110

The introduction of the commonplace often serves a useful purpose in life: it lowers the temperature and moderates emotions which are over-confident or too self-sacrificing by reminding one how akin they are to banality. p.186 Turgenev

There was nothing definitely ugly in the small plain figure of the emancipated woman; but the expression of her face produced an uncomfortable effect on the spectator. One found oneself longing to ask her 'What's the matter? Are you hungry? Or bored? Or shy? Why are you so fidgety?' ...She seemed perpetually on edge. She spoke and moved in a free and easy yet at the same time awkward manner; she evidently regarded herself as a good natured, simple creature, and all the while, whatever she did, it always struck one that it was the opposite of what she wanted; everything with her seemed done on purpose, as children say in other words, nothing was simple and spontaneous. p141 Turgenev

111

Young as he was, Lord Tung* Came and went in the Emporer's palace. His blouse was the pale yellow of gosling down; His face and figure were as fine as a painting. Always he rode a snow-footed horse, Whirling, whirling up the red dust, And the people who lived the roads to watch Would as each other "Whose son is this?"

*Tung Hsien was a favourite of Emperor Ai (reigned 6-1 B.C.) of the former Han Dynasty and, because of imperial patronage, succeeded in accumulating a fortune and winning high office in the government. It is said that once when the Emperor rose early in the morning to attend court, he cut off