Seven Maids of Far Cathay: Being English Notes From a Chinese Class BookLedyard, Mary Forman
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Seven Maids of Far Cathay: Being English Notes From a Chinese Class Book
Ledyard, Mary Forman
Chinese in literature
Cui Ai's Eager Betrothed, also Beauteous Mother and Sisters and Brothers
also much beauteous Flowers make arrival upon platform at same time. All
is most merry and of good fortune, and our sorrow that Cui Ai is not to
wait for the graduation of the class, is now turned to joyfulness.
Later, we go with Cui Ai to gaze upon her jewels and fine clothings. Her
No. 1 Chest of red lacquer holds many garments of fine silk of soft
warmth and richness. In the tray, numberless bracelets, hair-pins,
brooches and other ornaments have place.
No. 2 Chest, also of red lacquer, contain clothing more ordinary and
household linens most plenteous.
All the time Cui Ai showing Chests, not down in the mouth but having
smilings.
By and by I say, "Why do you look happy, Cui Ai? Why do you not make
cryings? It is our custom."
Cui Ai make response: "Because of our dear Miss Sterling. She say it is
of uttermost foolishness to make marriage and cryings at same time. It
is not the American way to so do. American lady make first marriage, no
cryings, sometimes later make cryings, but not always. Also I have great
and copious joys for in my house of littleness I am to live unto myself
and husband alone, not with Able Mother-in-law."
We wonder at the manifold good fortune of Cui Ai. It is not to believe
that she live not in house of Able Mother-in-law. I have much doubtings.
I return unto my room and will to compose Poem on - "What is House
without Mother-in-law?" but Poem no come out. I am floored with
completeness. Six bells ring but I go not. Again I make anointment of
hair and cut out dinner. I find book of rhyme-words and choose this list
- "Air-fare, Where-wear, Prayer-ensnare." At the once I become up to
snuff and Poem come unto me of so great quickness I have double joyings:
Firstly, that Poem is of everlastingness of length; lastly, that with my
rhyme-book, I can now become on to the job of Genius. Poem take of time,
three of hours; of moments, four. I give of name unto Poem:
"The Three Graces."
Long New Moons ago, Three Graces most fair,
Dwelt under one roof. And combing long hair,
Made wishes to ride in Red Wedding Chair,
Enwrapted in Red Veil; and Wedding Dress wear.
Most ancient was Faith, with belief that by prayer
A Husband would come, appearing in air.
Sun-time and Moon-time she'd pray, then declare:
"He'll be here tonight; our roof-tree to share."
Miss Hope was a Grace without any care,
Hoping a Husband to her would repair;
Her thinks troubled not. She hoped he'd be there,
But how he would come was not her affair.
Charity said: "Each our part we must bear,
If we are to Marry. Men quickly scare.
We must decide on the Time, Who and Where.
Get up and get busy; Each, Do and Dare."
Each Grace went her way a riding her mare.
Hope rode on Hopings. Miss Faith rode her Prayer.
Still they ride on and at Charity glare;
Her Wedding took place 'mid trumpetings blare.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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