Wheneverwithinhisdominionstherewasafineyounghorseman，theOldManwouldputaspellonhimanddrawhimtotheCastleofAlamoot，andoutsideofthecastlesleepwouldcomeonhim。Andwhenhewokeup，hewouldbeinsidethecastle，inthewonderfulgardens。Andthey’dtellhimhewasdeadandinparadise。Andparadiseitwouldbeforhimwhatwiththelovelywomenandthegreatplayingontheflutes，thebirdssinging，andthesunshining，thecrystalriversandtheflowersoftheworld。AndafterawhiletheOldManoftheMountainwouldcallforhim，andtellhimhewassendinghimbackonearthagainonamissiontopunishSuch-and-Such。AndtheOldManwouldputsleeponhimandaknifeinhishand，andwhenhewokehewouldbeoutsidetheCastleofAlamoot。Andhewouldstartonhismission。Andwhenhecamebackhewouldbereadmittedtoparadise。Andifhedidn’tcomeback，therewereotherstotakehisplace。
　　TheOldManoftheMountainalwayskeptonehundredandoneassassinsandfourhundredandfourwomentotendthem。
　　NowwhenthecaravanofthePoloshadcometorestfortheday，theOldManoftheMountainputoutwhite，notblackmagic，andhedrewMarcoPolotothecastleasamagnetdrawsaneedle。AndMarcoPologallopeduptotheCastleinthewaningmoon，andtheOldManlookeddownonhimfromthebattlementsandstrokedhislongwhitebeard。
　　"Doyouknowme，MarcoPolo？"
　　"IknowyouandIhavenofearofyou，OldManoftheMountain。"
　　"Andwhyhaveyounofearofme，MarcoPolo？"
　　"BecausethecrossoftheLordJesusisbetweenmeandharm。
　　Becauseitprotectsmenightandday。"
　　"IknowEesaben-Miriam，"saidtheOldMan。"Hewasagreatprophet。
　　Butwhetherhewouldhaveprotectedyoufromme，wewilldifferaboutthat。I’veoftenthoughtofyou，MarcoPolo，andyoucomingthisway。
　　Icouldhaveusedyouinmyworkofkeepingthekingsandchieftainsoftheworldinfearandsubjection。"
　　"Thenwhyamn’tIinyourgarden，OldManoftheMountain？"
　　"Thefourmostbeautifulwomenintheworldareinmygarden。
　　Thereisatall，black-hairedwoman，andsheisfairerandmoreadroitthanLilith，whowasbeforeEve；andthereisatall，blondwoman，andsheislikeaqueen；andthereisaslim，copper-coloredwoman，andsheislikeanidolinashrine；andthereisalittlebrown-hairedwoman，andsheislikeachild。Butnoneofthosewomencouldmakeyoubelieveyouwereinparadisewhilethere’safaceinyourheart。NotthecrossoftheLordJesusisbetweenyouandme，butthefaceoflittleGoldenBellsofChina。"
　　"ButIamnotgoingtoChinatowooGoldenBells，OldManoftheMountain。IamgoingtoconvertthemenofCathay。"
　　TheOldManoftheMountainlaughedandstrokedhisbeard。
　　"YouhadasermonfromGregorybeforeyoucameaway。DidhetellyouyouweretoconvertthemenofCathay？"
　　"Hedidnot。"
　　"Ali，Gregory’sasoundman。Heknewyoucan’tmakesaintsinaday。
　　Why，child，I’veseenthebeginningoftheworld，andI’veseentheendofit。I’veseenthebeginninginacrystalglass，andI’veseentheendinapoolofinkinaslave’shand。I’veseenmankindbeginlowernorthegibberingape，andI’veseenthemendtheshiningsonsofGod。Millionsonmillionsonmillionsofyears，multiplieduntodizziness，crawling，infinitesimalworkovercomingnature，overcomingthemselves，overcomingtheprincesofthepowersofdarkness，oneofwhomIam。Butthisistoodeepforyou，MarcoPolo。
　　"Nowyoucangoonyourwaywithouthindrancefromme，MarcoPolo，becauseofthememoryofanoldtime，whenthecourtingofawomanwasmoretomethanthekillingofaman，whenbeautymeantmorenorpower。
　　"Letyoubeonyourway，MarcoPolo，whileIsitherealonelyoldman，withwee，softghostswhisperingtohim。LetyoubehasteningonyourwaybeforeIrememberIamaprinceofthepowersofdarknessandshoulddoyouharm……
　　CHAPTERIX
　　Andsotheywentoneastward，evereastward，andthemoonswereborn，grew，waned，anddied……
　　TheypassedthroughKhotan，wherethediversbringupjadefromtherivers，whitejadeandblackjade，andgreenjadeveinedwithgold。
　　TheypassedthroughCarnal，theshamefulcity，whosewomenarefairandwanton，whosemenarecuckolds。AndtheypassedthroughtheprovinceofChitingolos，wherearethemountainsoftheSalamanders。
　　TheypassedthroughthecityofCampicha，wheretherearemoreidolsthanmen。AndtheypassedthroughthegreatcityofSamarkand，wheretheGreenStoneisonwhichTimur’sthronewasset……
　　Andwerebornanddied……
　　TheypassedthroughTangut，wherethemenwillnotcarrythedeadoutthroughthedoorofahouse，butmustbreakaholeinthewall。
　　AndtheypassedthroughKialehta，wheretherearesnow-whitecamels。
　　AndtheypassedthroughthelandsofPresterJohn。
　　AndnowtheywereintheTatarlands。Therepassedthemlowingmuskoxen。TherepassedthemthewildassesofMongolia。Therepassedthemthebarbarians，withtheirgreattentsonwheels。Therepassedthemtheblack-jowled，savage，idolaters。Therepassedthemtheprettywhite-facedwomen。Therepassedthemhuge，abominabledogs。
　　AndtheycametothetownofLob，andanewmoonarose，andtheyenteredtheDesertoftheSingingSands。
　　CHAPTERX
　　Wherevertheywentnowwassand，andadullhazethatmadethesunlooklikeacoppercoin。Andagreatsilencefellonthecaravan，andnothingwasheardbutthecrunchofthecamels’padsandthetinkleofthecamels’bells。Andnogreenthingwasseen。
　　Andagreatterrorfellonthecaravan，sothatonenightathirdofthecaravandeserted。Therestwentoninsilenceunderthedullsun。Andnowtheycameacrossavillageofwhiteskeletonsgrinninginthesilentsand。Andatnighttherewasnothingheard，noteventhebarkingofadog。Andothersofthecaravandeserted，andotherswerelost。
　　Andnowtheyhadcomesofarintothedesertthattheycouldnotreturn，butmustkeepontheirway，andonthefifthdaytheycametotheHilloftheDrum。AndallthroughthenighttheycouldnotsleepfortheboomingoftheDrum。Andsomeofthecaravanwentmadthere，andfledscreamingintothewaste。
　　Andnowtherewasonlyagreathazeaboutthem，andtheylookedatoneanotherwithterror，saying："Wereweeveranyplacewheregreenwas，wherebirdssang，ortherewassweetwater？Ormaybewearedead。
　　Ormaybethiswasallourlife，andthepleasanttowns，andthelamplightinthevillages，andtheapricotsinthegarden，andourwivesandchildren，maybetheywerealladreamthatwewokeinthemiddleof。Letusliedownandsleepthatwemaydreamagain。"
　　ButMarcoPolowouldnotletthemliedown，fortoliedownwasdeath。
　　Buthedrovethemonward。Andagaintheycomplained："SurelyGodneversawthisplacethatHeleftitsoterrible。SurelyHewasneverhere。Hewasneverhere。"
　　Andnowthattheirmindswerepitchedtotheheightofmadness，thewarlocksofthedeserttookshapeandjeeredatthem，andthewhite-sheetedghostsflittedalongsideofthem，andthegoblinsoftheGobiharriedthemfrombehind。Andthesunwaslikedullcopperthroughthehaze，andthemoonlikeagutteringcandle，andstarstherewerenone。
　　Andwhenthemoonwasatitsfull，theycametotheHilloftheBell。
　　AndthroughthenighttheBellwentGONGH，GONGH，GONGH，untiltheycouldfeelitineveryfiberoftheirbodies，andtheirskinitchedwithit。Theywouldstoptheirears。Buttheywouldhearitinthepalmsoftheirhandsandthesolesoftheirfeet。GONGH，GONGH，GONGH。
　　AndwhentheylefttheHilloftheBelltherewereonlysixofthecaravanleft，andamultitudeofwhite-sheetedghosts。Andthecaravanploddedonwarddully。Andnowthewarlocksofthedesertplayedanothercruelty。Afarofftheywouldputaseemingofalake，andthetravelerswouldpressongladly，crying，"Thereiswater！
　　Water！Godlives！Godlives！"Buttherewasonlysand。Andnowitwouldbeagreenvision，andtheywouldcry："Wehavecometotheedgeofthedesert。Afterthelongnight，dawn。Godlives！
　　Godlives！"Buttherewouldbeonlysand，sand。Andnowitwouldbeacityofshiningdomesinthedistance。Andtheywouldnudgeoneanotherandcroak，"Therearementhere，brother，securestreets，andmerchantsintheirbooths；peopletotalkwith，andwaterforourpoorthroats。"Buttherewouldbeonlysand，sand，sand……
　　Andtheywouldcrylikechildren。"Godisdead！Haven’tyouheard？
　　Don’tyouknow？GodisdeadinHisheaven，andthewarlocksareloosedontheland！"
　　Andonthelastdayofthemoontheywereallbutinsightofthedesert’sedge，thoughtheydidn’tknow。Andthegoblinsandthewarlockstookcounsel，fortheywerenowafraidMarcoandhisfewpeoplewouldescape。TheygatheredtogetherandtheyreadtherunesoftheFlowingSand。
　　Andsuddenlythecamelsrushedscreamingintothedesertwithsuddenpanic，andaburningwindcame，andthesandsrose，andthedesertheeledlikeaship，andthedaybecamenight。
　　AndyoungMarcoPolocouldstandnomore。Thatwastheend，theendofhim，theendoftheworld，theendofeverything。Therewasreddarknesseverywhere，andhecouldseenobody。"OmyLordJesus！"
　　hecried。"OlittleGoldenBells！"Thewindboomedlikeanorgan。
　　Thesandscreamed。"OmyLordJesus！OlittleGoldenBells！"Andthevoicesofhisfatherandunclewerelikethetweetingbirds。
　　"Where’sthelad，Matthew？Where’sourlad？""Mark，Mark，wherehaveyougotto？Ladofourheart，whereareyou？"Buttheycouldn’tfindeachother。Thesandbuffetedthemlikeshuttlecocks。"BoyMark！"
　　Thesandsnarledlikeadog；thewindhammeredlikedrums。"Oh，GoldenBells！O，littleGoldenBells！O，myLordJesus，mustitendhere？"
　　Andthefightwentoutofhim，andabigsobbrokeinhim，andhelaydowntodie……
　　CHAPTERXI
　　IshallnowtellyouofGoldenBells，andherintheChineseGarden。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　IwouldhaveyounowseeherasIseeher，standingbeforeLiPo，thegreatpoet，inhergreencostume。AndLiPo，big，fat，withsadeyesandatwistedmouth，uncomfortableasbedamned。Thesunshoneinthegarden，thebutterflies，theredandblackandgoldenbutterflies，flittedfromblossomtoblossom。Andthebeesdroned。
　　Andonthebanksofthegreenlakethekingfishertunneledhisweehouse，andthewindshooktheblossomsoftheapple-trees。AndLiPosatonthemarbleslabandwasveryuncomfortable。AndinadarkbowerwasSanany，themagician，broodinglikeanowl。AndGoldenBellsstoodbeforeLiPo，andtherewerehurttearsinhereyes。
　　"DidmyfatherorIeverdoanythingtoyou，LiPo，thatyoushouldmakeasongsuchastheysinginthemarket-place？"
　　"Whatsong？"
　　"TheSongoftheCockatoo。"
　　"Idon’tremember。"
　　"I’llremindyou，LiPo。’TherealightedonthebalconyoftheKingofAnnam，’thesonggoes，’aredcockatoo。Itwascoloredasapeach-tree-blossomanditspokethetongueofmen。AndtheKingofAnnamdidtoitwhatisalwaysdonetothelearnedandeloquent。
　　Hetookacagewithstoutbars，andshutupinside。’Andwasn’tthatthecruelthingtowrite！Andareyousoimprisonedhere，LiPo？Ah，LiPo，I’mthinkinghardofyou，I’mthinkinghard。"
　　"Well，now，GoldenBells，totellyouthetruththerewasnoexcuseforit。ButoftentimesIdobefeelingsad，andthinkingofthefriendsofmyyouthwhoaregone。YuanChen，whomighthavebeenabetterpoetnorme，ifhehadbeenspared；andH’sieng-yangandLiChien，too。Ah，theyweregreatpoets，GoldenBells。Theyneversangapoorsong，GoldenBells，thattheymightwearafinecoat。
　　Andthey’dwritewhatwastrue，weemistress，werealltheworldtoturnfromthem。AndI’mthelaureatenow，thecourtsinger，livinginmyglory，andthey’redeadwiththeirdreams。I’mthelastofthesevenminstrels。And，weeGoldenBells，Idobethinkinglong。
　　"Andsometimesanoldwomaninthestreetoramanwithgrayinhishairwillliftasong，andbeforethewordscometome，there’sapaininmyheart。
　　"AndIgodowntothedrinkingbooths，andthepassionofdrinkingcomesonme——afuryagainstmyselfandafuryagainsttheworld。
　　AndthefolkdobefollowingmetoseewillIletdroponegemofversethattheycantelltheirgrandchildrentheyheardfromthelipsofLiPo。Andwhenmyheartishighwiththedrinking，Itakealutefromatravelingpoet，andnotknowingwhatI’msaying，I
　　composethesong。Outoffallowsorrowbloomthelittlesongs。
　　Youmustn’tbehardonanoldman，weeGoldenBells，andhethinkinglongforhisdeadfriends。"
　　"Ah，poorLiPo，"shesaid，andshehadgrownallsoftagain。
　　"Isitsoterribletobeold？"
　　"Nowyouaskmeaquestion，GoldenBells，andI’llgiveyouananswer。
　　Besides，it’spartofmydutiestoteachyouwisdom。Now，itisnotaterriblething，atall，atall，tobeold。Iseetheyoungfolkstartoutinlife，andbeforethem，there’stheshowersofApril，there’swindandheatandthunderandlightning。ButI’minwarm，brownOctober，andallofit’sgonebyme。AndinalittlewhileI’llsleep，and’tisIneedit，Godhelpme！Theolddon’tsleepmuch，weeGoldenBells，so’tisacomforttolookforwardtoone’srestafterthehardnessoftheworld。Inahundredormoreyearsorfivehundred，justasthefancytakesme，I’llwakeupforawhileandwanderdowntheworldtohearthepeoplesingmysongs，andthenI’llgobacktomysleep。"
　　AndshewasgoingtoaskhimanotherquestionwhentheSanangcameup。
　　Themagicianwasathickmanwithmerryeyesandacruelmouth。
　　"GoldenBells，"hesays，"there’srareentertainmentinthecrystalglass。"
　　"Whatisit，Sanang！"
　　"ThewarlocksoftheGobihaveayoungladdown，andthey’rewaitinguntilthesoulcomesoutofhisbody。Come，I’llshowyou。"
　　AndinthecrystalglassheshowedherMarcoPolo，andthekneesgoingfromunderhimintheroaringsands。Shegaveaquickcryofpity。
　　"Oh，thepoorlad！"
　　Sanangchuckled。"HestartedoutwithabigcaravantopreachwhathethoughtwasatruthtoChina。I’vebeenwatchinghimallalong，andit’sbeenraresport。Iknewitwouldcometothis。"
　　"Couldn’tyousavehim，Sanang？"shecried。"O，Sanang，he’ssoyoung，andhesetouttocometous。Couldn’tyousavehim？"
　　"Well，Imight。"Sanangwasnotpleased。"It’llbeawhilebeforetheshadowcomesoutofhim。Butitwouldberaresporttowatchandseethewarlocksandtheghoulsandthegoblinssetonitthewayterriersdobesettingonanotter。"
　　"Oh，savehim，Sanang！Savehim！"
　　"Now，GoldenBells，Imightbeabletosavehim，andagainImightn’t。"
　　"Savehim，Sanang！"LiPobrokein。"Savehimthewaytheweeonewants。Forifyoudon’t，Sanang，I’llwriteasongaboutyouthat’llberememberedforgenerations，andthey’llpointoutyourgrandchildrenandyourgrandchildren’sgrandchildren，andthey’lllaughandsingLiPo’ssong：
　　"’Therewasafatwormwhoconsideredhimselfaserpent——’"
　　"Oh，now，LiPo，forGod’ssake，letyounotbecomposingpoemsonme，for’tisyouhavethebittertongue。Promisemenow，andI’llsavehim。We’llsendforthekeeperofthekhan’sdrums。"
　　Andtheysentforthekeeper，andSananggaveamessagetobeputontheSpeakingDrums。
　　"Letyounow，"hetoldhishelper，"getmetheDistantEars。"
　　AndthehelperbroughthimtheGoldenEars，whichwerethelikeofagreatbird’swings，andheputthemonhisheadandhelistened。
　　"Ihearthedrumsofthebattlements，"hesaid，"……andIheartheDrumsoftheHillofGraves……"
　　Andhelistenedawhile，andGoldenBellswaswhite。
　　"IheartheDrumsoftheDimMountain，"……andforawhilehesaidnothing。
　　"ThosewouldbethedrumsofYungChang……"
　　"IheartheDrumsofKaiYuKwan，"hesaid。
　　"Yes，Sanang，yes。"LittleGoldenBellswasonequiveroffear。
　　"IheartheDrumsoftheConventoftheRedMonks，"saidSanang。
　　"IheardrumscallingtheTatartribes……Iheartheslapofsaddles。
　　Ihearthejingleofbits……Iheargallopingponies……"
　　"Yes，Sanang，Oh，hurry，Sanang！hurry！"
　　Helistenedalittlewhilelonger，andthenhetookofftheDistantEars。
　　"Yourman’ssaved，"hesaid。
　　ThenlittleGoldenBellslaughedandthenshecried。ShecaughtLiPo’shandandlaughedagainandagainshecried。Sanangshookhisheadtogetoutofhisearsthedeafeningnoisesoftheworld。
　　AndLiPosmiledoutofhissadeyes。
　　"IthinkI’llgoandwriteamarriage-song，GoldenBells。
　　"Whomwillyouwritethemarriage-songfor，LiPo？"
　　"I’llwriteitforyou，GoldenBells。"
　　"ButI’mnotgoingtobemarried，LiPo。Thereisnoone。Ilovenoone，LiPo。Idonot。Idonot，indeed。"
　　"Thentakeyourluteandsingmethe’SongoftheWillowBranches，’
　　whichisthesaddestsongintheworld。"
　　Sheshookherhead，andblushed。"Icannotsingthatsong，LiPo。
　　Idon’tfeellikesingingthatsong。"
　　"ThenImustwriteyouanothersong，LittleGoldenBells……"
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　AndnowwhenMarcoPolowasrestedandhadrecovered，theybroughthimfromtheConventoftheRedMonkstowherethekhanwasinthecityofChandu。Now，thereweretwopalacesinChandu；therewasthewinterpalace，whichwasofmarble，andthesummerpalace，whichwasofgiltcane。Aroundthesepalacestherewasbuiltawallsixteenmilesincompass，andinsideofitwasaparkoffountains，andriversandbrookswiththespeckledtroutinthem，andmeadowswiththelarkathereaseinthegrass，andtreesofallvarietieswherethelittlebirdsdobebuildingandnonetogrudgethemahome。Andallthewildanimalswereabundant，thetimidhareandthewilddeerandtheweecroakingfrogs，long-leggedcoltsbytheirwhitemothers，andlittledogstumblingoverthemselveswiththesportofspring。Brownbeesamongtheclover，strawberriesinprofusion，treeswoulddelightyoureyes，andbrowncowsandblackcows，anddappledmoiliesunderthegreatleavesofthem，andlambswouldbesnowyoffleece。Alltheflowersoftheworldwerethere；theparadiseofwildthingsitwas，theparkofKublaKhan。
　　"InXanadudidKublaKhan，"quotedyoungRandall，"Astatelypleasuredomedecree，WhereAlph，thesacredriver，ranThroughcavernsmeasurelesstoman，Downtoasunlesssea。
　　SotwicefivemilesoffertilegroundWithwallsandtowersweregirdledround：
　　Andthereweregardens，brightwithsinuousrills，Whereblossomedmanyanincense-bearingtree；
　　Andherewereforestsancientasthehills，Enfoldingsunnyspotsofgreenery。"
　　"Whosepoemisthatpoem，Brian0ge？"
　　"ItisapoemofColeridge’s，Malachi。"
　　"IthoughitwasmaybeapoemofColquittoDallMcCrackenofSkye，thatoneofyouladshadputEnglishon。Itisapoemofthehead，youken，andColquitto，beingadarkman，couldonlyseewiththeeye’sghost。Butithasn’tthewarmth，thelifeoftheworkofBlindColquitto，BrianOge，doyoumindthepoemAngusMoreCampbellofRathlinwrotetoColquittoDall？"
　　"’Isaoibhinnduid，ColquittoDall，’"Iremembered："Itishappyforthee，blindColquitto，whodostnotseemuchofwomen。Ifthouwerttoseewhatwesee，thouwouldstbetormentedevenasIam。
　　Mysorrow，OGod，thatIwasnotstrickenblindbeforeIsawheramber，twistedhair！"
　　"That’sit，that’sit，BrianOge。Butthisisnottheplacetobetalkingofpoetry。Thereisnopoetryinthisstory。
　　"IwillnowtellyouofMarcoPoloandhimenteringthepresenceofthegreatkhan……"
　　CHAPTERXIV
　　AndMarcoPolowasbroughtintothepresence。Andamongallassembledthereyoucouldhearapindrop。
　　AtthenorthendofthegreathallsattheKhanhimself，andMarcoPolonearlydroppedwithsurprise；forwhereheexpectedagreat，magnificentfigureofaman，withmajestyshiningfromhiseyes，hesawonlyapleasant，beardedman，notquartersowelldressedasthemeanestservantontheroom，andafine，welcomingsmileinhisface。HisthronewaselevatedsothathisfeetwereontheleveloftheheadsofthekinsmenoftheBloodRoyalbeneathhim，andtheyinsilkandermineandfinebrocadesandjewels。Andbeneaththesewerethebaronsanddukesandknights。Andbeneaththesewerethecaptainsofthefightingmen，threethousandandthree。
　　Andbeneaththesewerethemusiciansandthesorcerers。AndbehindKublaKhan，verybig，veryerect，stoodhisthreegreatservants，theKeeperoftheHuntingLeopards，theKeeperoftheSpeakingDrums，andtheKeeperoftheKhan’sSwords。
　　AndbesideKublaKhan，onalittlethrone，satGoldenBells……
　　Anditwasthesightofhermorethanthesightofthegreatassemblythatdumbedthewordsinhismouth。AndKublawassmilingathim，andshewassmiling，too。
　　AndKublasawtherewassomethingwrongwithhim，thattherewasembarrassmentonhimandherosefromhis：throne。
　　"Thereiswelcomeforyouhere，MarcoPolo，andnoenmity。Thereisinterest，inandeagernessforyourmessage。Thereisnoneherewillcriticizeyouormakeithardforyou。Lettherebenoshameonyouinspeakingbeforesomanypeople。Saywhatyouhavetosayasiftherewerenobodyhere，ifthatwillhelpyou，barringmyselfandthelittledaughterbesideme……"
　　"OEmperor，"thewordscamebacktoMarcoPolo，"andye，greatprinces，dukes，andmarquises，counts，knights，andburgesses，andpeopleofalldegreeswhodesirethelightoftheworld，gracebetoyouandpeace，fromGodourFather，andfromtheLordJesusChrist！
　　"ThemessageIhavetogiveyou，IshallgiveinthewordsofHim，Whoseperfectmessageitis：
　　"’Beatipauperesspiritu，——Blessedarethepoorinspirit。
　　"’Quoniamipsorumestregnumcaelorum，——fortheirsisthekingdomofheaven。
　　"’Beatimites，——Blessedarethemeek……’"
　　AndMarcoPolowentonandquotedforthemthewordsthatwerespokenontheMountinGalilee。Andtheylistenedtohimwithgreatcivilityandattention。AndlittleGoldenBellsleanedforward，withherchinonherhands，andKublaleanedbackinhisthrone，withhiseyeshalfclosed。
　　"’ButIsayuntoyou，thatyeresistnotevil，butwhoevershallsmitetheeontherightcheek，turntohimtheotheralso。’"AndatthisthegreatKhanlookeduppuzzled，andamovementwentthroughthefightingmeninthehall。ButweeGoldenBellsneverbudgedaminute，andMarcoPolowenton：
　　"’Etfactumest；cumconsummassetJesusverbahaec，——AnditcametopasswhenJesushadendedthesesayings，thepeoplewereastonishedathisdoctrine。’
　　"IshallnowtellyouofthelifeanddeathoftheLordJesus……"
　　HetoldthemofthebirthinBethlehem，andoftheteachingonthehills，andthepoetsnoddedtheirheads；andhetoldthemofthecleansingofthelepersandofthecastingoutofdevilsandtheraisingofLazarusfromthedead，andthemagicianswondered；andhetoldthemofthebetrayalbyJudaswithakiss，andthecaptains-at-armsshuffledintheirseats；andhetoldthemofthescourging，andofthecrowningwiththorns，andthegreatKhansnickedhisdaggerinandoutofthesheath。AndamistoftearscameintotheeyesofGoldenBells。
　　Andhetoldthemofthecrucifixionbetweentwothieves，andagreatoathrippedfromthebeardofKublaKhan，andthesilvertearsranfromtheeyesofGoldenBells。
　　"’AndonthethirddayHearosefromthedead……’"
　　AndagreatshoutcamefromthethroatofKublaKhan，andhestoodup。
　　"Hearosefromamongthedeadmen，I’llwarrant；HeshowedhimselftotheRomanPilateinallHispowerandmajesty——"
　　"No，"saidMarcoPalo。
　　"ThenHeshowedhimselftothethousandswhohadseenhimdieuponthegallowstree！"
　　"No，"saidMarcoPolo。
　　"WhosawHim，then？"
　　"HistwelveApostlesandtheyinalittleroom！"
　　AndKublaKhansatdownsuddenlyandsaidnomore。Therewasamoment’smurmurofwonderamongtheassembly，andthensilence。
　　AndMarco’sheartfell。Andhewasawareoftwothings，ofthegreatpolitenessoftheChinesepeopleandofGoldenBell’spityingeyes……
　　CHAPTERXV
　　WhenKublaKhandismissedtheassembly，andhetookMarcoPolointoasitting-room，andGoldenBellscamewiththem。
　　"Andwhatdidyouthink，sir，ofwhatIsaid？Andcanyounotsee，sir，thetruththat’sinme？"
　　"Well，now，laddie，"saidthegreatKhan，"whenwecometoexaminethissermonyouquotedtous，whatisthereinitbuttheruleoftherighteousman？We’vehadagreatthinkerandpiousmanofourown，Confucius。I’mnotareadingman，"sayshe，"butI’vegotanidea，"sayshe，"thatthereisn’tathingyousaidbutisembracedintheAnalects。Andifitisn’tit’llbeintheteachingsoftheLordBuddha。"
　　"Ah，but，sir，"MarcoPolosaid，"You’llhavetoadmitthatHeofWhomIspeakwasthetrueGodmademan。"
　　"Now，laddie，rememberI’manoldman，setinmyheadandmyways，andI’vebeenusedtoonebeliefsolongitwouldbehardchanging。
　　Sodon’tpressmenow；don’tpressme，Iaskyou。"
　　"Ah，sir，"pleadedMarcoPolo，"it’sterribletothinkof，asgreataprinceasyoutobeintheblackspacesoutsideofheavenbecauseyouwouldn’tacceptthetruth。"
　　"Well，maybetheywon’tbesohardonone，mydearlad。WhenmytimecomesandIraponthegateofyourheaven，maybethey’llsay：
　　’It’sonlyoldKubla，thesoldier，isinit。Heknowsdevilandallaboutreligion，buthisfightswerefairfights，andheneverhitamanwhenhewasdown。Hehadasoftheartforweechildrenandhewaseasyonhorses。Sure，what’sthedifference？Lethimin！’Andiftheysayno，I’lltucktheoldnickedclaymoreundermyarm，andbeofftowheretheotheroldfightersare。"
　　"Isee，sir，thattherewaslittlesuccesstomymessage。"
　　"Iwouldn’tsaythat，"saidKublaKhan。"Waitalittleuntilyouperformmiraclesbeforethepeopletoproveyourtruth。You’llknowbetterthen。"
　　"Ah，sir，"saidMarcoPolo，"Icanperformnomiracles。’Tisonlyasaintcanperformmiracles，andIcouldn’tlaceasaint’sshoes。
　　Ihavenomiracles。"
　　"Oh，well，now，mydearboy，"saidKublaKhan，"Ihatetotellyou，butthere’snousegoingfurther。Sureyou’dbeupagainstthesorcerersoftheworld。They’daskyouforasign，andyou’dhavenosign，andthey’dhavesignsinabundance。Iwouldn’tthinkoflettingyougoagainstthem。Fairplay’sajewel，andyouwouldn’thaveachance。There’stheRedPopefromTibetandthere’stheBlackMagicianfromKoreaandahundredminorones，andtheWarlockoftheNorth，fromtheIslandsofIce，whogovernsthehailandthesnow。Child，Iwouldn’tletyougetintothesameringwiththem。
　　They’druinyou。"
　　"But，sir，wasn’titagreatmiracleoftheLord’s，myrescueintheGobiDesert？"
　　"AmiracleoftheLord’s！AmiracleofGoldenBellshere。Itwashermagiciansawyou，andshehadthemessageputonthedrums，andthedesertpatrolswenttoseekyou。Itwasherselfhere，weeGoldenBells。"AndGoldenBells’mouthgaveasmileofshamethathisthoughtshouldbebrokeninhismind。
　　"AlongwayI’maftercoming，"saidMarcoPolo，"andwhenIsetoutmyheartwashigh。"
　　"Now，don’tbetakingittoohard，"saysthekhan，kindly。"Sure，there’sapowerofgoodyoucanbedoinghere。MaybeyoucandosomethingwithLiPo，"sayshe。"I’dlikefineforyoutotry。
　　Themanisworryingthelifeoutofmewithhisdrinking。Ineverknowwhenhegoesoutwhetherhe’llcomebackallrightorfeetforemostonadoor。Forhe’sgotthebittertonguewhenthedrink’sinhim，andChinacouldillaffordtolosehim。Andtherearesomeofmycaptains，andthetunethey’realwayspipingis’War！War！
　　War！Andlet’sshowupthisAlexanderwhosaidheconqueredtheworld。’AndI’mpasttheagewhenyoumakewarfordevilment。
　　Soletyoubehelpingmeoutwiththem，MarcoPolo。"
　　ButMarcoPoloknewthiswasonlymeantinkindness，andhisheartwasbroken。
　　"Ah，weelady，"——heturnedtoGoldenBells，——"weelady，weelady，whydidn’tyouletmedieinthedesert？Whydidn’tIdie？"
　　"Andwhyshouldyoudie，MarcoPolo？"Herlow，sweetvoicerangintheheartofhim。"Didn’tyoucomeheretogiveyourmessage？
　　Andtomakeconverts？Anddidn’tIhearyourmessage？Andamn’tIyourconvert，MarcoPolo？"
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　AndnowtheplaceofLiPowasusurped，andgoneSanangwithhismagicglass，andinthejasminegardenbytheLakeofCranesMarcoPolosatandinstructedGoldenBells……
　　CHAPTERXVII
　　AndhetoldoftheflightintoEgyptwhensavageHerodreigned，andoftheJewishmaidandherchildsleepingbeneaththeshadowofthegreatSphinx，whiletheshadesoftheoldAfricgodslookedoninreverence，AmenalkandThothandthemoon-hornedIo，Isis，andOsiris。Andthepaintedkingskneltintheirpyramids，andoutofthesluggishNilecamethestrangeaquaticpopulation，thetorpidcrocodilesandmonstrouswaterlizards，andthegreathippopotamilumberedtobowbeforethelittleLordofallthings……
　　AndhetoldherhowSatanhadtemptedHimonthelonely，blackcraigs……
　　"Butyouarenotlistening，littleGoldenBells——"
　　"IndeedIamlistening，MarcoPolo。Yes，indeedIam。Ilovetohearyourvoice，MarcoPolo。Youaresoearnest，MarcoPolo；thereissuchalightinyoureyes。Listen，MarcoPolo，LiPooncewroteapoem，’WhiteGleamtheGulls，’anditisthepoembywhichheisbestknown，andeverytimeIhearitthereisanechoinmyheart。
　　But，MarcoPolo，IneverlistenedtoLiPo’ssongsoeagerlyasI
　　amlisteningtoyourvoice。"
　　"Butyouarenottakingitin，littleGoldenBells。"
　　"Itisveryhardtotakein，MarcoPolo。Ithappenedsolongago。
　　Itishardtothinkofatragedyinastrangecountry，andweinthisgardenonthesecondmoonofspring。Anditwassoverylongago。Doyouhearthebees，MarcoPolo——thebeesamongthealmond-blossoms？Andseetheblueheronbythelotusflowers？
　　Anddoyouseethelittletortoise，MarcoPolo，andhesunninghimselfonaleaf？IfIthrowapebble，MarcoPolo，hewilldive，andheissuchaclumsydiver，MarcoPolo！"
　　"Butyoumustlisten，GoldenBells，andbelieveme。"
　　"Idobelieve，MarcoPolo；Ihonestlydo。Don’tyouknowIbelieveyou？Anythingyousay，MarcoPolo，Ibelieve。Youwouldn’tbecomingallthewayovertheworldtobetellingmealie。OfcourseIbelieve。"
　　"Anddoesn’titmakeyouhappy，GoldenBells？"
　　"OnceIwasunhappy，MarcoPolo。Iusedsithere，andonmyluteIusedplaythe’SongoftheWillowBranches，’whichisthesaddestsongintheworld。UnderthemoonIusedbelonely，andthedroningofthebeesmeantnothingtome，andnowitisasweetbravesong。
　　Icannotplay’WillowBranches’anymore，soalienissadnesstome。
　　Andthemoonsmiles。Iamveryhappy，MarcoPolo。"
　　"ItistheTrueReligion，littleGoldenBells，thatmakesyouhappy。"
　　"Isit，MarcoPolo？Isit？Itmustbe，Isuppose。Idon’tknowwhatitis，butIamveryhappy。"
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　AndhetoldherofPaul，whohadseenavisionandgonepreachingthrough，theworld，whowaspersecuted，whowasshipwrecked，whowasbittenbyaviper，andwhosurvivedeverythingthathemightpreachtheLordJesus。Hewasafierce，raggedmanwithburningeyes……
　　AndhetoldherofPaul’sinstructionstowomen……
　　"Youdonotlookatmewhenyouspeak，MarcoPolo。Onlyyourvoicecomestome，notyoureyes。IsitbecauseofPaul？"
　　AndMarcoPolofeltgreattroubleonhim，becausehecouldnotexplain。ButGoldenBellswenton：
　　"Thereislittleinyourfaithaboutwomen，MarcoPolo。Isitafaithonlyformen，then？Isitagainstwomen？Musttheyoungmennotlookattheyoungwomen？"
　　"No，GoldenBells；theyoungmenmustnotlooktoomuchontheyoungwomen。"
　　"Butthatisveryfoolish，MarcoPolo。Isitwrongtoseethebeautyofthealmondblossoms，wrongtotastethescentedwind？
　　Isitwrongtowatchthekingfisherseekinghisnest？Isitwrongtowatchthemoon，thestars？Alltheseareverybeautiful，MarcoPolo，sobeautifulastomakemecry。Isitwrongtowatchthem？"
　　"Itisnotwrong，GoldenBells。ThegloryofGodisinthebeautyofhishandicraft。"
　　"LiPoisoldandwiseandagreatpoet，MarcoPolo，andLiPosaysthereisbeautyinarunninghorseandbeautyinarunningstream；
　　butthereisnobeautylikethebeautyofayoungwoman，andshelettingdownherhair。Godmadethebeautyofwomen，too，MarcoPolo，aswellasthebeautyofthestars。Won’tyoupleaseexplaintome，MarcoPolo？WhyshouldLiPosayonethingandSaintPaulanother？"
　　"ButGoldenBells，SaintPaulisinspiredofGod。"
　　"ButLiPoisinspiredofGod，too，MarcoPolo。Youmustn’tbethinking1ittleofLiPo。Heisfatandoldanddrunken，butwhenhesings，MarcoPolo，itisthesongofthewanderingstars。Butwhymustnottheyoungmenlookattheyoungwomen，MarcoPolo？
　　Whymusttheynotlookwiththeireyes？"
　　"Itwillbehardformetotellyou，GoldenBells——"
　　"Lookatmenow，MarcoPolo。Liftupyoureyesandlookintomyeyes。
　　Isthereevilinme，MarcoPolo，thatyoureyesshouldavoidmeasthefoxavoidsthedog？OrmaybeIamnotbeautiful。MaybetheytoldmewrongbecauseIwasaking’sdaughter，andtheywouldnothavemethinklittleofmyself。MaybeIamnotbeautiful，MarcoPolo，maybeIhurtyoureyes——"
　　"Ah，GoldenBells，thelittlehornedmoonisnotmorebeautiful。"
　　"Thenwhymustnottheyoungmenlookattheyoungwomen，MarcoPolo？
　　Youareheretoinstructme。Won’tyoutellmewhy？"
　　"Maybe——maybe——maybeitisforfearofsin，GoldenBells。"
　　"Sin？Sin！Whyshouldtherebesin？Iknowsin，MarcoPolo。
　　TheyhavewarnedmeagainstitsinceIcreptuponthefloor。
　　Therearetwosins。Thereismeanness，MarcoPolo，andthereiscruelty；andthosearetheonlysins。Iknowyourheart，MarcoPolo；
　　thereisnomeannessthere。Youwouldnothavecomeherewereyoumean。Themeandonottravelafarforotherpeople。Andcruelty！
　　Surelyyouwouldnotbecrueltome，MarcoPolo。Youwouldnotbecrueltoanybody，dearMarcoPolo。Youwouldnotbecrueltome？"
　　"Crueltoyou，littleGoldenBells！HowcouldIbecrueltoyou？"
　　"Butthesin，MarcoPolo？"
　　"Idon’tknow，GoldenBells。Idon’tknow。"
　　CHAPTERXIX
　　AndoneduskthemoonroseovertheChinesegarden，andMarcoPolofinishedtellingherofwhatJohnsawonPatmosandheanoldman……
　　"’Veni，DomineJesu。
　　"’GratiaDomininostriJesuChristicumomnibusvobis。Amen！’"
　　"Itisverydifficult，MarcoPolo。Idon’tquiteunderstand。"
　　"Idon’tquiteunderstandmyself，GoldenBells。ButthatisallIcantellyou。Butyouwillunderstandmore，"hesaid。"Mymissionisfinishednow，andIwillgoback。IwillstopatthecourtofPresterJohn，andhewillsendabishopsurelyorsomegreatcardinaltobaptizeyouandtoteachyoutherest。"
　　"Youwillgoback？"Agreatpainstabbedher。"Ineverthought，somehow，ofyouasgoingback。"
　　"Ihavecomeonamission，GoldenBells，andImustgoback。"
　　"Thereisawoman，maybe，inVenice——"Andsheturnedherheadawayfromhimandfromthemoon。
　　"Iwouldnothaveyouthinkingthat，GoldenBells。ThereisnoneinVenicehasdutyfromme。Andifthequeenoftheworldwerethere，andshepledgedme，Icouldneverlookather，andIafterknowingyou，GoldenBells！"
　　"Isitmoney，MarcoPolo？"shewhisperedinthedusk。"Itismaybeyouruncleandyourfatherarepressingyoutoreturn。Letyounotworrythen，formyfatherthegreatKhanwillsettlewiththem，too。
　　ThereisnotahorseinallTartarythatyourunclecannothave，norawoman，either。Andyourfathercanhaveallthejewelsofthetreasury，andalltheswords，too，eventheswordwithwhichmyfatherconqueredChina。MyfatherwillgivehimthatifIask。
　　Onlyletyounotbeleavingthismoonlitgarden。"
　　"DearGoldenBells，itisn’tthat；butIcamehereforconverts——"
　　"Oh，MarcoPolo，listen！ThereisafolkatKai-fung-fu，andtheyareanevilfolkandacowardlyfolk，andmyfatherabhorsthem。
　　Ishallaskmyfathertosendcaptainsofwarandfightingmentoconvertthemtoyourfaith，MarcoPolo，orlopofftheirheads。
　　AndwecansendafewhundredstothePopeatRome，andhewillneverknowhowtheywereconverted，andhewillbesatisfied。
　　Onlyletyounotbegoingawayfrommeinmymoonlitgarden。
　　Youwillonlybeturningtotrade，MarcoPolo，andmarryingawoman。Letyoustayhereinthemoonlitgarden！"
　　"Ah，littleGoldenBells，thereisnoplaceintheworldlikeyourmoonlitgarden。ThereisnoplaceI’dbelieferthaninthemoonlitgarden。ButlittleGoldenBells，IsetoutinlifetopreachtheLordJesuscrucified。ItwasforthatIcameChina。"
　　"Letyounotbefoolingyourself，youngMarcoPolo。LetyounotalwaysbeascribingtoGodthethingsthataremine。YoudidnotcometopreachtoChina，youcametoseeme，andyourmindstirredupwiththestorythesea-captaintold，ofmeplaying’WillowBranches’
　　attheLakeofCranes。OMarcoPolo，beforeyoucametherewerethemoonandthesunandthestars，andIwaslonely。OMarcoPolo，"shecried，"youwouldn’tgo，youcouldn’tgo！WhatwouldyoubedoingincoldVenice，farfromthewarmmoonlitgarden。"
　　"Sure，I’llbelonely，too，littleGoldenBells，awhitemonkinamonastery，prayingforyou。"
　　"ButIdon’twanttobeprayedfor，MarcoPolo。"Shestampedherfoot。
　　"Iwanttobeloved。Andthereyouhaveitoutofme，andagreatshametoyouthatyoumademesayit，methatwasdesiredofmany，andwouldhavenomanuntilyoucame。AndsurelyitistheharshGodyouhavemadeoutofTheKindlyPersonyouspokeof。And’tisnotHewouldhavemyheartbroken，andyouturningyourselfintoacrabbedmonk。Andhowdoyouknowyourpreachingwillconvertany？
　　’Tisfewyouconvertedhere。Ah，I’msorry，dearMarcoPolo；
　　Ishouldn’thavesaidit，butthereisdespaironme，andIafraidoflosingyou。"
　　"’Tistrue，though。Ihavenothing，nobodytoshow。"
　　"Youhaveme。Amn’tIconverted？Amn’tIaChristian？MarcoPolo，letmetellyousomething。IsaidtomyfatherIwantedtomarryyou，andIaskedhimifhewouldgiveyouaprovincetogovern，andhesaid，’Sureandwelcome。’AndIaskedhimforYangchan，thepleasantestcityinallChina。Andhesaid，’Sureandwelcome，GoldenBells。’AndI
　　toldhimwewouldbemarried，andgothereandgovernhispeoplekindly。
　　Andyouwouldn’tshamemebeforemyownfather，andallthepeopleofChina。Youcouldn’tdothat，MarcoPolo。MarcoPolo，"——shecametowardhim，hereyeshining，——"letyoustay！"
　　"Christprotectme！Christguideme！Christbeforeme！"
　　"MarcoPolo！"
　　"Christbehindme！"
　　"Themoon，MarcoPolo，andme，GoldenBells，andthenightingaleintheapple-tree！"
　　"Christonmyrighthand！Christmyleft！Christbelowme！"
　　Herarmswerearoundhisneck，cheekcameclosetohis。
　　"MarcoPolo！MarcoPolo！"
　　"Christaboveme！"
　　"MyMarcoPolo！"
　　"O，God！GoldenBells！"
　　Andheputhisarmsaroundher，andhischeektohers，andallthebattleandthedisappointmentandthefearandthestrangenesswentoutofhim。Anddownbythelaketheweefrogschirruped，andintheapple-treethenightingaleneverceasedfromsinging。Andtheystayedthereshouldertoshoulderandcheektocheek。Andthemoonrosehigher。Anditseemedonlyamomenttheywerethere，untiltheyheardthevoiceofLiPointhegarden。
　　"Areyouthere，GoldenBells？Areyouthereatall，atall？
　　FortwohoursI’vebeenhuntingandcouldn’tgetsightorsignofyou。
　　Ihavethenewsong，GoldenBells。ForalongtimeIwasdumb，butalittlewhileagothepowercametome，andIhavethenewsong，GoldenBells，themarryingsong……"
　　CHAPTERXX
　　"Thusfar，"saidMalachioftheLongGlen，"thestoryofMarcoPolo。"
　　"Thatisawarmstory，MalachioftheGlen，awarmandcoloredstory，andgreatlifetoit，andGoldenBellsisasalivetomeasherselftherebythefire，andIcanseeMarcoPoloasplainasIcanseemycousinRandall，andheplayingwithdogs……"
　　"Iftheyweren’trealandliveandwarm，whatwouldastorybe，BrianOge，butajumbleofdeadwords？Ahousewithnobodyinit，thepoorestthingintheworld。"
　　"ButMarcoPolocamebacktoVenice，Malachi，andfoughtinthesea-wars。"
　　"There’smoretotell，BrianOge。ButsometimesIwondershouldn’tthebestpartofthestorybekepttoyourself。Thepeoplearen’taswiseastheyusedtobe，brownlad。Theendofastorynowisabitofkissingandcourtingandthekettleboilingtobemakingtea。
　　"Buttheolderoneswerewiser，BrianDonn。Theyknewthattherhythmoflifeislongandswinging，andthattimedoesn’tstopshortasaclock。Sure，whatisakissfromthefinestofwomenbutapleasantthing，likealongputtsunk，orthefirstsalmonoftheyearcaughtlikeatrout，ortheballthroughthegoalbeforethewhistleblows？Andthere’smanyawell-filledbellyoverahungrysoul。
　　"Butastoryishowdestinyisinterwoven，thefineandgallantandthetragicpointsoflife。Andyoumustn’tlookatthemwiththeeyesofthebody，butyoumustfeelwiththeantennaeofyourbeing。
　　Now，ifyouweretolookattheLordJesuswithphysicaleyes，whatwoulditbebutakindly，crazymanandHecomingtoahardandbitterend？Lookatitsimply，andwhatwasthestoryofTroybutadirtyrowoverawoman？
　　"Butoftentimesthestorieswithendingsthatgrocer’sdaughtersdonotbelikingarethestoriesthatareworthwhile。Andtheworthwhilestoriesdobelasting。Neverclipastoryhalf-waysbecauseWidowRobinsondoesn’tliketohaveherminddisturbed，andshewarmingherbreadthatthefire。TheWidowRobinsonmayhaveawhitecointobuyabookwith，andthinkyou’rethegrandauthorentirelyandyoupleasingher。ButLordGod，whogaveyouthestories，knowyouforalouse。
　　"IcalltoyourmindthestoriesofgreatEnglishwriter——theplaysofthePrinceofDenmark，andthepoorblindkingonthecliff，andtheScottishchieftainandhisterriblewife。TheWidowRobinsonwillnotlikethosestories，andshewillbekeepingherwhitecoin……Butthosestorieswillendureforever……
　　"IwillnowtellyouofMarcoPolo，andhimleavingChina……
　　CHAPTERXXI
　　YoumustseehimnowashewasseventeenyearsafterhehadcometoChina，andfourteenyearsafterhiswife，littleGoldenBells，haddied，aleanfigureofaman，withhishairstreakedwithgray，alean，hardfaceonhimandsavageeyes，andallthebodyofhimsteelandwhale-bonefromridingonthegreatKhan’sbusiness，andridingfastandfurious，sothathemightsleepandforget；butforgettingnevercametohim……Youmightthinkhewasaharshmanfromhisfaceandeyes，buthewasthestraightmaninadministeringjustice，andhehadthesoftheartforthepoor——theheartofGoldenBells。
　　Hewaseasilymovedtoanger，butthefineChinesepeoplenevermindedhim，knowinghewasasufferingman。ThoughneverawordofGoldenBellscamefromhismouth，barringmaybethatlineofDante’s，thesaddestlineintheworld，andthatheusedtorepeattohimselfandnoonethere：……"’labellapersonaChemifutolta……chemifutolta’；whowastakenfromme；Taken！Takenfromme！"
　　Andoftentimesalookwouldcomeoverhisfaceasifhewerelisteningforavoicetospeak——listening，listening，andthenaweeharshlaughwouldcomefromhim，veryheartbreakingtohear，andwhateverwasinhishand，papersorariding-whip，hewouldpitchdownandwalkaway……
　　HehadjustcomeinfromthebordersoftheArcticlands，fromgivingthekhan’sorderstothesquat，hairytribeswholivebytheicyshores，andhadcometothegardenbytheLakeofCranes，thegardenwheretheGoldenBellsofsingingandlaughterweredumbthisarmfulofyears，andhewasalone，andthelisteninglookwasonhisface，whentherecameKublaandLiPoandtheoldmagician……
　　NowKublawasveryold，sooldhecouldhardlywalk，andveryfrail，andLiPowasveryold，too，andgrayintheface，andsadderintheeyesthanever，andthemagician’swhitebeardhadgrowntohisknees，buttherewasnomorehumorinhiseyes……AndMarcoPolohelpedtheoldkhantositdown。
　　"Oh，sir，whydidyoucometome？SureIwasgoingtoyouthemomentIhadchangedmyriding-clothes……Sir，youshouldhavestayedinyourbed……"
　　"Therewassomethingonmymind，Marco，andtheolddobethinkinglongtogetthingsofftheirmind。"
　　"WhatcanIdosir？"
　　"Marco，mychild，youmustn’ttakewhatIsayamiss。ButIwantyoutobegoingback，tobegoingbacktoVenice。"
　　"Sir，whathaveIdonetodissatisfyyou？InallmyembassieshaveIbeenweaktothestrongorbullyingtowardtheweak？Doesanoppressedmancomplainofinjustice，doesamerchantcomplainofbeingcheated，orawomansayshewaswronged？"
　　"Now，Marcoofmyheart，didn’tIsaynottobetakingitamiss？
　　Isthereanyoneclosertomenoryou，orisitlikelyI’dbelisteningtostoriesbroughtagainstyou？It’sjustthis。I’manoldandtiredman，MarcoBeag，andinaweekoramoonatmostI’mduetodie，sotheSanangtellsme。Don’tbesorry，son。Begladforme。Lifehasbeenaweebittoolong。
　　"Andnow，sondear，Iwanttotellyou。You’vebeenclosertomethanmyownsons，andyou’vebeenthedearlad。Andthere’snotonemaninallChinacansayyoudidaharshoranunjustthing；
　　but，mydearson，’tisjustthewayofpeople；there’sapowerofhardfeelingagainstyouinthisland，youbeingastrangerandhavingstoodsohigh。
　　"SowhenI’mdead，dearson，there’smanywoulddoyouaninjury，andtreatyoubadly；aye，inourfamilyitself，thoughtheysmileonyounow。Letyoubegoingnow，Marco。I’llmissyoutoclosemyeyesforme，butmyheartwillbelighter。Itwillso。Icouldn’tsleepeasy，andyouilltreatedinthislandofmine。Youaskhim，too，LiPo。"
　　"Ah，sir，"Marcolaughed，——"and，LiPo，whatisilltreatmenttome？
　　Sorrow’smybloodbrother。WhatI’vesuffered！DoyouthinkIcouldsuffermore？"
　　"Iknow，Marco，Iknow。"
　　"Don’tyouthinkIsuffernow，sir？Fourteenyearsshe’sdeadnow，theweeonewholaybymysideinsleep。Andneverawordandneverasign。InthehousewhereweweremarriedIcanseethepoolandthewillowsandthehibiscus，butthereisneveratokenofher，"
　　hebrokeout。"Theleavesoftreescoverthepavilion，thehairofthemusiciansissilver，anddustisontheblueandwhitetiles。
　　Andshenevercomestocomfortpie。Ican’tsleepwithwaiting。
　　Thestarsneverseemtowane，andthehoarfrostcomesonthegrass，andI’malwayswaiting。Christ！WhyshouldIgoback？I’veforgottenVenice。I’veevenforgottenmyGodforher！"
　　"Sanang，"saysKublaKhantothemagician，"couldn’tyoudosomethingforthispoorlad？"
　　ItwasnowduskinthegardenbytheLakeofCranes……
　　"Idon’tneedanydamnedwizardtobringmywifetome，"ragedMarcoPolo。"Ifsheweretocome，shewouldcome，andIinthedarkofthemoonandthemoorfowlcalling。Shewouldhavecomebecausemyheartneededher。"AndheragedthroughtheduskbytheLakeofCranes……
　　"Now，Marco，dearlad，don’tbeflyingoffagain，butrememberthatthereisscienceneededtoallthings。Andthink，too，thatmaybeshewasnotpermitted。Theolderweget，themoreweunderstandthedestinythatrulesallthings，withnowanudge，withnowaleadingfinger，withnowaterribleblowovertheheart，andwhatwethinkattwenty-fivewasatriflingaccident，atseventy-fiveweknowtohavebeentheenormousgestureofGod。Wearenotaskedwhenweliketobeborn，Marco，norisituptouswhentodie。
　　"Andagain，Marco，consider。Ifsheweretohavecometoyouinthedarkofthemoon-time，inthestrangemystichourswhenyoucanheareternityticklikeaclock，youreyeswouldhavebeennotonthisworld，butthenext。Yourlookwouldhavebeenvacantthat’snowkeentodiscoverinjustice。Yourbodywouldhavebeenflabbythat’snowwhaleboneandsteel。AndtherewouldhavebeennomemoryofyouinChina，that’snowlikesweethoneyinthemouth。
　　"Wouldaweedeadspiritbeproudofaman，Marco，andhejustcrying，crying，crying，andlettingthedaysgobywhileeventhebrownbeeworks，andeventhegrassgrowsthatcattlemayfattenandmeneat？
　　Shemightbesorry，butwouldtherebeprideonher？Evenadeadwomanwantsastrongman。
　　"Now，I’mnotsayingthatthesilentdeadshouldnothaveavoiceinouraffairswhenweneedthem。Buttheyhavewisdom，elsewhatistheuseofhavingdied？AndiftheSanangcanbringher，she’llcomenowandjoinwithusinaskingyou，nowbeingthetimeshe’sneeded。
　　"Child，beguidedbyusthreeancientmen。Ihavelivedlongandhaveknowledgeoftheworld。LiPohaslivedlongandhasknowledgeoftheheart。TheSananghaslivedlong，andknowsthesecretsofthedead。Iftoourthreevoices，wholoveyou，thereisaddedasignfromGoldenBells，willyouleaveChina？"
　　"IfthereisasignfromherI’llleaveChina，"saidMarcoPolo。
　　AnditwasduskintheGardenbytheLakeofCranes。
　　CHAPTERXXII
　　TheSanangcameovertoMarcoPolo。
　　"Givemetheblacktressthat’soveryourheart。"
　　AndMarcoPoloundidhiscoatandhisundercoatandhisfinesarkandtookouttheperfumedhair，andgaveittotheSanang。
　　"Letyousingalittlesong，LiPo，"themagiciansaid，"thewayshe’llbehearingandcome。Ihavepartofherhere，andletyouputinthegardentheatmospheresheloved。"AndLiPotookhisluteandpluckedgentlyatthestrings。
　　"Theswishofyoursilkenskirtisdiscontinued，"
　　hesang，"Andthegrassgrowsthroughthebrokenhearthstone，Andyourroomthatwassowarmandsweptiscoldandmouldy。
　　Buthe，thebelovedofyourheart，clingson，Afallenleafinthechinkofadoor，Inthechinkofacloseddoor！"
　　Anditwasduskinthegarden，andthevoiceofLiPobroke，andhislutestilled，andtheoldEmperorbreathedhisagedgentlebreathing，andtheSanangsaidhissecretterribleformulae，andMarcoPolowastenseasahuntingdog。
　　Andsuddenlyattheendofthegarden，intheperfumedAsiandusk，therewasabeamlikemoonlight，andintothesoftrayofittrodlittleGoldenBells，withherweewarmface，andherweewarmhands，andherhairdarkasacloud，andhereyespleading，pleading……
　　"Gonow，MarcoPolo，pleasego！"Herlipsmadethewords，butnosoundcametohim。
　　"Oh，GoldenBells，GoldenBells！"herushedforward，butthemoonlightofnomoonfaded，andtherewasnothing，andhedroppedonhiskneessobbingintheduskbytheLakeofCranes……
　　CHAPTERXXIII
　　Andafterawhilehegotupfromhiskneesandsethisteethonhissobbingandthrewhisheadbackandsquaredhisshouldersandnotchedhisbeltandfacedthethreeancientmen。
　　"Well，"hesaid，"that’sthat。"
　　HewentoverandkneltandkissedtheKhan’shand。
　　"You’llbeseeinghersoon，sir，you’llbetellingher……
　　everything……"
　　"Yes，son，I’lltellher。"
　　ThenhepattedtheSanangontheshoulder，and"Thanks！"saidhe，simply，andhetookLiPo’shandinbothhis，andtheylookedateachotherforamomentandnowordscametoeither。
　　"Well，"hesaysatlength，"I’llbehittingtheroadthen。I’llnotsaygood-bytoanyofyou。I’llbeseeingyouallprettysoonagain。
　　There’sawaronbetweenVeniceandtheGenoese，andwherethat’shottestyou’llfindme，andthequickermyend，thebetterI’llbepleased。Butitwouldbelikemyluck，"hesaidbitterly，"nottobekilled，buttobetakenprisonerandtoendmylifeinsomelousyjail。Oh，well，we’llhopeforthebest。"Helaughed。
　　"So——solong！"
　　Andthefourofthemlookedatoneanother，tryingtosmile，andgreatgriefonthem。
　　"Chinawillmissyou，myson，"saidoldKubla。
　　"It’snothingtohowI’llbemissingChina，"saidMarcoPolo。
　　"Venice！It’sonlyasoundtome。I’llbeanexileinthecityofmybirth。Butwhat’stheuseofcomplaining？Ifit’sgo，it’sgo。
　　Butit’llbefunny，"saidhe。"Mybodywillbethere，butmyheartandmindwillbeinChina。There’llbeagrayeyealwaysturningtoChina，anditwillneverseeChina……Queer！……AllthevoicesandalltheinstrumentsinSaintMark’s，andinmyearsthelittledrumsofChina……AllthesunlightwillbeglintingontheGrandCanal，butthelittlerainofChina——thelittlerainofChinawillbefallinginmyheart……
　　"Ah，well，ifit’sgo，it’sgo。I’dbetterbehittingtheroad。
　　So……I’llsaygood-byforthepresent……and……
　　"Oh，myGodAlmighty！……"