Chapter XVIII.— Disputing about Etiquette. (爭坐位.)
ONE a blindman, a dwarf, and a humpback, three of them, while they were about to sit down to a feast, clamoured for a seat of honour. They said: "We will agree to this: the one who could tell the biggest lie, will be allowed to occupy the highest seat. Is that not a good plan?" The blindman said: "I will have the first say; the pupil of my eyes has no reflection (人 man)." (Also means, there is no one equal to himself) The dwarf said: "I cannot be compared with an ordinary man, therefore you two have to make room for me."
The humpback said: "You two need not dispute; you both are straight backed (Chi bai 姪輩 also means nephew, a lower generation); naturally I should have the seat of honor."
Chapter XIX.— Unlucky Words for a Student. (及第.)
A BACHELOR of arts went to Peking to attend an examination. His servant shouldered his baggage, and followed behind. When they reached a lonely spot, a sudden gust of strong wind blew to the ground the hat lying on top of the baggage. The servant shouted out: "The hat has fallen to the ground." His master hearing these words, was not at all pleased, and regarded them as unlucky words. He immediately instructed his servant thus: "Hereafter do not say 'fallen to the ground'; always say Chi Dee (及第)." (Means obtaining one of the degrees.) The servant said: "Sir, I will obey your orders." He then took the hat and tied it very tightly on the baggage, and said to his master: "We will now go. Now if you should ascend to heaven, your hat will not again fall to the ground" (不能及第) (Literally translated means "you will not obtain the degree".)
