第八十七回　感深秋撫琴悲往事　坐禪寂走火入邪魔 Moved by Autumn, Daiyu Plays the Zither and Mourns the Past; In Meditation Miaoyu Loses Herself to Demons

卻說黛玉叫進寶釵家的女人來，問了好，呈上書子。Now Daiyu had the woman from Baochai’s household shown in, exchanged greetings with her, and received the letter she presented.黛玉叫他去喝茶，便將寶釵來書打開看時，只見上面寫著：Daiyu told her to go and have some tea, then opened Baochai’s letter and read:

却说黛玉叫进宝钗家的女人来，问了好，呈上书子。黛玉叫他去喝茶，便将宝钗来书打开看时，只见上面写著：

妹生辰不偶，家運多艱，姊妹伶仃，萱親衰邁。My birth was ill-starred; my family’s fortunes have been beset by hardship. We sisters are left forlorn, while our aged mother declines.兼之猇聲狺語，旦暮無休。Besides this, snarling voices and malicious tongues give us no peace from dawn till dusk.更遭慘禍飛災，不啻驚風密雨。Worse still, cruel calamities have descended upon us, like fierce winds and driving rain.夜深輾側，愁緒何堪。At dead of night I toss and turn; how can I endure the burden of these sorrows?屬在同心，能不為之愍惻乎？Since we are kindred spirits, how could you not feel pity for me?回憶海棠結社，序屬清秋，對菊持螯，同盟歡洽。I remember when we founded the Crab-Flower Poetry Club. It was clear autumn; we admired chrysanthemums and held crabs in hand, our fellowship joyful and harmonious.猶記“孤標傲世偕誰隱，一樣花開為底遲”之句，未嘗不歎冷節遺芳，如吾兩人也。I still remember the lines, ‘Proud and aloof from the world—with whom shall you retire? Blooming like all other flowers, why do you open so late?’ Never have I failed to sigh over that cold-season blossom leaving its fragrance behind—so like the two of us.感怀触緒，聊賦四章，匪曰無故呻吟，亦長歌當哭之意耳。Moved by memory and stirred by emotion, I have composed four stanzas. This is no idle moaning without cause, but a long song offered in place of tears.悲時序之遞嬗兮，又屬清秋。I grieve that the seasons pass and change—once more it is clear autumn.感遭家之不造兮，獨處離愁。I lament my family’s misfortunes and dwell alone in the sorrow of separation.北堂有萱兮，何以忘憂？In the northern hall the daylily grows—yet how can it make me forget sorrow?無以解憂兮，我心咻咻。There is no means to dispel my grief; my heart is restless and distressed.一解。First verse.雲憑憑兮秋風酸，步中庭兮霜葉乾。Mass upon mass the clouds; bitter blows the autumn wind. I pace the courtyard where the frost-dried leaves lie.何去何從兮，失我故歡。Where shall I go, what course shall I follow, now that I have lost my former joy?靜言思之兮惻肺肝！When quietly I ponder it, grief rends my heart and liver!二解。Second verse.惟鮪有潭兮，惟鶴有梁。The sturgeon alone has its deep pool; the crane alone has its bridge.鱗甲潛伏兮，羽毛何長！The scaled creatures hide beneath the waters—but how long the feathered creature must wait!搔首問兮茫茫，高天厚地兮，誰知余之永傷。Scratching my head, I question the boundless void: beneath high Heaven and upon broad Earth, who knows my unending sorrow?三解。Third verse.銀河耿耿兮寒氣侵，月色橫斜兮玉漏沉。Bright stretches the Silver River as the cold steals in; the moonlight slants across the sky as the jade water-clock runs low.憂心炳炳兮發我哀吟，吟复吟兮寄我知音。My anxious heart burns bright and prompts this mournful song; I sing and sing again, sending it to the one who understands me.四解。Fourth verse.

妹生辰不偶，家运多艰，姊妹伶仃，萱亲衰迈。兼之猇声狺语，旦暮无休。更遭惨祸飞灾，不啻惊风密雨。夜深辗侧，愁绪何堪。属在同心，能不为之愍恻乎？回忆海棠结社，序属清秋，对菊持螯，同盟欢洽。犹记“孤标傲世偕谁隐，一样花开为底迟”之句，未尝不叹冷节遗芳，如吾两人也。感怀触绪，聊赋四章，匪曰无故呻吟，亦长歌当哭之意耳。悲时序之递嬗兮，又属清秋。感遭家之不造兮，独处离愁。北堂有萱兮，何以忘忧？无以解忧兮，我心咻咻。一解。云凭凭兮秋风酸，步中庭兮霜叶干。何去何从兮，失我故欢。静言思之兮恻肺肝！二解。惟鲔有潭兮，惟鹤有梁。鳞甲潜伏兮，羽毛何长！搔首问兮茫茫，高天厚地兮，谁知余之永伤。三解。银河耿耿兮寒气侵，月色横斜兮玉漏沉。忧心炳炳兮发我哀吟，吟复吟兮寄我知音。四解。

黛玉看了，不胜傷感。When Daiyu had finished reading, she was overcome with sorrow.又想：“寶姐姐不寄與別人，單寄與我，也是惺惺惜惺惺的意思。”正在沉吟，只聽見外面有人說道：“林姐姐在家里呢么？”黛玉一面把寶釵的書疊起，口內便答應道：“是誰？”正問著，早見幾個人進來，卻是探春，湘雲，李紋，李綺。Then she thought, “Sister Bao has sent this to no one else, only to me; one kindred spirit truly cherishes another.” As she sat absorbed in thought, she heard someone outside ask, “Is Sister Lin at home?” Folding up Baochai’s letter, Daiyu called back, “Who is it?” Even as she asked, several people came in: Tanchun, Xiangyun, Li Wen, and Li Qi.彼此問了好，雪雁倒上茶來，大家喝了，說些閒話。After exchanging greetings, they all drank the tea that Xueyan poured and chatted about one thing and another.因想起前年的菊花詩來，黛玉便道：“寶姐姐自從挪出去，來了兩遭，如今索性有事也不來了，真真奇怪。Remembering their chrysanthemum poems of two years before, Daiyu said, “Since Sister Bao moved out, she has only been here twice; now she never comes at all, even when there is some occasion. It is truly strange.我看他終久還來我們這里不來。”探春微笑道：“怎麼不來，橫豎要來的。I wonder whether she will ever come back to us.” Tanchun smiled slightly. “Why should she not? She is bound to come sooner or later.如今是他們尊嫂有些脾氣，姨媽上了年紀的人，又兼有薛大哥的事，自然得寶姐姐照料一切，那里還比得先前有工夫呢。”正說著，忽聽得忽喇喇一片風聲，吹了好些落葉，打在窗紙上。Just now her esteemed sister-in-law is rather ill-tempered, and Aunt Xue is getting on in years; what with Cousin Xue’s troubles as well, Sister Bao naturally has to see to everything. How could she have as much leisure as before?” While they were speaking, there suddenly came a great rushing gust of wind, blowing fallen leaves against the paper windows.停了一回兒，又透過一陣清香來。After a pause, another gust carried in a fresh fragrance.眾人聞著，都說道：“這是何處來的香風？They all caught the scent and said, “Where is this fragrant breeze coming from?這象什麼香？”黛玉道：“好象木樨香。”探春笑道：“林姐姐終不脫南邊人的話，這大九月里的，那里還有桂花呢。”黛玉笑道：“原是啊，不然怎麼不竟說是桂花香只說似乎象呢。”湘雲道：“三姐姐，你也別說。What scent does it resemble?” Daiyu said, “It seems like sweet osmanthus.” Tanchun laughed. “Sister Lin can never quite shed the speech of a southerner. It is already deep into the ninth month—how could osmanthus still be in bloom?” Daiyu laughed. “Exactly; otherwise I would have said outright that it was osmanthus, instead of merely saying it seemed like it.” Xiangyun said, “Third Sister, do not be so sure.你可記得‘十里荷花，三秋桂子’？Do you not remember, ‘Lotus blossoms for ten leagues, osmanthus through all three months of autumn’?在南邊，正是晚桂開的時候了。In the south, this is precisely when the late osmanthus blooms.你只沒有見過罷了，等你明日到南邊去的時候，你自然也就知道了。”探春笑道：“我有什麼事到南邊去？You simply have never seen it. Wait until you go south one day, and you will understand.” Tanchun laughed. “What reason would I have to go south?況且這個也是我早知道的，不用你們說嘴。”李紋李綺只抿著嘴兒笑。Besides, I knew that already; there is no need for you two to show off.” Li Wen and Li Qi merely pursed their lips and smiled.黛玉道：“妹妹，這可說不齊。Daiyu said, “Sister, one can never be certain of such things.俗語說，‘人是地行仙’，今日在這里，明日就不知在那里。As the saying goes, ‘Man is an earth-walking immortal’: here today, one cannot know where tomorrow.譬如我，原是南邊人，怎麼到了這里呢？”湘雲拍著手笑道：“今兒三姐姐可叫林姐姐問住了。Take me, for instance. I am from the south, so how did I come to be here?” Xiangyun clapped her hands and laughed. “Third Sister has been stumped by Sister Lin today!不但林姐姐是南邊人到這里，就是我們這幾個人就不同。Not only has Sister Lin come here from the south, but each of us here has a different story.也有本來是北邊的，也有根子是南邊，生長在北邊的，也有生長在南邊，到這北邊的，今兒大家都湊在一處。Some were born in the north; some have southern roots but were born and raised in the north; others were born and raised in the south and then came north—yet today we have all gathered in one place.可見人總有一個定數，大凡地和人總是各自有緣分的。”眾人聽了都點頭，探春也只是笑。Plainly everyone has a destiny, and places and people each have their own affinity.” They all nodded on hearing this, while Tanchun merely smiled.又說了一會子閒話兒，大家散出。After chatting a little longer, they all rose to leave.黛玉送到門口，大家都說：“你身上才好些，別出來了，看著了風。”于是黛玉一面說著話兒，一面站在門口又與四人殷勤了幾句，便看著他們出院去了。Daiyu escorted them to the door, but they all said, “You have only just begun to recover. Do not come out and expose yourself to the wind.” Still talking, Daiyu stood in the doorway and exchanged a few more cordial words with the four of them, then watched them leave the courtyard.進來坐著，看看已是林鳥歸山，夕陽西墜。She came back inside and sat down. Already the woodland birds were returning to the hills, and the sun was sinking in the west.因史湘雲說起南邊的話，便想著“父母若在，南邊的景致，春花秋月，水秀山明，二十四橋，六朝遺跡。Xiangyun’s talk of the south had set her thinking: “If my parents were still alive, I would be amid the southern scenery—spring flowers and autumn moonlight, lovely waters and bright mountains, the Twenty-four Bridges and the relics of the Six Dynasties.不少下人伏侍，諸事可以任意，言語亦可不避。There would be no lack of servants to wait upon me; I could do as I pleased in everything and speak without reserve.香車畫舫，紅杏青帘，惟我獨尊。In perfumed carriages and painted barges, amid red apricot blossoms and blue wine-shop banners, I alone would reign supreme.今日寄人篱下，縱有許多照應，自己無處不要留心。Today I live beneath another’s roof. Though everyone shows me great consideration, there is nowhere and nothing in which I need not be careful.不知前生作了什麼罪孽，今生這樣孤凄。What sins can I have committed in a former life, to be so lonely and desolate in this one?真是李後主說的‘此間日中只以眼淚洗面’矣！”一面思想，不知不覺神往那里去了。It is truly as the Last Lord Li said: ‘Here, from morning till night, I wash my face only with tears!’” As these thoughts passed through her mind, her spirit unconsciously wandered far away.

黛玉看了，不胜伤感。又想：“宝姐姐不寄与别人，单寄与我，也是惺惺惜惺惺的意思。”正在沉吟，只听见外面有人说道：“林姐姐在家里呢么？”黛玉一面把宝钗的书叠起，口内便答应道：“是谁？”正问著，早见几个人进来，却是探春，湘云，李纹，李绮。彼此问了好，雪雁倒上茶来，大家喝了，说些闲话。因想起前年的菊花诗来，黛玉便道：“宝姐姐自从挪出去，来了两遭，如今索性有事也不来了，真真奇怪。我看他终久还来我们这里不来。”探春微笑道：“怎么不来，横竖要来的。如今是他们尊嫂有些脾气，姨妈上了年纪的人，又兼有薛大哥的事，自然得宝姐姐照料一切，那里还比得先前有工夫呢。”正说著，忽听得忽喇喇一片风声，吹了好些落叶，打在窗纸上。停了一回儿，又透过一阵清香来。众人闻著，都说道：“这是何处来的香风？这象什么香？”黛玉道：“好象木樨香。”探春笑道：“林姐姐终不脱南边人的话，这大九月里的，那里还有桂花呢。”黛玉笑道：“原是啊，不然怎么不竟说是桂花香只说似乎象呢。”湘云道：“三姐姐，你也别说。你可记得‘十里荷花，三秋桂子’？在南边，正是晚桂开的时候了。你只没有见过罢了，等你明日到南边去的时候，你自然也就知道了。”探春笑道：“我有什么事到南边去？况且这个也是我早知道的，不用你们说嘴。”李纹李绮只抿著嘴儿笑。黛玉道：“妹妹，这可说不齐。俗语说，‘人是地行仙’，今日在这里，明日就不知在那里。譬如我，原是南边人，怎么到了这里呢？”湘云拍著手笑道：“今儿三姐姐可叫林姐姐问住了。不但林姐姐是南边人到这里，就是我们这几个人就不同。也有本来是北边的，也有根子是南边，生长在北边的，也有生长在南边，到这北边的，今儿大家都凑在一处。可见人总有一个定数，大凡地和人总是各自有缘分的。”众人听了都点头，探春也只是笑。又说了一会子闲话儿，大家散出。黛玉送到门口，大家都说：“你身上才好些，别出来了，看著了风。”于是黛玉一面说著话儿，一面站在门口又与四人殷勤了几句，便看著他们出院去了。进来坐著，看看已是林鸟归山，夕阳西坠。因史湘云说起南边的话，便想著“父母若在，南边的景致，春花秋月，水秀山明，二十四桥，六朝遗迹。不少下人伏侍，诸事可以任意，言语亦可不避。香车画舫，红杏青帘，惟我独尊。今日寄人篱下，纵有许多照应，自己无处不要留心。不知前生作了什么罪孽，今生这样孤凄。真是李后主说的‘此间日中只以眼泪洗面’矣！”一面思想，不知不觉神往那里去了。

紫鵑走來，看見這樣光景，想著必是因剛才說起南邊北邊的話來，一時触著黛玉的心事了，便問道：“姑娘們來說了半天話，想來姑娘又勞了神了。Zijuan came in and, seeing her thus, guessed that all the recent talk of north and south had touched upon Daiyu’s private sorrow. She asked, “The young ladies have been here talking for so long; I expect you have tired yourself again.剛才我叫雪雁告訴廚房里給姑娘作了一碗火肉白菜湯，加了一點兒蝦米兒，配了點青筍紫菜。Just now I had Xueyan tell the kitchen to make you a bowl of salt-pork and cabbage soup, with a little dried shrimp, green bamboo shoots, and laver.姑娘想著好么？”黛玉道：“也罷了。”紫鵑道：“還熬了一點江米粥。”黛玉點點頭兒，又說道：“那粥該你們兩個自己熬了，不用他們廚房里熬才是。”紫鵑道：“我也怕廚房里弄的不乾淨，我們各自熬呢。Does that sound good to you?” Daiyu said, “That will do.” Zijuan said, “They have also cooked a little glutinous-rice congee.” Daiyu nodded, then said, “You two ought to cook the congee yourselves; you should not have the main kitchen do it.” Zijuan replied, “I too was afraid the kitchen might not prepare it cleanly, so we are cooking that ourselves.就是那湯，我也告訴雪雁和柳嫂兒說了，要弄乾淨著。Even for the soup, I had Xueyan tell Cook Liu to take special care that everything was clean.柳嫂兒說了，他打點妥當，拿到他屋里叫他們五兒瞅著炖呢。”黛玉道：“我倒不是嫌人家肮贓，只是病了好些日子，不周不備，都是人家。Cook Liu said she would prepare it properly, then take it to her own room and have her daughter Wuer watch it simmer.” Daiyu said, “It is not that I find other people dirty. It is only that I have been ill for so many days, and whenever anything has been lacking or overlooked, others have had to see to it.這會子又湯兒粥兒的調度，未免惹人厭煩。”說著，眼圈兒又紅了。Now they have to fuss over soups and congees as well; it is bound to make people weary of me.” As she spoke, her eyes reddened again.紫鵑道：“姑娘這話也是多想。Zijuan said, “Miss, you are thinking too much again.姑娘是老太太的外孫女兒，又是老太太心坎兒上的。You are the Old Lady’s granddaughter through her daughter, and the very apple of her eye.別人求其在姑娘跟前討好兒還不能呢，那里有抱怨的。”黛玉點點頭兒，因又問道：“你才說的五兒，不是那日和寶二爺那邊的芳官在一處的那個女孩兒？”紫鵑道：“就是他。”黛玉道：“不聽見說要進來么？”紫鵑道：“可不是，因為病了一場，後來好了才要進來，正是晴雯他們鬧出事來的時候，也就耽擱住了。”黛玉道：“我看那丫頭倒也還頭臉兒乾淨。”說著，外頭婆子送了湯來。Others would gladly seek a chance to please you and cannot find one; how could anyone complain?” Daiyu nodded, then asked, “This Wuer you mentioned—is she not the girl who was with Fangguan from Master Bao’s apartments that day?” Zijuan said, “The very one.” Daiyu said, “Did I not hear she was to come into service here?” Zijuan said, “Indeed. She fell ill, and by the time she recovered and was ready to enter service, all that trouble with Qingwen and the others had broken out, so the matter was delayed.” Daiyu said, “As I recall, the girl had a rather neat and pleasant appearance.” As she spoke, an old serving-woman brought the soup from outside.雪雁出來接時，那婆子說道：“柳嫂兒叫回姑娘，這是他們五兒作的，沒敢在大廚房里作，怕姑娘嫌肮贓。”雪雁答應著接了進來。When Xueyan went out to take it, the woman said, “Cook Liu asks me to tell you, Miss, that her daughter Wuer made this. She did not dare make it in the main kitchen, for fear you might think it unclean.” Xueyan acknowledged this and carried it in.黛玉在屋里已聽見了，吩咐雪雁告訴那老婆子回去說，叫他費心。Daiyu had heard everything from within and told Xueyan to ask the old woman to convey her thanks for the trouble they had taken.雪雁出來說了，老婆子自去。Xueyan went out and did so, and the old woman left.這里雪雁將黛玉的碗箸安放在小兒上，因問黛玉道：“還有咱們南來的五香大頭菜，拌些麻油醋可好么？”黛玉道：“也使得，只不必累贅了。”一面盛上粥來，黛玉吃了半碗，用羹匙舀了兩口湯喝，就擱下了。Xueyan set out Daiyu’s bowl and chopsticks on the little table, then asked, “We still have some five-spiced kohlrabi that we brought from the south. Shall I dress some with sesame oil and vinegar?” Daiyu said, “That would be all right, but do not go to any extra trouble.” Xueyan served the congee; Daiyu ate half a bowl and took two spoonfuls of soup before setting it aside.兩個丫鬟撤了下來，拭淨了小端下去，又換上一張常放的小。The two maids cleared everything away, wiped the little table clean, carried it out, and replaced it with the small table that usually stood there.黛玉漱了口，盥了手，便道：“紫鵑，添了香了沒有？”紫鵑道：“就添去。”黛玉道：“你們就把那湯和粥吃了罷，味兒還好，且是乾淨。Daiyu rinsed her mouth and washed her hands, then said, “Zijuan, have you added more incense?” Zijuan said, “I will do it now.” Daiyu said, “You two go and eat the soup and congee. They taste quite good, and they are clean besides.待我自己添香罷。”兩個人答應了，在外間自吃去了。I shall add the incense myself.” The two maids assented and went to eat in the outer room.

紫鹃走来，看见这样光景，想著必是因刚才说起南边北边的话来，一时触著黛玉的心事了，便问道：“姑娘们来说了半天话，想来姑娘又劳了神了。刚才我叫雪雁告诉厨房里给姑娘作了一碗火肉白菜汤，加了一点儿虾米儿，配了点青笋紫菜。姑娘想著好么？”黛玉道：“也罢了。”紫鹃道：“还熬了一点江米粥。”黛玉点点头儿，又说道：“那粥该你们两个自己熬了，不用他们厨房里熬才是。”紫鹃道：“我也怕厨房里弄的不干净，我们各自熬呢。就是那汤，我也告诉雪雁和柳嫂儿说了，要弄干净著。柳嫂儿说了，他打点妥当，拿到他屋里叫他们五儿瞅著炖呢。”黛玉道：“我倒不是嫌人家肮赃，只是病了好些日子，不周不备，都是人家。这会子又汤儿粥儿的调度，未免惹人厌烦。”说著，眼圈儿又红了。紫鹃道：“姑娘这话也是多想。姑娘是老太太的外孙女儿，又是老太太心坎儿上的。别人求其在姑娘跟前讨好儿还不能呢，那里有抱怨的。”黛玉点点头儿，因又问道：“你才说的五儿，不是那日和宝二爷那边的芳官在一处的那个女孩儿？”紫鹃道：“就是他。”黛玉道：“不听见说要进来么？”紫鹃道：“可不是，因为病了一场，后来好了才要进来，正是晴雯他们闹出事来的时候，也就耽搁住了。”黛玉道：“我看那丫头倒也还头脸儿干净。”说著，外头婆子送了汤来。雪雁出来接时，那婆子说道：“柳嫂儿叫回姑娘，这是他们五儿作的，没敢在大厨房里作，怕姑娘嫌肮赃。”雪雁答应著接了进来。黛玉在屋里已听见了，吩咐雪雁告诉那老婆子回去说，叫他费心。雪雁出来说了，老婆子自去。这里雪雁将黛玉的碗箸安放在小儿上，因问黛玉道：“还有咱们南来的五香大头菜，拌些麻油醋可好么？”黛玉道：“也使得，只不必累赘了。”一面盛上粥来，黛玉吃了半碗，用羹匙舀了两口汤喝，就搁下了。两个丫鬟撤了下来，拭净了小端下去，又换上一张常放的小。黛玉漱了口，盥了手，便道：“紫鹃，添了香了没有？”紫鹃道：“就添去。”黛玉道：“你们就把那汤和粥吃了罢，味儿还好，且是干净。待我自己添香罢。”两个人答应了，在外间自吃去了。

這里黛玉添了香，自己坐著。Daiyu added incense to the burner and sat there alone.才要拿本書看，只聽得園內的風自西邊直透到東邊，穿過樹枝，都在那里唏哩嘩喇不住的響。She was just about to take up a book when she heard the wind in the Garden driving straight from west to east, rushing through the branches with an incessant clatter and rustle.一回兒，檐下的鐵馬也只管叮叮當當的亂敲起來。Presently the iron wind-bells under the eaves also began to clang wildly without cease.一時雪雁先吃完了，進來伺候。After a while Xueyan, who had finished eating first, came in to attend her.黛玉便問道：“天氣冷了，我前日叫你們把那些小毛兒衣服晾晾，可曾晾過沒有？”雪雁道：“都晾過了。”黛玉道：“你拿一件來我披披。”雪雁走去將一包小毛衣服抱來，打開氈包，給黛玉自揀。Daiyu asked, “The weather has turned cold. I told you the other day to air those light fur garments. Have you done so?” Xueyan said, “They have all been aired.” Daiyu said, “Bring me one to put around my shoulders.” Xueyan went and fetched a bundle of light furs, opened the felt wrapping, and let Daiyu choose for herself.只見內中夾著個絹包兒，黛玉伸手拿起打開看時，卻是寶玉病時送來的舊手帕，自己題的詩，上面淚痕猶在，里頭卻包著那剪破了的香囊扇袋并寶玉通靈玉上的穗子。Inside was a silk-wrapped packet. Daiyu picked it up and opened it, and found the old handkerchiefs Baoyu had sent her when he was ill, bearing the verses she herself had written; her tearstains were still upon them. Wrapped inside were the cut-up perfume pouch and fan-case, together with the tassel from Baoyu’s Magic Jade.原來晾衣服時從箱中撿出，紫鵑恐怕遺失了，遂夾在這氈包里的。When the clothes had been aired, these things had been found in the chest. Afraid they might be lost, Zijuan had tucked them into the felt bundle.這黛玉不看則已，看了時也不說穿那一件衣服，手里只拿著那兩方手帕，呆呆的看那舊詩。Once Daiyu saw them, she forgot all about choosing a garment. Holding the two handkerchiefs in her hands, she stared blankly at the old verses.看了一回，不覺的簌簌淚下。After gazing at them for a while, tears began to fall in a stream.紫鵑剛從外間進來，只見雪雁正捧著一氈包衣裳在旁邊呆立，小上卻擱著剪破的香囊，兩三截兒扇袋和那鉸折了的穗子，黛玉手中自拿著兩方舊帕，上邊寫著字跡，在那里對著滴淚。Zijuan had just come in from the outer room. She saw Xueyan standing motionless nearby with the felt-wrapped bundle of clothes in her arms; on the little table lay the cut perfume pouch, the fan-case in two or three pieces, and the severed tassel, while Daiyu held the two old handkerchiefs with their writing and wept over them.正是：As the verse has it:

这里黛玉添了香，自己坐著。才要拿本书看，只听得园内的风自西边直透到东边，穿过树枝，都在那里唏哩哗喇不住的响。一回儿，檐下的铁马也只管叮叮当当的乱敲起来。一时雪雁先吃完了，进来伺候。黛玉便问道：“天气冷了，我前日叫你们把那些小毛儿衣服晾晾，可曾晾过没有？”雪雁道：“都晾过了。”黛玉道：“你拿一件来我披披。”雪雁走去将一包小毛衣服抱来，打开毡包，给黛玉自拣。只见内中夹著个绢包儿，黛玉伸手拿起打开看时，却是宝玉病时送来的旧手帕，自己题的诗，上面泪痕犹在，里头却包著那剪破了的香囊扇袋并宝玉通灵玉上的穗子。原来晾衣服时从箱中捡出，紫鹃恐怕遗失了，遂夹在这毡包里的。这黛玉不看则已，看了时也不说穿那一件衣服，手里只拿著那两方手帕，呆呆的看那旧诗。看了一回，不觉的簌簌泪下。紫鹃刚从外间进来，只见雪雁正捧著一毡包衣裳在旁边呆立，小上却搁著剪破的香囊，两三截儿扇袋和那铰折了的穗子，黛玉手中自拿著两方旧帕，上边写著字迹，在那里对著滴泪。正是：

失意人逢失意事，新啼痕間舊啼痕。When the disappointed meet disappointment anew, fresh tearstains mingle with the old.

失意人逢失意事，新啼痕间旧啼痕。

紫鵑見了這樣，知是他触物傷情，感怀舊事，料道勸也無益，只得笑著道：“姑娘還看那些東西作什麼，那都是那幾年寶二爺和姑娘小時一時好了，一時惱了，鬧出來的笑話兒。Seeing her so, Zijuan knew that the sight of these objects had awakened Daiyu’s sorrow and stirred memories of the past. She realized that advice would be useless and could only say with a smile, “Why do you still look at those things, Miss? They are all relics of those years when you and Master Bao were young—getting along one moment, quarreling the next—and making yourselves ridiculous.要象如今這樣斯抬斯敬，那里能把這些東西白遭塌了呢。”紫鵑這話原給黛玉開心，不料這幾句話更提起黛玉初來時和寶玉的舊事來，一發珠淚連綿起來。If you had treated each other then with the solemn courtesy you show now, how could these things ever have been wantonly ruined?” Zijuan had meant to cheer Daiyu, but these few words only recalled more vividly the old days between her and Baoyu when she had first arrived, and her pearly tears flowed more freely than ever.紫鵑又勸道：“雪雁這里等著呢，姑娘披上一件罷。”那黛玉才把手帕撂下。Zijuan urged her again, “Xueyan is waiting there; put on one of the garments, Miss.” Only then did Daiyu set down the handkerchiefs.紫鵑連忙拾起，將香袋等物包起拿開。Zijuan quickly picked them up, wrapped the perfume pouch and the other things together, and took them away.這黛玉方披了一件皮衣，自己悶悶的走到外間來坐下。Daiyu then put on a fur garment and walked gloomily into the outer room to sit down.回頭看見案上寶釵的詩啟尚未收好，又拿出來瞧了兩遍，歎道：“境遇不同，傷心則一。Turning her head, she saw that Baochai’s poem-letter was still lying unput away on the desk. She took it up and read it twice more, then sighed. “Our circumstances differ, but our sorrow is the same.不免也賦四章，翻入琴譜，可彈可歌，明日寫出來寄去，以當和作。”便叫雪雁將外邊桌上筆硯拿來，濡墨揮毫，賦成四疊。I too shall compose four stanzas and set them to music for the qin, so that they may be played or sung. Tomorrow I shall write them out and send them to her as my answering composition.” She had Xueyan bring the brush and inkstone from the table outside, dipped her brush in ink, and swiftly composed four sections.又將琴譜翻出，借他《猗蘭》《思賢》兩操，合成音韻，與自己做的配齊了，然後寫出，以備送與寶釵。Then she took out her qin scores and borrowed the melodies of “The Graceful Orchid” and “Longing for the Worthy,” adapting their tones and cadences to fit her own verses. When all was complete, she wrote it out to be sent to Baochai.又即叫雪雁向箱中將自己帶來的短琴拿出，調上弦，又操演了指法。She then had Xueyan take from the chest the small qin she had brought with her, tuned its strings, and practiced the fingering.黛玉本是個絕頂聰明人，又在南邊學過幾時，雖是手生，到底一理就熟。Daiyu was exceptionally intelligent and had studied the instrument for a time in the south. Though her hands were out of practice, once she reviewed the principles, her skill quickly returned.撫了一番，夜已深了，便叫紫鵑收拾睡覺。After playing for a while, she saw that the night was deep and told Zijuan to put everything away and prepare for bed.不題。But no more of this.

紫鹃见了这样，知是他触物伤情，感怀旧事，料道劝也无益，只得笑著道：“姑娘还看那些东西作什么，那都是那几年宝二爷和姑娘小时一时好了，一时恼了，闹出来的笑话儿。要象如今这样斯抬斯敬，那里能把这些东西白遭塌了呢。”紫鹃这话原给黛玉开心，不料这几句话更提起黛玉初来时和宝玉的旧事来，一发珠泪连绵起来。紫鹃又劝道：“雪雁这里等著呢，姑娘披上一件罢。”那黛玉才把手帕撂下。紫鹃连忙拾起，将香袋等物包起拿开。这黛玉方披了一件皮衣，自己闷闷的走到外间来坐下。回头看见案上宝钗的诗启尚未收好，又拿出来瞧了两遍，叹道：“境遇不同，伤心则一。不免也赋四章，翻入琴谱，可弹可歌，明日写出来寄去，以当和作。”便叫雪雁将外边桌上笔砚拿来，濡墨挥毫，赋成四叠。又将琴谱翻出，借他《猗兰》《思贤》两操，合成音韵，与自己做的配齐了，然后写出，以备送与宝钗。又即叫雪雁向箱中将自己带来的短琴拿出，调上弦，又操演了指法。黛玉本是个绝顶聪明人，又在南边学过几时，虽是手生，到底一理就熟。抚了一番，夜已深了，便叫紫鹃收拾睡觉。不题。

卻說寶玉這日起來梳洗了，帶著焙茗正往書房中來，只見墨雨笑嘻嘻的跑來迎頭說道：“二爺今日便宜了，太爺不在書房里，都放了學了。”寶玉道：“當真的么？”墨雨道：“二爺不信，那不是三爺和蘭哥兒來了。”寶玉看時，只見賈環賈蘭跟著小廝們，兩個笑嘻的嘴里咭咭呱呱不知說些什麼，迎頭來了。Now Baoyu rose that morning and washed and dressed. With Beiming in attendance, he was on his way to the schoolroom when Moyu came running up with a grin and said, “Second Master, you are in luck today! The Old Master is not in the schoolroom, and everyone has been dismissed.” Baoyu asked, “Is that really true?” Moyu replied, “If you do not believe me, there are Third Master and young Master Lan coming back now.” Baoyu looked and saw Jia Huan and Jia Lan approaching behind their pageboys, both grinning and chattering away about something.見了寶玉，都垂手站住。When they saw Baoyu, they stopped and stood with their hands respectfully at their sides.寶玉問道：“你們兩個怎麼就回來了？”賈環道：“今日太爺有事，說是放一天學，明兒再去呢。”寶玉聽了，方回身到賈母賈政處去稟明了，然後回到怡紅院中。Baoyu asked, “Why have you two come back already?” Jia Huan said, “The Old Master has business today. He gave us the day off and told us to return tomorrow.” Only then did Baoyu turn back to report the matter to Grandmother Jia and Jia Zheng, after which he returned to Happy Red Court.襲人問道：“怎麼又回來了？”寶玉告訴了他，只坐了一坐兒，便往外走。Xiren asked, “Why are you back again?” Baoyu told her, sat for only a moment, and then started outside.襲人道：“往那里去，這樣忙法？Xiren asked, “Where are you going in such a hurry?就放了學，依我說也該養養神兒了。”寶玉站住腳，低了頭，說道：“你的話也是。Even if school has been dismissed, in my view you ought to rest and restore your spirits.” Baoyu stopped, lowered his head, and said, “You are right about that.但是好容易放一天學，還不散散去，你也該可怜我些兒了。”襲人見說的可怜，笑道：“由爺去罷。”正說著，端了飯來。But it is so rare to have a day off—should I not go out and amuse myself a little? You ought to take some pity on me.” Xiren laughed when he pleaded so pitifully. “Go as you please, Master.” Just then, however, the meal was brought in.寶玉也沒法兒，只得且吃飯，三口兩口忙忙的吃完，漱了口，一溜煙往黛玉房中去了。Baoyu had no choice but to eat first. He hurried through the meal in a few bites, rinsed his mouth, and dashed off like a puff of smoke to Daiyu’s rooms.

却说宝玉这日起来梳洗了，带著焙茗正往书房中来，只见墨雨笑嘻嘻的跑来迎头说道：“二爷今日便宜了，太爷不在书房里，都放了学了。”宝玉道：“当真的么？”墨雨道：“二爷不信，那不是三爷和兰哥儿来了。”宝玉看时，只见贾环贾兰跟著小厮们，两个笑嘻的嘴里咭咭呱呱不知说些什么，迎头来了。见了宝玉，都垂手站住。宝玉问道：“你们两个怎么就回来了？”贾环道：“今日太爷有事，说是放一天学，明儿再去呢。”宝玉听了，方回身到贾母贾政处去禀明了，然后回到怡红院中。袭人问道：“怎么又回来了？”宝玉告诉了他，只坐了一坐儿，便往外走。袭人道：“往那里去，这样忙法？就放了学，依我说也该养养神儿了。”宝玉站住脚，低了头，说道：“你的话也是。但是好容易放一天学，还不散散去，你也该可怜我些儿了。”袭人见说的可怜，笑道：“由爷去罢。”正说著，端了饭来。宝玉也没法儿，只得且吃饭，三口两口忙忙的吃完，漱了口，一溜烟往黛玉房中去了。

走到門口，只見雪雁在院中晾絹子呢。When he reached the gate, he saw Xueyan in the courtyard airing silk handkerchiefs.寶玉因問：“姑娘吃了飯了么？”雪雁道：“早起喝了半碗粥，懶待吃飯。Baoyu asked, “Has your mistress eaten?” Xueyan said, “She drank half a bowl of congee early this morning but did not feel like eating a meal.這時候打盹兒呢。She is dozing now.二爺且到別處走走，回來再來罷。”寶玉只得回來。Second Master, go somewhere else for the moment and come back later.” Baoyu had no choice but to turn away.

走到门口，只见雪雁在院中晾绢子呢。宝玉因问：“姑娘吃了饭了么？”雪雁道：“早起喝了半碗粥，懒待吃饭。这时候打盹儿呢。二爷且到别处走走，回来再来罢。”宝玉只得回来。

無處可去，忽然想起惜春有好幾天沒見，便信步走到蓼風軒來。With nowhere else to go, he suddenly remembered that he had not seen Xichun for several days, so he wandered over to Smartweed-Breeze Lodge.剛到窗下，只見靜悄悄一無人聲。He had just reached the window when he found the place utterly still, without a sound of voices.寶玉打諒他也睡午覺，不便進去。Baoyu supposed that Xichun too was taking her afternoon nap and thought it improper to enter.才要走時，只聽屋里微微一響，不知何聲。Just as he was about to leave, he heard a faint sound inside, though he could not tell what it was.寶玉站住再聽，半日又拍的一響。Baoyu stopped to listen. After quite a while, there came another sharp click.寶玉還未聽出，只見一個人道：“你在這里下了一個子兒，那里你不應么？”寶玉方知是下大棋，但只急切聽不出這個人的語音是誰。Before Baoyu could make out what it was, he heard someone say, “I have played a stone here. Should you not answer over there?” Only then did he realize they were playing go, but at first he could not identify the speaker’s voice.底下方聽見惜春道：“怕什麼，你這麼一吃我，我這麼一應，你又這麼吃，我又這麼應。Next he heard Xichun say, “What is there to fear? If you capture me like this, I answer like this; then if you capture here, I answer there.還緩著一著兒呢，終久連得上。”那一個又道：“我要這麼一吃呢？”惜春道：“阿嗄，還有一著‘反扑’在里頭呢！I still have a move in reserve, and in the end my stones will connect.” The other person said, “What if I capture this way?” Xichun replied, “Ah! There is still a snapback there!我倒沒防備。”寶玉聽了，聽那一個聲音很熟，卻不是他們姊妹。I had not guarded against that.” Baoyu listened. The other voice was very familiar, yet it belonged to none of his sisters.料著惜春屋里也沒外人，輕輕的掀帘進去。Reasoning that there could be no outsider in Xichun’s rooms, he quietly lifted the curtain and went in.看時不是別人，卻是那櫳翠庵的檻外人妙玉。When he looked, he saw that it was none other than Miaoyu, the One Beyond the Threshold from Green Lattice Nunnery.這寶玉見是妙玉，不敢驚動。Seeing that it was Miaoyu, Baoyu dared not disturb them.妙玉和惜春正在凝思之際，也沒理會。Miaoyu and Xichun were both deep in thought and did not notice him.寶玉卻站在旁邊看他兩個的手段。Baoyu stood beside them, watching how the two played.只見妙玉低著頭問惜春道：“你這個‘畸角兒’不要了么？”惜春道：“怎麼不要。They saw Miaoyu lower her head and ask Xichun, “Are you abandoning this ‘isolated corner’ of yours?” Xichun said, “Why should I abandon it?你那里頭都是死子兒，我怕什麼。”妙玉道：“且別說滿話，試試看。”惜春道：“我便打了起來，看你怎麼樣。”妙玉卻微微笑著，把邊上子一接，卻搭轉一吃，把惜春的一個角兒都打起來了，笑著說道：“這叫做‘倒脫靴勢’。”All your stones in there are dead; what have I to fear?” Miaoyu said, “Do not boast too soon—let us see.” Xichun said, “Then I shall play and see what you can do.” Miaoyu merely smiled, answered with a stone along the edge, then wheeled around and captured, sweeping away Xichun’s entire corner. Laughing, she said, “This is called the ‘Upside-Down Boot Removal Formation.’”

无处可去，忽然想起惜春有好几天没见，便信步走到蓼风轩来。刚到窗下，只见静悄悄一无人声。宝玉打谅他也睡午觉，不便进去。才要走时，只听屋里微微一响，不知何声。宝玉站住再听，半日又拍的一响。宝玉还未听出，只见一个人道：“你在这里下了一个子儿，那里你不应么？”宝玉方知是下大棋，但只急切听不出这个人的语音是谁。底下方听见惜春道：“怕什么，你这么一吃我，我这么一应，你又这么吃，我又这么应。还缓著一著儿呢，终久连得上。”那一个又道：“我要这么一吃呢？”惜春道：“阿嗄，还有一著‘反扑’在里头呢！我倒没防备。”宝玉听了，听那一个声音很熟，却不是他们姊妹。料著惜春屋里也没外人，轻轻的掀帘进去。看时不是别人，却是那栊翠庵的槛外人妙玉。这宝玉见是妙玉，不敢惊动。妙玉和惜春正在凝思之际，也没理会。宝玉却站在旁边看他两个的手段。只见妙玉低著头问惜春道：“你这个‘畸角儿’不要了么？”惜春道：“怎么不要。你那里头都是死子儿，我怕什么。”妙玉道：“且别说满话，试试看。”惜春道：“我便打了起来，看你怎么样。”妙玉却微微笑著，把边上子一接，却搭转一吃，把惜春的一个角儿都打起来了，笑著说道：“这叫做‘倒脱靴势’。”

惜春尚未答言，寶玉在旁情不自禁，哈哈一笑，把兩個人都唬了一大跳。Before Xichun could reply, Baoyu, standing nearby, could no longer contain himself and burst out laughing, startling them both badly.惜春道：“你這是怎麼說，進來也不言語，這麼使促狹唬人。Xichun said, “What do you mean by this? You came in without saying a word, then played such a trick to frighten us.你多早晚進來的？”寶玉道：“我頭里就進來了，看著你們兩個爭這個‘畸角兒’。”說著，一面與妙玉施禮，一面又笑問道：“妙公輕易不出禪關，今日何緣下凡一走？”妙玉聽了，忽然把臉一紅，也不答言，低了頭自看那棋。When did you come in?” Baoyu said, “I came in a while ago and watched the two of you contesting this ‘isolated corner.’” As he spoke, he saluted Miaoyu and laughingly asked, “Reverend Miaoyu rarely leaves her cloistered retreat; what brings you down into the mortal world today?” At this Miaoyu suddenly blushed; without answering, she lowered her head and looked at the board.寶玉自覺造次，連忙陪笑道：“倒是出家人比不得我們在家的俗人，頭一件心是靜的。Realizing that he had been forward, Baoyu hurriedly said with an apologetic smile, “Those who have left the world are indeed unlike worldly people such as us: above all, their hearts are still.靜則靈，靈則慧。”寶玉尚未說完，只見妙玉微微的把眼一抬，看了寶玉一眼，复又低下頭去，那臉上的顏色漸漸的紅暈起來。Stillness brings spiritual clarity, and clarity brings wisdom.” Before Baoyu had finished, Miaoyu slightly raised her eyes and glanced at him, then lowered her head again, while a rosy flush gradually spread over her face.寶玉見他不理，只得訕訕的旁邊坐了。Seeing that she ignored him, Baoyu could only sit down awkwardly beside them.惜春還要下子，妙玉半日說道：“再下罷。”便起身理理衣裳，重新坐下，痴痴的問著寶玉道：“你從何處來？”寶玉巴不得這一聲，好解釋前頭的話，忽又想道：“或是妙玉的机鋒。”轉紅了臉答應不出來。Xichun was about to play another stone, but after a long pause Miaoyu said, “Let us finish another time.” She rose, straightened her clothes, sat down again, and asked Baoyu distractedly, “Where have you come from?” Baoyu had been longing for her to speak so that he might explain his earlier remark, but then it occurred to him, “Perhaps this is one of Miaoyu’s Chan challenges.” His face reddened, and he could find no answer.妙玉微微一笑，自和惜春說話。Miaoyu smiled faintly and began talking to Xichun instead.惜春也笑道：“二哥哥，這什麼難答的，你沒的聽見人家常說的‘從來處來’么。Xichun also laughed. “Second Brother, what is so difficult about answering that? Surely you have heard people say, ‘I come from whence I came.’這也值得把臉紅了，見了生人的似的。”妙玉聽了這話，想起自家，心上一動，臉上一熱，必然也是紅的，倒覺不好意思起來。Is that worth blushing over? You look as if you had met a stranger.” Hearing this, Miaoyu thought of herself; her heart stirred and her face grew hot—surely it too had reddened—and she began to feel embarrassed.因站起來說道：“我來得久了，要回庵里去了。”惜春知妙玉為人，也不深留，送出門口。She therefore stood and said, “I have been here a long while; I must return to the convent.” Xichun knew Miaoyu’s ways and did not press her to stay, but escorted her to the door.妙玉笑道：“久已不來這里，彎彎曲曲的，回去的路頭都要迷住了。”寶玉道：“這倒要我來指引指引何如？”妙玉道：“不敢，二爺前請。”于是二人別了惜春，離了蓼風軒，彎彎曲曲，走近瀟湘館，忽聽得叮咚之聲。Miaoyu laughed. “I have not been here for so long that, with all these twists and turns, I may lose my way back.” Baoyu said, “Then how would it be if I acted as your guide?” Miaoyu replied, “I would not presume; after you, Second Master.” So the two took leave of Xichun and departed from Liaofeng Lodge. Following the winding paths, they drew near Xiaoxiang Lodge when they suddenly heard the chiming notes of a qin.妙玉道：“那里的琴聲？”寶玉道：“想必是林妹妹那里撫琴呢。”妙玉道：“原來他也會這個，怎麼素日不聽見提起？”寶玉悉把黛玉的事述了一遍，因說：“咱們去看他。”妙玉道：“從古只有聽琴，再沒有‘看琴’的。”寶玉笑道：“我原說我是個俗人。”說著，二人走至瀟湘館外，在山子石坐著靜聽，甚覺音調清切。Miaoyu asked, “Where is that qin music coming from?” Baoyu said, “I expect Cousin Lin is playing in her rooms.” Miaoyu said, “So she knows this art too! Why have I never heard it mentioned?” Baoyu told her all about Daiyu and then said, “Let us go and see her.” Miaoyu replied, “Since ancient times people have listened to the qin; no one has ever gone to ‘see the qin.’” Baoyu laughed. “I told you I was a vulgar fellow.” As they spoke, they reached the outside of Xiaoxiang Lodge and sat upon a rockery stone to listen in silence; they found the music exceedingly pure and keen.只聽得低吟道：Then they heard a low voice singing:

惜春尚未答言，宝玉在旁情不自禁，哈哈一笑，把两个人都唬了一大跳。惜春道：“你这是怎么说，进来也不言语，这么使促狭唬人。你多早晚进来的？”宝玉道：“我头里就进来了，看著你们两个争这个‘畸角儿’。”说著，一面与妙玉施礼，一面又笑问道：“妙公轻易不出禅关，今日何缘下凡一走？”妙玉听了，忽然把脸一红，也不答言，低了头自看那棋。宝玉自觉造次，连忙陪笑道：“倒是出家人比不得我们在家的俗人，头一件心是静的。静则灵，灵则慧。”宝玉尚未说完，只见妙玉微微的把眼一抬，看了宝玉一眼，复又低下头去，那脸上的颜色渐渐的红晕起来。宝玉见他不理，只得讪讪的旁边坐了。惜春还要下子，妙玉半日说道：“再下罢。”便起身理理衣裳，重新坐下，痴痴的问著宝玉道：“你从何处来？”宝玉巴不得这一声，好解释前头的话，忽又想道：“或是妙玉的机锋。”转红了脸答应不出来。妙玉微微一笑，自和惜春说话。惜春也笑道：“二哥哥，这什么难答的，你没的听见人家常说的‘从来处来’么。这也值得把脸红了，见了生人的似的。”妙玉听了这话，想起自家，心上一动，脸上一热，必然也是红的，倒觉不好意思起来。因站起来说道：“我来得久了，要回庵里去了。”惜春知妙玉为人，也不深留，送出门口。妙玉笑道：“久已不来这里，弯弯曲曲的，回去的路头都要迷住了。”宝玉道：“这倒要我来指引指引何如？”妙玉道：“不敢，二爷前请。”于是二人别了惜春，离了蓼风轩，弯弯曲曲，走近潇湘馆，忽听得叮咚之声。妙玉道：“那里的琴声？”宝玉道：“想必是林妹妹那里抚琴呢。”妙玉道：“原来他也会这个，怎么素日不听见提起？”宝玉悉把黛玉的事述了一遍，因说：“咱们去看他。”妙玉道：“从古只有听琴，再没有‘看琴’的。”宝玉笑道：“我原说我是个俗人。”说著，二人走至潇湘馆外，在山子石坐著静听，甚觉音调清切。只听得低吟道：

風蕭蕭兮秋氣深，美人千里兮獨沉吟。The wind sighs and sighs, the breath of autumn deep; my beloved is a thousand li away, and alone I sadly muse.

风萧萧兮秋气深，美人千里兮独沉吟。

望故鄉兮何處，倚欄杆兮涕沾襟。I gaze toward my homeland—but where can it be? Leaning on the balustrade, I weep till tears soak my robe.

望故乡兮何处，倚栏杆兮涕沾襟。

歇了一回，聽得又吟道：After a short pause, they heard the voice sing again:

歇了一回，听得又吟道：

山迢迢兮水長，照軒窗兮明月光。Far stretch the mountains, long flow the waters; upon my lattice window shines the bright moonlight.

山迢迢兮水长，照轩窗兮明月光。

耿耿不寐兮銀河渺茫，羅衫怯怯兮風露涼。Troubled and wakeful, I behold the boundless Silver River; in my silken gown I shrink from the chill of wind and dew.

耿耿不寐兮银河渺茫，罗衫怯怯兮风露凉。

又歇了一歇。There was another brief pause.妙玉道：“剛才‘侵’字韻是第一疊，如今‘陽’字韻是第二疊了。Miaoyu said, “The rhyme in ‘-in’ just now formed the first movement; this rhyme in ‘-ang’ is the second.咱們再聽。”里邊又吟道：Let us listen further.” From within came another song:

又歇了一歇。妙玉道：“刚才‘侵’字韵是第一叠，如今‘阳’字韵是第二叠了。咱们再听。”里边又吟道：

子之遭兮不自由，予之遇兮多煩憂。You in your fate are not free; I in my lot am beset by care.

子之遭兮不自由，予之遇兮多烦忧。

之子與我兮心焉相投，思古人兮俾無尤。You and I are joined in heart; I think upon the ancients, that I may be free of blame.

之子与我兮心焉相投，思古人兮俾无尤。

妙玉道：“這又是一拍。Miaoyu said, “That makes another measure.何憂思之深也！”寶玉道：“我雖不懂得，但聽他音調，也覺得過悲了。”里頭又調了一回弦。How deep her sorrowful thoughts must be!” Baoyu said, “Though I do not understand the art, even I can hear from her melody that it is excessively mournful.” Inside, the strings were tuned once more.妙玉道：“君弦太高了，與無射律只怕不配呢。”里邊又吟道：Miaoyu said, “The principal string is pitched too high; I fear it will not accord with the Wuyi pitch.” From within came another song:

妙玉道：“这又是一拍。何忧思之深也！”宝玉道：“我虽不懂得，但听他音调，也觉得过悲了。”里头又调了一回弦。妙玉道：“君弦太高了，与无射律只怕不配呢。”里边又吟道：

人生斯世兮如輕塵，天上人間兮感夙因。A human life in this world is like a mote of dust; between Heaven and earth we feel the causes sown in former lives.

人生斯世兮如轻尘，天上人间兮感夙因。

感夙因兮不可惙，素心如何天上月。The causes sown in former lives cannot be cast aside; how can a pure heart rival the moon in heaven?

妙玉聽了，呀然失色道：“如何忽作變徵之聲？Hearing this, Miaoyu cried out and turned pale. “Why has she suddenly sounded the altered zhi mode?音韻可裂金石矣。Its resonance could split metal and stone.只是太過。”寶玉道：“太過便怎麼？”妙玉道：“恐不能持久。”正議論時，聽得君弦蹦的一聲斷了。But it is too extreme.” Baoyu asked, “What happens if it is too extreme?” Miaoyu said, “I fear it cannot last.” As they spoke, the principal string snapped with a twang.妙玉站起來連忙就走。Miaoyu sprang up and hurried away.寶玉道：“怎麼樣？”妙玉道：“日後自知，你也不必多說。”竟自走了。Baoyu asked, “What does it mean?” Miaoyu replied, “You will know in time; there is no need for you to say anything more.” And with that she walked off.弄得寶玉滿肚疑團，沒精打彩的歸至怡紅院中，不表。Baoyu was left full of doubts and returned dejectedly to Yihong Court; of him we shall say no more.單說妙玉歸去，早有道婆接著，掩了庵門，坐了一回，把“禪門日誦”念了一遍。To speak only of Miaoyu: when she returned, a Daoist attendant was already there to receive her and shut the convent gate. Miaoyu sat for a while, then recited the Daily Offices of the Chan School from beginning to end.吃了晚飯，點上香拜了菩薩，命道婆自去歇著，自己的禪床靠背俱已整齊，屏息垂帘，跏趺坐下，斷除妄想，趨向真如。After supper, she lit incense and bowed before the Bodhisattva. She told the Daoist attendant to retire, and, finding her meditation couch and backrest already set in order, quieted her breathing, lowered the curtain, and sat cross-legged, seeking to cut off delusive thoughts and approach True Suchness.坐到三更過後，聽得屋上骨碌碌一片瓦響，妙玉恐有賊來，下了禪床，出到前軒，但見雲影橫空，月華如水。She remained seated until after the third watch, when she heard a tile clatter and roll across the roof. Fearing that a thief had come, Miaoyu descended from the meditation couch and went out to the front veranda, where she saw trails of cloud spanning the sky and moonlight flowing like water.那時天氣尚不很涼，獨自一個憑欄站了一回，忽聽房上兩個貓兒一遞一聲廝叫。The weather was not yet very cold, and she stood alone by the railing for a while. Suddenly she heard two cats on the roof yowling to each other, one after the other.那妙玉忽想起日間寶玉之言，不覺一陣心跳耳熱。Miaoyu suddenly recalled what Baoyu had said that day, and before she knew it her heart was pounding and her ears burning.自己連忙收懾心神，走進禪房，仍到禪床上坐了。She hastily gathered in her mind, returned to the meditation chamber, and resumed her seat upon the meditation couch.怎奈神不守舍，一時如萬馬奔馳，覺得禪床便恍蕩起來，身子已不在庵中。But her spirit would not remain within her; all at once it was as though ten thousand horses were galloping through her mind. She felt the meditation couch begin to sway and seemed no longer to be inside the convent.便有許多王孫公子要求娶他，又有些媒婆扯扯拽拽扶他上車，自己不肯去。A host of princes and young noblemen appeared, all seeking to marry her, while matchmakers tugged and pulled at her, helping her into a carriage, though she refused to go.一回兒又有盜賊劫他，持刀執棍的逼勒，只得哭喊求救。Then suddenly robbers came to abduct her, brandishing knives and clubs and threatening her until she could only weep and cry for help.早驚醒了庵中女尼道婆等眾，都拿火來照看。Her cries soon awakened all the nuns and Daoist attendants in the convent, who brought lamps to see what was happening.只見妙玉兩手撒開，口中流沫。They found Miaoyu with both arms flung open and froth running from her mouth.急叫醒時，只見眼睛直豎，兩顴鮮紅，罵道：“我是有菩薩保佑，你們這些強徒敢要怎麼樣！”眾人都唬的沒了主意，都說道：“我們在這里呢，快醒轉來罷。”妙玉道：“我要回家去，你們有什麼好人送我回去罷。”道婆道：“這里就是你住的房子。”說著，又叫別的女尼忙向觀音前禱告，求了簽，翻開簽書看時，是触犯了西南角上的陰人。When they urgently tried to wake her, they saw her eyes staring rigidly and her cheeks flaming red. She cursed, “The Bodhisattva protects me! What do you villains think you can do to me?” Everyone was so frightened that they were at a loss, and all cried, “We are here with you—wake up quickly!” Miaoyu said, “I want to go home. Let some good person among you escort me back.” The Daoist attendant said, “This is the very room where you live.” As she spoke, she told another nun to hurry before Guanyin and pray. The nun drew a divination slip, and when they consulted the book, it said that a yin spirit in the southwest corner had been offended.就有一個說：“是了。One of them said, “That must be it.大觀園中西南角上本來沒有人住，陰氣是有的。”一面弄湯弄水的在那里忙亂。No one has ever lived in the southwest corner of Daguanyuan, so there must indeed be yin energy there.” Meanwhile they bustled about preparing hot drinks and water.那女尼原是自南邊帶來的，伏侍妙玉自然比別人盡心，圍著妙玉，坐在禪床上。The nun who had originally accompanied Miaoyu from the south naturally served her more devotedly than the others; she hovered around Miaoyu and sat beside her on the meditation couch.妙玉回頭道：“你是誰？”女尼道：“是我。”妙玉仔細瞧了一瞧，道：“原來是你。”便抱住那女尼嗚嗚咽咽的哭起來，說道：“你是我的媽呀，你不救我，我不得活了。”那女尼一面喚醒他，一面給他揉著。Miaoyu turned and asked, “Who are you?” The nun said, “It is I.” Miaoyu peered at her carefully and said, “So it is you.” Then she clasped the nun and began sobbing bitterly. “You are my mother! If you do not save me, I cannot live!” The nun kept calling her awake while rubbing and soothing her.道婆倒上茶來喝了，直到天明才睡了。The Daoist attendant poured tea for her to drink, and it was not until daybreak that she finally fell asleep.

妙玉听了，呀然失色道：“如何忽作变征之声？音韵可裂金石矣。只是太过。”宝玉道：“太过便怎么？”妙玉道：“恐不能持久。”正议论时，听得君弦蹦的一声断了。妙玉站起来连忙就走。宝玉道：“怎么样？”妙玉道：“日后自知，你也不必多说。”竟自走了。弄得宝玉满肚疑团，没精打彩的归至怡红院中，不表。单说妙玉归去，早有道婆接著，掩了庵门，坐了一回，把“禅门日诵”念了一遍。吃了晚饭，点上香拜了菩萨，命道婆自去歇著，自己的禅床靠背俱已整齐，屏息垂帘，跏趺坐下，断除妄想，趋向真如。坐到三更过后，听得屋上骨碌碌一片瓦响，妙玉恐有贼来，下了禅床，出到前轩，但见云影横空，月华如水。那时天气尚不很凉，独自一个凭栏站了一回，忽听房上两个猫儿一递一声厮叫。那妙玉忽想起日间宝玉之言，不觉一阵心跳耳热。自己连忙收慑心神，走进禅房，仍到禅床上坐了。怎奈神不守舍，一时如万马奔驰，觉得禅床便恍荡起来，身子已不在庵中。便有许多王孙公子要求娶他，又有些媒婆扯扯拽拽扶他上车，自己不肯去。一回儿又有盗贼劫他，持刀执棍的逼勒，只得哭喊求救。早惊醒了庵中女尼道婆等众，都拿火来照看。只见妙玉两手撒开，口中流沫。急叫醒时，只见眼睛直竖，两颧鲜红，骂道：“我是有菩萨保佑，你们这些强徒敢要怎么样！”众人都唬的没了主意，都说道：“我们在这里呢，快醒转来罢。”妙玉道：“我要回家去，你们有什么好人送我回去罢。”道婆道：“这里就是你住的房子。”说著，又叫别的女尼忙向观音前祷告，求了签，翻开签书看时，是触犯了西南角上的阴人。就有一个说：“是了。大观园中西南角上本来没有人住，阴气是有的。”一面弄汤弄水的在那里忙乱。那女尼原是自南边带来的，伏侍妙玉自然比别人尽心，围著妙玉，坐在禅床上。妙玉回头道：“你是谁？”女尼道：“是我。”妙玉仔细瞧了一瞧，道：“原来是你。”便抱住那女尼呜呜咽咽的哭起来，说道：“你是我的妈呀，你不救我，我不得活了。”那女尼一面唤醒他，一面给他揉著。道婆倒上茶来喝了，直到天明才睡了。

女尼便打發人去請大夫來看脈，也有說是思慮傷脾的，也有說是熱入血室的，也有說是邪祟触犯的，也有說是內外感冒的，終無定論。The nun sent someone to summon physicians to feel her pulse. One said that anxious brooding had injured her spleen; another that heat had entered the chamber of the blood; another that some evil spirit had assailed her; and yet another that she had contracted an illness both internally and externally. In the end, no definite conclusion was reached.後請得一個大夫來看了，問：“曾打坐過沒有？”道婆說道：“向來打坐的。”大夫道：“這病可是昨夜忽然來的么？”道婆道：“是。”大夫道：“這是走魔入火的原故。”眾人問：“有礙沒有？”大夫道：“幸虧打坐不久，魔還入得淺，可以有救。”寫了降伏心火的藥，吃了一劑，稍稍平复些。At last another physician was summoned. After examining her, he asked, “Has she ever practiced seated meditation?” The Daoist attendant replied, “She has always practiced it.” The physician asked, “Did this illness come on suddenly last night?” The attendant said, “Yes.” The physician said, “It was caused by fire running astray and demons entering.” Everyone asked, “Is it dangerous?” The physician replied, “Fortunately, she had not been sitting long, so the demon has penetrated only shallowly and she can still be saved.” He prescribed medicine to subdue the fire of the heart; after one dose, she became somewhat calmer.外面那些游頭浪子聽見了，便造作許多謠言說：“這樣年紀，那里忍得住。When the idle rakes and wastrels outside heard of it, they fabricated all manner of rumors, saying, “At her age, how could she endure such restraint?況且又是很風流的人品，很乖覺的性靈，以後不知飛在誰手里，便宜誰去呢。”過了幾日，妙玉病雖略好，神思未复，終有些恍惚。Besides, she has such alluring looks and such an intelligent, sensitive nature. Who knows into whose hands she will fall one day, or who will be lucky enough to profit by it?” After several days, although Miaoyu’s illness improved slightly, her mind had not recovered, and she remained somewhat dazed.

女尼便打发人去请大夫来看脉，也有说是思虑伤脾的，也有说是热入血室的，也有说是邪祟触犯的，也有说是内外感冒的，终无定论。后请得一个大夫来看了，问：“曾打坐过没有？”道婆说道：“向来打坐的。”大夫道：“这病可是昨夜忽然来的么？”道婆道：“是。”大夫道：“这是走魔入火的原故。”众人问：“有碍没有？”大夫道：“幸亏打坐不久，魔还入得浅，可以有救。”写了降伏心火的药，吃了一剂，稍稍平复些。外面那些游头浪子听见了，便造作许多谣言说：“这样年纪，那里忍得住。况且又是很风流的人品，很乖觉的性灵，以后不知飞在谁手里，便宜谁去呢。”过了几日，妙玉病虽略好，神思未复，终有些恍惚。

一日惜春正坐著，彩屏忽然進來回道：“姑娘知道妙玉師父的事嗎？”惜春道：“他有什麼事？”彩屏道：“我昨日聽見邢姑娘和大奶奶那裡說呢。One day, as Xichun was sitting in her room, Caiping suddenly came in and reported, “Miss, have you heard what happened to Reverend Miaoyu?” Xichun asked, “What has happened to her?” Caiping said, “I heard Miss Xing talking about it yesterday at First Mistress’s place.他自從那日和姑娘下棋回去，夜間忽然中了邪，嘴里亂嚷說強盜來搶他來了，到如今還沒好。Ever since she went back after playing Go with you that day, she has been possessed by an evil influence. At night she began raving that robbers had come to seize her, and she still has not recovered.姑娘你說這不是奇事嗎。”惜春聽了，默默無語，因想：“妙玉雖然洁淨，畢竟塵緣未斷。Would you not call that strange, Miss?” Xichun heard her in silence and thought, “Although Miaoyu is pure and austere, her ties to the world of dust have not, after all, been severed.可惜我生在這种人家不便出家。What a pity that, born into a family such as this, it is inconvenient for me to leave the world.我若出了家時，那有邪魔纏扰，一念不生，萬緣俱寂。”想到這里，驀與神會，若有所得，便口占一偈云：If I became a nun, how could evil demons trouble me? Not a single thought would arise, and all worldly ties would fall utterly still.” At this thought, her spirit suddenly grasped the truth, and she seemed to attain an insight. She thereupon improvised this gatha:

一日惜春正坐著，彩屏忽然进来回道：“姑娘知道妙玉师父的事吗？”惜春道：“他有什么事？”彩屏道：“我昨日听见邢姑娘和大奶奶那里说呢。他自从那日和姑娘下棋回去，夜间忽然中了邪，嘴里乱嚷说强盗来抢他来了，到如今还没好。姑娘你说这不是奇事吗。”惜春听了，默默无语，因想：“妙玉虽然洁净，毕竟尘缘未断。可惜我生在这种人家不便出家。我若出了家时，那有邪魔缠扰，一念不生，万缘俱寂。”想到这里，蓦与神会，若有所得，便口占一偈云：

大造本無方，云何是應住。Great Creation has no fixed direction; how, then, can there be any place in which to abide?

大造本无方，云何是应住。

既從空中來，應向空中去。Since we come from emptiness, to emptiness we ought to return.

既从空中来，应向空中去。

占畢，即命丫頭焚香。Having finished composing it, she ordered a maid to burn incense.自己靜坐了一回，又翻開那棋譜來，把孔融王積薪等所著看了幾篇。She herself sat quietly for a while, then opened the Go manual again and read several pieces written by Kong Rong, Wang Jixin, and others.內中“荷葉包蟹勢”、“黃鶯搏兔勢”都不出奇，“三十六局殺角勢”一時也難會難記，獨看到“八龍走馬”，覺得甚有意思。Of the formations described there, neither “Lotus Leaf Wrapping the Crab” nor “Oriole Pouncing on the Hare” seemed remarkable. The “Thirty-Six Corner-Killing Positions” were difficult to understand and remember at once; only when she reached “Eight Dragons Moving the Horse” did she find it very interesting.正在那里作想，只聽見外面一個人走進院來，連叫彩屏。While she sat pondering it, she suddenly heard someone enter the courtyard outside, repeatedly calling for Caiping.未知是誰，下回分解。Who it was will be revealed in the next chapter.

占毕，即命丫头焚香。自己静坐了一回，又翻开那棋谱来，把孔融王积薪等所著看了几篇。内中“荷叶包蟹势”、“黄莺搏兔势”都不出奇，“三十六局杀角势”一时也难会难记，独看到“八龙走马”，觉得甚有意思。正在那里作想，只听见外面一个人走进院来，连叫彩屏。未知是谁，下回分解。