1. Many centuries ago in ancient China lived a young man named
Chuang.  Although only a lower level government official, he believed he
was ready to marry.  He had received a traditional education, including
close study of the Book of Songs.  The object of his affection was
Chiang.  In the spring of the year he began his courtship, presenting
himself courteously to his beloved.
    2. Chiang was the lovely daughter of a well-to-do family.  Trained
in literature, music, art, and dance, she had already known many
admirers.  When Chuang expressed his interest, she told him gently but
firmly that she was not for him.  In fact, she had already turned away a
number of suitors, whom she saw as little men, not the great one she was
destined to wait for.  She sent him away in the summer.
    3. After months of unhappiness, Chuang found he could not accept
Chiang's decision.  He pressed his suit again in the fall.  Pointing out
that if Chiang did not receive him as a lover, she might grow old
without a husband.  It was every woman's role to become a wife and
mother, he argued.  He was rising in his profession.  He knew how to act
in polite society.  Why not take him?
    4. All through the winter, Chiang continued to resist.  In many
meetings with the young man she explained that he did not understand her
family, its ancient traditions.  She had to do as her ancestors desired,
something he could never know.  Things had been done in a certain way
for as long as anyone could remember.  She forbad him to entrance to her
home.
    5. Spring came again, and Chuang began to act crazy.  He tried to
break into Chiang's family estate.  He could not live without her, he
said.  And she should not be ruled by her family's outmoded ideas.  Come
away with me, he pleaded.  Do not think of your father and mother, your
brothers, the people.  She said no again.
    6. By summer Chuang had accepted his lot.  Others of his people had
suffered disappointment but, within themselves, found the strength to
endure.  He lived alone now and tended a modest garden.  He put away the
fruits of many harvests and knew that he was serving others.  While his
own life would end, Chou culture would stand for many generations to come.