So far one might expect to find
Wild forest denizens there; trained
To serve in place of humankind。
Without a hoary crane might stand
As warden of the outer gate;
Within a long…armed gibbon e
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。
For he who dwells within that hut
Is talented beyond pare;
Although he lives the simple life
And harvest seems his only care。
He waits until the thunderous call
Shall bid him wake; nor sleep again;
Then will he forth and at his word
Peace over all the land shall reign。
Liu Bei 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。
Liu Bei replied; 〃I am Liu Bei; General of the Han Dynasty; Lord of Yicheng; Imperial Protector of Yuzhou; and Uncle of the Emperor。 I am e to salute the Master。〃
〃I cannot remember so many titles;〃 said the lad。
〃Then simply say that Liu Bei has e to inquire 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 Liu Bei。