Romance, Chapter 37

Chapter 37. Another Scholar Introduced: The Three visits to the Recluse

As has been said Xu Shu hastened to the capital. When Cao Cao knew he had arrived he sent Xun Yu, Cheng Yu and a band of advisers to receive him and so he was led first to the minister’s palace. “Why did such an illustrious scholar as you bow the knee to Liu Bei?” said Cao. “When young I fled to avoid the results of certain escapades. I spent some time as a wanderer and so came to Xinye where I became good friends with him. My old mother is here, and I am grateful beyond words, and ashamed, that you have deigned to care for her.”

卻說徐庶趲程赴許昌。曹操知徐庶已到，遂命荀彧、程昱等一班謀士往迎之。庶入相府拜見曹操。操曰：“公乃高明之士，何故屈身而事劉備乎？”庶曰：“某幼逃難，流落江湖，偶至新野，遂與玄德交厚，老母在此，幸蒙慈念，不勝愧感。”

“Now you will be able to take care of your mother at all times. And I may have the privilege of receiving your instruction.” Xu Shu then took his leave and hastened to his mother’s dwelling. Weeping with emotion he made his obeisance to her at the door of her room. But she was greatly surprised to see him and said, “What have you come here for?” “I was at Xinye, in the service of Liu of Yuzhou when I received your letter. I came immediately.” His mother suddenly grew very angry. Striking the table she cried, “You shameful and degenerate son! For years you have drifted about the land, and I thought your learning had advanced. How is it that you are now worse than at the beginning?

操曰：“公今至此，正可晨昏侍奉令堂，吾亦得聽清誨矣。”庶拜謝而出。急往見其母，泣拜於堂下。母大驚曰：“汝何故至此？”庶曰：“近於新野事劉豫州；因得母書，故星夜至此。”徐母勃然大怒，拍案罵曰：“辱子飄蕩江湖數年，吾以爲汝學業有進，何其反不如初也！

You are a student and know the books. You must then know that loyalty and filial piety are often opposed. Did you not recognise in Cao a traitor, a man who flouts his king and insults the mighty ones? Did you not see that Liu Bei was virtuous and upright as all the world knows? Moreover, he is of the House of Han and when you were with him you were serving a fitting master. Now on the strength of a scrap of forged writing, with no attempt at any enquiry, you have left the light and plunged into darkness and earned a disgraceful reputation. Truly you are stupid! How can I bear to look upon you? You have besmirched the fair fame of your forefathers and are of no use in the world.”

汝既讀書，須知忠孝不能兩全。豈不識曹操欺君罔上之賊？劉玄德仁義佈於四海，況又漢室之胄，汝既事之，得其主矣，今憑一紙僞書，更不詳察，遂棄明投暗，自取惡名，真愚夫也！吾有何面目與汝相見！汝玷辱祖宗，空生於天地間耳！”

The son remained bowed to the earth, not daring to lift his eyes while his mother delivered this vilifying tirade. As she said the last word she rose suddenly and left the room. Soon after one of the servants came out to say she had hanged herself. Her son rushed in to try to save her, but was too late. A eulogy of her conduct has been written thus:— Wise Mother Xu, fair is your fame,
The storied page glows with your name,
From duty’s path you never strayed,
The family’s renown you made.
To train your son no pains you spared,
For your own body nothing cared.
You stand sublime, from us apart,
Through simple purity of heart.
Brave Liu Bei’s virtues you extolled,
You blamed Cao Cao, the basely bold.
Of blazing fire you felt no fear,
You blenched not when the sword came near,
But dreaded lest a wilful son
Should dim the fame his fathers won.

罵得徐庶拜伏於地，不敢仰視，母自轉入屏風後去了。少頃，家人出報曰：“老夫人自縊於梁間。”徐庶慌入救時，母氣已絕。後人有《徐母贊》曰：“賢哉徐母，流芳千古：守節無虧，於家有補；教子多方，處身自苦；氣若丘山，義出肺腑；讚美豫州，毀觸魏武；不畏鼎鑊，不懼刀斧；唯恐後嗣，玷辱先祖。

Yes, Mother Xu was of one mould
With famous heroines of old,
Who never shrank from injury,
And even were content to die.
Fair meed of praise, while still alive,
Was yours, and ever will survive. Hail! Mother Xu, your memory, While time rolls on, shall never die. At sight of his mother dead Xu Shu fell in a swoon and only recovered consciousness after a long time. By and bye Cao heard of it and sent mourning gifts, and in due course went in person to condole and sacrifice. The body was interred on the south of the capital and the dead woman’s unhappy son kept vigil at her tomb. He steadily rejected all gifts from Cao Cao.

伏劍同流，斷機堪伍；生得其名，死得其所：賢哉徐母，流芳千古！”徐庶見母已死，哭絕於地，良久方蘇。曹操使人齎禮弔問，又親往祭奠。徐庶葬母柩於許昌之南原，居喪守墓。凡曹操所賜，庶俱不受。

At that time Cao was contemplating an attack on the south. Xun Yu dissuaded him, saying it was too cold for war and he should await the warmth of spring; and he yielded. But he began to prepare, and led the waters of the Zhang River aside to form a lake, which he called the Xuanwu Lake, where he could accustom his men to fight on the water.

時操欲商議南征。荀彧諫曰：“天寒未可用兵；姑待春暖，方可長驅大進。”操從之，乃引漳河之水作一池，名玄武池，於內教練水軍，準備南征。

As has been said Xuande prepared gifts for a visit to Zhuge Liang at Longzhong. One day his servants announced a stranger of extraordinary appearance, wearing a lofty head-dress and a wide belt. “Surely this is Kongming,” said Xuande, and, hastily arranging his dress, he went to welcome the visitor. But the first glance showed him that it was the recluse of the mountains, Sima Hui. However, Xuande was glad to see him and led him into the inner apartment as he would an old friend. There Bei conducted him to the seat of honour and made his obeisance, saying, “Since leaving you that day in the mountains I have been overwhelmed with military preparations and so have failed to visit you as courtesy demanded.

卻說玄德正安排禮物，欲往隆中謁諸葛亮，忽人報：“門外有一先生，峨冠博帶，道貌非常，特來相探。”玄德曰：“此莫非即孔明否？”遂整衣出迎。視之，乃司馬徽也。玄德大喜，請入後堂高坐，拜問曰：“備自別仙顏，因軍務倥傯，有失拜訪。

Now that the brightness has descended upon me I hope this dereliction of duty may be pardoned.” “I hear Xu Yuanzhi is here. I have come expressly to see him,” replied the visitor bluntly. “Lately Cao Cao imprisoned his mother, and she sent a messenger with a letter calling him back to Xuchang. So he has gone.” “Then he has just fallen into Cao Cao’s trap, for that letter was a forgery. I have always known his mother to be a very noble woman, and even if she were imprisoned by Cao she would not summon her son like that. Certainly the letter was a forgery. If the son did not go, the mother would be safe; if he went, she would be a dead woman.”

今得光降，大慰仰慕之私。”徽曰：“聞徐元直在此，特來一會。”玄德曰：“近因曹操囚其母，徐母遣人馳書，喚回許昌去矣。”徽曰：“此中曹操之計矣！吾素聞徐母最賢，雖爲操所囚，必不肯馳書召其子；此書必詐也。元直不去，其母尚存；今若去，母必死矣！”

“But how?” asked Xuande, dismayed. “She is a woman of the highest principles, who would be greatly mortified at the sight of her son under such conditions.” Liu Bei said, “Just as your friend was leaving he mentioned the name of a certain Zhuge Liang. What think you of him?” Hui laughed, saying, “If Yuanzhi wanted to go, he was free to go. But why did he have to drag that man out to wear out his heart’s blood for others?” “Why do you speak like that?” asked Xuande. He replied, “Kongming and four others, Cui Zhouping of Boling, Shi Guangyuan of Yingchuan, Meng Gongwei of Runan and Xu Yuanzhi, were the closest of friends.

玄德驚問其故，徽曰：“徐母高義，必羞見其子也。”玄德曰：“元直臨行，薦南陽諸葛亮，其人若何？”徽笑曰：“元直欲去，自去便了，何又惹他出來嘔心血也？”玄德曰：“先生何出此言？”徽曰：“孔明與博陵崔州平、潁川石廣元、汝南孟公威與徐元直四人爲密友。

The four others devoted themselves to minute and exact scholarship; Kongming alone looked only at the broad outlines. He used to sit among them with his arms about his knees muttering and then, pointing to his companions, he would say, ‘You, gentlemen, would become governors and prefects if you were in official life.’ “When they asked him what was his ambition he would only smile and always compared himself with the great scholars Guan Chung and Yo I. No one could gauge his talents.” “How comes it that Yingchuan produces so many able men?” said Xuande. “That old astrologer, Yin Kui, used to say that the stars clustered thick over the district and so there were many wise men.”

此四人務於精純，惟孔明獨觀其大略。嘗抱膝長吟，而指四人曰：‘公等仕進可至刺史、郡守。’衆問孔明之志若何，孔明但笑而不答。每常自比管仲、樂毅，其纔不可量也。”玄德曰：“何潁川之多賢乎！”徽曰：“昔有殷馗善觀天文，嘗謂羣星聚於潁分，其地必多賢士。”

Now Guan Yu was there and when he heard Kongming so highly praised he said, “Guan Chung and Yo I are famous men of the Spring and Autumn and the Warring States eras. They well overtopped the rest of mankind. Is it not a little too much to say that Kongming compares with these two?” “In my opinion he should not be compared with these two, but rather with two others,” said Hui. “Who are these two?” asked Guan Yu. “One of them is Jiang Ziya, who laid the foundations of the Zhou dynasty so firmly that it lasted eight hundred years, and the other Zhang Zifang, who made Han glorious for four centuries.”

時雲長在側曰：“某聞管仲、樂毅乃春秋、戰國名人，功蓋寰宇；孔明自比此二人，毋乃太過？”徽笑曰：“以吾觀之，不當比此二人；我欲另以二人出之。”雲長問：“那二人？”徽曰：“可比興周八百年之姜子牙、旺漢四百年之張子房也。”

Before the surprise called forth by this startling statement had subsided, the visitor walked down the steps and took his leave. Liu Bei would have kept him if he could, but he was obdurate. As he stalked proudly away he threw up his head and said, “Though the ‘Sleeping Dragon’ has found his lord, he has not been born at the right time. It is a pity.” “What a wise hermit!” was Liu Bei’s comment.

衆皆愕然。徽下階相辭欲行，玄德留之不住。徽出門仰天大笑曰：“臥龍雖得其主，不得其時，惜哉！”言罷，飄然而去。玄德嘆曰：“真隱居賢士也！”

The next day the three brothers, with their followers, set out for Longzhong to find the abode of the wise man. When they drew near the spot they saw a number of peasants in a field hoeing up the weeds, and as they worked they sang:— “The earth is a chequered board,
And the sky hangs over all,
Under it men are contending,
Some rise, but a many fall.
For those who succeed ’tis well,
But for those who go under rough.
There’s a dozing dragon hard by,
But his sleep isn’t deep enough.” They stopped to listen to the song and, calling up one of the peasants, asked who made it.

次日，玄德同關、張並從人等來隆中。遙望山畔數人，荷鋤耕于田間，而作歌曰：“蒼天如圓蓋，陸地似棋局；世人黑白分，往來爭榮辱：榮者自安安，辱者定碌碌。南陽有隱居，高眠臥不足！”玄德聞歌，勒馬喚農夫問曰：“此歌何人所作？”

“It was made by Master ‘Sleeping Dragon,’ ” said the labourer. “Then he lives hereabout. Where?” “South of this hill there is a ridge called The Sleeping Dragon and close by is a sparse wood. In it stands a modest cottage. That is where Master Zhuge takes his repose.” Xuande thanked him and the party rode on. Soon they came to the ridge, most aptly named, for indeed it lay wrapped in an atmosphere of calm beauty. A poet wrote of it thus:—

答曰：“乃臥龍先生所作也。”玄德曰：“臥龍先生住何處？”農夫曰：“自此山之南，一帶高岡，乃臥龍岡也。岡前疏林內茅廬中，即諸葛先生高臥之地。”玄德謝之，策馬前行。不數里，遙望臥龍岡，果然清景異常。後人有古風一篇，單道臥龍居處。

Not far from Xiangyang’s massive walls
There stands, clear cut against the sky,
A lofty ridge, and at its foot
A gentle stream goes gliding by.
The contour, curving up and down,
Although by resting cloud it’s marred,
Arrests the eye; and here and there
The flank by waterfalls is scarred.
There, like a sleeping dragon coiled,
Or phoenix hid among thick pines,
You see, secure from prying eyes,
A cot, reed-built on rustic lines.
The rough-joined doors, pushed by the wind,
Swing idly open and disclose
The greatest genius of the world
Enjoying still his calm repose.
The air is full of woodland scents,
Around are hedgerows trim and green,
Thick-growing intercrossed bamboos
Replace the painted doorway screen.
But look within and books you see
By every couch, near every chair;
And you may guess that common men
Are very seldom welcomed there.
The hut seems far from human ken,
So far, one might expect to find
Wild forest denizens there, trained
To serve in place of human kind.
Without a hoary crane might stand
As warden of the outer gate;
Within a long-armed gibbon come
To offer fruit upon a plate.
But enter; there refinement reigns;
Brocaded silk the lutes protect,
And burnished weapons on the walls
The green of pines outside reflect.

詩曰：“襄陽城西二十里，一帶高岡枕流水：高岡屈曲壓雲根，流水潺潺飛石髓；勢若困龍石上蟠，形如單鳳松陰裏；柴門半掩閉茅廬，中有高人臥不起。
修竹交加列翠屏，四時籬落野花馨；牀頭堆積皆黃卷，座上往來無白丁；叩戶蒼猿時獻果，守門老鶴夜聽經；囊裹名琴藏古錦，壁間寶劍掛七星。

For he who dwells within that hut
Is talented beyond compare,
Although he lives the simple life
And harvest seems his only care.
He waits until the thund’rous call
Shall bid him wake, nor sleep again;
Then will he forth and at his word
Peace over all the land shall reign. Xuande soon arrived at the door of the retreat, dismounted and knocked at the rough door of the cottage. A youth appeared and asked what he wanted. Xuande replied, “I am Liu Bei, General of the Left of the Han, Village Marquis of Yicheng, Imperial Protector of Yuzhou and Uncle of the Emperor. I am come to salute the Master.” “I cannot remember so many titles,” said the lad.

廬中先生獨幽雅，閒來親自勤耕稼：專待春雷驚夢迴，一聲長嘯安天下。”玄德來到莊前，下馬親叩柴門，一童出問。玄德曰：“漢左將軍宜城亭侯領豫州牧皇叔劉備，特來拜見先生。”童子曰：“我記不得許多名字。”

“Then simply say that Liu Bei has come to enquire after him.” “The master left this morning early.” “Whither has he gone?” “His movements are very uncertain. I do not know whither he has gone.” “When will he return?” “That also is uncertain. Perhaps in three days, perhaps in ten.” The disappointment was keen. “Let us go back since we cannot see him,” said Zhang Fei. “Wait a little time,” said Xuande.

玄德曰：“你只說劉備來訪。”童子曰：“先生今早少出。”玄德曰：“何處去了？”童子曰：“蹤跡不定，不知何處去了。”玄德曰：“幾時歸？”童子曰：“歸期亦不定，或三五日，或十數日。”玄德惆悵不已。張飛曰：“既不見，自歸去罷了。”玄德曰：“且待片時。”

“It would be better to return,” said Guan Yu, “then we might send to find out when this man had come back.” So Xuande agreed, first saying to the boy, “When the master returns, tell him that Liu Bei has been.” They rode away. Presently Liu Bei stopped and looked back at the surroundings of the little cottage in the wood. The mountains were picturesque rather than grand, the water clear rather than profound, the plain was level rather than extensive, the woods luxuriant rather than extensive. Gibbons ranged through the trees and cranes waded in the shallow water. The pines and the bamboos vied with each other in verdure.

雲長曰：“不如且歸，再使人來探聽。”玄德從其言，囑付童子：“如先生回，可言劉備拜訪。”遂上馬，行數里，勒馬回觀隆中景物，果然山不高而秀雅，水不深而澄清；地不廣而平坦，林不大而茂盛；猿鶴相親，松篁交翠。

It was a scene to linger upon. While Liu Bei stood regarding it, he saw a figure coming down a mountain path. The man’s bearing was lofty; he was handsome and dignified. He wore a comfortable-looking bonnet on his head and a black robe hung about his figure in easy folds. He used a staff to help him down the steep path. “Surely that is he!” said Xuande. He dismounted and walked over to greet the stranger, whom he saluted deferentially, saying, “Are you not Master Sleeping Dragon, Sir?” “Who are you, General?” said the stranger. “I am Liu Bei.” “I am not Kongming, but I am a friend of his, Cui Zhouping of Boling.”

觀之不已，忽見一人，容貌軒昂，丰姿俊爽，頭戴逍遙巾，身穿皁布袍，杖藜從山僻小路而來。玄德曰：“此必臥龍先生也！”急下馬向前施禮，問曰：“先生非臥龍否？”其人曰：“將軍是誰？”玄德曰：“劉備也。”其人曰：“吾非孔明，乃孔明之友博陵崔州平也。”

“Long have I known of you! I am very glad to see you,” replied Xuande. “And now I pray you to be seated just where we are and let me receive your instruction.” The two men sat down in the wood on a stone and the two brothers ranged themselves by Liu Bei’s side. Zhouping began, saying, “General, for what reason do you wish to see Kongming?” Liu Bei replied, “The Empire is in confusion and troubles gather everywhere. I want your friend to tell me how to restore order.” “You, Sir, make the quelling of disorder your chief aim, and that is the mark of a kindly heart; but from the oldest antiquity order and disorder have followed each other without constancy.

玄德曰：“久聞大名，幸得相遇。乞即席地權坐，請教一言。”二人對坐於林間石上，關、張侍立於側。州平曰：“將軍何故欲見孔明？”玄德曰：“方今天下大亂，四方雲擾，欲見孔明，求安邦定國之策耳。”州平笑曰：“公以定亂爲主，雖是仁心，但自古以來，治亂無常。

On the day that the founder of the Han dynasty first put his hand to the work and slew the wicked ruler of Qin, order began to replace disorder. Down to the reigns of Ai and Ping, two hundred years, there was long tranquillity. Then came Wang Mang’s rebellion and disorder took the place of order. Anon, arose Guangwu, who restored the Dynasty, and order once more prevailed. We have had two centuries of order and tranquillity, and the time of trouble and battles is due. The restoration of peace will take time; it cannot be quickly accomplished.

自高祖斬蛇起義，誅無道秦，是由亂而入治也；至哀、平之世二百年，太平日久，王莽篡逆，又由治而入亂；光武中興，重整基業，復由亂而入治；至今二百年，民安已久，故干戈又復四起：此正由治入亂之時，未可猝定也。

You, Sir, wish to get Kongming to regulate times and seasons, to repair the cosmos; but I fear the task is indeed difficult and to attempt it would be a vain expenditure of mental energy. You know well that he who goes with the favour of Heaven travels an easy road, he who goes contrary meets difficulties. One cannot escape one’s lot; one cannot evade fate.” “Master,” replied Bei, “your insight is indeed deep and your words of wide meaning, but I am a scion of the House of Han and must help it. Dare I talk of the inevitable and trust to fate?”

將軍欲使孔明斡旋天地，補綴乾坤，恐不易爲，徒費心力耳。豈不聞順天者逸，逆天者勞；數之所在，理不得而奪之；命之所在，人不得而強之乎？”玄德曰：“先生所言，誠爲高見。但備身爲漢胄，合當匡扶漢室，何敢委之數與命？”

Zhouping replied, “A simple denizen of the mountain wilds is unfitted to discuss the affairs of Empire. But you bade me speak and I have spoken; perhaps somewhat madly.” “Master, I am grateful for your instruction. But know you whither Kongming has gone?” “I also came to see him and I know not where he is,” said Zhouping. “If I asked you, Master, to accompany me to my poor bit of territory, would you come?” “I am too dilatory, too fond of leisure and ease, and no longer have any ambitions. But I will see you another time.”

州平曰：“山野之夫，不足與論天下事，適承明問，故妄言之。”玄德曰：“蒙先生見教。但不知孔明往何處去了？”州平曰：“吾亦欲訪之，正不知其何往。”玄德曰：“請先生同至敝縣，若何？”州平曰：“愚性頗樂閒散，無意功名久矣；容他日再見。”

And with these words he saluted and left. The three brothers also mounted and started homeward. Presently Zhang Fei said, “We have not found Kongming and we have had to listen to the wild ravings of this so-called scholar. There is the whole result of this journey.” “His words were those of a deep thinker,” replied Xuande.

言訖，長揖而去。玄德與關、張上馬而行。張飛曰：“孔明又訪不着，卻遇此腐儒，閒談許久！”玄德曰：“此亦隱者之言也。”

Some days after the return to Xinye, Xuande sent to find out whether Kongming had returned and the messenger came back saying that he had. Wherefore Liu Bei prepared for another visit. Again Zhang Fei showed his irritation by remarking, “Why must you go hunting after this villager? Send and tell him to come.” “Silence!” said Xuande, “The Teacher Meng, (Mencius) said, ‘To try to see the sage without going his way is like barring a door you wish to enter.’

三人回至新野，過了數日，玄德使人探聽孔明。回報曰：“臥龍先生已回矣。”玄德便教備馬。張飛曰：“量一村夫，何必哥哥自去，可使人喚來便了。”玄德叱曰：“汝豈不聞孟子云：欲見賢而不以其道，猶欲其入而閉之門也。

Kongming is the greatest sage of the day; how can I summon him?” So Xuande rode away to make his visit, his two brothers with him as before. It was winter and exceedingly cold; angry clouds covered the whole sky. Before they had gone far a bitter wind began to blow in their faces and the snow began to fall. Soon the mountains were of jade and the trees of silver. “It is very cold and the earth is frozen hard, no fighting is possible now.” Said Zhang Fei. “Yet we are going all this way to get advice which will be useless to us. Where is the sense of it? Let us rather get back to Xinye out of the cold.”

孔明當世大賢，豈可召乎！”遂上馬再往訪孔明。關、張亦乘馬相隨。時值隆冬，天氣嚴寒，彤雲密佈。行無數里，忽然朔風凜凜，瑞雪霏霏：山如玉簇，林似銀妝。張飛曰：“天寒地凍，尚不用兵，豈宜遠見無益之人乎！不如回新野以避風雪。”

Xuande replied, “I am set upon proving my zeal to Kongming, but if you, my brother, do not like the cold, you can return.” “I do not fear death; do you think I care for the cold? But I do care about wasting my brother’s energies,” said Zhang Fei. “Say no more,” said Xuande, and they travelled on. When they drew near the little wood they heard singing in a roadside inn and stopped to listen. This was the song:— Although possessed of talent rare,
This man has made no name;
Alas! the day is breaking late
That is to show his fame.

玄德曰：“吾正欲使孔明知我殷勤之意。如弟輩怕冷，可先回去。”飛曰：“死且不怕，豈怕冷乎！但恐哥哥空勞神思。”玄德曰：“勿多言，只相隨同去。”將近茅廬，忽聞路傍酒店中有人作歌。玄德立馬聽之。其歌曰：“壯士功名尚未成，嗚呼久不遇陽春！

O friends you know the tale: Th’ aged man constrained to leave
His cottage by the sea.
To follow in a prince’s train
His counsellor to be.
Eight hundred feudal chieftains met
Who came with one accord;
The happy omen, that white fish,
That leapt the boat aboard;
The gory field in distant wilds,
Whence flowed a crimson tide,
And him acknowledged chief in war
Whose virtues none denied;
That Gaoyang rustic, fond of wine,
Who left his native place
And went to serve so faithfully
The man of handsome face;
And one who spoke of ruling chiefs
In tones so bold and free,
But sitting at the festive board
Was full of courtesy;
And one, ’twas he who laid in dust
Walled cities near four score—
But men of doughty deeds like these
On earth are seen no more.

君不見東海老叟辭荊榛，後車遂與文王親；八百諸侯不期會，白魚入舟涉孟津；牧野一戰血流杵，鷹揚偉烈冠武臣。又不見高陽酒徒起草中，長揖芒碭隆準公；高談王霸驚人耳，輟洗延坐欽英風；東下齊城七十二，天下無人能繼蹤。

Now had these men not found their lord
Would they be known to fame?
Yet having found, they served him well
And so achieved a name. The song ended, the singer’s companion tapping the table sang:— We had a famous emperor,
Who drew his shining sword,
Cleansed all the land within the seas
And made himself its lord.
In time his son succeeded him,
And so from son to son
The lordship passed, held firm until
Four hundred years had run.
Then dawned a day of weaklier sons,
The fiery virtue failed,
Then ministers betrayed their trust,
Court intrigues vile prevailed.
The omens came; a serpent black
Coiled on the dragon throne,
While in the hall of audience
Unholy haloes shone.
Now bandits swarm in all the land
And noble strives with chief,
The common people, sore perplexed,
Can nowhere find relief.
Let’s drown our sorrows in the cup,
Be happy while we may,
Let those who wish run after fame
That is to last for aye.

二人功跡尚如此，至今誰肯論英雄？”歇罷，又有一人擊桌而歌。其歌曰：“吾皇提劍清寰海，創業垂基四百載；桓靈季業火德衰，奸臣賊子調鼎鼐。青蛇飛下御座傍，又見妖虹降玉堂；羣盜四方如蟻聚，奸雄百輩皆鷹揚，吾儕長嘯空拍手，悶來村店飲村酒；獨善其身盡日安，何須千古名不朽！”

The two men laughed loud and clapped their hands as the second singer ceased. Xuande thought full surely the longed-for sage was there, so he dismounted and entered the inn. He saw the two merry-makers sitting opposite each other at a table. One was pale with a long beard; the other had a strikingly refined face. Xuande saluted them and said, “Which of you is Master Sleeping Dragon?” “Who are you, Sir?” asked the long-bearded one. “What business have you with Sleeping Dragon?” “I am Liu Bei. I want to enquire of him how to restore tranquillity to the world.”

二人歌罷，撫掌大笑。玄德曰：“臥龍其在此間乎！”遂下馬入店。見二人憑桌對飲：上首者白麪長鬚，下首者清奇古貌。玄德揖而問曰：“二公誰是臥龍先生？”長鬚者曰：“公何人？欲尋臥龍何干？”玄德曰：“某乃劉備也。欲訪先生，求濟世安民之術。”

“Well, neither of us is your man, but we are friends of his. I am Shi Guangyuan of Yingchuan and my friend here is Meng Gongwei of Runan.” “I know you both by reputation,” said Xuande smiling. “I am indeed fortunate to meet you in this haphazard way. Will you not come to the Sleeping Dragon’s retreat and talk for a time? I have horses here for you.” “We idle folk of the wilds know nothing of tranquillising States. Do not trouble to ask, please. Pray mount again and go your way in search of Sleeping Dragon.”

長鬚者曰：“我等非臥龍，皆臥龍之友也：吾乃潁川石廣元，此位是汝南孟公威。”玄德喜曰：“備久聞二公大名，幸得邂逅。今有隨行馬匹在此，敢請二公同往臥龍莊上一談。”廣元曰：“吾等皆山野慵懶之徒，不省治國安民之事，不勞下問。明公請自上馬，尋訪臥龍。”

So he remounted and went his way. He reached the little cottage, dismounted and tapped at the door. The same lad answered his knock and he asked whether the Master had returned. “He is in his room reading,” said the boy. Joyful indeed was Liu Bei as he followed the lad in. In front of the middle door he saw written this pair of scrolls:— By purity manifest the inclination:
By repose affect the distant. As he was looking at this couplet he heard some one singing in a subdued voice and stopped by the door to peep in. He saw a young man close to a charcoal brazier, hugging his knees while he sang:— The phoenix flies high, ah me!
And only will perch on a wutong tree.
The scholar is hid, ah me!
Till his lord appear he can patient be.

玄德乃辭二人，上馬投臥龍岡來。到莊前下馬，扣門問童子曰：“先生今日在莊否？”童子曰：“現在堂上讀書。”玄德大喜，遂跟童子而入。至中門，只見門上大書一聯雲：“淡泊以明志。寧靜而致遠。”玄德正看間，忽聞吟詠之聲，乃立於門側窺之，見草堂之上，一少年擁爐抱膝，歌曰：“鳳翱翔於千仞兮，非梧不棲；士伏處於一方兮，非主不依。

He tills his fields, ah me!
He is well-content and I love my home,
He awaits his day, ah me!
Meanwhile his lute and his books are his pride.

樂躬耕於隴畝兮，吾愛吾廬；聊寄傲於琴書兮，以待天時。”

As the song ended Xuande advanced and saluted saying, “Master, long have I yearned for you, but have found it impossible to salute you. Lately Xu Yuanzhi commended you and I hastened to your dwelling, only to come away disappointed. This time I have braved the elements and come again and my reward is here; I see your face, and I am indeed fortunate.” The young man hastily returned the salute and said, “General, you must be that Liu Bei of Yuzhou who wishes to see my brother.” “Then, Master, you are not the Sleeping Dragon!” said Xuande, starting back.

玄德待其歌罷，上草堂施禮曰：“備久慕先生，無緣拜會。昨因徐元直稱薦，敬至仙莊，不遇空回。今特冒風雪而來。得瞻道貌，實爲萬幸！”那少年慌忙答禮曰：“將軍莫非劉豫州，欲見家兄否？”玄德驚訝曰：“先生又非臥龍耶？”

“I am his younger brother, Jun. We are three brothers. The eldest, Zhuge Jin, is now in Jiangdong as an adviser to Sun Zhongmou. Kongming is the second of our family.” “Is your brother at home?” “Only yesterday he arranged to go a jaunt with Cui Zhouping.” “Whither have they gone?” “Who can say? They may take a boat and sail away among the lakes, or go to gossip with the priests in some remote mountain temple, or wander off to visit a friend in some far away village, or be sitting in some cave with a lute or a chessboard. Their goings and comings are uncertain and nobody can guess at them.”

少年曰：“某乃臥龍之弟諸葛均也。愚兄弟三人：長兄諸葛瑾，現在江東孫仲謀處爲幕賓；孔明乃二家兄。”玄德曰：“臥龍今在家否？”均曰：“昨爲崔州平相約，出外閒遊去矣。”玄德曰：“何處閒遊？”均曰：“或駕小舟遊於江湖之中，或訪僧道于山嶺之上，或尋朋友于村落之間，或樂琴棋於洞府之內：往來莫測，不知去所。”

“What very poor luck have I! Twice have I failed to meet the great sage.” “Pray sit a few moments and let me offer you some tea.” “Brother, since the master is not here I pray you remount and go,” said Zhang Fei. “Since I am here, why not a little talk before we go home again?” said Xuande. Then turning to his host he continued, “Can you tell me if your worthy brother is skilled in strategy and studies works on war?” “I do not know.”

玄德曰：“劉備直如此緣分淺薄，兩番不遇大賢！”均曰：“少坐獻茶。”張飛曰：“那先生既不在，請哥哥上馬。”玄德曰：“我既到此間，如何無一語而回？”因問諸葛均曰：“聞令兄臥龍先生熟諳韜略，日看兵書，可得聞乎？”均曰：“不知。”

“This is worse than the other,” grumbled Zhang Fei. “And the wind and snow are getting worse; we ought to go back.” Xuande turned on him angrily and told him to stop. Jun said, “Since my brother is absent I will not presume to detain you longer. I will return your call soon.” “Please do not take that trouble. In a few days I will come again. But if I could borrow paper and a brush I would leave a note to show your worthy brother that I am zealous and earnest.” Jun produced the “four treasures” of the scholar.

張飛曰：“問他則甚！風雪甚緊，不如早歸。”玄德叱止之。均曰：“家兄不在，不敢久留車騎；容日卻來回禮。”玄德曰：“豈敢望先生枉駕。數日之後，備當再至。願借紙筆作一書，留達令兄，以表劉備殷勤之意。”均遂進文房四寶。

Xuande, thawing out the frozen brush between his lips, spread the sheet of delicate note-paper and wrote:— “Bei has long admired your fame. He has visited your dwelling twice, but to his great disappointment he has gone empty away. He humbly remembers that he is a distant relative of the Emperor, that he has undeservedly enjoyed fame and rank. When he sees the proper government wrested aside and replaced by pretence, the foundation of the State crumbling away, hordes of bravos creating confusion in the country and an evil cabal behaving unseemly toward the rightful Prince, then his heart and gall are torn to shreds. Though he has a real desire to assist, yet is he deficient in the needful skill. Wherefore he turns to the Master, trusting in his kindness, graciousness, loyalty and righteousness. Would the Master but use his talent, equal to that of Lü Wang, and perform great deeds like Zhang Zifang, then would the Empire be happy!

玄德呵開凍筆，拂展雲箋，寫書曰：“備久慕高名，兩次晉謁，不遇空回，惆悵何似！竊念備漢朝苗裔，濫叨名爵，伏睹朝廷陵替，綱紀崩摧，羣雄亂國，惡黨欺君，備心膽俱裂。雖有匡濟之誠，實乏經綸之策。仰望先生仁慈忠義，慨然展呂望之大才，施子房之鴻略，天下幸甚！

Happy too would be the altars of the State!” “This is written to tell you that, after purification of mind with fasting and of body with fragrant baths, Bei will come again to prostrate himself in your honoured presence and receive enlightenment.” The letter written and given to Jun, Xuande took his leave. Jun saw him out, and Xuande again and again expressed his earnest regard before they parted. As he was mounting he saw the serving lad waving his hand outside the hedge and heard him call out, “The old Master is coming” Xuande looked and then saw a figure seated on a donkey leisurely jogging along over a bridge. The rider of the donkey wore a cap with long flaps down to his shoulders and his body was wrapped in a fox fur robe. A lad in a blue gown followed him carrying a gourd of wine. As he came through the snow he hummed a song:—

社稷幸甚！先此布達，再容齋戒薰沐，特拜尊顏，面傾鄙悃。統希鑑原。”玄德寫罷，遞與諸葛均收了，拜辭出門。均送出，玄德再三殷勤致意而別。方上馬欲行，忽見童子招手籬外，叫曰：“老先生來也。”玄德視之，見小橋之西，一人暖帽遮頭，狐裘蔽體，騎着一驢，後隨一青衣小童，攜一葫蘆酒，踏雪而來；轉過小橋，口吟詩一首。

’Tis eve, the sky is overcast.
The north wind comes with icy blast,
Light snowflakes whirl adown until
A white pall covers dale and hill.
Perhaps above the topmost sky
White dragons strive for mastery,
The armour scales from their forms riven
Are scattered o’er the world wind-driven.
Amid the storm there jogs along
A simple wight who croons a song.
“O poor plum trees, the gale doth tear
Your blossoms off and leave you bare.”

詩曰：“一夜北風寒，萬里彤雲厚。
長空雪亂飄，改盡江山舊。
仰面觀太虛，疑是玉龍鬥。
紛紛鱗甲飛，頃刻遍宇宙。
騎驢過小橋，獨嘆梅花瘦！
”

“Here at last is the Sleeping Dragon,” thought Xuande, hastily slipping out of the saddle. He saluted the donkey rider as he neared and said, “Master, it is hard to make way against this cold wind. I and my companions have been waiting long.” The rider hastily got off his donkey and returned the bow.

玄德聞歌曰：“此真臥龍矣！”滾鞍下馬，向前施禮曰：“先生冒寒不易！劉備等候久矣！”那人慌忙下驢答禮。

Zhuge Jun from behind said, “This is not my brother; it is his father-in-law, Huang Chengyan.” Xuande said, “I chanced to hear the song you were singing; it is very beautiful.” Chengyan replied, “It is a piece I read in the “Song of Liangfu” at my son-in-law’s house, and I recalled it as I crossed the bridge and saw the plum trees in the hedge. And so it happened to catch your ear, noble Sir.” “Have you seen your son-in-law lately?” asked Xuande.

諸葛均在後曰：“此非臥龍家兄，乃家兄岳父黃承彥也。”玄德曰：“適間所吟之句，極其高妙。”承彥曰：“老夫在小婿家觀《梁父吟》，記得這一篇；適過小橋，偶見籬落間梅花，故感而誦之。不期爲尊客所聞。”玄德曰：“曾見令婿否？”

“That is just what I have come to do now.” At this Xuande bade him farewell and went on his way. The storm was very grievous to bear, but worse than the storm was the grief in his heart as he looked back at Sleeping Dragon Ridge.

承彥曰：“便是老夫也來看他。”玄德聞言，辭別承彥，上馬而歸。正值風雪又大，回望臥龍岡，悒怏不已。

A later poet wrote of Xuande’s visit to Kongming through the wind and snow:—

後人有詩單道玄德風雪訪孔明。

One winter’s day through snow and wind
A prince rode forth the sage to find;
Alas! his journey was in vain,
And sadly turned he home again.
The stream stood still beneath the bridge
A sheet of ice draped rock and ridge,
His steed benumbed with biting cold
But crawled as he were stiff and old.
The snow-flakes on the rider’s head
Were like pear-blossoms newly shed,
Or like the willow-catkins light
They brushed his cheek in headlong flight.
He stayed his steed, he looked around,
The snow lay thick on tree and mound,
The Sleeping Dragon Ridge lay white
A hill of silver, glistening bright.

詩曰：“一天風雪訪賢良，不遇空回意感傷。
凍合溪橋山石滑，寒侵鞍馬路途長。
當頭片片梨花落，撲面紛紛柳絮狂。
回首停鞭遙望處，爛銀堆滿臥龍岡。
”

After the return to Xinye the time slipped away till the new spring had come. Then Xuande had a diviner cast the milfoil stalks to find the propitious day for another journey in search of the sage. The day being selected he fasted for three days and then changed his dress ready for the visit. His two brothers viewed the preparations with disapproval and presently made up their minds to remonstrate.

玄德回新野之後，光陰荏苒，又早新春。乃令卜者揲蓍，選擇吉期，齋戒三日，薰沐更衣，再往臥龍岡謁孔明。關、張聞之不悅，遂一齊入諫玄德。

The sage and the fighting man never agree,
A warrior despises humility.
The next chapter will tell what they said.

正是：高賢未服英雄志，屈節偏生傑士疑。
未知其言若何，下文便曉。