Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 5

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Chapter 5: Righteous Indignation in the Magistrate's Court: A Rescue That Breeds Disaster

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 modern translation and Chinese original to verify.

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CHAP. X. TH HE young gentleman being brought before him, did not fall on his knees, or use those other signs of high reverence, which are usual from an inferior to one of higher rank. But when his hands were let go, held them up with the common falute, of one equal to another*: accofting him. with

• The Courtefy or Salute used by the common

people, or such as treat one another freely, is to clap their hands one upon the other, and lift them up as high as their head: this is des aice, crying cin, cin, or rather ching, with ching, ching, or your servant, your servant. The Che-bien still more fur- prized at a familiarity, which seemed When they would express more deference, after joining their hands, they first lift them up, and then let them fall almoft to the earth, bowing their heads very low, When two friends meet after long feparation, they both fall on their knees and bow to the earth, then rise up again, and perform the same ceremony two or three times. But if you appear before a person of the first quality, you must bend one knee, and re- main in this pofture till they raise you up. Laitly, when an inferior appears before one very much superior to him, the reverence is expressed by four times bowing as they stand, and by four times kneeling; which the other party receives sitting, and in some cafes standing. See P. Semedo, p. 59. Nieuhoff, p. 37. P. Le Compte, tem 2. p. 40. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 293. Ogilby, vol. 2. p. 442. There is some little difference in the accounts of all thefe Writers: owing perhaps to the diffe- rent times they lived in, or the different provinces they frequented. The Editor hath felected from cach such particulars, as were most conformable to thishistory; but hath chiefly followed P. Semedo who lived neareft the time of its author, and be- fore any innovations were made by the Tartars. so | ed d so ill-affumed; afked very fternly who he was, and for what reason he had beat on the drum. "Who I am, replied the other, is no way material: here hath great injustice been committed; for which reason I struck the drum, that you might examine into, and redress it." Before the Mandarine could answer: Chun-kéé entered: "Here, Sir, said he, is the young lady Shuey-ping-fin, whom I have brought in behalf of Kwo-kbé-tzu: though engaged to him by all the due solemnities of the law, The hath put another in his place, and abused him he hath now got her in his power; and having presented ¹ to you, for your approbation I cence, will afterwards carry her home, and compleat the marriage." "If your friend, answered the other, hath gone through all the previous solemnities according to law, why do you bring her here? carry her home to her husband to whom she belongs." On this Chun-kéé turned to the peo- ple, saying, "The Mandarine hath given his permission, take up the chair and it home." The young lady carry hearing this, cried out, "Injustice! I am wronged and abused! Sir, you must see me righted!" Then she sprung from the chair, and was going into the hall: but the people there said, "What would you have? hath not the Che-bien ordered you to be carried away? You must not advance." Upon this the fat by fat herself down on the floor, crying out aloud; "You Che-bien, that should be the father and mother* of the city,

• "The principal duty of a Mandarine," faith

a Chinese author, tranflated by P. Du Halde, is to have paternal bowels for the preferva- "tion of thofe intrusted to his care; and in his "whole conduct should do nothing unworthy "the amiable name of father and mother of the "people." Such language is natural in a nation, whose fundamental principle it is, that the state is a large family, and that the rulers ought to have for the subjects, the same regard that parents have for their children. "The first care of a father of a family," (in this style run some of their Publick Edicts ;) "is "to provide plentifully for the fubfiftence of his "children; for a like reason, the Sovereign, "who is father and mother of his people, ought "to do the fame." The Chinese require no refined skill in po- litics to judge of the merit and talents of their princes: they examine their conduct by this easy rule: "Why, say they, hath Heaven placed him on "the throne? is it not that he may be, as a fa- "ther and a mother to us?" See P. Du Halde vol. 2. p. 156. vol. 1. p. 508. 242. 243. See also L' Esprit des Loix, liv. 19. ch. 19 and page 177. of this volume. 1. pós- how can you thus abandon me to in- justice, and send me away without hear- ing my defence?" The young stranger observing all that past, could no longer contain himself, but very much inraged said to the Mandarine: " This, Sir, is very unjust: your eyes are blinded, and your ears deaf to the cries of the in- jured: you are void of reason and con- science, you will hear but one side: is it thus you sit in the chair of justice for the Emperor? Surely you think there is none greater than yourself: that you are the only and chief Che-bien." At this the magistrate, highly provoked and stung to the quick with remon- ftrances at once so just and so severe, loaded him with reproaches, and cry'd out, to to ad 1. コー ​out, "What impudent person are you that dare come into the Emperor's court, and make there this noise and diftur- bance?" "Truly a great court of the Emperor's replied the other with a fneer of contempt; a great office yours of the Che-bien! Why I have gone into the house of the greatest Manda- rine, a house given him by the Em- peror himself, and therefore sacred: I have broke open the doors by vio- lence in order to rescue and protect the injured; yet he hath not dared to load me with obloquy and are you of so exalted an office, as to heap abuses upon me, and to charge me with impudence ?"" The Che-bien, who chanced to be at court when the fact abovemention'd had the door upon which all the people. came out, wondering at his boldness. The Che-bien, who had expected the chair, fate in the hall waiting for it, when hearing the drum beat, he could not conceive what was the matter: im- times of audience, but at all other hours of the day. If the affair be urgent, then they go to the Mandarine's palace, and beat upon a kind of, kettle-drum, which is sometimes on one side of the hall of justice, but commonly without the doors, that the people may come at it both night and day. At this signal, the Mandarine, though never so much employed, is obliged to leave every thing immediately, to grant the audience demanded. But whoever gives the alarm, un- lefs he hath suffered some extraordinary wrong that requires speedy redress, is sure to receive the baftinado for his pains. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 254, N. B. The Translator tells us in another place, that it is the custom for the officers of the tribunal, to take and bind the person that strikes upon the drum, until they have presented him to the Mandarine. It appears alfo from the Chinese anthor himself, that such was the custom, at least in his time. See book 3. chap. 4. mediately mediately he saw his people come in, bringing in the stranger: "This, they said, is the person that beat on the drum." CHAP. X. HE young gentleman being brought before him, did not fall on his knees, or use those other signs of high reverence, which are usual from an inferior to one of higher rank. But when his hands were let go, held them up with the common falute, of one equal to another*: accofting him with

• The Courtefy or Salute used by the common

people, or such as treat one another freely, is to clap their hands one upon the other, and lift them up as high as their head: this is done dvice, crying cin, cin, or rather ching, ching. When with ching, ching, or your servant, your servant. The Che-bien still more fur- prized at a familiarity, which seemed When they would express more deference, after joining their hands, they firft lift them up, and then let them fall almoft to the earth, bowing their heads very low. When two friends meet after long feparation, they both fall on their knees and bow to the earth, then rise up again, and perform the same ceremony two or three times. But if you appear before a person of the first quality, you must bend one knee, and re- main in this pofture till they raise you up. Lastly, when an inferior appears before one very much superior to him, the reverence is expressed by four times bowing as they stand, and by four times kneeling; which the other party receives sitting, and in some cafes standing. Sce P. Senedo, p. 59. Nieuhoff, p. 37. P. Le Compte, tem 2. p. 40. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 293. Ogilby, vol. 2. p. 442. There is some little difference in the accounts of all these Writers: owing perhaps to the diffe- rent times they lived in, or the different provinces they frequented. The Editor hath felected from cach such particulars, as were most conformable to thishistory; but hath chiefly followed P. Semedo who lived neareft the time of its author, and be- fore any innovations were made by the Tartars. so so ill-affumed; afked very fternly who he was, and for what reason he had beat on the drum. "Who I am, replied the other, is no way material: here hath great injustice been committed; for which reason I struck the drum, that you might examine into, and redress it." Before the Mandarine could answer: Chun-kéé entered : "Here, Sir, said he, is the young lady Shuey-ping-fin, whom I have brought in behalf of Kwo-kbé-tzu: though engaged to him by all the due solemnities of the law, the hath put another in his place, and abused him he hath now got her in his power; and having presented her to you, for your approbation and li- cence, cence, will afterwards carry her home, and compleat the marriage." "If your friend, answered the other, hath gone through all the previous solemnities according to law, why do you bring her here? carry her home to her husband to whom he belongs. On this Chun-kéé turned to the peo- ple, saying, "The Mandarine hath given his permission, take up the chair and carry it home." The young lady hearing this, cried out, Injustice! I am wronged and abused! Sir, you must see me righted!" Then she fprung from the chair, and was going into the hall: but the people there said, "What would you have? hath not the Che-bien ordered you to be carried away? You must not advance." Upon this the fat fat herself down on the floor, crying out aloud; "You Che-bien, that should be the father and mother* of the city,

• "The principal duty of a Mandarine," faith

a Chinese author, tranflated by P. Du Halde, "is to have paternal bowels for the preferva- "tion of thofe intrufted to his care; and in his "whole conduct should do nothing unworthy "the amiable name of father and mother of the "people." Such language is natural in a nation, whose fundamental principle it is, that the state is a large family, and that the rulers ought to have for the subjects, the same regard that parents have for their children. "The first care of a father of a family," (in this style run some of their Publick Edicts ;) "is "to provide plentifully for the fubfiftence of his "children; for a like reason, the Sovereign, "who is father and mother of his people, ought "to do the fame." The Chinese require no refined skill in po- litics to judge of the merit and talents of their princes: they examine their conduct by this easy rule: Why, say they, hath Heaven placed him on "the throne? is it not that he may be, as a fa- "ther and a mother to us?" See P. Du Halde vol. 2. p. 156. vol. 1. p. 508. 242. 243. See alfo L' Efprit des Loix, liv. 19. ch. 19 and page 177. of this volume. how how can you thus abandon me to in- justice, and send me away without hear- ing my defence?" The young stranger observing all that past, could no longer contain himself, but very much inraged said to the Mandarine: "This, Sir, is very unjust: your eyes are blinded, and your ears deaf to the cries of the in- jured: you are void of reason and con- science, you will hear but one side: is it thus you sit in the chair of jaftice for the Emperor? Surely you think there is none greater than yourself: that you are the only and chief Che-bien." At this the magistrate, highly provoked and stung to the quick with remon- ftrances at once so just and so severe, loaded him with reproaches, and cry'd out, out, "What impudent person are you that dare come into the Emperor's court, and make there this noise and diftur- bance?" "Truly a great court of the Emperor's replied the other with a fneer of contempt; a great office yours of the Che-bien! Why I have gone into the house of the greatest Manda- rine, a house given him by the Em- peror himself, and therefore sacred: I have broke open the doors by vio- lence in order to refcue and protect the injured; yet he hath not dared to load me with obloquy: and are you of so exalted an office, as to heap abuses upon me, and to charge me with impudence ?" The Che-bien, who chanced to be at court when the fact abovemention'd had had happen'd, instantly recollected the whole affair; as alfo the person who stood before him. Struck therefore with no little fear, and softening his voice, "What then, said he, are you the son*. of the chief viceroy Tieb-ying? Is it possible?" And rifing from his chair he faluted him in the most respectful manner. "Pardon me, Sir, said he; pardon me, that when a diamond was, before my eyes, I could not know it. When I was at court I heard of your.

• The Chinese author with great fimplicity,

opens his account of this adventure by telling us page 196, that the people of Kwo-khé-tzu met with and and run against "Tieb-chung-u being "just arrived from the province of Ho-nan, who was seated on a mule, &c." As the Editor con- ceived the fuppreffing of this circumstance for a page or two would serve to awake the Reader's attention and heighten the surprize, he pre- fumes he shall be excused the liberty he hath taken. ⠀ fame, fame, which founded like thunder in my ears. Yet was I. so unfortunate that I could not then have the happi- nefs to visit you: and that I should meet with you now is a perfect miracle! I am sorry too it should be upon an cc- cafion wherein you think I have done amifs: but I hope still to recover your good opinion." Then respectfully de- firing him to sit, he call'd for tea*: which being brought, the Che-bien began to talk of the affair before them, asking him

• The name of Thé or Tea comes to us from

the corrupt pronunciation of one or two places in the province of Fo-kien: in all other parts of the Empire it is called Cha, which is the word used alfo by the Portuguese. The Chinese ufe tea for their common drink, but without any fugar or other sweetener. They have commonly in all families a boiler or other veffel over a fire; and whenever they are thirty or faint put a few leaves of it in a bason and pour the him how he came to be concern'd in it, as he seemed to know the whole matter.' "For my part, said Tieb-chung-u, I am intirely ignorant of the affair; but met these people just now in the street : when hearing one complain of in- jury and implore protection, I came along to your audience to procure re- dress; pray acquaint me with the wholes "It is so very intricate and per- the hot water upon it, and as soon as it is cool enough to drink, fwallow it down and go about their business. But when they drink it in form, the custom is to take the dish in both hands, and making a low bow to touch the ground with it: then they drink it at several fips, holding the difh in their left hand. The Tartarian manner is to hold the dish in the right hand, and to make a low bow to the person who gives the treat, both before and after they have drank. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 10. 297. Modern Univ. Hift. vol. 8. p. 228. note (B.) plexed, "A CHINESE HISTORY. plexed, replied the Che-bien, that I can hardly unravel it myself; but what I know of the matter is this: that young lady is the daughter of a great Man- darine of this city, named Shuey-keu-ye ; her beauty hath made such an im- preffion on the son of a minister of state, named Kwo-khé-tzu, that there is no- thing he hath not attempted to gain her. The first time she changed the eight letters of Nean-kung, and gave her sister to him in her ftead. The second time, when he had allured her to his house under pretence of a wedding visit, from the found of the music she dif- covered his intention. The third time he attempted to catch her, as she was going to the gardens: but instead of fecuring her brought home nothing but a heap a heap of stones." "Certainly, cried Tieb-chung-u, this person must be admi- rable; perhaps the world hath not her fellow. With your leave, Sir, I will go and view this prodigy." He had no sooner caft his eyes upon her, but struck with her beauty, he said aloud: "Sure never was a form more compleat and lovely: what a face and mien, beautiful without the assistance of art! what killing eyes, over-fhaded with the most exact and finished arches, like little moons! neither air nor fun can wither or blast a flower whofe teints are the gift of nature alone: there is no need of paint to that charming com- plexion her countenance bespeaks a difpofition as sweet as the moft odori- ferous ferous flowers." He was so charmed with her appearance, that it made the deepest impreffion on his mind. Then approaching one step nearer, he made her a very low bow. "Lady, said he, how came you to be entrap'd, and brought hither now, after you had so often and so dexterously escaped?" Shuey-ping-fin rofe up from the ground and replied, "My father, who is in banishment, hath caused me for a long time to pass my days in sorrow and affliction: but hear- ing of a fudden to-day, that the Em- peror's order of pardon was come to recall him, I immediately, as it beho- ved me, ran out to meet it: but no sooner had set my foot in the hall and perceived it was false, but I was fur- rounded by these people, and had no othe other remedy but to come with them; yet, Sir, I have brought with me this knife, being resolved to die in the Che- bien's presence. I had determined never to behold the light of another day but you seem to be a person of virtue and goodness, and were doubtlefs sent by my good Genius in this extremity to fave me." [This said, she let fall a shower of tears, and hid her head in her bofom.] Tieb-chung-u was strongly moved at her distress: "Where, said he with great emotion, where is this order of the Em- peror's? let me see it." She ordered the coloured paper to be brought to him; and he carried and shewed it to the Che- bien. "Is this, said he, the Emperor's order or not? you ought to know!" "I know nothing of it, replied the Che- bien, bien, nor from whence it came." "That is much" said the other; and putting it into his sleeve, he remonftrated to that magistrate in very strong terms, the clandeftine manner of his proceed- ings: "To-morrow, said he, I shall. go and lodge a complaint with the Fu-yuen or Viceroy: and as for thefe people who have been the inftruments in this affair, I charge you with them, that they be forth-coming, whenever the Viceroy thinks proper to call for them." Then flightly faluting him he was going away. The Che-bien, extremely frighted at the danger he was in, called to Tieb-chung-u and intreated him to stay: "Pray, Sir, said he, be not so hafty and passionate, let me have time to inquire into this let affair, before you take a step of such consequence." Then calling before him Chun-kéé, and the reft of his party, with violent emotions of anger he told them they were ignorant of what re- lated to justice, and had acted in this affair like slaves and villains. "Whence, said he, have you brought this order? what authority have you for it?" They all stood silent. Then he ordered the ftocks of confeffion * to be brought forth.

• The ordinary Torture in China to extort

Confeffion is very acute and painful. It is in- flicted both on the feet and hands: for the for- mer they ufe an inftrument called kia-quen, com- pofed of three cross pieces of wood; that in the middle is fixed, the two other move and turn a- bout; between these the feet are put, and squeez- ed so violently that the ancle bone is rendered quite flat. However, P. Du Halde tells us, they have remedies to diminish and ftupefy the sense of pain during the torture; and others to re- fore in a few days the use of their limbs. See vol. 1. p. 314. P. Semedo, p. 143. On On which in great fright, they all cryed. out, "Sir, don't charge this to our account; every thing was done by our master's order." Very well, said the Che-bien: to-day I have a guest with me, and therefore shall fufpend for the present any farther examination." He then ordered them all to be carried to prison: and appointed some of his own people to convey the young lady back to her house. Every thing being thus dispatched, the Che-bien ordered an entertainment to be got ready, and intreated Tieb- chung-u to stay and drink wine with him; which the latter, who was ex- tremely pleased in having procured redress for the fair Shuey-ping-fin, readily complied complied with. When they had drank pretty plentifully, and all reserve was banished, the Che-bien renewed the former topic, affuring him that all was the contrivance of Kwo-kbé-tzu, who was alone in fault: that wholly taken up in his employments at court, his father knew nothing of these tran- factions: "Yet, said he, if it should be carried before the Viceroy, not the youth alone would suffer, but his fa- ther*, and even myself. Let me con- jure you therefore not to carry things to extre- In China the Parents are accountable for the behaviour of their Children, and when the latter are guilty of extraordinary crimes, the former are put to death along with them. This is done upon a fuppofition, that they must have neglected their education, and have failed to ex- ert that paternal authority to restrain them, which nature hath established, and to which the Chinese extremity." "For my part, said Tieb-chung-u, my being concerned in this affair was purely accidental: I have no otherwise interpofed in it, than as I was led by a difinterested regard for justice: far from bearing any per- sonal resentment against Kwo-kbé-tzu, I do not even know him: and the manner in which I became interested in oppofing his desires, will clear me from the charge of feeking it bufily. Therefore if he will engage to lay aside all thoughts of this young lady, and defift from Chinese laws give such additional force. Upon the same principles, the Mandarines are obliged to answer for the behaviour of their People: for whenever any enormous crime is committed within their district, they are all deprived of their offices. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 257. L'Esprit des Loix, liv. 6. chap. 20. troubling troubling her, nothing more need be said about it." The Mandarine, glad to see him so well inclined, was full of acknowledgments, and applauded him as a person of great virtue and worth. By this time Tieb-chung-u began to ex- prefs a desire to withdraw: and upon the Che-bien's demanding where he was lodged, and being told he was not yet provided, he sent his people to conduct him to a Pagoda or Convent and to see

• The Pagods, or Pagodas (for so their idol-

temples or convents are called) may be reckoned among the most fumptuous buildings of the Chinese. The ftructure confifts partly of por- ticos and partly of halls and pavillions, which stand in the corners of the courts and commu- nicate by long galleries: the roofs of thefe buildings fhine with beautiful japan'd tiles, &c. Near to thefe temples commonly stands, but by itself, a great pyramidal tower; of this kind is the famous porcelain one at Nan-king. This see him accommodated fuitably to his rank. Let us now return to Kwo-kbé-tzu, who was flattering himself that he had at last furmounted all obftacles, when he received an imperfect account, that the chair with Shuey-ping-fin had been met by a stranger, who had gone with her This is the form of moft of the Pagodas, and thefe are the habitations of the Banzees or idol-pricfts, and monks; who live inclosed, sometimes to the number of four or five hundred together, within a large circuit of wall, three or four in a house, that is, one master and the rest scholars. These (we are told by an Author quoted in Picart) serve for the accommodation of travellers like the Turkish Garavanfera's. But according to P. Du Halde it is with great difficulty that any except the Mandarines are permitted to lodge there all night. However the Bonzees wait upon such as are their guests with great affection, lodge them in their own apartments, and take care of their baggage, their servants and porters: notice being given of their arrival by boating on a drum at the her to the Che-bien's audience, and that there some dispute had happened, the particulars of which he could not learn: but that the whole had ended in their conveying the young lady home, and his servants to prison: With a heavy heart therefore he repaired to the Che- foo, and acquainted him with what he the gate. Yet P. Trigaut (as quoted by Ogilby) tells us, that it is customary with the Bonzees (chiefly at Pe-king) to let their cells to strangers who come thither to trade, which for the more profit they divide into as many partitions as they can. So that these cloyfters seem rather publick inns than places of fanctity. The Bonzees have a moderate allowance from the Emperor, beside what they can get by beg- ging, finging their prayers, &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. 289. 265. vol. 2. 73. &c. P. Semedo, p. 89. Ogilby, vol. 2. p. 584. Picart, vol. 4. p. 233. N. B. The difagreement obfervable in the accounts of thefe Authors, may be owing to the different regulations, which may have been made at different times and places, concerning the Bonzees, who are subject to the Tribunal of Rites. had "What! more difficulties had heard. yet? said he, I'll send and talk with the Che-bien about it." He had scarcely spoke, when that magistrate appeared. The Che-foo informed him what he had heard, and inquired who the stranger was, whom he had treated with so much respect and ceremony. "The person you speak of, answered the other, is the son of the Tieb-tu-yuen (or supreme Vice- roy) his name is Tieb-chung-u: he doth not exceed twenty years of age. When I was at court waiting for my present office, there was a great Mandarine who had taken a young maid and kept her by force in his house, which was sacred and none dared so much as look into it but this youth with his mace, weighing twenty catty, broke open the door door and boldly refcued her: which the Emperor hearing of was highly pleased, and did justice to all the parties. But who is ignorant of Tieb-chung-u? the court rings with his name. Shuey- ping-fin was met by him to-day as she was brought to my house: he hath in- formed himself of the whole affair, and got possession of the counterfeit order nay he was going to present it to the Viceroy of the province, which if he had done, it would have affected both yourself and me, no less than Kwo- khé-tzu and his father. The leaft I could do therefore was to shew some outward respect to one who had us all so much in his power." The Che-foo told him, he did well. But Kwo-kbé- tzu was greatly chagrined, and said, " What "What though he is valiant, and his father a Viceroy; am not I the son of a Minister of State? I am not there- fore to submit to him: why did not you manage this business for me bet- ter?" This stranger, replied the Che- bien, got the counterfeit order into his hands, and had it in his power to have ruined us all: it was therefore through fear, and not any respect to him, that I carried matters so smooth- ly." "Well: said Kwo-kbé-tzu, since things are so, there's an end of my hopes Shuey-ping-fin is irretrievably loft." "As to that matter, said the Che- bien, it becomes not me to interpofe in it: but if you have still a desire to obtain her, you must go home and consult consult with the most sensible of your friends. With regard to Tieb-chung-u, I have lodged him at a Convent, where he is alone without friends or acquaint- ance." These words did not escape Kwo- kbé-tzu, who took his leave of thofe Magistrates, and, as soon as he was got home, sent to find out his friend Chun-kéé. With him he talked over all that had happened: "And yet, concluded he, the Che-bien seems to hint to me not to despair; notwith- standing I can see no poffibility of success and unless you can help me, must give up all hopes." "With regard to the Che-bien, answered the other other, he is still disposed to serve you: all the civilities he heaped on the ftran- ger were meerly for a blind: he is not on that account the lefs a friend to our cause. The hint which he dropped that he had carried him to a Convent, where he was alone and without friends, was not without mean- ing: he intended to point out a way for you to do yourself justice." "True; said Kwo-khé-tzu, this is a valuable hint; but how shall we improve it? Shall we put him to death, or order him only to be foundly beaten ?" "However we shall determine that point, said his friend; it will behove us to be careful that no ill consequences accrue to ourselves: let us do nothing that shall shall afford a handle for justice." He then paused a little, and with great secrecy, communicated to him, a scheme *, which diffused a visible tranfport over the countenance of Kwo- kbé-tzu:

• All who have described the genius and cha-

racter of the Chinese, ascribe to them an acute- nefs and cunning that is truly wonderful, whe- ther it be exerted in promoting their own inte- reft in general, or in extricating themselves on fudden emergences. (See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 280, &c. Martin. Atlas Sinens. pag. 5. P. Semedo, p. 27.) There is a remarkable instance of the latter kind, adduced both by P. Semedo and P. Du Halde, to this effect. "A certain Mandarine the Vifitor of a Province having acted some time in his government, of a fudden shut up his gates and refused access to any person, pretending he was fick. A Mandarine, one of his friends, was much troubled at it, and with great diffi- culty obtained leave to speak with him. When he was admitted, he informed him of the dif- content that was in the city by reason that all public business was at a tand. The Vifitor put him kbé-tzu: who instantly resolved to put it in execution. "Hafte, said he, let us not flip this favourable occasion : let there be no delay left he should be gone before we can effect it." What him off with the same excuse of his fickness. "I see no signs of this, answered his friend, but if your Lordship will be pleased to unfold to me the true cause, I will serve you in it at the hazard of my life." "Know then, replied the Vifitor, that some one hath ftolen the Emperor's seal out of the cabinet where it used to be kept, leaving it locked as if it had not been touched; so that if I would give audience, I am not able to seal difpaches. Now should my negli- gence in the loss of the seal, be discovered, I shall lose my government, at least, if not my life. In this fufpence, I am endeavouring to gain time, which yet will but little avail me, being more sensible than the people themselves of this delay of justice." The Mandarine rea- dily perceiving how terrible his situation was, afked him if he had no enemy whom he fuf- pected. He answered. Yes: that the Che-foo or Governor of the city had long borne a conceal- ed malice against him, and would now be the firft What relates farther to this story the Reader will find in the following Book. firft to inform the court of his misfortune. Away then, my Lord, quoth the Mandarine in great hafte

remove all your goods into

the moft secret part of your palace, and at night set fire to the empty apartments; calling out for help to quench the fire. Thither the Che-foo mult of necessity repair with the first, this being one of the principal duties of his office. As soon as you see him among the people, call out to him aloud, and consign to his care the cabinet thus shut up as it is: and if he malici- ously caused the seal to be stolen, he will replace it there, or you may accuse him of having loft it." The Vifitor followed his advice, and it fuc- ceeded so well, that the next morning the seal was restored to him. P. Semedo, p. 28. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 243. The End of the Firft Book. ADDI- [231] ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. AGE 3. lin. 5. note referring to the words [their son *.]

• The Chinese are so defirous of having pofte-

rity, that a father lives in some sort of difho- nour and is not easy in his mind 'till he hath married all his children: this makes them so- licitous to difpofe of them early. There have been instances in China of cri- minals under sentence of death, who, being childless and their families in danger of becom- ing extinct, have had their executions refpited 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. 1. p. 303. 632. vol.2. p. 70. Ibid. lin. 13. note [difagreement +] + Among the Chinese, Marriage, when duly solemnized, cannot be diffolved, and although their laws allow of Divorce in some few cafes, 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. Let. edif. xxvj. 107. Page 4. lin. 9. note [heart *.]

• Wild and extravagant, as they may seem to

us, ideas of this kind are familia nefe. In one of their moral AND ADDITIONS king pattern of filial piety, is recommended the behaviour of Tfi-king, "who hearing, that fick people, when given over, have sometimes "been cured by eating human flesh, cut a piece out of his own leg and served it up to his "mother, who lay dangerously ill." [See P. Du Halde, v. 2. p. 85. and Ibid. pag. 167.]— Nor is the notion of ufing human fubitance confined to medicine only; one of their Empe- rors is said to have employed in a Mausoleum, which he built, lamps, that were fed with human fat. [Id. vol. 1. p. 494.] Even so lately as in the year 1746. one of the Missionaries being feized on, and some white wax candles found in his cuftody; the Chinese (among whom the art of blanching wax is unknown) in- ftantly imagined them to be made of human fat: and these suspicions feized not the com- mon people only, but the Mandarines them- felves, who should have known better. See Lett. edif. xxvij. 365. The 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. 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 whole inftigation he perpetrated a thoufand 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 remonftrance, yet my country will, and so will posterity." He accordingly addressed himself to the Emperor, who CORRECTIONS. who heard his reproofs with an air of indig- nation and fury, "It is pretended, said he, that the hearts of the fages have feven ven- tricles*, I will see, if it be so in this Pe-kan, who makes such an oftentation 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. Vid. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 447. Conf. lib. 3. p. 133. Mart. Hift. p. 94. N. B. The Chinese Hiftorians tells us, it was this Queen that introduced the fashion of little feet among the women. Her own being very small, the bound them tight with filets, affect- ing to make that pass for a ftudied beauty, which was originally an accidental blemish. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 157. Mart. Hist. P. 95. Page 5. lin. 6. note [parents *.] The Translator's MS. adds, "which was "next to that due to the Emperor." This connection of ideas is natural to the Chinese, whole government is purely partri- archal, and with whom it is a fundamental principle, "that the state is a large family: that kings ought to have in the empire all "the tenderness of fathers, and fathers in "their families all the tenderness of kings." P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 303. A proverbial expression of the Chinese to signify the superior fortitude and wisdom of their faints or beroes, &c. Page door and boldly rescued her which the Emperor hearing of was highly pleased, and did justice to all the parties. But who is ignorant of Tieb-chung-u? the court rings with his name. Shuey- ping-fin was met by him to-day as she was brought to my house: he hath in- formed himself of the whole affair, and got possession of the counterfeit order nay he was going to present it to the Viceroy of the province, which if he had done, it would have affected both yourself and me, no less than Kwo- khé-tzu and his father. The least I could do therefore was to shew some outward respect to one who had us all so much in his power." The Che-foo told him, he did well. But Kwo-kbé- tzu was greatly chagrined, and said, "What I "What though he is valiant, and his father a Viceroy; am not I the son of a Minister of State? I am not there- fore to submit to him: why did not you manage this business for me bet- ter?""This stranger, replied the Che- bien, got the counterfeit order into his hands, and had it in his power to have ruined us all: it was therefore through fear, and not any respect to him, that I carried matters so smooth- ly.” "Well: said Kwo-khé-tzu, since things are so, there's an end of my hopes Shuey-ping-fin is irretrievably loft." "As to that matter, said the Che- bien, it becomes not me to interpofe in it: but if you have still a desire to obtain her, you must go home and consult consult with the most sensible of your friends. With regard to Tieb-chung-u, I have lodged him at a Convent, where he is alone without friends or acquaint- ance." These words did not escape Kwo- kbé-tzu, who took his leave of those Magistrates, and, as soon as he was got home, sent to find out his friend Chun-kéć. With him he talked over all that had happened: "And yet, concluded he, the Che-bien seems to hint to me not to despair; notwith- standing I can see no poffibility of success and unless you can help me, must give up all hopes." "With regard to the Che-bien, answered the other other, he is still disposed to serve you: all the civilities he heaped on the ftran- ger were meerly for a blind: he is not on that account the lefs a friend to our cause. The hint which he dropped that he had carried him to a Convent, where he was alone and without friends, was not without mean- ing: he intended to point out a way for you to do yourself justice." "True; said Kwo-kbé-tzu, this is a valuable hint; but how shall we improve it? Shall we put him to death, or order him only to be foundly beaten ?” "However we shall determine that point, said his friend; it will behove us to be careful that no ill consequences accrue to ourfelvés: let us do nothing that shall 238 ADDITIONS AND thy the cognizance of the magistrate. This being the cafe, all their matches are common- ly brought about by the intervention of rela- tions. Vid. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 304. Page 91. lin. 10. note [money *]

• The abfurd custom of giving money to the

servants of others, prevails in China, as well as in England: but with this difference, that while the English do it with an aukward shame, which shews them confcious of doing wrong, the Chi- nefe express no reserve about it. At their grand entertainments, between the firft and second course, each of the guests causes one of his servants to bring him, on a kind of falver, several little bags of red paper, containing money for the cook, the stewards, for those, who served at table; and when there are plays acted (as is often the cafe) for the comedians. Every domeftic carries his falver to the master of the house, who after some difficulty consents to accept of it, and gives it to be distributed among them. At other times, any meffage or present from a Mandarine must be attended with a present to the servants. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 302. Let. edif. xiij. 310. Page 110. lin 5. note [wood †) There are various kinds of sweet woods in China, which are in high esteem on account of their scent, such as the eagle-wood, the rose or violet-wood, &c: the last is of a reddish black, ftreaked CORRECTIONS. ftreaked and full of very fine veins, which one would think were painted. made of this fells at a vaft price. Any furniture P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 10, 118, &c. Page 113. lin 13. note [bed †.] + Though the Chinese never shew their bed- chambers to strangers, their beds, especially those of the Mandarines, are curious and hand- some: the wood-work of them is painted, gilt and carved; the curtains vary according to the season, in winter they are of double fattin, in fum- mer, either of plain white taffatee, or very thin gaufe. In the northern provinces, where they ufe ftoves to convey the heat by funnels all over the house, it is usual to have their beds upon the warm ftoves, and those who are afraid of lying on the hot bricks, hang a sort of ham- mock over them, made of cords or rattan. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 285. Page 119. lin. 18. note [family *]

• The governor of each city, or district, is

obliged by his office to visit the corpse of every one that dies a violent death, whether by his own hands or that of others; and to make the stricteft fcrutiny into the cause and circum- ftances of it. According to some writers, he must tranfmit minutes of the examination to the Emperor, or at least to the superior tribu- nals. Let. edif. xj. 278. [Vid. plura, vol. 3. page 269.] Page What relates farther to this story the Reader will find in the following Book. firft to inform the court of his misfortune. "Away then, my Lord, quoth the Mandarine in great hafte; remove all your goods into the most secret part of your palace, and at night set fire to the empty apartments; calling out for help to quench the fire. Thither the Che-foo mult of necessity repair with the first, this being one of the principal duties of his office. As soon as you see him among the people, call out to him aloud, and consign to his care the cabinet thus shut up as it is: and if he malici- oufly caused the seal to be stolen, he will replace it there, or you may accuse him of having loft it." The Vifitor followed his advice, and it fuc- ceeded so well, that the next morning the seal was restored to him. P. Semedo, p. 28. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 243. The End of the First Book. ADDI- [ 231 ] % ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. AGE lin. 3. [their son *.] The Chinese are so defirous of having pofte- rity, that a father lives in some sort of disho- nour and is not easy in his mind 'till he hath married all his children: this makes them so- licitous to difpofe of them early. 5. note referring to the words There have been instances in China of cri- minals under sentence of death, who, being childless and their families in danger of becom- ing extinct, have had their executions refpited 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. 1. P. 303. 632. vol.2. p. 70. Ibid. lin. 13. note [difagreement +] +Among the Chinese, Marriage, when duly solemnized, cannot be diffolved, and although their laws allow of Divorce in some few cafes, of which adultery is chief, yet instances of it are very rare, and those only among the very loweft of the people. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 305. 444. Let. edif. xxvj. 107. Page 4. lin. 9. note [heart *.]

• Wild and extravagant, as they may seem to

us, ideas of this kind are familiar with the Chi- nefe. In one of their moral treatifes, as a ftri- king 232 ADDITIONS AND king pattern of filial piety, is recommended the behaviour of Tfi-king," who hearing, that fick "people, when given over, have sometimes "been cured by eating human flesh, cut a piece out of his own leg and served it up to his "mother, who lay dangerously ill." [See P. Du Halde, v. 2. p. 85. and Ibid. pag. 167.]— Nor is the notion of ufing human fubitance confined to medicine only; one of their Empe- rors is said to have employed in a Mausoleum, which he built, lamps, that were fed with human fat. [Id. vol. 1. p. 494.] Even so lately as in the year 1746. one of the Missionaries being feized on, and some white wax candles found in his cuftody; the Chinese (among whom the art of blanching wax is unknown) in- ftantly imagined them to be made of human fat and thefe suspicions feized not the com- mon people only, but the Mandarines them- felves, who should have known better. See Lett. edif. xxvij. 365. The 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. 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 whofe inftigation 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 remonftrance, yet my country will, and so will posterity." He accordingly addressed himself to the Emperor, who ງ CORRECTIONS. ed. who heard his reproofs with an air of indig- nation and fury, "It is pretended, said he, that the hearts of the fages have feven ven- tricles*, I will see, if it be so in this Pe-kan, who makes such an oftentation 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. Vid. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 447. Conf. lib. 3. p. 133. Mart. Hift. p. 94. N. B. The Chinese Hiftorians tells us, it was this Queen that introduced the fashion of little feet among the women. Her own being very small, the bound them tight with filets, affect- ing to make that país for a ftudied beauty, which was originally an accidental blemish. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 157. Mart. Hist. P. 95. Page 5. lin. 6. note [parents *.] "which was The Translator's MS. adds, "next to that due to the Emperor." This connection of ideas is natural to the Chinese, whofe government is purely partri- archal, and with whom it is a fundamental principle, that the state is a large family: "that kings ought to have in the empire all "the tenderness of fathers, and fathers in "their families all the tenderness of kings." P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 303. A proverbial expression of the Chinese to signify the superior fortitude and wisdom of their faints or beroes, c. Pace 234 ADDITIONS AND Page 7. lin. 10. note [deserved *] The Chinese are the most ceremonious and complaifant people in the world: this affected civility extends to the very lowest ranks of their people, among whom it hath good effects.

I was one day," says P. Le Fontenay, "in a very narrow and deep road, where in a short "time there happened a great stop of carts. "I expected they would have fallen into a passion, have given one another abusive lan- guage, and perhaps have come to blows, as "is common in Europe; but was much fur- prized to see them falute each other, speak "mildly as if they had been old acquaint- ance, and lend their mutual assistance to "make way." ".

P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 278.—See L'efprit des Loix. tom. 1. p. 441. Ed. 8vo. Page 10. lin. 3. note [betrothed *] The Missionaries have not described the manner in which the Chinese betroth or contract their children: yet the practice is common with them: who sometimes contract a couple together, as soon as they are born. Nor is it unusual for the bride to remain afterwards with her friends some years before the marriage is compleated. "The rites ordain," faith an ancient Chi- nefe author, "that maidens should be early married. Fifteen years of age is the com- "mon time of betrothing, and twenty of con- fummating the marriage."-It may be ob- served however that the Chinese at present fel- dom CORRECTIONS COC "I h CIZ THE PIE CIF ocea dom defer the marriage of their children so long as this. P. Semedo, p. 71. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 632. & paffim. Page 12. lin. 12. note [sleeve +] + The Chinese have their sleeves very wide and falling into large folds, so that they are very capacious, and occasionally serve for pock- ets: [See P. Du Halde vol. 2. p. 104, 108.] Yet besides this they have a pocket or pouch hanging at their girdle, in which they carry their purse, knife, &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. P. 282. Page 22. lin. 12. note [farther +.] The tribunal and house of a Mandarine are only separated by a wall. The gate of communication is commonly shut, and guarded by a servant. P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 71. n. Page 30. lin. 5. note [seal *.]

• When the Mandarines are deputed to any

employment they receive in great form, a seal, as the badge of their office, which is of more precious or bafer metal according to their de- gree or rank. These seals are on the days of ceremony, or when they visit those to whom they would shew respect, carried before their chair in a golden box by two men on a kind of litter; and being come to the place ap pointed What relates farther to this story the Reader will find in the following Book. firft to inform the court of his misfortune. Away then, my Lord, quoth the Mandarine in great hafte; remove all your goods into the most secret part of your palace, and at night set fire to the empty apartments; calling out for help to quench the fire. Thither the Che-foo mult of necessity repair with the first, this being one of the principal duties of his office. As soon as you see him among the people, call out to him aloud, and consign to his care the cabinet thus shut up as it is: and if he malici- oufly caused the seal to be stolen, he will replace it there, or you may accuse him of having loft it." The Vifitor followed his advice, and it fuc- ceeded so well, that the next morning the seal was restored to him. P. Semedo, p. 28. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 243. The End of the First Book. ADDI- [231] ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. PAG. 3. fin. 5. note referring to the words [their *.] The Chinese are so defirous of having pofte- rity, that a father lives in some sort of difho- nour and is not easy in his mind 'till he hath married all his children: this makes them so- licitous to difpofe of them early. There have been instances in China of cri- minals under sentence of death, who, being childless and their families in danger of becom- ing extinct, have had their executions refpited for a time, and been suffered to have their wives co-habit with them, that they might not die without leaving potterity. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. P. 303. 632. vol.z. p. 70. Ibid. lin. 13. note [difagreement +] † Among the Chinese, Marriage, when duly solemnized, cannot be diffolved, and although their laws allow of Divorce in some few cafes, of which adultery is chief, yet instances of it are very rare, and thofe only among the very lowest of the people. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 305. 444. Let. edif. xxvj. 107. Page 4. lin. 9. note [heart *.]

• Wild and extravagant, as they may seem to

us, ideas of this kind are familiar with the Chi- nefe. In one of their moral treatifes, as a ftri- king 232 ADDITIONS AND king pattern of filial piety, is recommended the behaviour of Tfi-king, "who hearing, that fick "people, when given over, have sometimes "been cured by eating human flesh, cut a piece 86 out of his own leg and served it up to his "mother, who lay dangerously ill." [See P. Du Halde, v. 2. p. 85. and Ibid. pag. 167.]— Nor is the notion of ufing human fubitance confined to medicine only; one of their Empe- rors is said to have employed in a Mausoleum, which he built, lamps, that were fed with human fat. [Id. vol. 1. p. 494.] Even so lately as in the year 1746. one of the Missionaries being feized on, and some white wax candles found in his cuftody; the Chinese (among whom the art of blanching wax is unknown) in- ftantly imagined them to be made of human fat: and these suspicions feized not the com- mon people only, but the Mandarines them- felves, who should have known better. See Lett. edif. xxvij. 365. 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 whofe inftigation 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 CORRECTIONS. 233 $ who heard his reproofs with an air of indig nation and fury, "It is pretended, said he, that the hearts of the fages have feven ven- tricles*, I will see, if it be so in this Pe-kan, who makes such an oftentation of his wisdom and fortitude." So faving he ordered his breast to be opened, and with many fcoffs and jeers had his heart brought for him to examine. Vid. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 447. Conf. lib. 3. p. 133. Mart. Hift. p. 94. N. B. The Chinese Hiftorians tells us, it was this Queen that introduced the fashion of little feet among the women. Her own being very small, she bound them tight with filets, affect- ing to make that país for a studied beauty, which was originally an accidental blemish. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 157. Mart. Hist. P. 95. lin. 6. note [parents *.] The Translator's MS. adds, "which was next to that due to the Emperor." This connection of ideas is natural to the Chinese, whole government is purely partri- archal, and with whom it is a fundamental principle, that the state is a large family: that kings ought to have in the empire all "the tenderness of fathers, and fathers in "their families all the tenderness of kings." P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 303. Page 5.

• A proverbial expression of the Chinese to signify

the superior fortitude and wisdom of their faints or beroes, c. Page 234 ADDITIONS AND Page 7. lin. 10. note [deserved *]

• The Chinese are the most ceremonious and

complaifant people in the world: this affected civility extends to the very lowest ranks of their people, among whom it hath good effects. I was one day," says P. Le Fontenay, "in a 66 very narrow and deep road, where in a short "time there happened a great stop of carts. "I expected they would have fallen into a passion, have given one another abufive lan- guage, and perhaps have come to blows, as is common in Europe; but was much fur- prized to see them falute each other, speak mildly as if they had been old acquaint- V56 ance, and lend their mutual assistance to "make way." P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 278.-See L'efprit des Loix. tom. 1. p. 441. Ed. 8vo. Page 10. lin. 3. note [betrothed *]

• The Missionaries have not described the

manner in which the Chinese betroth or contract their children: yet the practice is common with them: who sometimes contract a couple together, as soon as they are born. Nor is it unusual for the bride to remain afterwards with her friends some years before the marriage is compleated. "The rites ordain," faith an ancient Chi- nefe author, "that maidens should be early "married. Fifteen years of age is the com- mon time of betrothing, and twenty of con- fummating the marriage."-It may be ob- served however that the Chinese at present fel- dom CORRECTIONS I dom defer the marriage of their children so long as this. P. Semedo, p. 71. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 632. & paffim. Page 12. lin. 12. note [sleeve +] + The Chinese have their sleeves very wide and falling into large folds, so that they are very capacious, and occasionally serve for pock- ets: [See P. Du Halde vol. 2. p. 104, 108.] Yet besides this they have a pocket or pouch hanging at their girdle, in which they carry their purse, knife, &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. P. 282. Page 22. lin. 12. note [farther +.] The tribunal and house of a Mandarine are only separated by a wall. The gate of communication is commonly shut, and guarded by a servant. P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 71. n. Page 30. lin. 5. note [seal *.]

• When the Mandarines are deputed to any

employment they receive in great form, a seal, as the badge of their office, which is of more precious or bafer metal according to their de- gree or rank. These seals are on the days of ceremony, or when they visit those to whom they would shew respect, carried before their chair in a golden box by two men on a kind of litter; and being come to the place ap pointed 232 ADDITIONS AND king pattern of filial piety, is recommended the behaviour of Tfi-king, "who hearing, that fick "people, when given over, have sometimes "been cured by eating human flesh, cut a piece out of his own leg and served it up to his "mother, who lay dangerously ill." [See P. Du Halde, v. 2. p. 85. and Ibid. pag. 167.]— Nor is the notion of ufing human fubitance confined to medicine only; one, of their Empe- rors is said to have employed in a Mausoleum, which he built, lamps, that were fed with human fat. [Id. vol. 1. p. 494.] Even so lately as in the year 1746. one of the Missionaries being feized on, and some white wax candles found in his cuftody; the Chinese (among whom the art of blanching wax is unknown) in- ftantly imagined them to be made of human fat: and these suspicions feized not the com- mon people only, but the Mandarines them- felves, who should have known better. See Lett. edif. xxvij. 365. 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 whofe inftigation 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 CORRECTIONS. 223 De 3, SEJ On om. See atora -CIVIC Nom amed ted a mielf better OCT ough perol who heard his reproofs with an air of indig nation and fury, It is preterdes, fic that the hearts of the sayes have leven ved tricles*, I will see, if it be lo in thui Pe kun, who makes such an oftentation of his wilcom and fortitude." So fa ing he ordered his orcalt to be opened, and with many fcots and jus had his heart brought for him to examine. Vid. P. Du Hulde, vol. 1. p. 447. Conf. lib, 3. p. 133. Mart. Hift. p. 94. N. B. The Chinese Hiflorians tells us, it was this Queen that introduced the fashion of little feet among the women. Her own being very small, the bourd them tight with filets, after- ing to make that país for a ftudied beauty, which was originally an accidental blemish, P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 157. Mart. 11ill. P. 95. Page 5. lin. 6. note [parents*.] The Translator's MS. adds, which "next to that due to the Emperor." This connection of ideas is natural to Chinese, whole government is purely par archal, and with whom it is a fundam... principle, that the flate is a large fami "that kings ought to have in the empire & "the tenderness of fathers, and fathers "their families all the tenderness P. Du Halde, v. I. p. 393. Vings) • A proverbial expression of the the superior fortitude and wisdom w beroes, &c. 232 ADDITIONS AND king pattern of filial piety, is recommended the behaviour of Tfi-king, "who hearing, that fick "people, when given over, have sometimes "been cured by eating human flesh, cut a piece out of his own leg and served it up to his "mother, who lay dangerously ill." [See P. Du Halde, v. 2. p. 85. and Ibid. pag. 167.]- Nor is the notion of ufing human fubitance confined to medicine only; one of their Empe- rors is said to have employed in a Mausoleum, which he built, lamps, that were fed with human fat. [Id. vol. 1. p. 494.] Even so lately as in the year 1746. one of the Missionaries being feized on, and some white wax candles found in his cuftody; the Chinese (among whom the art of blanching wax is unknown) in- ftantly imagined them to be made of human fat and thefe suspicions feized not the com- mon people only, but the Mandarines them- felves, who should have known better. See Lett. edif. xxvij. 365. The 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. Emperor Chew (who reigned An. 1154. before Christ, and who is looked upon as the Nero of the Chinese) had a very wicked named queen Ta-kia, at whofe inftigation 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 CORRECTIONS. who heard his reproofs with an air of indig- nation and fury, It is pretended, said he, that the hearts of the fages have feven ven- tricles*, I will see, if it be so in this Pe-kan, who makes such an oftentation of his wisdom and fortitude." So faving he ordered his breast to be opened, and with many fcoffs and jeers had his heart brought for him to examine. Vid. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 447. Conf. lib. 3. p. 133. Mart. Hift. p. 94. N. B. The Chinese Hiftorians tells us, it was this Queen that introduced the fashion of little feet among the women. Her own being very small, she bound them tight with filets, affect- ing to make that país for a ftudied beauty, which was originally an accidental blemish. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 157. Mart. Hist. P. 95. Page 5. lin. 6. note [parents *.] The Translator's MS. adds, "which was next to that due to the Emperor." This connection of ideas is natural to the Chinese, whole government is purely partri- archal, and with whom it is a fundamental principle, that the state is a large family: that kings ought to have in the empire all "the tenderness of fathers, and fathers in "their families all the tenderness of kings." P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 303. A proverbial expression of the Chinese to signify the superior fortitude and wisdom of their faints or beroes, c. Page 234 ADDITIONS AND Page 7. lin. 10. note [deserved *]

• The Chinese are the most ceremonious and

complaifant people in the world: this affected civility extends to the very lowest ranks of their people, among whom it hath good effects. "I was one day," says P. Le Fontenay, "in a very narrow and deep road, where in a short time there happened a great stop of carts. "I expected they would have fallen into a passion, have given one another abufive lan- 66 guage, and perhaps have come to blows, as " is common in Europe; but was much fur- prized to see them falute each other, speak "mildly as if they had been old acquaint- 36 ance, and lend their mutual assistance to "make way." P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 278.-See L'efprit des Loix. tom. I. p. 441. Ed. 8vo. Page 10. lin. 3. note [betrothed *]

• The Missionaries have not described the

manner in which the Chinese betroth or contract their children: yet the practice is common with them: who sometimes contract a couple together, as soon as they are born. Nor is it unusual for the bride to remain afterwards with her friends some years before the marriage is compleated. "The rites ordain," faith an ancient Chi- nese author," that maidens should be early "married. Fifteen years of age is the com- "mon time of betrothing, and twenty of con- "fummating the marriage."-It may be ob- served however that the Chinese at present fel- dom CORRECTIONS 코 ​3 $ dom defer the marriage of their children so long as this. P. Semedo, p. 71. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 632. & paffim. Page 12. lin. 12. note [sleeve +] + The Chinese have their sleeves very wide and falling into large folds, so that they are very capacious, and occasionally serve for pock- ets: [See P. Du Halde vol. 2. p. 104, 108.] Yet besides this they have a pocket or pouch hanging at their girdle, in which they carry their purse, knife, &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. P. 282. Page 22. lin. 12. note [farther +.] + The tribunal and house of a Mandarine are only separated by a wall. The gate of communication is commonly shut, and guarded by a servant. P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 71. n. Page 30. lin. 5. note [seal*

• When the Mandarines are deputed to any

employment they receive in great form, a seal, as the badge of their office, which is of more precious or bafer metal according to their de- gree or rank. These seals are on the days of ceremony, or when they visit those to whom they would shew respect, carried before their chair in a golden box by two men on a of litter; and being come to the p 236 ADDITIONS AND pointed, they are laid on a side-table covered with a carpet. The seals ufed in China are never ingraven with the figure of an animal, but with some infcription in Chinese characters. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 243. &c. Page 38. Addition to the note. The Editor hath been informed by a Gentleman lately come from China, that the Catty is 21 ounces exactly: a hundred Catty make a Pe- cul or Pickle equal to 133 lb. and a quarter.- See vol. 3. p. 133. Page 46. lin. 9. note [manner *]

• This is not a random queftion: such of the

Literati in China, as have taken any degree, are no longer liable to be bastinadoed by the common Mandarines; but have a governor, whofe peculiar province it is to look after them, and to whom alone they are account- able. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 376. Page 54. lin. 7. note [knelt down *.] All meffages from the Emperor, whether in writing or by word of mouth, must be re- ceived kneeling. See Lett. edif. xiij. 377. Mod. Un. Hift. viij. 164. P. Du Halde, paffim. Page 59. Addition to the note. Nobility is not hereditary in China, the sons of the greatest Mandarines having generally their CORRECTIONS. 237 their own fortunes to make : yet titles of honour are sometimes bestowed on persons of distin- guished merit by the Emperor, who entails them for five or six, or eight or ten generations, in proportion to the service done to the public; and these titles they are careful to give them- felves in their letters, and to inscribe on the· fronts of their houses. There is indeed one family, which hath flourished for above 2000 years in an uninterupted fucceffion, being the most ancient not only in China, but in the world, and that is the family of Confucius, the great Chinese philofopher; which is descended from a nephew of his (his own son dying childless) and is to this day diftinguished by great honours and immunities. Besides thefe, there are some hereditary honours belonging to such as are of the blood royal, or allied to the present reigning family, which chiefly confist in wear- ing a yellow girdle, accompanied with some small titular distinction, and a triffing pension; thefe are extremely numerous, and many of them are so poor that they chufe to conceal their distinction, that they may not disgrace it. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 269, &c. P. Magal. P. 145, &c. P. Semedo, p. 121, &c. Mod. Un. Hift. viij. 155. Page 76. lin. 5. note [How can that be +?] The women in China are so closely shut up from all commerce with the men, that their nearest relations have hardly access to them. To have admitted a stranger into the company of his niece, had been a piece of indecency wor- thy 238 ADDITIONS AND This thy the cognizance of the magistrate. being the cafe, all their matches are common- ly brought about by the intervention of rela- tions. Vid. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 304. Page 91. lin. 10. note [money *]

• The abfurd custom of giving money to the

servants of others, prevails in China, as well as in England: but with this difference, that while the English do it with an aukward shame, which shews them confcious of doing wrong, the Chi- nese express no reserve about it. At their grand entertainments, between the firft and second course, each of the guests causes one of his servants to bring him, on a kind of falver, several little bags of red paper, containing money for the cook, the stewards, for those, who served at table; and when there are plays acted (as is often the cafe) for the comedians. Every domeftic carries his falver to the master of the house, who after some difficulty consents to accept of it, and gives it to be distributed among them. At other times, any meffage or present from a Mandarine must be attended with a present to the servants. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 302. Let. edif. xiij. 310. Page 110. lin 5. note [wood t] There are various kinds of sweet woods in China, which are in high esteem on account of their fcent, such as the eagle-wood, the rose or violet-wood, &c: the last is of a reddish black, ftreaked CORRECTIONS. 239 ftreaked and full of very fine veins, which one would think were painted. Any furniture made of this fells at a vast price. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 10, 118, &c. Page 113. lin 13. note [bed †.] + Though the Chinese never shew their bed- chambers to strangers, their beds, especially thofe of the Mandarines, are curious and hand- some: the wood-work of them is painted, gilt and carved; the curtains vary according to the season, in winter they are of double fattin, in fum- mer, either of plain white taffatee, or very thin gaufe. In the northern provinces, where they ufe ftoves to convey the heat by funnels all over the house, it is usual to have their beds upon the warm stoves, and those who are afraid of lying on the hot bricks, hang a sort of ham- mock over them, made of cords or rattan. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 285. Page 119. lin. 18. note [family *]

• The governor of each city, or district, is

obliged by his office to visit the corpfe of every one that dies a violent death, whether by his own hands or that of others; and to make the stricteft fcrutiny into the cause and circum- ftances of it. According to some writers, he must tranfmit minutes of the examination to the Emperor, or at least to the superior tribu- nals. Let. edif.xj. 278. [Vid. plura, vol. 3. page 269.] Page ADDITIONS AND Page 145. lin. 15. note [corn with them *.]

• The tenants in China farm the lands from

the owners at the rate of half the crop, out of which the landlord pays the taxes; and the tenant pays tillage and manure. Mod. Univ. Hift. viij. 159. Page 184. lin. 4. note [future *.]

• In China, women of quality never ftir

out, except to visit their nearest relations, or to go to the fepulture of their ancestors. Lett. edif. xxiij. 103. Page 197. lin. 2. note (gold or diamonds*]

• A common image with the Chinese. In the

Chinese tragedy tranflated by P. Du Halde, a Mandarine says of his adversary, though he "were gold or precious stones, he should not "escape the edge of my sword." Vid. Hift. vol. 2. p. 178. col. 1. THE END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. DEC 27 1820 ار n! Cit 詈 ​THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN GRADUATE LIBRARY DATE DUE AUG 11974 INTERLIBRARY LOAN A 415626 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN 3 9015 06224 8144 GARBUI DO NOT REMOVE OR MUTILATE CARDS 238 ADDITIONS AND thy the cognizance of the magistrate. This being the cafe, all their matches are common- ly brought about by the intervention of rela- tions. Vid. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 304. Page 91. lin. 10. note [money *]

• The abfurd custom of giving money to the

servants of others, prevails in China, as well as in England: but with this difference, that while the English do it with an aukward shame, which shews them confcious of doing wrong, the Chi- nefe express no reserve about it. At their grand entertainments, between the firft and second course, each of the guests causes one of his servants to bring him, on a kind of falver, several little bags of red paper, containing money for the cook, the stewards, for those, who served at table; and when there are plays acted (as is often the cafe) for the comedians. Every domeftic carries his falver to the master of the house, who after some difficulty consents to accept of it, and gives it to be diftributed among them. At other times, any meffage or present from a Mandarine must be attended with a present to the servants. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 302. Let. edif. xiij. 310. Page 110. lin 5. note [wood †) There are various kinds of sweet woods in China, which are in high esteem on account of their fcent, such as the eagle-wood, the rose or violet-wood, &c: the last is of a reddish black, ftreaked CORRECTIONS. 239 ftreaked and full of very fine veins, which one would think were painted. Any furniture made of this fells at a vast price. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 10, 118, &c. Page 113. lin 13. note [bed +.] + Though the Chinese never shew their bed- chambers to strangers, their beds, especially thofe of the Mandarines, are curious and hand- some: the wood-work of them is painted, gilt and carved; the curtains vary according to the season, in winter they are of double fattin, in fum- mer, either of plain white taffatee, or very thin gaufe. In the northern provinces, where they ufe ftoves to convey the heat by funnels all over the house, it is usual to have their beds upon the warm ftoves, and those who are afraid of lying on the hot bricks, hang a sort of ham- mock over them, made of cords or rattan. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 285. Page 119. lin. 18. note [family *]

• The governor of each city, or district, is

obliged by his office to visit the corpfe of every one that dies a violent death, whether by his own hands or that of others; and to make the stricteft fcrutiny into the cause and circum- ftances of it. According to some writers, he must tranfmit minutes of the examination to the Emperor, or at least to the superior tribu- nals. Let. edif. xj. 278. [Vid. plura, vol. 3. page 269.] Page 240 ADDITIONS AND Page 145. lin. 15. note [corn with them *.]

• The tenants in China farm the lands from

the owners at the rate of half the crop, out of which the landlord pays the taxes; and the tenant pays tillage and manure. Mod. Univ. Hift. viij. 159. Page 184. lin. 4. note [future *.]

• In China, women of quality never ftir

out, except to visit their nearest relations, or to go to the fepulture of their ancestors. Lett. edif. xxiij. 103. Page 197. lin. 2. note (gold or diamonds*]

• A common image with the Chinese. In the

Chinese tragedy tranflated by P. Du Halde, a Mandarine says of his adversary, "though he "were gold or precious stones, he should not escape the edge of my sword." Vid. Hift. vol. 2. p. 178. col. 1. THE END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. DEC 27 1820 ND em*] nds from out of and sir ns, or ន [s*] the , a he not

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