第七十八回　老學士閒徵姽嫿詞　痴公子杜撰芙蓉誄 An Old Scholar Sets a Theme on a Warrior Maiden; A Lovesick Youth Composes a Dirge for the Lotus

話說兩個尼姑領了芳官等去後，王夫人便往賈母處來省晨，見賈母喜歡，便趁便回道：“寶玉屋里有個晴雯，那個丫頭也大了，而且一年之間，病不離身，我常見他比別人分外淘氣，也懶，前日又病倒了十幾天，叫大夫瞧，說是女兒癆，所以我就赶著叫他下去了。After the two nuns had led Fangguan and the others away, Lady Wang went to pay her morning respects to Grandmother Jia. Finding her in good spirits, she took the opportunity to report: “There is a maid called Qingwen in Baoyu’s rooms. The girl is grown now, and for the past year has scarcely been free of illness. I have often noticed that she is exceptionally unruly and lazy; the other day she fell ill again for more than ten days, and when the physician examined her, he said it was consumption, so I had her sent away at once.若養好了也不用叫他進來，就賞他家配人去也罷了。Even if she recovers, there is no need to call her back; we may simply give her to her family to marry off.再那幾個學戲的女孩子，我也作主放出去了。I have also taken it upon myself to release those girls who were trained for the stage.一則他們都會戲，口里沒輕沒重，只會混說，女孩兒們聽了如何使得？For one thing, having learned theatricals, they speak without any sense of propriety and talk nothing but nonsense; how can the young ladies be allowed to hear it?二則他們既唱了會子戲，白放了他們，也是應該的。For another, since they have performed for us for a time, it is only right that we should set them free without demanding payment.況丫頭們也太多，若說不夠使，再挑上幾個來也是一樣。”賈母聽了，點頭道：“這倒是正理，我也正想著如此呢。Besides, we have too many maids already. If ever there are not enough to serve us, we can always select a few more.” Grandmother Jia nodded. “That is perfectly reasonable. I was thinking of doing the same myself.但晴雯那丫頭我看他甚好，怎麼就這樣起來。But I thought very well of that girl Qingwen. How did she come to this?我的意思這些丫頭的模樣爽利言談針線多不及他，將來只他還可以給寶玉使喚得。To my mind, none of these maids could match her in looks, quickness, conversation, or needlework; I thought that, in the future, she alone would be fit to wait on Baoyu.誰知變了。”王夫人笑道：“老太太挑中的人原不錯。Who would have thought she would change?” Lady Wang smiled. “Anyone chosen by the Old Lady could not originally have been amiss.只怕他命里沒造化，所以得了這個病。I fear she simply had no good fortune in her destiny, and that is why she contracted this illness.俗語又說，‘女大十八變’。As the saying goes, ‘A girl changes eighteen times as she grows.’況且有本事的人，未免就有些調歪。And capable people can hardly help being somewhat perverse.老太太還有什麼不曾經驗過的。There is nothing the Old Lady has not experienced.三年前我也就留心這件事。I began paying attention to this matter three years ago.先只取中了他，我便留心。As soon as I saw that you had singled her out, I began watching her.冷眼看去，他色色雖比人強，只是不大沉重。Observing her dispassionately, I found that although she surpassed the others in every respect, she was not sufficiently steady.若說沉重知大禮，莫若襲人第一。For steadiness and knowledge of proper conduct, no one comes before Xiren.雖說賢妻美妾，然也要性情和順舉止沉重的更好些。Though people speak of a worthy wife and beautiful concubines, it is better still that they be gentle in temper and composed in conduct.就是襲人模樣雖比晴雯略次一等，然放在房里，也算得一二等的了。Xiren may be slightly inferior to Qingwen in looks, but among the girls kept in the rooms she still ranks in the first or second class.況且行事大方，心地老實，這幾年來，從未逢迎著寶玉淘氣。Moreover, she conducts herself with dignity and has an honest heart. In all these years she has never humored Baoyu in his mischief.凡寶玉十分胡鬧的事，他只有死勸的。Whenever Baoyu behaves outrageously, she does nothing but earnestly remonstrate with him.因此品擇了二年，一點不錯了，我就悄悄的把他丫頭的月分錢止住，我的月分銀子里批出二兩銀子來給他。After observing and weighing her merits for two years, until I was certain there was no mistake, I quietly stopped her ordinary maid’s allowance and authorized two taels a month for her from my own allowance.不過使他自己知道越發小心學好之意。I meant only to let her know privately, so that she would become still more careful and strive to improve herself.且不明說者，一則寶玉年紀尚小，老爺知道了又恐說耽誤了書，二則寶玉再自為已是跟前的人不敢勸他說他，反倒縱性起來。I did not announce it because, first, Baoyu is still young, and if the Master learned of it he might say it was distracting him from his studies; and second, if Baoyu considered her already his own intimate attendant, he might no longer let her advise or criticize him and instead grow even more willful.所以直到今日才回明老太太。”賈母聽了，笑道：“原來這樣，如此更好了。That is why I have waited until today to inform the Old Lady.” Grandmother Jia smiled. “So that is how matters stand. Then it is better still.襲人本來從小兒不言不語，我只說他是沒嘴的葫蘆。Xiren was always so silent from childhood that I used to call her a gourd without a mouth.既是你深知，豈有大錯誤的。Since you know her so thoroughly, there can hardly be any great mistake.而且你這不明說與寶玉的主意更好。And your idea of not telling Baoyu openly is better still.且大家別提這事，只是心里知道罷了。Let none of us mention the matter; we need only know it in our hearts.我深知寶玉將來也是個不聽妻妾勸的。I know very well that Baoyu will grow into a man who refuses to heed the advice of wife or concubine.我也解不過來，也從未見過這樣的孩子。I cannot account for him, and I have never seen another child like him.別的淘氣都是應該的，只他這种和丫頭們好卻是難懂。His other mischievous ways are only to be expected; it is his fondness for the maids that is so hard to understand.我為此也耽心，每每的冷眼查看他。I have worried about this too, and often watched him closely without appearing to do so.只和丫頭們鬧，必是人大心大，知道男女的事了，所以愛親近他們。I thought that, since he was forever romping with the maids, he must have grown old and knowing enough to understand relations between men and women, and therefore liked being close to them.既細細查試，究竟不是為此。But after testing and investigating him carefully, I found that this was not the reason after all.豈不奇怪。Is that not strange?想必原是個丫頭錯投了胎不成。”說著，大家笑了。Can it be that he was really a maid who entered the wrong body at birth?” At this, everyone laughed.王夫人又回今日賈政如何夸獎，又如何帶他們逛去，賈母聽了，更加喜悅。Lady Wang then told her how Jia Zheng had praised Baoyu that day and taken them out with him. Grandmother Jia was still more delighted to hear it.

话说两个尼姑领了芳官等去后，王夫人便往贾母处来省晨，见贾母喜欢，便趁便回道：“宝玉屋里有个晴雯，那个丫头也大了，而且一年之间，病不离身，我常见他比别人分外淘气，也懒，前日又病倒了十几天，叫大夫瞧，说是女儿痨，所以我就赶著叫他下去了。若养好了也不用叫他进来，就赏他家配人去也罢了。再那几个学戏的女孩子，我也作主放出去了。一则他们都会戏，口里没轻没重，只会混说，女孩儿们听了如何使得？二则他们既唱了会子戏，白放了他们，也是应该的。况丫头们也太多，若说不够使，再挑上几个来也是一样。”贾母听了，点头道：“这倒是正理，我也正想著如此呢。但晴雯那丫头我看他甚好，怎么就这样起来。我的意思这些丫头的模样爽利言谈针线多不及他，将来只他还可以给宝玉使唤得。谁知变了。”王夫人笑道：“老太太挑中的人原不错。只怕他命里没造化，所以得了这个病。俗语又说，‘女大十八变’。况且有本事的人，未免就有些调歪。老太太还有什么不曾经验过的。三年前我也就留心这件事。先只取中了他，我便留心。冷眼看去，他色色虽比人强，只是不大沉重。若说沉重知大礼，莫若袭人第一。虽说贤妻美妾，然也要性情和顺举止沉重的更好些。就是袭人模样虽比晴雯略次一等，然放在房里，也算得一二等的了。况且行事大方，心地老实，这几年来，从未逢迎著宝玉淘气。凡宝玉十分胡闹的事，他只有死劝的。因此品择了二年，一点不错了，我就悄悄的把他丫头的月分钱止住，我的月分银子里批出二两银子来给他。不过使他自己知道越发小心学好之意。且不明说者，一则宝玉年纪尚小，老爷知道了又恐说耽误了书，二则宝玉再自为已是跟前的人不敢劝他说他，反倒纵性起来。所以直到今日才回明老太太。”贾母听了，笑道：“原来这样，如此更好了。袭人本来从小儿不言不语，我只说他是没嘴的葫芦。既是你深知，岂有大错误的。而且你这不明说与宝玉的主意更好。且大家别提这事，只是心里知道罢了。我深知宝玉将来也是个不听妻妾劝的。我也解不过来，也从未见过这样的孩子。别的淘气都是应该的，只他这种和丫头们好却是难懂。我为此也耽心，每每的冷眼查看他。只和丫头们闹，必是人大心大，知道男女的事了，所以爱亲近他们。既细细查试，究竟不是为此。岂不奇怪。想必原是个丫头错投了胎不成。”说著，大家笑了。王夫人又回今日贾政如何夸奖，又如何带他们逛去，贾母听了，更加喜悦。

一時，只見迎春妝扮了前來告辭過去。Presently, Yingchun came in fully dressed to take her leave before departing.鳳姐也來省晨，伺候過早飯，又說笑了一回。Xifeng also came to pay her morning respects, waited on Grandmother Jia through breakfast, and stayed chatting and laughing for a while.賈母歇晌後，王夫人便喚了鳳姐，問他丸藥可曾配來。After Grandmother Jia retired for her midday rest, Lady Wang summoned Xifeng and asked whether her pills had yet been prepared.鳳姐兒道：“還不曾呢，如今還是吃湯藥。“Not yet,” Xifeng replied. “For now I am still taking a medicinal decoction.太太只管放心，我已大好了。”王夫人見他精神复初，也就信了。Please do not worry, Aunt; I am much better already.” Seeing that her spirits had returned, Lady Wang believed her.因告訴攆逐晴雯等事，又說：“怎麼寶丫頭私自回家睡了，你們都不知道？She then told her about driving out Qingwen and the others, and added, “How was it that Baochai went home to sleep without any of you knowing?我前兒順路都查了一查。The other day, while passing through, I inspected all the households.誰知蘭小子這一個新進來的奶子也十分的妖喬，我也不喜歡他。Who would have thought that this new wet nurse of young Lan’s should also be exceedingly affected and coquettish? I do not like her either.我也說與你嫂子了，好不好叫他各自去罷。I have told your elder sister-in-law that, whether she likes it or not, the woman had better be sent away.況且蘭小子也大了，用不著奶子了。Besides, young Lan is grown now and has no need of a wet nurse.我因問你大嫂子：‘寶丫頭出去難道你也不知道不成？’他說是告訴了他的，不過住兩三日，等你姨媽好了就進來。I asked your elder sister-in-law, ‘Can it be that you did not know Baochai had gone out either?’ She said Baochai had told her and would stay away only two or three days, returning when your aunt was better.姨媽究竟沒甚大病，不過還是咳嗽腰疼，年年是如此的。Your aunt is not seriously ill after all; it is only the same cough and pain in the waist that she has every year.他這去必有原故，敢是有人得罪了他不成？Baochai must have some reason for leaving. Could someone have offended her?那孩子心重，親戚們住一場，別得罪了人，反不好了。”鳳姐笑道：“誰可好好的得罪著他？That child takes things deeply to heart. After our relatives have stayed with us all this time, it would be unfortunate if we offended them.” Xifeng smiled. “Who would offend her for no reason?況且他天天在園里，左不過是他們姊妹那一群人。”王夫人道：“別是寶玉有嘴無心，傻子似的從沒個忌諱，高興了信嘴胡說也是有的。”鳳姐笑道：“這可是太太過于操心了。Besides, she is in the Garden every day and sees scarcely anyone but that group of sisters.” Lady Wang said, “Perhaps Baoyu, who speaks without thinking and, like a simpleton, has never known any restraint, may have blurted out some nonsense in high spirits.” Xifeng smiled. “Aunt, you are worrying far too much.若說他出去于正經事說正經話去，卻象個傻子，若只叫進來在這些姊妹跟前以至于大小的丫頭們跟前，他最有盡讓，又恐怕得罪了人，那是再不得有人惱他的。Send him out on serious business to discuss serious matters and he does seem a fool; but among these sisters and all the maids, senior or junior, no one is more yielding or more afraid of offending others. There can be no question of anyone taking offense at him.我想薛妹妹此去，想必為著前時搜檢眾丫頭的東西的原故。I think Cousin Xue left because of the recent search through all the maids’ belongings.他自然為信不及園里的人才搜檢，他又是親戚，現也有丫頭老婆在內，我們又不好去搜檢，恐我們疑他，所以多了這個心，自己回避了。Naturally, the search was made because the people in the Garden were not trusted. But she is a relative and has maids and older serving-women living there too; since we could hardly search them, she feared we might suspect her and, thinking more deeply about it than necessary, withdrew of her own accord.也是應該避嫌疑的。”王夫人聽了這話不錯，自己遂低頭想了一想，便命人請了寶釵來分晰前日的事以解他疑心，又仍命他進來照舊居住。It was proper for her to avoid suspicion.” Lady Wang thought Xifeng’s explanation sound. After pondering it with lowered head, she sent for Baochai, explained what had happened the other day to dispel her suspicions, and again asked her to return and live in the Garden as before.寶釵陪笑道：“我原要早出去的，只是姨娘有許多的大事，所以不便來說。Baochai smiled politely. “I had long intended to move out, but Aunt had so many important affairs in hand that it was inconvenient to mention it.可巧前日媽又不好了，家里兩個靠得的女人也病著，我所以趁便出去了。As it happened, Mother fell ill again the other day, and the two dependable women in our household were ill as well, so I took the opportunity to leave.姨娘今日既已知道了，我正好明講出情理來，就從今日辭了好搬東西的。”王夫人鳳姐都笑著：“你太固執了。Now that Aunt knows, I can explain the reasons plainly and take my leave today, so that my things may be moved.” Lady Wang and Xifeng both laughed. “You are much too obstinate.正經再搬進來為是，休為沒要緊的事反疏遠了親戚。”寶釵笑道：“這話說的太不解了，并沒為什麼事我出去。The proper thing is to move back in. Do not let some trivial matter estrange us as relatives.” Baochai smiled. “That is a great misunderstanding. I did not leave because of anything that happened.我為的是媽近來神思比先大減，而且夜間晚上沒有得靠的人，通共只我一個。I left because Mother’s strength and spirits have lately declined greatly, and at night there is no dependable person with her; altogether, she has only me.二則如今我哥哥眼看要娶嫂子，多少針線活計并家里一切動用的器皿，尚有未齊備的，我也須得幫著媽去料理料理。Second, my brother will plainly be marrying soon. Much needlework and many household utensils needed for the wedding are still unprepared, so I must help Mother see to them.姨媽和鳳姐姐都知道我們家的事，不是我撒謊。Aunt and Cousin Xifeng both know the circumstances of our family; I am not making this up.三則自我在園里，東南上小角門子就常開著，原是為我走的，保不住出入的人就圖省路也從那里走，又沒人盤查，設若從那里生出一件事來，豈不兩礙臉面。Third, ever since I came to live in the Garden, the small gate in the southeast corner has constantly been kept open for my use. Others coming and going may well take that way too because it is shorter, and no one checks them. If some incident should arise there, would it not compromise both households?而且我進園里來住原不是什麼大事，因前幾年年紀皆小，且家里沒事，有在外頭的，不如進來姊妹相共，或作針線，或頑笑，皆比在外頭悶坐著好，如今彼此都大了，也彼此皆有事。Moreover, my moving into the Garden was never a matter of great importance. In earlier years we were all young, and as there was nothing requiring me at home, it was better to join the sisters here, sewing, playing, and laughing together, than to sit outside in boredom. Now we are all older, and each of us has her own concerns.況姨娘這邊歷年皆遇不遂心的事故，那園子也太大，一時照顧不到，皆有關系，惟有少幾個人，就可以少操些心。Besides, Aunt’s household has year after year met with unfortunate troubles. The Garden is so large that everything cannot always be attended to, though every lapse has consequences; with fewer people, there will be fewer worries.所以今日不但我執意辭去，之外還要勸姨娘如今該減些的就減些，也不為失了大家的体統。Therefore, not only am I determined to take my leave today, but I would also advise Aunt to reduce whatever can now be reduced, without thereby impairing the dignity of a great household.据我看，園里這一項費用也竟可以免的，說不得當日的話。In my view, the entire expense of the Garden might now be dispensed with. Things are no longer as they were in those days.姨娘深知我家的，難道我們當日也是這樣冷落不成。”鳳姐聽了這篇話，便向王夫人笑道：“這話竟是，不必強了。”王夫人點頭道：“我也無可回答，只好隨你便罷了。”Aunt knows our family well. Surely our own home was not so desolate then?” After hearing this speech, Xifeng smiled at Lady Wang. “What she says is quite right; there is no need to press her.” Lady Wang nodded. “I have no answer to make, so I can only let you do as you please.”

一时，只见迎春妆扮了前来告辞过去。凤姐也来省晨，伺候过早饭，又说笑了一回。贾母歇晌后，王夫人便唤了凤姐，问他丸药可曾配来。凤姐儿道：“还不曾呢，如今还是吃汤药。太太只管放心，我已大好了。”王夫人见他精神复初，也就信了。因告诉撵逐晴雯等事，又说：“怎么宝丫头私自回家睡了，你们都不知道？我前儿顺路都查了一查。谁知兰小子这一个新进来的奶子也十分的妖乔，我也不喜欢他。我也说与你嫂子了，好不好叫他各自去罢。况且兰小子也大了，用不著奶子了。我因问你大嫂子：‘宝丫头出去难道你也不知道不成？’他说是告诉了他的，不过住两三日，等你姨妈好了就进来。姨妈究竟没甚大病，不过还是咳嗽腰疼，年年是如此的。他这去必有原故，敢是有人得罪了他不成？那孩子心重，亲戚们住一场，别得罪了人，反不好了。”凤姐笑道：“谁可好好的得罪著他？况且他天天在园里，左不过是他们姊妹那一群人。”王夫人道：“别是宝玉有嘴无心，傻子似的从没个忌讳，高兴了信嘴胡说也是有的。”凤姐笑道：“这可是太太过于操心了。若说他出去于正经事说正经话去，却象个傻子，若只叫进来在这些姊妹跟前以至于大小的丫头们跟前，他最有尽让，又恐怕得罪了人，那是再不得有人恼他的。我想薛妹妹此去，想必为著前时搜检众丫头的东西的原故。他自然为信不及园里的人才搜检，他又是亲戚，现也有丫头老婆在内，我们又不好去搜检，恐我们疑他，所以多了这个心，自己回避了。也是应该避嫌疑的。”王夫人听了这话不错，自己遂低头想了一想，便命人请了宝钗来分晰前日的事以解他疑心，又仍命他进来照旧居住。宝钗陪笑道：“我原要早出去的，只是姨娘有许多的大事，所以不便来说。可巧前日妈又不好了，家里两个靠得的女人也病著，我所以趁便出去了。姨娘今日既已知道了，我正好明讲出情理来，就从今日辞了好搬东西的。”王夫人凤姐都笑著：“你太固执了。正经再搬进来为是，休为没要紧的事反疏远了亲戚。”宝钗笑道：“这话说的太不解了，并没为什么事我出去。我为的是妈近来神思比先大减，而且夜间晚上没有得靠的人，通共只我一个。二则如今我哥哥眼看要娶嫂子，多少针线活计并家里一切动用的器皿，尚有未齐备的，我也须得帮著妈去料理料理。姨妈和凤姐姐都知道我们家的事，不是我撒谎。三则自我在园里，东南上小角门子就常开著，原是为我走的，保不住出入的人就图省路也从那里走，又没人盘查，设若从那里生出一件事来，岂不两碍脸面。而且我进园里来住原不是什么大事，因前几年年纪皆小，且家里没事，有在外头的，不如进来姊妹相共，或作针线，或顽笑，皆比在外头闷坐著好，如今彼此都大了，也彼此皆有事。况姨娘这边历年皆遇不遂心的事故，那园子也太大，一时照顾不到，皆有关系，惟有少几个人，就可以少操些心。所以今日不但我执意辞去，之外还要劝姨娘如今该减些的就减些，也不为失了大家的体统。据我看，园里这一项费用也竟可以免的，说不得当日的话。姨娘深知我家的，难道我们当日也是这样冷落不成。”凤姐听了这篇话，便向王夫人笑道：“这话竟是，不必强了。”王夫人点头道：“我也无可回答，只好随你便罢了。”

話說之間，只見寶玉等已回來，因說他父親還未散，恐天黑了，所以先叫我們回來了。As they spoke, Baoyu and the others returned, explaining that their father’s gathering had not yet broken up, but that, fearing it would grow dark, he had sent them home first.王夫人忙問：“今日可有丟了丑？”寶玉笑道：“不但不丟丑，倒拐了許多東西來。”接著，就有老婆子們從二門上小廝手內接了東西來。Lady Wang hurriedly asked, “Did you disgrace yourself today?” Baoyu laughed. “Far from disgracing myself, I came away with a great many things.” Just then, older serving-women brought in the articles they had received from the pages at the inner gate.王夫人一看時，只見扇子三把，扇墜三個，筆墨共六匣，香珠三串，玉絛環三個。Lady Wang looked and saw three fans, three fan pendants, six cases of brushes and ink, three strings of fragrant beads, and three jade sash-rings.寶玉說道：“這是梅翰林送的，那是楊侍郎送的，這是李員外送的，每人一分。”說著，又向怀中取出一個旃檀香小護身佛來，說：“這是慶國公單給我的。”王夫人又問在席何人，作何詩詞等語畢，只將寶玉一分令人拿著，同寶玉蘭環前來見過賈母。“These are from Academician Mei,” said Baoyu, “those are from Vice-Minister Yang, and these from Imperial Household Member Li—one set from each.” Then he took from his bosom a little protective Buddha carved of sandalwood. “Duke Qing gave me this especially.” After Lady Wang had finished asking who had attended the banquet and what poems and verses had been composed, she had Baoyu’s share carried for him and took Baoyu, Lan, and Huan to see Grandmother Jia.賈母看了，喜歡不盡，不免又問些話。Grandmother Jia was delighted beyond measure when she saw the gifts, and naturally asked them a number of questions.無奈寶玉一心記著晴雯，答應完了話時，便說騎馬顛了，骨頭疼。But Baoyu’s whole mind was on Qingwen. As soon as he had finished answering, he said that the jolting of the horse had made his bones ache.賈母便說：“快回房去換了衣服，疏散疏散就好了，不許睡倒。”寶玉聽了，便忙入園來。“Hurry back to your rooms,” said Grandmother Jia. “Change your clothes and move about a little; then you will be well. You are not to lie down.” Hearing this, Baoyu hurried into the Garden.

话说之间，只见宝玉等已回来，因说他父亲还未散，恐天黑了，所以先叫我们回来了。王夫人忙问：“今日可有丢了丑？”宝玉笑道：“不但不丢丑，倒拐了许多东西来。”接著，就有老婆子们从二门上小厮手内接了东西来。王夫人一看时，只见扇子三把，扇坠三个，笔墨共六匣，香珠三串，玉绦环三个。宝玉说道：“这是梅翰林送的，那是杨侍郎送的，这是李员外送的，每人一分。”说著，又向怀中取出一个旃檀香小护身佛来，说：“这是庆国公单给我的。”王夫人又问在席何人，作何诗词等语毕，只将宝玉一分令人拿著，同宝玉兰环前来见过贾母。贾母看了，喜欢不尽，不免又问些话。无奈宝玉一心记著晴雯，答应完了话时，便说骑马颠了，骨头疼。贾母便说：“快回房去换了衣服，疏散疏散就好了，不许睡倒。”宝玉听了，便忙入园来。

當下麝月秋紋已帶了兩個丫頭來等候，見寶玉辭了賈母出來，秋紋便將筆墨拿起來，一同隨寶玉進園來。Sheyue and Qiuwen had already brought two young maids and were waiting. When Baoyu took leave of Grandmother Jia and came out, Qiuwen picked up the brushes and ink, and they all followed him into the Garden.寶玉滿口里說”好熱”，一壁走，一壁便摘冠解帶，將外面的大衣服都脫下來麝月拿著，只穿著一件松花綾子夾襖，襖內露出血點般大紅褲子來。Baoyu kept saying how hot he was. As he walked, he removed his cap and loosened his belt, taking off all his outer clothes and giving them to Sheyue. He was left wearing only a lined jacket of pine-flower-colored damask, beneath which showed trousers as crimson as drops of blood.秋紋見這條紅褲是晴雯手內針線，因歎道：“這條褲子以後收了罷，真是物件在人去了。”麝月忙也笑道：“這是晴雯的針線。”又歎道：“真真物在人亡了！”秋紋將麝月拉了一把，笑道：“這褲子配著松花色襖兒，石青靴子，越顯出這靛青的頭，雪白的臉來了。”寶玉在前只裝聽不見，又走了兩步，便止步道：“我要走一走，這怎麼好？”麝月道：“大白日里，還怕什麼？Seeing that the red trousers were Qingwen’s needlework, Qiuwen sighed. “These trousers should be put away after this. Truly, the thing remains though its maker is gone.” Sheyue hastily laughed. “Yes, they are Qingwen’s work.” Then she too sighed. “Truly, the thing remains while its maker is dead!” Qiuwen tugged at her and said with a laugh, “These trousers, with that pine-flower jacket and dark-blue boots, make his indigo-dark hair and snowy-white face stand out all the more.” Walking ahead, Baoyu pretended not to hear. After another few steps he stopped. “I want to go for a walk. What are we to do?” “It is broad daylight,” said Sheyue. “What is there to fear?還怕丟了你不成！”因命兩個小丫頭跟著，”我們送了這些東西去再來。”寶玉道：“好姐姐，等一等我再去。”麝月道：“我們去了就來。Do you think someone will steal you?” She told the two young maids to accompany him. “We will put these things away and come back.” Baoyu said, “Dear sisters, wait until I return before you go.” Sheyue replied, “We shall be back as soon as we have gone.兩個人手里都有東西，倒向擺執事的，一個捧著文房四寶，一個捧著冠袍帶履，成個什麼樣子。”寶玉聽見，正中心怀，便讓他兩個去了。Both of us have our hands full. We look like attendants in a ceremonial procession, one bearing the scholar’s four treasures and the other your cap, robe, belt, and shoes. What sort of spectacle is that?” This was exactly what Baoyu wanted to hear, so he let them go.

当下麝月秋纹已带了两个丫头来等候，见宝玉辞了贾母出来，秋纹便将笔墨拿起来，一同随宝玉进园来。宝玉满口里说”好热”，一壁走，一壁便摘冠解带，将外面的大衣服都脱下来麝月拿著，只穿著一件松花绫子夹袄，袄内露出血点般大红裤子来。秋纹见这条红裤是晴雯手内针线，因叹道：“这条裤子以后收了罢，真是物件在人去了。”麝月忙也笑道：“这是晴雯的针线。”又叹道：“真真物在人亡了！”秋纹将麝月拉了一把，笑道：“这裤子配著松花色袄儿，石青靴子，越显出这靛青的头，雪白的脸来了。”宝玉在前只装听不见，又走了两步，便止步道：“我要走一走，这怎么好？”麝月道：“大白日里，还怕什么？还怕丢了你不成！”因命两个小丫头跟著，”我们送了这些东西去再来。”宝玉道：“好姐姐，等一等我再去。”麝月道：“我们去了就来。两个人手里都有东西，倒向摆执事的，一个捧著文房四宝，一个捧著冠袍带履，成个什么样子。”宝玉听见，正中心怀，便让他两个去了。

他便帶了兩個小丫頭到一石後，也不怎麼樣，只問他二人道：“自我去了，你襲人姐姐打發人瞧晴雯姐姐去了不曾？”這一個答道：“打發宋媽媽瞧去了。”寶玉道：“回來說什麼？”小丫頭道：“回來說晴雯姐姐直著脖子叫了一夜，今日早起就閉了眼，住了口，世事不知，也出不得一聲兒，只有倒氣的分兒了。”寶玉忙道：“一夜叫的是誰？”小丫頭子說：“一夜叫的是娘。”寶玉拭淚道：“還叫誰？”小丫頭子道：“沒有聽見叫別人了。”寶玉道：“你糊涂，想必沒有聽真。”旁邊那一個小丫頭最伶俐，聽寶玉如此說，便上來說：“真個他糊涂。”又向寶玉道：“不但我聽得真切，我還親自偷著看去的。”寶玉聽說，忙問：“你怎麼又親自看去？”小丫頭道：“我因想晴雯姐姐素日與別人不同，待我們极好。Taking the two young maids behind a rock, he did nothing else but ask them, “Since I went out, has Sister Xiren sent anyone to see Sister Qingwen?” One replied, “She sent Mamma Song.” “What did she say when she returned?” asked Baoyu. The young maid answered, “She said Sister Qingwen cried out all night with her neck rigid. Early this morning she closed her eyes and fell silent, knowing nothing of the world. She could not make another sound and could only gasp out her last breaths.” Baoyu hurriedly asked, “Whom did she call all night?” “She called for her mother.” Wiping away tears, Baoyu asked, “Who else did she call?” “I did not hear her call anyone else.” “You little fool,” said Baoyu. “You surely did not hear clearly.” The other young maid, who was the cleverer of the two, heard this and came forward. “She really is a fool.” Then she said to Baoyu, “Not only did I hear clearly; I secretly went to see her myself.” Baoyu quickly asked, “How did you come to go yourself?” The young maid said, “I thought that Sister Qingwen was always unlike other people and treated us especially well.如今他雖受了委屈出去，我們不能別的法子救他，只親去瞧瞧，也不枉素日疼我們一場。Now, though she was wronged and driven out, there was no other way for us to save her. By going to see her in person, at least I did not betray all the kindness she had shown us.就是人知道了回了太太，打我們一頓，也是願受的。Even if someone found out, reported me to Her Ladyship, and had me beaten, I was willing to bear it.所以我拚著挨一頓打，偷著下去瞧了一瞧。So I risked a beating and secretly slipped out to see her.誰知他平生為人聰明，至死不變。Who would have thought that, clever as she had been all her life, she remained so even at death?他因想著那起俗人不可說話，所以只閉眼養神，見我去了便睜開眼，拉我的手問：‘寶玉那去了？’我告訴他實情。She thought those vulgar people unfit to be spoken to, so she merely closed her eyes and rested. When she saw me, she opened them, took my hand, and asked, ‘Where has Baoyu gone?’ I told her the truth.他歎了一口氣說：‘不能見了。’我就說：‘姐姐何不等一等他回來見一面，豈不兩完心願？’他就笑道：‘你們還不知道。She sighed and said, ‘I shall not be able to see him.’ I said, ‘Sister, why not wait until he returns and see him once? Then would not both your wishes be fulfilled?’ She smiled. ‘You still do not understand.我不是死，如今天上少了一位花神，玉皇敕命我去司主。I am not dying. A Flower Goddess is missing in Heaven, and the Jade Emperor has issued a decree appointing me to take charge.我如今在未正二刻到任司花，寶玉須待未正三刻才到家，只少得一刻的工夫，不能見面。I must assume my office over the flowers today at the second quarter past midday, while Baoyu will not reach home until the third quarter. We shall miss each other by only one quarter of an hour, but we cannot meet.世上凡該死之人閻王勾取了過去，是差些小鬼來捉人魂魄。When a mortal is due to die and the King of Hell summons them away, he sends minor demons to seize the soul.若要遲延一時半刻，不過燒些紙錢澆些漿飯，那鬼只顧搶錢去了，該死的人就可多待些個工夫。If one wishes to delay them for a little while, one need only burn paper money and pour out rice gruel; while the demons scramble for the money, the doomed person may linger a little longer.我這如今是有天上的神仙來召請，豈可捱得時刻！’我聽了這話，竟不大信，及進來到房里留神看時辰表時，果然是未正二刻他咽了氣，正三刻上就有人來叫我們，說你來了。But now immortals from Heaven have come to summon me. How could I delay the appointed hour?’ I did not quite believe her when I heard this, but after I returned and carefully watched the clock, she did indeed breathe her last at the second quarter past midday; at the third quarter someone came to call us, saying that you had returned.這時候倒都對合。”寶玉忙道：“你不識字看書，所以不知道。The times matched exactly.” Baoyu hastily said, “You cannot read books, so you do not know about such things.這原是有的，不但花有個神，一樣花有一位神之外還有總花神。They truly exist. Not only is there a deity for flowers, and a separate deity for each kind of flower, but there is also a supreme Flower Goddess.但他不知是作總花神去了，還是單管一樣花的神？”這丫頭聽了，一時謅不出來。Only, did she not say whether she had gone to be the supreme Flower Goddess or the goddess presiding over one particular kind?” At this the maid could not immediately invent an answer.恰好這是八月時節，園中池上芙蓉正開。It happened to be the eighth month, and the hibiscuses beside the pond in the Garden were in bloom.這丫頭便見景生情，忙答道：“我也曾問他是管什麼花的神，告訴我們日後也好供養的。Inspired by the sight, the maid hurriedly answered, “I asked her too which flower she would govern, so that we might know what to offer her in worship afterward.他說：‘天机不可泄漏。She said, ‘The secrets of Heaven must not be divulged.你既這樣虔誠，我只告訴你，你只可告訴寶玉一人。Since you are so devout, I shall tell you alone, but you may tell only Baoyu.除他之外若泄了天机，五雷就來轟頂的。’他就告訴我說，他就是專管這芙蓉花的。”寶玉聽了這話，不但不為怪，亦且去悲而生喜，乃指芙蓉笑道：“此花也須得這樣一個人去司掌。If you reveal Heaven’s secret to anyone else, the thunder of the five elements will strike your head.’ Then she told me that she had been appointed especially to govern these hibiscus flowers.” Hearing this, Baoyu not only found it unsurprising, but forgot his grief and grew joyful. Pointing to the hibiscus, he smiled. “Such a flower truly requires such a person to preside over it.我就料定他那樣的人必有一番事業做的。I always knew that someone like her was destined for some great undertaking.雖然超出苦海，從此不能相見，也免不得傷感思念。”因又想：“雖然臨終未見，如今且去靈前一拜，也算盡這五六年的情常。”Though she has escaped the sea of suffering and I can never see her again, I cannot help grieving and longing for her.” Then he thought, “Though I failed to see her before she died, I can at least bow before her spirit now, and so fulfill the affection of these past five or six years.”

他便带了两个小丫头到一石后，也不怎么样，只问他二人道：“自我去了，你袭人姐姐打发人瞧晴雯姐姐去了不曾？”这一个答道：“打发宋妈妈瞧去了。”宝玉道：“回来说什么？”小丫头道：“回来说晴雯姐姐直著脖子叫了一夜，今日早起就闭了眼，住了口，世事不知，也出不得一声儿，只有倒气的分儿了。”宝玉忙道：“一夜叫的是谁？”小丫头子说：“一夜叫的是娘。”宝玉拭泪道：“还叫谁？”小丫头子道：“没有听见叫别人了。”宝玉道：“你糊涂，想必没有听真。”旁边那一个小丫头最伶俐，听宝玉如此说，便上来说：“真个他糊涂。”又向宝玉道：“不但我听得真切，我还亲自偷著看去的。”宝玉听说，忙问：“你怎么又亲自看去？”小丫头道：“我因想晴雯姐姐素日与别人不同，待我们极好。如今他虽受了委屈出去，我们不能别的法子救他，只亲去瞧瞧，也不枉素日疼我们一场。就是人知道了回了太太，打我们一顿，也是愿受的。所以我拼著挨一顿打，偷著下去瞧了一瞧。谁知他平生为人聪明，至死不变。他因想著那起俗人不可说话，所以只闭眼养神，见我去了便睁开眼，拉我的手问：‘宝玉那去了？’我告诉他实情。他叹了一口气说：‘不能见了。’我就说：‘姐姐何不等一等他回来见一面，岂不两完心愿？’他就笑道：‘你们还不知道。我不是死，如今天上少了一位花神，玉皇敕命我去司主。我如今在未正二刻到任司花，宝玉须待未正三刻才到家，只少得一刻的工夫，不能见面。世上凡该死之人阎王勾取了过去，是差些小鬼来捉人魂魄。若要迟延一时半刻，不过烧些纸钱浇些浆饭，那鬼只顾抢钱去了，该死的人就可多待些个工夫。我这如今是有天上的神仙来召请，岂可挨得时刻！’我听了这话，竟不大信，及进来到房里留神看时辰表时，果然是未正二刻他咽了气，正三刻上就有人来叫我们，说你来了。这时候倒都对合。”宝玉忙道：“你不识字看书，所以不知道。这原是有的，不但花有个神，一样花有一位神之外还有总花神。但他不知是作总花神去了，还是单管一样花的神？”这丫头听了，一时诌不出来。恰好这是八月时节，园中池上芙蓉正开。这丫头便见景生情，忙答道：“我也曾问他是管什么花的神，告诉我们日后也好供养的。他说：‘天机不可泄漏。你既这样虔诚，我只告诉你，你只可告诉宝玉一人。除他之外若泄了天机，五雷就来轰顶的。’他就告诉我说，他就是专管这芙蓉花的。”宝玉听了这话，不但不为怪，亦且去悲而生喜，乃指芙蓉笑道：“此花也须得这样一个人去司掌。我就料定他那样的人必有一番事业做的。虽然超出苦海，从此不能相见，也免不得伤感思念。”因又想：“虽然临终未见，如今且去灵前一拜，也算尽这五六年的情常。”

想畢忙至房中，又另穿戴了，只說去看黛玉，遂一人出園來，往前次之處去，意為停柩在內。Having made up his mind, he hurried back to his rooms and changed his clothes again. Saying only that he was going to see Daiyu, he left the Garden alone and went to the place where he had visited Qingwen before, supposing that her coffin would be resting there.誰知他哥嫂見他一咽氣便回了進去，希圖早些得幾兩發送例銀。But as soon as she breathed her last, her brother and sister-in-law had gone to report the death, hoping to obtain the customary funeral allowance as soon as possible.王夫人聞知，便命賞了十兩燒埋銀子。When Lady Wang heard, she ordered that ten taels be given for the cremation and burial expenses.又命：“即刻送到外頭焚化了罷。She also ordered, “Have her taken outside the city and cremated at once.女兒癆死的，斷不可留！”他哥嫂聽了這話，一面得銀，一面就雇了人來入殮，抬往城外化人場上去了。A girl who dies of consumption must on no account be kept here!” On hearing this, her brother and sister-in-law received the money and at once hired men to place her in a coffin and carry her to the cremation ground outside the city.剩的衣履簪環，約有三四百金之數，他兄嫂自收了為後日之計。The clothes, shoes, hairpins, and ornaments she left, worth some three or four hundred in silver, were retained by her brother and sister-in-law against their future needs.二人將門鎖上，一同送殯去未回。They locked the door and went together to accompany the funeral procession, and had not yet returned.寶玉走來扑了個空。Thus Baoyu came all that way only to find the place deserted.寶玉自立了半天，別無法兒，只得复身進入園中。He stood there alone for a long while, but there was nothing he could do, so he had to turn back into the Garden.待回至房中，甚覺無味，因乃順路來找黛玉。On his way to his rooms he felt utterly dispirited, and therefore stopped along the way to look for Daiyu.偏黛玉不在房中，問其何往，丫鬟們回說：“往寶姑娘那里去了。”寶玉又至蘅蕪苑中，只見寂靜無人，房內搬的空空落落的，不覺吃一大驚。As ill luck would have it, Daiyu was not in her rooms. When he asked where she had gone, the maids replied, “She has gone to Miss Bao’s.” Baoyu went on to Hengwu Court, only to find it silent and deserted, with the rooms stripped bare. He could not help receiving a terrible shock.忽見個老婆子走來，寶玉忙問這是什麼原故。Just then an older serving-woman appeared, and Baoyu hurriedly asked what had happened.老婆子道：“寶姑娘出去了。“Miss Bao has moved out,” the woman replied.這里交我們看著，還沒有搬清楚。The place has been left in our care, but everything has not yet been cleared away.我們幫著送了些東西去，這也就完了。We have helped carry some of her things over, and are just about finished.你老人家請出去罷，讓我們掃掃灰塵也好，從此你老人家省跑這一處的腿子了。”寶玉聽了，怔了半天，因看著那院中的香藤异蔓，仍是翠翠青青，忽比昨日好似改作凄涼了一般，更又添了傷感。Please go out, young master, so that we may sweep away the dust. From now on, you may spare yourself the trouble of walking over here.” Baoyu stood stunned for a long while. Looking at the fragrant vines and exotic creepers in the courtyard, still lush and green, he suddenly felt that, compared with yesterday, the place had somehow become desolate, adding still more to his sorrow.默默出來，又見門外的一條翠樾埭上也半日無人來往，不似當日各處房中丫鬟不約而來者絡繹不絕。He came out in silence, and saw that for half the day no one had passed along the emerald-shaded causeway outside the gate—nothing like former days, when maids from all the different apartments would arrive unbidden in an endless stream.又俯身看那埭下之水，仍是溶溶脈脈的流將過去。Bending down, he looked at the water beneath the causeway; it still flowed gently and silently on.心下因想：“天地間竟有這樣無情的事！”悲感一番，忽又想到去了司棋，入畫，芳官等五個，死了晴雯，今又去了寶釵等一處，迎春雖尚未去，然連日也不見回來，且接連有媒人來求親：大約園中之人不久都要散的了。He thought, “Can there truly be such heartless things under heaven and earth!” After grieving awhile, it suddenly occurred to him that Siqi, Ruhua, Fangguan, and two others had been sent away; Qingwen was dead; now Baochai and her household had gone too; and though Yingchun had not yet left, she had not returned for several days, while matchmakers had been coming one after another to propose marriages. In all likelihood, before long everyone in the Garden would be scattered.縱生煩惱，也無濟于事。Vexing himself would do no good.不如還是找黛玉去相伴一日，回來還是和襲人廝混，只這兩三個人，只怕還是同死同歸的。He might as well seek out Daiyu and spend the day with her, then come back and keep Xiren company; these two or three, at least, would probably remain together until death.想畢，仍往瀟湘館來，偏黛玉尚未回來。Having decided this, he went on to Xiaoxiang Lodge, only to find that Daiyu had still not returned.寶玉想亦當出去候送才是，無奈不忍悲感，還是不去的是，遂又垂頭喪氣的回來。Baoyu thought he ought to go out and wait to see the travelers off, but he could not bear the sorrow of it and decided not to go; he therefore returned, downcast and dispirited.

想毕忙至房中，又另穿戴了，只说去看黛玉，遂一人出园来，往前次之处去，意为停柩在内。谁知他哥嫂见他一咽气便回了进去，希图早些得几两发送例银。王夫人闻知，便命赏了十两烧埋银子。又命：“即刻送到外头焚化了罢。女儿痨死的，断不可留！”他哥嫂听了这话，一面得银，一面就雇了人来入殓，抬往城外化人场上去了。剩的衣履簪环，约有三四百金之数，他兄嫂自收了为后日之计。二人将门锁上，一同送殡去未回。宝玉走来扑了个空。宝玉自立了半天，别无法儿，只得复身进入园中。待回至房中，甚觉无味，因乃顺路来找黛玉。偏黛玉不在房中，问其何往，丫鬟们回说：“往宝姑娘那里去了。”宝玉又至蘅芜苑中，只见寂静无人，房内搬的空空落落的，不觉吃一大惊。忽见个老婆子走来，宝玉忙问这是什么原故。老婆子道：“宝姑娘出去了。这里交我们看著，还没有搬清楚。我们帮著送了些东西去，这也就完了。你老人家请出去罢，让我们扫扫灰尘也好，从此你老人家省跑这一处的腿子了。”宝玉听了，怔了半天，因看著那院中的香藤异蔓，仍是翠翠青青，忽比昨日好似改作凄凉了一般，更又添了伤感。默默出来，又见门外的一条翠樾埭上也半日无人来往，不似当日各处房中丫鬟不约而来者络绎不绝。又俯身看那埭下之水，仍是溶溶脉脉的流将过去。心下因想：“天地间竟有这样无情的事！”悲感一番，忽又想到去了司棋，入画，芳官等五个，死了晴雯，今又去了宝钗等一处，迎春虽尚未去，然连日也不见回来，且接连有媒人来求亲：大约园中之人不久都要散的了。纵生烦恼，也无济于事。不如还是找黛玉去相伴一日，回来还是和袭人厮混，只这两三个人，只怕还是同死同归的。想毕，仍往潇湘馆来，偏黛玉尚未回来。宝玉想亦当出去候送才是，无奈不忍悲感，还是不去的是，遂又垂头丧气的回来。

正在不知所以之際，忽見王夫人的丫頭進來找他說：“老爺回來了，找你呢，又得了好題目來了。While he stood at a loss, one of Lady Wang’s maids suddenly came looking for him and said, “Master has returned and is asking for you; he has brought back another fine subject.快走，快走。”寶玉聽了，只得跟了出來。Come quickly, quickly.” Hearing this, Baoyu had no choice but to follow her out.到王夫人房中，他父親已出去了。By the time he reached Lady Wang’s room, his father had already left it.王夫人命人送寶玉至書房中。Lady Wang ordered someone to escort Baoyu to the study.

正在不知所以之际，忽见王夫人的丫头进来找他说：“老爷回来了，找你呢，又得了好题目来了。快走，快走。”宝玉听了，只得跟了出来。到王夫人房中，他父亲已出去了。王夫人命人送宝玉至书房中。

彼時賈政正與眾幕友們談論尋秋之胜，又說：“快散時忽然談及一事，最是千古佳談，‘風流雋逸，忠義慷慨’八字皆備，倒是個好題目，大家要作一首挽詞。”眾幕賓聽了，都忙請教是系何等妙事。At that moment Jia Zheng was discussing the delights of an autumn excursion with his secretaries, and said, “Just as we were about to disperse, a certain affair unexpectedly came up. It makes one of the finest tales in all history, possessing in full the qualities ‘romantic and distinguished, loyal and heroic.’ It is an excellent subject: each of you should compose a lament.” On hearing this, the secretaries eagerly asked what marvelous affair he meant.賈政乃道：“當日曾有一位王封曰恒王，出鎮青州。Jia Zheng said, “There was once a prince entitled Prince Heng, who was posted to command at Qingzhou.這恒王最喜女色，且公余好武，因選了許多美女，日習武事。This Prince Heng was exceedingly fond of women and, in his leisure from official business, devoted to martial pursuits; he therefore selected a great many beautiful women and had them practice the arts of war each day.每公余輒開宴連日，令眾美女習戰斗功拔之事。Whenever free from his duties, he would hold banquets lasting several days and have these beauties train in combat, feats of strength, and the like.其姬中有姓林行四者，姿色既冠，且武藝更精，皆呼為林四娘。Among his concubines was a woman surnamed Lin, the fourth in order; she surpassed all the others in beauty and was even more accomplished in arms, so everyone called her Lin Siniang.恒王最得意，遂超拔林四娘統轄諸姬，又呼為‘姽嫿將軍’。“眾清客都稱”妙极神奇。Prince Heng was especially pleased with her, and promoted Lin Siniang to command all the other women, also styling her ‘General Guihua.’” The assembled literary retainers all exclaimed, “How wonderfully ingenious!竟以‘姽嫿’下加‘將軍’二字，反更覺嫵媚風流，真絕世奇文也。By adding the two words ‘general’ after ‘guihua,’ the title becomes all the more charming and romantic—a truly matchless turn of phrase.想這恒王也是千古第一風流人物了。”賈政笑道：“這話自然是如此，但更有可奇可歎之事。”眾清客都愕然驚問道：“不知底下有何奇事？”賈政道：“誰知次年便有‘黃巾’‘赤眉’一干流賊余党复又烏合，搶掠山左一帶。One would think this Prince Heng himself the foremost romantic figure of all the ages.” Jia Zheng laughed. “That is naturally true, but there is something still more extraordinary and moving.” The retainers stared in astonishment and asked, “What extraordinary event followed?” Jia Zheng said, “Who would have thought that the next year remnants of such rebels as the ‘Yellow Turbans’ and ‘Red Eyebrows’ would gather into another rabble and plunder the region east of the Taihang Mountains?恒王意為犬羊之惡，不足大舉，因輕騎前剿。Prince Heng considered them no more than a pack of vile curs and sheep, unworthy of a major expedition, and rode out with a small cavalry force to suppress them.不意賊眾頗有詭譎智術，兩戰不胜，恒王遂為眾賊所戮。Unexpectedly, the rebels possessed considerable cunning and strategy; after failing to defeat them in two engagements, Prince Heng was slain by the mob.于是青州城內文武官員，各各皆謂‘王尚不胜，你我何為！’遂將有獻城之舉。The civil and military officials within Qingzhou then all said, ‘If even the Prince could not prevail, what can we do?’ and were on the point of surrendering the city.林四娘得聞凶報，遂集聚眾女將，發令說道：‘你我皆向蒙王恩，戴天履地，不能報其萬一。When Lin Siniang heard the dreadful news, she assembled all the women warriors and issued this command: ‘We have all long enjoyed the Prince’s favor; while we live beneath heaven and tread the earth, we cannot repay even one ten-thousandth of it.今王既殞身國事，我意亦當殞身于王。Now that the Prince has given his life in the service of the realm, I intend to give my life for him.爾等有願隨者，即時同我前往，有不願者，亦早各散。’眾女將聽他這樣，都一齊說願意。Any of you willing to follow me, come with me at once; those unwilling may disperse while there is still time.’ On hearing this, the women warriors unanimously declared themselves willing.于是林四娘帶領眾人連夜出城，直殺至賊營里頭。So Lin Siniang led them out of the city that very night and fought her way straight into the rebel camp.眾賊不防，也被斬戮了幾員首賊。The rebels were caught unprepared, and several of their chiefs were cut down.然後大家見是不過幾個女人，料不能濟事，遂回戈倒兵，奮力一陣，把林四娘等一個不曾留下，倒作成了這林四娘的一片忠義之志。But when they saw that their attackers were only a few women and could achieve nothing in the end, they turned their weapons upon them and fought with all their strength, leaving not one of Lin Siniang’s band alive; and so they brought Lin Siniang’s wholehearted loyalty and valor to perfect fulfillment.後來報至中都，自天子以至百官，無不驚駭道奇。When the report later reached the imperial capital, everyone from the Emperor down to the hundred officials was amazed and marveled at it.其後朝中自然又有人去剿滅，天兵一到，化為烏有，不必深論。Naturally, troops were later sent from the court to suppress the rebels; as soon as the imperial army arrived, they vanished into nothing, and need not be discussed at length.只就林四娘一節，眾位聽了，可羡不可羡呢？”眾幕友都歎道：“實在可羡可奇，實是個妙題，原該大家挽一挽才是。”說著，早有人取了筆硯，按賈政口中之言稍加改易了幾個字，便成了一篇短序，遞與賈政看了。But as for Lin Siniang alone, gentlemen, having heard her story, do you not find her admirable?” All the secretaries sighed. “She is truly admirable and extraordinary. It is indeed a splendid subject, and only proper that each of us should lament her.” As they spoke, someone had already fetched brush and inkstone and, slightly altering a few words of Jia Zheng’s account, made it into a short preface and handed it to Jia Zheng for inspection.賈政道：“不過如此。Jia Zheng said, “That is the substance of it.他們那里已有原序。They already have the original preface there.昨日因又奉恩旨，著察核前代以來應加褒獎而遺落未經請奏各項人等，無論僧尼乞丐與女婦人等，有一事可嘉，即行匯送履歷至禮部備請恩獎。Yesterday another gracious edict was received, ordering an investigation into all persons since former dynasties who deserved commendation but had been overlooked and never memorialized—whether monks, nuns, beggars, women, or any others—and directing that, if a single deed of theirs were worthy of praise, their biographies should immediately be compiled and sent to the Ministry of Rites for consideration of an imperial award.所以他這原序也送往禮部去了。That is why their original preface has also been sent to the Ministry of Rites.大家聽見這新聞，所以都要作一首《姽嫿詞》，以志其忠義。”眾人聽了，都又笑道：“這原該如此。Everyone heard this news, and so they all wish to compose a ‘Ballad of Guihua’ to commemorate her loyalty and valor.” The others laughed again. “That is just as it should be.只是更可羡者，本朝皆系千古未有之曠典隆恩，實歷代所不及處，可謂‘圣朝無闕事’，唐朝人預先竟說了，竟應在本朝。Still more admirable are the unprecedented ordinances and magnificent favors of our own dynasty, surpassing every former age. Truly, ‘under a sage dynasty no worthy deed is overlooked’: a poet of the Tang anticipated the words, but it is in our dynasty that they have been fulfilled.如今年代方不虛此一句。”賈政點頭道：“正是。”Only in our present age does that line cease to be empty praise.” Jia Zheng nodded. “Precisely.”

彼时贾政正与众幕友们谈论寻秋之胜，又说：“快散时忽然谈及一事，最是千古佳谈，‘风流隽逸，忠义慷慨’八字皆备，倒是个好题目，大家要作一首挽词。”众幕宾听了，都忙请教是系何等妙事。贾政乃道：“当日曾有一位王封曰恒王，出镇青州。这恒王最喜女色，且公余好武，因选了许多美女，日习武事。每公余辄开宴连日，令众美女习战斗功拔之事。其姬中有姓林行四者，姿色既冠，且武艺更精，皆呼为林四娘。恒王最得意，遂超拔林四娘统辖诸姬，又呼为‘姽婳将军’。“众清客都称”妙极神奇。竟以‘姽婳’下加‘将军’二字，反更觉妩媚风流，真绝世奇文也。想这恒王也是千古第一风流人物了。”贾政笑道：“这话自然是如此，但更有可奇可叹之事。”众清客都愕然惊问道：“不知底下有何奇事？”贾政道：“谁知次年便有‘黄巾’‘赤眉’一干流贼余党复又乌合，抢掠山左一带。恒王意为犬羊之恶，不足大举，因轻骑前剿。不意贼众颇有诡谲智术，两战不胜，恒王遂为众贼所戮。于是青州城内文武官员，各各皆谓‘王尚不胜，你我何为！’遂将有献城之举。林四娘得闻凶报，遂集聚众女将，发令说道：‘你我皆向蒙王恩，戴天履地，不能报其万一。今王既殒身国事，我意亦当殒身于王。尔等有愿随者，即时同我前往，有不愿者，亦早各散。’众女将听他这样，都一齐说愿意。于是林四娘带领众人连夜出城，直杀至贼营里头。众贼不防，也被斩戮了几员首贼。然后大家见是不过几个女人，料不能济事，遂回戈倒兵，奋力一阵，把林四娘等一个不曾留下，倒作成了这林四娘的一片忠义之志。后来报至中都，自天子以至百官，无不惊骇道奇。其后朝中自然又有人去剿灭，天兵一到，化为乌有，不必深论。只就林四娘一节，众位听了，可羡不可羡呢？”众幕友都叹道：“实在可羡可奇，实是个妙题，原该大家挽一挽才是。”说著，早有人取了笔砚，按贾政口中之言稍加改易了几个字，便成了一篇短序，递与贾政看了。贾政道：“不过如此。他们那里已有原序。昨日因又奉恩旨，著察核前代以来应加褒奖而遗落未经请奏各项人等，无论僧尼乞丐与女妇人等，有一事可嘉，即行汇送履历至礼部备请恩奖。所以他这原序也送往礼部去了。大家听见这新闻，所以都要作一首《姽婳词》，以志其忠义。”众人听了，都又笑道：“这原该如此。只是更可羡者，本朝皆系千古未有之旷典隆恩，实历代所不及处，可谓‘圣朝无阙事’，唐朝人预先竟说了，竟应在本朝。如今年代方不虚此一句。”贾政点头道：“正是。”

說話間，賈環叔侄亦到。While they were speaking, Jia Huan and Jia Lan, uncle and nephew, also arrived.賈政命他們看了題目。Jia Zheng had them read the subject.他兩個雖能詩，較腹中之虛實雖也去寶玉不遠，但第一件他兩個終是別路，若論舉業一道，似高過寶玉，若論雜學，則遠不能及，第二件他二人才思滯鈍，不及寶玉空靈娟逸，每作詩亦如八股之法，未免拘板庸澀。Though both could write verse and, as far as the actual store of learning in their bellies went, were not far behind Baoyu, they differed from him in two respects: first, they followed another path altogether—in preparation for the civil examinations they seemed superior to Baoyu, but in miscellaneous learning they fell far short of him; second, their talents were sluggish and dull, lacking Baoyu’s quick, graceful imagination, and even their poetry followed the method of the eight-legged essay, making it inevitably rigid, commonplace, and labored.那寶玉雖不算是個讀書人，然虧他天性聰敏，且素喜好些雜書，他自為古人中也有杜撰的，也有誤失之處，拘較不得許多，若只管怕前怕後起來，縱堆砌成一篇，也覺得甚無趣味。Baoyu could not be called a scholar, but fortunately he was naturally intelligent and had always enjoyed miscellaneous books. He believed that even the ancients sometimes invented things and sometimes made mistakes, and that one could not be too exacting about every detail; if one was forever timidly looking before and behind, then even a composition laboriously pieced together would be exceedingly dull.因心里怀著這個念頭，每見一題，不拘難易，他便毫無費力之處，就如世上的流嘴滑舌之人，無風作有，信著伶口俐舌，長篇大論，胡扳亂扯，敷演出一篇話來。With this notion always in mind, whenever he encountered a subject, difficult or easy, he composed without the least effort, rather like those glib-tongued fellows in the world who manufacture something out of nothing and, trusting to their nimble speech, ramble on at length, dragging in all manner of nonsense until they have spun out a whole discourse.雖無稽考，卻都說得四座春風。Though nothing they said could bear investigation, they spoke so engagingly that everyone present felt as if refreshed by a spring breeze.雖有正言厲語之人，亦不得壓倒這一种風流去。Even stern and righteous speakers could not suppress such charm.近日賈政年邁，名利大灰，然起初天性也是個詩酒放誕之人，因在子侄輩中，少不得規以正路。In recent years Jia Zheng had grown old and become thoroughly disillusioned with fame and profit; yet by nature he too had originally been a free and unconventional lover of poetry and wine, though among the younger generation he could not avoid guiding them along the orthodox path.近見寶玉雖不讀書，竟頗能解此，細評起來，也還不算十分玷辱了祖宗。Lately, seeing that although Baoyu would not study the classics he had a considerable understanding of such matters, Jia Zheng judged on reflection that the boy did not altogether disgrace his ancestors.就思及祖宗們，各各亦皆如此，雖有深精舉業的，也不曾發跡過一個，看來此亦賈門之數。When he thought of those ancestors, he saw that each had been much the same: though some had been deeply accomplished in examination learning, not one had ever risen to eminence by it; this, it seemed, was the destiny of the Jia house.況母親溺愛，遂也不強以舉業逼他了。Besides, his mother doted on the boy, so he no longer forced him toward the examinations.所以近日是這等待他。This was why he treated him in this fashion nowadays.又要環蘭二人舉業之余，怎得亦同寶玉才好，所以每欲作詩，必將三人一齊喚來對作。He also wished that Huan and Lan, besides pursuing their examination studies, might somehow become like Baoyu; therefore, whenever he wanted poetry composed, he invariably summoned all three to compete.

说话间，贾环叔侄亦到。贾政命他们看了题目。他两个虽能诗，较腹中之虚实虽也去宝玉不远，但第一件他两个终是别路，若论举业一道，似高过宝玉，若论杂学，则远不能及，第二件他二人才思滞钝，不及宝玉空灵娟逸，每作诗亦如八股之法，未免拘板庸涩。那宝玉虽不算是个读书人，然亏他天性聪敏，且素喜好些杂书，他自为古人中也有杜撰的，也有误失之处，拘较不得许多，若只管怕前怕后起来，纵堆砌成一篇，也觉得甚无趣味。因心里怀著这个念头，每见一题，不拘难易，他便毫无费力之处，就如世上的流嘴滑舌之人，无风作有，信著伶口俐舌，长篇大论，胡扳乱扯，敷演出一篇话来。虽无稽考，却都说得四座春风。虽有正言厉语之人，亦不得压倒这一种风流去。近日贾政年迈，名利大灰，然起初天性也是个诗酒放诞之人，因在子侄辈中，少不得规以正路。近见宝玉虽不读书，竟颇能解此，细评起来，也还不算十分玷辱了祖宗。就思及祖宗们，各各亦皆如此，虽有深精举业的，也不曾发迹过一个，看来此亦贾门之数。况母亲溺爱，遂也不强以举业逼他了。所以近日是这等待他。又要环兰二人举业之余，怎得亦同宝玉才好，所以每欲作诗，必将三人一齐唤来对作。

閒言少述。But enough of this digression.且說賈政又命他三人各吊一首，誰先成者賞，佳者額外加賞。Jia Zheng now ordered each of the three to compose a lament, promising a reward to the first to finish and an additional prize for the best.賈環賈蘭二人近日當著多人皆作過幾首了，膽量逾壯，今看了題，遂自去思索。Jia Huan and Jia Lan had lately composed several poems before large gatherings and had grown much bolder; now, having read the subject, they each withdrew into thought.一時，賈蘭先有了。Before long, Jia Lan had his poem.賈環生恐落後也就有了。Jia Huan, afraid of falling behind, soon had his as well.二人皆已錄出，寶玉尚出神。Both had already written theirs out, while Baoyu was still lost in thought.賈政與眾人且看他二人的二首。Jia Zheng and the others therefore first examined the two poems.賈蘭的是一首七言絕，寫道是：Jia Lan’s was a seven-character quatrain and ran as follows:

闲言少述。且说贾政又命他三人各吊一首，谁先成者赏，佳者额外加赏。贾环贾兰二人近日当著多人皆作过几首了，胆量逾壮，今看了题，遂自去思索。一时，贾兰先有了。贾环生恐落后也就有了。二人皆已录出，宝玉尚出神。贾政与众人且看他二人的二首。贾兰的是一首七言绝，写道是：

眾幕賓看了，便皆大贊：“小哥兒十三歲的人就如此，可知家學淵源，真不誣矣。”賈政笑道：“稚子口角，也還難為他。”又看賈環的，是首五言律，寫道是：After reading it, the secretaries all praised it highly: “For a young gentleman of thirteen to write like this shows the profound tradition of learning in his family; its reputation is truly deserved.” Jia Zheng smiled. “It is merely the speech of a child, though he has done creditably.” They next read Jia Huan’s, a regulated verse in five-character lines, which ran as follows:

众幕宾看了，便皆大赞：“小哥儿十三岁的人就如此，可知家学渊源，真不诬矣。”贾政笑道：“稚子口角，也还难为他。”又看贾环的，是首五言律，写道是：

眾人道：“更佳。The others said, “This is better still.倒是大幾歲年紀，立意又自不同。”賈政道：“還不甚大錯，終不懇切。”眾人道：“這就罷了。Being several years older, he naturally conceives the subject differently.” Jia Zheng said, “There are no serious faults, but it is not heartfelt enough.” The others replied, “Surely this will do.三爺才大不多兩歲，在未冠之時如此，用了工夫，再過幾年，怕不是大阮小阮了。”賈政道：“過獎了。Third Young Master is only a little over two years older; to write like this before even coming of age—once he has applied himself for a few more years, will he not become another Elder Ruan and Younger Ruan?” Jia Zheng said, “You praise him too highly.只是不肯讀書過失。”因又問寶玉怎樣。His only failing is his unwillingness to study.” He then asked how Baoyu was progressing.眾人道：“二爺細心鏤刻，定又是風流悲感，不同此等的了。”寶玉笑道：“這個題目似不稱近体，須得古体，或歌或行，長篇一首，方能懇切。”眾人聽了，都立身點頭拍手道：“我說他立意不同！The others said, “Second Young Master is carving and polishing his lines with care; his poem is sure to be romantic and sorrowful, quite unlike these.” Baoyu smiled. “This subject does not seem suited to regulated verse. It requires the ancient style—a song or ballad, and a long one at that—if the feeling is to be fully expressed.” Hearing this, everyone rose, nodded, clapped, and cried, “Just as I said, his conception is different!每一題到手必先度其体格宜與不宜，這便是老手妙法。Whenever he receives a subject, he first considers what form will or will not suit it: that is the subtle method of an old hand.就如裁衣一般，未下剪時，須度其身量。It is like cutting clothes: before applying the shears, one must take the wearer’s measurements.這題目名曰《姽嫿詞》，且既有了序，此必是長篇歌行方合体的。This subject is entitled ‘Ballad of Guihua,’ and since it already has a preface, only a long song or ballad can properly suit the form.或擬白樂天《長恨歌》，或擬詠古詞，半敘半詠，流利飄逸，始能近妙。”賈政聽說，也合了主意，遂自提筆向紙上要寫，又向寶玉笑道：“如此，你念我寫。It might imitate Bai Letian’s ‘Song of Everlasting Sorrow,’ or some ode on antiquity, half narrative and half lyrical; only if fluent, light, and soaring can it approach perfection.” This accorded with Jia Zheng’s own view. He picked up his brush and prepared to write, then smiled at Baoyu. “Very well: you dictate and I shall write.不好了，我捶你那肉。If it is no good, I shall pound that flesh of yours.誰許你先大言不慚了！”寶玉只得念了一句，道是：Who gave you leave to boast so shamelessly beforehand?” Baoyu had no choice but to dictate his first line, which ran:

众人道：“更佳。倒是大几岁年纪，立意又自不同。”贾政道：“还不甚大错，终不恳切。”众人道：“这就罢了。三爷才大不多两岁，在未冠之时如此，用了工夫，再过几年，怕不是大阮小阮了。”贾政道：“过奖了。只是不肯读书过失。”因又问宝玉怎样。众人道：“二爷细心镂刻，定又是风流悲感，不同此等的了。”宝玉笑道：“这个题目似不称近体，须得古体，或歌或行，长篇一首，方能恳切。”众人听了，都立身点头拍手道：“我说他立意不同！每一题到手必先度其体格宜与不宜，这便是老手妙法。就如裁衣一般，未下剪时，须度其身量。这题目名曰《姽婳词》，且既有了序，此必是长篇歌行方合体的。或拟白乐天《长恨歌》，或拟咏古词，半叙半咏，流利飘逸，始能近妙。”贾政听说，也合了主意，遂自提笔向纸上要写，又向宝玉笑道：“如此，你念我写。不好了，我捶你那肉。谁许你先大言不惭了！”宝玉只得念了一句，道是：

賈政寫了看時，搖頭道：“粗鄙。”一幕賓道：“要這樣方古，究竟不粗。Jia Zheng wrote it down, looked at it, and shook his head. “Coarse and vulgar.” One secretary said, “It needs to be like this to sound ancient; it is not truly coarse.且看他底下的。”賈政道：“姑存之。”寶玉又道：Let us hear what follows.” Jia Zheng said, “We shall leave it for now.” Baoyu continued:

贾政写了看时，摇头道：“粗鄙。”一幕宾道：“要这样方古，究竟不粗。且看他底下的。”贾政道：“姑存之。”宝玉又道：

賈政寫出，眾人都道：“只這第三句便古朴老健，极妙。Jia Zheng wrote the lines down, and everyone said, “This third line alone is archaic, simple, mature, and vigorous—truly excellent.這四句平敘出，也最得体。”賈政道：“休謬加獎譽，且看轉的如何。”寶玉念道：These four lines provide a plain narrative opening, which is also perfectly appropriate.” Jia Zheng said, “Do not heap absurd praise upon him; let us see how he makes the transition.” Baoyu recited:

贾政写出，众人都道：“只这第三句便古朴老健，极妙。这四句平叙出，也最得体。”贾政道：“休谬加奖誉，且看转的如何。”宝玉念道：

眾人聽了這兩句，便都叫：“妙！On hearing these two lines, everyone cried, “Wonderful!好個‘不見塵沙起’！What an excellent phrase, ‘no dust of battle could be seen rising’!又承了一句‘俏影紅燈里’，用字用句，皆入神化了。”寶玉道：And it is followed by ‘graceful shadows within the red lamplight’: both wording and phrasing have attained the marvelous.” Baoyu went on:

众人听了这两句，便都叫：“妙！好个‘不见尘沙起’！又承了一句‘俏影红灯里’，用字用句，皆入神化了。”宝玉道：

眾人聽了，便拍手笑道：“益發畫出來了。Hearing this, they clapped and laughed. “The picture grows more vivid still.當日敢是寶公也在座，見其嬌且聞其香否？Could it be that Master Bao himself attended those gatherings, seeing their charms and breathing their fragrance?不然，何体貼至此。”寶玉笑道：“閨閣習武，任其勇悍，怎似男人。Otherwise, how could he describe them with such intimate understanding?” Baoyu smiled. “However brave and fierce women training in arms within their chambers may be, how can they resemble men?不待問而可知嬌怯之形的了。”賈政道：“還不快續，這又有你說嘴的了。”寶玉只得又想了一想，念道：One need not ask to know their delicate, timid appearance.” Jia Zheng said, “Hurry up and continue! Must you start boasting again?” Baoyu thought for a moment and recited:

众人听了，便拍手笑道：“益发画出来了。当日敢是宝公也在座，见其娇且闻其香否？不然，何体贴至此。”宝玉笑道：“闺阁习武，任其勇悍，怎似男人。不待问而可知娇怯之形的了。”贾政道：“还不快续，这又有你说嘴的了。”宝玉只得又想了一想，念道：

眾人都道：“轉‘絛’，‘蕭’韻，更妙，這才流利飄蕩。Everyone said, “The change to the ‘tao’ and ‘xiao’ rhymes is finer still; now the verse truly flows and soars.而且這一句也綺靡秀媚的妙。”賈政寫了，看道：“這一句不好。And this line is exquisitely ornate and graceful.” Jia Zheng wrote it down, then looked at it and said, “This line is poor.已寫過‘口舌香’‘嬌難舉’，何必又如此。You have already written of ‘fragrant breath’ and of their ‘delicate difficulty in lifting’ their weapons; why repeat yourself?這是力量不加，故又用這些堆砌貨來搪塞。”寶玉笑道：“長歌也須得要些詞藻點綴點綴，不然便覺蕭索。”賈政道：“你只顧用這些，但這一句底下如何能轉至武事？You lack the strength to proceed, and so are fobbing us off with this sort of piled-up ornament.” Baoyu smiled. “A long song needs some decorative diction here and there; otherwise it feels bleak and bare.” Jia Zheng said, “You think only of using such phrases, but after this line how can you turn to martial action?若再多說兩句，豈不蛇足了。”寶玉道：“如此，底下一句轉煞住，想亦可矣。”賈政冷笑道：“你有多大本領？If you add another couple of lines, will they not be superfluous?” Baoyu said, “In that case, I believe the next line can make the turn and bring this passage to a close at once.” Jia Zheng sneered. “And how much ability do you possess?上頭說了一句大開門的散話，如今又要一句連轉帶煞，豈不心有余而力不足些。”寶玉聽了，垂頭想了一想，說了一句道：Above, you have written a loose, wide-opening line; now you want a single line both to make the turn and close the passage. Is not your ambition somewhat greater than your power?” Hearing this, Baoyu lowered his head, thought awhile, and gave a line:

众人都道：“转‘绦’，‘萧’韵，更妙，这才流利飘荡。而且这一句也绮靡秀媚的妙。”贾政写了，看道：“这一句不好。已写过‘口舌香’‘娇难举’，何必又如此。这是力量不加，故又用这些堆砌货来搪塞。”宝玉笑道：“长歌也须得要些词藻点缀点缀，不然便觉萧索。”贾政道：“你只顾用这些，但这一句底下如何能转至武事？若再多说两句，岂不蛇足了。”宝玉道：“如此，底下一句转煞住，想亦可矣。”贾政冷笑道：“你有多大本领？上头说了一句大开门的散话，如今又要一句连转带煞，岂不心有余而力不足些。”宝玉听了，垂头想了一想，说了一句道：

忙問：“這一句可還使得？”眾人拍案叫絕。He hurriedly asked, “Will this line do?” Everyone struck the table and acclaimed it superb.賈政寫了，看著笑道：“且放著，再續。”寶玉道：“若使得，我便要一氣下去了。Jia Zheng wrote it down, smiled as he looked at it, and said, “Leave it there for now; continue.” Baoyu said, “If it will do, I shall go straight on in one breath.若使不得，越性涂了，我再想別的意思出來，再另措詞。”賈政聽了，便喝道：“多話！If not, we might as well cross it out entirely; I shall think of another approach and phrase it afresh.” Jia Zheng shouted, “Too much talk!不好了再作，便作十篇百篇，還怕辛苦了不成！”寶玉聽說，只得想了一會，便念道：If it is no good, write it again—write ten versions or a hundred! Are you afraid of a little trouble?” Hearing this, Baoyu thought for a while and recited:

忙问：“这一句可还使得？”众人拍案叫绝。贾政写了，看著笑道：“且放著，再续。”宝玉道：“若使得，我便要一气下去了。若使不得，越性涂了，我再想别的意思出来，再另措词。”贾政听了，便喝道：“多话！不好了再作，便作十篇百篇，还怕辛苦了不成！”宝玉听说，只得想了一会，便念道：

賈政道：“又一段。Jia Zheng said, “There is another section.底下怎樣？”寶玉道：What comes next?” Baoyu replied:

贾政道：“又一段。底下怎样？”宝玉道：

眾人道：“好個‘走’字！The others said, “What an excellent use of the word ‘fled’!便見得高低了。It immediately reveals the difference between the two sides.且通句轉的也不板。”寶玉又念道：And the turn of the whole line is not at all stiff.” Baoyu continued:

众人道：“好个‘走’字！便见得高低了。且通句转的也不板。”宝玉又念道：

眾人都道：“妙极，妙极！Everyone cried, “Marvelous, marvelous!布置，敘事，詞藻，無不盡美。The arrangement, narrative, and diction are all flawless.且看如何至四娘，必另有妙轉奇句。”寶玉又念道：Now let us see how he reaches Siniang; there must surely be another ingenious turn and some extraordinary lines.” Baoyu continued:

众人都道：“妙极，妙极！布置，叙事，词藻，无不尽美。且看如何至四娘，必另有妙转奇句。”宝玉又念道：

眾人都道：“舖敘得委婉。”賈政道：“太多了，底下只怕累贅呢。”寶玉乃又念道：Everyone said, “The narrative unfolds with admirable subtlety.” Jia Zheng said, “There is too much of it; I fear what follows will become cumbersome.” Baoyu then continued:

众人都道：“铺叙得委婉。”贾政道：“太多了，底下只怕累赘呢。”宝玉乃又念道：

念畢，眾人都大贊不止，又都從頭看了一遍。When he had finished, everyone praised it without cease, and then read the whole poem through again from the beginning.賈政笑道：“雖然說了幾句，到底不大懇切。”因說：“去罷。”三人如得了赦的一般，一齊出來，各自回房。Jia Zheng smiled. “Though you have managed several lines, in the end it is not deeply felt.” Then he said, “You may go.” The three went out together as though granted a reprieve, and each returned to his room.

念毕，众人都大赞不止，又都从头看了一遍。贾政笑道：“虽然说了几句，到底不大恳切。”因说：“去罢。”三人如得了赦的一般，一齐出来，各自回房。

眾人皆無別話，不過至晚安歇而已。Nothing else of note occurred, and by evening everyone retired to rest.獨有寶玉一心凄楚，回至園中，猛然見池上芙蓉，想起小丫鬟說晴雯作了芙蓉之神，不覺又喜歡起來，乃看著芙蓉嗟歎了一會。Baoyu alone remained heartsick. Returning to the Garden, he suddenly saw the hibiscus blossoms beside the pond and remembered the little maid’s saying that Qingwen had become the Goddess of the Hibiscus. At once his spirits rose, and he gazed at the flowers and sighed over them for a time.忽又想起死後并未到靈前一祭，如今何不在芙蓉前一祭，豈不盡了禮，比俗人去靈前祭吊又更覺別致。It then occurred to him that since her death he had not offered a sacrifice before her spirit; why not sacrifice before the hibiscus now? That would fully discharge the rites and be far more distinctive than the vulgar custom of going to mourn before the dead person’s shrine.想畢，便欲行禮。Having decided this, he was about to perform the ceremony.忽又止住道：“雖如此，亦不可太草率，也須得衣冠整齊，奠儀周備，方為誠敬。”想了一想，”如今若學那世俗之奠禮，斷然不可，竟也還別開生面，另立排場，風流奇异，于世無涉，方不負我二人之為人。But he suddenly stopped and said, “Even so, I must not act too hastily. My dress and cap must be in order and the offerings complete; only then will it show sincerity and reverence.” After some thought, he continued, “It is absolutely impossible to imitate the commonplace sacrificial rites of the world. I must devise something new, arrange a ceremony of my own—elegant, extraordinary, and unconnected with worldly convention—so as not to prove unworthy of what the two of us are.況且古人有云：“潢污行潦，蘋蘩蘊藻之賤，可以羞王公，荐鬼神。’原不在物之貴賤，全在心之誠敬而已。Moreover, the ancients said: ‘Even water from a ditch or roadside pool, and humble duckweed, southernwood, pondweed, and water-grass, may be offered to princes and presented to ghosts and gods.’ The value or cheapness of the objects never mattered; all depends upon sincerity and reverence of heart.此其一也。That is the first consideration.二則誄文挽詞也須另出己見，自放手眼，亦不可蹈襲前人的套頭，填寫幾字搪塞耳目之文，亦必須灑淚泣血，一字一咽，一句一啼，宁使文不足悲有余，萬不可尚文藻而反失悲戚。Second, the funeral encomium and lament must present ideas of my own and display an independent vision. I must not follow the stock formulas of earlier writers, filling in a few words merely to fob off eyes and ears. I must shed tears and weep blood, choking over every character and sobbing over every sentence; better that the writing fall short while grief overflows than that I prize literary ornament and thereby lose the sorrow.況且古人多有微詞，非自我今作俑也。Besides, the ancients often used veiled criticism; I shall not be the first to set such a precedent.奈今人全惑于功名二字，尚古之風一洗皆盡，恐不合時宜，于功名有礙之故。Unfortunately, people today are wholly deluded by the words ‘rank and fame.’ The ancient spirit has been swept entirely away, for fear that it may be unfashionable and hinder their advancement.我又不希罕那功名，不為世人觀閱稱贊，何必不遠師楚人之《大言》、《招魂》、《離騷》、《九辯》、《枯樹》、《問難》、《秋水》、《大人先生傳》等法，或雜參單句，或偶成短聯，或用實典，或設譬寓，隨意所之，信筆而去，喜則以文為戲，悲則以言誌痛，辭達意盡為止，何必若世俗之拘拘于方寸之間哉。”寶玉本是個不讀書之人，再心中有了這篇歪意，怎得有好詩文作出來。But I care nothing for rank or fame and do not write to be read and praised by the world. Why should I not take as my distant models the methods of the Chu authors’ ‘Grand Words,’ ‘Summons of the Soul,’ ‘Encountering Sorrow,’ and ‘Nine Arguments,’ together with ‘The Withered Tree,’ ‘Questions and Difficulties,’ ‘Autumn Floods,’ and ‘Biography of Master Great Man’? I may mingle isolated lines, form occasional brief couplets, employ genuine allusions, or devise allegories and comparisons; I shall go wherever inclination leads and let my brush run freely. In joy I shall make sport with literature, and in sorrow use words to record my pain, stopping only when the words have conveyed the sense in full. Why must I be confined, like worldly writers, within a few cramped inches?” Baoyu was no scholar to begin with, and with this perverse notion in his mind, how could he produce good poetry or prose?他自己卻任意纂著，并不為人知慕，所以大肆妄誕，竟杜撰成一篇長文，用晴雯素日所喜之冰鮫穀一幅楷字寫成，名曰《芙蓉女兒誄》，前序後歌。Yet he compiled it as he pleased, with no thought of winning anyone’s admiration; therefore he gave free rein to wild extravagance and concocted a long composition. He wrote it neatly upon a length of the ice-silk gauze Qingwen had loved in life and entitled it “Encomium for the Hibiscus Maiden,” with a preface followed by a song.又備了四樣晴雯所喜之物，于是夜月下，命那小丫頭捧至芙蓉花前。He also prepared four things Qingwen had especially liked, and by moonlight that night ordered the little maid to carry them before the hibiscus flowers.先行禮畢，將那誄文即挂于芙蓉枝上，乃泣涕念曰：After first completing the ritual bows, he hung the encomium upon a hibiscus branch, then wept and read aloud:

众人皆无别话，不过至晚安歇而已。独有宝玉一心凄楚，回至园中，猛然见池上芙蓉，想起小丫鬟说晴雯作了芙蓉之神，不觉又喜欢起来，乃看著芙蓉嗟叹了一会。忽又想起死后并未到灵前一祭，如今何不在芙蓉前一祭，岂不尽了礼，比俗人去灵前祭吊又更觉别致。想毕，便欲行礼。忽又止住道：“虽如此，亦不可太草率，也须得衣冠整齐，奠仪周备，方为诚敬。”想了一想，”如今若学那世俗之奠礼，断然不可，竟也还别开生面，另立排场，风流奇异，于世无涉，方不负我二人之为人。况且古人有云：“潢污行潦，苹蘩蕴藻之贱，可以羞王公，荐鬼神。’原不在物之贵贱，全在心之诚敬而已。此其一也。二则诔文挽词也须另出己见，自放手眼，亦不可蹈袭前人的套头，填写几字搪塞耳目之文，亦必须洒泪泣血，一字一咽，一句一啼，宁使文不足悲有余，万不可尚文藻而反失悲戚。况且古人多有微词，非自我今作俑也。奈今人全惑于功名二字，尚古之风一洗皆尽，恐不合时宜，于功名有碍之故。我又不希罕那功名，不为世人观阅称赞，何必不远师楚人之《大言》、《招魂》、《离骚》、《九辩》、《枯树》、《问难》、《秋水》、《大人先生传》等法，或杂参单句，或偶成短联，或用实典，或设譬寓，随意所之，信笔而去，喜则以文为戏，悲则以言志痛，辞达意尽为止，何必若世俗之拘拘于方寸之间哉。”宝玉本是个不读书之人，再心中有了这篇歪意，怎得有好诗文作出来。他自己却任意纂著，并不为人知慕，所以大肆妄诞，竟杜撰成一篇长文，用晴雯素日所喜之冰鲛谷一幅楷字写成，名曰《芙蓉女儿诔》，前序后歌。又备了四样晴雯所喜之物，于是夜月下，命那小丫头捧至芙蓉花前。先行礼毕，将那诔文即挂于芙蓉枝上，乃泣涕念曰：

維太平不易之元，蓉桂競芳之月，無可奈何之日，怡紅院濁玉，謹以群花之蕊、冰鮫之縠、沁芳之泉、楓露之茗，四者雖微，聊以達誠申信，乃致祭於白帝宮中撫司秋艷芙蓉女兒之前曰：In the first year of an era when peace is not easily won, in the month when hibiscus and cassia vie in fragrance, on this day of helpless grief, Zhuoyu of Yihong Court reverently offers the essences of many flowers, a length of ice-silk gauze, water from Qinfang Stream, and maple-dew tea. Though these four gifts are humble, they may serve to express my sincerity and attest my faith. I therefore present this sacrifice before the Hibiscus Maiden, who in the Palace of the White Emperor presides over the autumn’s loveliness, saying:

维太平不易之元，蓉桂竞芳之月，无可奈何之日，怡红院浊玉，谨以群花之蕊、冰鲛之縠、沁芳之泉、枫露之茗，四者虽微，聊以达诚申信，乃致祭于白帝宫中抚司秋艳芙蓉女儿之前曰：

竊思女兒自臨濁世，迄今凡十有六載。I reflect that since the Maiden descended into this turbid world, sixteen years in all have passed.其先之鄉籍姓氏，湮淪而莫能考者久矣。The native place, family name, and personal name of her ancestors have long been lost to oblivion, beyond all possibility of inquiry.而玉得於衾枕櫛沐之間，栖息宴游之夕，親昵狎褻，相與共處者，僅五年八月有畸。Yet the time I was granted to spend with you amid quilts and pillows, combing and bathing, in evenings of rest and pleasure—intimate, familiar, and ever together—was no more than five years and eight months.憶女兒曩生之昔，其為質則金玉不足喻其貴，其為性則冰雪不足喻其潔，其為神則星日不足喻其精，其為貌則花月不足喻其色。I recall your former life as a maiden: in substance, even gold and jade could not express your worth; in nature, even ice and snow could not express your purity; in spirit, even the stars and sun could not express your brilliance; in beauty, even flowers and the moon could not express your loveliness.姊妹悉慕媖嫻，嫗媼咸仰惠德。All the young ladies admired your grace and virtue, and every old nurse revered your kindness.孰料鳩鴆惡其高，鷹鷙翻遭罦罬，薋葹妒其臭，茞蘭竟被芟鉏！Who could have foreseen that foul doves and venomous birds, hating your lofty nature, would ensnare the hawk in their nets; that rank weeds, jealous of your fragrance, would have angelica and orchid cut down by the hoe!花原自怯，豈奈狂飆，柳本多愁，何禁驟雨。A flower is frail by nature—how could it withstand a raging gale? A willow is sorrowful by nature—how could it endure a sudden rainstorm?偶遭蠱蠆之讒，遂抱膏肓之疚。Once assailed by the slanders of venomous creatures, you fell prey to a mortal illness.故爾櫻唇紅褪，韻吐呻吟，杏臉香枯，色陳顑頷，諑謠謑詬，出自屏幃，荊棘蓬榛，蔓延戶牖。Thus the red faded from your cherry lips, and their melodious speech became a moan; the fragrance withered from your apricot cheeks, and their beauty turned gaunt and sallow. Calumny, ridicule, and abuse issued from behind the inner curtains, while thorns and brambles spread across doors and windows.豈招尤則替，實攘詬而終。You did not perish by inviting blame; in truth, you died resisting disgrace.既忳幽沉於不盡，復含罔屈於無窮。Already sunk in endless grief, you bore in addition an infinity of false charges and wrongs.高標見嫉，閨幃恨比長沙，直烈遭危，巾幗慘於羽野。Your lofty character aroused envy: within the women's chambers your wrongs surpassed those of the exile at Changsha; your forthright courage brought peril: though a woman, your fate was more tragic than Gun's on the plains of Yu.自蓄辛酸，誰憐夭折！You kept all bitterness within yourself—who took pity on your untimely death!仙雲既散，芳趾難尋。Now the immortal cloud has dispersed, and no trace of your fragrant steps can be found.洲迷聚窟，何來卻死之香？The isle of Juku is lost in mist—whence could come its incense that restores the dead?海失靈槎，不獲回生之藥。The spirit raft is lost at sea, and no life-restoring elixir can be obtained.眉黛煙青，昨猶我畫，指環玉冷，今倩誰溫？The smoky blue of your painted brows—only yesterday I traced it for you; the jade rings upon your fingers are cold—who will warm them now?鼎爐之剩藥猶存，襟淚之餘痕尚漬。The medicine left in the tripod furnace still remains, and the lingering stains of tears upon my robe are not yet dry.鏡分鸞別，愁開麝月之奩，梳化龍飛，哀折檀雲之齒。The mirror is split and the paired phoenixes parted; in sorrow I open Sheyue's dressing case. The comb has changed into a dragon and flown away; in grief I mourn the broken teeth of Tanyun's sandalwood comb.委金鈿於草莽，拾翠㔩於塵埃。Your golden hairpins lie abandoned in the wild grass, your kingfisher-feather headdress picked up from the dust.樓空鳷鵲，徒懸七夕之針，帶斷鴛鴦，誰續五絲之縷？The Zhique Tower stands empty, with the needle for the Seventh Night hanging there in vain; the mandarin-duck sash is broken—who will join its threads with a five-colored cord?況乃金天屬節，白帝司時，孤衾有夢，空室無人。And now the season belongs to the golden heavens, the White Emperor governs the hour; dreams haunt a solitary quilt, but the empty room holds no one.桐階月暗，芳魂與倩影同銷，蓉帳香殘，嬌喘共細言皆絕。The moon is dim upon the steps beneath the paulownia; your fragrant soul has vanished together with your lovely shadow. The scent has faded from the hibiscus bed-curtains; your tender breathing and soft words have both ceased.連天衰草，豈獨蒹葭，匝地悲聲，無非蟋蟀。Withered grasses stretch to the sky—not reeds alone; sorrowful sounds fill the earth, and all are the cries of crickets.露苔晚砌，穿簾不度寒砧，雨荔秋垣，隔院希聞怨笛。Dew lies on the moss of the evening steps; the cold beat of the fulling block cannot pierce the curtain. Rain darkens the creepers on the autumn wall; across the courtyard, scarcely a plaintive flute is heard.芳名未泯，檐前鸚鵡猶呼，艷質將亡，檻外海棠預老。Your fragrant name has not yet faded: the parrot beneath the eaves still calls you. Yet your lovely form is about to perish: the crab apple beyond the balustrade has withered before its time.捉迷屏後，蓮瓣無聲，鬪草庭前，蘭芽枉待。Behind the screen where we played hide-and-seek, your lotus-petal feet make no sound; before the courtyard where we matched plants, the orchid shoots await you in vain.拋殘繡線，銀箋彩縷誰裁？The embroidery thread lies cast aside and unfinished—who will cut the silver paper and colored strands?折斷冰絲，金斗御香未熨。The icy strings have snapped; the imperial incense in the golden iron remains unpressed.昨承嚴命，既趨車而遠涉芳園，今犯慈威，復拄杖而遽拋孤柩。Yesterday, obeying a stern command, I hastened to the carriage and journeyed far from the fragrant garden; today, defying parental authority, I have taken up my staff and abruptly left your lonely bier.及聞槥棺被燹，慚違共穴之盟，石槨成災，愧迨同灰之誚。When I heard that your frail coffin had been consumed by fire, I was ashamed to have broken our pledge to share one grave; when even the stone outer coffin met disaster, I blushed to incur the reproach that our ashes were not mingled.爾乃西風古寺，淹滯青燐，落日荒丘，零星白骨。And so, by an ancient temple in the west wind, ghostly blue flames linger; upon a desolate mound in the setting sun, white bones lie scattered.楸榆颯颯，蓬艾蕭蕭。The catalpas and elms rustle mournfully; the wormwood and wild grasses sigh.隔霧壙以啼猿，繞煙塍而泣鬼。Beyond the misty graveyard apes cry; around the smoke-veiled paths ghosts weep.自為紅綃帳裏，公子情深，始信黃土壟中，女兒命薄！I once thought that within the red gauze curtains a young lord's love was deep; only now do I believe that beneath a mound of yellow earth a maiden's fate is cruel!汝南淚血，斑斑灑向西風，梓澤餘衷，默默訴憑冷月。Like the blood-tears of Runan, my tears fall, stain upon stain, into the west wind; with the devotion that lingered at Zize, I silently confide my grief to the cold moon.嗚呼！Alas!固鬼蜮之為災，豈神靈而亦妒。Truly this calamity was the work of fiends and monsters—could the gods and spirits also have been jealous?鉗詖奴之口，討豈從寬，剖悍婦之心，忿猶未釋！If I could clamp shut the mouths of those deceitful slaves, no punishment would be too severe; if I could cut out the hearts of those shrewish women, my rage would still not be appeased!在君之塵緣雖淺，然玉之鄙意豈終。Though your mortal bond with this world was brief, my humble devotion to you shall never end.因蓄拳拳之思，不禁諄諄之問。Harboring these earnest thoughts, I cannot refrain from asking again and again.始知上帝垂旌，花宮待詔，生儕蘭蕙，死轄芙蓉。Only now do I know that the Lord of Heaven has lowered his banner and summoned you to serve in the Palace of Flowers: in life you were the peer of orchids and angelica; in death you rule over hibiscus blossoms.聽小婢之言，似涉無稽，以濁玉之思，則深為有據。The little maid's words may seem to verge upon the absurd, yet to my muddied mind they are deeply well founded.何也？Why is this?昔葉法善攝魂以撰碑，李長吉被詔而為記，事雖殊，其理則一也。Long ago Ye Fashan summoned a soul to compose an inscription, and Li Changji was called by imperial command to write a record; though the events differ, their principle is the same.故相物以配才，苟非其人，惡乃濫乎？Thus office is matched to talent; if you were not the proper person, how could the appointment have been bestowed indiscriminately?始信上帝委託權衡，可謂至洽至協，庶不負其所秉賦也。I now believe that the Lord of Heaven entrusted the scales of judgment wisely: the choice was perfectly fitting and harmonious, and thus, I hope, did not betray the gifts with which you were endowed.因希其不昧之靈，或陟降於茲，特不揣鄙俗之詞，有污慧聽。Hoping that your undimmed spirit may perhaps ascend and descend through this place, I have ventured to offer these crude and vulgar words, though they may offend your discerning ear.乃歌而招之曰：Then he sang to summon her, saying:

窃思女儿自临浊世，迄今凡十有六载。其先之乡籍姓氏，湮沦而莫能考者久矣。而玉得于衾枕栉沐之间，栖息宴游之夕，亲昵狎亵，相与共处者，仅五年八月有畸。忆女儿曩生之昔，其为质则金玉不足喻其贵，其为性则冰雪不足喻其洁，其为神则星日不足喻其精，其为貌则花月不足喻其色。姊妹悉慕媖娴，妪媪咸仰惠德。孰料鸠鸩恶其高，鹰鸷翻遭罦罬，薋葹妒其臭，茞兰竟被芟鉏！花原自怯，岂奈狂飙，柳本多愁，何禁骤雨。偶遭蛊虿之谗，遂抱膏肓之疚。故尔樱唇红褪，韵吐呻吟，杏脸香枯，色陈顑颔，诼谣謑诟，出自屏帏，荆棘蓬榛，蔓延户牖。岂招尤则替，实攘诟而终。既忳幽沉于不尽，复含罔屈于无穷。高标见嫉，闺帏恨比长沙，直烈遭危，巾帼惨于羽野。自蓄辛酸，谁怜夭折！仙云既散，芳趾难寻。洲迷聚窟，何来却死之香？海失灵槎，不获回生之药。眉黛烟青，昨犹我画，指环玉冷，今倩谁温？鼎炉之剩药犹存，襟泪之余痕尚渍。镜分鸾别，愁开麝月之奁，梳化龙飞，哀折檀云之齿。委金钿于草莽，拾翠㔩于尘埃。楼空鳷鹊，徒悬七夕之针，带断鸳鸯，谁续五丝之缕？况乃金天属节，白帝司时，孤衾有梦，空室无人。桐阶月暗，芳魂与倩影同销，蓉帐香残，娇喘共细言皆绝。连天衰草，岂独蒹葭，匝地悲声，无非蟋蟀。露苔晚砌，穿帘不度寒砧，雨荔秋垣，隔院希闻怨笛。芳名未泯，檐前鹦鹉犹呼，艳质将亡，槛外海棠预老。捉迷屏后，莲瓣无声，鬪草庭前，兰芽枉待。抛残绣线，银笺彩缕谁裁？折断冰丝，金斗御香未熨。昨承严命，既趋车而远涉芳园，今犯慈威，复拄杖而遽抛孤柩。及闻槥棺被燹，惭违共穴之盟，石椁成灾，愧迨同灰之诮。尔乃西风古寺，淹滞青燐，落日荒丘，零星白骨。楸榆飒飒，蓬艾萧萧。隔雾圹以啼猿，绕烟塍而泣鬼。自为红绡帐里，公子情深，始信黄土垄中，女儿命薄！汝南泪血，斑斑洒向西风，梓泽余衷，默默诉凭冷月。呜呼！固鬼蜮之为灾，岂神灵而亦妒。钳诐奴之口，讨岂从宽，剖悍妇之心，忿犹未释！在君之尘缘虽浅，然玉之鄙意岂终。因蓄拳拳之思，不禁谆谆之问。始知上帝垂旌，花宫待诏，生侪兰蕙，死辖芙蓉。听小婢之言，似涉无稽，以浊玉之思，则深为有据。何也？昔叶法善摄魂以撰碑，李长吉被诏而为记，事虽殊，其理则一也。故相物以配才，苟非其人，恶乃滥乎？始信上帝委托权衡，可谓至洽至协，庶不负其所秉赋也。因希其不昧之灵，或陟降于兹，特不揣鄙俗之词，有污慧听。乃歌而招之曰：

若夫鴻蒙而居，寂靜以處，雖臨於茲，余亦莫睹。If you dwell amid primal chaos and abide in stillness, then even should you come here, I could not behold you.搴煙蘿而為步幛，列槍蒲而森行伍。Draw aside the smoky vines to make a screen for your passage; array the spear-like sweet flags in serried ranks.警柳眼之貪眠，釋蓮心之味苦。Rouse the willow eyes from their fond sleep; release the lotus heart from its bitter taste.素女約于桂巖，宓妃迎於蘭渚。The Plain Maiden awaits you by the cassia cliffs, and Fufei welcomes you upon the orchid islet.弄玉吹笙，寒簧擊敔。Nongyu plays the reed organ, while Hanhuang strikes the wooden tiger.徵嵩岳之妃，啟驪山之姥。Summon the consort of Mount Song and awaken the Old Mother of Mount Li.龜呈洛浦之靈，獸作咸池之舞。The tortoise reveals its divine markings upon the banks of the Luo, and sacred beasts perform the dance of Xianchi.潛赤水兮龍吟，集珠林兮鳳翥。Beneath the Red River dragons chant; within the Pearl Grove phoenixes gather and soar.爰格爰誠，匪簠匪筥。Here they come, here in reverence—not bearing ritual baskets or bamboo hampers.發軔乎霞城，返旌乎玄圃。Your chariot sets forth from the City of Rosy Clouds; your banners turn back toward the Mystic Garden.既顯微而若通，復氤氳而倏阻。For a moment the manifest and unseen seem joined; then gathering vapors suddenly bar the way once more.离合兮煙雲，空蒙兮霧雨。Now parting, now joining—smoke and clouds; dim and boundless—mist and rain.塵霾斂兮星高，溪山麗兮月午。The dusty haze withdraws and the stars rise high; stream and mountain shine beneath the midnight moon.何心意之忡忡，若寤寐之栩栩。Why is my heart so restless, as though in waking dreams your form lived vividly before me?余乃欷歔悵望，泣涕傍徨。Then, sobbing, I gaze after you in sorrow; weeping, I wander to and fro.人語兮寂歷，天籟兮篔簹。Human voices fall silent and remote; nature's music sounds through the tall bamboos.鳥惊散而飛，魚唼喋以響。Startled birds scatter in flight, and fish make splashing sounds as they feed.志哀兮是禱，成禮兮期祥。In grief I offer this prayer; the rite fulfilled, I await a blessed sign.嗚呼哀哉！Alas, alas!尚饗！Deign to partake of this offering!

若夫鸿蒙而居，寂静以处，虽临于兹，余亦莫睹。搴烟萝而为步幛，列枪蒲而森行伍。警柳眼之贪眠，释莲心之味苦。素女约于桂岩，宓妃迎于兰渚。弄玉吹笙，寒簧击敔。征嵩岳之妃，启骊山之姥。龟呈洛浦之灵，兽作咸池之舞。潜赤水兮龙吟，集珠林兮凤翥。爰格爰诚，匪簠匪筥。发轫乎霞城，返旌乎玄圃。既显微而若通，复氤氲而倏阻。离合兮烟云，空蒙兮雾雨。尘霾敛兮星高，溪山丽兮月午。何心意之忡忡，若寤寐之栩栩。余乃欷歔怅望，泣涕傍徨。人语兮寂历，天籁兮筼筜。鸟惊散而飞，鱼唼喋以响。志哀兮是祷，成礼兮期祥。呜呼哀哉！尚飨！

讀畢，遂焚帛奠茗，猶依依不舍。When he had finished reading, he burned the silk and poured out the tea as an offering, still lingering there, unable to tear himself away.小鬟催至再四，方才回身。Only after the little maid urged him three or four times did he finally turn back.忽聽山石之後有一人笑道：“且請留步。”二人聽了，不免一驚。Suddenly they heard someone behind the rocks laugh and say, “Please, wait a moment.” Hearing this, both of them could not help starting in alarm.那小鬟回頭一看，卻是個人影從芙蓉花中走出來，他便大叫：“不好，有鬼。The little maid turned to look and saw a human figure emerging from among the hibiscus flowers; she cried out, “Oh no—a ghost!晴雯真來顯魂了！”唬得寶玉也忙看時，——且聽下回分解。Qingwen has truly come to reveal her spirit!” Baoyu, frightened, hurriedly looked as well—and what happened next will be told in the following chapter.

读毕，遂焚帛奠茗，犹依依不舍。小鬟催至再四，方才回身。忽听山石之后有一人笑道：“且请留步。”二人听了，不免一惊。那小鬟回头一看，却是个人影从芙蓉花中走出来，他便大叫：“不好，有鬼。晴雯真来显魂了！”唬得宝玉也忙看时，——且听下回分解。