Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Chapter Information

Wiki Chapter	25
Translator's MS	Chapter XII
Volume	III
Status	OCR cleaned — footnotes pending

Part of the Hao Qiu Zhuan Wilkinson/Percy translation (1761).

CHAP: W. M O-kb#-tzu hearing Shuey-guwin ſay he was not unprovided of an occaſion to plague Tieh-chung-a, was deſirous to know what it was. He told him, that as his coming fo long a journey was all for the ſake ofh is Niece, it was not to be doubted but he would yet take an opportunity to ſpeak with her; and therefore he muſt be watched. Nay, faid he, that he

• Cuay, XII. In the Tranflator's manuſcript.

may <2 1

• A CHINESE HISTORY. 49

3 may not do it without our privity,

8 I will go to my niece and make

1 her ſend for him.” „ That, ſaid his A | ſon-in-law, will be to do him a plea- 1 | ſure; nay will afford him an opportu- XX nity to bind the marriage contract with her, and then all my hopes are 12N 1

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"6 ER at an end, and I am utterly loſt.” « Fear not, replied the other, what II propoſe is the only means to prevent his doing it*.” Then taking his leave, he went to the young lady, XZ whom he thus accoſted ; © Niece, you have certainly great penetration and

diſcernment with regard to mankind :

> * The Chineſe Author hath not made this ap- = pear, but he probably meant, that by involving them in the ſuſpicion of an illicit correſpondEnce, he ſhould effectually hinder their union. Such is the delicacy of the Chineſe on the ſubject of marriage See the ſequel of this Hiſtory, Vol. III. E I ſhall T—E—N GS Dojp u! RCA2nOSy n wy—neg wLm1—5YI* a% ” =mw—eW—a* —od s n .R C2ERNTE S &=a5 pyIPn= Ep E—2ySa I g

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—bFiAeSsnWM".Ria}62n>2 s: .c+ — n. OhC Y ment, and I am now ſatisfied he is a again to-day : and am therefore con- I ſhall henceforth pay great deference to your opinion. For ſometime ſince, when there was a rumour that Tiebchung u had been guilty of a great miſ- 1 demeanour, and was nothing leſs than not give the leaſt credit to it, but believed as well of him as before. Future inquiries have confirmed your judg- 81Wo er4 N%·OTI⸗ISNeAST S E8A5Ot5 5 ö Es rR FCC man of great honour, ſobriety, and Juſtice.” That, ſhe replied, is an old ; Z affair: why do you mention what is Y paſt ?” He ſaid, I faw this ſtranger 'Y vinced he hath the good qualities I ſpoke of.“ „How can you know a Y man's good qualities, ſaid ſhe, by bare- 'y ſeeing him ry 8 told her, that he had met him that morning coming out of her houſe; and had in- XZ quired his buſineſs: For I was ap- E prehenſive, ſaid he, that he had been J doing ſomething, which might bring a reflection upon you; and therefore thought it behoved me to call him to account: but he vindicated himſelf ſo handſomely, and appeared to have come hither with ſo good an intention, that I find him to be a very wel-ld iſ - poſed, ſincere, honeſt man.“ „Uncle, ſaid the young lady, how could you know that he came hither with a good intention?“ He told me, replied he, that hearing at court that the Grand Viſitor had iſſued out two orders to compel you to marry, and knowing how much it muſt be againſt your 2 2 | inclina- . AnME TS 5bISIK2 eRN S S , Wnn 25AAN4 U%T S © KEELEY purpoſe to prevent it. That with this view, and to make proper inquiries, he came to-day to your houſe, but finding upon the wall the Kao-fbe of declaration in your favour, he was ſatisfied, and about to return to court. From all this I cannot but conclude favourably of his character.” He acted juſt in this noble and upright manner, replied his niece, from the very firſt, when he ſaw me going to the Che- bien s. He is a youth of that Juſtice and generous ardor, that I could not but do what I did, in recompence of ſo much merit.“ Certainly, ſaid 4 her uncle, the aſſiſtance he afforded 2 you at that time, and the kindneſs you ſhewed him afterwards, were both inclinations, he had come hither on 4 ©, SEES

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N 8 l4% CI 3 why * Robes 7" 20 293 9 . oh 4.x highly laudable. And now upon the bare report that. you were likely to be injured, he hath come ſo far to your relief. But would it be right to let him return without any notice of, or thanks for his trouble?“ « Your queſtion, ſaid ſhe, is very proper: but what can I do? Iam a young woman and ſingle; and muſt avoid giving further occaſion for ſcandal. What though he hath taken all this trouble, I know he expects no return from me : thoroughly convinceed of my grateful | temper, he requires no public proof of it.” That is very true, ſaid Shyeyguroin; and yet it would be but right to invite him to come, that you might at leaſt pay your compliments to him,” 1 = E-9 Shuey* 5% HAU KIOU CHOAAN. Sbucy. ping: ſinh ad learnt from her old ſervant, that he had met with Tiebchung- u near Pe-king, and there intreated his aſſiſtance; and that he had afterwards been fetched back again without ever explaining the reaſon of it to him, She therefore readily ſuppoſed, that the young gentleman having miſſed him, was come thither to know the truth of the matter: and imagining there could be no better occaſion to inform him of what he muſt deſire to know, conſented to follow her uncle's advice. And yet ſhe was not without ſuſpicion, that the latter had ſome other deſign in view than he would acknowledge. She told him therefore ſhe would be guided by him, and would prepare a 7:eb-1/e or paper of invitation, but it muſt run in his name.“ She 7 She accordingly diſpatched Sbg. peng > with it; whom her uncle directed to

• the young gentleman's lodgings.

| Tieb-chung-u was reflecting on the oddneſs of the adventure, and on the inconſiſtency of the Grand Viſitor's conduct, when he ſaw the old ſervant enter, who had © occaſioned him ſo much perplexity. He was very glad to ſee him, and eagerly inquired why he did not follow him to Peking, The old man informed him | | of all that happened from the time | they parted; and accounted for the change in the Grand Viſitor's conduct: at the ſame time he explained the reaſon of his abrupt return, and begged his pardon, as he ſuppoſedi t had occa- E4 fioned ſioned his journey thither. Then telling him that his lady was glad to hear of his arrival, he preſented the billet of invitation. Tieb- chung u was highly pleaſed with the account he gave him, but would not receive the Treb-t/e. When I went this morning to her houſe, ſaid he, I ſaw the declaration, which ſatisfied me of her ſafety z you have now cleared up all remaining doubts; why then ſhould I ſtay? I will depart to-morrow.” Sir, replied the ſervant, will not you accept of the invitation, which I bring in the name of my ſecond maſter “? cc There are, ſaid the youth, many reaſons why it would be improper.

• . . His maſter's brother. Tran.

And -' "2F RE"Da Wknr*3On N T A7nAtS—402 O.On 115 Wr E7 77 xe835R—T I**O o P Bh.T EE— ,Y eD IWI..oEE828nP 2r7:R:7, 5S Ne G 3yoE, I 8Jr And I muſt inſiſt upon it that there be no feaſt or other public acknowledgment on account of my arrival. { Your lady's excellent judgment knows. that it would be wrong in me to go, although her complaiſance may have induced her to invite me *.] Return therefore, and preſentt o her my moſt reſpectful ſervices.” Shuey-yeong did not preſs him farther, but went and reported to his lady and her uncle what he had ſaid. The latter was much diſappointed; but his niece remained very well ſatisfied with his refuſal, ſuppoſing it proceeded from a foreſight of ſome miſchief intended him. Shuey-

• The Editor hath ſoftened a few paſſages

in this and the preceding Lea ewhsi ch to the eye Shuey-guwin, greatly mortified with the diſappointment, went to his ſon-in - law, and related to him what had happened, telling him he looked upon the other*s ſhyneſs as only counterfeited in order to cover a deſign of ſeeing his niece in private. He therefore adviſed him ſtil to keep a good look out-. This fellow, ſaid Kwo-kbi-tzu, is a demon. And as I am a plain man void of all art or cunning, how ſhall I be able to look out after him. Am not I the chief perſon of figure in this city ? He knows too, how much 1 deſire to marry your niece ; yet he is always coming eye of an European did not appear quite fo reſpectful in the original. Inſtead of the paſſage which is included above in brackets, in the M.S . it is [I am reſolved not to go.“ 5 here PRESS... Ng 2 here and ſoliciting her: in which he - oppoſes me, and declares himſelf my enemy. He hath already diſcovered our intentions to deceive him, and therefore will henceforth be diſtruſtful. To what purpoſe then ſhall we wait for an occaſion to catch him? No: to-morrow I will go myſelf and viſit him in form : he cannot but return the compliment : when he comes I will receive him with great courteſy, and make a handſome entertainmentz to which I will invite ſeveral young rakes of this city, ſons of great Mandarines, and my particular acquaintance

at the ſame time we will plant

ſome ſtrong luſty fellows near at hand. When he comes we will ply him with wine, and when he is in liquor, provoke | | voke him to throw out ſome affronting expreſſion z which will afford us a handle to fall upon him, and beat him ſo ſeverely that he ſhall breathe his laſt. Then will we preſent a petition to the Grand Viſitor, wherein the diſturbance ſhall be made to appear the effect of his own quarrelſome diſpoſition. Thus ſhall we get clear of this difficulty, and prevent any body of figure from ever venturing again to try their ſtrength with the principal youths of this city : which we ſhall alſo render famous for men of bravery and valour.“ Shuey-guwin approved of this deſign, yet could not help expreſſing ſome apprehenſion about the conſequence. « What, ſaid the other, have I to fear ? do you conſider the exalted rank F9 J & =nr%=9» .Rn.: a= ;A AnT E S .eee ee of my father?“ Go then, replied Shuey-guwin, ſet about it directly, he intends to be gone early in the morning.” Upon which the other calling his people together, and preparing a billet of compliments, ordered his chair, and ſet out immediately with great attendance. When he arrived at the lodgings, he ſent in the paper, and Siow-tan informed his maſter of the viſit; who thereupon bade him to return for anſwer that he was not at home. Kwo-kbe-izu called to the boy, and getting out of his chair talked 5 1 vi If the Chine/ are not diſpoſed to ſee company, it is ſufficient to ſay, that they are not at home: in which caſe if the viſitant leaves his paper of compliments [See note vol. 1. p. 135-] with the porter or ſervant, the viſit is the ſame | | | | | | | to him a good while : then got into it again and returned home. Tieb-chung-u learnt from his ſervant, that Kwo-kbe-izu had inquired after him with great courteſy, and had given him a very kind invitation to ſee him. Wherefore is all this ſhew of kindneſs, ſaid he to himſelf ? He is certainly my enemy, and only means as if received in perſon, and muſt be returned in form. Sometimes a Mandarine will receive the Billet by his porter, and will ſend to deſire the viſitant not to be at the trouble to alight from his chair, In either caſe the viſit muſt be returned, either the ſame day, or on one of the three following, and if poſſible in the morning. | If a perſon is deſirous of being excuſed the trouble of receiving theſe civilities, he affixes over his gate a paper written with white letters, « That he isr etired to his garden houſe.” — p-: 60. P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. A CHINESE HISTORT. 63 to deceiveme . Beſides, what time have I to ſpend in feaſting and merriment? No! I am fatisfied that SHuey- ping in is in ſafety, and will return to- morrow.“ But then he ſuddenly recollected that the other was the ſon of a Mandarine of the firſt rank. Beſides, ſaid he, he came like a To-fang or Whirlwind * ; he = 1 raiſed lt is remarkable that the Chine/e To-ranc, or Whirkwind, corruptly pronounced by our voyagers Tuffon, is called in Greek by a ſimilar name (Toy) Typhon. 4 The kind of ſtorm here mentioned is frequent on the coaſts of China in the ſummer months, and is generally preceded (ſometimes for hours) by a boding cloud in the N.E. which near the horizon is very black, but upwards is of a dark copper hue, and higher ſtill is brighter, till it fades to a whitiſh glaring colour at the very edge of the cloud: nothing can be conceived more dreadful and ghaſtly than this appearance. When this cloud begins to move apace, the ſtorm may ſoon be expected: which comes on fierce and blows very violent at N. E. for _ | 64 Hau KIOU CHOAAN. raiſed the whole city as he came along; and every body is acquainted with the honour he did me. After this, if I do not go, I ſhall be univerſally condemned for rudeneſs and ill- manners; therefore J cannot avoid it. Upon ſecond thoughts I will go early in the morning. He is a man of eaſe hours or more, accompanied with terrible claps of thunder, frequent flaſhes of lightning, and exceſſive hard rain. When the wind begins to abate, it dies away ſuddenly, and falling into a flat calm continues ſo for about an hour : then the wind comes about to S.W. and it blows and rains as fierce from that quarter, as it did from the other, and as long. This ſtorm is more terrible than can be conceived : one would think that heaven and | earth were returning to their ancient Chaos, ſo that it is no wonder the ribs of the ſtouteſt ſhips ſhould be looſened. It rages not only at ſea, but alſo on land; and overturns houſes, pulls up trees by the roots, and carries great ſhips a quarter of a mile from the ſea. See Dampier's voy. vol. 2. P. 35. Varenii Geograph. hy | and and luxury, and lies in bed late; I will therefore go before he is ſtirring. I will only leave my compliments for him and will return.“ Having formed this reſolution, he ordered his ſervant to prepare his bed, and to call him up early, © ; RE | Theſe precautions were however fruitleſs

for Kwo-kbe-tzu had appointed one

of his attendants to wait near the inn, and to pick up what information he could about the repayment of his viſit. From a ſervant of the inn this man learnt the directions the young gentleman had given when he retired to reſt ; of which he did not fail to apprize his maſter: ſo that when Tieb-- chung-u went in the morning, he found Vor. III. * S/W he had long been waiting to receive him. NrvKoe- t zu gave him the moſt courteous receation, having even gone out into the ſtreett o meet him. „ Why! ſaid he, ſmiling with great appearance of joy, and ſaluting him in the moſt reſpectful manner; Why do you. give yourſelf ſo much trouble in ſeeing himſelf, ſo highly careſſed, imagined it was to cover ſome evil deſign, He would gladly have returned, but could not now without great incivility : he accordingly attended him into the oreat hall, and would there. have made him the cuſtomary ſalute; but the other told him it was too ordinary a place for that honour, and therefore begged: he: might ſnow him farther within the houſe. He then carried him into the ſecond hall, where the uſual ceremonies paſt between them. This done, they fat down, and Kwo-kb&-124 called for tea. He afterwards took occaſion to tell his gueſt, that he had- long fince heard of his hiph reputation, and had withed to have the honour of converſing with him. When I was firſt informed of your coming here, ſaid he, I ſought for an occaſion to/ſee'yon : and to- day it is my good fortune to be: favoured with a viſic. I ſhould be glad if you would extend it to eight or ten days” Tieh-chung-u' having drunk his tea, fer down his cup, and riſing from his chair fad, . Sir, your regaradn d friendſhip certainly demand that I ſhould! ſtay here longer. But I muſt be gone immediately: ſtrong neceſſity requires it: + Þ.2 could could I fly as ſwift as an arrow from a bow it would not be amiſs.“ This ſaid, he was going away: but Kokbe- tzu embraced him ſaying, © You muſt then ſtay three days with me.” «It is very certain, he replied, that I muſt be gone; I beg therefore you will not detain me.” He then was going to force himſelf from him : but the other took hold of his hand, and ſaid, « Although I am unworthy of this favour myſelf, you ought to ſhew ſome reſpect to my family and rank: you ſhould not have viſited me, if you eſteemed us all fo inſignificant. No! now you are come, I muſt make you owner (or maſter) of this country * by giving you an entertainment.“ would 2 * men 8 have been contented to welcome oy by —_— him to conſider the | houſe

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Can 8 A would not willingly refuſe the many favours you confer on me, ſaid Tiehchung- u : but I muſt be gone Every thing is packed up ready for my departure: and it is impoſſible for me to ſtay. here longer.” I cannot force you to ſtay, ſaid the other; but I am aſhamed that I am not able to perſuade you. However, as you are come ſo early you muſt ſtay and breakfaſt with me: it ſhall not detain you long. You muſt not mortify me by houſe as his own, or to look upon himſelf as at home. But the above high-ftrained expreſſion of civility prevails in other parts of the Eaſt beſides China, When a party of Engliſh merchants firſt viſited Palmyra in the year 1678, they were met by two Arabs, one of whom was an officer of the Emir, who told them, in the bold me- % taphor of an eaſtern compliment (ſays the © writer of the account) that ail the country was « theirs, and that his lord was their friend.“ See Memoirs Roy. Soc. No 227. "3 ga re70 over you may proſecute your journey.” © Would you leave me to my own inclinations, faid Tzeb-chung-u, 1 could wiſh to be excuſed : but if you will have it ſo, I muſt ſubmit. Yet according to order and propriety, upon the firſt viſit how can I ſtay and give you this trouble? © Between friends, replied the other, you muſt not talk, of trouble.” rA . tered when Shuey guwin made his appearance. He ſaluted the young ſtranger, and ſmiling ſaid, © Yeſterday my niece bearing of the great favour A HESE words were ſcarcely ut · >T4 H 23a* PLie e 8*5OIL2 . n r©d2CaeS,d A CHINESE HISTORY. 71 favour you did her in coming ſo far on her account, ſent to invite you to her houſe, I know not what we had done to diſoblige you. But as I have now the good fortune to meet- with you here, I hope you will et me wait on you to her.*”* Treb-chump-u replied, « { came hither in the greateſt haſte, and muſt return with equal diſpatch. I brought nothing with me to preſent. her with, and how can I preſume to go to her houſe with empty hands . Today I came to viſit No- c tau only Not only in China, bit all over the Eat, it ist hought a breach of good manners to appear empty-handed before thoſe whom they profeſs to reſpect. Among the Chine/e the common preſents are for the moſt part, ſtuffs, female ornaments, or the like; even ſhoes, ſtockings; handkerchiefs, porcelain, ink, pencils, &c. are thus beſtowed ; and ſometimes things to eat. They are yery careful to chaſe every thing the beſt/of ths kidd for this purpoſe. P. 0, p. 64. 8 to to pay my reſpects to him, and to know his door again: I intended to have returned immediately: but though I have been prevailed on to ſtay a moment, I cannot bear to receive ſo many favours, and ſhould be glad of your directions how to return them.” « Formerly, ſaid Shuey-guwin, good friends would lay all ceremony aſide : cannot you do the ſame by my ſonin- law ? I look upon you both as better than thoſe of former ages; why then ſhould you follow the corrupt practices of the preſent times?“ Kwo- Kb tau laughed and ſaid, My father, you ſay right: it ought to be ſo. . 15 By ſo many courteous and obliging ſpeeches Tieb- chung-u was diveſted of all farther ſuſpicion, He fat down, 5 | Kwogf x : 8 "3% o Rd „ Kwo-kbi-tza making him take the firſt chair +. Preſently after wine was brought. Becauſe I came early, ſaid the youth, you inſiſted on my ſtaying to eat a little. Why then do you bring wine? it is not time to drink that yet.” <« Drink it by degrees, ſaid Kewo-kbi- tzu, and we ſhall not think time unſuitable.” Then fitting all of them down, they were very chearful and drank. about for a little while; after which Tieb. TOP 1 roſe up to wia. At the Gans inſtant word was brought that the young Mandarine hang was entering the doors. T his young gentleman, who was ſon of the 3 + See note, vol. 2. p. 76. | See note, vol. 1. p. 69. and note, vol. 2. 7% HAU RIOU CHOAAN. or Mandarine of the third chair of the tribunal of arms, was reſpectfully faluted by all the company, who afterwards ſat down. Sir, faid Kwvwo-kbetau, you come in good time to meet with that gentleman, who is a perſon of worth and of great reputation for his couarnd agalglanetry .” What! faid the other; is that Tieb-chung-u? the young gentleman who forced his way into Tab-quay's palace? Shaty-putoire aſſured him it was. Is it poſſible ! ſaid he. Oh, Sir! have I then the happineſs to meet with you here ! a happineſs which I was prevented from enjoying at court much againſt my inclinations. Give me here a great goblet.” Then offering it with wine to Tieb-chung-n, the latter drank it off nud and returned it full to him again+ thus they continued till each had drunk off three goblets,

• . was now about to go,

when he was again prevented by the arrival of the young Mandarine Ler, ſecond ſon to the Grand Preſident of the royal college. They were riſing up to receive him, but he catched hold

• In the original it is Has-lis-yuens which

literally ſignifies a Garden or Wood fſouriſbing in learning or knowledge. This name the C bineſe give to a tribunal or college compoſed of ſome of the moſt learned of their doors; who are elected after the following manner. Every three years all that are of the degree of Kin-gin or Licentiate * reſort to Pe-king to obtain their doQor's degree, where they are examined for thirteen days together, ſo ſtrictly that not above three hundred can be admitted outo fm any thouſands, Among theſe new den, thoſe jt Hxve ® See note, vol. 1. p. 8. hold of a chair, and told them, as friends they muſt not do ſo. Another time, ſaid Kwo-kbe-i2zu, we may diſpenſe with this ceremony; but today we have a ſtranger with us.“ With that Treb-chung-u roſe up and made his compliments to him. The other would have prevented it: Excuſe me, Sir, have given ſuperior proofs of their capacity and learning are choſen to compole the college of the Han-lin. | | Theſe doors aſſemble in the imperial palace, where they ſuperintend the education of the young prince; compoſe the hiſtory of the emire; and are conſulted by the Emperor on all terary ſubjects. Out of their body are appointed thoſe who are ſent into the ſeveral provinces to examine the candidates fori nferior degrees: and the Co-/aus r and Preſidents of the ſupreme tribunals *, are frequently choſen from among them, ſo that they are at once reſpected and dreaded. TER See P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 251. P. Magalh. pe. 218. Lettres edif. xxi. p. 102. &c. 3 Vol. To p. 78. note. * Pol. 2. p. 273. note. ſaid — * |

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A x BE 3 ok. early and have drunk a great deal : faid he, your appearance doth not owe me ſo much reſpe&t | Pray how am I to call you?“ Tieb-chung-u told him his name and city. What! ſaid he, the eldeſt ſon of the Supreme Viceroy !“ then making him the moſt profound reverence, he congratulated his good fortune in having met with a perſon whom he had ſo often wiſhed to ſee. Kwo-khe-tzu made them all fit down. By this time Tieb-chung-u perceived the | wine began to affect him, and there - fore reſolved to ſtay no longer. With your leave, Sir, ſaid he to the young maſter of the houſe, I muſt now be gone. J know cuſtom forbids that I ſhould go ſo ſoon after the arrival of this young gentleman, but I came here and | | and therefore. muſt go. The young MandarinLee e * hearing this, changed countenance, and ſaid, You put a great flight upon me, Sir. Why did not you go at firſt? What ! can't you ſtay a little while longer? You think me not good enough to drink with: you.“ Truly, ſaid Shuey-guzern, he hath a great while deſired to be gone: and it is not upon your account that he would go now; but if he will not firſt drink a: cup of wine with you, you have reaſon to accuſe him complimentto you, as he did to the The original is Zee-cong-tzu; which properly ſignifies Lee a Mandarine's ſon. See note, vol. x. p. 114. This remark muft be applied wherever the words Young Mardarine occur throughouthti s chapter. young

• # 87

«<> Tr e ER - Wo. Dk 2 r * 1 x 8 bo y We. 2 —S3 %rreNR-—32 —8 O P8 ve 3 13p 5 conſider him as a gueſt.” The other hearing that, was extremely well pleaſed, and agreed it was right : upon which they ſat down, and each of them drank three cups of wine. This was no ſooner over but aſ ervant came to tell of the arrival of the young Mandarine Chang, eldeſt: fon to the Preſident of the tribunal of rites * : he entered the hall as ſoon. as the ſervant had ſpoke : and came ſtaggering along, his cap on one ſide, with ſtaring eyes and a red bloated face, crying: © Which is this Tzeb © this Mandarine's ſon? if he hath a mind to ® See note, vol 2. p. 171 paſs young Mandarine hang, then he may uſe his pleaſure, and we will no longer 8% HAU KIOU CHOAAN. paſs. for a valiant fellow in the city of Tſii-nan, why doth he not come and encounter me?“ The youth, who had riſen up to pay him the uſual _ reſpects, hearing theſe words ſtood ſtill : ei, ſaid he,am called 7ĩeb- chung-u: have you any thing to ſay to me?” The other made him no anſwer nor compli- -ment, but ſtood ſtaring at him in a very diſcourteous manner, and then burſt out into laughter: I thought, ſaid he, this young Teh was a terrible fel- | low. From people's reports, I concluded he had ſeven heaadnds e,igh t galls in his ſtomach. But his eyebrows are fine and ſmall : he is ſmockfaced and delicate; and hath all over the air of a dainty young lady. People talk of his being valiant. I fancy it muſt be a monkey changed into that ſhape. Come, letu s have ſome wine, we ſhall preſentlfye e whether he is valiant or not.” * Certainly, cried the others preſent, that is the way to try people's ſtrength *,” | « Wine, ſaid Tieb-chung-u, is drunk upon ſeveral accounts; but there are only three on which it is proper; and for each of theſe, three cups are allowable: theſe are friendſhip, mirth, and to ſatisfy nature T. As Whang-cong-Izu began

• The literal wand is, © Thoſe that =

“ ſtrong always ſhew it by their — and « drinking.“ + The Reader will remark that this alles much exceeds that known regulation of Sir William Temple's, viz. The firſt glaſs for myſelf, the ſecond for-my friends, the third for good-hu« mour, the fourth for mine enemies. Spectator, Vol. III. 1 „ with with three cups, ſo will I drink three more, which will be ſufficient.” “Very well, ſaid the other, fit down then :” and taking him by the ſleeve pulled i him into the chair. Then calling for two large cups of wine, he put the one into the hand of Tieb-chung-u, and took the other himſelf. Wine, ſaid he, diſcovers the heart. This is the firſt I ſhall drink with you.” Then taking it off, he turned it up, crying kbaen or clean! Tieh-chung-u thought he could hardly manage his wine, but finding no other remedy at length he drank it : at which Chang cried out, That's ſomething like, and as a friend ſhould.” Then he ordered two more to be filled. On which Tieb-cbung-u would have retired, ſaying he had drunk a great deal. t J have drunk, Gd he, three cups with each of theſe gentlemen, and now one with you. I have had COR you muſt therefore excuſe me.) * Chang replied, * What then, will you cut me off two cups? you make me little: I cannot let that paſs upon me, who am as conſiderable as any of this city: come, you mult make up my full number.” Then taking a ſecond cup, he drank to his health. Tieh-chung-u was now almoſt overcome with wine, for he had been drinking from early in the morning till ten o'clock, without having eaten a morſel: when therefore Chang had drunk off the ſecond cup he wouldno t pledge him, but put the wine down again upon the Go: table. table. Which the other ſeeing, cried out, Is this handſome ! will not you do me the ſame courteſy that you have done the reſt ?” It is not poſſible for me, ſaid Tieb-chung-u, to drink any more: if it was, I would not refuſe you.? This cup, replied the other, you muſt and ſhalldrink.” If I don't, faid he, what then?“ Upon which Chang began to roar: ſaying, Who are you, you animal? If you thus take upon you, why did not you ſtay in your own city? What, do you come here to brave us? If you will not comply I ſhall make you [r|e pent it]. And with that he threw it in his face. 7.z eb-chung-u was ſo provoked with this abuſe, that his anger and reſentment got the better of his wine: he looked a while ſtedfaſtly faſtly at him, then riſing from his chair ſeized him by the ſtomach and ſhook him ſeverely, ſaying, © What! dare you get upon the tyger's head and pull out his hairs ?* Chang cried out, What! have you a mind to beat me ?** © Yes, replied the other, | what of that?“ and gave him a box of the ear. Which the other young Mandarines ſeeing, cried out, What do you mean by this? we have treated you with good - will, and now you are drunk you abuſe us for it. Come, come, ſhut the door, we will drub you till you are ſober, and to-morrow carry | you to the Grand Viſitor,” Then Kwo-kbe-tzu made a ſignal, and immediately from a ſide chamber VV ruſhed ruſhed out ſeven or eight luſty fellows : while Shyey-guwinpretending to compoſe the difference, endeavoured to lay hold of his hands. Tieb-chung-u, who was now become ſober, perceived their deſigns againſt him, and found he was betrayed : nevertheleſs he cried out, What! are you a parcel of dogs, that you thus ſet upon and worry me?“ then taking up Chang he threw him headlong to the ground, and gave him two or three hearty kicks. This done he endeavoured to wreſt a foot from one of the tables for a weapon, but could not get it looſe : Shney-guwin came up to prevent him, but he received him with a kick or two, that ſent -him eighteen or twenty covids * before Nef 5 him: Covid ſeems to be a contraction of the Por- | | tugueſe him: „“ Take that; ſaid he. For the ſake of your niece, I will give you no more.” The two young Mandarines contented themſelves with making an outcry, but durſt not come near him: inſtead of which Kwo-kbezu ordered the fellows to fall upon him. Then ſeizing Chang he ſwung him round: crying out, © I will brain this fellow againſt the firſt that offers to approach me.“ Upon which Chang crying out, begged them to forbear and let him alone. deſire tugueſe word covado, i. e. a cubit. The Chineſe Ell or Cubit, (called by the Natives Che) is of ſeveral kinds, but that moſt commonly uſed in traffic, is to the Engliſb Foot, as 676 is to 600 or ſomething more than thirteen inches. See Bayer, pref. pag. 134. Hartis's voyag. vol. 1. P. 854. Tavernier, Pt. 2. ch. 10. P. Du I alde, vol. 1. p. 141. Lettres edif, „„ nothing 88 Hau KIOU CHOAAN. nothing nm ore, ſaid Tieb- chung- u, than to be ſuffered to go out: but you ſhall accompany me to the door.” * Ay, ay! with all my heart, ſaid the other, | I will go out with you.” Which done me. Tieb- chung: u diſmiſſed him; * Go, ſaid he, and tell your fellows, if I had been provided with any weapon for my defence, I ſhould not have been afraid of a thouſand ſuch as they. What ſigniſy four or five drunkards and gluttons, with the porters you have hired? Had it not been for your fathers, I had made ſome of you halted: but I have been very iavoureble, and you ought to thank This ſaid, he haſtened to his lodgings, where Siow-tan had prepared every every thing for his departure: here he found Shuey-yeong with a horſe ready ſaddled and waiting for him. Tieb-chung- u inquired the meaning of this: the old man told him that his miſtreſs hearing of the invitation, had ſuſpected it was with an ill deſign: that her ſuſpicions were afterwards confirmed by the event, which ſhe was alſo informed of; and | though the never doubted but he | would get the better, yet foreſceing that it might be followed by a great deal of trouble, ſhe had ſent him that | horſe, which ſhe intreated him to mount immediately, and to go and acquaint the Grand Viſitor with the affair. T jeb-chung-u was charmed with her diſcretion and diſcernment : ** How kind and obliging, ſaid he, is your | | miſtreſs ? miſtreſs? I ſhall never be able to return theſe favours.” He was going to ſet out, but the maſter of the houſe aſking him to dine, he accepted his offer; and immediately after, mounting the horſe, departed for Tong-chang-foo: | to which city the Grand Viſitor had removed his tribunal *, _ 7

• The Supreme Mandarines, whoſe juriſdiction

is very extenſive, (vg. the Viſitors, Viceroys, &c.) although they have generally their palaces in the capital city of the province, are not always reſident there, but make circuits from place to place for the more convenient diſpatch of bufineſs. P. Magal. pag. 242. N. B. Tong-chang-foo is a large and opulent city: the third in the province of Shan-7ong, and is ſituated on the Grand Imperial Canal. | China is every where full of very fine Canals, which open a communication between every province and almoſt between every town and village; theſe run in ſtraight lines, and have cauſeys on each fide, faced with flat tones or marble: but the Grand Imperial Canal is one of the wonders As ſoon as he alighted he drew up a petition, wherein he related all that had happened: then haſtening to the doors of the audience, he found them ſhut: but being impatient he went and ſtruck upon the drum. In conſequence of which he was bound and carried before the tribunal: where the Grand Viſitor had ſeated himſelf upon hearing the drum. The youth obſerved the wonders of the world, being three hundred leagues in length, and forming a great road of Water, on which more than nine thouſand imperial barks tranſport the tribute which the Emperor annually receives from the ſouthern provinces. This ſtupendous work, which was compleated about five hundred years ago, is ſo contrived by means of ſluices, &c. to detain the water, and forms ſuch a communication with other canals and rivers, that one may travel the length of the whole empire from Pe-4ing to Cauton and Macao, above ſix hundred leagues by Water | cf LE | uſual - _ uſual order of reſpect in offering his petition *®. The Grand Viſitor imagined it was Tieb-chung-u before he opened it, and when he found he was right in his conjecture, he addreſſed him with great complaiſance : *I knew nothing, Sir, of your coming into theſe This may be explained from P. Mazalha#ns, who thus deſcribes the manner of proceeding at the Chineſe tribunals. « When a man hath any buſineſs to lay before them, he ſets it down on paper: which done he goes to the palace of the tribunal and beats on a drum, which he finds at the ſecond gate; and then falling on his knees, he raiſes his petition with both his hands as high as his head; at which time an officer appointed for that employment takes the paper from him, and Jays it betore the Mandarine who preſiges.” N. B. With mam to binding the petitioner,

&c, as deſcribed above, there is in the Tranſlator's

M.S. a marginal note which tells us, that It is % the cuſtom to do ſo to any that ſtrike on the „ drum :”” but this is mentioned in no Other Writer. | par t'S, parts. When did you arrive and what occaſioned your journey?“ He told him, that he travelled for his pleaſure ; but that yeſterday coming to T/ee-nan-ſoo, he had met with people, who had uſed him very ill; inſomuch that he had nar- _ rowly eſcaped with his life: and therefore he applied to his Excellency for | Juſtice. © Who dares abuſe-you, ſaid the Mandarine? I will make an example of them.“ * Sir, replied he, you will find their names in my petition.

• He looked into it, and ſhaking his

head, expreſſed great diſlike of the affair. The youth aſked him what he was diſpleaſed at. The Mandarine ſhewed a great unwillingneſs to proceed, ſaying, I did not think theſe young men had been concerned: although they are four of the greateſt brutes and libertines in the world.“ Why, ſaid Tzeb-chung-u, ſhould you make any demur in the matter? Although they be peoploef the firſt quality, why ſhould you make a ditficulty of chaſtiſing them?” It is not out of fear, replied the other, but their fathers being of my acquaintance at court, complaints of this kind will be very diſagreeable to them. They are a parcel of young unthinking rakes, that value themſelves only upon their fathers grandeur. But as this affair is not of ſo very high a nature, as abſolutely to require them to be brought to public trial in all the forms of law and juſtice z therefore I could wiſh you would let me find ſome other way of giving you redreſs, without 2 mahking making out a formal proſecution.” 661 am far from deſiring to give your Excellency trouble, replied T ieb-· chung-· u; 1 am fully ſatisfied in having acquainted you with it; which I did only that you might ſet a mark upon them for their actions.“ The Grand Viſitor was very well pleaſed, and told him, he did him a favour in quitting all farther proſecution. Come, ſaid he, you muſt ſtay a few days with me. The youth thanked him, but urged his deſire not to be detained. When the Mandarine found he could not prevail with him, he made up a paper of twelve taels of ſilver *, and gave it him, ſaying, If you don't accept

• Twelve Taels of filver are about 41. ſterling. |

gs HAU KIOU CHOAAN. of it, I ſhall think you are angry with me.” To prevent that ſaſpicion he received it, and withdrew. Where he went will be Sound in the next chapter. CHA F. M. TE H-chung-u taking his leave of the Grand Viſitor, went and told Shuey-yeong who had attended him there, all that had paſt at the tribunal : and concluded with deſiring him to recommend him to his miſtreſs, and to preſenhti s thanks for the advice ſne had given him, © It is not in my