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= Chapter 18: The Gem Being Proved to Be Perfect, the Fortunate Union Is Concluded =
''From: The Fortunate Union, a Chinese Romance. Translated from the Chinese Original by John Francis Davis (London, 1829)''

''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1829 print. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/Chapter_18|modern translation]] and [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/zh/Chapter_18|Chinese original]] to verify.''

----

CHAPTER XVIII.

““ THE GEM BEING PROVED TO BE PERFECT, THE

FORTUNATE UNION IS CONCLUDED.”

Full was the council, and the councillors
Learn‘d in the ritual—but t’illustrate reason,
And widely spread the influence of example,
Pertain’d to th’ Emperor.— Forth beaming bright
Th’ intelligence supreme their case illumin’d—
And every slander ceas'd, and all confess'd

Such virtue could exist.—Then number not

Our pages with the host of vulgar tales—

The history of the good and brave is here !

' Wuewn the five memorials had been presented, the
Emperor read them over, and having assembled his
council in the Ordinary palace,* referred it to them to
decide what measures should be taken.

The council deliberated, and gave this opinion : “ It
is plain from the memorials, that the violent measures
of the minister’s son led to the acquaintance of Teih-
chungyu with Shueypingsin : but since -his criminal
designs against either were unsuccessful, he need be
treated with the less severity. The generous exertions of
Teihchungyu, by which he incurred so much personal
risk, were doubtless highly creditable ; and the gratitude
of Shueypingsin, who braved suspicion on his account, no
less praiseworthy. If, however, alone and retired as

they

* Péen-Gen—-In like manner péen-ce means ‘ garments worm on
ordinary occasions.’

they were, they abused the occasion to clandestine ends,
their previous merit vanishes altogether. Should the
magistrate’s statement—that they were observed, and
proved to be innocent—be true, they have exemplified im
their own persons all that is most excellent in past and
present times. Ignorant as we are of the facts, the
evidence that we can obtain must decide the case. The
present magistrate, however, having been appointed
subsequently to these events, can state only what he
has heard, not what he personally knows :—it is some-
what insufficient evidence. May we therefore humbly
advise your majesty to require a circumstantial relation
from the former officer of the district—the truth and
falsehood may then be distinguished.”

The emperor betokened his assent to their counsel,
and issued the following command. “ Let the late
magistrate of Leihching Héen make a certified report of
all the circumstances relating to Teihchungyu’s treatment
during his sickness—there must be no concealment or
collusion. Respect this.”

The imperial pleasure was transmitted without delay
to the former magistrate, who since his recall had been
promoted to the station of inspector-general in the
province of Pechele. Being on a visit to one of the
cities of his jurisdiction, he learned that Teihchungyu
had concluded his marriage with Shueypingsin, and
that being accused to the Emperor by one of the
Censorate, the present order was the consequence.

He

He received it with the utmost satisfaction. ‘I urged
this marriage to the young man myself,” thought he,
“and nothing but our distant separation would have
prevented my continuing to urge it. My mind has been
long set on it, and I rejoice that he at length attended to
his father’s wishes. The emperor’s order is an excellent
occasion for executing a design which I have some time
entertained.” He accordingly prepared a detailed state-
ment of facts; and his address ran as follows :—

“ Paouteze, inspector-general of Pechele, presents
this humble address in obedience to your majesty’s
commands.

“ There is no virtwe more disinterested than to afford
relief in distress—no greater heroism than to remain un-
moved in danger—no integrity superior to that which
resists temptation—no talent more estimable than the
ability to defeat one’s enemies. When I received from
your majesty the charge of Leihching Héen, unworthy as
I was, it became my duty to extend the benefits of the
imperial rule by espousing the cause of virtue. But
it chanced that Kwoketsu, son of the minister, having
heard of the beauty of Shueypingsin, daughter of
Shueykeuyih, then member, and now president of the
military tribunal, determined on espousing her. He
prevailed on my immediate superior in office to appoint
me the agent of the marriage, which I was bound in
obedience to accept. The young lady’s father being
in exile, her uncle Shueyun was the promoter of the

match, and after continued persecution, extorted his
niece’s verbal compliance. As the presentation of the
nuptial ticket is the ordinary mode of announcing the
acceptance of proposals, Shueyun despatched such a
ticket to Kwoketsu. Shueypingsin, however, who knew
her duty, was resolved not marry without her father’s
authority ; but, urged to desperation by her uncle, she
had the talent to substitute the nuptial ticket of her
uncle’s daughter in lieu of her own—a stratagem which
Shueyun’s ignorance prevented his detecting. When the
wedding day arrived, she declined leaving her house,
on the ground of the nuptial ticket not being her’s; and
her uncle, urged by the extremity of the case, sent his own
daughter instead—while Kwoketsu, who had accepted
the ticket without inquiry, was compelled to submit in
silence. This was his first discomfiture by Shueypingsin.

“ Provoked by disappointment, he resolved on chang-
ing the nuptial ticket, and, after enticing the young lady
on a visit to his house as a new connexion, on there
seizing and claiming her as his proper wife. But he
miscalculated her extraordinary sagacity—for she ac-
cepted his invitation, allowed him to collect all his
noble acquaintances, and proceeding in her chair even
to his very doors, made him extravagantly elate at the
thoughts of such complete success ;—when hurrying all
at once back to her house, under the plea of an ill-boding
sound in the music, she entirely eluded him a second time.

“ Still more provoked, his schemes grew proportion-

ately

ately desperate ;—and on finding that the young lady
went regularly at the autumnal period to sacrifice: at
her mother’s tomb, he laid a strong party in ambush
to serze her. She, however, proceeded openly with a
large attendance, and returned in the same conspicuous
manner, in order to make it the more public. When he
thought that he had possession of her chair and person,
his friends were all assembled to witness his success ;
but on opening the sedan, it proved to be empty, with
the exception of a great heap of stones and a yellow
bundle—upon which the whole assembly joined in
laughing at this third discomfiture of Kwoketsu. ,

“‘ Enraged at his three failures, he counterfeited the
news of Shueykeuyih’s recall from exile, and sent a party
to her house to announce it. On hearing it was the
imperial order, the young lady felt obliged to come
forth and receive it; and thus falling into their hands,
was carried off :—but she had the resolution to conceal a
poniard about her person, prepared to destroy herself in
case of need. Teihchungyu then chanced to be on his
travels through the province, and being hustled by the
procession, became involved in a quarrel, which ended in
their all coming before me; who after some inquiry,
dismissed the people, and sent the young lady home.
I hoped that all parties would remain quiet for the
future. Kwoketsu, however, unable to put up with his
disgrace, and despairing of success with Shueypingsin,
resolved to gratify his revenge on Teihchungyu. He

0 2 employed

employed the priest of the monastery, where the youth
lodged, to injure his health by drugs. Teihchungyu
was ignorant of his own danger; but happily for him,
Shueypingsin was so grateful for the service just re-
ceived at his hands,. that she could not bear to sit still
and see him perish; and accordingly removed him
quietly to her house, and restored him to health by
medical aid. In thus calmly defying calumny and de-
traction, she could be supported solely by the exalted-
ness and purity of her motives. But Kwoketsu, when
he heard of it, became more exasperated than ever :—
he endeavoured to asperse the character of the parties,
and to prevail on me to persecute them as a scandal
to the public morals. My duty required that I should
take the matter up: but I considered that this was an
occasion on which virtue might be displayed, as well as
the reverse, and therefore would not condemn them
without proof. I could obtain this in no other way
than by sending a skilful spy to observe them,—and
through him I discovered the virtues of this extraor-
dinary pair. Their intercourse united the display of
gratitude and friendship with the observance of every
propriety. Their conversation was of the most exalted
character, and without an expression that could bear
any ill-construction ;—in a word, they realized in them-
selves all that is most celebrated in the history of mo-

rals, either past or present.
Considering the rarity of such excellence in either
sex,

THE FORTUNATE UNION, 197

sex, I concluded that heaven must have produced this
pair for each other, and that unless it were Teih-
chungyu, Shueypingsin could never have a husband
worthy of her;—except Shueypingsin, Teihchungyu
could never meet a suitable spouse. I therefore un-
dertook myself to be the marriage negociator, and
proposed to Teihchungyu this excellent union, cal-
culated as it was to throw a lustre on the wedded state ;
—to my surprise, however, the young man’s stnctness
of scruple took alarm at my proposition, and he de-
parted in anger; confirming, at the same time, the
high opinion I had formed of his disinterested virtue.
I would willingly have brought it to the knowledge of
your majesty; but the lowness of my office, and the
number of the intermediate channels, made it to be
attended with too many difficulties. Heaven, however,
seemed resolved to accomplish its purposes ; and Shuey-
kenyih being recalled from exile, in consequence of the
successful support afforded by Teihchungyu to the
leader Howheaou, their marriage was the ultimate re-
sult. It doubtless was the work of heaven, though it
concerned man alone !—and I rejoiced much at hearing
of eo excellent an union, by which the cause of virtue
was illustrated. The Censor Wongih, however, without
any knowledge of the real facts, presented a false accu-
sation against the parties ;—and led by your majesty’s
gracious inquiry, which enables me to gratify my anxious
wishes, I gladly offer up this circumstantial statement,

in

in which the perfection of virtue, heroism, integrity, and
talent, have been described. Beseeching the impenal
intelligence to clear up the truth, and shed thereby upon
the great cause of morality its due lustre, I await with
gratitude your majesty’s decision.”

- On the perusal of this paper, high satisfaction was
apparent on the emperor’s countenance.

“ This Shueypingsin,” said his majesty, “ with such
mental resources, is a most extraordinary young woman ;
—and Teihchungyu, whose virtue has been so much tried,
must doubtless be intended by heaven to be her match.
What possessed that Censor to present such a wild and
incorrect statement !”

His majesty was about to issue his decree, awarding
honours and distinctions to such unexampled merit,—but
the eunuch Chow was still in close communication with,
and had engaged the assistance of his colleague, who
acted as secretary within the palace, and who therefore
took this opportunity to put in his suggestion.

“ The circumstances,” said he, “ relating to the resi-
dence of the young people under the same roof, rest
solely on the evidence of that secret emissary of the
magistrate ; and should there be any falsehood in this,
your majesty’s decree in their favour would act very
much to the prejudice of the imperial dignity. It ap-
pears to me, moreover, that the memorials of the parties
themselves are open to much suspicion.”

“ In what respect?” inquired the emperor.

“ The

“ The statement of Teihchungyu,” said the secretary,
“ asserts, ‘ that though the nuptial festival has been twice
celebrated, they have yet been content with the mere
name of marriage—they have not really completed it ;’
while Shueypingsin’s memorial in like manner states,
that ‘ notwithstanding their having gone through the
ceremonies of marriage, their scruples have still kept
them separate,’ as a precaution against the attacks of
calumny. Now this boast seems to imply, that she
is still in her former unmarried state, which is hardly
to be believed ; and if this part of the history should
be untrue, it unavoidably throws discredit on all the
rest. May I humbly suggest to your majesty the ne-
cessity of farther inquiry.”

“Then,” said the emperor, “ to-morrow at noon,
let Teihchungyu and Shueypingsin be presented to us
in full audience at the ordinary palace, where we will
address them in person.”

The secretary conveyed this order to the council, and
they promulgated the same to all the great officers;
who upon the following day repaired in full assembly
to the imperial audience.

The sun’s effulgence had begun to beam,
When lo! a passing cloud obscur'd his rays;
—Bu soon the floating mist shall be dispers'd,
And the bright azure firmament appear !

When the emperor had ascended his throne, the as-
sembled courtiers paid their respects ; and his majesty
then desired that Teihchungyu should be presented to

him.

him. He advanced and prostrated himself to the
ground. The son of heaven was pleased with his youth
and comeliness. ‘“‘ Was it you,” said his majesty,
“‘ that entered by force into the palace of Takwae, and
rescued thence the poor scholar, with his wife and
daughter ?”

“Tt was your majesty’s servant,” replied Teih-
chungyu.

— And who became surety for the leader How-
heaou ?” The youth again answered in the affirmative.

“ Those two actions,” continued the emperor, “ de-
note courage and sagacity in which we sincerely rejoice.
Courage and sagacity however, are comparatively com-
mon virtues :—but if, according to the magistrate’s report
concerning your stay at the house of Shueypingsin, you
spent five days and nights alone under the same roof
with a young female, without abusing the occasion, it is
a miracle worthy of history. We ask you if this be true ?”

“Tt is quite true,” answered Teihchungyu ; “ but
we boast not of that as a miracle, which our duty re-
quired of us,”

“ We believe it to be true,” observed the emperor ;
“ but the time elapsed has made the testimonies less
decisive. You say in your memorial, that ‘though the
nuptial festival has been twice celebrated, you have been
yet contented with the name of marriage ;—you have
not really completed it. What is the reason of this ?

* We deemed that the suspicions which attached to

our

our rendering each other important services, forbad
our contracting the marriage union :—but urged by our
parents’ wishes, we felt obliged to comply, as far as
the celebration of the marriage ceremonies. Had we
become man and wife at once, the suspicions relating
to our previous intercourse would have attached to
us through life, without a possibility of refutation.
We have, therefore, occupied separate apartments unto
this day :—not from a love of notoriety, but to silence
people’s mouths, and wait until your majesty’s com-
mand permitted us to complete a union, which should
do honour ta the name of marriage.”

His majesty was much gratified by this reply. “ We
are to understand from your statement,” said he, “ that
Shueypinggin is still a maiden ?”

The order was then given that Shueypingsin should
be presented. She came forward, and prostrated her
self to the ground. The son of heaven turned his eyes
upon her, and saw that she surpassed a flower or a
willow in delicacy and grace;—that she was the very
perfection of female beauty. His majesty asked if her
name were not Shueypingsin ;—and when she had an-
swered in a distinct voice that it was, the emperor
continued : “‘ The former magistrate of -your district has
described to us, in his memorial, the uncommon address
with which you thrice discomfited the schemes of Kwo-
ketsu. Did these things really occur as related ?”

“ A simple maiden like myself,” replied she, ‘“ would

not

not have ventured into such a contest with Kwoketsu,
had he not taken advantage of my father’s exile, and
my own defenceless condition, to use his power and
influence to my prejudice. I was compelled to adopt
those measures as the only means of escaping misery.”

“ But with such ability to escape misfortune,” ob-
served the emperor, “ how came you not also to avoid
the scandal which attached to moving Teihchungyu to
your house.”

“I felt bound to pay a debt of gratitude,” re-
plied she, “‘compared with which such scandal appeared
trifling.”

* But,” observed his majesty, laughing, “ if you
cared so little for calumny when you were so
liable to it—why be so over-scrupulous as to live
separately, after being married with your parents’
consent ?”

“ The other was but the calumny of a day,” re-
plied she, ‘‘ and might have received its own refuta-
tion by my espousing another :—but the consequences
of the late attack upon us would have continued
through life; and, but fur our caution, we might have
riven our hearts, and shed our blood, without being
able to prove our innocence. I should not have been
able to appear before your majesty with that confi-
dence which supports me this day.”

The emperor listened to her with evident satisfac-
faction: “ Then,” exclaimed he, “ you are a pair that

surpass

surpass even the most celebrated couple in history.*
We feel bound to assert your innocence.” His ma-
jesty accordingly commanded that four of the atten-
dants of the inner palace should conduct Shueypingsin
to the empress, who, with her ladies, might prove her
innocence. They, accordingly, proceeded to wait
upon the empress.

The brightest gem, untried, is but a coarse
Unshapely pebble: and the purest gold,
Unsifted, may be fraught with sandy soil :
—Twice wedded, the third rite did yet remain,
To make their fragrant name the boast of ages !

Not long afterwards, two of the attendants returned
with the empress’s reply, declaring that her majesty,
with the ladies of the palace, had proved beyond all
question the innocence and virtue of Shueypingsin ;
with whom the empress was so pleased, that she had
detained her to an entertainment, and returned this
report in the mean while.

The emperor rejoiced at what he heard, and turning
to his counsellors :—** They had already,” said his ma-
jesty, “‘ with their parents’ sanction, twice celebrated
the nuptial festival ; but out of regard to their honour
and reputation, and to do credit to the great cause of
morality and virtue, they still remained apart. The
innocence of their former acquaintance of five days is
now indisputably proved ;—this truly is the most un-
rivalled of ForTUNATB UNIONS! Had we listened to

floating

* Leanghoong and Mengkwong.

204 THE FORTUNATE UNION,

floating calumnies, and forborne ourself to interrogate
them, what a lasting injury to such uncommon ex-
cellence !”

The minister Kwoloongtung was then commanded
to approach. ‘“ Notwithstanding your high station,”
said the emperor, “you brought up your son so ill, as
to occasion those three violent attempts to possess
himself of Shueypingsin: and unless her admirable
understanding and address had enabled her to fuil
him, her disgrace and ruin had been inevitable. Such
violent and unprincipled conduct on his part shall
not go unpunished. You yourself, too, slandered and
vilified these worthy persons in such a manner, as had
well nigh caused the purity of the gem to receive a
stain :—and, not content with this, endeavoured to
bribe a public officer in the discharge of his duty.
These are crimes of the highest degree.”

At this just rebuke from the son of heaven, the
minister’s fright and trepidation deprived him of all
power of defence. Prostrate on the earth, he divested
himself of his cap of ceremony,* and could plead
nothing in extenuation but his ignorance of the ex-
traordinary virtuc and excellence of this young couple,
by which he had been led so unworthily to slander
them.

The guilty member of the Ceusorate was next sum-

moned.

* A mark of the greatest humility and self-abasement seems to be
this self-privation of onc uf the principal distinctions of rank.

moned. * Your office,” said the emperor, “ required
you to bring real delinquencies to light, and to act on
our behalf as a guardian and promoter of virtue; in-
stead of which you listened to the floating rumours in
your path, and unjustly accused persons who were
truly noble and upright. What a wound should we
have inflicted on the great cause of virtue, by listening
unadvisedly to your accusations!” The terror which
the culprit experienced at this reprimand threw him
into a profuse sweat, and he was content to lie pros-
trate, with his forehead to the ground. .

It was with high satisfaction that his majesty then
called for the new magistate, and commended him.
“ Your conduct on first entering office, thus boldly to
speak out in the cause of right —thus fearlessly to tell
the truth in spite of all the weight of authority and
rank has afforded us real gratification.” The imperial
council were then commanded to draw out a notifica-
tion of the emperor’s decision regarding the several
parties, to this effect."

“ We know that the relative duties are most ho-
noured by a strict observance, especially under cir-
cumstances of difficulty :—that the excellence of virtue
lies in continuing inflexible, particularly when secrecy
affords impunity.

“ Shueypingsin,an anprotected female, thrice calmly
defeated her violent enemies,—an extraordinary in-
stance of merit. She gratefully protected her deliverer

in

in his peril, and braved calumny without hesitation
. for his sake, displaying an intelligence and decision
which are not to be rivalled. ‘he most unrivalled
part of her conduct, however, was after the celebra-
tion of the marriage ceremonies, stil] to remain in her
maiden state, from a regard to her future honour:
this was setting an example of saint-like virtue !—
Teihchungyu, in delivering his victims from the tiger’s
den, und in discovering the leader’s merits at a period
so critical, discovered a noble resolution, the gift of
heaven alone. Then he rescued Shueypingsin, as
though she had been his nearest relation ;—while he
lived in her house with all the respect and reserve of
a guest. In their intercourse, they made the ex-
pression of their mutual friendship and esteem com-
patible with the observance of every decorum :—they
followed the impulse of their minds, without relin-
quishing virtue and propricty. Lastly, by his self-
denial after marriage, he proved still more his firm-
ness under trial.

“‘ The espousal of the noble Teihchungyu to the
chaste Shucypingsin may truly be entitled the For-
tuNnaTE Union of heroism and virtue! It affords us
the highest satisfaction. We raise Teihchungyu to the
dignity of a counsellor of state, and confer on Shuey-
pingsin the rank of a lady of the empire. We bestow
on them the imperial gift of a hundred taéls of fine
gold, and a hundred rolls of embroidered silk, with

ten

THE: FORTUNATE UNION. 207

ten ceremonial habits, and a head-dress of ceremony
each. Attended by our own music, lanterns, and
banners, let them return home, and again celebrate
their marriage, as the glorious triumph of virtue.

** Shueykeuyih and Teihying are each promoted a
step on account of the merits of their children, and
as a reward for uniting in marriage persons so worthy
of each other. The new magistrate, who examined so
conscientiously, reported so truly, and displayed such
unbending integrity, will receive an especial appoint-
ment at the expiration of his present office. Paoutsze,
the former magistrate, has highly gratified us by the
fulness and clearness of his report, and by his regard
for true merit.

“ Kwoloongtung, in return for allowing his son to
injure worthy persons, deserves severe marks of our
displeasure ; but in consideration of his long services,
we are contented to degrade him three steps. Won-
gih, as the punishment of his false representation, is
amerced in half a year’s salary. Kwoketsu, who
thrice endeavoured to effect a violent espousal, and
once sought the life of his rival—though the attempt
was unsuccessful, has displayed a detestable disposi-
tion. Let him receive, in the criminal court of his
district, one hnodred blows as some chastisement for
his misdeeds.—Alas ! if virtue were not distinguish-
ed, where would be the cxamples for mankind ?—If
vice escqgped punishment, where would be the efficacy

of

of the laws? We act for the general good—let all
observe and obey. A special edict.”

Shueypingsin had, in the meanwhile, been loaded
by the bounty of the empress with a profusion of
jewels and ornaments ; and her four attendants were
at length directed to conduct her back to his majesty’s
presence. The emperor beheld her with increased
satisfaction. ‘We have had abundant instances,”
said he, “ of maidens who preferred remaining as
they were, to being contracted in marriage; but
never of so excellent a pair as this, who, though so
mutually fond, and already espoused in form, were
determined to live apart rather than become the sub-
jects of calumny and detraction. This has been a
height and degree of virtue peculiar to yourselves.
Your union is this day to be celebrated anew, in the
sight of the whole empire, and reflects increased
lustre on the great cause of virtue. Proceed home
now, and continue as heretofore to illustrate by your
conduct the character and mora's of our reign.”

Teihchungyu, his bride, and all the assembled
court, then bowed down and acknowleged the im-
perial bounty—and the hum of joy and gratulation
resembled the distant roll of thunder. The imperial
attendants had received their orders; and as they
filed off in pairs, the ornamented lanterns in all their
radiance—the harmonious band in full sound—and
the marshalled banners in their variegated splendour

—escorted

THE FORTUNATE UNION, 209

—escorted the renowned and happy couple, as they
proceeded homewards attended by a vast company.

The choicest bud, unblown, exhales no sweets,
—No radiance can the untried gem display :
Misfortune, like the winter cold that binds
The embryo fragrance of the flow’r, doth lend
A fresher charm to fair prosperity !

The young couple, on their arrival at home, first
paid their adoration to the supreme powers of heaven
and earth ; they then erected an altar of incense, and
betokened their gratitude for the imperial favours ;
after which they proceeded to pay the due honours to
their parents, and to celebrate their nuptials for the
third time.—This last occasion, so eminently honour-
ed by the emperor's express command, was the theme
of loud and universal admiration among the whole
court, who dwelt on the virtues and merits of the
distinguished pair.

The degraded minister, urged to the extremity of
shame and rage at his own misfortune, and at the
punishment of his son, wreaked his vengeance on
Chingkee, their ill-adviser, whom he persecuted to
the utmost. His friend, too, the member of the cen-
sorate, was exceedingly annoyed by the forfeiture of
his emoluments. Shueyun, a fish that by good luck
had slipped out of the net, was nevertheless thrown by
his excessive fright into a violent illness, during
which he had leisure to repent his misdeeds, and. to

feel grateful for the clemency of his brother and his
niece, whom he never again offended.

As for the eunuch, he took a lesson from this signal
instance of the emperor’s justice and impartiality, to
abandon for the future his corrupt and hazardous

practices.

Vain were their wily plottings, nor matur'd

Aught, but their authors’ misery—Unwise !

That with a worthier course might have compell’d
Men to respect, and demons to forbear !

The conduct of Teihchungyu and his bride being
thus publicly vindicated, and proved to be unsullied
as the gem, and clear as ice, their joy on the oc-
casion of their final nuptials was unalloyed by repen-
tance or sorrow. They partook together of the nup-
tial feast, which was spread in the bridal apartments,
and expressed to each other their mutual obligations :
—Teihchungyu thanking his bride for the prudence by
which she had confuted all the slanders of their
enemies ; and she, in like manner, thanking her hus-
band for the firmness with which he had promoted
their joint views. When the entertaininent was con-
cluded, their female attendants left them to them-
selves in their splendidly decorated chamber—the

“bridegroom brilliant as a gem—the bride lovely as a
flower—and both of them at the height of their wishes.
The following verses have been composed in their
praise :—

The bridal thrice repeated, they became
Wedded at last, and through them were display'd
The

The social duties in each varied form !

Integrity was theirs, and well-placed trust :

Their seeret confidence had none partaken :

Virtue had been their silken bond of union,

And natural sense of fitness well supplied

Th’ abeenee of forms conventional—Say not
Through them the sacred cause but once did shine—
It gather’d lustre for a thousand years !

Their virtuous and admirable course of life, subse-
quent to marriage, corresponded with their charac-
ter; and each action was worthy of being transmitted
to the world in a second work—but here the present
narrative must conclude.

END OF THE ROMANCE.

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Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-davis/Chapter 18 - Revision history

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