The Three Principle Texts of Daoism translated by ... - Bad Request

“Well," said Shên T'o, “I am told that K'ung Chou ofWei has inherited, through an ancestor, a sword formerlypossessed by the Yin Emperors, of such magical powerthat a mere boy wielding it can put to flight theembattled hosts of an entire army. Why not sue for theloan of this sword?"Acting on this advice, Lai Tan betook himself to Weiand had an interview with K'ung Chou. Following theusage of supplicants, he first went through the ceremonyof handing over his wife and children, and then statedhis request.“I have three swords, replied K'ung Chou, “but withnone of them can you kill a man. You may choose whichyou like. First, however, let me describe their qualities.The first sword is called “Light-absorber". It is invisibleto the eye, and when you swing it you cannot tell thatthere is anything there. Things struck by it retain anunbroken surface, and it will pass through a man's bodywithout his knowing it. The second is called “Shadowreceiver".If you face north and examine it at the pointof dawn, when darkness melts into light, or in theevening, when day gives way to dusk, it appears mistyand dim, as though there were something there, theshape of which is not discernible. Things struck by it giveout a low sound, and it passes through men's bodieswithout causing them any pain. The third is called“Night-tempered", because in broad daylight you onlysee its outline and not the brightness of its blade, whileat night you see not the sword itself but the dazzling