of the city, whereupon Sanzang had to let go of Monkey and enter the hall.

As Brother Monkey and the other two went out through the palace gates they each took their leave.

“Are we really going?” asked Pig. Monkey said nothing, and just walked back to the hostel, where the superintendent received them and provided tea and a meal.

“You two stay here,” Monkey said to Pig and Friar Sand, “and whatever you do, don’t show your faces. If the hostel superintendent asks what’s happening, give him vague answers. Don’t say anything. I’m going off to look after the master.”

The splendid Great Sage pulled out one of his hairs, blew on it with magic breath, called “Change!” and turned it into his own double to stay in the hostel with Pig and Friar Sand, while he himself leapt up into mid air in a flash, turning himself into a bee.

Yellow wings, sweet mouth and a sharp tail,

He dances wildly in the wind,

The brilliant thief of fragrance from the blossom

Who sways his way through willows and flowers.

With many a drenching for his troubles

He flies to and fro, but all in vain.

The thick delight be makes he never tastes;

All he can do is leave his fame behind.

Watch him as he flies lightly into the palace, where he saw the Tang Priest sitting on an embroidered stool at the king’s left, frowning and worried at heart. Flying up to his master’s Vairocana mitre, Monkey crept stealthily to his ear and said, “I’m here, Master, so don’t fret.” These words were heard by the Tang Priest alone,—none of the ordinary mortals had any hope of hearing them—so he felt relief at last.

Before long a eunuch came with an invitation: “Your Majesty, the nuptial banquet is set out in the Jay Palace. Her Majesty and the princess are awaiting you in the inner quarters. They invite Your Majesty and His Excellency to go in for the wedding.” Overwhelmed with happiness, the king went into the inner quarters with his son-in-law. Indeed:

The wicked king’s love of flowers led to disaster;

When the dhyana mind starts thinking, each thought brings sorrow.

If you don’t know how the Tang Priest escaped once in the inner quarters of the palace, listen to the explanation in the next installment.