第064回 At the Wood-Immortals' Grove the Pilgrims Trade Poems with Tree-Spirits

第064回Chapter 64

話表祭賽國王謝了唐三藏師徒獲寶擒怪之恩，所贈金玉，分毫不受。The tale now tells how the king of Jisai thanked Tang Sanzang and his disciples for recovering the treasure and capturing the monsters; yet they refused every last bit of the gold and jade he offered them.卻命當駕官照依四位常穿的衣服各做兩套，鞋襪各做兩雙，絛環各做兩條，外備乾糧烘炒，倒換了通關文牒，大排鑾駕，並文武多官、滿城百姓、伏龍寺僧人，大吹大打，送四眾出城。He therefore ordered the officers in attendance to make, after the patterns of the clothes the four pilgrims usually wore, two outfits for each of them, as well as two pairs each of shoes and socks and two each of their silk cords and rings; he also had dry provisions baked and roasted for them, exchanged their travel warrant, and then, with a grand procession of the royal carriage, the civil and military officials, all the townspeople, and the monks of Fulong Monastery, and amid a great blare of music, escorted the four pilgrims out of the city.約有二十里，先辭了國王。After some twenty li, they first took leave of the king.眾人又送二十里辭回。The rest escorted them another twenty li before saying farewell and turning back.伏龍寺僧人送有五六十里不回：有的要同上西天，有的要修行伏侍。The monks of Fulong Monastery followed for fifty or sixty li and still would not turn back: some wished to accompany them to the Western Heaven, and others to cultivate the Way in their service.行者見都不肯回去，遂弄個手段，把毫毛拔了三四十根，吹口仙氣，叫：「變！」都變作斑斕猛虎，攔住前路，哮吼踴躍。Seeing that none of them would go back, Xingzhe resorted to a device: he plucked thirty or forty hairs from his body, breathed immortal breath upon them, and cried, “Change!”—whereupon they all became brilliantly striped, ferocious tigers, blocking the road ahead with roaring and bounding.眾僧方懼，不敢前進。Only then did the monks grow frightened and dare go no farther.大聖才引師父策馬而去，少時間去得遠了。The Great Sage led his master away at a gallop, and before long they had gone far into the distance.眾僧人放聲大哭，都喊：「有恩有義的老爺！The monks burst into loud sobs and all cried, “Gracious and righteous lords!我等無緣，不肯度我們也。」We lack the affinity, and you will not take us across!”

话表祭赛国王谢了唐三藏师徒获宝擒怪之恩，所赠金玉，分毫不受。却命当驾官照依四位常穿的衣服各做两套，鞋袜各做两双，绦环各做两条，外备干粮烘炒，倒换了通关文牒，大排銮驾，并文武多官、满城百姓、伏龙寺僧人，大吹大打，送四众出城。约有二十里，先辞了国王。众人又送二十里辞回。伏龙寺僧人送有五六十里不回：有的要同上西天，有的要修行伏侍。行者见都不肯回去，遂弄个手段，把毫毛拔了三四十根，吹口仙气，叫：「变！」都变作斑斓猛虎，拦住前路，哮吼踊跃。众僧方惧，不敢前进。大圣才引师父策马而去，少时间去得远了。众僧人放声大哭，都喊：「有恩有义的老爷！我等无缘，不肯度我们也。」

且不說眾僧啼哭。Let us say no more of the monks’ weeping.卻說師徒四眾走上大路，卻才收回毫毛，一直西去。The four pilgrims, master and disciples, now took to the highway; Xingzhe recalled his hairs, and they continued straight westward.正是時序易遷，又早冬殘春至，不暖不寒，正好逍遙行路。As the seasons swiftly changed, winter had already waned and spring arrived; it was neither warm nor cold, just the weather for carefree travel.忽見一條長嶺，嶺頂上是路。Suddenly they saw a long ridge, with the road running along its crest.三藏勒馬觀看，那嶺上荊棘丫叉，薜蘿牽繞，雖是有道路的痕跡，左右卻都是荊刺棘針。Sanzang reined in his horse and looked: the ridge was covered with forked brambles and trailing creepers; though traces of a road remained, on either side it was all thorn and briar.唐僧叫：「徒弟，這路怎生走得？」行者道：「怎麼走不得？」又道：「徒弟啊，路痕在下，荊棘在上，只除是蛇蟲伏地而遊，方可去了；Tang Seng called, “Disciple, how can we travel along this road?” Xingzhe said, “Why should we not?” He replied, “Disciple, the track lies underneath and the brambles grow over it; only snakes and insects crawling on their bellies could get through.若你們走，腰也難伸，教我如何乘馬？」八戒道：「不打緊，等我使出鈀柴手來，把釘鈀分開荊棘，莫說騎馬，就擡轎也包你過去。」三藏道：「你雖有力，長遠難熬，卻不知有多少遠近，怎生費得這許多精神？」行者道：「不須商量，等我去看看。」將身一縱，跳在半空看時，一望無際。If you fellows went that way, you could scarcely straighten your backs—how am I to ride my horse?” Bajie said, “Never mind; let me put my brushwood-raking skill to use and part the brambles with my rake. Never mind riding a horse—I guarantee you could pass through in a sedan chair.” Sanzang said, “Strong though you are, you could not endure it over a great distance; we do not even know how far it runs, so how could you expend so much energy?” Xingzhe said, “There is no need to debate it; let me go and have a look.” With one bound he leapt into midair, and when he looked, there was no end in sight.真個是：It was truly a sight:

且不说众僧啼哭。却说师徒四众走上大路，却才收回毫毛，一直西去。正是时序易迁，又早冬残春至，不暖不寒，正好逍遥行路。忽见一条长岭，岭顶上是路。三藏勒马观看，那岭上荆棘丫叉，薜萝牵绕，虽是有道路的痕迹，左右却都是荆刺棘针。唐僧叫：「徒弟，这路怎生走得？」行者道：「怎么走不得？」又道：「徒弟啊，路痕在下，荆棘在上，只除是蛇虫伏地而游，方可去了；若你们走，腰也难伸，教我如何乘马？」八戒道：「不打紧，等我使出钯柴手来，把钉钯分开荆棘，莫说骑马，就抬轿也包你过去。」三藏道：「你虽有力，长远难熬，却不知有多少远近，怎生费得这许多精神？」行者道：「不须商量，等我去看看。」将身一纵，跳在半空看时，一望无际。真个是：

行者看夠多時，將雲頭按下道：「師父，這去處遠哩。」三藏問：「有多少遠？」行者道：「一望無際，似有千里之遙。」三藏大驚道：「怎生是好？」沙僧笑道：「師父莫愁，我們也學燒荒的，放上一把火，燒絕了荊棘過去。」八戒道：「莫亂談。After looking for a long while, Xingzhe lowered his cloud and said, “Master, this place extends a very long way.” Sanzang asked, “How far?” Xingzhe said, “There is no end in sight; it seems to stretch nearly a thousand li.” Greatly alarmed, Sanzang said, “What are we to do?” Sha Seng laughed and said, “Do not worry, Master. We can imitate those who clear wasteland: set a fire and burn away all the brambles, then pass through.” Bajie said, “Do not talk nonsense.燒荒的須在十來月，草衰木枯，方好引火。To burn off wasteland, one must wait until around the tenth month, when the grass has withered and the trees are dry; only then will the fire catch.如今正是蕃盛之時，怎麼燒得？」行者道：「就是燒得，也怕人了。」三藏道：「這般怎生得度？」八戒笑道：「要得度，還依我。」Now everything is in its season of luxuriant growth—how could it burn?” Xingzhe said, “Even if it would burn, we might frighten people.” Sanzang said, “Then how are we to get across?” Bajie laughed and said, “If you want to get across, you must still follow my plan.”

行者看够多时，将云头按下道：「师父，这去处远哩。」三藏问：「有多少远？」行者道：「一望无际，似有千里之遥。」三藏大惊道：「怎生是好？」沙僧笑道：「师父莫愁，我们也学烧荒的，放上一把火，烧绝了荆棘过去。」八戒道：「莫乱谈。烧荒的须在十来月，草衰木枯，方好引火。如今正是蕃盛之时，怎么烧得？」行者道：「就是烧得，也怕人了。」三藏道：「这般怎生得度？」八戒笑道：「要得度，还依我。」

好獃子，捻個訣，念個咒語，把腰躬一躬，叫：「長！」就長了有二十丈高下的身軀。Good Idiot! He formed a spell with his fingers, recited an incantation, bowed his waist, and cried, “Grow!”—and at once his body grew to some twenty zhang in height.把釘鈀幌一幌，教：「變！」就變了有三十丈長短的鈀柄。He shook his nine-pronged rake and commanded, “Change!”—and its shaft grew to some thirty zhang long.拽開步，雙手使鈀，將荊棘左右摟開：「請師父跟我來也。」三藏見了甚喜，即策馬緊隨後面；Striding forward, he wielded the rake in both hands and swept the brambles apart to left and right, saying, “Please follow me, Master.” Sanzang was delighted at the sight and at once urged his horse close behind him.沙僧挑著行李；Sha Seng carried the luggage;行者也使鐵棒撥開。Xingzhe also used his iron cudgel to push the growth aside.這一日未曾住手，行有百十里。They did not once rest their hands that whole day, and covered over a hundred li.將次天晚，見有一塊空闊之處。As evening drew near, they came upon a broad, open space.當路上有一通石碣，上有三個大字，乃「荊棘嶺」；Beside the road stood a stone tablet bearing three large characters: “Bramble Ridge.”下有兩行十四個小字，乃「荊棘蓬攀八百里，古來有路少人行」。Below were two lines of fourteen smaller characters: “Brambles and vines entwine for eight hundred li; the road is ancient, but few have ever travelled it.”八戒見了，笑道：「等我老豬與他添上兩句：『自今八戒能開破，直透西方路盡平。』」三藏欣然下馬道：「徒弟啊，累了你也。Seeing this, Bajie laughed and said, “Let old Zhu add two more lines for it: ‘From this day Bajie breaks a passage through; straight to the West the road lies smooth and clear.’” Sanzang happily dismounted and said, “Disciple, you have worked hard.我們就在此住過了今宵，待明日天光再走。」八戒道：「師父莫住，趁此天色晴明，我等有興，連夜摟開路走他娘。」那長老只得相從。Let us spend the night here and set out again at daylight tomorrow.” Bajie said, “Do not stop, Master. While the weather is clear and our spirits high, let us rake the road open all night and press on, damn it!” The elder had no choice but to agree.

好呆子，捻个诀，念个咒语，把腰躬一躬，叫：「长！」就长了有二十丈高下的身躯。把钉钯幌一幌，教：「变！」就变了有三十丈长短的钯柄。拽开步，双手使钯，将荆棘左右搂开：「请师父跟我来也。」三藏见了甚喜，即策马紧随后面；沙僧挑著行李；行者也使铁棒拨开。这一日未曾住手，行有百十里。将次天晚，见有一块空阔之处。当路上有一通石碣，上有三个大字，乃「荆棘岭」；下有两行十四个小字，乃「荆棘蓬攀八百里，古来有路少人行」。八戒见了，笑道：「等我老猪与他添上两句：『自今八戒能开破，直透西方路尽平。』」三藏欣然下马道：「徒弟啊，累了你也。我们就在此住过了今宵，待明日天光再走。」八戒道：「师父莫住，趁此天色晴明，我等有兴，连夜搂开路走他娘。」那长老只得相从。

八戒上前努力，師徒們人不住手，馬不停蹄，又行了一日一夜，卻又天色晚矣。Bajie went ahead and exerted himself; the master and disciples never rested their hands, nor did the horse cease its steps, and they travelled for another day and night, until once more evening fell.那前面蓬蓬結結，又聞得風敲竹韻，颯颯松聲。Ahead, the tangled growth was dense and knotted; they also heard the rhythm of wind striking bamboo and the soughing of pines.卻好又有一段空地，中間乃是一座古廟。Just there they found another stretch of open ground, in the midst of which stood an ancient temple.廟門之外，有松柏凝青，桃梅鬥麗。Outside its gate, pines and cypresses massed in green, while peach and plum blossoms vied in beauty.三藏下馬，與三個徒弟同看。Sanzang dismounted and looked upon it together with his three disciples.只見：They saw:

八戒上前努力，师徒们人不住手，马不停蹄，又行了一日一夜，却又天色晚矣。那前面蓬蓬结结，又闻得风敲竹韵，飒飒松声。却好又有一段空地，中间乃是一座古庙。庙门之外，有松柏凝青，桃梅斗丽。三藏下马，与三个徒弟同看。只见：

行者看了道：「此地少吉多凶，不宜久坐。」沙僧道：「師兄差疑了。After looking, Xingzhe said, “This place holds little good fortune and much ill; we should not remain here long.” Sha Seng said, “Elder Brother, your suspicions are misplaced.似這杳無人煙之處，又無個怪獸妖禽，怕他怎的？」說不了，忽見一陣陰風，廟門後轉出一個老者，頭戴角巾，身穿淡服，手持拐杖，足踏芒鞋。In so deserted and uninhabited a place, with neither monstrous beast nor demon bird about, what is there to fear?” Before he had finished speaking, a gust of chill wind arose, and from behind the temple gate emerged an old man wearing a horned kerchief and pale robes, holding a staff in his hand and clad in straw sandals.後跟著一個青臉獠牙、紅鬚赤身鬼使，頭頂著一盤麵餅。Behind him followed a ghostly messenger with a blue face, protruding fangs, red whiskers, and a naked crimson body, bearing a tray of flour cakes on his head.跪下道：「大聖，小神乃荊棘嶺土地。The old man knelt and said, “Great Sage, this humble deity is the local god of Bramble Ridge.知大聖到此，無以接待，特備蒸餅一盤，奉上老師父，各請一餐。Knowing that the Great Sage had come, and having no proper means to receive you, I specially prepared this tray of steamed cakes to offer the venerable master; please each partake of a meal.此地八百里，更無人家，聊吃些兒充饑。」八戒歡喜，上前舒手，就欲取餅。For eight hundred li there are no households in this region, so eat a little to stave off hunger.” Delighted, Bajie stepped forward and stretched out his hand to take a cake.不知行者端詳已久，喝一聲：「且住，這廝不是好人。But Xingzhe, who had been scrutinizing them for some time, shouted, “Hold! This fellow is no good man.休得無禮，你是甚麼土地，來誑老孫？Do not be so presumptuous! What sort of local god are you, that you come to deceive old Sun?看棍。」那老者見他打來，將身一轉，化作一陣陰風，呼的一聲，把個長老攝將起去，飄飄蕩蕩，不知攝去何所。Take my cudgel!” Seeing him strike, the old man twisted his body and turned into a blast of chill wind; with a whoosh he swept the elder up and bore him drifting away, no one knew where.慌得那大聖沒跟尋處，八戒、沙僧俱相顧失色，白馬亦只自驚吟。The Great Sage was so alarmed that he had no trail to follow; Bajie and Sha Seng looked at one another in dismay, while the white horse could only whinny in fright.三兄弟連馬四口，恍恍忽忽，遠望高張，並無一毫下落，前後找尋不題。The three brothers and their horse, four beings in all, stood dazed and bewildered, peering anxiously into the distance without finding the slightest trace; we shall say no more of their search back and forth.

行者看了道：「此地少吉多凶，不宜久坐。」沙僧道：「师兄差疑了。似这杳无人烟之处，又无个怪兽妖禽，怕他怎的？」说不了，忽见一阵阴风，庙门后转出一个老者，头戴角巾，身穿淡服，手持拐杖，足踏芒鞋。后跟著一个青脸獠牙、红须赤身鬼使，头顶著一盘面饼。跪下道：「大圣，小神乃荆棘岭土地。知大圣到此，无以接待，特备蒸饼一盘，奉上老师父，各请一餐。此地八百里，更无人家，聊吃些儿充饥。」八戒欢喜，上前舒手，就欲取饼。不知行者端详已久，喝一声：「且住，这厮不是好人。休得无礼，你是甚么土地，来诳老孙？看棍。」那老者见他打来，将身一转，化作一阵阴风，呼的一声，把个长老摄将起去，飘飘荡荡，不知摄去何所。慌得那大圣没跟寻处，八戒、沙僧俱相顾失色，白马亦只自惊吟。三兄弟连马四口，恍恍忽忽，远望高张，并无一毫下落，前后找寻不题。

卻說那老者同鬼使，把長老擡到一座煙霞石屋之前，輕輕放下，與他攜手相攙道：「聖僧休怕。The tale now tells how the old man and the ghostly messenger carried the elder to a stone dwelling wreathed in mist and rosy cloud, gently set him down, and, taking his hands to support him, said, “Holy Monk, do not be afraid.我等不是歹人，乃荊棘嶺十八公是也。We are not wicked men; I am Shiba Gong of Bramble Ridge.因風清月霽之宵，特請你來會友談詩，消遣情懷故耳。」那長老卻才定性，睜眼仔細觀看。Because the wind is fresh and the moonlit sky clear tonight, we specially invited you here to meet friends, discuss poetry, and divert our feelings—nothing more.” Only then did the elder recover his composure and open his eyes to look closely.真個是：It was truly a sight:

却说那老者同鬼使，把长老抬到一座烟霞石屋之前，轻轻放下，与他携手相搀道：「圣僧休怕。我等不是歹人，乃荆棘岭十八公是也。因风清月霁之宵，特请你来会友谈诗，消遣情怀故耳。」那长老却才定性，睁眼仔细观看。真个是：

三藏正自點看，漸覺月明星朗，只聽得人語相談。As Sanzang was looking all around, he gradually became aware of the bright moon and clear stars, and heard people conversing.都道：「十八公請得聖僧來也。」長老擡頭觀看，乃是三個老者：前一個霜姿丰采，第二個綠鬢婆娑，第三個虛心黛色。They were all saying, “Shiba Gong has invited the Holy Monk here.” The elder raised his head and saw three old men: the first had the bearing and elegant appearance of frost; the second had luxuriant green tresses; and the third was hollow-hearted and dark green in hue.各各面貌、衣服俱不相同，都來與三藏作禮。Their faces and garments were each quite different, and they all came forward to salute Sanzang.長老還了禮，道：「弟子有何德行，敢勞列位仙翁下愛？」十八公笑道：「一向聞知聖僧有道，等待多時，今幸一見。The elder returned their courtesies and said, “What virtue or merit does this disciple possess, that I should trouble you venerable immortals to bestow your favor upon me?” Shiba Gong laughed and said, “We have long heard that the Holy Monk possesses the Way, and have waited for you a great while; today we are fortunate indeed to meet you.如果不吝珠玉，寬坐敘懷，足見禪機真派。」三藏躬身道：「敢問仙翁尊號？」十八公道：「霜姿者號孤直公，綠鬢者號凌空子，虛心者號拂雲叟，老拙號曰勁節。」三藏道：「四翁尊壽幾何？」孤直公道：If you will not begrudge us your pearls and jade, but sit at ease and share your thoughts, you will fully display the true lineage of Chan’s subtle workings.” Bowing, Sanzang said, “May I ask the honored titles of you venerable immortals?” Shiba Gong replied, “He of the frosty bearing is called Gu Zhigong; he of the green tresses, Lingkongzi; he of the hollow heart, Fuyun Sou; and this clumsy old fellow is called Jinjie.” Sanzang asked, “What are the honored ages of the four venerable gentlemen?” Gu Zhigong said:

三藏正自点看，渐觉月明星朗，只听得人语相谈。都道：「十八公请得圣僧来也。」长老抬头观看，乃是三个老者：前一个霜姿丰采，第二个绿鬓婆娑，第三个虚心黛色。各各面貌、衣服俱不相同，都来与三藏作礼。长老还了礼，道：「弟子有何德行，敢劳列位仙翁下爱？」十八公笑道：「一向闻知圣僧有道，等待多时，今幸一见。如果不吝珠玉，宽坐叙怀，足见禅机真派。」三藏躬身道：「敢问仙翁尊号？」十八公道：「霜姿者号孤直公，绿鬓者号凌空子，虚心者号拂云叟，老拙号曰劲节。」三藏道：「四翁尊寿几何？」孤直公道：

凌空子笑道：Lingkongzi laughed and said:

拂雲叟笑道：Fuyun Sou laughed and said:

拂云叟笑道：

勁節十八公笑道：Jinjie Shiba Gong laughed and said:

劲节十八公笑道：

三藏稱謝道：「四位仙翁，俱享高壽，但勁節翁又千歲餘矣。Sanzang offered his compliments, saying, “All four venerable immortals enjoy great longevity, but Venerable Jinjie is more than a thousand years old besides.高年得道，丰采清奇，得非漢時之『四皓』乎？」四老道：「承過獎，承過獎。Having attained the Way at so great an age, with such pure and extraordinary bearing, can you perhaps be the ‘Four Hoary Ones’ of the Han dynasty?” The four old men said, “You flatter us, you flatter us.吾等非四皓，乃深山之『四操』也。We are not the Four Hoary Ones, but the ‘Four Recluses’ of the deep mountains.敢問聖僧，妙齡幾何？」三藏合掌躬身答曰：May we ask the Holy Monk how many years his youthful age numbers?” Sanzang joined his palms, bowed, and replied:

三藏称谢道：「四位仙翁，俱享高寿，但劲节翁又千岁余矣。高年得道，丰采清奇，得非汉时之『四皓』乎？」四老道：「承过奖，承过奖。吾等非四皓，乃深山之『四操』也。敢问圣僧，妙龄几何？」三藏合掌躬身答曰：

四老俱稱道：「聖僧自出娘胎，即從佛教，果然是從小修行，真中正有道之上僧也。The four elders all praised him, saying, “The Holy Monk has followed the Buddhist teaching from the moment he left his mother’s womb; truly you have cultivated the Way since childhood, and are a genuinely upright, enlightened monk.我等幸接臺顏，敢求大教。We are fortunate to behold your honored countenance and venture to beg your great instruction.望以禪法指教一二，足慰生平。」長老聞言，慨然不懼，即對眾言曰：禪者，靜也；We hope you will teach us a little of the Chan Dharma, which would suffice to console us for a lifetime.” Hearing this, the elder became expansive and unafraid, and addressed them all: “Chan means stillness;法者，度也。Dharma means deliverance.靜中之度，非悟不成。Deliverance within stillness cannot be achieved without awakening.悟者，洗心滌慮，脫俗離塵是也。Awakening means cleansing the heart and washing away thought, escaping worldliness and leaving the dust behind.夫人身難得，中土難生，正法難遇：全此三者，幸莫大焉。A human body is hard to obtain, birth in the Middle Land is hard to gain, and the True Dharma is hard to encounter: to possess all three is the greatest of blessings.至德妙道，渺漠希夷，六根六識，遂可掃除。The wondrous Way of supreme virtue is dim, silent, subtle, and formless; thus the six faculties and six consciousnesses may be swept away.菩提者，不死不生，無餘無欠，空色包羅，聖凡俱遣。Bodhi neither dies nor is born, neither exceeds nor falls short; it embraces emptiness and form and casts aside both sage and commoner.訪真了元始鉗鎚，悟實了牟尼手段。Seek the truth and comprehend the primal hammer and tongs; awaken to reality and master the methods of Muni.發揮象罔，踏碎涅槃。Bring forth the imageless elephant and trample nirvana to pieces.必須覺中覺了悟中悟，一點靈光全保護。One must awaken to awakening within awakening, and comprehend comprehension within comprehension, guarding intact the single spark of numinous light.放開烈焰照婆娑，法界縱橫獨顯露。Release its fierce blaze to illumine the world of suffering, and throughout the Dharma-realm it alone stands revealed.至幽微，更守固，玄關口說誰人度？At the utmost mystery and subtlety, hold it firmer still; at the gateway of the profound pass, who can speak of taking another across?我本元修大覺禪，有緣有志方記悟。」四老側耳受了，無邊喜悅。I have always cultivated the Chan of Great Awakening; only those with affinity and resolve can remember and comprehend it.” The four elders listened attentively and were boundlessly delighted.一個個稽首皈依，躬身拜謝道：「聖僧乃禪機之悟本也。」One after another, they bowed their heads, took refuge, bent low, and thanked him, saying, “The Holy Monk is indeed the awakened source of Chan’s subtle workings.”

四老俱称道：「圣僧自出娘胎，即从佛教，果然是从小修行，真中正有道之上僧也。我等幸接台颜，敢求大教。望以禅法指教一二，足慰生平。」长老闻言，慨然不惧，即对众言曰：禅者，静也；法者，度也。静中之度，非悟不成。悟者，洗心涤虑，脱俗离尘是也。夫人身难得，中土难生，正法难遇：全此三者，幸莫大焉。至德妙道，渺漠希夷，六根六识，遂可扫除。菩提者，不死不生，无余无欠，空色包罗，圣凡俱遣。访真了元始钳锤，悟实了牟尼手段。发挥象罔，踏碎涅槃。必须觉中觉了悟中悟，一点灵光全保护。放开烈焰照婆娑，法界纵横独显露。至幽微，更守固，玄关口说谁人度？我本元修大觉禅，有缘有志方记悟。」四老侧耳受了，无边喜悦。一个个稽首皈依，躬身拜谢道：「圣僧乃禅机之悟本也。」

拂雲叟道：「禪雖靜，法雖度，須要性定心誠。Fuyun Sou said, “Though Chan is stillness and Dharma is deliverance, one must have a settled nature and a sincere heart.縱為大覺真仙，終坐無生之道。Even if one becomes a true immortal of Great Awakening, in the end one sits within the Way of non-birth.我等之玄，又大不同。」三藏云：「道乃非常，體用合一，如何不同？」拂雲叟笑云：「我等生來堅實，體用比爾不同。Our mystery is very different from that.” Sanzang said, “The Way is no ordinary thing; substance and function are one—how can yours be different?” Fuyun Sou laughed and said, “We were born firm and solid; our substance and function differ from yours.感天地以生身，蒙雨露而滋色。Moved by Heaven and Earth, we received our bodies; blessed by rain and dew, we nourished our color.笑傲風霜，消磨日月。We laugh proudly at wind and frost and wear away the months and years.一葉不凋，千枝節操。Not one leaf withers; a thousand branches preserve their integrity.似這話不叩沖虛，你執持梵語。Such words as these do not probe the void, while you cling fast to Sanskrit phrases.道也者，本安中國，反來求證西方，空費了草鞋，不知尋個甚麼？The Way was originally established in the Middle Kingdom, yet you go instead to seek its proof in the West, wearing out your straw sandals for nothing, without knowing what it is you seek.石獅子剜了心肝，野狐涎灌徹骨髓。The stone lion has had its heart and liver gouged out, and wild fox spittle has soaked through to the marrow.忘本參禪，妄求佛果，都似我荊棘嶺葛藤謎語，蘿蓏渾言。Forgetting the root, you investigate Chan; deludedly, you seek the fruit of Buddhahood—all of it resembles the riddling vines of our Bramble Ridge, a muddle of creepers and gourds.此般君子，怎生接引？How can gentlemen of this sort be guided across?這等規模，如何印授？How can such a pattern be certified and transmitted?必須要檢點見前面目，靜中自有生涯。You must examine the face you had before your present life; within stillness there is naturally a way to live.沒底竹籃汲水，無根鐵樹生花。Draw water with a bottomless bamboo basket, and make an iron tree without roots put forth flowers.靈寶峰頭牢著腳，歸來雅會上龍華。」三藏聞言，叩頭拜謝。Plant your feet firmly on the summit of Lingbao Peak, and when you return, join the splendid assembly beneath the Longhua tree.” Hearing this, Sanzang kowtowed in thanks.十八公用手攙扶，孤直公將身扯起，凌空子打個哈哈道：「拂雲之言，分明漏泄。Shiba Gong reached out to support him, Gu Zhigong pulled him to his feet, and Lingkongzi laughed aloud, saying, “Fuyun’s words have plainly let the secret slip.聖僧請起，不可盡信。Please rise, Holy Monk; you must not believe all of it.我等趁此月明，原不為講論修持，且自吟哦逍遙，放蕩襟懷也。」拂雲叟笑指石屋道：「若要吟哦，且入小庵一茶，何如？」We took advantage of this moonlit night not to debate spiritual cultivation, but simply to chant at leisure and let our feelings roam free.” Fuyun Sou smiled and pointed to the stone dwelling, saying, “If we are to chant poetry, why not first enter my humble retreat for some tea?”

拂云叟道：「禅虽静，法虽度，须要性定心诚。纵为大觉真仙，终坐无生之道。我等之玄，又大不同。」三藏云：「道乃非常，体用合一，如何不同？」拂云叟笑云：「我等生来坚实，体用比尔不同。感天地以生身，蒙雨露而滋色。笑傲风霜，消磨日月。一叶不凋，千枝节操。似这话不叩冲虚，你执持梵语。道也者，本安中国，反来求证西方，空费了草鞋，不知寻个甚么？石狮子剜了心肝，野狐涎灌彻骨髓。忘本参禅，妄求佛果，都似我荆棘岭葛藤谜语，萝蓏浑言。此般君子，怎生接引？这等规模，如何印授？必须要检点见前面目，静中自有生涯。没底竹篮汲水，无根铁树生花。灵宝峰头牢著脚，归来雅会上龙华。」三藏闻言，叩头拜谢。十八公用手搀扶，孤直公将身扯起，凌空子打个哈哈道：「拂云之言，分明漏泄。圣僧请起，不可尽信。我等趁此月明，原不为讲论修持，且自吟哦逍遥，放荡襟怀也。」拂云叟笑指石屋道：「若要吟哦，且入小庵一茶，何如？」

長老真個欠身，向石屋前觀看。The elder did indeed lean forward and look toward the stone dwelling.門上有三個大字，乃「木仙庵」。Above the door were three large characters: “Hermitage of the Tree Immortals.”遂此同入，又敘了坐次。They then entered together and arranged themselves in order of precedence.忽見那赤身鬼使，捧一盤茯苓膏，將五盞香湯奉上。Suddenly the naked crimson ghostly messenger appeared, carrying a tray of fuling cakes and presenting five cups of fragrant drink.四老請唐僧先吃，三藏驚疑，不敢便吃。The four elders invited Tang Seng to eat first, but Sanzang was suspicious and did not dare eat at once.那四老一齊享用，三藏卻才吃了兩塊。Only after all four elders had partaken did Sanzang eat two pieces.各飲香湯收去。Each drank the fragrant beverage, and the cups were taken away.三藏留心偷看，只見那裡玲瓏光彩，如月下一般：Sanzang secretly looked about with care and saw that the place glittered with exquisite radiance, as though bathed in moonlight:

长老真个欠身，向石屋前观看。门上有三个大字，乃「木仙庵」。遂此同入，又叙了坐次。忽见那赤身鬼使，捧一盘茯苓膏，将五盏香汤奉上。四老请唐僧先吃，三藏惊疑，不敢便吃。那四老一齐享用，三藏却才吃了两块。各饮香汤收去。三藏留心偷看，只见那里玲珑光彩，如月下一般：

那長老見此仙境，以為得意，情樂懷開，十分歡喜，忍不住念了一句道：The elder, seeing this immortal realm, felt thoroughly contented; his heart opened in delight, and, unable to restrain himself, he recited a line:

那长老见此仙境，以为得意，情乐怀开，十分欢喜，忍不住念了一句道：

勁節老笑而即聯道：Old Jinjie laughed and at once supplied the next line:

劲节老笑而即联道：

孤直公道：Gu Zhigong said:

凌空子道：Lingkongzi said:

拂雲叟道：Fuyun Sou said:

拂云叟道：

三藏道：「弟子一時失口，胡談幾字，誠所謂『班門弄斧』。Sanzang said, “This disciple let the words slip on a moment’s impulse and idly uttered a few phrases—truly, as the saying goes, I was ‘wielding an axe before Master Ban’s door.’適聞列仙之言，清新飄逸，真詩翁也。」勁節老道：「聖僧不必閑敘，出家人全始全終，既有起句，何無結句？But the words I have just heard from you immortals are fresh, pure, soaring, and untrammeled; you are true masters of poetry.” Old Jinjie said, “Holy Monk, there is no need for idle courtesies. A man who has left the household must see a thing through from beginning to end: since you supplied the opening line, why is there no concluding one?望卒成之。」三藏道：「弟子不能，煩十八公結而成篇為妙。」勁節道：「你好心腸，你起的句，如何不肯結果？We hope you will complete it.” Sanzang said, “This disciple is incapable; it would be best to trouble Shiba Gong to conclude the poem.” Jinjie said, “What a fine heart you have! You began the lines—how can you refuse to bring forth their fruit?慳吝珠璣，非道理也。」三藏只得續後二句云：It is unreasonable to hoard your pearls and gems.” Sanzang therefore had no choice but to add the final two lines:

三藏道：「弟子一时失口，胡谈几字，诚所谓『班门弄斧』。适闻列仙之言，清新飘逸，真诗翁也。」劲节老道：「圣僧不必闲叙，出家人全始全终，既有起句，何无结句？望卒成之。」三藏道：「弟子不能，烦十八公结而成篇为妙。」劲节道：「你好心肠，你起的句，如何不肯结果？悭吝珠玑，非道理也。」三藏只得续后二句云：

十八公道：「好個『吟懷瀟灑滿腔春』！」孤直公道：「勁節，你深知詩味，所以只管咀嚼。Shiba Gong said, “What a fine line: ‘A carefree poet’s heart brims full of spring’!” Gu Zhigong said, “Jinjie, you deeply understand the flavor of poetry, which is why you keep savoring it.何不再起一篇？」十八公亦慨然不辭道：「我卻是頂針字起：Why not begin another poem?” Shiba Gong generously declined no further and said, “I shall begin by linking my first word to the last:

十八公道：「好个『吟怀潇洒满腔春』！」孤直公道：「劲节，你深知诗味，所以只管咀嚼。何不再起一篇？」十八公亦慨然不辞道：「我却是顶针字起：

凌空子道：「我亦體前頂針二句：Lingkongzi said, “I too shall follow the former pattern with two linked lines:

凌空子道：「我亦体前顶针二句：

拂雲叟亦頂針道：Fuyun Sou likewise took up the chain of linked verse:

拂云叟亦顶针道：

孤直公亦頂針道：Guzhi Gong likewise continued the linked verse:

孤直公亦顶针道：

長老聽了，讚嘆不已道：「真是陽春白雪，浩氣沖霄，弟子不才，敢再起兩句。」孤直公道：「聖僧乃有道之士，大養之人也。The elder listened and praised them without cease: “This is truly music fit for the cultured ear, its noble spirit soaring to the clouds. Though your disciple lacks talent, I venture to add another couplet.” Guzhi Gong said, “The holy monk is a man who possesses the Way, one nourished by the great vital spirit.不必再相聯句，請賜教全篇，庶我等亦好勉強而和。」三藏無已，只得笑吟一律曰：There is no need to continue our linked verses; pray favor us with a complete poem, so that we too may do our best to compose replies.” Sanzang, unable to decline, smilingly chanted this regulated verse:

长老听了，赞叹不已道：「真是阳春白雪，浩气冲霄，弟子不才，敢再起两句。」孤直公道：「圣僧乃有道之士，大养之人也。不必再相联句，请赐教全篇，庶我等亦好勉强而和。」三藏无已，只得笑吟一律曰：

四老聽畢，俱極讚揚。When the four elders had heard it, they all praised it to the skies.十八公道：「老拙無能，大膽攙越，也勉和一首。」云：Shiba Gong said, “This clumsy old man has little ability, but I shall boldly overstep my place and attempt a poem in reply.” It ran:

四老听毕，俱极赞扬。十八公道：「老拙无能，大胆搀越，也勉和一首。」云：

孤直公道：「此詩起句豪雄，聯句有力，但結句自謙太過矣。Guzhi Gong said, “The opening of this poem is bold and heroic, and its paired lines have strength; only the closing line is far too modest.堪羨！How enviable!堪羨！How enviable!老拙也和一首。」云：This clumsy old man will also offer a poem in reply.” It ran:

孤直公道：「此诗起句豪雄，联句有力，但结句自谦太过矣。堪羡！堪羡！老拙也和一首。」云：

凌空子笑而言曰：「好詩，好詩，真個是月脅天心。Lingkong Zi laughed and said, “A fine poem, a fine poem! It truly probes the innermost heart of the moon and Heaven.老拙何能為和？How could this clumsy old man be capable of matching it?但不可空過，也須扯談幾句。」曰：Still, I must not let the occasion pass in silence, but should ramble on for a few lines.” He recited:

凌空子笑而言曰：「好诗，好诗，真个是月胁天心。老拙何能为和？但不可空过，也须扯谈几句。」曰：

拂雲叟道：「三公之詩，高雅清淡，正是放開錦繡之囊也。Fuyun Sou said, “The poems of you three gentlemen are lofty, elegant, pure, and spare—the very opening of brocade bags filled with literary treasures.我身無力，我腹無才，得三公之教，茅塞頓開。My body has no strength and my belly no talent, but through the instruction of you three gentlemen, my stopped-up mind has suddenly opened.無已，也打油幾句，幸勿哂焉。」詩曰：Since I cannot well refuse, I too shall knock out a few doggerel lines; I hope you will not laugh at them.” His poem ran:

拂云叟道：「三公之诗，高雅清淡，正是放开锦绣之囊也。我身无力，我腹无才，得三公之教，茅塞顿开。无已，也打油几句，幸勿哂焉。」诗曰：

三藏道：「眾仙老之詩，真個是吐鳳噴珠，游夏莫贊。Sanzang said, “The poems of you venerable immortals truly breathe forth phoenixes and scatter pearls; even Ziyou and Zixia could not praise them adequately.厚愛高情，感之極矣。I am profoundly moved by your deep affection and lofty regard.但夜已深沉，三個小徒不知在何處等我。But the night is now far advanced, and I do not know where my three young disciples may be waiting for me.弟子不能久留，敢此告回尋訪，尤無窮之至愛也。Your disciple cannot remain much longer, and ventures now to take his leave and seek them; that would be the greatest kindness you could show me.望老仙指示歸路。」四老笑道：「聖僧勿慮。I beg the venerable immortals to point out the road back.” The four elders laughed and said, “Holy monk, do not worry.我等也是千載奇逢，況天光晴爽，雖夜深卻月明如晝，再寬坐坐，待天曉自當遠送過嶺，高徒一定可相會也。」For us too this is a rare encounter in a thousand years; moreover, the sky is clear and bright, and though the night is deep, the moon shines as brightly as day. Sit with us a little longer, and at dawn we shall certainly escort you far beyond the ridge; you are sure to be reunited with your worthy disciples.”

三藏道：「众仙老之诗，真个是吐凤喷珠，游夏莫赞。厚爱高情，感之极矣。但夜已深沉，三个小徒不知在何处等我。弟子不能久留，敢此告回寻访，尤无穷之至爱也。望老仙指示归路。」四老笑道：「圣僧勿虑。我等也是千载奇逢，况天光晴爽，虽夜深却月明如昼，再宽坐坐，待天晓自当远送过岭，高徒一定可相会也。」

正話間，只見石屋之外，有兩個青衣女童，挑一對絳紗燈籠，後引著一個仙女。As they were speaking, two young maidservants in blue appeared outside the stone house, carrying a pair of crimson-gauze lanterns and leading an immortal maiden behind them.那仙女撚著一枝杏花，笑吟吟進門相見。The immortal maiden held a sprig of almond blossom and entered with a beaming smile to greet them.那仙女怎生模樣？And what did this immortal maiden look like?他生得：She was fashioned thus:

正话间，只见石屋之外，有两个青衣女童，挑一对绛纱灯笼，后引著一个仙女。那仙女撚著一枝杏花，笑吟吟进门相见。那仙女怎生模样？他生得：

四老欠身問道：「杏仙何來？」那女子對眾道了萬福，道：「知有佳客在此賡酬，特來相訪，敢求一見。」十八公指著唐僧道：「佳客在此，何勞求見？」三藏躬身，不敢言語。The four elders half rose and asked, “What brings Xingxian here?” The woman bowed gracefully to them all and said, “I heard that an honored guest was here exchanging poems, so I came especially to pay a visit and beg the favor of an introduction.” Pointing to the Tang monk, Shiba Gong said, “The honored guest is here; why trouble to beg an introduction?” Sanzang bowed but did not dare speak.那女子叫：「快獻茶來。」又有兩個黃衣女童捧一個紅漆丹盤，盤內有六個細磁茶盂，盂內設幾品異果，橫擔著匙兒；The woman called, “Bring tea quickly.” Two more young maidservants in yellow appeared, bearing a vermilion-lacquered tray on which stood six delicate porcelain tea bowls, each containing several kinds of rare fruit with a little spoon laid across it;提一把白鐵嵌黃銅的茶壺，壺內香茶噴鼻。they also carried a white-iron teapot inlaid with brass, from which the fragrance of tea assailed the nostrils.斟了茶，那女子微露春蔥，捧磁盂先奉三藏，次奉四老，然後一盞，自取而陪。When the tea had been poured, the woman slightly revealed fingers like spring onions as she raised a porcelain bowl and offered it first to Sanzang, then served the four elders, and finally took a cup herself to keep them company.

四老欠身问道：「杏仙何来？」那女子对众道了万福，道：「知有佳客在此赓酬，特来相访，敢求一见。」十八公指著唐僧道：「佳客在此，何劳求见？」三藏躬身，不敢言语。那女子叫：「快献茶来。」又有两个黄衣女童捧一个红漆丹盘，盘内有六个细磁茶盂，盂内设几品异果，横担著匙儿；提一把白铁嵌黄铜的茶壶，壶内香茶喷鼻。斟了茶，那女子微露春葱，捧磁盂先奉三藏，次奉四老，然后一盏，自取而陪。

凌空子道：「杏仙為何不坐？」那女子方才去坐。Lingkong Zi said, “Why does Xingxian not sit down?” Only then did the woman take a seat.茶畢，欠身問道：「仙翁今宵盛樂，佳句請教一二如何？」拂雲叟道：「我等皆鄙俚之言，惟聖僧真盛唐之作，甚可嘉羨。」那女子道：「如不吝教，乞賜一觀。」四老即以長老前詩後詩並禪法論，宣了一遍。When they had finished their tea, she half rose and asked, “Amid the venerable immortals’ splendid pleasures tonight, might I be instructed with one or two of your fine lines?” Fuyun Sou said, “All our words are crude and rustic; only the holy monk’s verses are truly in the high-Tang manner and greatly worthy of admiration.” The woman said, “If you do not begrudge the instruction, I beg you to let me see them.” The four elders then recited in full the elder’s earlier and later poems, together with the discourse on Chan doctrine.那女子滿面春風，對眾道：「妾身不才，不當獻醜。The woman’s face blossomed with delight, and she said to them all, “I have little talent and ought not display my clumsiness.但聆此佳句，似不可虛，勉強將後詩奉和一律如何？」遂朗吟道：But after hearing these fine lines, it seems wrong to let the occasion pass; may I make a humble effort to offer a regulated verse in reply to the latter poem?” She then chanted aloud:

凌空子道：「杏仙为何不坐？」那女子方才去坐。茶毕，欠身问道：「仙翁今宵盛乐，佳句请教一二如何？」拂云叟道：「我等皆鄙俚之言，惟圣僧真盛唐之作，甚可嘉羡。」那女子道：「如不吝教，乞赐一观。」四老即以长老前诗后诗并禅法论，宣了一遍。那女子满面春风，对众道：「妾身不才，不当献丑。但聆此佳句，似不可虚，勉强将后诗奉和一律如何？」遂朗吟道：

四老聞詩，人人稱賀，都道：「清雅脫塵，句內包含春意。When the four elders heard the poem, each offered his congratulations, saying, “Pure, elegant, and free of worldly dust, its lines are filled with the spirit of spring.好個『雨潤紅姿嬌且嫩』！『雨潤紅姿嬌且嫩』！」那女子笑而悄答道：「惶恐，惶恐。What a splendid line, ‘Rain moistens the crimson beauty, tender and fair’! ‘Rain moistens the crimson beauty, tender and fair’!” The woman smiled and softly replied, “You overwhelm me, you overwhelm me.適聞聖僧之章，誠然錦心繡口。The holy monk’s composition that I just heard truly shows a brocade heart and an embroidered tongue.如不吝珠玉，賜教一闋如何？」唐僧不敢答應。If you do not begrudge your pearls and jade, might you favor me with another lyric?” The Tang monk did not dare assent.那女子漸有見愛之情，挨挨軋軋，漸近坐邊，低聲悄語，呼道：「佳客莫者，趁此良宵，不耍子待要怎的？The woman gradually showed signs of affection; inching and pressing closer, she edged toward his seat and whispered softly, “Honored guest, do not be so coy. On such a lovely night, if we do not amuse ourselves, what are we to do?人生光景，能有幾何？」十八公道：「杏仙盡有仰高之情，聖僧豈可無俯就之意？How many such bright moments can there be in a human life?” Shiba Gong said, “Xingxian has shown every sign of looking up to you; how can the holy monk have no thought of stooping to accept her?如不見憐，是不知趣了也。」孤直公道：「聖僧乃有道有名之士，決不苟且行事。If you show her no favor, you will be quite insensible.” Guzhi Gong said, “The holy monk is a man of the Way and of high renown; he certainly would not act carelessly.如此樣舉措，是我等取罪過了。Conduct such as this would only bring blame upon us.污人名，壞人德，非遠達也。To sully another’s name and ruin another’s virtue is no act of farsighted understanding.果是杏仙有意，可教拂雲叟與十八公做媒，我與凌空子保親，成此姻眷，何不美哉？」If Xingxian is truly willing, Fuyun Sou and Shiba Gong can serve as matchmakers, while Lingkong Zi and I stand surety for the match; would it not be splendid to bring about this marriage?”

四老闻诗，人人称贺，都道：「清雅脱尘，句内包含春意。好个『雨润红姿娇且嫩』！『雨润红姿娇且嫩』！」那女子笑而悄答道：「惶恐，惶恐。适闻圣僧之章，诚然锦心绣口。如不吝珠玉，赐教一阕如何？」唐僧不敢答应。那女子渐有见爱之情，挨挨轧轧，渐近坐边，低声悄语，呼道：「佳客莫者，趁此良宵，不耍子待要怎的？人生光景，能有几何？」十八公道：「杏仙尽有仰高之情，圣僧岂可无俯就之意？如不见怜，是不知趣了也。」孤直公道：「圣僧乃有道有名之士，决不苟且行事。如此样举措，是我等取罪过了。污人名，坏人德，非远达也。果是杏仙有意，可教拂云叟与十八公做媒，我与凌空子保亲，成此姻眷，何不美哉？」

三藏聽言，遂變了顏色，跳起來高叫道：「汝等皆是一類怪物，這般誘我。On hearing this, Sanzang’s expression changed, and he leapt up and cried, “You are all monsters of one kind, tempting me in this fashion!當時只以低行之言，談玄談道可也。Before, I took your talk merely for the lofty words of humble recluses discoursing on mysteries and the Way.如今怎麼以美人局來騙害貧僧？But now, why do you set a honey trap to deceive and harm this poor monk?是何道理？」四老見三藏發怒，一個個咬指擔驚，再不復言。What manner of conduct is this?” Seeing Sanzang enraged, the four elders bit their fingers in alarm and said no more.那赤身鬼使暴躁如雷道：「這和尚好不識擡舉。The naked demon-messenger thundered irascibly, “What an ungrateful monk you are!我這姐姐那些兒不好？What fault can you find with this elder sister of mine?他人材俊雅，玉質嬌姿，不必說那女工針指，只這一段詩材，也配得過你。She is gifted and elegant, with a jade-like nature and a lovely form; to say nothing of her skill in women’s needlework, her poetic talent alone makes her more than worthy of you.你怎麼這等推辭？Why do you refuse so stubbornly?休錯過了。Do not let the chance slip by.孤直公之言甚當，如果不可苟合，待我再與你主婚。」三藏大驚失色，憑他們怎麼胡談亂講，只是不從。Guzhi Gong’s words are most reasonable. If you cannot enter into the match informally, then I shall preside over the wedding myself.” Sanzang turned pale with fright, but however wildly they talked, he simply would not consent.鬼使又道：「你這和尚，我們好言好語，你不聽從。The demon-messenger said again, “You monk, we speak to you gently and courteously, yet you will not obey.若是我們發起村野之性，還把你攝了去，教你和尚不得做，老婆不得娶，卻不枉為人一世也？」那長老心如金石，堅執不從。If our rustic tempers flare, we shall carry you off and leave you neither able to remain a monk nor able to marry a wife—then will you not have lived your whole life in vain?” But the elder’s heart was like gold and stone, and he steadfastly refused.暗想道：「我徒弟們不知在那裡尋我哩！」說一聲，止不住眼中墮淚。He thought to himself, “I wonder where my disciples are searching for me!” At that thought, he could not keep the tears from falling.那女子陪著笑，挨至身邊，翠袖中取出一個蜜合綾汗巾來，與他揩淚道：「佳客勿得煩惱。The woman smiled ingratiatingly and edged to his side; taking from her green sleeve a honey-colored damask handkerchief, she wiped his tears and said, “Honored guest, do not distress yourself.我與你倚玉偎香，耍子去來。」長老咄的一聲吆喝，跳起身來就走。Come away with me, to nestle against jade and cuddle fragrance and enjoy ourselves.” The elder barked a sharp rebuke, sprang to his feet, and made for the door.被那些人扯扯拽拽，嚷到天明。But the others pulled and dragged at him, and the clamor continued until dawn.

三藏听言，遂变了颜色，跳起来高叫道：「汝等皆是一类怪物，这般诱我。当时只以低行之言，谈玄谈道可也。如今怎么以美人局来骗害贫僧？是何道理？」四老见三藏发怒，一个个咬指担惊，再不复言。那赤身鬼使暴躁如雷道：「这和尚好不识抬举。我这姐姐那些儿不好？他人材俊雅，玉质娇姿，不必说那女工针指，只这一段诗材，也配得过你。你怎么这等推辞？休错过了。孤直公之言甚当，如果不可苟合，待我再与你主婚。」三藏大惊失色，凭他们怎么胡谈乱讲，只是不从。鬼使又道：「你这和尚，我们好言好语，你不听从。若是我们发起村野之性，还把你摄了去，教你和尚不得做，老婆不得娶，却不枉为人一世也？」那长老心如金石，坚执不从。暗想道：「我徒弟们不知在那里寻我哩！」说一声，止不住眼中堕泪。那女子陪著笑，挨至身边，翠袖中取出一个蜜合绫汗巾来，与他揩泪道：「佳客勿得烦恼。我与你倚玉偎香，耍子去来。」长老咄的一声吆喝，跳起身来就走。被那些人扯扯拽拽，嚷到天明。

忽聽得那裡叫聲：「師父，師父，你在那方言語也？」原來那孫大聖與八戒、沙僧牽著馬，挑著擔，一夜不曾住腳，穿荊度棘，東尋西找。Suddenly he heard a voice calling from somewhere: “Master! Master! Where are you speaking from?” It was none other than Sun Dasheng, Bajie, and Sha Seng, leading the horse and carrying the luggage; all night long they had never rested their feet, but had forced their way through thorns and brambles, searching east and west.卻好半雲半霧的過了八百里荊棘嶺西下，聽得唐僧吆喝，卻就喊了一聲。They had just happened, half in cloud and half in mist, to cross the eight hundred li of Bramble Ridge and descend its western slope when they heard the Tang monk shouting and called out to him.那長老掙出門來，叫聲：「悟空，我在這裡哩。The elder struggled out through the door and cried, “Wukong, I am here!快來救我，快來救我。」那四老與鬼使，那女子與女童，幌一幌，都不見了。Quickly, come save me! Quickly, come save me!” The four elders and the demon-messenger, the woman and her maidservants, all flickered once and vanished.

忽听得那里叫声：「师父，师父，你在那方言语也？」原来那孙大圣与八戒、沙僧牵著马，挑著担，一夜不曾住脚，穿荆度棘，东寻西找。却好半云半雾的过了八百里荆棘岭西下，听得唐僧吆喝，却就喊了一声。那长老挣出门来，叫声：「悟空，我在这里哩。快来救我，快来救我。」那四老与鬼使，那女子与女童，幌一幌，都不见了。

須臾間，八戒、沙僧俱到邊前道：「師父，你怎麼得到此也？」三藏扯住行者道：「徒弟啊，多累了你們了。In a moment Bajie and Sha Seng had both reached his side and asked, “Master, how did you come to be here?” Grasping Xingzhe, Sanzang said, “Disciples, how much trouble I have caused you!昨日晚間見的那個老者，言說土地送齋一事，是你喝聲要打，他就把我擡到此方。The old man we met last evening told us that the local earth god was sending a vegetarian meal; when you shouted and threatened to strike him, he carried me away to this place.他與我攜手相攙，走入門，又見三個老者，來此會我，俱道我做『聖僧』。He took me by the hand and supported me inside, where I saw three other elders who had come to meet me, and all of them called me a ‘holy monk.’一個個言談清雅，極善吟詩。Every one of them spoke with refinement and was highly skilled at composing poetry.我與他賡和相攀，覺有夜半時候，又見一個美貌女子執燈火，也來這裡會我，吟了一首詩，稱我做『佳客』。I joined them in exchanging verses and cultivating acquaintance, and when it seemed to be around midnight, a beautiful woman appeared, with attendants bearing lanterns; she too came to meet me, chanted a poem, and called me an ‘honored guest.’因見我相貌，欲求配偶，我方省悟。Having taken a liking to my appearance, she wished to become my spouse, and only then did I realize what they were.正不從時，又被他做媒的做媒，保親的保親，主婚的主婚，我立誓不肯。When I refused, one began acting as matchmaker, another as guarantor, and another as master of the wedding, but I swore I would never consent.正欲掙著要走，與他嚷鬧，不期你們到了。I was struggling to leave and quarreling with them when, unexpectedly, you arrived.一則天明，二來還是怕你，只才還扯扯拽拽，忽然就不見了。」行者道：「你既與他敘話談詩，就不曾問他個名字？」三藏道：「我曾問他之號：那老者喚做十八公，號勁節；For one thing, day had broken; for another, they were afraid of you. They had been pulling and dragging at me only a moment before, but suddenly they all vanished.” Xingzhe said, “Since you talked and discussed poetry with them, did you never ask their names?” Sanzang said, “I did ask their sobriquets. The old man was called Shiba Gong and styled Jingjie;第二個號孤直公；the second was styled Guzhi Gong;第三個號凌空子；the third was styled Lingkong Zi;第四個號拂雲叟；the fourth was styled Fuyun Sou;那女子，稱他做杏仙。」八戒道：「此物在於何處？and they called the woman Xingxian.” Bajie asked, “Where were these creatures?才往那方去了？」三藏道：「去向之方，不知何所；Which way did they just go?” Sanzang said, “I do not know in which direction they went;但只談詩之處，去此不遠。」but the place where we discussed poetry is not far from here.”

须臾间，八戒、沙僧俱到边前道：「师父，你怎么得到此也？」三藏扯住行者道：「徒弟啊，多累了你们了。昨日晚间见的那个老者，言说土地送斋一事，是你喝声要打，他就把我抬到此方。他与我携手相搀，走入门，又见三个老者，来此会我，俱道我做『圣僧』。一个个言谈清雅，极善吟诗。我与他赓和相攀，觉有夜半时候，又见一个美貌女子执灯火，也来这里会我，吟了一首诗，称我做『佳客』。因见我相貌，欲求配偶，我方省悟。正不从时，又被他做媒的做媒，保亲的保亲，主婚的主婚，我立誓不肯。正欲挣著要走，与他嚷闹，不期你们到了。一则天明，二来还是怕你，只才还扯扯拽拽，忽然就不见了。」行者道：「你既与他叙话谈诗，就不曾问他个名字？」三藏道：「我曾问他之号：那老者唤做十八公，号劲节；第二个号孤直公；第三个号凌空子；第四个号拂云叟；那女子，称他做杏仙。」八戒道：「此物在于何处？才往那方去了？」三藏道：「去向之方，不知何所；但只谈诗之处，去此不远。」

他三人同師父看處，只見一座石崖，崖上有「木仙庵」三字。The three disciples went with their master to look, and saw a stone cliff bearing the three characters ‘Muxian Hermitage.’三藏道：「此間正是。」行者仔細觀之，卻原來是一株大檜樹、一株老柏、一株老松、一株老竹，竹後有一株丹楓。Sanzang said, “This is the very place.” Xingzhe examined it closely and found that there were a great juniper, an ancient cypress, an old pine, and an old bamboo, with a red maple behind the bamboo.再看崖那邊，還有一株老杏、二株臘梅、二株丹桂。Looking again beyond the cliff, he saw an old almond tree, two wintersweet trees, and two red cassia trees.行者笑道：「你可曾看見妖怪？」八戒道：「不曾。」行者道：「你不知就是這幾株樹木在此成精也。」八戒道：「哥哥怎得知成精者是樹？」行者道：「十八公乃松樹，孤直公乃柏樹，凌空子乃檜樹，拂雲叟乃竹竿，赤身鬼乃楓樹，杏仙即杏樹，女童即丹桂即臘梅也。」八戒聞言，不論好歹，一頓釘鈀，三五長嘴，連拱帶築，把兩顆臘梅、丹桂、老杏、楓楊俱揮倒在地，果然那根下俱鮮血淋漓。Xingzhe laughed and asked, “Have you seen the monsters?” Bajie said, “No.” Xingzhe said, “What you do not know is that these very trees have become spirits here.” Bajie asked, “Brother, how do you know the spirits are trees?” Xingzhe said, “Shiba Gong is the pine; Guzhi Gong is the cypress; Lingkong Zi is the juniper; Fuyun Sou is the bamboo stalk; the naked demon is the maple; Xingxian is the almond tree; and the young maidservants are the red cassias and wintersweets.” Hearing this, Bajie cared nothing for right or wrong, but laid about him with his rake, thrusting its long prongs again and again, rooting and pounding until he felled the two wintersweets, the cassias, the old almond, and the maple and poplar trees; sure enough, fresh blood streamed beneath all their roots.三藏近前扯住道：「悟能，不可傷了他。Sanzang hurried forward and seized him, saying, “Wuneng, you must not harm them.他雖成了氣候，卻不曾傷我。Though they have attained spiritual powers, they never injured me.我等找路去罷。」行者道：「師父不可惜他，恐日後成了大怪，害人不淺也。」那獃子索性一頓鈀，將松、柏、檜、竹一齊皆築倒，卻才請師父上馬，順大路一齊西行。Let us simply find the road and be on our way.” Xingzhe said, “Master, do not pity them; if they become powerful monsters in the future, the harm they do will be immeasurable.” The idiot thereupon gave them another merciless bout of his rake, felling the pine, cypress, juniper, and bamboo all together; only then did they help their master onto the horse and proceed westward together along the main road.

他三人同师父看处，只见一座石崖，崖上有「木仙庵」三字。三藏道：「此间正是。」行者仔细观之，却原来是一株大桧树、一株老柏、一株老松、一株老竹，竹后有一株丹枫。再看崖那边，还有一株老杏、二株腊梅、二株丹桂。行者笑道：「你可曾看见妖怪？」八戒道：「不曾。」行者道：「你不知就是这几株树木在此成精也。」八戒道：「哥哥怎得知成精者是树？」行者道：「十八公乃松树，孤直公乃柏树，凌空子乃桧树，拂云叟乃竹竿，赤身鬼乃枫树，杏仙即杏树，女童即丹桂即腊梅也。」八戒闻言，不论好歹，一顿钉钯，三五长嘴，连拱带筑，把两颗腊梅、丹桂、老杏、枫杨俱挥倒在地，果然那根下俱鲜血淋漓。三藏近前扯住道：「悟能，不可伤了他。他虽成了气候，却不曾伤我。我等找路去罢。」行者道：「师父不可惜他，恐日后成了大怪，害人不浅也。」那呆子索性一顿钯，将松、柏、桧、竹一齐皆筑倒，却才请师父上马，顺大路一齐西行。

畢竟不知前去如何，且聽下回分解。If you do not know what befell them farther on, listen to the explanation in the next chapter.

毕竟不知前去如何，且听下回分解。