The man who cherished dragons

[CHUNG Yoon-Ngan <chungyn@mozart.collective.com.au>]

  The man who cherished dragons

   An aristocrat named Ye Gong, who lived in the State of Chu
(present day Jiang Ling county in Hubei province) during the
Spring and Autumn Period (722BC to 481BCB), had a rare fascination 
for dragons. All his furniture and implements bore motives of 
dragons. The doors, windows, pillars and ceilings in his house were 
all carved with patterns of dragons. All the walls of his house 
were painted with lively pictures of dragons, some of which were so 
real that they appeared to be in motion. All his clothes had dragon 
designs and his pillows and blankets were embroidered with dragon
patterns.

  All and sundry who entered his house felt like they were stepping 
into a world of dragons. Ye Gong's affection of dragons was well 
known throughout the district and was respected by people. 

   The real dragon in heaven heard about his infatuation and one day 
decided to pay him a visit. The real dragon descended to earth and 
arrived at Ye Gong's house. The dragon entered the house, poking its 
head through a window and resting its tail in the lounge. Ye Gong was
shocked and frightened to see the dragon. Before the dragon could 
extend its salutations, Ye Gong, in a flash, dashed out of the house
screaming in terror. 

   Ye Gong was shown to have a superficial interest in dragons 
while coveting the power and reverence of the dragons. 
  
A Chinese fable story "Ye4 Gong Hao3 Long2".

CHUNG Yoon-Ngan.  chungyn@mozart.collective.com.au