summaryrefslogtreecommitdiff
diff options
context:
space:
mode:
-rw-r--r--.gitattributes3
-rw-r--r--27217-0.txt1211
-rw-r--r--27217-0.zipbin0 -> 44589 bytes
-rw-r--r--LICENSE.txt11
-rw-r--r--README.md2
5 files changed, 1227 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/27217-0.txt b/27217-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..efadcc6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27217-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,1211 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Niu Lang Chih Nu Ch'uan, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Niu Lang Chih Nu Ch'uan
+
+Author: Various
+
+Editor: Ming Shih Chu
+
+Release Date: November 9, 2008 [EBook #27217]
+
+Language: Chinese
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NIU LANG CHIH NU CH'UAN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Cheang Lai Ieng
+
+
+
+
+第一回
+通明殿玉帝宣綸旨 戲織女金童遭天譴
+
+
+  詩曰:
+  七夕牛郎逢織女,恩情千載不更移。
+  三生有幸團圓日,化樂天宮豈忍離?
+  為貪歡娛致坎坷,貶下凡塵受折磨。
+  感得玉皇補遺恨,鵲橋相會勝如初。
+  無論古今,男女總難逃脫一個「情」字。情之所種,有愛情,有怨情,有豔情,
+有癡情。情到最密之處,便是大羅天八洞神仙呂祖師,尚有「三戲白牡丹」故事,至
+今小說膾炙人口。在下這部小說,卻是天河配、鵲橋相會的歷史。但這樁古典,都是
+太虛幻境中之樓台亭閣,內中情節奇奇怪怪,變化莫測,好似舞台之燈彩戲一般。然
+立言旨趣,卻是齊諧志異,寓意勸懲。正所謂:
+  古寺鐘聲清夜響,喚醒世間迷途人。
+  牛郎織女的歷史,在下不得不表明,在前既稱夫婦,何以有七夕一相逢之說?考
+之世說,原來天河之東有織女,乃天帝之孫女,勤習女工,容貌不甚修理。後奉天帝
+之命,許嫁於河西牽牛郎。嫁後,竟廢女工,天帝大怒,令織女仍歸河東。那牽牛郎
+在河西思之不已,於是有鵲橋重會,每年僅七夕始得一圓滿時日。這便是二位大仙的
+來歷。在下要鋪張小說,必須表明在先,免得閱書人駁我荒唐。本意已明,書歸正文。
+正是:
+  原將天河古來事,留與今人作話傳。
+  話說玄穹彼蒼,玉皇大帝坐鎮三十三天,統率九曜二十八宿,掌管日月星辰七政,
+至尊無極,功德巍巍天尊。正當下界漢室中興時代,天下太平。新正元旦之期,神仙
+朝天,奏請玉帝臨朝,登通明殿。但見文武星神,分班朝賀,仙風吹動,香煙圍繞,
+殿上笙簫笛管。有唐詩為證,詩曰:
+  淡月疏星繞建章,仙風吹下御爐香。
+  侍臣鵠立通明殿,一朵紅雲捧玉皇。
+  殿前當駕傳宣星君,啟簾宣道:「有事出班啟奏,無事請駕回宮!」但見國師太
+上老君,領著左右二相、福祿壽三位星君、南斗星君、北斗星君、正乙玄壇星君、九
+天雷部星君、太白星君、五穀星君、四方觀音大士、四土金剛、九曜二十八宿,還有
+每逢歲底朝見的灶王星君,一齊分班朝賀,山呼:「萬歲!聖壽無疆!」玉帝宣旨道:
+「眾卿平身!下界漢室重建,歲時如何?生靈善惡如何?監察神速即奏來。」只見五
+穀星君高擎牙笏,出班奏道:「萬歲洪恩,下界漢室重興,王莽授首,君明臣忠,風
+調雨順,國泰民安,海不揚波。生靈之幸福,誠乃萬歲之賜也!」玉帝道:「下界光
+武乃應運之主,救民於水火之中,既能定國安民,當再佑以國祚綿長,以免生靈之劫
+數。」眾星君皆俯伏謝恩。太上老君奏道:「新正初六日,為陛下千秋聖誕,臣已在
+兜率宮設下蟠桃大會,約會諸大神仙與陛下上壽,乞降旨恩准!」玉帝道:「往年蟠
+桃大會,被孫猴兒鬧翻了全局,今又躬逢盛典,不可不賞,准卿所奏。」老君謝恩畢,
+又奏道:「此次萬壽盛典,乃五百年之一大週期,與往年不同,筵上應用百寶俱全,
+但缺至尊所御用之珊瑚八寶溫涼玉杯,必須瑤池西王母處借來,方可以壯觀瞻。」玉
+帝道:「這容易。」便傳隨身伴第十二位金童,至御前諭道:「爾可往瑤池西聖母處,
+傳朕旨意,借取溫涼玉杯,不可有誤。」金童領旨出朝,駕起神雲,竟往瑤池而去。
+玉帝降旨退朝,諸仙告散。
+  且說這第十二位金童,久慕瑤池仙宮之豔名,每思拜謁,恨無機會。今日卻逢際
+遇,欣欣然駕著一朵祥雲,直上高山斗牛宮前。始下雲頭,即有紅紼仙女接著,問道:
+「上仙到此何事?」金童道:「奉旨而來,要見聖母。」紅紼仙女道:「既奉旨來,請
+進去。」金童進了斗牛宮,但見萬花齊放,蕊香撲鼻。正是:
+  天上第一神仙府,勝似凡間帝王家。
+  一路仙家妙境,金童無心玩賞,逕進宮門。宮門中有幾個仙童,因係奉旨,故不
+阻攔,故而金童放膽直至瑤池。忽聞一陣香風,遇見一位仙女,髩插一枝梅花,正坐
+在望月閣下織機。這位就是斗牛宮中第七位仙女,係玉帝之婿張天君所生,俗呼做張
+七姐,玉帝之外孫女,故又稱天孫織女。生得容貌絕世,他卻不喜修飾,不搽脂粉,
+時常淡裝素服,禁步珊瑚,飄飄然一個無上的仙女。
+  金童不見猶可,見了之時,頓起凡心。上前深深一揖道:「天孫姐姐安好!」織
+女吃了一驚,連忙還禮道:「上仙乃玉皇駕前之金童,到此何干?」金童道:「奉玉旨
+見聖母,乞取溫涼玉杯。」織女道:「聖母在聚仙台上,方與東方朔大仙下棋。上仙
+奉旨,待我與你傳達。」金童聽說,一發放心,便笑逐顏開道:「聖母方在下棋,且
+慢驚動。小仙慕天孫姐姐的芳名,恨未一見;今日僥倖得遇,平生願足!」說罷,又
+是一揖。織女見他眼角傳情,又是一個青年秀美男子,禁不住微微嫣然一笑。
+  這一笑,金童卻弄錯了,以為織女有意,更近前一步,又恭恭敬敬一揖,帶笑的
+說道:「倘蒙見憐,尚望慰我渴情,則感激不盡!」織女怒道:「你既奉旨而來,何得
+與我多瀆,還不速退!倘被聖母知道,負罪不淺!」金童笑道:「任你發怒,罪有我
+當!你既不肯見憐,我卻至誠老實,毫沒二心。今日奉旨,不便晤敘,尚望姐姐格外
+見憐,贈我一件表記,以便後會有期。」說著,便用手將織女髩上一朵梅花,摘了就
+走。織女欲想奪回。
+  正嚷之間,只見四個值宮仙女執紼過來,宣諭道:「奉聖母之命,速傳天孫入見。」
+把個金童嚇得魂不在身,織女趁勢便道:「好,好,好,我同你見聖母去!」當即一
+擁進宮。
+  只見西王母頭帶九雲冠,身穿百雉仙衣,腰圍玉帶,手秉如意,端坐殿上。兩旁
+眾仙女站班,下面立著許多黃巾力士。織女首先跪下,哭奏道:「十二金童無禮,乞
+聖母作主!」聖母道:「吾正同東方朔大仙下棋已畢,忽然心血來潮,已知宮中有凡
+心之事,故而別了大仙,立即回宮。爾等究是何人起意?照直奏來!」織女便全推在
+金童身上,又指金童手中的梅花作證。那金童只得低頭默無一言。聖母道:「雖由金
+童起意,但爾不宜一笑留情,情之所繫,雖萬劫不能挽回。天孫亦有不是。」說的織
+女面赤,俯首請罪。聖母道:「爾等既有凡心,已犯天律,不能不懲,以儆效尤!」
+便傳紅紼仙女將天孫帶去看管,紅紼仙女領旨,先把織女帶下階去。聖母道:「十二
+金童奉旨而來,動了凡心,溫涼玉杯不能污爾之手,我即親自呈獻玉帝。既犯天律,
+自然照例嚴懲。」即命黃巾力士將金童看住,命守珍仙女帶了溫涼玉杯,登時乘了六
+雲車,帶了十二對仙童仙女,黃巾力士押了十二金童,駕起彩雲。在天宮過了靈霄殿,
+到玉清宮下車。當有守宮仙官轉奏內庭玉帝,就在便殿接見。
+  聖母見駕朝賀已畢,奏:「珊瑚八寶溫涼玉杯,臣已親自帶呈,望乞驗明。予祝
+聖壽無疆!」即命守珍仙女跪呈御前。玉帝道:「承借玉杯乃小事,致卿家跋涉仙步,
+朕心不安。想十二金童必有負罪之處?」原來玉帝因不見金童復旨,又見聖母面有不
+豫之色,料必有事,故發此言。聖母奏道:「聖上明鑒,十二金童戲侮天孫織女,藐
+視天律,委實有罪。織女臣已將其看守,金童亦帶在階下,請陛下發落。」玉帝怒道:
+「朕向以十二金童謹慎,故而略加寵愛,今遽戲朕之外孫女,不得不付之天律!」命
+黃巾力士押金童至殿前跪下,責問道:「淆亂仙宮,輕圖玉旨,該當何罪?」金童伏
+地,自稱萬死,玉帝道:「天律條法,不能為汝一人寬容!」命傳刑曹星官,帶同黃
+巾力士,押了十二金童直往斬仙台,用誅仙劍梟首。此時金童悔之不及,淚如雨下。
+兩旁黃巾力士正擁出宮門,刑曹星官剛接了玉旨,只見宮門外一朵祥雲,一位仙長翩
+然而下,大呼:「且慢動刑,待老臣見駕,自有挽救!」眾神一看,正是太上老君。
+不知後事如何,且看下回分解。
+第二回
+李老君慈心救金童 天孫女被謫雲錦官
+
+
+  卻說太上老君在玉清宮門外阻止緩斬金童,又囑黃巾力士:「靜候旨音,本官上
+殿,自有解決。」說畢,匆匆來到通明殿上。
+  傳宣星官見是老君到來,不敢怠慢,即忙進至便殿,轉奏玉帝。即傳旨:「老君
+通明殿見駕。」一面命聖母在宮內少候片時。這裡內侍星官及金童等擺駕護送,至通
+明殿,駕住寶位。老君俯伏品級階前,山呼萬歲。玉帝道:「老卿平身!有何本章呈
+上?」老君始起身,躬立左旁奏道:「老臣正在兜率宮中煉九轉九萬年金丹,忽然心
+血來潮,隨即起坐駕雲,運開慧眼,見斬仙台上犯天律的乃駕前之第十二位金童。聞
+係因戲侮天孫織女,偶染凡心,致被降斬。老臣特來乞免!若以染犯凡心而淪,彼此
+固有移情,況天孫織女尚在瑤池聖母宮中,並未審查情由,但以摘取梅花之事,令金
+童一人兼罪,可見此事,未曾公允。」玉帝聞奏,沉吟半晌,始帶笑說道:「老卿之
+言,卻也相宜。但若輩既犯天律,理應懲治,在老卿之意見,有何另行處治之法?」
+老君奏道:「彼二人既有凡心,在天宮本不應有此事,只得姑念二人年幼無知,從寬
+懲罰,以做效尤!天孫織女,其先一笑留情,亦當處置,令其獨居河東工織數年,若
+有疏怠,再行嚴加警戒。惟金童違旨戲侮天孫織女,摘弄髩插梅花,分明凡夫俗子所
+為之事,何況玉旨在身,公然藐視,不可不懲罰。可將他貶下凡塵,令受顛沛折磨之
+苦,使其悔悟,然後再行超昇天庭,方好佳偶天庭。務乞聖上准奏降旨!」玉帝聞奏,
+即點頭道:「就依老卿之見,可傳朕之旨意,將金童免斬,提回,待朕面責一番。再
+差太白金星送他下凡可也。」
+  太上老君來至斬仙台,將旨宣讀畢,即命刑曹星君放下金童,便領了金童復至通
+明殿。那金童俯伏請罪,玉帝道:「爾乃隨朕之金童,奉旨往取溫涼玉杯,不料你淆
+亂瑤池,聖母宮中違旨戲侮天孫,已是罪不容誅。姑念爾年幼無知,又有太上老君保
+奏乞免,故將爾提回不斬。今將爾貶下凡塵,稍令你二人流離,若知感受顛沛之苦,
+然後使爾等贖罪婚配。」降旨已畢,太上老君謝恩退出宮外,駕起祥雲,回兜率宮去
+了。這裡玉帝降旨宣召太白金星上殿,命帶送金童下凡投胎降生。太白金星領旨,帶
+同金童退出通明殿去了。
+  玉帝退朝回宮,來至玉清宮中,聖母迎接,分君臣坐下。聖母問道:「太上老君
+請駕面奏何事?」玉帝即將太上老君乞免金童赦罪之事,並復行貶下凡塵之旨意,宣
+諭了一遍。聖母道:「這也使得,待臣回宮之時,亦將天孫織女打發河東織工,倘有
+疏怠,再行嚴加約束。」玉帝點頭稱是。聖母即起身,別駕出宮。走過通明殿,出了
+午門,仍坐六雲車,那些隨行的黃巾力士及仙女等,擁護駕雲而去。一路上五色祥雲,
+萬仙往來,絡繹不絕。只見風送雲車,轉眼之間,已到了瑤池宮前。
+  聖母下了六雲車,仙娥宮女扶侍進了瑤池宮中。聖母坐定,即命仙女去呼召天孫
+織女。那仙女領了懿旨,來至瑤池西旁拘仙室內,即將天孫帶了,連同看守仙女齊至
+宮中。天孫織女見了聖母,即跪下請罪。聖母責道:「吾適才帶同金童送呈溫涼玉杯,
+至通明殿,已奏知玉帝。爾等凡心之事,玉帝大怒,降旨將金童推出問罪。幸而太上
+老君仁慈保本,玉帝准免死罪,姑念年幼無知,貶下凡塵受苦,已命太白金星送往下
+界去了。」天孫織女一聞此旨,大吃一驚,心中也不免憐惜,又不敢辯護。聖母又責
+道:「彼已受貶下凡,難免顛沛之苦,亦不容汝獨享安逸自在。」
+  遂向看守仙娥及黃巾力士道:「著爾等押送天孫織女往天河東雲錦宮內,令其終
+日工織,不得疏怠。爾可監管,倘有不遵情形,速來奏知,再行嚴加處置。」天孫織
+女聽了此旨,嚇得魂不在身,即叩頭乞求免。聖母怒道:「爾尚不願領罪?豈不知自
+作自受,何得違抗天律?爾若從事工織不肯疏怠,玉帝自有憐惜之心,待彼此圓滿之
+日,或可令爾等贖罪婚配,此時何得多瀆。」天孫織女見聖母降下這一番懿旨,心中
+雖是懊悔,卻也無可如何,只好俯首領旨。當下看守仙娥及黃巾力士領旨,押著天孫
+織女,出了瑤池聖母宮,一同駕了一朵祥雲,冉冉而去。
+  正行之間,那黃巾力士笑道:「天孫仙女此去雖是苦工,尚有圓滿逍遙之日,大
+凡成仙成佛,俱是先苦而後甜。遵守天道,不曾輕舉妄動,玉帝自生憐惜之心!」天
+孫織女道:「此事發生之初,真乃是料所不及。我見金童舉止溫和,不過路生憐惜之
+心,故有一笑而已。不料金童放膽行為,摘去梅花留情,所以合當如此,觸動帝怒,
+令我二人彼此分離。正所謂薄命鴛鴦!」天孫織女言及至此,那眼中的仙淚不禁滾滾
+而下。
+  那看守的仙娥勸道:「天孫,請勿悲苦!此番同到天河東雲錦宮內工織,我亦陪
+伴天孫司事,當動則動,當靜則靜,自無寂寞之苦了。」天孫織女道:「事已至此,
+無可挽回,只好進行而已!不知金童貶了下界,受何種苦痛,什麼折磨?恐其不能安
+閒自在,即如我居天河之東工織,總比凡塵安逸多矣!」眾仙你言我語,不覺已到了
+天河之東。
+  各人下了雲頭,四面一看,只見天河之波茫茫漾漾,不見邊岸,那些鵲龍巢穴,
+奇形怪狀。天河東西長有九十一萬里,南北闊有三十一萬里。
+  閱書諸君,這非著作之人說荒唐之言,不足憑信。在下曾閱天文星相書籍,上載
+明天地之形色,並非方正,乃長而且圓,故有此項之稱。
+  閒文少敘,但言天孫等眾仙,四面遊覽已畢,一同進了雲錦宮。只見守宮仙女接
+著天孫仙女,送進宮內,並通報雲錦聖母。雲錦聖母聽了天孫侵犯天律,不免又警戒
+了幾句,即命守宮仙女,同往工織室內從事而去。又打發黃巾力士回瑤池去復命,黃
+巾力士領命退出宮外,仍由原路去了,直至瑤池聖母宮中復旨不提。
+  這裡雲錦宮內,天孫織女同看守仙娥來至工織室中,從事工作,終日辛勤,天上
+人間,同是一理。所幸看守仙娥同伴司事,倘天孫悲苦,即從旁慰勸。回念:「那日
+一起凡性,以致二人敗露至此,彼此分居天上人間,怎不令人心中暗痛!金童若非為
+我遭貶,我也不憐於他。可見情由冤結,佳偶天成,刻下受苦,但願後來成為夫婦,
+也不枉痛苦一場!」思及至此,倒在仙榻昏昏睡去。不知後事如何,且看下回分解。
+第三回
+牛員外晚年得子 惡馬氏唆夫占產
+
+
+  話說天孫在雲錦宮中工織室內思前想後,想到悲傷之處,不免長吁短歎,又捨不
+得金童凡間受苦,回想舊情,倒身仙榻之上,昏昏睡至天明。清早起身,淚痕猶存,
+看守仙娥婉言勸慰了一番。由此終年終日工織,按下不提。
+  且說已到正月初六日,玉帝聖誕之期已至,在三十三天兜率宮設下蟠桃大會,各
+位神仙星官及瑤池聖母、雲錦聖母、觀音大士、八洞神仙、一班仙童仙女,擁衛玉帝
+乘坐逍遙輦,駕五色雲,至兜率宮,太上老君朝服迎接聖駕,下了御輦,升了寶座。
+眾仙朝見,拜祝聖壽無疆。老君供獻金丹,眾仙謝恩,蟠桃大會舉行仙樂,說不盡三
+十三天繁華聖景。正是:
+  此曲正應天上有,人間那得幾回頭。
+  眾仙祝壽已畢,仙樂告終,玉帝起座,老君送了聖駕。玉帝仍乘逍遙輦回宮,眾
+仙各自駕雲去了不提。
+  再說太白金星領了玉旨,帶同第十二金童,駕了一朵青雲,經過天河,來到南天
+門。往下界四面一看,只見雪飛六出,即知五穀豐登之兆,向金童道:「今年下界物
+阜民康,河清海晏。但投凡胎,你須擇其人地兩宜之處,方可安插仙體。」說著屈指
+一算,應往下界中州地點(即今稱河南省,因河南在華夏之中,故曰中州)。那河南
+有個洛陽府洛陽縣牛家莊,有一牛員外,家財豪富,髮妻早喪,只生一子,名牛金成,
+娶媳馬氏。後來牛員外因子不孝、媳不賢,後又續娶李氏。過到三年,尚未生育。忽
+然身懷六甲,將屆臨盆。所以太白金星在南天門早已算到,已知牛家可落。隨同金童
+出了南天門,撥落雲頭,直向河南而來。
+  一時之間,到了洛陽府地界,直撲牛家莊牛員外家,方才止住雲頭。太白金星即
+放下一陣清風,把金童下去投胎。金童明知受苦時日已至,不禁淚如雨下,哀告太白
+金星道:「小童今日遭貶,莫不悔恨前非,然事到臨頭,不可挽救;但難滿之日,尚
+祈星官屆時超拔天庭,小童即感謝洪恩!」太白金星點頭允諾。霎時間,金童隨風而
+下。太白金星見金童別去,投下凡胎,即起身仍行駕雲回天宮,至通明殿復旨不提。
+  卻說牛員外見後妻李氏將屆臨盆,忙請了穩婆照管一切。忽見丫環報道:「上房
+李夫人生下一男。」牛員外心中歡悅不盡,忙謝了穩婆幾兩銀子,送出去了。又僱了
+兩名侍女,耑以扶持產娘。惟有牛金成夫婦,心中大為不悅,卻也不敢出口,只好夫
+婦暗中說話,終是無法可治。惟有暗罵其父:「老而不死,今已五十有餘,年紀已老,
+又育兒子,可見令人切齒!此恨此怨,何日可以勾消?」這裡牛金成夫婦暗自怨恨,
+按下不表。
+  且說金童下凡,托生落地成人。那李氏產下兒子,穩婆包洗之後,送到牀上,李
+氏一見,心中大悅。自此產婦調養,自然看顧週到。轉瞬之間,已屆一月。到了滿月
+之日,牛員外吩咐家人張燈結綵,桌椅屏幃,收拾得齊齊整整。諸親眷友,鄰里鄉黨,
+皆來致賀。到了這日,大廳上熱鬧非凡,梨園歌舞,音樂吹打,猜拳行令,一時間哄
+鬧滿堂。牛員外又至上房,吩咐丫環將兒子抱出,(缺文待補)
+  光陰荏苒,韶華易過,牛員外生了幼子金郎已是六歲。此數年以來,無非凡事護
+庇幼子,往往和長子金成吵鬧,所以逐日氣悶在胸,遂染成一症,偃臥在牀。雖有李
+氏伏侍週到,惟年紀已越花甲,血氣已衰,精力枯耗,延醫服藥,終不見效,病勢日
+增一日,漸至飲食不進。連日招呼金成夫婦看護,非但置之不問,而且任意揮霍家財。
+一日清晨,李氏見牛員外病勢已深,骨瘦如豺,惟有束手待斃,別無他法可治。坐在
+牀上,手中攜著金郎,悲泣道:「君家病勢沉重,醫藥罔效,長子又不顧問,妾一女
+流,亦無可如何,一有不幸,叫妾如何是好?遺此小冤家,雖有家財,爾之長子不肯
+保守,任意揮霍,叫妾與此幼子置身於何地?不如與君三人同行罷了!」牛員外勸慰
+道:「夫人不必遠慮,死生有命,富貴在天。即如我死之後,爾可領帶幼子長大成人,
+目下雖然苦守家庭,有依靠幼子之希望。望夫人寬放心胸,我在九泉之下,陰魂自有
+庇佑!」夫妻正在談論之間,忽報長子到來。不知長子來此所為何事,且待下回再為
+詳敘。
+第四回
+一旦無常員外病逝 喜怒不測金郎被打
+
+
+  再說牛員外夫婦正談話之間,忽然長子到來,走近父親牀前,見繼母流淚不止,
+想必思慮將來過活方法,也並不曾追問情形。李夫人一見長子到來,即拭乾眼淚,並
+不聲言。牛員外見牛金成立在牀前,即叫他坐在一旁,便低言道:「我兒到來,曾知
+為父病勢如何?」金成道:「孩兒特來探詢病狀,連日因莊田收租忙碌,租戶聯欠不
+清,已令家人急行追討。今日由外面回來,聞得父親病勢加重,故而前來省視,還是
+再行延醫診治,還是另作方法?請父親訓示兒子!」牛員外聽了長子之言,似乎說得
+有理,一陣心酸,垂淚於枕,悲聲道:「為父病症已入膏肓,諒亦不可收拾。倘若我
+死之後,吾兒須要保守家產,格外宜勤宜儉,切不可以父已死,無人約束,任意浪蕩。
+須知為父死後,宜知父死猶生,即幼弟生存,繼母在堂,亦當好生看待。爾妻生性驕
+愚,亦宜和平對付於伊,且不可時常吵鬧。為父在日,尚未虧待爾等,若非為父,豈
+不惹人傳聞笑柄?」言及至此,氣即不接,只有微吁而已。牛金成聽了其父一番教訓
+言語,也感動心思,自己覺悟,不禁淚流滿面,發語慰道:「吾父之病既入膏盲,不
+及診治,皆因年老血衰之故,倘父親歸天之後,兒自竭力孝敬繼母,友愛幼弟,乞父
+不必掛在心頭,只管放心便了!」
+  正說之間,牛員外已變了氣色,痰塞心胸,立刻氣絕而亡,登時眼閉足直,丟拋
+恩妻姣兒,撇棄萬貫家財,一赴黃泉,萬般皆休,任憑妻子如何痛哭,竟不回頭一顧。
+嗚乎!人生百年,只享三萬六千日,一旦無常,各自奔飛,昔日寵妾愛子之心,完全
+湮沒,實可淒可慘。正是:
+  慈母守節,難免思夫之苦。孤子生存,恐遭惡嫂之謀。
+  親戚不能顧問,家產不久分析,事到如今無挽救,話言至此更慘傷!
+  牛員外已經死了,不必多言。這裡李夫人及長子、長媳皆痛哭不已。惟有李夫人
+痛心尤切,幼子金郎尚不知人事,那知父死悲傷?所幸金成倒感動了孝心,料理衣衾
+棺槨,一切週到,訃報親友,擇日開奠出殯。至期,親友奠祭紛紛,孝幕高懸,喪堂
+齊整,並有僧道齋醮。忙了多日,候期出殯,屆時歸葬山林。自此金成子頂父業,掌
+管家財,馬氏更加得意,豈受繼婆節制!那李夫人自丈夫死後,悲哀過甚,身體亦漸
+衰弱,面黃饑瘦,守持了一年有餘,即成了心勞重病。加之愛子心切,思夫意深,隨
+得一病,臥牀不起。金成倒也孝敬,不忘父親遺訓,即忙延醫供藥。那知命該如此,
+並無挽救之法,也就一命嗚呼尚饗了。正是:
+  夫妻同赴黃泉路,叔嫂陰謀發現來。
+  牛金成見了繼母已死,即忙收拾棺殮殯葬,又花用了若干銀錢,也如父親一樣,
+送侍歸並山穴,了結父母的手續。而金成格外感想家情,心中甚為悲苦,但念幼弟今
+年方才七歲,父母雙亡,亦甚憐愛金郎。惟有馬氏執掌內務,僱用九個耕夫鋤種田園。
+但不時將金郎以小故毒打,而金郎年雖七歲,頗知人情,故不敢告訴其兄。金成有時
+赴城經市,有時出外收租,尚不知其妻凌辱金郎。
+  光陰似箭,日復一日,又過了新年,金郎已是八歲了。一日,正值三月天氣,桃
+紅柳綠,金郎獨往後花園內,吹放風箏。只見天氣晴和,蝶舞花心,兒童玩性,大地
+皆然。金郎一人也在後花園中頑耍,不料風箏吹放上去,只剩了一根紓線捏在手中,
+適值那日風氣愈大,風箏隨風飄上。金郎只管挪索,腳步站立不住,被風一刮,連人
+拖帶。那防桃樹旁邊有金魚池一口,其中蓄金魚之水不過一尺餘深,金郎忽然被風拖
+到池邊,「撲咚」失足跌下,那風箏線索也放了飛上天去。金郎跌了下去,渾身衣服
+浸濕,所幸水不大深,尚無生命之虞,卻吃了一飽池水。扶爬起來,抓住石欄慢慢步
+履而上。
+  人雖不曾淹死,但衣服卻無一點乾處,只得立在牡丹階前,迎著太陽熏曬。若是
+回到家中,又怕大嫂見了毒打,思及於此,眼中垂淚,仰面朝天歎了一聲怨氣。說也
+奇怪,正值太白金星駕雲經過,係往北斗星君處面商要事。正行至此,只見怨氣通天,
+遂止住了雲頭,向下界一看,方知第十二金童遭受苦難,心欲憐救於他。又屈指一算,
+尚有五年的苦難始能超昇天庭,又想:「目下不能挽救,我須升奏玉帝,再為另酌方
+針。」想及於此,又駕雲而去。
+  那金郎正在垂泣之間,後面忽來家人呼喚。走近金郎面前,見其衣服濕透,便問
+其情由。金郎以情始末告之,家人方才知道,只得安慰幾句,並言:「若見其嫂,老
+僕自當說情。刻因午飯已備,不見你在廳上,故命我來尋喚你的,你快隨我來罷!」
+金童只得垂頭跟老家人來到廳上吃飯。將走至廳前,馬氏已在席上自飲,而其兄金成
+並不在家。馬氏一見金郎到來,不覺怒由心生,又見其身上衣服全濕,更加火上加油,
+便喝罵道:「你這小畜生!吃飯不知時候,穿衣不知愛惜,我命老僕喚你吃飯,誰知
+你要到水晶宮中去?你今方在幼小之時,倘若長大成人,豈不大鬧天宮?今日午飯罰
+免不許吃。待我吃了飯,再行處治於你!」說著,一面吃飯。
+  登時吃罷,即伸拳捲袖,上前一把拖住金郎,脫剝上下衣褲。那老僕知事不妙,
+憐惜屢次受其毒打,今番更加利害,忙上前扯住馬氏。馬氏怒不可遏,惡眼圓睜,橫
+肉顯面,罵聲:「老僕!打死有我抵命,與你無干!」家人、婢女向知馬氏兇惡,不
+敢強制而行,只得退立一旁。這馬氏將金郎上下衣褲剝得乾乾淨淨,一縷無存,手執
+三絲藤條,渾身上下一陣亂打,打得皮破肉綻,鮮血淋漓,白肉變紫,週身無一點好
+肉。金郎只得號呼痛哭,哀求大嫂少打幾下,馬氏那裡肯聽?忽被金郎抓住藤條,哀
+告道:「且請大嫂息怒!我的身上已打得鮮血淋淋,就如小叔作了你的兒子罷!不然
+尚請大嫂看父母面上,容我一次罷了!」馬氏喝道:「你這小畜生!還敢巧言舌辯?
+今日不打死你,不得干休!」說著,即抽藤條過來,又欲痛打。正在喧嚷之時,金郎
+正在痛哭之際,門外來了挽救星,僕人皆大歡喜。欲知來者何人,且看下回分解。
+第五回
+金牛星下凡救金郎 惡馬氏存心害小叔
+
+
+  話說金郎被馬氏正在痛打,痛哭之際,忽然來了一人,你道是誰?原來其兄牛金
+成由城內回來,聞得內廳喧吵之聲,即忙大步奔入。見馬氏揪住金郎毒打,上前將藤
+條搶在手中,便向馬氏打了十餘下,把馬氏喝開一邊,然後拖過金郎立在身旁,代他
+揩拭血跡,又命家人打水來洗淨,穿好衣服,叫他吃飯。金成怒猶未息,以手指著馬
+氏罵道:「你這潑婦,良心何在?時常毒打幼小之叔。今日不知何故,又遭你的毒手?
+幸我今日回來,若非我來,你豈不將他打死?自此以後,如再故違,那時定不同你干
+休!」馬氏被丈夫打罵了一頓,滿面的羞慚,停了一刻,方立起身來,進內房去了。
+  金成又問了家人幾句,方知金郎被風箏跌濕衣裳被打,也自感歎了一回。坐在廳
+上,自己思想:「父親遺命,囑我好生看待幼弟,不料不賢之妻凌虐於他,真正令人
+可恨!今幼弟年已八歲,可以入學讀書,以免時遭慘害。或者得受師訓化,智識既可
+以開通,又可以脫離悍婦之手,亦免我內顧之憂。」想及至此,主意已定。立起身來,
+四處查看家情。
+  過了幾日,即托鄰人請了一位秀士,姓任,名笑凡,在家教讀。金成即命家人收
+拾前廳東書房三間,打掃乾淨,擇了黃道吉日,正是初秋七月的天氣,請了先生到家,
+教金郎讀書。任笑凡作西賓頗有經驗,金郎也甚聰敏,師生互相親愛。讀了一年,四
+書過目不忘,聰明無比。自從那日被金成責打馬氏以後,又命金郎另居讀書,雖然仇
+恨在心,不敢再下毒手,但夫婦之間,不免發生不睦之態度,卻也不大妨礙。到了次
+年,金郎年已九歲,讀了一年書籍,加之先生訓誨,智識稍為開通。無如金郎的難星
+未滿,不能脫離苦海。忽然教師染病臥牀不起,未幾去世。金成又花費了葬殮銀錢,
+了結喪事。自此金郎又無先生教讀,雖自己聰敏,也就半途廢止,不免陷入於苦海之
+中。金成不在家中,衣不得暖,食不得飽,早晚打罵,在所不免。金成豈能保護周全?
+金郎受難,暫行按下。
+  再說太白金星,那日駕雲行經河南地界,見金郎這番情形,發起慈悲之念。往北
+斗星君處,公事已畢,返天庭至通明殿玉帝駕前復旨,奏道:「那年陛下命臣送貶第
+十二金童下凡投胎,臣昨日駕雲行經此地,忽見怨氣沖天,撥雲一看,始知金童備受
+折磨。雖金童應受劫數,誠可憐可憫!臣特奏請聖上賜解脫方法,不然,恐遭其嫂毒
+斃,無可挽回。」玉帝聞奏,諭道:「第十二金童那年下凡投胎,至今方有九歲,須
+到十三歲,方可圓滿超昇天庭。卿既有憐愛之心,又恐其嫂毒斃,卿家有何方法令其
+解脫麼?」太白金星奏道:「陛下既發慈悲,臣就陳奏挽救方法。金成家中有牝牛一
+頭,刻下腹懷桷牛,准於明日生產。陛下可降旨,命金牛星下凡,托附牛身,使其產
+下,可和金童作伴。有患難之處,金牛星自然報告金童,即可免性命之虞。」玉帝聞
+奏,點頭允許,降旨道:「差卿往斗牛宮,命金牛星下凡挽救金童,以待金童難滿之
+日,金牛星可以化身脫離,搭救同上天台。」降旨已畢,玉帝退朝回宮不提。
+  太白金星領了玉旨,退出通明殿,走到朝門以外,駕雲而去。一路由東而西,經
+過天河東雲錦宮旁,直往無塵大道,至斗牛宮前下了雲頭。進入宮中,至西廊下會見
+金牛星,面宣玉旨。金牛星不敢違旨,遂別了天神天將,攜帶天書寶物,隨同太白金
+星出了斗牛宮,同行駕雲,直往南天門。出了南天門,直往河南地界,到了洛陽縣牛
+家莊上,撥雲分別下去。太白金星自駕雲頭回天庭復旨不提。
+  且說金牛星帶了天書並寶物藏在身上,下來附入牛身。那牛正在臨產之時,將欲
+產出,金牛星已化魂入魄於牛身。閱書諸君駁問在下編輯之人胡言亂道:「那金牛星
+既下凡投胎,何以攜帶天書寶物,難道化作牛身,尚能施用天書寶物麼?」諸君有所
+不知,神仙舉止,凡人何能識破?那可與人見聞?即如人犯天條,欲作隱惡之事,忽
+然半空中霹靂一聲,惡人立時殞命,又不見神仙的跡影。可見神仙行為,天機奧妙無
+窮,凡人安能得知?閒言少敘,再說小牛產下之後,牛金成忙命家人代牛洗浴,及看
+待老牛等事。以後老牛不久亦生病而亡,但剩下小牛一個。那小牛漸已長大,能以耕
+種田園,能知人事,又能言人語。那牛說話,卻只對金郎一人可言,對金成眾人概不
+出聲。自金郎廢學以後,又過了一年,無事可做,無書可讀,每日受其虐待,說著令
+人聞之酸鼻,聽之傷心。正是:
+  吉人自有天來相,蒼天不加悔罪人。
+  馬氏見金郎已經十歲,不准金成再請先生與他攻書,叫他終日牽牛牧養、上山放
+草,金郎不敢不遵,只得牽牛上山,竟牧耕牛。那牛頗知人事,見了金郎之面,似乎
+故舊一般,搖頭擺尾,喜悅形狀。到了山上,任金郎坐臥玩耍,並不擅離左右,早隨
+金郎而出,晚隨金郎面歸。馬氏以金郎作了牧童,更加視如豬狗一般,命金郎日裡上
+山牧牛,夜間牛欄內同眠。金郎也不敢違抗,只得依從。
+  一日晚上,金郎睡在牛欄內,將至半夜,正在濃眠之際,那牛以足踢醒。只聞牛
+言道:「小主人金郎醒來,我有言向你說明。」金郎被牛腳踢醒,唬得魂不附體,怎
+的牛能說起話來?又聽了那牛說道:「金郎,你明日午飯之時,有性命之憂,我故把
+你踢醒,告訴於你。」金郎詫異道:「你何以知吾明日午飯之時,有性命之憂?請道
+其祥。」那牛回道:「你明日回府吃飯,你嫂特製藥麵,你兄進城未回,正好毒你。
+我已知此事,預先告訴於你,免你受毒。」金郎道:「我嫂有心害我,固是真情,但
+不知你非人類,何以預知?」那牛道:「我既在府上為牛,彼此主奴均有緣分。問我
+何以預知,世人以畜類口不能言,惟耳可以灌聽百里。即如我作人言,此不能洩露天
+機,你也不必追問,只好緊記在心便了。」那牛言訖,再不做聲,便倒身下臥。金郎
+見牛如此,自己仍臥一旁,思來想去,終是不明:「既嫂害我,牛能預知,牛依人言,
+甚為奇怪。」若知明日如何,且看下回分解。
+第六回
+大分家僅得一牛 小便宜馬氏歡心
+
+
+  話說金郎睡到天明,仍牽一牛直往山中去了。家中惡嫂馬氏果然應牛之言,暗中
+買了砒霜放和麵內,另作毒金郎之用。到了晌午時分,金郎回家吃飯,走至廚房,馬
+氏指著一碗麵,令其取吃。金郎一見是麵,心中注意,曾記夜間牛告之言果然不錯。
+雖端在手內,不敢吞吃。馬氏見其持而不食,即上前打一下。誰知打也不妨,麵碗打
+落在地,立時化火一陣閃光,嚇的金郎面如土色,又怕馬氏打他,即忙飛逃去了。
+  逃到山上,那牛還在山上吃草,金郎跑至牛面前,哭道:「牛呀,牛呀,你昨夜
+所說之言果有此事,幸你預先告知於我,不然你我生死各別!」那牛聞言,點頭答道:
+「今日發生此事,你兄不在家中,你固不能回家。到明日午時,你兄准到家中,那時
+回家去面告,你家兄長自有道理。」那牛言訖,也不再言,吃草去了。
+  金郎即依牛言,餓了一天一夜。到了次日至午方回,守門老僕連忙告訴道:「小
+少爺回來了!你兄已經回府,並查問你的消息,老奴已將始末根由稟知大少爺。大少
+爺此時在後廳怒罵你嫂,你可乘此進去。」金郎一聽,依言進見兄長。行禮已畢,站
+立一旁。
+  馬氏一見金郎回來,肉眼烏珠,恨不能生食其肉,金成即令其先吃午飯,席上問
+其情由。不一時飯畢,又指馬氏罵道:「你這狼心潑婦,耑作昧心之事,我也勸勉多
+次,不但心不改良,而且更加利害,足見自古有云:『最毒潑婦心』!我亦別無他法,
+只得請母舅到來,分析家產,免至損害吾弟。我亦不能忘卻父親遺命,又免外人傳聞
+笑柄。弟雖年幼,可著老家人伴他過度,使你這潑婦無從下手!」馬氏聞得此言,竭
+力反對,並不贊成。金成怒髮衝冠,立身衝上前去,揪住馬氏頭髮,捺倒地下,毆打
+一頓,打得馬氏號啕痛哭。幸而眾家人上前勸解,將金成挪坐椅上,又各人慰勸了幾
+句,始得安息。
+  金成走入書房,親筆寫了請柬,命家人去請母舅安雲生來府,分派家產。老僕領
+命,拿著一張請帖,跑到安雲生家中。安雲生接著一看,只見上寫道:
+    母舅大人尊鑒:久未叩詢,孺慕奚如。茲因家門不幸,父母相繼辭世,聊有
+家產,難釋內顧之憂,每出經營,多為外務之迫。惟有幼弟在家,屢遭惡嫂虐待。今
+憶不負家父遺命,好生看待起見。是以帖請大人移玉下盼,以替甥等分派家產為荷。
+特詢金安!
+  安雲生看罷,想道:「妹丈死後,遺留幼子,既遭家嫂凌虐,只有分居最妙。所
+幸大甥尚有愛弟之心,這也難得。」想罷,即穿了衣服,隨同老僕來到牛金成家中。
+牛金成迎入大廳之上,酒席款待。吃畢,家人送上茶來,吃茶之間,安雲生道:「賢
+甥早晨有書相邀,閱之不勝詫異。爾父去世之時,只生存你們兄弟二人,家產巨富,
+須要兄友弟恭,夫唱婦和,方可慰爾父母九泉之念。如何欲分析家庭起來?」牛金成
+道:「娘舅有所不知,兄友弟恭,甥非不知。惟不剋夫唱婦隨,又時常凌虐幼弟,本
+不忍出,甥深恐幼弟遭悍婦之毒手。」安雲生又責馬氏道:「甥媳如此生性,卻於道
+理上大有非分!小叔在家,亦應好生看待,打罵於他,可算惡極。何可令他同牛伴宿?
+世界上那有這等狼心狗肺的人!賢甥決意與弟分居,亦是幼弟顧全之一策。我今到來,
+只好實行此事。」說罷,即叫金成取過紙筆,金成遂命家人,將文房器具取來桌上,
+磨濃墨汁,打開家產賬簿,安雲生即帶上了眼鏡,細看一遍,即執筆揮寫道:
+    立分產書人牛金成、郎兄弟二人,今因家門不幸,父母相繼去世,外務繁紛,
+內顧多憂,生存兄弟二人,雖然兄友弟恭,不能夫唱婦和,於是分析各居,以免發生
+意外之事。謹請母舅大人證為分派公正,省得掙多撩少,尚望保守家產,再興門庭,
+以慰雙親昔日之希望,兄弟各執一紙,永遠存照。
+    牛金成、郎同立
+  馬氏坐在一旁心不甘服,恨不克獨吞家產,逐出金郎,無如母舅公正分析,那聽
+馬氏唆弄?當下即命金成、金郎二人簽押。金成隨即簽了,金郎上前說道:「兄長雖
+然簽了,我不聽尊命!」說著一溜煙跑上山去了。金郎不肯簽字,在閱書諸君不知是
+何意見,因金郎有什麼事情,定要同牛暗中商量,凡事聽信牛言,照依而行。金郎到
+了山中,那牛已知因事而來,早早搖頭擺尾,向著金郎道:「你此時到來,莫非有事
+相商麼?」金郎道:「正是有事相問,因兄和我分產,娘舅已寫好分帖,命我簽押,
+我在疑慮之間,故來詢問於你,你想此事如何解決?」那牛道:「我看家產,你亦不
+必貪圖。人生貧富本由天定,何必學那愚夫之心念?你可此刻回去,對你母舅聲明:
+家產全歸兄長執受,只領耕牛一口,朝夕作伴,餘只衣食而已,堅持二句可也。」金
+郎道:「我亦赤手空身,家產絲毫不受,刻下不妨,將來有賴何?」那牛跳足道:「我
+雖畜類,言不虛傳,以後自有道理。」金郎見牛如此回答,也不再言,連忙下山跑到
+家中。
+  安雲生尚坐立廳上與金成談論,一見金郎到來,便欣然仍令簽押。金郎上前深深
+一揖,道:「多承母舅恩待,甥本不該違命!無如年幼不能執掌家財,暫托兄長收執,
+我只領取耕牛一口,餘則絲毫無干。」雲生道:「子頂父業,理所當然,何能你兄一
+人承受?既是如此,不如不分。」金郎道:「請兄領受,我享衣食而已。耕牛我領,
+兄亦不得專權。」雲生、金成見其如此一定的主張,只好聽從其意,簽了字樣,進出
+安雲生。惟有馬氏心中快活,以為:「這小畜生自己倒運,將來一世看牛,早晚餓死。
+我這裡卻安安穩穩獨吞家產,好不快活!」正是:
+  青竹蛇兒口,黃蜂尾上針。
+  萬般不是毒,最毒婦人心。
+  欲知後事如何,且看下回分解。
+第七回
+天孫女宮中思情 玉清殿聖母請旨
+
+
+  且說金郎自分家以後,放牛回家仍在兄嫂處吃飯。馬氏以家產完全獨享,心中甚
+是滿意,一日三餐隨茶便飯,金郎稍減苦痛。且年歲漸已長大,知道好歹,馬氏若更
+加虐待,又怕告訴其兄,兼之家人暗中勸勉,所以糊塗過了一二年,金郎已有十二歲
+了,不時與牛作伴,有時牧牛、看書。金郎如今安好,這且按下。
+  再說天孫織女自那年同看守仙娥,往天河東雲錦宮內工織,固然日夜勤勞,那一
+種淒涼苦楚一言難盡,不知何日可能圓滿?一日工作晚歇之時,適值大雪飄天,龍藏
+形,鵲匿巢。窗外慘景,引起愁人心事,即歎道:
+  於工天宮我尚苦,貶下凡塵他更淒。
+  天孫織女歎罷,向守宮天娥道:「我至此多年,終年終日受此苦處,不知何日何
+時可得圓滿之期,跳出陷坑之外?尚有第十二金童貶下凡塵,不知往何地方,又不知
+受何苦處,不知尚有相會之日否?」看守仙娥答道:「天孫勿須多悲,玉帝自然知道,
+安有受苦不得圓滿之日乎!即第十二金童凡塵受苦,亦是天數,無須天孫多慮。」天
+孫織女道:「話雖如此,金童若非因我之故,彼亦不至貶下凡塵。今已分離一十二年,
+尚不曾得有一相會之日,我明日定要仰叩雲錦聖母,轉奏玉帝,何日可屆圓滿?」看
+守仙娥道:「我勸天孫耐守,候玉旨便了!」二仙女你言我說,不覺昏昏睡去。直至
+天明,天孫硬著頭皮來至聖母殿上,叩伏稟道:「多蒙聖母收留十二年,小仙女勤勞
+工作,苦不堪言,但不知何日可得圓滿,又不知能與金童再有相會之日否?乞聖母准
+旨,轉奏玉帝!」雲錦聖母道:「天孫不必問我,今年已屆十二年,還有一年,至明
+年此日此時,汝等始可圓滿,刻下心慌意亂,亦是枉然。還請天孫耐守!」天孫泣道:
+「聖母所言,小仙自宜謹慎小心,屆期尚祈通示,以遂吾等之心願,藉可以了夙緣,
+那時再為拜謝洪恩!」雲錦聖母道:「此時不必多瀆,縱然急破心腸,不能逆天而行,
+快往工室中去罷。」天孫織女領命,仍回工室去了。
+  這裡聖母坐在殿上想道:「天孫織女尚有憐愛金童之心,可見感動了夫婦之情。
+聞得瑤池聖母前次所言,玉帝已允許難滿,可以婚配,不免明日待我拜謁瑤池聖母,
+可有挽救之策?」雲錦聖母想罷,又一轉念道:「天機已定,此時去問,也是枉然!」
+故此就未曾前去。
+  韶光易逝,日月如梭,轉瞬之間,又是一年。將屆七月初間,正是第十二金童超
+升之日了。
+  天孫織女又耐守了一年,無非時常要求雲錦聖母作法。聖母准其代為轉達,故至
+此時,不得不代往動問,即傳命眾仙女預備雲車,往斗牛宮瑤池聖母處去。仙娥領命,
+即出了雲錦宮,沿天河直往西方,經由無塵大道,頃刻之間下了雲車。將到宮門,守
+宮仙女見雲錦聖母到來,連忙至內宮奏知瑤池聖母。聖母聞奏,即同宮娥來至殿上,
+只見雲錦聖母同仙娥已至階前。彼此相見,一同坐下,仙女捧上仙茗甘露水來,啜畢,
+雲錦聖母道:「特來奏詢聖母,那年天孫織女發往雲錦宮內,工織多年。今已圓滿之
+期,特來會商如何辦法?」瑤池聖母道:「聖母今日至此,我也知為此事故,既若輩
+各受了苦楚,玉帝亦有憐愛之心。今日暫請聖母回宮,我明日即到通明殿玉清宮中朝
+見玉帝,請旨定奪。然後差太白金星下凡超拔金童、金牛星同上天庭,完全一切手續。」
+聖母笑道:「悲極生樂,樂極生悲,乃理之恒情!我們當從中撮合,方作慈善之念。」
+瑤池聖母點頭稱是,笑而不答,雲錦聖母遂告別而去不提。
+  不一時,天妃聖母又到,步入殿,瑤池聖母也是招待。談了多時,瑤池聖母告以
+雲錦聖母已經來過,又勞天妃聖母到來,實為慈念之所致。二聖母談了幾句,即告別
+出宮去了。瑤池聖母坐下一想:「事已屆期,不得不申奏玉帝!」即命仙女取上文房
+四寶,鋪上本章,親筆一揮,奏冊一本。次日清早,帶同宮娥二名遂出了斗牛宮,駕
+起六雲車,不一時,先到了玉清宮的儀門,步入玉清宮中。見了玉帝,伏俯山呼「萬
+歲」,玉帝道:「有本呈上,待朕一看。」只見上面寫的是:
+    臣瑤池散仙,奏達玉帝駕前,為超拔金童、天孫團圓事。金童自那年貶下凡
+塵受苦,天孫織女發往雲錦宮內工織,已至十三年圓滿之期,尚有金牛星下凡擁護。
+仰乞陛下恩准,差太白金星下凡,帶領金童、金牛星同昇天庭,再和天孫織女配合,
+以了夙緣。此乞陛下垂鑒為幸!
+  臣瑤池散仙謹呈
+  此本呈奏玉帝,不知玉帝可能恩准?且待下回分解。
+第八回
+太白金星點化金郎 一封遺書留別兄長
+
+
+  玉帝看了呈奏,即歎道:「真是時光易過,不覺已是十三年。既是賢卿上本,理
+宜照准。可請稍待一時,朕當宣召太白金星上殿,差下凡塵便了。」瑤池聖母謝恩,
+即退至散仙院,聽候玉旨。玉帝在玉清官吩咐聖母之後,即命內侍仙官擺駕到了通明
+殿。玉帝升登寶位,眾文武星神俯伏金階,三呼已畢,各歸班位。玉帝降旨,召太白
+星君進見。太白金星連忙出班奏道:「臣謹候降旨!」玉帝道:「今據瑤池聖母奏稱,
+第十二金童貶下凡塵十有三年,今正圓滿之期,乞朕降旨,令彼圓滿,卿可領朕旨,
+往凡施行便了!」太白金星領旨,退出殿外,駕起一朵祥雲,直往南天門去了。這裡
+通明殿上玉帝退朝回宮,眾星神各自散去不提。
+  再說太白星君領旨到了南天門,落往下界。一到河南地界,按住雲頭,四面查看
+一遍,只見金牛星正在山上吃草,又見金郎睡在一株松樹之下,二目緊閉,呼聲不絕。
+即按住雲頭落了下來,乃是一位大方道士形狀,手持拂塵,緩步來到牛前。那牛抬頭
+一看,見是太白金星,便搖頭擺尾,欣然說道:「不知星官到來,有失迎迓,仰乞勿
+責為幸!」太白金星笑道:「金牛星,你在這裡好麼?我特來探詢你的。曾記在天宮
+時,所食仙桃仙果、龍肝鳳髓,那知到了下凡,竟吃荒山野草了,實在令人心痛!」
+說著,嘲笑了幾句。金牛星道:「星官勿要取笑!我也為挽救金童而來,並非我自己
+的障孽以至於此,星官何必取笑我呢?」太白金星道:「你為挽救金童而來,我為請
+你到此。如今金童下凡十三年,虧你終日作伴,遇有不測之事相商,患難告知,如此
+赤心忠膽,實可欽佩!今奉玉帝聖旨,命我至此,令爾等同上天庭,你可喚醒了金童,
+以情告知。」
+  金牛星領命,到金郎面前,以足踢動。金郎驚醒,忙起身問道:「喚我何事?乞
+道其詳!」那牛道:「現在太白金星奉旨下凡,命你我二人同上天庭,快上前拜謁太
+白金星去!」金郎一聞此言,甚為詫異。抬頭一看,只見一位仙長坐在面前大石之上,
+向金郎笑嘻嘻的招手,似乎呼喚他的一般。金郎又聞牛告知此情,只得上前,向太白
+金星深深一揖,道:「仙長下降,感恩不盡!又聞牛言,仙長至此,原來超拔我等同
+上天庭的,我等是凡人畜類,安能上天?」太白金星笑道:「適才金牛不曾告訴你麼?
+你們二人均由我送至此,今已屆十三年,玉帝仍差我帶爾等隨我上去,以了結爾等之
+夙緣。」說著,太白金星即由耳中取出一粒仙丹,命金童接下而吃。
+  金童就接在手中一看,見那一粒仙丹有桂圓大,形有五色,不敢吞吃。那牛在旁
+道:「只管吞吃不妨,吃下包你明達。」金郎依牛之言,吞吃下去。不一刻,但覺身
+體輕爽,精神充足,向太白金星叩謝道:「多承仙長恩德,感佩不忘,無以為報!尚
+乞仙長明白指示。」太白金星道:「你本來係天台玉帝駕前第十二金童,那年玉帝聖
+誕,命你往瑤池聖母斗牛宮中,借取溫涼玉杯。你到了斗牛宮中,見天孫織女美貌,
+你即違旨戲侮天孫,摘取梅花,觸動帝怒,將你貶下凡塵,遭受苦痛,今已十三年,
+已屆圓滿之期。金牛星因你在凡,恐有性命之虞,故玉帝差他下凡挽救於你,你虧他
+伴你受苦,若到玉帝駕前,當保奏幾句才是。但是你兄對待於你,尚有恩德,你今辭
+別於他,雖不面告,亦應遺一紙書,以報手足之誼!」
+  金郎聽了這一番話,方知始末情由,恍如茅塞頓開,更加仙丹感動,已有五分仙
+氣。當下尋了一塊白石,吹了一口氣,那白石就變化為紙,又以手在石洞內取水,澆
+在泥塵之中,立時又化一堆墨汁,又折了一枝松枝,仍呵了一口氣,又化做一枝羊毫
+筆。遂坐在地下,伏在石上,持筆浸飽墨汁,揮寫起來,登時寫好,送與太白金星看
+了一遍。太白金星道:「就照此說,你快送去,我們在此等你。」
+  金郎一溜煙如飛而去,來到家門,只見老僕坐在門內,起身問道:「小少爺回來
+了?請用飯去罷!」金郎道:「我有一封遺書在此,你可代遞兄長,我也不進去了。」
+家人道:「少爺因何不進內去?只遺書一封,是何用意?請示詳細!」金郎道:「你也
+不必細追,因兄長待我有恩,我故不能忘卻,今日永別,故有書留言。又蒙老門公素
+日照應,我也拜別了。」說著,深深一揖,轉身去了。老僕欲上前拖住,此時金郎吃
+了仙丹,已有半仙之體,老僕何能追及。自此金郎一去,永無會面之日,惟有遺書道
+謝而已,那馬氏虐待於他,後來自有報應。
+  眾人追趕多時,忽然見牛大少爺回來,見老僕追得氣喘吁吁的,立足問其情由。
+老僕別無他言,即把遺書遞與金成。金成接在手中一看,大吃一驚。要看下回,後事
+自然明白。
+第九回
+馬氏女惡貫滿盈 會織女天河洗浴
+
+
+  話說金成接了老僕轉遞遺書,便走入內廳,拿了一張椅子,坐在窗前,打開一看,
+上寫道:
+    金成兄長鈞鑒:手足之情,恩同再造!素遭惡嫂慘害,若非兄長護愛,則弟
+之青春年少,早送於潑婦之手。弟本仙童下凡,今屆難滿之期,已蒙上界太白金星領
+同超生天庭。牛為作伴而來,亦是天神下界。自此弟同耕牛永別兄長,再無相會之日,
+惟有遺書拜謝而已。父母香煙,尤賴兄長接續,家產成敗,更是自己主權。此請仁安!
+    弟金郎遺書拜
+  金成看罷,坐在窗前沉吟不語,不由的一陣心酸,兩珠憐弟之淚滾滾而下。正在
+垂淚之際,馬氏走來看見,忙上前問道:「君家獨坐,何以垂淚?想有什為難之處,
+不妨告知妾身,或者互相磋商,以解君悶。」金成聞了馬氏嘮叨之言,不覺怒髮衝冠,
+即以書紙向馬氏面上擲去,登時腦漿進裂,倒地斃命。看書諸君不免又要疑惑,原來
+那書紙係石吹成,乃仙家之妙用,因馬氏惡貫滿盈,故金成以書擲去,即化作石塊,
+石塊擲在腦上,豈有不打死之理?馬氏死於非命,乃凌虐金郎之報。吾勸世人,須以
+忠厚待人為佳,自然天相吉人,萬不可效尤馬氏!
+  金成把書擲去,見馬氏腦漿流出而死,甚為詫異,又見書紙化成一塊石板,就知
+馬氏應死於非命,即棺殮埋葬,一切完竣。自後,金成續弦之妻頗為賢淑,夫唱婦隨,
+生子育女,家道重興,此乃金成一生忠厚所致。這且按下。
+  再說金郎送了遺書之後,回到山上,那牛已經化生變作神將形狀,身穿綠袍,密
+長紅鬚,手執拂塵,戴了一頂金盔,站立一株大樹之下。又見松樹上掛了一張牛皮,
+毛色均像舊牧之牛,金郎知是變化身形。將至松樹之前,太白金星笑道:「你送書信
+回去,此時府中出了意外之事,你可知道否?」金郎道:「我兄出外,書囑家人代遞,
+怎的有意外之事呢?」太白金星道:「你的書紙本是石板吹成,你來之時兄已回府,
+正在看書,馬氏問故,你兄以書怒擲,紙化為石,馬氏腦裂而死,此即虐待你的報應。
+如今閒言不敘,松枝上掛的牛皮一件,你可披在身上,方可升騰駕雲,同上天台。」
+金郎道:「仙長令我披牛皮,可以升騰駕雲,難道仙長和牛星官也是披皮麼?」太白
+金星道:「金童有所不知,你乃投生凡胎,生成骨肉之體,那有升騰之能力?於是命
+金牛星化身脫皮,使你借皮升騰。茲已夕陽西斜,不必久延!」說著,來至松樹前取
+下牛皮,念幾句真言,手畫二道天符,又用拂塵一掃,將皮披在金郎身上。三位星官
+登時駕了一片祥雲,直向南天門去了。
+  到了南天門,順撲無塵大道,來至天河之西,按住雲頭。太白金星道:「今日時
+已遲了,明日早朝方可見駕,面奏聖上,今晚暫在天河之西,神將行宮住宿一宵。」
+金牛星道:「這也使得。」三星君下了雲頭,立在宮外,四面一看,天河無涯,大水
+滿天。天河邊有浴衣仙台,有龍穴鵲巢,無塵大道旁有仙株月桂,及各仙官宮室亭台,
+四處林立,無半點灰埃,真是逍遙極樂天界。
+  一同進了天將宮中,並不見天將,只有三兩位星官迎接三仙。一齊來至殿上,只
+見深堂大廈,陳列的琴棋書畫,刀槍劍戟,弓箭盔甲,金瓜月斧等件。看罷,又隨太
+白金星到後殿,便是一個安靜所在,四面如銅牆鐵壁一般,兩旁有廂房,內有牀帳被
+褥,茶几桌椅,各色用品。三位星君步入內室坐下,有一仙童捧上茶來。金童舉杯就
+吃,吃了一口,只覺奇味異香,非常解渴,立時腹中響動,似乎難過。原來由凡上天
+之仙,必先在天將行宮內洗淨五臟中之凡食,再入天河洗淨皮膚,方能成全仙體,又
+可進身於玉帝之前。當下吃了仙茶之後,太白金星知他洗腸淨腑,說道:「可往後面
+淨垢坑內大便去罷。」金童此時腹痛不堪,連忙跑入後面一所空小屋內,淨垢池如凡
+間之浴池一般。金童蹬在池邊,將凡食出得乾乾淨淨,登時神爽氣清,行走如飛。
+  回到前面廂房內,已是月光明耀,正是七月初日,天氣尚熱。太白金星見其瀉肚
+回來,又說道:「你今洗髒之後,已成正式仙體,還須往天河洗淨身體,方可進見玉
+帝,不然污觸帝駕,致生事故。」說罷,太白金星打坐蒲團之上,服氣煉形,閉目養
+神。金牛星在凡化身為牛,金童送書之時,太白金星已有金丹洗淨他的肚腹,早已改
+皮換骨,況他下凡之時,帶有天書寶物,無須出垢洗浴。金牛星也睡在榻上去了。
+  惟有金童忽然想起,昔年在王母瑤池宮中,調戲天孫仙女,如今彼此分離一十三
+載,又不知天孫仙女今在何處,心中甚是不安。即趁著月色光明,便私自步出行宮外,
+不見一神一仙,但見各地房舍四布天涯。信步而行,不一時到了天河岸邊,遙見幾位
+仙女在天河內洗浴。又見內中有一仙女,好似天孫仙女一般,定睛一看,果然不錯。
+又一轉念,男女各別,不能親近。一面想,一面走,不一刻到洗浴衣台,私下偷取仙
+女衣服放在一旁,說也奇怪,恰巧是天孫織女之衣。金童偷了衣服,藏身於無塵道旁,
+以俟仙女尋衣。天孫織女在天河洗完浴,到浴衣台上,不見衣服,心中大吃一驚,猜
+疑不定。四面尋看了一回,又見眾仙女均已洗畢,穿衣而去。這天孫織女一人在此,
+正在尋覓之間,遙見無塵道旁有一仙官,心欲上前查問於他,又見自己光赤身體,怎
+好見人?思來想去,進退維谷。金童遠見天孫織女一人站在河邊,料是尋衣不著,便
+把該衣夾在肋下,迎將上去。天孫仙女一見男子走來,光赤身體,豈不羞煞,欲避又
+不及,急得叫喊起來。金童見天孫仙女著急,忙又正色道:「天孫,不必驚慌!我也
+不是別人,就是昔年在瑤池斗牛宮中,戲弄你的第十二金童。摘取梅花,違了玉旨,
+觸動帝怒,貶下凡塵,今及圓滿之期,我又返上天台,卻巧在此同你相會,彼此想有
+夙緣!天孫之衣在我這裡,快去穿好。」天孫仙女一聽是昔年金童,心中稍安,硬著
+頭皮,走近前去,取衣穿好。兩相行禮,天孫仙女挽住金童的手道:「我說是誰?原
+是昔日之十二金童!那年因我被貶,後來我也懊悔,抱歉之至,我在此先賠罪了!」
+說著,倒身下拜。金童忙扯著道:「天孫仙女不必如此,我心中決不埋怨你的。」天
+孫仙女又道:「自你被貶下凡,我無一刻不在心中。後來我也貶往天河東雲錦宮中,
+工織十三年,至今尚未超拔。你我三生有幸,今日不期而遇,足慰生平之望!」說著,
+兩珠仙淚,滾滾下來。不知後事,且待下回分解。
+第十回
+敘舊情二次遭天譴 召天將大鬧雲錦宮
+
+
+  話說天孫仙女與十二金童談話之間,不覺珠淚流下,彼此感念舊情,金童勸慰道:
+「天孫不必如此,我已下凡十三年,今屆圓滿之期,玉帝降旨,差太白金星下凡召我
+回上天台,今彼此偶忽相會,各悉苦情,就是天孫在雲錦宮中工織多年,至今不曾超
+出苦海,吾見玉帝之時,自有相當解決!」說著,即以手帕替天孫拭淚。天孫仙女又
+道:「既你到了天庭,想必明日早朝與太白金星及金牛星同見玉帝,倘玉帝有憐爾我
+之情意,真是夙締良緣了!」金童笑道:「事在天定,必不令爾我負莫白之冤。暫請
+天孫仙女回雲錦宮,明日得了玉旨,自然補報前情。此時暫別!」說罷,二仙悲喜交
+加,各回所在去了。
+  金童回至天將行宮,到了內室,見太白金星同金牛星仍然睡著,也不去驚他,悄
+悄步至一張榻上,倒身臥下。一時天明,紅日東升,三位星君以甘露淨面漱口。太白
+金星道:「此時不早,不免我們快去復旨!」三仙出了天將行宮,駕雲直往通明殿而
+來。不一時,已至朝門以外,下了雲頭,同入朝門,步至通明殿階前。玉帝尚未登殿,
+只見眾文武星官,俱立品級台前,候其玉帝升殿。不一時,金鐘三響,玉帝駕登寶位,
+各仙官齊伏金階,山呼已畢,帝賜平身,各歸班坐。惟太白金星、金牛星、金童三仙
+俯伏不起。太白金星奏道:「臣領旨下凡,宣召金牛星、十二金童回闕,今已帶回,
+一同見駕,請旨定奪!」玉帝聞奏,便道:「卿領旨下凡,不憚辛苦,始末料理週到,
+功堪尚嘉,加封護花、護情使者之職。」太白金星謝恩。帝又道:「金牛星下凡挽救
+金童,陪伴受苦,足表忠忱,加封金牛大王。」金牛星謝了洪恩。玉帝又向金童道:
+「你昔年違旨,戲侮天孫,因貶凡塵受苦十三年,朕今憐憫於你,故命太白金星召回
+天庭。爾既知過必改,後宜慎重,不可復蹈故轍。朕今俯從爾等凡意,特賜婚配,以
+遂爾等之心願。」金童只得謝恩面已。又命太白金星道:「卿可領旨,往天河東雲錦
+宮中,降旨雲錦聖母,赦出天孫,同往天河西靈藻宮內行結婚禮,以後仍然工作,不
+准棄職。亦宜夫唱婦和。」太白金星領旨,又向金牛星道:「金牛大王,你可仍回斗
+牛宮休息,有事再行宣召。」金牛大王領旨,退出殿外,駕了一朵祥雲,直往西斗牛
+宮去了,按下不提。
+  這裡太白金星候玉帝退朝回玉清官去,方同金童出了朝門,又與各星神道別駕而
+去,仍由無塵大道回天河西天將行宮。還至內室,太白金星吩咐道:「金童在此少候,
+待我往天河東雲錦宮去,宣旨於雲錦聖母,赦出天孫織女,那時我即將他帶同至此,
+你們便可夫妻團圓了。」金童聞言,不勝欣喜,拜謝道:「老仙長玉成此事,此恩此
+德沒齒不忘!」太白金星道:「金童說那裡話來?神仙主義,向以慈悲為本,況有玉
+旨所囑,何必如此謙遜!今日正值七月七日黃道吉日,足可團圓,你可在室密布停當,
+以便晚間不及。」說罷,太白金星走出宮門以外,乘坐祥雲,穿過天河,來至河東雲
+錦宮。下了雲頭,步入大殿之上,見了雲錦聖母,開讀玉旨。聖母跪領玉旨,又請太
+白金星坐下,彼此又歎了金童、天孫一回,又略談了幾句,即告別出宮。來至天河西
+靈藻宮內,告知了金童。金童好不欣悅,只忙的手足不停。只見佈置的水晶仙牀、錦
+綾繡帳、紅霞錦被、鵝月鴛鴦枕、龍鱗褥席,及玉石踏板,一切桌椅屏條,擺的齊齊
+整整。室門掛的仙鶴卷風門簾,門上橫匾一張,名曰「佳偶天成」。太白金星見已手
+續完全,不必置身於此,遂囑咐了幾句,告別而去,按下不提。
+  不一時,又至夕陽西斜,玉兔東升。雲錦聖母傳命仙娥:「吩咐天孫仙女停工,
+修整容貌,備妝衣飾,今晚送至天河西天將行宮內,夫妻團圓。」仙娥領命,來至工
+織室內,告知看守仙女並天孫織女。天孫聞言,心中大喜,起身梳妝打扮,整理衣飾。
+一切料理完全,已至黃昏時分,仙娥攙扶天孫上殿,拜別聖母,然後出宮,一同駕了
+一片紅雲,直撲天河西靈藻宮而來。按落雲頭,仙娥扶著進入內室,金童早已立在階
+前,恭恭敬敬,迎接天孫仙女。將至階前,金童上前挽住一手,同入內室,款以茶果、
+仙品等類。天孫仙女偷眼一看,只見:
+  牀帳被褥,佈置得齊齊整整;
+  書畫琴棋,安排的色色新新。
+  非比那凡塵牧牛時代,更遂了工室思郎情心。
+  真是悲極喜又至,但願恩久情更長。
+  天孫仙女看了,嫣然一笑。即卸了冕冠衣飾,吩咐仙娥退出,安息不提。這裡金
+童、天孫二仙遂成夫婦,錦帳恩情,天長地久,說不盡你恩我愛的言語。自此情投意
+合,誓同生死。即如在下憑這一枝羊毫,亦難著述清楚,況夫婦之情密,他人豈能皆
+知?何況天官仙女、金童,安可斜批胡論?此是作書人之交代。
+  自此金童、天孫成了夫婦,彼此不忍分離,終朝在靈藻宮中盤桓不已。且金童係
+玉帝駕前差使之童,自貶下凡之後,及今十三年,雖然調昇天庭,使其夫婦團圓,乃
+玉帝憐愛之念。天孫仙女,本是瑤池王母處仙女,此時與金童成了夫妻,理應拜謝玉
+成之德,不料只戀夫妻之愛情,忘卻了應盡之天職。瑤池聖母聞得金童超昇天庭,又
+與天孫成了夫妻,至今未曾進謁,足見凡心之念,終是不肯覺悟,不免感動聖母之怒,
+即命仙娥伺候出宮,往通明殿面奏玉帝。出了宮門,駕上六雲車,一路上飄飄蕩蕩,
+已至朝門,下了六雲車,仙娥扶著,黃巾力士在後擁護,同到通明殿。因瑤池聖母見
+駕,皆在玉清宮便殿,故而直至玉清宮中。玉帝見瑤池聖母到來,知有事故,在便殿
+傳問,瑤池聖母山呼已畢,即奏道:「蒙陛下降旨,金童、天孫團圓婚配,乃仁德聖
+主憐恤之旨。詎伊團圓之後,貪念不足,尚不知悔。且金童係駕前第十二金童,天孫
+係陛下之外孫仙女,瑤池宮中之七仙姑,即如婚配之後,亦宜各執司事,何能以愛情
+當為應分之事?故臣妾見駕,請旨定奪!」玉帝聞奏大怒,降旨道:「卿所奏甚是,
+朕也常問彼等之行為,眾臣皆言不知,彼二人既貪心不足,實屬罪不容誅!卿家暫回
+瑤池,朕當發瑤池天神捉拿見朕。」欲知後事如何,且看下回分解。
+第十一回
+李金星二次解圍 再遭貶各分東西
+
+
+  話說玉帝待瑤池聖母回西方宮中去不提,當下復至通明殿,升坐寶位,宣召托塔
+天王來上殿。托塔天王至殿上,俯伏金階,山呼萬歲。玉帝降旨道:「差你帶領天神
+天兵五百,往天河西靈藻宮內,捉拿金童、天孫仙女來殿見朕,不可有誤!」托塔天
+王領旨,退出通明殿,玉帝返回玉清宮不提。托塔天王出了朝門,駕了雲頭,直往天
+帥府而來。進了天帥府,到了點將台上,宣讀聖旨,點齊五百天兵天將,傳令已畢,
+聞鑼鼓齊鳴,號炮之響,殺氣騰騰,刀槍劍戟,弓箭馬甲,行由無塵大道,到了天河
+西靈藻宮門口,一同下雲,圍得如銅牆鐵壁一般。一座極樂宮室,登時屯積了千軍萬
+馬,如臨大敵。金童、天孫正在歡娛之際,聽得宮外擂鼓炮響,震動天地,搖旗吶喊,
+好不驚人。始則不知所為何事,繼見守宮仙娥飛奔入內報道:「天孫仙女,大事不好
+了!宮外天兵天將圍的水泄不通,聲稱玉帝有旨,捉拿天孫、金童問罪。」二仙聞此
+消息,嚇得魂不附體,面如土色,手忙腳亂,無處逃避,又見天將匆進宮來,捉拿金
+童、天孫仙女。在這個時候,二仙慌忙挽手奔出室外,由天井飛騰半空。天將見其飛
+逃,即飛跟上去,下面放炮擂鼓,吶喊助威,弓箭齊發,一時間哄天動地,鬼哭神號。
+正是:
+  知足者能得常樂,有量者能忍自安。
+  卻說金童、天孫在半空中被天將追趕,不能脫逃,只得空中互相衝突。天將以刀
+斧砍殺,金童、天孫手無寸物,只仗自己道法,況且寡不敵眾,金童、天孫刀砍斧傷
+固然不少,弓箭錐刺,可慘可憐,逃不得走,戰亦不能,二仙只好且逃且走。天將且
+追且拿,又不敢以刀斧傷他,因玉帝降旨捉拿,並非殺傷,只有追捉而已。下面兵將
+搖旗吶喊,金童、天孫受上下之逼迫,退至天河中心,力也疲乏,支持不住,二仙跌
+入天河,滿頭過頂,浸入波中。天兵天將追至岸邊圍住,天將追至河中大戰水晶宮。
+正在萬難之際,太白金星駕著雲頭喊道:「天將且慢動手!金童、天孫本無死罪,不
+須如此迫殺,好生囑他二位同去,見駕面奏便了。」天將正在河中大戰,聽見空中喊
+說之聲,抬頭一看,見是太白金星,便止住刀兵上岸。太白金星道:「金童、天孫不
+必伏在河中,只管放膽上來,隨同天將回朝見駕便了!」二仙聽了太白金星之言,只
+得走上岸來。太白金星又道:「天將等好生帶同前去!」說罷,太白金星駕雲去了。
+  眾天兵拔隊前行,托塔天王帶同金童、天孫直往通明殿而去。不多一時,已到朝
+門之外,各人下了雲頭,天兵屯在天朝以外候旨。托塔天王帶同二仙進入通明殿,玉
+帝升登寶位,托塔天王及金童、天孫俯伏金階。山呼已畢,托塔天王奏道:「臣領玉
+旨,往天河西捉拿金童、天孫,追拿多時,幸太白金星經過,命彼二仙隨同上殿,方
+肯同來。今已解送上殿,請旨定奪!」玉帝聞奏大怒,道:「我看你這兩個逆生,不
+知天理人情,任意抗旨違法,不想謀務正道。朕差天將捉拿,爾等竟敢抗旨圖逃,罪
+不容誅!如不梟首示眾,不足鎮服天神!」即降旨,命托塔天王推出朝門斬首交旨。
+托塔天王領旨,帶金童、天孫,吩咐天兵將金童、天孫捆綁起來。正在此時,救星已
+到,大呼:「刀下留人!」托塔天王抬頭一看,那還了得!托塔天王即命眾天兵候旨
+定奪。太上老君上了通明殿,玉帝尚未退朝,俯伏金階,山呼萬歲。玉帝問道:「老
+卿上殿,有何本奏?」太上老君奏道:「老臣適在兜率宮服氣煉形,閉目打坐,忽聽
+炮響鼓聲驚天動地。老臣屈指一算,方知聖上降旨捉拿金童、天孫問罪,特來奉請聖
+上降旨,改令彼二仙永無相會之日。乞聖上恩准!」玉帝聞奏,道:「老卿有所不知,
+金童、天孫不知朕已恩厚,但歡樂滿足,任意你貪我愛,廢厥天職,若不嚴加取締,
+弄得不可收拾。非朕寡情,此乃不得已而為之。」太上老君又奏道:「聖主仁德,老
+臣莫不欽佩!無如金童、天孫本無閱歷之人,況新婚之樂,彼固貪戀不捨,取締之旨,
+乃明君之教誨,尚乞降旨免斬!令彼二仙永遠分別,再不會面。」玉帝道:「老卿之
+意見卻也使得。可傳朕旨,囑托塔天王免去斬罪,命金童永居天河西天將行宮內,派
+天兵四名駐守行宮看守,金童不得越出範圍,不得偷會天孫。倘敢故犯,准其奏明朕
+躬,決不寬恕!天孫織女命其永居天河東雲錦宮內工織,亦著仙娥看守仍然陪伴,也
+不准偷會金童!」玉帝宣召已畢,退朝回宮不提。
+  太上老君領旨出了朝門,將旨宣告托塔天王,即駕雲去了。托塔天王遣分了眾天
+兵回天帥府去,只留天兵四名押了金童,往天河西而去,兩名看守仙娥押了天孫,往
+天河東雲錦宮。二仙臨別,互相擁抱大哭,天孫哭道:「妾同郎君一別十三年,今日
+才得相會團圓,不料未及一載,忽又永遠分別,再無相會希望,更比前次大有異別。
+如何妾和郎君偏遭此慘苦之禍?令妾怎忍捨得郎君!」金童泣道:「天孫悲苦之言,
+實在令人心疼,你我之顛沛流離,不論是何星神,均無如此情狀!常言云:『快活無
+非天宮』,不料你我不能脫出苦海,怎不叫你我二人傷心!今日事已至此,斷無挽回
+方法,只好遵旨暫行分別,日後苦守真心,再行仰求玉帝恩旨,或者再有相會之日,
+也未可知。還望止淚,不必過悲,惟有耐心以待天時而已!」欲知二仙如何分別,後
+來怎樣?且待下回分解。
+第十二回
+天孫如願鵲橋重會 七夕相逢留名千載
+
+
+  話說金童、天孫押往天河東西分居,二仙相抱,不捨分別,彼此說了許多恩情苦
+海之言,實在難分難捨。托塔天王見此光景,喝令分開,各自東西,二仙無法可施,
+只得分頭而行。縱有淒涼苦楚,任你萬斛愁腸,亦不能如其心願。言著至此,就是閱
+書諸君,莫不代為歎息!
+  托塔天王先送天孫仙女至天河東雲錦宮中,見了雲錦聖母,宣示玉旨,命其遵旨
+實行。雲錦聖母接旨已畢,復請托塔天王坐下,仙娥送上仙茗,又命把天孫呼上殿來。
+天孫並看守仙娥來至殿上,倒身下拜,流淚不已。雲錦聖母道:「天孫仙女真是紅顏
+薄命,冤孽多多,指望十三年苦別之後,夫婦天長地久,玉帝無非是憐恤之心。不料
+爾等貪歡不已,廢除天職,無怪玉帝怒責永離,夫婦未能如願,反致抱恨千秋。旨意
+已早定,容後再行保奏,曲全悔過方法。今日事已如此,天孫你也不必悲泣,仍同看
+守仙娥,往工室去罷!」天孫哀泣道:「聖母所諭之言,小仙謹宜領受,此時只好遵
+行便了。日後尚乞聖母設法挽救,小仙自感激不已!」說畢,起身拭淚,同看守仙娥
+仍往工室中去了。
+  托塔天王亦告別出外,即駕起祥雲,由無塵大道,往天河西而來。到了天河西靈
+藻宮中,進入內室,只見四名天兵駐守宮內防備。金童見托塔天王到來,忙上前迎接,
+同入內室,對面坐下。天兵捧上仙茗,托塔天王向金童道:「我已到天河東雲錦宮中
+去過,勸勉天孫不必悲傷,務宜耐守天時,自有升拔之日。金童今與天孫二次分拆,
+真是悲苦之至!即如小將奉旨捉拿,亦是出之於不得已,尚乞包容為幸。今仍獨居在
+此,暫為耐守,亦可假此修行。尚可感動玉帝慈念,解釋爾等遺恨。姻緣期限,本由
+天定,不必心慌意亂,保守仙體為要!」金童聞此一番言語,不覺垂淚言道:「托塔
+天王甚是!非怪玉旨不情,惟恨小童自不小心,但恨我們已成,復行永遠別離,到不
+如不成夫婦,也還乾淨,免得有始無終,誠為缺點!」托塔天王又勸道:「玉帝既已
+准成為夫婦,並非無故令爾等拆散,爾等若非自棄天職,不觸帝怒,何至到此地步?
+今番玉旨決定,不能更移,只好暫為苦守,司奉天職,日後自有挽回!」說罷,立身
+起來,退出宮門,金童送出宮外,帶了天兵復旨去了。金童返回內室,悶悶不悅,想:
+「自凡塵上天,又與天孫仙女配合,喜樂達於極點,不料樂極生悲,如今獨守杳室,
+怎不令人悲苦!惟是一日復一日,歲過四時,思想之苦,割斷肝腸!我昔年在瑤池戲
+侮天孫,貶我下凡受苦十三年。超拔天台,指望消除前非,那知又遭無限苦痛!」不
+免終日歎息,怨恨之聲,衝動蒼天。金童悲怨,暫且按下。
+  再說天孫織女,在工織室內終日工織,思想金童,不免兩眼珠淚垂於玉面。看守
+仙娥從旁勸慰道:「天孫勿須過悲,保重仙體。今日與金童拆散,乃是劫數,縱然掛
+念,也是枉然,還須另設方法為上!」天孫歎道:「事已至此,無可挽救,就是哀告
+雲錦聖母,又恐責怪於我。此次不比從前金童下凡時代,未成夫婦,玉帝故可成全,
+今既成夫婦,復行永遠分拆,乃是我們廢職貪歡之罪,怎的還能有挽救哩?」二仙女
+一歎一勸,萬分愁腸,眾星神莫不生憐恤之心,均是無法可治。
+  一日,太白金星駕雲行經天河,見靈藻宮並雲錦宮二面怨氣現於空中,互相交接,
+即知是金童、天孫彼此思念不已。太白金星也不免發了慈悲之念,遂停止雲頭,想了
+一回,若是上殿保本,又恐玉帝不准。心中暗想:「不如往兜率宮與太上老君商量,
+看老君有什妙策。」想定,撥轉雲頭,向北方而去。不一時,來至兜率宮前,按下雲
+頭,進入宮內。太上老君正在打坐之際,見太白金星到來,起身邀坐。太白金星叩詢
+了仙安,在旁坐下。仙童送上仙茗,飲畢,太白金星道:「今日進謁,特為金童、天
+孫之事,那日老君在玉帝駕前,保奏金童、天孫免斬,永遠分離,詎知實行分別以來,
+彼等思念、抱苦不堪。小星正值駕雲南往,見怨氣衝空,互相交接,所以特來告知,
+共同設法挽救。」太上老君道:「我也是知道的,玉帝本來降斬,是我苦苦保本,始
+免斬罪,改行永離。迄今分拆年餘,猶恐帝怒未息,故而置之不問。今既金星到來,
+你我各抱慈悲主義,自然設下挽救方法。別無能力,只好再行上殿共同保奏,亦須寫
+奏章一紙,明日早朝同見駕保本,自有挽回之力。」太白金星道:「老君所說甚是!」
+登時本章寫好,專待明日早朝上殿。一宿無話,到了次日,二星君齊駕祥雲,直往通
+明殿。到了朝門,下了雲頭,進入朝房候駕上殿。不一時,金鐘三響,玉帝升登寶位,
+文武星官俯伏金階,山呼已畢,各歸班次。太上老君即將本章由傳宣星官送呈龍案,
+玉帝打開一看,只見上寫道:
+    臣李聃、李長庚等,今特奏為金童、天孫永別補救事。查金童、天孫那年違
+旨,偶動凡心,遭貶十三年,受盡凡塵艱苦;天孫仙女亦於雲錦宮中工作勤勞。彼此
+咸受苦痛,莫不悔改前非,於去年七月初,蒙陛下降旨團圓,成為夫婦。彼固悲喜交
+加,繼則你貪我愛,負天恩。復經聖上嚴加取締,命若輩永遠分離。茲經遇離別之苦,
+終日怨氣沖天。情之所鍾,故非人力可以挽回。臣等發生慈悲之念,故謹會同具疏上
+奏。仰乞聖上恩准,改做每年七月七日相逢一次,以遂雙方思想之願。並祝聖壽無疆!
+  玉帝看畢,沉吟了半晌,始言道:「二卿所奏之事,乃抱慈悲主義,朕依慈善辦
+法,二卿可傳朕旨,就是每年七月七日始可相會一次,餘只不許自由,倘敢故違,決
+不姑寬!」宣旨已畢,玉帝退朝,回玉清官而去。眾星官亦各退出朝門,駕雲分散去
+了。這裡太上老君同太白金星駕一片紅雲,再往天河東雲錦宮而去,知照雲錦聖母並
+天孫仙女,將玉帝所降旨意及二星官要求之事,一一細述一遍。然後又往天河西靈藻
+宮內,面傳玉旨於金童,並告只可每年七月七日相會一次,餘無自由。金童倒身叩謝
+二位老星君,復起身問道:「玉旨准吾們每年七月七日相會一次,不知還在何處可以
+棲留?」太上老君道:「當七月七日,自有烏鴉、天鵲、龍鳳之類聯接天河之中,使
+爾二仙由東至西,彼此兩造相會,即可共訴衷腸,稍可以慰心願。」金童謝道:「多
+蒙二老星君仁德兼全,銜恩無以可報,惟望留千古名,德壽無疆!小童默禱天心而已。」
+二星同道:「施恩望報,非神仙之所為,貪念不休,尤望汝等悔戒!」言畢,告辭去
+了不提。自此金童、天孫每年七夕相逢,萬古不更,一載離情,一夕傾腸,世稱牛女
+二星,惟七夕一相逢,便是這樁古典,就此告終矣。
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Niu Lang Chih Nu Ch'uan, by Various
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NIU LANG CHIH NU CH'UAN ***
+
+***** This file should be named 27217-0.txt or 27217-0.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+ https://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/2/1/27217/
+
+Produced by Cheang Lai Ieng
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
+paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works. See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+ the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+ you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is
+ owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+ has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+ Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments
+ must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+ prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+ returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+ sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+ address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+ the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+ you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+ does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+ License. You must require such a user to return or
+ destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+ and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+ Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+ money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+ electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+ of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+ distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+ Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+ Chief Executive and Director
+ gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+ https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/27217-0.zip b/27217-0.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..82eec54
--- /dev/null
+++ b/27217-0.zip
Binary files differ
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b8f59b4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #27217 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27217)