RICK'S FANS. a

old Japanese archers were pretty good at their work, doubtless; but
I like a gun, Ralph. What does a bow amount to before a gun?”

“ Bow before gun? Why, it amounts to bow-gun, doctor.”

At the doctor’s request Ralph repeated these lines, inscribed on a
fan, written by Pan Tsieh Yu, a lady of the Court, presented to the
Emperor Cheng-ti, of the Han Dynasty (Chinese) B. c. 18. They have
been translated by Dr. Martin:

Of fresh new silk, all snowy-white,
And round as harvest moon,

A pledge of purity and love,
A small but welcome boon.

While summer lasts, borne in the hand
Or folded on the breast,

Twill gently soothe thy burning brow,
And charm thee to thy rest.

But al! when autumn frosts descend,
And autumn winds blow cold,

No longer sought, no longer loved,
"Twill lie in dust and mold.

This silken fan, then, deign accept,
Sad emblem of my lot —

Caressed and cherished for an hour,
Then speedily forgot.