It fell upon the day of full moon of the fourth month, the second year, in the era of Established Calm（AD 168）, that Emperor Ling went in state to the Hall of Virtue. As he drew near the throne, a rushing whirlwind arose in the corner of the hall and, lo！ from the roof beams floated down a monstrous black serpent that coiled itself up on the very seat of majesty. The Emperor fell in a swoon. Those nearest him hastily raised and bore him to his palace, while the courtiers scattered and fled. The serpent disappeared.
But there followed a terrific tempest, thunder, hail, and torrents of rain, lasting till midnight and working havoc on all sides. Two years later the earth quaked in Capital Luoyang, while along the coast a huge tidal wave rushed in which, in its recoil, swept away all the dwellers by the sea. Another evil omen was recorded ten years later, when the reign title was changed to Radiant Harmony（AD 178）：Certain hens suddenly crowed. At the new moon of the sixth month, a long wreath of murky cloud wound its way into the Hall of Virtue, while in the following month a rainbow was seen in the Dragon Chamber. Away from the capital, a part of the Yuan Mountains collapsed, leaving a mighty rift in the flank.
Such were some of various omens. Emperor Ling, greatly moved by these signs of the displeasure of Heaven, issued an edict asking his ministers for an explanation of the calamities and marvels. Court Counselor Cai Yong replied bluntly： "Falling rainbows and changes of fowls' sexes are brought about by the interference of empresses and eunuchs in state affairs."
Whirlwind 旋风
Swoon 失去知觉
Courtier 朝臣
Tempest 暴风雨
Havoc 严重破坏
tidal wave 海啸
recoil 反作用
dweller 居民
hen 母鸡
crow 打鸣
wreath 花冠
rift 裂缝
flank 侧面
edict 法令
bluntly 直言地
fowl 家禽
建宁二年四月望日，帝御温德殿。方升座，殿角狂风骤起。只见一条大青蛇，从梁上飞将下来，蟠于椅上。帝惊倒，左右急救入宫，百官俱奔避。须臾，蛇不见了。
忽然大雷大雨，加以冰雹，落到半夜方止，坏却房屋无数。建宁四年二月，洛阳地震；又海水泛溢，沿海居民，尽被大浪卷入海中。光和元年，雌鸡化雄。六月朔，黑气十余丈，飞入温德殿中。秋七月，有虹现于玉堂；五原山岸，尽皆崩裂。
种种不祥，非止一端。帝下诏问群臣以灾异之由，议郎蔡邕上疏，以为堕鸡化，乃妇寺干政之所致，言颇切直。
