Beyond fountain is lake full of brilliant colourings. By lake we make
pauses and see that colourings are red, blue, green and gold fishes -
most beautiful! At end of lake an old man sits by stand; on stand are
cakes all strung on string like Chinese cash. We buy of the cakes, Bing
Ding cut strings, and we enjoy much pleasurings in fishes feeding
forgetful of hours. But Miss Sterling say, "The time is passing. If you
wish your fortunes told we must go."
We mount up stone steps and enter Temple of the Prophets. Bing Ding,
alone, makes way to Priest at altar and tells to him of her desire. From
his Divining Sticks he makes selection of one and lays it upon the
altar, then opens the Taheo (Book of Great Learning) and reads:
The accomplishment of thy plans rests with Heaven. The Spirits of the
Earth, Sea and Air are propitious. Thou shalt ride far upon the Sea into
Foreign Countries and return in safety. The Earth Spirit gives thee
great power in things political through thy marriage to a high official
of thy Country. Seven worthy sons shall be born unto thee and thy days
shall be full and many.
Bing Ding was of manifest satisfaction when she join us sitting on seat
at back of temple.
Pages:
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77