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32 The Bottomless Cave

The Tang Monk and his disciples left the kingdom of Biqiu and pressed on toward the west. Time flew, and before they knew it winter was spent and spring had run its course; all along the road the mountain blossoms and the wild trees were a loveliness without end. The Tang Monk gazed at the mountain prospect and listened to the crying of the birds, and his melancholy came over him afresh. He reined in his horse and cried, "Disciples, I have been gone from the eastern land these several years, and I know not when I shall bring back the true scriptures." Wukong laughed and said, "Master, you are forever homesick; you do not bear yourself like one who has left the world." Bajie said, "My guess is that the Buddha cannot bear to part with his scriptures, and knowing we were coming for them, he has moved house. Else why is it we never come to the Western Heaven?" Sandy said, "Second brother, do not talk wild. Press on with an easy heart, and the day we reach the Western Heaven will surely come." They came to a dark pine forest, and the Tang Monk dismounted and said to Wukong, "Your master is faint with hunger; go and beg a meal for us." Wukong answered at once and rode off upon his somersault cloud.

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