Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 4

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Chapter 4: Young Master Guo's Vain Pursuit: Grasping at the Moon

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

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

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CHAP IX.* KWO-kké-tzu was not so overjoyed so that he had secured the prize, as to be neglectful of what might happen;

• CHAP. V. in the Translator's manuscript.

left A CHINESE HISTORY. $75 ( } d left therefore upon her arrival at his house, she would make a disturbance and reject the marriage, he made all possible hafte to setch the Magistrates of the city, together with others of his relations and friends; in order to pro- duce her eight letters before them; and to silence whatever she might plead to the contrary. He was transported that he should now recover his credit, in shewing himself capable of outwitting her; and congratulated himself as well for the happy concerting of his project, as for the resolution and dexterity with which it had been executed. He ufed such expedition in mustering his friends, that he was got home before the chair. It was not however long behind him. He soon saw it coming; his • add Kwo-khé-tzu was charmed with this proposal, and resolved to put it in ex- ecution. 66 Nothing, said he, can de- seat a design so well concerted as this: unless badness of weather should keep her at home." "Even that, said Shuey- guwin, will hardly prevent her from going for she bears the greatest re- gard for her mother's memory." Kwo- khé-tzu had no farther doubts about the success of their project: in the happy contemplation of which Shuey-guwin left him. As soon as he got home, he haftened to his niece to chide her for what had happened. "Your cousin's husband, said he, shewed you great civility, not nly to invite you, but also to do it in so • Ot n so respectful a manner and for you to come to his door and then run away, what could occasion such strange be- haviour? It hath brought a great deal of shame not only on yourself but also on me: for I could hardly lift up my head any more in company. 66 I need not use many words, replied Shuey- ping-fin; let me only say, that whether my suspicions were well grounded or not, is best known to himself, but I had certainly the strongest foundation for them." "By no means, said he, all that he wanted was to pay his com- pliments to his new relations, and to shew that respect which he thought due to the cousin of his wife." "That, said his niece, you will hardly persuade me to believe: nay although I escaped you the "" the snare this time, I am of opinion that he is still contriving some trick to catch me. And you know best whether you yourself are altogether innocent. You will probably deny it; but the event will thew it before it be long." Shuey-guwin's heart began to beat, and he went home without utter- ing a single fyllable. Now the ninth moon being come, Shuey-ping-fin began to think of paying her respects at her mother's tomb, and of visiting the places where he was every year accustomed to go. She sent therefore to acquaint her uncle and his three sons, of her intention. It instantly occured to Shuey-guwin, that if he went with her, he would be thought a party concerned } concerned in the carrying her off: he therefore returned for answer that he was indisposed. She then desired his two eldest sons might accompany her: but they, it was answered, were in- gaged in business which they could not leave but that his youngest son, if she required it, might go with her. At the same time he sent to advise Kwo- khé-tzu of it, and that she was to set out the very next morning. On the morrow she ordered every thing to be got ready with such prepa- ration, as might teftify her respect for the memory of her mother. She ap- pointed her grand chair* to be set out, together The compilers of the Modern Univerfal Hif tory inform us, that these chairs or fedans are of Kwo-khé-tzu was charmed with this proposal, and resolved to put it in ex- ecution. "Nothing, said he, can de- seat a design so well concerted as this: unless badness of weather should keep her at home." "Even that, said Shuey- guwin, will hardly prevent her from going for she bears the greatest re- gard for her mother's memory." Kwo- khé-tzu had no farther doubts about the success of their project: in the happy contemplation of which Shuey-guwin left him. As soon as he got home, he haftened to his niece to chide her for what had happened. "Your cousin's husband, said he, shewed you great civility, not only to invite you, but also to do it in so so respectful a manner and for you to come to his door and then run away, what could occasion such strange be- haviour? It hath brought a great deal of shame not only on yourself but also on me: for I could hardly lift up my "" " I head any more in company.' need not use many words, replied Shuey- ping-fin; let me only say, that whether my suspicions were well grounded or not, is best known to himself, but I had certainly the strongest foundation for them." "By no means, said he, all that he wanted was to pay his com- pliments to his new relations, and to shew you that respect which he thought due to the cousin of his wife." "That, said his niece, you will hardly persuade me to believe: nay although I escaped the the snare this time, I am of opinion that he is still contriving some trick to catch me. And you know best whether you yourself are altogether innocent. You will probably deny it; but the event will thew it before it be long." Shuey-guwin's heart began to beat, and he went home without utter- ing a single fyllable. Now the ninth moon being come, Shuey-ping fin began to think of paying her respects at her mother's tomb, and of visiting the places where he was every year accustomed to go. She sent therefore to acquaint her uncle and his three sons, of her intention. It instantly occured to Shuey-guwin, that if he went with her, he would be thought a party concerned • concerned in the carrying her off: he therefore returned for answer that he was indisposed. She then desired his two eldest sons might accompany her: but they, it was answered, were in- gaged in business which they could not leave: but that his youngest son, if she required it, might go with her. At the same time he sent to advise Kwo- khé-tzu of it, and that she was to set out the very next morning. On the morrow she ordered every thing to be got ready with such prepa- ration, as might teftify her respect for the memory of her mother. She ap- pointed her grand chair* to be set out, together The compilers of the Modern Univerfal Hif tory inform us, that these chairs or fedans are of tis 168 HATI. HALL together with four smaller chairs for She had a horse brought her maids. to two forts. Those belonging to people of quality but thofe of the inferior rank have only one pole are borne on two or more men's shoulders; put through a ring on the top; and rather re- femble a large cage carried between two men, the hindermoft holding it with both his hands to prevent it from jogging to and fro. Thofe of the inferior kind, which are common- ly of japanned wood, have either some small holes or oblong narrow flits, not only to let in the air, but to give them that are in it a glimpse of what paffes in the streets through which they are conveyed but thofe of the better sort are covered with such rich silks as not only shut out the light, but even the fresh air. The same writers defcribe both kinds as made very low. (See vol. 8. p. 260. note K.) If one may judge from the Chinese prints, thefe fedans are not so very low, as they are here represented. And with regard to thofe ufed by the men for travelling, Du Halde afsures us that they are higher as well as lighter than thofe used in Europe. Thefe, he says, are made of bambû, and are of a convenient fize for sitting at eafe, being carried by men like If there be but two chairmen, the ends of the poles reft on their shoulders: but if there ours. be to the door in the street for her cou- fin*: then ordering the chairs into the hall, and having placed herself and her women in them, the chairmen came and took them away. From thence they marched along in great order; first of all went the chair of state, preceded by a magnificent um- brella, and carried by four cooleys or chairmen: then came the four small ones, followed by her cousin on horfc- back attended by two servants. be four, then the ends of the poles, as well before as behind, pass through two running knots of a strong pliable cord, hung by the middle to a thick flick, whofe ends reft on the shoulders of the chairmen. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 266. N. B. All authors inform us, that the chairs ufed on solemn occasions are very splendid, being finely gilt, and in other respects pompously decorated.

• Brother in the original.

together with four smaller chairs for her maids. She had a horfe brought to two forts. Those belonging to people of quality are borne on two or more men's shoulders; but thofe of the inferior rank have only one pole put through a ring on the top; and rather re- femble a large cage carried between two men, the hindermoft holding it with both his hands to prevent it from jogging to and fro. Those of the inferior kind, which are common- ly of japanned wood, have either some small holes or oblong narrow flits, not only to let in the air, but to give them that are in it a glimpse of what paffes in the streets through which they are conveyed but thofe of the better sort are covered with such rich silks as not only shut out the light, but even the fresh air. The same writers defcribe both kinds as made very low. (See vol. 8. p. 260. note K.) If one may judge from the Chinese prints, thefe fedans are not so very low, as they are here represented. And with regard to those ufed by the men for travelling, Du Halde afsures us that they are higher as well as lighter than thofe ufed in Europe. Thefe, he says, are made of bambû, and are of a convenient fize for sitting at ease, being carried by men like If there be but two chairmen, the ends of the poles reft on their shoulders: but if there ours. be • A • to the door in the street for her cou- fin*: then ordering the chairs into the hall, and having placed herself and her women in them, the chairmen came and took them away. From thence they marched along in great order; first of all went the chair of state, preceded by a magnificent um- brella, and carried by four cooleys or chairmen: then came the four small ones, followed by her cousin on horse- back attended by two servants. be four, then the ends of the poles, as well before as behind, pass through two running knots of a strong pliable cord, hung by the middle to a thick stick, whofe ends reft on the shoulders of the chairmen. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 266. N. B. All authors inform us, that the chairs ufed on solemn occasions are very splendid, being finely gilt, and in other respects pompously decorated.

• Brother in the original.

They They were now got out of the city, and wanted but about a lee of the tomb: when suddenly there came up three lufty men on the left hand and as many on the right; who stopped the grand chair. And presently after from among the bushes, there rushed out more than twenty cooleys or chairmen, five or six of whom immediately feized on the chair, crying out to them who carried it: "This is our place; would you take our livelihood from us ?" Then beating them off, they took it up and ran away with it as faft as they could. The servants on horfeback seeing this, rode after them, demanding how they durft offer such infult to a lady of See note pag. 15, quality. • quality. They made no reply, but away the fafter. hurried One of the servants was almost up with the chair : when of a fudden bolted out Kwo-kbé-tzu himself and stopped him. "How now, impudence! said he, your lady there is my wife." "I knew not that, Sir, said the servant, I only did my duty: which had I not done, my lady would have punished me.' "Lay the blame upon me, replied the other, do you go home about your business." The servant stood still. Then Kwo-kbé-tzu for- bidding him with heavy threats to ad- vance, hafted after the chair. By this time the four other chairs were come up together with the attendants; who who after a little consultation, turn'd about and went home again. In the mean while Kwo-kbé-tzu ac- companied his prize 'till it was got within the gate of the city: then giving the stricteft charge to his servants to take great care of it, and see it safely set down within his house, he turned aside to the Che-foo and Che-bien, in order to intreat them to come and be witnesses. CHAP IX.* KWO-kké-tzu was not so overjoyed that he had secured the prize, as to be neglectful of what might happen; CHAP. V. in the Translator's manuscript. left left therefore upon her arrival at his house, she would make a disturbance and reject the marriage, he made all possible hafte to setch the Magistrates of the city, together with others of his relations and friends; in order to pro- duce ber eight letters before them; and to silence whatever she might plead to the contrary. He was tranfported that he should now recover his credit, in shewing himself capable of outwitting her; and congratulated himself as well for the happy concerting of his project, as for the resolution and dexterity with which it had been executed. He used such expedition in mustering his friends, that he was got home before the chair. It was not however long behind him. He soon saw it coming; his people driving along the streets, and clearing their way like a fwarm of wafps. They were going to set it down at the gates: but he would not let them, neither at the second door, but made them carry it into the great hall. Upon this the Che-foo, the Che-bien, and all his relations and friends rose up, and came to meet him, crying out, "Kong-béé, or much joy to you! how rare is it to find a woman so beautiful and so accom- plished as Shuey-ping-fin? What cause have you to rejoice in having at length obtained so ineftimable a treasure ?" Kwo-kbé-tzu beheld the chair with the moft evident satisfaction, and advancing towards the upper end of the hall, returned their compliments with equal civility"Extraordinary, said he, as this ། this step I have taken may appear, I have been guilty of no unwarrantable violence this lady was the person to whom I was originally contracted in marriage; and the receiving another woman in her ftead, was the effect of her contrivance: the opportunity I now have, permits me but barely to do myself justice: I must therefore desire you all to be my witnesses; and that the Che-foo and Che-bien will be in this affair as my father and mother, in mak- ing the marriage firm and valid, and in preventing any farther trouble a- bout it. Those magistrates advised him to bury in profound silence all that was past; telling him they were ready to atteft what he had afferted; that since he had brought her there, he was now obliged to marry her, and there- fore had nothing to do, but to car- ry her in, and have performed the usual ceremonies *. Kwo-kbé-tzu de- fired before this was done, the might appear before them; that she might have no pretence to complain of com- pulfive or hafty measures, or that the marriage was conducted otherwise than openly, with the most proper and de- liberate decorum. "Well, said the Che-foo,if you would rather have it so, let the chair be opened, and let the lady appear.

• Viz. " of drinking wine together; of mak-

ing their joint reverences to Heaven, &c." (See note page 110:) to which some writers add, "and to the names or images of their ancestors." See P. Semedo, p. 72. Kwo- Kwo-kbé-tzu then ordered his women to go to the chair, and lifting up the curtain, to open the door. They went accordingly, but found it lock'd: of which they returned and inform'd their master. He was not furpriz'd at this, attributing it either to her delicacy or her fear. Then going himself and trying in vain to open the lock, at length he broke it. On this, the women ad- vanced to open the door, which as soon as they had done, they stood still for some minutes. Enrag'd at this delay he began to ftorm at them, afking, why they stood staring, and did not hand their lady out of the chair? With looks of the utmost astonishment and confu- fion, they told him there was no lady; not so much as the fhadow of one. He was was greatly surprized, and advancing to the chair to be satisfied himself, in- ftead of the fair Shuey-ping-fin, he saw nothing but a bundle wrapt about with a scarlet cloth. Atthis he fell a stamping and raving like one diftracted: "How can this be possible? said he; one of my own women servants this morning saw her dreft, and ready to go into the chair, but a little while before it set out." The Che-foo and Che-bien, with the reft that were invited, went also to the chair, and with equal aftonifhment saw nobody was in it. Surely, said they all, this young lady must be a prophe- tefs, and have a power of divining, thus to forefee, and avoid all your pursuits: 'tis enough; you must think no more of 曼 ​A CHINESE HISTORY: 181 of her for whether he be faint or demon, there is no fathoming her con- trivances: the must surely be of no common capacity." Kwo-khé-tzu was too much mortified and confounded to answer a fyllable. The Che foo seeing him caft down and dejected, ordered them to take out the bundle and see what was in it. Opening it they found only a box filled with pebble stones. At this every body laugh'd: and ta- king their leave, left Kwo-khé-tzu to bewail his disgrace*. He

• The Chinese author hath told this story

with so little art, that in page 173 he fore- ftalls our curiosity by informing us, that when Kwo-khé-tzu forbad the servant to advance, "He (the servant) knowing what he was about, "said, it is very well, I will stay here and reft myself. Accordingly he stay'd till the other small chairs were come up, in one of which 66 was He was so disturbed in his mind, that for some time he did not perceive they had left him: at length raising up his head and looking round, he saw his hall empty, and nobody left, except one friend, who fat unobferv'd in a corner, and seem'd buried in profound thought. The name of this person was Chun-kéé. Taking courage to find he was not totally deserted, the youth called out, inviting him to come and sit down with him, and to talk over the affair that had happen'd. To-day, said he, after having thought myself secure of the accomplishment "was Shuey-ping-fin: whom he with the reft of the servants, accompanied home again." The Editor hath taken the liberty to suppress this single passage, which he doubts not every reader of tafte will pardon, of { of my wishes beyond all poffibility of disappointment, how have I been deceived, and shamed and mortified? I cannot account for the trick she hath play'd me; it seems to exceed all human power: and yet I cannot forget her; neither shall I give her up, as those here advised me. Tell me how you would act in like situation ?" "This young lady, answer'd Chun-kéć, is very fubtle; she is no lefs uncomplying and obstinate: to think to obtain her therefore by soft and gentle means, will be involving yourself in an endless purfuit: nothing but downright force can succeed with her." "Alas! replied the other, of what little effect bare force can be, the disappointment of this day may shew: besides, after this unsuccess- ful ful attempt, she will not easily fall in my way again: her youth and fex will afford her no occasion to stir out for the future: nor will the readily venture of herself." "Do not despair, said the other, I have bethought myself of an expedient, that does not seem unlikely." Kwo-kbé-tzu liften'd with great atten- tion. "Her father, proceeded Chun kéé, is in banishment, and I hear 'tis a long while that he hath had no news of - him I hear alfo that she preserves for him the moft ardent affection, and conti- nually feeds an hope that he will one day obtain the Emperor's pardon," "All this said the other, may be very true: but what is it to our purpose ?" "You must get, said his friend, said his friend, a coloured paper, upon which let it be written, that that a great Mandarine hath procured a pardon for him, and that the Em- peror has restored him to his office again. Send this dispatch to her house by a train of twenty messengers, and let her be called upon to receive the mandate with due respect. This will oblige her to come out to meet it. Then let a chair be ready, and the mo- ment she steps out of the hall force her into it and away." Kwo-kbé-tzu applauded this scheme, and thought it might be successful. "But stay, proceeded Chun-kéć, we must at the same time make some provifion for our own fecurity. Shuey-ping-fin is

• In the original Ngun-cheaow-chyéé, or "pa-

per of pleasure." Transf. the Wittle as possible. Yet greatly as she had been harraffed, alarmed and ter- rified, her concern on that account was light, compared with what the suffered for the fake of her father. His misfortunes and disgrace were the conitant subject of her thoughts: and if the sometimes encouraged an hope, that he would one day be restored to his family and his friends, it was as often in- terrupted by doubt and ftifled by de- fpair. One morning as she was em- ployed in dreifing her head*, she was alarmed Although the Chinese Ladies are extremely confined, and seldom ftir out of their apartment, which is in the moit retired part of the house, having no communication but with the women servants; yet it does not appear that they have a greater averfion for dress than the ladies of Europe: for we are told, that they spend several hours every morning in dref alarmed by a great noise and diftur- bance in the street at the gate of her court: setting themselves out, though they have so lit- tle chance to be seen. Their head-dress usually confifts of several curls, interfperfed with little tufts of gold and silver flowers: some adorn their heads with the figure of a fabulous bird called song-whang, answering to the phenix with us. The young ladies commonly wear a kind of crown made. with paste-board, and covered with a beautiful silk; the forepart whereof rifes in a point above the forehead, and is covered with jewels, &c. but on the top of the head with natural and artificial flowers. Women in years are content with a piece of fine silk, wound two or three times about the head. There appears an uncommon modesty in their looks and dress. Their gowns are very long, and cover them from head to foot, so that nothing is to be seen but their faces; their hands being always concealed within their wide long sleeves, which almost drag on the ground. And here it may be proper to observe, that if they have occasion to present any thing to a man, they always do it with their hand wrapt up in their sleeve. And if a man presents any thing to them, he must set it down upon a table, &c. and then they will come and take it up in their sleeve. (Sec n. Atlas Sin. p. 9. &c. Το 100 HAT KIOU CHOAAN. court: she tent an old woman of her attendants to inquire the meaning of it. But he tore she could get to the gate, I was already broken down, and a great mum people came running in with the coloured paper, who cried out,

• Good news much joy to Shuey-ping-

da" The wards, though not very dimän now, reached the ears of the moung lady: The therefore haftened at the talk and sond behind the MA *how as parting the Chinele wo- Mer DitaskR MAK MALIZI Tula har to have little $ 18 4 DA at Nh. The nuries are caretu tobak MN WAT VERDZIog or prevent its SOME 4th a marriageable, ther to are not bige mar that of a child ather a four man des The sid dos no aset mer hauth, althougt. I renders ther gat megachu her is at inely embroidered, and a knifei restines. 7. Di Hautz, RÁ: N Com a p tra: F. Le Conque, door to be the better satisfied: where she saw the people, and heard very plainly what they said: crying aloud, "Here is the Emperor's mandate, she must come out immediately to meet and receive it." Upon this, ac- companied by two of her maids, she ventured out and was instantly fur- rounded. She afked where the order was: they answered, at the Che-foo's, and that the must go there: and immediately a chair was brought into the hall. Perceiving how matters were conducted, he began to suspect all was not right, and that some evil design was in agitation against her: but finding it too late to retreat, the mustered up a noble courage and re- folution, and concealing her fear and surprize, 'surprize, waved her hand to be heard "You that are now come here, said she, upon this pretence, belong to, or are sent by Kwo-kbé-tzu; and the reason he sends you hither to take me, is not because he hates me or is my enemy, but it rather proceeds from his violent regard: and therefore if I comply with his desires and marry him, don't I not only gratify his utmost wishes, but also immediately become your mistress? As therefore it will then be in my power to punish you as I please, be careful how you are guilty here of any indecency." Chun-kéé, who was in the crowd, hearing what she said, cried out, "It is very true, Lady, and therefore if you will please to go into the chair, no one will offer the →ho BIAY e the least discourtesy." "Well then, said she, stand aside a little and give me room; let me speak to my people, and make some little change in my dress.". Then calling a female attendant to bid her bring her cloaths, she whispered in her ear, to conceal a knife in the sleeve of her gown. All this was performed, and she accordingly changed her habit. Then having given orders to her fer- vants about the management of her house, she addressed herself once more to the people: "To-day, said she, if you would gain an interest in your master, by doing me a favour, you must oblige me in one thing." "If you will but marry Kwo-khé-tzu, re- plied Chun-kéé, there is nothing we shall dare to refuse you." She pro- ceeded, ful attempt, she will not easily fall in my way again: her youth and fex will afford her no occasion to ftir out for the future: nor will the readily venture of herself." "Do not despair, said the other, I have bethought myself of an expedient, that does not seem unlikely." Kwo-kbé-tzu liften'd with great atten- tion. "Her father, proceeded Chun kéé, is in banishment, and I hear 'tis a long while that the hath had no news of him I hear alfo that she preserves for him the most ardent affection, and conti- nually feeds an hope that he will one day obtain the Emperor's pardon," "All this said the other, may be very true: but what is it to our purpose ?" "You must get, said his friend, a coloured paper, upon which let it be written, that that a great Mandarine hath procured a pardon for him, and that the Em- peror has restored him to his office again. Send this dispatch to her house by a train of twenty meffengers, and let her be called upon to receive the mandate* with due respect. This will oblige her to come out to meet it. Then let a chair be ready, and the mo- ment she steps out of the hall force her into it and away." Kwo-kbé-tzu applauded this scheme, and thought it might be successful. "But stay, proceeded Chun-kéć, we must at the same time make some provifion for our own fecurity. Shuey-ping-fin is

• In the original Ngun-cheaow-chyéé, or “pa-

per of pleasure." Transf. the the daughter of a Mandarine of good family and when the fees herself thus suddenly beset and carried away by vio- lence, it may cause her to commit some desperate action: perhaps to ftrangle herself with her garter; or to ftab herself with her fciffars, or some other imple- ment she may have about her. To prevent therefore the blame of any such action, you shall present a petition to the Che-foo and Che-bien to summon her before them at your fuit: by which you will have their officers to accom- pany your people, and their authority for your fanction: and at the same time that you are fcreen'd from the consequences + of the attempt, you will have thofe In the original it is, "If she should do Berself a mischief, then it will be nothing." magistrates d magistrates ready to compleat the mar- riage," Kwo-kbé-tzu could not conceal his satisfaction at so artful and at the fame time so safe a contrivance: "This, says he, is a thousand * times better than any I have undertaken before: nothing remains but to six the time for its exe- cution." When they had settled this point between them, they parted. Shuey ping-fin, having thus a third time narrowly escaped falling into the hands of her perfecutor, kept herself very close at home, and would scarcely suffer any one to go in or out of her house. As for Shuey-guwin and his sons, being sensible she strongly fuf- pected them, they came in her way as In the original it is "a million of times." little Little as possible. Yet greatly as she had been harraffed, alarmed and ter- rified, her concern on that account was light, compared with what the suffered for the fake of her father. His misfortunes and disgrace were the conftant subject of her thoughts: and if the sometimes encouraged an hope, that he would one day be restored to his family and his friends, it was as often in- terrupted by doubt and ftifled by de- fpair. One morning as she was em- ployed in dressing her head*, she was alarmed

• Although the Chinese Ladies are extremely

confined, and seldom ftir out of their apartment, which is in the most retired part of the house, having no communication but with the women servants; yet it does not appear that they have a greater averfion for dress than the ladies of Europe: for we are told, that they spend several hours every morning in dressing and setting alarmed by a great noise and diftur- bance in the street at the gate of her court: setting themselves out, though they have so lit- tle chance to be seen. Their head-dress usually confifts of several curls, interfperfed with little tufts of gold and silver flowers: some adorn their heads with the figure of a fabulous bird called song-whang, answering to the phenix with us. The young ladies commonly wear a kind of crown made, with paste-board, and covered with a beautiful silk; the forepart whereof rifes in a point above the forehead, and is covered with jewels, &c. but on the top of the head with natural and artificial flowers. Women in years are content with a piece of fine silk, wound two or three times about the head. There appears an uncommon modesty in their looks and dress. Their gowns are very long, and cover them from head to foot, so that nothing is to be seen but their faces; their hands being always concealed within their wide long sleeves, which almost drag on the ground. And here it may be proper to observe, that if they have occasion to present any thing to a man, they always do it with their hand wrapt up in their sleeve. And if a man presents any thing to them, he must set it down upon a table, &c. and then they will come and take it up in their sleeve. (See Martin. Atlas Sin. p. 9. &c. To court: she sent an old woman of her attendants to inquire the meaning of it. But before she could get to the gate, it was already broken down, and a great many people came running in with the coloured paper, who cried out, "Good news! much joy to Shuey-ping- fin!" Thefe words, though not very diftinctly heard, reached the ears of the young lady: she therefore hastened into the hall, and stood behind the To return; there is nothing the Chinese wo- men esteem more beautiful, than to have little feet as soon as they are born, the nurses are careful to bind this part very close, to prevent its growing so that when they are marriageable, their feet are not larger than those of a child of three or four years old. This we are told does not affect their health, although it renders their gait ungraceful. Their fhoes are finely embroidered, and of finished neatness. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 281, &c. P. Le Compte, tom. 1. p. 191, &c. door door to be the better satisfied: where she saw the people, and heard very plainly what they said: crying aloud, "Here is the Emperor's mandate, she must come out immediately to meet and receive it." Upon this, ac- companied by two of her maids, she ventured out and was instantly fur- rounded. She afked where the order was they answered, at the Che-foo's, and that the must go there and immediately a chair was brought into the hall. Perceiving how matters were conducted, the began to suspect all was not right, and that some evil design was in agitation against her: but finding it too late to retreat, she mustered up a noble courage and re- folution, and concealing her fear and surprize, I 'surprize, waved her hand to be heard "You that are now come here, said she, upon this pretence, belong to, or are sent by Kwo-kbé-tzu; and the reason he sends you hither to take me, is not because he hates me or is my enemy, but it rather proceeds from his violent regard: and therefore if I comply with his desires and marry him, don't I not only gratify his utmost wishes, but also immediately become your mistress? As therefore it will then be in my power to punish you as I please, be careful how you are guilty here of any indecency." Chun-kéé, who was in the crowd, hearing what she said, cried out, "It is very true, Lady, and therefore if you will please to go into the chair, no one will offer the "Well then, the least discourtesy." said she, stand aside a little and give me room; let me speak to my people, and make some little change in my dress.". Then calling a female attendant to bid her bring her cloaths, she whispered in her ear, to conceal a knife in the sleeve of her gown. All this was performed, and she accordingly changed her habit. Then having given orders to her fer- vants about the management of her house, she addressed herself once more to the people: "To-day, said she, if you would gain an interest in your master, by doing me a favour, you must oblige me in one thing." "If you will but marry Kwo-khé-tzu, re- plied Chun-kéé, there is nothing we shall dare to refuse you." She pro- ceeded, ceeded, "It is now three times that that young Lord hath come to marry me it is not in my power to refift him any longer, but then you must not carry me directly to his house; for I will sooner dye, than be married there by force, and in a low clandeftine manner. Therefore carry me firft to the Man- darines of the city: and let the mar- riage be performed openly and ho- nourably before thofe Magistrates, fuit- able to the dignity of my rank, and of his pretenfions." "You say right, said Chun-kéé, it shall be as you order, you shall go first to the Che-bien, then to the Che-foo, and afterwards to the house of your hufband: thus will every thing be decent and regular." Shuey- ving-fin then ordering two of her maids to to attend her, and bidding one of her servants to take down the coloured paper, which had been fixed to the gate, and to bring it along to the Che-bien's called for the chair, and threw herself into it. The people of Kwo-kbé-tzu, who were about thirty in number, having thus got possession of the prize, which had so often eluded their master's pur- fuit, with the utmoft alacrity and speed took up the chair and ran away with it through the city, regardless of every thing they met in their passage; like a flight of crows, that are winging their way through the air. They had now almost reached the audience of the Che-bien, when in croffing a street, they ran ran against a young gentleman mounted on a mule with such violence, that they had like to have beaten both to the ground. Upon this the stranger, who was dressed in a student's habit, and was fol- lowed by one servant, instantly dif mounted, and not a little incenfed at their rudeness, laid hold of the chair- men, calling them impertinent and clownish rascals: "You are not, said he, escaping from fire or thieves, where- fore then do you hurry along at this uncivil and disorderly rate, overturning every thing in your way? How durft you affront me in this audacious man- ner?" They answered, that they were employed about a marriage of diftinc- tion; tion; and who should hinder them? "Were you gold or diamonds, iron or glass, said they, go with us to the Che-bien, and we will grind you to pow- der." "If this marriage, replied he, is between people of quality, where are the usual ceremonies to attend it? Where is the chair of flate adorned for that purpose? Where is the music, and other splendid attendance? Here is nothing of all this; but you rather seem to be villains that have ftolen away some unfortunate lady: and as that is the cafe, I will go along with you to the audience myself." Chun-kéé hearing what he said, and perceiving by his mien, that he was not ordinary person, addressed him very O 3 respectfully, respectfully, and said, "Pray, Sir, ex- cuse the incivility done you by these fellows, who are clowns and know no better they deserve correction, but in truth are not worthy your notice : better let them alone." The stranger recollected himself, and was going away; when of a fudden he heard a voice from the chair crying out for fuccour: "I am greatly in- jured you seem to be a person of valour: O assist and fave me!" Upon which he laid his hand on the chair, and once more stopped it: saying, " Is this then the reason of your indecent hafte? Come away, I will go with you to the Mandarine's audience." The chair- men thus interrupted, seeing he would not not quit them, went to fall upon him with their fifts: but loofing the chair, he so well exerted himself, that he quickly laid many of them at his feet. Upon which Chun-kéé came up to him, and said: "Sir, you must not beat the people thus; though you would not before have gone to the Che-bien, now we must oblige you let go the chair; and we will go there together." "By no means, said the young stranger: not 'till I am got to thedoor of the audience." As soon as they were arrived there, he raised the end of his whip, and struck the great drum that stood at the As the Mandarines are appointed folely to protect the people, they ought always to be ready to hear their complaints, not only at the stated times the door : upon which all the people. came out, wondering at his boldness. The Che-bien, who had expected the chair, fate in the hall waiting for it, when hearing the drum beat, he could not conceive what was the matter: im- times of audience, but at all other hours of the day. If the affair be urgent, then they go to the Mandarine's palace, and beat upon a kind of, kettle-drum, which is sometimes on one side of the hall of justice, but commonly without the doors, that the people may come at it both night and day. At this signal, the Mandarine, though never so much employed, is obliged to leave every thing immediately, to grant the audience demanded. But whoever gives the alarm, un- lefs he hath suffered some extraordinary wrong that requires speedy redress, is sure to receive the bastinado for his pains. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 254. N. B. The Translator tells us in another place, that it is the custom for the officers of the tribunal, to take and bind the person that strikes upon the drum, until they have presented him to the Mandarine. It appears alfo from the Chinese anthor himself, that such was the custom, at least in his time. See book 3. chap. 4. mediately -75 E: mediately he saw his people come in, bringing in the stranger: "This, they said, is the person that beat on the drum."