But speech is a grave matter for women,
naturally slow-witted and feeble-minded as they are. This
unenlightened person recalls the Odes as saying:-
`A flaw in a piece of white jade
May be ground away,
But when a woman has spoken foolishly
Nothing can be done-'
a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout
the world think anxiously before speech." So anxiously did the
assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a
pool, and the August Aunt continued:-
"Let Tsu-ssu be summoned. It is my intention to suggest to the
Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our
discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion."
Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who
despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its
Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the
beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other's ears, and
await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for
reprieve.
Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an
Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August
Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her
jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in
pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
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