那太白金星與美猴王同出了洞天深處，一齊駕雲而起。原來悟空觔斗雲比眾不同，十分快疾，把個金星撇在腦後，先至南天門外。正欲收雲前進，被增長天王領著龐、劉、苟、畢、鄧、辛、張、陶一路大力天丁，槍刀劍戟，擋住天門，不肯放進。猴王道：「這個金星老兒乃奸詐之徒，既請老孫，如何教人動刀動槍，阻塞門路？」正嚷間，金星倏到。悟空就覿面發狠道：「你這老兒，怎麼哄我？被你說奉玉帝招安旨意來請，卻怎麼教這些人阻住天門，不放老孫進去？」金星笑道：「大王息怒。你自來未曾到此天堂，卻又無名，眾天丁又與你素不相識，他怎肯放你擅入？等如今見了天尊，授了仙籙，注了官名，向後隨你出入，誰復擋也？」悟空道：「這等說，也罷，我不進去了。」金星又用手扯住道：「你還同我進去。」
那太白金星与美猴王同出了洞天深处，一齐驾云而起。原来悟空觔斗云比众不同，十分快疾，把个金星撇在脑后，先至南天门外。正欲收云前进，被增长天王领着庞、刘、苟、毕、邓、辛、张、陶一路大力天丁，枪刀剑戟，挡住天门，不肯放进。猴王道：「这个金星老儿乃奸诈之徒，既请老孙，如何教人动刀动枪，阻塞门路？」正嚷间，金星倏到。悟空就觌面发狠道：「你这老儿，怎么哄我？被你说奉玉帝招安旨意来请，却怎么教这些人阻住天门，不放老孙进去？」金星笑道：「大王息怒。你自来未曾到此天堂，却又无名，众天丁又与你素不相识，他怎肯放你擅入？等如今见了天尊，授了仙箓，注了官名，向后随你出入，谁复挡也？」悟空道：「这等说，也罢，我不进去了。」金星又用手扯住道：「你还同我进去。」
The Venus Star and the Handsome Monkey King came out together from deep within the cave paradise and rose onto their clouds. Now Wukong’s somersault cloud was quite unlike the others, wonderfully swift. He left the Venus Star far behind and reached the Southern Gate of Heaven first. He was just about to draw in his cloud and go forward when Heavenly King Virudhaka, with the mighty heavenly guards Pang, Liu, Gou, Bi, Deng, Xin, Zhang and Tao, barred the gate with spears, sabres, swords and halberds and refused to let him through. The Monkey King said, “That old Venus Star is a scheming rogue! He invites Old Sun here, then has men waving sabres and spears to block the way!” While he was still shouting, the Venus Star arrived. Wukong confronted him furiously. “You old fellow, why did you trick me? You said you’d come by the Jade Emperor’s decree of amnesty to invite me. Why have you had these men block Heaven’s gate and keep Old Sun out?” The Venus Star smiled. “Calm yourself, Great King. You’ve never been to Heaven before, and your name is not on the rolls. None of the heavenly guards knows you. Why would they let you walk in unannounced? Once you’ve seen the Celestial Venerable, received your entry in the immortals’ register and had your official title recorded, you can come and go as you please. Who will stop you then?” Wukong said, “If that’s how it is, very well. I won’t go in.” The Venus Star caught him by the hand again. “Come in with me.”
將近天門，金星高叫道：「那天門天將、大小吏兵，放開路者。此乃下界仙人，我奉玉帝聖旨，宣他來也。」那增長天王與眾天丁俱才斂兵退避。猴王始信其言，同金星緩步入裡觀看。真個是：
初登上界，乍入天堂。金光萬道滾紅霓，瑞氣千條噴紫霧。只見那南天門，碧沉沉，琉璃造就；明幌幌，寶玉粧成。兩邊擺數十員鎮天元帥，一員員頂梁靠柱，持銑擁旄；四下列十數個金甲神人，一個個執戟懸鞭，持刀仗劍。外廂猶可，入內驚人：裡壁廂有幾根大柱，柱上纏繞著金鱗耀日赤鬚龍；又有幾座長橋，橋上盤旋著彩羽凌空丹頂鳳。明霞幌幌映天光，碧霧濛濛遮斗口。這天上有三十三座天宮，乃遣雲宮、毘沙宮、五明宮、太陽宮、花樂宮，……一宮宮脊吞金穩獸；又有七十二重寶殿，乃朝會殿、凌虛殿、寶光殿、天王殿、靈官殿，……一殿殿柱列玉麒麟。壽星臺上，有千千年不卸的名花；煉藥爐邊，有萬萬載常青的繡草。又至那朝聖樓前，絳紗衣，星辰燦爛；芙蓉冠，金璧輝煌。玉簪珠履，紫綬金章。金鐘撞動，三曹神表進丹墀；天鼓鳴時，萬聖朝王參玉帝。又至那靈霄寶殿，金釘攢玉戶，彩鳳舞朱門。復道迴廊，處處玲瓏剔透；三簷四簇，層層龍鳳翱翔。上面有個紫巍巍，明幌幌，圓丟丟，亮灼灼，大金葫蘆頂。下面有天妃懸掌扇，玉女捧仙巾，惡狠狠掌朝的天將，氣昂昂護駕的仙卿。正中間，琉璃盤內，放許多重重疊疊太乙丹；瑪瑙瓶中，插幾枝彎彎曲曲珊瑚樹。正是天宮異物般般有，世上如他件件無。金闕銀鑾並紫府，琪花瑤草暨瓊葩。朝王玉兔壇邊過，參聖金烏著底飛。猴王有分來天境，不墮人間點污泥。
将近天门，金星高叫道：「那天门天将、大小吏兵，放开路者。此乃下界仙人，我奉玉帝圣旨，宣他来也。」那增长天王与众天丁俱才敛兵退避。猴王始信其言，同金星缓步入里观看。真个是：
初登上界，乍入天堂。金光万道滚红霓，瑞气千条喷紫雾。只见那南天门，碧沉沉，琉璃造就；明幌幌，宝玉粧成。两边摆数十员镇天元帅，一员员顶梁靠柱，持铣拥旄；四下列十数个金甲神人，一个个执戟悬鞭，持刀仗剑。外厢犹可，入内惊人：里壁厢有几根大柱，柱上缠绕着金鳞耀日赤须龙；又有几座长桥，桥上盘旋着彩羽凌空丹顶凤。明霞幌幌映天光，碧雾蒙蒙遮斗口。这天上有三十三座天宫，乃遣云宫、毘沙宫、五明宫、太阳宫、花乐宫，……一宫宫脊吞金稳兽；又有七十二重宝殿，乃朝会殿、凌虚殿、宝光殿、天王殿、灵官殿，……一殿殿柱列玉麒麟。寿星台上，有千千年不卸的名花；炼药炉边，有万万载常青的绣草。又至那朝圣楼前，绛纱衣，星辰灿烂；芙蓉冠，金璧辉煌。玉簪珠履，紫绶金章。金钟撞动，三曹神表进丹墀；天鼓鸣时，万圣朝王参玉帝。又至那灵霄宝殿，金钉攒玉户，彩凤舞朱门。复道回廊，处处玲珑剔透；三檐四簇，层层龙凤翱翔。上面有个紫巍巍，明幌幌，圆丢丢，亮灼灼，大金葫芦顶。下面有天妃悬掌扇，玉女捧仙巾，恶狠狠掌朝的天将，气昂昂护驾的仙卿。正中间，琉璃盘内，放许多重重叠叠太乙丹；玛瑙瓶中，插几枝弯弯曲曲珊瑚树。正是天宫异物般般有，世上如他件件无。金阙银銮并紫府，琪花瑶草暨琼葩。朝王玉兔坛边过，参圣金乌着底飞。猴王有分来天境，不堕人间点污泥。
As they approached the gate, the Venus Star called out, “Generals at Heaven’s gate, officers and soldiers of every rank, make way! This is an immortal from the lower realm. By the Jade Emperor’s sacred decree, I have summoned him here.” Only then did Heavenly King Virudhaka and the guards lower their weapons and stand aside. The Monkey King began to believe what he had been told and walked slowly in with the Venus Star, looking about him. Truly:
His first ascent to the upper realm,his first entrance into Heaven.Ten thousand shafts of golden light roll through red rainbows;a thousand streams of auspicious vapour pour forth purple mist.There stands the Southern Gate of Heaven, deep blue-green, fashioned of coloured glass;gleaming bright,adorned with precious jade.On either side stand dozens of Heaven-Guarding Marshals, each braced beside a beam or pillar, bearing an axe and holding a yak-tail standard;all around are more than a dozen golden-armoured gods, each with a halberd in hand and an iron whip at his side, or a sabre or sword at the ready.The outer precinct is nothing besidethe wonders within:great pillars wound aboutwith red-whiskered dragons whose golden scales shine in the sun;long bridgescircled by red-crested phoenixes whose coloured feathers sweep the sky.Bright rosy clouds shimmer in the light of Heaven;dim blue-green mists veil the mouth of the Dipper.Here in Heaven stand thirty-three celestial palaces: the Cloud-Dispatching Palace, the Palace of Vaisravana, the Palace of Fivefold Radiance, the Palace of the Sun, the Palace of Floral Joy… On every ridge, golden beast ornaments gape.There are seventy-two precious halls: the Audience Hall, the Hall of High Void, the Hall of Precious Light, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Divine Officers… Beside the pillars of each stand jade qilin.On the Longevity Star Terracegrow rare flowers that have never faded in thousands upon thousands of years;beside the alchemical furnace,embroidered grasses stay green for ages upon ages.They come to the Tower of Sacred Audience: crimson gauze robes sparkle with stars;lotus crownsblaze with gold and jade.Jade hairpins and pearl-trimmed shoes,purple ribbons and golden seals.When the golden bell is struck,memorials from the gods of the Three Administrations advance to the crimson steps;when Heaven’s drum sounds,ten thousand holy ones attend their sovereign and pay homage to the Jade Emperor.They come to the Hall of Divine Mists: golden studs crowd the jade doors; coloured phoenixes dance upon the vermilion gates.Double passageways and winding galleriesare exquisitely wrought throughout;three tiers of eaves and four clustered roofsbear dragons and phoenixes soaring at every level.Above them rises a great golden gourd finial, majestic in purple light, gleaming, rounded, blazing bright.Below, heavenly consorts hold palm-leaf fans and jade maidens carry immortal kerchiefs; fierce heavenly generals preside over the audience, proud immortal ministers guard the sovereign.In the very centre, dishes of coloured glass hold heaps upon heaps of pills of Great Unity;in agate vasesstand twisting branches of coral.Truly, every kind of wonder is found in Heaven’s palaces,and not one has its like in the mortal world.Golden gates, silver imperial bells and purple courts;jade flowers, jewel grasses and blossoms of precious stone.The Jade Rabbit passes beside the altar to attend the sovereign;the Golden Crow flies below to pay homage to the sage.The Monkey King is destined to come to Heaven’s realm,never to fall into the mortal world’s defiling mud.
太白金星領著美猴王，到於靈霄殿外，不等宣詔，直至御前，朝上禮拜。悟空挺身在傍，且不朝禮，但側耳以聽金星啟奏。金星奏道：「臣領聖旨，已宣妖仙到了。」玉帝垂簾問曰：「那個是妖仙？」悟空卻才躬身答應道：「老孫便是。」仙卿們都大驚失色道：「這個野猴，怎麼不拜伏參見，輒敢這等答應道：『老孫便是。』卻該死了，該死了。」玉帝傳旨道：「那孫悟空乃下界妖仙，初得人身，不知朝禮，且姑恕罪。」眾仙卿叫聲：「謝恩。」猴王卻才朝上唱個大喏。玉帝宣文選武選仙卿，看那處少甚官職，著孫悟空去除授。傍邊轉過武曲星君啟奏道：「天宮裡各宮各殿，各方各處，都不少官，只是御馬監缺個正堂管事。」玉帝傳旨道：「就除他做個弼馬溫罷。」眾臣叫謝恩，他也只朝上唱個大喏。玉帝又差木德星官送他去御馬監到任。
太白金星领着美猴王，到于灵霄殿外，不等宣诏，直至御前，朝上礼拜。悟空挺身在傍，且不朝礼，但侧耳以听金星启奏。金星奏道：「臣领圣旨，已宣妖仙到了。」玉帝垂帘问曰：「那个是妖仙？」悟空却才躬身答应道：「老孙便是。」仙卿们都大惊失色道：「这个野猴，怎么不拜伏参见，辄敢这等答应道：『老孙便是。』却该死了，该死了。」玉帝传旨道：「那孙悟空乃下界妖仙，初得人身，不知朝礼，且姑恕罪。」众仙卿叫声：「谢恩。」猴王却才朝上唱个大喏。玉帝宣文选武选仙卿，看那处少甚官职，着孙悟空去除授。傍边转过武曲星君启奏道：「天宫里各宫各殿，各方各处，都不少官，只是御马监缺个正堂管事。」玉帝传旨道：「就除他做个弼马温罢。」众臣叫谢恩，他也只朝上唱个大喏。玉帝又差木德星官送他去御马监到任。
The Venus Star led the Handsome Monkey King to the Hall of Divine Mists and, without waiting to be summoned, went straight before the throne and bowed. Wukong stood upright beside him, making no obeisance, but cocked his ear to hear the Venus Star’s report. The Venus Star said, “Your servant has carried out the sacred decree and brought the demon immortal here.” The Jade Emperor lowered the curtain and asked, “Which one is the demon immortal?” Only then did Wukong bend forward and answer, “Old Sun, that’s me.” The immortal ministers all paled in astonishment. “This wild monkey! He won’t prostrate himself before the throne, but dares answer like that: ‘Old Sun, that’s me.’ He deserves death, death!” The Jade Emperor decreed, “Sun Wukong is a demon immortal from the lower realm. Only recently has he gained human form, and he knows nothing of court ceremony. For now, pardon his offence.” The immortal ministers called out, “We thank Your Majesty for your grace!” Only then did the Monkey King make a great bow toward the throne. The Jade Emperor summoned the ministers responsible for civil and military appointments to find a vacant office and appoint Sun Wukong to it. The Star Lord of Martial Song stepped forward from one side and addressed the throne. “Every palace and hall, every place and quarter of Heaven, has its full complement of officials. Only the Imperial Stables lacks a chief to manage its affairs.” The Jade Emperor decreed, “Then appoint him Keeper of the Horses.” All the ministers called out their thanks, and he too merely made a great bow toward the throne. The Jade Emperor then sent the Star Officer of Wood Virtue to escort him to the Imperial Stables and see him take up his post.
當時猴王歡歡喜喜，與木德星官徑去到任。事畢，木德星官回宮。他在監裡，會聚了監丞、監副、典簿、力士、大小官員人等，查明本監事務，止有天馬千匹。乃是：
驊騮騏驥，騄駬纖離；龍媒紫燕，挾翼驌驦；駃騠銀騔，騕褭飛黃；騊駼翻羽，赤兔超光；踰輝彌景，騰霧勝黃；追風絕地，飛𦑭奔霄；逸飄赤電，銅爵浮雲；驄瓏虎𩤲，絕塵紫鱗；……四極大宛，八駿九逸，千里絕群。此等良馬，一個個嘶風逐電精神壯，踏霧登雲氣力長。
当时猴王欢欢喜喜，与木德星官径去到任。事毕，木德星官回宫。他在监里，会聚了监丞、监副、典簿、力士、大小官员人等，查明本监事务，止有天马千匹。乃是：
骅骝骐骥，𫘧駬纤离；龙媒紫燕，挟翼骕骦；𫘝𫘨银騔，騕褭飞黄；𫘦𬳿翻羽，赤兔超光；逾辉弥景，腾雾胜黄；追风绝地，飞𦑭奔霄；逸飘赤电，铜爵浮云；骢珑虎𩤲，绝尘紫鳞；……四极大宛，八骏九逸，千里绝群。此等良马，一个个嘶风逐电精神壮，踏雾登云气力长。
The Monkey King happily went straight to take up his post with the Star Officer of Wood Virtue. His duty done, the star officer returned to his palace. In the stables, Wukong assembled the chief assistant, the deputy, the registrar, the strongmen and all the officers great and small, and looked into the establishment’s affairs. There were just a thousand heavenly horses. They were:
Hualiu and Qiji,Green-Ear and Xianli;Dragon-Match and Purple Swallow,Wing-Bearer and Sushuang;Jueti and Silver Galloper,Yaoniao and Flying Yellow;Taotu and Feather-Turner,Red Hare and Light-Surpasser;Radiance-Outrunner and Shadow-Filler,Mist-Soarer and Yellow Victor;Wind-Chaser and Earth-Leaver,Flying-Wing and Sky-Racer;Breeze-Glider and Red Lightning,Bronze Sparrow and Floating Cloud;Conglong and Tiger-Steed, Dust-Outrunner and Purple Scale…Dayuan steeds from the four ends of the earth, the Eight Steeds and the Nine Fleet Ones, peerless runners of a thousand li.Every one of these fine horses neighs into the wind and chases lightning, strong in spirit; treads the mist and climbs the clouds, tireless in strength.
這猴王查看了文簿，點明了馬數。本監中典簿管徵備草料；力士官管刷洗馬匹、扎草、飲水、煮料；監丞、監副輔佐催辦。弼馬晝夜不睡，滋養馬匹。日間舞弄猶可，夜間看管慇懃：但是馬睡的，趕起來吃草；走的，捉將來靠槽。那些天馬見了他，泯耳攢蹄。倒養得肉肥膘滿。不覺的半月有餘。
这猴王查看了文簿，点明了马数。本监中典簿管征备草料；力士官管刷洗马匹、扎草、饮水、煮料；监丞、监副辅佐催办。弼马昼夜不睡，滋养马匹。日间舞弄犹可，夜间看管慇懃：但是马睡的，赶起来吃草；走的，捉将来靠槽。那些天马见了他，泯耳攒蹄。倒养得肉肥膘满。不觉的半月有余。
The Monkey King inspected the records and checked the number of horses. The registrar was responsible for procuring fodder; the strongmen brushed and washed the horses, bundled hay, gave them water and cooked their feed; the chief assistant and deputy helped oversee the work. The Keeper of the Horses went without sleep day and night, tending his charges. By day he might play about with them, but at night he watched them diligently. Any horse that slept he drove up to eat grass; any that wandered he caught and brought back to its manger. At the sight of him the heavenly horses laid back their ears and drew their hooves together. Under his care they grew plump and sleek. Before he knew it, more than half a month had passed.
一朝閑暇，眾監官都安排酒席，一則與他接風，二則與他賀喜。正在歡飲之間，猴王忽停杯問曰：「我這弼馬溫是個甚麼官銜？」眾曰：「官名就是此了。」又問：「此官是個幾品？」眾道：「沒有品從。」猴王道：「沒品，想是大之極也？」眾道：「不大，不大，只喚做未入流。」猴王道：「怎麼叫做『未入流』？」眾道：「末等。這樣官兒最低最小，只可與他看馬。似堂尊到任之後，這等慇懃，喂得馬肥，只落得道聲『好』字；如稍有些尪羸，還要見責；再十分傷損，還要罰贖問罪。」猴王聞此，不覺心頭火起，咬牙大怒道：「這般藐視老孫！老孫在那花果山稱王稱祖，怎麼哄我來替他養馬？養馬者，乃後生小輩下賤之役，豈是待我的？不做他，不做他，我將去也。」忽喇的一聲，把公案推倒，耳中取出寶貝，幌一幌，碗來粗細，一路解數，直打出御馬監，徑至南天門。眾天丁知他受了仙籙，乃是個弼馬溫，不敢阻當，讓他打出天門去了。
一朝闲暇，众监官都安排酒席，一则与他接风，二则与他贺喜。正在欢饮之间，猴王忽停杯问曰：「我这弼马温是个甚么官衔？」众曰：「官名就是此了。」又问：「此官是个几品？」众道：「没有品从。」猴王道：「没品，想是大之极也？」众道：「不大，不大，只唤做未入流。」猴王道：「怎么叫做『未入流』？」众道：「末等。这样官儿最低最小，只可与他看马。似堂尊到任之后，这等慇懃，喂得马肥，只落得道声『好』字；如稍有些尪羸，还要见责；再十分伤损，还要罚赎问罪。」猴王闻此，不觉心头火起，咬牙大怒道：「这般藐视老孙！老孙在那花果山称王称祖，怎么哄我来替他养马？养马者，乃后生小辈下贱之役，岂是待我的？不做他，不做他，我将去也。」忽喇的一声，把公案推倒，耳中取出宝贝，幌一幌，碗来粗细，一路解数，直打出御马监，径至南天门。众天丁知他受了仙箓，乃是个弼马温，不敢阻当，让他打出天门去了。
One day, when there was a little leisure, the stable officers laid on a feast, both to welcome him and to congratulate him. As they drank merrily, the Monkey King suddenly set down his cup and asked, “What sort of official title is this Keeper of the Horses of mine?” They said, “That is the name of the office.” He asked again, “And what rank does the office carry?” They said, “It has no rank.” “No rank?” said the Monkey King. “Then it must be the very highest?” “Not high, not high,” they said. “It’s simply unranked.” The Monkey King asked, “What does ‘unranked’ mean?” They said, “The very bottom. An office like this is the lowest and smallest of all. All its holder does is look after horses. Since Your Honour took up the post, you’ve been so diligent and fed the horses so well that they’re fat. All you’ll get for that is a word of praise. If they grow even a little thin and weak, you’ll be reprimanded; if they suffer serious harm, you’ll have to pay a penalty and answer for your offence.” At these words the Monkey King’s heart burst into flame. He gritted his teeth and shouted furiously, “So this is how they look down on Old Sun! On Flower-Fruit Mountain, Old Sun was king and patriarch. How dare they trick me into coming here to feed their horses? Keeping horses is a lowly job for youngsters and underlings. Is that any way to treat me? I won’t do it, won’t do it! I’m leaving!” With a crash he overturned the official desk, pulled the treasure from his ear and shook it till it was as thick as a bowl. Flourishing one fighting move after another, he fought his way out of the Imperial Stables and went straight to the Southern Gate of Heaven. The heavenly guards knew he had been entered in the immortals’ register and was Keeper of the Horses. They dared not stop him and let him fight his way out through Heaven’s gate.
須臾，按落雲頭，回至花果山上。只見那四健將與各洞妖王，在那裡操演兵卒。這猴王厲聲高叫道：「小的們，老孫來了。」一群猴都來叩頭，迎接進洞天深處，請猴王高登寶位，一壁廂辦酒接風。都道：「恭喜大王，上界去十數年，想必得意榮歸也？」猴王道：「我才半月有餘，那裡有十數年？」眾猴道：「大王，你在天上不覺時辰。天上一日，就是下界一年哩。請問大王，官居何職？」猴王搖手道：「不好說，不好說，活活的羞殺人。那玉帝不會用人，他見老孫這般模樣，封我做個甚麼『弼馬溫』，原來是與他養馬，未入流品之類。我初到任時不知，只在御馬監中頑耍。及今日問我同寮，始知是這等卑賤。老孫心中大惱，推倒席面，不受官銜，因此走下來了。」眾猴道：「來得好，來得好。大王在這福地洞天之處為王，多少尊重快樂，怎麼肯去與他做馬夫？」教小的們快辦酒來，與大王釋悶。
须臾，按落云头，回至花果山上。只见那四健将与各洞妖王，在那里操演兵卒。这猴王厉声高叫道：「小的们，老孙来了。」一群猴都来叩头，迎接进洞天深处，请猴王高登宝位，一壁厢办酒接风。都道：「恭喜大王，上界去十数年，想必得意荣归也？」猴王道：「我才半月有余，那里有十数年？」众猴道：「大王，你在天上不觉时辰。天上一日，就是下界一年哩。请问大王，官居何职？」猴王摇手道：「不好说，不好说，活活的羞杀人。那玉帝不会用人，他见老孙这般模样，封我做个甚么『弼马温』，原来是与他养马，未入流品之类。我初到任时不知，只在御马监中顽耍。及今日问我同寮，始知是这等卑贱。老孙心中大恼，推倒席面，不受官衔，因此走下来了。」众猴道：「来得好，来得好。大王在这福地洞天之处为王，多少尊重快乐，怎么肯去与他做马夫？」教小的们快办酒来，与大王释闷。
In a moment he lowered his cloud and returned to Flower-Fruit Mountain. There he saw the four officers and the demon kings of the caves drilling their troops. The Monkey King shouted at the top of his voice, “Little ones, Old Sun is back!” The monkeys all came to knock their heads on the ground and welcome him deep into the cave paradise. They invited him to ascend his precious throne while a feast was prepared to welcome him home. “Congratulations, Great King!” they all said. “You’ve been in the upper realm for more than ten years. You must have come home in glory, with all your wishes fulfilled!” The Monkey King said, “I’ve only been away a little over half a month. Where do you get more than ten years?” The monkeys said, “Great King, you don’t notice the passing of time up there. One day in Heaven is a year down here. May we ask what office our Great King held?” The Monkey King waved his hand. “Don’t ask, don’t ask! The shame of it would kill me. That Jade Emperor has no idea how to use a man. He took one look at Old Sun and made me something called ‘Keeper of the Horses’. It turns out I was there to feed his horses, in a post too low even to have a rank. When I first took office, I knew nothing of it and only played about in the Imperial Stables. Today I asked my colleagues and learned just how lowly it was. Old Sun was furious. I overturned the feast, refused the title and came back down.” The monkeys said, “Good that you came, good that you came! Here in this blessed land and cave paradise, our Great King rules with such honour and pleasure. Why would you go and be his groom?” They told the little ones to bring wine at once and ease their Great King’s vexation.
正飲酒歡會間，有人來報道：「大王，門外有兩個獨角鬼王，要見大王。」猴王道：「教他進來。」那鬼王整衣跑入洞中，倒身下拜。美猴王問他：「你見我何幹？」鬼王道：「久聞大王招賢，無由得見；今見大王授了天籙，得意榮歸，特獻赭黃袍一件，與大王稱慶。肯不棄鄙賤，收納小人，亦得效犬馬之勞。」猴王大喜，將赭黃袍穿起。眾等欣然排班朝拜。即將鬼王封為前部總督先鋒。鬼王謝恩畢，復啟道：「大王在天許久，所授何職？」猴王道：「玉帝輕賢，封我做個甚麼『弼馬溫』。」鬼王聽言，又奏道：「大王有此神通，如何與他養馬？就做個齊天大聖，有何不可？」猴王聞說，歡喜不勝，連道幾個「好！好！好！」教四健將：「就替我快置個旌旗，旗上寫『齊天大聖』四大字，立竿張掛。自此以後，只稱我為齊天大聖，不許再稱大王。亦可傳與各洞妖王，一體知悉。」此不在話下。
正饮酒欢会间，有人来报道：「大王，门外有两个独角鬼王，要见大王。」猴王道：「教他进来。」那鬼王整衣跑入洞中，倒身下拜。美猴王问他：「你见我何干？」鬼王道：「久闻大王招贤，无由得见；今见大王授了天箓，得意荣归，特献赭黄袍一件，与大王称庆。肯不弃鄙贱，收纳小人，亦得效犬马之劳。」猴王大喜，将赭黄袍穿起。众等欣然排班朝拜。即将鬼王封为前部总督先锋。鬼王谢恩毕，复启道：「大王在天许久，所授何职？」猴王道：「玉帝轻贤，封我做个甚么『弼马温』。」鬼王听言，又奏道：「大王有此神通，如何与他养马？就做个齐天大圣，有何不可？」猴王闻说，欢喜不胜，连道几个「好！好！好！」教四健将：「就替我快置个旌旗，旗上写『齐天大圣』四大字，立竿张挂。自此以后，只称我为齐天大圣，不许再称大王。亦可传与各洞妖王，一体知悉。」此不在话下。
While they were drinking and making merry, someone came to report, “Great King, there are two One-Horned Ghost Kings outside who wish to see you.” The Monkey King said, “Show them in.” The ghost kings straightened their clothes, hurried into the cave and fell to the ground in obeisance. The Handsome Monkey King asked, “What have you come to see me about?” They said, “We’ve long heard that our Great King welcomes men of worth, but had no way to meet you. Now that our Great King has received a place in the Celestial Register and come home in glory, we have brought a yellow-ochre robe to offer our congratulations. If you will not despise our lowly station but take us into your service, we too may work for you like dogs and horses.” Delighted, the Monkey King put on the yellow-ochre robe. They all gladly formed ranks and bowed before him. He appointed the ghost kings commanders of the vanguard. When they had thanked him, they spoke again. “Our Great King was in Heaven for so long. What office were you given?” The Monkey King said, “The Jade Emperor scorns men of worth. He made me something called ‘Keeper of the Horses’.” At this the ghost kings addressed him again. “With such divine powers, Great King, why would you feed his horses? Why shouldn’t you be the Great Sage Equal to Heaven (Qitian Dasheng)?” The Monkey King was beside himself with joy, crying, “Good! Good! Good!” over and over. He told the four officers, “Make me a banner at once. Write ‘Great Sage Equal to Heaven’ on it in four great characters, put up a pole and hang it high. From now on, call me only Great Sage Equal to Heaven. You are no longer to call me Great King. Pass the word to the demon kings of all the caves, so that everyone knows.” But let us leave that aside.
卻說那玉帝次日設朝，只見張天師引御馬監監丞、監副在丹墀下拜奏道：「萬歲，新任弼馬溫孫悟空，因嫌官小，昨日反下天宮去了。」正說間，又見南天門外增長天王領眾天丁，亦奏道：「弼馬溫不知何故，走出天門去了。」玉帝聞言，即傳旨：「著兩路神元，各歸本職。朕遣天兵，擒拿此怪。」班部中閃上托塔李天王與哪吒三太子，越班奏上道：「萬歲，微臣不才，請旨降此妖怪。」玉帝大喜，即封托塔天王李靖為降魔大元帥，哪吒三太子為三壇海會大神，即刻興師下界。
却说那玉帝次日设朝，只见张天师引御马监监丞、监副在丹墀下拜奏道：「万岁，新任弼马温孙悟空，因嫌官小，昨日反下天宫去了。」正说间，又见南天门外增长天王领众天丁，亦奏道：「弼马温不知何故，走出天门去了。」玉帝闻言，即传旨：「着两路神元，各归本职。朕遣天兵，擒拿此怪。」班部中闪上托塔李天王与哪吒三太子，越班奏上道：「万岁，微臣不才，请旨降此妖怪。」玉帝大喜，即封托塔天王李靖为降魔大元帅，哪吒三太子为三坛海会大神，即刻兴师下界。
Our story turns to the Jade Emperor, who held court the next day. Heavenly Master Zhang led the chief assistant and deputy of the Imperial Stables before the crimson steps. They bowed and reported, “Your Majesty, Sun Wukong, the newly appointed Keeper of the Horses, was displeased with the low rank of his office. Yesterday he rebelled and left the Heavenly Palace for the world below.” While they were speaking, Heavenly King Virudhaka arrived from the Southern Gate of Heaven with his guards and also reported, “For some reason unknown to us, the Keeper of the Horses went out through Heaven’s gate.” At this the Jade Emperor decreed, “Let both groups of divine officers return to their duties. We shall send heavenly soldiers to seize this monster.” Heavenly King Li the Pagoda-Bearer and Prince Nezha stepped out from the ranks and came forward to address the throne. “Your Majesty, though your servants are unworthy, we beg a decree to subdue this demon.” The Jade Emperor was delighted. At once he appointed Li Jing, Heavenly King the Pagoda-Bearer, Grand Marshal for Subduing Demons, and Prince Nezha Great God of the Three Altars and the Ocean Assembly. They were to muster their forces immediately and descend to the lower realm.
李天王與哪吒叩頭謝辭，徑至本宮，點起三軍，帥眾頭目，著巨靈神為先鋒，魚肚將掠後，藥叉將催兵。一霎時出南天門外，徑來到花果山，選平陽處安了營寨，傳令教巨靈神挑戰。巨靈神得令，結束整齊，掄著宣花斧，到了水簾洞外。只見小洞門外許多妖魔，都是些狼蟲虎豹之類，丫丫叉叉，掄槍舞劍，在那裡跳鬥咆哮。這巨靈神喝道：「那業畜！快早去報與弼馬溫知道：吾乃上天大將，奉玉帝旨意，到此收伏；教他早早出來受降，免致汝等皆傷殘也。」那些妖怪奔奔波波，傳報洞中道：「禍事了！禍事了！」猴王問：「有甚禍事？」眾妖道：「門外有一員天將，口稱大聖官銜，道奉玉帝聖旨，來此收伏。教早早出去受降，免傷我等性命。」猴王聽說，教：「取我披掛來。」就戴上紫金冠，貫上黃金甲，登上步雲鞋，手執如意金箍棒，領眾出門，擺開陣勢。這巨靈神睜睛觀看，真好猴王：
身穿金甲亮堂堂，頭戴金冠光映映。手舉金箍棒一根，足踏雲鞋皆相稱。一雙怪眼似明星，兩耳過肩查又硬。挺挺身才變化多，聲音響喨如鐘磬。尖嘴咨牙弼馬溫，心高要做齊天聖。
李天王与哪吒叩头谢辞，径至本宫，点起三军，帅众头目，着巨灵神为先锋，鱼肚将掠后，药叉将催兵。一霎时出南天门外，径来到花果山，选平阳处安了营寨，传令教巨灵神挑战。巨灵神得令，结束整齐，抡着宣花斧，到了水帘洞外。只见小洞门外许多妖魔，都是些狼虫虎豹之类，丫丫叉叉，抡枪舞剑，在那里跳斗咆哮。这巨灵神喝道：「那业畜！快早去报与弼马温知道：吾乃上天大将，奉玉帝旨意，到此收伏；教他早早出来受降，免致汝等皆伤残也。」那些妖怪奔奔波波，传报洞中道：「祸事了！祸事了！」猴王问：「有甚祸事？」众妖道：「门外有一员天将，口称大圣官衔，道奉玉帝圣旨，来此收伏。教早早出去受降，免伤我等性命。」猴王听说，教：「取我披挂来。」就戴上紫金冠，贯上黄金甲，登上步云鞋，手执如意金箍棒，领众出门，摆开阵势。这巨灵神睁睛观看，真好猴王：
身穿金甲亮堂堂，头戴金冠光映映。手举金箍棒一根，足踏云鞋皆相称。一双怪眼似明星，两耳过肩查又硬。挺挺身才变化多，声音响喨如钟磬。尖嘴咨牙弼马温，心高要做齐天圣。
Heavenly King Li and Nezha knocked their heads on the ground in thanks and took their leave. They went straight to their palace, mustered the army and led out its chiefs, making the Giant Spirit God their vanguard, General Fish-Belly their rear guard and General Yaksha the officer who urged the troops forward. In an instant they passed out through the Southern Gate of Heaven and came straight to Flower-Fruit Mountain. They chose an open, level spot to make camp and ordered the Giant Spirit God to issue a challenge. At the command, the Giant Spirit God put his gear in order, took up his Flower-Emblazoned Axe and came to the Water-Curtain Cave. Outside the small cave entrance he saw crowds of demons — wolves, snakes, tigers and leopards — with limbs sprawling every which way, brandishing spears and swords as they leaped, fought and roared. The Giant Spirit God shouted, “You sinful beasts! Go and tell the Keeper of the Horses at once: I am a great general of Heaven, sent by the Jade Emperor’s decree to subdue him. Tell him to come out and surrender now, or every one of you will be maimed or killed!” The demons ran pell-mell to report inside the cave. “Disaster! Disaster!” The Monkey King asked, “What disaster?” The demons said, “There’s a heavenly general outside. He’s calling out the Great Sage’s official title and says he’s come by the Jade Emperor’s sacred decree to subdue you. He tells you to come out and surrender at once, or our lives will be lost.” At this the Monkey King ordered, “Bring me my armour.” He put on his purple-gold crown, donned his golden armour, pulled on his cloud-treading shoes and took the As-You-Will Gold-Banded Cudgel in hand. He led his followers out and drew them up in battle order. The Giant Spirit God opened his eyes wide and looked. What a splendid Monkey King!
Golden armour clothes his body, shining bright;a golden crown upon his head gleams with light.In his hand he raises a gold-banded cudgel;the cloud-treading shoes upon his feet suit him perfectly.His two strange eyes are bright as stars;his ears reach past his shoulders, jutting stiff and hard.His upright figure takes on many forms;his voice rings out like bell and chime.Pointed mouth and bared teeth — the Keeper of the Horses,whose lofty heart would make him Heaven’s equal.
巨靈神厲聲高叫道：「那潑猴！你認得我麼？」大聖聽言，急問道：「你是那路毛神？老孫不曾會你，你快報名來。」巨靈神道：「我把你那欺心的猢猻！你是認不得我。我乃高上神霄托塔李天王部下先鋒巨靈天將，今奉玉帝聖旨，到此收降你。你快卸了裝束，歸順天恩，免得這滿山諸畜遭誅；若道半個不字，教你頃刻化為齏粉。」猴王聽說，心中大怒道：「潑毛神！休誇大口，少弄長舌。我本待一棒打死你，恐無人去報信。且留你性命，快早回天，對玉皇說：他甚不用賢。老孫有無窮的本事，為何教我替他養馬？你看我這旌旗上字號，若依此字號陞官，我就不動刀兵，自然的天地清泰；如若不依，時間就打上靈霄寶殿，教他龍床定坐不成。」這巨靈神聞此言，急睜睛迎風觀看，果見門外豎一高竿，竿上有旌旗一面，上寫著「齊天大聖」四大字。巨靈神冷笑三聲道：「這潑猴，這等不知人事，輒敢無狀，你就要做齊天大聖。好好的吃吾一斧。」劈頭就砍將去。那猴王正是會家不忙，將金箍棒應手相迎。這一場好殺：
棒名如意，斧號宣花。他兩個乍相逢，不知深淺，斧和棒，左右交加。一個暗藏神妙，一個大口稱誇。使動法，噴雲噯霧；展開手，播土揚沙。天將神通就有道，猴王變化實無涯。棒舉卻如龍戲水，斧來猶似鳳穿花。巨靈名望傳天下，原來本事不如他：大聖輕輕掄鐵棒，著頭一下滿身麻。
巨灵神厉声高叫道：「那泼猴！你认得我么？」大圣听言，急问道：「你是那路毛神？老孙不曾会你，你快报名来。」巨灵神道：「我把你那欺心的猢狲！你是认不得我。我乃高上神霄托塔李天王部下先锋巨灵天将，今奉玉帝圣旨，到此收降你。你快卸了装束，归顺天恩，免得这满山诸畜遭诛；若道半个不字，教你顷刻化为齑粉。」猴王听说，心中大怒道：「泼毛神！休夸大口，少弄长舌。我本待一棒打死你，恐无人去报信。且留你性命，快早回天，对玉皇说：他甚不用贤。老孙有无穷的本事，为何教我替他养马？你看我这旌旗上字号，若依此字号升官，我就不动刀兵，自然的天地清泰；如若不依，时间就打上灵霄宝殿，教他龙床定坐不成。」这巨灵神闻此言，急睁睛迎风观看，果见门外竖一高竿，竿上有旌旗一面，上写着「齐天大圣」四大字。巨灵神冷笑三声道：「这泼猴，这等不知人事，辄敢无状，你就要做齐天大圣。好好的吃吾一斧。」劈头就砍将去。那猴王正是会家不忙，将金箍棒应手相迎。这一场好杀：
棒名如意，斧号宣花。他两个乍相逢，不知深浅，斧和棒，左右交加。一个暗藏神妙，一个大口称夸。使动法，喷云嗳雾；展开手，播土扬沙。天将神通就有道，猴王变化实无涯。棒举却如龙戏水，斧来犹似凤穿花。巨灵名望传天下，原来本事不如他：大圣轻轻抡铁棒，着头一下满身麻。
The Giant Spirit God shouted sternly, “You wretched ape! Do you know me?” At these words the Great Sage asked at once, “What sort of petty god are you? Old Sun has never met you. Out with your name!” The Giant Spirit God said, “You wicked, presumptuous monkey! So you don’t know me. I am the Giant Spirit General, vanguard under Heavenly King Li the Pagoda-Bearer of the High Divine Firmament. By the Jade Emperor’s sacred decree, I have come to take your surrender. Take off your armour at once and submit to Heaven’s grace, or every beast on this mountain will be put to death. Say so much as half a ‘no’, and I’ll turn you to powder in an instant!” The Monkey King grew furious. “You wretched little god! Stop your boasting and hold your tongue. I meant to kill you with one blow, but then there’d be no one to take a message back. I’ll spare your life for now. Hurry back to Heaven and tell the Jade Emperor he has no notion of how to use a man of worth. Old Sun’s powers are boundless. Why did he set me to feeding his horses? Look at the title on my banner. If he promotes me to that title, I won’t raise a weapon, and heaven and earth will be at peace. If he refuses, I’ll storm the Hall of Divine Mists this very moment and see that he can no longer sit easy on his dragon throne.” At this the Giant Spirit God opened his eyes wide and looked into the wind. Sure enough, a tall pole stood outside the entrance with a banner on it bearing four great characters: “Great Sage Equal to Heaven.” The Giant Spirit God gave three scornful laughs. “This wretched ape is so ignorant of the world that he dares behave like this! You want to be Great Sage Equal to Heaven? Then take a proper blow from my axe!” He chopped straight down at Wukong’s head. But the Monkey King was a skilled hand who kept his calm, and raised the gold-banded cudgel to meet him. What a fine battle!
The cudgel is called As-You-Will,the axe Flower-Emblazoned.At their first encounter, neither knows the other’s measure; axe and cudgel clash to left and right.One keeps his divine marvels hidden,the other boasts at the top of his voice.They work their spells,spewing clouds and spreading mist;they ply their hands,scattering earth and tossing sand.The heavenly general’s magic has its method,but the Monkey King’s transformations know no bounds.His rising cudgel is a dragon playing in the water;the swooping axe a phoenix threading flowers.The Giant Spirit’s fame is known throughout the world,yet his skill proves less than his opponent’s:the Great Sage lightly swings the iron cudgel,and one blow to the head leaves his whole body numb.
巨靈神抵敵他不住，被猴王劈頭一棒，慌忙將斧架隔，扢扠的一聲，把個斧柄打做兩截，急撤身敗陣逃生。猴王笑道：「膿包，膿包。我已饒了你，你快去報信，快去報信。」
巨灵神抵敌他不住，被猴王劈头一棒，慌忙将斧架隔，扢扠的一声，把个斧柄打做两截，急撤身败阵逃生。猴王笑道：「脓包，脓包。我已饶了你，你快去报信，快去报信。」
The Giant Spirit God could not withstand him. When the Monkey King brought his cudgel down upon his head, he hurriedly raised his axe to block it. With a crack, the handle broke in two. He pulled back at once and fled the battle for his life. The Monkey King laughed. “Useless lump, useless lump! I’ve spared you. Go and take my message, go and take my message!”
巨靈神回至營門，徑見托塔天王，忙哈哈跪下道：「弼馬溫果是神通廣大，末將戰他不得，敗陣回來請罪。」李天王發怒道：「這廝剉吾銳氣，推出斬之！」傍邊閃出哪吒太子拜告：「父王息怒，且恕巨靈之罪。待孩兒出師一遭，便知深淺。」天王聽諫，且教回營待罪管事。
巨灵神回至营门，径见托塔天王，忙哈哈跪下道：「弼马温果是神通广大，末将战他不得，败阵回来请罪。」李天王发怒道：「这厮剉吾锐气，推出斩之！」傍边闪出哪吒太子拜告：「父王息怒，且恕巨灵之罪。待孩儿出师一遭，便知深浅。」天王听谏，且教回营待罪管事。
The Giant Spirit God returned to the camp gate and went straight to Heavenly King the Pagoda-Bearer. Panting, he dropped to his knees. “The Keeper of the Horses truly has vast divine powers. Your subordinate could not overcome him and has returned in defeat to answer for his offence.” Heavenly King Li flew into a rage. “This fellow has blunted our fighting spirit! Take him out and behead him!” Prince Nezha stepped forward from one side and bowed. “Calm your anger, royal Father, and pardon the Giant Spirit’s offence for now. Let your son go out once, and we shall know our enemy’s measure.” The Heavenly King heeded his counsel and ordered the Giant Spirit back to camp to attend to his duties while awaiting punishment.
這哪吒太子甲冑齊整，跳出營盤，撞至水簾洞外。那悟空正來收兵，見哪吒來的勇猛。好太子：
總角才遮顖，披毛未蓋肩。神奇多敏悟，骨秀更清妍。誠為天上麒麟子，果是煙霞彩鳳仙。龍種自然非俗相，妙齡端不類塵凡。身帶六般神器械，飛騰變化廣無邊。今受玉皇金口詔，敕封海會號三壇。
这哪吒太子甲胄齐整，跳出营盘，撞至水帘洞外。那悟空正来收兵，见哪吒来的勇猛。好太子：
总角才遮顖，披毛未盖肩。神奇多敏悟，骨秀更清妍。诚为天上麒麟子，果是烟霞彩凤仙。龙种自然非俗相，妙龄端不类尘凡。身带六般神器械，飞腾变化广无边。今受玉皇金口诏，敕封海会号三坛。
Prince Nezha, his armour and helmet in perfect order, sprang out of the camp and charged to the Water-Curtain Cave. Wukong was just coming to withdraw his troops when he saw Nezha bearing down so fiercely. What a splendid prince!
His childhood hair knots barely cover his forehead;his loose locks do not yet reach his shoulders.Marvellously gifted, quick to understand,fine of frame and lovely of face.Truly Heaven’s qilin son,truly a coloured phoenix immortal among the rosy clouds.Of dragon stock, he naturally has no common looks;at his tender age he is nothing like a mortal.He bears six divine weapons,boundless in flight and transformation.Now he has received the Jade Emperor’s own spoken decree,appointed to the Ocean Assembly of the Three Altars.
悟空迎近前來問曰：「你是誰家小哥？闖近吾門，有何事幹？」哪吒喝道：「潑妖猴！豈不認得我？我乃托塔天王三太子哪吒是也，今奉玉帝欽差，至此捉你。」悟空笑道：「小太子，你的嬭牙尚未退，胎毛尚未乾，怎敢說這般大話？我且留你的性命，不打你。你只看我旌旗上是甚麼字號，拜上玉帝：是這般官銜，再也不須動眾，我自皈依；若是不遂我心，定要打上靈霄寶殿。」哪吒擡頭看處，乃「齊天大聖」四字。哪吒道：「這妖猴能有多大神通，就敢稱此名號？不要怕，吃吾一劍。」悟空道：「我只站下不動，任你砍幾劍罷。」那哪吒奮怒，大喝一聲，叫：「變！」即變做三頭六臂，惡狠狠，手持著六般兵器，乃是斬妖劍、砍妖刀、縛妖索、降妖杵、繡毬兒、火輪兒，丫丫叉叉，撲面來打。悟空見了，心驚道：「這小哥倒也會弄些手段。莫無禮，看我神通。」好大聖，喝聲：「變！」也變做三頭六臂；把金箍棒幌一幌，也變作三條。六隻手拿著三條棒架住。這場鬥，真個是地動山搖，好殺也：
六臂哪吒太子，天生美石猴王，相逢真對手，正遇本源流。那一個蒙差來下界，這一個欺心鬧斗牛。斬妖寶劍鋒芒快，砍妖刀狠鬼神愁；縛妖索子如飛蟒，降妖大杵似狼頭；火輪掣電烘烘艷，往往來來滾繡毬。大聖三條如意棒，前遮後擋運機謀。苦爭數合無高下，太子心中不肯休。把那六件兵器多教變，百千萬億照頭丟。猴王不懼呵呵笑，鐵棒翻騰自運籌。以一化千千化萬，滿空亂舞賽飛虯。諕得各洞妖王都閉戶，遍山鬼怪盡藏頭。神兵怒氣雲慘慘，金箍鐵棒響颼颼。那壁廂，天丁吶喊人人怕；這壁廂，猴怪搖旗個個憂。發狠兩家齊鬥勇，不知那個剛強那個柔。
悟空迎近前来问曰：「你是谁家小哥？闯近吾门，有何事干？」哪吒喝道：「泼妖猴！岂不认得我？我乃托塔天王三太子哪吒是也，今奉玉帝钦差，至此捉你。」悟空笑道：「小太子，你的嬭牙尚未退，胎毛尚未干，怎敢说这般大话？我且留你的性命，不打你。你只看我旌旗上是甚么字号，拜上玉帝：是这般官衔，再也不须动众，我自皈依；若是不遂我心，定要打上灵霄宝殿。」哪吒抬头看处，乃「齐天大圣」四字。哪吒道：「这妖猴能有多大神通，就敢称此名号？不要怕，吃吾一剑。」悟空道：「我只站下不动，任你砍几剑罢。」那哪吒奋怒，大喝一声，叫：「变！」即变做三头六臂，恶狠狠，手持着六般兵器，乃是斩妖剑、砍妖刀、缚妖索、降妖杵、绣毬儿、火轮儿，丫丫叉叉，扑面来打。悟空见了，心惊道：「这小哥倒也会弄些手段。莫无礼，看我神通。」好大圣，喝声：「变！」也变做三头六臂；把金箍棒幌一幌，也变作三条。六只手拿着三条棒架住。这场斗，真个是地动山摇，好杀也：
六臂哪吒太子，天生美石猴王，相逢真对手，正遇本源流。那一个蒙差来下界，这一个欺心闹斗牛。斩妖宝剑锋芒快，砍妖刀狠鬼神愁；缚妖索子如飞蟒，降妖大杵似狼头；火轮掣电烘烘艳，往往来来滚绣毬。大圣三条如意棒，前遮后挡运机谋。苦争数合无高下，太子心中不肯休。把那六件兵器多教变，百千万亿照头丢。猴王不惧呵呵笑，铁棒翻腾自运筹。以一化千千化万，满空乱舞赛飞虬。諕得各洞妖王都闭户，遍山鬼怪尽藏头。神兵怒气云惨惨，金箍铁棒响飕飕。那壁厢，天丁呐喊人人怕；这壁厢，猴怪摇旗个个忧。发狠两家齐斗勇，不知那个刚强那个柔。
Wukong came forward to meet him and asked, “Whose little boy are you? What business brings you charging up to my door?” Nezha shouted, “You wretched demon monkey! Don’t you know me? I am Nezha, third prince of Heavenly King the Pagoda-Bearer. The Jade Emperor himself has sent me here to catch you.” Wukong laughed. “Little prince, you haven’t even lost your milk teeth, and the down you were born with isn’t dry yet. How dare you talk so big? I’ll spare your life for now and won’t hit you. Just look at the title on my banner and respectfully tell the Jade Emperor: give me that title and there’ll be no need to trouble the troops again. I’ll submit of my own accord. If I don’t get what I want, I’ll certainly storm the Hall of Divine Mists.” Nezha looked up and saw the four characters, “Great Sage Equal to Heaven.” He said, “How much magic can this demon monkey have, to dare claim such a title? Don’t be afraid — take a stroke of my sword!” Wukong said, “I’ll stand still right here. Cut at me a few times if you like.” Enraged, Nezha gave a great shout. “Change!” At once he became three-headed and six-armed, fierce as could be. He held six weapons: the Demon-Slaying Sword, the Demon-Hacking Sabre, the Demon-Binding Rope, the Demon-Subduing Pestle, the Embroidered Ball and the Fire Wheel. With limbs jutting every which way, he rushed straight at Wukong to strike. The sight startled Wukong. “This little fellow does know a trick or two! Don’t be insolent. Watch my magic!” What a Great Sage! He shouted, “Change!” and also became three-headed and six-armed. He shook the gold-banded cudgel and it became three cudgels, which he held in his six hands to block the attack. Their battle truly shook the earth and rocked the mountains. What a fight!
Six-armed Prince Nezha and the handsome, heaven-born Stone Monkey King meet as true opponents, coming together at their very source.That one has been sent to the lower realm;this one, in defiance, throws the Dipper and the Ox into uproar.The Demon-Slaying Sword has a keen edge;the cruel Demon-Hacking Sabre makes ghosts and gods despair.The Demon-Binding Rope is a flying python;the great Demon-Subduing Pestle is like a wolf’s head.The Fire Wheel flashes like lightning, blazing bright;back and forth the Embroidered Ball rolls.The Great Sage’s three As-You-Will cudgelsshield him in front and guard him behind as he works his schemes.Through several fierce exchanges neither wins the upper hand,and the prince’s heart will not give up.He makes the six weapons multiply by magic,hurling hundreds, thousands, millions, billions at his opponent’s head.The Monkey King laughs fearlessly,his iron cudgels whirling as he carries out his plans.One becomes a thousand, a thousand ten thousand,dancing wildly through the sky like flying dragons.The demon kings of every cave shut their doors in terror;ghosts and monsters all over the mountain hide their heads.The divine weapons rage beneath dismal clouds;the gold-banded iron cudgels whistle through the air.On that side,heavenly guards shout till everyone is afraid;on this side,monkey demons wave their banners, every one uneasy.Both combatants fiercely match their courage,and who can tell which is strong and which is weak?
三太子與悟空各騁神威，鬥了個三十回合。那太子六般兵，變做千千萬萬；孫悟空金箍棒，變作萬萬千千。半空中似雨點流星，不分勝負。
三太子与悟空各骋神威，斗了个三十回合。那太子六般兵，变做千千万万；孙悟空金箍棒，变作万万千千。半空中似雨点流星，不分胜负。
The third prince and Wukong each displayed his divine might, fighting thirty rounds. The prince’s six weapons became thousands upon thousands; Sun Wukong’s gold-banded cudgel became tens of thousands upon tens of thousands. In midair they were like falling rain and shooting stars, with neither side gaining the victory.
原來悟空手疾眼快，正在那混亂之時，他拔下一根毫毛，叫聲：「變！」就變做他的本相，手挺著棒，演著哪吒；他的真身，卻一縱，趕至哪吒腦後，著左膊上一棒打來。哪吒正使法間，聽得棒頭風響，急躲閃時，不能措手，被他著了一下，負痛逃走。收了法，把六件兵器依舊歸身，敗陣而回。
原来悟空手疾眼快，正在那混乱之时，他拔下一根毫毛，叫声：「变！」就变做他的本相，手挺着棒，演着哪吒；他的真身，却一纵，赶至哪吒脑后，着左膊上一棒打来。哪吒正使法间，听得棒头风响，急躲闪时，不能措手，被他着了一下，负痛逃走。收了法，把六件兵器依旧归身，败阵而回。
Now Wukong had quick hands and sharp eyes. In the midst of the confusion he plucked a hair and cried, “Change!” It became a copy of himself, cudgel held ready, keeping Nezha occupied. His real body sprang away and came up behind Nezha’s head, bringing the cudgel down upon his left arm. Nezha was working his magic when he heard the wind of the cudgel’s approach. He tried to dodge in haste, but could not move in time. The blow struck him, and he fled in pain. He withdrew his magic, returned his six weapons to his body as before and went back defeated.
那陣上李天王早已看見，急欲提兵助戰，不覺太子倏至面前，戰兢兢報道：「父王，弼馬溫真個有本事，孩兒這般法力，也戰他不過，已被他打傷膊也。」天王大驚失色道：「這廝恁的神通，如何取勝？」太子道：「他洞門外豎一竿旗，上寫『齊天大聖』四字。親口誇稱，教玉帝就封他做齊天大聖，萬事俱休；若還不是此號，定要打上靈霄寶殿哩。」天王道：「既然如此，且不要與他相持，且去上界，將此言回奏，再多遣天兵，圍捉這廝，未為遲也。」太子負痛，不能復戰，故同天王回天啟奏不題。
那阵上李天王早已看见，急欲提兵助战，不觉太子倏至面前，战兢兢报道：「父王，弼马温真个有本事，孩儿这般法力，也战他不过，已被他打伤膊也。」天王大惊失色道：「这厮恁的神通，如何取胜？」太子道：「他洞门外竖一竿旗，上写『齐天大圣』四字。亲口夸称，教玉帝就封他做齐天大圣，万事俱休；若还不是此号，定要打上灵霄宝殿哩。」天王道：「既然如此，且不要与他相持，且去上界，将此言回奏，再多遣天兵，围捉这厮，未为迟也。」太子负痛，不能复战，故同天王回天启奏不题。
Heavenly King Li had already seen what was happening from his battle line and was hurrying to bring up troops to help when the prince suddenly appeared before him. Trembling, he reported, “Royal Father, the Keeper of the Horses truly has skill. Even with all your son’s magical powers, I could not defeat him. He has wounded my arm.” The Heavenly King paled with alarm. “If this fellow has such divine powers, how are we to win?” The prince said, “He has put up a banner outside his cave with the four characters ‘Great Sage Equal to Heaven’ on it. He himself boasted that if the Jade Emperor appoints him Great Sage Equal to Heaven, the whole affair will be over. If he doesn’t get that title, he’ll certainly storm the Hall of Divine Mists.” The Heavenly King said, “In that case, let’s stop fighting him for now. We’ll return to the upper realm and report his words to the throne. There will still be time to send more heavenly soldiers to surround and seize him.” The prince was in pain and could fight no more, so he went back to Heaven with the Heavenly King to report. But let us leave them there.
你看那猴王得勝歸山，那七十二洞妖王與那六弟兄，俱來賀喜，在洞天福地，飲樂無比。他卻對六弟兄說：「小弟既稱齊天大聖，你們亦可以大聖稱之。」內有牛魔王忽然高叫道：「賢弟言之有理，我即稱做平天大聖。」蛟魔王道：「我稱做覆海大聖。」鵬魔王道：「我稱混天大聖。」獅駝王道：「我稱移山大聖。」獼猴王道：「我稱通風大聖。」𤟹狨王道：「我稱驅神大聖。」此時七大聖自作自為，自稱自號，耍樂一日，各散訖。
你看那猴王得胜归山，那七十二洞妖王与那六弟兄，俱来贺喜，在洞天福地，饮乐无比。他却对六弟兄说：「小弟既称齐天大圣，你们亦可以大圣称之。」内有牛魔王忽然高叫道：「贤弟言之有理，我即称做平天大圣。」蛟魔王道：「我称做覆海大圣。」鹏魔王道：「我称混天大圣。」狮驼王道：「我称移山大圣。」猕猴王道：「我称通风大圣。」𤟹狨王道：「我称驱神大圣。」此时七大圣自作自为，自称自号，耍乐一日，各散讫。
Look at the Monkey King returning to his mountain in triumph! The demon kings of the seventy-two caves and his six brothers all came to congratulate him. In that blessed land and cave paradise, their drinking and merriment knew no bounds. He said to his six brothers, “Since your younger brother calls himself Great Sage Equal to Heaven, you too can take the title Great Sage.” The Bull Demon King suddenly shouted, “My worthy brother speaks sense! I shall call myself Great Sage Who Levels Heaven (Pingtian Dasheng).” The Flood Dragon Demon King said, “I shall be Great Sage Who Overturns the Seas (Fuhai Dasheng).” The Roc Demon King said, “I shall be Great Sage Who Throws Heaven into Chaos (Huntian Dasheng).” The Lion-Camel King said, “I shall be Great Sage Who Moves Mountains (Yishan Dasheng).” The Macaque King said, “I shall be Great Sage Who Knows the Winds (Tongfeng Dasheng).” The Long-Tailed Monkey King said, “I shall be Great Sage Who Drives the Gods (Qushen Dasheng).” Thus the seven Great Sages did as they pleased, choosing their own titles and proclaiming their own honours. They made merry for a day, then each went his way.
卻說那李天王與三太子領著眾將，直至靈霄寶殿，啟奏道：「臣等奉聖旨出師下界，收伏妖仙孫悟空，不期他神通廣大，不能取勝，仍望萬歲添兵剿除。」玉帝道：「諒一妖猴，有多少本事，還要添兵？」太子又近前奏道：「望萬歲赦臣死罪。那妖猴使一條鐵棒，先敗了巨靈神，又打傷臣臂膊。洞門外立一竿旗，上書『齊天大聖』四字。道是封他這官職，即便休兵來投；若不是此官，還要打上靈霄寶殿也。」玉帝聞言，驚訝道：「這妖猴何敢這般狂妄？著眾將即刻誅之。」
却说那李天王与三太子领着众将，直至灵霄宝殿，启奏道：「臣等奉圣旨出师下界，收伏妖仙孙悟空，不期他神通广大，不能取胜，仍望万岁添兵剿除。」玉帝道：「谅一妖猴，有多少本事，还要添兵？」太子又近前奏道：「望万岁赦臣死罪。那妖猴使一条铁棒，先败了巨灵神，又打伤臣臂膊。洞门外立一竿旗，上书『齐天大圣』四字。道是封他这官职，即便休兵来投；若不是此官，还要打上灵霄宝殿也。」玉帝闻言，惊讶道：「这妖猴何敢这般狂妄？着众将即刻诛之。」
Meanwhile Heavenly King Li and the third prince led their generals straight to the Hall of Divine Mists and addressed the throne. “Your servants obeyed the sacred decree and took an army to the lower realm to subdue the demon immortal Sun Wukong. We did not expect his divine powers to be so vast and could not win. We beg Your Majesty to send more troops to destroy him.” The Jade Emperor said, “How much skill can one demon monkey have, that you need more troops?” The prince also came forward to report. “I beg Your Majesty to pardon your servant’s capital offence. That demon monkey wields an iron cudgel. First he defeated the Giant Spirit God, then he wounded your servant’s arm. Outside his cave stands a banner bearing the four characters ‘Great Sage Equal to Heaven’. He says that if he is appointed to that office, he will end the fighting and submit. If he isn’t given that office, he will storm the Hall of Divine Mists.” The Jade Emperor was astonished. “How dare this demon monkey be so insolent? Order the generals to put him to death at once!”
正說間，班部中又閃出太白金星，奏道：「那妖猴只知出言，不知大小。欲加兵與他爭鬥，想一時不能收伏，反又勞師。不若萬歲大捨恩慈，還降招安旨意，就教他做個齊天大聖。只是加他個空銜，有官無祿便了。」玉帝道：「怎麼喚做『有官無祿』？」金星道：「名是齊天大聖，只不與他事管，不與他俸祿，且養在天壤之間，收他的邪心，使不生狂妄，庶乾坤安靖，海宇得清寧也。」玉帝聞言道：「依卿所奏。」即命降了詔書，仍著金星領去。
正说间，班部中又闪出太白金星，奏道：「那妖猴只知出言，不知大小。欲加兵与他争斗，想一时不能收伏，反又劳师。不若万岁大舍恩慈，还降招安旨意，就教他做个齐天大圣。只是加他个空衔，有官无禄便了。」玉帝道：「怎么唤做『有官无禄』？」金星道：「名是齐天大圣，只不与他事管，不与他俸禄，且养在天壤之间，收他的邪心，使不生狂妄，庶乾坤安靖，海宇得清宁也。」玉帝闻言道：「依卿所奏。」即命降了诏书，仍着金星领去。
While he was speaking, the Venus Star once again stepped out from the ranks and addressed the throne. “That demon monkey knows how to talk, but nothing of high and low. If more troops are sent to fight him, I fear he will not be subdued quickly, and the army will only be wearied again. Better for Your Majesty to show great mercy, issue another decree of amnesty and let him be a Great Sage Equal to Heaven. It need only be an empty title, an office without a salary.” The Jade Emperor asked, “What do you mean by ‘an office without a salary’?” The Venus Star said, “His title will be Great Sage Equal to Heaven, but he will have no business to manage and no salary to draw. Simply keep him here between heaven and earth, curb his wayward heart and prevent his insolence from growing. Then heaven and earth may be peaceful, and all within the seas may enjoy tranquillity.” The Jade Emperor said, “Let it be as you advise, minister.” At once he ordered a decree to be issued and again sent the Venus Star to deliver it.
金星復出南天門，直至花果山水簾洞外觀看。這番比前不同，威風凜凜，殺氣森森，各樣妖精，無般不有。一個個都執劍拈槍，拿刀弄杖的在那裡咆哮跳躍。一見金星，皆上前動手。金星道：「那眾頭目來，累你去報你大聖知之：吾乃上帝遣來天使，有聖旨在此請他。」眾妖即跑入報道：「外面有一老者，他說是上界天使，有旨意請你。」悟空道：「來得好，來得好。想是前番來的那太白金星。那次請我上界，雖是官爵不堪，卻也天上走了一次，認得那天門內外之路。今番又來，定有好意。」教眾頭目大開旗鼓，擺隊迎接。大聖即帶引群猴，頂冠貫甲，甲上罩了赭黃袍，足踏雲履，急出洞門，躬身施禮，高叫道：「老星請進，恕我失迎之罪。」
金星复出南天门，直至花果山水帘洞外观看。这番比前不同，威风凛凛，杀气森森，各样妖精，无般不有。一个个都执剑拈枪，拿刀弄杖的在那里咆哮跳跃。一见金星，皆上前动手。金星道：「那众头目来，累你去报你大圣知之：吾乃上帝遣来天使，有圣旨在此请他。」众妖即跑入报道：「外面有一老者，他说是上界天使，有旨意请你。」悟空道：「来得好，来得好。想是前番来的那太白金星。那次请我上界，虽是官爵不堪，却也天上走了一次，认得那天门内外之路。今番又来，定有好意。」教众头目大开旗鼓，摆队迎接。大圣即带引群猴，顶冠贯甲，甲上罩了赭黄袍，足踏云履，急出洞门，躬身施礼，高叫道：「老星请进，恕我失迎之罪。」
The Venus Star went out through the Southern Gate of Heaven once more and came straight to the Water-Curtain Cave on Flower-Fruit Mountain to look about him. Things were different from before. An awe-inspiring menace and a chill lust for slaughter hung over the place. There were demons of every kind, with none missing. Each held a sword or spear, a sabre or staff, roaring and leaping about. At the sight of the Venus Star, they all came forward to attack. The Venus Star said, “Chiefs, come here. Please trouble yourselves to tell your Great Sage: I am a heavenly envoy sent by the Supreme Emperor, with a sacred decree inviting him.” The demons ran in at once to report. “There’s an old man outside. He says he’s an envoy from the upper realm, with a decree inviting you.” Wukong said, “Good that he’s come, good that he’s come! It must be the Venus Star who came last time. When he invited me to the upper realm then, the office was disgraceful, but at least I made one trip to Heaven and learned the way in and out of its gate. If he’s come again now, he must mean well.” He ordered the chiefs to bring out the banners and drums and form ranks to welcome their guest. The Great Sage led the monkeys out at once, wearing his crown and armour, with the yellow-ochre robe over his armour and cloud-treading shoes on his feet. He hurried out of the cave entrance, bent in a bow and called, “Venerable star, please come in! Forgive me for failing to meet you sooner.”
金星趨步向前，徑入洞內，面南立著道：「今告大聖：前者因大聖嫌惡官小，躲離御馬監，當有本監中大小官員奏了玉帝。玉帝傳旨道：『凡授官職，皆由卑而尊，為何嫌小？』即有李天王領哪吒下界取戰。不知大聖神通，故遭敗北，回天奏道：『大聖立一竿旗，要做齊天大聖。眾武將還要支吾，是老漢力為大聖冒罪奏聞，免興師旅，請大王授籙。玉帝准奏，因此來請。」悟空笑道：「前番動勞，今又蒙愛，多謝，多謝！但不知上天可與我齊天大聖之官銜也？」金星道：「老漢以此銜奏准，方敢領旨而來；如有不遂，只坐罪老漢便是。」
金星趋步向前，径入洞内，面南立着道：「今告大圣：前者因大圣嫌恶官小，躲离御马监，当有本监中大小官员奏了玉帝。玉帝传旨道：『凡授官职，皆由卑而尊，为何嫌小？』即有李天王领哪吒下界取战。不知大圣神通，故遭败北，回天奏道：『大圣立一竿旗，要做齐天大圣。众武将还要支吾，是老汉力为大圣冒罪奏闻，免兴师旅，请大王授箓。玉帝准奏，因此来请。」悟空笑道：「前番动劳，今又蒙爱，多谢，多谢！但不知上天可与我齐天大圣之官衔也？」金星道：「老汉以此衔奏准，方敢领旨而来；如有不遂，只坐罪老汉便是。」
The Venus Star hurried forward and went straight into the cave. Standing facing south, he said, “Let me tell the Great Sage what has happened. When the Great Sage was displeased with the smallness of his office and left the Imperial Stables, the officials there, high and low, reported it to the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor decreed, ‘Everyone appointed to office rises from a low post to a high one. Why complain that it is small?’ Then Heavenly King Li led Nezha down to do battle. They did not know the Great Sage’s divine powers and so were defeated. Back in Heaven, they reported, ‘The Great Sage has put up a banner and wants to be Great Sage Equal to Heaven.’ The military commanders still wished to oppose you. It was this old man who risked punishment to plead the Great Sage’s case before the throne, so that there would be no further campaign and our Great King could be invested with his title. The Jade Emperor approved the plea, and that is why I have come to invite you.” Wukong smiled. “You took the trouble last time, and now you show me kindness again. Thank you, thank you! But will Heaven give me the title Great Sage Equal to Heaven?” The Venus Star said, “This old man obtained approval for that very title before daring to bring the decree here. If anything falls short of your wishes, hold this old man alone to account.”
悟空大喜，懇留飲宴不肯，遂與金星縱著祥雲，到南天門外。那些天丁天將都拱手相迎。徑入靈霄殿下。金星拜奏道：「臣奉詔宣弼馬溫孫悟空已到。」玉帝道：「那孫悟空過來，今宣你做個齊天大聖，官品極矣，但切不可胡為。」這猴亦止朝上唱個喏，道聲「謝恩」。玉帝即命工幹官張、魯二班，在蟠桃園右首，起一座齊天大聖府，府內設個二司：一名安靜司，一名寧神司。司俱有仙吏，左右扶持。又差五斗星君送悟空去到任，外賜御酒二瓶，金花十朵，著他安心定志，再勿胡為。
悟空大喜，恳留饮宴不肯，遂与金星纵着祥云，到南天门外。那些天丁天将都拱手相迎。径入灵霄殿下。金星拜奏道：「臣奉诏宣弼马温孙悟空已到。」玉帝道：「那孙悟空过来，今宣你做个齐天大圣，官品极矣，但切不可胡为。」这猴亦止朝上唱个喏，道声「谢恩」。玉帝即命工干官张、鲁二班，在蟠桃园右首，起一座齐天大圣府，府内设个二司：一名安静司，一名宁神司。司俱有仙吏，左右扶持。又差五斗星君送悟空去到任，外赐御酒二瓶，金花十朵，着他安心定志，再勿胡为。
Wukong was delighted. He begged the Venus Star to stay for a feast, but the star refused, so together they rose on auspicious clouds and came to the Southern Gate of Heaven. The heavenly soldiers and generals all greeted them with clasped hands. They went straight before the Hall of Divine Mists. The Venus Star bowed and reported, “Your servant obeyed the decree and summoned Sun Wukong, Keeper of the Horses. He has arrived.” The Jade Emperor said, “Come forward, Sun Wukong. We now proclaim you Great Sage Equal to Heaven, the highest of official ranks. But you must on no account behave recklessly.” This monkey still did no more than make a bow toward the throne and say, “Thank you for your grace.” The Jade Emperor at once ordered the construction officers Zhang Ban and Lu Ban to build a Residence of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven to the right of the Peach Garden. Within it they established two offices, one called the Office of Quiet and the other the Office of Calming the Spirit. Each had immortal clerks to attend him on either side. He also sent the Star Lords of the Five Dippers to escort Wukong to his post, and bestowed two bottles of imperial wine and ten golden flowers, telling him to settle his heart, steady his mind and behave recklessly no more.
那猴王信受奉行，即日與五斗星君到府，打開酒瓶，同眾盡飲。送星官回轉本宮，他才遂心滿意，喜地歡天，在於天宮快樂，無掛無礙。正是：
仙名永注長生籙，不墮輪迴萬古傳。
那猴王信受奉行，即日与五斗星君到府，打开酒瓶，同众尽饮。送星官回转本宫，他才遂心满意，喜地欢天，在于天宫快乐，无挂无碍。正是：
仙名永注长生箓，不堕轮回万古传。
The Monkey King accepted these words in good faith and obeyed them. That same day he went to his residence with the Star Lords of the Five Dippers, opened the wine bottles and drank them dry with everyone. After seeing the star officers back to their own palaces, he had at last got what he wanted. Delighted beyond measure, he lived happily in the Heavenly Palace, without a care or hindrance. Truly:
His immortal name is entered for ever in the Register of Long Life;free from the cycle of rebirth, he will be known through all the ages.
畢竟不知向後如何，且聽下回分解。
毕竟不知向后如何，且听下回分解。
What would happen after this? To learn what happened next, read the next chapter.