We are making a journey, Miss Sterling, Ai Lang, Bing Ding and I to the Monastery of Dreams on the tall mountain Koshan. From the Compound we came in early morning time by boat and now in sedan chairs we ascend into the clouds. At each placement of rest we stop. While coolies catch at breath and smoke at pipe, we drink of tea and watch at view. It is most wondrous. Trees of a growth extraordinary. Rocks of mightiness each bearing an inscription from the Classics. Down side of mountain, tumbling into waterfalls over boulders of bigness flows a stream of the clearness of glass. Below, the "Happy Valley" stretches myriads of miles away, of green in shadow and gold in sunshine, all of uttermost beauty.
There are steps of stone that one may arrive at Tea-houses higher up mountain side. I beg of Miss Sterling that I may to leave chair and mount up steps. All girls come and we climb, making readings of rocks as we go. I find great comfort in my reading - "With what little wisdom is the world governed." For the business of Genius makes me tired and tonight I must become fresh, like unto a daisy, for out of me must I cough up a Poem.
We are nearing the Monastery. High in air above our heads, the bell from the Temple tolls. As we climb Miss Sterling tells of the wicked man who tolls it. For twenty-five years he has made penance for his wicked sins. He was doomed to toll the bell and never speak; now he cannot to speak one word, but tolls on. That's not dead easy. I have of sorrow for that man. Tonight I will to compose a Poem to him.
We enter the open court of the Monastery. All is of great stillness and peace. Only tinkling of fountain in centre of court makes soundings. Beyond fountain is lake full of brilliant colourings. By lake we make pauses and see that colourings are red, blue, green and gold fishes - most beautiful! At end of lake an old man sits by stand; on stand are cakes all strung on string like Chinese cash. We buy of the cakes, Bing Ding cut strings, and we enjoy much pleasurings in fishes feeding forgetful of hours. But Miss Sterling say, "The time is passing. If you wish your fortunes told we must go."
We mount up stone steps and enter Temple of the Prophets. Bing Ding, alone, makes way to Priest at altar and tells to him of her desire. From his Divining Sticks he makes selection of one and lays it upon the altar, then opens the Taheo (Book of Great Learning) and reads:
The accomplishment of thy plans rests with Heaven. The Spirits of the Earth, Sea and Air are propitious. Thou shalt ride far upon the Sea into Foreign Countries and return in safety. The Earth Spirit gives thee great power in things political through thy marriage to a high official of thy Country. Seven worthy sons shall be born unto thee and thy days shall be full and many.
Bing Ding was of manifest satisfaction when she join us sitting on seat at back of temple.
We hike on up other stone steps to the Temple of the Moon. I enter with Ai Lang, Miss Sterling and Bing Ding making readings of Classics outside on rocks.
Unto the Priest of Temple Ai Lang tell of her birth-moon, also hour and place of birthment.
He answer thus: The right way leads forward; the wrong way backward. Unto your choice bring wisdom. Within four angles of prominence lies your life. Leo rising, Cancer culminating. To your house Mars brings trouble but Venus overrules. You will bear a man child of exceeding greatness. Art is your talent; your hands your best possessions. See to it that you use them wisely.