New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1880-11-03
ACURIOUs CHINESE LEGEND.

was ia its glory AMI prosperity reigned
In the Empire, there dwelt in :. the
scented flower street, young man
named Shu, who had lately lost his
father. By tho death Of this parent .
considerable amount of wealth, in
money, houses and land, reverted to
him. Being of q literary turn of mind
he seldom visited the places Of public
resort, his time being generally occu-
pied with his studies or In attending to
the wants of his mother. Although he
was urged by his surviving parent to
contract matrimonial alliance, vet he
persistently refused, saying that he had
never yet seen or heard OF any damsel
upon whom he could center his afec-
tions. Enjoying AZ he did good looks
in addition to his share Of wealth, he
was the envy Of all the marriage brok-
ers in the city, who vainly brought the
charms of numerous fair ones before
his mothers notice, but all in vain.
Now, one night while porting over
some ancient tones treating upon
magic and the occult sciences, he came
across chapter wherein was described
the charms Of q certain Princess, the
daughter of mighty King, who lived
in a distant part Of China. Her innu-
merable graces, her exquisite beauty
and attachments were all set forth.
Fired by the marvellous attributes of
this fair damsel he determined to make
further inquiries upon the subject.
Not far from the young mans place Of
abode there lived an old Buddhist priest
who had the reputation of being deeply
versed in magic and in ancient history.
Thither the youth repaired, and. hav-
ing acquainted him with the subject,
invoked his aid to inform him by what
means it was possible to see this wond-
erful Princess. The priest endeavored
to dissuade him from making the At
tempt, but in vain. "Wen," said the
priest, II warn you that nothing but
sorrow will be the result of your
wishes, but if at any future time you
should require my services, for the
sake Of your father, who was very
kind to me, I will save you from
misery" The rash youth was in no
way daunted by the evil forebodings of
the priest, nor would he be dissuaded
from his resolve.
A DEMONIACAL DAMSEL.
Acco rdingly the old man gave him
the foil owing instructions: 'sThis beau
tiful Princess is the daughter of King
Wong, who, as you are aware by tho
records OF your books, is possessed OF
considerable notoriety and skill in the
magic art. This he has transmitted to
his daughter, and by virtue of q super
natural power she has the means,
whenever she wills it, of transforming
herself or any one she may wish into
the form of serpent. Up to the pres
ent time she has been sought by many
suitors, but owing to her wickedness
and desire to wreak vengeance upon
the inhabitants of the kingdom of WI,
with whom in former years her ances-
tors were at endless warfare, she
makes point of transforming young
men into serpents, and conveys them
by her magic art to that kingdom, thus
venting her wrath against the people Of
the land. Now, my son, I alone have
the means to prevent her using her
magic upon you. It may be that she
will be struck with your appearance,
and should you, by efecting q marriage
with her, dissolve the unholy spell that
now dominates her, then you will,
indeed, be privileged to enter into the
blessed state of Nirvana. Go home,
and will command the Princess by
virtue OF my power over her-to appear
to you"
A PECULIAR INTERVIEW.
The young man retraced his steps,
and having seated himself in his study
was deeply immersed in thought, when
suddenly ray Of bright light STRUCK
across the chamber and upon looking
up he beheld the object of his wishes
Dazzled by the beauty Of the lady he
could scarcely speak, but the fair dam.
Gel approached, and thus began: MAS
ter Shu, by command of the sage Chang
I have come to you; in what manner
can serve your" Shu, regaining hit
courage, replied: Fair Lady teen
(Lily), I have long read of your won
drous charms. Igaze upon your form and
features" The lady on her side was
evidently smitten with the youth, and
did not for the moment know what tc
reply to the compliment. Said she,
'.have you heard of my wickedness and
proficiency in the magic art, and arr
you ready to undergo any test may
put you tor' Being answered in the
affirmative, she said: ..Well, tonight
be at the foot Of the 'Eeng Shan (Phm.
nix hin). and remaim watching until ]
come to you" u puth promised to
be there. As evening approached he
felt somewhat alarmed and having Wis.
lied his mother, telling her that she
was not to be alarmed as he would moi
be home before morning, made q dis
position OF his property and having as
sumed his best garments repaired to
the spot indicated by the Princess.
To his astonishment, Just at the foot
Of the hill, he was suddenly stopped by
the Priest Chang, who drew him aside
and endeavored, by all the persuasion
In his power, to deter him from keep.
Ing his appointment.
A VISION or sERPENrs.
The sage, seeing that all his speech
was useless, determined to resort to hia
power Of summoning unearthly beings
to his aid, to combat the art Of the
Princess Leen. The moon which had
hitherto shown brightly on the scene,
now became clouded over. Suddenly the
Kissing Of serpents became audible,
the noise Of the leaves rustling and the
branches cracking caused our hero to
look up. What : sight met his gaze!
Numberless serpents were visible Of oil
sizes and shapes, twisting and coiline
themselves In and out Of the branches.
ao-started back IN horror and half re-