Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-07-19
SING-LEE.


One summer day the ruler lay down on
his silken couch to have his usual after
dinner nap, but was so disturbed by the
discordant music of some strolling must
clans that he could not rest
Sending for Lyng-Lun, the court must.
clan, he reproved him, saying, "LyngLun,
is that the music you allow the emperor of
China to hear?"
Most gracious majesty" Lyng-Lun re-
piled in vindication of himself, 1--WE can
never have perfect harmony in our music
until we have a melodic arrangement of
the different tones"
Hoang-Ty's face lowered as he said an
grily, "Why has not this been done2" and
before Lyng-Lun had recovered from the
establishment occasioned by this question,
Hoang-Ty continued: 'Lyng-Lun, listen
to the commands of China: Music must be
arranged and regulated by you, on similar
principles to those on which | have estab-
hshed the laws of the land. If in one year
from today you have done this, you may
ask any boon you wish from the state; if
on the other hand you have not accom-
plishedthe task, you lose your rank and
your head at the same time"
Your commands shall be obeyed, most
gracious ruler" said Lyng-Lun, as he pros
trated himself and left the palace feeling
that he had only another year to live.
How could he satisfy the emperor? He
had no fundamental principles as a start
ing point. True, he was court musician,
but he could only make music by follow
ing the dictates Of his ear.
For several days Ling-L un was not seen
in his usual place at court and as he was
a general favorite with both gentlemen
and ladies, and moreover the handsomest
man in China, it is no wonder that many
conflicting rumors were spread abroad con-
corning him.
But soon the tongue Of gossip was 81
fenced, as he was seen making preparations
for a journey by some friends, who soon
learned of the task imposed upon him, and
condoled with him on his prospective fate,
since they thought Hoang-Ty's undertake
ing an impossible thing to achieve.
"Who ever heard of order or law in
musicf" said they. why, music was the
gift of the joss. Why should human beings
try to become as great as the gods?" they
asked themselves.
However, the day came when Lyng-Lun
took his departure. He must seek in other
countries for this fundamental law of mu-
sic, since il was not to be found in his own
He Travelled through many countries and
had many adventures and hairbreadth es-
capes from robbers and wild animals; but
no matter where he sought the elusive
knowledge, all was in vain.
About six months had passed when, in
his wanderings, Lyng-Lun came to the ST.
Jang country; thence he travelled on until
he reached the Hoang-H o the river of bam-
boos. Lyng-Lun proceeded along the bank
until he came to an inviting spot just at
shutdown, and, being weary, determined to
rest there for the night.
After a slight supper of rice he lay down
to sleep, but had not slumbered long when
he was awakened by strains of sweetest
music. He sat up and rubbed his eyes,
Never had he heard such wonderful mel
ody. he looked about him to see from
whence it came, and soon found it pro-
ceeded from the river that flowed at his
feet.
The strains, which had been low and
sweet at first, now increased in volume
until they became as loud as rolling thun-
der, yet were still harmonious and en-
trancing to the ear.
Suddenly the music ceased and all was
silent for a moment, when a sweet voice
began singing.
Lyng-Lun now rose and, parting the
bamboos that lined the banks of the river,
perceived a ravishingly beautiful young
woman sitting on a rock.
He listened for a long time, entranced,
unable to utter a word or move.
The moon had made her nightly passage
through the sky and was fast approaching
the western horizon, though every object
was still clearly discernible. In the sill
very light Lyng-Lun saw the maiden lift
her white arms, which were fastened. to-
gether by a chain of gold, toward the sky,
as if in supplication to the moon, and her
song became more plaintive as she sang:
Handsome, gay and loving is he.
When will he come to set me free?
Obi when, to set me free.
The last line was sung so plaintively that
tears flowed from Lyng-Lun's eyes as the
rain from heaven.
He had just recovered his presence of
mind and was about to address her, when,
as the moon rolled down the opposite side
of the hill, the maiden dived into the river
and was seen no more that night.
Lyng-Lun, after gazing for some time at
the dark waters where she had disappeared,
said wonderingly to HIMSELF "Where have
i heard that sweet voice before? Where
have met her fair facet"
tions he lay down again to sleep, and
dreamed he saw the fair, nymphlike
maiden walking toward him on the surface
Of the river. Then suddenly she began to
sink and called upon him to save her, when
he awoke to find the sun shedding its burn
ing rays on his face.
After breaking his fast and bathing in
the crystal water Lyng-Lun sat down again
to think.
Taking his knife from his pocket he cut
a bamboo, and trimming it off between the
knots began picking out the pith. All this
was done in sheer idleness. If any one had
asked him what he was making he could
not to save his life have told.
Then to clear the hole thus made he
blew through it, and was surprised to hear
beautiful clear tone issue from the reed.
He blew again, and the river murmured
an answering tone in unison with that
which came from the bamboo. Imme-