China Studies Wiki - User contributions [en]

History of Sinology/Translation Status

2026-04-04T01:00:03Z

Admin: Auto-update: Translation status report (2026-04-04)

= History of Sinology: Translation Status =

''Last updated: 2026-04-04 03:00:01''

This page is automatically generated by the translation monitoring agent.

== Summary ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%"
! Language !! Translated !! Stub !! Missing !! Needs Update !! Progress
|-
| '''Deutsch''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
| '''中文''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
| '''Français''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
|}

== Deutsch ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 61,153 bytes || 66,790 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 58,670 bytes || 22,409 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 57,015 bytes || 11,270 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 54,111 bytes || 35,866 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 51,742 bytes || 57,276 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:47 || 119,001 bytes || 105,921 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 65,921 bytes || 71,977 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 48,201 bytes || 37,888 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 38,910 bytes || 43,631 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 24,775 bytes || 26,888 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 49,040 bytes || 53,804 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,416 bytes || 48,953 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 32,947 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,558 bytes || 23,728 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 54,953 bytes || 45,578 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 16,876 bytes || 18,363 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,528 bytes || 49,444 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 23,533 bytes || 25,639 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,005 bytes || 22,546 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 41,655 bytes || 46,188 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 39,428 bytes || 43,550 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 40,122 bytes || 44,739 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 35,528 bytes || 39,740 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:01 || 20,459 bytes || 23,273 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 24,089 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== 中文 ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 61,153 bytes || 53,075 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 58,670 bytes || 15,937 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 57,015 bytes || 8,342 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:52 || 54,111 bytes || 21,985 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:35 || 51,742 bytes || 42,741 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:45 || 119,001 bytes || 81,838 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 65,921 bytes || 53,667 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:35 || 48,201 bytes || 24,648 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 38,910 bytes || 32,032 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 24,775 bytes || 21,558 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 49,040 bytes || 41,040 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 44,416 bytes || 39,087 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 26,876 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,558 bytes || 17,818 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 54,953 bytes || 35,995 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 16,876 bytes || 14,857 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,528 bytes || 35,293 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 23,533 bytes || 19,418 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:17 || 21,005 bytes || 16,524 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 41,655 bytes || 35,309 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 39,428 bytes || 33,467 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 40,122 bytes || 33,473 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 35,528 bytes || 28,125 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 20,459 bytes || 16,481 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 16,679 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== Français ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:59 || 61,153 bytes || 31,698 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:59 || 58,670 bytes || 13,556 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:20 || 57,015 bytes || 59,930 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 54,111 bytes || 59,060 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 51,742 bytes || 35,339 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:51 || 119,001 bytes || 19,551 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 65,921 bytes || 24,115 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 48,201 bytes || 52,242 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 38,910 bytes || 43,053 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 24,775 bytes || 26,682 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 49,040 bytes || 52,358 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 44,416 bytes || 18,573 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 13,887 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 21,558 bytes || 23,446 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 54,953 bytes || 39,442 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 16,876 bytes || 16,558 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 44,528 bytes || 30,939 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 23,533 bytes || 18,000 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,005 bytes || 17,200 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 41,655 bytes || 46,001 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 39,428 bytes || 29,371 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 40,122 bytes || 14,310 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 35,528 bytes || 9,477 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 20,459 bytes || 7,112 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 7,338 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== Priority: Pages Needing Update ==

''No pages currently need updating.''

----
''Generated by wiki_translation_agent.py on 2026-04-04 03:00:01''

[[Category:History of Sinology]]

History of Sinology/Translation Status

2026-04-03T01:00:04Z

Admin: Auto-update: Translation status report (2026-04-03)

= History of Sinology: Translation Status =

''Last updated: 2026-04-03 03:00:01''

This page is automatically generated by the translation monitoring agent.

== Summary ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%"
! Language !! Translated !! Stub !! Missing !! Needs Update !! Progress
|-
| '''Deutsch''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
| '''中文''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
| '''Français''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
|}

== Deutsch ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 61,153 bytes || 66,790 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 58,670 bytes || 22,409 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 57,015 bytes || 11,270 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 54,111 bytes || 35,866 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 51,742 bytes || 57,276 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:47 || 119,001 bytes || 105,921 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 65,921 bytes || 71,977 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 48,201 bytes || 37,888 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 38,910 bytes || 43,631 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 24,775 bytes || 26,888 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 49,040 bytes || 53,804 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,416 bytes || 48,953 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 32,947 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,558 bytes || 23,728 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 54,953 bytes || 45,578 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 16,876 bytes || 18,363 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,528 bytes || 49,444 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 23,533 bytes || 25,639 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,005 bytes || 22,546 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 41,655 bytes || 46,188 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 39,428 bytes || 43,550 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 40,122 bytes || 44,739 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 35,528 bytes || 39,740 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:01 || 20,459 bytes || 23,273 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 24,089 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== 中文 ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 61,153 bytes || 53,075 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 58,670 bytes || 15,937 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 57,015 bytes || 8,342 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:52 || 54,111 bytes || 21,985 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:35 || 51,742 bytes || 42,741 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:45 || 119,001 bytes || 81,838 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 65,921 bytes || 53,667 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:35 || 48,201 bytes || 24,648 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 38,910 bytes || 32,032 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 24,775 bytes || 21,558 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 49,040 bytes || 41,040 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 44,416 bytes || 39,087 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 26,876 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,558 bytes || 17,818 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 54,953 bytes || 35,995 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 16,876 bytes || 14,857 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,528 bytes || 35,293 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 23,533 bytes || 19,418 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:17 || 21,005 bytes || 16,524 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 41,655 bytes || 35,309 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 39,428 bytes || 33,467 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 40,122 bytes || 33,473 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 35,528 bytes || 28,125 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 20,459 bytes || 16,481 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 16,679 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== Français ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:59 || 61,153 bytes || 31,698 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:59 || 58,670 bytes || 13,556 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:20 || 57,015 bytes || 59,930 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 54,111 bytes || 59,060 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 51,742 bytes || 35,339 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:51 || 119,001 bytes || 19,551 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 65,921 bytes || 24,115 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 48,201 bytes || 52,242 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 38,910 bytes || 43,053 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 24,775 bytes || 26,682 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 49,040 bytes || 52,358 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 44,416 bytes || 18,573 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 13,887 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 21,558 bytes || 23,446 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 54,953 bytes || 39,442 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 16,876 bytes || 16,558 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 44,528 bytes || 30,939 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 23,533 bytes || 18,000 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,005 bytes || 17,200 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 41,655 bytes || 46,001 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 39,428 bytes || 29,371 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 40,122 bytes || 14,310 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 35,528 bytes || 9,477 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 20,459 bytes || 7,112 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 7,338 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== Priority: Pages Needing Update ==

''No pages currently need updating.''

----
''Generated by wiki_translation_agent.py on 2026-04-03 03:00:01''

[[Category:History of Sinology]]

History of Sinology/Translation Status

2026-04-02T01:00:04Z

Admin: Auto-update: Translation status report (2026-04-02)

= History of Sinology: Translation Status =

''Last updated: 2026-04-02 03:00:01''

This page is automatically generated by the translation monitoring agent.

== Summary ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%"
! Language !! Translated !! Stub !! Missing !! Needs Update !! Progress
|-
| '''Deutsch''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
| '''中文''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
| '''Français''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
|}

== Deutsch ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 61,153 bytes || 66,790 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 58,670 bytes || 22,409 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 57,015 bytes || 11,270 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 54,111 bytes || 35,866 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 51,742 bytes || 57,276 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:47 || 119,001 bytes || 105,921 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 65,921 bytes || 71,977 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 48,201 bytes || 37,888 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 38,910 bytes || 43,631 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 24,775 bytes || 26,888 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 49,040 bytes || 53,804 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,416 bytes || 48,953 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 32,947 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,558 bytes || 23,728 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 54,953 bytes || 45,578 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 16,876 bytes || 18,363 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,528 bytes || 49,444 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 23,533 bytes || 25,639 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,005 bytes || 22,546 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 41,655 bytes || 46,188 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 39,428 bytes || 43,550 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 40,122 bytes || 44,739 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 35,528 bytes || 39,740 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:01 || 20,459 bytes || 23,273 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 24,089 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== 中文 ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 61,153 bytes || 53,075 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 58,670 bytes || 15,937 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 57,015 bytes || 8,342 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:52 || 54,111 bytes || 21,985 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:35 || 51,742 bytes || 42,741 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:45 || 119,001 bytes || 81,838 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 65,921 bytes || 53,667 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:35 || 48,201 bytes || 24,648 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 38,910 bytes || 32,032 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 24,775 bytes || 21,558 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 49,040 bytes || 41,040 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 44,416 bytes || 39,087 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 26,876 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,558 bytes || 17,818 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 54,953 bytes || 35,995 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 16,876 bytes || 14,857 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,528 bytes || 35,293 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 23,533 bytes || 19,418 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:17 || 21,005 bytes || 16,524 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 41,655 bytes || 35,309 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 39,428 bytes || 33,467 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 40,122 bytes || 33,473 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 35,528 bytes || 28,125 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 20,459 bytes || 16,481 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 16,679 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== Français ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:59 || 61,153 bytes || 31,698 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:59 || 58,670 bytes || 13,556 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:20 || 57,015 bytes || 59,930 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 54,111 bytes || 59,060 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 51,742 bytes || 35,339 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:51 || 119,001 bytes || 19,551 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 65,921 bytes || 24,115 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 48,201 bytes || 52,242 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 38,910 bytes || 43,053 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 24,775 bytes || 26,682 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 49,040 bytes || 52,358 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 44,416 bytes || 18,573 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 13,887 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 21,558 bytes || 23,446 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 54,953 bytes || 39,442 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 16,876 bytes || 16,558 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 44,528 bytes || 30,939 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 23,533 bytes || 18,000 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,005 bytes || 17,200 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 41,655 bytes || 46,001 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 39,428 bytes || 29,371 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 40,122 bytes || 14,310 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 35,528 bytes || 9,477 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 20,459 bytes || 7,112 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 7,338 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== Priority: Pages Needing Update ==

''No pages currently need updating.''

----
''Generated by wiki_translation_agent.py on 2026-04-02 03:00:01''

[[Category:History of Sinology]]

History of Sinology/Translation Status

2026-04-01T01:00:03Z

Admin: Auto-update: Translation status report (2026-04-01)

= History of Sinology: Translation Status =

''Last updated: 2026-04-01 03:00:01''

This page is automatically generated by the translation monitoring agent.

== Summary ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%"
! Language !! Translated !! Stub !! Missing !! Needs Update !! Progress
|-
| '''Deutsch''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
| '''中文''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
| '''Français''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
|}

== Deutsch ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 61,153 bytes || 66,790 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 58,670 bytes || 22,409 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 57,015 bytes || 11,270 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 54,111 bytes || 35,866 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 51,742 bytes || 57,276 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:47 || 119,001 bytes || 105,921 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 65,921 bytes || 71,977 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 48,201 bytes || 37,888 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 38,910 bytes || 43,631 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 24,775 bytes || 26,888 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 49,040 bytes || 53,804 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,416 bytes || 48,953 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 32,947 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,558 bytes || 23,728 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 54,953 bytes || 45,578 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 16,876 bytes || 18,363 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,528 bytes || 49,444 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 23,533 bytes || 25,639 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,005 bytes || 22,546 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 41,655 bytes || 46,188 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 39,428 bytes || 43,550 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 40,122 bytes || 44,739 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 35,528 bytes || 39,740 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:01 || 20,459 bytes || 23,273 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 24,089 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== 中文 ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 61,153 bytes || 53,075 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 58,670 bytes || 15,937 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 57,015 bytes || 8,342 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:52 || 54,111 bytes || 21,985 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:35 || 51,742 bytes || 42,741 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:45 || 119,001 bytes || 81,838 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 65,921 bytes || 53,667 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:35 || 48,201 bytes || 24,648 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 38,910 bytes || 32,032 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 24,775 bytes || 21,558 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 49,040 bytes || 41,040 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 44,416 bytes || 39,087 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 26,876 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,558 bytes || 17,818 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 54,953 bytes || 35,995 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 16,876 bytes || 14,857 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,528 bytes || 35,293 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 23,533 bytes || 19,418 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:17 || 21,005 bytes || 16,524 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 41,655 bytes || 35,309 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 39,428 bytes || 33,467 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 40,122 bytes || 33,473 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 35,528 bytes || 28,125 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 20,459 bytes || 16,481 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 16,679 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== Français ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:59 || 61,153 bytes || 31,698 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:59 || 58,670 bytes || 13,556 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:20 || 57,015 bytes || 59,930 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 54,111 bytes || 59,060 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 51,742 bytes || 35,339 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:51 || 119,001 bytes || 19,551 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 65,921 bytes || 24,115 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 48,201 bytes || 52,242 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 38,910 bytes || 43,053 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 24,775 bytes || 26,682 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 49,040 bytes || 52,358 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 44,416 bytes || 18,573 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 13,887 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 21,558 bytes || 23,446 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 54,953 bytes || 39,442 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 16,876 bytes || 16,558 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 44,528 bytes || 30,939 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 23,533 bytes || 18,000 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,005 bytes || 17,200 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 41,655 bytes || 46,001 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 39,428 bytes || 29,371 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 40,122 bytes || 14,310 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 35,528 bytes || 9,477 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 20,459 bytes || 7,112 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 7,338 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== Priority: Pages Needing Update ==

''No pages currently need updating.''

----
''Generated by wiki_translation_agent.py on 2026-04-01 03:00:01''

[[Category:History of Sinology]]

History of Sinology/Translation Status

2026-03-31T01:00:04Z

Admin: Auto-update: Translation status report (2026-03-31)

= History of Sinology: Translation Status =

''Last updated: 2026-03-31 03:00:02''

This page is automatically generated by the translation monitoring agent.

== Summary ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%"
! Language !! Translated !! Stub !! Missing !! Needs Update !! Progress
|-
| '''Deutsch''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
| '''中文''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
| '''Français''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
|}

== Deutsch ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 61,153 bytes || 66,790 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 58,670 bytes || 22,409 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 57,015 bytes || 11,270 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 54,111 bytes || 35,866 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 51,742 bytes || 57,276 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:47 || 119,001 bytes || 105,921 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 65,921 bytes || 71,977 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 48,201 bytes || 37,888 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 38,910 bytes || 43,631 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 24,775 bytes || 26,888 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 49,040 bytes || 53,804 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,416 bytes || 48,953 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 32,947 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,558 bytes || 23,728 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 54,953 bytes || 45,578 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 16,876 bytes || 18,363 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,528 bytes || 49,444 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 23,533 bytes || 25,639 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,005 bytes || 22,546 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 41,655 bytes || 46,188 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 39,428 bytes || 43,550 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 40,122 bytes || 44,739 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 35,528 bytes || 39,740 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:01 || 20,459 bytes || 23,273 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 24,089 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== 中文 ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 61,153 bytes || 53,075 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 58,670 bytes || 15,937 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 57,015 bytes || 8,342 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:52 || 54,111 bytes || 21,985 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:35 || 51,742 bytes || 42,741 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:45 || 119,001 bytes || 81,838 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 65,921 bytes || 53,667 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:35 || 48,201 bytes || 24,648 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 38,910 bytes || 32,032 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 24,775 bytes || 21,558 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 49,040 bytes || 41,040 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 44,416 bytes || 39,087 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 26,876 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,558 bytes || 17,818 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 54,953 bytes || 35,995 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 16,876 bytes || 14,857 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,528 bytes || 35,293 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 23,533 bytes || 19,418 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:17 || 21,005 bytes || 16,524 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 41,655 bytes || 35,309 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 39,428 bytes || 33,467 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 40,122 bytes || 33,473 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 35,528 bytes || 28,125 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 20,459 bytes || 16,481 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 16,679 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== Français ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:59 || 61,153 bytes || 31,698 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:59 || 58,670 bytes || 13,556 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:20 || 57,015 bytes || 59,930 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 54,111 bytes || 59,060 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 51,742 bytes || 35,339 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:51 || 119,001 bytes || 19,551 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 65,921 bytes || 24,115 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 48,201 bytes || 52,242 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 38,910 bytes || 43,053 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 24,775 bytes || 26,682 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 49,040 bytes || 52,358 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 44,416 bytes || 18,573 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 13,887 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 21,558 bytes || 23,446 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 54,953 bytes || 39,442 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 16,876 bytes || 16,558 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 44,528 bytes || 30,939 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 23,533 bytes || 18,000 bytes || Up to date
|-
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Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 1

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= Chapter 1: In the Phoenix City, a Chivalrous Heart Pities a Pair of Lovebirds =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/Chapter_1|modern translation]] and [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/zh/Chapter_1|Chinese original]] to verify.''

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CHAP. I.
IN the city of ''Tah-ming''<ref>''Tah-ming-foo'' or ''Tai-ming-fou'', as it is written by ''Du Halde'', is a city of the first order, and is south of ''Pe-king'', being in the same province with it. See Pere Du Halde's Description of China, in 2 vols. folio, printed for Cave 1738, which is the translation always referred to in the following notes. — N. B. ''Foo'' or ''fou'' signifies a city.</ref>, formerly lived a student named ''Tieh-chung-u'', of great endowments of body and mind: for the beauty of his person, which equaled that of the finest woman, he was
called ''the handsome Tieh'': yet was his temper no less rough and impetuous than his form was elegant and pleasing:
bold and resolute in resenting affronts, without any regard or awe of his superiors; yet strictly just, humane, generous, and noble, never so happy as when employed in assisting and relieving the distressed.
His father, whose name was ''Tieh-ying'', was a Mandarine of justice: his mother's name was ''Sheh sheh'': his father belonged to one of the tribunals in the palace, but because of the violent temper of his son, confined him at his house in another city<ref>'Tis the custom in China for Mandarines to have their houses in a different place from that where they hold their office. — Translator.</ref>, lest he should involve him in
any trouble at court. There he lived and kept house, pursuing his studies,
and at proper intervals unbending his
mind with company. When he had at-
tained his sixteenth year, his father and
mother began to think of marrying
their son<ref>The Chinese are so desirous of having posterity, that a father lives in some sort of dishonour and is not easy in his mind 'till he hath married all his children: this makes them solicitous to dispose of them early. There have been instances in China of criminals under sentence of death, who, being childless and their families in danger of becoming extinct, have had their executions respited for a time, and been suffered to have their wives co-habit with them, that they might not die without leaving posterity. P. Du Halde, vol. 4, p. 303.</ref>. They acquainted him with
it; but he was no way disposed to con-
cur with their intentions: on the con-
trary, he urged that marriage was
not like an acquaintance or friendship,
which could not be quitted on any dislike or disagreement<ref>Among the Chinese, Marriage, when solemnized, cannot be dissolved, and although their laws allow of Divorce in some few cases, of which adultery is chief, yet instances of it are very rare, and those only among the very lowest of the people. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 305. 444.</ref>: that whenever
he should incline to marry, he would
take more than common care in his
choice but should hardly think of
it 'till he could meet with a lady possessed of every perfection of mind and
person. These arguments weighed so
deeply with his parents, that they left him to himself.
When he had arrived at his twentieth year, one day as he was amusing himself with reading an ancient history, and drinking between whiles<ref>The Chinese drink often between meals. — Transf.</ref>, he met with the story of an Emperor, who sent to one of his Mandarines, named Pé-kan, for his heart<ref>As to Pe-kan, his story is a very celebrated one among the Chinese, but is related by most of their writers in the following manner. The Emperor Chew (who reigned An. 1154 before Christ, and who is looked upon as the Nero of the Chinese) had a very wicked queen named Ta-kia, at whose instigation he perpetrated a thousand cruel actions, and rendered himself universally odious. One of his uncles named Pe-kan (or Pi-cang) said to himself, "It is better to die than to keep silence any longer: though the tyrant will not hear my remonstrance, yet my country will, and so will posterity." He accordingly addressed himself to the Emperor, who heard his reproofs with an air of indignation and fury. "It is pretended," said he, "that the hearts of the sages have seven ventricles: I will see if it be so in this Pe-kan, who makes such an ostentation of his wisdom and fortitude." So saying he ordered his breast to be opened, and with many scoffs and jeers had his heart brought for him to examine. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 447.</ref> to make a medical potion for his queen, who was sick. Pé-kan immediately suffered himself to be opened, and his heart to be taken out in obedience to the Emperor's order. Here the young ''Tieh''-chung-u saw how much the great were exposed to the fatal caprice
of Princes, and how far more desirable
was a life of obscurity. But more par-
ticularly struck with the great resignation of Pé-kan, he was led to reflect
on that duty and obedience he had been
wanting in to his parents. So deeply
was he stung with remorse, that he
passed the night without sleep. At
length he resolved to go and throw
himself at their feet; and to implore
their pardon for that stubbornness of
temper, which had kept him so long
apart from them.
Full of these resolutions he arose in
the morning, and taking with him
only one servant named Siow-tan, left
his house and set out for the court.
He had been now two days on the
road, and so impatient to see his father,
as to neglect almost all repose and re-
freshment, when he found himself
on the approach of night far from
any house of reception for travellers. At length he came where at
some distance was a large village,
but near were only a few scattered
cottages of very poor people: at one
of these he alighted, and calling, an
old woman came to him: who see-
ing him drest in his student's habit, said
to him, "Siang-coon, or young gentle-
man, I suppose you are come from court<ref>The inns in China are commonly mean, being generally four walls made of earth, without plaister or floor, except in the greatest roads of all, where they are large and handsome: but it is necessary for travellers to carry their beds with them (commonly a quilt or two) or they must lie on a mat. See P. Du Halde, &c.</ref>
hither to visit Wey-fiang-coon, or our
young student of this village." He
said he knew no such person. She
enquired what then could bring him
thither. He told her he had lost his road, and intreated her to give him
room in some part of her house to
pass the night. She said he was wel-
come, and that she was only sorry she
could not entertain him as he deserved.
His servant Siow-tan brought in his
bed and other travelling furniture :
and the old woman shewed him a place
for his horse, furnished out a room for
him with clean straw, and brought him
tea.
''Tieh''-chung-u having refreshed him-
self a little, asked why she was so in-
quisitive at his arrival, and who the
young student was whom she had men-
tioned. "You don't know perhaps, said
she, that this village was not former-
ly called as it is at present, Wey-
tswün<ref name="tswun">Tswün in the Chinese language signifies a village. — Transf.</ref>, but received that name from
a family that lives here, who were once
great people at court, but are now re-
duced to the meanest condition. But
thank heaven, there is one of the fa-
mily, who altho' poor, understands
letters: he went to court to undergo
his examination<ref>Called by the Chinese Kow-shé. As all civil offices in China are bestowed according to personal merit, no wonder that the study of letters is in the highest esteem, and that the examinations of students are conducted with the greatest decorum, solemnity, and exactness. There are several lesser examinations before the students are admitted to be examined for the degree of Siou-tsai (answering to Batchelor of arts in our universities) the examination for which is made once in three years in each of the largest districts of the province before the Mandarines, who seldom confer it on more than four or five out of a hundred. — The examinations for the second degree, or Kiu-gin (answering to Master of arts or Licentiate in Europe) are also once in three years at the capital of the whole province, at which all the Siou-tsai are obliged to attend: out of ten thousand of whom perhaps only sixty are admitted. This degree intitles them to lower offices: but the highest employments are sure to be conferred on those who can obtain the degree of Thin-see (or Doctor) which they are examined for the year after they have obtained the former degree (but this they are not obliged to attend) at Pe-king before the Emperor himself: who seldom confers this degree on more than one hundred and fifty out of five or six thousand candidates. Each of these degrees is conferred according to their proficiency in history, politics, &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 376.</ref>: there he met with
a friend, a learned man, named Han-yuen<ref name="tswun"/>, who conceived a great fondness
for him; and having one only daughter
would give her to him in marriage:
for which purpose he caused him to
take a pledge. 'Tis now four years
since he was betrothed, without ever
fetching home his wife, not having
wherewithal to maintain her. Some
time since she happened to be seen by
a great Mandarine, who fell in love
with her, and would have her for a fe-
cond wife, or concubine, which the fa-
ther and mother would by no means
consent to. This enraged the noble-
man, who contrived many ways to get
her, and at last carryed her off by force.
Wey-fiang-coon was advised of his loss,
and repaired to the court to make his
complaint: but not knowing how to
apply for relief, and unable to learn
news of his wife or her relations, all
whom the Mandarine had secured, he
returned home in despair. Since that
time, his mother, fearing he might
make himself away, hath desired the
assistance of her neighbours to prevent
such a misfortune."
While she was yet talking, they heard
a great noise and disturbance in the
freet: they looked out and saw a
crowd of people, and in the midst of
them a young man clad in blue<ref>The habit of those who have taken the lowest degree, or Sieou-tsai, is a blue gown, with a black border round it, and a pewter or silver bird on the top of their cap. — Those who have taken the second degree, or Kiu-gin, are distinguished by a gown of a dark colour with a blue border: the bird in their cap is gold, or copper gilt. — The first degree, or that of Thin-see, is also distinguished by a habit different from the former, but more particularly by a girdle which they always wear at their governments, but is more rich and precious according to the offices they are advanced to. P. Du Halde ubi supra. Semedo's hist. p. 46. &c.</ref>, who
wept and lamented. In the crowd
the old woman saw her husband, whom
she called to her, and informed of their
gueft: he blamed her for having de-
layed to provide a supper for the ftran-
ger, and commanded her to hasten it.
Of this man ''Tieh''-chung-u enquired
whether the student's wife was carried
off by night or by day? He told him,
in the day time. He then asked if
there were none that saw it. He was
answered there were several, but none
that durft open their lips: for who
would be forward to appear against so
great and powerful a Mandarine?
Here the old woman interrupted, beg-
ging them to talk no more of it, for
that now there was no remedy. ''Tieh''-
chung-u smiled and said, "You peo-
ple of the villages are so faint-
hearted and doubtful! but perhaps you
know not the truth of the story, and all
you have been telling me is a fiction."
"By no means, she replied, nettled at
his affected incredulity; I know it to be
true: a cousin of mine who fells straw
at the court, by great chance was pre-
sent, and saw both the young woman and
also her father and mother carried in-
to the Mandarine's house, which is a
palace of retirement given him by the
Emperor, who hath made it sacred to
every
every body but himself and to whom
he pleafes." "Why did not you advise
the young man of this?" said Tiek-
chung-u. "To what purpose? said the
other it is in vain for him to con-
tend." He then enquired where this
palace stood: she told, him without the
city: but though he should find it, no
one durft look into it. Supper being
ready they ended talking: after which
he called his servant Siow-tan to lay his
bed, being fatigued and sleepy.
In the morning when he had break-
fasted, he ordered his servant to weigh
out five mace<ref name="mace">About 3s. 4d. English money. — Transf.</ref> to pay the old woman:
he then took leave of her with many
thanks for her kind treatment: she in
return asked him pardon for any thing
that was amifs; but particularly in-
treated him not to open his lips about
what she had told him, as well for his
own safety as hers." What is that af-
fair to me? he replied: your kind en-
tertainment of me is all I have to
remember: fear nothing." The old
woman waited on him to the great
road, and there took her leave of
him.
''Tieh''-chung-u mounted his horse, and
was got two or three lee<ref>A lee is as far as a voice can be heard: ten of them make a league. — Transf. N. B. The French missionaries write it ly, or li.</ref> on his way,
when he perceived at some distance
before him Wey-fiang-coon stamping and
raving by himself, calling out to hea-
ven and complaining of his fate. ''Tieh''-
chung-u no sooner discovered who he
was, but he made all hafte to come
up to him: when dismounting<ref>'Tis the custom in China to dismount, when they salute equals or betters. — Transf.</ref> from
his horse, he ran to him and clapped
him on the shoulder: "Brother,
said he, yield not up to despair: your
cause of grief may be removed: I'll
use my endeavours, and doubt not
but to get your fair mistress restored to you." Surprised at being accosted in this manner, the student
lifted up his eyes and looked stedfastly at him; when seeing him to be a
person of good and genteel aspect, but
utterly unknown to him, he was the more
more astonished: nevertheless he said,
"Sir, you seem to be a man of rank
and consideration: I am a poor and mean
person. Till this moment I never had
the honour to see you. I am plunged
in the deepest sorrow and affliction :
but I cannot account for your know-
ledge of it. The words you spoke just
now have so rejoiced me, that I think
they could only come from Heaven.
But, alas! 'tis all in vain! my mif-
fortune is so great that it is not possible
for you, tho' you were an angel<ref>The Chinese believe there are a kind of tutelar spirits, or good Genii: in the cities there are temples to them, in which the Mandarines offer sacrifice: as also to the spirits of the rivers, mountains, four parts of the world, &c. P. Semedo's hist. part. 1. chap. 18. p. 86.</ref>, to afford me relief." ''Tieh''-chung-u laughed,
and said, "This is no more than the
sting of a bee: if I can't untie
this knot, let the world laugh at me. In former
times there were heroes who could per-
form great atchievements: and why not
now?" Wey-fiang-coon thought there was
something in this more than ordinary:
"Sir, said he, I perceive you are a per-
son of uncommon merit: I ask your
pardon: pray,
how am I to call you?"
"That, replied ''Tieh''-chung-u, it is not
necessary for you to know at present :
but I must beg to be informed of your
own original name<ref>The other was his complimental name, bestowed on account of his profession. — Transf.</ref>, and where you
would betake yourself, for I have some-
thing to say to you farther." "My name,
said he, is Wey-phey, and I should go find
out some way to end my life, but for
my mother, who is a widow, and de-
pends on me alone for her support.
For her fake I endure my misfortunes,
and have sought all means of relief :
none offers now but to write a petition
and carry it to court, there to present
myself with it to some Mandarine: if
he refuses to accept it I will go to
another; and so on 'till I find one that
will: if none will do me justice, I can
then but dye: I shall dye in the face of
the world, and not meanly in secret."
And taking out his petition, he gave it
to ''Tieh''-chung-u; who read it, and found
the wife's father to be a Doctor of law<ref>The second degree, called Kiu-gin, perhaps answers better to the degree of Master of arts or Licentiate in the European universities: however, as it is rather a civil distinction, Doctor of law seems to convey a more adequate idea. See note above. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 377.</ref>,
of the second degree. The Mandarine
alfo, who had committed the violence,
was not unknown to him.
"Very
well, said he, this petition is right, and
must be presented to the Emperor; he
has power to apply to any other audi-
ence beside will be to no purpose: nor
would it avail to carry it to the Em-
peror yourself. Intruft it to my care,
perhaps I may have an opportunity to
serve you." Wey-phey bowed down and
embraced his feet. "Sir, said he, the joy
your compassion excites in my heart is
like the springing forth of tender leaves
from the withered branches of a tree.
If you do me this favour in procuring
my petition to be seen, 'tis not sitting
I stay here: let me rather follow your
horse's feet and wait on you to court."
"Should you go with me, answered
''Tieh''-chung-u, it might alarm the world:
it is much better for you to return
to your village: within ten days ex-
pect to hear from me." "Sir and
brother, said Wey-phey, this favour you
do me is as great as the heaven and
the earth." He then shed some tears,
and made him a profound reverence.
''Tieh''-chung-u exhorting him to be com-
forted, took the petition and put it
in his sleeve; then bidding him adieu,
mounted his horfe and put forward.
Wey-phey stood amazed and motionless,
with his eyes fixed on ''Tieh''-chung-u 'till
he was out of sight, not knowing
whether what had happened was real
or a dream.
CHAP. II.
The village of Wey-tswün was distant fifty lee from the court, where ''Tieh''-chung-u arrived in two hours: he hastened to his father's house: he found every thing still and quiet before the doors; not a person to be seen. He alighted off his horse, and went into the hall of audience; but neither was one of the clerks, or any one else, to be met with there: he would have proceeded farther, but he found the doors fast shut. He knocked and called; the servants within knew his voice: they unlocked the door, and meeting their young master cryed out! "Bad news! things go very ill!" He asked them, why? "Our master, replied they, is cast into prison by the Emperor's order: you are now arrived in good time: pray go immediately to our lady your mother's apartment, and advise with her." ''Tieh''-chung-u was struck speechless with surprize and grief, and suffered himself to be led to the door of her apartment. His mother, who was called She-fu-jen, or my Lady ''Sheh'', perceiving him, went and caught hold of his sleeve, crying, "My son, you are arrived in good time. Your father has discharged the part of a good man, with the most unwearied perseverance: eager to redress grievances, he would be presenting petitions, from morning to night<ref>The Chinese idiom is, "your father to-day would be a good man, to-morrow would be a good man; he would be presenting petitions," &c.</ref>: there has happened an affair of great consequence; I know not whether he is dead or alive: he is in prison." ''Tieh''-chung-u fell into a violent transport of grief: but observing, how deeply his mother was affected, he fell upon his knees before her and said: "Mother, be not cast down, you must not give yourself up to affliction: though the affair be as great as the heavens are high, we must not yield to despair: we must consult together: you must tell me plainly all that has happened." She bade him rise and take a chair, then told him as follows: "Some days ago, as your father was returning from the Emperor's palace, he was stopped in his way home by an old man and his wife, who had their hair loose and disordered, their faces bruised and bloody, and their cloaths rent: they threw themselves before his horse's feet, crying out for justice. Your father asked them who they were, and by whom they were injured. 'I am a Doctor of law, said the old man, of the second degree, my name is Han-yuen: I have a daughter, whom I have long promised in marriage: but a great Mandarine, named Tab-quay, hearing of her, and that she was something handsome, ordered people to come, and propose terms of marriage, for her to be a second wife, or concubine<ref>The Chinese laws allow but one, who can properly be called a wife. Yet they may have several second wives or concubines, whose situation is not at all disreputable: but they are greatly dependent on the first, who alone is mistress of the house. Their children are deemed to belong to the true wife, and inherit equally with her own. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 304.</ref> to him: I answered, that it was impossible for me to consent, for I had already engaged her to another: if he has a mind to take my life, I am content; but I can never yield to give him my daughter. Tab-quay was much enraged: "What! said he, have I made so reasonable a proposal, and am to see it rejected! I'll try whether force can be more successful." Accordingly he sent people to carry her off; which endeavouring to prevent, they abused both of us, in the manner you see.' Your father was much affected with his tale, and passionately moved to procure them redress: hurrying home therefore, he instantly drew up a petition to present to the Emperor. But alas, proceeded the Lady ''Sheh'', your father, notwithstanding his great judgement, was at that time overseen, not to secure the two old people for witnesses: for the Emperor, when he had read his petition, demanded what evidence he had to support it. Upon which he went to seek them, but in vain: for Tab-quay had immediate advice of the affair, and instantly secreted them. The awe of his power drew almost all the Mandarines of the court over to his party. And he in his turn delivered in a petition, wherein he charged your father, with abusing the Emperor's confidence, and possessing him with falsehoods against his faithful servants. Upon this your father's office was taken away, and he was sent to prison. And though some of the Mandarines expressed an inclination to assist him, it was to no purpose, as he had no witnesses to produce in his favour: and if he can procure none, he must suffer death."
When she had finished her relation, the countenance of ''Tieh''-chung-u cleared up: "And is Han-yuen, said he, the occasion of all this? this is an affair of trifling consequence; Han-yuen and his daughter every body knows, and the seizing them in their house is known to many. Be no longer dejected, Madam, but take comfort; they cannot be lost. Robbers and thieves, though they be fled into other provinces, are to be found<ref>It is very difficult for robbers to escape in China: for upon all the great roads at every half league are centries stationed, and the exact notice that the Mandarines have of every thing that passes in their respective wards and districts, makes it very rare that they can lie concealed. One of the Missionaries has said, that a criminal cannot find a hiding place in all that vast empire. See P. Semedo, p. 2. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 266.</ref>, and why not those that are about the court: fear not then but we shall find these people: nay I myself know where they are concealed." "How! said ''Sheh''-fu-jen, is it possible? do you speak certainly true?" "Can a son, said ''Tieh''-chung-u, speak untruths before his mother? that can never be." The Lady Sheh at this was greatly rejoiced, and said, "If this news is true, rest a little and refresh yourself: then hasten to see your father in prison, and take away his sorrow." Upon this she ordered a table to be spread for him to eat; which having done, and changed his cloaths, she called for a servant to attend him. "Madam, said ''Tieh''-chung-u, there is no occasion for such haste; I will first draw up a petition for my father to shew the Emperor." When he had finished it, he asked his mother for his father's chop or seal: and taking that, together with the petition of Wey-phey, he put them both in his sleeve, and bade the servant shew him the way to his father.
The Mandarine, that was governor of the prison, knew ''Tieh''-chung-u, and received him with great courtesy: "Sir, said he, the Mandarine your father is within; pray be pleased to go to him; pardon me that I don't wait on you: you have doubtless something to impart to him in private." ''Tieh''-chung-u returned his civilities in a proper manner, and went in. He found his father sitting, without irons, in great composure. He immediately ran and bowed down four times at his feet; asking pardon for not coming sooner to assist him in his troubles: that he deserved not the name of a son, for being absent when he might have performed him services, or at least have known his commands. ''Tieh''-u-sheh<ref>The name he received from his office. — Transf.</ref> raised himself from his chair: "I am, said he, in the place where my duty requires me to be: why are you not at home minding your studies and doing your duty." "Sir, said ''Tieh''-chung-u, if it is your duty to be here, it is mine also to be here to wait upon you."
His father paused: at length he answered, "You are in the right: you do your duty: but we live in times, when the Mandarines of the court are corrupted, and duty has no longer any regard paid to it: from a just sense of mine, I presented my petition, putting to the hazard whether it would be heard or not: and now, whether I shall live or die, is in the hand of the Emperor: your coming here will avail me nothing." "Sir, replied ''Tieh''-chung-u, I am made acquainted with the cause of your confinement: but why do you sit down quietly under it: why do not you continue to seek out the old man and his wife; and without trusting to others, petition for leave to do it in your own person." "That, said ''Tieh''-u-sheh, it would not be difficult to obtain: but I fear, if I should apply for such licence, and be still unsuccessful, it will only aggravate my crime, and increase my disgrace." "I have notice of these three people, said the son, but without an express order from the Emperor, they cannot be apprehended." "His order was issued out at the first, replied the father, but they could not be found: my friends inquired, but could learn no news of them. And that you, who are but just arrived, should know any thing of them, is very unlikely. 'Tis all a jest! you are but a boy, and having heard something of it, from people's discourse, only love to hear yourself talk. Go! you are a simpleton." "Sir, answered ''Tieh''-chung-u, this is a matter which regards your life: is it possible for a son to jest upon such an occasion?" Then looking round to see, that nobody was within hearing, he related all that had happened on his journey, both the discourse he had had with the old woman, and with Wey-phey, whose petition he shewed him. At this ''Tieh''-u-sheh became joyful, and said, "If it be so, the Emperor will see that I am blameless: there will then be no danger of my suffering death. But is it not to be feared, that this Tab-quay has poisoned, or otherwise made away with these people?" ''Tieh''-chung-u answered, "The palace where he resides, is the Emperor's gift, which no one can enter: your adversary is a wicked man, and of very mean understanding; wholly addicted to pleasure, and immersed in luxury, he thinks of nothing farther: imagining himself secure, he neither suspects any danger, nor has contrivance enough to prevent it: be not therefore, Sir, cast down or sorrowful." "Son, said the Mandarine ''Tieh'', you say well: go home now, and fetch some paper and my seal, that I may draw up a petition to the Emperor." "That is already done, said his son, I have here brought it with me: if you like it, let it go: if not, please to draw it up afresh with greater elegance and accuracy." He read it, and pronounced it was very well, and required no alteration: then putting his seal to it, he folded it up, and gave it to the governor of the prison, desiring it might be delivered to a Mandarine of the Emperor's audience chamber, called Tong-ching-fu, whose business it is to receive petitions.
CHAP. III.
The Mandarine ''Tieh''-u-sheh, was not two days longer in prison, before the Emperor sent him a private answer to his petition. When every body was retired, he opened it, and found an order to go, and apprehend the persons in question: at this he greatly rejoiced, and making an offering of fire, prayed for the Emperor<ref>The Editor could meet with no account of this custom; which yet should seem to be the usual one on these occasions.</ref>.
Then he took the letter, and folded it up again and proposed to his son, to set out both of them upon the search. "Pardon me, Sir, said ''Tieh''-chung-u, that must not be. It will excite suspicion: somebody will acquaint Tab-quay of your being abroad, and we shall be disappointed. Let me rather go privately, and when I have broke open the gates, and found the three persons, do you be ready, mount your horse, and bring with you the Emperor's order, openly proclaiming it to be a power to apprehend them." To this his father assented.
By this time the Mandarine of the prison came, and inquired what news? for he saw, that they had been making an offering of fire. ''Tieh''-u-sheh enjoining him secrecy, informed him of the private order he had received. He then said to his son, "Now go, but be very careful." The youth accordingly withdrew, and went to tell his mother all that had happened. He then asked her for his brazen mace, weighing twenty catty<ref>The catty or catte is the Chinese pound, and contains sixteen tael: as the tael contains ten mace: sixteen catte make twenty pounds Portugueze weight, sixteen ounces to the pound. Twenty catty are therefore equivalent to twenty-five European pounds. See P. Semedo's hist. part 1. chap. 2. p. 52. N. B. Maces are still in use among the guards that attend a Vice-roy, &c. when he goes in procession. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 253.</ref>: which although so heavy, he had been able to manage at eleven or twelve years old, but his parents had taken it from him, lest he should do mischief with it. His mother was surprized at his demand, and said, "Your father ordered me to lay it up, and never give it you: why do you ask for it?" "I am going, replied ''Tieh''-chung-u, to the den of a tiger: if I have not that with me, how shall I defend myself?" When he had received it, he asked for wine, and drank till he made his heart glad: after which, he put on his soldier's habit, and his other dress over it; then ordered a white horse to be got ready, which he mounted, commanding twenty servants of the house to come after him at a distance, but Siow-tan to follow him near.
This done, he rode softly on, 'till he was got without the gate of the city: then he set out full speed, till he came to a splendid palace. Here he stopped and alighted. Walking about a little, he came to a court, with three gates, very strong and lofty, and curiously wrought: over the middlemost of these, were inscribed the three characters, Yang-bien-tang, or the name of the palace. These gates he perceived to be too strong, and too closely shut, for him possibly to open them: but he imagined there must be another entrance besides this to so magnificent a building: and looking round, in an alley he discovered a little gate painted red; over which was this inscription:
BY THE EMPEROR'S ORDER, NO ONE CAN SO MUCH AS LOOK IN HERE, UNDER PAIN OF SEVERE PUNISHMENT.
''Tieh''-chung-u finding a crack in the door, peeped through, and saw a great many servants waiting within, and whispering to one another. He then withdrew as softly as he could to his servant and taking off his upper coat, which covered his soldier's dress, and grasping at the same time his arms, mounted his horse; appearing with all the glory of an hero, or rather an angel<ref name="angel">i. e. Genius or spirit. Although the Chinese must differ considerably from us in their notion of spirits, the Translator hath every where used the word ''angel'': and as it is only employed in figurative allusion, the Editor hath ventured to retain it. See note p. 17.</ref>, in the beauty and gracefulness of his person, and brightness of his arms.
"Go now, said he to Siow-tan, and acquaint the servants that are behind to come up: afterwards you shall go to the great Mandarine your master in the prison, and desire him to come presently." Then riding up to the red gate, and there dismounting, he knocked, and called out, saying, "I come here by the Emperor's order, and must speak with the Mandarine Tab-quay; acquaint him with it immediately." The servants answered roughly, "Our master is not here, he is at his palace in the city." "'Tis false, said he, he is here in the house: ye slaves, do ye mean to oppose the commands of the Emperor?" They stood silent. "Open the door, proceeded he, without delay." One of the servants answered, "As our master is not here, who dares open the door? And if it were open, who dares enter, in defiance of the Emperor's order to the contrary?" ''Tieh''-chung-u in a rage answered, "I have the Emperor's order; if you don't open the door, I shall open it myself." Then lifting up his foot against the gate, and striking the lock with his brazen mace, at one blow he burst it open; this done, he entered, notwithstanding all the resistance of the Mandarine's people. Upon this, some of them ran to acquaint their master, who was employed in examining and punishing the old people, each of them apart, for refusing him their daughter: remonstrating, that it was in his power to make them amends; and that as they were poor, it was foolish obstinacy not to comply with his desires. Poor as they were, they replied, they could not consent to things so unreasonable. "I am a Doctor of the law, said the old man, though of the second degree, and of no mean extraction; and had rather live in indigence, than act so unworthily: your riches will have no effect upon me." Tab-quay grew outrageous at this, and commanded him to be stripped naked, and bound, in order to be whipped. At this instant four or five of his people came running in, who cried out, "Bad news! a very bad affair has happened!" He inquired what. They told him, a very bold young man had forced open the door, under pretence of the Emperor's order.
By this time, ''Tieh''-chung-u was advanced as far as the great hall: at which Tab-quay was greatly surprized, and was going to hide himself: but the other came too suddenly upon him. "Ching-leao, your servant Sir, said the youth as he came forward: I am come here by the Emperor's order, to speak with you: why are you denied to me?" "If you have such an order, said the other, why did not you advise me of it before-hand, instead of forcing your way in, with so much noise, impertinence, and insult?" ''Tieh''-chung-u answered, that his order was private, and admitted of no previous notice. Then advancing, with one hand he seized him, and with the other his sword: asking him at the same time, if the Emperor did not give this, for a house of retirement and pleasure, and not for a place to administer public justice: and if so, why was that person stripped naked, and bound? "That man, said he, is my servant, and neither public justice, nor the Emperor, are concerned in what I do to him." "I am not his servant, cry'd the old man, I am a Doctor of law, and independent of him." "If you are a Doctor, said ''Tieh''-chung-u, how came you to be chastised here in this manner? what is your name?" He replied, "Han-yuen." "If your name is Han-yuen, when the Emperor's order came out for your appearance, why did you conceal yourself?" Then looking back, he gave a signal to Siow-tan to call in his servants: "Here, said he to them, take that old man into custody, he is a person under cognizance of the Emperor's tribunal." ''Tieh''-chung-u then renewed his question, why he came there? "I was forced here, answered he, on account of my daughter: and had no more power to resist, than a kid has to withstand a tiger<ref name="tiger">The tiger is almost the only beast of prey known in China: but this beast is exceedingly fierce and dreadful, often committing terrible ravages. See L'Embassade, &c. par Nieuhoff, part 2d. p. 97. Kircheri Chin. p. 52. This animal seems to furnish out the imagery of the Chinese, as constantly as the lion does that of Homer.</ref>. If you had not come as you did, I know not whether I should have been alive by this time." He then asked him, "Is your daughter here, or your wife?" he answered, "My wife is in an adjoining room; my daughter also is within: she every day persists in her refusal of Tab-quay, and would rather die by her own hands than submit: so that I know not, whether she be dead or alive." ''Tieh''-chung-u at this was deeply affected, and sent his people instantly to secure the mother and daughter.
This alarmed Tab-quay, who began to bluster: "How dare you, said he, violate this place, by breaking open the doors, and laying hands on the owner. If I have done amiss, you ought to produce the Emperor's order: without it, you are guilty of an unpardonable outrage." This said, he endeavoured, but in vain, to force away his hand. He then called out to his people, to come and assist him: but ''Tieh''-chung-u bade them do it at their peril: "Who will dare to offer violence to me, who act under the Emperor's authority? who will lay hands on me?" So saying, he took their master by the girdle, and swung him round, beating down the people, that came to his assistance: until he cried out, "Forbear, forbear; dispute with him no longer."
CHAP. IV.
It happened, that at this juncture arrived several great Mandarines of Tab-quay's acquaintance, and seeing him in this situation, trembling like a mouse in the paws of a cat, they said to ''Tieh''-chung-u, "This Mandarine is of great rank, and if he has offended, you must not treat him so as to violate his dignity and honour: but let others, or some of us, know the cause of this difference, that matters may be composed between you." "This man, replied the youth, has deceived the Emperor with false testimony, and is guilty of the greatest crimes: what dignity then, what honour is to be regarded?" "If it be so, replied the Mandarines, the Emperor ought to be informed of it; that he may punish them, as he shall think proper: but it becomes not you to treat him thus." "You say well, said ''Tieh''-chung-u, but being all alone, when I entered the house, if I had not secured him, I should have met with ill treatment." "You are very brave and valiant, said the Mandarines; pray did you come hither to-day, in order to revenge any former quarrel; or to assist these old people?" "For neither of these reasons, answered he, but by a private order of the Emperor, to apprehend them as persons concealed in this house." "Why does not that order appear? said they, read it to us." He replied, "You shall see it presently."
Tab-quay perceiving so many of his acquaintance near him, began to resume courage; "Do not regard him, he cried out; there is no truth in what he says: he is no officer under the Emperor: he is no way impowered to execute his orders: he is no Mandarine of justice. He is only come with these pretences, to carry off Han-yuen his friend in a lawless manner, together with his wife, and daughter." "If you have not the Emperor's order, said the others turning to ''Tieh''-chung-u, your coming hither to affront this great Mandarine, and thus to violate his honour and dignity, is a crime of the deepest dye. Feats of this kind might have been more safely performed in some distant village: there you might have appeared a valiant fellow. But here, so nigh the city, and limits of the court, to affront a Nobleman, and thus to disgrace his family and rank, is an unpardonable offence: although you had wings, you could not escape. But we must send to the city, for the Mandarines of justice." "That is right, said ''Tieh''-chung-u, let them be called." They were accordingly sent for.
Presently arrived the Che-foo, and soon after him, the Che-bien<ref name="chebien">In all great cities there is a superior Mandarine or Governor, stiled Che-foo, who is of the fourth order of Mandarines. There are besides, one or more inferior Magistrates, with the title of Che-bien: whose jurisdiction is notwithstanding often of great extent: these are Mandarines of the seventh order. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 2. pag. 251, &c.</ref>. The Mandarines related to them, what had happened. "We know not, said those Magistrates, on which side lies the truth: if there is the Emperor's order, it must be read." Then the Che-bien commanded a place for a tribunal to be prepared, and when it was ready, the order to be produced. Before answer could be made, notice was given that ''Tieh''-u-sheh was arrived. Tab-quay and all the company were amazed: "This man, said they, is under close confinement: how came he here?" Here ''Tieh''-u-sheh entered, holding before him the Emperor's order rolled in yellow<ref>Yellow is the imperial colour; never worn but by the Emperor, or employed but when he is immediately concerned. P. Du Halde, &c.</ref>. His son cried out, "Shew respect to the Emperor's order." On this, they all knelt down. ''Tieh''-u-sheh seeing so many Mandarines present, said, "This order I am commissioned to read; but my eyes being weak, Sir, said he, addressing himself to the Che-foo, be pleased to read it." The Che-foo took the order, and read as follows.
"This order requires ''Tieh''-u-sheh to go to the house of Tab-quay, and to take into custody, Han-yuen, his wife, and his daughter: which three persons, wheresoever concealed, ''Tieh''-u-sheh is hereby impowered to make search after, and to secure."
"This order shall continue in force for three days."
When he had done, ''Tieh''-u-sheh, and all the company, made their profound reverence, and rose up. The great Mandarines of Tab-quay's acquaintance departed in silence: leaving only the two Mandarines of the city with them. "These three persons, said ''Tieh''-u-sheh to the Che-bien, are the Emperor's prisoners: to your custody commit them, while I go to acquaint his Majesty of it, and know his farther pleasure." Han-yuen paid the most profound respect to ''Tieh''-u-sheh, and acknowledged that himself, his wife, and daughter, owed their lives to his great piety and justice: but he told them, they must thank the Emperor alone, for their preservation and safety; then turning to the Che-foo, he said, "I have committed these persons to the care of the Che-bien, in order to carry them to a superior tribunal: but as Tab-quay is a great Mandarine, and of grave and respectable character, you, Sir, are desired to attend him alone to the same audience." Then ''Tieh''-u-sheh, attended by his son, returned back to prison, to await the Emperor's further order.
He then drew up a petition, to acquaint his Majesty of their whole proceedings: which he graciously received, and returned for answer, "You have done well, and have conducted yourself through this whole business like a true Mandarine of justice: when the affair is ended you shall be promoted to a higher dignity." Orders were then issued out to release him from prison.
Tab-quay in the mean time was not idle: he offered presents to the Mandarines of the tribunal: but none of them durst accept any. The depositions of the injured parties lay too strongly against him; and proved beyond all doubt, the forcible seizure they had undergone, and all the other ill usage they had received. The supreme Mandarine of the audience, seeing no other way to bring off his friend, pronounced judgment as follows.
"Tab-quay is advanced in years, and is without issue<ref>The Chinese look upon it of such sacred importance to leave posterity, that almost any means are esteemed allowable, which conduce to that end. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 303, 304.</ref>: this induced him to carry away the young woman: but though he brought her home to his house, it does not appear that he ever offered her any dishonour. He is descended from an illustrious family: several of his ancestors have served the Emperor in the capacity of Generals, and have made extensive conquests: he himself hath also had his share, and given signal proofs of his ability and courage. All this considered, as the carrying off this young woman was from the motives above recited, and was not followed by any violence, he is neither guilty of a great offence, nor deserving of very severe punishment: but this must be left to the determination of his Majesty."
The Emperor issued out this answer to the proceedings of the audience.
"Tab-quay<ref>Here in the original are recited all his titles, Tab-quay gkeou shau le: of which the two first signify his name; the others his rank, answering to Duke with us. — Transf.</ref> is of an illustrious family; and of a respectable rank; but both these he hath forfeited; he hath made a tyrannical use of his power in forcing away these people: the daughter was already engaged to another; his attempt was therefore the highest injustice: when ''Tieh''-u-sheh delivered in his petition, to secrete them in his house was a contempt of our authority: and to lodge a false accusation against that Mandarine, a great abuse of our confidence. To do justice therefore, 'tis necessary to take away his office: let him also be confined to his house for three years, paying to Han-yuen one year's income of his place: and for the sake of his ancestors, let him be excused any farther punishment. The young woman, let Wey-phey marry. Let Han-yuen be advanced to a higher degree. Let ''Tieh''-u-sheh be promoted to the office of Tu-cha-yuen, or Superior of the Vice-roys. And lastly, for the Mandarine of the audience, who was judge in this cause, let him be amerced three months of his salary."
The determination of the Emperor being made public, every body admired ''Tieh''-chung-u, for his wisdom and courage. His fame spread abroad, and he was the general topic of conversation. Mandarines from all parts came to make him visits of congratulation<ref>The paying of visits is a great article of Chinese politeness: these are made upon every occasion, and are conducted with the most ceremonious formality, in which every thing is regulated by a public memorial; even to the number of bows, the expressions of compliment, titles, genuflexions, and several turns to the right hand and left, &c. See Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 226.</ref>; from morning to night, some or other came to pay him their compliments.

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[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Front Matter

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= Hau Kiou Choaan: Front Matter =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print.''

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== Title Page ==

HAU KIOU CHOAAN
OR
The Pleasing History.

A TRANSLATION FROM THE CHINESE LANGUAGE.

To which are added,

I. The Argument or Story of a Chinese Play.

II. A Collection of Chinese Proverbs, and

III. Fragments of Chinese Poetry.

IN FOUR VOLUMES.

WITH NOTES.

''Il n'y a pas de meilleur moyen de s'instruire de la Chine, que par la Chine même; car par là on est sûr de ne se point tromper, dans la connoissance du génie et des usages de cette nation.'' P. Du Halde, tom. 2. p. 258.

VOL. I.

LONDON:
Printed for R. and J. DODSLEY in Pall-mall.
MDCCLXI.

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== Dedication ==

To the RIGHT HONOURABLE THE COUNTESS OF SUSSEX.

MADAM,

I should not intreat your Ladyship's acceptance of the following sheets, if they had not a moral tendency: if they were not designed to countenance virtue and to discourage vice. At a time when this nation swarms with fictitious narratives of the most licentious and immoral turn, to shew what strict regard to virtue and decorum is paid by writers amongst the Chinese, notwithstanding the deplorable ignorance they labour under of those sublime and noble truths, which we enjoy to so little purpose — it may have some good effect.

To prepare these volumes for the public, has been the agreeable employment of some vacant hours of rural life: and I shall be happy, if the perusal of them can supply your Ladyship's leisure with amusement. One reward of my labours I have already obtained, in the opportunity they afford me of acknowledging the great obligations I am under to my Lord Sussex's Family, and of testifying the great respect with which I am,

MADAM,

Your Ladyship's most obliged, and most obedient Servant,

M.DCC.LXI.

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== Advertisement ==

''[Added to the second edition, 1774.]''

When this little Work was first published, it was apprehended that the peculiarities of the composition would so clearly prove it to be a genuine Translation from the Chinese Language, as to render it unnecessary to mention the names either of the Translator, or the Editor. But in order to remove any doubt or suspicion arising from that circumstance, the Editor has now subscribed his name to the Dedication; and he no longer conceals that of the Translator: who was Mr. James WILKINSON, an English merchant, equally respected for his abilities and his probity. This gentleman's residence at Canton may be ascertained from the records of the East India Company; and his respectable character is not yet forgotten. His own Manuscript was lent to the Editor by his Nephew, the late Captain JAMES WILKINSON, of Bugbroke, near Northampton; to whom it was returned, when the publication was compleated; and it is doubtless at this time in possession of his Widow, a very amiable Lady.

M.DCC.LXXIV.

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== Extract of a Letter from Canton ==

''Extract of a Letter from Canton, July 9th, 1763, to James Garland, Esq.''

"As to Hau Kiou CHOAAN, I inquired among my Chinese acquaintance about it, but without success, until I happen'd by chance to mention the Hero of the Story Ty-chung-u, when they immediately knew what I meant, and said in their jargon, 'Truely have so fashion man 4 or 500 years before; have very true story. How can have so many leaves he.'"

This History has been well received in France, where a Translation of it was published under the following title:

''Hau Kiou Choaan, Histoire Chinoise, traduite de l'Anglais, par M. E——. 4 tom. (dans 2.) 12mo. à Lyon, chez Benoit Duplain, libraire, Rue Merciere, à l'Aigle. 1766.''

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== Preface ==

The following translation was found in manuscript, among the Papers of a gentleman who had large concerns in the East-India Company, and occasionally resided much at Canton. It is believed by his relations, that he had bestowed considerable attention on the Chinese language, and that this translation (or at least part of it) was undertaken by him as a kind of exercise while he was studying it: the many interlineations, &c. which it abounds with, shew it to be the work of a learner: and as the manuscript appears in places to have been first written with a black-lead pencil, and afterwards more correctly over-written with ink, it should seem to have been drawn up under the direction of a Chinese master or tutor. The History is contained in four thin folio books or volumes of Chinese paper; which after the manner of that country, are doubled in the fore-edge, and cut on the back. The three first of these volumes are in English: the fourth in Portuguese; and written in a different hand from the former. This part the Editor hath now translated into our own language.

The MS. is dated 1719, which was the last year the translator resided in China. He died in 1736.

The missionaries have given abstracts and versions of several Chinese books, which may be seen in the curious collection of P. Du Halde. Among them are some few novels. As these are but short pieces, the Editor thought it would be no unacceptable present to the curious to afford them a specimen of a larger kind: that they might see how a Chinese Author would conduct himself through the windings of a long narration.

Although the general character of a people should not be drawn from one or two individuals; nor their literary excellence determined by the particular merit of one book; yet it may be concluded that the following is a piece of considerable note among the Chinese, otherwise a stranger would not have been tempted to translate it. That book would naturally be put first into the hands of a foreigner, which is in highest esteem among the natives.

Such as it is, the Editor here presents it to the Public. Examined by the laws of European criticism, he believes it liable to many objections. It will doubtless be urged, that the incidents are neither sufficiently numerous, nor all of them ingeniously contrived; that the imagery is often neither exact nor lively; that the narrative is frequently dry and tedious, and while it runs out into a minute detail of unimportant circumstances, is too deficient in what should interest the passions or divert the imagination.

That there is a flatness and poverty of genius in almost all the works of taste of the Chinese, must be acknowledged by capable judges. This at least is evident in their writings; and in a narrative like the following, would make a writer creep along through a minute relation of trifling particulars, without daring to omit the most inconsiderable. The abjectness of their genius may easily be accounted for from that servile submission, and dread of novelty, which enslaves the minds of the Chinese, and while it promotes the peace and quiet of their empire, dulls their genius and cramps their imagination.

Perhaps their taste in gardening ought to be excepted.

It ought, however, to be observed in favour of the Chinese, that if they do not take such bold and daring flights as some of the other Eastern nations, neither do they run into such extravagant absurdities. Whether this be owing to the cause now mentioned, or to their having bestowed more attention on literature, so it is that they pay a greater regard to truth and nature in their fictitious narratives, than any other of the Asiatics. For it must be allowed to our present work, that the conduct of the story is more regular and artful than is generally seen in the compositions of the East; hath less of the marvellous and more of the probable. It contains an unity of design or fable, and the incidents all tend to one end, in a regular natural manner, with little interruption or incoherence. After all, the Editor is not concerned about the judgment that will be passed upon the piece itself: he attempts to conceal none of its faults, and he hopes he hath obscured none of its beauties. He gives it not as a piece to be admired for the beauties of its composition, but as a curious specimen of Chinese literature, and leaves to the critics to decide its merit.

But he also begs it may be considered in another light, as a faithful picture of Chinese manners, wherein the domestic and political oeconomy of that vast people is displayed with an exactness and accuracy to which none but a native could be capable of attaining. To read in a Collection of Voyages and Travels; in a portion of Universal History; or in a Present State of any Country, an elaborate account of it, under the several heads of its customs, laws, government, &c. drawn up by a foreigner however well acquainted with the subject, can convey but a superficial knowledge to the mind. Those accurate compilations have certainly their merit, but the little distinguishing peculiarities which chiefly compose the true character of a living people will hardly be learnt from them. Many of these can come under no regular head of methodical arrangement. Those writers may give a dead resemblance, while they are careful to trace out every feature, but the life, the spirit, the expression will be apt to escape them. To gain a true notion of these we must see the object in action. There is not a greater difference between the man who is sitting for his Portrait, stiffened into a studied composure, with every feature and limb under constraint; and the same person unreserved, acting in his common sphere of life, with every passion in play, and every part in motion; than there is between a people methodically described in a formal account, and painted out in the lively narrative of some domestic history. A foreigner will form a truer notion of the genius and spirit of the English, from one page of Fielding, and one or two writers now alive, than from whole volumes of Present States of England, or French Letters concerning the English Nation.

But not to mention that many curious customs and peculiarities of a nation are better understood by example than by description: many of these cannot easily be known to foreigners at all. The whole system of the manners of a people can only be thoroughly known to themselves. The missionaries are the only foreigners from whom we can possibly expect compleat and accurate accounts of China, for none besides themselves were ever permitted to range at large through the Chinese empire: but let it be considered, that supposing we had no reason to question their veracity, yet the very gravity of their character would prevent them from being ocular witnesses (not only of the idolatrous ceremonies, but) of many particulars of the interior conduct of the Chinese.

''Most of the accounts of China have been given by missionaries of the Jesuite order. Now these accounts have been taxed, as partial and defective, especially so far as they describe the religious ceremonies of the Chinese. For the reader is to be informed that the Jesuites have been accused by the missionaries of other orders, of making very improper concessions to their Chinese converts, and of so modelling christianity, as to allow an occasional conformity to many pagan superstitions, under a pretence that they are only of a civil nature. How far this charge was true, we will not pretend to determine, but probably it was not altogether groundless, as sentence was given against them by their superiors. These disputes have subsisted near a century; and in all the descriptions of China, published by the Jesuites during this period, it may be expected they would give such an account of the Chinese ceremonies, as would best favour their cause.''

''Un air serieux et grave est celuy qu'un missionnaire doit prendre, et retenir inviolablement jusques dans l'interieur de sa maison, s'il veut que les Chinois l'estiment & que ses paroles fassent impression sur leurs esprits.'' Lett. edif. viii. p. 238.

It is well known that this people affect a privacy and reserve beyond all other nations, which must prevent many of their domestic customs from transpiring to strangers: and therefore the entire manners of the Chinese can only be thoroughly described by themselves.

Thus much in favour of the present, which the Editor here makes to the Public. It behoves him now to mention the share he hath had in preparing it for their acceptance. As the version was the work of a gentleman whose province was trade, and who probably never designed it for the Public, nothing could be expected from him but fidelity to the original: and this, if one may judge from the erasures and corrections that abound in the manuscript, was not neglected; which the general prevalence of the Chinese idiom will serve to confirm. The Editor therefore hath been so far obliged to revise the whole, as to render the language somewhat more grammatical and correct. Yet as the principal merit of such a piece as this, must consist in the peculiarities of its style and manner, he hath been careful to make no other alterations than what grammar and common sense merely required. He is desirous to conceal none of its faults, and he hopes he hath obscured none of its beauties. He hath been particularly exact in retaining the imagery, the allusions, the reflections, the proverbial sayings, any uncommon sentiment or mode of expression, and as much of the Chinese idiom in general as was not utterly inconsistent with the purity of our own; and when he could not retain this in the text, he hath frequently been careful to preserve it in the margin.

''It may not be improper to mention here, that in the Translator's manuscript, the whole work being divided but into XVI. Chapters, and these being of an inconvenient length, it was thought necessary to subdivide them afresh: yet because there is reason to believe that the former are the divisions of the Chinese author, we have every where preserved them in the margin.''

Sometimes where the narrative was insupportably diffuse and languid, interrupted by short questions and answers of no consequence, or retarded by dull and unmeaning repetitions: in these cases he could not help somewhat shortening and contracting it; and probably the most rigid admirer of Chinese literature, would have pardoned him, if he had done this oftener. As the great fault of the original was its prolixity, it was generally more requisite to prune away than to add; yet as the Editor hath been sometimes tempted to throw in a few words, it may be proper to inform the Reader that these will generally be found included in brackets. Once or twice where the incidents were inartificially conducted, a discovery which seemed rather premature, hath been postponed for a few pages, but never without notice to the reader. Some few inconsistencies and contradictions have been removed by the Editor, but generally such as the Translator himself had corrected in some other place: and where he had rendered a Chinese title improperly, it hath been set right from better authorities: two or three instances have occurred of this kind, wherein it was thought unnecessary to detain the Reader with particular information. But even this liberty hath never been assumed, where there could be the least doubt of its propriety. In short, as the grand merit of such a piece as this must consist in its peculiarities and authenticity; the reader may be assured that nothing hath been done to lessen the one or impair the other.

This close attachment to the original may perhaps be blamed, as it hath prevented the style from being more lively and flowing; but the Editor had in view rather to satisfy the curious than to amuse the idle. It may have rendered the book less entertaining, but he believes more valuable. It was his intention, however, to have removed all such expressions, as were quite barbarous and ungrammatical, yet he cannot be sure but instances of both will be found to have escaped him. If any thing faulty of this kind should occur, he hopes the candid will pardon it as one of those oversights, which will sometimes elude the most vigilant attention.

It remains that something be said concerning the Notes, if it be only to apologize for their frequency and length. It was at first intended to have incumbered the page with as few of these as possible: but it was soon found necessary to depart from this plan. The manners and customs of the Chinese, their peculiar ways of thinking, and modes of expression are so remote from our own, that they frequently require a large detail to render them intelligible. The Editor quickly saw that he should have occasion to touch upon most things remarkable among the Chinese: this tempted him to introduce a short account of others. He was desirous that the History and Notes taken together might be considered as forming a concise, and not altogether defective account of the Chinese, such as might be sufficient to gratify the curiosity of most readers, and to refresh the memory of others. This he hopes will serve as an apology for such of the Notes as appear impertinent or digressive. Where the narrative can interest or entertain the Reader, he will not suffer them to take off his attention: and where it is dull and tedious, they may possibly prove no unwelcome relief. The Editor was the less sparing of them, in hopes they might procure the book a second perusal: he can truly affirm, that they are extracted from the best and most authentic writers on the subject, many of which are scarce and curious: and that they will be frequently found to supply omissions in more celebrated and more voluminous accounts of China.

The Editor wishes he could as easily apologize for some of the Notes which he is afraid will be thought unimportant and trifling: but, after the labour of inquiry many things will appear more deserving of attention than they really are; and such is the weakness of the human mind, that it is apt to estimate things not so much by their intrinsic worth, as by the difficulty and pains with which they were acquired. After all, 'tis hoped there will not be found many instances of this kind, and that these will be pardoned for the sake of others more curious and important.

The Editor ought not to conclude without returning thanks to that Gentleman, to whose friendship he is indebted for the use of the manuscript here printed: who not only gave him leave to commit this piece to the press, but in the most obliging manner indulged him with the free use of all the Translator's papers, many of which contributed to throw light upon it.

His thanks are also due to those Gentlemen of distinction, who so obligingly gave him access to their libraries, and thereby enabled him to prefix to his Notes a list of Authors, that would do honour to a much more considerable publication. The assistance received from the Earl of Sussex's library deserves particularly to be acknowledged; the treasures of literature contained in that large and valuable collection are so well known to the learned world, that it will perhaps be some disadvantage to our little work to mention it here, as it will be apt to raise expectations in the reader, which nothing that follows may be able to answer.

''Vide MSS. Yelverton. in Catalog. Libror. MSS. Ang. à T. Hyde. fol.''

----

== List of Books ==

''A list of books from whence the following Notes are extracted, and of the editions there referred to.''

* A description of the empire of China and of Chinese Tartary, &c. from the French of P. Du HALDE, London 1738. 2. vol. folio. — ''Although the references are chiefly made to this translation, yet recourse was occasionally had to the grand Paris edition of the original, intitled:'' Description Géographique, Historique &c. de l'Empire de la Chine & de la Tartarie Chinoise &c. par le P. J. B. Du HALDE, de la Comp. de Jésus. Paris 1735. 4 tom. folio.

* The Hist. of China, lately written in Italian by F. Alv. SEMEDO, now put into English, &c. Lond. 1655. folio.

* A new history of China, &c. by Gabriel Magaillans [or MAGALHAENS] of the society of Jes. done out of French. Lond. 1686. 8vo.

* Nouveaux mémoires sur l'état de la Chine par le R. P. Louis LE COMPTE, de la Comp. de Jés. Paris 1697. 2. tom. 12mo.

* A short description of China, &c. by Dionysius KAO, a native, &c. printed at the end of Isbrant Ides's &c. London 1705. 8vo.

* Novus ATLAS SINENSIS a Martino MARTINIO Soc. Jes. Amst. a Bleau 1655. folio.

* Martini MARTINII Tridentini e Soc. Jesu. SINICÆ HISTORIÆ, decas prima. Amst. a Bleau, 1659. 12mo.

* LETTRES ÉDIFIANTES & CURIEUSES, écrites des missions étrangères, par quelques missionaires de la Comp. de Jés. Recueils I-XXVIII. Paris 1702 à 1758. 12mo.

* TRAVELS OF THE JESUITS, &c. compiled from their letters, &c. by Mr. LOCKMAN. Lond. 1743. 2. vol. 8vo.

* CONFUCIUS Sinarum Philosophus, sive SCIENTIA SINENSIS Latine exposita, studio & opera P. Couplet, &c. Paris 1687. folio.

* The MORALS of Confucius. Lond. 1691. 12mo.

* L'AMBASSADE de la Compagnie Orientale des Provinces Unies vers l'Empereur de la Chine, &c. par Mons. J. NIEUHOFF. Leyd. 1665. folio.

* KIRCHERI China illustrata, &c. Amst. 1667. folio.

* Theoph. Sigefr. BAYERI, Museum Sinicum, in quo Sinicæ Linguæ et Literaturæ ratio explicatur. Petropoli 1730. 2. 8vo.

* Historia cultus Sinensium, seu varia scripta de cultibus Sinarum, &c. oblata Innocentio XII. Colon. 1700. 2. tom. 12mo.

* The MODERN part of an Univ. HIST. from the earliest accounts of Time, &c. Lond. 1759. 8vo. vol. the 8th.

* OGILBY's China, &c. Lond. 1669, 1671. 2. vol. folio.

* PICART's ceremonies & religious customs, &c. Lond. 1735. vol. the 4th. folio.

* HARRIS's collection of voyages & travels. Lond. 1744. 2. vol. folio.

* KÆMPFER's Hist. of Japan. Lond. 1727. folio.

* Voyage round the world, by GEORGE ANSON, Esq; &c. compiled by R. WALTER, A. M. Lond. 1748. 8vo.

* DAMPIER's voyages, vol. 1. 1691. vol. 2. 1699. 8vo.

* DE L'ESPRIT DES LOIX. Genève. 2. tom. 8vo.

* RÉFLEXIONS critiques sur les histoires des anciens peuples, &c. par Mons. Fourmont, professeur en langue Arabe au collège de France. Paris 1735. 2. tom. 4to.

* HISTOIRE de l'Académie Royale des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres. Paris. tom. var. dat.

----

''N. B. We beg leave to inform the Reader that the plates prefixed to these volumes are only given as curiosities, being copied from prints in a Chinese History, that was found among the Translator's papers. In this book every page of Chinese characters was faced with one of these cuts.''

''With regard to the additional pieces, they will be found distributed in the following manner. At the end of Vol. III: A Collection of Chinese Proverbs. At the end of Vol. IV: The Argument of a Chinese Play. Fragments of Chinese Poetry.''

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 29

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= Chapter 29: The Emperor's Judgment =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Footnotes have been converted from the original endnote/footnote format to inline references.''

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''[Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters IV-X]''

CHAP. IV.<ref>Chap. XVI. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

Tieh-chung-u, who had now completed his marriage with Shuey-ping-sin, was notwithstanding greatly in love with her: and that as well for her wit and good sense, as for the beauty and gracefulness of her person. He was so charmed with her conversation that he could not endure to stir abroad: which being related to their respective parents, they were extremely well pleased.

Let us leave them thus enamoured of each other, and return to Tah-quay and the Eunuch Chou.

These two persons, who had been encouraged by Kwo-sho-su to make the proposals abovementioned, hearing now of the marriage that had taken place between the young couple, were inclined to desist; and sent to inform that Mandarine of their resolutions. He was very much chagrined, and disappointed at the news, and resolved to send some of his servants to the house of the young lady to listen and spy out what was transacting: he did the same to the house of the Supreme Viceroy. The first information he received was, that the young Mandarine Tieh-chung-u had not brought the bride home to his house, but had gone to reside with her at her father's. Soon after it was told him, that although they were married, they still continued in separate apartments. He afterwards learnt, that the bridegroom was so enamoured of his lady, that he had not stirred from her for two or three days. These different accounts somewhat puzzled Kwo-sho-su; their behaviour was singular and mysterious, so that he imagined there was something more than ordinary at the bottom. At length from their living in separate apartments, he concluded that the matter was neither more nor less than this, that the marriage was only a feint, in order to avoid the proposals of Tah-quay and the Eunuch Chou. "Well," said he, "if they have not yet cohabited, 'tis still possible to separate them, and spoil their marriage. Tah-quay must be informed of this, and encouraged to renew his application: but then her friends will refuse him under pretence of this marriage, and as she seldom stirs out, he will find no opportunity to carry her away. Before he takes any step of this kind, it will be better to set Chou-thay-kien at work: I will go and persuade that Eunuch to intice this Tieh into his house; and when he has him there to compel him at once to marry his niece."

Full of these designs he hasted to the house of Chou-thay-kien, to whom he related as well the information he had picked up, as the measures which he thought necessary to be taken. The Eunuch thought them practicable, and promised to give him notice, as soon as he had enticed the youth to his house: desiring him in that case to come to him immediately. Kwo-sho-su was pleased to see him so readily adopt his design, and promised nothing should delay or prevent his coming. Then taking his leave he went home, impatiently waiting till he should be sent for.

Tieh-chung-u, on account of his pretended marriage had obtained leave of the Emperor to absent himself ten days from court. These were expired, and he must now return: Shuey-ping-sin, whose judgment and penetration were admirable, seeing him about to go, said to him as follows, "Kwo-sho-su having laid a plot with a view to get us both disposed of, the one to Tah-quay, and the other to the niece of the Eunuch Chou, hath hitherto been disappointed: it is not however to be supposed that he will give us up so easily: he will still seek some way to embroil us. With regard to Tah-quay, as he is not within the precincts of the palace, he would be liable to reproof from superior tribunals should he do any thing amiss: and therefore I apprehend nothing from him. But this Eunuch, who is a domestic servant of the Emperor's, presuming upon his favour, and knowing his mind, regards nothing but his own inclinations. If therefore you go to court, be sure be upon your guard against his attempts."

"You argue rightly," said Tieh-chung-u, "and talk with your usual judgment and discretion. But this Eunuch is of a mean, low cast: what can he do? what is there to be feared from him?" She replied, "Such persons it is true are despicable, and not to be feared: but at present as things are circumstanced, and as he hath got the ear of his Majesty, it would not be amiss to be upon your guard." The young Mandarine agreed it would be proper; then taking his leave of her went to the palace.

CHAP. V.

As he was thence returning home, who should meet him but the Eunuch himself. Holding up his hands, he saluted the youth with great familiarity. The latter would have proceeded on his way, but the other laid hold of his horse's bridle. "I was even now going," said he, "to send to your house to desire to speak with you." "What business," said Tieh-chung-u, "can you have with me? Your affairs and mine can have no relation. My province lies without the palace, and yours within." "If it were only on my own account," replied the Eunuch, "I should not have taken the liberty to stop you: but I have business of the Emperor's to impart to you, which must not be deferred: you had better then go home with me, and let us talk it over there." "Before I do that," replied Tieh-chung-u, "you must tell me plainly what your business is." "Sir," said the other, "do you think I would go about to deceive you? or durst abuse the Emperor's authority? To tell you truly then, his Majesty hath heard that you are a fine poet; and requires you to write some verses on two pieces of painting, which he greatly values." The youth inquired where they were: and was answered, at his house. Tieh-chung-u immediately recollected the words of his lovely mistress; but found he could not avoid the snare, as the other had got the Emperor's order. He accordingly went home with Chou-thay-kien.

When they were got within his doors, the Eunuch ordered tea to be brought and a table to be spread for an entertainment. "No! no!" said the young Mandarine, "the first things to be attended to are the pictures, I dare not enter on any thing else till they are dispatched." "Sir," replied the other, "you know very well what the generality of us Eunuchs are: we are a foolish illiterate set of people: however I cannot but take great satisfaction in seeing a person of your ingenuity and learning: I hope therefore you will honour me so far as to drink something with me: and will permit me to shew the great respect I entertain for you. I believe if I had sent to invite you, you would hardly have come: but as his Majesty's business hath brought you here, you must oblige us a little with your company. And pray don't look upon me in the same mean and despicable light as the rest of my brethren, since I have obtained this great honour: upon which account I hope you will overlook the liberty I take of sitting down with you." "Pray don't talk in this manner," said Tieh-chung-u, "are not we both the Emperor's servants? But as there is his Majesty's order to be obeyed; let that be first dispatched, and afterwards we will converse together." "Perhaps," replied he, "when that is performed, you will not stay any longer. Well then; you shall write upon one of the pictures first, and before you take the other in hand you shall do me the favour to drink a little wine." To this the young Mandarine assented.

Chou-thay-kien then led him into a hall, and calling a servant, ordered him to take down a painting that was hung up, and lay it on a table. Tieh-chung-u found it to be a beautiful flower piece, containing the picture of a double jasmin: then taking a pencil he wrote a few lines over it.

He had scarcely done, when word was brought that the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was arrived. He was accordingly desired to walk in. The Eunuch Chou told him he was very opportunely arrived to meet with the great Doctor Tieh-chung-u; who was come there to write upon some pictures by the Emperor's order. "And here," said he, "he hath dispatched one in less time than you would drink off a dish of tea." The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su told him that those that were masters of their art were generally expeditious. "Pray my Lord," said the Eunuch Chou, "be so kind as to read the inscription to me, and tell me what it contains; that I may the better talk of it to the Emperor when I carry it to him." The other assented, Tieh-chung-u desiring him to pardon and overlook the faults he should find in it. When Kwo-sho-su had perused the verses, he cried out, "They are written with a great deal of spirit, and shew a fine understanding." The Eunuch appeared extremely satisfied with this account, and immediately ordered an entertainment to be served upon the table. Tieh-chung-u intreated, that he would permit him to finish both the pictures now he was about it. But the Eunuch would not let him: "Sir," said he, "you do it with the greatest ease and pleasure: why can't you then first sit down and regale yourself, and afterwards finish the verses at your leisure?"

CHAP. VI.<ref>From this place to the end of the History, the translation is carried on in the Portuguese language: which the Editor hath rendered into English.</ref>

Kwo-sho-su sat down at the first table: the Eunuch with Tieh-chung-u at the second. After some little conversation on indifferent subjects, Chou-thay-kien said to the latter: "His Majesty being informed of your great ingenuity, hath ordered these two pictures to be sent here, that you should write something upon them: but it was at my intreaty in order to bring you to my house, where I have something to impart to you of great moment. It is also a peculiar happiness that this Mandarine hath chanced to drop in, and that I can do it in his presence." "What," said Kwo-sho-su, "have you of moment to impart to this Mandarine in my hearing?" The Eunuch replied, "If a drum be not struck upon, it returns no sound; if a bell be not rung, it will not be heard; excuse me therefore if I enter at once upon the matter in hand, without farther ceremony, or delay. I have a niece born with no great beauty; nor is she yet very ill-favoured: but she is very good tempered, chearful and pleasant. She is now about eighteen years of age, and yet I have not hitherto found a proper match for her. Now, Sir," said he, addressing himself to Tieh-chung-u, "you are the man I would chuse for her husband: she is ingaged to no other person: I have got the consent of the Mandarine your father: and yesterday I begged of the Emperor to have the marriage performed: in order to which he gave me these two pictures to ratify the contract."

How much soever Tieh-chung-u was surprized, and chagrined to discover this treachery, he endeavoured to conceal it from observation. He even assumed an appearance of satisfaction, and told the Eunuch he was extremely obliged to him: that his proposal was what he could not possibly have refused, had it been in his power to have accepted of it; but that he was already married to Shuey-ping-sin, the daughter of the Lord President of Arms: and that it was impossible for him to be married twice.<ref>This is to be understood of a primary or chief wife: it would have been an affront to have thought of the niece of so powerful a Eunuch for a secondary one or concubine.</ref>

Chou-thay-kien smiled and said, "You must not think to deceive me, I have examined the affair to the bottom: your proceedings were a feint, in order to avoid marrying my niece; as also to prevent the addresses of Tah-quay to the young lady: and as it was so easy to see through this imposition, I wonder you should think of attempting it." Tieh-chung-u answered, "Your Lordship surprizes me: in an affair of any other nature, such an attempt might be feasible: but in such a subject as marriage, how can any imposition take place? If you are really and truly married," said the Eunuch, "why did not you conduct the bride home to your house, but on the contrary go to reside in that of her father? Why also don't you cohabit with your wife? Why do you continue in separate apartments?" "I do not bring home my bride," said the Mandarine Tieh, "because her father hath never a son; I dwell therefore with him, in order to attend and comfort him in his old age: but whether we reside in the same apartments or not, is an affair of no consequence to any but ourselves: it is sufficient that the marriage hath been duely celebrated. Beside as your Lordship is continually with the Emperor, how can you tell what passes in the house of another person? and this being the case, you ought not to believe any such story." "I shall not enter any farther into the merits of these reports," said the other: "it concerns not me whether they are true or false: it is sufficient that I have spoke with his Majesty about your marriage with my niece: and have the sanction of his authority. It is in vain therefore to think to avoid it." "Not avoid it!" said Tieh-chung-u. "From the remotest antiquity till the present hour, it hath never been heard, that a man endowed with reason hath been married to one wife, and then taken another.<ref name="primary_wife">This is still to be understood of the primary or chief wife.</ref> I have already espoused a young lady with all the due solemnities of law; for this reason I must refuse all other: yet had you made me the offer of your niece first, I should not have slighted it." "Before you had talked in this manner," said the Eunuch, "you should have made it appear that you were really married. When the bride is once carried to the house of her husband, then it may be reputed a true marriage: then she may be considered as a first or secondary wife: but this cannot properly be done till she is carried from her own house. And this ceremony the Rites require." "I grant your Lordship," said Tieh-chung-u, "that generally speaking this is necessary, but the intent is only for the Especially in obedience to the express commands of a parent." "You talk of obedience to your parents," said Chou-thay-kien, "will you pay attention to them, and neglect to obey the orders of the Emperor? Do you think then that the private commands of your parents are to take place of those of his Majesty?" "Far from it," said Tieh-chung-u; who began to be vexed, to hear him talk in so unreasonable a manner: "I only say that marriage is a thing of great importance; and ought to be conducted with regularity and order: otherwise you violate the laws and rites of the empire. This is not a private affair between your Lordship and myself, but a thing of public concernment; and if his Majesty will be pleased to consult all the doctors of the empire, he will see that I am right." "What occasion for so much trouble?" said the Eunuch: "or why is it needful to consult all the doctors, when there is present so great a doctor as Kwo-sho-su, one who is so capable of determining the question?" "Very true," replied the youth; "will your Lordship ask him to judge between us?"

"My Lord," said the Eunuch, addressing himself to that Mandarine, "you have been here some time listening to the dispute between this gentleman and myself: be pleased to favour us with your opinion of the case." "If you alone had asked me," said the Minister, "and if the Mandarine Tieh-chung-u himself had not also applied to me, I should not have hazarded a word between you: but as he also desires it, I will speak according to my conscience, without partiality to either side. With regard to the rites of marriage, there are reasons within other reasons, and the subject contains some things so intricate, that all the doctors in the empire cannot infallibly decide upon it. But if the question turns upon the Emperor's authority, I am of opinion that the rites of marriage are subject to it, and that he may over-rule them at pleasure. For if you look back through all ages, you will find that the Emperor hath power to change the laws of the realm, and even to abolish the whole estate of his Mandarinate, by which those laws are executed and supported." The Eunuch Chou hearing these words, could not conceal his satisfaction: he laughed and said, "Your Lordship is certainly right, the Mandarine Tieh cannot answer one word to this."

Then calling for a cup of wine, he took it in his hand, and presented it with great reverence to Kwo-sho-su, intreating him to be bridesman or mediator to the marriage of his niece. "As you have obtained his Majesty's licence," replied he, addressing himself to Chou-thay-kien, "it is no longer left to your discretion; I shall therefore act in that behalf, for I dare not disobey his Majesty." Then he drank off the wine.<ref>This seems to have been a solemn form, whereby he testified his intention to act as bridesman or mediator on this occasion.</ref>

After which he addressed himself to Tieh-chung-u: "As the Emperor," said he, "hath been pleased to lend his sanction to this marriage, you cannot refuse your compliance, notwithstanding your prior engagement with Shuey-ping-sin: let me then advise you, Sir, to stand off no longer, but to submit, and all will be well."

Tieh-chung-u was extremely chagrined and vexed, and could with much difficulty keep his patience: he nevertheless found it necessary to bridle his temper for many reasons. In the first place, he considered that they had made the point to rest upon the Emperor's authority: again he reflected that the Eunuch Chou had continual access to his Majesty's presence, and would be able to give what turn he pleased to the affair: he was also fearful that being within that Eunuch's house, he would not suffer him to go out: he was moreover unwilling to quarrel openly with Kwo-sho-su: he therefore answered that Mandarine mildly; "I have nothing to object to your Lordship's opinion, and if his Majesty hath given his order, far be it from me to dispute it. But still it is necessary for me to go, and inform my father and mother; that they may fix on a fortunate day; and settle the terms of the nuptial sum: for I cannot pretend to take upon me to do it without their knowledge." "Sir," said the Eunuch, "you only want to shift off the affair; but it will not serve your turn: if you do not comply, you shew contempt to his Majesty's order: it wholly depends upon yourself whether you will obey it or not: you ought to obey, and not to study these excuses. This is a fortunate day: all that relates to invitations is already performed: the music is prepared: the banquet ready: and here by great good fortune is the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su to act as bridesman: within is the nuptial chamber fitted up for the bridegroom: let us now celebrate your marriage with my niece, and then I shall have discharged the most important duty that relates to this life. If you think, Sir, that your father or mother will complain of being neglected, you must lay the blame on his Majesty's order; and then what complaint can be made? If you make any scruple about the nuptial sum, I will leave that entirely to yourselves: that shall make no ground of dispute." "Really, Sir," said Kwo-sho-su to the young Mandarine Tieh, "my Lord Chou-thay-kien discovers a great affection for you; if now you make any farther excuses, you will certainly pass for an ungrateful person." The young Mandarine replied, "Before one can acknowledge a favour, one ought to be certain of its propriety and reasonableness. I came hither to-day by his Majesty's order to make some verses or encomiums on two pictures. I have already finished one; the other remains to be performed: and how can I dare to take in hand any other business till this is discharged? Now I intreat your Lordship to give me here the other picture, that I may finish it; and then I shall be at liberty to enter upon any other business." "Sir," said the Eunuch, "you say very well: but the other picture is very large, and is laid up in an inner apartment: as therefore it would occasion a great deal of trouble to bring it here, you had better go within to it." Although Tieh-chung-u suspected that there was some secret design in this, which he could not at present discover, he notwithstanding thought it best to comply: which he signified accordingly. "Well then," said the Eunuch, "let us drink once more, afterwards we will go within: for your Lordship is right in proposing, that one thing be finished before another be taken in hand." The young Mandarine Tieh said to himself, "When I have once dispatched the other picture, I shall perhaps find a means to escape from this house." Accordingly rising up from the table, he said, "Come let us finish the verses: I will drink no more." The Eunuch Chou rose up likewise, and said, "Let us go." The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su expressed also an inclination to accompany them: but the Eunuch gave him a signal with his eye: and immediately that Mandarine stopped and said, "It is not necessary that I be present at the composing of these verses, I will wait for your return here without: and when you have finished them I will complete the ceremony."

Then Chou-thay-kien conducted the young Mandarine Tieh within: by which means he fell into the snare: for as soon as the other had led him into an inner apartment he left him and withdrew; two women servants immediately shutting the doors upon him.

Tieh-chung-u being thus shut up within the inner apartments of the Eunuch's palace, found them all adorned and fitted out in the most splendid manner. He entered one of the chambers, which shone with the richest and most elegant furniture; and saw in it a lady seated in a chair, who was dressed with jewels, and the costliest ornaments in great profusion. Tieh-chung-u seeing her thus dressed out like a princess, composed the following verses in his mind.

:''I have seen her figure, it is finely trick'd out with ornaments,''
:''But her mouth is wide as the sky, her head high as a mountain.''
:''May the demons look upon her, and bring her to shame.''<ref>The words of the Portuguese translation are, ''Vis sua fieura, ita bem ornada; Mas a bica he grande e larga como o Ceo, a cabeça he alta como monte; Os demonios a vião, fazem-na vergonha.'' This specimen may serve to shew the incorrectness of the MS. version.</ref>

This lady, who was no other than the Eunuch's niece, seeing the young Mandarine enter, rose up from her chair, and made signs to her women to perform their reverences to him: who asked him to draw near, and converse with their lady. Far from complying with their request he drew back; but seeing all the doors were shut upon him, and that there was no remedy, at length he went somewhat nearer the lady, and bowed to her very low; which done, he drew back a little as before: all this while the lady never opened her mouth. One of the most aged of the female attendants seeing this, came up to Tieh-chung-u, and said to him: "Your Lordship came here within the women's apartments to marry my lady: husband and wife being once married, are both of one body, of one flesh.<ref>This is a literal version of the Portuguese, viz. ''Marido e mulher sendo caxado, dous sam hum corpo de huma carne.''</ref> You are now Lord of all this house. You need not therefore be reserved or bashful: but may come and sit down here with your lady." "I came here," said he, "by the Emperor's command to write verses upon two pictures belonging to his Majesty: how then can you say I came here to marry?" "The pictures you speak of," said the servant, "are without; if therefore your Lordship only came on that account, why did not you stay in the outer apartments? Obedience to the Emperor's command did not require you to come in hither. These are the apartments belonging to the women; which none ever enter but my lady and ourselves. You could never have come here, but in order to marry her." "Your lady's uncle," said he, "the Eunuch Chou, with many wiles inticed me within: he hath deceived me. This is very disrespectful treatment of one of my rank, and is an affront to his Majesty, by whose favour I am advanced to be one of the first doctors of the empire."

"As your Lordship is now here," said the servant, "be easy and chearful; why do you talk of any thing that happened to you without?" He replied in a rage, "You are all of you concerned in this piece of treachery. Your master hath ensnared me by pretending the pictures were here within, and this the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su can testify. But you are all of you deceived in thinking to conquer me: my name is Tieh, that is Iron; my body, my heart are all of iron, hard and inflexible, it is impossible to move me. I am more steady and resolute than those two ancient heroes Lieu-hiau-whey and Quan-in-chang,<ref>The first of these is mentioned before in vol. 2. p. 69. as also in the following passage of a Chinese author, translated by P. Du Halde. See vol. 1. p. 439.

"You have heard of the celebrated Lieu-hiau-whey. Neither the most frightful poverty with which he was threatened, nor the first rank of the empire, with which he was tempted, could in the least incline him to vice, or draw him aside from virtue."

The second of these, Quan-in-chang, was a great general, so remarkable for his brave and gallant atchievements, that he is to this day revered by the Chinese; who in remembrance of his sublime virtue, adore him as a god, and set up images in honour of him in their idol-temples.

See before, vol. 3. p. 331. note.—See also Du Halde, P. 125.</ref> who are so famous in history for being firm and unshaken. But indeed what effect can be expected from such shallow plots as these? This girl is not only ugly: but also shameless. Notwithstanding her fine ornaments, I regard her not: she is a low and worthless creature, and not to be regarded." The young lady, although at first she was charmed with the graceful figure of the young Mandarine Tieh, and did not behold without some emotion, the fine features, and fair complexion of that beautiful youth; hearing this abuse, could no longer contain herself, but broke silence, and said, "Sir, you treat me very ill, niece as I am to a great officer of the Emperor, and one who stands continually in his presence. This honour puts him upon a level with any of the Mandarines, so that I have a right to be considered with all the distinction of a Siaum-Tsieh or Mandarine's daughter.<ref>See vol. 1. pag. 114. note.</ref> His Majesty hath commanded a marriage to be concluded between you and me: in which there is nothing wrong or indecent. Why then do you complain of plots against you? How dare you presume to call me low and worthless. You disgrace the honour of my family. But since I am so immodest and shameless, I will make you know whether I am to be regarded or not." Then she called out to her women, "Bring this fellow here before me." All the attendants went up to him, and said, "Our lady orders us to bring you to her to pay her the reverence and respect due to her quality: if you do not comply, we must force you." Notwithstanding he was so much discomposed and chagrined, he could not help smiling at them: but he neither stirred nor answered a syllable.

The women enraged at this contempt, fell all upon him at once, striving to force and drag him up before their mistress, not without great tumult and disturbance. Tieh-chung-u, however provoked at the ridiculous situation in which he saw himself, reflected that it would be very indecent, and unmanly for him to contend, and fight with women: he therefore mustered up his patience, and comforted himself with the old proverb, "Who regards the little demons of the wood?"<ref>The Chinese suppose every part of the universe to be under the influence of good or bad spirits, who have their respective districts. This premised, the application of the Proverb is obvious. Nothing can place the feeble efforts of these women in a more contemptible light, than to compare them to those little diminutive fiends, who only presiding over unfrequented solitudes, have very little power or opportunity of doing mischief, notwithstanding their natural malignity.

The Portuguese words are ''Quem faga caso dos diabolinhos do mato.''</ref> Then drawing a chair to him, he sat down: and while the women were struggling and talking round him, he remained calm and unmoved; repeating to himself the following verses:

:''Hard substances become soft,''
:''So soft things turn to hard:''
:''Hard and soft at times are strong:''
:''Water is soft; who can resist its force?''<ref>The Portuguese words are,
''Cousa dura chegou de estar mole,''
''Cousa mole vem se fazer dura,''
''Dura e mole estas forte,''
''A agoa mole quem pode resistir sua forga?''</ref>

In the midst of this disturbance came in the Eunuch Chou himself, having entered through another door; who looking round him, cried out to the women, "What is the meaning of this? Retire. How dare ye presume to offer this rudeness in the presence of people of quality?" Then addressing himself to Tieh-chung-u on the subject of the marriage, he said, "Well, Sir, it is in vain to resist; you had better comply and put an end to all this disturbance." He answered, "I don't refuse my compliance: but we must pay obedience to the laws." "Why not?" said the other. "Your Lordship," replied he, "forgets there is a book of the laws, which contains an injunction for the Mandarines within the palace to have no dealings or contracts with the Mandarines without."<ref>This is a regulation which the Chinese Emperors have frequently found it necessary to revive, in order to curb the exorbitant power of the Eunuchs, and to break through their connections with the other great officers. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 226 &c.

N. B. By the Mandarines within the palace is peculiarly meant the Eunuchs: these being properly the only domestics the Emperor hath: and these are so numerous, that P. Semedo tells us, in his time their number was seldom so small as 12,000. In the reign of a weak Emperor, the Eunuchs generally gain the ascendant, and grow to an unsufferable pitch of insolence. Since the Tartar race hath been in possession of the throne of China, the number of these gentry hath been lessened, and their authority diminished.

P. Semedo, p. 114.</ref> "Now as there is this doubt about the lawfulness of our engagement, what matters it, if we defer its completion for the present?" "That injunction," said the Eunuch, "is old and obsolete: what occasion to observe an obsolete law? But it is necessary to obey the present commands of the Emperor, and to execute what he injoins. The other is old and out of date." Tieh-chung-u replied, "If your Lordship would have me execute those commands, shew me your patent; that I may first thank his Majesty for his favourable notice of me."<ref>It is an indispensible duty with the Mandarines, to pay their acknowledgments to the Emperor, upon every the least notice taken of them, by doing him immediate homage: which is performed by prostrating themselves nine times on the ground before him, or in his absence before his empty throne.

See P. Du Halde, &c.</ref> "Nay, Sir, shew me the patent. For how can I presume to conclude this marriage, thus hand over head, before I have returned the Emperor thanks?"

While this contention lasted between them, there came two little Eunuchs in great haste to the house of Chou-thay-kien: he was called out to speak to them. They told him that Hu-hiau, General of the Tartarian frontiers,<ref>The Chinese title is ''Ti-tuh'', which P. Du Halde interprets ''Commandant General de la Milice''. Vol. 3.</ref> was returned from the war, bringing with him a multitude of prisoners: that there were also come with him many ambassadors, loaded with tribute of great value<ref>The ideas of Ambassador and Tribute are inseparable among the Chinese. See vol. 2. p. 92. They look upon sending an embassy, as a mark of vassalage and submission, and therefore make it a general rule not to send any themselves to other courts. Yet they have once departed from this rule, in sending a splendid ambassage to Russia, in the reign of the Empress Anne.

Du Halde, Bayeri, tom. 1. dedicatio.</ref>: and that the Emperor had ordered a banquet for them. They added, "As the Mandarine Tieh-chung-u was the patron and protector of the General, his Majesty commands him to accompany them. The banquet is prepared: we have already been at this nobleman's house to seek him, but he was not there; we were told he came home this morning with your Lordship. We are accordingly come hither to inquire after him: the messenger of state waits for him in the outward court, and his servants are attending there with his horse. Please to inform him to come away immediately."

Not satisfied with this account, the Eunuch Chou went himself to the gate accompanied with the Minister Kwo-sho-su: and finding it to be literally as they had related, these two looked at each other in great confusion, not knowing what to say; especially when they saw there was also come the Mandarine whose business it was to provide the banquet, and that the summons would admit of no delay. Finding there was no remedy, the Eunuch ordered the doors to be opened, and Tieh-chung-u to be suffered to come forth. The latter was wondering what could occasion this unexpected deliverance, when the Mandarine of the banquet, and the Emperor's messenger informed him of the invitation, which required his immediate attendance. Chou-thay-kien greatly chagrined, said, "They say the Emperor commands you to attend the banquet: his Majesty also commanded you to write the verses. You have finished one picture, yet another remains to be dispatched. To-morrow, when his Majesty will demand of me why they were not done; what shall I answer? You cannot go till both are finished." This he said with a malicious design to embarrass him, and render him incapable of complying with the order. But Tieh-chung-u answered, "I have long been desiring you to let me have the other picture that I might dispatch it: yet you would not give it me. This picture is here without, but you deceived me, and inticed me to go within: however bring the picture here, and I will finish it." The Eunuch Chou brought him the picture; when in a moment he finished all the verses, and taking his leave, went away.

Chou-thay-kien who accompanied him to the gate, returned to his friend Kwo-sho-su, and said, "What astonishing abilities hath this young man? And who would have thought he could have escaped the snare?<ref>Here is a tedious recapitulation in the original.</ref> This unexpected message from the Emperor hath broke through all our measures." They remained both of them enraged and vexed at a disappointment so little foreseen. After some time Kwo-sho-su broke silence, and said, "Let us look out for some other expedient. The marriage with Shuey-ping-sin is not completed: it is well known that they do not sleep in the same chamber. I will yet cause them to be separated. Think not I propose an impracticable attempt. I will revive the suspicions that have been so long dormant, with regard to her carrying him home to her house to attend him in his illness. I will refute this pretended excuse, and accuse them of disorderly and unlawful motives. I will relate this to the Censor of the empire, who is obliged by his office to report it to his Majesty. I will tell him, that after having had an unlawful amour, they now would increase the scandal by a patched-up marriage: and I will remonstrate the contempt and reproach this will bring on the laws: especially as they are people of such rank in the state. Your Lordship shall lend your assistance to forward and strengthen this accusation. Then will his Majesty summon the Tribunal of Rites to examine into it: in the mean time, I will apply to the Che-hien of the city where the affair happened, and will get him to turn over all the papers of his office, in order to procure minutes of the case, wherewith to support the accusation. After this, the least that can happen will be their being divorced and separated for ever." "True," said the Eunuch Chou; "and when once they are separated, it will be an easy matter to speak to the Emperor about the marriage with my niece." These resolutions they formed together, agreeing that in order to render them effectual, the utmost care and caution were necessary.

CHAP. VII.

Tieh-chung-u, being set at large by the invitation the Emperor sent him to the banquet, took the first opportunity to advise with his father, concerning his situation with Shuey-ping-sin. The Mandarine Tieh-ying said, "Notwithstanding you both continue in separate chambers, I am of opinion that your marriage is valid, and for life. But why don't you bring your wife home to your own house, that the world may be thoroughly satisfied of your nuptials, and thus all occasion of scandal removed? on account of his niece. Go and consult with your bride what course to take in this critical juncture." He accordingly went to the young lady, and told her what his father had said. "My lord," said she with her accustomed discretion, "I am your servant and handmaid; and will do whatever you shall prescribe to me, in order to put an end to these clamours. All this disturbance springs from the malice of Kwo-sho-su and his son. Let us then with the greatest expedition perform whatever ceremonies remain unobserved, and thereby convince the world that our marriage is duly celebrated according to law." When Tieh-chung-u found his lovely bride approved of his father's advice of bringing her home to his own house, it filled his heart with extreme satisfaction: "You," said he, "are a lady that always lend an ear to reason. I will not fail to acquaint my father and mother of our intentions: nor will I on this occasion forget my friend Hu-hiau. I will then apply to the Tribunal of Mathematics,<ref>The ''Kin-tien-kien'' or Tribunal of Mathematics, consists of a president, two assessors, and many subordinate Mandarines: who apply themselves to astronomy and astrology; compose the imperial calendar, and distinguish the days, hours, &c. into fortunate and unlucky.

It is an important branch of their office to predict all eclipses: of which they give schemes to the Emperor, who lays them before the Tribunal of Rites, and they disperse copies of the same through all the provinces, to the end that the ceremonies usual on that occasion may be every where observed. These consist in beating kettle-drums, &c. during the eclipse; the Mandarines kneeling and making prostrations all the while; the common people at the same time shouting, in order to fright away a supposed dragon, who they believe is about to devour the sun or moon.

This tribunal also deputes five astronomers every night to take their stand on the imperial observatory, who every morning report whatever phenomena have occurred to them.

P. Magal. p. 231. Mod. Un. Hist. viii. 186; P. Du Halde. P. Le Compte, &c.</ref> in order to chuse a good day for our nuptials, and will invite all the Mandarines to the marriage feast. The truth is we have not complied with the custom which requires us to present wine to each other."<ref>The custom is upon the wedding night, while the young couple are surrounded by all their friends, for the bride to offer a cup of wine to the bridegroom, which he drinks off; and then offers such another cup to her.</ref>

Kwo-sho-su hearing that the young couple were preparing to celebrate their marriage afresh, was very much disturbed at it. He applied therefore to one of the Mandarines, whose business it is to accuse all that are guilty of enormities, and with many intreaties prevailed on him to accuse Tieh-chung-u and the young lady before the Emperor. The accusation was drawn up in the following terms.

"I Yang-yo, Censor<ref>The title of this officer as given below in the Portuguese version is ''FU-SU [or XU] acuzador e avizor do imperio'': i. e. "The Fu-su, the accuser, and the adviser of the empire." But as this title is mentioned in no other writer, and as the office seems to be the same with that of CENSOR described before, [See pag. 10. note] the Editor hath not scrupled to give that name to it here.</ref> of the empire, with great respect and reverence present to your Majesty this paper of accusation concerning a scandalous marriage, which violates the law: and I do it in order that your Majesty may examine into the same, and find out the truth. Of the five duties that belong to human nature,<ref>By these five things are probably meant those several Relations of social life, that gave birth to the relative duties; which the Chinese distribute into five heads, and to which they reduce all their morality. These five duties are, those of parents and children: prince and subjects: husband and wife: elder and younger brethren: and friends with regard one to another.

See P. Du Halde, vol. 2. pag. 37.

Now although the Chinese commonly look upon the relation between parents and children, as first in point of importance: yet in some respects the precedence may be also given to that of marriage, as it comes first in order of time, and as most of the other relations spring from it.</ref> the first is marriage: it ought therefore to be observed with due care and attention, and with all those ceremonies, which the Emperors have enacted from the remotest antiquity. Now it is a thing unheard of that a young woman without father or mother should remain under the same roof with a young man equally removed from his own parents, and that without the interposal of any mediator or bridesman, or without the knowledge and privity of any. All this hath happened, and the parents of the offenders are the Mandarines Shuey-keu-ye and Tieh-ying, both great officers of your Majesty's council. Who at length, after the fact is become notorious to all the world, are preparing to patch up a marriage between the guilty pair; which they have the confidence to celebrate with great feasting and parade: meanwhile, as the nuptial procession marches along the streets, all the people are murmuring and laughing at a thing so unheard of among persons of quality. All these facts coming to the ears of me your Majesty's subject, I durst not but inform you of them, that the offenders might be chastized for an example to others."

The Mandarine Yang-yo having presented this paper, it was referred to the council named Ko-chung,<ref>None of the writers that the Editor hath been able to consult, give any account of this tribunal, which is elsewhere in the Portuguese MS. called Ko-chin. After all, the Portuguese, which is very much corrupted in this place, will bear to be rendered, "A councillor named Ko-chung who deliberated upon it, &c."</ref> which consulted upon it, and made this report: "What affects the fame of a virgin ought to be very clear. Here is no testimony, only hearsay in the street. It ought diligently to be inquired what evidence there is to support this accusation."

The Eunuch Chou was every day importunate with them to pursue the inquiry with more rigour. Nevertheless it was not till after a considerable time that the accusation was sent to the Tribunal of Rites, for their farther inquiry. The Eunuch Chou vexed at this delay, applied to the Grand Eunuch, who is President of all the Eunuchs of the palace<ref>The Eunuchs of the palace are under cognizance of various tribunals of their own; where all regulations relating to them are enacted, and to which alone they are accountable.

P. Semedo, pag. 114.</ref>: and immediately a petition was issued out for the Emperor's own inspection: who upon perusal of it said, "As Tieh-chung-u is a young man, the pretence of his going to be cured and nursed in his illness in the house of a young woman, is not to be suspected."

While the Tribunal of Rites was deliberating what answer to return to his Majesty, the news arrived to the Mandarine Tieh-ying, who greatly alarmed related to the young couple what he had heard. "The Mandarine Yang-yo," said he, "out of enmity which he bears you, hath delivered in a petition against you to the Emperor; it behoves you therefore to consider well, what defence you are to make; and to draw up a petition in your own behalf." The young couple replied, "We have long been apprized that this would happen, and are accordingly prepared: let us see what answer his Majesty hath dispatched, and we shall draw up a suitable memorial."

The Emperor referred the petition abovementioned to the Tribunal of Rites. That tribunal dispatched it away to the province, for the Viceroy to make inquiry. The Minister Kwo-sho-su upon the first notice of this, immediately sent instructions to his son to gain the Che-hien of the city over to their interest; with a view he desired him to spare no expence, and furnished him with a letter written to that Magistrate with his own hand. Kwo-khe-tzu greatly delighted with the prospect that seemed to open before him, immediately got ready a hundred pieces of gold,<ref>The Portuguese expression is, ''Pas de ouro'', i. e. "Loaves of gold;" and this is the name which most nations have agreed to give to the uncoined pieces of gold which the Chinese use in traffic. These pieces are of two sizes, the greater are commonly worth more than 100l. sterling, and the smaller about half as much, or according to their weight: for neither gold nor silver coin is current in China, all their payments being made by weight. For this reason every Chinese merchant is always furnished with very fine steelyards and a pair of shears for the more ready dividing their metal into the requisite sums, which they will do to any given value with the greatest exactness.

This may seem an awkward method of proceeding, but the Chinese are such subtle exquisite cheats, that were money to pass among them by tale, as in other countries, it would give birth to continual adulterations. For the same reason, when the Chinese transport these ''Pas de ouro'' into other countries, the merchants cut them through the middle, not daring to trust that crafty people, who have a method of stuffing these pieces, insomuch that within-side shall be sometimes found a third part of copper or silver. — But except it be in large sums, gold is seldom used as a medium of traffic.

N. B. The only coined money current in China, consists of some very small copper pieces, who have each a hole in the middle for the convenience of stringing many of them together. Ten of these are not worth above a half-penny.

See Tavernier part 2. pag. 8. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 330.</ref> in order to accompany his father's letter to the Che-hien. The name of the Mandarine who at this juncture possessed that office was Wey-phey; being the same person whom Tieh-chung-u had formerly befriended in rescuing and restoring to him his mistress. This gentleman was but newly promoted to his office when Kwo-khe-tzu presented to him the hundred pieces of gold together with his father's letter. The other had no sooner perused it, than he was greatly surprized to find not only the mischief intended against his benefactor, but that he himself was desired to be instrumental in it. Nevertheless he concealed his sentiments with seeming approbation; "Very well," said he; "I accept your present; when the order arrives, I will not neglect it."

Kwo-khe-tzu was satisfied with this answer, and withdrew. The governor Wey-phey called together all the clerks belonging to the tribunal,<ref>Belonging to every tribunal there are various notaries, clerks, &c. who have small houses in the adjoining courts. They are maintained at the public expence, and enjoy their places for life: so that business goes on without interruption, notwithstanding that the Mandarines their masters are often changed.

N. B. In each of the tribunals there are public registers, where every thing transacted before it is entered and recorded.

P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 284. Lettres edif.</ref> and ordered them to examine into the affair of Tieh-chung-u, and to inform him upon what pretence that youth was received into the house of Shuey-ping-sin. They all agreed that the young lady took him in, out of gratitude for having rescued her from Kwo-khe-tzu, who was carrying her off by force: and that this was notorious to all the world. The Mandarine Wey-phey inquired how far their behaviour together afterwards was decent and blameless. They replied, "We know not: but the Pao Che-hien your predecessor, having the same doubt of their virtue, employed a spy to pry into their conduct; who was accordingly concealed for some time within the house: and this man gave such an account of their behaviour, that the Pao Che-hien conceived a great regard for the young stranger, and revered him as a saint." The governor Wey-phey ordered before him the spy abovementioned, as also the superior of the Pagoda, where Tieh-chung-u had lodged. He examined them both; and both agreed in establishing the purity of that gentleman's conduct. Highly satisfied and rejoiced with this result of his inquiries, Wey-phey only waited for the arrival of the dispatches from the Tribunal of Rites, and from the Viceroy, in order to make his report. After five days the dispatches arrived. He immediately returned back to the Viceroy a satisfactory answer. That Mandarine acknowledged the affair bore a very reputable aspect, and immediately transmitted the account to the court. The Tribunal of Rites expressed great satisfaction at the clear and unblemished conduct of Tieh-chung-u, whom they looked upon as a saint, and perceived the malice of Kwo-sho-su; nevertheless being obliged to observe all the due forms of law, they informed that Mandarine of the satisfactory account they had received of Tieh-chung-u's conduct, and invited him to come and peruse it himself.

Kwo-sho-su was greatly inraged at the perusal, and threw out many reproaches on the governor Wey-phey. "He is but newly made a doctor," said he, "and just come to his office, how can he know the truth of this affair? He is very hardy and rash to pretend to acquit this criminal upon such slight pretences: I cannot suffer this boldness to pass unnoticed." He therefore applied to the superior Mandarine to call Wey-phey to account for his presumption. With this view Yang-yo presented another petition to the Emperor: who accepted it, and gave orders for Wey-phey to be summoned to court, in order to justify his conduct. Wey-phey received this summons from the Viceroy: together with private notice to make the best preparations he could for his defence, for that he had powerful enemies to contend with. Wey-phey waited on the Viceroy to return him thanks for his advice, and withal assured him that he had nothing of which he could accuse himself, and therefore was under no apprehension of the event. Then taking with him the spy, who had been employed by his predecessor, together with the letter of Kwo-sho-su, and his present of the hundred pieces of gold, he set out for the court. As soon as he arrived there, he durst not presume to present himself before the Emperor, but went and demanded audience of the Hing-pu, or Tribunal of Crimes. It was inquired of him at that tribunal; how it happened, that he who was but newly promoted to his office, could pretend to decide so positively upon the conduct of Tieh-chung-u, and the young lady: and whether he had not been bribed to acquit them? Wey-phey answered, "As I was promoted by his Majesty to the honourable Tribunal of Che-hien, it behoved me to examine clearly into all matters that came before it. It is true, my own personal knowledge of this affair cannot enable me to decide upon it: but I not only inquired of my clerks and officers all they knew about it themselves, but also what testimony they had to support their account: they referred me to a person, who was employed by the Pao Che-hien my predecessor expressly as a spy to observe the conduct of the young people, and from him I learnt a clear state of the case. Your Lordships have asked if I received any bribe from Tieh-chung-u. I have received nothing from that Mandarine. But from Kwo-sho-su I have received not only a letter written with his own hands, but also a hundred pieces of gold from those of his son. Here is the spy, who is witness to the truth of the account, and here is also the letter and the gold." The Mandarines at the sight of this, were astonished and confounded; and finding no cause to blame Wey-phey, dismissed him with orders to await the Emperor's farther pleasure, and to attend them again upon the first summons. Then Wey-phey performed the accustomed reverence, and withdrew.

CHAP. VIII.

The Mandarines that composed the Tribunal of Crimes seeing there was no remedy, and that they could not favour the cause of Kwo-sho-su without danger to themselves, applied to the Tribunal of Rites to present a memorial to his Majesty, to acquaint him with what they had done. The Emperor perused it himself, and said, "This is a rare incident. If this report be true, we have in our realm a most excellent person." The Eunuch Chou, who stood in his Majesty's presence, said, "This report comes from a new governor, who could not know the affair of his own personal knowledge; if I might therefore presume so far, I would question the truth of this report: for if there was nothing wrong, why did not his father come to acquaint and consult your Majesty upon the case. The young people in the first place come together, and afterwards marry." The Emperor considered a little with himself, and then replied; "You are right. Order each of the parties concerned to draw up a petition for my perusal. I will afterwards examine into the affair myself." When this order came to the two young persons and their parents, they remained very joyful and well pleased: the Minister Kwo-sho-su was no less affected with concern and dread: he thought to have wrought the downfall of others, and saw the evil ready to fall upon himself. In the difficulty in which he found himself plunged, it occurred to him to represent in his petition the overtures of marriage that had been made by his son, and to assign reasons favourable to his cause: he therefore gave in the following memorial to the Emperor.

"I your Majesty's vassal present this petition concerning the affair that hath so lately happened. The truth is, I was at first disposed to marry my son to the daughter of Shuey-keu-ye, and for that reason applied to her father in his behalf: but afterwards hearing many things prejudicial to the fame of the young lady, I laid aside my intention. How then could my son be supposed likely to make an attempt upon her by force?<ref>The transition here is very harsh and abrupt: it ought however to be observed, that the Emperor had been made acquainted with this circumstance from the petitions relating to Hu-hiau.</ref> I submit this to your Majesty's consideration."

Tieh-chung-u saw this memorial, and instantly presented another to the Emperor in answer to it.

"I Tieh-chung-u in obedience to your Majesty's orders, make this my petition, speaking truth without guile. I did not presume to trouble your Majesty on this occasion, as the affair was trifling, and related only to a private family. I was travelling through the provinces, by permission of my father, when lo! in the city of Tsi-nan I was interrupted by a great tumult and disturbance in the streets: I inquired the cause; and learnt that the son of Kwo-sho-su was carrying away the daughter of Shuey-keu-ye, in order to marry her by force. Hearing of this outrage, though I was then but a stripling, I was filled with indignation, and said, in marriage the consent of both parties, and other solemn rites are necessary. The Che-hien yielding to my remonstrance, caused the lady to be carried back to her house. All this while I had no previous knowledge of the parties: nor had any other view but to promote peace and concord. The son of Kwo-sho-su finding that I had hindered his unlawful designs, entertained a violent hatred against me. I was lodged in a Pagoda or convent. He applied to the Bonze of the convent to give me poison. It was accordingly administered to me in my victuals. I was seized with violent illness, and at the point of death. Shuey-ping-sin discovering that I was dangerously ill upon her account, was greatly concerned, and caused her people to convey me to her house. I was then too much disordered to know any thing of the matter: but she did it purely out of gratitude to repay the service I had done her. While I was in her house I observed the strictest modesty,<ref>Literally it is, ''I was very clean.''</ref> nor gave the least occasion for scandal. With regard to the marriage contracted with her afterwards, I did it in obedience to my father and mother; and this was owing to my having been surety for the general Hu-hiau, who by the victories he obtained, brought the young lady's father out of a long exile, which he had suffered at the instigation of Kwo-sho-su. The general observing that I was young and unmarried, in order to return the benefits I had done him, became mediator and bridesman in my behalf, and applied to Shuey-keu-ye to give me his daughter in marriage. All this they concerted among themselves without my knowledge. But notwithstanding the marriage hath been twice solemnized, it is not yet consummated: so careful have we been about our reputation and good fame. We have even lived together under the same roof with all the innocence of infants. This I here set forth in my petition conformably to truth."

The young lady in like manner presented her petition to the Emperor.

"I Shuey-ping-sin in conformity to your Majesty's command, make this true memorial. I was left an orphan by the death of my mother, and by my father's banishment: I remained alone in my house, where I lived in the greatest reserve and retirement. In this solitude how could I make a marriage-contract? All the present disturbance springs from the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su. His son, who is of the same city with myself, held me in such contempt, as to form designs of marrying me by force: he got me into his power by a counterfeit order from the Che-hien.<ref>The literal rendering is, ''my gates were shut.''</ref> As he was carrying me away we were met by Tieh-chung-u: who seeing this outrage applied to the Che-hien in my behalf. That Magistrate ordered me to be carried back to my house. Kwo-khe-tzu, inraged at his disappointment, conceived violent hatred against my deliverer, and sought all means of revenge. The latter being lodged in a Convent, the other commanded the Bonze to give him poison: which brought him to the point of death. Hearing of his danger, I resolved to run the risk of my reputation, rather than let my benefactor perish. I ordered him therefore to be conveyed to my house, that I might superintend his cure. I remained under the same roof with him, with the greatest purity and modesty, without any bad thought.<ref>Very clean and pure.</ref> He is no less innocent. Whatever is represented as disorderly in our marriage is false. It was undertaken and conducted by my father. The General Hu-hiau was bridesman or mediator, and gave himself the trouble of settling the contract. But although we are married, we have not yet cohabited. This being a private concern between man and wife, we thought it unnecessary to trouble your Majesty. The liberty I take now is in obedience to your Majesty's command, to whose wisdom I refer the decision of my cause."

The Mandarine Tieh-ying presented likewise a memorial to the Emperor.

"I the President of the Viceroys, Tieh-ying by name, with great respect and reverence present this memorial to your Majesty. The rites of marriage ought to be observed by the father and mother of each party. When a father wants to marry his son, it behoves him to seek out a woman of honour and virtue. My son, who is created one of the first doctors of the empire, cannot but understand all the ceremonies and customs: much less could he dare to violate the laws. We being your Majesty's servants, and advanced to the honourable rank of Mandarines, could not presume to take any steps that were not legal. The young lady Shuey-ping-sin hath too much virtue and good sense to consent to any step injurious to her reputation. Whatever therefore is represented as disorderly in their marriage, is contrary to truth. But all these troubles are brought upon me through the hatred and envy of certain persons. This memorial I make in obedience to your Majesty, whose wisdom will clearly discern the truth."

The father of the young lady presented his memorial likewise.

"I the President of the Tribunal of Arms, named Shuey-keu-ye, with great reverence and respect present this memorial to your Majesty. In marriage, there ought to be the intire consent of both parties, free from all force and compulsion. With respect to my daughter, she would by no means be prevailed on to marry Kwo-khe-tzu; whose father being one of your Majesty's great councellors, and having charge of the whole empire, ought to know all the laws and customs. And yet hath he been guilty of the greatest outrage, and still persists in presenting memorials to your Majesty full of lies and falsehood, defaming the honour of ladies, principally that of my daughter; who hath already presented her memorial, which I humbly beg leave to refer to."

CHAP. IX.

These five memorials were presented to the Emperor. His Majesty received them, and calling together all the Mandarines of his council into his palace, he required them to take the petitions, and examine them carefully. They obeyed his commands, and were agreed as to the truth of the facts, viz. That Kwo-khe-tzu had carried away the lady by force: and that Tieh-chung-u was in her house to be nursed in his illness: but whether their behaviour together afterwards was as pure and unblemished as was represented, they could not determine. To this end it was necessary to inquire of the Mandarine, who filled the post of Che-hien when the affair happened. Immediately an order was issued out to cite that Mandarine before them: who accordingly arrived. The Emperor himself examined him. "You that were then Che-hien of that district, are you acquainted with the affair between Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin? Take here these five memorials, consider thoroughly on which side lies the truth, and tell me truly as far as you know; otherwise you shall be punished in the same manner as the offenders themselves." The Pao Che-hien perused the papers, and assured his Majesty that as far he had opportunity of knowing, the defendants had asserted nothing but the truth; that indeed with regard to the regularity of their marriage afterwards, he was not able to pronounce about it, as it had been celebrated after his time.

The Eunuch Chou told the Emperor, that with respect to every thing that past before, it might possibly be true; but after having been twice married, it was not credible that they had observed so strict a chastity, as they would insinuate. The Emperor agreed that his remark was just. Then he issued out an order for all the Mandarines of the court to meet together at the palace the next morning; and for Tieh-chung-u and the young lady to attend them.

The next morning when all the Mandarines were assembled in the palace, together with Tieh-chung-u and his bride, the Emperor himself came amongst them. When they had performed the profound reverence<ref>This is done by prostrating themselves nine times before his throne, each time striking their forehead against the ground.

See P. Du Halde, &c.</ref> due to his presence, his Majesty ordered Tieh-chung-u to stand forth before him. He obeyed; and the Emperor seeing him to be a very graceful and well made youth,<ref>It should seem from hence that Tieh-chung-u was not before personally known to the Emperor, notwithstanding he was appointed tutor to his son. This is very credible.</ref> was pleased with his appearance: "What," said he, "are you the person that broke open the gates of Tah-quay, and rescued the old man named Han-juen, together with his wife and daughter?" He answered in the affirmative. "Was it you also that was protector of the general Hu-hiau?" He signified his assent. "These two exploits," said his Majesty, "indicate a disposition highly to be applauded; you must certainly have great courage. When you went to the house of Shuey-ping-sin in order to be nursed in your illness, to remain under the same roof with her five nights and days pure and undefiled, is such conduct as was never heard of from the earliest ages until now: it is very extraordinary. Is this also true?" Tieh-chung-u said, "It is very true." "A sincere and just man," said his Majesty, "may sometimes be met with, but one like you it is difficult to find. But you say in your petition you were twice married; how happened that?"

Tieh-chung-u answered, "When I was carried to the house of the young lady to be nursed in my illness, there went abroad many evil reports concerning us: this occasioned us to be married twice. For when our parents agreed upon the marriage covenant, if we had come together at first, our integrity would always have remained in doubt: for the same reason we have hitherto resided in different apartments. And as your Majesty hath called our conduct in question, we two have been as the sun among clouds: now we are in your Majesty's presence, we beseech you to cause the sun to come from behind that obscurity." The Emperor listened to him with great attention, and said, "According to your account Shuey-ping-sin is yet a virgin." He then ordered that young lady to stand forth before him: and when she appeared he thought her beautiful as an angel. He asked if her name was Shuey-ping-sin. She answered, "Yes." "The Mandarine," said he, "that was Che-hien of your city hath told me, that three times with great ingenuity you delivered yourself out of the hands of Kwo-khe-tzu. Was it so or not?" She replied, "I am a poor weak girl: Kwo-khe-tzu found my father was banished into Tartary, and therefore endeavoured to marry me by compulsion. Finding that I was unable to resist his power, I was obliged to practise some artifice to deliver myself out of his hands." The Emperor laughed and said, "You that were afraid of Kwo-khe-tzu, how durst you take a young stranger into your house to nurse him? Were not you afraid that people would raise evil reports of you?" She replied, "When I was called upon to return benefits so great as those I had received, I no longer regarded fame or report." The Emperor laughed again, and said, "In the beginning, when you hardly knew Tieh-chung-u, you took him in without regarding the murmurs and reproaches of the world: afterwards, when you were commanded by your father to marry him, why did you continue in separate apartments?" She replied, "The murmuring at first was but small, and I knew would easily cease together with my acquaintance with that gentleman. But now that a more serious connection was going to take place between us by means of a regular marriage, there was danger of our incurring a disgrace and infamy that would terminate only with our lives. But your Majesty hath summoned me into your presence; and with great shame and trembling I am come to appear before you." The Emperor was greatly pleased with the ingenuous modesty and diffidence with which she opened her cause, and said, "Young lady, if you have all along kept yourself pure and spotless to the present hour. You in particular ought to be celebrated through all parts of the world, as a saint. I now order four Eunuchs to attend this young lady to the Empress<ref>The Emperor hath commonly a good number of wives; though but one, to whom he gives the title of Empress or select consort; she alone is allowed to sit at table with him. Women of the next order are reckoned nine of a second, and also nine of a third rank, and all of them styled Queens. Next to them are those styled Queens, but who are in reality rather concubines, and of these he takes as great a number as he pleases, and keeps them in different apartments from the former, except he should take a particular fancy to any one of them, and bring her into the inward court. But in general he shews the most respect and favour to those who bring him most children, especially to the mother of the first son, though they are all inferior to her, whom he hath chosen to be the imperial consort, and are obliged to wait on her, while she sits at table with him.

Mod. Univ. Hist. viii. 164. P. Magal. pag. 290, 308. &c. P. Semedo, pag. 113. &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 293.

N. B. The Mandarines take care in the several provinces to chuse out the most beautiful women for the Emperor's use.</ref>: and let her appoint her ladies to examine if this virgin speaks the truth."

Four Eunuchs immediately came forth, and conducted the young lady to the Empress; who received her, and ordered two of her attendants to answer the Emperor's inquiry. They returned, and said, "We have performed your Majesty's command, and pronounce Shuey-ping-sin to be a spotless virgin." Then the Empress treated her with tea, and ordered their report to be carried to the Emperor. His Majesty with great pleasure communicated it to the Mandarines of the court: and said, "Although Shuey-ping-sin hath been twice married to Tieh-chung-u by express order of their parents; and though he was before, five days and nights with her in her house; she hath nevertheless kept herself pure and chaste. This hath been proved beyond all dispute. I am rich," proceeded he, "in having so valuable a jewel in my empire. This is a rare incident that hath happened: and affords a light to my people; an example to all my subjects. Yet if I had not examined into the affair myself, so much rare merit had been buried in disgrace: like a precious stone that is irrecoverably lost."<ref>His Majesty's own words contain a more indelicate, but at the same time a more exact image. The literal Portuguese version is, ''Com hia pedra precioza caida no estrco.'' "Like a precious stone fallen into dung."</ref> He then asked the Mandarines, if this were true or not. They all answered with one mouth, "Your Majesty hath examined and judged; and the decision is very certain and compleat."

CHAP. X.

The Emperor commanded the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su to stand forth, and said to him, "You are a Minister of state, and one of the first councellors of the empire, why did not you chastise your son? He thrice endeavoured to force away a young lady of quality, and was guilty of other outrages: in which he was not only countenanced by you: but you endeavoured yourself to defame the innocent. These are crimes that cannot be pardoned." Kwo-sho-su hearing these words, was struck with great terror and confusion, and falling on his knees, prostrated himself on the ground: "Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin," said he, "both of them young persons, had cohabited in the same house: finding they had been upon this footing, I could not help suspecting the worst. Your Majesty therefore I hope will pardon me." Then the Emperor commanded Yang-yo to be called forth, and said to him: "You are the Censor of the empire; why did not you make a more exact inquiry into this affair, before you presumed to represent it to me? It was great injustice to give a false representation of a case, wherein the fame and honour of so many persons were concerned. If I had not judged and examined it myself, but had rested satisfied with your report, the truth had been hid under reproach and infamy." That Mandarine hearing words at once so just and severe, was struck with confusion and dismay, and falling upon his knees, prostrated himself on the ground, crying out, "I deserve punishment, let your Majesty do with me what seemeth good."

The Emperor then called forth the governor Wey-phey, who presented himself before him. His Majesty said, "As you, though lately made a doctor, and newly promoted to your post, had such regard to justice, and could resist the temptation of so large a bribe: and as you have been the instrument of delivering Shuey-ping-sin from her difficulties, and of restoring her to her good fame; for so much care and pains you deserve to be promoted higher."

Then his Majesty pronounced sentence according to the following declaration.

"I THE EMPEROR dispatch and publish this my order to all my officers throughout the empire. There hath appeared an instance of such rare merit that it deserves to be magnified and applauded throughout my dominions; and affords an example of virtue and integrity to all persons of both sexes. Shuey-ping-sin is a young maid of great virtue, and fortitude. By her virtue she thrice resisted the most pressing attacks, in order to preserve herself chaste and pure. By her fortitude she returned the kindnesses of her benefactor, though at the hazard of her reputation: for she carried to her house a man, a stranger, to nurse him in his illness, notwithstanding she was a lonely orphan. All this virtue and excellence lay hid and contemned by the world, till I the Emperor discovered it: I have found that it is most pure and unblemished, and deserves to be extolled through all parts of my empire."

"With regard to Tieh-chung-u, he is a most excellent young man, of great virtue, justice, and courage. He was not afraid to enter into the palace of a man of the first quality, breaking open his gates in order to rescue from oppression an old man, his wife, and daughter. He was likewise protector of the general Hu-hiau, answering for his conduct. He also delivered Shuey-ping-sin out of the hands of violence. He was married to her twice, and yet preserved her purity and chastity together with his own: at the same time that he suffered reproach for his conduct. All this was unknown, but I the Emperor have myself examined into it, and find it true. He is worthy to be praised throughout the empire, and ought to be advanced above all captains. He deserves to receive Shuey-ping-sin for his wife, and she is worthy of such a husband: they are both of transcendant virtue. I the Emperor am extremely satisfied with them both, and applaud them highly. I therefore advance the said Tieh-chung-u to the order of Ta-hio-tse, or Magistrates of approved capacity,<ref>See vol. 1. pag. 74. note.</ref> and moreover constitute him first Co-lau or Minister of State. And as for Shuey-ping-sin, I make her a Fu-gen or dutchess.<ref>The titles of honour bestowed on women in China, are independent of, and bear no affinity to those of men. See various kinds of female titles in P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 633, 4, 5, 6.</ref> I myself will be mediator or bridesman between them: on which account I make them a present of a hundred pieces of fine gold,<ref>In the Portuguese, ''Cem Pas de ouro.''

It should have been observed in the former note, pag. 109, that what the Portuguese and several other nations call Loaves of Gold, are by the English called Shoes of Gold; and by the Dutch Goltschuit or Boats of Gold from their oblong curved form resembling a Shoe or Boat. A hundred of these are worth more than 10,000l. sterling. They are of the very finest and purest gold. Tavernier, part 2. pag. 8.

The Portuguese version of this passage is, ''E cem pessarios de ouro de prata e de totas maneiras'': the Editor confesses he knows not what to make of the word ''pessarios'', which he hath not found explained in any dictionary. It seems derived from ''pesar'' to weigh.</ref> and a hundred pieces of gold and silver. I also appoint to each of them ten royal vests out of my own wardrobe, and to each of them a crown. Let them be accompanied with my own music: let all the preparations for their marriage be furnished out from my own palace: and let the bride be carried to the house of her spouse with imperial splendor, accompanied by all the councellors, Mandarines and officers of the court. I the Emperor appoint this for the example and encouragement of the just and good."

"With regard to the Mandarines Shuey-keu-ye and Tieh-ying, I exalt them three degrees<ref>These degrees are a kind of honorary distinctions; and where a Mandarine's conduct deserves either slight reward or punishment, his superiors are content with raising or lowering his rank three or four degrees: what renders these distinctions important, is the Mandarine's being obliged to put at the top of whatever orders he issues out, the number of degrees he hath been advanced or degraded. For instance, A. B. raised three degrees, or turned back four degrees, doth give notice, &c. By this means his reward or punishment is known to the common people. When a person hath been raised ten degrees, he may expect to be advanced to a superior Mandarinate: on the contrary, if he has been depressed ten degrees, he is in danger of losing his employment.

P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 258.</ref> higher in their rank, as a reward for the good education they gave their son and daughter."

"As to the governor Wey-phey; I remand him back to his post of Che-hien for three years, afterwards he shall be exalted to a higher office, for his great justice."

"As to the former governor the Pao Che-hien, who gave so just an account of the affair, he is hereby exalted one degree."

"As to the Minister Kwo-sho-su, who in so bad a manner bred up his son, and hath defamed the reputation of worthy persons, he hath deserved death; nevertheless as he hath served me a long time, let him be carried to the Tribunal of Crimes, let him there be divested of his office, and receive fifty strokes or bastinadoes.<ref>In China the greatest ministers are not beyond the reach of punishment; upon detection of their guilt the Emperor treats them with as little ceremony as the meanest of his subjects. — Instances of this kind often occur in the court of Pe-king, and occasion very little noise or disturbance.

P. Le Compte tells us, that when he was in China three Mandarines of the rank of Co-lau or Prime Minister had taken bribes. The Emperor who was informed of it, deprived them upon the spot of all their employments. "I know not," says he, "what became of the other two; but the third, an ancient magistrate, venerable for his age, and esteemed for his capacity, was condemned to guard one of the gates of the palace, with a company of common soldiers among whom he was enrolled. — I saw him myself one day in this state of humiliation, he was upon duty as a private centinel; but in passing by him, I shewed him the same respect that every one else did, in bowing the knee to him: for all the Chinese still retained a respect for the shadow of that dignity with which he had been so lately invested."

P. Le Compte, vol. 2. pag. 63.

See vol. 1. pag. 78. of this work.</ref>"

"As to the Censor Yang-yo, who gave in a false accusation, let him be degraded of his rank three degrees, and amerced three years income of his salary."

"As to the young man Kwo-khe-tzu, who thrice attempted to carry off Shuey-ping-sin, and gave poison to Tieh-chung-u; notwithstanding that it did not take effect, he is guilty of a heinous offence. Let him be delivered therefore to the governor of his city, in order to receive a hundred strokes or bastinadoes,<ref>Fewer blows than these are sometimes sufficient to dispatch a person.

See vol. 2. pag. 69. note.</ref> and afterwards to be banished twenty leagues from the place for life."

"Let the Emperor pronounce this sentence upon every one according to his deserts. Those that do well shall be rewarded: those that do evil shall be punished. Let this sentence be published throughout the empire."

The Empress shewed great favour and kindness to Shuey-ping-sin, and dismissed her with very rich presents: commanding four Eunuchs to attend her to the Emperor. His Majesty received her in the most gracious manner, and said, "That you a little maid, should possess such fortitude, and be withal so pure and spotless, affords an instance not to be equaled in history. I have now restored you to that reputation, which you were in danger of losing: and have caused your virtue to be published through all the empire. To-day you may be married with credit and honour, and I wish you both good fortune, and long life: that you may beget a numerous family, who may be all virtuous like their parents, and inherit all the happiness I wish to yourselves."

Immediately Tieh-chung-u, Shuey-ping-sin, and all the Mandarines, returned thanks to the Emperor for his goodness, and withdrew. Then the new-married couple set out for their house, accompanied by the Mandarines in great pomp and magnificence: and as they passed along in procession, the streets resounded with the applause and acclamations of the people.

Thus did Shuey-ping-sin after all her troubles at length attain to the highest glory: Which gave occasion to the following verses.

:''First trees that open'd, yield no fragrance, 'tis said:''
:''So precious stones, till they are ground, cast no lustre.''
:''Time of great cold occasions speed: So doth adversity.''<ref>The words of the Portuguese version are as follows, viz.
''As rojas nas estas apertos, nas nas cheros.''
''As pedras preciozas nas fas polidas, nao tem lustre.''
''Em tempo de grande frio fas nascer fulas e receie de fula.''
The last of these lines the Editor honestly confesses he knows not what to make of, and has substituted the last line of the English merely as a conjectural rendering.</ref>

When the young couple were arrived at their house in all this splendor, a table was placed in the middle of the hall, which was lighted up in the most brilliant manner: Then in the presence of all the company the bride and bridegroom bowed down their heads, and making their courtesies and reverence, expressed their gratitude to the Emperor and Empress for all their favours. They also bowed down their heads to their father and mother with great duty and reverence. Afterwards they performed their respects to all the Mandarines who accompanied them home, giving them many thanks. This ended, a magnificent banquet was served up with great splendor.

When the banquet was over Tieh-chung-u and his lovely bride performed the usual ceremonies: after which the Mandarines took their leaves, and went back to the palace to inform the Emperor that all things were completed, and that the new-married couple returned their most graceful acknowledgments for his Majesty's goodness.

Kwo-sho-su bore his own punishment with resignation; but when he saw the sentence passed on his son, he was overwhelmed with an affliction not to be expressed. The Censor Yang-yo was also greatly affected with the reproof he met with. Thus all received the chastisement due to their faults. On which account Tieh-chung-u composed the following verses.

:''The evil man doth not perceive how the end may turn out:''
:''When the time cometh, he shall not escape; he shall find according to his works.''
:''By the example thou beholdest, resolve to do well:''
:''Redound it to thine honour and glory.''<ref>The Portuguese words are,
''O man homem, mal fas, nas atenia o fim como vay:''
''Chegando o tempo nas escapara, conforme obra achar achara.''
''Con derte te do exemplo do que ves:''
''Reponha homem de bem fazer, a boa fama e gloria ha de ter.''</ref>

Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin, after they were married, lived happily many years; having the greatest affection for each other. Tieh-chung-u extolled his charming wife, expatiating on her virtue and merit, and thanking her for the benefits he had received at her hands in times past, attributing to her the high rank to which he was at present exalted. On the other hand she was as full in her encomiums on her beloved husband: thanking him a thousand times for the many favours she had received from him, assuring him that she could never sufficiently repay them; that she was not worthy to be his handmaid; but though she was his wife, she would be always humble and obedient to him her husband, serving him all her life with the greatest affection. Accordingly they made the most exemplary couple in all the empire.

:''The two married persons come home with great splendor and fragrance:''
:''It is in order that their good conduct and example may be spread abroad:''
:''While their worth lay hid within the heart, it was not perceived:''
:''Now the time is arrived that it is published through all the world.''<ref>The Portuguese words are,
''Os dous caxados vem a casa par todo caminho com grande lux e cheire:''
''Por bom obra e exemplo que se estende:''
''Dentro de coraças que homem nas intende;''
''Ja chegou o tempo que por todo mundo se estende.''</ref>

From this time Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin, husband and wife, lived together in the greatest harmony, observing the most exemplary virtue; and serving the Emperor with all sincerity. He executing the office of Co-lau or first Minister and counsellor of the state; with great fidelity and skill, so that he was beloved and admired of all.

Both Tieh-chung-u and Shuey-ping-sin afford a striking example of virtue and integrity — abroad for ever!

'''Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History, is concluded.'''

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 28

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= Chapter 28: The Wedding and the Virtuous Compact =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Footnotes have been converted from the original endnote/footnote format to inline references.''

----

''[Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters I-III]''

CHAP. I.<ref>Chap. XV. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

Shuey-keu-ye when he came home, saw to his great satisfaction his daughter grown up to woman's estate, and highly improved in her beauty and accomplishments. He told her the troubles he had met with had not been able to render him unhappy, neither was he at all elevated by his promotion. "My greatest pleasure, said he, is to see you again, and to find you in health." He concluded with telling her, that at court he had met with a young gentleman, whom he had chosen for his son-in-law, one who was in every respect answerable to his utmost wishes. It struck the young lady that this might possibly be Tieh-chung-u; she therefore answered, "Sir, you are far advanced in years: it is a great while since the death of my mother: you have no child but me: it is therefore my duty to serve you as long as I live: and however undeserving I may be, I will never cease to attend you." The Mandarine her father smiled and said, "You must not persist in these resolutions, however commendable they may be. It would be very wrong to let slip the opportunity of being happily married upon any such considerations. If my adopted son-in-law were not a person of superior merit, I should hardly have made choice of him: nay if he had the least fault in the world, I should not have accepted him without having first consulted you. But he is a youth of fine understanding, and of spotless integrity: he is deficient in no one valuable accomplishment. I found him in all respects so unexceptionable, that I did not think it necessary to apply to you first for your consent." The young lady, who by this description was confirmed in her opinion, that it must be the son of the Mandarine Tieh-ying, made answer, that indeed nothing could be objected to such a person as he had described: "But who knows, added she, whether there may not be other objections to the marriage-contract? whether it may be lawful—?" These words made the Lord President recall to mind those of the young gentleman, insomuch that he could not help remarking their resemblance: he therefore said, "Do you know the person of whom I speak? it is the son of the Supreme Viceroy." "Sir, she replied, had it been any one else, I would never have consented: and as it is he, he never will agree to any such marriage." "Why not?" said her father. She answered, "Because it would be to break through all the regards due to that honourable engagement, and to violate its most solemn rites." Shuey-keu-ye was surprised at these words: "This youth, said he, is of no ill descent; but pure and untainted as yourself: Why then do you talk of any violation that would accrue to the rites of marriage?" With that Shuey-ping-sin related to him all that happened during his absence. "And now, added she, after all this, how can such an alliance take place without entailing everlasting shame and disgrace on us both?"

When he had heard this relation, her father was charmed with her delicacy and nice sense of honour: "If this be true, said he to himself, my daughter hath not her equal among women, any more than Tieh-chung-u is to be matched among men." "Daughter, said he aloud, I am glad to see you keep so closely to the paths of virtue: there is none but you fit to be paired with so good and virtuous a youth as I have chosen. Heaven seems to have created you both for each other: this marriage was ordained to take place between you. I have engaged to see it performed: you must not therefore think there is any thing wrong or unlawful in it."

These were the resolutions of the father of Shuey-ping-sin, whom we shall leave at present, to inquire after Kwo-khe-tzu, her unsuccessful admirer.

When Chun-kee returned as we have seen without success, nothing could equal that youth's disappointment: yet his friend exhorted him not to be cast down: "Your father, said he, hath petitioned the Emperor against Shuey-keu-ye, and against an officer espoused by him; who will both be sentenced to lose their heads." Kwo-khe-tzu listened to this account with pleasure, and they continued to indulge themselves in the hope of being revenged for the slight put upon them, when at length<ref>The Chinese author is guilty of great inconsistency in this place: he had told us in the preceding book [pag. 150.] that it was six months from Hu-hiau's reprieve, to his victorious return: here he speaks of them both, as happening so near together, that the same messenger that came to tell of the one, brought news of the other. — The above passage in the Translator's MS. runs thus:

"While they were talking, there came in a servant from court; they inquired what news he had brought from court. He replied, No good news for you, Sir. Why so, said his master? Because, answered the messenger, Tieh-chung-u having got a reprieve for Hu-hiau by offering himself security for him, that general is returned with success, &c: and both he and Shuey-keu-ye are preferred, and the latter hath given his daughter in marriage to Tieh-chung-u."

The Editor hath endeavoured to remove this inconsistency, as much as he could without departing too much from the original.</ref> the news arrived that Shuey-keu-ye was recalled from exile, and promoted to a higher office; and all by the interposal of Tieh-chung-u; in return for which he had engaged to give him his daughter in marriage. The report so affected Kwo-khe-tzu, that he raved and stamped like a madman, and at last swooned away. By the assistance of the people, who came to his relief, he at length recovered, and retiring with Chun-kee, said, "How indefatigable have I been? what steps have I taken? what expence have I been at? and what perplexity have I suffered? and at length Tieh-chung-u without any pains at all hath carried off the prize. But, if I die for it, I will prevent the ceremony from being compleated. Come, said he to his friend, you must set your wits at work for me." "Alas! replied the other, when she was lone and friendless all our attempts proved ineffectual: her father is now advanced in dignity, and will quickly be at home; what likelyhood then is there now of success?" "Well, said the youth, I can now have no hopes of succeeding myself: I shall be sufficiently satisfied, if I can but prevent and disappoint the other." "We know very well, replied his friend, the nice and scrupulous temper of her father, and his advancement will render him still more jealous of the reputation of his family; let us apply to some of his acquaintance, and get them to inform him of the secret correspondence between Tieh-chung-u and his daughter: if he hears of this he will certainly break off the marriage. But if he should disregard it, we then will get your father to apply to the Ko-tau or Public Censor<ref>The ''Ko-tau'' is a great Mandarine, who relates to the Emperor whatever he hears amiss of any of the Mandarines: he also tells the Emperor boldly of any error he is guilty of himself. Translator.

Or rather the officer here intended is the President of a Tribunal of Censors, whose business it is (not unlike that among the Romans) to watch over the public manners, sparing neither Emperor nor Mandarines. — In the discharge of this office, they often shew surprising courage and perseverance: some of them have persisted for two years together in accusing a Viceroy supported by all the grandees; and without being discouraged by delays or opposition, have at length compelled the court to degrade him, to avoid incurring the public odium.

The manner of their proceedings is to frame a memorial and present it to the Emperor, of which they afterwards disperse copies through all the provinces. As soon as this memorial is published, the person accused is generally obliged to do two things: the first is to give in a memorial, not in his own defence, but containing an humble acknowledgment of his error: the second is to retire from his Tribunal, and to suspend all public execution of his office, till the Emperor hath answered his petition, either acquitting or condemning him.

Any excess in private buildings, any irregularity of manners, any innovation or contempt of ancient customs, falls immediately under their cognizance. And as in China a parent is responsible for his children, it would have been a capital crime in Shuey-keu-ye to have rewarded his daughter's incontinence by letting her marry her gallant.

See P. Semedo, p. 126. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 70. P. Magal. p. 227. Lettres edif. xiii. p. 367.</ref>: whose complaint against him will cause the Emperor to take away his employment, and set aside their nuptials." Kwo-khe-tzu thought this a well-concerted scheme: and said, "To-morrow I will endeavour to make this matter as public as I can among all the Mandarines of the city." "By no means, said his friend, for the Che-foo and Che-hien know the whole truth of the affair, and can contradict such a report: besides they will now be disposed to solicit the favour of Shuey-keu-ye, who will be upon the spot. Let us rather defer it till there come two new magistrates, for the present will soon go to court to solicit farther preferment." "Well, said the other, but although two new Mandarines should arrive, they will inquire into the truth of such a report, and the people of their audience will be able to set them right." "If we consider every objection, and are discouraged by it, replied Chun-kee, we had better desist and give up the affair. However I now recollect a more effectual means than any we have thought of: when I was at court, I observed a very great intimacy between your father, and Tah-quay, the great Mandarine who was so disgraced by your adversary Tieh-chung-u. The wife of this nobleman was newly dead, and he was looking out for a young and handsome woman to succeed her. Dispatch a letter to your father, and desire him to recommend Shuey-ping-sin to him; for although Tieh-chung-u hath made proposals of marriage, it is not concluded. Thus your father will at once oblige his friend, by helping him to a young and handsome wife, and you will be revenged on your adversary; whose reputation will also suffer by the disappointment: at the same time the whole affair will be conducted without disturbance or danger." "There is one difficulty attends this method, said the youth: Tah-quay's confinement is not yet expired, and no body is allowed to converse with him openly: so that my father can only visit him in private, and therefore cannot assist him in his power." "This is very true, said Chun-kee, and will somewhat retard the attempt, but I have still another resource, which is not liable to the same objection. Your father hath also contracted a close intimacy with one of the great Eunuchs of the palace; one of whom the whole court stands in awe, as being about the Emperor's person, and having his ear. This gentleman, who is called Chou-thay-kien<ref>"Chen" or "Chau" signifies danger, and "kien" a Eunuch. Translator.</ref> or the Eunuch of danger, hath a niece who is very ugly, and not yet married. Get your father to recommend Tieh-chung-u as a fit husband for her; he will not dare to reject the offers of so powerful a courtier as her uncle. Now when he is once married to the Eunuch's niece, undoubtedly so great a Mandarine as the Lord President of Arms, will never give him his only daughter for a second wife or concubine." Kwo-khe-tzu was so pleased with this advice, that he resolved to write to his father immediately: "But this affair, said he, is of too much moment to be intrusted to a common servant; shall I once more intreat you to embark in it?" His friend readily assented: and being furnished with money and other necessaries once more set out for the court.

While these plots were contriving, Tieh-chung-u lived retired in his country-house: where he pursued his studies with such application and success, that at the time of the examination of students, he was admitted to the degree of Kiu-jin, or Licentiate<ref>See note, vol. 1. pag. 8. &c.</ref>: this happened in autumn, when the examination is made through all the provinces. And soon after when the second examination was held at court he offered himself again, and appeared to such advantage that he was created Doctor of Law, and put foremost on the list. He was soon after made one of the first doctors of the empire, being chosen into the royal college or Han-lin<ref>See note, vol. 3. pag. 75. &c.</ref>, and appointed by the Emperor to be one of the tutors to his son. He had now attained his twenty-second year<ref>This may seem inconsistent with what hath been formerly said, of the slow progress of the Chinese in their studies; and of the length of time required for them to pass through their several degrees. See vol. 2. pag. 86. 98. &c. But it should be observed, that there may be exceptions to this general rule in favour of extraordinary Genius, or uncommon assiduity. — P. Parrenin tells us, that he has known instances of young men that have been made not only Doctors, but Han-lin [or members of the royal college,] before they were twenty years of age. — But these were extraordinary instances: and the promotion of these young Doctors was owing not only to the force of genius, and the advantage of a happy memory, but in part to the great care and expence their parents had bestowed on their education. "I knew, saith he, the father of one of these young men, who was not only a Doctor himself, but had always at his table three other Doctors, to whom he allowed handsome salaries for taking care of his son. The one of these taught their pupil to compose in prose and verse; the other to form curious characters: the third instructed him in history and politics. Thus by way of conversation they instilled into his mind and heart the knowledge of the laws, the principles of morality, the virtues of the great Emperors, and the examples of a rare fidelity towards the prince, which hath rendered certain families illustrious: and as the young man had a lively and apt spirit, he quickly became as learned as his masters." See P. Parrenin's letter, dated Aug. 11. 1730. Lettres edif. xxi. 204.</ref>, and his father and mother only waited for Shuey-keu-ye's return to court, in order to compleat the marriage, which they resolved the nice scruples of their son should not set aside.

CHAP. II.

The year was now elapsed which Shuey-keu-ye had been allowed to spend in retirement: when the Emperor issued out an order for his return to court: upon the first notice of which the Mandarine Tieh-ying wrote a letter, to intreat him to bring the young lady along with him. Upon receipt of this, he told his daughter, that as she was now grown up to woman's estate, he intended she should accompany him to the court. Shuey-ping-sin testified her compliance: "To what purpose, said she, am I your daughter? I might as well not have been born to you, if I must remain always at a distance. It is very fitting I should attend you: but then I must humbly intreat one favour." He asked what it was. She replied, "If at court any offers should be made about the completion of the marriage with Tieh-chung-u, that you will be pleased not to consent to it." The old Mandarine smiled at her request, and assured her that he would do nothing that should be prejudicial either to her happiness or fame. He then asked her, to whom he should devolve the care of his house and effects. She proposed her uncle as the properest person to have direction without doors, but recommended him to leave the government within to the care of Shuey-yeong. He followed her advice, and having made suitable preparations departed for Pe-king, where in little more than a month he arrived.

As soon as he had performed his first duty in waiting on the Emperor, all the great officers came to visit him, and among the rest the Mandarine Tieh-ying: who afterwards sent his son to pay him the same compliment. Although the young Mandarine Tieh in his visiting billet which he had dispatched before him, called himself only cousin, and not son-in-law, as he should have done, Shuey-keu-ye attributed it to his modesty, and admitted his visit. The old gentleman was mightily pleased to see him become a great Mandarine, and grown a very personable man<ref>That is, he was fat and jolly. — "The Chinese, says P. Le Compte, differ from us in their idea of beauty and comeliness. They require a man to be large, corpulent and burly: to have a large forehead, little flat eyes, a short nose, ears rather of the largest, a little mouth, a long beard and black hairs. A man according to them is well made, when he fills his easy chair, and by his gravity and bulk, makes a large and pompous figure." See tom. 1. pag. 191.</ref>, which made him think him the more suitable match for his daughter, esteeming them both only born for each other. "Let this young and virtuous pair, said he to himself, object never so much to the marriage, we old folks will over-rule them, and make them happy in spite of themselves."

After some conversation Tieh-chung-u took his leave and retired. As soon as he was gone, the secretary belonging to Shuey-keu-ye's tribunal came in and said, "Sir, I have a relation, who is servant to the Mandarine Tah-quay; he hath been here to tell me that, as his master is confined, he could not visit your Lordship, neither could he send a billet of compliments in due form, but he notwithstanding presents his services and wishes of good health: he told me farther, that Tah-quay having lost his wife, is very desirous to marry again; and hearing that you have brought the young lady your daughter with you to court, he intends to get the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su to come in his behalf, and conclude a marriage-contract for her." "Well! said Shuey-keu-ye, and what answer did you make to Tah-quay's servant?" "I told him, said the other, that she had been long engaged to the Mandarine Tieh-chung-u. Upon which he inquired when the marriage was to be concluded; but I was not able to inform him. Of this our discourse, I thought it my duty to inform your Lordship." The Mandarine ordered him, if any one should hereafter question him on that subject, to tell them that the nuptials would be celebrated within the space of two days. "This Mandarine, said Shuey-keu-ye to himself, is a person of very ill character, his proposals are only meant to give us disturbance. But should he apply to the Emperor himself, there will be nothing to fear, as my daughter is already disposed of: however it is better to have the marriage completed to prevent the worst that may happen." He then went to his daughter's apartment, and told her she must not think it unreasonable, that he renewed the subject of her union with Tieh-chung-u, for that it was necessary it should take place immediately. Then he related to her all that his secretary had told him: "Now, said he, if we do not hasten the completion of your marriage, this Tah-quay may perhaps involve us in a great deal of trouble." It instantly occurred to the young lady, that Kwo-khe-tzu or his father were at the bottom of this business. She communicated her conjectures to her father. "And yet, added she, if Tah-quay should persist in giving us disturbance, upon proper application to his Majesty it may perhaps involve him in fresh disgrace, and be a means of renewing his former punishment." "The wisest course, said Shuey-keu-ye, is not to oppose an enemy, but to avoid him. If we conclude this marriage out of hand, his design will be defeated." — Before his daughter could reply, there came in a servant, to tell him that the Supreme Viceroy had sent his service, and begged he would favour him with his company at his house, for that he had urgent business to communicate to him. "This is a good opportunity, said Shuey-keu-ye; I had thoughts myself of going thither. I will therefore lay all ceremony aside. Let my horse be got ready." He accordingly went as fast as he could.

As soon as he alighted, the Mandarine Tieh-ying took him by the hand, and led him into the hall: "This morning, said he, as I was coming from court, I met the Eunuch Chou-thay-kien; who making me a very low bow, said, he begged a favour which he hoped I would not refuse him: that he had a niece whom he should be glad to have married to my son. I told him it could not be, for he was already engaged. He replied, 'What though he is engaged to Shuey-ping-sin, it signifies little, as the marriage is not yet completed.'" "These Eunuchs, added the Mandarine Tieh, are saucy impertinent rascals, and presume upon the great employments they fill: therefore to be plagued no more on this subject, I have sent to your Lordship that we may get the wedding concluded as soon as possible." "What, said Shuey-keu-ye, have you then met with this trouble? Such another application hath been this day made to myself." Upon which he related all that his secretary had told him. "Now, said he, this being the case, let us put an end to the affair. When the marriage ceremony is once over, even his Majesty's order will not be of force to set it aside. Nay let it be concluded this very day: and yet my daughter will hardly be prevailed with; she argues against breaking the laws of decency and custom." "My son, said the other, talks in the same strain." "After all, said Shuey-keu-ye, I believe they secretly love each other: we must not therefore regard their objections, but exert our paternal authority." "True, said the Mandarine Tieh; and yet if these impertinent applications had not been made to us, we might have indulged them with longer time: but as it is, there is not an hour to be lost: I believe they would hardly be brought to give up each other, and therefore will now comply with our desires." Here they parted.

The Mandarine Tieh-ying instantly sent for his son, and related to him all that happened both to the President of Arms and to himself. "Now, said he, this being the case, if you don't consent to marry the young lady, you will cause a great deal of trouble both to her and yourself; which there are no other means to prevent or avoid." "Sir, replied his son, whatever you command, it is my duty to obey you. I am only concerned at the hastiness of the proceedings. As to the Eunuch's application, it is certainly the contrivance of Kwo-sho-su: but what signifies his proposing his niece to me? he will but lose his labour." "Well, said his father, although you can so easily resist this attack yourself, you must give the young lady some assistance in her difficulty." "Sir, said the youth, be pleased then to acquaint the Mandarine her father to give it out that we are married. This will stop the mouths of these people, and rescue us from their impertinence: at the same time, we may within doors remain single till a more favourable juncture." The Mandarine Tieh approved very well of his son's discourse: and did not insist upon his further compliance. "Provided, said he, you can but satisfy the world that you are married, you may act in private as you please." Then he commissioned proper people to chuse out a fortunate day for the celebration of their nuptials.

CHAP. III.

Early on the morrow the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye sent a letter to the Supreme Viceroy, which he opened, and read to the following effect. "After I had talked with your Lordship yesterday, I went home and proposed to my daughter the completion of the marriage; which she could by no means be brought to consent to: however, after a great many arguments, at length she yielded that it should be reported abroad she was married to your son; on condition that at home she should still continue in her present state. I have therefore sent to consult your Lordship, whether you think this will be sufficient."

The Mandarine Tieh-ying was highly pleased with the letter: but could not help thinking it very extraordinary that this young couple should both adopt the same opinions. "Certainly, said he, Heaven hath designed this pair for each other: there is a wonderful similitude in their fortunes, manners and sentiments." But yet, he added, "if they do not live under the same roof, it will soon be discovered that they are not married: I will therefore send my son to reside in the house of Shuey-keu-ye; and then whether they are married or not, their true situation will not be known abroad." He accordingly sent to ask the other's opinion concerning this proposal: who intirely approved of it. They soon after visited each other, and chusing a fortunate day celebrated the marriage; at which a great number of Mandarines assisted with the highest splendour and magnificence. Tieh-chung-u went in state to the house of the bride, accompanied by the Mandarines. When he arrived at the door, the Lord President came out in person to receive him: and after the usual ceremonies were over, there was a great entertainment prepared for the guests. The bridegroom however left them, and was led into the inner apartments.

As it was now evening, the rooms were lighted up with the greatest splendour: and as soon as he was come into the second hall, Shuey-ping-sin entered also, followed by a long train of female attendants. She received him with the same easy cheerfulness, as she would have received a friend: she betrayed no particular emotion or gesture, but accosted him with a decent and becoming freedom. "Sir, said she, I am ever sensible of the former benefits I received at your hands: and was my life to be laid down in your behalf, it would not discharge the debt I owe you. By my father's order I have the good fortune to meet with you here this day; which affords me an opportunity of returning you thanks for the services you have done me." Then making a deep courtesy she presented him with a seat. Tieh-chung-u seeing the graceful ease with which she accosted him, and the beauty of her person set off with the richness and exactness of her dress, thought her handsomer than she had even appeared to him at their first encounter: he was so ravished with the sight of her, that he thought she could be nothing less than an angel from heaven. When he had recovered his surprise, he replied, "Madam, the benefit I have received at your hands is so great that I want words to express it: A deep sense of it is however engraved in my heart, and is the subject of my daily thoughts and nightly dreams. By your father's permission, I have the good fortune to meet with you here this day, to pay you my acknowledgments." This said, he saluted her with great respect. Then a carpet was spread, and they both together performed the usual ceremony of bowing their heads down to the ground. After which retiring to two different tables they drank three cups of wine to each other.

Tieh-chung-u thus addressed the young lady, "Madam, I am so much obliged to you for all your favours, especially for the good instructions you gave me, that I shall ever retain them in my memory. It is owing to you that I am arrived to the great honours conferred upon me. If I had not had the happiness of meeting with you, I should very likely have been still a wanderer." "Your present advancement, said the young lady, was not owing to any thing I could say; which was but trifling. A mere child might by chance point out the way to those that had lost it. The source of your reputation was your redressing the injury of the young lady, who had been forced away; and your appearing in behalf of the General, Hu-hiau: these were actions so brave, that none beside yourself were equal to them. You also got my father restored to the Emperor's favour: a benefit that can be never repaid. How happy am I then, that I can now offer you my service! But, Sir, permit me to propose one word or two. When I invited you to my house in order to attend you in your illness, Heaven knows we were void of all bad intentions; but the malignity of the world led them to speak very ill of us abroad: and shall we now for the sake of a few days of mirth and pleasure, obscure the remaining part of our lives? In my opinion it would be much better to stay, and see this cloud pass over before we conclude the marriage farther. These are my sentiments, and I should be very glad if yours were the same." Tieh-chung-u hearing this, made her a very low bow, and told her, he highly approved of her opinion; which he had as much wished her to adopt, as a shower of rain is desired in a time of drought. "It is true, said he, the commands of our parents would be sufficient to warrant our completing the marriage: but as it would cause a deal of reflection, I am intirely of your opinion that it will be better to wait a little while longer." "Our parents' impatience, said the young lady, proceeds from the impertinence of Tah-quay and the Eunuch: but your regard for decency and good order merits my regard, and greatly heightens my opinion of you." "The people you mention, answered he, know nothing about us; and are unacquainted with our affairs: they are incited to trouble us by Kwo-sho-su; but when they see the step we have taken, their mouths will be stopped, and they can proceed no farther." "And yet, said Shuey-ping-sin, they may still shew their spite by raising ill and calumnious reports of us. Upon all these accounts it is best to forbear a while." "For my part, said Tieh-chung-u, when I came ill into your house, I thought none knew of it but four, namely, Heaven and Earth, you and myself<ref>It is usual with the Chinese to speak of The Heaven and The Earth, as intelligent beings, or divinities. Thus in their books it is said, "Heaven hears and sees every thing." [P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 407.] And in their imperial edicts, "The protection of [Tien-ti] the Heaven and the Earth, which comes from on high." [ibid. p. 528.] But the Jesuits alledge that these are only phrases to signify the Deity, the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth.

It is very remarkable that the Chinese have no particular term in all their language that expressly denotes the Supreme Being, or answers to our word GOD. Hence they have been branded with the character of professed atheists. But whatever their Literati may be at present, it is certain that the Chinese have had from the earliest antiquity various forms of expression, and a multitude of religious rites, which prove their belief of a Divine Providence. [See note, vol. 1. p. 155.]

Among the other buildings consecrated to religious worship, there are at Pe-king two very superb ones. The one is called ''Tien-Tang'', or The Temple of Heaven; the other ''Ti-tang'', or The Temple of the Earth. To these the Emperor goes every year in great state, and with his own hands offers sacrifice to The Heaven, and to The Earth, at which times he lays aside his robes, and appears in a plain vestment of black, or sky-coloured damask. This is an office so essential to his dignity, that for any one else to perform it, would be at once to aspire to the throne.

The Emperor's sacrifice to the Earth is attended with a ceremony, which deserves particular notice. On a certain day in the spring he appears in the character of a husbandman, and with two oxen who have their horns gilt, and with a plough finely varnished, &c. he ploughs up several furrows, and afterwards sows them with his own hand: his principal Lords afterwards do the like, till they have sowed the whole spot set apart for that purpose. P. Magalhaens tells us, that at the same time the Empress with her ladies dresses him a homely dinner, which they afterwards eat together, &c.

This ceremony hath been observed from time immemorial in order to encourage agriculture, the profession of which is deemed very honourable in China, and there are annual rewards proposed to such as excell in it.

See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 275. 660. P. Magal. ch. 21. Martin. Hist. p. 11. &c.</ref>." "Well, said she, if Heaven hath seen every thing, it will justify our innocence. Our parents' commands would justify our union in the eye of the world: but as there is this secret reason for our forbearance, we must only feign to be husband and wife: this may pass with the public, till the difficulty is removed that prevents us from being such in reality." The young Mandarine was charmed with her discretion, and said, "Your ingenious reasoning informs my mind, at the same time that it strengthens my resolutions in virtue<ref>In the Translator's M.S. it is, "Strengthens my regard to the great law of nature."</ref>."

Thus they held conversation on their present circumstances, and on the great regard that ought to be paid to honour and virtue: they also related the various passages that had happened, as well through the persecution of Kwo-khe-tzu, as through the plots of him and his father. They were very pleasant and cheerful: and having drunk just enough to put them in mind to have the tables removed, they rose up, and retired into two separate chambers. So that their marriage was no otherwise completed than as to the outward appearance, and belief of it.

What happened in consequence of these measures will be found in the following chapter.

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

History of Sinology/Translation Status

2026-03-30T01:00:03Z

Admin: Auto-update: Translation status report (2026-03-30)

= History of Sinology: Translation Status =

''Last updated: 2026-03-30 03:00:01''

This page is automatically generated by the translation monitoring agent.

== Summary ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%"
! Language !! Translated !! Stub !! Missing !! Needs Update !! Progress
|-
| '''Deutsch''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
| '''中文''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
| '''Français''' || 25 || 0 || 0 || 0 || <div style="background:#e0e0e0; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px;"><div style="background:#28a745; width:200px; height:16px; border-radius:3px; text-align:center; color:white; font-size:11px; line-height:16px;">100%</div></div>
|-
|}

== Deutsch ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 61,153 bytes || 66,790 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 58,670 bytes || 22,409 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 57,015 bytes || 11,270 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 54,111 bytes || 35,866 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 51,742 bytes || 57,276 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:47 || 119,001 bytes || 105,921 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 65,921 bytes || 71,977 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:34 || 48,201 bytes || 37,888 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 38,910 bytes || 43,631 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 24,775 bytes || 26,888 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 49,040 bytes || 53,804 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,416 bytes || 48,953 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 32,947 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,558 bytes || 23,728 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 54,953 bytes || 45,578 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 16,876 bytes || 18,363 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,528 bytes || 49,444 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 23,533 bytes || 25,639 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,005 bytes || 22,546 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 41,655 bytes || 46,188 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 39,428 bytes || 43,550 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 40,122 bytes || 44,739 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 35,528 bytes || 39,740 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:01 || 20,459 bytes || 23,273 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/de/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 24,089 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== 中文 ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 61,153 bytes || 53,075 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 58,670 bytes || 15,937 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 19:18 || 57,015 bytes || 8,342 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:52 || 54,111 bytes || 21,985 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:35 || 51,742 bytes || 42,741 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:45 || 119,001 bytes || 81,838 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 65,921 bytes || 53,667 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:35 || 48,201 bytes || 24,648 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 38,910 bytes || 32,032 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 24,775 bytes || 21,558 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 49,040 bytes || 41,040 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 44,416 bytes || 39,087 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 26,876 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 21,558 bytes || 17,818 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 54,953 bytes || 35,995 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 16,876 bytes || 14,857 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 44,528 bytes || 35,293 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 23,533 bytes || 19,418 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:17 || 21,005 bytes || 16,524 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 41,655 bytes || 35,309 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 39,428 bytes || 33,467 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 40,122 bytes || 33,473 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 35,528 bytes || 28,125 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 20,459 bytes || 16,481 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/zh/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 16,679 bytes || Up to date
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|}

== Français ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%"
! Chapter !! Status !! EN Last Edit !! Translation Last Edit !! EN Size !! Trans. Size !! Action Needed
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 1|Chapter 1]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:59 || 61,153 bytes || 31,698 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-25 23:59 || 58,670 bytes || 13,556 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 4|Chapter 4]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 00:20 || 57,015 bytes || 59,930 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 5|Chapter 5]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 54,111 bytes || 59,060 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 6|Chapter 6]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:04 || 51,742 bytes || 35,339 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 7|Chapter 7]] || Translated || 2026-03-27 12:40 || 2026-03-27 12:51 || 119,001 bytes || 19,551 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 8|Chapter 8]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 65,921 bytes || 24,115 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 9|Chapter 9]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 48,201 bytes || 52,242 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 10|Chapter 10]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 38,910 bytes || 43,053 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 11|Chapter 11]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 02:39 || 24,775 bytes || 26,682 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 12|Chapter 12]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 49,040 bytes || 52,358 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 14|Chapter 14]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 44,416 bytes || 18,573 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 15|Chapter 15]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:14 || 30,158 bytes || 13,887 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 21,558 bytes || 23,446 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 54,953 bytes || 39,442 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 18|Chapter 18]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 16,876 bytes || 16,558 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 19|Chapter 19]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 44,528 bytes || 30,939 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 20|Chapter 20]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 23,533 bytes || 18,000 bytes || Up to date
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| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 21|Chapter 21]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,005 bytes || 17,200 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 03:27 || 41,655 bytes || 46,001 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 23|Chapter 23]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 39,428 bytes || 29,371 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 40,122 bytes || 14,310 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 29|Chapter 29]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 35,528 bytes || 9,477 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 30|Chapter 30]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 20,459 bytes || 7,112 bytes || Up to date
|-
| [[History of Sinology/fr/Chapter 31|Chapter 31]] || Translated || 2026-03-25 18:46 || 2026-03-26 04:02 || 21,167 bytes || 7,338 bytes || Up to date
|-
|}

== Priority: Pages Needing Update ==

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''Generated by wiki_translation_agent.py on 2026-03-30 03:00:01''

[[Category:History of Sinology]]

Overview on Chinese Culture Spring 2026

2026-03-30T00:52:04Z

Admin: Session 5: Mon not Sun, 4 presentations (added Gao Yang Erhu, Huang Ziyue Spring Festival Couplets), PPT uploads marked

'''Overview on Chinese Culture 中國文化概要 (Spring Semester 2026)'''

Course Code: 09230030.01 | Credits: 3 | Level: BA24

'''Instructor:''' Prof. Martin Woesler | '''Schedule:''' Wednesday 16:30-18:10 | '''Room:''' Tenglong 409

'''Course Website:''' [https://dcg.de/ai/uni/intro_chinese_culture.php Interactive course page] (topic selection, PPT upload, quizzes)

'''Grading:''' Regular performance 平时成绩 (30%) + Final paper 期末论文 (70%)

==Grading Criteria for Powerpoint Presentations==
#Each presentation should not exceed 15 minutes including the interactive part with fellow students.
#Was the presentation based on scientific facts, with the presenter's own research, experience and opinion clearly marked as factual/subjective?
#Was the presentation successful? Did it catch the audience's attention?
#Formal aspects: loud/clear speaker, self-confident, speaking freely, meaningful slides (not text deserts)?
#Was the presentation appropriate to the topic?
#Was the activity part meaningful and appropriate?
#Was the time well managed (not too short, not too long)?
#Did the presentation compare the cultural phenomenon in China and in other countries?
#Did the presentation avoid boring reading, pronunciation mistakes, typos?
#Did you list your sources on the last slide?
#Did you upload your PPT file (max 5MB, compress images first)?
#Did you present in full screen mode?
#Did you arrive early to test your file on the classroom computer?
#Did the presentation avoid plagiarism, undisclosed AI use, ideology, patriotism, politics, religious beliefs, advertisement, ignorance, racism, prejudices, lies, or false rumors?

==How to Upload Your PowerPoint / 如何上传PPT==
# Log in at [https://dcg.de/ai/uni/intro_chinese_culture.php the course page], click your topic, select file, click "Upload PPT"
# Or on this Wiki: log in, click "Edit", add <code><nowiki>[[Media:YourName_Topic_2026.pptx]]</nowiki></code> next to your topic, save, then click the red link to upload
'''Important:''' Compress to under 5MB first! (PowerPoint: File → Compress Pictures → 150 dpi)

==Session Schedule==

=Session 1 — Mar 05 — Organizational Issues=
* Course overview, topic selection, final paper guidelines

=Session 2 — Mar 12 — Teacher Introduction=
* Teacher presentation: Introduction to Chinese Culture

=Session 3 — Mar 19 — Student Presentations (Round 1)=
* Cai Lanying (蔡蓝颖): Northeastern Chinese Cuisine（东北菜） — '''82'''
* Cao Hefeng (曹河丰): Relegation Literature (Su Shi) — '''86'''
* Cao Shiqin (曹诗琴): 财神 God of Wealth — '''88'''
* <s>Chen Shuanglin (陈双麟): Chinese Ancient Weapons</s> ''(moved to later session)''

=Session 4 — Mar 26=
* Cui Xinyan (崔心彦): Traditional Chinese Dance
* Dina (迪娜·代买克): Panda-Kultur
* Hao Yuan (郝圆): Calendar, The 24 Solar Terms
* Ma Qing (马清): Tsingtao Beer（青岛啤酒）

=Session 5 — Mar 30 (Mon 8:00, Room 601 / 4月2日14:30的课改为3月30日（周一）8:00 601教室上)=
* Gao Yang (高扬): Erhu 📤 上传PPT
* Huang Ruguo (黄如果): Hotpot 📤 上传PPT
* Huang Ziyue (黄梓玥): Spring Festival Couplets 📤 上传PPT
* Hu Xinyin (胡馨尹): Mahjong

=Session 6 — Apr 09=
* Li Sicheng (李思成): The Four Pillars of Destiny（八字）
* Peng Yilin (彭熠琳): Tea
* Qin Shangyi (秦尚易): Mobile Games（手游）

=Session 7 — Apr 16=
* Shen Yike (申奕珂): Stand-up comedy（单口喜剧）
* Wu Shengqiu (伍胜球): Hunan Rice Noodles（湖南米粉）
* Xiang Jiaying (向佳滢): Milk Tea

=Session 8 — Apr 23=
* Yang Shixuan (杨诗萱): Jiangxi Cuisine（赣菜）
* Zeng Yongqi (曾咏琪): Zhang Qian and the Silk Road
* Zhang Ning (张宁): Chinese Clothing
* Zhang Zihan (张子涵): Calligraphy

=Session 9 — Apr 27 (Sun 8:00, Room 601 / 4月30日14:30的课改为4月27日（周日）8:00 601教室上)=
* Zhou Yingwei (周颖微): Cheongsam

=Session 10 — May 07 — Student Presentations (Round 2)=
* Cao Hefeng (曹河丰): Chinese Dreamcore（中式梦核）
* Cao Shiqin (曹诗琴): God of Wealth（财神）
* Cao Yian (曹亦桉): Female Writers: Zhang Ailing, Chen Ping, Lin Yihan and Li Bihua

=Session 11 — May 14=
* Dina (迪娜·代买克): China's Four Great Classical Novels
* Hao Yuan (郝圆): Luosifen

=Session 12 — May 21=
* Huang Ruguo (黄如果): Guangdong Morning Tea Culture（广东早茶文化）
* Hu Xinyin (胡馨尹): The Story of Ming Lan（知否知否应是绿肥红瘦）

=Session 13 — May 28=
* Peng Yilin (彭熠琳): Peking Opera
* Qin Shangyi (秦尚易): Danmu（弹幕）

=Session 14 — Jun 04=
* Shen Yike (申奕珂): Traditional Chinese Pigments（中国传统颜料）
* Wu Shengqiu (伍胜球): Black Myth: Wukong（黑神话悟空）
* Xiang Jiaying (向佳滢): Table Manners

=Session 15 — Jun 11=
* Yang Shixuan (杨诗萱): The Yingge Dance（英歌舞）
* Zeng Yongqi (曾咏琪): Eight Major Cuisines of China
* Zhang Ning (张宁): The Four Talented Women of Ancient China
* Zhang Zihan (张子涵): The Legend of Zhen Huan（甄嬛传）

=Session 16 — Jun 18 — Final Session=
* Zhou Yingwei (周颖微): Facial Make-up

==Topics Selected But Not Yet Scheduled==
* Cai Lanying (蔡蓝颖): Harbin Ice and Snow World（冰雪大世界）
* Cao Yian (曹亦桉): Chinese popular viral memes（中国网络热梗）
* Chen Shuanglin (陈双麟): Wushu
* Cui Xinyan (崔心彦): Guangdong Herbal tea（广东凉茶）
* Gao Yang (高扬): Redology: the study of Dream of the Red Chamber（红学）
* Huang Ziyue (黄梓玥): Braised Chicken Rice（黄焖鸡米饭）
* Li Sicheng (李思成): Sunzi's Art of War（孙子兵法）
* Lin Gang (林港): Culture-Loaded Words in Black Myth: Wukong（黑神话：悟空中的文化词）
* Lin Gang (林港): Science Fiction and Fantasy
* Ma Qing (马晴): Shandong cuisine（鲁菜）
* Ma Qing (马晴): Tsingtao Beer（青岛啤酒）
* Shen Weibing (申伟兵): Chinese Imperial Examination
* Shen Weibing (申伟兵): Modern Chinese Education
* Wang Peigen (王培亘): Blind Box（盲盒）
* Wang Peigen (王培亘): The Classic of Mountains and Seas
* Wu Wanghui (吴旺辉): Gods and Immortals
* Wu Wanghui (吴旺辉): The Four Treasures of the Study

==Students Still Selecting Topics==
* '''Li Fangfei (黎芳菲)''' — please select 2 topics
* '''Zhu Shuwen (朱树文)''' — please select 2 topics

=Semester Paper Topics=

Each student writes one semester paper (~3000 words). You need to find a topic which has not yet been written by any student before (see textbook) and which needs to be approved by the teacher. It should look exactly the same as a chapter in the textbook in both English and Chinese. AI-content for the final exam paper less than 15%.

----

==期末论文==
===Korean Janggu Dance===

◦ ====Origin and Development====
The origin of the Janggu Dance can be traced back to the narrow-waisted drum from India. Around the 4th century AD, this musical instrument was introduced to the Central Plains of China via the Silk Road. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, it was adopted in the Nine and Ten Grand Drum Dances, and the Goryeo Music of the Korean ethnic group was included in the renowned Ten Great Musical Forms. After the Song Dynasty, the zhanggu (a type of narrow-waisted drum) gradually disappeared in the Central Plains of China but continued to be passed down among the Korean people, and was renamed the Janggu. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, some Koreans migrated from the Korean Peninsula to China, bringing the Janggu Dance with them. After a long period of development, it gradually evolved into the Korean Janggu Dance with distinct Chinese characteristics. In the early 20th century, the Janggu Dance separated from the Nongak Dance (farmers’ music dance) as an independent performance form. The Korean people perform this dance at every festival and celebration. In the 1950s, Korean dancers carefully adapted the Janggu Dance, which was staged for the first time, thus expanding its influence. (Yanbian Border Villages · Historical and Cultural Digital Exhibition Platform, Intangible Cultural Heritage: Korean Janggu Dance)

◦ ====Introduction====
The Korean Janggu Dance is a highly representative traditional dance of the Korean ethnic group, mainly popular in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Jilin Province and other Korean inhabited areas. In 2008, the Korean Janggu Dance from Tumen City, Jilin Province was included in the second batch of the National Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of China. (China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network · China Intangible Cultural Heritage Digital Museum, Korean Janggu Dance)
It has a history of over a thousand years. The prototype of its core prop, the Janggu, is the narrow-waisted drum originating from India. In the 4th century AD, this instrument was introduced to the Central Plains of China through the Silk Road and incorporated into the imperial court music and dance system during the Sui and Tang dynasties. In the Korean Goryeo Music, it was known as the “dutanggu” and “maoyuanggu”, etc. (Yanbian Border Villages · Historical and Cultural Digital Exhibition Platform, Intangible Cultural Heritage: Korean Janggu Dance)
During the Song and Yuan dynasties, this type of narrow-waisted drum spread eastward to the Korean Peninsula, gradually evolving into the Janggu that meets the aesthetic and performance needs of the Korean ethnic group, and became an accompanying instrument for the Korean Nongak Dance. (China National Cultural Resource Network, Janggu Dance)
In the Ming and Qing dynasties, with the migration of some Korean people to China, the Janggu Dance was introduced as well. It gradually integrated with the production, life, and folk culture of the Chinese Korean ethnic group, forming a dance form with distinct Chinese local characteristics. This dance is a combination of playing, singing, and dancing. The core prop, the Janggu, has a unique shape with thick two ends and a thin middle, and the two drumheads produce different pitches. The dancer slings the Janggu over the shoulder, holds a drumstick in the right hand to strike the drum, and uses the left hand to pat the drumhead, creating rich and varied rhythms. ( China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network · China Intangible Cultural Heritage Digital Museum, Korean Janggu Dance)
The Janggu can produce staggered high and low tones. The dancer slings the drum over the shoulder, strikes it with a drumstick in the right hand, and pats the drumhead with fingers of the left hand, creating a variety of rich rhythms. The performance style is divided into two categories: the soft-style Janggu dance and the vigorous-style Janggu dance. The soft-style Janggu dance features gentle and stretching movements, mostly expressing lyrical artistic conception; the vigorous-style Janggu dance has bold and powerful movements, often incorporating elements of labor scenes such as rice transplanting and harvesting. The performance forms include solo dance, duet dance, and group dance. The rhythm of the dance generally starts slow and gradually speeds up; during the climax, the dancer performs skillful movements such as continuous spinning, and ends abruptly, which is highly artistically appealing. The accompanying instruments include suona horn, bamboo flute, gayageum, etc., often paired with classic Korean folk songs such as Arirang. The dance movements are characterized by shoulder-raising, shoulder-stretching, and magpie steps, with various dance steps including crane steps and shuffle steps, fully demonstrating the unique charm of Korean dance. Today, through the construction of intangible cultural heritage inheritance bases, the popularization of campus teaching, and domestic and international cultural exchange performances, the Janggu Dance continues to thrive and has become an important artistic symbol showcasing the cultural charm of the Korean ethnic group. (Yanbian Border Villages · Historical and Cultural Digital Exhibition Platform, Intangible Cultural Heritage: Korean Janggu Dance)

◦ ====Dance Characteristics====
Performance Forms: The Janggu Dance boasts diverse performance forms, including solo dance, duet dance, and group dance. The female version of the dance is elegant in style, while the male version is lively and unrestrained. The large Janggu dance is usually led by one dancer with the rest following; the small Janggu dance is often performed by 2 to 4 people playing drums and dancing against each other during festivals and holidays.
Movement Characteristics: The dance mainly features hand movements with various forms, which can be summarized into four characteristics: twisting, springing, squatting, and steadying. Dancers strike the drum while dancing in accordance with fixed drumbeat rhythms, emphasizing the coordination between movements and the unity of rhythm, and using the drum to create various shapes. The dance steps are characterized by “dodging, turning, spinning and leaping” and “squatting, soaring, standing and jumping”. When transitioning between movements such as “bowing the waist” and “bending the knees”, dancers must pass through with a “twisted torso”. Every dancing posture maintains the feature of “curved body and twisted torso”, combining hardness and softness with agile steps.
Music Accompaniment: The metrical form of Korean folk songs belongs to the triple-beat system. Triple time and compound time such as 6/8, 9/8, 12/8, and 18/8 composed of triple beats occupy an important position in the songs. The Janggu Dance is accompanied by various wind and percussion instruments such as suona horn, bamboo flute, gong and drum, sheng and xiao. The basic drumbeat pattern is “dong-dong, dong, dong-dong, dong”. The tempo and intensity of the drumbeats coordinate with the dance movements, achieving a perfect integration of drum and dance. The dance features a rich variety of tunes, including Arirang, Doraji, and Yangsan Road. (Yanbian Border Villages · Historical and Cultural Digital Exhibition Platform, Intangible Cultural Heritage: Korean Janggu Dance)

◦ ====Cultural Value====
From the perspective of artistic and aesthetic value, integrating playing, dancing, and music, the Janggu Dance achieves a high degree of coordination between human, drum, and music. Its dance movements combining hardness and softness with varied drumbeats make it a representative of Korean dance art, enriching the ecology of Chinese folk dance. From the perspective of ethnic cohesion value, as a core performance form in Korean festivals and rituals, its brisk rhythms and stretching movements reflect the ethnic spirit of diligence and optimism, serving as an important bond for maintaining ethnic identity and sense of belonging. Finally, from the perspective of cultural inheritance and exchange value, its development history witnesses cross-regional cultural integration. As a national intangible cultural heritage, it realizes intergenerational inheritance through inheritance bases and campus teaching; meanwhile, it serves as a bridge for cultural exchange between China and foreign countries through domestic and international performances. (China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network · China Intangible Cultural Heritage Digital Museum, Korean Janggu Dance)

◦ ====Inheritance and Protection====
Inheritors: A number of outstanding representatives of the Janggu Dance have emerged, such as Jin Douchang, the first-generation inheritor of Janggu Dance skills in China, Park Sung-sup, the fifth-generation inheritor, and Cui Meishan, a first-class dancer. They have made important contributions to the inheritance and development of the Janggu Dance.
Protection Measures: Relevant departments in Jilin Province have increased financial support, established Korean Janggu Dance inheritance bases in Tumen City, Yanji City, Wangqing County, and Qianguoerluosi Mongolian Autonomous County respectively, and organized seminars on the theory and techniques of the Korean Janggu Dance. Yanji City Cultural Center has held training courses on Janggu playing techniques, building a learning and exchange platform for the inheritance and development of the Janggu Dance and cultivating professional talents. (Yanbian Border Villages · Historical and Cultural Digital Exhibition Platform, Intangible Cultural Heritage: Korean Janggu Dance)

===References===
▪ Yanbian Border Villages · Historical and Cultural Digital Exhibition Platform, Intangible Cultural Heritage: Korean Janggu Dance.
▪ China Intangible Cultural Heritage Network · China Intangible Cultural Heritage Digital Museum, Korean Janggu Dance.
▪ China National Cultural Resource Network, Janggu Dance.

===Words and Expressions===
朝鲜族长鼓Korean Janggu / Korean Hourglass Drum
独舞 solo dance
双人舞 duet dance
群舞 group dance
对打起舞 dual-play dance with drum beats
扭、弹、矮、稳 twisting, springing, squatting, steadying
闪转旋跃 dodging, turning, spinning and leaping
鹊雀步 magpie step
垫步 shuffle step

===Questions===
1.What is the prototype of the Janggu, the core prop of the Korean Janggu Dance?
2.When was the Korean Janggu Dance included in the National Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of China?
3.What are the two categories of performance styles of the Korean Janggu Dance?
4.Who was the first-generation inheritor of the Korean Janggu Dance skills?
5.What institutions have been established in multiple places of Jilin Province for the inheritance of the Korean Janggu Dance?

===Answers===
1.Originated from the narrow-waisted drum of India.
2.In 2008, the Korean Janggu Dance from Tumen City, Jilin Province was included in the second batch of the National Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of China.
3.It is divided into two categories: the soft-style Janggu Dance and the vigorous-style Janggu Dance. The soft-style Janggu Dance features gentle and stretching movements, while the vigorous-style Janggu Dance has bold and powerful movements.
4.Jin Douchang.
5.Korean Janggu Dance inheritance bases have been established respectively in Tumen City, Yanji City, Wangqing County and Qianguoerluosi Mongolian Autonomous County.
===朝鲜族长鼓舞===

◦ ====朝鲜族长鼓舞的起源发展====
长鼓舞起源可追溯到印度的细腰鼓，大约在公元 4 世纪时，通过丝绸之路传入中国中原地区，隋唐时期在九、十部鼓舞中使用，朝鲜族的《高丽乐》就被列为著名的《十部乐》之一。宋代以后，杖鼓逐渐在中国中原地区消失，只在朝鲜族人民中流传，也改名为长鼓。明清时期，部分朝鲜族人从朝鲜半岛迁到中国，长鼓舞也随之传入，经过长期发展，逐渐形成了具有中国特色的朝鲜族长鼓舞。20 世纪初期，长鼓舞以独立的表演形式从农乐舞里脱离出来，每逢节日庆典，朝鲜族人民都会跳长鼓舞。20 世纪 50 年代，长鼓舞经朝鲜族舞蹈家们的精心改编，第一次登上舞台进行表演，从而扩大了它的影响。（延边边境村落・历史文化数字展示平台《朝鲜族非遗长鼓舞》）
◦ ====介绍====
朝鲜族长鼓舞是朝鲜族极具代表性的传统舞蹈，主要流传于吉林延边朝鲜族自治州及其他朝鲜族聚居区，2008 年吉林省图们市的朝鲜族长鼓舞被列入第二批国家级非物质文化遗产代表性项目名录。（中国非物质文化遗产网・中国非物质文化遗产数字博物馆《朝鲜族长鼓舞》）
它有着上千年的发展历史，其核心道具长鼓的原型为起源于印度的细腰鼓，公元 4 世纪该乐器经丝绸之路传入中国中原地区，隋唐时期被纳入宫廷乐舞体系，在朝鲜族《高丽乐》中被称作“都昙鼓”“毛员鼓”等；（延边边境村落・历史文化数字展示平台《朝鲜族非遗长鼓舞》）
宋元时期，这类细腰鼓东传朝鲜半岛，逐渐演变为契合朝鲜族审美与演奏需求的长鼓，成为朝鲜族农乐舞的伴奏乐器。（中国民族文化资源网《长鼓舞》）
明清时期，随着部分朝鲜族民众迁入中国，长鼓舞也随之传入，逐步与中国朝鲜族的生产生活、民俗文化融合，形成了具有中国本土特色的舞蹈形式；这一舞蹈集演奏、演唱与舞蹈于一体。核心道具长鼓造型两头粗、中间细，两面鼓音高不同，舞者肩挎长鼓，右手持鼓鞭，左手配合拍打鼓面，能敲击出丰富节奏。（中国非物质文化遗产网・中国非物质文化遗产数字博物馆《朝鲜族长鼓舞》）
它能发出高低错落的音色。舞者肩挎长鼓，右手持鼓鞭敲击，左手以手指拍击鼓面，可敲击出丰富多变的节奏。表演风格分文、武两类，文长鼓动作柔和舒展，多展现抒情意境；武长鼓动作粗犷刚劲，常融入插秧、收割等劳动场景元素。表演形式涵盖独舞、双人舞、群舞等，舞蹈节奏多由慢渐快，高潮时舞者会展现连续旋转等技巧性动作，结尾戛然而止，极具艺术感染力。其伴奏乐器包括唢呐、笛子、伽倻琴等，常搭配《阿里郎》等朝鲜族经典曲目，舞蹈动作以扛手、伸肩、鹊雀步为特色，舞步包含鹤步、垫步等多种类型，尽显朝鲜族舞蹈的独特韵味。如今，长鼓舞通过非遗传承基地建设、校园教学普及、国内外文化交流展演等方式，不断焕发新的生机，成为展现朝鲜族文化魅力的重要艺术符号。（延边边境村落・历史文化数字展示平台《朝鲜族非遗长鼓舞》）

◦ ==== 舞蹈特色====
表演形式：长鼓舞表演形式丰富多样，有独舞、双人舞、群舞等多种形式。女性长鼓舞风格优雅，男性长鼓舞活泼潇洒。大长鼓通常为一人领舞，众人随舞；小长鼓通常是在逢年过节时 2-4人对打起舞。
动作特点：主要以手部动作为主，形式变化多样，概括为扭、弹、矮、稳四个方面的特征。舞者按照固定的鼓点节奏边击边舞，讲究动作与动作之间的配合以及节奏的统一，用鼓形成各式各样的造型。舞步以“闪转旋跃”和“蹲腾立跳”为主要特征，“弓腰”与“屈膝” 等舞蹈动作换位时必须“拧身”而过，每个舞姿都保持“曲体拧身”的特点，刚柔并济、步伐灵巧。
音乐伴奏：朝鲜族的民歌节拍形式属于三拍系统，三拍子以及有三拍复合组成的 6/8、9/8、12/8、18/8 等复拍子在歌曲中占据着重要位置。长鼓舞以唢呐、笛子、锣鼓、笙箫等多种管弦乐器作为伴奏，基本鼓点是 “咚咚、咚、咚咚、咚”，长鼓击打的急缓轻重与舞姿相互配合，使鼓与舞完美融合，舞蹈的曲调丰富多彩，有《阿里郎》《道拉基》《阳山道》等曲目。（延边边境村落・历史文化数字展示平台《朝鲜族非遗长鼓舞》）

◦ ====舞蹈特色====
从艺术审美价值来看，集演奏、舞蹈、音乐于一体，人鼓乐高度协调，刚柔并济的舞姿与多变鼓点结合，是朝鲜族舞蹈艺术的代表，丰富了中国民族民间舞蹈生态。从民族凝聚价值来看，作为朝鲜族节庆、礼俗的核心表演形式，其明快节奏与舒展动作映射民族勤劳豁达的精神内核，是维系族群认同感与归属感的重要纽带。最后从文化传承与交流价值来看，其发展历程见证了跨地域文化交融，作为国家级非遗，通过传承基地、校园教学等实现代际传递；同时借助国内外展演，成为中外文化交流的桥梁。（中国非物质文化遗产网・中国非物质文化遗产数字博物馆。朝鲜族长鼓舞）

◦ ====传承与保护====
传承人：出现了一批优秀的长鼓舞代表人物，如中国第一代长鼓舞技艺传承人金斗昌，第五代传承人朴圣燮以及一级舞蹈演员崔美善等，他们为长鼓舞的传承与发展做出了重要贡献。
保护措施：吉林省相关部门加大资金扶持力度，在图们市、延吉市、汪清县、前郭尔罗斯蒙古族自治县分别建立了朝鲜族长鼓舞基地，并举办朝鲜族长鼓舞理论与技艺研讨会；延吉市文化馆举办了朝鲜族长鼓技法培训班，为长鼓舞的传承与发展搭建学习交流平台，培养专业人才。（延边边境村落・历史文化数字展示平台《朝鲜族非遗长鼓舞》）

===术语===
朝鲜族长鼓Korean Janggu / Korean Hourglass Drum
独舞 solo dance
双人舞 duet dance
群舞 group dance
对打起舞 dual-play dance with drum beats
扭、弹、矮、稳 twisting, springing, squatting, steadying
闪转旋跃 dodging, turning, spinning and leaping
鹊雀步 magpie step
垫步 shuffle step
三拍系统 triple-beat system
《阿里郎》 Arirang（朝鲜族经典民谣，音译）

===问题===
1.朝鲜族长鼓舞的核心道具长鼓原型是什么？
2.朝鲜族长鼓舞何时被列入国家级非遗名录？
3.朝鲜族长鼓舞的表演风格分为哪两类？
4.朝鲜族长鼓舞的第一代技艺传承人是谁？
5.为传承朝鲜族长鼓舞，吉林省在多地建立了什么机构？

===答案===
1.起源于印度的细腰鼓。
2.2008年，吉林省图们市的朝鲜族长鼓舞被列入第二批国家级非物质文化遗产代表性项目名录。
3.分为文长鼓和武长鼓两类，文长鼓动作柔和舒展，武长鼓动作粗犷刚劲。
4.金斗昌。
5.在图们市、延吉市、汪清县、前郭尔罗斯蒙古族自治县分别建立了朝鲜族长鼓舞基地。

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 27

2026-03-30T00:00:31Z

Admin: Chapter 27: Full footnote conversion (16 ref-tags), OCR cleanup — narrative only, Proverbs moved to separate page

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= Chapter 27: The Trial and the Marriage =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Footnotes have been converted from the original endnote/footnote format to inline references.''

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''[Volume III, Book III, Chapters VIII-X — End of Book the Third]''

CHAP. VIII (continued).<ref>Chap. XIV. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

Tieh-chung-u inquired for his father. His mother told him he was gone upon an affair of great importance: that there was a great officer or valiant man to be brought to justice. He replied, "As there is a war, and valiant men are necessary at this critical juncture, why do they seek to destroy them? I will go and hear the trial: perhaps my father may be drawn over to the opinion of his colleagues, and not follow the dictates of his natural candour and justice." Then going to the audience<ref>These seem to be synonymous in the Chinese language. "Kong-rod." Translator's M.S.</ref>, he was struck with the sight of Hu-hiau already condemned, and bound, waiting for execution, having been sentenced to lose his head three quarters of an hour after noon. There was a great crowd of spectators; through the midst of whom the youth forced his way to get nearer to the condemned person. He perceived him to be very young; but of a bold and dauntless aspect: his look wild and fierce as that of a tyger: his eyes fiery: his throat large, yet long like a crane's: his body strong and well set<ref>What attention the Chinese pay to the complexion and features of their generals, we may judge from Dionys. Kao, a native of China. This honest writer describing the image of Quan-in-chang [who may be considered as the Mars of the Chinese] tells us, that its face is painted of a very deep blood colour. "Which sort of countenance, he adds, is highly esteemed by the military men: nay, the whole Chinese nation imagine him very propitious to them, and fancy that such a fiery flaming face will inspire them with valour, and enable them to acquit themselves well." Vid. pag. 126.

But it is not merely from the opinion of its being propitious to themselves, but also with the politic view of frighting their enemies, that the Chinese affect a fierce dreadful look in their generals. Martinius speaks of it as an established custom, handed down from very early times, for them to paint the general, (who gains the first place in their triennial examinations) armed and of a gigantic stature, and to send this picture round to the neighbouring nations, in order to strike them with terror. Vid. Hist. pag. 405.

That the Chinese still act upon these views, we learn from the elegant writer of Lord Anson's voyage; for when the English were to pass by one of the Chinese castles, among other artifices to make them think more reverently of their military power, they had set a soldier of unusual size, to stalk about on the parapet with a battle-ax in his hand, and dressed in very sightly armour, which yet our people suspected was only made of glittering paper. See pag. 540.

These ridiculous and childish expedients are sufficient to convince us of the unwarlike turn of the Chinese, and at how low an ebb is their military prowess.</ref>.

Tieh-chung-u wondered what default of duty that man could be guilty of who had so promising an appearance. He went up to him, "Sir, said he, of what can they have accused you, who seem to be so valiant a person? How is it, that you have been beaten in war?" At this the other flew into a rage, and sternly said, "A man can die but once: and it matters not in what manner he dies. But I that have strength in my arms to carry the weight of ten peculs<ref>The Pecul (called by the Portuguese ''Pis'', and by the Chinese ''Tan'') consists of one hundred Catti or Chinese pounds, and of about one hundred and twenty-five pounds European weight. P. Semedo, p. 72. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 576. Kempfer, p. 367.</ref>, and am master of eighteen different weapons<ref>To give a short description of the military establishment and discipline of the Chinese, we may observe that as the Chinese have different degrees for their literary Mandarines, so they have similar degrees for their Mandarines of war: and have military Bachelors, Licentiates and Doctors in like manner as in France, they had formerly knights belonging to the law, as well as the army.

The manner of their military examinations is not unlike those for the literary degrees. [See note, vol. 1. p. 8.] The candidates have a theme or subject given them relating to the art of war, on which they are to compose dissertations and discourses in writing. This done, they are required to try their skill in shooting, riding and managing their arms, and to give various proofs of their dexterity and strength. It is seldom that any are admitted into command without having taken one or other of these degrees.

The Mandarines are required often to exercise and review the soldiery. Which however only consists in some disorderly marches, in making mock-fights, and in rallying to the sound of horns and trumpets. Not but they are taught to draw the bow and handle the sabre with great address: and especially are required to keep their arms and armour bright and clean.

As the military life in China is seldom attended either with toil or danger, from the almost continual peace and tranquillity of the empire, it is bestowed as a favour on such as can make friends with the Mandarines, their service being commonly confined to the places of their abode, and is only to suppress robbers, &c. so that they may at proper times follow their own employments. The military Mandarines are computed at 18,000, and the soldiery at above 700,000. The pay of a foot soldier is about five pence and a pint of rice per day: and of the horse in proportion.

P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 260. &c. P. Semedo, p. 96. &c. Mod. Univ. Hist. viii. 150.</ref>, how should I be beaten by any one? What have I lost? 'Tis all falsely laid to my charge. This I solemnly declare. However I must die: be it so." "That is certain, replied the youth; and yet if you had not been guilty of the charge laid against you, why should justice be exerted in so extraordinary a manner? But if you have any thing to alledge in your vindication, you must speak, now is your time." Hu-hiau fetched a deep sigh and said, "The present times are vile and corrupted." "Well, said Tieh-chung-u, if you are unwilling to break through your reserve, I will only ask you one thing; supposing you should be released, would you undertake to go now against the enemy?" "Why not? replied he; is it not my duty? To do it a thousand times, I should look upon as nothing."

The youth said no more to him, but asked the people what o'clock it was, and was answered past ten. Upon which he opened a way through the crowd, and got into the hall of audience, where were seated the three presidents of the tribunal. He cried out aloud, "Health to you all, my Lords! You are all great officers under his Majesty: it therefore behoves you to do your best for the public weal. At present there is great want of men of valour; and none can be got notwithstanding the proclamation for such to appear. The manner of your present proceedings tends, not to the advantage, but the detriment of the empire. Pray is this man sacrificed to public justice, or any private consideration?" The three Mandarines, who had not very willingly passed sentence upon Hu-hiau, but had done it merely to gratify their superiors, were not displeased to see a person appear in his vindication: although they were disgusted at the little respect he shewed them.

The President of Crimes after some time, perceived he was the son of their colleague, the Supreme Viceroy: who also himself discovered who he was. Upon which he struck his hand on the table and said, "How dare you come here in this impertinent and bold manner, where it is death to do it? Take hold of him and bind him. I acknowledge no relation to him in this place." Tieh-chung-u cried out, "No, no: that is not justice: hear me before you order me to be seized. I only ask your Lordships, why doth the Emperor place the drum at the gate of his palace, but that the people may have redress there, when they can obtain it no where else?" The Supreme Viceroy said, "Who are you? and what acquaintance have you with the condemned person?" He answered, "I know him not, but perceiving him to be a valiant man, and one that may do his country and the Emperor service, I came in his behalf." His father replied, "What business is it of your's what he is, or what he can do?" Then he ordered the officers attending the tribunal to take and bind him. The two other Mandarines desired his imprisonment might be deferred for a moment, and calling him to the table before the tribunal, said, "You shew a good intention and sound principle in what you say, but you must consider that things must be carried on according to the forms of justice, and not with so much precipitation. Hu-hiau hath been a year in prison, and the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye as long in banishment; and hitherto none have appeared in their behalf. The former of these hath to-day been brought to his trial, and been condemned: to acquit him now would be ridiculous, and cause a deal of confusion and anger from the Emperor. The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su hath already informed his Majesty of the sentence of death past by us: how then is it possible to recall it?" Tieh-chung-u hearing these words, fetched a deep sigh, and said, "What you have done is all out of regard to your own interests, and not to the good of your country. Your Lordships cannot but know, that in former days it was frequent for Mandarines to oppose injustice; or at least to refuse to do any thing in prejudice of their country, or against their conscience, notwithstanding it might be strongly pressed upon them by the Emperor himself<ref>In a people so interested as the Chinese, it will not be wondered at that reason and justice are frequently given up on the slightest intimation of the Emperor's pleasure: and yet the history of China can produce some instances of firmness and integrity in opposing oppressive measures, that would do honour to the patriots of Greece and Rome. There have been ministers, who have gone to make remonstrances to the Emperor with such firm expectation of death for their boldness, that they have carried their coffins with them to the gate of the palace. [See P. Le Compte, tom. 2. p. 35. P. Du Halde, 1. p. 250.] And with what delicacy and address they can sometimes restrain the passions of their princes may be seen in the following instance.

The king of Ti, saith a Chinese author, had a horse which he loved, and this horse died through the neglect of his groom. The prince in a rage snatched up a lance and was going to dispatch him. The Mandarine Yen-tse who was present turned aside the blow, and instantly addressing himself to his master, said, "Sire; that man was on the point of losing his life before he knew the heinousness of his crime." "I consent, said the king, that you make him sensible of it." Then the minister taking up the lance and aiming it at the criminal: "Wretch, said he, attend to your crimes, which are as follows; in the first place, you have caused the death of a horse, which your prince committed to your especial care; and thereby have deserved death. Secondly; you have caused my prince to fall into such a passion that he would have killed you with his own hands: behold another crime more grievous than the first. Lastly; you would have caused all the other princes and neighbouring states to have seen that my prince will take away a man's life for the death of a horse, and thus his reputation would have been ruined: and you, wretch, are the occasion of all this." "Let him go, said the prince; let him go: I pardon his fault." P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 600.</ref>. Wherefore do you study law and justice, if thus you act subservient to higher powers?"

The two other Mandarines to whom he addressed himself had nothing to reply: but his father cried out, "What! are you mad? I tell you sentence is passed, and he must die." These words very much grieved Tieh-chung-u, who said, "Will you then have no pity on so brave and valiant a man as this?" "Hu-hiau, replied the Supreme Viceroy, is condemned according to law, and his death must be looked upon with no more remorse than that of a kid. Of what service would pity be, where it is out of our power to relieve him?" "This is no common person, said his son, you do not know his qualifications, he is not to be matched among all the great men, that guard the wall of ten thousand furlongs<ref>''Wan-li Tchang-Tching'', i.e. "The wall of ten thousand ''Lee'', or 10,000 ''Lee'' in length." It is thus the Chinese speak of that stupendous wall, which separates their northern provinces from Tartary.

This prodigious work was undertaken two hundred and fifteen years before Christ, to secure three great provinces from the irruptions of the Tartars. In order to execute it, every third man was draughted out of each of the provinces. To lay the foundation on the sea coast, several ships were sunk loaded with stones and iron. The workmen were not to leave the least chink between the stones on forfeiture of their lives: hence the work is almost as intire at present, as when it was first built. It is about fifteen hundred miles in length, and broad enough for six horsemen to ride a-breast upon it.

This wall is admirable on two accounts. First that in its course from east to west, it runs in several places with a gradual ascent over very high mountains, and is fortified with very large towers no more than two bow-shots asunder. The second is, that this wall does not run in a straight line, but turns and winds in several places, according to the disposition of the mountains, so that the north part of China may be said to be encompassed with three walls instead of one.

This work was but five years in building. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 20. 260. &c. Martin. Atlas. p. 15.</ref>. It hath been customary when such men have committed a fault, not to put them to death, but to let them take it off and atone for it by some service or other of great importance to their country. Why then should not this man be suffered to take off his crime in the same manner?" The two Mandarines agreed it was reasonable: "But who, said they, will be security for his performing such actions, as shall merit a pardon?" Tieh-chung-u said, "I will. Restore him but to his former office, and if he does not answer your expectations, then take off my head."

The two other Mandarines discoursed the matter over with his father: "As your son, said they, hath offered himself security for Hu-hiau here before all the world, we are thereby impowered to draw up a petition in his behalf, without the imputation of partiality, or of taking illegal steps to save his life." The Supreme Viceroy perceiving this was no more than reasonable, ordered the criminal to be sent back to prison, and commanded Tieh-chung-u to draw up a writing of security in his behalf. Which being done and properly signed, he ordered a chain to be fixed round his neck, and sent him to prison after the general.

The three Mandarines after this drew up a petition, wherein they acquainted his Majesty with their proceedings. As it was a time of war, business was not long before it was dispatched, so that if a Mandarine gave in a petition one day, his Majesty would answer it himself the next. The Emperor answered their petition in the following manner.

"Whereas there is a great want of men of valour to serve in the wars without the wall; and whereas Tieh-chung-u, son of the Supreme Viceroy, hath offered himself as security for the good behaviour of Hu-hiau; I therefore suspend his execution, and invest him with the same command he had heretofore. And I likewise give him a sword to put to death any person that shall disobey his command, or neglect his duty: and wherever the war may be, he hath full power to command there, as I expect he will be no where improperly absent. Wherefore if he behaves well, and comes off with success, my favour shall exalt him: otherwise he shall suffer his punishment. Shuey-keu-ye first recommended and assisted him, and now Tieh-chung-u hath offered himself for his security: after this if he doth not behave well, I shall severely call to account those two persons, as much deserving to be punished as himself. Wherefore let him well consider this."

This order was carried by a Mandarine properly attended to Hu-hiau, whom together with Tieh-chung-u they took out of prison. These two persons went to return thanks to the three Mandarines their judges, and afterwards took up their abode in the house of the Supreme Viceroy; where they got every thing ready in order to repair to the wars. Two days after they departed for their charge properly equipped with a gallant retinue of soldiers<ref>As the literary Mandarines, when they travel to their governments, are carried in sedans, &c. so the military Mandarines, who travel commonly on horseback, no less affect an air of grandeur. Indeed their horses are not very beautiful, but their harness is extremely sumptuous, the bits and stirrups being either silver or gilt. The saddle is very rich: the reins of the bridle are made of coarse pinked sattin two fingers broad. From the upper part of the chest hang two great locks of fine red hair (such as their caps are covered with) suspended by iron rings either gilt or silvered. Their retinue consists of a great number of horsemen, part going before and part behind them: without reckoning their domestics, who are clad either in black sattin or dyed calico, according to their master's rank. P. Du Halde, vol. 4. p. 285.</ref>. When they arrived at the wall, the officers there shewed them great respect, seeing Hu-hiau return with the Emperor's sword. They had not been gone six months, before this general had such signal success that he every where re-established peace and tranquillity. Upon which the Emperor confirmed Hu-hiau in his command, and restored Shuey-keu-ye to his former office. His Majesty also offered to confer a great title on Tieh-chung-u, and would have created him a Mandarine; but he refused to accept of any such distinction, for he said unless he could arrive at that honour by his learning, he was unworthy of it.

CHAP. IX.

The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was so mortified by this disappointment that he was ashamed to appear in public, and begged to lay down his office under pretence of indisposition. On the other hand, Shuey-keu-ye had no sooner returned to court but he was made Shang-shu, or President of the tribunal of arms. The Mandarines who had threatened him for refusing to listen to their proposals in favour of Kwo-sho-su and his son, were now afraid he would remember them. But he told them when they came to apologize and ask his pardon, that they could not be blamed for acting as they did, and that the harm which might have accrued was owing to himself. As soon as he had waited on the Emperor, he went immediately to visit the Supreme Viceroy and his son. That Mandarine received him in person, but his son was absent: the other inquired after him but was told he was gone into the country to study. "I am come, said Shuey-keu-ye, to pay my acknowledgments to the young gentleman for the benefit I have received from his wisdom and courage; and nothing would rejoice me so much as to see him." "I am very glad, said his father, I will send him to visit you." Upon which the other departed with great satisfaction.

The Mandarine Tieh did not approve of his son's keeping a great deal of company, but could not avoid complying with the request of the Lord President; he therefore sent to command his son to visit him. Tieh-chung-u said to the servant who brought the message, "As that Mandarine only came to see us out of compliment, it will be sufficient for my father to return it. It would but interrupt my studies to go to the city: where the public ceremonies would take up more time than I can spare; and so much company is but irksome." He therefore humbly intreated his father not to engage for any return of visits to be made by him.

The servant reported his message to his master, who was so well satisfied with it, that he went and returned the visit alone. Shuey-keu-ye asked for his son: and the other apologized for his absence under pretence that he was indisposed. "Very well, replied he, it is the custom of people of sense and ingenuity not to be forward in making themselves public: as your son is a youth of great wisdom, and chuses to live sequestered from public company, I will go to his house, and see him there." After a short farther discourse<ref>In the original, "After two words discourse."</ref> they parted.

The Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye thought it a great proof of the young gentleman's discretion and good sense, that he chose to be retired. It increased his desire to see him. He had formed in his mind so favourable an opinion of him, that he thought he would be a very proper match for his daughter, whom now he began to think of marrying. He accordingly sent a servant to the village, where Tieh-chung-u at present resided, to see if he were at home, and being informed that he was, he prepared to see him on the morrow<ref>In the original, "Two days after, or rather on the second day."</ref>; of which he gave him the due notice.

The name of the village was See-shan, or West-mountain, where Tieh-chung-u lived retired; he had just dined when he received notice that the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye intended him a visit: the name brought to his mind his beautiful daughter, and caused him to fetch a deep sigh, and led him to reflect on the wonderful manner in which things had happened. "I little thought, said he, of contributing to the restoration of that young lady's father, when I became surety for Hu-hiau. I was not only the happy instrument of saving a brave man from death, but of bringing back to honour a Mandarine of so much merit. I might now ask him for his daughter in marriage if I had not become acquainted with her at the Che-hien's tribunal; and if she had not received me afterwards into her house. But alas! after all this public intercourse, our union is impossible, unless I would bring all the calumny in the world both upon her and myself; and confirm the suspicion of a private correspondence." He considered with himself whether it was not possible to find out some means of getting over this difficulty: but his delicacy raised so many scruples, and painted the censure of the world in so terrible a light, as extending not only to himself, but his posterity, that at length he said, "I shall be forced to refuse her, although her father should make me the offer." He was buried in these distracting reflections, when there was shewn into the room an old gentleman dressed in the habit of a doctor of law: who cried out, "Hiong, or brother, what! are you so difficult of access<ref>It appears from what follows that this is intended as a compliment.

In a former note, [vol. 2. p. 90.] it hath been hinted how reputable the character of a retired student is among the Chinese, and what intense application it commonly requires to obtain a competent knowledge of their literature. The opinion of the Chinese themselves on this head will be learnt from the following little moral tale, which contains a fine lesson for perseverance.

Li-p, who under the dynasty of the Han, became one of the first doctors of the court, addicted himself to his studies from his youth. He came one year to the general examination of the province; but meeting with bad success, he despaired of ever obtaining a degree: he therefore resolved to give up learning, and to turn his views to some other pursuit. While he was ruminating on this subject, he met with an old woman, who was rubbing an iron pestle to and fro upon a whet-stone. "To what purpose do you do that?" said he to her. "I want, replied she, to grind it down till it becomes so sharp as to be fit for embroidering." Li-p took the hint, and returned to his studies, to which he applied with such renewed ardour, that he at length attained to the highest employments. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 386.</ref>, that I could not see you before to-day?" "Surely, Sir, said the youth, you do not know me, or you would not say this." Then he paid him the compliments due to his appearance. When these were over the old gentleman took hold of his hand, and looking earnestly in his face, said, "When I only heard of you, I conceived a great esteem for you; which after all might possibly have been ill-grounded: but now I must confess the sight of you increases that esteem, and gives me great satisfaction. Yesterday I went to pay you a visit, but only saw your father: he told me you did not care to be seen in public: I therefore came hither privately to visit you." Tieh-chung-u at these words started, saying: "Ah! Sir, you seem to be the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye!" Then getting ready a Tieh-tse, or billet of compliments, and presenting it to him, he said, "I hope, Sir, you will pardon me, that although you are a person of so much honour, I did not know you." "Why did I come here, replied the other, but to thank you for being the cause of my return to court: as likewise to be acquainted with a youth of such uncommon endowments as fame reports you to be possessed of<ref>In the original it is, "Su-ya Lao-sen"; the last words signify an elder in years and experience.</ref>?" "Pray, Sir, excuse me, said Tieh-chung-u, it proceeded from my not being sufficiently acquainted with you, that I did not pay that respect to you I ought in waiting upon you yesterday. I am now very sensible of my error." Then he ordered an entertainment to be got ready. At the sight of that, Shuey-keu-ye was very well pleased, as it would afford them an opportunity for discourse. Accordingly their conversation turned upon history, antiquity, poetry, law, and other subjects proper for learned and ingenious men.

After these topics were exhausted, the old Mandarine said, he had one word to speak, which he hoped the other would not take amiss. "My Lord, said Tieh-chung-u, as I am your son and disciple<ref>This is a usual compliment among the Chinese literati.</ref>, why do you shew me so much condescension?" "I have no son, replied the other, but one only daughter, who hath just attained her eighteenth year. If I am not partial to her, I never saw a young woman of such beautiful features, or of so fine a person: and as to knowledge in books, I believe there are none able to converse with her, except yourself. This I mention, as I have a great value for you; but if you don't believe me, examine first into the truth of it and I shall have her for your wife." Tieh-chung-u was so surprised, and confounded at these words, that he could give no answer, but remained as it were thunderstruck, and sighed deeply with a great appearance of concern in his face. Shuey-keu-ye observing his looks, said, "Perhaps you are already engaged." The other shook his head, and answered, "No!" "Perhaps then, replied he, you do not think all is true that I tell you." "Sir, said the youth, it is impossible for a man or woman to excell in understanding so much as she doth, but a whole kingdom must be acquainted with it. You have spoke nothing but truth, and your offer would be exceedingly acceptable to any one, but myself: circumstanced as I am, I should be very blameable to accept of it." The Mandarine hearing him speak so obscurely, said, "You are a person of an open generous heart; you must tell me what you mean." "Sir, said he, when you get home you will understand every thing." The Lord President imagined there might be something or other amiss, which had not yet reached his ears: this he thought the more probable, as he had been so long from home, and had not heard any news from thence: he therefore dropt the subject, and after some little discourse upon indifferent topics took his leave, and went home.

As he went along he could not forbear reflecting on the engaging aspect of Tieh-chung-u, and what a proper husband he would be for his daughter; he therefore could not easily resolve to part with him. And yet he thought he could discern in his words and manner, as through a mist, that he had a secret inclination for her, although he seemed to have some great objection: what that was he could not possibly divine, unless she had been guilty of any misconduct: "But that, said he, cannot be; I know her to be of the most steady temper, and immoveable virtue. Perhaps this Kwo-khe-tzu, out of revenge for my refusing him my daughter, hath played her some trick, or reported ill of her, which hath occasioned this disgust in Tieh-chung-u: however all these objections will vanish, if the offer prove but agreeable to the Mandarine his father." He therefore resolved to get an intimate acquaintance to go and talk over the affair with the latter; for from what he had heard of his daughter's carriage and ingenuity, he thought there was none but Tieh-chung-u worthy to obtain her.

CHAP. X.

Shuey-keu-ye having learnt from the friend he employed, that his proposals were exceedingly acceptable to the Supreme Viceroy, made a great entertainment for that Mandarine, who when he returned told his wife all that had happened. The lady Sheh agreed that their son was of a proper age to be married; and that Shuey-ping-sin was a very desirable person: for she had heard how she had conducted herself while she was persecuted by Kwo-khe-tzu, and that she was a most ingenious and agreeable young lady. She thought therefore that such another could not be found for their son, and that it would be a great happiness to fix him so well. "And yet, said she, if you ask his consent, you will not obtain it; for he will be so nice and curious that he must examine every thing to the bottom, and will be raising difficulties without occasion, and without end. As the reputation of Shuey-ping-sin is so established, and her merits and accomplishments so great, we may contract first, and acquaint him with it afterwards." The Mandarine Tieh approved of her opinion, and told her it intirely agreed with his own. Then choosing a fortunate day, he made the customary present to the parent of the young lady. At the same time, he and his wife sent to their son, and wished him joy, informing him of the engagement they had entered into in his behalf. He was very much surprised, and immediately went to his father and mother. "Marriage, said he, is an affair of consequence, and should not be too precipitately managed. You have been wholly guided by report: but who can answer for the truth of reports? You may have been deceived in the accounts of this lady: and there may be cause to repent it as long as one lives." His father asked him whether he suspected Shuey-ping-sin to be ugly? "No! said he: I believe that her complexion is fair and clear as the most limpid stream<ref>In the orig. "There is no water fairer than she."</ref>." "Perhaps, replied the other, you are doubtful of her wit and sense?" "Her understanding, he replied, surpasses even that of our sex: in whatsoever she does there appears such discretion; all her actions are conducted with such beautiful order, that it exceeds imagination." "Perhaps then, said his father, she hath been guilty of something wrong." "No, he answered, she hath never done any thing the least amiss." With that the Supreme Viceroy and the lady Sheh burst into laughter, that he should make a scruple of marrying a young lady with so many perfections, and who had not one quality but what deserved the greatest praise. "Nay, proceeded the youth, I should willingly marry this young lady, even if it exposed me to so great a misfortune as your displeasure; for she is never absent from my thoughts: but alas! there is a difficulty, which I can never get over, that shuts me out from all thoughts of such an undertaking." This said, he immediately told them all that happened between him and the young lady: and concluded with observing, that his having so lately been the means of restoring her father, would add strength to the suspicion of their criminal correspondence. As therefore the loss of their good fame was to be the consequence of their nuptials, he could not think of purchasing even that happiness at so dear a rate. His father commended his nice concern for his reputation: "But what hath happened, said he, may be justified and cleared up. You are but a young man, and not so well able to judge as myself. However this union may be rendered more free from censure by your caution." Then his father and mother both observed to him, that they were advanced in years: and that any delay was so much loss of their happiness, as they could enjoy none equal to that of seeing him married. "You must not, said they, yield to these scruples: retire to your studies, and banish them from your thoughts. At a proper time we shall send for you. It is too late now for you to object to this marriage, for our contract cannot be set aside." Tieh-chung-u, perceiving the anxious concern of his parents, thought it would not become him to contend with them farther: but imagined that if he himself should consent, the young lady could not easily be prevailed on. He therefore said no more, but taking his leave of them, returned to his studies.

Shuey-keu-ye having concerted the marriage between Tieh-chung-u and his daughter, remained very well satisfied; and as he had been so long absent, had a great desire to see his family. He accordingly petitioned his Majesty for leave to retire, as being old and infirm. The Emperor, who was desirous to make up to him the time he had lost in disgrace and banishment, would not consent that he should so soon lay down his office. He nevertheless petitioned three times. The Emperor at length seeing him so determined, gave him leave to retire for one year, ordering him after the expiration of it to return to court: at the same time he issued out a mandate, requiring the Mandarines every where to entertain him as he passed along, and to supply him with whatever he might want. Highly pleased with this, he immediately prepared every thing for his journey, and set out from Pe-king with a very splendid retinue, attended by a long train of great Mandarines, who accompanied him quite out of the city. But the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was not of their number, having been ashamed to appear in public.

As soon as the news of what had happened arrived at Tsi-nan-foo, all the Mandarines who resided in or near that city, put up chops or red papers<ref>In the Translator's M.S. "Red papers with welcome writ upon them."</ref> with congratulatory inscriptions: and every great officer and person of fashion went to the house of Shuey-keu-ye to compliment his daughter on the news. This ceremony they performed three times. The first time, they congratulated her on her father's return from banishment; the second time on his promotion; and lastly, on the permission he had obtained to retire from court. Shuey-ping-sin at first gave no credit to the news: for having been so oft deceived by Kwo-khe-tzu, she was afraid to appear: but afterwards when she saw it was all true, yet could not comprehend how her father should have such good fortune, as at once to be restored and advanced to honour.

Shuey-guwin was not long before he went to her: "Do you know, said he, by what means it hath happened that your father is thus of a sudden returned home with so much honour and promotion?" She replied, "I do not: but was thinking with some amazement how it could have happened." "Let me tell you, said he, that it is all through the means of Tieh-chung-u." At which she laughed, and said, "I cannot believe what you say: it seems very fabulous." "Why not believe it, said he?" She replied, "Because Tieh-chung-u is not in any office or power; but on the contrary is but a simple student, and out of the way of contributing to such an event." "It proceeded originally, said he, from Kwo-khe-tzu. He applied to his father to send an embassy to my brother to solicit his consent. Which he refusing, that Mandarine renewed an accusation against him, and also against Hu-hiau a general chosen by him, charging them with mismanagement in the wars: upon which the Emperor appointed a Tribunal of Three in order to bring that general to his trial. He was there condemned, and ready to be executed, when Tieh-chung-u interposed and became his surety: in consequence of which, the general was restored to his command, and had such remarkable success that he acquired great honour, not only to himself, but also to that young gentleman and your father."

Shuey-ping-sin inquired of her uncle what authority he had for this report, and seemed to doubt whether it were true. "Not true, said he? why should you question it? Wherefore else were the papers put up? Did not the Mandarines themselves come hither to compliment you on the occasion?" She smiled at his warmth, and said, "If this be true, then doubtless Tieh-chung-u is a traitor, that could be so impudent and bold before the Tribunal of Three. Why don't you petition against him, as one that is going to raise a rebellion?" Her uncle begged that nothing more might be said on that subject, assuring her that he was now reformed. "I go no more, said he, among those rakes: who abused me very much in forcing me into what I did." As soon as he was withdrawn, Shuey-ping-sin set herself to reflect on the events that had happened. She could not but admire, that fortune should give that youth so many occasions to assist her; and all through their accidental meeting in the streets. "The service he hath done me is great, said she, but nothing to what he hath done my father. His virtue and generosity demand of me the most grateful acknowledgments: miserable I am, that I cannot yield him my love."

Shuey-ping-sin continued in daily expectation of seeing her father: when at length a servant came to inform her of his approach. All the Mandarines went out of the city to meet him: and at noon he came home. She advanced into the great hall to receive him, where nothing could equal the joy of them both.

What past farther between them, the next book will inform us.

''The End of Book the Third.''

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[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 26

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= Chapter 26: The False Accusation and the Father's Resolve =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Footnotes have been converted from the original endnote/footnote format to inline references.''

----

''[Volume III, Book III, Chapters V-VIII]''

CHAP. V.<ref>Chap. XIII. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

Tieh-chung-u taking his leave of the Grand Visitor, went and told Shuey-yeong who had attended him there, all that had past at the tribunal: and concluded with desiring him to recommend him to his mistress, and to present his thanks for the advice she had given him. "It is not in my power, said he, to send any present as an acknowledgment of her goodness: neither could I presume to do it, a single man as I am, to a young unmarried lady." Then delivering his horse to the old servant, and hiring a mule, he departed for his own city; and Shuey-yeong returned to his mistress.

Let us now return to Kwo-khe-tzu and his companions, whom we have seen disappointed in their designs on Tieh-chung-u. When they found he was got clear out of their hands, they were ready to burst with rage and madness. The first that broke silence was Shuey-guwin, who said, "Who would have suspected this young man to have been possessed of so much strength and courage?" "It was owing to neither of these that he escaped, said his son-in-law, but he had got Chang-cong-tzu at such disadvantage, that he could neither help himself, nor we conveniently assist him. But he must not go off so: let us muster up a proper company, and go find him out: let us still treat him as he deserves and afterwards give in a petition to the Grand Visitor." This proposal was approved by them all: the young Mandarine Chang instantly promised to bring thirty people; each of the others likewise engaged to raise as many. These to the number of a hundred were soon assembled, and with their masters at their head, Shuey-guwin leading the way, drove along the streets like a swarm of bees. But when they came to the inn, where the young stranger had lodged, they were told that he went away almost as soon as he came home. They were quite disconcerted at this information. "However, said Kwo-khe-tzu to the rest, this shall not serve his turn; we will immediately apply to the Grand Visitor of the province, and he shall do us justice." Shuey-guwin told him, that their enemy was of the province of Pe-king, and therefore was not under that Mandarine's jurisdiction. "Well then, said Kwo-khe-tzu and his companions, we will all together draw up a petition, wherein we will accuse him of endeavouring to raise a rebellion<ref>In order to render this and some of the following pages intelligible, it must be remarked that there is in China, a horrid sect called ''Pe-len-kiao'', always disposed to rebellion, and who are therefore sure to be punished, whenever they are discovered. This sect consists of people, who enter into a confederacy to overturn the established government, for which purpose, with certain magical rites, they elect an Emperor out of their number, distribute among themselves the principal employments of the state, mark out certain families for destruction, and lie concealed till some insurrection of the people affords them an opportunity of putting themselves at their head. China, on account of its vast extent, prodigious populousness and frequency of famines, is very liable to seditions and insurrections, which through the pusillanimity and feebleness of its military government are always dangerous, and indeed have often produced intire revolutions in the state. Now as in these revolutions, it hath frequently happened that some of the very dregs of the people have been raised to the throne; this upon every insurrection encourages the ringleaders to aspire to the empire: who, if they are not nipped in the bud, are sure to draw together the dissolute, the discontented, and the needy; till they form a large body and become very formidable to the government. Upon all these accounts the Mandarines are obliged to be exceedingly jealous and watchful over the least tendency to revolt; and to be careful to extinguish the first and minutest sparks of rebellion, which would otherwise soon involve the whole empire in a flame. P. Semedo, p. 91. Lettres edif. xxvii. 344. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 243.</ref>; this will authorise the Mandarines of any province to lay hold of him. The Grand Visitor must give an account of this at court; where we will send to our fathers and friends to acquaint them of the affair; thus we shall quickly humble him, for all his bravery and valour."

They were exceedingly pleased with this proposal, and accordingly got their petition wrote, which Shuey-guwin signed as a witness: they then repaired to the city of Tong-chang; and finding the audience open for receiving petitions, presented themselves before the tribunal. The Grand Visitor received their petition, and ordered them all out of the hall, except Shuey-guwin. "This paper, said he, contains a strange story of a rebellion attempted in this country by Tieh-chung-u: if he was so dangerous a person, how came you to be so desirous of his company, and to invite him so earnestly to drink wine with you? Did he drop any hint of his intention to raise a tumult or rebellion in the city, in the midst of his cups, or afterwards in the quarrel?" Shuey-guwin finding the Grand Visitor so inquisitive, knew not what to answer, and therefore remained silent. "You are a very sorry fellow, said the Mandarine. I am well acquainted with the whole story: nevertheless if you do not relate it exactly from beginning to end, I will bring your fingers to the Niab-coon or Tormenting-sticks." Shuey-guwin's fear became excessive when he saw the other so angry, and found he should be forced to confess the truth. "Sir, said he, it is true, he was drinking with the others." "Very well, said the Mandarine, if you were drinking all together, I must suppose you all equally guilty: nay it is more likely that you five should form seditious designs upon the city, than he whom you accuse, who perhaps would not join in such an attempt, and so you have agreed to impeach him first." "My Lord, replied he, Kwo-khe-tzu invited this young man to his house out of civility and good will, and when he was in his cups all the secret came out. Nothing would pacify him; he overset the table and fell to fighting, crying out to the young Mandarines, that if there were a thousand of them, he would not regard them: and that if he should come to be Emperor he would destroy the four houses to which they belong. The young gentlemen deeply concerned at these things, could not refrain from lodging a complaint with your Excellency: which they would not have done, had it been false." "A likely story, said the Grand Visitor, that one person should beat and abuse four or five of you. No! no! you must not think to impose on me at this rate." "Sir, said Shuey-guwin, the broken pieces of furniture are still to be seen: nothing is more certain." The Mandarine took him up short, "How should a stranger of another city come and raise such a disturbance, unless he had been provoked by some injury or insult? However if it be as you alledge, have you secured or brought him with you?" "No, he replied; he was like a tyger, there was no taking hold of him: he went away without any one's daring to stop him."

The Grand Visitor ordered all he had reported to be taken down in writing by the secretary of the tribunal: then said to him, "Are not you ashamed, an old fellow as you are, to come here with these stories: and to keep company with young rakes, drinking and embroiling yourself in their quarrels? This petition you have brought me is false and scandalous. Go home and tell the four Mandarines' sons to be quiet: I know the whole story, better than they imagine. If it were not for the connections of these young men, I would throw you into prison, where you should die with hunger: however I must make you a present of twenty or thirty bastinadoes<ref>In the orig. it is "of four or five Bamboos" (or charges, each five strokes.) See note, vol. 2. pag. 189.</ref>." At these words Shuey-guwin in great terror, cried out that he was old, and begged he would pardon and not dishonour him so much. "Honour! said the Grand Visitor, what honour have you?" He said, "I am brother to the second Mandarine of the tribunal of arms." "Are you his brother, said the magistrate? why who keeps his house?" "My brother, he replied, hath no son: but only one daughter, who heretofore hath received great favour from your Excellency." "If it be so, replied the Grand Visitor, for her sake I will pardon you: but then tell me truly, who it is that bears such implacable enmity against this young stranger." "I am not his enemy, answered Shuey-guwin; but it is Kwo-khe-tzu, who being disappointed in his design of marrying my niece, by the other's interference, hath ever since retained a secret malice and desire of revenge; and it was in order to gratify his revenge, that he now invited him to his house: but for my part I owe him no kind of ill will." The Grand Visitor ordered his secretary to make a memorandum of this; then giving him back the petition, bade him go tell those young men to mind their studies, and let him hear no more of them: "For this once, said he, I pardon them on account of their fathers: who would find a great deal of trouble, should such complaints be brought against them at court."

Shuey-guwin having thus obtained leave to retire, was ready to leap out of his skin for joy: but when he was got without the audience where the others were waiting for him, he shrugged up his shoulders, and made signs to them to hold their tongues: at the sight of which, and of the petition which he held in his hand, they were alarmed; and being informed of all that had happened, sent in a Sho-poun<ref>A folded paper with a black cover. Translator.</ref> or billet of thanks, to the Grand Visitor for his lenity, and afterwards returned home not a little ashamed. However Kwo-khe-tzu could not be prevailed on to lay aside his resentment, or to drop his pursuit. On the contrary, he was the more obstinately resolved to persist in both; and recollecting that Chun-kee had been gone some time, he dispatched a messenger to enquire after him.

CHAP. VI.

Now Chun-kee in performance of his promise had made the best of his way to the court: where as soon as he arrived, he delivered to the minister Kwo-sho-su the letter from his son. As soon as the Mandarine had read the letter, he withdrew with him into his library, and inviting him to sit down, inquired about his son's proposal of marriage with Shuey-ping-sin. "Her father, said he, is now in disgrace: this match cannot be for our credit, as we are advanced to such a degree in the state." "This young lady, replied the other, is endowed with wonderful perfections both of mind and person, and is of unexampled modesty: in short there is not her fellow to be found in the world. Wherefore your son hath sworn either by gentle or violent means to marry her." Kwo-sho-su laughed and said, "I am afraid my son is very weak and simple. If he had a mind to marry her, he needed not have sent to court, when the Che-foo and Che-hien, the fathers of the country, might easily have compleated the marriage for him. You have had a great deal of trouble in coming so far: and now he would give me still more, in requiring me to send without the wall into Tartary for her father's consent." "He hath not been wanting in application to the Che-foo and Che-hien, replied the other; he hath left no means to prevail with her unattempted; but she hath always by very gentle but artful methods found means to elude his pursuit. Your Lordship must not talk of the Che-foo and Che-hien, since the Grand Visitor of the province, who was your pupil, endeavoured to promote the suit of your son, but she so far baffled him, that he hath been glad to put forth a declaration, forbidding any one to molest her on the subject of marriage. Now if a Mandarine of his rank is afraid to meddle with her, who besides dares approach her gates? Kwo-khe-tzu therefore had no other remedy, but to apply to your Lordship." The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was surprised at this account, and said, "Surely this is a young lady of fine understanding, and it is on that account my son so much admires her. But this Shuey-keu-ye, her father, is a very positive man: if he does not heartily approve of any measure, he is not to be moved to engage in it: besides I am not very intimate with him. He is a man of one word: when he held an audience, there was very little application made to him, because he was known to favour no body. He hath only this daughter; and I remember I once applied to him about her, but without success. However, as he is now in trouble, perhaps he will be more inclined to comply: there seems at present a good opportunity to ask his consent. But in what manner, said Chun-kee, will your Lordship apply to him?" "It must be done, said the other, with all the usual ceremonies. A friend must first be employed to break the matter: afterwards, we must send a present. But here lies the difficulty: as he is distant from us no less than two hundred leagues, I cannot ask any Mandarine of great quality to go so far. I believe I must write a letter and beg the favour of you to carry it, together with the present." Chun-kee replied, "Your Lordship may command my best services. Let me also carry letters to such of the great Mandarines there as are able to influence him." "You are right, said the Minister; and accordingly selecting a fortunate day, he wrote the letters and dispatched him."

CHAP. VII.

Now the case of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye<ref>The Editor's additions are included in brackets. The Reader will perceive how abrupt the transition is in the original. The same abruptness is observable throughout the whole history.</ref> was as follows: upon receiving notice that a war had broke out with the Tartars, and that there was not any valiant man to head the troops; he had made inquiry after such a person, and had found among the people of his audience a man called Hu-hiau, one of the north-west country, who had offered himself for that service. Of this Shuey-keu-ye informed the Emperor, who consented to employ him, there being none other that cared to go against the enemy. He was accordingly constituted General, with orders to go and visit those parts that were infested, and to act as he should think best for the public service<ref>All the officers of war throughout the Chinese empire, from the highest to the lowest, are under the jurisdiction of the Tribunal of Arms, which, although composed of none but literary Mandarines, hath the absolute and intire direction of all military affairs. In China the profession of arms is held vastly inferior and subordinate to that of letters. This, together with their natural effeminacy, and the constant peace they generally enjoy, will account for the unwarlike turn of the Chinese.

P. Semedo tells us that it was usual [at least in his time] for the Chinese to send with their armies a man of the long robe, who had the supreme command, even over the General himself. This Mandarine was always in the middle of the main Battalia, and many times a day's journey from the field of action; so that although he would be too remote to give orders, he was always ready to run away the first in case of a defeat. P. Semedo, p. 100.</ref>. He executed these orders with such dispatch, that he would not stop to pay the usual visits of ceremony to any of the other Mandarines in command, but went immediately in search of the enemy. This gave so much disgust to those officers that they would not go to his assistance, nor unite their forces with his. Nevertheless he attacked the enemy, and had a sharp engagement for a whole day with equal advantage on both sides. Small as this success was, it was represented still less to the Emperor by the disaffected Mandarines, and both he and Shuey-keu-ye were suspended from their employments: the one being sent to prison, and the other an exile into Tartary.

The latter had now remained about a year in banishment: where, although he still retained his dignity of Mandarine, there was taken little notice of him, and he had small hopes of returning home. One morning a servant belonging to his tribunal (for notwithstanding his disgrace he still had a hall of audience assigned him) came to tell him that there was a messenger arrived from Pe-king, with letters from one of the Ministers of state. Shuey-keu-ye, who had looked upon himself as intirely forgotten at court, was surprised at this news. Nevertheless he ordered the messenger to be admitted. Chun-kee was accordingly shewn in, attended by two servants whom he had brought with him. He performed his reverences, and presented a Tieh-tse or billet of compliments. The Mandarine perused it, and finding Chun-kee to be no servant, but a particular acquaintance of the person who sent him, desired him to sit down. "I am so unhappy, said he, as to be out of favour: and it is a long while since I have been taken notice of by any one. How happens it then, that you are come so far to me? Upon what account?" "I should not have taken this liberty, replied the other, had I not been sent by Kwo-sho-su, whose business abroad I sometimes transact: and it is on his account that I have now taken so long a journey." "When I was at court, said Shuey-keu-ye, I had very little acquaintance with that Mandarine. I suppose therefore my punishment is now going to be increased." Chun-kee replied, "It will not be long before your Lordship will return to Pe-king: I am only come at present in behalf of this nobleman's son, who desires your daughter in marriage: but as she hath not your permission or order, I am sent to intreat you to grant it." Then asking the servants for the letter, he presented it to Shuey-keu-ye: who opening it, and having read it, thought that the whole affair was not rightly conducted, according to the manner among people of quality; nor suitably to the dignity of his rank. At the same time being not unacquainted with the character of Kwo-khe-tzu, and having no great opinion of the Mandarine his father, he resolved not to consent to their request. This resolution he was the rather confirmed in, as he supposed if his daughter had approved of it, they would never have sent so far to him. After some pause, Chun-kee took the liberty to ask him if he had read the letter. He replied, "I have, and thank you for the great trouble you have been at in bringing it: I am obliged to Kwo-sho-su for the high honour he doth me: and should esteem it great good fortune that he is pleased to desire my daughter for his son: but only that I am now under his Majesty's displeasure, and removed above two hundred leagues from home, from whence I have been absent five years at court, and one in banishment. As I have no son, and only this daughter, who is unto me as a son, and as such hath the whole direction of my house, I shall therefore permit her to govern herself in this affair according to her own inclinations. If Kwo-khe-tzu had so great a desire to marry her, why did not he apply to the Che-foo and Che-hien, who are the public guardians of the people<ref>The Chinese idiom is, "Who are the Grandfather and Father of the people."</ref>, and to my brother Shuey-guwin? What need had he to take so much trouble in sending so far?" "Sir, replied Chun-kee, you speak very well; and Kwo-khe-tzu did last year pursue the method you describe; but after she had many times put him off, she at length confessed it was because she had not your permission, and so he hath sent me to come for it."

The Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye judged from his discourse, that his daughter was not inclined to marry Kwo-khe-tzu; and therefore he said, "As I am now in disgrace, I look upon it that I have nothing to do with my family, nor can I pretend to dispose of my daughter. I have been here a twelvemonth, and have not so much as sent home one letter: and it is because I am not yet acquitted. Now under these circumstances, should I pretend to give out an order about my daughter, it would aggravate my offence: I dare not therefore offer to do it." Chun-kee said, "Let me have but your word, and it will be sufficient." He was very importunate, insomuch that Shuey-keu-ye grew downright angry, and said, that it was not a thing of a slight or indifferent nature: and custom required that there should be more than two to concert so important an affair as marriage. Without any further satisfaction he dismissed him, but ordered him a lodging: from whence Chun-kee often paid him visits, but to no purpose: he therefore sent to all the neighbouring Mandarines, and got them to speak to him on the subject of the marriage. They were accordingly very urgent and pressing, which made Shuey-keu-ye so uneasy, that he sent for Chun-kee and said, "I never did any ill to the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su; why then doth he give me so much trouble, and is for taking my daughter by force? Go home, and tell him, I will never compel her to act against her inclinations. As for myself, I never expect to carry my bones home again: my life is to me of little value: but I will not make my daughter miserable. Nay, should the Emperor himself order me to compel her, I would still leave her to her own choice: and should all the Mandarines here my superiors do their utmost to make me suffer, I regard it not. Therefore take your letter and your present back again."

Chun-kee finding it would be in vain to persist, packed up his baggage and returned to the court. Where being arrived with no little shame for his ill success, he gave back to Kwo-sho-su his letter and present. At which the Minister was very much inraged, and resolved to resent it the first opportunity. It was not long before he found one; for there being a demand for more troops to go against the Tartars, on account of the havoc and loss which had been made of those who went before; that Mandarine, when he advised the Emperor of it, did not fail to lay the blame on the former mismanagement of Shuey-keu-ye, and on that of his general Hu-hiau: representing to his Majesty, that if they were taken off by the punishment they deserved, warriors enow would offer themselves, and bring the war to a conclusion: but that this could not be expected till all suspicion was taken away of their ever returning into employment; in the discharge of which they had both rendered themselves extremely odious. The Emperor approved of this remonstrance, and referred it to the consideration of the San-fa-tseh, or tribunal of three<ref>The ''San-fa-tseh'' is composed of the following tribunals; viz. of the ''Hing-pu'', or Tribunal of crimes; of the ''Tah-le-su'', which may be called The Tribunal of revisors; and of the ''Tieh-cha-yuen'', or Superior Tribunal of visitors. The last of these hath been already described. [See vol. 2. pag. 185. note.]

The ''Hing-pu'' or Tribunal of crimes, is one of the six sovereign courts at Pe-king. [See note vol. 2. p. 279.] and hath under it fourteen subordinate tribunals according to the number of provinces. It belongs to them to examine, try and punish all criminals throughout the empire. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 249, &c.

The Tribunal of ''Tah-le-su'', i.e. of supreme reason or justice, is as it were the great Chancery of the empire. It examines in the last appeal the judgments and sentences passed in other tribunals: especially in criminal causes, or in matters of great moment. P. Mag. p. 228. P. Semedo, p. 125.

When the Tribunal of Crimes hath passed sentence of death on a person, whose crime was not very clear, or when any person is to be condemned in a case that would admit of doubt, the Emperor (says P. Magalhaens) refers it always to the ''San-fa-tseh'', which is as it were his council of conscience. Then the three tribunals abovementioned assemble together, either to re-examine the merits of the cause, or to pass the more solemn sentence. As it is not so easy to corrupt them thus united, as separate, great regard is had to their decision, which is generally confirmed by the Emperor. P. Mag. p. 229. Lettres edif. xix. 162.</ref>: which was commanded to assemble and examine into the conduct of Hu-hiau in order to bring that general to justice.

CHAP. VIII.

The tribunal of three having received the Emperor's commission, appointed a day to hear and determine the cause of Hu-hiau. When that day came, as soon as the Mandarines were seated, the Supreme Viceroy Tieh-ying being one of them, that unfortunate general was brought out of prison and entered upon his trial.

It happened that about the same time Tieh-chung-u arrived at Pe-king, where he had never been since his return from Shan-tong.

What passed farther between them, the next book will inform us.

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 25

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= Chapter 25: The Feast and the Ambush =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Footnotes have been converted from the original endnote/footnote format to inline references.''

----

''[Volume III, Book III, Chapters IV-V]''

CHAP. IV.<ref>Chap. XII. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

Kwo-khe-tzu hearing Shuey-guwin say he was not unprovided of an occasion to plague Tieh-chung-u, was desirous to know what it was. He told him, that as his coming so long a journey was all for the sake of his niece, it was not to be doubted but he would yet take an opportunity to speak with her; and therefore he must be watched. "Nay, said he, that he may not do it without our privity, I will go to my niece and make her send for him." "That, said his son-in-law, will be to do him a pleasure; nay will afford him an opportunity to bind the marriage contract with her, and then all my hopes are at an end, and I am utterly lost." "Fear not, replied the other, what I propose is the only means to prevent his doing it<ref>The Chinese Author hath not made this appear, but he probably meant, that by involving them in the suspicion of an illicit correspondence, he should effectually hinder their union. Such is the delicacy of the Chinese on the subject of marriage. See the sequel of this History.</ref>." Then taking his leave, he went to the young lady, whom he thus accosted; "Niece, you have certainly great penetration and discernment with regard to mankind: I shall henceforth pay great deference to your opinion. For some time since, when there was a rumour that Tieh-chung-u had been guilty of a great misdemeanour, and was nothing less than an hypocrite and a cheat, you would not give the least credit to it, but believed as well of him as before. Future inquiries have confirmed your judgment, and I am now satisfied he is a man of great honour, sobriety, and justice." "That, she replied, is an old affair: why do you mention what is past?" He said, "I saw this stranger again to-day: and am therefore convinced he hath the good qualities I spoke of." "How can you know a man's good qualities, said she, by barely seeing him?" He told her, that he had met him that morning coming out of her house; and had inquired his business: "For I was apprehensive, said he, that he had been doing something, which might bring a reflection upon you; and therefore thought it behoved me to call him to account: but he vindicated himself so handsomely, and appeared to have come hither with so good an intention, that I find him to be a very well-disposed, sincere, honest man." "Uncle, said the young lady, how could you know that he came hither with a good intention?" "He told me, replied he, that hearing at court that the Grand Visitor had issued out two orders to compel you to marry, and knowing how much it must be against your inclinations, he had come hither on purpose to prevent it. That with this view, and to make proper inquiries, he came to-day to your house, but finding upon the wall the Kao-she or declaration in your favour, he was satisfied, and about to return to court. From all this I cannot but conclude favourably of his character." "He acted just in this noble and upright manner, replied his niece, from the very first, when he saw me going to the Che-hien's. He is a youth of that justice and generous ardor, that I could not but do what I did, in recompence of so much merit." "Certainly, said her uncle, the assistance he afforded you at that time, and the kindness you shewed him afterwards, were both highly laudable. And now upon the bare report that you were likely to be injured, he hath come so far to your relief. But would it be right to let him return without any notice of, or thanks for his trouble?" "Your question, said she, is very proper: but what can I do? I am a young woman and single; and must avoid giving further occasion for scandal. What though he hath taken all this trouble, I know he expects no return from me: thoroughly convinced of my grateful temper, he requires no public proof of it." "That is very true, said Shuey-guwin; and yet it would be but right to invite him to come, that you might at least pay your compliments to him."

Shuey-ping-sin had learnt from her old servant, that he had met with Tieh-chung-u near Pe-king, and there intreated his assistance; and that he had afterwards been fetched back again without ever explaining the reason of it to him. She therefore readily supposed, that the young gentleman having missed him, was come thither to know the truth of the matter: and imagining there could be no better occasion to inform him of what he must desire to know, consented to follow her uncle's advice. And yet she was not without suspicion, that the latter had some other design in view than he would acknowledge. She told him therefore she would be guided by him, and would prepare a Tieh-tse or paper of invitation, but it must run in his name.

She accordingly dispatched Shuey-yeong with it; whom her uncle directed to the young gentleman's lodgings. Tieh-chung-u was reflecting on the oddness of the adventure, and on the inconsistency of the Grand Visitor's conduct, when he saw the old servant enter, who had occasioned him so much perplexity. He was very glad to see him, and eagerly inquired why he did not follow him to Pe-king. The old man informed him of all that happened from the time they parted; and accounted for the change in the Grand Visitor's conduct: at the same time he explained the reason of his abrupt return, and begged his pardon, as he supposed it had occasioned his journey thither. Then telling him that his lady was glad to hear of his arrival, he presented the billet of invitation. Tieh-chung-u was highly pleased with the account he gave him, but would not receive the Tieh-tse. "When I went this morning to her house, said he, I saw the declaration, which satisfied me of her safety: you have now cleared up all remaining doubts; why then should I stay? I will depart to-morrow." "Sir, replied the servant, will not you accept of the invitation, which I bring in the name of my second master<ref>His master's brother. Translator.</ref>?" "There are, said the youth, many reasons why it would be improper. And I must insist upon it that there be no feast or other public acknowledgment on account of my arrival. Your lady's excellent judgment knows that it would be wrong in me to go, although her complaisance may have induced her to invite me<ref>The Editor hath softened a few passages in this and the preceding chapter, which to the eye of a European did not appear quite so respectful in the original. Instead of the passage which is included above in brackets, in the M.S. it is, "I am resolved not to go."</ref>. Return therefore, and present to her my most respectful services." Shuey-yeong did not press him farther, but went and reported to his lady and her uncle what he had said. The latter was much disappointed; but his niece remained very well satisfied with his refusal, supposing it proceeded from a foresight of some mischief intended him.

Shuey-guwin, greatly mortified with the disappointment, went to his son-in-law, and related to him what had happened, telling him he looked upon the other's shyness as only counterfeited in order to cover a design of seeing his niece in private. He therefore advised him still to keep a good look out. "This fellow, said Kwo-khe-tzu, is a demon. And as I am a plain man void of all art or cunning, how shall I be able to look out after him? Am not I the chief person of figure in this city? He knows too, how much I desire to marry your niece; yet he is always coming here and soliciting her: in which he opposes me, and declares himself my enemy. He hath already discovered our intentions to deceive him, and therefore will henceforth be distrustful. To what purpose then shall we wait for an occasion to catch him? No: to-morrow I will go myself and visit him in form: he cannot but return the compliment: when he comes I will receive him with great courtesy, and make a handsome entertainment; to which I will invite several young rakes of this city, sons of great Mandarines, and my particular acquaintance: at the same time we will plant some strong lusty fellows near at hand. When he comes we will ply him with wine, and when he is in liquor, provoke him to throw out some affronting expression; which will afford us a handle to fall upon him, and beat him so severely that he shall breathe his last. Then will we present a petition to the Grand Visitor, wherein the disturbance shall be made to appear the effect of his own quarrelsome disposition. Thus shall we get clear of this difficulty, and prevent any body of figure from ever venturing again to try their strength with the principal youths of this city: which we shall also render famous for men of bravery and valour." Shuey-guwin approved of this design, yet could not help expressing some apprehension about the consequence. "What, said the other, have I to fear? do you consider the exalted rank of my father?" "Go then, replied Shuey-guwin, set about it directly, he intends to be gone early in the morning." Upon which the other calling his people together, and preparing a billet of compliments, ordered his chair, and set out immediately with great attendance. When he arrived at the lodgings, he sent in the paper, and Siow-tan informed his master of the visit; who thereupon bade him to return for answer that he was not at home<ref>If the Chinese are not disposed to see company, it is sufficient to say, that they are not at home: in which case if the visitant leaves his paper of compliments [See note vol. 1. p. 135.] with the porter or servant, the visit is the same as if received in person, and must be returned in form. Sometimes a Mandarine will receive the billet by his porter, and will send to desire the visitant not to be at the trouble to alight from his chair. In either case the visit must be returned, either the same day, or on one of the three following, and if possible in the morning.

If a person is desirous of being excused the trouble of receiving these civilities, he affixes over his gate a paper written with white letters, "That he is retired to his garden house." — P. Semedo, p. 60. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 389.</ref>. Kwo-khe-tzu called to the boy, and getting out of his chair talked to him a good while: then got into it again and returned home.

Tieh-chung-u learnt from his servant, that Kwo-khe-tzu had inquired after him with great courtesy, and had given him a very kind invitation to see him. "Wherefore is all this shew of kindness, said he to himself? He is certainly my enemy, and only means to deceive me. Besides, what time have I to spend in feasting and merriment? No! I am satisfied that Shuey-ping-sin is in safety, and will return to-morrow." But then he suddenly recollected that the other was the son of a Mandarine of the first rank. "Besides, said he, he came like a To-fang or Whirlwind<ref>It is remarkable that the Chinese ''To-fang'', or Whirlwind, corruptly pronounced by our voyagers ''Tuffon'', is called in Greek by a similar name (Τυφῶν) Typhon.

The kind of storm here mentioned is frequent on the coasts of China in the summer months, and is generally preceded (sometimes for hours) by a boding cloud in the N.E. which near the horizon is very black, but upwards is of a dark copper hue, and higher still is brighter, till it fades to a whitish glaring colour at the very edge of the cloud: nothing can be conceived more dreadful and ghastly than this appearance. When this cloud begins to move apace, the storm may soon be expected: which comes on fierce and blows very violent at N.E. for hours or more, accompanied with terrible claps of thunder, frequent flashes of lightning, and excessive hard rain. When the wind begins to abate, it dies away suddenly, and falling into a flat calm continues so for about an hour: then the wind comes about to S.W. and it blows and rains as fierce from that quarter, as it did from the other, and as long.

This storm is more terrible than can be conceived: one would think that heaven and earth were returning to their ancient Chaos, so that it is no wonder the ribs of the stoutest ships should be loosened. It rages not only at sea, but also on land; and overturns houses, pulls up trees by the roots, and carries great ships a quarter of a mile from the sea.

See Dampier's voy. vol. 2. p. 35. Varenii Geograph.</ref>; he raised the whole city as he came along; and every body is acquainted with the honour he did me. After this, if I do not go, I shall be universally condemned for rudeness and ill-manners; therefore I cannot avoid it. Upon second thoughts I will go early in the morning. He is a man of ease and luxury, and lies in bed late; I will therefore go before he is stirring. I will only leave my compliments for him and will return." Having formed this resolution, he ordered his servant to prepare his bed, and to call him up early.

These precautions were however fruitless; for Kwo-khe-tzu had appointed one of his attendants to wait near the inn, and to pick up what information he could about the repayment of his visit. From a servant of the inn this man learnt the directions the young gentleman had given when he retired to rest; of which he did not fail to apprize his master: so that when Tieh-chung-u went in the morning, he found he had long been waiting to receive him. Kwo-khe-tzu gave him the most courteous reception, having even gone out into the street to meet him. "Why! said he, smiling with great appearance of joy, and saluting him in the most respectful manner; Why do you give yourself so much trouble in seeing himself so highly caressed, imagined it was to cover some evil design. He would gladly have returned, but could not now without great incivility: he accordingly attended him into the great hall, and would there have made him the customary salute; but the other told him it was too ordinary a place for that honour, and therefore begged he might shew him farther within the house. He then carried him into the second hall, where the usual ceremonies past between them. This done, they sat down, and Kwo-khe-tzu called for tea. He afterwards took occasion to tell his guest, that he had long since heard of his high reputation, and had wished to have the honour of conversing with him. "When I was first informed of your coming here, said he, I sought for an occasion to see you: and to-day it is my good fortune to be favoured with a visit. I should be glad if you would extend it to eight or ten days." Tieh-chung-u having drunk his tea, set down his cup, and rising from his chair said, "Sir, your regard and friendship certainly demand that I should stay here longer. But I must be gone immediately: strong necessity requires it: could I fly as swift as an arrow from a bow it would not be amiss." This said, he was going away: but Kwo-khe-tzu embraced him saying, "You must then stay three days with me." "It is very certain, he replied, that I must be gone; I beg therefore you will not detain me." He then was going to force himself from him: but the other took hold of his hand, and said, "Although I am unworthy of this favour myself, you ought to shew some respect to my family and rank: you should not have visited me, if you esteemed us all so insignificant. No! now you are come, I must make you owner or master of this country<ref>A Chinese might have been contented to welcome him by desiring him to consider the house as his own, or to look upon himself as at home. But the above high-strained expression of civility prevails in other parts of the East besides China. When a party of English merchants first visited Palmyra in the year 1678, they were met by two Arabs, one of whom was an officer of the Emir, who told them, in the bold metaphor of an eastern compliment (says the writer of the account) that "all the country was theirs, and that his lord was their friend." See Memoirs Roy. Soc. No 227.</ref> by giving you an entertainment." "I would not willingly refuse the many favours you confer on me, said Tieh-chung-u: but I must be gone. Every thing is packed up ready for my departure: and it is impossible for me to stay here longer." "I cannot force you to stay, said the other; but I am ashamed that I am not able to persuade you. However, as you are come so early you must stay and breakfast with me: it shall not detain you long. You must not mortify me by refusing: when it is over you may prosecute your journey." "Would you leave me to my own inclinations, said Tieh-chung-u, I could wish to be excused: but if you will have it so, I must submit. Yet according to order and propriety, upon the first visit how can I stay and give you this trouble?" "Between friends, replied the other, you must not talk of trouble."

These words were scarcely uttered when Shuey-guwin made his appearance. He saluted the young stranger, and smiling said, "Yesterday my niece hearing of the great favour you did her in coming so far on her account, sent to invite you to her house. I know not what we had done to disoblige you. But as I have now the good fortune to meet with you here, I hope you will let me wait on you to her." Tieh-chung-u replied, "I came hither in the greatest haste, and must return with equal dispatch. I brought nothing with me to present her with, and how can I presume to go to her house with empty hands<ref>Not only in China, but all over the East, it is thought a breach of good manners to appear empty-handed before those whom they profess to respect. Among the Chinese the common presents are for the most part, stuffs, female ornaments, or the like; even shoes, stockings, handkerchiefs, porcelain, ink, pencils, &c. are thus bestowed; and sometimes things to eat. They are very careful to choose every thing the best of the kind for this purpose. P. Semedo, p. 64.</ref>? To-day I came to visit Kwo-khe-tzu only to pay my respects to him, and to know his door again: I intended to have returned immediately: but though I have been prevailed on to stay a moment, I cannot bear to receive so many favours, and should be glad of your directions how to return them." "Formerly, said Shuey-guwin, good friends would lay all ceremony aside: cannot you do the same by my son-in-law? I look upon you both as better than those of former ages; why then should you follow the corrupt practices of the present times?" Kwo-khe-tzu laughed and said, "My father, you say right: it ought to be so."

By so many courteous and obliging speeches Tieh-chung-u was divested of all farther suspicion. He sat down, Kwo-khe-tzu making him take the first chair<ref>See note, vol. 2. p. 76.</ref>. Presently after wine was brought. "Because I came early, said the youth, you insisted on my staying to eat a little. Why then do you bring wine? it is not time to drink that yet." "Drink it by degrees, said Kwo-khe-tzu, and we shall not think time unsuitable." Then sitting all of them down, they were very cheerful and drank about for a little while; after which Tieh-chung-u rose up to go.

At the same instant word was brought that the young Mandarine Whang was entering the doors. This young gentleman, who was son of the Ping-pu<ref>See note, vol. 1. p. 69. and note, vol. 2. p. 279.</ref> or Mandarine of the third chair of the tribunal of arms, was respectfully saluted by all the company, who afterwards sat down. "Sir, said Kwo-khe-tzu, you come in good time to meet with that gentleman, who is a person of worth and of great reputation for his courage and gallantry." "What! said the other; is that Tieh-chung-u? the young gentleman who forced his way into Tah-quay's palace?" Shuey-guwin assured him it was. "Is it possible! said he. Oh, Sir! have I then the happiness to meet with you here! a happiness which I was prevented from enjoying at court much against my inclinations. Give me here a great goblet." Then offering it with wine to Tieh-chung-u, the latter drank it off and returned it full to him again: thus they continued till each had drunk off three goblets.

Tieh-chung-u was now about to go, when he was again prevented by the arrival of the young Mandarine Lee, second son to the Grand President of the royal college<ref>In the original it is ''Han-lin-yuen''; which literally signifies a Garden or Wood flourishing in learning or knowledge. This name the Chinese give to a tribunal or college composed of some of the most learned of their doctors; who are elected after the following manner.

Every three years all that are of the degree of Kin-gin or Licentiate resort to Pe-king to obtain their doctor's degree, where they are examined for thirteen days together, so strictly that not above three hundred can be admitted out of many thousands. Among these new doctors, those who have given superior proofs of their capacity and learning are chosen to compose the college of the Han-lin.

These doctors assemble in the imperial palace, where they superintend the education of the young prince; compose the history of the empire; and are consulted by the Emperor on all literary subjects. Out of their body are appointed those who are sent into the several provinces to examine the candidates for inferior degrees: and the Co-laus or Presidents of the supreme tribunals, are frequently chosen from among them, so that they are at once respected and dreaded.

See P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 251. P. Magalh. p. 218. Lettres edif. xxi. p. 102. &c.</ref>. They were rising up to receive him, but he catched hold of a chair, and told them, as friends they must not do so. "Another time, said Kwo-khe-tzu, we may dispense with this ceremony; but to-day we have a stranger with us." With that Tieh-chung-u rose up and made his compliments to him. The other would have prevented it: "Excuse me, Sir, said he, your appearance doth not owe me so much respect. Pray how am I to call you?" Tieh-chung-u told him his name and city. "What! said he, the eldest son of the Supreme Viceroy!" then making him the most profound reverence, he congratulated his good fortune in having met with a person whom he had so often wished to see. Kwo-khe-tzu made them all sit down. By this time Tieh-chung-u perceived the wine began to affect him, and therefore resolved to stay no longer. "With your leave, Sir, said he to the young master of the house, I must now be gone. I know custom forbids that I should go so soon after the arrival of this young gentleman, but I came here early and have drunk a great deal: and therefore must go." The young Mandarine Lee<ref>The original is ''Lee-cong-tzu''; which properly signifies Lee a Mandarine's son. See note, vol. 1. p. 114. This remark must be applied wherever the words "Young Mandarine" occur throughout this chapter.</ref> hearing this, changed countenance, and said, "You put a great slight upon me, Sir. Why did not you go at first? What! can't you stay a little while longer? You think me not good enough to drink with you." "Truly, said Shuey-guwin, he hath a great while desired to be gone: and it is not upon your account that he would go now; but if he will not first drink a cup of wine with you, you have reason to accuse him of a want of respect. Let him pay the same compliment to you, as he did to the young Mandarine Whang, then he may use his pleasure, and we will no longer consider him as a guest." The other hearing that, was extremely well pleased, and agreed it was right: upon which they sat down, and each of them drank three cups of wine.

This was no sooner over but a servant came to tell of the arrival of the young Mandarine Chang, eldest son to the President of the tribunal of rites<ref>See note, vol. 2. p. 171.</ref>: he entered the hall as soon as the servant had spoke: and came staggering along, his cap on one side, with staring eyes and a red bloated face, crying: "Which is this Tze, this Mandarine's son? If he hath a mind to pass for a valiant fellow in the city of Tsi-nan, why doth he not come and encounter me?" The youth, who had risen up to pay him the usual respects, hearing these words stood still: "I, said he, am called Tieh-chung-u: have you any thing to say to me?" The other made him no answer nor compliment, but stood staring at him in a very discourteous manner, and then burst out into laughter: "I thought, said he, this young Tieh was a terrible fellow. From people's reports, I concluded he had seven heads and eight galls in his stomach. But his eyebrows are fine and small: he is smock-faced and delicate; and hath all over the air of a dainty young lady. People talk of his being valiant. I fancy it must be a monkey changed into that shape. Come, let us have some wine, we shall presently see whether he is valiant or not." "Certainly, cried the others present, that is the way to try people's strength<ref>"Those that are strong always shew it by their eating and drinking."</ref>."

"Wine, said Tieh-chung-u, is drunk upon several accounts; but there are only three on which it is proper; and for each of these, three cups are allowable: these are friendship, mirth, and to satisfy nature<ref>The Reader will remark that this allowance much exceeds that known regulation of Sir William Temple's, viz. "The first glass for myself, the second for my friends, the third for good-humour, the fourth for mine enemies." Spectator, vol. 3. No. 195.</ref>. As Whang-cong-tzu began with three cups, so will I drink three more, which will be sufficient." "Very well, said the other, sit down then:" and taking him by the sleeve pulled him into the chair. Then calling for two large cups of wine, he put the one into the hand of Tieh-chung-u, and took the other himself. "Wine, said he, discovers the heart. This is the first I shall drink with you." Then taking it off, he turned it up, crying ''khaen'' or "clean!" Tieh-chung-u thought he could hardly manage his wine, but finding no other remedy at length he drank it: at which Chang cried out, "That's something like, and as a friend should." Then he ordered two more to be filled. On which Tieh-chung-u would have retired, saying he had drunk a great deal. "I have drunk, said he, three cups with each of these gentlemen, and now one with you. I have had enough: you must therefore excuse me." Chang replied, "What then, will you cut me off two cups? you make me little: I cannot let that pass upon me, who am as considerable as any of this city: come, you must make up my full number." Then taking a second cup, he drank to his health.

Tieh-chung-u was now almost overcome with wine, for he had been drinking from early in the morning till ten o'clock, without having eaten a morsel: when therefore Chang had drunk off the second cup he would not pledge him, but put the wine down again upon the table. Which the other seeing, cried out, "Is this handsome! will not you do me the same courtesy that you have done the rest?" "It is not possible for me, said Tieh-chung-u, to drink any more: if it was, I would not refuse you." "This cup, replied the other, you must and shall drink." "If I don't, said he, what then?" Upon which Chang began to roar: saying, "Who are you, you animal? If you thus take upon you, why did not you stay in your own city? What, do you come here to brave us? If you will not comply I shall make you repent it." And with that he threw it in his face. Tieh-chung-u was so provoked with this abuse, that his anger and resentment got the better of his wine: he looked a while stedfastly at him, then rising from his chair seized him by the stomach and shook him severely, saying, "What! dare you get upon the tyger's head and pull out his hairs?" Chang cried out, "What! have you a mind to beat me?" "Yes, replied the other, what of that?" and gave him a box of the ear. Which the other young Mandarines seeing, cried out, "What do you mean by this? we have treated you with good will, and now you are drunk you abuse us for it. Come, come, shut the door, we will drub you till you are sober, and to-morrow carry you to the Grand Visitor."

Then Kwo-khe-tzu made a signal, and immediately from a side chamber rushed out seven or eight lusty fellows: while Shuey-guwin pretending to compose the difference, endeavoured to lay hold of his hands. Tieh-chung-u, who was now become sober, perceived their designs against him, and found he was betrayed: nevertheless he cried out, "What! are you a parcel of dogs, that you thus set upon and worry me?" then taking up Chang he threw him headlong to the ground, and gave him two or three hearty kicks. This done he endeavoured to wrest a foot from one of the tables for a weapon, but could not get it loose: Shuey-guwin came up to prevent him, but he received him with a kick or two, that sent him eighteen or twenty covids<ref>Covid seems to be a contraction of the Portuguese word ''covado'', i.e. a cubit. The Chinese Ell or Cubit, (called by the Natives ''Che'') is of several kinds, but that most commonly used in traffic, is to the English Foot, as 676 is to 600, or something more than thirteen inches. See Bayer, pref. pag. 134. Harris's voyag. vol. 1. p. 854. Tavernier, Pt. 2. ch. 10. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 141. Lettres edif. x. 157.</ref> before him: "Take that, said he. For the sake of your niece, I will give you no more." The two young Mandarines contented themselves with making an outcry, but durst not come near him: instead of which Kwo-khe-tzu ordered the fellows to fall upon him. Then seizing Chang he swung him round: crying out, "I will brain this fellow against the first that offers to approach me." Upon which Chang crying out, begged them to forbear and let him alone. "I desire nothing more, said Tieh-chung-u, than to be suffered to go out: but you shall accompany me to the door." "Ay, ay! with all my heart, said the other, I will go out with you." Which done, Tieh-chung-u dismissed him; "Go, said he, and tell your fellows, if I had been provided with any weapon for my defence, I should not have been afraid of a thousand such as they. What signify four or five drunkards and gluttons, with the porters you have hired? Had it not been for your fathers, I had made some of you halt: but I have been very favourable, and you ought to thank me."

This said, he hastened to his lodgings, where Siow-tan had prepared every thing for his departure: here he found Shuey-yeong with a horse ready saddled and waiting for him. Tieh-chung-u inquired the meaning of this: the old man told him that his mistress hearing of the invitation, had suspected it was with an ill design: that her suspicions were afterwards confirmed by the event, which she was also informed of; and though she never doubted but he would get the better, yet foreseeing that it might be followed by a great deal of trouble, she had sent him that horse, which she intreated him to mount immediately, and to go and acquaint the Grand Visitor with the affair. Tieh-chung-u was charmed with her discretion and discernment: "How kind and obliging, said he, is your mistress? I shall never be able to return these favours." He was going to set out, but the master of the house asking him to dine, he accepted his offer; and immediately after, mounting the horse, departed for Tong-chang-foo: to which city the Grand Visitor had removed his tribunal<ref>The Supreme Mandarines, whose jurisdiction is very extensive, (viz. the Visitors, Viceroys, &c.) although they have generally their palaces in the capital city of the province, are not always resident there, but make circuits from place to place for the more convenient dispatch of business. P. Magal. pag. 242.

N. B. Tong-chang-foo is a large and opulent city: the third in the province of Shan-tong, and is situated on the Grand Imperial Canal. China is every where full of very fine Canals, which open a communication between every province and almost between every town and village; these run in straight lines, and have causeways on each side, faced with flat stones or marble: but the Grand Imperial Canal is one of the wonders of the world, being three hundred leagues in length, and forming a great road of water, on which more than nine thousand imperial barks transport the tribute which the Emperor annually receives from the southern provinces. This stupendous work, which was compleated about five hundred years ago, is so contrived by means of sluices, &c. to detain the water, and forms such a communication with other canals and rivers, that one may travel the length of the whole empire from Pe-king to Canton and Macao, above six hundred leagues by water. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 105. 17, 215. 286.</ref>.

CHAP. V.

As soon as he alighted he drew up a petition, wherein he related all that had happened: then hastening to the doors of the audience, he found them shut: but being impatient he went and struck upon the drum. In consequence of which he was bound and carried before the tribunal: where the Grand Visitor had seated himself upon hearing the drum. The youth observed the usual order of respect in offering his petition<ref>This may be explained from P. Magalhaens, who thus describes the manner of proceeding at the Chinese tribunals. "When a man hath any business to lay before them, he sets it down on paper: which done he goes to the palace of the tribunal and beats on a drum, which he finds at the second gate; and then falling on his knees, he raises his petition with both his hands as high as his head; at which time an officer appointed for that employment takes the paper from him, and lays it before the Mandarine who presides." Pag. 203.

N. B. With regard to binding the petitioner, &c. as described above, there is in the Translator's M.S. a marginal note which tells us, that "It is the custom to do so to any that strike on the drum:" but this is mentioned in no other writer.</ref>. The Grand Visitor imagined it was Tieh-chung-u before he opened it, and when he found he was right in his conjecture, he addressed him with great complaisance: "I knew nothing, Sir, of your coming into these parts. When did you arrive and what occasioned your journey?" He told him, that he travelled for his pleasure; but that yesterday coming to Tsi-nan-foo, he had met with people, who had used him very ill; insomuch that he had narrowly escaped with his life: and therefore he applied to his Excellency for justice. "Who dares abuse you, said the Mandarine? I will make an example of them." "Sir, replied he, you will find their names in my petition." He looked into it, and shaking his head, expressed great dislike of the affair. The youth asked him what he was displeased at. The Mandarine shewed a great unwillingness to proceed, saying, "I did not think these young men had been concerned: although they are four of the greatest brutes and libertines in the world." "Why, said Tieh-chung-u, should you make any demur in the matter? Although they be people of the first quality, why should you make a difficulty of chastising them?" "It is not out of fear, replied the other, but their fathers being of my acquaintance at court, complaints of this kind will be very disagreeable to them. They are a parcel of young unthinking rakes, that value themselves only upon their father's grandeur. But as this affair is not of so very high a nature, as absolutely to require them to be brought to public trial in all the forms of law and justice; therefore I could wish you would let me find some other way of giving you redress, without making out a formal prosecution." "I am far from desiring to give your Excellency trouble, replied Tieh-chung-u; I am fully satisfied in having acquainted you with it; which I did only that you might set a mark upon them for their actions." The Grand Visitor was very well pleased, and told him, he did him a favour in quitting all farther prosecution. "Come, said he, you must stay a few days with me." The youth thanked him, but urged his desire not to be detained. When the Mandarine found he could not prevail with him, he made up a paper of twelve taels of silver<ref>Twelve Taels of silver are about 4l. sterling.</ref>, and gave it him, saying, "If you don't accept of it, I shall think you are angry with me." To prevent that suspicion he received it, and withdrew.

Where he went will be found in the next chapter.

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 24

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= Chapter 24: The Petition and the Stratagem =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Footnotes have been converted from the original endnote/footnote format to inline references.''

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''[Volume III, Book III, Chapters I-III]''

CHAP. I.<ref>Chap. XI. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

Kwo-khe-tzu perceiving that the Grand Visitor would not assist him further in promoting the desired marriage, but on the contrary had set forth a Declaration to prevent the young lady from being molested any more on that subject; perceiving also that he was unwilling to admit him into his presence; was no less perplexed how to proceed, than at a loss to account for such an alteration. In this distress he went to the Che-hien to learn what intelligence he could from him; telling him, how much he was mortified by the Grand Visitor's coldness, and by the order he had published. That Mandarine was surprised at what he heard: "And yet, said he, this is all the work of Shuey-ping-sin. She hath found means to terrify the Grand Visitor into what he hath done." The other objected how impossible that was for a young and simple girl, who had neither father nor any one else to direct her. "You must not consider her, said the Che-hien, as a young woman of the ordinary stamp. Although she is very young, she hath uncommon abilities. When I carried the first order to her house, she made no objection to it; but received it with very little concern: and when at parting I told her it was not a thing of trifling consequence, and that it was too late for her now to recede; she told me she should not alter her own intentions, although the Grand Visitor might possibly depart from his. Her words are so punctually accomplished, that it is evident she hath occasioned this change. But how she effected it you must inform yourself at the tribunal, where the matter was transacted." Kwo-khe-tzu followed his advice, and applied to the people of the audience for intelligence; but without effect: for their master, unwilling to become the talk and reflection of the city thus upon his first arrival, had given positive orders that not a syllable should be mentioned of the young lady's appearing before him, nor that she had occasioned this change in his measures.

Twenty days were now past in this uncertainty, when an officer from the Grand Visitor's tribunal came to tell Kwo-khe-tzu that his master had sent for him. He gladly obeyed the summons, and presented himself at his audience. The Mandarine received him with much respect, and carried him into an inner apartment: where he told him, that when he first arrived he was ignorant of the affair between him and the young lady Shuey-ping-sin, but that his too forward interposal in it had like to have been attended with very fatal consequences. Kwo-khe-tzu with some surprise, asked in what respect any consequences that were fatal could result to one of his rank; or what harm could arise from so trifling a cause as the concerting a private wedding: he even ventured to remonstrate to his Excellency the inconsistency which had appeared in his conduct, and which seemed so unsuitable to one of his gravity and office<ref>The Chinese idiom is, "What would make you speak with two tongues, one of your gravity and office? Is it not enough when you speak once?" Translator's M.S.</ref>. The Mandarine replied, "I looked upon Shuey-ping-sin as a girl of no consequence: and when I sent my order requiring her to compleat the marriage, I never imagined that she would be able to set it aside, much less that she was of so distinguished a capacity as she appears to be possessed of. She made no objections to the order, but seemed disposed to obey it; yet afterwards drew up a petition to the Emperor, and sent it to court by a trusty servant. Judge from hence of the acuteness of her wit." The surprise of Kwo-khe-tzu was increased. "How, said he, could she dare to send a petition to the Emperor? Perhaps this is only reported to strike you with fear." "She not only sent it, pursued the Grand Visitor, but came herself to my audience, and shewed me a copy of it." "Why did not your Excellency tear the paper, said the youth, and order her to be chastised?" "Her petition, replied he, had been dispatched three days. After that time if I had offered to pass sentence upon her; when the Emperor had seen the petition and demanded her to be forthcoming, what answer could I have returned?<ref name="returned">''Addition:'' It may not be improper to observe here, what care is taken of human life in China. No criminal is put to death till the whole process hath been examined by several different tribunals. And even their prisons are constantly inspected by one or more Mandarines, who pay great attention to the health of the confined, and in case of sickness provide a physician and proper medicines at the Emperor's expence. But if any one dies the Emperor must be acquainted with it, who often sends a superior Mandarine to see that there hath been no foul play, or neglect of duty. — P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 310, &c. Let. ed. x. 278. Mod. Univ. Hist. vii. 177. Vid. supra, vol. 1. p. 242.</ref> For had I behaved to her with the least harshness, she was prepared to plunge a poinard in her bosom. It behoved me therefore to treat her with gentleness, and to issue forth a Declaration in her favour. By this means she was prevailed on to recall her servant. But until he returned, it was in no wise proper for me to speak to you. The petition is at length brought back. I have it in my possession, and have sent for you to shew it unto you. Here it is!" When Kwo-khe-tzu had perused it, he was astonished at her boldness. "What a daring and dauntless petition is here, said he? Shall she go clear with this? No! I will not quit her yet. I must still intreat your Excellency's assistance." The Grand Visitor replied, "Could I serve you in any thing else, you might command me. But with regard to my being any further concerned in this marriage, you must never think of it. And if you still persist in your views on this subject, you will perhaps involve yourself in a great deal of trouble: for this young lady is immoveable in her resolutions."

Kwo-khe-tzu, not knowing what answer to make, took his leave of the Grand Visitor, seemingly persuaded of the reasonableness of his advice, and disposed to comply with it. But he still retained in his bosom a desire to practise farther on the young lady; and the moment he was withdrawn resolved to spare no means for its gratification. With this view he sent for his friend Chun-kee, to whom he communicated the young lady's petition, and all the circumstances attending it. When he had perused it, "Certainly, said he, her petition is very home and severe. And yet she does not object to your person or character: but pleads her father's absence, and her having no permission from him to marry. She only urges the injustice of forcing her into a marriage under these circumstances. And I think she hath reason. Let us think no longer then of compulsive methods: but proceed to others more proper and effectual. And for these you have now a good opportunity. The Mandarine her father is in banishment. Your father is preferred, and hath great interest at court. You have nothing to do then but to send thither and relate all the matter to him. Ask his consent, and intreat him to procure the same from the father of the young lady. Disgraced and banished as he is, he will hardly refuse it. This once obtained, there is no room to fear that she will deny you any more." Kwo-khe-tzu approved of his advice. He smiled and said, "There will then be no danger that she will take flight again. And yet, said he, when I write to my father, one cannot descend to circumstances upon paper: on the other hand, I have no servant capable of discharging so important a trust. I wish you would oblige me so far as to undertake it. You will help me greatly in this affair with my father." "This, replied his friend, is no more than to give you a good morrow. I am contented to go, if it will serve you. This is an undertaking of little trouble. But if it were otherwise, I should set about it with a very good will." Kwo-khe-tzu immediately prepared the letter, and gave it to Chun-kee, whom he liberally furnished with necessaries for his journey; ordering an old servant to attend him. He accordingly set out for the court, in compliance with the request of Kwo-khe-tzu, in order to bring his marriage with Shuey-ping-sin to a safe and speedy conclusion. We shall at present leave him in pursuit of his journey.

CHAP. II.

Let us now return to Tieh-chung-u, who immediately upon leaving Shan-tong had repaired to his house in the city of Tah-ming. There the lovely Shuey-ping-sin was the subject of his thoughts, as also the affection and kindness with which she had treated him. In pursuance of her advice, he was become a great student of books of the law; and having mastered his too hasty and inflexible temper, began to think of qualifying himself for some employment, and of rendering himself famous for his learning. One day as he happened to look into the Gazette<ref>The imperial Gazette, which is published every day at Pe-king, and thence dispersed through all the provinces, is a large pamphlet of seventy or eighty pages, giving an account of all the public transactions in this vast empire. It is a collection of all the memorials, petitions, &c. presented to the Emperor; of the answers which he makes to them; of the instructions he delivers out, &c. The following specimen extracted from the Jesuits' Letters, may serve to shew their form and manner.

"In the Gazette for December 15, 1727, which was the third day of the second moon, first we find inserted the titles of such memorials, as arrived at court the third of the eleventh moon, with a short account of the subjects of them. For instance, The memorial of the Viceroy of Canton concerning the magazines of rice, which require to be renewed. The memorial of the general of the Chinese troops in the province of Che-kiang, in which he accuses such a Mandarine of having exacted money of his subaltern officers, &c. In this manner notice is given of perhaps twenty or thirty memorials. — Secondly are printed the answers which are this day given by the Emperor to many other memorials and petitions. If there have been given none, then it is, This day there have been no answers given on the part of his majesty. — Thirdly are given the instructions and orders issued out by the Emperor, either of his own voluntary motion, or in answer to articles which have been proposed to him. — Fourthly are published the deliberations, which the sovereign courts have presented to his majesty to receive his confirmation. — In the last place come many other memorials, which have been dispatched to the Emperor by the great Mandarines of the provinces; such are the Viceroys, the Generals of the Tartarian or Chinese troops, and other officers of the first rank. — In this collection also are inserted all criminal causes punishable with death; all public calamities, with the means used for relief of the sufferers; all public expenses and disbursements; all new laws and regulations: the remonstrances made to the Emperor concerning his own conduct or decisions: the day when the Emperor sacrifices, ploughs, &c. the time fixed for the great Mandarines to assemble to receive his instructions: in short whatever relates to the public administration.

The Chinese Gazette is of great use, not only as it affords directions for the Mandarines in discharge of their offices, but also as it is a severe check upon their conduct. For it not only contains the names, places of abode, &c. of all new Mandarines, and of those to whose places they succeed; but also of all that are deprived of their employments and the reasons for their dismission; viz. this for being too severe or indulgent in his punishments; that for embezzeling the Emperor's tribute; another for oppression; a fourth for want of talents to govern well. It even records any praises or reprimands bestowed by the Emperor. As for instance, Such a Mandarine hath but an indifferent character; if he do not mend, I will punish him. — In short whether a Mandarine is accused or suspected, is promoted or degraded, is amerced any part of his salary or totally cashiered, it is immediately published throughout the empire.

It is easy to imagine what excellent purposes of government this must serve, and what influence it must have on the Mandarines: and indeed all is but barely necessary in an empire so extensive as China, and among a people naturally so corrupt as the Chinese.

N. B. It may be proper to mention that nothing is printed in the Gazette, but what hath been presented to the Emperor or comes from him; those who have the care of it not daring to add a tittle, not even their own reflections, under pain of corporal punishment. In the year 1726, a writer belonging to the tribunal, and another employed in the post office, were condemned to die, for having inserted certain falsehoods in the Gazette.

See P. Du Halde, 1. 259. Lettres edif. &c. Where may be seen many curious extracts from the Chinese Gazettes.</ref>, he saw an account that his father had petitioned the Emperor for leave to throw up his office, pleading the decline of his health, which rendered him unable to support the fatigues of it. He was a good deal alarmed at this information, which was quite new to him: and immediately ordered his servant to get ready his horse and follow him to court. He accordingly set forwards, and having almost reached the end of his journey, overtook a man mounted on a mule. As he passed by him, he looked in his face and knew him to be Shuey-yeong, the old and faithful servant of his fair hostess. He immediately asked what business brought him thither, and where he was going. The old man knew him, and leaping from his mule, said, "Sir, I was going in search of you, with whom I have very urgent business." Tieh-chung-u with some surprise asked him, "What business can you have with me? Does it relate to your master or your young lady?" He told him it was concerning the latter. The young gentleman's wonder at this was increased. "How, said he! Pray what is the matter? Perhaps Kwo-khe-tzu hath given her fresh disturbance?" Shuey-yeong replied; "It is so, and he hath driven her to such extremities that she had no other remedy, but to send this petition to the court. Believing me incapable of conducting an affair of this importance as I ought, she hath ordered me to seek you out, and intreats you to direct me how to get it delivered." "That is not difficult, replied the youth: but in what manner hath Kwo-khe-tzu troubled your mistress, to occasion her to take a step of this consequence?" The old man told him in brief, that upon the arrival of the Grand Visitor of the province, who had been a pupil of his father's, Kwo-khe-tzu had applied to him; and that he had been prevailed upon to be a chief instrument in promoting his designs, having issued out two orders to compel her to marry him; "Which my lady, added he, finding it impossible to avoid, in her extremity drew up this petition, and dispatched me away to find you out; which I have happily accomplished in meeting with you: and if in the course of this affair there should be occasion for money, I come sufficiently provided." Tieh-chung-u was deeply concerned at his tale, and asked the name of the Grand Visitor; wondering how he durst commit such injustice. Shuey-yeong told him his name was Fung-ying. He replied, "I know him. Hath he done this? Very well! And your lady's petition is against this gentleman? 'Tis no matter. Do not you offer to strike on the drum: I will carry the petition myself to the proper officer<ref>In the Translator's M.S. it is, Tong-ching-su, "or the great Mandarine, who receives petitions." See also vol. 1. p. 36. — But from the accurate Bayer we learn that this is a mistake: the officer, who bears the title here given, presides over the ceremonies of the court: it being his business to give answer to the other Mandarines on this subject. The officer probably meant in the text, is the Chung-shu, or second chancellor, who (as we learn from the same learned writer) is the immediate superintendent of all petitions, and supplicatory epistles. Vide Bayer: Musæum Sinicum, tom. 2.</ref>; who will presently give it to the Emperor. When his majesty returns it to the secretary, I will so explain the affair to that minister, that when it comes to be examined into, the whole truth shall be made appear without any disguise or partiality. In consequence of which the Grand Visitor will soon be discharged from his office." "Sir, replied the other, if you can do us this service, it will be very fortunate for my lady." This said, Tieh-chung-u mounted his horse<ref>The Author seems to mean, that he had dismounted; this however was a compliment to the young lady's message and servant.</ref>, and the old servant his mule. Then the youth told him, that as his horse went faster than he could follow, he would go before to the audience of his father, the Superior of the Viceroys, and would order Siow-tan to stay without to receive him. Thither Shuey-yeong promised him to follow.

Tieh-chung-u put his horse to full speed, and arrived at his father's audience: where he found a large concourse of people attending, whence he concluded that the Emperor had not permitted him to lay down his office<ref>The Emperor's retaining him in his post was a great mark of trust and confidence; and a public testimony to the integrity of his former administration. This was therefore a proper subject for the visits and congratulations of his friends and dependents.</ref>. Then alighting from his horse he went in to pay his duty to his parents, where to his great joy he learnt that he was right in his conjecture. When he dismounted he ordered his servant to stay without till Shuey-yeong arrived. He waited till night, but the other never came. The young gentleman imagined that as the old man's mule was slow, it might possibly be late before he reached the city; and that he had therefore perhaps put into some inn, as intending to wait upon him on the morrow. In the morning he sent Siow-tan again to wait for him, which he did till noon, but the old man never appeared. Tieh-chung-u thought he might have been detained by some acquaintance of his old master's, and that having divulged his business he had been directed to pursue a different method. However he called to him one of his father's audience, a capable person, and sent him to make inquiry after him. He accordingly went to the tribunal of petitions, and asked if any one had been there from the daughter of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye: but he was answered that none such had been at that audience. Tieh-chung-u then supposed he might have gone to the gate of the palace, where the drum is stationed; but word was brought him that he had not been there. He now began to consider whether the Grand Visitor might not have got somebody to waylay him, or whether he might not suddenly have dropt down and expired; which on account of his great age and the fatigue of the journey he thought not improbable. He had sent about all day long till it was night, and had learnt no news of him, yet he could not be satisfied till he had ordered Siow-tan to go out again the next morning, and to make all possible inquiry after him.

On the morrow Tieh-chung-u arose early, not having been able to sleep for thinking what could have become of the servant with the petition. He sent every where in search, but could get no account of him, though he continued his inquiries four or five days: which rendered him very uneasy. He thought if the petition could be once delivered to the Emperor, there would then be no danger from the Grand Visitor. But he feared it had not yet reached the hands of his majesty. "This Mandarine, said he, is very powerful, and what can a poor weak girl, with all the wit and ingenuity she is mistress of, do in opposition to his authority? She hath no father at home, nor any one else to assist and protect her: all the inhabitants of Tsi-nan must be in the interest of her adversary. Therefore if I do not go to her assistance there is nobody will appear in her behalf. As I am acquainted with the state of her affairs, I cannot in honour but fly to her relief. I should be more cowardly than a woman, should I forbear to help her in this exigency, which nothing but my ignorance of her misfortunes could excuse." In pursuance of these resolves, he went to take leave of his father and mother, intreating their permission to return to his studies. Then leaving his horse behind him, for the greater privacy and dispatch, he hired a mule, and together with his servant, took the road for Shan-tong, hasting away to the relief of the young lady: about whom he was rendered the more anxious by the disappearing of her servant.

Now it had happened that when Shuey-yeong was almost got to the gate of the city, he was overtaken by the express dispatched by the Grand Visitor; who told him he must go back with his petition, for that the affair was hushed up with his mistress and all was in peace; then producing her order for his return, he instantly obeyed it.<ref>The Editor hath removed this short paragraph from page 24; where it stood between the words [after him.] and [On the morrow] in the Translator's M.S.</ref>

Ignorant of all this, Tieh-chung-u continued his journey, and as he hasted along, pleased himself with the thought of what vengeance he would take on the Grand Visitor: resolving to go directly to his audience, to attack him there before all the world, and bring him to public shame for his injustice and oppression. But then when he reflected again upon the great office of that Mandarine, and what a crime it would be deemed to affront him publicly although he had never so much reason on his side, he became more considerate: "Beside, said he, the noise that it will make, will come to the ears of Shuey-ping-sin: who will have a very mean opinion of my management, and despise me as a common headstrong fellow: whereas she got the better of Kwo-khe-tzu by her prudent conduct without the least confusion or disturbance." Upon these considerations he thought it would be better to go to the house of the young lady herself, and ask for the two orders which had been issued out to compel her to the marriage; "These, said he to himself, I will carry to court to my father, and get him to draw up a full and proper petition; we shall then see what the Grand Visitor will be able to say to it." Having formed these resolves in his breast, he put forward with all speed for the capital of Shan-tong, where in a few days he arrived.

CHAP. III.

As soon as Tieh-chung-u had arrived at the city of Tsi-nan, he alighted at an inn, and leaving every thing to the care of his servant, went directly to the house of Shuey-keu-ye. He found all quiet at the outward gate, and not a person to be seen: he advanced farther within the second gates, where he found the same stillness. He went up close to the inner gates<ref>The Translator calls these, "the door," "the great doors," and "the second doors." But they can only be understood as belonging to the several courts before the house. See note vol. 1. p. 125.</ref> and met with nothing remarkable, till casting his eyes upon the wall he saw the declaration fixed upon it; he went up to it, and found it issued out by the Grand Visitor. Supposing it was his order to compel her to marry, he was going to take it down to produce it as a proof against him hereafter: but when he read it he found it to be quite otherwise, and that it forbade any one to molest her. He was at a loss to reconcile this to the account given him by her servant on the road: and considered whether the young lady might not have brought over the Grand Visitor to her party by valuable presents; or whether her father might not possibly be restored again to his office: "But surely, said he, I should have had news of that." He was strongly inclined to advance further within: but then he thought if he should be observed using so great freedom, it might cause reflections to be cast on them both. "No, said he softly, as I am no relation I cannot take that liberty." He therefore concluded to go back again, and pick up what information he could at some of the tribunals.

Just as he was going out Shuey-guwin passed by: who was strangely surprised to see him there, as he had before left the place with so much haste and disgust; whence he concluded that he was returned again for no good purpose. After saluting each other, Shuey-guwin asked him how long he had been come; and whether he had seen his niece. The youth answered, "I am but just arrived: but had I been here longer how could I presume to see the young lady?" "If you did not come with that intention, said the other, what brought you here?" He told him, that he had heard at court that the Grand Visitor had given out orders to oblige his niece to conclude, within the space of a month, the marriage, that was so contrary to her inclinations. "This proceeding, said he, in her father's absence, and without his consent; I looked upon as very extraordinary and therefore come to inquire into it. I thought myself obliged to do her what service I could; and therefore disregarded the length of the journey. When I came hither, I found the declaration in her favour. Satisfied with the sight of that, and concluding the report at Pe-king to be false, I am very well pleased, and shall forthwith return to court."

Shuey-guwin smiled at what he heard. "What, said he, could you come away directly upon hearing the report, and yet be so well satisfied with the bare sight of the order, as to return immediately? After such a signal kindness, you must not leave us so soon: you must stay a little and rest yourself, while I go and acquaint my niece with the great favour you have done her. You have given yourself a great deal of trouble, and would you return back without taking any refreshment<ref>Orig. "Would you return dry and empty?"</ref>?" "I came not here, said Tieh-chung-u, with a view of making a merit of it with any one, but out of a disinterested regard to justice. It was merely to gratify my natural temper. And therefore I neither deserve thanks, nor will receive them. Ching-leao! farewell! farewell!" said he, and departed. Shuey-guwin would have conversed with him longer, but saw him vanish, as it were, from his sight, without so much as turning his head. As he thought this a great discourtesy and affront, he resolved to be revenged the first opportunity. With this view he sent a servant after him to find out his lodgings, and to pick up what intelligence he could about him. Then he went to his son-in-law, and informed him of the adventure. Kwo-khe-tzu, who was greatly surprised, stamped and said, "This animal is come to carry off my bride. We must find some way to prevent it, either by lodging an accusation against him, or by putting some public affront upon him. Suppose we present a petition to the Grand Visitor about his coming in this clandestine manner, and make him ashamed by exposing him publicly. I warrant he will not venture to shew his face here any more." Shuey-guwin shook his head, and said, "That will never do. He is son of the Tu-cha-yuen, or Superior of the Viceroys, and what can the Grand Visitor do to him whose father is so much his superior<ref>See vol. 2. p. 185. note.</ref>? Leave the affair to me: I have thought of a way, by which we shall reach him, without making any public disturbance, and yet stop his mouth so that he shall not dare to make the least complaint. Tieh-chung-u is very bold of speech<ref>Orig. "Hath a very hard mouth."</ref>: and cares not what he says. I listened to his reasons for coming; which he pretended was purely for the sake of justice: but that is only a blind to conceal his designs on my niece. You must therefore send a servant to his lodgings, as from Shuey-ping-sin: he must say that his mistress heard he was at her house in the morning, but having a great many visitors could not then wait on him; she had therefore sent to acquaint him that she must needs speak with him, and that at ten o'clock at night he must come to the garden door. This message he will think to be real, and will doubtless comply with it. Now you must plant some stout lusty fellows at the place appointed; who when he comes are to fall upon and beat him severely<ref>The original is, "Break his head and swell his eyes as big as lanthorns." That the Reader may fully conceive the boldness of this expression, he ought to be informed that the Chinese lanthorns are very large, frequently four or five feet long and proportionably wide. Upon festival occasions they exhibit them of twenty-five or thirty feet diameter, so that P. Le Compte assures us; that "In China one may eat, drink, sleep, receive visits, act comedies and dance a ball in a lanthorn." Tom. I. p. 246.</ref>. How after this will he dare to complain? Or what could he say for himself should any one ask him what he did there in the dark so late?"

Kwo-khe-tzu was delighted with this project, and upon being asked whether he thought it feasible, answered "Ay! ay! extremely so! It cannot but succeed; and will let him know that there are people in the city of Tsi-nan who know how to deal with him." They resolved to put their design in execution, which the arrival of Shuey-guwin's servant, who had brought directions where to find him, enabled them to set about immediately.

On the other hand Tieh-chung-u, unable to account for this unexpected change in the Grand Visitor's conduct, went to the Che-hien's to see if he could gain any information there. That magistrate was from home, so that he went back again to his lodgings. As he was going in, he heard one behind him say, "Sir, I have waited here a great while, having a message to deliver to you." He turned his head aside, and found he was addressed by a youth of about fourteen or fifteen years. He asked what business he had with him? The boy did not immediately answer, but looking round him with great appearance of circumspection, and seeing nobody near, stepped up close to him, and told him softly, that he was sent by Shuey-ping-sin. "How, replied he! and Shuey-yeong at home? What is it she can have sent you to tell me?" The youth answered that she would have sent Shuey-yeong, if she could have trusted a secret<ref>The Author seems here to have forgot, that Tieh-chung-u was ignorant what was become of that servant. Vide supra pag. 27, &c.</ref> with him: but that she had nobody she could depend on so entirely as himself. "Well, said he, what is your business?" The boy told him, that his lady heard in the morning that he was at her house, and would have come out to him, but for fear of scandal, and lest it should be known that there was a secret correspondence between them: but especially as he had given no notice that he was there; all which prevented her from inviting him to come in. "But now, proceeded he, she hath sent me privately to desire you will let her see you, to thank you for the trouble you have been at in coming so long a journey." Tieh-chung-u replied, "Go home and tell your lady that I came here to redress an injury, out of a mere regard to justice, and therefore she must not think herself obliged to me. And as to seeing her, she is a woman and I am a man; which is not like a friendship between two of the same sex, who may freely communicate and converse together<ref>In the original it is, "Can not converse together."</ref>." "True, replied the other, my mistress knows that a man and woman may not converse together freely: therefore she sent me to invite you to come to the garden door at ten o'clock at night, where she hath a word or two to whisper in your ear, which nobody will know of. You must not refuse her, and thereby disappoint the good inclination she bears towards you." Tieh-chung-u could contain himself no longer: "You young villain, said he in a rage, who taught you these words? But perhaps, said he softly with great concern, perhaps your mistress's troubles have affected her understanding." Then immediately after recollecting himself, "These words, said he, could never come from that young lady. There is some contrivance or villainy in this message." Upon which, seizing the boy and menacing to beat him, "How dare you, said he, come with these lies to impose upon me? Your mistress and I are the only two persons in the world, who dare keep the path of strict honour and virtue: and therefore I will never believe there could come from her expressions so wanton and unhandsome. Nor yet could such a young monkey, as you, say all this of yourself. Tell me then the truth; and inform me who sent you, and you will obtain my pardon. Otherwise I will carry you to the Che-hien's audience, and have you there severely punished." At this the boy was so frighted that his soul had almost quitted his body: at last however he resumed courage, and persisted in it that he had said nothing but truth. Which so far provoked Tieh-chung-u that he gave him two or three boxes on the ear, bidding him instantly confess, or he would beat him without mercy. The boy's courage forsook him, and he acknowledged the falsehood, confessing he was sent by Kwo-khe-tzu, whose servant he was, and begging he would pardon what he had done in obedience to his master. Tieh-chung-u let him go, and though he was vexed, could not help laughing. "Go, said he, and carry this message back to them that employed you. Tell them that I Tieh-chung-u am an upright and true man; and that Shuey-ping-sin is a woman without any dross or mixture, free from any thing foul as the most transparent stream: let them not then presume to hope they can ever succeed in their shallow plots." All this and more he charged the boy to tell his master and Shuey-guwin; after which he dismissed him.

Kwo-khe-tzu was impatiently expecting to hear the success of his message, and had waited a good while, when at length he saw his servant come with a confused and sorrowful countenance. He asked him what was the matter. On which the boy related all that had happened. Shuey-guwin, who was present, supposed the boy had mistaken his message. "You were ordered, said he, to pass for the servant of my niece. Had you done so, he would not have hurt you." The boy assured him he had punctually obeyed his orders: but that Tieh-chung-u was no ordinary person. "Before I spoke, said he, the quickness of his looks made me afraid, and when I came to deliver my message, he would not have patience to hear me out, but beat me severely, and would have killed me if I had not confessed the truth. He asked me who sent me to pass these lies and play these tricks upon him? And how I durst come and asperse such a lady as Shuey-ping-sin: one so modest and discreet. At parting he laughed and said, the persons that employed you are villains: but let them take care how they offer to pull up the tyger's whiskers."

At this relation they both were silent for some time. At length Shuey-guwin said to his son-in-law, "You must not be cast down, notwithstanding all this. I will yet contrive a way to be even with him." "Alas, replied the other, he will be too cunning and hard for you, do what you will. There is no remedy." "Fear not, he replied: I will find out a remedy, that shall not fail."

What he intended, will be seen at large in the next chapter.

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chinese Poetry

2026-03-29T09:55:22Z

Admin: OCR cleanup Chinese Poetry

= Chinese Poetry (with Additions) =

''Supplementary material from Volume IV of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

POETRY of the CHINESE.
EXTRACTED
From a Memoir of M. Freret.
In I Hift. de I Acadamie Reyal des Inſerip. &
Bell. Let. (Depuis 1711 juſques 1717.)
WITH ADDITIONS.
« FF\HE Chineſe language is the
moſt muſical and harmonious
<« of all we are acquainted with; for
e the words, which compoſe it, are
0 varied not only by Quantity, or the
longer and ſhorter time in which
: e they
|
|
|
' 204 DISSERTATION ON
they are pronounced but alſo by
« the raiſing and falling of the voice,
„ and by various inflections of tones,
like thoſe in European muſic tf. Yet
the Chineſe have never been ac-
„ quainted with a verſification whoſe
c cadence is regulated by the arrangec
ment or diſpoſition of theſe muſical
„ tones. Their verſes have only been
* diſtinguiſhed by the number of ſylla-
<< bles, to which at length they have
„ added rhymes *.
a 6 Their
+ ſe might be edged that (excepting 5
every word in the CHinęſe language ends, either
with a vowel, or with the generous liquid N,
or with the naſal ſound N G : which laſt is
according to the Portugueſe way of writing, frequentiy
expreſſed by M.
Bayer, P. Du Halde, P. Le Compte, &c.
The words of M. Frirer are, &« Jos mots - - =
ont wariez, non ſeulement, c. ais encore
par Pelevement et abaiſſinent fixè de la voix et par
l venſer infletions de tons ſemblables a celles de
norre
CHINESE POETRY. 205
«. Their firſt meaſured verſes were
always compoſed of four ſyllables
* or words: for theſe are ſynonimous
« with the Chineſe, eachof their words
6 being pronounced in one time. Here
*
4 follows an example extracted from
the Shi-king or collection of verſes,
4 one
notre muſique. Neanmoins les Chinois Wont famais
connu la werſification cadencte par Parrangement
de ces tons muſicaux; Leur poefie a ſeulement
ete conſacrte par le nombre des ſyllabes, et days la
Jaiteo ny a ajoutt Ia rime. Which paſſage Bayerus
thus tranſlates in his Ching/e grammar,.
„Herba - - valde variantur, non modo, c.
- - - - verum etiam in elevatione aut depreſſioue
certã et determinatd wacis, et. per warias toni in-
Hectiones, ad noſtræ mufice ſimilitudinem. Nihilo
magis Sinenſes cognitam habent poefem, quee ſecundum
noſtræ muſicæ canatur. Poefis enim eorum
lantummodo ad certum fyllabarum numerum inſtituta
eft tandem etiam rythmi acceſſerunt.” He
afterwards adds by way of remark, Yerum illud
et, Sinicæ linguæ modulationem nihil affine habere
noftre muſice. Itague Kercherum nobis illuſiſſt
opinor, cum accentus ad tonos muſicos noſtros
accommodaret. Bayer, tom. 1. 126. 11
Thisi sa dduced here to prepare the
ö or
206 DISSERTATION ON
« one of the claſſical books, in which
% Confucius collected together many
ancient pieces of poetry. Theſe are
« verſes of the king Yoene Van-li,
V.o ene. kheoo. ſbene. miene.
Lonh. Sbee. nane. piene.
Chi. too. i. ſbingb.
Chioo. Hai. tfine. kiene.
for the following paſſage of P. Da Halde,
which can only be reconciled with that of M.
Freret by ſappoſing that by cadencte, and cadence
they mean ſomething very different.
The verſes [of the Chine/e] are meaſured
* by the number of written characters, which
% are fo many words of one ſyllable. Some
* of their verſes are long, ſome ſhort ; that is,
% have more or fewer words in them, which
„ pleaſe by the variety of their cadence and
% harmony.” [Fr. Qui plaiſent par la waricte
de la cadence et de] harmonie. N
„Their verſes ought to have à relation to
each other, both in the rhyme and in the
«© fipnification of the words, which have among
«© them a variety of tones agreeable to the
„ ear.” [Fr. Qi ont enter eux une variets des
tons agreable a I oreille.]
P. Du Halde, v. 2. p. 146.
cc That
That is.
« Mpile the dragon and the ſerpent are
« filent, we perceive no difference : but
« at the firſt hiſs they dic harge, we
22e to diſtinguiſb them.
« -Tle Chineſe verſes at preſent cont
{iſt of an unequal numberof ſylla-
« bles, viz. of five, ſeven, or nine :
„the ancient verſes of four ſyllables
cc being now rejected. The verſes now
« in uſe have rhymes, and although the
« Chineſe don't diſtinguiſh, as we (Sc. the
French) their rhymes into maſculine
and feminine, they nevertheleſs
s very artificially diſpoſe them in ſuch.
poems, as have the rhymes varied;
for the Chineſe have pretty long
1 Sy pieces
CHINESE POETRY. 207
3=O Y2
IR.
* [
k i
|
\ i!
10S
1 }
*
*
1 1
H 4
, 15
, i
|
1. ö
ö F
| 1
: ©
f 1
. 7
| . | I
7 "
| 4&3
| 5
N 1
|
: *
W «0
* F
* > ;
11 *
# *
1= =
r——:
2——
" I»
*8- =
—.ä K E EN
| Fo,
5 :
_L C
9—W —h
aA————n5 —o fn — ů r o
2*— 1
=——
4I SS
SP0S= n> a 1= —
l -
=1|2- ==Sa k *-7„ .—— a 4 * —*e „
OInF21.K—a—8- l= .FU< 2 R ,
=———2—\—ar —--—b4—— - 2 ©e .=-.- & . —— b — = =z
L5=o—þb .=A,o—=A— 9 nSY T 52—*—-a —
=
*
208 DISSERTATION ON
pieces of poetry upon the ſame
rhyme, and this kind of verſification
is in great requeſt amongſt them.
« The ſtanzas are always compoſed
of an even number, whether of four,
ſix, eight, ten or twelve verſes: but
in each of theſe the rhymes are differently
diſpoſed according to the
nature of the ſtanza, in a regular
+ ſtated method, from which they never
deviate. Thus in Quatrains or
«© flanzas of four verſes, the firſt and
fourth, the ſecond and third rhyme
together. But in Sixtains or ſtanzas
© of ſix verſes, the firſt, fourth and
fixth rhyme together: the ſecond 85
with third, and the fifth is left free.
8. IavaCHINESE
POETRY. 209
Invariable laws of a ſimilar kind
are obſerved in the other ſtan-
*
* A
66: may* ;
« By way of example, we ſhall preſent
the Reader with a ſtanza of
eight verſes together with a tranſ-
*
« lation: it is Au Elogium on the willow
c tree, extracted from a Chineſe Ro-
© mance, which the Sieur Hoangh + a
5 native
FThe Reader, who thinks it worth his while,
may find a particular deſcription of all the ſeveral
ſtanzas, in the Memoir from which this
account 1s extracted. |
+ The Sieur Arcadio Hoangh was one of the
Cbine/e Literati of the province of Fo-k:en ; and
came over into France in the quality of ſecretary
to one of the miſſionary biſhops. Some members
of the academy thought he might be of ſervice
in facilitating the knowledge of Chine/e literature
in Europe, He was accordingly preſented
to Louis XIV. and was ſet to compoſe a Chineſ⸗
Vol. IV. P —
bd—a 2oa .u
OS2 .—=4—A
=5ef2 .. l. sx
e|: ——ne .
*?>—R9 — «2 *3 4|o= d r
ENi Yl
IWU2 88IbC y-. L 0EN
210 DISSERTATION ON
&« nativeo f China had begun to tranſlate
into French.“
Lon li bboang y te ku ſbi
Tao ine ſiou ſha iao thao bhoa
I tiene ſbine hbene iou hiene bb
Ki toane giou hhoene pou ſoane ki
Neune ſse pe theon ine iou li
Hhoa moe chouang hiaa khi von .eu
Iu ho pou tai tebune tſane ſzeu
l ee ie cbi abi tzeu thon ſhi.
grammar and dictionary, in which he was afliſted
by M. Faurmont, the Arabic profeſſor : but he
died before he had half compleated his undertaking.
M. Fourmont however found means to
continue the plan of the Sieur Hoangh : and atterwards
undertook and finiſhed one more commodious
and more methodical of his own.
The death of this Chineſe happened between
1714 and 1720, Voi L'Hift. de Þ Acad. Roy. des
Inſcript. guarto. Tom. 5. p. 318. Edit. 1729.
N. B. It is to the Sieur Hoangh that M. Freret
acknowledges himſelf indebted for the account
he here gives us of the Chine/e Poetry.
\ THE
IS T7: ”
CHINESE POETRY; 211
THE ELOGIUM ON THE WILLOW TREE
attempted in the ſame kind of hana
with the original. e
Scarce. 2 theg ene bear:5 i tes |
ſprays
The ſprightly. {ana leatbs in roles of
green.
_ Blufhing with ſhamet he- gaudy peach 15F on;
She ſheds ber Hloſſoms and with ſpleen decays.
Soft barbinger ofJ oring /! what *
rays„
What colours witht hym odeſt charms.m ay
No joI kworm decks thyP ale mo;r c ol
app
7b ev elvet down5 hing hy2 7.
Thus
5 Ir is very WES that the Clineſs have
| 2 ſome
212 DISSERTATION ON
Thus far the account of M. Freret:
which is correſpondent with that of
the miſſionaries, who add ſome other
particulars not mentioned in it. They
inform us that the Chineſe verſes ought
ſome ſpecies of the willow, which we are not
acquainted with. It is certain that they cu'tivate
this vegetable with the greateſt pains, allowing
it a prime place in their gardens, and nurſing
flips of it in flower-pots with as much care, as
we ſhould the mot delicate flower. See Let. ed.
xXxjV. p. 402. &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 159.
| N B. Although it will ſhew the defects of the
above tranſlation, but too plainly : it may be
ſatisfactory to ſubjoin the French verſion from
whichi t is copied: which we are told comes as
near the turn of the Chine/e, as the difference between
the two languages would admit.
A peine la ſaiſon du printemps eft venite, que le
Saule cou ure dune robe verte la couleur jaune de
Jon bois. Sa beauté fait honte au picher, qui de
depit arrache les fleurs gui le parent et les repand
far la terre; Þ eclat des plus wives couleurs ne peut
Je comparer aux graces fimples et touchantes de cet
arbre. Il previent le printemps, et ſans avoir be/oin
des vers d ſeye il revet ſes feuilles et ſes branches d
un duet weloute, que cet inſecten @ point file."
CHINESE POETRY. 213
to have a particular relation, not only |
in their rhymes, but alſo in their ſignification
and meaning : thus if one
verſe ſignify a mountain, fire, water, or
whatever elſe, the correſpondent verſe
(as ſuppoſe the het and fourth) muſt
likewiſe correſpond in its meaning “.
They tell us alſo that they have another
kind of poetry without rliyme, which
conſiſts in the antitheſis or oppoſition
of the thoughts; inſomuch that if the
firſt thought relates to the ſpring,
the ſecond ſnall turn upon the autumn:
or if the firſt mention fire, the other
ſhall expreſs water T. In ſhort the
more difficult and artificial theit com-
P. Semedo, p. 56. P. Du Halde, 2. 146.
1 poſitions
214 DISSERTATION ||O N
poſitions are, the more 19 5a re8 25
valued. 0 180 23 Ti
70 To 1 account the Reader of
taſte will expectn o great matters from
the Chineſe poetry: and yet this. pleafing
art hath been no where in higher
requeſt, than in Cbina, where it was
the firſt-voef thheiirc lmoeral-it y religion
and politiancd swh,er e ith ath
always been regarded with | peculiar
reverencaend eſteem. Nay a facility
of compoſing verſes is not only intitled
to general applauſbuet, i sa mong
the qualifications expected in all their
great Doctors and Mandarines of letters.
And they have often occaſion to
exert FUE" Ke, for the Emperor
| q ſomeCHINESE
POETRY. 215
| ſometimes ſends them pictures or furniture
for them to embelliſh; with poetical
inſcriptions *: nor is it unuſual
at great entertaiments for the company
to divert themſelves with capping
extemporaty verſes f.
0 But after A ate Chineſe Poetry ſeems
to be chiefly of the epigrammatickind,
and to conſiſt of thoſe difficiles age
which good taſte and found | criticiſm
* See the Chineſ Hiſt. vol. 4. pag. 54. &c.
: + P. Du Hale gives an extract from a Chineſe
author, who inveighing againſt ſuch, as neglect
their ſtudies, adds, ** Theſe perſons are
*« moſt at a loſs, when a banquet is almoſt over.
“The plate and dice go round that the number
of little verſes, which every one ought
0 to pronounce [Fr. chacun doit dire] may be
& determined by chance. When it comes to
„their turn they appear quite ſtupid. Vol,
24 have
a3WRe.7p̃. 2˙s ‚,g n 3.
p.—a--7 *g p
216 DISSERTATION ON
have taught Europeans to neglect. It
does not appear that they have ever
attempted any of the greater kinds of
Poeſy: this at leaſt is true of the Epic:
and it is matter of doubt whether the
Dramatic may be exceptefodr- t:h e
Chineſe Plays ſeem to be meer proſaic
dialogues, interſperſed with a few airs,
like the Italian opera,” Their ancient
Odes,i tm uſt be confeſſed, have a grave
and majeſtic ſimplicity z but if we may
judge from the ſpecimens produced by
P. Du Halde, they are rather ſolemn
lectures onm ac. than fraught
* This 3is gürtel true dz thoſe large extracts,
which P. Du Halde has given us from
the Shi-4ing or Book of Odes; for this reaſon
none of thoſe pieces are admitted into this collection.
les P. Du _ vol. I. pag. 4og. &c.
with
with that bold and daring ſublimity,
whichwe expect to find in compoſitions
of that name. The only kinds
of Poetry that are cultivated much
among the Chineſe, are either ſhort
pieces, reſembling the Epigrams, Rondeaus
and Madrigals of the laſt age:
or elſe collections of moral Apothegms,
which are their only effays of any
length. But in almoſt all their poetidal
productions appears a - quaintneſs
and affectation; a fondneſs for little
conceits; and a want of that noble
ſimplicity, which is only to be attained
by the genuine ſtudy of nature, and
of its artleſs beauties: a ſtudy to which
the Cbineſe ſeem to pay the leaſt atten·
tion of any people in the world.
| 21 And
. i
*
=
|
=
218 DISSERTATION ON
And yet amidſt all the reſtraint and
diſguiſe in which falſe taſte may have
confined or obſcured it, true genius
will exert its powers, ſo that among
the Poetroyf the Chineſe, there wilt
frequently be found nn to be
admired.
With this view it was thought fo
ſhort a collection as the following would
notb e unacceptable to the public: nor
are there materials for a much larger.
It conſiſts of Fragments, which are
found ſprinkledu p and down in a few
Latin and French books: which, although
they are only occaſionally produced
in ſhort extracts, and therefore
mult— to great diſad vantage thus
disjointed -
CHINESE POETRY. 219
disjainted from the context, yet will not
perhaps ill-repay the trouble of a ſlight
peruſal. After all, we muſt intreat
the Reader's candour for whatever imperfections
he finds in the following
pieces: deſiring himt o conſider that
many of them are not ſuch as we
would have choſen, had we known
wheret o have found better.
——* *
————
7 i
, * 4
: F 1
4 _
INTRODUCTION.
of E Ae r6a f fromt hew orks
f CONFUCIUS *, will be no
-. improper. introduction to the ſucceeding =
Pages, as it bears ſuch honourable te.
- » timony..zo the, maral caſto f the ancient
CHINESE POETRY, and contains
an argument in favour of: the. utility
and reſpe&ableneſs of that fine art in
general. It is much to the honour of
Poeh, that ſbe bath been in all ages,
the firſt N to OE and virtue.
* CONFUCIUS exciting his diſ-
„ ciples to the * of the ancient
Poeſy,
INTRODUCTION. 227
« Poeſy, ſaith, O my children, whyd o
not you ſtudy the book of ODE S
e For if we grovel on the earth, if
w*e lie uſeleſs and inglorious: by
e * the inſtructions int he Odes, we may
* as if were be erected again, and riſe
45 up to true and perfect honour.
“In the Odes, as in a mirrour, we
£c Aa may behold what becomes us, as
6 The Odes here ſo highly applauded, are elſewhere
called by Confucius, THE THREE HUN.
ee ODES OF THE ANCIENT SAGES
N11c. Lib. 3. p. 9.] They appear to have been
(i ſt vehicles of morality among the Chineſe,
and are every where quoted by N as oracles
of wiſdom and virtue.
The collection, which Confucius made of them,
is ſtill extant, and regarded by the C:ine/e with
all the reverence due to inſpired writings. P.
Du Halde hath given us tranſlations of tome of
them: See the note above p. 216. |
1 allo
—P2L. T EI EI I
———a
222 INTRODUCTION;
d alſo what is miſbecoming: by con-
< templating which we may be ſtrongly
affected with a wholeſome indig-
66. nation. e!
» z
VT * RY :
0 we may c come 3 Kade and
s aftable, and pleaſant: for as Muſic +
<« aptly tempereth ſounds, even ſo doth
Poeſy our paſſions and appetites.
e ny hate without a we
4 It.m ay not be 6004 to note bars what atten-.
tion this great philoſopher thought. due to muſic,
and hat influence he ſuppoſed it might have
on morality: in which, his ſentiments coincide
with thoſe of the ancient Greek philoſophers.
«© I hate, fays he, the muſic of the ingdom
"y* of:C hing: for it diſturds and enervates with
2 pleaſure that muſic of the ancients called, 7a,
„cc which is them iſtreſs of alen. e pag
E temperance.”
05 « may
INTRODUCTION; 223
66 may admit any other natural ſenſa·
« tion, and gratify it without vice ?.
„ The Odes teach us how at home
« we may ; ſerve our parent: how a-
“ broad [we may ſerve] our prince,
In another plate, CONFUCIUS
addreſſing himſelf to his ſon Pe-yu, ſays,
„ Doſt thou exerciſe thyſelf in the
« firſt chapters of the Odes, called
* Cheu-nan and Chao-nan ? He who
66 doth not exerciſe himſelf in thoſe
chapters
„This « of hating without anger, &c.“ is a
r * of Confucius, and occurs in
= 7 other
224 INTRODUCTION.
ce chapters is like a man ſtanding with
« his face to a wall; he is rendered
ec totally inſignificant and uſeleſs, for
ce he can neither move a ſtep forward,
<< nor contemplate any object.
other parts of his writings. His meaning is,
that we ought to hate the vices of men, though
at the ſame time we may ſhew all imaginable
kindneſs to their perſons. See this point cleared
up in the preface to a little tract called, The
morals of Confucius, Lond. 1691. 1216. |
FRAGLA
FRAGMENT $
F POETRY.
A . — r— — ee— —= al SE—ALE D |
- N I.
ELEGIAC VERSES,
Addreſſed to the Emperor Tai-keng * by
his five brethren, when, upon his being
dethroned for his vices, they
were driven with him into exile *. 5
The firſtB rother
BY.ou r * 7U this lawW as og |
ſcribed tob im that ruleth, 3
Tbat
Ld The baniſhment of this Emperor, is dated
by the Chine/e <aranolagits, 2159 years before
Vor. IV. n _ " the
| © Martinij Hil. p. 56.
226 FRAGMENTS OF
That he ſhould love, not ſcorn or oppreſi
the people.
For they Ci. e. the people] are the root of
empire, 5
On whoſe conflancy and ſtrengib is founded
the ſtability of the ſtate.
He, who ruleth over others, reſembleth a
charioteer : a 1
But be who harneſſeth fix horſes with decayed
harneſs, ns
Ought not he to ac circumſpetily?
The ſecond Brother.
At home thou art inflamed with luſt :
abroad with |t he love ] hunting :
the Chriſtian Za, that is, about 238 years before
the Call of Abraham. And if the Chine/e
opinion be true, that theſe verſes were really the
compoſition of Tai-kang's brothers, this is the
moſt ancient piece of Poetry extant in the world.
Vid. Martinij Hiſt. p. 55. 1 With
CHINESE POETRY. 227
With both to extravagance, Thou delighteſt
in obſcene muſic :
Tou erefeſt, inthe blood of citizens, buildings,
which menace heaven.
He, who doth theſe things (however ungrateful
the thought)
I muſt deem to ruſh headlong and wilful
to bis deſtruftion,
The houſes of the Chineſe have from the
earlieſt antiquity been built low (generally but
one ſtory high) and there is nothing they have
in greater abhorrence than any innovation in
this matter. P. Le Compte tells us, that he
himſelf knew one of the principal lords of the
court, who having built a houſe a little higher
than cuſtom permitted, was glad a few days after
to level it with the ground; when he found
that one of the public cenſors was about to
lodge a complaint againft him for the enormity.
[/Yoi. tom. II. 22.]—Some of the Miſſionaries
one day ſhewed the late Emperor Kang:h i the
model of an European houſe, which was ſeveral
ſtories high: the Emperor aſked, if in Europe
they were ſtraightened for room below, that
they were forced thus to take up their lodging
in the air. Lett. edife fc. xxvij. 33. TM
Q'2 : The
228 FRAGMENTS OF
The third Brother.
From the times of Y AU down to the
preſent,
The imperial houſe hath 2 in all
kinds of virtue:
Thou baſt turned afide the firſt flow the
ſteps of our anceſtors, N
Since thou haſt overturned all thoſe things,
Wherein their government Was happily eftabliſbed,
What wonder that thou 2 art alſo ;
fallen ?
The fourth Brother.
Jiluftrious ! 2 our illuſtrious parents !
bo by their moſt holy laws, and precepts,
. gave light 10S evern: well
I ee To
CHINESE POETRY. 229
To him that ſhould poſſeſs a thouſand kingdoms.
Alas | how do J grieve, that theſe dominions,
left to thee and us,
Should be —— and deſpiſed by thee
alone.
Thou art juſtly fallen from thy Ae: :
who the firſt [of thy race]
Haſt prevented it from deſcending to thy
poſterity.
The fifth Brother.
Aas] how ſhall we return home
Sorrow hath eaten up and 2 my
ſpirit,
TATKANG our brother is the public
hatred of the people. |
„ Whither ©
230 FRAGMENTS OF
Whither ſhall I turn myſelf * To whom
ſhall T ſuppliant flee for ſuccour ?
Grief hath deſcended into my heart, more
deeply than I am able to bear
Jam grieved to my mnmoſt ſoul ! * countemance
1s overwhelmed with ſhame ! My beart
waſteth away with anguiſh |Fo n nd |
But this I ſuffer deſervedly, in that 1
turned aſide . the path of uprigbineſs;
Neither did follow virtue as my guide.
But it is too late to lament, and weep for
ße time thati sp aſt away.
U. A
CHINESE POETRY. 231
II.
A CHINESE Panegyric
From an ancient Ode.
O thee and rare virtue of the=
VENVANG®*! |
How happily did he unite the Alendor of
virtue with all his aftions ?
When V ENV ANG added the King,
he ne himſelf in univerſal love :
This is an ancient Chinęſe hero, highly celebrated
by their Poets. He is ſaid to have
given his ſon the three following admonitions.
Whatever thou ſeeſt, that is virtuous, imitate.
Time and opportunity fail not to uſe. To
remove and extirpate vice, never coale. *
Confuc. lib. 1. p. 10.
> Conf. lib.x . Pe 9. | |
8 OS: When
+
'# ;
|
- 1
ä8.-
232 FRAGMENTS OP
. :
iw25”q t.
8ar N
renn
ben V E N- ANG added the ſubjed,
he perfected bimſelf in __ and obſervance.
When VE N-V 4 NG adlad the ſou, he
perfected himſelf in dutiful obedience:
When VE N. ANG adted ihe father,
He perfected himſelf in paternal affection.
When V E NV A N G had dealings with
men in general, he perfected * in
en ——
III. Verſes
CHINESE POETRY. 232
III.
Verſes in Praife of UVC UN Prince
of the kingdomo f GUEY,
From an ancient Ode.
Behold that bay, which is formed by the
winding of the river KI.
Beſet with tufts of verdant canes, how
beautifully Iuxuriant |
So is our prince adorned with virtues,
He is like one, bat carvande ſmtoohtbe th
. Tvory. 25
* X7 is a river in the province 8 that
gives name to a city, which is watered by its
ſtreams. Vid. Mart. Atlas.
© Confuc, lib. 1. p. 10.
234 FRAGMENTS OF
He is like one that cutteth and poliſheth
diamonds *,
O how ſublime, yet profound [is bel]
O how reſolute, yet cautious! How renowned
and reſpectable!
We have a prince adorned with virtues :
Whom to the end of time we never can
forget. EY
The Chine/e commentator T/eng-t/# (for the
Chine/e have their commentators and ſcholiaſts)
explains the fourth and fifth verſes, as expreſſing
the unwearied care and attention of this prince
to reform and improve himſelf and his ſubjeQs:
as a nice artiſt, who deals in works of the moſt
elegant kinds, never reſts till he hath brought
his manufacture to the moſt exquiſite perfection.
Vid. Confuc. lib. I. p. 10.
IV. Verſes
CHINESE POETRY. 235
Iv.
Verſes on a Tyre
From an ancient Ode, quoted by the
CHINESE Scholiaſt on CO NFUCIUS*.
How craggy and broken, riſeth eminent
that ſouthern mountain
Its aſſemblage of cliffs, how e and
Borrid]
Thus formidable for thy power and Arn:
Thou riſeſt eminent, mighty maſter, royal
And all the people lock 5 to thee with
awe and terror;
* Confuc, lib. 1. p. 27.
„„ But
236 FRAGMENTS OF
But not with love; for thou regardeſt not
theirs, 73 |
But thy own intereſt and welfare.
On an amiable Bride.
Theſe ſhould ſeem to be part of an
Epithalamium, and are of great antiquity,
being quoted by CON FUC
The peach. tree in the early ſpring : how
anmiable ] how lovely!
Tis leaves how beſet NET? ! 0 B
delighiful !
Such is the new-married bride, when ſhe
paſſeth into the houſe of her huſband,
© Conf. lib. 1. p. 23.
Npere
CHINESE POETRY. 2 237
Where fhe dealeth out Weir Portians to bis
domeſtics,
And diſchargeth every 40 to him a Hic
family.
Among the ſayings of CO N FU-
' CIUS, are quoted from ſome an-
_ cient Poem the following verſes ;
+ ſpoke by a Perſon in exile, who
ſeeing by chance a tree, like ons
A in his own Country, is reminded of
ſome Friend with whom he had often
there ſat under its ſhade .
The leaves and flowers of that fruit-bearing
tree are continually wafted to and
fro with the breathing Zephyrs.
How
̃⁵E H R e
rCaeT Tn
.—I A.
**2 —
——2
233 FRAGMENTS OF
How [then] can I ever ceaſe to think of
thee? How can 1 ever but wiſh to ſee
thee? £425
Alas ! vain and empty wiſhes! Our reſpeftive
dwellings are far aſunder.
VII.
A Fragment of an ancient Ode, quoted
by CONFUCIUSs,
The yellow bird abideth on the erg of -
the woody mountain. |
By abiding there, ſhe ſheweth ſhe is acquainted
with her proper ſtation.
Why will not man imitate the bird ?
Bayer. Muſeum Sini, tom. 1. P. 132.
VIII. An
' CHINESE POETRY. 239
VIII.
An Ode of Me. vũ. kong, a venerable
old Man of ninety-five: which he
cauſed to be ſung every day at the
1 of the Palaceb .
In vain doth human force pretend to eftabliſh
a fate:
If the lord of beaven doth not lenda hand to
ſtrengthen it, it tumbleth at the firſt ſhock,
It is a water, which, not far from its ſource,
Loſeth itſelf, and is dried up in the firſt
Sand of the plain.
It is a flower, which is blown in the morn»
ing, and withereth at night.
A whole nation is corrupted 2 the example
of a wicked king.
b P, Du Halde, vol. 1. P. 646. |
*M .Y
—21——
uCrgr¾tea oü smo. n
——⅛
—————
Moa >
—=2
————
*
i *
240 FRAGMENTS OF
On the Divine Juſtice.
Heaven is ſuf remeiy de We cannot
deceive it.
Its knowledge of things here below doth
ni commence |
The inſtant itH inetb forth,a nd lettetby us y
that it knoweth them.
Virtue and vice ever remain, the one
without reward, ihe other alan puniſo
ment. :
Thos i as diſpute, but about the time;
| ſooner, or later it muſt come to poſs.
+, Du Halde, 2. 155 ·
CHINESE POETRY. 241 |
On curbing the Paſſions k.
By guarding againſt all violent paſſions, 4
man leadeth a ſtweet and agreeablel ife,
Free from the e. which deftroy
health.
Net that T would Blame the Abs love;
Hah bindethR O and Jon,o r uniteth |
brethren;
They are to each other, what the branches
of the tree are to the trunk.
This love ought to endure as much as the
mutual relation.
* P. Du Halde, 2. 167.
Vol. IV.
XI. n
24 FRAGMENTS OF
XI.
On Detraction i.
When 1 bear evil ſpoken of anather, it
groah me as much pain,
4 if ſharp thorus were Piercing vy
Beart. |
When I bear another commended, it gives
me as much pleaſure, |
As the exquiſite ſmell of the moſt fragrant
: P, Du Hale, 2. 95.
CHINESE POETRY. 243
on the Cultivation of the Heart *.
When the rice hath ſpring up, the buſbandman
tranſplanteth it into a =
newly cleared:
And ſoon after by introducing a — ;
water, he ſeeth in this green inundated
Feld, the image of a clear .
Our beart is the feld: itb ath its attire
and riches, when the paſſions are pure
and regular.
The ſure means of attaining —a ofp erfettion,
and a fign that we advance towards
it, is not to be conceited, and
boaſt we bave attained to it.
= p. Du Hal2d. e 166.
R 2 XXIII. On
244 FRAGMENTS OF
XIII.
On the Revolutions of Families ”.
Theſe verdant mountains :t heſe lovely meadows
: |
Vere once poſſef edb y2 now gone to
decay.
Let not tbe preſent poſſeſ ors exult too
much:
Otbers after them may be maſters in their
P. Du Halde, 2. 51. 2 ol .
e XIV. Againſt
CtIINESE POETRY. 245 ||
XIV.
Againſt Extravagance a M
[ACHINES E Author, ſpeaking of 100
the extravagant ſplendor, with which 0 |
his Countrymen celebrate ſome of N
their feſtivals; adds, One would bi
4 be apt to ſay, that the money em- bl
e ployed on theſe occaſions was like |; ,
e the leaf of a tree taken from a |9
« vaſt foreſt; or like a grain of =
Go corn taken from a large grana- NJ
« ry.“ There needs no more than [i
A marriage to ruin the beſt houſes, j
It is becauſe they don't read what
< 1s ſaid by the Poet, —
I— xw e———- i r
*
9 P. Du Halde, 2. 64.
| A In
246 FRAGMENTSO F
In the marriages of theſe ſort of families,
every body crieth out that the houſes
are of fuer.
Wait but a few years longer, both the man
and bis fortune ſhall be overturned.
The jewels and filver ſhall have paſſed
away into another family *,
The ſame writer proceeds to condemn the
like extravagance in 8 upon which
occafion he introduces the following, I re-
«« member to have ſeen in the province of
* K;ang-/i, the houſe of the noble and learned
_ «@ [Li-pe-ngan; the columns and joiſts that ſup-
«© ported it, were not ſo much as ſmoothed:
* the wood was covered with its bark; the walls
& were of dry rough ſtorie. Yet he was viſited
« by every body of diſtinction, and ſaw none,
* who found fault with his lodging.” P. Du
XV. Among
CHINESE POETRY. 247
XV.
Among the Poems of Tii-Chao-lin, is
the following Song *.
N great Men of this world, do nos laugh
at that poor peaſant,
Who hath only coarſe veſſels of common.
earth to conthaisi winne , ; Ss
Aud who poureth ito ut bim{rif that bem ay
drink it: 15
Whiege 7 N . veſtso g ola,n d
nun. yo area i anb ynu mberso f
faves : ©
When you have drunk 1 after your
fafpron,
7 P. Du Halde, 2.99 6 Ee
R 4 if
248 FRAGMENTS OF
If both of you chance to be intoxicated,
Ze will ſleep together without _—
under the ſame tree.
A deſcription of a fine day after rain *.
The dark and rainy weather, which preceded,
gave a new luſtre to the ſun; who
bad not been ſeen for many days.
A hundred different ſorts of birds, enlivened
and diverſified the groves. ©
Infinite numbers of butterflies, fluttering
over the flowery 'beads of the peachtrees
fanned by the "_ zepbyrs, 0
ed a ſplendid attire.
7 he flowers Picking to the branches and
| F. Du Halde, 2,159.
uot
CHINESE POETRT. 249
not yet faded, bung the gardens with
their tapeſtry.
All the youths of the city ſcattered over
the plain made a charmingf ight:
Each was filled with joy, and gave *
wp to feaſ and banquets.
XVII.
On che Detection of a bad man.
The cormorant appeareth black, when
ſpringing up, he — off the ſnow, |
ꝛobich covered bim. |
_ The parrot, hidden ii na buſhy willow tree,
is taken notice of, when be beginneth to
chatter.
* P. Da Hald2e. 1,65 . ES ek WAS
| ELA XVIII. On
250 FRAGMENTS OF
XVIII.
On an old man killed by accident *,
The man diſappeared here below, like the
Which towards morning, hurrieth in an
inſtant bebind the mountain.
Life is lite a lamp, which, the oil Failing,
—_— out at the third watch* ,
» The Ching divide the vight iinrt o five parts
or watches, which are longer or ſhorter according
to the ſeaſon of the year. See on this head,
P.Du Ha lde, 2. 159.
XIX. On
CHINESE POETRY. 251
XIX.
On a perſon failing home after long
abſence *,
The heart, eagerly bent, flieth to the1 5
like an arrow. ,
The bark runneth along the ava; a
Iban the ſhuttle
Over the loom of @ weaver, who is in
55 to finiſh his work.
1 P. Du Halls, 3. 11. . |
XX. Extract
252 FRAGMENTS OF
XX.
Extract from a Poem intitled,
The Age infruted,” T
Alas |h ow many people, in theſed ayse, undier
a human ſhape,
Conceal a heart as full of venom, as ſerpents!
Who among them remembereth, that the
hes of heaven,
Which are more active than the motion of
a wheel, 149
Look on alſli des, and notbing caneſcape them.
That, which one man ſome months ago
ſtole from his neighbour in the w:}t,
This appears from P. Du Halar to be a work
of conſiderable length. See Vel. 2. b 88.
| P. e a
CHINESE POETRY. 25 3
1sp aſſed byt his time out of his hands into
thoſe of his neighbour towards the north.
In vain doth any one flatter * that
by bis artifices,
He ſhall be able to make his fortune at the
expence of bis neighbour.
7 Bis pretended fortune is no more durable,
Iban the Norvers,
Which we ſee open in the morning, and
ſhed their leaves in the evening. :
Allriches,that are unlawfully acquired, melt
lte a ſnow ball, in the bands of their.
Poſſeſſor.
XXI. A
254 FRAGMENTS, Kc.
8 ee
A CHINESE FABLE”.
[The kingof T SU being informed
5 the great reputation of the philoſopher
CHI ANG-TSE, deputed certain
Mandarines of his court with rich preſents
of gold and filk, to invite him to
come and take upon him the office of
Prime-Miniſter. CHW ANG-TSE
excuſed himſelf by the following fable,
C A beifer, appointed for ſacrifite, and
delicately fed for @ leg time, marchedi n
pep," loaded with all the ornaments of 4
wviftim : in the midſt of her triumph, ſhe
perceived on the road ſome oxen yoked and
| ſweating at the plough. This fight redoubled
her pride: but when ſhewas brought
into the temple, and ſaw the knife lifted up
ready to flay ber, ſbe wiſhed to be in the
place of thoſe, who ſe unhappy lot foe had
deſpiſed.
P. Du Halde, 2. þ. 168. 3
A POS TF255
—— th ti th "I" . 1 nth. —_— *
—— — amn,
5 EX TRACT from P. Du Halde, vol.
a oF. 68
&© With reſpect to the Poetry of the Chi.
* neſe, beſides their ancient books, ſome of
&« which are in verfe, the poems of Kiui-- v
are extremely delicate and ſweet. Under
the dynaſty of the Tang, the Poets Lee-tſau-
„ pe and Tu: te- muey did not yield to Anacreon
„ and Horace: in ſhort in China, as former-
&« ly in Zurope, the philoſophers are Poets,
„ and among all their celebrated writers,
« T/jeng-nanfgo o is the only one, who has
© not written in verſe, for which reaſon he
« is compared to the flower Hay-tang, which
c would be perfect were it not inſipid.” _
ce Their Poets have Enthuſiaſm : their excc
preſſions are often al| legori© cal; and * they
% know how to employ properly theg s cu
which render a ſtyle more lively and pa-
5 thetic.” e 5
* This dynaſty began Anzo Chriſti 618 and ended
Arno gob. 1
* wh 7
256 POST S Ir.
In a blank page of the Tranſlator $ . f
Ms. of the Chineſe Hiſt. is the follow-
BF ing liſt, dated Canton, 1720.
C red Chingſe Poets.
Lee-Tay-peh, lived about 700 years ago.
Tong-ghee-chang about 400 ä
Chun-Pu-ſpaw, and
Cbam - Kam Tzuen os __
Kai ghee, about 50 5
5 Famous Chineſe Painters, who lived
goo years ago.
TTa ng-Pegb-Hoe,
Kiow-ſhe-Tchow,
| T chauw-T au. a
THE END OF THE CHINESE POETRY.

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chinese Play

2026-03-29T09:55:21Z

Admin: OCR cleanup Chinese Play

= Chinese Play =

''Supplementary material from Volume IV of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

51G HAAR X.
INE Empreſs ſhewed great favour
and kindneſs to Shuey-pingfin,
and diſmiſſed her with very rich
preſents : commanding four Eunuchs
to attend her to the Emperor. His
Majeſty received her in the moſt gracious
manner, and ſaid, „ That you
a little maid, ſhould poſſeſs ſuch fortitude,
and be withal ſo pure and ſpotleſs,
affords an inſtance not to be equaled
in hiſtory. 1 have now reſtored
you to that reputation, which you were
in danger of loſing : and have cauſed
your virtue to be publiſhed through all
the empire. To-day you mayb e married
with credit and honour, and J with
you both good fortune, and long life:
s that
A. CHINESE His TORT. 162
chayto u may boget an umerous family,
who may be all virtuous like
their parents, and inherit all the happineſs
I wiſh to yourſelves,” “
IlmmedTiieb-a chutng ·eu , Slhutyy-pi ngfin,
and all the Mandarines, returned
_ thanks+to the Emperor for his goodneſs,
and withdrew. Then the newmarried
couple ſet out for their houſe,
accompanied by the Mandarines in
great pomp and magnificence: and
as they paſſed along in proceſſiont,h e
ſtreets reſounded with the applauſeasn d
acclamations ofthe eppes. Tur of
1 olle
Thus did e fon after all ber
twubles at length attain to the higheſt
glory :W hich 0 &calion toH ER
lowing verſes." nn Oy OT ce. . a:
SI7atTI(ORVO0CE ITE6TILI E E RYO TYI EIWY
*
S S
MIoo7 x
r—— re
6: HAU) KUU CHONA
Ft reer thiy "att open'd, yield" no
2 agrunce, tis sd yaoi onw vii
de precious ſomes ill they are ground,
caſt no lu, ine hw e
Time ofg reat cold occafions [ſ peed: So doth
- 2 adverſity, OR”
B:2 111 104531 ec i CGE 2 Dan
ben dhe young a. were arrived
at their houſine a ll this ſplendor;
u table was placed in the middle of
the hall, which was lighted up in the
moſt brilliant manner: Then in the
preſence of all the company the bride·
. ns
* The words of the Pogue verſion a+r ea s
follows, viz.
As rojas nas eftas apertos, nas nas cheros.
Ar peurus preciozas nas fas _—_ nai mY me *
Eomspo ode anaee frio fas n acer fulas eeceie de fula
The laſt of theſe lines the Eddiitoorr | kly 755
feffes he knowsno tw hat to make oF
ſubſtituted the laſt line of the Exgliſi 4.
merely as a conjectural —
D 3 heads,
A CHIN|E HISSTEORY ; 163
heads, and making their courteſies and
reverence, expreſſed: their gratitude to
the Emperor and Empreſs for all their
_ favours. They alſo bowed down their
| heads to their father and mother with
great duty and reverence, Afterwards
they performed their reſpecttso all the
Mandarines who. accompanied them
home, giving them many thanks. This
ended, a magnificent banquet was ſerved
up with ws r aned
When thi FER was over 22
chung-u and his lovely bride performed
the. uſual ceremonies: after which the
| Mandarines took their leaves, and went
back to the palace to inform the
Emperor that allt hings. were comae
and chat che new. married re-
M 2 turned
*
to be expreſſed.
164 Hau klo cHñoAAN.
turned their moſt gracefual ls
ments for:h ias nt
EPA ſu mating his own 8
ment with reſignation; but when he
aw the ſentence paſſed on his ſon, he
was overwhelmed with an affliction not
The Cenſor Vang-o
was alſo greatly affected with the reproof
he met with. Thus all received
the chaſtiſement due to their faults.
On which account Tieb-chung-u cc omou
nenen verſes.
The e man doth nit not pee
bow the end may turn out :
When the time cometh, be ſhall not eſcape ;
beſ hall find according to his works.
3. * * the evample thou beholdeft.
e pi LI 5 Rejolve
.Nredound tto h fonean dn g? $79
[bmi an—d -ping1- afdir
ey were marrliiveed dhap,pil y many
years; having the greateſt affection
for each other. |T zeh-chung-4-extolled
his charming wife, expatiating on her
virtue and merit, and thanking her for
the benefits he had received at her hands
in times paſt, attributing to her the
high rank to which he was at preſent
exalted. On the other hand ſhe was
as full in eybe ncomiums on her be-
The * 8 "INE:
O man home, mal fas, nas atenia o fim como v :
Chegando o tempo nas eſcapara, conforme obra och
a4 chara. 3 85 |
Con derte te do gxemplo 40 gue ve 2 5
Vreponba home de bem fazer, a boa fave e *
ria ha de ter.
„ _. loved
loved huſband : thanking him a thouſand
times for the many favours ſhe
had received from him, aſſuring him
that ſhe could never ſufficiently repay
them; thar ſhe was not worthy to be
his handmaid; but tho' ſhe was his
wife; ſhe would be always humble and
obedient to him her huſband, ſerving
him all her life with tlie greateſt affecton.
Accordingly they made the *
e on1 221017 gt
The A nana;— go ” thii"r _ |
_ woith great ſplendor and fragrante:
Tt is in order that their good _ and
example may be ſpread abroad :
While their worth lay bidw ithin thebe art
u Was Not perceived «
*
Nobwe t ime in arrive that it is galiſhed
through all the world . acid
Fwäm this time T%eb-chang-n:And
Shuey-ping-/in huſband and wife, lived together
in the greateſt harmony, obſerving
the moſt exemplary virtue; and
ſerving 1t heE mperor with allſ incerity:5
He executing theo ffice of Ca- lau ©or firſt
Miniſter and counſellor of the ſtate;
with great fidelity and ſkill, ſo that he
was beloved and admired of all.
Both Tieh-chung-u and Shney-ping-/in
afford a ſiftiking.exaniple: ofv irtue and
* The Portugueſe words are,
Os dous caxados vem a caſa par todo caminho com
ande lux e cheire:
Por bom obra e exempo que ſe eftende
Dentro de coragas que home nas intende ;
Ja chegou o tempo que por todo mundo ſe elende.
NM ; antegrity—
ERP
—== r
———
4 X
S 7
* of * jp
!
'CHOAAN. þ
abroad for ever!? YYYWW“＋“]/
Hou Kiou ce. or The Pleafing bir
* is concluded. ud a\-q0ig-wad?
* : 12 - F 4 ah 4 # wt 4. -
From theſe words one mighe.' be a
8 that the foregoing hiſtory i3 s founded
on real fat. J 7
N. B. The Editor hath F'--any — > to enki.
bit the exact form in which the — Author
concludes his box. 8
| h Y & SETS i.
. 9 $
SHALL SS
* Aa *
4 # fy o .
- 9
. g -
= % 6 p x
v 4 1
r *
£ \t1
1 Oe
* I |
22 4
\ ha
* * *
* A k .
# 7
*
THE
ACTED AT
In the Year
M. DCC. XIX.
ARGUMENT or STORY
Pe OF 25
CHINESE PLAY.
CAN T ON,
*
*
| * r 2 W — 2
; +
- *
*
*
2 5
* ꝶ6—ͤ—. . cd
. ⁰ A ] %⁵ͤͤEvbpbßꝝC a Sed MB nc
*
n inſt
n n ee
1 821 THANMAZIT HAVOC
a 1 A * hs BA 1
ADVERTISEMENT:
711K5f elling ird cutS aad. — tber
of tbe gentleman, to ꝛubom 108 are
dualesf or2 f oregoing Tranſlation, and afferas
the ſecond ſpecimen that hath yet appeared ian my
European anguage of the Salons of the Chineſe
for dramatic compeſition :t he Orphan of the
houſe of Wr e by F. Du AVE
| fon Joſs | II} a * nein?
r14> rt {Rs v4
Aube the C hineſe have.na ls diftin8ion as
Traczpy and COMEDY, yet. ag the following
/ ecimen differs in many reſpects from that of, F.
Halde, repreſenting characters in lower life,
and being founded on incidents neither. fa tragical
nor important; the Editor. at it was doubtful,
whether. it "might not be. conſidered us a hind of
ſpecimen of Chineſe Comedy+ b ut upon propoſing
the quęſtian to a very ingenious and learned
Friend, he received the following ſenſible remarks,
which he here preſents. to the. IE asw 4 u riane
Ur th wt 55 *
Gate {Theri s notl s rannte* 8
« on tbe Chineſe ſkeleton ; as the fable is all
*. you have before ou :+ which yer hath ſomething
<< of unity in it, th it conſiſt2so many members,
and ibo the action begins at a ＋
* /trous diſtance from the cataſtrophea,nd
e N 1 7-0 very
——A—7c<oR O7 Y.e ˙Pra” E S
A„T„TY
Pu —
——w57 ade
ͤTErT3«I—„GßaE—%n,ko i E eFn s 4 „
——_——
1592 ADVERTISEMENT.
et yery imartificially condu#ted.' The piect can-
< not however be repreſented as a ſpecimen of
« Chineſe Comedy : for though the characters
* it greatneſs; and the events importance,
« yet" theſe enter nur into the eſſential charatteri-
. e oft he ttoo dramas. The effeonf cCoem e-
6" dy i to paint charaflers and manners : that
. Tragedy, to excite terror and pity thro —
* nudium of action. But there it really (as J
vc ber ved ſomot hing HF unity attempted i in the
& action here, 4 the conduct of it is very rude
<< and perplexed. The want of greatneſs in the
*. perſons and events, indicates a defett in the
*6: compoſition, but does not alter the nature of
6. thep oem: © GEORGE BARNWELL 'remains
n a Tragedy, tho its characters are of the
very loweſt bind, and the diftireſs only of a pri-
6 vate family. But the Chineſe Author hath not
& without ſome art contrived to intereſt us in
the diſtreſs of his principal perſonages. Our
«<:\ compaſſion 15 equally" excited, ꝛcben we ſee
cc he Chineſe matron and her for in poverty,
62 with diſdain and relutance obliged to de.
end upon alms, as when we Jee the favorite
c2t 4 kings in a dungeon. Our terror is afterce
wards attempted in the ſeveral dangers and
64. rouph dii treſſes they have to encounter -a nd at
<< the ſame time that we were engaged to admire
<" their feady and conſtant virtue in ſtruggling
*6'rhro* them, wwe are intereſted in all their for-
66 tunes;; till in the concliſn wwe are taught this
1 | „ inporADVERTISEMENT.
« ;i mportantm oral, that virtue isa ble to wer bh
« way thre. thoſe dangers, 2 24. 22N5e
« eſe to:l it may * expoſed.”
After all it may. be queſtioned ee —<
_ Chineſe Author had in view either to paint charafters
and manners, or to excite terror or pity,
as hit immediate end. The piece ſrems rather ta
reſemble thoſe peculiar productions of the Spaniſh
lage, whoſe ſole deſign is to puzzle and amuſe
the ſpeftators, by the furprizing turns I
e Yaan intricate plot. „
INTRO.
*
=
4 :
JS . L
—2 —
INT RODUCTI ON.
LAV S generally accompany the entertainments
of ceremony givenb yt he Chine/e
andarines, and are ated while the gueſts are
regaling at table. When the gueſts are firſt
ſeated, four or five of the principal Comedians
enter the hall in rich dreſſes, and making low
bos all together, hit their foreheads againſt
the ground. Then one of them preſents the
principal gueſt with a' book, containing in letters
of gold, the names of fifty or ſixty plays;
which they have learnt by heart, and are ready
to act upon the ſpot. Aſter ſome complimentary
refuſals and offers to others, the principal
gueſt pitches upon one: which the chief Comedian
carries round to all the company for their
approbation.—I f any one of the gueſts ſhould
chance to have a name ſimilar to one of the Dramatis
Perſonæ or the like, that play is ſet aſide
and another choſen. .
The repreſentation begins with CHineſe muſic,
viz. baſons of braſs or ſteel, whoſe ſound is harſh
and ſhrill; drums of buffalo ſkins ; flutes ; fifes and
trumpets. There are nodecorations for the plays;
they only ſpread a . ta on the floor and the Comedians
make uſe of ſome adjoining rooms, from
which they enter to act their parts. One actor generally
performs two or three part—s T.he ladies
are placed out of the hall over againſt the Comedians,
where through a lattice of Bam- boo and
a ſilken net they can ſee all, unſeen themſelves.
P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 299. v. 2. p. 175. &æũ c.
N. B. Plays are ſometimes acted on ſtages in
the open ſtreets, but we don't find that they have
any regular theatres or play-houſes. S's
2 n 4 of *
— * *
*
*
* * F *
, * —
ARGUMENT «or STORY
QF A :
CHINESE PLAY.
N aged matron and her ſon of
good deſcent, being in great poverty,
diſcourſe about their condition,
and find no means of ſupport but in
begging alms; to which they bring
themſelyes with r reluctance and
confulion,
LET | :
- Tbhia y mecewith a Mandarine sdavghos
who is wandering. about in f.
CONTENT
176 Taz ArBuMenT' OR Sronr
content on account of a difference-be- -
Tween her and her father. Shei in quires
hat reduced chem to that way of life,
and finding by their diſcourſe that they”
are of good education and parentage,
gives the ſon money, and takes the
mother to attend on her.
The ſon departs for his own country,
and frih is way goes into a Teah p,
keptby an old woman and her daughter:
3 e inhdis - e a
ITheſe are 2b ind of coffee-houſeso r
of regale. They are called by thew ie=
guati-t2e. All populous cities — with them
(chiefly in their ſuburbs,] as alſo with a kind of
K 2
taverns for wine. In the great earth · quake IF
which happened at Pe-4irg in 1731, the Jefaites
tell us that there were no leſs than eighty
perſons dug Gut of * ruins; of one of thoſe
_ Tea-s8oPs, | :
Se Lettres 22 XX:* J.3 4 vii. p. 00
7 an |
Nenn
Or 4 ChixkESsE PLay, 177
and perceiving him to be a perſon of
a good mien, take him in, to ſerve
in the houſe+.
A young Mandarine, a great rake;
coming there to drink tea, coneeives
an inclination for the woman's daughter;
and finding ſhe is not to be had
upon eaſier terms, offers to take her into
his houſe to keep her.
The old woman conſents; but the
young one rejecting his offers, He ſends
ſome of his ſervants to take her away
by force: but ſhe ii sr eleued by their
new. ſervant.
+ Althougg h a great.W IE ae of men and
maid — bind themſelves ſlaves in China;
yet there are ſome, to whom, they give Ages as
in Europe, P. Du Halde, vol. p. 1. 7
T Upon
8MEkB e et h
13 .
, 1
* N4 4 4
, :
! 4
iN ,
— 231
| I. :
Tn 4 ;
i 2
*T] P
+ I.
*
it +3
|
2 2 1
Wy j f il
*
|
* 1
< | i =
|1 i
[ #
DH———
9 1
258 Taz Arcoment on Story
Upon this the young Mandarine
gives in an accuſation againſt him, and
hath him carried before a Mandarine
of juſtice: by whom he is puniſhed
with the baſtinado *; and hach the
Can-phi+ or wooden ruff, fixed about
his neck to walk the ſtreets with.
| O. el * : The
No ſentence. is executed in China, but
the ba/tinades precedes it of courſe. See an ac.
count of this vagal in the * A 8
vol. 2. pag. 188. note.
+ This — is more n than
te baſtinido; the Cangb. i sc ompoſed of two
boards, hollowed in the middle to fit the
neck of offenders, ſo that they form a kind of
moveable piltory. Some are three feet ſquare
and five or ſix inches thick; ſo that the wearer
can neither ſee his feet, nor put his hands to his
mouth, and muſt be fed by others. The commor
Toft We fifty or Ker pounds weight:
but foine' weigh zcolb. Wen it is fixed on
the neck, they paſte on each fide; over the place
where a joins, two ſlips of paper about four
OAT; broad, on > hie they fix a ſeal that the
daards
Or 4 CHINESE Play. 73 79
The young rakiſh Mandarine not
ſatisfied with this puniſhment, arms
himſelf and his ſervants with cudgels,
reſolving to bear him to death.
They go in ſearch of him about the
ſtreets, and find him attended by his
young miſtreſs aforeſaid, who is feeding
him; he being unable to do it himſelf,
on account of his collar.
They attack him with their clubs :
but he beinga reſolute youth, and having
his hands at liberty, beats them; and
by whirling his four-cornered collar,
boards may not be opened. On th's paper is
Written the crime. for which It 1s inflicted, and |
how long it is to laſt. |
F. Du e vol. . p. 3. 311. &c. P. Semedo,
N 2 ſtrikes
180 THe: ARGUMENT OR "STORY
ſtrikes the young Mandarine on the
head, and . him.
The governor of the ſtreet or ward,
comes and takes both him and the
woman into cuſtody.— Being brought
before a Mandarine called Nan. hayan,
he relates how he was attacked, and
obtains his releaſe. |
But the Mendarine conceives a liking
for the young woman, and takes her
into his houſe: at which his wife is
much diſpleaſed, and, while her huſband
is abſent, lets her out of the place
in which ſne had been confined. 5
A ſuperior Mandarine, being informed
of the death of the young rake
| above- an 14
Or 4 Cx ESE PLA V. 181
abovementioned and the young woman
being accuſed as the cauſe of it, and of
all the reſt of the diſturbance, ſends an
order or ſummons for her to app
beter him.
| The order being carried to the Mandarine,
who had had her in cuſtody:
he commands hert o be brought forth
and delivered up. They bring him
word ſhe is releaſed by his wife and
fled : upon which he is in the utmoſt
confuſion, not knowing how to anſwer
it to his ſuperior. N |
After he hath recovered himſelf a.
little, he calls his ſervants and charges
them all to go in ſearch of the young
woman. They object how e
"Ns it
vis
—my —
h—T&a—E — tR_A—s .
·m—— n ern
F* P
- *
bye2= el s
182 Tux ARGUMENT OR STory
it is to recover her as ſhe hath been
gone ſome time, and none of them
know her face or perſon.
He is again at a loſs: at laſt he
tells them the neceſſity of ſending ſome
woman to the ſuperior Mandarine, and
therefore bids them go and ſeize any
one, whom they think will do as well,
and carry her before him.
His ſervants go upon the ſearch, and
coming to a Joſs -houſe or temple * on
| e he
* A 7o/5-houfe is an inferior kind of Pagoda
or Temple. See an account of the latter in the
foregoing Hiſt, vol. 1. p. 220. note.
The Portugueſe, who firſt penetrated into the
Indies, called the idol temples Pagodas, from the
Perſian word Pout-gheda ; which ſignifies a temple.
Some call the idal,a sw ell as the templeb y
the ſame word: but the former ſeems more 8
ehe high-way, find the Mandarine's
daughter firſt-mentioned, with the matron
whom ſhe had taken into her
ſervice.
( (For ſhe had newly fled from her
father's houſe: He being accuſed by
another Mandarine, diſgraced,. and degraded,
and having all his goods and
family ſeized on : but not before he had
found opportunity to diſpatch a ſervant
to acquaint his daughter : which ſervant |
had brought her through the city-gate,
perly expreſſed by Pagod, as the latter by Pagoda =
or Pagode. See 4 [pirated] account vf the
Eaft Indies under the name of Captain Cope,
_ 8vo, 1758. | LAG zu |
N. B. The Chineſe 7a or Demi-gods, are
ſome of human ſhape, ſome of monſtrous figures:
But all theſe idols are generally made thick and
ſhort, ſo that in the Indies, when they would deſcribe
a ſhort fat perſon, they call him a t.
N 4 and
8.=—
—" RAE.
tA—xALs© t
e*—2— Ee. CS *e 4O T NE C
nREF IP E
elñ#2s—I—B——nIs2a .—- n—y——= ,— = —I. e —— —I .
*8—-—=—=>f˖ 5Ri 8= .. n :5» — y — ——
184 Tax ARGUMENT oR STorky
and then left her, as being unable to
2 he*r
She is ſized by the ſervants difpatched
by the Mandarine Nan-hayan
abovemenioned, and carried before the
| ſuperior Mandarine, by whomſh e is
ſentenced. to loſe her. head. 9.
Being
. Either the Author of thiiss P lay( ike our own
modern writers of Tragedy) hath not piqued
himſelf upon adhering to the uſages of his
country, or elſe he repreſents times more ancient
than the eſtabliſhment of ſome of theſe uſages.
For unleſs it be in extraordinary caſes, no Mandarine
can pronounce definitive ſentence of
death. See before, wol. 2. pag. 275 note. |
N. B. Beheading is in China eſteemed a far
more infamous puniſhment than ſtrangling, becCauſe
the Chine/e paſſionately defire to have their
bodies' preſerved whole after their death. The
ccndemned is not expoied on a ſcaffold, but
being made to kneel in ſome public place with
his hands tied behind him, a perſon holds him ſo
ſaſt that he cannot move, while the executioner
Foming behind takes * the head at one *
or 4a CuxksE Pl Av. 185
Being brought to the place of execution,
(which is performed at mid -
night) the young man, whom ſhe had
relieved, happens to be there; and
when the Chop or writing of the crime
comes to be taken off from her fore ·
head, ] in order to ſtrike off her head,
\ he ſees her face and knows her again:
Upon which he ſnatches a ſword from
one of the officers, and attacks and
drives them off. Then he and the
young lady make their eſcape. ens
But they are preſently after taken,
and carried before the Mandarine, who
ordered the execution: where the young
and at the ſame time lays him on his back with
ſuch dexterity, that not one drop of blood falls
on his cloaths. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. P. 4 vol.
| 2, p. 299. | 3 % 9 wr 4
man
186 Tue ARGUMENT OR STory
man acquaints him that ſhe is not the
woman, whom the other Mangarine
had in cuſtody. Which he findintgo
be true, by examining into the proceedings
of *y ſaid Mandarine, ſends
for his head.
He then releaſes the young man,
and takes him into his ſervice for his
gallantry: but faliln slov e with the
young lady ; and having no firſt wife,
orders his women ſervants to perſuade
her to comply with his deſires.
This ſhe very peremptorily - refuſes
to his ſervants, and afterwards to his
face: upon which he orders them to
fall upon her, and to beat her ſeyerely.
Thisw y do till the lies for dead.
Jeb | Then
Thenh e orders the young man newly
taken into his ſervice, to carry her
body and throw it into the river.
He bears her to the river ſide,
but inſtead of throwing her in, takes off
his coat and covers her body.: and after
much lamentation over one from whom
he had received ſuccour in his greateſt
ee he goes to ber a coffin for
her“.
In the interim a boat coming near
* The Chine/e ſeem leſs afraid of death, chan
of wanting a coffin after it. It is aſtoniſhing to
ſee how careful they are in this reſpect, and how
coſtly they have them made, and that commonly
before their deaths. To provide theſe handſome
for their friends is a r piety; ; a
this is carried to ſuc exceſs, that a ſon will
ſometimes ſell or mortgage himſelf to procure
money to buy à coflin for his father.
See P, Du Halde, vol. I. p. 280. 306.
the
Or 4 Chix ES Play. 187
———
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n7a 4 g0
LMTn =MaE D
e22r4 r.
BWäYn a—.2——y—
=_ -_ —« —— —— z
5. na7
*i y n
——«
188 Tu ARGUMENT oR SroRY
the ſhore, the people in it diſcover
: ſomething more than common, and
finding it to be a woman, catry her off:
they being in ſearch of women to ſerve
the Tartar Queen - | sd 51
(For
„This paſſage and thoſe that follow in pag.
191, 192, c. relating tothe Tartar Queen, &c. are
; extremely curious, and worthy the attention of
the learned: who" will perhaps be ſurprized to
find ſome notion of the Amaxons, among a people
ſs remote from Greece, and ſo unacquainted with
its fables, as the Chineſe. That the Scythians,
among whom the Amazons were ſuppoſed to be
ſeated, were no other than the ancient Tartars,
there 1s no doubt: and that there was ſome
foundation for their ſtory is probable ; from its
prevailing (tho not with ll the ſame circumſtances)
in two nations who could not poſſibly
derive it from each other. This fable did
Probably ariſe from the Scyr5:an or Tartar women
having ſometimes appeared in battle with a
maſculine ferocity unknown in countries, where
the women lived ſo reſerved as in Greece and
China. A paſſion for the marvellcus ſopr lied
all the reſt.
That the women of one of the Jef civilized
nations bordering upon China, do ſome-
To | times
Or a Cainest Pray. 189
(For the Tartar Qucen being at war
with the Chineſe,” had ſent to pictarocu
- - —
times enter into the field, appears from ſeveral
authors. Marlinius telis us that when
China was invaded in 1621 by the Tartars,—
« Among other commanders, who came with
«* ſuccours to the Chine/e, there was one heroic |
lady, whom we may call the Anaxon or Pen-
« thefilea of China. She brought along with
her three thouſand [men] from the remote
« province of Su. chuen, bearing not only a
* maſculine mind but habit, and even aſſuming
e titles more becoming a man than a woman.
This heroine, who gave many rare proofs of
© her courage, had come in the room of her
« ſon, an infant; &c. For in the mountains of
of this province of Sa- chuen, there is a king-
« dom not ſubje& to the Chingſe, but under a
government of its own, &c.” Vide bellum
Tartaricum ad fin. Atla. Sin. pag. 4. Fc. |
The above hypotheſis relating to the Arazons
will derive ſtrength from the narrative of 7
brandt Ides, who tells us, that among the Ton
guxians, one of the people inhabiting Great
Tartary, the men and women go cloathed
„ alike, are both very ſtrong, and that both
*« ſexes, not excuſing the young girls, ride on
" horſeback, and are n armed with 3
a4 an
===ä—-8 .- a . .* —
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e« 4=S Pt 1 _
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=\— -, 5w— A5A W 4E-W w !+=T—*— v*W7— C= ©a— .—0 08s —— \ I 1—
,A2e s
—— —
100 Tux ARGUMENT OR SToky
for [or kidnap] women in the enemies
country: and had alteady carried away
the mothero f the young man, who
was along with this young lady in the
Faſs-houſe or temple, as alſo the young
woman in whoſe place ſhe had Je to
have been executed.)
% And arrows, in the uſe of which they aar e very
et expert. See pag. 44, and 102.
It appears alſo that even the women of the
AMascbr e Tartars, who conquered China, did
not at firſt aſſume the reſerved manners of the
Chineſe women: for when the Durch Ambaſſadors
were at Nan-KinG in 1656, they were accoſted
by'a Tartarian lady, who without any ceremony
examined their dreſs, and handled their
ſwords, with a freedom unknown Iin Ching. See
Before we quit this ſubjectww,ee ought not
to omit what the Neſuites tells us in their account
of Korea, that the Zaſtern Tartars told a
Chineſe General, among other romantic fables, of
* a kingdom peopled only by women, who
c conceived of themſelves, and carried the foetus
© in their ſtomach: they had no breaſts, but
«© ſuckled the child by a tuft of hair behind the
* neck, &c. P. Da Halde, vol. 2. pag. 378.
3 Magal. p. 61.
The
or A Cntnzss Pray. 191
The young man returns to the rivet
fide, and finding the young lady carried
away, goes back to acquaint the Mandarine
his maſter, that he hath executed
his orders; but finds him very
much concerned, for by this time he
had heard whoſe daughter ſhe was.
To prevent the truth from coming to
her father's knowledge, he orders the
young man to find out that Mandarine
and kill him. This he pretends to
undertaakned, i n hisſ earch lights on this
very perſon, (who is then wandering
about indiſgrace) without knowing him.
The diſgraced Mandarine, upon inquiry,
finding the young man hath no
intention of harm to o him, reveals him-
w—a=T3gTdw - —- y i
Nw—7n7L=e*————o +— *P—=—— —— y Fo
S.8i +y— — —t
——2—
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ra—et— d.n——n— —e o c
$O —M7p yp.
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*
192 Tur ARGUMENT oa STORY
ſelf, and enters inat coloſ e; confederacy
with him,t o kill the Mandarine his
maſter, who had ſo highly injured both
him and his daughter. This they immediatepluty
i n execution.
The young man then goes to the
wars againſt the Tartars: where he behaves
with great courage; and, it
being the cuſtom there for the women
to fight, he encounters his own mother,
the Mandarine's daughter, and the
young woman that belonged to the
tea- hop.
1 . each other's faces
with equal ſurprizoen both ſides: In
conſequence of which the young man,
wine he had for that time
drove
Or a CN ESE PAT. 193
drove off the Tartars, determines to
take the firſt opportunity to run among
them, and be taken priſoner,
On the other hand, the women petition
the Queen, that they may lay
down their arms, not being able to
fight againſt an enemy, where they
are in danger of killing, or being
killed by, one ſo dear to them, as 2
ſon or friend, c. e ee
Afterwards the young man is taken
priſoner and brought before the Queen,
to whom he declares his reaſons for
8 himſelf up.
The Queen, much affefted wich
his ſtory, ſends for. the three: women,
7 M Dm
o———n—4 aoe a
194 Tur Anouu,⏑“ji⁊ on Sroxv
and, ſetting them at liberty, commits
them to his care.
The Queen 1 by his reaſons,
and moved by his virtuous diſcourſes]
ſoon makes peace with the Chineſe, and
retiring to a convent becomes a _
or nun .
The young man, and the three women
return to China, where they find
out the father of the young lady firſt
In like manner as there are Pagodas or convents
in China full of Bonzees or monks: fo
there are alſo nunneries called Men, and Bonzeſſes
or nuns, who live after the ſame manner.
They ſhave their heads, renounce marriage, and
abſtain from all converſe with men ; but they
are not numerous, neither do they obſerve monaſtic
conſinement.
Sce P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 518. Mod. Univ.
. p. 175. Nieuhoſf, p. 59.
Or 4 ChixksE Plar. 195
mentioned; who by this time is reſtored
to his rank and honours,
He very much rejoices at the ſight
of his daughter; and gives her in marriage
for a firſt or chief wife to the
young man. Who then takes the other
young woman for a ſecond wife or
concubine +.
Upon this follows the Emperor's
patent to create him a great Mandarine |
for the ſervices he performed.
+ The Chineſe may have more wives than one,
but the firſt or primary wife hath all the power,
and is married with more ceremony than the reſt,
whoſe children are alſo deemed to belong-to
her : bat their ſituation is not at all difreputable,
N. B. All the ceremony required in taking one
of theſe ſecond wives, is to fign a writing with
their parents: whereby they engage to give a
certain ſum agreed on, and to ule their daughters
well. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 304.
196 TuR ARGUMENTC,c .
He receives the habit of that order
of Mandarines to which he is advanced :
and agreeably to that quality cloaths
his mother and both his wives.
Then they receive the congratulations
of all their friends.
* The mothers and wives of the Mandarines,
as their ſons or huſbands are advanced to higher
offices and dignities, have certain honourable
diſtinctions both in their habits and titles, ap-
Pointed them by the Emperor. |
P. Semedo, p. 13%.
THE END OF THE CHINESE PLAY.

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 29

2026-03-29T09:55:21Z

Admin: OCR cleanup Chapter 29

= Chapter 29 =
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 280px;"
|+ style="background-color: #4a7c59; color: white; padding: 5px;" | '''Chapter Information'''
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8; width: 120px;" | Wiki Chapter
| 29
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Translator's MS
| Chapter XVI
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Volume
| IV
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Status
| style="background: #ffe0e0;" | OCR cleaned — footnotes pending
|}

''Part of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

* CHay, XVI. In the Tranſlator's manuſcript.
Theſe
Theſe two perſons, who had been
encouraged by Korf. wo make
the propoſals abovementioned, hearing
nowo f the marriage that had taken
place between the young couple, were
inclined to deſiſt; and ſent to inform
that Mandarine of their reſolutions.
He was very much chagrined, and diſappointed
at the news, and reſolved
to ſend ſome of his ſervants to the
houſe of the young lady to liflen and
ſpy out what was: tranſacting: he did
the ſame to the houſe of the Supreme
Viceroy. The firſt information he received
was, that the young Mandarine
Tieh-chung-u had not brought the bride
home to his houſe, but had gone to
refide with her at her father's. Soon
after it was— — him, that although
they
they were married, they ſtill continued
in ſeparate apartments. He afterwards
learnt, that theb ridegroowmas ſo enamoured
of his lady, that he had not
ſtirred from her for two or three
days. Theſe. different accounts ſomewhat
puzzled; Kwo-ſbo:ju their behaviour
was ſingular and myſterious, ſo
that he imagined there was ſomething
more than ordinary at the bottom. At
length from their living in ſeparate
apartments, he concluded that the matter
was neither more nor leſs than this,
that the marriage was only a feint, in
order to avoid the propoſals of Jahquay
and the Eunuch Chu. Well,
ſaid he, if they have not yet cohabited,
tis ſtill poſſible. to ſeparate them, and
ſpoil their marriage. Tab-quay muſt
NeTTMEe= E, EIeNeA EeeES,
O7runno etes 77
32KF<Fp 5o <YxIe " D EL
N*; * *e e
ee83EAIgeHEOS er Ae ;
be informed of this, and encouraged to
renew his a application : but then her
friends will refuſe him under pretence
of this marriage, and as ſhe ſeldom
ſtirs out, he will find no opportunity
to carry her away. Before he takes
any ſtepof this kind, it will be better
to ſet Chou-thay-kien atw ork: I will
go and perſuade that Eunuch to intice
this Tieh into his houſe; and when he
has him there to compel him at once
to marry his niece,” 2
Full of theſe deſigns he haſted to
the houſe of Chou thay- ien, to whom
he related as well the information he
ö | had picked up, as the meaſures which,
he thought neceſſary to be taken. The
= Eunuch thought them practicable, and
For. IV; E pre5o
promiſed to give him notice, as ſoon.
as he had enticed the youth to his
houſe: deſiring him in that caſe to
come to him immediately. Ko. I- fi
was pleaſetdo fee him ſo readily adopt
his deſign, and promiſed nothing ſhould
delay or prevent his coming. Then
taking his leave he went home, impatiently
waiting till he ſhould be ſent
for. We 7 IS
Tieb- chung u, on account of his pretended
marriage had obtained leave
of the Emperor to abſent himſelf ten
days from court. Theſe were expired,
and he muſt now return: Shuey-ping-/en,
whoſe judgment and penetration were
admirable, ſeeing him about to go,
ſaid to him as follows, * Kwo-ſbo-ſu
4 having
²AOo»Ao na TES o aC T
eee"a e2ee e ee
˙nA¹˙Üär A
having laid a plot with a viewto get
us both diſpoſed of, the one to Tab.
quay, and the other to the niece of
the Eunuch Chou, hath hitherto been
diſappointed : it is not however to be
- ſuppoſed that he will give us up fo
_ eafily : he will ſtill ſeek ſome way to
embroil us. With regard to abquay,
as he is not within the precints
of the palace, he would be
liable to reproof from ſuperior ttibunals
ſhould he do any thing amiſs:
and therefore I apprehend nothing
from him. But this Eunuch, who
is a domeſtic fervant of the Emperor's,
preſuming upon his favour, and
| knowing his mind, regards nothing
but his own inclinations. If therefore
you go to court, be fure be
RS HG upon
upon your guard againſt his attempts.“
Jou argue rightly, ſaid Tieb-chung-u,
and talk with your uſual judgment
and diſcretion. _ But this Eunuch is
of a mean, low caſt: what can he
do? what is there to be feared from
him?“ She replied, „Such perſons
it is true are deſpicable, and not to
be feared : but at preſent as things
are circumſtanced, and as he hath
got the ear of his Majeſty, it would
not be amiſs to be upon your guard.”
The young Mandarine agreed it would
be proper; then taking his leave of
her went to the palace. |
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As he was thence returning home,
who ſhould meet him but the Eunuch
himſelf, Holding up his hands, he
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faluted the youth with great familiarity.
The latter would have proceeded
on his way, but the other
laid hold of his horſe's bridle, « I
was even now going,, faid he;:to ſend
to your houſe 'to defire to ſpeak with
you.? What buſineſs, ſaid Tiebthung-
u, can you have with me?
Your affairs and mine can have no
relation. My province lies without
the palace, and yours within?“ If
it were only on my own account,
replied the Eunuch, I ſhould not
have taken the liberty to ſtop you :
but J have buſineſs of the Emperor's
to impart. to you, which muſt not
be deferred: you had better then go
home with me, and let us talk it
over there,” |B efore I do that,
8 E 3 replied
„6—
WbaWrh2en I—a2EeA« 4 ,T .S E
pyS"Fm \d Sen ,
h«FN"h3 aw——oerIs” o— tE ee n n
—Z;ee.:V 3a—— 2oS.ln:=— -- 3 ——s1l.w e e3«d s — —
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11 y9T ">I — * K45 a Ir T TY.
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——- —D2pN P
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\ q-
a— 22 F* * ,*P IFFa* 4 R ” W
Kanab ? o vie
—1p nN=
Fe* e nn
—dves t
b—dH in .
replied 7ich-chung-u, you muſt tell me
plainly what your buſineſs is.” « Sir,
faid the other, do you think I would
ga. about to deceive you? or durſt
abuſe. the Emperor's authority? To
tell you truly then, his Majeſty hath |
heard that you are a fine poet; and
requires you to write ſome verſes on
two pieces of painting, whichh eg reatly,
values.” The youth inquired where
they were: and was anſwered, at his
houſe. Tich-chung-u immediatelrye -
collected the words of his lovely miſreſs;
but found he could not avoid the
ſnare,a st he other had got the Emperor's
order. He accordingly went home
| with Chou thay-kien. ZE
When they were got within his
doors, the Eunuch ordered tea to be
brought and a table to be ſpread for
an entertainment. No! no! ſaid the
young Mandarine, the firſt things to
be attended to are the pictures, I dare
not enter on any thing elſe till they
are diſpatched.” Sir, replied the
other, you know very well what the
generality of us Euauchs are: we are a
fooliſh illiterate ſet of people : however
I cannot but take great ſatisfaction in
ſeeing a perſon of your ingenuity and
learning : I hope therefore you will honourme
fo far as to drink ſomething
with me: and will permit me to ſhew
the great reſpect I entertain for you.
I believe if I had ſent to invite you,
you would hardly have come: but as
his Majeſty's buſineſs hath brought
AEM E4 5 you
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you here, you muſt oblige us a little
with your company. And pray don't
look upon me in the ſame mean and
deſpicable light as the reſt of my brethren,
ſince I have obtained this great
honour :' upon which account I hope
you will overlook the liberty I take of
fitting down with you.” „Pray don't
talk in this manner, ſaid Tieh- chung-u,
are not we both the Emperor's ſervants?
But as there is his Majeſty's
order to be obeyed; let chat be firſt
diſpaiched, and afterwards we will converſe
together.“ Perhaps, replied
he, when that is performed, you will
not ſtay any longer. Well then; you
mall write upon one of the pictures
firſt, and before you take the other in
hand you ſhall do me the favour to
5 9 = drink
drian liktt le wine.“ To this the young
Mandarine aſſented.
Chou-thay-kien then led him into a
hall, and callinga ſervant, ordered him
to take down a painthtati wans ghun g
up, and lay it on a table. Tieb- chung-2
found it to be a beautiful flower piece,
containing the picture of a double jaſmin:
then taking a pencil he n
wrote a few lines over it.
| He had ſcarcely dale, when word
was brought that the Mandarine Koſhorſu
was arrived. He was accordingly
deſired to walk in. The Eunuch
Chou told him he was very opportunely
arrived to meet with the
great Doctor Tieb-cbungu ; who was
come
g'r*0—a—51 2 P42-e — tO sS SE
bss -— —. b—s
=«
————eWBpeR——n———„r—— a7n nes—-nn r t— — — — —_——
rN2E*—"8 4 RSi6 —I r
*
come there to write upon ſome pictures
by the Emperor's order,© And here,
faid he, he hath diſpatched one in leſs
time than you would drink off a diſh of
rea.” The Mandarine wo. ſpo- ſu told
him that thoſe that were maſters of their
art were generally expeditious. Pray
my Lord, ſaid the Eunuch Choy, be fo
kinda s to read the inſcription to me,
and tell me what it contains; that I
may the better talk of it to the Emperor
when I carry it to him.” The
other aſſented, Tieb- chung-u defiring him
to pardon and overlook the faults he
ſhould find in it. When XK wor- po- ſi
had peruſed the verſes, he cried out,
4 I'hey are written with a great deal
of ſpirit, and ſhew a fine underſtand-
. * ang.” The Eunuch appeared extreme-
"a8„eSeegta[5g aeeUe C eee eE Sr
4 4
'® *
7 :
bag
F7Aeee{!i3rr5LowE d acLe etE S c
£6 175 ſaid he, you doi It with the greateſt
A CHINESE. HISTORY, 53
ly fatisfied with this account, and immediately
ordered an entertainment to
be ſerved upon the table. 7. leb chung · u
intreated, that he would permit him to
Ng both the pictures now he was about
But the Eunuch would not let him:
eaſe and pleaſure: why can t you then
| firſt. ſit down and regale yourſelf, and
afterwards. finiſh the verſes at IO;
leiſure "Ys
| T wo —_ Gs . ery
Ho- ſis ſat down at the firſt: the
Eunuch with Tieb- chung - u at the ſecond.
After ſome little converſation
on indifferent ſubjects, Chou-thay-kiew
Aae him, eo the later, wd.
aid:
222—
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faid : His Majefly being informed
of your great ingenuity, Kath ordered
theſe two pictures to be ſent here, that
you ſhould write ſomething upont hem:
but it was at my intreaty in order
to bring you to my houſe, "where I
have ſomething to impart to you of
great moment. It is alſo a peculiar
happineſs that this Mandarine hath
chanced to drop ii n, and that Tc an do
it in his preſence.** © What, ſaid Ktoo-
Jpo-ſu, have you of moment to im part
to this Mandarine in my hearing: 992
The Eunuch replied, If a drum bi
not ſtruck upon, it returns no ſound z if
a bell be not rung, it will not be heard;
excuſe me therefore if I enter at once
upon the matter in hand, without farther
ceremony, or delay. I have a
niece born with no great beauty; nor
isl | yet
yet. very ill-favoured: but ſhei s very
good tempered, chearful and pleaſant.
she is now about eighteen years of age,
and yet I have not hitherto founda
proper match for her. Now, Sir, ſaid
he, addreſſing himſelf to Tieb-chung-u,
you are the man I would chuſe for her
huſband : ſhe is ingaged to no other
perſon: I have got the conſent of the
Mandarine your father : and yeſterday
I begged of the Emperor to have the
marriage performed: in order to which
he gave me theſe two pictures to ratify
the contract.“
How much ſoever Tieb-chung-u was
ſurprized, and chagrined to diſcover this
treachery, he endeavoured ro conceal
it from obſervation, He even aſſumed
an appearance of ſatisfaction, and told
the Eunuch he was extremely obliged
to him: that his propoſal was what
he could not poſſibly have refuſed, had
it been in his power to have accepted
of it; but that he was already married
to Shuey-ping-/m, the daughter of the
Lord Preſident of Arms: and that it
was impoſſible for him to be married
twice .
+Chou-thay-kien ſmiled and ſaid, . Sir,
* This is to be underſtood of a primary or
chief wife: it would have been an affront to
have thought of the niece of ſo powerful 2
Eunuch for a ſecondary one or concubine.
+ From this place to the end of the Hiſtory,
the tranſlation is carried on in the Portugue/e
language: which the Editor hath rendered into
Engliſh. rea.
you
you muſt not think todeceive me, I have
examined the affair to the bottom:
your proceedings. were a feint, in order
to avoid marrying my niece; as alſo
to prevent the. addrefleso f 7.a h-quay
to the young lady: and as it was fo
eaſy to ſee through this impoſition, I
wonder you ſhould think of attempting
it.” | Tzeb-chung-u anſwered, © Your
Lordſhip ſurprizes me: in an affair
of any other nature, ſuch. an attempt
might be feaſible : but in ſuch a ſubject
as marriage, how can any impoſition
take place? If you are really
and truly married, ſaid the Eunuch,
why did not you conduct the bride
home to your houſe, but on-the contrary
go to reſide in that of her father?
Why alſo don't you cohabit with your
18 wife? ?
wife? Why do you continue in ſeparate
apartments ?˙² *I do not bring
home my bride, ſaid the Mandarine
Tieb, becauſe her father hath never a
ſon; I dwell therefore with him, in
order to attend and comfort him in
his old age: but whether we reſide in
the ſame apartments or not, is an affair
of no conſequence to any but ourſelves:
it is ſufficient that the marriage
hath been duely celebrated. Beſide as
your Lordſhip is continually with the
Emperor, how can you tell what paſſes
in the houſe of another perſon ? and
this being the caſe, you ought not
to believe any ſuch ſtory.” I ſhall
not enter any farther into the merits
of theſe reports, ſaid the other : it concerns
not me whether they are true
or falſe: it is ſufficient that I have
ſpoke with his Majeſty about your marriage
with my niece: and have the
ſanction of his authority. It is in vain
thereforteo think to avoid it..Not
| z avoid it! faid Tieb-cbung-u. From
the remoteſt antiquity till the preſent
hour, it hath never been heaofr, dtha t
a man endowed: with reaſon hath been
married to one wife, and then taken
another . I have already eſpouſed a a
* young lady with all the due ſolemnitiesof
law; for this reaſon I muſt refuſe
all other: yet had you made me
be offer of your niece firſt, I ſnould not
have lighted it.“ Before you. had
_ in this manner, ſaid the Gus
* This is till to be underſtood of the primary
or chief wife. Vide notee ſupray p 62. |
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neceſſury, but theint i s only for the
66 Hat KISU/ CHOAAN:
nuch, you ſhould have made it appear
- that you were really married.
When the bride is once carried to the
houſe of her huſband, then it may be reputed
a true marriage : then ſhe may
be conſidered as a firſt br ſecondary.
wife : but this cannot properly be done
ill ſhe is carried from ber on houſe.
And this ceremony the Rites require.”
I grant your Lordſhip, ſaid Jeb.
ehiing-u; that generally ſpeaking this is
_ Eſpecially in obedience to the expreſs
2 commands of a parent,” / 4 You talk
of obedience to your parents, ſaid Chouthey:
k ienP will you pay attention to
n 6 8 them,
them; and neglect to obey the orders
of the Emperor? Do you think then
that the private | commands of your
parents are to take place of thoſe of
| his Majeſty?” « Far from it,” ſaid
Treb-chung-u; who began to be yexed,
to hear him talk in fo unreaſonable a a
manner: I only ſay that marriage
is a thing of great importance; and
ought to be conducted with regularity
and order: otherwiſe you violate
the laws and rites of the empire.
This is not a private affair between
your Lordſhip and myſelf, but a thing
of public concernment; and if his Majeſty
will be pleaſed to conſult all the
doctors of the empire, he will fee that
I am, right.” What occaſion for
ſo much trouble? faid the Eunuch:
or why is it needfult o conſult all the
doctors, when there is preſent ſo great
aà doctor as No- Ho-ſ u, one who is fo
capableo f determining the queſtion ?”
Very true, replied the youth; will
your Lordſhip aſk him to Judge between
us?”
„ My Lord,” ſaid the Eunuch, addreſſing
himſelf to that Mandarine,
e you have been here ſome time liſtening
to the diſpute between this gentleman
and myſelf: be pleaſed to favour us with
your opinion of the caſe.” * If you
alone had aſked me, faid the Miniſter,
and if the Mandarine Tieb- chung- u himſelf
had not alſo applied to me, I ſhould
not have hazarded a word between you:
but as he alſo deſires it, I will ſpeak
according
wI.WWHnAySeoL0T* -E Nn>m E Ke . AmS , E eE gHI7tafndiocaCeteaIarbea tnb s a1t rei e rs nt rS, an1 y : R 1
FFP
—*—ea — a
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ba1h%:EoTB..o 4Tg: A;R IES s EdEO H.u E
eTOAeSD eE,
according to my conſcience, without
partiality to either ſide. With regard
to the rites of marriage, there are reaſons
within other reaſons, and the ſubject
contains ſome things ſo intricate,
that all the doctors in the empire cannot
infallibly decide upon it. But if
the queſtion turns upon the Emperor's
authority, I am of opinion that the
rites of marriage are ſubject to it, and
that he may over-rule them at pleaſure.
For if you look back through all ages,
you will find that the Emperor hath
power to change the laws of the realm,
and even to aboliſh the whole eſtate of
his Mandarinate, by which thoſe laws _
are executed and ſupported.” Tha
Eunuch Chou hearing theſe words,
could not conceal his ſatisfaction: he
laughed and ſaid, * Your Lordſhip is
9 „ certainly
certainly right, the Mandarine Tieb cannot
anſwer one word to this.
Then callifnorg a cup of wine,h e
took it in his hand, and preſented it
with great reverence to Awoſbo.- ſu , intreating
him to be brideſman or mediator
to the marriage of his niece. As
you have obtained his Majeſty's licence,
replied he, addreſſing himſelf to Chaythay-
kien, it is no longer left to your
diſcretion; I ſhall therefore act in that
behalf, for I dare not diſobey his Majeſty.
Then he drank off the wine .
_O which he addreſſed himſelf to
ieb- abung - u: * As the Emperor, ſaid
5 hath nnn to lend his ſancof
® This * to have been a qo form, "A
wh he teſtified his intention to act as brideſ- |
Man or mediator on this occaſion, |
tion
pua.EDWWePABEAnAnSnoEb e TNI ,Ole 8*N. YEs e1 - S 4 S T Re ; a r
1 oe
nIPErOeiStAwxeoSO Ur a L s
FPV
tion to this marriage, you cannot refuſe
| your compliance, notwithſtanding your
prior engagement with Shuzy-ping-/in :
let me then adviſe you, Sir, to ſtand off
no longer, but e ſubmit, _ chap
all will be _ *. E BNN
Ande Tieb-c 17-4 was extremely
chagrined and vexed, and could
with much difficulty kept his patience :
he nevertheleſs found it neceſſary to
bridle his temper for many reaſons.
In the firſt place, he confidered that
they had made the point to reſt
upon the Emperor's authority: again
he reflected that the Eunuch
Choy had continual aeceſs to his Majeſty's
preſence, and would be able
to give what turn he pleaſed to the
T4; affair:
»2 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
affair: he was alſo fearful that being
within that Eunuch's houſe, he would
not ſuffer him to go out: he was
moreover. unwilling to quarrel openly
with Kwo-ſ60-ſu : he therefore anſwered
that Mandarine mildly z * I
have nothing to object to your Lordſhip's
opinion, and if his Majeſty hath
given his order, far be it from me to
diſpute it. But ſtill it is neceſſary
for me to go, and inform myf ather
and mother; that they may fix on
a fortunate day; and ſettle the terms
of the nuptial ſum : for I cannot pretend
to take upon me to do it without
their knowledge.“ Sir, faid the
-Eunuch, you only want to ſhift off
the affair; but it will not ſerve your
-turn: if youd o not comply, you ſhew
| contempt
CfA—C2 ot5s FF
RPI—8aD:8E ; * WyE I c O E O.nn,W38. 5::.Z7: 3dLT - :3 b* AE842E:4e —8*ay 53 * 4 S e 8 e
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D¾HJEPOooO%5P Oon Wa:uͤe rOAoesEOaryPade— Rc s n T »T RJe I E
_ contempt to his Majeſty's order: it
wholly depends upon yourſelf whether
you will obey it or not: you oveht
to obey, and not to ſtudy theſe excuſes,
This is a fortunate day : all that reates
to invitations is already performed:
the muſic is prepared : the banquet
ready : and here by great good fortune
is the Mandarine K*w0-ſbo-ſu to act as
brideſman: within is the nuptial chamber
fitted up for the bridegroom: let
us now celebrate your marriage with my
niece, and then I ſhall have diſcharged
the moſt important duty that relates
to this life. If you think, Sir, that
your father or. mother. will complain
of being neglected, you muſt lay the
blame on his Majeſty's order; and then
what complaincta n be made ? If you
1 make
make any ſcruple about "the nuptial
ſum, I will leave that entirely to yourſelves:
that ſhall make no ground of
diſpute.” « Really, Sir, ſaid Neo-
Ho-ſ u to the young Mandarine Tieb,
my Lord Chou-thay-kien diſcovers a great
affection for you; if now you make
any farther excuſes, you will certainly
paſfso r an ungrateful perſon.” The
young Mandarine replied, * Before
one can acknowledge a favour, one
ought to be certain of its propriety
and reaſonableneſs. I came hither to-
| day 'by his Majeſty's order to make
ſome verſes or encomiums on two pictures.
I have already finiſhed one;
the other remains to be performed :
and how can J dare tot akei nh and
2 70 other buſineſs till this is diſcharged?
charged? Now I intreat your Lardſhip
to give me here the other picture,
that I may finiſiht ;a nd then J ſhall
be at liberty to enter upon any other
buſineſs.“ . Sir, ſaid the Eunuch, you
ſay very well: but the ather picture
is very large, and is laid up in an inner
apartment: as therefore it would oeaiaſion
a great deal of trouble to bring
ith ere, you had better go withitno it.“
Although Tieb-chung-u ſuſpected that
there was ſome ſecret deſign in this,
which he could nat at preſent diſcover,
he notwithſtanding thought it beſt to
comply : which he ſignified accardingly,
„ Well then, ſaid the Eunuch,
let us drink once more, afterwards we
will go within: for your Lordſhip is
TUM in propoſing, that o0 ne thing be finiſhed
niſhed before another be taken in hand.
The young Mandarine Tieb ſaid to himſelf,
When I have once diſpatched the
other picture, I ſhall perhaps find a
means to eſcape from this houſe.” Accordingly
riſing up from the table, he
ſaid, Come let us finiſh the verſes: I
will drink no more.” The Eunuch
Chou roſe up likewiſe, and ſaid, * Let
us go.“ The Mandarine Kwo-ſbo-ſu
expreſſed alſo an inclination to accompany
them: but the Eunuch gave him
a ſignal with his eye: pa immediately
that Mandarine ſtopped and ſaid; It
is not neceſſary that I be preſent at
the compoſing of theſe verſes, I will
wait for your return here without : and
chen you have finiſhed them [ will
compleat the .
| Then
Then Chou-thay-kien conducted the
young Mandarine Tieb within: by
which means he fell into the ſnare: for
as ſoon as the other had led him into an
inner apartment he left him and withdrew;
two women ſervants immediately
| ſhutting the doors upon him. 2
CHAP. VI.
F1EH-chung-u being thus ſhut up
within the inner apartments of the
Eunuch's palace, found them all adorn -
ed and fitted out in the moſt ſplendid
manner. He entered one of the chambers,
which ſhone with the richeſt and
moſt elegant furniture; and faw in
it a lady ſeated in a chair, who was
n with jewels, and the coſtlieſt
ornaments
ornaments in great profuſion. . Tiehchung-
u ſeeing her thus dreſſed out
like a princeſs, compoſed the following
verſes in his mind.
I have ſeebne r figure, it is finely trick'd
_ out with ornaments,
But ber mouth is wide as the hw her
bead high-as a mountain. *
May the demons look upon ber, and bring
ber to ſhame *, |
This lady, who was no other than the
+ acai being the young: Mar-
29*77 Tb y words 9) the FIRE? tranſlation are,
Vis ſua fieura, ita bem ornada ; -
Mas a bica he grande e larga comoo L y tus
he alta como monte; |
Os demonios wvihde, faztm werftibdr.
This ſpecimen, may ſerve to> theyt hei ncorreftreſs
of the MS. verſion.” ,
darine
datine enter, roſs up from her chair,
and made ſigns to her women to perform
their reverences to him: who
aſked himt o draw near, and converſe
with their lady. Far from complying
wich their requeſt he drew back; but
ſeeing all the doors were ſhut upon
him, and that there was no remedy,
at length he went ſome what nearer the
lady, and bowed to her very low,;
which done, he drew back a little a
before: all this while the lady never
opened her mouth. One of the moſt
aged of the female attendants ſeeing
this, came up to ſieb- bung a, and faid
to him: * Your Lordſhip came here
within the women's apartments to marry
my lady : * huſbanadnd wife being
This isa literal verſion of the Portugueſe, viz. *
Marido e mulher ſendo caxado, dous ſam ue bun corps
de huma carne. | |
| 2 | Once
once married, are both of one body,
of one fleſh.. You are now Lord of
all this houſe. ; You need not therefore
be reſervedo r baſhful: but may
come and ſit down here with your lady.“
I came here, ſaid he, by the
Emperor's command to write verſes
upon two pictures belonging to his
Majeſty : how then can you fay I
came here to marry? ” The pictures
you ſpeak of, ſaid the ſervant, are without;
if therefore your Lordſhip only
came on that account, why did not
you ſtay in the outer apartments ?
Obediencet ot he Emperor's command
did not require you to come in hither.
Theſe are the apartments belonging
to the women; which none
ever enter but my lady and ourſelves.
Tou could never have come
. e
here, but in order to marry her.“
« Your lady's uncle, ſaid he, the Eunuch
Chou, with many wiles inticed
me within: he hath deceived me. This
is very diſreſpectful treatment of one of
my rank, and is aanf front to his Majeſty,
by whoſe favour I am advanced
to be one of the firſt doors of the empire.**
„As your Lordſhip is now
here, | ſaid the ſervant, be eaſy and chearful;
why do you talk of any thing that
happened to you without ?” He replied
in a rage, * You are all of you
concerned in this picee of treachery.
Jour maſter hath enſnared me by pretending
the pictures were here within,
and this the Mandarine Kwo-ſho-ſu can
teſtify. But you are all of you deceived
in thinking to conquer me:m y name
Vol. IV. ga G EE”
is Tieb, that is Jon; my body, my
heart are all of iron, hard and inflexible,
it is impoſſible to move me.
I am more ſteady and reſolute than
thoſe two ancient heroes Lieu-hiauwhey
and Quan- in-chang * „ who are
ſo famous in hiſtory for being firm
*. The firſt of theſe is mentioned before in vol.
2. p. 69. as alſo in the following paſlage of a
Chineſe author, tranſlated by P. Halde. See
« You have heard of the celebrated Lieu-biau-
* aubey. Neither the moſt frightful poverty
„with which he was threatened, nor the firſt
4c rank of the empire, with which he was tempt-
< tered, could in the leaſt incline him to vice, or
draw him aſide from virtue.
The ſecond of theſe, Quan -in-chang, was a
great general, ſo remarkable for his brave and
gallant atchievements, that he is to this day revered
by the Chineſe ; who in remembrance of
his fublime virtue, adore him as a god, and ſet
phim ages inH onour of him in their idol- tem-
| x See before, vol. 3. P. 331: note,—See alfo
0 Kao. P. 125. we
A CHINESE HISTORT. 83
and unſhaken. But indeed what effect
can be expected from ſuch ſhallow
plots as theſe? This girl is not only
ugly: but alſo ſhameleſs. Notwithſtanding
her fine ornaments, I regard
her not: ſhe is a low and worthleſs
creature, and not to be regarded.“
The young lady, although at firſt ſne
was charmed with the graceful figure
of the young Mandarine Dieb, and
did not behold without ſome emotion,
the fine features, and fair complexion
of that beautiful youth; hearing this
abuſe, could no longer contain herſelf,
but broke ſilence, and ſaid, Sir, you
treat me very ill, niece as I am to a
great officer of the Emperor, and one
who ſtands continually in his preſence.
This honour puts him upon a level
with any of the Mandarines, ſo that [
have a right to be conſidered with all
the diſtinction of a Siaum-Zſieh or Mandarine's
daughter *. His Majeſty hath
commanded a marriage to be concluded
between you and me: in which
there is nothing wrong or indecent,
Why then do you complain of plots |
againſt you ? How dare you preſume to
call me low and worthleſs. You diſgrace
the honour of my family. But ſince!
am ſo immodeſt and ſhameleſs, I will
make you know whether I am to be
regarded or not.” Then ſhe called
out to her women, Bring this fellow
here before me.“ All the attendants
went up to him, and ſaid, Our lady
orders us to bring you to her to Pay
See vol. 1. pag. 114. note. 21411
4 J : 7 — V her
her the reverence and reſpect due to
her quality: if you do not comply,
we muſt force you.” Notwithſtanding
he was ſo much diſcompoſed and
chagrined, he could not help ſmiling
at them: but he neither ſtirred nor anſwered
a ſyllable.
The women enraged at this contempt,
fell all upon him at once, ſtriving
to force and drag him up before
their miſtreſs, not without great tumult
and diſturbance. Tieb- chung ·
however provoked at the ridiculous ſituation
in which he ſaw. himſelf, reflect.
edt hiat wtou ld be very indecent, and
unmanly for him to contend, and fight
with women: he therefore muſtered
up his patience, and comforted him-
#6 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
ſelf with the old proverb, „Who regards
the little demonsof the wood ?” *
Then drawing. a chair to him, he ſat
down: and while the women were
ſtruggling and talking round. him, he
remained calm and unmoved ; repeating
to himſelt the following verſes:
- Hard ſubſtances became ſoft »
80 fee turn t0 parte
- The Chineſe 1 ſuppoſe every ont af the
univerſe to be under the influence of good or bad
ſpirits, who have their reſpective diſtricts, This
premiſed, the application of the Proverb is obvious.
Nothing can place the feeble efforts of
theſe women in a more contemptiblel ight, than
to compare them to "thoſe little diminutive
fiends, who only preſiding over untrequented
ſolitudes, have very little Power or opportunity
of doing miſchief, notwithſtanding: their natural
malignity.
| The Porrugueſe words are Quem faga caſo dot
diabolbings do mate© 1 ſuppole iittr be Diaae
Hard .
. Hard and ſoft at times are ſtrong
Mater is ſoft ; who can reſiſt its force“?
In the midſt of this diſturbance came
in the Eunuch Chou himſelf, having
entered through another door; who
booking round him, cried out to the
women, © What is the meaning of
this? Retire, How dare ye preſume
to offer this rudeneſs in the preſence
of people of quality? Then addreſſing
himſelf to Tieh- chung u on the ſubject
of the marriage, he ſaid, ** Well, Sir,
it is in vain to reſiſt; you had better
cop and put an end to all this
EP. The Partogneh words are,
Couſa dura chegou de eftar mole,
Couſa mole wem ſe fazer dura,
Dura e mole eſtas forte,
A agoa mole quem pode reſaſtir faa forga ?
diſturbance.“ He anſwered, „] don't
_ refuſe my compliance: but we mult
pay obediencteo the laws.” © Why
not ?” ſaid the other. Your Lordſhip,
replied he, forgets there is a
book of the laws, which contains an
injunction for the Mandarines within
the palace to have no dealings or
contracts with the Mandarines without
*. Now as there is this doubt
about the lawfulneſs of our engagement,
what matters it, if we defer its
ee for the preſent ?** That in-
Junction,
„This is a renulntion which the Chineſ Emrerors
have frequently found it neceſſary to re.
vive, in order to curb the exorbitant power of
the Eunuchs, and to break through their connections
with the other great officers. See P.
Da Halde, vol. 1. p. 226 &fc. e 44
N. B. By the Mandarines within he palace is
reculiarly meant the Eunuchs : theſe being by
perly
junction, ſaid the Eunuch, is old and
obſolete: what occaſion to obſerve an
obſolete law? But it is neceſſary to
obey the preſent commands of the
Emperor, and to execute what he injoins.
The other is old and out of
date.“ Tieb- cbung- u replied, If your
Lordſhip would have me execute thoſe
commands, ſhew me your patent; that
I may firſt thank his Majeſty for his
favourable notice of me *. Nay, Sir,
| thew
perly the only domeſtics the Emperor hath : and
theſe are ſo numerous, that P. Semedo tells us,
in his time their number was ſeldom ſo ſmall as
| 12000. In the reign of a weak Emperor, the
Eunuchs generally gain the aſcendant, and grow
to an unſufferable pitch of inſolence. Since the
Tartar race hath been in poſſeſſion of the throne
of China, the number of theſe gentry hath been
leſſened, and their authority diminiſned.
P. Semedo, p. 114. & Auth, ſup. citat.
C Jei s an indiſpenſible duty with the Man-
| darines,
go HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
ſhew me the patent For how canI
| preſume to conclude this marriage,
thus hand over head, before I have
returned the Emperor thanks?”
While this contention laſted between
them, there came two little Eunuchs
in great haſte to the houſe of Chouthay-
kien : he was called out to ſpeak
to them. They told him that H. hiau,
General of the Tartarian frontiers, was
returned from the war, n. with
"8 to pay 7 acknowledgments to the
Emperor, upon every the leaſt notice taken
of them, by: doing him immediate homage:
which is — Ke by proſtrating themſelves
nine times on the ground before him, or in hie
abſence: before his empty throne.
See P. Du Halde, &c. **
The Chingſe title is T I which p.
Du Halde interprets Commandant General di
Melic, Voi Tom. 3. fr. index. 255
him
him a multitude of priſoners: that
there were alſo come with him many ambaſſadors,
loaded with tribute of great
value“: and that the Emperor had ordered
a banquet for them. They added,
As the Mandarine Tieb-chung-u
was the patron and protector of the
General, his Majeſty commands him to
accompany them. The banquet is
prepared: we have already been at this
nobleman's houſe to ſeek him, but
he was not there; we were told be
«T he ideas of Anbaſſader and Tr — are ine
among the enden See vol. 2. p. 92.
288.
make it a geacral rule not to ſend any themſelves
to other courts. |V et they have _ once.
departed from this rule, in ſending a ſplendid
ambaſſage to Ruſia, in the reign of the 1 mpreſs
Anne.
"OiNd . Bay eri, tom. 1. dedicatio. FOE
ö 1
*
V+!
N j
|
} 1
4A!
They look upon reading an ambaſſy, as 4
mark of vaſſalage and ſubmiſſion, and therefore
came
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came home this morning with your
Lordſhip. We are accordingly come
hither to inquire after him: the meſſenger
of ſtate waits for him in the outward
court, and his ſervants are attending
there with his horſe. Pleaſe to inform
him to come away immediately.“
Not ſatisfied with this account, the
Eunuch Chou went himſelf to the gate
accompanied with the Miniſter Kzv0--
ſho-ſu: and finding it to be literally as
they had related, theſe two looked
at each other in great confuſion, not
knowing what to ſay; eſpecial ly when
they ſaw there was allo come the Mandarine
whoſe buſineſs it was to provide
the banquet, and that the ſummons
would admit of no delay. Finding
there was no remedy, the Eunuch
I. TS ordered
A CHINESE. HISTORY. 93
ordered the doors to be opened, and
Tieh-chung-u to be ſuffered to come
forth. The latter was wondering what
could occaſion this unexpected deliverance,
when the Mandarine of the
banquet, and the Emperor's meſſenger
informed him of the invitation, which
required his immediate attendance.
Chou-thay-kien greatly chagrined, ſaid,
* They ſay the Emperor commands
you to attend the banquet: his Majeſty
alſo commanded you to write the
verſes. Lou have finiſhed one picture,
yet another remains to be diſpatched.
To-morrow, when his Majeſty will
demand of me why they were not
done; what ſhall I anſwer ? You cannot
go ttill both are: finiſhed.” This
ke ſaid with a malicious deſign to
embarraſs him, and render him incapable
of complying with the order.
But Tieb-chung-u anſwered, © I have
long been deſiring you to let me have
the other picture that I might diſpatch
it: yet you would not give it me.
This picture is here without, but you
deceived me, and inticed me to go
within : however bring the picture here,
and I will finiſh it.” The Eunuch
Chou brought him the picture; when
in a moment he finiſhed all the verſes,
end taking his leave, went away.
Chou-thay-kien who accompanied him
to the gate, returned to his friend woſhorſu,
and ſaid. What aſtoniſhing
abilities hath this young man ? And
who would have thought he could have
- _ eſcaped
eſcaped the ſnare * ? This unexpected
meſſage from the Emperor hath broke
through all our meaſures.” They. remained
both of them enraged and
vexed at a diſappointment ſo little foreſeen.
After ſome time K#wo-fbo-/ie
broke ſilence, and ſaid, . Let us look
out for ſome other expedient. The
marriage with Shuey-ping:n is not
completed: it is well known that
they do not ſleep in the ſame chamber.
I will yet cauſe them to be ſeparated.
Think not I propoſe an impracticable
attempt. I will revive the ſuſpicions
that have been fo long dormant, with
regard to her carrying him home to
her houſe to attend him in his illneſs.
I will refute this pretended excule, and
Here is g tedious recapitulation in the orig.
- I accuſe
=—C —— 1777
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accuſe them of diſorderly and unlawful
motives. I will relate this to the Cenſor
of the empire, whoi so bliged by his office
to report it to his Majeſty. I will tell
him, that after having had an unlawful
amour, they now would increaſe the
ſcandal by a patche·d u p marriage: and
1 will remonſtrate the contempt and reproach
this will bring on the laws: eſpecially
as they are people of ſuch rank
in the ſtate. Your Lordſhip ſhall lend
your aſſiſtance to forward and ſtrengthen
this accuſation. Then will his Majeeſty
ſummon the Tribunal of Rites
to examine into it: in the mean time, I
will apply to the Che- hien of the city
where the affair happened, and will get
him tot urn over all the papers of his ofkice,
ii n order to procure minutes of the
Y caſe
A cHñNESE | HISTORY. 9
caſe, Where with to ſtu pport the accuſation.
After this, the leaſt that can
happen will be their being divorced
and ſeparated for ever.“ True, ſaid
the Eunuch Chou; and when once they
are ſeparated, it willb ea n eaſy matter
to ſpeak to the Emperor about the
marriage with my niece;? Theſe re- "2
ſolutions. they formboteh dagr,eei ng
thati no rdtoe rernde r them effectual,
the utmoſt nee and cautionW
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'T7 E Ab bang bi ſet at
large by the invitation the Emperor
ſent him to the banquet, took
the firſt opportunity to adviſe with his
501, IV. H father,
- 181
father, concerning his ſituation with
Shugy-ping-fin. The Mandarine Tieh-
Ying aid, Notwithſtanydoui nbogt h
continue in ſeparate chambers, I am
of opinion that your marriage is
valid, and for life. But why don't
you bring your wife home to your
own houſe, that the world mabye th oroughly
ſatisfied of your nuptials, and
thus all occaſionof ſcandal removed?
on account of his niece. Go and con- |
ſult with your bride what courſe to
take in this critical juncture.“” He
accordingly went to the young lady,
and told her what hisf athehra d aid.
« My lord, ſaid ſhe with her accuſtomed
diſeretion, I am your ſervant and handmaid;
and will do whatever you ſhall
preſcribe to me, in order to put an
end to theſe clamours. All this diſ-
5 turbance ſprings from the malice of
Kwo-ſho-ſu and his ſon. Let us then
with the greateſt expedition perform
whatever ceremonies remain unobſerved,
and thereby convince the world
that our marriage is duly” celebrated
according to law,” When 7 ieb-chung-u
found his lovely bride approved of his
father's advice of bringing her home
to his own houſe, it filled his heart
with extreme ſatisfaction: You, ſaid
he, are a lady chat always lend an ear
to reaſon, I will not fail to acquaint
my father and mother of our intentions:
nor will I on thiso ccaſion forget
my friend Hil-biau. 1 will then
| apply to the Tribunal of Mathema-
_ „„ tics
tics “ in order to chuſe a good day
for our nuptials, and will invite all
the Mandarines to the marriage feaſt.
The Kin- tien-xien or Tribunal of Mathematics,
conliſts of a preſident, two aſſeſſors, and
many ſubordinate Mandarines :w ho apply themſelves
to aſtronomy and aſtrology ;. compole the
imperial calendar, and diſtinguiſhthe days, hours,
&c. into fortunate and unlucky. _ |
It is an important branch of their office to
predict all eclipſes: of which they give ſchemes
to the Emperor, who lays them before the Tribunal
of Rites, and they diſperſe copies of
the ſame through all the provinces, to the end
that the ceremonies uſual on that occaſion may
be every where obſerved. Theſe conſiſt in
beating kettle-drums, &c during the eclipſe;
the' Mandarives: kneeling and making proſtrations
all the while; the common people at the
ſame time ſhouting, in order to fright away a
ſuppoſed dragon, whe they believe 1is about to
devour the fun or moon.
This tribunal alſo deputes five aſtronomers
every night to take their ſtand on the imperial
obſervatory, who every morning report whatever
Phenomena have occurred to them. |
P. Magal. p. 23 1. Mod. Un. Hiſt. viii, 186;
P. Du Halde. P. Le Compte, &c.
The
A CHINESE | HISTORY: 101
The truth is we have not complied
with the cuſtom which requires us to
preſent wine to each other +.”
| Kwo:ſho-ſu' hearing that the young
couple were preparing to celebrate their
marriage afreſh, was very much- difturbed
at it. He applied therefore to
one of the Mandarines, whoſe . buſjneſs
it is to accuſe all that are guilty of
_ enormities, and with many intreaties
prevailed on him to accuſe Tieb-chung-u
and the young lady before the Emperor,
*
I The cuſtom is upon the wedding night,
while the young couple are ſurrounded by all
their friends, for the bride to offer a cup of wine
to the bridegroom, which he drinks off; and then
offers ſuch another cup to her. 3
Tranſ.
The accuſation was drawn ho in
the following terms.
« I Yang-yo, Cenſor * of the em-
6“ pure, with great reſpect and reve-
& rence preſent to your Majeſty this
paper of accuſation concerninga
& ſcandalous marriage, which violates
ec the law: anI ddo it in order that
« your Majeſty may examine into the
cc ſame, and find out the truth. Of
& the five ge: that _ to hu-
The title & this leer * a below in
the Portugueſe verſion is FU-SU [or XU] acuzador
e avixor do imperio: i. e. The Ju-sv, the
accuſer, and the leo of the empire.” But
as this title is mentioned in no other writer, and
as the office ſeems to be the ſame with that of
CENSOR deſcribed before, [See pag. 10.
nore] the Editor hath not ſcrupled to give that
« man
« man nature +, the firſt is marriage :
« it: ought therefore to be obſerved
% with-due care and attention, and with
“all theſe ceremonies,; which the Em-
66 perors have enacted from the remoteſt
antiquity. Now it is a thing
„ unheard» of that a young woman
« without father or mother ſhould re-
By theſe ve things are probably meant
thoſe ſeveral Relations of ſocial life, that gave
birth to the relative duties; which the CHineſẽ
diſtribute into five heads, and to which they reduce
all their morality. Theſe five duties are,
thoſeo f parents and children: prince and ſubjects:
huſband and wife: elder and younger brethren:
and friends with regard one to another,
See P. Du Hale, vol. 2. pag. 37. GMC.
Now although the Clint commonly look
upon the relation between, parents and, children,
as firſt in point of importance: yet in ſome reſpects
the precedence , may be alſo: given to
that of marriage, as it comes fi in order of
time, and as moſt of the other relations ſpring
from it. :
et main under the ſame roof with a
“% young man equally removed from
cc his own parents, and that without
the interpoſal of any mediator. or
„ brideſman, or without the know-
* ledge and privityo f any. [All this
* hath happened, and] the parents of
& the offenders are the Mandarines
& Shuey-keu-ye and Tieb ing, both great
* officers of your Majeſty's council.
« Who at length, after the fact is
become notorious to all the world,
< are preparing to patch up a mar-
<< riage between the guilty pair; which
e they have the confidence to. celee
brate with great feaſting and pa-
* rade: mean while, as the nuptial
te proceſſion marches along the ſtreets,
$9 all the people are murmuring and
et “laughing
“laughing at a thing ſo unheard: of
{© among perſons of quality. All theſe
facts coming to the ears of me your
© Majeſty's ſubject, I durſt not but
inform you of them, that the offenders
might be chaſtized for an examte
ple to others.? T
The Mandarine Vang- yo having preſented
this paper, it was referred to
the council named Ko-chung + : which
confulted upon it, and made this report,
What affects the fame of a
None of the writers that the Editor hath
been able to conſult, give any account of this
tribunal, which is elſewhere in the Portugueſe
MS. called Ko- chin. After all; the Portugue/e,
which is very much corrupted in this place, will
bear to be rendered, A councellor named Ko-
** chung who deliberated upon it, &c.“
* virgin
virgin ought to be very clear. Here
c ig no teſtimony, only hearſay in |
the ſtreet; It ought diligently: to
< be inquired what evidence chere int o
5 3 this . tin!
EEO 8 irt E19
The mh Choi was every day
importunate with them to purſue the
inquiry with more rigour. Nevertheleſs
it was not till after a conſiderable
time that the accuſation was ſent
to the Tribunal of Rites, for their farther
inquiry. The Eunuch Chou vexed
at this delay, applied to the Grand
Eunuch, who is Preſident of all the
Eunuchs of the palace *: and imme-
»The Eunnchs of the palace are under cognizance
of various tribunals of their own; where
all regulations relating to them are enacted, and
to which alone they are accountable.
P. Semedo, pag. 114. | =
Tk diately
diately a petition was iſſued out for the
Emperor's' own inſpection: who upon
peruſal of it ſaid, * As''Tieb-chung-it
eig a young man, the pretence of
« his going to be cured and nurſed
« in his illneſs in the houſe of a
« young woman, is n to be
6 ſuſpected. = TY
While the Tribunal of Rites was
deliberating what anſiver to return to
his Majeſty, the news arrived to the
Mandarine 'Tieh-ying, who gteatly alarmed
related to the young couple
what he had heard. The Mandarine
Vang-yo, ſaid he, out of enmity which
he bears you, hath delivered in a petition
againſt you to the Emperor;
it behoves you therefore to conſider
e 1
well, what defence you are to make;
and to draw up'a petition in your own
behalf.“ The young couple replied,
„We have long been apprized that
this would happen, and are accordingly
prepared: let us ſee what anſwer
his Majeſty hath diſpatched, and we
ſhall draw up a ſuitable memorial.”
The Emperor referred the petition
abovementioned to the Tribunal of
Rites. That tribunal diſpatched it
away to the province of . for
the Viceroy to make inquiry. The
Miniſter Kwo-ſbo-ſit upon the firſt notice
of this, immediateſleyn t inſtructions
to his ſon to gain the Che- hien of
the city over to their intereſt; with
n view he ee him to ſpare no
expence,
expence, and furniſhed him with a letter
written to that Magiſtrate with his
own hand. Kwo-kbi-tzu greatly delighted
with the proſpect that ſeemed
to open before him, immediately got
ready a hundred pieces of gold “, in
order to accompany his father's letter
to the Che-hien. The name of the
The Portugue/e expreſſion is, Pass de ouro, i. e.
„Loaves of gold;“ and this is the name which,
moſt nations have agreed to give to the uncoined
pieces of gold which the CHineſe uſe in traffic.
Theſe pieces are of two ſizes, the greater are commonly
worth more than 1ool. ſterling, and the
ſmaller about half as much, or according to their
weight: for neither gold nor ſilver coin is current
in China, all their payments being made by
weight. For this reaſon every Chineg/e merchant
is always furniſhed with very fine ſteelyards
and a pair of ſhears for the more ready
dividing their metal into the requiſite ſums,
which they will do to any given yalue with the
greateſt exactneſs. I bj.
This may ſeem an aukward method of proceeding,
Mandarine whoa t chis juncture poſſeſſed
that office was Wey pbey; being
the ſame perſon whom Tich-chung-uchad |
formerly befriended in reſcuing and reſtoring
to him his miſtreſs. This gentleman
was but newly promoted to his
3 1 the Sage aar e fac\ h ſabtle* exquiſite
cheats, that were money to paſs among
them by tale, as in other countries, it would give
birth to continual adulterations. For the ſame
reaſon, when the Chineſe tranſport theſe Pas
de ouro into other countries, the mercharits cut
them through the middle, not daring to truſt that
_ crafty people, who have a method of ſtuffing
theſe pieces, inſomuch that withinſide ſhall be
ſometimes found a third part of copper or ſilver.
— But except it be in large ſums,” | ont is
ſeldom uſed as a medium of traffic.
N. B. The only coined money current in China,
conſiſts of ſome very ſmall copper pieces,
who have each a hole in Hy middle for the
convenience of ſtringingm any of them together.
Ten of theſe are not woreh, above a
half. penny.
See Tavernier part 2. pag. 8. f. Du Halde,
office
A CHINESE HISTORT. 1:1:
office when NoE-he· t zu preſented | to
nim the hundred pieces of gold together
with his father's letter. The other
had no ſooner peruſed it, than he was
greatly ſurprized to find not only the
miſchief intended againſt his benefactor,
but that he himſelf was deſired
to be inſtrumental in it. Nevertheleſs
he concealed his ſentiments with
ſeeming approbation; „ Very well,
ſaid he; I accept your preſent; when
th1e I arrives, I will not neglect
_ Kwo-khei-tzu was ſatisfied with
tias e and withdrew. The Governour
Wey-phey called. together all
| the clerks belonging to the tribunal *,
"re os 110
bos y to every tribunal there are various
Notaries, clerks, &c. who have ſmall
| _ houſes
and ordered them to examine into the
affair of Tit eh-chung-u, and to inform
him upon what pretence that youth was
received into the houſe of Shuey-pingin.
They all agreed that the young
lady took him in, outof gratitudfeo r
having reſcued her from K-h- tzu,
who was carrying her off by force:
and that this was notorious to all the |
world. The Mandarine Hey-phey in-
9 uited howfa r their behaviour together
afterwards was decent and- blameleſs.
* houſesi n the adjoining courts; Thaere ymai ntained
at the public expence, and enjoy their
places for life: ſo that buſineſs goes on without
interruption, notwithſtanding that the Mandarines
their maſters are often changed;
N. B. In each of the tribunals there are public
regiſters, where every thing tranſacted before it
is entered and recorded. .
P. Da Halde, vol. 1. pag. 284. Lettres edif.
They
They replied, We know not: but the
Pao Cbe- hien your predeceſſor, having
the ſame doubt of their virtue, employed
a ſpy to pry into their conduct;
who was accordingly concealed
for ſome time“ within the houſe:
and this man gave ſuch an account of
their behaviour, that the Pao Cbe- bien
= conceived a great regard for the young
ſtranger, and reverehdim as af aint.”
The governor Mey. pbey ordered before
him the ſpy abovementioned,
as alſo the ſuperior of the Pagoda,
where Tieh-chung-u had lodged. He
examined them both ; and both. agreed
The MS. _ Three lies Ades 2
but this is neither credible in itſelf, nor ſupported
by the — part oft he ory. dee Wal.2 .
chap. 4. By | A
Vor. IV. 5 in
in eſtabliſhing the purity of that gen
| tleman's, conduct. Highly fatisfied
and rejoiced with this reſult of his
inquiries, Wey-pbey only waited for the 1
arrival of, the diſpatches from the
Tribunal of Rites, and from the Viceroy,
in order to make his report. After
five days the diſpatches arrived.
He immediately. returned back to the
Viceroy. a- ſatisfaQtory anſwer. That
Mandarine acknowledged the affair
bore ave ry reputable aſpect, and immediately
tranſmitted the account to
the court. The Tribunalo f Rites
expreſſed great ſatisfaction at the clear
and unblemiſhed conduct of Jiebchung-
u, whom they looked upon as
a ſaint, and percetihev mealdic e of
Kwo-ſpo-ſu ; nevertheleſs being obliged
2 to
to obſerve all the due forms of law,
they informed that Mandarine of the
ſatisfactory account they had received
of Tieb-chung-u's conduct, and invited
him to come and peruſe. it himſelf.
| Kwo-ſpo-fu was greatly inraged at the
peruſal, and threw out many reproaches
on the governor Wey-phey, © He is
but newly made a doctor, ſaid he,
and juſt .come to his office, how can
he know the truth of this affair? He
is very hardy and raſhi to pretend
to acquit this criminal upon ſuch flight
pretences: I cannot ſuffer this boldneſs
to paſs unnoti 2 He therefore
applied to the fupe rior Mandarine
·st oc all Wey-phey. to account for his
preſumption. With this view Yang-
3 preſented another petition. to the
| 1 "os I Em116
HAU KkIOU CHOAAN.
Emperor: who accepted it, and gave
orders for Wey-pbey to be fummoned
to court, in order to juſtify his conduct.
Wey-phey received this ſummons
from the Viceroy: together with
private notice to makthee be ſt preparations
he could for his defence,
for that he had powerful enemies to
contend with. M.p beyw aited on the
Viceroy to return him thanks for his
advice, and withal aſſured him that
he had nothing of which he could
accuſe himſelf, and therefore was under
no apprehenſion of the event.
Then taking with him the ſpy, who
had been employed by his predeceſſor,
as wage nea s ara of the! Bonzees,
Ce erg ah aaa. together
25 .» The:" Ching authorb een,i n the following
| pars
together with the letter of Ko. ſboſu,
and his preſent of the hundred
pieces of gold,he ſet out for the
court. As ſoon as he arrived there,
he durſt not preſume to preſent himſelf
before the Emperor, but went and
demanded audience of the Hing: pu, or
Tribunal of Crimes +. It was inquired
of him at that tribunal; how it
happened, that he who was but newly
promoted to his office, could pretend
to decide ſo poſitively upon the
conduct of Tieb- chung-u, and the young
. And * 85 ROY
nt of the ſtory to have FOR this circumſtance:
for this witneſs is never produced af-|
terwards. It is alſo ſome imputation on the
Author's juſtice, that this Bonzee1 1 8 * puniſh
2 along with the other criminals, * 8
1 vol. z.p . 127. note.
1 "42 bribed
Go ad 3
bribed to acquit them? Ng. pbey anſwered,
As I was promoted by his
Majeſty to the honourable Tribunal
of Cbe· bien, it behoved me to examine
clearly into all matters that came
before it. It is true, my own perſonal
knowledge of this affair cannot
inable me to decide upon it: but [
not only inquired of my clerks and
officers all they knew about it themſelves,
but alſo what teſtimony they
had to ſupport their account: the)
referred me to a perſon, who was employed
by the Pao Che-bien my predeceſſor
expreſsly as a ſpy to obſerve the
conduct of the young people, and from
him I learnt a clear ſtate of the caſe.
Your Lordſhips have aſked if I re-
5 no bribe Tom. Tieb- chung u.
L have
1 have received nothing from that
Mandarine. But from No. ſbo-ſu T
have received not only a letter written
vith his own hands, but alſo a hundred
pieces of gold from thoſe of his
ſon. Here is the ſpy, who is witneſs
to the truth of the account, and here
is alfo the letter and the geld.“ The
Mandarines at the fight of this, were
aſtoniſhed and confounded ; and finding
no cauſe to blame Yey-phey, difmiffed
him with orders to await the
Emperor's farther pleaſure, and to attend
them again upon the firſt ſummons.
Then Mey. pbey performed the
accuſtomed reverence, and withdrew.
e 06 MB.
| 120 HAU KIQU CHOAAN,
7-10.40. Gra Bug VIII.
HE Mandarines that compoſed
the Tribunal of Crimes ſeeing
there was no remedy, and that they
could not favour the cauſe of Kwo- |
Hocſ u without danger to themſelves,
applied to the Tribunal of Rites to
preſent a memorial to his Majeſly,
to acquaint him. with what they had
done. The Emperor peruſed it himſelf,
and ſaid, This is a rare incident.
If this report be true, we
have in our realm a moſt excellent
perſon. The Eunuch Chou, who ſtood
in his Majeſty's preſence, faid, „ This
report comes from a new governor,
who could not know the affair of his
own
own perſonal knowledge; if I might
therefore preſume ſo far, I would
queſtion the truth of this report: for
if there was nothing wrong, why did
not his father come to acquaint: and
- conſult your Majeſty upon the caſe.
The young people in the firſt place
come together, and afterwards marry.
The Emperor conſidered a little
with himſelf, and then replied; Tou
are right. Order each of the parties
concerned to draw up a petition for
my peruſal, I will afterwards examine
into the affair myſelf.” When this
order came to the two young perſons
and theirp arentsth,e y remained very
Joyful and well pleaſed: the Miniſter
Kwo: ſbo-ſu was no leſs affected with
cogcerp and dread: he thought toh ave
wrought
wrought the downfall of others, and
ſaw the evil [ready to] fall upon him-
' elf. In the difficulty in which he
found himſelf plunged, it occurred
to him to repreſent in his petition |
e overtyres/ of martizge that bad
been made by his ſon, and to aſſign
favour his cauſe : he therefore gave in
ee to the 5 effec.
* 1 your Majeſty's vaſſal En
« this petition concerning the affair
2 ſchat hath fo lately happened. The
r truth is, I wasat firſt diſpoſed to
. marmry yſo n-to the daughter of
« Shaey- ken-, and for that reaſon
* applied to her father in his behalf:
* * but afterwards hearing many things
a pre%
How then could my ſon be ſup-
« poſed likely. to make an attempt
upon her by force * ? I ſubmit this
“to Jour M ajeſty 8 conſideration,”
4 8 ſaw ba ide 1 his
monks and inſtantly preſented another
to the Emperor in anſwer to it,
&« ] Tieb- chung · u in obedience to your
Majeſty's orders, make this my pe-
+ tition, ſpeaking truth without guile.
I did not preſume. to trouble your
$ Mans n. on this * as
* * The trapftion 3 3 2 harſh and |
abrupt: it ought however to be obſerved, that
the Emperor had been made acquainted with this
circumſtance fam the 15 I relating to
Ne Nel
„the
a ——A
—K A ——— — A CHINESE HISTORY. 123
66 prejudicial to the fame of | the young
« lady, I laid aſidmey intention.
F- T4 S
—mm———ęt e—m n—r. - ——— —
ayEDE. I
|
!
!
i 6
|.
tal
[8 ne
1| 30
t :
: ',R
ö M
Fi)
ö n
«the affair was trifling, and related
« only to a ptivate family. I was tra-
« yelling through the provinces, by
« permiſſion of my father, when lo!
s in the city of T/&-nan I was in-
« terrupted by a great tumult and
« diſturbance in the ſtreets: I inqui-
«red the cauſe; and learnt that the
ct ſon of Kwo-ſbo-ſu was carrying away
* the daughter of Shuey-keu-ys, in or-
<« der to marry her by force. Hearet
ing of this outrage, though I was then
< but a ſtripling, I was filled with int
dignation, and ſaid, in marriage
te the conſento f both parties, and
4 other ſolemn rites are neceſſary.
«© The Che- bien yielding to my remon-
10- ſtrance, cauſed the lady to be carried
«back to her houſe. All this while
4 1 bad no — Knowledge of
of the
« the parties : nor had any other view
« but to promote peace and con-
« cord, The ſon of Kwo-ſho-ſu finding
« that I had hindered his unlawfut
« deſigns, entertained a violent hatred
e againſt me. I was lodged in a Pagoda
e or convent. + He applied to the Bonrte
of the convent to give me poĩ-
« ſon. It was accordingly adminiſter-
« ed to me in my victuals. I was
« ſeized; with violent illneſs, and at
the point of death. Shuey-ping-/in
« diſcovering that I was dangerouſly
e ill upon her account, was greatly
concerned, and cauſed her people
to convey me to her houſe, I was
© then too much diſordered to know
* any thing of the matter: but ſhe
did it purely out of gratitude to
_ 6 repay
x26 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
K tte te ie
e had done her. While I was in
< her houſe I obſerved the ſtricteſt
v modeſty* , nor gave the leaſt oc-
& caſion for ſcandal. With. regard to
<< the marriage contracted with her
< afterwards, I did it in obedience
<< to myf ather and mother; and this
«© was "Owing to my having been « ſurety f for the” general Eidl ia,
<. who by the victories he obtained,
brought the young lady'sifather out
„ of a long exile, which he had ſuf-
4 fered at the inſtigationo f No-
* ſo-fie, The general obſerving that
] was young and unmarrieidn, or-
Iterally it is, J was very clean.
+ Protector. Port. |
| | "CC der
„der to return the benefits I had
done him, became mediator and
« brideſinan in my behalf, and apc
plied to Shuey-keu-ye to give me his
daughint maerrriag e. All this they
«concerted among themſelves with-
« out my knowledge. But notwith-
«- ſtanding the marriage hath been twice
e folemnized, it is not yet conſum-
* mated: fo careful have we been
ahout our reputation and good fame.
We have even lived together under
« the ſame roof with all the inno-
„ cence of infants, This I here ſet
forth in my petition conformably tt o
* n * 8 N 5 5
7 The your huty in like manner preſented
her en to the Emperor.
«© I Shuey-
1 l
4 -
j 1
4 "*
+, 0
| |
|
I Shuey-ping-/in in conformity to
« your Majeſty's. command, make
«* this. true memorial. I was left an
<* orphan by the death of my mother,
and by my father's baniſhment : I
c remained alone in my houſe, where
J lived in the greateſt reſerve and
“retirement . In this ſolitude how
<* could I make a marriage - contract?
All ¶ the preſent diſturbance] ſprings
« from the Mandarine Kwo-/bo-/u.
His ſon, who is of the ſame city
with myſelf, held me in ſuch
«contempt, as to form deſigns
fy of marrying me by force: he got
e me into bis power by a coun-
& terfeit een from aa .
. The literal eiteni Ws, Y my.g at
ns * ſhut.“ 1904 THE A
| 60 8
4 As he was carrying me away We
«wemret eby Tieb-chung-u: W ho ſse-
« ing this outrage applied to the Che-
« zien in my behalf. That Magiſtrate
« ordered me to be carried back to my
e houſe. Krvboe-- xu , inraged at his
« diſappointment; conceived violentha-
« tred againſt myd etiverer, and ſought
« all means of revenge. The latter be-
« ing lodgeidn àC onvent, the other
„ commanded the Bontzo geivee h im
« poiſon'z which brought himt o the
point of death. Hea ring of his dan-
40 ger, by reſolved to run the riſl of
* my reputation,” rather than let my
« benefactor periſh. I ordered him
5 therefore to be conveyed to my
« houſe, that I might ſuperintend his
* cure. IJ remained under thſe ame roof
{You IV, RC with
änaS9i—„—roe4—EsDooU —IEs — Z- U—Ü —vü——P— —
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=r* EK=Pn :xE —p n ——=eSe t — E— ——
r6—xEeT— —AT. 8—— =- I LX A E T
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——w
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|
|
a $48
« with him, with the greateſt * purity
« and modeſty,yithourgny bad thought.
« He is no leſs innocent. Whateyer
* is repreſented as diſorderly. in qur
«* marriage is falſe. It was undertaken
4 and conducted by my father. The
General Ha. biau was brideſman or
< mediator, and gave himſelf the trou-
< ble of ſettling the contract. But
although we are married, we have
not yet cohabited. This being a
private concern between man and
wife, we thought it unneceſſary to
< liberty I take now is in obedience
to your Majeſty's. command, to
< whoſe wiſdom. I refer the Je
L of my cauſe.” |
9 Lu Non Veryc l and pure.“ The
A. CHINESE HIST ORT. 131
The Mandarine Tieh-ying preſented
likewiſe Aa memorial t to the . 8
Ki 7
. 1 thea Ti or Pa of
«. the Viceroys, Tb vg by name, with
great reſpe&t' and reverence preſent
this memorial to your Majeſty. The
rites of marriage ought to be
«obſerved by the father and mother”
of each party. When a father wants
to marry” his ſon, it behoves him
to ſeek out a woman of honeur
and virtue. My fen, who is eree
ated one of the firſt doctors of the
e empire, cannot but underſtand all
the Ceremonies and cuſtoms: much
** leſs could he dare to violate the laws.
« We being your Te el 8 n and
advanced to the hon
4 2
< of Mandarines, could not preſume
<« to take any ſteps that were not le-
«< gal. The young lady Shuey-ping-/in
ce hath too much virtue and good
c ſenſe: to conſent to any ſtep inju-
« rious to ber reputation. Whatever
therefore is repreſented as dif
cc orderly in their marriage, is contracc
ry to truth. But all theſe troubles
cc are brought upon me through the
c hatred and envy. of certain perſons.
< This memorial I make in obedience
* to your Majeſty, whoſe wiſdom will
clearly diſcern the truth.“
The father of the young lady preſented
* his . " cre
> St 1 the P >reficent Tl the Tribunal
= of, Arms, named Shuey-key-ye,, with
« great reverence, and reſpect preſent
e this memorial to your Majeſty.
e In marriage, there ought to be the
„ intire conſent, of both parties, free
« from, all force and compulſion.
With reſpect to my daughter,
« ſhe would by no means be pre-
2 vailed on to marry Ko- Es- zu; 5
te whoſe father being one of your | Ma-
« jeſty's great councellors, and having
charge of the whole empire, ought
© to. know all the laws and cuſtoms.
* And yet hath he been guilty, of the
e oreateſt outrage, and ſtill perſiſis in
< preſenting memorials to your Ma-
« jeſty full of lies and falſehood, de-
* faming the honour of ladies, prince
cipally that of my daughter; who
i 1
|
= 4
|
bath already preſented cher memo-
&« rial, which I an 8 to refer t to
4 er. e
Ipy T tekf ive libel or memorials were
| preſented: to the Emperor. His Majeſty
received them, and calling together all
the Mandarines 'of his council into his
palace, he required them to take the petitions,
and examine them carefully.
They obeyed his commands, and were
agreed as to the truth of the facts, viz.
That NeoEbe-- t ʒu had carried away the
lady by force: and that Tieb- cbungu
was in her houſe to be nurſed ihni s
Illneſs: but whether their behaviour
together afterwards was as pure and
unblemiſhed a| s was repreſented, they
could not determine. To this end
it was neceſſary to inquire of the Man-
| darine, who filled the poſt of Gbedien
when the affair happened. Immediately
ah order was iſſued out
to cits that Mandarine before them:
who accordingly arrived. The Emperor
himſelf examined him. You
that were then Che- hien of that diſtrict,
are you acquainted with the affair between
Tieb ·c hung ua nd Shuey-ping-/in ?
Take here theſe five memorials, conſider
thoroughly on which fide lies
the truth, and tellm e truly as far as
you know; otherwiſe you ſhall be puniſhed
in the ſame manner as the offenders
themſelves.” The Pao Chebien
peruſed the papers, and aſſured
kis Majeſtthayt a s far he had op-
Nane; of knowing, the defendants
CATH K 4 .
had aſſerted nothing but the truth; that
indweithe redgar d to the regularity
of their marriage afterwards, he was not
able to pronounce about it, as it had
been5 eee a3t 5
The ett Chou told a e
ths with reſpect to every thing that
paſt before, it might poſſibly be true;
but after having been twice married,
it was not credible that they had obſerved
ſo ſtrai chcaſttity , as they would
inſinuate. The Emperor agreed that
his remark was juſt. Then he iſſued
out an order for all the Mandarines
of the court to meet together at the
palace the next morn ning; and for Tiebchung-
ua nd the 23 dt;t o attend
them.
| .C 1 A P.
5110n 1A f.I X. Tet 6 7
HE next morning when all the
Mandarines were aſſembled in
the palace, together with 7 jeb-chung-u
and his bride, the Emperor himſelf
| came amongſt them. [When they had
| performed the profound reverence * due
to his preſence,] his Majeſty ordered
7 ieb-chung-u to ſtand forth before him.
He obeyed; and the Emperor ſeeing
him to be a very graceful. and well
made youth +, was pleaſed with his
This isd one by proſtrating themſelves nine
times before his throne, each time * their
forchead againſt the ground, _ =
See P. Du Halde, ce. .
+ It ſhould ſeem from hence 5 1 not
before perſonally known to the Emperor, notwithſtanding
he was appointed tutor to his ſon-
TI is very credible,
|
|
wee | ap-
2law""IAEEbT1—eitE— 0 IT —SE2—,r W 0 P : 8 E v IE ASTY
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appearance: What, ſaid he, are you
the perſon that broke open the gates
of Tah-quay, and reſcued the old man
named Han-juen, together with his
wife and daughter ?” He anſwered.
in the affirmative. Was ity ou alſo
that was protector of the general Z4-
hiau?” He ſgnified| h isa ſſent. 4 Theſe
two exploit, ſaid his Majeſty, indieate
a diſpoſition highly to be applauded;
you. muſt certainly. have great courage.
When you went to the houſe
of Shuey-ping-fin. in order to, be nurſed
in; your, illneſs, to. remain under the
ſame roof with her five nights and days
pure and undefiled, is ſuch conduct as
was never heard of from the earlieſt
ages untif how + it is very extraor-
dar. Iph isa lotr ue?1 2 7r eb-chung-u
470 ſaid,
A cHINESE HISTORY; 339
ſaid; 4. It is very true. A ſincere
and Jul man, faid. his Majeſty, may
(ſometimes] be met with, but one
like you it is difficult to find. But
you ſay in your petition you were
twice marriedz how happened that2 ,
, -
* * "% ' 6 * 3 "IE 1 75
Jieb. chung u anſwered, When I
was carried to the houſe of the young
lady to be nurſed in my illneſs, there
vent abroad many evil reports concerning
us this occaſioned us to be
married twice. For when our parents
agreed upon the marriage covenant,
if we had come together at firſt, our
integrity would always have remalned
in doubt: for the ſame reaſon we have
hitherto reGded in different apartments.
And» Majeſty hath called our
3 | CON »
—62—
-—* x
conduct in queſtion, we two have been
as the ſun among clouds: now we
are in your Majeſty's preſence, |w e beſeech
you to cauſe the ſun to come
from behind that obſcurity. The
Emperor liſtened to him with great
attention, and ſaid, According to
your accoSub unch-t pi ng fn is yet a
virgin.“ He then ordered that young
lady to ſtand forth before him: and
when / ſhe "appeared he thought her
beautiful as an angel. He aſked if
her name was buch- ping Hin. She anſwered,
Tes.“ The Mandarine,
faid he, that was Che- hien of your city
hath told me, that three times with
great ingenuity you delivered yourſelf
out of the handso fR usAl.tt e u. Was
itſ o orn ot! aer Ir replied,
Cc I am
I am a poor weak girl: Ko- Kb. tau
foundm y father was baniſhed into
Tartary, and therefore endeavoured
to marry me by compulſion. Finding
that I was unablteo reſiſt his
power, I was obligetdo practiſe
ſome artiſice to deliver. myſelf out of
this, laughed and ſaid, Lou that
were afraid of K¼πẽ mL, be- tau, how durſt
you take a young ſtranger into your
houſe to nurſe him? Were not you afraid
that people would raiſe evil reports |
of you?” She replied, When I was
called upon to return benefits ſo. great
as thoſe 1 had received, as longer
regarded fame or report. The Emperor
laughed again, and ſaid, In
3 the, when you hardly knew
Tieh-
T—.—=r P—
*
142 Hau klo cHoRAN.
Tiebo chung -, ka took him in without
regarding the murmurs and reproaches
of che World 3 5 afterwards: when + you
were | comaiinded by your father to
marry him, why did you continue in ſeparate
apartments? She teplied, “ The
murmuring at firſt was but ſmall, and
1 knew would eafily! ceaſe together
with my acquaintance with that gentleman.
But now that a more ſerious
connection Was going to take place
between us by means of a regular marriage,
there was danger of our incurring
a diſgrace and inſamy that would
terminate only with our lives. But
your Majeſty hath ſummoned me into
your preſence; and with great ſhame
and trembling I am come to appear
before you. The Emperor was great- LO. ty
ly- pleaſed with the ingenumis modeſty
and diffidence with which ſhe opened
her cauſe, and faid, * Young lady, if
you have all along kept yourſelf: pure
the preſent hour. You in particular
ought to be celebrated through all
parotfst h ew orld, as af aint, In ow
order four Eunuchs to attend this
young lady to the Emprefs“: and let
her appoint berla diest o examine ibihs
e irg o0r5 1 00 It
5 fig Tr5; BA
7 As REY: 1 allowed iin e nn alsE mperor
hath commoi * a good numberof wives;
tho? but one, to whom 1 gives the titleo fE n-
750% or ſelect conſort;; 6 0 2al5on e is allowed to
it at table with him. W er of the next
: order are reckoned nine of a cond, and —_
Four Eunuchs immediately came
forth, and conductethde young lady
to the Empreſs; who received her,
and ordered two of her attendants
to anſwer the Emperor's inquiry. |
They returnaendd , ſaid, „We have
performed your Majeſty's command,
of a third rank, and all of them ſtyled ae
Next to them are thoſe ſtyled Qucens, but Who
are in reality rather concubines and of theſeh e
takes as great a numberas he pleaſes, and keeps
them in different apartments from the former,
except he ſhould take a particular fancyto any
one of them, and bring her into the inward
cdurt. But in general he ſtews the moſt reſpect
and favour to thoſe who bring him moſt children,
eſpecially to the mother of the firſt fon, tho
they are all inferior to her, whom he hath chofan
ts be the imperial conſort, and are obliged
to wait on her, while ſhe fits at table with him.
Mod. Univ. Hift, ..viti. .164—Sed. vide P.
Magal. pag. 290., 308. Kc. P. Semedo,
pag. 113. &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 293
N. B. The Mandarines take care in the ſeveral
provinces to chuſe out the moſt beautiful C
and pronounce Shuey-ping-/in to be a
ſpotleſs virgin.“ Then the Empreſs
treated her with tea, and ordered their
report to be carried to the Emperor.
His Majeſty with great pleaſure communicated
it to the Mandarines of the
court: and ſaid, Although Shueyping-/
in hath been twice married to
Tieb-chung-u by expreſs order of their
parents; and though he was before,
five days and nights with her in her
houſe; ſhe hath nevertheleſs kept herſelf
pure and chaſte. This hath been
proved beyond all diſpute. I am rich,
proceeded he, in having ſo valuable
a jewel in my empire. This is ar are
incident that hath happened: and affords
a light to my people; an example
to all my ſubjects. ö Yet if I
Vol. IV, L --|:: f
had not examined into the affair myſelf,
ſo much rare merit had been buriedi
n diſgrace: likea precious ſtone
that is irrecoverably loſt *.” He then
aſked the Mandarines, if this were truc
or not. They all anſwered with one
mouth, Your Majeſty hath examined
and judged; and the deciſion is
very certain and compleat.“
The Emperor commanded the Mandarine
Kwo Sho.ſ u to ſtand forth, and
ſaid to him, . You are a Miniſter of
ſtate, and one of the firſt councellors
of the empire, why did not you
* His Majeſty's own words contain a more
indelicate, but at the ſame time a more exact
image. The literal Por/ugue/e verſion is, Cons
hia pedra precioza caida no eftfreo. ** Like a
precious ſtone fallen into dung.”
chaſtiſe |
chaſtiſe your fon? He thrice endeavoured
to force awaa yyoun g lady of
quality, and was guilty of other outrages
: [in which he was not only countenanced
by you: but you endeavoured
yourſelf to defame the innocent.]
Theſe are are crimes that cannot be
pardoned.” Kzwo-ſho-ſu hearing theſe
words, was ſtruck with great terror
and confuſion, and falling on his knees,
proſtrated himſelf on the ground :
« Tieb-chung-u and Sbuey- ping fi1r , ſaid
he, both of them young perſons, had
cohabitedi n the ſame houſe: finding
they had been upon this footing, I
could not help ſuſpecting the worſt.
Your Majeſty therefore I hope will pardon
me.” Then the Emperor commanded
Yang-yo to be called forth, and
L's ; ſaid
ſaid to him: „Tou are the Cenſor
of the empire; why did not you make
a more exact inquiry into this affair,
before you preſumed to repreſent it
to me? It was great injuſtice to give
a falſe repreſentation of a caſe, wherein
the fame and honour of ſo many perſons
were concerned. If I had not
judged and examined it myſelf, but
had reſted ſatisfied with, your report,
the truth had been hid under reproach
and infamy.” That Mandarine hearing
words at once ſo juſt and ſevere,
was ſtruck with confuſion and diſmay,
and falling upon his knees, proſtrated
| himſelf on the ground, crying out,
] deſerve puniſhment, let your Majeſty
do with me what ſeemeth good.”
The Emperor then called forth the
gover 1
governor Mey- pbey, who preſented himſelf
before him. His Majeſty ſaid,
« As you, though lately made a doctor,
and newly promoted to your poſt, had
ſuch regard to juſtice, and could reſiſt
the temptation of ſo large a bribe:
and as you have been the inſtrument
of delivering Shuey-ping-/m from her
difficulties, and of reſtoring her to her
good fame; for ſo much care and pains
you deſerve to be promoted higher.
Then his Majeſty pronounced ſentence
according to the following declaration.
1G 4d
«TI THE EMPEROR diſpatch and
58 publiſh this my order to all my
L officers throughout the empire.
1 3 3
* There hath appeared an inſtance
ce of ſuch rare merit that it deſerves
* to be magnified and applauded
% throughout my dominions; and
„ affords an example of virtue and
<« integrity to all perſonso f both
«© ſexes. Shuey-ping-fin is a young
ce maid of great virtue, and forti-
© tude. By her virtue ſhe thrice
reſiſted the moſt preſſing attacks,
in order to preſerve herſelf chaſte
„ and pure. By her fortitude ſhe
returned the kindneſſes of her be-
* nefactor, though at the hazard
of her reputation: for ſhe carried
<« to her houſe a man, a ſtranger,
to nurſe him in his illneſs, not-
„ withſtanding ſhe was a lonely or-
„ phan. All this | virtue and ex-
＋ s cellence
e cellence lay hid and contemned
„ by the world, till I the Emperor
« diſcovered it: I have found that
it is moſt pure and unblemiſhed,
and deſerves to be extolled
(0 through all parts of my empire.”
cc With regard to Tieh-chung-u, he is
«© a moſt excellent young man, of
great virtue, juſtice, and courage.
«© He was not afraid to enter into
the palace of a man of the firſt
& quality, breaking open his gates
in order to reſcue from oppreſſion
an old mahnis, wif e, and daugh-
„ ter. He was likewiſe protector
af the general Hu biau, anſwering
for his conduct, He alſo
* + delivered Shuey-ping-fin out of the
L 4 | "2 hands
—3— —
e„ „
=
' F
|
|
|
|
wh;
; wp
HAU | KIOU CHOAAN.
hands of violence. He was mar-
© ried to her twice, and yet Preſerved
her purity and chaſtity
together with his own: at tlie
fame time that he ſuſſered reproach
for his conduct. All
this was unknown, but 1 the
Emperor have myſelf examined
into it, and find it true. He is
worthy to be- praiſed throughout
the empire, and ought to be advanced
above all captains. He
deſerves to receive Shuey-png-/:1
for. his wife, and ſhe is worthy
of ſuch a huſband : they are both
of tranſcendant virtue. I the
Emperora m extremely ſatisfied
with them both, and applaud
them highly. I therefore advance
2 ce the
the ſaid Tieh-chung-u to the order
of Ta-hio-tſe , or Magiſtrates of
approved capacity, and moreover
« conſtitute him firſt Co- lau or Mi-
« niſter of State. And as for Shueypingſin,
I make her a Fu-gen or
dutcheſs *. I myſelf will be medi-
« ator or badete between them:
E **
on which account I make them
99 preſent of a hundred pieces of
fine gold , and a hundred e
cc of
7 See vol. I. pag. 74. note.
3 The titles of honour beſtowed on women
in China, are independent of, and bear no affinity
to thoſe of men. See various kinds of female
titles in P. Du Halde, vol. p. 633, 4. 5, 6.
The title given in the text ſeems to be origut
the ſame with that mentioned in vol.
pag. 23. The Editor could find no acal
of it in any other book.
4 In the Pertigugſe, Cem Pas ps ourd. — 4
ſnould
% of gold and filver . I alſo ap-
= point to each of them ten royal
“ veſts out of my own wardrobe,
and to each of them a crown,
Let them be accompanied with
4 my own muſic: let all the pre-
* parations for their marriage be
<« furniſhed out from my own pa-
«lace: and let the bride be carſhould
have been obſerved in the former note,
pag. 109. that what the Portugueſe and ſeveral
other nations call Loa ves of Gold, are by the Engliſh
called Shoes of Gold; and by the Dutch
Goltſchut or Boats of Gold from their oblong curved
form reſembling a Shoe or Boat. A hundred
of theſe are worth more than 10, oool.
ſtirling. They are of the very fineſt and pureſt
gold. Tavernier, part 2.p ag. 8, 5
The Portugue/e verſion of this paſſage is,
E cem peſſarios de ouro de prata e de totas maneiras :
the Editor confeſſes he knows not what to make
of the word peſſarios, which he hath not found
explained in any dictionary. It ſeems derived
from pęſar to weigh. by
e ried
„ ried to the houſe of her ſpouſe
&« with imperial ſplendor, accom-
« panied by all the councellors,
% Mandarines and officers of the
% court. I the Emperor appoint
this for the example and encou-
« ragement of the juſt and good.
« With regard to the Mandarines Shueyc
keu-ye and Tieb-ying, I exalt them
ce three degrees * higher in their
rank, as a reward for the good
| 0 edu-
* Theſe degrees arae ki nd of honorary diltinctions;
and where a Mandarine's conduct deſerves
either ſlight reward or puniſhment, his
ſuperiors are content with raiſing or lowering his
rank three or four degrees : what renders theſe
diſtindions important, is the Mandarine's being
obliged to put at the top of whatever. orders he
iſſues out, the number of degrees he hath been
advanced or degraded. For inſtance, A. B. rai-
Jed
education they gave their ſon and
daughter.“
« As to the governor Wej-phey; I re-
« mand him back to his poſt of
« Che-hien for three years, after.
e wards heſh all be exalted to a highce
er office, for his great juſtice.”
« As to the former governor the Pa-
(be- bien, who gave ſo juſt an ac-
„ count of the affair, he is hereby
„ exalted one degree
| fed three degrees, or turned back * deg:r ees, doth
give notice, Ic. By this means his reward or
puniſhment is known to the common people.
When a perſon hath been raiſed ten degrees,
he may expect to be advanced to a ſuperior
Mandarinate : on the contrary, if he has been
depreſſed ten degrees, he is in danger of loſing
his employment.
P.D u Halde, vol. 1. pag. 258.
« As
« As to the Miniſter wo- ho- ſu, who
in ſo bad a manner bred up his
« ſon, and hath defamed the repu-
<« tation of worthy perſons, he hath
« deſerved death; nevertheleſs as he 8
<« hath ſerved me a long time, let
him be carried to the Tribunal of
Crimes, let him there be diveſted
% of his office, and receive fifty
« ſtrokes or baſtinadoes s.
5 « As
In China the greateſt miniſters are not beyond
the reach of puniſhment ; upon detection
of their guilt the Emperor treats them with as
little ceremony as the meaneſt of his ſubjects.—
Inſtances of this kind often occur in the court
of Pe-king, and ocaſion very little noiſe or
diſturbance.
P. Le Compte tells us, that when he was in China
three Mandarines of the rank of Co- lau or Prime
Miniſter had taken bribes. The Emperor who
Was informed of it, deprived chem upon the {pot
See vol. 1. pag. 78. of this mn,
158 HAU'KIOU cHñOAAN.
« As to the Cenſor Yarg-y0, who gave
in a falſe accuſation, let him be
e degraded of his rank three dee
orees, and amerced three years
s income of his ſalary.”
As to the young man Kwo-kbe-!2y,
Who thrice attempted to carry
c off Sbucy- ping. iin, and gave poiſon
of all their employments. I know not, ſays
„he, what became of the other two; but the
„ third, an ancient magiſtrate, venerable for
his age, and eſteemed for his capacity, was
condemned to guard oneof the gates of the
palace, with a companyof common ſoldiers
among whom he was enrolled,— I ſaw him
*« myſelf one day in this ſtate of humiliation,
he was upon duty as a private centinel; but
in paſſing by him, I ſhewed him the ſame
«© reſpcR that every one elſe did, in bowing the
_ ** knee to him: for all the Chine/e ſtill retained
a reſpect for the ſhadow of that dignity
„ with which he had been ſo lately inveſted.”
Joi fein. 2. peg. _=
cc 1
A. CHINESE HI STORY. 159
to Tieb-chung-u; notwithſtanding
that it did not take effect, hei s
guilty of a heinous offence. Let
him be delivered therefore to the
governor cf his city,i n order to
receive a hundred ſtrokes or baſtinadoes
, and afterwards to be baniſned
twenty leagues from the
place for life.“
the Emperor pronounce this ſentence
upon every one accordingt o
his deſerts. Thoſe that do well
ſhall be rewarded : thoſe that do
evil ſhall be puniſhed. Let this
ſentence be publiſhed throughout
the empire.“
8 fewer blows than theſe are e e duk:
cient to diſpatch a perſon.
See vol. 2.e e note.
1 CHAP.

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[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 28

2026-03-29T09:55:21Z

Admin: OCR cleanup Chapter 28

= Chapter 28 =
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 280px;"
|+ style="background-color: #4a7c59; color: white; padding: 5px;" | '''Chapter Information'''
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8; width: 120px;" | Wiki Chapter
| 28
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Translator's MS
| Chapter XV
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Volume
| IV
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Status
| style="background: #ffe0e0;" | OCR cleaned — footnotes pending
|}

''Part of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

Hau klo CHOAAN.
BOOK IV.
CHAP 1.
FH UE Y-keu-ys when he came home,
ſaw to his great ſatisfaction his
daughter grown up to woman's eſtate,
and highly improved in her beauty
and accompliſhments. He told her
the troubles he had met with had not
been able to render him unhappy, neither
was he at all elevated by his pro-
* Cuar. XV. In the TranſlatorS manuſcript.
Vor. IV. 8 1 motion.
motion. * My greateſt pleaſure, ſaid
he, is to ſee you again, and to find you
in health.” He concluded with telling
her, that at court he had met
with a young gentleman, whom he
had choſen for his ſon-in-law, one who
was in every reſpect anſwerable to his
utmoſt wiſhes, It ſtruck the young
lady that this might poſſibly be Tiebchungu
; ſhe therefore anſwered, Sir,
you are far advanced in years: it is
a great while ſince the death of my
mother: you have no child but me: it
is therefore my duty to ſerve you asl ong
as I live: and however undeſerving I
may be, I will never ceaſe to attend
you.“ The Mandarine her father ſmiled
and ſaid, You muſt not perſiſt
in theſe reſolutions, however commenda22b65l7e5
they may be8. It wouvl1d bek vsery
wrong to let flip' the opportunity of
being happily married upon any fuch
conſiderations. If my adopted ſon-inlaw
were not a perfon of ſuperior merit,
1 ſhould hardly have made choice
| of him: nay if he had the leaſt fault
in the world, I ſhould not have accepted
him without having firft conſulted
you. But he is a youth of fine
underſtanding, and of ſpotleſs integrity :
he is deficient in no one valuable accompliſhment.
I found him in all reſpects
ſo unexceptionable, that I did not
think it neceſſury to apply to you firſt
for your conſent.” The young lady,
who by this deſeription was confirmed
in her opinion, that it muſt be
the ſon of the Mandarine Tieb-ying,
made anſwer, chat indeed nothing
D'S B 2 could
could be objected to ſuch a perſon as
he had deſcribed : But who knows,
added ſhe, whether there may not be
other objections to the marria-gc eon -
tract? whether it may be lawful—?“
Theſe words made the Lord Preſident
recall to mind thoſe of the young gentleman,
inſomuch that he could not
help remarking their reſemblance:
he therefore ſaid, Do you know
the perſon of whom I ſpeak ; it is the
ſon of the Supreme Viceroy.” *© Sir,
ſhe ' replied,” had it been any one elſe,
4; would never have conſented : and
as it is he, he never will agree to any
ſuch marriage.” „Why not?“ ſaid
her father. She anſwered, © Becauſe it
would be to break through all the
gangs due to that [honourable engagement,
A CHINESE HISTORT. 5
gagement, and to violate its moſt
ſolemn rites.] Shuey Leu y was ſur⸗
prized at theſe words: This youth,
ſaid he, is of no ill deſcent; but
pure and untainted as yourſelf : Why
then do you talk of any violation that
would accrue to the rites of marriage?
With that Shuey-ping-/in" related ato
him all that happened during his abſence.
And now, added ſhe, after
all this, how can ſuch an alliance
take place without intailing everlaſting
ſhame and diſgrace on us both?“
When he had heard this relation,
her father was charmed with her delicac
y and nice ſenſe of honours: If
this. be true, ſaid he to himſelf, my.
daughter hath not her equal among
women, any more than Tieh cbung⸗uĩ st o
. Fu a |
* .
6 Hau KIOU CHOAAN.
be matched among men.“ Daughter,
ſaid he aloud, I am glad to ſee you
keep ſo cloſeltyo the paths of virtue:
there is none but you fit to be paired
with fo good and virtuous a youth
as I have choſen. Heaven ſeems to
have created you both for each other:
this marriage was ordained to take
place between you. I have engaged
to ſee it performed: you muſt not
therefore think r. n wrong or
N in it.“
7 8 the reſolutions of the fa -
ther of Shuey-ping-/in, whom we ſhall
leave at preſent, to inquire after wolbs
tau, {her unſucceſsful admirer.]
Mhen Chun: kicr eturned as we have
feen] without ſucceſs, nothing could
equal that youth's diſappointment : yet
his friend exhorted him not to be caſt
down: Tour father, ſaid he, hath
petitioned the Emperor againſt Shueyken
ye, and againſt an officer eſpouſed
by him; who will both be ſentenced to
loſe their heads.” KAzwo-kbe-izuliftened
to this account with pleaſure, and they
continued to indulge themſelves in the
hope of being revenged for the ſlight
put upon them, when at length * the
5 news
* The Chineſe author i puiſey'of great inconſiſtency
in this place: he had told us in the
preceding book (pag. 150.] that it was fix
months from Hu hiau's reprieve, to his victorious
return: here he ſpeaks of them both, as
happening fo near together, that the ſame meſ⸗
ſenger that came to tell of the one, brought
news of the other.— The above 0 in che
FTranſlator's MS. runs thus.
While they were talking, chere came in a
3 . B 4 « ſervant
news arrived that Shuey-keu-yt was recalled
from exile, and promoted to a
higher office; and all by the interpoſal
of Tieb- chung - u; in return for which he
had engaged to give him his daughteri
nm arriage. The reportſo affected
Kwo-kbe-tzu, that he raved and ſtampeſdd
like a madmana,nd at laſt ſwooned
away. By the aſſiſtance of the people,
who came to his relief, he at * re-
« ſervant from 83 they inquired what news
« he had brought from court. He replied, No
“good news for you, Sir. Why fo, ſaid his
„ maſter? Becauſe, anſwered the meſſenger,
* Tieb-chung-u having got a reprieve for Hu-
©* hiau by offering himſelf ſecurity for him,
that general] is returned with ſucceſs, &c :
and both he and Shuey-keu-ye are preferred,
and the latter hath given his daughter in
marriage to Treh-chung-u.”
The Editor hath endeavoured to remove this
inconſiſtency, as much as he could without departing
too much from the original.
covered,
covered, and retiring with Chun-ktt,
ſaid, How indefatigable have I been ?
what ſteps have I taken? what expence
have I been at? and what perplexity
have I ſuffered ? and at length
Tieh-chung-u without any pains at all
| hath carried off the prize. But, if I
die for it, I will preventth e ceremony
from being compleated. Come, faid
het o his friend you mult ſet your wits
at work for me.” „Alas! replied
the other, when the was lone and friendleſs
all our attempts proved ineffectual
: her father is now advanced in
dignity, and will quicklbye at home;
what likelyhood then is there now of
ſucceſs?” „ Well, ſaid the youth, I
can now have no hopes of ſucceeding
myſelf: I ſhall be ſufficiently ſatisfied,
| BO it
ro HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
if I can but prevent and diſappoint the
other,” 5 We know very well, replied
his friend, the nice and ſcrupulous temper
of her father, and his advancement
will render him {till more jealous of the
reputation of his family; let us apply to
| ſome of his acquaintance, and get them
to inform him of the ſecret correſpondence
between Tzeb-chung-u and his
daughter: if he hears of this he will
certainly. break off the marriage. But
if he ſhould diſregard it, we then
will get your father to apply to the
Ko- tau or Public Cenſor *: whoſe com-
9181 plaint
1 The Ko-tau is a great Mandarine. who re-
Jates to the Emperor whatever he hears amiſs
of any of the Mandarines : he alſo tells the Emperor
boldly of any error he is guilty of himelf.
| | Tranſl.
Or rather the officer here intended is the Pre-
| ſident
peror to take away his employment,
and ſet aſide their nuptials.” Nrvokbi-
tzu thought this a we-c lonclert ed
ſcheme: and ſaid, To- morrow I will
endeavour to make this matter as public
as I can among all the Mandarines
of the city.” * By no means, ſaid his
| kdent of a F; 1 of "Yo ok whoſe buſineſs
it is (not unlike that ameng the Romans) ta
watch over the public manners, ſparing neither
Emperor nor Mandarines.—In the diſcharge of
this office, they often ſhew ſurprizing courage
and perſeverance: ſome of them have perſiſted
for two years together in accuſing a Viceroy ſupported
by all the grandees; and without being
diſcouraged by delays or oppoſition, have at
length compelled the court to degrade him, to
avoid incurring the public odium.
The manner of their proceedings is to frame a
memorial and preſent it to the Emperor, of which
they afterwards diſperſe copies through all the
provinces. As ſoon as this memorial is publiſhed,
ther an accuſed is generally obliged to do
| | ue
plaint againſt him will cauſe the Em1
Hau* * KIOU:CHOAAN.”
friefonr thde C,he. f ooa nd Che. bienk now
| the Whole truth of the affair, and can
contradict ſuacf ehpor t: beſides my will
nowbe diſpoſetdo ſolicit the favour of
Shut.e u. jc,w he will be upon the 905|
Let us rather defer” it till there come
two new magiſtrates, for the preſent will
ſoon 800 to court to ſolicit farther pretuo
things: the fr/? is to give in a memorial,
not in his own defence, but containing an humble
acknowledgment of his error: the ſecond is
to retire from his Tribunal, and to ſuſpend all
public execution of his office, till the Emperor
hath anſwered his petition” either - ae
or condemning him.
Any exceſs in private buildings, any irregularity
of manners, any innovation or contempt
of ancient cuſtoms, falls immediately under their
cognizance. And as in China a parent is reſponſible
for his children, it would have been
a capital crime in Shuey-keu-ye to have rewarded
his daughter's incontinence by letting her
marry her gallant.
See P. Semedo, p. 126. P. Du Halde, vol. 1.
pag. 70. P. as. p. 227. Lettres edif.
Xill, p. 367, | e
ferment."
ferment. “ Well, ſaid the other, but
although two new Mandarines ſhould
arrive, they will inquire into the truth
of ſuch a report, and the people of
their audience will be able to ſet them
right.“ If we conſider every objection,
and are diſcouraged by it, replied
Chun ti, we had better deſiſt
and give up the affair. However 1
now recollect a more effectual means WY +
than any we have thought of : when .
I was atc ourt, I obſerved a very great
intimacy between your father, and 7 4b 2
quay, the great Mandarine who was 1 5 >
ſo diſgraced by your adverſary Tiab-
* 2
chung: u. The wife of this noble- man a
was newly dead, and he was looking "i
out for a young and handſome woman 1 i *
to ſucceed her, Diſpatch letter *
1 * =
*2 *& A L *
=_ . | N
x - ws
7 2 5
= Kg \ 3 —
"td
E²P„;˙ AI T Sm o
* J 4
*
1 1 .
I 4
*
*
13 4 Aach as he would, notuithſtanding
xy HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
fote to your father, and deſire him to
recommend Sbuey-ping:ſin to him; for
although Tieb-chung-u hath made propoſals
of marriage, it is not concluded.
Thus your father will at once
-oblige his friend, by helping him to
a young and handſome wife, and you
will be revenged on your adverſary ;
whoſe reputation will alſo ſuffer by
the diſappointment: at the ſame time
the whole affair will be conducted withoi
diſturbance or danger.” There is
one difficulty attends this method, faid
abs youth: Tah-quay's confinement is
7 yet expired, and no body is ia
cel to converſe with him openly: ſo
my father can only viſit him in
av and therefore cannot aſſiſt him
his
his power.” This is very true, ſaid
bun- kec, (and will ſomewhat retard
| the attempt, ] but I have ſtill another
reſource, which is not liable to the
fame objection. Your father hath alſo
contracted a cloſe intimacy with one
of the great Eunuchs of the palace;
one of whom the whole court ſtands in
awe, as being about the Emperor's perſon,
and having his ear. This gentleman,
who is called * Chou-tbay-kien or
the Eunuch of danger, hath a niece who
is very ugly, and not yet married.
Ger your father to recommend Jie
chungu as a fit huſband for her; he will
not dare to reject the offers of ſo power-
:f ula courtiera s her uncle. Now when
8 Chen or C bass beate. danger, and hb fins
a Eunuch. Tranſl,
5 he
ZZ7—
he is once married to the Eunuch's
niece, undoubtedly ſo great a Mandarine
as the Lord Preſident of Arms,
will never give him his only daughter
for a ſecond wife or concubine.“
Kwo-kbe-izu was ſo pleaſed with this
advice, that he reſolved to write to his
father immediately : But this affair,
ſaid he, is of too much moment to be
intruſted to a common ſervant; ſhall
I once more intreat you to embark
| in it?“ His friend readily aſſented:
Il | and being furniſhed with money and
q other neceſſaries once more ſet out for
the court.
4 [While theſe lite were contriving Y
cha lived retired in his coun-
=> Ds houſe: where he purſued his ſtu-
bNay6eCeF2N8N2 ,2A1W2CC8N O2 T ER E n e Nre e
ML2B8ů82rYRr2m>x8.²WY 2(F2W u3*Ya1 \ e u t8 S2ů l « rnnn
A CHINESE HISTORT. 17
dies with ſuch application and ſucceſs,
that at the time of the examination of
ſtudents, he was admitted to the degree
of Kiu-jin, or Licentiate * : this happened
in autumn, when the examination is
made through all the provinces. And
ſoon after when the |ſ econd] examination
was held at court he offered himſelf
again, and appeared to ſuch advantage
that he was created Doctor of
Law, and put foremoſt on the liſt.
He was ſoon after made one of the firſt
doctors of the empire, being choſen
into the royal college or Han-lin +,
and appointed by the Emperor to be
one of the tutors to his ſon. He had
no- attained his twenty ſecond year*I ,
and
2 See note, vol. . pag. 8. Kc.
"+ Sec note, vol. 3. pag. 75: Kc.
This may ſeem inconſiſtent with what hath
Vol. IV. S been
| fon ſhould not ſet aſide. |
and his father and mother only waited.
for Shuey-keu-ye's return to court, in
order to compleat the marriage, which
they reſolved the nice ſcruples of their
CHAP?
been formerly ſaid, of the ſlow progreſs of the
Chine/e in their ſtudies; and of the length of
time required for them to paſs through their
ſeveral degrees. See vol. 2. pag. 86. 98. c.
But it ſhould be obſerved, that there may be exceptions
to this general rule in favour of extraordinary
Genius, or uncommon aſliduity.—P,
Parrenin tells ue, that he has known inſtances
of young men that have been made not only
Doctors, but Hau- lin [or members of the royal
college,] before they were twenty years of age,
— But theſe were extraordinary inſtances: andthe
promotion of theſe young Doctors was owing
not only to the force of genius, and the advantage
of a happy memory, but in part to the great
care and expence their parents had beſtowed on
their education. I knew, ſaith he, the father
of one of theſe young men, who was not only
a Doctor himſelf, but had always at his table
three other Doctors, to whom he allowed handſome
ſalaries for taking care of his ſon. The
one of theſe taught their pupil to compoſe in
proſe and verſe; the other to form curious characters:
* E year was now elapſed which
Shuey-keu:y6 had been allowed to
ſpend in retirement: when the Emperor
iſſued out an order for his return to
court: upon the firſt notice of which
the Mandarine7 j eb-ying wrote a letter,
to intreat him to bring the young lady
along with him. pon: recen of
rafters : the third infruted W in hiſtory and
politics. Ihus by way of converſation they in-
_ billed into his mind and heart the knowledge
of the laws, the principles of morality, the virtues
of the great Emperors, and the examples
of a rare fidelity towards the prince, which hath
rendered certain families illuſtrious: and as the
youngm an had a lively and apt ſpirit, he quickly
ecame as learned as his malters.”
See P. Farrenin & letter, dated Aug, 11. 1730.
1 Leteres edif. æxi.\ 204:
C : 2 © this,
this, he told his daughter, that as ſhe
was now grown up to woman's eſtate,
he intended ſhe ſhould accompany him
ro the court. Shuey-ping-fin teſtified her
compliance: To what purpoſe, faid
ſhe, am I your daughter? I mighta s
well not have been born to you, if I
muſt remain always at a diſtance. It
is very fittingI ſhould attend you but
then 1 muün humbly intreat one fayour.”
He aſked what it was. She
replied, If at court any offers ſhould
be made about the completion of the
marriage with 7 eb. chung -u, that yu
will be pleaſed not to conſent to it.”
The old Mandarine ſmiled at her requeſt,
and aſſured her that he would
do nothing that ſhould be prejudicial
either to her happineſs or fame. He
83 . ae then
* 5
. q
Fare
then aſked her, to whom he ſhould
devolve the care of his houſe and effects.
She propoſed her unclea st he
propereſt perſon to have direction without
doors, but recommended him to
leave the government within to the
care of &. uc geong. He followed her
advice, and having made ſuitable preparations
departed for Pe- ing, where
in little more than a month he arrived.
As ſoon; as he had performed his
firſt duty iin waiting on the Empero 7.
all the great officers came to viſit him,
and among the reſt the Mandarine
Tich-ying : who afterwards ſent his ſon
to pay him the ſame compliment. Al-
| though the young Mandarine Tieh in
Uhr:v iſiting billet which he had dif
C 3 pitched
22 HA KIOU CHOAAN.
patched Before him, called himſelf only
couſin, and not ſon-in law, as he ſhould
have done, Shuey-keu-ys attributed it
to his modeſty, and admitted his viſit.
The old gentleman was mightily pleaſed
to ſee him become a great Mandarine,
and grown a very perſonable
man *, which made him think him
the more ſuitable match for his daughter,
eſteeming them both only born
for each other. Let this young and
nn pair, Gn he to himfelf,)
* That is, dy was 1 fat nad jolly. —
«The Chine/e, ſays P. Le Compte, differ from us in
their idea of beauty and comelineſs. - They require
a man to be large, corpulent and burly: to
have ala rge forehead, little flat eyes, a ſhort noſe,
Lars rather of the largeſt, a little mouth, a long
beard and black hairs. A man according to
them is well made, when he fills his eaſy chair,
and by his grav ity and bulk, e a large an
pompous figure.“
ee tom. 1. Pag 191.
object
object never ſo much to the marriage,
we old folks will over-rule them, and
make them happy in ſpite of themſelves.”
|
After ſome converſation Tieb-chung-u
took his leave and retired. As ſoon
as he was gone, the ſecretary belonging
to Shuey-keu-ye's tribunal came in
and ſaid, Sir, I have a relation,
who is ſervant to the Mandarine Tabquay;
he hath been here to tell me
that, as his maſter is confined, he could
not viſit your Lordſhip, neither could
he ſend a billet of compliments in
due form, but he notwithſtanding preſents
his ſervices and wiſhes of good
health: he told me farther, that abquay
having loſt his wiſe, is very de-
„„ ſirous
firous to marry again; and hearing
that you have brought the young lady
your daughter with you to court, he
intends to get the Mandarine Kzo-/þ5-
ſua to come in his behalf, and conclude
a marri·ac ogntreac t for her. © Well !
ſaid Shuey-keu-ye, and what anſwer did
you make to Tab-quay's ſervant?” 1
told him, ſaid the other, that ſhe had
been long engaged to the Mandarine
Tieh-chung-u. Upon which he inquired
when the marriage was to be concluded;
but I was not able to inform him.
Of this our diſcourſe, I thought it my
duty to inform your Lordſhip.” The
Mandarine ordered him, if any one
e ſhould hereafter queſtion him on that
5 ſubject,t o tell them that the nuptials
would be celebrated within the ſpace |
org
£ *
1 3
| 75
Nen EFMeRset s :
of two days. This Mandarine, ſaid
Shuey-keu ye to himſelf, is a perſon of
very ill character, his propoſals are
only meant to give us diſturbance. But
ſhould he applyt o the Emperor himſelf,
there will be nothing to fear, as
my daughter is already. diſpoſed of :
however it is better to have the marriage
completed to prevent the worſt
that may happen.“ He then went to
his daughter's apartment, and told her
ſhe muſt not think it unreaſcnable,
that he renewed the ſubject of her
union with Tieb- chung -u, for that it was
neceſſary it ſhould take place immedi- |
diately. Then he relatedt o her all
that hisſ ecretary had told him: Now,
ſaid he, if we do not haſten. the com-
Pletion of your marriage, this Tag-
15. N quey
guay may perhaps involve us in a great
deal of trouble.“ It inſtantly occurred
to the young lady, that Kwo-kbzzu
or his father were at the bottom
of this buſineſs. She communicated
her conjectures to her father, And
yet, added ſhe, if ab- quay ſhould
perſiſt in giving us diſturbance, upon
proper application to his Majeſty it
may perhaps involve him in freſh
diſgrace, and be a means of renewing
his former puniſhment.” The
wiſeſt courſe, ſaid Shuey-keu-ye, is not
to oppoſe an enemy, but to avoid
him. If we conclude this marriage
out of hand, his deſign will be defeated.
—Before his daughter could
reply, there came in a ſervant, to tell
him that the Supreme Viceroy had
ſent
PCgeOM6RRSoAetAePRYrnSO PtEeO
ſent his ſervice, and begged he would
ſavour him with his company at his
houſe, for that he had urgent buſineſs
to communicate to him. This is
a good opportunity, ſaid Shuey-keu-ye ;
J had thoughts myſelf of going thither.
I will therefore lay all ceremony
_ aſide. Let my horſe be got ready,”
He accordingly went as faſt as he
could.
As ſoon as he alighted, the Mandarine
Tieh-ying took him by the hand,
and led him into the hall: This
morning, ſaid he, as I was coming
from court, I met the Eunuch Cheuthay-
kien; who making me a very low
bow, ſaid, he begged a favour which
he hoped I would noOt Mr efuſe hioms:
that he had a niece. whomh e ſhould
be gladto have married to my ſon.
I told him it could not be, for he was
already engaged. He replied, © Whar
though he is engaged to Shuey-ping-/in,
it ſignifies little, as the marriage is
not yet completed.” Theſe Eunuchs,
added the Mandarine Jeb, are ſaucy
impertinent raſcals, and preſume upon
the great employ ments they fill: therefore
to be plagued no more on this
ſubject, L have ſent to your Lordſhip
that we may get the wedding concluded
as ſoon as poſſible. What.
ſaid Shuey-keu-ye, have you then met
with this trouble? Such another application
hath been this day made to
myſelf.“ Upon which he related all
that his e had told him. N ow.
ſaid
ſaid he, this> bling the caſe, et us put an
end to the affair. When the marriage |
ceremony is once over, even his Majeſty's
order will not be of force to
ſet it aſide. Nay let it be concluded
this very day: and yet my daughter
will hardly be prevailed with; ſhe arues
againſt breaking the laws of decency
and cuſtom.“ „My ſon, ſaid
the other, talks in the ſame ſtrain.““
After all, ſaid Shucy-keu-ye, I believe
| they ſecretly love each other: we muſt/
not therefore regard their objections,”
but exert our paternal authority.“
“True, ſaid the Mandarine Ticb - and
yet if theſe impertinent applications had
not been made to us, we might have
indulged them with longer time: but
as it is, there is not an hour to be
| loft:
30 Hab KIOU CHOAAN. .
loſt: I believe they would hardly be
brought to give up each other, and
therefore will, now comply with our
deſires. Here they parted.
The Mandarine Treb-ying inſtantly:
ſent for his ſon, and related to him all
that happened both to the Preſident of
Arms and to himſelf. Now, ſaid he,
this being the caſe, if you don't conſent
to marry the young lady, you
will cauſe a great deal of trouble both
to her and yourſelf; which there are
no other means to prevent Or avoid.“
Sir, replied his fon, whatever you
command,ti s my duty to obey you.
I am only concerned at the haſtineſs
of the proceedings. As to: the Eunuch's
application, it is certainly the
contrivance
contrivance of Kwo-ſho-ſu : but what
ſignifies his propoſing ' his niece to
me? he will but loſe his labour.”
« Well, ſaid his father, although you
can ſo eaſily reſiſt this attack yourſelf,
you muſt give the young lady
ſome aſſiſtance in her difficulty.“ Sir,
ſaid the youth, be pleaſed then to
acquaint the Mandarine her father to
give it out that we are married.
This will ſtop the mouths of theſe
people, and reſcue us from their impertinence:
at the ſame time, we may
within doors remain ſingle till a more
favourable juncture, The Mandarine
Tieb approved very well of his
ſon's diſcourſe: and did not inſiſt
upon his further compliance. Pro-
| _ vided,
vided, ſaid he, you can but ſatisfy
the world that you are married, you
may act in private as you pleaſe.“
Then he commiſſioned proper people
to chuſe out a fortunatdeay for the
celebration of their nuptials. |
02 H Ap. In:
A ARLYo n the morrow the Manda-
& 4 rine Shuey-keu-ſyenet a letter to the
Supreme Viceroy, which he opened,
and read to the following effect. Af-
& ter I had talked with your Lordſhip
yeſterday, I went home and propo-
« {ed to my daughter the completion
&« of the marriage; which ſhe could by
no means be brought to conſent to:
% however,
NNgge er
F777
OnN A*
PPT
A CHINESE: HISTORY: 5 3
ce however, after:a great many argu-
“ments, at length ſhe yielded that
6 it ſnould be reported abroad ſhe
racks) married to your ſon; on condition
that at home ſhe ſhould till
«continue in her preſent ſtate. I have
therefore ſent to conſult your Lord-
« ſhip, whether you think this will be
„ {ufficient. 92 105
The Mandarine Tieb-ying was highly
pleaſed with the letter: but could
not help thinking it very extraordinary
that this young couple ſhould
both adopt the fame opinions. Certainly,
ſaid he. Heaven hath deſigned
this pair for each other: there is a
wonderful ſimilitude in their fortunes,
r. IV. D manners
manners and ſentiments. But yeth,e
added, if they do not live under the
ſame roof, it will ſoon be diſcovered
that they are not married: I will therefore
ſend my ſon to reſide in the houſe
of Sbuey-keuy.“ ; and then whether they
are married or not, their true ſituation
will not be known abroad.” He accordingly
ſent to aſk the other's opinion
concerning this propoſal : who
intirely approved of it. They ſoon after
viſited each other, and chuſing a fortunate
day celebrated the marriage;
at which a great numbero f Mandarines
aſſiſted with the higheſt ſplendour
and magnificence. Tieb- chung -u
went in ſtate to the houſe of the bride,
c⁵„AAne²EwtriCgi g"Lsd ,eC s.A
Mandarines. When he: arrived-atth e
door, the Lord Preſident came out in
perſon to receive him: and after the
uſual ceremonies were over, there was
a great entertainment prepared for the
gueſts, The bridegroom however left
them, and was led into rhe i1n ne*r
| | As it was now evening, the rooms
were lighted up with greateſt ſplendor:
and as ſoon as he was come into the ſecond
hall, SHuey ping: iu entered alſo,
followed by a long train of female
attendants. She received him with
the fame eaſy chearfulneſs, as ſhe
would have received a friend: ſhe
bewaged no particular emotion or
G ˖· uĩ =»
geſturebu,t accoſted him witah d ecent
and becoming freedom. Sir,
ſaid ſne, I am ever ſenſible of the former
benefits I received at your hands:
and wamsy li fe to be laid down in
your behalf,i t would not diſcharge
the debt I owe. you. By my father's
order I have the good fortune to meet
with you here this day; which af⸗
fords me an opportunity of b returning
you thanks for the ſerviceyso u have done
me.“ Then making a deep court'ſy
ſne preſented him with a ſeat. Tiebbung-
u ſeeing the graceful eaſe with
which ſhe accoſted him, and the beauty
of her perſon ſet off with the richneſs
and exactneſs of her dreſs, thought her
handſomer than ſhe had even appeared
n i ;
A CHINESE / HISTORY. 3
to him at their firſt encounter: he was
ſo raviſhed with the ſight of her, that
he thought ſhe could be nothing leſs
than an angel from heaven. When
he had recovered his ſurprize, hay replied,
Madam, the benefit I have
received at your hands is ſo great
that I want wordsto expreſs it: A
deep ſenſe of it is however engraved
in my heart, and is the ſubject of my
daily thoughts and nightly dreams, By
your father's permiſſion, I have the good fortune to meet with you here
this day, to pay you my acknowledg
ments.” This ſaid, he ſaluhtere wdit h
great reſpect. Then a carpet wasſ pread,
and they both together performed the
_ uſual ceremony of bowing their heads
D ge they
down to the ground. After which
retiring to two different tables they
3 threee of wine to each other.
e Er iehi # thus addreſſed
the young lady, Madam, I
am ſo much obliged to you for all
your favours, eſpecially for the good
inſtructions you gave me, that I ſhall | ever retain them in my memory. It
is owingt o you that I am arrived to
the great honours conferred upon me,
If I had not had the happineſs ' of
meeting with you, I ſhould very likely
have been ftilla w anderer.” * Your
preſent advancement, ſaid the young
lady, was not owing to any thing
1 could fay ; which was but trifling.
A mere child might by chance point
3 . Out
d7La2koo, ren7 a
by-$;R*. * 5N* p n : q
oEF7BE5Wp3\*7 | S5a 14 Y O e nC C
4*E*e84TT8-"D 23— 8—* B1 Y RY-, R i O 3 P E R 3E FT
yPFebLiWetRe )LAne L d LsUA RSES
pb0R1 Sy43 .38Wr 8F—:2 1 5d N 55
A CHINESE HISTORT. 39
out the way to thoſe that had loſt it.
| The ſourcoef your reputation was your
redreſſing the injury of the young lady,
who had been forced away; and your
appearing in behalf of the General, Huhiau
: theſe were actions ſo brave, that
none beſide yourſelf were equal to
them. You alſo got my father reſtored
to the Emperor's favour: a benefit
that can be never repaid. .H ow happy
am I then, that I can now offer you
my ſervice ! But, Sir, permit me to propoſe
one wordo rt wo. When I invited
you to my houſe in orderto attend
you in your illneſs, Heaven knows we
were void of all bad intentions; but
the malignity of the world led them
to ſpeak. very ili of us abroad: and
ſhall we now for the ſake of a few days
D 4 .
of mirth and pleaſure, obſcure the remaining
part of our lives? In my
opinioni tw ould be much bettert o
ſtay, and ſee this cloud paſs over
beſore we conclude the marriage farther.
Theſe are | my ſentiments, and
I ſhould be very glad if yours were
the ſame.” Tich-chung-u hearing this,
made her a very low bow, and told
her, he highly approved of her opinion;
which he hada s much wiſhed
her to adopt, as a ſhower of rain
is deſired in a timeo f drought. It
is true, ſaid he, the commands of our
parents would be ſufficient to warrant
our completing the marriage: but as
it would cauſe a deal of reflection,
I am intirely of your opinion that
|: 1 it will be better to wait a little while
1 1 longer,”
A CHINESE /HISTORY. 4k
| longer.“ < Our parents“ impatience,
ſaid the young lady, proceeds from the
impertinence of Tab- quay and the Eunuch:
[but your regard for decency
and good order merits my regard, and
greatly heightens my opinion of you.“
The people you mention, anſwered
he, know nothing about us; and are
unacquainted with our affairs: they are
incited to trouble us by Kwo-ſho Ju;
but when they ſee the ſtep we have
taken, their mouths. will be ſtopped,
and they can proceed no farther.”
And yet, ſaid Shuey-ping-2 they may
ſill ſhew their ſpiteb y raiſing ill and
calumnious reports of us. Upon all
theſe accounts it is beſt to forbear a
while.” „ For my part, ſaid Tiebchung-
u, when] came ill into your houſe,
I thought
1 thought none knew of it but four,
namely, Heaven and Earth, you and
myſelf”
It is uſual with the Chine/e to\ freako f The
Heaven and The Earth, as intelligent beings,
or divinities. Thus in their books it is ſaid,
Heaven hears and ſees every thing. [P. Du
Halde, v. T. p. 407. u.] And in their imperial
edicts, The protection of [ Tien-ti] the Heaven
and the Earth, which comes from on high.“
[ibid. p. 528. But the Jaeſuites alledge that a
theſe are only phraſes to ſignify the Deity, the
Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth.
It is very remarkable that the CY have
no particular term in all their language that ex-
Preſsly denotes the Supreme Being, or anſwers
to our word GOD. Hence they have been
branded with the character of profeſſed atheiſts,
But whatever their Zzterati may be at preſent,
it is certain that the CHingſe have had from the
earlieſt antiquity various forms of expreſlion,
and a multitude of religious rites, which prove
their belief of a Divine Providence. |S ee note,
Among the other buildings conſecrated to
religious worſhip, there are at Pe-king two very
ſuperb ones. Ihe one is called Tien-Tang, or
The Temple of Heaven; the other 7 :i-tang, or
The TRI of the Earth, To theſe the Em-
Peror
3 A
*
% >
+ 98
KF.
II. »
rs.
*
4% :
+
4 7
= |
*
>= o
855 ?
myſelf.” «Well, fad me, if Heaven
hath ee = thing, it will —
— "os every year in great tate, and with
his.own hands offers ſacnfrce to The Heaven,
and to The Earth, at which times he lays aſide
his robes, and appears in a plain veſtment of
black, or ſky-c toured damaſk, This is an office
ſo eſſential to his dignity, that for any one elſe to
perform it, would be at once to aſpire to the
throne,
The Emperor's ſacrifice to the Earth is attended
with a ceremony, which deſerves particular
notice. On a certain dayi n the ſpring he appears
in the character of a huſbandman, and with two
oxen who have their horns gilt, and with a plough
finely varniſhed, &c. he ploughs up ſeveral furrows,
and afterwatds ſows them with his own
hand: his principal Lords afterwards do the
like, 'till they have — the whole ſpot ſet
apart for that purpoſ:e P . Magalhazns tells us,
that at the ſame time the Empreſs with her ladies
dreſſes him a homely dinner, which they after-
-wards eat together, &c.
This ceremony hath been obſerved from time
immemorial in order to encourage agriculture,
the profeſſion of which is deemed very honourable
in China, and there are annual rewards
propoſed to ſuch as excell in it.
See P. Du Halde, vol. 1, pag. 275. 660.
F. Magal. ch. 2 1. Martin. Hiſt. p. 11. &c.
Our
Our parents commands would juſtify
our union in the eye of the world: but
as there is this ſecret reaſon for our
ſorbearance, we muſt only feign to be
huſband and wife: this may paſs with
the public, till the difficulty is removed
that prevents us from being
ſuch in reality. The young Mandarine
was charmed with her diſcretion,
and ſaid, Your ingenious reaſoning
informs my mind, at the ſame time
that itA irengrhens |[ my reſolutions, in
virtue *, n | 2
Thus they held converſation on their
Patent circumſtances, and on the great
regard that ought to be paid to honour
In the Tranſlator's M. S. it is, * Strengthens
my regard to the great law of nature.“
and
and virtue: they alſo related the various
paſſages that had happened, as well
through the perſecution of Kwo-kbe-
224, as through the plots of him and
his father. They were very pleaſant
and chearful: and having drunk
juſt enough to put them in mind
to have the tables removed, they roſe
up, and retired into two ſeparate chambers.
So that their marriage was no
otherwiſe completed than as to the
outward appearance, and belief of it.
| What happened in conſequence of
_ theſe meaſures will be found in the following
chapter, [1517 9Vp51
| y = I * *
9O>i C
|
CHAP.
IE 8 ad is hear
completedhi s marriage with Shuyping-
fin, was notwithſtanding greatly
in love with her: and thata s well for
her wit and good ſenſe, as for the
beauty and gracefulneſs of her perſon.
He was ſo charmed with her converſation
thath e could not endure tſot ir
abroad : which being related to their
reſpective parents, they were extreme-
Iy well pleaſed. e
Let us leave them thus enamoured
of each other, and return to Tah-quay
and the Eunuch Chou.

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 27

2026-03-29T09:55:20Z

Admin: OCR cleanup Chapter 27

= Chapter 27 =
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 280px;"
|+ style="background-color: #4a7c59; color: white; padding: 5px;" | '''Chapter Information'''
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8; width: 120px;" | Wiki Chapter
| 27
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Translator's MS
| Chapter XIV
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Volume
| III
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Status
| style="background: #ffe0e0;" | OCR cleaned — footnotes pending
|}

''Part of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

0 Crap. XIV. In theT ranflator's manuſcript
Vor. III. | K in130
inquired for his father. His mother
told him he was gone upon an affair
of great importance: that there was a
great officer or valiant man to be
brought to juſtice. He replied, As
cherei s a war, and valiant men are neceſſary
at this critical juncture, why do
they ſeek to deſtroy them? I will go
and hear the trial: perhaps my father
maybe drawn over to the opinion ofh is
colleagues, and not follow the dictates
of his natural candour and juſtice.“
Then going to the audience *, he was
{truck with the fight of Ff. hiau already
condemned, and bound, waiting for
w e + having beenſ entenced:t o
— 4 t
+1Th eſe "opt o beſ nonymous iin tnh e Chinds
language.
2e Kong-r od "TranM .8 .
— .
toſe his head three quarters of an hour
after noon; There was a great crowd
af ſpectators; through the midſt of
whom the youth forced his way to get
| nearer to the condemned perſon. He
perceived him to be very young; but of
a bold and dauntleſs aſpect: his loo wild
and fierce as that of a tyger: his eyes
fiery: his throat large, yet long like a
crane's: his body ſtrong and well ſet T.
IN Tieb-
I What attention the Chinęſe pay to the comlexion
and features of their generals, we may
jk from Dionys. Kao, a native of China. This
honeſt writer deſcribing the image of Quan inchang
[who may be conſidered as the Mars of
the Chine/e] tells us, that its facei s painteodf a
a very deep blood colour. Which ſort of
- ** countenance, he adds, is highly eſteemed by
« the military men: nay, the whole Chine/?
nation imagine him [rather 5 very propitious
. to them, and fancy that ſuch a hery flaming
face wil inſpire them with valour, and ehable
Ss SS „them
nF—I©— .l er» y
[had
*
*
nI .\a* R²e 4B la e*—n mC i
—:.
—— .—
Dank.
Tieh-chung-u wondered what default
of duty that man could be guilty of
who had ſo promiſing an appearance.
He went up to him, Sir, ſaid he,
of what can they have accuſed you,
who ſeem to be ſo valiant a perſon?
How is it, that you have been beaten
in war?” At this the other flew into
2 rage, and ſternly ſaid, A man can
: die :
% them to acquit themſelves well.” Vid. pag.
But it is not merely from the opinion of its
being propitious to themſelves, but alſo with
the politic view of frighting their enemies, that
the Chine/e affect a fierce dreadful look in their
enerals. Martinius ſpeaks of it as an eſtabliſhed
cuſtom, handed down from very early times, for
them to paint the general, (who gains the firſt
place in their triennial examinations) armed and
of a gigantic ſtature, and to ſend this picture
round to the neighbouring nations, in order to
ſtrike them with terror. Vid. Hiſt. pag. 405. _
That the Chire/e ſtill act upon the 1 views,
Es we
die but once: and it matters not in
what manner he dies. But I that
have ſtrength in my arms to carry the
weight of ten peculs *, and am maſter
of eighteen different weapons F, how
ſhould
we learn from the elegant writer of Lord An/or's
voyage; for when the Engliſh were to paſs by
one of the Chine/e caſtles, among other artifices
to make them think more reverently of their
military power, they had ſet a ſoldier of unuſual
ſize, to ſtalk about on the parapet with a battleax
in his hand, and dreſſed in very ſightly armour,
which yet our people ſuſpected was only
madeo f glittering paper. See pag. 540.
| Theſe ridiculous and childiſh expedients are
ſufficient to convince us of the unwarlike turn
of the Chine/e, and at how low anebb is their
military proweſs.
*The Pecul (called by the portugueſe Pts, |
and by the Chrne/e Tan,) conſiſts of one hundred
Catti or Chineſe pounds, and of about one hundred
and twenty-five pounds European weight.
P. Semedo,p .7 2. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 576.
Kempfer, p. 367.----Sed vide Dampier Supe
Plem. pag. 132.
+: Fo give a ſhort deſcription of the wilitary
| K 3 eſtaer
**— *-22** - = —.* 2
*--
—Frh*o—. m— d 5 g k
134 HAU*KIOU cHOAAN.
ſhould I be beaten by any one? What
have IT loſt? *Tis all falſely laid to
my charge. This I ſolemnly declare.
However muſt die: be it ſo. That
is certain, replied the youth; and yet
eſtabliſhment and diſcipline of the Chineſe, we
may obſerve that as the Chine/e have different
degrees for their literary Mandarines, ſo they
have ſimilar degrees for their Mandarines of war:
and have military Bachelors, Licentiates and
Doctors in like manner as in France, they had
formerly knights belonging to the law, as well
as the army.” *
'Fhe manner of their military examinations
is not unlike thoſe for the literary degrees. [See
note, vol. 1. p. 8.] The candidates have a theme
or ſubje& given them relating to the art of war,
on which they are to compoſe diflertations and
diſcourſes in writing. This done, they are required
to 45 their ſkill in ſhooting, riding and
managing their arms, and to give various proofs
of their dexterity and ſtrength. It is ſeldom
that any are admitted into command without
having taken one or other of theſe degrees.
The Mandarines are required often to exerciſe
and review the ſoldiery. Which -
if you had not been guilty of the charge
laid againſt you, why ſhould juſtice
be exerted in ſo extraordinary a manner?
But if you have any thingto
alledge in your vindication, you muſt
fiſts only in ſome diſorderly marches, in making
mock. fights, and in rallying to the ſound of
horns and trumpets. Not but they are taught
to draw the bow and handle the fabre with
great addreſs: and eſpecially are required to
— their arms and armour bright and clean.
As the military life in China is ſeldom attended
either with toil or danger, from the almoſt continual
peace and tranquillity of the empire, it is
beſtowed as a favour on ſuch as can make friends
with the Mandarines, their ſervice being commonly
confined to the places of their abode, and
is only to ſuppreſs robbers, &c. fo that they
may at proper times follow their own employmentsT.
h e military Mandarines are computed
at 18,000, and the ſoldierya t above 700,0c0,
The pay of a foot ſoldier is about five pence
and a pint of rice per day: and of the horſe in
proportion. | 3
P. Du Halde,v . 1. p. 260. &. P. Semedo,
p. 96. &, Mod. Univ. Hiſt. viii. 150.
ere if, N. 5 P
K 4 ſpeak,
1% HA au me
ſpeak, now is your time,” „Madden
fetched a deep ſigh and rde „The
preſent times are vile and corrupted.“
„Well, ſaid Tieb-chung-u, if you are
unwilling to break through your reſerve,
I will only aſk you one thing;
ſuppoſing you ſhould be releaſed, would
you undertake to go now againſt the
enemy.“ Why not? replied he; is
it not my duty ? To do ii t a thouſand
times, I ſhould look upon as nothing.“
The youth ſaid no more to
him, but aſked the people what o'clock
it was, and was anſwered paſt ten.
Upon which he opened a way through
the crowd, and got into the hall of
audience, where were ſeated the three |
preſidents of the tribunal.| H e cried
out aloud, * Health to you all, my
Lords!
Lords! You are all great officers under
his Majeſty : it therefore behoves
you to do your beſt for the public
weal. At preſent there is great want
of men of valour; and none can be
got notwithſtanding the proclamation
for ſuch to appear. The manner of
your preſent proceedings tends, not to
the advantage, but the detriment of the
empire. Pray is this man facrificed
to public juſtice, or any private conſideration?”
The three Mandarines, who
had not very willingly paſſed ſentence
upon Hi-hiau, but had done it merely
to oratify their ſuperiors, were not
diſpleaſed to ſee a perſon appear in his
vindication: although they were difguſted
at the little reſpect he ſhewed
them. 4
The
The Preſidento f Crimes after ſome
time, perceived he was the ſon of their
colleague, the Supreme Viceroy: who
alſo himſelf diſcovered who he was.
Upon which he ſtruck his hand on the
table and ſaid, How dare you come
here in this impertinenatnd bold manner,
where it is death to do it? Take
hold of him and bind him. I acknowledgeno
relation to him in this place.”
Tieb- chung- u cried out, No, no: that
is not juſtice: hear me before you order
me to be ſeized. I only aſk your
Lordſhips, why doth the Emperor
place thed ruma t the gate of his palace,
but that the people may have redreſs
there, when they can obtain it no where
elſe ?? The Supreme Viceroy faid,
Who are you? and what acquaintuy
5 ance
ance have you with the condemned
perſon ?” He anſwered, I know him
not, but perceiving him to be a valiant
man, and one that may do his country
and the Emperor ſervice, [I came in his
behalf.]“ His father replied, © What
| buſineſs is it of your's what he is, or
what he can do?” Then he ordered the
officers attending the tribunal to take
and bind him. The two other Mandarines
deſired his impriſonment might
be deferred for a moment, and calling
him to the table before the tribunal,
faid, © You ſhew a good intention and
ſound principle in what you fay, but
you muſt conſider that things muſt
be carried on accordintgo fthe forms
of] juſtice, and not with ſo much
precipitation. Hii-biau hath been a
e year
year in priſon, and the Mandarine
Shuey-keu-ye as long in baniſhment;
and hitherto none have appeared in their
behalf. The former of theſe hath today
been broughtto his trial, and been
condemned: to acquit him now would
be ridiculous, and cauſe a deal of confuſion
and anger from the Emperor.
The Mandarine Ko-h o ſu hath already
informed his Majeſty of the ſentenceof
death paſt by us: how then is it poſſible
to recall it?” Tieb-chung-u hearing theſe
words, fetched a deep figh, and ſaid,
be What you have done is all out of regardt
o your own intereſts, and not to
the good of your country. Your Lordſhips.
cannot but know, that in former
daysi tw as frequent for Mandarinest o
oppoſe injuſtice; or at leaſt to refuſe
2 to
to do any thing in prejudice of their
country, or againſt their conſcience,
notwithſtanding it mightbe ſtrongly
preſſed upon them by the Emperor
himſelf *. Wherefore do you ſtudy
law and juſtice, if thus you act ſubſervient
to higher powers?“
| 0 aol . The
* e a people ſo :nteraſied as the Chineſe, |
it will not be wondered at that reaſon and juſtice
are frequently given up on the ſlighteſt intimation
of the Emperor's pleaſure : and yet the
hiftory of China can produce ſome inſtances |
of firmneſs and integrity in oppoſing oppreſlive
meaſures, that would do honour to the patriots
of Greece and Rome. There have been miniſters,
who have gone to make remonſtrances to the
Emperor with ſuch firm. expectation of death
for their boldneſs, that they have carried their
coffins with them to the gate of the palace. ¶S ee
P, Le Compte, tom. 2. p. 35. P. Da Halde, 1. p.
'250.] And with what delicacy and addreſs
they can ſometimes reſtrain the paſſions of their
priaces may be ſeen in the following inſtance.
The king of Ti, ſaith a Chine/e author, had
2 horſe which he loved, and this horſe died thro”
the
Ihe two other Mandarines to whom
he addreſſed bimſelf had nothing to
reply: but his father cried out, : What!
are you mad? 1 tell you ſentence is
the negle& of his greom. The prince in a rage
ſnatched up a lance and was going to diſpatch
him. The Mandarine 721-1 who was preſent
turned aſide the blow, and inſtantly addreſſing
| himſelf to his maſter, ſaid, ** Sire; that man was
on the point of loſing his life before he knew
the heinouſneſs of his crime.“ © I conſent, ſaid
the king, that you make him ſenſible of it.”
Then the miniſter taking up the lanee and aiming
it at the criminal: Wretch, faid he, attend to
your crimes, Which are as follows; in the firſt
place, you have cauſed the death of a horſe,
which your prince committedt o your eſpecial
care; and thereby have deſerved death. Secondly;
you have cauſemdy princteu fall into ſuch
a that he would have killed you with
his own hands: behold another crime more
grievous than the firſt. Laſtiy; you would have
caufed all the other princes and neighbouring
ſtates to have ſeen that my prince will take
away a man's life for the death of à horfe,
and thus his reputation would have been ruined:
and you, wretch, are the occafioonf all this.
«« Eet him go, faid the prince; let him go: I
pardon: his Paul,” P. Du Halde, vol; f. p. 600.
paſſed
paſſed, and he muſt die.” Theſe
words very much grievect Tieb- chung u,
who faid, < Will you then havnoe pi ty
on ſo brave and valiant a man as this?
« Hti-hiau, replied the Supreme Viceroy,
is condemned according to law,
and his death muſt be looked | upon
with no more remorſe than that of a
kid. Of what ſervice would pity be,
whereit is out of our power to relieve
him ?““„ “T his is no common perſon,
ſaid his ſon, you do not know his
qualifications, he is not to be matched
among all the great men, that guard
the wall of ten thouſand furlongs F.
ful Thang Tehing, i, e. . The wall of
ten thouſand Lee, or ro, ooo Lee in length,” It
is thus the Chineſe ſpeako f that ſtupendous wall,
whieh ſeparates their northern provinces from
It hath been cuſtomary when fuch men
have committed a fault: not to put
them to death, but to let them take it
This prodigious work was undertaken two hundred
and fifteen years before Chriſt, to ſecure three
great provinces from the irruprions of the Tartars,
In order to execute it, every third man
was draughted out of each of the provinces.
To lay the foundation on the ſea coaſt, ſeveral
ſhips were ſunk loaded with ſtones and iron.
The workmen were not to leave the leaſt chink
between the ſtones on forfeiture of their lives:
hence the work is almoſt as intire at preſent, as
when it was firſt built. It is about fifteen hundred
miles in length, and broad enough for fix
horſemen to ride a-breaſt upon it.
This wall is admirable on two accounts. Firft
that in its courſe from eaſt to weſt, it runs in ſeveral
places with a gradual aſcent over very high
mountains, and is fortified with very large towers
no more than two bow - ſhots aſunder. The
ſecond is, that this wall does not run in a flraigbt
line, but turns and winds in ſeveral places, according
to the diſpoſition of the mountains,
ſo that the north part of China may be ſaid to be
mg with three walls inſtead of one.
This work was but fivyeyee rs in building.
P. Du Halde, vol. p. 20. 260. &c. Martin. Atlas.
A 8 off
A. CIINESE HISTORY! 145;
off ¶attone for; 19] by ſome ſervice
or other of great! importance to their
country. Why then ſhould: not this
man bo ſuffered to take off his crime
in the ſame manner? The two Mandarines
agreed it was reaſonable: “ But
who, ſaid they, will be ſecurity for his
performing ſuch actions, as ſhall. merit
a parduon ?“ Tieb-chung'u ſaid, Iwill.
reſtore him but to his farmer. oiceg and
if he does not anſwer your expectations,
then take off my head.”
© + Aa
0 Wo
J 4
The two other Mandarines diſoourſed
the matter over with his father: As
your ſon, ſaid they, hath offered himſelf
ſecufrori Htu-y hi au here before all
the world, we are thereby impowered to
drauwp a petition in his- behalt, withb
Von. III. Is out
out the imputation of partiality, or of
taking illegal ſteps to ſave his life.“
The Supreme Viceroy perceiving this
was no more than reaſonable, ordered
the criminal to be ſent back to priſon,
and commanded Tich-chung-4 to draw
up a writing of ſecurity in his behalf.
Which being done and properly ſigned,
he ordered a chain to be fixed round
his neck, and ſent him to priſon after
the general. !
The three Mandurines after this
drew up a petition, wherein they acquainted
his Majeſty with their proceedings.
As it was a time of war, buſineſs
was not long before it was diſpatched,
ſo that. if a Mandarine gave
in a petition one day, his Majeſty
2 wWou' d
- would anſwer it himſelf the next. The
Emperor anſwered their petition in the
following manner.
« Whereas there is a great want
« of men of valour to ſerve in the
« wars without the wall; and whereas
« Nieb- chung -u, fon of the Supreme
6 Viceroy, hath offered himſelf as ſee
curity for the good behaviaur. of
H. biau; 1 therefore ſuſpehins edxe -
6 cution, and inveſt him with the
„ fame commandh e had heretofore.
An 1 likewiſe give him a ſword to put
to death any perſon that ſhall diſobey
command, or negle& his due
ty: and wherever the war may be,
4 he hath full power to command there,
* as I expecth e willb en o where [im-
Lig 3: properly]
properly] abſent. Wherefore if he
e behaves well, and comes off with
« ſucceſs, my favour ſhall exalt him:
* otherwiſe he ſhall 2 his 1
*: ment the header
„ SHuetye⸗u y firſt .
e and wa ſſiſted him, and now Tieb-
4 chung-u hath offered himſelf for his
te ſecurity: after this if he doth not
<<, behave well, I ſhall ſeverely call to
ce account thoſe two perſons, as much
«| deſerving to bep uniſhed as himſelf.
„ Wherefore: let him well conſider
56 this, 1 N 1 to his
875 . rr ele vor: e e
1 1 was carried by a Mandarine
properly attended to Hl. biau,
whom wügether with Tieb.-c hung u they
Pyl 19940 4 K took 1
A CHINESE "HISTORY; 149
took out of priſon. - Theſe two perſons
went to return thanks to the three
Mandarines their Judges LE and aiterwards
took up their abode in the houſe
of the Supreme Viceroy; where, they
| got every thing ready in order to repairt
o the warTsWO. da ys after chey
departed for their, charge properly
equiwithp a pgalleant dreti,nue- of ſolarrived
at the wall, the officers there
A ſhewed them great, reſpect, ſeeing Hi
biau
* * * 1 %y
AS: As che Ni dies Aer in Trent
20mp to their governments, carried in ſedans, &c.
0 the military Mandatines, who travel common
45 on horſeback, no leſs affect an air of graneur.
Indeed their horſes are not very beau -
tiful, but their Karneſs is extremely ſumptu6us,
the bits and ſtirrups being either filver or gilt.
The ſaddle is very rich: the reins of the bri.
| dle are made of coarſe pirked ſattin two fingers
| Rb 7 $ | broad.
-— —*
rE* *
IE—1—C—— OL L E
————
_—— —
——8-
Ol qI> 2Wk5 Te0 Sy
*5 T>pE 7 .I
b̃*.mt.⅛ . x=— n e—e w MwN7 A˙ ¹wñ
———
|
|
|
*
1% HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
Bau return with the Emperor's ſword,
They had not been gone ſix months,
| before this genehrada ſluc h ſignal ſucand
every where re. eſtabliſned peace
and tranquillity. Upon which the
command, and reftored Shuey-kex-ye to
bis former office. His Majeſty alſo
Ticb-chung/u, and would have created
broad. From the upper part of the cheſt hang
two great locks of fine red hair (ſuch as their
caps are covered with) ſuſpended by iron rings
either gilt or ſilvered. Their retinue conſiſts of
a great number of horſemen, part going before
and part behind them: without reckoning
their domeſtics, who are clad either in black
ſattin or dyed calico, accordintgo their maſter's
P. Du Halde, vol. 4. p. 285.
refuſed
refuſed to accept of any ſuch diſtinction,
for he ſaid unleſs he could arrive
at that honourby his learning, he was
unworthy of it.
id nb .
IHE MandarinKeo /bo-ſu was
1 fo mortified by this diſappointment
that he was aſhamed to appear
in public, and beggedto lay down his
office under pretence of indiſpoſition,
On the other hand, Shuey-keu-ye had
no ſooner returned to court but he
was made Shang-ſbu, or Preſident [of
the tribunalo f arms.] The Mandarines
who had threatened him for refuſing
to liſten to their propoſals in
favour of Ko ſho-ſu and his ſon, were
1 Ss - afraid
tg1e44E.9n—n—= D n ,t
my acknowledgments to the young
gentmaln efo r the benefit Ihave received
from his wiſdom' and courage;
and nothing would rejoice me ſo much
75a HAU KIOU:THOAAN./
afrhea woiuldd n ow remember them.
But be told them vrhen they came to
and aſł his pardon, that they
could not be blamed for addingas
they did, and that the harm which
might have accruèd was owiag to himſelf.
As ſoon as he had waited on
the Empehre woentr , immediately
vifit the Supreme Viceroy and his
That Mandarine received him in perſon,
but his ſon wasa bſent: thelother
inquafiterr heimd b ut was told he
wis gone into the country to ſtudy.
« Fam come, ſaidd ubxen qc tu pay
asT ovſ ee him.“ 4 * moro clad
A CHINESE HiSsTORT. 133
his father, I will ſend! him to, viſit
vou.“ Upon which the other depart»
ed wth great latisfaction. ri odT
boReift {[ow-of en. ornw ioflertt eil
The Mandarine Tieb did not approve
of his ſon 's:keeping Aa greut deat
of company, buticoulki[not-avaigdtontd
plying withte rheque ſt: of- the Lid
Preſident ;he therefore ſent to command
his ſon to viſit him; J iab chung: ſaidi
to the ſervant who brought tie meſ⸗
ſage, As that Mandarine only came
to ſee us out of compliment, it will
be ſufficient for my father to return it!
Tri would but interrupt my ſtudies; to
go to the city: where the publie ceremonies
would take up more time than J
can ſpare; and ſo much company is
but irkſome.“ He therefore humbly
intreated
|
|;
|
|
|
|
r;4 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
intreated his father not to engage for
any returonf viſits to be made by him.
The ſervant reported his meſſage to
his maſter, who was ſo well ſatisfied
wich it, that he went and returned
the viſit alone. Shuey-keu-ye aſked for
his ſon: and the other apologized for
his abſence under pretence that he was
indiſpoſed. 7:99 Very well, replied he,
it is the cuſtom of people of ſenſe and
ingenuity not to be forward in making
themſelves public: as your ſon is a
youth of great wiſdom, and chuſes to
live ſequeſtered from public company,
I will go to his houſe, and ſee him
there.“ After a . farther diſcourſe
"oP oa
In the original, © After two words diſcourſe.”
93851 The
The Mandarine Sbugkyeu--y tt hought
it a great proof of the young gentleman's
diſcretion and good ſenſe,
that he choſe to be retired. It increaſed
his deſire to ſee him. He
had formedi n his mind ſo favourable
an opinion of him, that he
thought he would be a very proper
match for his daughter, whom now
he began to think of marrying. He
accordingly ſent a ſervantto the village,
where Tie- chung- u at preſent reſided,
to ſeei f he were at home, and
being informed that he was, he =
to ſee him on the morrowF: ©
which he u_ him” the dae
notice.
+In * original, « Two days alter or rather
on the ſecond day,” |
The name of the village was'See-ſhan,
or Weſt-mquntawhienre, Jeb. chung 1
lived! retired ; he had juſt dined when
he received notice that theu la ndarine
Shaey-ktu-ye intendehdi m a viſit: the
name brought to his mihnis dbra utiful
dau
fed him tovfetch u deep ſigh, and led
hitom re:fle ct on the wonderful manner
in whicherthin gs had happened.
&F/ little thought, ſaid he, of contributing
to the reſtorationo f that young
lady's father, when I became fſurety
for Hubiau. I was not only the
happy inſtrumentof ſaving a brave
man from death, but of briaging
back to honour a Mandarine of ſo
much merit. I might Lo. aſk him
for hisd aughter |i n mar riage if Thad
tk not 4 LY
not become acquainted with her at
the Che bien's tribunal; and if ſhe had
not received me afterwards into her
houſe. But alas! after all this public
intercourſe, our union is impoſſible,
unleſs L would bring all the calumny
in the world both upon her and myſelf;
and confirm the ſuſpicioofn a private
correſpondence. He conſidered
with himſelf whether itw as not pofſible
5 to find out ſome means of getting over
this difficulty : [but his delicacy raiſed
ſo many ſcruples, and painted the cen·
ſure of the world ii n lot errible 4 light,
as extending not oply |t o himſelf, but
| his poſterity, that] at length he ſaid,
«I ſhall be forced to refuſe her, although
her facher ſhould make me. the
offer. HenW asb uried in rheſe diſ-
7 | trafting
*
|
tracting reflections, when there was
ſhewn into the room an old gentleman
dreſſedi n the habit of a doctorof law:
who cried out, Hiong, or brother,
wharye yo u fo difficulto fa cceſs ®, that
I could not ſee you before to-d ay?
« Surely, Sir, ſaid the youthy,o u do
not know me, or you would not ſay
this. Thehen pa id him the compliments
due to his appearance. When
10 appearsH om. what followst hat this if s
intended as a compliment, |
In a former note, Cw ol. 2. p. go.] it hath han
hinted how reputable the charaQer of a retired
ſtudent is among the Chineſe, and what intenſe
application it commonly requires to obtain a
competent knowledge of their literature. The
apinion of the Chingſe themſelves on this head
will be learnt from the following little moral tale,
which contains a fine leſſon for perſeverance.
Lip, who under the dynaſty of the Han, became
one of the firſt doctors of the court, addiged
himſelf to bis ſtudies from his _—_—
| 6 *
theſe were over the old gentleman took.
hold of his hand, and looking earneſtly
in his face, ſaid, When I only heard
of you, I conceived a great efleem for
you; which after all might poſlibly
have been ill-grounded : but now 1
muſt confeſs the ſight of you increaſes
that eſteem, and gives me great ſatisfaction,
Yeſterday I went to pay you
He came one year to the general examination
of the province; but meeting with bad ſucceſs,
he deſpaired of ever obtaina idengrgee :
he therefore reſolved to give up learning, and
to turn his views to ſome other purſuit. hile
he was ruminating on this ſubject, he met with
an old woman, who was rubbing an iron peſtle
to and fro' upon. a whe-ſ tto ne. To what
purpoſe do you do that?“ ſaid he te her. I
want, replied ſhe, to grind it down 'till it becomes
ſo ſharp as to be fit for embroidering.“
Li p took the hint, and returned to his ſtudies,
to which he applied with ſuch renewed ardour,
that he at length attained to the higheſt employments,”
P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 386. _
a vilit,
e e311
a viſit,” but only ſaw your father: he
told me you did not care to be ſeen
in public: I therefore came hither privately
to viſit you. Nieb-dhung-u at
theſe words ſtarted, ſaying: * Ah!
Sir, you ſtem to be the Mandarine
Shueyskea y6'# 178 tlien getting ready a
Dieb et, or billet of compliments, and
preſenting it to him, i ſaid, © T hope,
Sir, you will pardon me, that although
you are a Perſpn ef ſo much honour,
1447
15 did not "know. vou. . Why did
come here, replied the other, but to
thank you forb eing the cauſoef my
return to court: as likewiſe to be ae⸗
Wen with,a y outh.o ff uchw ncom-
* 7 i} Ot 291771
In the- original it 18, '.& Sula 'y;s L1ai5 5e n-
«*x th R's PSY: laſt wards, Hgnify an elder
in * * anf.
mon endowments :as fame reports you.
to be poſſeſſed of?” 4e Pray, Sir, excuſe
me, ſaid Tieb- chung.1 5 itp roceeded from
my not being f ufficiently acquainted |
with you, that 1 did not pay that reſpect
to you I ought in waiting upon you
yeſterday. 70 am now very ſenſible of
my error.“
he ordered an entertainment to be got
ready. At the ſight of chat, Shugykeu-
yt was very well pleaſed, as it would
afford them an opportunity for diſcourſe.
Accordin gly their converſation turned
upon hiſtory, antiquity, poetry, law,
and other ſubjects proper for learned
and ingenious men. Aſter theſe topics
were exhauſted, the old Mandarine ſaid,
be had one word to ſpeak, which he
hoped the other would not take amiſs,
«ny Lord, faid Tieb-chung- u, as I am
WMWm - M your
After theſe nd, © |
162 HA KIOU CHOAAN.
your fon and diſciple „ why do you
new me fom uck,c ondeſcenſion B 2 1 B
have no ſon, replied |t heo ther, but «o ne,
only daughter, who,h athj uſt attained
her eighteenth year... If 1 am not Partial
to her, I never aw a young woman
of| ſuch, beautiful features, or of
ſof inea perſon: and as to knowledge
in books, 1 believe there. are none
able to converſe with her, except your-
elf, This I mention, aass I h ave a great
value fory ou; buti fJ oud on:t belieye
me, examine firſti nto the truth of!i t
. * » Hallh ave, herf or.y ourc , vie.” Tick:
11 42
chung. uw as ſoſ urprized, and| confound-
111 Fa
| ed at theſe.w ords, that he could give
no.a but remained as it FS:
This is2a foal compliment amongt he0 . |
» # neſe literati, — Vol.2 . pag.
|1 0d un,
thunderſtruck, and ſighed deeply with
a great appearance of concern in his
face. Shuey-keu-y#oÞſerving his looks,
ſaid, „ Perhaps you are already enaged,”
The other ſhook his head,
abllfa nſwered; “ No!“ « Perhaps then,
replied he, you do not think all is
true that I tell you.“ „ Sir, faid the
youth, it is impoſtible for a man or :
woman to excell in underſtanding* 7
much as ſhe doth,' -b ut a whole king-'
dom muſt be acquainted with it. You”
have ſpoke nothing but truth, and your
offer would bee xceedingly acceptable
to any one, but myſelf: circumſtanced
as Lam, I ſhould be very blameable 1t oaccept
'ofi t.” The Mandarine hear”
ing him ſpeak ſo obſcurely, ſaid, You”
are a perfon of an open generous heart;
M2 1: ou
you. muſt tell me what you mean.”
56 Sir, ſaid he, when you get home you
will underſtand every thing.” The
Lord Preſident imagined there might
be ſomething or. other amiſs, which had
not yet reached his ears: this he thought
the more probable, as he had been ſo
long from home, and had not heard
any news from thence : he therefore
dropt the ſubject, and after ſome little
_ diſcourſe upon indifferent topics took
his leave, and went home.
"A he went 1 he could nn ot0 |
refleting on the engaging aſpect of
Treb-chung-1, and what a proper. huſband
he would be for his daughter;
he therefore could not eaſily reſolve
to part with him. N he thought
he = 4
he could diſcern in his words and manner,
as througha miſt, that he had a
ſecret inclination for her, although he
ſeemed to have ſome great objection:
what that was he could not poſſibly
divine, unleſs ſhe had been guilty of
any miſcondutt : But that, ſaid he,
cannot be; I know her to be of the
moſt ſteady temper, and immoveable
virtue. Perhaps this KoE-b ẽ-t æu, out
of revenge for my refuſing him my
daughter, hath played her ſome trick,
or reported illo f her, which hath oc
caſioned this diſguſt in 'Tieb-chung-ut _
however all theſe objections will vaniſn,
if the off. er prove but agreeable to the
Mandarine his father.“ He therefote
reſolved: to get an intimate acquaintance
to go and talk over the affair
My with
x66 HAU-KIOU CHOAAN.
Mich che latter; for from what he had
Py card of his daughter's Carriage and
ingenuity, he thought there was none
— but Tioh-c b
her)... -
-# worthy to obtain
c H ; A P. X.
8 HU E Y-ken-y# having learnt from
the friend he employed, that his
propoſals were exceedingly acceptable
to the Supreme Viceroy, made a great
entertainment for that Mandarine, who |
when he returned told his wile all
lady Sbeb, agreed that their ſon was
of a proper age to be married; and
that Shucy-ping-/in was a very deſirable
perſon: for ſhe had heard how -ſhe
n n A critner HiSTORE, 167
| had conducted herſelf while the was perfſecuted
by Ke7 00- kbi-1:2 4, and that ſhe
was a moſt ii ngenious and agreeable
young lady. She thought therefore that
ſuch another could riot be found for
their ſon, and that itw ould be :a great
happineſs to fix him ſo well. 6 And
yet, ſaid ſhe, if you aſk his conſent, you |
will not obraln it; for he will be ſo
nice and curious that he muſt examine
every thing to the bottom, and will
be raiſing difficulties w1 ithout occaſion,
and without end. As the reputation
of Shuey-ping Jon 1i s0 eſtabliſhed, and
her merits and accompliſhments ſo
great, we may contract firſt, and acquaint
him with it afterwards.” | The
Mandarine Tich approved of her opinion,
and told heri i t intirely agreed
M 4 with
168 Hau klo cHOAAN.
with his own. Then chooſing a fortunate
day, he made the cuſtomary
preſent to the parent of chey oung lady,
At the ſame time, he and his wife
ſent to their ſon, and wiſhed him joy,
informing him of the engagement they
had entered into in his behalf. He
Was very much ſurprized, and imme:
diately went to his father and mother,
«6 Marriage, faid he, is an affair of
conſequence, and ſhould not be too
precipitately managed. Yau have been
wholly guided by report: but who
can anſwer for the truth of reports: ?
You may have been deceived in the
accounts of this lady: and there may be
cauſe to repent it as long as one lives,”
His father aſked him whether he ſuf:
pected Much ping:f yt ob eu gly ?? 66 No!
laid
ſaid he: I believe that her complection
is fair and clear as the moſt limpid
ſtream *.”?.. , Perhaps, replied. the
other, you are doubtful of her wit and 8
ſenſe 2” 0 Her underſtanding, he replied,
ſurpaſſes even that of our ſex:
in whatſehev doeesrt he re appears ſuch
diſcretion; all her actions are conducted
with ſuch beautiful order, that it
exceeds imagination. Perhaps then,
ſaid his father, ſne hath been guilty
of ſomething wrong.” No, hea nſwered,
ſhe hath never done any thing
the leaſt amiſs.” With that the Supreme
Viceroy and the lady Sheh burit
into laughter, that he ſhould make a
ſcruple of marrying a young2 with
i. In the orig, 60 There i is v0 vater fairer than
c ſhe.” of | ISS: 1
ſo*
*
a——O1r —aa"A si I ,
Kpo=2y-y 8T- a E E
FeI2wea2ee ep yen e e,
2L 2
c—_—_
.TT a*=no—wm2 —r r—— ,y +„ .
——K —
ſo many perfections, and who had not
one quality but what deſerved the
greateſt Praiſe.« Nay, proceeded the
youth, I ſhould willingly marry this
young lady, even ifi t expoſed me to ſo
great am isfortune as your diſpleaſure;
for ſhe is never abſent from my
thoughts : but alas! there is a difficulty,
which I can never get over,
chat ſhuts me our from all thoughts
of ſucha n undertaking. This ſaid, he
immediately told them all that happened
between him and the young lady: and
concluded with obſerving, that his
having ſo lately been the means of
reſtoring her father, would add ſtrength
to the ſuſpicion of their criminal correſpondence.
As therefore the Joſs of
their good fame was to be the conſequence
A CHINESE ' HISTORY. 271
quence of their nuptials, he could not
think of purchaſing even that happineſs
at ſo deara rate. His father commended
bis nice concern for bis reputation:
gut what hath happened, ſaid he, may
be juſtified and cleared up. Lou are
but a young man, and not ſo well able
05 to judge as myſelf. However this union
may be rendered more free from cenſure
by your caution.” Then his father
and mother both obſerved to him, that
they were advanced in years : and that
any delay was ſo much loſs of their
happineſs, as they could enjoy none
equal to that of ſeeing him married.
« You muſt not, ſaid they, yield to
| theſe ſcruples : retire to your ſtudies,
and baniſh them from your thoughts.
At a proper time we ſhall ſend for you.
R It
It is too late now for you to object to
this marriage, for our contract cannot
be ſet aſide. Tieb-chung-u, perceiving
the anxious concern of his parents,
thought it would not become him to
contend with them farther: but imagined
that if he himſelf ſhould conſent,
the young lady could. not eaſily be prevailed
on. He therefore ſaid no more,
but taking his leave of them, returned
to his n 4
": fe eg | knaiag concerted the
marriage between Tieb-chung-# and his
daughter, remained very well ſatisfied;
anda s he had been ſo long abſent,
hada great deſire to ſre his family.
He accordingly petitioned his Majeſty
for leave to retire, as being old and
| infirm.
A CHINESE HISTORT. 173
infirm. The Emperor, who was deſi -
rous to make up to him the time he
had loſt in diſgrace and baniſhment,
would not conſent that he ſhould ſo
ſoon lay down his office. Hen evertheleſs
petitioned three times. The
Emperor at length ſeeing him ſo determined,
gave him leave to retire for |
one year, ordering him after the expiration
of it to return to court: at
the ſame time he iſſued out a mandate,
requiring the Mandarines every where
to entertain him as he paſſed along,
and to ſupply him with whatever he
might want. Highly pleaſed with this,
he immediately prepared every thing
for his journey, and ſet out from Peting
with a very ſplendid retinue, attended
by A long train of great Mandarines,
. fl i 5 who & .
*
74 HAU) KIOU 'CHOAAN./
who accompanied him quite out of the
city. But the Mandarine No. bo- ſuu |
was not of their number, having been
aſhamed to eee
— 4
As ſoon as the news of what had
happened arrived at 'T/ee-nan fee,” all
the Mandarines who reſided in or near
that city, put up chops or red papers
with congratulatory inſcriptions “: and
every great officer and perſon of faſhion
went to the houſe of Shiey-keu-y6-to |
compliment his daughter on the news.
This ceremony they performed three
times. The firſt time, they congratulated
her on her father's return from banimment;
the ſecond-t ime on hisp ro- 8
. Ta the Tranſlator! 8 M. 8. « Red papers 3
3 welcome writ upon them..
motion;
motion; and laſtly, on the permiſſion}
he had obtained to; retire from court.
Shuey- ping-ſin.,at firſt gave ncor edit to
the news: for having been ſo oft deceived
by. Kwo-khi-tzu, ſhe was afraid.
to appear: but afterwhaenr ſdhes ſaw:
it was all true; yet could, not comprehend
how her father ſpould-liage ſuch,
good fortune, as at once tob ree ſtored.
and advanced to honour. Shuey-gumwin |,
was not long before he went to her:
Do you know, ſaidh e, | by What
means ith ath happethnate ydour, fatheri
st husof a ſudden returned home
witſo hmuc h honour and promotion?
She replied, I do not: but wast hink
ON ſome amazehmowe itn cotul d
br 0 f ': Lon felt to; K,.
ſaid
ſaid he, that it is all through the means
oTfi eb*ching-u.” At whiſhec lauhghe d,
and ſaid, J cannot believe what. you
ſay: it ſeems\ ve ry fabulous.”* Why
not believe it, ſaid he?“ She replied,
n Becauſe Tieb-chung-- u is not in any
office or power; but on the contrary is
but a ſimple fludent, and out of the
way of contributing to ſuch an event.“
et proceeded originally, ſaid he, from
br n e — no> other_
— „ ”
ther to ſend a e to my broader |
to ſolicit his conſent. Which he refuſing,
that Mandarine renewed an accu-
_ ſation againſt kim, and alſo againſt H.
biau a general choſen by him, charging
them with miſmanagement in the wars:
upon which the Emperor appointed 2
— 3 7 tribunal
A CHINESE HISTROY. 177
Tribunal of Threei no rder to bring that
general to his trial. He was therecon
demned, and ready to bee xecuted, when
Tieh-chung-u - interpoſed and became
his ſurety :. in conſequence of which,
the general was reſtored to his command,
and had ſuch remarkable ſucceſs
thath e acquired great honour, not only
to himſelf, but alſo to that young gentleman
and your father.“ Shuey-pingn
inquired of her uncle what authority
he had for this report, and ſeemed: to
doubt whetheri t were true. Nor
true, ſaid he ? why ſhould you queſtion
it? Wherefore elſe were the papers
put up? Did not the Mandarines themſelves
come hithert oc ompliment you
on the occaſion ?” She ſmiled at his
_ warmth, and ſaid, It this be true,
Vol. III. N 1 then
then doubtleſs Tieb-chung-a' is à traitor,
that could be fo impudent and bold before
the Tribunal of Three. Why
don't youp etition againſt him, as one
that is going to raiſe a rebellion ?“
Her uncle begged that nothing more
might be ſaid on that ſubje&, aſſuring
her that he was now reformed. | 1 go
no more, ſaid he, among thoſe rakes:
who abuſed me very much in forcing;
me into what 1 did“ As ſoon 28 he =
was withdrawn, Shuey-ping-/in ſet herſelf
to reflect on the events that had
happened. She could not but admire,
that fortune ſhould give that youth ſo
many occaſions to aſſiſt her; and all
through their accidental meeting in the
ſtreets. © The ſervice he hath done me
is great, ſaid ſhe, but nothing to what
he hath done my father. His virtue
and generoſity demand of me the moſt
grateful acknowledgments :: miſerable
I am, that I cannot yield him my love.”
Shuey-ping-fn continued in daily expectation
of ſeeing her father: when at
length a ſervant came to inform .H er
of his approach. All the Mandarines
went out. of the eity to meet him:
and at noon he came home. Sbe advanced
into the great. halt to receive
him, where nothing could equal the *
of them both.
What paſt farther between them, the
next book will inform us.
The End of Book the Third.
N a2
VN. B. THE FOURTH BOOK, containing
the remainder of THE CHINESE HIS
ORY, will bs in the next uolume: the
Third and. Fourth Books. being ſhorter than
the reſt, the Editor choſe to inſert here the following
independent PIECE, rather than a fragment
of BOOK THE FOURTH, which on
—4 accounts he choſe to keep intire and un1
Sw.
COLLECTION
O F
C H A
PROVERBS
AND
APOTHEGMS.
*
1 %
1 0
Fs 18
I 2 5 Ae
*+ , | .
. A
e . cu $
” —
: *
®. 2
* of
+
-- FR
„*CCÿ;) a 1g 4
*
- * *
*
. 4 bs
; *
2 a
ADVERTISEMENT.
Nom3 — be formed oft he
and genius f any nation, than
from Fay aco mmon Proverbs. e could never
have prevailed, and become univerſal, if they had
not expreſſed the general ſenſe of the people, who
t them, For this reaſon it was judged that
the following COLLECTION would be no improper
Supplement to a book, which profeſſes to
give a pictureo f the CHINESE, as drawn by
themſelves. The Sentences are extrafted from
various Authors, but chiefly from thoſe tranſiations
of Chineſe Pieces, which P. Du Halde and
the Miſſionaries have given us. They are of twd
tinds, which in a larger collection, had more properly
been ſeparated : but our materials were tos
Fall to admit of a diviſion. The firft, are Ve.
as are either profeſſedly quoted for common Proverbs
+, or appear to be proverbially uſed: *T he
ſecond, are ſelect Apothegms or private Maxims
of Chineſe Moralifts. Of thef ormer, almoſt
all were 11 that — wy rocured : of the
latter, ſuch only as were * to contain ſomething
peculiar or — either iin theſ entiment
or manner of eapre |
ifJ os Proverls aere adnittc, which appear
4+ Thea re 22 "Oapkn g *,
E es N 4 116d
184 ADVERTISEMENT.
inſſpid or trifiing, we muſt plead the | ſcantineſs
* — which did not = to 2
Jeet any. If few of them are expreſſed with
that” ſententious brevity, which conflitutes* the
inci pal beauty of a proverb; we defire it
hep s 1 22 they are only tranflati Rn
tranſlations ; and therefore muſt appear to great
diſadvantage. . A. ſpirited conciſeneſs is among
thofe peculiar beauties of an ori ginal, which can
be. ſeldom transfuſed into a tranſlation. This
balds true more particularly in Adages and Proverbs,
which being founded on national alluſions
and peculiarities, require a circumbcution 10 render
them intelligible. A farther allowance muſt
* be made for the following ſpectmens, that
they are tranſlated from the moſt conciſe language
in the world, in 2 two words often cantain
an intire ſentence, and when tranſlated, require
a multiplicity to unfold their meaning *.
the Reader-takes all theſe conſtderations into the
account, and reflects that thisi s the Herſt attempt
of the kind ever made in Europe, it is — he
1010 e its inpper ſections. |
ll few parallel 8 from other 8
are bccaſtmally inſerted: chiefly where either they
ſerve to illuſtrate the Chineſe, or where they ſhetw
Fad other nations have hit on the Jams images.
Fee an inflance, — 1. hay. 134. note. See &lfa P.
Du Halde, v. 1. . 293. a Param. p. 19. Sc.
wad 6 * CHINESE
| L 11813
= N —
CHINESE PROVERBS
AND
APOTHEGMS.,
Bark of plain be joined ET
only with: glue, cannot hold ouutr Tong
| againſt the large billows .
[That is, where pains have not been taken
to form the mind, it will be likely to 1 under
adverſity.)
A blemiſh may be aber out of a diamond
by ſtrongly polifhing it: but a blemiſh in
the words of a king can never be effaced b.
A diamond with flaws is preferred before a
common ſtone that hath none .
[Meaning that great excellences with ſome
_ imperfections, are better than a , inſipidity.
] 5
* A drum, if i it be n not beat go no noiſe: 2
*
2 P. Du Halle, w. 1. p. 511. | >B id.p . 410.
id wol. 2. P. 113. .
bell,
186 CHINESE *PROVERBS :
bell, if i be nat ſtruck upon, returns no
bound.
| [See the application af this proverb is the 3
© foregoin Hiſt, vol. 2. pag, 111. and vol. 4.
pag. 6o.]
A fault acknowledipgs half amended 4.
This iis the ſame with the F rench, Faute conce
oftà demi pardonee.)| |
N is pleaſing to the «e ye,w hile theK r
tree hath thing beautiful in it: the ſplendor
of the one is not an equivalent for Ahe
durableneſs of the other.
[We ſay, *Tis betterto kni! than bloſſees. And,
, Prettyneſs makes no pottage. See Ray.)
* A good beginning is of importance in all
undertakings : and a Light e have
fatal conſequences.
[Remarks of this kind are common in all
Lat. Dimidium facti, gui bent cepit,
Hbabet. Fr. De bon commancement bon fin!
* A good foundcaen ruſ e every metal: an
able lapidary the coarſeſt ſtones s.
[We ſay, A good avorkmas e of
his tools.]
A grave and majeſtic outſide is, as it were,
the palace where virtue reſidesh .
Lettres ed. xXVj. gy. | bid. 140. P. Ds
' AND APOTHEGMS.” 187
This is ne mawxith ithe mChixg ſe
11 affect an exterior beyond all other nations, ]
| A great talker never wants enemies: the man
ol ſenſe ſpeals little and hears much |
20 11 have heard perſons, who ſpeak. ladeg"
faith a Chinese author, * compared to certain
" trees, who have little beauty, but whoſe
fruits are excellent. A talkative perſon may
be likened to a fair tree without any fruit.43”s
P. Du Falde, 8 '630.]
* A horſe. thati s ready to gallop, when he
leaves the ſtable, isn ot one of thoſe, which
can make a thouſaZene do n aſ tretckh.
1 to the Eng. Fair and /oftly goes
The Lat. Nimium properans ſerius abſolvit.
3 to the Ital. Preſto e bene non ſi canuiene;
3. e. Haſtily and well never meet.N . B. One
thouſand Zee, is a hundred /eagnes.]
A hundred years, when paſt, are no more
than the twinkling of an eye: let us then
_ employ uſefully what days we have to live .
Am ag-pye builds her neſt, and the bird Kale u
places herſelf there afterwards u.
Equivalent to the Latin, . Sic-wos, non vobir,
nidificatis aves,—The Ate w ise rer the
© Guctowy, 1
len. ed. . 130. F. B. Halus, 1. 526.
A man
188 CHINESE PROVERBS
A man and woman that can be together
alone, and yet preſetrve their 0 can
break no lav.
[See the foregoing Hiſt. vol. 2: pag; 145]
A man born in the country of either 7; or
Du, will infallibly have its accent.
oc. CE ant T/u were formerly two little *
doms now ſwallowed up in the Chiugſe empire.—
This proverb expreſſes the contagion of
example, and the difficulty of conquering national
habits. The ancients had Adages ſomeching
like it, as, Barbarus evaſit inter barbares.
And, Mores 2 e meer 1 Vid.
Eraſ. Adag.]
** A man never opens a book withoutr eaping
ſome advantage from it.
A man who hath neither equity, application
nor politeneſs, is a ſavage beaſt whoſe head
is covered with a bonnet?®.
* A man, without conſtancy, will neither make |
2 good diviner nor a phyſician% ,
A modeſt woman never marries two *
bands: a faithful miniſter ought not to
ſerve two kings” .
[The meaning of this proverb 3i s aſcertained
by the following paſſage in a Chine/e author.
*« Is it not — that a great man, who is loyal
| F. bs Halle, I. 474. Bid. Saks P Lett. ed. xi. |
«® to
AND APOTHEGMS. 189
- « to his prince, quits all offices after his maſ-
«+ ter's death? A virtuous widow never thinks
of a ſecond huſband? P. Du Halde, vol. 2.
p. 169. N. B. The Chinęſe erect trium phal
arches to, and canonize for ſaints, ſuch widows
as have reſiſted ſecond addreſſes with exemplary
firmneſ—s A.n d upon a revolution of
government the Mandarines have frequently
refuſed to ſurvive their dethroned maſters.
Vid. P. Du Halde paſſim.]
A paſſion indulged, is a kind of drunkenneſs;
its remedy conſiſts in two words, I-, vanquiſh
thyſelf. 1 e e
[The Spaniards have a proverb, . Colirice
Janguino, Borracho fino; 1. e. A ſanguine choleric
man, is a downright drunkard.
A paſſion we do not get rid of, is like a moth
that flies round a taper until it be burnt *.
* A pear is returned for a peach: you ſhall
not reap what you have ſowed .
Applied when a juſt return is not made for a
favour received. To the ſame effect is that ſaying
of the ancients, Alij /ementem faciunt, alij
metent. Eraſ. Adag.] | MOR
A piſmire and a rat are very little inſecis, yet
all beings formed of the five elements are
liable to be deſtroyebdy as vile animals ».
Equivalentt oc he Eng. There are no ſmall ene-
29 Du Halde, 2. 48. * Ihid, 53s A. 1. 411.
CITES £% | 4 miei.
=
>A—”———a*a N G
mepoir—tunns e s
e——s —
|
|
|
|
nies. N.B .T he five elements are; acrerding
to the Chineſe, Mi wood, Ho'fire, Tu earth, Kr:
metal, Shui water. P. Du Halde,2 . 183, 185.]
A ſmall chink may cauſe ſhipwreck to the
reateſt veſſel: an inſect never ſo ſmall Py
5 its bite occaſion. your death.
A ſpark may kindle a [great] fre:a mole
may undermine a rampart .
[So the Fr. II ne faut qu une etincelle 4. Au pour
< caufer un grand incendie. See alſo Etchus: .
32.— The" t lives preceding proverbs. ſeem to
have all the ſame tendency, viz. to inſpire caution,
from the reflection that the moſt contemptible
cauſes often produce the moſt fatal effects*
A ſovereign may be compared to a hall: his
officers to the ſteps that lead to it, then e
to the ground on which, theyit ; f
A ſtab with the tongue is worſe than Gi the ;
ſword : a ſtab with che pen, than both*3 .
* On the right fide of the chair of T7;o rben
fait a Chingſe author c was this ii nſer Ption,
* Anſwer not & letteri n ap aſſan. P. aHalde,
2. 109. N. B. The French ſay, Fol coup de
langue eff pire 2 un coup de lance: 1. E. A ſtroke
with the tongue is worſe tham a ſtroke with the
lance.— And the Sp anards, Mas hiere' mala
felabraq,ue ofpade- flats; i. 8. A bad —_—
wounds mn ore: than. a = _ #
* Lett. veel. 120. y P. aDun . 2˙ 99.
* * 1. 475 "14.2 . * | A thumb.
AND APOTHEGMS: 197
A thumb below: is more to be regarded than
an hundred arms on high: more attention
is dutoe on e ſtep behind, gn to a Prey.
""_—_ beforeb .
[This proverb is a. perfect enigma, yyeett (if
one may venture to decypher it,) ſeems
. Intended. to convey this uſeful moral; that
man is formed to act in a narrow and contraQed
ſphere, and ought not to entertain either
very remote fears or hopes: in the firſt place, that
he ought to conſine his attention to preſent rathan
very diſtant dangers: ſecondly, that
D|r e Yo) rather employ his thoughts i1 n the re-
|W k nn of his own paſt actions, can in vain
and anxious reſearches into futurity.—The firſt
_ clauſe is not very remote from the Lat. Put
e ante pedes nemo ſpettat, celt fcrutantur Plagas. F
2M A village mouth is good phyfic.
[That is, the honeſt countryman's advice
de from ſincerity, and may be depended on.
See the foregoing Hiſt. vol. 2. p. 235.
A wealthy houſe, whence juſtice and charity
are baniſhed, what is it but a barren mountain,
which contains in its bofom rich, but
uſeleſs metals? 5 2
J N wiſe man avoids dhe very apybitries ofvi vice" .
_ * A wiſe-prince is ſafe in ramparts of gold .
- [Meaning in the affe ctions of his ſu bjects, and
> Lett. ad. XX. 140. 3 * © P. Da Halde, 2. 79.
| in the {kill and fidelity of his pk mi ·
A with prince makes advantage of e6v en the
words of a fool.
(It is a trite ſaying in all languages, that a
wiſe man may ſometimes profit by a fool's advice,
or as the Spaniards have it, De un hombre
" necio @ wehes buen conſejo.]
A word once let fall cannot be fetched back
by a Chariot and four horſes 6s.
[The Spaniards ſay, Palabra y W Kela,
no tiene buelta : i. e. A word and a ſtone once
diſcharged never return. Lat. Noſcit vox miſſa
' reverti. ]
„Above is Wer below isF m and
Hang- cbero ig be
f Theſe are two deli heful Cities or diſtrias,
9 the paradiſe o Ching. 155 Martin. Atlas,
Adverſity is an admirable ae. whereof
one doſe cures many diſeaſes, and ſecures
the health of him that takes it all his life!.
* All the grains of rice ſerved up in your diſh,
have been watered with the ſweat of the
e a
[This is deſigned to correct the ſuperciliouſ-
' neſs of the great, and their readineſs to deſpiſe
rp. Du Halde, 1. 481. Id. 3. 55. Ill. 7. P. 74
L. 2. ad Flad. 55. a
| = A
AND APOTHEGMS. 193
and ſet light by the poor. — The Chineſe have
another proverb to the ſame purpoſe, viz, A
grain of rice, a ſingle thread, all comes from
te ſweat of the poor,” Lett. ed. xxvj. 93.
& All the conſtellations preſide over the empire
of China, fo as to concern themſelves
with no other countries. |
[This p roverb ſhews how exceedingly partial
the Chin are to their country. The Tartar
Emperor Cang-hi was wont to laugh at this
prejudice, and to beg of the Chine/e to leave
at leaſt a few ſtars. to take care of the neighbouring
kingdoms—W,e ſay in Jeſt, T wal are
no flars for Iriſh men.]
*A n amiable prince is the father infm other
of his people . / ;
[See the foregoing Hiſt. vol. 1. pag. 205..
An old man without virtue, and a poor man
without induſtry, are two characters with
whom we ought to have neither correppondence
nor difference .
[Sup poſing them ſo deſperate and abandoned,
as it is not ſafe either to> converſe or quarrel
with them. 15 a
* As the liqu or takes the dais of the veſſel
that SGI it, fo the fybjects imitate the
princeo .
iP. . ce 27„.. P. Du Halde,
Vol. III. 3 | As
194 CHINESE PROVERES
* As the ſtone Ae can never became white;
ſo àh eart defiled with WOW Wil always
„ati Rs! blackneſs ?0 51 "I
bini .a k ind of black earth,w blch theyT ub
on the engraved letters inſtead of inſe.— This
- aying owes. its birth to the Emperor Lu- wang,
who flouriſhed 1120 years before. the Chriſtian
Era. It is equivalent to our homely *
1O ne a wohore and alwaysa whore:} |
Att he bottom, a buſhel of pearls iisn otw orth
'eA nde of ice 4
That is, in intrinſſe value. LW is allo a common
faying of the Chineſe, Pearls and pre-
& cjous ſtones are of no uſe either for _—_ or
, raiment. P. Du Halde, 1. 517.],
* Avoid a blaſt of wind, as es ast he
point of an arrow ß.
[The e Os.50 De.w iento gue enira por
. barrage, & Co guarde dios : i. e. From a wind
np cames int hrough,A ble, good Lord rer
vn Aa man be i in good health, when his Ne
is ſwoln as large as hie body; 3 and His
ow as big as his arm.
_ [Thisi s chiefly applied to a TY SPY
| py, have nine to too reer |
and wealth. ] wits
P. Du Halle, 30. Fei. e 99.
t * 1
AND /APOTHEGMS.) 195
Do not entertain a man, who hath juſt received
a e with an account
of your own ſucceſs* F
Does he proſper? he is mount To27 .*| |
he not PAR 22 *. is an 88 nge1 8 goat
weight.
[Tay is a very" gent 5 loftyb oten in
the province of Shu tong, faid to be forty Lee
be 1 F
| Dogsa nd ſwine, the fatter * are,t hene arer
their days are to an end. d wn
[Applied to ſuch n 1 too
great haſte to be rich, and thereby exeite the
avarice of their ſuperiors, the envy of their
cquals, and the hatred of their oppreſſed in-
| * to conſpire their deſtruction.
N. B. Dogs are fatted and eaten in China
as a delicious food, and always found at the
tables of the great. A Chineſe autlior gives
thef ollowing as an inſtance of unreaſonable prejadice.
A man by night is helped to the
« fleſh of an ape, and being told it is the fleſh
of a dog thinks it good: next morning he
5 1 informed what he hath eaten, and falls a
8 vomitinge P. Da Halde, v. 2. p. 112.]
* Every one is governed by an e
ing, a memory, and a will. 129
9 See
or twelve miles high. Vid Martin. Atlas. p.
196 CHINESE PROVERBS
(see the foregoing Hiſt. vol. 2. pag. 234.
* reer one knows his own neceſlity, whether
it be hunger, cold or heat.
Equivalent to the Fr. Chacun fent To mal.
Which we and the Spaniards expreſs, by Cada
ano ſabe adonde le aprieta el gapato Every one
knows where his own ſhoe N See the
foregoing Hiſt. vol. 2. pag. 2 34].
Familiarity begets contemptx .
[This is too obvious a remark not to .
occurred to all civilized nations. Lat. Nimia familiaritas
contemptum parit. So the Fr. Eng. &c.]
e the meaſles, but feed the ſmall· pox
full .
[Ngo tha paso teou. This ifs an bci current
among the Chine/e phyſicians. N. B.
There is reaſon to believe that the practice of
inoculation had its riſe in . See Lett.
edif. xx. 304, &c.]
* Four good magiſtrates iNrniaate a choufand
furlongs ¶L ee]* ,
[This ſaying takes its rifef rom the following
3 tory. * The king of Guey and the king of
Th had a conference on their frontiers :w hen
the former aſked the latter if he poſſeſſed any
rare and curious pearls, He anſwered in the
negative. But 1, ſaid the king of Guey, have
P. Du Halde, 2.52. Leied.t æ.. 3 10.
DT „ß nee
e ten
AND APOTHEGMS. 197
ten precious ſtones, ſo brillant, that each of :
them caſts a luſtre over the ſpace of twelve fur-
| longs. My jewels, ſaid the other, are different
from yours, for they live and breathe. I have
four Mandarines, who prefide over four pro-
| vinces, and by the luſtre of their juſtice and
4 122 illuminate a thouſand e Vid.
Mart. Hiſt. p. 1741
Friendſhips that are formed lowly, and without
much formal introduction are moſt
laſting* .
Gon bells ſeldom frike ; fallv eſſelsr eturn
no ſaund .
This is uſed as a diſſuaſive from garrulity:
to which no people have ſuch an averſion as
|t he Chineſe; we invert the image, Empty veſſels
make the greateſt found. Lat. Vacuum was altius
pleno waſe reſonare.]
Great inſtruments of muſic are of no value
to ftrolers : great fiſhes are produced in
great waters© .
The firſt clauſe of this proverb, is equivalent
to the Fr. 4 petit mercier, petit panier. Lat.
Parwum parva decent. The latter clauſe to the
2 1n mari Ag piſces . Vid.
2 P. Du Halle 2+ 42. b Lett. ed. XXYj. 9 |
i Halle, a 4s & &# we DOI
arroraRonso=̃ — y n Etro «*. >— IL
*ry
——E—4—— au
<—— 99-I>
err
198 CHINESE PROVERBS
He 1s happy, who underſtands his happineſs ©, d
6 is illuſtrated by a paſſage in a CB
author. Seeing a gentleman beſore me on
„„ a fine horſe, while I am mounted on a
« wretched mule; 'A h! I ery, how different
is my condition I Jools ehihd me, and
4 ſee hambers of peoploen foot ſtooping un-
„ der heavy burdens: then my n
& ceaſe, and Jam comfarted,” Compare,P .
Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 115. with p. 230. ] :
* He maintains a ctw ed or
an argument for three ears *, yy
[This is commonly applied to thoſe ho
maintain paradaxes, and impoſſible poſitions:
and took its riſe from an argument once beld
by the philoſopher Sung- tung (Who lived 114
years before CChhr ift.) That every man hath
three ears: one internal and two without.].
* He ſpends as if his father were receiver of
the Emperor's revenue 3a. the province of
Mi nan 7.
It is in this province that gold duſt is uber.
ed out of the ſands of the rivers:— which
to a Chineſe officer muſt afford fine opportunities
of 3 the public.
# He, who aims at being virtuous, is kke! a
man, who climbs up a ſteep mountain: he
. Dial, , b. 230. Aar. Hit. las 199. Mart, Mar f.,. .
who
AND APpOTHEGMS. 199
who abandons himſelf to vice, is Ike a man
who deſcends a very ſteep precipice s.
He,w ho is proud of his dignity and power, or.
puffed up with his knowledge, is like a
man, who' ſtands oh a glittering piece of
ice, and boaſts of his elevation: but the
ſun darts its rays, the ice ann and:* |
{inks into the mire® ,
*H e, who is HA Bats) by ten eyes,* AWE
at by ten Angers, how cautious Mould he
Jive: 4 07
He, who eats Air man'sb eat, fubratts
_ - himſelf to ſuffer his blows“ .
* He who ſuſfers, en ſome comforti n nſ ing
1 ing his pains .
[This ſeems equivalent to the Spaniſh proverb,
Quien canta ſus males eſpanta, i. e. He
"who kings, krights away his misfortunes, tha2t
eaſes and diverts them.
* He who doth not love tea, covers wine w.
5H ennen and hell are ſeatedi n theh eartv .
[This fiene lke common with the Chimt/e.
Tot he!l ame elfe our celebratedP oet, 2
2 p. Du Halde,1 .4 49. Id. 2. 56. i Conf. $.
e P. Semedo, þ. * |
———
200 CHINESE PROVERBS
The mind is ite een Anat. and in 1151 —
Can male a beaven of hell, a hell of 1
Par. loſt.b . 1. v. 254.
Baue,p enetrates into the bottom of. hearts,
as light into a dark chamber.
It may be worth while to ſee how the
„n Chineſe expreſſed themſelves on the ſubjet
of ſome of the divine attributes. © It is
„ jn vain to hide one's ſelf in the dark: no.
thing is hid from Shang-ti (or the Supreme
* Enperor) The night is with him as clear as
*© the— — He penetrates into the moſt hid-
* den corners where the malignity of man's
heart would withdraw. itſelf from his f. ight:
he is preſent every where, and darts his light
a into the moſt obſcure windings of the moſt
«« impenetrable labyrinth, where any one would
attempt to conceal himſelf.” P. Du Halde,
* Honour the dead, as you would honour
them if they were alive ar
[Or, as it is ſometimes expreſſed by the Chi.
neſe, * Behave with regard to the dead, as if
they were ſtill alive.” This is the favourite
maxim of the Chineſe. and ſeems more foundſo
current withu s, De mortuis nil niſi bonum.” ]
. p. Du Halde, 1.473,
oo XXij. 268.
ed on juſtice and good ſenſe, than that maxim
P 1. 2.38; Lett. of. æix.
5 How
*
AND APOT HEGMS, 20+
How can any one be faultleſs, unleſs he |
were a Yau or a Shun d. 1 2
[Theſe are two ancient | Chinef Emperors
© revered as ſaints or heroes, whoſe reigns are
regarded as the golden age of China. They
were both raiſed by their merit to the throne:
_ Yau being a petty regulo: and Shun a poor
labourer. *© 35 Ch a Chine/e author, had
4 not ſo much ground as would ſerve for erect-
" ITS ſtile or driving a ſtake, yet was after-
*r wards Emperor. Ta whoſe juriſdicton did
„ not extend over ten families, ſaw himſeif
af maſter of the whole 1 as Dane
However ſure a horſe may ha we muſt not
all at once throw up the bridle to him:
however familiar one may be one with ano-
1 one muſt not at once truſt all the
ſecrets of one's heart to his mouth.
21 ſhall be as the bird, that carries a golden
ting to the perſon who hath ſet it at liberty*.
[This is a common expreſſion of gratitude
far @ favour received, and will receive illuſtration
from a paſſage in a Chine/e edict, viz.
"Ip* You have doubtleſs heard the hiſtory of Tamao:
he found in his way a bird, who drew
"h r itw ich {ow —_— a cord2 to its ——=—
N 43
: |
: 1
| 5
' l
| =
+ 4
*
: 'F
n 7
* P, Di Halde, 1. 620. Lai. 2d4. a x. 139.
* P, Du Halde, 2, 67. WY kg.
arne
——— —
——2—
u- —ear.
262 CHINESE 'PROVERBS
leg. Tapas moved with eompatiion freed
*
*
*
< it from its incumbranc, and ſet it at liberty.
He was quickly rewarded for this ſeryice:
the bird ſoon after returned de in its
bAe ak a Tr ingo f gold,| which ſhe put Int o the
* hand of her deliverer. Hiftory relates that
e from that time the family of Lam: pas re-
12 markably flouriſhed, and afterwards gave
* many prime miniſters to the ſtate. It is thus
that eren flight ſervices, bring down Sent
te rewards from heaven.“ Lettres edif. xv. a
£3 1
"— *
* I ſhall render a ſervice equal to that of the
» piſmires ſaved from ſhipwreck by means of
the branches thrown out fort hat purpoſ*e,
[This is likewiſe a proverbial expreflion of
gratitudeb,u t we have not been fortunate enough
to recothev ſetorry on whichi t is founded.
*
Let it might be illuſtrated from a fable of Eſop,
viz. A dove perchedon a tree, obſerved a
<©piſmire drowning in an adjacent fiream,
* and moved with "compaſſion 'threw in a
, ſmall branch, by means of which it eſcaped
* ſhipwreck: ſoon after a fowler ſeeing ogr cha-
. £5 ritable dove ſeated on the ſame tree, was
„ ſpreadinhgis nets.t o inſnare her: When the
e grateful piſmire ſtung him by the heel, and
dy cauſing him to turn, alarmed: the dove,
F. Du Halde, . 67. | 5 tank r
« who inſtantly flew away and eſcaped the
66 danger,” ] SN
If a leopard or a — break out of the ial
ahem ®wh o is to anſwer eli du 5
if any damage isd one bya k ing$
_n eg2le fh,7 v 5i st o call him to an account fori t?]
Ifa man hadno inclination to kill the was
the tyger would babe "mo deſire de hu
mM; 7:
There is. another ſay i contrary tf* o eoi n
F. u Halde, 2. 176 * A man never thinks
, of hurting a Yo and yeta tyger is eye
. < meditating miſchief againſt'a man.“
If ſometimes the Xi-lin and Fomg-whang are
found on the earth: there are a far greater
number of tygets, ferpentsa nd ſcorpions* .
[ Meaning. that 1 characters abound in he
world more than good ones. The Ki- lin and
. Fong-awhang are a —— beaſt and bird, ſaid
never to be ſeen, hut in times preceding ſome
remarkable happy reign :—aniwerable to. the
_ unicorn and phænix among us. bog
If the bundle of thorns, which isw rapto va
the young tree to Keen it, bind ii t tao hard,
it cruſhes it .
(Meaning, that besch. ſhould: not 1
e web Catia A er
' P.D u Halde, 2o p Gag 8 Lal. ed. Xxxwj. 143
diſcourage
n—.
vA.96"
——eIyͤ——.o4* ——Sn o — sI
*
M— M”
2——
———
A2*2
— 204 CHINESE | PROVERBS
; diſcourage them. Some perſons, ſaith a CBineſe
Author, © keep their children ſo conſtantly
to their ſtudies, that they will neither let
them ſee nor hear what paſſes in the world.
„ Whence they become as filly as the young
* man, who happening to be in the public
e ſquare, and ſeeing a hog, cried out, I hat
an enormous fize that rat is l, P. Du
Halde, v. 1. p. 50.]
If one doth not pluck off the 3 of a
tree while they are yet tender; they can-
. not afterwards. be cut off without the ax”.
\- {This proverb inculcates the neceſlity of earl y
4 cult ure, ofr eſtraining the paſſions and of checking
the vicious exceſſes of young minds betimes.
a 9 uſes an image not unlike this,
Due præbet latas arbor ſpatiantibus umbras,
ue poſita eft primum tempore virga fuit.
0 A pl, 5 Jummd4 tellure — 2 8
Nunc flat in immenſum viribus acta. ſuis.]
It the father of a family bathe every day, bis
children will be ſkilful ſwimmers: if he
ſteal melons and fruits, his children will be
. aflaflins and incendiariesa .
[This is deſigned to expreſs the 1 of example
in fathers and governors of families over
the minds of their dependents,” who are ſure
not only to copy, but to go beyond him. To
1 ſame er. the Latin Poet, 5
- 2 Je . 101 *Lett. ed. xx. 134.
p09: | tas
|
AND APOTHEGMS. 209g
tas parentum pejor avis tale" *
Nor nequiores, mox daturos 475 nne
Progeniem — 7
* — Lib.3 .d ad 1
*If you would know how the ſon will turn
8 outs look upon the father or the tutor.
we fayi n England « 75 young cock cc rows
after the oldo ne.1 39 4
If you have no experience in an air your-
(elf: follow thoſe that have ſucceeded ii n it, ©
If the water be even ten yin deep, one may ;
- diſtinguiſh from the ſurface, W urn the
eines; be iron or gold,
[That is, however the mind and its ſentiments
may be covered by diſſimulation, it will
be ſeen through, if it be remarkably good, or
bad.—A yin is 80 feet. P. Du Halde, 1. 464.1
| If to a beautiful countenance you apply a cauſtic
of mugwort, the ſcar will for ever be
| ſeen; a black ſpot upon a won habit will
laſt as longas the habit.
u the ſame effect with thoſel ines of Gy3
In beauty faults conſpicuous grow :
4 1h e a4 5 — is 200 on ſnow.
Fab, x).]
1 ;
3 1
} i
1 7 1
tt j
i} )
q *
|
: -
1511
"24
Ll I
*
.+Fco
—2 mY
Pond >wn—
——n——
—mh —
oenIA—vnerr—$0 g s
206 CHINESE PROVERBS
* If there are in the court of a prince ſeven
officers truly zealous, and who dare remonſtrate:
though he be irregular, he will
not loſe his crown fo
An the Chireſt annals may be met with many
8 inſtances: of exemplary courage,
fidelity, and public ſpirit: there have been minere
WhO 12 ve freely reproved the Emperor |
when he was aQting wrong, though certain
death was the e an al, pas.
> 144, note.!
If che ty of aue ie great *
vocko f the body: the erg he way
makes ſti]! greatesr. |
In company. ſeta guard upon pex u tongue:
| In-(alitude on your heart |,b . d NN
th all things conf orm to the taſte7 wiſe
« antiquity .
7 {No people have ſuch. a; blind veneration for
*2t7 ws , antigoity as. the Chineſe. They even pay a
© Line of religious worfhip to ider decka nceſtors.
See vol. 1. p. 164. note. |
In. former times they ielded the way without
diſpute”: * Wen the.e ld \ TI
(IP:
i. 46. Fort. ed. Ax j.h e Mk
* *
AND APOTHEGMS. - 207
in vain wauld a king govern like a Yay or a
. Shun, with a book of laws three feet thick,
"hank en his haue acres ang as Reg aer
10 the maintains aft he uch chere ifs 2
leopard, who, notwithſtanding his yoraciouſneſs,
will live ſeven days without foodi,n
the rainy ſeaſons, rather than 8⁰ We and
3 the luſtre of his fkin .
Fx nis is applied to a perfon, who is-fo daz-
FR Hed with thef aſt of his preſent greatnels and
krank, as to be regardleſs of the future: but it
ſeems more applicable to a finical foppiſh perfon.
Chineſe foppery we have desc ibed by
one of their own authors. There are ſome
4 perſons, ſaith he, who at the very time when
an important affair is upon their hands, very
e deliberately look upon themſelves in mir-
% rour, waſh themſeives in 2' veſſel of per-
«« fumes, gently ſhake the duſt from their
TON cloaths, and are employed in a thouſand
6 little frivolous affairs.b efore they enter on
the main bufinefs. P. Du Halde, 2. 53. ]
In matterosf ſtate the prince alone ought to
decide: but in domeſtic affairs the —
ought to rule 75
[The latter 2 ought only.40 .
ſtood 6© within the women's : Tra oof or
i 4 5
F. Du Halde, x. þ 62. id. 1. 544.
|
| i
208 c ESE PROVERBS
1 leaſt wich greater reſtriction than in Europe 2
for it is a received maxim in all the eaſtern
countries, that that ſex is excluded by nature
from all government, either civil or domeſtic ;
for which reaſon they. call Europe the king-
K dom of ladies; where they have been told that
_ the crown hath deſcended to a. female head,
Mod. Univ. Hiſt. vij. 161. n..
ln China there is nothing thrown a8wa y" ,
| [Chung-gue-wu-y-ve.—— China is ſo prodi.
bo" giouſly crowded with inhabitants, that there
are no ſhifts, to which the poor have not re-
.. courſe for a livelihood. As there is hardly
a a ſpot of ground that lies until ed in all the empire,
ſo there is hardly a man, woman or
child, though never ſo diſabled, but what gets
a2 maintenance. The Chine/e will make a profit
of things which appear to us quite uſeleſs.
Many families ſubſiſt by picking up in the
. ſtreet little rags, the feathers of fowls, bones of
dogs, bits of paper, &c. which they waſh and
_ ſell again.—In ſhort a Chineſe will dig a whole
day together up to his knees in water, and in
the evening will think himſelf well paid with a
little boiled rice, pot een a oe tea. P.
Du Halde, v. 1. p. 277. ] 5 wy:
* In China are more tutors tha {eholars:a nd
more phyſicians than patients. |
We proverbial exaggeration of the prodigious
, l 1. 5. Dr alis 10 3.
vumbers that hddict themſelves to literature
and medicine: - The great honors chat attend
the former, invite vaſt multitudes to purſae it,
a great part of hom being rejected at the examinations,
have no other means of . :
but ii n teaching others 4 of
* In China adus boatso fp aper.a nd
| ene ironv.
e toverb ariſes om the Aicfeult faviſeveral
of the Chineſe tivers ; Which,
"= abcount of their ſwift current among the
rocks, &. obliges mow to have boats 6f very
thin boards like our ſlit deal, which are not
nailed, but ſome how T6ſt ened together with
wicks: Theſe boats ſplit not againſt the rocks,
but bend and give way.]
in the province of Can-tong are thites unuſttal
things: the ſky without ſhow; the
trees always green; and my: inhabitants
+ continually ſpitting bloods. 4b.
Tre laſt clauſe afſudes to tel $edhetag to
chew arzck and here], a8 is common in” other
"parts of the Eat. —— ft is thus that tlie other
Chineſe ſpeak of or e of this ptovice.)
* Inclofe theg ane ent;hr eſei dese ,2
*
7. Atlas. 124. 4 q Mart.A tlas. f.1 32.
F.: Halde, 1.7 ; nal op A* + 4
. 1 *
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|
210 CHINESE .PROVERBS |
{Meaning that we ſhould not deſtroy the
1 of it at once, but make a reſerve for ſuture
occaſions. Parallel to that ſaying with us,
* Good * en Dy 2 = Lage
«6 eſcape. PI]
Indigence and ferry are 65 parents of vigiand
oeconomy. Vigilance and weenomy
of riches and e, Riches and honour
of pride and luxury. Pride and luxury
of impurity and idleneſs. And impurity
and _idleneſs of indigence and e .
. ſuch are the revolutions of liſee.. |
It is better for a prince to hoard up th i
ſubſects houſes, FO! in his own Lala
and coffers*.
It is.b etter to take. ns He FAIR he 6,
than to ſee and admire them ee in
Equivalent to that provinh of ours, * A4
*B ird in the handi s auonth two: in the buſh : or
48. the Spaniards have it, Mas. wale ; axare.,in
mano, Que, buytre wolands :i . e, A parrow, in
hand i Worth more than 2 a vulture, fying.} | ;
It is not for the valley alone where it grows,
that the flower is ſob eautiful and fra-
4 4 grant: neither — it to be for yourſelf
alone that you ſhould acquire wiſdom .
P. Du n he: t 14. 8. es ' _
Hit. p. 347. Lett. ed, er 133.
Nias st,
' AND/ APOTHEGMS;” 218
| [Of like application with thoſe words of
„ Neither do men-light a candle and put it
under a buſhel, but in a inn and it giveth
light to all that are in the houſe. —Let your "ow fo
. 1 before men, &c. Mat. v. 15. 16.
It is not one diamond that gives luſtre to
another, a common coarſe Wn is employed
for that purpoſe x. 31 10 2t12m
[Equivalent to the Bug. A dlanwnd is Way
He aun 2 ts foil. * SW
iT is very ae: cs govern women n and ſer-
1 Y, 35nOο V4t
"Th his is a maxim of . 3 afligns
Hg reaſon, For if you treat them with gene
tleneſs and familiarity, they loſe all reſpect:
« if with rigour, you I have continual Kar-
„„ 1
on foot, go through it cloathed in the ancient
manner: if it is s ſhallow tuck.u p your
_ garments *, Mn
[The A believet hat at.f iſt* * |
naked, or at moſt looſely clad in the ſkin o
ſome animal. Vid. Mart. E, 7/2. p. 18.— This
Pe is applied to inculcate the neceſſity
P. Du Halde, 2. 4 45. n 4. .
bb, z. p. 108. 4% e en
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212 CHINESE PROVERBS
of accommodating one's ſelf. to the <Uifferent
circumſtances of lie.
Kao when to ſtop feafonably *I S 5
* * might furniſh a breakfaſt to all
China; but Hu- guang might feed it fat®.
[A local proverb, the 1755 nave
merit of thetst wa provinces. 2 |
Learn to be content with what ſallices®.
[“ What need have we of riches? (faith a
4 Chineſe moraliſt) producem e the man, Who, |
content with a ſtraw cottage and a little in-
«© cloſure of canes, emplays himſelf in reading
| 2 the writings of our wife men, or in diſcourſing
on virtue: who defires no other recrea-
* = 10, than to refreſh himſelf with the cool air
| * by moonſhine, and whoſe whole ſolicitude,
« is to preſerve in his heart the love of inno-
2% nd of Wis derghbour.” P. Re re;
Similar to the Ching proverb are the Lat.
Oaod fatis eff out contingit, nibil amplius opter.
The Fr. Qui a aſſex, 1 a plus rien à Hrrer. And
me Eng. Enough #s ur good as 4 feaſt.)
Let us love others, as we love ourſelves 4. .
TA nee maxim of C !
P. Du Halde, Wy Mart. AAtrliass. p.7 1. EP.D u
Lek |
AND APOTHEGMS. 223
Lock forh ornsi n the head of a lamb new-
11y brought forth.
Parallel to that coarſe but ex ve ſayin
| of Gier Cromwell, Nits «e xprſir1 *
* Look on whias gtood in another, as what
ou have not yet attained : ſhun what is
bad more than bojling water..
Lying is the vice of baſeſ oulsa, nd of the
vileſt populace®.
* May'ft thoy be dragged through theb oleo f
a priſon *.
[A proverbial imprecation, |T he Ching
_ . have a 9 pen concerning the dead,
that they mult not be carried out at the ſame
ate, they entered when alive: on this account
there is a hole in the outward court of the priſons,
whence the bodies are thrown out.]
* Men by affection are rendered blind to the
faults of their children: by avarice to the
ferillity of their lands.
[The firſt clauſe is anſwerable toc hant rite
ſaying of ours, Every crow wy v2 own Bird
faire ] |
* Misfortunes ride oy and never come
ſingle. 2
eP, Du Halde, 2.r . 2 ea Lett. ed. r.g ee 255c f
7? ; [The
214 CHINESE 'PROVERBS |
[The Latins ſay, Fortuna nulli obeſe contenta
ft Jemel. The French, Un malheur ne wient jamais
tout ſeul. And we, Misfortunes ſeldom come
- alone. he Halian is, Le 4 HMtatie non Seer
mai ſole.”
* Money is blood: but gold iis merchandizel .
[A proverb. common, among the Chineſe at
Ma-cao. It both expreſſes the greedy temper
of the Chineſe, who ſtick at nothing for gain:
and explains the uſe of gold among them, which
is not current as a medium of traffic, but is
bought and ſold as a commodity. UE vol.4
pag. 109. n.]
Mountains and plains however fertile do not
produce the flower Lyen: on the contrary
b grows eaſilyi n low neglected places® .
[This is intended to ſignify, that virtue flouriſks
beſt in adverſity, or in a low and humble
tation. It may be noted that the mountains
An China are generally cultivated, and moſt of
them naturally fertile: whereas the low grounds
are ſwampy; a great part of China having
5. formerly been under water. - The Lyen-wha |
s a fine aquatic flower, not unlike a tulip, but
of a e ſmell. See P. Du Halde, v. 1.
Nets are 3 fort he bird Tf u8 of
the beauty of1 i tsw ings :: were it not * 8t .
. lin. . bi e.
| ö ;
| perAND
APOTHEGMS.' 276
perfume the creature os wud bel eft iin
Wrong .
Equivalent to the Lat. Rece non tenditur accifitri,
neque milwio. Fr. Avec les michants il nya
rien à gagner. The Italians ſay, La donna e la
ceraſa per ſuo mal & imbelletta, i. e. A woman
and a cherry are beautiful to their own hurt.—
N. B. She is the muſk- animal: which is a kind
of a roe-buck, remarkable for having four long
| tuſks in its mouth. The muſk is rated in a
- 1 b: npder its belly... Vid. * Halde,
* Noſ kin,n o bar. 1
* [i e. Where therei s no foundation there
can be no ſuperſtructure. Not very" remote
from the Lat. Ex nihilo nibil it.]
Not one in ten thouſand dies by We?
the bare mention ſtrikes with horror: *
multitudes by intemperance, yet how little
s it feared”? _
[The Spaniards have a ee .
a nadie vi morir, de mucho comer à cien mil.
I never ſaw any die of hunger, of over. Ns
a hundred thouſand. So the Lat. Gula Plures
quam gladius peremit. Eraſ. Adag.]
Nothing is more to be feared than a rat within
a ſtatue.
216 CHINESE PROVERBS
[This was the anſwer, which a Chine/e Man
darine made to the Emperor, when he aſked |
What was moſt to be feared in a ſtate. His
maſter demanding an explanation, he replied.
*« Your Majeſty knows, thati n many eities, the
ſtatues e to the guardian Gex/j of the
place are of painted 1 and hollow within.
If a rat get into one of theſe, it js difficult to
expel it: they dare not uſe fire, for fear of con-
_ faming the image: nor water, leſt they waſh off
the colours. Thus the ref they have for
the ſtatue protects the rat. Soi t is when a man
without virtue or merit thehters binn! in his
prince's favour.”
Of the five duties of civil life, FO fiſt 5] ay
which a ſon owes t@ his parent 4. - 6
[The five: duties are thoſe derbe father
ſon ;—byſband and wiſe: —emperor and
dae elder 1 aud younger and
friends ape one another, P. Semedo, p.
50.N . B. The Chingfe |h ave alſo another ſaying,
© Filial piety is the chief of all perſonal
virtnes: FaD eo gH ali s the ſoulof 'goyern-
*O ve may LO à great man by ſeeing his
; attendants, though,o ne doth not iy Fa
if".
{50 the ftal. Dat /erve # comafer i baden.
F.r. T7e lm aitreF e —_ Eng. Like maſter, like
IPs Du Hal, 2. be d. 1. 629,
AND APOTHEGMS. 217
| man. But the Spaniards ſay, ©yal cl duo, tal
el perro: i, e. Such as the maſter is, ſuch is
One raſh word hath ruined great affairs: one
perſon hath eſtabliſhed a Kingdom.
[IMeaning, a wiſe Emperor, or prime mi-
Af # 3
Pillars of iron wear away by little and little
with the {imple touch: one perceives the
traces of the hand upon the marble baluſ-
| trades which are often handled *.
_ [By way of comment take the following extract
from a Chine/e memorial, + 7 :
Misfortunes have their ſeeds : the wiſe
. man prevents their birth. To this end, the
* moſt minute beginnings muſt be watched:
for what at firſt appears but ſlight, becomes
„ by little and little ſenſible and confiderable,
* This water which diſtils from mount Tay,
wears in time over the ſtones, a paſſage,
which you would think wrought with a
„ chizzel. A cord drawn to-and-fro over a
ce board many times in the ſame place, at length
« divides jt into two pieces, as i done with a
„ ſaw, In fine, yonder tree, which is now ten
« feet in circumference, was raiſed from a very
* ſmall ſecdling : when it was young and ten-
« der, it was in all reſpects flexible, and might
L Conf. ib, 1. J. 20. 5 Lett, ed. xx vj. 130.
| ” . hare
218 CHIN ESE PROVERBS
* have been eaſily plucked up. At preſent
what a difference! It is the ſame with regard
« toevil.” P. Du Halde, Fr. tom. 2. p. 437.
ſame images are uſed proverbially in
the Lat. Gutta cawat lapidem, non vi Jed Jepe
cadendo and in the French, Lean qui tombe
oute a goute cave le pierre. —See alſo the Latin
verſes quoted above in pag. 204. ]
Put a ſeal upon your mouth, and guard your; |
heart as you would the walls of a city.
[The image uſ.d in tbe firſt clauſe is familiar
with the Cbineſc. The wiſe man, ſaith a
Cbineſe moraliſt, will put a triple ſeal upon
4 his lips.” Lett. ed. xxvj. 115.— The advice
js the ſame with that of the Latin poet,
1 de' quoque wir, et cui dicas, ſæpe cva erb. +
ng gives thoſe who apply to it, a certain -
air of politeneſs, which diffuſes itſelf uy
all their words and actions -
* [This reflection, ſo contrary to our notions in
Europe, is expreſſed to the following purpoſe in
another ſaying : ** Study gives to young men
an air of politeneſs and agreeableneſs, which
. ** makes their company courted.” P. Du
_ Halde, 2. 50.—Politeneſs in China conſiſts in
_ the * and regdy en of = their ce-
Leit, ed. xxvj. 135. P. Du Halde, 2. 47.
remonies:
AND APO THEO NIS. arg
remonies: theſe are ſo interwoven _Y their
laws, politics and morality, that the chief end
of their ſtudies is to acquire a thorough know-
_ + ledge of them: hence it is that a man of letters
ma be known in China by the ſuperior addreſs
with which he makes his bow. See on this
head LU Eſprit des Loix, liv. 19. ch. 12, 1 3 Kc. ]
* Riches [only] adorn the houſe :[b ut] virtue
adorns the perſon* . .
* Roofs that are thick, and well ONO iar e
_ leaſt liable to be blown off by a ſtorm 7.
[This is juſt the reverſe of proverb the fl.
A bark of plain boards, &c. The meaning
is, that a ſolid and firm wind cainn l ongeſt hear
up againſt adverſity.]J
Rotten wood is not fit1 5 ſculpture: mad
walls are not worthy. of white-waſh= .
[Applied when cultureand inſtruction iis ws
away upon ſtupid or perverſe minds. Not unlike
the Lat. E guowis ligno non fit Merrurius-J
Ruin follows gain very near: and W is at
r tail of good fortune 5 TOI 2185 1
xrne 8 paniards ſay, Del Bien al mal, no ay canto
de real. i. e. From good to evil, is not the
breadth of a ſix-pence.
Among the inſtruRtions which kau
had
x cn. J. 1. 1. 14; 7 P. Ds Hates. .
P. 21. *L ett. ed. XXV}. 118, 2 |
——-
| |
E—g—
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24R+ _»B EE
| #26 CHINESE PROVERBS
had enpraved on the wall, where be enterrained
his friends, was the . « Hapineſs
and misfortune, loſs gain, are
| .2 things, of which we ſee no end int his world,
_ «©b ecauſe the future with to usi,s a
* darkn ight” SeeP . Du Hald2e,v .p .1 00.]
See that moth, which flies inceſſantly round
the candle: it is conſumed ! Man of pleaſure,
behold thy own image.
Shoes never fo well made will not make a
_pillow : the cap however neat war not
ons. ſhoes ©.
Equivalent to the Eng. You cannot Saks a
en purſe of a Jo's ear. The Lat. is exactly
1 —ç— with — N Ocream capiti, tibiæ
** S oonerh all 11N river run clear.
[See this explained, vol. 2. pag. 214] |
® Sweet repoſei s the frouf iinttenſ e application
© .
„ET .
- Wh. for. he will take them al for
fru *
[This mayb ea le bya wortC hing
tale:
AND ApOTHEOMS. a2
tale: A young man, who had bought a new
= belt, met with one of his friends, who, looking
at it, knew it to be of his own fiſter"s
_ « working, and thereupon aſked him how
by he came by it: the other, who loved to in-
"029 2 a jeſting humour, told him it was a
ric t from miſs his fiſter. There needed
„ no more to confirm his jealouſy; he went
* home and fo abandoned himſelf to paſſion,
te that ſhe broke her heart and died. Some time
after it was diſcovered that the belt had been
I ſtolen from the houſeb y an old woman in
the neighbourhood, —— had ſold it atF n
next ſhop.” P. Du Halde, 2. 56 I What
Temperance is the belt phyſic '. _
That doctrine, which goes no 2 ath an
the eyes and cars, is po Le 9
one makes in a dreams.
[The meaning is, that the:ſ oul receives no
more advantage from inſtructions that reach
not to the heart, ee ——
in a dream.] |
* That houſe will ſoon fall, in which the
hen "acts the office e e of the
cock v.
© fs theS pan. Tit ve. andl og
: F. reite, . ken ener 119. > Mt.
222 CHINESE PROVERBS
na canta y el galls calla. i. e. Sad is that bose,
where the ben crows and the cock 1 is ſilent. =.”
That which is ſmall in appearance gives
n brighteſt.luſtre to the brareſt actions .
The luſtre of a great action y depend on
a trivial: cireumſtance.T—he Italians ſay, Turte
. te gran facende ſi fanna di poca coſa. Nor is the
Latin very different from the Chineſe, Non rar
par va, magnarum rerum ſunt indicia. Eraſ. Adag.]
The beſt chance a man hath to eſcape a
© danger which he cannot ane. is to face
„ ven
The bow will break that i| st oo much
1 4 9
Tris is the ſame with ad 1 . *
Arcus nimis intenſus rumpitur.— The Italian is
not very remote. Chi troppo aſſaglia preſto la
: ſeawvezza. i. e. Who wire-draws a thing too
much, ſocn breaks it. —See the nen Haſt.
vol. 1. pag. 62.]
The branch of a tree that is eaſy and plian,
takes whatever bent is given it!
[This ii s applied by the Chine/e to the obfequious
condeſcending humble man. To inculcate
the ſafety and utility of a diſpoſition of
this kind, the ge? tell the rat little
Wi 2
; 4
z :
G WE
þ 4 -B
it :
? : 1
* j ;
þ * 1
tale.
AND APOTHEOMS. 223
tale. The Emperor Tai-!/ong one day diſ-
„ courſing with his miniſters, aſked, © Which
« is moſt durable, a hard thing or a ſoft ?”?
Sir, anſwered Shu-hiang, I am fourſcore years
of age, and I have loſt many of my teeth,
but none of tongue.“ P. Du Halde, vol. 2.
* The Chineſe, Sowh at 2 diſtance, 6M
honour the Emperor, when with the uſual
- ceremonies they receive their gueſts w.
[Martinizs, who quotes this proverb, (Hiſt.
1. 4.) ſuppoſes it alludes to the Chineſe cuſtom,
of having the entrance of their halls, &c, to
look towards the imperial palace: fo that all
their proſtrations are made towardsth e Emperor's
throne, who is by this means, conſidered
as a kind of divinity every where preſent.—
Perhaps it has a farther meaning, and implies
that every act of decency and good order, is a
tacit reſpect paid to the 8 and does honcur
to his government. ]
* The contention between = Ext — the
oyſter is the fiſherman's gain“ .
[There ii s a kind of ſhell. fiſh oe n| the coaſts
- China, which often lies aſleep in the fun
wich the ſhell open; in which flate if it is
eſpied by the ſea-fowls, it is greedily ſeized
as a defirable prey: but the fiſh claſping its
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224 CHINESE PROVERBS
hell together, often entraps and detains its
enemy, till both become the pins, of the
' fiſherman. Mart. Hiſt. p. 224.
| »The demons hear the words of the bargain |
made with the inchanter : the work over-
© hears what the workman protioutices in
|. bs indignation .
_ [The Chineſe have a fapetſlidions 500i on,| that
ds curſes of a workman pronounced over a
building, will prevent the family that lives in
it from thriving. Vide locum citat.] 8
The dyke once broken, we can no longer :
top the torrent v.
[Solomon hath uſed the ſame — wich a
| particular application. The beginning of ftrife
Ii, as when one letterb out waters therefore leave
off contention before it be medaled With. Hor.
Avij. 14.]
Tue Emperor lets ih manyd. ats,
dogs and wolves, when he creates Mandarines
to govern them a. |
[See this explained, vol. 2. p. 165. note.]
The fair tree was not deſtroyed becauſe its
branches were broken, or its leaves beaten
down: but becauſe its roots were ed
and corrupted .
o P. Du Halde, 2. 51. o Lett. ed; XXVUj. 111.
q P. Mogalh. J. £3997. FP . Du Halde, I. 41+» va
AND APOTHEGMS.” 223
The ſame image occurs in a Chine/e mo-
" or: and is applied to the ſtate of the emr
under. the reign of Mai-t i, who while
wh, extending its boundaries by conqueſt, neglected
the internal adminiſtration, ** Though
nothing could be more glorious in appear-
„ ance, 1 compare it (ſays the writer) to a
« oreat tree which ſhoots forth large branches
« and thick leaves, but whoſe. trunk and roots
ss the worms devour. The tree, notwithſtand-
= « ing!i ts beautiful appearance, is in great dan-
& ger.“ P. Da Halde, v. 1. p. 499.
4 The family which applies itſelf to amaſs 2
treaſure of virtues, ſhall want for nothing:
it mall enjoy a WT uh |It s*
The family which: ives itſelfu p to the
practice of evil, mall! rr with
affliction s.
0T he fortune of childrena n to be oft heir
own making.
Equivalent to the Lla t. Duiruea ber—
fu. And to the Span. Cada uno es hijo de ſus
_ bras, i.e . Every one is the ſon of his works. —
| The above maxim holds ſo true in China, that
it is common to ſee the grandſon of a Prime
Miniſter, reduced to fo mean an eſtate, as to
* Lett. od. xx © Ibid. 312. P. Du
Halde, 2. wm EE $2 « 203 8 Av
Vor. III. | Q £515 : become
- —
————
—othe r
Ü—ä—-y — —
————
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———
—D o
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EeeEg m
226 CHINESE PROVERBS
become a dealer in ſome little retail wa &c.
P. Magal. p. 146.]
The preateſt rivers, and the very fn itſelf,
are lower than the ſmalleſt brooks, without
loſing their ſuperiority v.
Fru is used as a leflon of condeſcenio
and humility to great men.]
** greateſt things very frequent have 1
but ſmall beginnings* . . —
[Tis Apothegm will Sardbips receive mal
tration from the following Chinęſe images.
18 The glow-worm berrows its luſtre from a
C p of rotten herbs in which it is ingenderw
ed: the molt odoriferous flowers owe their
<« beauty and fragrance to a dunghill: light
- «© ;flues:from the womb' of darkneſs: the moſt
* limpid water burſts out of a [ſmall] opening
< of the earth. ” 2s Hs Halde, v. 2. P. 45+]
The heart ii sa cquntry of prodigious extent:
life were it never ſo long would not afford
ſufficient time to ſow it all over .
[ This year,“ ſaid Li-wen-the one 55 to
himſelf, I am fifty-ſix years of age: few
<*© people live beyond ſeventy, I have t 3
« but ten or twelve years to hope for; of this
ſmall remnant of life, the inconveniences of
old age will conſume a great Pe z there
| remains ** a
AND APOTHEGMS., 227
« remains then but a ſmall pittance of time,
„% in which I can do good: how then ſhall
4% dare to ſteal any from it to do evil?“ P. Du
\ Halde, vol, E. pot83d / 1: fo Mt oft *
The huſpand and wife are He the Finds
of the field: in the evening they meet in
the ſame n but:e ner inG er
ing *. 4 D#rt ;
The 2 of Th had a e < baxiots of
horſes, yet after he was flain, the people
found no virtue in him deſerying applauſe.
; Pe-y and Sboctſe died of want at the foot
of the mauntain ben eng, Lang WS: they
Ceclebrated to this day % .
[This is a, faying of Cong f was
f formerly a little kingdom, now ſwallowed up
in the Ching/e empire.—Pe-y and Sha-t/e were
#7; brothers remarkably virtuous, —Ching is
. e ede that in a year of dearth,„ multitu
s are ſure to periſh by. want: a misfortune
to which. oh moſt virtuous poor muſt
be moſt liable, as diſdaining to ſupport life
b Dk fare means ſo e en
5T he lamp zoel out when the thi s; ſpent ..
[This is a common expreſſion to ſignify the
- expiration. of life. See the ſpecimens of Chi-
P. Du , « Conf.l ib. f.1 21. p. Du
Halde, 2. 23 5 |
*
———
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4 a
Et . =
N [
L «
228 CHINESE PROVERBS |
- nee poetry in the nextv ol. from P.D u Halde,
The life of man is a Wert in which very
cold fits are followed by others equally hot ©,
[The Reader will pardon me if I take occaſion
to introduce here ſome refletions on the
fame ſubje& from Chine/e moraliſts.
I ſee, nothing grand and real in this life,
* but a vaſt ſea and a large 'river: the ſea of
« ſorrows and troubles; a ſea infinitely wide;
* whoſe ſhores are not ſeen: The river of our
2 deſires; whoſe depth is unfathomable. Man
„is like à wretched bark, battered with the
« waves, and _ at N ſeam.” F. Du
Halde, 2. þ. ,97-
- * © The life of man is 2 journey: we muſt
cc make 3it out however bad the road is: ſeldom
« js it found to be even: but ifa t firſt it be
dangerous, narrow and difficult, there is room
to hope that towards the end it will 285
4 broad, ſmooth and firm.” 78:4. p. 98. _
It is with the life of man as with the flowers
* of a garden: the moſt beautiſul are common-
<< ly the moſt delicate: and if they blow before
* the other; they are ſure to iner ang dis
<< before them too.” bid}.
The man, who hath never 33 ſick, doth ;
not know the value of health 4.
[The Italians ſay, Chi ha la ſanita ò riccoe
i P. Du Halde, 2. 11 5. Id. 2. 68.
AND APOTHEGMS, 229
non la. ſe. i. e. He, who hath health, is rich; and
| doth not know it.]
*The man, who hath never ent upon a
Mandarine in the court with an evil eye,
is a precious gem.
[i. e. Who hath never bens 3 a5
à criminal. This proverb may ſerve to ſhew
the general profligacy of the Chine/e, as alſo
the minute attention which their ManJarines
pay to their manners, 3
* The man, who is pointed at with the finger
never dies of a diſeaſe fo
* The man, who wants to dry bug thing,]
ſtays not for night, but makes the beſt uſe
he can of the noon ·d ay ſun t.
Eng. Make hay while the fon ſpines. ]
The man, who walks too faſt, is prone either
to ſtumble or fall b.
e French fay, Nui * 2 hikes. on *
minant ſe four voye ſou vent. And we, The more
. haſte, the worſe ſpetd.] |
The manners of the people 4 857 on thoſe,
who are over them, as the clay in the
wheel wo gc rapms e potter, who forms it l.
* Ogiliye, 2.565, P. W 4 8 Bid.
ay i a
230 CHINESE PROVERRSG
Phe medicine, that a6th not cauſe thep atient
to wink, never cures him *.
"Ie fay, Deſperate difeaſes maſt have defperate
cares.) Lat. N ae amara4
lis proluitur.] |
* The more a man advances ii n virtue,t he
1's he is of his words “.
_ {The Chingſe, a1 s hath been So, wya re
eat enemies to loquacity: .t he ſame may be
| remarked of the Spaniards, who expreſs their
ſenſe of this matter in the followin proverbs.
Habla poco y bien, tenerte han por alguien, i. e.
- Speak little, and to the purpoſe, you ſhall be
held in conſideration. Hombre de pocas fo
” brat y eas ſabias, i. e. A man ſhould
few words and wiſe, The Italians ſay, 2
piu ja meno parla, i. e. He who knows moſt,
talks leaſt.— But the Chine/e we ſee make even
aà virtue of taciturnity. 1
The more haſte a man makes to rel A
fkain of thread, the more he entangles it x.
[To the ſame effect as the laſt en but
one of the preceding page.]
The moſt ignorant have knowledge ALT
to diſcern the faults of others: the mott
_ clear-ſighted are blind to their own n.
p. Du Tall, FP way 3 = „ 151d. 96.
3 8 The
AND APOTHEGMS. 231
* The net in which heaven holds all mankind
is vaſtly ſpacious: it ſeems not to regard
them, enen there is no my to
eſcape it..
[Like the ancient Engl proverb, You dance
In u att, and thinks nobody ſees you. See Ray.]
The peach and the plumb ſpeak not: they
naturally leave traces of their worth ?,
[Something ſimilar to our proverb, Good
' evine needs no buſh + the meaning is, that things
which have an intrinſic value, need no ſtudied
and fallacious ornaments to ſet them off, } -
The pitcher goes often up and down the
well, but is broken at laſt.
[See the foregoing Hiſt. vol. 2. p. 203.
The French expreſs this by two proverbs. Tant
' ſouvent va le pot a l'eau, quel a nſey d emeure.
And, Tant wa la cruche a l'eau, 99 a5 l a fin elle f.
*The principal cca:r e ofa huſband jis to make
his wife virtuous 2.
* The provinces. ſend Mandarines toB rting:
Pe. king in exchange ſends them nonee but
lacquies and meſſengers
{This alludes to the conſtant diſpatcho f maC..
p. Du Halde,a .1 53 Let. ed. xxwj. 116.
Q 4 ſengers
232 CHINESE PROVERBS
ſengers and expreſſes continually going to all
parts of the empire. It is alſo a rare thing
to hearo f a Mandarine, who is a native of the
metropolis. P. Magal. p. 266.]
*The rat hath ſeen the cat.
[* In the orig. Lao-ſou-kien-mas., This is
applied to the Mandarines of the provinces
upon the arrival of a Viſitor: to expreſs the
great awe they ſtand in of him.]
The ſea hathn o bounds, and the Xiang no
bottom. is 1 75
[The Niang is the greateſt river in China, and
is called by various names as, The /or of the
ea: The great river, &c. It runs in a direction
from weſt to eaſt over a tract of 400
French leagues. It is ſo deep as to give riſe
to the above proverb. See P. Le Compte, tom.
* The Shin cannot be made uſe of when we
weigh large ſtones: neither will a midling
capacity do for great undertakings.
[The Shin is a weight anſwerable to a pound
in Europe. —Eng. Every man's noſe will not
make a ſhoeing-horn.] 8
The ſmalleſt brocks become great rivers v.
Du Halde,1 . 512. Lett. ed. xjv. 100, ©
ls.
AND APOTHEGMS. 233
So the French ſay, Les n eee ane les
grand. rivieres.|
The ſmalleſt worms have their holes *.
[Not very unlike in its application to the
ancient adage, Etiam capillus anus habet umbram
Juam. Ital. Ogni pelo ha la ſua embra.]
*The ſpirit Ngao preſides over the hall:
greater worſhip is due to the ſpirit Sao, who.
preſides over the kitchen J.
[Theſe are a kind of Lares or Houſhold gods,
of which the ſpirit Mao is deemed of ſuperior
rank to the ſpirit Sas, who yet is more regarded,
as being more neceſſary to life.]
* The ſureſt way to keep ſecret, what we
would not have known, is not to do it.
When one is afraid of being over-heard,
the beſt way is to be filent® _
[This is exactly the Italian maxim. de u
che ſtia ſecreto, nollo dire E Je non wvuoi che ff
Jappia, nollo fare, i. e. If you would have a
thing kept ſecret, tell it to no one: and if you
would not have a thing known of you, never
do it. The French ſay, Ine faut jamais rien
fare en particulier dont on doive gy en |
The Tan lives on air and dew: can any Crea-
* P. Du Halde, 1. 413. n 3- . 2. p. 7.
* F. Halde, 3. 483. 323. ; ?
ture
£34 CHINESE PROVERBS
ture be more independent? Yet is it betrayed
by its cry, and becomes the prey of the.
Tang-lang*%. _
'. [Theſe are two inſets, —This ii s intended to
2 55 that men often draw ſore evils upen
themſelves by their garrulity: according to
that of Horace.— i corvus tacuifſet, haberet
plus dapis & rixe multo minus invidiægue.]
The Teng· l o lives entwined round the tree that
_ ſupports it: if the tree fall, it expires®, -
{Equivalent to the Eng. Fall oak, fall ivy.—
The Teng - lo is a flowering ſhrub, which the
Chineſe teach to climb up their arbours : it bears
cluſters of violet flowers, which are el to
eat. Lett. ed. xxwvj. 142.]
The thickeſt ice is longeſt thawing ©,
; [Of the ſame import with prov. ad pag. 219. ] Z
* The tree is without —_— but the root is
yet alive©
[Applicable to a perſon, who hath not been
called forth to exhibit much virtue, yet may
have the ſeeds of goodneſs in him.]
* The vileſt herbs ſhould be gathered with
care: and the wood which ſeems only fit for
- burning ſhould be piled up ©, 4 75
P. Du Halde, 2. 111 Lett. ed. xx. 142.
Not
almoſt run,” The Chineſe uſe
AND APOTHEGMS. 235
[Not unlike the old Engliſh ſaw. If you
1 not preſent uſe of a thing lay it by for ſeven
years and then turn it : and lay it by for another
ſeven years, and ify ou want it not then, burn it.]
The virtue, which is confined to faſting and
long prayers, is the virtue of a Bonzee, who
is only uſeful to the Pa whom he
dares not killf ,
* The water, which is almoſt allrru n _ will
ſoon ſtrike the bell 5,
[This proverbial eise is aſed to 83
the approach of death, as we 1 2 glaſs is
a kind of water-
clocks, See note to vol. 2. pag. 96. 289. I
*The water, which bears up the bark, isl ikewiſe
the water, which ſwallows it up b.
[This proverb owes its birth to the Emperor
Tai-i/ong + who one day as he was taking the
air on the water along with his ſons, ſaid,
« You ſee, my childreu, that this bark is ſup-
« ported by the water, which at the ſame time
can overwhelm it: confider that the people
reſemble the water, and the Emperor the
« bark.” P. Du Halde, 1. 197. The Chinęſe
monarch (though he hath ſomewhat differently
applied it) bath hit, we ſee, upon the ſame metaphor,
as the celebrated Roman poet,
O navi referent in mare te noi
Fludtus.—
. Dy Hide, 3. 6. EE. „ vs
| 18
236 CHINESE PROVERBS |
The water, which in its ſource is no more
than a little ſlream, augments inſenſibly in
its courſe, and becomes capable of overturning
the higheſt mountains.
[Of the ſame tendency with the laſt prov. of
page 232. It is applied as the old Latin adage,
Principiis obſta.
* The water, whoſe ring is muddy can
never have a clear ſtream* ,
[Lat. Mali corvi, malum ovum.]
*The way to ſtop the mouths of landerers *i
never to reſent their uſage!.
[* Whether I am praiſed or blamed,” ſaysa
Chineſe ſage, I make it of uſe to my ad-
« yancement in virtue. Thoſe who commend
«© me, I conceive to point out the way I ought
* to go; thoſe who blame me, as telling me
«* the dangers I have to run.” P. Du Hale,
10 n was a good maxim of our anceſtors,”
(ſays the Emperor Tag-ſong in a memorial) I
* look upon the man who contradiQts me, as
my maſter, he inſtructs me and 1s uſeful to
«© me: I dread him, who applauds and flatters
% me, as my enemy, for he thinks of his own ñ
| © jntereſt and not mine.” P. Du Halde, 1.
40.
"R The Italians have a ſaying, % Delle ingiurie
i Lett. ot xxj. 138. „ Halde, 1. 632.
Il. * e ;
3 :
*
| 4
=»
” E „
AND APOTHEGMS. 237
I remedia e lui feordarſ; , i. e. To forget a wrong
is the beſt revenge. ]
*The wicked fear the ſpirits n.
[Guilty minds are very apt to creat8e
and phantoms, and to be terrified at their own
ſhadows- : according to that fine obſervation of
Solomon, The quicked flee when no man pur-
Jueth, but the 1 are * as a lion. Fror,
Xxviij. 1.
The zeal of a * wbject,”h ad ith e piety
of a dutiful fon, ought never to relax with
the number of years. 5
[Hereafter follow foe 1ma xims; of C 0 NFUC
TEES. -
There are. three things, concerning which 5
every follower of virtue ought to be upon
his guard: in the time of youth, the uſe of
women: in time of maturity and manhood,
_ quarrels > in time of old age, the deſire of
_ .
[LSc. Luft, ambition, and avarice.5 5
There are three fears admitted by che wiſe
and good: they fear the commands of hearen:
they fear their F they fear
the words of the ſaints v. |
| m Lett. ed. xxij. 309. n P, Du Halle, 1. 634.
2 bib. 2. p Hy. Eid. "
| [They
*
|
: .
|
|
238 CHINESE PROVERBS
: [They fear. i. e. They revere, or ſtand in
awe of. ]
There are three joys uſeſul and — pernicious
: the joy that ſprings from the diſ-
Charge of duty: the joy of proclaiming the
good words and actions of others: and the
ſoy, which arifes from the Fenk of
good! men : theſe are uſeful,
There are three joys pernicious :c he joy oo f
empty pride :+ the joy of idleneſs and , ca
tiouſne and that which flows ent pe
jeſts and pleaſures of the banquet . brig
CES 4
There are three friends uſeful, and iD pernicious
: the virtuous: the frank and ſincere:
5 and the friend that heareth manyN N
5 U e. ob 15 learned.] Theſe are. uſeful”,
Th ere are three friends pernicious; .t he hy-
- pocritical and deceitful: the ſoſt and flattering:
and the ſriend that ise n to
prate© .
There are three Faults, which. a Sy man is
liable to commit in the preſence of his ſuperiors:
if he ſpeak without being ſpoke
to, he will paſs for forward; if, when he is
' ſpoke to, he return no anſwer, he will be
thought tricking and deceitſul; and, if he
* Conf. lib. 3. p. 119. P. Du Halde, 1. 42.3. Conf.
ſpeak
AND APOTHEGMS. 239
- ſpeak without conſidering well what he fays,
he will be looked on as a fool *
There are three ſorts of diſcourſes to owtiich |
we ought not to lend an ear: thoſe concerning
intrigues or unlawful engagements;
| thoſe which propoſe any unjuſt advantage;
and the diſcourſe which n * a
double heart.
T here are three ſorts of Peptese which I
cannot endure : the ignorant, who would
fain appear judicious and knowing; the
haughty and preſumptuous, who affect courage
and valour; and thoſe fatirical carping
_ perſons, who would fag. be ue *
and ſincere ”, |
There are four others, which oil to be S-
- ous to a wiſe man: thoſe malignant ſpirits,
who love to publiſh the faults of others;
thoſe vile perſons, who ſpeak ill of their
princes ; thoſe men in power, who have no
ſentiments of humanity; and thoſe bold
and raſh men, who act without reflection *.
There are five mortal diſeaſes of families: re- |
velling; great buildings; law-ſuits; vain
curioſities ; and idleneſs 7.
There are five ſorts of women you ſhould not
* lid, 1 Ibid. 2. 63. * .
marry:
.e—e
OwNA2˖——.-r———t——VGy—ů— s 2—— ——
u——eÜ—oe tũ —G — ào—ṽ— —
5 CHINESE PROVERBS
marry : ſhe who is of a houſe, which hath
been negligent of the filial duties: or which
is of »i rregular and ſuſpected morals :o r
* which is branded with ſome mark of infamy:
or which bath ſome hereditary and infectious
diſeaſe :-or, when ſhe is an elder
daughter having loſt her father *,
[Moft of the foregoing are extracted from
- the writings of Confucixs, the prince of the Ry
- zee philoſophers. It will be :u nneceſſary
- remark to the Reader the ſtriking — *
this manner of moralizing bears to that of the
ancient Hebrew ſages. Compare Proverbs chap.
30. paſſim Ac, &c, with the paſſages at large
- from which the foregoing ſentences are extrated
and abridged. See© allo Oo lib. 3.
. 132. Se.. err
* Though nothing grows 8 Pele, it
never knows the want of any thing* .
[A local proverb: the country about Pe-king
is barren.
* Though you purchaſe all China, Nil - |
will be lands bordering upon yours v.
* Thoſe ii n the provinces generally follow tahe
track of the court© ,
'* Thoſe who pocket. drugs and medicines,
P. Da Halde, 1. 444. * Mart. Atlas, f. 30. P.
ought
AND APOTHEGMS.” 24
-- ought to have two eyes: only one is required
iin thoſe that adminiſter them :n one
at all in thoſe that take themd .
lAluading to the frequent and artful adulpractiſed
by the Chine/e,—The Italians
have a proverb, Chi compra ba Gefogno di
cent? occhi, chi vende n' ha aſſai d uno. i. e.
He who buys hath need of a hundred Wr:
one is enough for him that ſells ].
To act the part of a king is difficult : to
perform the part of a miniſter is not eaſy© .
To attempt to catch birds with one hand,
and to cover the eyes with the other..
[This is applied. to any vain and abſurd
- attempt.—The French and We have a proverb
like this in form, tho' different in 1 99a,
Qui deut prendre unciſeau, qu il ne ] affarouche.
T0 e a birdi sn ot the Wy, to catch her.
"See Ray}:
To be like nevple; re ſet — tot" upon
two barks: the barks CT. hore "they fall
1 into the water b. es
[Equivalent to that.c ommon — which
which prevails in moſt of the languages in
N 6 e * &c. 0 10. en tao voi:
e ys
2p. Du Halde, 2. 211. e Caf. lib. 3. 4 93.
P. Du Halde, 1 523. * Lett. ed. Dr. 227.
vor. III. ” WP the
248 CHINESE PROVERBS |
the breech fall to the ground,” Lat Duos in/eguns
lepores neutrium capit. Ital. Chi due *
caccia, una perdre d Þ altra laſcia.] m
To be one day as hot as.char-coal, and ten
days as cold as icei,s een
proinv ſtuedy b.
[The Spaniards ſay, Libro cerradi,
ſata Wa i.e . T ©ſ hut botm akes p
ſcholar.] 2
* To begin well is common: bo end welli
rare i. |
. To begin well ignifies te, unleſs you alſo
8 end well *.
[Lat. Exitus afa prebat. Eng. The evening
crowns'the day.] |
* To eal int ygers to drive out dogs ig
[Equivalent to the old Lat. adages, Ne cinerem
vitans in 3 incidas. And, * Fugien:
em incidi. Eng. Outo f pan inaS
a Cbingſe chief5ly hi
verb to the Tartars, who in the laſt century
being called in to quell a rebellion, made themſe
ves maſters of the empire.]
To- day repent of the faults of yeſterday :
and towards the end of every moon, of thoſe
committegl ſince its n n.
F. Dat, >. 53. r
25. Dionys Kao. 157. - * 580.
— o
is pro-
AND APOTHEGMS. 243
To deeſfereve ry the aſſiſtance of heaven, a prince
muſt honour and practiſe the five virtues.
[The five cardinal virtues, ſo revered among
the Chineſe, are, Jin, charity: V, juſtice: Li,
courteſy (or obſervance of the rites) : Chi, pru-
_ dence: 7 Sing fidelity, P. Semedo, p. om |
To dig towards the eaſt, in ordetor f ill up
Pale towards the weſt, is giving, one's i |
; uſeleſs trouble. 5
[The Spaniatds ſay (though I believe with
8 difference in the application) Harrr un
aße para tapar otro. i. e.T o make one hole
to ell up another: equivalent to 1 2 o hob
Peter ro pay Pal] |
* To embroil a man in his cealings, isA sF, i
vou put his father to death -.
[The Chine/e. illuſtrate this pron\.b yt he
following tale, —** A poor man, er to
*© have Face btos celebrate theF ear of
„the new year, offered an earthen x t to fell,
„ which was his whole ſtock. met two
<< perſons, one of whom offered him à reaſonable
price; but the other Mndefed che
* bargain, The man was ſo ſtrack with the
„ diſappointment, that his foot ſlipped, and he
© broke the veſſel: which drove bim to dee
ſpair. He had ſcarce recovered his ſenſes,
a 1 F «© when.
244 CHINESE PROVERBS
% when,he,run after. him, who was the occaſion "© of breaking the bargain, and made « great |
<< noiſe at the door of his houſe. When be was |
„ coming away, he perceived ſome cloaths
hanging out to dry: he ſtole them to purchaſe
N „ wherewithal to make himſelf and his wife
| merry. From that day he tookt o theft, and
| became a noted robber; which brought him
- « at length into the hands of juſtice. Upon
| * his examination he accuſed the other for his
confederate and ſeducer: who upon his evi-
N * dence was condemntoe ddi e. Coming both
ö e of them to the place of execution, the robber
4 caſt a hideous look at his companion:D o
you know me, ſaid he? I am the man whom
« you hindered at ſuch a time from ſelling his
* earthen pot: that was the cauſe of my ruin,
<< and it is but juſt you ſhould ſuffer with me..
„ 2 ET OH 29 WL
| * To find atr eaſure in a ſecret place, when we
| know the owner : to meet with a fine woman
alone in a remote apartment : to hear |:
the voice of an enemy fallen into a pit ö
where he muſt periſh without our aſſiſ- | |
- tance; admirable touchſtones of the heart a. [1
Idee before, vol. 2. pag. 146. note.
To forget your forefathers, is to be as water
without a ſource: as a tree without roots *.
R* r
eeUe, sr
. Du Halde,2 . 47. 110. Leit. ed. xvij. 186
„ > [This *
AND APOTHECMS. 245
[This proverb is deſigned to correct the vanity
of thoſe, who having attained by ſome
lucky chance to an higher eminence than they
were born to, are aſhamed of their parentage. ]
. * To furniſh arms to a robber*.
[Equivalent to our ſaying, To 10 a hor in
a nadman s hand. 8
* To hear the ſages, |a cottagef rves2
for a palace.
[Yen-heu was king of a part of China, and
ſo addicted to philoſophy, that once after hunting,
when there was a great proſpect of an approaching
tempeſt, and his chariot was brought
to carry him home, he rather choſe to ſtay and
hear the lectures of ſome philoſophers, who
were aſſembled in a cottage. Hence the above
became a proverb to expreſs an uncommon thirſt
of knowledge. Yide loc. citat.] N
„ juſtify yourſelf to an angry man is
_ throwing oil upon the fire.
[Like that of the ſon of Sirach, “ Strive not
with a man that is of an evil tongue, and *
not wood upon his fire.” Ecclus. viij. 3. ]
To live always frugally ;q uietly, and in great
abſtraction of mind and heart: this is the :
ep. Du Halde, 1. 455. * Mart, Hiſt, 163. . De Hills, © 109; 55. N ift 5. 4
R 3 grand
246 CHINESE PROVERBS
yas medicine, and the precious fone,
Whoſe virtues are fo rare v.
1 Chineſe are greatly addicted to alchymy
ften ruin themſelves in ſearch of the Philoſophers
ſtone and univerſal medicine: this
was the anſwer of one of their ſages, when after
many years ſpent in ſtudious retirement in a
certain mountain, he was aſked to unfold the
grand ſecret, he was ſuppoſed to have been in
2 - purſuit of.—See above, vol. 2. pag. 7. note. ]
To meditate too much on a defign when
formed, occaſions irreſolution: to trifle too
much on a ſubject, pens: our hoping to
_ what is eſftentia*l.
* TS 0 eglect little things, ſometimes "RN |
of great things).
— thye g he Chi non tien conto 4 non
. P afſai. i. e. He, that does not mind
things, will never gain a great deal.]
T o read an excellent book the firſt time is to
N a new friend: to read oyer one we
ave peruſed before, iis like meren with
an old friend2 .
e he n * No ay mas aum 9 als
* gue 0 Litre. i. e. There is not a
” P, Du Halde 2. 97. « Ihid, 46. v Conf,I . 3, 5.
141. ebe. bog and we
more
5-* ”
ͤe2NR©o ͤb85 ln d Da2
3SI3EooI2IaST t I”t .FiFSPc.Io to 2p e tot CC nI8;W { 58 24
Eocd na
SeIOLEs: ReS2 L ,
AND APOTHEGMS: . 247
more faithful or . friend than a good
11 book. And the Italians have a proverb, Non
* > peggior ladro. d un catlivi o libro. i. e. There
is not a worſe thief than a bad book.]
* To ridean aſtso ſ,ec k ana ſs .
In the orig. K:-linmi-lin. This is exadtly
| correſponCent with the F rench, 1] cherche. ſon ane
et il oft deſſus.)
T o run with faggots to quench a . .
[To the ſame effect with the.F r ench, Fetter
del huile ſur lef eu.!
To ſtop the bubling of boiling water, by
pouring other boiling water upon 4t ©,
To think not to be wet, and 40 leap into the
Water .
To them, who 1 not ſtudied, thelr pencil
ſeems as heavy as a milſtone ©.
[See note, vol. 2. pag. 227.
To ſay you only know, what you know thoroughly,
and to confeſs you are ignorant of
what you do not know; is to be truly.
learned.
[A maxim of Confucias.]
P. Du Halde,1 .6 16. Þ Ibid. 483. id.
R 4 —
| |
|
| |
|
²AoeEũ*U—ü—˙OIetIIy Mrgr̃R˙ r E w ö mrB²H !
246 CHINESE PROVERBS |
* Too many ſhepherds to one flock ſerve only
to diſturb it: but if one ſhepherd W
it, it marches along without ſtrayinge .
[The Chineſe have no idea of any form of
government but the monarchical, and cannot be
brought to comprehend what is meant by a
republic. This was experienced by the Dutch
embaſſadors in 1658, who when they came to
explain the nature of their government, could
excite no other idea, but that they were a neft
of pirates, living in a ſtate of anarchy : to remove
this ſuſpicion they were at laſt obliged.to
- repreſent the Prince of Orange as their ſovereign.—
See Nieubeff fallin. | Mod. Un. Hi4
7j.E 1E |
2 Azoy is not a more common
a with the father of greek poetry, than
<* paſtor or ſhepherd of the people” is with
the Chineſe to expreſs their rulers and governors.—**
I am paſtor and governor of this city,”
ſaith a Chine/e Mandarine; * this quality of
<< paſtor obliges me to procure whatever CON»
« duces to this city's advantage, &c.“ Lett.
ed. xv. 169.—The firſt duty of a br,
© (faith one of their n in an edict, ) is
* to guide the people, like a good ſhepherd,
** and prevent their going . P. Du
* Twice eight ii s not more FOR eightee8n
P. Du Halli, 1. 59z .6 04. bB ajerp ref„ 2 5. |
*
AND APOTHEGMS” 240
[This is ſaid, when after a pompous detail of
| particular, the ſum total falls ſhort of _—
tation. Lat. Non reſpondet opinioni calculus.]
* Victory inſpires even cowards with courage,
and a e _— canW ſublit
itſelkf!?
* Virtue can crown the meaneſt with
_ gloryk .
* Virtue, wh pure and ſolid, touches Shin :.
what _— them muſt it have on the peo-
*
(obi. ſignißes the Spirits or Geni, ]
U and Noé, when in a bark 3 and expoſed
to ſhipwreck, will help one another
to ride out the tempeſt n.
[U and Nut means two bitter and implacable
enemies.— Eng. Common danger males
Friends]
* Undertake nothing without bringing it to
a concluſion “-. |
* Unleſs foreſight extend to a thouſand Lee,
calamity will ſoon be under the table
[He who hath not prudence to foreſee his
1P. Du Halde. 1. 479. * 1h, PUR 10, 515.
misfortunes
13 CHINESE PROVERBS
- anisfortunes before they come, will not be able
to prevent them. Equivalent to the Engliſh.
% Fore-warned fore- armed.
Water once ſpilt cannot be gatheredu p 1
into the veſſel 7.
Equivalent to that of ours, « There is no cry-
%ig for ſbed milk.” — The above is applied by
the Chine/e author, who quotes it, to the loſs of
reputation, but ſeems applicable to any irre-
. trievable misfortune. In the ſcripture occurs
ſuch an image applied to human life. Me mut
_ needs die :a nd are as water ſpilt on the ground,
ewhich caunot be gathered up again.” 2 Sam.
xJv. 14. |
Water too cleari s without fiſh: a man too
prying lives without ſociety 4, =
We are as people, who have continually before
their eyes, the dead bodies of their
parents* .
(It is thus the Chingſe expreſs the higheſt
| poſlible grief.
* We caſt a golden net with both hands, and
catch a hundred misfortunes *.
The meaning is, © He thax t increaſe richer, |
"ncreaſeth forroew. os bs
b Lett. ed.K i. 101. P. Du Halte, 32. 53,
r Lett. ed. vij. 213. F. Du Halde, 2. 159.
What
AND APOTHEGMS. 261
What every one is within: ſuch he appears
[To the ſame purpoſe as the Lat. Heu quam
difficile eff crimen non prodere uultu ©
* What is talked of in the women's apartment,
ought not to be mentioned out of it.
What you hate in thoſe that go before you,
do not to them who come after you: and
what you condemn in thoſe at your right
hand, do not to thoſe at your left .
llt is thus the Chineſe expreſs that maxim,
De as you would be done by. —— They alſo ſay,
„What you hate in your ſuperiors, do not to
4 your inferiors: and what you diſlike in your
v0 inferiors, do not to your ſuperiors Vid. loc.
citat.] STE
* J/hang-tien protects virtue wherever it is,
without acceptance of perſons *. LD
I bang: tien ſignifies the Emperor of heaven,
and is one of the names by which the Chine/z
_ Expreſs the divine providencTeh,e ancient
Chineſe ſeem to have had pretty juſt notions of
the divine attributes, witneſs the following paſſage
in one of their claſſical books. ** All the
_ *© oxcn killed by Chew, were not worth the
* meaneſt offerings of Ven- ang; becauſe the
<« former offered his ſacrifice with a heart polc.
I. 1. p. 24. 5 P. Du Halde, 2 50. Conf.
1. P. 26. * P, Du Halde 1, 629. has SO
9 5 luted
255 CHINESE PROVERBS
«© lated with crimes, whereas the beſt part of |
« the offering of the latter conſiſted in the pu-
_ *« rity of his heart,” P. Du Halde, 1. p. 644.]
® Jhay-nghen had a wiſe mother: ene
a wiſe ſon?!
[This is intended to gent) chin lden virtue
nor vice, wiſdom nor folly, are hereditary,
To the ſame effect is the Lat. Etiam a vite
rubus naſcitur. |
Whhay-nghen was an enterprizing ſlave, who
put himſelf at the head of a party formed
a againſt the Emperor. His mother one day reproached
him for his crime; Wretch, ſaid
„ ſhe, notwithſtanding all my remonſtrances,
« do you then rebel againſt your prince fram
whom you have received only favours?”
This ſaid, ſhe plunged a knife in his boſom,
crying out, © To my prince and my country
1 facrifice this villain.” |
Whay-quang (in another reign) raiſing a rebellion,
his ſon immediately quitted him and
joined the Emperor. Sir, ſaid he, my father
has formed a faction againſt you. I want by
* my loyalty to wipe out as much, as I can, the
% infamy of his rebellion.” He accordingly
_ marched with a body of troops againſt the rebels,
whom he intirely defeated.
Theſe two examples have given riſe to the
above proverb. Vid. loc. citat.]
2an x.
oa2nFn . H3\1.4 NDr"o;. ehx s "
ͤ“A!SOĨäPT>— e rÄEey SsÄT. T SE
7 P. Du Halde, 2.91. 4 : When
4J*
n.*n4
aeEeE o—*| D4eg B e
. Du Halli, 2.49. I rxg, bid.
AND APOTHEGMS. 233
When a family riſes early in the morning,
cConclude the houſe to be well governed 8* ,
¶Moſt languages afford ſome ſage maxim in
favour of early ring. Ihe Spaniards ſay, De
quien ſe duerme, fu haxienda lo fiente. i. e. He
that lies long in bed, his eſtate feels it. The
Italians, 2 non /f lewa a bubit Bora, non fo buena
| giornata. * e. He who does not get up early,
never does a good day's work. We Bays He
© that wil] thrive, mu} riſe at five. > gh .
* When a man is of age he muſt — a
mariage: and a woman 9 1 15 a
[See the foregoing Hil. vol. 2. p.
When. a man ſays, I muſt wait, "ill I haye
a little more leiſure, then I will apply myſelf
to the ſtudy of wiſdom.” Think not
this man will ever ſet about it ?,
When a man ſays, Let me wait a little,
when I have ſomething to ſpare, I will relieve
the Poor.“ This man will never re-
| lieve mobe. 1
(It will not be n toa h ſubjeeto ft his
Apothegm, to give the following curious Chineſe
epitaph. Nhat KOU-FA poſſeſſed, WAS the
' Poſſefſren of, the whole huma n race bis man |
the
ale Brat "and 4 charity itſelf + and bi,
Voi auat the: rere e N
Nienhoff. p- 116.J.
When a ſon is borni nto aides a bow and
Wr en r aunts II?
As no ſuch cuſto2m 8 to be literally a.
_ feryed, this ſhould ſeem to be a metaphorical |
. expreſſion, ſignifying that a new protector is
Added to the family: equivalent to that of the
plalms, Lite as the arrows in the hand of a giant,
© Som foa rs thi young children .h appy is the man
tat bab his quiver fullo f them, Sc. After
all, the Editor doth not obtrude this interpretation
on the Reader, who _ conſult the om
referred to.]
*When a perſon hath heed of preſenth elp, bis
thinks on his relations: when he is r
ger he depends on his old friends .
Not unlike that diſtich of Cato,
- Auxilinm à notir petirs, ſ forte laboras + © "oe 1 f —_— re Ae Jails airs.
* When 3 live together th 1 to
ſupport themſelves . 7 oug
When one is got to the brink of a precipice, it
\ Is 100 I80 10.D RY up the reins: when one
r—n
n;N
*—859882
þ >
*
AND/APOTHEGMS. * 253
| is got into the middolf tehe river Tangi t
is too late to think of repairing the bark.
[This is deſigned to convey the moral of
i our two proverbs, * Is too late to ſpare, auben
tbe bittom is + bare.” And, 5 Look N
Leap.
When the arrow isa ch, itis i n n vain to
to recall its, rf ae
_ [Lat Jada of alia. 45 55
Wbethe ncauſ e is badi mu notb ef erto.
[See before, vol. 2. Pag-1 37.4 ;
When the flame appears in all its1 it
may ſtill increaſe: but the fire once extinguiſhed
will revive no more *.
That is,t he ſol, when it gens to be!in its
higheſt vigour, is capable of ſtill farther improvements
: but when quite neglected and be-
Some heavy and We ir never can recover
itſelf.]
» When the firſt cart overturns, he who
_ inives the ſecond is upon his guard.
FThe Chineſe have another proverb to the
fame purpoſe, * coachmanf ears being overturn-
* Lett. ed. a. 144. © P. Du Halde 1.
Lett. ed. my 129. . 9 45
*
H—— -e r
-E- S—
R; <0
| „ben the
256 CHINESE PROVERRSG
21, en he bath ſeen tinother evertarh.! P. Du
— Hake 1. 525 Equivalent to t
quem faciunt aliena* cautym. |
Lat. Felix
bird"s 47— a" and Ho te = withs,: no
þ- weather |is to be- expected łR.x Re
[ The latter are two water PAC which by
flying about in the air prognoicate, 290 wea -
ther, and vice wer/a.] -
lips are chopped, the teethi nfallibly
ſuffer cold?
When the ſkyi s clear the wiſe man trembles::
7 en it thunders he is undaunted Ma c.
Il fine Apothegm. The Spayjards fay, Date
A vida, 'temeras mas la cayda. i. e. Live
nhappily, and you'll be the more afraid to fall.—
But thoſe celebrated lines of ue ſeem "ng
e 9
Sderat insT J metuitF
Alieram fortem, bene En
Peaus. Lib. 2. ode 109 |
When we would give any thing a pleaſant
2 colour, we don't rub it with ink,
but the" OM beautiful vermilion”>. 69h
* P. Du Halde,1 T OY Ib. 595: Mart. Hiſt.p .
[This
AND APO YTHEGMS. 257
[This proverb iis applied to expreſs thee ffects |
of a good education, which 1i s neceſſary to form |
a ſhining character.] |
* When you cut- the throat of a hen, why
do Jo uſe ,a knife youu: for ficking an
ox?
[Not very different eren chat line of Pope,
% I ho plants artillery againſt a fly ©]
Were you to paſs the ſea on a bladder, how
carefully would you preſerve |i tf rom the |
prick of a needle ??
[That is, when your all is at fake you can -
not be too careful. To the ſame effect is the
Scotch proverb. —— T hey that hae but ae egg to
their dinner, hae need of a camp (i. e. a |
Cook. ]
* Whether the traveller quicken his onide.” or
march at his ordinary * he hath but ſo
far to go d.
[Applied to "ODS life: 1 to tho
Lat. Serius aut citius ſedem properamus ad unam. 1
Wicked men are feared; heaven not at all;
honeſt people aree deceived ;h eaven never
is .
* Cone . 1 125. rb. us, u 114,
ven. . 38 \ With
258 CHINESE PROVERBS
* With a large heart, the whole body is enlarged
* | 2D Ed 55
* Without ſalted Mey-tſe, how can we give
to a ſauce the five rehſhes*. Ear
: * that it were abſurd to expect the
without the means. As the Eng. 7
cant have brick without flraw.—The Mey-t/+
are tart fruits like wild apricots: the Chine/e
candy them; they pickle and alſo ſalt them,
on purpoſe to uſe them in ſauces. —By the five
reliſhes, is perhaps only meant the intire and
complete taſte. Vid. Bayer, tom. 1. p. 111.
The Chine/e ſeem to conſider the number five
as the moſt complete and perfect number:
they reduce to this number not only The cardinal
virtnes, The relative duties, The commandments
of FO, &c. but even The elements,
The noble parts of che human body.
P. Du Halde, 2. 56. &c.] 2
Who regards the little demonso f the wood.
| [See the Chin. Hiſt. vol. 4. pag. 86.)
„ Whoever hath ſore eyes will fee clearlyi n
ten days, if he let tliem alone to cure them
ſelves”. e ee e N
[This is fo true an obſervation, that ſomething
like it occurs in moſt languages. The
_ Spaniards ſay, Quien quiere ojo Jano ateſe la
hy Conf. L. 2. 15. ; e P., Du Halde, 1. 524
We Chin, Fl Pol.2 , 111.
i |
EI:. E
urpb2*2ro ta nn n n
a14n p2 C*82 4- A RS
Si<*e: * 2s ,
nx a R 8a= 5
AND APOTHEGMS. 25
mano: i.e, He that would have his eyes\ wells
fiould have his hand tied up. The French,
Quand on a mal aux yeux, il ny faut toucher que
Adu coude : i. e. When one hath ſore eyes, one
ſhould only touch them with one's elbow.) -
You cannot commend a woman's virtue more
than to ſay, ſhe is not learned v.
[If prejudices of this kind have bed in
Europe, we are not to wonder that they ſhould
prevail in China. The Spaniards ſay, Mula gue
haze hin, y muger que parla Latin, nunca hizieron .
buen fin. i. e. A mule that is reſty, and a woman
that talks Latin,n ever come to aa good,
e 2 |
* You ſhall learn . it be the bucket at
the end of the rope that falls into the well:
or whether it be the water of the * that
falls into the bucket .
[A proverbial menace. ]
* Your works alone ſhall follow you: you
ſhall carry off nothing elſe?. |
[A fine ſaying in the bobles of FO. rue
Spaniards ſay, Buen hazer florece, todo lo al perece<
A good work flouriſhes, "7 thing elſe Pe.
liſhes. It
2 Du Haide, 2. 0. | 7 Ibid, 161. = r Ibid.
[260
PROVERBS OC MITTED:
Man may be well mounted, though he-
, "on not ride the horſe 5 one may
Eu-
7 22 is a celebrated horſe. Yen-t/e was the
moſt beloved diſciple of Confucizs.]
A loyal ſubject does not fear death, he who
fears death is not a loyal ſubject»b .
As a ſhip without a rudder, 1 is a man void
of reſolution. |
He, who. begins firſt is the ſtrong« ſt,b e ks.
delays ſto firike] Our comes by the
worſt© ,
[Eng. The fut blawd15 half the battle]
* He who builds a houſe by the fide of a great
road will not finiſh. it in three years.
{The Italians have a proverb, Chi fabrica
| la caſa in piaxxa, ò che ꝭ tropga alta,ò troppo baſſa.
255 We 2 He that builds his houſe by the high-
4 Du Halle, 1n. s Þ 14, 2. 177. e Id. 1. Gn.*
Let. ed. xjX. 439% P. Du Halde,2 . 181. 14.1
LELAS ay
| diſciple, though not equal to
RTWOCSIPO ET N" .,
s „e6 n
PROVERBS OMITTED. 26.
way 1 i etheri n bigho r u bu. See
Ray.
*] ſhould ſoon have killed the rat, ifI h ad
not reſpected the veſſel 5.
[he application of chis bereeb . to be |
learnt fromt hel ittle Chinęſe tale related in pag.
215, 216. "542 * more to be fear-
62 ed than, &c |
* Is a prince intirel upri ht, eve thin
|$ 5.0 well with "ip doch he vey.k e
ſelf, though but in onee inflance, iit may lead
to his ruin d.
* It is a happy talent to "rm lawhaits
arightz a much happier to n cheir
ever being undertaken* ,
[A ſaying of a . which iis thusg rant.
lated by others. To hear and determine
5 * diſputes [ or any man may be able: the
© great thing neceſſary is ſo to work upon
= « the people that they may have no diſputes
s at all.“ Conf. lib. 1. p. 12.]
Keep ſilence, you wilt fee how ridiculous a
great talker is: Keep your door ſhut, and
will be ſenſible of the buſtle, and .
tinence attending viſits“ .
One error ſlight in appearance leads to ſtrange
irregularities 'g, |
| 83 One
262 [PROVERBS OMITTED.
One of the principal duties of a ſon is to per-
— his _ an leave deſcendants after
him *. 6
** To = cheap N quick hae, go
to the market. Would you undertake a
great building or other W work,
bold a conſultation before-hande.
* To preſerve others, is the way to preſerye
one's ſelf: to ſhut up the road to others ii s
the means to exclude one's ſelf .
* To receive great honours. and 8
without deſerying them; is to preclude
from employment thoſe that are more ca
pable, and to intercept the reware of the
worthy p-
** Undertake — without pegs it a.
N. B. — the dsa irs in
the foregoing ſheets are made to the lio
_ verſioofn P . Du Halde: yet many5 oft e roverbs
are newly tranſlated From the French original;
that tranſlation being very faulty. The
ollowing inaccuracies did not occuri ll thee ſ heets
wer*e off.
PROnn
PROVERBS CORRECTED,
Page: 188. read.
A*M an bornn or educated in, x
Page 193. . 5
* As the liquor - - - - - -- ſo thie eſ ubjes
conform themſelves to the nee 1
Page 194. r. Rt:
* As the ſtone Me „ | heart defiled
with laſcivious impurity will, &c.
Page 200. r. 5
* Honour the dead. - - - - = = were yet alive.
Page 20g. 1 4608
*If the water be even ten Gu deep, one 2
diſtinguiſh by the ſurface, &c—. 5
Page 206.
* If the exceſſes — — the vexation
of the mind makes, &.
Page 220.
* See that moth, --» ahnt conſumed, e
Page 224» 21
* The Emperor lets Joole > -——-- createsn ew
Mandarines, &c.
$4 PARAL262
PROVERBS -OMIT TED.
One of the principal duties of a ſon is to per-
— his _—_ and es deſcendants after
him v.
* To make a cheap an4 d quick purchaſe, go
to the market. Would you undertake a
great building or other conſiderable work, |
bold a conſultation before- hand.
* To preſerve others, is the way to; preſerye
one's ſelf: to ſhut up the road to others i1 s
the means to exclude one's ſelf*.
* To receive great honours and je Ml
without deſerying them; is to preclude
from employment thoſe that are more ca
pable, and to intercept the reward of the |
worthy p-
* Undertake MO without completingi t,
k e ee e 1
4 n *
*> "& VF d
2 B. Although the.m argi* references in
the foregoing ſheets are made to the Engliſh folio
verſion of P. Du Halde: yet many 7 the Proverbs
are newly tranſlated from the French original;
that tranſlation being very faulty. The
following inaccuracies did not occur till the2
wer*e 2
PR o-
*%S
$E1n4n580s 7
en——
1 263
PROVERBS CORRECTED,
Page 188. read.
\ Man born or educated in, &c.
Page 193. v. |
* As the liquor -- - - - - ſo the fabjetts
conform themſelves tto thee e | |
* As the ſtone Me ----—-- Os| heart defiled
with laſcivious impurity will, &c.
Page 200. r. „ 3
Honour the dead, --- - - = - were yet alive.
Page 20g.
* If the water be even ten Gin deep, one mop
diſtinguiſh by the ſurface, &c—. |
If the exceſſes - - - - <= -- = - the vexation
of the mind makes, &c. 15
Page 220.
A gee that moth, an E conſumed, |
Page 224.
* The Emperor lets looſe - >=>-- creates new
Mandarines, &c.
Ts | ARAL.
* *
PARALLELS OMITTED, &c.
p46 GE 05 *A A paſſion indulged Ke,
I- 3 The French ſay, Porgueit
deux ꝙ enyvre de ſa propre boutelle.]
Bid. A piſmire and a rat, &c.
[To the ſame effect with that precept of
Cato, Corporis exi gui wires contemnere noli. Fr.
et nul petit ennemi. Eng. There are, &C.
Page 190. A ſtab with, 1
4335 N. B. The Italians have a ſaying,
Fer —p e ipo co, e ſerivvi mend. i. e. Think
little, write leſs, The F reve
Page 193. An amiable prince, &c.
[It-is a ſaying in one of their ancient claſſical
books, A good king loveth and cheriſheth
his people, as a mother moſt tenderly
claſpeth her naked and neu- born hte
46 ſon. 99
Conf. lib. p. 19. |
Pages 194. © Avoida blaft, &c.
[The Spaniards ſay, ** De wiento - - - - Se.
Fuardute . i.e. Take heed of a wind that comes
ir n a hole.]
Q Page
o1oOIIn AeeA
PARALLELS OMITTED. 265
Page 198, 199. He who aims, &c.
chen [The Spaniards ſay, Menos camino ay de ver-
' tzud a vicios, qued e wicios a wertud. i. e. It is a
ſhorter road- from virtue to vice, than from
vice to virtue.] |
bid. © He who eats, &c. _ 5
[The Italians have a proverb, II pan d altri
coſta caro : another's bread is dear bought.
bid * He who ſuffers, &c.
I- - diverts them. Not very different is
that ſaying of P. Syrus, Heu, dolor guam miſer
eft, gui in tormento vocem non Haber.]
Bid. “ Heaven and hell, &c.
[After the quotation - - - - - By way of illuſtration
of the above Apothegm we ſhall throw
= "pa a few hints of a famous Chine/e mora
iſt. A ST |
Certain perſons complain, (ſays the philoſopher
ME) of not finding a place of repoſe :
„they are wrong, they always have it: but
_ * what they ought to be diſſatisfied at, is their
“having a heart, which is an enemy to the
very repole they ſeek. ; ns
What is the uſe of, coaths but for decency
“ and warmth ? This man wears a fur'd habit
„Worth more than a thouſand crowns, and
thinks it not gooe enough: he doth not rebi
_ that a Quail is as well cloathed as him-
« ſelf. 0 | Pe |
„What doth a man want, as to food, but
ED 26 « nouriſhing
266 PARALLELS OMITTED.
4 nouriſhing victuals? yet he, who is every
day ſerved with a large quantity of the moſt
delicate viands in the grandeſt diſhes, is not
. *. conter:ted : another, who ſleeps on a mat,
and after a temperate meal drinks out of the
half of a ſcooped cucumber, is more con-
* cented than himſelf. |
What is required in lodgings, but to be
1 (ſheltered from the inclemencies of the wea-
* ther? yet ſuch a man in a lofty and ſpacious
„ palace, whoſe walls are finely varniſhed,
finds himſelf ill-lodged. Another is con-
. ** tented with a cottage ſo poor and mean,
„ thæt the door is hung upon two pieces of
cord which ſerve for hinges. .
In what climate or place may not 2
man live agreeably if he hath a mind! To
** me a little garden of flowers is the famous
e valley of gold: to me a litile brook is the
fountain of young peach trees : [alluding
Here to ſome obſcure fables] ** to me the me-
_ ** Jody of birds is more raviſhing than the har-
* mony of a full concert of inſtruments: and
I prefer the tinQure of certain clouds to the
+ - ** fineſt paintings in the world.“ |
Sce P. Du Halde, 2. p. g8.]
Page 206. In former times, &c.
It was a ſaying of Chu-jin-quey, © What
* doth a man loſe, who gives way in the
_** ſtreet to thoſe that are in haſte? two or
* three hundred fteps and nothing more.
5+ Vi kat doth another loſe, who will not diſPARALLELS
OMITTED. 267
„pute with his neighbour the boundaries of
4 his field?“
P. Du Halde, 2. 104.]
Page 231. The net in which, &c.
I- -N. B. When the Chineſe would
expreſs any impracticable attempt it is a common
phraſe with them, You may as well
« hope to get out of the nets of heaven and
#5: earth.”
oo STING, e. 2. p. 177. c. 1.
THE END OF THE PROVERBS, &c.
> ADDE.
e eee 4.

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 26

2026-03-29T09:55:20Z

Admin: OCR cleanup Chapter 26

= Chapter 26 =
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 280px;"
|+ style="background-color: #4a7c59; color: white; padding: 5px;" | '''Chapter Information'''
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8; width: 120px;" | Wiki Chapter
| 26
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Translator's MS
| Chapter XIII
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Volume
| III
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Status
| style="background: #ffe0e0;" | OCR cleaned — footnotes pending
|}

''Part of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

Char. XIII, In the Tranſlator's manuſcript.
power
power, ſaid he, to ſend any preſent |
as an acknowledgment of her goodneſs:
neither could I preſume to do
it, a ſingle man as I am, to a young
unmarried lady.” Then delivering
his horſe to the old ſervant, and hiring
a mule, he departed for his 'own
city; and Shuey-yeoug returned to his
miſtreſs,
Let us now return to Kwo-khbe-tzu
and his companions, whom we' have
ſeen diſappointed in their deſigns on
Tieb-chung-u. When they found he
was got clear out, of their hands; they
were ready to burſt with rage and madneſs.
The firſt that broke ſilence was
_ Shuey-guwin, who ſaid, Who would
have ſuſpected this young man to have
r - been
9 |
= =
4-7
ms Th
been poſſeſſed of ſo much ſtrength and
courage 2”? „It was owing to neither
of theſe that he eſcaped, ſaid his ſonin-
law, but he had got Chang-congxu
at ſuch diſadvantage, that he could
neither help himſelf, nor we conveniently
aſſiſl him. But he muſt not
g0 off ſo: let us muſter up ap roper
company, and go find him out: let
us ſtill treat him as he deſerves und
afterwards give in a petition to the
Grand Viſitor.“ This propoſal was
approved by them all: the young
Mandarine Chang inſtantly promiſed to
bring thirty people; each of the others
likewiſe engaged to raiſe as many.
Theſe to the number of a hundred
were ſoon aſſembled, and with their
maſters at their head, Shuey-guwin lead-
L's | lag
ing the way, drove along the ſtreets
like a ſwarm of bees. But when they
came to the inn, where the young
ſtranger had lodged, they were told
that he went away almoſt as ſoon as
he came home. They were quite diſconcerted
at this information. Ho]
ever, ſaid Kino-bbi-tzu to the reſt, this
ſhall not ſerve his turn; we will immediately
apply to the Grand Vifitor
of thep rovince, and he ſhall do us juſtice.”
Shuey-gumin told him, that their
enemy was of the province of Pe. ing,
and therefore was not under that M andarine's
juriſdiction. Well then,
ſaid Kwo-kbe-i2u and his companions,
we will all together draw up a petition,
wherein we will accuſe him of endea-
1 vouring
*og— n*o
12*
WWor ”
*
" 4
: * wer
*
1d*wa4n 5* 5 e f
2rc-— al
*&+—.2 —K2 r8*7 4 s
vouring to raiſe a rebellion. * ; this
will authoriſe: the Mandarines of any
province to lay hold of him. The
Grand Viſitor muſt give an account
of this at court; where we will ſend.
- 2
In order to render this and ſome of the foltowing
pages intelligible, itmuſt be remarked that
there is in China, a horrid ſect called Pe len-kia.
always diſpoſed to rebellion, and who are therefore
ſure to be puniſhed, whenever they are diſcovered.
This ſe& conſiſts of people, who enter
into a confederacy to overturn the'eftabliſh--
ed government, jor which purpoſe, with certain
magical rites, they ele& an Emperor out of their
number, diſtribute among themſelves the principal
employments of the ſtate, mark out certain
families for deſtruction, and lie concealed till ſome
inſurrection of the people affords them an opportunity
of putting themſelves at their head. China,
on account of its vaſt extent, prodigious populouſneſs
and frequency of famines, is very
liable to ſeditions and inſurrections, which thro'
the puſillanimity and feebleneſs of its military
government are always dangerous, and indeed
have often produced intire revolutions in the
do our fathers and friends to acquaint
them of the affair; thus we ſhall quickly
humble him, ran all his
bravery and valour.“
They were exceedlngly pleaſed with
this propoſal, and accordingly got their
petition wrote, which Shuey-guwrn ſigned |
as a witneſs: they then repaired to
ſtate. Now as in theſe revolutions, it hath frequently
happened that ſome of the very dregs of
the people have been raiſed to the throne ; this
upon every inſurrection encourages the ringleaders
to aſpire to the empire : who, if they are not
nipped in the bud, are ſure to draw together the
diſſolute, the diſcontented, and the needy ; till
they forma large body and become very formidable
to the government. Upon all theſe accounts
the Mandarines are obliged to be exceedingly jealous
and watchful over the leaſt tendency to revolt;
and to be careful to extinguiſh the firſt and
minuteſt ſparks of rebellion, which would otherwiſe
ſoon involve the whole empire in-a flame,
P. Semedo, p. 91. Lettres edif, Xxvii. 344-
P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 243. _
H 3 +
the city of Tong-chang ; and finding
the audience open for receiving petitions,
preſented themſelves before the
tribunal. The Grand Viſitor received
their petition, and ordered them all
out of the hall, except Shucy-gravin.
* This paper, ſaid he, contains a |
ſtrange ſtory of a rebellion attempted
in this country by Tieb-chung-u : if he
was fo. dangerous a perſon, how came
you to be ſo deſirous of his company,
and to invite him ſo earneſtly to drink
wine with you? Did he drop any hint
of his intention to raife a tumult or
rebellion in the city, in the midſt of
his cups, or afterwards in the quarrel 2
Sbuey- guwin finding the Grand Viſitor
ſo inquiſitive, knew not what to anſwer,
and therefore remained filent.
: « You -
* You are a very ſorry fellow, ſaid
the Mandarine. I am well acquainted
with the whole ſtory : nevertheleſs if
you do not relate it exactly from beginning
to end, I will bring your fingers
to the Niab- coon or Tormentingſticks.”
SCShuey-guwzn's fear became ex»
ceſſive when he ſaw the other ſo angry,
and found he ſhould be forced to confeſs
the truth. Sir, ſaid he, it is true,
he was drinking with the others.”
Very well, ſaid the Mandarine, if
you were drinking all together, I muſt
ſuppoſe you all equally guilty: nay it
is more likely that you five ſhould form
ſeditious deſigns upon the city, than he
whom you accuſe, who perhaps would
not join in ſuch an attempt, and fo
you have agreed to impeach him firſt.”
My Lord, replied he, Kwo-khi-t2u
H4 invited
invited this young man to his houſe
out of civility and good will, and when
he was in his cups all the ſecret came
out. Nothing would pacify him; he
overſet the table and fell to fighting,
crying out to the young Mandarines,
that if there were a thouſand of them,
he would not regard them: and that
if he ſhould come to be Emperor he
would deſtroy the four houſes to which
they belong. The young gentlemen
deeply concerned at theſe things, could
not refrain from lodging a complaint
with your Excellence. y : which they
would not haveS ano to do, had
It been falſe.” < A likely ſtory, ſaid
the Grand Viſitor, that one perſon ſhould
beat and abuſe four or five of you. No!
no! you muſt not think to impoſe on
me at this rate. 1 Sir, ſaid Shuey-
SuWIN,
guwin, the broken pieces of furniture
are ſtill to be ſeen: nothing is more
certain.“ The Mandarine took him
up ſhort, How ſhould a ſtranger
of another city come and raiſe ſuch a
diſturbance, unleſs he had been' provoked
by ſome injury or inſult? However
if it be as you alledge, have you |
ſecured or brought him with you 2???
JM No, he replied ; he was like a tyger, |
there was no taking hold of him: he
went away without any one 's daring
to hen him.”
The Grand Viſitor ordered all he had
reported to be taken down in writing by
the ſecretary of the tribunal: then ſaid to
him, * Are not you aſhamed, an old
fellow as you are, to come here with
theſe
*
wXeA r
a*'
D? = x
5BodN o e4 upo
Axr1N S 4*n u b S C 33"*-—n-r* a——.— I—i 1 — g * J' .. ,
* 82 þ
*
—* N
x* x,,
*« 54 —e»2 .* ͤ7 . .——>eoPO—nn — rPe *—:e—" Rp es—75 |;
8 0
" 5
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yW: ae =Is E
_ *L= 3I:L 7 VE
ͤoↄ.ůn — ——
theſe ſtories: and to keep company
with young rakes, drinking and embroiling
yourſelf in their quarrels?
This petition you have brought me
is falſe and ſcandalous. Go home and
tell the four Mandarines ſons to be
quiet: I know the whole ſtory, better
than they imagine. If it were not for
the connections of theſe young men,
I would throw you into priſon, where
you ſhould die with hunger : however
I muſt make you a preſent of twenty
or thirty baſtinadoes *.“ At theſe words
Shuey -guwin in great terror, cryed out
that he was old, and begged he would
| pardon and not diſhonour him fo
'In the orig. it is of four or five Bamboos”
(or ehr ag each fiveſ trokes.J See note, vol. 2.
8 much.
much. « Honour ! ſaid the Grand
Viſitor, what honour have you ?” He
ſaid, I am brother to the ſecond Mandarine
of the tribunal of arms,” Are
you his brother, ſaid the magiſtrate?
why who keeps his houſe? My brother,
he replied, hath no ſon: but
only one daughter, who heretofore hath
received great favour from your Excellency.“
If it be ſo, replied the
Grand Viſitor, for her ſake I will pardon
you: but then tell me truly, who
it is that bears ſuch implacable enmity
againſt this young ſtranger.” 1
am not his enemy, anſwered Shueyguwin
e but it is wo- Eh- tu, who being
diſappointed in his deſign of marrying
my niece, by the other's inter
* hath ever ſigce retained a
E ſecret
ſecret malice and deſire of revenge; ane
it was in order to gratifhyi s revenge,
that he now invited him to his houſe:
but for my part I owe him no kind of ill
will.“ The Grand Viſitor ordered his
| ſecretary to make a memorandum of
this; then giving him back the petition,
bade him go tell thoſe young men
to mind their ſtudies, and let him hear
no more of them: For this once,
ſaid he, I pardon them on account of
their fathers : who would find a great
deal of trouble, ſhould ſuch complaints
| bPe RO qi them at court.”
Shuey-guwin having thus obtained
leave to retire, was ready to leap out
of his ſkin for joy : but when he was
got without the audience where the
others
others were waiting for him, he ſnrugged
up his ſhoulders, and made figns to
them to bold their tongues : at the ſight.
of which, and of the petition which he
held in his hand, they were alarmed;
and being informed of all that had
happened, ſent in a Sho-poun * or billet
of thanks, to the Grand Viſitor for his
lenity, and afterwards returned home
not a little aſhamed. However Kokbe-
1zu could not be prevailed on to
lay aſide his reſentment, or to drop
his purſuit. On the contrary, he was
the more obſtinately reſolved to perſiſt
in both; andre collecting that Chun-· let
had been gone ſome time, he diſpatched
a meſſenger to enquire aſter him.
A folded paper with a black cover. Tranſ.
Now
Now Chum:# in performance of his
promiſe had made the beft of his way
to the court: where as ſoon as he arrived,
he delivered to the miniſter
| Kwwo-fbo-fu the letter from his ſon. As
ſoon as the Mandarine had read the
letter, he withdrew with him into his
library, and inviting him to fit down,
inquied about his ſon's :propoſal of
marriage with Shuey- pinguin. Her
father, ſaid he, is now in diſgrace :
this match cannot be for our credit,
as we are advanced to ſuch a degree
in the ſtate.” „ This young lady,
replied the other, is endowed with wonderful
perfections both of mind and
perſon, and is of unexampled modeſty:
in ſhort there is not her fellow
to be founind t he world. Wherefore |
| your
A ckNESE HISTORY. r1x
your ſon hath ſworn either by gentle or
violent means to marry her.” No. hofa
laughed and faid, * am afraid my
fon is very weak and ſimple. If he had
a mind to marry her, he needed not
have ſent to court, when the Che.fo o
and Che- hien, the fathers of the country,
might eaſily have compleated the marriage
for him. You have had a great
deal of trouble inc oming ſo far: and
now he would give me ſtill more, inr equiring
me to ſend without the wall
into Tartary for her father's conſent.“
He hath not been wanting in applica ·
tion to the Che-foo and Che- hien, replied
the other; he hath leſt no meanst o
prevail with her unattempted; but ſne
hath always by very gentle but artful
5 methods found means to elude his
purſuit.
*” :
byy *4a5 : .«p 4p GnINo—y.= * T,{* .o«*2 £5*— * . T*;27 S T ar G
«-— x
—t—. —t—R—od—Ue————Te—L ä —I
purſuit. | Your Lordſhip muſt not talk a
of the Che-foo and Che-bien, ſince the
Grand Viſitor of the province, who
was your pupil, endeavoured to promote
the ſuit of your ſon, but ſhe
ſo far baffled him, that he hath been
glad to put forth a declaration, forbidding
any one to moleſt her on
the ſubject of marriage. Now if a
Mandarine of his rank is afraid to
meddle with her, who beſides dares
approach her gates? Kao. E b. tau
therefore had no other remedy, but
to apply to your Lordſhip.” The
Mandarine Kro. goſ. u was ſurprized at
this account, and ſaid, Surely this
is a young lady of fine underſtanding,
anidt is on that account my ſonſo
much admires her. But this Shuey-
FR 5 keu-ye,
A CHINESE | HISTORY, 273
keu-yt, her father, is a very poſitive
man: if he does not heartily approve of
any meaſure, he is not to be moved to
engage in it: beſides I am not very
intimate with him. He is a man of
one word: when he held an audience,
there was very little application made
to him, becauſe he was known to favour
no body. He hath only this
daughter; and'T remember I once applied
to him about her, but without
ſucceſs. However, as he is now in
trouble, perhaps he will be more inclined
to comply: there ſeems at preſent
a good opportunity to afk his: conſent.
But in what manner, ſaid
Chun-kee, will your Lordſhip apply to
him ?” 4 It muſt be done, ſaid the
other, with all the uſual ceremonies,
Vor. III. 1 A friend
A friend. muſt feſt - be employed to
break. the, matter: | afterwards, we muſt
lena,p dreſ,ent . - But here lies the difficulty:
as he is diſtant from us no leſs
than two hundred leagues,I c annot aſk.
any. Mandarine of great qualityt o go
ſo far. + 1 believe I muſt; write a letter
and beg the favour of yout o carry it,
together with the preſent. Chun kel
replied, .* Your Lordſhipm.ay command
my beſt ſervices. Let me alſo;
carry letters to ſuch of the great Mandarnes
there as are able to influence
him.“ Vu are right, ſaid. the Miniſter;
and accordingly ſelecting a fortunate
day, he wrote the letters and di:
EY? him with 2 25 it
* 8 2 — 4 > + 4
en (HISTORY. 173
| 8
N 7 110 © H A FS VII. Des 14A.
* , $ * 915
DOI! O1::: JN A (3.33)
OW 7 che cafe 10 .
darine Sbuey. teu. ye ¶ was as
follow;s] ; upon receiving notice that a
war had broke out with the Fartars,
and that there was not any valiant
maton he ad the troops; [he had]
made inquiry after ſuch a perſon, and
[bad] found amongt hep eople ©of his
audience . a man called.o s one
3 of
. tings_ _ Editor's additions included in
brackets, the Reader will perceive how abrupt the
tranſition is in the original. The ſame abruptneſs
is obſervable throughout the whole hiſtory.
+ All the officers of war throughout the Cb.
noſe empire, from the higheſt to the loweſt, are
under the juriſdiction of the Tribunal of .
which, although compoſed of none but literary
Mandarines, hath the abſolute and intire direction
of all military affairs. In China the prol
1 feſſion
*
*
—S>| . ,,.O LES
F]ↄ oðI—U ü—— *3 *—Kn
of the north-weſt country, who had.
offered himſelf for that ſervice. Of this
Shuey-keu-ye informed the Emperor,
who conſented to employ him, there
being none other that cared to .go
againſt the enemy. He was accordingly
conſtituted General, with orders
to go and viſit thoſe | parts that were
n of en to act as he ſhould.
fellono f arms is.h old yaltly ;nferior I ſubs
ordinate to that of letters. This, together with
their natural effeminacy, and the conſtant peace
they generally enjoy, will account for the unwarlike
turn of the Chine/e. |
P. Semedo tells us that it was uſual [at leaſt
in his time] for the Chineſe to ſend with their
armies a man of the long robe, who had the
fapreme command, even over the General him
ſelf. This Mandarine was always in the middle
of the main Battalia, and many times a day's
journey from the field of action; ſo that although
he would be too remote to give orders, he was
always ready to run away the firſti n caſe of
| Coe. ee 100% Al G22 i
think
A cHNESE HISTORY. 11)
think beſt for the publicſ ervice. He
executed theſe orders with ſuch diſpatch,
that he would not ftop to pay the uſual
viſits of ceremony to any of the other
Mandarines in command. but went immediately
iin ſearch of the enemy. This
gave ſo much diſguſt”t o thoſe 6fficers
that they would not 20 to his aſſiſtance,
nor unite their forces with his. Nevertheleſs
he attacked the enemy, and
had a ſharp engagement for a Whole
day with equal advantage onb oth ſides.
Small as this ſucceſs \w as, it Was repreſent
ed Rill leſs to the Emperor by the
dilaffected Mandarines, and both he
andS hag · leny e were ſuſpended from
their employments: the one being ſent
to priſon, and the other an exile into
dee 80 Ot eric mn
F3 The
Ehe latter had now remained about
a year in baniſhment : where, although
he ſtill retained his dignity of Mandarine,
there was taken little notice of him,
and he had ſmall hopes of returning
home. One morning a ſervant belonging
10 his tribunal (for notwithſtanding
bis diſgrace be ſtill had an hall of
aodience aſſigned him) came to tell
him that there was a meſſenger arrived
from Pe- king, with letters from one of
the Miniſters of ſtate. Shuey keu-ye,
who had looked upon himſelf as intirely
forgotten at court, was ſurprized at
this news. Nevertheleſs he ordered
the meſſenger to be admitted. (Zun.
kes was accordingly ſhewn in, attended
by two ſervants whom he had brought
with him. He performed his reve-
| rences,
rences, and preſenteda Tieh-1/# or billet
of complimentsT.h e Mandarine peruſed
it, and finding Cbun-e s to ben o
ſervant, but a particular acquaintance
of the perſon who ſent him, deſited
him to fit down. I am ſo unhappy;
ſaid he, as to be out of favour: and
it is a long while ſince I have been
taken notice of by any one. How
happens it then, that you are come ſo
far to me? Upon what aetount?4 J
| ſhould not have taken this liberty, replied
the other, had I not been ſent by
Ko. ſbv-ſu, whoſe buſineſs abroad 1
ſometimes tranſact : and it is on his
account that I have now taken ſb long
a journey.“ When I was at court,
ſaicl SheyFe-u. y , I had very little acquaintace
wich that Mandarine. I ſupa
"— x"
ęao—j—u———tꝓͤ — — —é — u
9=xE „o
*
2'—
© :
* :
. 1
x 1
E .
x. 6
wa |
1 :
|
|
|
|
*
2———m
——— —
poſe therefore my puniſhment is now
going to be increaſed.” Chun-kee replied,
It will not be long before your
Lordſhip will return to Pe-king : I am
only come at preſenti n behalf of this
nobleman's ſon, who deſires your
daughter in marriage: but as ſhe hath
not your permiſſion or order, L am
ſent to intreat you to grant it,” Then
aſking the ſervants for the letter, he
preſented it to Shuey-keu-ye : who opening
it, and having: read it, thought
that the whole affair was not rightly
conducted, according to the manner
among 5 people of quality 3 nor. ſuitably
to the dignity of his rank. At
the ſame time being not unacquainted
with the charactero fK wo-kbe-tzu, and
baving no great opinion of the Man-
] darine
darine his father, he reſolved not to
conſent to their requeſt. This reſolution
he was the rather confirmed
in, as he ſuppoſed if his daughter had
approved of it, they would never have
ſentſ o fart o him. After ſome pauſe,
Chun- took thel iberty to aſk him
if he had read the letter. He replied,
l have, and thank you for the great
trouble you have been at in bringing
it: J am obliged to Kwo-/ſbo-ſu for the
high honour he doth me: and ſhould
eſteem it great good fortune that he is
pleaſed to deſire my daughter for his
ſon : but only that I am. now under
his Majeſty's diſpleaſure, and removed
above two hundred leagues from home,
from whence I have been abſent five
years at court, and one in baniſhment.
To | As
As I have no ſoannd ,onl y this daughter,
who is unto me as a ſon, and as
ſuch hath the whole direction of my
houſe, I ſhall therefore permit her
to govern herſelf in this affair according
to her own inclinations. If Kwobe
tu had ſo great a deſire to marry.
| her, why did not he apply to the Che.
foo and Che-hien, who are the public
guardofi tahenp esopl e ., and to my
brother $hney-guwin ? What need had
he to take ſo much trouble in ſending
fo far ?” < Sir, replied Chun-k&, you
ſpeak very well; and Ntoo- h. tam did
Taft year purſue the method you deſcribe
; but after ſhe had many times
put him off, the at length confeſſed,
he Chineſe idiom is, „ Who are the by. Grandfather and Father of the people.” |
A CHINESE | HISTORY. 123
it was becauſe ſhe had not your per-
' miſſion, and aa he hath or me
to come for it.” |
The Mandarine Sag teu ys judged
from his diſcourſe, that his daughter
was not inclined to marry Kwo-kbe-12u ;
and therefore he faid, * As I am now |
in- diſgrace, I look uponit that I have
nothing to do with my family, nor
can I pretend to diſpoſe of my daughter.
I have been here a twelvemonth,
* have not ſo much as ſent home
one letter: and it is becauſe I am not
pyet acquitted. Now under theſe circumſtances,
ſhould J pretend to give
out an order about my daughter, it
would aggravate my offence: I dare
not therefore offert od o it,” Chun. kit
ſaid
*—%—
=*»
3N* 1
B„E
*
||
"XY
TP0 IeG e
1w* o
=1
2tAeecnAN*—1xſEeaa ..aAao y*—— SeeE—l —e E .* + ; ns* k2 ; s a
A” _
n" -N——r —_nT ax I "
l== PL — *
U—m——aj hnt oe— s— —
l—oir
A—N—o—s— —
faid, Let me have but your word,
and it will be ſufficient.“ He was
very importunate, inſomuch that Shueyken
i grew downright angry, and ſaid,
that it was not a thing of a flight or
indifferent nature: and cuſtom required |
that there ſhould be more than two to
concert ſo important an affair as marriage.
Without any further ſatisfaction
he diſmiſſed him, but ordered him alodging:
from whence Chun-kis often paid
him viſits, butto no purpoſe :h e therefore
ſent to all then eighbouring Mandatines,
and got them to ſpeak to him
on the ſubject of the marriage. They
were accordingly |v ery urgent and
preſſing, which made Shuey-ken Je ſo
uneaſy, that he ſent for Chun-kee and
faid%' never dida ny ill to the Man -
darine
A CHINESE HIS TORX. 125
darine Kwo-ſho-ſu ; why then doth, he
give me ſo much trouble, and is for
taking my daughter, by force? Go
home, and tell him, I will never compel
her to act againſſ her inclinations.
As for myſelf, 1 never expect to carry,
my bones home again: my life is to
me of little value: but I will not
make my daughter miſerable.] Nay,
ſhould the Emperor himſelf order me
to compel her, I would ſtill leave her
to her own choice: and ſhould all the
Mandarines here my ſuperiors do their
utmoſt to make me ſuffer,II regard it
not. Therefore take Foe letter and
your preſent back again,”
Chun leG aling ii t would beiin vain
to perfil — up his baggage and
returned
returned to the court. Where being
arrived with no little ſhame for his
ill ſucceſs, he gave hack to Kwo-ſbo-ſu
his letter and preſent. At which the
Miniſter was very much inraged, and
reſolved to reſent it the firſt opportunity.
It was not long before he found
one; for there being a demand for
more troops to go againſt the Tartars,
on account of theh avoean d loſs which
had been madeof thoſe who went before;
that Mandarine, when he adviſed the
Emperor of it, did not fail to lay the
blame on the former miſmanagement
of Shmey-keu-yz, and on that of his general
Hu-hiau : repreſenting to his Majeſty,
that if they were taken off by
the puniſhment they deſerved, warriors
enow. would offer themſelves, and
3 bring
bring the war to a concluſion: but that
this could not be expected till all ſuſpicion
was taken away of their ever returning
into employment; in the diſcharge
of which they had both rendered
themſelves extremely odious.
The Emperor approved of this remonſtrance,
and referred it to the conſideration
of the Sau- fa-tſeb, or tribunal
of three *: — was commanded to
aſſemble
* The 2 e of T, 8 is 3 of the
following tribunals; viz. of the Hing-pu, or Tribunal
of crimes; of the Tab-le-/u, which may
be called The Tribunal of reviſors * ; and of the
Tieh-cha-yuen, or Superior Tribunal of viſitors.
The laſt of theſe hath been already deſcribed.
[See vol. 2. pag. 185. note. ] and ought every
where to have been entitled, as here. See P. Mag.
The e or Tribunalo f.c rimes,i s one of
the-
5 See Lettres ediſ. Xix,K Y ag1.
aſſemble and examine into the conduct
of Hu. biau in order to bring that general
to juſtice. BJ eg 1001 # i $4 4 FEE IES | * 1
the ſix ſovereign courts at Pe-ing, ¶ See note vol.
2. p. 279.] and hath underit fourteen ſubordinate
tribunals according to the number of pro
vinces. It belongst o them to examine, try
and puniſh all criminals throughout the empire.
P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 249, Oc.
The Tribunal of Tag-ſ u, i. e. of ſupreme reaſon
or juſtice, is as it were the great Chancery
of the empire. It examines in the laſt appeal
the judgments and ſentences paſſed in other tribanals
: eſpecially in criminal cauſes, or in mat ·
ters of great moment. P. Magp.. 228 . F. Se.
medo,p . 125. 3 ä
When the Tribunal of Crimes hath paſſed ſentence
of death on a perſon, whoſe crime was
not very clear, or when any perſon is to be
condemned in a caſe that would admitof doubt,
the Emperor. (ſays P. Magallatus] refers it
always to the San-fa:ſu [or geb] whichi s as it
were his council of conſcience. Then the three
tribunals abovementioned aſſemble together, either
to re-examine the merits of the cauſe, or to
paſs the more ſolemn ſentence. Asit is not
ſo eaſy to corrupt them thus united, as ſeparate,
great regard is had to their deciſion, which is
generally confirmed by the Emperor. P. Mag.
p. 229. Lettres edif. xix. 162.
N CRAP.
A CHINESE | HISTORY: 129
CH APE VIE» 0
HE tribunal of three having received
the Emperor's comi *
fon, appointed a day to hear and determine
the cauſe of Hf hiau. When
that day came, as ſoon as the Mandarines
were ſeated, the Supreme Vicer-o y
T;t eb-ying being one of them, that unforrunate
general was brought out _
lon and entered — his trial. ett 10
x » *
* . — * . „ #4 2
* 1 * 6 £ & & 1
It pete thatb ebeſ ame ageT ichchung-
u arrived at Pe. king, where he
had never been ſince his return from
1 aeſ oon as heer e he

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 25

2026-03-29T09:55:20Z

Admin: OCR cleanup Chapter 25

= Chapter 25 =
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 280px;"
|+ style="background-color: #4a7c59; color: white; padding: 5px;" | '''Chapter Information'''
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8; width: 120px;" | Wiki Chapter
| 25
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Translator's MS
| Chapter XII
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Volume
| III
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Status
| style="background: #ffe0e0;" | OCR cleaned — footnotes pending
|}

''Part of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

CHAP: W.
M O-kb#-tzu hearing Shuey-guwin
ſay he was not unprovided of an
occaſion to plague Tieh-chung-a, was
deſirous to know what it was. He
told him, that as his coming fo long
a journey was all for the ſake ofh is
Niece, it was not to be doubted but
he would yet take an opportunity to
ſpeak with her; and therefore he muſt
be watched. Nay, faid he, that he
* Cuay, XII. In the Tranflator's manuſcript.
may
<2 1
*
* A CHINESE HISTORY. 49
3 may not do it without our privity,
: 8 I will go to my niece and make
1 her ſend for him.” „ That, ſaid his
A | ſon-in-law, will be to do him a plea-
1 | ſure; nay will afford him an opportu-
XX nity to bind the marriage contract
with her, and then all my hopes are
12N 1
= as $f =
"6 ER
at an end, and I am utterly loſt.”
« Fear not, replied the other, what
II propoſe is the only means to prevent
his doing it*.” Then taking
his leave, he went to the young lady,
XZ whom he thus accoſted ; © Niece, you
have certainly great penetration and
: diſcernment with regard to mankind :
> * The Chineſe Author hath not made this ap-
= pear, but he probably meant, that by involving
them in the ſuſpicion of an illicit correſpondEnce,
he ſhould effectually hinder their union. Such
is the delicacy of the Chineſe on the ſubject of
marriage See the ſequel of this Hiſtory,
Vol. III. E I ſhall
T—E—N GS
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RCA2nOSy n
wy—neg
wLm1—5YI* a% ”
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.R C2ERNTE S
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pyIPn= Ep E—2ySa I g
*T»y24x3 W-— O6Ie b B-BdF ,- Sa S ,
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an hypocrite and a cheat, you would
*Sa———wan s* ..o a5 N9 K8 r g”
*n9*n8—Inr**2 Dn & 6 n n
—bFiAeSsnWM".Ria}62n>2 s: .c+ — n. OhC Y
ment, and I am now ſatisfied he is a
again to-day : and am therefore con-
I ſhall henceforth pay great deference
to your opinion. For ſometime ſince,
when there was a rumour that Tiebchung
u had been guilty of a great miſ- 1
demeanour, and was nothing leſs than
not give the leaſt credit to it, but believed
as well of him as before. Future
inquiries have confirmed your judg-
81Wo er4
N%·OTI⸗ISNeAST S
E8A5Ot5 5 ö Es rR
FCC
man of great honour, ſobriety, and
Juſtice.” That, ſhe replied, is an old ; Z
affair: why do you mention what is Y
paſt ?” He ſaid, I faw this ſtranger 'Y
vinced he hath the good qualities I
ſpoke of.“ „How can you know a Y
man's good qualities, ſaid ſhe, by bare-
'y ſeeing him ry 8 told her,
that he had met him that morning
coming out of her houſe; and had in-
XZ quired his buſineſs: For I was ap-
E prehenſive, ſaid he, that he had been
J doing ſomething, which might bring
a reflection upon you; and therefore
thought it behoved me to call him to
account: but he vindicated himſelf ſo
handſomely, and appeared to have
come hither with ſo good an intention,
that I find him to be a very wel-ld iſ -
poſed, ſincere, honeſt man.“ „Uncle,
ſaid the young lady, how could you
know that he came hither with a good
intention?“ He told me, replied he,
that hearing at court that the Grand
Viſitor had iſſued out two orders to
compel you to marry, and knowing
how much it muſt be againſt your
2 2 | inclina- .
AnME TS
5bISIK2 eRN S S ,
Wnn
25AAN4 U%T S
© KEELEY
purpoſe to prevent it. That with this
view, and to make proper inquiries,
he came to-day to your houſe, but
finding upon the wall the Kao-fbe of
declaration in your favour, he was
ſatisfied, and about to return to court.
From all this I cannot but conclude
favourably of his character.” He
acted juſt in this noble and upright
manner, replied his niece, from the
very firſt, when he ſaw me going to
the Che- bien s. He is a youth of that
Juſtice and generous ardor, that I could
not but do what I did, in recompence
of ſo much merit.“ Certainly, ſaid 4
her uncle, the aſſiſtance he afforded 2
you at that time, and the kindneſs you
ſhewed him afterwards, were both
inclinations, he had come hither on
4 ©, SEES
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highly laudable. And now upon the
bare report that. you were likely to
be injured, he hath come ſo far to your
relief. But would it be right to let
him return without any notice of, or
thanks for his trouble?“ « Your queſtion,
ſaid ſhe, is very proper: but what
can I do? Iam a young woman and
ſingle; and muſt avoid giving further
occaſion for ſcandal. What though
he hath taken all this trouble, I know
he expects no return from me : thoroughly
convinceed of my grateful
| temper, he requires no public proof
of it.” That is very true, ſaid Shyeyguroin;
and yet it would be but right
to invite him to come, that you might
at leaſt pay your compliments to
him,” 1
= E-9 Shuey*
5% HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
Sbucy. ping: ſinh ad learnt from her old
ſervant, that he had met with Tiebchung-
u near Pe-king, and there intreated
his aſſiſtance; and that he had afterwards
been fetched back again without
ever explaining the reaſon of it to him,
She therefore readily ſuppoſed, that the
young gentleman having miſſed him,
was come thither to know the truth of
the matter: and imagining there could
be no better occaſion to inform him of
what he muſt deſire to know, conſented
to follow her uncle's advice. And yet
ſhe was not without ſuſpicion, that the
latter had ſome other deſign in view than
he would acknowledge. She told him
therefore ſhe would be guided by him,
and would prepare a 7:eb-1/e or paper of
invitation, but it muſt run in his name.“
She
7 She accordingly diſpatched Sbg. peng
> with it; whom her uncle directed to
* the young gentleman's lodgings.
| Tieb-chung-u was reflecting on the
oddneſs of the adventure, and on the
inconſiſtency of the Grand Viſitor's
conduct, when he ſaw the old ſervant
enter, who had © occaſioned him
ſo much perplexity. He was very
glad to ſee him, and eagerly inquired
why he did not follow him to Peking,
The old man informed him |
| of all that happened from the time
| they parted; and accounted for the
change in the Grand Viſitor's conduct:
at the ſame time he explained the reaſon
of his abrupt return, and begged
his pardon, as he ſuppoſedi t had occa-
E4 fioned
ſioned his journey thither. Then telling
him that his lady was glad to hear
of his arrival, he preſented the billet
of invitation. Tieb- chung u was highly
pleaſed with the account he gave him,
but would not receive the Treb-t/e.
When I went this morning to her
houſe, ſaid he, I ſaw the declaration,
which ſatisfied me of her ſafety z you
have now cleared up all remaining
doubts; why then ſhould I ſtay? I
will depart to-morrow.” Sir, replied
the ſervant, will not you accept
of the invitation, which I bring in
the name of my ſecond maſter “?
cc There are, ſaid the youth, many
reaſons why it would be improper.
* . . His maſter's brother. Tran.
And
-' "2F RE"Da
Wknr*3On N T
A7nAtS—402 O.On 115 Wr E7 77 xe835R—T I**O o P Bh.T EE— ,Y eD
IWI..oEE828nP 2r7:R:7, 5S Ne G 3yoE, I
8Jr
And I muſt inſiſt upon it that there
be no feaſt or other public acknowledgment
on account of my arrival.
{ Your lady's excellent judgment knows.
that it would be wrong in me to go,
although her complaiſance may have
induced her to invite me *.] Return
therefore, and preſentt o her my moſt
reſpectful ſervices.” Shuey-yeong did
not preſs him farther, but went and reported
to his lady and her uncle what
he had ſaid. The latter was much diſappointed;
but his niece remained very
well ſatisfied with his refuſal, ſuppoſing
it proceeded from a foreſight of
ſome miſchief intended him.
Shuey-
* The Editor hath ſoftened a few paſſages
in this and the preceding Lea ewhsi ch to the
eye
Shuey-guwin, greatly mortified with
the diſappointment, went to his ſon-in -
law, and related to him what had happened,
telling him he looked upon the other*s
ſhyneſs as only counterfeited in order
to cover a deſign of ſeeing his niece in
private. He therefore adviſed him
ſtil to keep a good look out-. This
fellow, ſaid Kwo-kbi-tzu, is a demon.
And as I am a plain man void of all
art or cunning, how ſhall I be able to
look out after him. Am not I the
chief perſon of figure in this city ? He
knows too, how much 1 deſire to marry
your niece ; yet he is always coming
eye of an European did not appear quite fo reſpectful
in the original. Inſtead of the paſſage
which is included above in brackets, in the M.S .
it is [I am reſolved not to go.“ 5
here
PRESS...
Ng 2
here and ſoliciting her: in which he
- oppoſes me, and declares himſelf my
enemy. He hath already diſcovered
our intentions to deceive him, and
therefore will henceforth be diſtruſtful.
To what purpoſe then ſhall we
wait for an occaſion to catch him? No:
to-morrow I will go myſelf and viſit
him in form : he cannot but return
the compliment : when he comes I
will receive him with great courteſy,
and make a handſome entertainmentz
to which I will invite ſeveral young
rakes of this city, ſons of great Mandarines,
and my particular acquaintance
: at the ſame time we will plant
ſome ſtrong luſty fellows near at hand.
When he comes we will ply him with
wine, and when he is in liquor, provoke
|
|
voke him to throw out ſome affronting
expreſſion z which will afford us
a handle to fall upon him, and beat
him ſo ſeverely that he ſhall breathe
his laſt. Then will we preſent a petition
to the Grand Viſitor, wherein the
diſturbance ſhall be made to appear the
effect of his own quarrelſome diſpoſition.
Thus ſhall we get clear of this
difficulty, and prevent any body of figure
from ever venturing again to try
their ſtrength with the principal youths
of this city : which we ſhall alſo render
famous for men of bravery and valour.“
Shuey-guwin approved of this deſign,
yet could not help expreſſing ſome
apprehenſion about the conſequence.
« What, ſaid the other, have I to
fear ? do you conſider the exalted rank
F9 J &
=nr%=9» .Rn.: a= ;A AnT E S
.eee ee
of my father?“ Go then, replied
Shuey-guwin, ſet about it directly, he
intends to be gone early in the morning.”
Upon which the other calling
his people together, and preparing a
billet of compliments, ordered his chair,
and ſet out immediately with great
attendance. When he arrived at the
lodgings, he ſent in the paper, and
Siow-tan informed his maſter of the
viſit; who thereupon bade him to
return for anſwer that he was not at
home. Kwo-kbe-izu called to the
boy, and getting out of his chair talked
5 1 vi
If the Chine/ are not diſpoſed to ſee company,
it is ſufficient to ſay, that they are not at
home: in which caſe if the viſitant leaves his
paper of compliments [See note vol. 1. p. 135-]
with the porter or ſervant, the viſit is the ſame
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
to him a good while : then got into
it again and returned home.
Tieb-chung-u learnt from his ſervant,
that Kwo-kbe-izu had inquired after
him with great courteſy, and had
given him a very kind invitation to
ſee him. Wherefore is all this ſhew
of kindneſs, ſaid he to himſelf ? He is
certainly my enemy, and only means
as if received in perſon, and muſt be returned
in form. Sometimes a Mandarine will receive
the Billet by his porter, and will ſend to deſire
the viſitant not to be at the trouble to alight
from his chair, In either caſe the viſit muſt
be returned, either the ſame day, or on one of
the three following, and if poſſible in the morning.
|
If a perſon is deſirous of being excuſed the
trouble of receiving theſe civilities, he affixes over
his gate a paper written with white letters,
« That he isr etired to his garden houſe.”
— p-: 60. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p.
A CHINESE HISTORT. 63
to deceiveme . Beſides, what time have
I to ſpend in feaſting and merriment?
No! I am fatisfied that SHuey- ping in is
in ſafety, and will return to- morrow.“
But then he ſuddenly recollected that
the other was the ſon of a Mandarine of
the firſt rank. Beſides, ſaid he, he
came like a To-fang or Whirlwind * ; he
= 1 raiſed
lt is remarkable that the Chine/e To-ranc,
or Whirkwind, corruptly pronounced by our
voyagers Tuffon, is called in Greek by a ſimilar
name (Toy) Typhon. 4
The kind of ſtorm here mentioned is frequent
on the coaſts of China in the ſummer months,
and is generally preceded (ſometimes for hours)
by a boding cloud in the N.E. which near the
horizon is very black, but upwards is of a dark
copper hue, and higher ſtill is brighter, till it
fades to a whitiſh glaring colour at the very
edge of the cloud: nothing can be conceived
more dreadful and ghaſtly than this appearance.
When this cloud begins to move apace, the
ſtorm may ſoon be expected: which comes on
fierce and blows very violent at N. E. for _ |
64 Hau KIOU CHOAAN.
raiſed the whole city as he came along;
and every body is acquainted with the
honour he did me. After this, if I
do not go, I ſhall be univerſally condemned
for rudeneſs and ill- manners;
therefore J cannot avoid it. Upon
ſecond thoughts I will go early in
the morning. He is a man of eaſe
hours or more, accompanied with terrible claps
of thunder, frequent flaſhes of lightning, and
exceſſive hard rain. When the wind begins to
abate, it dies away ſuddenly, and falling into a
flat calm continues ſo for about an hour : then
the wind comes about to S.W. and it blows
and rains as fierce from that quarter, as it did
from the other, and as long.
This ſtorm is more terrible than can be
conceived : one would think that heaven and
| earth were returning to their ancient Chaos,
ſo that it is no wonder the ribs of the ſtouteſt
ſhips ſhould be looſened. It rages not only at
ſea, but alſo on land; and overturns houſes,
pulls up trees by the roots, and carries great
ſhips a quarter of a mile from the ſea.
See Dampier's voy. vol. 2. P. 35. Varenii
Geograph. hy
| and
and luxury, and lies in bed late; I will
therefore go before he is ſtirring. I will
only leave my compliments for him
and will return.“ Having formed this
reſolution, he ordered his ſervant to
prepare his bed, and to call him up
early, © ; RE
| Theſe precautions were however fruitleſs
; for Kwo-kbe-tzu had appointed one
of his attendants to wait near the inn,
and to pick up what information he
could about the repayment of his viſit.
From a ſervant of the inn this man
learnt the directions the young gentleman
had given when he retired to
reſt ; of which he did not fail to apprize
his maſter: ſo that when Tieb--
chung-u went in the morning, he found
Vor. III. * S/W
he had long been waiting to receive
him. NrvKoe- t zu gave him the moſt
courteous receation, having even gone
out into the ſtreett o meet him.
„ Why! ſaid he, ſmiling with great
appearance of joy, and ſaluting him in
the moſt reſpectful manner; Why do
you. give yourſelf ſo much trouble in
ſeeing himſelf, ſo highly careſſed, imagined
it was to cover ſome evil deſign,
He would gladly have returned, but
could not now without great incivility :
he accordingly attended him into the
oreat hall, and would there. have made
him the cuſtomary ſalute; but the other
told him it was too ordinary a place for
that honour, and therefore begged: he:
might ſnow him farther within the houſe.
He then carried him into the ſecond
hall, where the uſual ceremonies paſt
between them. This done, they fat
down, and Kwo-kb&-124 called for tea.
He afterwards took occaſion to tell his
gueſt, that he had- long fince heard of
his hiph reputation, and had withed to
have the honour of converſing with
him. When I was firſt informed
of your coming here, ſaid he, I ſought
for an occaſion to/ſee'yon : and to- day
it is my good fortune to be: favoured
with a viſic. I ſhould be glad if you
would extend it to eight or ten days”
Tieh-chung-u' having drunk his tea, fer
down his cup, and riſing from his chair
fad, . Sir, your regaradn d friendſhip
certainly demand that I ſhould! ſtay
here longer. But I muſt be gone immediately:
ſtrong neceſſity requires it:
+ Þ.2 could
could I fly as ſwift as an arrow from
a bow it would not be amiſs.“ This
ſaid, he was going away: but Kokbe-
tzu embraced him ſaying, © You
muſt then ſtay three days with me.”
«It is very certain, he replied, that I
muſt be gone; I beg therefore you will
not detain me.” He then was going
to force himſelf from him : but the
other took hold of his hand, and ſaid,
« Although I am unworthy of this
favour myſelf, you ought to ſhew ſome
reſpect to my family and rank: you
ſhould not have viſited me, if you eſteemed
us all fo inſignificant. No!
now you are come, I muſt make you
owner (or maſter) of this country * by
giving you an entertainment.“
would
2 * men 8 have been contented
to welcome oy by —_— him to conſider the
| houſe
: *
3 5
£48
he's
*
Can
8 A
would not willingly refuſe the many
favours you confer on me, ſaid Tiehchung-
u : but I muſt be gone Every
thing is packed up ready for my departure:
and it is impoſſible for me
to ſtay. here longer.” I cannot force
you to ſtay, ſaid the other; but I
am aſhamed that I am not able to
perſuade you. However, as you are
come ſo early you muſt ſtay and breakfaſt
with me: it ſhall not detain you
long. You muſt not mortify me by
houſe as his own, or to look upon himſelf as at
home. But the above high-ftrained expreſſion of
civility prevails in other parts of the Eaſt beſides
China, When a party of Engliſh merchants
firſt viſited Palmyra in the year 1678, they were
met by two Arabs, one of whom was an officer
of the Emir, who told them, in the bold me-
% taphor of an eaſtern compliment (ſays the
© writer of the account) that ail the country was
« theirs, and that his lord was their friend.“
See Memoirs Roy. Soc. No 227.
"3 ga re70
over you may proſecute your journey.”
© Would you leave me to my
own inclinations, faid Tzeb-chung-u, 1
could wiſh to be excuſed : but if you
will have it ſo, I muſt ſubmit. Yet
according to order and propriety, upon
the firſt viſit how can I ſtay and give
you this trouble? © Between friends,
replied the other, you muſt not talk,
of trouble.”
rA .
tered when Shuey guwin made his
appearance. He ſaluted the young
ſtranger, and ſmiling ſaid, © Yeſterday
my niece bearing of the great
favour
A HESE words were ſcarcely ut ·
>T4 H
23a*
PLie e
8*5OIL2 . n
r©d2CaeS,d A CHINESE HISTORY. 71
favour you did her in coming ſo far
on her account, ſent to invite you to
her houſe, I know not what we had
done to diſoblige you. But as I have
now the good fortune to meet- with
you here, I hope you will et me wait
on you to her.*”* Treb-chump-u replied,
« { came hither in the greateſt haſte,
and muſt return with equal diſpatch.
I brought nothing with me to preſent.
her with, and how can I preſume to go
to her houſe with empty hands . Today
I came to viſit No- c tau only
Not only in China, bit all over the Eat, it
ist hought a breach of good manners to appear
empty-handed before thoſe whom they profeſs
to reſpect. Among the Chine/e the common
preſents are for the moſt part, ſtuffs, female ornaments,
or the like; even ſhoes, ſtockings; handkerchiefs,
porcelain, ink, pencils, &c. are thus
beſtowed ; and ſometimes things to eat. They
are yery careful to chaſe every thing the beſt/of
ths kidd for this purpoſe. P. 0, p. 64.
8 to
to pay my reſpects to him, and to
know his door again: I intended to
have returned immediately: but though
I have been prevailed on to ſtay a moment,
I cannot bear to receive ſo many
favours, and ſhould be glad of
your directions how to return them.”
« Formerly, ſaid Shuey-guwin, good
friends would lay all ceremony aſide :
cannot you do the ſame by my ſonin-
law ? I look upon you both as better
than thoſe of former ages; why
then ſhould you follow the corrupt
practices of the preſent times?“ Kwo-
Kb tau laughed and ſaid, My father,
you ſay right: it ought to be ſo. .
15 By ſo many courteous and obliging
ſpeeches Tieb- chung-u was diveſted of
all farther ſuſpicion, He fat down,
5 | Kwogf
x :
8 "3%
o Rd „
Kwo-kbi-tza making him take the firſt
chair +. Preſently after wine was
brought. Becauſe I came early, ſaid
the youth, you inſiſted on my ſtaying
to eat a little. Why then do you bring
wine? it is not time to drink that yet.”
<« Drink it by degrees, ſaid Kewo-kbi- tzu,
and we ſhall not think time unſuitable.”
Then fitting all of them down, they
were very chearful and drank. about for
a little while; after which Tieb. TOP 1
roſe up to wia.
At the Gans inſtant word was brought
that the young Mandarine hang was
entering the doors. T his young gentleman,
who was ſon of the 3
+ See note, vol. 2. p. 76. |
See note, vol. 1. p. 69. and note, vol. 2.
7% HAU RIOU CHOAAN.
or Mandarine of the third chair of the
tribunal of arms, was reſpectfully faluted
by all the company, who afterwards
ſat down. Sir, faid Kwvwo-kbetau,
you come in good time to meet
with that gentleman, who is a perſon
of worth and of great reputation for his
couarnd agalglanetry .” What! faid
the other; is that Tieb-chung-u? the
young gentleman who forced his way
into Tab-quay's palace? Shaty-putoire
aſſured him it was. Is it poſſible !
ſaid he. Oh, Sir! have I then the happineſs
to meet with you here ! a happineſs
which I was prevented from enjoying
at court much againſt my inclinations.
Give me here a great goblet.”
Then offering it with wine to
Tieb-chung-n, the latter drank it off
nud
and returned it full to him again+
thus they continued till each had drunk
off three goblets,
* . was now about to go,
when he was again prevented by the
arrival of the young Mandarine Ler,
ſecond ſon to the Grand Preſident of
the royal college. They were riſing
up to receive him, but he catched
hold
* In the original it is Has-lis-yuens which
literally ſignifies a Garden or Wood fſouriſbing in
learning or knowledge. This name the C bineſe
give to a tribunal or college compoſed of ſome
of the moſt learned of their doors; who are
elected after the following manner.
Every three years all that are of the degree of
Kin-gin or Licentiate * reſort to Pe-king to obtain
their doQor's degree, where they are examined
for thirteen days together, ſo ſtrictly that not
above three hundred can be admitted outo fm any
thouſands, Among theſe new den, thoſe jt
Hxve
® See note, vol. 1. p. 8.
hold of a chair, and told them, as
friends they muſt not do ſo. Another
time, ſaid Kwo-kbe-i2zu, we may
diſpenſe with this ceremony; but today
we have a ſtranger with us.“ With
that Treb-chung-u roſe up and made his
compliments to him. The other would
have prevented it: Excuſe me, Sir,
have given ſuperior proofs of their capacity and
learning are choſen to compole the college of
the Han-lin. | |
Theſe doors aſſemble in the imperial palace,
where they ſuperintend the education of the
young prince; compoſe the hiſtory of the emire;
and are conſulted by the Emperor on all
terary ſubjects. Out of their body are appointed
thoſe who are ſent into the ſeveral
provinces to examine the candidates fori nferior
degrees: and the Co-/aus r and Preſidents of
the ſupreme tribunals *, are frequently choſen
from among them, ſo that they are at once
reſpected and dreaded. TER
See P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 251. P. Magalh.
pe. 218. Lettres edif. xxi. p. 102. &c.
3 Vol. To p. 78. note. * Pol. 2. p. 273. note.
ſaid
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early and have drunk a great deal :
faid he, your appearance doth not owe
me ſo much reſpe&t | Pray how am I to
call you?“ Tieb-chung-u told him his
name and city. What! ſaid he, the
eldeſt ſon of the Supreme Viceroy !“
then making him the moſt profound
reverence, he congratulated his good
fortune in having met with a perſon
whom he had ſo often wiſhed to ſee.
Kwo-khe-tzu made them all fit down.
By this time Tieb-chung-u perceived the
| wine began to affect him, and there -
fore reſolved to ſtay no longer. With
your leave, Sir, ſaid he to the young
maſter of the houſe, I muſt now be gone.
J know cuſtom forbids that I ſhould
go ſo ſoon after the arrival of this
young gentleman, but I came here
and
|
|
and therefore. muſt go. The young
MandarinLee e * hearing this, changed
countenance, and ſaid, You put a
great flight upon me, Sir. Why did
not you go at firſt? What ! can't you
ſtay a little while longer? You think
me not good enough to drink with:
you.“ Truly, ſaid Shuey-guzern, he
hath a great while deſired to be gone:
and it is not upon your account that
he would go now; but if he will
not firſt drink a: cup of wine with
you, you have reaſon to accuſe him
complimentto you, as he did to the
The original is Zee-cong-tzu; which properly
ſignifies Lee a Mandarine's ſon. See note,
vol. x. p. 114. This remark muft be applied
wherever the words Young Mardarine occur
throughouthti s chapter.
young
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conſider him as a gueſt.” The other
hearing that, was extremely well pleaſed,
and agreed it was right : upon
which they ſat down, and each of them
drank three cups of wine.
This was no ſooner over but aſ ervant
came to tell of the arrival of
the young Mandarine Chang, eldeſt:
fon to the Preſident of the tribunal
of rites * : he entered the hall as ſoon.
as the ſervant had ſpoke : and came
ſtaggering along, his cap on one ſide,
with ſtaring eyes and a red bloated face,
crying: © Which is this Tzeb © this Mandarine's
ſon? if he hath a mind to
® See note, vol 2. p. 171 paſs
young Mandarine hang, then he may
uſe his pleaſure, and we will no longer
8% HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
paſs. for a valiant fellow in the city
of Tſii-nan, why doth he not come
and encounter me?“ The youth, who
had riſen up to pay him the uſual
_ reſpects, hearing theſe words ſtood ſtill :
ei, ſaid he,am called 7ĩeb- chung-u: have
you any thing to ſay to me?” The
other made him no anſwer nor compli-
-ment, but ſtood ſtaring at him in a very
diſcourteous manner, and then burſt
out into laughter: I thought, ſaid
he, this young Teh was a terrible fel-
| low. From people's reports, I concluded
he had ſeven heaadnds e,igh t
galls in his ſtomach. But his eyebrows
are fine and ſmall : he is ſmockfaced
and delicate; and hath all over
the air of a dainty young lady. People
talk of his being valiant. I fancy
it muſt be a monkey changed into that
ſhape. Come, letu s have ſome wine,
we ſhall preſentlfye e whether he is
valiant or not.” * Certainly, cried the
others preſent, that is the way to try
people's ſtrength *,” |
« Wine, ſaid Tieb-chung-u, is drunk
upon ſeveral accounts; but there are only
three on which it is proper; and for each
of theſe, three cups are allowable:
theſe are friendſhip, mirth, and to ſatisfy
nature T. As Whang-cong-Izu began
* The literal wand is, © Thoſe that =
“ ſtrong always ſhew it by their — and
« drinking.“
+ The Reader will remark that this alles
much exceeds that known regulation of Sir
William Temple's, viz. The firſt glaſs for myſelf,
the ſecond for-my friends, the third for good-hu«
mour, the fourth for mine enemies. Spectator,
Vol. III. 1 „ with
with three cups, ſo will I drink three
more, which will be ſufficient.” “Very
well, ſaid the other, fit down then :”
and taking him by the ſleeve pulled i
him into the chair. Then calling for
two large cups of wine, he put the
one into the hand of Tieb-chung-u, and
took the other himſelf. Wine, ſaid
he, diſcovers the heart. This is the firſt
I ſhall drink with you.” Then taking
it off, he turned it up, crying kbaen or
clean! Tieh-chung-u thought he could
hardly manage his wine, but finding no
other remedy at length he drank it : at
which Chang cried out, That's ſomething
like, and as a friend ſhould.”
Then he ordered two more to be filled.
On which Tieb-cbung-u would have retired,
ſaying he had drunk a great deal.
t J have drunk, Gd he, three cups
with each of theſe gentlemen, and now
one with you. I have had COR
you muſt therefore excuſe me.) * Chang
replied, * What then, will you cut
me off two cups? you make me little:
I cannot let that paſs upon me,
who am as conſiderable as any of this
city: come, you mult make up my
full number.” Then taking a ſecond
cup, he drank to his health.
Tieh-chung-u was now almoſt overcome
with wine, for he had been drinking
from early in the morning till ten
o'clock, without having eaten a morſel:
when therefore Chang had drunk off the
ſecond cup he wouldno t pledge him,
but put the wine down again upon the
Go: table.
table. Which the other ſeeing, cried
out, Is this handſome ! will not you
do me the ſame courteſy that you have
done the reſt ?” It is not poſſible for
me, ſaid Tieb-chung-u, to drink any
more: if it was, I would not refuſe you.?
This cup, replied the other, you muſt
and ſhalldrink.” If I don't, faid he,
what then?“ Upon which Chang began
to roar: ſaying, Who are you, you
animal? If you thus take upon you,
why did not you ſtay in your own city?
What, do you come here to brave
us? If you will not comply I ſhall
make you [r|e pent it]. And with that
he threw it in his face. 7.z eb-chung-u
was ſo provoked with this abuſe, that
his anger and reſentment got the better
of his wine: he looked a while ſtedfaſtly
faſtly at him, then riſing from his
chair ſeized him by the ſtomach and
ſhook him ſeverely, ſaying, © What!
dare you get upon the tyger's head
and pull out his hairs ?* Chang cried
out, What! have you a mind to
beat me ?** © Yes, replied the other, |
what of that?“ and gave him a box of
the ear. Which the other young Mandarines
ſeeing, cried out, What do
you mean by this? we have treated you
with good - will, and now you are drunk
you abuſe us for it. Come, come,
ſhut the door, we will drub you till
you are ſober, and to-morrow carry
| you to the Grand Viſitor,”
Then Kwo-kbe-tzu made a ſignal,
and immediately from a ſide chamber
VV ruſhed
ruſhed out ſeven or eight luſty fellows :
while Shyey-guwinpretending to compoſe
the difference, endeavoured to lay hold
of his hands. Tieb-chung-u, who was
now become ſober, perceived their deſigns
againſt him, and found he was
betrayed : nevertheleſs he cried out,
What! are you a parcel of dogs, that
you thus ſet upon and worry me?“
then taking up Chang he threw him headlong
to the ground, and gave him two
or three hearty kicks. This done he
endeavoured to wreſt a foot from one
of the tables for a weapon, but could
not get it looſe : Shney-guwin came
up to prevent him, but he received
him with a kick or two, that ſent
-him eighteen or twenty covids * before
Nef 5 him:
Covid ſeems to be a contraction of the Por-
| | tugueſe
him: „“ Take that; ſaid he. For the
ſake of your niece, I will give you
no more.” The two young Mandarines
contented themſelves with making
an outcry, but durſt not come
near him: inſtead of which Kwo-kbezu
ordered the fellows to fall upon
him. Then ſeizing Chang he ſwung
him round: crying out, © I will
brain this fellow againſt the firſt that
offers to approach me.“ Upon which
Chang crying out, begged them to forbear
and let him alone. deſire
tugueſe word covado, i. e. a cubit. The Chineſe
Ell or Cubit, (called by the Natives Che) is of
ſeveral kinds, but that moſt commonly uſed in
traffic, is to the Engliſb Foot, as 676 is to 600
or ſomething more than thirteen inches.
See Bayer, pref. pag. 134. Hartis's voyag.
vol. 1. P. 854. Tavernier, Pt. 2. ch. 10.
P. Du I alde, vol. 1. p. 141. Lettres edif,
„„ nothing
88 Hau KIOU CHOAAN.
nothing nm ore, ſaid Tieb- chung- u, than
to be ſuffered to go out: but you ſhall
accompany me to the door.” * Ay,
ay! with all my heart, ſaid the other,
| I will go out with you.” Which done
me.
Tieb- chung: u diſmiſſed him; * Go, ſaid
he, and tell your fellows, if I had been
provided with any weapon for my defence,
I ſhould not have been afraid of
a thouſand ſuch as they. What ſigniſy
four or five drunkards and gluttons,
with the porters you have hired? Had
it not been for your fathers, I had made
ſome of you halted: but I have been
very iavoureble, and you ought to thank
This ſaid, he haſtened to his lodgings,
where Siow-tan had prepared
every
every thing for his departure: here he
found Shuey-yeong with a horſe ready ſaddled
and waiting for him. Tieb-chung- u
inquired the meaning of this: the old
man told him that his miſtreſs hearing
of the invitation, had ſuſpected it was
with an ill deſign: that her ſuſpicions
were afterwards confirmed by the event,
which ſhe was alſo informed of; and |
though the never doubted but he
| would get the better, yet foreſceing
that it might be followed by a great
deal of trouble, ſhe had ſent him that
| horſe, which ſhe intreated him to
mount immediately, and to go and acquaint
the Grand Viſitor with the
affair. T jeb-chung-u was charmed with
her diſcretion and diſcernment : ** How
kind and obliging, ſaid he, is your
| | miſtreſs ?
miſtreſs? I ſhall never be able to return
theſe favours.” He was going
to ſet out, but the maſter of the houſe
aſking him to dine, he accepted his
offer; and immediately after, mounting
the horſe, departed for Tong-chang-foo: |
to which city the Grand Viſitor had removed
his tribunal *, _ 7
* The Supreme Mandarines, whoſe juriſdiction
is very extenſive, (vg. the Viſitors, Viceroys,
&c.) although they have generally their palaces
in the capital city of the province, are not always
reſident there, but make circuits from place
to place for the more convenient diſpatch of bufineſs.
P. Magal. pag. 242.
N. B. Tong-chang-foo is a large and opulent
city: the third in the province of Shan-7ong, and
is ſituated on the Grand Imperial Canal. |
China is every where full of very fine Canals,
which open a communication between every province
and almoſt between every town and village;
theſe run in ſtraight lines, and have cauſeys
on each fide, faced with flat tones or marble:
but the Grand Imperial Canal is one of the
wonders
As ſoon as he alighted he drew up
a petition, wherein he related all that
had happened: then haſtening to the
doors of the audience, he found them
ſhut: but being impatient he went and
ſtruck upon the drum. In conſequence
of which he was bound and carried
before the tribunal: where the Grand
Viſitor had ſeated himſelf upon hearing
the drum. The youth obſerved the
wonders of the world, being three hundred
leagues in length, and forming a great road of
Water, on which more than nine thouſand imperial
barks tranſport the tribute which the
Emperor annually receives from the ſouthern
provinces. This ſtupendous work, which was
compleated about five hundred years ago, is
ſo contrived by means of ſluices, &c. to detain
the water, and forms ſuch a communication with
other canals and rivers, that one may travel the
length of the whole empire from Pe-4ing to Cauton
and Macao, above ſix hundred leagues by
Water |
cf LE
| uſual -
_ uſual order of reſpect in offering his
petition *®. The Grand Viſitor imagined
it was Tieb-chung-u before he
opened it, and when he found he was
right in his conjecture, he addreſſed
him with great complaiſance : *I knew
nothing, Sir, of your coming into theſe
This may be explained from P. Mazalha#ns,
who thus deſcribes the manner of proceeding
at the Chineſe tribunals.
« When a man hath any buſineſs to lay
before them, he ſets it down on paper: which
done he goes to the palace of the tribunal and
beats on a drum, which he finds at the ſecond
gate; and then falling on his knees, he raiſes
his petition with both his hands as high as his
head; at which time an officer appointed for
that employment takes the paper from him, and
Jays it betore the Mandarine who preſiges.”
N. B. With mam to binding the petitioner,
: &c, as deſcribed above, there is in the Tranſlator's
M.S. a marginal note which tells us, that It is
% the cuſtom to do ſo to any that ſtrike on the
„ drum :”” but this is mentioned in no Other
Writer. |
par t'S,
parts. When did you arrive and what occaſioned
your journey?“ He told him,
that he travelled for his pleaſure ; but
that yeſterday coming to T/ee-nan-ſoo,
he had met with people, who had uſed
him very ill; inſomuch that he had nar-
_ rowly eſcaped with his life: and therefore
he applied to his Excellency for
| Juſtice. © Who dares abuſe-you, ſaid
the Mandarine? I will make an example
of them.“ * Sir, replied he,
you will find their names in my petition.
* He looked into it, and ſhaking his
head, expreſſed great diſlike of the affair.
The youth aſked him what he was
diſpleaſed at. The Mandarine ſhewed a
great unwillingneſs to proceed, ſaying,
I did not think theſe young men had
been concerned: although they are four
of the greateſt brutes and libertines in
the world.“ Why, ſaid Tzeb-chung-u,
ſhould you make any demur in the
matter? Although they be peoploef the
firſt quality, why ſhould you make a ditficulty
of chaſtiſing them?” It is not
out of fear, replied the other, but their
fathers being of my acquaintance at
court, complaints of this kind will
be very diſagreeable to them. They
are a parcel of young unthinking rakes,
that value themſelves only upon their
fathers grandeur. But as this affair
is not of ſo very high a nature, as abſolutely
to require them to be brought
to public trial in all the forms of law
and juſtice z therefore I could wiſh
you would let me find ſome other
way of giving you redreſs, without
2 mahking
making out a formal proſecution.” 661
am far from deſiring to give your Excellency
trouble, replied T ieb-· chung-· u;
1 am fully ſatisfied in having acquainted
you with it; which I did only that
you might ſet a mark upon them for
their actions.“ The Grand Viſitor was
very well pleaſed, and told him, he
did him a favour in quitting all farther
proſecution. Come, ſaid he, you
muſt ſtay a few days with me. The
youth thanked him, but urged his
deſire not to be detained. When the
Mandarine found he could not prevail
with him, he made up a paper
of twelve taels of ſilver *, and gave
it him, ſaying, If you don't accept
* Twelve Taels of filver are about 41. ſterling. |
gs HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
of it, I ſhall think you are angry with
me.” To prevent that ſaſpicion he
received it, and withdrew.
Where he went will be Sound in the
next chapter.
CHA F. M.
TE H-chung-u taking his leave of
the Grand Viſitor, went and told
Shuey-yeong who had attended him there,
all that had paſt at the tribunal : and
concluded with deſiring him to recommend
him to his miſtreſs, and to
preſenhti s thanks for the advice ſne
had given him, © It is not in my

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 24

2026-03-29T09:55:19Z

Admin: OCR cleanup Chapter 24

= Chapter 24 =
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 280px;"
|+ style="background-color: #4a7c59; color: white; padding: 5px;" | '''Chapter Information'''
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8; width: 120px;" | Wiki Chapter
| 24
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Translator's MS
| Chapter XI
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Volume
| III
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Status
| style="background: #ffe0e0;" | OCR cleaned — footnotes pending
|}

''Part of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

B o 0K m.
CHAP 1*
K W OL tan perceiving that the
Grand Viſitor would not aſſiſt him
further in promoting the deſired marriage,
but on the contrary had ſet forth
a Declaration to Prevent the young
lady from being moleſted any more
on that ſubject; perceiving alſo that
»Cnar. XI. In the Tranſlator's manuſcript.
e ET
he was unwilling to admit him into
his preſence; was no leſs perplexed
how to proceed, than at a loſs to account
for ſuch an alteration. In this
| diſtrheeſ wesnt to the Che- hien to learn
what intelligence he could from him;
telling him, how much he was mortifi- |
cd by the Grand Viſitor's coldneſs, and
by the order he had publiſhed. That
Mandarine was ſurprized at what he
heard: And yet, ſaid he, this is all
the work of Shuzy-ping-/in. She hath
found means to terrify the Grand Vifitor
into what he hath done.” The
other objected how impoſſible that was
for a young and ſimple girl, who had
neither father nor any one elſe to
direct her. You muſt not conſider
her, ſaid the Che- hien, as a young woman
of the ordinary ftamp. Although ſhe
is very young, ſhe hath uncommon abilities.
When I carried the firſt order
to her houſe, ſhe made no objection
to it; but received it with very little
concern: and when at parting I told
heri it wasn ot a thing of trifling conſequence,
and that it was too late for
her now to recede; ſhe told me ſhe
ſhould not alter her own intentions,
although the Grand Viſitor might poſfibly
depart from his. Her words are
ſo punctually accompliſhed, that it is
evident ſhe hath occaſioned this change.
But how ſhe effected it you muſt inform
yourſelf at the tribunal, where
the matter was tranſacted.” Kwo-kbetzu
followed his advice, and applied
to the people of the audience for, in-
R B32: telligence ;
7— ;
telligence; but without effect: for their
maſter, unwilling to become the talk
and reflection of the city thus upon
his firſt arrival, had given poſitive orders
that not a ſyllable ſhould be mentioned
of the young lady's appearing
before him, nor that ſhe had occaſion- |
cd this changei n his meaſures, 8
Twenty days were now paſt in this
uncertainty, when an officer from the
Grand Viſitor's tribunal came to tell
Kewo-kbi-izu that his maſter had ſent
for him. He gladly obeyed the ſummons,
and preſented himſelf at his audience.
The Mandarine received him
with much reſpect, and carried him into
an inner apartment: where he told
him, that when he firſt arrived he was
15 ignorant
ignorant of the affair between him and
the young lady Shuey-ping-/in, but that
his too forward interpoſal in it had
like to have been attended with very
fatal conſequences. Kwo-kbi-tzu with
ſome ſurprize, aſked in what reſpe&
any conſequences that were fatal could.
reſult to one of his rank; or what
harm could ariſe from ſo trifling a
| cauſe as the concerting a private wedding:
he even ventured to remonſtrate
to hisE xcellence the inconſiſtency which
had appeared in his conduct, and which
ſeemed ſo unfuitable to one of his gravity
and office . The Mandarine replied,
„ looked _ Shury-ping-fin
„ The Chinef idiom is, „ What mould make
vou ſpeak with two tongues, one of your
* gravity and office? Is it not eno when
« you ipeak once ?” Tranſlator” s M.S,
* ;
as a girl of no conſequence: and when
I ſent my order requiring her to compleat
the marriage, I never imagined
that ſhe would be able to ſet it aſide,
much leſs that ſhe. was of ſo diſtinguiſhed
A capacity as ſhe appears to
be poſſeſſed of. She made no objections
to the order, but ſeemed diſpoſed
to obey it; yet afterwards drew
up a petition to the Emperor, and
ſent it to court by a truſty ſervant.
Judge from hence of the acuteneſs
of her wit.” The ſurprize of Kwo-
| kbi-tzu was increaſed, * How, ſaid
he, could ſhe dare to ſend a petition
to the Emperor ? Perhaps this
is only reported to ſtrike you with
fear.” She not only ſent it, purſued
the Grand Viſitor, but came her-
| ſelf
felf to my audience, and ſhewed me a
copy of it.” © Why did not your
Excellency tear the paper, ſaid the
youth, and order her to be chaſtiſed ?”
Her petition, replied he, had been diſpatched
three days. After that time
if I had offered to paſs ſentence upon
her ; when the Emperor had ſeen the
petition and demanded her to be forthcoming,
what anſwer could I have returned?
For had I behaved to her with
the leaſt harſhneſs, ſhe was prepared
to plunge a poinard in her boſom.
It behoved me therefore to treat her
with gentleneſs, and to iſſue forth a
Declaration in ;h er favour. By this
means ſhe was prevailed on to recall
her ſervant. But until he returned,
it was in no wiſe proper for
ET B a
Hau KIOU cHOAAN.
me to ſpeak to you. The petitioni sa t
length brought back. I have it in my
poſſeſſion, and have ſent for you to
ſhew it unto you. Here it is! When
Kwo-kbe-tzuhad peruſed it, he was aſtoniſhed
at her boldneſs. * What a daring
and dauntleſs petition is here, ſaid he?
Shall ſhe go clear with this? No! I will
not quit her yet. I muſt ſtill intreat your
Excellency's affiſtance.” The Grand
Viſitor replied, © Could I ſerve you in
any thing elſe. you might command me.
But with regard to my being any further
concerned in this marriage, you mult
never think of it. And if you ſtill perſiſt
in your views on this ſubject, you
will perhaps involve yourſelf in a great
deal of trouble: for this young lady is
immoveable in her reſolutions.”
2 Koro- Ehe- tau
Kwo-khe-izu, not knowing what anſwer
to make, took his leave of the
Grand Viſitor, ſeemingly perſuaded of
the reaſonableneſs of his advice, and
diſpoſed to comply with it. But he
ſtill retained in his boſom a deſire to
practiſe farther on the young lady; and
the moment he was withdrawn reſolved -
to ſpare no means for-its gratification.
With this view he ſent for his friend
Chun-kee, to whom he communicated
the young lady's petition, and all the
circumſtances attending it. {W hen he
had peruſed it] © Certainly, ſaid he, her
petition is very home and ſevere. And
| yet ſhe does not object to your perſon
or character: but pleads her father's -
| abſence, and her havinngo permiſſion .
from him to marry. She only urges the
_ injuſtice
injuſtice of forcing her into a marriage
under theſe circumſtances. And I think
the hath reaſon. Let us think no longer
then of compulſive methods: but proceed
to others more proper and effectual.
And fort heſe you have now a
good opportunity. The Mandarine her
father is in baniſhment. Your father is
preferred, and hath great intereſt at
court. You have nothing to do then
but to ſend thither and relate all the
matter to him. Aſk his conſent, and
intreat him to procure the fame from the
fatheorf the young lady. Diſgraced and
baniſhed as hie s, he will hardly refuſe
it. This once obtained, there is no
| | room to fear that ſhe will deny you
I any more.” Kwo-kbi-izu approved of
1 his advice. He ſmiled and ſaid, There
| | 1 will
fi =
|
will then be no danger that ſhe will
take flight again. And yet, ſaid he,
when I write to my father, one cannot
deſcend to circumſtances upon paper:
on the other hand, I have no ſervant
capable of diſcharging ſo important a.
| truſt. I wiſh you would oblige me fo
far as to undertake it. You will help
me greatly in this affair with my father.“
This, replied his friend, is
no more than to give you a good morrow.
Iamc ontented to go, if it will
ſerve you. This is an undertaking
of little trouble. Butif it were other-
| wiſe,I ſhould ft about it witha
very good will.” Kwo-kbi-izu immediately
prepared the letter, and
gave it to Chun-kie, whom he liberally
furniſhed with neceſſaries for his
journey;
journey; ordering an old ſervant to
attend him. He accordingly ſet out
for the court, in compliance with the
requeſt of Roh-- t au, in order to
bring his marriage with Shuey-ping-ſin
to a ſafe and ſpeedy concluſion, We
ſhall at preſent leave him in purſuit |
of his journey. par At.
C H A P. II.
[} Ex us now return to] Tieb-
4 chung-u [who] immediately upon
leaving Shan-tong had repaired to his
houſe in the city of Tab-ming. There
the lovely Shuey-ping-/in was the ſubject
of his thoughts, as alſo the affection
and kindneſs with which ſhe had treated
him. In purſuance of her advice,
| | i he
he was become a great ſtudent of books
of the law; and having maſtered his
too haſly and inflexible temper, began
to think of qualifying himſelf for ſome
employment, and of rendering himſelf _
famous for his learning. One day as
he happened to look into the Gazette *,
he ſaw an account that his father had
petitioned the Emperor for leave to
throw up his office, pleading the decline
of his health, which rendered him
unable
*The imperial GazETTE, which is publiſhed
every day at Pe-king, and thence diſperſed thro?
all the province, is a large pamphlet of ſeventy
or eighty” pages, giving an account of all the
public tranſactions in this vaſt empire.
It is a collection of all the memorials, petitions,
&c. preſented to the Emperor; of the anſwers
which he makes to them; of the inftructionsh
e delivers cut, &c. The following ſpecimen
extracted from the Feſuites Letters, may
ſerve to ſhew their form and manner, |
© In the Gazette for December 15. 1727,
| | | | which
w—2e"—3\—o$—x2 p2 o —p 4et2 5nr o82
ro—K"..Ds; rr— e = — r
—(SA©DclWoNẼ—Ir=2ebt>—a ſb ea tVT9 e c —gi.E” n — Y nry
unable to ſupport the fatigues of it.
He was a good deal alarmed at this
information, which was quite new to
him:
which was the third day of the ſecond moon,
firſt we find inſerted the titles of ſuch memorials,
as arrived at court the third of the eleventh moon,
with a ſhort account of the ſubjects of them.
For inſtance, The memorial of the Viceroy of
Canton concerning the magazines of rice, which
require to be renewe—dT. h e memorial of the ge-
| neral of the Chineſe troops in the province of Che-
Liang, in which he accuſes ſuch a Mandarine of
having exacted money of his ſubaltern officers, &c.
In this manner notice 1s given of perhaps twenty
or thirty memorials. —Secondly are printed the
anſwers which are this day given by the Emeror
to many other memorials and petitions.
If there have been given none, then it is, This
day there have been no anſwers given on the part
of his majeſiy.— Thirdly are given the inſtructions
and orders iſſued out by the Emperor,
either of his own voluntary motion, or in anſwer
to articles which have been propoſed to him. —
Fourthly are publiſhed the deliberations, which
the ſovereign courts have preſented to his majeſty
to receive his confirmation,—In the /af#
lace come many other memorials, which have
been diſpatched to the Emperor by the great
Mandarines of the provinces; ſuch are the Yi ce-
| Toys,
him: and immediately ordered his ſervant
to get ready his horſe and follow
him to court. He accordingly ſet forwards,
. rovs, the Generals of the Tartarian or Chins/e
troops, and other officers of the firſt rank. — n
this collection alſo are inſerted all criminal cauſes
puniſhable with death; all public calamities,
with the means uſed for relief of the ſufferers;
all public expences and diſburlements ; all new
laws and regulations: the remonſtrances made
to the Emperor concerning his own conduct or
deciſions: the day when the Emperor ſacrifices,
ploughs, &c. the time fixed for the great Mandarines
to aſſemble to receive his inſtruetions: in ſhort
whatever relates to the public adminiſtration.
The Chine/e Gazette is of great uſe, not only
as it affords directions for the Mindarines in
diſcharge of their offices, but alto as it is a ſevere
check upon their conduct. For it not only
contains the names, places of abode, &c. of all
new Mandarines, and of thoſe to whoſe places
they ſucceed-; but alſo of all that are deprived
of their employments and the reaſons for their
diſmiſſion; v. this for being tco ſevere or indulgent
in his puniſhments; that for embezzeling the
Emperor's tribute; another for oppreſſion; a
fourth for want of talents tu govern well. Ireven
records any praiſes or reprimands beſtowed by
the Emperor. As for inſtance, Sach aM and.:rine
| hath
wards, and having almoſt reached the
end of his journey, overtook a man
mounted on a mule. As he —
hath but an indifferent character; if he FOOn ot
mend, I will puniſh him—. I n ſhort whether a
Mandarine is accuſed or ſuſpected, is promoted
or degraded, is amerced any part of his ſalary
or totally caſhiered, it is immediately publiſhed
throughout the empire,
It is eaſy to imagine what excellent purpoſes
of government this mult ſerve, and what influence
it muſt have on the Mandarines: and indeed all is
but barely neceſſary in an empire ſo extenſive as
China, and among a people naturally ſo corrupt
as the Chineſe. .
N. B. It may be proper to mention that
nothing is printed in the Gazezte, but what hath
been preſented to the Emperor or comes from
him ; thoſe who have the care of it not daring
to add a tittle, not even their own reflections,
under pain of corporal puniſhment, In the year
1726, a writer belonging to the tribunal, and
another employed in the poſt office, were condemned
to die, for having inſerted certain falſe
hoods in the Gazette.
See P. Du Hale, 1. 259. Lettres edii frant, 22
Sc. Where may be ſeen many curious extraci
from | the Chineſe Gazette| s, by
by him, he looked in his face and
knew him to be Shuey-yeong, the old
and faithful ſervanotf his fair hoſteſs.
He immediately aſked what buſineſs
brought him thither, and where he
was going. The old man knew him,
and leaping from his mule, ſaid, ** Sir,
J was going in ſearch of you, with
whom I have very urgent buſineſs. 2
Tieb-chung-u with ſome ſurprize aſked
him, © What buſineſs can you have
with me? Does it relate to your mn after
or your young lady.” He told him
= was concerning the latter, The
young gentleman's wonder at this was
increaſed. *©* How, ſaid he! Pray what
is the matter? Perhaps Ko0- 22
hath given her freſh diſturbance d
Shuey-yeong replied ; « It is ſo, and he
Vol. III. +. 18: hath
hath driven her to ſuch extremities that
ſhe had no other remedy, but to ſend
this petition to the court. Believing
me incapable of conducting an affair
of this importanceas I ought, ſhe hath
ordered me to ſeek you out, and intreats
you to direct me how to get it
delivered.” « That is not difficult, replied
the youth: but in what manner hath
wo- Ehe- tau troubled your miſtreſs, to
occaſion her to take a ſtep of this conſequence
?* The old man told him in
brief, that upon the arrival of the Grand
Viſitor of the province, who had been
a pupil of his father's, Kwo-kbc-1zu had
applied to him; and that he had been
prevailed upon to be a chief inſtrument
in promoting his deſigns, having iſſued
out two orders to compel her to marry
him;
EOBE aLARTE .,*i ” IoL E
SMCoHT EO e I O
_75
C—2I * byo
2i828
eOlenIt a
D1.p=$ O3*, —S I* VVV
CPDONi OI Yee
©W4 ee
him; Which my lady added he,
3 finding it impoſÞble to avoid, in her
F _ extremity drew up this petition, and
1 diſpatched me away to find you out;
= whichI have happily accompliſhed in
4 meeting with you: andif in the courſe
> of this affair there ſhould:b e occaſion.
7 2 for money, I come ſufficiently provi-
+ ded.” Tieh-chung-u was deeply con-
- cerned at his tale X and aſked the name
of the Grand Viſitor ; wondering how
> he durſtt o commit ſuch injuſtice.
4 J Shuey-yeong told him his name was
Fung hing. He replied, “I know him.
Hath he done this? Very well! And
your lady's petition is againſt this
2S8RE rErD S
noe5opn1t eg aet e
P:W RwELE , o W
IF RET
=„”n 4 5
4*N8'pI%gGK©R) l 8
pso323PF FsL e S
F3NrAoO pe P
ESSo2D2: s7e .Iw 8 E
1WP 1 PrW>1a+ g ”N E —S C gentleman? *Tis no matter. Do not
you offer to ſtrike on the drum: I
will carry the petition myſelfto the
= proper
proper officer“; who will preſently
give it to the Emperor. When his
majeſty returns it to the ſecretary, I
will ſo explain the affair to that mi:
niſter, that when it comes to be exa- 4
mined into, the whole truth ſhall be
made appear without any diſguiſe or
partiality. In conſequence of which
the Grand Viſitor will ſoon be diſcharged
from his office. Sir, re-
In the Tranſlator's M. S. it is, Tong- ching ſu,
* or the great Mandarine, who receives petitions.“
See alſo vol. 1. p. 36.— But from
the accurate Bayer we learn that this is a mitake:
the officer, who bears the title here given,
preſides over the ceremonies of the court: it
being his buſineſs to give anſwer to the other
Mandarines on this ſubject.“ The officer
probably meant in the text, is the Chung: ſbu,
or ſecond chancellor, who (as we learn from
the ſame learned writer) is the immediate ſuperintendant
of all petitions, and ſupplicatory epiſtles.
Vide Bazer: Muſæm Sinicum, tom 2. p.
1 |
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fition,
plied the other, if you can do us this
ſervice, it will be very fortunate for
my lady.” This ſaid, Tieb-chung-u
mounted his horſe *, and the old ſervant
his mule. Then the youth told
him, that as his horſe went faſter than
he could follow, he would go before
to the audience of his father, the Superior
of the Viceroys, and would order
Siow-tan to ſtay without to receive
him. Thither Shuey-yeoung promiſed
him to follow,
Tieb- -chung-u putt erb full PO
and arrived at his father's audience:
where he found a large concourſe of
< The Author e e e
he had diſmounted, this however was a compliment
to the young lady's mollage and 2e.
3 prople
people attending, whence he concluded
that the Emperor had not permittted
him to lay down his office“. Then
alighting from his horſe he went in
to pay his duty to his parents, where
to his great joy he learnt thath e was 4
right in his conjecture. When he diſmounted
he ordered his ſervant to ſtay
without till Shuey-yeong arrived. He
waited till night, but the other never
came. The young gentleman imagined
that as the old man's mule was
Now, it might poffibly be late before
he reached the city; and that he had A
therefore perhaps put into ſome inn, as 1
* The Emperor's retaining him in his poſt
was a great mark of truſt and confidence; anda
public teſtimony to the integrity of his former ad.
miniſtration. This was therefore a proper ſubject
for the viſits and congratulations of his
friends and dependents. Bp
039 Ek intending
? A.
1* x1
intending to wait upon him on the
morrow. In the morning he ſent S0wtan
again to wait for him, which he
did till noon, but the old man never
appeared. Tieb- cbung-u thought he
might have been detained by ſome
acquaintance of his old maſter's, and
that having divulged his buſineſs he
had been directed to purſue a different
method. However he called to him
one of his father's audience, a capable
perſon, and ſent him to make inquiry
after him. He accordingly went to
the tribunal of petitions, and aſked if
any one had been there from the daughter
of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye : but
he was anſwered that none ſuch had
been at that audience. 7 zeh-chung-u
then fop poſed he might have gone
C4 to
to the gate of the palace, where the
drum is ſtationed; but word was
brought him that he had not been
there. He now began to conſider
whether the Grand Viſitor might not
have got ſomebody to waylay him, or
whether he might not ſuddenly have
dropt down and expired; which on
account of his great age and the fatigue
of the journey he thoughnto t
improbable. He had ſent about all
day long till it was night, and had
learnt no news of him, yet he could
not be ſatisfied *till he had ordered
Siorb. tan to go out again the next
morning, and to make all poſſible
N after him.
On the motrow Tieh chung: u aroſe
early,
- "0B
early, not having been able to ſleep
for thinking what could have become
of the ſervant with the petition. He
ſent every where in ſearch, but could
get no account of him, though he
continued his inquiries four or five
days: which rendered him very uneaſy.
He thought if the petition could
be once delivered to the Emperor,
there would then be no danger from
the Grand Viſitor, But he feared it.
had not yet reached the hands of his
majeſty. This Mandarine, ſaid he,
is very powerful, and what can a
poor weak girl, with all the wit and
ingenuity ſhe is miſtreſs of, do in
oppoſition to his authority? She hath
no father at home, nor any one elſe
to aſſiſt and protect her: all the in
habitants ©
habitants of 7ſt.na n muſt be in the
intereſt of her adverſary. Therefore
if I do not go to her aſſiſtance there is
nobody will appear in her behalf. As I
am acquainted with the ſtate of her
affairs, I cannoti n honour but fly to her
relief. I ſhould be more cowardly than
a woman, ſhould J forbear to help her
in this exigency, which nothing but
my ignorance of her misfortunes could
excuſe,” In purſuance of theſe reſolves,
he went to take leave of his father and
mother, intreating their permiſſion to
return to his ſtudies. Then leaving
his horſe behind him, for the greater privacy
and diſpatch,h e hired a mule,
and together with his ſervant, took
the road tor Shan-tong, haſting . away
to the relief of the young lady: {about
78 whom
whom he was rendered the more anxious
by the diſappearing of her ſervant.]
* Now it had happened that when
| Shuey-yeong was almoſt got to theg ate
of the city, he was overtaken by the
expreſs diſpatched by the Grand Viſitor;
who told him he muſt go back with his
petition, for that the affair was huſhed
up with his miſtreſs and all was in
peace; then producing her order for his
return, he inſtantly obeyed it.
[Ignorant of all this] Tieb-chung-u
continued his journeya,nd as he haſted
along, pleaſed himſelf with the thought
* The Editor hath removed this ſhort paragraph
from page 24; where it ſtood between
the words [after him.] and [On the morrow] in
the Tranſlator's M.S. TA
of what vengeance he would take an
the Grand Viſitor : reſolving to go directly
to his audience, to attack him
there before all the world, and bring
him to public ſhame for his injuſtice
and oppreſſion. But then when he reflected
again upon the great office of
that Mandarine, and what a crime it
would be deemed to affront him publicly
although he had never ſo much
reaſon on his ſide, he became more confiderate:
© Beſide, ſaid he, the noiſe that
it will make, will come to the ears of
Shuey-ping-/in: who will have a very
mean opinion of my management, and
deſpiſe me as a common headſtrong
fellow: whereas ſhe got the better of
Kwo-khi-izu by her prudent conduct
without the leaſt confuſion or diſturb-
5 ance.“
"55h
BOS
ance.” Upon theſe conſiderations he
thought it would be better to go to the
houſe of the young lady herſelf, and
aſk for the two orders which had been
iſſued out to compel her to the marriage;
© Theſe, ſaid he to himſelf,I
will carry to court to my father, and
get him to draw up a full and proper
petition ; we ſhall then ſee what the
Grand Viſitor willb e able to ſay to it.“
Having formed theſe reſolves in his
breaſt, he put forward with all ſpeed for
the capital of Shan-tong, where in a fer
days he arrived.
C HAP. III.
KMS ſoon as Tieb. chung had arrived
at the city of T/#-nan, he
alighted
alighted at an inn, and leaving every f
thing to the care of his ſervant, went
directly to the houſe of Shuey-keu-ye. I
He found all quieta t the outward gate,
and not a perſon to be ſeen : he advanced
farther within the Sent gates,
where he found the ſame Rillneſs. He
went up cloſe to the inner gates *
and met with nothing remarkable, till
caſting his eyes upon the wall he faw
the declaration fixed upon it; he went
up to it, and found it iſſued out by _
the Grand. Viſitor. Suppoſing it was 4
his order to compel her to marry,
* The Tranſlator's calls theſe, te the door,”
—* the great doors,” and © the ſecond
& doors.” But they can only be underſtood as
belongingto the ſeveral courts before the houſe, |
See note vol. I. p. 125.
,„Pr3g
-|C.|. ; O DER
L3.Ie; a5.5 .
sþN3 N>2=N” »
ene
geOOET7 TpTTh D
he was going to take it down to
produce it as a proof againſt him heres
after : but when he read it he tound
it to be quite otherwiſe, and that it
forbade any one to moleſt her. He was
at a loſs to reconcile this to the account
given him by her ſervant on the road:
and conſidered whether the young lady
might not have brougovhert t he Grand |
* Viſitor to her party by valuable preſents
: or whether her father might
not poſſibly be reſtored again to his
office: But ſurely, ſaid he, I ſhould
have had news of that.” He was
ſtrongly inclined to advance further
within: but then he thought if he ſhould
be obſerved uſing ſo great frecdom,
itt might cauſe reflections to be calt on
them both. No, ſaid he ſoftly, as I
Ha ." Mt
am no relation I cannot take that liber-'
ty.“ He therefore concluded to go
back again, and pick up what information
he could at ſome of the tribunals.
Juſt as he was going out Shuey guwwin
paſſed by: who was ſtrangely ſurprized
to ſee him there, as he had before left
the place with ſo much haſte and diſguſt;
whence he concluded that he was
returned again for no good purpoſe.
After ſaluting each other, Shuey-guwin
aſked him how long he had been come;
and whether he had ſeen his niece. The
youth anſwered, I am but juſt arrived
: but had I been here longer how
could I preſume to ſee the young lady?”
If you did not come with that
intention, ſaid the other, what brought
you here ?” He told him, that he had
| | heard
bhleeard at court that the Grand Viſi-
1 tor had given out orders to oblige
his niece to conclude, within the ſpace
of a month, the marriage, that was ſo
contrary to her inclinations. * This
> proceeding, ſaid he, in her father's ab-
*2 ſence, and without his conſent; I looked
upon as very extraordinary and therefore
come to inquire into it. I thought
5 myſelf obliged to do her what ſervice
I could; and therefore diſregarded the
length of the journey. When I came
hither, I found the declaration in her
7 favour, Satisfied with the ſight of that,
F and concluding the report at Pe-king to
Y be falſe, I am very well pleaſed, and
3 | {hall forthwith return to court.”
_ Shuey-guwin ſmiled at what he heard.
Vor, III.. What,
————
« What, faid he, could you come
away dire&ly upon hearing the report,
and yet be ſo well ſatisfied with the
bare ſight of the order, as to return
immediately? After ſuch a ſignal kind- 1
neſs, you muſt not leave us ſo ſoon:
you muſt ſtay a little and reſt yourſelf,
while I go and acquaint my niece with 3
the great favour you have done her.
You have given yourſelf a great deal of
trouble, and would you return back |1
without taking any refreſhment * ?”
< I came not here, ſaid Tieb-chung-w, 4
* Orig. cc Would you return dry St empty * a :
therefore
with a view of making a merit of
it with any one, but outof a diſin- 4
tereſted regard to juſtice. It was mere- 3
ly to gratify my natural temper. And
+3 ow
therefore I neither deſerve thanks, nor
| will receive them. Cbing-leao! farewell!
farewell!“ ſaid he, and departed.
| Shuey- gutvin would have converſed with
him longer, but ſaw him vaniſh, as
it were, from his ſight, without ſo
mucas thurn ing his head. As he
thought this as a great diſcourteſy and
i arffront, he reſolved to be revenged the
> firſt opportunity. With this view he
7 ſent a ſervant after him to find out his
2 lodgings, and to pick up what intel-
7 ligence he could about him. Then he
vent to his ſon-in-law, and informed
him of the adventure. Kwo-kbi-tzu,
4 2 who was greatly ſurprized, ſtamped
and faid, „ This animal is come to
1 T carry off my bride. We muſt find
3 ſome way to prevent it, either by lodg-
VV ing
1 ing an accuſation againſt him, or by
putting ſome public affront upon him.
Suppoſe we preſent a petition to the
Grand Viſitor about his coming in this
clandeſtine manner, and make him
aſhamed by expoſing him publicly.
J warrant he will not venture to ſhew
his face here any more.” Shuey-guwin
ſhook his head, and ſaid, That will
never do. He is ſon of the Tu-chayuen,
or Superior of the Vice-roys, and
what can the Grand Viſitor do to him
whoſe father is ſo much his ſuperior * ?
Leave the affair to me: I have thought
of a way, by which we ſhall-reach him,
PJti3 7²3R5yOP= " N ˙EJ T ˙FN48*aA.a87H*8O 3C1p. 2W o S5 ex ntenS4 n
8SMSW1eeN.*HE9a Edee ** a —t”
N$01
m3a;—
Il without making any public diſturbance,
| | and yet ſtop his mouth ſo that he ſhalk
| See vol, 2. p. 185. note.
not |
F *
” *
*
_ „ ;
=. =
+ "Oe
not dare to make the leaſt complaint.
Tich-chung-u is very bold of ſpeech :
and cares not what he ſays. I liſtened
to his reaſons for coming; which he
pretended was purely for the fake of
juſtice : but that is only a, blind to
conceal his deſigns on my niece. You
muſt therefore ſend 2 ſervant to his
lodgings, as from Shuey-ping-/in : he
muſt ſay that his miſtreſs heard he was
at her houſe in the morning, but having
a great many viſitors could not
then wait on him; ſhe had therefore
ſent to acquaint him that ſhe muſt
needs ſpeak with him, and that at ten
o'clock at night he muſt come to the
garden door. This meſſage he will
＋ Orig. © Hath a very hard mouth,“
„ think
think to be real, and will doubtleſs
comply with it. Now you mult plant
ſome ſtout luſty fellows at the place
appointed ; who when he comes are
to fall upon and beat him ſeverely *.
How aiter this will he dare to
eomplain? Or what could he ſay for
himſelf ſhould any one aſk him what
he did there in the dark fo late?“
Kwo-khe-tzu was delighted with this
project, and upon being aſked whether
The original is, Break his head and ſwell
his eyes as big as lanthora—s T.h”at the
Reader may fully conceive the boldneſs of this
expreſſion, he ought to be informed that the Chineſe
lanthorns are very large, frequently four
or five feet long and proportionably wide. Upon
feſtiva! occaſions they exhibit them of twentyfive
or thirty feet diameter, ſo that P. Le Compte
aſtures us; that ** In China one may eat, drink,
fleep, receive viſits, act comedies and dance a
ball in a lanthorn. Tom. I. p. 246. See note,
7 *
*32w41, 4 y
Lb223ioÄy Fs„ Aa A>h;x2W35ſe1 0a Y% ht
iE2n15s e
{ie
4r3G
aVn.tpa*x .
jeo*e " 4
D.2*«2»Co[ cn 2.Te eC ItaTSe e88*r**
r3öI
he thought i it feaſible, anſuered « Ay! q
ay ! extremely ſo! It cannot but ſucceed
; and will let him know that there
are people in the city of T/ze-nan who
XZ know how to deal with him.” They
reſolved to put their deſign in exe-
= cution, which the arrival of Shueyguwin's
ſervant, who had brought directions
where to find. him, enabled
them to ſet about immediately.
On the other hand 2 ieh chung - a, unable
to account for this unexpected
change in the Grand Viſitor's conduct,
vent to the Che- hien's to ſee if he could
gain any information there. That
magiſtrate was from home,ſ o that
he went back again to his lodgings.
As he was going in, he heard one
D4- behind
behind him ſay, © Sir, I have waited
here a great while, having a meſſage
to deliver to you.” He turned his
head aſide, and found he was addreſſed
by a youth of about fourteen
or fifteen years. Hea ſked what
buſineſs he had with him? The boy
did not immediately anſwer, but looking
round him with great appearance 4
of circumſpection, and ſeeing nobody
near, ſtepped up cloſe to him, and told
him ſoftly, that he was ſent by Shueyping-
ſin. © How, replied he! and Shueyyeeng
at home“! What is it ſhe can
have ſent you tot ell me?“ The youth
' anſwered thſahe twoul d have ſent Shueyyeong,
if ſhe could have truſted a ſecret
The Author ſeems here to have forgot, that
Tich-ch;img-u was ignorant what was become
of that ſervant. Yide ſupra pag. 27, &c.
with
EEE 1
HATE
with him : but that ſhe had nobody ſhe
could depend on ſo entirely as himſelf,
4 Well, ſaid he, what is your buſineſs
?** The boy told him, that his
lady heard in the morning that he was
at her houſe, and would have come
out to him, but for fear of ſcandal, and
leſt it ſhould be known that there was
a ſecret correſpondence between them :
but eſpecially as he had given no no+
tice that he was there; all which prevented
her from inviting him to come in.
% But now, proceeded he, ſhe hath
ſent me privateltyo deſire you will
let her ſee you, to thank you ſor the
trouble you have been at in coming ſo
long a journey.“ Tieh-chung-u replied,
Go home and tell your lady
that I came here to redreſs an injury,
out
out of a mere regard to juſtice, and
therefore ſhe muſt not think herſelf |
obliged to me. And as to ſeeing her,
ſhe is a woman and I am a man; which
is not like a friendſhip between two
of the ſame ſex, who may freely
communicate and converſe together.” 3
« True, replied the other, my miſtreſs 4
knows that a man and woman“ may
not converſe together freely: therefore
ſent me to invite you to come to
the garden door at ten o'clock at night,
where ſhe hath a word or two to whiſper
in your ear, which nobody will
know of. You muſt not refuſe her,
and thereby diſappoint the good incli- 3
nation ſhe bears towards you.“ Tieb. 1
In the original it is, Can xor converſe 5
together. | 3 19 cs chung-u
*
+ ="
*
1 5 4
5 RE
"Bp
chung-u could contain himſelf no longer:
XZ «< You young villain, ſaid he in a rage,
# who taught you theſe words? But per-
# haps, ſaid he ſoftly with great concern,
perhaps your miſtreſs's troubles have
affected her underſtanding.” Then
immediately after recollecting himſelf,
* Theſe words, ſaid he, could never come
from that young lady. There is ſome
contrivance or villainy in this meſſage.“
Upon which, ſeizing the boy and menacing
to beat him, How dare you,
ſaid he, come with theſe lies to impoſe
upon me? Tour miſtreſs and I are
the only two perſons in the world,
who dare keep the path of ſtrict honour
and virtue: and therefore I will
never believe there could come from
her expreſſions ſo wanton and unhandſome.
——i——
oy.w7 y
..— —IE—*IE E AR—— —
ſome. Nor yet could ſuch a young
monkey, as you, ſay all this of yourſelf.
Tell me then the truth; and inform
me who ſent you, and you will
obtain my pardon. Otherwiſe I will
carry you to the Che-kien's audience,
and have you there ſeverely puniſhed.”
At this the boy was fo frighted
that his ſoul had almoſt quitted
his body : at laſt however he reſumed
courage, and perſiſtedi n it that
he had ſaid nothing but truth. Which
ſo far provoked ! ich-chung-u that he
gave him two or three boxes on the
ear, bidding him inſtantly confeſs, or
he would beat him without mercy.
The boy's courage forſook him, and
he acknowledged the falſhood, confeſsing
he was ſent by K<w0-&b&-izu, whoſe
ſervant *
1 N not help laughing. 50 Go, ſaid he,
and carry this meſſage back to them
I Tieb chung u am an upright and true
in their ſhallow plots.” All this [and
be diſmiſſed him.
ſervant he was, and begging he would
pardon what he had done in obedience
to his maſter. Tieh-chung-u let him
go, and though he was vexed, could
that employed you. Tell them that
man; and that Shyey-ping-/in is a woman
without any droſs or mixture,
free from any thing foul as the moſt
tranſparent ſtream : ler them not then
preſume to hope they can ever ſucceed
more] he charged the boy to tell his
maſter and Sbuey- guten after which
Kwo-kbi-tz4 was impatiently expect ·
ing
ing to hear the ſucceſs of his meſſage,
and had waited a good while, when at
length he ſaw his ſervant come with
a confuſed and ſorrowful countenance,
He aſked him what was the matter.
On which the boy related all that had
happened. Shuey-gumwin, who was preſent,
ſuppoſed the boy had miſtaken
his meſſage. You were ordered, ſaid
he, to paſs for the ſervant of my niece.
Had you done ſo, he would not have
hurt you. The boy aſſured him he
had punctually obeyed his orders: but
that Tieb-chung-u was no ordinary perſon.
© Before I ſpoke, ſaid he, the
quickneſs of his looks made me afraid,
and when I came to deliver my meſſage,
he would not have patience to
hear me out, but beat me ſeverely,
and
* | and would have killed me if I had not
1 confeſſed the truth. He aſked me
Y | who ſent me to pals theſe lies and pl ay
| 1 | theſe tricks upon him? And how I durſt
come and aſperſe ſuch a ladya s Shucy-
X 71img-/in: one ſo modeſt and diſcreet.
At parting he laughed and faid, the
perſons that employed you are villains :
but let them take care how they offer
to pull up the tyger's whiſkers.” _
At this relation they both were ſilent
for ſome time. At length Shuecy-
3 | guwin ſaid to his ſon-in-law, Tou
XZ muſt not be caſt down, notwithſtanding
all this. I will yet contrive a way
-F to be even with him.” © Alas, replied
9 the other, he will be too cunning
JF and hard for you, do what you will.
_ There
There is no remedy.” * Fear not,
he replied: I will find out a remedy,
that ſhall not fail.
What he intended, will be ſeen at
largei n the next chapter. |

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chinese Poetry

2026-03-29T09:52:45Z

Admin: Create Chinese Poetry (with Additions) from Vol 4 (raw OCR)

= Chinese Poetry (with Additions) =

''Supplementary material from Volume IV of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

POETRY of the CHINESE.
EXTRACTED
From a Memoir of M. Freret.
In I Hift. de I Acadamie Reyal des Inſerip. &
Bell. Let. (Depuis 1711 juſques 1717.)
WITH ADDITIONS.
« FF\HE Chineſe language is the
moſt muſical and harmonious
<« of all we are acquainted with; for
e the words, which compoſe it, are
0 varied not only by Quantity, or the
longer and ſhorter time in which
: e they
-
{
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' 204 DISSERTATION ON
they are pronounced but alſo by
« the raiſing and falling of the voice,
„ and by various inflections of tones,
like thoſe in European muſic tf. Yet
the Chineſe have never been ac-
„ quainted with a verſification whoſe
c cadence is regulated by the arrangec
ment or diſpoſition of theſe muſical
„ tones. Their verſes have only been
* diſtinguiſhed by the number of ſylla-
<< bles, to which at length they have
„ added rhymes *.
a 6 Their
+ ſe might be edged that (excepting 5
every word in the CHinęſe language ends, either
with a vowel, or with the generous liquid N,
or with the naſal ſound N G : which laſt is
according to the Portugueſe way of writing, frequentiy
expreſſed by M.
Bayer, P. Du Halde, P. Le Compte, &c.
The words of M. Frirer are, &« Jos mots - - =
ont wariez, non ſeulement, c. ais encore
par Pelevement et abaiſſinent fixè de la voix et par
l venſer infletions de tons ſemblables a celles de
norre
CHINESE POETRY. 205
«. Their firſt meaſured verſes were
always compoſed of four ſyllables
* or words: for theſe are ſynonimous
« with the Chineſe, eachof their words
6 being pronounced in one time. Here
*
4 follows an example extracted from
the Shi-king or collection of verſes,
4 one
notre muſique. Neanmoins les Chinois Wont famais
connu la werſification cadencte par Parrangement
de ces tons muſicaux; Leur poefie a ſeulement
ete conſacrte par le nombre des ſyllabes, et days la
Jaiteo ny a ajoutt Ia rime. Which paſſage Bayerus
thus tranſlates in his Ching/e grammar,.
„Herba - - valde variantur, non modo, c.
- - - - verum etiam in elevatione aut depreſſioue
certã et determinatd wacis, et. per warias toni in-
Hectiones, ad noſtræ mufice ſimilitudinem. Nihilo
magis Sinenſes cognitam habent poefem, quee ſecundum
noſtræ muſicæ canatur. Poefis enim eorum
lantummodo ad certum fyllabarum numerum inſtituta
eft tandem etiam rythmi acceſſerunt.” He
afterwards adds by way of remark, Yerum illud
et, Sinicæ linguæ modulationem nihil affine habere
noftre muſice. Itague Kercherum nobis illuſiſſt
opinor, cum accentus ad tonos muſicos noſtros
accommodaret. Bayer, tom. 1. 126. 11
Thisi sa dduced here to prepare the
ö or
206 DISSERTATION ON
« one of the claſſical books, in which
% Confucius collected together many
ancient pieces of poetry. Theſe are
« verſes of the king Yoene Van-li,
V.o ene. kheoo. ſbene. miene.
Lonh. Sbee. nane. piene.
Chi. too. i. ſbingb.
Chioo. Hai. tfine. kiene.
%
for the following paſſage of P. Da Halde,
which can only be reconciled with that of M.
Freret by ſappoſing that by cadencte, and cadence
they mean ſomething very different.
The verſes [of the Chine/e] are meaſured
* by the number of written characters, which
% are fo many words of one ſyllable. Some
* of their verſes are long, ſome ſhort ; that is,
% have more or fewer words in them, which
„ pleaſe by the variety of their cadence and
% harmony.” [Fr. Qui plaiſent par la waricte
de la cadence et de] harmonie. N
„Their verſes ought to have à relation to
each other, both in the rhyme and in the
«© fipnification of the words, which have among
«© them a variety of tones agreeable to the
„ ear.” [Fr. Qi ont enter eux une variets des
tons agreable a I oreille.]
P. Du Halde, v. 2. p. 146.
cc That
That is.
« Mpile the dragon and the ſerpent are
« filent, we perceive no difference : but
« at the firſt hiſs they dic harge, we
22e to diſtinguiſb them.
« -Tle Chineſe verſes at preſent cont
{iſt of an unequal numberof ſylla-
« bles, viz. of five, ſeven, or nine :
„the ancient verſes of four ſyllables
cc being now rejected. The verſes now
« in uſe have rhymes, and although the
« Chineſe don't diſtinguiſh, as we (Sc. the
French) their rhymes into maſculine
and feminine, they nevertheleſs
s very artificially diſpoſe them in ſuch.
poems, as have the rhymes varied;
for the Chineſe have pretty long
1 Sy pieces
CHINESE POETRY. 207
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208 DISSERTATION ON
pieces of poetry upon the ſame
rhyme, and this kind of verſification
is in great requeſt amongſt them.
« The ſtanzas are always compoſed
of an even number, whether of four,
ſix, eight, ten or twelve verſes: but
in each of theſe the rhymes are differently
diſpoſed according to the
nature of the ſtanza, in a regular
+ ſtated method, from which they never
deviate. Thus in Quatrains or
«© flanzas of four verſes, the firſt and
fourth, the ſecond and third rhyme
together. But in Sixtains or ſtanzas
© of ſix verſes, the firſt, fourth and
fixth rhyme together: the ſecond 85
with third, and the fifth is left free.
8. IavaCHINESE
POETRY. 209
Invariable laws of a ſimilar kind
are obſerved in the other ſtan-
*
* A
66: may* ;
« By way of example, we ſhall preſent
the Reader with a ſtanza of
eight verſes together with a tranſ-
4
86
*
« lation: it is Au Elogium on the willow
c tree, extracted from a Chineſe Ro-
© mance, which the Sieur Hoangh + a
5 native
FThe Reader, who thinks it worth his while,
may find a particular deſcription of all the ſeveral
ſtanzas, in the Memoir from which this
account 1s extracted. |
+ The Sieur Arcadio Hoangh was one of the
Cbine/e Literati of the province of Fo-k:en ; and
came over into France in the quality of ſecretary
to one of the miſſionary biſhops. Some members
of the academy thought he might be of ſervice
in facilitating the knowledge of Chine/e literature
in Europe, He was accordingly preſented
to Louis XIV. and was ſet to compoſe a Chineſ⸗
Vol. IV. P —
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IWU2 88IbC y-. L 0EN
210 DISSERTATION ON
&« nativeo f China had begun to tranſlate
into French.“
Lon li bboang y te ku ſbi
Tao ine ſiou ſha iao thao bhoa
I tiene ſbine hbene iou hiene bb
Ki toane giou hhoene pou ſoane ki
Neune ſse pe theon ine iou li
Hhoa moe chouang hiaa khi von .eu
Iu ho pou tai tebune tſane ſzeu
l ee ie cbi abi tzeu thon ſhi.
grammar and dictionary, in which he was afliſted
by M. Faurmont, the Arabic profeſſor : but he
died before he had half compleated his undertaking.
M. Fourmont however found means to
continue the plan of the Sieur Hoangh : and atterwards
undertook and finiſhed one more commodious
and more methodical of his own.
The death of this Chineſe happened between
1714 and 1720, Voi L'Hift. de Þ Acad. Roy. des
Inſcript. guarto. Tom. 5. p. 318. Edit. 1729.
N. B. It is to the Sieur Hoangh that M. Freret
acknowledges himſelf indebted for the account
he here gives us of the Chine/e Poetry.
\ THE
IS T7: ”
CHINESE POETRY; 211
THE ELOGIUM ON THE WILLOW TREE
attempted in the ſame kind of hana
with the original. e
4
Scarce. 2 theg ene bear:5 i tes |
ſprays
The ſprightly. {ana leatbs in roles of
green.
_ Blufhing with ſhamet he- gaudy peach 15F on;
She ſheds ber Hloſſoms and with ſpleen decays.
Soft barbinger ofJ oring /! what *
rays„
What colours witht hym odeſt charms.m ay
vie ? 105 14 |
No joI kworm decks thyP ale mo;r c ol
app
7b ev elvet down5 hing hy2 7.
Thus
5 Ir is very WES that the Clineſs have
| 2 ſome
212 DISSERTATION ON
Thus far the account of M. Freret:
which is correſpondent with that of
the miſſionaries, who add ſome other
particulars not mentioned in it. They
inform us that the Chineſe verſes ought
ſome ſpecies of the willow, which we are not
acquainted with. It is certain that they cu'tivate
this vegetable with the greateſt pains, allowing
it a prime place in their gardens, and nurſing
flips of it in flower-pots with as much care, as
we ſhould the mot delicate flower. See Let. ed.
xXxjV. p. 402. &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 159.
| N B. Although it will ſhew the defects of the
above tranſlation, but too plainly : it may be
ſatisfactory to ſubjoin the French verſion from
whichi t is copied: which we are told comes as
near the turn of the Chine/e, as the difference between
the two languages would admit.
A peine la ſaiſon du printemps eft venite, que le
Saule cou ure dune robe verte la couleur jaune de
Jon bois. Sa beauté fait honte au picher, qui de
depit arrache les fleurs gui le parent et les repand
far la terre; Þ eclat des plus wives couleurs ne peut
Je comparer aux graces fimples et touchantes de cet
arbre. Il previent le printemps, et ſans avoir be/oin
des vers d ſeye il revet ſes feuilles et ſes branches d
un duet weloute, que cet inſecten @ point file."
to
2
CHINESE POETRY. 213
to have a particular relation, not only |
in their rhymes, but alſo in their ſignification
and meaning : thus if one
verſe ſignify a mountain, fire, water, or
whatever elſe, the correſpondent verſe
(as ſuppoſe the het and fourth) muſt
likewiſe correſpond in its meaning “.
They tell us alſo that they have another
kind of poetry without rliyme, which
conſiſts in the antitheſis or oppoſition
of the thoughts; inſomuch that if the
firſt thought relates to the ſpring,
the ſecond ſnall turn upon the autumn:
or if the firſt mention fire, the other
ſhall expreſs water T. In ſhort the
more difficult and artificial theit com-
P. Semedo, p. 56. P. Du Halde, 2. 146.
1 poſitions
214 DISSERTATION ||O N
poſitions are, the more 19 5a re8 25
valued. 0 180 23 Ti
70 To 1 account the Reader of
taſte will expectn o great matters from
the Chineſe poetry: and yet this. pleafing
art hath been no where in higher
requeſt, than in Cbina, where it was
the firſt-voef thheiirc lmoeral-it y religion
and politiancd swh,er e ith ath
always been regarded with | peculiar
reverencaend eſteem. Nay a facility
of compoſing verſes is not only intitled
to general applauſbuet, i sa mong
the qualifications expected in all their
great Doctors and Mandarines of letters.
And they have often occaſion to
exert FUE" Ke, for the Emperor
| q ſomeCHINESE
POETRY. 215
| ſometimes ſends them pictures or furniture
for them to embelliſh; with poetical
inſcriptions *: nor is it unuſual
at great entertaiments for the company
to divert themſelves with capping
extemporaty verſes f.
0 But after A ate Chineſe Poetry ſeems
to be chiefly of the epigrammatickind,
and to conſiſt of thoſe difficiles age
which good taſte and found | criticiſm
* See the Chineſ Hiſt. vol. 4. pag. 54. &c.
: + P. Du Hale gives an extract from a Chineſe
author, who inveighing againſt ſuch, as neglect
their ſtudies, adds, ** Theſe perſons are
*« moſt at a loſs, when a banquet is almoſt over.
“The plate and dice go round that the number
of little verſes, which every one ought
0 to pronounce [Fr. chacun doit dire] may be
& determined by chance. When it comes to
„their turn they appear quite ſtupid. Vol,
.. 3%:
24 have
*5
a3WRe.7p̃. 2˙s ‚,g n 3.
p.—a--7 *g p
216 DISSERTATION ON
have taught Europeans to neglect. It
does not appear that they have ever
attempted any of the greater kinds of
Poeſy: this at leaſt is true of the Epic:
and it is matter of doubt whether the
Dramatic may be exceptefodr- t:h e
Chineſe Plays ſeem to be meer proſaic
dialogues, interſperſed with a few airs,
like the Italian opera,” Their ancient
Odes,i tm uſt be confeſſed, have a grave
and majeſtic ſimplicity z but if we may
judge from the ſpecimens produced by
P. Du Halde, they are rather ſolemn
lectures onm ac. than fraught
* This 3is gürtel true dz thoſe large extracts,
which P. Du Halde has given us from
the Shi-4ing or Book of Odes; for this reaſon
none of thoſe pieces are admitted into this collection.
les P. Du _ vol. I. pag. 4og. &c.
with
with that bold and daring ſublimity,
whichwe expect to find in compoſitions
of that name. The only kinds
of Poetry that are cultivated much
among the Chineſe, are either ſhort
pieces, reſembling the Epigrams, Rondeaus
and Madrigals of the laſt age:
or elſe collections of moral Apothegms,
which are their only effays of any
length. But in almoſt all their poetidal
productions appears a - quaintneſs
and affectation; a fondneſs for little
conceits; and a want of that noble
ſimplicity, which is only to be attained
by the genuine ſtudy of nature, and
of its artleſs beauties: a ſtudy to which
the Cbineſe ſeem to pay the leaſt atten·
tion of any people in the world.
| 21 And
. i
*
14
=
_
my
|
=
1
218 DISSERTATION ON
And yet amidſt all the reſtraint and
diſguiſe in which falſe taſte may have
confined or obſcured it, true genius
will exert its powers, ſo that among
the Poetroyf the Chineſe, there wilt
frequently be found nn to be
admired.
With this view it was thought fo
ſhort a collection as the following would
notb e unacceptable to the public: nor
are there materials for a much larger.
It conſiſts of Fragments, which are
found ſprinkledu p and down in a few
Latin and French books: which, although
they are only occaſionally produced
in ſhort extracts, and therefore
mult— to great diſad vantage thus
disjointed -
CHINESE POETRY. 219
disjainted from the context, yet will not
perhaps ill-repay the trouble of a ſlight
peruſal. After all, we muſt intreat
the Reader's candour for whatever imperfections
he finds in the following
pieces: deſiring himt o conſider that
many of them are not ſuch as we
would have choſen, had we known
wheret o have found better.
——* *
————
——— ——
r
7 i
, * 4
: F 1
4 _
INTRODUCTION.
of E Ae r6a f fromt hew orks
f CONFUCIUS *, will be no
-. improper. introduction to the ſucceeding =
Pages, as it bears ſuch honourable te.
- » timony..zo the, maral caſto f the ancient
CHINESE POETRY, and contains
an argument in favour of: the. utility
and reſpe&ableneſs of that fine art in
general. It is much to the honour of
Poeh, that ſbe bath been in all ages,
the firſt N to OE and virtue.
* CONFUCIUS exciting his diſ-
„ ciples to the * of the ancient
Fn. Suit. 18. 37. 127. 128. Sc.
Poeſy,
INTRODUCTION. 227
« Poeſy, ſaith, O my children, whyd o
not you ſtudy the book of ODE S
e For if we grovel on the earth, if
w*e lie uſeleſs and inglorious: by
e * the inſtructions int he Odes, we may
* as if were be erected again, and riſe
45 up to true and perfect honour.
“In the Odes, as in a mirrour, we
£c Aa may behold what becomes us, as
6 The Odes here ſo highly applauded, are elſewhere
called by Confucius, THE THREE HUN.
ee ODES OF THE ANCIENT SAGES
N11c. Lib. 3. p. 9.] They appear to have been
(i ſt vehicles of morality among the Chineſe,
and are every where quoted by N as oracles
of wiſdom and virtue.
The collection, which Confucius made of them,
is ſtill extant, and regarded by the C:ine/e with
all the reverence due to inſpired writings. P.
Du Halde hath given us tranſlations of tome of
them: See the note above p. 216. |
1 allo
1
—aͤ= —w—w—— „ —: ũ —
—P2L. T EI EI I
———a
222 INTRODUCTION;
d alſo what is miſbecoming: by con-
< templating which we may be ſtrongly
affected with a wholeſome indig-
66. nation. e!
» z
VT * RY :
0 we may c come 3 Kade and
s aftable, and pleaſant: for as Muſic +
<« aptly tempereth ſounds, even ſo doth
Poeſy our paſſions and appetites.
.- 4 * To : *
e ny hate without a we
4 It.m ay not be 6004 to note bars what atten-.
tion this great philoſopher thought. due to muſic,
and hat influence he ſuppoſed it might have
on morality: in which, his ſentiments coincide
with thoſe of the ancient Greek philoſophers.
«© I hate, fays he, the muſic of the ingdom
"y* of:C hing: for it diſturds and enervates with
2 pleaſure that muſic of the ancients called, 7a,
„cc which is them iſtreſs of alen. e pag
E temperance.”
Vl. Ce 1, 3-2 129. 5
05 « may
INTRODUCTION; 223
66 may admit any other natural ſenſa·
« tion, and gratify it without vice ?.
„ The Odes teach us how at home
« we may ; ſerve our parent: how a-
“ broad [we may ſerve] our prince,
In another plate, CONFUCIUS
addreſſing himſelf to his ſon Pe-yu, ſays,
„ Doſt thou exerciſe thyſelf in the
« firſt chapters of the Odes, called
* Cheu-nan and Chao-nan ? He who
66 doth not exerciſe himſelf in thoſe
chapters
„This « of hating without anger, &c.“ is a
r * of Confucius, and occurs in
= 7 other
224 INTRODUCTION.
ce chapters is like a man ſtanding with
« his face to a wall; he is rendered
ec totally inſignificant and uſeleſs, for
ce he can neither move a ſtep forward,
<< nor contemplate any object.
other parts of his writings. His meaning is,
that we ought to hate the vices of men, though
at the ſame time we may ſhew all imaginable
kindneſs to their perſons. See this point cleared
up in the preface to a little tract called, The
morals of Confucius, Lond. 1691. 1216. |
FRAGLA
FRAGMENT $
OF
F POETRY.
A . — r— — ee— —= al SE—ALE D |
- N I.
ELEGIAC VERSES,
Addreſſed to the Emperor Tai-keng * by
his five brethren, when, upon his being
dethroned for his vices, they
were driven with him into exile *. 5
The firſtB rother
BY.ou r * 7U this lawW as og |
ſcribed tob im that ruleth, 3
Tbat
Ld The baniſhment of this Emperor, is dated
by the Chine/e <aranolagits, 2159 years before
Vor. IV. n _ " the
| © Martinij Hil. p. 56.
226 FRAGMENTS OF
That he ſhould love, not ſcorn or oppreſi
the people.
For they Ci. e. the people] are the root of
empire, 5
On whoſe conflancy and ſtrengib is founded
the ſtability of the ſtate.
He, who ruleth over others, reſembleth a
charioteer : a 1
But be who harneſſeth fix horſes with decayed
harneſs, ns
Ought not he to ac circumſpetily?
The ſecond Brother.
At home thou art inflamed with luſt :
abroad with |t he love ] hunting :
the Chriſtian Za, that is, about 238 years before
the Call of Abraham. And if the Chine/e
opinion be true, that theſe verſes were really the
compoſition of Tai-kang's brothers, this is the
moſt ancient piece of Poetry extant in the world.
Vid. Martinij Hiſt. p. 55. 1 With
CHINESE POETRY. 227
With both to extravagance, Thou delighteſt
in obſcene muſic :
Tou erefeſt, inthe blood of citizens, buildings,
which menace heaven.
He, who doth theſe things (however ungrateful
the thought)
I muſt deem to ruſh headlong and wilful
to bis deſtruftion,
The houſes of the Chineſe have from the
earlieſt antiquity been built low (generally but
one ſtory high) and there is nothing they have
in greater abhorrence than any innovation in
this matter. P. Le Compte tells us, that he
himſelf knew one of the principal lords of the
court, who having built a houſe a little higher
than cuſtom permitted, was glad a few days after
to level it with the ground; when he found
that one of the public cenſors was about to
lodge a complaint againft him for the enormity.
[/Yoi. tom. II. 22.]—Some of the Miſſionaries
one day ſhewed the late Emperor Kang:h i the
model of an European houſe, which was ſeveral
ſtories high: the Emperor aſked, if in Europe
they were ſtraightened for room below, that
they were forced thus to take up their lodging
in the air. Lett. edife fc. xxvij. 33. TM
Q'2 : The
228 FRAGMENTS OF
The third Brother.
From the times of Y AU down to the
preſent,
The imperial houſe hath 2 in all
kinds of virtue:
Thou baſt turned afide the firſt flow the
ſteps of our anceſtors, N
Since thou haſt overturned all thoſe things,
Wherein their government Was happily eftabliſbed,
What wonder that thou 2 art alſo ;
fallen ?
The fourth Brother.
Jiluftrious ! 2 our illuſtrious parents !
bo by their moſt holy laws, and precepts,
. gave light 10S evern: well
I ee To
CHINESE POETRY. 229
To him that ſhould poſſeſs a thouſand kingdoms.
©
Alas | how do J grieve, that theſe dominions,
left to thee and us,
Should be —— and deſpiſed by thee
alone.
Thou art juſtly fallen from thy Ae: :
who the firſt [of thy race]
Haſt prevented it from deſcending to thy
poſterity.
The fifth Brother.
Aas] how ſhall we return home
Sorrow hath eaten up and 2 my
ſpirit,
TATKANG our brother is the public
hatred of the people. |
„ Whither ©
230 FRAGMENTS OF
Whither ſhall I turn myſelf * To whom
ſhall T ſuppliant flee for ſuccour ?
Grief hath deſcended into my heart, more
deeply than I am able to bear
Jam grieved to my mnmoſt ſoul ! * countemance
1s overwhelmed with ſhame ! My beart
waſteth away with anguiſh |Fo n nd |
But this I ſuffer deſervedly, in that 1
turned aſide . the path of uprigbineſs;
Neither did follow virtue as my guide.
But it is too late to lament, and weep for
ße time thati sp aſt away.
U. A
CHINESE POETRY. 231
II.
A CHINESE Panegyric
From an ancient Ode.
O thee and rare virtue of the=
VENVANG®*! |
How happily did he unite the Alendor of
virtue with all his aftions ?
When V ENV ANG added the King,
he ne himſelf in univerſal love :
This is an ancient Chinęſe hero, highly celebrated
by their Poets. He is ſaid to have
given his ſon the three following admonitions.
Whatever thou ſeeſt, that is virtuous, imitate.
Time and opportunity fail not to uſe. To
remove and extirpate vice, never coale. *
Confuc. lib. 1. p. 10.
> Conf. lib.x . Pe 9. | |
8 OS: When
+
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)
.
[
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.
o
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- 1
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232 FRAGMENTS OP
4
n
. :
7
»
.
+4
—a* =\ —
iw25”q t.
8ar N
renn
A
ben V E N- ANG added the ſubjed,
he perfected bimſelf in __ and obſervance.
When VE N-V 4 NG adlad the ſou, he
perfected himſelf in dutiful obedience:
When VE N. ANG adted ihe father,
He perfected himſelf in paternal affection.
When V E NV A N G had dealings with
men in general, he perfected * in
en ——
III. Verſes
CHINESE POETRY. 232
III.
Verſes in Praife of UVC UN Prince
of the kingdomo f GUEY,
From an ancient Ode.
Behold that bay, which is formed by the
winding of the river KI.
Beſet with tufts of verdant canes, how
beautifully Iuxuriant |
So is our prince adorned with virtues,
He is like one, bat carvande ſmtoohtbe th
. Tvory. 25
* X7 is a river in the province 8 that
gives name to a city, which is watered by its
ſtreams. Vid. Mart. Atlas.
© Confuc, lib. 1. p. 10.
234 FRAGMENTS OF
He is like one that cutteth and poliſheth
diamonds *,
O how ſublime, yet profound [is bel]
O how reſolute, yet cautious! How renowned
and reſpectable!
We have a prince adorned with virtues :
Whom to the end of time we never can
forget. EY
The Chine/e commentator T/eng-t/# (for the
Chine/e have their commentators and ſcholiaſts)
explains the fourth and fifth verſes, as expreſſing
the unwearied care and attention of this prince
to reform and improve himſelf and his ſubjeQs:
as a nice artiſt, who deals in works of the moſt
elegant kinds, never reſts till he hath brought
his manufacture to the moſt exquiſite perfection.
Vid. Confuc. lib. I. p. 10.
IV. Verſes
CHINESE POETRY. 235
Iv.
Verſes on a Tyre
From an ancient Ode, quoted by the
CHINESE Scholiaſt on CO NFUCIUS*.
How craggy and broken, riſeth eminent
that ſouthern mountain
Its aſſemblage of cliffs, how e and
Borrid]
Thus formidable for thy power and Arn:
Thou riſeſt eminent, mighty maſter, royal
2
And all the people lock 5 to thee with
awe and terror;
* Confuc, lib. 1. p. 27.
„„ But
236 FRAGMENTS OF
But not with love; for thou regardeſt not
theirs, 73 |
But thy own intereſt and welfare.
v.
On an amiable Bride.
Theſe ſhould ſeem to be part of an
Epithalamium, and are of great antiquity,
being quoted by CON FUC
1 U 8*.
The peach. tree in the early ſpring : how
anmiable ] how lovely!
Tis leaves how beſet NET? ! 0 B
delighiful !
Such is the new-married bride, when ſhe
paſſeth into the houſe of her huſband,
© Conf. lib. 1. p. 23.
Npere
CHINESE POETRY. 2 237
Where fhe dealeth out Weir Portians to bis
domeſtics,
And diſchargeth every 40 to him a Hic
family.
VI
Among the ſayings of CO N FU-
' CIUS, are quoted from ſome an-
_ cient Poem the following verſes ;
+ ſpoke by a Perſon in exile, who
ſeeing by chance a tree, like ons
A in his own Country, is reminded of
ſome Friend with whom he had often
there ſat under its ſhade .
The leaves and flowers of that fruit-bearing
tree are continually wafted to and
fro with the breathing Zephyrs.
How
{
[|
̃⁵E H R e
rCaeT Tn
—
——
7
.—I A.
**2 —
——2
233 FRAGMENTS OF
How [then] can I ever ceaſe to think of
thee? How can 1 ever but wiſh to ſee
thee? £425
Alas ! vain and empty wiſhes! Our reſpeftive
dwellings are far aſunder.
VII.
A Fragment of an ancient Ode, quoted
by CONFUCIUSs,
The yellow bird abideth on the erg of -
the woody mountain. |
By abiding there, ſhe ſheweth ſhe is acquainted
with her proper ſtation.
Why will not man imitate the bird ?
Bayer. Muſeum Sini, tom. 1. P. 132.
VIII. An
' CHINESE POETRY. 239
VIII.
An Ode of Me. vũ. kong, a venerable
old Man of ninety-five: which he
cauſed to be ſung every day at the
1 of the Palaceb .
In vain doth human force pretend to eftabliſh
a fate:
If the lord of beaven doth not lenda hand to
ſtrengthen it, it tumbleth at the firſt ſhock,
It is a water, which, not far from its ſource,
Loſeth itſelf, and is dried up in the firſt
Sand of the plain.
It is a flower, which is blown in the morn»
ing, and withereth at night.
A whole nation is corrupted 2 the example
of a wicked king.
b P, Du Halde, vol. 1. P. 646. |
*M .Y
——
——
—21——
z
uCrgr¾tea oü smo. n
wy — 37 —
——⅛
—————
.—
Moa >
——
PR
—=2
————
1
4
if
*
i *
240 FRAGMENTS OF
IK
On the Divine Juſtice.
Heaven is ſuf remeiy de We cannot
deceive it.
Its knowledge of things here below doth
ni commence |
The inſtant itH inetb forth,a nd lettetby us y
that it knoweth them.
Virtue and vice ever remain, the one
without reward, ihe other alan puniſo
ment. :
Thos i as diſpute, but about the time;
| ſooner, or later it muſt come to poſs.
+, Du Halde, 2. 155 ·
CHINESE POETRY. 241 |
On curbing the Paſſions k.
By guarding againſt all violent paſſions, 4
man leadeth a ſtweet and agreeablel ife,
Free from the e. which deftroy
health.
Net that T would Blame the Abs love;
Hah bindethR O and Jon,o r uniteth |
brethren;
They are to each other, what the branches
of the tree are to the trunk.
This love ought to endure as much as the
mutual relation.
* P. Du Halde, 2. 167.
Vol. IV.
7
XI. n
24 FRAGMENTS OF
XI.
On Detraction i.
When 1 bear evil ſpoken of anather, it
groah me as much pain,
4 if ſharp thorus were Piercing vy
Beart. |
When I bear another commended, it gives
me as much pleaſure, |
As the exquiſite ſmell of the moſt fragrant
: P, Du Hale, 2. 95.
CHINESE POETRY. 243
.-
on the Cultivation of the Heart *.
When the rice hath ſpring up, the buſbandman
tranſplanteth it into a =
newly cleared:
And ſoon after by introducing a — ;
water, he ſeeth in this green inundated
Feld, the image of a clear .
Our beart is the feld: itb ath its attire
and riches, when the paſſions are pure
and regular.
The ſure means of attaining —a ofp erfettion,
and a fign that we advance towards
it, is not to be conceited, and
boaſt we bave attained to it.
= p. Du Hal2d. e 166.
R 2 XXIII. On
244 FRAGMENTS OF
XIII.
On the Revolutions of Families ”.
Theſe verdant mountains :t heſe lovely meadows
: |
Vere once poſſef edb y2 now gone to
decay.
Let not tbe preſent poſſeſ ors exult too
much:
Otbers after them may be maſters in their
P. Du Halde, 2. 51. 2 ol .
e XIV. Againſt
CtIINESE POETRY. 245 ||
XIV.
Againſt Extravagance a M
[ACHINES E Author, ſpeaking of 100
the extravagant ſplendor, with which 0 |
his Countrymen celebrate ſome of N
their feſtivals; adds, One would bi
4 be apt to ſay, that the money em- bl
e ployed on theſe occaſions was like |; ,
e the leaf of a tree taken from a |9
« vaſt foreſt; or like a grain of =
Go corn taken from a large grana- NJ
« ry.“ There needs no more than [i
A marriage to ruin the beſt houſes, j
It is becauſe they don't read what
< 1s ſaid by the Poet, —
I— xw e———- i r
—*—N : i2 —— —
*
9 P. Du Halde, 2. 64.
| A In
246 FRAGMENTSO F
In the marriages of theſe ſort of families,
every body crieth out that the houſes
are of fuer.
Wait but a few years longer, both the man
and bis fortune ſhall be overturned.
The jewels and filver ſhall have paſſed
away into another family *,
The ſame writer proceeds to condemn the
like extravagance in 8 upon which
occafion he introduces the following, I re-
«« member to have ſeen in the province of
* K;ang-/i, the houſe of the noble and learned
_ «@ [Li-pe-ngan; the columns and joiſts that ſup-
«© ported it, were not ſo much as ſmoothed:
* the wood was covered with its bark; the walls
& were of dry rough ſtorie. Yet he was viſited
« by every body of diſtinction, and ſaw none,
* who found fault with his lodging.” P. Du
Halde, 2. 64. c. 1 150
XV. Among
CHINESE POETRY. 247
XV.
Among the Poems of Tii-Chao-lin, is
the following Song *.
N great Men of this world, do nos laugh
at that poor peaſant,
Who hath only coarſe veſſels of common.
earth to conthaisi winne , ; Ss
Aud who poureth ito ut bim{rif that bem ay
drink it: 15
Whiege 7 N . veſtso g ola,n d
nun. yo area i anb ynu mberso f
faves : ©
When you have drunk 1 after your
fafpron,
7 P. Du Halde, 2.99 6 Ee
R 4 if
248 FRAGMENTS OF
If both of you chance to be intoxicated,
Ze will ſleep together without _—
under the ſame tree.
A deſcription of a fine day after rain *.
The dark and rainy weather, which preceded,
gave a new luſtre to the ſun; who
bad not been ſeen for many days.
A hundred different ſorts of birds, enlivened
and diverſified the groves. ©
Infinite numbers of butterflies, fluttering
over the flowery 'beads of the peachtrees
fanned by the "_ zepbyrs, 0
ed a ſplendid attire.
7 he flowers Picking to the branches and
| F. Du Halde, 2,159.
uot
CHINESE POETRT. 249
not yet faded, bung the gardens with
their tapeſtry.
All the youths of the city ſcattered over
the plain made a charmingf ight:
Each was filled with joy, and gave *
wp to feaſ and banquets.
XVII.
On che Detection of a bad man.
The cormorant appeareth black, when
ſpringing up, he — off the ſnow, |
ꝛobich covered bim. |
_ The parrot, hidden ii na buſhy willow tree,
is taken notice of, when be beginneth to
chatter.
* P. Da Hald2e. 1,65 . ES ek WAS
| ELA XVIII. On
250 FRAGMENTS OF
XVIII.
On an old man killed by accident *,
The man diſappeared here below, like the
Which towards morning, hurrieth in an
inſtant bebind the mountain.
Life is lite a lamp, which, the oil Failing,
—_— out at the third watch* ,
» The Ching divide the vight iinrt o five parts
or watches, which are longer or ſhorter according
to the ſeaſon of the year. See on this head,
F. 2 p- 122. |
P.Du Ha lde, 2. 159.
XIX. On
CHINESE POETRY. 251
XIX.
On a perſon failing home after long
abſence *,
The heart, eagerly bent, flieth to the1 5
like an arrow. ,
The bark runneth along the ava; a
Iban the ſhuttle
Over the loom of @ weaver, who is in
55 to finiſh his work.
1 P. Du Halls, 3. 11. . |
XX. Extract
252 FRAGMENTS OF
XX.
Extract from a Poem intitled,
The Age infruted,” T
Alas |h ow many people, in theſed ayse, undier
a human ſhape,
Conceal a heart as full of venom, as ſerpents!
Who among them remembereth, that the
hes of heaven,
Which are more active than the motion of
a wheel, 149
Look on alſli des, and notbing caneſcape them.
That, which one man ſome months ago
ſtole from his neighbour in the w:}t,
This appears from P. Du Halar to be a work
of conſiderable length. See Vel. 2. b 88.
| P. e a
CHINESE POETRY. 25 3
1sp aſſed byt his time out of his hands into
thoſe of his neighbour towards the north.
In vain doth any one flatter * that
by bis artifices,
He ſhall be able to make his fortune at the
expence of bis neighbour.
7 Bis pretended fortune is no more durable,
Iban the Norvers,
Which we ſee open in the morning, and
ſhed their leaves in the evening. :
Allriches,that are unlawfully acquired, melt
lte a ſnow ball, in the bands of their.
Poſſeſſor.
XXI. A
254 FRAGMENTS, Kc.
8 ee
A CHINESE FABLE”.
[The kingof T SU being informed
5 the great reputation of the philoſopher
CHI ANG-TSE, deputed certain
Mandarines of his court with rich preſents
of gold and filk, to invite him to
come and take upon him the office of
Prime-Miniſter. CHW ANG-TSE
excuſed himſelf by the following fable,
C A beifer, appointed for ſacrifite, and
delicately fed for @ leg time, marchedi n
pep," loaded with all the ornaments of 4
wviftim : in the midſt of her triumph, ſhe
perceived on the road ſome oxen yoked and
| ſweating at the plough. This fight redoubled
her pride: but when ſhewas brought
into the temple, and ſaw the knife lifted up
ready to flay ber, ſbe wiſhed to be in the
place of thoſe, who ſe unhappy lot foe had
deſpiſed.
P. Du Halde, 2. þ. 168. 3
A POS TF255
1
—— th ti th "I" . 1 nth. —_— *
—— — amn,
5 EX TRACT from P. Du Halde, vol.
a oF. 68
&© With reſpect to the Poetry of the Chi.
* neſe, beſides their ancient books, ſome of
&« which are in verfe, the poems of Kiui-- v
are extremely delicate and ſweet. Under
the dynaſty of the Tang, the Poets Lee-tſau-
„ pe and Tu: te- muey did not yield to Anacreon
„ and Horace: in ſhort in China, as former-
&« ly in Zurope, the philoſophers are Poets,
„ and among all their celebrated writers,
« T/jeng-nanfgo o is the only one, who has
© not written in verſe, for which reaſon he
« is compared to the flower Hay-tang, which
c would be perfect were it not inſipid.” _
ce Their Poets have Enthuſiaſm : their excc
preſſions are often al| legori© cal; and * they
% know how to employ properly theg s cu
which render a ſtyle more lively and pa-
5 thetic.” e 5
* This dynaſty began Anzo Chriſti 618 and ended
Arno gob. 1
* wh 7
256 POST S Ir.
In a blank page of the Tranſlator $ . f
Ms. of the Chineſe Hiſt. is the follow-
BF ing liſt, dated Canton, 1720.
C red Chingſe Poets.
Lee-Tay-peh, lived about 700 years ago.
Tong-ghee-chang about 400 ä
Chun-Pu-ſpaw, and
Cbam - Kam Tzuen os __
Kai ghee, about 50 5
5 Famous Chineſe Painters, who lived
goo years ago.
TTa ng-Pegb-Hoe,
Kiow-ſhe-Tchow,
| T chauw-T au. a
THE END OF THE CHINESE POETRY.

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chinese Play

2026-03-29T09:52:45Z

Admin: Create Chinese Play from Vol 4 (raw OCR)

= Chinese Play =

''Supplementary material from Volume IV of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

160 HAU KIOU CHOAAN,
51G HAAR X.
INE Empreſs ſhewed great favour
and kindneſs to Shuey-pingfin,
and diſmiſſed her with very rich
preſents : commanding four Eunuchs
to attend her to the Emperor. His
Majeſty received her in the moſt gracious
manner, and ſaid, „ That you
a little maid, ſhould poſſeſs ſuch fortitude,
and be withal ſo pure and ſpotleſs,
affords an inſtance not to be equaled
in hiſtory. 1 have now reſtored
you to that reputation, which you were
in danger of loſing : and have cauſed
your virtue to be publiſhed through all
the empire. To-day you mayb e married
with credit and honour, and J with
you both good fortune, and long life:
s that
A. CHINESE His TORT. 162
chayto u may boget an umerous family,
who may be all virtuous like
their parents, and inherit all the happineſs
I wiſh to yourſelves,” “
-
A
IlmmedTiieb-a chutng ·eu , Slhutyy-pi ngfin,
and all the Mandarines, returned
_ thanks+to the Emperor for his goodneſs,
and withdrew. Then the newmarried
couple ſet out for their houſe,
accompanied by the Mandarines in
great pomp and magnificence: and
as they paſſed along in proceſſiont,h e
ſtreets reſounded with the applauſeasn d
acclamations ofthe eppes. Tur of
1 olle
Thus did e fon after all ber
twubles at length attain to the higheſt
glory :W hich 0 &calion toH ER
lowing verſes." nn Oy OT ce. . a:
SI7atTI(ORVO0CE ITE6TILI E E RYO TYI EIWY
*
S S
MIoo7 x
r—— re
6: HAU) KUU CHONA
Ft reer thiy "att open'd, yield" no
2 agrunce, tis sd yaoi onw vii
de precious ſomes ill they are ground,
caſt no lu, ine hw e
Time ofg reat cold occafions [ſ peed: So doth
- 2 adverſity, OR”
F
B:2 111 104531 ec i CGE 2 Dan
ben dhe young a. were arrived
at their houſine a ll this ſplendor;
u table was placed in the middle of
the hall, which was lighted up in the
moſt brilliant manner: Then in the
preſence of all the company the bride·
. ns
* The words of the Pogue verſion a+r ea s
follows, viz.
As rojas nas eftas apertos, nas nas cheros.
Ar peurus preciozas nas fas _—_ nai mY me *
Eomspo ode anaee frio fas n acer fulas eeceie de fula
The laſt of theſe lines the Eddiitoorr | kly 755
feffes he knowsno tw hat to make oF
ſubſtituted the laſt line of the Exgliſi 4.
merely as a conjectural —
D 3 heads,
A CHIN|E HISSTEORY ; 163
heads, and making their courteſies and
reverence, expreſſed: their gratitude to
the Emperor and Empreſs for all their
_ favours. They alſo bowed down their
| heads to their father and mother with
great duty and reverence, Afterwards
they performed their reſpecttso all the
Mandarines who. accompanied them
home, giving them many thanks. This
ended, a magnificent banquet was ſerved
up with ws r aned
When thi FER was over 22
chung-u and his lovely bride performed
the. uſual ceremonies: after which the
| Mandarines took their leaves, and went
back to the palace to inform the
Emperor that allt hings. were comae
and chat che new. married re-
M 2 turned
*
to be expreſſed.
164 Hau klo cHñoAAN.
turned their moſt gracefual ls
ments for:h ias nt
EPA ſu mating his own 8
ment with reſignation; but when he
aw the ſentence paſſed on his ſon, he
was overwhelmed with an affliction not
The Cenſor Vang-o
was alſo greatly affected with the reproof
he met with. Thus all received
the chaſtiſement due to their faults.
On which account Tieb-chung-u cc omou
nenen verſes.
The e man doth nit not pee
bow the end may turn out :
When the time cometh, be ſhall not eſcape ;
beſ hall find according to his works.
3. * * the evample thou beholdeft.
e pi LI 5 Rejolve
A CHINESE HISTORY. 165
.Nredound tto h fonean dn g? $79
[bmi an—d -ping1- afdir
ey were marrliiveed dhap,pil y many
years; having the greateſt affection
for each other. |T zeh-chung-4-extolled
his charming wife, expatiating on her
virtue and merit, and thanking her for
the benefits he had received at her hands
in times paſt, attributing to her the
high rank to which he was at preſent
exalted. On the other hand ſhe was
as full in eybe ncomiums on her be-
The * 8 "INE:
O man home, mal fas, nas atenia o fim como v :
Chegando o tempo nas eſcapara, conforme obra och
a4 chara. 3 85 |
Con derte te do gxemplo 40 gue ve 2 5
Vreponba home de bem fazer, a boa fave e *
ria ha de ter.
„ _. loved
156 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
loved huſband : thanking him a thouſand
times for the many favours ſhe
had received from him, aſſuring him
that ſhe could never ſufficiently repay
them; thar ſhe was not worthy to be
his handmaid; but tho' ſhe was his
wife; ſhe would be always humble and
obedient to him her huſband, ſerving
him all her life with tlie greateſt affecton.
Accordingly they made the *
e on1 221017 gt
2451910 T6. 2677 517 Hoi 07
The A nana;— go ” thii"r _ |
_ woith great ſplendor and fragrante:
Tt is in order that their good _ and
example may be ſpread abroad :
While their worth lay bidw ithin thebe art
u Was Not perceived «
*
1 a . .
A CHINESE HISTORY 165
Nobwe t ime in arrive that it is galiſhed
through all the world . acid
Fwäm this time T%eb-chang-n:And
Shuey-ping-/in huſband and wife, lived together
in the greateſt harmony, obſerving
the moſt exemplary virtue; and
ſerving 1t heE mperor with allſ incerity:5
He executing theo ffice of Ca- lau ©or firſt
Miniſter and counſellor of the ſtate;
with great fidelity and ſkill, ſo that he
was beloved and admired of all.
Both Tieh-chung-u and Shney-ping-/in
afford a ſiftiking.exaniple: ofv irtue and
* The Portugueſe words are,
Os dous caxados vem a caſa par todo caminho com
ande lux e cheire:
Por bom obra e exempo que ſe eftende
Dentro de coragas que home nas intende ;
Ja chegou o tempo que por todo mundo ſe elende.
NM ; antegrity—
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From theſe words one mighe.' be a
8 that the foregoing hiſtory i3 s founded
on real fat. J 7
N. B. The Editor hath F'--any — > to enki.
bit the exact form in which the — Author
concludes his box. 8
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THE
A
ACTED AT
In the Year
M. DCC. XIX.
ARGUMENT or STORY
Pe OF 25
CHINESE PLAY.
CAN T ON,
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1 821 THANMAZIT HAVOC
a 1 A * hs BA 1
ADVERTISEMENT:
22
711K5f elling ird cutS aad. — tber
of tbe gentleman, to ꝛubom 108 are
dualesf or2 f oregoing Tranſlation, and afferas
the ſecond ſpecimen that hath yet appeared ian my
European anguage of the Salons of the Chineſe
for dramatic compeſition :t he Orphan of the
houſe of Wr e by F. Du AVE
| fon Joſs | II} a * nein?
r14> rt {Rs v4
Aube the C hineſe have.na ls diftin8ion as
Traczpy and COMEDY, yet. ag the following
/ ecimen differs in many reſpects from that of, F.
Halde, repreſenting characters in lower life,
and being founded on incidents neither. fa tragical
nor important; the Editor. at it was doubtful,
whether. it "might not be. conſidered us a hind of
ſpecimen of Chineſe Comedy+ b ut upon propoſing
the quęſtian to a very ingenious and learned
Friend, he received the following ſenſible remarks,
which he here preſents. to the. IE asw 4 u riane
Ur th wt 55 *
A
Gate {Theri s notl s rannte* 8
« on tbe Chineſe ſkeleton ; as the fable is all
*. you have before ou :+ which yer hath ſomething
<< of unity in it, th it conſiſt2so many members,
and ibo the action begins at a ＋
* /trous diſtance from the cataſtrophea,nd
e N 1 7-0 very
——A—7c<oR O7 Y.e ˙Pra” E S
A„T„TY
Pu —
——w57 ade
—44 .*"o.——— »© —
ͤTErT3«I—„GßaE—%n,ko i E eFn s 4 „
——_——
1592 ADVERTISEMENT.
et yery imartificially condu#ted.' The piect can-
< not however be repreſented as a ſpecimen of
« Chineſe Comedy : for though the characters
* it greatneſs; and the events importance,
« yet" theſe enter nur into the eſſential charatteri-
. e oft he ttoo dramas. The effeonf cCoem e-
6" dy i to paint charaflers and manners : that
. Tragedy, to excite terror and pity thro —
* nudium of action. But there it really (as J
vc ber ved ſomot hing HF unity attempted i in the
& action here, 4 the conduct of it is very rude
<< and perplexed. The want of greatneſs in the
*. perſons and events, indicates a defett in the
*6: compoſition, but does not alter the nature of
6. thep oem: © GEORGE BARNWELL 'remains
n a Tragedy, tho its characters are of the
very loweſt bind, and the diftireſs only of a pri-
6 vate family. But the Chineſe Author hath not
& without ſome art contrived to intereſt us in
the diſtreſs of his principal perſonages. Our
«<:\ compaſſion 15 equally" excited, ꝛcben we ſee
cc he Chineſe matron and her for in poverty,
62 with diſdain and relutance obliged to de.
end upon alms, as when we Jee the favorite
c2t 4 kings in a dungeon. Our terror is afterce
wards attempted in the ſeveral dangers and
64. rouph dii treſſes they have to encounter -a nd at
<< the ſame time that we were engaged to admire
<" their feady and conſtant virtue in ſtruggling
*6'rhro* them, wwe are intereſted in all their for-
66 tunes;; till in the concliſn wwe are taught this
1 | „ inporADVERTISEMENT.
173
« ;i mportantm oral, that virtue isa ble to wer bh
« way thre. thoſe dangers, 2 24. 22N5e
« eſe to:l it may * expoſed.”
After all it may. be queſtioned ee —<
_ Chineſe Author had in view either to paint charafters
and manners, or to excite terror or pity,
as hit immediate end. The piece ſrems rather ta
reſemble thoſe peculiar productions of the Spaniſh
lage, whoſe ſole deſign is to puzzle and amuſe
the ſpeftators, by the furprizing turns I
e Yaan intricate plot. „
INTRO.
3
*
=
4 :
JS . L
_—
9
——ͤ——— — ——
—A>—ſ*— aS .—— — —
—2 —
INT RODUCTI ON.
LAV S generally accompany the entertainments
of ceremony givenb yt he Chine/e
andarines, and are ated while the gueſts are
regaling at table. When the gueſts are firſt
ſeated, four or five of the principal Comedians
enter the hall in rich dreſſes, and making low
bos all together, hit their foreheads againſt
the ground. Then one of them preſents the
principal gueſt with a' book, containing in letters
of gold, the names of fifty or ſixty plays;
which they have learnt by heart, and are ready
to act upon the ſpot. Aſter ſome complimentary
refuſals and offers to others, the principal
gueſt pitches upon one: which the chief Comedian
carries round to all the company for their
approbation.—I f any one of the gueſts ſhould
chance to have a name ſimilar to one of the Dramatis
Perſonæ or the like, that play is ſet aſide
and another choſen. .
The repreſentation begins with CHineſe muſic,
viz. baſons of braſs or ſteel, whoſe ſound is harſh
and ſhrill; drums of buffalo ſkins ; flutes ; fifes and
trumpets. There are nodecorations for the plays;
they only ſpread a . ta on the floor and the Comedians
make uſe of ſome adjoining rooms, from
which they enter to act their parts. One actor generally
performs two or three part—s T.he ladies
are placed out of the hall over againſt the Comedians,
where through a lattice of Bam- boo and
a ſilken net they can ſee all, unſeen themſelves.
P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 299. v. 2. p. 175. &æũ c.
N. B. Plays are ſometimes acted on ſtages in
the open ſtreets, but we don't find that they have
any regular theatres or play-houſes. S's
2 n 4 of *
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QF A :
CHINESE PLAY.
N aged matron and her ſon of
good deſcent, being in great poverty,
diſcourſe about their condition,
and find no means of ſupport but in
begging alms; to which they bring
themſelyes with r reluctance and
confulion,
-
LET | :
A 91.)
%S
- Tbhia y mecewith a Mandarine sdavghos
who is wandering. about in f.
CONTENT
176 Taz ArBuMenT' OR Sronr
content on account of a difference-be- -
2 „ HB 1
Tween her and her father. Shei in quires
hat reduced chem to that way of life,
and finding by their diſcourſe that they”
are of good education and parentage,
gives the ſon money, and takes the
mother to attend on her.
— 45.4 3 —
IF. ; *
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The ſon departs for his own country,
and frih is way goes into a Teah p,
keptby an old woman and her daughter:
3 e inhdis - e a
4 ** f " 7 14 9 7 2
111 22 241 CL
ITheſe are 2b ind of coffee-houſeso r
of regale. They are called by thew ie=
guati-t2e. All populous cities — with them
(chiefly in their ſuburbs,] as alſo with a kind of
K 2
taverns for wine. In the great earth · quake IF
which happened at Pe-4irg in 1731, the Jefaites
tell us that there were no leſs than eighty
perſons dug Gut of * ruins; of one of thoſe
_ Tea-s8oPs, | :
Se Lettres 22 XX:* J.3 4 vii. p. 00
7 an |
Nenn
e
Or 4 ChixkESsE PLay, 177
and perceiving him to be a perſon of
a good mien, take him in, to ſerve
in the houſe+.
A young Mandarine, a great rake;
coming there to drink tea, coneeives
an inclination for the woman's daughter;
and finding ſhe is not to be had
upon eaſier terms, offers to take her into
his houſe to keep her.
The old woman conſents; but the
young one rejecting his offers, He ſends
ſome of his ſervants to take her away
by force: but ſhe ii sr eleued by their
new. ſervant.
+ Althougg h a great.W IE ae of men and
maid — bind themſelves ſlaves in China;
yet there are ſome, to whom, they give Ages as
in Europe, P. Du Halde, vol. p. 1. 7
T Upon
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258 Taz Arcoment on Story
Upon this the young Mandarine
gives in an accuſation againſt him, and
hath him carried before a Mandarine
of juſtice: by whom he is puniſhed
with the baſtinado *; and hach the
Can-phi+ or wooden ruff, fixed about
his neck to walk the ſtreets with.
| O. el * : The
No ſentence. is executed in China, but
the ba/tinades precedes it of courſe. See an ac.
count of this vagal in the * A 8
vol. 2. pag. 188. note.
+ This — is more n than
te baſtinido; the Cangb. i sc ompoſed of two
boards, hollowed in the middle to fit the
neck of offenders, ſo that they form a kind of
moveable piltory. Some are three feet ſquare
and five or ſix inches thick; ſo that the wearer
can neither ſee his feet, nor put his hands to his
mouth, and muſt be fed by others. The commor
Toft We fifty or Ker pounds weight:
but foine' weigh zcolb. Wen it is fixed on
the neck, they paſte on each fide; over the place
where a joins, two ſlips of paper about four
OAT; broad, on > hie they fix a ſeal that the
daards
Or 4 CHINESE Play. 73 79
The young rakiſh Mandarine not
ſatisfied with this puniſhment, arms
himſelf and his ſervants with cudgels,
reſolving to bear him to death.
They go in ſearch of him about the
ſtreets, and find him attended by his
young miſtreſs aforeſaid, who is feeding
him; he being unable to do it himſelf,
on account of his collar.
They attack him with their clubs :
but he beinga reſolute youth, and having
his hands at liberty, beats them; and
by whirling his four-cornered collar,
boards may not be opened. On th's paper is
Written the crime. for which It 1s inflicted, and |
how long it is to laſt. |
F. Du e vol. . p. 3. 311. &c. P. Semedo,
b. 141.7
N 2 ſtrikes
180 THe: ARGUMENT OR "STORY
ſtrikes the young Mandarine on the
head, and . him.
The governor of the ſtreet or ward,
comes and takes both him and the
woman into cuſtody.— Being brought
before a Mandarine called Nan. hayan,
he relates how he was attacked, and
obtains his releaſe. |
But the Mendarine conceives a liking
for the young woman, and takes her
into his houſe: at which his wife is
much diſpleaſed, and, while her huſband
is abſent, lets her out of the place
in which ſne had been confined. 5
A ſuperior Mandarine, being informed
of the death of the young rake
| above- an 14
%- - +44
Or 4 Cx ESE PLA V. 181
abovementioned and the young woman
being accuſed as the cauſe of it, and of
all the reſt of the diſturbance, ſends an
order or ſummons for her to app
beter him.
| The order being carried to the Mandarine,
who had had her in cuſtody:
he commands hert o be brought forth
and delivered up. They bring him
word ſhe is releaſed by his wife and
fled : upon which he is in the utmoſt
confuſion, not knowing how to anſwer
it to his ſuperior. N |
%
After he hath recovered himſelf a.
little, he calls his ſervants and charges
them all to go in ſearch of the young
woman. They object how e
"Ns it
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182 Tux ARGUMENT OR STory
it is to recover her as ſhe hath been
gone ſome time, and none of them
know her face or perſon.
He is again at a loſs: at laſt he
tells them the neceſſity of ſending ſome
woman to the ſuperior Mandarine, and
therefore bids them go and ſeize any
one, whom they think will do as well,
and carry her before him.
His ſervants go upon the ſearch, and
coming to a Joſs -houſe or temple * on
| e he
* A 7o/5-houfe is an inferior kind of Pagoda
or Temple. See an account of the latter in the
foregoing Hiſt, vol. 1. p. 220. note.
The Portugueſe, who firſt penetrated into the
Indies, called the idol temples Pagodas, from the
Perſian word Pout-gheda ; which ſignifies a temple.
Some call the idal,a sw ell as the templeb y
the ſame word: but the former ſeems more 8
ehe high-way, find the Mandarine's
daughter firſt-mentioned, with the matron
whom ſhe had taken into her
ſervice.
N
( (For ſhe had newly fled from her
father's houſe: He being accuſed by
another Mandarine, diſgraced,. and degraded,
and having all his goods and
family ſeized on : but not before he had
found opportunity to diſpatch a ſervant
to acquaint his daughter : which ſervant |
had brought her through the city-gate,
perly expreſſed by Pagod, as the latter by Pagoda =
or Pagode. See 4 [pirated] account vf the
Eaft Indies under the name of Captain Cope,
_ 8vo, 1758. | LAG zu |
N. B. The Chineſe 7a or Demi-gods, are
ſome of human ſhape, ſome of monſtrous figures:
But all theſe idols are generally made thick and
ſhort, ſo that in the Indies, when they would deſcribe
a ſhort fat perſon, they call him a t.
N 4 and
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184 Tax ARGUMENT oR STorky
and then left her, as being unable to
2 he*r
She is ſized by the ſervants difpatched
by the Mandarine Nan-hayan
abovemenioned, and carried before the
| ſuperior Mandarine, by whomſh e is
ſentenced. to loſe her. head. 9.
Being
. Either the Author of thiiss P lay( ike our own
modern writers of Tragedy) hath not piqued
himſelf upon adhering to the uſages of his
country, or elſe he repreſents times more ancient
than the eſtabliſhment of ſome of theſe uſages.
For unleſs it be in extraordinary caſes, no Mandarine
can pronounce definitive ſentence of
death. See before, wol. 2. pag. 275 note. |
N. B. Beheading is in China eſteemed a far
more infamous puniſhment than ſtrangling, becCauſe
the Chine/e paſſionately defire to have their
bodies' preſerved whole after their death. The
ccndemned is not expoied on a ſcaffold, but
being made to kneel in ſome public place with
his hands tied behind him, a perſon holds him ſo
ſaſt that he cannot move, while the executioner
Foming behind takes * the head at one *
an
or 4a CuxksE Pl Av. 185
Being brought to the place of execution,
(which is performed at mid -
night) the young man, whom ſhe had
relieved, happens to be there; and
when the Chop or writing of the crime
comes to be taken off from her fore ·
head, ] in order to ſtrike off her head,
\ he ſees her face and knows her again:
Upon which he ſnatches a ſword from
one of the officers, and attacks and
drives them off. Then he and the
young lady make their eſcape. ens
But they are preſently after taken,
and carried before the Mandarine, who
ordered the execution: where the young
E63 "£7
and at the ſame time lays him on his back with
ſuch dexterity, that not one drop of blood falls
on his cloaths. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. P. 4 vol.
| 2, p. 299. | 3 % 9 wr 4
man
186 Tue ARGUMENT OR STory
man acquaints him that ſhe is not the
woman, whom the other Mangarine
had in cuſtody. Which he findintgo
be true, by examining into the proceedings
of *y ſaid Mandarine, ſends
for his head.
He then releaſes the young man,
and takes him into his ſervice for his
gallantry: but faliln slov e with the
young lady ; and having no firſt wife,
orders his women ſervants to perſuade
her to comply with his deſires.
This ſhe very peremptorily - refuſes
to his ſervants, and afterwards to his
face: upon which he orders them to
fall upon her, and to beat her ſeyerely.
Thisw y do till the lies for dead.
Jeb | Then
Thenh e orders the young man newly
taken into his ſervice, to carry her
body and throw it into the river.
He bears her to the river ſide,
but inſtead of throwing her in, takes off
his coat and covers her body.: and after
much lamentation over one from whom
he had received ſuccour in his greateſt
ee he goes to ber a coffin for
her“.
In the interim a boat coming near
* The Chine/e ſeem leſs afraid of death, chan
of wanting a coffin after it. It is aſtoniſhing to
ſee how careful they are in this reſpect, and how
coſtly they have them made, and that commonly
before their deaths. To provide theſe handſome
for their friends is a r piety; ; a
this is carried to ſuc exceſs, that a ſon will
ſometimes ſell or mortgage himſelf to procure
money to buy à coflin for his father.
See P, Du Halde, vol. I. p. 280. 306.
the
Or 4 Chix ES Play. 187
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188 Tu ARGUMENT oR SroRY
the ſhore, the people in it diſcover
: ſomething more than common, and
finding it to be a woman, catry her off:
they being in ſearch of women to ſerve
the Tartar Queen - | sd 51
(For
„This paſſage and thoſe that follow in pag.
191, 192, c. relating tothe Tartar Queen, &c. are
; extremely curious, and worthy the attention of
the learned: who" will perhaps be ſurprized to
find ſome notion of the Amaxons, among a people
ſs remote from Greece, and ſo unacquainted with
its fables, as the Chineſe. That the Scythians,
among whom the Amazons were ſuppoſed to be
ſeated, were no other than the ancient Tartars,
there 1s no doubt: and that there was ſome
foundation for their ſtory is probable ; from its
prevailing (tho not with ll the ſame circumſtances)
in two nations who could not poſſibly
derive it from each other. This fable did
Probably ariſe from the Scyr5:an or Tartar women
having ſometimes appeared in battle with a
maſculine ferocity unknown in countries, where
the women lived ſo reſerved as in Greece and
China. A paſſion for the marvellcus ſopr lied
all the reſt.
That the women of one of the Jef civilized
nations bordering upon China, do ſome-
To | times
Or a Cainest Pray. 189
(For the Tartar Qucen being at war
with the Chineſe,” had ſent to pictarocu
- - —
Fy . P "? y ; 5 * 4 5 . "F Py F 1 A&A
# » * . 4 g 4 — * 7 1 4 Or
times enter into the field, appears from ſeveral
authors. Marlinius telis us that when
China was invaded in 1621 by the Tartars,—
« Among other commanders, who came with
«* ſuccours to the Chine/e, there was one heroic |
lady, whom we may call the Anaxon or Pen-
« thefilea of China. She brought along with
her three thouſand [men] from the remote
« province of Su. chuen, bearing not only a
* maſculine mind but habit, and even aſſuming
e titles more becoming a man than a woman.
This heroine, who gave many rare proofs of
© her courage, had come in the room of her
« ſon, an infant; &c. For in the mountains of
of this province of Sa- chuen, there is a king-
« dom not ſubje& to the Chingſe, but under a
government of its own, &c.” Vide bellum
Tartaricum ad fin. Atla. Sin. pag. 4. Fc. |
The above hypotheſis relating to the Arazons
will derive ſtrength from the narrative of 7
brandt Ides, who tells us, that among the Ton
guxians, one of the people inhabiting Great
Tartary, the men and women go cloathed
„ alike, are both very ſtrong, and that both
*« ſexes, not excuſing the young girls, ride on
" horſeback, and are n armed with 3
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100 Tux ARGUMENT OR SToky
for [or kidnap] women in the enemies
country: and had alteady carried away
the mothero f the young man, who
was along with this young lady in the
Faſs-houſe or temple, as alſo the young
woman in whoſe place ſhe had Je to
have been executed.)
% And arrows, in the uſe of which they aar e very
et expert. See pag. 44, and 102.
It appears alſo that even the women of the
AMascbr e Tartars, who conquered China, did
not at firſt aſſume the reſerved manners of the
Chineſe women: for when the Durch Ambaſſadors
were at Nan-KinG in 1656, they were accoſted
by'a Tartarian lady, who without any ceremony
examined their dreſs, and handled their
ſwords, with a freedom unknown Iin Ching. See
. p. 133.
Before we quit this ſubjectww,ee ought not
to omit what the Neſuites tells us in their account
of Korea, that the Zaſtern Tartars told a
Chineſe General, among other romantic fables, of
* a kingdom peopled only by women, who
c conceived of themſelves, and carried the foetus
© in their ſtomach: they had no breaſts, but
«© ſuckled the child by a tuft of hair behind the
* neck, &c. P. Da Halde, vol. 2. pag. 378.
3 Magal. p. 61.
The
or A Cntnzss Pray. 191
The young man returns to the rivet
fide, and finding the young lady carried
away, goes back to acquaint the Mandarine
his maſter, that he hath executed
his orders; but finds him very
much concerned, for by this time he
had heard whoſe daughter ſhe was.
To prevent the truth from coming to
her father's knowledge, he orders the
young man to find out that Mandarine
and kill him. This he pretends to
undertaakned, i n hisſ earch lights on this
very perſon, (who is then wandering
about indiſgrace) without knowing him.
The diſgraced Mandarine, upon inquiry,
finding the young man hath no
intention of harm to o him, reveals him-
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192 Tur ARGUMENT oa STORY
ſelf, and enters inat coloſ e; confederacy
with him,t o kill the Mandarine his
maſter, who had ſo highly injured both
him and his daughter. This they immediatepluty
i n execution.
The young man then goes to the
wars againſt the Tartars: where he behaves
with great courage; and, it
being the cuſtom there for the women
to fight, he encounters his own mother,
the Mandarine's daughter, and the
young woman that belonged to the
tea- hop.
1 . each other's faces
with equal ſurprizoen both ſides: In
conſequence of which the young man,
wine he had for that time
drove
Or a CN ESE PAT. 193
drove off the Tartars, determines to
take the firſt opportunity to run among
them, and be taken priſoner,
On the other hand, the women petition
the Queen, that they may lay
down their arms, not being able to
fight againſt an enemy, where they
are in danger of killing, or being
killed by, one ſo dear to them, as 2
ſon or friend, c. e ee
Afterwards the young man is taken
priſoner and brought before the Queen,
to whom he declares his reaſons for
8 himſelf up.
The Queen, much affefted wich
his ſtory, ſends for. the three: women,
7 M Dm
.
o———n—4 aoe a
194 Tur Anouu,⏑“ji⁊ on Sroxv
and, ſetting them at liberty, commits
them to his care.
The Queen 1 by his reaſons,
and moved by his virtuous diſcourſes]
ſoon makes peace with the Chineſe, and
retiring to a convent becomes a _
or nun .
The young man, and the three women
return to China, where they find
out the father of the young lady firſt
In like manner as there are Pagodas or convents
in China full of Bonzees or monks: fo
there are alſo nunneries called Men, and Bonzeſſes
or nuns, who live after the ſame manner.
They ſhave their heads, renounce marriage, and
abſtain from all converſe with men ; but they
are not numerous, neither do they obſerve monaſtic
conſinement.
Sce P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 518. Mod. Univ.
. p. 175. Nieuhoſf, p. 59.
Or 4 ChixksE Plar. 195
mentioned; who by this time is reſtored
to his rank and honours,
He very much rejoices at the ſight
of his daughter; and gives her in marriage
for a firſt or chief wife to the
young man. Who then takes the other
young woman for a ſecond wife or
concubine +.
Upon this follows the Emperor's
patent to create him a great Mandarine |
for the ſervices he performed.
+ The Chineſe may have more wives than one,
but the firſt or primary wife hath all the power,
and is married with more ceremony than the reſt,
whoſe children are alſo deemed to belong-to
her : bat their ſituation is not at all difreputable,
N. B. All the ceremony required in taking one
of theſe ſecond wives, is to fign a writing with
their parents: whereby they engage to give a
certain ſum agreed on, and to ule their daughters
well. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 304.
462 W242 : He
196 TuR ARGUMENTC,c .
He receives the habit of that order
of Mandarines to which he is advanced :
and agreeably to that quality cloaths
his mother and both his wives.
Then they receive the congratulations
of all their friends.
* The mothers and wives of the Mandarines,
as their ſons or huſbands are advanced to higher
offices and dignities, have certain honourable
diſtinctions both in their habits and titles, ap-
Pointed them by the Emperor. |
P. Semedo, p. 13%.
THE END OF THE CHINESE PLAY.

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 29

2026-03-29T09:52:45Z

Admin: Create Chapter 29 from Vol 4 (raw OCR)

= Chapter 29 =
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 280px;"
|+ style="background-color: #4a7c59; color: white; padding: 5px;" | '''Chapter Information'''
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8; width: 120px;" | Wiki Chapter
| 29
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Translator's MS
| Chapter XVI
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Volume
| IV
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Status
| style="background: #ffe0e0;" | OCR — footnotes pending
|}

''Part of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

* CHay, XVI. In the Tranſlator's manuſcript.
Theſe
A CHINESE HISTORY: 47
Theſe two perſons, who had been
encouraged by Korf. wo make
the propoſals abovementioned, hearing
nowo f the marriage that had taken
place between the young couple, were
inclined to deſiſt; and ſent to inform
that Mandarine of their reſolutions.
He was very much chagrined, and diſappointed
at the news, and reſolved
to ſend ſome of his ſervants to the
houſe of the young lady to liflen and
ſpy out what was: tranſacting: he did
the ſame to the houſe of the Supreme
Viceroy. The firſt information he received
was, that the young Mandarine
Tieh-chung-u had not brought the bride
home to his houſe, but had gone to
refide with her at her father's. Soon
after it was— — him, that although
they
they were married, they ſtill continued
in ſeparate apartments. He afterwards
learnt, that theb ridegroowmas ſo enamoured
of his lady, that he had not
ſtirred from her for two or three
days. Theſe. different accounts ſomewhat
puzzled; Kwo-ſbo:ju their behaviour
was ſingular and myſterious, ſo
that he imagined there was ſomething
more than ordinary at the bottom. At
length from their living in ſeparate
apartments, he concluded that the matter
was neither more nor leſs than this,
that the marriage was only a feint, in
order to avoid the propoſals of Jahquay
and the Eunuch Chu. Well,
ſaid he, if they have not yet cohabited,
tis ſtill poſſible. to ſeparate them, and
ſpoil their marriage. Tab-quay muſt
be
NeTTMEe= E, EIeNeA EeeES,
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A CHINESE HISTORY. 49
be informed of this, and encouraged to
renew his a application : but then her
friends will refuſe him under pretence
of this marriage, and as ſhe ſeldom
ſtirs out, he will find no opportunity
to carry her away. Before he takes
any ſtepof this kind, it will be better
to ſet Chou-thay-kien atw ork: I will
go and perſuade that Eunuch to intice
this Tieh into his houſe; and when he
has him there to compel him at once
to marry his niece,” 2
Full of theſe deſigns he haſted to
the houſe of Chou thay- ien, to whom
he related as well the information he
ö | had picked up, as the meaſures which,
he thought neceſſary to be taken. The
= Eunuch thought them practicable, and
For. IV; E pre5o
HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
promiſed to give him notice, as ſoon.
as he had enticed the youth to his
houſe: deſiring him in that caſe to
come to him immediately. Ko. I- fi
was pleaſetdo fee him ſo readily adopt
his deſign, and promiſed nothing ſhould
delay or prevent his coming. Then
taking his leave he went home, impatiently
waiting till he ſhould be ſent
for. We 7 IS
Tieb- chung u, on account of his pretended
marriage had obtained leave
of the Emperor to abſent himſelf ten
days from court. Theſe were expired,
and he muſt now return: Shuey-ping-/en,
whoſe judgment and penetration were
admirable, ſeeing him about to go,
ſaid to him as follows, * Kwo-ſbo-ſu
4 having
²AOo»Ao na TES o aC T
eee"a e2ee e ee
˙nA¹˙Üär A
A CHINESE HISTORY. 31
having laid a plot with a viewto get
us both diſpoſed of, the one to Tab.
quay, and the other to the niece of
the Eunuch Chou, hath hitherto been
diſappointed : it is not however to be
- ſuppoſed that he will give us up fo
_ eafily : he will ſtill ſeek ſome way to
embroil us. With regard to abquay,
as he is not within the precints
of the palace, he would be
liable to reproof from ſuperior ttibunals
ſhould he do any thing amiſs:
and therefore I apprehend nothing
from him. But this Eunuch, who
is a domeſtic fervant of the Emperor's,
preſuming upon his favour, and
| knowing his mind, regards nothing
but his own inclinations. If therefore
you go to court, be fure be
RS HG upon
52 HAU KIQU cHOoAAN.
upon your guard againſt his attempts.“
Jou argue rightly, ſaid Tieb-chung-u,
and talk with your uſual judgment
and diſcretion. _ But this Eunuch is
of a mean, low caſt: what can he
do? what is there to be feared from
him?“ She replied, „Such perſons
it is true are deſpicable, and not to
be feared : but at preſent as things
are circumſtanced, and as he hath
got the ear of his Majeſty, it would
not be amiſs to be upon your guard.”
The young Mandarine agreed it would
be proper; then taking his leave of
her went to the palace. |
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As he was thence returning home,
who ſhould meet him but the Eunuch
himſelf, Holding up his hands, he
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A CHINESE HISTORY. 53
faluted the youth with great familiarity.
The latter would have proceeded
on his way, but the other
laid hold of his horſe's bridle, « I
was even now going,, faid he;:to ſend
to your houſe 'to defire to ſpeak with
you.? What buſineſs, ſaid Tiebthung-
u, can you have with me?
Your affairs and mine can have no
relation. My province lies without
the palace, and yours within?“ If
it were only on my own account,
replied the Eunuch, I ſhould not
have taken the liberty to ſtop you :
but J have buſineſs of the Emperor's
to impart. to you, which muſt not
be deferred: you had better then go
home with me, and let us talk it
over there,” |B efore I do that,
8 E 3 replied
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54 HAU KIOU CHOAAN,
replied 7ich-chung-u, you muſt tell me
plainly what your buſineſs is.” « Sir,
faid the other, do you think I would
ga. about to deceive you? or durſt
abuſe. the Emperor's authority? To
tell you truly then, his Majeſty hath |
heard that you are a fine poet; and
requires you to write ſome verſes on
two pieces of painting, whichh eg reatly,
values.” The youth inquired where
they were: and was anſwered, at his
houſe. Tich-chung-u immediatelrye -
collected the words of his lovely miſreſs;
but found he could not avoid the
ſnare,a st he other had got the Emperor's
order. He accordingly went home
| with Chou thay-kien. ZE
When they were got within his
A CHINESE HISTORY. 35
doors, the Eunuch ordered tea to be
brought and a table to be ſpread for
an entertainment. No! no! ſaid the
young Mandarine, the firſt things to
be attended to are the pictures, I dare
not enter on any thing elſe till they
are diſpatched.” Sir, replied the
other, you know very well what the
generality of us Euauchs are: we are a
fooliſh illiterate ſet of people : however
I cannot but take great ſatisfaction in
ſeeing a perſon of your ingenuity and
learning : I hope therefore you will honourme
fo far as to drink ſomething
with me: and will permit me to ſhew
the great reſpect I entertain for you.
I believe if I had ſent to invite you,
you would hardly have come: but as
his Majeſty's buſineſs hath brought
AEM E4 5 you
.
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56 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.'
you here, you muſt oblige us a little
with your company. And pray don't
look upon me in the ſame mean and
deſpicable light as the reſt of my brethren,
ſince I have obtained this great
honour :' upon which account I hope
you will overlook the liberty I take of
fitting down with you.” „Pray don't
talk in this manner, ſaid Tieh- chung-u,
are not we both the Emperor's ſervants?
But as there is his Majeſty's
order to be obeyed; let chat be firſt
diſpaiched, and afterwards we will converſe
together.“ Perhaps, replied
he, when that is performed, you will
not ſtay any longer. Well then; you
mall write upon one of the pictures
firſt, and before you take the other in
hand you ſhall do me the favour to
5 9 = drink
A CHINESE HISTORY. 37
drian liktt le wine.“ To this the young
Mandarine aſſented.
Chou-thay-kien then led him into a
hall, and callinga ſervant, ordered him
to take down a painthtati wans ghun g
up, and lay it on a table. Tieb- chung-2
found it to be a beautiful flower piece,
containing the picture of a double jaſmin:
then taking a pencil he n
wrote a few lines over it.
| He had ſcarcely dale, when word
was brought that the Mandarine Koſhorſu
was arrived. He was accordingly
deſired to walk in. The Eunuch
Chou told him he was very opportunely
arrived to meet with the
great Doctor Tieb-cbungu ; who was
come
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58 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
come there to write upon ſome pictures
by the Emperor's order,© And here,
faid he, he hath diſpatched one in leſs
time than you would drink off a diſh of
rea.” The Mandarine wo. ſpo- ſu told
him that thoſe that were maſters of their
art were generally expeditious. Pray
my Lord, ſaid the Eunuch Choy, be fo
kinda s to read the inſcription to me,
and tell me what it contains; that I
may the better talk of it to the Emperor
when I carry it to him.” The
other aſſented, Tieb- chung-u defiring him
to pardon and overlook the faults he
ſhould find in it. When XK wor- po- ſi
had peruſed the verſes, he cried out,
4 I'hey are written with a great deal
of ſpirit, and ſhew a fine underſtand-
. * ang.” The Eunuch appeared extreme-
"a8„eSeegta[5g aeeUe C eee eE Sr
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£6 175 ſaid he, you doi It with the greateſt
A CHINESE. HISTORY, 53
ly fatisfied with this account, and immediately
ordered an entertainment to
be ſerved upon the table. 7. leb chung · u
intreated, that he would permit him to
Ng both the pictures now he was about
But the Eunuch would not let him:
eaſe and pleaſure: why can t you then
| firſt. ſit down and regale yourſelf, and
afterwards. finiſh the verſes at IO;
leiſure "Ys
© 1 A P,, V.
| T wo —_ Gs . ery
Ho- ſis ſat down at the firſt: the
Eunuch with Tieb- chung - u at the ſecond.
After ſome little converſation
on indifferent ſubjects, Chou-thay-kiew
Aae him, eo the later, wd.
aid:
222—
yt -
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6 HAU KIOU cHOAAN.
faid : His Majefly being informed
of your great ingenuity, Kath ordered
theſe two pictures to be ſent here, that
you ſhould write ſomething upont hem:
but it was at my intreaty in order
to bring you to my houſe, "where I
have ſomething to impart to you of
great moment. It is alſo a peculiar
happineſs that this Mandarine hath
chanced to drop ii n, and that Tc an do
it in his preſence.** © What, ſaid Ktoo-
Jpo-ſu, have you of moment to im part
to this Mandarine in my hearing: 992
The Eunuch replied, If a drum bi
not ſtruck upon, it returns no ſound z if
a bell be not rung, it will not be heard;
excuſe me therefore if I enter at once
upon the matter in hand, without farther
ceremony, or delay. I have a
niece born with no great beauty; nor
isl | yet
A CHINESE HISTORY. 6
yet. very ill-favoured: but ſhei s very
good tempered, chearful and pleaſant.
she is now about eighteen years of age,
and yet I have not hitherto founda
proper match for her. Now, Sir, ſaid
he, addreſſing himſelf to Tieb-chung-u,
you are the man I would chuſe for her
huſband : ſhe is ingaged to no other
perſon: I have got the conſent of the
Mandarine your father : and yeſterday
I begged of the Emperor to have the
marriage performed: in order to which
he gave me theſe two pictures to ratify
the contract.“
How much ſoever Tieb-chung-u was
ſurprized, and chagrined to diſcover this
treachery, he endeavoured ro conceal
it from obſervation, He even aſſumed
62 HAU kiou CHOAAN.
an appearance of ſatisfaction, and told
the Eunuch he was extremely obliged
to him: that his propoſal was what
he could not poſſibly have refuſed, had
it been in his power to have accepted
of it; but that he was already married
to Shuey-ping-/m, the daughter of the
Lord Preſident of Arms: and that it
was impoſſible for him to be married
twice .
+Chou-thay-kien ſmiled and ſaid, . Sir,
* This is to be underſtood of a primary or
chief wife: it would have been an affront to
have thought of the niece of ſo powerful 2
Eunuch for a ſecondary one or concubine.
+ From this place to the end of the Hiſtory,
the tranſlation is carried on in the Portugue/e
language: which the Editor hath rendered into
Engliſh. rea.
you
A CHINESE HISTORY. 63
you muſt not think todeceive me, I have
examined the affair to the bottom:
your proceedings. were a feint, in order
to avoid marrying my niece; as alſo
to prevent the. addrefleso f 7.a h-quay
to the young lady: and as it was fo
eaſy to ſee through this impoſition, I
wonder you ſhould think of attempting
it.” | Tzeb-chung-u anſwered, © Your
Lordſhip ſurprizes me: in an affair
of any other nature, ſuch. an attempt
might be feaſible : but in ſuch a ſubject
as marriage, how can any impoſition
take place? If you are really
and truly married, ſaid the Eunuch,
why did not you conduct the bride
home to your houſe, but on-the contrary
go to reſide in that of her father?
Why alſo don't you cohabit with your
18 wife? ?
64 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
wife? Why do you continue in ſeparate
apartments ?˙² *I do not bring
home my bride, ſaid the Mandarine
Tieb, becauſe her father hath never a
ſon; I dwell therefore with him, in
order to attend and comfort him in
his old age: but whether we reſide in
the ſame apartments or not, is an affair
of no conſequence to any but ourſelves:
it is ſufficient that the marriage
hath been duely celebrated. Beſide as
your Lordſhip is continually with the
Emperor, how can you tell what paſſes
in the houſe of another perſon ? and
this being the caſe, you ought not
to believe any ſuch ſtory.” I ſhall
not enter any farther into the merits
of theſe reports, ſaid the other : it concerns
not me whether they are true
or
A CHINESE HISTORY. 65
or falſe: it is ſufficient that I have
ſpoke with his Majeſty about your marriage
with my niece: and have the
ſanction of his authority. It is in vain
thereforteo think to avoid it..Not
| z avoid it! faid Tieb-cbung-u. From
the remoteſt antiquity till the preſent
hour, it hath never been heaofr, dtha t
a man endowed: with reaſon hath been
married to one wife, and then taken
another . I have already eſpouſed a a
* young lady with all the due ſolemnitiesof
law; for this reaſon I muſt refuſe
all other: yet had you made me
be offer of your niece firſt, I ſnould not
have lighted it.“ Before you. had
_ in this manner, ſaid the Gus
* This is till to be underſtood of the primary
or chief wife. Vide notee ſupray p 62. |
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66 Hat KISU/ CHOAAN:
nuch, you ſhould have made it appear
- that you were really married.
When the bride is once carried to the
houſe of her huſband, then it may be reputed
a true marriage : then ſhe may
be conſidered as a firſt br ſecondary.
wife : but this cannot properly be done
ill ſhe is carried from ber on houſe.
And this ceremony the Rites require.”
I grant your Lordſhip, ſaid Jeb.
ehiing-u; that generally ſpeaking this is
_ Eſpecially in obedience to the expreſs
2 commands of a parent,” / 4 You talk
of obedience to your parents, ſaid Chouthey:
k ienP will you pay attention to
n 6 8 them,
A CHINESE HISTORY. 67
them; and neglect to obey the orders
of the Emperor? Do you think then
that the private | commands of your
parents are to take place of thoſe of
| his Majeſty?” « Far from it,” ſaid
Treb-chung-u; who began to be yexed,
to hear him talk in fo unreaſonable a a
manner: I only ſay that marriage
is a thing of great importance; and
ought to be conducted with regularity
and order: otherwiſe you violate
the laws and rites of the empire.
This is not a private affair between
your Lordſhip and myſelf, but a thing
of public concernment; and if his Majeſty
will be pleaſed to conſult all the
doctors of the empire, he will fee that
I am, right.” What occaſion for
ſo much trouble? faid the Eunuch:
157695 * Wb = — or
68 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
or why is it needfult o conſult all the
doctors, when there is preſent ſo great
aà doctor as No- Ho-ſ u, one who is fo
capableo f determining the queſtion ?”
Very true, replied the youth; will
your Lordſhip aſk him to Judge between
us?”
„ My Lord,” ſaid the Eunuch, addreſſing
himſelf to that Mandarine,
e you have been here ſome time liſtening
to the diſpute between this gentleman
and myſelf: be pleaſed to favour us with
your opinion of the caſe.” * If you
alone had aſked me, faid the Miniſter,
and if the Mandarine Tieb- chung- u himſelf
had not alſo applied to me, I ſhould
not have hazarded a word between you:
but as he alſo deſires it, I will ſpeak
according
wI.WWHnAySeoL0T* -E Nn>m E Ke . AmS , E eE gHI7tafndiocaCeteaIarbea tnb s a1t rei e rs nt rS, an1 y : R 1
FFP
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ba1h%:EoTB..o 4Tg: A;R IES s EdEO H.u E
a. | *7g* *- 4 a
PP
eTOAeSD eE,
A CHINESE HISTORY. 69
according to my conſcience, without
partiality to either ſide. With regard
to the rites of marriage, there are reaſons
within other reaſons, and the ſubject
contains ſome things ſo intricate,
that all the doctors in the empire cannot
infallibly decide upon it. But if
the queſtion turns upon the Emperor's
authority, I am of opinion that the
rites of marriage are ſubject to it, and
that he may over-rule them at pleaſure.
For if you look back through all ages,
you will find that the Emperor hath
power to change the laws of the realm,
and even to aboliſh the whole eſtate of
his Mandarinate, by which thoſe laws _
are executed and ſupported.” Tha
Eunuch Chou hearing theſe words,
could not conceal his ſatisfaction: he
laughed and ſaid, * Your Lordſhip is
9 „ certainly
70 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
certainly right, the Mandarine Tieb cannot
anſwer one word to this.
Then callifnorg a cup of wine,h e
took it in his hand, and preſented it
with great reverence to Awoſbo.- ſu , intreating
him to be brideſman or mediator
to the marriage of his niece. As
you have obtained his Majeſty's licence,
replied he, addreſſing himſelf to Chaythay-
kien, it is no longer left to your
diſcretion; I ſhall therefore act in that
behalf, for I dare not diſobey his Majeſty.
Then he drank off the wine .
_O which he addreſſed himſelf to
ieb- abung - u: * As the Emperor, ſaid
5 hath nnn to lend his ſancof
® This * to have been a qo form, "A
wh he teſtified his intention to act as brideſ- |
Man or mediator on this occaſion, |
tion
pua.EDWWePABEAnAnSnoEb e TNI ,Ole 8*N. YEs e1 - S 4 S T Re ; a r
1 oe
nIPErOeiStAwxeoSO Ur a L s
FPV
A CHINESE HISTORY: yr
tion to this marriage, you cannot refuſe
| your compliance, notwithſtanding your
prior engagement with Shuzy-ping-/in :
let me then adviſe you, Sir, to ſtand off
no longer, but e ſubmit, _ chap
all will be _ *. E BNN
Ande Tieb-c 17-4 was extremely
chagrined and vexed, and could
with much difficulty kept his patience :
he nevertheleſs found it neceſſary to
bridle his temper for many reaſons.
In the firſt place, he confidered that
they had made the point to reſt
upon the Emperor's authority: again
he reflected that the Eunuch
Choy had continual aeceſs to his Majeſty's
preſence, and would be able
to give what turn he pleaſed to the
T4; affair:
»2 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
affair: he was alſo fearful that being
within that Eunuch's houſe, he would
not ſuffer him to go out: he was
moreover. unwilling to quarrel openly
with Kwo-ſ60-ſu : he therefore anſwered
that Mandarine mildly z * I
have nothing to object to your Lordſhip's
opinion, and if his Majeſty hath
given his order, far be it from me to
diſpute it. But ſtill it is neceſſary
for me to go, and inform myf ather
and mother; that they may fix on
a fortunate day; and ſettle the terms
of the nuptial ſum : for I cannot pretend
to take upon me to do it without
their knowledge.“ Sir, faid the
-Eunuch, you only want to ſhift off
the affair; but it will not ſerve your
-turn: if youd o not comply, you ſhew
| contempt
CfA—C2 ot5s FF
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A CHINESE HISTORY, 73
_ contempt to his Majeſty's order: it
wholly depends upon yourſelf whether
you will obey it or not: you oveht
to obey, and not to ſtudy theſe excuſes,
This is a fortunate day : all that reates
to invitations is already performed:
the muſic is prepared : the banquet
ready : and here by great good fortune
is the Mandarine K*w0-ſbo-ſu to act as
brideſman: within is the nuptial chamber
fitted up for the bridegroom: let
us now celebrate your marriage with my
niece, and then I ſhall have diſcharged
the moſt important duty that relates
to this life. If you think, Sir, that
your father or. mother. will complain
of being neglected, you muſt lay the
blame on his Majeſty's order; and then
what complaincta n be made ? If you
1 make
14 HAU KtOU: cHOAAN.
make any ſcruple about "the nuptial
ſum, I will leave that entirely to yourſelves:
that ſhall make no ground of
diſpute.” « Really, Sir, ſaid Neo-
Ho-ſ u to the young Mandarine Tieb,
my Lord Chou-thay-kien diſcovers a great
affection for you; if now you make
any farther excuſes, you will certainly
paſfso r an ungrateful perſon.” The
young Mandarine replied, * Before
one can acknowledge a favour, one
ought to be certain of its propriety
and reaſonableneſs. I came hither to-
| day 'by his Majeſty's order to make
ſome verſes or encomiums on two pictures.
I have already finiſhed one;
the other remains to be performed :
and how can J dare tot akei nh and
2 70 other buſineſs till this is diſcharged?
A CHINESE HISTORY, yg
charged? Now I intreat your Lardſhip
to give me here the other picture,
that I may finiſiht ;a nd then J ſhall
be at liberty to enter upon any other
buſineſs.“ . Sir, ſaid the Eunuch, you
ſay very well: but the ather picture
is very large, and is laid up in an inner
apartment: as therefore it would oeaiaſion
a great deal of trouble to bring
ith ere, you had better go withitno it.“
Although Tieb-chung-u ſuſpected that
there was ſome ſecret deſign in this,
which he could nat at preſent diſcover,
he notwithſtanding thought it beſt to
comply : which he ſignified accardingly,
„ Well then, ſaid the Eunuch,
let us drink once more, afterwards we
will go within: for your Lordſhip is
TUM in propoſing, that o0 ne thing be finiſhed
76 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
niſhed before another be taken in hand.
The young Mandarine Tieb ſaid to himſelf,
When I have once diſpatched the
other picture, I ſhall perhaps find a
means to eſcape from this houſe.” Accordingly
riſing up from the table, he
ſaid, Come let us finiſh the verſes: I
will drink no more.” The Eunuch
Chou roſe up likewiſe, and ſaid, * Let
us go.“ The Mandarine Kwo-ſbo-ſu
expreſſed alſo an inclination to accompany
them: but the Eunuch gave him
a ſignal with his eye: pa immediately
that Mandarine ſtopped and ſaid; It
is not neceſſary that I be preſent at
the compoſing of theſe verſes, I will
wait for your return here without : and
chen you have finiſhed them [ will
compleat the .
| Then
A CHINESE HISTORY. 77
Then Chou-thay-kien conducted the
young Mandarine Tieb within: by
which means he fell into the ſnare: for
as ſoon as the other had led him into an
inner apartment he left him and withdrew;
two women ſervants immediately
| ſhutting the doors upon him. 2
CHAP. VI.
F1EH-chung-u being thus ſhut up
within the inner apartments of the
Eunuch's palace, found them all adorn -
ed and fitted out in the moſt ſplendid
manner. He entered one of the chambers,
which ſhone with the richeſt and
moſt elegant furniture; and faw in
it a lady ſeated in a chair, who was
n with jewels, and the coſtlieſt
ornaments
78 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. -
ornaments in great profuſion. . Tiehchung-
u ſeeing her thus dreſſed out
like a princeſs, compoſed the following
verſes in his mind.
I have ſeebne r figure, it is finely trick'd
_ out with ornaments,
But ber mouth is wide as the hw her
bead high-as a mountain. *
May the demons look upon ber, and bring
ber to ſhame *, |
This lady, who was no other than the
+ acai being the young: Mar-
29*77 Tb y words 9) the FIRE? tranſlation are,
Vis ſua fieura, ita bem ornada ; -
Mas a bica he grande e larga comoo L y tus
he alta como monte; |
Os demonios wvihde, faztm werftibdr.
This ſpecimen, may ſerve to> theyt hei ncorreftreſs
of the MS. verſion.” ,
darine
A CHINESE HISTORY. 79
datine enter, roſs up from her chair,
and made ſigns to her women to perform
their reverences to him: who
aſked himt o draw near, and converſe
with their lady. Far from complying
wich their requeſt he drew back; but
ſeeing all the doors were ſhut upon
him, and that there was no remedy,
at length he went ſome what nearer the
lady, and bowed to her very low,;
which done, he drew back a little a
before: all this while the lady never
opened her mouth. One of the moſt
aged of the female attendants ſeeing
this, came up to ſieb- bung a, and faid
to him: * Your Lordſhip came here
within the women's apartments to marry
my lady : * huſbanadnd wife being
This isa literal verſion of the Portugueſe, viz. *
Marido e mulher ſendo caxado, dous ſam ue bun corps
de huma carne. | |
| 2 | Once
?
8 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
once married, are both of one body,
of one fleſh.. You are now Lord of
all this houſe. ; You need not therefore
be reſervedo r baſhful: but may
come and ſit down here with your lady.“
I came here, ſaid he, by the
Emperor's command to write verſes
upon two pictures belonging to his
Majeſty : how then can you fay I
came here to marry? ” The pictures
you ſpeak of, ſaid the ſervant, are without;
if therefore your Lordſhip only
came on that account, why did not
you ſtay in the outer apartments ?
Obediencet ot he Emperor's command
did not require you to come in hither.
Theſe are the apartments belonging
to the women; which none
ever enter but my lady and ourſelves.
Tou could never have come
. e
A CHINESE HISTORY. 8r
here, but in order to marry her.“
« Your lady's uncle, ſaid he, the Eunuch
Chou, with many wiles inticed
me within: he hath deceived me. This
is very diſreſpectful treatment of one of
my rank, and is aanf front to his Majeſty,
by whoſe favour I am advanced
to be one of the firſt doors of the empire.**
„As your Lordſhip is now
here, | ſaid the ſervant, be eaſy and chearful;
why do you talk of any thing that
happened to you without ?” He replied
in a rage, * You are all of you
concerned in this picee of treachery.
Jour maſter hath enſnared me by pretending
the pictures were here within,
and this the Mandarine Kwo-ſho-ſu can
teſtify. But you are all of you deceived
in thinking to conquer me:m y name
Vol. IV. ga G EE”
82 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
is Tieb, that is Jon; my body, my
heart are all of iron, hard and inflexible,
it is impoſſible to move me.
I am more ſteady and reſolute than
thoſe two ancient heroes Lieu-hiauwhey
and Quan- in-chang * „ who are
ſo famous in hiſtory for being firm
*. The firſt of theſe is mentioned before in vol.
2. p. 69. as alſo in the following paſlage of a
Chineſe author, tranſlated by P. Halde. See
vol. 1. p. 439.
« You have heard of the celebrated Lieu-biau-
* aubey. Neither the moſt frightful poverty
„with which he was threatened, nor the firſt
4c rank of the empire, with which he was tempt-
< tered, could in the leaſt incline him to vice, or
draw him aſide from virtue.
The ſecond of theſe, Quan -in-chang, was a
great general, ſo remarkable for his brave and
gallant atchievements, that he is to this day revered
by the Chineſe ; who in remembrance of
his fublime virtue, adore him as a god, and ſet
phim ages inH onour of him in their idol- tem-
12
| x See before, vol. 3. P. 331: note,—See alfo
0 Kao. P. 125. we
A CHINESE HISTORT. 83
and unſhaken. But indeed what effect
can be expected from ſuch ſhallow
plots as theſe? This girl is not only
ugly: but alſo ſhameleſs. Notwithſtanding
her fine ornaments, I regard
her not: ſhe is a low and worthleſs
creature, and not to be regarded.“
The young lady, although at firſt ſne
was charmed with the graceful figure
of the young Mandarine Dieb, and
did not behold without ſome emotion,
the fine features, and fair complexion
of that beautiful youth; hearing this
abuſe, could no longer contain herſelf,
but broke ſilence, and ſaid, Sir, you
treat me very ill, niece as I am to a
great officer of the Emperor, and one
who ſtands continually in his preſence.
This honour puts him upon a level
55
84 HAU KIOU CHOAAN,
with any of the Mandarines, ſo that [
have a right to be conſidered with all
the diſtinction of a Siaum-Zſieh or Mandarine's
daughter *. His Majeſty hath
commanded a marriage to be concluded
between you and me: in which
there is nothing wrong or indecent,
Why then do you complain of plots |
againſt you ? How dare you preſume to
call me low and worthleſs. You diſgrace
the honour of my family. But ſince!
am ſo immodeſt and ſhameleſs, I will
make you know whether I am to be
regarded or not.” Then ſhe called
out to her women, Bring this fellow
here before me.“ All the attendants
went up to him, and ſaid, Our lady
orders us to bring you to her to Pay
See vol. 1. pag. 114. note. 21411
4 J : 7 — V her
A CHINESE HISTORY. 35
her the reverence and reſpect due to
her quality: if you do not comply,
we muſt force you.” Notwithſtanding
he was ſo much diſcompoſed and
chagrined, he could not help ſmiling
at them: but he neither ſtirred nor anſwered
a ſyllable.
The women enraged at this contempt,
fell all upon him at once, ſtriving
to force and drag him up before
their miſtreſs, not without great tumult
and diſturbance. Tieb- chung ·
however provoked at the ridiculous ſituation
in which he ſaw. himſelf, reflect.
edt hiat wtou ld be very indecent, and
unmanly for him to contend, and fight
with women: he therefore muſtered
up his patience, and comforted him-
V
#6 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
ſelf with the old proverb, „Who regards
the little demonsof the wood ?” *
Then drawing. a chair to him, he ſat
down: and while the women were
ſtruggling and talking round. him, he
remained calm and unmoved ; repeating
to himſelt the following verſes:
- Hard ſubſtances became ſoft »
80 fee turn t0 parte
- The Chineſe 1 ſuppoſe every ont af the
univerſe to be under the influence of good or bad
ſpirits, who have their reſpective diſtricts, This
premiſed, the application of the Proverb is obvious.
Nothing can place the feeble efforts of
theſe women in a more contemptiblel ight, than
to compare them to "thoſe little diminutive
fiends, who only preſiding over untrequented
ſolitudes, have very little Power or opportunity
of doing miſchief, notwithſtanding: their natural
malignity.
| The Porrugueſe words are Quem faga caſo dot
diabolbings do mate© 1 ſuppole iittr be Diaae
Hard .
A CHINESE HISTORY. 87
. Hard and ſoft at times are ſtrong
Mater is ſoft ; who can reſiſt its force“?
In the midſt of this diſturbance came
in the Eunuch Chou himſelf, having
entered through another door; who
booking round him, cried out to the
women, © What is the meaning of
this? Retire, How dare ye preſume
to offer this rudeneſs in the preſence
of people of quality? Then addreſſing
himſelf to Tieh- chung u on the ſubject
of the marriage, he ſaid, ** Well, Sir,
it is in vain to reſiſt; you had better
cop and put an end to all this
EP. The Partogneh words are,
Couſa dura chegou de eftar mole,
Couſa mole wem ſe fazer dura,
Dura e mole eſtas forte,
A agoa mole quem pode reſaſtir faa forga ?
05-4 © © 7"
88 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
diſturbance.“ He anſwered, „] don't
_ refuſe my compliance: but we mult
pay obediencteo the laws.” © Why
not ?” ſaid the other. Your Lordſhip,
replied he, forgets there is a
book of the laws, which contains an
injunction for the Mandarines within
the palace to have no dealings or
contracts with the Mandarines without
*. Now as there is this doubt
about the lawfulneſs of our engagement,
what matters it, if we defer its
ee for the preſent ?** That in-
Junction,
„This is a renulntion which the Chineſ Emrerors
have frequently found it neceſſary to re.
vive, in order to curb the exorbitant power of
the Eunuchs, and to break through their connections
with the other great officers. See P.
Da Halde, vol. 1. p. 226 &fc. e 44
N. B. By the Mandarines within he palace is
reculiarly meant the Eunuchs : theſe being by
perly
A CHINESE HISTORY. 89
junction, ſaid the Eunuch, is old and
obſolete: what occaſion to obſerve an
obſolete law? But it is neceſſary to
obey the preſent commands of the
Emperor, and to execute what he injoins.
The other is old and out of
date.“ Tieb- cbung- u replied, If your
Lordſhip would have me execute thoſe
commands, ſhew me your patent; that
I may firſt thank his Majeſty for his
favourable notice of me *. Nay, Sir,
| thew
perly the only domeſtics the Emperor hath : and
theſe are ſo numerous, that P. Semedo tells us,
in his time their number was ſeldom ſo ſmall as
| 12000. In the reign of a weak Emperor, the
Eunuchs generally gain the aſcendant, and grow
to an unſufferable pitch of inſolence. Since the
Tartar race hath been in poſſeſſion of the throne
of China, the number of theſe gentry hath been
leſſened, and their authority diminiſned.
P. Semedo, p. 114. & Auth, ſup. citat.
C Jei s an indiſpenſible duty with the Man-
| darines,
go HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
ſhew me the patent For how canI
| preſume to conclude this marriage,
thus hand over head, before I have
returned the Emperor thanks?”
While this contention laſted between
them, there came two little Eunuchs
in great haſte to the houſe of Chouthay-
kien : he was called out to ſpeak
to them. They told him that H. hiau,
General of the Tartarian frontiers, was
returned from the war, n. with
"8 to pay 7 acknowledgments to the
Emperor, upon every the leaſt notice taken
of them, by: doing him immediate homage:
which is — Ke by proſtrating themſelves
nine times on the ground before him, or in hie
abſence: before his empty throne.
See P. Du Halde, &c. **
The Chingſe title is T I which p.
Du Halde interprets Commandant General di
Melic, Voi Tom. 3. fr. index. 255
him
A CHINESE HISTORY. 91
him a multitude of priſoners: that
there were alſo come with him many ambaſſadors,
loaded with tribute of great
value“: and that the Emperor had ordered
a banquet for them. They added,
As the Mandarine Tieb-chung-u
was the patron and protector of the
General, his Majeſty commands him to
accompany them. The banquet is
prepared: we have already been at this
nobleman's houſe to ſeek him, but
he was not there; we were told be
«T he ideas of Anbaſſader and Tr — are ine
among the enden See vol. 2. p. 92.
288.
make it a geacral rule not to ſend any themſelves
to other courts. |V et they have _ once.
departed from this rule, in ſending a ſplendid
ambaſſage to Ruſia, in the reign of the 1 mpreſs
Anne.
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92 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
came home this morning with your
Lordſhip. We are accordingly come
hither to inquire after him: the meſſenger
of ſtate waits for him in the outward
court, and his ſervants are attending
there with his horſe. Pleaſe to inform
him to come away immediately.“
Not ſatisfied with this account, the
Eunuch Chou went himſelf to the gate
accompanied with the Miniſter Kzv0--
ſho-ſu: and finding it to be literally as
they had related, theſe two looked
at each other in great confuſion, not
knowing what to ſay; eſpecial ly when
they ſaw there was allo come the Mandarine
whoſe buſineſs it was to provide
the banquet, and that the ſummons
would admit of no delay. Finding
there was no remedy, the Eunuch
I. TS ordered
A CHINESE. HISTORY. 93
ordered the doors to be opened, and
Tieh-chung-u to be ſuffered to come
forth. The latter was wondering what
could occaſion this unexpected deliverance,
when the Mandarine of the
banquet, and the Emperor's meſſenger
informed him of the invitation, which
required his immediate attendance.
Chou-thay-kien greatly chagrined, ſaid,
* They ſay the Emperor commands
you to attend the banquet: his Majeſty
alſo commanded you to write the
verſes. Lou have finiſhed one picture,
yet another remains to be diſpatched.
To-morrow, when his Majeſty will
demand of me why they were not
done; what ſhall I anſwer ? You cannot
go ttill both are: finiſhed.” This
ke ſaid with a malicious deſign to
543152 em94
HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
embarraſs him, and render him incapable
of complying with the order.
But Tieb-chung-u anſwered, © I have
long been deſiring you to let me have
the other picture that I might diſpatch
it: yet you would not give it me.
This picture is here without, but you
deceived me, and inticed me to go
within : however bring the picture here,
and I will finiſh it.” The Eunuch
Chou brought him the picture; when
in a moment he finiſhed all the verſes,
end taking his leave, went away.
Chou-thay-kien who accompanied him
to the gate, returned to his friend woſhorſu,
and ſaid. What aſtoniſhing
abilities hath this young man ? And
who would have thought he could have
- _ eſcaped
A CHINESE HISTORY. 93
eſcaped the ſnare * ? This unexpected
meſſage from the Emperor hath broke
through all our meaſures.” They. remained
both of them enraged and
vexed at a diſappointment ſo little foreſeen.
After ſome time K#wo-fbo-/ie
broke ſilence, and ſaid, . Let us look
out for ſome other expedient. The
marriage with Shuey-ping:n is not
completed: it is well known that
they do not ſleep in the ſame chamber.
I will yet cauſe them to be ſeparated.
Think not I propoſe an impracticable
attempt. I will revive the ſuſpicions
that have been fo long dormant, with
regard to her carrying him home to
her houſe to attend him in his illneſs.
I will refute this pretended excule, and
Here is g tedious recapitulation in the orig.
- I accuſe
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96 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
accuſe them of diſorderly and unlawful
motives. I will relate this to the Cenſor
of the empire, whoi so bliged by his office
to report it to his Majeſty. I will tell
him, that after having had an unlawful
amour, they now would increaſe the
ſcandal by a patche·d u p marriage: and
1 will remonſtrate the contempt and reproach
this will bring on the laws: eſpecially
as they are people of ſuch rank
in the ſtate. Your Lordſhip ſhall lend
your aſſiſtance to forward and ſtrengthen
this accuſation. Then will his Majeeſty
ſummon the Tribunal of Rites
to examine into it: in the mean time, I
will apply to the Che- hien of the city
where the affair happened, and will get
him tot urn over all the papers of his ofkice,
ii n order to procure minutes of the
Y caſe
A cHñNESE | HISTORY. 9
caſe, Where with to ſtu pport the accuſation.
After this, the leaſt that can
happen will be their being divorced
and ſeparated for ever.“ True, ſaid
the Eunuch Chou; and when once they
are ſeparated, it willb ea n eaſy matter
to ſpeak to the Emperor about the
marriage with my niece;? Theſe re- "2
ſolutions. they formboteh dagr,eei ng
thati no rdtoe rernde r them effectual,
the utmoſt nee and cautionW
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'T7 E Ab bang bi ſet at
large by the invitation the Emperor
ſent him to the banquet, took
the firſt opportunity to adviſe with his
501, IV. H father,
——
- 181
98 HAU KIOU.CHOAAN..
father, concerning his ſituation with
Shugy-ping-fin. The Mandarine Tieh-
Ying aid, Notwithſtanydoui nbogt h
continue in ſeparate chambers, I am
of opinion that your marriage is
valid, and for life. But why don't
you bring your wife home to your
own houſe, that the world mabye th oroughly
ſatisfied of your nuptials, and
thus all occaſionof ſcandal removed?
on account of his niece. Go and con- |
ſult with your bride what courſe to
take in this critical juncture.“” He
accordingly went to the young lady,
and told her what hisf athehra d aid.
« My lord, ſaid ſhe with her accuſtomed
diſeretion, I am your ſervant and handmaid;
and will do whatever you ſhall
151141 S 1 Pre:
A CHINESE HISTORY. 99
preſcribe to me, in order to put an
end to theſe clamours. All this diſ-
5 turbance ſprings from the malice of
Kwo-ſho-ſu and his ſon. Let us then
with the greateſt expedition perform
whatever ceremonies remain unobſerved,
and thereby convince the world
that our marriage is duly” celebrated
according to law,” When 7 ieb-chung-u
found his lovely bride approved of his
father's advice of bringing her home
to his own houſe, it filled his heart
with extreme ſatisfaction: You, ſaid
he, are a lady chat always lend an ear
to reaſon, I will not fail to acquaint
my father and mother of our intentions:
nor will I on thiso ccaſion forget
my friend Hil-biau. 1 will then
| apply to the Tribunal of Mathema-
_ „„ tics
100 HAU kIOU cHoOAAN.
tics “ in order to chuſe a good day
for our nuptials, and will invite all
the Mandarines to the marriage feaſt.
The Kin- tien-xien or Tribunal of Mathematics,
conliſts of a preſident, two aſſeſſors, and
many ſubordinate Mandarines :w ho apply themſelves
to aſtronomy and aſtrology ;. compole the
imperial calendar, and diſtinguiſhthe days, hours,
&c. into fortunate and unlucky. _ |
It is an important branch of their office to
predict all eclipſes: of which they give ſchemes
to the Emperor, who lays them before the Tribunal
of Rites, and they diſperſe copies of
the ſame through all the provinces, to the end
that the ceremonies uſual on that occaſion may
be every where obſerved. Theſe conſiſt in
beating kettle-drums, &c during the eclipſe;
the' Mandarives: kneeling and making proſtrations
all the while; the common people at the
ſame time ſhouting, in order to fright away a
ſuppoſed dragon, whe they believe 1is about to
devour the fun or moon.
This tribunal alſo deputes five aſtronomers
every night to take their ſtand on the imperial
obſervatory, who every morning report whatever
Phenomena have occurred to them. |
P. Magal. p. 23 1. Mod. Un. Hiſt. viii, 186;
P. Du Halde. P. Le Compte, &c.
The
A CHINESE | HISTORY: 101
The truth is we have not complied
with the cuſtom which requires us to
preſent wine to each other +.”
| Kwo:ſho-ſu' hearing that the young
couple were preparing to celebrate their
marriage afreſh, was very much- difturbed
at it. He applied therefore to
one of the Mandarines, whoſe . buſjneſs
it is to accuſe all that are guilty of
_ enormities, and with many intreaties
prevailed on him to accuſe Tieb-chung-u
and the young lady before the Emperor,
199140. 4147 to 3 tf
*
I The cuſtom is upon the wedding night,
while the young couple are ſurrounded by all
their friends, for the bride to offer a cup of wine
to the bridegroom, which he drinks off; and then
offers ſuch another cup to her. 3
Tranſ.
3 - <6 T0
102 HAU KIOU HO AAN.
The accuſation was drawn ho in
the following terms.
« I Yang-yo, Cenſor * of the em-
6“ pure, with great reſpect and reve-
& rence preſent to your Majeſty this
paper of accuſation concerninga
& ſcandalous marriage, which violates
ec the law: anI ddo it in order that
« your Majeſty may examine into the
cc ſame, and find out the truth. Of
& the five ge: that _ to hu-
The title & this leer * a below in
the Portugueſe verſion is FU-SU [or XU] acuzador
e avixor do imperio: i. e. The Ju-sv, the
accuſer, and the leo of the empire.” But
as this title is mentioned in no other writer, and
as the office ſeems to be the ſame with that of
CENSOR deſcribed before, [See pag. 10.
nore] the Editor hath not ſcrupled to give that
« man
A CHINESE HISTORY. 10g
« man nature +, the firſt is marriage :
« it: ought therefore to be obſerved
% with-due care and attention, and with
“all theſe ceremonies,; which the Em-
66 perors have enacted from the remoteſt
antiquity. Now it is a thing
„ unheard» of that a young woman
« without father or mother ſhould re-
By theſe ve things are probably meant
thoſe ſeveral Relations of ſocial life, that gave
birth to the relative duties; which the CHineſẽ
diſtribute into five heads, and to which they reduce
all their morality. Theſe five duties are,
thoſeo f parents and children: prince and ſubjects:
huſband and wife: elder and younger brethren:
and friends with regard one to another,
See P. Du Hale, vol. 2. pag. 37. GMC.
Now although the Clint commonly look
upon the relation between, parents and, children,
as firſt in point of importance: yet in ſome reſpects
the precedence , may be alſo: given to
that of marriage, as it comes fi in order of
time, and as moſt of the other relations ſpring
from it. :
x - 6. x PF 0677 - % 541110
R
104 HAU KIOU cHOAAN.
et main under the ſame roof with a
“% young man equally removed from
cc his own parents, and that without
the interpoſal of any mediator. or
„ brideſman, or without the know-
C
* ledge and privityo f any. [All this
* hath happened, and] the parents of
& the offenders are the Mandarines
& Shuey-keu-ye and Tieb ing, both great
* officers of your Majeſty's council.
« Who at length, after the fact is
become notorious to all the world,
< are preparing to patch up a mar-
<< riage between the guilty pair; which
e they have the confidence to. celee
brate with great feaſting and pa-
* rade: mean while, as the nuptial
te proceſſion marches along the ſtreets,
$9 all the people are murmuring and
et “laughing
A CHINESE HISTORY. 105
“laughing at a thing ſo unheard: of
{© among perſons of quality. All theſe
facts coming to the ears of me your
© Majeſty's ſubject, I durſt not but
inform you of them, that the offenders
might be chaſtized for an examte
ple to others.? T
The Mandarine Vang- yo having preſented
this paper, it was referred to
the council named Ko-chung + : which
confulted upon it, and made this report,
What affects the fame of a
None of the writers that the Editor hath
been able to conſult, give any account of this
tribunal, which is elſewhere in the Portugueſe
MS. called Ko- chin. After all; the Portugue/e,
which is very much corrupted in this place, will
bear to be rendered, A councellor named Ko-
** chung who deliberated upon it, &c.“
* virgin
106 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
virgin ought to be very clear. Here
c ig no teſtimony, only hearſay in |
the ſtreet; It ought diligently: to
< be inquired what evidence chere int o
5 3 this . tin!
EEO 8 irt E19
The mh Choi was every day
importunate with them to purſue the
inquiry with more rigour. Nevertheleſs
it was not till after a conſiderable
time that the accuſation was ſent
to the Tribunal of Rites, for their farther
inquiry. The Eunuch Chou vexed
at this delay, applied to the Grand
Eunuch, who is Preſident of all the
Eunuchs of the palace *: and imme-
»The Eunnchs of the palace are under cognizance
of various tribunals of their own; where
all regulations relating to them are enacted, and
to which alone they are accountable.
P. Semedo, pag. 114. | =
Tk diately
A CHINESE HISTORY. 107
diately a petition was iſſued out for the
Emperor's' own inſpection: who upon
peruſal of it ſaid, * As''Tieb-chung-it
eig a young man, the pretence of
« his going to be cured and nurſed
« in his illneſs in the houſe of a
« young woman, is n to be
6 ſuſpected. = TY
While the Tribunal of Rites was
deliberating what anſiver to return to
his Majeſty, the news arrived to the
Mandarine 'Tieh-ying, who gteatly alarmed
related to the young couple
what he had heard. The Mandarine
Vang-yo, ſaid he, out of enmity which
he bears you, hath delivered in a petition
againſt you to the Emperor;
it behoves you therefore to conſider
e 1
108 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
well, what defence you are to make;
and to draw up'a petition in your own
behalf.“ The young couple replied,
„We have long been apprized that
this would happen, and are accordingly
prepared: let us ſee what anſwer
his Majeſty hath diſpatched, and we
ſhall draw up a ſuitable memorial.”
The Emperor referred the petition
abovementioned to the Tribunal of
Rites. That tribunal diſpatched it
away to the province of . for
the Viceroy to make inquiry. The
Miniſter Kwo-ſbo-ſit upon the firſt notice
of this, immediateſleyn t inſtructions
to his ſon to gain the Che- hien of
the city over to their intereſt; with
n view he ee him to ſpare no
expence,
A CHINESE HISTORY. 103
expence, and furniſhed him with a letter
written to that Magiſtrate with his
own hand. Kwo-kbi-tzu greatly delighted
with the proſpect that ſeemed
to open before him, immediately got
ready a hundred pieces of gold “, in
order to accompany his father's letter
to the Che-hien. The name of the
The Portugue/e expreſſion is, Pass de ouro, i. e.
„Loaves of gold;“ and this is the name which,
moſt nations have agreed to give to the uncoined
pieces of gold which the CHineſe uſe in traffic.
Theſe pieces are of two ſizes, the greater are commonly
worth more than 1ool. ſterling, and the
ſmaller about half as much, or according to their
weight: for neither gold nor ſilver coin is current
in China, all their payments being made by
weight. For this reaſon every Chineg/e merchant
is always furniſhed with very fine ſteelyards
and a pair of ſhears for the more ready
dividing their metal into the requiſite ſums,
which they will do to any given yalue with the
greateſt exactneſs. I bj.
This may ſeem an aukward method of proceeding,
10 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
Mandarine whoa t chis juncture poſſeſſed
that office was Wey pbey; being
the ſame perſon whom Tich-chung-uchad |
formerly befriended in reſcuing and reſtoring
to him his miſtreſs. This gentleman
was but newly promoted to his
3 1 the Sage aar e fac\ h ſabtle* exquiſite
cheats, that were money to paſs among
them by tale, as in other countries, it would give
birth to continual adulterations. For the ſame
reaſon, when the Chineſe tranſport theſe Pas
de ouro into other countries, the mercharits cut
them through the middle, not daring to truſt that
_ crafty people, who have a method of ſtuffing
theſe pieces, inſomuch that withinſide ſhall be
ſometimes found a third part of copper or ſilver.
— But except it be in large ſums,” | ont is
ſeldom uſed as a medium of traffic.
N. B. The only coined money current in China,
conſiſts of ſome very ſmall copper pieces,
who have each a hole in Hy middle for the
convenience of ſtringingm any of them together.
Ten of theſe are not woreh, above a
half. penny.
See Tavernier part 2. pag. 8. f. Du Halde,
vol. 1. p. 330. |
office
A CHINESE HISTORT. 1:1:
office when NoE-he· t zu preſented | to
nim the hundred pieces of gold together
with his father's letter. The other
had no ſooner peruſed it, than he was
greatly ſurprized to find not only the
miſchief intended againſt his benefactor,
but that he himſelf was deſired
to be inſtrumental in it. Nevertheleſs
he concealed his ſentiments with
ſeeming approbation; „ Very well,
ſaid he; I accept your preſent; when
th1e I arrives, I will not neglect
_ Kwo-khei-tzu was ſatisfied with
tias e and withdrew. The Governour
Wey-phey called. together all
| the clerks belonging to the tribunal *,
"re os 110
9
bos y to every tribunal there are various
Notaries, clerks, &c. who have ſmall
| _ houſes
112 HAU KIOU cHOAAN.
and ordered them to examine into the
affair of Tit eh-chung-u, and to inform
him upon what pretence that youth was
received into the houſe of Shuey-pingin.
They all agreed that the young
lady took him in, outof gratitudfeo r
having reſcued her from K-h- tzu,
who was carrying her off by force:
and that this was notorious to all the |
world. The Mandarine Hey-phey in-
9 uited howfa r their behaviour together
afterwards was decent and- blameleſs.
* houſesi n the adjoining courts; Thaere ymai ntained
at the public expence, and enjoy their
places for life: ſo that buſineſs goes on without
interruption, notwithſtanding that the Mandarines
their maſters are often changed;
N. B. In each of the tribunals there are public
regiſters, where every thing tranſacted before it
is entered and recorded. .
P. Da Halde, vol. 1. pag. 284. Lettres edif.
They
A CHINESE HISTORY. 112
They replied, We know not: but the
Pao Cbe- hien your predeceſſor, having
the ſame doubt of their virtue, employed
a ſpy to pry into their conduct;
who was accordingly concealed
for ſome time“ within the houſe:
and this man gave ſuch an account of
their behaviour, that the Pao Cbe- bien
= conceived a great regard for the young
ſtranger, and reverehdim as af aint.”
The governor Mey. pbey ordered before
him the ſpy abovementioned,
as alſo the ſuperior of the Pagoda,
where Tieh-chung-u had lodged. He
examined them both ; and both. agreed
The MS. _ Three lies Ades 2
but this is neither credible in itſelf, nor ſupported
by the — part oft he ory. dee Wal.2 .
chap. 4. By | A
Vor. IV. 5 in
114 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
in eſtabliſhing the purity of that gen
| tleman's, conduct. Highly fatisfied
and rejoiced with this reſult of his
inquiries, Wey-pbey only waited for the 1
arrival of, the diſpatches from the
Tribunal of Rites, and from the Viceroy,
in order to make his report. After
five days the diſpatches arrived.
He immediately. returned back to the
Viceroy. a- ſatisfaQtory anſwer. That
Mandarine acknowledged the affair
bore ave ry reputable aſpect, and immediately
tranſmitted the account to
the court. The Tribunalo f Rites
expreſſed great ſatisfaction at the clear
and unblemiſhed conduct of Jiebchung-
u, whom they looked upon as
a ſaint, and percetihev mealdic e of
Kwo-ſpo-ſu ; nevertheleſs being obliged
2 to
to obſerve all the due forms of law,
they informed that Mandarine of the
ſatisfactory account they had received
of Tieb-chung-u's conduct, and invited
him to come and peruſe. it himſelf.
| Kwo-ſpo-fu was greatly inraged at the
peruſal, and threw out many reproaches
on the governor Wey-phey, © He is
but newly made a doctor, ſaid he,
and juſt .come to his office, how can
he know the truth of this affair? He
is very hardy and raſhi to pretend
to acquit this criminal upon ſuch flight
pretences: I cannot ſuffer this boldneſs
to paſs unnoti 2 He therefore
applied to the fupe rior Mandarine
·st oc all Wey-phey. to account for his
preſumption. With this view Yang-
3 preſented another petition. to the
| 1 "os I Em116
HAU KkIOU CHOAAN.
Emperor: who accepted it, and gave
orders for Wey-pbey to be fummoned
to court, in order to juſtify his conduct.
Wey-phey received this ſummons
from the Viceroy: together with
private notice to makthee be ſt preparations
he could for his defence,
for that he had powerful enemies to
contend with. M.p beyw aited on the
Viceroy to return him thanks for his
advice, and withal aſſured him that
he had nothing of which he could
accuſe himſelf, and therefore was under
no apprehenſion of the event.
Then taking with him the ſpy, who
had been employed by his predeceſſor,
as wage nea s ara of the! Bonzees,
Ce erg ah aaa. together
25 .» The:" Ching authorb een,i n the following
| pars
A CHINESE HISTORY. 117
together with the letter of Ko. ſboſu,
and his preſent of the hundred
pieces of gold,he ſet out for the
court. As ſoon as he arrived there,
he durſt not preſume to preſent himſelf
before the Emperor, but went and
demanded audience of the Hing: pu, or
Tribunal of Crimes +. It was inquired
of him at that tribunal; how it
happened, that he who was but newly
promoted to his office, could pretend
to decide ſo poſitively upon the
conduct of Tieb- chung-u, and the young
. And * 85 ROY
nt of the ſtory to have FOR this circumſtance:
for this witneſs is never produced af-|
terwards. It is alſo ſome imputation on the
Author's juſtice, that this Bonzee1 1 8 * puniſh
2 along with the other criminals, * 8
1 vol. z.p . 127. note.
1 "42 bribed
Go ad 3
n
118 HAU klo HOAAN.
bribed to acquit them? Ng. pbey anſwered,
As I was promoted by his
Majeſty to the honourable Tribunal
of Cbe· bien, it behoved me to examine
clearly into all matters that came
before it. It is true, my own perſonal
knowledge of this affair cannot
inable me to decide upon it: but [
not only inquired of my clerks and
officers all they knew about it themſelves,
but alſo what teſtimony they
had to ſupport their account: the)
referred me to a perſon, who was employed
by the Pao Che-bien my predeceſſor
expreſsly as a ſpy to obſerve the
conduct of the young people, and from
him I learnt a clear ſtate of the caſe.
Your Lordſhips have aſked if I re-
5 no bribe Tom. Tieb- chung u.
L have
A CHINESE HISTORY. 29
1 have received nothing from that
Mandarine. But from No. ſbo-ſu T
have received not only a letter written
vith his own hands, but alſo a hundred
pieces of gold from thoſe of his
ſon. Here is the ſpy, who is witneſs
to the truth of the account, and here
is alfo the letter and the geld.“ The
Mandarines at the fight of this, were
aſtoniſhed and confounded ; and finding
no cauſe to blame Yey-phey, difmiffed
him with orders to await the
Emperor's farther pleaſure, and to attend
them again upon the firſt ſummons.
Then Mey. pbey performed the
accuſtomed reverence, and withdrew.
e 06 MB.
| 120 HAU KIQU CHOAAN,
7-10.40. Gra Bug VIII.
HE Mandarines that compoſed
the Tribunal of Crimes ſeeing
there was no remedy, and that they
could not favour the cauſe of Kwo- |
Hocſ u without danger to themſelves,
applied to the Tribunal of Rites to
preſent a memorial to his Majeſly,
to acquaint him. with what they had
done. The Emperor peruſed it himſelf,
and ſaid, This is a rare incident.
If this report be true, we
have in our realm a moſt excellent
perſon. The Eunuch Chou, who ſtood
in his Majeſty's preſence, faid, „ This
report comes from a new governor,
who could not know the affair of his
own
A CHINESE HISTORY. 121
own perſonal knowledge; if I might
therefore preſume ſo far, I would
queſtion the truth of this report: for
if there was nothing wrong, why did
not his father come to acquaint: and
- conſult your Majeſty upon the caſe.
The young people in the firſt place
come together, and afterwards marry.
The Emperor conſidered a little
with himſelf, and then replied; Tou
are right. Order each of the parties
concerned to draw up a petition for
my peruſal, I will afterwards examine
into the affair myſelf.” When this
order came to the two young perſons
and theirp arentsth,e y remained very
Joyful and well pleaſed: the Miniſter
Kwo: ſbo-ſu was no leſs affected with
cogcerp and dread: he thought toh ave
wrought
122 HAU KIOU CHO AAN.
wrought the downfall of others, and
ſaw the evil [ready to] fall upon him-
' elf. In the difficulty in which he
found himſelf plunged, it occurred
to him to repreſent in his petition |
e overtyres/ of martizge that bad
been made by his ſon, and to aſſign
favour his cauſe : he therefore gave in
ee to the 5 effec.
* 1 your Majeſty's vaſſal En
« this petition concerning the affair
2 ſchat hath fo lately happened. The
r truth is, I wasat firſt diſpoſed to
. marmry yſo n-to the daughter of
« Shaey- ken-, and for that reaſon
* applied to her father in his behalf:
* * but afterwards hearing many things
a pre%
How then could my ſon be ſup-
« poſed likely. to make an attempt
upon her by force * ? I ſubmit this
“to Jour M ajeſty 8 conſideration,”
4 8 ſaw ba ide 1 his
monks and inſtantly preſented another
to the Emperor in anſwer to it,
&« ] Tieb- chung · u in obedience to your
Majeſty's orders, make this my pe-
+ tition, ſpeaking truth without guile.
I did not preſume. to trouble your
$ Mans n. on this * as
1
* * The trapftion 3 3 2 harſh and |
abrupt: it ought however to be obſerved, that
the Emperor had been made acquainted with this
circumſtance fam the 15 I relating to
Ne Nel
„the
——
———ͤͤ —ä —
a ——A
—K A ——— — A CHINESE HISTORY. 123
66 prejudicial to the fame of | the young
« lady, I laid aſidmey intention.
F- T4 S
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124 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
«the affair was trifling, and related
« only to a ptivate family. I was tra-
« yelling through the provinces, by
« permiſſion of my father, when lo!
s in the city of T/&-nan I was in-
« terrupted by a great tumult and
« diſturbance in the ſtreets: I inqui-
«red the cauſe; and learnt that the
ct ſon of Kwo-ſbo-ſu was carrying away
* the daughter of Shuey-keu-ys, in or-
<« der to marry her by force. Hearet
ing of this outrage, though I was then
< but a ſtripling, I was filled with int
dignation, and ſaid, in marriage
te the conſento f both parties, and
4 other ſolemn rites are neceſſary.
«© The Che- bien yielding to my remon-
10- ſtrance, cauſed the lady to be carried
«back to her houſe. All this while
4 1 bad no — Knowledge of
of the
A CHINESE HISTORY. 125
« the parties : nor had any other view
« but to promote peace and con-
« cord, The ſon of Kwo-ſho-ſu finding
« that I had hindered his unlawfut
« deſigns, entertained a violent hatred
e againſt me. I was lodged in a Pagoda
e or convent. + He applied to the Bonrte
of the convent to give me poĩ-
« ſon. It was accordingly adminiſter-
« ed to me in my victuals. I was
« ſeized; with violent illneſs, and at
the point of death. Shuey-ping-/in
« diſcovering that I was dangerouſly
e ill upon her account, was greatly
concerned, and cauſed her people
to convey me to her houſe, I was
© then too much diſordered to know
* any thing of the matter: but ſhe
did it purely out of gratitude to
_ 6 repay
x26 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
K tte te ie
e had done her. While I was in
< her houſe I obſerved the ſtricteſt
v modeſty* , nor gave the leaſt oc-
& caſion for ſcandal. With. regard to
<< the marriage contracted with her
< afterwards, I did it in obedience
<< to myf ather and mother; and this
«© was "Owing to my having been « ſurety f for the” general Eidl ia,
<. who by the victories he obtained,
brought the young lady'sifather out
„ of a long exile, which he had ſuf-
4 fered at the inſtigationo f No-
* ſo-fie, The general obſerving that
] was young and unmarrieidn, or-
Iterally it is, J was very clean.
+ Protector. Port. |
| | "CC der
A CHINESE HISTORY. 127
„der to return the benefits I had
done him, became mediator and
« brideſinan in my behalf, and apc
plied to Shuey-keu-ye to give me his
daughint maerrriag e. All this they
«concerted among themſelves with-
« out my knowledge. But notwith-
«- ſtanding the marriage hath been twice
e folemnized, it is not yet conſum-
* mated: fo careful have we been
ahout our reputation and good fame.
We have even lived together under
« the ſame roof with all the inno-
„ cence of infants, This I here ſet
forth in my petition conformably tt o
* n * 8 N 5 5
7 The your huty in like manner preſented
her en to the Emperor.
«© I Shuey-
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28 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
I Shuey-ping-/in in conformity to
« your Majeſty's. command, make
«* this. true memorial. I was left an
<* orphan by the death of my mother,
and by my father's baniſhment : I
c remained alone in my houſe, where
J lived in the greateſt reſerve and
“retirement . In this ſolitude how
<* could I make a marriage - contract?
All ¶ the preſent diſturbance] ſprings
« from the Mandarine Kwo-/bo-/u.
His ſon, who is of the ſame city
with myſelf, held me in ſuch
«contempt, as to form deſigns
fy of marrying me by force: he got
e me into bis power by a coun-
& terfeit een from aa .
. The literal eiteni Ws, Y my.g at
ns * ſhut.“ 1904 THE A
| 60 8
A CHINESE HISTORY. 129
4 As he was carrying me away We
«wemret eby Tieb-chung-u: W ho ſse-
« ing this outrage applied to the Che-
« zien in my behalf. That Magiſtrate
« ordered me to be carried back to my
e houſe. Krvboe-- xu , inraged at his
« diſappointment; conceived violentha-
« tred againſt myd etiverer, and ſought
« all means of revenge. The latter be-
« ing lodgeidn àC onvent, the other
„ commanded the Bontzo geivee h im
« poiſon'z which brought himt o the
point of death. Hea ring of his dan-
40 ger, by reſolved to run the riſl of
* my reputation,” rather than let my
« benefactor periſh. I ordered him
5 therefore to be conveyed to my
« houſe, that I might ſuperintend his
* cure. IJ remained under thſe ame roof
{You IV, RC with
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130 HAU klo CHOAAN.
« with him, with the greateſt * purity
« and modeſty,yithourgny bad thought.
« He is no leſs innocent. Whateyer
* is repreſented as diſorderly. in qur
«* marriage is falſe. It was undertaken
4 and conducted by my father. The
General Ha. biau was brideſman or
< mediator, and gave himſelf the trou-
< ble of ſettling the contract. But
although we are married, we have
not yet cohabited. This being a
private concern between man and
wife, we thought it unneceſſary to
< liberty I take now is in obedience
to your Majeſty's. command, to
< whoſe wiſdom. I refer the Je
L of my cauſe.” |
9 Lu Non Veryc l and pure.“ The
A. CHINESE HIST ORT. 131
The Mandarine Tieh-ying preſented
likewiſe Aa memorial t to the . 8
Ki 7
. 1 thea Ti or Pa of
«. the Viceroys, Tb vg by name, with
great reſpe&t' and reverence preſent
this memorial to your Majeſty. The
rites of marriage ought to be
«obſerved by the father and mother”
of each party. When a father wants
to marry” his ſon, it behoves him
to ſeek out a woman of honeur
and virtue. My fen, who is eree
ated one of the firſt doctors of the
e empire, cannot but underſtand all
the Ceremonies and cuſtoms: much
** leſs could he dare to violate the laws.
« We being your Te el 8 n and
advanced to the hon
4 2
132 HAU KIOU CHOAAN,
< of Mandarines, could not preſume
<« to take any ſteps that were not le-
«< gal. The young lady Shuey-ping-/in
ce hath too much virtue and good
c ſenſe: to conſent to any ſtep inju-
« rious to ber reputation. Whatever
therefore is repreſented as dif
cc orderly in their marriage, is contracc
ry to truth. But all theſe troubles
cc are brought upon me through the
c hatred and envy. of certain perſons.
< This memorial I make in obedience
* to your Majeſty, whoſe wiſdom will
clearly diſcern the truth.“
The father of the young lady preſented
* his . " cre
> St 1 the P >reficent Tl the Tribunal
bs 8 8 1 60 of
A CHINESE HISTORY: 133
= of, Arms, named Shuey-key-ye,, with
« great reverence, and reſpect preſent
e this memorial to your Majeſty.
e In marriage, there ought to be the
„ intire conſent, of both parties, free
« from, all force and compulſion.
With reſpect to my daughter,
« ſhe would by no means be pre-
2 vailed on to marry Ko- Es- zu; 5
te whoſe father being one of your | Ma-
« jeſty's great councellors, and having
charge of the whole empire, ought
© to. know all the laws and cuſtoms.
* And yet hath he been guilty, of the
e oreateſt outrage, and ſtill perſiſis in
< preſenting memorials to your Ma-
« jeſty full of lies and falſehood, de-
* faming the honour of ladies, prince
cipally that of my daughter; who
7
i 1
|
= 4
14
|
134 HAU KIoU CHOAAN,
bath already preſented cher memo-
&« rial, which I an 8 to refer t to
4 er. e
. 1* ( =". : 4 14
Ipy T tekf ive libel or memorials were
| preſented: to the Emperor. His Majeſty
received them, and calling together all
the Mandarines 'of his council into his
palace, he required them to take the petitions,
and examine them carefully.
They obeyed his commands, and were
agreed as to the truth of the facts, viz.
That NeoEbe-- t ʒu had carried away the
lady by force: and that Tieb- cbungu
was in her houſe to be nurſed ihni s
Illneſs: but whether their behaviour
together afterwards was as pure and
unblemiſhed a| s was repreſented, they
could not determine. To this end
A CHINESE HISTORY: 135
it was neceſſary to inquire of the Man-
| darine, who filled the poſt of Gbedien
when the affair happened. Immediately
ah order was iſſued out
to cits that Mandarine before them:
who accordingly arrived. The Emperor
himſelf examined him. You
that were then Che- hien of that diſtrict,
are you acquainted with the affair between
Tieb ·c hung ua nd Shuey-ping-/in ?
Take here theſe five memorials, conſider
thoroughly on which fide lies
the truth, and tellm e truly as far as
you know; otherwiſe you ſhall be puniſhed
in the ſame manner as the offenders
themſelves.” The Pao Chebien
peruſed the papers, and aſſured
kis Majeſtthayt a s far he had op-
Nane; of knowing, the defendants
CATH K 4 .
136 HAU KIOU cHOAAN.
had aſſerted nothing but the truth; that
indweithe redgar d to the regularity
of their marriage afterwards, he was not
able to pronounce about it, as it had
been5 eee a3t 5
The ett Chou told a e
ths with reſpect to every thing that
paſt before, it might poſſibly be true;
but after having been twice married,
it was not credible that they had obſerved
ſo ſtrai chcaſttity , as they would
inſinuate. The Emperor agreed that
his remark was juſt. Then he iſſued
out an order for all the Mandarines
of the court to meet together at the
palace the next morn ning; and for Tiebchung-
ua nd the 23 dt;t o attend
them.
| .C 1 A P.
A CHINESE HISTORY: 137
3
5110n 1A f.I X. Tet 6 7
HE next morning when all the
Mandarines were aſſembled in
the palace, together with 7 jeb-chung-u
and his bride, the Emperor himſelf
| came amongſt them. [When they had
| performed the profound reverence * due
to his preſence,] his Majeſty ordered
7 ieb-chung-u to ſtand forth before him.
He obeyed; and the Emperor ſeeing
him to be a very graceful. and well
made youth +, was pleaſed with his
This isd one by proſtrating themſelves nine
times before his throne, each time * their
forchead againſt the ground, _ =
See P. Du Halde, ce. .
+ It ſhould ſeem from hence 5 1 not
before perſonally known to the Emperor, notwithſtanding
he was appointed tutor to his ſon-
TI is very credible,
[
|
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2law""IAEEbT1—eitE— 0 IT —SE2—,r W 0 P : 8 E v IE ASTY
To—<**r3n:-7= s— F
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n=— 8y
——P. y
18 HAU KIOU. CHOAAN.
appearance: What, ſaid he, are you
the perſon that broke open the gates
of Tah-quay, and reſcued the old man
named Han-juen, together with his
wife and daughter ?” He anſwered.
in the affirmative. Was ity ou alſo
that was protector of the general Z4-
hiau?” He ſgnified| h isa ſſent. 4 Theſe
two exploit, ſaid his Majeſty, indieate
a diſpoſition highly to be applauded;
you. muſt certainly. have great courage.
When you went to the houſe
of Shuey-ping-fin. in order to, be nurſed
in; your, illneſs, to. remain under the
ſame roof with her five nights and days
pure and undefiled, is ſuch conduct as
was never heard of from the earlieſt
ages untif how + it is very extraor-
9; 1010
dar. Iph isa lotr ue?1 2 7r eb-chung-u
470 ſaid,
-
—
A cHINESE HISTORY; 339
ſaid; 4. It is very true. A ſincere
and Jul man, faid. his Majeſty, may
(ſometimes] be met with, but one
like you it is difficult to find. But
you ſay in your petition you were
twice marriedz how happened that2 ,
, -
* * "% ' 6 * 3 "IE 1 75
I 121114
Jieb. chung u anſwered, When I
was carried to the houſe of the young
lady to be nurſed in my illneſs, there
vent abroad many evil reports concerning
us this occaſioned us to be
married twice. For when our parents
agreed upon the marriage covenant,
if we had come together at firſt, our
integrity would always have remalned
in doubt: for the ſame reaſon we have
hitherto reGded in different apartments.
And» Majeſty hath called our
3 | CON »
—62—
-—* x
140 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
conduct in queſtion, we two have been
as the ſun among clouds: now we
are in your Majeſty's preſence, |w e beſeech
you to cauſe the ſun to come
from behind that obſcurity. The
Emperor liſtened to him with great
attention, and ſaid, According to
your accoSub unch-t pi ng fn is yet a
virgin.“ He then ordered that young
lady to ſtand forth before him: and
when / ſhe "appeared he thought her
beautiful as an angel. He aſked if
her name was buch- ping Hin. She anſwered,
Tes.“ The Mandarine,
faid he, that was Che- hien of your city
hath told me, that three times with
great ingenuity you delivered yourſelf
out of the handso fR usAl.tt e u. Was
itſ o orn ot! aer Ir replied,
Cc I am
A CHINESE HISTORY. 141
I am a poor weak girl: Ko- Kb. tau
foundm y father was baniſhed into
Tartary, and therefore endeavoured
to marry me by compulſion. Finding
that I was unablteo reſiſt his
power, I was obligetdo practiſe
ſome artiſice to deliver. myſelf out of
this, laughed and ſaid, Lou that
were afraid of K¼πẽ mL, be- tau, how durſt
you take a young ſtranger into your
houſe to nurſe him? Were not you afraid
that people would raiſe evil reports |
of you?” She replied, When I was
called upon to return benefits ſo. great
as thoſe 1 had received, as longer
regarded fame or report. The Emperor
laughed again, and ſaid, In
3 the, when you hardly knew
Tieh-
+=
r
T—.—=r P—
—— o ”s .
*
142 Hau klo cHoRAN.
Tiebo chung -, ka took him in without
regarding the murmurs and reproaches
of che World 3 5 afterwards: when + you
were | comaiinded by your father to
marry him, why did you continue in ſeparate
apartments? She teplied, “ The
murmuring at firſt was but ſmall, and
1 knew would eafily! ceaſe together
with my acquaintance with that gentleman.
But now that a more ſerious
connection Was going to take place
between us by means of a regular marriage,
there was danger of our incurring
a diſgrace and inſamy that would
terminate only with our lives. But
your Majeſty hath ſummoned me into
your preſence; and with great ſhame
and trembling I am come to appear
before you. The Emperor was great- LO. ty
A CHINESE HISTORY:! 143
ly- pleaſed with the ingenumis modeſty
and diffidence with which ſhe opened
her cauſe, and faid, * Young lady, if
you have all along kept yourſelf: pure
the preſent hour. You in particular
ought to be celebrated through all
parotfst h ew orld, as af aint, In ow
order four Eunuchs to attend this
young lady to the Emprefs“: and let
her appoint berla diest o examine ibihs
e irg o0r5 1 00 It
5 fig Tr5; BA
7 As REY: 1 allowed iin e nn alsE mperor
hath commoi * a good numberof wives;
tho? but one, to whom 1 gives the titleo fE n-
750% or ſelect conſort;; 6 0 2al5on e is allowed to
it at table with him. W er of the next
: order are reckoned nine of a cond, and —_
14 HAU KIOU -CHOAAN,”.
Four Eunuchs immediately came
forth, and conductethde young lady
to the Empreſs; who received her,
and ordered two of her attendants
to anſwer the Emperor's inquiry. |
They returnaendd , ſaid, „We have
performed your Majeſty's command,
ASI iq ni of 40 i» 7 8 0 A. | ö * 2 4 „ 4 *
of a third rank, and all of them ſtyled ae
Next to them are thoſe ſtyled Qucens, but Who
are in reality rather concubines and of theſeh e
takes as great a numberas he pleaſes, and keeps
them in different apartments from the former,
except he ſhould take a particular fancyto any
one of them, and bring her into the inward
cdurt. But in general he ſtews the moſt reſpect
and favour to thoſe who bring him moſt children,
eſpecially to the mother of the firſt fon, tho
they are all inferior to her, whom he hath chofan
ts be the imperial conſort, and are obliged
to wait on her, while ſhe fits at table with him.
Mod. Univ. Hift, ..viti. .164—Sed. vide P.
Magal. pag. 290., 308. Kc. P. Semedo,
pag. 113. &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 293
N. B. The Mandarines take care in the ſeveral
provinces to chuſe out the moſt beautiful C
A CHINESE HISTORY. 1456
and pronounce Shuey-ping-/in to be a
ſpotleſs virgin.“ Then the Empreſs
treated her with tea, and ordered their
report to be carried to the Emperor.
His Majeſty with great pleaſure communicated
it to the Mandarines of the
court: and ſaid, Although Shueyping-/
in hath been twice married to
Tieb-chung-u by expreſs order of their
parents; and though he was before,
five days and nights with her in her
houſe; ſhe hath nevertheleſs kept herſelf
pure and chaſte. This hath been
proved beyond all diſpute. I am rich,
proceeded he, in having ſo valuable
a jewel in my empire. This is ar are
incident that hath happened: and affords
a light to my people; an example
to all my ſubjects. ö Yet if I
Vol. IV, L --|:: f
146 HAU KIOU. CHOAAN.
had not examined into the affair myſelf,
ſo much rare merit had been buriedi
n diſgrace: likea precious ſtone
that is irrecoverably loſt *.” He then
aſked the Mandarines, if this were truc
or not. They all anſwered with one
mouth, Your Majeſty hath examined
and judged; and the deciſion is
very certain and compleat.“
The Emperor commanded the Mandarine
Kwo Sho.ſ u to ſtand forth, and
ſaid to him, . You are a Miniſter of
ſtate, and one of the firſt councellors
of the empire, why did not you
* His Majeſty's own words contain a more
indelicate, but at the ſame time a more exact
image. The literal Por/ugue/e verſion is, Cons
hia pedra precioza caida no eftfreo. ** Like a
precious ſtone fallen into dung.”
chaſtiſe |
A CHINESE HISTORY. 147
chaſtiſe your fon? He thrice endeavoured
to force awaa yyoun g lady of
quality, and was guilty of other outrages
: [in which he was not only countenanced
by you: but you endeavoured
yourſelf to defame the innocent.]
Theſe are are crimes that cannot be
pardoned.” Kzwo-ſho-ſu hearing theſe
words, was ſtruck with great terror
and confuſion, and falling on his knees,
proſtrated himſelf on the ground :
« Tieb-chung-u and Sbuey- ping fi1r , ſaid
he, both of them young perſons, had
cohabitedi n the ſame houſe: finding
they had been upon this footing, I
could not help ſuſpecting the worſt.
Your Majeſty therefore I hope will pardon
me.” Then the Emperor commanded
Yang-yo to be called forth, and
L's ; ſaid
148 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
ſaid to him: „Tou are the Cenſor
of the empire; why did not you make
a more exact inquiry into this affair,
before you preſumed to repreſent it
to me? It was great injuſtice to give
a falſe repreſentation of a caſe, wherein
the fame and honour of ſo many perſons
were concerned. If I had not
judged and examined it myſelf, but
had reſted ſatisfied with, your report,
the truth had been hid under reproach
and infamy.” That Mandarine hearing
words at once ſo juſt and ſevere,
was ſtruck with confuſion and diſmay,
and falling upon his knees, proſtrated
| himſelf on the ground, crying out,
] deſerve puniſhment, let your Majeſty
do with me what ſeemeth good.”
The Emperor then called forth the
gover 1
A CHINESE HISTORY. 149
governor Mey- pbey, who preſented himſelf
before him. His Majeſty ſaid,
« As you, though lately made a doctor,
and newly promoted to your poſt, had
ſuch regard to juſtice, and could reſiſt
the temptation of ſo large a bribe:
and as you have been the inſtrument
of delivering Shuey-ping-/m from her
difficulties, and of reſtoring her to her
good fame; for ſo much care and pains
you deſerve to be promoted higher.
Then his Majeſty pronounced ſentence
according to the following declaration.
1G 4d
«TI THE EMPEROR diſpatch and
58 publiſh this my order to all my
L officers throughout the empire.
1 3 3
1530 HAU kIOU CHOAAN.
* There hath appeared an inſtance
ce of ſuch rare merit that it deſerves
* to be magnified and applauded
% throughout my dominions; and
„ affords an example of virtue and
<« integrity to all perſonso f both
«© ſexes. Shuey-ping-fin is a young
ce maid of great virtue, and forti-
© tude. By her virtue ſhe thrice
reſiſted the moſt preſſing attacks,
in order to preſerve herſelf chaſte
„ and pure. By her fortitude ſhe
returned the kindneſſes of her be-
* nefactor, though at the hazard
of her reputation: for ſhe carried
<« to her houſe a man, a ſtranger,
to nurſe him in his illneſs, not-
„ withſtanding ſhe was a lonely or-
„ phan. All this | virtue and ex-
＋ s cellence
A CHINESE HISTORY. 151
e cellence lay hid and contemned
„ by the world, till I the Emperor
« diſcovered it: I have found that
it is moſt pure and unblemiſhed,
and deſerves to be extolled
(0 through all parts of my empire.”
cc With regard to Tieh-chung-u, he is
«© a moſt excellent young man, of
great virtue, juſtice, and courage.
«© He was not afraid to enter into
the palace of a man of the firſt
& quality, breaking open his gates
in order to reſcue from oppreſſion
an old mahnis, wif e, and daugh-
„ ter. He was likewiſe protector
af the general Hu biau, anſwering
for his conduct, He alſo
o
* + delivered Shuey-ping-fin out of the
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HAU | KIOU CHOAAN.
hands of violence. He was mar-
© ried to her twice, and yet Preſerved
her purity and chaſtity
together with his own: at tlie
fame time that he ſuſſered reproach
for his conduct. All
this was unknown, but 1 the
Emperor have myſelf examined
into it, and find it true. He is
worthy to be- praiſed throughout
the empire, and ought to be advanced
above all captains. He
deſerves to receive Shuey-png-/:1
for. his wife, and ſhe is worthy
of ſuch a huſband : they are both
of tranſcendant virtue. I the
Emperora m extremely ſatisfied
with them both, and applaud
them highly. I therefore advance
2 ce the
A CHINESE HISTORY. 153
the ſaid Tieh-chung-u to the order
of Ta-hio-tſe , or Magiſtrates of
approved capacity, and moreover
« conſtitute him firſt Co- lau or Mi-
« niſter of State. And as for Shueypingſin,
I make her a Fu-gen or
dutcheſs *. I myſelf will be medi-
« ator or badete between them:
E **
on which account I make them
99 preſent of a hundred pieces of
fine gold , and a hundred e
cc of
7 See vol. I. pag. 74. note.
3 The titles of honour beſtowed on women
in China, are independent of, and bear no affinity
to thoſe of men. See various kinds of female
titles in P. Du Halde, vol. p. 633, 4. 5, 6.
The title given in the text ſeems to be origut
the ſame with that mentioned in vol.
pag. 23. The Editor could find no acal
of it in any other book.
4 In the Pertigugſe, Cem Pas ps ourd. — 4
ſnould
154 HAU KIOU CHOAAN
% of gold and filver . I alſo ap-
= point to each of them ten royal
“ veſts out of my own wardrobe,
and to each of them a crown,
Let them be accompanied with
4 my own muſic: let all the pre-
* parations for their marriage be
<« furniſhed out from my own pa-
«lace: and let the bride be carſhould
have been obſerved in the former note,
pag. 109. that what the Portugueſe and ſeveral
other nations call Loa ves of Gold, are by the Engliſh
called Shoes of Gold; and by the Dutch
Goltſchut or Boats of Gold from their oblong curved
form reſembling a Shoe or Boat. A hundred
of theſe are worth more than 10, oool.
ſtirling. They are of the very fineſt and pureſt
gold. Tavernier, part 2.p ag. 8, 5
The Portugue/e verſion of this paſſage is,
E cem peſſarios de ouro de prata e de totas maneiras :
the Editor confeſſes he knows not what to make
of the word peſſarios, which he hath not found
explained in any dictionary. It ſeems derived
from pęſar to weigh. by
e ried
A CHINESE HISTORY. 155
„ ried to the houſe of her ſpouſe
&« with imperial ſplendor, accom-
« panied by all the councellors,
% Mandarines and officers of the
% court. I the Emperor appoint
this for the example and encou-
« ragement of the juſt and good.
« With regard to the Mandarines Shueyc
keu-ye and Tieb-ying, I exalt them
ce three degrees * higher in their
rank, as a reward for the good
| 0 edu-
* Theſe degrees arae ki nd of honorary diltinctions;
and where a Mandarine's conduct deſerves
either ſlight reward or puniſhment, his
ſuperiors are content with raiſing or lowering his
rank three or four degrees : what renders theſe
diſtindions important, is the Mandarine's being
obliged to put at the top of whatever. orders he
iſſues out, the number of degrees he hath been
advanced or degraded. For inſtance, A. B. rai-
Jed
156 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
education they gave their ſon and
daughter.“
« As to the governor Wej-phey; I re-
« mand him back to his poſt of
« Che-hien for three years, after.
e wards heſh all be exalted to a highce
er office, for his great juſtice.”
« As to the former governor the Pa-
(be- bien, who gave ſo juſt an ac-
„ count of the affair, he is hereby
„ exalted one degree
| fed three degrees, or turned back * deg:r ees, doth
give notice, Ic. By this means his reward or
puniſhment is known to the common people.
When a perſon hath been raiſed ten degrees,
he may expect to be advanced to a ſuperior
Mandarinate : on the contrary, if he has been
depreſſed ten degrees, he is in danger of loſing
his employment.
P.D u Halde, vol. 1. pag. 258.
« As
A CHINESE HISTORY. 157
« As to the Miniſter wo- ho- ſu, who
in ſo bad a manner bred up his
« ſon, and hath defamed the repu-
<« tation of worthy perſons, he hath
« deſerved death; nevertheleſs as he 8
<« hath ſerved me a long time, let
him be carried to the Tribunal of
Crimes, let him there be diveſted
% of his office, and receive fifty
« ſtrokes or baſtinadoes s.
5 « As
In China the greateſt miniſters are not beyond
the reach of puniſhment ; upon detection
of their guilt the Emperor treats them with as
little ceremony as the meaneſt of his ſubjects.—
Inſtances of this kind often occur in the court
of Pe-king, and ocaſion very little noiſe or
diſturbance.
P. Le Compte tells us, that when he was in China
three Mandarines of the rank of Co- lau or Prime
Miniſter had taken bribes. The Emperor who
Was informed of it, deprived chem upon the {pot
0
See vol. 1. pag. 78. of this mn,
158 HAU'KIOU cHñOAAN.
« As to the Cenſor Yarg-y0, who gave
in a falſe accuſation, let him be
e degraded of his rank three dee
orees, and amerced three years
s income of his ſalary.”
As to the young man Kwo-kbe-!2y,
Who thrice attempted to carry
c off Sbucy- ping. iin, and gave poiſon
of all their employments. I know not, ſays
„he, what became of the other two; but the
„ third, an ancient magiſtrate, venerable for
his age, and eſteemed for his capacity, was
condemned to guard oneof the gates of the
palace, with a companyof common ſoldiers
among whom he was enrolled,— I ſaw him
*« myſelf one day in this ſtate of humiliation,
he was upon duty as a private centinel; but
in paſſing by him, I ſhewed him the ſame
«© reſpcR that every one elſe did, in bowing the
_ ** knee to him: for all the Chine/e ſtill retained
a reſpect for the ſhadow of that dignity
„ with which he had been ſo lately inveſted.”
Joi fein. 2. peg. _=
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A. CHINESE HI STORY. 159
to Tieb-chung-u; notwithſtanding
that it did not take effect, hei s
guilty of a heinous offence. Let
him be delivered therefore to the
governor cf his city,i n order to
receive a hundred ſtrokes or baſtinadoes
, and afterwards to be baniſned
twenty leagues from the
place for life.“
the Emperor pronounce this ſentence
upon every one accordingt o
his deſerts. Thoſe that do well
ſhall be rewarded : thoſe that do
evil ſhall be puniſhed. Let this
ſentence be publiſhed throughout
the empire.“
8 fewer blows than theſe are e e duk:
cient to diſpatch a perſon.
See vol. 2.e e note.
1 CHAP.

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 28

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Admin: Create Chapter 28 from Vol 4 (raw OCR)

= Chapter 28 =
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 280px;"
|+ style="background-color: #4a7c59; color: white; padding: 5px;" | '''Chapter Information'''
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8; width: 120px;" | Wiki Chapter
| 28
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Translator's MS
| Chapter XV
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Volume
| IV
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Status
| style="background: #ffe0e0;" | OCR — footnotes pending
|}

''Part of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

Hau klo CHOAAN.
A CHINESE HISTORY.
BOOK IV.
CHAP 1.
FH UE Y-keu-ys when he came home,
ſaw to his great ſatisfaction his
daughter grown up to woman's eſtate,
and highly improved in her beauty
and accompliſhments. He told her
the troubles he had met with had not
been able to render him unhappy, neither
was he at all elevated by his pro-
* Cuar. XV. In the TranſlatorS manuſcript.
Vor. IV. 8 1 motion.
2 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
motion. * My greateſt pleaſure, ſaid
he, is to ſee you again, and to find you
in health.” He concluded with telling
her, that at court he had met
with a young gentleman, whom he
had choſen for his ſon-in-law, one who
was in every reſpect anſwerable to his
utmoſt wiſhes, It ſtruck the young
lady that this might poſſibly be Tiebchungu
; ſhe therefore anſwered, Sir,
you are far advanced in years: it is
a great while ſince the death of my
mother: you have no child but me: it
is therefore my duty to ſerve you asl ong
as I live: and however undeſerving I
may be, I will never ceaſe to attend
you.“ The Mandarine her father ſmiled
and ſaid, You muſt not perſiſt
in theſe reſolutions, however commenda22b65l7e5
they may be8. It wouvl1d bek vsery
A CHINESE HISTORY. 3
wrong to let flip' the opportunity of
being happily married upon any fuch
conſiderations. If my adopted ſon-inlaw
were not a perfon of ſuperior merit,
1 ſhould hardly have made choice
| of him: nay if he had the leaſt fault
in the world, I ſhould not have accepted
him without having firft conſulted
you. But he is a youth of fine
underſtanding, and of ſpotleſs integrity :
he is deficient in no one valuable accompliſhment.
I found him in all reſpects
ſo unexceptionable, that I did not
think it neceſſury to apply to you firſt
for your conſent.” The young lady,
who by this deſeription was confirmed
in her opinion, that it muſt be
the ſon of the Mandarine Tieb-ying,
made anſwer, chat indeed nothing
D'S B 2 could
4 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
could be objected to ſuch a perſon as
he had deſcribed : But who knows,
added ſhe, whether there may not be
other objections to the marria-gc eon -
tract? whether it may be lawful—?“
Theſe words made the Lord Preſident
recall to mind thoſe of the young gentleman,
inſomuch that he could not
help remarking their reſemblance:
he therefore ſaid, Do you know
the perſon of whom I ſpeak ; it is the
ſon of the Supreme Viceroy.” *© Sir,
ſhe ' replied,” had it been any one elſe,
4; would never have conſented : and
as it is he, he never will agree to any
ſuch marriage.” „Why not?“ ſaid
her father. She anſwered, © Becauſe it
would be to break through all the
gangs due to that [honourable engagement,
A CHINESE HISTORT. 5
gagement, and to violate its moſt
ſolemn rites.] Shuey Leu y was ſur⸗
prized at theſe words: This youth,
ſaid he, is of no ill deſcent; but
pure and untainted as yourſelf : Why
then do you talk of any violation that
would accrue to the rites of marriage?
With that Shuey-ping-/in" related ato
him all that happened during his abſence.
And now, added ſhe, after
all this, how can ſuch an alliance
take place without intailing everlaſting
ſhame and diſgrace on us both?“
When he had heard this relation,
her father was charmed with her delicac
y and nice ſenſe of honours: If
this. be true, ſaid he to himſelf, my.
daughter hath not her equal among
women, any more than Tieh cbung⸗uĩ st o
. Fu a |
* .
6 Hau KIOU CHOAAN.
be matched among men.“ Daughter,
ſaid he aloud, I am glad to ſee you
keep ſo cloſeltyo the paths of virtue:
there is none but you fit to be paired
with fo good and virtuous a youth
as I have choſen. Heaven ſeems to
have created you both for each other:
this marriage was ordained to take
place between you. I have engaged
to ſee it performed: you muſt not
therefore think r. n wrong or
N in it.“
7 8 the reſolutions of the fa -
ther of Shuey-ping-/in, whom we ſhall
leave at preſent, to inquire after wolbs
tau, {her unſucceſsful admirer.]
Mhen Chun: kicr eturned as we have
:
” +» 4 | [cen]
A CHINESE HISTORY, 7
feen] without ſucceſs, nothing could
equal that youth's diſappointment : yet
his friend exhorted him not to be caſt
down: Tour father, ſaid he, hath
petitioned the Emperor againſt Shueyken
ye, and againſt an officer eſpouſed
by him; who will both be ſentenced to
loſe their heads.” KAzwo-kbe-izuliftened
to this account with pleaſure, and they
continued to indulge themſelves in the
hope of being revenged for the ſlight
put upon them, when at length * the
5 news
* The Chineſe author i puiſey'of great inconſiſtency
in this place: he had told us in the
preceding book (pag. 150.] that it was fix
months from Hu hiau's reprieve, to his victorious
return: here he ſpeaks of them both, as
happening fo near together, that the ſame meſ⸗
ſenger that came to tell of the one, brought
news of the other.— The above 0 in che
FTranſlator's MS. runs thus.
While they were talking, chere came in a
3 . B 4 « ſervant
8 HAU KIOU. CHOAAN.
news arrived that Shuey-keu-yt was recalled
from exile, and promoted to a
higher office; and all by the interpoſal
of Tieb- chung - u; in return for which he
had engaged to give him his daughteri
nm arriage. The reportſo affected
Kwo-kbe-tzu, that he raved and ſtampeſdd
like a madmana,nd at laſt ſwooned
away. By the aſſiſtance of the people,
who came to his relief, he at * re-
« ſervant from 83 they inquired what news
« he had brought from court. He replied, No
“good news for you, Sir. Why fo, ſaid his
„ maſter? Becauſe, anſwered the meſſenger,
* Tieb-chung-u having got a reprieve for Hu-
©* hiau by offering himſelf ſecurity for him,
that general] is returned with ſucceſs, &c :
and both he and Shuey-keu-ye are preferred,
and the latter hath given his daughter in
marriage to Treh-chung-u.”
The Editor hath endeavoured to remove this
inconſiſtency, as much as he could without departing
too much from the original.
covered,
A CHINESE HISTORY. 9
covered, and retiring with Chun-ktt,
ſaid, How indefatigable have I been ?
what ſteps have I taken? what expence
have I been at? and what perplexity
have I ſuffered ? and at length
Tieh-chung-u without any pains at all
| hath carried off the prize. But, if I
die for it, I will preventth e ceremony
from being compleated. Come, faid
het o his friend you mult ſet your wits
at work for me.” „Alas! replied
the other, when the was lone and friendleſs
all our attempts proved ineffectual
: her father is now advanced in
dignity, and will quicklbye at home;
what likelyhood then is there now of
ſucceſs?” „ Well, ſaid the youth, I
can now have no hopes of ſucceeding
myſelf: I ſhall be ſufficiently ſatisfied,
| BO it
ro HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
if I can but prevent and diſappoint the
other,” 5 We know very well, replied
his friend, the nice and ſcrupulous temper
of her father, and his advancement
will render him {till more jealous of the
reputation of his family; let us apply to
| ſome of his acquaintance, and get them
to inform him of the ſecret correſpondence
between Tzeb-chung-u and his
daughter: if he hears of this he will
certainly. break off the marriage. But
if he ſhould diſregard it, we then
will get your father to apply to the
Ko- tau or Public Cenſor *: whoſe com-
9181 plaint
1 The Ko-tau is a great Mandarine. who re-
Jates to the Emperor whatever he hears amiſs
of any of the Mandarines : he alſo tells the Emperor
boldly of any error he is guilty of himelf.
| | Tranſl.
Or rather the officer here intended is the Pre-
| ſident
peror to take away his employment,
and ſet aſide their nuptials.” Nrvokbi-
tzu thought this a we-c lonclert ed
ſcheme: and ſaid, To- morrow I will
endeavour to make this matter as public
as I can among all the Mandarines
of the city.” * By no means, ſaid his
1
| kdent of a F; 1 of "Yo ok whoſe buſineſs
it is (not unlike that ameng the Romans) ta
watch over the public manners, ſparing neither
Emperor nor Mandarines.—In the diſcharge of
this office, they often ſhew ſurprizing courage
and perſeverance: ſome of them have perſiſted
for two years together in accuſing a Viceroy ſupported
by all the grandees; and without being
diſcouraged by delays or oppoſition, have at
length compelled the court to degrade him, to
avoid incurring the public odium.
The manner of their proceedings is to frame a
memorial and preſent it to the Emperor, of which
they afterwards diſperſe copies through all the
provinces. As ſoon as this memorial is publiſhed,
ther an accuſed is generally obliged to do
| | ue
A CHINESE HISTORY. 17
plaint againſt him will cauſe the Em1
Hau* * KIOU:CHOAAN.”
friefonr thde C,he. f ooa nd Che. bienk now
| the Whole truth of the affair, and can
contradict ſuacf ehpor t: beſides my will
nowbe diſpoſetdo ſolicit the favour of
Shut.e u. jc,w he will be upon the 905|
Let us rather defer” it till there come
two new magiſtrates, for the preſent will
ſoon 800 to court to ſolicit farther pretuo
things: the fr/? is to give in a memorial,
not in his own defence, but containing an humble
acknowledgment of his error: the ſecond is
to retire from his Tribunal, and to ſuſpend all
public execution of his office, till the Emperor
hath anſwered his petition” either - ae
or condemning him.
Any exceſs in private buildings, any irregularity
of manners, any innovation or contempt
of ancient cuſtoms, falls immediately under their
cognizance. And as in China a parent is reſponſible
for his children, it would have been
a capital crime in Shuey-keu-ye to have rewarded
his daughter's incontinence by letting her
marry her gallant.
See P. Semedo, p. 126. P. Du Halde, vol. 1.
pag. 70. P. as. p. 227. Lettres edif.
Xill, p. 367, | e
ferment."
A CHINESE HISTORY. 13
ferment. “ Well, ſaid the other, but
although two new Mandarines ſhould
arrive, they will inquire into the truth
of ſuch a report, and the people of
their audience will be able to ſet them
right.“ If we conſider every objection,
and are diſcouraged by it, replied
Chun ti, we had better deſiſt
and give up the affair. However 1
now recollect a more effectual means WY +
than any we have thought of : when .
I was atc ourt, I obſerved a very great
intimacy between your father, and 7 4b 2
quay, the great Mandarine who was 1 5 >
ſo diſgraced by your adverſary Tiab-
* 2
chung: u. The wife of this noble- man a
was newly dead, and he was looking "i
out for a young and handſome woman 1 i *
to ſucceed her, Diſpatch letter *
1 * =
*2 *& A L *
45 2 4 by
=_ . | N
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7 2 5
1
a8 , I \
= Kg \ 3 —
-
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E²P„;˙ AI T Sm o
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* J 4
1
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5 y * * *
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I 4
*
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13 4 Aach as he would, notuithſtanding
xy HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
fote to your father, and deſire him to
recommend Sbuey-ping:ſin to him; for
although Tieb-chung-u hath made propoſals
of marriage, it is not concluded.
Thus your father will at once
-oblige his friend, by helping him to
a young and handſome wife, and you
will be revenged on your adverſary ;
whoſe reputation will alſo ſuffer by
the diſappointment: at the ſame time
the whole affair will be conducted withoi
diſturbance or danger.” There is
one difficulty attends this method, faid
abs youth: Tah-quay's confinement is
7 yet expired, and no body is ia
cel to converſe with him openly: ſo
my father can only viſit him in
av and therefore cannot aſſiſt him
his
A CHINESE HISTORY. 15
his power.” This is very true, ſaid
bun- kec, (and will ſomewhat retard
| the attempt, ] but I have ſtill another
reſource, which is not liable to the
fame objection. Your father hath alſo
contracted a cloſe intimacy with one
of the great Eunuchs of the palace;
one of whom the whole court ſtands in
awe, as being about the Emperor's perſon,
and having his ear. This gentleman,
who is called * Chou-tbay-kien or
the Eunuch of danger, hath a niece who
is very ugly, and not yet married.
Ger your father to recommend Jie
chungu as a fit huſband for her; he will
not dare to reject the offers of ſo power-
:f ula courtiera s her uncle. Now when
8 Chen or C bass beate. danger, and hb fins
a Eunuch. Tranſl,
5 he
ZZ7—
16 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
he is once married to the Eunuch's
niece, undoubtedly ſo great a Mandarine
as the Lord Preſident of Arms,
will never give him his only daughter
for a ſecond wife or concubine.“
Kwo-kbe-izu was ſo pleaſed with this
advice, that he reſolved to write to his
father immediately : But this affair,
ſaid he, is of too much moment to be
intruſted to a common ſervant; ſhall
I once more intreat you to embark
| in it?“ His friend readily aſſented:
Il | and being furniſhed with money and
q other neceſſaries once more ſet out for
the court.
4 [While theſe lite were contriving Y
cha lived retired in his coun-
=> Ds houſe: where he purſued his ſtu-
: 3 201 | dies
bNay6eCeF2N8N2 ,2A1W2CC8N O2 T ER E n e Nre e
ML2B8ů82rYRr2m>x8.²WY 2(F2W u3*Ya1 \ e u t8 S2ů l « rnnn
7:* q | . o ?
A CHINESE HISTORT. 17
dies with ſuch application and ſucceſs,
that at the time of the examination of
ſtudents, he was admitted to the degree
of Kiu-jin, or Licentiate * : this happened
in autumn, when the examination is
made through all the provinces. And
ſoon after when the |ſ econd] examination
was held at court he offered himſelf
again, and appeared to ſuch advantage
that he was created Doctor of
Law, and put foremoſt on the liſt.
He was ſoon after made one of the firſt
doctors of the empire, being choſen
into the royal college or Han-lin +,
and appointed by the Emperor to be
one of the tutors to his ſon. He had
no- attained his twenty ſecond year*I ,
and
2 See note, vol. . pag. 8. Kc.
"+ Sec note, vol. 3. pag. 75: Kc.
This may ſeem inconſiſtent with what hath
Vol. IV. S been
| fon ſhould not ſet aſide. |
18 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
and his father and mother only waited.
for Shuey-keu-ye's return to court, in
order to compleat the marriage, which
they reſolved the nice ſcruples of their
CHAP?
been formerly ſaid, of the ſlow progreſs of the
Chine/e in their ſtudies; and of the length of
time required for them to paſs through their
ſeveral degrees. See vol. 2. pag. 86. 98. c.
But it ſhould be obſerved, that there may be exceptions
to this general rule in favour of extraordinary
Genius, or uncommon aſliduity.—P,
Parrenin tells ue, that he has known inſtances
of young men that have been made not only
Doctors, but Hau- lin [or members of the royal
college,] before they were twenty years of age,
— But theſe were extraordinary inſtances: andthe
promotion of theſe young Doctors was owing
not only to the force of genius, and the advantage
of a happy memory, but in part to the great
care and expence their parents had beſtowed on
their education. I knew, ſaith he, the father
of one of theſe young men, who was not only
a Doctor himſelf, but had always at his table
three other Doctors, to whom he allowed handſome
ſalaries for taking care of his ſon. The
one of theſe taught their pupil to compoſe in
proſe and verſe; the other to form curious characters:
A CHINESE HISTORY, 19
* E year was now elapſed which
Shuey-keu:y6 had been allowed to
ſpend in retirement: when the Emperor
iſſued out an order for his return to
court: upon the firſt notice of which
the Mandarine7 j eb-ying wrote a letter,
to intreat him to bring the young lady
along with him. pon: recen of
\
rafters : the third infruted W in hiſtory and
politics. Ihus by way of converſation they in-
_ billed into his mind and heart the knowledge
of the laws, the principles of morality, the virtues
of the great Emperors, and the examples
of a rare fidelity towards the prince, which hath
rendered certain families illuſtrious: and as the
youngm an had a lively and apt ſpirit, he quickly
ecame as learned as his malters.”
See P. Farrenin & letter, dated Aug, 11. 1730.
1 Leteres edif. æxi.\ 204:
C : 2 © this,
20 HAU KIOU- CHOAAN.
this, he told his daughter, that as ſhe
was now grown up to woman's eſtate,
he intended ſhe ſhould accompany him
ro the court. Shuey-ping-fin teſtified her
compliance: To what purpoſe, faid
ſhe, am I your daughter? I mighta s
well not have been born to you, if I
muſt remain always at a diſtance. It
is very fittingI ſhould attend you but
then 1 muün humbly intreat one fayour.”
He aſked what it was. She
replied, If at court any offers ſhould
be made about the completion of the
marriage with 7 eb. chung -u, that yu
will be pleaſed not to conſent to it.”
The old Mandarine ſmiled at her requeſt,
and aſſured her that he would
do nothing that ſhould be prejudicial
either to her happineſs or fame. He
83 . ae then
N
* 5
1
. q
Be
Fare
3
3
7
a
A CHINESE HISTORY. 21
then aſked her, to whom he ſhould
devolve the care of his houſe and effects.
She propoſed her unclea st he
propereſt perſon to have direction without
doors, but recommended him to
leave the government within to the
care of &. uc geong. He followed her
advice, and having made ſuitable preparations
departed for Pe- ing, where
in little more than a month he arrived.
As ſoon; as he had performed his
firſt duty iin waiting on the Empero 7.
all the great officers came to viſit him,
and among the reſt the Mandarine
Tich-ying : who afterwards ſent his ſon
to pay him the ſame compliment. Al-
| though the young Mandarine Tieh in
Uhr:v iſiting billet which he had dif
C 3 pitched
22 HA KIOU CHOAAN.
patched Before him, called himſelf only
couſin, and not ſon-in law, as he ſhould
have done, Shuey-keu-ys attributed it
to his modeſty, and admitted his viſit.
The old gentleman was mightily pleaſed
to ſee him become a great Mandarine,
and grown a very perſonable
man *, which made him think him
the more ſuitable match for his daughter,
eſteeming them both only born
for each other. Let this young and
nn pair, Gn he to himfelf,)
* That is, dy was 1 fat nad jolly. —
«The Chine/e, ſays P. Le Compte, differ from us in
their idea of beauty and comelineſs. - They require
a man to be large, corpulent and burly: to
have ala rge forehead, little flat eyes, a ſhort noſe,
Lars rather of the largeſt, a little mouth, a long
beard and black hairs. A man according to
them is well made, when he fills his eaſy chair,
and by his grav ity and bulk, e a large an
pompous figure.“
ee tom. 1. Pag 191.
object
A CHINESE HISTORY. 23
object never ſo much to the marriage,
we old folks will over-rule them, and
make them happy in ſpite of themſelves.”
|
After ſome converſation Tieb-chung-u
took his leave and retired. As ſoon
as he was gone, the ſecretary belonging
to Shuey-keu-ye's tribunal came in
and ſaid, Sir, I have a relation,
who is ſervant to the Mandarine Tabquay;
he hath been here to tell me
that, as his maſter is confined, he could
not viſit your Lordſhip, neither could
he ſend a billet of compliments in
due form, but he notwithſtanding preſents
his ſervices and wiſhes of good
health: he told me farther, that abquay
having loſt his wiſe, is very de-
„„ ſirous
24 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
firous to marry again; and hearing
that you have brought the young lady
your daughter with you to court, he
intends to get the Mandarine Kzo-/þ5-
ſua to come in his behalf, and conclude
a marri·ac ogntreac t for her. © Well !
ſaid Shuey-keu-ye, and what anſwer did
you make to Tab-quay's ſervant?” 1
told him, ſaid the other, that ſhe had
been long engaged to the Mandarine
Tieh-chung-u. Upon which he inquired
when the marriage was to be concluded;
but I was not able to inform him.
Of this our diſcourſe, I thought it my
duty to inform your Lordſhip.” The
Mandarine ordered him, if any one
e ſhould hereafter queſtion him on that
5 ſubject,t o tell them that the nuptials
would be celebrated within the ſpace |
org
$
£ *
4—
21
1 3
| 75
Nen EFMeRset s :
A CHINESE HISTORY. 25
of two days. This Mandarine, ſaid
Shuey-keu ye to himſelf, is a perſon of
very ill character, his propoſals are
only meant to give us diſturbance. But
ſhould he applyt o the Emperor himſelf,
there will be nothing to fear, as
my daughter is already. diſpoſed of :
however it is better to have the marriage
completed to prevent the worſt
that may happen.“ He then went to
his daughter's apartment, and told her
ſhe muſt not think it unreaſcnable,
that he renewed the ſubject of her
union with Tieb- chung -u, for that it was
neceſſary it ſhould take place immedi- |
diately. Then he relatedt o her all
that hisſ ecretary had told him: Now,
ſaid he, if we do not haſten. the com-
Pletion of your marriage, this Tag-
15. N quey
15
8
26 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
guay may perhaps involve us in a great
deal of trouble.“ It inſtantly occurred
to the young lady, that Kwo-kbzzu
or his father were at the bottom
of this buſineſs. She communicated
her conjectures to her father, And
yet, added ſhe, if ab- quay ſhould
perſiſt in giving us diſturbance, upon
proper application to his Majeſty it
may perhaps involve him in freſh
diſgrace, and be a means of renewing
his former puniſhment.” The
wiſeſt courſe, ſaid Shuey-keu-ye, is not
to oppoſe an enemy, but to avoid
him. If we conclude this marriage
out of hand, his deſign will be defeated.
—Before his daughter could
reply, there came in a ſervant, to tell
him that the Supreme Viceroy had
ſent
PCgeOM6RRSoAetAePRYrnSO PtEeO
A CHINESE HISTORY. 27
ſent his ſervice, and begged he would
ſavour him with his company at his
houſe, for that he had urgent buſineſs
to communicate to him. This is
a good opportunity, ſaid Shuey-keu-ye ;
J had thoughts myſelf of going thither.
I will therefore lay all ceremony
_ aſide. Let my horſe be got ready,”
He accordingly went as faſt as he
could.
As ſoon as he alighted, the Mandarine
Tieh-ying took him by the hand,
and led him into the hall: This
morning, ſaid he, as I was coming
from court, I met the Eunuch Cheuthay-
kien; who making me a very low
bow, ſaid, he begged a favour which
he hoped I would noOt Mr efuſe hioms:
28 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
that he had a niece. whomh e ſhould
be gladto have married to my ſon.
I told him it could not be, for he was
already engaged. He replied, © Whar
though he is engaged to Shuey-ping-/in,
it ſignifies little, as the marriage is
not yet completed.” Theſe Eunuchs,
added the Mandarine Jeb, are ſaucy
impertinent raſcals, and preſume upon
the great employ ments they fill: therefore
to be plagued no more on this
ſubject, L have ſent to your Lordſhip
that we may get the wedding concluded
as ſoon as poſſible. What.
ſaid Shuey-keu-ye, have you then met
with this trouble? Such another application
hath been this day made to
myſelf.“ Upon which he related all
that his e had told him. N ow.
ſaid
29
ſaid he, this> bling the caſe, et us put an
end to the affair. When the marriage |
ceremony is once over, even his Majeſty's
order will not be of force to
ſet it aſide. Nay let it be concluded
this very day: and yet my daughter
will hardly be prevailed with; ſhe arues
againſt breaking the laws of decency
and cuſtom.“ „My ſon, ſaid
the other, talks in the ſame ſtrain.““
After all, ſaid Shucy-keu-ye, I believe
| they ſecretly love each other: we muſt/
not therefore regard their objections,”
but exert our paternal authority.“
“True, ſaid the Mandarine Ticb - and
yet if theſe impertinent applications had
not been made to us, we might have
indulged them with longer time: but
as it is, there is not an hour to be
| loft:
30 Hab KIOU CHOAAN. .
loſt: I believe they would hardly be
brought to give up each other, and
therefore will, now comply with our
deſires. Here they parted.
The Mandarine Treb-ying inſtantly:
ſent for his ſon, and related to him all
that happened both to the Preſident of
Arms and to himſelf. Now, ſaid he,
this being the caſe, if you don't conſent
to marry the young lady, you
will cauſe a great deal of trouble both
to her and yourſelf; which there are
no other means to prevent Or avoid.“
Sir, replied his fon, whatever you
command,ti s my duty to obey you.
I am only concerned at the haſtineſs
of the proceedings. As to: the Eunuch's
application, it is certainly the
contrivance
A CHINESE HISTORY. 31
contrivance of Kwo-ſho-ſu : but what
ſignifies his propoſing ' his niece to
me? he will but loſe his labour.”
« Well, ſaid his father, although you
can ſo eaſily reſiſt this attack yourſelf,
you muſt give the young lady
ſome aſſiſtance in her difficulty.“ Sir,
ſaid the youth, be pleaſed then to
acquaint the Mandarine her father to
give it out that we are married.
This will ſtop the mouths of theſe
people, and reſcue us from their impertinence:
at the ſame time, we may
within doors remain ſingle till a more
favourable juncture, The Mandarine
Tieb approved very well of his
ſon's diſcourſe: and did not inſiſt
upon his further compliance. Pro-
| _ vided,
32 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
vided, ſaid he, you can but ſatisfy
the world that you are married, you
may act in private as you pleaſe.“
Then he commiſſioned proper people
to chuſe out a fortunatdeay for the
celebration of their nuptials. |
02 H Ap. In:
A ARLYo n the morrow the Manda-
& 4 rine Shuey-keu-ſyenet a letter to the
Supreme Viceroy, which he opened,
and read to the following effect. Af-
& ter I had talked with your Lordſhip
yeſterday, I went home and propo-
« {ed to my daughter the completion
&« of the marriage; which ſhe could by
no means be brought to conſent to:
% however,
NNgge er
F777
OnN A*
PPT
A CHINESE: HISTORY: 5 3
ce however, after:a great many argu-
“ments, at length ſhe yielded that
6 it ſnould be reported abroad ſhe
racks) married to your ſon; on condition
that at home ſhe ſhould till
«continue in her preſent ſtate. I have
therefore ſent to conſult your Lord-
« ſhip, whether you think this will be
„ {ufficient. 92 105
The Mandarine Tieb-ying was highly
pleaſed with the letter: but could
not help thinking it very extraordinary
that this young couple ſhould
both adopt the fame opinions. Certainly,
ſaid he. Heaven hath deſigned
this pair for each other: there is a
wonderful ſimilitude in their fortunes,
r. IV. D manners
34 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
manners and ſentiments. But yeth,e
added, if they do not live under the
ſame roof, it will ſoon be diſcovered
that they are not married: I will therefore
ſend my ſon to reſide in the houſe
of Sbuey-keuy.“ ; and then whether they
are married or not, their true ſituation
will not be known abroad.” He accordingly
ſent to aſk the other's opinion
concerning this propoſal : who
intirely approved of it. They ſoon after
viſited each other, and chuſing a fortunate
day celebrated the marriage;
at which a great numbero f Mandarines
aſſiſted with the higheſt ſplendour
and magnificence. Tieb- chung -u
went in ſtate to the houſe of the bride,
c⁵„AAne²EwtriCgi g"Lsd ,eC s.A
A CHINESE HISTORY. 35
Mandarines. When he: arrived-atth e
door, the Lord Preſident came out in
perſon to receive him: and after the
uſual ceremonies were over, there was
a great entertainment prepared for the
gueſts, The bridegroom however left
them, and was led into rhe i1n ne*r
2 N 765 | 4:5 210
| | As it was now evening, the rooms
were lighted up with greateſt ſplendor:
and as ſoon as he was come into the ſecond
hall, SHuey ping: iu entered alſo,
followed by a long train of female
attendants. She received him with
the fame eaſy chearfulneſs, as ſhe
would have received a friend: ſhe
bewaged no particular emotion or
G ˖· uĩ =»
36 HAU KIOU' CHOAAN.
geſturebu,t accoſted him witah d ecent
and becoming freedom. Sir,
ſaid ſne, I am ever ſenſible of the former
benefits I received at your hands:
and wamsy li fe to be laid down in
your behalf,i t would not diſcharge
the debt I owe. you. By my father's
order I have the good fortune to meet
with you here this day; which af⸗
fords me an opportunity of b returning
you thanks for the ſerviceyso u have done
me.“ Then making a deep court'ſy
ſne preſented him with a ſeat. Tiebbung-
u ſeeing the graceful eaſe with
which ſhe accoſted him, and the beauty
of her perſon ſet off with the richneſs
and exactneſs of her dreſs, thought her
handſomer than ſhe had even appeared
n i ;
4 +44 _
A CHINESE / HISTORY. 3
to him at their firſt encounter: he was
ſo raviſhed with the ſight of her, that
he thought ſhe could be nothing leſs
than an angel from heaven. When
he had recovered his ſurprize, hay replied,
Madam, the benefit I have
received at your hands is ſo great
that I want wordsto expreſs it: A
deep ſenſe of it is however engraved
in my heart, and is the ſubject of my
daily thoughts and nightly dreams, By
your father's permiſſion, I have the good fortune to meet with you here
this day, to pay you my acknowledg
ments.” This ſaid, he ſaluhtere wdit h
great reſpect. Then a carpet wasſ pread,
and they both together performed the
_ uſual ceremony of bowing their heads
D ge they
down to the ground. After which
38 HAU KIOU: CHOAAN.
retiring to two different tables they
3 threee of wine to each other.
e Er iehi # thus addreſſed
the young lady, Madam, I
am ſo much obliged to you for all
your favours, eſpecially for the good
inſtructions you gave me, that I ſhall | ever retain them in my memory. It
is owingt o you that I am arrived to
the great honours conferred upon me,
If I had not had the happineſs ' of
meeting with you, I ſhould very likely
have been ftilla w anderer.” * Your
preſent advancement, ſaid the young
lady, was not owing to any thing
1 could fay ; which was but trifling.
A mere child might by chance point
3 . Out
—_
d7La2koo, ren7 a
by-$;R*. * 5N* p n : q
o8W*, —.
oEF7BE5Wp3\*7 | S5a 14 Y O e nC C
4*E*e84TT8-"D 23— 8—* B1 Y RY-, R i O 3 P E R 3E FT
—_
yPFebLiWetRe )LAne L d LsUA RSES
pb0R1 Sy43 .38Wr 8F—:2 1 5d N 55
A CHINESE HISTORT. 39
out the way to thoſe that had loſt it.
| The ſourcoef your reputation was your
redreſſing the injury of the young lady,
who had been forced away; and your
appearing in behalf of the General, Huhiau
: theſe were actions ſo brave, that
none beſide yourſelf were equal to
them. You alſo got my father reſtored
to the Emperor's favour: a benefit
that can be never repaid. .H ow happy
am I then, that I can now offer you
my ſervice ! But, Sir, permit me to propoſe
one wordo rt wo. When I invited
you to my houſe in orderto attend
you in your illneſs, Heaven knows we
were void of all bad intentions; but
the malignity of the world led them
to ſpeak. very ili of us abroad: and
ſhall we now for the ſake of a few days
D 4 .
40 HAU RIOU CHOAAN.
of mirth and pleaſure, obſcure the remaining
part of our lives? In my
opinioni tw ould be much bettert o
ſtay, and ſee this cloud paſs over
beſore we conclude the marriage farther.
Theſe are | my ſentiments, and
I ſhould be very glad if yours were
the ſame.” Tich-chung-u hearing this,
made her a very low bow, and told
her, he highly approved of her opinion;
which he hada s much wiſhed
her to adopt, as a ſhower of rain
is deſired in a timeo f drought. It
is true, ſaid he, the commands of our
parents would be ſufficient to warrant
our completing the marriage: but as
it would cauſe a deal of reflection,
I am intirely of your opinion that
|: 1 it will be better to wait a little while
1 1 longer,”
A CHINESE /HISTORY. 4k
| longer.“ < Our parents“ impatience,
ſaid the young lady, proceeds from the
impertinence of Tab- quay and the Eunuch:
[but your regard for decency
and good order merits my regard, and
greatly heightens my opinion of you.“
The people you mention, anſwered
he, know nothing about us; and are
unacquainted with our affairs: they are
incited to trouble us by Kwo-ſho Ju;
but when they ſee the ſtep we have
taken, their mouths. will be ſtopped,
and they can proceed no farther.”
And yet, ſaid Shuey-ping-2 they may
ſill ſhew their ſpiteb y raiſing ill and
calumnious reports of us. Upon all
theſe accounts it is beſt to forbear a
while.” „ For my part, ſaid Tiebchung-
u, when] came ill into your houſe,
I thought
42 HAU |KIQU. C TOA A
1 thought none knew of it but four,
namely, Heaven and Earth, you and
myſelf”
It is uſual with the Chine/e to\ freako f The
Heaven and The Earth, as intelligent beings,
or divinities. Thus in their books it is ſaid,
Heaven hears and ſees every thing. [P. Du
Halde, v. T. p. 407. u.] And in their imperial
edicts, The protection of [ Tien-ti] the Heaven
and the Earth, which comes from on high.“
[ibid. p. 528. But the Jaeſuites alledge that a
theſe are only phraſes to ſignify the Deity, the
Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth.
It is very remarkable that the CY have
no particular term in all their language that ex-
Preſsly denotes the Supreme Being, or anſwers
to our word GOD. Hence they have been
branded with the character of profeſſed atheiſts,
But whatever their Zzterati may be at preſent,
it is certain that the CHingſe have had from the
earlieſt antiquity various forms of expreſlion,
and a multitude of religious rites, which prove
their belief of a Divine Providence. |S ee note,
vol. 1. p. 15 5
Among the other buildings conſecrated to
religious worſhip, there are at Pe-king two very
ſuperb ones. Ihe one is called Tien-Tang, or
The Temple of Heaven; the other 7 :i-tang, or
The TRI of the Earth, To theſe the Em-
Peror
3 A
4
"4
*
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+ 98
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.
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+
4 7
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>= o
855 ?
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;
A CHINESE HISTORY. 4g
myſelf.” «Well, fad me, if Heaven
hath ee = thing, it will —
— "os every year in great tate, and with
his.own hands offers ſacnfrce to The Heaven,
and to The Earth, at which times he lays aſide
his robes, and appears in a plain veſtment of
black, or ſky-c toured damaſk, This is an office
ſo eſſential to his dignity, that for any one elſe to
perform it, would be at once to aſpire to the
throne,
The Emperor's ſacrifice to the Earth is attended
with a ceremony, which deſerves particular
notice. On a certain dayi n the ſpring he appears
in the character of a huſbandman, and with two
oxen who have their horns gilt, and with a plough
finely varniſhed, &c. he ploughs up ſeveral furrows,
and afterwatds ſows them with his own
hand: his principal Lords afterwards do the
like, 'till they have — the whole ſpot ſet
apart for that purpoſ:e P . Magalhazns tells us,
that at the ſame time the Empreſs with her ladies
dreſſes him a homely dinner, which they after-
-wards eat together, &c.
This ceremony hath been obſerved from time
immemorial in order to encourage agriculture,
the profeſſion of which is deemed very honourable
in China, and there are annual rewards
propoſed to ſuch as excell in it.
See P. Du Halde, vol. 1, pag. 275. 660.
F. Magal. ch. 2 1. Martin. Hiſt. p. 11. &c.
Our
44 HAU KOU CHOAAN.
Our parents commands would juſtify
our union in the eye of the world: but
as there is this ſecret reaſon for our
ſorbearance, we muſt only feign to be
huſband and wife: this may paſs with
the public, till the difficulty is removed
that prevents us from being
ſuch in reality. The young Mandarine
was charmed with her diſcretion,
and ſaid, Your ingenious reaſoning
informs my mind, at the ſame time
that itA irengrhens |[ my reſolutions, in
virtue *, n | 2
Thus they held converſation on their
Patent circumſtances, and on the great
regard that ought to be paid to honour
In the Tranſlator's M. S. it is, * Strengthens
my regard to the great law of nature.“
and
A CHINESE HISTORY. 45
and virtue: they alſo related the various
paſſages that had happened, as well
through the perſecution of Kwo-kbe-
224, as through the plots of him and
his father. They were very pleaſant
and chearful: and having drunk
juſt enough to put them in mind
to have the tables removed, they roſe
up, and retired into two ſeparate chambers.
So that their marriage was no
otherwiſe completed than as to the
outward appearance, and belief of it.
| What happened in conſequence of
_ theſe meaſures will be found in the following
chapter, [1517 9Vp51
5 * * 3 5 5 [ * - ſ i 8 & .
Pa 4 ; 7 : 7 pe 1 . Z 14 ; | *
| y = I * *
E ee 14 . „ : 4 30
1 0 pe 1 1 y
9O>i C
—
ö
|
7—————.a? —U= ü5 ——
46 HAU KIQU/CHOAAN,
CHAP.
IE 8 ad is hear
completedhi s marriage with Shuyping-
fin, was notwithſtanding greatly
in love with her: and thata s well for
her wit and good ſenſe, as for the
beauty and gracefulneſs of her perſon.
He was ſo charmed with her converſation
thath e could not endure tſot ir
abroad : which being related to their
reſpective parents, they were extreme-
Iy well pleaſed. e
Let us leave them thus enamoured
of each other, and return to Tah-quay
and the Eunuch Chou.

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 27

2026-03-29T09:52:06Z

Admin: Create Chapter 27 from Vol 3 (raw OCR)

= Chapter 27 =
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 280px;"
|+ style="background-color: #4a7c59; color: white; padding: 5px;" | '''Chapter Information'''
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8; width: 120px;" | Wiki Chapter
| 27
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Translator's MS
| Chapter XIV
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Volume
| III
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Status
| style="background: #ffe0e0;" | OCR — footnotes pending
|}

''Part of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

0 Crap. XIV. In theT ranflator's manuſcript
Vor. III. | K in130
HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
inquired for his father. His mother
told him he was gone upon an affair
of great importance: that there was a
great officer or valiant man to be
brought to juſtice. He replied, As
cherei s a war, and valiant men are neceſſary
at this critical juncture, why do
they ſeek to deſtroy them? I will go
and hear the trial: perhaps my father
maybe drawn over to the opinion ofh is
colleagues, and not follow the dictates
of his natural candour and juſtice.“
Then going to the audience *, he was
{truck with the fight of Ff. hiau already
condemned, and bound, waiting for
w e + having beenſ entenced:t o
— 4 t
+1Th eſe "opt o beſ nonymous iin tnh e Chinds
language.
2e Kong-r od "TranM .8 .
— .
A CHINESE HISTORY. 131
toſe his head three quarters of an hour
after noon; There was a great crowd
af ſpectators; through the midſt of
whom the youth forced his way to get
| nearer to the condemned perſon. He
perceived him to be very young; but of
a bold and dauntleſs aſpect: his loo wild
and fierce as that of a tyger: his eyes
fiery: his throat large, yet long like a
crane's: his body ſtrong and well ſet T.
IN Tieb-
I What attention the Chinęſe pay to the comlexion
and features of their generals, we may
jk from Dionys. Kao, a native of China. This
honeſt writer deſcribing the image of Quan inchang
[who may be conſidered as the Mars of
the Chine/e] tells us, that its facei s painteodf a
a very deep blood colour. Which ſort of
- ** countenance, he adds, is highly eſteemed by
« the military men: nay, the whole Chine/?
nation imagine him [rather 5 very propitious
. to them, and fancy that ſuch a hery flaming
face wil inſpire them with valour, and ehable
Ss SS „them
———— —
nF—I©— .l er» y
[had
*
*
nI .\a* R²e 4B la e*—n mC i
—:.
2”
—3— ———
F
—
—— .—
Dank.
132 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
Tieh-chung-u wondered what default
of duty that man could be guilty of
who had ſo promiſing an appearance.
He went up to him, Sir, ſaid he,
of what can they have accuſed you,
who ſeem to be ſo valiant a perſon?
How is it, that you have been beaten
in war?” At this the other flew into
2 rage, and ſternly ſaid, A man can
: die :
% them to acquit themſelves well.” Vid. pag.
126. |
But it is not merely from the opinion of its
being propitious to themſelves, but alſo with
the politic view of frighting their enemies, that
the Chine/e affect a fierce dreadful look in their
enerals. Martinius ſpeaks of it as an eſtabliſhed
cuſtom, handed down from very early times, for
them to paint the general, (who gains the firſt
place in their triennial examinations) armed and
of a gigantic ſtature, and to ſend this picture
round to the neighbouring nations, in order to
ſtrike them with terror. Vid. Hiſt. pag. 405. _
That the Chire/e ſtill act upon the 1 views,
Es we
A CHINESE HISTORY. 133
die but once: and it matters not in
what manner he dies. But I that
have ſtrength in my arms to carry the
weight of ten peculs *, and am maſter
of eighteen different weapons F, how
ſhould
we learn from the elegant writer of Lord An/or's
voyage; for when the Engliſh were to paſs by
one of the Chine/e caſtles, among other artifices
to make them think more reverently of their
military power, they had ſet a ſoldier of unuſual
ſize, to ſtalk about on the parapet with a battleax
in his hand, and dreſſed in very ſightly armour,
which yet our people ſuſpected was only
madeo f glittering paper. See pag. 540.
| Theſe ridiculous and childiſh expedients are
ſufficient to convince us of the unwarlike turn
of the Chine/e, and at how low anebb is their
military proweſs.
*The Pecul (called by the portugueſe Pts, |
and by the Chrne/e Tan,) conſiſts of one hundred
Catti or Chineſe pounds, and of about one hundred
and twenty-five pounds European weight.
P. Semedo,p .7 2. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 576.
Kempfer, p. 367.----Sed vide Dampier Supe
Plem. pag. 132.
+: Fo give a ſhort deſcription of the wilitary
| K 3 eſtaer
„
**— *-22** - = —.* 2
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Un——P——9—r2 ̃ o—7—*— —1*. m.* K 0a g— a h —aP—n ———P—
>=5 : = -Pd Þo
Nx ———————— ———= —A n
1
.x
2©”2 0
——o—0P-O>= w O—rW- *a *»7 4
134 HAU*KIOU cHOAAN.
ſhould I be beaten by any one? What
have IT loſt? *Tis all falſely laid to
my charge. This I ſolemnly declare.
However muſt die: be it ſo. That
is certain, replied the youth; and yet
uf
eſtabliſhment and diſcipline of the Chineſe, we
may obſerve that as the Chine/e have different
degrees for their literary Mandarines, ſo they
have ſimilar degrees for their Mandarines of war:
and have military Bachelors, Licentiates and
Doctors in like manner as in France, they had
formerly knights belonging to the law, as well
as the army.” *
'Fhe manner of their military examinations
is not unlike thoſe for the literary degrees. [See
note, vol. 1. p. 8.] The candidates have a theme
or ſubje& given them relating to the art of war,
on which they are to compoſe diflertations and
diſcourſes in writing. This done, they are required
to 45 their ſkill in ſhooting, riding and
managing their arms, and to give various proofs
of their dexterity and ſtrength. It is ſeldom
that any are admitted into command without
having taken one or other of theſe degrees.
The Mandarines are required often to exerciſe
and review the ſoldiery. Which -
A CHINESE HISTORY. 133
if you had not been guilty of the charge
laid againſt you, why ſhould juſtice
be exerted in ſo extraordinary a manner?
But if you have any thingto
alledge in your vindication, you muſt
fiſts only in ſome diſorderly marches, in making
mock. fights, and in rallying to the ſound of
horns and trumpets. Not but they are taught
to draw the bow and handle the fabre with
great addreſs: and eſpecially are required to
— their arms and armour bright and clean.
As the military life in China is ſeldom attended
either with toil or danger, from the almoſt continual
peace and tranquillity of the empire, it is
beſtowed as a favour on ſuch as can make friends
with the Mandarines, their ſervice being commonly
confined to the places of their abode, and
is only to ſuppreſs robbers, &c. fo that they
may at proper times follow their own employmentsT.
h e military Mandarines are computed
at 18,000, and the ſoldierya t above 700,0c0,
The pay of a foot ſoldier is about five pence
and a pint of rice per day: and of the horſe in
proportion. | 3
P. Du Halde,v . 1. p. 260. &. P. Semedo,
p. 96. &, Mod. Univ. Hiſt. viii. 150.
ere if, N. 5 P
K 4 ſpeak,
1% HA au me
ſpeak, now is your time,” „Madden
fetched a deep ſigh and rde „The
preſent times are vile and corrupted.“
„Well, ſaid Tieb-chung-u, if you are
unwilling to break through your reſerve,
I will only aſk you one thing;
ſuppoſing you ſhould be releaſed, would
you undertake to go now againſt the
enemy.“ Why not? replied he; is
it not my duty ? To do ii t a thouſand
times, I ſhould look upon as nothing.“
The youth ſaid no more to
him, but aſked the people what o'clock
it was, and was anſwered paſt ten.
Upon which he opened a way through
the crowd, and got into the hall of
audience, where were ſeated the three |
preſidents of the tribunal.| H e cried
out aloud, * Health to you all, my
Lords!
A CHINESE HISTORY. 137
Lords! You are all great officers under
his Majeſty : it therefore behoves
you to do your beſt for the public
weal. At preſent there is great want
of men of valour; and none can be
got notwithſtanding the proclamation
for ſuch to appear. The manner of
your preſent proceedings tends, not to
the advantage, but the detriment of the
empire. Pray is this man facrificed
to public juſtice, or any private conſideration?”
The three Mandarines, who
had not very willingly paſſed ſentence
upon Hi-hiau, but had done it merely
to oratify their ſuperiors, were not
diſpleaſed to ſee a perſon appear in his
vindication: although they were difguſted
at the little reſpect he ſhewed
them. 4
The
138 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
The Preſidento f Crimes after ſome
time, perceived he was the ſon of their
colleague, the Supreme Viceroy: who
alſo himſelf diſcovered who he was.
Upon which he ſtruck his hand on the
table and ſaid, How dare you come
here in this impertinenatnd bold manner,
where it is death to do it? Take
hold of him and bind him. I acknowledgeno
relation to him in this place.”
Tieb- chung- u cried out, No, no: that
is not juſtice: hear me before you order
me to be ſeized. I only aſk your
Lordſhips, why doth the Emperor
place thed ruma t the gate of his palace,
but that the people may have redreſs
there, when they can obtain it no where
elſe ?? The Supreme Viceroy faid,
Who are you? and what acquaintuy
5 ance
A CHINESE HISTORY. 139
ance have you with the condemned
perſon ?” He anſwered, I know him
not, but perceiving him to be a valiant
man, and one that may do his country
and the Emperor ſervice, [I came in his
behalf.]“ His father replied, © What
| buſineſs is it of your's what he is, or
what he can do?” Then he ordered the
officers attending the tribunal to take
and bind him. The two other Mandarines
deſired his impriſonment might
be deferred for a moment, and calling
him to the table before the tribunal,
faid, © You ſhew a good intention and
ſound principle in what you fay, but
you muſt conſider that things muſt
be carried on accordintgo fthe forms
of] juſtice, and not with ſo much
precipitation. Hii-biau hath been a
e year
140 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
year in priſon, and the Mandarine
Shuey-keu-ye as long in baniſhment;
and hitherto none have appeared in their
behalf. The former of theſe hath today
been broughtto his trial, and been
condemned: to acquit him now would
be ridiculous, and cauſe a deal of confuſion
and anger from the Emperor.
The Mandarine Ko-h o ſu hath already
informed his Majeſty of the ſentenceof
death paſt by us: how then is it poſſible
to recall it?” Tieb-chung-u hearing theſe
words, fetched a deep figh, and ſaid,
be What you have done is all out of regardt
o your own intereſts, and not to
the good of your country. Your Lordſhips.
cannot but know, that in former
daysi tw as frequent for Mandarinest o
oppoſe injuſtice; or at leaſt to refuſe
2 to
A CHINESE HISTORY. 141
to do any thing in prejudice of their
country, or againſt their conſcience,
notwithſtanding it mightbe ſtrongly
preſſed upon them by the Emperor
himſelf *. Wherefore do you ſtudy
law and juſtice, if thus you act ſubſervient
to higher powers?“
| 0 aol . The
* e a people ſo :nteraſied as the Chineſe, |
it will not be wondered at that reaſon and juſtice
are frequently given up on the ſlighteſt intimation
of the Emperor's pleaſure : and yet the
hiftory of China can produce ſome inſtances |
of firmneſs and integrity in oppoſing oppreſlive
meaſures, that would do honour to the patriots
of Greece and Rome. There have been miniſters,
who have gone to make remonſtrances to the
Emperor with ſuch firm. expectation of death
for their boldneſs, that they have carried their
coffins with them to the gate of the palace. ¶S ee
P, Le Compte, tom. 2. p. 35. P. Da Halde, 1. p.
'250.] And with what delicacy and addreſs
they can ſometimes reſtrain the paſſions of their
priaces may be ſeen in the following inſtance.
The king of Ti, ſaith a Chine/e author, had
2 horſe which he loved, and this horſe died thro”
the
142 HAU KIOU CHOAAN,
Ihe two other Mandarines to whom
he addreſſed bimſelf had nothing to
reply: but his father cried out, : What!
are you mad? 1 tell you ſentence is
the negle& of his greom. The prince in a rage
ſnatched up a lance and was going to diſpatch
him. The Mandarine 721-1 who was preſent
turned aſide the blow, and inſtantly addreſſing
| himſelf to his maſter, ſaid, ** Sire; that man was
on the point of loſing his life before he knew
the heinouſneſs of his crime.“ © I conſent, ſaid
the king, that you make him ſenſible of it.”
Then the miniſter taking up the lanee and aiming
it at the criminal: Wretch, faid he, attend to
your crimes, Which are as follows; in the firſt
place, you have cauſed the death of a horſe,
which your prince committedt o your eſpecial
care; and thereby have deſerved death. Secondly;
you have cauſemdy princteu fall into ſuch
a that he would have killed you with
his own hands: behold another crime more
grievous than the firſt. Laſtiy; you would have
caufed all the other princes and neighbouring
ſtates to have ſeen that my prince will take
away a man's life for the death of à horfe,
and thus his reputation would have been ruined:
and you, wretch, are the occafioonf all this.
«« Eet him go, faid the prince; let him go: I
pardon: his Paul,” P. Du Halde, vol; f. p. 600.
paſſed
A CHINESE HISTORY. 243
paſſed, and he muſt die.” Theſe
words very much grievect Tieb- chung u,
who faid, < Will you then havnoe pi ty
on ſo brave and valiant a man as this?
« Hti-hiau, replied the Supreme Viceroy,
is condemned according to law,
and his death muſt be looked | upon
with no more remorſe than that of a
kid. Of what ſervice would pity be,
whereit is out of our power to relieve
him ?““„ “T his is no common perſon,
ſaid his ſon, you do not know his
qualifications, he is not to be matched
among all the great men, that guard
the wall of ten thouſand furlongs F.
ful Thang Tehing, i, e. . The wall of
ten thouſand Lee, or ro, ooo Lee in length,” It
is thus the Chineſe ſpeako f that ſtupendous wall,
whieh ſeparates their northern provinces from
144 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
It hath been cuſtomary when fuch men
have committed a fault: not to put
them to death, but to let them take it
This prodigious work was undertaken two hundred
and fifteen years before Chriſt, to ſecure three
great provinces from the irruprions of the Tartars,
In order to execute it, every third man
was draughted out of each of the provinces.
To lay the foundation on the ſea coaſt, ſeveral
ſhips were ſunk loaded with ſtones and iron.
The workmen were not to leave the leaſt chink
between the ſtones on forfeiture of their lives:
hence the work is almoſt as intire at preſent, as
when it was firſt built. It is about fifteen hundred
miles in length, and broad enough for fix
horſemen to ride a-breaſt upon it.
This wall is admirable on two accounts. Firft
that in its courſe from eaſt to weſt, it runs in ſeveral
places with a gradual aſcent over very high
mountains, and is fortified with very large towers
no more than two bow - ſhots aſunder. The
ſecond is, that this wall does not run in a flraigbt
line, but turns and winds in ſeveral places, according
to the diſpoſition of the mountains,
ſo that the north part of China may be ſaid to be
mg with three walls inſtead of one.
This work was but fivyeyee rs in building.
P. Du Halde, vol. p. 20. 260. &c. Martin. Atlas.
p. 15. Ae. F. 4 tom. I. p. 115.
A 8 off
A. CIINESE HISTORY! 145;
off ¶attone for; 19] by ſome ſervice
or other of great! importance to their
country. Why then ſhould: not this
man bo ſuffered to take off his crime
in the ſame manner? The two Mandarines
agreed it was reaſonable: “ But
who, ſaid they, will be ſecurity for his
performing ſuch actions, as ſhall. merit
a parduon ?“ Tieb-chung'u ſaid, Iwill.
reſtore him but to his farmer. oiceg and
if he does not anſwer your expectations,
then take off my head.”
&> 1 .
© + Aa
0 Wo
J 4
The two other Mandarines diſoourſed
the matter over with his father: As
your ſon, ſaid they, hath offered himſelf
ſecufrori Htu-y hi au here before all
the world, we are thereby impowered to
drauwp a petition in his- behalt, withb
Von. III. Is out
146 HAU kIOU cHoAAN.
out the imputation of partiality, or of
taking illegal ſteps to ſave his life.“
The Supreme Viceroy perceiving this
was no more than reaſonable, ordered
the criminal to be ſent back to priſon,
and commanded Tich-chung-4 to draw
up a writing of ſecurity in his behalf.
Which being done and properly ſigned,
he ordered a chain to be fixed round
his neck, and ſent him to priſon after
the general. !
The three Mandurines after this
drew up a petition, wherein they acquainted
his Majeſty with their proceedings.
As it was a time of war, buſineſs
was not long before it was diſpatched,
ſo that. if a Mandarine gave
in a petition one day, his Majeſty
2 wWou' d
A CHINESE HISTORY, 147
- would anſwer it himſelf the next. The
Emperor anſwered their petition in the
following manner.
« Whereas there is a great want
« of men of valour to ſerve in the
« wars without the wall; and whereas
« Nieb- chung -u, fon of the Supreme
6 Viceroy, hath offered himſelf as ſee
curity for the good behaviaur. of
H. biau; 1 therefore ſuſpehins edxe -
6 cution, and inveſt him with the
„ fame commandh e had heretofore.
An 1 likewiſe give him a ſword to put
to death any perſon that ſhall diſobey
command, or negle& his due
ty: and wherever the war may be,
4 he hath full power to command there,
* as I expecth e willb en o where [im-
Lig 3: properly]
2
148 HAU 'KIOU-CHOAAN.”
properly] abſent. Wherefore if he
e behaves well, and comes off with
« ſucceſs, my favour ſhall exalt him:
* otherwiſe he ſhall 2 his 1
*: ment the header
„ SHuetye⸗u y firſt .
e and wa ſſiſted him, and now Tieb-
4 chung-u hath offered himſelf for his
te ſecurity: after this if he doth not
<<, behave well, I ſhall ſeverely call to
ce account thoſe two perſons, as much
«| deſerving to bep uniſhed as himſelf.
„ Wherefore: let him well conſider
56 this, 1 N 1 to his
875 . rr ele vor: e e
1 1 was carried by a Mandarine
properly attended to Hl. biau,
whom wügether with Tieb.-c hung u they
Pyl 19940 4 K took 1
A CHINESE "HISTORY; 149
took out of priſon. - Theſe two perſons
went to return thanks to the three
Mandarines their Judges LE and aiterwards
took up their abode in the houſe
of the Supreme Viceroy; where, they
| got every thing ready in order to repairt
o the warTsWO. da ys after chey
departed for their, charge properly
equiwithp a pgalleant dreti,nue- of ſolarrived
at the wall, the officers there
A ſhewed them great, reſpect, ſeeing Hi
biau
* * * 1 %y
2 N * 1 1 . io £,
£2 4 +7 # I7 * 4 5 * 14 4 4 % 3 ; $
AS: As che Ni dies Aer in Trent
20mp to their governments, carried in ſedans, &c.
0 the military Mandatines, who travel common
45 on horſeback, no leſs affect an air of graneur.
Indeed their horſes are not very beau -
tiful, but their Karneſs is extremely ſumptu6us,
the bits and ſtirrups being either filver or gilt.
The ſaddle is very rich: the reins of the bri.
| dle are made of coarſe pirked ſattin two fingers
| Rb 7 $ | broad.
-— —*
rE* *
IE—1—C—— OL L E
————
_—— —
——8-
——=— — -
Ol qI> 2Wk5 Te0 Sy
*5 T>pE 7 .I
0N ——— —
b̃*.mt.⅛ . x=— n e—e w MwN7 A˙ ¹wñ
——- — —
———
|
'
b
|
|
:
[
1
9
*
1% HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
Bau return with the Emperor's ſword,
They had not been gone ſix months,
| before this genehrada ſluc h ſignal ſucand
every where re. eſtabliſned peace
and tranquillity. Upon which the
command, and reftored Shuey-kex-ye to
bis former office. His Majeſty alſo
Ticb-chung/u, and would have created
broad. From the upper part of the cheſt hang
two great locks of fine red hair (ſuch as their
caps are covered with) ſuſpended by iron rings
either gilt or ſilvered. Their retinue conſiſts of
a great number of horſemen, part going before
and part behind them: without reckoning
their domeſtics, who are clad either in black
ſattin or dyed calico, accordintgo their maſter's
r
P. Du Halde, vol. 4. p. 285.
refuſed
A CHINESE HISTORY. 152
refuſed to accept of any ſuch diſtinction,
for he ſaid unleſs he could arrive
at that honourby his learning, he was
unworthy of it.
id nb .
IHE MandarinKeo /bo-ſu was
1 fo mortified by this diſappointment
that he was aſhamed to appear
in public, and beggedto lay down his
office under pretence of indiſpoſition,
On the other hand, Shuey-keu-ye had
no ſooner returned to court but he
was made Shang-ſbu, or Preſident [of
the tribunalo f arms.] The Mandarines
who had threatened him for refuſing
to liſten to their propoſals in
favour of Ko ſho-ſu and his ſon, were
1 Ss - afraid
tg1e44E.9n—n—= D n ,t
my acknowledgments to the young
gentmaln efo r the benefit Ihave received
from his wiſdom' and courage;
and nothing would rejoice me ſo much
75a HAU KIOU:THOAAN./
afrhea woiuldd n ow remember them.
But be told them vrhen they came to
and aſł his pardon, that they
could not be blamed for addingas
they did, and that the harm which
might have accruèd was owiag to himſelf.
As ſoon as he had waited on
the Empehre woentr , immediately
vifit the Supreme Viceroy and his
That Mandarine received him in perſon,
but his ſon wasa bſent: thelother
inquafiterr heimd b ut was told he
wis gone into the country to ſtudy.
« Fam come, ſaidd ubxen qc tu pay
asT ovſ ee him.“ 4 * moro clad
ws
A CHINESE HiSsTORT. 133
his father, I will ſend! him to, viſit
vou.“ Upon which the other depart»
ed wth great latisfaction. ri odT
boReift {[ow-of en. ornw ioflertt eil
The Mandarine Tieb did not approve
of his ſon 's:keeping Aa greut deat
of company, buticoulki[not-avaigdtontd
plying withte rheque ſt: of- the Lid
Preſident ;he therefore ſent to command
his ſon to viſit him; J iab chung: ſaidi
to the ſervant who brought tie meſ⸗
ſage, As that Mandarine only came
to ſee us out of compliment, it will
be ſufficient for my father to return it!
Tri would but interrupt my ſtudies; to
go to the city: where the publie ceremonies
would take up more time than J
can ſpare; and ſo much company is
but irkſome.“ He therefore humbly
intreated
|
|;
|
|
|
|
r;4 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
intreated his father not to engage for
any returonf viſits to be made by him.
The ſervant reported his meſſage to
his maſter, who was ſo well ſatisfied
wich it, that he went and returned
the viſit alone. Shuey-keu-ye aſked for
his ſon: and the other apologized for
his abſence under pretence that he was
indiſpoſed. 7:99 Very well, replied he,
it is the cuſtom of people of ſenſe and
ingenuity not to be forward in making
themſelves public: as your ſon is a
youth of great wiſdom, and chuſes to
live ſequeſtered from public company,
I will go to his houſe, and ſee him
there.“ After a . farther diſcourſe
"oP oa
In the original, © After two words diſcourſe.”
93851 The
A CHINESE HISTORY. 133
The Mandarine Sbugkyeu--y tt hought
it a great proof of the young gentleman's
diſcretion and good ſenſe,
that he choſe to be retired. It increaſed
his deſire to ſee him. He
had formedi n his mind ſo favourable
an opinion of him, that he
thought he would be a very proper
match for his daughter, whom now
he began to think of marrying. He
accordingly ſent a ſervantto the village,
where Tie- chung- u at preſent reſided,
to ſeei f he were at home, and
being informed that he was, he =
to ſee him on the morrowF: ©
which he u_ him” the dae
notice.
+In * original, « Two days alter or rather
on the ſecond day,” |
be
126 HAU KIOU. CHOAAN.”
The name of the village was'See-ſhan,
or Weſt-mquntawhienre, Jeb. chung 1
lived! retired ; he had juſt dined when
he received notice that theu la ndarine
Shaey-ktu-ye intendehdi m a viſit: the
name brought to his mihnis dbra utiful
dau
fed him tovfetch u deep ſigh, and led
hitom re:fle ct on the wonderful manner
in whicherthin gs had happened.
&F/ little thought, ſaid he, of contributing
to the reſtorationo f that young
lady's father, when I became fſurety
for Hubiau. I was not only the
happy inſtrumentof ſaving a brave
man from death, but of briaging
back to honour a Mandarine of ſo
much merit. I might Lo. aſk him
for hisd aughter |i n mar riage if Thad
tk not 4 LY
A CHINESE HISTORY. #57
not become acquainted with her at
the Che bien's tribunal; and if ſhe had
not received me afterwards into her
houſe. But alas! after all this public
intercourſe, our union is impoſſible,
unleſs L would bring all the calumny
in the world both upon her and myſelf;
and confirm the ſuſpicioofn a private
correſpondence. He conſidered
with himſelf whether itw as not pofſible
5 to find out ſome means of getting over
this difficulty : [but his delicacy raiſed
ſo many ſcruples, and painted the cen·
ſure of the world ii n lot errible 4 light,
as extending not oply |t o himſelf, but
| his poſterity, that] at length he ſaid,
«I ſhall be forced to refuſe her, although
her facher ſhould make me. the
offer. HenW asb uried in rheſe diſ-
7 | trafting
q
j
N
1
*
|
tracting reflections, when there was
ſhewn into the room an old gentleman
dreſſedi n the habit of a doctorof law:
who cried out, Hiong, or brother,
wharye yo u fo difficulto fa cceſs ®, that
I could not ſee you before to-d ay?
« Surely, Sir, ſaid the youthy,o u do
not know me, or you would not ſay
this. Thehen pa id him the compliments
due to his appearance. When
10 appearsH om. what followst hat this if s
intended as a compliment, |
In a former note, Cw ol. 2. p. go.] it hath han
hinted how reputable the charaQer of a retired
ſtudent is among the Chineſe, and what intenſe
application it commonly requires to obtain a
competent knowledge of their literature. The
apinion of the Chingſe themſelves on this head
will be learnt from the following little moral tale,
which contains a fine leſſon for perſeverance.
Lip, who under the dynaſty of the Han, became
one of the firſt doctors of the court, addiged
himſelf to bis ſtudies from his _—_—
| 6 *
A CHINESE HISTORY. 259
theſe were over the old gentleman took.
hold of his hand, and looking earneſtly
in his face, ſaid, When I only heard
of you, I conceived a great efleem for
you; which after all might poſlibly
have been ill-grounded : but now 1
muſt confeſs the ſight of you increaſes
that eſteem, and gives me great ſatisfaction,
Yeſterday I went to pay you
He came one year to the general examination
of the province; but meeting with bad ſucceſs,
he deſpaired of ever obtaina idengrgee :
he therefore reſolved to give up learning, and
to turn his views to ſome other purſuit. hile
he was ruminating on this ſubject, he met with
an old woman, who was rubbing an iron peſtle
to and fro' upon. a whe-ſ tto ne. To what
purpoſe do you do that?“ ſaid he te her. I
want, replied ſhe, to grind it down 'till it becomes
ſo ſharp as to be fit for embroidering.“
Li p took the hint, and returned to his ſtudies,
to which he applied with ſuch renewed ardour,
that he at length attained to the higheſt employments,”
P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 386. _
a vilit,
e e311
160 HAU KOU 'CHOAAN.”.
a viſit,” but only ſaw your father: he
told me you did not care to be ſeen
in public: I therefore came hither privately
to viſit you. Nieb-dhung-u at
theſe words ſtarted, ſaying: * Ah!
Sir, you ſtem to be the Mandarine
Shueyskea y6'# 178 tlien getting ready a
Dieb et, or billet of compliments, and
preſenting it to him, i ſaid, © T hope,
Sir, you will pardon me, that although
you are a Perſpn ef ſo much honour,
1447
15 did not "know. vou. . Why did
come here, replied the other, but to
thank you forb eing the cauſoef my
return to court: as likewiſe to be ae⸗
Wen with,a y outh.o ff uchw ncom-
* 7 i} Ot 291771
In the- original it 18, '.& Sula 'y;s L1ai5 5e n-
«*x th R's PSY: laſt wards, Hgnify an elder
in * * anf.
—
A CHINESE HISTORY. 161
mon endowments :as fame reports you.
to be poſſeſſed of?” 4e Pray, Sir, excuſe
me, ſaid Tieb- chung.1 5 itp roceeded from
my not being f ufficiently acquainted |
with you, that 1 did not pay that reſpect
to you I ought in waiting upon you
yeſterday. 70 am now very ſenſible of
my error.“
he ordered an entertainment to be got
ready. At the ſight of chat, Shugykeu-
yt was very well pleaſed, as it would
afford them an opportunity for diſcourſe.
Accordin gly their converſation turned
upon hiſtory, antiquity, poetry, law,
and other ſubjects proper for learned
and ingenious men. Aſter theſe topics
were exhauſted, the old Mandarine ſaid,
be had one word to ſpeak, which he
hoped the other would not take amiſs,
«ny Lord, faid Tieb-chung- u, as I am
WMWm - M your
After theſe nd, © |
162 HA KIOU CHOAAN.
your fon and diſciple „ why do you
new me fom uck,c ondeſcenſion B 2 1 B
have no ſon, replied |t heo ther, but «o ne,
only daughter, who,h athj uſt attained
her eighteenth year... If 1 am not Partial
to her, I never aw a young woman
of| ſuch, beautiful features, or of
ſof inea perſon: and as to knowledge
in books, 1 believe there. are none
able to converſe with her, except your-
« #..a# 4
elf, This I mention, aass I h ave a great
value fory ou; buti fJ oud on:t belieye
me, examine firſti nto the truth of!i t
e
44
. * » Hallh ave, herf or.y ourc , vie.” Tick:
11 42
chung. uw as ſoſ urprized, and| confound-
111 Fa
| ed at theſe.w ords, that he could give
. 1118 | 1 111
no.a but remained as it FS:
a4 11 —
This is2a foal compliment amongt he0 . |
» # neſe literati, — Vol.2 . pag.
|1 0d un,
A CHINESE HISTORY, 163
thunderſtruck, and ſighed deeply with
a great appearance of concern in his
face. Shuey-keu-y#oÞſerving his looks,
ſaid, „ Perhaps you are already enaged,”
The other ſhook his head,
abllfa nſwered; “ No!“ « Perhaps then,
replied he, you do not think all is
true that I tell you.“ „ Sir, faid the
youth, it is impoſtible for a man or :
woman to excell in underſtanding* 7
much as ſhe doth,' -b ut a whole king-'
dom muſt be acquainted with it. You”
have ſpoke nothing but truth, and your
offer would bee xceedingly acceptable
to any one, but myſelf: circumſtanced
as Lam, I ſhould be very blameable 1t oaccept
'ofi t.” The Mandarine hear”
ing him ſpeak ſo obſcurely, ſaid, You”
are a perfon of an open generous heart;
M2 1: ou
164 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
you. muſt tell me what you mean.”
56 Sir, ſaid he, when you get home you
will underſtand every thing.” The
Lord Preſident imagined there might
be ſomething or. other amiſs, which had
not yet reached his ears: this he thought
the more probable, as he had been ſo
long from home, and had not heard
any news from thence : he therefore
dropt the ſubject, and after ſome little
_ diſcourſe upon indifferent topics took
his leave, and went home.
"A he went 1 he could nn ot0 |
refleting on the engaging aſpect of
Treb-chung-1, and what a proper. huſband
he would be for his daughter;
he therefore could not eaſily reſolve
to part with him. N he thought
he = 4
1 4 ; — 20
v
A CHINESE HISTORY. 163
he could diſcern in his words and manner,
as througha miſt, that he had a
ſecret inclination for her, although he
ſeemed to have ſome great objection:
what that was he could not poſſibly
divine, unleſs ſhe had been guilty of
any miſcondutt : But that, ſaid he,
cannot be; I know her to be of the
moſt ſteady temper, and immoveable
virtue. Perhaps this KoE-b ẽ-t æu, out
of revenge for my refuſing him my
daughter, hath played her ſome trick,
or reported illo f her, which hath oc
caſioned this diſguſt in 'Tieb-chung-ut _
however all theſe objections will vaniſn,
if the off. er prove but agreeable to the
Mandarine his father.“ He therefote
reſolved: to get an intimate acquaintance
to go and talk over the affair
My with
—Ws.— —
x66 HAU-KIOU CHOAAN.
Mich che latter; for from what he had
Py card of his daughter's Carriage and
ingenuity, he thought there was none
— but Tioh-c b
her)... -
-# worthy to obtain
c H ; A P. X.
8 HU E Y-ken-y# having learnt from
the friend he employed, that his
propoſals were exceedingly acceptable
to the Supreme Viceroy, made a great
entertainment for that Mandarine, who |
when he returned told his wile all
lady Sbeb, agreed that their ſon was
of a proper age to be married; and
that Shucy-ping-/in was a very deſirable
perſon: for ſhe had heard how -ſhe
n n A critner HiSTORE, 167
| had conducted herſelf while the was perfſecuted
by Ke7 00- kbi-1:2 4, and that ſhe
was a moſt ii ngenious and agreeable
young lady. She thought therefore that
ſuch another could riot be found for
their ſon, and that itw ould be :a great
happineſs to fix him ſo well. 6 And
yet, ſaid ſhe, if you aſk his conſent, you |
will not obraln it; for he will be ſo
nice and curious that he muſt examine
every thing to the bottom, and will
be raiſing difficulties w1 ithout occaſion,
and without end. As the reputation
of Shuey-ping Jon 1i s0 eſtabliſhed, and
her merits and accompliſhments ſo
great, we may contract firſt, and acquaint
him with it afterwards.” | The
Mandarine Tich approved of her opinion,
and told heri i t intirely agreed
M 4 with
228
——
168 Hau klo cHOAAN.
with his own. Then chooſing a fortunate
day, he made the cuſtomary
preſent to the parent of chey oung lady,
At the ſame time, he and his wife
ſent to their ſon, and wiſhed him joy,
informing him of the engagement they
had entered into in his behalf. He
Was very much ſurprized, and imme:
diately went to his father and mother,
«6 Marriage, faid he, is an affair of
conſequence, and ſhould not be too
precipitately managed. Yau have been
wholly guided by report: but who
can anſwer for the truth of reports: ?
You may have been deceived in the
accounts of this lady: and there may be
cauſe to repent it as long as one lives,”
His father aſked him whether he ſuf:
pected Much ping:f yt ob eu gly ?? 66 No!
laid
A CHINESE HISTORY. 169
ſaid he: I believe that her complection
is fair and clear as the moſt limpid
ſtream *.”?.. , Perhaps, replied. the
other, you are doubtful of her wit and 8
ſenſe 2” 0 Her underſtanding, he replied,
ſurpaſſes even that of our ſex:
in whatſehev doeesrt he re appears ſuch
diſcretion; all her actions are conducted
with ſuch beautiful order, that it
exceeds imagination. Perhaps then,
ſaid his father, ſne hath been guilty
of ſomething wrong.” No, hea nſwered,
ſhe hath never done any thing
the leaſt amiſs.” With that the Supreme
Viceroy and the lady Sheh burit
into laughter, that he ſhould make a
ſcruple of marrying a young2 with
i. In the orig, 60 There i is v0 vater fairer than
c ſhe.” of | ISS: 1
ſo*
*
a——O1r —aa"A si I ,
Kpo=2y-y 8T- a E E
FeI2wea2ee ep yen e e,
2L 2
—
c—_—_
.TT a*=no—wm2 —r r—— ,y +„ .
——K —
——U— —— **O — — e
270 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
ſo many perfections, and who had not
one quality but what deſerved the
greateſt Praiſe.« Nay, proceeded the
youth, I ſhould willingly marry this
young lady, even ifi t expoſed me to ſo
great am isfortune as your diſpleaſure;
for ſhe is never abſent from my
thoughts : but alas! there is a difficulty,
which I can never get over,
chat ſhuts me our from all thoughts
of ſucha n undertaking. This ſaid, he
immediately told them all that happened
between him and the young lady: and
concluded with obſerving, that his
having ſo lately been the means of
reſtoring her father, would add ſtrength
to the ſuſpicion of their criminal correſpondence.
As therefore the Joſs of
their good fame was to be the conſequence
A CHINESE ' HISTORY. 271
quence of their nuptials, he could not
think of purchaſing even that happineſs
at ſo deara rate. His father commended
bis nice concern for bis reputation:
gut what hath happened, ſaid he, may
be juſtified and cleared up. Lou are
but a young man, and not ſo well able
05 to judge as myſelf. However this union
may be rendered more free from cenſure
by your caution.” Then his father
and mother both obſerved to him, that
they were advanced in years : and that
any delay was ſo much loſs of their
happineſs, as they could enjoy none
equal to that of ſeeing him married.
« You muſt not, ſaid they, yield to
| theſe ſcruples : retire to your ſtudies,
and baniſh them from your thoughts.
At a proper time we ſhall ſend for you.
R It
17 HAU ko CHOAAN.
It is too late now for you to object to
this marriage, for our contract cannot
be ſet aſide. Tieb-chung-u, perceiving
the anxious concern of his parents,
thought it would not become him to
contend with them farther: but imagined
that if he himſelf ſhould conſent,
the young lady could. not eaſily be prevailed
on. He therefore ſaid no more,
but taking his leave of them, returned
to his n 4
": fe eg | knaiag concerted the
marriage between Tieb-chung-# and his
daughter, remained very well ſatisfied;
anda s he had been ſo long abſent,
hada great deſire to ſre his family.
He accordingly petitioned his Majeſty
for leave to retire, as being old and
| infirm.
A CHINESE HISTORT. 173
infirm. The Emperor, who was deſi -
rous to make up to him the time he
had loſt in diſgrace and baniſhment,
would not conſent that he ſhould ſo
ſoon lay down his office. Hen evertheleſs
petitioned three times. The
Emperor at length ſeeing him ſo determined,
gave him leave to retire for |
one year, ordering him after the expiration
of it to return to court: at
the ſame time he iſſued out a mandate,
requiring the Mandarines every where
to entertain him as he paſſed along,
and to ſupply him with whatever he
might want. Highly pleaſed with this,
he immediately prepared every thing
for his journey, and ſet out from Peting
with a very ſplendid retinue, attended
by A long train of great Mandarines,
. fl i 5 who & .
i
*
1
«y
1
\
F
3
8
#
74 HAU) KIOU 'CHOAAN./
who accompanied him quite out of the
city. But the Mandarine No. bo- ſuu |
was not of their number, having been
aſhamed to eee
— 4
As ſoon as the news of what had
happened arrived at 'T/ee-nan fee,” all
the Mandarines who reſided in or near
that city, put up chops or red papers
with congratulatory inſcriptions “: and
every great officer and perſon of faſhion
went to the houſe of Shiey-keu-y6-to |
compliment his daughter on the news.
This ceremony they performed three
times. The firſt time, they congratulated
her on her father's return from banimment;
the ſecond-t ime on hisp ro- 8
. Ta the Tranſlator! 8 M. 8. « Red papers 3
3 welcome writ upon them..
motion;
A CHINESE HISTORY: | 175,
motion; and laſtly, on the permiſſion}
he had obtained to; retire from court.
Shuey- ping-ſin.,at firſt gave ncor edit to
the news: for having been ſo oft deceived
by. Kwo-khi-tzu, ſhe was afraid.
to appear: but afterwhaenr ſdhes ſaw:
it was all true; yet could, not comprehend
how her father ſpould-liage ſuch,
good fortune, as at once tob ree ſtored.
and advanced to honour. Shuey-gumwin |,
was not long before he went to her:
Do you know, ſaidh e, | by What
means ith ath happethnate ydour, fatheri
st husof a ſudden returned home
witſo hmuc h honour and promotion?
She replied, I do not: but wast hink
ON ſome amazehmowe itn cotul d
br 0 f ': Lon felt to; K,.
ſaid
. —————— — —— *
176 HAU KIOU cHOAAN.
ſaid he, that it is all through the means
oTfi eb*ching-u.” At whiſhec lauhghe d,
and ſaid, J cannot believe what. you
ſay: it ſeems\ ve ry fabulous.”* Why
not believe it, ſaid he?“ She replied,
n Becauſe Tieb-chung-- u is not in any
office or power; but on the contrary is
but a ſimple fludent, and out of the
way of contributing to ſuch an event.“
et proceeded originally, ſaid he, from
br n e — no> other_
— „ ”
ther to ſend a e to my broader |
to ſolicit his conſent. Which he refuſing,
that Mandarine renewed an accu-
_ ſation againſt kim, and alſo againſt H.
biau a general choſen by him, charging
them with miſmanagement in the wars:
upon which the Emperor appointed 2
— 3 7 tribunal
A CHINESE HISTROY. 177
Tribunal of Threei no rder to bring that
general to his trial. He was therecon
demned, and ready to bee xecuted, when
Tieh-chung-u - interpoſed and became
his ſurety :. in conſequence of which,
the general was reſtored to his command,
and had ſuch remarkable ſucceſs
thath e acquired great honour, not only
to himſelf, but alſo to that young gentleman
and your father.“ Shuey-pingn
inquired of her uncle what authority
he had for this report, and ſeemed: to
doubt whetheri t were true. Nor
true, ſaid he ? why ſhould you queſtion
it? Wherefore elſe were the papers
put up? Did not the Mandarines themſelves
come hithert oc ompliment you
on the occaſion ?” She ſmiled at his
_ warmth, and ſaid, It this be true,
Vol. III. N 1 then
1786 HAU KIOU. HOAAN.
then doubtleſs Tieb-chung-a' is à traitor,
that could be fo impudent and bold before
the Tribunal of Three. Why
don't youp etition againſt him, as one
that is going to raiſe a rebellion ?“
Her uncle begged that nothing more
might be ſaid on that ſubje&, aſſuring
her that he was now reformed. | 1 go
no more, ſaid he, among thoſe rakes:
who abuſed me very much in forcing;
me into what 1 did“ As ſoon 28 he =
was withdrawn, Shuey-ping-/in ſet herſelf
to reflect on the events that had
happened. She could not but admire,
that fortune ſhould give that youth ſo
many occaſions to aſſiſt her; and all
through their accidental meeting in the
ſtreets. © The ſervice he hath done me
is great, ſaid ſhe, but nothing to what
A CHINESE HISTORY. 179
he hath done my father. His virtue
and generoſity demand of me the moſt
grateful acknowledgments :: miſerable
I am, that I cannot yield him my love.”
Shuey-ping-fn continued in daily expectation
of ſeeing her father: when at
length a ſervant came to inform .H er
of his approach. All the Mandarines
went out. of the eity to meet him:
and at noon he came home. Sbe advanced
into the great. halt to receive
him, where nothing could equal the *
of them both.
What paſt farther between them, the
next book will inform us.
The End of Book the Third.
N a2
VN. B. THE FOURTH BOOK, containing
the remainder of THE CHINESE HIS
ORY, will bs in the next uolume: the
Third and. Fourth Books. being ſhorter than
the reſt, the Editor choſe to inſert here the following
independent PIECE, rather than a fragment
of BOOK THE FOURTH, which on
—4 accounts he choſe to keep intire and un1
r
—_————
A
Sw.
A
COLLECTION
O F
C H A
PROVERBS
AND
APOTHEGMS.
3
*
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Fs 18
A | 9 "1 L \ #\
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3
ADVERTISEMENT.
Nom3 — be formed oft he
and genius f any nation, than
from Fay aco mmon Proverbs. e could never
have prevailed, and become univerſal, if they had
not expreſſed the general ſenſe of the people, who
t them, For this reaſon it was judged that
the following COLLECTION would be no improper
Supplement to a book, which profeſſes to
give a pictureo f the CHINESE, as drawn by
themſelves. The Sentences are extrafted from
various Authors, but chiefly from thoſe tranſiations
of Chineſe Pieces, which P. Du Halde and
the Miſſionaries have given us. They are of twd
tinds, which in a larger collection, had more properly
been ſeparated : but our materials were tos
Fall to admit of a diviſion. The firft, are Ve.
as are either profeſſedly quoted for common Proverbs
+, or appear to be proverbially uſed: *T he
ſecond, are ſelect Apothegms or private Maxims
of Chineſe Moralifts. Of thef ormer, almoſt
all were 11 that — wy rocured : of the
latter, ſuch only as were * to contain ſomething
peculiar or — either iin theſ entiment
or manner of eapre |
ifJ os Proverls aere adnittc, which appear
4+ Thea re 22 "Oapkn g *,
E es N 4 116d
184 ADVERTISEMENT.
inſſpid or trifiing, we muſt plead the | ſcantineſs
* — which did not = to 2
Jeet any. If few of them are expreſſed with
that” ſententious brevity, which conflitutes* the
inci pal beauty of a proverb; we defire it
hep s 1 22 they are only tranflati Rn
tranſlations ; and therefore muſt appear to great
diſadvantage. . A. ſpirited conciſeneſs is among
thofe peculiar beauties of an ori ginal, which can
be. ſeldom transfuſed into a tranſlation. This
balds true more particularly in Adages and Proverbs,
which being founded on national alluſions
and peculiarities, require a circumbcution 10 render
them intelligible. A farther allowance muſt
* be made for the following ſpectmens, that
they are tranſlated from the moſt conciſe language
in the world, in 2 two words often cantain
an intire ſentence, and when tranſlated, require
a multiplicity to unfold their meaning *.
the Reader-takes all theſe conſtderations into the
account, and reflects that thisi s the Herſt attempt
of the kind ever made in Europe, it is — he
1010 e its inpper ſections. |
ll few parallel 8 from other 8
are bccaſtmally inſerted: chiefly where either they
ſerve to illuſtrate the Chineſe, or where they ſhetw
Fad other nations have hit on the Jams images.
Fee an inflance, — 1. hay. 134. note. See &lfa P.
Du Halde, v. 1. . 293. a Param. p. 19. Sc.
wad 6 * CHINESE
| L 11813
i . * * ** 4 2 _
= N —
CHINESE PROVERBS
Lg
AND
APOTHEGMS.,
Bark of plain be joined ET
only with: glue, cannot hold ouutr Tong
| againſt the large billows .
[That is, where pains have not been taken
to form the mind, it will be likely to 1 under
adverſity.)
A blemiſh may be aber out of a diamond
by ſtrongly polifhing it: but a blemiſh in
the words of a king can never be effaced b.
A diamond with flaws is preferred before a
common ſtone that hath none .
[Meaning that great excellences with ſome
_ imperfections, are better than a , inſipidity.
] 5
* A drum, if i it be n not beat go no noiſe: 2
*
2 P. Du Halle, w. 1. p. 511. | >B id.p . 410.
id wol. 2. P. 113. .
bell,
186 CHINESE *PROVERBS :
bell, if i be nat ſtruck upon, returns no
bound.
| [See the application af this proverb is the 3
© foregoin Hiſt, vol. 2. pag, 111. and vol. 4.
pag. 6o.]
A fault acknowledipgs half amended 4.
This iis the ſame with the F rench, Faute conce
oftà demi pardonee.)| |
N is pleaſing to the «e ye,w hile theK r
tree hath thing beautiful in it: the ſplendor
of the one is not an equivalent for Ahe
durableneſs of the other.
[We ſay, *Tis betterto kni! than bloſſees. And,
, Prettyneſs makes no pottage. See Ray.)
* A good beginning is of importance in all
undertakings : and a Light e have
fatal conſequences.
[Remarks of this kind are common in all
Lat. Dimidium facti, gui bent cepit,
Hbabet. Fr. De bon commancement bon fin!
* A good foundcaen ruſ e every metal: an
able lapidary the coarſeſt ſtones s.
[We ſay, A good avorkmas e of
his tools.]
A grave and majeſtic outſide is, as it were,
the palace where virtue reſidesh .
Lettres ed. xXVj. gy. | bid. 140. P. Ds
Hale 1. 632 . v. 2. p. 9. Id. 2. 470.
' AND APOTHEGMS.” 187
This is ne mawxith ithe mChixg ſe
11 affect an exterior beyond all other nations, ]
| A great talker never wants enemies: the man
ol ſenſe ſpeals little and hears much |
20 11 have heard perſons, who ſpeak. ladeg"
faith a Chinese author, * compared to certain
" trees, who have little beauty, but whoſe
fruits are excellent. A talkative perſon may
be likened to a fair tree without any fruit.43”s
P. Du Falde, 8 '630.]
* A horſe. thati s ready to gallop, when he
leaves the ſtable, isn ot one of thoſe, which
can make a thouſaZene do n aſ tretckh.
1 to the Eng. Fair and /oftly goes
The Lat. Nimium properans ſerius abſolvit.
3 to the Ital. Preſto e bene non ſi canuiene;
3. e. Haſtily and well never meet.N . B. One
thouſand Zee, is a hundred /eagnes.]
A hundred years, when paſt, are no more
than the twinkling of an eye: let us then
_ employ uſefully what days we have to live .
Am ag-pye builds her neſt, and the bird Kale u
places herſelf there afterwards u.
Equivalent to the Latin, . Sic-wos, non vobir,
nidificatis aves,—The Ate w ise rer the
© Guctowy, 1
iP, Du Halle, >.5 5 2 1, 1. 602. 5 511.5 92.
len. ed. . 130. F. B. Halus, 1. 526.
A man
188 CHINESE PROVERBS
A man and woman that can be together
alone, and yet preſetrve their 0 can
break no lav.
[See the foregoing Hiſt. vol. 2: pag; 145]
A man born in the country of either 7; or
Du, will infallibly have its accent.
oc. CE ant T/u were formerly two little *
doms now ſwallowed up in the Chiugſe empire.—
This proverb expreſſes the contagion of
example, and the difficulty of conquering national
habits. The ancients had Adages ſomeching
like it, as, Barbarus evaſit inter barbares.
And, Mores 2 e meer 1 Vid.
Eraſ. Adag.]
** A man never opens a book withoutr eaping
ſome advantage from it.
A man who hath neither equity, application
nor politeneſs, is a ſavage beaſt whoſe head
is covered with a bonnet?®.
* A man, without conſtancy, will neither make |
2 good diviner nor a phyſician% ,
A modeſt woman never marries two *
bands: a faithful miniſter ought not to
ſerve two kings” .
[The meaning of this proverb 3i s aſcertained
by the following paſſage in a Chine/e author.
*« Is it not — that a great man, who is loyal
| F. bs Halle, I. 474. Bid. Saks P Lett. ed. xi. |
136. Conf. lib. 3. P. 96. 2 444.
«® to
AND APOTHEGMS. 189
- « to his prince, quits all offices after his maſ-
«+ ter's death? A virtuous widow never thinks
of a ſecond huſband? P. Du Halde, vol. 2.
p. 169. N. B. The Chinęſe erect trium phal
arches to, and canonize for ſaints, ſuch widows
as have reſiſted ſecond addreſſes with exemplary
firmneſ—s A.n d upon a revolution of
government the Mandarines have frequently
refuſed to ſurvive their dethroned maſters.
Vid. P. Du Halde paſſim.]
A paſſion indulged, is a kind of drunkenneſs;
its remedy conſiſts in two words, I-, vanquiſh
thyſelf. 1 e e
[The Spaniards have a proverb, . Colirice
Janguino, Borracho fino; 1. e. A ſanguine choleric
man, is a downright drunkard.
A paſſion we do not get rid of, is like a moth
that flies round a taper until it be burnt *.
* A pear is returned for a peach: you ſhall
not reap what you have ſowed .
Applied when a juſt return is not made for a
favour received. To the ſame effect is that ſaying
of the ancients, Alij /ementem faciunt, alij
metent. Eraſ. Adag.] | MOR
A piſmire and a rat are very little inſecis, yet
all beings formed of the five elements are
liable to be deſtroyebdy as vile animals ».
Equivalentt oc he Eng. There are no ſmall ene-
29 Du Halde, 2. 48. * Ihid, 53s A. 1. 411.
I. 2. 59. e 1 | |
CITES £% | 4 miei.
=
——.+— —"— ,
>A—”———a*a N G
mepoir—tunns e s
_—— ———
e——s —
2
|
|
1
F
4
{
|
|
nies. N.B .T he five elements are; acrerding
to the Chineſe, Mi wood, Ho'fire, Tu earth, Kr:
metal, Shui water. P. Du Halde,2 . 183, 185.]
A ſmall chink may cauſe ſhipwreck to the
reateſt veſſel: an inſect never ſo ſmall Py
5 its bite occaſion. your death.
A ſpark may kindle a [great] fre:a mole
may undermine a rampart .
[So the Fr. II ne faut qu une etincelle 4. Au pour
< caufer un grand incendie. See alſo Etchus: .
32.— The" t lives preceding proverbs. ſeem to
have all the ſame tendency, viz. to inſpire caution,
from the reflection that the moſt contemptible
cauſes often produce the moſt fatal effects*
A ſovereign may be compared to a hall: his
officers to the ſteps that lead to it, then e
to the ground on which, theyit ; f
A ſtab with the tongue is worſe than Gi the ;
ſword : a ſtab with che pen, than both*3 .
* On the right fide of the chair of T7;o rben
fait a Chingſe author c was this ii nſer Ption,
* Anſwer not & letteri n ap aſſan. P. aHalde,
2. 109. N. B. The French ſay, Fol coup de
langue eff pire 2 un coup de lance: 1. E. A ſtroke
with the tongue is worſe tham a ſtroke with the
lance.— And the Sp anards, Mas hiere' mala
felabraq,ue ofpade- flats; i. 8. A bad —_—
wounds mn ore: than. a = _ #
* Lett. veel. 120. y P. aDun . 2˙ 99.
* * 1. 475 "14.2 . * | A thumb.
AND APOTHEGMS: 197
A thumb below: is more to be regarded than
an hundred arms on high: more attention
is dutoe on e ſtep behind, gn to a Prey.
""_—_ beforeb .
[This proverb is a. perfect enigma, yyeett (if
one may venture to decypher it,) ſeems
. Intended. to convey this uſeful moral; that
man is formed to act in a narrow and contraQed
ſphere, and ought not to entertain either
very remote fears or hopes: in the firſt place, that
he ought to conſine his attention to preſent rathan
very diſtant dangers: ſecondly, that
D|r e Yo) rather employ his thoughts i1 n the re-
|W k nn of his own paſt actions, can in vain
and anxious reſearches into futurity.—The firſt
_ clauſe is not very remote from the Lat. Put
e ante pedes nemo ſpettat, celt fcrutantur Plagas. F
2M A village mouth is good phyfic.
[That is, the honeſt countryman's advice
de from ſincerity, and may be depended on.
See the foregoing Hiſt. vol. 2. p. 235.
A wealthy houſe, whence juſtice and charity
are baniſhed, what is it but a barren mountain,
which contains in its bofom rich, but
uſeleſs metals? 5 2
J N wiſe man avoids dhe very apybitries ofvi vice" .
_ * A wiſe-prince is ſafe in ramparts of gold .
- [Meaning in the affe ctions of his ſu bjects, and
> Lett. ad. XX. 140. 3 * © P. Da Halde, 2. 79.
4 . . Lid. 477+ 2
| in the {kill and fidelity of his pk mi ·
A with prince makes advantage of e6v en the
words of a fool.
(It is a trite ſaying in all languages, that a
wiſe man may ſometimes profit by a fool's advice,
or as the Spaniards have it, De un hombre
" necio @ wehes buen conſejo.]
A word once let fall cannot be fetched back
by a Chariot and four horſes 6s.
[The Spaniards ſay, Palabra y W Kela,
no tiene buelta : i. e. A word and a ſtone once
diſcharged never return. Lat. Noſcit vox miſſa
' reverti. ]
„Above is Wer below isF m and
Hang- cbero ig be
f Theſe are two deli heful Cities or diſtrias,
9 the paradiſe o Ching. 155 Martin. Atlas,
p. 100.
Adverſity is an admirable ae. whereof
one doſe cures many diſeaſes, and ſecures
the health of him that takes it all his life!.
* All the grains of rice ſerved up in your diſh,
have been watered with the ſweat of the
e a
[This is deſigned to correct the ſuperciliouſ-
' neſs of the great, and their readineſs to deſpiſe
rp. Du Halde, 1. 481. Id. 3. 55. Ill. 7. P. 74
L. 2. ad Flad. 55. a
| = A
AND APOTHEGMS. 193
and ſet light by the poor. — The Chineſe have
another proverb to the ſame purpoſe, viz, A
grain of rice, a ſingle thread, all comes from
te ſweat of the poor,” Lett. ed. xxvj. 93.
& All the conſtellations preſide over the empire
of China, fo as to concern themſelves
with no other countries. |
[This p roverb ſhews how exceedingly partial
the Chin are to their country. The Tartar
Emperor Cang-hi was wont to laugh at this
prejudice, and to beg of the Chine/e to leave
at leaſt a few ſtars. to take care of the neighbouring
kingdoms—W,e ſay in Jeſt, T wal are
no flars for Iriſh men.]
*A n amiable prince is the father infm other
of his people . / ;
[See the foregoing Hiſt. vol. 1. pag. 205..
An old man without virtue, and a poor man
without induſtry, are two characters with
whom we ought to have neither correppondence
nor difference .
[Sup poſing them ſo deſperate and abandoned,
as it is not ſafe either to> converſe or quarrel
with them. 15 a
* As the liqu or takes the dais of the veſſel
that SGI it, fo the fybjects imitate the
princeo .
iP. . ce 27„.. P. Du Halde,
2. 58. . 11.
Vol. III. 3 | As
194 CHINESE PROVERES
* As the ſtone Ae can never became white;
ſo àh eart defiled with WOW Wil always
„ati Rs! blackneſs ?0 51 "I
bini .a k ind of black earth,w blch theyT ub
on the engraved letters inſtead of inſe.— This
- aying owes. its birth to the Emperor Lu- wang,
who flouriſhed 1120 years before. the Chriſtian
Era. It is equivalent to our homely *
1O ne a wohore and alwaysa whore:} |
Att he bottom, a buſhel of pearls iisn otw orth
'eA nde of ice 4
That is, in intrinſſe value. LW is allo a common
faying of the Chineſe, Pearls and pre-
& cjous ſtones are of no uſe either for _—_ or
, raiment. P. Du Halde, 1. 517.],
* Avoid a blaſt of wind, as es ast he
point of an arrow ß.
[The e Os.50 De.w iento gue enira por
. barrage, & Co guarde dios : i. e. From a wind
np cames int hrough,A ble, good Lord rer
vn Aa man be i in good health, when his Ne
is ſwoln as large as hie body; 3 and His
ow as big as his arm.
_ [Thisi s chiefly applied to a TY SPY
| py, have nine to too reer |
and wealth. ] wits
P. Du Halle, 30. Fei. e 99.
P. Du Halde, 2. 233. . 1. . 272. ; D
t * 1
AND /APOTHEGMS.) 195
Do not entertain a man, who hath juſt received
a e with an account
of your own ſucceſs* F
Does he proſper? he is mount To27 .*| |
he not PAR 22 *. is an 88 nge1 8 goat
weight.
[Tay is a very" gent 5 loftyb oten in
the province of Shu tong, faid to be forty Lee
be 1 F
| Dogsa nd ſwine, the fatter * are,t hene arer
their days are to an end. d wn
[Applied to ſuch n 1 too
great haſte to be rich, and thereby exeite the
avarice of their ſuperiors, the envy of their
cquals, and the hatred of their oppreſſed in-
| * to conſpire their deſtruction.
N. B. Dogs are fatted and eaten in China
as a delicious food, and always found at the
tables of the great. A Chineſe autlior gives
thef ollowing as an inſtance of unreaſonable prejadice.
A man by night is helped to the
« fleſh of an ape, and being told it is the fleſh
of a dog thinks it good: next morning he
5 1 informed what he hath eaten, and falls a
8 vomitinge P. Da Halde, v. 2. p. 112.]
* Every one is governed by an e
ing, a memory, and a will. 129
EF: Du Halde, 2.4 6. Id. I. 563., . 1.6 27.
9 See
or twelve miles high. Vid Martin. Atlas. p.
196 CHINESE PROVERBS
(see the foregoing Hiſt. vol. 2. pag. 234.
* reer one knows his own neceſlity, whether
it be hunger, cold or heat.
Equivalent to the Fr. Chacun fent To mal.
Which we and the Spaniards expreſs, by Cada
ano ſabe adonde le aprieta el gapato Every one
knows where his own ſhoe N See the
foregoing Hiſt. vol. 2. pag. 2 34].
Familiarity begets contemptx .
[This is too obvious a remark not to .
occurred to all civilized nations. Lat. Nimia familiaritas
contemptum parit. So the Fr. Eng. &c.]
e the meaſles, but feed the ſmall· pox
full .
[Ngo tha paso teou. This ifs an bci current
among the Chine/e phyſicians. N. B.
There is reaſon to believe that the practice of
inoculation had its riſe in . See Lett.
edif. xx. 304, &c.]
* Four good magiſtrates iNrniaate a choufand
furlongs ¶L ee]* ,
[This ſaying takes its rifef rom the following
3 tory. * The king of Guey and the king of
Th had a conference on their frontiers :w hen
the former aſked the latter if he poſſeſſed any
rare and curious pearls, He anſwered in the
negative. But 1, ſaid the king of Guey, have
P. Du Halde, 2.52. Leied.t æ.. 3 10.
DT „ß nee
e ten
AND APOTHEGMS. 197
ten precious ſtones, ſo brillant, that each of :
them caſts a luſtre over the ſpace of twelve fur-
| longs. My jewels, ſaid the other, are different
from yours, for they live and breathe. I have
four Mandarines, who prefide over four pro-
| vinces, and by the luſtre of their juſtice and
4 122 illuminate a thouſand e Vid.
Mart. Hiſt. p. 1741
Friendſhips that are formed lowly, and without
much formal introduction are moſt
laſting* .
Gon bells ſeldom frike ; fallv eſſelsr eturn
no ſaund .
This is uſed as a diſſuaſive from garrulity:
to which no people have ſuch an averſion as
|t he Chineſe; we invert the image, Empty veſſels
make the greateſt found. Lat. Vacuum was altius
pleno waſe reſonare.]
Great inſtruments of muſic are of no value
to ftrolers : great fiſhes are produced in
great waters© .
The firſt clauſe of this proverb, is equivalent
to the Fr. 4 petit mercier, petit panier. Lat.
Parwum parva decent. The latter clauſe to the
2 1n mari Ag piſces . Vid.
2 P. Du Halle 2+ 42. b Lett. ed. XXYj. 9 |
i Halle, a 4s & &# we DOI
03 |: He
—————*.*- —
———r—_——
arroraRonso=̃ — y n Etro «*. >— IL
h———2*r .&Ae— . — r
Pqo*4 228mr— — — _
.
———u—b —— — b
*ry
——E—4—— au
+—
<—— 99-I>
err
—2
198 CHINESE PROVERBS
He 1s happy, who underſtands his happineſs ©, d
6 is illuſtrated by a paſſage in a CB
author. Seeing a gentleman beſore me on
„„ a fine horſe, while I am mounted on a
« wretched mule; 'A h! I ery, how different
is my condition I Jools ehihd me, and
4 ſee hambers of peoploen foot ſtooping un-
„ der heavy burdens: then my n
& ceaſe, and Jam comfarted,” Compare,P .
Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 115. with p. 230. ] :
* He maintains a ctw ed or
an argument for three ears *, yy
[This is commonly applied to thoſe ho
maintain paradaxes, and impoſſible poſitions:
and took its riſe from an argument once beld
by the philoſopher Sung- tung (Who lived 114
years before CChhr ift.) That every man hath
three ears: one internal and two without.].
* He ſpends as if his father were receiver of
the Emperor's revenue 3a. the province of
Mi nan 7.
It is in this province that gold duſt is uber.
ed out of the ſands of the rivers:— which
to a Chineſe officer muſt afford fine opportunities
of 3 the public.
# He, who aims at being virtuous, is kke! a
man, who climbs up a ſteep mountain: he
. Dial, , b. 230. Aar. Hit. las 199. Mart, Mar f.,. .
who
AND APpOTHEGMS. 199
who abandons himſelf to vice, is Ike a man
who deſcends a very ſteep precipice s.
He,w ho is proud of his dignity and power, or.
puffed up with his knowledge, is like a
man, who' ſtands oh a glittering piece of
ice, and boaſts of his elevation: but the
ſun darts its rays, the ice ann and:* |
{inks into the mire® ,
*H e, who is HA Bats) by ten eyes,* AWE
at by ten Angers, how cautious Mould he
Jive: 4 07
He, who eats Air man'sb eat, fubratts
_ - himſelf to ſuffer his blows“ .
* He who ſuſfers, en ſome comforti n nſ ing
1 ing his pains .
[This ſeems equivalent to the Spaniſh proverb,
Quien canta ſus males eſpanta, i. e. He
"who kings, krights away his misfortunes, tha2t
eaſes and diverts them.
* He who doth not love tea, covers wine w.
5H ennen and hell are ſeatedi n theh eartv .
[This fiene lke common with the Chimt/e.
Tot he!l ame elfe our celebratedP oet, 2
—
18
9
2 p. Du Halde,1 .4 49. Id. 2. 56. i Conf. $.
14, F. Du Halde, 1. 629, l. v. 2. P. 314.
e P. Semedo, þ. * |
. 5 | | # Oy . 688 2
. 9 4 | The
———
—————————- — —U —
200 CHINESE PROVERBS
The mind is ite een Anat. and in 1151 —
Can male a beaven of hell, a hell of 1
Par. loſt.b . 1. v. 254.
Baue,p enetrates into the bottom of. hearts,
as light into a dark chamber.
It may be worth while to ſee how the
„n Chineſe expreſſed themſelves on the ſubjet
of ſome of the divine attributes. © It is
„ jn vain to hide one's ſelf in the dark: no.
thing is hid from Shang-ti (or the Supreme
* Enperor) The night is with him as clear as
*© the— — He penetrates into the moſt hid-
* den corners where the malignity of man's
heart would withdraw. itſelf from his f. ight:
he is preſent every where, and darts his light
a into the moſt obſcure windings of the moſt
«« impenetrable labyrinth, where any one would
attempt to conceal himſelf.” P. Du Halde,
Vol. 1. p. 406.] .
* Honour the dead, as you would honour
them if they were alive ar
[Or, as it is ſometimes expreſſed by the Chi.
neſe, * Behave with regard to the dead, as if
they were ſtill alive.” This is the favourite
maxim of the Chineſe. and ſeems more foundſo
current withu s, De mortuis nil niſi bonum.” ]
. p. Du Halde, 1.473,
oo XXij. 268.
ed on juſtice and good ſenſe, than that maxim
P 1. 2.38; Lett. of. æix.
5 How
*
AND APOT HEGMS, 20+
How can any one be faultleſs, unleſs he |
were a Yau or a Shun d. 1 2
[Theſe are two ancient | Chinef Emperors
© revered as ſaints or heroes, whoſe reigns are
regarded as the golden age of China. They
were both raiſed by their merit to the throne:
_ Yau being a petty regulo: and Shun a poor
labourer. *© 35 Ch a Chine/e author, had
4 not ſo much ground as would ſerve for erect-
" ITS ſtile or driving a ſtake, yet was after-
*r wards Emperor. Ta whoſe juriſdicton did
„ not extend over ten families, ſaw himſeif
af maſter of the whole 1 as Dane
v. 1. p. 483.] on 55 |
However ſure a horſe may ha we muſt not
all at once throw up the bridle to him:
however familiar one may be one with ano-
1 one muſt not at once truſt all the
ſecrets of one's heart to his mouth.
21 ſhall be as the bird, that carries a golden
ting to the perſon who hath ſet it at liberty*.
[This is a common expreſſion of gratitude
far @ favour received, and will receive illuſtration
from a paſſage in a Chine/e edict, viz.
"Ip* You have doubtleſs heard the hiſtory of Tamao:
he found in his way a bird, who drew
"h r itw ich {ow —_— a cord2 to its ——=—
1
4
.
F
:
N 43
: |
EY
A
: 1
.
| 5
9A
1
' l
10
4
5
| =
+ 4
11
S
*
: 'F
n 7
.
—
* P, Di Halde, 1. 620. Lai. 2d4. a x. 139.
* P, Du Halde, 2, 67. WY kg.
—
arne
A——— — _— —
—8——————
——— —
——2—
r*
—
u- —ear.
262 CHINESE 'PROVERBS
leg. Tapas moved with eompatiion freed
©.
*
*
*
+»
< it from its incumbranc, and ſet it at liberty.
He was quickly rewarded for this ſeryice:
the bird ſoon after returned de in its
bAe ak a Tr ingo f gold,| which ſhe put Int o the
* hand of her deliverer. Hiftory relates that
e from that time the family of Lam: pas re-
12 markably flouriſhed, and afterwards gave
* many prime miniſters to the ſtate. It is thus
that eren flight ſervices, bring down Sent
te rewards from heaven.“ Lettres edif. xv. a
£3 1
"— *
* I ſhall render a ſervice equal to that of the
» piſmires ſaved from ſhipwreck by means of
the branches thrown out fort hat purpoſ*e,
[This is likewiſe a proverbial expreflion of
gratitudeb,u t we have not been fortunate enough
to recothev ſetorry on whichi t is founded.
*
Let it might be illuſtrated from a fable of Eſop,
viz. A dove perchedon a tree, obſerved a
<©piſmire drowning in an adjacent fiream,
* and moved with "compaſſion 'threw in a
, ſmall branch, by means of which it eſcaped
* ſhipwreck: ſoon after a fowler ſeeing ogr cha-
. £5 ritable dove ſeated on the ſame tree, was
„ ſpreadinhgis nets.t o inſnare her: When the
e grateful piſmire ſtung him by the heel, and
dy cauſing him to turn, alarmed: the dove,
F. Du Halde, . 67. | 5 tank r
« who inſtantly flew away and eſcaped the
66 danger,” ] SN
7
1 . 4 | N i: ' ;
>
If a leopard or a — break out of the ial
ahem ®wh o is to anſwer eli du 5
if any damage isd one bya k ing$
_n eg2le fh,7 v 5i st o call him to an account fori t?]
Ifa man hadno inclination to kill the was
the tyger would babe "mo deſire de hu
mM; 7:
There is. another ſay i contrary tf* o eoi n
F. u Halde, 2. 176 * A man never thinks
, of hurting a Yo and yeta tyger is eye
. < meditating miſchief againſt'a man.“
If ſometimes the Xi-lin and Fomg-whang are
found on the earth: there are a far greater
number of tygets, ferpentsa nd ſcorpions* .
[ Meaning. that 1 characters abound in he
world more than good ones. The Ki- lin and
. Fong-awhang are a —— beaſt and bird, ſaid
never to be ſeen, hut in times preceding ſome
remarkable happy reign :—aniwerable to. the
_ unicorn and phænix among us. bog
i
If the bundle of thorns, which isw rapto va
the young tree to Keen it, bind ii t tao hard,
it cruſhes it .
(Meaning, that besch. ſhould: not 1
e web Catia A er
' P.D u Halde, 2o p Gag 8 Lal. ed. Xxxwj. 143
ol ee 108. 12k I . 383.
diſcourage
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— 204 CHINESE | PROVERBS
; diſcourage them. Some perſons, ſaith a CBineſe
Author, © keep their children ſo conſtantly
to their ſtudies, that they will neither let
them ſee nor hear what paſſes in the world.
„ Whence they become as filly as the young
* man, who happening to be in the public
e ſquare, and ſeeing a hog, cried out, I hat
an enormous fize that rat is l, P. Du
Halde, v. 1. p. 50.]
If one doth not pluck off the 3 of a
tree while they are yet tender; they can-
. not afterwards. be cut off without the ax”.
\- {This proverb inculcates the neceſlity of earl y
4 cult ure, ofr eſtraining the paſſions and of checking
the vicious exceſſes of young minds betimes.
a 9 uſes an image not unlike this,
Due præbet latas arbor ſpatiantibus umbras,
ue poſita eft primum tempore virga fuit.
0 A pl, 5 Jummd4 tellure — 2 8
Nunc flat in immenſum viribus acta. ſuis.]
It the father of a family bathe every day, bis
children will be ſkilful ſwimmers: if he
ſteal melons and fruits, his children will be
. aflaflins and incendiariesa .
[This is deſigned to expreſs the 1 of example
in fathers and governors of families over
the minds of their dependents,” who are ſure
not only to copy, but to go beyond him. To
1 ſame er. the Latin Poet, 5
- 2 Je . 101 *Lett. ed. xx. 134.
p09: | tas
|
AND APOTHEGMS. 209g
tas parentum pejor avis tale" *
Nor nequiores, mox daturos 475 nne
Progeniem — 7
* — Lib.3 .d ad 1
*If you would know how the ſon will turn
8 outs look upon the father or the tutor.
we fayi n England « 75 young cock cc rows
after the oldo ne.1 39 4
If you have no experience in an air your-
(elf: follow thoſe that have ſucceeded ii n it, ©
If the water be even ten yin deep, one may ;
- diſtinguiſh from the ſurface, W urn the
eines; be iron or gold,
[That is, however the mind and its ſentiments
may be covered by diſſimulation, it will
be ſeen through, if it be remarkably good, or
bad.—A yin is 80 feet. P. Du Halde, 1. 464.1
| If to a beautiful countenance you apply a cauſtic
of mugwort, the ſcar will for ever be
| ſeen; a black ſpot upon a won habit will
laſt as longas the habit.
u the ſame effect with thoſel ines of Gy3
In beauty faults conſpicuous grow :
4 1h e a4 5 — is 200 on ſnow.
Fab, x).]
5. Du Hall, 1. 629. . 1 | 4 hid.
525. © Lett, X#x%j. 137. | 1 |
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206 CHINESE PROVERBS
* If there are in the court of a prince ſeven
officers truly zealous, and who dare remonſtrate:
though he be irregular, he will
not loſe his crown fo
An the Chireſt annals may be met with many
8 inſtances: of exemplary courage,
fidelity, and public ſpirit: there have been minere
WhO 12 ve freely reproved the Emperor |
when he was aQting wrong, though certain
death was the e an al, pas.
> 144, note.!
If che ty of aue ie great *
vocko f the body: the erg he way
makes ſti]! greatesr. |
In company. ſeta guard upon pex u tongue:
| In-(alitude on your heart |,b . d NN
th all things conf orm to the taſte7 wiſe
« antiquity .
7 {No people have ſuch. a; blind veneration for
*2t7 ws , antigoity as. the Chineſe. They even pay a
© Line of religious worfhip to ider decka nceſtors.
See vol. 1. p. 164. note. |
In. former times they ielded the way without
diſpute”: * Wen the.e ld \ TI
(IP:
g. Du Halde, 1. 499. ld. 229, . 2. 113.
i. 46. Fort. ed. Ax j.h e Mk
* *
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In
AND APOTHEGMS. - 207
in vain wauld a king govern like a Yay or a
. Shun, with a book of laws three feet thick,
"hank en his haue acres ang as Reg aer
10 the maintains aft he uch chere ifs 2
leopard, who, notwithſtanding his yoraciouſneſs,
will live ſeven days without foodi,n
the rainy ſeaſons, rather than 8⁰ We and
3 the luſtre of his fkin .
Fx nis is applied to a perfon, who is-fo daz-
FR Hed with thef aſt of his preſent greatnels and
krank, as to be regardleſs of the future: but it
ſeems more applicable to a finical foppiſh perfon.
Chineſe foppery we have desc ibed by
one of their own authors. There are ſome
4 perſons, ſaith he, who at the very time when
an important affair is upon their hands, very
e deliberately look upon themſelves in mir-
% rour, waſh themſeives in 2' veſſel of per-
«« fumes, gently ſhake the duſt from their
TON cloaths, and are employed in a thouſand
6 little frivolous affairs.b efore they enter on
the main bufinefs. P. Du Halde, 2. 53. ]
In matterosf ſtate the prince alone ought to
decide: but in domeſtic affairs the —
ought to rule 75
[The latter 2 ought only.40 .
ſtood 6© within the women's : Tra oof or
i 4 5
F. Du Halde, x. þ 62. id. 1. 544.
1
'
|
| i
'
/
208 c ESE PROVERBS
1 leaſt wich greater reſtriction than in Europe 2
for it is a received maxim in all the eaſtern
countries, that that ſex is excluded by nature
from all government, either civil or domeſtic ;
for which reaſon they. call Europe the king-
K dom of ladies; where they have been told that
_ the crown hath deſcended to a. female head,
Mod. Univ. Hiſt. vij. 161. n..
ln China there is nothing thrown a8wa y" ,
| [Chung-gue-wu-y-ve.—— China is ſo prodi.
bo" giouſly crowded with inhabitants, that there
are no ſhifts, to which the poor have not re-
.. courſe for a livelihood. As there is hardly
a a ſpot of ground that lies until ed in all the empire,
ſo there is hardly a man, woman or
child, though never ſo diſabled, but what gets
a2 maintenance. The Chine/e will make a profit
of things which appear to us quite uſeleſs.
Many families ſubſiſt by picking up in the
. ſtreet little rags, the feathers of fowls, bones of
dogs, bits of paper, &c. which they waſh and
_ ſell again.—In ſhort a Chineſe will dig a whole
day together up to his knees in water, and in
the evening will think himſelf well paid with a
little boiled rice, pot een a oe tea. P.
Du Halde, v. 1. p. 277. ] 5 wy:
* In China are more tutors tha {eholars:a nd
more phyſicians than patients. |
We proverbial exaggeration of the prodigious
, l 1. 5. Dr alis 10 3.
vumbers that hddict themſelves to literature
and medicine: - The great honors chat attend
the former, invite vaſt multitudes to purſae it,
a great part of hom being rejected at the examinations,
have no other means of . :
but ii n teaching others 4 of
* In China adus boatso fp aper.a nd
| ene ironv.
e toverb ariſes om the Aicfeult faviſeveral
of the Chineſe tivers ; Which,
"= abcount of their ſwift current among the
rocks, &. obliges mow to have boats 6f very
thin boards like our ſlit deal, which are not
nailed, but ſome how T6ſt ened together with
wicks: Theſe boats ſplit not againſt the rocks,
but bend and give way.]
in the province of Can-tong are thites unuſttal
things: the ſky without ſhow; the
trees always green; and my: inhabitants
+ continually ſpitting bloods. 4b.
Tre laſt clauſe afſudes to tel $edhetag to
chew arzck and here], a8 is common in” other
"parts of the Eat. —— ft is thus that tlie other
Chineſe ſpeak of or e of this ptovice.)
50h 10 26016
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{Meaning that we ſhould not deſtroy the
1 of it at once, but make a reſerve for ſuture
occaſions. Parallel to that ſaying with us,
* Good * en Dy 2 = Lage
«6 eſcape. PI]
Indigence and ferry are 65 parents of vigiand
oeconomy. Vigilance and weenomy
of riches and e, Riches and honour
of pride and luxury. Pride and luxury
of impurity and idleneſs. And impurity
and _idleneſs of indigence and e .
. ſuch are the revolutions of liſee.. |
It is better for a prince to hoard up th i
ſubſects houſes, FO! in his own Lala
and coffers*.
It is.b etter to take. ns He FAIR he 6,
than to ſee and admire them ee in
er *77 . D716 ME ; 727
Equivalent to that provinh of ours, * A4
*B ird in the handi s auonth two: in the buſh : or
48. the Spaniards have it, Mas. wale ; axare.,in
mano, Que, buytre wolands :i . e, A parrow, in
hand i Worth more than 2 a vulture, fying.} | ;
It is not for the valley alone where it grows,
that the flower is ſob eautiful and fra-
4 4 grant: neither — it to be for yourſelf
alone that you ſhould acquire wiſdom .
P. Du n he: t 14. 8. es ' _
Hit. p. 347. Lett. ed, er 133.
Nias st,
' AND/ APOTHEGMS;” 218
| [Of like application with thoſe words of
„ Neither do men-light a candle and put it
under a buſhel, but in a inn and it giveth
light to all that are in the houſe. —Let your "ow fo
. 1 before men, &c. Mat. v. 15. 16.
It is not one diamond that gives luſtre to
another, a common coarſe Wn is employed
for that purpoſe x. 31 10 2t12m
[Equivalent to the Bug. A dlanwnd is Way
He aun 2 ts foil. * SW
iT is very ae: cs govern women n and ſer-
1 Y, 35nOο V4t
"Th his is a maxim of . 3 afligns
Hg reaſon, For if you treat them with gene
tleneſs and familiarity, they loſe all reſpect:
« if with rigour, you I have continual Kar-
„„ 1
on foot, go through it cloathed in the ancient
manner: if it is s ſhallow tuck.u p your
_ garments *, Mn
[The A believet hat at.f iſt* * |
naked, or at moſt looſely clad in the ſkin o
ſome animal. Vid. Mart. E, 7/2. p. 18.— This
Pe is applied to inculcate the neceſſity
P. Du Halde, 2. 4 45. n 4. .
bb, z. p. 108. 4% e en
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212 CHINESE PROVERBS
of accommodating one's ſelf. to the <Uifferent
circumſtances of lie.
Kao when to ſtop feafonably *I S 5
* * might furniſh a breakfaſt to all
China; but Hu- guang might feed it fat®.
[A local proverb, the 1755 nave
merit of thetst wa provinces. 2 |
Learn to be content with what ſallices®.
[“ What need have we of riches? (faith a
4 Chineſe moraliſt) producem e the man, Who, |
content with a ſtraw cottage and a little in-
«© cloſure of canes, emplays himſelf in reading
| 2 the writings of our wife men, or in diſcourſing
on virtue: who defires no other recrea-
* = 10, than to refreſh himſelf with the cool air
| * by moonſhine, and whoſe whole ſolicitude,
« is to preſerve in his heart the love of inno-
2% nd of Wis derghbour.” P. Re re;
, 103.
Similar to the Ching proverb are the Lat.
Oaod fatis eff out contingit, nibil amplius opter.
The Fr. Qui a aſſex, 1 a plus rien à Hrrer. And
me Eng. Enough #s ur good as 4 feaſt.)
Let us love others, as we love ourſelves 4. .
TA nee maxim of C !
P. Du Halde, Wy Mart. AAtrliass. p.7 1. EP.D u
Lek |
AND APOTHEGMS. 223
Lock forh ornsi n the head of a lamb new-
11y brought forth.
Parallel to that coarſe but ex ve ſayin
| of Gier Cromwell, Nits «e xprſir1 *
* Look on whias gtood in another, as what
ou have not yet attained : ſhun what is
bad more than bojling water..
Lying is the vice of baſeſ oulsa, nd of the
vileſt populace®.
* May'ft thoy be dragged through theb oleo f
a priſon *.
[A proverbial imprecation, |T he Ching
_ . have a 9 pen concerning the dead,
that they mult not be carried out at the ſame
ate, they entered when alive: on this account
there is a hole in the outward court of the priſons,
whence the bodies are thrown out.]
* Men by affection are rendered blind to the
faults of their children: by avarice to the
ferillity of their lands.
[The firſt clauſe is anſwerable toc hant rite
ſaying of ours, Every crow wy v2 own Bird
faire ] |
* Misfortunes ride oy and never come
ſingle. 2
eP, Du Halde, 2.r . 2 ea Lett. ed. r.g ee 255c f
27. N |
7? ; [The
214 CHINESE 'PROVERBS |
[The Latins ſay, Fortuna nulli obeſe contenta
ft Jemel. The French, Un malheur ne wient jamais
tout ſeul. And we, Misfortunes ſeldom come
- alone. he Halian is, Le 4 HMtatie non Seer
mai ſole.”
* Money is blood: but gold iis merchandizel .
[A proverb. common, among the Chineſe at
Ma-cao. It both expreſſes the greedy temper
of the Chineſe, who ſtick at nothing for gain:
and explains the uſe of gold among them, which
is not current as a medium of traffic, but is
bought and ſold as a commodity. UE vol.4
pag. 109. n.]
Mountains and plains however fertile do not
produce the flower Lyen: on the contrary
b grows eaſilyi n low neglected places® .
[This is intended to ſignify, that virtue flouriſks
beſt in adverſity, or in a low and humble
tation. It may be noted that the mountains
An China are generally cultivated, and moſt of
them naturally fertile: whereas the low grounds
are ſwampy; a great part of China having
5. formerly been under water. - The Lyen-wha |
s a fine aquatic flower, not unlike a tulip, but
of a e ſmell. See P. Du Halde, v. 1.
SE 3 13O9 0
Nets are 3 fort he bird Tf u8 of
the beauty of1 i tsw ings :: were it not * 8t .
. lin. . bi e.
| ö ;
: 5 "1
| perAND
APOTHEGMS.' 276
perfume the creature os wud bel eft iin
Wrong .
Equivalent to the Lat. Rece non tenditur accifitri,
neque milwio. Fr. Avec les michants il nya
rien à gagner. The Italians ſay, La donna e la
ceraſa per ſuo mal & imbelletta, i. e. A woman
and a cherry are beautiful to their own hurt.—
N. B. She is the muſk- animal: which is a kind
of a roe-buck, remarkable for having four long
| tuſks in its mouth. The muſk is rated in a
- 1 b: npder its belly... Vid. * Halde,
1. 324+4 elt 27115 |
* Noſ kin,n o bar. 1
* [i e. Where therei s no foundation there
can be no ſuperſtructure. Not very" remote
from the Lat. Ex nihilo nibil it.]
Not one in ten thouſand dies by We?
the bare mention ſtrikes with horror: *
multitudes by intemperance, yet how little
s it feared”? _
[The Spaniards have a ee .
a nadie vi morir, de mucho comer à cien mil.
I never ſaw any die of hunger, of over. Ns
a hundred thouſand. So the Lat. Gula Plures
quam gladius peremit. Eraſ. Adag.]
Nothing is more to be feared than a rat within
a ſtatue.
n p. Du Halde, 2. 136. . * P 1d, 3 112.
I. 1. 604. „ N
216 CHINESE PROVERBS
[This was the anſwer, which a Chine/e Man
darine made to the Emperor, when he aſked |
What was moſt to be feared in a ſtate. His
maſter demanding an explanation, he replied.
*« Your Majeſty knows, thati n many eities, the
ſtatues e to the guardian Gex/j of the
place are of painted 1 and hollow within.
If a rat get into one of theſe, it js difficult to
expel it: they dare not uſe fire, for fear of con-
_ faming the image: nor water, leſt they waſh off
the colours. Thus the ref they have for
the ſtatue protects the rat. Soi t is when a man
without virtue or merit thehters binn! in his
prince's favour.”
Of the five duties of civil life, FO fiſt 5] ay
which a ſon owes t@ his parent 4. - 6
[The five: duties are thoſe derbe father
ſon ;—byſband and wiſe: —emperor and
dae elder 1 aud younger and
friends ape one another, P. Semedo, p.
50.N . B. The Chingfe |h ave alſo another ſaying,
© Filial piety is the chief of all perſonal
virtnes: FaD eo gH ali s the ſoulof 'goyern-
\ ment.“ de, 1. 543. 1
*O ve may LO à great man by ſeeing his
; attendants, though,o ne doth not iy Fa
if".
{50 the ftal. Dat /erve # comafer i baden.
F.r. T7e lm aitreF e —_ Eng. Like maſter, like
IPs Du Hal, 2. be d. 1. 629,
AND APOTHEGMS. 217
| man. But the Spaniards ſay, ©yal cl duo, tal
el perro: i, e. Such as the maſter is, ſuch is
his dog.”] | 1 | | | p90
One raſh word hath ruined great affairs: one
perſon hath eſtabliſhed a Kingdom.
[IMeaning, a wiſe Emperor, or prime mi-
Af # 3
Pillars of iron wear away by little and little
with the {imple touch: one perceives the
traces of the hand upon the marble baluſ-
| trades which are often handled *.
_ [By way of comment take the following extract
from a Chine/e memorial, + 7 :
Misfortunes have their ſeeds : the wiſe
. man prevents their birth. To this end, the
* moſt minute beginnings muſt be watched:
for what at firſt appears but ſlight, becomes
„ by little and little ſenſible and confiderable,
* This water which diſtils from mount Tay,
wears in time over the ſtones, a paſſage,
which you would think wrought with a
„ chizzel. A cord drawn to-and-fro over a
ce board many times in the ſame place, at length
« divides jt into two pieces, as i done with a
„ ſaw, In fine, yonder tree, which is now ten
« feet in circumference, was raiſed from a very
* ſmall ſecdling : when it was young and ten-
« der, it was in all reſpects flexible, and might
L Conf. ib, 1. J. 20. 5 Lett, ed. xx vj. 130.
| ” . hare
218 CHIN ESE PROVERBS
* have been eaſily plucked up. At preſent
what a difference! It is the ſame with regard
« toevil.” P. Du Halde, Fr. tom. 2. p. 437.
I 41 þ. 483.)
ſame images are uſed proverbially in
the Lat. Gutta cawat lapidem, non vi Jed Jepe
cadendo and in the French, Lean qui tombe
oute a goute cave le pierre. —See alſo the Latin
verſes quoted above in pag. 204. ]
Put a ſeal upon your mouth, and guard your; |
heart as you would the walls of a city.
[The image uſ.d in tbe firſt clauſe is familiar
with the Cbineſc. The wiſe man, ſaith a
Cbineſe moraliſt, will put a triple ſeal upon
4 his lips.” Lett. ed. xxvj. 115.— The advice
js the ſame with that of the Latin poet,
1 de' quoque wir, et cui dicas, ſæpe cva erb. +
ng gives thoſe who apply to it, a certain -
air of politeneſs, which diffuſes itſelf uy
all their words and actions -
* [This reflection, ſo contrary to our notions in
Europe, is expreſſed to the following purpoſe in
another ſaying : ** Study gives to young men
an air of politeneſs and agreeableneſs, which
. ** makes their company courted.” P. Du
_ Halde, 2. 50.—Politeneſs in China conſiſts in
_ the * and regdy en of = their ce-
Leit, ed. xxvj. 135. P. Du Halde, 2. 47.
remonies:
AND APO THEO NIS. arg
remonies: theſe are ſo interwoven _Y their
laws, politics and morality, that the chief end
of their ſtudies is to acquire a thorough know-
_ + ledge of them: hence it is that a man of letters
ma be known in China by the ſuperior addreſs
with which he makes his bow. See on this
head LU Eſprit des Loix, liv. 19. ch. 12, 1 3 Kc. ]
* Riches [only] adorn the houſe :[b ut] virtue
adorns the perſon* . .
* Roofs that are thick, and well ONO iar e
_ leaſt liable to be blown off by a ſtorm 7.
[This is juſt the reverſe of proverb the fl.
A bark of plain boards, &c. The meaning
is, that a ſolid and firm wind cainn l ongeſt hear
up againſt adverſity.]J
Rotten wood is not fit1 5 ſculpture: mad
walls are not worthy. of white-waſh= .
[Applied when cultureand inſtruction iis ws
away upon ſtupid or perverſe minds. Not unlike
the Lat. E guowis ligno non fit Merrurius-J
Ruin follows gain very near: and W is at
r tail of good fortune 5 TOI 2185 1
xrne 8 paniards ſay, Del Bien al mal, no ay canto
de real. i. e. From good to evil, is not the
breadth of a ſix-pence.
Among the inſtruRtions which kau
had
x cn. J. 1. 1. 14; 7 P. Ds Hates. .
P. 21. *L ett. ed. XXV}. 118, 2 |
——-
l
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| #26 CHINESE PROVERBS
had enpraved on the wall, where be enterrained
his friends, was the . « Hapineſs
and misfortune, loſs gain, are
| .2 things, of which we ſee no end int his world,
_ «©b ecauſe the future with to usi,s a
* darkn ight” SeeP . Du Hald2e,v .p .1 00.]
See that moth, which flies inceſſantly round
the candle: it is conſumed ! Man of pleaſure,
behold thy own image.
Shoes never fo well made will not make a
_pillow : the cap however neat war not
ons. ſhoes ©.
Equivalent to the Eng. You cannot Saks a
en purſe of a Jo's ear. The Lat. is exactly
1 —ç— with — N Ocream capiti, tibiæ
** S oonerh all 11N river run clear.
[See this explained, vol. 2. pag. 214] |
® Sweet repoſei s the frouf iinttenſ e application
© .
„ET .
- Wh. for. he will take them al for
fru *
[This mayb ea le bya wortC hing
dP. Du Halde 3. 129. . 11.476, 1 2.
tale:
AND ApOTHEOMS. a2
tale: A young man, who had bought a new
= belt, met with one of his friends, who, looking
at it, knew it to be of his own fiſter"s
_ « working, and thereupon aſked him how
by he came by it: the other, who loved to in-
"029 2 a jeſting humour, told him it was a
ric t from miſs his fiſter. There needed
„ no more to confirm his jealouſy; he went
* home and fo abandoned himſelf to paſſion,
te that ſhe broke her heart and died. Some time
after it was diſcovered that the belt had been
I ſtolen from the houſeb y an old woman in
the neighbourhood, —— had ſold it atF n
next ſhop.” P. Du Halde, 2. 56 I What
Temperance is the belt phyſic '. _
That doctrine, which goes no 2 ath an
the eyes and cars, is po Le 9
one makes in a dreams.
[The meaning is, that the:ſ oul receives no
more advantage from inſtructions that reach
not to the heart, ee ——
in a dream.] |
* That houſe will ſoon fall, in which the
hen "acts the office e e of the
cock v.
© fs theS pan. Tit ve. andl og
: F. reite, . ken ener 119. > Mt.
222 CHINESE PROVERBS
na canta y el galls calla. i. e. Sad is that bose,
where the ben crows and the cock 1 is ſilent. =.”
That which is ſmall in appearance gives
n brighteſt.luſtre to the brareſt actions .
The luſtre of a great action y depend on
a trivial: cireumſtance.T—he Italians ſay, Turte
. te gran facende ſi fanna di poca coſa. Nor is the
Latin very different from the Chineſe, Non rar
par va, magnarum rerum ſunt indicia. Eraſ. Adag.]
The beſt chance a man hath to eſcape a
© danger which he cannot ane. is to face
„ ven
The bow will break that i| st oo much
1 4 9
Tris is the ſame with ad 1 . *
Arcus nimis intenſus rumpitur.— The Italian is
not very remote. Chi troppo aſſaglia preſto la
: ſeawvezza. i. e. Who wire-draws a thing too
much, ſocn breaks it. —See the nen Haſt.
vol. 1. pag. 62.]
The branch of a tree that is eaſy and plian,
takes whatever bent is given it!
[This ii s applied by the Chine/e to the obfequious
condeſcending humble man. To inculcate
the ſafety and utility of a diſpoſition of
this kind, the ge? tell the rat little
Wi 2
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15. Du Hall, 2. 53. 157%. 93. 14. An.
tale.
AND APOTHEOMS. 223
tale. The Emperor Tai-!/ong one day diſ-
„ courſing with his miniſters, aſked, © Which
« is moſt durable, a hard thing or a ſoft ?”?
Sir, anſwered Shu-hiang, I am fourſcore years
of age, and I have loſt many of my teeth,
but none of tongue.“ P. Du Halde, vol. 2.
p. 115.
* The Chineſe, Sowh at 2 diſtance, 6M
honour the Emperor, when with the uſual
- ceremonies they receive their gueſts w.
[Martinizs, who quotes this proverb, (Hiſt.
1. 4.) ſuppoſes it alludes to the Chineſe cuſtom,
of having the entrance of their halls, &c, to
look towards the imperial palace: fo that all
their proſtrations are made towardsth e Emperor's
throne, who is by this means, conſidered
as a kind of divinity every where preſent.—
Perhaps it has a farther meaning, and implies
that every act of decency and good order, is a
tacit reſpect paid to the 8 and does honcur
to his government. ]
* The contention between = Ext — the
oyſter is the fiſherman's gain“ .
[There ii s a kind of ſhell. fiſh oe n| the coaſts
- China, which often lies aſleep in the fun
wich the ſhell open; in which flate if it is
eſpied by the ſea-fowls, it is greedily ſeized
as a defirable prey: but the fiſh claſping its
iber, 2. 395. | N Ma: ＋. Hit. 224.
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224 CHINESE PROVERBS
hell together, often entraps and detains its
enemy, till both become the pins, of the
' fiſherman. Mart. Hiſt. p. 224.
| »The demons hear the words of the bargain |
made with the inchanter : the work over-
© hears what the workman protioutices in
|. bs indignation .
_ [The Chineſe have a fapetſlidions 500i on,| that
ds curſes of a workman pronounced over a
building, will prevent the family that lives in
it from thriving. Vide locum citat.] 8
The dyke once broken, we can no longer :
top the torrent v.
[Solomon hath uſed the ſame — wich a
| particular application. The beginning of ftrife
Ii, as when one letterb out waters therefore leave
off contention before it be medaled With. Hor.
Avij. 14.]
Tue Emperor lets ih manyd. ats,
dogs and wolves, when he creates Mandarines
to govern them a. |
[See this explained, vol. 2. p. 165. note.]
The fair tree was not deſtroyed becauſe its
branches were broken, or its leaves beaten
down: but becauſe its roots were ed
and corrupted .
o P. Du Halde, 2. 51. o Lett. ed; XXVUj. 111.
q P. Mogalh. J. £3997. FP . Du Halde, I. 41+» va
[977 | [The
AND APOTHEGMS.” 223
The ſame image occurs in a Chine/e mo-
" or: and is applied to the ſtate of the emr
under. the reign of Mai-t i, who while
wh, extending its boundaries by conqueſt, neglected
the internal adminiſtration, ** Though
nothing could be more glorious in appear-
„ ance, 1 compare it (ſays the writer) to a
« oreat tree which ſhoots forth large branches
« and thick leaves, but whoſe. trunk and roots
ss the worms devour. The tree, notwithſtand-
= « ing!i ts beautiful appearance, is in great dan-
& ger.“ P. Da Halde, v. 1. p. 499.
4 The family which applies itſelf to amaſs 2
treaſure of virtues, ſhall want for nothing:
it mall enjoy a WT uh |It s*
„„
The family which: ives itſelfu p to the
practice of evil, mall! rr with
affliction s.
0T he fortune of childrena n to be oft heir
own making.
Equivalent to the Lla t. Duiruea ber—
fu. And to the Span. Cada uno es hijo de ſus
_ bras, i.e . Every one is the ſon of his works. —
| The above maxim holds ſo true in China, that
it is common to ſee the grandſon of a Prime
Miniſter, reduced to fo mean an eſtate, as to
* Lett. od. xx © Ibid. 312. P. Du
Halde, 2. wm EE $2 « 203 8 Av
Vor. III. | Q £515 : become
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226 CHINESE PROVERBS
become a dealer in ſome little retail wa &c.
P. Magal. p. 146.]
The preateſt rivers, and the very fn itſelf,
are lower than the ſmalleſt brooks, without
loſing their ſuperiority v.
Fru is used as a leflon of condeſcenio
and humility to great men.]
** greateſt things very frequent have 1
but ſmall beginnings* . . —
[Tis Apothegm will Sardbips receive mal
tration from the following Chinęſe images.
18 The glow-worm berrows its luſtre from a
C p of rotten herbs in which it is ingenderw
ed: the molt odoriferous flowers owe their
<« beauty and fragrance to a dunghill: light
- «© ;flues:from the womb' of darkneſs: the moſt
* limpid water burſts out of a [ſmall] opening
< of the earth. ” 2s Hs Halde, v. 2. P. 45+]
The heart ii sa cquntry of prodigious extent:
life were it never ſo long would not afford
ſufficient time to ſow it all over .
[ This year,“ ſaid Li-wen-the one 55 to
himſelf, I am fifty-ſix years of age: few
<*© people live beyond ſeventy, I have t 3
« but ten or twelve years to hope for; of this
ſmall remnant of life, the inconveniences of
old age will conſume a great Pe z there
« P. Du Halde, T, 524. | x 14. 2 2. 29 „ Bid. 32. |
| remains ** a
AND APOTHEGMS., 227
« remains then but a ſmall pittance of time,
„% in which I can do good: how then ſhall
4% dare to ſteal any from it to do evil?“ P. Du
\ Halde, vol, E. pot83d / 1: fo Mt oft *
The huſpand and wife are He the Finds
of the field: in the evening they meet in
the ſame n but:e ner inG er
ing *. 4 D#rt ;
The 2 of Th had a e < baxiots of
horſes, yet after he was flain, the people
found no virtue in him deſerying applauſe.
; Pe-y and Sboctſe died of want at the foot
of the mauntain ben eng, Lang WS: they
Ceclebrated to this day % .
[This is a, faying of Cong f was
f formerly a little kingdom, now ſwallowed up
in the Ching/e empire.—Pe-y and Sha-t/e were
#7; brothers remarkably virtuous, —Ching is
. e ede that in a year of dearth,„ multitu
s are ſure to periſh by. want: a misfortune
to which. oh moſt virtuous poor muſt
be moſt liable, as diſdaining to ſupport life
b Dk fare means ſo e en
in
5T he lamp zoel out when the thi s; ſpent ..
[This is a common expreſſion to ſignify the
- expiration. of life. See the ſpecimens of Chi-
P. Du , « Conf.l ib. f.1 21. p. Du
Halde, 2. 23 5 |
*
2 7 222
[0h> e }>1
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*
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•O—ri2DWN• A— é.ä Q D
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228 CHINESE PROVERBS |
- nee poetry in the nextv ol. from P.D u Halde,
2. 19 0
The life of man is a Wert in which very
cold fits are followed by others equally hot ©,
[The Reader will pardon me if I take occaſion
to introduce here ſome refletions on the
fame ſubje& from Chine/e moraliſts.
I ſee, nothing grand and real in this life,
* but a vaſt ſea and a large 'river: the ſea of
« ſorrows and troubles; a ſea infinitely wide;
* whoſe ſhores are not ſeen: The river of our
2 deſires; whoſe depth is unfathomable. Man
„is like à wretched bark, battered with the
« waves, and _ at N ſeam.” F. Du
Halde, 2. þ. ,97-
- * © The life of man is 2 journey: we muſt
cc make 3it out however bad the road is: ſeldom
« js it found to be even: but ifa t firſt it be
dangerous, narrow and difficult, there is room
to hope that towards the end it will 285
4 broad, ſmooth and firm.” 78:4. p. 98. _
It is with the life of man as with the flowers
* of a garden: the moſt beautiſul are common-
<< ly the moſt delicate: and if they blow before
* the other; they are ſure to iner ang dis
<< before them too.” bid}.
The man, who hath never 33 ſick, doth ;
not know the value of health 4.
[The Italians ſay, Chi ha la ſanita ò riccoe
i P. Du Halde, 2. 11 5. Id. 2. 68.
AND APOTHEGMS, 229
non la. ſe. i. e. He, who hath health, is rich; and
| doth not know it.]
*The man, who hath never ent upon a
Mandarine in the court with an evil eye,
is a precious gem.
[i. e. Who hath never bens 3 a5
à criminal. This proverb may ſerve to ſhew
the general profligacy of the Chine/e, as alſo
the minute attention which their ManJarines
pay to their manners, 3
* The man, who is pointed at with the finger
never dies of a diſeaſe fo
* The man, who wants to dry bug thing,]
ſtays not for night, but makes the beſt uſe
he can of the noon ·d ay ſun t.
Eng. Make hay while the fon ſpines. ]
The man, who walks too faſt, is prone either
to ſtumble or fall b.
e French fay, Nui * 2 hikes. on *
minant ſe four voye ſou vent. And we, The more
. haſte, the worſe ſpetd.] |
The manners of the people 4 857 on thoſe,
who are over them, as the clay in the
wheel wo gc rapms e potter, who forms it l.
—
* Ogiliye, 2.565, P. W 4 8 Bid.
469. 157d 449. TYDi d. 1. * 5
ay i a
230 CHINESE PROVERRSG
Phe medicine, that a6th not cauſe thep atient
to wink, never cures him *.
"Ie fay, Deſperate difeaſes maſt have defperate
cares.) Lat. N ae amara4
lis proluitur.] |
* The more a man advances ii n virtue,t he
1's he is of his words “.
_ {The Chingſe, a1 s hath been So, wya re
eat enemies to loquacity: .t he ſame may be
| remarked of the Spaniards, who expreſs their
ſenſe of this matter in the followin proverbs.
Habla poco y bien, tenerte han por alguien, i. e.
- Speak little, and to the purpoſe, you ſhall be
held in conſideration. Hombre de pocas fo
” brat y eas ſabias, i. e. A man ſhould
few words and wiſe, The Italians ſay, 2
piu ja meno parla, i. e. He who knows moſt,
talks leaſt.— But the Chine/e we ſee make even
aà virtue of taciturnity. 1
The more haſte a man makes to rel A
fkain of thread, the more he entangles it x.
[To the ſame effect as the laſt en but
one of the preceding page.]
The moſt ignorant have knowledge ALT
to diſcern the faults of others: the mott
_ clear-ſighted are blind to their own n.
p. Du Tall, FP way 3 = „ 151d. 96.
n 1. 410. 55. 3
3 8 The
AND APOTHEGMS. 231
* The net in which heaven holds all mankind
is vaſtly ſpacious: it ſeems not to regard
them, enen there is no my to
eſcape it..
[Like the ancient Engl proverb, You dance
In u att, and thinks nobody ſees you. See Ray.]
The peach and the plumb ſpeak not: they
naturally leave traces of their worth ?,
[Something ſimilar to our proverb, Good
' evine needs no buſh + the meaning is, that things
which have an intrinſic value, need no ſtudied
and fallacious ornaments to ſet them off, } -
The pitcher goes often up and down the
well, but is broken at laſt.
[See the foregoing Hiſt. vol. 2. p. 203.
The French expreſs this by two proverbs. Tant
' ſouvent va le pot a l'eau, quel a nſey d emeure.
And, Tant wa la cruche a l'eau, 99 a5 l a fin elle f.
*The principal cca:r e ofa huſband jis to make
his wife virtuous 2.
* The provinces. ſend Mandarines toB rting:
Pe. king in exchange ſends them nonee but
lacquies and meſſengers
{This alludes to the conſtant diſpatcho f maC..
p. Du Halde,a .1 53 Let. ed. xxwj. 116.
P. Hu 43. P. Mag.5 .2 66. |
Q 4 ſengers
232 CHINESE PROVERBS
ſengers and expreſſes continually going to all
parts of the empire. It is alſo a rare thing
to hearo f a Mandarine, who is a native of the
metropolis. P. Magal. p. 266.]
*The rat hath ſeen the cat.
[* In the orig. Lao-ſou-kien-mas., This is
applied to the Mandarines of the provinces
upon the arrival of a Viſitor: to expreſs the
great awe they ſtand in of him.]
The ſea hathn o bounds, and the Xiang no
bottom. is 1 75
[The Niang is the greateſt river in China, and
is called by various names as, The /or of the
ea: The great river, &c. It runs in a direction
from weſt to eaſt over a tract of 400
French leagues. It is ſo deep as to give riſe
to the above proverb. See P. Le Compte, tom.
* The Shin cannot be made uſe of when we
weigh large ſtones: neither will a midling
capacity do for great undertakings.
[The Shin is a weight anſwerable to a pound
in Europe. —Eng. Every man's noſe will not
make a ſhoeing-horn.] 8
The ſmalleſt brocks become great rivers v.
. Mag. 222. P. Le . ste, 1. 168. P.
Du Halde,1 . 512. Lett. ed. xjv. 100, ©
ls.
AND APOTHEGMS. 233
So the French ſay, Les n eee ane les
grand. rivieres.|
The ſmalleſt worms have their holes *.
[Not very unlike in its application to the
ancient adage, Etiam capillus anus habet umbram
Juam. Ital. Ogni pelo ha la ſua embra.]
*The ſpirit Ngao preſides over the hall:
greater worſhip is due to the ſpirit Sao, who.
preſides over the kitchen J.
[Theſe are a kind of Lares or Houſhold gods,
of which the ſpirit Mao is deemed of ſuperior
rank to the ſpirit Sas, who yet is more regarded,
as being more neceſſary to life.]
* The ſureſt way to keep ſecret, what we
would not have known, is not to do it.
When one is afraid of being over-heard,
the beſt way is to be filent® _
[This is exactly the Italian maxim. de u
che ſtia ſecreto, nollo dire E Je non wvuoi che ff
Jappia, nollo fare, i. e. If you would have a
thing kept ſecret, tell it to no one: and if you
would not have a thing known of you, never
do it. The French ſay, Ine faut jamais rien
fare en particulier dont on doive gy en |
The Tan lives on air and dew: can any Crea-
* P. Du Halde, 1. 413. n 3- . 2. p. 7.
* F. Halde, 3. 483. 323. ; ?
ture
—
£34 CHINESE PROVERBS
ture be more independent? Yet is it betrayed
by its cry, and becomes the prey of the.
Tang-lang*%. _
'. [Theſe are two inſets, —This ii s intended to
2 55 that men often draw ſore evils upen
themſelves by their garrulity: according to
that of Horace.— i corvus tacuifſet, haberet
plus dapis & rixe multo minus invidiægue.]
The Teng· l o lives entwined round the tree that
_ ſupports it: if the tree fall, it expires®, -
{Equivalent to the Eng. Fall oak, fall ivy.—
The Teng - lo is a flowering ſhrub, which the
Chineſe teach to climb up their arbours : it bears
cluſters of violet flowers, which are el to
eat. Lett. ed. xxwvj. 142.]
The thickeſt ice is longeſt thawing ©,
; [Of the ſame import with prov. ad pag. 219. ] Z
* The tree is without —_— but the root is
yet alive©
[Applicable to a perſon, who hath not been
called forth to exhibit much virtue, yet may
have the ſeeds of goodneſs in him.]
* The vileſt herbs ſhould be gathered with
care: and the wood which ſeems only fit for
- burning ſhould be piled up ©, 4 75
P. Du Halde, 2. 111 Lett. ed. xx. 142.
. Du Halde, 2. 52. Did. 187. © 14, 1. 413.
Not
almoſt run,” The Chineſe uſe
AND APOTHEGMS. 235
[Not unlike the old Engliſh ſaw. If you
1 not preſent uſe of a thing lay it by for ſeven
years and then turn it : and lay it by for another
ſeven years, and ify ou want it not then, burn it.]
The virtue, which is confined to faſting and
long prayers, is the virtue of a Bonzee, who
is only uſeful to the Pa whom he
dares not killf ,
* The water, which is almoſt allrru n _ will
ſoon ſtrike the bell 5,
[This proverbial eise is aſed to 83
the approach of death, as we 1 2 glaſs is
a kind of water-
clocks, See note to vol. 2. pag. 96. 289. I
*The water, which bears up the bark, isl ikewiſe
the water, which ſwallows it up b.
[This proverb owes its birth to the Emperor
Tai-i/ong + who one day as he was taking the
air on the water along with his ſons, ſaid,
« You ſee, my childreu, that this bark is ſup-
« ported by the water, which at the ſame time
can overwhelm it: confider that the people
reſemble the water, and the Emperor the
« bark.” P. Du Halde, 1. 197. The Chinęſe
monarch (though he hath ſomewhat differently
applied it) bath hit, we ſee, upon the ſame metaphor,
as the celebrated Roman poet,
O navi referent in mare te noi
Fludtus.—
. Dy Hide, 3. 6. EE. „ vs
a a. 524. : "WE: * |
| 18
236 CHINESE PROVERBS |
The water, which in its ſource is no more
than a little ſlream, augments inſenſibly in
its courſe, and becomes capable of overturning
the higheſt mountains.
[Of the ſame tendency with the laſt prov. of
page 232. It is applied as the old Latin adage,
Principiis obſta.
* The water, whoſe ring is muddy can
never have a clear ſtream* ,
[Lat. Mali corvi, malum ovum.]
*The way to ſtop the mouths of landerers *i
never to reſent their uſage!.
[* Whether I am praiſed or blamed,” ſaysa
Chineſe ſage, I make it of uſe to my ad-
« yancement in virtue. Thoſe who commend
«© me, I conceive to point out the way I ought
* to go; thoſe who blame me, as telling me
«* the dangers I have to run.” P. Du Hale,
2.113.
10 n was a good maxim of our anceſtors,”
(ſays the Emperor Tag-ſong in a memorial) I
* look upon the man who contradiQts me, as
my maſter, he inſtructs me and 1s uſeful to
«© me: I dread him, who applauds and flatters
% me, as my enemy, for he thinks of his own ñ
| © jntereſt and not mine.” P. Du Halde, 1.
40.
"R The Italians have a ſaying, % Delle ingiurie
i Lett. ot xxj. 138. „ Halde, 1. 632.
Il. * e ;
3 :
*
| 4
=»
.
” E „
E
&
$
<
8
AND APOTHEGMS. 237
I remedia e lui feordarſ; , i. e. To forget a wrong
is the beſt revenge. ]
*The wicked fear the ſpirits n.
[Guilty minds are very apt to creat8e
and phantoms, and to be terrified at their own
ſhadows- : according to that fine obſervation of
Solomon, The quicked flee when no man pur-
Jueth, but the 1 are * as a lion. Fror,
Xxviij. 1.
The zeal of a * wbject,”h ad ith e piety
of a dutiful fon, ought never to relax with
the number of years. 5
[Hereafter follow foe 1ma xims; of C 0 NFUC
TEES. -
There are. three things, concerning which 5
every follower of virtue ought to be upon
his guard: in the time of youth, the uſe of
women: in time of maturity and manhood,
_ quarrels > in time of old age, the deſire of
_ .
[LSc. Luft, ambition, and avarice.5 5
There are three fears admitted by che wiſe
and good: they fear the commands of hearen:
they fear their F they fear
the words of the ſaints v. |
| m Lett. ed. xxij. 309. n P, Du Halle, 1. 634.
2 bib. 2. p Hy. Eid. "
| [They
*
j
|
[
: .
1
|
|
238 CHINESE PROVERBS
: [They fear. i. e. They revere, or ſtand in
awe of. ]
There are three joys uſeſul and — pernicious
: the joy that ſprings from the diſ-
Charge of duty: the joy of proclaiming the
good words and actions of others: and the
ſoy, which arifes from the Fenk of
good! men : theſe are uſeful,
There are three joys pernicious :c he joy oo f
empty pride :+ the joy of idleneſs and , ca
tiouſne and that which flows ent pe
jeſts and pleaſures of the banquet . brig
CES 4
There are three friends uſeful, and iD pernicious
: the virtuous: the frank and ſincere:
5 and the friend that heareth manyN N
5 U e. ob 15 learned.] Theſe are. uſeful”,
Th ere are three friends pernicious; .t he hy-
- pocritical and deceitful: the ſoſt and flattering:
and the ſriend that ise n to
prate© .
There are three Faults, which. a Sy man is
liable to commit in the preſence of his ſuperiors:
if he ſpeak without being ſpoke
to, he will paſs for forward; if, when he is
' ſpoke to, he return no anſwer, he will be
thought tricking and deceitſul; and, if he
* Conf. lib. 3. p. 119. P. Du Halde, 1. 42.3. Conf.
ſpeak
1b. 3. p. 119. d.
AND APOTHEGMS. 239
- ſpeak without conſidering well what he fays,
he will be looked on as a fool *
There are three ſorts of diſcourſes to owtiich |
we ought not to lend an ear: thoſe concerning
intrigues or unlawful engagements;
| thoſe which propoſe any unjuſt advantage;
and the diſcourſe which n * a
double heart.
T here are three ſorts of Peptese which I
cannot endure : the ignorant, who would
fain appear judicious and knowing; the
haughty and preſumptuous, who affect courage
and valour; and thoſe fatirical carping
_ perſons, who would fag. be ue *
and ſincere ”, |
There are four others, which oil to be S-
- ous to a wiſe man: thoſe malignant ſpirits,
who love to publiſh the faults of others;
thoſe vile perſons, who ſpeak ill of their
princes ; thoſe men in power, who have no
ſentiments of humanity; and thoſe bold
and raſh men, who act without reflection *.
There are five mortal diſeaſes of families: re- |
velling; great buildings; law-ſuits; vain
curioſities ; and idleneſs 7.
There are five ſorts of women you ſhould not
. Du Halde, 1. 423. Id. 2. 54. » 14. 1. 423.
* lid, 1 Ibid. 2. 63. * .
marry:
———A=—
.e—e
—.—a aao— — n _a— ———
OwNA2˖——.-r———t——VGy—ů— s 2—— ——
u——eÜ—oe tũ —G — ào—ṽ— —
Dok 5: SY. . 1 $6.
5 CHINESE PROVERBS
marry : ſhe who is of a houſe, which hath
been negligent of the filial duties: or which
is of »i rregular and ſuſpected morals :o r
* which is branded with ſome mark of infamy:
or which bath ſome hereditary and infectious
diſeaſe :-or, when ſhe is an elder
daughter having loſt her father *,
[Moft of the foregoing are extracted from
- the writings of Confucixs, the prince of the Ry
- zee philoſophers. It will be :u nneceſſary
- remark to the Reader the ſtriking — *
this manner of moralizing bears to that of the
ancient Hebrew ſages. Compare Proverbs chap.
30. paſſim Ac, &c, with the paſſages at large
- from which the foregoing ſentences are extrated
and abridged. See© allo Oo lib. 3.
. 132. Se.. err
* Though nothing grows 8 Pele, it
never knows the want of any thing* .
[A local proverb: the country about Pe-king
is barren.
* Though you purchaſe all China, Nil - |
will be lands bordering upon yours v.
* Thoſe ii n the provinces generally follow tahe
track of the court© ,
'* Thoſe who pocket. drugs and medicines,
P. Da Halde, 1. 444. * Mart. Atlas, f. 30. P.
ought
AND APOTHEGMS.” 24
-- ought to have two eyes: only one is required
iin thoſe that adminiſter them :n one
at all in thoſe that take themd .
lAluading to the frequent and artful adulpractiſed
by the Chine/e,—The Italians
have a proverb, Chi compra ba Gefogno di
cent? occhi, chi vende n' ha aſſai d uno. i. e.
He who buys hath need of a hundred Wr:
one is enough for him that ſells ].
To act the part of a king is difficult : to
perform the part of a miniſter is not eaſy© .
To attempt to catch birds with one hand,
and to cover the eyes with the other..
[This is applied. to any vain and abſurd
- attempt.—The French and We have a proverb
like this in form, tho' different in 1 99a,
Qui deut prendre unciſeau, qu il ne ] affarouche.
T0 e a birdi sn ot the Wy, to catch her.
"See Ray}:
To be like nevple; re ſet — tot" upon
two barks: the barks CT. hore "they fall
1 into the water b. es
[Equivalent to that.c ommon — which
which prevails in moſt of the languages in
N 6 e * &c. 0 10. en tao voi:
e ys
2p. Du Halde, 2. 211. e Caf. lib. 3. 4 93.
P. Du Halde, 1 523. * Lett. ed. Dr. 227.
vor. III. ” WP the
248 CHINESE PROVERBS |
the breech fall to the ground,” Lat Duos in/eguns
lepores neutrium capit. Ital. Chi due *
caccia, una perdre d Þ altra laſcia.] m
To be one day as hot as.char-coal, and ten
days as cold as icei,s een
proinv ſtuedy b.
[The Spaniards ſay, Libro cerradi,
ſata Wa i.e . T ©ſ hut botm akes p
ſcholar.] 2
* To begin well is common: bo end welli
rare i. |
. To begin well ignifies te, unleſs you alſo
8 end well *.
[Lat. Exitus afa prebat. Eng. The evening
crowns'the day.] |
* To eal int ygers to drive out dogs ig
[Equivalent to the old Lat. adages, Ne cinerem
vitans in 3 incidas. And, * Fugien:
em incidi. Eng. Outo f pan inaS
a Cbingſe chief5ly hi
verb to the Tartars, who in the laſt century
being called in to quell a rebellion, made themſe
ves maſters of the empire.]
To- day repent of the faults of yeſterday :
and towards the end of every moon, of thoſe
committegl ſince its n n.
F. Dat, >. 53. r
25. Dionys Kao. 157. - * 580.
— o
is pro-
3
AND APOTHEGMS. 243
To deeſfereve ry the aſſiſtance of heaven, a prince
muſt honour and practiſe the five virtues.
[The five cardinal virtues, ſo revered among
the Chineſe, are, Jin, charity: V, juſtice: Li,
courteſy (or obſervance of the rites) : Chi, pru-
_ dence: 7 Sing fidelity, P. Semedo, p. om |
To dig towards the eaſt, in ordetor f ill up
Pale towards the weſt, is giving, one's i |
; uſeleſs trouble. 5
[The Spaniatds ſay (though I believe with
8 difference in the application) Harrr un
aße para tapar otro. i. e.T o make one hole
to ell up another: equivalent to 1 2 o hob
Peter ro pay Pal] |
* To embroil a man in his cealings, isA sF, i
vou put his father to death -.
[The Chine/e. illuſtrate this pron\.b yt he
following tale, —** A poor man, er to
*© have Face btos celebrate theF ear of
„the new year, offered an earthen x t to fell,
„ which was his whole ſtock. met two
<< perſons, one of whom offered him à reaſonable
price; but the other Mndefed che
* bargain, The man was ſo ſtrack with the
„ diſappointment, that his foot ſlipped, and he
© broke the veſſel: which drove bim to dee
ſpair. He had ſcarce recovered his ſenſes,
59 b Halde, 1. 113. 1 * 16, 2.56, * B. 59.
a 1 F «© when.
244 CHINESE PROVERBS
% when,he,run after. him, who was the occaſion "© of breaking the bargain, and made « great |
<< noiſe at the door of his houſe. When be was |
„ coming away, he perceived ſome cloaths
hanging out to dry: he ſtole them to purchaſe
N „ wherewithal to make himſelf and his wife
| merry. From that day he tookt o theft, and
| became a noted robber; which brought him
- « at length into the hands of juſtice. Upon
| * his examination he accuſed the other for his
confederate and ſeducer: who upon his evi-
N * dence was condemntoe ddi e. Coming both
ö e of them to the place of execution, the robber
4 caſt a hideous look at his companion:D o
you know me, ſaid he? I am the man whom
« you hindered at ſuch a time from ſelling his
* earthen pot: that was the cauſe of my ruin,
<< and it is but juſt you ſhould ſuffer with me..
„ 2 ET OH 29 WL
| * To find atr eaſure in a ſecret place, when we
| know the owner : to meet with a fine woman
alone in a remote apartment : to hear |:
the voice of an enemy fallen into a pit ö
where he muſt periſh without our aſſiſ- | |
- tance; admirable touchſtones of the heart a. [1
Idee before, vol. 2. pag. 146. note.
To forget your forefathers, is to be as water
without a ſource: as a tree without roots *.
R* r
eeUe, sr
—
. Du Halde,2 . 47. 110. Leit. ed. xvij. 186
„ > [This *
.
AND APOTHECMS. 245
[This proverb is deſigned to correct the vanity
of thoſe, who having attained by ſome
lucky chance to an higher eminence than they
were born to, are aſhamed of their parentage. ]
. * To furniſh arms to a robber*.
[Equivalent to our ſaying, To 10 a hor in
a nadman s hand. 8
* To hear the ſages, |a cottagef rves2
for a palace.
[Yen-heu was king of a part of China, and
ſo addicted to philoſophy, that once after hunting,
when there was a great proſpect of an approaching
tempeſt, and his chariot was brought
to carry him home, he rather choſe to ſtay and
hear the lectures of ſome philoſophers, who
were aſſembled in a cottage. Hence the above
became a proverb to expreſs an uncommon thirſt
of knowledge. Yide loc. citat.] N
„ juſtify yourſelf to an angry man is
_ throwing oil upon the fire.
[Like that of the ſon of Sirach, “ Strive not
with a man that is of an evil tongue, and *
not wood upon his fire.” Ecclus. viij. 3. ]
To live always frugally ;q uietly, and in great
abſtraction of mind and heart: this is the :
ep. Du Halde, 1. 455. * Mart, Hiſt, 163. . De Hills, © 109; 55. N ift 5. 4
R 3 grand
246 CHINESE PROVERBS
yas medicine, and the precious fone,
Whoſe virtues are fo rare v.
1 Chineſe are greatly addicted to alchymy
ften ruin themſelves in ſearch of the Philoſophers
ſtone and univerſal medicine: this
was the anſwer of one of their ſages, when after
many years ſpent in ſtudious retirement in a
certain mountain, he was aſked to unfold the
grand ſecret, he was ſuppoſed to have been in
2 - purſuit of.—See above, vol. 2. pag. 7. note. ]
To meditate too much on a defign when
formed, occaſions irreſolution: to trifle too
much on a ſubject, pens: our hoping to
_ what is eſftentia*l.
* TS 0 eglect little things, ſometimes "RN |
of great things).
— thye g he Chi non tien conto 4 non
. P afſai. i. e. He, that does not mind
things, will never gain a great deal.]
T o read an excellent book the firſt time is to
N a new friend: to read oyer one we
ave peruſed before, iis like meren with
an old friend2 .
e he n * No ay mas aum 9 als
* gue 0 Litre. i. e. There is not a
” P, Du Halde 2. 97. « Ihid, 46. v Conf,I . 3, 5.
141. ebe. bog and we
more
5-* ”
ͤe2NR©o ͤb85 ln d Da2
3SI3EooI2IaST t I”t .FiFSPc.Io to 2p e tot CC nI8;W { 58 24
Eocd na
SeIOLEs: ReS2 L ,
AND APOTHEGMS: . 247
more faithful or . friend than a good
11 book. And the Italians have a proverb, Non
* > peggior ladro. d un catlivi o libro. i. e. There
is not a worſe thief than a bad book.]
* To ridean aſtso ſ,ec k ana ſs .
In the orig. K:-linmi-lin. This is exadtly
| correſponCent with the F rench, 1] cherche. ſon ane
et il oft deſſus.)
T o run with faggots to quench a . .
[To the ſame effect with the.F r ench, Fetter
del huile ſur lef eu.!
To ſtop the bubling of boiling water, by
pouring other boiling water upon 4t ©,
To think not to be wet, and 40 leap into the
Water .
To them, who 1 not ſtudied, thelr pencil
ſeems as heavy as a milſtone ©.
[See note, vol. 2. pag. 227.
To ſay you only know, what you know thoroughly,
and to confeſs you are ignorant of
what you do not know; is to be truly.
learned.
[A maxim of Confucias.]
P. Du Halde,1 .6 16. Þ Ibid. 483. id.
48 5. 517. 9 Ib, 517. IA. 2. 52 Leit.
R 4 —
| |
:
|
| |
U
.
|
:
'
²AoeEũ*U—ü—˙OIetIIy Mrgr̃R˙ r E w ö mrB²H !
.
246 CHINESE PROVERBS |
* Too many ſhepherds to one flock ſerve only
to diſturb it: but if one ſhepherd W
it, it marches along without ſtrayinge .
[The Chineſe have no idea of any form of
government but the monarchical, and cannot be
brought to comprehend what is meant by a
republic. This was experienced by the Dutch
embaſſadors in 1658, who when they came to
explain the nature of their government, could
excite no other idea, but that they were a neft
of pirates, living in a ſtate of anarchy : to remove
this ſuſpicion they were at laſt obliged.to
- repreſent the Prince of Orange as their ſovereign.—
See Nieubeff fallin. | Mod. Un. Hi4
7j.E 1E |
2 Azoy is not a more common
a with the father of greek poetry, than
<* paſtor or ſhepherd of the people” is with
the Chineſe to expreſs their rulers and governors.—**
I am paſtor and governor of this city,”
ſaith a Chine/e Mandarine; * this quality of
<< paſtor obliges me to procure whatever CON»
« duces to this city's advantage, &c.“ Lett.
ed. xv. 169.—The firſt duty of a br,
© (faith one of their n in an edict, ) is
* to guide the people, like a good ſhepherd,
** and prevent their going . P. Du
Halae, 1. 456.] |
* Twice eight ii s not more FOR eightee8n
P. Du Halli, 1. 59z .6 04. bB ajerp ref„ 2 5. |
*
AND APOTHEGMS” 240
[This is ſaid, when after a pompous detail of
| particular, the ſum total falls ſhort of _—
tation. Lat. Non reſpondet opinioni calculus.]
* Victory inſpires even cowards with courage,
and a e _— canW ſublit
itſelkf!?
* Virtue can crown the meaneſt with
_ gloryk .
* Virtue, wh pure and ſolid, touches Shin :.
what _— them muſt it have on the peo-
*
(obi. ſignißes the Spirits or Geni, ]
U and Noé, when in a bark 3 and expoſed
to ſhipwreck, will help one another
to ride out the tempeſt n.
[U and Nut means two bitter and implacable
enemies.— Eng. Common danger males
Friends]
* Undertake nothing without bringing it to
a concluſion “-. |
* Unleſs foreſight extend to a thouſand Lee,
calamity will ſoon be under the table
[He who hath not prudence to foreſee his
1P. Du Halde. 1. 479. * 1h, PUR 10, 515.
15. bog . 2. 464 * Conf. l. 3. p. 113
misfortunes
13 CHINESE PROVERBS
- anisfortunes before they come, will not be able
to prevent them. Equivalent to the Engliſh.
% Fore-warned fore- armed.
Water once ſpilt cannot be gatheredu p 1
into the veſſel 7.
Equivalent to that of ours, « There is no cry-
%ig for ſbed milk.” — The above is applied by
the Chine/e author, who quotes it, to the loſs of
reputation, but ſeems applicable to any irre-
. trievable misfortune. In the ſcripture occurs
ſuch an image applied to human life. Me mut
_ needs die :a nd are as water ſpilt on the ground,
ewhich caunot be gathered up again.” 2 Sam.
xJv. 14. |
Water too cleari s without fiſh: a man too
prying lives without ſociety 4, =
We are as people, who have continually before
their eyes, the dead bodies of their
parents* .
(It is thus the Chingſe expreſs the higheſt
| poſlible grief.
* We caſt a golden net with both hands, and
catch a hundred misfortunes *.
The meaning is, © He thax t increaſe richer, |
"ncreaſeth forroew. os bs
b Lett. ed.K i. 101. P. Du Halte, 32. 53,
r Lett. ed. vij. 213. F. Du Halde, 2. 159.
What
AND APOTHEGMS. 261
What every one is within: ſuch he appears
[To the ſame purpoſe as the Lat. Heu quam
difficile eff crimen non prodere uultu ©
* What is talked of in the women's apartment,
ought not to be mentioned out of it.
What you hate in thoſe that go before you,
do not to them who come after you: and
what you condemn in thoſe at your right
hand, do not to thoſe at your left .
llt is thus the Chineſe expreſs that maxim,
De as you would be done by. —— They alſo ſay,
„What you hate in your ſuperiors, do not to
4 your inferiors: and what you diſlike in your
v0 inferiors, do not to your ſuperiors Vid. loc.
citat.] STE
* J/hang-tien protects virtue wherever it is,
without acceptance of perſons *. LD
I bang: tien ſignifies the Emperor of heaven,
and is one of the names by which the Chine/z
_ Expreſs the divine providencTeh,e ancient
Chineſe ſeem to have had pretty juſt notions of
the divine attributes, witneſs the following paſſage
in one of their claſſical books. ** All the
_ *© oxcn killed by Chew, were not worth the
* meaneſt offerings of Ven- ang; becauſe the
<« former offered his ſacrifice with a heart polc.
I. 1. p. 24. 5 P. Du Halde, 2 50. Conf.
1. P. 26. * P, Du Halde 1, 629. has SO
9 5 luted
- — — —
255 CHINESE PROVERBS
«© lated with crimes, whereas the beſt part of |
« the offering of the latter conſiſted in the pu-
_ *« rity of his heart,” P. Du Halde, 1. p. 644.]
® Jhay-nghen had a wiſe mother: ene
a wiſe ſon?!
[This is intended to gent) chin lden virtue
nor vice, wiſdom nor folly, are hereditary,
To the ſame effect is the Lat. Etiam a vite
rubus naſcitur. |
Whhay-nghen was an enterprizing ſlave, who
put himſelf at the head of a party formed
a againſt the Emperor. His mother one day reproached
him for his crime; Wretch, ſaid
„ ſhe, notwithſtanding all my remonſtrances,
« do you then rebel againſt your prince fram
whom you have received only favours?”
This ſaid, ſhe plunged a knife in his boſom,
crying out, © To my prince and my country
1 facrifice this villain.” |
Whay-quang (in another reign) raiſing a rebellion,
his ſon immediately quitted him and
joined the Emperor. Sir, ſaid he, my father
has formed a faction againſt you. I want by
* my loyalty to wipe out as much, as I can, the
% infamy of his rebellion.” He accordingly
_ marched with a body of troops againſt the rebels,
whom he intirely defeated.
Theſe two examples have given riſe to the
above proverb. Vid. loc. citat.]
2an x.
oa2nFn . H3\1.4 NDr"o;. ehx s "
27544 _— 4
——e—..,—
ͤ“A!SOĨäPT>— e rÄEey SsÄT. T SE
7 P. Du Halde, 2.91. 4 : When
4J*
n.*n4
aeEeE o—*| D4eg B e
2f2—-45 y 477
_ * 4 .
. Du Halli, 2.49. I rxg, bid.
AND APOTHEGMS. 233
When a family riſes early in the morning,
cConclude the houſe to be well governed 8* ,
¶Moſt languages afford ſome ſage maxim in
favour of early ring. Ihe Spaniards ſay, De
quien ſe duerme, fu haxienda lo fiente. i. e. He
that lies long in bed, his eſtate feels it. The
Italians, 2 non /f lewa a bubit Bora, non fo buena
| giornata. * e. He who does not get up early,
never does a good day's work. We Bays He
© that wil] thrive, mu} riſe at five. > gh .
* When a man is of age he muſt — a
mariage: and a woman 9 1 15 a
i 2 $49 So 3
[See the foregoing Hil. vol. 2. p.
When. a man ſays, I muſt wait, "ill I haye
a little more leiſure, then I will apply myſelf
to the ſtudy of wiſdom.” Think not
this man will ever ſet about it ?,
When a man ſays, Let me wait a little,
when I have ſomething to ſpare, I will relieve
the Poor.“ This man will never re-
| lieve mobe. 1
(It will not be n toa h ſubjeeto ft his
Apothegm, to give the following curious Chineſe
epitaph. Nhat KOU-FA poſſeſſed, WAS the
' Poſſefſren of, the whole huma n race bis man |
the
234
ale Brat "and 4 charity itſelf + and bi,
Voi auat the: rere e N
Nienhoff. p- 116.J.
When a ſon is borni nto aides a bow and
Wr en r aunts II?
As no ſuch cuſto2m 8 to be literally a.
_ feryed, this ſhould ſeem to be a metaphorical |
. expreſſion, ſignifying that a new protector is
Added to the family: equivalent to that of the
plalms, Lite as the arrows in the hand of a giant,
© Som foa rs thi young children .h appy is the man
tat bab his quiver fullo f them, Sc. After
all, the Editor doth not obtrude this interpretation
on the Reader, who _ conſult the om
referred to.]
*When a perſon hath heed of preſenth elp, bis
thinks on his relations: when he is r
ger he depends on his old friends .
Not unlike that diſtich of Cato,
- Auxilinm à notir petirs, ſ forte laboras + © "oe 1 f —_— re Ae Jails airs.
Lb. 4.]
* When 3 live together th 1 to
ſupport themſelves . 7 oug
When one is got to the brink of a precipice, it
\ Is 100 I80 10.D RY up the reins: when one
18
W Il. 2. 117. . 42.
r—n
n;N
*—859882
«i
®
2
þ >
%
*
AND/APOTHEGMS. * 253
| is got into the middolf tehe river Tangi t
is too late to think of repairing the bark.
[This is deſigned to convey the moral of
i our two proverbs, * Is too late to ſpare, auben
tbe bittom is + bare.” And, 5 Look N
Leap.
When the arrow isa ch, itis i n n vain to
to recall its, rf ae
_ [Lat Jada of alia. 45 55
Wbethe ncauſ e is badi mu notb ef erto.
[See before, vol. 2. Pag-1 37.4 ;
When the flame appears in all its1 it
may ſtill increaſe: but the fire once extinguiſhed
will revive no more *.
That is,t he ſol, when it gens to be!in its
higheſt vigour, is capable of ſtill farther improvements
: but when quite neglected and be-
Some heavy and We ir never can recover
itſelf.]
» When the firſt cart overturns, he who
_ inives the ſecond is upon his guard.
FThe Chineſe have another proverb to the
fame purpoſe, * coachmanf ears being overturn-
* Lett. ed. a. 144. © P. Du Halde 1.
Lett. ed. my 129. . 9 45
*
H—— -e r
-E- S—
R; <0
| „ben the
256 CHINESE PROVERRSG
21, en he bath ſeen tinother evertarh.! P. Du
— Hake 1. 525 Equivalent to t
quem faciunt aliena* cautym. |
L63 4%
Lat. Felix
bird"s 47— a" and Ho te = withs,: no
þ- weather |is to be- expected łR.x Re
[ The latter are two water PAC which by
flying about in the air prognoicate, 290 wea -
ther, and vice wer/a.] -
lips are chopped, the teethi nfallibly
ſuffer cold?
When the ſkyi s clear the wiſe man trembles::
7 en it thunders he is undaunted Ma c.
Il fine Apothegm. The Spayjards fay, Date
A vida, 'temeras mas la cayda. i. e. Live
nhappily, and you'll be the more afraid to fall.—
But thoſe celebrated lines of ue ſeem "ng
e 9
Sderat insT J metuitF
Alieram fortem, bene En
Peaus. Lib. 2. ode 109 |
When we would give any thing a pleaſant
2 colour, we don't rub it with ink,
but the" OM beautiful vermilion”>. 69h
* P. Du Halde,1 T OY Ib. 595: Mart. Hiſt.p .
162. ur Du n 2.47 . 37. —
[This
AND APO YTHEGMS. 257
[This proverb iis applied to expreſs thee ffects |
of a good education, which 1i s neceſſary to form |
a ſhining character.] |
* When you cut- the throat of a hen, why
do Jo uſe ,a knife youu: for ficking an
ox?
[Not very different eren chat line of Pope,
% I ho plants artillery againſt a fly ©]
Were you to paſs the ſea on a bladder, how
carefully would you preſerve |i tf rom the |
prick of a needle ??
[That is, when your all is at fake you can -
not be too careful. To the ſame effect is the
Scotch proverb. —— T hey that hae but ae egg to
their dinner, hae need of a camp (i. e. a |
Cook. ]
* Whether the traveller quicken his onide.” or
march at his ordinary * he hath but ſo
far to go d.
[Applied to "ODS life: 1 to tho
Lat. Serius aut citius ſedem properamus ad unam. 1
Wicked men are feared; heaven not at all;
honeſt people aree deceived ;h eaven never
is .
* Cone . 1 125. rb. us, u 114,
52. 1.
ven. . 38 \ With
258 CHINESE PROVERBS
* With a large heart, the whole body is enlarged
* | 2D Ed 55
* Without ſalted Mey-tſe, how can we give
to a ſauce the five rehſhes*. Ear
: * that it were abſurd to expect the
without the means. As the Eng. 7
cant have brick without flraw.—The Mey-t/+
are tart fruits like wild apricots: the Chine/e
candy them; they pickle and alſo ſalt them,
on purpoſe to uſe them in ſauces. —By the five
reliſhes, is perhaps only meant the intire and
complete taſte. Vid. Bayer, tom. 1. p. 111.
The Chine/e ſeem to conſider the number five
as the moſt complete and perfect number:
they reduce to this number not only The cardinal
virtnes, The relative duties, The commandments
of FO, &c. but even The elements,
The noble parts of che human body.
P. Du Halde, 2. 56. &c.] 2
Who regards the little demonso f the wood.
| [See the Chin. Hiſt. vol. 4. pag. 86.)
„ Whoever hath ſore eyes will fee clearlyi n
ten days, if he let tliem alone to cure them
ſelves”. e ee e N
[This is fo true an obſervation, that ſomething
like it occurs in moſt languages. The
_ Spaniards ſay, Quien quiere ojo Jano ateſe la
hy Conf. L. 2. 15. ; e P., Du Halde, 1. 524
We Chin, Fl Pol.2 , 111.
65
k
5
4
Ky
i |
EI:. E
1 5* £> 2— N
urpb2*2ro ta nn n n
a14n p2 C*82 4- A RS
"R<A<2L2* 833 :2t 1 s4 3 ,
Si<*e: * 2s ,
nx a R 8a= 5
AND APOTHEGMS. 25
mano: i.e, He that would have his eyes\ wells
fiould have his hand tied up. The French,
Quand on a mal aux yeux, il ny faut toucher que
Adu coude : i. e. When one hath ſore eyes, one
ſhould only touch them with one's elbow.) -
You cannot commend a woman's virtue more
than to ſay, ſhe is not learned v.
[If prejudices of this kind have bed in
Europe, we are not to wonder that they ſhould
prevail in China. The Spaniards ſay, Mula gue
haze hin, y muger que parla Latin, nunca hizieron .
buen fin. i. e. A mule that is reſty, and a woman
that talks Latin,n ever come to aa good,
e 2 |
* You ſhall learn . it be the bucket at
the end of the rope that falls into the well:
or whether it be the water of the * that
falls into the bucket .
[A proverbial menace. ]
* Your works alone ſhall follow you: you
ſhall carry off nothing elſe?. |
[A fine ſaying in the bobles of FO. rue
Spaniards ſay, Buen hazer florece, todo lo al perece<
A good work flouriſhes, "7 thing elſe Pe.
liſhes. It
2 Du Haide, 2. 0. | 7 Ibid, 161. = r Ibid.
100. . E703 . N
„„ + - mn
[260
PROVERBS OC MITTED:
Man may be well mounted, though he-
, "on not ride the horſe 5 one may
Eu-
7 22 is a celebrated horſe. Yen-t/e was the
moſt beloved diſciple of Confucizs.]
A loyal ſubject does not fear death, he who
fears death is not a loyal ſubject»b .
As a ſhip without a rudder, 1 is a man void
of reſolution. |
.
He, who. begins firſt is the ſtrong« ſt,b e ks.
delays ſto firike] Our comes by the
worſt© ,
[Eng. The fut blawd15 half the battle]
* He who builds a houſe by the fide of a great
road will not finiſh. it in three years.
{The Italians have a proverb, Chi fabrica
| la caſa in piaxxa, ò che ꝭ tropga alta,ò troppo baſſa.
255 We 2 He that builds his houſe by the high-
4 Du Halle, 1n. s Þ 14, 2. 177. e Id. 1. Gn.*
Let. ed. xjX. 439% P. Du Halde,2 . 181. 14.1
LELAS ay
| diſciple, though not equal to
RTWOCSIPO ET N" .,
s „e6 n
PROVERBS OMITTED. 26.
way 1 i etheri n bigho r u bu. See
Ray.
*] ſhould ſoon have killed the rat, ifI h ad
not reſpected the veſſel 5.
[he application of chis bereeb . to be |
learnt fromt hel ittle Chinęſe tale related in pag.
215, 216. "542 * more to be fear-
62 ed than, &c |
* Is a prince intirel upri ht, eve thin
|$ 5.0 well with "ip doch he vey.k e
ſelf, though but in onee inflance, iit may lead
to his ruin d.
* It is a happy talent to "rm lawhaits
arightz a much happier to n cheir
ever being undertaken* ,
[A ſaying of a . which iis thusg rant.
lated by others. To hear and determine
5 * diſputes [ or any man may be able: the
© great thing neceſſary is ſo to work upon
= « the people that they may have no diſputes
s at all.“ Conf. lib. 1. p. 12.]
Keep ſilence, you wilt fee how ridiculous a
great talker is: Keep your door ſhut, and
will be ſenſible of the buſtle, and .
tinence attending viſits“ .
One error ſlight in appearance leads to ſtrange
irregularities 'g, |
2 P. DuHalde r. 476. 15. 483. 1 Th. 478.
, Ib,2 . 47. a Id. 1. 582. 3. > IR
| 83 One
262 [PROVERBS OMITTED.
One of the principal duties of a ſon is to per-
— his _ an leave deſcendants after
him *. 6
** To = cheap N quick hae, go
to the market. Would you undertake a
great building or other W work,
bold a conſultation before-hande.
* To preſerve others, is the way to preſerye
one's ſelf: to ſhut up the road to others ii s
the means to exclude one's ſelf .
* To receive great honours. and 8
without deſerying them; is to preclude
from employment thoſe that are more ca
pable, and to intercept the reware of the
worthy p-
** Undertake — without pegs it a.
2k 1x . 163. z * Is
N. B. — the dsa irs in
the foregoing ſheets are made to the lio
_ verſioofn P . Du Halde: yet many5 oft e roverbs
are newly tranſlated From the French original;
that tranſlation being very faulty. The
ollowing inaccuracies did not occuri ll thee ſ heets
wer*e off.
PROnn
PROVERBS CORRECTED,
Page: 188. read.
A*M an bornn or educated in, x
Page 193. . 5
* As the liquor - - - - - -- ſo thie eſ ubjes
conform themſelves to the nee 1
Page 194. r. Rt:
* As the ſtone Me „ | heart defiled
with laſcivious impurity will, &c.
Page 200. r. 5
* Honour the dead. - - - - = = were yet alive.
Page 20g. 1 4608
*If the water be even ten Gu deep, one 2
diſtinguiſh by the ſurface, &c—. 5
Page 206.
* If the exceſſes — — the vexation
of the mind makes, &.
Page 220.
* See that moth, --» ahnt conſumed, e
Page 224» 21
* The Emperor lets Joole > -——-- createsn ew
Mandarines, &c.
$4 PARAL262
PROVERBS -OMIT TED.
One of the principal duties of a ſon is to per-
— his _—_ and es deſcendants after
him v.
* To make a cheap an4 d quick purchaſe, go
to the market. Would you undertake a
great building or other conſiderable work, |
bold a conſultation before- hand.
* To preſerve others, is the way to; preſerye
one's ſelf: to ſhut up the road to others i1 s
the means to exclude one's ſelf*.
* To receive great honours and je Ml
without deſerying them; is to preclude
from employment thoſe that are more ca
pable, and to intercept the reward of the |
worthy p-
* Undertake MO without completingi t,
k e ee e 1
6. d $036 [7 I PE Es *
4 n *
*> "& VF d
2 B. Although the.m argi* references in
the foregoing ſheets are made to the Engliſh folio
verſion of P. Du Halde: yet many 7 the Proverbs
are newly tranſlated from the French original;
that tranſlation being very faulty. The
following inaccuracies did not occur till the2
wer*e 2
PR o-
*%S
$E1n4n580s 7
en——
1 263
PROVERBS CORRECTED,
Page 188. read.
\ Man born or educated in, &c.
Page 193. v. |
* As the liquor -- - - - - ſo the fabjetts
conform themſelves tto thee e | |
Page 194. 7. 1 |
* As the ſtone Me ----—-- Os| heart defiled
with laſcivious impurity will, &c.
Page 200. r. „ 3
Honour the dead, --- - - = - were yet alive.
Page 20g.
* If the water be even ten Gin deep, one mop
diſtinguiſh by the ſurface, &c—. |
Page 206. 925 =
If the exceſſes - - - - <= -- = - the vexation
of the mind makes, &c. 15
Page 220.
A gee that moth, an E conſumed, |
Page 224.
* The Emperor lets looſe - >=>-- creates new
Mandarines, &c.
Ts | ARAL.
* *
9
x 264 I
PARALLELS OMITTED, &c.
p46 GE 05 *A A paſſion indulged Ke,
I- 3 The French ſay, Porgueit
deux ꝙ enyvre de ſa propre boutelle.]
Bid. A piſmire and a rat, &c.
[To the ſame effect with that precept of
Cato, Corporis exi gui wires contemnere noli. Fr.
et nul petit ennemi. Eng. There are, &C.
Page 190. A ſtab with, 1
4335 N. B. The Italians have a ſaying,
Fer —p e ipo co, e ſerivvi mend. i. e. Think
little, write leſs, The F reve
8 "Sig- g- -] *
Page 193. An amiable prince, &c.
[It-is a ſaying in one of their ancient claſſical
books, A good king loveth and cheriſheth
his people, as a mother moſt tenderly
claſpeth her naked and neu- born hte
46 ſon. 99
Conf. lib. p. 19. |
Pages 194. © Avoida blaft, &c.
[The Spaniards ſay, ** De wiento - - - - Se.
Fuardute . i.e. Take heed of a wind that comes
ir n a hole.]
Q Page
o1oOIIn AeeA
PARALLELS OMITTED. 265
Page 198, 199. He who aims, &c.
chen [The Spaniards ſay, Menos camino ay de ver-
' tzud a vicios, qued e wicios a wertud. i. e. It is a
ſhorter road- from virtue to vice, than from
vice to virtue.] |
bid. © He who eats, &c. _ 5
[The Italians have a proverb, II pan d altri
coſta caro : another's bread is dear bought.
bid * He who ſuffers, &c.
I- - diverts them. Not very different is
that ſaying of P. Syrus, Heu, dolor guam miſer
eft, gui in tormento vocem non Haber.]
Bid. “ Heaven and hell, &c.
[After the quotation - - - - - By way of illuſtration
of the above Apothegm we ſhall throw
= "pa a few hints of a famous Chine/e mora
iſt. A ST |
Certain perſons complain, (ſays the philoſopher
ME) of not finding a place of repoſe :
„they are wrong, they always have it: but
_ * what they ought to be diſſatisfied at, is their
“having a heart, which is an enemy to the
very repole they ſeek. ; ns
What is the uſe of, coaths but for decency
“ and warmth ? This man wears a fur'd habit
„Worth more than a thouſand crowns, and
thinks it not gooe enough: he doth not rebi
_ that a Quail is as well cloathed as him-
« ſelf. 0 | Pe |
„What doth a man want, as to food, but
ED 26 « nouriſhing
4
266 PARALLELS OMITTED.
4 nouriſhing victuals? yet he, who is every
day ſerved with a large quantity of the moſt
delicate viands in the grandeſt diſhes, is not
. *. conter:ted : another, who ſleeps on a mat,
and after a temperate meal drinks out of the
half of a ſcooped cucumber, is more con-
* cented than himſelf. |
What is required in lodgings, but to be
1 (ſheltered from the inclemencies of the wea-
* ther? yet ſuch a man in a lofty and ſpacious
„ palace, whoſe walls are finely varniſhed,
finds himſelf ill-lodged. Another is con-
. ** tented with a cottage ſo poor and mean,
„ thæt the door is hung upon two pieces of
cord which ſerve for hinges. .
In what climate or place may not 2
man live agreeably if he hath a mind! To
** me a little garden of flowers is the famous
e valley of gold: to me a litile brook is the
fountain of young peach trees : [alluding
Here to ſome obſcure fables] ** to me the me-
_ ** Jody of birds is more raviſhing than the har-
* mony of a full concert of inſtruments: and
I prefer the tinQure of certain clouds to the
+ - ** fineſt paintings in the world.“ |
Sce P. Du Halde, 2. p. g8.]
Page 206. In former times, &c.
It was a ſaying of Chu-jin-quey, © What
* doth a man loſe, who gives way in the
_** ſtreet to thoſe that are in haſte? two or
* three hundred fteps and nothing more.
5+ Vi kat doth another loſe, who will not diſPARALLELS
OMITTED. 267
„pute with his neighbour the boundaries of
4 his field?“
P. Du Halde, 2. 104.]
Page 231. The net in which, &c.
I- -N. B. When the Chineſe would
expreſs any impracticable attempt it is a common
phraſe with them, You may as well
« hope to get out of the nets of heaven and
#5: earth.”
oo STING, e. 2. p. 177. c. 1.
THE END OF THE PROVERBS, &c.
> ADDE.
e eee 4.
- 1 269 . A

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 26

2026-03-29T09:52:06Z

Admin: Create Chapter 26 from Vol 3 (raw OCR)

= Chapter 26 =
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 280px;"
|+ style="background-color: #4a7c59; color: white; padding: 5px;" | '''Chapter Information'''
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8; width: 120px;" | Wiki Chapter
| 26
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Translator's MS
| Chapter XIII
|-
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| III
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| style="background: #ffe0e0;" | OCR — footnotes pending
|}

''Part of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

Char. XIII, In the Tranſlator's manuſcript.
power
A CHINESE HISTORY. 97
power, ſaid he, to ſend any preſent |
as an acknowledgment of her goodneſs:
neither could I preſume to do
it, a ſingle man as I am, to a young
unmarried lady.” Then delivering
his horſe to the old ſervant, and hiring
a mule, he departed for his 'own
city; and Shuey-yeoug returned to his
miſtreſs,
Let us now return to Kwo-khbe-tzu
and his companions, whom we' have
ſeen diſappointed in their deſigns on
Tieb-chung-u. When they found he
was got clear out, of their hands; they
were ready to burſt with rage and madneſs.
The firſt that broke ſilence was
_ Shuey-guwin, who ſaid, Who would
have ſuſpected this young man to have
r - been
4
B
9 |
1 25 +
= =
4-7
+:
1. . i
ms Th
4
1
7%
98 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
been poſſeſſed of ſo much ſtrength and
courage 2”? „It was owing to neither
of theſe that he eſcaped, ſaid his ſonin-
law, but he had got Chang-congxu
at ſuch diſadvantage, that he could
neither help himſelf, nor we conveniently
aſſiſl him. But he muſt not
g0 off ſo: let us muſter up ap roper
company, and go find him out: let
us ſtill treat him as he deſerves und
afterwards give in a petition to the
Grand Viſitor.“ This propoſal was
approved by them all: the young
Mandarine Chang inſtantly promiſed to
bring thirty people; each of the others
likewiſe engaged to raiſe as many.
Theſe to the number of a hundred
were ſoon aſſembled, and with their
maſters at their head, Shuey-guwin lead-
L's | lag
A CHINESE HISTORY. 99
ing the way, drove along the ſtreets
like a ſwarm of bees. But when they
came to the inn, where the young
ſtranger had lodged, they were told
that he went away almoſt as ſoon as
he came home. They were quite diſconcerted
at this information. Ho]
ever, ſaid Kino-bbi-tzu to the reſt, this
ſhall not ſerve his turn; we will immediately
apply to the Grand Vifitor
of thep rovince, and he ſhall do us juſtice.”
Shuey-gumin told him, that their
enemy was of the province of Pe. ing,
and therefore was not under that M andarine's
juriſdiction. Well then,
ſaid Kwo-kbe-i2u and his companions,
we will all together draw up a petition,
wherein we will accuſe him of endea-
1 vouring
—"
78
*og— n*o
12*
2
WWor ”
35
.
o
*
0
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100 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
vouring to raiſe a rebellion. * ; this
will authoriſe: the Mandarines of any
province to lay hold of him. The
Grand Viſitor muſt give an account
of this at court; where we will ſend.
ha
- 2
[4
In order to render this and ſome of the foltowing
pages intelligible, itmuſt be remarked that
there is in China, a horrid ſect called Pe len-kia.
always diſpoſed to rebellion, and who are therefore
ſure to be puniſhed, whenever they are diſcovered.
This ſe& conſiſts of people, who enter
into a confederacy to overturn the'eftabliſh--
ed government, jor which purpoſe, with certain
magical rites, they ele& an Emperor out of their
number, diſtribute among themſelves the principal
employments of the ſtate, mark out certain
families for deſtruction, and lie concealed till ſome
inſurrection of the people affords them an opportunity
of putting themſelves at their head. China,
on account of its vaſt extent, prodigious populouſneſs
and frequency of famines, is very
liable to ſeditions and inſurrections, which thro'
the puſillanimity and feebleneſs of its military
government are always dangerous, and indeed
have often produced intire revolutions in the
A CHINESE HISTORY. 101
do our fathers and friends to acquaint
them of the affair; thus we ſhall quickly
humble him, ran all his
bravery and valour.“
They were exceedlngly pleaſed with
this propoſal, and accordingly got their
petition wrote, which Shuey-guwrn ſigned |
as a witneſs: they then repaired to
ſtate. Now as in theſe revolutions, it hath frequently
happened that ſome of the very dregs of
the people have been raiſed to the throne ; this
upon every inſurrection encourages the ringleaders
to aſpire to the empire : who, if they are not
nipped in the bud, are ſure to draw together the
diſſolute, the diſcontented, and the needy ; till
they forma large body and become very formidable
to the government. Upon all theſe accounts
the Mandarines are obliged to be exceedingly jealous
and watchful over the leaſt tendency to revolt;
and to be careful to extinguiſh the firſt and
minuteſt ſparks of rebellion, which would otherwiſe
ſoon involve the whole empire in-a flame,
P. Semedo, p. 91. Lettres edif, Xxvii. 344-
P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 243. _
H 3 +
102 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
the city of Tong-chang ; and finding
the audience open for receiving petitions,
preſented themſelves before the
tribunal. The Grand Viſitor received
their petition, and ordered them all
out of the hall, except Shucy-gravin.
* This paper, ſaid he, contains a |
ſtrange ſtory of a rebellion attempted
in this country by Tieb-chung-u : if he
was fo. dangerous a perſon, how came
you to be ſo deſirous of his company,
and to invite him ſo earneſtly to drink
wine with you? Did he drop any hint
of his intention to raife a tumult or
rebellion in the city, in the midſt of
his cups, or afterwards in the quarrel 2
Sbuey- guwin finding the Grand Viſitor
ſo inquiſitive, knew not what to anſwer,
and therefore remained filent.
: « You -
A CHINESE HISTORY, 103
* You are a very ſorry fellow, ſaid
the Mandarine. I am well acquainted
with the whole ſtory : nevertheleſs if
you do not relate it exactly from beginning
to end, I will bring your fingers
to the Niab- coon or Tormentingſticks.”
SCShuey-guwzn's fear became ex»
ceſſive when he ſaw the other ſo angry,
and found he ſhould be forced to confeſs
the truth. Sir, ſaid he, it is true,
he was drinking with the others.”
Very well, ſaid the Mandarine, if
you were drinking all together, I muſt
ſuppoſe you all equally guilty: nay it
is more likely that you five ſhould form
ſeditious deſigns upon the city, than he
whom you accuſe, who perhaps would
not join in ſuch an attempt, and fo
you have agreed to impeach him firſt.”
My Lord, replied he, Kwo-khi-t2u
H4 invited
104 HAU KkIO CHOAAN.
invited this young man to his houſe
out of civility and good will, and when
he was in his cups all the ſecret came
out. Nothing would pacify him; he
overſet the table and fell to fighting,
crying out to the young Mandarines,
that if there were a thouſand of them,
he would not regard them: and that
if he ſhould come to be Emperor he
would deſtroy the four houſes to which
they belong. The young gentlemen
deeply concerned at theſe things, could
not refrain from lodging a complaint
with your Excellence. y : which they
would not haveS ano to do, had
It been falſe.” < A likely ſtory, ſaid
the Grand Viſitor, that one perſon ſhould
beat and abuſe four or five of you. No!
no! you muſt not think to impoſe on
me at this rate. 1 Sir, ſaid Shuey-
SuWIN,
A CHINESE HISTORY. r05
guwin, the broken pieces of furniture
are ſtill to be ſeen: nothing is more
certain.“ The Mandarine took him
up ſhort, How ſhould a ſtranger
of another city come and raiſe ſuch a
diſturbance, unleſs he had been' provoked
by ſome injury or inſult? However
if it be as you alledge, have you |
ſecured or brought him with you 2???
JM No, he replied ; he was like a tyger, |
there was no taking hold of him: he
went away without any one 's daring
to hen him.”
The Grand Viſitor ordered all he had
reported to be taken down in writing by
the ſecretary of the tribunal: then ſaid to
him, * Are not you aſhamed, an old
fellow as you are, to come here with
theſe
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106 HAU KIOU cHOAAN.
theſe ſtories: and to keep company
with young rakes, drinking and embroiling
yourſelf in their quarrels?
This petition you have brought me
is falſe and ſcandalous. Go home and
tell the four Mandarines ſons to be
quiet: I know the whole ſtory, better
than they imagine. If it were not for
the connections of theſe young men,
I would throw you into priſon, where
you ſhould die with hunger : however
I muſt make you a preſent of twenty
or thirty baſtinadoes *.“ At theſe words
Shuey -guwin in great terror, cryed out
that he was old, and begged he would
| pardon and not diſhonour him fo
'In the orig. it is of four or five Bamboos”
(or ehr ag each fiveſ trokes.J See note, vol. 2.
Pag. 189. 03 91
8 much.
A CHINESE HISTORY, 107
much. « Honour ! ſaid the Grand
Viſitor, what honour have you ?” He
ſaid, I am brother to the ſecond Mandarine
of the tribunal of arms,” Are
you his brother, ſaid the magiſtrate?
why who keeps his houſe? My brother,
he replied, hath no ſon: but
only one daughter, who heretofore hath
received great favour from your Excellency.“
If it be ſo, replied the
Grand Viſitor, for her ſake I will pardon
you: but then tell me truly, who
it is that bears ſuch implacable enmity
againſt this young ſtranger.” 1
am not his enemy, anſwered Shueyguwin
e but it is wo- Eh- tu, who being
diſappointed in his deſign of marrying
my niece, by the other's inter
* hath ever ſigce retained a
E ſecret
108 HAU KIOU cHOAAN.
ſecret malice and deſire of revenge; ane
it was in order to gratifhyi s revenge,
that he now invited him to his houſe:
but for my part I owe him no kind of ill
will.“ The Grand Viſitor ordered his
| ſecretary to make a memorandum of
this; then giving him back the petition,
bade him go tell thoſe young men
to mind their ſtudies, and let him hear
no more of them: For this once,
ſaid he, I pardon them on account of
their fathers : who would find a great
deal of trouble, ſhould ſuch complaints
| bPe RO qi them at court.”
Shuey-guwin having thus obtained
leave to retire, was ready to leap out
of his ſkin for joy : but when he was
got without the audience where the
others
A CHINESE HISTORY. 10g
others were waiting for him, he ſnrugged
up his ſhoulders, and made figns to
them to bold their tongues : at the ſight.
of which, and of the petition which he
held in his hand, they were alarmed;
and being informed of all that had
happened, ſent in a Sho-poun * or billet
of thanks, to the Grand Viſitor for his
lenity, and afterwards returned home
not a little aſhamed. However Kokbe-
1zu could not be prevailed on to
lay aſide his reſentment, or to drop
his purſuit. On the contrary, he was
the more obſtinately reſolved to perſiſt
in both; andre collecting that Chun-· let
had been gone ſome time, he diſpatched
a meſſenger to enquire aſter him.
A folded paper with a black cover. Tranſ.
Now
110 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
Now Chum:# in performance of his
promiſe had made the beft of his way
to the court: where as ſoon as he arrived,
he delivered to the miniſter
| Kwwo-fbo-fu the letter from his ſon. As
ſoon as the Mandarine had read the
letter, he withdrew with him into his
library, and inviting him to fit down,
inquied about his ſon's :propoſal of
marriage with Shuey- pinguin. Her
father, ſaid he, is now in diſgrace :
this match cannot be for our credit,
as we are advanced to ſuch a degree
in the ſtate.” „ This young lady,
replied the other, is endowed with wonderful
perfections both of mind and
perſon, and is of unexampled modeſty:
in ſhort there is not her fellow
to be founind t he world. Wherefore |
| your
A ckNESE HISTORY. r1x
your ſon hath ſworn either by gentle or
violent means to marry her.” No. hofa
laughed and faid, * am afraid my
fon is very weak and ſimple. If he had
a mind to marry her, he needed not
have ſent to court, when the Che.fo o
and Che- hien, the fathers of the country,
might eaſily have compleated the marriage
for him. You have had a great
deal of trouble inc oming ſo far: and
now he would give me ſtill more, inr equiring
me to ſend without the wall
into Tartary for her father's conſent.“
He hath not been wanting in applica ·
tion to the Che-foo and Che- hien, replied
the other; he hath leſt no meanst o
prevail with her unattempted; but ſne
hath always by very gentle but artful
5 methods found means to elude his
purſuit.
.9
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byy *4a5 : .«p 4p GnINo—y.= * T,{* .o«*2 £5*— * . T*;27 S T ar G
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purſuit. | Your Lordſhip muſt not talk a
of the Che-foo and Che-bien, ſince the
Grand Viſitor of the province, who
was your pupil, endeavoured to promote
the ſuit of your ſon, but ſhe
ſo far baffled him, that he hath been
glad to put forth a declaration, forbidding
any one to moleſt her on
the ſubject of marriage. Now if a
Mandarine of his rank is afraid to
meddle with her, who beſides dares
approach her gates? Kao. E b. tau
therefore had no other remedy, but
to apply to your Lordſhip.” The
Mandarine Kro. goſ. u was ſurprized at
this account, and ſaid, Surely this
is a young lady of fine underſtanding,
anidt is on that account my ſonſo
much admires her. But this Shuey-
FR 5 keu-ye,
A CHINESE | HISTORY, 273
keu-yt, her father, is a very poſitive
man: if he does not heartily approve of
any meaſure, he is not to be moved to
engage in it: beſides I am not very
intimate with him. He is a man of
one word: when he held an audience,
there was very little application made
to him, becauſe he was known to favour
no body. He hath only this
daughter; and'T remember I once applied
to him about her, but without
ſucceſs. However, as he is now in
trouble, perhaps he will be more inclined
to comply: there ſeems at preſent
a good opportunity to afk his: conſent.
But in what manner, ſaid
Chun-kee, will your Lordſhip apply to
him ?” 4 It muſt be done, ſaid the
other, with all the uſual ceremonies,
Vor. III. 1 A friend
114 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.,
A friend. muſt feſt - be employed to
break. the, matter: | afterwards, we muſt
lena,p dreſ,ent . - But here lies the difficulty:
as he is diſtant from us no leſs
than two hundred leagues,I c annot aſk.
any. Mandarine of great qualityt o go
ſo far. + 1 believe I muſt; write a letter
and beg the favour of yout o carry it,
together with the preſent. Chun kel
replied, .* Your Lordſhipm.ay command
my beſt ſervices. Let me alſo;
carry letters to ſuch of the great Mandarnes
there as are able to influence
him.“ Vu are right, ſaid. the Miniſter;
and accordingly ſelecting a fortunate
day, he wrote the letters and di:
EY? him with 2 25 it
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OW 7 che cafe 10 .
darine Sbuey. teu. ye ¶ was as
follow;s] ; upon receiving notice that a
war had broke out with the Fartars,
and that there was not any valiant
maton he ad the troops; [he had]
made inquiry after ſuch a perſon, and
[bad] found amongt hep eople ©of his
audience . a man called.o s one
3 of
. tings_ _ Editor's additions included in
brackets, the Reader will perceive how abrupt the
tranſition is in the original. The ſame abruptneſs
is obſervable throughout the whole hiſtory.
+ All the officers of war throughout the Cb.
noſe empire, from the higheſt to the loweſt, are
under the juriſdiction of the Tribunal of .
which, although compoſed of none but literary
Mandarines, hath the abſolute and intire direction
of all military affairs. In China the prol
1 feſſion
3
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116 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
of the north-weſt country, who had.
offered himſelf for that ſervice. Of this
Shuey-keu-ye informed the Emperor,
who conſented to employ him, there
being none other that cared to .go
againſt the enemy. He was accordingly
conſtituted General, with orders
to go and viſit thoſe | parts that were
n of en to act as he ſhould.
bn 6 ; : 1 "
7 2 * 4 — 101
fellono f arms is.h old yaltly ;nferior I ſubs
ordinate to that of letters. This, together with
their natural effeminacy, and the conſtant peace
they generally enjoy, will account for the unwarlike
turn of the Chine/e. |
P. Semedo tells us that it was uſual [at leaſt
in his time] for the Chineſe to ſend with their
armies a man of the long robe, who had the
fapreme command, even over the General him
ſelf. This Mandarine was always in the middle
of the main Battalia, and many times a day's
journey from the field of action; ſo that although
he would be too remote to give orders, he was
always ready to run away the firſti n caſe of
| Coe. ee 100% Al G22 i
think
A cHNESE HISTORY. 11)
think beſt for the publicſ ervice. He
executed theſe orders with ſuch diſpatch,
that he would not ftop to pay the uſual
viſits of ceremony to any of the other
Mandarines in command. but went immediately
iin ſearch of the enemy. This
gave ſo much diſguſt”t o thoſe 6fficers
that they would not 20 to his aſſiſtance,
nor unite their forces with his. Nevertheleſs
he attacked the enemy, and
had a ſharp engagement for a Whole
day with equal advantage onb oth ſides.
Small as this ſucceſs \w as, it Was repreſent
ed Rill leſs to the Emperor by the
dilaffected Mandarines, and both he
andS hag · leny e were ſuſpended from
their employments: the one being ſent
to priſon, and the other an exile into
dee 80 Ot eric mn
F3 The
118 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
Ehe latter had now remained about
a year in baniſhment : where, although
he ſtill retained his dignity of Mandarine,
there was taken little notice of him,
and he had ſmall hopes of returning
home. One morning a ſervant belonging
10 his tribunal (for notwithſtanding
bis diſgrace be ſtill had an hall of
aodience aſſigned him) came to tell
him that there was a meſſenger arrived
from Pe- king, with letters from one of
the Miniſters of ſtate. Shuey keu-ye,
who had looked upon himſelf as intirely
forgotten at court, was ſurprized at
this news. Nevertheleſs he ordered
the meſſenger to be admitted. (Zun.
kes was accordingly ſhewn in, attended
by two ſervants whom he had brought
with him. He performed his reve-
| rences,
A CHINESE HISTORY. 119
rences, and preſenteda Tieh-1/# or billet
of complimentsT.h e Mandarine peruſed
it, and finding Cbun-e s to ben o
ſervant, but a particular acquaintance
of the perſon who ſent him, deſited
him to fit down. I am ſo unhappy;
ſaid he, as to be out of favour: and
it is a long while ſince I have been
taken notice of by any one. How
happens it then, that you are come ſo
far to me? Upon what aetount?4 J
| ſhould not have taken this liberty, replied
the other, had I not been ſent by
Ko. ſbv-ſu, whoſe buſineſs abroad 1
ſometimes tranſact : and it is on his
account that I have now taken ſb long
a journey.“ When I was at court,
ſaicl SheyFe-u. y , I had very little acquaintace
wich that Mandarine. I ſupa
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120 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
poſe therefore my puniſhment is now
going to be increaſed.” Chun-kee replied,
It will not be long before your
Lordſhip will return to Pe-king : I am
only come at preſenti n behalf of this
nobleman's ſon, who deſires your
daughter in marriage: but as ſhe hath
not your permiſſion or order, L am
ſent to intreat you to grant it,” Then
aſking the ſervants for the letter, he
preſented it to Shuey-keu-ye : who opening
it, and having: read it, thought
that the whole affair was not rightly
conducted, according to the manner
among 5 people of quality 3 nor. ſuitably
to the dignity of his rank. At
the ſame time being not unacquainted
with the charactero fK wo-kbe-tzu, and
baving no great opinion of the Man-
] darine
A CHINESE HISTORY.
darine his father, he reſolved not to
conſent to their requeſt. This reſolution
he was the rather confirmed
in, as he ſuppoſed if his daughter had
approved of it, they would never have
ſentſ o fart o him. After ſome pauſe,
Chun- took thel iberty to aſk him
if he had read the letter. He replied,
l have, and thank you for the great
trouble you have been at in bringing
it: J am obliged to Kwo-/ſbo-ſu for the
high honour he doth me: and ſhould
eſteem it great good fortune that he is
pleaſed to deſire my daughter for his
ſon : but only that I am. now under
his Majeſty's diſpleaſure, and removed
above two hundred leagues from home,
from whence I have been abſent five
years at court, and one in baniſhment.
To | As
122 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
As I have no ſoannd ,onl y this daughter,
who is unto me as a ſon, and as
ſuch hath the whole direction of my
houſe, I ſhall therefore permit her
to govern herſelf in this affair according
to her own inclinations. If Kwobe
tu had ſo great a deſire to marry.
| her, why did not he apply to the Che.
foo and Che-hien, who are the public
guardofi tahenp esopl e ., and to my
brother $hney-guwin ? What need had
he to take ſo much trouble in ſending
fo far ?” < Sir, replied Chun-k&, you
ſpeak very well; and Ntoo- h. tam did
Taft year purſue the method you deſcribe
; but after ſhe had many times
put him off, the at length confeſſed,
he Chineſe idiom is, „ Who are the by. Grandfather and Father of the people.” |
Ts
A CHINESE | HISTORY. 123
it was becauſe ſhe had not your per-
' miſſion, and aa he hath or me
to come for it.” |
The Mandarine Sag teu ys judged
from his diſcourſe, that his daughter
was not inclined to marry Kwo-kbe-12u ;
and therefore he faid, * As I am now |
in- diſgrace, I look uponit that I have
nothing to do with my family, nor
can I pretend to diſpoſe of my daughter.
I have been here a twelvemonth,
* have not ſo much as ſent home
one letter: and it is becauſe I am not
pyet acquitted. Now under theſe circumſtances,
ſhould J pretend to give
out an order about my daughter, it
would aggravate my offence: I dare
not therefore offert od o it,” Chun. kit
ſaid
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124 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
faid, Let me have but your word,
and it will be ſufficient.“ He was
very importunate, inſomuch that Shueyken
i grew downright angry, and ſaid,
that it was not a thing of a flight or
indifferent nature: and cuſtom required |
that there ſhould be more than two to
concert ſo important an affair as marriage.
Without any further ſatisfaction
he diſmiſſed him, but ordered him alodging:
from whence Chun-kis often paid
him viſits, butto no purpoſe :h e therefore
ſent to all then eighbouring Mandatines,
and got them to ſpeak to him
on the ſubject of the marriage. They
were accordingly |v ery urgent and
preſſing, which made Shuey-ken Je ſo
uneaſy, that he ſent for Chun-kee and
faid%' never dida ny ill to the Man -
darine
A CHINESE HIS TORX. 125
darine Kwo-ſho-ſu ; why then doth, he
give me ſo much trouble, and is for
taking my daughter, by force? Go
home, and tell him, I will never compel
her to act againſſ her inclinations.
As for myſelf, 1 never expect to carry,
my bones home again: my life is to
me of little value: but I will not
make my daughter miſerable.] Nay,
ſhould the Emperor himſelf order me
to compel her, I would ſtill leave her
to her own choice: and ſhould all the
Mandarines here my ſuperiors do their
utmoſt to make me ſuffer,II regard it
not. Therefore take Foe letter and
your preſent back again,”
Chun leG aling ii t would beiin vain
to perfil — up his baggage and
returned
125 HAU KIOU CHOAAN,”
returned to the court. Where being
arrived with no little ſhame for his
ill ſucceſs, he gave hack to Kwo-ſbo-ſu
his letter and preſent. At which the
Miniſter was very much inraged, and
reſolved to reſent it the firſt opportunity.
It was not long before he found
one; for there being a demand for
more troops to go againſt the Tartars,
on account of theh avoean d loſs which
had been madeof thoſe who went before;
that Mandarine, when he adviſed the
Emperor of it, did not fail to lay the
blame on the former miſmanagement
of Shmey-keu-yz, and on that of his general
Hu-hiau : repreſenting to his Majeſty,
that if they were taken off by
the puniſhment they deſerved, warriors
enow. would offer themſelves, and
3 bring
bring the war to a concluſion: but that
this could not be expected till all ſuſpicion
was taken away of their ever returning
into employment; in the diſcharge
of which they had both rendered
themſelves extremely odious.
The Emperor approved of this remonſtrance,
and referred it to the conſideration
of the Sau- fa-tſeb, or tribunal
of three *: — was commanded to
aſſemble
* The 2 e of T, 8 is 3 of the
following tribunals; viz. of the Hing-pu, or Tribunal
of crimes; of the Tab-le-/u, which may
be called The Tribunal of reviſors * ; and of the
Tieh-cha-yuen, or Superior Tribunal of viſitors.
The laſt of theſe hath been already deſcribed.
[See vol. 2. pag. 185. note. ] and ought every
where to have been entitled, as here. See P. Mag.
p. 229.
The e or Tribunalo f.c rimes,i s one of
the-
5 See Lettres ediſ. Xix,K Y ag1.
128 HAU KIOU cHORAN.
aſſemble and examine into the conduct
of Hu. biau in order to bring that general
to juſtice. BJ eg 1001 # i $4 4 FEE IES | * 1
the ſix ſovereign courts at Pe-ing, ¶ See note vol.
2. p. 279.] and hath underit fourteen ſubordinate
tribunals according to the number of pro
vinces. It belongst o them to examine, try
and puniſh all criminals throughout the empire.
P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 249, Oc.
The Tribunal of Tag-ſ u, i. e. of ſupreme reaſon
or juſtice, is as it were the great Chancery
of the empire. It examines in the laſt appeal
the judgments and ſentences paſſed in other tribanals
: eſpecially in criminal cauſes, or in mat ·
ters of great moment. P. Magp.. 228 . F. Se.
medo,p . 125. 3 ä
When the Tribunal of Crimes hath paſſed ſentence
of death on a perſon, whoſe crime was
not very clear, or when any perſon is to be
condemned in a caſe that would admitof doubt,
the Emperor. (ſays P. Magallatus] refers it
always to the San-fa:ſu [or geb] whichi s as it
were his council of conſcience. Then the three
tribunals abovementioned aſſemble together, either
to re-examine the merits of the cauſe, or to
paſs the more ſolemn ſentence. Asit is not
ſo eaſy to corrupt them thus united, as ſeparate,
great regard is had to their deciſion, which is
generally confirmed by the Emperor. P. Mag.
p. 229. Lettres edif. xix. 162.
N CRAP.
„ + + 3
A CHINESE | HISTORY: 129
CH APE VIE» 0
HE tribunal of three having received
the Emperor's comi *
fon, appointed a day to hear and determine
the cauſe of Hf hiau. When
that day came, as ſoon as the Mandarines
were ſeated, the Supreme Vicer-o y
T;t eb-ying being one of them, that unforrunate
general was brought out _
lon and entered — his trial. ett 10
x » *
* . — * . „ #4 2
* 1 * 6 £ & & 1
It pete thatb ebeſ ame ageT ichchung-
u arrived at Pe. king, where he
had never been ſince his return from
1 aeſ oon as heer e he
—

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 25

2026-03-29T09:52:06Z

Admin: Create Chapter 25 from Vol 3 (raw OCR)

= Chapter 25 =
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 280px;"
|+ style="background-color: #4a7c59; color: white; padding: 5px;" | '''Chapter Information'''
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8; width: 120px;" | Wiki Chapter
| 25
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Translator's MS
| Chapter XII
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Volume
| III
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Status
| style="background: #ffe0e0;" | OCR — footnotes pending
|}

''Part of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

CHAP: W.
M O-kb#-tzu hearing Shuey-guwin
ſay he was not unprovided of an
occaſion to plague Tieh-chung-a, was
deſirous to know what it was. He
told him, that as his coming fo long
a journey was all for the ſake ofh is
Niece, it was not to be doubted but
he would yet take an opportunity to
ſpeak with her; and therefore he muſt
be watched. Nay, faid he, that he
* Cuay, XII. In the Tranflator's manuſcript.
may
5
—
1
AS
<2 1
% 35 2
35
*
* A CHINESE HISTORY. 49
3 may not do it without our privity,
: 8 I will go to my niece and make
1 her ſend for him.” „ That, ſaid his
A | ſon-in-law, will be to do him a plea-
1 | ſure; nay will afford him an opportu-
XX nity to bind the marriage contract
with her, and then all my hopes are
12N 1
bp >: 3
= as $f =
"6 ER
at an end, and I am utterly loſt.”
« Fear not, replied the other, what
II propoſe is the only means to prevent
his doing it*.” Then taking
his leave, he went to the young lady,
XZ whom he thus accoſted ; © Niece, you
have certainly great penetration and
: diſcernment with regard to mankind :
> * The Chineſe Author hath not made this ap-
= pear, but he probably meant, that by involving
them in the ſuſpicion of an illicit correſpondEnce,
he ſhould effectually hinder their union. Such
is the delicacy of the Chineſe on the ſubject of
marriage See the ſequel of this Hiſtory,
Vol. III. E I ſhall
T—E—N GS
Dojp u!
RCA2nOSy n
wy—neg
wLm1—5YI* a% ”
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.R C2ERNTE S
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iy
30 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
an hypocrite and a cheat, you would
*Sa———wan s* ..o a5 N9 K8 r g”
*n9*n8—Inr**2 Dn & 6 n n
—bFiAeSsnWM".Ria}62n>2 s: .c+ — n. OhC Y
d—s————.6 4——5 Mm* -y8 * — a 4 0— 6 A
ment, and I am now ſatisfied he is a
again to-day : and am therefore con-
I ſhall henceforth pay great deference
to your opinion. For ſometime ſince,
when there was a rumour that Tiebchung
u had been guilty of a great miſ- 1
demeanour, and was nothing leſs than
not give the leaſt credit to it, but believed
as well of him as before. Future
inquiries have confirmed your judg-
81Wo er4
N%·OTI⸗ISNeAST S
E8A5Ot5 5 ö Es rR
FCC
1*dW8— 1* O .
man of great honour, ſobriety, and
Juſtice.” That, ſhe replied, is an old ; Z
affair: why do you mention what is Y
paſt ?” He ſaid, I faw this ſtranger 'Y
vinced he hath the good qualities I
ſpoke of.“ „How can you know a Y
man's good qualities, ſaid ſhe, by bare-
'y ſeeing him ry 8 told her,
A CHINESE HISTORY. 51
that he had met him that morning
coming out of her houſe; and had in-
XZ quired his buſineſs: For I was ap-
E prehenſive, ſaid he, that he had been
J doing ſomething, which might bring
a reflection upon you; and therefore
thought it behoved me to call him to
account: but he vindicated himſelf ſo
handſomely, and appeared to have
come hither with ſo good an intention,
that I find him to be a very wel-ld iſ -
poſed, ſincere, honeſt man.“ „Uncle,
ſaid the young lady, how could you
know that he came hither with a good
intention?“ He told me, replied he,
that hearing at court that the Grand
Viſitor had iſſued out two orders to
compel you to marry, and knowing
how much it muſt be againſt your
2 2 | inclina- .
AnME TS
5bISIK2 eRN S S ,
Wnn
25AAN4 U%T S
RN
© KEELEY
32 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
purpoſe to prevent it. That with this
view, and to make proper inquiries,
he came to-day to your houſe, but
finding upon the wall the Kao-fbe of
declaration in your favour, he was
ſatisfied, and about to return to court.
From all this I cannot but conclude
favourably of his character.” He
acted juſt in this noble and upright
manner, replied his niece, from the
very firſt, when he ſaw me going to
the Che- bien s. He is a youth of that
Juſtice and generous ardor, that I could
not but do what I did, in recompence
of ſo much merit.“ Certainly, ſaid 4
her uncle, the aſſiſtance he afforded 2
you at that time, and the kindneſs you
ſhewed him afterwards, were both
inclinations, he had come hither on
4 ©, SEES
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A CHINESE HISTORY. 33
highly laudable. And now upon the
bare report that. you were likely to
be injured, he hath come ſo far to your
relief. But would it be right to let
him return without any notice of, or
thanks for his trouble?“ « Your queſtion,
ſaid ſhe, is very proper: but what
can I do? Iam a young woman and
ſingle; and muſt avoid giving further
occaſion for ſcandal. What though
he hath taken all this trouble, I know
he expects no return from me : thoroughly
convinceed of my grateful
| temper, he requires no public proof
of it.” That is very true, ſaid Shyeyguroin;
and yet it would be but right
to invite him to come, that you might
at leaſt pay your compliments to
him,” 1
= E-9 Shuey*
5% HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
Sbucy. ping: ſinh ad learnt from her old
ſervant, that he had met with Tiebchung-
u near Pe-king, and there intreated
his aſſiſtance; and that he had afterwards
been fetched back again without
ever explaining the reaſon of it to him,
She therefore readily ſuppoſed, that the
young gentleman having miſſed him,
was come thither to know the truth of
the matter: and imagining there could
be no better occaſion to inform him of
what he muſt deſire to know, conſented
to follow her uncle's advice. And yet
ſhe was not without ſuſpicion, that the
latter had ſome other deſign in view than
he would acknowledge. She told him
therefore ſhe would be guided by him,
and would prepare a 7:eb-1/e or paper of
invitation, but it muſt run in his name.“
She
A CHINESE HISTORY. 55
7 She accordingly diſpatched Sbg. peng
> with it; whom her uncle directed to
* the young gentleman's lodgings.
| Tieb-chung-u was reflecting on the
oddneſs of the adventure, and on the
inconſiſtency of the Grand Viſitor's
conduct, when he ſaw the old ſervant
enter, who had © occaſioned him
ſo much perplexity. He was very
glad to ſee him, and eagerly inquired
why he did not follow him to Peking,
The old man informed him |
| of all that happened from the time
| they parted; and accounted for the
change in the Grand Viſitor's conduct:
at the ſame time he explained the reaſon
of his abrupt return, and begged
his pardon, as he ſuppoſedi t had occa-
E4 fioned
56 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
ſioned his journey thither. Then telling
him that his lady was glad to hear
of his arrival, he preſented the billet
of invitation. Tieb- chung u was highly
pleaſed with the account he gave him,
but would not receive the Treb-t/e.
When I went this morning to her
houſe, ſaid he, I ſaw the declaration,
which ſatisfied me of her ſafety z you
have now cleared up all remaining
doubts; why then ſhould I ſtay? I
will depart to-morrow.” Sir, replied
the ſervant, will not you accept
of the invitation, which I bring in
the name of my ſecond maſter “?
cc There are, ſaid the youth, many
reaſons why it would be improper.
* . . His maſter's brother. Tran.
And
-' "2F RE"Da
Wknr*3On N T
A7nAtS—402 O.On 115 Wr E7 77 xe835R—T I**O o P Bh.T EE— ,Y eD
IWI..oEE828nP 2r7:R:7, 5S Ne G 3yoE, I
8Jr
A CHINESE HISTORY. 8
And I muſt inſiſt upon it that there
be no feaſt or other public acknowledgment
on account of my arrival.
{ Your lady's excellent judgment knows.
that it would be wrong in me to go,
although her complaiſance may have
induced her to invite me *.] Return
therefore, and preſentt o her my moſt
reſpectful ſervices.” Shuey-yeong did
not preſs him farther, but went and reported
to his lady and her uncle what
he had ſaid. The latter was much diſappointed;
but his niece remained very
well ſatisfied with his refuſal, ſuppoſing
it proceeded from a foreſight of
ſome miſchief intended him.
Shuey-
* The Editor hath ſoftened a few paſſages
in this and the preceding Lea ewhsi ch to the
eye
38 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
Shuey-guwin, greatly mortified with
the diſappointment, went to his ſon-in -
law, and related to him what had happened,
telling him he looked upon the other*s
ſhyneſs as only counterfeited in order
to cover a deſign of ſeeing his niece in
private. He therefore adviſed him
ſtil to keep a good look out-. This
fellow, ſaid Kwo-kbi-tzu, is a demon.
And as I am a plain man void of all
art or cunning, how ſhall I be able to
look out after him. Am not I the
chief perſon of figure in this city ? He
knows too, how much 1 deſire to marry
your niece ; yet he is always coming
eye of an European did not appear quite fo reſpectful
in the original. Inſtead of the paſſage
which is included above in brackets, in the M.S .
it is [I am reſolved not to go.“ 5
here
1
PRESS...
Ng 2
A CHINESE HISTORY. %
here and ſoliciting her: in which he
- oppoſes me, and declares himſelf my
enemy. He hath already diſcovered
our intentions to deceive him, and
therefore will henceforth be diſtruſtful.
To what purpoſe then ſhall we
wait for an occaſion to catch him? No:
to-morrow I will go myſelf and viſit
him in form : he cannot but return
the compliment : when he comes I
will receive him with great courteſy,
and make a handſome entertainmentz
to which I will invite ſeveral young
rakes of this city, ſons of great Mandarines,
and my particular acquaintance
: at the ſame time we will plant
ſome ſtrong luſty fellows near at hand.
When he comes we will ply him with
wine, and when he is in liquor, provoke
|
|
60 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
voke him to throw out ſome affronting
expreſſion z which will afford us
a handle to fall upon him, and beat
him ſo ſeverely that he ſhall breathe
his laſt. Then will we preſent a petition
to the Grand Viſitor, wherein the
diſturbance ſhall be made to appear the
effect of his own quarrelſome diſpoſition.
Thus ſhall we get clear of this
difficulty, and prevent any body of figure
from ever venturing again to try
their ſtrength with the principal youths
of this city : which we ſhall alſo render
famous for men of bravery and valour.“
Shuey-guwin approved of this deſign,
yet could not help expreſſing ſome
apprehenſion about the conſequence.
« What, ſaid the other, have I to
fear ? do you conſider the exalted rank
of
F9 J &
—:4 y © y
=nr%=9» .Rn.: a= ;A AnT E S
.eee ee
A CHINESE HISTORY. 61
of my father?“ Go then, replied
Shuey-guwin, ſet about it directly, he
intends to be gone early in the morning.”
Upon which the other calling
his people together, and preparing a
billet of compliments, ordered his chair,
and ſet out immediately with great
attendance. When he arrived at the
lodgings, he ſent in the paper, and
Siow-tan informed his maſter of the
viſit; who thereupon bade him to
return for anſwer that he was not at
home. Kwo-kbe-izu called to the
boy, and getting out of his chair talked
5 1 vi
If the Chine/ are not diſpoſed to ſee company,
it is ſufficient to ſay, that they are not at
home: in which caſe if the viſitant leaves his
paper of compliments [See note vol. 1. p. 135-]
with the porter or ſervant, the viſit is the ſame
as
|
|
|
:
'
|
þ
|
|
|
62 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
to him a good while : then got into
it again and returned home.
Tieb-chung-u learnt from his ſervant,
that Kwo-kbe-izu had inquired after
him with great courteſy, and had
given him a very kind invitation to
ſee him. Wherefore is all this ſhew
of kindneſs, ſaid he to himſelf ? He is
certainly my enemy, and only means
as if received in perſon, and muſt be returned
in form. Sometimes a Mandarine will receive
the Billet by his porter, and will ſend to deſire
the viſitant not to be at the trouble to alight
from his chair, In either caſe the viſit muſt
be returned, either the ſame day, or on one of
the three following, and if poſſible in the morning.
|
If a perſon is deſirous of being excuſed the
trouble of receiving theſe civilities, he affixes over
his gate a paper written with white letters,
« That he isr etired to his garden houſe.”
— p-: 60. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p.
to
A CHINESE HISTORT. 63
to deceiveme . Beſides, what time have
I to ſpend in feaſting and merriment?
No! I am fatisfied that SHuey- ping in is
in ſafety, and will return to- morrow.“
But then he ſuddenly recollected that
the other was the ſon of a Mandarine of
the firſt rank. Beſides, ſaid he, he
came like a To-fang or Whirlwind * ; he
= 1 raiſed
lt is remarkable that the Chine/e To-ranc,
or Whirkwind, corruptly pronounced by our
voyagers Tuffon, is called in Greek by a ſimilar
name (Toy) Typhon. 4
The kind of ſtorm here mentioned is frequent
on the coaſts of China in the ſummer months,
and is generally preceded (ſometimes for hours)
by a boding cloud in the N.E. which near the
horizon is very black, but upwards is of a dark
copper hue, and higher ſtill is brighter, till it
fades to a whitiſh glaring colour at the very
edge of the cloud: nothing can be conceived
more dreadful and ghaſtly than this appearance.
When this cloud begins to move apace, the
ſtorm may ſoon be expected: which comes on
fierce and blows very violent at N. E. for _ |
64 Hau KIOU CHOAAN.
raiſed the whole city as he came along;
and every body is acquainted with the
honour he did me. After this, if I
do not go, I ſhall be univerſally condemned
for rudeneſs and ill- manners;
therefore J cannot avoid it. Upon
ſecond thoughts I will go early in
the morning. He is a man of eaſe
hours or more, accompanied with terrible claps
of thunder, frequent flaſhes of lightning, and
exceſſive hard rain. When the wind begins to
abate, it dies away ſuddenly, and falling into a
flat calm continues ſo for about an hour : then
the wind comes about to S.W. and it blows
and rains as fierce from that quarter, as it did
from the other, and as long.
This ſtorm is more terrible than can be
conceived : one would think that heaven and
| earth were returning to their ancient Chaos,
ſo that it is no wonder the ribs of the ſtouteſt
ſhips ſhould be looſened. It rages not only at
ſea, but alſo on land; and overturns houſes,
pulls up trees by the roots, and carries great
ſhips a quarter of a mile from the ſea.
See Dampier's voy. vol. 2. P. 35. Varenii
Geograph. hy
| and
A CHINESE HISTORY. 65
and luxury, and lies in bed late; I will
therefore go before he is ſtirring. I will
only leave my compliments for him
and will return.“ Having formed this
reſolution, he ordered his ſervant to
prepare his bed, and to call him up
early, © ; RE
| Theſe precautions were however fruitleſs
; for Kwo-kbe-tzu had appointed one
of his attendants to wait near the inn,
and to pick up what information he
could about the repayment of his viſit.
From a ſervant of the inn this man
learnt the directions the young gentleman
had given when he retired to
reſt ; of which he did not fail to apprize
his maſter: ſo that when Tieb--
chung-u went in the morning, he found
Vor. III. * S/W
66 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
he had long been waiting to receive
him. NrvKoe- t zu gave him the moſt
courteous receation, having even gone
out into the ſtreett o meet him.
„ Why! ſaid he, ſmiling with great
appearance of joy, and ſaluting him in
the moſt reſpectful manner; Why do
you. give yourſelf ſo much trouble in
ſeeing himſelf, ſo highly careſſed, imagined
it was to cover ſome evil deſign,
He would gladly have returned, but
could not now without great incivility :
he accordingly attended him into the
oreat hall, and would there. have made
him the cuſtomary ſalute; but the other
told him it was too ordinary a place for
that honour, and therefore begged: he:
might ſnow him farther within the houſe.
A CHINESE HISTORY. 67
He then carried him into the ſecond
hall, where the uſual ceremonies paſt
between them. This done, they fat
down, and Kwo-kb&-124 called for tea.
He afterwards took occaſion to tell his
gueſt, that he had- long fince heard of
his hiph reputation, and had withed to
have the honour of converſing with
him. When I was firſt informed
of your coming here, ſaid he, I ſought
for an occaſion to/ſee'yon : and to- day
it is my good fortune to be: favoured
with a viſic. I ſhould be glad if you
would extend it to eight or ten days”
Tieh-chung-u' having drunk his tea, fer
down his cup, and riſing from his chair
fad, . Sir, your regaradn d friendſhip
certainly demand that I ſhould! ſtay
here longer. But I muſt be gone immediately:
ſtrong neceſſity requires it:
+ Þ.2 could
68 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
could I fly as ſwift as an arrow from
a bow it would not be amiſs.“ This
ſaid, he was going away: but Kokbe-
tzu embraced him ſaying, © You
muſt then ſtay three days with me.”
«It is very certain, he replied, that I
muſt be gone; I beg therefore you will
not detain me.” He then was going
to force himſelf from him : but the
other took hold of his hand, and ſaid,
« Although I am unworthy of this
favour myſelf, you ought to ſhew ſome
reſpect to my family and rank: you
ſhould not have viſited me, if you eſteemed
us all fo inſignificant. No!
now you are come, I muſt make you
owner (or maſter) of this country * by
giving you an entertainment.“
would
2 * men 8 have been contented
to welcome oy by —_— him to conſider the
| houſe
: *
9
3 5
£48
„
—
he's
„* ; .
*
Can
5
5
-
22
8
n
8 A
EI
2
A CHINESE HISTORY. 69
would not willingly refuſe the many
favours you confer on me, ſaid Tiehchung-
u : but I muſt be gone Every
thing is packed up ready for my departure:
and it is impoſſible for me
to ſtay. here longer.” I cannot force
you to ſtay, ſaid the other; but I
am aſhamed that I am not able to
perſuade you. However, as you are
come ſo early you muſt ſtay and breakfaſt
with me: it ſhall not detain you
long. You muſt not mortify me by
houſe as his own, or to look upon himſelf as at
home. But the above high-ftrained expreſſion of
civility prevails in other parts of the Eaſt beſides
China, When a party of Engliſh merchants
firſt viſited Palmyra in the year 1678, they were
met by two Arabs, one of whom was an officer
of the Emir, who told them, in the bold me-
% taphor of an eaſtern compliment (ſays the
© writer of the account) that ail the country was
« theirs, and that his lord was their friend.“
See Memoirs Roy. Soc. No 227.
"3 ga re70
HAU KIOU CHOAAN,
over you may proſecute your journey.”
© Would you leave me to my
own inclinations, faid Tzeb-chung-u, 1
could wiſh to be excuſed : but if you
will have it ſo, I muſt ſubmit. Yet
according to order and propriety, upon
the firſt viſit how can I ſtay and give
you this trouble? © Between friends,
replied the other, you muſt not talk,
of trouble.”
rA .
tered when Shuey guwin made his
appearance. He ſaluted the young
ſtranger, and ſmiling ſaid, © Yeſterday
my niece bearing of the great
favour
A HESE words were ſcarcely ut ·
>T4 H
23a*
3e
PLie e
—
WW
8*5OIL2 . n
r©d2CaeS,d A CHINESE HISTORY. 71
favour you did her in coming ſo far
on her account, ſent to invite you to
her houſe, I know not what we had
done to diſoblige you. But as I have
now the good fortune to meet- with
you here, I hope you will et me wait
on you to her.*”* Treb-chump-u replied,
« { came hither in the greateſt haſte,
and muſt return with equal diſpatch.
I brought nothing with me to preſent.
her with, and how can I preſume to go
to her houſe with empty hands . Today
I came to viſit No- c tau only
Not only in China, bit all over the Eat, it
ist hought a breach of good manners to appear
empty-handed before thoſe whom they profeſs
to reſpect. Among the Chine/e the common
preſents are for the moſt part, ſtuffs, female ornaments,
or the like; even ſhoes, ſtockings; handkerchiefs,
porcelain, ink, pencils, &c. are thus
beſtowed ; and ſometimes things to eat. They
are yery careful to chaſe every thing the beſt/of
ths kidd for this purpoſe. P. 0, p. 64.
8 to
72 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
to pay my reſpects to him, and to
know his door again: I intended to
have returned immediately: but though
I have been prevailed on to ſtay a moment,
I cannot bear to receive ſo many
favours, and ſhould be glad of
your directions how to return them.”
« Formerly, ſaid Shuey-guwin, good
friends would lay all ceremony aſide :
cannot you do the ſame by my ſonin-
law ? I look upon you both as better
than thoſe of former ages; why
then ſhould you follow the corrupt
practices of the preſent times?“ Kwo-
Kb tau laughed and ſaid, My father,
you ſay right: it ought to be ſo. .
15 By ſo many courteous and obliging
ſpeeches Tieb- chung-u was diveſted of
all farther ſuſpicion, He fat down,
5 | Kwogf
x :
8 "3%
o Rd „
A CHINESE HISTORY. 73
Kwo-kbi-tza making him take the firſt
chair +. Preſently after wine was
brought. Becauſe I came early, ſaid
the youth, you inſiſted on my ſtaying
to eat a little. Why then do you bring
wine? it is not time to drink that yet.”
<« Drink it by degrees, ſaid Kewo-kbi- tzu,
and we ſhall not think time unſuitable.”
Then fitting all of them down, they
were very chearful and drank. about for
a little while; after which Tieb. TOP 1
roſe up to wia.
At the Gans inſtant word was brought
that the young Mandarine hang was
entering the doors. T his young gentleman,
who was ſon of the 3
+ See note, vol. 2. p. 76. |
See note, vol. 1. p. 69. and note, vol. 2.
; P's: 279.
or
7% HAU RIOU CHOAAN.
or Mandarine of the third chair of the
tribunal of arms, was reſpectfully faluted
by all the company, who afterwards
ſat down. Sir, faid Kwvwo-kbetau,
you come in good time to meet
with that gentleman, who is a perſon
of worth and of great reputation for his
couarnd agalglanetry .” What! faid
the other; is that Tieb-chung-u? the
young gentleman who forced his way
into Tab-quay's palace? Shaty-putoire
aſſured him it was. Is it poſſible !
ſaid he. Oh, Sir! have I then the happineſs
to meet with you here ! a happineſs
which I was prevented from enjoying
at court much againſt my inclinations.
Give me here a great goblet.”
Then offering it with wine to
Tieb-chung-n, the latter drank it off
nud
A CHINESE HISTORY. 55
and returned it full to him again+
thus they continued till each had drunk
off three goblets,
* . was now about to go,
when he was again prevented by the
arrival of the young Mandarine Ler,
ſecond ſon to the Grand Preſident of
the royal college. They were riſing
up to receive him, but he catched
hold
* In the original it is Has-lis-yuens which
literally ſignifies a Garden or Wood fſouriſbing in
learning or knowledge. This name the C bineſe
give to a tribunal or college compoſed of ſome
of the moſt learned of their doors; who are
elected after the following manner.
Every three years all that are of the degree of
Kin-gin or Licentiate * reſort to Pe-king to obtain
their doQor's degree, where they are examined
for thirteen days together, ſo ſtrictly that not
above three hundred can be admitted outo fm any
thouſands, Among theſe new den, thoſe jt
Hxve
® See note, vol. 1. p. 8.
76 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
hold of a chair, and told them, as
friends they muſt not do ſo. Another
time, ſaid Kwo-kbe-i2zu, we may
diſpenſe with this ceremony; but today
we have a ſtranger with us.“ With
that Treb-chung-u roſe up and made his
compliments to him. The other would
have prevented it: Excuſe me, Sir,
have given ſuperior proofs of their capacity and
learning are choſen to compole the college of
the Han-lin. | |
Theſe doors aſſemble in the imperial palace,
where they ſuperintend the education of the
young prince; compoſe the hiſtory of the emire;
and are conſulted by the Emperor on all
terary ſubjects. Out of their body are appointed
thoſe who are ſent into the ſeveral
provinces to examine the candidates fori nferior
degrees: and the Co-/aus r and Preſidents of
the ſupreme tribunals *, are frequently choſen
from among them, ſo that they are at once
reſpected and dreaded. TER
See P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 251. P. Magalh.
pe. 218. Lettres edif. xxi. p. 102. &c.
3 Vol. To p. 78. note. * Pol. 2. p. 273. note.
ſaid
— * |
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early and have drunk a great deal :
A CHINESE HISTORY. 77
faid he, your appearance doth not owe
me ſo much reſpe&t | Pray how am I to
call you?“ Tieb-chung-u told him his
name and city. What! ſaid he, the
eldeſt ſon of the Supreme Viceroy !“
then making him the moſt profound
reverence, he congratulated his good
fortune in having met with a perſon
whom he had ſo often wiſhed to ſee.
Kwo-khe-tzu made them all fit down.
By this time Tieb-chung-u perceived the
| wine began to affect him, and there -
fore reſolved to ſtay no longer. With
your leave, Sir, ſaid he to the young
maſter of the houſe, I muſt now be gone.
J know cuſtom forbids that I ſhould
go ſo ſoon after the arrival of this
young gentleman, but I came here
and
|
|
4
78 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
and therefore. muſt go. The young
MandarinLee e * hearing this, changed
countenance, and ſaid, You put a
great flight upon me, Sir. Why did
not you go at firſt? What ! can't you
ſtay a little while longer? You think
me not good enough to drink with:
you.“ Truly, ſaid Shuey-guzern, he
hath a great while deſired to be gone:
and it is not upon your account that
he would go now; but if he will
not firſt drink a: cup of wine with
you, you have reaſon to accuſe him
complimentto you, as he did to the
The original is Zee-cong-tzu; which properly
ſignifies Lee a Mandarine's ſon. See note,
vol. x. p. 114. This remark muft be applied
wherever the words Young Mardarine occur
throughouthti s chapter.
young
* # 87
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conſider him as a gueſt.” The other
hearing that, was extremely well pleaſed,
and agreed it was right : upon
which they ſat down, and each of them
drank three cups of wine.
This was no ſooner over but aſ ervant
came to tell of the arrival of
the young Mandarine Chang, eldeſt:
fon to the Preſident of the tribunal
of rites * : he entered the hall as ſoon.
as the ſervant had ſpoke : and came
ſtaggering along, his cap on one ſide,
with ſtaring eyes and a red bloated face,
crying: © Which is this Tzeb © this Mandarine's
ſon? if he hath a mind to
® See note, vol 2. p. 171 paſs
A CHINESE HISTORY. 79
young Mandarine hang, then he may
uſe his pleaſure, and we will no longer
2 0 * * 3
9 9% o
8% HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
paſs. for a valiant fellow in the city
of Tſii-nan, why doth he not come
and encounter me?“ The youth, who
had riſen up to pay him the uſual
_ reſpects, hearing theſe words ſtood ſtill :
ei, ſaid he,am called 7ĩeb- chung-u: have
you any thing to ſay to me?” The
other made him no anſwer nor compli-
-ment, but ſtood ſtaring at him in a very
diſcourteous manner, and then burſt
out into laughter: I thought, ſaid
he, this young Teh was a terrible fel-
| low. From people's reports, I concluded
he had ſeven heaadnds e,igh t
galls in his ſtomach. But his eyebrows
are fine and ſmall : he is ſmockfaced
and delicate; and hath all over
the air of a dainty young lady. People
talk of his being valiant. I fancy
ie
A CHINESE HISTORY.” 97
it muſt be a monkey changed into that
ſhape. Come, letu s have ſome wine,
we ſhall preſentlfye e whether he is
valiant or not.” * Certainly, cried the
others preſent, that is the way to try
people's ſtrength *,” |
« Wine, ſaid Tieb-chung-u, is drunk
upon ſeveral accounts; but there are only
three on which it is proper; and for each
of theſe, three cups are allowable:
theſe are friendſhip, mirth, and to ſatisfy
nature T. As Whang-cong-Izu began
* The literal wand is, © Thoſe that =
“ ſtrong always ſhew it by their — and
« drinking.“
+ The Reader will remark that this alles
much exceeds that known regulation of Sir
William Temple's, viz. The firſt glaſs for myſelf,
the ſecond for-my friends, the third for good-hu«
mour, the fourth for mine enemies. Spectator,
v0 3. MN $99.” |
Vol. III. 1 „ with
832 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
with three cups, ſo will I drink three
more, which will be ſufficient.” “Very
well, ſaid the other, fit down then :”
and taking him by the ſleeve pulled i
him into the chair. Then calling for
two large cups of wine, he put the
one into the hand of Tieb-chung-u, and
took the other himſelf. Wine, ſaid
he, diſcovers the heart. This is the firſt
I ſhall drink with you.” Then taking
it off, he turned it up, crying kbaen or
clean! Tieh-chung-u thought he could
hardly manage his wine, but finding no
other remedy at length he drank it : at
which Chang cried out, That's ſomething
like, and as a friend ſhould.”
Then he ordered two more to be filled.
On which Tieb-cbung-u would have retired,
ſaying he had drunk a great deal.
I
A CHINESE HISTORY. 93
t J have drunk, Gd he, three cups
with each of theſe gentlemen, and now
one with you. I have had COR
you muſt therefore excuſe me.) * Chang
replied, * What then, will you cut
me off two cups? you make me little:
I cannot let that paſs upon me,
who am as conſiderable as any of this
city: come, you mult make up my
full number.” Then taking a ſecond
cup, he drank to his health.
Tieh-chung-u was now almoſt overcome
with wine, for he had been drinking
from early in the morning till ten
o'clock, without having eaten a morſel:
when therefore Chang had drunk off the
ſecond cup he wouldno t pledge him,
but put the wine down again upon the
Go: table.
84 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
table. Which the other ſeeing, cried
out, Is this handſome ! will not you
do me the ſame courteſy that you have
done the reſt ?” It is not poſſible for
me, ſaid Tieb-chung-u, to drink any
more: if it was, I would not refuſe you.?
This cup, replied the other, you muſt
and ſhalldrink.” If I don't, faid he,
what then?“ Upon which Chang began
to roar: ſaying, Who are you, you
animal? If you thus take upon you,
why did not you ſtay in your own city?
What, do you come here to brave
us? If you will not comply I ſhall
make you [r|e pent it]. And with that
he threw it in his face. 7.z eb-chung-u
was ſo provoked with this abuſe, that
his anger and reſentment got the better
of his wine: he looked a while ſtedfaſtly
A CHINESE HISTORY. 85
faſtly at him, then riſing from his
chair ſeized him by the ſtomach and
ſhook him ſeverely, ſaying, © What!
dare you get upon the tyger's head
and pull out his hairs ?* Chang cried
out, What! have you a mind to
beat me ?** © Yes, replied the other, |
what of that?“ and gave him a box of
the ear. Which the other young Mandarines
ſeeing, cried out, What do
you mean by this? we have treated you
with good - will, and now you are drunk
you abuſe us for it. Come, come,
ſhut the door, we will drub you till
you are ſober, and to-morrow carry
| you to the Grand Viſitor,”
Then Kwo-kbe-tzu made a ſignal,
and immediately from a ſide chamber
VV ruſhed
86 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
ruſhed out ſeven or eight luſty fellows :
while Shyey-guwinpretending to compoſe
the difference, endeavoured to lay hold
of his hands. Tieb-chung-u, who was
now become ſober, perceived their deſigns
againſt him, and found he was
betrayed : nevertheleſs he cried out,
What! are you a parcel of dogs, that
you thus ſet upon and worry me?“
then taking up Chang he threw him headlong
to the ground, and gave him two
or three hearty kicks. This done he
endeavoured to wreſt a foot from one
of the tables for a weapon, but could
not get it looſe : Shney-guwin came
up to prevent him, but he received
him with a kick or two, that ſent
-him eighteen or twenty covids * before
Nef 5 him:
Covid ſeems to be a contraction of the Por-
| | tugueſe
A CHINESE HISTORY. 87
him: „“ Take that; ſaid he. For the
ſake of your niece, I will give you
no more.” The two young Mandarines
contented themſelves with making
an outcry, but durſt not come
near him: inſtead of which Kwo-kbezu
ordered the fellows to fall upon
him. Then ſeizing Chang he ſwung
him round: crying out, © I will
brain this fellow againſt the firſt that
offers to approach me.“ Upon which
Chang crying out, begged them to forbear
and let him alone. deſire
tugueſe word covado, i. e. a cubit. The Chineſe
Ell or Cubit, (called by the Natives Che) is of
ſeveral kinds, but that moſt commonly uſed in
traffic, is to the Engliſb Foot, as 676 is to 600
or ſomething more than thirteen inches.
See Bayer, pref. pag. 134. Hartis's voyag.
vol. 1. P. 854. Tavernier, Pt. 2. ch. 10.
P. Du I alde, vol. 1. p. 141. Lettres edif,
x. 157. |
„„ nothing
88 Hau KIOU CHOAAN.
nothing nm ore, ſaid Tieb- chung- u, than
to be ſuffered to go out: but you ſhall
accompany me to the door.” * Ay,
ay! with all my heart, ſaid the other,
| I will go out with you.” Which done
me.
Tieb- chung: u diſmiſſed him; * Go, ſaid
he, and tell your fellows, if I had been
provided with any weapon for my defence,
I ſhould not have been afraid of
a thouſand ſuch as they. What ſigniſy
four or five drunkards and gluttons,
with the porters you have hired? Had
it not been for your fathers, I had made
ſome of you halted: but I have been
very iavoureble, and you ought to thank
This ſaid, he haſtened to his lodgings,
where Siow-tan had prepared
every
A CHINESE HISTORY. 89
every thing for his departure: here he
found Shuey-yeong with a horſe ready ſaddled
and waiting for him. Tieb-chung- u
inquired the meaning of this: the old
man told him that his miſtreſs hearing
of the invitation, had ſuſpected it was
with an ill deſign: that her ſuſpicions
were afterwards confirmed by the event,
which ſhe was alſo informed of; and |
though the never doubted but he
| would get the better, yet foreſceing
that it might be followed by a great
deal of trouble, ſhe had ſent him that
| horſe, which ſhe intreated him to
mount immediately, and to go and acquaint
the Grand Viſitor with the
affair. T jeb-chung-u was charmed with
her diſcretion and diſcernment : ** How
kind and obliging, ſaid he, is your
| | miſtreſs ?
908 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
miſtreſs? I ſhall never be able to return
theſe favours.” He was going
to ſet out, but the maſter of the houſe
aſking him to dine, he accepted his
offer; and immediately after, mounting
the horſe, departed for Tong-chang-foo: |
to which city the Grand Viſitor had removed
his tribunal *, _ 7
As
* The Supreme Mandarines, whoſe juriſdiction
is very extenſive, (vg. the Viſitors, Viceroys,
&c.) although they have generally their palaces
in the capital city of the province, are not always
reſident there, but make circuits from place
to place for the more convenient diſpatch of bufineſs.
P. Magal. pag. 242.
N. B. Tong-chang-foo is a large and opulent
city: the third in the province of Shan-7ong, and
is ſituated on the Grand Imperial Canal. |
China is every where full of very fine Canals,
which open a communication between every province
and almoſt between every town and village;
theſe run in ſtraight lines, and have cauſeys
on each fide, faced with flat tones or marble:
but the Grand Imperial Canal is one of the
wonders
A CHINESE HISTORY. 91
As ſoon as he alighted he drew up
a petition, wherein he related all that
had happened: then haſtening to the
doors of the audience, he found them
ſhut: but being impatient he went and
ſtruck upon the drum. In conſequence
of which he was bound and carried
before the tribunal: where the Grand
Viſitor had ſeated himſelf upon hearing
the drum. The youth obſerved the
wonders of the world, being three hundred
leagues in length, and forming a great road of
Water, on which more than nine thouſand imperial
barks tranſport the tribute which the
Emperor annually receives from the ſouthern
provinces. This ſtupendous work, which was
compleated about five hundred years ago, is
ſo contrived by means of ſluices, &c. to detain
the water, and forms ſuch a communication with
other canals and rivers, that one may travel the
length of the whole empire from Pe-4ing to Cauton
and Macao, above ſix hundred leagues by
Water |
P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 105. 17, 215. 286.
cf LE
| uſual -
92 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
_ uſual order of reſpect in offering his
petition *®. The Grand Viſitor imagined
it was Tieb-chung-u before he
opened it, and when he found he was
right in his conjecture, he addreſſed
him with great complaiſance : *I knew
nothing, Sir, of your coming into theſe
This may be explained from P. Mazalha#ns,
who thus deſcribes the manner of proceeding
at the Chineſe tribunals.
« When a man hath any buſineſs to lay
before them, he ſets it down on paper: which
done he goes to the palace of the tribunal and
beats on a drum, which he finds at the ſecond
gate; and then falling on his knees, he raiſes
his petition with both his hands as high as his
head; at which time an officer appointed for
that employment takes the paper from him, and
Jays it betore the Mandarine who preſiges.”
Pag. 203. |
N. B. With mam to binding the petitioner,
: &c, as deſcribed above, there is in the Tranſlator's
M.S. a marginal note which tells us, that It is
% the cuſtom to do ſo to any that ſtrike on the
„ drum :”” but this is mentioned in no Other
Writer. |
par t'S,
A CHINESE HISTORY. 93
parts. When did you arrive and what occaſioned
your journey?“ He told him,
that he travelled for his pleaſure ; but
that yeſterday coming to T/ee-nan-ſoo,
he had met with people, who had uſed
him very ill; inſomuch that he had nar-
_ rowly eſcaped with his life: and therefore
he applied to his Excellency for
| Juſtice. © Who dares abuſe-you, ſaid
the Mandarine? I will make an example
of them.“ * Sir, replied he,
you will find their names in my petition.
* He looked into it, and ſhaking his
head, expreſſed great diſlike of the affair.
The youth aſked him what he was
diſpleaſed at. The Mandarine ſhewed a
great unwillingneſs to proceed, ſaying,
I did not think theſe young men had
been concerned: although they are four
of
94 HAU KIOU CHOAAN,
of the greateſt brutes and libertines in
the world.“ Why, ſaid Tzeb-chung-u,
ſhould you make any demur in the
matter? Although they be peoploef the
firſt quality, why ſhould you make a ditficulty
of chaſtiſing them?” It is not
out of fear, replied the other, but their
fathers being of my acquaintance at
court, complaints of this kind will
be very diſagreeable to them. They
are a parcel of young unthinking rakes,
that value themſelves only upon their
fathers grandeur. But as this affair
is not of ſo very high a nature, as abſolutely
to require them to be brought
to public trial in all the forms of law
and juſtice z therefore I could wiſh
you would let me find ſome other
way of giving you redreſs, without
2 mahking
A CHINESE HISTORY. 95
making out a formal proſecution.” 661
am far from deſiring to give your Excellency
trouble, replied T ieb-· chung-· u;
1 am fully ſatisfied in having acquainted
you with it; which I did only that
you might ſet a mark upon them for
their actions.“ The Grand Viſitor was
very well pleaſed, and told him, he
did him a favour in quitting all farther
proſecution. Come, ſaid he, you
muſt ſtay a few days with me. The
youth thanked him, but urged his
deſire not to be detained. When the
Mandarine found he could not prevail
with him, he made up a paper
of twelve taels of ſilver *, and gave
it him, ſaying, If you don't accept
* Twelve Taels of filver are about 41. ſterling. |
of
gs HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
of it, I ſhall think you are angry with
me.” To prevent that ſaſpicion he
received it, and withdrew.
Where he went will be Sound in the
next chapter.
CHA F. M.
TE H-chung-u taking his leave of
the Grand Viſitor, went and told
Shuey-yeong who had attended him there,
all that had paſt at the tribunal : and
concluded with deſiring him to recommend
him to his miſtreſs, and to
preſenhti s thanks for the advice ſne
had given him, © It is not in my

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 24

2026-03-29T09:52:05Z

Admin: Create Chapter 24 from Vol 3 (raw OCR)

= Chapter 24 =
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 280px;"
|+ style="background-color: #4a7c59; color: white; padding: 5px;" | '''Chapter Information'''
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8; width: 120px;" | Wiki Chapter
| 24
|-
! style="background: #e8f0e8;" | Translator's MS
| Chapter XI
|-
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| III
|-
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| style="background: #ffe0e0;" | OCR — footnotes pending
|}

''Part of the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan|Hao Qiu Zhuan]] Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).''

HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
A CHINESE HISTORY.
B o 0K m.
CHAP 1*
K W OL tan perceiving that the
Grand Viſitor would not aſſiſt him
further in promoting the deſired marriage,
but on the contrary had ſet forth
a Declaration to Prevent the young
lady from being moleſted any more
on that ſubject; perceiving alſo that
»Cnar. XI. In the Tranſlator's manuſcript.
e ET
2 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
he was unwilling to admit him into
his preſence; was no leſs perplexed
how to proceed, than at a loſs to account
for ſuch an alteration. In this
| diſtrheeſ wesnt to the Che- hien to learn
what intelligence he could from him;
telling him, how much he was mortifi- |
cd by the Grand Viſitor's coldneſs, and
by the order he had publiſhed. That
Mandarine was ſurprized at what he
heard: And yet, ſaid he, this is all
the work of Shuzy-ping-/in. She hath
found means to terrify the Grand Vifitor
into what he hath done.” The
other objected how impoſſible that was
for a young and ſimple girl, who had
neither father nor any one elſe to
direct her. You muſt not conſider
her, ſaid the Che- hien, as a young woman
of
A CHINESE HISTORY. 3
of the ordinary ftamp. Although ſhe
is very young, ſhe hath uncommon abilities.
When I carried the firſt order
to her houſe, ſhe made no objection
to it; but received it with very little
concern: and when at parting I told
heri it wasn ot a thing of trifling conſequence,
and that it was too late for
her now to recede; ſhe told me ſhe
ſhould not alter her own intentions,
although the Grand Viſitor might poſfibly
depart from his. Her words are
ſo punctually accompliſhed, that it is
evident ſhe hath occaſioned this change.
But how ſhe effected it you muſt inform
yourſelf at the tribunal, where
the matter was tranſacted.” Kwo-kbetzu
followed his advice, and applied
to the people of the audience for, in-
R B32: telligence ;
7— ;
4 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
telligence; but without effect: for their
maſter, unwilling to become the talk
and reflection of the city thus upon
his firſt arrival, had given poſitive orders
that not a ſyllable ſhould be mentioned
of the young lady's appearing
before him, nor that ſhe had occaſion- |
cd this changei n his meaſures, 8
Twenty days were now paſt in this
uncertainty, when an officer from the
Grand Viſitor's tribunal came to tell
Kewo-kbi-izu that his maſter had ſent
for him. He gladly obeyed the ſummons,
and preſented himſelf at his audience.
The Mandarine received him
with much reſpect, and carried him into
an inner apartment: where he told
him, that when he firſt arrived he was
15 ignorant
A CHINESE HISTORY. 5
ignorant of the affair between him and
the young lady Shuey-ping-/in, but that
his too forward interpoſal in it had
like to have been attended with very
fatal conſequences. Kwo-kbi-tzu with
ſome ſurprize, aſked in what reſpe&
any conſequences that were fatal could.
reſult to one of his rank; or what
harm could ariſe from ſo trifling a
| cauſe as the concerting a private wedding:
he even ventured to remonſtrate
to hisE xcellence the inconſiſtency which
had appeared in his conduct, and which
ſeemed ſo unfuitable to one of his gravity
and office . The Mandarine replied,
„ looked _ Shury-ping-fin
„ The Chinef idiom is, „ What mould make
vou ſpeak with two tongues, one of your
* gravity and office? Is it not eno when
« you ipeak once ?” Tranſlator” s M.S,
* ;
6 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
as a girl of no conſequence: and when
I ſent my order requiring her to compleat
the marriage, I never imagined
that ſhe would be able to ſet it aſide,
much leſs that ſhe. was of ſo diſtinguiſhed
A capacity as ſhe appears to
be poſſeſſed of. She made no objections
to the order, but ſeemed diſpoſed
to obey it; yet afterwards drew
up a petition to the Emperor, and
ſent it to court by a truſty ſervant.
Judge from hence of the acuteneſs
of her wit.” The ſurprize of Kwo-
| kbi-tzu was increaſed, * How, ſaid
he, could ſhe dare to ſend a petition
to the Emperor ? Perhaps this
is only reported to ſtrike you with
fear.” She not only ſent it, purſued
the Grand Viſitor, but came her-
| ſelf
A CHINESE HISTORY. 7
felf to my audience, and ſhewed me a
copy of it.” © Why did not your
Excellency tear the paper, ſaid the
youth, and order her to be chaſtiſed ?”
Her petition, replied he, had been diſpatched
three days. After that time
if I had offered to paſs ſentence upon
her ; when the Emperor had ſeen the
petition and demanded her to be forthcoming,
what anſwer could I have returned?
For had I behaved to her with
the leaſt harſhneſs, ſhe was prepared
to plunge a poinard in her boſom.
It behoved me therefore to treat her
with gentleneſs, and to iſſue forth a
Declaration in ;h er favour. By this
means ſhe was prevailed on to recall
her ſervant. But until he returned,
it was in no wiſe proper for
ET B a
Hau KIOU cHOAAN.
me to ſpeak to you. The petitioni sa t
length brought back. I have it in my
poſſeſſion, and have ſent for you to
ſhew it unto you. Here it is! When
Kwo-kbe-tzuhad peruſed it, he was aſtoniſhed
at her boldneſs. * What a daring
and dauntleſs petition is here, ſaid he?
Shall ſhe go clear with this? No! I will
not quit her yet. I muſt ſtill intreat your
Excellency's affiſtance.” The Grand
Viſitor replied, © Could I ſerve you in
any thing elſe. you might command me.
But with regard to my being any further
concerned in this marriage, you mult
never think of it. And if you ſtill perſiſt
in your views on this ſubject, you
will perhaps involve yourſelf in a great
deal of trouble: for this young lady is
immoveable in her reſolutions.”
2 Koro- Ehe- tau
A CHINESE HISTORY. 9
Kwo-khe-izu, not knowing what anſwer
to make, took his leave of the
Grand Viſitor, ſeemingly perſuaded of
the reaſonableneſs of his advice, and
diſpoſed to comply with it. But he
ſtill retained in his boſom a deſire to
practiſe farther on the young lady; and
the moment he was withdrawn reſolved -
to ſpare no means for-its gratification.
With this view he ſent for his friend
Chun-kee, to whom he communicated
the young lady's petition, and all the
circumſtances attending it. {W hen he
had peruſed it] © Certainly, ſaid he, her
petition is very home and ſevere. And
| yet ſhe does not object to your perſon
or character: but pleads her father's -
| abſence, and her havinngo permiſſion .
from him to marry. She only urges the
_ injuſtice
10 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
injuſtice of forcing her into a marriage
under theſe circumſtances. And I think
the hath reaſon. Let us think no longer
then of compulſive methods: but proceed
to others more proper and effectual.
And fort heſe you have now a
good opportunity. The Mandarine her
father is in baniſhment. Your father is
preferred, and hath great intereſt at
court. You have nothing to do then
but to ſend thither and relate all the
matter to him. Aſk his conſent, and
intreat him to procure the fame from the
fatheorf the young lady. Diſgraced and
baniſhed as hie s, he will hardly refuſe
it. This once obtained, there is no
| | room to fear that ſhe will deny you
I any more.” Kwo-kbi-izu approved of
1 his advice. He ſmiled and ſaid, There
1 a ' ; :
| | 1 will
fi =
|
A CHINESE HISTORY. 11
will then be no danger that ſhe will
take flight again. And yet, ſaid he,
when I write to my father, one cannot
deſcend to circumſtances upon paper:
on the other hand, I have no ſervant
capable of diſcharging ſo important a.
| truſt. I wiſh you would oblige me fo
far as to undertake it. You will help
me greatly in this affair with my father.“
This, replied his friend, is
no more than to give you a good morrow.
Iamc ontented to go, if it will
ſerve you. This is an undertaking
of little trouble. Butif it were other-
| wiſe,I ſhould ft about it witha
very good will.” Kwo-kbi-izu immediately
prepared the letter, and
gave it to Chun-kie, whom he liberally
furniſhed with neceſſaries for his
journey;
12 HAU KIOU CHOAAN,
journey; ordering an old ſervant to
attend him. He accordingly ſet out
for the court, in compliance with the
requeſt of Roh-- t au, in order to
bring his marriage with Shuey-ping-ſin
to a ſafe and ſpeedy concluſion, We
ſhall at preſent leave him in purſuit |
of his journey. par At.
C H A P. II.
[} Ex us now return to] Tieb-
4 chung-u [who] immediately upon
leaving Shan-tong had repaired to his
houſe in the city of Tab-ming. There
the lovely Shuey-ping-/in was the ſubject
of his thoughts, as alſo the affection
and kindneſs with which ſhe had treated
him. In purſuance of her advice,
| | i he
A CHINESE HISTORY. 13
he was become a great ſtudent of books
of the law; and having maſtered his
too haſly and inflexible temper, began
to think of qualifying himſelf for ſome
employment, and of rendering himſelf _
famous for his learning. One day as
he happened to look into the Gazette *,
he ſaw an account that his father had
petitioned the Emperor for leave to
throw up his office, pleading the decline
of his health, which rendered him
unable
*The imperial GazETTE, which is publiſhed
every day at Pe-king, and thence diſperſed thro?
all the province, is a large pamphlet of ſeventy
or eighty” pages, giving an account of all the
public tranſactions in this vaſt empire.
It is a collection of all the memorials, petitions,
&c. preſented to the Emperor; of the anſwers
which he makes to them; of the inftructionsh
e delivers cut, &c. The following ſpecimen
extracted from the Feſuites Letters, may
ſerve to ſhew their form and manner, |
© In the Gazette for December 15. 1727,
| | | | which
w—2e"—3\—o$—x2 p2 o —p 4et2 5nr o82
ro—K"..Ds; rr— e = — r
. ww*-46 ...
—(SA©DclWoNẼ—Ir=2ebt>—a ſb ea tVT9 e c —gi.E” n — Y nry
14 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
unable to ſupport the fatigues of it.
He was a good deal alarmed at this
information, which was quite new to
him:
which was the third day of the ſecond moon,
firſt we find inſerted the titles of ſuch memorials,
as arrived at court the third of the eleventh moon,
with a ſhort account of the ſubjects of them.
For inſtance, The memorial of the Viceroy of
Canton concerning the magazines of rice, which
require to be renewe—dT. h e memorial of the ge-
| neral of the Chineſe troops in the province of Che-
Liang, in which he accuſes ſuch a Mandarine of
having exacted money of his ſubaltern officers, &c.
In this manner notice 1s given of perhaps twenty
or thirty memorials. —Secondly are printed the
anſwers which are this day given by the Emeror
to many other memorials and petitions.
If there have been given none, then it is, This
day there have been no anſwers given on the part
of his majeſiy.— Thirdly are given the inſtructions
and orders iſſued out by the Emperor,
either of his own voluntary motion, or in anſwer
to articles which have been propoſed to him. —
Fourthly are publiſhed the deliberations, which
the ſovereign courts have preſented to his majeſty
to receive his confirmation,—In the /af#
lace come many other memorials, which have
been diſpatched to the Emperor by the great
Mandarines of the provinces; ſuch are the Yi ce-
| Toys,
A CHINESE HISTORY. 15
him: and immediately ordered his ſervant
to get ready his horſe and follow
him to court. He accordingly ſet forwards,
. rovs, the Generals of the Tartarian or Chins/e
troops, and other officers of the firſt rank. — n
this collection alſo are inſerted all criminal cauſes
puniſhable with death; all public calamities,
with the means uſed for relief of the ſufferers;
all public expences and diſburlements ; all new
laws and regulations: the remonſtrances made
to the Emperor concerning his own conduct or
deciſions: the day when the Emperor ſacrifices,
ploughs, &c. the time fixed for the great Mandarines
to aſſemble to receive his inſtruetions: in ſhort
whatever relates to the public adminiſtration.
The Chine/e Gazette is of great uſe, not only
as it affords directions for the Mindarines in
diſcharge of their offices, but alto as it is a ſevere
check upon their conduct. For it not only
contains the names, places of abode, &c. of all
new Mandarines, and of thoſe to whoſe places
they ſucceed-; but alſo of all that are deprived
of their employments and the reaſons for their
diſmiſſion; v. this for being tco ſevere or indulgent
in his puniſhments; that for embezzeling the
Emperor's tribute; another for oppreſſion; a
fourth for want of talents tu govern well. Ireven
records any praiſes or reprimands beſtowed by
the Emperor. As for inſtance, Sach aM and.:rine
| hath
16 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
wards, and having almoſt reached the
end of his journey, overtook a man
mounted on a mule. As he —
hath but an indifferent character; if he FOOn ot
mend, I will puniſh him—. I n ſhort whether a
Mandarine is accuſed or ſuſpected, is promoted
or degraded, is amerced any part of his ſalary
or totally caſhiered, it is immediately publiſhed
throughout the empire,
It is eaſy to imagine what excellent purpoſes
of government this mult ſerve, and what influence
it muſt have on the Mandarines: and indeed all is
but barely neceſſary in an empire ſo extenſive as
China, and among a people naturally ſo corrupt
as the Chineſe. .
N. B. It may be proper to mention that
nothing is printed in the Gazezte, but what hath
been preſented to the Emperor or comes from
him ; thoſe who have the care of it not daring
to add a tittle, not even their own reflections,
under pain of corporal puniſhment, In the year
1726, a writer belonging to the tribunal, and
another employed in the poſt office, were condemned
to die, for having inſerted certain falſe
hoods in the Gazette.
See P. Du Hale, 1. 259. Lettres edii frant, 22
,. 434. CAC: ir. 265, . 190,
Sc. Where may be ſeen many curious extraci
from | the Chineſe Gazette| s, by
A CHINESE HISTORY. #7
by him, he looked in his face and
knew him to be Shuey-yeong, the old
and faithful ſervanotf his fair hoſteſs.
He immediately aſked what buſineſs
brought him thither, and where he
was going. The old man knew him,
and leaping from his mule, ſaid, ** Sir,
J was going in ſearch of you, with
whom I have very urgent buſineſs. 2
Tieb-chung-u with ſome ſurprize aſked
him, © What buſineſs can you have
with me? Does it relate to your mn after
or your young lady.” He told him
= was concerning the latter, The
young gentleman's wonder at this was
increaſed. *©* How, ſaid he! Pray what
is the matter? Perhaps Ko0- 22
hath given her freſh diſturbance d
Shuey-yeong replied ; « It is ſo, and he
Vol. III. +. 18: hath
18 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
hath driven her to ſuch extremities that
ſhe had no other remedy, but to ſend
this petition to the court. Believing
me incapable of conducting an affair
of this importanceas I ought, ſhe hath
ordered me to ſeek you out, and intreats
you to direct me how to get it
delivered.” « That is not difficult, replied
the youth: but in what manner hath
wo- Ehe- tau troubled your miſtreſs, to
occaſion her to take a ſtep of this conſequence
?* The old man told him in
brief, that upon the arrival of the Grand
Viſitor of the province, who had been
a pupil of his father's, Kwo-kbc-1zu had
applied to him; and that he had been
prevailed upon to be a chief inſtrument
in promoting his deſigns, having iſſued
out two orders to compel her to marry
him;
EOBE aLARTE .,*i ” IoL E
S
SMCoHT EO e I O
_75
C—2I * byo
2i828
eOlenIt a
D1.p=$ O3*, —S I* VVV
CPDONi OI Yee
©W4 ee
A CHINESE HISTORY. 19
him; Which my lady added he,
3 finding it impoſÞble to avoid, in her
F _ extremity drew up this petition, and
1 diſpatched me away to find you out;
= whichI have happily accompliſhed in
4 meeting with you: andif in the courſe
> of this affair there ſhould:b e occaſion.
7 2 for money, I come ſufficiently provi-
+ ded.” Tieh-chung-u was deeply con-
- cerned at his tale X and aſked the name
of the Grand Viſitor ; wondering how
> he durſtt o commit ſuch injuſtice.
4 J Shuey-yeong told him his name was
Fung hing. He replied, “I know him.
Hath he done this? Very well! And
your lady's petition is againſt this
2S8RE rErD S
F
„5 | 5
noe5opn1t eg aet e
P:W RwELE , o W
IF RET
=„”n 4 5
4*N8'pI%gGK©R) l 8
pso323PF FsL e S
8
.*I1 a—N1?*
F3NrAoO pe P
ESSo2D2: s7e .Iw 8 E
1WP 1 PrW>1a+ g ”N E —S C gentleman? *Tis no matter. Do not
you offer to ſtrike on the drum: I
will carry the petition myſelfto the
= proper
20 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
proper officer“; who will preſently
give it to the Emperor. When his
majeſty returns it to the ſecretary, I
will ſo explain the affair to that mi:
niſter, that when it comes to be exa- 4
mined into, the whole truth ſhall be
made appear without any diſguiſe or
partiality. In conſequence of which
the Grand Viſitor will ſoon be diſcharged
from his office. Sir, re-
In the Tranſlator's M. S. it is, Tong- ching ſu,
* or the great Mandarine, who receives petitions.“
See alſo vol. 1. p. 36.— But from
the accurate Bayer we learn that this is a mitake:
the officer, who bears the title here given,
preſides over the ceremonies of the court: it
being his buſineſs to give anſwer to the other
Mandarines on this ſubject.“ The officer
probably meant in the text, is the Chung: ſbu,
or ſecond chancellor, who (as we learn from
the ſame learned writer) is the immediate ſuperintendant
of all petitions, and ſupplicatory epiſtles.
Vide Bazer: Muſæm Sinicum, tom 2. p.
201, 203. | |
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A CHINESE HISTORY. 21
plied the other, if you can do us this
ſervice, it will be very fortunate for
my lady.” This ſaid, Tieb-chung-u
mounted his horſe *, and the old ſervant
his mule. Then the youth told
him, that as his horſe went faſter than
he could follow, he would go before
to the audience of his father, the Superior
of the Viceroys, and would order
Siow-tan to ſtay without to receive
him. Thither Shuey-yeoung promiſed
him to follow,
Tieb- -chung-u putt erb full PO
and arrived at his father's audience:
where he found a large concourſe of
< The Author e e e
he had diſmounted, this however was a compliment
to the young lady's mollage and 2e.
3 prople
-
22 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
people attending, whence he concluded
that the Emperor had not permittted
him to lay down his office“. Then
alighting from his horſe he went in
to pay his duty to his parents, where
to his great joy he learnt thath e was 4
right in his conjecture. When he diſmounted
he ordered his ſervant to ſtay
without till Shuey-yeong arrived. He
waited till night, but the other never
came. The young gentleman imagined
that as the old man's mule was
Now, it might poffibly be late before
he reached the city; and that he had A
therefore perhaps put into ſome inn, as 1
* The Emperor's retaining him in his poſt
was a great mark of truſt and confidence; anda
public teſtimony to the integrity of his former ad.
miniſtration. This was therefore a proper ſubject
for the viſits and congratulations of his
friends and dependents. Bp
039 Ek intending
? A.
1* x1
ys
A CHINESE HISTORY. 23
intending to wait upon him on the
morrow. In the morning he ſent S0wtan
again to wait for him, which he
did till noon, but the old man never
appeared. Tieb- cbung-u thought he
might have been detained by ſome
acquaintance of his old maſter's, and
that having divulged his buſineſs he
had been directed to purſue a different
method. However he called to him
one of his father's audience, a capable
perſon, and ſent him to make inquiry
after him. He accordingly went to
the tribunal of petitions, and aſked if
any one had been there from the daughter
of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye : but
he was anſwered that none ſuch had
been at that audience. 7 zeh-chung-u
then fop poſed he might have gone
C4 to
24 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
to the gate of the palace, where the
drum is ſtationed; but word was
brought him that he had not been
there. He now began to conſider
whether the Grand Viſitor might not
have got ſomebody to waylay him, or
whether he might not ſuddenly have
dropt down and expired; which on
account of his great age and the fatigue
of the journey he thoughnto t
improbable. He had ſent about all
day long till it was night, and had
learnt no news of him, yet he could
not be ſatisfied *till he had ordered
Siorb. tan to go out again the next
morning, and to make all poſſible
N after him.
On the motrow Tieh chung: u aroſe
early,
- "0B
.
A CHINESE HISTORY. 23
early, not having been able to ſleep
for thinking what could have become
of the ſervant with the petition. He
ſent every where in ſearch, but could
get no account of him, though he
continued his inquiries four or five
days: which rendered him very uneaſy.
He thought if the petition could
be once delivered to the Emperor,
there would then be no danger from
the Grand Viſitor, But he feared it.
had not yet reached the hands of his
majeſty. This Mandarine, ſaid he,
is very powerful, and what can a
poor weak girl, with all the wit and
ingenuity ſhe is miſtreſs of, do in
oppoſition to his authority? She hath
no father at home, nor any one elſe
to aſſiſt and protect her: all the in
habitants ©
26 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
habitants of 7ſt.na n muſt be in the
intereſt of her adverſary. Therefore
if I do not go to her aſſiſtance there is
nobody will appear in her behalf. As I
am acquainted with the ſtate of her
affairs, I cannoti n honour but fly to her
relief. I ſhould be more cowardly than
a woman, ſhould J forbear to help her
in this exigency, which nothing but
my ignorance of her misfortunes could
excuſe,” In purſuance of theſe reſolves,
he went to take leave of his father and
mother, intreating their permiſſion to
return to his ſtudies. Then leaving
his horſe behind him, for the greater privacy
and diſpatch,h e hired a mule,
and together with his ſervant, took
the road tor Shan-tong, haſting . away
to the relief of the young lady: {about
78 whom
A CHINESE HISTORY. 27
whom he was rendered the more anxious
by the diſappearing of her ſervant.]
* Now it had happened that when
| Shuey-yeong was almoſt got to theg ate
of the city, he was overtaken by the
expreſs diſpatched by the Grand Viſitor;
who told him he muſt go back with his
petition, for that the affair was huſhed
up with his miſtreſs and all was in
peace; then producing her order for his
return, he inſtantly obeyed it.
[Ignorant of all this] Tieb-chung-u
continued his journeya,nd as he haſted
along, pleaſed himſelf with the thought
* The Editor hath removed this ſhort paragraph
from page 24; where it ſtood between
the words [after him.] and [On the morrow] in
the Tranſlator's M.S. TA
of
28 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
of what vengeance he would take an
the Grand Viſitor : reſolving to go directly
to his audience, to attack him
there before all the world, and bring
him to public ſhame for his injuſtice
and oppreſſion. But then when he reflected
again upon the great office of
that Mandarine, and what a crime it
would be deemed to affront him publicly
although he had never ſo much
reaſon on his ſide, he became more confiderate:
© Beſide, ſaid he, the noiſe that
it will make, will come to the ears of
Shuey-ping-/in: who will have a very
mean opinion of my management, and
deſpiſe me as a common headſtrong
fellow: whereas ſhe got the better of
Kwo-khi-izu by her prudent conduct
without the leaſt confuſion or diſturb-
5 ance.“
"55h
BOS
A CHINESE HISTORY. 29
ance.” Upon theſe conſiderations he
thought it would be better to go to the
houſe of the young lady herſelf, and
aſk for the two orders which had been
iſſued out to compel her to the marriage;
© Theſe, ſaid he to himſelf,I
will carry to court to my father, and
get him to draw up a full and proper
petition ; we ſhall then ſee what the
Grand Viſitor willb e able to ſay to it.“
Having formed theſe reſolves in his
breaſt, he put forward with all ſpeed for
the capital of Shan-tong, where in a fer
days he arrived.
C HAP. III.
KMS ſoon as Tieb. chung had arrived
at the city of T/#-nan, he
alighted
30 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. I
alighted at an inn, and leaving every f
thing to the care of his ſervant, went
directly to the houſe of Shuey-keu-ye. I
He found all quieta t the outward gate,
and not a perſon to be ſeen : he advanced
farther within the Sent gates,
where he found the ſame Rillneſs. He
went up cloſe to the inner gates *
and met with nothing remarkable, till
caſting his eyes upon the wall he faw
the declaration fixed upon it; he went
up to it, and found it iſſued out by _
the Grand. Viſitor. Suppoſing it was 4
——
his order to compel her to marry,
* The Tranſlator's calls theſe, te the door,”
—* the great doors,” and © the ſecond
& doors.” But they can only be underſtood as
belongingto the ſeveral courts before the houſe, |
See note vol. I. p. 125.
he
9
2J 72.
2= P4 y
,„Pr3g
-|C.|. ; O DER
L3.Ie; a5.5 .
sþN3 N>2=N” »
ene
geOOET7 TpTTh D
A CHINESE HISTORY. 31
he was going to take it down to
produce it as a proof againſt him heres
after : but when he read it he tound
it to be quite otherwiſe, and that it
forbade any one to moleſt her. He was
at a loſs to reconcile this to the account
given him by her ſervant on the road:
and conſidered whether the young lady
might not have brougovhert t he Grand |
* Viſitor to her party by valuable preſents
: or whether her father might
not poſſibly be reſtored again to his
office: But ſurely, ſaid he, I ſhould
have had news of that.” He was
ſtrongly inclined to advance further
within: but then he thought if he ſhould
be obſerved uſing ſo great frecdom,
itt might cauſe reflections to be calt on
them both. No, ſaid he ſoftly, as I
Ha ." Mt
32 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
am no relation I cannot take that liber-'
ty.“ He therefore concluded to go
back again, and pick up what information
he could at ſome of the tribunals.
Juſt as he was going out Shuey guwwin
paſſed by: who was ſtrangely ſurprized
to ſee him there, as he had before left
the place with ſo much haſte and diſguſt;
whence he concluded that he was
returned again for no good purpoſe.
After ſaluting each other, Shuey-guwin
aſked him how long he had been come;
and whether he had ſeen his niece. The
youth anſwered, I am but juſt arrived
: but had I been here longer how
could I preſume to ſee the young lady?”
If you did not come with that
intention, ſaid the other, what brought
you here ?” He told him, that he had
| | heard
A CHINESE HISTORY. 33
bhleeard at court that the Grand Viſi-
1 tor had given out orders to oblige
his niece to conclude, within the ſpace
of a month, the marriage, that was ſo
contrary to her inclinations. * This
> proceeding, ſaid he, in her father's ab-
*2 ſence, and without his conſent; I looked
upon as very extraordinary and therefore
come to inquire into it. I thought
5 myſelf obliged to do her what ſervice
I could; and therefore diſregarded the
length of the journey. When I came
hither, I found the declaration in her
7 favour, Satisfied with the ſight of that,
F and concluding the report at Pe-king to
Y be falſe, I am very well pleaſed, and
3 | {hall forthwith return to court.”
_ Shuey-guwin ſmiled at what he heard.
Vor, III.. What,
————
34 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
« What, faid he, could you come
away dire&ly upon hearing the report,
and yet be ſo well ſatisfied with the
bare ſight of the order, as to return
immediately? After ſuch a ſignal kind- 1
neſs, you muſt not leave us ſo ſoon:
you muſt ſtay a little and reſt yourſelf,
while I go and acquaint my niece with 3
the great favour you have done her.
You have given yourſelf a great deal of
trouble, and would you return back |1
without taking any refreſhment * ?”
< I came not here, ſaid Tieb-chung-w, 4
* Orig. cc Would you return dry St empty * a :
therefore
with a view of making a merit of
it with any one, but outof a diſin- 4
tereſted regard to juſtice. It was mere- 3
ly to gratify my natural temper. And
+3 ow
A CHINESE HISTORY. 35
therefore I neither deſerve thanks, nor
| will receive them. Cbing-leao! farewell!
farewell!“ ſaid he, and departed.
| Shuey- gutvin would have converſed with
him longer, but ſaw him vaniſh, as
it were, from his ſight, without ſo
mucas thurn ing his head. As he
thought this as a great diſcourteſy and
i arffront, he reſolved to be revenged the
> firſt opportunity. With this view he
7 ſent a ſervant after him to find out his
2 lodgings, and to pick up what intel-
7 ligence he could about him. Then he
vent to his ſon-in-law, and informed
him of the adventure. Kwo-kbi-tzu,
4 2 who was greatly ſurprized, ſtamped
and faid, „ This animal is come to
1 T carry off my bride. We muſt find
3 ſome way to prevent it, either by lodg-
VV ing
36 HAU KIOU cHOAAN.
1 ing an accuſation againſt him, or by
putting ſome public affront upon him.
Suppoſe we preſent a petition to the
Grand Viſitor about his coming in this
clandeſtine manner, and make him
aſhamed by expoſing him publicly.
J warrant he will not venture to ſhew
his face here any more.” Shuey-guwin
ſhook his head, and ſaid, That will
never do. He is ſon of the Tu-chayuen,
or Superior of the Vice-roys, and
what can the Grand Viſitor do to him
whoſe father is ſo much his ſuperior * ?
Leave the affair to me: I have thought
of a way, by which we ſhall-reach him,
PJti3 7²3R5yOP= " N ˙EJ T ˙FN48*aA.a87H*8O 3C1p. 2W o S5 ex ntenS4 n
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N$01
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m3a;—
—
Il without making any public diſturbance,
| | and yet ſtop his mouth ſo that he ſhalk
| See vol, 2. p. 185. note.
55 _5 +. *
not |
F *
” *
*
A
_ „ ;
=. =
4 8 4 * +
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A CHINESE HISTORY. 37
not dare to make the leaſt complaint.
Tich-chung-u is very bold of ſpeech :
and cares not what he ſays. I liſtened
to his reaſons for coming; which he
pretended was purely for the fake of
juſtice : but that is only a, blind to
conceal his deſigns on my niece. You
muſt therefore ſend 2 ſervant to his
lodgings, as from Shuey-ping-/in : he
muſt ſay that his miſtreſs heard he was
at her houſe in the morning, but having
a great many viſitors could not
then wait on him; ſhe had therefore
ſent to acquaint him that ſhe muſt
needs ſpeak with him, and that at ten
o'clock at night he muſt come to the
garden door. This meſſage he will
＋ Orig. © Hath a very hard mouth,“
„ think
\
38 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
think to be real, and will doubtleſs
comply with it. Now you mult plant
ſome ſtout luſty fellows at the place
appointed ; who when he comes are
to fall upon and beat him ſeverely *.
How aiter this will he dare to
eomplain? Or what could he ſay for
himſelf ſhould any one aſk him what
he did there in the dark fo late?“
Kwo-khe-tzu was delighted with this
project, and upon being aſked whether
The original is, Break his head and ſwell
his eyes as big as lanthora—s T.h”at the
Reader may fully conceive the boldneſs of this
expreſſion, he ought to be informed that the Chineſe
lanthorns are very large, frequently four
or five feet long and proportionably wide. Upon
feſtiva! occaſions they exhibit them of twentyfive
or thirty feet diameter, ſo that P. Le Compte
aſtures us; that ** In China one may eat, drink,
fleep, receive viſits, act comedies and dance a
ball in a lanthorn. Tom. I. p. 246. See note,
vol. 2. p. 27. |
7 *
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D.2*«2»Co[ cn 2.Te eC ItaTSe e88*r**
r3öI
A CHINESE HISTORY. 39
he thought i it feaſible, anſuered « Ay! q
ay ! extremely ſo! It cannot but ſucceed
; and will let him know that there
are people in the city of T/ze-nan who
XZ know how to deal with him.” They
reſolved to put their deſign in exe-
= cution, which the arrival of Shueyguwin's
ſervant, who had brought directions
where to find. him, enabled
them to ſet about immediately.
On the other hand 2 ieh chung - a, unable
to account for this unexpected
change in the Grand Viſitor's conduct,
vent to the Che- hien's to ſee if he could
gain any information there. That
magiſtrate was from home,ſ o that
he went back again to his lodgings.
As he was going in, he heard one
D4- behind
40 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
behind him ſay, © Sir, I have waited
here a great while, having a meſſage
to deliver to you.” He turned his
head aſide, and found he was addreſſed
by a youth of about fourteen
or fifteen years. Hea ſked what
buſineſs he had with him? The boy
did not immediately anſwer, but looking
round him with great appearance 4
of circumſpection, and ſeeing nobody
near, ſtepped up cloſe to him, and told
him ſoftly, that he was ſent by Shueyping-
ſin. © How, replied he! and Shueyyeeng
at home“! What is it ſhe can
have ſent you tot ell me?“ The youth
' anſwered thſahe twoul d have ſent Shueyyeong,
if ſhe could have truſted a ſecret
The Author ſeems here to have forgot, that
Tich-ch;img-u was ignorant what was become
of that ſervant. Yide ſupra pag. 27, &c.
with
I
4s
EEE 1
HATE
A CHINESE HISTORY. 4r
with him : but that ſhe had nobody ſhe
could depend on ſo entirely as himſelf,
4 Well, ſaid he, what is your buſineſs
?** The boy told him, that his
lady heard in the morning that he was
at her houſe, and would have come
out to him, but for fear of ſcandal, and
leſt it ſhould be known that there was
a ſecret correſpondence between them :
but eſpecially as he had given no no+
tice that he was there; all which prevented
her from inviting him to come in.
% But now, proceeded he, ſhe hath
ſent me privateltyo deſire you will
let her ſee you, to thank you ſor the
trouble you have been at in coming ſo
long a journey.“ Tieh-chung-u replied,
Go home and tell your lady
that I came here to redreſs an injury,
out
42 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
out of a mere regard to juſtice, and
therefore ſhe muſt not think herſelf |
obliged to me. And as to ſeeing her,
ſhe is a woman and I am a man; which
is not like a friendſhip between two
of the ſame ſex, who may freely
communicate and converſe together.” 3
« True, replied the other, my miſtreſs 4
knows that a man and woman“ may
not converſe together freely: therefore
ſent me to invite you to come to
the garden door at ten o'clock at night,
where ſhe hath a word or two to whiſper
in your ear, which nobody will
know of. You muſt not refuſe her,
and thereby diſappoint the good incli- 3
nation ſhe bears towards you.“ Tieb. 1
In the original it is, Can xor converſe 5
together. | 3 19 cs chung-u
2
*
+ ="
*
1 5 4
AC
v 48. 4 11 4
27 8 *
1
5 RE
4
_—
"Bp
.
0
—
A CHINESE HISTORY. 43
chung-u could contain himſelf no longer:
XZ «< You young villain, ſaid he in a rage,
# who taught you theſe words? But per-
# haps, ſaid he ſoftly with great concern,
perhaps your miſtreſs's troubles have
affected her underſtanding.” Then
immediately after recollecting himſelf,
* Theſe words, ſaid he, could never come
from that young lady. There is ſome
contrivance or villainy in this meſſage.“
Upon which, ſeizing the boy and menacing
to beat him, How dare you,
ſaid he, come with theſe lies to impoſe
upon me? Tour miſtreſs and I are
the only two perſons in the world,
who dare keep the path of ſtrict honour
and virtue: and therefore I will
never believe there could come from
her expreſſions ſo wanton and unhandſome.
*0
-—
——i——
—— ͤ*——2——” v —v — —
oy.w7 y
..— —IE—*IE E AR—— —
44 HAU KIOU cHoAAN.
ſome. Nor yet could ſuch a young
monkey, as you, ſay all this of yourſelf.
Tell me then the truth; and inform
me who ſent you, and you will
obtain my pardon. Otherwiſe I will
carry you to the Che-kien's audience,
and have you there ſeverely puniſhed.”
At this the boy was fo frighted
that his ſoul had almoſt quitted
his body : at laſt however he reſumed
courage, and perſiſtedi n it that
he had ſaid nothing but truth. Which
ſo far provoked ! ich-chung-u that he
gave him two or three boxes on the
ear, bidding him inſtantly confeſs, or
he would beat him without mercy.
The boy's courage forſook him, and
he acknowledged the falſhood, confeſsing
he was ſent by K<w0-&b&-izu, whoſe
ſervant *
1 N not help laughing. 50 Go, ſaid he,
and carry this meſſage back to them
I Tieb chung u am an upright and true
in their ſhallow plots.” All this [and
be diſmiſſed him.
A CHINESE HISTORY. 45
ſervant he was, and begging he would
pardon what he had done in obedience
to his maſter. Tieh-chung-u let him
go, and though he was vexed, could
that employed you. Tell them that
man; and that Shyey-ping-/in is a woman
without any droſs or mixture,
free from any thing foul as the moſt
tranſparent ſtream : ler them not then
preſume to hope they can ever ſucceed
more] he charged the boy to tell his
maſter and Sbuey- guten after which
Kwo-kbi-tz4 was impatiently expect ·
ing
ing to hear the ſucceſs of his meſſage,
46 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
and had waited a good while, when at
length he ſaw his ſervant come with
a confuſed and ſorrowful countenance,
He aſked him what was the matter.
On which the boy related all that had
happened. Shuey-gumwin, who was preſent,
ſuppoſed the boy had miſtaken
his meſſage. You were ordered, ſaid
he, to paſs for the ſervant of my niece.
Had you done ſo, he would not have
hurt you. The boy aſſured him he
had punctually obeyed his orders: but
that Tieb-chung-u was no ordinary perſon.
© Before I ſpoke, ſaid he, the
quickneſs of his looks made me afraid,
and when I came to deliver my meſſage,
he would not have patience to
hear me out, but beat me ſeverely,
and
Z A CHINESE HISTORY. 47
* | and would have killed me if I had not
1 confeſſed the truth. He aſked me
Y | who ſent me to pals theſe lies and pl ay
| 1 | theſe tricks upon him? And how I durſt
come and aſperſe ſuch a ladya s Shucy-
X 71img-/in: one ſo modeſt and diſcreet.
At parting he laughed and faid, the
perſons that employed you are villains :
but let them take care how they offer
to pull up the tyger's whiſkers.” _
At this relation they both were ſilent
for ſome time. At length Shuecy-
3 | guwin ſaid to his ſon-in-law, Tou
XZ muſt not be caſt down, notwithſtanding
all this. I will yet contrive a way
-F to be even with him.” © Alas, replied
9 the other, he will be too cunning
JF and hard for you, do what you will.
_ There
RY
45 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
There is no remedy.” * Fear not,
he replied: I will find out a remedy,
that ſhall not fail.
What he intended, will be ſeen at
largei n the next chapter. |

<references/>

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= Chapter 20: Five Nights Without Transgression: Daring to Invite the Sage to Drink =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Footnotes have been converted from the original endnote/footnote format to inline references.''

----

''[Volume II, Book II, Chapters II-IV]''

CHAP. IL

ALthough the young Lady with-
drew to take repofe, her thoughts
had fcarce any ceflation ; and no sooner.
did day begin to dawn, but fhe arofe,<ref>The Chinese are very fond of Poetry, and in their Romances, Novels, &c. often insert four or five Verses to enliven the narration. See Du Halde, v. 2. p. 147. — N. B. The Reader ought to be informed, that in the Translator's M. S. the three first of the above verses were so obscurely written, with such interlineations, corrections, &c. that the Editor was obliged to guess at the meaning, or rather to substitute something equivalent. In other small pieces that will appear hereafter, he hath been fortunate enough to recover the exact expressions of the Chinese author.</ref> and fee her servants to prepare things for
him; ilridtly charging them, not to ac-
quaint him of the part flie took in it.
Some time afterwards he attempted to
get up ; but found himleif fo weak he
was forced to lie down again; and
having waflied his mouth, he drank
a little gruel. By this time the servant
arrived with the phyfician, who feeling
his pulfe<ref>The Chinese challenge a superior skill in the Pulse to that of all other nations, and pretend by it to judge exactly of the kind and degree of every disease; what part of the body is affected; whether it be curable or not; and if the latter, how many days, weeks and years, the patient may linger under it. They make a particular difference between the pulse of a man and that of a woman; between the pulse of tall and short persons, of corpulent and lean; between that of young, middle-aged, and old people; between that in the spring and autumn, summer and winter. This variety of Pulses they distinguish by sundry odd names; such as the ''superficial'', the ''sliding'', the ''sharp'', the ''tremulous'', the ''rolling'', the ''scattered'', the ''leaping'', ''swimming'', ''ebullient'', &c. They feel the pulse in both hands one after the other: and this in such a manner as would make an ignorant person laugh. After having laid their four fingers along the artery, and pressed the wrist strongly and uniformly, they relax a little, till the blood hath resumed its ordinary flow: then they grasp it again as before, which they continue by fits a long time. Afterwards, like persons that would touch an harpsichord, they raise and fall their fingers successively one after another, sometimes strongly, sometimes softly; sometimes swiftly, and sometimes slowly; till they have discovered all the symptoms. They pretend that no alteration happens to the constitution, which doth not produce a correspondent change in the blood: and it is certain they have a surprizing sagacity on this subject. See P. Semedo, p. 57. P. Le Compte, tom. I. p. 326. Mod. Univ. Hist. viii. 195. P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 184. &c.</ref> pronounced him out of danger. He farther told them, his illness proceeded from eating something which disagreed with him, but that he must not take too much physick; for that one or two doses would carry it off, provided he was careful to observe three things: the first, not to be passionate or fretful: the second, not to be concerned or troubled: the third, not to talk too much: these carefully observed he would in a few days be well.

While this paftatthe house oiSbuey-
png-Jifij the Superior of the convent
had learnt from the porter Bonzee^ that
the youth was gone. He at firfl was
amazed: "Thecfcapeofthisstranger,
said he to himself, is of litde con-
fequcncc ; were it not for the anger of
KwO'kbe-tzu : who charged me not to
let him go, and made me give him
in his gruel and rhubarb,<ref>Rhubarb, called by the Chinese ''Tai-whang'', or High Yellow, grows in great quantities in many parts of China. The flowers resemble bells scolloped on the edges; they are commonly yellow, though sometimes purple. The leaves, which are not unlike our cabbage leaves, only bigger, are somewhat rough to the touch. The inside of the root, when fresh, is whitish; but assumes its brown colour as it dries, which is done (''inter al.'') by hanging it on a string in the air: it abates so much of its weight, that of seven pounds green, there doth not remain above one dry. The Chinese notion of its virtues is pretty much like ours in Europe: though they seldom use it crude or in substance. ''It tears the bowels'', they say, that is, it causes gripes: and as the Chinese for the most part had rather not be cured, than undergo great pain in the operation, they chuse to take rhubarb in decoction with abundance of other simples. This is what is expressed in the Translator's M.S. by "Rhubarb Physic." Most of the Rhubarb brought into Europe, comes out of the Provinces of ''Shen-si'' and ''Su-chuen'', being brought by sea to Batavia, and thence to Holland; or else by land to Astracan and Russia, or through Thibet and Persia by Venice to Italy. P. Du Halde, vol. i, p. 13. v. 2. p. 229. Martinius, p. 44. P. Kirch, &c.</ref> something to dispatch him. These two days past he hath been very weak, and if he had taken but one other dose, he could not have survived it. Had he died, no trouble would have come of it, and all had been well. Should ''Kwo-khe-tzu'' inquire for him now, what could I answer?
To-morrow I will go^ and acquaint him
of it myself/' « How is this ? said
Kwo^khe-tzu^ it was but ycfterday you
informed me he was fo weak, that
3, dofe or two more would do his bu-
linefs : and now you tell me he is ef-
caped. I suppose you have received
money from him to let him go."
*' No, anfwered the BonzeCj I could
not dare to do that/' " Then it is
bccause of his father's rank and intercft
at court. Do not you know that my
father is higher still than he/' " You
do me great injuftice, replied the other:
I am intirely ignorant how, or where
he is gpne. It is the intercft of our
order, to procure the favour and coun-
tenance of the rich and powerful where

we
we are settled : what folly then would
it be in me to run after a stranger,
whom I know nothing of, rather than
fcrve you who are the chief in the city
where I live ?" " It is not my bufinefs
to hear you prate, said the enraged
youth ; you muft anfwer for this ne-
gleft to the Che-hien^ who committed
him to your care."

When they were come before that
magiftrate, the Bonzee urged in his de-
fence, how improbable it was he should
let him go, after having given him
poison to* kill him. " ' Hs true, said
the Che-hien^ you are acquitted of ne-
gleft. But where can he be gone?
Did any person that he knew find him
out ?" " Truly none, anfwered the
other. Indeed the fcrvants of Sbu^-
fing'/tn inquired about him once or
twice-, but they never came into the
convent, or were near him," The
Mandarine laughed, and cried out,
** Now I know where he is. This
flranger hath not one acquaintance
in the city •, only the other day he met
with that young lady, and did her a
piece of service. She is of an admirable
difpofition, and doth not forget to ac-
knowledge it. 'Tis (he, who hath by
some means heard of his illnefs, and
probably fufpefts the cause •, 'tis fhe
that hath fecured him. If you will
take my advice, addrcfTing himself to
Kwo-kbe-izu J go to your father-in-law's,
and there you will hear of him.'*
*' What you fay, repl ied he, is very

likely j
likely ; 'tis flie hath contrived to carry
him off. How shall I hate her for it ?
When I, that have courted her fo long,
and with fo much love and refped, could
not obtain the leaft return ; to have
a stranger fhe never faw, gain at once fo
far upon her sondnefs, as to be admitted
into her house ! " The Che-kien checked
the haftinefk of his conclufions, and
difmiffing the Bonzee^ told the other,
that if their enemy was in the house of
the young lady, they would confult
hereafter how to proceed with him,

KwO'kbc-tzn hatting home, sent for
Sbuey-guwin. ** Sir, and father-in-law,
said he, yefterday 1 heard that your
niece had got a young man concealed
in her house* I know not; if you are
^prifed of it ; or whether it be true or
faife." *« Truly, said the other, I have
not been near her lately : for jfhe com-
plains that I did not come to her
afliftance when you carried her off:
fo that I have been afliamed to fee her
• frncc. But I know nothing of what
you speak ; yet can cafily inquire/'
He thenaiked, who it was he fuipefted:
whether it was the young man, who
refcued her at the Cbe-bieu^s. He was
anfwered it was the fame : that he had
been lodged at the convent, and there
taken ill and likely to die : when of a
fudden he difapjpeared, and jio one
k^v*i what was become of him ; unlcfs
ihe had received him into her house.

Shuey-^uwin promifed to inquire:

accord-
accordingly he went, and calling for his
youngcft son ; bade him go into hi$
cousin's house, and fee who was there.
She admitted him, as ufual ; and en«
deavoured to conceal nothing from his
knowledge. He returned therefore and
told his father, that he faw a young
man in a chamber at the eaft end of
the house : who was fick in bed. Fur-
nifhed with this information, Sbuty^
guwin opened the door and went him-
self. ^* You can lay nothing of blame
to my charge now, said he to his
biece; nor am I obliged to concern my*
self about you. There is a very ill rc^
port abroad : but I am only your
uncle, and have difcbarged my duty itt
telling you of it," She replied, « If
I have done any thing amifs, you art
my uncle, and should both inform me of
it and advifc me for the beft. I know
not that I have been guilty of any thing
wrong,"" I have always underftood, (aid
he, that it is never cuftomary in this
world, for a young man and woman to
be together in the fame house, un-
lefs very nearly related. You are a
young maid : your father is not at
home •, nor have you any brother elder
or younger.<ref>i. e. Cousin german. — To what has been observed in a former note [vol. i. p. 103.] concerning the care of the Chinese to keep the two sexes separate, it may not be improper to add the following extract from a Chinese Author. "When a boy is twelve years old, he ought to be forbidden to enter into the inner apartment: in like manner a girl after that age, ought not to have the liberty of stirring from it." And in another place: "Boys and girls should not be allowed to meet together: nor to sit in the same place: nor to make use of the same moveables: nor to take any thing out of each others hands. A Sister in-law ought not to converse with her Brother-in-law. If a Daughter who is married makes her parents a visit, she must not sit at the same table with her Brothers. These rules have been wisely established to make an intire separation between the two sexes." The Chinese are so careful on this head, that to prevent a man from going into an apartment, they need only say, "There are women there." P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 49. 50. &c.</ref> Why then do you entertain a stranger, a young man whom none of us know; and thus bring him home and nurse him in his illness. You must not say people talk of this without reason: for I myself that know it, must speak of it; nor can I screen you in so scandalous a thing." ''Shuey-ping-fin'' replied, "I have read in the books of holy men, that every one's actions ought to correspond with his thoughts. I have read also that a benefit received ought to be returned
manifold : and on the other hand, that
an injury may be pardoned; except
whtn it is of a grofs nature, and thea
there ought to be full fatisfadion. Oa
» day when I was in quiet and peace
at my own boufe difcharging the
duties incumbent on mc, who (hould
imaging that any deceit Ihould lurk
under the name and order of the Em-
peror ? I went out to receive it, when
foddenly 1 was surprized and carried
away. Where then was the friendlhip,
where the affections of confanguinity ?
The outrage was very notorious : yet
whathen appeared in my behalf ? My
ncareft relations were then absent, al-
though I was at the laft extremity, and
thought of nothing but death. As the injury then offered me was too great ever to be forgotten, though my enemies were to be sacrificed and their flesh offered to me to appease my resentment:<ref>When the Chinese would express mortal hatred, it is a common phrase with them, "I could have the heart to eat his flesh." P. Du Halde, v. i. page 626.</ref><ref>The Morality of the Chinese Author in this and the preceding page appears in a very contemptible light compared with the Christian, which so strongly recommends the forgiveness of injuries and the return of good for evil. Yet he might have learnt better from the great Doctor of his nation Confucius, who will be judged to have made no mean proficiency in Ethicks from the following position; "To recompense hatred with benefits is the virtue and piety of a noble [or enlarged] breast." (Vide P. Couplet, ''Confuc.'' p. 106, ''ubi plura.'') It ought however to be observed, that even this great Philosopher doth not insist upon this, as a duty: and hath neither backed it with any sanction nor recommended it upon adequate motives. But indeed where is this divine maxim taught with that precision; urged with that glowing benevolence; or inforced from those sublime and affecting motives, which it is in the mouth of the Saviour of the world? Let not the Reader be offended to meet with a Hint of this kind in the margin of a Novel, or that he is desired to glance his eye over the following animated and sublime Injunctions: "Love your enemies: bless them that curse you: do good to them that hate you: and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you:" "and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil." And again, "If thy brother trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him:" "for if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive yours." Luke vi, 27, 28, 35. xvii. 4. Mat. vi. 15.</ref> so neither shall I forget to my last hour, the benefit I received from those who came to my assistance. As to this young stranger, he is neither my relation nor acquaintance: he is utterly unknown to me; of another country: yet hath he a heart like the sun, a disposition pure as fire; and hath shown himself my relation, my coun-
tryman, and friend, a hundred times
more than they that bear thofe names.
It is owing to him that I still preserve
myself a virgin. For this generous adl
he hjath been in danger of lofing his
life by poison. Now after all this, if
through fear of censure I had refufcd
him that affiftance, which he could ex-
pe6t from no one elfe, I fliould have been
more cruel than a tygrefs, more infenfi-
blc than a favage beaft. But I have a
proper sense of the obHgations I receiv-
ed from him \ and therefore could do no
lefs than bring him hither, and endea-
vour to reftore him to his former health.
That once recovered he may return if he
pleafes into his own country. This is the
method in which my duty prompted me to repay his services ; and what I have
done, I dare own in the face of Heaven,
ipirics, genii or demons : nor doth my
heart reproach me with the leaft crime
or mifbehaviour."

Sbutf 'ping 'Jin said farther : " I Ihould
be glad to know who they are, who
are fo bufy with my fame, that you
thus think it incumbent on you to
fcrutinize into my condud. If you
have really a zeal for my reputation, I
shall find you a more important occa-
lion to exert it. I muft intreat you
to go and find out thofe villains that
counterfeited the Emperor's order, and
to bring them to juftice before the Vice-
roy. Their crime will certainly occasion
the lo(s of their heads. My father per*

baps
Haps will one day return, and when he '
knows you have done me this fervicc
will doubtlefs acknowledge it/*

Sbuey-guwin ftood for ibpie time in fa
much confufion, that he had not one word
of excuse to offer. At laft he recovered
himself fb far as to tell her that he would
have come to her afSftance at the time
ihe mentioned \ but being only a private
inhabitant of the city, without any de-
gree, quite ignorant of letters and un-
able to difcourfc, he could no ways have
helped her, " k was not for me, said
he, an unlettered ignorant man, to ap-
pear: nor was it in my power, as I
am invested with no habit.<ref>That is, am without the Mandarine's badge, &c. The Tartars since their conquest of China have changed none of the usages or fashions of the Empire, except in some particulars of their Dress. The ancient Habit of the Chinese may be seen in P. Semedo, Martinius, &c. Of its present form the following is a brief description. They formerly took great delight in their Hair; but the Tartars have made them shave their heads all over, leaving only one lock behind, which they either let hang down braided in a kind of queue, or else make up into a roll and tuck under their Caps. These are made of fine matt or rattan, lined with satin, and adorned on the top with a tuft of red hair or silk: but in winter they wear a warmer sort edged with fur. There is another kind of Cap peculiar to the Mandarines and Literati, made of pasteboard covered with satin, &c. As for the poor people, they either go bare-headed, or wear a Cap not unlike the crown of our hat. The Chinese never uncover the head when they salute. Their Vests are long enough to reach to the ground, and so wide as to fold over their breasts, being fastened on the left side by four or five buttons. The Sleeves are very wide, and long enough to come down to the fingers ends: hence upon occasion they serve as a Pocket for papers, &c. [See Du Halde, v. 2 p. 104. 108.] But beside this they have a Pouch or Case, containing their purse, their knife, eating-sticks, and pipe, which is of brass, &c; this is fastened to their Girdle; which is a broad silken sash, whose ends hang down to their knees. In summer they wear under the vest a pair of linen Drawers; and during the winter they put on Breeches of quilted satin, skins, &c. Their Shirts, or rather Waistcoats, which are of taffaty, are very wide and short; and to keep their garments from sweat in summer, several wear next their skin a silken Net. They go with their necks bare in hot weather; but cover them in cold, either with a satin Cape sewed to the vest, or with a Tippet of fur, &c. When they go abroad, or make a visit of consequence, over their under garments, which are usually of linen or satin, they wear a long silk Gown, commonly blue, with a girdle about them; and over all a short Coat of a black or violet colour, reaching only to their knees, but very wide, with large and short sleeves: they have also their little Cap on shaped like a short cone, and covered with loose waving red hair or silk; lastly, a Fan in their hand and Boots on their legs. These are commonly of blue or purple satin, with a very thick sole stitched with packthread, and covered over with shagreen silk or cloth, without any heel, and with the foot turning up. Within these boots they wear a kind of Stockings of stuff stitched and lined with cotton: whereof part comes above the boot, and hath a broad border of plush or velvet. On Journeys their Boots are made of neats or horses leather. Every Mandarine hath upon his clothes some Emblem of his dignity, embroidered before and behind. That of the Civil Magistrates is usually a bird: that of the Military, either a dragon, tyger, or some fierce creature: these latter wear also broad Swords hanging on their left side, with the point forwards. All Colours are not to be worn indifferently; none but the Emperor or Princes of the blood may wear yellow: satin, with a red ground, is affected by certain Mandarines on days of ceremony; but they are commonly dressed in black, blue, or violet. The People are generally clad in black or blue calico. But what principally distinguishes their Doctors and other Literati, Mandarines, &c. is the prodigious length of their Nails, which are sometimes almost as long as their fingers; they take great pleasure in keeping them clean, and prevent them from breaking by putting on little sheaths or cases. Such is the Account given by some authors: but P. Du Halde tells us it is only on their little fingers that they let them grow so long. See P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 282. &c. P. Le Compte, tom. i. p. 202. Mod. Un. Hist. viii. p. 274. 209. &c. Ogilby, v. 2. p. 41.</ref> In these degenerate days, there are few wise and many ignorant: few just and many unjust. But every body cries out how wrong it is for a young man to be entertained by a young woman in her own house, and alone. It is even become the talk of children." "Common reports, answered the young lady, are like the clouds which are every day to be seen. They that would act uprightly should not be moved by such trifles. Uncle, I will not fail to clear up every step of my conduct." "I came here, replied he, out of a friendly intention. There is a great deal of reason in all you have said." Then he hasted away, being afraid to stay any longer, lest she should be too hard for him, or sting him with reproaches for which there was too much foundation.

CHAP. III.<ref>CHAP. VII in the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

''Shuey-guwin'' had so intirely persuaded himself he should now catch his niece tripping; and that he should not need above two words to silence her; that he was quite confounded to hear her justify herself so handsomely. At his return home he found a servant from ''Kwo-khe-tzu'', who told him his master desired to speak with him. He went to him, and the first thing he said was, "The stranger ''Tieh'' is certainly at my niece's house; and his coming there was requested by herself, in order to make him returns for the assistance he afforded her." He replied in a rage, "How can she who is a maiden, dare to take a man into her house? Sir and
father-in-law, you are her uncle and
neareft in blood: you muft chaftife
and take her under your care. It is
your indiipcnfable duty.** "Alas! said
the other, I have talked to her, and
not fpared to chide her. But (he
hath a tongue, and knows how to
ufe it. She hath a mouth, whofc words
are keener than the edge of a pen- knife
or razor. I had fcarce uttered one
word, when fhe immediately anfwered
with arguments setched from ancient
and modern authors, and backed with
a multitude of reasons ; infomuch that
I could not open my mouth." ''Kwo-khe-tzu'' was curious to know the particulars of her defence. The other related what he could remember. At which he stamped and raved like a madman. "This, said he, is all a pretence. This comes only from her mouth and not from her heart. Can you believe what she says?" "I believe her not, said her uncle: but what remedy can we have? There is nothing blameable of which we can accuse her; nothing wrong or clandestine to lay to her charge." "Yesterday, said ''Kwo-khe-tzu'', I talked over the affair with my friend ''Chun-ku''. He tells me this young man is remarkable for the beauty of his person, and is of opinion, that he seeing your cousin who is likewise very handsome, made that disturbance at the ''Che-hien'''s only to be taken notice of by her. Do you think all this which followed was merely to thank him for his civility, or to reward his virtue? This is only a pretence to deceive the world. She hath a more secret motive for her conduct. For how is it possible! A young man and woman, both very handsome, to be alone together in the same house! If they were saints they could not be innocent." "To talk here, said ''Shuey-guwin'', will answer no purpose. Let me go home: I will send a servant girl to her house, who shall conceal herself, and observe what conversation passes between them. If we can but discover any thing wrong in her conduct, we shall then have reason to take her in hand."

''Kwo-khe-tzu'' approving of his design, he hasted home to put it in execution. He waited till it was night; then opening the door that led to his niece, and calling to him a girl of quick apprehension, he bade her steal away softly, and conceal herself in a place where they laid wood:<ref>Without an entire knowledge of the form and manner of the Chinese Houses, it is not easy to say how far the account in the text is inconsistent with probability. It seems strange that a person concealed in a Wood-hole, &c. should know all that passes in the house. It should however be observed, that the houses in China, being only one story high, must render such an attempt more practicable than with us.</ref> thence to keep a sharp look-out, and if possible to observe every thing said or done. She obeyed, and placed herself as directed. When it was past midnight, and ''Shuey-ping-fin'' was retired to her chamber, the girl returned home. Her master inquired what news she had brought. She told him the young gentleman was somewhat better, but still kept his bed: where every thing he eat or drank was brought him. He asked how his niece disposed of herself: and was answered she remained in the hall without, and was taken up in giving orders to the servants, whom she employed in boiling tea, in making broths, and other offices of that nature. He inquired if she went into the young man's chamber. She answered, "No: I observed that all passed by means of a servant, who came in and out of his apartment." When she had related all this, and more to the same purpose, ''Shuey-guwin'' said, "Is she then so circumspect and blameless?<ref>In the original: "Is she so clean?" This easy metaphor, which prevails in most of the eastern languages, often occurs in the Bible, see Job. ix. 30. Id. 25. 4. Prov. 20. 9. Joh. 15. 3. &c. N. B. Many other Chinese expressions exactly correspondent to those in Scripture will occur in this History: which the Editor would not pay so bad a compliment to the Reader's sagacity, as to suppose it necessary always to point out.</ref> Is there no more room for suspicion than this? I can never believe it. You have certainly been bribed, and what you tell me is not the truth." She assured him it was, and offered to confirm it by her solemn oath. He then dismissed her, but every night sent people to procure intelligence; who always brought him the same account. At length he went to his son-in-law; who eagerly inquired what news he brought him. "Four nights together, said ''Shuey-guwin'', I have planted people to hear and see all that passed: but I can discover nothing in the least amiss, nor catch up a syllable that will bear an ill construction. My niece is
certainly very juft and pcrfeft." "Ah!
Sir, said Kwo-khe-tzUy this can only pafs
upon weak and filly people. Neither
in ancient times nor modern could
I ever hear of but one person, Leeu-
biaU'Wboey^ who was perfeAly up-
right. But if all be true that you fay
of your cousin, then there will be twa.
But I have not fo much faith* On the
contrary, let me go to the Cbe-bien^ and
get him to fend for one of her maids.
By putting her fingers to the torture,<ref>The Torture inflicted on the Hands of criminals is performed by placing between their fingers three small pieces of wood, called ''Tean-tsu'' or rather ''Toan-zu''; having squeezed these one against another, they are tied together very hard with thin cords, and sealed round with paper. In this torment, the criminal is left for some space of time. P. Du Halde, v. i. p. 313. P. Semedo, p. 143. Ogilby, v. 2. p. 436. N. B. These are called in another part of this History ''Tormenting Sticks'', which probably is the meaning of the Chinese name.</ref> he will quickly make her confess the truth; and then you will be convinced. Nay, added he, wait but patiently at home, observe her well, and you will soon have an opportunity of being undeceived."

As soon as he was gone, ''Kwo-khe-tzu'' went to the ''Che-hien'', and told him all that had passed in the house of the young lady. "Yet I cannot, said he, believe these fair appearances. I beg, Sir, you will be pleased to order one of her women to be brought before you. From her you may extort a confession of the
truth.'* •* Dilpofed as I am to fervc
you, replied the magiftrate, I cannot
do what is irregular and contrary to
juftice. If you would have any one
brought before my tribunal, there mufl
firft be lodged a petition, setting forth
upon what account an examination is
required. This bufinefs relates to a
young lady of quality, and therefore is
to be managed .with decorum. What
you have hitherto related of the flran-
gcr and her, affords no proof of mi(be-
haviour; and therefore what pretence
have I to apprehend them ?" " What,
Sir ! said the other, will you let this
affair sleep then ? You that are the fa-
ther of this city, and fuperintend the
manners of the inhabitants! Will you then permit a young man and woman
to live together under one roof in lewd-
nefs ? To overlook this, is to consent to
the violation of the law." *' Ccruinly,
anfwered the Che-bien^ whoever is guilty
of the crimes you mention, violates the
law. But if what you tell me of thcfc
twoyoung people be true, they have been
guiltyofnothingimmodeftorblameable.
Far from breaking the law, they have
rather ftrengthened it. You cannot
forget how difcreetly Shutf-ping-Jin aft-
cd before; and how far (he exceeded
our opinions of her. Doubt not there-
fore but (he will keep clear of indeco-
rum, although (he may have taken this
stranger into her house, to nurfe him in
his illncfs.*' " Alas ! said Kwo-khe-tzu,
have I then difturbed my reft, and been at

all
all this trouble and pains to obtain her ;
and muft lofe her fo cafily ? Pray, Sir,
let me prevail on you not to give her
up yet » but contrive some way to know
the bottom of this bufinefs/* **Be
not fo uneafy, said the Cbc-hien. I
have a lervant of my audience, named
Sban-yeo'y a fellow of such deXtcrity
and flight, that he can run up a wall,
open a lock, or creep through the moft
impervious cranny. It is but now that
I have found it out. I have juft ap-
prehended and sent him to prison, in
order to chaftife him. This man will
I fend for, and granting him a pardon,
will difpatch him privately to the house
of the young lady. He (hall be a fpy
upon them ; and if he can difcover any
thing that is wrong or criminal, you may then lodge a petition, and he can
back it with his evidence. But if no-
thing wrong can be difcovered, whereof
to accufe them, you muft be content to
drop all farther purfuit/* Kwo-kbe-tzu
was exceedingly pleafed, and said, ^^ Sir,
if you are in earned I shall be vaflly
obliged to you, and consider you at
once as my father and mother/*

When he was gone, the Mandarine
fcnt his people to setch Sbanyeo to him
out of prison. As soon as he was
brought, he bade him come near, and
whilpered in his ear to the following
cflfeft. ** You have been guilty of
great mifdemeanours : by which you
have forfeited your office in this court
of audience. Yet having an occasion to employ you at present, if you are
faithful in it, I will grant you a pardon.
Go then to the house of the young lady
Shuey-ping-fin. Contrive to get in, and
conceal yourself somewhere, whence you
may fee and hear all that pafies. She
hath received a young man into her
house, and I would gladly know upon
what footing they are together. Go
therefore and bring me an exadt ac-
count. But take notice, if 1 find you
have in the leaft impofed on me, ypu
muft not expeft to live any longer."
*' Sir, said Shan-yeo^ I dare not offer
to deceive you. Expeft a faithful ac*
count of every thing I can either fee
or hear." This said he withdrew.

CHAP. IV.

''Kwo-khe-tzu'' hearing that the ''Che-hien'' had sent to get intelligence, kept at home, but was very impatient to know the result. With regard to ''Shan-yeo'', having received his orders, he durst not delay; but went immediately to take a view of the house in order to find out a place to get in at; then returned and waited till night. When it was dark he climbed over a wall, and got within the doors: where he heard people in the kitchen, who were preparing an entertainment for ''Tieh-chung-u'', and talk of his recovery. Thence he crept into the hall, which was not yet lighted up. There he got up and hid himself upon one of the beams,<ref>In order to conceive this, we ought to remember that the Chinese Houses are but one story high, and that the Halls in which they receive visits are quite plain, having no other ornament than a simple range of wooden pillars, which are either painted or varnished. These serve to support the main beams and timber-work, which they often leave quite naked under the tiles, without any ceiling. P. Le Compte, tom. i. p. 226. P. Du Halde, &c.</ref> whence he could see all that passed below. He had not been there long before he heard ''Shuey-ping-fin'' order her servants to hang up a curtain of mother of pearl<ref>Probably some kind of lattice-work, ornamented with Mother of pearl. Oyster shells made very thin serve the Chinese instead of glass, not only in the windows of their Houses, but also in some of their imperial Barks. P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 286, &c.</ref> across the hall. She commanded the first table to be set for her guest without the curtain; and two lighted tapers to be placed upon it. Afterwards she ordered a second table,<ref>The Chinese observe great ceremony in placing their Tables. ''Transl.'' — At great entertainments the Tables are ranged on each side the hall, in such a manner that the guests may face each other, as they sit in their arm-chairs. The Chinese are also particularly exact to place the Tables either more forward or backward; higher or lower; according to the rank of their guests: the preference being given (''caeteris paribus'') to the greatest strangers, and to those who come farthest, &c. This may serve to explain the compliment in the next page but one. P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 299. 301, &c.</ref> but without any light, to be set for herself within the curtain, so that she could see every thing through it, unseen herself. There was also a fine carpet spread without on the floor. And two servants were ordered to stand between the tables to deliver every thing that was spoken. When all things were prepared and set in order, ''Stow-tan'' was called, and bid to desire his master to walk into the hall. ''Tieh-chung-u'' by this time was greatly recovered from the illness, into which the poisoned draughts of rhubarb had thrown him; which caused him to rejoice, as well as to acknowledge the favours he had received from ''Shuey-ping-fin''.
She herself was no less affected with joy that he was restored to health, and that she had been wanting in nothing to express her sense of the favours he had conferred upon her. When ''Stow-tan'' therefore came to his master with the young lady's compliments to invite him to the entertainment, he instantly obeyed. He came out of his chamber, and was greatly pleased to see the exact order in which every thing was disposed: insomuch that he commended it aloud. ''Shuey-ping-fin'' sent her servant to desire him to sit down in the most honourable place, telling him it was his proper due. Then ordering her carpet<ref>At a first Visit, the visitant as well as he that is visited, if they are of equal rank, for a greater mark of respect and affection, have a Carpet brought and spread before them, and after they have performed the full Salute, (See note vol. 1. p. 201.) they kneel down and hit the ground with their foreheads four times, and this they do both together. P. Semedo, p. 59. Ogilby, vol. 2. p. 44.</ref> to be spread withinside the curtain, she sent to tell him, that she was paying her respects to him. When ''Tieh-chung-u'' was told by the servants the honours she was doing him, he said he had most reason to pay his acknowledgments to her. They accordingly made four salutes to each other.<ref>It hath been mentioned in a former note, that the Salute of the Chinese Women is confined to a silent Courtsy. (See vol. i. p. 103.) Though this is their general custom, it ought to be observed, that on some particular occasions, they also kneel, as well as the Men, and in that posture make an obeysance with their head to the ground three or four times, as civility shall require. P. Semedo, p. 58. P. Du Halde, v. i. p. 293.</ref> When these were ended, the
young lady thus addrefled him from
behind the curtain. " My father un-
happily for me is abroad. You, Sir, are
unmarried as well as myself. Your
coming to my house hath occasioned
people to talk very freely. But as I
have received too great a favour for
me ever to forget, I have been very desirous of making a small, though very unequal return for it; and as for people's talk, I pay no regard to it. Had I neglected to act as I have done, I must have been worse than a savage animal. It gives me extreme joy to see your health in so great a measure restored. I could not help testifying it by a small entertainment; which trifling as it is, I hope you will partake of; and at the same time pardon the meanness of it." ''Tieh-chung-u'' replied, "Lady, you stand alone in the world. There is none to be found like you for wisdom and perfection. I thought of nothing but death, when I lay in the convent. I was void of all help, as a horse or an ass that is fallen into a pit. I little thought you would come with so much piety and goodness to my assistance. I can hardly look upon you as one of these latter times. You are rather one of former ages risen again. This goodness and virtue it is not in my power to reward in the least as it deserves. Be pleased therefore to sit down, and let me bow before you with the most humble acknowledgments." The young lady desired him not to talk in this manner: for that what she had done was but a trifle, and merely no more than her duty required. "How wretched must I have been, added she, if I had not met with you in that critical moment? How much then does it behove me to thank you, as my generous protector? I ought to bow down to you, as the only man in the world, that had virtue and resolution enough to rescue me." These words she sent her servant to tell him, and at the same time to inform him she was making her compliments. He got up and returned them in a proper manner. This done they sat down, and she ordered her servants to carry him wine.<ref>This is the greatest mark of Courtesy before discourse. ''Transl.'' See also P. Du Halde, v. i. p. 600. — The Chinese Wine is not made of the juice of the grape, for these they only preserve and use as raisins: but of a particular kind of Rice, different from that which is eaten. From this they have liquors both brewed and distilled; as also from wheat and other grain. They have likewise wines expressed from several kinds of fruits, as well as made of the liquor which distills from the palm and other such trees, when tapped at the proper season: but that made from Rice is most generally drank. Beside these the Chinese have a strong sort of spirit, which is distilled from the flesh of Mutton, Lamb, &c. but this is chiefly in request among the Tartars. Although Tea is the ordinary drink of the Chinese, they are said to be excessively addicted to spirituous Liquors. N. B. It is the common rule of the Chinese to eat cold and drink hot. Not only their tea, but their wines are heated before they drink them. At their feasts there are servants always ready to pour hot wine into their cups out of a vessel for that purpose, and to put back that which is cold into others of China. P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 300. 303. Mod. Un. Hist. vol. 8. p. 279.</ref> After he had drank three
small cups, she began to inquire what brought him that way; and what business he might have in the province of ''Shan-tong''. He told her he came there in the course of his travels, which he had undertaken with the approbation of his father. This excited her curiosity so far, that she ventured to inquire what might occasion him to travel. ''Tieh-chung-u'' told her, that when he was at court he had rescued a young woman out of the hands of a great Mandarine, named ''Tab-quay'',
and had caused him to be sentenccd
to three years imprisonment : " My
father, added he, fearing he might
hereafter refcnt this diigrace, gave me
leave to travel. In the courfc of which,
I had like to have fallen into worfe
mifchief. Who could imagine there
were such evil pcrsons in the world,
as this Che-hien and young Mandarine ?
That they (hould attempt to kill me !
However, as I am happily recovered,
with your leave I will go to-morrow
and find out the Che-bien. The in-
jury he endeavoured to do me shall
not pafs unrciented. I will (hame him
before all the inhabitants of the city.
I will drag him from his audience,
and beat hira found Iv in the face of

ih-
the world. I will afterwards carry
him before the Viceroy of the pro-
vince, who is a particular friend of
my father's, and him will I get to
take away his office in open court."
The young lady replied, " To pro-
cure the difgrace of the Che-bien will
be an eafy matter ; which will appear
to be in confequence of his own evil
aftions: neither will it be wondered
at, as your difpute with him that
day was notorious to all the city.
But consider, Sir, the degeneracy of
the times. There are only two words
in our days by which both the peo-
ple and Mandarines regulate their
conduft, and thofe are Riches and
Power. The Cbe-hien faw my father
was disgraced, and sent afar off into foreign countries. The father of Kwo-
kbe-tzu was advanced to the higheil
dignity. What wonder then if he was
afraid to olBfend a youth of such con-
nexions ? Had he refused him his aflift-
ance^ he might fear he would get him
removed from his office. Consider,
Sir^ it is a poft, which it cod him
a long courfe of itudy to obtain.
He muft have fpent fifteen or twenty
years in passing through his degrees<ref name="chebien"/> before he could be advanced to it. Judge then how dreadful the loss of it must appear: and wonder not if he was tempted to use even indirect means to secure it. Upon the whole, I think you had better pardon him; and give yourself no farther trouble about a man, who is rather the object
of your pity.*' At thefe words, fo
considerate, and yet proceeding from
the mouth of fo young a lady, Tieh-
chung'U ftood aftoniflied ; yet was per-
fedly convinced of their propriety. At
length he broke silence and said : " Hi-
therto I have been too much the fport of
passion : too little under the guidance
of reason. Hitherto I have been ac-
cuftomed to perfift inflexibly in any
reiblution I had once taken up, whe^-
ther right or wrong. I now perceive
the raftinefs and folly of my condu6L
When I undertook your refcue from
Kwo-kbe-izUy 1 confefs with (hame, it
proceeded rather from the natural heat
of my temper, headstrong and paflion^
ate, than from motives more laudable.
Your words have now made an im-
preffion on me never to be effaced.
I am flruck with conviflion; and to
shew what a convert you have gained
in me, I (hall quit the Cbe-bien and
think of him no more : and of this I
dare give you my folemn oath. Su-
premely fortunate do I think myself
in meeting with you, not only for
the benefit I have received at your
hands ; but that you have been to me
a preceptor, and given me inftrudions
which I ought never to forget.'* " Sir,
said the young lady, you (hew your-
self pofTcffed of great resolution and
virtue; and indicate a very consider-
ate and forgiving difpofition.** Every
word that (he spoke was treasured up
in the breaft of ^ieb-cbun^-u^ and con-
firmed
firmed him in the placable sentiments
he had adopted. •'Madam, said he,
1 muft not be fparing in my thank?
for the many favours I have received^
To-morrow I delign to go from hence.**
** I brought you here, said the young
lady, on account of your illnefs; and
having fo allowable a motive was re-
gardlefs of common censure. Now
you are recovered take your own plea-
furc either to go or stay. I cannot
pretend to lay any reftraint upon you.
And yet methinks to-morrow is very
fudden. Favour me with your com-
pany a day or two longer. We shall
then have time to talk over at large thofe
good fubjefts on which we have dif-
courfed." ** Lady, replied Jteb-cbung- Uj
if it be agreeable to you that I fliould

stay, I will with great pleasure defer
my departure two days longer.** Ha-
ving thus ended talking, (he ordered
lier servants to fill out wine. When
he had drank he said, ^'My coming
from abroad was with my father's ap-
probation, in order to avoid any trouble
at court. As it hath been my good
fortune to meet with one of fo much
ingenuity and wifdom, as yourself;
1 should be glad of your advice which
way I had bcft to go. Pray give me
your opinion.** She replied, *' You
may travel through the world in per-
iuit of knowledge, but if you would be
truly wise, you had best remain at home.<ref>As the only Knowledge in request in China is that of Morality, and of the Government, History, Rites and Literature of their own Empire; so this can neither be promoted by Travel, and is only to be attained by a severe application to their own private studies. [See note below p. 99.] Hence the character of a hard student is greatly respected among them. One of their Doctors from his recluse life was called by way of honour ''Pi-hu'', or ''The Doctor of the shut door''. See P. Du Halde, vol. I. p. 386. But further, as all the nations bordering upon China are barbarous and uncivilized compared to themselves, they have no inducement to travel abroad. And hence they have learnt to hold all other countries in most sovereign contempt, supposing their own Empire to comprize not only the best, but the greatest part of the habitable world; on which account they call it ''Tien-hia'', or ''all under heaven''. [See note vol. i. p. 96.] They likewise give it the name of ''Chong-que'', or ''the kingdom of the middle'', from its supposed situation in the midst of the earth, which they believe to be four-square. This opinion one of the Missionaries humoured so far, as to place China in the center of a Map of the World which he drew up for their use. In their own Maps they were wont to allow a vast extent to China, but to place all other Kingdoms, (supposed to be seventy-two) at random round it like very little islands, disgracing them with ridiculous names and descriptions: such as, ''Sioo-gin-que'', or the Kingdom whose inhabitants are all dwarfs, and so little that they are constrained to tie themselves together several in a bunch for fear of being carried away by the eagles and kites: ''Chuen-sin-que'' or the Kingdom whose inhabitants have all a hole in their breasts, into which they stick a piece of wood and so carry one another from place to place, &c. &c. See P. Magal. Of latter times since they have understood something of Europe, they have added it to their maps, as if it were one of the Canary islands, or some little barren spot. And hence it was that the Viceroy of Canton in the year 1668, after he had spoken of the embassy of the Portuguese in a memorial which he sent to the Emperor, added these words, "We find very plainly, that Europe is only two little islands in the middle of the sea." We are told however, that since the Europeans have been conversant among them, the Chinese have in a great measure forsaken these errors. Before we quit this subject, it may be worth while to give one pleasant instance of their national Pride: which is, that as they never send Ambassadors to foreign Princes; so whatever comes from them, whether letters, presents or envoys, all pass for tribute and a mark of submission. And henceforth such Kingdoms are set down in their history among those, which are tributary to China. P. Magal, p. 61. 2. P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 45. 137. 194. 268. Confucius, p. v. &c.</ref> The primitive doctor ''Chang-lee'', who understood every thing, lived recluse. Your father is promoted to a high office at court, where there can be no want of learned men. To what end
then would you fatigue ycurself in
going to other countries ? In my opi-
nion you had better return back to
your father, who can with great eafe
procure you a place in the Emperor's
fcrvice." Tieh-cbung-u was charmed
with what fhe said, and made her his
compliments upon it. ** Madam, said
he, you speak with a great deal of
judgment. What you have said to
me to-day, hath awakened me from
a lethargy, in which- 1 have been bu-
ried from the hour of my birth/*
Then a great cup<ref>The Cups which the Chinese use for their wine are either of silver, porcelain, or some precious wood: and are presented on silver or japanned Salvers. At the beginning of an entertainment the Cups they drink out of are very small, not holding much more than a spoonful: about the middle of the feast these are changed for larger. The Chinese drink in great form. At their solemn entertainments, the maitre d'hotel on one knee says with a loud voice, "You are invited gentlemen, to take the cup." On this every one takes his cup in both hands, and having first moved it up to his head, and then down below the table, they all put it to their mouths at once, and drink slowly three or four times. After the same manner upon like notice the whole company flourishing their ivory sticks take up their meat all together. P. Du Halde, v. I. p. 299. 300.</ref> of wine being presented to him by her order, he drank to her, and proceeded, "How hath it been possible for you, who are but a young lady, to have laid in a stock of history and letters sufficient for a man of learning?" "Alas, Sir, said she, what I say is but weak and childish. How should I be acquainted with letters?" All this, [and much more,] having passed between them, the youth began to think he had drunk enough, and was fearful of staying longer, lest he
fcouW be guilty of any ill manners.
He rofe up therefore to take his leave.
She told him, (he would not him
detain longer, left it should prove
injurious to his health : but he might
do as he pleafed. Then (he 9rdered,
her fcrvant to carry candles before
him, and light hinr to his chamber.
His servant Siow-tan met him, and
laid, " *Ti& well. Sir ! You, that have
been (ick fo very lately, to fit up and
indulge yourfeif in this manner ! It is
now ten o'clock."<ref>In the original, ''Ou-shiah-chung'', i. e. just struck bell. ''Transl.'' — The Chinese, as well as some other Nations of the East, divide the natural day into twelve Hours, which they begin to reckon from about midnight. So that one Hour of their reckoning is equivalent to two of ours. These Hours [at least among the vulgar] are called by the names of twelve signs or animals: and their fortune-tellers, &c. ascribe to each a predominant power or quality according to the nature of the animal from which it is denominated. See a very learned dissertation on this subject annexed to P. Martinii ''Atlas Sinensis'', written by the celebrated Golius. In this dissertation is given a curious Table of the Chinese characters by which their Hours are distinguished: from which we shall extract a List of their names, together with the correspondent Hours of our reckoning. I. ''Tsu'' — 12. 1. Midn. II. ''Cheu'' — 2. 3. III. ''Yin'' — 4. 5. IV. ''Mao'' — 6. 7. V. ''Shin'' — 8. 9. VI. ''Su'' — 10. 11. VII. ''U'' — 12. 1. Noon. VIII. ''Ti'' — 2. 3. IX. ''Shin'' — 4. 5. X. ''Yeu'' — 6. 7. XI. ''Sio'' — 8. 9. XII. ''Hai'' — 10. 11. From this Table it should seem that the Translator hath fallen into a mistake above. Perhaps the word, which he hath written ''Hiah'', is the same with XII. ''Hai'' here: which will answer his interpretation in the text. N. B. The Chinese measure their Hours by a kind of Water-glasses, in like manner as the Ancients by their ''Clepsydrae''.</ref> ''Shuey-ping-fin'' commanded the servants to wait on him till he was in bed: while others had orders to remove the tables. After which she withdrew to her own apartment.

Shan-yeo ^{tx^in^ all that had pafled,
and finding nothing farther to detaia
him, defcended, and leaping over the.
wall retired home to his house to sleep.
The next morning he presented him-
self at the Che-bien^s audience. That
magiftrate would not Ipeak with him
in publick, but ordered him to wait
in a private apartment. There Shan-'
yeo related to him every thing he had
feen and heard at the house of Shuey^-
ping-Jin. When he came to defcribe
at large the resentment which 3/>i&-
cbung'U had exprefied for the ill ufage
he had received, and the particular
manner in which he threatened the ''Che-hien''; that he would come and disgrace
him in his own audience, and then
carry him before the Viceroy of the
province : that magiftratc, confcious
of his guilt, was feized with the moil
vifible terrors, and ftartihg up order-
ed the doors of his audience to be-
fliut, and notice to be given that he
would hear and receive no petitions
that day. ** Sir, iaid Shanyeo^ you
need not tremble nor be concerned, for
the ftrangcf will not come to-day, not-
withstanding his threats. The young
lady hath pcrfuaded him not to do it ;
and hath fcrftened his refcntment. She
told him, that you were a man of but
few letters,<ref>Thus the Chinese significantly express "a Man of moderate Learning." The Reader it is presumed is not to be informed that the Chinese do not, like all other Nations, write with an Alphabet of a certain number of Letters, which by their various combinations form syllables and words; but with Characters each of which singly stands for a whole word, or rather for the idea signified by that word. Now, as the number of our Ideas is almost infinite, we are not to be astonished, if that of their Characters amount to near 80,000, although the words of the Chinese language do not exceed 330. For the Chinese Eloquence is addressed to the eye and not to the ear, and consists not in speaking, but writing; hence all their public addresses are transacted by petition and memorial. As therefore all their books, &c. are in these Characters, he who knows the greatest number is the most learned and most capable man. And as these Characters are not only numerous, but complicated, (every complex idea being expressed by a character composed of many simple ones) it must be a work of time and vast application to acquire at once a competent knowledge of them, and a skill in using and compounding them with facility. It is said however, that provided a person knows 10,000 Characters, he may express himself upon most common occasions, and be able to read a great many books. The generality of the Learned understand but 15 or 20,000, and few Doctors above 40,000. See P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 363. 364. &c.</ref> and knew not what it was to aspire to virtue and greatness of soul; that to take away your office, which you had acquired with so much study and labour, would render you very miserable: and therefore urged him to have compassion on you and forgive your injustice." Having related these and all the other particulars of their conversation, he said, "This Sir, was the principal subject of their discourse; which was carried on with great respect and courtesy: she thanking him for the benefit she had received by his coming to her assistance; and he acknowledging her goodness to him during his illness. And as for any thing more, any thing secret, or clandestine, there was not the least shadow of it."

When the ''Che-hien'' found what good offices the young lady had done him,
and that he was thus refcued from dan-
ger, he rejoiced and said, *' Shuey ping-
Jin is a woman of great goodncfs and
understanding. She hath done this to
make me amends for the civility I
shewed her in fending her home from
my audience in my own chair. But
was there nothing toward the latter
end of their difcoufe that would bear
an ill conftruftion ?" *• Nothing at all,
replied the other : their converfation
turned altogether upon fine reasonings,
and arguments setched from history
and ancient times : and the whole was
conduced with the niceft obfervance
of decency and good manners." The ''Che-hien'' paused for some time, and at last cryed out, "All this is surely
incredible! Is it poffibk for a young
lady, beautiful and blooming as a rofe,
and a youth (hining as cryftal, to be
together in one house ; to converfe
together, and drink wine ; both obliged
to each other; both witty and inge-
nious; and yet in all their converfa-
tion not to let fall one word of love :
but inftead thereof to prefer ve all the
fandity of hermits and holy men ? this
can never be believed. Certainly you
have been hired to conceal the truth ;
and somebody hath given you a bribe
for that purpose." ** Sir, said Sbanyeo^
I have no manner of relation to the
parties in queftion; neither do they
know any thing of me. Which way
then (hould I rece:ive a bribe from

them?
them ? Be afsured every fyllable I have
told is neither more nor lefs tl^an
the truth." The Cb^-hien could not
help being flruck with admiration and
delight at fo extraordinary a couple.
^* Both in former times, and till now,
said he to himlelf, never were two such
persons as thefe for integrity and good-
Tiefs ! If this account be true, the virtue
of ''Tieh'''chung'U is very rare, and the
learning of Shuey-ptng-fin no left un-
common. If I were a Mandarine of
Superior rank, I would prefcnt an ac-
count of them both to the Emperor^
in order that they might be celebrated<ref>It is customary with the Chinese to celebrate Persons remarkable for their virtue with particular honours, erecting triumphal arches to their memory, and inserting their story into the topographical history of the place where they lived. See many extracts from such histories in P. Du Halde's collection.</ref> as they deserve."

Then calling to ''Shan-yeo'', he said, "I hope all this you have told me is true. According to my promise I pardon what is past.<ref>The Chinese idiom is, "You are without any crime hitherto."</ref> But if I find you have been guilty of any falsehood, expect the most severe punishment." He then dismissed him, bidding him take more care for the future.

The ''Che-hien'' reflected on the conversation which had been reported to him, and their sensible remarks on the two words Riches and Power: how every body followed wherever they led, and how difficult it was to resist their attraction. "These two, said he, are no ordinary persons. The parents of them both are of exalted rank. How could I be so mistaken, as to endeavour to hurt them? If the young stranger had obeyed the dictates of his just resentment and carried me to the Viceroy, I should have been stripped of my office; and it would have been then too late to have implored the assistance of ''Kwo-khe-tzu'''s father. I myself am in no ordinary character; my rank of ''Chin-tzu'',<ref>See note vol. i. p. 8. This is the same with ''Tsin-su'' or ''tse'', as it is written by P. Du Halde. It is so difficult to reduce Chinese words to European orthography, that we are not to wonder at the greatest variations in our manner of writing them. See P. Du Halde, vol. 2, p. 140.</ref> or Doctor of Law, should require some dignity to be maintained; which can only be done by just and wise actions. Why should Riches and
Power be the fole obje6b of (py regard ?
which are things of no real value in
themselves, and may be the occafioo
pf the foreft evils. While I was r^gard-
iefs of my own reputation and fafcty,
this young lady hath continued me
in the poflTcflion of both/' He pro-
ceeded farther and said : ** ''Tieh''-cbungu
is a youth of great capacity, integrity
and jufticc, and if this young lady doth
not marry him, (he will never again
meet with one fo worthy of her. Again,
Shueyping'ftn^ to the greatefl: vivacity
of wit and judgment hath added an
uncommon knowledge of books and
literature ; where then will be found a
bride fo proper for this young gentle-
0ian? I imagine I should do much

better
better to take part with this accom^
plilhed pair, and to bring about a
marriage between them."

In the midft of refleftions of this
kind he was interrupted by the arri^
vai of KwO'kbe-tzUj who was impatient
to learn what news lie had for him.
The Che-bien gave him a very impar-
tial account of all that had paflTcd,
and said: "Sir, you muft not look
upon this young lady as an ordinary
person. Her understanding and capa-
city fecm equal to that of the wifcft,
fage, and Ihe will hardly difpofe of her-
self upon common terms. Be per-
fuaded therefore to think no more
of her, but look out for another.'* Kwo-
khe-lzuy having heard all the particu-

5 ^"^^^
lars as related above, and finding
nothing would bear an ill conftruc-
tion, knew not what to anfwer. He
even b^;an to think leriouny that
all his endeavours would be to no
purpoie. "Without however making
any reply to the dilcouraging advice
of the Cbc-bierij he took his leave of
him and withdrew. His abfence was
by no means difagreeable to that Man-
darine, who immediately fcnt a fcr-
vant to inquire after ^ieb-cbung-Uj
with orders whenever he ftirrcd out
of the young lady's houie, to bring
him advice of it.

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 23

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= Chapter 23: Feigned Earnestness Before the Provincial Inspector: Turning the Tables =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Footnotes have been converted from the original endnote/footnote format to inline references.''

----

''[Volume II, Book II, Chapters IX-X]''

CHAP. IX.<ref>Chap. X. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

Shuey-guwin carried the paper of verses to his niece. "Well, said he, to oblige you I have made enquiry, and find it to be true. It is a very dirty business<ref>"Very ugly and nasty." Translator's M.S.</ref>. When I told you before that this man was a cheat, and every thing that was bad, you would not believe me. Now I have brought a convincing proof of it. You will both find that he is so; and that he hath caused reflections to be thrown upon us." She asked him, "What he meant?"

He answered, "As I went to the Che-hien's, I saw a croud of people reading a paper; so many, that I was not able to come near. I heard them say there were more in other places. I went in search, and accordingly found one. I thought you would not believe me, so I took it down and here have brought it." The young lady having opened and read the paper, fell a laughing, and said to her uncle, "Kong-bob, or much joy!" "Why, said he, do you give me joy? What do you mean by it?" She answered, "Because you, that a little while ago could neither write nor read, are now able of a sudden to compose and write verses."

"Whatever others, said he, might be disposed to believe concerning me, you know very well my insufficiency, and how incapable I am of any such thing. You are disposed to be merry." "It is true, said she, it was not you that made them, but Kwo-khe-tzu. They are the offspring of his masterly pencil<ref>In the Translator's M.S. it is, "He wrote them with a great or master pencil."</ref>." "Alas! answered Shuey-guwin, he is looked upon as a man of letters: so am I. But he knows as little as myself. Far from being master of his pencil, he knows not how to use it at all<ref>The Chinese Idiom is, "You must not talk of his master pencil; he knows not how to use a little one."

The Author of this History intended to sink these two characters very low in the opinion of his Readers, by representing them so illiterate in a country, where letters are in high repute, and also very common. For as the meanest may be candidates for degrees, many apply to letters, who being rejected at the examinations, have no other way to subsist, but by teaching others. There are few men therefore but can write and read in some degree. It is no less uncommon to find a woman that can do either. This must render the character of Shuey-ping-sin the more extraordinary. Yet a Chinese Moralist says, "You cannot commend a woman more, than to say she is not learned."

See P. Magal. p. 88. P. Semedo, p. 58. P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 50. Lettres edif. xiii. 353.

The Chinese in writing use no pens, but pencils made of the hair of some animal, commonly a rabbit. This pencil they hold not obliquely as painters use; but perpendicularly, as if they would prick the paper. The Reader perhaps needs not to be informed, that they write not from the left hand to the right, as we; nor from the right hand to the left, as the Hebrews; but in lines from the top of the leaf to the bottom, beginning at the right hand. The Chinese paper is not made of silk, as is commonly supposed; but of the inward bark of Bambu and several other trees; and is remarkable, not only in that they can make it into sheets of extraordinary size; but also that, after it hath been written on and worn to pieces, they can work it over again, and from the scraps make new paper. The Chinese paper hath a beautiful silken gloss, but it is thin, brittle, and not at all durable. (Lettres edif. xxi. 128.) Their ink (which is known in Europe by the name of Indian ink) is made of lamp-black, of which the best is got by burning old pines. They mix perfumes with it to correct the smell. These ingredients are worked into the consistence of paste, which is then put into wooden moulds of the shape they would have it. The Chinese standish is a little polished marble, with a hollow at one end to contain water: in this they dip their stick of ink and then rub it on the smooth part of the marble. The pencil, paper, ink and marble, are called by the Chinese ''see pau'', or the four precious things; which they pique themselves on keeping very neat. Every thing which relates to letters is so reputable in China, that even the making of ink is not esteemed a mechanic employment. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 366-374.</ref>." "If he knows not how to handle his pencil, said the young lady, he knows how to use his tongue. The composition is altogether his own." "Why, said Shuey-guwin, should you talk thus? He is no enemy to ''Tieh''-chung-u, what reason then could he have to abuse him?"

"Think not, replied she, I am unacquainted with what passes in the breast of your son-in-law. He was alone the author of these verses. Nobody besides him knows any thing of the stranger. But fine as their composition may be, your niece, Sir, is a weak filly girl, and so far from being able to discover their beauties, she cannot even comprehend their meaning. How then can she be touched or affected by them? You had better lay aside all thoughts of this kind, and not spend your time to so little purpose."

Shuey-guwin was so disconcerted, that he had not a word to offer farther on that head; but he said, "Niece, there is one thing I have to tell you. Think not that Kwo-khe-tzu will ever give you up; or lay aside his thoughts of you. He waits for the sanction of higher authority, than that of the Mandarines of this city. Yesterday the news arrived, that a Ngan-yuen or a Grand Visitor is coming hither, whose name is Fung-ying; one that was a pupil of his father's, and highly esteemed by him<ref>The employment of a Tutor or Preceptor is accounted very honourable in China, and many of those, who afterwards arrive to the greatest posts, employ in their younger years the intervals of study in instructing the children of great men, especially if they have not much substance of their own. The Parents maintain them, make them presents, treat them with great respect, and every where give them the upper hand: ''Sien-sing'', our Master, our Doctor, is the name they give them. The Tutors not only teach their Pupils letters, but accompany them, and form their manners.—They instruct them not only in the history and laws of their country, but in the ceremonies, salutes, compliments and rules of visiting; these being no less the objects of study, and equally deemed to belong to learning. In return for all this care, and pains their Pupils treat them with the greatest reverence, bowing to them with four prostrations, as to their Father, and never addressing them with ''you'' or ''I''. [See note above pag. 150. and note vol. 1. p. 202.] They also retain the highest respect for them as long as they live. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 375. P. Semedo, p. 36, 59, &c.</ref>. When he arrives, Kwo-khe-tzu intends to apply to him for his authority to conclude the marriage: which he will have compleated at your own house. Now as your father is not at home, and as I am a private person without any habit, and you a young woman of sixteen or seventeen years, how will you be able to manage this matter?" "Uncle, replied the young lady, this Mandarine comes with the Emperor's commission, and will doubtless act conformably to it. He is sent to supervise the province, and to rectify whatever is amiss. But I imagine he will exceed the bounds of his commission, if he comes here to offer any violence. Now marriage is an affair of private concern, and no way relates to the business of his office: nor is he any ways required to interpose in it. Should he therefore be wrought upon in the manner you threaten, he may not perhaps see himself in his post at the expiration of the year. But he is a man of understanding, and will not break the Emperor's laws: or even if he should, let us not be afraid."

"You affect to speak in a very lofty strain, said her uncle; and talk of not fearing. When you come before the Grand Visitor, should he speak but two words with authority and justice, will not you be afraid? Certainly you will be very much frighted." "True, she replied, when it is with justice. Every body is afraid that is guilty: but who is concerned that is altogether innocent? You must not talk of this Mandarine only: but was it the Emperor himself, I should not fear: nor will I be terrified so far as to give myself up to the loss of my happiness<ref>In the original, "To the loss of myself."</ref>." "To me, said Shuey-guwin, you may talk in this manner. It would excite the laughter of any one else. What I tell you proceeds from friendship; regard it as you please: but when the time comes, you must not blame me: nor can you deny I have given you warning." "It is an old saying, replied his niece, Every one hath an understanding, a memory, and a will to direct him<ref>The original literally is, "Every one is governed [sc. directed] by an understanding, a memory, and a will." The meaning of this Proverb is doubtless, as given above. It contains a fine rebuke on such, as too forwardly take upon them to direct others.</ref>. If you do not comprehend this, there is another common saying, that Every one knows his own necessity, whether it be hunger, cold, or heat. Be pleased therefore, Sir, to manage your own affairs. Your niece knows how to observe that which is lawful, just, and reasonable. Whatever I do, whether it be well or ill, whether it prove unfortunate or happy, let it not affect you with any concern."

These words seemed to Shuey-guwin like the keen edge of swords dividing an iron bar. He looked very stern and out of humour, and rising up from his seat, said, "All I have told you proceeds from good will. A village mouth is good physic<ref>That is, The advice is commonly wholesome which flows from the mouth of the homely villager, whose simplicity of manners hath kept him unacquainted with the arts of falsehood: and therefore such advice is not to be rejected on account of the meanness of its author.</ref>. You may hearken to my words or not, as you please." He then went away, resolving to urge Kwo-khe-tzu to prosecute the affair with the utmost rigour<ref>Here follows in the original a very prolix and unimportant paragraph, wherein Shuey-guwin relates to his son-in-law all that had passed between him and his niece, and confirms him in his resolution of applying to the Ngan-yuen, &c. As there was nothing in the whole passage worth retaining, the Editor hath suppressed it: a liberty he hath sometimes taken elsewhere.</ref>.

It was about two months after this, that the Grand Visitor arrived. Kwo-khe-tzu went two leagues out of the city to meet him<ref>When one of the superior Mandarines comes to take possession of his government, he is received with great pomp and state. When he is ready to set out from court, many of the officers of the tribunal go thither to attend him: others advance a great way to meet him, who as he passes from city to city is honourably accompanied both by horse and foot: and at least a league before he comes to the place where he is to reside, two or three thousand soldiers are marched out to receive him. After these follow all the Mandarines, and after them a vast concourse of people. P. Semedo, p. 128. P. Du Halde, &c.</ref>: and made him a great many presents and entertainments. That Mandarine thought himself very much obliged by these civilities, and expressed a concern that he did not know how to return them: telling him that as he was but just arrived from the court<ref>This will be accounted for, when we consider the expensive presents every Mandarine is obliged to make, who solicits for any government. There is not any government of a city or town, which does not cost the person, who is preferred to it, several thousands of crowns; sometimes twenty, sometimes 30,000, and so proportionably for all other offices great and small. To be a Viceroy of a province, before a Mandarine can have his commission sealed, will cost him sometimes 70,000 crowns. All this, under the specious name of presents, is given to the ministers of state, to the presidents of the six supreme councils, &c. &c. On the other hand the great Mandarines of the provinces, to reimburse themselves and to satisfy their avarice, extort presents from those under them; and these again replenish their purses at the expence of the miserable people. In short there is not any Viceroy, or Visitor of a province, who at the end of three years does not return with six or 700,000, and sometimes a million of crowns. So that it may be said of China, as it was of ancient Rome, "All things are there set to sale." See P. Magal. p. 134, &c.</ref>, he had nothing to present him worth his acceptance; he desired him therefore to point out some way in which he could do him service. Kwo-khe-tzu answered, "Sir, you are a person of high quality and office. How can I presume to ask you any favour?" "Do not consider me in that distant light, replied the other, but rather as your intimate friend, to whom you may speak with intire freedom." "You do me a great deal of honour, replied the youth; there is indeed one thing which intimately concerns my welfare, and sits nearest to my heart. Could I but obtain your assistance in that—" The Mandarine desired to be informed what it was. "My father, he replied, is in a public employment; which so intirely engrosses his attention, that he hath none to bestow on the affairs of his family. For this reason, I am not yet married<ref>He means probably "not married to his satisfaction:" or perhaps he does not stick at a little falsehood.</ref>."

"What, said the other, have you yet made no offer of marriage to any one's daughter?" "Yes, he replied, I have; but the lady whom I would wish to marry, hath refused me; and therefore I intreat you to interpose in my favour."

When the Grand Visitor heard these words he laughed aloud, and said, "There is something very singular and strange in all this. Your father is a minister of the first rate. You are a young man of quality. Who can refuse to marry with you? Pray whose daughter have you applied to, that you have been so unsuccessful?" He replied, "To the daughter of Shuey-keu-yeh, assistant to the tribunal of arms." "Her father, said the Mandarine, hath long been banished into Tartary<ref>The Original is ''Pien-thing'', i.e. out of China, or ''without the wall''. Transl.

Tartary is the common place of Banishment for the Chinese. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. 229. Lettres edifiant. xvii. 114, &c. How grievous a punishment Banishment must be to them, we may easily conceive from their excessive fondness for their own country. [See Ogilbye, vol. 2. pag. 2. & 7.]</ref>. Who takes care of his house? Is it her mother? She I suppose will not give her consent." Kwo-khe-tzu answered, "Her mother hath been dead many years. There is no one left here beside this young person. It is she herself who refuses my offer." "How! said the other, she, who is a young maiden! how can she refuse you? I fancy when you made your offer, or gave your present, she might know nothing of it." "My Lord, replied the youth, she knew it very well: but hath always been endeavouring to play me tricks." "If it be so, said the Grand Visitor, why did not you apply to the Che-foo and Che-hien, and get them to manage this business for you?" "I have applied to them both, said he, but she esteeming their offices but small, paid little regard to them. I therefore now have recourse to your lordship: and beg you will compleat this affair in my behalf. This will lay me under the greatest obligation as long as I live." "To promote marriage, said the Grand Visitor, is a thing highly good and charitable. I see nothing wrong in the affair in question: and therefore will undertake it for you. Who was your mediator or bridesman<ref>The Chinese never marry (although the parents of the young people be never so intimate) without a Mediator, or one who goes between both parties: wherefore they choose whom they please, there being as well men, as women, who perform this office. P. Semedo, p. 71. Lettres edifiant. x. 140.</ref> before? Perhaps he did not make the offer clearly understood." The other told him, it was the Pao Che-hien, who carried the present himself to her house; which in her father's absence, was received by her uncle: and that every body knew this to be matter of fact. "If it be so, replied the Mandarine, I will issue out an order to-morrow, impowering you to go and carry her home to your house in order to marry her." "Should I go for her, replied the other, she would never be prevailed on to enter the chair: but would doubtless contrive some way to escape. I only beg the favour of you to let me go to her house and solemnize the marriage there." The Grand Visitor replied, "Very well: you may do so." Having finished their discourse on this and other subjects, and the entertainment being ended; Kwo-khe-tzu retired.

Within two days the Grand Visitor performed his promise, and sent a chop or order to the Che-hien, as follows.

: "I, the Ngan-yuen or Grand Visitor, signify, that as marriage was the first law or contract in the world, the time for solemnizing it should not be neglected: therefore as Kwo-khe-tzu son of Kwo-sho-fu hath made offers and presents to the daughter of Shuey-keu-yeh, which treaty of marriage was under the direction of you the Che-hien; the marriage-present being carried by yourself: and it being requisite that they should now proceed to the completion of the same, I therefore command and authorize the said Kwo-khe-tzu, now in the absence of her father, to go to the house of his bride and marry her there: it being a thing good and laudable. And you the Che-hien are hereby required not to delay the execution of this order beyond the space of one month, under pain of prosecution for default thereof."

The Pao Che-hien when he had received this order and read it, saw plainly it was the contrivance of Kwo-khe-tzu. Yet to go and lay open the whole affair, he thought would expose him to that young man's resentment. On the other hand, the Grand Visitor would be apt to call him to account, whenever the truth should be discovered. After some deliberation therefore, he resolved to send a private account to that Mandarine of what he knew of the matter: which was conceived in these terms.

: "This is to acquaint your Excellency<ref>''Ngan Thai''—''Thai'' is as much as Excellency. Transl.</ref>, in answer to your chop or order: that I was indeed the person who undertook the treaty of marriage you mention. The other persons concerned were Kwo-khe-tzu and Shuey-guwin. The young lady opposed it, as a thing she disliked: for which reason it yet remains in dispute, and unfinished. Yesterday I received an order to see the marriage concluded, which it behoves me to obey. But I am sensible that she is still very averse to it: and therefore lest any difficulty or disgrace should happen, which may extend so far as to reflect upon your Excellency, I have ventured to give you this information; which I hope you will not take amiss. Nevertheless be it done according to your pleasure."

When the Grand Visitor received this letter, he was very angry with the Che-hien. "What! said he, am I in this great office, and have every thing at my disposal, even life and death, and yet am not able to prevail in so inconsiderable an affair, as the marriage of a filly girl, daughter of a banished criminal? It would be an affront to my dignity to pay any regard to her weak reasoning and trifling arguments." Accordingly he dispatched a second order to the Che-hien, which was to this purpose.

: "If Shuey-ping-sin did not consent to the marriage, why did you make yourself the bridesman? You seem determined to perplex and disturb me. You are therefore hereby required to go once more to her house, and acquaint her that she must marry Kwo-khe-tzu without farther delay. If she refuses, bring her before me."

The Che-hien when he had received this second order, and observed it to run in very positive terms, such as would admit of no evasion, went in the first place to the house of Kwo-khe-tzu, and gave him notice that he was required to marry within the space of one month. He answered very joyfully, "Ay, ay! with all my heart." From thence he went to the house of Shuey-ping-sin: and bade a servant inform her, that he was come to speak with her by the Grand Visitor's order. The young lady, who knew well enough what was in agitation, commanded two of her servants to fix up the curtain in the great hall; and, as soon as it was let down, she entered. Then she bade one of them go to the Che-hien, and desire him to inform her in plain terms what was the purport of the order he had brought. He replied, "It is concerning your marriage with Kwo-khe-tzu. When I interposed at first, you shewed such aversion to it, that he hath for a long time desisted. But this great Mandarine, who is newly arrived, was a pupil of his father, and therefore hath been prevailed on to lend his countenance and assistance to have the marriage at length compleated. Yesterday I received an order requiring me to give notice to you both, that it must be concluded within the space of one month. I am just come from the house of Kwo-khe-tzu, whom I have advised of it. And I now wait upon you on the same account, that you may be prepared accordingly." The young lady replied, "Far am I from objecting to so honourable a thing as matrimony. Only my father is not at home, and I have not his licence. I am not mistress of myself, therefore beg you will do me the favour to go and acquaint his Excellency of it." "This, said the Che-hien, is the second order I have received to this purpose. The first I set aside, and gave my reasons for it. After which I received a severe reprimand, together with this new order, which is very positive. I cannot presume therefore to say any thing more to him. But do as you please. I do not pretend to force your inclinations. I only give you notice, as I am in duty bound." She begged the favour to see the order itself, which was so absolute and positive. He called his secretary, and bade him deliver them both to her servant. When she had perused them, she said to the Mandarine: "The reason why I refused to marry Kwo-khe-tzu, was because my father was absent, and I had not his consent. Should I marry without it, I am afraid he will be very angry with me when he comes home. For my vindication therefore, be pleased to intreat the Grand Visitor to let the two orders remain in my hands: which will declare plainly the conduct of the whole affair; and that it is done by his Excellency's appointment." The Che-hien consented to leave them with her, and promised to acquaint the Grand Visitor with her request, telling her he doubted not but that Mandarine would either permit her to keep them, or afford some other way for her to shew the reasons of her conduct.

"How is this, said the Che-hien when he was withdrawn, that the young lady so suddenly accepts of Kwo-khe-tzu! Is it this superior authority, which hath made her comply? or hath she any other design which I cannot discover? I imagined she had kept herself all along for the handsome stranger." He went immediately to the Grand Visitor and told him what she said. That Mandarine laughed, and was very well satisfied. "How came you the other day, said he, to send me word that she was very cunning and subtle, and altogether averse to this marriage? You see now she is all compliance. If she desires to keep the two orders by her, as a justification of her conduct, let it be granted." The Che-hien went immediately, and informed her of it. "You must not now, said he, change your resolutions. This is no longer the affair of Kwo-khe-tzu; but relates to the Grand Visitor himself. Let your house therefore be put in order, and when the bridegroom can fix on a fortunate day, I will wait upon you with previous notice." The young lady replied, "As this is his Excellency's order, I shall not disobey it or go from my word; though he himself possibly may." "How! said he, can so great a man vary in his resolutions? No, no! that cannot be. You may depend on his steadiness." Then withdrawing, he went to Kwo-khe-tzu, and gave him notice to choose a fortunate day to compleat his marriage. He believing that the young lady had consented, was very joyful, and hasted to provide and prepare things for his wedding.

CHAP. X.

The Grand Visitor seeing that Shuey-ping-sin had accepted his order, was very well pleased, and having now been a few days in possession of his post, opened his gates to administer justice. The first day that he gave audience, about fifty came to present their petitions. He received them all, and appointed them to attend a few days after, when they should have them considered. All the company retired except one young woman, who remained upon her knees. The servants of the audience on both sides bade her depart. She did not obey them: but rising up went still nearer to the tribunal. And then cried aloud, "I am the daughter of one under condemnation. For this reason I did not get up and depart: not daring to hide myself or fly from justice. I came here this day to end my life. By this means I shall neither disobey your Excellency's orders, nor yet offend my own honour." With these words she drew forth a knife or poinard, and was going to plunge it in her bosom<ref>It is worth observation that the Chinese, who are the most cowardly people in the world, are much addicted to Suicide, and none more than the females and most pusillanimous among them: and yet the love of life is one of the foibles of their character, in which they exceed all other nations; carrying it to such a height, that it is reckoned unpolite to mention Death in their hearing.—It is certain their language affords a thousand periphrases to soften the expression. ''Something hath happened to him: He is retired afar off in ascending: He hath reposed his chariot'' [or, as we should say, ''finished his carreer'',] &c. are phrases they would use to avoid saying a person ''is dead'': and these even in their Edicts and Memorials. Lettres edifiant. xxiii. 98. P. Du Halde, i. 280, 502, 544, 525, &c.</ref>. The sight of this very much surprized the Mandarine, who asked, Who she was, and what was the matter? "If you are injured, said he, I will redress you." At the same time he ordered his people to prevent her from doing herself any mischief. She replied, that she was daughter of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye, who was at present under sentence of banishment. "I am now, proceeded she, in my seventeenth year. My mother being dead and my father at a distance, I remain alone in my house a poor helpless maiden, observing the laws of virtue and modesty, as it becomes all young ladies to do. While I thus past my time in innocence, suspecting no harm, I have been treacherously persecuted by a youth, named Kwo-khe-tzu, who hath contrived a hundred ways to ensnare me; all which I have still endeavoured to avoid. For some time past he hath foreborne to trouble me: but there is lately arrived a Mandarine of great power and rank, who was his father's pupil. With this gentleman hath Kwo-khe-tzu lodged a petition, and obtained his favour: insomuch that the first thing he did after his coming, was to do violence to my inclinations by commanding me to marry this young man, contrary to all reason and law: [for he hath obtained no licence of father or mother: neither hath any mediator or bridesman interposed.] Two orders have been delivered out for that purpose. These I could not oppose, as being a young woman lone and friendless. But when I saw them, I was even bereaved of my life with apprehension and fear. Finding at length there was no other remedy, I sent my servant with a petition to Pe-king, with orders to strike on the Emperor's drum<ref>Besides the Drum, some of the ancient Emperors had a Bell fixed at the gate of the palace, and a white Table. So that he, who chose not to speak with the Emperor in person, wrote his request on the latter, and it was instantly carried to him. But whoever would speak with him rang the bell or beat on the drum, and they were presently brought in and had personal audience. It is recorded of one of their first Emperors, that one day he rose from table twice at the sound of the bell, and another day left the bath three times to receive the complaints of the poor. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 146.

It is pity so excellent an institution is no longer kept up. The drum still remains, but its use hath long been discontinued. P. Semedo tells us that during his residence, of two and twenty years, he never remembered it beaten upon above once; and then he that did it had his answer in bastinadoes, for having disturbed the Emperor, who was half a league off.

This father was in China before the conquest of the Tartars in 1644, when the reigning family had quite shut themselves up from all public access, which was the cause of their ruin.

The new succession of Emperors of the Tartar race have observed a very different conduct, often shewing themselves to the people, and attending to their grievances, but they have not revived the ancient practice in question, notwithstanding that the remembrance of it is still kept up.

P. Gaubil, whose curious description of Pe-king was published last year in the Philosophical Transactions, tells us, that in the Pavillion, called ''Tchoua-kou-ting'', there is "a drum, and that Mandarines and soldiers keep guard there day and night. In ancient times when any person had not justice done him, and thought himself oppressed, he went and beat this drum; at the sound of which the Mandarines ran, and were obliged to carry the complaint of the party oppressed to the great men or ministers, [rather to the Emperor. ''Vid. Author. infra citat.''] At present the use of the drum is abolished: but it hath been thought proper to preserve this ancient monument of Chinese government."

See Philos. Transact. Roy. Soc. for 1758, part 2d. P. Semedo, pag. 110. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 474, 523, &c.</ref>. He hath accordingly been gone three days. This procedure I imagine you can never pardon, and am therefore come here with a firm resolution to end my life in your presence." As soon she had spoken these words, she again attempted to stab herself with her poinard.

The Grand Visitor did not much regard what she said about Kwo-khe-tzu, but when he heard she had dispatched a servant to Pe-king, and saw her so resolutely determined to kill herself, he was seized with the greatest apprehensions. He begged her to forbear; saying, "How should I know what you have been telling me? Till now I never learned how the affair stood. But you have great reason for what you say. You must not offer any violence to yourself. I will take care you shall have justice done you. Yet there is one thing I must observe: you say you have licence of neither father nor mother; so far you are right: but that you had no mediator or bridesman, is not true." "The Pao Che-hien, replied the young lady, was indeed a bridesman, but not to me. He was such to my sister, my uncle's daughter<ref>It is owing to the remains of the patriarchal authority, which so still remarkably prevails in the domestic and political conduct of the Chinese, and not to any defect in their language, that a Niece occasionally calls her uncle ''father'', and her cousins ''brothers'', and that an Uncle calls his niece ''daughter'', &c. It is perhaps owing to a concurrence of both these causes, that some of the wild nations of North America do the same. See an account of the Iroquois in Lettres edifiant. xii. 144.

As to the Chinese, there is no nation in the world where the various degrees of consanguinity are more accurately defined by particular names. We only use the word ''uncle'' to signify the Brothers of both Father and Mother: but in the Chinese language there are words not only to distinguish the Brothers of the Father from those of the Mother (as in the Latin) but also those which are Younger or Elder, than the Father or Mother. In like manner they have four different words to express the Grandfather and Grandmother of both sides. With the same exactness they express all the other degrees of affinity. See P. Magal. pag. 102.

See Lettres edif. xv. 164. xxiii. 31.</ref>: and her hath Kwo-khe-tzu accordingly married, and long since carried home to his house." "If it be so, said the Mandarine, you have great reason on your side. But why did not you deliver in a petition to me, and inform me truly of the case. Had this been done, the last order had never been issued out. Why were you so hasty to send away a petition to Pe-king?" "I should not have taken these measures, she replied, had I not seen how absolute your last order was: wherein too plainly appeared the interest my adversary had gained in you. Now if I had sent up no petition to the court, but had died here in obscurity, every thing had continued in impenetrable darkness, and there had remained nothing to clear up my fame and conduct." He told her, the injury she complained of was not of such consequence, but that he could have redressed it; so that she needed not have applied to the Emperor, or have carried matters so far. "As this, added he, is a trifling affair, I can hardly conceive how a petition could be drawn up without enlargement or misrepresentation; which must fall very heavy upon you when it comes to be read<ref>It may be thought a paradox to say, that the Chinese can inflict punishments or confer rewards after death: and yet 'tis certain they affect to do both.

The Chinese are remarkably sollicitous about their sepulture; there are even sons who will sell themselves in order to bestow funeral honours on their parents. These honours are therefore by way of punishment sometimes denied the defunct, and their ashes are burnt and scattered in the air. The Chinese are no less greedy of rank and title; these again are sometimes cancelled after their death; and their memory is declared for ever infamous.

On the other hand, it is not unusual for the Emperor to bestow both title and rank upon those who no longer exist to enjoy them: he issues out patents by which he raises the deceased to the dignity of Mandarines, and annexes honourable distinctions to their names. Nay when he is disposed to reward the services of his departed ministers by uncommon honours to their memory, it is not unfrequent by express patents to confer marks of distinction also on their fathers and grandfathers, and even female ancestors. [See copies of such patents in P. Du Halde, i. 271.] It is also customary to erect grand sepulchres for the deserving at the public expence, and for the greater honour the Emperor sometimes writes their elogium with his own hand: but the most signal mark of favour is to declare them Saints, to build them temples, and to sacrifice to them among their idols: Divinity being as easily communicated in China, as the quality of a Count or Marquis is in some countries of Europe. Lettres edifiant. xv. 131. xix. 78, &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. 306, 352, & ubi supra. P. Le Compte, ii. 59, &c.</ref>." She replied, "Why should I need to put any thing in it but matter of fact?" Then taking a paper out of her bosom, she presented it to him, as a true copy of what she had sent. He cast his eye over it, and found it contained a brief and succinct relation of the injustice done her, and by whom: informing his majesty, that before this could have reached his hands, she should have surrendered up her life, by killing herself before his tribunal: and that she sent her slave to fall down at his feet in order to petition for redress: and that though she should be laid in her tomb, her shade would still retain a grateful sense of the justice his majesty would do to her memory<ref>The literal translation is, "that although she was laid in her tomb, she should still have a grateful remembrance of the justice his majesty would do to her."

Although it appears not that either Confucius, or the other ancient Chinese lawgivers, ever inculcated any notion of a future state, and although the modern Literati generally treat it all as fiction; [See note above pag. 169.] yet various doctrines relating to it prevail in China.

The most general is that of the Bonzees or followers of FO, who teach that there is a paradise or delightful abode in the west, where FO waits to receive [the most distinguished of] his votaries, and to make them partakers of his bliss. On the other hand, that there is a hell beneath the earth, the abode of ''Yen'' or evil spirits, and under the dominion of a ''Yen-wang'', or king of demons; and that there are ''Lo-han'' or spirits of destiny, whose business it is to convey the souls of men into their bodies at the moment of their birth, and to drag them away at the moment of death to the subterranean dominions, where [if they have deserved it] they are cruelly tormented by [the] other spirits. They believe hell to contain nine several compartments, and that after the soul hath passed through them all, it transmigrates into a new body (FO the author of this doctrine lived 500 years before PYTHAGORAS, who may therefore well be supposed to have picked it up in his travels into India, among the followers of FO, viz. Brachmans or Bramins.): if it hath behaved well in its former state, into that of a man, a prince, &c. if otherwise, into that of a beast, &c. They believe even brutes to be capable of future rewards and punishments; and that if they have been either more or less cruel than is suitable to their nature, they either become human creatures, or lose all existence. These opinions are so prevalent in China, that it is a common expression of acknowledgment for any favour, ''If after my death, my soul shall pass into the body of a dog or a horse, I shall be at your service.'' P. Du Halde, vol. 2. 67.

The sect of ''Tao-tse'' also acknowledge a future glory and a hell: the glory to be conjoined to the body, not only in the other life, but in this; pretending that by certain exercises, meditations, or, according to some authors, by certain chymical secrets, a person may renew his youth and childhood, and even become one of the ''Sien-jin'', that is, ''fortunate ones of the earth'', [or according to P. Du Halde] ''immortal men'', or ''flying immortals'', so called because they never die, but fly from one mountain to another. This sect also make some profession of belief in a metempsychosis. See P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 168.

See also on the above articles, P. Semedo, p. 99, 87. P. Du Halde, i. 646, 673, 675, &c. P. Magal. p. 74, &c.

Such is the best account of this subject which the Editor hath been able to collect from various writers concerning China, who are all of them very confused and obscure on this article. It may perhaps give the Reader the clearest notion of what the Chinese generally believe concerning the soul and a future state, to subjoin a few passages from the writings of the Chinese themselves in their own words.

"The reason [for setting up the image or tablet of a deceased ancestor, in order to reverence it] saith a Chinese writer quoted by P. Du Halde, is, because the soul or spirit of the dead being invisible, a child stands in need of a sensible object to put him in mind of his parents." Vol. 1. p. 300.

In a Chinese novel, given by the same author, it is said of a Mandarine's lady, "She fainted away, and remained a long while in that condition, as if her ''three souls'' had intirely left her." Vol. 2. p. 162.

In a memorial which a Mandarine makes to one of the Emperors, he thus apologizes for the freedom he had taken. "Being old and ready to join your father ''under the earth'', I would prevent the reproaches he would make me did I hold my peace." Ibid. vol. 1. pag. 567.

"Although I should not punish him, (saith the late Emperor Yong-ching in a declaration concerning one of his ministers) the soul of my father, ''which is in heaven'' [Lai-tien-chi-ting] doubtless sees clearly his criminal conduct, and will cause secretly to descend upon him the chastisement he deserves." Lettres edifiant. xxii. 194.

"By digging up the dead (saith a Mandarine in a public edict) by stealing their bones, and by mixing them with those of beasts, they would cause the ''souls of the defunct to cast forth bitter cries''." Lettres edifiant. xv. 131.

"If the person guilty of imbruing his hands in the blood of another, be not punished with death, (saith a Chinese author) the ghost [''manes lat.''] of him, who was murthered, and which cries for justice, will never be at rest." P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 155.

We may conclude this long note with observing, that no people are more superstitious than the Chinese in the article of apparitions, spectres, &c. and that they have a ridiculous opinion that the soul of a criminal, when he is executed, in passing out of the body falls upon the first persons it meets with, on whom it vents all its fury and loads with curses; especially those who have contributed to its punishment. And hence it is, that as soon as they see the stroke of death given, they run away with all their might. Lettres edifiant. xxvii. 398.

See also P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 584. n. 646, 671. vol. 2. p. 78, 84, 123, &c. Lettres edif. xv. 134.</ref>.

The very sight of the address of this petition threw the Grand Visitor into a cold sweat, and made him shudder. At first he was disposed to chide her severely for a precipitancy so fatal. But fearing it should drive her to extremities, he thought it better to sooth her with gentle speeches. "When I came here, said he, I was utterly ignorant of this affair. Kwo-khe-tzu drew me designedly into it. I thought I was doing a good action in promoting a marriage. It was out of friendship and benevolence that I interposed. I find I have been mistaken; and was misinformed as well about the consent of your father and mother, as about the intervention of the bridesman. Lady, proceeded he, return home to your house. Rest easy and quiet. Think no more of the tricks which have been played you: for I will set forth an order forbidding any one to molest you, or to concern themselves in any wise farther on the subject of your marriage. In return for which I must intreat you to dispatch a messenger away to bring back your petition." She replied, "To deliver out such an order as you mention is all I can expect or desire of your Excellency; and will be such a mark of your goodness as will deserve my best thanks. But how shall I cause my servant to return, when he hath been gone already three days on his journey?" "I will undertake to do that, answered he, if you will but give me a description of his person and dress." Then calling some of the most capable men of his audience, he dispatched them away, with an account of the person they were to pursue, commanding them to travel night and day with all imaginable speed, 'till they had overtook him and brought him back with the young lady's petition. She then took her leave, and went home in a chair, which the Grand Visitor had prepared for her. There at present we shall leave her and return to the Che-hien, Shuey-guwin, and his son-in-law, none of whom had the least notice of what had happened.

On the contrary the latter of these was very joyfully employed in preparing things for his wedding, and in choosing out a fortunate or good day. Of which, as soon as it was concluded on, he gave notice to her uncle; who accordingly went to acquaint her with it, and to give her joy. At this Shuey-ping-sin laughed, and said, "What do you mean by a good day, and by giving me joy? Do you mean in this world or the other<ref>In orig. ''Kin shih Lay shih''.</ref>?" Shuey-guwin replied, "Oh niece! you may make a jest of it to me: but you must not trifle with the Grand Visitor. Do you consider that he is a great Mandarine and whatever he says is the same as if spoken by the Emperor himself. He hath power over life and death<ref>It belongs to the Visitor to cause the sentences of death passed throughout the whole province to be put in execution: in order to which he assigns the city whither, on a day appointed, all those that are condemned shall be brought to him, and there he is presented with a list of their names: then taking his pencil he marks six or seven of them, (if he prick down more he is counted cruel) these are presently carried to execution, the rest returned to their respective prisons. It belongs also to this Mandarine to visit the walls, castles, &c. He sets forth with a great train and pomp, having banners carried before him, and other ensigns of majesty. This is usually performed every year. P. Semedo, pag. 129.

It seems to be this officer, whom P. Du Halde describes under the name of ''Ngan-cha-tse'' or ''The chief criminal judge of a province'', [vol. 2. p. 299.] But according to this last author, unless in some extraordinary cases, wherein the Emperor permits execution on the spot, no Mandarine, or even Superior Tribunal, can pronounce definitive sentence of death. The judgments passed on all persons for capital crimes are to be examined, agreed to and subscribed by the Emperor. The late Emperor Yong-chin gave orders in 1725, that none should be put to death till after his trial was presented to him three times. When the crime is very enormous, the Emperor in signing the dead warrant, adds: ''As soon as this order shall be received, let him be executed without delay.'' Otherwise he writes, ''Let him be kept in prison, 'till autumn and then executed.'' There being a day fixed in autumn, whereon all capital offenders are put to death throughout the empire. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 313.</ref>." She replied, "how should I make a jest of any thing to you, who are to me as a father. But the Grand Visitor that is now, is not the same that was the other day. He is quite changed, and become another person. To jest with the former is a thing of no consequence." "If you meant to make a jest of him, said her uncle, why did you accept the orders he issued out." "Uncle, said she, I took them merely to make a jest of them."

She had hardly spoke before a servant entered to acquaint her that the Grand Visitor had sent a paper of declaration. She asked of what nature. "Doubtless, said her uncle, it is to hasten the completion of your marriage. Let me go out and see what it contains." The young lady assented. He accordingly went into the great hall, and seeing the officers, asked them what they had to say to his niece. "I suppose it is to require her to prepare for her wedding." The officers told him it was not so. "Our master the Grand Visitor, said they, having been but a short time arrived, knew not how affairs stood with regard to the marriage of this young lady. He never suspected but she had licence from her father and mother to marry, and that the bridesman had been accepted. It was but yesterday he was informed of the truth. He now gives out this order and declaration, forbidding any one to concern himself or meddle with her, whether by laying claim to her, or otherwise forcing her to marry against her inclinations."

Shuey-guwin seeing the declaration and hearing what the officers said, was ready to die with fear, and utterly unable to answer one word: but taking the paper he went in and gave it to his niece. "Here, said he, is a declaration from the Grand Visitor; I know not what it contains." She accordingly opened it and read as follows.

: "Whereas the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye<ref>In the original his title is given at length, viz. ''The Ping-pu Shuey-she-lang''. That is, "Shuey, assistant to the tribunal of arms."

The administration of the Chinese government is chiefly managed by six sovereign courts at Pe-king, called ''Leu-pu'', whose power and authority extend over all the provinces of the empire. Each of these councils hath a president, whom they call ''Chang-shu'' (Written ''Cham-Xu'' and ''Xi-lam'', by P. Semedo, after the manner of the Portuguese; with whom X hath the sound of SH; and M of NG. The not attending to this hath caused strange confusion in the orthography of Chinese names. See Dion. Kao, p. 124. note. and Mod. Univ. Hist. ubi supra.), who is a Mandarine of the first rank. It hath also two assistants or assessors; one of the left hand, called ''Co-she-lang''; the other of the right, called ''Geu-she-lang''; these are Mandarines of the second order. Excepting only that of Co-lau, these are the highest and most profitable offices of the whole empire; so that when a Viceroy of any province, even the most principal, is to be preferred, he esteems himself well provided for, if he be but made assessor of one of these councils. Which are as follows:

1. ''Li-pu'', or tribunal of Mandarines. [See note p. 170.]
2. ''Hu-pu'', or tribunal of the treasury.
3. ''Li-pu'', or tribunal of rites. [See note p. 170.]
4. ''Ping-pu'', or tribunal of arms. [See vol. 1. note p. 69.]
5. ''Hing-pu'', or tribunal of crimes. [See vol. 3. chap. 7. note.]
6. ''Kong-pu'', or tribunal of public works.

Subordinate to these are forty-four Tribunals, each of which hath a President and at least six Councellors. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 248. P. Semedo, p. 124.

N.B. It may be proper to mention here once for all, that the Mandarines are throughout this history always mentioned either with the title of their office subjoined to their first name, as, "The Shuey-she-lang;" "The Tieh-tu-yuen;" "The Kwo-hio-tse;" "The Fung-ngan-yuen," &c. Or else with the addition only of ''Lao-ye''; as "Shuey-lao-ye," &c. [See note p. 184.] but to prevent confusion, the Editor hath chosen to retain every where their proper name only.</ref> when banished into a distant country, left at home one only daughter, who hath not yet been presented in marriage<ref>i.e. who hath never yet accepted any nuptial present, or offer of marriage. See note vol. 1. p. 90.</ref>; and whereas she, who is left thus alone and desolate, keepeth her house quietly in his absence, and observeth all the duties becoming a young woman: I hereby require and command the Che-foo and Che-hien to take particular care that she be no way molested; and that no one be suffered either by force or other unfair practice to endeavour to marry her. Upon the first notice that any presume to act contrary to this Order, let me be advised, and I shall prosecute them with the utmost rigour."

When she had read it, she smiled and said: "What is this to the purpose? This is not to frighten men but monkeys. However, as it is a proof of his good will, I shall esteem it a great favour." Then she ordered her servant to put two taels of silver in a red paper for the officers that brought the declaration, and five mace<ref>Two ''Taels'' are 13s. 4d.—Five ''Mace'' are 3s. 4d.</ref> for the officers' servant. These she delivered to her uncle to give them. Not knowing how to refuse her, he quietly went and presented it to them, with his niece's thanks. Then he came back to her and said, "You were not mistaken when you said this Mandarine would change his sentiments. It is certain he hath now done it. But how comes he, that was before so pressing for the conclusion of your marriage, to give out now so contrary an order? This is what I cannot comprehend." His niece replied, "Where is the difficulty in this matter? He was then but just arrived, and esteeming me a poor silly girl, thought it was of no consequence what became of me. Then he only regarded Kwo-khe-tzu. But being now better informed; and finding that should he persist to offer me injustice, it would endanger his office; he hath altered his measures." "Your father, said Shuey-guwin, is not at home to protect you. What can you do of yourself? Can he be afraid of you?" She smiled and said, "Uncle, you must ask no farther questions. In a few days you will be better informed."

Upon this he left her, his imagination being wholly busied in unravelling an affair which seemed to him of inscrutable intricacy. Unable to fathom so great a mystery, he went to inform Kwo-khe-tzu of it. To the latter it appeared so incredible, that he openly professed he could not believe it. "Do you think I would deceive you, said Shuey-guwin? Was not I there myself? And did not I give her present to the servants? If you have any doubt of it, I would have you apply to the Grand Visitor himself. This I would also advise you to do, in order to learn the motives of his conduct." This advice appeared so reasonable to Kwo-khe-tzu, that he ordered his chair and went immediately.

That Mandarine had hitherto received him with the greatest kindness; and notwithstanding the most urgent business, always had him admitted. But now he sent an excuse, and said he had so many petitions and other affairs to dispatch, that he could not see him. Finding he could not gain admittance, Kwo-khe-tzu bowed and withdrew. The next morning he presented himself again, but still was answered that the Grand Visitor was prevented from seeing him by unavoidable business. He returned four or five days successively, but constantly received the same excuse. Surprized at this change, and enraged at the repeated mortifications he met with, "I will send a letter, said he, to my father at court, and acquaint him of the abuse and contempt I receive."

He was very much provoked and mortified: but what farther relates to him will be seen at large in Book the Third.

''The End of Book the Second.''

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[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

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= Chapter 22: Fabricating Ghosts to Frighten a Beauty, Only to Make Her Burst Out Laughing =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Footnotes have been converted from the original endnote/footnote format to inline references.''

----

''[Volume II, Book II, Chapters VII-VIII]''

CHAP. VII.<ref>CHAP. IX. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

[p. 177] ALTHOUGH Tieh-chung-u was not a little offended at the impertinence of the old man and the Mandarine of the village, yet sometimes he could not forbear laughing at the ridiculous distress in which he was involved; and when supper was brought, made no scruple to eat and drink heartily: then ordering Stow-tan to get ready his bed, without any ceremony lay down to sleep.

The moon<ref>It may perhaps divert the Reader to mention here, that as our Rustics have fancied the dark shades in the Moon to represent a man with a bush, lanthorn and dog, &c. So the Chinese have conceived them to resemble a rabbit or hare pounding rice in a mortar. And in their first books, which are put into the hands of children, the Moon is so pictured. Again, as we paint the Sun with a human face, the Chinese represent it by a cock within a circle, &c. Vide plura apud P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 374. et al. auth.</ref> at this time was near [p. 178] the full and shone very bright: now it happened that he awoke about midnight, and opening his eyes, saw very clearly, Thao-chie sitting on his bedside; who perceiving him to stir, stretched forth her hand to embrace him. Upon which he started and said, "Forbear, woman! How can you offer at an indecency so ill becoming your sex?" This said, he turned himself about again to sleep. The girl was so confounded at this rebuke that she answered not a word; but went and laid her [p. 179] self down near the feet of the bed. Lee-thay-cong, who did not sleep a wink all night, but sat watching without, heard him reprimand the girl for her forwardness: by which he clearly perceived him to be a modest and virtuous youth; and no way inclined to any thing bad.<ref>"Clean and free from any thing bad." Translator's MS.</ref>

"I am now convinced, said he to himself, that this woman's running away was all her own contrivance. The stranger is faultless, and I have certainly wronged him." For which reason he would gladly have set him at liberty; but reflecting that he was the Mandarine's prisoner and committed to his custody, he contented himself with saying, "To-morrow, when we go be- [p. 180] fore the audience, I will endeavour to set the matter right."

At break of day the old man carried with him a purse of money, and went to the Mandarine to desire him to drop the affair, and not bring it before a superior tribunal. The Mandarine [willing to shew his power] answered him sternly, "Did you send me hither, or invest me with this office, that I am to be directed by you in the execution of it? The order<ref>The Chin. MS.</ref> was written out last night, and you must all go this morning before the Tao-yee. Come; come; let us set out." The old man seeing there was no remedy, brought the persons in his custody [p. 181] and attended the Mandarine; who set out with them followed by a great crowd of people.

Now it happened to be the birth-day of the Tao-yee, and a great number of Mandarines were come to visit him in compliment to the occasion: but as the trumpets had only sounded the first time,<ref>Near the great gate of a Mandarine's palace are two small towers, wherein are drums and other instruments of music; on which they play at different hours of the day, especially when the Mandarine goes in or out, or ascends the tribunal. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 284.

When they sound the first time, the Mandarines, &c. who wait without to receive orders, are to be in readiness: when the second time, they go in to do business: when the third time, the gates are shut again. Transl.

N. B. It is a usual compliment to a Governor, &c. on his birth-day for all the other Mandarines of the place to visit him. At the same time the [p. 182] principal inhabitants of his district frequently go in a body and salute him at his palace. When the latter are admitted into his presence, one of them taking wine lifts it up on high, and with both hands offers it to the Mandarine, and says aloud by way of wish; "This is the wine that brings good luck." "This is the wine that brings long life." Then another presents sweetmeats, saying, "This the sugar of long life," &c. This ceremony is afterwards repeated by the rest. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. 294.</ref> and the gates were not yet thrown open, they were all waiting without. When therefore they saw the concourse of people coming, they sent to know what was the matter: and were told that a young man had run away with another person's concubine. The people that were present asked him, how he, who seemed to be a gentleman, could be capable of such an action. Tieh-chung-u made them no answer. Then they asked the girl if that was the person, who had inticed her away. She replied, [p. 183] "Yes; it was he who persuaded me to do it." This answer she gave to every one that asked her; which did not a little please the Mandarine of the village. It happened that at the same time arrived the Pao Che-bien,<ref>He is here mentioned with his surname prefixed to that of his office. Transl.</ref> from whom Tieh-chung-u had so lately parted. He likewise was come to visit the Tao-yee, and to compliment him on the occasion of the day. As he came out of his chair, he looked round and saw the crowd that was gathered about the youth. Upon which he sent to the Mandarine of the village<ref>In the original, "Zhe-quan, or little Mandarine of the village."

Mandarine, or rather Mandarin, is a Portu- [p. 184] guese word signifying commander; from Mandar (q. a mandare Lat.) to rule, command, &c. Under this general appellation the Portuguese (who first entered China) have comprehended all the degrees of Chinese magistrates and officers, military and civil. In the language of the country they have the title of Quan or Quan-fu, Ruler, President, from their authority; and that of Lao- (or Lau-) yee, i. e. Lord or Master, on account of their quality. This last is properly the title of Literati of the first rank, whether in any employment, or not, but is sometimes given in compliment to others: even Shuey-guwin is in the original of Page 124, mentioned by a servant under the name of Shuey-u-lao-yee. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. 2, &c. Lettres edif. vol. iii. 132.</ref> to inquire what was the matter, and [p. 185] why they crowded so about that young gentleman? He came up and told him, that he had been taken along with a young woman, whom he had seduced; and that having been brought before him, he was willing to carry him to a higher tribunal. When the Che-hien heard this, he was very angry and said, "It is false. I do not believe it. Some villainous trick is played him. Do you know that his name is Tieh-chung-u, son of the Tu-cha-yuen or Superior of the viceroys.<ref>Although the Translator's interpretation of this Title hath every where been retained, it seems to be inaccurate. Tu-cha-yuen is the name of a tribunal; the Mandarines that compose it, being controllers of the court and all the empire. Tieh-ying was probably either president or first assessor of this tribunal. The former of these is equal in dignity to the president of the six superior tribunals, and is a Mandarine of the second order: and the first assessor is of the third, &c. Their employment is to take care, both at court and over all the empire, that the laws and good customs are observed; that the Mandarines perform their functions justly and truly; and that all the people do their duty. They punish slight faults in their own tribunals, but great offences they report to the Emperor. It is from this court that every three or four years visitors are dispatched over all the empire. P. Magal. p. 222. Lettres edif. xxv. 253, 255.</ref> He was at my city, and was pressed to marry a young lady of the first rank there, which for par- [p. 186] ticular reasons he declined: And is it likely that he would come to a paultry village and take up with such a dirty thing as this? No: there is some villainy at the bottom." "I know nothing of that, said the other: but he was brought before me by the old man, who was injured: and the woman herself accuses him of being the cause of her elopement. However I have not pretended to determine any thing about it: and for that reason have brought them hither."

The Pao Che-hien then ordered his people to look out for a convenient place, where he might sit down and examine into the matter.<ref>A Mandarine may in some cases act out of his own district, and can inflict the Bastinado [p. 187] any where; in the street, upon the road, or wherever he finds occasion. See P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 311. Lettres edifiant. Rec. 22. p. 244. P. Le Compte, tom. 2. p. 28. P. Semedo, p. 240.</ref> When he was seated he said to the youth, "You have but just now left my city: how is it that you have caused this crime to be laid to your charge?" Upon which he told him all that had happened. "Well, said the other; and did not you inquire the name of the young man, whom you met with this woman?" "He replied, I did. He is cousin to the old man, and his name is Suan-yin." When the Che-hien heard this, he called for Lee-thay-cong and the girl; and reprimanded the for- [p. 188] mer, saying, "Are not you ashamed, thus advanced in years, to take so young a creature to be your concubine? You were unable to manage and govern her, so she struck up an intimacy with your cousin and would have run away with him. And now when people have endeavoured to restore her to you, you abuse them for it. Is it thus you repay the services which are done you? Your age protects you or I would have you bastinadoed.<ref>The Bastinado may be called the daily bread of the Chinese, being inflicted on all ranks and on all occasions: it is bestowed on the bare breech with an instrument many feet long, called Pan-tse, being a thick piece of split Bambu (a hard massy and heavy sort of cane) which is rendered flat on one side and broad as one's hand. If the number of blows does not exceed twenty, it is esteemed a fatherly correction, and not at all [p. 189] disgraceful: for the Emperor himself causes it to be inflicted on persons of distinction, and behaves to them afterwards as usual. A very small matter will incur this fatherly chastisement, as the giving abusive language, a few blows with the fist, &c. After the correction is over they are to kneel at the feet of their judge, bow their bodies three times to the earth, and thank him for his care of them.

When a Mandarine sits in judgment he hath before him on a table, a Case full of small Sticks or Tallies, and is attended by officers called Upz, holding these cudgels in their hands rested on the ground: who when the Mandarine throws down these tallies, seize the offender, lay him on his face on the ground, pull his drawers over his heels, and give him alternately five blows a-piece for every tally on his bare skin. In slight cases the offender may by a dexterous bribe procure them to lay their blows on lightly: or even hire others to receive them in his stead.

When they are laid on very severely before [p. 190] the great tribunals, seventy, or eighty blows will dispatch a person, and many die under them. (P. Semedo.) At other times 200 have been received without loss of life. (Lettres edifiant xix. 69.)

A Mandarine never stirs abroad without being attended by these Lictors, and if a person does not dismount when he passes by, or happens to cross his road, &c. he is sure to receive five or six blows, which are over in a moment.

Parents give this correction to their children, Pedagogues to their scholars, and Masters to their servants: for they never use whips.

All kinds of punishment, &c. begin with this as their first course, and it is so common, that all bestow it, all receive it, and all have felt it. So that as Japan is said to be governed by the Catana or scimitar, China may be said to be ruled by the Pan-tse or Battoon.

P. Semedo, p. 141, &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 311. P. Le Compte, tom. 2. p. 60. Lettres edifiant. Rec. 19. p. 437.</ref> Tieh-chung-u interceded for him and the young woman, and desired they might be released: which was immediately granted. After which the little Mandarine of the village came up and made his reverence, asking pardon for what he had done.

Then the Che-hien said to the young gentleman, "Yesterday I was desirous you should stay with me longer, but could not succeed. To-day I have the good fortune to meet with you again, and as you are detained by this [p. 191] accident, I hope now you will spend a day or two with me." The other told him he was so complaisant he knew not how to refuse him. The Mandarine charmed with his compliance, said, "With your leave then, I will go and present my compliments to the Tao-yee, and instantly come back to you."

When he had given his present to that magistrate and wished him joy on his birth-day, he returned home with Tieh-chung-u and made a splendid entertainment for him. When they were at table<ref>Anciently the Chinese used neither Tables nor Chairs, but sate and eat squat on the floor, like all the other Eastern Nations: but ever since the dynasty of Han (which ended about 180 [p. 192] years before CHRIST) they have used both Chairs and Tables: of which they have many very beautiful and of several fashions. At their great Entertainments, every guest hath set before him a little neat square Table beautifully japanned, on which are served the several dishes designed for him, either in bowls of the same japanned stuff, or of china. In some cases, when the great number of guests constrains them, they set two to each table. These Tables are set off in the fore-part with silk ornaments of needle-work or pieces of linen, hanging down from the edge: but have neither table cloths nor napkins. For the Chinese never touch their meat with their hands, neither use knives, forks, nor spoons; but only two small Sticks of ivory or ebony tipped with silver: all their meat being minced small. These Sticks are called by the Chinese Quay-tse, and by some of our Voyagers Chopsticks, which they manage so dexterously that they can take up a grain of rice with them. How they contrive to eat soup with them will be shewn in a future note. P. Semedo, p. 66, &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 299, 301, &c. Mod. Univ. Hist. viii. 277.</ref> he every now and then made the fair Shuey-ping-sin the subject of his discourse: which was ever in her praise. "Sir, said the youth, all you say of [p. 193] her is but just. I now look upon you as my friend, and shall tell you one thing very truly. When I saw her the first time at your audience, her beauty made the deepest impression on my heart. But afterwards when my ill fortune involved me in trouble, and she was pleased to take me into her house, where she treated me with all the tenderness of a sister: then was I forced to relinquish my hopes. For my having been her guest so long hath caused a suspicion, which, although at present it seems forgotten, would not fail to revive, should such a marriage take place; and we should both be involved in disgrace and unhappiness. Do not urge me therefore any more on this subject, lest you [p. 194] cause me to take an oath to you, that I never will think of it. After what hath passed, to prosecute this marriage would be against all good order." The Che-hien urged him no farther on the subject. When therefore they both had drank till midnight, they retired to rest.

In the morning when Tieh-chung-u was about to prosecute his journey, the Pao Che-hien ordered his servants to bring him twelve shoes, or pieces of silver;<ref>Our merchants give the name of Shoes to those wedges or oblong pieces, into which the Chinese commonly cast their gold. [See notes, vol. 4. pag. 109. & pag. 153.] but it is not usual with them to give this name to their wedges of silver: however there is no doubt but these are meant by the expression in the Text.

N. B. These "shoes of silver" are perhaps the same with what Kaempfer calls "Shuers of silver:" one of which, he says, weighs about five ounces, and is worth about a pound of sterling. See Hist. of Japan page 318.</ref> which he presented to the young [p. 195] gentleman in order to defray his expences on the road. When he would have returned him thanks, he prevented him, saying, "This is not worth mentioning: I only desire you to hear me a word or two. You must not go travelling about the world in this manner. You had better return to your house, and pass your time with books in study. And when the day of examination arrives, you may come to be made a great doctor, and have your name famous throughout the world. But if you proceed in your present method, you will never acquire reputation and glory." "Sir, said the youth, I thank you for your good counsel; and shall not forget it." Then bidding adieu to each other, they parted.

[p. 196] When Tieh-chung-u was got upon the road, he could not help reflecting on the change so visible in the Che-hien's behaviour: and especially on the earnestness with which he had urged him to prosecute the marriage. "Is it, said he to himself, from any private views of his own, or from a sincere inclination to serve me? Whatever were his intentions, I have said nothing that can bear an ill construction." Then he reflected on the lovely features and fine person of Shuey-ping-sin; as well as on her great ingenuity and sense. "What a capacity must she [p. 197] possess, would he say; to extricate herself out of so much danger? Again, what goodness must she have, when I had left her house so abruptly upon the discourse of her uncle without taking leaving of her, that she did not resent it: but on the contrary sent me a present for my journey? Another woman would have been highly affronted at my going away in so unhandsome a manner. Whoever can obtain her will be very happy. I am the most unlucky of all mankind. Had I been fortunate, I should have come to the [p. 198] city where she lives like myself, without any disturbance; Then I might have heard of her in such a manner, as with a good grace to have proposed a treaty of marriage, and might perhaps have succeeded. But as my acquaintance commenced with her through trouble and misfortune, there is no touching upon such a subject. I am very unhappy. Her age is exceeding suitable, and so is her condition and temper to mine." As he was going on in this pensive manner, his servant intreated him to mind his way, which they should be in danger of losing, and begged of him not to be so much cast down. "Siow-tan, said he, I was thinking of Shuey-ping-sin, what a lovely and what a sensible lady she is: and how great is my misfortune not to have known her but through troubles and disturbance.<ref>The Chinese expression is, "Through troublesome times."</ref> Were I to search the world through, I should never meet with one of so many perfections, and such transcendent goodness." "I believe, Sir, said he, her equal is not be found under heaven.<ref>In the original it is, "Under the copes of Heaven."</ref>" [p. 199] "Now, said his master, I will go home and stay a year, and when the examination is held, will offer myself a candidate. If I come off with credit and success, I shall have fulfilled my duty to my father and mother. Whether I am promoted to an office or not, I shall be unconcerned, provided I can but acquire a name. Then will Shuey-ping-sin hear of it, and be convinced how steadily I adhere to my word, and how punctually I follow the advice she gave me."

Having confirmed himself in these resolutions, he put forward on the [p. 200] road towards the city of Tah-ming, the place of his birth.

CHAP. VIII.

[p. 200] SHUEY-PING-SIN having sent her servant with a present of money and sweetmeats [as was before related] was not a little impatient, when she found he did not return. Her fears suggested some mischief had happened, so that she was plunged in great anxiety and concern, till the afternoon, when her mes- [p. 201] senger came back. She inquired the reason of his stay, and was informed that the young stranger was but just departed from the city: that her present had been delivered to him, and that with it he had hired a mule for his journey. She asked what he had said at his departure. Then Shuey-yeong faithfully related all that he was ordered to report. She said nothing to him farther at that time, but bidding him refresh himself retired to her apartment. When she was alone, she reflected, that although Tieh-chung-u had met with disturbance on her account, she had made him all the returns in her power: that he was now fully recovered, and was no longer involved in trouble for her sake. This gave her a satisfaction, which was alone interrupted by her fears of some new attack from Kwo-khe-tzu and her uncle: to prevent and obviate these would, she thought, require her attention.

[p. 202] Shame for the ill success of his schemes had kept Shuey-guwin for some days from her house; when one morning she saw him enter with a visible satisfaction in his countenance. He came up and asked if she had heard the news. "How should I who am a woman and live recluse, she answered, know what passes abroad in the world?" He replied, "I will tell you. When you brought home to your house the young stranger Tieh, I thought so highly of him, as to propose him to you for a husband. Your steady refusal was a great proof of your judgment and penetration. If you had consented, you would have been very unhappy. Whom could you believe this stranger to be?" She replied, "I know nothing of him or his family. But his discourse and actions shewed him to [p. 203] be a man of sense and honour." Her uncle affected to laugh at this very heartily: "Ay, ay! said he, a man of great sense and honour to be sure! You have always discovered great discernment hitherto. Your eyes were like the sun. How came they now to be so eclipsed? Tieh-chung-u is an impostor; his pretended sickness was all a cheat. What ill intentions he had, I know not: but you are very lucky, that he did nothing here to involve you in disgrace. The pitcher goes often up and [p. 204] down the well, but is broken at last.<ref>The Translator hath here subjoined the original words, Wauh quoan poo ly tzhing shan se. The Reader will remark the difference between this proverb and its correspondent one with us, ''The pitcher goes many times to the well, but comes home broken at last.''

The Chinese apply their Earthen-ware to more uses than we, but we are not to suppose that it is all of that kind, which we call China-ware or Porcelain. This is even with them a dear and valuable commodity. They have many sorts of common potters ware made all over the empire; but this last is manufactured only at one place called King-te-ching. This is a large town in the province of Kiang-si, three miles long and containing near a million of souls: which hath something so peculiar in the temper of the air or quality of the waters, that although none of the principal ingredients are found in its neighbourhood, the Manufacture could never be made to succeed any where else.

P. Dentrecolles a French Jesuit hath obliged the world with a very ingenious and exact Description of the whole process, from which and the other authors referred to below, we shall extract such an account as may answer all the purposes of amusement.

The Chinese call this curious ware Tse-ki. Its name of Porcelain is derived from the Portuguese, with whom Porcellana signifies a cup, or bason, or saucer; and was first applied to those white glossy shells called Cowries, which past for money on the coast of Africa; and afterwards to China-ware, probably from an opinion that it might be composed of them.

[p. 205] This fine manufacture is of so long standing among the Chinese, that their oldest records mention nothing of its inventor or discovery. The town abovementioned hath been famous for making it upwards of thirteen hundred years.

There are, exclusive of the colours, three principal ingredients in china: these are a dry Earth, a moist Clay, and a stony Oil.

The first is a kind of stone, of a very fine grain, ground to powder, which being mixed with water and reduced to a cream, is brought to the consistence of paste.

The second is a kind of fullers earth, of a greyish white, full of shining particles. These two are brought to King-te-ching, in the form of bricks: the former of them is called by the Chinese, "the flesh" and "the latter the bones" of the china.

The third ingredient is the oil, which is drawn from a particular stone by a very curious process, and mixed with another liquid extracted from lime and fern ashes. The former are the materials of which china is composed; the latter, the varnish which gives it the glossy whiteness.

[p. 206] It would be useless to trace the work through all the different hands of the manufacturers: let it suffice to say, that their first care is to prepare the materials to the highest degree of fineness and purity, a hair or grain of sand being sufficient to spoil the piece it is in. The materials are then delivered over to the Potters, where it passes from wheel to wheel and from hand to hand; one applying it to the mold, another thinning it with the chizzel, a third smoothing the edges: thus a cup or saucer shall sometimes pass through seventy hands before it is compleated; each of which uses such dispatch, that a workman at the wheel requires but three deniers [half a farthing] for twenty-six pieces.

From these it passes to be painted and varnished with the oil abovementioned. Of the Painters, one strikes the circle at the edge, a second sketches the figures, which are painted by a third, &c.

Last of all it is sent to the furnace, of which there are not less than three thousand in King-te-ching.

"I have been surprized, says P. Dentrecolles, to see a porter ballance upon his shoulders two long narrow boards ranged with china-ware, and pass through so many crouded streets without breaking them. It is true, people are careful to avoid hitting them never so little; for in that case they would [p. 207] be obliged to make good the damage; but still it is surprizing that he can preserve his equilibrium."*

''* Not the Porter as it is absurdly expressed in P. Du Halde, Eng. vol. 1. p. 349.''

When brought to the oven the china is inclosed in earthen cases; one or more pieces in a case: which are afterwards piled up within the oven in such a manner, that the bottom of one serves for a cover to the top of another.

The Ovens or Furnaces are each about twelve feet high, and twenty-four wide; and will require at one baking one hundred and eighty burdens [charges fr.] of wood. At first the oven is heated for a day and a night: the fire is afterwards kept up by two men, who relieve each other and throw in wood. The Chinese are of opinion that the whole mass is reduced to a state of fluidity, which they infer from hence, that if a small copper coin** be put on the top of one of the piles in the furnace, it will pierce all the cases and vessels, so that each will have a hole in the middle. When the ware is baked, &c. they discontinue the fire, and keep the door of the oven shut for some time. It is afterwards taken out for sale.

''** N. B. No kind of metal can be made to incorporate with Porcelain.''

[p. 208] After so much care and labour, we are not to wonder that fine china-ware is dear in Europe, especially if we add, that few bakings succeed quite well, and that often the whole is lost, the ware and cases being reduced to a substance as solid as a rock. Too fierce a fire, or insufficient cases, may spoil all. Thus a hundred workmen are ruined for one that gets rich; to which the rigorous demands of the Emperor and the Mandarines do not a little contribute. These often require works impossible to be performed.

Every trade in China hath its tutelar deity; and that of the Potters owes its original to the following accident. The Emperor sent down models, which after many vain attempts the workmen humbly represented it was not possible to execute: they received no other answer but blows, and still more pressing instances: at last one of the workmen in despair threw himself into the burning oven and was consumed in an instant. The china-ware then baking, it is said proved perfectly fine, and entirely to the Emperor's liking. The desperado became an hero, and was thenceforth worshipped as the divinity presiding over the Porcelain works, under the name of Pu-sa.

[p. 209] Although the Chinese Workmen cannot execute all the models which are brought them, yet they compleat many surprizing works: thus we are told they cannot make square Slabs of china of one piece big enough for the top of a table, or seat, or picture-frame, &c: the largest they can attain to being but about a foot square, all exceeding that are sure to warp; yet P. Dentrecolles assures us that he hath seen a large Lanthorn, like that of a ship, all of china, through which one candle enlightened a whole room. He tells us also that they make Flutes, Flagelets, and other musical instruments of porcelain; as likewise Ducks and Tortoises to float on the water: and that he hath seen a Cat so painted to the life, with a lamp placed in its head to represent the eyes, that Rats were frightened at it. The same Writer informs us that they have made Urns, which have cost more than eighty crowns a piece at the furnace.

To conclude this long Note, we are told the Chinese are almost as curious in European glasses and crystals, &c.*** as we are in china-ware: and that if a fondness for Old china prevails [p. 210] among our Virtuosos, it is carried to still greater height in China, where the smallest utensil which is of great antiquity will fetch an extravagant price. It is believed that the superior beauty and excellence of the ancient china, was owing to their taking greater time to mature and prepare their materials, than the present quick demands from Europe will allow them.

''*** The Chinese Mirrours are of polished steel. P. Du Halde 1. 196. Lettres edifiant. xxviii. 194.''

See Lettres edifiant. Rec. 12. p. 258--360. Rec. 16. p. 320--366. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 338--353. Mod. Univ. Hist. vol. 8. p. 243, &c. See also a curious memoir on this subject in Harris's voyages, &c. ii. 940.</ref> He had no sooner left this city, but coming to the village Tong-chin he was guilty of a very scandalous action." She eagerly inquired, "What he had [p. 206] done?" "He went into the house, said he, of a rich man there, who had a [p. 207] beautiful concubine, of whom he was very fond. What brought him there I [p. 208] know not, but Tieh-chung-u carried this woman away. The rich men in the [p. 209] villages, have a greater authority over the inhabitants, than those of the city; So that a great many people were dispatched after them, who overtook them both together; when they came up with [p. 210] them, blows ensued, in consequence of which they beat him till he was almost killed. Then they carried him before the Mandarine of the village. There he disputed with, and so provoked that magistrate, that he gave out an order to carry him before the Tao-yee. The result I have not heard: but when he came before that audience, I doubt not but he would let fall some provoking word, and procure himself to be beat so severely, as not to survive it."

[p. 211] "Pray, Sir, said Shuey-ping-sin, how came you to know all this?" He replied, "The Che-hien having been to pay his compliments<ref>The Chinese Expression is, "Having been to wish him a good feast."

Feasting is a very important article among the Chinese. There is no meeting, departure or arrival; no prosperous event, nor occasion of grief, but what is subject matter for an entertainment either of welcome or farewell, congratulation or condolence. At their grand feasts it is common to have twenty or twenty-four [little] dishes [chiefly of ragoo] served up one after another on each table, none of which are removed till all is over. Between every seven or eight dishes they bring in Soup either of flesh or fish, with a sort of small loaves or pies, which they take with their Chop-sticks, dip into the soup and eat without any ceremony: all the rest is conducted in great form.

The French, who have refined so much on the art of eating, are far out-done by the Chinese cooks. With nothing but the Beans which grow in their country, and with the meal of Rice and Corn, together with Spices and Herbs, they can prepare a great many dishes very different from each other.

[p. 212] The Chinese are not only fond of hogs-flesh, &c. but of that of horses and dogs; which are not rejected by the common people, tho' they die of age or disease. Even Cats, Rats, and such like animals, are sold openly by the butchers. And here it may be observed, that the beef is sold there without any bones, these being always first taken out.

But the most delicious food of all are stags pizzles, birds nests, and bears claws. The first are dried in the sun in summer and rolled in pepper and nutmeg: before they are dressed they are soaked in rice-water to make them soft, and, after being boiled in the gravy of a kid, are seasoned with various spices. The birds nests are commonly found on the rocks along the coasts of Tonquin, &c. and are built by birds not unlike the swallow; they are supposed to make them with little sea-fishes cemented by the scum of the sea and some viscous juice, which distils from their backs. These nests contract a transparent solidity and greenish hue when dried; and resemble the rind of a large candied citron in shape and size: mixed with other meats they give them a very agreeable relish. The bears paws, of which the hindmost are in highest esteem, are stripped of their skin and preserved like stags pizzles.

See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 298--303. p. 314. Lettres edifiant. xi. 250. P. Semedo, p. 4, 65. Mod. Univ. Hist. viii. 277.</ref> to that Man- [p. 213] darine, all his people give this account." His niece upon this, laughed and said, "Why do you tell me, that Tieh-chung-u is a bad man and a cheat? If you should come and report that CON-FU-CEE<ref>Confucius. See above note pag. 116.</ref> was guilty of murder; what were that to me?" "It is true, said her uncle, this is nothing to you. I only tell you a fact I have heard. I could not but be sorry to see you receive a person into your house, whom you neither knew, nor whence he was. If you would look out for men that are truly wise and learned, you should go nearer home; where their characters and families are well known; where you may easily be informed what studies they follow, and what repute they are in for their learning." "Uncle, said [p. 214] she, although what you have been telling me were true, I am no way concerned in it; nor is it any business of mine to enter upon its confutation. Yet such is the opinion I have of that young gentleman, and such proofs have I seen of his integrity and worth, that I am persuaded this is a malicious and groundless calumny." "This young man, he replied, is no enemy of mine. Why then should I report this, if it were not true? It was related to me thus, by the Che-hien's people. You are mistaken therefore if you think him an honest man; you might as well say, The yellow river is clear.<ref>The second river in China is the Whang-HO, or (as it written by the Portuguese with whom it hath the nasal sound of N G) Hoam-HO*, i. e. [p. 215] the yellow River, which rises not far from the source of the Ganges in the Tartarian mountains west of China, and having run through it with a course of more than six hundred leagues, discharges itself into the eastern sea. It hath its name from a yellow mud, which always stains its water, and which after rains composes a third part of its quantity. The Watermen clear it for use by throwing in alum. The Chinese say, its waters cannot become clear in a thousand years; whence it is a common proverb among them for any thing which is never likely to happen, "When the yellow river shall run bright."

This river is in some places half a league over, and every where so rapid, that it would make terrible ravages if the Chinese did not restrain it with very strong dykes, one of which is ten leagues long: they are even said to have turned its current out of one province into another.

Vid. Martin. Atlas Sin. p. 14. P. Le Compte, tom. 1. p. 169. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 40, 326. Lettres edifiant. vii. 170, &c.

''* Not Hoambo, as it is erroneously given in Mod. Univ. Hist. viii, &c. in Lockman's Jesuites travels, ii. 57, and in many other books.''</ref>" "Till I see it with my own [p. 216] eyes, she replied, I shall still deem him incapable of any thing base. This story is incredible: It cannot be. Perhaps it was some one, who resembled him in person, that was taken for him. Uncle, be so good as to make farther inquiry into this affair: and if you find it to be, as you have related, I will venture to give up both my eyes. For certain I am, that he cannot have been guilty of so dishonourable a thing." Shuey-guwin laughed and said, "I would not have you lose your eyes, but keep them in their places. However, to convince you, I will go again and inquire; and when you find it true, how will you be able to look me in the face?" "I rather believe, Sir, said she, you will be ashamed to see me, when you find you are mistaken."

[p. 217] Shuey-guwin was a little piqued at her answer, and hasted to the Che-hien's audience. He inquired of the officers. Some said that Tieh-chung-u was guilty. Others believed he was falsely accused. At last he met with one who had been present at the examination. From him he learnt the whole truth of the matter. Shuey-guwin was so ashamed of his mistake, that he did not venture at first to return to his niece. "This girl, said he, is as cunning as a witch. She is mistaken in nothing. What shall I now do to get clear of this affair? I will go and consult Kwo-khe-tzu." To his house he repaired; where he told him all that had passed, and how [p. 218] ashamed he should be to contradict his story. "Sir, and father-in-law, he replied, you are surely a saint. Who in these days, beside yourself, makes any scruple of reporting a fact, as they would have it? Who scruples to say the thing that is not?<ref>In the original, "They will make any thing dead to be alive."</ref> Tieh-chung-u hath given us a good handle, and shall not we make a song or history of him? There are those, who can convert the least shadow into substance; and if they catch hold of a word, will compose a volume." "You say true, replied the other: but whom shall we get to draw up this ballad?" "Who should do it but myself, said Kwo-khe-tzu? Am not I a student? I can do that surely!" Shuey- [p. 219] guwin said, "If you will do it, it will be very sufficient." "But although I should compose this song, said the other, I do not chuse to write it." "That, replied his father-in-law, may be performed by another hand. To procure it to be written shall be my care. Come, let us see what you will make of it." Kwo-khe-tzu stood a little to recollect himself, and thus began.<ref>In the Translator's M.S. there is left a blank of a page and half in folio for this curious lampoon, which it must have been entertaining to have seen, as a specimen of Chinese satire.</ref>

Kwo-khe-tzu having repeated the foregoing lines, Shuey-guwin, who had listened to them with great attention, clapped his hands and cried out, "Excellent! Excellently good! But I am afraid, said he, from the particular [p. 220] manner of the description, my niece will scarcely believe they are of any body's composing but our own." "Let her think so, if she pleases, replied the other; that signifies nothing." Shuey-guwin procured a person to write them; and then took them with him: but before he went, the other said to him, "If your niece will be influenced in my favour by those lines, it will be well. If not, I shall soon be able to plague her; for in a short time there will come a Ngan-yuen or Grand Visitor into this province,<ref>Beside the Viceroy, there is sent occasionally into each of the Provinces, says P. Magalhaens, a Visitor called Ngan-tai or Ngan-yuen*. His office continues but for one year, and is very [p. 221] formidable. He takes cognizance of all causes criminal and civil; of the militia, revenue, &c. He visits, inquires and informs himself of every thing. He receives the accusations of the people against all their governors, not excepting the Viceroy himself. The inferior Mandarines he punishes or cashiers: he gives in a memorial against the greater, and they are immediately suspended from the function of their offices till an answer comes from court.

Besides this, there are often private Inspectors, or Spies, sent into the provinces to observe the conduct of the Mandarines, and to report them accordingly.

It is easy to conceive what excellent purposes these institutions might answer; but these good ends are too often defeated by the corruption and avarice of the officers, who are seldom found proof against bribes and presents, notwithstanding the risk they run in taking them.

P. Magal. p. 241. P. Semedo, p. 129. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. 258, &c.

N. B. We are told by some authors, that since the conquest of the Tartars, it having been found that the Spies or private Inspectors men- [p. 222] tioned above abused their trust, these have been laid aside. However the Mandarines are obliged to transmit from time to time to court a full and just account of their administration, noting all the miscarriages and mismanagements laid to their charge; and in case they are found to have concealed or palliated them, they are liable to be severely punished. See Mod. Univ. Hist. viii. 148, &c.

''* Called Cha-yuen, by P. Semedo, probably from the tribunal which dispatches them. See note above pag. 185.''</ref> who was a pupil of my father's. Him will I get to oblige her to marry me. And as your brother hath no son, instead of [p. 222] bringing her home to my house, I will go and solemnize the marriage at her own.<ref>This is frequently the Chinese custom in such circumstances.</ref> Then what tricks will she find to evade it?" Here Shuey-guwin started, and said, "I thought, at first, you only wanted my niece. Now I find you would have all she is possessed of. I cannot consent to this. You must carry her home, otherwise her [p. 223] house and effects will be yours; nor will it be in my power to handle then so much as a straw." "Sir, and father-in-law, said Kwo-khe-tzu, can you think I have any thing in view beside your niece? You cannot but know I want for nothing. I am son of a prime minister; and have every thing at command. As for your brother's house, when I am once possessed of his daughter, you may depend on that and all that belongs to it." "I am satisfied, said the other, I will go and carry the verses to my niece. If she acquiesces, it is well. If she scolds, or is angry, I will give her a hint about the Grand Visitor. And whatever she says, I will come and impart to you." "Well, go then, replied the youth; I will wait here till you bring me an answer."

[p. 224] What the young lady says to this, we must look for in the next chapter.

<references/>

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= Chapter 21: A Single Word Gives Offense: Departing Without Waiting for the Carriage =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Footnotes have been converted from the original endnote/footnote format to inline references.''

----

''[Volume II, Book II, Chapters V-VI]''

CHAP. V.<ref>Chap. VIII. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

THE ''Che-bien'', having reflected on all that ''Shan-yeo'' had reported to him concerning the conduct of the two young persons, became very much attached to them, and made them the subject of his discourse to all his friends and acquaintance: esteeming himself happy in having two such characters in a city under his jurisdiction.

As for ''Shuey-guwin'', finding there was no longer any room for suspicion, and that the ''Che-bien'' was satisfied of their innocence, he began to reason thus with himself: "Although I have hitherto been so desirous to marry my niece to ''Kwo-khe-tzu'', it was not so much from a desire to serve him, as myself, by getting possession of her house and furniture. There is no probability now that this match will ever take place. On the other hand, notwithstanding her prudent and irreproachable conduct towards this young stranger, it cannot but be thought she hath a great regard for him. If it were not for virgin modesty, I doubt not but she would be glad to receive his offers of marriage. I think therefore I cannot do her a more acceptable service, than to propose him to her for a husband. If she accepts of him I shall still come into possession of her effects."

Full of these hopes he hasted to his niece by the private door, and addressed her as follows. "It is a common saying, ''A drum if it be not beat gives no noise''; and ''A bell if it be not struck upon returns no sound''. It is also said, ''Whoever hath sore eyes will see clearly in ten days if he let them alone to cure themselves''<ref>The application of these Proverbs is obvious. The two First seem intended to introduce what he is about to mention on the subject of marriage, which without his interposing would be likely to continue dormant. By the Other he insinuates that her conduct had justified and cleared up itself.

It may be observed of the Last of these Proverbs, that no People are more subject to blindness than the Chinese, which is by some attributed to their feeding on Rice.

Of the Former it may be remarked, that the Chinese divide the night into five Watches, each about two hours long; of which they give notice in the cities by incessantly beating either on a large Drum or Bell, or both: the first watch being denoted by one stroke which is repeated every moment, the second watch by two strokes, &c. The city Drum at Pe-king is said to be fifteen cubits diameter. Their Bells are also large masses of metal, some of them weighing 120,000 lb. Their form is cylindrical, being almost as wide at the top as at the bottom: they also differ from ours in decreasing in thickness gradually from the bottom upwards. These Bells are not rung with Clappers, but beat upon with great Hammers made of a kind of wood called from its hardness ''Tie-mu'' or ''Iron-wood''.

N. B. The Chinese distinguish their Bells by whimsical names, as the ''hanging''; the ''eating''; the ''sleeping''; the ''flying'', &c.

''Vid. plura apud'' P. Le Compte, tom. i. p. 124, &c. P. Magal, p. 122, &c. Mod. Un. Hist. v. 8. p. 301, &c.</ref>. The day that you brought ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' into your house to cure him of his illness, it not only occasioned people to talk ill of you abroad; but I must acknowledge that I myself was much disturbed at it. But now I am convinced you are both like fine gold, which there is no fear can receive damage by being put in the fire." ''Shuey-ping-sin'' answered, "So long as every thing is conducted according to civility and good order, what great matter is there in all this? ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' hath done me an important piece of service, and I have endeavoured to make him all the return in my power." "It is true, said her uncle; you say well; and I have now an offer to make you, in which I am very sincere, and which I hope will expose me no longer to the suspicion of seeking my own private interest, or of having any thing else in view but your real advantage." "All things, said the young lady, must be conducted with decency and order. If it becomes me to do it, I am contented; otherwise you had better let it rest in silence." He replied, "The old proverb says very well: ''When a man is of age, he must contract a marriage, and a woman must accept of a marriage.'' You are now arrived at the marriageable age. If your father were at home, it would be his duty to consider of this subject; there would then be no obligation on me. But he is sent to a distant country, from whence no one can tell when he will return. And for you to pass the prime of your life unmarried, in hope of an event so remote and uncertain, would be very unreasonable. When ''Kwo-khe-tzu'' would have married you, you must not think that all the tricks he played you, and the trouble he occasioned, proceeded from any suggestion of mine. If I seemed to favour his suit, it was owing to his continual solicitation. I am now become very sensible that all you did was reasonable and just. ''Kwo-khe-tzu'' may indeed value himself upon his power and riches; but hath no great pretensions to capacity and understanding. I therefore begin to think him an improper match for such a woman as you. Nay where is to be found one completely suitable? It is true there is no scarcity of ingenious and learned men; but I believe there are none who may pair with you for fine sense and ingenuity. Yet now a favourable occasion offers: and as Heaven, which hath blessed you with so many perfections, makes all things compleat and perfect; who can doubt but that this ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' was made for you alone, and sent immediately by Heaven with all these endowments in order to match those you are possessed of. Now although you have been for some time together under one roof, observing all decency and good order; yet I know modesty will not suffer either of you to touch on so delicate a subject. I am come therefore out of friendship to break through this difficulty, and to negotiate the matter between you." "Uncle, replied the young lady: Heaven made ''Con-fu-cee''<ref>CON-FU-CEE (rather ''Cong-fu-tse'') or Confucius the great Philosopher of the Chinese, was born in the kingdom of ''Lu'', now the province of ''Shan-tong''; according to P. Du Halde, five hundred and fifty-one years before Christ. So that he must have been cotemporary with Pythagoras and Solon, and somewhat earlier than Socrates. He was but three years old at the death of his father; from whom he received no other inheritance than the honour of being descended from an Emperor of a former dynasty. In his earliest Infancy he discovered an uncommon gravity and wisdom: and about his fifteenth year gave himself up to the study of the ancient books. At the age of nineteen he married, contenting himself with one wife; by whom he had a son. A while after he divorced her that he might pursue his studies with the greater application.

On account of his admirable qualities, his learning and virtue, he was several times invested with the magistracy in different places, which he only accepted of as the means of promoting his intended reformation both in morals and government: and as oft as he found his endeavours unsuccessful, he threw up his employments and retired to private life.

Of this he gave an illustrious proof in the fifty-fifth year of his age, when he was invited to accept of the post of chief Mandarine in the kingdom of ''Lu'': China then containing many little kingdoms; all of them however subordinate to the Emperor. Here in the space of three months so visible a change for the better took place, that the king of ''Tsi'', another petty monarch, envying this prosperity, made a present to the king of ''Lu'' of several beautiful young girls; who by their captivating arts entirely seduced him and his court.

Upon this Confucius once more returned to his former condition of a private sage, and wandered about the empire, sometimes revered, sometimes despised and insulted, and sometimes even reduced to the extremest indigence: all which he bore with wonderful equanimity and fortitude. He is said however to have gained 3000 Disciples; of whom 500 were afterwards raised to the highest posts in various Kingdoms. Of this number 72 were more particularly learned: and ten of these were so eminently accomplished as to be called ''The ten Philosophers''.

He divided his Disciples into four Classes. The first were to cultivate their minds by meditation: The second, to reason justly and compose persuasive and elegant discourses: The third to study the art of government, and to instruct the Mandarines in it: The fourth to write in a concise and elegant manner the principles of morality.

After having compleated many philosophical and historical works, which compose the canonical books of the Chinese, he died in his native country aged 73, greatly lamented. A little before his last sickness he said to his disciples with tears; "''The mountain is fallen, the high machine is destroyed, and the sages are no more to be seen:''" meaning that the edifice of perfection which he had been endeavouring to raise was almost overthrown by the prevailing dissoluteness of manners. On the seventh day before his death he again told them; "''The kings refuse to follow my maxims, and since I am no longer useful to the world, it is necessary I should leave it.''" He then fell into a lethargy, and at length expired in the arms of his Disciples.

Since his death he hath been regarded by the Chinese, if not as one of their deities or Pagods, yet with a degree of reverence, which it is difficult to distinguish from idolatry: for he is not only called ''the great master'', ''the illustrious king of letters'', ''the saint'', or ''hero adorned with excellent wisdom'', whatever is cited from him being received as oraculous: but in every city is a magnificent Hall [or Temple according to P. Semedo] where his Name is inscribed in letters of gold, and where the highest honours are paid to his memory by all the Literati. At the Examinations in particular one of the principal ceremonies is, that all the Graduates go together to perform Prostrations before his name, and acknowledge him for their Master. To which we may add, that on the Festival kept in his honour, a hog is sacrificed, and meat, wine and pulse offered to him in great form.

See Confuc. Declar. Proem. p. 117. P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 166. 295. 415, &c. P. Le Compte, tom. i. 293. P. Semedo, p. 48. P. Magal, p. 147. Mod. Un. Hist. v. viii. p. 104, &c.</ref>, and endowed him with perfect wisdom and understanding. Why was not he an Emperor? he was only a private philosopher, and teacher of the people. Heaven likewise in former times made a woman of the most exact beauty and most refined understanding. Why was not she espoused to the Emperor? On the contrary she married a person of low rank. All these things are under the dominion of chance: and are governed by fancy. ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' is indeed a young gentleman of great understanding, integrity and worth; insomuch that he cannot be said to be deficient in any one thing. But if you mention the word MARRIAGE<ref>In the original it is, "The two letters [or characters] Marriage."</ref> with regard to this youth, you are very wide of the matter." ''Shuey-guwin'' replied, "As there have such great obligations passed between you, and as you cannot but know each other's inclinations, it is very fitting you should be united."

"It is on account of these obligations, answered his niece, that I say you are so wide of the matter. But indeed there is nothing regular nor according to decorum. No father or mother acquainted with the affair. No order procured. Such a marriage is impossible. Besides our acquaintance commenced in a time of trouble and disturbance<ref>Among a people so superstitious as the Chinese, it may well be judged a sufficient reason for not prosecuting such an acquaintance, that it had so ominous a beginning. What regard is paid in China to Omens, Auguries, &c. may be seen in P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 507. 677. vol. 2. p. 51. ''et passim''.

The other Objections here urged will be found accounted for and explained by the Author himself.</ref>, and was farther promoted by the quarrel this stranger hath had with the ''Che-hien'': consider too, that in consequence of this quarrel he was brought home to my house in the most sudden and abrupt manner by my own self. But it was merely to take care of him in his illness. There was not the least intention of matrimony in the case." "With regard to that, said her uncle, you need be under no concern. Every body is now sensible of the purity of your intentions. And as to bringing him home abruptly, you need not mention it now: there hath been nothing amiss in your whole conduct, and the world is convinced of it." "Well then, said she, if hereafter there appears to be no particular connection between this youth and myself, my conduct will always be deemed clear and upright, and I shall be at ease. But should we once marry, who would believe that my former intentions were innocent and undesigning? We shall always be suspected of guilt, and by that means rendered both of us miserable. I can by no means therefore give my consent to any proposals of this kind; and desire you will think of the subject no more."

''Shuey-guwin'' was very angry at this declaration of his niece, and cried out: "You talk in a very high and lofty strain: you that are so young to pretend to teach me and slight what I have said to you! Go! I will talk with you no more, but will apply to the young gentleman himself and discuss the matter with him. If he is but inclinable, I shall not heed all you can say against it." He then went to the chamber of ''Tieh''-''chung-u''. ''Siow-tan'' informed his master, that the uncle of the young lady was come to pay him a visit. On which immediately he went out to meet him: and having conducted him in, desired him to sit down. ''Shuey-guwin'' began the conversation by telling him, that for some days past he had been wholly taken up with urgent business, which had prevented him from waiting on him: and therefore begged him to pardon the omission. He answered, that he was hardly so well recovered, as to be able to pay visits himself, and therefore desired his excuse that he had not waited on him. ''Shuey-guwin'' told him, that he was come to-day to communicate an affair of importance. Upon the other's desiring to know what it was; he answered, "It is with regard to the marrying of my cousin." "The marrying of your cousin! said the youth, and instantly changed colour. This you must not talk of to me. Your words are lost in the air<ref>As it must appear at first sight unnatural that ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' should so warmly reject proposals, which we have been led to believe would be extremely desirable to him: it may be proper to observe that this difficulty will be in some measure removed hereafter when he comes to explain the motives of his conduct: and it will be seen in the sequel that had he acted otherwise, the consequences would have been fatal to them both.</ref>. I am a person from abroad. If you have any other subject to propose, I will lend you all possible attention. But why do you mention your cousin's marriage to me?" "Sir, replied ''Shuey-guwin'', I should not have ventured to interpose in an affair of this delicate nature: had it not been for the service you afforded my cousin, and had you not done and suffered so much for her sake: on that account I have taken this liberty." "The assistance you mention, replied the youth, was purely accidental. Seeing so great an injury offered to a lady, I could do no less than assist her. It is not in my power to see any wronged or oppressed, without interesting myself in their favour. This is but the result of my natural disposition. But from your discourse now, I conclude you think I had some sinister design in coming hither. And since that is the case I will instantly remove."

''Shuey-guwin'' seeing him so disturbed at his discourse, endeavoured to appease him. "Pray Sir, said he, be not offended. My coming here was from a good intention: not to make you uneasy. Give ear a little to what I have to say, you may then judge if it merits attention." "It is a wise saying, replied the youth, ''What is not proper to be done, is not proper to be spoken of''<ref>In the Translator's M. S. it is, "When the cause is bad it must not be spoken to."

As in this, and some of the following pages, the Hero of the piece cannot but suffer in the opinion of every fair Reader, for his seeming Indelicacy and want of Gallantry: it may be proper to remark that his expressions do not possibly sound so harsh in the original as they do here: at least it appears that the lady is not offended at them. But after all it is impossible there should be any such thing as Gallantry among a people, who admit of no intercourse between the two Sexes; whose Marriages are contracted without the consent of the Parties, and even without their personal knowledge of each other: and who by being allowed a plurality of Women lessen their attention to any one. For it must follow, that where the Women have no power of refusing, there can be no merit in their acceptance, and consequently no pains required to obtain it: there can be no inducement then to study any of those little engaging Arts which constitute Gallantry with us. Among such a people, the Women will be in low esteem as Women; and though they may be treated on occasion with all the civility and respect due to their rank or merit, there will be no delicacy shewn to their Sex.

Where the Women in general are held so cheap, we must not wonder that the men should be backward to acknowledge a soft and respectful passion for any one of them: or that a nation in other respects civilized and refined, should in this resemble the most savage and unpolished. The same causes every where produce the same effects. Among some of the wild Nations of North America, we are told that a young man would be for ever dishonoured who should stop and speak to his mistress in public; and that the bare mention of marriage between their Parents would be a sufficient reason to make them industriously shun each other.

See an account of the Iroquois in ''Lettres edifiant. & curieus.'' &c. ''Recueil.'' xii. p. 132.

N. B. The Reader is desired to bear the above Remarks constantly in mind throughout this and some of the following Chapters.</ref>. I beg therefore you will say no more. You probably mean well in this affair, but are not sensible how prejudicial it may prove. I find however it is time for me to be gone." Then rising from his chair he called to one of the servants of the house, and desired him to give his thanks and service to his mistress, and to tell her how sensible he was of the favours he had received: but that finding from her uncle it was time to depart, he was accordingly setting out; and that he could not [presume to] ask her to come forth that he might take his leave of her. Then commanding his own servant to follow, he departed so suddenly, that ''Shuey-guwin'' was not sufficiently apprized to prevent him. Who having run after him to desire him to return, but without effect, remained behind very blank and confounded: insomuch that he was ashamed to return to his niece, but went home muttering to himself, "This young man hath very little of the gravity of a student. He is rough and headstrong, and and seems more like one of the sword."

''Shuey-ping-sin'' from the moment her uncle left her, foresaw what would be the result of his officiousness; and imagining her guest might not be very well provided for his journey, ordered twenty taels of fine silver<ref name="mace">The ''Leang'' or Chinese Ounce, called by the Portuguese ''Tael'', consists of ten Mace or ''Mas'', which the Chinese call ''Tsien''; [''Lettres edifiant.'' xvi. 345.] so that according to the Translator's valuation, vol. i. pag. 14. a Tael of silver is about 6s. 8d. English. The same valuation is also given in a curious Paper relating to the Japan Trade in Harris's ''Voyages and Travels'', folio, ed. 1744. vol. i. pag. 305.

The French Missionaries have estimated the Chinese sums by French Money; but this hath suffered such great fluctuations in its value by different Arrets of Council, that the Tael hath occasionally been valued (1) at 4 livres 2 sols 2 deniers; (2) at 5 livres; and (3) 7 livres 10 sols. See (1) P. Le Compte, ii. 11, 78. ''Lettres edifiant.'' i. 74. xvi. 381, &c. &c. (3) Ditto xxv. Pref. x. &c. &c.

It is hoped that this exactness will not be deemed impertinent, as the want of it hath betrayed some of our Writers into mistakes and contradictions. See Engl. Transl. of P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 73. and compare Mod. Univ. Hist. viii. p. 34. with p. 158.</ref> to be brought, together with some pickles and preserved fruit. Then giving them to an old servant named ''Shuey-yeong'', she ordered him to wait without the gate of the city, and to wait for the young stranger; and when he came by, to present her service to him, and desire him to accept of this small present for his use on the road. The servant immediately went as directed, without making any one privy to his design.

''Tieh''-''chung-u'' having left the house of the young Lady returned to the Pagoda or convent<ref>"Called ''Chang-shou-u-wen''." Translator's MS.</ref>, and sent his servant to inquire for their bedding and furniture. The Superior of the Bonzees hearing he was there, ran to the door to see him and pay him his compliments. "Sir, said he, the day that you went from hence in so abrupt a manner, and for which I can assign no reason, you made me incur the ''Che-hien'''s anger, who reprimanded me very severely. To-day I am very fortunate to meet with you. And if I should let you go again, that Mandarine would doubtless blame me." "As to what hath happened, replied the youth, I shall take no notice of it: but still will you prate? I tell you plainly I will not to-day enter your convent; neither drink of your ''Cha''<ref>That is Tea. [See note vol. i. pag. 209.] It may not be improper to give here a short account of this plant, which of late years is become so considerable an article in our diet and traffic. There are many sorts of Tea in China, but they may all be comprehended under two: viz. the ''Green'', or ''Song-lo cha'', so called from a mountain of that name in the province of ''Kiang-nan'' where the best sort of it is cultivated: and the ''Bohea'', or, as it is pronounced by the Chinese, the ''Vu-i-cha'', which takes its name from the mountain ''Vu-i-shan'' in the province of ''Fo-kien''. It is doubted whether these two kinds are essentially different, or originally the same, only cultivated in a different manner: however it is agreed that their leaves are gathered at two different seasons in the year; the Bohea a month or five weeks earlier than the Green, while the plant is full of sap; whereas the other by being left so much longer 'till its juices are dried up and inspissated by the warmth of the sun, changes its colour to a fine green. Hence we may account for the difference of their qualities: the Green being rough and raking the stomach: the Bohea more smooth, soft and healing; upon which account the latter is chiefly in request among the Chinese.

Tea is propagated commonly by sowing: which is performed in the second moon in the year; when having prepared their ground they throw nine or ten seeds into a hole, from which one, or two, or sometimes more shrubs will spring. These at a proper season are transplanted in rows upon little hills at the distance of three or four feet from each other, like vines with us. Where they are curious to have the Tea fine they prevent the growth of the shrub, and plant it anew every four or five years: it would otherwise rise to the height of ten or twelve feet.

The Tea-shrub commonly bears leaves from the top to the bottom, but the nearer the tops and extremities of the branches the finer. The leaf is oblong and sharp at the end, indented round like that of our rose or sweet-briar: and the flower is not unlike the latter, only it hath more leaves. The Bohea only differs from the Green as to figure, in having its leaves somewhat rounder and shorter. In autumn when the flower decays, there appears a berry of the size of a hazle-nut, somewhat moist and not ill tasted. From these the Chinese extract an oil, which they use in sauce. They also pickle the leaves for the same purpose.

In order to prepare the Leaves for use; those of the Bohea are at first dried in the shade, after which they are expanded in hot water, and exposed either to the sun or to slow fires in copper or earthen pans, 'till they are crisped as we have them. But the Green sort being less juicy, are dried in the same manner as soon as gathered.

We shall close this article with observing, that the true Imperial Tea called by the Chinese, ''Mau-cha'', is the leaf gathered from the Bohea shrubs newly planted, or as they themselves stile it, ''the first points of the leaves''; and is sold upon the spot for near 2s. a pound: this sort is very scarce, as is also the Flower of Tea, which unless mixed with the other, hardly tinges the water.

N. B. It is agreed on all hands that the Chinese adulterate most of the Tea we have, so that we are not to wonder if it falls short of the virtues attributed to it by the Chinese: who are supposed to be exempt from the gout, stone, scurvy, and most other chronical disorders by their constant use of it.

P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 10, 11, &c. Mod. Univ. Hist. vol. 8. p. 227, & seq.</ref>. And as for the ''Che-bien'', I will never see him more. Go instantly, and fetch hither my bedding and furniture, for I will not stay." "Your effects, said the other, are already given to your servant. But though you are never so angry, I cannot let you go: you must stay a little." At this ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' was out of all patience, and said; "What business would you have with me, that I should stay any longer? What! In the open face of day would you go about to practice any villainy on travellers who come to your convent? What! have you a design to kill me? Have you received this order from the ''Che-hien''? If it be so, stay a little, and to-morrow I will go to the Viceroy's palace and acquaint him of your proceedings. He shall send for you, and give you such chastisement as you will not be able to bear." These words were scarce uttered when there came two servants from the audience of the ''Che-hien'', who said, "Sir, our master hath sent us to tell you, that he must speak with you at his house."

For that magistrate [as hath been already mentioned] having become sensible of the merit of ''Tieh''-''chung-u'', waited for an opportunity to converse with him, and to ask him pardon for all he had done to his prejudice. Insomuch that he could not be at ease till he had seen him. He had therefore sent messengers every day to inquire after him at the house of ''Shuey-ping-sin'', and to learn the time of his departure; which he was no sooner apprized of, than he sent these two servants to invite him to his audience.

CHAP. VI.

''TIEH''-''chung-u'' having heard the two servants, who were come to invite him to the ''Che-hien'''s, smiled and said, "I am no inhabitant of his district or quarter<ref>In the original "Of ''Lee-ching-hien''."—It may be proper to observe here, that the XV. provinces of China are divided each of them into so many ''Fu'' or Cities of the first order with their several jurisdictions: within each of which are so many ''Chew'' and ''Hien'', or Cities of the second and third rank, with their respective districts.

Although ''Hien'' signifies a City of the third rank, or a part of the Capital of that size, yet it also includes a district of no mean extent, there being many of them sixty, seventy, or even eighty leagues in circuit.

Mod. Univ. Hist. vol. 8. p. 15. note.</ref>; neither owe money to any one in it. Why then doth he always pursue me in this manner? Is it because he did not kill me before; and would now do it effectually?" The servants could make no answer to this; yet would not let him go notwithstanding. Upon which he became very angry, and was going to beat them: but it happened that at the same instant arrived the ''Che-hien'' himself. For after he had dispatched his servants, he imagined they would not be able to succeed, and therefore followed them in person, mounted on horseback and having a lead horse along with him<ref>In the Chinese cities Horses are much used to convey the people through the streets: even more than Chairs or Sedans. When P. Semedo was in China, it was not permitted even to the Mandarines to use these, unless to some few of more particular dignity. "The greatest part, he adds, ride on horseback; and because they are ill horsemen, their horses are guided by two servants, who go on each side."

In ''Pe-king'' a Horse or Mule may be had so cheap, that the hire of one for a whole day will not exceed 6d. or 7d: and as all the streets are much crowded, the muleteers often lead their beasts by the bridle in order to make way.

P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 66. P. Semedo, p. 21.</ref>. When he came to ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' he alighted, and saluted him in the most respectful manner, saying, "Sir, I am a very mean and ordinary man. Though I have eyes, I had no sight. And my understanding hath been so obscured, that I could not discern you to be a person of merit. Now I am awakened as it were out of a dream, and perceive my error. For which reason I am come to ask your pardon; and hope you will do me the favour to go with me to my audience." "These words, said the youth, are very different from those you spoke the other day. How is it that you, who have shewn yourself so attached to power and riches, should on a sudden appear to be so devoted to truth and sincerity? But perhaps this may be only to deceive me: and you have some new scheme to draw me into mischief." "Sir, said the ''Che-hien'', talk not thus. I am now sincere. And with regard to the former injury, I know you have forgiven it, and so hath the young lady; who interceded for me, with a generosity which I shall always remember." ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' at this was astonished. At length he said: "This is a most surprizing change and reformation!" "Sir, said the other, to convince you of it, I hope you will go home with me: where I have something to propose, which I flatter myself will afford you pleasure."

''Tieh''-''chung-u'' suffered himself to be persuaded of his sincerity; and consented to go home with him. Accordingly mounting the lead horse, he rode by his side 'till they came to the audience. When they were seated, the ''Che-hien'' said: "Let me ask you, Sir, what was your reason for going away to-day so suddenly?" "It was not my intention, said he, to depart so soon; but being disgusted at something that was said to me, I could stay no longer." "What could that be? said the ''Che-hien''; pray inform me." "The uncle of ''Shuey-ping-sin'', replied the other, proposed a marriage with his cousin!" — "Well, said he; and what hath he done amiss in that? Had he not a great deal of reason? Why could not you approve of it?" "You know very well, answered ''Tieh''-''chung-u'', that I have been for some time at the house of this young lady; but with no interested view: nor was there any thing clandestine in it. Whatever was done we can declare before heaven, genii or spirits<ref name="angel"/>. But it would be difficult to persuade the world of our innocence. And then for her uncle to propose this subject to me, shewed he had a very mean opinion both of the young lady and myself. Which gave me so much disgust, that I left him before he had finished his discourse." "I acknowledge, said the ''Che-hien'', that after conversing so long together, if there had been any thing secret in your correspondence, any thing the world were unacquainted with, it would be very wrong to conclude a marriage<ref>How different do the Chinese reason from us? The passage in the text merits attention.</ref>. But remember, in former times there was a man of such exalted wisdom and understanding, that there could nowhere be found a match worthy of him. It happened also in another age there lived a woman of such fine sense and knowledge, that she could no where meet with a man equal to her worth, to make up a pair. If it had fallen out, that these two had been contemporaries, they must not have fled from each other, but have necessarily been united. To-day it was with much difficulty that I prevailed on you to come hither. You are of so strict and inflexible a temper, that were I to offer you a present of gold, I know you would refuse it. And should I prepare never so fine a banquet for you, I imagine it would not be accepted. [There is only this one way in which I can testify my regard.] I remember an old saying to this purpose, ''A man and woman that can be together in private and yet preserve their chastity, can break no law''<ref name="women_secluded">This is strongly expressed. By way of Comment let us hear the lively Author of ''L'Esprit des Loix.'' [Liv. xvi. chap. 8.]

"The separation of the women from the men, and their strict confinement, is the natural consequence of a Plurality of wives. Domestic order likewise requires it: An insolvent debtor endeavours to put himself under cover from the pursuits of his creditors. There are certain climates, where the natural propensities have so much force, that the moral ones have scarcely any. Leave a man alone with a woman: the temptations will be falls; the attack sure, the resistance none: in these countries instead of precepts, there must be bolts."

In China "it is regarded, as a prodigy of virtue, to find one's self alone with a woman in a remote apartment without offering violence to her."

''To find a treasure in a secret place'', says a Chinese Moralist, ''when we know the owner: or a fine woman in a retired chamber: to hear the voice of an enemy ready to perish without our assistance: admirable touchstones of the heart.''

See P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 47. and 110.

N. B. This moral sentence strongly marks the character of the Chinese: who are to the highest degree greedy of gain, libidinous and vindictive.</ref>. There is seen this day, what was only to be found in former ages. And although to you there appears nothing extraordinary in all this, yet I look upon it as very rare and unheard of. Upon the whole then I should be sorry, and look upon myself as very deficient, if I did not accommodate to your satisfaction this affair, which is so much for your welfare. Since therefore I have prevailed on you to come here, I beg you will stay 'till the conclusion of this business, and not lose so favourable an opportunity by an abrupt departure.

At these words ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' fetched a deep sigh and said, "Alas! Sir, you must not speak of this marriage. Whoever pretends to live in this world must conform to its rules and customs. He must proceed with regularity and order<ref>The Chinese resolve all moral virtue into Order, Regularity and Decorum.

"All that is required of and commanded to men by Heaven," says one of their Ministers of State in a Memorial to the Emperor, "is comprized under the word ''Ming'' or ''Order''. To fulfil all that this expression signifies is the height of human perfection." — "From hence in a family spring the duties of father and son, &c: in a state those of prince and subject. From hence proceed the union, friendship, politeness and other subordinate links of society. These are the characteristicks of superiority which Heaven [''Tien''] hath given to man above all other created beings upon earth."

''Vide plura apud'' P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 485. 486.</ref>, not with intricacy and confusion. If I acknowledge our sovereign Lord to be Emperor, can I pretend to claim an acquaintance or friendship with him? With as much reason might I go about to conclude in marriage, an acquaintance which began amid so much trouble and distress." The ''Che-hien'' replied, "You are a young man that have seen the world, and are of a lively disposition: why do you talk in this philosophic and romantic manner? If you are so extremely rigid and exact, why did you go to her house, when you were ill? Now you are well again, and the world is satisfied, as well of the reason of your going, as of your behaviour there; what would there be wrong in your marrying? Which should your nice scruples prevent, you will have reason to regret it as long as you live." "Pray Sir, said ''Tieh''-''chung-u'', what benefit have I ever done you, that you should interest yourself so much about me?" The ''Che-hien'' replied, "Although my office is but small, as are likewise its profits<ref>This is to be supposed spoken out of humility. [See note above pag. 138, n.] In ''Lettres edifiant'', xvii. 177. will be found a Memorial, wherein a ''Che-hien'' says of himself, "I am but a little Mandarine, and my authority inconsiderable, &c."

The Chinese always affect to speak meanly of themselves and of whatever belongs to them: they think it no less polite to use magnificent terms when speaking of others. For this reason it would pass for great familiarity to use ''I'' or ''You'' when speaking to a visitant, &c. but it is, ''The servant of my Lord''; ''Let my Lord permit his humble slave'', &c. When a son speaks to his father, he calls himself ''his youngest son'' or ''his grandson'', even when he is the eldest and hath children himself. So a father says of his son, ''my young'' or ''little son''; a master, ''my young scholar''. In like manner speaking of their place of abode they say, ''this poor city'' or ''province'', &c: and after a feast, ''the entertainment for my Lord hath been very mean'', &c: a person that pleads at a tribunal stiles himself ''the delinquent''.

They bestow on others Titles proportionably respectful. A son speaking of his father calls him, ''the father of the house'': a servant of his master, ''the lord of the house''. Even to mean and inferior people they give an honourable name: thus a servant, if he be a grave person, is called ''the great master of the house'': a bargeman, ''the chief master of the vessel'': a muleteer, ''the great rand''; unless they would anger him, and then they give him his ordinary name, ''Can-kio'' or ''persecutor of the feet''. The officers attending on the Mandarines are stiled ''the men on horseback'', or ''cavaliers''. Among the common people, if they do not know one another, they call ''Brothers Hiung''. The address to a woman, although from one no way related to her, is ''Ta-sao'' or ''sister-in-law''; but it sometimes happens that foreigners, by a slight variation of the sound, call her ''Broom''.

In speaking also of such things as belong to him they speak to, they use particular phrases: thus in mentioning his son, it is always ''the noble son'': if the daughter, it is ''the precious love'': if his country, it is ''the noble province, city'', &c. Even a person's sickness must be called, ''the noble indisposition''.

The above way of speaking, tho' carried by the Chinese to a ridiculous excess, prevails more or less through all the eastern languages; and in many respects resembles that of the ancient Hebrews, which we so justly admire for its venerable and majestic simplicity.

See P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 294. P. Semedo, part i. ch. 11. p. 63. Mod. Un. Hist. viii. 268.

N. B. If this peculiarity of address is not found adhered to throughout this history; it is because the Translator hath substituted the European phrase instead of the Chinese: a liberty which he hath taken in other instances.</ref>, there was but little wanting to my being deprived of it. But it was my good fortune to-day to hear that you had pardoned me, and this through the persuasions of ''Shuey-ping-sin''. When I heard it I made an oath to change my former course, and to conduct myself hereafter by the laws of equity and justice. When I observed also how strictly you kept the rules of virtue and honour, and that ''Shuey-ping-sin'' was a young lady of such unaffected modesty and striking merit; when I considered how wonderful it was that two such uncommon persons should meet together in one city; I could not but think the hand of heaven was in it, and that you two were destined for each other. Had not so singular an affair come under my own particular inspection, it were nothing. But as with these eyes and these ears I have seen and heard you both, and observe you so remarkably suited to each other; it would have an ill appearance among the inhabitants of this city, and reflect much upon me, should I let such a pair within my own jurisdiction part unnoticed, and un-united. You must not therefore deny me." "Then it is only to procure credit to yourself, said the youth smiling, that you are so earnest in this matter?" "No: replied the other; I would promote the common welfare of all." "Well: said ''Tieh''-''chung-u''; if there were no other objection to this marriage, how is it possible to effect it? There is no order or licence of father or mother. My own parents are not here. And if I would never so, where is the father of ''Shuey-ping-sin''? What! when I see a fine person does it immediately follow that we must be married? [Can a marriage be either reputable or prosperous that is driven forward with so much disorder and irregularity?] You that talk to me on this subject so earnestly, why do not you urge it to ''Kwo-khe-tzu''? He would take a pleasure to hear you propose what he so much wishes to obtain. However I thank you for giving yourself all this trouble on my account. I must now bid you adieu." "Well: said the ''Che-hien''; I see you are regardless of what I say: but remember a time will come, when you will acknowledge me to have been right. I wish you would stay with me longer, but I know you are not to be moved from any resolution you have once taken up. It would be equally vain to think of offering you a present of money. That, I am afraid, would but affront you. If ever I have the good fortune to meet with you again, I hope I shall convince you of my present sincerity: and that you will have a better opinion of me than you have now." "Sir, said ''Tieh''-''chung-u'', I thank you. Whatever I think of the former part of your discourse, these last words I must acknowledge are truly valuable." He then saluted him in a proper manner and left him.

When ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' was got without the gate of the city, he ordered ''Siow-tan'' to hire a mule to carry him and their furniture. "Sir, said the boy, an ass would be more proper." He inquired the reason of this preference; and was given to understand that their money began to fall short. At this juncture came up ''Shuey-yeong'' the servant of the young lady, who saluting him, said, that his mistress had sent him there early in the morning to await his coming, which he had done till now that it was past mid-day. "Did she order you to wait here for me? said the youth. Upon what account?" "My lady, replied the servant, seeing my second master ''Shuey-guwin'' go in to and to talk with you, imagined his discourse would prove disagreeable. She afterwards found it had caused you to depart; and therefore got this small present together, and ordered me to give it you, as you went by." ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' was charmed with her generosity. "Your mistress, said he, hath not only in this favour, but in every other instance treated me with such uncommon goodness, that I cannot find words to express my gratitude." ''Shuey-yeong'' said, "Now, Sir, I must return home; have you no message for me to deliver to my mistress?" ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' replied, "My meeting with your lady was unforeseen and accidental. Were I speak of the benefits I have received, I should find no end of my discourse. Other subjects it is not proper to mention. But when you go home you must present my best acknowledgments to your lady, and tell her, that I, ''Tieh''-''chung-u'', now bid her farewell, and intreat her to banish me henceforth from her thoughts: but that I shall always retain a grateful remembrance of her kindness<ref>The Editor was obliged to soften this whole passage and some few of the preceding: the Original contains an appearance of indelicacy and indecorum, that would not have been borne by an English Reader. We shall subjoin this whole Speech as the Translator left it, which may also serve for a Specimen of his manner.

"Your Mistress and I met accidentally at once. If you expect I should talk of Benefits received, there would be no end: if of Love, there is none to talk of. But when you come home give my most humble service and acknowledgment to ''Siauw-tsieh''; saying, that I ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' now take my leave of her, and that she must not entertain any thought for [of] me hereafter: and that I shall always have a grateful remembrance of her kindness."

Before the Reader condemns this as unnatural and out of character, he is intreated to re-peruse the Note above, pag. 127.

''See note, vol. i. p. 114.''</ref>." The servant then delivering the present to ''Siow-tan'', returned back to report this message to his lady.

Having hired a mule, they set forward on their journey; and observing that the sun was gone down, they inquired how far it was to ''Tong-chun'', a village in their way. The man who followed the mule answered, Three leagues. Upon which ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' whipped his beast forward for about a league, till he came to a turning in the road, where was a great thicket of trees. Here on a sudden started out a young man with a linen bundle on his shoulder, followed by a young woman, who seemed to be in great fear and confusion. When they saw ''Tieh''-''chung-u'', they were the more afraid, and endeavoured to hide themselves again in the wood. The youth seeing them, and that their appearance was suspicious, called out to them to stop; and asked the young man, who he was, and where he was going with that young woman. Upon which in a fright she begged, he would not kill her. The young man threw down his bundle and was running away: but ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' laid hold of him and stopped him; saying, "Tell me truly who you are. I will do you no harm." The man replied, "This young woman belongs to the village there before you. Her name is ''Thao-chee''. She is the concubine of ''Lee-thay-cong'', a rich man of that place. Seeing that he was very old, she would not live with him any longer, and therefore got me to help her to make her escape." "You are some seducing villain, said the youth, that have enticed her away." "Indeed I am not, replied the other, my name is ''Suan-yin''; I am cousin to the old man, and not such a one as you speak of." ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' believing what he said, let him go. He then asked if it were true that she was concubine to the person abovementioned. She answered she was. "Somebody, said he, hath drawn you aside. Come, return home again. I will accompany you thither." She told him she was persuaded to run away. "But ''Lee-thay-cong'', said she, will not believe it. He will think it all my own contrivance; and I shall be severely used if I return. I had rather if you please, serve and follow you." ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' smiled at her offer, and replied. "Come then; go along before: and I will consider what you shall do." He then bade his servant take up the bundle and put it on the mule. The young woman finding it was in vain to resist, did as she was directed. They had scarcely proceeded half a league before they saw a great many people coming towards them. Who, as soon as they were near enough to know the young woman, cried out, "Here she is. Here she is!" and instantly surrounded her, together with ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' and his servant. At the same time they dispatched two of their number to acquaint ''Lee-thay-cong'' of it. "Good people, said the youth, you must not make such an outcry and disturbance. Had I been disposed to carry off this woman, I could have taken a different road. I but just now met with her, and am carrying her back to ''Lee-thay-cong''." They replied, "We know not what was your intention. You are a young man and she a young woman. We know not whether you speak truth or not. You must go along with us to the Mandarine."

When they were got a little farther, there came running towards them a great many more people with torches and lanthorns, for it was now dark. Among them was ''Lee-thay-cong'' himself; who seeing a handsome young man with his concubine, was greatly enraged; and without having patience to enquire into the matter, laid hold of him and said, "Who are you, that dare seduce away my concubine?" ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' pushed him aside, saying, "This old fellow is no better than a brute, to behave in this uncivil manner without knowing whether he is right or wrong. Your concubine was going away with another, which I prevented; and now when I would restore her to you again, so far from thanking me, you treat me rudely." The old man said, "Who should take her away? She is my woman, and is along with you; and the bundle you have there is my property." ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' seeing him too passionate to hearken to reason, said, "Very well! Be it so! It is now night; we cannot at present clear up this matter; when we come to the Mandarine of the village, we shall see who is wrong." They presently arrived at the Mandarine's house. He inquired what all that disturbance meant; and was informed, that old ''Lee-thay-cong'' had brought some people, whom he had caught running away with his concubine.

This Mandarine, whose name was ''Swin-kien-tze'', seldom had it in his power to squeeze any one by reason of the poverty of his place: he was therefore very glad to hear he was to have before him so rich a man as ''Lee-thay-cong''<ref>It is a common Proverb in China, ''The Emperor lets loose so many hangmen, murderers, dogs and wolves, to ruin and devour the poor People, when he creates new Mandarines to govern them.'' ''Vide plura apud'' P. Magal. p. 135.

We are not to wonder among a People so avaritious as the Chinese, and who have so little notion of a future reckoning, that Power and Office are often productive of Tyranny and Oppression. Where there is no principle of conscience, it is not in the power of human laws to prevent injustice. If we examine the Chinese Government in Theory, nothing seems better calculated for the good and happiness of the people; if in Practice, we shall no where find them more pillaged by the great. A Love of Gain is so strongly impressed on the minds of the Chinese, and every thing in their situation and country contributes so much to inspire and feed it, that we must expect to find it predominant over all other considerations. The populousness of their country, and the frequency of famines, renders their very lives precarious without great industry and great attention to private gain. [See ''L'Esprit des Loix'', liv. xix. ch. 20.] Again, as their magistrates are generally raised by personal merit and application, and that even from the lowest ranks, so that they come poor to their governments; they lie under strong temptations to be rapacious and greedy. [''See also note below, p.'' .] It is the business of their Laws to check and correct this evil tendency: and many fine Regulations to this end will be found among those of the Chinese: such as the Easiness of appeal to superior tribunals: the triennial Inquisitions held upon the Conduct of the Mandarines: the requiring them to give in exact accounts of their administration: and the sending both publick and private Visitors into the provinces to inspect their behaviour, and to receive the complaints of the People, &c. [See P. Magal. p. 222, 223. P. Le Compte, tom. 2. p. 21—29. ''ubi plura''.] But after all, as the Chinese Laws are merely political institutions, and are backed by no sanctions of future rewards and punishments, though they may influence the exterior, they will not affect the heart, and therefore will rather create an appearance of virtue, than the reality.

Power and Riches, as the Author observes in a former page, are the sole objects of attention in China, because Power and Riches procure every thing which can render this life desirable, and a Chinese seldom looks beyond it. And where only principles of this kind prevail, and there is no check from conscience, we must not wonder that general dishonesty and corruption prevail too. The very best Human Laws can only operate upon the hopes and fears of mankind by present rewards and punishments: but a thousand cases will happen where the offender will hope to escape detection; or, if detected, to purchase impunity.

This then is the great deficiency of the Chinese Laws, that they are not supported by higher sanctions, than what affect temporal hopes and fears. The not attending to which circumstance hath betrayed two eminent Writers into mistake. The one regarding only the visible corruption of the Chinese, hath conceived a mean opinion of their Laws. See Lord Anson's ''Voyage'', book 3. ch. 10. The other reflecting on the excellency of their Laws hath supposed this corruption only partial and of late standing. See Mod. Univ. Hist. vol. 8. p. 249, &c. Whereas that grand source of corruption, a strong Desire of Gain, must always have prevailed in a country so circumstanced as China: nor was it in the power of any Laws merely human to prevent its effects.

Perhaps it is unnecessary to mention that the ancient Chinese Lawgivers, although they inculcated pretty just notions of Providence, seem to have paid little or no attention to those of a future state. Confucius himself hath scarce dropt a hint on this subject. What opinions of this kind prevail have been chiefly adopted from the worshippers of FO; who have brought out of India the belief of the Metempsychosis. And even the influence which this might have, is lessened and removed by the corrupt doctrines of the Bonzees, who propose a thousand ways to compound for iniquity, viz. by Fastings, Penances, Pilgrimages, Alms to themselves and Contributions to their Pagodas; in short by being any thing else rather than Good and Virtuous.</ref>. He accordingly ordered the best robes he had to be brought him: and getting all the people he could muster to fill out his audience, set himself up, as if he had been the Viceroy of a province. The first, that made his appearance, was the old man. Who said to him, "Sir, my name is ''Lee-thay-cong''. I had a concubine named ''Thao-chee''. To-day, while my doors were open, and while I, unsuspecting any thing, was busy with the people of my house; she was seduced away by a young man, whom I have taken with her. But I neither know how he got her away; nor whence he comes; nor what is his name." The Mandarine commanded the seducer to be brought before him. Accordingly ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' made his appearance: but when he was ordered to fall upon his knees, he only laughed at them. Upon which the Mandarine was very much affronted, and said, "Who are you? Do not you know the respect due to the Emperor's tribunal?" "This place, said the youth, is not the grand audience of the ''Lee-pu''<ref>Of the Six Sovereign courts at Pe-king whose power and authority extend over the whole Empire, the names of the ''first'' and ''third'' are written by Europeans without any difference ''Lee-'' (or ''Li-'') ''pu''; although they differ in their meaning, are differently pronounced by the Chinese, and expressed by very different characters.

The first is the ''Li-pu'', or Tribunal of Mandarines; whose business it is to furnish all the provinces with officers; to watch over their conduct, to examine their good and bad qualities, and to give an account thereof to the Emperor, that some may be raised to the highest offices as the reward of their virtue; others degraded suitably to their demerits. These are properly speaking Inquisitors of State.

The ''third'' supreme court is called ''Li-pu'', or The Tribunal of Rites*; whose province it is to see that the ancient rites and ceremonies are observed throughout the Empire; to inspect all religious matters, all improvements in arts and sciences, all titles of honour and marks of distinction; to examine those who are candidates for degrees; to defray the charges of the temples, sacrifices, &c; and to receive, entertain and dismiss foreign ambassadors.

See P. Magal. p. 208, &c. P. Du Halde, vol. i. pag. 249, &c.

* Not ''Rights'', as it is erroneously printed in the English version of P. Du Halde folio, and from thence in Mod. Univ. Hist. viii. 146, &c.</ref>! If it be, I will tell you my name." The Mandarine seeing how little he regarded him, said, "What though you are never so great: and notwithstanding you affect to laugh in this manner, you are guilty of a great offence." "Are you sure then, replied he, that I took his concubine? Where are your witnesses? If it were so, could not I have gone off with her another way? Be your office great or small, you hold it from the Emperor in order to administer justice. But whoever sent you here, had but little discernment<ref>In the original, "Could not see very clearly."</ref>." The Mandarine was very much disturbed at this, and said, "You are some practised deceiver, who have learnt to speak in this manner. I fancy you are some great villain, and presume thus because of the smallness of my office. To-morrow I will have you before the ''Tao-yee''<ref>The Fourth chair under the ''Fu-yeu'' or Viceroy. Transl.

The ''Tao-yee'' (or, as it should be pronounced, ''Tau-yee'') seems to be the same with what is written in P. Magalhaens' Hist. p. 244, ''Tai-ye'', which he interprets ''The great over-Lord'': being the name by which the people call the ''Che-chew'', or Governor of a city of the second order. See note above pag. 138.

N. B. In ''Lettres edifiant'', xi. 209, mention is made of the ''Tao'', as Governor of three cities, which probably is no other than the Officer here described: a ''Chew'', or city of the second order having doubtless within its jurisdiction, three or four ''Hien'' or cities of the third rank.</ref>. Then I shall see whether you will dare to talk in this manner." [''Tieh''-''chung-u'' did not think it worth while to reply.]

The Mandarine then called to the old man and said, "How came you that are so advanced in years, to take such a young creature for your concubine? To this shameful inequality, all the disturbance is owing. Let me see this ''Thao-chee''." She was accordingly brought before him: but when he saw she was an ordinary poor-looking girl, he could not forbear laughing. "What, said he, did you contrive this elopement yourself; or did any one intice you to it?" She made him no answer. "Well, said he, it is too late to make any farther inquiry into this affair to-night. To-morrow I will have you carried before the ''Tao-yee'', who will put your fingers into the stocks<ref name="tiehtse"/> and make you confess the truth." Then he called to ''Lee-thay-cong'', and said, "This young man and young woman I deliver into your custody. [Take particular care of them; and] see that they be forthcoming to-morrow, when I will go with you to a superior tribunal."

For the Mandarine observing that ''Tieh''-''chung-u'' was no ordinary person, and hearing him speak so unconcernedly, was not a little afraid of going too far; and therefore chose to refer the matter to a superior court. On the other hand ''Lee-thay-cong'' perceiving the stranger regarded the Mandarine so little and spoke to him so smartly, could not imagine who he was; and when he was ordered to take him home, was not a little perplexed how to treat him. To keep him without among his servants, he was afraid would excite his resentment. Again, to carry him into an inner chamber, alarmed his jealousy. However remembering that the Mandarine had ordered him to take particular care of him, he said, "It is but for a night!" And therefore ordered him to be shewn into an inner apartment: where he provided him a handsome supper. When it was over he would have taken his concubine away; but reflecting that she was the Mandarine's prisoner; he said, "That I cannot justify. It is but for one night. Let them sleep together." At the same time he prepared a place where he could see all that passed between them. "Now, said he, we shall know all in the morning."

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Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 19

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= Chapter 19: Risking Suspicion to Move the Sickbed: Repaying Kindness with Kindness =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print (new scan). Footnotes have been converted from the original endnote/footnote format to inline references.''

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''[Volume II, Book II, Chapter I]''<ref>CHAP VI. in the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

In the preceding Book we saw ''Tieh''-chung-u conducted to a Pagoda or convent by the servants of the ''Che-bien'': a piece of respect, which seemed attended with so much good will, that it took from him all suspicion of harm. But indeed his thoughts were entirely taken up with the lovely ''Shuey-ping-sin''; whom he the more admired when he called to mind the account he had received of her wit and judgment, and the uncommon dexterity with which she had set aside the tricks to ensnare her. "Certainly, said he to himself, this is a young Lady truly admirable! If my father and mother, who would have me marry, could procure me such a wife, I should be the happiest man in the world. ''Kwo-khe-tzu'' cannot be blamed for endeavouring to gain so fine a woman; but then had he no other means but violence? That was not only criminal but foolish. Little did my heart suggest to me this morning, that so uncommon an adventure would fall in my way; that I should come to the succour of so fair a lady, and be the happy instrument of rescuing her from danger!" Amidst these pleasing reflections he yielded himself up to sleep; which the fatigues of the day rendered far from unnecessary; and which received no unpleasing interruption from the image of ''Shuey-ping-sin'', who was the subject of his dreams.

As soon as he awaked in the morning, he commanded his servant to pack up his bedding and furniture, in order to depart. But the Superior<ref name="bonzees"/> of the Bonzees came to him and told him he must not go: but must spend a few days longer with them. "If you had come of yourself, proceeded he, you might have used your pleasure: but as you are recommended to this place by the ''Che-bien'', let me intreat you to stay and hear what he hath to say: perhaps he will make an entertainment and be glad to converse with you before you go." "I have no acquaintance or correspondence with that magistrate, said the youth: all I know of him is from the business of yesterday, which was too scandalous to be the foundation of an acquaintance: he is no way obliged to invite me, or I to go to him. Why then may not I depart?" "True, Sir, said the other, no obligation in this case lies upon you; but there doth upon me, and I shall incur his resentment if I do not first advise him of it." He had scarcely spoke, when a person came from the ''Che-bien'', with a red paper of invitation, requesting ''Tieh''-chung-u to go and dine with him. "Do you see, Sir, cryed the Superior of the Bonzees, suppose you had gone: where could I have found you? Am I now to blame? Well, pray sit down, while I go and order something for your breakfast."

This was hardly finished, when a servant came into the room; who being asked whence he came, answered that he belonged to ''Shuey-ping-sin'', and was sent by her to inquire out the lodging of the young gentleman<ref>In the original ''Tieh-siang-coon''. See vol. i. p. 114. note. It may not be unnecessary to add, that ''Siang-coon'' or ''cung'', is properly applied only to such as have taken the degree of Batchelor; but commonly given in compliment to others. See P. Couplet. Confuc. p. 123.</ref> to whom she was yesterday so much obliged; that she might know where to send a present to him, and to thank him for the great trouble he had met with on her account. "Go home, answered ''Tieh''-chung-u, and give my most respectful service to your lady: tell her what I did yesterday was only to make the street even,<ref>This expression is familiar to the Chinese. In the ''Shi-king'', one of their canonical books, it is spoken in praise of an ancient Emperor, that ''his way is straight''. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 409. The Scriptures abound with this metaphor [See Isa. 5. 8. Isai. 40. 3. and 59. 8. Lam. 3. Mat. 3. 3. Heb. 12. 13.] which is so obvious, that we are not to wonder that it hath even been adopted by the Indians of North America. In a late conference their warriors told one of our governors, "that they had been sent to make the path straight, and to accommodate differences."</ref> that was rugged and uneven. Whatever service I did her was merely accidental: and should I suffer her to send me any present, it cannot but soon be known: which will cause some ill reflection; perhaps give room to suspect us of unlawful correspondence: she must therefore by no means do any such thing. Your mistress, who, with all the delicacy of her own sex, hath all the capacity of ours,<ref>In the original it is "Tho' your mistress is a woman with all the delicacy of her sex in her person, she hath a masculine capacity."

This is a very high compliment among a people, who entertain so unfavourable an opinion of the ladies understandings. Nieuhoff tells us, that in a Pagoda at Pe-king is to be seen the following epitaph: ''Passengers: here is a Lady, who had nothing female in her: all was Masculine; all was generous; all a prodigy.'' Vid. Ambass. page 135.</ref> will be sensible of the propriety of this refusal. I am one that cannot see any body suffer injustice without resenting it to the utmost; and am therefore by no means intitled to a present; nor will take so much as a thread.<ref>Pieces of silk, &c. are usually given as presents in China. See P. Semedo.</ref> I now go to the ''Che-bien'''s, and to-morrow from this place. Give my respects to your lady, and tell her to watch, as she would against the spring of a tyger."

Her servant reported all this, without omitting a syllable. "Is it possible, said she, with a heart glowing with gratitude and admiration; Is it possible the world should contain a youth of so much integrity and courage! O that I was but a man, that I might go along with him and make him my friend! or could but thank him as I ought for the services he hath done me! But alas! I am a woman, and custom forbids any such thing. Besides I know but very little of him: neither is my father at home, or any guardian friend to make proper acknowledgements for what he hath done. But the breast of this youth glows with a noble ardour, and is as pure as the clearest crystal. Should I procure my uncle to go and visit him, something wrong might happen. He hath refused the present, I offered him by my servant: what if I send him a copy of verses to express my thanks? This too might be misconstrued by the world, as too bold and forward." She revolved a thousand ways in her mind, but could think on none, which she might venture to put in execution. At last she concluded to get intelligence of every thing that passed in relation to him, hoping some occasion would offer to manifest her gratitude. She accordingly sent people every hour to hear what happened. One returned and brought her advice, that the young gentleman was gone to dine with the ''Che-bien''. Another, that that Magistrate had kept him till night, and made him so deeply in liquor as to know nobody. The next morning she sent to see if he was departed, and was told, that having drank hard over-night, he was not yet risen. She sent again; and was informed he could not depart that day: being detained by an invitation from the ''Che-foo''. "This is a young man of rank, said she to herself, and he must comply with these ceremonies and customs." When two days had elapsed, she again sent to inquire after him. Her servants brought answer, that the night before, the Superior of the Bonzees had made an entertainment of Lent<ref>This probably means no more than what we call a ''lenten Entertainment'': for it does not appear that the Bonzees have periodical times of fasting. They refrain all their life-time from the use of flesh, fish, eggs, wine, onions, garlick, and every thing that heats the blood. Yet they have upon occasion Feasts of such provisions as are allowed them. Nothing however can be more rigorous than the fasting and discipline of the Bonzees: who seem to sacrifice themselves to the public good. They will drag heavy chains, fastened to their arms and legs in such a manner, as to wound them every step they go: they will beat their heads against stones, till they burst out with blood, in order to extort alms from the people. Their pretence however for these severities, is to do penance in this life, that themselves and their votaries may be the better provided for in the next: which they suppose to consist in a transmigration into other bodies.

As it is well known they dare not touch flesh, the Reader will smile at the story told by P. Le Compte of their feasting on ducks, of which they had defrauded a peasant, under pretence that the souls of their fathers were transmigrated into them. This may shew, what credit is to be given to some other stories told of the Bonzees by the Jesuits.

[Compare P. Le Compte, tom. 2. p. 117. with p. 120. Compare also P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 653. with p. 656. lin. 16. See also p. 654. 655. &c.]

Before we conclude this note, it may be proper to observe, that the Missionaries at first assumed the habits of the Bonzees, but finding those wretched disciplinarians in small repute among the Mandarines, &c. they afterwards chose to appear in the garb of the Literati, and stiled themselves ''Doctors of the Western Law'': by which means they were greatly respected, while they were permitted to reside in China. Vid. Let. ed. viij. 218. &c. P. Semedo, Martin. &c.</ref> for the young stranger, and that he not being used to such diet, was very much indisposed: "He keeps his bed, proceeded he, and can neither drink tea, nor eat rice: every thing offends his stomach, insomuch that he is light-headed." At this ''Shuey-ping-sin'' began to suspect some mischief: "A little harmless diet, said she, could never occasion so sudden and dangerous an illness." She therefore sent back her servant to gain more exact intelligence, and to see if there were any physician with him. She was informed there had been, and that it was his opinion, his illness proceeded as well from his having catched cold as his having been guilty of some little excess; but that he had given him a medicine,<ref>Physicians in China never write any prescriptions, but commonly give their own medicines: a boy carrying after them a cabinet with five drawers; each divided into more than forty little squares, and all of them furnished with medicines ready prepared. When they have felt the pulse, they make up two compositions, one to be taken on the spot, the other afterwards. Their medicines are only simples; in the uses of which, and in the knowledge of the pulse, their whole art consists. Blood-letting is very rarely practised among them; and the use of Clysters was not known till they learned it from the Portuguese at Ma-cao, which they therefore call "the Remedy of Barbarians." The Circulation of the blood is said to have been known to them from time immemorial; but from their aversion to dissecting, and ignorance of Anatomy, they have made no improvements from it. The profession is chiefly handed down from father to son, tho' they have good ancient Books of the art, Extracts from which may be seen in Du Halde. Their fees are very moderate; but they never repeat their visits unless sent for: so that the patient is at liberty to change his physician. Vid. plura apud Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 189, &c. P. Semedo, p. 56. Mod. Un. Hist. VIII. 194. &c. Le Compte, Martin. &c.</ref> that would restore him on the morrow. When the morrow came, she was informed that he had been very ill all night, and was become so weak he could not rise from his bed. All her fears and suspicions were now confirmed. "He is indeed, said she, fallen into the snare." She revolved in her mind how to act: her heart inclined her to go and lend him assistance; but her sex and her youth rendered it impossible: and yet she reflected that there were none beside herself interested in his welfare; and that all he suffered was for her sake. Strongly moved with concern and compassion, she at last resolved to exert herself in his favour, be the consequence what it would. She called therefore her servant, and inquired of him what attendants the young stranger had with him. She was answered, only one, and he a boy of fourteen or fifteen years. She inquired about his understanding and capacity: and was told he was a very sensible and likely youth. "Well then, said she to her servants, go two of you: one remain with the master, while the other brings the servant to me." When he was come, the young lady inquired of him, what was the cause of his master's illness? "My master, said he, hath hitherto enjoyed exceeding good health, till he went to the ''Che-bien'''s; where he drank wine, and became very sick after it: then going to the Bonzee's feast, he grew still worse and worse." She then inquired whether he yet retained his memory and speech: and was answered, he did. "Well then, hasten home, added she, and with my service, tell him in his ear from me; that these invitations boded no good: that his coming to my relief, and rescuing me from violence, hath made ''Kwo-khe-tzu'' very much his enemy: that he and the ''Che-bien'' have juggled together to do him mischief: and that they only carried it so civilly towards him, lest he should present the counterfeit order to the Viceroy. Not daring to assault him openly, they have put something in his wine or his rice to kill him: and if he is not careful of what he eats or drinks farther, to-morrow he may be a dead man." ''Siow-tan'' listened with great attention. "Your ladyship, said he, is certainly right; for if there hath been no foul play, why should he receive no benefit from the physic he took last night, but on the contrary hath been a great deal worse? And yet the Bonzee would force him to take it. Nay as I was coming away, he was preparing more physic for him to drink. But I will go and prevent it, and set my master to scold at him, and teach him not to bring any more of his stuff." "By no means, replied the lady; only tell your master, to throw away unperceived whatever they give him. The Bonzee's part in this affair, is not of his own seeking: he must have been hired to it with money. Should your master quarrel with them now, what will he be in their hands? as a sheep in the claws of a tyger. He must for the present have patience. Hasten home therefore, and inform him, that when it is night, I will order a chair to be set down quietly at the door of the convent: assist your master to get into it, and come with him to my house: a good apartment shall be prepared for him; and when he hath recovered his health, then he may repay those people the injury they have done him." ''Siow-tan'' bowed in token of obedience. When he was gone a little way, she called him back: "There is one thing yet, said she; your master, being a gentleman of good reputation, and one of strict honour and virtue, perhaps may not think well of coming to the house of a young woman, and may be afraid of giving room for censure: but tell him to wave his scruples on this pressing occasion; and remind him, that it was formerly the custom for women and men to converse together without blame:<ref>The Chinese have some notion of an original state of innocence. Their historians teach that, before the time of ''Fo-hi'', their first Emperor and Legislator, the two sexes cloathed alike, and conversed together without restraint. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 137. 411. Mart. Hist. p. 23. &c.</ref> and even should there arise any on this occasion, he is a man of so much resolution and spirit, as to be immoveable to any thing of that kind, as a tree that hath taken root is to a boisterous wind: he is one that can hold fast the helm in the greatest storm. Go now, said she, and remember all I told you." He promised not to forget a syllable.

When he returned, he found his master asleep. He waited till he awoke, and then looking round to see that nobody was near, acquainted him where he had been, and of all that had past. ''Tieh''-chung-u was surprized. "How, said he, could I be so bereaved of my understanding, as not to perceive the situation I was in?" Then calling for his cloaths, he would have gone to the ''Che-bien''. "By no means, said his servant; the young lady advised the contrary on account of your present weakness: but stay a little longer, and a chair will come and carry you to her house, where you will be taken care of." ''Tieh''-chung-u was overjoyed at this offer. "And yet, said he, I am a young man, and she a young maid; how can I go to her house, without occasioning scandal? Rather than that, I would even die here; then I should leave no reflection behind me." On this ''Siow-tan'' reported to his master what she had said to him at parting; which made such an impression on his mind, that he cried out, he was willing to go. "Surely, said he, this young lady hath the fortitude and judgment of a philosopher. Her capacity exceeds all comprehension."

Scarce had he uttered these words, when the Superior of the Bonzees brought a cup of physic, and delivering it to ''Siow-tan'', said, "If your master will drink this he will be well, and need not take any more." "Heaven reward you! replied the boy; when my master gets up, I will give it him to drink." "Do so, said the Bonzee, and then I will bring him some cong-gee or gruel." But no sooner was his back turned, than he threw it away: for which his master commended him.

Towards the close of the evening, ''Siow-tan'' went out of the door of the convent, to look for the chair, and saw it waiting attended by two servants. He went to inform his master, but found him so faint, that he was not able to raise himself up; however ''Siow-tan'' got on his cloaths, and watching an opportunity of doing it unperceived, took him on his back, and put him into the chair. As soon as he saw him carried away, he returned to the convent, and calling to the Bonzee, who had charge of the gate,<ref>In the original ''Lew-Ho-shang'', or porter father. Transl.</ref> told him, that he had got his master carried to the house of a friend, who would take care of him, and recover his health: and therefore he committed to his charge the key of their apartment, that they might find all their furniture safe, when they should come for it.

In the mean while ''Tieh''-chung-u, as he was carried along, perceived with no small emotion, that a great deal of pains had been taken in the furniture of the chair, and every other accommodation: and he had scarcely got half way, when he was met by two grand lanthorns<ref>In the night it is not usual to carry flambeaus as in Europe before the Mandarines, but several very large handsome Lanthorns, on which are written in capital characters, the titles and quality of the Mandarine, with the order of his Mandarinate. All his relations cause these titles, &c. to be written on the lanthorns carried before them in the night. Once a year, a Feast of Lanthorns is celebrated throughout the empire, when every house is lighted up with them painted of several fashions: some of which cost a vast sum of money. These Lanthorns, which are very large, and are adorned with beautiful carvings, gilding, &c. consist some of them of several panes of thin silk, made transparent by a fine varnish, whereon are painted figures, &c. others are round, made of a blue transparent horn, very beautiful to the sight. From the top and corners hang rich streamers. In some of them are represented figures, ships, horses, people, &c. put in motion by imperceptible threads, &c. The whole is accompanied with curious fire-works, in which the Chinese excel: they having had the use of gunpowder long before it was known in Europe. See Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 253, 271, 290, &c. Mod. Un. Hist. v. viii. p. 253.</ref> very finely decorated with the Chop or inscription of ''Shuey-ping-sin''. "Surely, said he to himself, she hath a very great value for me, to do me so much honour." With regard to her, as soon as she was advised of the arrival of the chair, she ordered it to be brought into the hall, which was lighted up so as to equal day. She then placed herself on one side, and ordered four of her women servants to open the chair, and help ''Tieh''-chung-u into a bedchamber prepared for his reception.

As soon as he was set down, he called for his servant, and ordered him to present his compliments to the young lady, and intreat her to pardon his not paying his respects to her at his coming into her house: which nothing but his weakness could have made him omit. He then tried if he could walk a little, but being presently tired, laid himself on the bed.

''Shuey-ping-sin'' ordered her people to carry him tea, as also ''Gin-seng'',<ref>In the original it is "''Gin-seng'', ''Long-yen''."

The ''Ging-seng'', or ''human plant'', so called from the fancied resemblance of its root to a human body, is in such request in China, that an ounce of it sells at present for seven times its weight in silver. The best of it is found in Eastern Tartary, where it is called ''Orhota'' i. e. ''the first or queen of plants''. The Tartars use its leaves instead of tea: but that which is alone used in Physic is its Root, which is about half as thick as the little finger, but something longer, of a light yellow. It is sweet and agreeable to the taste, although it leaves a little smack of bitter. It is esteemed the most sovereign of all cordials and restoratives; and is taken by way of decoction. P. Jartoux, (to whose description and drawing of the ''Ging-seng'' we shall refer the reader, see ''Jesuits travels'', vol. 2. p. 424. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 321.) tells us, that after taking it, he found his pulse beat quicker and livelier, his appetite keener, and himself possessed of uncommon ease and aptitude for business. That once finding himself on a journey greatly fatigued, and his spirits exhausted to such a degree that he could scarcely sit on horseback, he took some of the root, and in an hour after his feebleness was quite gone. "To try its goodness, saith a Chinese Author, two persons are set to walk together; one goes with ''Gin-seng'' in his mouth, the other without; at the length of half a league, the former will not find himself at all out of breath, when the other is tired and breathless." The Chinese call the best sort, ''the golden well set round with precious stones'': and give the ''Gin-seng'' other names expressive of its high character, such as, ''the spirituous simple''; ''the pure spirit of the earth''; ''the fat of the sea''; ''the medicine which bestows immortality''; &c.

Vide plura apud P. Du Halde, v. 2. p. 215. 245. P. Le Compte, tom. 1. 341. & ubi supra.

The ''Long-yen'', the Translator says in a note, "is a fruit, which, after the ''Li-chee'' is over, comes on the same tree." But he is mistaken. The ''Li-chee'', stiled by the Chinese, "the king of fruits," is about the size of a nut; of an oval form; with a rind rough like shagreen. Its stone is long, and covered with a soft, juicy pulp, very agreeable to the taste, but like no fruit known in Europe. It is said to be the most delicious fruit in the world. Next to it is the ''Long-yen'' or ''dragon's eye'', which is round with a smooth and greyish rind, a little inclined to yellow. Its pulp is white, juicy, and a little acid. These fruits are dried, and sold all over the empire, like prunes with us, being esteemed very wholsome, and proper to be given to sick folks.

P. Le Compte, tom. 1. p. 152. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 8. 84. Nieuhoff, p. 90. Denys Kao. p. 182. &c.

With regard to the ''Leah-mee'', all the information the Editor could meet with about it, is comprized in a short note of the Translator's, which seems to carry the etymology of its name. "That ''Leah-mee'' is the root of the great leaf in the water."</ref> and other cordial restoratives: but they finding him asleep, did not offer to disturb him. Then sending all the men servants away to bed, except two old men; she bade them, together with their wives and her other female attendants, to wait on her in the great hall, where she spent the night in getting ready things for him against he awoke.

It was midnight before he opened his eyes, which he had no sooner done, when he was struck with the beauty of the room and the elegance of its furniture. ''Siow-tan'' was sitting by the bed side, who perceiving his master awake, asked how he found himself. He told him he was much better, and inquired why he did not go to rest. "Sir, replied his servant, I have not sat up alone; for neither the Lady of this house, nor any of her servants, have taken repose, but are busy in the hall preparing things for your recovery." "Why do they do so, said ''Tieh''-chung-u with concern? how can I suffer them to be at all this trouble, and to do so much on my account?" These two words were hardly spoke, when the servants returned with the tea and the cordials, which they brought to his bed side and intreated him to drink. He found the tea disagreed with him, but was much pleased with the ''Ginseng'', and the other restoratives: and when he had drank Con-gee or gruel, he desired the servants to give his most humble respects to their Lady, and tell her that she had taken him out of the mouth of a tiger. "Yes, proceeded he, my life is intirely owing to her, and therefore I ought to have her welfare in regard above all things in the world: for this reason I am so concerned at the trouble she gives herself, that if she thus persists in putting her own hands to every thing, it will increase my illness." One of the girls named ''Tsung-siew'', who had the office of housekeeper, answered. "My Lady attributes all you suffer to the assistance you afforded her: and if you do not recover your health, will not enjoy any herself. It is now two days since she heard of your illness; from that time she hath had no pleasure or satisfaction in any thing, and hath been even quite indisposed: but since you are come here, and there is hope of your recovery, she is much better. And as to a little tea or the like, so far from giving her trouble, she thinks this the least she can offer you." "If my illness hath made your Lady indisposed, replied ''Tieh''-chung-u, the trouble she gives herself on my account deprives me at once of health and quiet." To satisfy him, she promised to prevail on her mistress to take repose; and then retired. While his servant was making up his bed he opened the curtains; "How delicate and perfumed is every thing here! said he to himself. The care that is taken of me exceeds even that of a tender parent." He then composed himself to rest with great complacency.

When the servants had related to ''Shuey-ping-sin'' all that had past; she judged that he now was out of danger. Then appointing a physician to be fetched in the morning to feel his pulse, and ordering one or two old women servants to lie in the hall, to be ready to hear and get him what he might want, she retired to her chamber.

:''The lucid dew falleth to the ground; but is not lost:''
:''It springeth up in tender grass and golden flowers:''
:''From clear and spotless actions, thus ariseth fame and happiness.''
:''Where shall now be found so virtuous a pair?''
:''Only thoughts of gratitude that night employed them.''

<references/>

[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 12

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= Chapter 12: A Cold Face Can Turn: A Single Banquet Creates an Enemy =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Page numbers preserved as [p. N]. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/Chapter_12|modern translation]] and [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/zh/Chapter_12|Chinese original]] to verify.''

----

''[Volume III, Book III, Chapters V-VIII]''

=== CHAP. V. ===

<ref>CHAP. XII. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

Kwo-khe-tzu hearing Shuey-guwin say he was not unprovided of an occasion to plague Tieh-chung-u, was desirous to know what it was. He told him, that as his coming so long a journey was all for the sake of his Niece, it was not to be doubted but he would yet take an opportunity to speak with her; and therefore he must be watched. "Nay, said he, that he may not do it without our privity, I will go to my niece and make her send for him." "That, said his son-in-law, will be to do him a pleasure; nay will afford him an opportunity to bind the marriage contract with her, and then all my hopes are at an end, and I am utterly lost."

"Fear not, replied the other, what I propose is the only means to prevent his doing it<ref>The Chinese Author hath not made this appear, but he probably meant, that by involving them in the suspicion of an illicit correspondence, he should effectually hinder their union. Such is the delicacy of the Chinese on the subject of marriage. See the sequel of this History.</ref>." Then taking his leave, he went to the young lady, whom he thus accosted; "Niece, you have certainly great penetration and discernment with regard to mankind: I shall henceforth pay great deference to your opinion. For sometime since, when there was a rumour that Tieh-chung-u had been guilty of a great misdemeanour, and was nothing less than an hypocrite and a cheat, you would not give the least credit to it, but believed as well of him as before. Future inquiries have confirmed your judgment, and I am now satisfied he is a man of great honour, sobriety, and justice." "That, she replied, is an old affair: why do you mention what is past?" He said, "I saw this stranger again to-day: and am therefore convinced he hath the good qualities I spoke of." "How can you know a man's good qualities, said she, by barely seeing him?" Shuey-guwin told her, that he had met him that morning coming out of her house; and had inquired his business: "For I was apprehensive, said he, that he had been doing something, which might bring a reflection upon you; and therefore thought it behoved me to call him to account: but he vindicated himself so handsomely, and appeared to have come hither with so good an intention, that I find him to be a very well-disposed, sincere, honest man." "Uncle, said the young lady, how could you know that he came hither with a good intention?" "He told me, replied he, that hearing at court that the Grand Visitor had issued out two orders to compel you to marry, and knowing how much it must be against your inclinations, he had come hither on purpose to prevent it. That with this view, and to make proper inquiries, he came to-day to your house, but finding upon the wall the ''Kao-she'' or declaration in your favour, he was satisfied, and about to return to court. From all this I cannot but conclude favourably of his character." "He acted just in this noble and upright manner, replied his niece, from the very first, when he saw me going to the Che-bien's. He is a youth of that justice and generous ardor, that I could not but do what I did, in recompence of so much merit." "Certainly, said her uncle, the assistance he afforded you at that time, and the kindness you shewed him afterwards, were both highly laudable. And now upon the bare report that you were likely to be injured, he hath come so far to your relief. But would it be right to let him return without any notice of, or thanks for his trouble?" "Your question, said she, is very proper: but what can I do? I am a young woman and single; and must avoid giving further occasion for scandal. What though he hath taken all this trouble, I know he expects no return from me: thoroughly convinced of my grateful temper, he requires no public proof of it." "That is very true, said Shuey-guwin; and yet it would be but right to invite him to come, that you might at least pay your compliments to him."

Shuey-ping-sin had learnt from her old servant, that he had met with Tieh-chung-u near Pe-king, and there intreated his assistance; and that he had afterwards been fetched back again without ever explaining the reason of it to him. She therefore readily supposed, that the young gentleman having missed him, was come thither to know the truth of the matter: and imagining there could be no better occasion to inform him of what he must desire to know, consented to follow her uncle's advice. And yet she was not without suspicion, that the latter had some other design in view than he would acknowledge. She told him therefore she would be guided by him, and would prepare a ''Tieh-tse'' or paper of invitation, but it must run in his name."

She accordingly dispatched Shuey-yeong with it; whom her uncle directed to the young gentleman's lodgings. Tieh-chung-u was reflecting on the oddness of the adventure, and on the inconsistency of the Grand Visitor's conduct, when he saw the old servant enter, who had occasioned him so much perplexity. He was very glad to see him, and eagerly inquired why he did not follow him to Pe-king. The old man informed him of all that happened from the time they parted; and accounted for the change in the Grand Visitor's conduct: at the same time he explained the reason of his abrupt return, and begged his pardon, as he supposed it had occasioned his journey thither. Then telling him that his lady was glad to hear of his arrival, he presented the billet of invitation. Tieh-chung-u was highly pleased with the account he gave him, but would not receive the Tieh-tse. "When I went this morning to her house, said he, I saw the declaration, which satisfied me of her safety; you have now cleared up all remaining doubts; why then should I stay? I will depart to-morrow." "Sir, replied the servant, will not you accept of the invitation, which I bring in the name of my second master<ref>i. e. His master's brother. ''Translator.''</ref>?" "There are, said the youth, many reasons why it would be improper. And I must insist upon it that there be no feast or other public acknowledgment on account of my arrival. [Your lady's excellent judgment knows that it would be wrong in me to go, although her complaisance may have induced her to invite me<ref>The Editor hath softened a few passages in this and the preceding page, which to the eye of an European did not appear quite so respectful in the original. Instead of the passage which is included above in brackets, in the M.S. it is ["I am resolved not to go."]</ref>.] Return therefore, and present to her my most respectful services." Shuey-yeong did not press him farther, but went and reported to his lady and her uncle what he had said. The latter was much disappointed; but his niece remained very well satisfied with his refusal, supposing it proceeded from a foresight of some mischief intended him.

Shuey-guwin, greatly mortified with the disappointment, went to his son-in-law, and related to him what had happened, telling him he looked upon the other's shyness as only counterfeited in order to cover a design of seeing his niece in private. He therefore advised him still to keep a good look out. "This fellow, said Kwo-khe-tzu, is a demon. And as I am a plain man void of all art or cunning, how shall I be able to look out after him. Am not I the chief person of figure in this city? He knows too, how much I desire to marry your niece; yet he is always coming here and soliciting her: in which he opposes me, and declares himself my enemy. He hath already discovered our intentions to deceive him, and therefore will henceforth be distrustful. To what purpose then shall we wait for an occasion to catch him? No: to-morrow I will go myself and visit him in form: he cannot but return the compliment: when he comes I will receive him with great courtesy, and make a handsome entertainment; to which I will invite several young rakes of this city, sons of great Mandarines, and my particular acquaintance: at the same time we will plant some strong lusty fellows near at hand. When he comes we will ply him with wine, and when he is in liquor, provoke him to throw out some affronting expression; which will afford us a handle to fall upon him, and beat him so severely that he shall breathe his last. Then will we present a petition to the Grand Visitor, wherein the disturbance shall be made to appear the effect of his own quarrelsome disposition. Thus shall we get clear of this difficulty, and prevent any body of figure from ever venturing again to try their strength with the principal youths of this city: which we shall also render famous for men of bravery and valour." Shuey-guwin approved of this design, yet could not help expressing some apprehension about the consequence. "What, said the other, have I to fear? do you consider the exalted rank of my father?" "Go then, replied Shuey-guwin, set about it directly, he intends to be gone early in the morning." Upon which the other calling his people together, and preparing a billet of compliments, ordered his chair, and set out immediately with great attendance. When he arrived at the lodgings, he sent in the paper, and Siow-tan informed his master of the visit; who thereupon bade him to return for answer that he was not at home<ref>If the Chinese are not disposed to see company, it is sufficient to say, that they are not at home: in which case if the visitant leaves his paper of compliments [See note vol. I. p. 135.] with the porter or servant, the visit is the same as if received in person, and must be returned in form. Sometimes a Mandarine will receive the Billet by his porter, and will send to desire the visitant not to be at the trouble to alight from his chair. In either case the visit must be returned, either the same day, or on one of the three following, and if possible in the morning.

If a person is desirous of being excused the trouble of receiving these civilities, he affixes over his gate a paper written with white letters, "That he is retired to his garden house." P. Semedo, p. 60. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 296.</ref>. Kwo-khe-tzu called to the boy, and getting out of his chair talked to him a good while: then got into it again and returned home.

Tieh-chung-u learnt from his servant, that Kwo-khe-tzu had inquired after him with great courtesy, and had given him a very kind invitation to see him. "Wherefore is all this shew of kindness, said he to himself? He is certainly my enemy, and only means to deceive me. Besides, what time have I to spend in feasting and merriment? No! I am satisfied that Shuey-ping-sin is in safety, and will return to-morrow." But then he suddenly recollected that the other was the son of a Mandarine of the first rank. "Besides, said he, he came like a ''To-fang'' or Whirlwind<ref>It is remarkable that the Chinese ''To-Fang'', or Whirlwind, corruptly pronounced by our voyagers ''Tuffoon'', is called in Greek by a similar name (Τυφὼν) ''Typhon''.

The kind of storm here mentioned is frequent on the coasts of China in the summer months, and is generally preceded (sometimes for hours) by a boding cloud in the N.E. which near the horizon is very black, but upwards is of a dark copper hue, and higher still is brighter, till it fades to a whitish glaring colour at the very edge of the cloud: nothing can be conceived more dreadful and ghastly than this appearance. When this cloud begins to move apace, the storm may soon be expected: which comes on fierce and blows very violent at N.E. for twelve hours or more, accompanied with terrible claps of thunder, frequent flashes of lightning, and excessive hard rain. When the wind begins to abate, it dies away suddenly, and falling into a flat calm continues so for about an hour: then the wind comes about to S.W. and it blows and rains as fierce from that quarter, as it did from the other, and as long.

This storm is more terrible than can be conceived: one would think that heaven and earth were returning to their ancient Chaos, so that it is no wonder the ribs of the stoutest ships should be loosened. It rages not only at sea, but also on land; and overturns houses, pulls up trees by the roots, and carries great ships a quarter of a mile from the sea.

See Dampier's voy. vol. 2. p. 36. Varenii Geograph.</ref>; he raised the whole city as he came along, and every body is acquainted with the honour he did me. After this, if I do not go, I shall be universally condemned for rudeness and ill-manners; therefore I cannot avoid it. Upon second thoughts I will go early in the morning. He is a man of ease and luxury, and lies in bed late; I will therefore go before he is stirring. I will only leave my compliments for him and will return." Having formed this resolution, he ordered his servant to prepare his bed, and to call him up early.

These precautions were however fruitless; for Kwo-khe-tzu had appointed one of his attendants to wait near the inn, and to pick up what information he could about the repayment of his visit. From a servant of the inn this man learnt the directions the young gentleman had given when he retired to rest; of which he did not fail to apprize his master: so that when Tieh-chung-u went in the morning, he found he had long been waiting to receive him. Kwo-khe-tzu gave him the most courteous reception, having even gone out into the street to meet him. "Why! said he, smiling with great appearance of joy, and saluting him in the most respectful manner; Why do you give yourself so much trouble in doing me this favour?" Tieh-chung-u seeing himself so highly caressed, imagined it was to cover some evil design. He would gladly have returned, but could not now without great incivility: he accordingly attended him into the great hall, and would there have made him the customary salute; but the other told him it was too ordinary a place for that honour, and therefore begged he might shew him farther within the house. He then carried him into the second hall, where the usual ceremonies past between them. This done, they sat down, and Kwo-khe-tzu called for tea. He afterwards took occasion to tell his guest, that he had long since heard of his high reputation, and had wished to have the honour of conversing with him. "When I was first informed of your coming here, said he, I sought for an occasion to see you: and to-day it is my good fortune to be favoured with a visit. I should be glad if you would extend it to eight or ten days." Tieh-chung-u having drunk his tea, set down his cup, and rising from his chair said, "Sir, your regard and friendship certainly demand that I should stay here longer. But I must be gone immediately: strong necessity requires it: could I fly as swift as an arrow from a bow it would not be amiss." This said, he was going away: but Kwo-khe-tzu embraced him saying, "You must then stay three days with me." "It is very certain, he replied, that I must be gone; I beg therefore you will not detain me." He then was going to force himself from him: but the other took hold of his hand, and said, "Although I am unworthy of this favour myself, you ought to shew some respect to my family and rank: you should not have visited me, if you esteemed us all so insignificant. No! now you are come, I must make you owner (or master) of this country<ref>An European would have been contented to welcome him by desiring him to consider the house as his own, or to look upon himself as at home. But the above high-strained expression of civility prevails in other parts of the East besides China. When a party of English merchants first visited Palmyra in the year 1678, they were met by two Arabs, one of whom was an officer of the Emir, who told them, "in the bold metaphor of an eastern compliment (says the writer of the account) that all the country was theirs, and that his lord was their friend." See Memoirs Roy. Soc. N° 227.</ref> by giving you an entertainment." "I would not willingly refuse the many favours you confer on me, said Tieh-chung-u: but I must be gone. Every thing is packed up ready for my departure: and it is impossible for me to stay here longer." "I cannot force you to stay, said the other; but I am ashamed that I am not able to persuade you. However, as you are come so early you must stay and breakfast with me: it shall not detain you long. You must not mortify me by a refusal of this. When breakfast is over you may prosecute your journey." "Would you leave me to my own inclinations, said Tieh-chung-u, I could wish to be excused: but if you will have it so, I must submit. Yet according to order and propriety, upon the first visit how can I stay and give you this trouble?" "Between friends, replied the other, you must not talk of trouble."

=== CHAP. V. [cont.] ===

These words were scarcely uttered when Shuey-guwin made his appearance. He saluted the young stranger, and smiling said, "Yesterday my niece hearing of the great favour you did her in coming so far on her account, sent to invite you to her house. I know not what we had done to disoblige you. But as I have now the good fortune to meet with you here, I hope you will let me wait on you to her." Tieh-chung-u replied, "I came hither in the greatest haste, and must return with equal dispatch. I brought nothing with me to present her with, and how can I presume to go to her house with empty hands<ref>Not only in China, but all over the East, it is thought a breach of good manners to appear empty-handed before those whom they profess to respect. Among the Chinese the common presents are for the most part, stuffs, female ornaments, or the like; even shoes, stockings, handkerchiefs, porcelain, ink, pencils, &c. are thus bestowed; and sometimes things to eat. They are very careful to chase every thing the best of the kind for this purpose. P. Semedo, p. 64.</ref>. To-day I came to visit Kwo-khe-tzu only to pay my respects to him, and to know his door again: I intended to have returned immediately: but though I have been prevailed on to stay a moment, I cannot bear to receive so many favours, and should be glad of your directions how to return them." "Formerly, said Shuey-guwin, good friends would lay all ceremony aside: cannot you do the same by my son-in-law? I look upon you both as better than those of former ages; why then should you follow the corrupt practices of the present times?" Kwo-khe-tzu laughed and said, "My father, you say right: it ought to be so."

By so many courteous and obliging speeches Tieh-chung-u was divested of all farther suspicion. He sat down, Kwo-khe-tzu making him take the first chair<ref>See note, vol. 2. p. 76.</ref>. Presently after wine was brought. "Because I came early, said the youth, you insisted on my staying to eat a little. Why then do you bring wine? it is not time to drink that yet." "Drink it by degrees, said Kwo-khe-tzu, and we shall not think time unsuitable." Then sitting all of them down, they were very chearful and drank about for a little while; after which Tieh-chung-u rose up to withdraw.

At the same instant word was brought that the young Mandarine Whang was entering the doors. This young gentleman, who was son of the Ping-kho<ref>See note, vol. 1. p. 69. and note, vol. 2. pag. 279.</ref>, or Mandarine of the third chair of the tribunal of arms, was respectfully saluted by all the company, who afterwards sat down. "Sir, said Kwo-khe-tzu, you come in good time to meet with that gentleman, who is a person of worth and of great reputation for his courage and gallantry." "What! said the other; is that Tieh-chung-u? the young gentleman who forced his way into Tah-quay's palace?" Shuey-guwin assured him it was. "Is it possible! said he. Oh, Sir! have I then the happiness to meet with you here! a happiness which I was prevented from enjoying at court much against my inclinations. Give me here a great goblet." Then offering it with wine to Tieh-chung-u, the latter drank it off and returned it full to him again: thus they continued till each had drunk off three goblets.

Tieh-chung-u was now about to go, when he was again prevented by the arrival of the young Mandarine Lee, second son to the Grand President of the royal college<ref name="hanlin"/>. They were rising up to receive him, but he catched hold of a chair, and told them, as friends they must not do so. "Another time, said Kwo-khe-tzu, we may dispense with this ceremony; but to-day we have a stranger with us." With that Tieh-chung-u rose up and made his compliments to him. The other would have prevented it: "Excuse me, Sir, said he, your appearance doth not owe me so much respect! Pray how am I to call you?" Tieh-chung-u told him his name and city. "What! said he, the eldest son of the Supreme Viceroy!" then making him the most profound reverence, he congratulated his good fortune in having met with a person whom he had so often wished to see. Kwo-khe-tzu made them all sit down. By this time Tieh-chung-u perceived the wine began to affect him, and therefore resolved to stay no longer. "With your leave, Sir, said he to the young master of the house, I must now be gone. I know custom forbids that I should go so soon after the arrival of this young gentleman, but I came here early and have drunk a great deal: and therefore must go." The young Mandarine Lee<ref>The original is ''Lee-cong-tzu'', which properly signifies Lee a Mandarine's son. See note, vol. 1. p. 114. This remark must be applied wherever the words ''Young Mandarine'' occur throughout this chapter. -- N.B. Title and rank are not hereditary in China: the sons of the greatest Mandarines are reduced to the level of the people in point of distinction and dignity. See vol. 1. additional note to p. 59.</ref> hearing this, changed countenance, and said, "You put a great slight upon me, Sir. Why did not you go at first? What! can't you stay a little while longer? You think me not good enough to drink with you." "Truly, said Shuey-guwin, he hath a great while desired to be gone: and it is not upon your account that he would go now; but if he will not first drink a cup of wine with you, you have reason to accuse him of ill manners. Let him pay the same compliment to you, as he did to the young Mandarine Whang, then he may use his pleasure, and we will no longer consider him as a guest." The other hearing that, was extremely well pleased, and agreed it was right: upon which they sat down, and each of them drank three cups of wine.

This was no sooner over but a servant came to tell of the arrival of the young Mandarine Chang, eldest son to the President of the tribunal of rites<ref>See note, vol. 2. p. 171.</ref>: he entered the hall as soon as the servant had spoke: and came staggering along, his cap on one side, with staring eyes and a red bloated face, crying "Which is this Tieh? this Mandarine's son? if he hath a mind to pass for a valiant fellow in the city of Tsie-nan, why doth he not come and encounter me?" The youth, who had risen up to pay him the usual respects, hearing these words stood still: "I, said he, am called Tieh-chung-u: have you any thing to say to me?" The other made him no answer nor compliment, but stood staring at him in a very discourteous manner, and then burst out into laughter: "I thought, said he, this young Tieh was a terrible fellow. From people's reports, I concluded he had seven heads, and eight galls in his stomach. But his eye-brows are fine and small: he is smock-faced and delicate; and hath all over the air of a dainty young lady. People talk of his being valiant. I fancy it must be a monkey changed into that shape. Come, let us have some wine, we shall presently see whether he is valiant or not." "Certainly, cried the others present, that is the way to try people's strength<ref>The literal translation is, "Those that are strong always shew it by their eating and drinking." -- It may be observed here that the Chinese are great topers: when they speak of a banquet they make mention only of wine. As we say in English, "to invite to a feast," "to give an entertainment," in Chinese the expression is, "to invite to drink," "to prepare wine," ''Ying-ksioo'', ''Pai-tsioo'', because wine is regarded as the most essential part of a repast. Let. ed. x. 326. P. Semedo tells us, that it is usual at their entertainments after the dishes are removed, for them to discourse for about an hour: and then various kinds of salt meats are served in, of the nature of our gammons of bacon, tongues, &c. which they call ''guides'', i. e. provocatives to drink. [P. Semedo, p. 66.] As under the notion of wine, the Chinese include various kinds of spirituous liquors, to which they are much addicted, this will account for the readiness with which the Chinese Mandarines took off their glasses of Frontiniac and Citron-water at the entertainment given them on board the Centurion, as described by the writer of Lord Anson's voyage, page 482. Vid. P. Du Halde, P. Le Compte, &c.</ref>."

"Wine, said Tieh-chung-u, is drunk upon several accounts; but there are only three on which it is proper; and for each of these, three cups are allowable: these are friendship, mirth, and to satisfy nature<ref>This is not a random expression. In the Chinese play translated in P. Du Halde's collection: the person, who hath the care of a young Mandarine's education, says, "I have taught him the eighteen different ways of fighting." [''Je lui ai appris les dix-huit manieres de se battre.''] P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 180. -- The Reader will remark that this allowance much exceeds that known regulation of Sir William Temple's, viz. ''The first glass for myself, the second for my friends, the third for good-humour, the fourth for mine enemies.'' Spectator, vol. 3. N° 195.</ref>. As Whang-cong-tzu began with three cups, so will I drink three more, which will be sufficient." "Very well, said the other, sit down then:" and taking him by the sleeve pulled him into the chair. Then calling for two large cups of wine, he put the one into the hand of Tieh-chung-u, and took the other himself. "Wine, said he, discovers the heart. This is the first I shall drink with you." Then taking it off, he turned it up, crying ''khaen'' or ''clean!'' Tieh-chung-u thought he could hardly manage his wine, but finding no other remedy at length he drank it: at which Chang cried out, "That's something like, and as a friend should." Then he ordered two more to be filled. On which Tieh-chung-u would have retired, saying he had drunk a great deal. "I have drunk, said he, three cups with each of these gentlemen, and now one with you. I have had enough, you must therefore excuse me." Chang replied, "What then, will you cut me off two cups? you make me little: I cannot let that pass upon me, who am as considerable as any of this city: come, you must make up my full number." Then taking a second cup, he drank to his health.

Tieh-chung-u was now almost overcome with wine, for he had been drinking from early in the morning till ten o'clock, without having eaten a morsel: when therefore Chang had drunk off the second cup he would not pledge him, but put the wine down again upon the table. Which the other seeing, cried out, "Is this handsome! will not you do me the same courtesy that you have done the rest?" "It is not possible for me, said Tieh-chung-u, to drink any more: if it was, I would not refuse you." "This cup, replied the other, you must and shall drink." "If I don't, said he, what then?" Upon which Chang began to roar: saying, "Who are you, you animal? If you thus take upon you, why did not you stay in your own city? What, do you come here to brave us? If you will not comply I shall make you [repent it]." And with that he threw it in his face. Tieh-chung-u was so provoked with this abuse, that his anger and resentment got the better of his wine: he looked a while stedfastly at him, then rising from his chair seized him by the stomach and shook him severely, saying, "What! dare you get upon the tyger's head and pull out his hairs?" Chang cried out, "What! have you a mind to beat me?" "Yes, replied the other, what of that?" and gave him a box of the ear. Which the other young Mandarines seeing, cried out, "What do you mean by this? we have treated you with good-will, and now you are drunk you abuse us for it. Come, come, shut the door, we will drub you till you are sober, and to-morrow carry you to the Grand Visitor."

Then Kwo-khe-tzu made a signal, and immediately from a side chamber rushed out seven or eight lusty fellows: while Shuey-guwin pretending to compose the difference, endeavoured to lay hold of his hands. Tieh-chung-u, who was now become sober, perceived their designs against him, and found he was betrayed: nevertheless he cried out, "What! are you a parcel of dogs, that you thus set upon and worry me?" then taking up Chang he threw him headlong to the ground, and gave him two or three hearty kicks. This done he endeavoured to wrest a foot from one of the tables for a weapon, but could not get it loose: Shuey-guwin came up to prevent him, but he received him with a kick or two, that sent him eighteen or twenty covids<ref>''Covid'' seems to be a contraction of the Portuguese word ''covado'', i. e. a cubit. The Chinese Ell or Cubit, (called by the Natives ''Che'') is of several kinds, but that most commonly used in traffic, is to the English Foot, as 676 is to 600; or something more than thirteen inches.

See Bayer, pref. pag. 134. Harris's voyag. vol. 1. p. 854. Tavernier, Pt. 2. ch. 10. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 141. Lettres edif. x. 157.</ref> before him: "Take that; said he. For the sake of your niece, I will give you no more." The two young Mandarines contented themselves with making an outcry, but durst not come near him: instead of which Kwo-khe-tzu ordered the fellows to fall upon him. Then seizing Chang he swung him round: crying out, "I will brain this fellow against the first that offers to approach me." Upon which Chang crying out, begged them to forbear and let him alone. "I desire nothing more, said Tieh-chung-u, than to be suffered to go out: but you shall accompany me to the door." "Ay, ay! with all my heart, said the other, I will go out with you." Which done Tieh-chung-u dismissed him; "Go, said he, and tell your fellows, if I had been provided with any weapon for my defence, I should not have been afraid of a thousand such as they. What signify four or five drunkards and gluttons, with the porters you have hired? Had it not been for your fathers, I had made some of you halted: but I have been very favourable, and you ought to thank me."

This said, he hastened to his lodgings, where Siow-tan had prepared every thing for his departure: here he found Shuey-yeong with a horse ready saddled and waiting for him. Tieh-chung-u inquired the meaning of this: the old man told him that his mistress hearing of the invitation, had suspected it was with an ill design: that her suspicions were afterwards confirmed by the event, which she was also informed of; and though she never doubted but he would get the better, yet foreseeing that it might be followed by a great deal of trouble, she had sent him that horse, which she intreated him to mount immediately, and to go and acquaint the Grand Visitor with the affair. Tieh-chung-u was charmed with her discretion and discernment: "How kind and obliging, said he, is your mistress? I shall never be able to return these favours." He was going to set out, but the master of the house asking him to dine, he accepted his offer; and immediately after, mounting the horse, departed for Tong-chang-foo: to which city the Grand Visitor had removed his tribunal<ref>The Supreme Mandarines, whose jurisdiction is very extensive, (viz. the Visitors, Viceroys, &c.) although they have generally their palaces in the capital city of the province, are not always resident there, but make circuits from place to place for the more convenient dispatch of business. P. Magal. pag. 242.

N.B. ''Tong-chang-foo'' is a large and opulent city: the third in the province of ''Shan-tong'', and is situated on the Grand Imperial Canal.

China is every where full of very fine Canals, which open a communication between every province and almost between every town and village; these run in straight lines, and have causeys on each side, faced with flat stones or marble: but the Grand Imperial Canal is one of the wonders of the world, being three hundred leagues in length, and forming a great road of water, on which more than nine thousand imperial barks transport the tribute which the Emperor annually receives from the southern provinces. This stupendous work, which was compleated about five hundred years ago, is so contrived by means of sluices, &c. to detain the water, and forms such a communication with other canals and rivers, that one may travel the length of the whole empire from Pe-king to Canton and Macao, above six hundred leagues by water.

P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 105, 17. 215. 286. 325.</ref>.

As soon as he alighted he drew up a petition, wherein he related all that had happened: then hastening to the doors of the audience, he found them shut: but being impatient he went and struck upon the drum. In consequence of which he was bound and carried before the tribunal: where the Grand Visitor had seated himself upon hearing the drum. The youth observed the usual order of respect in offering his petition<ref>This may be explained from P. Magalhaens, who thus describes the manner of proceeding at the Chinese tribunals.

"When a man hath any business to lay before them, he sets it down on paper: which done he goes to the palace of the tribunal and beats on a drum, which he finds at the second gate; and then falling on his knees, he raises his petition with both his hands as high as his head; at which time an officer appointed for that employment takes the paper from him, and lays it before the Mandarine who presides." Pag. 203.

N.B. With regard to binding the petitioner, &c. as described above, there is in the Translator's M.S. a marginal note which tells us, that "It is the custom to do so to any that strike on the drum:" but this is mentioned in no other writer.</ref>. The Grand Visitor imagined it was Tieh-chung-u before he opened it, and when he found he was right in his conjecture, he addressed him with great complaisance: "I knew nothing, Sir, of your coming into these parts. When did you arrive and what occasioned your journey?" He told him, that he travelled for his pleasure: but that yesterday coming to Tsie-nan-foo, he had met with people, who had used him very ill; insomuch that he had narrowly escaped with his life: and therefore he applied to his Excellency for justice. "Who dares abuse you, said the Mandarine? I will make an example of them." "Sir, replied he, you will find their names in my petition." He looked into it, and shaking his head, expressed great dislike of the affair. The youth asked him what he was displeased at. The Mandarine shewed a great unwillingness to proceed, saying, "I did not think these young men had been concerned: although they are four of the greatest brutes and libertines in the world." "Why, said Tieh-chung-u, should you make any demur in the matter? Although they be people of the first quality, why should you make a difficulty of chastising them?" "It is not out of fear, replied the other, but their fathers being of my acquaintance at court, complaints of this kind will be very disagreeable to them. They are a parcel of young unthinking rakes, that value themselves only upon their fathers grandeur. But as this affair is not of so very high a nature, as absolutely to require them to be brought to public trial in all the forms of law and justice; therefore I could wish you would let me find some other way of giving you redress, without making out a formal prosecution." "I am far from desiring to give your Excellency trouble, replied Tieh-chung-u; I am fully satisfied in having acquainted you with it; which I did only that you might set a mark upon them for their actions." The Grand Visitor was very well pleased, and told him, he did him a favour in quitting all farther prosecution. "Come, said he, you must stay a few days with me." The youth thanked him, but urged his desire not to be detained. When the Mandarine found he could not prevail with him, he made up a paper of twelve taels of silver<ref>Twelve Taels of silver are about 4l. sterling.</ref>, and gave it him, saying, "If you don't accept of it, I shall think you are angry with me." To prevent that suspicion he received it, and withdrew.

Where he went will be found in the next chapter.

=== CHAP. VI. ===

<ref>CHAP. XIII. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

Tieh-chung-u taking his leave of the Grand Visitor, went and told Shuey-yeong who had attended him there, all that had past at the tribunal: and concluded with desiring him to recommend him to his mistress, and to present his thanks for the advice she had given him. "It is not in my power, said he, to send any present as an acknowledgment of her goodness: neither could I presume to do it, a single man as I am, to a young unmarried lady." Then delivering his horse to the old servant, and hiring a mule, he departed for his own city; and Shuey-yeong returned to his mistress.

Let us now return to Kwo-khe-tzu and his companions, whom we have seen disappointed in their designs on Tieh-chung-u. When they found he was got clear out of their hands, they were ready to burst with rage and madness. The first that broke silence was Shuey-guwin, who said, "Who would have suspected this young man to have been possessed of so much strength and courage?" "It was owing to neither of these that he escaped, said his son-in-law, but he had got Chang-cong-tzu at such disadvantage, that he could neither help himself, nor we conveniently assist him. But he must not go off so: let us muster up a proper company, and go find him out: let us still treat him as he deserves: and afterwards give in a petition to the Grand Visitor." This proposal was approved by them all: the young Mandarine Chang instantly promised to bring thirty people; each of the others likewise engaged to raise as many. These to the number of a hundred were soon assembled, and with their masters at their head, Shuey-guwin leading the way, drove along the streets like a swarm of bees. But when they came to the inn, where the young stranger had lodged, they were told that he went away almost as soon as he came home. They were quite disconcerted at this information. "However, said Kwo-khe-tzu to the rest, this shall not serve his turn; we will immediately apply to the Grand Visitor of the province, and he shall do us justice." Shuey-guwin told him, that their enemy was of the province of Pe-king, and therefore was not under that Mandarine's jurisdiction. "Well then, said Kwo-khe-tzu and his companions, we will all together draw up a petition, wherein we will accuse him of endeavouring to raise a rebellion<ref>In order to render this and some of the following pages intelligible, it must be remarked that there is in China, a horrid sect called ''Pe-lien-kiao'', always disposed to rebellion, and who are therefore sure to be punished, whenever they are discovered. This sect consists of people, who enter into a confederacy to overturn the established government, for which purpose, with certain magical rites, they elect an Emperor out of their number, distribute among themselves the principal employments of the state, mark out certain families for destruction, and lie concealed till some insurrection of the people affords them an opportunity of putting themselves at their head. China, on account of its vast extent, prodigious populousness and frequency of famines, is very liable to seditions and insurrections, which thro' the pusillanimity and feebleness of its military government are always dangerous, and indeed have often produced intire revolutions in the state. Now as in these revolutions, it hath frequently happened that some of the very dregs of the people have been raised to the throne; this upon every insurrection encourages the ringleaders to aspire to the empire: who, if they are not nipped in the bud, are sure to draw together the dissolute, the discontented, and the needy; till they form a large body and become very formidable to the government. Upon all these accounts the Mandarines are obliged to be exceedingly jealous and watchful over the least tendency to revolt; and to be careful to extinguish the first and minutest sparks of rebellion, which would otherwise soon involve the whole empire in a flame.

P. Semedo, p. 91. Lettres edif. xxvii. 344. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 243.</ref>; this will authorise the Mandarines of any province to lay hold of him. The Grand Visitor must give an account of this at court; where we will send to our fathers and friends to acquaint them of the affair; thus we shall quickly humble him, notwithstanding all his bravery and valour."

They were exceedingly pleased with this proposal, and accordingly got their petition wrote, which Shuey-guwin signed as a witness: they then repaired to the city of Tong-chang; and finding the audience open for receiving petitions, presented themselves before the tribunal. The Grand Visitor received their petition, and ordered them all out of the hall, except Shuey-guwin. "This paper, said he, contains a strange story of a rebellion attempted in this country by Tieh-chung-u: if he was so dangerous a person, how came you to be so desirous of his company, and to invite him so earnestly to drink wine with you? Did he drop any hint of his intention to raise a tumult or rebellion in the city, in the midst of his cups, or afterwards in the quarrel?" Shuey-guwin finding the Grand Visitor so inquisitive, knew not what to answer, and therefore remained silent. "You are a very sorry fellow, said the Mandarine. I am well acquainted with the whole story: nevertheless if you do not relate it exactly from beginning to end, I will bring your fingers to the ''Kia-quen'' or Tormenting-sticks." Shuey-guwin's fear became excessive when he saw the other so angry, and found he should be forced to confess the truth. "Sir, said he, it is true, he was drinking with the others." "Very well, said the Mandarine, if you were drinking all together, I must suppose you all equally guilty: nay it is more likely that you five should form seditious designs upon the city, than he whom you accuse, who perhaps would not join in such an attempt, and so you have agreed to impeach him first." "My Lord, replied he, Kwo-khe-tzu invited this young man to his house out of civility and good-will, and when he was in his cups all the secret came out. Nothing would pacify him; he overset the table and fell to fighting, crying out to the young Mandarines, that if there were a thousand of them, he would not regard them: and that if he should come to be Emperor he would destroy the four houses to which they belong. The young gentlemen deeply concerned at these things, could not refrain from lodging a complaint with your Excellency: which they would not have presumed to do, had it been false." "A likely story, said the Grand Visitor, that one person should beat and abuse four or five of you. No! no! you must not think to impose on me at this rate." "Sir, said Shuey-guwin, the broken pieces of furniture are still to be seen: nothing is more certain." The Mandarine took him up short, "How should a stranger of another city come and raise such a disturbance, unless he had been provoked by some injury or insult? However if it be as you alledge, have you secured or brought him with you?" "No, he replied; he was like a tyger, there was no taking hold of him: he went away without any one's daring to oppose him."

The Grand Visitor ordered all he had reported to be taken down in writing by the secretary of the tribunal: then said to him, "Are not you ashamed, an old fellow as you are, to come here with these stories: and to keep company with young rakes, drinking and embroiling yourself in their quarrels? This petition you have brought me is false and scandalous. Go home and tell the four Mandarines sons to be quiet: I know the whole story, better than they imagine. If it were not for the connections of these young men, I would throw you into prison, where you should die with hunger: however I must make you a present of twenty or thirty bastinadoes<ref>In the orig. it is "of four or five Bamboos" (or Tallies, each five strokes.) See note, vol. 2. pag. 189.</ref>." At these words Shuey-guwin in great terror, cryed out that he was old, and begged he would pardon and not dishonour him so much. "Honour! said the Grand Visitor, what honour have you?" He said, "I am brother to the second Mandarine of the tribunal of arms." "Are you his brother, said the magistrate? why who keeps his house?" "My brother, he replied, hath no son: but only one daughter, who heretofore hath received great favour from your Excellency." "If it be so, replied the Grand Visitor, for her sake I will pardon you: but then tell me truly, who it is that bears such implacable enmity against this young stranger." "I am not his enemy, answered Shuey-guwin: but it is Kwo-khe-tzu, who being disappointed in his design of marrying my niece, by the other's interposal, hath ever since retained a secret malice and desire of revenge; and it was in order to gratify his revenge, that he now invited him to his house: but for my part I owe him no kind of ill will." The Grand Visitor ordered his secretary to make a memorandum of this; then giving him back the petition, bade him go tell those young men to mind their studies, and let him hear no more of them: "For this once, said he, I pardon them on account of their fathers: who would find a great deal of trouble, should such complaints be brought against them at court."

Shuey-guwin having thus obtained leave to retire, was ready to leap out of his skin for joy: but when he was got without the audience where the others were waiting for him, he shrugged up his shoulders, and made signs to them to hold their tongues: at the sight of which, and of the petition which he held in his hand, they were alarmed; and being informed of all that had happened, sent in a ''Sho-poun''<ref>A folded paper with a black cover. ''Translator.''</ref> or billet of thanks, to the Grand Visitor for his lenity, and afterwards returned home not a little ashamed. However Kwo-khe-tzu could not be prevailed on to lay aside his resentment, or to drop his pursuit. On the contrary, he was the more obstinately resolved to persist in both; and recollecting that Chun-kee had been gone some time, he dispatched a messenger to enquire after him.

Now Chun-kee in performance of his promise had made the best of his way to the court: where as soon as he arrived, he delivered to the minister Kwo-sho-su the letter from his son. As soon as the Mandarine had read the letter, he withdrew with him into his library, and inviting him to sit down, inquired about his son's proposal of marriage with Shuey-ping-sin. "Her father, said he, is now in disgrace: this match cannot be for our credit, as we are advanced to such a degree in the state." "This young lady, replied the other, is endowed with wonderful perfections both of mind and person, and is of unexampled modesty: in short there is not her fellow to be found in the world. Wherefore your son hath sworn either by gentle or violent means to marry her." Kwo-sho-su laughed and said, "I am afraid my son is very weak and simple. If he had a mind to marry her, he needed not have sent to court, when the Che-foo and Che-hien, the fathers of the country, might easily have compleated the marriage for him. You have had a great deal of trouble in coming so far: and now he would give me still more, in requiring me to send without the wall into Tartary for her father's consent." "He hath not been wanting in application to the Che-foo and Che-hien, replied the other; he hath left no means to prevail with her unattempted; but she hath always by very gentle but artful methods found means to elude his pursuit. Your Lordship must not talk of the Che-foo and Che-hien, since the Grand Visitor of the province, who was your pupil, endeavoured to promote the suit of your son, but she so far baffled him, that he hath been glad to put forth a declaration, forbidding any one to molest her on the subject of marriage. Now if a Mandarine of his rank is afraid to meddle with her, who besides dares approach her gates? Kwo-khe-tzu therefore had no other remedy, but to apply to your Lordship." The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was surprized at this account, and said, "Surely this is a young lady of fine understanding, and it is on that account my son so much admires her. But this Shuey-keu-ye, her father, is a very positive man: if he does not heartily approve of any measure, he is not to be moved to engage in it: besides I am not very intimate with him. He is a man of one word: when he held an audience, there was very little application made to him, because he was known to favour no body. He hath only this daughter; and I remember I once applied to him about her, but without success. However, as he is now in trouble, perhaps he will be more inclined to comply: there seems at present a good opportunity to ask his consent." "But in what manner, said Chun-kee, will your Lordship apply to him?" "It must be done, said the other, with all the usual ceremonies. A friend must first be employed to break the matter: afterwards we must send a present. But here lies the difficulty: as he is distant from us no less than two hundred leagues, I cannot ask any Mandarine of great quality to go so far. I believe I must write a letter and beg the favour of you to carry it, together with the present." Chun-kee replied, "Your Lordship may command my best services. Let me also carry letters to such of the great Mandarines there as are able to influence him." "You are right, said the Minister; and accordingly selecting a fortunate day, he wrote the letters and dispatched him with them.

=== CHAP. VII. ===

Now the case of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye [was as follows;] upon receiving notice that a war had broke out with the Tartars, and that there was not any valiant man to head the troops; [he had] made inquiry after such a person, and [had] found among the people of his audience<ref>From the Editor's additions included in brackets, the Reader will perceive how abrupt the transition is in the original. The same abruptness is observable throughout the whole history.</ref> a man called Hu-biau, son of the north-west country, who had offered himself for that service. Of this Shuey-keu-ye informed the Emperor, who consented to employ him, there being none other that cared to go against the enemy. He was accordingly constituted General, with orders to go and visit those parts that were the seat of war, and to act as he should think best for the public service<ref>All the officers of war throughout the Chinese empire, from the highest to the lowest, are under the jurisdiction of the Tribunal of Arms, which, although composed of none but literary Mandarines, hath the absolute and intire direction of all military affairs. In China the profession of arms is held vastly inferior and subordinate to that of letters. This, together with their natural effeminacy, and the constant peace they generally enjoy, will account for the unwarlike turn of the Chinese.

P. Semedo tells us that it was usual [at least in his time] for the Chinese to send with their armies a man of the long robe, who had the supreme command, even over the General himself. This Mandarine was always in the middle of the main Battalia, and many times a day's journey from the field of action; so that although he would be too remote to give orders, he was always ready to run away the first in case of danger. P. Semedo, p. 100.</ref>. He executed these orders with such dispatch, that he would not stop to pay the usual visits of ceremony to any of the other Mandarines in command, but went immediately in search of the enemy. This gave so much disgust to those officers that they would not go to his assistance, nor unite their forces with his. Nevertheless he attacked the enemy, and had a sharp engagement for a whole day with equal advantage on both sides. Small as this success was, it was represented still less to the Emperor by the disaffected Mandarines, and both he and Shuey-keu-ye were suspended from their employments: the one being sent to prison, and the other an exile into Tartary.

The latter had now remained about a year in banishment: where, although he still retained his dignity of Mandarine, there was taken little notice of him, and he had small hopes of returning home. One morning a servant belonging to his tribunal (for notwithstanding his disgrace he still had an hall of audience assigned him) came to tell him that there was a messenger arrived from Pe-king, with letters from one of the Ministers of state. Shuey-keu-ye, who had looked upon himself as intirely forgotten at court, was surprized at this news. Nevertheless he ordered the messenger to be admitted. Chun-kee was accordingly shewn in, attended by two servants whom he had brought with him. He performed his reverences, and presented a ''Tieh-tse'' or billet of compliments. The Mandarine perused it, and finding Chun-kee to be no servant, but a particular acquaintance of the person who sent him, desired him to sit down. "I am so unhappy, said he, as to be out of favour: and it is a long while since I have been taken notice of by any one. How happens it then, that you are come so far to me? Upon what account?" "I should not have taken this liberty, replied the other, had I not been sent by Kwo-sho-su, whose business abroad I sometimes transact: and it is on his account that I have now taken so long a journey." "When I was at court, said Shuey-keu-ye, I had very little acquaintance with that Mandarine. I suppose therefore my punishment is now going to be increased." Chun-kee replied, "It will not be long before your Lordship will return to Pe-king: I am only come at present in behalf of this nobleman's son, who desires your daughter in marriage: but as she hath not your permission or order, I am sent to intreat you to grant it." Then asking the servants for the letter, he presented it to Shuey-keu-ye: who opening it, and having read it, thought that the whole affair was not rightly conducted, according to the manner among people of quality; nor suitably to the dignity of his rank. At the same time being not unacquainted with the character of Kwo-khe-tzu, and having no great opinion of the Mandarine his father, he resolved not to consent to their request. This resolution he was the rather confirmed in, as he supposed if his daughter had approved of it, they would never have sent so far to him. After some pause, Chun-kee took the liberty to ask him if he had read the letter. He replied, "I have, and thank you for the great trouble you have been at in bringing it: I am obliged to Kwo-sho-su for the high honour he doth me: and should esteem it great good fortune that he is pleased to desire my daughter for his son: but only that I am now under his Majesty's displeasure, and removed above two hundred leagues from home, from whence I have been absent five years at court, and one in banishment. As I have no son, and only this daughter, who is unto me as a son, and as such hath the whole direction of my house, I shall therefore permit her to govern herself in this affair according to her own inclinations. If Kwo-khe-tzu had so great a desire to marry her, why did not he apply to the Che-foo and Che-hien, who are the public guardians of the people<ref>The Chinese idiom is, "Who are the Grandfather and Father of the people."</ref>, and to my brother Shuey-guwin? What need had he to take so much trouble in sending so far?" "Sir, replied Chun-kee, you speak very well; and Kwo-khe-tzu did last year pursue the method you describe; but after she had many times put him off, she at length confessed, it was because she had not your permission, and therefore he hath got me to come for it."

The Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye judged from his discourse, that his daughter was not inclined to marry Kwo-khe-tzu; and therefore he said, "As I am now in disgrace, I look upon it that I have nothing to do with my family, nor can I pretend to dispose of my daughter. I have been here a twelvemonth, and have not so much as sent home one letter: and it is because I am not yet acquitted. Now under these circumstances, should I pretend to give out an order about my daughter, it would aggravate my offence: I dare not therefore offer to do it." Chun-kee said, "Let me have but your word, and it will be sufficient." He was very importunate, insomuch that Shuey-keu-ye grew downright angry, and said, that it was not a thing of a slight or indifferent nature: and custom required that there should be more than two to concert so important an affair as marriage. Without any further satisfaction he dismissed him, but ordered him a lodging: from whence Chun-kee often paid him visits, but to no purpose: he therefore sent to all the neighbouring Mandarines, and got them to speak to him on the subject of the marriage. They were accordingly very urgent and pressing, which made Shuey-keu-ye so uneasy, that he sent for Chun-kee and said: "I never did any ill to the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su: why then doth he give me so much trouble, and is for taking my daughter by force? Go home, and tell him, I will never compel her to act against her inclinations. As for myself, I never expect to carry my bones home again: my life is to me of little value: [but I will not make my daughter miserable.] Nay should the Emperor himself order me to compel her, I would still leave her to her own choice: and should all the Mandarines here my superiors do their utmost to make me suffer, I regard it not. Therefore take your letter and your present back again."

Chun-kee finding it would be in vain to persist, packed up his baggage and returned to the court. Where being arrived with no little shame for his ill success, he gave back to Kwo-sho-su his letter and present. At which the Minister was very much inraged, and resolved to resent it the first opportunity. It was not long before he found one; for there being a demand for more troops to go against the Tartars, on account of the havoc and loss which had been made of those who went before; that Mandarine, when he advised the Emperor of it, did not fail to lay the blame on the former mismanagement of Shuey-keu-ye, and on that of his general Hu-biau: representing to his Majesty, that if they were taken off by the punishment they deserved, warriors enow would offer themselves, and bring the war to a conclusion: but that this could not be expected till all suspicion was taken away of their ever returning into employment; in the discharge of which they had both rendered themselves extremely odious. The Emperor approved of this remonstrance, and referred it to the consideration of the ''San-fa-tseh'', or tribunal of three<ref>The ''Tribunal of Three'' is composed of the following tribunals; viz. of the ''Hing-pu'', or Tribunal of crimes; of the ''Tah-le-fu'', which may be called The Tribunal of revisors (See ''Lettres edif.'' xix. 162. n.); and of the ''Tieh-cha-yuen'', or Superior Tribunal of visitors.

The last of these hath been already described. [See vol. 2. pag. 185. note.] and ought every where to have been entitled, as here. See P. Mag. p. 229.

The ''Hing-pu'', or Tribunal of crimes, is one of the six sovereign courts at Pe-king, [See note vol. 2. p. 279.] and hath under it fourteen subordinate tribunals according to the number of provinces. It belongs to them to examine, try and punish all criminals throughout the empire. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 249, &c.

The Tribunal of ''Tah-le-fu'', i. e. of supreme reason or justice, is as it were the great Chancery of the empire. It examines in the last appeal the judgments and sentences passed in other tribunals: especially in criminal causes, or in matters of great moment. P. Mag. p. 228. P. Semedo, p. 125.

When the ''Tribunal of Crimes'' hath passed sentence of death on a person, whose crime was not very clear, or when any person is to be condemned in a case that would admit of doubt, the Emperor, (says P. Magalhaens) refers it always to the ''San-fa-su'' [or ''tseh''] which is as it were his council of conscience. Then the three tribunals abovementioned assemble together, either to re-examine the merits of the cause, or to pass the more solemn sentence. As it is not so easy to corrupt them thus united, as separate, great regard is had to their decision, which is generally confirmed by the Emperor. P. Mag. p. 229. Lettres edif. xix. 162.</ref>: which was commanded to assemble and examine into the conduct of Hu-biau in order to bring that general to justice.

=== CHAP. VIII. ===

<ref>CHAP. XIV. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

The tribunal of three having received the Emperor's commission, appointed a day to hear and determine the cause of Hu-biau. When that day came, as soon as the Mandarines were seated, the Supreme Vice-roy Tieh-ying being one of them, that unfortunate general was brought out of prison, and entered upon his trial.

It happened that the same day Tieh-chung-u arrived at Pe-king, where he had never been since his return from Shan-tong. As soon as he alighted he inquired for his father. His mother told him he was gone upon an affair of great importance: that there was a great officer or valiant man<ref>These seem to be synonymous in the Chinese language.</ref> to be brought to justice. He replied, "As there is a war, and valiant men are necessary at this critical juncture, why do they seek to destroy them? I will go and hear the trial: perhaps my father may be drawn over to the opinion of his colleagues, and not follow the dictates of his natural candour and justice." Then going to the audience<ref>''Kong-tang.'' Translator's M.S.</ref>, he was struck with the sight of Hu-biau already condemned, and bound, waiting for execution: having been sentenced to lose his head three quarters of an hour after noon.

<references/>

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Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 16

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= Chapter 16: The Beauty Trap: A Crooked Scheme Hard to Endure =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/Chapter_16|modern translation]] and [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/zh/Chapter_16|Chinese original]] to verify.''

----

''[Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters V-VI]''

CHAP. V.<ref>Chap. XVI. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

''Tieh''-chung-u having completed his marriage with Shuey-ping-sin, was notwithstanding greatly in love with her: and that as well for her wit and good sense, as for the beauty and gracefulness of her person. He was so charmed with her conversation that he could not endure to stir abroad: which being related to their respective parents, they were extremely well pleased.

Let us leave them thus enamoured of each other, and return to Tah-quay and the Eunuch Chou.

These two persons, who had been encouraged by Kwo-sho-su to make the proposals abovementioned, hearing now of the marriage that had taken place between the young couple, were inclined to desist; and sent to inform that Mandarine of their resolutions. He was very much chagrined, and disappointed at the news, and resolved to send some of his servants to the house of the young lady to listen and spy out what was transacting: he did the same to the house of the Supreme Viceroy. The first information he received was, that the young Mandarine ''Tieh''-chung-u had not brought the bride home to his house, but had gone to reside with her at her father's. Soon after it was told him, that although they were married, they still continued in separate apartments. He afterwards learnt, that the bridegroom was so enamoured of his lady, that he had not stirred from her for two or three days. These different accounts somewhat puzzled Kwo-sho-su; their behaviour was singular and mysterious, so that he imagined there was something more than ordinary at the bottom. At length from their living in separate apartments, he concluded that the matter was neither more nor less than this, that the marriage was only a feint, in order to avoid the proposals of Tah-quay and the Eunuch Chou. Well, said he, if they have not yet cohabited, 'tis still possible to separate them, and spoil their marriage. Tah-quay must be informed of this, and encouraged to renew his application: but then her friends will refuse him under pretence of this marriage, and as she seldom stirs out, he will find no opportunity to carry her away. Before he takes any step of this kind, it will be better to set Chou-thay-kien at work: I will go and persuade that Eunuch to intice this ''Tieh'' into his house; and when he has him there to compel him at once to marry his niece."

Full of these designs he hasted to the house of Chou-thay-kien, to whom he related as well the information he had picked up, as the measures which he thought necessary to be taken. The Eunuch thought them practicable, and promised to give him notice, as soon as he had enticed the youth to his house: desiring him in that case to come to him immediately. Kwo-sho-su was pleased to see him so readily adopt his design, and promised nothing should delay or prevent his coming. Then taking his leave he went home, impatiently waiting till he should be sent for.

''Tieh''-chung-u, on account of his pretended marriage had obtained leave of the Emperor to absent himself ten days from court. These were expired, and he must now return: Shuey-ping-sin, whose judgment and penetration were admirable, seeing him about to go, said to him as follows, "Kwo-sho-su having laid a plot with a view to get us both disposed of, the one to Tah-quay, and the other to the niece of the Eunuch Chou, hath hitherto been disappointed: it is not however to be supposed that he will give us up so easily: he will still seek some way to embroil us. With regard to Tah-quay, as he is not within the precincts of the palace, he would be liable to reproof from superior tribunals should he do any thing amiss: and therefore I apprehend nothing from him. But this Eunuch, who is a domestic servant of the Emperor's, presuming upon his favour, and knowing his mind, regards nothing but his own inclinations. If therefore you go to court, be sure be upon your guard against his attempts." "You argue rightly," said ''Tieh''-chung-u, "and talk with your usual judgment and discretion. But this Eunuch is of a mean, low cast: what can he do? what is there to be feared from him?" She replied, "Such persons it is true are despicable, and not to be feared: but at present as things are circumstanced, and as he hath got the ear of his Majesty, it would not be amiss to be upon your guard." The young Mandarine agreed it would be proper; then taking his leave of her went to the palace.

As he was thence returning home, who should meet him but the Eunuch himself. Holding up his hands, he saluted the youth with great familiarity. The latter would have proceeded on his way, but the other laid hold of his horse's bridle. "I was even now going," said he, "to send to your house to desire to speak with you." "What business," said ''Tieh''-chung-u, "can you have with me? Your affairs and mine can have no relation. My province lies without the palace, and yours within." "If it were only on my own account," replied the Eunuch, "I should not have taken the liberty to stop you: but I have business of the Emperor's to impart to you, which must not be deferred: you had better then go home with me, and let us talk it over there." "Before I do that," replied ''Tieh''-chung-u, "you must tell me plainly what your business is." "Sir," said the other, "do you think I would go about to deceive you? or durst abuse the Emperor's authority? To tell you truly then, his Majesty hath heard that you are a fine poet; and requires you to write some verses on two pieces of painting, which he greatly values." The youth inquired where they were: and was answered, at his house. ''Tieh''-chung-u immediately recollected the words of his lovely mistress; but found he could not avoid the snare, as the other had got the Emperor's order. He accordingly went home with Chou-thay-kien.

When they were got within his doors, the Eunuch ordered tea to be brought and a table to be spread for an entertainment. "No! no!" said the young Mandarine, "the first things to be attended to are the pictures, I dare not enter on any thing else till they are dispatched." "Sir," replied the other, "you know very well what the generality of us Eunuchs are: we are a foolish illiterate set of people: however I cannot but take great satisfaction in seeing a person of your ingenuity and learning: I hope therefore you will honour me so far as to drink something with me: and will permit me to shew the great respect I entertain for you. I believe if I had sent to invite you, you would hardly have come: but as his Majesty's business hath brought you here, you must oblige us a little with your company. And pray don't look upon me in the same mean and despicable light as the rest of my brethren, since I have obtained this great honour: upon which account I hope you will overlook the liberty I take of sitting down with you." "Pray don't talk in this manner," said ''Tieh''-chung-u, "are not we both the Emperor's servants? But as there is his Majesty's order to be obeyed; let that be first dispatched, and afterwards we will converse together." "Perhaps," replied he, "when that is performed, you will not stay any longer. Well then; you shall write upon one of the pictures first, and before you take the other in hand you shall do me the favour to drink a little wine." To this the young Mandarine assented.

Chou-thay-kien then led him into a hall, and calling a servant, ordered him to take down a painting that was hung up, and lay it on a table. ''Tieh''-chung-u found it to be a beautiful flower piece, containing the picture of a double jasmin: then taking a pencil he wrote a few lines over it.

He had scarcely done, when word was brought that the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su was arrived. He was accordingly desired to walk in. The Eunuch Chou told him he was very opportunely arrived to meet with the great Doctor ''Tieh''-chung-u; who was come there to write upon some pictures by the Emperor's order. "And here," said he, "he hath dispatched one in less time than you would drink off a dish of tea." The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su told him that those that were masters of their art were generally expeditious. "Pray my Lord," said the Eunuch Chou, "be so kind as to read the inscription to me, and tell me what it contains; that I may the better talk of it to the Emperor when I carry it to him." The other assented, ''Tieh''-chung-u desiring him to pardon and overlook the faults he should find in it. When Kwo-sho-su had perused the verses, he cried out, "They are written with a great deal of spirit, and shew a fine understanding." The Eunuch appeared extremely satisfied with this account, and immediately ordered an entertainment to be served upon the table. ''Tieh''-chung-u intreated, that he would permit him to finish both the pictures now he was about it. But the Eunuch would not let him: "said he, you do it with the greatest ease and pleasure: why can't you then first sit down and regale yourself, and afterwards finish the verses at leisure?"

Kwo-sho-su sat down at the first: the Eunuch with ''Tieh''-chung-u at the second. After some little conversation on indifferent subjects, Chou-thay-kien addressing himself to the latter, said: "His Majesty being informed of your great ingenuity, hath ordered these two pictures to be sent here, that you should write something upon them: but it was at my intreaty in order to bring you to my house, where I have something to impart to you of great moment. It is also a peculiar happiness that this Mandarine hath chanced to drop in, and that I can do it in his presence." "What," said Kwo-sho-su, "have you of moment to impart to this Mandarine in my hearing?" The Eunuch replied, "If a drum be not struck upon, it returns no sound; if a bell be not rung, it will not be heard; excuse me therefore if I enter at once upon the matter in hand, without farther ceremony, or delay. I have a niece born with no great beauty; nor is she yet very ill-favoured: but she is very good tempered, chearful and pleasant. She is now about eighteen years of age, and yet I have not hitherto found a proper match for her. Now, Sir," said he, addressing himself to ''Tieh''-chung-u, "you are the man I would chuse for her husband: she is ingaged to no other person: I have got the consent of the Mandarine your father: and yesterday I begged of the Emperor to have the marriage performed: in order to which he gave me these two pictures to ratify the contract."

How much soever ''Tieh''-chung-u was surprized, and chagrined to discover this treachery, he endeavoured to conceal it from observation. He even assumed an appearance of satisfaction, and told the Eunuch he was extremely obliged to him: that his proposal was what he could not possibly have refused, had it been in his power to have accepted of it; but that he was already married to Shuey-ping-sin, the daughter of the Lord President of Arms: and that it was impossible for him to be married twice.<ref name="primary_wife">This is to be understood of a primary or chief wife: it would have been an affront to have thought of the niece of so powerful a Eunuch for a secondary one or concubine.</ref>

Chou-thay-kien smiled and said,<ref>From this place to the end of the History, the translation is carried on in the Portuguese language: which the Editor hath rendered into English.</ref> "Sir, you must not think to deceive me, I have examined the affair to the bottom: your proceedings were a feint, in order to avoid marrying my niece; as also to prevent the addresses of Tah-quay to the young lady: and as it was so easy to see through this imposition, I wonder you should think of attempting it." ''Tieh''-chung-u answered, "Your Lordship surprizes me: in an affair of any other nature, such an attempt might be feasible: but in such a subject as marriage, how can any imposition take place?" "If you are really and truly married," said the Eunuch, "why did not you conduct the bride home to your house, but on the contrary go to reside in that of her father? Why also don't you cohabit with your wife? Why do you continue in separate apartments?" "I do not bring home my bride," said the Mandarine ''Tieh'', "because her father hath never a son; I dwell therefore with him, in order to attend and comfort him in his old age: but whether we reside in the same apartments or not, is an affair of no consequence to any but ourselves: it is sufficient that the marriage hath been duely celebrated. Beside as your Lordship is continually with the Emperor, how can you tell what passes in the house of another person? and this being the case, you ought not to believe any such story." "I shall not enter any farther into the merits of these reports," said the other: "it concerns not me whether they are true or false: it is sufficient that I have spoke with his Majesty about your marriage with my niece: and have the sanction of his authority. It is in vain therefore to think to avoid it." "Not avoid it!" said ''Tieh''-chung-u. "From the remotest antiquity till the present hour, it hath never been heard of, that a man endowed with reason hath been married to one wife, and then taken another. I have already espoused a young lady with all the due solemnities of law; for this reason I must refuse all other: yet had you made me the offer of your niece first, I should not have slighted it." "Before you had talked in this manner," said the Eunuch,<ref name="primary_wife"/> "you should have made it appear that you were really married. When the bride is once carried to the house of her husband, then it may be reputed a true marriage: then she may be considered as a first or secondary wife: but this cannot properly be done till she is carried from her own house. And this ceremony the Rites require." "I grant your Lordship," said ''Tieh''-chung-u, "that generally speaking this is necessary, but then it is only for the especially in obedience to the express commands of a parent." "You talk of obedience to your parents," said Chou-thay-kien, "will you pay attention to them, and neglect to obey the orders of the Emperor? Do you think then that the private commands of your parents are to take place of those of his Majesty?" "Far from it," said ''Tieh''-chung-u; who began to be vexed, to hear him talk in so unreasonable a manner: "I only say that marriage is a thing of great importance; and ought to be conducted with regularity and order: otherwise you violate the laws and rites of the empire. This is not a private affair between your Lordship and myself, but a thing of public concernment; and if his Majesty will be pleased to consult all the doctors of the empire, he will see that I am right." "What occasion for so much trouble?" said the Eunuch: "or why is it needful to consult all the doctors, when there is present so great a doctor as Kwo-sho-su, one who is so capable of determining the question?" "Very true," replied the youth; "will your Lordship ask him to judge between us?"

"My Lord," said the Eunuch, addressing himself to that Mandarine, "you have been here some time listening to the dispute between this gentleman and myself: be pleased to favour us with your opinion of the case." "If you alone had asked me," said the Minister, "and if the Mandarine ''Tieh''-chung-u himself had not also applied to me, I should not have hazarded a word between you: but as he also desires it, I will speak according to my conscience, without partiality to either side. With regard to the rites of marriage, there are reasons within other reasons, and the subject contains some things so intricate, that all the doctors in the empire cannot infallibly decide upon it. But if the question turns upon the Emperor's authority, I am of opinion that the rites of marriage are subject to it, and that he may over-rule them at pleasure. For if you look back through all ages, you will find that the Emperor hath power to change the laws of the realm, and even to abolish the whole estate of his Mandarinate, by which those laws are executed and supported." The Eunuch Chou hearing these words, could not conceal his satisfaction: he laughed and said, "Your Lordship is certainly right, the Mandarine ''Tieh'' cannot answer one word to this."

Then calling for a cup of wine, he took it in his hand, and presented it with great reverence to Kwo-sho-su, intreating him to be bridesman or mediator to the marriage of his niece. "As you have obtained his Majesty's licence," replied he, addressing himself to Chou-thay-kien, "it is no longer left to your discretion; I shall therefore act in that behalf, for I dare not disobey his Majesty." Then he drank off the wine.<ref>This appears to have been a solemn form, by which he testified his intention to act as bridesman or mediator on this occasion.</ref> After which he addressed himself to ''Tieh''-chung-u: "As the Emperor," said he, "hath been pleased to lend his sanction to this marriage, you cannot refuse your compliance, notwithstanding your prior engagement with Shuey-ping-sin: let me then advise you, Sir, to stand off no longer, but submit, and all will be well."

''Tieh''-chung-u was extremely chagrined and vexed, and could with much difficulty keep his patience: he nevertheless found it necessary to bridle his temper for many reasons. In the first place, he considered that they had made the point to rest upon the Emperor's authority: again he reflected that the Eunuch Chou had continual access to his Majesty's presence, and would be able to give what turn he pleased to the affair: he was also fearful that being within that Eunuch's house, he would not suffer him to go out: he was moreover unwilling to quarrel openly with Kwo-sho-su: he therefore answered that Mandarine mildly; "I have nothing to object to your Lordship's opinion, and if his Majesty hath given his order, far be it from me to dispute it. But still it is necessary for me to go, and inform my father and mother; that they may fix on a fortunate day; and settle the terms of the nuptial sum: for I cannot pretend to take upon me to do it without their knowledge." "Sir," said the Eunuch, "you only want to shift off the affair; but it will not serve your turn: if you do not comply, you shew contempt to his Majesty's order: it wholly depends upon yourself whether you will obey it or not: you ought to obey, and not to study these excuses. This is a fortunate day: all that relates to invitations is already performed: the music is prepared: the banquet ready: and here by great good fortune is the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su to act as bridesman: within is the nuptial chamber fitted up for the bridegroom: let us now celebrate your marriage with my niece, and then I shall have discharged the most important duty that relates to this life. If you think, Sir, that your father or mother will complain of being neglected, you must lay the blame on his Majesty's order; and then what complaint can be made? If you make any scruple about the nuptial sum, I will leave that entirely to yourselves: that shall make no ground of dispute." "Really, Sir," said Kwo-sho-su to the young Mandarine ''Tieh'', "my Lord Chou-thay-kien discovers a great affection for you; if now you make any farther excuses, you will certainly pass for an ungrateful person." The young Mandarine replied, "Before one can acknowledge a favour, one ought to be certain of its propriety and reasonableness. I came hither to-day by his Majesty's order to make some verses or encomiums on two pictures. I have already finished one; the other remains to be performed: and how can I dare to take in hand any other business till this is discharged? Now I intreat your Lordship to give me here the other picture, that I may finish it; and then I shall be at liberty to enter upon any other business." "Sir," said the Eunuch, "you say very well: but the other picture is very large, and is laid up in an inner apartment: as therefore it would occasion a great deal of trouble to bring it here, you had better go within to it." Although ''Tieh''-chung-u suspected that there was some secret design in this, which he could not at present discover, he notwithstanding thought it best to comply: which he signified accordingly. "Well then," said the Eunuch, "let us drink once more, afterwards we will go within: for your Lordship is right in proposing, that one thing be finished before another be taken in hand." The young Mandarine ''Tieh'' said to himself, "When I have once dispatched the other picture, I shall perhaps find a means to escape from this house." Accordingly rising up from the table, he said, "Come let us finish the verses: I will drink no more." The Eunuch Chou rose up likewise, and said, "Let us go." The Mandarine Kwo-sho-su expressed also an inclination to accompany them: but the Eunuch gave him a signal with his eye: immediately that Mandarine stopped and said; "It is not necessary that I be present at the composing of these verses, I will wait for your return here without: and when you have finished them I will compleat the business." Then Chou-thay-kien conducted the young Mandarine ''Tieh'' within: by which means he fell into the snare: for as soon as the other had led him into an inner apartment he left him and withdrew; two women servants immediately shutting the doors upon him.

CHAP. VI.

''Tieh''-chung-u being thus shut up within the inner apartments of the Eunuch's palace, found them all adorned and fitted out in the most splendid manner. He entered one of the chambers, which shone with the richest and most elegant furniture; and saw in it a lady seated in a chair, who was adorned with jewels, and the costliest ornaments in great profusion. ''Tieh''-chung-u seeing her thus dressed out like a princess, composed the following verses in his mind.

: ''I have seen her figure, it is finely trick'd out with ornaments,''
: ''But her mouth is wide as the sea, her head high as a mountain.''
: ''May the demons look upon her, and bring her to shame.''<ref>The words of the Portuguese translation are, ''Vis sua fieura, ita bem ornada; Mas a bica he grande e larga como o mar, a testa he alta como monte; Os demonios a vihao, fazem-na envergonhar.'' This specimen may serve to shew the incorrectness of the MS. version.</ref>

This lady, who was no other than the niece of the Eunuch, seeing the young Mandarine enter, rose up from her chair, and made signs to her women to perform their reverences to him: who asked him to draw near, and converse with their lady. Far from complying with their request he drew back; but seeing all the doors were shut upon him, and that there was no remedy, at length he went somewhat nearer the lady, and bowed to her very low; which done, he drew back a little as before: all this while the lady never opened her mouth. One of the most aged of the female attendants seeing this, came up to ''Tieh''-chung-u, and said to him: "Your Lordship came here within the women's apartments to marry my lady: husband and wife being<ref>This is a literal version of the Portuguese, viz. ''Marido e mulher sendo caxado, dous sam hum corpo de huma carne.''</ref> once married, are both of one body, of one flesh. You are now Lord of all this house. You need not therefore be reserved or bashful: but may come and sit down here with your lady." "I came here," said he, "by the Emperor's command to write verses upon two pictures belonging to his Majesty: how then can you say I came here to marry?" "The pictures you speak of," said the servant, "are without; if therefore your Lordship only came on that account, why did not you stay in the outer apartments? Obedience to the Emperor's command did not require you to come in hither. These are the apartments belonging to the women; which none ever enter but my lady and ourselves. You could never have come here, but in order to marry her." "Your lady's uncle," said he, "the Eunuch Chou, with many wiles inticed me within: he hath deceived me. This is very disrespectful treatment of one of my rank, and is an affront to his Majesty, by whose favour I am advanced to be one of the first doctors of the empire." "As your Lordship is now here," said the servant, "be easy and chearful; why do you talk of any thing that happened to you without?" He replied in a rage, "You are all of you concerned in this piece of treachery. Your master hath ensnared me by pretending the pictures were here within, and this the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su can testify. But you are all of you deceived in thinking to conquer me: my name is ''Tieh'', that is ''Iron''; my body, my heart are all of iron, hard and inflexible, it is impossible to move me. I am more steady and resolute than those two ancient heroes Lieu-hiau-whey and Quan-in-chang,<ref>The first of these is mentioned before in vol. 2. p. 69. as also in the following passage of a Chinese author, translated by P. Du Halde. See vol. 1. p. 439. "You have heard of the celebrated Lieu-hiau-whey. Neither the most frightful poverty with which he was threatened, nor the first rank of the empire, with which he was tempted, could in the least incline him to vice, or draw him aside from virtue." The second of these, Quan-in-chang, was a great general, so remarkable for his brave and gallant atchievements, that he is to this day revered by the Chinese; who in remembrance of his sublime virtue, adore him as a god, and set up images in honour of him in their idol-temples. See before, vol. 3. p. 331. note. See also Du Halde, p. 125.</ref> who are so famous in history for being firm and unshaken. But indeed what effect can be expected from such shallow plots as these? This girl is not only ugly: but also shameless. Notwithstanding her fine ornaments, I regard her not: she is a low and worthless creature, and not to be regarded." The young lady, although at first she was charmed with the graceful figure of the young Mandarine ''Tieh'', and did not behold without some emotion, the fine features, and fair complexion of that beautiful youth; hearing this abuse, could no longer contain herself, but broke silence, and said, "Sir, you treat me very ill, niece as I am to a great officer of the Emperor, and one who stands continually in his presence. This honour puts him upon a level with any of the Mandarines, so that I have a right to be considered with all the distinction of a Siaou-tsieh or Mandarine's daughter.<ref>See vol. 1. pag. 114. note.</ref> His Majesty hath commanded a marriage to be concluded between you and me: in which there is nothing wrong or indecent. Why then do you complain of plots against you? How dare you presume to call me low and worthless. You disgrace the honour of my family. But since I am so immodest and shameless, I will make you know whether I am to be regarded or not." Then she called out to her women, "Bring this fellow here before me." All the attendants went up to him, and said, "Our lady orders us to bring you to her to pay her the reverence and respect due to her quality: if you do not comply, we must force you." Notwithstanding he was so much discomposed and chagrined, he could not help smiling at them: but he neither stirred nor answered a syllable.

The women enraged at this contempt, fell all upon him at once, striving to force and drag him up before their mistress, not without great tumult and disturbance. ''Tieh''-chung-u however provoked at the ridiculous situation in which he saw himself, reflected that it would be very indecent, and unmanly for him to contend, and fight with women: he therefore mustered up his patience, and comforted himself with the old proverb, "Who regards the little demons of the wood?"<ref>The Chinese suppose every part of the universe to be under the influence of good or bad spirits, who have their respective districts. This premised, the application of the Proverb is obvious. Nothing can place the feeble efforts of these women in a more contemptible light, than to compare them to those little diminutive fiends, who only presiding over unfrequented solitudes, have very little power or opportunity of doing mischief, notwithstanding their natural malignity. The Portuguese words are ''Quem faga caso dos diabolhinhos do mato.'' I suppose it should be ''Diabolinhos.''</ref> Then drawing a chair to him, he sat down: and while the women were struggling and talking round him, he remained calm and unmoved; repeating to himself the following verses:

: ''Hard substances become soft,''
: ''So soft things turn to hard:''
: ''Hard and soft at times are strong,''
: ''Water is soft; who can resist its force?''<ref>The Portuguese words are, ''Cousa dura chegou de estar mole, Cousa mole vem se fazer dura, Dura e mole estas forte, A agoa mole quem pode resistir sua forga?''</ref>

In the midst of this disturbance came in the Eunuch Chou himself, having entered through another door; who looking round him, cried out to the women, "What is the meaning of this? Retire. How dare ye presume to offer this rudeness in the presence of people of quality?" Then addressing himself to ''Tieh''-chung-u on the subject of the marriage, he said, "Well, Sir, it is in vain to resist; you had better comply and put an end to all this disturbance." He answered, "I don't refuse my compliance: but we must pay obedience to the laws." "Why not?" said the other. "Your Lordship," replied he, "forgets there is a book of the laws, which contains an injunction for the Mandarines within the palace to have no dealings or contracts with the Mandarines without.<ref>This is a regulation which the Chinese Emperors have frequently found it necessary to revive, in order to curb the exorbitant power of the Eunuchs, and to break through their connections with the other great officers. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 226, &c. N. B. By the Mandarines within the palace is peculiarly meant the Eunuchs: these being properly the only domestics the Emperor hath: and these are so numerous, that P. Semedo tells us, in his time their number was seldom so small as 12,000. In the reign of a weak Emperor, the Eunuchs generally gain the ascendant, and grow to an unsufferable pitch of insolence. Since the Tartar race hath been in possession of the throne of China, the number of these gentry hath been lessened, and their authority diminished. P. Semedo, p. 114.</ref> Now as there is this doubt about the lawfulness of our engagement, what matters it, if we defer its completion for the present?" "That injunction," said the Eunuch, "is old and obsolete: what occasion to observe an obsolete law? But it is necessary to obey the present commands of the Emperor, and to execute what he injoins. The other is old and out of date." ''Tieh''-chung-u replied, "If your Lordship would have me execute those commands, shew me your patent; that I may first thank his Majesty for his favourable notice of me."<ref>It is an indispensible duty with the Mandarines, to pay their acknowledgments to the Emperor, upon every the least notice taken of them, by doing him immediate homage: which is performed by prostrating themselves nine times on the ground before him, or in his absence before his empty throne. See P. Du Halde, &c.</ref> "Nay, Sir, shew me the patent. For how can I presume to conclude this marriage, thus hand over head, before I have returned the Emperor thanks?"

While this contention lasted between them, there came two little Eunuchs in great haste to the house of Chou-thay-kien: he was called out to speak to them. They told him that Hu-hiau, General of the Tartarian frontiers,<ref>The Chinese title is ''Ti-toc,'' which P. Du Halde interprets ''Commandant General de la Milice.'' See Du Halde, tom. 3. index.</ref> was returned from the war, with him a multitude of prisoners: that there were also come with him many ambassadors, loaded with tribute of great value:<ref>The ideas of Ambassador and Tribute are inseparable among the Chinese. See vol. 2. p. 92. They look upon sending an embassy, as a mark of vassalage and submission, and therefore make it a general rule not to send any themselves to other courts. Yet they have once departed from this rule, in sending a splendid ambassage to Russia, in the reign of the Empress Anne. See Bayeri, tom. 1. dedicatio.</ref> and that the Emperor had ordered a banquet for them. They added, "As the Mandarine ''Tieh''-chung-u was the patron and protector of the General, his Majesty commands him to accompany them. The banquet is prepared: we have already been at this nobleman's house to seek him, but he was not there; we were told he came home this morning with your Lordship. We are accordingly come hither to inquire after him: the messenger of state waits for him in the outward court, and his servants are attending there with his horse. Please to inform him to come away immediately." Not satisfied with this account, the Eunuch Chou went himself to the gate accompanied with the Minister Kwo-sho-su: and finding it to be literally as they had related, these two looked at each other in great confusion, not knowing what to say; especially when they saw there was also come the Mandarine whose business it was to provide the banquet, and that the summons would admit of no delay. Finding there was no remedy, the Eunuch ordered the doors to be opened, and ''Tieh''-chung-u to be suffered to come forth. The latter was wondering what could occasion this unexpected deliverance, when the Mandarine of the banquet, and the Emperor's messenger informed him of the invitation, which required his immediate attendance. Chou-thay-kien greatly chagrined, said, "They say the Emperor commands you to attend the banquet: his Majesty also commanded you to write the verses. You have finished one picture, yet another remains to be dispatched. To-morrow, when his Majesty will demand of me why they were not done; what shall I answer? You cannot go till both are finished." This he said with a malicious design to embarrass him, and render him incapable of complying with the order. But ''Tieh''-chung-u answered, "I have long been desiring you to let me have the other picture that I might dispatch it: yet you would not give it me. This picture is here without, but you deceived me, and inticed me to go within: however bring the picture here, and I will finish it." The Eunuch Chou brought him the picture; when in a moment he finished all the verses, and taking his leave, went away.

Chou-thay-kien who accompanied him to the gate, returned to his friend Kwo-sho-su, and said, "What astonishing abilities hath this young man? And who would have thought he could have escaped the snare?<ref>Here is a tedious recapitulation in the original.</ref> This unexpected message from the Emperor hath broke through all our measures." They remained both of them enraged and vexed at a disappointment so little foreseen. After some time Kwo-sho-su broke silence, and said, "Let us look out for some other expedient. The marriage with Shuey-ping-sin is not completed: it is well known that they do not sleep in the same chamber. I will yet cause them to be separated. Think not I propose an impracticable attempt. I will revive the suspicions that have been so long dormant, with regard to her carrying him home to her house to attend him in his illness. I will refute this pretended excuse, and accuse them of disorderly and unlawful motives. I will relate this to the Censor of the empire, who is obliged by his office to report it to his Majesty. I will tell him, that after having had an unlawful amour, they now would increase the scandal by a patched-up marriage: and I will remonstrate the contempt and reproach this will bring on the laws: especially as they are people of such rank in the state. Your Lordship shall lend your assistance to forward and strengthen this accusation. Then will his Majesty summon the Tribunal of Rites to examine into it: in the mean time, I will apply to the Che-hien of the city where the affair happened, and will get him to turn over all the papers of his office, in order to procure minutes of the case, wherewith to support the accusation. After this, the least that can happen will be their being divorced and separated for ever." "True," said the Eunuch Chou; "and when once they are separated, it will be an easy matter to speak to the Emperor about the marriage with my niece." These resolutions they formed, both agreeing that in order to render them effectual, the utmost secrecy and caution were necessary.

----

''End of Chapter 16''

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[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 14

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= Chapter 14: Risking One's Life to Save Another: Recognizing a True Hero =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/Chapter_14|modern translation]] and [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/zh/Chapter_14|Chinese original]] to verify.''

----

''[Volume III, Book III, Chapters VIII-X]''

CHAP. VIII.<ref>CHAP. XIV. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

The tribunal of three having received the Emperor's commission, appointed a day to hear and determine the cause of ''Hu-hiau''. When that day came, as soon as the Mandarines were seated, the Supreme Vice-roy ''Tieh-ying'' being one of them, that unfortunate general was brought out of prison, and entered upon his trial.

It happened that the same day ''Tieh-chung-u'' arrived at ''Pe-king'', where he had never been since his return from ''Shan-tong''. As soon as he alighted he inquired for his father. His mother told him he was gone upon an affair of great importance: that there was a great officer or valiant man<ref>These seem to be synonymous in the Chinese language.</ref> to be brought to justice. He replied, "As there is a war, and valiant men are necessary at this critical juncture, why do they seek to destroy them? I will go and hear the trial: perhaps my father may be drawn over to the opinion of his colleagues, and not follow the dictates of his natural candour and justice." Then going to the audience<ref>Called ''Kong-sub-wum''. Transl. M.S.</ref>, he was struck with the sight of ''Hu-hiau'' already condemned, and bound, waiting for his execution; having been sentenced to lose his head three quarters of an hour after noon. There was a great crowd of spectators, through the midst of whom the youth forced his way to get nearer to the condemned person. He perceived him to be very young, but of a bold and dauntless aspect: his look wild and fierce as that of a tyger: his eyes fiery: his throat large, yet long like a crane's: his body strong and well set.<ref>What attention the Chinese pay to the complexion and features of their generals, we may learn from Dionys. Kao, a native of China. This honest writer describing the image of ''Quan-in-chang'' [who may be considered as the Mars of the Chinese] tells us, that its face is painted of a very deep blood colour. "Which sort of countenance, he adds, is highly esteemed by the military men: nay, the whole Chinese nation imagine him [rather it] very propitious to them, and fancy that such a fiery flaming face will inspire them with valour, and enable them to acquit themselves well." Vid. pag. 126.

But it is not merely from the opinion of its being propitious to themselves, but also with the politic view of frighting their enemies, that the Chinese affect a fierce dreadful look in their generals. ''Martinius'' speaks of it as an established custom, handed down from very early times, for them to paint the general, (who gains the first place in their triennial examinations) armed and of a gigantic stature, and to send this picture round to the neighbouring nations, in order to strike them with terror. Vid. ''Hist.'' pag. 405.

That the Chinese still act upon the same views, we learn from the elegant writer of Lord ''Anson'''s voyage; for when the English were to pass by one of the Chinese castles, among other artifices to make them think more reverently of their military power, they had set a soldier of unusual size, to stalk about on the parapet with a battle-ax in his hand, and dressed in very sightly armour, which yet our people suspected was only made of glittering paper. See pag. 540.

These ridiculous and childish expedients are sufficient to convince us of the unwarlike turn of the Chinese, and at how low an ebb is their military prowess.</ref>

''Tieh-chung-u'' wondered what default of duty that man could be guilty of who had so promising an appearance. He went up to him, "Sir, said he, of what can they have accused you, who seem to be so valiant a person? How is it, that you have been beaten in war?" At this the other flew into a rage, and sternly said, "A man can die but once: and it matters not in what manner he dies. But I that have strength in my arms to carry the weight of ten peculs<ref>The ''Pecul'' (called by the Portuguese ''Pico'', and by the Chinese ''Tan'',) consists of one hundred ''Catti'' or Chinese pounds, and of about one hundred and twenty-five pounds European weight. P. Semedo, p. 72. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 576. Kempfer, p. 367.----''Sed vide'' Dampier ''Suppl.'' pag. 132.</ref>, and am master of eighteen different weapons<ref>To give a short description of the military establishment and discipline of the Chinese, we may observe that as the Chinese have different degrees for their literary Mandarines, so they have similar degrees for their Mandarines of war: and have military Bachelors, Licentiates and Doctors: in like manner as in France, they had formerly knights belonging to the law, as well as the army.

The manner of their military examinations is not unlike those for the literary degrees. [See note, vol. 1. p. 8.] The candidates have a theme or subject given them relating to the art of war, on which they are to compose dissertations and discourses in writing. This done, they are required to shew their skill in shooting, riding and managing their arms, and to give various proofs of their dexterity and strength. It is seldom that any are admitted into command without having taken one or other of these degrees.

The Mandarines are required often to exercise and review the soldiery. Which however consists only in some disorderly marches, in making mock fights, and in rallying to the sound of horns and trumpets. Not but they are taught to draw the bow and handle the sabre with great address: and especially are required to keep their arms and armour bright and clean. As the military life in China is seldom attended either with toil or danger, from the almost continual peace and tranquillity of the empire, it is bestowed as a favour on such as can make friends with the Mandarines, their service being commonly confined to the places of their abode, and is only to suppress robbers, &c. so that they may at proper times follow their own employments.----The military Mandarines are computed at 18,000, and the soldiery at above 700,000. The pay of a foot soldier is about five pence and a pint of rice per day: and of the horse in proportion.

P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 260. &c. P. Semedo, p. 96. &c. Mod. Univ. Hist. viii. 150. Lettres edif. R. 5. p. 136.</ref>, how should I be beaten by any one? What have I lost? 'Tis all falsely laid to my charge. This I solemnly declare. However I must die: be it so." "That is certain, replied the youth; and yet if you had not been guilty of the charge laid against you, why should justice be exerted in so extraordinary a manner? But if you have any thing to alledge in your vindication, you must speak, now is your time." ''Hu-hiau'' fetched a deep sigh and only said, "The present times are vile and corrupted." "Well, said ''Tieh-chung-u'', if you are unwilling to break through your reserve, I will only ask you one thing; supposing you should be released, would you undertake to go now against the enemy." "Why not? replied he; is it not my duty? To do it a thousand times, I should look upon as nothing." The youth said no more to him, but asked the people what o'clock it was, and was answered past ten. Upon which he opened a way through the crowd, and got into the hall of audience, where were seated the three presidents of the tribunal. He cried out aloud, "Health to you all, my Lords! You are all great officers under his Majesty: it therefore behoves you to do your best for the public weal. At present there is great want of men of valour; and none can be got notwithstanding the proclamation for such to appear. The manner of your present proceedings tends not to the advantage, but the detriment of the empire. Pray is this man sacrificed to public justice, or any private consideration?" The three Mandarines, who had not very willingly passed sentence upon ''Hu-hiau'', but had done it merely to gratify their superiors, were not displeased to see a person appear in his vindication: although they were disgusted at the little respect he shewed them.

The President of Crimes after some time, perceived he was the son of their colleague, the Supreme Viceroy: who also himself discovered who he was. Upon which he struck his hand on the table and said, "How dare you come here in this impertinent and bold manner, where it is death to do it? Take hold of him and bind him. I acknowledge no relation to him in this place." ''Tieh-chung-u'' cried out, "No, no: that is not justice: hear me before you order me to be seized. I only ask your Lordships, why doth the Emperor place the drum at the gate of his palace, but that the people may have redress there, when they can obtain it no where else?" The Supreme Viceroy said, "Who are you? and what acquaintance have you with the condemned person?" He answered, "I know him not, but perceiving him to be a valiant man, and one that may do his country and the Emperor service, [I came in his behalf.]" His father replied, "What business is it of your's what he is, or what he can do?" Then he ordered the officers attending the tribunal to take and bind him. The two other Mandarines desired his imprisonment might be deferred for a moment, and calling him to the table before the tribunal, said, "You shew a good intention and sound principle in what you say, but you must consider that things must be carried on according to [the forms of] justice, and not with so much precipitation. ''Hu-hiau'' hath been a year in prison, and the Mandarine ''Shuey-keu-ye'' as long in banishment; and hitherto none have appeared in their behalf. The former of these hath to-day been brought to his trial, and been condemned: to acquit him now would be ridiculous, and cause a deal of confusion and anger from the Emperor. The Mandarine ''Kwo-sho-su'' hath already informed his Majesty of the sentence of death past by us: how then is it possible to recall it?" ''Tieh-chung-u'' hearing these words, fetched a deep sigh, and said, "What you have done is all out of regard to your own interests, and not to the good of your country. Your Lordships cannot but know, that in former days it was frequent for Mandarines to oppose injustice; or at least to refuse to do any thing in prejudice of their country, or against their conscience, notwithstanding it might be strongly pressed upon them by the Emperor himself.<ref>Among a people so interested as the Chinese, it will not be wondered at that reason and justice are frequently given up on the slightest intimation of the Emperor's pleasure: and yet the history of China can produce some instances of firmness and integrity in opposing oppressive measures, that would do honour to the patriots of Greece and Rome. There have been ministers, who have gone to make remonstrances to the Emperor with such firm expectation of death for their boldness, that they have carried their coffins with them to the gate of the palace. [See P. Le Compte, tom. 2. p. 35. P. Du Halde, 1. p. 250.] And with what delicacy and address they can sometimes restrain the passions of their princes may be seen in the following instance.

"The king of ''Tsi'', saith a Chinese author, had a horse which he loved, and this horse died thro' the neglect of his groom. The Prince in a rage snatched up a lance and was going to dispatch him. The Mandarine ''Yen-tsa'' who was present turned aside the blow, and instantly addressing himself to his master, said, 'Sire, that man was on the point of losing his life before he knew the heinousness of his crime.' 'I consent, said the king, that you make him sensible of it.' Then the minister taking up the lance and aiming it at the criminal: 'Wretch, said he, attend to your crimes, which are as follows; in the first place, you have caused the death of a horse, which your prince committed to your especial care, and thereby have deserved death. Secondly; you have caused my prince to fall into such a passion, that he would have killed you with his own hands: behold another crime more grievous than the first. Lastly; you would have caused all the other princes and neighbouring states to have seen that my prince will take away a man's life for the death of a horse, and thus his reputation would have been ruined: and you, wretch, are the occasion of all this.' 'Let him go, said the prince; let him go: I pardon his fault.'" P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 600.</ref> Wherefore do you study law and justice, if thus you act subservient to higher powers?"

The two other Mandarines to whom he addressed himself had nothing to reply: but his father cried out, "What! are you mad? I tell you sentence is passed, and he must die." These words very much grieved ''Tieh-chung-u'', who said, "Will you then have no pity on so brave and valiant a man as this?" "''Hu-hiau'', replied the Supreme Viceroy, is condemned according to law, and his death must be looked upon with no more remorse than that of a kid. Of what service would pity be, where it is out of our power to relieve him?" "This is no common person, said his son, you do not know his qualifications, he is not to be matched among all the great men, that guard the wall of ten thousand furlongs.<ref>''Yun-li-Tchang-Tching'', i. e. "The wall of ten thousand ''Lee'', or 10,000 ''Lee'' in length." It is thus the Chinese speak of that stupendous wall, which separates their northern provinces from Tartary.

This prodigious work was undertaken two hundred and fifteen years before Christ, to secure three great provinces from the irruptions of the Tartars. In order to execute it, every third man was draughted out of each of the provinces. To lay the foundation on the sea coast, several ships were sunk loaded with stones and iron. The workmen were not to leave the least chink between the stones on forfeiture of their lives: hence the work is almost as intire at present, as when it was first built. It is about fifteen hundred miles in length, and broad enough for six horsemen to ride a-breast upon it.

This wall is admirable on two accounts. First that in its course from east to west, it runs in several places with a gradual ascent over very high mountains, and is fortified with very large towers no more than two bow-shots asunder. The second is, that this wall does not run in a straight line, but turns and winds in several places, according to the disposition of the mountains, so that the north part of China may be said to be encompassed with three walls instead of one.

This work was but five years in building. P. Du Halde, vol. p. 20. 260. &c. Martin. Atlas. p. 15. &c. P. Le Compte, tom. 1. p. 115.</ref> It hath been customary when such men have committed a fault: not to put them to death, but to let them take it off [attone for it] by some service or other of great importance to their country. Why then should not this man be suffered to take off his crime in the same manner?" The two Mandarines agreed it was reasonable: "But who, said they, will be security for his performing such actions, as shall merit a pardon?" ''Tieh-chung-u'' said, "I will. Restore him but to his former office, and if he does not answer your expectations, then take off my head."

The two other Mandarines discoursed the matter over with his father: "As your son, said they, hath offered himself security for ''Hu-hiau'' here before all the world, we are thereby impowered to draw up a petition in his behalf, without the imputation of partiality, or of taking illegal steps to save his life." The Supreme Viceroy perceiving this was no more than reasonable, ordered the criminal to be sent back to prison, and commanded ''Tieh-chung-u'' to draw up a writing of security in his behalf. Which being done and properly signed, he ordered a chain to be fixed round his neck, and sent him to prison after the general.

The three Mandarines after this drew up a petition, wherein they acquainted his Majesty with their proceedings. As it was a time of war, business was not long before it was dispatched, so that if a Mandarine gave in a petition one day, his Majesty would answer it himself the next. The Emperor answered their petition in the following manner.

: "Whereas there is a great want of men of valour to serve in the wars without the wall; and whereas ''Tieh-chung-u'', son of the Supreme Viceroy, hath offered himself as security for the good behaviour of ''Hu-hiau''; I therefore suspend his execution, and invest him with the same command he had heretofore. I likewise give him a sword to put to death any person that shall disobey command, or neglect his duty: and wherever the war may be, he hath full power to command there, as I expect he will be no where [improperly] absent. Wherefore if he behaves well, and comes off with success, my favour shall exalt him: otherwise he shall feel his punishment the heavier.

: "''Shuey-keu-ye'' first recommended and assisted him, and now ''Tieh-chung-u'' hath offered himself for his security: after this if he doth not behave well, I shall severely call to account those two persons, as much deserving to be punished as himself. Wherefore let him well consider this, and forthwith depart to his charge."

This order was carried by a Mandarine properly attended to ''Hu-hiau'', whom together with ''Tieh-chung-u'' they took out of prison. These two persons went to return thanks to the three Mandarines their judges: and afterwards took up their abode in the house of the Supreme Viceroy; where they got every thing ready in order to repair to the wars. Two days after they departed for their charge properly equipped<ref>As the literary Mandarines travel in great pomp to their governments, carried in sedans, &c. so the military Mandarines, who travel commonly on horseback, no less affect an air of grandeur. Indeed their horses are not very beautiful, but their harness is extremely sumptuous, the bits and stirrups being either silver or gilt. The saddle is very rich: the reins of the bridle are made of coarse pinked sattin two fingers broad. From the upper part of the chest hang two great locks of fine red hair (such as their caps are covered with) suspended by iron rings either gilt or silvered. Their retinue consists of a great number of horsemen, part going before and part behind them: without reckoning their domestics, who are clad either in black sattin or dyed calico, according to their master's quality.

P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 285.</ref>, with a gallant retinue of soldiers and other attendants; and being arrived at the wall, the officers there shewed them great respect, seeing ''Hu-hiau'' return with the Emperor's sword. They had not been gone six months, before this general had such signal success, that he put an end to the war, and every where re-established peace and tranquillity. Upon which the Emperor advanced him to a higher command, and restored ''Shuey-keu-ye'' to his former office. His Majesty also applauded the wisdom and integrity of ''Tieh-chung-u'', and would have created him doctor of law: but the youth refused to accept of any such distinction, for he said unless he could arrive at that honour by his learning, he was unworthy of it.

CHAP. IX.

The Mandarine ''Kwo-sho-su'' was so mortified by this disappointment that he was ashamed to appear in public, and begged to lay down his office under pretence of indisposition. On the other hand, ''Shuey-keu-ye'' had no sooner returned to court but he was made ''Shang-shu'', or President [of the tribunal of arms.] The Mandarines who had threatened him for refusing to listen to their proposals in favour of ''Kwo-sho-su'' and his son, were afraid he would now remember them. But he told them when they came to visit him and ask his pardon, that they could not be blamed for acting as they did, and that the harm which might have accrued was owing to himself. As soon as he had waited on the Emperor, he went immediately to visit the Supreme Viceroy and his son. That Mandarine received him in person, but his son was absent: the other inquired after him, but was told he was gone into the country to study. "I am come, said ''Shuey-keu-ye'', to pay my acknowledgments to the young gentleman for the benefit I have received from his wisdom and courage; and nothing would rejoice me so much as to see him." "To morrow, said his father, I will send him to visit you." Upon which the other departed with great satisfaction.

The Mandarine ''Tieh'' did not approve of his son's keeping a great deal of company, but could not avoid complying with the request of the Lord President; he therefore sent to command his son to visit him. ''Tieh-chung-u'' said, to the servant who brought the message, "As that Mandarine only came to see us out of compliment, it will be sufficient for my father to return it. It would but interrupt my studies to go to the city: where the public ceremonies would take up more time than I can spare; and so much company is but irksome." He therefore humbly intreated his father not to engage for any return of visits to be made by him. The servant reported his message to his master, who was so well satisfied with it, that he went and returned the visit alone. ''Shuey-keu-ye'' asked for his son: and the other apologized for his absence under pretence that he was indisposed. "Very well, replied he, it is the custom of people of sense and ingenuity not to be forward in making themselves public: as your son is a youth of great wisdom, and chuses to live sequestered from public company, I will go to his house, and see him there." After a little farther discourse<ref>In the original, "After two words discourse."</ref> they parted.

The Mandarine ''Shuey-keu-ye'' thought it a great proof of the young gentleman's discretion and good sense, that he chose to be retired. It increased his desire to see him. He had formed in his mind so favourable an opinion of him, that he thought he would be a very proper match for his daughter, whom now he began to think of marrying. He accordingly sent a servant to the village, where ''Tieh-chung-u'' at present resided, to see if he were at home, and being informed that he was, he went to see him on the morrow<ref>In the original, "Two days after," or rather "on the second day."</ref>: of which he gave him the customary notice.

The name of the village was ''See-shan'', or West-mountain, where ''Tieh-chung-u'' lived retired; he had just dined when he received notice that the Mandarine ''Shuey-keu-ye'' intended him a visit: the name brought to his mind his beautiful daughter ''Shuey-ping-sin'', which caused him to fetch a deep sigh, and led him to reflect on the wonderful manner in which things had happened. "I little thought, said he, of contributing to the restoration of that young lady's father, when I became surety for ''Hu-hiau''. I was not only the happy instrument of saving a brave man from death, but of bringing back to honour a Mandarine of so much merit. I might now ask him for his daughter in marriage; if I had not become acquainted with her at the ''Che-hien'''s tribunal; and if she had not received me afterwards into her house. But alas! after all this public intercourse, our union is impossible, unless I would bring all the calumny in the world both upon her and myself; and confirm the suspicion of a private correspondence." He considered with himself whether it was not possible to find out some means of getting over this difficulty: [but his delicacy raised so many scruples, and painted the censure of the world in so terrible a light, as extending not only to himself, but his posterity, that] at length he said, "I shall be forced to refuse her, although her father should make me the offer." He was buried in these distracting reflections, when there was shewn into the room an old gentleman dressed in the habit of a doctor of law: who cried out, "''Hiong'', or brother, why are you so difficult of access<ref>It appears from what follows that this is intended as a compliment.

In a former note, [vol. 2. p. 90.] it hath been hinted how reputable the character of a retired student is among the Chinese, and what intense application it commonly requires to obtain a competent knowledge of their literature. The opinion of the Chinese themselves on this head will be learnt from the following little moral tale, which contains a fine lesson for perseverance. "''Li-pe'', who under the dynasty of the ''Han'', became one of the first doctors of the court, addicted himself to his studies from his childhood. He came one year to the general examination of the province; but meeting with bad success, he despaired of ever obtaining a degree: he therefore resolved to give up learning, and to turn his views to some other pursuit. While he was ruminating on this subject, he met with an old woman, who was rubbing an iron pestle to and fro' upon a whet-stone. 'To what purpose do you do that?' said he to her. 'I want, replied she, to grind it down 'till it becomes so sharp as to be fit for embroidering.' ''Li-pe'' took the hint, and returned to his studies, to which he applied with such renewed ardour, that he at length attained to the highest employments." P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 386.</ref>, that I could not see you before to-day?" "Surely, Sir, said the youth, you do not know me, or you would not say this." Then he paid him the compliments due to his appearance. When these were over the old gentleman took hold of his hand, and looking earnestly in his face, said, "When I only heard of you, I conceived a great esteem for you; which after all might possibly have been ill-grounded: but now I must confess the sight of you increases that esteem, and gives me great satisfaction. Yesterday I went to pay you a visit, but only saw your father: he told me you did not care to be seen in public: I therefore came hither privately to visit you." ''Tieh-chung-u'' at these words started, saying: "Ah! Sir, you seem to be the Mandarine ''Shuey-keu-ye''<ref>In the original it is, "''Shuey-keu-ye Lau-yee-sang''." The three last words signify ''an elder in learning''. Transl.</ref>:" then getting ready a ''Tieh-tse'', or billet of compliments, and presenting it to him, he said, "I hope, Sir, you will pardon me, that although you are a person of so much honour, I did not know you." "Why did I come here, replied the other, but to thank you for being the cause of my return to court: as likewise to be acquainted with a youth of such uncommon endowments as fame reports you to be possessed of?" "Pray, Sir, excuse me, said ''Tieh-chung-u''; it proceeded from my not being sufficiently acquainted with you, that I did not pay that respect to you I ought in waiting upon you yesterday. I am now very sensible of my error." After these compliments, he ordered an entertainment to be got ready. At the sight of that, ''Shuey-keu-ye'' was very well pleased, as it would afford them an opportunity for discourse. Accordingly their conversation turned upon history, antiquity, poetry, law, and other subjects proper for learned and ingenious men. After these topics were exhausted, the old Mandarine said, he had one word to speak, which he hoped the other would not take amiss. "My Lord, said ''Tieh-chung-u'', as I am your son and disciple<ref>This is a usual compliment among the Chinese literati. See note, vol. 2. pag. 90.</ref>, why do you shew me so much condescension?" "I have no son, replied the other, but one only daughter, who hath just attained her eighteenth year. If I am not partial to her, I never saw a young woman of such beautiful features, or of so fine a person: and as to knowledge in books, I believe there are none able to converse with her, except yourself. This I mention, as I have a great value for you; but if you don't believe me, examine first into the truth of it yourself: if you find it to be true, you shall have her for your wife." ''Tieh-chung-u'' was so surprized, and confounded at these words, that he could give no answer, but remained as it were thunderstruck, and sighed deeply with a great appearance of concern in his face. ''Shuey-keu-ye'' observing his looks, said, "Perhaps you are already engaged." The other shook his head, and answered, "No!" "Perhaps then, replied he, you do not think all is true that I tell you." "Sir, said the youth, it is impossible for a man or woman to excell in understanding so much as she doth, but a whole kingdom must be acquainted with it. You have spoke nothing but truth, and your offer would be exceedingly acceptable to any one, but myself: circumstanced as I am, I should be very blameable to accept of it." The Mandarine hearing him speak so obscurely, said, "You are a person of an open generous heart; you must tell me what you mean." "Sir, said he, when you get home you will understand every thing." The Lord President imagined there might be something or other amiss, which had not yet reached his ears: this he thought the more probable, as he had been so long from home, and had not heard any news from thence: he therefore dropt the subject, and after some little discourse upon indifferent topics took his leave, and went home.

As he went along he could not help reflecting on the engaging aspect of ''Tieh-chung-u'', and what a proper husband he would be for his daughter; he therefore could not easily resolve to part with him. Nay he thought he could discern in his words and manner, as through a mist, that he had a secret inclination for her, although he seemed to have some great objection: what that was he could not possibly divine, unless she had been guilty of any misconduct: "But that, said he, cannot be; I know her to be of the most steady temper, and immoveable virtue. Perhaps this ''Kwo-khe-tzu'', out of revenge for my refusing him my daughter, hath played her some trick, or reported ill of her, which hath occasioned this disgust in ''Tieh-chung-u'': however all these objections will vanish, if the offer prove but agreeable to the Mandarine his father." He therefore resolved to get an intimate acquaintance to go and talk over the affair with the latter; for from what he had heard of his daughter's carriage and ingenuity, he thought there was none but ''Tieh-chung-u'' worthy to obtain her.

CHAP. X.

''Shuey-keu-ye'' having learnt from the friend he employed, that his proposals were exceedingly acceptable to the Supreme Viceroy, made a great entertainment for that Mandarine, who when he returned told his wife all that had passed. ''Sheh''-foo-jin, or my lady ''Sheh'', agreed that their son was of a proper age to be married; and that ''Shuey-ping-sin'' was a very desirable person: for she had heard how she had conducted herself while she was persecuted by ''Kwo-khe-tzu'', and that she was a most ingenious and agreeable young lady. She thought therefore that such another could not be found for their son, and that it would be a great happiness to fix him so well. "And yet, said she, if you ask his consent, you will not obtain it; for he will be so nice and curious that he must examine every thing to the bottom, and will be raising difficulties without occasion, and without end. As the reputation of ''Shuey-ping-sin'' is so established, and her merits and accomplishments so great, we may contract first, and acquaint him with it afterwards." The Mandarine ''Tieh'' approved of her opinion, and told her it intirely agreed with his own. Then choosing a fortunate day, he made the customary present to the parent of the young lady. At the same time, he and his wife sent to their son, and wished him joy, informing him of the engagement they had entered into in his behalf. He was very much surprized, and immediately went to his father and mother. "Marriage, said he, is an affair of consequence, and should not be too precipitately managed. You have been wholly guided by report: but who can answer for the truth of reports? You may have been deceived in the accounts of this lady: and there may be cause to repent it as long as one lives." His father asked him whether he suspected ''Shuey-ping-sin'' to be ugly? "No! said he: I believe that her complection is fair and clear as the most limpid stream.<ref>In the orig. "There is no water fairer than she."</ref>" "Perhaps, replied the other, you are doubtful of her wit and sense?" "Her understanding, he replied, surpasses even that of our sex: in whatever she does there appears such discretion; all her actions are conducted with such beautiful order, that it exceeds imagination." "Perhaps then, said his father, she hath been guilty of something wrong." "No, he answered, she hath never done any thing the least amiss." With that the Supreme Viceroy and the lady ''Sheh'' burst into laughter, that he should make a scruple of marrying a young lady with so many perfections, and who had not one quality but what deserved the greatest praise. "Nay, proceeded the youth, I should willingly marry this young lady, even if it exposed me to so great a misfortune as your displeasure; for she is never absent from my thoughts: but alas! there is a difficulty, which I can never get over, that shuts me out from all thoughts of such an undertaking." This said, he immediately told them all that happened between him and the young lady: and concluded with observing, that his having so lately been the means of restoring her father, would add strength to the suspicion of their criminal correspondence. As therefore the loss of their good fame was to be the consequence of their nuptials, he could not think of purchasing even that happiness at so dear a rate. His father commended his nice concern for his reputation: "But what hath happened, said he, may be justified and cleared up. You are but a young man, and not so well able to judge as myself. However this union may be rendered more free from censure by your caution." Then his father and mother both observed to him, that they were advanced in years: and that any delay was so much loss of their happiness, as they could enjoy none equal to that of seeing him married. "You must not, said they, yield to these scruples: retire to your studies, and banish them from your thoughts. At a proper time we shall send for you. It is too late now for you to object to this marriage, for our contract cannot be set aside." ''Tieh-chung-u'', perceiving the anxious concern of his parents, thought it would not become him to contend with them farther: but imagined that if he himself should consent, the young lady could not easily be prevailed on. He therefore said no more, but taking his leave of them, returned to his studies.

''Shuey-keu-ye'' having concerted the marriage between ''Tieh-chung-u'' and his daughter, remained very well satisfied; and as he had been so long absent, had a great desire to see his family. He accordingly petitioned his Majesty for leave to retire, as being old and infirm. The Emperor, who was desirous to make up to him the time he had lost in disgrace and banishment, would not consent that he should so soon lay down his office. He nevertheless petitioned three times. The Emperor at length seeing him so determined, gave him leave to retire for one year, ordering him after the expiration of it to return to court: at the same time he issued out a mandate, requiring the Mandarines every where to entertain him as he passed along, and to supply him with whatever he might want. Highly pleased with this, he immediately prepared every thing for his journey, and set out from ''Pe-king''<ref>The cities in China are so much alike, that the Reader may conceive an idea of them all, from a short description of the metropolis. The name of ''Pe-king'', by which it is known to us, signifies ''the northern court'', by way of distinction from ''Nan-king'', or ''the southern court'', where the Emperors have formerly resided. The Chinese more usually call it ''Shun-tien-foo'', [or ''the city according to heaven''. Transl.]

It is divided into two parts, one of which is inhabited by the Chinese, the other by the Tartars; is of an oblong square form, about eighteen miles in circuit, and is surrounded with strong and stately walls, of forty or fifty cubits high, flanked with towers, and wide enough for several horsemen to ride a-breast. The city gates, nine in number, are very lofty and magnificent: the streets are laid out with a line, and cross each other at right angles. They are decorated with triumphal arches, glittering towers, temples, piazzas, &c. and are distinguished by pompous names, as the street of the king's relations, of the white tower, of eternal repose, &c: the last of these is near four miles long and sixty yards in breadth. But all the streets are sadly incommoded with dust, &c. for want of being paved.

The shops are ranged on each side the streets, and tho' but one story high and very low, are finely set out with rich merchandizes. Before each door stands a pedestal to which is fastened a board from 20 to 22 feet high; on this is carved, painted or gilt the shopkeeper's name; with the words ''Ta-pu'', or ''he will not cheat you'', inscribed thereon. This double row of pilasters has a fine effect.

The streets are so continually thronged with people, as well as horses, mules, camels, carriages, &c. that those of our most populous cities in Europe are said to be meer solitudes compared to them: yet no women ever appear in public. This concourse is attributed to the great retinues of the Mandarines; to the vast resort from all parts of the empire; and especially to the great numbers of handicrafts people, as tailors, smiths, braziers, joiners, &c. who in China go about the streets in quest of work, and always exercise their arts at the houses of those who employ them. This creates a vast throng, as many of these for want of employment stand staring in large groups around juglers, mountebanks, &c. who take their stand at every quarter of the town.

To describe all the curiosities of this great city, its police and government, squares, buildings, palaces, especially that of the Emperor (which itself is equal to a large city) would require a volume. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 46. 66. &c. P. Magal. chap. 17. P. Le Compte, tom. 1. p. 84. &c. Mart. Atlas. p. 29. Mod. Univ. Hist.</ref> with a very splendid retinue, attended by a long train of great Mandarines, who accompanied him quite out of the city. But the Mandarine ''Kwo-sho-su'' was not of their number, having been ashamed to appear.

As soon as the news of what had happened arrived at ''Tsee-nan-foo'', all the Mandarines who resided in or near that city, put up chops or red papers with congratulatory inscriptions<ref>In the Translator's M.S. "Red papers with great letters of welcome writ upon them."</ref>: and every great officer and person of fashion went to the house of ''Shuey-keu-ye'' to compliment his daughter on the news. This ceremony they performed three times. The first time, they congratulated her on her father's return from banishment; the second time on his promotion; and lastly on the permission he had obtained to retire from court. ''Shuey-ping-sin'' at first gave no credit to the news: for having been so oft deceived by ''Kwo-khe-tzu'' she was afraid to appear: but afterwards when she saw the Mandarines of the city, she believed it was all true: yet could not comprehend how her father should have such good fortune, as at once to be restored and advanced to honour. ''Shuey-gu-win'' was not long before he went to her: "Do you know, said he, by what means it hath happened, that your father is thus of a sudden returned home with so much honour and promotion?" She replied, "I do not: but was thinking with some amazement how it could happen." "You are then to know, said he, that it is all through the means of ''Tieh-chung-u''." At which she laughed, and said, "I cannot believe what you say: it seems very fabulous." "Why not believe it, said he?" She replied, "Because ''Tieh-chung-u'' is not in any office or power; but on the contrary is but a simple student, and out of the way of contributing to such an event." "It proceeded originally, said he, from ''Kwo-khe-tzu'', who finding no other way to obtain you for his wife, got his father to send a messenger to my brother to solicit his consent. Which he refusing, that Mandarine renewed an accusation against him, and also against ''Hu-hiau'' a general chosen by him, charging them with mismanagement in the wars: upon which the Emperor appointed a Tribunal of Three in order to bring that general to his trial. He was thereupon condemned, and ready to be executed, when ''Tieh-chung-u'' interposed and became his surety: in consequence of which, the general was restored to his command, and had such remarkable success that he acquired great honour, not only to himself, but also to that young gentleman and your father." ''Shuey-ping-sin'' inquired of her uncle what authority he had for this report, and seemed to doubt whether it were true. "Not true, said he? why should you question it? Wherefore else were the papers put up? Did not the Mandarines themselves come hither to compliment you on the occasion?" She smiled at his warmth, and said, "If this be true, then doubtless ''Tieh-chung-u'' is a traitor, that could be so impudent and bold before the Tribunal of Three. Why don't you petition against him, as one that is going to raise a rebellion?" Her uncle begged that nothing more might be said on that subject, assuring her that he was now reformed. "I go no more, said he, among those rakes: who abused me very much in forcing me into what I did." As soon as he was withdrawn, ''Shuey-ping-sin'' set herself to reflect on the events that had happened. She could not but admire, that fortune should give that youth so many occasions to assist her; and all through their accidental meeting in the streets. "The service he hath done me is great, said she, but nothing to what he hath done my father. His virtue and generosity demand of me the most grateful acknowledgments: miserable I am, that I cannot yield him my love."

''Shuey-ping-sin'' continued in daily expectation of seeing her father: when at length a servant came to inform her of his approach. All the Mandarines went out of the city to meet him: and at noon he came home. She advanced into the great hall to receive him, where nothing could equal the joy of them both.

What past farther between them, the next book will inform us.

The End of Book the Third.

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''End of Chapter 14''

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[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 15

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= Chapter 15: When Parents Command with Bitter Entreaties, How Can One Refuse? =
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/Chapter_15|modern translation]] and [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/zh/Chapter_15|Chinese original]] to verify.''

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''[Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters I-IV]''

CHAP I.<ref>CHAP. XV. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>

Shuey-keu-ye when he came home, saw to his great satisfaction his daughter grown up to woman's estate, and highly improved in her beauty and accomplishments. He told her the troubles he had met with had not been able to render him unhappy, neither was he at all elevated by his promotion. "My greatest pleasure, said he, is to see you again, and to find you in health." He concluded with telling her, that at court he had met with a young gentleman, whom he had chosen for his son-in-law, one who was in every respect answerable to his utmost wishes. It struck the young lady that this might possibly be ''Tieh''-chung-u; she therefore answered, "Sir, you are far advanced in years: it is a great while since the death of my mother: you have no child but me: it is therefore my duty to serve you as long as I live: and however undeserving I may be, I will never cease to attend you." The Mandarine her father smiled and said, "You must not persist in these resolutions, however commendable they may be. It would be very wrong to let slip the opportunity of being happily married upon any such considerations. If my adopted son-in-law were not a person of superior merit, I should hardly have made choice of him: nay if he had the least fault in the world, I should not have accepted him without having first consulted you. But he is a youth of fine understanding, and of spotless integrity: he is deficient in no one valuable accomplishment. I found him in all respects so unexceptionable, that I did not think it necessary to apply to you first for your consent." The young lady, who by this description was confirmed in her opinion, that it must be the son of the Mandarine ''Tieh''-ying, made answer, "that indeed nothing could be objected to such a person as he had described: But who knows, added she, whether there may not be other objections to the marriage-contract? whether it may be lawful—?" These words made the Lord President recall to mind those of the young gentleman, insomuch that he could not help remarking their resemblance: he therefore said, "Do you know the person of whom I speak; it is the son of the Supreme Viceroy." "Sir, she replied, had it been any one else, I would never have consented: and as it is he, he never will agree to any such marriage." "Why not?" said her father. She answered, "Because it would be to break through all the regards due to that honourable engagement, and to violate its most solemn rites." Shuey-keu-ye was surprised at these words: "This youth, said he, is of no ill descent; but pure and untainted as yourself: Why then do you talk of any violation that would accrue to the rites of marriage?" With that Shuey-ping-sin related to him all that happened during his absence. "And now, added she, after all this, how can such an alliance take place without entailing everlasting shame and disgrace on us both?" When he had heard this relation, her father was charmed with her delicacy and nice sense of honour: "If this be true, said he to himself, my daughter hath not her equal among women, any more than ''Tieh''-chung-u is to be matched among men." "Daughter, said he aloud, I am glad to see you keep so closely to the paths of virtue: there is none but you fit to be paired with so good and virtuous a youth as I have chosen. Heaven seems to have created you both for each other: this marriage was ordained to take place between you. I have engaged to see it performed: you must not therefore think it wrong or dishonourable in it."

These were the resolutions of the father of Shuey-ping-sin, whom we shall leave at present, to inquire after Kwo-khe-tzu, her unsuccessful admirer.

When Chun-kee returned as we have seen without success, nothing could equal that youth's disappointment: yet his friend exhorted him not to be cast down: "Your father, said he, hath petitioned the Emperor against Shuey-keu-ye, and against an officer espoused by him; who will both be sentenced to lose their heads." Kwo-khe-tzu listened to this account with pleasure, and they continued to indulge themselves in the hope of being revenged for the slight put upon them, when at length the<ref>The Chinese author is guilty of great inconsistency in this place: he had told us in the preceding book [pag. 150.] that it was six months from Hu-hiau's reprieve, to his victorious return: here he speaks of them both, as happening so near together, that the same messenger that came to tell of the one, brought news of the other.— The above passage in the Translator's MS. runs thus: "While they were talking, there came in a servant from court; they inquired what news he had brought from court. He replied, No good news for you, Sir. Why so, said his master? Because, answered the messenger, ''Tieh''-chung-u having got a reprieve for Hu-hiau by offering himself security for him, that general is returned with success, &c: and both he and Shuey-keu-ye are preferred, and the latter hath given his daughter in marriage to ''Tieh''-chung-u." The Editor hath endeavoured to remove this inconsistency, as much as he could without departing too much from the original.</ref> news arrived that Shuey-keu-ye was recalled from exile, and promoted to a higher office; and all by the interposal of ''Tieh''-chung-u; in return for which he had engaged to give him his daughter in marriage. The report so affected Kwo-khe-tzu, that he raved and stamped like a madman, and at last swooned away. By the assistance of the people, who came to his relief, he at length recovered, and retiring with Chun-kee, said, "How indefatigable have I been? what steps have I taken? what expence have I been at? and what perplexity have I suffered? and at length ''Tieh''-chung-u without any pains at all hath carried off the prize. But, if I die for it, I will prevent the ceremony from being compleated. Come, said he to his friend, you must set your wits at work for me." "Alas! replied the other, when she was lone and friendless all our attempts proved ineffectual: her father is now advanced in dignity, and will quickly be at home; what likelyhood then is there now of success?" "Well, said the youth, I can now have no hopes of succeeding myself: I shall be sufficiently satisfied, if I can but prevent and disappoint the other." "We know very well, replied his friend, the nice and scrupulous temper of her father, and his advancement will render him still more jealous of the reputation of his family; let us apply to some of his acquaintance, and get them to inform him of the secret correspondence between ''Tieh''-chung-u and his daughter: if he hears of this he will certainly break off the marriage. But if he should disregard it, we then will get your father to apply to the Ko-tau or Public Censor<ref name="kotau">The Ko-tau is a great Mandarine, who relates to the Emperor whatever he hears amiss of any of the Mandarines: he also tells the Emperor boldly of any error he is guilty of himself. — Transl. Or rather the officer here intended is the President of a Tribunal of Censors, whose business it is (not unlike that among the Romans) to watch over the public manners, sparing neither Emperor nor Mandarines.—In the discharge of this office, they often shew surprizing courage and perseverance: some of them have persisted for two years together in accusing a Viceroy supported by all the grandees; and without being discouraged by delays or opposition, have at length compelled the court to degrade him, to avoid incurring the public odium. The manner of their proceedings is to frame a memorial and present it to the Emperor, of which they afterwards disperse copies through all the provinces. As soon as this memorial is published, the man accused is generally obliged to do two things: the first is to give in a memorial, not in his own defence, but containing an humble acknowledgment of his error: the second is to retire from his Tribunal, and to suspend all public execution of his office, till the Emperor hath answered his petition, either acquitting or condemning him. Any excess in private buildings, any irregularity of manners, any innovation or contempt of ancient customs, falls immediately under their cognizance. And as in China a parent is responsible for his children, it would have been a capital crime in Shuey-keu-ye to have rewarded his daughter's incontinence by letting her marry her gallant. See P. Semedo, p. 126. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 70. P. Le Compte, p. 227. Lettres edif. XIII, p. 367.</ref>: whose complaint against him will cause the Emperor to take away his employment, and set aside their nuptials." Kwo-khe-tzu thought this a well-concerted scheme: and said, "To-morrow I will endeavour to make this matter as public as I can among all the Mandarines of the city." "By no means, said his friend, for the Che-foo and Che-bien<ref name="chebien"/> know the whole truth of the affair, and can contradict such a report: besides they will now be disposed to solicit the favour of Shuey-keu-ye, who will be upon the spot. Let us rather defer it till there come two new magistrates, for the present will soon go to court to solicit farther preferment." "Well, said the other, but although two new Mandarines should arrive, they will inquire into the truth of such a report, and the people of their audience will be able to set them right." "If we consider every objection, and are discouraged by it, replied Chun-kee, we had better desist and give up the affair. However I now recollect a more effectual means than any we have thought of: when I was at court, I observed a very great intimacy between your father, and Tah-quay, the great Mandarine who was so disgraced by your adversary ''Tieh''-chung-u. The wife of this nobleman was newly dead, and he was looking out for a young and handsome woman to succeed her. Dispatch a letter to your father, and desire him to recommend Shuey-ping-sin to him; for although ''Tieh''-chung-u hath made proposals of marriage, it is not concluded. Thus your father will at once oblige his friend, by helping him to a young and handsome wife, and you will be revenged on your adversary; whose reputation will also suffer by the disappointment: at the same time the whole affair will be conducted without disturbance or danger." "There is one difficulty attends this method, said the youth: Tah-quay's confinement is not yet expired, and no body is allowed to converse with him openly: so my father can only visit him in private, and therefore cannot assist him in his power." "This is very true, said Chun-kee, and will somewhat retard the attempt, but I have still another resource, which is not liable to the same objection. Your father hath also contracted a close intimacy with one of the great Eunuchs of the palace; one of whom the whole court stands in awe, as being about the Emperor's person, and having his ear. This gentleman, who is called Chou-thay-kien<ref>Chou or Chen signifies danger, and his surname a Eunuch. — Transl.</ref> or the Eunuch of danger, hath a niece who is very ugly, and not yet married. Get your father to recommend ''Tieh''-chung-u as a fit husband for her; he will not dare to reject the offers of so powerful a courtier as her uncle. Now when he is once married to the Eunuch's niece, undoubtedly so great a Mandarine as the Lord President of Arms, will never give him his only daughter for a second wife or concubine." Kwo-khe-tzu was so pleased with this advice, that he resolved to write to his father immediately: "But this affair, said he, is of too much moment to be intrusted to a common servant; shall I once more intreat you to embark in it?" His friend readily assented: and being furnished with money and other necessaries once more set out for the court.

While these plots were contriving, ''Tieh''-chung-u lived retired in his country house: where he pursued his studies with such application and success, that at the time of the examination of students, he was admitted to the degree of Kiu-jin, or Licentiate<ref name="chebien"/>: this happened in autumn, when the examination is made through all the provinces. And soon after when the second examination was held at court he offered himself again, and appeared to such advantage that he was created Doctor of Law, and put foremost on the list. He was soon after made one of the first doctors of the empire, being chosen into the royal college or Han-lin<ref name="hanlin"/>,<ref>This may seem inconsistent with what hath been formerly said, of the slow progress of the Chinese in their studies; and of the length of time required for them to pass through their several degrees. See vol. 2. pag. 86. 98. &c. But it should be observed, that there may be exceptions to this general rule in favour of extraordinary Genius, or uncommon assiduity.—P. Parrenin tells us, that he has known instances of young men that have been made not only Doctors, but Han-lin [or members of the royal college,] before they were twenty years of age. — But these were extraordinary instances: and the promotion of these young Doctors was owing not only to the force of genius, and the advantage of a happy memory, but in part to the great care and expence their parents had bestowed on their education. "I knew, saith he, the father of one of these young men, who was not only a Doctor himself, but had always at his table three other Doctors, to whom he allowed handsome salaries for taking care of his son. The one of these taught their pupil to compose in prose and verse; the other to form curious characters: the third instructed him in history and politics. Thus by way of conversation they instilled into his mind and heart the knowledge of the laws, the principles of morality, the virtues of the great Emperors, and the examples of a rare fidelity towards the prince, which hath rendered certain families illustrious: and as the young man had a lively and apt spirit, he quickly became as learned as his masters." See P. Parrenin's letter, dated Aug. 11. 1730. Lettres edif. XXI. p. 204.</ref> and appointed by the Emperor to be one of the tutors to his son. He had now attained his twenty second year, and his father and mother only waited for Shuey-keu-ye's return to court, in order to compleat the marriage, which they resolved the nice scruples of their son should not set aside.

CHAP. II.

The year was now elapsed which Shuey-keu-ye had been allowed to spend in retirement: when the Emperor issued out an order for his return to court: upon the first notice of which the Mandarine ''Tieh''-ying wrote a letter, to intreat him to bring the young lady along with him. Upon the receipt of this, he told his daughter, that as she was now grown up to woman's estate, he intended she should accompany him to the court. Shuey-ping-sin testified her compliance: "To what purpose, said she, am I your daughter? I might as well not have been born to you, if I must remain always at a distance. It is very fitting I should attend you: but then I must humbly intreat one favour." He asked what it was. She replied, "If at court any offers should be made about the completion of the marriage with ''Tieh''-chung-u, that you will be pleased not to consent to it." The old Mandarine smiled at her request, and assured her that he would do nothing that should be prejudicial either to her happiness or fame. He then asked her, to whom he should devolve the care of his house and effects. She proposed her uncle as the properest person to have direction without doors, but recommended him to leave the government within to the care of Se-ue-geong. He followed her advice, and having made suitable preparations departed for Pe-king, where in little more than a month he arrived.

As soon as he had performed his first duty in waiting on the Emperor, all the great officers came to visit him, and among the rest the Mandarine ''Tieh''-ying: who afterwards sent his son to pay him the same compliment. Although the young Mandarine ''Tieh'' in his visiting billet which he had dispatched before him, called himself only cousin, and not son-in-law, as he should have done, Shuey-keu-ye attributed it to his modesty, and admitted his visit. The old gentleman was mightily pleased to see him become a great Mandarine, and grown a very personable man,<ref>That is, he was fat and jolly. — "The Chinese, says P. Le Compte, differ from us in their idea of beauty and comeliness. They require a man to be large, corpulent and burly: to have a large forehead, little flat eyes, a short nose, ears rather of the largest, a little mouth, a long beard and black hairs. A man according to them is well made, when he fills his easy chair, and by his gravity and bulk, makes a large and pompous figure." See tom. 1. Pag. 191.</ref> which made him think him the more suitable match for his daughter, esteeming them both only born for each other. "Let this young and virtuous pair, (said he to himself,) object never so much to the marriage, we old folks will over-rule them, and make them happy in spite of themselves."

After some conversation ''Tieh''-chung-u took his leave and retired. As soon as he was gone, the secretary belonging to Shuey-keu-ye's tribunal came in and said, "Sir, I have a relation, who is servant to the Mandarine Tah-quay; he hath been here to tell me that, as his master is confined, he could not visit your Lordship, neither could he send a billet of compliments in due form, but he notwithstanding presents his services and wishes of good health: he told me farther, that Tah-quay having lost his wife, is very desirous to marry again; and hearing that you have brought the young lady your daughter with you to court, he intends to get the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su to come in his behalf, and conclude a marriage-contract for her." "Well! said Shuey-keu-ye, and what answer did you make to Tah-quay's servant?" "I told him, said the other, that she had been long engaged to the Mandarine ''Tieh''-chung-u. Upon which he inquired when the marriage was to be concluded; but I was not able to inform him. Of this our discourse, I thought it my duty to inform your Lordship." The Mandarine ordered him, if any one should hereafter question him on that subject, to tell them that the nuptials would be celebrated within the space of two days. "This Mandarine, said Shuey-keu-ye to himself, is a person of very ill character, his proposals are only meant to give us disturbance. But should he apply to the Emperor himself, there will be nothing to fear, as my daughter is already disposed of: however it is better to have the marriage completed to prevent the worst that may happen." He then went to his daughter's apartment, and told her she must not think it unreasonable, that he renewed the subject of her union with ''Tieh''-chung-u, for that it was necessary it should take place immediately. Then he related to her all that his secretary had told him: "Now, said he, if we do not hasten the completion of your marriage, this Tah-quay may perhaps involve us in a great deal of trouble." It instantly occurred to the young lady, that Kwo-khe-tzu or his father were at the bottom of this business. She communicated her conjectures to her father, "And yet, added she, if Tah-quay should persist in giving us disturbance, upon proper application to his Majesty it may perhaps involve him in fresh disgrace, and be a means of renewing his former punishment." "The wisest course, said Shuey-keu-ye, is not to oppose an enemy, but to avoid him. If we conclude this marriage out of hand, his design will be defeated." —Before his daughter could reply, there came in a servant, to tell him that the Supreme Viceroy had sent his service, and begged he would favour him with his company at his house, for that he had urgent business to communicate to him. "This is a good opportunity, said Shuey-keu-ye; I had thoughts myself of going thither. I will therefore lay all ceremony aside. Let my horse be got ready."

He accordingly went as fast as he could.

CHAP. III.

As soon as he alighted, the Mandarine ''Tieh''-ying took him by the hand, and led him into the hall: "This morning, said he, as I was coming from court, I met the Eunuch Chou-thay-kien; who making me a very low bow, said, he begged a favour which he hoped I would not refuse him: that he had a niece, whom he should be glad to have married to my son. I told him it could not be, for he was already engaged. He replied, 'What though he is engaged to Shuey-ping-sin, it signifies little, as the marriage is not yet completed.' These Eunuchs, added the Mandarine ''Tieh'', are saucy impertinent rascals, and presume upon the great employments they fill: therefore to be plagued no more on this subject, I have sent to your Lordship that we may get the wedding concluded as soon as possible." "What, said Shuey-keu-ye, have you then met with this trouble? Such another application hath been this day made to myself." Upon which he related all that his secretary had told him. "Now, said he, this being the case, let us put an end to the affair. When the marriage ceremony is once over, even his Majesty's order will not be of force to set it aside. Nay let it be concluded this very day: and yet my daughter will hardly be prevailed with; she argues against breaking the laws of decency and custom." "My son, said the other, talks in the same strain." "After all, said Shuey-keu-ye, I believe they secretly love each other: we must not therefore regard their objections, but exert our paternal authority." "True, said the Mandarine ''Tieh'' — and yet if these impertinent applications had not been made to us, we might have indulged them with longer time: but as it is, there is not an hour to be lost: I believe they would hardly be brought to give up each other, and therefore will now comply with our desires." Here they parted.

The Mandarine ''Tieh''-ying instantly sent for his son, and related to him all that happened both to the President of Arms and to himself. "Now, said he, this being the case, if you don't consent to marry the young lady, you will cause a great deal of trouble both to her and yourself; which there are no other means to prevent or avoid." "Sir, replied his son, whatever you command, 'tis my duty to obey you. I am only concerned at the hastiness of the proceedings. As to the Eunuch's application, it is certainly the contrivance of Kwo-sho-su: but what signifies his proposing his niece to me? he will but lose his labour." "Well, said his father, although you can so easily resist this attack yourself, you must give the young lady some assistance in her difficulty." "Sir, said the youth, be pleased then to acquaint the Mandarine her father to give it out that we are married. This will stop the mouths of these people, and rescue us from their impertinence: at the same time, we may within doors remain single till a more favourable juncture." The Mandarine ''Tieh'' approved very well of his son's discourse: and did not insist upon his further compliance. "Provided, said he, you can but satisfy the world that you are married, you may act in private as you please." Then he commissioned proper people to chuse out a fortunate day for the celebration of their nuptials.

CHAP. IV.

Early on the morrow the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye sent a letter to the Supreme Viceroy, which he opened, and read to the following effect. "After I had talked with your Lordship yesterday, I went home and proposed to my daughter the completion of the marriage; which she could by no means be brought to consent to: however, after a great many arguments, at length she yielded that it should be reported abroad she was married to your son; on condition that at home she should still continue in her present state. I have therefore sent to consult your Lordship, whether you think this will be sufficient."

The Mandarine ''Tieh''-ying was highly pleased with the letter: but could not help thinking it very extraordinary that this young couple should both adopt the same opinions. "Certainly, said he, Heaven hath designed this pair for each other: there is a wonderful similitude in their fortunes, manners and sentiments. But yet, he added, if they do not live under the same roof, it will soon be discovered that they are not married: I will therefore send my son to reside in the house of Shuey-keu-ye; and then whether they are married or not, their true situation will not be known abroad." He accordingly sent to ask the other's opinion concerning this proposal: who intirely approved of it. They soon after visited each other, and chusing a fortunate day celebrated the marriage; at which a great number of Mandarines assisted with the highest splendour and magnificence. ''Tieh''-chung-u went in state to the house of the bride, attended by all the Mandarines. When he arrived at the door, the Lord President came out in person to receive him: and after the usual ceremonies were over, there was a great entertainment prepared for the guests. The bridegroom however left them, and was led into the inner apartments.

As it was now evening, the rooms were lighted up with greatest splendor: and as soon as he was come into the second hall, Shuey-ping-sin entered also, followed by a long train of female attendants. She received him with the same easy chearfulness, as she would have received a friend: she bewrayed no particular emotion or gesture, but accosted him with a decent and becoming freedom. "Sir, said she, I am ever sensible of the former benefits I received at your hands: and was my life to be laid down in your behalf, it would not discharge the debt I owe you. By my father's order I have the good fortune to meet with you here this day; which affords me an opportunity of returning you thanks for the services you have done me." Then making a deep court'sy she presented him with a seat. ''Tieh''-chung-u seeing the graceful ease with which she accosted him, and the beauty of her person set off with the richness and exactness of her dress, thought her handsomer than she had even appeared to him at their first encounter: he was so ravished with the sight of her, that he thought she could be nothing less than an angel from heaven. When he had recovered his surprize, he replied, "Madam, the benefit I have received at your hands is so great that I want words to express it: A deep sense of it is however engraved in my heart, and is the subject of my daily thoughts and nightly dreams. By your father's permission, I have the good fortune to meet with you here this day, to pay you my acknowledgments." This said, he saluted her with great respect. Then a carpet was spread, and they both together performed the usual ceremony of bowing their heads down to the ground. After which retiring to two different tables they drank three glasses of wine to each other.

''Tieh''-chung-u thus addressed the young lady, "Madam, I am so much obliged to you for all your favours, especially for the good instructions you gave me, that I shall ever retain them in my memory. It is owing to you that I am arrived to the great honours conferred upon me. If I had not had the happiness of meeting with you, I should very likely have been still a wanderer." "Your present advancement, said the young lady, was not owing to any thing I could say; which was but trifling. A mere child might by chance point out the way to those that had lost it. The source of your reputation was your redressing the injury of the young lady, who had been forced away; and your appearing in behalf of the General, Hu-hiau: these were actions so brave, that none beside yourself were equal to them. You also got my father restored to the Emperor's favour: a benefit that can be never repaid. How happy am I then, that I can now offer you my service! But, Sir, permit me to propose one word or two. When I invited you to my house in order to attend you in your illness, Heaven knows we were void of all bad intentions; but the malignity of the world led them to speak very ill of us abroad: and shall we now for the sake of a few days of mirth and pleasure, obscure the remaining part of our lives? In my opinion it would be much better to stay, and see this cloud pass over before we conclude the marriage farther. These are my sentiments, and I should be very glad if yours were the same." ''Tieh''-chung-u hearing this, made her a very low bow, and told her, he highly approved of her opinion; which he had as much wished her to adopt, as a shower of rain is desired in a time of drought. "It is true, said he, the commands of our parents would be sufficient to warrant our completing the marriage: but as it would cause a deal of reflection, I am intirely of your opinion that it will be better to wait a little while longer."

"Our parents' impatience, said the young lady, proceeds from the impertinence of Tah-quay and the Eunuch: but your regard for decency and good order merits my regard, and greatly heightens my opinion of you." "The people you mention, answered he, know nothing about us; and are unacquainted with our affairs: they are incited to trouble us by Kwo-sho-su; but when they see the step we have taken, their mouths will be stopped, and they can proceed no farther." "And yet, said Shuey-ping-sin, they may still shew their spite by raising ill and calumnious reports of us. Upon all these accounts it is best to forbear a while." "For my part, said ''Tieh''-chung-u, when I came ill into your house, I thought none knew of it but four, namely, Heaven and Earth, you and myself."<ref>It is usual with the Chinese to speak of The Heaven and The Earth, as intelligent beings, or divinities. Thus in their books it is said, "Heaven hears and sees every thing." [P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 407.] And in their imperial edicts, "The protection of [Tien-ti] the Heaven and the Earth, which comes from on high." [ibid. p. 528.] But the Jesuits alledge that these are only phrases to signify the Deity, the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth. It is very remarkable that the Chinese have no particular term in all their language that expressly denotes the Supreme Being, or answers to our word GOD. Hence they have been branded with the character of professed atheists. But whatever their Literati may be at present, it is certain that the Chinese have had from the earliest antiquity various forms of expression, and a multitude of religious rites, which prove their belief of a Divine Providence. (See note, vol. 1. p. 155.) Among the other buildings consecrated to religious worship, there are at Pe-king two very superb ones. The one is called Tien-Tang, or The Temple of Heaven; the other Ti-tang, or The Temple of the Earth. To these the Emperor goes every year in great state, and with his own hands offers sacrifice to The Heaven, and to The Earth, at which times he lays aside his robes, and appears in a plain vestment of black, or sky-coloured damask. This is an office so essential to his dignity, that for any one else to perform it, would be at once to aspire to the throne. The Emperor's sacrifice to the Earth is attended with a ceremony, which deserves particular notice. On a certain day in the spring he appears in the character of a husbandman, and with two oxen who have their horns gilt, and with a plough finely varnished, &c. he ploughs up several furrows, and afterwards sows them with his own hand: his principal Lords afterwards do the like, till they have ploughed the whole spot set apart for that purpose: P. Magalhaens tells us, that at the same time the Empress with her ladies dresses him a homely dinner, which they afterwards eat together, &c. This ceremony hath been observed from time immemorial in order to encourage agriculture, the profession of which is deemed very honourable in China, and there are annual rewards proposed to such as excell in it. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1, pag. 275. 660. P. Magal. ch. 21. Martin. Hist. p. 11. &c.</ref> "Well, said she, if Heaven hath seen every thing, it will justify our union in the eye of the world: but as there is this secret reason for our forbearance, we must only feign to be husband and wife: this may pass with the public, till the difficulty is removed that prevents us from being such in reality." The young Mandarine was charmed with her discretion, and said, "Your ingenious reasoning informs my mind, at the same time that it strengthens my resolutions in virtue."<ref>In the Translator's M.S. it is, "Strengthens my regard to the great law of nature."</ref> Thus they held conversation on their present circumstances, and on the great regard that ought to be paid to honour and virtue: they also related the various passages that had happened, as well through the persecution of Kwo-khe-tzu, as through the plots of him and his father. They were very pleasant and chearful: and having drunk just enough to put them in mind to have the tables removed, they rose up, and retired into two separate chambers. So that their marriage was no otherwise completed than as to the outward appearance, and belief of it.

What happened in consequence of these measures will be found in the following chapter.

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''End of Chapter 15''

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[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]