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''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''
 
''From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)''
  
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''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Page numbers preserved as [p. N]. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/Chapter_10|modern translation]] and [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/zh/Chapter_10|Chinese original]] to verify.''
+
''Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/Chapter_10|modern translation]] and [[Hao_Qiu_Zhuan/zh/Chapter_10|Chinese original]] to verify.''
  
 
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''[Volume II, Book II, Chapters IX-X]''
 
''[Volume II, Book II, Chapters IX-X]''
  
−
CHAP. IX. *
+
CHAP. IX.<ref>Chap. X. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>
  
−
OHU ET'guwin carried the paper of
+
Shuey-guwin carried the paper of verses to his niece. "Well, said he, to oblige you I have made enquiry, and find it to be true. It is a very dirty business<ref>"Very ugly and nasty." Translator's M.S.</ref>. When I told you before that this man was a cheat, and every thing that was bad, you would not believe me. Now I have brought a convincing proof of it. You will both find that he is so; and that he hath caused reflections to be thrown upon us." She asked him, "What he meant?"
−
vcrfes to his niece. '* Well, faid he,
 
−
to oblige you I have made enquiry^
 
−
and find it to be true. It is a very
 
−
dirty bufinefs f . When I told you
 
−
before that this man was a cheat, and
 
−
every thing that was bad, you would
 
−
not believe me. Now I have brought a
 
−
convincing proof of it. You will both
 
−
find that he is fo ; and that he hath
 
−
caufed reflexions to be thrown upon us.
 
−
She afked him, " What he meant ?"
 
  
−
• Chap. X. In the Tranflator's manufcript.
+
He answered, "As I went to the Che-hien's, I saw a croud of people reading a paper; so many, that I was not able to come near. I heard them say there were more in other places. I went in search, and accordingly found one. I thought you would not believe me, so I took it down and here have brought it." The young lady having opened and read the paper, fell a laughing, and said to her uncle, "Kong-bob, or much joy!" "Why, said he, do you give me joy? What do you mean by it?" She answered, "Because you, that a little while ago could neither write nor read, are now able of a sudden to compose and write verses."
−
t *' Very u^jly and naQy." Tranflator's M.S.
 
  
−
He
+
"Whatever others, said he, might be disposed to believe concerning me, you know very well my insufficiency, and how incapable I am of any such thing. You are disposed to be merry." "It is true, said she, it was not you that made them, but Kwo-khe-tzu. They are the offspring of his masterly pencil<ref>In the Translator's M.S. it is, "He wrote them with a great or master pencil."</ref>." "Alas! answered Shuey-guwin, he is looked upon as a man of letters: so am I. But he knows as little as myself. Far from being master of his pencil, he knows not how to use it at all<ref>The Chinese Idiom is, "You must not talk of his master pencil; he knows not how to use a little one."
  
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 22$
+
The Author of this History intended to sink these two characters very low in the opinion of his Readers, by representing them so illiterate in a country, where letters are in high repute, and also very common. For as the meanest may be candidates for degrees, many apply to letters, who being rejected at the examinations, have no other way to subsist, but by teaching others. There are few men therefore but can write and read in some degree. It is no less uncommon to find a woman that can do either. This must render the character of Shuey-ping-sin the more extraordinary. Yet a Chinese Moralist says, "You cannot commend a woman more, than to say she is not learned."
  
−
He anfweredi " As I went to the Cfe-
+
See P. Magal. p. 88. P. Semedo, p. 58. P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 50. Lettres edif. xiii. 353.
−
hien'Sy I faw a croud of people reading
 
−
a paper ; fo many, that I was not able
 
−
to come near. I heard them fay there
 
−
were more in other plaices. I went in
 
−
fearch, and accordingly found one. I
 
−
thought you would not believe me,
 
−
fo I took it down and here hare
 
−
brought it." The young lady having
 
−
opened and read 'the paper, fell a
 
−
laughing, and faid to her uncle, ** JSr(W^-.
 
−
boby or much joy !*' " Why, faid he, do
 
−
you give me joy ? What do you mean
 
−
by it ?" She anfwered, " Becaufe you^
 
−
that a litde while ago could neither
 
−
write nor read, are now able of a fud-
 
−
den to compofe and write verfes.**
 
−
" Whatever others, faid he^ might be
 
−
difpofed to believe concerning me, you
 
−
know very well my infufficiency, and
 
−
Vol. II. Q^ Vw^
 
  
−
2u6 HAU KIOU CHOAAN,
+
The Chinese in writing use no pens, but pencils made of the hair of some animal, commonly a rabbit. This pencil they hold not obliquely as painters use; but perpendicularly, as if they would prick the paper. The Reader perhaps needs not to be informed, that they write not from the left hand to the right, as we; nor from the right hand to the left, as the Hebrews; but in lines from the top of the leaf to the bottom, beginning at the right hand. The Chinese paper is not made of silk, as is commonly supposed; but of the inward bark of Bambu and several other trees; and is remarkable, not only in that they can make it into sheets of extraordinary size; but also that, after it hath been written on and worn to pieces, they can work it over again, and from the scraps make new paper. The Chinese paper hath a beautiful silken gloss, but it is thin, brittle, and not at all durable. (Lettres edif. xxi. 128.) Their ink (which is known in Europe by the name of Indian ink) is made of lamp-black, of which the best is got by burning old pines. They mix perfumes with it to correct the smell. These ingredients are worked into the consistence of paste, which is then put into wooden moulds of the shape they would have it. The Chinese standish is a little polished marble, with a hollow at one end to contain water: in this they dip their stick of ink and then rub it on the smooth part of the marble. The pencil, paper, ink and marble, are called by the Chinese ''see pau'', or the four precious things; which they pique themselves on keeping very neat. Every thing which relates to letters is so reputable in China, that even the making of ink is not esteemed a mechanic employment. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 366-374.</ref>." "If he knows not how to handle his pencil, said the young lady, he knows how to use his tongue. The composition is altogether his own." "Why, said Shuey-guwin, should you talk thus? He is no enemy to ''Tieh''-chung-u, what reason then could he have to abuse him?"
  
−
how incapable I am of any fuch thing.
+
"Think not, replied she, I am unacquainted with what passes in the breast of your son-in-law. He was alone the author of these verses. Nobody besides him knows any thing of the stranger. But fine as their composition may be, your niece, Sir, is a weak filly girl, and so far from being able to discover their beauties, she cannot even comprehend their meaning. How then can she be touched or affected by them? You had better lay aside all thoughts of this kind, and not spend your time to so little purpose."
−
You are difpofed to be mcny." ** It ia
 
−
true^ &kl fhe, it was not you that made
 
−
them, hoiKwO'kbi'tzu. They are the oflf-
 
−
Ipring of his mafterly pencil *.** ** Alas!
 
−
anfwered Sbtuy-gmvinyhc is looked upon
 
−
as a man of letters : fo am I. But he
 
−
knows as little as myfelf. Far from
 
−
being mailer of his pencil, he knows
 
−
not how to ufe it at all f." *• If he
 
−
knows not how to handle his pencil,
 
−
laid the young lady, he knows how
 
−
60 ufe his tongue. The compofidon
 
  
−
• In the Tranflator's M.S. it is. " He wroce
+
Shuey-guwin was so disconcerted, that he had not a word to offer farther on that head; but he said, "Niece, there is one thing I have to tell you. Think not that Kwo-khe-tzu will ever give you up; or lay aside his thoughts of you. He waits for the sanction of higher authority, than that of the Mandarines of this city. Yesterday the news arrived, that a Ngan-yuen or a Grand Visitor is coming hither, whose name is Fung-ying; one that was a pupil of his father's, and highly esteemed by him<ref>The employment of a Tutor or Preceptor is accounted very honourable in China, and many of those, who afterwards arrive to the greatest posts, employ in their younger years the intervals of study in instructing the children of great men, especially if they have not much substance of their own. The Parents maintain them, make them presents, treat them with great respect, and every where give them the upper hand: ''Sien-sing'', our Master, our Doctor, is the name they give them. The Tutors not only teach their Pupils letters, but accompany them, and form their manners.—They instruct them not only in the history and laws of their country, but in the ceremonies, salutes, compliments and rules of visiting; these being no less the objects of study, and equally deemed to belong to learning. In return for all this care, and pains their Pupils treat them with the greatest reverence, bowing to them with four prostrations, as to their Father, and never addressing them with ''you'' or ''I''. [See note above pag. 150. and note vol. 1. p. 202.] They also retain the highest respect for them as long as they live. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 375. P. Semedo, p. 36, 59, &c.</ref>. When he arrives, Kwo-khe-tzu intends to apply to him for his authority to conclude the marriage: which he will have compleated at your own house. Now as your father is not at home, and as I am a private person without any habit, and you a young woman of sixteen or seventeen years, how will you be able to manage this matter?" "Uncle, replied the young lady, this Mandarine comes with the Emperor's commission, and will doubtless act conformably to it. He is sent to supervise the province, and to rectify whatever is amiss. But I imagine he will exceed the bounds of his commission, if he comes here to offer any violence. Now marriage is an affair of private concern, and no way relates to the business of his office: nor is he any ways required to interpose in it. Should he therefore be wrought upon in the manner you threaten, he may not perhaps see himself in his post at the expiration of the year. But he is a man of understanding, and will not break the Emperor's laws: or even if he should, let us not be afraid."
−
** them with a great or mailer pencil.'*
 
  
−
f The Cinni/e Idiom is, " You muft not talk
+
"You affect to speak in a very lofty strain, said her uncle; and talk of not fearing. When you come before the Grand Visitor, should he speak but two words with authority and justice, will not you be afraid? Certainly you will be very much frighted." "True, she replied, when it is with justice. Every body is afraid that is guilty: but who is concerned that is altogether innocent? You must not talk of this Mandarine only: but was it the Emperor himself, I should not fear: nor will I be terrified so far as to give myself up to the loss of my happiness<ref>In the original, "To the loss of myself."</ref>." "To me, said Shuey-guwin, you may talk in this manner. It would excite the laughter of any one else. What I tell you proceeds from friendship; regard it as you please: but when the time comes, you must not blame me: nor can you deny I have given you warning." "It is an old saying, replied his niece, Every one hath an understanding, a memory, and a will to direct him<ref>The original literally is, "Every one is governed [sc. directed] by an understanding, a memory, and a will." The meaning of this Proverb is doubtless, as given above. It contains a fine rebuke on such, as too forwardly take upon them to direct others.</ref>. If you do not comprehend this, there is another common saying, that Every one knows his own necessity, whether it be hunger, cold, or heat. Be pleased therefore, Sir, to manage your own affairs. Your niece knows how to observe that which is lawful, just, and reasonable. Whatever I do, whether it be well or ill, whether it prove unfortunate or happy, let it not affect you with any concern."
−
«' of his mailer pencil ; he knows not hew to ofe
 
−
"a little one.'*
 
  
−
The Author of this Hidory intended to fink
+
These words seemed to Shuey-guwin like the keen edge of swords dividing an iron bar. He looked very stern and out of humour, and rising up from his seat, said, "All I have told you proceeds from good will. A village mouth is good physic<ref>That is, The advice is commonly wholesome which flows from the mouth of the homely villager, whose simplicity of manners hath kept him unacquainted with the arts of falsehood: and therefore such advice is not to be rejected on account of the meanness of its author.</ref>. You may hearken to my words or not, as you please." He then went away, resolving to urge Kwo-khe-tzu to prosecute the affair with the utmost rigour<ref>Here follows in the original a very prolix and unimportant paragraph, wherein Shuey-guwin relates to his son-in-law all that had passed between him and his niece, and confirms him in his resolution of applying to the Ngan-yuen, &c. As there was nothing in the whole passage worth retaining, the Editor hath suppressed it: a liberty he hath sometimes taken elsewhere.</ref>.
−
Aefe two charaders very low in the opinion of
 
−
his Readers, by reprefenting them fo illiterate in
 
−
a country, where letters are in high repute, and
 
−
alfo very commoti. Foe as themeajneft aisqr
 
  
−
Vtft
+
It was about two months after this, that the Grand Visitor arrived. Kwo-khe-tzu went two leagues out of the city to meet him<ref>When one of the superior Mandarines comes to take possession of his government, he is received with great pomp and state. When he is ready to set out from court, many of the officers of the tribunal go thither to attend him: others advance a great way to meet him, who as he passes from city to city is honourably accompanied both by horse and foot: and at least a league before he comes to the place where he is to reside, two or three thousand soldiers are marched out to receive him. After these follow all the Mandarines, and after them a vast concourse of people. P. Semedo, p. 128. P. Du Halde, &c.</ref>: and made him a great many presents and entertainments. That Mandarine thought himself very much obliged by these civilities, and expressed a concern that he did not know how to return them: telling him that as he was but just arrived from the court<ref>This will be accounted for, when we consider the expensive presents every Mandarine is obliged to make, who solicits for any government. There is not any government of a city or town, which does not cost the person, who is preferred to it, several thousands of crowns; sometimes twenty, sometimes 30,000, and so proportionably for all other offices great and small. To be a Viceroy of a province, before a Mandarine can have his commission sealed, will cost him sometimes 70,000 crowns. All this, under the specious name of presents, is given to the ministers of state, to the presidents of the six supreme councils, &c. &c. On the other hand the great Mandarines of the provinces, to reimburse themselves and to satisfy their avarice, extort presents from those under them; and these again replenish their purses at the expence of the miserable people. In short there is not any Viceroy, or Visitor of a province, who at the end of three years does not return with six or 700,000, and sometimes a million of crowns. So that it may be said of China, as it was of ancient Rome, "All things are there set to sale." See P. Magal. p. 134, &c.</ref>, he had nothing to present him worth his acceptance; he desired him therefore to point out some way in which he could do him service. Kwo-khe-tzu answered, "Sir, you are a person of high quality and office. How can I presume to ask you any favour?" "Do not consider me in that distant light, replied the other, but rather as your intimate friend, to whom you may speak with intire freedom." "You do me a great deal of honour, replied the youth; there is indeed one thing which intimately concerns my welfare, and sits nearest to my heart. Could I but obtain your assistance in that—" The Mandarine desired to be informed what it was. "My father, he replied, is in a public employment; which so intirely engrosses his attention, that he hath none to bestow on the affairs of his family. For this reason, I am not yet married<ref>He means probably "not married to his satisfaction:" or perhaps he does not stick at a little falsehood.</ref>."
  
−
A Chinese history, ^i^
+
"What, said the other, have you yet made no offer of marriage to any one's daughter?" "Yes, he replied, I have; but the lady whom I would wish to marry, hath refused me; and therefore I intreat you to interpose in my favour."
  
−
is altogether his own." ** Why, faid
+
When the Grand Visitor heard these words he laughed aloud, and said, "There is something very singular and strange in all this. Your father is a minister of the first rate. You are a young man of quality. Who can refuse to marry with you? Pray whose daughter have you applied to, that you have been so unsuccessful?" He replied, "To the daughter of Shuey-keu-yeh, assistant to the tribunal of arms." "Her father, said the Mandarine, hath long been banished into Tartary<ref>The Original is ''Pien-thing'', i.e. out of China, or ''without the wall''. Transl.
−
Sbu^'guwin^ (hould you talk thus ? He
 
−
is no enemy to Tieb-cbung-u^ what
 
−
reafon then could he have to abuie
 
  
−
him?*!
+
Tartary is the common place of Banishment for the Chinese. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. 229. Lettres edifiant. xvii. 114, &c. How grievous a punishment Banishment must be to them, we may easily conceive from their excessive fondness for their own country. [See Ogilbye, vol. 2. pag. 2. & 7.]</ref>. Who takes care of his house? Is it her mother? She I suppose will not give her consent." Kwo-khe-tzu answered, "Her mother hath been dead many years. There is no one left here beside this young person. It is she herself who refuses my offer." "How! said the other, she, who is a young maiden! how can she refuse you? I fancy when you made your offer, or gave your present, she might know nothing of it." "My Lord, replied the youth, she knew it very well: but hath always been endeavouring to play me tricks." "If it be so, said the Grand Visitor, why did not you apply to the Che-foo and Che-hien, and get them to manage this business for you?" "I have applied to them both, said he, but she esteeming their offices but small, paid little regard to them. I therefore now have recourse to your lordship: and beg you will compleat this affair in my behalf. This will lay me under the greatest obligation as long as I live." "To promote marriage, said the Grand Visitor, is a thing highly good and charitable. I see nothing wrong in the affair in question: and therefore will undertake it for you. Who was your mediator or bridesman<ref>The Chinese never marry (although the parents of the young people be never so intimate) without a Mediator, or one who goes between both parties: wherefore they choose whom they please, there being as well men, as women, who perform this office. P. Semedo, p. 71. Lettres edifiant. x. 140.</ref> before? Perhaps he did not make the offer clearly understood." The other told him, it was the Pao Che-hien, who carried the present himself to her house; which in her father's absence, was received by her uncle: and that every body knew this to be matter of fact. "If it be so, replied the Mandarine, I will issue out an order to-morrow, impowering you to go and carry her home to your house in order to marry her." "Should I go for her, replied the other, she would never be prevailed on to enter the chair: but would doubtless contrive some way to escape. I only beg the favour of you to let me go to her house and solemnize the marriage there." The Grand Visitor replied, "Very well: you may do so." Having finished their discourse on this and other subjects, and the entertainment being ended; Kwo-khe-tzu retired.
  
−
be candidates for degrees^ many apply to letters,
+
Within two days the Grand Visitor performed his promise, and sent a chop or order to the Che-hien, as follows.
−
who being rejected at the examinations, have nO
 
−
other way to fubfift, but by teaching others.
 
−
There are few men therefore but can write and
 
−
read in fome degree. It is no lefs uncommon
 
−
to find a woman that can do either. This muft
 
−
render the charader of Sbuey-fing-Jin the mor«
 
−
extraordinary. ^ Yet a Cbitie/e' Moralift fays,'
 
−
^* You cannot commend a woman more, than td
 
−
" fay (he is not learned.*'
 
−
See P. Magal. p, 88. P. Semedo, p. 58. P. Dtt
 
−
Halde, vol. 2. p. 50. Lettres edif. xiii. 353*
 
−
The Cbine/e in writing ufe no fens^ hvitpemciU
 
−
Inade of the hair of fome animal, commonly a
 
−
rabbit. 1 his pencil they hold not obliquely as
 
−
painters ufe ; but perpendicularly^ as if they would
 
−
prick the paper. The Reader perhaps needs
 
−
Hot to be informed, that they write not from the
 
−
left hand to the right, as we ; nor from the right
 
−
hand to the left, as the Hebrews ; but in lints
 
−
from the top of the leaf to the bottom, begin-
 
−
ning at the right hand. The Cbine/t paper is
 
−
not made of filk, as is commonly fuppoied ; but
 
−
of the inward bark cf Bamtu and feveral other
 
−
him ?*' ** Think not, replied (he, I am
 
−
unacquainted with what pafles in the
 
−
breaft of your fon-in-law. He was alone
 
−
the author of thefe verfibs. Nobody
 
  
−
trees ; and is remarkable, not only in that they can
+
: "I, the Ngan-yuen or Grand Visitor, signify, that as marriage was the first law or contract in the world, the time for solemnizing it should not be neglected: therefore as Kwo-khe-tzu son of Kwo-sho-fu hath made offers and presents to the daughter of Shuey-keu-yeh, which treaty of marriage was under the direction of you the Che-hien; the marriage-present being carried by yourself: and it being requisite that they should now proceed to the completion of the same, I therefore command and authorize the said Kwo-khe-tzu, now in the absence of her father, to go to the house of his bride and marry her there: it being a thing good and laudable. And you the Che-hien are hereby required not to delay the execution of this order beyond the space of one month, under pain of prosecution for default thereof."
−
make it into (heets of extraordinary fize ; but
 
−
alfo that, after it hath been written on and worn
 
−
to pieces, they can work it over again, and from
 
−
the Icraps make new paper. The Chitutfe paper
 
−
hath a beautiful iilken glofs, but it is thin, brit-
 
−
tle, and not at all durable, {hettres edif, xxi. 128.)
 
−
Their ink (which is known in Eur9pt by the
 
−
name of Indian ink,) is made of lamp-black,
 
−
of which the beft is got by burning old pines.
 
−
They mix perfujics with it to correct the fmell.
 
−
Thefe ingredients are worked into the confiftenoe
 
−
of pafte. which is then put into wooden moulds of
 
−
the (hape they would have it. The Cbintfeftaniijb
 
−
it a little polifhed marble, with a hollow at one
 
−
end to contain water : in this they dip their fticfc
 
−
of ink and then rub it on the fmooth part of
 
−
the marble. The pencil, paper, ink and marhU^
 
−
are called by the Cbinefe^fsepau, or the four prt-
 
−
eious things', which they pique themlelves on
 
−
keeping very neat. Every thing which relates
 
−
to letters is fo reputable in China, that even
 
−
the making of ink is not efteemed a mechanic
 
−
employment.
 
−
P. Du Haldci vol. 1. p. 366—374,
 
  
−
befidts
+
The Pao Che-hien when he had received this order and read it, saw plainly it was the contrivance of Kwo-khe-tzu. Yet to go and lay open the whole affair, he thought would expose him to that young man's resentment. On the other hand, the Grand Visitor would be apt to call him to account, whenever the truth should be discovered. After some deliberation therefore, he resolved to send a private account to that Mandarine of what he knew of the matter: which was conceived in these terms.
−
beddes him knows any thing of the
 
−
ftranger. But fine as their compofition
 
−
may be, your niece, Sir, is a weak
 
−
filly girl, arid fo far from being able
 
−
to difcover their beauties, fhe cannot
 
−
even comprehend their meaning. How
 
−
then can fhe be touched or affe&ed
 
−
by them ? You had better lay afide all
 
−
thoughts of this kind, and not fpend
 
−
your time to fo little purpofe/*
 
  
−
Shuey-guwin was fo difconcerted, that
+
: "This is to acquaint your Excellency<ref>''Ngan Thai''—''Thai'' is as much as Excellency. Transl.</ref>, in answer to your chop or order: that I was indeed the person who undertook the treaty of marriage you mention. The other persons concerned were Kwo-khe-tzu and Shuey-guwin. The young lady opposed it, as a thing she disliked: for which reason it yet remains in dispute, and unfinished. Yesterday I received an order to see the marriage concluded, which it behoves me to obey. But I am sensible that she is still very averse to it: and therefore lest any difficulty or disgrace should happen, which may extend so far as to reflect upon your Excellency, I have ventured to give you this information; which I hope you will not take amiss. Nevertheless be it done according to your pleasure."
−
he 'had not a word to offer farther on
 
−
that head ; but he faid, '« Niece, there
 
−
is one thing I have to tell you. Think
 
−
not that KwO'kbi'tzu will ever give
 
−
you up ; or lay afide his thoughts of
 
−
you. He waits for the fandtion of
 
−
higher authority, than that of the Man«
 
−
(^ I dariqes
 
−
darines of this city. Yefterday the news
 
−
arrived, that a Ngan-yuen or a Grand
 
−
Vifitor is coming hither, whofe name is
 
−
Fut^-ying \ one that was a pupil of his
 
−
father's, and highly efteemed by him *.
 
−
When he arrives, Kwo-kbe-tzU intends
 
−
to apply to hitn for his authority to
 
−
conclude the marriage : which he will
 
−
have compleated at your own houfe.
 
−
Now as your father is not at home,
 
  
−
and
+
When the Grand Visitor received this letter, he was very angry with the Che-hien. "What! said he, am I in this great office, and have every thing at my disposal, even life and death, and yet am not able to prevail in so inconsiderable an affair, as the marriage of a filly girl, daughter of a banished criminal? It would be an affront to my dignity to pay any regard to her weak reasoning and trifling arguments." Accordingly he dispatched a second order to the Che-hien, which was to this purpose.
  
−
♦ The employment of a Tutor or Pnaft^r is ac-
+
: "If Shuey-ping-sin did not consent to the marriage, why did you make yourself the bridesman? You seem determined to perplex and disturb me. You are therefore hereby required to go once more to her house, and acquaint her that she must marry Kwo-khe-tzu without farther delay. If she refuses, bring her before me."
−
counted very honourable in China, and many of
 
−
thok, who afterwards arrive to the greateft
 
−
poftsy employ in their younger years the inter**
 
−
vals of fludy in inftiu£Hng the children of great
 
−
men, efpecially if they have not much fnbftance
 
−
of their own. The Parents maintain them , make
 
−
them prefents* treat them with great refpe6l» and
 
−
every where give them the upper hand : Stew-
 
−
fiigf our Mafter» our Do^er, is the name they give
 
−
them. The Tutors not only teach their Pupils
 
−
letters, but accompany them, and form their
 
−
manacrt. — ^They ii^udl them not only in the
 
  
−
hiftory
+
The Che-hien when he had received this second order, and observed it to run in very positive terms, such as would admit of no evasion, went in the first place to the house of Kwo-khe-tzu, and gave him notice that he was required to marry within the space of one month. He answered very joyfully, "Ay, ay! with all my heart." From thence he went to the house of Shuey-ping-sin: and bade a servant inform her, that he was come to speak with her by the Grand Visitor's order. The young lady, who knew well enough what was in agitation, commanded two of her servants to fix up the curtain in the great hall; and, as soon as it was let down, she entered. Then she bade one of them go to the Che-hien, and desire him to inform her in plain terms what was the purport of the order he had brought. He replied, "It is concerning your marriage with Kwo-khe-tzu. When I interposed at first, you shewed such aversion to it, that he hath for a long time desisted. But this great Mandarine, who is newly arrived, was a pupil of his father, and therefore hath been prevailed on to lend his countenance and assistance to have the marriage at length compleated. Yesterday I received an order requiring me to give notice to you both, that it must be concluded within the space of one month. I am just come from the house of Kwo-khe-tzu, whom I have advised of it. And I now wait upon you on the same account, that you may be prepared accordingly." The young lady replied, "Far am I from objecting to so honourable a thing as matrimony. Only my father is not at home, and I have not his licence. I am not mistress of myself, therefore beg you will do me the favour to go and acquaint his Excellency of it." "This, said the Che-hien, is the second order I have received to this purpose. The first I set aside, and gave my reasons for it. After which I received a severe reprimand, together with this new order, which is very positive. I cannot presume therefore to say any thing more to him. But do as you please. I do not pretend to force your inclinations. I only give you notice, as I am in duty bound." She begged the favour to see the order itself, which was so absolute and positive. He called his secretary, and bade him deliver them both to her servant. When she had perused them, she said to the Mandarine: "The reason why I refused to marry Kwo-khe-tzu, was because my father was absent, and I had not his consent. Should I marry without it, I am afraid he will be very angry with me when he comes home. For my vindication therefore, be pleased to intreat the Grand Visitor to let the two orders remain in my hands: which will declare plainly the conduct of the whole affair; and that it is done by his Excellency's appointment." The Che-hien consented to leave them with her, and promised to acquaint the Grand Visitor with her request, telling her he doubted not but that Mandarine would either permit her to keep them, or afford some other way for her to shew the reasons of her conduct.
  
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 23^
+
"How is this, said the Che-hien when he was withdrawn, that the young lady so suddenly accepts of Kwo-khe-tzu! Is it this superior authority, which hath made her comply? or hath she any other design which I cannot discover? I imagined she had kept herself all along for the handsome stranger." He went immediately to the Grand Visitor and told him what she said. That Mandarine laughed, and was very well satisfied. "How came you the other day, said he, to send me word that she was very cunning and subtle, and altogether averse to this marriage? You see now she is all compliance. If she desires to keep the two orders by her, as a justification of her conduct, let it be granted." The Che-hien went immediately, and informed her of it. "You must not now, said he, change your resolutions. This is no longer the affair of Kwo-khe-tzu; but relates to the Grand Visitor himself. Let your house therefore be put in order, and when the bridegroom can fix on a fortunate day, I will wait upon you with previous notice." The young lady replied, "As this is his Excellency's order, I shall not disobey it or go from my word; though he himself possibly may." "How! said he, can so great a man vary in his resolutions? No, no! that cannot be. You may depend on his steadiness." Then withdrawing, he went to Kwo-khe-tzu, and gave him notice to choose a fortunate day to compleat his marriage. He believing that the young lady had consented, was very joyful, and hasted to provide and prepare things for his wedding.
  
−
and as I am a private peribn widioitt
 
−
any hahit> and you a young womaa
 
−
of fixtcen or ieventeen years, how will
 
−
you be able to manage this matter ?'*
 
−
** Uncle, replied the young lady, this
 
−
Mandarine comes with the Emperor*!
 
−
commiliion, and will doubtlefs aft con*
 
−
formably to it. He is lent to fuper*
 
−
vife the province, and to redtify what--
 
−
ever is amifs. But I imagine he will ex*
 
−
ceed the bounds of his commilEony if
 
−
 
−
hiftory and laws of their coantry, b«t in the
 
−
ceremonies, falutes, compliments and rules of
 
−
viiiting; thefe being no le(s the otrieds of flady^
 
−
and equally deemed to belong to learning. la
 
−
return for all tlbs care, and pains their Piiptlt
 
−
treat them with the greateft reverence, bowing
 
−
to them with four proilrations, as to their Father,
 
−
and never addre^g them with you or /• [See
 
−
note above pa^. 190. and note vol. r. p. 202.}
 
−
They alfo retain the higheft refpedt for them
 
−
as long as they live.
 
−
P. Da Halde, vd. i . p. 375, P. Scmedo^ p 36,
 
−
59, (y^y &c.
 
−
 
−
Q.4 he
 
−
 
−
2jt HAU KIOU CHOAAN,
 
−
 
−
heeomes here to offer any violence.
 
−
Now marriage is an affair of private
 
−
concern, and no \vay relates to the bu-
 
−
lineis of his office : nor is he any ways
 
−
required to interpofe in it. Should
 
−
he therefore be wrought upon in the
 
−
nianner you threaten, he may not per-
 
−
haps fee himfelf in his pod at the ex-
 
−
piration of the year. But he is a man
 
−
of underilanding, and will not break
 
−
the Emperor's laws : or even if he
 
−
Ihould, let us not be aftaid.'*
 
−
 
−
** You afieft to fpeak in a very lofty
 
−
ftrain, faid her uncle ; and talk of not
 
−
fearing. When you come before the
 
−
Grand Yifitor, Ihould he fpeak but two
 
−
words with authority and juftice, will not
 
−
you be afraid ? Certainly you will be very
 
−
 
−
pmch
 
−
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY, tjj
 
−
 
−
much frighted;^ " True, (he replied,
 
−
when it is with juftice. Every bcxly is a-
 
−
fraid that is guilty : but who is concern*
 
−
ed that is altogether innocent ? You muft
 
−
not talk of this Mandarine only : but
 
−
was it the Emperor himfelf, I fhould
 
−
not fear : nor will I be terrified fo far
 
−
as to give myfelf up to the lofs of
 
−
my happinefs *." ** To me, faid Sbuey^
 
−
guwiny you may talk in this manner.
 
−
I( would excite thd laughter of any
 
−
one elfe. What I tell you proceeds
 
−
from friendfhip j regard it as you
 
−
pleafe : but when the time comes» you
 
−
muil not blame me : > nor can you
 
−
deny I have given you warning." " It
 
−
is an old faying, replied hisniecet
 
−
 
−
Every
 
−
 
−
• In the original, « To the lofs of myfdf/^
 
−
Every one hath an underflanding, 4
 
−
memory, and a will to direct him *•
 
−
If you do not comprehend this,
 
−
there is another^ common faying
 
−
that Every one knows his own necef-
 
−
fity» whether it be hunger, cold, or
 
−
heat. Be pleafed therefore, Sir, to
 
−
manage your own affairs. Your niece
 
−
knows how to obferve that which is
 
−
lawful, juft, and reaibnable. Whatever
 
−
I do, whether it be well or ill, whether
 
−
it prove unfortunate or happy, let it
 
−
not afFedl you with any concern."
 
−
 
−
Thefe words feemed to Shuey-guwin
 
−
 
−
• The original literally is, " Every one is go-
 
−
verned [fc. dire£ted] by an under (landing, a me-
 
−
mory, and a will." The meaning of this Pro-
 
−
verb is doubtlefs, as piven above. It contains a
 
−
fine rebuke on fuch, as too forwardly take upon
 
−
them to direa others.
 
−
 
−
like
 
−
like the keen edge of fwords dividing
 
−
an iron bar. He looked very ftera
 
−
and out of humour, and rifing up from
 
−
his feat, faid, " All I have told you
 
−
proceeds from good will. A village
 
−
mouth is good' phyfic *. You may
 
−
hearken to my words or not, as you
 
−
pleafe." He then went away, refoiving
 
−
to urge KwO'kbe-izu to profccute the
 
−
affair with the utmoft rigour f .
 
−
 
−
* That is. The advice is commonly whole-
 
−
fome which flows from the mouth of the home-
 
−
ly villager, whofe iimplicity of manners hath
 
−
kept him unacquainted with the arts of falfe-
 
−
hood : and therefore fuch advice is not to be re-
 
−
jeded on account of the meanneis of its author.
 
−
 
−
+ Here follows in the original a very prolix
 
−
and unimportant paragraph, wherein Skueyguwin
 
−
relates to his fon-in-law all that had pafled be-
 
−
tween him and his niece, and confirms him io
 
−
his refolution of applying to the Ngan-juen, &c.
 
−
^s there was nothing in the whole paflage worth
 
−
retaining, the Editor hath fupprefTed it : a liberty
 
−
he hath fometimes taken elfewhere.
 
−
 
−
It
 
−
It was about two months after this,
 
−
that the Grand Vifitor arrived. Kwo^
 
−
kbi-tzu went two leagues out of the city
 
−
to meet him * : and made him a great
 
−
many prefents and entertainments.
 
−
That Mandarine thought himfelf very
 
−
much obliged by thefe civilities, and
 
−
expreiTed a concern. that he did not
 
−
know how to return them : telling hifn
 
−
that as he was but juft arrived from
 
−
 
−
♦ When one of the faperlor Mandarines
 
−
comes to take poiTeflion of his government, he
 
−
is received with great pomp and ftate. When
 
−
he 15 ready to fet out froni court, many of the
 
−
officers of the tribnnal go thither to attend him :
 
−
others advance a great way to meet him, who as
 
−
he pailes from city to city is honourably accom-
 
−
panied both by jiorfe and foot: and atlealt a league
 
−
before he comes to the place where he is to
 
−
refide, two or three thoafand foldiers are marched
 
−
oat to receive him After thefe follow all the
 
−
Mandarines, and after them a vafl concourfe of
 
−
people.
 
−
P. Sen-.cdo, p. 128. P. Du Halde, &c.
 
−
 
−
tlie
 
−
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 2^7
 
−
 
−
the court -f-, he had nothing to prefent
 
−
him worth his acceptance ; he defired
 
−
him therefore to point out fome way
 
−
in which he could do him fcrvice.
 
−
KwO'kbe-tzu anfwered, "Sir, you arc
 
−
 
−
-f This will be accounted for, when we coo-
 
−
fider the expenflve prefents every Mandarine
 
−
is obliged to make, who folicits for any govern-
 
−
ment. There is not any government of a city
 
−
or town, which does not coll the perfon, who
 
−
is preferred to it, feveral thoufands of crowns ;
 
−
fometimes twenty, fometimes 30,000, and fo
 
−
^ proportionably for all other offices great arki
 
−
fmall. To be a Viceroy of a province, before
 
−
a Mandarine can have his commiilion fealed,
 
−
will cod him fometimes 70,000 crowns. All
 
−
this, under the fpecious name of prefents, is
 
−
given to the minifters of flate, to the prefidentsof
 
−
the fix fupreme councils, &c. &c. On the other
 
−
hand the great Mandarines of the provinces, to
 
−
reimburfe themfelves and to fatibfy their avarice,
 
−
extort prefents from thofe under them; and thefe
 
−
again replenifh their purfes at the expence of
 
−
the miierabie people. In (hort there is not any
 
−
Viceroy, or Vifitor of a province, who at the
 
−
end of three years does not return with fix or
 
−
700,000, and fometimes a million of crowns.
 
−
So that it may be faid of Chinas as it was of
 
−
ancient Rome^ " All things are there fet to fale."
 
−
See P. Magal. p. 134, &c.
 
−
 
−
238 HAU KIOU CHOAAN*
 
−
 
−
a perfon of high quality and officei
 
−
How can I prefume to afk you any
 
−
favour ?•* ** Do not confider mc in that
 
−
diflant light, replied the other, but
 
−
rather as your intimate friend, to whom
 
−
you may fpeak with intire freedom.**
 
−
•* You do me a great deal of honour,
 
−
replied the youth; there is indeed one
 
−
thing which intimately concerns my
 
−
welfare, and fits neareft to my heart.
 
−
Could I but obtain your afliftance in
 
−
 
−
that *' The Mandarine defired
 
−
 
−
to be informed what it was. ^* My
 
−
father, he replied, is in a public em-
 
−
ployment ; which fo intirely engrofles
 
−
his attention, that he hath none to
 
−
bellow on the affairs of his family.
 
−
For this reafon, I am not yet married *."
 
−
 
−
* He means probably ** not married to his
 
−
fatisfadion :** or perhaps be does not flick at a
 
−
a little falfehood.
 
−
•• What, faid the other, have you yet
 
−
made no offer of marriage to any one's
 
−
daughter ?" ** Yes, he replied, I have j
 
−
but the lady whom I would wilh to mar-
 
−
ry, hath refufed me ; and therefore I
 
−
iptreat you to interpofe in my favour.**
 
−
 
−
When tte Grand Vifitor heard thefe
 
−
words he laughed aloud, and faid,^
 
−
•* There is fomething very lingular and
 
−
ilrange in all this. Your father is a mini-
 
−
fter of the firft rate. You are a young
 
−
man of quality. Who can rcfufe to marry
 
−
with you ? Pray whofe daughter have
 
−
you applied to, that you have been
 
−
fo unfuccefsful ?" He replied, " To
 
−
the daughter of Sbuey-keu-yebj affiftant
 
−
to the tribunal of arms." " Her fa-
 
−
ther, faid the Mandarine, hath long
 
−
 
−
becft
 
−
 
−
.44© HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
 
−
 
−
been banifhed into Tartary'^. Who
 
−
takes care of his houfe ? Is it her mo-
 
−
ther? She I fuppofo will not give
 
−
her confent.'* Kwo-kbefzu anfwCKd,
 
−
"Her mother hath been dead many
 
−
years. There is no one left here befide
 
−
this young perfon. It is (he herfelf who
 
−
fefufes my offer." " How ! faid the
 
−
other, (he, who is a young maiden ! how
 
−
can (he refufe you ? I fancy when you
 
−
made your offer, or gave your prefcnr,
 
−
fhe might know nothing of it.'* *' My
 
−
Lord, replied the youth, fhe knew it
 
−
 
−
♦ The Original is Pien^tbing, i. C. outofCbtMMt
 
−
or 'without the lAtalL Tranf.
 
−
 
−
Tartary is the common place of Banifhmcnt
 
−
for the Chine/e, See P, Du HaUe^ 'voL 1 . 2^9.
 
−
Lettres edifiant. x^vii, 114, ^c. How grievotis
 
−
a punilhmcDt BaniQimcnc muil be to them, we
 
−
may eafily conceive from their cxceflive fond-
 
−
ncfs for their own country. [Sec Ogilbye, vol.
 
−
2. pag, 2. & 7.J
 
−
 
−
very
 
−
very well : but hath always been en-
 
−
deavouring to play me tricks/* " If
 
−
it be fo, faid the Grand Viiitor, why
 
−
did not you apply to thtCbe-foo and
 
−
Cbe-hienj and get them to manage this
 
−
bufinefs for you ?" " I have applied to
 
−
them both, faid he, but fhe efteeming
 
−
their ofEces but fmall, paid little regard
 
−
to them. I therefore now have re-
 
−
courfe to your lordlhip : and beg you
 
−
will compleat this affair in my behalf.
 
−
This will lay me under the greateft
 
−
obligation as long as I live.** ** To
 
−
promote marriage, faid the Grand Vi*
 
−
fitor, is a thing highly good and cha-
 
−
ritable. I fee nothing wrong in the
 
−
affair in queftion : arid therefore will
 
−
undertake it for you. Who was your
 
−
242 HAU KIOU CHOAAN^
 
−
 
−
mediator or bridefman * before ? Per-
 
−
haps he did not make the offer dearlyr
 
−
underftood.** The other told him, it
 
−
^2i& xbt Pao.Cbe-bien^ who carried the
 
−
preient himfelf to her houfe; which
 
−
in her father's abfence, was received
 
−
by her uncle: and that every body
 
−
knew this to be matter of faft. ** If it
 
−
be fo, replied the Mandarine, I will iflue
 
−
out an order to-morrow, impowering
 
−
you to go and carry her home to
 
−
your houfe in order to marry her/'
 
−
^* Should I go for her, replied the
 
−
other, (he would never be prevailed on
 
−
 
−
• The Cbinefe never marry (although the pa-
 
−
rents of the young people be never fo inti-
 
−
mate) without a Mediator, or one who goes
 
−
between both parties : wherefore they chufe
 
−
whom they plealc, there being as well men, as
 
−
women, who perform this office. P« Semedo,
 
−
p. 71. Lettres edifiant. x. 140.
 
−
 
−
to
 
−
 
−
A CHINESE HrSTORY. ^45
 
−
 
−
w enter the ch^ir : but vnmld doubt-
 
−
fcfs contrive fome way to efc^*
 
−
I only beg the favour of you to let mtf
 
−
go to het hotife and iolenAnke thi^
 
−
marriage there." The Grand Vifitor
 
−
replied^ ** Very well : you may do fo."
 
−
Having Sniped their difcotrfe 6ti thii
 
−
and other fubjeftsy and th^e entertain*
 
−
ment being: ended j Kwo-kbi-t^u re-
 
−
tired.
 
−
 
−
Within: two days die Grand Vifitor
 
−
performed his promile,^ and f^M a cb9p
 
−
or order to the Che-hieny as fellows^
 
−
 
−
** I, the Ngan-yaen or Grand Vifitor,
 
−
 
−
*^ fignify, that as marriage was thcr
 
−
 
−
'* firft law or eontradt in the world;
 
−
 
−
•* the time for folemnizing irlhould
 
−
 
−
R * " not
 
−
** not be neglcftcd : therefore as Kwa^
 
−
** kbi'tzu fon of Kwo-Jho-fu bath made
 
−
^^ offers and prefents to the daughter
 
−
^* of Sbuey-kiu-ye^ which treaty of
 
−
^^ marriage was under the direftion
 
−
" of you the Cbe-bieni the marriage^
 
−
^* prefent being carried by yourfelf :
 
−
^' and it being requifite that they Ihould
 
−
** now proceed to the completion of
 
−
^^ the fame, I therefore command aad
 
−
** authorize the faid Kwo-kbe-tzu^ now
 
−
•* in the abfenc^ of her father, to go
 
−
^ to the houfe of his bride and marry
 
−
*^ her there : it being a thing good and
 
−
" laudable. And you the Cbe-bien arc
 
−
** hereby required not to delay the
 
−
•* execution of this order beyond the
 
−
<^ fpace of one month, under pain of
 
−
^f profecution for default thereof."
 
−
 
−
The
 
−
 
−
A CHINESE' HISTORY. 245
 
−
 
−
The Poo Cbe-bien when he had re-
 
−
ceived this order and read it, faw plain-
 
−
ly it was the contrivance of Kwo-kbe*
 
−
tzu. Yet to go and lay open the whole
 
−
affair, he thought would expofe him to
 
−
that young man's rcfentment. On the
 
−
other hand, the Grand Vifitor would
 
−
be apt to call him to account, whenever
 
−
the truth fhould be difcovered. After
 
−
fomc deliberation therefore, he refolved
 
−
to fend a private account to that Man-
 
−
darine of what he knew of the matter:
 
−
which was conceived in thefe terms.
 
−
 
−
" This is to acquaint your Excel-
 
−
" lency*, in anfwer to your chop or
 
−
** order : that I was indeed the perlbn
 
−
 
−
* Ngan TJbatJ, — Tifatj is as much as ExaUeney,
 
−
 
−
Tranf,
 
−
 
−
R 2 ''wha
 
−
 
−
246 HAU KIOU CHOAAN^
 
−
 
−
^' who undertook the treaty of mar^
 
−
*' riagp you mention. The other pcr-
 
−
^^ fons concerned were Kwe-kbi-tzu and
 
−
«* Sbutf'guwin. The young lady <^
 
−
^^ pofed it, a$ a thing fhe difliked : for
 
−
*• which rcalbn it yet reofiains in dif-
 
−
*' pute, and unfiniihed. Yefterday I
 
−
*^ received an order to fee the mar-
 
−
" ri^e concluded, which it behoves
 
−
^< me to obey. But I am fenfible that
 
−
" fhe is ftill very averfe to it: and
 
−
*' therefore left any difficulty or dif-
 
−
" grace fhould happen, which may
 
−
«* extend fo far as to refleft upon
 
−
** your Excellency, I have ventured
 
−
" to give you this information ; which
 
−
*« I hope you will not take amils.
 
−
" Ncverthelefs be it done according to
 
−
M your pleafure/*
 
−
 
−
When
 
−
When the Grand Vifxtor received
 
−
this letter, he was very ai^gry with the
 
−
Cbe-bien. " What! faid he, am I in this
 
−
great office, and have every thing at
 
−
my dilpofal, even life and death, and
 
−
yet am not able to prevail in fo incon*
 
−
fiderable an affair, as the marriage of a
 
−
filly girl, daughter of a banllhed cri-
 
−
minal ? It would be an affrorit to
 
−
my dignity to pay any,regard to her
 
−
weak reafoninjg and trifling arguments."
 
−
Accordingly he difpatched a fccond or-
 
−
der to the Cbe-bietiy which was to thi$
 
−
purpofe.
 
−
 
−
*' \{ Sbuey-fi^'^fiii did hc^ cohfent
 
−
 
−
** to the marriage, why did yoU make
 
−
 
−
" yourfelf the bridefman ? You fcem
 
−
 
−
^ determined to perplex and difturb.
 
−
 
−
R 4 ** me-
 
−
 
−
248 HAU KIOU CHOAAN-
 
−
 
−
•• mc. You are therefore hereby rc-
 
−
" quired to go once more to her houfe,
 
−
^* and acquaint her that (he muft mar«
 
−
•• ry KwO'kbi'tzu without farther dc-
 
−
*• lay. If (he refufcs, bring her before
 
−
•*' mc."
 
−
 
−
The Che-bien when he had received
 
−
this fecond order, and oblerved it to
 
−
run in very pofitive terms, fuch as
 
−
would admit of no evafion *, went in
 
−
the firlt place to the houfe of Kwo*
 
−
kbi'tzUj and gave him notice that he
 
−
was required to marry within the (pace
 
−
of one month. He anfwered very
 
−
joyfully, ** Ay, ay ! with all my heart/*
 
−
From thence he went to the houfe of
 
−
Sbu^'ping-Jin: and bade a fervant in*
 
−
form her, that be was come to ipeak
 
−
 
−
with
 
−
with her by the Grand Vifitor's order.
 
−
The young lady, who knew well enough
 
−
what was in agitation, commanded two
 
−
of her fervants to fix up the curtain
 
−
in the great hall ; and, as foon as it
 
−
was let down, (he entered, TKen Ihe
 
−
bade one of them go to the Cbe-inen^
 
−
and defire him to inform her in plain
 
−
terms what was the purport of the
 
−
order he had brought. He replied,
 
−
*' It Is concerning your marriage with
 
−
Kwo-kbe-tzu. When I imerpofed at
 
−
firft, you fhewed fuch averfion to it,
 
−
that he hath for a long time defiiled.
 
−
But this great Mandarine, wlho is newly
 
−
arrived, was a pupil of his father, and
 
−
therefore hath been prevailed on to
 
−
lend his countenance and afiiftance to
 
−
have the marriage at length con[)pleated«
 
−
 
−
Yefterday
 
−
Yeftcrday I received an order requi*
 
−
ring me to give notice to you both, that
 
−
it mull be concluded widiin the (pace
 
−
of one month. I am juft come from
 
−
the houfe of Kwo-kbi-tzUj whom I
 
−
have advifed of it. And I now wait
 
−
upon you on the fame account, that
 
−
you may be prepared accordingly."
 
−
The young lady replied, " Far am
 
−
I from objeding to lb honourable
 
−
a thing as matrimony. Only my fa-
 
−
ther is not at home, and I have not
 
−
his licence. I am not miftfefs of my-
 
−
jelf, therefore beg you will do me the
 
−
favour to go and acquaint his Excel-
 
−
lency of it.** ** This, iaid the Che-
 
−
bien^ is the iecond order I have received
 
−
to this purpofe. The firft I fet afidc,
 
−
and gave my rcafons for it. After
 
−
 
−
which
 
−
which I received a ieVere reprimatKit
 
−
together with this new order^ which
 
−
is very pofitive. I cannot prcfumc
 
−
therefore to fay any thing more to
 
−
him. But do as you pleaie. I do not
 
−
pretend to force your inclinations. I
 
−
only give you notice, as I am in duty
 
−
bound/' She begged the favour to fee
 
−
the order itfelf, which, was fo abfolute
 
−
and pofitive* He called his fecretary,
 
−
and bade him deliver them both to
 
−
her fervant. When fhe had pcrufed
 
−
them, (he faid to the Mandarine : *^Thc
 
−
reafon why I refufed to marry Kwo-
 
−
khe-tzUy was becaufe my father was ab-
 
−
fent, and I had not his confent. Should
 
−
I marry without it, 1 am afraid he will
 
−
be very angry with me when he comes
 
−
hon^e. For my vindication thereforcr
 
−
 
−
be
 
−
 
−
252 HAU KIOU CHOAAN-
 
−
 
−
be pleafed to intreat the Grand Vifitor
 
−
Co let the two orders remain in my
 
−
hands: which will declare plainly the
 
−
conduct of the whole affair; and that
 
−
it is done by his Excellency's appoint-
 
−
ment.*' The Che-bien confented to leave
 
−
them with her, and promifed to ac-
 
−
quaint the Grand Vifitor with her re-
 
−
quefii, telling her he doubted not but that
 
−
Mandarine would either permit her to
 
−
keep them, or aflford fome other way
 
−
for her to fhew the reafons of her
 
−
condudt
 
−
 
−
** How is this, faid the Cbe-bitu
 
−
when he was withdrawn, that the
 
−
young lady fo fuddenly accepts of Kwo^
 
−
fdfi'tzul Is it this fuperior authority,
 
−
which hath made her comply ? or hath
 
−
 
−
ihe
 
−
ihe any other defign which I cannot
 
−
difcover ? I imagined flic had kept hcr-
 
−
felf all along for the handfomeftranger.'*
 
−
He went immediately to the Grand Vi-
 
−
fitor and told him what fhe faid. That
 
−
Mandarine laughed, and was very well
 
−
fatisfied. " How came you the other
 
−
day, faid he, to fend me word that
 
−
Ihe was very cunning and fubde, and
 
−
altogether averfe to this marriage ? You
 
−
fee now flie is all compliance. If flic
 
−
defires to keep the two orders by her,
 
−
as a juftification of her condud *, let
 
−
it be granted.'* The Che-hien went
 
−
immediately, and informed her of it. .
 
−
" You muft not now, faid he, change
 
−
your refolutions. This is no longer
 
−
the affair of Kwo-khe-tzu ; but relates
 
−
to the Grand Vifitor himfelf. Let
 
−
 
−
your
 
−
 
−
254 HAU KIOU CHOAAN^
 
−
 
−
your houfe therefore be put in order,
 
−
2nd when the bridegroom can fix on
 
−
a fortunate day, I wUI wait upon you
 
−
with previous notice/' The young la-
 
−
dy replied, ** As this is his Excellency's
 
−
order, I (hall not dilbbey it or go from
 
−
my word ; though be himfelf poflibly
 
−
may." " How ! laid he, can 6> great
 
−
a man vary in his refolutions? No,
 
−
no ! that cannot be. You may depend
 
−
on his (leadincfL'' Then withdrawing,
 
−
he went to Kwo^khi-izu^ and gave him
 
−
notice to chule a fortunate day to com-
 
−
pleat his marriage. He believing that
 
−
the young lady had coniented, was
 
−
very joyful, and halted to provide and
 
−
prepare things for his wedding.
 
−
 
−
C H A Pi
 
 
CHAP. X.
 
CHAP. X.
  
−
THE Grand Vifltor feeing Aae
+
The Grand Visitor seeing that Shuey-ping-sin had accepted his order, was very well pleased, and having now been a few days in possession of his post, opened his gates to administer justice. The first day that he gave audience, about fifty came to present their petitions. He received them all, and appointed them to attend a few days after, when they should have them considered. All the company retired except one young woman, who remained upon her knees. The servants of the audience on both sides bade her depart. She did not obey them: but rising up went still nearer to the tribunal. And then cried aloud, "I am the daughter of one under condemnation. For this reason I did not get up and depart: not daring to hide myself or fly from justice. I came here this day to end my life. By this means I shall neither disobey your Excellency's orders, nor yet offend my own honour." With these words she drew forth a knife or poinard, and was going to plunge it in her bosom<ref>It is worth observation that the Chinese, who are the most cowardly people in the world, are much addicted to Suicide, and none more than the females and most pusillanimous among them: and yet the love of life is one of the foibles of their character, in which they exceed all other nations; carrying it to such a height, that it is reckoned unpolite to mention Death in their hearing.—It is certain their language affords a thousand periphrases to soften the expression. ''Something hath happened to him: He is retired afar off in ascending: He hath reposed his chariot'' [or, as we should say, ''finished his carreer'',] &c. are phrases they would use to avoid saying a person ''is dead'': and these even in their Edicts and Memorials. Lettres edifiant. xxiii. 98. P. Du Halde, i. 280, 502, 544, 525, &c.</ref>. The sight of this very much surprized the Mandarine, who asked, Who she was, and what was the matter? "If you are injured, said he, I will redress you." At the same time he ordered his people to prevent her from doing herself any mischief. She replied, that she was daughter of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye, who was at present under sentence of banishment. "I am now, proceeded she, in my seventeenth year. My mother being dead and my father at a distance, I remain alone in my house a poor helpless maiden, observing the laws of virtue and modesty, as it becomes all young ladies to do. While I thus past my time in innocence, suspecting no harm, I have been treacherously persecuted by a youth, named Kwo-khe-tzu, who hath contrived a hundred ways to ensnare me; all which I have still endeavoured to avoid. For some time past he hath foreborne to trouble me: but there is lately arrived a Mandarine of great power and rank, who was his father's pupil. With this gentleman hath Kwo-khe-tzu lodged a petition, and obtained his favour: insomuch that the first thing he did after his coming, was to do violence to my inclinations by commanding me to marry this young man, contrary to all reason and law: [for he hath obtained no licence of father or mother: neither hath any mediator or bridesman interposed.] Two orders have been delivered out for that purpose. These I could not oppose, as being a young woman lone and friendless. But when I saw them, I was even bereaved of my life with apprehension and fear. Finding at length there was no other remedy, I sent my servant with a petition to Pe-king, with orders to strike on the Emperor's drum<ref>Besides the Drum, some of the ancient Emperors had a Bell fixed at the gate of the palace, and a white Table. So that he, who chose not to speak with the Emperor in person, wrote his request on the latter, and it was instantly carried to him. But whoever would speak with him rang the bell or beat on the drum, and they were presently brought in and had personal audience. It is recorded of one of their first Emperors, that one day he rose from table twice at the sound of the bell, and another day left the bath three times to receive the complaints of the poor. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 146.
−
Shuty-phtg-Jin had accepted his
 
−
order, was very well pleafed, and having
 
−
now been a few days in pofleflioa of hi»
 
−
poft, opened his gates to admimfter
 
−
juftice. The firft day that he gave au-
 
−
dience^ about fifty came to prefent their
 
−
petitions. He received them all, and ap-
 
−
pointed them to attend a few days after,
 
−
when thciy fhould have them confidered,
 
−
AH the company retired except onC;
 
−
young woman, who remained upon her*
 
−
knees. The fervants erf" the audience
 
−
on both fides bade her depart. She didi
 
−
not obey them : but rifing up went flill
 
−
nearer to the tribunal. And then cried-
 
−
aloud, ** I am the daughter of one under
 
−
 
 
−
2s6 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
 
−
 
 
−
condemnation. For this reafon I did
 
−
not get up and depart : not daring ta
 
−
hWc my fclf or fly from jufticc. I came
 
−
here this day to end my life. By this
 
−
means I (hall neither dilbbey your Ex-
 
−
cellency's orders, nor yet oflfend my own
 
−
honour.'* With thefe words fhc drew
 
−
forth a knife or poinard» and was going
 
−
to plunge it in her bofom *. The fight
 
−
 
 
−
• It is worth obfervation that the Chine/e^ who
 
−
are the moH; cowardly people in the world, are
 
−
inach addided to Suicide, and none more than
 
−
the females and moft pufillanimou^ among
 
−
them : and yet the love of life is one of the foi-
 
−
bles of their chara6ler» in which they exceed all
 
−
other nations ; carrying it to fuch a height, that
 
−
it is reckoned unpolite to mention Death in their
 
−
hearing. — It is certain their language afibrds
 
−
a thoofand periphrafes to foften the expreflion.
 
−
Something bath happened to him: He is retired
 
−
^frr off in afcending : He hath repo/ed bis chariot
 
−
[or, as we (hould {^.y^ finijhed his carreer^ Uz.
 
−
are phrafes they would ufe to avoid fayine a
 
−
perfon // dead: and thefe even in their Edids
 
−
and Memorials.
 
−
Lettres cdifiant. xxiii. 98. P. Du Halde, i.
 
−
280, 502, 544, 525, &c.
 
−
 
 
−
of
 
−
 
 
−
A' CHINESE HISTORY, tsj
 
−
 
 
−
of this- very much furprized the Man-J
 
−
darine, who aflced. Who Ihc was, and
 
−
what was the matter ? " If you are
 
−
injured, faid he, I will redrefs you.**
 
−
At the fame time he ordered his people
 
−
to prevent her from' doing herielf any
 
−
mifchief. She* replied, that flie was
 
−
daughter of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye^
 
−
who was at prefent under fentence of
 
−
banifhment. *'. I am nov, proceeded
 
−
fhe, in my fevcnteenth year. My mo-
 
−
ther being dead and my father at a
 
−
diftance, I remain alone in my houfe
 
−
a poor helplefs maiden^ obferving the
 
−
laws of virtue and modefty, as it be-
 
−
comes all young ladies to do. While I
 
−
thus paft my time in innocence, .fuf-
 
−
pe6t ing no harm, I have been treacherouf^
 
−
Jy perfecuted by a youth, named Kwo-
 
−
' Vol. IL S ^ khUzu^
 
−
hbi'tzUj who hath contrived a hundred
 
−
ways to enfiiare me ; all which I have
 
−
fiill endeavoured to avoid. For ibmc
 
−
time pall he hath foreborne to trouble
 
−
me : but there is lately arrived a Man*
 
−
darine of great power and rankf who
 
−
was bis father's pupih With this gen-
 
−
tleman hath Kwo'kbi'tzu lodged a pe-
 
−
tition, and obtained his favour : inlb-
 
−
much that the firft thmg he did after
 
−
bit coming, was to do vblence to my in-
 
−
clinations by commanding me to marry
 
−
this young man, contrary to sdl reafbn
 
−
and law : [for be hath obtained no
 
−
licence of father or mother: neither
 
−
hath any oiediator or bridefman in-
 
−
terpoledr} Two orders have been de-
 
−
livered out for that purpofe. Thefe I
 
−
could not oppofej as being a young
 
−
 
 
−
woman
 
−
iroman lone and friea(tieft. But when
 
−
I faw them^ I was even bereaved of my
 
−
life with apprehenfion and ftar« Find-
 
−
ing at length there was no other retkie*
 
−
dy, I fent my fervant with a pecidon
 
−
to Pe-kh^j with orders to ftrike on the
 
−
Emperor's drum *. He hath accond^
 
−
ingly been gone three days. This pro*
 
−
cedure I imagine you can never par*
 
−
don, and am i^e^e cotnc here with
 
−
 
 
−
It firm
 
−
 
 
−
* Befides the Drmki, fome of the aneieiitlm-
 
−
perors had a Bell fixed at the gate of the palace,
 
−
and a white Table. So that he, who chok not to
 
−
fpeak with the Emperor in perfon, wrote hii
 
−
teqneft on the latter, and it was inftantly carried
 
−
to him. Bat whtever would fjpeak with him
 
−
rang the bell or beat on the ^um, and thejr
 
−
were prefencly brought in and had perfonal ail*,
 
−
dience. It is recorded of one of their firfl £»•'
 
−
perors, that one day he rofe from t^bk twice at
 
−
the foend of the bell, and another dav hk the
 
−
bath three times to receive l^e complunti cf thte
 
−
poor. P. Du Haldettv^L i./. 146.
 
−
 
 
−
It is pity fo eaecelient an inilitmioa k b4 k»iger
 
−
S 2 ^ le^
 
−
 
 
−
i6o HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
 
−
 
 
−
a firm refolution to end my Kfe in your
 
−
prcfcncc.'* As foon flie had fpokea
 
−
thefe words, flie again attempted to
 
−
ftab hprfelf with her poinardr
 
−
 
 
−
The Grand Vifitor did not much
 
−
.i^ard. what fhe (aid about Kwo-kbe-
 
−
 
 
−
kept up. The (frum ftill remains, bat its ofe
 
−
hath long been difcpntinaed. P, Semedo tells
 
−
OS that (Jaring his refidence, of two and twenty
 
−
years, he never remembered it beatep upon above
 
−
once ; and then he that did it had his anfwer in
 
−
haftinadoeSf for having difturbed the Emperor,
 
−
who was half a league off.
 
−
 
 
−
This father was in China before the conqneft
 
−
of the Tartars in 1644, when the reigning family
 
−
liad quite (hat themfelves ap from aB public ac-
 
−
cefs, which was the caafe of their ruin.
 
−
 
 
−
The new fucceflion of Emperors of the 7ar^
 
−
tar race have obferved a very different condod,
 
−
- often (hewing themfelvcs to the people, and at-
 
−
tending to their grievances, but they have not
 
−
revived the ancient pradice in qudlion, noe-
 
−
wichftanding that the remembrance of it is ftill
 
−
kept up.
 
−
 
 
−
P. GaubiU whofe corions defcription of iV-
 
−
/zi/, but when he heard fhe had dif-
 
−
patched a fcrvant to Pe-king^ and law
 
−
her fo refolutely determined to kill her*
 
−
felf, he was feized with the greateft
 
−
apprehenfions. He begged her to for-
 
−
bear; faying, "How fliould I know
 
−
what you have been telling me? TiU
 
−
now I never learned how the affair
 
−
 
 
−
king was publifhed laft year in the Pbilofophical
 
−
T'ranja^iotu^ tells us, that in the Pavillion, qallcd
 
−
Tchoua-Aou-tingy there is *' adrum, and thatMan-
 
−
*' darines and foldiers keep guard there day and
 
−
^^ nighit. In ancient times when any peribn
 
−
'' had not jaftice done him, and thought him*
 
−
'« felf opprefTed, he went and beat this drum ; at
 
−
** the found of which the Mandarines ran, and
 
−
** were obliged to carry the complaint of the
 
−
[^ party opprefTed to the great men or minifters,
 
−
" [rather to the Emperor. . Fid, Author, infra
 
−
** atat.] At prefent the ufe of the drum is abo-
 
−
** liihed : but it hath been thought proper to pre^
 
−
** ferve this ancient monument of Chine/eg^
 
−
*' vernmeat."
 
−
 
 
−
See Philof.Tranfaa. Roy. Socfor 1758, par^
 
−
 
 
−
2d. P. Semedo, pag. no. P. J)a H4d<P>
 
−
 
 
−
vol. i.p, 474, 523, *c,
 
−
 
 
−
S 3 ftood.
 
−
ftood. But you have great reaibn kr
 
−
wbkt you fay. You muft not oStf
 
−
any violence to yowfelf. I will take
 
−
care you (hall have juftice done you.
 
−
Yet there it one thing I muft obferve :
 
−
you fay you have licence of neither
 
−
father nor mother ; to far you are right :
 
−
but that you had no mediator or
 
−
bridefoian, is not true/* ^^ The Pao
 
−
Ck^km% replied the young lady, was io*
 
−
^eeed a bridefman, but not to me.
 
−
He was (bch to my M^^ my uncled
 
−
daughter f: znd her hath Kwo-khe-izu
 
−
 
 
−
accord-
 
−
 
 
−
f Itisowineco theremaiotof thepatnarchal
 
−
tn^lsdty* wnkh (b ftill remarkabljr pmrails
 
−
in the domeftic and political condoft of the
 
−
Cbinefi^ and not to ^y defeA in their langoage^
 
−
Aat a Niece occafionalty calls her Knch father^
 
−
iwd her €9ufiH3 brctbersf and that an Uncle calls
 
−
hit nuet daughter f &c. It if perhapf owing to
 
−
 
 
−
a coo-
 
−
 
 
−
9 Sit Littresid^* xv, 164. xxia, 31.
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTOKY. 263
 
−
 
 
−
accordingly married, and long fince car*
 
−
ricd home to his houfe." «* If it be
 
−
ib, faid the Mandarine, you have great
 
−
reafon on your fide. But why did <
 
−
not you deliv'er in a petition to me,
 
−
and inform me truly of the cafe. Had
 
−
this been done, the laft order had never
 
−
been ifilied out. Why were yoq fo
 
−
 
 
−
a concorrence of both tfaefe caofet, t&at feme
 
−
of the wild nations of North America do th«
 
−
fame. See an account of the Iroquois in Lettns
 
−
edifiant* xii. 144.
 
−
 
 
−
As to the Cbinefey there is no nation in the
 
−
wotld where the various degrees of confangui*
 
−
nity are more accurately defined b)f particular
 
−
names. We only ufe the word uncU to figniiy
 
−
the Brothers of both Father and Mother : but
 
−
in the Chinffo langu^ there are words not
 
−
only to diftingniih die Brothers of the Father
 
−
from thofe of the Mother (as in the Za/m) but
 
−
alfo thofe which are Younger or Elder, than
 
−
the Father ctr Mother. . la \il|e,mi^Mitf tlm
 
−
h^ve four diifer^t words to exprefs the Grana«
 
−
father and Grandmother of bo^ fides. With the
 
−
fiame cxa£tneis tb^ exprefs all the other degrees
 
−
ni sanity* See P. Magal. pag* 102.
 
−
hafty to fend away a petition to Per
 
−
king ?"' " I Ihould not have taken thcfc
 
−
meafures, fhe replied, h^ I not feen
 
−
how abfolute your la(t order was:
 
−
wherein too plainly appeared the inr
 
−
tereft my adverlary had gained in you..
 
−
Now if I had fcnt up no petition to
 
−
the court, but had died here in obfcu-
 
−
rity, every thing had continued in
 
−
impenetrable darknefs, and there had
 
−
remained nothing to clear up my fame
 
−
jand conduft/* He told her, the injury
 
−
fhe complained of was not of fuch
 
−
confequence, but that he could have
 
−
redrelled it ; io that fhe needed not have
 
−
applied to the Emperor, or have carri-
 
−
ed matters fo far. ♦* As this, added
 
−
he, is a trifling affair, I can hardly
 
−
conceive how a petition could be drawn
 
−
 
 
−
up
 
−
j]p without enlargement or milrepre-^
 
−
fentation ; which muft fall very heavy
 
−
upon you when it comes to be read *.**
 
−
She replied, " Why fhould I need to
 
−
put any thing in it but matter of
 
−
fadt ?'* Then taking ^ paper put of
 
−
 
 
−
her
 
−
 
 
−
• It may be thought a paradox to fay, that
 
−
the Chineje can inflift punilhments or confer
 
−
jrewards after death : and yet *tis certain they
 
−
aifea to do both.
 
−
 
 
−
The Chinefe are remarkably folllcitous about
 
−
their fepulturej there are even fons who will fell
 
−
themfelves in order to beftow funeral honours
 
−
on their parents. Thefe honours are therefore
 
−
by way of punifhment fometimes denied the
 
−
defun^l, and their a(hes are burnt and fcattered
 
−
in the air. The Chinefe are no Icfs greedy of
 
−
rank and title \ thefe again are fometimes can- ,
 
−
celled after thdr death; and their memory W
 
−
declared for ever infamous.
 
−
 
 
−
On the other hand, it is not unufual for the Em-
 
−
peror to be^ow both title and rank upon thofe
 
−
who ^o longer exift to enjoy them : he iflues out
 
−
patents by which he raifes thedeceafed to the dig-
 
−
nity of Mandarines, and annexes honourable dif-
 
−
fin^fons to their names. Nay when he is dif.
 
−
 
 
−
. ppfi?4
 
−
 
 
−
•65 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
 
−
 
 
−
her bofom, ihe prefenttd it to hinit
 
−
as a true copy of what (he had fent.
 
−
He caft his eye over it, and found it
 
−
conuined a brief and fuccinft relation
 
−
of the injuftice done her, and by whom :
 
−
informing his majcfty, that before this
 
−
could have reached his hands, (he (hould
 
−
have furrendered up her life, by killing
 
−
 
 
−
pofed to reward the fervlces of his departed mi*
 
−
niften by uncommon honours to their memory, it
 
−
is not nnfireqiient by exprefs patents to confer
 
−
marks of dimndion aHp on their fathers and
 
−
grandfathers, and even female anceftors. [Set
 
−
copies efjucbfatpeti in P. Dm IbUe, ^ 27 1 .] It
 
−
is alfo coftomary to enCt grand fepnlchres for
 
−
the deferving at the pnbUc ezpence, and for the
 
−
greater honour the Emperor fometimes writdi
 
−
thdr elogium with his own hand : but the noft
 
−
fignal mark of favour is to dednt then Saints,
 
−
to build them temples^ and to liKrifice to theoi
 
−
among their idols : bvwtf bdng as aifily com*
 
−
snunicated in ChiMa, as the quality of a Count or
 
−
Marqab is in fomc couutriet cfEmr^.
 
−
Lettres edifiant. xr. 131. 7dx» 78, Sec. P. Da
 
−
 
 
−
Halde,vol 1. 3o6,352,&ubiiiupra. P.Le
 
−
 
 
−
Compte, ii. 59, &c. .
 
−
 
 
−
herfelf
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY; 267
 
−
 
 
−
facrielf before bis tribunal : and that (he
 
−
fern her flave to fall down at bis feet
 
−
in or^r to petition for redrefs: and
 
−
that tiiough fhe (hould be laid in her
 
−
tvunb, her fliade would dill retain a
 
−
grateful fenfe of the juftice his majefty
 
−
would do to her memory ♦•
 
−
 
 
−
- The
 
−
 
 
−
^ The literal tranflatioii is, <' that although
 
−
^' ihe wai laid in her tomb, fhe fhoold (Ull hav«
 
−
** a nalefttl remembrance of the juftice his
 
−
** najeft^ would do to her."
 
−
 
 
−
AlHioagh it appears not that either Ctrnfudus^
 
−
iOr the other ancient Chme/i lawgivers, ever incaU
 
−
^ated any notion of a fotare ftate, and ahhoagk
 
−
the mo^m Liarati generally treat it sill as
 
−
iSofm ; [Set note aht*ve fag. 169.] yet various
 
−
^odtioes rebdng to it prevail in Cbinm,
 
−
 
 
−
The moft general is that of the B&tnues or
 
−
f<dkfwers of FO, who teach that there is a pa-
 
−
radife or delightiful abode in the weft, whem
 
−
f O waits to receive [the moft diftinguiflied of]
 
−
his votaries, and to make them partakers of his
 
−
blifs. On the other hand, that there is a hell
 
−
beneath the earth, the abode of Ten or evil
 
−
/fifitt^ Ktfii under the dominion of a Yin-^niang^
 
−
 
 
−
or
 
−
The very fight of the addrefs of this
 
−
petition threw the Grand Vifitor into
 
−
a cold fweat, and made him fhudder..
 
−
At firft he was difpofed to chide her
 
−
 
 
−
fevcrcly
 
−
 
 
−
or king of demons \ and that they^ tliere are £«-
 
−
ban or fpirits of defiiry^ whofe bufinefs it is to
 
−
convey the fouls of men into their bodies at
 
−
the moment of their birth, and to dra? them
 
−
away at the moment of death to the fobterra-
 
−
neous dominions, where [if thev have defenred
 
−
it] they are cruelly tormented by [the] other
 
−
fpirits. They believe bell to contain nine fe-'
 
−
veral compartments, and that after the ibol hath
 
−
paired through them all, it tranfmigrates into a
 
−
new body * : if it hach behaved well in its former
 
−
ftate, into that of a man, a prince, &c. if
 
−
otherwife, into that of a beaft, &c. They be-
 
−
lieve even brutes to be capable of futore rewards
 
−
and punifhments; and that if they have been
 
−
either more or lefs cruel than is fuitable to their
 
−
nature, they either become human creatures, or
 
−
lofe all exiftence. Thefe opinions are fo pre-
 
−
valent in Cbina^ that it is a coomion ezpremon
 
−
 
 
−
of
 
−
 
 
−
• TO the author of this do3rine lived 500 jean
 
−
before Pythagoras, luho may therefore tvell bt
 
−
fufpofed to barve picked it up in bu travels into hidia^
 
−
(imong the followers offO, inTi. Bracbmans or Brammst
 
−
fevcrely for a precipitancy fo fatal.
 
−
But fearing it (hould drive her to ex*'
 
−
tremities, he thought it better to footh
 
−
 
 
−
her
 
−
 
 
−
•f acknowledgment for any favour. If after ntf
 
−
deaths my foul Jhall pafs into the body of a dog or
 
−
a horfej I Jhall be at your fer^ce* P. JDu Halde»
 
−
 
 
−
vol. 2. 67.
 
−
 
 
−
The feft of Tao-tfe alfo acknowledge a future
 
−
glory and a heU : the glory to be conjoined tO
 
−
the body, not only in the other life, bVit in this i
 
−
pretending that by certain exercifes, meditations,
 
−
or, according to fome authors, by certain chy-
 
−
mical fecrets, a perfon may renew his youth
 
−
and childhood, and even become one of the
 
−
Sien-jiny that is, fortunate ones of the earth, [or ac-
 
−
cording to P. Du Halde] immortal men, or flying
 
−
immortalsf fo called becaufe they never die, but fly
 
−
from one mountain to another. This fe£t alio
 
−
make fome profeilion of belief in a metempfycho-
 
−
fis. Sec P.. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 16S.
 
−
 
 
−
See alfo on the above articles, P. Semedo, p.
 
−
 
 
−
90, 87. P. Du Halde, i. 646, 673, 675,
 
−
 
 
−
Ac. P. Magal. p. 74, &c.
 
−
Such is the bed account of this fubje£t which
 
−
the Editor hath been able to collect from va>
 
−
rious writers concerning China, who arc all of
 
−
them very confufed and obfcure on this article.
 
−
It may perhaps give the Reader the cleared
 
−
notion of what the Chinefe generally believe
 
−
 
 
−
concern-
 
−
her with gentle fpeeches. ** Whdil
 
−
I came here, faid he, I was utterly
 
−
 
 
−
ignorant
 
−
 
 
−
concerning the foul and a ftitare (late, to fobjoin
 
−
a few paSages from the writings of the Cbinrft
 
−
themfeivcs in their own words.
 
−
 
 
−
*< Tlie reafon [for fetting op the image or ^
 
−
*< tablet of a deceaTed anceftor, in order to re-
 
−
verence it] faith a Chine/e writer quoted by
 
−
P. Du HaltUt •* is, bccaufc the foul or fj^rit of
 
−
<' the dead being invifibk^ a child ftands in need
 
−
*' of a fenfible objed to put him in mind of hit
 
−
«* parents." Vol. 1.^.300. »»
 
−
 
 
−
in a Chinefe novel, given by the fame aathor, k
 
−
is fiiid df a Mandarine's Udy, " She fainted
 
−
^ away, and remained a long while in that con-
 
−
*^ dicion, as if her thret fmds had intirely left
 
−
" her.'* Vol. 2. p. 162.
 
−
 
 
−
In a memorial which a Mandarine makes Xm
 
−
one of the Emperors, he thus apologizes for the
 
−
freedom he had taken. '* Being old and readj
 
−
*' to join your father mder tht earthy I would
 
−
'' prevent the reproaches he would make me
 
−
«* did I hold my peace/' Ibid. vol. i. pag. 567,
 
−
 
 
−
*' Although I (honld not punifh him, (Cutli
 
−
the late Emperor Yong-cbing in a decla-
 
−
ration concemmg one of his minifters) ^* the
 
−
** foul of my father, 'which is iu hettvim \JJm
 
−
** tienchiting] dottbtlefs fees dearly his cri*
 
−
** minal conduft, and will caufe icanly to del-
 
−
 
 
−
••cend
 
−
igrtorant of this affair. Kwo-kbe-tzu
 
−
drew mc dcfigncdly into it. I thought
 
−
 
 
−
** cend opon him the chaftifement he deferves.'*
 
−
Lettrcs edifiapc. xxiL 194.
 
−
 
 
−
*' By digging up the dead (faith a Mandarine
 
−
in a pablic edia) ^* by ftealine their bones, and
 
−
** by mixing them with thole of beafts, they
 
−
** would caufe tbt finis of the defund to call
 
−
'< forth bitter cries/* Lettres edifiant. xv. 1 3 1 .
 
−
 
 
−
** If the perfon gnilty of imbruing hit hands .
 
−
^ in the blood of anothery be not punifhed with
 
−
^* death, (faith a Cbimfi author) the ghoft (manes
 
−
' lot,) of him, who was murthered, and which
 
−
\ cries for juftice, will never be at red.** P. Da
 
−
Halde, vol. 2 p. 15;.
 
−
 
 
−
We inay condnde this long note with ob«
 
−
fervingy that no people are more fuperftitious
 
−
than the CbinifiUL the ardcle of apparitions,
 
−
fpedtres, &c. and that they^ have a ridiculous
 
−
opinion that the (bul of a aiminal, when he is
 
−
executed, in paffiqg out of the body falls upon
 
−
the firflperfons it meets with, on whom it vents
 
−
ill its fury and loads with curfes; efpecially
 
−
thofe who have contributed to its punifhment.
 
−
And hence it is, that as foon as they fee the
 
−
flroke of death gjven, they run away with all
 
−
their might, Lettret ^ifiant. xxvii. 398.
 
−
 
 
−
See abb P« Da Halde, voL i. p. $84. n. 646,
 
−
671. vol.2, p. 78, 84, 123, &c. Lettrcs
 
−
cdif. XV. 134.
 
−
 
 
−
I wa$
 
−
 
 
−
272 HAU KIOU GHOAAN,
 
−
 
 
−
i wa$ doing a good afiion in pro^
 
−
mocing a marriage. It was out of
 
−
friendfliip and benevolence that I in-
 
−
terpofed. I find I have been miftakcn ;
 
−
and was mifinfornied as well about the
 
−
confent of your father and mother, as
 
−
about the intervention of the bridefman.
 
−
Lady, proceeded he, return home to
 
−
your houfe. Reft eafy and quiet.
 
−
Think no more of the tricks which have
 
−
been played yoii : for I wiH fet forth
 
−
an order forbidding any one to moleft
 
−
you, or to concern themfclves in any
 
−
wife farther on the fubjedt of your
 
−
marriage. In return for which I mud
 
−
intreat you to difpatch a meflcnger
 
−
away to bring back your petition.**
 
−
She replied, ** To deliver out fuch
 
−
an order as you mention is all I can
 
−
2 expefk
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE lilSTORY. 273
 
−
 
 
−
rfxpedt bv defire of y6ur Excellency;
 
−
and Will be fuch a mark of your
 
−
goodncfs as will defcrve my bcft thanks.
 
−
But how (hall I caufe rtiy fervant to re-
 
−
turn, when he hath been gone already
 
−
three days on his journey ?'* ** I will
 
−
undertake to do that, anfwered he,
 
−
if you will but give me a defcription
 
−
of his perfon and drefs/' Then cal-
 
−
ling fome of the moil capable men of
 
−
his audience, he" difpatched them away,
 
−
with an account of the perfon they
 
−
were to purfue, commanding them to
 
−
travel night and day with all imagi-
 
−
nable fpeed, 'till they had overtook
 
−
him and brought him back with the
 
−
young lady's petition. She then took
 
−
her leave, and went home in a chair,
 
−
which the Granjl Vifitor had prepared
 
−
2^74 HAU KIOU CHOAAN;
 
−
 
 
−
for hen There at prefent we (halt
 
−
leave her and return to the Cbe-bien^
 
−
Sbuiy-guwiUf and his fon-in*laWt none
 
−
of whom had the leaft notice of what
 
−
had happened.
 
−
 
 
−
Qn the contrary the latter of thefe
 
−
was very joyfully employed ia pre-
 
−
paring things for his wedding, and ia
 
−
chufing out a fortunate or good day.
 
−
Of which, as foon as it was concluded
 
−
on, he gave notice to her uncle ; wha
 
−
accordingly went to acquaint her with itr
 
−
and to give her joy. At this Sbutf^
 
−
ping'^n laughed, and fsdd, <^ What do
 
−
you mean by a good day, and by giving
 
−
me joy ? Do you mean in this world
 
−
w the other*?" Sbuey-guwin replied^
 
−
 
 
−
* la orig. Kin fifth Lyflnb.
 
−
 
 
−
«« Ohr
 
−
 
 
−
A tHtNESE HISTORY. iy$
 
−
 
 
−
^^ Oh niece ! you may make a jcft of it
 
−
to me : but you muft hot trifle with the
 
−
Grand Vifitor- Do you confider that
 
−
he is a great Mandarine and whatever
 
−
he fays is the fame as if fpokcn by the
 
−
Emperor himfelf. He hath power over
 
−
life and death *," " She replied, how
 
−
 
 
−
fhould
 
−
 
 
−
* It belongs to the Fifitor to catifc the fcn«
 
−
fences of death pafTed throughout the whole pro-
 
−
vince to be put in: execution : in order to which
 
−
he affigns the city whither, on a day appointed^
 
−
ail thofe that are condemned fhall be brought to
 
−
him, and there he is prefentcd with a lift of their
 
−
names : then taking his pencil he marks fix or fe-
 
−
Ven of them, (if he prick down more he is count-
 
−
ed cruel) thefe are prefently carried to execution,
 
−
the reft returned to their refpcAive ptifons. It
 
−
belongs alio to this Mmidarine to vifit the walls^
 
−
caftles, &c. He fets forth with a great train and
 
−
pomp, having banners carried before him, and
 
−
other enfigns of majefty. 1 his is ufually per-
 
−
formed every year. P. Semedo, pag. 129.
 
−
 
 
−
It fcems to be this officer, whom P, Du Haldi
 
−
 
 
−
defcribes under the name oi Ngan-cha-tfe orTha
 
−
 
 
−
chief criminal judge of a province, [vd.a.p.
 
−
 
 
−
T a a99.3
 
−
 
 
−
^T^ HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
 
−
 
 
−
fhould I make a jeil of any thing to
 
−
you, who are to me as a father. But
 
−
the Grand Vifitor that is now, is not
 
−
the fame that was the other day. He
 
−
it quite changed, and become anodier
 
−
perfon. To jeft with the former is
 
−
a thing of no confequence." ** If
 
−
 
 
−
299.] But according to this laft aathor, anlefs in
 
−
iome extraordinary cafes, wherein the Emperor
 
−
permits execution on the fpot, no Mandarine, oi
 
−
even Superior Tribunal, can pronounce definitive
 
−
ientence of death. The judgments pafled on
 
−
all perfons for capital crimes are to be exami-
 
−
ned, agreed to and fubfcribed by the Emperor.
 
−
The late Emperor Yong-chim gave OFdere in
 
−
1^25, that none ihould be put to death till after
 
−
his trial was prefented to him thsee times*
 
−
When the crime is very enormous, the Emperor
 
−
in f^gning the dead warrant, adds : Js Joom a#
 
−
this order Jhall be receiitedj let him he executed
 
−
without delay. Otherwife he writes. Let him
 
−
he kept in prijon^ *till autumn and then executed.
 
−
There being a day fixed in autump, whereoa
 
−
all capital offenders are put to death thronghout
 
−
the empire.
 
−
See P. Du Halde, vol i^p. 313.
 
−
 
 
−
you
 
−
you meant to make a jeft of him, faid
 
−
her undc, why did you accept the
 
−
orders he iffued out." " Uncle, faid
 
−
Ihe, I took them merely to make a
 
−
jeftofthem."
 
−
 
 
−
She had hardly fpoke before a fer-
 
−
vant entered to acquaint her that the
 
−
Grand Vifitor had fent a paper of de-
 
−
claration. She afked of what nature.
 
−
^^Doubdefs, faid her uncle, it is to
 
−
haften the completion of your marriage.
 
−
Let me go out and fee what it con-
 
−
tains." The young lady aflentcd. He
 
−
accordingly went into the great hall,
 
−
and feeing the officers, aiked them what
 
−
they had to fay to his niece. *• I fup-
 
−
pofe it is to require her to prepare
 
−
for her wedding." The officers told
 
−
him it was not ib. ** Our mafter
 
−
the Grand Vifkor, faid they, having
 
−
been but a fhort time arrived, knew
 
−
not how aflfairs flood with regard to th«
 
−
marriage of this young lady. He ue*
 
−
ver fufpeded but (he had licence from
 
−
her father and mother to marry, and
 
−
that the bridefman had been accepted*
 
−
It was but yefterday he was informed
 
−
of the truth. He now gives out this
 
−
order and declaration^ forbidding any
 
−
one to concern himfelf or meddle with
 
−
her, whether by laying claim to her, or
 
−
otherwile forcing her to marry againft
 
−
her inclinations/*.
 
−
 
 
−
Sbuey-guwin ieemg the decbration and
 
−
hearing what the ofHcen f^, was rca-
 
−
(}y to die with fear, and utterly unable
 
−
 
 
−
to
 
−
to atifwer one word: but taking the
 
−
paper he went in and gave it to hia
 
−
niece. " Here, faid he, is a declara-
 
−
tion from the Grand Vifitor ; I know not
 
−
what it contains." She accordingly
 
−
opened it and read as follows^
 
−
 
 
−
** Whereas the Mandarine Sbuey-^
 
−
*• keu-ye * when banifhed into a diftant
 
−
 
 
−
** country,
 
−
 
 
−
* In tlie original his title is ^ven at lengthy
 
−
viz. The Ping-pu Sbuey-Jhe-lang, That is, " Sbui^^
 
−
affiftant to the tribunal of arms.'*
 
−
 
 
−
The adminiftration of the Chine/e government
 
−
is chiefly managed by fix fovereign courts at
 
−
Pe-kingt called Leu-pu^ whofe power and autho-
 
−
rity extend over all the provinces of the empire*
 
−
Each of thefe councils hath a prefident, whom
 
−
they call Cbang-Jhu*^ who is a Mandarine of
 
−
the firft rank. It.hath alfo two aiiiftants or z£*
 
−
T 4 ieflors;
 
−
 
 
−
* Writttn Cham-Xu and Xi-lam, ly P. Semeio^
 
−
tfier the manner rf the Pertt^efe ; njoitb tubom X
 
−
htUbtbe Jbundof SH; andlArfl^G. Tbe mt at^
 
−
tending te this bath caufed firange confufion in the
 
−
oribograpfy of Cbinefe names. See Dion. Kao, p«
 
−
j»4. note. tf«rf Mod, UmY,ffifU^iu,i^*i^%^w^fc«i«w*
 
−
 
 
−
ft^o HAU KIOU CHOAAI^.
 
−
 
 
−
^f country^ left at home one only
 
−
« daughter, who hath not yet been
 
−
♦• prefented in marriage ^ > apd whereas
 
−
** fhe, who is left thus a lone and
 
−
** defolate, keepeth her houfe qu^ct*
 
−
•' ly in his abfence, and obferveth
 
−
«< all the duties becoming a young
 
−
^f yroman : I hereby require and com-
 
−
 
 
−
*** rpand
 
−
 
 
−
ff flbrs I oat of the left hand, called Co-fije-lang ;
 
−
the other of the right, called Geu-jhe-laMg \
 
−
theie are Mandarines of the fecond order. Ex-
 
−
cepting only that of Co-lau^ thefe are the higheft
 
−
«Bd moft profitable offices of the whole empire ;
 
−
fo that when a Viceroy of any province, even
 
−
the moft principal, is to be preferred, he efteems.
 
−
Umfelf well provided for, if he be bat made
 
−
aflefibr of one of thefe councils. Which are at
 
−
follows :
 
−
 
 
−
1. Ui'pn^ or tribunal of Mandarines. [See
 
−
note p. 17b.]
 
−
 
 
−
2. ^-/if, or tribunal of the treafury.
 
−
 
 
−
3. Vi'fut or tribunal of rites. [See note p.
 
−
170.]
 
−
 
 
−
4* Ping-pUp or trfbfmal of arms. [See toI. i.
 
−
note p. 69.]
 
−
 
 
−
* i. e, twho brfb neiter |tt accc^e^C my w^iudprti^
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 2S%
 
−
 
 
−
^f mand the Cbe-foo and Cbe-bien to
 
−
^* take particular care that (he be no
 
−
*5 way molefted •, and that no one be
 
−
*> fufFered .either by force pr other un-
 
−
*•* fair pra6]tice to endeavour to marry
 
−
•* her. y pon the firft notice that any
 
−
*.* prefun^e to aft contrary to this Order,
 
−
*.* let me be advifed, and I (ball profe-
 
−
•-' cute them with the utmoft rigour.'*
 
−
 
 
−
5. tting-pUy or tribunal of crimes. [SlC vol.
 
−
3. chap. 7. note.]
 
−
 
 
−
6. Kong-pu, or tribunal of public works.
 
−
Subordinate to thefe are forty -four Tribunals^
 
−
 
 
−
each of which hath a Prefident and at leaft iiX
 
−
Councellors.
 
−
P.Du Halde^ voK i. p. 24S. P. Semedo, p. 12^
 
−
N. B. it may be proper to mention here once
 
−
for all, that the Mandarines are throughout thi|
 
−
hiflory always mentioned either with the title
 
−
of their office fnbjoined to their firft name, as,
 
−
" The Shuey-Jhe-lang ;" '' The Tieh-twyuen ;"
 
−
♦•The KwO'Mo-tfif "The Fung-ngan-yuen,^
 
−
^c. Or elfe with the addition only of Laoyc^* as
 
−
•* Shuey-lao-ye^ &c. [See note p. 1 84.] but to pre-
 
−
v.ent confufion, the Editor hath chofen to retain
 
−
f very where their proper name only.
 
−
 
 
−
When
 
−
 
 
−
2S2 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.
 
−
 
 
−
When Ihe had read it, fhe fmiled and
 
−
faid : " What is this to the purpofe ?
 
−
This is not to frighten men but mon-
 
−
keys. However, as it is a proof of
 
−
his good will, I ihail efteem it a great
 
−
favour.** Then fhe ordered her fcr-
 
−
vant to put two taels of filver in a red
 
−
paper for the officers that brought the
 
−
declaration, and five mace'^ for the offi-
 
−
cers* fervant. Thefe Ihe delivered to
 
−
her uncle to give them. Not knowing
 
−
bow to refufe her, he quietly went
 
−
and prefented it to them, with his
 
−
niece's thanks. Then he came back
 
−
IP her and faid, " You were not mif-
 
−
taken when you faid this Nfandarine
 
−
would change his fentiments. It is
 
−
certain he hath now done it. But how
 
−
 
 
−
♦ Two!r^/f arc i3s.4d.-FivcJfiK^aic 38. 4d,
 
−
 
 
−
is
 
−
comes he, that was before fo prefling
 
−
for the conclufion of your marriage,
 
−
to 4give out now fo contrary an or-
 
−
der? This is what I cannot compre-
 
−
hend." His niece replied, " Wheroi
 
−
is the difficulty in this matter ? He was
 
−
then but juft arrived, and eftceming
 
−
me a poor filly girl, thought it was o£
 
−
no cpnfcquence what became of me.
 
−
Then he only regarded Kwo-kbe-tzu^
 
−
But being now better informed ; and
 
−
finding that Oiould he perfift to offeif
 
−
me injuftice, it would endanger hit
 
−
office; h^ hath altered his meafures.*'
 
−
** Your father, faid Sbuey-guwiUy is
 
−
not at home to protedl you. What
 
−
can you do of yourfelf } Can he
 
−
be afraid of you V* She fmiled and
 
−
^^ ^^ Unde, you mufl: afk no far-^
 
−
 
 
−
ther
 
−
ther queftions. In a few days you will
 
−
 
 
−
be better informed*'*
 
−
 
 
−
Upon this he left her, his imagi*
 
−
nation being wholly bufied in unra-
 
−
Telling an affair which feemed to him
 
−
of infcrutable intricacy. Unable to
 
−
fathom fo great a myftcry, he went to
 
−
inform Kwo-kbe-tzu of it. To the
 
−
latter it appeared fo incredible, that
 
−
he openly profefledhe could not be-
 
−
lieve it. *^ Do you think I would
 
−
deceive you, faid Sbuey-guwinf Was
 
−
not I there myfelf? And did not I
 
−
give her prefent to the iervants ? If you
 
−
have any doubt of it, I would have you
 
−
apply to the Grand Vifitor himfelf.
 
−
This r would alfo advife you to do, in
 
−
order to learn the motives of bis con*.
 
−
 
 
−
dua,*'
 
−
duft.** This advice appeared fo rea-
 
−
ibnable to Kwo-kbe-ixu^ that he ordered
 
−
his chair and went immediately.
 
−
 
 
−
That Mandarine had hitherto re-
 
−
ceived him with the greateft kindnefs ^
 
−
and notwithftanding the moft urgent
 
−
bufineis, always had him admitted. But
 
−
now he fent an excufe, and faid he
 
−
had fo many petitions and other affairs
 
−
to difpatch, that he could not fee
 
−
him. Finding he could not gain ad-
 
−
mittance, KwO'kbe-tzu bowed and with-
 
−
drew. The next morning he pre-
 
−
fented himfelf again, but ftill was an-
 
−
iwered that the Grand Vifitor was pre-
 
−
vented from feeing him by unavoid-
 
−
able bufinefs. He returned four or five
 
−
days fucceffiyely, but conftantly recei-
 
−
2 vcd
 
−
 
 
−
4J« HAU KrOU CHOAAK.
 
−
 
 
−
Vied the fame cxcufe. Surprized at
 
−
this change, and enraged at the re-
 
−
peated mortifications he met with, " I
 
−
will fend a letter, faid he, to my father
 
−
at court, and acquaint him of the
 
−
abufe and contempt I receive.''
 
−
 
 
−
He was very much provoked and
 
−
mortified : but what farther relates
 
−
to him will be feen at large in Book
 
−
the Third,
 
−
 
 
−
The End of Book the Second*
 
−
 
 
−
ADDt-
 
−
 
 
−
[ 28; 1
 
−
ADDITIONS AND CORRECTION^.
 
−
 
 
−
PAGE 10. lin. 3, note referring to the •vacrd
 
−
[cven^]
 
−
 
 
−
* This expreflion is familiar to the Cbinefe^
 
−
In the Shi-ktngi one of their canonical books^
 
−
it is fpoken in praife of an ancient Emperor,
 
−
that " his way is ftraight.'* P. Du Halde, v. i.
 
−
/. 409.
 
−
 
 
−
The fcriptores abound with this metaphor^
 
−
[See P/. 5. 8. J/ai. 40. 3. and S9' 8. Lam. 3. 9^
 
−
Mat, 3. 3*^ Hebf 12. 13.] which is fo obviousr
 
−
that we are not to wonder that it hath even been*
 
−
adopted by the Indians of North America. In?
 
−
a late conference their warriors told one of our
 
−
governors, " that they had been fent to make the
 
−
path ftraight, and to accommodate differences/'
 
−
 
 
−
See account of the conferences of OSi, 19. 1759*
 
−
Dated CharleS'Tonjun, South-Carolina, No*u, l-»— '
 
−
Lond, Chron. Jan. 26. 1760.
 
−
 
 
−
Page 23. lin. 2. note [blame *.]
 
−
 
 
−
* The Chinefe have fome notion of an ori-
 
−
gioal (late of innocence. Their hiftorians teach-
 
−
that, before the time of Fo-hi^ their firft Emperor
 
−
and Legillator, the two fexes cloathed alike, and
 
−
OOnverfed togedier without rellraint.
 
−
 
 
−
See P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 137. 41 1. Mart.
 
−
Hift. p. 23.&G,
 
−
 
 
−
Pag.
 
−
 
 
−
288 ADDITIONS and
 
−
 
 
−
Pag. 9'2. AddtttOD to the note.
 
−
 
 
−
N. B. In what light the Cbiue/e confider fo-
 
−
reign nations will appear from the following
 
−
words oi the late £mperor Tong-cbing [who
 
−
died 0£t. 7. 1735O in a fpeech he made to the
 
−
Jefoites. *' I am Sovereign Matter of The king-
 
−
** dom of tU middk : all other dates great and
 
−
'* fmall fend me tribute : I take a pleafure in
 
−
'* giving them inftmflions : if they profit by tht^m,
 
−
*< well and good ! if not, I am not concerned
 
−
*« at it.'* See Lettres edif. Rec. xviii, pref. xxxi'v.
 
−
 
 
−
And even in the lad vol. of Je/uites Letters
 
−
publifhed fo lately as 1758, we find the fathers
 
−
in order to pave the way for a new embafly
 
−
firom France^ endeavoarkig to prevail with the
 
−
Chinsfe miniftry, not to conuder his mod chridian
 
−
majedy, as *• tributary to the Emperor, but to
 
−
** treat him upon the footing of an equal : nei-
 
−
<* ther to look upon his preienu, as tribute ; cr
 
−
<* thofe of the Emperor, as the bounty of a fa-
 
−
^* perior. Nor again to regard his letters, as fup.
 
−
*• plicatory petitions, nor to give to the anfwertf
 
−
V which ihould be retamed, Che name of orders
 
−
" intimated to him from the Emperor." But
 
−
we don't find that thefe applications met with
 
−
any fuccefs.
 
−
 
 
−
See Lettres edtf. ifc Rec. 28. fref, /, xxiit\
 
−
 
 
−
Page 96. Note.
 
−
 
 
−
The Reader is defired to cancel the Ujt eight
 
−
lines of this Note, <vix.from [From this table, &c.]
 
−
to the end; and in their Jiead U read, as follows.
 
  
−
The
+
It is pity so excellent an institution is no longer kept up. The drum still remains, but its use hath long been discontinued. P. Semedo tells us that during his residence, of two and twenty years, he never remembered it beaten upon above once; and then he that did it had his answer in bastinadoes, for having disturbed the Emperor, who was half a league off.
  
−
CORRECTIONS. 289
+
This father was in China before the conquest of the Tartars in 1644, when the reigning family had quite shut themselves up from all public access, which was the cause of their ruin.
  
−
TYitJirft of thefe, or f «, begins as foon as
+
The new succession of Emperors of the Tartar race have observed a very different conduct, often shewing themselves to the people, and attending to their grievances, but they have not revived the ancient practice in question, notwithstanding that the remembrance of it is still kept up.
−
the clock with us hath ftruck eleven ; the fame
 
−
is to be obferved of the reft. Each of thefe
 
−
hours hath fmaller divifions aod fubdivifionSy
 
−
anfwerable to our minutes, &c.
 
  
−
It is remarkable that, whereas we reckon our
+
P. Gaubil, whose curious description of Pe-king was published last year in the Philosophical Transactions, tells us, that in the Pavillion, called ''Tchoua-kou-ting'', there is "a drum, and that Mandarines and soldiers keep guard there day and night. In ancient times when any person had not justice done him, and thought himself oppressed, he went and beat this drum; at the sound of which the Mandarines ran, and were obliged to carry the complaint of the party oppressed to the great men or ministers, [rather to the Emperor. ''Vid. Author. infra citat.''] At present the use of the drum is abolished: but it hath been thought proper to preserve this ancient monument of Chinese government."
−
Hours by numbers, but have particular names
 
−
for our Months, the Chinefe on the contrary
 
−
compute their Months by numbers, but ailign
 
−
particular names and characters to their Hours.
 
−
Thus we fay, January, February^ &c, but the
 
−
Chinefe fimply. The firfi or fecend moon : on the
 
−
other hand we only diftinguilh our Hours by
 
−
one, tiuo^ or three o^clock, whereas the Chinefe
 
−
have a peculiar arbitrary name for each, as in
 
−
the table.
 
  
−
If the Chinefe excel us in fome invention?,
+
See Philos. Transact. Roy. Soc. for 1758, part 2d. P. Semedo, pag. 110. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 474, 523, &c.</ref>. He hath accordingly been gone three days. This procedure I imagine you can never pardon, and am therefore come here with a firm resolution to end my life in your presence." As soon she had spoken these words, she again attempted to stab herself with her poinard.
−
they fall vaftly fhort of us in their manner of
 
−
giving notice of the time of the day : their only
 
−
method being as follows. In each of their cities
 
−
is a tower, wherein their Hours are meafui^d by
 
−
a kind of Ckpfydra or water clock : where the
 
−
water running out of one veffel into another, lifts
 
−
up a board marked with the names of the
 
−
hours. As foon as a new hour is begun, one
 
−
or more perfons, who are ftationed there for
 
−
that purpofe, immediately give public notice
 
−
of it, by Itriking upon a prodigious large drum ;
 
−
and at the fame time fet up in public view a
 
−
tablet or board, whereon the name of the cur-
 
−
rent Hour ib painted in characters of gold half a
 
−
a yard long. Vid. Bayer, torn. 2,p 336.]
 
  
−
To have done once for all with their com-
+
The Grand Visitor did not much regard what she said about Kwo-khe-tzu, but when he heard she had dispatched a servant to Pe-king, and saw her so resolutely determined to kill herself, he was seized with the greatest apprehensions. He begged her to forbear; saying, "How should I know what you have been telling me? Till now I never learned how the affair stood. But you have great reason for what you say. You must not offer any violence to yourself. I will take care you shall have justice done you. Yet there is one thing I must observe: you say you have licence of neither father nor mother; so far you are right: but that you had no mediator or bridesman, is not true." "The Pao Che-hien, replied the young lady, was indeed a bridesman, but not to me. He was such to my sister, my uncle's daughter<ref>It is owing to the remains of the patriarchal authority, which so still remarkably prevails in the domestic and political conduct of the Chinese, and not to any defect in their language, that a Niece occasionally calls her uncle ''father'', and her cousins ''brothers'', and that an Uncle calls his niece ''daughter'', &c. It is perhaps owing to a concurrence of both these causes, that some of the wild nations of North America do the same. See an account of the Iroquois in Lettres edifiant. xii. 144.
−
putations of time, we may obferve briefly, that
 
−
the Chinefe compute their ann^iU b^ C^cU* ^\
 
  
−
Vol. if. \3 "t.^^^
+
As to the Chinese, there is no nation in the world where the various degrees of consanguinity are more accurately defined by particular names. We only use the word ''uncle'' to signify the Brothers of both Father and Mother: but in the Chinese language there are words not only to distinguish the Brothers of the Father from those of the Mother (as in the Latin) but also those which are Younger or Elder, than the Father or Mother. In like manner they have four different words to express the Grandfather and Grandmother of both sides. With the same exactness they express all the other degrees of affinity. See P. Magal. pag. 102.
  
−
290 ADDITIONS AND
+
See Lettres edif. xv. 164. xxiii. 31.</ref>: and her hath Kwo-khe-tzu accordingly married, and long since carried home to his house." "If it be so, said the Mandarine, you have great reason on your side. But why did not you deliver in a petition to me, and inform me truly of the case. Had this been done, the last order had never been issued out. Why were you so hasty to send away a petition to Pe-king?" "I should not have taken these measures, she replied, had I not seen how absolute your last order was: wherein too plainly appeared the interest my adversary had gained in you. Now if I had sent up no petition to the court, but had died here in obscurity, every thing had continued in impenetrable darkness, and there had remained nothing to clear up my fame and conduct." He told her, the injury she complained of was not of such consequence, but that he could have redressed it; so that she needed not have applied to the Emperor, or have carried matters so far. "As this, added he, is a trifling affair, I can hardly conceive how a petition could be drawn up without enlargement or misrepresentation; which must fall very heavy upon you when it comes to be read<ref>It may be thought a paradox to say, that the Chinese can inflict punishments or confer rewards after death: and yet 'tis certain they affect to do both.
  
−
fixtjr years, as the Greeks did by Oljmfi .s /
+
The Chinese are remarkably sollicitous about their sepulture; there are even sons who will sell themselves in order to bestow funeral honours on their parents. These honours are therefore by way of punishment sometimes denied the defunct, and their ashes are burnt and scattered in the air. The Chinese are no less greedy of rank and title; these again are sometimes cancelled after their death; and their memory is declared for ever infamous.
−
and that the Chine/e cinl year, which commen-
 
−
ces about the twenty-fifth of January, coniiftt
 
−
bat of 354 days, and is fet right with the coarfe
 
−
of the uin, by inferting an intercalaiy Month
 
−
every third kud fifth year.
 
  
−
And efpecially be it remarked, that althoagh
+
On the other hand, it is not unusual for the Emperor to bestow both title and rank upon those who no longer exist to enjoy them: he issues out patents by which he raises the deceased to the dignity of Mandarines, and annexes honourable distinctions to their names. Nay when he is disposed to reward the services of his departed ministers by uncommon honours to their memory, it is not unfrequent by express patents to confer marks of distinction also on their fathers and grandfathers, and even female ancestors. [See copies of such patents in P. Du Halde, i. 271.] It is also customary to erect grand sepulchres for the deserving at the public expence, and for the greater honour the Emperor sometimes writes their elogium with his own hand: but the most signal mark of favour is to declare them Saints, to build them temples, and to sacrifice to them among their idols: Divinity being as easily communicated in China, as the quality of a Count or Marquis is in some countries of Europe. Lettres edifiant. xv. 131. xix. 78, &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. 306, 352, & ubi supra. P. Le Compte, ii. 59, &c.</ref>." She replied, "Why should I need to put any thing in it but matter of fact?" Then taking a paper out of her bosom, she presented it to him, as a true copy of what she had sent. He cast his eye over it, and found it contained a brief and succinct relation of the injustice done her, and by whom: informing his majesty, that before this could have reached his hands, she should have surrendered up her life, by killing herself before his tribunal: and that she sent her slave to fall down at his feet in order to petition for redress: and that though she should be laid in her tomb, her shade would still retain a grateful sense of the justice his majesty would do to her memory<ref>The literal translation is, "that although she was laid in her tomb, she should still have a grateful remembrance of the justice his majesty would do to her."
−
the Chine/e keep no Sabhath, or feventh day
 
−
of reftf they heverthelefs divide the weeks like
 
−
«5, according to the order of the planets, reck-
 
−
oning the twenty- eight days of every Month
 
−
fncceflively by feven and feren thronghout the
 
−
year : [See P. Du Haldey v. 2 /. 132,] there-
 
−
by confirming that remark of learned men,
 
−
that there is hardly any nation under heaven,
 
−
among whom fome tradition of the world*s
 
−
having been created in feven days may not
 
−
be difcovered, by the arbitrary divifion of their
 
−
time into weeks of feven days.
 
  
−
Vide Selden. Jus Nat. y Gent, lib. 3. cap. 22.
+
Although it appears not that either Confucius, or the other ancient Chinese lawgivers, ever inculcated any notion of a future state, and although the modern Literati generally treat it all as fiction; [See note above pag. 169.] yet various doctrines relating to it prevail in China.
−
-^Huet. demonftrat. E'vang. prop, 4/ cap. 11./.
 
−
26^.Gro^tius de veritaf. lib. i. /e^. 16^
 
  
−
Page 131. Note, add:
+
The most general is that of the Bonzees or followers of FO, who teach that there is a paradise or delightful abode in the west, where FO waits to receive [the most distinguished of] his votaries, and to make them partakers of his bliss. On the other hand, that there is a hell beneath the earth, the abode of ''Yen'' or evil spirits, and under the dominion of a ''Yen-wang'', or king of demons; and that there are ''Lo-han'' or spirits of destiny, whose business it is to convey the souls of men into their bodies at the moment of their birth, and to drag them away at the moment of death to the subterranean dominions, where [if they have deserved it] they are cruelly tormented by [the] other spirits. They believe hell to contain nine several compartments, and that after the soul hath passed through them all, it transmigrates into a new body (FO the author of this doctrine lived 500 years before PYTHAGORAS, who may therefore well be supposed to have picked it up in his travels into India, among the followers of FO, viz. Brachmans or Bramins.): if it hath behaved well in its former state, into that of a man, a prince, &c. if otherwise, into that of a beast, &c. They believe even brutes to be capable of future rewards and punishments; and that if they have been either more or less cruel than is suitable to their nature, they either become human creatures, or lose all existence. These opinions are so prevalent in China, that it is a common expression of acknowledgment for any favour, ''If after my death, my soul shall pass into the body of a dog or a horse, I shall be at your service.'' P. Du Halde, vol. 2. 67.
  
−
N. B. Th< Editor hath been informed by m
+
The sect of ''Tao-tse'' also acknowledge a future glory and a hell: the glory to be conjoined to the body, not only in the other life, but in this; pretending that by certain exercises, meditations, or, according to some authors, by certain chymical secrets, a person may renew his youth and childhood, and even become one of the ''Sien-jin'', that is, ''fortunate ones of the earth'', [or according to P. Du Halde] ''immortal men'', or ''flying immortals'', so called because they never die, but fly from one mountain to another. This sect also make some profession of belief in a metempsychosis. See P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 168.
−
j;entlcman lately come from China, that the Tad
 
−
is always edimated at 6s. 8d. Englilh. See a(/a
 
−
the TrarjJlator*spref. to P. Du Haldi^fol. v. i. /.
 
−
'viij. and Dampiery ^vol. 2. Supplemt. p. 61.
 
  
−
Page 136. Note, add:
+
See also on the above articles, P. Semedo, p. 99, 87. P. Du Halde, i. 646, 673, 675, &c. P. Magal. p. 74, &c.
  
−
N. B. See alfo a very exa6t, though fome-
+
Such is the best account of this subject which the Editor hath been able to collect from various writers concerning China, who are all of them very confused and obscure on this article. It may perhaps give the Reader the clearest notion of what the Chinese generally believe concerning the soul and a future state, to subjoin a few passages from the writings of the Chinese themselves in their own words.
−
what different, acLOutit ^i ^v^ ^m^\i.% Ever.
 
  
−
CORRECTIONS. 291
+
"The reason [for setting up the image or tablet of a deceased ancestor, in order to reverence it] saith a Chinese writer quoted by P. Du Halde, is, because the soul or spirit of the dead being invisible, a child stands in need of a sensible object to put him in mind of his parents." Vol. 1. p. 300.
  
−
1^, ^en (for fuch the Tea-fhrub is) in Kampfer's
+
In a Chinese novel, given by the same author, it is said of a Mandarine's lady, "She fainted away, and remained a long while in that condition, as if her ''three souls'' had intirely left her." Vol. 2. p. 162.
−
Hift, of Japan. Supplemt.
 
  
−
Page 169. Note, atiJ.
+
In a memorial which a Mandarine makes to one of the Emperors, he thus apologizes for the freedom he had taken. "Being old and ready to join your father ''under the earth'', I would prevent the reproaches he would make me did I hold my peace." Ibid. vol. 1. pag. 567.
  
−
N. B. The great progrefs of the religion of
+
"Although I should not punish him, (saith the late Emperor Yong-ching in a declaration concerning one of his ministers) the soul of my father, ''which is in heaven'' [Lai-tien-chi-ting] doubtless sees clearly his criminal conduct, and will cause secretly to descend upon him the chastisement he deserves." Lettres edifiant. xxii. 194.
−
Fo among the Chinefe^ is perhaps to be ac^
 
−
counted for, from its fupplying the dodrines of
 
−
a future date, fo agreeable to the mind of man.
 
−
This at lead was the cafe in Japan. \See K<tmp^
 
−
fer, p. 248.] As for the fed of Tao-t/e, they
 
−
have evidently borrowed their notions on this
 
−
ittbjcft from the other. See page 269. note.
 
  
−
Pagei94. lin 12. [filver * ;]
+
"By digging up the dead (saith a Mandarine in a public edict) by stealing their bones, and by mixing them with those of beasts, they would cause the ''souls of the defunct to cast forth bitter cries''." Lettres edifiant. xv. 131.
  
−
• Our merchants give the name of fices Co
+
"If the person guilty of imbruing his hands in the blood of another, be not punished with death, (saith a Chinese author) the ghost [''manes lat.''] of him, who was murthered, and which cries for justice, will never be at rest." P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 155.
−
thofe wedges or oblong pieces, into which the
 
−
Chinefe commonly caft their gold. [See notes,
 
−
^oL 4. pag, 109. y pag, 153.] but it is not
 
−
ufual with them to give tbb name to their
 
−
wedges of iilver : however there is no doubt
 
−
but thefe are meant by the exprefTion in the
 
−
text.
 
  
−
N- B. Thefe "Jhoes of filver" are perhaps
+
We may conclude this long note with observing, that no people are more superstitious than the Chinese in the article of apparitions, spectres, &c. and that they have a ridiculous opinion that the soul of a criminal, when he is executed, in passing out of the body falls upon the first persons it meets with, on whom it vents all its fury and loads with curses; especially those who have contributed to its punishment. And hence it is, that as soon as they see the stroke of death given, they run away with all their might. Lettres edifiant. xxvii. 398.
−
the fame with what Kampfer calls ** Shuets of
 
−
iilver:" one of which, he fays, weighs about
 
−
£ve ounces, and is worth about a pound of
 
−
(lerling.
 
  
−
ijee Hift. of Japan, page 318.
+
See also P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 584. n. 646, 671. vol. 2. p. 78, 84, 123, &c. Lettres edif. xv. 134.</ref>.
  
−
Page 290.
+
The very sight of the address of this petition threw the Grand Visitor into a cold sweat, and made him shudder. At first he was disposed to chide her severely for a precipitancy so fatal. But fearing it should drive her to extremities, he thought it better to sooth her with gentle speeches. "When I came here, said he, I was utterly ignorant of this affair. Kwo-khe-tzu drew me designedly into it. I thought I was doing a good action in promoting a marriage. It was out of friendship and benevolence that I interposed. I find I have been mistaken; and was misinformed as well about the consent of your father and mother, as about the intervention of the bridesman. Lady, proceeded he, return home to your house. Rest easy and quiet. Think no more of the tricks which have been played you: for I will set forth an order forbidding any one to molest you, or to concern themselves in any wise farther on the subject of your marriage. In return for which I must intreat you to dispatch a messenger away to bring back your petition." She replied, "To deliver out such an order as you mention is all I can expect or desire of your Excellency; and will be such a mark of your goodness as will deserve my best thanks. But how shall I cause my servant to return, when he hath been gone already three days on his journey?" "I will undertake to do that, answered he, if you will but give me a description of his person and dress." Then calling some of the most capable men of his audience, he dispatched them away, with an account of the person they were to pursue, commanding them to travel night and day with all imaginable speed, 'till they had overtook him and brought him back with the young lady's petition. She then took her leave, and went home in a chair, which the Grand Visitor had prepared for her. There at present we shall leave her and return to the Che-hien, Shuey-guwin, and his son-in-law, none of whom had the least notice of what had happened.
  
−
The little marginal note fliould run thus.
+
On the contrary the latter of these was very joyfully employed in preparing things for his wedding, and in choosing out a fortunate or good day. Of which, as soon as it was concluded on, he gave notice to her uncle; who accordingly went to acquaint her with it, and to give her joy. At this Shuey-ping-sin laughed, and said, "What do you mean by a good day, and by giving me joy? Do you mean in this world or the other<ref>In orig. ''Kin shih Lay shih''.</ref>?" Shuey-guwin replied, "Oh niece! you may make a jest of it to me: but you must not trifle with the Grand Visitor. Do you consider that he is a great Mandarine and whatever he says is the same as if spoken by the Emperor himself. He hath power over life and death<ref>It belongs to the Visitor to cause the sentences of death passed throughout the whole province to be put in execution: in order to which he assigns the city whither, on a day appointed, all those that are condemned shall be brought to him, and there he is presented with a list of their names: then taking his pencil he marks six or seven of them, (if he prick down more he is counted cruel) these are presently carried to execution, the rest returned to their respective prisons. It belongs also to this Mandarine to visit the walls, castles, &c. He sets forth with a great train and pomp, having banners carried before him, and other ensigns of majesty. This is usually performed every year. P. Semedo, pag. 129.
  
−
N. B. ^e Chinefe mirroun ore of -^dijbed Jtt\^
+
It seems to be this officer, whom P. Du Halde describes under the name of ''Ngan-cha-tse'' or ''The chief criminal judge of a province'', [vol. 2. p. 299.] But according to this last author, unless in some extraordinary cases, wherein the Emperor permits execution on the spot, no Mandarine, or even Superior Tribunal, can pronounce definitive sentence of death. The judgments passed on all persons for capital crimes are to be examined, agreed to and subscribed by the Emperor. The late Emperor Yong-chin gave orders in 1725, that none should be put to death till after his trial was presented to him three times. When the crime is very enormous, the Emperor in signing the dead warrant, adds: ''As soon as this order shall be received, let him be executed without delay.'' Otherwise he writes, ''Let him be kept in prison, 'till autumn and then executed.'' There being a day fixed in autumn, whereon all capital offenders are put to death throughout the empire. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 313.</ref>." She replied, "how should I make a jest of any thing to you, who are to me as a father. But the Grand Visitor that is now, is not the same that was the other day. He is quite changed, and become another person. To jest with the former is a thing of no consequence." "If you meant to make a jest of him, said her uncle, why did you accept the orders he issued out." "Uncle, said she, I took them merely to make a jest of them."
  
−
KJ2 A D D I T I O N S, &c.
+
She had hardly spoke before a servant entered to acquaint her that the Grand Visitor had sent a paper of declaration. She asked of what nature. "Doubtless, said her uncle, it is to hasten the completion of your marriage. Let me go out and see what it contains." The young lady assented. He accordingly went into the great hall, and seeing the officers, asked them what they had to say to his niece. "I suppose it is to require her to prepare for her wedding." The officers told him it was not so. "Our master the Grand Visitor, said they, having been but a short time arrived, knew not how affairs stood with regard to the marriage of this young lady. He never suspected but she had licence from her father and mother to marry, and that the bridesman had been accepted. It was but yesterday he was informed of the truth. He now gives out this order and declaration, forbidding any one to concern himself or meddle with her, whether by laying claim to her, or otherwise forcing her to marry against her inclinations."
  
−
(Sec P. Du Haldc, i. 196. Lcttr. ed. xxviij. 194.)
+
Shuey-guwin seeing the declaration and hearing what the officers said, was ready to die with fear, and utterly unable to answer one word: but taking the paper he went in and gave it to his niece. "Here, said he, is a declaration from the Grand Visitor; I know not what it contains." She accordingly opened it and read as follows.
−
not but the Cbinefe manufaSlure a kind of glafiy but
 
−
ijoe are told that it is more brittle than ours^ breaking
 
−
nvhen exfofed to toojbarp an air. P. Du Haldc, i.
 
−
105. Mod. Univ. Hilt. viij. 73.
 
  
−
Page 280. Note, lin. 14.
+
: "Whereas the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye<ref>In the original his title is given at length, viz. ''The Ping-pu Shuey-she-lang''. That is, "Shuey, assistant to the tribunal of arms."
  
−
2. The Hupu or Tribunal of the Treafury.
+
The administration of the Chinese government is chiefly managed by six sovereign courts at Pe-king, called ''Leu-pu'', whose power and authority extend over all the provinces of the empire. Each of these councils hath a president, whom they call ''Chang-shu'' (Written ''Cham-Xu'' and ''Xi-lam'', by P. Semedo, after the manner of the Portuguese; with whom X hath the sound of SH; and M of NG. The not attending to this hath caused strange confusion in the orthography of Chinese names. See Dion. Kao, p. 124. note. and Mod. Univ. Hist. ubi supra.), who is a Mandarine of the first rank. It hath also two assistants or assessors; one of the left hand, called ''Co-she-lang''; the other of the right, called ''Geu-she-lang''; these are Mandarines of the second order. Excepting only that of Co-lau, these are the highest and most profitable offices of the whole empire; so that when a Viceroy of any province, even the most principal, is to be preferred, he esteems himself well provided for, if he be but made assessor of one of these councils. Which are as follows:
−
[This court hath the care of the public treafury,
 
−
finances, &c. together with the private ellate,
 
−
revenues, and expences of the Emperor. It
 
−
pays the falaries and penfions of all the flate
 
−
ofncers : and keeps the rolls and regifters which
 
−
are made every year of all the families, number
 
−
of men, mealure of land, and the duties thence
 
−
arifing to the Emperor. See P. Du Haldcj i,
 
−
249. Mod. Uni*v, Htft. *viij. I46.]
 
  
−
Page 281. Note, lin. 3.
+
1. ''Li-pu'', or tribunal of Mandarines. [See note p. 170.]
 +
2. ''Hu-pu'', or tribunal of the treasury.
 +
3. ''Li-pu'', or tribunal of rites. [See note p. 170.]
 +
4. ''Ping-pu'', or tribunal of arms. [See vol. 1. note p. 69.]
 +
5. ''Hing-pu'', or tribunal of crimes. [See vol. 3. chap. 7. note.]
 +
6. ''Kong-pu'', or tribunal of public works.
  
−
6. The Kong'puy or Tribunal of public- works.
+
Subordinate to these are forty-four Tribunals, each of which hath a President and at least six Councellors. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 248. P. Semedo, p. 124.
−
[This court iuperintends all the Emperor^s
 
−
buildings : and takes cognizance of all the tow-
 
−
ers, bridges, caufeys, dikes, rivers, canals, high-
 
−
ways, and ftreets throughout the empire. P. Du
 
−
Halde, Mod. Uni<v. Hift. Wr. ubi/u^a.'\
 
  
−
THE END OF THE SECOND VOLUME.
+
N.B. It may be proper to mention here once for all, that the Mandarines are throughout this history always mentioned either with the title of their office subjoined to their first name, as, "The Shuey-she-lang;" "The Tieh-tu-yuen;" "The Kwo-hio-tse;" "The Fung-ngan-yuen," &c. Or else with the addition only of ''Lao-ye''; as "Shuey-lao-ye," &c. [See note p. 184.] but to prevent confusion, the Editor hath chosen to retain every where their proper name only.</ref> when banished into a distant country, left at home one only daughter, who hath not yet been presented in marriage<ref>i.e. who hath never yet accepted any nuptial present, or offer of marriage. See note vol. 1. p. 90.</ref>; and whereas she, who is left thus alone and desolate, keepeth her house quietly in his absence, and observeth all the duties becoming a young woman: I hereby require and command the Che-foo and Che-hien to take particular care that she be no way molested; and that no one be suffered either by force or other unfair practice to endeavour to marry her. Upon the first notice that any presume to act contrary to this Order, let me be advised, and I shall prosecute them with the utmost rigour."
  
−
ERRATA in Vol. II.
+
When she had read it, she smiled and said: "What is this to the purpose? This is not to frighten men but monkeys. However, as it is a proof of his good will, I shall esteem it a great favour." Then she ordered her servant to put two taels of silver in a red paper for the officers that brought the declaration, and five mace<ref>Two ''Taels'' are 13s. 4d.—Five ''Mace'' are 3s. 4d.</ref> for the officers' servant. These she delivered to her uncle to give them. Not knowing how to refuse her, he quietly went and presented it to them, with his niece's thanks. Then he came back to her and said, "You were not mistaken when you said this Mandarine would change his sentiments. It is certain he hath now done it. But how comes he, that was before so pressing for the conclusion of your marriage, to give out now so contrary an order? This is what I cannot comprehend." His niece replied, "Where is the difficulty in this matter? He was then but just arrived, and esteeming me a poor silly girl, thought it was of no consequence what became of me. Then he only regarded Kwo-khe-tzu. But being now better informed; and finding that should he persist to offer me injustice, it would endanger his office; he hath altered his measures." "Your father, said Shuey-guwin, is not at home to protect you. What can you do of yourself? Can he be afraid of you?" She smiled and said, "Uncle, you must ask no farther questions. In a few days you will be better informed."
  
−
pAGE 5. line 12. of the Note r. tdls Uff. Ibid. L
+
Upon this he left her, his imagination being wholly busied in unravelling an affair which seemed to him of inscrutable intricacy. Unable to fathom so great a mystery, he went to inform Kwo-khe-tzu of it. To the latter it appeared so incredible, that he openly professed he could not believe it. "Do you think I would deceive you, said Shuey-guwin? Was not I there myself? And did not I give her present to the servants? If you have any doubt of it, I would have you apply to the Grand Visitor himself. This I would also advise you to do, in order to learn the motives of his conduct." This advice appeared so reasonable to Kwo-khe-tzu, that he ordered his chair and went immediately.
−
-* loft but 2. for wmtherr. where. /. 7. bottom r.
 
  
−
N. B. Nieuhoff (p. 59.) P. Magalhaens
+
That Mandarine had hitherto received him with the greatest kindness; and notwithstanding the most urgent business, always had him admitted. But now he sent an excuse, and said he had so many petitions and other affairs to dispatch, that he could not see him. Finding he could not gain admittance, Kwo-khe-tzu bowed and withdrew. The next morning he presented himself again, but still was answered that the Grand Visitor was prevented from seeing him by unavoidable business. He returned four or five days successively, but constantly received the same excuse. Surprized at this change, and enraged at the repeated mortifications he met with, "I will send a letter, said he, to my father at court, and acquaint him of the abuse and contempt I receive."
  
−
and for 2zo. r. 230./ 8. /. 16, dele gJ Bnd.f. 17.
+
He was very much provoked and mortified: but what farther relates to him will be seen at large in Book the Third.
−
/. 9. r. ufc. /. 23. /. 6. r.for that hath r. which
 
−
hath./. 38. /. 5. r. weak that he. /. 39. noteL 12.
 
−
/ir figures r. lingers. /. 42. /. 3. r. with it myfelf."
 
−
N, B, After theje twordsjhould have been a break^*^
 
−
p. 44. /. 10. ^c, r. fervice : ihe» who is of an ad-
 
−
mirable difpofition, doth. Ibid. /. 16. r. advice^
 
−
added he addrefling. /. 55. note forzmr. ** Am.
 
  
−
r. with./. 6"/, L 7. r. Lieu'hiau-nvhey, /. 68. «i/#,
+
''The End of Book the Second.''
−
^/p /i6^ three laft lines, p. 83. w/f, /. 9. after wines,
 
−
add^ and fpirituoos liquors. /. 99. /• 7. dele all the.
 
−
/. 104. note^ /. I. for into, r. in./. 130. /. 4, r.
 
−
prevent it./, r^i. note, I. 16. r. (2) Lettres edifiant.
 
−
p. 132. /. i./cr wait r. go, /. 143. /. 6. delefecond
 
−
hath. /. 144. «0/f, /. I. r. dUFerently. /. 146. ^r^/^^
 
−
/. 3, r. Liv. XVI, /^///. /. 10. II. r. where nature
 
−
hath fo much force, that morality hath. /, 150.
 
−
note, I, 22. r. Even a perfon. /. 151. «tf/r, /. 10.
 
−
after cavaliers, add and yet they always go on
 
−
foot./. 156. /. 3. from bottom dele to and. /. 167.
 
−
note/L 6. add 2^j, p. 185. w/f, «//. r, xxv. 143.^
 
−
286./. 197. L penult, r. exceedingly./. 198. /./#-
 
−
nult/for original r. Tranflator's MS. /. 201. /. 15.
 
−
for thefe r. which. /. 206. note, /. 2. for it r. each
 
−
piece. /. 228. note, I, 2. after Cize, add (frequently
 
−
12 or 14 feet long) /. 237, note^ /. 5. after town.
 
−
Vol. ir. <Ui
 
  
−
========================================
+
<references/>
−
VOLUME III
 
−
========================================
 
−
OR
 
−
The Pleafing lfi/lory.
 
−
A
 
−
TRANSLATION
 
−
FROM THE
 
−
CHiNESE LAN GU AGE.
 
−
To which are added,
 
−
I. The Argument or Story of a Chinefe Play,
 
−
II. A Collection of Chinefe Proverbs, and
 
−
III. Fragments of Chinefe Poetry.
 
−
WITH NOTES.
 
−
JI n'y a pas tie mtilleur fllb_YUI Jes' inJlruire tie la Chi1re, f'" par la Chine mime: car par la on tjJ fur tie ne fa point
 
−
tromper, Jans la connoifsance Ju genie et ties ufages tie uttt
 
−
nation. P. Du Halde, tom. 2. p. 258.
 
  
 
[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]
 
[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

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Chapter 10: Feigned Earnestness Before the Provincial Inspector: Turning the Tables

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

Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the modern translation and Chinese original to verify.

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

CHAP. IX.[1]

Shuey-guwin carried the paper of verses to his niece. "Well, said he, to oblige you I have made enquiry, and find it to be true. It is a very dirty business[2]. When I told you before that this man was a cheat, and every thing that was bad, you would not believe me. Now I have brought a convincing proof of it. You will both find that he is so; and that he hath caused reflections to be thrown upon us." She asked him, "What he meant?"

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

"Whatever others, said he, might be disposed to believe concerning me, you know very well my insufficiency, and how incapable I am of any such thing. You are disposed to be merry." "It is true, said she, it was not you that made them, but Kwo-khe-tzu. They are the offspring of his masterly pencil[3]." "Alas! answered Shuey-guwin, he is looked upon as a man of letters: so am I. But he knows as little as myself. Far from being master of his pencil, he knows not how to use it at all[4]." "If he knows not how to handle his pencil, said the young lady, he knows how to use his tongue. The composition is altogether his own." "Why, said Shuey-guwin, should you talk thus? He is no enemy to Tieh-chung-u, what reason then could he have to abuse him?"

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

Shuey-guwin was so disconcerted, that he had not a word to offer farther on that head; but he said, "Niece, there is one thing I have to tell you. Think not that Kwo-khe-tzu will ever give you up; or lay aside his thoughts of you. He waits for the sanction of higher authority, than that of the Mandarines of this city. Yesterday the news arrived, that a Ngan-yuen or a Grand Visitor is coming hither, whose name is Fung-ying; one that was a pupil of his father's, and highly esteemed by him[5]. When he arrives, Kwo-khe-tzu intends to apply to him for his authority to conclude the marriage: which he will have compleated at your own house. Now as your father is not at home, and as I am a private person without any habit, and you a young woman of sixteen or seventeen years, how will you be able to manage this matter?" "Uncle, replied the young lady, this Mandarine comes with the Emperor's commission, and will doubtless act conformably to it. He is sent to supervise the province, and to rectify whatever is amiss. But I imagine he will exceed the bounds of his commission, if he comes here to offer any violence. Now marriage is an affair of private concern, and no way relates to the business of his office: nor is he any ways required to interpose in it. Should he therefore be wrought upon in the manner you threaten, he may not perhaps see himself in his post at the expiration of the year. But he is a man of understanding, and will not break the Emperor's laws: or even if he should, let us not be afraid."

"You affect to speak in a very lofty strain, said her uncle; and talk of not fearing. When you come before the Grand Visitor, should he speak but two words with authority and justice, will not you be afraid? Certainly you will be very much frighted." "True, she replied, when it is with justice. Every body is afraid that is guilty: but who is concerned that is altogether innocent? You must not talk of this Mandarine only: but was it the Emperor himself, I should not fear: nor will I be terrified so far as to give myself up to the loss of my happiness[6]." "To me, said Shuey-guwin, you may talk in this manner. It would excite the laughter of any one else. What I tell you proceeds from friendship; regard it as you please: but when the time comes, you must not blame me: nor can you deny I have given you warning." "It is an old saying, replied his niece, Every one hath an understanding, a memory, and a will to direct him[7]. If you do not comprehend this, there is another common saying, that Every one knows his own necessity, whether it be hunger, cold, or heat. Be pleased therefore, Sir, to manage your own affairs. Your niece knows how to observe that which is lawful, just, and reasonable. Whatever I do, whether it be well or ill, whether it prove unfortunate or happy, let it not affect you with any concern."

These words seemed to Shuey-guwin like the keen edge of swords dividing an iron bar. He looked very stern and out of humour, and rising up from his seat, said, "All I have told you proceeds from good will. A village mouth is good physic[8]. You may hearken to my words or not, as you please." He then went away, resolving to urge Kwo-khe-tzu to prosecute the affair with the utmost rigour[9].

It was about two months after this, that the Grand Visitor arrived. Kwo-khe-tzu went two leagues out of the city to meet him[10]: and made him a great many presents and entertainments. That Mandarine thought himself very much obliged by these civilities, and expressed a concern that he did not know how to return them: telling him that as he was but just arrived from the court[11], he had nothing to present him worth his acceptance; he desired him therefore to point out some way in which he could do him service. Kwo-khe-tzu answered, "Sir, you are a person of high quality and office. How can I presume to ask you any favour?" "Do not consider me in that distant light, replied the other, but rather as your intimate friend, to whom you may speak with intire freedom." "You do me a great deal of honour, replied the youth; there is indeed one thing which intimately concerns my welfare, and sits nearest to my heart. Could I but obtain your assistance in that—" The Mandarine desired to be informed what it was. "My father, he replied, is in a public employment; which so intirely engrosses his attention, that he hath none to bestow on the affairs of his family. For this reason, I am not yet married[12]."

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

When the Grand Visitor heard these words he laughed aloud, and said, "There is something very singular and strange in all this. Your father is a minister of the first rate. You are a young man of quality. Who can refuse to marry with you? Pray whose daughter have you applied to, that you have been so unsuccessful?" He replied, "To the daughter of Shuey-keu-yeh, assistant to the tribunal of arms." "Her father, said the Mandarine, hath long been banished into Tartary[13]. Who takes care of his house? Is it her mother? She I suppose will not give her consent." Kwo-khe-tzu answered, "Her mother hath been dead many years. There is no one left here beside this young person. It is she herself who refuses my offer." "How! said the other, she, who is a young maiden! how can she refuse you? I fancy when you made your offer, or gave your present, she might know nothing of it." "My Lord, replied the youth, she knew it very well: but hath always been endeavouring to play me tricks." "If it be so, said the Grand Visitor, why did not you apply to the Che-foo and Che-hien, and get them to manage this business for you?" "I have applied to them both, said he, but she esteeming their offices but small, paid little regard to them. I therefore now have recourse to your lordship: and beg you will compleat this affair in my behalf. This will lay me under the greatest obligation as long as I live." "To promote marriage, said the Grand Visitor, is a thing highly good and charitable. I see nothing wrong in the affair in question: and therefore will undertake it for you. Who was your mediator or bridesman[14] before? Perhaps he did not make the offer clearly understood." The other told him, it was the Pao Che-hien, who carried the present himself to her house; which in her father's absence, was received by her uncle: and that every body knew this to be matter of fact. "If it be so, replied the Mandarine, I will issue out an order to-morrow, impowering you to go and carry her home to your house in order to marry her." "Should I go for her, replied the other, she would never be prevailed on to enter the chair: but would doubtless contrive some way to escape. I only beg the favour of you to let me go to her house and solemnize the marriage there." The Grand Visitor replied, "Very well: you may do so." Having finished their discourse on this and other subjects, and the entertainment being ended; Kwo-khe-tzu retired.

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

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

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

"This is to acquaint your Excellency[15], in answer to your chop or order: that I was indeed the person who undertook the treaty of marriage you mention. The other persons concerned were Kwo-khe-tzu and Shuey-guwin. The young lady opposed it, as a thing she disliked: for which reason it yet remains in dispute, and unfinished. Yesterday I received an order to see the marriage concluded, which it behoves me to obey. But I am sensible that she is still very averse to it: and therefore lest any difficulty or disgrace should happen, which may extend so far as to reflect upon your Excellency, I have ventured to give you this information; which I hope you will not take amiss. Nevertheless be it done according to your pleasure."

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

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

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

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

CHAP. X.

The Grand Visitor seeing that Shuey-ping-sin had accepted his order, was very well pleased, and having now been a few days in possession of his post, opened his gates to administer justice. The first day that he gave audience, about fifty came to present their petitions. He received them all, and appointed them to attend a few days after, when they should have them considered. All the company retired except one young woman, who remained upon her knees. The servants of the audience on both sides bade her depart. She did not obey them: but rising up went still nearer to the tribunal. And then cried aloud, "I am the daughter of one under condemnation. For this reason I did not get up and depart: not daring to hide myself or fly from justice. I came here this day to end my life. By this means I shall neither disobey your Excellency's orders, nor yet offend my own honour." With these words she drew forth a knife or poinard, and was going to plunge it in her bosom[16]. The sight of this very much surprized the Mandarine, who asked, Who she was, and what was the matter? "If you are injured, said he, I will redress you." At the same time he ordered his people to prevent her from doing herself any mischief. She replied, that she was daughter of the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye, who was at present under sentence of banishment. "I am now, proceeded she, in my seventeenth year. My mother being dead and my father at a distance, I remain alone in my house a poor helpless maiden, observing the laws of virtue and modesty, as it becomes all young ladies to do. While I thus past my time in innocence, suspecting no harm, I have been treacherously persecuted by a youth, named Kwo-khe-tzu, who hath contrived a hundred ways to ensnare me; all which I have still endeavoured to avoid. For some time past he hath foreborne to trouble me: but there is lately arrived a Mandarine of great power and rank, who was his father's pupil. With this gentleman hath Kwo-khe-tzu lodged a petition, and obtained his favour: insomuch that the first thing he did after his coming, was to do violence to my inclinations by commanding me to marry this young man, contrary to all reason and law: [for he hath obtained no licence of father or mother: neither hath any mediator or bridesman interposed.] Two orders have been delivered out for that purpose. These I could not oppose, as being a young woman lone and friendless. But when I saw them, I was even bereaved of my life with apprehension and fear. Finding at length there was no other remedy, I sent my servant with a petition to Pe-king, with orders to strike on the Emperor's drum[17]. He hath accordingly been gone three days. This procedure I imagine you can never pardon, and am therefore come here with a firm resolution to end my life in your presence." As soon she had spoken these words, she again attempted to stab herself with her poinard.

The Grand Visitor did not much regard what she said about Kwo-khe-tzu, but when he heard she had dispatched a servant to Pe-king, and saw her so resolutely determined to kill herself, he was seized with the greatest apprehensions. He begged her to forbear; saying, "How should I know what you have been telling me? Till now I never learned how the affair stood. But you have great reason for what you say. You must not offer any violence to yourself. I will take care you shall have justice done you. Yet there is one thing I must observe: you say you have licence of neither father nor mother; so far you are right: but that you had no mediator or bridesman, is not true." "The Pao Che-hien, replied the young lady, was indeed a bridesman, but not to me. He was such to my sister, my uncle's daughter[18]: and her hath Kwo-khe-tzu accordingly married, and long since carried home to his house." "If it be so, said the Mandarine, you have great reason on your side. But why did not you deliver in a petition to me, and inform me truly of the case. Had this been done, the last order had never been issued out. Why were you so hasty to send away a petition to Pe-king?" "I should not have taken these measures, she replied, had I not seen how absolute your last order was: wherein too plainly appeared the interest my adversary had gained in you. Now if I had sent up no petition to the court, but had died here in obscurity, every thing had continued in impenetrable darkness, and there had remained nothing to clear up my fame and conduct." He told her, the injury she complained of was not of such consequence, but that he could have redressed it; so that she needed not have applied to the Emperor, or have carried matters so far. "As this, added he, is a trifling affair, I can hardly conceive how a petition could be drawn up without enlargement or misrepresentation; which must fall very heavy upon you when it comes to be read[19]." She replied, "Why should I need to put any thing in it but matter of fact?" Then taking a paper out of her bosom, she presented it to him, as a true copy of what she had sent. He cast his eye over it, and found it contained a brief and succinct relation of the injustice done her, and by whom: informing his majesty, that before this could have reached his hands, she should have surrendered up her life, by killing herself before his tribunal: and that she sent her slave to fall down at his feet in order to petition for redress: and that though she should be laid in her tomb, her shade would still retain a grateful sense of the justice his majesty would do to her memory[20].

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

On the contrary the latter of these was very joyfully employed in preparing things for his wedding, and in choosing out a fortunate or good day. Of which, as soon as it was concluded on, he gave notice to her uncle; who accordingly went to acquaint her with it, and to give her joy. At this Shuey-ping-sin laughed, and said, "What do you mean by a good day, and by giving me joy? Do you mean in this world or the other[21]?" Shuey-guwin replied, "Oh niece! you may make a jest of it to me: but you must not trifle with the Grand Visitor. Do you consider that he is a great Mandarine and whatever he says is the same as if spoken by the Emperor himself. He hath power over life and death[22]." She replied, "how should I make a jest of any thing to you, who are to me as a father. But the Grand Visitor that is now, is not the same that was the other day. He is quite changed, and become another person. To jest with the former is a thing of no consequence." "If you meant to make a jest of him, said her uncle, why did you accept the orders he issued out." "Uncle, said she, I took them merely to make a jest of them."

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

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

"Whereas the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye[23] when banished into a distant country, left at home one only daughter, who hath not yet been presented in marriage[24]; and whereas she, who is left thus alone and desolate, keepeth her house quietly in his absence, and observeth all the duties becoming a young woman: I hereby require and command the Che-foo and Che-hien to take particular care that she be no way molested; and that no one be suffered either by force or other unfair practice to endeavour to marry her. Upon the first notice that any presume to act contrary to this Order, let me be advised, and I shall prosecute them with the utmost rigour."

When she had read it, she smiled and said: "What is this to the purpose? This is not to frighten men but monkeys. However, as it is a proof of his good will, I shall esteem it a great favour." Then she ordered her servant to put two taels of silver in a red paper for the officers that brought the declaration, and five mace[25] for the officers' servant. These she delivered to her uncle to give them. Not knowing how to refuse her, he quietly went and presented it to them, with his niece's thanks. Then he came back to her and said, "You were not mistaken when you said this Mandarine would change his sentiments. It is certain he hath now done it. But how comes he, that was before so pressing for the conclusion of your marriage, to give out now so contrary an order? This is what I cannot comprehend." His niece replied, "Where is the difficulty in this matter? He was then but just arrived, and esteeming me a poor silly girl, thought it was of no consequence what became of me. Then he only regarded Kwo-khe-tzu. But being now better informed; and finding that should he persist to offer me injustice, it would endanger his office; he hath altered his measures." "Your father, said Shuey-guwin, is not at home to protect you. What can you do of yourself? Can he be afraid of you?" She smiled and said, "Uncle, you must ask no farther questions. In a few days you will be better informed."

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

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

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

The End of Book the Second.

  1. ↑ Chap. X. In the Translator's manuscript.
  2. ↑ "Very ugly and nasty." Translator's M.S.
  3. ↑ In the Translator's M.S. it is, "He wrote them with a great or master pencil."
  4. ↑ The Chinese Idiom is, "You must not talk of his master pencil; he knows not how to use a little one." The Author of this History intended to sink these two characters very low in the opinion of his Readers, by representing them so illiterate in a country, where letters are in high repute, and also very common. For as the meanest may be candidates for degrees, many apply to letters, who being rejected at the examinations, have no other way to subsist, but by teaching others. There are few men therefore but can write and read in some degree. It is no less uncommon to find a woman that can do either. This must render the character of Shuey-ping-sin the more extraordinary. Yet a Chinese Moralist says, "You cannot commend a woman more, than to say she is not learned." See P. Magal. p. 88. P. Semedo, p. 58. P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 50. Lettres edif. xiii. 353. The Chinese in writing use no pens, but pencils made of the hair of some animal, commonly a rabbit. This pencil they hold not obliquely as painters use; but perpendicularly, as if they would prick the paper. The Reader perhaps needs not to be informed, that they write not from the left hand to the right, as we; nor from the right hand to the left, as the Hebrews; but in lines from the top of the leaf to the bottom, beginning at the right hand. The Chinese paper is not made of silk, as is commonly supposed; but of the inward bark of Bambu and several other trees; and is remarkable, not only in that they can make it into sheets of extraordinary size; but also that, after it hath been written on and worn to pieces, they can work it over again, and from the scraps make new paper. The Chinese paper hath a beautiful silken gloss, but it is thin, brittle, and not at all durable. (Lettres edif. xxi. 128.) Their ink (which is known in Europe by the name of Indian ink) is made of lamp-black, of which the best is got by burning old pines. They mix perfumes with it to correct the smell. These ingredients are worked into the consistence of paste, which is then put into wooden moulds of the shape they would have it. The Chinese standish is a little polished marble, with a hollow at one end to contain water: in this they dip their stick of ink and then rub it on the smooth part of the marble. The pencil, paper, ink and marble, are called by the Chinese see pau, or the four precious things; which they pique themselves on keeping very neat. Every thing which relates to letters is so reputable in China, that even the making of ink is not esteemed a mechanic employment. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 366-374.
  5. ↑ The employment of a Tutor or Preceptor is accounted very honourable in China, and many of those, who afterwards arrive to the greatest posts, employ in their younger years the intervals of study in instructing the children of great men, especially if they have not much substance of their own. The Parents maintain them, make them presents, treat them with great respect, and every where give them the upper hand: Sien-sing, our Master, our Doctor, is the name they give them. The Tutors not only teach their Pupils letters, but accompany them, and form their manners.—They instruct them not only in the history and laws of their country, but in the ceremonies, salutes, compliments and rules of visiting; these being no less the objects of study, and equally deemed to belong to learning. In return for all this care, and pains their Pupils treat them with the greatest reverence, bowing to them with four prostrations, as to their Father, and never addressing them with you or I. [See note above pag. 150. and note vol. 1. p. 202.] They also retain the highest respect for them as long as they live. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 375. P. Semedo, p. 36, 59, &c.
  6. ↑ In the original, "To the loss of myself."
  7. ↑ The original literally is, "Every one is governed [sc. directed] by an understanding, a memory, and a will." The meaning of this Proverb is doubtless, as given above. It contains a fine rebuke on such, as too forwardly take upon them to direct others.
  8. ↑ That is, The advice is commonly wholesome which flows from the mouth of the homely villager, whose simplicity of manners hath kept him unacquainted with the arts of falsehood: and therefore such advice is not to be rejected on account of the meanness of its author.
  9. ↑ Here follows in the original a very prolix and unimportant paragraph, wherein Shuey-guwin relates to his son-in-law all that had passed between him and his niece, and confirms him in his resolution of applying to the Ngan-yuen, &c. As there was nothing in the whole passage worth retaining, the Editor hath suppressed it: a liberty he hath sometimes taken elsewhere.
  10. ↑ When one of the superior Mandarines comes to take possession of his government, he is received with great pomp and state. When he is ready to set out from court, many of the officers of the tribunal go thither to attend him: others advance a great way to meet him, who as he passes from city to city is honourably accompanied both by horse and foot: and at least a league before he comes to the place where he is to reside, two or three thousand soldiers are marched out to receive him. After these follow all the Mandarines, and after them a vast concourse of people. P. Semedo, p. 128. P. Du Halde, &c.
  11. ↑ This will be accounted for, when we consider the expensive presents every Mandarine is obliged to make, who solicits for any government. There is not any government of a city or town, which does not cost the person, who is preferred to it, several thousands of crowns; sometimes twenty, sometimes 30,000, and so proportionably for all other offices great and small. To be a Viceroy of a province, before a Mandarine can have his commission sealed, will cost him sometimes 70,000 crowns. All this, under the specious name of presents, is given to the ministers of state, to the presidents of the six supreme councils, &c. &c. On the other hand the great Mandarines of the provinces, to reimburse themselves and to satisfy their avarice, extort presents from those under them; and these again replenish their purses at the expence of the miserable people. In short there is not any Viceroy, or Visitor of a province, who at the end of three years does not return with six or 700,000, and sometimes a million of crowns. So that it may be said of China, as it was of ancient Rome, "All things are there set to sale." See P. Magal. p. 134, &c.
  12. ↑ He means probably "not married to his satisfaction:" or perhaps he does not stick at a little falsehood.
  13. ↑ The Original is Pien-thing, i.e. out of China, or without the wall. Transl. Tartary is the common place of Banishment for the Chinese. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. 229. Lettres edifiant. xvii. 114, &c. How grievous a punishment Banishment must be to them, we may easily conceive from their excessive fondness for their own country. [See Ogilbye, vol. 2. pag. 2. & 7.]
  14. ↑ The Chinese never marry (although the parents of the young people be never so intimate) without a Mediator, or one who goes between both parties: wherefore they choose whom they please, there being as well men, as women, who perform this office. P. Semedo, p. 71. Lettres edifiant. x. 140.
  15. ↑ Ngan Thai—Thai is as much as Excellency. Transl.
  16. ↑ It is worth observation that the Chinese, who are the most cowardly people in the world, are much addicted to Suicide, and none more than the females and most pusillanimous among them: and yet the love of life is one of the foibles of their character, in which they exceed all other nations; carrying it to such a height, that it is reckoned unpolite to mention Death in their hearing.—It is certain their language affords a thousand periphrases to soften the expression. Something hath happened to him: He is retired afar off in ascending: He hath reposed his chariot [or, as we should say, finished his carreer,] &c. are phrases they would use to avoid saying a person is dead: and these even in their Edicts and Memorials. Lettres edifiant. xxiii. 98. P. Du Halde, i. 280, 502, 544, 525, &c.
  17. ↑ Besides the Drum, some of the ancient Emperors had a Bell fixed at the gate of the palace, and a white Table. So that he, who chose not to speak with the Emperor in person, wrote his request on the latter, and it was instantly carried to him. But whoever would speak with him rang the bell or beat on the drum, and they were presently brought in and had personal audience. It is recorded of one of their first Emperors, that one day he rose from table twice at the sound of the bell, and another day left the bath three times to receive the complaints of the poor. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 146. It is pity so excellent an institution is no longer kept up. The drum still remains, but its use hath long been discontinued. P. Semedo tells us that during his residence, of two and twenty years, he never remembered it beaten upon above once; and then he that did it had his answer in bastinadoes, for having disturbed the Emperor, who was half a league off. This father was in China before the conquest of the Tartars in 1644, when the reigning family had quite shut themselves up from all public access, which was the cause of their ruin. The new succession of Emperors of the Tartar race have observed a very different conduct, often shewing themselves to the people, and attending to their grievances, but they have not revived the ancient practice in question, notwithstanding that the remembrance of it is still kept up. P. Gaubil, whose curious description of Pe-king was published last year in the Philosophical Transactions, tells us, that in the Pavillion, called Tchoua-kou-ting, there is "a drum, and that Mandarines and soldiers keep guard there day and night. In ancient times when any person had not justice done him, and thought himself oppressed, he went and beat this drum; at the sound of which the Mandarines ran, and were obliged to carry the complaint of the party oppressed to the great men or ministers, [rather to the Emperor. Vid. Author. infra citat.] At present the use of the drum is abolished: but it hath been thought proper to preserve this ancient monument of Chinese government." See Philos. Transact. Roy. Soc. for 1758, part 2d. P. Semedo, pag. 110. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 474, 523, &c.
  18. ↑ It is owing to the remains of the patriarchal authority, which so still remarkably prevails in the domestic and political conduct of the Chinese, and not to any defect in their language, that a Niece occasionally calls her uncle father, and her cousins brothers, and that an Uncle calls his niece daughter, &c. It is perhaps owing to a concurrence of both these causes, that some of the wild nations of North America do the same. See an account of the Iroquois in Lettres edifiant. xii. 144. As to the Chinese, there is no nation in the world where the various degrees of consanguinity are more accurately defined by particular names. We only use the word uncle to signify the Brothers of both Father and Mother: but in the Chinese language there are words not only to distinguish the Brothers of the Father from those of the Mother (as in the Latin) but also those which are Younger or Elder, than the Father or Mother. In like manner they have four different words to express the Grandfather and Grandmother of both sides. With the same exactness they express all the other degrees of affinity. See P. Magal. pag. 102. See Lettres edif. xv. 164. xxiii. 31.
  19. ↑ It may be thought a paradox to say, that the Chinese can inflict punishments or confer rewards after death: and yet 'tis certain they affect to do both. The Chinese are remarkably sollicitous about their sepulture; there are even sons who will sell themselves in order to bestow funeral honours on their parents. These honours are therefore by way of punishment sometimes denied the defunct, and their ashes are burnt and scattered in the air. The Chinese are no less greedy of rank and title; these again are sometimes cancelled after their death; and their memory is declared for ever infamous. On the other hand, it is not unusual for the Emperor to bestow both title and rank upon those who no longer exist to enjoy them: he issues out patents by which he raises the deceased to the dignity of Mandarines, and annexes honourable distinctions to their names. Nay when he is disposed to reward the services of his departed ministers by uncommon honours to their memory, it is not unfrequent by express patents to confer marks of distinction also on their fathers and grandfathers, and even female ancestors. [See copies of such patents in P. Du Halde, i. 271.] It is also customary to erect grand sepulchres for the deserving at the public expence, and for the greater honour the Emperor sometimes writes their elogium with his own hand: but the most signal mark of favour is to declare them Saints, to build them temples, and to sacrifice to them among their idols: Divinity being as easily communicated in China, as the quality of a Count or Marquis is in some countries of Europe. Lettres edifiant. xv. 131. xix. 78, &c. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. 306, 352, & ubi supra. P. Le Compte, ii. 59, &c.
  20. ↑ The literal translation is, "that although she was laid in her tomb, she should still have a grateful remembrance of the justice his majesty would do to her." Although it appears not that either Confucius, or the other ancient Chinese lawgivers, ever inculcated any notion of a future state, and although the modern Literati generally treat it all as fiction; [See note above pag. 169.] yet various doctrines relating to it prevail in China. The most general is that of the Bonzees or followers of FO, who teach that there is a paradise or delightful abode in the west, where FO waits to receive [the most distinguished of] his votaries, and to make them partakers of his bliss. On the other hand, that there is a hell beneath the earth, the abode of Yen or evil spirits, and under the dominion of a Yen-wang, or king of demons; and that there are Lo-han or spirits of destiny, whose business it is to convey the souls of men into their bodies at the moment of their birth, and to drag them away at the moment of death to the subterranean dominions, where [if they have deserved it] they are cruelly tormented by [the] other spirits. They believe hell to contain nine several compartments, and that after the soul hath passed through them all, it transmigrates into a new body (FO the author of this doctrine lived 500 years before PYTHAGORAS, who may therefore well be supposed to have picked it up in his travels into India, among the followers of FO, viz. Brachmans or Bramins.): if it hath behaved well in its former state, into that of a man, a prince, &c. if otherwise, into that of a beast, &c. They believe even brutes to be capable of future rewards and punishments; and that if they have been either more or less cruel than is suitable to their nature, they either become human creatures, or lose all existence. These opinions are so prevalent in China, that it is a common expression of acknowledgment for any favour, If after my death, my soul shall pass into the body of a dog or a horse, I shall be at your service. P. Du Halde, vol. 2. 67. The sect of Tao-tse also acknowledge a future glory and a hell: the glory to be conjoined to the body, not only in the other life, but in this; pretending that by certain exercises, meditations, or, according to some authors, by certain chymical secrets, a person may renew his youth and childhood, and even become one of the Sien-jin, that is, fortunate ones of the earth, [or according to P. Du Halde] immortal men, or flying immortals, so called because they never die, but fly from one mountain to another. This sect also make some profession of belief in a metempsychosis. See P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 168. See also on the above articles, P. Semedo, p. 99, 87. P. Du Halde, i. 646, 673, 675, &c. P. Magal. p. 74, &c. Such is the best account of this subject which the Editor hath been able to collect from various writers concerning China, who are all of them very confused and obscure on this article. It may perhaps give the Reader the clearest notion of what the Chinese generally believe concerning the soul and a future state, to subjoin a few passages from the writings of the Chinese themselves in their own words. "The reason [for setting up the image or tablet of a deceased ancestor, in order to reverence it] saith a Chinese writer quoted by P. Du Halde, is, because the soul or spirit of the dead being invisible, a child stands in need of a sensible object to put him in mind of his parents." Vol. 1. p. 300. In a Chinese novel, given by the same author, it is said of a Mandarine's lady, "She fainted away, and remained a long while in that condition, as if her three souls had intirely left her." Vol. 2. p. 162. In a memorial which a Mandarine makes to one of the Emperors, he thus apologizes for the freedom he had taken. "Being old and ready to join your father under the earth, I would prevent the reproaches he would make me did I hold my peace." Ibid. vol. 1. pag. 567. "Although I should not punish him, (saith the late Emperor Yong-ching in a declaration concerning one of his ministers) the soul of my father, which is in heaven [Lai-tien-chi-ting] doubtless sees clearly his criminal conduct, and will cause secretly to descend upon him the chastisement he deserves." Lettres edifiant. xxii. 194. "By digging up the dead (saith a Mandarine in a public edict) by stealing their bones, and by mixing them with those of beasts, they would cause the souls of the defunct to cast forth bitter cries." Lettres edifiant. xv. 131. "If the person guilty of imbruing his hands in the blood of another, be not punished with death, (saith a Chinese author) the ghost [manes lat.] of him, who was murthered, and which cries for justice, will never be at rest." P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 155. We may conclude this long note with observing, that no people are more superstitious than the Chinese in the article of apparitions, spectres, &c. and that they have a ridiculous opinion that the soul of a criminal, when he is executed, in passing out of the body falls upon the first persons it meets with, on whom it vents all its fury and loads with curses; especially those who have contributed to its punishment. And hence it is, that as soon as they see the stroke of death given, they run away with all their might. Lettres edifiant. xxvii. 398. See also P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 584. n. 646, 671. vol. 2. p. 78, 84, 123, &c. Lettres edif. xv. 134.
  21. ↑ In orig. Kin shih Lay shih.
  22. ↑ It belongs to the Visitor to cause the sentences of death passed throughout the whole province to be put in execution: in order to which he assigns the city whither, on a day appointed, all those that are condemned shall be brought to him, and there he is presented with a list of their names: then taking his pencil he marks six or seven of them, (if he prick down more he is counted cruel) these are presently carried to execution, the rest returned to their respective prisons. It belongs also to this Mandarine to visit the walls, castles, &c. He sets forth with a great train and pomp, having banners carried before him, and other ensigns of majesty. This is usually performed every year. P. Semedo, pag. 129. It seems to be this officer, whom P. Du Halde describes under the name of Ngan-cha-tse or The chief criminal judge of a province, [vol. 2. p. 299.] But according to this last author, unless in some extraordinary cases, wherein the Emperor permits execution on the spot, no Mandarine, or even Superior Tribunal, can pronounce definitive sentence of death. The judgments passed on all persons for capital crimes are to be examined, agreed to and subscribed by the Emperor. The late Emperor Yong-chin gave orders in 1725, that none should be put to death till after his trial was presented to him three times. When the crime is very enormous, the Emperor in signing the dead warrant, adds: As soon as this order shall be received, let him be executed without delay. Otherwise he writes, Let him be kept in prison, 'till autumn and then executed. There being a day fixed in autumn, whereon all capital offenders are put to death throughout the empire. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 313.
  23. ↑ In the original his title is given at length, viz. The Ping-pu Shuey-she-lang. That is, "Shuey, assistant to the tribunal of arms." The administration of the Chinese government is chiefly managed by six sovereign courts at Pe-king, called Leu-pu, whose power and authority extend over all the provinces of the empire. Each of these councils hath a president, whom they call Chang-shu (Written Cham-Xu and Xi-lam, by P. Semedo, after the manner of the Portuguese; with whom X hath the sound of SH; and M of NG. The not attending to this hath caused strange confusion in the orthography of Chinese names. See Dion. Kao, p. 124. note. and Mod. Univ. Hist. ubi supra.), who is a Mandarine of the first rank. It hath also two assistants or assessors; one of the left hand, called Co-she-lang; the other of the right, called Geu-she-lang; these are Mandarines of the second order. Excepting only that of Co-lau, these are the highest and most profitable offices of the whole empire; so that when a Viceroy of any province, even the most principal, is to be preferred, he esteems himself well provided for, if he be but made assessor of one of these councils. Which are as follows: 1. Li-pu, or tribunal of Mandarines. [See note p. 170.] 2. Hu-pu, or tribunal of the treasury. 3. Li-pu, or tribunal of rites. [See note p. 170.] 4. Ping-pu, or tribunal of arms. [See vol. 1. note p. 69.] 5. Hing-pu, or tribunal of crimes. [See vol. 3. chap. 7. note.] 6. Kong-pu, or tribunal of public works. Subordinate to these are forty-four Tribunals, each of which hath a President and at least six Councellors. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 248. P. Semedo, p. 124. N.B. It may be proper to mention here once for all, that the Mandarines are throughout this history always mentioned either with the title of their office subjoined to their first name, as, "The Shuey-she-lang;" "The Tieh-tu-yuen;" "The Kwo-hio-tse;" "The Fung-ngan-yuen," &c. Or else with the addition only of Lao-ye; as "Shuey-lao-ye," &c. [See note p. 184.] but to prevent confusion, the Editor hath chosen to retain every where their proper name only.
  24. ↑ i.e. who hath never yet accepted any nuptial present, or offer of marriage. See note vol. 1. p. 90.
  25. ↑ Two Taels are 13s. 4d.—Five Mace are 3s. 4d.
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