270
Dreams in the Red Chamber
MAY,
the wisdom of ages to be recorded, and the writings thus collected they made the theme of lively conversation. On these occasions their sentiments often differed, for all was guess work, and like critics of old manuscripts, they very freely gave their opinions. Their usual occupations consisted in study and writing, thrumming the gui- tar, or playing chess, drawing, composing poetry, or embroidering flowers. Whilst, however, fortune smiled upon them, they did not forget the poor family of Chin, to whom they sent no less than 40,000 taels, as a debt of gratitude, for what the unfortunate man had done to the head of the Ká family when in distress.
At this point, the story grows more and more uninteresting, and contains scarcely anything, but the tittle tattle of the female apart- ment. These ladies, when left to their own society become very tire- some to their friends as well as to themselves. On a visit to the im- perial favorite, the damsels found several nuns in the neighborhood of the harem, who burnt incense and lamps in honor of the idols. On inquiry they were informed, that it was the custom of the inmates of the palace, to choose a favorite idol, and to make a certain allow- ance of oil, in order to propitiate his favor by the constant burning of a lamp. This edifying example so much operated upon the young lasses, that they came forward with a subscription, and had their idol and lamp. This custom we think is still upheld in the precincts of the palace; the officiating clergy are lamas, who also act like father confessors, and often disturb the peace of the ladies.
On a
The leading character amongst the inmates of Ká's family, was a very petulant woman, who committed many freaks, which involved herself as well as the others in considerable difficulties. It was the same Pauyu who had had the dream in the Red Chamber. certain day she had teased a waiting-maid so much, that the girl was driven to despair, and threw herself into a well. This circum. stance increased the wrath of the magistrate, and without listening to the remonstrances of the other ladies, he had Pányu brought to the hall of office, and so severely bainbooed, that she was more dead than alive. But the worthy mandarin soon found out, that he had put his hand into a wasp's nest, which should be a warning to all whom it may concern, never to meddle too much with ladies' affairs. Whilst her beautiful form was lying on the ground, covered with stripes, his own mother came with a number of shrews; and attacked him with such bitter reproaches, even threatening to show fight, that the now vanquished judge, was fain to retire with all haste. Some of the women however, actually conspired to take his part and to kill Pán
l
1
|:
1
1
it
1
3
រ
î
ミ
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.