 34 XI Meanwhile, Quong-Si and Chang ah'eady had A start of their pursuers — for the h^d Knew they were seen in passing through the hall. And lifting in his strong arms Ouong-Si, small, Swift ran with her across the garden walk. Where oft of yore they met to read and talk. Then crossed the bridge, and so the Mandarin Lost sight of them. The dawning light was dim Of morning when the Mandarin returned. And searched Quong-Si's apartment ; thus he learned That they the jewels (presents to the bride) Had taken with them. Days passed. Far and wide They searched the country for the lovers young, The viceroy, both in pride and passion stung. Still sought and still was foiled; until, at last, E'en weeks had come and gone to join the past. Yet deep they laid their plans to find the pair, And searched the villages w'ith fervent care : Sent mandates forth and spies to every place, That they the angered Duke should surely face. The Mandarin being old and full of days. Did finally give o'er. " They've gone their ways, " We ne'er shall find them ; so, my worthy friend, "Let's think no more of this unlucky end ; "But joy us in the pleasures of the drug, " Nor let vexations at our heart-strings tug." Not so the Duke ; still brooding o'er the lost. No vengeance wild Ijut through his mind had crossed. 35 And ever deeper still he cursed the cause, Poor Chang ! — and ever said : " A luck}- clause " Have I — in that he took the rubies fine ; "I brought in Ouong-Si's hair to gleam and shine, " And if, ah, if, discovered Chang may be, " His life shall pay the plain and simple fee. " Since of my bride he me has thus bereft, " Chang surely dies — for the great jewel theft. " How useless is my wealth ; for naught have I " With soothing power to hush the weary sigh ; " No riches great enough to bu}- content — " Though (?// of them my lavish hand had spent " To purchase one small joy — that one would be " The oii/v one : the absent still, Ouong-Si. " A winsome maid, half sprung from stranger race, " She wears a foreign beauty, in a face " Of mine own country women, from far land "She inspires my thought, my heart, I understand "Something intuitive ; unknown before ; "That now illumines thought; aye, life, far more, "And breathes a knowledge in me that I see "A boundless universe's deep glories free. " Though hardened, tremulous, beside this maid " I'd live as ne'er before ; no whit afraid " The future or the past to answer to, " But live my life, as surely one could do " Whose vision was made clear and rarefied " By constant presence of so great a bride." And as the Tai-Jin thought o'er it, he dreamed The maiden loved him well ; it even seemed 36 That Ouong-Si's voice then bade him straightway cheer. Vet ever in his dreams he still could hear A mocking laugh that through his peace would glide ; And, looking anxiously, he then descried Ouong-Si, the fair, the matchless maid, grow dim ; As on to distant realms she passed from him. Then, with a strangling cry, the Duke would choke, As smothered in his woe, he thus awoke ; Awoke, to find his vision but delayed. His fiery hate (dreams, but not memories, fade); Awoke to find he was alone, indeed ; And every devil in him clamored ; " Sliced, " Speed us away — whence lover's bowers among " We'll snatch the bride ! " The earth on surely swung, Day after day its course to East from West ; The wheels of Time rolled on. The Duke unblest. Watched, evening after evening, for the spies. Who had been sent to capture the fair prize, With no success to tell unto their lords. Who clinched their teeth and smote their sharpened swords. Swearing and fuming. Until at last one day The Mandarin succumbed, became a prey To grim low spirits : to ill humor turned The Tai-|in's passion still more fiercely burned. Congratulating still himself that power Was in his hands, that on the very hour Should Chang be caught his vengeance might be proved, Hy " i/ciith for tluft." the traitor she had loved ; 37 The lady toci — Unoiifj-Si — he said, should die, If still her parent's wishes she'd defy. XII Meanwhile, like happy birds on lightsome wing. That only know they live to love and sing ; Or blossoms fair, that do but live to glow. And fanned bv warming breezes blush and blow ; So were our hivers happy now, at last. They to the future turned. " Ah, let the past, "The bitter past, that held us in its hand "And seemed about to crush us — let it stand "Apart from this new life ; my husband, dear, " In a sequestered place we need not fear, "This anger of the Mandarin or Duke ; " I am thankful, dear, that anger, not rebuke, " But cruelty, has shut my father's heart, "For sad, indeed, 'twould he to bear the smart " Remorse would e'er inflict, had I caused pain ; "E'en at the thought of it my tears would rain. "But now, oh, Chang, to thee my life is given ; "Thou art my all, my father, husband. Heaven. "Bid me how best to live that I may be " More useful, noble and more fair — to thee." Thus spoke Quong-Si's soft voice to Chang ; who heai'd The gentle sound, and echoed everj' word As lovers will — scarce knowing wlmt she said. But well content to watch the lip's deep red ; And in respectful gaze his heart outpour. That speech of eyes, the book of lovers' lore. 3S Some time ere this the hand-maid of Ouong-Si Had wedded with the gardener : glad was she To offer shelter to her mistress dear And Chang, the student ; yet intense her fear, Not for herself, but for this noble youth. The husband of her darling. For in truth (Though silent was she), knnwing Ouong-Si's worth, Her lordly father's pride, her lofty birth. Feared that though wedded to a lowly lot. And hidden in a far sequestered spot. The search would e'er continue, more and more, The mighty men would anger. Now, Bing-Or, The gardener, kindly, honest, simply good, Unlike his wife, the matter understood. As being but the quarrel of an hour. He did not know the Duke, his wrath or power. From humble tenement he went each morn. To work as was his wont. An air forlorn He then assumed, that no one seeing him Would guess that they who sought (however dim The hope of finding) should to his cottage turn. With thought there of the fugitives to learn. And daily, when Bing-Or returned, he told The steps of the pursuers. So, though bold As was the Tai-Jin while he them pursued, The closest vigilance Chang could elude. All day within the humble house they stayed. The glare without was mellowed in the shade Of the best room, where Quong-Si oft would rest Her busy fingers, saying : " I am blest 39 " Beyond all hopes, in thee, my husband, grand, " In youth and health and joy ; in all the land "Are maidens, doubtless, good and fair and true, "Who know but sorrow ; while the whole day through "I know but bliss — they onl)' know despair — " And agony of grief they daily wear, " Like iron crown, to crush the burthened head, "And piercing woes, whence long the heart has bled." And Chang replied "Nay, Blossom of the Spring, "Thou art more pure than dove on snowy wing ; "Thy thoughts more fragrant are than lotus-blooms ; " Thy presence is a benediction ; dooms " All things that are not fair to steal away. "Thou art the sun's most golden burnished ray." Ah, surely those who lo75 " You are my babes, the little ones who came " Unto our isle. Are ye, indeed, the same ? " As tall as trees, as strong as yonder tide ; " Ah, tell me, Chang, am I the very bride " Floated away in thy small boat at night'" "Indeed, thou art, Ouong-Si ; Time's awful blight " Has passed thee by, and fairer thou art now, " Than when I gazed on thee from o'er the prow " Of our small bark." Again the island home Holds but the wedded pair ; their children roam Afar and honors gain, yet ne'er forget The silver isle in sparkling waters set. XXIV Ouong-Si once said to Chang : "Dost thou not think " That one who finds sweet waters good to drink, " And knows of thirsty souls, should he not tell, "To all who need, where they may find such well ?" " Indeed, sweet flower, thou knowest well my mind, " What use were it if one alone should find " Such fountain ? Let him give it to all men." " 'Tis even so, my lord, so must thou, then, " A book on agriculture give the world, " For thy great knowledge of the land, unfurled " Will be a banner, blest by freemen all, " Who "neath the load of ignorance now fall." Thus spoke his wife, and gently watching her. He found her words within his breast to stir The first life breathings of an unborn deed, The very work of which his soul had need. 66 Together, in a cosy shaded nook, Chang and his wife planned thus the coming book : "A book 't must be to help lift off the load " Of blind-eyed labor — point the better road ; " A book 't must be to help the young and brave, " And to encourage, too, the aged slave ; " To point out virtue and a love of good, " In language that might well be understood. " To teach a reverence for e'en the sod ; "And show that by each stone there stands a god ! " " Dear wife," said Chang," thy words have touched the place " That empty was ; I long have seen the face " Of some strange duty, as yet unrecognized ; " Now, at thy word, I see it measured, sized "And mapped out to my hand ; I see my work, " Nor seek from now its accomplishment to shirk ; " My life has ever been for thee alone, " Now for my brother man, and so atone " For aught of selfishness my love becomes, " Lest narrowness of love my power numbs, " And makes me still less worthy of thy love, " That great, peculiar blessing, sacred Dove." And as time passed, Chang's work with ardor grew. And whatsoe'er by experience he knew He put it in his book, for all his race. His inspiration was Quong-Si's sweet face. As hovering near him, silently she worked On lustrous silks, while in her eyes there lurked That smile of love, and interest, and hope ; 'Gainst which the years all vainly tried to cope. 67 It almost seemed that they had both returned Unto that first sweet hour, when they had learned Of mutual love, in the far-off, dark days, Ere Psyche lighted bright their diverse ways. Giving this never ending joy and peace. This hope, tliis love, this comfort ; and the lease Of endless youth and usefulness. Each morn That brightly came in turn, new pleasures born Of every hour. The self-set task increased ; — New meanings to the drudgery, as such it ceased, No more existing, but as a blessed part Of the sweet mystery of life and heart. Until, at last, some seven years had fled — The book was finished ; and the people read With joy and interest ; while the name of Chang Throughout the great Celestial Empire rang. Then from all sides great honors showered on him Yet all were pale and lustreless and dim Beside the joy and pride of dear Ouong-Si, Which raised Chang's soul to peaceful ecstasy. But Chang (like other authors, small or great) Had by his book forever sealed his fate. Whoever would be warned by one who knows. Take my advice ; let neither verse, nor prose, Nor any fickle jade, however fair. Of making any book your soul ensnare ! For there is mischief in it, soon or late, Your luckless pen will curse your luckless fate : Your palsied hand, your scattered wits, will prove How merciless the mistress is, you serve. 68 " Fair Literature " in every age is sung : Look at the gibbets ! there the hosts are hung Who gave their lives, that tiiey might starve for her, Were drawn, quartered, and hung without demur. So, brave young authors, who are not afraid, I beg you, for your own sakes, change your trade ; And rather till the land as Chang has done, Than bear upon your brows the laurels won ; Or else, like Chang, from whence you do not look. You'll be in trouble, if you write a book. XXV So heaped with honor, and renown, and fame. His reputation carried far Chang's name. And though it brought him friends both high and low, It also had revealed him to his foe: — That mighty Tai-Jin ! long, long years defied, Since Chang had vanished with his bartered bride. Long years agone the Mandarin was dead. While, year by year, the Tai-Jin's passion fed Upon revenge ; he wouhl not die, till he Had severed Chang by death from his Ouong-Si. So, with demoniacal laughter, rose The aged Tai-Jin ; though would to none disclose The purpose of his journev. Straight he went Unto the river-stati(jn, whence he sent His oath to the military Mandarin, That Chang had stolen his jewels, and that sin Is payable by death. Escorted, he Went to the isle, instructing tliem : ■'Uudug-Si 69 '' Seize and bring to me ; and the villain Chang " Slay without mercy ; he's been the serpent fang " That's poisoned all my life ; his latest breath " Shall shudder at my name, and by his death " I'll free me from this all-corroding woe, " Which eats my heart with fatal pang, though slow." Meanwhile, how wondrous fair a morning broke About the isle ; the tuneful hirdlings woke To the caressing air, and to its sighs, In sweetest trilling themes, made soft replies; The flowery land was blossomed o'er, and seemed The paradise of which one may have dreamed. Such was the island home ; the rippling tide Surrounding it, as slowly, side by side, Wandering through the garden, soft and low The lovers murmured, with a constant flow Of thought, which, interchanged, seems new and grand While, with a loving pressure, hand clasped hand. " Thus, looking back, I can remember still, "The very sense of peace, which, like a thrill " Of new-found safety, came into my heart "When first I gazed on thee, musing apart " In the old garden 'neath the sheltering trees. " How strangely murmurous sighed the evening breeze. "How beautiful, dear Lotus, are these years ! " How far removed from old-time doubts and fears ; " Thy beauty, and thy w'isdom, and thy smile, " Have made a paradise of our home isle." Such were the loving sounds the Tai-Jin heard. As secretlv he listened to each word. 70 And with dark face and hate-clenched hand he crept Beneath the shrubs and close concealment kept. At length, with tender kiss of brief good-bye, The lovers parted ; Chang to his farm drew nigh, While Quong-Si, busied with her household, spent The time in useful work and sweet ccmtent. Scarce had Chang reached the newly-furrowed field, Than to an impulse strange he could but yield. " Ouong-Si," he cried, " dear, I return to thee — " I have a strange desire thy face to see. " Though scarce the shadows moved since I thee clasped. These hurried, choking words Chang almost gasped. Then as his wife he circled with his arm. He passionately kissed her brow. " No harm " Can reach us, oh, my lord, while we exist " Enfolded in each other's arms, but, list I — " I know not what yon murmuring noise doth mean, " Oh, Chang I a dark face which I've surely seen, " Peers through the bamboo ! 'Tis the Duke I see ! " Quick springing forward, Chang then pressed his knee Against the frail bamboo to hold it closed. The entrance of the Duke he thus opposed. The Duke (who, maddened by his jealous rage. Was in a frenzy) wildly spoke : " A cage " You're in, my pretty bird, my bride, Ouong-Si, " For mine you are and evermore shall be ! " I've waited for my bridal many a year ; " I've waited for revenge ; without a fear " But it would come, and it has come to-day, " And Chang the insult with his life must pay." 71 (Ouong-Si rushed forward, clasped her husband's arm. " Together we are fearless, and a charm " The gods have placed forever on Chang's life, "Also on me, his loving, faithful wife : " Then do thy worst ; fear not for us, oh, Duke, " But for thyself ; remorse's dire rebuke — " No malice do we bear thee : go thy way, "And of the gods forgiveness we will pray ; "Then for thine own sake, not for ours, swift leave " Our island home ; and we will free forgive." Ouong-Si's ennobling words but added to His bitter rage ; and splintering the bamboo. With dash of sword, he stabbed Chang in the breast ; The blood gushed forth — " and so his life is blest ? " Sneered with wild laugh the Tai-Jin, as Chang fell, " 'Tis not a parting, 'tis but a brief farewell," In fainting tones Chang thus to Quong-Si spoke. And o'er his dying face a smile then broke ; Which lighted up the shadows of the room. Like sun-light rising o'er a night of gloom. Quong-Si in horror gazed, kissed the pale brow, Then fled to her own room, whispering a vow Of endless love — swiftly she made a pyre That she might join Chang's spirit. Quick set fire To all the silken curtains. ****** From the shore Spectators viewed the blazing house ; then more Like rosy cloud than smoke it seemed to grow, And soared just o'er the tree-tops; as a glow 72 Of golden radiance from its depth revealed The spotless pledge of love the gods had sealed ; And upward sailed the cloud of pearly white ; With roseate tints like lotus-petals bright, While, backward, from the central rays of gold, A filmy mist-like gauze seemed to unfold, And thus disclosed a white, immortal dove, Companioned by its mate. The type of Love. The powerful gods had blessed that constancy Of noble Chang, of loveliest Quong-Si, Which rendered sweet to them life's every breath, And undivided in the hour of death. And while in awe and wonder crowds amazed. From distant shore upon the vision gazed, A murmur musical 'rose on every side. Then o'er the mystic island flowed the tide. The silver tide closing the isle from sight. But, lightly listening to its chant at night, Its song is heard to be of endless Love, And of a hero, blessed of gods above ; And in its tender tone, the trembling tide, Still tells the legend of the mystic bride ; How Love had rendered sweet life's every breath Triumphant, undivided, still in Death. THE END. 73 NOTE. Thus have I dreamed in childhood, ot the fate Of those queer people on the old blue plate ; And such my fancy, as e'en now I gaze Upon the pictures 'neath the China's glaze. A lofty house upon the right appears, Its stately walls amid tall trees it rears ; And on these trees, strange blossoms grow, odd fruits. Which (to my fancy) this same legend suits. A tiny bridge, with people on we see, CTwas counting them I first learned "up to" three); A cottage small (the gardener's let's suppose), A large white lake (Chang's fleeing to oppose), A pretty boat — and then a tiny isle ; And two huge birds, which oft provoke a smile. Such is the picture ; all in bright blue paint. Which thrills me with its ideas, odd and quaint. And lent to childhood's wonders its full share, On Grandmamma's old " plnin Hue Willow Ware." NOTE. The .\uthor acknowledges indebtedness to stray leaves of an old magazine for the letters in Cantos VII and VIII. 74 fe^ ^^m- . ^ S:' -'^1 ^^#S? LIBRARY OF CONGRESS