XXIV

VISIT TO THE MONASTERY OF GOOD OMEN

I take horse before cockcrow

And arrive at the monastery

As the evening bell is ringing.

The smell of incense

Permeates the quiet air.

The new moon sets over the edge of the forest.

The home of the men of peace and order

Has been loaned to me

As refuge until day dawns.

No one will follow me tonight

Along the road through the deep fir forest.

Only the chanting of the monks

Echoes between the darkening trees.

LU CHI