343
:
What marvel that the people seeking freedom from dire thraldom; Fled, as fish before the pursuing otter seek the quiet depths of the pools where they may lie undisturbed.
Even thus is it today. The land is vexed with oppression. Towards Hongkong we flee on this happy shore to find rest.
We voyagers have made this our port;
Here would we stay with no heart to return whence we came.
Buddhists tell of the golden grain cup which small at the first kept enlarging
Till its mighty proportions were greater than many times heaven and earth
Not otherwise look we on Hongkong This island possession of England, fulfilling its mighty destiny and ever expanding and growing.
The ancients spoke truth in the saying :- "He that gives quiet is Sovereign";
Nor will we ever recall the harsh rule of our former years.
It was not for Lu-Shin to revert to his earlier life at Sai Shuk;
Nor will we foregathered here in peace
Go back to the scenes of our past.
In the days of Sa Hong of the Tsun when men fled from wrong
and oppression;
The beauteous Peach garden became a safe and happy retreat
As birds that fly to and fro, in search of a spot free from danger; Hither came we to find as Lo Kung in the times of the Hon that the very children have hearts of pity for helpless creatures.
We came to your shores and what found we?
The highest hopes we had cherished were they born in us in vain? Had we with gestures of frantic despair to abandon the spot that had beckoned us;
By raising these great expectations?
Like a certain Hu Hang to whom came;
from a region foreign and distant,
Reports of benevolent Government;
We too heard reports and would fain take knowledge if the stories were true;
We would seek our home among you becoming one of your people.
What wonder if doubts arose. Your happy transforming influence, did it in truth exist?
Named a Lau Kwan in virtue were we to find you a Tsui Tsz in evil. Nay! to your unspeakable joy your Government was in sooth transforming This and no other than this is the mark of your just rule, and we who have come here to sojourn are as those who enter a dearly loved home. For all classes of men you had one mode of benevolent
treatment