話表齊天大聖到底是個妖猴，更不知官銜品從，也不較俸祿高低，但只註名便了。那齊天府下二司仙吏，早晚伏侍，只知日食三餐，夜眠一榻，無事牽縈，自由自在。閑時節會友遊宮，交朋結義。見三清稱個「老」字，逢四帝道個「陛下」。與那九曜星、五方將、二十八宿、四大天王、十二元辰、五方五老、普天星相、河漢群神，俱只以弟兄相待，彼此稱呼。今日東遊，明日西蕩，雲去雲來，行蹤不定。
话表齐天大圣到底是个妖猴，更不知官衔品从，也不较俸禄高低，但只注名便了。那齐天府下二司仙吏，早晚伏侍，只知日食三餐，夜眠一榻，无事牵萦，自由自在。闲时节会友游宫，交朋结义。见三清称个「老」字，逢四帝道个「陛下」。与那九曜星、五方将、二十八宿、四大天王、十二元辰、五方五老、普天星相、河汉群神，俱只以弟兄相待，彼此称呼。今日东游，明日西荡，云去云来，行踪不定。
Now, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven was, after all, a demon monkey. He knew nothing of official titles and ranks, cared nothing whether his salary was high or low, and was satisfied just to have his name entered on the rolls. The immortal clerks of the two offices in his residence attended him morning and evening. All he knew was three meals a day and a bed at night, with no business to trouble him, free to do as he pleased. In his idle hours he visited friends and wandered through the palaces, making companions and sworn brothers. When he met the Three Pure Ones, he addressed them as ‘Venerable’; when he met the Four Emperors, he called them ‘Your Majesty’. The Nine Luminaries, the Generals of the Five Directions, the Twenty-eight Lunar Mansions, the Four Heavenly Kings, the Twelve Original Stars, the Five Elders of the Five Directions, all the star deities of Heaven and the gods of the Milky Way — he treated them all as brothers, and that was how they addressed one another. Today he roamed east, tomorrow he wandered west, coming and going on his clouds, with no fixed course.
一日，玉帝早朝，班部中閃出許旌陽真人，頫顖啟奏道：「今有齊天大聖無事閑遊，結交天上眾星宿，不論高低，俱稱朋友，恐後閑中生事。不若與他一件事管，庶免別生事端。」玉帝聞言，即時宣詔。那猴王欣欣然而至，道：「陛下，詔老孫有何陞賞？」玉帝道：「朕見你身閑無事，與你件執事：你且權管那蟠桃園，早晚好生在意。」大聖歡喜謝恩，朝上唱喏而退。
一日，玉帝早朝，班部中闪出许旌阳真人，𫖯顖启奏道：「今有齐天大圣无事闲游，结交天上众星宿，不论高低，俱称朋友，恐后闲中生事。不若与他一件事管，庶免别生事端。」玉帝闻言，即时宣诏。那猴王欣欣然而至，道：「陛下，诏老孙有何升赏？」玉帝道：「朕见你身闲无事，与你件执事：你且权管那蟠桃园，早晚好生在意。」大圣欢喜谢恩，朝上唱喏而退。
One day, at the Jade Emperor’s morning audience, the Perfected One Xu Jingyang stepped out from the ranks, bowed his head and addressed the throne. “The Great Sage Equal to Heaven now spends his time wandering at leisure, making friends with the stars of Heaven. High or low, he calls them all his friends. I fear that idleness may lead him into mischief. Better to give him something to manage, so that he will cause no further trouble.” At these words the Jade Emperor sent for him at once. The Monkey King came in beaming. “Your Majesty, what promotion or reward have you summoned Old Sun for?” The Jade Emperor said, “We see that you have nothing to occupy you, so We will give you a duty. For the time being, take charge of the Peach Garden, and tend to it carefully morning and evening.” Delighted, the Great Sage thanked him for his grace, made a bow toward the throne and withdrew.
他等不得窮忙，即入蟠桃園內查勘。本園中有個土地攔住問道：「大聖何往？」大聖道：「吾奉玉帝點差，代管蟠桃園，今來查勘也。」那土地連忙施禮，即呼那一班鋤樹力士、運水力士、修桃力士、打掃力士都來見大聖磕頭，引他進去。但見那：
夭夭灼灼，顆顆株株。夭夭灼灼花盈樹，顆顆株株果壓枝。果壓枝頭垂錦彈；花盈樹上簇胭脂。時開時結千年熟，無夏無冬萬載遲。先熟的，酡顏醉臉；還生的，帶蒂青皮。凝煙肌帶綠，映日顯丹姿。樹下奇葩並異卉，四時不謝色齊齊；左右樓臺並館舍，盈空常見罩雲霓。不是玄都凡俗種，瑤池王母自栽培。
他等不得穷忙，即入蟠桃园内查勘。本园中有个土地拦住问道：「大圣何往？」大圣道：「吾奉玉帝点差，代管蟠桃园，今来查勘也。」那土地连忙施礼，即呼那一班锄树力士、运水力士、修桃力士、打扫力士都来见大圣磕头，引他进去。但见那：
夭夭灼灼，颗颗株株。夭夭灼灼花盈树，颗颗株株果压枝。果压枝头垂锦弹；花盈树上簇胭脂。时开时结千年熟，无夏无冬万载迟。先熟的，酡颜醉脸；还生的，带蒂青皮。凝烟肌带绿，映日显丹姿。树下奇葩并异卉，四时不谢色齐齐；左右楼台并馆舍，盈空常见罩云霓。不是玄都凡俗种，瑶池王母自栽培。
He could hardly wait and hurried into the Peach Garden to inspect it. The garden’s local earth god stopped him and asked, “Where are you going, Great Sage?” The Great Sage said, “The Jade Emperor has appointed me to take charge of the Peach Garden. I’ve come to inspect it.” The earth god hastily bowed, then called the tree-hoeing strongmen, the water-carrying strongmen, the peach-tending strongmen and the sweeping strongmen to come and kowtow to the Great Sage. He led him inside. This is what he saw:
Lush and glowing,fruit upon fruit, tree upon tree.Lush and glowing, blossoms fill the trees;fruit upon fruit weighs down their branches.From laden boughs hang balls of brocade;over flowering trees cluster patches of rouge.They blossom and bear in their own time, ripening after a thousand years;with neither summer nor winter, they linger for ten thousand years.Those first to ripenhave tipsy cheeks and drunken faces;those still unripehave green skins and stalks attached.Wreathed in mist, their flesh wears green;lit by the sun, their crimson beauty shows.Beneath the trees are wondrous flowers and strange plants,their colours bright and unfading through all four seasons;on either side are towers, terraces and lodges,with clouds and rainbows ever veiling the sky above.These are no common trees of Xuandu:the Queen Mother of the West at the Jade Pool tends them herself.
大聖看玩多時，問土地道：「此樹有多少株數？」土地道：「有三千六百株：前面一千二百株，花微果小，三千年一熟，人吃了成仙了道，體健身輕；中間一千二百株，層花甘實，六千年一熟，人吃了霞舉飛昇，長生不老；後面一千二百株，紫紋緗核，九千年一熟，人吃了與天地齊壽，日月同庚。」大聖聞言，歡喜無任。當日查明了株樹，點看了亭閣，回府。自此後，三五日一次賞玩，也不交友，也不他遊。
大圣看玩多时，问土地道：「此树有多少株数？」土地道：「有三千六百株：前面一千二百株，花微果小，三千年一熟，人吃了成仙了道，体健身轻；中间一千二百株，层花甘实，六千年一熟，人吃了霞举飞升，长生不老；后面一千二百株，紫纹缃核，九千年一熟，人吃了与天地齐寿，日月同庚。」大圣闻言，欢喜无任。当日查明了株树，点看了亭阁，回府。自此后，三五日一次赏玩，也不交友，也不他游。
The Great Sage admired the sights for some time, then asked the earth god, “How many trees are there?” The earth god said, “Three thousand six hundred. The twelve hundred at the front have delicate flowers and small fruit, which ripens once in three thousand years. Anyone who eats it becomes an immortal and attains the Way, strong in body and light of limb. The twelve hundred in the middle have thickly clustered flowers and sweet fruit, which ripens once in six thousand years. Anyone who eats it rises through the rosy clouds and ascends to Heaven, living for ever without growing old. The twelve hundred at the back have purple markings and pale yellow stones, and ripen once in nine thousand years. Anyone who eats them lives as long as heaven and earth, as many years as the sun and moon.” The Great Sage was delighted beyond measure. That day he checked the trees and inspected the pavilions, then returned to his residence. From then on he went to admire the garden every three or five days, making no more visits to friends and wandering nowhere else.
一日，見那老樹枝頭，桃熟大半。他心裡要吃個嘗新，奈何本園土地、力士並齊天府仙吏緊隨不便。忽設一計道：「汝等且出門外伺候，讓我在這亭上少憩片時。」那眾仙果退。只見那猴王脫了冠服，爬上大樹，揀那熟透的大桃，摘了許多，就在樹枝上自在受用。吃了一飽，卻才跳下樹來，簪冠著服，喚眾等儀從回府。遲三二日，又去設法偷桃，儘他享用。
一日，见那老树枝头，桃熟大半。他心里要吃个尝新，奈何本园土地、力士并齐天府仙吏紧随不便。忽设一计道：「汝等且出门外伺候，让我在这亭上少憩片时。」那众仙果退。只见那猴王脱了冠服，爬上大树，拣那熟透的大桃，摘了许多，就在树枝上自在受用。吃了一饱，却才跳下树来，簪冠着服，唤众等仪从回府。迟三二日，又去设法偷桃，尽他享用。
One day he saw that most of the peaches on the old trees were ripe. He longed for a taste of the new fruit, but the garden’s earth god and strongmen, together with the immortal clerks from his residence, followed him too closely for him to get at it. Suddenly he hit on a plan. “Wait outside the gate, all of you. Let me rest here in the pavilion for a little while.” Sure enough, the immortals withdrew. The Monkey King took off his cap and robes, climbed a great tree, chose the largest, ripest peaches and picked a good many of them. There on the branch he enjoyed them at his ease. Only when he had eaten his fill did he jump down, pin his cap in place, put on his robes and call his attendants to escort him home. Two or three days later he went back and found another way to steal peaches, helping himself to his heart’s content.
一朝，王母娘娘設宴，大開寶閣，瑤池中做蟠桃勝會。即著那紅衣仙女、青衣仙女、素衣仙女、皂衣仙女、紫衣仙女、黃衣仙女、綠衣仙女各頂花籃，去蟠桃園摘桃建會。七衣仙女直至園門首，只見蟠桃園土地、力士同齊天府二司仙吏，都在那裡把門。仙女近前道：「我等奉王母懿旨，到此摘桃設宴。」土地道：「仙娥且住。今歲不比往年了，玉帝點差齊天大聖在此督理，須是報大聖得知，方敢開園。」仙女道：「大聖何在？」土地道：「大聖在園內，因困倦，自家在亭子上睡哩。」仙女道：「既如此，尋他去來，不可遲誤。」土地即與同進。尋至花亭不見，只有衣冠在亭，不知何往，四下裡都沒尋處。原來大聖耍了一會，吃了幾個桃子，變做二寸長的個人兒，在那大樹梢頭濃葉之下睡著了。七衣仙女道：「我等奉旨前來，尋不見大聖，怎敢空回？」傍有仙使道：「仙娥既奉旨來，不必遲疑。我大聖閑遊慣了，想是出園會友去了。汝等且去摘桃，我們替你回話便是。」
一朝，王母娘娘设宴，大开宝阁，瑶池中做蟠桃胜会。即着那红衣仙女、青衣仙女、素衣仙女、皂衣仙女、紫衣仙女、黄衣仙女、绿衣仙女各顶花篮，去蟠桃园摘桃建会。七衣仙女直至园门首，只见蟠桃园土地、力士同齐天府二司仙吏，都在那里把门。仙女近前道：「我等奉王母懿旨，到此摘桃设宴。」土地道：「仙娥且住。今岁不比往年了，玉帝点差齐天大圣在此督理，须是报大圣得知，方敢开园。」仙女道：「大圣何在？」土地道：「大圣在园内，因困倦，自家在亭子上睡哩。」仙女道：「既如此，寻他去来，不可迟误。」土地即与同进。寻至花亭不见，只有衣冠在亭，不知何往，四下里都没寻处。原来大圣耍了一会，吃了几个桃子，变做二寸长的个人儿，在那大树梢头浓叶之下睡着了。七衣仙女道：「我等奉旨前来，寻不见大圣，怎敢空回？」傍有仙使道：「仙娥既奉旨来，不必迟疑。我大圣闲游惯了，想是出园会友去了。汝等且去摘桃，我们替你回话便是。」
One morning the Queen Mother of the West prepared a feast, threw open her precious pavilion and held the grand Peach Banquet at the Jade Pool. She sent the immortal maidens in red, blue, white, black, purple, yellow and green, each with a flower basket balanced on her head, to pick peaches for the feast. The seven robed immortal maidens came straight to the garden gate. There they found the Peach Garden’s earth god and strongmen, together with the immortal clerks of the two offices in the Great Sage’s residence, all guarding the entrance. The maidens approached. “We have come by the Queen Mother’s gracious decree to pick peaches for the banquet.” The earth god said, “Wait, immortal maidens. This year is different from other years. The Jade Emperor has appointed the Great Sage Equal to Heaven to manage the garden. We dare not open it until he has been informed.” The maidens asked, “Where is the Great Sage?” The earth god said, “He’s in the garden. He grew tired and is sleeping by himself in the pavilion.” The maidens said, “Then let’s go and find him. We mustn’t be late.” The earth god went in with them. They searched the flower pavilion, but he was not there. Only his robes and cap remained. No one knew where he had gone, and there was no sign of him anywhere. In fact, after playing about and eating a few peaches, the Great Sage had changed himself into a little figure two inches tall and gone to sleep beneath the thick leaves at the top of a great tree. The seven robed immortal maidens said, “We’ve come by decree. If we can’t find the Great Sage, how dare we go back empty-handed?” An immortal attendant nearby said, “Since you have come by decree, maidens, there’s no need to hesitate. Our Great Sage is used to wandering about. I expect he’s left the garden to visit friends. Go and pick the peaches. We’ll explain to him for you.”
那仙女依言，入樹林之下摘桃：先在前樹摘了二籃，又在中樹摘了三籃，到後樹上摘取，只見那樹上花果稀疏，止有幾個毛蒂青皮的。原來熟的都是猴王吃了。七仙女張望東西，只見向南枝上止有一個半紅半白的桃子。青衣女用手扯下枝來，紅衣女摘了，卻將枝子望上一放。
那仙女依言，入树林之下摘桃：先在前树摘了二篮，又在中树摘了三篮，到后树上摘取，只见那树上花果稀疏，止有几个毛蒂青皮的。原来熟的都是猴王吃了。七仙女张望东西，只见向南枝上止有一个半红半白的桃子。青衣女用手扯下枝来，红衣女摘了，却将枝子望上一放。
The maidens did as he said and went among the trees to pick peaches. First they filled two baskets from the trees at the front, then three from those in the middle. When they reached the trees at the back, they found only scattered flowers and fruit, with just a few fuzzy-stemmed, green-skinned peaches remaining. The Monkey King had eaten all the ripe ones. The seven maidens looked this way and that and saw a single peach, half red and half white, on a south-facing branch. The maiden in blue pulled the branch down with her hand, and the maiden in red picked the peach and let the branch spring back up.
原來那大聖變化了，正睡在此枝，被他驚醒。大聖即現本相，耳朵內掣出金箍棒，幌一幌，碗來粗細，咄的一聲道：「你是那方怪物，敢大膽偷摘我桃。」慌得那七仙女一齊跪下道：「大聖息怒。我等不是妖怪，乃王母娘娘差來的七衣仙女，摘取仙桃，大開寶閣，做蟠桃勝會。適至此間，先見了本園土地等神，尋大聖不見。我等恐遲了王母懿旨，是以等不得大聖，故先在此摘桃。萬望恕罪。」大聖聞言，回嗔作喜道：「仙娥請起。王母開閣設宴，請的是誰？」仙女道：「上會自有舊規，請的是西天佛老、菩薩、聖僧、羅漢，南方南極觀音，東方崇恩聖帝、十洲三島仙翁，北方北極玄靈，中央黃極黃角大仙，這個是五方五老。還有五斗星君，上八洞三清、四帝、太乙天仙等眾，中八洞玉皇、九壘、海嶽神仙，下八洞幽冥教主、注世地仙，各宮各殿大小尊神，俱一齊赴蟠桃嘉會。」大聖笑道：「可請我麼？」仙女道：「不曾聽得說。」大聖道：「我乃齊天大聖，就請我老孫做個席尊，有何不可？」仙女道：「此是上會舊規，今會不知如何。」大聖道：「此言也是，難怪汝等。你且立下，待老孫先去打聽個消息，看可請老孫不請。」
原来那大圣变化了，正睡在此枝，被他惊醒。大圣即现本相，耳朵内掣出金箍棒，幌一幌，碗来粗细，咄的一声道：「你是那方怪物，敢大胆偷摘我桃。」慌得那七仙女一齐跪下道：「大圣息怒。我等不是妖怪，乃王母娘娘差来的七衣仙女，摘取仙桃，大开宝阁，做蟠桃胜会。适至此间，先见了本园土地等神，寻大圣不见。我等恐迟了王母懿旨，是以等不得大圣，故先在此摘桃。万望恕罪。」大圣闻言，回嗔作喜道：「仙娥请起。王母开阁设宴，请的是谁？」仙女道：「上会自有旧规，请的是西天佛老、菩萨、圣僧、罗汉，南方南极观音，东方崇恩圣帝、十洲三岛仙翁，北方北极玄灵，中央黄极黄角大仙，这个是五方五老。还有五斗星君，上八洞三清、四帝、太乙天仙等众，中八洞玉皇、九垒、海岳神仙，下八洞幽冥教主、注世地仙，各宫各殿大小尊神，俱一齐赴蟠桃嘉会。」大圣笑道：「可请我么？」仙女道：「不曾听得说。」大圣道：「我乃齐天大圣，就请我老孙做个席尊，有何不可？」仙女道：「此是上会旧规，今会不知如何。」大圣道：「此言也是，难怪汝等。你且立下，待老孙先去打听个消息，看可请老孙不请。」
Now the Great Sage, in his changed form, was asleep on that very branch, and they woke him. He immediately resumed his true appearance, pulled the gold-banded cudgel from his ear and shook it until it was as thick as a bowl. “Hey!” he shouted. “What monsters are you, and where have you come from? How dare you steal my peaches?” In terror, all seven maidens dropped to their knees. “Calm yourself, Great Sage. We aren’t demons. We are the seven robed immortal maidens sent by the Queen Mother of the West to pick immortal peaches for the grand Peach Banquet in her precious pavilion. When we arrived, we first met the garden’s earth god and the other gods, but we couldn’t find you. We feared delaying the Queen Mother’s gracious decree, so we could not wait for you and began picking the peaches. We beg you to forgive us.” At this the Great Sage’s anger turned to pleasure. “Please get up, immortal maidens. Who has the Queen Mother invited to this feast in her pavilion?” The maidens said, “The invitations follow the established custom. From the Western Heaven come the venerable Tathagata Buddha, the Bodhisattvas, the holy monks and the arhats; from the south, Guanyin of the Southern Pole; from the east, the Holy Emperor of Revered Grace and the immortal elders of the Ten Isles and the Three Islands; from the north, the Mysterious Spirit of the Northern Pole; from the centre, the Great Immortal Yellow Horn of the Yellow Pole. These are the Five Elders of the Five Directions. There are also the Star Lords of the Five Dippers; from the Upper Eight Caves, the Three Pure Ones, the Four Emperors, the Heavenly Immortals of Great Unity and the rest; from the Middle Eight Caves, the Jade Emperor, the Nine Earthworks and the immortals of the seas and mountains; from the Lower Eight Caves, the Lord of the Underworld’s Teaching and the earthly immortals who watch over the world. Great and small, the honoured gods of every palace and hall all attend the splendid Peach Banquet.” The Great Sage smiled. “Am I invited?” The maidens said, “We haven’t heard that you are.” The Great Sage said, “I’m the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. What would be wrong with asking Old Sun to sit at the head of the table?” The maidens said, “That is the established custom for the banquet. We don’t know how things will be arranged this time.” The Great Sage said, “Fair enough. I can’t blame you. Just stand here while Old Sun goes to make a few inquiries and finds out whether he’s invited or not.”
好大聖，捻著訣，念聲咒語，對眾仙女道：「住！住！住！」這原來是個定身法，把那七衣仙女，一個個睖睖睜睜，白著眼，都站在桃樹之下。大聖縱朵祥雲，跳出園內，竟奔瑤池路上而去。正行時，只見那壁廂：
一天瑞靄光搖曳，五色祥雲飛不絕。白鶴聲鳴振九皋，紫芝色秀分千葉。中間現出一尊仙，相貌天然丰采別。神舞虹霓幌漢霄，腰懸寶籙無生滅。名稱赤腳大羅仙，特赴蟠桃添壽節。
好大圣，捻着诀，念声咒语，对众仙女道：「住！住！住！」这原来是个定身法，把那七衣仙女，一个个睖睖睁睁，白着眼，都站在桃树之下。大圣纵朵祥云，跳出园内，竟奔瑶池路上而去。正行时，只见那壁厢：
一天瑞霭光摇曳，五色祥云飞不绝。白鹤声鸣振九皋，紫芝色秀分千叶。中间现出一尊仙，相貌天然丰采别。神舞虹霓幌汉霄，腰悬宝箓无生灭。名称赤脚大罗仙，特赴蟠桃添寿节。
Our fine Great Sage made a magic sign with his fingers, recited a spell and said to the maidens, “Stay! Stay! Stay!” This was an immobilizing spell. It left all seven robed immortal maidens standing under the peach trees, each staring blankly with the whites of her eyes showing. The Great Sage sprang onto an auspicious cloud, leaped out of the garden and went straight along the road to the Jade Pool. As he travelled, this is what he saw off to one side:
A sky of blessed vapour shimmers with light;five-coloured auspicious clouds stream past without end.White cranes cry across the nine marshes;purple lingzhi spreads a thousand lovely leaves.Amid them appears an immortal,with a face of natural distinction and a bearing all his own.His divine splendour makes rainbows dance across the starry sky;at his waist hangs a sacred register of freedom from birth and death.He is called the Barefoot Great Luo Immortal,bound for the Peach Banquet to add to his years.
那赤腳大仙覿面撞見大聖，大聖低頭定計，賺哄真仙，他要暗去赴會，卻問：「老道何往？」大仙道：「蒙王母見招，去赴蟠桃嘉會。」大聖道：「老道不知。玉帝因老孫觔斗雲疾，著老孫五路邀請列位，先至通明殿下演禮，後方去赴宴。」大仙是個光明正大之人，就以他的誑語作真，道：「常年就在瑤池演禮謝恩，如何先去通明殿演禮，方去瑤池赴會？」無奈，只得撥轉祥雲，徑往通明殿去了。
那赤脚大仙觌面撞见大圣，大圣低头定计，赚哄真仙，他要暗去赴会，却问：「老道何往？」大仙道：「蒙王母见招，去赴蟠桃嘉会。」大圣道：「老道不知。玉帝因老孙觔斗云疾，着老孙五路邀请列位，先至通明殿下演礼，后方去赴宴。」大仙是个光明正大之人，就以他的诳语作真，道：「常年就在瑶池演礼谢恩，如何先去通明殿演礼，方去瑶池赴会？」无奈，只得拨转祥云，径往通明殿去了。
The Barefoot Immortal met the Great Sage face to face. The Great Sage lowered his head and thought up a trick to deceive this true immortal, for he meant to slip into the banquet. He asked, “Where are you going, old Daoist?” The immortal said, “The Queen Mother has kindly invited me to the splendid Peach Banquet.” The Great Sage said, “You haven’t heard, old Daoist. Since Old Sun’s somersault cloud is so fast, the Jade Emperor has sent him to all five directions to invite everyone to rehearse the ceremony at the Hall of Clear Light before going on to the feast.” The immortal was an honest, straightforward man and took this lie for the truth. “Every year we perform the ceremony and give thanks at the Jade Pool. Why must we go to the Hall of Clear Light first, then to the Jade Pool for the banquet?” But there was nothing for it. He turned his auspicious cloud around and went straight to the Hall of Clear Light.
大聖駕著雲，念聲咒語，搖身一變，就變做赤腳大仙模樣，前奔瑤池。不多時，直至寶閣，按住雲頭，輕輕移步，走入裡面。只見那裡：
瓊香繚繞，瑞靄繽紛。瑤臺鋪彩結，寶閣散氤氳。鳳翥鸞翔形縹緲，金花玉萼影浮沉。上排著九鳳丹霞扆，八寶紫霓墩，五彩描金桌，千花碧玉盆。桌上有龍肝和鳳髓，熊掌與猩唇。珍饈百味般般美，異果嘉殽色色新。
大圣驾着云，念声咒语，摇身一变，就变做赤脚大仙模样，前奔瑶池。不多时，直至宝阁，按住云头，轻轻移步，走入里面。只见那里：
琼香缭绕，瑞霭缤纷。瑶台铺彩结，宝阁散氤氲。凤翥鸾翔形缥缈，金花玉萼影浮沉。上排着九凤丹霞扆，八宝紫霓墩，五彩描金桌，千花碧玉盆。桌上有龙肝和凤髓，熊掌与猩唇。珍馐百味般般美，异果嘉殽色色新。
Riding his cloud, the Great Sage recited a spell, shook himself and took on the appearance of the Barefoot Immortal. He sped toward the Jade Pool. Before long he reached the precious pavilion, lowered his cloud and walked softly inside. This is what he saw:
Precious fragrance curls in the air;blessed vapours mingle in a blaze of colour.The jade terrace is hung with coloured knots;the precious pavilion breathes out mist.Phoenixes rise and luan birds soar, their forms faint and drifting;golden flowers and jade calyxes float in and out of view.At the head stands a crimson-cloud screen adorned with nine phoenixes, with purple-rainbow stools bearing the eight treasures, five-coloured tables traced in gold and green jade bowls patterned with a thousand flowers.On the tables are dragon liver and phoenix marrow,bear paws and ape lips.A hundred flavours of rare delicacies, each one exquisite;strange fruits and fine dishes, each kind fresh.
那裡鋪設得齊齊整整，卻還未有仙來。
那里铺设得齐齐整整，却还未有仙来。
Everything was laid out in perfect order, but not a single immortal had arrived.
這大聖點看不盡，忽聞得一陣酒香撲鼻。忽轉頭，見右壁廂長廊之下，有幾個造酒的仙官、盤糟的力士，領幾個運水的道人、燒火的童子，在那裡洗缸刷甕，已造成了玉液瓊漿，香醪佳釀。大聖止不住口角流涎，就要去吃，奈何那些人都在這裡。他就弄個神通，把毫毛拔下幾根，丟入口中嚼碎，噴將出去，念聲咒語，叫：「變！」即變做幾個瞌睡蟲，奔在眾人臉上。你看那夥人，手軟頭低，閉眉合眼，丟了執事，都去盹睡。大聖卻拿了些百味八珍，佳殽異品，走入長廊裡面，就著缸，挨著甕，放開量，痛飲一番。吃勾了多時，酕醄醉了。自揣自摸道：「不好，不好！再過會，請的客來，卻不怪我？一時拿住，怎生是好？不如早回府中睡去也。」
这大圣点看不尽，忽闻得一阵酒香扑鼻。忽转头，见右壁厢长廊之下，有几个造酒的仙官、盘糟的力士，领几个运水的道人、烧火的童子，在那里洗缸刷瓮，已造成了玉液琼浆，香醪佳酿。大圣止不住口角流涎，就要去吃，奈何那些人都在这里。他就弄个神通，把毫毛拔下几根，丢入口中嚼碎，喷将出去，念声咒语，叫：「变！」即变做几个瞌睡虫，奔在众人脸上。你看那伙人，手软头低，闭眉合眼，丢了执事，都去盹睡。大圣却拿了些百味八珍，佳殽异品，走入长廊里面，就着缸，挨着瓮，放开量，痛饮一番。吃勾了多时，酕醄醉了。自揣自摸道：「不好，不好！再过会，请的客来，却不怪我？一时拿住，怎生是好？不如早回府中睡去也。」
The Great Sage had not finished looking when a wave of wine fragrance suddenly struck his nose. He turned his head and saw, beneath the long gallery to his right, several immortal brewing officers and strongmen who worked the mash. With Daoists to carry water and boys to tend the fires, they were washing vats and scrubbing jars. They had already made their jade nectar and precious wine, fragrant brews of the finest kind. The Great Sage could not stop his mouth from watering. He wanted a drink, but all those people were there. So he worked a little magic. He plucked a few hairs, threw them into his mouth, chewed them up and spat them out. Reciting a spell, he cried, “Change!” They became drowsiness bugs and flew onto everyone’s face. Look at them! Their hands went slack, their heads drooped, their brows relaxed and their eyes closed. They dropped their work and all fell asleep. The Great Sage took some of the hundred flavours and eight delicacies, fine dishes and rare treats, and went into the long gallery. Beside the vats and jars, he let himself go and drank his fill. After drinking for a good while he was thoroughly, helplessly drunk. He felt himself over and thought, “This is bad, bad! In a little while the invited guests will arrive. Won’t they blame me? If they catch me, what am I to do? Better get back to my residence and sleep.”
好大聖，搖搖擺擺，仗著酒，任情亂撞。一會把路差了，不是齊天府，卻是兜率天宮。一見了，頓然醒悟道：「兜率宮是三十三天之上，乃離恨天太上老君之處，如何錯到此間？也罷，也罷，一向要來望此老，不曾得來，今趁此殘步，就望他一望也好。」即整衣撞進去，那裡不見老君，四無人跡。原來那老君與燃燈古佛在三層高閣朱陵丹臺上講道，眾仙童、仙將、仙官、仙吏都侍立左右聽講。這大聖直至丹房裡面，尋訪不遇。但見丹灶之傍，爐中有火。爐左右安放著五個葫蘆，葫蘆裡都是煉就的金丹。大聖喜道：「此物乃仙家之至寶。老孫自了道以來，識破了內外相同之理，也要煉些金丹濟人，不期到家無暇。今日有緣，卻又撞著此物。趁老子不在，等我吃他幾丸嘗新。」他就把那葫蘆都傾出來，就都吃了，如吃炒豆相似。
好大圣，摇摇摆摆，仗着酒，任情乱撞。一会把路差了，不是齐天府，却是兜率天宫。一见了，顿然醒悟道：「兜率宫是三十三天之上，乃离恨天太上老君之处，如何错到此间？也罢，也罢，一向要来望此老，不曾得来，今趁此残步，就望他一望也好。」即整衣撞进去，那里不见老君，四无人迹。原来那老君与燃灯古佛在三层高阁朱陵丹台上讲道，众仙童、仙将、仙官、仙吏都侍立左右听讲。这大圣直至丹房里面，寻访不遇。但见丹灶之傍，炉中有火。炉左右安放着五个葫芦，葫芦里都是炼就的金丹。大圣喜道：「此物乃仙家之至宝。老孙自了道以来，识破了内外相同之理，也要炼些金丹济人，不期到家无暇。今日有缘，却又撞着此物。趁老子不在，等我吃他几丸尝新。」他就把那葫芦都倾出来，就都吃了，如吃炒豆相似。
Our fine Great Sage staggered and swayed, letting the wine carry him wherever he pleased. Before long he lost his way. Instead of his own residence, he came to the Tushita Palace. At the sight of it he suddenly collected himself. “The Tushita Palace is above the Thirty-three Heavens, where Lord Lao the Most High lives in the Heaven of Parting Sorrow. How did I go astray and end up here? Well, never mind, never mind. I’ve always wanted to visit this old fellow but never had the chance. Since my wandering feet have brought me here, I may as well look in on him.” He straightened his clothes and barged inside, but Lord Lao was nowhere to be seen, nor was there anyone else about. In fact, Lord Lao and Dipamkara, the Ancient Buddha, were expounding the Way on the Vermilion Mound Elixir Terrace in a three-storey tower. The immortal boys, generals, officers and clerks were all standing on either side, listening. The Great Sage went straight into the elixir chamber, but found no one there to visit. Beside the alchemical hearth, however, a fire burned in the furnace. Five gourds stood to either side of it, all filled with finished golden elixir pills. The Great Sage was delighted. “These are the immortals’ greatest treasure. Ever since Old Sun attained the Way and understood that the inner and outer workings follow the same principle, he’s wanted to refine some golden elixir to help others. But once he got home, there was no time. Today fate has brought him straight to it! While the old fellow’s away, let me eat a few pills and try the fresh batch.” He tipped out every gourd and ate the lot, just as if they were roasted beans.
一時間，丹滿酒醒。又自己揣度道：「不好，不好！這場禍比天還大，若驚動玉帝，性命難存。走，走，走，不如下界為王去也。」他就跑出兜率宮，不行舊路，從西天門，使個隱身法逃去。即按雲頭，回至花果山界。但見那旌旗閃灼，戈戟光輝，原來是四健將與七十二洞妖王，在那裡演習武藝。大聖高叫道：「小的們，我來也！」眾怪丟了器械，跪倒道：「大聖好寬心，丟下我等許久，不來相顧。」大聖道：「沒多時，沒多時。」
一时间，丹满酒醒。又自己揣度道：「不好，不好！这场祸比天还大，若惊动玉帝，性命难存。走，走，走，不如下界为王去也。」他就跑出兜率宫，不行旧路，从西天门，使个隐身法逃去。即按云头，回至花果山界。但见那旌旗闪灼，戈戟光辉，原来是四健将与七十二洞妖王，在那里演习武艺。大圣高叫道：「小的们，我来也！」众怪丢了器械，跪倒道：「大圣好宽心，丢下我等许久，不来相顾。」大圣道：「没多时，没多时。」
Soon his belly was full of elixir and his drunkenness had cleared. He thought it over again. “This is bad, bad! The trouble I’ve made is bigger than Heaven. If the Jade Emperor hears of it, I won’t keep my life. Go, go, go! Better get back to the lower realm and be a king.” He ran out of the Tushita Palace, avoiding his old route, and escaped through the Western Gate of Heaven with a spell of invisibility. He lowered his cloud and returned to the territory of Flower-Fruit Mountain. There he saw banners flashing and spears and halberds shining. His four stalwart commanders and the demon kings of the seventy-two caves were practising their martial skills. The Great Sage called out, “Little ones, I’m back!” The demons dropped their weapons and fell to their knees. “You’ve been very carefree, Great Sage! You left us for so long and never came to see us.” The Great Sage said, “It hasn’t been long, hasn’t been long.”
且說且行，徑入洞天深處。四健將打掃安歇，叩頭禮拜畢，俱道：「大聖在天這百十年，實受何職？」大聖笑道：「我記得才半年光景，怎麼就說百十年話？」健將道：「在天一日，即在下方一年也。」大聖道：「且喜這番玉帝相愛，果封做齊天大聖，起一座齊天府，又設安靜、寧神二司，司設仙吏侍衛。向後見我無事，著我看管蟠桃園。近因王母娘娘設蟠桃大會，未曾請我，是我不待他請，先赴瑤池，把他那仙品、仙酒，都是我偷吃了。走出瑤池，踉踉蹡蹡誤入老君宮闕，又把他五個葫蘆金丹也偷吃了。但恐玉帝見罪，方才走出天門來也。」
且说且行，径入洞天深处。四健将打扫安歇，叩头礼拜毕，俱道：「大圣在天这百十年，实受何职？」大圣笑道：「我记得才半年光景，怎么就说百十年话？」健将道：「在天一日，即在下方一年也。」大圣道：「且喜这番玉帝相爱，果封做齐天大圣，起一座齐天府，又设安静、宁神二司，司设仙吏侍卫。向后见我无事，着我看管蟠桃园。近因王母娘娘设蟠桃大会，未曾请我，是我不待他请，先赴瑶池，把他那仙品、仙酒，都是我偷吃了。走出瑶池，踉踉蹡蹡误入老君宫阙，又把他五个葫芦金丹也偷吃了。但恐玉帝见罪，方才走出天门来也。」
Talking as they walked, they went straight into the depths of the cave paradise. The four stalwart commanders cleaned up a place for him to rest. When they had kowtowed and paid their respects, they asked, “What office did you actually hold during these hundred-odd years in Heaven, Great Sage?” The Great Sage laughed. “As I remember, it’s only been about half a year. How can you talk of a hundred-odd years?” The commanders said, “One day in Heaven is a year down below.” The Great Sage said, “Happily, the Jade Emperor was fond of me this time and really did appoint me Great Sage Equal to Heaven. He built me a residence and established two offices, the Office of Quiet and the Office of Calming the Spirit, with immortal clerks to attend and guard me. Later, seeing I had nothing to do, he put me in charge of the Peach Garden. Just recently the Queen Mother of the West held a grand Peach Banquet, but she didn’t invite me. So I didn’t wait for an invitation. I went to the Jade Pool ahead of everyone and stole their immortal food and wine, eating and drinking it all. When I left the Jade Pool, I staggered into Lord Lao’s palace by mistake and stole and ate his five gourds of golden elixir too. I was afraid the Jade Emperor would punish me, so I’ve just slipped out of Heaven’s gate.”
眾怪聞言大喜。即安排酒果接風，將椰酒滿斟一石碗奉上。大聖喝了一口，即咨牙徠嘴道：「不好吃，不好吃。」崩、芭二將道：「大聖在天宮吃了仙酒、仙殽，是以椰酒不甚美口。常言道：『美不美，鄉中水。』」大聖道：「你們就是『親不親，故鄉人。』我今早在瑤池中受用時，見那長廊之下有許多瓶罐，都是那玉液瓊漿。你們都不曾嘗著，待我再去偷他幾瓶回來，你們各飲半杯，一個個也長生不老。」眾猴歡喜不勝。
众怪闻言大喜。即安排酒果接风，将椰酒满斟一石碗奉上。大圣喝了一口，即咨牙徕嘴道：「不好吃，不好吃。」崩、芭二将道：「大圣在天宫吃了仙酒、仙殽，是以椰酒不甚美口。常言道：『美不美，乡中水。』」大圣道：「你们就是『亲不亲，故乡人。』我今早在瑶池中受用时，见那长廊之下有许多瓶罐，都是那玉液琼浆。你们都不曾尝着，待我再去偷他几瓶回来，你们各饮半杯，一个个也长生不老。」众猴欢喜不胜。
The demons were delighted to hear this. They laid out wine and fruit to welcome him home and presented him with a stone bowl filled to the brim with coconut wine. The Great Sage took a sip and immediately bared his teeth and twisted his mouth. “No good, no good!” Generals Beng and Ba said, “You’ve been eating immortal dishes and drinking immortal wine in the Heavenly Palace, Great Sage, so coconut wine doesn’t taste very fine to you. As the saying goes, ‘Good or bad, it’s the water of home.’” The Great Sage said, “And you are just like the other half: ‘Close or not, they’re the people of home.’ When I was enjoying myself at the Jade Pool this morning, I saw all sorts of bottles and jars beneath that long gallery, full of jade nectar and precious wine. None of you has ever tasted it. Let me go back and steal a few bottles for you. Half a cup apiece, and every one of you will live for ever without growing old.” The monkeys were overjoyed.
大聖即出洞門，又翻一觔斗，使個隱身法，徑至蟠桃會上，進瑤池宮闕，只見那幾個造酒、盤糟、運水、燒火的還鼾睡未醒。他將大的從左右脅下挾了兩個，兩手提了兩個，即撥轉雲頭回來，會眾猴在於洞中，就做個仙酒會，各飲了幾杯，快樂不題。
大圣即出洞门，又翻一觔斗，使个隐身法，径至蟠桃会上，进瑶池宫阙，只见那几个造酒、盘糟、运水、烧火的还鼾睡未醒。他将大的从左右胁下挟了两个，两手提了两个，即拨转云头回来，会众猴在于洞中，就做个仙酒会，各饮了几杯，快乐不题。
The Great Sage went out through the cave entrance, turned another somersault and, using his spell of invisibility, went straight to the Peach Banquet. He entered the Jade Pool’s palace and found the brewers, mash workers, water carriers and fire tenders still snoring, not yet awake. He tucked two large vessels under his arms, one on either side, and carried another in each hand. Then he turned his cloud around and came home. Gathering the monkeys in the cave, he held an immortal wine party, and they each drank several cups. But let us leave them to their merriment.
卻說那七衣仙女自受了大聖的定身法術，一周天方能解脫。各提花籃，回奏王母，說道：「齊天大聖使術法困住我等，故此來遲。」王母問道：「汝等摘了多少蟠桃？」仙女道：「只有兩籃小桃，三籃中桃。至後面，大桃半個也無，想都是大聖偷吃了。及正尋間，不期大聖走將出來，行兇拷打，又問設宴請誰。我等把上會事說了一遍，他就定住我等，不知去向。直到如今，才得醒解回來。」
却说那七衣仙女自受了大圣的定身法术，一周天方能解脱。各提花篮，回奏王母，说道：「齐天大圣使术法困住我等，故此来迟。」王母问道：「汝等摘了多少蟠桃？」仙女道：「只有两篮小桃，三篮中桃。至后面，大桃半个也无，想都是大圣偷吃了。及正寻间，不期大圣走将出来，行凶拷打，又问设宴请谁。我等把上会事说了一遍，他就定住我等，不知去向。直到如今，才得醒解回来。」
Meanwhile, the seven robed immortal maidens remained under the Great Sage’s immobilizing spell for one full cycle of the heavens before they could move again. Each took up her flower basket, and they went back to report to the Queen Mother. “The Great Sage Equal to Heaven trapped us with magic. That is why we are late.” The Queen Mother asked, “How many peaches did you pick?” The maidens said, “Only two baskets of small peaches and three of medium ones. At the back there wasn’t so much as half a large peach. We think the Great Sage stole and ate them all. While we were looking, he suddenly came out, attacked and beat us, and asked who was invited to the feast. We told him how the banquet was customarily arranged, and he froze us where we stood. We don’t know where he went. Only just now did we come to and find ourselves free to return.”
王母聞言，即去見玉帝，備陳前事。說不了，又見那造酒的一班人，同仙官等來奏：「不知甚麼人，攪亂了蟠桃大會，偷吃了玉液瓊漿；其八珍百味，亦俱偷吃了。」又有四個大天師來奏上：「太上道祖來了。」玉帝即同王母出迎。老君朝禮畢，道：「老道宮中煉了些九轉金丹，伺候陛下做丹元大會，不期被賊偷去，特啟陛下知之。」玉帝見奏悚懼。少時，又有齊天府仙吏叩頭道：「孫大聖不守執事，自昨日出遊，至今未轉，更不知去向。」玉帝又添疑思。只見那赤腳大仙又頫顖上奏道：「臣蒙王母詔，昨日赴會，偶遇齊天大聖，對臣言萬歲有旨，著他邀臣等先赴通明殿演禮，方去赴會。臣依他言語，即返至通明殿外，不見萬歲龍車鳳輦，又急來此俟候。」玉帝越發大驚道：「這廝假傳旨意，賺哄賢卿。快著糾察靈官緝訪這廝蹤跡。」
王母闻言，即去见玉帝，备陈前事。说不了，又见那造酒的一班人，同仙官等来奏：「不知甚么人，搅乱了蟠桃大会，偷吃了玉液琼浆；其八珍百味，亦俱偷吃了。」又有四个大天师来奏上：「太上道祖来了。」玉帝即同王母出迎。老君朝礼毕，道：「老道宫中炼了些九转金丹，伺候陛下做丹元大会，不期被贼偷去，特启陛下知之。」玉帝见奏悚惧。少时，又有齐天府仙吏叩头道：「孙大圣不守执事，自昨日出游，至今未转，更不知去向。」玉帝又添疑思。只见那赤脚大仙又𫖯顖上奏道：「臣蒙王母诏，昨日赴会，偶遇齐天大圣，对臣言万岁有旨，着他邀臣等先赴通明殿演礼，方去赴会。臣依他言语，即返至通明殿外，不见万岁龙车凤辇，又急来此俟候。」玉帝越发大惊道：「这厮假传旨意，赚哄贤卿。快着纠察灵官缉访这厮踪迹。」
At this the Queen Mother went straight to the Jade Emperor and told him everything that had happened. Before she had finished, the brewers and immortal officers also came to report. “Someone has thrown the grand Peach Banquet into chaos and stolen and drunk the jade nectar and precious wine. The eight delicacies and hundred flavours have all been stolen and eaten too.” Then the Four Great Heavenly Masters reported, “The Most High Patriarch of the Way has arrived.” The Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother went out together to receive him. When Lord Lao had paid his respects to the throne, he said, “This old Daoist had refined some nine-times-refined golden elixir in his palace for Your Majesty’s Elixir Banquet. To my surprise, a thief has stolen it. I have come expressly to inform Your Majesty.” The report filled the Jade Emperor with alarm. Before long the immortal clerks from the Great Sage’s residence came and kowtowed. “Great Sage Sun has abandoned his duties. He went out yesterday and has not returned. We have no idea where he is.” The Jade Emperor’s suspicions deepened. Then the Barefoot Immortal bowed his head and addressed the throne. “Your servant was summoned by the Queen Mother to yesterday’s banquet. On the way I happened to meet the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. He told your servant that Your Majesty had decreed that he invite us to rehearse the ceremony at the Hall of Clear Light before attending the banquet. Your servant did as he said and went back to the Hall of Clear Light, but saw neither Your Majesty’s dragon carriage nor phoenix palanquin. I then hurried here to wait.” The Jade Emperor was more astonished than ever. “That wretch has forged Our decree and deceived you, worthy minister! Send the Divine Inspector at once to trace his whereabouts.”
靈官領旨，即出殿遍訪，盡得其詳細，回奏道：「攪亂天宮者，乃齊天大聖也。」又將前事盡訴一番。玉帝大惱，即差四大天王，協同李天王並哪吒太子，點二十八宿、九曜星官、十二元辰、五方揭諦、四值功曹、東西星斗、南北二神、五岳四瀆、普天星相，共十萬天兵，佈一十八架天羅地網，下界去花果山圍困，定捉獲那廝處治。
灵官领旨，即出殿遍访，尽得其详细，回奏道：「搅乱天宫者，乃齐天大圣也。」又将前事尽诉一番。玉帝大恼，即差四大天王，协同李天王并哪吒太子，点二十八宿、九曜星官、十二元辰、五方揭谛、四值功曹、东西星斗、南北二神、五岳四渎、普天星相，共十万天兵，布一十八架天罗地网，下界去花果山围困，定捉获那厮处治。
The Divine Inspector accepted the decree, left the hall and searched everywhere. Having learned every detail, he returned to report. “The one who has thrown the Heavenly Palace into chaos is the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.” He then recounted all that had happened. The Jade Emperor was furious. He sent the Four Heavenly Kings to join Heavenly King Li and Prince Nezha, and ordered them to muster the Twenty-eight Lunar Mansions, the star officers of the Nine Luminaries, the Twelve Original Stars, the Guardians of the Five Directions, the Four Merit Officers of the Watches, the stars and Dippers of east and west, the two gods of south and north, the Five Sacred Mountains and Four Great Rivers, and all the star deities of Heaven. With a hundred thousand heavenly soldiers, they were to spread eighteen sets of the Nets of Heaven and Earth, descend to the lower realm and surround Flower-Fruit Mountain. They must capture that wretch and bring him to punishment.
眾神即時興師，離了天宮。這一去，但見那：
黃風滾滾遮天暗，紫霧騰騰罩地昏。只為妖猴欺上帝，致令眾聖降凡塵。四大天王，五方揭諦：四大天王權總制，五方揭諦調多兵。李托塔中軍掌號，惡哪吒前部先鋒。羅睺星為頭檢點，計都星隨後崢嶸。太陰星精神抖擻，太陽星照耀分明。五行星偏能豪傑，九曜星最喜相爭。元辰星子午卯酉，一個個都是大力天丁。五瘟五岳東西擺，六丁六甲左右行。四瀆龍神分上下，二十八宿密層層。角亢氐房為總領，奎婁胃昴慣翻騰。斗牛女虛危室壁，心尾箕星個個能。井鬼柳星張翼軫，掄槍舞劍顯威靈。停雲降霧臨凡世，花果山前扎下營。
詩曰：
天產猴王變化多，偷丹偷酒樂山窩。只因攪亂蟠桃會，十萬天兵佈網羅。
众神即时兴师，离了天宫。这一去，但见那：
黄风滚滚遮天暗，紫雾腾腾罩地昏。只为妖猴欺上帝，致令众圣降凡尘。四大天王，五方揭谛：四大天王权总制，五方揭谛调多兵。李托塔中军掌号，恶哪吒前部先锋。罗睺星为头检点，计都星随后峥嵘。太阴星精神抖擞，太阳星照耀分明。五行星偏能豪杰，九曜星最喜相争。元辰星子午卯酉，一个个都是大力天丁。五瘟五岳东西摆，六丁六甲左右行。四渎龙神分上下，二十八宿密层层。角亢氐房为总领，奎娄胃昴惯翻腾。斗牛女虚危室壁，心尾箕星个个能。井鬼柳星张翼轸，抡枪舞剑显威灵。停云降雾临凡世，花果山前扎下营。
诗曰：
天产猴王变化多，偷丹偷酒乐山窝。只因搅乱蟠桃会，十万天兵布网罗。
The gods raised their army at once and left the Heavenly Palace. As they went, this is what could be seen:
Yellow winds roll thick, darkening the sky;purple mists surge up, shrouding the earth in gloom.Only because the demon monkey defied the Supreme Emperordo all these holy ones descend to mortal dust.The Four Heavenly Kings,the Guardians of the Five Directions:the Four Heavenly Kings hold overall command;the Guardians of the Five Directions deploy the many troops.Li the Pagoda-Bearer directs the signals from the centre;fierce Nezha leads the vanguard.Rahu takes the head to muster the ranks;Ketu follows, towering in menace.The Moon Star is alert and vigorous;the Sun Star shines bright and clear.The Five Planet Stars are heroes in their own right;the Nine Luminaries delight above all in battle.Among the Original Stars are Zi, Wu, Mao and You,every one a mighty heavenly soldier.The Five Plague Gods and the Five Sacred Mountains take their places east and west;the Six Ding and Six Jia march to right and left.The dragon gods of the Four Great Rivers take stations above and below;the Twenty-eight Lunar Mansions crowd rank upon rank.Horn, Neck, Root and Room take the lead;Legs, Bond, Stomach and Hairy Head are seasoned in swift manoeuvres.Dipper, Ox, Girl, Emptiness, Rooftop, Encampment and Wall;Heart, Tail and Winnowing Basket — each has his skill.Well, Ghost, Willow, Star, Extended Net, Wings and Chariotwhirl spears and brandish swords, displaying their divine might.Halting their clouds and lowering their mists, they reach the mortal worldand pitch camp before Flower-Fruit Mountain.
A poem says:
The heaven-born Monkey King has transformations without end;he steals elixir, steals wine and makes merry in his mountain den.Only because he threw the Peach Banquet into chaosdo a hundred thousand heavenly soldiers spread their nets.
當時李天王傳了令，著眾天兵扎了營，把那花果山圍得水泄不通，上下佈了十八架天羅地網，先差九曜惡星出戰。九曜即提兵徑至洞外，只見那洞外大小群猴跳躍頑耍。星官厲聲高叫道：「那小妖，你那大聖在那裡？我等乃上界差調的天神，到此降你這造反的大聖。教他快快來歸降；若道半個不字，教汝等一概遭誅。」那小妖慌忙傳入道：「大聖，禍事了！禍事了！外面有九個兇神，口稱上界差來的天神，收降大聖。」
当时李天王传了令，着众天兵扎了营，把那花果山围得水泄不通，上下布了十八架天罗地网，先差九曜恶星出战。九曜即提兵径至洞外，只见那洞外大小群猴跳跃顽耍。星官厉声高叫道：「那小妖，你那大圣在那里？我等乃上界差调的天神，到此降你这造反的大圣。教他快快来归降；若道半个不字，教汝等一概遭诛。」那小妖慌忙传入道：「大圣，祸事了！祸事了！外面有九个凶神，口称上界差来的天神，收降大圣。」
Heavenly King Li gave the order for the heavenly soldiers to pitch camp. They surrounded Flower-Fruit Mountain so tightly that not a drop of water could have passed through, laying eighteen sets of the Nets of Heaven and Earth above and below. First he sent the baleful Nine Luminaries into battle. They led their troops straight to the cave and found monkeys great and small leaping and playing outside. The star officers shouted sternly, “Little demons! Where is your Great Sage? We are gods sent from the upper realm to subdue this rebellious Great Sage of yours. Tell him to surrender at once. If he so much as begins to say no, every one of you will be put to death.” The little demons hurried inside to report. “Great Sage, trouble! Trouble! There are nine fierce gods outside. They say they’ve been sent from the upper realm to make you surrender.”
那大聖正與七十二洞妖王並四健將分飲仙酒，一聞此報，公然不理道：「今朝有酒今朝醉，莫管門前是與非。」說不了，一起小妖又跳來道：「那九個兇神惡言潑語，在門前罵戰哩。」大聖笑道：「莫採他。詩酒且圖今日樂，功名休問幾時成。」說猶未了，又一起小妖來報：「爺爺！那九個兇神已把門打破，殺進來也。」大聖怒道：「這潑毛神，老大無禮。本待不與他計較，如何上門來欺我？」即命獨角鬼王：「領帥七十二洞妖王出陣。老孫領四健將隨後。」那鬼王疾帥妖兵出門迎敵，卻被九曜惡星一齊掩殺，抵住在鐵板橋頭，莫能得出。
那大圣正与七十二洞妖王并四健将分饮仙酒，一闻此报，公然不理道：「今朝有酒今朝醉，莫管门前是与非。」说不了，一起小妖又跳来道：「那九个凶神恶言泼语，在门前骂战哩。」大圣笑道：「莫采他。诗酒且图今日乐，功名休问几时成。」说犹未了，又一起小妖来报：「爷爷！那九个凶神已把门打破，杀进来也。」大圣怒道：「这泼毛神，老大无礼。本待不与他计较，如何上门来欺我？」即命独角鬼王：「领帅七十二洞妖王出阵。老孙领四健将随后。」那鬼王疾帅妖兵出门迎敌，却被九曜恶星一齐掩杀，抵住在铁板桥头，莫能得出。
The Great Sage was sharing the immortal wine with the demon kings of the seventy-two caves and his four stalwart commanders. When he heard the report, he openly dismissed it. “While there’s wine today, get drunk today. Never mind the rights and wrongs outside the gate.” Before he had finished, another group of little demons came leaping in. “Those nine fierce gods are shouting filthy insults outside the gate, challenging you to fight!” The Great Sage laughed. “Pay them no attention. With poetry and wine, enjoy today; don’t ask when fame and office will come your way.” He had not finished speaking when yet another group came to report. “Grandfather! The nine fierce gods have broken down the gate and are fighting their way in!” The Great Sage grew angry. “Those damned petty gods! What outrageous insolence. I meant to leave them alone, but now they come to my door and bully me?” He ordered the One-Horned Ghost King, “Lead the demon kings of the seventy-two caves out to battle. Old Sun will follow with the four stalwart commanders.” The Ghost King quickly led the demon soldiers out to meet the enemy, but the baleful Nine Luminaries attacked together and pinned them at the head of the iron-plank bridge. They could not get out.
正嚷間，大聖到了，叫一聲：「開路！」掣開鐵棒，幌一幌，碗來粗細，丈二長短，丟開架子，打將出來。九曜星那個敢抵，一時打退。那九曜星立住陣勢道：「你這不知死活的弼馬溫，你犯了十惡之罪：先偷桃，後偷酒，攪亂了蟠桃大會，又竊了老君仙丹，又將御酒偷來此處享樂。你罪上加罪，豈不知之？」大聖笑道：「這幾樁事，實有，實有。但如今你怎麼？」九曜星道：「吾奉玉帝金旨，帥眾到此收降你。快早皈依，免教這些生靈納命，不然，就屣平了此山，掀翻了此洞也。」大聖大怒道：「量你這些毛神，有何法力，敢出浪言。不要走，請吃老孫一棒。」這九曜星一齊踴躍；那美猴王不懼分毫，掄起金箍棒，左遮右擋。把那九曜星戰得筋疲力軟，一個個倒拖器械，敗陣而走，急入中軍帳下，對托塔天王道：「那猴王果十分驍勇，我等戰他不過，敗陣來了。」
正嚷间，大圣到了，叫一声：「开路！」掣开铁棒，幌一幌，碗来粗细，丈二长短，丢开架子，打将出来。九曜星那个敢抵，一时打退。那九曜星立住阵势道：「你这不知死活的弼马温，你犯了十恶之罪：先偷桃，后偷酒，搅乱了蟠桃大会，又窃了老君仙丹，又将御酒偷来此处享乐。你罪上加罪，岂不知之？」大圣笑道：「这几桩事，实有，实有。但如今你怎么？」九曜星道：「吾奉玉帝金旨，帅众到此收降你。快早皈依，免教这些生灵纳命，不然，就屣平了此山，掀翻了此洞也。」大圣大怒道：「量你这些毛神，有何法力，敢出浪言。不要走，请吃老孙一棒。」这九曜星一齐踊跃；那美猴王不惧分毫，抡起金箍棒，左遮右挡。把那九曜星战得筋疲力软，一个个倒拖器械，败阵而走，急入中军帐下，对托塔天王道：「那猴王果十分骁勇，我等战他不过，败阵来了。」
In the midst of the uproar the Great Sage arrived and shouted, “Make way!” He drew his iron cudgel, shook it until it was as thick as a bowl and twelve feet long, took his fighting stance and struck his way out. Which of the Nine Luminaries dared stand against him? He drove them back at once. The Nine Luminaries steadied their battle line and said, “You Keeper of the Horses, with no sense of whether you’ll live or die! You’ve committed the ten abominations. First you stole peaches, then wine; you disrupted the grand Peach Banquet, stole Lord Lao’s immortal elixir, and then stole imperial wine to enjoy yourself here. You’ve piled crime upon crime. Don’t you know it?” The Great Sage laughed. “Those things? Yes, I did them, I did them. And what are you going to do about it?” The Nine Luminaries said, “We have brought our forces here by the Jade Emperor’s golden decree to make you surrender. Submit at once and spare these creatures their lives. Otherwise we’ll trample this mountain flat and overturn this cave.” The Great Sage flew into a rage. “What magic can petty gods like you have, to dare talk such nonsense? Stay where you are and have a taste of Old Sun’s cudgel!” All nine luminaries sprang into action. The Handsome Monkey King was not afraid in the least. He swung his gold-banded cudgel, parrying left and blocking right, and fought the Nine Luminaries until their muscles were spent and their limbs were weak. One by one they fled in defeat, dragging their weapons behind them. They hurried into the central command tent and reported to Heavenly King Li the Pagoda-Bearer. “That Monkey King truly is a formidable fighter. We could not beat him and have come back defeated.”
李天王即調四大天王與二十八宿，一路出師來鬥。大聖也公然不懼，調出獨角鬼王、七十二洞妖王與四個健將，就於洞門外列成陣勢。你看這場混戰，好驚人也：
寒風颯颯，怪霧陰陰。那壁廂旌旗飛彩，這壁廂戈戟生輝。滾滾盔明，層層甲亮。滾滾盔明映太陽，如撞天的銀磬；層層甲亮砌岩崖，似壓地的冰山。大桿刀，飛雲掣電；楮白槍，度霧穿雲。方天戟，虎眼鞭，麻林擺列；青銅劍，四明鏟，密樹排陣。彎弓硬弩雕翎箭，短棍蛇矛挾了魂。大聖一條如意棒，翻來覆去戰天神。殺得那空中無鳥過，山內虎狼奔；揚砂走石乾坤黑，播土飛塵宇宙昏。只聽兵兵撲撲驚天地，煞煞威威振鬼神。
李天王即调四大天王与二十八宿，一路出师来斗。大圣也公然不惧，调出独角鬼王、七十二洞妖王与四个健将，就于洞门外列成阵势。你看这场混战，好惊人也：
寒风飒飒，怪雾阴阴。那壁厢旌旗飞彩，这壁厢戈戟生辉。滚滚盔明，层层甲亮。滚滚盔明映太阳，如撞天的银磬；层层甲亮砌岩崖，似压地的冰山。大杆刀，飞云掣电；楮白枪，度雾穿云。方天戟，虎眼鞭，麻林摆列；青铜剑，四明铲，密树排阵。弯弓硬弩雕翎箭，短棍蛇矛挟了魂。大圣一条如意棒，翻来覆去战天神。杀得那空中无鸟过，山内虎狼奔；扬砂走石乾坤黑，播土飞尘宇宙昏。只听兵兵扑扑惊天地，煞煞威威振鬼神。
Heavenly King Li immediately sent the Four Heavenly Kings and the Twenty-eight Lunar Mansions out together to fight. The Great Sage showed no fear. He summoned the One-Horned Ghost King, the demon kings of the seventy-two caves and his four stalwart commanders, and drew them up in battle formation outside the cave. Look at this clash of armies — what a fearsome sight!
Cold winds whistle;strange mists brood.On that side, banners stream with colour;on this side, spears and halberds gleam.Helmet upon helmet shines,armour upon armour glitters.The ranks of shining helmets reflect the sunlike silver chime stones striking Heaven;the layers of glittering armour build up along the cliffslike ice mountains pressing down on earth.Great long-handled sabresfly through clouds and flash like lightning;pale-shafted spearspass through mist and pierce the clouds.Square-tipped halberds and tiger-eye iron whips stand like hemp in rows;bronze swords and four-brightness battle spades form ranks like a dense forest.Bent bows, powerful crossbows and eagle-feathered arrows,short cudgels and snake-headed spears snatch away souls.With a single As-You-Will cudgel the Great Sageturns and wheels, fighting Heaven’s gods.So fierce is the battle that no bird crosses the sky,and tigers and wolves flee through the mountain;flying sand and hurtling stones darken heaven and earth,scattered soil and rising dust dim the universe.All that can be heard is the crash and thud that shake heaven and earth,the murderous roar and dreadful clamour that make ghosts and gods tremble.
這一場自辰時佈陣，混殺到日落西山。那獨角鬼王與七十二洞妖怪，盡被眾天神捉拿去了。止走了四健將與那群猴，深藏在水簾洞底。
这一场自辰时布阵，混杀到日落西山。那独角鬼王与七十二洞妖怪，尽被众天神捉拿去了。止走了四健将与那群猴，深藏在水帘洞底。
They drew up their lines at the hour of Chen and fought in a furious mêlée until the sun sank behind the western hills. The One-Horned Ghost King and all the demons of the seventy-two caves were captured by Heaven’s gods. Only the four stalwart commanders and the monkeys escaped, hiding deep inside the Water-Curtain Cave.
這大聖一條棒，抵住了四大天神與李托塔、哪吒太子，俱在半空中，殺勾多時，大聖見天色將晚，即拔毫毛一把，丟在口中，嚼碎了，噴將出去，叫聲：「變！」就變了千百個大聖，都使的是金箍棒，打退了哪吒太子，戰敗了五個天王。
这大圣一条棒，抵住了四大天神与李托塔、哪吒太子，俱在半空中，杀勾多时，大圣见天色将晚，即拔毫毛一把，丢在口中，嚼碎了，喷将出去，叫声：「变！」就变了千百个大圣，都使的是金箍棒，打退了哪吒太子，战败了五个天王。
With his single cudgel the Great Sage held off the Four Heavenly Kings, Li the Pagoda-Bearer and Prince Nezha, all fighting in midair. They battled for a long time. Seeing that evening was near, the Great Sage plucked a handful of hairs, threw them into his mouth, chewed them up and spat them out. “Change!” he shouted. They became hundreds and thousands of Great Sages, every one wielding a gold-banded cudgel. They drove Prince Nezha back and defeated all five Heavenly Kings.
大聖得勝，收了毫毛，急轉身回洞，早又見鐵板橋頭，四個健將領眾叩迎，那大眾，哽哽咽咽大哭三聲，又唏唏哈哈大笑三聲。大聖道：「汝等見了我，又哭又笑，何也？」四健將道：「今早帥眾將與天王交戰，把七十二洞妖王與獨角鬼王盡被眾神捉了，我等逃生，故此該哭。這見大聖得勝回來，未曾傷損，故此該笑。」大聖道：「勝負乃兵家之常。古人云：『殺人一萬，自損三千。』況捉了去的頭目乃是虎豹狼蟲、獾獐狐狢之類，我同類者未傷一個，何須煩惱？他雖被我使個分身法殺退，他還要安營在我山腳下。我等且緊緊防守，飽食一頓，安心睡覺，養養精神。天明看我使個大神通，拿這些天將，與眾報仇。」四將與眾猴將椰酒吃了幾碗，安心睡覺不題。
大圣得胜，收了毫毛，急转身回洞，早又见铁板桥头，四个健将领众叩迎，那大众，哽哽咽咽大哭三声，又唏唏哈哈大笑三声。大圣道：「汝等见了我，又哭又笑，何也？」四健将道：「今早帅众将与天王交战，把七十二洞妖王与独角鬼王尽被众神捉了，我等逃生，故此该哭。这见大圣得胜回来，未曾伤损，故此该笑。」大圣道：「胜负乃兵家之常。古人云：『杀人一万，自损三千。』况捉了去的头目乃是虎豹狼虫、獾獐狐狢之类，我同类者未伤一个，何须烦恼？他虽被我使个分身法杀退，他还要安营在我山脚下。我等且紧紧防守，饱食一顿，安心睡觉，养养精神。天明看我使个大神通，拿这些天将，与众报仇。」四将与众猴将椰酒吃了几碗，安心睡觉不题。
Victorious, the Great Sage gathered up his hairs, turned at once and went back to the cave. At the head of the iron-plank bridge, he found the four stalwart commanders leading everyone in kneeling to welcome him. The whole crowd sobbed and wept three times, then chuckled and laughed three times. The Great Sage asked, “Why do you both cry and laugh when you see me?” The four stalwart commanders said, “This morning, when we led the generals into battle against the Heavenly Kings, the gods captured all the demon kings of the seventy-two caves and the One-Horned Ghost King. We escaped with our lives, and that is why we ought to cry. But now we see the Great Sage return victorious and unharmed, and that is why we ought to laugh.” The Great Sage said, “Victory and defeat are the common lot of soldiers. As the ancients said, ‘Kill ten thousand of the enemy and lose three thousand of your own.’ Besides, the chiefs they captured are tigers, leopards, wolves and other beasts, badgers, roe deer, foxes and raccoon dogs. Not one of my own kind has been hurt. Why worry? Although I used my art of dividing the body to drive them back, they’ll still pitch camp at the foot of my mountain. Let’s keep a close guard, eat a good meal and sleep soundly to restore our spirits. At dawn, watch me use my great divine powers to capture those heavenly generals and avenge you all.” The four commanders and the monkeys drank a few bowls of coconut wine and settled down to sleep. But let us leave them there.
那四大天王收兵罷戰，眾各報功：有拿住虎豹的，有拿住獅象的，有拿住狼蟲狐狢的。更不曾捉著一個猴精。當時果又安轅營，下大寨，賞𤛮了得功之將，吩咐了天羅地網之兵，各各提鈴喝號，圍困了花果山，專待明早大戰。各人得令，一處處謹守。此正是：
妖猴作亂驚天地，佈網張羅晝夜看。
那四大天王收兵罢战，众各报功：有拿住虎豹的，有拿住狮象的，有拿住狼虫狐狢的。更不曾捉着一个猴精。当时果又安辕营，下大寨，赏𤛮了得功之将，吩咐了天罗地网之兵，各各提铃喝号，围困了花果山，专待明早大战。各人得令，一处处谨守。此正是：
妖猴作乱惊天地，布网张罗昼夜看。
The Four Heavenly Kings called off the battle and withdrew their troops. Everyone reported his achievements. Some had captured tigers and leopards, some lions and elephants, some wolves and other beasts, foxes and raccoon dogs. Not one monkey spirit had been taken. Sure enough, they established their headquarters and a great camp, rewarded the generals who had earned merit, and gave orders to the troops manning the Nets of Heaven and Earth. Each was to ring his watch bell and call out the signals, keeping Flower-Fruit Mountain surrounded until the great battle next morning. Everyone accepted his orders and guarded his post with care. Truly:
The demon monkey’s rebellion shakes heaven and earth;they spread their nets and keep watch day and night.
畢竟天曉後如何處治，且聽下回分解。
毕竟天晓后如何处治，且听下回分解。
How would they deal with him when dawn came? To learn what happened next, read the next chapter.