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！……\"