第067回 Clearing the Filth-Cleansing Village of the Python Spirit

第067回Chapter 67

話說三藏四眾躲離了小西天，欣然上路。The story tells how the four pilgrims, Sanzang and his three disciples, left Small Western Heaven behind and set out cheerfully on their way.行經個月程途，正是春深花放之時，見了幾處園林皆綠暗，一番風雨又黃昏。They traveled a month's journey, and it was just the time of late spring when flowers bloom; they saw several groves and gardens all deep in green shade, and after a spell of wind and rain, dusk fell once more.三藏勒馬道：「徒弟啊，天色晚矣，往那條路上求宿去？」行者笑道：「師父放心。Sanzang reined in his horse and said, "Disciples, the sky is growing dark—on which road shall we seek lodging?" Xingzhe laughed and said, "Master, set your mind at ease.若是沒有借宿處，我三人都有些本事，叫八戒砍草，沙和尚扳松，老孫會做木匠，就在那路上搭個蓬庵，好道也住得年把，你忙怎的？」八戒道：「哥呀，這個所在豈是住場？If there's no place to borrow lodging, the three of us all have some skill—I'll have Bajie cut grass, Sha Seng pull down pines, and old Monkey can play the carpenter, and we'll just build a shed-hut right there on the road; it would do well enough to live in for a year or so—why are you in such a hurry?" Bajie said, "Brother, is this place fit to live in?滿山多虎豹狼蟲，遍地有魑魅魍魎，白日裡尚且難行，黑夜裡怎生敢宿？」行者道：「獃子，越發不長進了。The mountains are full of tigers, leopards, wolves and vipers, and the ground everywhere swarms with mountain-demons and goblins; by daylight it's hard enough to travel, so how would we dare to lodge here at night?" Xingzhe said, "Idiot, you get less promising all the time.不是老孫海口，只這條棒子揝在手裡，就是塌下天來，也撐得住。」It's not that old Monkey is boasting, but with this staff gripped in hand, even if the sky came crashing down, I could hold it up."

话说三藏四众躲离了小西天，欣然上路。行经个月程途，正是春深花放之时，见了几处园林皆绿暗，一番风雨又黄昏。三藏勒马道：「徒弟啊，天色晚矣，往那条路上求宿去？」行者笑道：「师父放心。若是没有借宿处，我三人都有些本事，叫八戒砍草，沙和尚扳松，老孙会做木匠，就在那路上搭个蓬庵，好道也住得年把，你忙怎的？」八戒道：「哥呀，这个所在岂是住场？满山多虎豹狼虫，遍地有魑魅魍魉，白日里尚且难行，黑夜里怎生敢宿？」行者道：「呆子，越发不长进了。不是老孙海口，只这条棒子揝在手里，就是塌下天来，也撑得住。」

師徒們正然講論，忽見一座山莊不遠。As master and disciples were talking things over, they suddenly saw a mountain estate not far away.行者道：「好了，有宿處了。」長老問：「在何處？」行者指道：「那樹叢裡不是個人家？Xingzhe said, "Good, there's a place to lodge." The elder asked, "Where?" Xingzhe pointed and said, "Isn't that a household there among the trees?我們去借宿一宵，明早走路。」長老欣然促馬，至莊門外下馬，只見那柴扉緊閉。Let's go borrow lodging for the night and set off early tomorrow morning." The elder happily urged his horse forward, and on reaching the gate of the estate he dismounted, only to find the brushwood gate tightly shut.長老敲門道：「開門，開門。」裡面有一老者，手拖藜杖，足踏蒲鞋，頭頂烏巾，身穿素服，開了門，便問：「是甚人在此大呼小叫？」三藏合掌當胸，躬身施禮道：「老施主，貧僧乃東土差往西天取經者。The elder knocked at the gate, saying, "Open up, open up." Inside there was an old man, dragging a goosefoot cane in his hand, wearing sandals of rush on his feet, a black kerchief on his head, and plain clothing on his body; he opened the door and asked, "Who is this shouting and calling here?" Sanzang pressed his palms together at his chest and bowed in salutation, saying, "Venerable patron, this poor monk has been sent from the Land of the East to fetch scriptures from the Western Heaven.適到貴地，天晚，特造尊府借宿一宵，萬望方便方便。」老者道：「和尚，你要西行，卻是去不得啊。Having just arrived in your honored region, and the day being late, I have made bold to come to your esteemed household to borrow lodging for the night; I humbly beg you to grant this convenience." The old man said, "Monk, if you mean to travel west, you cannot get through.此處乃小西天，若到大西天，路途甚遠。This place is Small Western Heaven; if you're going to Great Western Heaven, the road ahead is very far indeed.且休道前去艱難，只這個地方已此難過。」三藏問：「怎麼難過？」老者用手指道：「我這莊村西去三十餘里，有一條稀柿衕，山名七絕。」三藏道：「何為『七絕』？」老者道：「這山徑過有八百里，滿山盡是柿果。And never mind how hard the journey ahead will be—just this stretch right here is already hard enough to bear." Sanzang asked, "How is it hard to bear?" The old man pointed with his hand and said, "West of our village, more than thirty li on, there is a Persimmon-Mush Lane, on a mountain called Seven Wonders." Sanzang said, "What is meant by 'Seven Wonders'?" The old man said, "This mountain path runs some eight hundred li, and the whole mountain is covered in persimmon trees.古云：『柿樹有七絕：一，益壽；As the old saying goes: 'The persimmon tree has seven wonders: first, it prolongs life;二，多陰；second, it gives abundant shade;三，無鳥巢；third, no birds nest in it;四，無蟲；fourth, it has no insects;五，霜葉可玩；fifth, its frosted leaves are lovely to look at;六，嘉實；sixth, its fruit is fine;七，枝葉肥大。』故名七絕山。seventh, its branches and leaves are lush and large.' Hence it is named Seven Wonders Mountain.我這敝處地闊人稀，那深山亙古無人走到。This poor region of ours has broad land and few people, and into those deep mountains, since ancient times, no one has ever gone.每年家熟爛柿子落在路上，將一條夾石衚衕盡皆填滿，又被雨露雪霜經黴過夏，作成一路污穢，這方人家俗呼為『稀屎衕』。Every year the ripe, rotting persimmons fall onto the road and fill up the whole narrow stone lane between the cliffs, and after being soaked through by rain, dew, frost, and snow and left to mold through the summer, they turn the whole road into filth, so that the local people commonly call it 'Mush-Dung Lane.'但刮西風，有一股穢氣，就是淘東圊也不似這般惡臭。Whenever the west wind blows, a foul stench comes—it's worse than even cleaning out an east-side privy.如今正值春深，東南風大作，所以還不聞見也。」三藏心中煩悶不言。Now it happens to be deep spring, and the southeast wind is blowing strong, so you haven't smelled it yet." Sanzang's heart grew troubled and he said nothing.

师徒们正然讲论，忽见一座山庄不远。行者道：「好了，有宿处了。」长老问：「在何处？」行者指道：「那树丛里不是个人家？我们去借宿一宵，明早走路。」长老欣然促马，至庄门外下马，只见那柴扉紧闭。长老敲门道：「开门，开门。」里面有一老者，手拖藜杖，足踏蒲鞋，头顶乌巾，身穿素服，开了门，便问：「是甚人在此大呼小叫？」三藏合掌当胸，躬身施礼道：「老施主，贫僧乃东土差往西天取经者。适到贵地，天晚，特造尊府借宿一宵，万望方便方便。」老者道：「和尚，你要西行，却是去不得啊。此处乃小西天，若到大西天，路途甚远。且休道前去艰难，只这个地方已此难过。」三藏问：「怎么难过？」老者用手指道：「我这庄村西去三十余里，有一条稀柿同，山名七绝。」三藏道：「何为『七绝』？」老者道：「这山径过有八百里，满山尽是柿果。古云：『柿树有七绝：一，益寿；二，多阴；三，无鸟巢；四，无虫；五，霜叶可玩；六，嘉实；七，枝叶肥大。』故名七绝山。我这敝处地阔人稀，那深山亘古无人走到。每年家熟烂柿子落在路上，将一条夹石胡同尽皆填满，又被雨露雪霜经霉过夏，作成一路污秽，这方人家俗呼为『稀屎同』。但刮西风，有一股秽气，就是淘东圊也不似这般恶臭。如今正值春深，东南风大作，所以还不闻见也。」三藏心中烦闷不言。

行者忍不住，高叫道：「你這老兒甚不通便，我等遠來投宿，你就說出這許多話來諕人。Xingzhe could not restrain himself and called out loudly, "You old fellow, you're not very accommodating at all—we've come from far away seeking lodging, and you go and say all this to scare us.十分你家窄逼沒處睡，我等在此樹下蹲一蹲，也就過了此宵，何故這般絮聒？」那老者見了他相貌醜陋，便也擰住口，驚嘬嘬的硬著膽，喝了一聲，用藜杖指定道：「你這廝骨撾臉，磕額頭，塌鼻子，凹頡腮，毛眼毛睛，癆病鬼，不知高低，尖著個嘴，敢來衝撞我老人家？」行者陪笑道：「老官兒，你原來有眼無珠，不識我這癆病鬼哩。If your house is so cramped there's truly no place for us to sleep, we'll just squat under that tree over there and get through the night that way—why go on and on like this?" Seeing how ugly Xingzhe's face was, the old man pursed his mouth shut, and, trembling with fright yet stiffening his courage, gave a shout and pointed with his goosefoot cane, saying, "You wretch, with your bony cheeks, your bumpy forehead, your flat nose, your sunken jowls, your hairy eyes and hairy brows, you consumptive ghost—not knowing your place, sticking out that pointed mouth of yours, how dare you come and offend an old man like me?" Xingzhe said with a smile, "Old sir, you truly have eyes but no pupils—you don't recognize this consumptive ghost of mine.相法云：『形容古怪，石中有美玉之藏。』你若以言貌取人，乾淨差了。The physiognomy manuals say: 'A strange and odd appearance may hide fine jade within the stone.' If you go by looks alone to judge a person, you're plainly mistaken.我雖醜便醜，卻倒有些手段。」老者道：「你是那方人氏？Ugly as I may be, I do have some skill nonetheless." The old man said, "Where are you from?姓甚名誰？What is your surname and given name?有何手段？」行者笑道：「我What skill do you have?" Xingzhe said with a laugh, "I—

行者忍不住，高叫道：「你这老儿甚不通便，我等远来投宿，你就说出这许多话来諕人。十分你家窄逼没处睡，我等在此树下蹲一蹲，也就过了此宵，何故这般絮聒？」那老者见了他相貌丑陋，便也拧住口，惊嘬嘬的硬著胆，喝了一声，用藜杖指定道：「你这厮骨挝脸，磕额头，塌鼻子，凹颉腮，毛眼毛睛，痨病鬼，不知高低，尖著个嘴，敢来冲撞我老人家？」行者陪笑道：「老官儿，你原来有眼无珠，不识我这痨病鬼哩。相法云：『形容古怪，石中有美玉之藏。』你若以言貌取人，干净差了。我虽丑便丑，却倒有些手段。」老者道：「你是那方人氏？姓甚名谁？有何手段？」行者笑道：「我

老者聞言，回嗔作喜，躬著身，便教：「請，請入寒舍安置。」遂此四眾牽馬挑擔，一齊進去。Hearing these words, the old man turned his anger into joy, bowed low, and said, "Please, please come in and settle in my humble cottage." So the four of them led the horse and carried the load, and went in together.只見那荊針棘刺，鋪設兩邊。There they saw thorns and brambles laid out along both sides.二層門是磚石壘的牆壁，又是荊棘苫蓋。The second gate was a wall built of brick and stone, also covered over with thorn-brush.入裡才是三間瓦房。Only on entering further did they find three rooms roofed with tile.老者便扯椅安坐待茶，又叫辦飯。The old man then pulled out chairs and had them sit to take tea, and also called for a meal to be prepared.少頃，移過桌子，擺著許多麵觔、豆腐、芋苗、蘿白、辣芥、蔓菁、香稻米飯、醋燒葵湯，師徒們盡飽一餐。After a little while, the table was brought over, laid out with wheat gluten, bean curd, taro shoots, radish, spicy mustard greens, turnip, fragrant rice, and vinegared mallow soup, and master and disciples ate their fill.

老者闻言，回嗔作喜，躬著身，便教：「请，请入寒舍安置。」遂此四众牵马挑担，一齐进去。只见那荆针棘刺，铺设两边。二层门是砖石垒的墙壁，又是荆棘苫盖。入里才是三间瓦房。老者便扯椅安坐待茶，又叫办饭。少顷，移过桌子，摆著许多面觔、豆腐、芋苗、萝白、辣芥、蔓菁、香稻米饭、醋烧葵汤，师徒们尽饱一餐。

吃畢，八戒扯過行者，背云：「師兄，這老兒始初不肯留宿，今返設此盛齋，何也？」行者道：「這個能值多少錢？When they had finished eating, Bajie pulled Xingzhe aside and said in a low voice, "Elder brother, this old man wouldn't agree to let us stay at first, but now he's laid out such a lavish feast—why is that?" Xingzhe said, "How much could this be worth?到明日，還要他十果十菜的送我們哩。」八戒道：「不羞，憑你那幾句大話，哄他一頓飯吃了，明日卻要跑路，他又管待送你怎的？」行者道：「不要忙，我自有個處治。」By tomorrow, he'll still have to send us off with ten kinds of fruit and ten kinds of vegetables besides." Bajie said, "Shameless—you bluffed him with a few big words to con a meal out of him, and now tomorrow we're on our way—why would he still see us off with more?" Xingzhe said, "No need to hurry, I have a plan of my own."

吃毕，八戒扯过行者，背云：「师兄，这老儿始初不肯留宿，今返设此盛斋，何也？」行者道：「这个能值多少钱？到明日，还要他十果十菜的送我们哩。」八戒道：「不羞，凭你那几句大话，哄他一顿饭吃了，明日却要跑路，他又管待送你怎的？」行者道：「不要忙，我自有个处治。」

不多時，漸漸黃昏，老者又叫掌燈。Before long, dusk gradually fell, and the old man again called for the lamps to be lit.行者躬身問道：「公公高姓？」老者道：「姓李。」行者道：「貴地想就是李家莊了？」老者道：「不是，這裡喚做駝羅莊，共有五百多人家居住。Xingzhe bowed and asked, "Old sir, what is your honored surname?" The old man said, "My surname is Li." Xingzhe said, "Then this honored place must be Li Family Village?" The old man said, "No, this is called Tuoluo Village, with over five hundred households living here in all.別姓俱多，惟我姓李。」行者道：「李施主，府上有何善意，賜我等盛齋？」那老者起身道：「才聞得你說會拿妖怪，我這裡卻有個妖怪，累你替我們拿拿，自有重謝。」行者就朝上唱個喏道：「承照顧了。」There are many other surnames besides; only I am surnamed Li." Xingzhe said, "Patron Li, what good purpose moves your household to grant us such a lavish feast?" The old man rose and said, "I heard just now that you said you know how to catch monsters—well, I happen to have a monster here, and I'd trouble you to catch it for us; you'll certainly be well rewarded." Xingzhe then made a bow facing upward and said, "Much obliged for your consideration."

不多时，渐渐黄昏，老者又叫掌灯。行者躬身问道：「公公高姓？」老者道：「姓李。」行者道：「贵地想就是李家庄了？」老者道：「不是，这里唤做驼罗庄，共有五百多人家居住。别姓俱多，惟我姓李。」行者道：「李施主，府上有何善意，赐我等盛斋？」那老者起身道：「才闻得你说会拿妖怪，我这里却有个妖怪，累你替我们拿拿，自有重谢。」行者就朝上唱个喏道：「承照顾了。」

八戒道：「你看他惹禍，聽見說拿妖怪，就是他外公也不這般親熱，預先就唱個喏。」行者道：「賢弟，你不知，我唱個喏就是下了個定錢，他再不去請別人了。」三藏聞言道：「這猴兒，凡事便要自專。Bajie said, "Look at him bringing trouble on himself—hearing that they want a monster caught, he's more affectionate than if it were his own grandfather, bowing in thanks in advance." Xingzhe said, "Worthy brother, you don't understand—my bowing like that is putting down a deposit, so he won't go and ask anyone else." Sanzang, hearing this, said, "This monkey, in everything he must have his own way.倘或那妖精神通廣大，你拿他不住，可不是我出家人打誑語麼？」行者笑道：「師父莫怪，等我再問了看。」Suppose the demon's powers are vast and you cannot subdue it—wouldn't that make me, a monk, guilty of speaking false words?" Xingzhe said with a laugh, "Master, don't blame me—let me ask a bit more first and see."

八戒道：「你看他惹祸，听见说拿妖怪，就是他外公也不这般亲热，预先就唱个喏。」行者道：「贤弟，你不知，我唱个喏就是下了个定钱，他再不去请别人了。」三藏闻言道：「这猴儿，凡事便要自专。倘或那妖精神通广大，你拿他不住，可不是我出家人打诳语么？」行者笑道：「师父莫怪，等我再问了看。」

那老者道：「還問甚？」行者道：「你這貴處，地勢清平，又許多人家居住，更不是偏僻之方，有甚麼妖精敢上你這高門大戶？」老者道：「實不瞞你說，我這裡久矣康寧。The old man said, "What more is there to ask?" Xingzhe said, "This honored place of yours has level, peaceful terrain, and so many households living here—it's certainly no remote or out-of-the-way spot—what sort of demon would dare come up against a great household like yours?" The old man said, "To tell you the truth, this place has long been at peace and prosperity.只這三年六月間，忽然一陣風起。It was only three years ago, in the sixth month, that suddenly a gust of wind rose up.那時人家甚忙，打麥的在場上，插秧的在田裡，俱著了忙，只說是天變了。At that time people were very busy—those threshing wheat were out on the threshing floor, those transplanting rice seedlings were in the fields—everyone grew alarmed, thinking it was some change in the heavens.誰知風過處，有個妖精，將人家牧放的牛馬吃了，豬羊吃了，見雞鵝囫圇咽，遇男女夾活吞。Who could have known that where the wind passed, there was a demon that ate up people's grazing cattle and horses, ate up pigs and sheep, and on seeing chickens and geese swallowed them whole, and when it met men and women, swallowed them alive together.自從那次，這二年常來傷害。Ever since that time, these past two years it has come often to do harm.長老啊，你若有手段，拿了妖怪，掃淨此土，我等決然重謝，不敢輕慢。」行者道：「這個卻是難拿。」八戒道：「真是難拿，難拿。Elder, if you have the ability to catch this demon and sweep this land clean, we will surely reward you handsomely and would never dare treat you lightly." Xingzhe said, "This one, though, will be hard to catch." Bajie said, "Truly hard to catch, hard to catch.我們乃行腳僧，借宿一宵，明日走路，拿甚麼妖精？」老者道：「你原來是騙飯吃的和尚。We are wandering monks—we borrow lodging for one night and set off tomorrow—how could we catch any demon?" The old man said, "So you were monks after all just cadging a meal.初見時誇口弄舌，說會換斗移星，降妖縛怪，及說起此事，就推卻難拿。」When I first saw you, you boasted and wagged your tongues, saying you could shift the Dipper and move the stars, subdue demons and bind monsters, but now that it comes to the matter itself, you back off, saying it's too hard to catch."

那老者道：「还问甚？」行者道：「你这贵处，地势清平，又许多人家居住，更不是偏僻之方，有甚么妖精敢上你这高门大户？」老者道：「实不瞒你说，我这里久矣康宁。只这三年六月间，忽然一阵风起。那时人家甚忙，打麦的在场上，插秧的在田里，俱著了忙，只说是天变了。谁知风过处，有个妖精，将人家牧放的牛马吃了，猪羊吃了，见鸡鹅囫囵咽，遇男女夹活吞。自从那次，这二年常来伤害。长老啊，你若有手段，拿了妖怪，扫净此土，我等决然重谢，不敢轻慢。」行者道：「这个却是难拿。」八戒道：「真是难拿，难拿。我们乃行脚僧，借宿一宵，明日走路，拿甚么妖精？」老者道：「你原来是骗饭吃的和尚。初见时夸口弄舌，说会换斗移星，降妖缚怪，及说起此事，就推却难拿。」

行者道：「老兒，妖精好拿，只是你這方人家不齊心，所以難拿。」老者道：「怎見得人心不齊？」行者道：「妖精攪擾了三年，也不知傷害了多少生靈。Xingzhe said, "Old man, the demon would be easy enough to catch—it's only that the people of this place aren't of one mind, and that's why it's hard to catch." The old man said, "How do you see that people aren't of one mind?" Xingzhe said, "This demon has been causing trouble for three years now, and who knows how many lives it has harmed.我想著每家只出銀一兩，五百家可湊五百兩銀子，不拘到那裡，也尋一個法官把妖拿了，卻怎麼就甘受他三年磨折？」老者道：「若論說使錢，好道也羞殺人，我們那家不花費三五兩銀子？I reckon that if each household contributed just one tael of silver, five hundred households could gather five hundred taels, and wherever you went, you could find some ritual master to catch the demon—why would you be willing to suffer three years of torment instead?" The old man said, "As for spending money, it's shameful enough to mention—which household among us hasn't already spent three or five taels of silver?前年曾訪著山南裡有個和尚，請他到此拿妖，未曾得勝。」行者道：「那和尚怎的拿來？」老者道：The year before last we heard of a monk south of the mountain and invited him here to catch the demon, but he did not succeed." Xingzhe said, "How did that monk go about catching it?" The old man said—

行者道：「老儿，妖精好拿，只是你这方人家不齐心，所以难拿。」老者道：「怎见得人心不齐？」行者道：「妖精搅扰了三年，也不知伤害了多少生灵。我想著每家只出银一两，五百家可凑五百两银子，不拘到那里，也寻一个法官把妖拿了，却怎么就甘受他三年磨折？」老者道：「若论说使钱，好道也羞杀人，我们那家不花费三五两银子？前年曾访著山南里有个和尚，请他到此拿妖，未曾得胜。」行者道：「那和尚怎的拿来？」老者道：

行者笑道：「這等說，吃了虧也。」老者道：「他只拚得一命，還是我們吃虧：與他買棺木殯葬，又把些銀子與他徒弟。Xingzhe laughed and said, "So that means he came out the loser." The old man said, "He only forfeited his one life—it was we who really came out the losers: we had to buy him a coffin and give him burial, and give some silver to his disciple besides.那徒弟心還不歇，至今還要告狀，不得乾淨。」But that disciple's heart still wasn't satisfied, and to this day he keeps bringing lawsuits against us—there's no end to it."

行者笑道：「这等说，吃了亏也。」老者道：「他只拼得一命，还是我们吃亏：与他买棺木殡葬，又把些银子与他徒弟。那徒弟心还不歇，至今还要告状，不得干净。」

行者道：「可曾再請甚麼人拿他？」老者道：「舊年又請了一個道士。」行者道：「那道士怎麼拿他？」老者道：「那道士：Xingzhe said, "Did you ever invite anyone else to catch it?" The old man said, "Last year we also invited a Daoist priest." Xingzhe said, "How did that Daoist go about catching it?" The old man said, "That Daoist—

行者道：「可曾再请甚么人拿他？」老者道：「旧年又请了一个道士。」行者道：「那道士怎么拿他？」老者道：「那道士：

行者笑道：「這等說，也吃虧了。」老者道：「他也只捨得一命，我們又使夠悶數錢糧。」Xingzhe laughed and said, "So that one lost out too." The old man said, "He too forfeited only his one life, and we again spent a good sum of money on nothing."

行者笑道：「这等说，也吃亏了。」老者道：「他也只舍得一命，我们又使够闷数钱粮。」

行者道：「不打緊，不打緊，等我替你拿他來。」老者道：「你若果有手段拿得他，我請幾個本莊長者與你寫個文書：若得勝，憑你要多少銀子相謝，半分不少；Xingzhe said, "No matter, no matter—let me catch it for you." The old man said, "If you truly have the skill to catch it, I'll invite a few of the village elders to draw up a document with you: if you succeed, however much silver you ask in thanks, we'll give without stinting a bit;如若有虧，切莫和我等放賴，各聽天命。」行者笑道：「這老兒被人賴怕了。but if there's a failing, you must by no means turn around and hold it against us—each shall answer to Heaven's will." Xingzhe said with a laugh, "This old man has been made fearful by being cheated before.我等不是那樣人，快請長者去。」We are not people of that sort—hurry and invite the elders."

行者道：「不打紧，不打紧，等我替你拿他来。」老者道：「你若果有手段拿得他，我请几个本庄长者与你写个文书：若得胜，凭你要多少银子相谢，半分不少；如若有亏，切莫和我等放赖，各听天命。」行者笑道：「这老儿被人赖怕了。我等不是那样人，快请长者去。」

那老者滿心歡喜，即命家僮請幾個左鄰、右舍、表弟、姨兄、親家、朋友，共有八九位老者，都來相見，會了唐僧，言及拿妖一事，無不欣然。The old man, his heart filled with joy, at once ordered a house-servant to invite several neighbors from left and right, cousins, brothers-in-law, in-laws, and friends—altogether eight or nine elders came to meet them; when they had met Tang Seng and the matter of catching the demon was raised, every one of them was delighted.眾老問：「是那一位高徒去拿？」行者叉手道：「是我小和尚。」眾老悚然道：「不濟，不濟。The elders asked, "Which of your worthy disciples will go to catch it?" Xingzhe put his hands together and said, "It is I, this little monk." The elders said in alarm, "That won't do, that won't do.那妖精神通廣大，身體狼犺。That demon's powers are vast, and its body is huge and clumsy.你這個長老瘦瘦小小，還不夠他填牙齒縫哩。」行者笑道：「老官兒，你估不出人來。This elder brother of yours is so thin and small, he wouldn't even be enough to fill the gaps between its teeth." Xingzhe said with a laugh, "Old sirs, you can't judge a person by guesswork.我小自小，結實，都是『吃了磨刀水的秀氣在內』哩。」眾老見說，只得依從道：「長老，拿住妖精，你要多少謝禮？」行者道：「何必說要甚麼謝禮？I may be small, but I'm sturdy—it's all a matter of 'the vigor kept within, like a blade honed on water.'" Hearing this, the elders had no choice but to go along and said, "Elder, once you've caught the demon, what reward will you want?" Xingzhe said, "Why speak of wanting any reward at all?俗語云：『說金子晃眼，說銀子傻白，說銅錢腥氣。』我等乃積德的和尚，決不要錢。」眾老道：「既如此說，都是受戒的高僧。As the saying goes: 'Speak of gold and it dazzles the eyes, speak of silver and it looks pale and foolish, speak of copper cash and it smells rank.' We are monks who accumulate virtue, and we will absolutely not want money." The elders said, "If that's so, then you are truly monks of high ordination.既不要錢，豈有空勞之理？But if you won't take money, how could there be any reason for you to labor for nothing?我等各家俱以魚田為活，若果降了妖孽，淨了地方，我等每家送你兩畝良田，共湊一千畝，坐落一處，你師徒們在上起蓋寺院，打坐參禪，強似方上雲遊。」行者又笑道：「越不停當。Each of our households lives by fish and fields—if you truly subdue this scourge and cleanse this land, each household will give you two mou of good farmland, which together will make a thousand mou in one place; you masters and disciples could build a monastery upon it, sit in meditation and study the Way there, better than wandering as itinerant monks." Xingzhe again laughed and said, "That's even less workable.但說要了田，就要養馬當差，納糧辦草，黃昏不得睡，五鼓不得眠，好倒弄殺人也。」眾老道：「諸般不要，卻將何謝？」行者道：「我出家人，但只是一茶一飯，便是謝了。」眾老喜道：「這個容易。The moment it's said we've taken land, we'd have to keep horses for official service, pay grain-tax and provide fodder, unable to sleep from dusk on and unable to rest by the fifth watch—that would really be the death of us." The elders said, "If you want none of these things, then how are we to thank you?" Xingzhe said, "We who have left the household need only a cup of tea and a bowl of rice, and that will be thanks enough." The elders said happily, "That's easy enough.但不知你怎麼拿他？」行者道：「他但來，我就拿住他。」眾老道：「那妖大著哩：上拄天，下拄地；But we don't know how you mean to catch it?" Xingzhe said, "Whenever it comes, I'll catch it." The elders said, "That demon is enormous—propping up the sky above, planted on the earth below;來時風，去時霧。it comes with wind and leaves in fog.你卻怎生近得他？」行者笑道：「若論呼風駕霧的妖精，我把他當孫子罷了；How could you possibly get near it?" Xingzhe said with a laugh, "As for a demon that summons wind and rides fog, I'd treat it as no more than my own grandson;若說身體長大，有那手段打他。」and as for its huge body, I have the means to strike it down."

那老者满心欢喜，即命家僮请几个左邻、右舍、表弟、姨兄、亲家、朋友，共有八九位老者，都来相见，会了唐僧，言及拿妖一事，无不欣然。众老问：「是那一位高徒去拿？」行者叉手道：「是我小和尚。」众老悚然道：「不济，不济。那妖精神通广大，身体狼犺。你这个长老瘦瘦小小，还不够他填牙齿缝哩。」行者笑道：「老官儿，你估不出人来。我小自小，结实，都是『吃了磨刀水的秀气在内』哩。」众老见说，只得依从道：「长老，拿住妖精，你要多少谢礼？」行者道：「何必说要甚么谢礼？俗语云：『说金子晃眼，说银子傻白，说铜钱腥气。』我等乃积德的和尚，决不要钱。」众老道：「既如此说，都是受戒的高僧。既不要钱，岂有空劳之理？我等各家俱以鱼田为活，若果降了妖孽，净了地方，我等每家送你两亩良田，共凑一千亩，坐落一处，你师徒们在上起盖寺院，打坐参禅，强似方上云游。」行者又笑道：「越不停当。但说要了田，就要养马当差，纳粮办草，黄昏不得睡，五鼓不得眠，好倒弄杀人也。」众老道：「诸般不要，却将何谢？」行者道：「我出家人，但只是一茶一饭，便是谢了。」众老喜道：「这个容易。但不知你怎么拿他？」行者道：「他但来，我就拿住他。」众老道：「那妖大著哩：上拄天，下拄地；来时风，去时雾。你却怎生近得他？」行者笑道：「若论呼风驾雾的妖精，我把他当孙子罢了；若说身体长大，有那手段打他。」

正講處，只聽得呼呼風響。Just as they were talking, they suddenly heard the roar of wind.慌得那八九個老者戰戰兢兢道：「這和尚鹽醬口，說妖精，妖精就來了。」那老李開了腰門，把幾個親戚連唐僧，都叫：「進來，進來，妖怪來了。」諕得那八戒也要進去，沙僧也要進去。The eight or nine elders were so frightened they trembled and said, "This monk has a mouth of salt and soy—the moment he spoke of the demon, the demon has come." Old Li opened the inner gate and called to his relatives, together with Tang Seng, "Come in, come in, the demon is coming!" Bajie, terrified, also wanted to go in, and Sha Seng wanted to go in too.行者兩隻手扯住兩個道：「你們忒不循理，出家人怎麼不分內外？Xingzhe grabbed the two of them with both hands and said, "You two are far too unreasonable—how can men who have left their homes not tell inside from outside?站住，不要走，跟我去天井裡，看看是個甚麼妖精？」八戒道：「哥啊，他們都是經過帳的，風響便是妖來。Stand still, don't run—come with me out to the courtyard and see what sort of demon this is." Bajie said, "Brother, these people have all been through this before—when the wind roars, it means the demon is coming.他都去躲，我們又不與他有親，又不相識，又不是交契故人，看他做甚？」原來行者力量大，不容說，一把拉在天井裡站下。They've all gone to hide—we're no kin of theirs, we don't know them, and we're not old friends bound by ties of loyalty—why bother watching on their behalf?" But Xingzhe's strength was great, and without another word he dragged them both out and set them standing in the courtyard.那陣風越發大了，好風：That gust of wind grew ever fiercer—what a wind it was:

正讲处，只听得呼呼风响。慌得那八九个老者战战兢兢道：「这和尚盐酱口，说妖精，妖精就来了。」那老李开了腰门，把几个亲戚连唐僧，都叫：「进来，进来，妖怪来了。」諕得那八戒也要进去，沙僧也要进去。行者两只手扯住两个道：「你们忒不循理，出家人怎么不分内外？站住，不要走，跟我去天井里，看看是个甚么妖精？」八戒道：「哥啊，他们都是经过帐的，风响便是妖来。他都去躲，我们又不与他有亲，又不相识，又不是交契故人，看他做甚？」原来行者力量大，不容说，一把拉在天井里站下。那阵风越发大了，好风：

慌得那八戒戰戰兢兢，伏之於地，把嘴拱開土，埋在地下，卻如釘了釘一般。Bajie, trembling with fright, threw himself flat on the ground, thrusting his snout into the earth and burying it there, as fixed as if he'd been nailed down.沙僧蒙著頭臉，眼也難睜。Sha Seng covered his face with his hands, unable even to open his eyes.

慌得那八戒战战兢兢，伏之于地，把嘴拱开土，埋在地下，却如钉了钉一般。沙僧蒙著头脸，眼也难睁。

行者聞風認怪，一霎時，風頭過處，只見那半空中隱隱的兩盞燈來，即低頭叫道：「兄弟們，風過了，起來看。」那獃子扯出嘴來，抖抖灰土，仰著臉，朝天一望，見有兩盞燈光，忽失聲笑道：「好耍子，好耍子，原來是個有行止的妖精，該和他做朋友。」沙僧道：「這般黑夜，又不曾覿面相逢，怎麼就知好歹？」八戒道：「古人云：『夜行以燭，無燭則止。』你看他打一對燈籠引路，必定是個好的。」沙僧道：「你錯看了，那不是一對燈籠，是妖精的兩隻眼亮。」這獃子就諕矮了三寸，道：「爺爺呀！Xingzhe, sensing the demon by its wind, in a moment, as the gust passed, saw faintly in the midair two lamps approaching, and at once lowered his head and called out, "Brothers, the wind has passed—get up and look." The idiot pulled his snout out, shook off the dust, raised his face and looked up at the sky, and seeing the two points of lantern-light, suddenly burst out laughing and said, "What fun, what fun—so it's a demon with proper manners, one worth making friends with." Sha Seng said, "In such pitch darkness, without ever having met it face to face, how can you already tell good from bad?" Bajie said, "The ancients said: 'Travel by night with a lantern; without a lantern, stop.' Look, it's carrying a pair of lanterns to light its way—it must be a decent sort." Sha Seng said, "You've got it wrong—those aren't a pair of lanterns, those are the demon's two glowing eyes." At this the idiot shrank three inches shorter in fright and said, "Good heavens!眼有這般大啊，不知口有多少大哩。」行者道：「賢弟莫怕。If the eyes are that big, who knows how big the mouth must be." Xingzhe said, "Worthy brothers, don't be afraid.你兩個護持著師父，待老孫上去討他個口氣，看他是甚妖精。」八戒道：「哥哥，不要供出我們來。」You two guard the master here, while old Monkey goes up to get a taste of its breath and see what sort of demon it is." Bajie said, "Brother, don't go dragging us into it."

行者闻风认怪，一霎时，风头过处，只见那半空中隐隐的两盏灯来，即低头叫道：「兄弟们，风过了，起来看。」那呆子扯出嘴来，抖抖灰土，仰著脸，朝天一望，见有两盏灯光，忽失声笑道：「好耍子，好耍子，原来是个有行止的妖精，该和他做朋友。」沙僧道：「这般黑夜，又不曾觌面相逢，怎么就知好歹？」八戒道：「古人云：『夜行以烛，无烛则止。』你看他打一对灯笼引路，必定是个好的。」沙僧道：「你错看了，那不是一对灯笼，是妖精的两只眼亮。」这呆子就諕矮了三寸，道：「爷爷呀！眼有这般大啊，不知口有多少大哩。」行者道：「贤弟莫怕。你两个护持著师父，待老孙上去讨他个口气，看他是甚妖精。」八戒道：「哥哥，不要供出我们来。」

好行者，縱身打個唿哨，跳到空中，執鐵棒，厲聲高叫道：「慢來，慢來，有吾在此。」那怪見了，挺住身軀，將一根長槍亂舞。Splendid Xingzhe—he leapt up with a whistle, sprang into the air, gripped his iron staff, and shouted sternly, "Not so fast, not so fast—I am here." Seeing him, the monster straightened its body and waved a long spear wildly about.行者執了棍勢，問道：「你是那方妖怪？Xingzhe held his staff at the ready and asked, "What demon are you, from what region?何處精靈？」那怪更不答應，只是舞槍。What spirit, from what place?" The monster made no answer at all, only kept waving its spear.行者又問，又不答，只是舞槍。Xingzhe asked again, and again there was no answer, only the waving of the spear.行者暗笑道：「好是耳聾口啞。Xingzhe laughed inwardly, thinking, "So it's both deaf and mute.不要走，看棍。」那怪更不怕，亂舞槍遮攔。Don't run—watch out for my staff." The monster showed no fear at all, and wildly waved its spear to parry.在那半空中，一來一往，一上一下，鬥到三更時分，未見勝敗。There in the midair, back and forth, up and down, they fought until the third watch, with no victor yet decided.八戒、沙僧在李家天井裡看得明白。Bajie and Sha Seng watched clearly from the courtyard of the Li household.原來那怪只是舞槍遮架，更無半分兒攻殺。It turned out that the monster only waved its spear to block and parry, without the least bit of real attack in it.行者一條棒不離那怪的頭上。Xingzhe's single staff never left the top of the monster's head.八戒笑道：「沙僧，你在這裡護持，讓老豬去幫打幫打，莫教那猴子獨幹這功，領頭一鍾酒。」Bajie laughed and said, "Sha Seng, you stay here and guard the master—let old Hog go help with the fighting a bit, so that monkey doesn't do this whole feat alone and take the first cup of wine."

好行者，纵身打个唿哨，跳到空中，执铁棒，厉声高叫道：「慢来，慢来，有吾在此。」那怪见了，挺住身躯，将一根长枪乱舞。行者执了棍势，问道：「你是那方妖怪？何处精灵？」那怪更不答应，只是舞枪。行者又问，又不答，只是舞枪。行者暗笑道：「好是耳聋口哑。不要走，看棍。」那怪更不怕，乱舞枪遮拦。在那半空中，一来一往，一上一下，斗到三更时分，未见胜败。八戒、沙僧在李家天井里看得明白。原来那怪只是舞枪遮架，更无半分儿攻杀。行者一条棒不离那怪的头上。八戒笑道：「沙僧，你在这里护持，让老猪去帮打帮打，莫教那猴子独干这功，领头一钟酒。」

好獃子，就跳起雲頭，趕上就築。The splendid idiot leapt up onto a cloud and rushed up to strike.那怪物又使一條槍抵住。The monster used another spear to hold him off.兩條槍就如飛蛇掣電。The two spears moved like flying snakes and flashing lightning.八戒誇獎道：「這妖精好槍法！Bajie praised him, saying, "This demon has fine spear-work!不是山後槍，乃是纏絲槍；It's not the mountain-back spear style, but the twisted-silk spear;也不是馬家槍，卻叫做個軟柄槍。」行者道：「獃子莫胡說。nor is it the Ma family spear, but what's called the soft-shaft spear." Xingzhe said, "Idiot, don't talk nonsense.那裡有個甚麼軟柄槍？」八戒道：「你看他使出槍尖來架住我們，不見槍柄，不知收在何處。」行者道：「或者是個軟柄槍；Where is there any such thing as a soft-shaft spear?" Bajie said, "Look, he thrusts out the spear point to block us, but you never see the shaft—no telling where it's kept." Xingzhe said, "Perhaps it really is a soft-shaft spear;但這怪物還不會說話，想是還未歸人道，陰氣還重。but this monster still can't speak—it must be that it hasn't yet turned fully to human ways, and its yin-vapor is still heavy.只怕天明時陽氣勝，他必要走。I'm afraid that when dawn comes and the yang-vapor prevails, it will be sure to flee.但走時，一定趕上，不可放他。」八戒道：「正是，正是。」But when it flees, we must certainly chase it down and not let it get away." Bajie said, "Right, right."

好呆子，就跳起云头，赶上就筑。那怪物又使一条枪抵住。两条枪就如飞蛇掣电。八戒夸奖道：「这妖精好枪法！不是山后枪，乃是缠丝枪；也不是马家枪，却叫做个软柄枪。」行者道：「呆子莫胡说。那里有个甚么软柄枪？」八戒道：「你看他使出枪尖来架住我们，不见枪柄，不知收在何处。」行者道：「或者是个软柄枪；但这怪物还不会说话，想是还未归人道，阴气还重。只怕天明时阳气胜，他必要走。但走时，一定赶上，不可放他。」八戒道：「正是，正是。」

又鬥多時，不覺東方發白。They fought on a good while longer, and before they knew it the east had grown pale.那怪不敢戀戰，回頭就走。The monster dared not go on fighting, and turned to flee.行者與八戒一齊趕來，忽聞得污穢之氣逼人，乃是七絕山稀柿衕也。Xingzhe and Bajie chased after it together, and suddenly caught a foul stench pressing in on them—it was the Persimmon-Mush Lane of Seven Wonders Mountain.八戒道：「是那家淘毛廁哩？Bajie said, "Whose privy is being cleaned out around here?哏！Ugh!臭氣難聞。」行者侮著鼻子，只叫：「快趕妖精，快趕妖精。」那怪物攛過山去，現了本像，乃是一條紅鱗大蟒。What an unbearable stink." Xingzhe covered his nose and just kept calling, "Chase the demon quickly, chase the demon quickly." The monster leapt over the mountain and showed its true form—it was a great red-scaled python.你看他：Just look at it:

又斗多时，不觉东方发白。那怪不敢恋战，回头就走。行者与八戒一齐赶来，忽闻得污秽之气逼人，乃是七绝山稀柿同也。八戒道：「是那家淘毛厕哩？哏！臭气难闻。」行者侮著鼻子，只叫：「快赶妖精，快赶妖精。」那怪物撺过山去，现了本像，乃是一条红鳞大蟒。你看他：

八戒道：「原來是這般一個長蛇。Bajie said, "So it's a snake this long after all.若要吃人啊，一頓也得五百個，還不飽足。」行者道：「那軟柄槍乃是兩條信㮇。If it wanted to eat people, a single meal would take five hundred and still not be full." Xingzhe said, "That soft-shaft spear was really its two forked tongues.我們趕他軟了，從後打出去。」這八戒縱身趕上，將鈀便築。Let's chase it while it's still weak, and strike it out from behind." Bajie leapt up at once, catching up, and struck with his rake.那怪物一頭鑽進窟裡，還有七八尺長尾巴丟在外邊。The monster's head burrowed into a hole, with seven or eight feet of tail still left dangling outside.八戒放下鈀，一把撾住道：「著手，著手。」盡力氣往外亂扯，莫想扯得動一毫。Bajie dropped his rake, grabbed hold with one hand, and said, "Got you, got you." He pulled with all his strength outward, but could not budge it even a hair's breadth.行者笑道：「獃子，放他進去，自有處置，不要這等倒扯蛇。」八戒真個撒了手，那怪縮進去了。Xingzhe laughed and said, "Idiot, let it go in—there's a way to deal with it—don't go pulling the snake backward like that." Sure enough, Bajie let go, and the monster shrank itself in.八戒怨道：「才不放手時，半截子已是我們的了；Bajie grumbled, "If we hadn't let go just now, half its body would already be ours;是這般縮了，卻怎麼得他出來？now that it's shrunk back in like this, how are we ever going to get it out?這不是叫做沒蛇弄了？」行者道：「這廝身體狼犺，窟穴窄小，斷然轉身不得，一定是個照直攛的，定有個後門出頭。Isn't this what they call 'no way to handle the snake'?" Wukong said, "This creature's body is clumsy and unwieldy, and its den is narrow and small — it certainly can't turn itself around in there, so it must go straight through, and there's bound to be a back door where its head comes out.你快去後門外攔住，等我在前門外打。」You hurry over and block the back door, while I strike at the front door."

八戒道：「原来是这般一个长蛇。若要吃人啊，一顿也得五百个，还不饱足。」行者道：「那软柄枪乃是两条信㮇。我们赶他软了，从后打出去。」这八戒纵身赶上，将钯便筑。那怪物一头钻进窟里，还有七八尺长尾巴丢在外边。八戒放下钯，一把挝住道：「著手，著手。」尽力气往外乱扯，莫想扯得动一毫。行者笑道：「呆子，放他进去，自有处置，不要这等倒扯蛇。」八戒真个撒了手，那怪缩进去了。八戒怨道：「才不放手时，半截子已是我们的了；是这般缩了，却怎么得他出来？这不是叫做没蛇弄了？」行者道：「这厮身体狼犺，窟穴窄小，断然转身不得，一定是个照直撺的，定有个后门出头。你快去后门外拦住，等我在前门外打。」

那獃子真個一溜煙跑過山去，果見有個孔窟，他就扎定腳。That idiot really did dash off in a puff of smoke to the other side of the mountain, and sure enough found a hole, where he planted his feet firmly.還不曾站穩，不期行者在前門外使棍子往裡一搗，那怪物護疼，徑往後門攛出。Before he had even stood steady, unexpectedly Wukong, at the front door, thrust his cudgel straight in, and the monster, pained, bolted straight out the back door.八戒未曾防備，被他一尾巴打了一跌，莫能掙挫得起，睡在地下忍疼。Bajie, caught unprepared, was struck down by a swipe of its tail and could not scramble back up, lying on the ground enduring the pain.行者見窟中無物，搴著棒，跑過來叫趕妖怪。Seeing the den empty, Wukong hefted his cudgel and ran over shouting to chase the monster.那八戒聽得吆喝，自己害羞，忍著疼，爬起來，使鈀亂撲。Hearing the shouting, Bajie, ashamed of himself, bore the pain, clambered up, and flailed wildly with his rake.行者見了，笑道：「妖怪走了，你還撲甚的了？」八戒道：「老豬在此打草驚蛇哩。」行者道：「活獃子，快趕上。」Seeing this, Wukong laughed and said, "The monster's already gone — what are you still flailing at?" Bajie said, "Old Hog was just beating the grass to startle the snake." Wukong said, "You silly fool, hurry up and catch up."

那呆子真个一溜烟跑过山去，果见有个孔窟，他就扎定脚。还不曾站稳，不期行者在前门外使棍子往里一捣，那怪物护疼，径往后门撺出。八戒未曾防备，被他一尾巴打了一跌，莫能挣挫得起，睡在地下忍疼。行者见窟中无物，搴著棒，跑过来叫赶妖怪。那八戒听得吆喝，自己害羞，忍著疼，爬起来，使钯乱扑。行者见了，笑道：「妖怪走了，你还扑甚的了？」八戒道：「老猪在此打草惊蛇哩。」行者道：「活呆子，快赶上。」

二人趕過澗去，見那怪盤做一團，豎起頭來，張開巨口，要吞八戒。The two of them chased across the ravine and saw the monster coiled in a mass, its head raised, its huge mouth open, about to swallow Bajie.八戒慌得往後便退。Bajie, terrified, backed away.這行者反迎上前，被他一口吞之。Wukong instead surged forward to meet it, and was swallowed in one gulp.八戒搥胸跌腳，大叫道：「哥耶，傾了你也。」行者在妖精肚裡支著鐵棒道：「八戒莫愁，我叫他搭個橋兒你看。」那怪物躬起腰來，就似一道路東虹。Bajie beat his chest and stamped his feet, crying loudly, "Brother, you've thrown your life away!" Wukong, propping up the iron cudgel inside the monster's belly, said, "Don't worry, Bajie, I'll make it build a bridge for you to see." The monster arched its back up, just like a stretch of rainbow across the eastern sky.八戒道：「雖是像橋，只是沒人敢走。」行者道：「我再叫他變做個船兒你看。」在肚裡將鐵棒撐著肚皮。Bajie said, "It looks like a bridge, all right, but no one would dare walk on it." Wukong said, "Then I'll make it turn into a boat for you to see." Inside its belly, he propped the iron cudgel against its stomach wall.那怪物肚皮貼地，翹起頭來，就似一隻贛保船，八戒道：「雖是像船，只是沒有桅篷，不好使風。」行者道：「你讓開路，等我叫他使個風你看。」又在裡面盡著力把鐵棒從脊背上搠將出去，約有五七丈長，就似一根桅杆。The monster flattened its belly to the ground and raised its head up, just like a Gan-style covered barge. Bajie said, "It looks like a boat, all right, but it has no mast or sail, so it can't catch the wind." Wukong said, "Step out of the way, and I'll make it raise a sail for you to see." Again inside, he put all his strength into thrusting the iron cudgel out through its spine, some five or seven zhang long, just like a mast.那廝忍疼掙命，往前一攛，比使風更快，攛回舊路，下了山，有二十餘里，卻才倒在塵埃，動蕩不得，嗚呼喪矣。The creature, bearing the pain and struggling for its life, lunged forward, faster even than sailing with the wind, dashed back along its old path, down the mountain, for more than twenty li, before finally collapsing in the dust, unable to move, dead as could be.八戒隨後趕上來，又舉鈀亂築。Bajie caught up from behind and again raised his rake to hack at it wildly.行者把那物穿了一個大洞，鑽將出來道：「獃子，他死也死了，你還築他怎的？」八戒道：「哥啊，你不知我老豬一生好打死蛇？」遂此收了兵器，抓著尾巴，倒拉將來。Wukong, having pierced a great hole through the creature, drilled his way out and said, "Silly fool, it's already dead — why are you still hacking at it?" Bajie said, "Brother, don't you know old Hog has always loved beating dead snakes?" Whereupon he put away his weapon, grabbed the tail, and dragged it back turned around.

二人赶过涧去，见那怪盘做一团，竖起头来，张开巨口，要吞八戒。八戒慌得往后便退。这行者反迎上前，被他一口吞之。八戒搥胸跌脚，大叫道：「哥耶，倾了你也。」行者在妖精肚里支著铁棒道：「八戒莫愁，我叫他搭个桥儿你看。」那怪物躬起腰来，就似一道路东虹。八戒道：「虽是像桥，只是没人敢走。」行者道：「我再叫他变做个船儿你看。」在肚里将铁棒撑著肚皮。那怪物肚皮贴地，翘起头来，就似一只赣保船，八戒道：「虽是像船，只是没有桅篷，不好使风。」行者道：「你让开路，等我叫他使个风你看。」又在里面尽著力把铁棒从脊背上搠将出去，约有五七丈长，就似一根桅杆。那厮忍疼挣命，往前一撺，比使风更快，撺回旧路，下了山，有二十余里，却才倒在尘埃，动荡不得，呜呼丧矣。八戒随后赶上来，又举钯乱筑。行者把那物穿了一个大洞，钻将出来道：「呆子，他死也死了，你还筑他怎的？」八戒道：「哥啊，你不知我老猪一生好打死蛇？」遂此收了兵器，抓著尾巴，倒拉将来。

卻說那駝羅莊上李老兒與眾等對唐僧道：「你那兩個徒弟一夜不回，斷然傾了命也。」三藏道：「決不妨事。Now to speak of old Li and the others at Tuoluo Village, who said to Tang Seng, "Your two disciples haven't come back all night — they must certainly have lost their lives." Sanzang said, "There's surely no harm done.我們出去看看。」須臾間，只見行者與八戒拖著一條大蟒，吆吆喝喝前來。Let's go out and take a look." In a moment, they saw Wukong and Bajie dragging a huge python, shouting and hollering as they came.眾人卻才歡喜。Only then did everyone rejoice.滿莊上老幼男女，都來跪拜道：「爺爺，正是這個妖精在此傷人。The old and young, men and women of the whole village came and knelt in homage, saying, "Elder, it was exactly this monster that has been harming people here.今幸老爺施法，斬怪除邪，我輩庶各得安生也。」Now, fortunately, you gentlemen have worked your magic and slain the demon, rooting out the evil, so that the rest of us may each live in peace."

却说那驼罗庄上李老儿与众等对唐僧道：「你那两个徒弟一夜不回，断然倾了命也。」三藏道：「决不妨事。我们出去看看。」须臾间，只见行者与八戒拖著一条大蟒，吆吆喝喝前来。众人却才欢喜。满庄上老幼男女，都来跪拜道：「爷爷，正是这个妖精在此伤人。今幸老爷施法，斩怪除邪，我辈庶各得安生也。」

眾家都是感激，東請西邀，各各酬謝。The whole village was filled with gratitude, inviting them east and west, each family offering thanks.師徒們被留住五七日，苦辭無奈，方肯放行。The master and disciples were kept there for five or seven days, and only after much earnest pleading were they finally allowed to set off.又各家見他不要錢物，都辦些乾糧果品，騎騾壓馬，花紅彩旗，盡來餞行。Moreover, since each family saw that they wanted no money or gifts, they all prepared some dry provisions and fruit, and riding mules and leading horses, with flowers and colored banners, all came to see them off.此處五百人家，到有七八百人相送。There were five hundred households in this place, yet as many as seven or eight hundred people came to send them off.

众家都是感激，东请西邀，各各酬谢。师徒们被留住五七日，苦辞无奈，方肯放行。又各家见他不要钱物，都办些干粮果品，骑骡压马，花红彩旗，尽来饯行。此处五百人家，到有七八百人相送。

一路上喜喜歡歡，不時到了七絕山稀柿衕口。All along the way they went joyfully and happily, and before long arrived at the mouth of Xishi Tong on Qijue Mountain.三藏聞得那般惡穢，又見路道填塞，道：「悟空，似此怎生過得？」行者侮著鼻子道：「這個卻難也。」三藏見行者說難，便就眼中垂淚。When Sanzang smelled that dreadful stench and saw the road ahead choked up, he said, "Wukong, how are we ever to get through a place like this?" Wukong, pinching his nose, said, "This is indeed difficult." Seeing Wukong say it was difficult, Sanzang's eyes filled with tears.李老兒與眾上前道：「老爺勿得心焦。Old Li and the others came forward and said, "Elder, don't distress yourself.我等送到此處，都已約定意思了：令高徒與我們降了妖精，除了一莊禍害，我們各辦虔心，另開一條好路，送老爺過去。」行者笑道：「你這老兒，俱言之欠當。Having escorted you this far, we have all already agreed among ourselves: since your worthy disciples have subdued the monster for us and removed a scourge from the whole village, we will each contribute our sincere efforts and open up another good road for you, to see you across." Wukong laughed and said, "Old man, everything you've said falls short of the mark.你初然說這山徑過有八百里，你等又不是大禹的神兵，那裡會開山鑿路？You said just now that this mountain path runs some eight hundred li — you people aren't Great Yu's divine soldiers, so how could you possibly open a mountain and cut a road?若要我師父過去，還得我們著力，你們都成不得。」三藏下馬，道：「悟空，怎生著力麼？」行者笑道：「眼下就要過山，卻也是難；If my master is to get across, it will still take effort from us; you people can't manage it at all." Sanzang dismounted and said, "Wukong, what kind of effort do you mean?" Wukong laughed and said, "To cross the mountain right now is indeed difficult;若說再開條路，卻又難也。and to speak of opening a new road is likewise difficult.須是還從舊衚衕過去，只恐無人管飯。」李老兒道：「長老說那裡話，憑你四位擔擱多少時，我等俱養得起，怎麼說無人管飯。」行者道：「既如此，你們去辦得兩石米的乾飯，再做些蒸餅、饝饝來。We'll simply have to go through the old lane as before — I only fear there'll be no one to provide meals." Old Li said, "Reverend sir, what kind of talk is that? No matter how long the four of you take, we can all afford to feed you — how could you say there'd be no one to provide meals?" Wukong said, "In that case, go and prepare two shi of cooked rice, and also make some steamed cakes and buns.等我那長嘴和尚吃飽了，變了大豬，拱開舊路，我師父騎在馬上，我等扶持著，管情過去了。」Once my long-mouthed monk here has eaten his fill, he'll turn into a great hog and root open the old road; my master will ride on the horse, and the rest of us will support him along, and I guarantee we'll get across."

一路上喜喜欢欢，不时到了七绝山稀柿同口。三藏闻得那般恶秽，又见路道填塞，道：「悟空，似此怎生过得？」行者侮著鼻子道：「这个却难也。」三藏见行者说难，便就眼中垂泪。李老儿与众上前道：「老爷勿得心焦。我等送到此处，都已约定意思了：令高徒与我们降了妖精，除了一庄祸害，我们各办虔心，另开一条好路，送老爷过去。」行者笑道：「你这老儿，俱言之欠当。你初然说这山径过有八百里，你等又不是大禹的神兵，那里会开山凿路？若要我师父过去，还得我们著力，你们都成不得。」三藏下马，道：「悟空，怎生著力么？」行者笑道：「眼下就要过山，却也是难；若说再开条路，却又难也。须是还从旧胡同过去，只恐无人管饭。」李老儿道：「长老说那里话，凭你四位担搁多少时，我等俱养得起，怎么说无人管饭。」行者道：「既如此，你们去办得两石米的干饭，再做些蒸饼、饝饝来。等我那长嘴和尚吃饱了，变了大猪，拱开旧路，我师父骑在马上，我等扶持著，管情过去了。」

八戒聞言道：「哥哥，你們都要圖個乾淨，怎麼獨教老豬出臭？」三藏道：「悟能，你果有本事拱開衚衕，領我過山，註你這場頭功。」八戒笑道：「師父在上，列位施主們都在此，休笑話。Hearing this, Bajie said, "Brother, all of you want to stay clean and tidy — why make old Hog alone go out and stink?" Sanzang said, "Wuneng, if you truly have the ability to root open the lane and lead us across the mountain, I shall credit you with the greatest merit in this whole affair." Bajie laughed and said, "Master, up above, and all you benefactors gathered here, please don't laugh at me.我老豬本來有三十六般變化，若說變輕巧華麗飛騰之物，委實不能；Old Hog originally has thirty-six transformations; if it comes to changing into something light, elegant, or able to fly, I honestly cannot do it;若說變山，變樹，變石塊，變土墩，變賴象、科豬、水牛、駱駝，真個全會。but if it comes to changing into a mountain, a tree, a rock, an earthen mound, a lai-elephant, a coarse hog, a water buffalo, or a camel, I truly can do them all.只是身體變得大，肚腸越發大。It's just that when my body changes to something big, my belly grows even bigger.須是吃得飽了，才好幹事。」眾人道：「有東西，有東西，我們都帶得有乾糧、果品、燒餅、饝饝在此，原要開山相送的，且都拿出來，憑你受用。I'll need to eat my fill before I can get the job done properly." Everyone said, "We have food, we have food — we all brought dry provisions, fruit, sesame cakes, and buns with us, originally meaning to open the mountain and see you off with them; let's bring them all out now, and you may enjoy them as you please.待變化了，行動之時，我們再著人回去做飯送來。」八戒滿心歡喜，脫了皂直裰，丟了九齒鈀，對眾道：「休笑話，看老豬幹這場臭功。」Once you've transformed and are on the move, we'll send someone back to cook more food and bring it to you." Bajie, filled with joy, stripped off his black cassock, tossed aside his nine-toothed rake, and said to everyone, "Don't laugh at me — watch old Hog perform this stinking feat of merit."

八戒闻言道：「哥哥，你们都要图个干净，怎么独教老猪出臭？」三藏道：「悟能，你果有本事拱开胡同，领我过山，注你这场头功。」八戒笑道：「师父在上，列位施主们都在此，休笑话。我老猪本来有三十六般变化，若说变轻巧华丽飞腾之物，委实不能；若说变山，变树，变石块，变土墩，变赖象、科猪、水牛、骆驼，真个全会。只是身体变得大，肚肠越发大。须是吃得饱了，才好干事。」众人道：「有东西，有东西，我们都带得有干粮、果品、烧饼、饝饝在此，原要开山相送的，且都拿出来，凭你受用。待变化了，行动之时，我们再著人回去做饭送来。」八戒满心欢喜，脱了皂直裰，丢了九齿钯，对众道：「休笑话，看老猪干这场臭功。」

好獃子，捻著訣，搖身一變，果然變做一個大豬。That fine idiot formed a mudra with his fingers, shook himself, and transformed — and indeed became a great hog.真個是：Truly it was thus:

好呆子，捻著诀，摇身一变，果然变做一个大猪。真个是：

孫行者見八戒變得如此，即命那些相送人等快將乾糧等物推攢一處，叫八戒受用。Seeing Bajie transformed like this, Sun Wukong at once ordered the send-off party to quickly gather the dry provisions and the rest of the food together in one place, and told Bajie to eat his fill.那獃子不分生熟，一澇食之，卻上前拱路。That idiot, not distinguishing raw from cooked, wolfed it all down in one go, then went forward to root open the road.行者叫沙僧脫了腳，好生挑擔；Wukong told Sha Seng to take off his shoes and carry the load properly;請師父穩坐雕鞍。he asked the master to sit steady in the saddle.他也脫了䩺鞋，吩咐眾人回去：「若有情，快早送些飯來與我師弟接力。」那些人有七八百相送隨行，多一半有騾馬的，飛星回莊做飯；He himself also took off his boots, and instructed the crowd to go back, saying, "If you have any regard for us, hurry and send some food along soon to give my junior brother strength." Of those seven or eight hundred people who had come to see them off, more than half had mules and horses, and they flew back to the village like stars to prepare food;還有三百人步行的，立於山下遙望他行。while the remaining three hundred or so, who were on foot, stood at the foot of the mountain, watching them go off into the distance.原來此莊至山有三十餘里，待回取飯來又三十餘里，往回擔擱約有百里之遙，他師徒們已此去得遠了。It turned out that from this village to the mountain was over thirty li, and to go back for the food and return would be another thirty li — with the delay of the round trip amounting to nearly a hundred li in all, by which time the master and his disciples had already gone quite far ahead.眾人不捨，催趲騾馬，進衚衕，連夜趕至，次日方才趕上。Reluctant to part, the crowd urged on their mules and horses, pressed into the lane, and hurried on through the night, only catching up with them the next day.叫道：「取經的老爺，慢行，慢行，我等送飯來也。」長老聞言，謝之不盡道：「真是善信之人。」叫八戒住了，再吃些飯食壯神。They called out, "Reverend sirs bound for the scriptures, slow down, slow down! We've brought food for you!" Hearing this, the elder thanked them endlessly, saying, "Truly these are good and faithful people." He told Bajie to stop and eat a bit more to build up his strength.那獃子拱了兩日，正在饑餓之際，那許多人何止有七八石飯食，他也不論米飯、麵飯，收積來一澇用之，飽餐一頓，卻又上前拱路。That idiot had been rooting through for two days and was right in the midst of hunger; though the crowd had brought no more than seven or eight shi of food between them, he cared nothing for rice or noodles, gathered it all up and downed it in one go, ate his fill, and then went forward again to root open the road.三藏與行者、沙僧謝了眾人，分手兩別。Sanzang, together with Wukong and Sha Seng, thanked the crowd, and they parted ways.正是：Truly:

孙行者见八戒变得如此，即命那些相送人等快将干粮等物推攒一处，叫八戒受用。那呆子不分生熟，一涝食之，却上前拱路。行者叫沙僧脱了脚，好生挑担；请师父稳坐雕鞍。他也脱了䩺鞋，吩咐众人回去：「若有情，快早送些饭来与我师弟接力。」那些人有七八百相送随行，多一半有骡马的，飞星回庄做饭；还有三百人步行的，立于山下遥望他行。原来此庄至山有三十余里，待回取饭来又三十余里，往回担搁约有百里之遥，他师徒们已此去得远了。众人不舍，催趱骡马，进胡同，连夜赶至，次日方才赶上。叫道：「取经的老爷，慢行，慢行，我等送饭来也。」长老闻言，谢之不尽道：「真是善信之人。」叫八戒住了，再吃些饭食壮神。那呆子拱了两日，正在饥饿之际，那许多人何止有七八石饭食，他也不论米饭、面饭，收积来一涝用之，饱餐一顿，却又上前拱路。三藏与行者、沙僧谢了众人，分手两别。正是：

這去不知還有多少路程，還遇甚麼妖怪，且聽下回分解。How much further road lies ahead, and what other monsters they will meet, is not yet known — listen to the explanation in the next chapter.

这去不知还有多少路程，还遇甚么妖怪，且听下回分解。