"The cock crows when the moon's rays shine upon the thatched inn."

After his observance of the rule followed Yuen Erh's turn.

A girl is sad,

Yuen Erh began,

When she tries to divine on whom she will depend towards the end of
life.

"My dear child!" laughingly exclaimed Hsueeh P'an, "your worthy Mr. Hsueeh
still lives, and why do you give way to fears?"

"Don't confuse her!" remonstrated every one of the party, "don't muddle
her!"

"A maiden is wounded at heart."

Yuen Erh proceeded:

"When her mother beats and scolds her and never for an instant doth
desist."

"It was only the other day," interposed Hsueeh P'an, "that I saw your
mother and that I told her that I would not have her beat you."

"If you still go on babbling," put in the company with one consent,
"you'll be fined ten cups."