Sacred Books of the East Vol. 40: Taoism Vol. 2

{fn. 5. So it was, according to the story, that Lâo-dze drew near to the barrier gate, when he wished to leave China.} {fn. 6. The Ko is a river flowing from Ho-nan into An-hui, and falling into the Hwâi, not far from the district city of Hwâi-yüan. It enters the one province from the other in the small department of Po ({img 31703}), in which, according to a Chinese map in my possession, Lâo-dze was born. The Khang-hsî Thesaurus also gives a passage to the effect that the temple of his mother was hereabouts, at a bend in the Ko.} {p. 318} His stately temple fell to ruin His altar empty was and still; By the nine wells dryandras grew{fr. 1}, And the twin tablets were but heaps of stone. St. 7. But when our emperor was called to rule, All spirit-like and sage was he. Earth's bells reverberated loud, And light fell on the heavenly mirror down. The universe in brightness shone, And portents all were swept away; (All souls), or bright or dark{fr. 2}, revered, And spirits came to take from him their law. St. 8. From desert sands{fr. 3} and where the great trees grow{fr. 3}, From phoenix caves, and from the dragon woods, All different creatures came sincere; Men of all regions gave their hearts to him. Their largest vessels brought their gifts, And kings their rarest things described; Black clouds a thousand notes sent forth; And in the fragrant winds were citherns heard{fr. 4}. St. 9. Through his transforming power, the tripods were made sure;