He hears the sound of clashing steel;
Of thundering squadrons ing nigh。
And upward from the foaming waves
I saw two peerless beings soar;
One was a destined western king;
And him another dragon bore。
The Tan still rolls from east to west。
Its roaring torrent never dry。
Those dragons twain; ah! Where are they?
Yes; where? But there is no reply。
The setting sun; in dark relief
Against the glowing western sky。
Throws out the everlasting hills
While; saddened; here I stand and sigh。
Humans died to found the kingdoms three;
Which now as misty dreams remain。
Of greatest deeds the traces oft
Are faint that fleeting years retain。
Thus Liu Bei crossed the rolling river。 Then he turned and looked back at the other bank which his pursuers had just gained。
〃Why did you run sway from the feast?〃 called out Cai Mao。
〃Why did you wish to harm a person who has done you no injury?〃 replied Liu Bei。
〃I have never thought of such a thing。 Do not listen to what people say to you。〃
But Liu Bei saw that his enemy was fitting an arrow to his bowstring; so he whipped up his steed and rode away southwest。
〃What spirits aided him?〃 said Cai Mao to his followers。
Then Cai Mao turned to go back to the city; but in the gate he saw Zhao Yun ing out at the head of his pany of guards。
By wondrous leap the dragon steed his riders life could save;
Now follows him; on vengeance bent; his masters henchman brave。
The next chapters will tell what fate befell the traitor。
Main Next to Chapter 35 》》
Romance of Three Kingdoms … by Luo Guanzhong … Chapter 35
Chapter 35
Liu Bei Meets A Recluse At Nanzhang;
Shan Fu Sees A Noble Lord At Xinye。
Just as Cai Mao was going into the city; he met Zhao Yun and his three hundred ing out。 It had happened that; while at the banquet; Zhao Yun had noticed some movement of soldiers and horses and had at once gone to the banquet…hall to see if all was well with his lord。 Missing Liu Bei from his place; Zhao Yun had bee anxious and gone to the guest…house。 There he heard that Cai Mao had gone off to the west gate with troops。 So he quickly took his spear; mounted and went; he and the escort; in hot haste along the same road。
Meeting Cai Mao near the gate; he said; 〃Where is my lord?〃
〃He left the banquet…hall quite suddenly; and I know not