to the son of a much-valued friend of my own. | But they never succeed in situations where they are exGood morning, sir." posed to too much moisture, or where the soil is arid; How I reached home I know not-by a kind of and in cold exposed situations their stems become coverbrute instinct which led me there, perhaps ;-buted with gray lichens, indicative of an unhealthy condi on my arrival thither, I found Sir Matthew Med-tion. When such cold soils are not trenched previously dle pacing up and down in front of the iron railing, with four newspapers in his hand. 66 Ah, ha! Fred! I've done it for you. Have you seen the newspapers, my boy?" "I have seen but one, sir, and that one too many." "Then you have not seen my paragraph about the private secretaryship?" "Yours! and did you write that fatal paragraph?" "Fatal paragraph! Here's gratitude for you! Here I have it in all the morning papers; I have been up half this night, to the loss of my blessed rest, making copies of it for all the evening papers, and for all the Sunday papers, and-fatal paragraph indeed!" I explained to him that it was just so much good labour thrown away, for that one of them had done all the mischief which the utmost exercise of his obliging services could have accomplished. Who was the cause of my lately losing an important lawsuit by kindly volunteering evidence which made against my case? who made me pay at an auction 9001. more than I should otherwise have paid for a certain property, by considerately bidding for it on my account (though not by my desire) in opposition to an agent whom I had secretly employed to purchase it? who was the cause that I am not married to the woman for whom I would have died? and that I am married to the woman who will be the death of me? Need I add-the everlasting, eternal, sempiternal Sir Matthew Meddle! Sir Matthew Meddle!! Sir Matthew Meddle!!! Like a royal subject and true, I would rather sing "God save the King" than any song sung by singing mortal in this singing age; but heedless of statutes or treason, and of attorneys-general, I declare that I am inclined to shout forth "Vive Henri Quatre!" as often as I recollect that it is to that monarch we are indebted for the exclamation-" Save me from my FRIENDS! I can protect myself against my enemies." P*. From the New Monthly Magazine. EXPERIMENT IN RURAL ECONOMY. How to thicken Thorn-hedges, and produce Branches on Trees.-The object of the experiments related in the following paper, (which we have gathered from the Transactions of the Highland Society of Scotland,) was to procure lateral branches from the bare stems of thorns and other ligneous vegetables; and the result being stated as satisfactory, it is only necessary to explain the manner in which it has been effected. The sap, in circulating or ascending, naturally moves along the bark of a bare stem of an even surface, without any tendency to develope lateral shoots; but the temporary interruption of the course of the sap in thorns, as it is known to do in other plants, seems to give an impulse to inactive germs, by which lateral branches are produced; and therefore, in point of beauty and utility, the discovery is important. A thorn-hedge, when properly managed, surpasses, in appearance and durability, any ordinary field fence. to planting, hedges and trees make slow progress, especially where the ground is stiff, and opposes the unfavourable to the growth of thorns. But the greatest shooting of the roots. Very light gravelly soils are also error usually committed in rearing thorn-hedges is the neglect of keeping them clean and properly trimmed when young, so that at last the hedge becomes as broad as it is high, or looks like a canopy supported by bare sticks, on account of being choked at the roots by weeds. No hedge looks so neat or lasts so long as one kept nearly in the form of a stone wall, the proper dimensions being from three to four and a half feet in height, from one to two feet in breadth or thickness at is only a few inches. the base, inclining upwards, until at the top its diameter But when neglected, as already said, it has hitherto been considered an irreparable evil attendant on thornhedges, as respects their bushiness at the root, that they are scanty and bare, and not to be remedied but by cutting the whole close to the ground, and training it anew, which, though efficient, is a slow style of amendment. On a farm near Stirling, a farmer tried a new method of renovating his hedges, where many of the thorn-stems were almost entirely destitute of lateral accomplished by making horizontal and semicircular branches within two feet of the ground. This he incisions in the bark, by which from a quarter to half an inch in breadth of both layers of the bark was removed fully half way round the stem. In a few weeks after, buds appeared and shot forth, usually close under, but sometimes over, the incisions. This simple operation, performed by a hedge-bill or a pocket knife, early in spring, does not seem to injure in the least the thorns; for the cut being clean and not deep, no canker ensues, and it soon closes up again, leaving only a slight scar in the place; care must be taken, however, that no shred of the inner bark remain to continue the circula tion. The partial interruption merely causes a lateral exertion in the sap-vessels to overcome the obstruction, and the sap thus accumulated gives rise to the new branches, so that the stem may be cut at two or three places if necessary. The artificial branches seldom failed to appear where the stems were healthy, and have sometimes attained a length of two feet the first season. But as such tender twigs are apt to be hurt by frost if cut too young, they were not touched till the first or sometimes the second spring after, when such as required it were cut off a few inches from the stem, which caused an immediate subdivision of each branch. Thus the ragged ill-filled hedges of this gentleman have been continued at the regular height, and at the same time trained into a uniform breadth and thickness, not attainable by any other method in the same space of time. Having succeeded so well with the thorns, he tried afterwards an experiment on a few forest trees, about six inches in diameter. The incisions were made about six feet from the ground, and, in some instances, immediately above slight swellings, which indicated a tendency to shoot forth branches. The consequence was, that a new branch sprang forth the same season from almost every one of the trees. In the thorns, however, no search was made for these eyes, and few or none were observed. The object in these last experiments was to ascertain whether a tree, intended to be ornamental, but which had been forced up by close planting to a long pole, might be made to assume a luxuriant appearance; and so far as this gentleman has proceeded, it appears that his attempt has been followed by the de. sired effect, From the New Monthly Magazine. Application of Gas to Economical and Domestic Pur poses. It generally happens that as the progress of discovery is slow, we are long in developing the full advantages arising from improvements in science or its application to useful purposes. We are led to remark this from the very successful application of gas to a variety of purposes for which it has not hitherto been employed, in heating buildings, and performing every description of culinary operation, and which, by the very ingenious plans adopted by Mr. Ricketts, has been brought into full and successful practice. The great heat eliminated in the combustion of the common street gas is a matter of every-day notice, and it appears that Frederick Winsor, its first introducer, was aware of its availability for all the purposes of heat, as in his first prospectus he made proposals for a gas light and heat company; but with the exception of the cooking apparatus recently patented by Mr. Hicks, and exhibited at the National Gallery of Practical Science, and some prior attempts by Mr. Mallet, of Dublin, this is, we believe, the first time that, in addition to its purposes of illumination, its application to other useful purposes has been shown on any commensurate scale. The plan of heating buildings, patented by Mr. Ricketts, is perfectly novel, and from the most cursory description of its principles, it will be easy to understand its full merits and advantages. stoves within the arches under the viaduct of the Greenwich rail-road, and thus render available, by their conversion into dwelling-houses, an extensive property of that company which without them would be valueless. The power of large companies in providing a supply of the means and comforts of life at a great reduction of expenditure is apparent, when the cost of the supply is taken into consideration, and the gas companies at large cannot fail to appreciate an application which will render their commodity more greatly and beneficially available to the public at large. From Fraser's Magazine. FOREIGN LITERATURE. CHINA. China! the very name of the country excites unusual emotions. We never hear of it, think of it, read of it, save by some extraordinary chance. No lecturer holds forth upon its customs, laws, and literature-no tourist brings out his 2 vols. 4to, "neatly done up in cambric, and lettered in gold, illustrated by views taken by himself on the spot, and engraved in the first style by the most eminent artists"-no! none such delight to honour this neglected land. Do we talk of antiquiIn a store similar in shape and construction to a comty? Our minds go back involuntarily to Ninemon German stove, and with a very considerable radiat-veh and Babylon, to Egypt and to Ethiopia-the ing surface, a series of jets of gas are consumed, the size interminable records of the Chinese we can hardof the flame and the supply of gas being proportioned to ly consider as history. Do we advert to Oriental the diameter of the stove. An orifice at the bottom affairs? Bengal, Bombay, Ceylon, Arabia, Peradmits a supply of air for the support of combustion, sia-ay, "his omnipotence" the emperor of the and one at the top, in form of a chimney, carries off the Burmese, and the pope of Asia, the Grand Lama, gaseous products of combustion. By this simple and all have a place in our recollection. But the Chiequally efficacious arrangement, a great quantity of heat nese-the poor Chinese!-oh! we forgot them; is produced and radiated, an air chamber likewise over but then nobody reckons the Chinese any thing! the surface of the flame distributing a large quantity of Yet, notwithstanding all this, have the Chinese heated air. In confirmation of the advantages of this plan, we can refer to the church of St. Michael's, at one on, age after age, reading and writing prose, Burleigh street, in the Strand, where a stove of twenty-verse, novels, plays, tales, and philosophy-taking two inches in diameter is found amply sufficient to pro- regular degrees in regularly established universiduce a temperature of fifty-seven degrees in all parts of ties-painting pictures, and good ones too-drinkthe building. Objections on the score of danger are readily obviated, by the apertures being made nearly air-tight; the escaped gas, if such should occur, readily finding a vent through the chimney. In the case we have instanced, the total consumption of gas is but at the rate of fifteen to twenty cubic feet, or an expense of between five and six shillings per diem, whilst the attention is confined simply to lighting the gas over night, when in the morning the church throughout is found warmed to the most genial temperature. The arrangement for culinary purposes is on a plan equally simple and ingenious, different compartments being arranged in a neatly-constructed chamber for performing the different operations of boiling, baking, stewing, roasting, &c., by different jets of gas being placed on an adapting and transferring axis. It is sufficient to state that whilst by this plan the heat is more uniform than by any other mode of procuring it, when any substance, as in roasting, is exposed to the direct action of the flame, instead of any injurious effects being produced, the meat may be better cooked by it, being subjected to a well-regulated and uniform heat. Amongst the various inventions and discoveries of the this cannot be considered the least important. In ases it is desirable to obtain and employ heat Subjecting to the formation and consequent fluence of smoke; and we perceive the ingeator has suggested the employment of his ing tea, and multiplying unto themselves gold, silver, and descendants, with as much content and as much pride, in their celestial empire, as though all the world had their eyes fixed on them, and them alone. We have seen that the Chinese ladies can write verses that would not disgrace an English authoress. We shall next find that the tales received among Chinese literati would cut a very respectable figure in an English annual. Among their most approved works of amusement is a collection of tales called Kin-koo-ke-kwan,ancient and modern wonderful tales. This work, comprised in ten small volumes, contains forty stories of different lengths, many of which are written to elucidate the principles of different religious and political sects: all, however, are of a correct tendency as to morals. One of these historiettes, viz. "The History of Sung-kin," was, about fourteen years since, translated by Mr. P. Thomas; and of this, because we believe that the book, for many reasons, was never in extensive circulation, we offer an analyis. This tale is remarkable for its extreme probability, yet romantic interest; and also from the absence, for the most part, of supernatural agency in the plot. It is also valuable, because written to explain and re commend the doctrines of the sect Fuh, or Budha. | He looked up towards heaven and bowed. Thus The tale begins by introducing two couples, rather concludes the first part of this history. The reaged, and childless; who, offering sacrifices to maining three parts may be more briefly dismissed. obtain children, are each blessed with issue-one Sung-kin finds in this desolate spot the treasure having a son, who is the hero of the story, and of some robbers. He waits till some ship comes the other a daughter, its heroine. And here we in sight, and, changing his name, transports the may once for all observe, that the Chinese narra- whole on board as his own property-stating that tor never plunges "in medias res"-he always he had accompanied his uncle, a merchant, who gives an account, more or less succinct, of the had with him great wealth-that they had been preceding history of his hero-sometimes as to beset by robbers, and his uncle had been murhis birth and parentage, sometimes as to his cha- dered, their effects carried to a place which he racter and education: he needs never to be re- named, (and where, in effect, the robbers had conminded, Mais Bebir, mon ami, commencez au cealed their treasure,) and be himself committed commencement. In conformity to this custom, to the care of a sentinel-that this man, having the author of the present tale informs us that the been bitten by a poisonous serpent, had died the parents of Sung-kin were of an ancient and re- preceding night, and that he had thus escaped. spectable family; but those of Ech-uen, the hero- After handsomely rewarding the crew of the ship ine, were of that class who lived from generation that saved him, he proceeds to Nankin, where we to generation in boats: their names were Lew- are told that he had a stately mansion, an imyew-tsae and Lew-she. This difference rendered mense establishment, fine equipages, and-a pawnan union between their offspring impossible, with- broker's shop! In the third part we return to out degradation on the part of Sung-kin's family. Ech-uen; and the whole is occupied with her During the performance of the sacrifices above lamentations, during which she is with difficulty mentioned, Sung-tun relieved an aged priest who restrained from suicide, and the vain endeavours was in extreme distress, and afterwards paid the of her parents, first to console her, and afterwards expenses of his burial. In the course of time, to recover their lost son-in-law. In the fourth and Sung-tun and his wife died in an impoverished concluding part, we find that Sung-kin, still living state, and Sung-kin, being well educated, ob- at Nankin, after a lapse of two years, thinks of tained an advantageous situation; but quarreling recovering his wife, a measure, we think, he with the servants of his employer, is unjustly might have resolved on earlier, as he knew where seized, stripped, beaten, and discarded. He was at any time to find her. He goes, accordingly, by now for some months reduced to actual beggary; his change of name, and splendid appearance, but being of a respectable family, he remembered sufficiently disguised; and introducing himself to that he was "three parts of their breath and bone," Lew-yew-tsae, requested, without seeing her, his and kept up as much dignity as was compatible daughter in marriage. The old man informed with his new situation. At length, when in the him that his daughter was a widow, and, in spite last extremity, he accidentally meets with his of his entreaties, obstinately refused to marry father's friends, Lew-yew-tsae and his wife, who again. After a protracted negotiation, which protake him into their boat, furnish him with em- duces nothing satisfactory, Sung-kin hires the ployment, and, when his abilities and fidelity have vessel of his father-in-law to go to Nankin, and been well tried, give him their daughter Ech-uen comes on board with his retinue. Here, by means in marriage to which the reduced condition of of using the expressions formerly used to himself, Sung-kin no longer makes his high birth an ob- and evincing his knowledge of their concerns and stacle. For some time the newly-wedded couple conduct, he discovers himself. A just, but se live together in great happiness; and the birth of vere rebuke to Lew-yew-tsae for his cruelty is the a daughter bids fair to crown their prosperity. prelude to a general reconciliation. And the Here, at least, if not at the marriage, would an whole family, being made partakers of his wealth, English author have ended the tale; but the become devout believers in the doctrines of Fuh. Chinese has not got to the middle of his. The This tale is not without its celebrity; it is alluded child dies, and Sung-kin's health becomes seri- to by more modern poets-one of whom says: ously affected: day by day he wasted away, till his services were no longer useful, and his person no longer comely. In short, he seemed, says the author, like a poisonous serpent entwined round a corse, which was unable to cast it off. The old people became quite tired of their son-in-law ; and at last resolved to get rid of him altogether, that their daughter might espouse a more handsome and more serviceable man. Of all this his wife was totally ignorant. However, on pretence of obtaining firewood, he was sent on shore, and the boat went away without him. In the state of desolation in which he now was he is visited by an old priest, who is the same that his father buried, but now in a new state of existence." When the mist's on the moon and the frost's in the sky, Through the advice and by the assistance of this And the fires of the seamen burn fragrant and high, old man his wants were relieved, his mind set at From the cold hills of Koo-soo the bell tolls around; ease, and his debilitated frame became strong. And the boats and the temple are sad at the sound." "The virtues of Lew, the old boy, did not last; The Kin-kang was the priest of whom mention has been made in the tale; and the old hat alludes to an incident, trifling in itself, but which, in connection with others, revealed his relationship to Ech-uen. The whole is interspersed with passages from the best Chinese poets, for the most part simply descriptive-such as the following: Alluding to the constancy of Ech-uen, we have a with a laugh, "is not contained here. Those who seek scrap applied to her by a modern poet: to become immortals must disregard desires, and be free from anxious thought; I, diseased with the cares of this life as I am, how can I become an immortal?"—"Why?" asked the other, "what should hinder ?"-"I am anxi "What though the fair and virtuous are proudly standing round, There's none to take the boat-girl's place in all their num-ous," was the answer, "to obtain descendants."—“ Why, ber found: For pure as beaten gold is she, and vowed for love to die; And firmer than the rock her mind, so simple, yet so high." The story is headed by a quotation exhorting to moderation and content, not a little resembling the "Auream quisquis mediocritatem," &c. of Horace. A more wild, but far more beautiful and poetical story, is "The History of Woo-tsing-yen," written at an earlier period, but extracted from the same work. THE HISTORY OF WOO-TSING-YEN. then, have you not married?”—“ I am now in love,” said Woo-tsing-yen: "I am really unwell."-Pih-yuh laughed outright: "I hope," said he, “ your love is not of a light kind, my prince; pray, what sort of love is it?" -Woo-tsing-yen endeavoured as well as he could to detail the sentiments which he felt for the daughter of Tae-she; but his friend would not allow such sentiments to be those of true love. "Every one," exclaimed the student, "allows that she is enchantingly beautiful; it is not a passion which I have acquired by my own eyes.". A supercilious nod of assent was the only rejoinder. The next day Pih-yuh unexpectedly commenced packing up and preparations, as for a long journey. Woo-tsingyen in vain entreated him to stay-he was soon ready, and sent his servant on with his luggage. From the respect and regard they entertained for each other, their Woo-tsing-yen was a youth of uncommon promise. parting was not without painful emotions. They sat for It is said that, while very young, some of his composi- some time in silence. Suddenly a green insect, somewhat tions fell into the hands of the celebrated historian Ho, resembling a locust, pitched on the table. Pih-yuh broke who expressed himself so highly delighted with them, silence: Farewell!" said he, "my carriage is arrived. that he requested a friend to invite the author to his house; If you love me, dust my room and sleep in my bed." and to such an extent did the elegant manners and fas- Struck with the singularity of the request, he was about cinating conversation of this accomplished youth please to ask for further information; but his friend was no him, that he declared a person possessing the talents of longer visible. At length he saw him, not so large as a Woo-tsing-yen was for ever secure from poverty: and finger, and seated astride the locust. The insect chirped, afterwards, finding his zeal and perseverance equal to his spread to the wind its delicate pinions, and soared out of abilities, he offered him his daughter in marriage. This, sight. Woo-tsing-yen stood mute in astonishment; nor however, was not to be. Woo-tsing-yen became acwas it until some minutes had elapsed, that he recovered quainted with one Tae-she, with whose beautiful daugh- from his surprise, and then only to regret the loss he had ter an union was proposed to Woo-tsing-yen. This offer sustained. He occupied the room of Pih-yuh; and after was accepted with pleasure. The autumnal examination the lapse of a few days there came a tremendous fall of was now approaching, at which Woo-tsing-yen was a rain. Woo-tsing-yen remembered the last words of Pihcandidate for honour, but an unsuccessful one; and as yuh, and looking towards the bed, he saw the marks of a therefore his studies were incomplete, it was deemed ad-rat's foot in the dust; he instantly swept them away, and visable for the young couple to wait for three years. Ta-spreading his own mat over the couch, composed himself lent, said they, he certainly has, and sooner or later must to sleep. Not dreamless were his slumbers. In a vision obtain fame: should he not succeed, the young lady would the servant of Pih-yúh came to him, and beckoned him be at liberty to marry another. Woo-tsing-yen now ap- to follow, He arose and went where the domestic led plied to his literary pursuits with redoubled ardour. One him. Soon he saw the ominous bird Fung flying toevening, when the moon looked brightly upon him, im- wards them. Seizing the bird by the neck, the servant mersed in contemplation, a person calling himself a Tseu- said, "traveling in the dark is not pleasant-let us tsae entered his room;-a short beard, florid countenance, hasten our speed: will you not avail yourself of this a small waist, and long nails, were the personal charac- assistance?" Woo-tsing-yen looked at the bird, and reteristics of the individual before him. The student asked plied, not without surprise at the proposition, that it was his name and place of abode. "I am," replied the not large enough to carry him. "Try it," said the boy. stranger, "of the family of Pih; and my surname is He did so. The bird expanded beneath him; the boy Yun-yuh." Pleased with the manners and address of his seated himself behind; and, with a low cry, the bird visiter, Woo-tsing-yen commenced a conversation, which spread his broad wings, soared majestically upward, soon became so interesting, that he entreated his new and in a few moments the earth and all terrestrial things friend to remain (as it was now late) till the morrow. were far beneath-too far to be any longer visible. After Thanking him for his obliging offer, Pih-yuh consented, thus sailing along some time, they arrived at a red door, and took up his abode with him for the night. Woo, where the boy alighted, and assisted Woo-tsing-ven to tsing-yen noticed that Pih-yuh read in a manner differ- alight also. "Where am I?" exclaimed he. "This," ently from any person he had ever heard; and in his ad- replied the youth, "is the gate of heaven." The astodress and conversation there was some peculiarity which nished student looked around, and with dread beheld on he had seen in no other. Astonished at this, he asked one side a huge tiger lying at his ease. The youth saw the reason. "Scholars," replied Pih-yuh, with a smile, his alarm, and instantly placed himself before the tiger. "all differ in mind, manners, and person; nor am I very And now was Woo-tsing-yen able to behold the beauties anxious about acquiring fame." of heaven, extending its glories all around him, brighter Night after night-for their dwellings were near to- and very different from this world. The boy preceded, gether-did the two young men meet and take wine to- and he followed into the palace Kwang-han, paved with gether. At length Pih-yuh produced a hook on the crystal; and on all sides appeared the glorious inmates, occult sciences, which he gave to his friend; but he un-seeming as if walking upon diamond. Around them derstood it not, and carelessly laid it aside. Finding this, and that no use was meant to be made of this book, Pih-yuh informed Woo-tsing-yen of its value, saying that it was the doctrine of Wang-ting-che-yaou, the steps of the gods. "That which I seek for," replied the student, grew the lofty trees of fragrant oil, with their luxuriant branches meeting at the top, and loading with perfume the breezes that here know no interruption. Red were the windows of the buildings-beautiful were the countenances, and slender the forms of the maidens that in these groves wander for ever; in this world are none such to be found. "In the palace of Wang-moo, the imperial mother," said the youth, addressing Woo-tsing-yen, "the ladies are far more lovely-hasten, for I fear my lord must long have been waiting for you-loiter not." Thus speaking, be seized the hand of the lingerer, and drew him out of the red door. They had not proceeded far before they met Pih-yuh waiting for them. He, taking his friend by the hand, led him into the palace. In front of the houses rolled a sparkling stream of pure water, in the midst of a white path-he heard the noise of distant waters-he saw long lines of stately buildings branching off in different directions, paved with crystal, and their balustrades ornamented with precious sculpture. This, thought he, is the palace of Kwang-han. They seated themselves, and a maiden of about sixteen brought fragrant tea. Pih-yuh called for wine, and four beautiful women entered; bending gracefully, these tended them, and the gems in their ears sent forth a pleasant sound. Woo-tsing-yen, smitten with love, gazed intently upon them; and entreated to drink wine, he took the cup from the hands of one of them, and felt much difficulty in restraining his passions.* At length he took one by the hand, smiled upon her, and whispered his love; but the damsels laughed, and retired to their apartments. Pihyuh recalled them, and begged them to drink wine with himself and his friend. Then he requested them to sing. The one attired in red came and offered the visiter a cup of wine; and then, seating herself opposite the table of repast, sang, accompanied by her companions on the reed and pepà, in delightful harmony. When she had finished, one dressed in green brought also a cup of wine, and seating herself where the other sat, sang in company with her friends. Then, the two robed in carnation and light brown stood tittering, addressing each other to go and present wine, but both refused. Pih-yuh proposed that one should sing and the other present wine. The one in carnation now came forward. Woo-tsing yen leaned forward fondly and caught her by the hand. She laughed, and he let go her hand; and between them the cup fell. Pih-yuh was moved to impatience. Elegantly she bended, and recovering the cap, said with a smile, "His hand is as cold as an evil spirit's; why should he seize on mine?" Pih-yuh laughed immoderately: "Since you have transgressed, you shall both sing and dance." Then the maiden in light blue flew with a cup of wine to Wootsing-yen, who declined it; but seeing how deeply the maiden blushed, he drank it, though against his inclination. He saw that all these women were equally lovely, and that in this world none were equal to them in beauty. Rising up, therefore, he addressed himself to Pih-yuh:"These damsels are unequaled in loveliness-why cannot one be mine? Why should you possess so many, while my soul is fled I know not whither?"-"What," replied the other, "how can a lady on whom you have fixed your attentions please a person of your attainments?"-"I have never been favoured with a sight of many beauties," said Woo-tsing-yen; "and consider that these cannot be excelled." Pih-yuh then ordered all the ladies to appear before his friend, and aided him in his choice; and with her he successfully prosecuted his suit. Morning dawned brightly; and before the lovers parted, Woo-tsing-yen begged her to give him some token to keep in remembrance of her. With a sweet smile she drew from her arm a golden ring and presented it to him. A servant now entered to announce that the road of genii and that of mortals were different : * The Chinese here adds: At this moment Woo-tsingyen felt a little itching between his shoulders; whereupon one of these beautiful women, having delicate fingers and long nails, put her hands under his coat and relieved the irritated part. "Therefore, sir," continued he, "you must leave." "Where is your master ?" asked Woo-tsing-yen. "My master left before the fifth watch to wait on his majesty, and ordered me to accompany you home." Woo-tsingyen consented, though with great reluctance, to this arrangement; and they returned by the way they came. When they arrived at the door the student looked round, but was unable to see his attendant, nor could he imagine where he was gone. The tiger slowly roused himself, rolled about his glaring eyeballs, and with a hideous roar sprang forward. Woo-tsing-yen, terrified, held down his head and ran; nor did he stop till, breathless and fainting, he regained the earth. Alarmed and agi. tated, he awoke while the sun was yet rising. He considered what he had seen and done, and decided that his far journey and delightful entertainment were but a dream. On rising, however, he beheld on the ground a lustrous article, which on examination proved to be the golden armlet of a woman. Recollecting what had passed in his vision, the young man felt quite bewildered. From this time, however, (and none will doubt the fact,) his affection towards his yet unseen intended wife daily abated; and he became desirous of seeking the abode of Chih-sang, the mighty and far-famed bestower of immortality. Yet though this project occupied his mind, it was ever a source of regret that he had no children. About ten lunar months after his former dream, while sleeping at noon, he dreamed that the young beauty who in heaven had been his, but, alas! who was unable to follow him to this lower earth, entered his abode, robed, as she had been above, in resplendent carnation, and presenting him with a lovely infant, "This," said she, in a tone of celestial sweetness, "this is your blood and your bone; nor can we retain him in heaven." She then placed the child on the couch, covered it with the mat, and, after gazing fondly on it for a moment, vanished. Woo-tsing-yen in vain endeavoured to stop her. "Having been united," said she, "and now parted, we part for ever; the time of our espousals is passed: yet, should you ever become immortal, we may meet again." Woo-tsing-yen awoke; and now, with feelings more of delight than astonishment, saw a child more beautiful than the daylight slumbering by his side. He took it up and carried it to his mother, relating its history; and she, highly elated, sent for a nurse, and named it Mungseen. And now his wish was gratified-he was no longer childless; and he sent therefore to Tae-she to say that he was desirous of retiring among the mountains, and that, therefore, he resigned his claim to Tae-she's daughter, and begged him to seek some other husband for his daughter. Tae-she would not listen. Again did Woo-tsing-yen earnestly beg to decline the marriage. Tae-she now informed his daughter, who replied, "Every body knows that I am engaged to Woo-tsing-yen; if now I should marry some other person, I should have two husbands." This was reported to the student, who said, "I cannot consent; I care not for fame; neither have I any love for the daughter of Tae-she: only my respect for an aged mother keeps me froin retiring among the hills." This message was duly delivered; and the answer was, "If he be poor, I will be content with him to partake of vegetables; if he leaves, I will wait on his aged mother; nor will I ever marry another person." Matters thus remained unsettled; messages and servants were sent to and fro, but without bringing affairs to a satisfactory termination. At length a day was fixed, the customary marriage presents were prepared, and the dowry arranged. The bride was taken to the house of her husband, who received her, esteemed her, and loved her for her virtue. She waited on his mother with filial attention; and, to render them happy, endured many crosses. After two years his mother died; and his wife, that the customary ceremonies might not be neglected, disposed of part of her dowry. Woo-tsing. |