their shoulders; and they were barefooted。 They danced and skipped and went through their performance outside。 The guests inside clapped their hands and applauded their skill; and the soldiers joined in the choruses。
Presently; at a signal from their father; two of Yang Fang's sons bore two goblets to Meng Huo and Meng You。 Meng Huo and Meng You took the cups and were raising them to their lips when Yang Fang shouted a single word of mand; and; instantly; the cupbearers had the two brothers out of their seats and helpless in their hands。 At this; Duo Si jumped up to run away; but Yang Fang gripped him; and he was a prisoner too。 The Mang maidens ranged themselves in a line along the front of the tent so that none dared approach。
〃When the hare dies the fox mourns;〃 said Meng Huo。 〃One sympathizes with one's own as a rule。 We are both chiefs and have been friends。 I know not why you should injure me。〃
〃I had to repay Zhuge Liang the Minister for his passion on me and my people; and there was no way till you rebelled。 Why should I not offer up a rebel in propitiation?〃
Leaving Meng Huo; Meng You; and Duo Si in the hands of Yang Fang; the Mang warriors dispersed; each man returning to his own valley。
Yang Fang then took the prisoners to the camp of Shu; where he bowed at the tent door; saying; 〃I and my sons and the sons of my brother are grateful to you for much kindness; wherefore we bring to you as an offering the persons of these rebels。〃
Zhuge Liang rewarded Yang Fang and bade them bring forward Meng Huo。
〃This time are you prepared to yield?〃 said the Prime Minister。
〃It is not your ability; but the treachery of my own people that has brought me to this。 If you wish to slay; slay。 But I will not yield。〃