“How could I hesitate after your discourse？” said Sima Yan.
thereupon he returned to the council chamber and issued his commands. Du Yu was made
Commander-in-Chief and, with one hundred thousand troops, was to attack Jiangling； Sima
Zhou, Prince of Langye and General Who Guards the East, was to attack Tuzhong； Wang Hun,
General Who Conquers the East, to go up against Hengjiang； Wang Rong, General Who Exhibits
Prowess, to move against Wuchang； Hu Fen, General Who Pacifies the South, to attack Xiakou.
And all divisions, fifty thousand troops each, were under the orders of Du Yu. In addition
to the land forces, two large fleets were to operate on the river under Wang Jun, General
Who Shows Dragon Courage, and Tang Bin, General Who Possesses Martial Bravery. Marines and
lands troops amounted to more than two hundred thousand. A separate force under Yang Ji,
General Who Holds the South, was sent away to Xiangyang to coordinate all forces.
the Ruler of Wu was GREatly alarmed at the news of such armies and fleets, and he called
to him quickly his Prime Minister Zhang Ti, Minister of the Interior He Zhi, and Minister of
Works Teng Xun, to consult how to defend his land.
Zhang Ti proposed： “Send Commander of the Flying Chariots Wu Yan to meet the enemy at
Jiangling； Commander of the Flying Cavalry Sun Xin to Xiakou； I volunteer to take command
of a camp at Niuzhu, together with the General of the Left Army Shen Zong and General of the
Right Army Zhuge Xing, ready to lend help at any point.”
the Ruler of Wu approved his dispositions and felt satisfied that he was safe by land.
But in the privacy of his own apartment he felt miserable, for he realized that no
preparations had been made against an attack by water under the Wei leader Wang Jun.
then the favorite eunuch Cen Hun asked the Emperor why he bore a sad countenance, and
Sun Hao told him of his dread of the enemy navy.
“the armies of Jin are coming, and I have deployed troops for general defense. Only the
water front, by which Wang Jun and his several thousand battleships sail east along the
tide, makes me feel so worried.”
“But I have a scheme that will smash all Wang Jun's ships！” cried Cen Hun.
“What is it？” asked the Ruler of Wu, pleased to hear this.
“Iron is plentiful. Make GREat chains with heavy links and stretch them across the
river at various points. Also forge many massive hammers and arrange them in the stream, so
that when the enemy's ships sail down before the wind, they will collide with the hammers
and be wrecked. Then they will sail no more.”
Blacksmiths were soon at work on the river bank welding the links and forging the
hammers. Work went on day and night, and soon all the chains were placed in different
points.
As has been said Du Yu was to attack Jiangling, and he sent General Zhou Zhi with eight
hundred sailors to sail secretly along the GREat River to capture Yuexiang. There they were
to make an ambush in the Bashan Mountains and a great show of flags along the bank and among
the trees. Drums were to be beaten and bombs exploded during the day and many fires lighted
at night to give the appearance of a great army.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
chinese story - 10
Wang Jun, Imperial Protector of Yizhou, sent in a memorial advising an attack upon Wu.
He said：
“Sun Hao is steeped in vice and should be attacked at once. Should he die and be
succeeded by a good ruler, we might meet with serious opposition. the ships I built seven
years ago lie idle and rotting： We can use them. I am seventy years of age and must soon
die. If any one of these three events happen——the death of Sun Hao, the destruction of
these ships, or my death——then success will be difficult to ensure. I pray Your Majesty
not to miss the tide.”
At the next assembly of officers Sima Yan said to them, “I have decided to act. I have
received similar advice from Yang Hu and Wang Jun.”
At this arose Minister Wang Hun and said, “I hear Sun Hao intends to march north to the
Middle Land and has his army ready. Report says it is formidable and would be hard to
defeat. I counsel to await another year till that army has lost its first vigor.”
A command to cease warlike preparations was the result of this counsel. The Ruler of Jin
betook himself to his private chamber where he engaged in a game of chess with Secretary
Zhang Hua as opponent. While at the game, another memorial arrived. It was from Du Yu. It
read：
“Formerly Yang Hu explained his plans confidentially to Your Majesty, but did not lay
them before the court. The result has been much debate and conflict of opinion. In every
project there are pros and cons, but in this the arguments are mostly in favor. The worst
that can happen is failure. Since last autumn the proposed attack has become generally
known, and, if we stop now, Sun Hao will be frightened and remove the capital to Wuchang,
repair his fortifications in the South Land, and move his threatened people out of danger.
Then the southern capital cannot be assaulted, nor is there anything left in the countryside
to rob. Hence next year's attack will also fail.”
Just as the Ruler of Jin finished reading, Zhang Hua pushed aside the board, rose and
drew his hands into his sleeves, saying, “Your Majesty's skill in war is almost divine,
your state is prosperous, and the army strong. The Ruler of Wu is a tyrant, his people are
miserable, and his country mean. Now you can easily conquer him, and I pray that there be no
further hesitation！”
He said：
“Sun Hao is steeped in vice and should be attacked at once. Should he die and be
succeeded by a good ruler, we might meet with serious opposition. the ships I built seven
years ago lie idle and rotting： We can use them. I am seventy years of age and must soon
die. If any one of these three events happen——the death of Sun Hao, the destruction of
these ships, or my death——then success will be difficult to ensure. I pray Your Majesty
not to miss the tide.”
At the next assembly of officers Sima Yan said to them, “I have decided to act. I have
received similar advice from Yang Hu and Wang Jun.”
At this arose Minister Wang Hun and said, “I hear Sun Hao intends to march north to the
Middle Land and has his army ready. Report says it is formidable and would be hard to
defeat. I counsel to await another year till that army has lost its first vigor.”
A command to cease warlike preparations was the result of this counsel. The Ruler of Jin
betook himself to his private chamber where he engaged in a game of chess with Secretary
Zhang Hua as opponent. While at the game, another memorial arrived. It was from Du Yu. It
read：
“Formerly Yang Hu explained his plans confidentially to Your Majesty, but did not lay
them before the court. The result has been much debate and conflict of opinion. In every
project there are pros and cons, but in this the arguments are mostly in favor. The worst
that can happen is failure. Since last autumn the proposed attack has become generally
known, and, if we stop now, Sun Hao will be frightened and remove the capital to Wuchang,
repair his fortifications in the South Land, and move his threatened people out of danger.
Then the southern capital cannot be assaulted, nor is there anything left in the countryside
to rob. Hence next year's attack will also fail.”
Just as the Ruler of Jin finished reading, Zhang Hua pushed aside the board, rose and
drew his hands into his sleeves, saying, “Your Majesty's skill in war is almost divine,
your state is prosperous, and the army strong. The Ruler of Wu is a tyrant, his people are
miserable, and his country mean. Now you can easily conquer him, and I pray that there be no
further hesitation！”
Friday, November 28, 2008
chinese story - 9
Sima Yan said, “How beautiful it is to bring good people into prominence！ But why did
you write a memorial recommending certain people and then burn the draft so that no one knew
？”
the dying man answered, “I bowed before the officials in open court, but I did not
beseech the kindness of the private attendants.”
So Yang Hu died, and Sima Yan wailed for him and then returned to his palace. He
conferred on the dead leader the posthumous rank of Imperial Guardian and Lord of Juping.
The traders closed their shops out of respect to his memory, and all the frontier camps were
filled with wailing. The people of Xiangyang, recalling that he loved to wander on the Xian
Hills, built there a temple to him and set up a stone and sacrificed regularly at the four
seasons. The passers-by were moved to tears when they read Yang Hu's name on the tablet, so
that it came to be called “The Stone of Tears”。
[hip, hip, hip] I saw the fragments of a shattered stone One spring time on the
hillside, when, alone, I walked to GREet the sun. The pines distilled Big drops of dew
unceasing； sadness filled My heart. I knew this was the Stone of Tears, The stone of memory
of long-past years. [yip, yip, yip]
On the strength of Yang Hu's recommendation, Du Yu was made Commander of Jingzhou, and
the title of General Who Guards the South was conferred upon him. He was a man of GREat
experience, untiring in study and devoted to the Zuo Volume, the book of commentaries
composed by Zuo Qiuming upon the Spring and Autumn Annals. In hours of leisure, a copy of
Zuo Volume was never out of his hand； and when he went abroad, an attendant rode in front
with the beloved book. He was said to be “Zuo mad”。
Du Yu went to Xiangyang and began by being kind to the people and caring for his
soldiers. By this time Wu had lost by death both Ding Feng and Lu Kang.
the conduct of the Ruler of Wu waxed worse and worse. He used to give GREat banquets
whereat intoxication was universal. He appointed Rectors of Feasts to observe all the faults
committed by guests, and after these banquets all offenders were punished, some by flaying
the face, others by gouging out the eyes. Everyone went in terror of these Rectors.
you write a memorial recommending certain people and then burn the draft so that no one knew
？”
the dying man answered, “I bowed before the officials in open court, but I did not
beseech the kindness of the private attendants.”
So Yang Hu died, and Sima Yan wailed for him and then returned to his palace. He
conferred on the dead leader the posthumous rank of Imperial Guardian and Lord of Juping.
The traders closed their shops out of respect to his memory, and all the frontier camps were
filled with wailing. The people of Xiangyang, recalling that he loved to wander on the Xian
Hills, built there a temple to him and set up a stone and sacrificed regularly at the four
seasons. The passers-by were moved to tears when they read Yang Hu's name on the tablet, so
that it came to be called “The Stone of Tears”。
[hip, hip, hip] I saw the fragments of a shattered stone One spring time on the
hillside, when, alone, I walked to GREet the sun. The pines distilled Big drops of dew
unceasing； sadness filled My heart. I knew this was the Stone of Tears, The stone of memory
of long-past years. [yip, yip, yip]
On the strength of Yang Hu's recommendation, Du Yu was made Commander of Jingzhou, and
the title of General Who Guards the South was conferred upon him. He was a man of GREat
experience, untiring in study and devoted to the Zuo Volume, the book of commentaries
composed by Zuo Qiuming upon the Spring and Autumn Annals. In hours of leisure, a copy of
Zuo Volume was never out of his hand； and when he went abroad, an attendant rode in front
with the beloved book. He was said to be “Zuo mad”。
Du Yu went to Xiangyang and began by being kind to the people and caring for his
soldiers. By this time Wu had lost by death both Ding Feng and Lu Kang.
the conduct of the Ruler of Wu waxed worse and worse. He used to give GREat banquets
whereat intoxication was universal. He appointed Rectors of Feasts to observe all the faults
committed by guests, and after these banquets all offenders were punished, some by flaying
the face, others by gouging out the eyes. Everyone went in terror of these Rectors.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
chinese story - 8
When Sima Yan read this, he gave orders for the army to move. But three officers——Jia Chong, Xun Xu, and Feng Dan——opposed it, and the orders were withdrawn.
Yang Hu was disappointed at the news and said, “What a pity it is that of ten affairs in the world, one always meets with eight or nine vexations！”
In the fourth year of Universal Tranquillity, in Jin calendar （AD 278）, Yang Hu went to court and asked leave to retire on account of ill health.
Before granting him leave to go, Sima Yan asked, “Do you have plans to propose to settle the empire？”
Yang Hu replied, “Sun Hao is a very cruel ruler and could be conquered without fighting. If he were to die and a wise successor sat upon his throne, Your Majesty would never be able to gain possession of Wu.”
the Ruler of Jin realized the truth, and he said, “Suppose your army attacked now. What then？”
“I am now too old and too ill for the task,” replied Yang Hu. “Some other bold and capable leader must be found.”
Yang Hu left the court and retired to his home. Toward the end of the year he was nigh unto death, and the Ruler of Jin went to visit him. The sight of his master at his bedside brought tears to the eyes of the faithful old leader.
“If I died a myriad times, I could never requite Your Majesty,” said Yang Hu.
Sima Yan also wept, saying, “My GREat grief is that I could not take advantage of your abilities to attack Wu. Who now is there to carry out your design？”
Hesitatingly the sick man replied, “I am dying and must be wholly sincere. General Du Yu is equal to the task, and is the one man to attack Wu.”
Yang Hu was disappointed at the news and said, “What a pity it is that of ten affairs in the world, one always meets with eight or nine vexations！”
In the fourth year of Universal Tranquillity, in Jin calendar （AD 278）, Yang Hu went to court and asked leave to retire on account of ill health.
Before granting him leave to go, Sima Yan asked, “Do you have plans to propose to settle the empire？”
Yang Hu replied, “Sun Hao is a very cruel ruler and could be conquered without fighting. If he were to die and a wise successor sat upon his throne, Your Majesty would never be able to gain possession of Wu.”
the Ruler of Jin realized the truth, and he said, “Suppose your army attacked now. What then？”
“I am now too old and too ill for the task,” replied Yang Hu. “Some other bold and capable leader must be found.”
Yang Hu left the court and retired to his home. Toward the end of the year he was nigh unto death, and the Ruler of Jin went to visit him. The sight of his master at his bedside brought tears to the eyes of the faithful old leader.
“If I died a myriad times, I could never requite Your Majesty,” said Yang Hu.
Sima Yan also wept, saying, “My GREat grief is that I could not take advantage of your abilities to attack Wu. Who now is there to carry out your design？”
Hesitatingly the sick man replied, “I am dying and must be wholly sincere. General Du Yu is equal to the task, and is the one man to attack Wu.”
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
chinese story - 7
Soon after came a special envoy from the Ruler of Wu to urge upon Lu Kang prompt activity.
“Our Emperor sends orders for you to press forward,” said the envoy. “You are not to await a Jin invasion.”
“You may return, and I will send up a memorial,” replied Lu Kang.
So a memorial was written and soon followed the envoy to the capital, which by this time was Jianye. When the Ruler of Wu, Sun Hao, read it, he found therein many arguments against attacking Jin and exhortations to exercise a virtuous rule instead of engaging in hostilities. It angered him.
“they say Lu Kang has come to an understanding with the enemy, and now I believe it！” said the Ruler of Wu.
thereupon he deprived Lu Kang of his command and took away his commission and degraded him into Marching General. Sun Ji, General of the Left Army, was sent to supersede Lu Kang. And none dared to intervene.
Sun Hao became still more arbitrary and of his own will changed the year-style once more to the Phoenix （AD 269）。 Day by day his life became more wanton and vicious. The soldiers in every camp murmured with anger and resentment, and at last three high officers——Prime Minister Wan Yu, General Liu Ping, and Minister of Agriculture Lou Xuan——boldly and earnestly remonstrated with the Emperor for his many irregularities. They suffered death. Within ten years more than forty ministers were put to death for doing their duty.
Sun Hao maintained an extravagantly large guard of fifty thousand heavy cavalry, and these soldiers were the terror of everyone.
Now when Yang Hu, on the Jin side of the frontier, heard that his opponent Lu Kang had been removed from his command and that the conduct of the Ruler of Wu had become wholly unreasonable, he knew that the time was near for him to conquer Wu. Wherefore he presented a memorial：
“Although fate is superior to human, yet success depends upon human effort. Now as the geographic difficulties of the South Land are not as those of the River Lands, while the ferocity of Sun Hao exceeds that of Liu Shan, the misery of the people of Wu exceeds that of the dwellers in Shu. Our armies are stronger than ever before, and if we miss this opportunity to bring the whole land under one rule, but continue to weary our army with continual watching and cause the world to groan under the burden of militarism, then our efficiency will decline and we shall not endure.”
“Our Emperor sends orders for you to press forward,” said the envoy. “You are not to await a Jin invasion.”
“You may return, and I will send up a memorial,” replied Lu Kang.
So a memorial was written and soon followed the envoy to the capital, which by this time was Jianye. When the Ruler of Wu, Sun Hao, read it, he found therein many arguments against attacking Jin and exhortations to exercise a virtuous rule instead of engaging in hostilities. It angered him.
“they say Lu Kang has come to an understanding with the enemy, and now I believe it！” said the Ruler of Wu.
thereupon he deprived Lu Kang of his command and took away his commission and degraded him into Marching General. Sun Ji, General of the Left Army, was sent to supersede Lu Kang. And none dared to intervene.
Sun Hao became still more arbitrary and of his own will changed the year-style once more to the Phoenix （AD 269）。 Day by day his life became more wanton and vicious. The soldiers in every camp murmured with anger and resentment, and at last three high officers——Prime Minister Wan Yu, General Liu Ping, and Minister of Agriculture Lou Xuan——boldly and earnestly remonstrated with the Emperor for his many irregularities. They suffered death. Within ten years more than forty ministers were put to death for doing their duty.
Sun Hao maintained an extravagantly large guard of fifty thousand heavy cavalry, and these soldiers were the terror of everyone.
Now when Yang Hu, on the Jin side of the frontier, heard that his opponent Lu Kang had been removed from his command and that the conduct of the Ruler of Wu had become wholly unreasonable, he knew that the time was near for him to conquer Wu. Wherefore he presented a memorial：
“Although fate is superior to human, yet success depends upon human effort. Now as the geographic difficulties of the South Land are not as those of the River Lands, while the ferocity of Sun Hao exceeds that of Liu Shan, the misery of the people of Wu exceeds that of the dwellers in Shu. Our armies are stronger than ever before, and if we miss this opportunity to bring the whole land under one rule, but continue to weary our army with continual watching and cause the world to groan under the burden of militarism, then our efficiency will decline and we shall not endure.”
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
chinese story - 6
“Does your leader drink wine？” asked he.
they replied, “Only fine wines does he drink.”
“I have some very old wine,” replied Lu Kang, smiling, “and I will give of it to you to bear to your general as a gift. It is the wine I myself brew and drink on ceremonial occasions, and he shall have half in return for today's courtesy.”
they took the wine and left.
“Why do you give him wine？” asked Lu Kang's officers.
“Because he has shown kindness, and I must return courtesy for courtesy.”
When the gift of wine arrived and the bearers told Yang Hu the story of their reception, he laughed.
“So he knows I can drink,” said Yang Hu.
He had the jar opened, and the wine was poured out. One of his generals, Chen Yuan, begged him to drink moderately lest there should be some harm come of it.
“Lu Kang is no poisoner,” replied Yang Hu.
And he drank. the friendly intercourse thus continued, and messengers frequently passed from one camp to the other.
One day the messengers said that Lu Kang was unwell and had been ailing for several days.
“I think he suffers from the same complaint as I,” said Yang Hu. “I have some remedies ready prepared and will send him some.”
the drugs were taken over to the Wu camp.
But the sick man's officers were suspicious and said, “This medicine is surely harmful： It comes from the enemy.”
However, Lu Kang said, “No； old Uncle Yang Hu would not poison a person. Do not doubt.”
He drank the decoction. Next day he was much better.
When his staff came to congratulate him, he said, “If our opponents take their stand upon virtue and we take ours upon violence, they will drag us after them without fighting. See to it that the boundaries be well kept and that we seek not to gain any unfair advantage.”
they replied, “Only fine wines does he drink.”
“I have some very old wine,” replied Lu Kang, smiling, “and I will give of it to you to bear to your general as a gift. It is the wine I myself brew and drink on ceremonial occasions, and he shall have half in return for today's courtesy.”
they took the wine and left.
“Why do you give him wine？” asked Lu Kang's officers.
“Because he has shown kindness, and I must return courtesy for courtesy.”
When the gift of wine arrived and the bearers told Yang Hu the story of their reception, he laughed.
“So he knows I can drink,” said Yang Hu.
He had the jar opened, and the wine was poured out. One of his generals, Chen Yuan, begged him to drink moderately lest there should be some harm come of it.
“Lu Kang is no poisoner,” replied Yang Hu.
And he drank. the friendly intercourse thus continued, and messengers frequently passed from one camp to the other.
One day the messengers said that Lu Kang was unwell and had been ailing for several days.
“I think he suffers from the same complaint as I,” said Yang Hu. “I have some remedies ready prepared and will send him some.”
the drugs were taken over to the Wu camp.
But the sick man's officers were suspicious and said, “This medicine is surely harmful： It comes from the enemy.”
However, Lu Kang said, “No； old Uncle Yang Hu would not poison a person. Do not doubt.”
He drank the decoction. Next day he was much better.
When his staff came to congratulate him, he said, “If our opponents take their stand upon virtue and we take ours upon violence, they will drag us after them without fighting. See to it that the boundaries be well kept and that we seek not to gain any unfair advantage.”
Monday, November 24, 2008
chinese story - 5
Yang Hu maintained GREat simplicity, wearing the lightest of garments and no armor. His personal escort and servants numbered only about ten.
One day his officers came to his tent and said, “the spies reported GREat laxity in the enemy's camp. It is time to make an attack！”
But Yang Hu replied, “You must not despise Lu Kang, for he is able and crafty. Formerly his master sent him to attack Xiling, and he slew Bu Chan and many of his generals, before I could save that city. So long as Lu Kang remains in command, I shall remain on the defensive. I shall not attack till there be trouble and confusion among our enemies. To be rash and not await the proper moment to attack is to invite defeat.”
they found him wise and said no more. They only kept the boundaries.
One day Yang Hu and his officers went out to hunt, and it happened that Lu Kang had chosen the same day to hunt. Yang Hu gave strict orders not to cross the boundary, and so each hunted only on his own side.
Lu Kang was astonished at the enemy's scrupulous propriety.
He sighed, “the soldiers of Yang Hu have so high a discipline that I may not make any invasion now.”
In the evening, after both parties had returned, Yang Hu ordered an inspection of the slaughtered game and sent over to the other side any that seemed to have been first struck by the soldiers of Wu.
Lu Kang was GREatly pleased and sent for the bearers of the game.
One day his officers came to his tent and said, “the spies reported GREat laxity in the enemy's camp. It is time to make an attack！”
But Yang Hu replied, “You must not despise Lu Kang, for he is able and crafty. Formerly his master sent him to attack Xiling, and he slew Bu Chan and many of his generals, before I could save that city. So long as Lu Kang remains in command, I shall remain on the defensive. I shall not attack till there be trouble and confusion among our enemies. To be rash and not await the proper moment to attack is to invite defeat.”
they found him wise and said no more. They only kept the boundaries.
One day Yang Hu and his officers went out to hunt, and it happened that Lu Kang had chosen the same day to hunt. Yang Hu gave strict orders not to cross the boundary, and so each hunted only on his own side.
Lu Kang was astonished at the enemy's scrupulous propriety.
He sighed, “the soldiers of Yang Hu have so high a discipline that I may not make any invasion now.”
In the evening, after both parties had returned, Yang Hu ordered an inspection of the slaughtered game and sent over to the other side any that seemed to have been first struck by the soldiers of Wu.
Lu Kang was GREatly pleased and sent for the bearers of the game.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
chinese story - 4
But Sun Hao GREw angry and said, “I desire to take this opportunity to return to my real heritage. Why do you employ this ill-omened language？ Were it not for your long service, now would I slay you and expose your head as a warning.”
He bade the lictors hustle Minister Hua Jiao from his presence, and Hua Jiao left the court.
“It is pitiful,” said Hua Jiao. “Ere long our silky, beautiful country will pass to another！”
So Hua Jiao retired.
And the Ruler of Wu ordered Lu Kang, General Who Guards the East, to camp his army at Jiangkou in order to attack Xiangyang.
Spies reported this in Luoyang, and it was told the Ruler of Jin. When Sima Yan heard that the army of Wu threatened to invade Xiangyang, he called a council.
Jia Chong stood forth, saying, “I hear the government of Wu, under its present ruler, Sun Hao, is devoid of virtue, and the Ruler of Wu has turned aside out of the road. Your Majesty should send Commander Yang Hu to oppose this army. When internal trouble shall arise, let him attack, and victory will then be easy.”
the Ruler of Jin issued an edict ordering Yang Hu to prepare, and so he mustered his troops and set himself to guard the county.
Yang Hu became very popular in Xiangyang. Any of the soldiers of Wu who desired to desert to the other side were allowed to come over. He employed only the fewest possible troops on patrol duty. Instead he set his soldiers to till the soil, and they cultivated an extensive area, whereby the hundred days supplies with which they set out were soon increased to enough for ten years.
He bade the lictors hustle Minister Hua Jiao from his presence, and Hua Jiao left the court.
“It is pitiful,” said Hua Jiao. “Ere long our silky, beautiful country will pass to another！”
So Hua Jiao retired.
And the Ruler of Wu ordered Lu Kang, General Who Guards the East, to camp his army at Jiangkou in order to attack Xiangyang.
Spies reported this in Luoyang, and it was told the Ruler of Jin. When Sima Yan heard that the army of Wu threatened to invade Xiangyang, he called a council.
Jia Chong stood forth, saying, “I hear the government of Wu, under its present ruler, Sun Hao, is devoid of virtue, and the Ruler of Wu has turned aside out of the road. Your Majesty should send Commander Yang Hu to oppose this army. When internal trouble shall arise, let him attack, and victory will then be easy.”
the Ruler of Jin issued an edict ordering Yang Hu to prepare, and so he mustered his troops and set himself to guard the county.
Yang Hu became very popular in Xiangyang. Any of the soldiers of Wu who desired to desert to the other side were allowed to come over. He employed only the fewest possible troops on patrol duty. Instead he set his soldiers to till the soil, and they cultivated an extensive area, whereby the hundred days supplies with which they set out were soon increased to enough for ten years.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
chinese story - 3
“In former times the Palace women numbered less than a hundred； for years past they have exceeded a thousand. This is an extravagant waste of treasure. The courtiers render no disinterested service, but are split into cliques and cabals. The honest are injured, and the good driven away. All these things undermine the state and weaken the people. I beg Your Majesty to reduce the number of officers and remove grievances, to dismiss the Palace women and select honest officers, to the joy of the people and the tranquillity of the state.”
But the Ruler of Wu was displeased, threw the memorial away, and showed his contempt for the Minister's remonstrance by beginning to collect material for the building of a new palace complex to be called the Reflected Light Palace. He even made the officers of the court go into the forest to fell trees for the work.
the Ruler of Wu called in the soothsayer Shang Guang and bade him take the cast and inquire as to the attainment of empire.
Shang Guang cast a lot and replied, “All is propitious, and in the year of the 'mouse' your blue umbrella will enter Luoyang！”
And Sun Hao was pleased.
He said to Minister Hua Jiao, “the former Rulers listened to your words and sent generals to various points and placed defensive camps along the rivers. And over all these was set Ding Feng. Now my desire is to conquer Han and avenge the wrongs of my brother, the Ruler of Shu. What place should be first conquered？”
Hua Jiao replied, “Now that Chengdu has fallen and the Throne there been overturned, Sima Yan will assuredly desire to absorb this southern land. Your Majesty should display virtue and restore confidence to your people. That would be the best plan. If you engage in war, it will be like throwing on hemp to put out a fire——the hemp only adds to the blaze. This is worthy of careful consideration.”
But the Ruler of Wu was displeased, threw the memorial away, and showed his contempt for the Minister's remonstrance by beginning to collect material for the building of a new palace complex to be called the Reflected Light Palace. He even made the officers of the court go into the forest to fell trees for the work.
the Ruler of Wu called in the soothsayer Shang Guang and bade him take the cast and inquire as to the attainment of empire.
Shang Guang cast a lot and replied, “All is propitious, and in the year of the 'mouse' your blue umbrella will enter Luoyang！”
And Sun Hao was pleased.
He said to Minister Hua Jiao, “the former Rulers listened to your words and sent generals to various points and placed defensive camps along the rivers. And over all these was set Ding Feng. Now my desire is to conquer Han and avenge the wrongs of my brother, the Ruler of Shu. What place should be first conquered？”
Hua Jiao replied, “Now that Chengdu has fallen and the Throne there been overturned, Sima Yan will assuredly desire to absorb this southern land. Your Majesty should display virtue and restore confidence to your people. That would be the best plan. If you engage in war, it will be like throwing on hemp to put out a fire——the hemp only adds to the blaze. This is worthy of careful consideration.”
Friday, November 21, 2008
chinese story - 2
However, the year-style was changed to Sweet Dew the very next year. The new ruler soon proved himself cruel and oppressive and day by day GREw more so. Sun Hao indulged in every form of vice and chose Eunuch Cen Hun as his confidant and favorite. When Prime Minister Puyang Xing and General Zhang Bu ventured upon remonstrance, both, with all their family, were put to death. Thereafter none dared to speak； the mouth of every courtier was shut tight.
Another year-style, Treasured Paramount, was adopted the next year （266）, and the responsibility of the Prime Minister's office was shared by two officers, Lu Kuai the Left and Wan Yu the Right.
At this time the imperial residence was in Wuchang. The people of Yangzhou shouldered heavy tribute and suffered exceedingly. There was no limit to the Ruler's extravagance. The treasury was swept clean, and the income of the royal domain exhausted.
At length Lu Kuai, Left Prime Minister, ventured a memorial, saying：
“No natural calamity has fallen upon the people, yet they starve； no public work is in proGREss, yet the treasury is empty. I am distressed. The country under the Hans has fallen apart and three states have arisen therefrom. Those ruled by the Caos and the Lius, as the result of their own folly, have been lost in Jin. Foolish I may be, but I would protect the state for Your Majesty against the evils we have seen in the other divisions. This city of Wuchang is not safe as a royal residence. There is a rhyme concerning it, the gist of which is that it is better to drink the water of Jianye than eat the fish of Wuchang, better to die in Jianye than to live in Wuchang. This shows the regard of the people as well as the will of Heaven. Now the public storehouses are nearly empty； they contain insufficient for a year's use. The officers of all grades vex and distress the people and none pity them.
Another year-style, Treasured Paramount, was adopted the next year （266）, and the responsibility of the Prime Minister's office was shared by two officers, Lu Kuai the Left and Wan Yu the Right.
At this time the imperial residence was in Wuchang. The people of Yangzhou shouldered heavy tribute and suffered exceedingly. There was no limit to the Ruler's extravagance. The treasury was swept clean, and the income of the royal domain exhausted.
At length Lu Kuai, Left Prime Minister, ventured a memorial, saying：
“No natural calamity has fallen upon the people, yet they starve； no public work is in proGREss, yet the treasury is empty. I am distressed. The country under the Hans has fallen apart and three states have arisen therefrom. Those ruled by the Caos and the Lius, as the result of their own folly, have been lost in Jin. Foolish I may be, but I would protect the state for Your Majesty against the evils we have seen in the other divisions. This city of Wuchang is not safe as a royal residence. There is a rhyme concerning it, the gist of which is that it is better to drink the water of Jianye than eat the fish of Wuchang, better to die in Jianye than to live in Wuchang. This shows the regard of the people as well as the will of Heaven. Now the public storehouses are nearly empty； they contain insufficient for a year's use. The officers of all grades vex and distress the people and none pity them.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
chinese story - 1
When Sun Xiu, the Ruler of Wu, knew that the House of Wei had fallen before the Jins, he also knew that the usurper's next thought would be the conquest of his own land. The anxiety made him ill, so that he took to his bed and was like to die. He then summoned to his bedside his Prime Minister, Puyang Xing, and his heir, Sun Wan. But they two came almost too late. The dying Ruler, with his last effort, took the Minister by the hand, but could only point to his son. Then he died.
Puyang Xing left the couch and called a meeting of the officers, whereat he proposed to place the heir on his father's throne.
then Wan Yu, Inspector of the Left Army, rose and said, “Prince Sun Wan is too youthful to rule in such troublous times. Let us confer the throne to Sun Hao, Lord of Wucheng.”
Zhang Bu, General of the Left Army, supported his election, saying, “Sun Hao is able and prompt in decision. He can handle the responsibilities of an emperor.”
However, Puyang Xing was doubtful and consulted the Empress Dowager.
“Settle this with the officials；” she replied, “I am a widow and know nothing of such matters.”
Finally Sun Hao won the day, and in the seventh month he was enthroned as Emperor of Wu, and the first year of his reign was Prosperous Beginning （AD 264）。 Sun Hao was the son of Sun He, a former Heir Apparent, and grandson of Sun Quan the GREat Emperor. The excluded prince, Sun Wan, was consoled with the title of Prince of Yuzhang. Posthumous rank was given to his late father, Sun He the Scholar Emperor, and his mother, Lady He, the Scholar Empress. The Veteran Leader Ding Feng was made Commander of the Right and Left Armies.
Puyang Xing left the couch and called a meeting of the officers, whereat he proposed to place the heir on his father's throne.
then Wan Yu, Inspector of the Left Army, rose and said, “Prince Sun Wan is too youthful to rule in such troublous times. Let us confer the throne to Sun Hao, Lord of Wucheng.”
Zhang Bu, General of the Left Army, supported his election, saying, “Sun Hao is able and prompt in decision. He can handle the responsibilities of an emperor.”
However, Puyang Xing was doubtful and consulted the Empress Dowager.
“Settle this with the officials；” she replied, “I am a widow and know nothing of such matters.”
Finally Sun Hao won the day, and in the seventh month he was enthroned as Emperor of Wu, and the first year of his reign was Prosperous Beginning （AD 264）。 Sun Hao was the son of Sun He, a former Heir Apparent, and grandson of Sun Quan the GREat Emperor. The excluded prince, Sun Wan, was consoled with the title of Prince of Yuzhang. Posthumous rank was given to his late father, Sun He the Scholar Emperor, and his mother, Lady He, the Scholar Empress. The Veteran Leader Ding Feng was made Commander of the Right and Left Armies.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
feigned a lance attack
Toward the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty （25-220）， state power fell into Dong Zhuo's hand， a very cruel and manipulating person. Yuan Shao， the leader of an opposition force， led a punitive expedition to Lüoyang， the capital. Dong Zhuo sent a very battlewise general named Hua Xiong to meet sent a very battlewise general named Hua Xiong to meet the expedition army. Hua killed several generals in run from Yuan Shao's side. Guan Yu volünteered to meet Hua Xiong， saying if he failed to kill him he would kill himself. At this， Cao Cao， in admiration， poured a cup of heated wine for Guan Yu for encouragement. But Guan said， “Keep the cup here until I come back.” When Guan Yu returned with Hua Xiong's head， the wine in the cup was still warm. Dong Zhuo was alarmed at the news that his brave general Hua Xiong had been killed.
He dispatched Lü Bu with 150，000 troops to guard the Hulao Pass outside the capital. Yuan Shao sent eight armies to attack. When the two sides met， no generals from Yuan Shao's side seemed able to withstand Lü Bu； several generals had been killed by him. Zhang Fei charged Lü Bu， but after fifty rounds of fierce combats he still did not succeed. At the sight of his sworn brother Zhang Fei unable to gain an upper hand， Guan Yu lifted his crescent-moon shaped sword to join the battle. After thirty more rounds， hteir elder sworn brother， Liu Bei unsheathed his sword and charged up too. The three brothers closed in. This proved too much for Lü Bu， who feigned a lance attack and while one of the three dodged， ran back to Hulao Pass for his dear life.
He dispatched Lü Bu with 150，000 troops to guard the Hulao Pass outside the capital. Yuan Shao sent eight armies to attack. When the two sides met， no generals from Yuan Shao's side seemed able to withstand Lü Bu； several generals had been killed by him. Zhang Fei charged Lü Bu， but after fifty rounds of fierce combats he still did not succeed. At the sight of his sworn brother Zhang Fei unable to gain an upper hand， Guan Yu lifted his crescent-moon shaped sword to join the battle. After thirty more rounds， hteir elder sworn brother， Liu Bei unsheathed his sword and charged up too. The three brothers closed in. This proved too much for Lü Bu， who feigned a lance attack and while one of the three dodged， ran back to Hulao Pass for his dear life.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
IFC set to buy share of Changyu
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private arm of the World Bank Group, will buy a 10 per cent stake in Changyu Group Co Ltd, a leading wine producer, if permission is granted.
The share transfer aGREement between IFC and Changyu's shareholder Yantai Bureau of State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission was signed on Wednesday, the wine maker's listed company said yesterday in a statement to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
According to the deal, IFC will pay 1.46 billion yuan (US$176 million) for the purchase.
The move is part of Changyu's plan to sell its State-owned shares.
Changyu Group, based in Yantai, Shandong Province, was previously owned by the local municipal government.
Last October, 45 per cent of the shares in the Group were sold to newly-established Yantai Yuhua Investment Development Co through an employee and management buyout.
In February this year, the company aGREed to sell another 33 per cent stake to Italian firm Illva Saronno.
After the share transfer to IFC, Changyu Group will become a Sino-foreign invested joint venture, with the city of Yantai retaining a 12 per cent stake, the company said in the statement.
But the deal is still to be approved by related government departments.
"The new shareholding structure will help drive the company's future growth," said Dong Junfeng, an industry analyst from Galaxy Securities.
The company has performed well in the domestic wine market. Its listed subsidiary Yantai Changyu Pioneer Wine Co reported year-on-year growth of 42 per cent in its net profit for the first quarter.
The share transfer aGREement between IFC and Changyu's shareholder Yantai Bureau of State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission was signed on Wednesday, the wine maker's listed company said yesterday in a statement to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
According to the deal, IFC will pay 1.46 billion yuan (US$176 million) for the purchase.
The move is part of Changyu's plan to sell its State-owned shares.
Changyu Group, based in Yantai, Shandong Province, was previously owned by the local municipal government.
Last October, 45 per cent of the shares in the Group were sold to newly-established Yantai Yuhua Investment Development Co through an employee and management buyout.
In February this year, the company aGREed to sell another 33 per cent stake to Italian firm Illva Saronno.
After the share transfer to IFC, Changyu Group will become a Sino-foreign invested joint venture, with the city of Yantai retaining a 12 per cent stake, the company said in the statement.
But the deal is still to be approved by related government departments.
"The new shareholding structure will help drive the company's future growth," said Dong Junfeng, an industry analyst from Galaxy Securities.
The company has performed well in the domestic wine market. Its listed subsidiary Yantai Changyu Pioneer Wine Co reported year-on-year growth of 42 per cent in its net profit for the first quarter.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Those Childhood Days
When you came into the world, she held you in her arms.
You thanked her by weeping your eyes out.
When you were 1 year old, she fed you and bathed you.
You thanked her by crying all night long.
When you were 2 years old, she taught you to walk.
You thanked her by running away when she called.
When you were 3 years old, she made all your meals with love.
You thanked her by tossing your plate on the floor.
When you were 4 years old, she gave you some crayons.
You thanked her by coloring the dining room table.
When you were 5 years old, she dressed you for the holidays.
You thanked her by plopping into the nearest pile of mud.
When you were 6 years old, she walked you to school.
You thanked her by screaming, “I''m not going!”
When you were 7 years old, she bought you a baseball.
You thanked her by throwing it through the next-door-neighbor''s window.
When you were 8 years old, she handed you an ice cream.
You thanked her by dripping it all over your lap.
When you were 9 years old, she paid for piano lessons.
You thanked her by never even bothering to practice.
When you were 10 years old, she drove you all day, from soccer to gymnastics to one
birthday party after another.
You thanked her by jumping out of the car and never looking back.
When you were 11 years old, she took you and your friends to the movies.
You thanked her by asking to sit in a different row.
When you were 12 years old, she warned you not to watch certain TV shows.
You thanked her by waiting until she left the house.
Those Teenage Years
When you were 13, she suggested a haircut that was becoming.
You thanked her by telling her she had no taste.
When you were 14, she paid for a month away at summer camp.
You thanked her by forgetting to write a single letter.
When you were 15, she came home from work, looking for a hug.
You thanked her by having your bedroom door locked.
When you were 16, she taught you how to drive her car.
You thanked her by taking it every chance you could.
When you were 17, she was expecting an important call.
You thanked her by being on the phone all night.
When you were 18, she cried at your high school graduation.
You thanked her by staying out partying until dawn.
Growing Old and Gray
When you were 19, she paid your college tuition, drove you to campus, carried your bags.
You thanked her by saying good-bye outside the dorm so you wouldn''t be embarrassed in
front of your friends.
When you were 20, she asked whether you were seeing anyone.
You thanked her by saying, “It''s none of your business.”
When you were 21, she suggested certain careers for your future.
You thanked her by saying, “I don''t want to be like you.”
When you were 22, she hugged you at your college graduation.
You thanked her by asking whether she could pay for a trip to Europe.
When you were 23, she gave you furniture for your first apartment.
You thanked her by telling your friends it was ugly.
When you were 24, she met your fiance10 and asked about your plans for the future.
You thanked her by glaring and growling, “Muuhh-ther, please!”
When you were 25, she helped to pay for your wedding, and she cried and told you how
deeply she loved you.
You thanked her by moving halfway across the country.
When you were 30, she called with some advice on the baby.
You thanked her by telling her, “Things are different now.”
When you were 40, she called to remind you of a relative''s birthday.
You thanked her by saying you were “really busy right now.”
When you were 50, she fell ill and needed you to take care of her.
You thanked her by reading about the burden parents become to their children.
And then one day she quietly died.
And everything you never did came crashing down like thunder.
“Rock me baby, rock me all night long.”
“the hand who rocks the cradle...may rock the world”.
Let us take a moment of the time just to pay tribute and show appreciation to the person
called mom though some may not say it openly to their mother. There''s no substitute for
her. Cherish every single moment. Though at times she may not be the best of friends, may
not aGREe to our thoughts, she is still your mother!!!She will be there for you...to listen
to your woes, your braggings, your frustations, etc. Ask yourself...have you put aside
enough time for her, to listen to her “blues” of working in the kitchen, her tiredness? Be
tactful, loving and still show her due respect though you may have a different view from
hers. Once gone, only fond memories of the past and also regrets will be left.
Don＇t take for granted the things closest to your heart. Love her more than you love
yourself. Life is meaningless without her ...
You thanked her by weeping your eyes out.
When you were 1 year old, she fed you and bathed you.
You thanked her by crying all night long.
When you were 2 years old, she taught you to walk.
You thanked her by running away when she called.
When you were 3 years old, she made all your meals with love.
You thanked her by tossing your plate on the floor.
When you were 4 years old, she gave you some crayons.
You thanked her by coloring the dining room table.
When you were 5 years old, she dressed you for the holidays.
You thanked her by plopping into the nearest pile of mud.
When you were 6 years old, she walked you to school.
You thanked her by screaming, “I''m not going!”
When you were 7 years old, she bought you a baseball.
You thanked her by throwing it through the next-door-neighbor''s window.
When you were 8 years old, she handed you an ice cream.
You thanked her by dripping it all over your lap.
When you were 9 years old, she paid for piano lessons.
You thanked her by never even bothering to practice.
When you were 10 years old, she drove you all day, from soccer to gymnastics to one
birthday party after another.
You thanked her by jumping out of the car and never looking back.
When you were 11 years old, she took you and your friends to the movies.
You thanked her by asking to sit in a different row.
When you were 12 years old, she warned you not to watch certain TV shows.
You thanked her by waiting until she left the house.
Those Teenage Years
When you were 13, she suggested a haircut that was becoming.
You thanked her by telling her she had no taste.
When you were 14, she paid for a month away at summer camp.
You thanked her by forgetting to write a single letter.
When you were 15, she came home from work, looking for a hug.
You thanked her by having your bedroom door locked.
When you were 16, she taught you how to drive her car.
You thanked her by taking it every chance you could.
When you were 17, she was expecting an important call.
You thanked her by being on the phone all night.
When you were 18, she cried at your high school graduation.
You thanked her by staying out partying until dawn.
Growing Old and Gray
When you were 19, she paid your college tuition, drove you to campus, carried your bags.
You thanked her by saying good-bye outside the dorm so you wouldn''t be embarrassed in
front of your friends.
When you were 20, she asked whether you were seeing anyone.
You thanked her by saying, “It''s none of your business.”
When you were 21, she suggested certain careers for your future.
You thanked her by saying, “I don''t want to be like you.”
When you were 22, she hugged you at your college graduation.
You thanked her by asking whether she could pay for a trip to Europe.
When you were 23, she gave you furniture for your first apartment.
You thanked her by telling your friends it was ugly.
When you were 24, she met your fiance10 and asked about your plans for the future.
You thanked her by glaring and growling, “Muuhh-ther, please!”
When you were 25, she helped to pay for your wedding, and she cried and told you how
deeply she loved you.
You thanked her by moving halfway across the country.
When you were 30, she called with some advice on the baby.
You thanked her by telling her, “Things are different now.”
When you were 40, she called to remind you of a relative''s birthday.
You thanked her by saying you were “really busy right now.”
When you were 50, she fell ill and needed you to take care of her.
You thanked her by reading about the burden parents become to their children.
And then one day she quietly died.
And everything you never did came crashing down like thunder.
“Rock me baby, rock me all night long.”
“the hand who rocks the cradle...may rock the world”.
Let us take a moment of the time just to pay tribute and show appreciation to the person
called mom though some may not say it openly to their mother. There''s no substitute for
her. Cherish every single moment. Though at times she may not be the best of friends, may
not aGREe to our thoughts, she is still your mother!!!She will be there for you...to listen
to your woes, your braggings, your frustations, etc. Ask yourself...have you put aside
enough time for her, to listen to her “blues” of working in the kitchen, her tiredness? Be
tactful, loving and still show her due respect though you may have a different view from
hers. Once gone, only fond memories of the past and also regrets will be left.
Don＇t take for granted the things closest to your heart. Love her more than you love
yourself. Life is meaningless without her ...
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Love Is Just a Thread
Sometimes I really doubt whether there is love between my parents. Every day they are very busy trying to earn money in order to pay the high tuition for my brother and me. They don’tact in the romantic ways that I read in books or I see on TV. In their opinion, “I love you” is too luxurious for them to say. Sending flowers to each other on Valentine’s Day is even more out of the question. Finally my father has a bad temper. When he’s very tired from the hard work, it is easy for him to lose his temper.
One day, my mother was sewing a quilt. I silently sat down beside her and looked at her.
“Mom, I have a question to ask you,” I said after a while.
“What?” she replied, still doing her work.
“Is there love between you and Dad?” I asked her in a very low voice.
My mother stopped her work and raised her head with surprise in her eyes. She didn’t answer immediately. Then she bowed her head and continued to sew the quilt.
I was very worried because I thought I had hurt her. I was in a GREat embarrassment and I didn’t know what I should do. But at last I heard my mother say the following words:
“Susan,” she said thoughtfully, “Look at this thread. Sometimes it appears, but most of it disappears in the quilt. The thread really makes the quilt strong and durable. If life is a quilt, then love should be a thread. It can hardly be seen anywhere or anytime, but it’s really there. Love is inside.”
I listened carefully but I couldn’t understand her until the next spring. At that time, my father suddenly got sick seriously. My mother had to stay with him in the hospital for a month. When they returned from the hospital, they both looked very pale. It seemed both of them had had a serious illness.
After they were back, every day in the morning and dusk, my mother helped my father walk slowly on the country road. My father had never been so gentle. It seemed they were the most harmonious couple. Along the country road, there were many beautiful flowers, GREen grass and trees. The sun gently glistened through the leaves. All of these made up the most beautiful picture in the world.
the doctor had said my father would recover in two months. But after two months he still couldn’t walk by himself. All of us were worried about him.
“Dad, how are you feeling now?” I asked him one day.
“Susan, don’t worry about me.” he said gently. “To tell you the truth, I just like walking with your mom. I like this kind of life.” Reading his eyes, I know he loves my mother deeply.
Once I thought love meant flowers, gifts and sweet kisses. But from this experience, I understand that love is just a thread in the quilt of our life. Love is inside, making life strong and warm
One day, my mother was sewing a quilt. I silently sat down beside her and looked at her.
“Mom, I have a question to ask you,” I said after a while.
“What?” she replied, still doing her work.
“Is there love between you and Dad?” I asked her in a very low voice.
My mother stopped her work and raised her head with surprise in her eyes. She didn’t answer immediately. Then she bowed her head and continued to sew the quilt.
I was very worried because I thought I had hurt her. I was in a GREat embarrassment and I didn’t know what I should do. But at last I heard my mother say the following words:
“Susan,” she said thoughtfully, “Look at this thread. Sometimes it appears, but most of it disappears in the quilt. The thread really makes the quilt strong and durable. If life is a quilt, then love should be a thread. It can hardly be seen anywhere or anytime, but it’s really there. Love is inside.”
I listened carefully but I couldn’t understand her until the next spring. At that time, my father suddenly got sick seriously. My mother had to stay with him in the hospital for a month. When they returned from the hospital, they both looked very pale. It seemed both of them had had a serious illness.
After they were back, every day in the morning and dusk, my mother helped my father walk slowly on the country road. My father had never been so gentle. It seemed they were the most harmonious couple. Along the country road, there were many beautiful flowers, GREen grass and trees. The sun gently glistened through the leaves. All of these made up the most beautiful picture in the world.
the doctor had said my father would recover in two months. But after two months he still couldn’t walk by himself. All of us were worried about him.
“Dad, how are you feeling now?” I asked him one day.
“Susan, don’t worry about me.” he said gently. “To tell you the truth, I just like walking with your mom. I like this kind of life.” Reading his eyes, I know he loves my mother deeply.
Once I thought love meant flowers, gifts and sweet kisses. But from this experience, I understand that love is just a thread in the quilt of our life. Love is inside, making life strong and warm
Saturday, November 15, 2008
No Greater Love
I heard this story when I was in Vietnam, and it was told to me as fact. I have no way of knowing for sure that it is true, but I do know that stranger things have happened in war.
Whatever their planned target, the mortar rounds landed in an orphanage run by a missionary group in the small Vietnamese village. The missionaries and one or two children were killed outright, and several more children were wounded, including one young girl, about eight years old.
People from the village requested medical help from a neighboring town that had radio contact with the American forces. Finally, an American Navy doctor and nurse arrived in a jeep with only their medical kits. They established that the girl was the most critically injured. Without quick action, she would die of shock and loss of blood.
A transfusion was imperative, and a donor with a matching blood type was required. A quick test showed that neither American had the correct type, but several of the uninjured orphans did.
The doctor spoke some pidgin Vietnamese, and the nurse a smattering of highschool French. Using that combination, together with much impromptu sign language, they tried to explain to their young, frightened audience that unless they could replace some of the girl’s lost blood, she would certainly die. Then they asked if anyone would be willing to give blood to help.
Their request was met with wide-eyed silence. After several long moments, a small hand slowly and waveringly went up, dropped back down, and then went up again.
“Oh, thank you,” the nurse said in French. “What is your name?”
“Heng,” came the reply.
Heng was quickly laid on a pallet, his arm swab bed with alcohol, and a needle inserted in his vein. Through this ordeal Heng lay stiff and silent.
After a moment, he let out a shuddering sob, quickly covering his face with his free hand.
“Is it hurting, Heng?” the doctor asked. Heng shook his head, but after a few moments another sob escaped, and once more he tried to cover up his crying. Again the doctor asked him if the needle hurt, and again Heng shook his head.
But now his occasional sobs gave way to a steady, silent crying, his eyes screwed tightly shut, his fist in his mouth to stifle his sobs.
The medical team was concerned. Something was obviously very wrong. At this point, a Vietnamese nurse arrived to help. Seeing the little one’s distress, she spoke to him rapidly in Vietnamese, listened to his reply and answered him in a soothing voice.
After a moment, the patient stopped crying and looked questioningly at the Vietnamese nurse. When she nodded, a look of GREat relief spread over his face.
Glancing up, the nurse said quietly to the Americans, “He thought he was dying. He misunderstood you. He thought you had asked him to give all his blood so the little girl could live.”
“But why would he be willing to do that?” asked the Navy nurse.
The Vietnamese nurse repeated the question boy, who answered simply, “She’s my friend.
GREater love has no man than this--that he will lay down his life for a friend.
By John W. Mansur
Whatever their planned target, the mortar rounds landed in an orphanage run by a missionary group in the small Vietnamese village. The missionaries and one or two children were killed outright, and several more children were wounded, including one young girl, about eight years old.
People from the village requested medical help from a neighboring town that had radio contact with the American forces. Finally, an American Navy doctor and nurse arrived in a jeep with only their medical kits. They established that the girl was the most critically injured. Without quick action, she would die of shock and loss of blood.
A transfusion was imperative, and a donor with a matching blood type was required. A quick test showed that neither American had the correct type, but several of the uninjured orphans did.
The doctor spoke some pidgin Vietnamese, and the nurse a smattering of highschool French. Using that combination, together with much impromptu sign language, they tried to explain to their young, frightened audience that unless they could replace some of the girl’s lost blood, she would certainly die. Then they asked if anyone would be willing to give blood to help.
Their request was met with wide-eyed silence. After several long moments, a small hand slowly and waveringly went up, dropped back down, and then went up again.
“Oh, thank you,” the nurse said in French. “What is your name?”
“Heng,” came the reply.
Heng was quickly laid on a pallet, his arm swab bed with alcohol, and a needle inserted in his vein. Through this ordeal Heng lay stiff and silent.
After a moment, he let out a shuddering sob, quickly covering his face with his free hand.
“Is it hurting, Heng?” the doctor asked. Heng shook his head, but after a few moments another sob escaped, and once more he tried to cover up his crying. Again the doctor asked him if the needle hurt, and again Heng shook his head.
But now his occasional sobs gave way to a steady, silent crying, his eyes screwed tightly shut, his fist in his mouth to stifle his sobs.
The medical team was concerned. Something was obviously very wrong. At this point, a Vietnamese nurse arrived to help. Seeing the little one’s distress, she spoke to him rapidly in Vietnamese, listened to his reply and answered him in a soothing voice.
After a moment, the patient stopped crying and looked questioningly at the Vietnamese nurse. When she nodded, a look of GREat relief spread over his face.
Glancing up, the nurse said quietly to the Americans, “He thought he was dying. He misunderstood you. He thought you had asked him to give all his blood so the little girl could live.”
“But why would he be willing to do that?” asked the Navy nurse.
The Vietnamese nurse repeated the question boy, who answered simply, “She’s my friend.
GREater love has no man than this--that he will lay down his life for a friend.
By John W. Mansur
Friday, November 14, 2008
To See You
Many say their most painful moments are saying good-bye to those they love. After watching Cheryl, my daughter-in-law, through the six long months her mother suffered towards death, I think the most painful moments can be in the waiting to say good-bye.
Cheryl made the two-hour trip over and over to be with her mother. They spent the long afternoons praying, soothing, comforting, and retelling their shared memories.
As her mother‘s pain intensified and more medication was needed to ease her into sedation, Cheryl sat for hours of silent vigil by her mother‘s bed.
Each time she kissed her mother before leaving, her mother would tear up and say, "I‘m sorry you drove so far and sat for so long and I didn‘t even wake up to talk with you."
Cheryl would tell her not to worry, it didn‘t matter, still her mother felt she had let her down and apologized at each good-bye until the day Cheryl found a way to give her mother the same reassurance her mother had given to her so many times.
"Mom, do you remember when I made the high school basketball team?" Cheryl‘s mother nodded. "You‘d drive so far and sit for so long and I never even left the bench to play. You waited for me after every game and each time I felt bad and apologized to you for wasting your time." Cheryl gently took her mother‘s hand.
"Do you remember what you would say to me?"
"I would say I didn‘t come to see you play, I came to see you."
"And you meant those words, didn‘t you."
"Yes, I really did."
"Well, now I say the same words to you. I didn‘t come to see you talk, I came to see you."
Her mother understood and smiled as she floated back into sleep.
their afternoons together passed quietly into days, weeks, and months. Their love filled the spaces between their words. To the last day they ministered to each other in the stillness, love given and received just by seeing each other.
A love so strong that, even in this deepened silence that followed their last good-bye, Cheryl can still hear her mother‘s love.
Cheryl made the two-hour trip over and over to be with her mother. They spent the long afternoons praying, soothing, comforting, and retelling their shared memories.
As her mother‘s pain intensified and more medication was needed to ease her into sedation, Cheryl sat for hours of silent vigil by her mother‘s bed.
Each time she kissed her mother before leaving, her mother would tear up and say, "I‘m sorry you drove so far and sat for so long and I didn‘t even wake up to talk with you."
Cheryl would tell her not to worry, it didn‘t matter, still her mother felt she had let her down and apologized at each good-bye until the day Cheryl found a way to give her mother the same reassurance her mother had given to her so many times.
"Mom, do you remember when I made the high school basketball team?" Cheryl‘s mother nodded. "You‘d drive so far and sit for so long and I never even left the bench to play. You waited for me after every game and each time I felt bad and apologized to you for wasting your time." Cheryl gently took her mother‘s hand.
"Do you remember what you would say to me?"
"I would say I didn‘t come to see you play, I came to see you."
"And you meant those words, didn‘t you."
"Yes, I really did."
"Well, now I say the same words to you. I didn‘t come to see you talk, I came to see you."
Her mother understood and smiled as she floated back into sleep.
their afternoons together passed quietly into days, weeks, and months. Their love filled the spaces between their words. To the last day they ministered to each other in the stillness, love given and received just by seeing each other.
A love so strong that, even in this deepened silence that followed their last good-bye, Cheryl can still hear her mother‘s love.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
his mind on the paper
In the song Dynasty (960-1279),there was a scholar whose name was Wen Tong and who styled himself Yuke. He was not only admired by others for his GREat learning, but also enjoyed widespread renown for his bamboo drawing. Every day there were always quite a few peoply who called at his house to ask for one of his bamboo drawings.
As a matter of fact,there were quite a few painters contemporary with him who could draw bamboos fairly well. But how did it happen that Wen Tong drew better than anybody else? Of this point Su Shi and Chao Buzhi, buth of whom were Wen Tong's good friends, gave vivid explanations in their respective poetic and prose works.
Actually, Wen Tong loved bamboos so much that he had grown various bamboos everywhere around his house. No matter what season it was and no matter whether it was sunny or rainy, he used to go to the bamboo forest to observe how they were growing. He pondered over the lenght and breadth of the bamboo poles as well as the shapes and colours of the leaves. Whenever he had gained a new understanding, he went back to his study, spread a piece of paper and prepareed some ink by rubbing an ink stick on an ink slab, and drew what was in his mind on the paper. Through accumulation over a long period of time, the images of the bamboo in different seasons, under different weather conditions and at different moments were deeply imprinted in his mind.So whenever he stood before the paper and picked up a painting brush with concentrated attention, the various forms of the bamboo which he had observed at ordinary times at once rose before his eyes. And so every time he was drawing bamboos he appeared confident and at ease, and all the bamboos he had painted were very vivid and true to lift.
When people spoke highly of his paintings, he always said modestly that he had just put the images of the bamboo imprinted in his mind on the paper.
A young man wanted to learn bamboo drawing; when he knew that Chao Buzhi had made a profound study of Wen Tong's art of drawing, he went to Chao Buzhi for instruction. Chao Buzhi wrote a poem to him. In the poem, there are the following two lines:
When Yuke was painting the bamboos,
He bad their images ready in his bosom.
Later people have summarized the lines as " having had the images of the bamboo ready in one's bosom," which means having had ready plans or designs in one's mind before doing a certain job so that its success is guaranteed. It is also used go mean being calm and cool - headed in dealing with things.
This story comes from an article writted by Su Shi concerning Wen Yuke's art of bamboo drawing.
As a matter of fact,there were quite a few painters contemporary with him who could draw bamboos fairly well. But how did it happen that Wen Tong drew better than anybody else? Of this point Su Shi and Chao Buzhi, buth of whom were Wen Tong's good friends, gave vivid explanations in their respective poetic and prose works.
Actually, Wen Tong loved bamboos so much that he had grown various bamboos everywhere around his house. No matter what season it was and no matter whether it was sunny or rainy, he used to go to the bamboo forest to observe how they were growing. He pondered over the lenght and breadth of the bamboo poles as well as the shapes and colours of the leaves. Whenever he had gained a new understanding, he went back to his study, spread a piece of paper and prepareed some ink by rubbing an ink stick on an ink slab, and drew what was in his mind on the paper. Through accumulation over a long period of time, the images of the bamboo in different seasons, under different weather conditions and at different moments were deeply imprinted in his mind.So whenever he stood before the paper and picked up a painting brush with concentrated attention, the various forms of the bamboo which he had observed at ordinary times at once rose before his eyes. And so every time he was drawing bamboos he appeared confident and at ease, and all the bamboos he had painted were very vivid and true to lift.
When people spoke highly of his paintings, he always said modestly that he had just put the images of the bamboo imprinted in his mind on the paper.
A young man wanted to learn bamboo drawing; when he knew that Chao Buzhi had made a profound study of Wen Tong's art of drawing, he went to Chao Buzhi for instruction. Chao Buzhi wrote a poem to him. In the poem, there are the following two lines:
When Yuke was painting the bamboos,
He bad their images ready in his bosom.
Later people have summarized the lines as " having had the images of the bamboo ready in one's bosom," which means having had ready plans or designs in one's mind before doing a certain job so that its success is guaranteed. It is also used go mean being calm and cool - headed in dealing with things.
This story comes from an article writted by Su Shi concerning Wen Yuke's art of bamboo drawing.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
position of strength and sphere of influence
During the Spring and Autumn Period (707 - 476 B.C.), Duke Xian of the State of Jin Wanted to expand his position of strength and sphere of influence. Therefore he would like to send his troops to destroy the State of Guo on the pretest that the State of Guo often encroached on theborders of the State of Jin. But there was a third state, the State of Yu,between the State of Jin and the State of Guo, and the Jin army had to cross the State of Yu before it could reach the State of Guo . "How can my army cross the State of Yu without a hitch?" Duke Xian of the State of Jin asked his ministers.Xun Xi , one of the ministers, said, "The monarch of the State of Yu is short - sighted and covets small advantages. If we give him priceless precious stones and fine horses, it is not unlikely that he will allow our army to pass through his country. " Seeing that Duke Xian of the State of Jin was a little bit grudging, Xun Xi continued to say, "The State of Yu and the State of Guo are neighbor stated as closely related as lips and teeth. The State of Yu cannot exist independently if the state of Guo is destroyed. Your precious stones and fime hores are just left in the care of the monarch of the State of Yu." So Duke Xian of the State of Jin accepted Xun Xi's plan. When the monarch of Yu saw the precious gifts, he was elated,and readily promised to let the Jin army pass through his state. Hearing the news, Gong Zhiqi, one of the ministers as the State of Yu, hastened to admonish the monarch, saying," That won't do.For the State of Yu and the State of Guo are neighbor states as closely related as lips and teeth. Our two small states are interdependent, and can help cach other when problems crop up .If the State of Guo were destroyed, it would be difficult for our State of Yu to continue to exist. As the common saying goes, if the lips are gone ,the teeth will be cold, The teeth can hardly be kept if the lips are gone. So it won't do at all to allow the Jin army pass our state." The monarch of the State of Yu said," The State of Jin is a big state. Now they here specially to present gifts to us with the intention of being on friendly terms with us. Under suchcircumstances, how can we refuse to allow them to pass through our state?" Hearing this, Gong Zhiqi sighed repeatedly. Knowing that the State of Yu would soon be destroyed, Gong Zhiqi left the State of Yu together with his whole family. As expected, the troops of the State of Jin, allowed to pass through the State of Yu, destroyed the State of Guo and on their return trip captured the monarch of the State of Yu who went out personally to meet them, htus destroying the State of Yu as Well. This story appears in the chapter " The Fifth Year of Duke Xi " in Zuo zhuan,the famous commentary by Zuo Qiuming on The Spring and Autumn Annals. The set phrase " if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold " is used to mean that two persons or things share a common lot and that is one fails ,the other is in danger.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A General History
In order to suppress those who were against her, Wu Zetian, the empress of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), appointed a few merciless persons to be judges. Two of them were extremely brutal; one was called Zhou Xing and the other was called Lai Junchen. They killed many upright civil and military officials as well as ordinary people by framing up cases against tham and by administering inhuman corporal punishment to them. Once, Wu Zetian received a letter which informed against Zhou Xing. The letter aside that Zhou Xing was plotting a rebellion in collaboration with others. Wu Zetian was furiously angry when she read the letter, and immediately ordered Lai Junchen to deal with the case severely. Hearing the order, Lai Junchen had misgivings about it. He knew that Zhou Xing could not be forced to tell the truth merely by using a letter informing against him because he was very sly and crafty. Lai Junchen also knew that he would not be for given if he should fail in dealing with the case, because the empress would certainly blame him and punish him. How could he solve the problem then? He turned the problem over and over in his mind, and finally thought out a "brilliant scheme". Lai Junchen had a sumptuous feast prepared, and invited Zhou Xing to his home. The two of them urged each other to drink, and they talked while drinking. After the wine had gone round three times, Lai Junchen pretended to sigh, "When Ihandle cases in ordinary times, I often com across prisoners who stubbournly refuse to admit they are guilty. I wonder if you have any effetive measures." Hearing this, he took a sip of the wine. Lai Junchen immediately pretended to be very earnest, saying, "Oh, please do tell me at once." Smiling insidiously, Zhou Xing said, "Get a big vat, scorch it hot with charcoal fire all around, and then let the prisoner come into the vat. Will the prisoner fail to make a confession of his crime?" Hearing this. LaiJunchen nodded his head in approval repeatedly. He then ordered his subordinates to bring a big vat, and had a charcoal fire lit all around it as Zhou Xing had said. He then turned to Zhou Xing and said, "Someone in the imperial court has informed against you, saying that you are plotting a rebellion. The empress has ordered me to deal with the case severely. So I beg your pardon, but would you kindly step into the "Someone in the imperial court has informed against you, saying that you are plotting a rebellion. The empress has ordered me to deal with the case severely. So I beg your pardon, but would you kindly step into the vat?" Hearing this, Zhou Xing dropped his wine cup to the ground and the cup broke with a crash. Then he knelt down with a flop, nodded repeatedly and said, "I am guilty. I confess I am guilty." This story appears in A General History as a Mirror of Past Events by Sima Guang of the Song Dynasty. From this story, people have derived the set phrase "kindly step into the vat -- try what you have devised against others".
Monday, November 10, 2008
obsessed with ambitions
In the reign of Emperor the Second of the Qin Dynasty (221-207 B.C.), the prime minister Zhao Gao, obsessed with ambitions, was planning to usurp the throne day and night. But he did not know how many of the ministers in the court were allowed to be ordered about by him and how many of them were his opponents. So he thought out a way to test how high his prestige among the ministers was and also to find out who dared to oppose him. One day when court was held, Zhao Gao let someone bring a stag to the court and, with a broad smile on his face, he said to Emperor the Second of the Qin Dynasty:"Your Majesty, here is a fine horse I'm presenting to you." Looking at the animal, Emperor the Second thought that it was obviously a stag and that it couldn't be a horse. So he said smilingly to Zhao Gao:"Mister Prime Minister, you are wrong. This is a stay. Why do you say it is a horse?" Remaining calm, Zhao Gao said:"Will your Majesty please see more clearly? This really is a horse that covers a thousand li a day." Filled with suspicion, Emperor the Second looked at the stag again and said:"How can the antlers be grown on the head of a horse?" Turning around and pointing his finger at the ministers, Zhao Gao said in a loud voice:"if our Majesty do not believe me, you can ask the ministers." The nonsense of Zhao Gao made the ministers totally at a lose, and they whispered to themselves: What tricks was Zhao Gao playing? Was it not obvious whether it was a stag or a horse? But when they saw the sinister smile on Zhao Gao's face and his two rolling eyes which were gazing at each of them, they suddenly understood his evil intentions. Some of the ministers who were timid and yet had a sense of right eousness did not dare to say anything, because to tell lies would make their conscience uneasy and to tell the truth would mean that they would be persecuted by Zhao Gao later. Some ministers with a sense of justice persisted that it was a stag and not a horse. There were still some crafty and fawning ministers who followed Zhao Gao closely in ordinary times. They immediately voiced their support to Zhao Gao, saying to the emperor:"This really in a horse that covers a thousand li a day." After the event, Zhao Gao punished by various means those ministers with a sense of justice who were not obedient to him, even with whole families of some of those ministers executed. This story appears in "The Life of the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty" in The Historical Records written by Sima Qian. From this story people have derived the set phrase "calling a stag a horse" to mean deliberately misrepresenting some thing and misleading the public.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
impenetrable shield
A man of the state of Chu had a spear and a shield for sale. He was loud in praises of his shield.
"My shield is so strong that nothing can pierce it through." He also sang praises of his spear. "My spear is so strong that it can pierce through anything." "What would happen," he was asked, "if your spear is used to pierce your shield?" It is impossible for an impenetrable shield to coexist with a spear that finds nothing impenetrable.
"My shield is so strong that nothing can pierce it through." He also sang praises of his spear. "My spear is so strong that it can pierce through anything." "What would happen," he was asked, "if your spear is used to pierce your shield?" It is impossible for an impenetrable shield to coexist with a spear that finds nothing impenetrable.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Frog in the Shallow Well
Have you not heard of the frog that lived in a shallow well? It said to a turtle that lived in the East Sea, "I am so happy! When I go out, I jump about on the railing beside the mouth of the well. When I come home,I rest in the holes on the broken wall of the well. If I jump into the water, it comes up to my armpits and holds up my cheeks. If I walk in the mud, it covers up my feet. I look around at the wriggly worms, crabs and tadpoles, and none of them can compare with me. Moreover, I am lord of this trough of water and I stand up tall in this shallow well. My happiness is full. My dear sir, why don't you come often and look around my place?" Before the turtle from the East Sea could get its left foot in the well, its right knee got stuck. It hesitated and retreated. The turtle told the frog about the East Sea. "Even a distance of a thousand li cannot give you an idea of the sea's width; even a height of a thousand ren cannot give you an idea of its depth. In the time of King Yu of the Xia dynasty, there were floods nine years out of ten, but the waters in the sea did not increase. ln the time of King Tang of the Shang dynasty there were droughts seven years out of eight, but the waters in the sea did not decrease. The sea does not change along with the passage of time and its level does not rise or fall according to the amount of rain that falls. The GREatest happiness is to live in the East Sea." After listening to these words, the frog of the shallow well was shocked into realization of his own insignificance and became very ill at ease.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Real Life Philosophy
You don't actually have to take the quiz. Just read this straight through, and you'll get the point (an awesome one) it is trying to make!
Take this quiz:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Take this quiz:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Sand and Stone
The story goes that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face.
The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: "Today my best friend slapped me in the face."
They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him.
After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: "Today my best friend saved my life."
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now you write on a stone. Why?"
The other friend replied: "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire life to forget them.
Send this phrase to the people you'll never forget. It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them
Take the time to live.
The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: "Today my best friend slapped me in the face."
They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him.
After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: "Today my best friend saved my life."
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now you write on a stone. Why?"
The other friend replied: "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire life to forget them.
Send this phrase to the people you'll never forget. It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them
Take the time to live.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
beautiful trumpet lilies
Once upon a time there was a good old woman who lived in a little house. She had in her garden a bed of beautiful trumpet lilies.
One night she was wakened by the sounds of sweet singing and of babies laughing. She looked out at the window. The sounds seemed to come from the lily bed, but she could see nothing.
The next morning she walked among her flowers, but there were no signs of any one having been there the night before.
On the following night she was again wakened by sweet singing and babies laughing. She walked softly to her garden. The moon was shining brightly on the lily bed, and the flowers were swaying to and fro. The old woman looked closely and she saw, standing by each lily, a little Fairy mother who was singing and rocking the flower like a cradle, while in each lily trumpet lay a little Fairy baby laughing and playing.
The good old woman went quietly back to her house, and from that time on she never picked a lily, nor did she allow her neighbors to touch the flowers.
The lilies GREw brighter in color and larger in size, and they gave out a delicious perfume like that of roses. They began, too, to bloom all the year round.
The day came when the good old woman died, and the lily-bed was torn up, other plants were planted there, but they all withered, and from that time on nothing would grow there.
But the good old woman's grave GREw beautiful, for the Fairies sang above it, and kept it green; while on the grave and all around it there sprang up lilies, tulips, violets, and other lovely flowers of spring.
One night she was wakened by the sounds of sweet singing and of babies laughing. She looked out at the window. The sounds seemed to come from the lily bed, but she could see nothing.
The next morning she walked among her flowers, but there were no signs of any one having been there the night before.
On the following night she was again wakened by sweet singing and babies laughing. She walked softly to her garden. The moon was shining brightly on the lily bed, and the flowers were swaying to and fro. The old woman looked closely and she saw, standing by each lily, a little Fairy mother who was singing and rocking the flower like a cradle, while in each lily trumpet lay a little Fairy baby laughing and playing.
The good old woman went quietly back to her house, and from that time on she never picked a lily, nor did she allow her neighbors to touch the flowers.
The lilies GREw brighter in color and larger in size, and they gave out a delicious perfume like that of roses. They began, too, to bloom all the year round.
The day came when the good old woman died, and the lily-bed was torn up, other plants were planted there, but they all withered, and from that time on nothing would grow there.
But the good old woman's grave GREw beautiful, for the Fairies sang above it, and kept it green; while on the grave and all around it there sprang up lilies, tulips, violets, and other lovely flowers of spring.
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