“The distant mountains are seen against the sunset, now bright, now pale;
A sound of bells seem to wish to pierce the aurora borealis.
My existence resembles the light cloud which in one moment crosses a thousand hills,
Which permits me to contemplate the ten thousand mountains in one moment.”
The goddess asked at the same time that all those present should submit their poems, that she might applaud or condemn them. Each man gave a poem, which was immediately burned, so that it might reach in wraith the goddess.
Suddenly the friend of the goddess put in her appearance, or rather manifested herself. Her name was Siao-Ling, which means Young Lotus. This is what she wrote:
“Yesterday evening the brilliant snow and the icy wind cut like scissors.
I opened my door to contemplate the distant view.
I noticed that my plum-tree had added to its blossoms.”