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Chapter 8: A Single Word Gives Offense: Departing Without Waiting for the Carriage

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. Page numbers preserved as [p. N]. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the modern translation and Chinese original to verify.

[Volume II, Book II, Chapters V-VI]

CHAP, v.*

TH E Cbe-bien^ havii^ itfieded on all diat Sban-jeo had reported to him conoerning the conduft of the tivo young perfons, became very much attached to chem, and made them the fubjefi: of his diicourie to all his friends and acquaintance: efteeming himfelf happy in having two fuch charaders in a city under his jurifiliftion.

As for Shuj-piwinj finding there was no longer any room for fulpicion, and that the Cbe-biem was latisfied of their innocence, he began to reaibn thus with himfelf: ^'Although I have hitherto

  • Chap. VIIL In theTranflacor's manafcript.'

been

no HAU KIOU CHOAAN.

been fb defirous to marry my niece to KwO'kbi'tzu^ it was not fo much from a defirc to fervc him, as myfelf, by getting pofieffion of her houfe and furniture. There is no probability now that this match will ever uke place. On the other hand, notwith- ftanding her prudent and irreproach- able condudt towards this young ftran- gcr, it cannot but be thought fhe hath a great regard for him. If it were not for virgin modcfty, I doubt not but flic would be glad to receive his offers of marriage* I think therefore I can- not do her a more acceptable fervice, than to propofe him to her for a hulband. If fiie accepts of him I ihall flill come into poflcfllon of her cfFefts.*'

FuU

A CHINESE HISTORY, iii

Full of ihefe hopes he hafted to hU ntece by the private door, and ad-- drellbd hfcr as follows. ** It is a com- moh faying) A drum if it be not beat gives no noiie^and A bell if it be not Anick upon returns no fbuml. It is alfo faid. Whoever hath fore C3rcs. will fee clearly in ten days if he let them alone to cure themfelvcs *. The

day

  • The application of thefe Proverbs is obvi-

ous. The two Firil feem intended to introduce what he is about to metition on the fubje^l of marrk^y which without his interpofing would be likely to continue dormant. By the Other he infinuates that her condudt had juiUfied and cleared up idelf.

It may be obferved ©f the Laft of thele Pro- verbs, that no People are more fubje6l to blind- nefs than the Chine/sy which is by fome attri-. buted to their feeding on Rice.

Of the Former it may be remarked, that the Chine/e divide the night into five Watches, each about two hours long ; of which they give notice in the cities by inceflantly beating either day that you brought fieb-cbung-u into your houfe to cure him of his iUnefs, it not only occafioned people to talk ill of you abroad ; but I mufl: acknowledge that I myfelf was much difturbed at it. But now I am convinced you arc both like fine gold, which there is no fear

on a large Dram or Bell, or both : the firft watch being denoted by one ftroke which is repeated every moment, the fecond watch by two flrokes, &c. The city Drum at Pe-king is faid to be fifteen cubits diameter. Their Bells are alfo large maflfes of metal, fome of them weighing 1 20,000, lb. Their form is cylindrical, being almoil as wide at the top as at the bottom : they alfo difler from ours in decreafing in thicknefs gradually from the bottom upwards. Thefc Bells are not rung with Clappers, but beat upon with great Hammers made of a kind of wood called from its hardnefs Tie-mu or Iron-ivood,

N. B. The Chine/e diftinguifli their Bells by whimfical names, as the hangings the eatings iht Jleepingi the flying, &c.

Fid, plura apud P. Le Compte, tom. i. p. I24,&c. P. Magal, p. 122, &c. Mod.Un. Hill. V. 8. p. 301, &c.

can can receive damage by being put in the fire.'* Shuey-ping-Jin anfwered, ** So long as every thing is conduced according to civility and good order, what great mat- ter is there in all this ? Tkb-cbung-u hath done me an important piece of fervicp, and I have endeavoured to make him all the rtturn in my power/' ♦* It is true, faid her uncle; you fay well; and 1 have now an offer to make you, in which I am very fincere,. and which 1 hope will expoi'e me no longer to the fufpicion of feeking my own private intereft, or of having any "thing elfe in view but your real advantage." *^ AH things, faid the young lady, muft be conduced with decency and order. If it becomes me to do it, I am , con- tented; otherwife you had better let Vol IL I ^v

^14 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.

it reft in filcncc.** He replied, " The old proverb (ays very well : When a man is of age, he muft contrail a mar- riage, and a woman muft accept of a marriage. You are now arrived at che marriageable age. If your father were at home, it would be his duty to confider of this fubjeft ; there would then be no obligation on me. But he is fent to a diftant country, from whence no one can tell when he will return. And for you to pais the prime of your life unmarried, in hope of an event 6} remote and uncertain, would be ▼ery unrealbnable. When Kwokbe- tm^ would have married you, you muft not think that all the tricks he played yob, and the trouble he occalioned, proceeded from any fuggeftion of

mine. iXMne. If I ieeoied to favour his (air» it was owing to his continual fplicita- tion. I am now beonne vtery fenfibl^ chat alt you did was realbnabjie nod juft. Kwo-kbi'tzu may indeed value iumfelf upon his power and riches ; bi£(t hath no great pretentions to capacit|f and underftanding. I therefore begin to think him an improper match for fuch a woman as you. Nay where is to be found one completely fuii^ able ? It is true there is no fcarcity of ingenious and learned men^ but I be- lieve there are none who may pair with you for fine fcnfc and ingenuity. Yet now a favourable occafion ofiers : and as Heaven, which hath blefled you with fo many perfe^iiionsi makes all things compleat and perfect *, who I % <:^ss.

m6 hau kiou choaan;

can doubt but that this Tieb-cbung-u was made for you alone, and fent im- mediately by Heaven with all thefe en- dowments in order to match thofe you are poflcfled of. Now although you have been for fome time together under one roof, obferving all decency and good -order; yet I know modefty will not fuf- fer either of you to touch on fo delicate a fubjeft. I am come therefore out of friendfliip to break through this difE- culty, and to negotiate the matter be- tween you." *' Uncle, replied the young lady ^ Heaven made Con-fu-cee*,

and

• CoN-FU-CBE (rsithcr Cong'/u't/e) or Con/w cius the great Philofopher of the Chinejfet was bom in the kingdom of iL«, now the province oiShan- tong; according to P, Du Halde^ five hundred and fifty-one years before Christ. So that he mud have been cotcmporary with Pythagoras and Solon^ and fomcwhat earlier than Socrates, He was but three years old at^e death of his

father ; and endowed him with perfect wifdom and underftanding. Why was not he

an

father ; from whom he received no other inhe- ritance than the honour of being defcended from an Emperor of a former dynally. In his ear- lieft Infancy he difcovered an uncommon gravity and wifdom : and about his fifteenth year gave himfelf up to the ftudy of the ancient books. At the age of nineteen he married, contenting himfelf with one wife; by whom he had a fon. A while after he divorced her that he might purfue his fludies with the greater application.

On account of his admirable qualities, his learning and virtue, he was feveral times in veil- ed with the magiftracy in different places, which he only accepted of as the means of promoting his intended reformation both in morals and go- . vernment : and as oft as he found his endeavours * unfuccefsful, he threw up his employments and retired to private life.

. Of this he gave an illuftrious proof in the fifty- fifth year of his age, when he was invited to ac- cept of the pofl: of chief Mandarine in the king- dom of Lu : China then containing many little kingdoms ; all of them however fubordinate to the Emperor. Here in the fpace of three months fo viiible a change for the better took place, that the king of TJiy another petty monarch, en- vying this profperity, made a prefent to the king of Lu of feveral beautiful young girls ; who by tlieir captivating arts etvUttV^ fc^MC^Wvwv and his court.

I 3 Vi^tw an Emperor? he was only a private philofopher, and teacher of the people.

Heaven

Upon this Confucius once more returned to his former condition of a pivate fagc, and wan- dered about the empire, fometimes revered, fometimes defpifed and infulted, and fome- times even reduced to the extremeft indigence : all wjiich he bore with wonderful equanimity and fortitude. He is faid however to have gained 3000 Difciples; of whom 500 were after* wards raifed to the higheft pofts in various King- doms. Of this number 72 were more parti- cularly learned : and ten of thefe were fo emi- nently accompliihed as to be called The ten Phi- U/ophers,

He divided his Difciples into four Claflcs. The firft were to cultivate their minds by meditation : The fecond, to reafon juftly and compofe perfua- five and elegant difcouries : The third to ftudy the art of government^ and to inftrudl the Man- darines in it : The fourth to write in a concife and elegant manner the principles of morality.

After haying complcated many philofophical and hiftorical works, which compofe the cano- nical books of the Chinefe, he died in his native country aged 73, greatly lamented. A little before his laft ficknefs he faid to his difciples with tears; ** The mount a' n is fallen ^ the high machine •* is deftroyed^ and t he f ages are no more to hefeen:^* meaning that the edifice of perfection which he had been endeavouring to niCe was almoft mycrthrown by the prevaEing d\ffoVawxi^% 1^ Heaven likewife in former times made a woman of the moll exa£t beauty and

manners. On the feventh day before his death he again told them ; '^ The kings refufe to follow ^^ Wf maxims t mtdfince I am no longer ufeftu to tb$

  • ^ njoorldf it is neceffary I Jbould ka've it^^ He thea

fell into a lethargy, and at length e;cpired in the arms of his Difciples.

Since his death he hath been regarded by tht Chinefcy if not as one of their deities or Pag^ds^ yet with a degree of reverence, which it is difE- cult to diJHnguifh from idolatry : for he is not only called the great mafier^ the illuftrious king of letters^ the faint ^ or hero adorned *with excellent wfdom^ whatever is cited from him being re- ceived as oracolous : but in every city is a mag- nificent Hall [or Temple according to P. Semedo"] where his Name is infcribed in l^ers of gold, and where the higheft honours are paid to hit memory by all the Literati, At the Examina* tions in particular one of the principal ceremo- nies is, that all the Graduates go together to perform Proftrations before his name, and ac- knowledge him for their Mailer. To which we may add, that on the Feftival kept in his honour^ a hog is facrificed, and meat, wine and pulfe of- fered to him in great form.

See Confuc. Declar. Proem, p. 117. P. Do

Halde, vol. i.p. 166. 295. 415, &c. P.Le

Compte, torn. I. 293. P. Semedo, p. ^8.

P. Magal, p* 147. Mod. Un« Htft. v. viii.

p, 104, &c.

1 4 IN^^

120 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. ^'

mod refined underftanding. Why was not flic efpoufed to the Emperor ? On the contrary flie nTiarried a perfon of low rank. All thefe things are under the dominion of chance : and are go- verned by fancy. Tieh-cbung-u is in- deed a young gentleman of great un- derftanding, integrity and worth; in* fomuch that he cannot be faid to be deficient in any one thing. But if you mention the * word Marriage with regard to this youth, you are very wide of the matter." ^b'^ey guwtn replied,

  • ' As there have fuch great obligations

pafled between you, and as you cannot but know each other's incHnations, it is very fitting you fhould be united.

• In the original it is, ** The two letters [or

»'it

A CHINESE HISTORY. 121.

•^ It is on account of thefe obligations anfwered his niece, that I fay you arc fo wide of the., matter. But indeed there is nothing regular nor accord- ing to decorum. No father or mother acquainted with the affair. No order procured. Such a marriage is impof- fible. Bcfides our acquaintance com- iTienccd in a time of trouble and dif-. turbance *, and was farther promoted by the quarrel this ftranger hath had with the Cbe-hien : confider too, that in confequence of this quarrel he was

• Among a people fo fuperflitious as the Chinejcy it may well be judged a fuflicient reafon. for not profecuting fuch an acquaintance, that it had To ominous a beginning. What regard is paid ill China to Omens, Auguries, &c. may be fecn in P. l)u Halde, vol. i. p. 507. ^1^, vol, 2. p. 5 I . r/ pajfim.

i he otner (TpjefVIons here urged will be found accou-^'fd for and explained l^ the Author hiniicll".

lii HAU KIOU CHOAAN.

brought home to my houfc in the moft fudden and abrupt manner by my own fclf. But it was merely to take care of him in his illnefs. There was not the lead intention of matrimony in the cafe/' ^ With regard to that, faid her uncle, you need be under no con- cern. Every body is now fenfible of the purity of your intentions. And as to bringing him home abruptly, you need not mention it now: there hath been nothing amifs in your whole condud, and the world is con- vinced of it/' *« Well then, faid Ihc, if hereafter there appears to be no par- ticular connexion between this youth and myfelf, my condud will always be deemed clear and upright, and I ihall be at eafe. But fhould we once

marrj'.

A CHINESE HISTORt. i2f

marry, who would believe, that my former intentions were innocent and un- defigning? We (hall always be fulpcdcd of guilt, and by that means rendered both of us miferable* I can by no mean! therefore give my confent to any pro- pofals of this kind; and defire you will think of the fubjeft no more/*

Sbuey-guwin was very angry at this declaration of his niece, and cried out : ♦* You talk in a very high and lofty ftrain : you that arc fo young to pre- tend to teach me and flight what I have faid to you ! Go ! I will talk with you no more, but will apply to the young gentleman himfclf and dilcufs the matter with him. If he is but incli- nable, I fhall not heed aU you can fay^

r24 HAU KIOU CHOAANl ^

againft it." He then went to the. chamber of Tieb-cbung-u. Siow^tcn in- formed his mafier, that the uncle of the young lady was come to pay him a vific. On which immediately he went out to meet him : and having conduced him in, defircd him to fit down. Slur/' guvnh began the converfation by tel- ling him, that for fomc days pafl: he had been wholly taken up with urgent buGnefs, which had prevented him from waiting on him : and therefore begged him to pardon the omiflion. He an- fwercd, that he was hardly fowcU reco- vered, as to be able to pay vifits him- felf, and therefore defired his excufe that he had not waited on bim. Uuey- gwxin told him, that he was come to- day to communicate an afiair of impor-

t;:r.cc. tance. Upon the other's defiring to know what it was j he anfwered. ** It is with regard to the marrying of my coufin.*' **The marrying of yourcoufin! faid the youth, and* infhntly clunged colour. This you muft not talk of to me. Your words are loft in the air *. I am a perfbn from abroad. If you have apy other fubjeft to propoie, I will lend you all pofiible attention. But why do you mention your coufin's mai*riage to me ?** ** Sir, replied Sbuey^ guwiHj I fhould not have ventured

• i^s it muft appear at firft fight unnatural that fUb'cbuHg-u fliould (b warmly reject pro-; pofals, which we have been led to believe would be extremely deiirable to him : it may be proper to obfervc that this difficulty will be in Tome meafurc removed hereafter when he comes to explain the motives of his condud : and it will be feenin the fequel that had he afted othervvife^ the confequeaces would have been fatal to them both.

Z26 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.

lo interpofe in an affair of this de^ licate nature: had it not been for the fervicc you afforded my coufin, and had you not done and fuffered fo much for her iake: on that account I have taken this liberty." " The af- fiftance you mention, replied the youth, was purely accidental. Seeii^ fo great an injury offered to a lady, I could do no le(s than aflift her. It is not in my power to fee any wronged or opprefs* cd, without interefting myfelf in their favour. This is but the refult of my natural difpofition. But from your difcourfe now, I conclude you think I had fome finifter defign in coming hither. And fince that is the cafe I will inftantly remove." Shuey-guzvin feeing him fo difturbcd at his diicourfe, endeavoured to ap- pcafe him. ** Pray Sir, faid he, be not offended. My coming here was from a good intention: not to make you uneafy. Give ear a little to what I have to fay, you may then judge if it merits attention/' <* It is a wife faying, replied the youth. What is not proper to be done, is not proper to be fpoken of*. I beg therefore you

will

  • In the Tranflator's M. S. it is, ** Whtm

'* the caafe is bad it mufi not be ^ken to."

As in this, and fome of the following pageir ^ the Hero <^ the piece cannot but fufier in the opinion of every fsar Reader, for his feeming Indelicacy and want of Gallantry : it may be proper to remark that his expreffions do not poffibly ibund fo harih in the original as they do here : at leafi: it appears that the lady is not of- fended at them. But after all it is impoilible tliere ihould be any fach thing as Qallantry

J 28 ttAU KIOUCHOAAN.

will fay no more. You probably mean well in this affair, but are not fennble how prejudicial it may prove. 1 find iiowever it is time for me to be gone/* Then rifing from his chair he called to one of the fervants of the houfe, and defired him to give his thanks and fcrvice to his miftrefs, and to tell

her

among a people, who admit of no intcrcourfc be- tween the two Sexes ; whofe Marriages arc con- traded without the confent of the Prj-tics, and even without their perfonal knowledge of each other : and who by being allowed a plurality of Women IciTen their attention to any one. Fc'P it mud follow, that where the Women have no power of rcfufmg, there can be no merit in thcfr ^acceptance, and confequently no pains required to obtain it: there can be no inducement then to ftudy any of thofc little engaging Arts which conftitute Gallantry with us. Among fuch a people, he Women will be in low clleem as Women ; and though they may be treated on occafion with all thi* civility and refpcd due to their rank or merit, there v. ill bu lo delicacy fhcwn to their.Sex.

Where her how fenfible he was of the fa^ vours he had received : but that find^ ing from her uncle it was time to depart, he was accordingly letting out; and that he could not [prefume to] alk her to come forth that he might take his leave of her* Then command*

Where the Women in general are held fo cheap, we muft not wonder that the men ihould be backward to acknowledge a foft and refpeft- ful paffion for any one of them : or that a nation in other refpedb civilized and refined, ihould in this refemble the moil favage and unpolidied. The iame caufes every where produce the fame efFefts. Among fome of the wild Nations o{ North America^ we are told that a young man would be for ever difhonoured who ihould flop and fpeak to his miHrefs in public; and that the bare mention of marriage between their Parents would be a fuiHcient reafon to make them induilrioufly ihun each other.

See an account of the Iroquois in Lettres edi" fiant. IS curieus. ISc. RecueiL xii. /. 132.

N. B. The Reader is defired to bear the above Remarks conftantly in mind throughout this and fome of the following Chapters.

Vol. II. K •v^«

I30 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.

ing his own fervant to follow, he de- parted fo fuddcnly, that Shuey-guwin was not fufEciently apprized to pre- vent him. Who having run after him to defire him to return, but without cf- fed, remained behind very blank and confounded : infomuch that he was afliamed to return to his niece, but went home muttering to himfelf, " This young man hath very little of the gra- vity of a ftudent. He is rough and headftrong, and and feems more like one of the fword."

Sbuey-fing-Jin from the moment her uncle left her, forefaw what would be the refult of his officioufnefs ; and imagining her gueft might not be very well pro- vided for his journey, ordered twenty

taels taels of fine filver * to be brought, together with fome pickles and pre- ferved fruit. Then giving them to an old fervant named Shuey-yeong^ fhe

  • The Leang or Chinefe Ounce, called by the

Portuguese I^orU confifts of ten Mace or Mas^ which the Chinefe call ^fien ; [Letfres edifiant. xvi. 345*] fo that according to the Tranflator's valuation, vol. i. pag. 14. a Ta'e'l of filver is about 6s. 8d. Engliih. The fame valuation is alfo given in a curious Paper relating to the Ja- pan Trade in Harrises Voyages and Tra'velsp folio, ed. 1744. njoL I. pag, 30c.

The French Miflionancs have eftimated the Chinefe fums by French Money ; but this hath fulFered fuch great fluduations in its value by different Jrrets of Council, that the Tael hath occafionally been valued (i) at 4 litres 2 fob 1 deniers; (2) at 5 livrej; and (3) 7 litres 10 fits. See (i) P. LeCompte, ii. n, 78. Lettres edifiant. i. 74. xvi. 381, &c. &c. (3) Ditto XXV, Pre/, x. Sec. $cc.

It is hoped that this exaftnefs will not be deemed impertinent, as the want of it hath be- trayed fome of our Writers into miftakes and contradidions. See EngL Tranf of P. Du HaUct vol. I. /. 73. and compare Mod. Univ. Hifl. viii. /. 34. with/. 158.

K 2. W^^\^^

132 .HAU KIOU CHOAAN.

ordered him to wait without the gate of the city, and to wait for the young ftranger; and when he came by, to prefent her fervice to him, and defire him to accept of this fmall prefent for his ufe on the road. The fervant im- mediately went as direfted, without making any one privy to his defign.

Tieb'cbung'U having left the houfe of the young Lady returned to the Pagoda or convent -f , and fent his fervant to in- quire for their bedding and furniture. The Superior of the Bonzees hearing he was there, ran to the door to fee him and pay him his compliments. " Sir, faid he, the day that you went from hence in fo abrupt a manner, and for

t " Called Chang'Jhiou'U-^en.** Tranflator's MS.

which which I can affign no rcafon, you made me incur the Che-hien^s anger, who re- primanded me very fevcrely. To-day I am very fortunate to meet with you. And if I fliould let you go again, that Mandarine would doubt- lefs blame me/* " As to what hath happened, replied the youth, I fhali take no notice of it : but ftill will you prate ? I tell you plainly I will not to- day enter your convent -, neither drink, of your Cba *. And as for the Che-

bien^

• That is Tea. [See note vol. i. pag. 209.] It may not be improper to give here a fliort ac- count of this plant, which or late years is become fo confiderablc an article in our diet and traffic. There are many forts of Tea in Cbina^ but they may all be comprehended under two : viz. the Green^ or Song-lo cha^ fo called from a mountain of that name in the province of ijr/Vz^?g--Kii» where the beft fort of it is cultivated : and the Bohea^ pj, as it is pronounced by the Chinefe^ the Vu-i-choi^ bieny I will never fee him more. Go inftantly, and fetch hither my bed- ding and furniture, for I will not ftay." " Your efFeds, faid the other, are already given to your fervant. But

though

which takes its name from the mountain Fu-i- Jhan in the province of Fo-kien. It is doubted whether thefe two kinds are efTentially different^ or originally the fame, only cultivated in a dif- ferent manner : however it is agreed that their leaves are gathered at two difl^rent feafons in the year ; the Bohea a month or i^yt weeks ear- lier than the Greetty while the plant is full of fap; whereas the other by being left fo much longer 'till its juices are dried up and infpi^ted by the warmth of the fun, changes its colour to a fine green. Hence we may account for the difference of their qualities : the Green being rough and raking the ftopiach : the Bohea more fmooth, foft and healing; upon which account the latter is chiefly in requefl among the Chinefe,

Tea is propagated commonly by fowing : which IS performed in the fecond moon in the year ; when having prepared their ground they throw nine or ten feed* into a hole, from which one, or two, or fometimes more (hrubs will fpring. Thefe at a proper feafon arc tranfplanted in rows upon

little ithough you are never fo angry, I can- not let you go : you muft ftay a little," At this Tieb'cbung-u was out of all patience, and faid-, " What bufinefs would you have with me, that I fhould

ftay

little hills at the diHance of diree or four feet frcmi each other, like vines with us. Where they arc •curious to have the Tea fine they prevent the growth of the ihrub, and plant it anew every four or five years : it would otherwife rife to the height of ten or twelve feet.

The Tea-Jhrub commonly bears leaves from the top to the bottom, but the nearer the tops and extremities of the branches the finer. The leaf 18 oblong and (harp at the end, indented round like that of our rofe or fweet -briar : and the flower is not unlike the latter, only it hath more leaves. The Bohea only differs from the Green as to figure, in having its leaves fomewhat rounder and fhorter. In autumn when the flower decays, there appears a berry of the fize of a hazle-nut, fomewhat moifl and not ill tafterj. From thefe the Chine/e extraft an oil, which they ufe in fauce. They alfo pickle the leaves for the fame purpofe.

In order to prepare the Leaves for ufe ; thofe of the Bohea are at firft dried in the fhade, after (lay any longer? What! In the open face of day would you go about to pradice any villainy on travellers who come to your convent? What! have you a dcfign to kill me? Have you

which they are expanded in hot water, and ex- pofed either to the fun or to flow fires in copper or earthen pans, 'till they are crifped as we have them. But the Green fort being lefs juicy, are dried in the fame manner as foon as (gathered.

We (hall clofe this article with obferving, that the true Imperial Tea called by the Chine/e, Mau- cha, is the leaf gathered from the Bohea (hrubs newly planted, or as they themfelves (lile it, the firft points of the leagues', and is fold upon the fpot for near 2s. a pound : this fort is very fcarce, as is alfb the Flower of Tea, which unlefs mixed with the other, hardly tinges the water.

N. B. It is agreed on all hands that tj^ Chinefe adulterate moll of the Tea we have, fo that we arc not to wonder if it falls ftiort of the virtues attributed to it by the Chinefe : who are fuppofed to be exempt from the gout, flone, fcurvy, and mod other chronical diforders by their conflant ofe of it.

P. Du Haldc, vol. 1. p. 10, n, &c. Mod, Univ. Hid. vol. 8. p. 227, ^ feq>

received received this order from the Che-kien ? If it be fo, flay a little, and to-morrow I will go to the Viceroy's palace and acquaint him of your proceedings. He fhall fend for you, and give you fuch chaftifement as you will not be aole to bear." Thefe words were fcarce utter- ed when there came two fervants from the audience of the Che-hten^ who faid,

    • Sir, our matter hath fent us to tell

you, that he muft fpeak with you at his houfe."

For that magiftrate [as hath been already mentioned] having become kti- fibleof themeritof T'ieb-chung u^ waited for an opportunity to converfc with him, and to aflc him pardon for all he had done to his prejudice. Infomuch that he

couWL + could not be at eafe till he had ktn him. He had therefore fent mefien- gers every day to inquire after him at the houfe of Shuey-fing-Jinj and to learn the time of his departure ; which he was no fooncr apprized of, than he icnt thefe two fervants to invite him to •his audience.

C H A P. VI.

CT^IEH'chung'U having heard the two fervants, who were come to invite him to the Che-hien^s^ fmiled and faid, ^^ I am no inhabitant of iiis diftridt or quarter*; neither owe

money

• In the original " Of Lee'ching-hieny^lt «ay be proper to obferve here, that the XV. provinces of China arc divided each of them into fo many Fu or Cities of the firft order with their feveral jurifdidions : within each of which

are money to any one in it. Why then doth he always purfue me in this manner ? Is it becaufe he did not kill me before ; ,and would now do it ef- fedually ?" The fcrvants could make no anfwer to this ; yet would not let him go notwithftanding. Upon which he became very angry, and was going to beat them: but it happened that at the fame inftant arrived the Che-hien himfelf. For after he had difpatched his fervants, he imagined they would not be able to fucceed, and therefore followed them in perfon,

are fo many Chew and Hien, or Cities of the fecond and third rank, with their refpedlive dillrias.

Although Hien fignifies a City of the third rank, or a part of the Capital of that fize, yet it alfo includes a diflrift of no mean extent, there being many of them lixty, feventy, or even eighty lea</ues in circuit.

Mod. Univ. Hiit. vol. 8. p, 15. note.

I40 HAU KIOU CHOAAN.

mounted on horfeback and having a lead horfe along with him*. When he came to Tieb-chung-u he alighted, and faluted him in the moft relpcftful manner, faying, ** Sir, I am a very mean and ordinary man. Though I have eyes, I had no fight. And my underftanding hath been fo obfcured, that I could not difcern you to be a perlbn of merit. Now I am awaken- ed as it were out of a dream, and

• In the Chine/e cities Horfes are much ufed to convey the people through the ftreets : even more than Chairs or Sedans. When P, ^emedo was in China^ it was not permitted even to the Mandarines to ufe thefe, unlefs to fome few of more particular dignity. ** The grcateA part, he adds, ** ride on horfeback ; and becaufe they

    • arc ill horfemcn, their horfes are guided by
    • two fervanis, who go on each fide."

In Pe-kitig a Horfe or Mule may be had fo cheap, ihat the hire of one for a v/hole day wiil rot exceed 6d. or yd : and as all the llrects arc much crowded, the muleteers ofren lead their bcalls by the bridle in order to make way. P. l>u Haidc, vol. I . p» 66, 1? . ^^mcdo^ y. 2 1 . perceive my error. For which rea- fon I am come to afk your pardon ; and hope you will do me the fa- vour to go with me to my audience."

  • ' Thefe words, faid the youth, are

very different from thofe you fpokc the other day. How is it that you, who have (hewn yourfelf fo attached to power and riches, Ihould on a fud- den appear to be fo devoted to truth and fincerity ? But perhaps this may be only to deceive me: and you have fome new fcheme to drav/ me into mifchief/' *' Sir, faid the Cbehien^ talk not thus. I am now fincere. And with regard to the former injury, I know you have forgiven it, and (b hath the young lady ; who interceded for me, with a generofity which I (hall always remember.'* Tiehchung-u at tVvvs^'^ aftonifhed. At length he faid : "This is a moft furprizing change and re- formation!" "Sir, faid the other, to convince you of it, I hope you will go home with me : where I have fome- thing to propofe, which I flatter my- felf wilLaflford you pieafure.'*

Tub'chung'U fuflfered himfelf to be perfuaded of his fincerity ; and confent- cd to go home with him. Accordingly mounting the lead horfe, he rode by his fide 'till they came to the audience. When they were featcd, the Cbe-bien faid: " Let me alk you. Sir, what was your reafon for going away to-day fo fuddenly ?" ** It was not my in- tention, faid he, to depart fo foon ; but being difgufted at fomething that was faid to mc, I could ftay no long-

/ er." " What could that be? faid the Cbe-hien \ pray inform me/* " The uncle of Shuey-ping-Jin^ replied the other, propofed a marriage with his coufin!" — " Well, faidhe; and what hath he -batb done amifs in that ? Had: he not a great deal of realbn ? Why could not you approve of it ?'* " You know very well, anfwered Tieh-chung-u^. that I have been for fome time at the houfc of this young lady ; but with. no interefted view : nor was there any thing clandeftine in it. Whatever was done we can declare before heaven^ genii or fpirits*. But it would be difficult to perfuade the world of our Innocence. And then for her uncle-

• In the Tranflator's MS. " Angels." See- Notes, vol. I. p. 17, 41. The Reader may ap- ply this remark wherever the word Spirit or G«- nius occurs..

\f to propofc this fubjedt.to iHc, fhcwed he had a very mean opinion both of the young lady and myfelf. Which gave me fo much difguft, that I left him before he had finifhed his difcourfc.'*

  • ' I acknowledge, faid the Cbe-hiettj

that after converfing fo long toge- ther, if there had been any thing fecret in your correfpondencej^any thing the world were unacquainted with, it would be very wrong to conclude a marriage -f. But remember, in former times there was a man of fuch exalted wifdom and underftanding, that there could nowhere be found a ir.atch worthy of him. It happened alio in another age there Uved a woman of fuch fine fcnfe and knowledge, that flic could no where

t How dlfu-rent do the Cbine/e reafon from us ? The pafTage in the tcxi menu attcivuon. meet with a jnan equal to her worth, to make up a pair. If it had fallen out, that thefe two Ji^d been contem- poraries, they muft not have fled from each other, but have neceflarily been united. To-day it was with much difficulty that I prevailed on you to come hither. You are. of fo ftrift and inflexible a temper, that were I to offer you a prefent of gold, I know you would refufe it. And fhould I prepare never fo line a banquet for you, I imagine it would not be accepted. [Th^re is only this one way in which I can teftify my regard.] I remember an old fay- ing to this purpofe, A man and woman that can be together in private ani^ yet preferve their chaftity, can break i\o Vol. II. L law. law *. There is fecn this day, what was only to be found in former ages. And although to you there appears nothing extraordinary in all this, yet I look upoA it as very rare and unheard of. Upon the whole then I fliould Tie forry, and look %ipon myfelf as very deficient, if I did not accommodate to your fatisfadion this affair, which is fo much for your

v^clfare.

• This 18 flrongty cxprcfled. By way of Cammeiit let us hear dte Kvely Author of V S/frit du Laix. [Liv. vu chap. 8.]

" The feparation of the women from the

    • men, and their ftrid confinement, is the naCtoy

" confequence of a Plurality of wives. Do- ^ mefHc order likewife reqaires k : An iniblvefft

    • debtor endeavours to put himfelf under cover

•* from the purfuits of his creditors. Thertam

    • certain climates, where the natiutil propenfi-
    • ties have fb much force, that the moral ones
    • have fcarcely any. Leave a man alone with
  • ' a woman: the temptations will be falls;

•* the attack fure, the refinance ncwe: ia thcfe

•* couniriej wdfarc* Since therefore I hare prevail- ed on you to come here, I beg you wUl ftay *till the conclufion of this bufinefs,

and not lofe fo favourable an oppor- tunity by an abrujpt departure.

At thefe words Ticb-cbtatg-u fetched a deep figh and faid, ** Alas i Sir, you muft not fpeak of this marriage. Who- ever piTtends to live in this world mud:

  • ' countries inftcad of precepts, there muft be
    • bolts."

In C^ina ** k is regarded, as a prodigy ofvir- " tue, to find one's felf alone with a womaa

    • in a remote apartment without offering rio •
  • • fence to her."

To find a trea/ure in afecret place , fays a Chi-

ncfe Moralift, ijohen ^we knowu the onvner : or a

Jine njuoTnan in a retired cbamher : to hear the *vQice

of an enemy ready to perijh without our ajjtfiance :

admirable touchjiones of the heart*

See P. Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 47. and no.

N. B. This moral fentence ftrongly marlcs the charadlerofthe Chinese : who are to thehighe^ degree greedy of gain, libidinous and vindidive.

L 2 CViNX^QPt'KN. conform to its rules and cuftoms. He muft proceed with regularity and order*, not with intricacy and con- fufion. If I acknowledge our fove- reign Lord to be Emperor, can I pre- tend to claim an acquaintance or friend- Ihip with him ? With as much reafon might I go about to conclude in mar-

  • The Chineje refolve all moral virtue into

Order, Regularity and Decorum.

'^ Ail that is required of and commanded to

    • men by Heaven," fays one of their Minifters

of State in a Memorial to the Emperor, ** is com- '* prized under the word Ming or Order. To ful- <' fill all that this expreilion fignifies is the height

    • of human perfedion." — " From hence in a

" family fpring the duties of father and fon, &c :

    • in a ftate thofe of prince and fubjedl. From

" hence proceed the union> friendfliip, polite- " nefs and other fubordinate links of fociety.

    • Thcfe are the charadlerillicks of fuperiority

•* which Heaven [7/>/rj hath given to man

    • above all other created beings upon earth."

Vide plura apud P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 485. 486.

'^iage, riage, an acquaintance which began amid fo much trouble and diftrefs,** Thp Che-hien replied, '* You are a y.oung man that have (ttn the world, and are of a lively difpofition : why do you talk in this philofophic and romantic manner ? If you are fo extremely rigid and cxaft, why did you go to her houfe, when you were ill? Now you are well again, and the world is fatis- fied, as well of the reafon of your go- ing, as of your behaviour there -, what would there be wrong in your mar- rying ? Which ftiould your nice fcru- pies prevent, you will have reafon to regret it as long as you live." " Pray Sir, faid Tieb-chung-u^f what benefit have I ever done you, that you fhould intereft yourfelf fo much about me ?'* L 3 Tb^ The Cbe-hien replied, " Although my office is but fmall, as are likewife its profits*, there was but little wanting

to

• This is to be fuppofed fpokcn out of hoini- lity. [Sec note above pag. 138, o.] In Lettres edifiant, xvii. 177. will be found a Memorial, wherein a Che-bien fays of himfelf, ** I am but •' a little Mandarine, and my authority inconfi- " derable, &c."

The Chinefe always afFc£l to fpeak meanly of themfelves and of whatever belongs to them : they think it no lefs polite to ufe magnificent terms when fpeaking of others. For this reaibn it would pafs for great familiarity to ufe /or Tou when fpeaking to a vifitant, &c. but it is. The fewant of my Lord: Let my Lord permit his hum-- blejla'vey &c. When a fon fpeaks to his father, he calls himfelf his youngefi /on or his grand/on^ even when he is the eldefl and hath children him- felf. So a father fays of his fon, my young or little fon ; a mafier, my young fcholar. In like manner fpeaking of their place of abode they fay, this poor city or pro'vince, &c: and after a feaft, the entertainment for my Lord hath keen uery meany i^c: a perfon that pleads at a tribunal flilcs himfelf the delinquent,

They bellow on others Titles proportionably rcfpcftful. A fon fpeaking of his father calls him, the father of the bouft : a fervant of his

mailer,

A CHINESE HISTORY. 15 j

to tpy being being deprived of it. But it was my good fortune to-d^y to hcsir that you had pardoned me, and this

throqgh

jpftfter, th$ lord of th0 koufi. Even to mesnj and inferior people tney give an honourable name : thus a ftrvanty if he be a grave peribn, is call* cd the great mafter of the houfe : a bargeman, the chief maj^r of the weffel: a muleteer, the great nvand; unkfs they would anger him, and then they give him his ordinary name, Can-kio or fer/ecutpr of the feet. The officers attending o^ the Mandarines are fliled the men on horfehack, or ca'vaUers. Among the common people, if they do not know one angther, they call Brothers Hiung, The addrefs to a woman, although from one no way related to her, is Ta-fao or Jlfer^in- laiAj I but It fometimes happens that foreigners, by a flight variation of the found, call her Broom,

In /peaking alfo of fuch things as belong to him they fpeak to, they ufe particular phrafes : thus in mentioning his (on, it is always the no^U fon: ifthe daughter, it is /i&e/r«'/<74f /ox'^; if his country, it is /fo nolle pro'vince^ cify^ l^c. Even a perfbn's iicknefs mud be called, the noble indifpo- fition*

The above way of fpeaking, tho* carried by

the Chinefe to a ridiculous exccfs, prevails more

or lefs through all the eailern languages ; and

in many refpedls rcfembles that of the ancient

h 4 - Hebrew ^^ through the perfualions of Shuey-ping- Jin. When I heard it I made an oath to change my former courfe, and to conduft myfelf hereafter by the laws of equity and juftice. When I ob- fcrved alfo how ftriftly you kept the rules of virtue artd honour, and that Sbuey-png'/tn was a young lady of fuch unaffefted modefty and ftriking merit ; when I confidered how wonderful it was that two- fuch uncommon perfons fhould meet together in one city -, I could not but think the hand of hea-

Hebrcw«, which we fo juflly admire for its ve- nerable and majeftic Simplicity.

See P. Du Halde, vol. i. p. 294. P. Semcdo,

part I. ch. I J. p. 63. Mod. Un. Hift. viii.

268.

N. B. If this peculiarity of addrefs is not found

a Ihcrcd to throughout this hiftory ; it is bccaufe

the Tranfiator hath fubftitated the European

phrafe inftcad of the Chinefe : a liberty which he

hath taken in other inflances.

ven ven was in it, and that you two were dcftined for each other. Had not fo Angular an affair come under my own particular infpeftion, it were no- thing. But as with thefe eyes and thefe ears I have feen and heard you both, and obfcrve you lb remarkably fuited to each other ; it would have an ill appearance among the inhabitants of this city, and refledt much upon me, Ihould I let fuch a pair within my own jurifdifton part unnoticed, and un-united. You muft not there- fore deny me." *' Then it is only to procure credit to yourfelf, faid the youth fmiling, that you are fo earneft in this matter? ** No: replied the other; I would promote the common welfare of all.'* " Well: (aid Tieh- cbung-u\ if there were nootKe.t ofo^^^- tion to this marriage, how is it poffiblc to effcft it? There is no order or li- cence of father or mother. My own parents are not here. And if I would never fo, where is the father of Sbuey-, png'fm? What ! when I fee a fine per- fon does it immediately follow that we muft be married ? [Can a marriage be either reputable or profperous that is driven forward with fo much dif- order and irregularity ? J You that talk to me on this fubjeft fo earneftly, why do not you urge it to Kwo-kbitzu? Ke would take a pleafure to hear you propofe what he fo much wiflics to ob« tain. However I thank you for giving yourfelf all this trouble on my account. I muft now bid you adieu.** " Well: faid the Cbe-bien-, I fee you are regard- Jefs of what I fay: but remember a time will come, when you will acknow- ledge mc to have been right. I wifh you would ftay with mc longer, but I know you are not to be moved from any refolucion you have once taken up* It would be equally vain to think of ofFer^ ing you a prefent of money. That, I jftn afraid, would but affront you. If ever I have the good fortune to meet with you again, I hope I (hall convince you of my prefent fmccrity : and that you will have a better opinion of me than you have now." ** Sir, faid Tieb- chung-u^ I thank you. Whatever I think of the former part of your dif- courfc, thefe laft words I muft acknow* ledge are truly valuable.'^ He then faluted him in a proper manner and left him.

WKea When Tieh'Chung'U was got without the gate of the city, he ordered Siow-tm to hire a mule to carry him and their furniture. " Sir, Taid the boy, an afs would be more proper/* He inquired the reafon of this preference -, and was given to underftand that their money began to fall (hort. At this junfturc came up Shueyyeong the fervant of the young ladyy who faluting him, faid, that his miftrefs had fent him there early in the morning to await his coming, which he had done till now that it was paft mid-day. *' Did Ihe order you to wait here for me? faid the youth. Upon what account ?" "My lady, replied the fervant, feeing my fecond mafter Shuey- guwingo in to and to talk with you, ima- gined his difcourfe would prove difagrce^ able. She afterwards found it had caufcd you to depart; and therefore got this fmall prefent together, and ordered me to give it you, as you went by." Tieb'^ cbung'Uwas charmed with her generofity, "Your miftrefs, faid he, hajth not only in this favour, but in every other inftance treated me with fuch uncommon good- nefs, that I cannot find words to cx- prefs my gratitude.'* Shuey-yeong faid, " Now, Sir, I muft return horn©; have you no meflage for me to deliver to my miftrefs ?'* ^ieb-cbung-u re- plied, " My meeting with your lady was unforefeen and accidental. Wero^ I fpeak of the benefits I have re- ceived, I fliould find no end of my difcourfe. Other fubjeds it is not proper to mention. But when you go home you muft prefent my beft acknow- iedgments to your lady, and tell her^ that I, ^ieh-chung'Uy now bid her ^re- tiveil, and intreat her to bani(h me hence>« forth from her thoughts: but that I fliail always retain a grateful remem* brance of her kindnefe*/' The fcr-

  • The Editor was obliged to (often this whok

paflTage and fome few of the preceding: the Ori- ginal contains an appearance of indelicacy and iBde(x>rani, that woold not have been boriie by an Englijh Reader. We fhall fubjoin this wliole Speech as the Tranflator left it> which may Alib icrve for a Specimen of his manner.

    • Your Miftrefs and I met accidentally at once.
  • • If you expe^ I fhould talk of Benefits re-

" ceived, there would be no end : if of Love^

  • ' there is none to talk of. But when you come

•• home give my moft humble fervice and ac-

    • knowledgment to Siaww-tzuh • faying, that [

•* Tieb'cbung'U now take my leave of her, and

    • that (he mud not entertain any thought for [of]

'* me hereafter : and that I fhall always have a

    • grateful remembrance of her kindnefs."

Before the Reader condemns this as unnatural and out of charader, he is in treated to re-perufe the Note above, pag. 127.

^ S^ Mtif ntcl. X. p, XX4.

A CHINESE HISTORY. 15^

vant tlieh delivering the prcfent to Siotxi- tan^ returned back to repott this mcf- fage to his lady.

Having hired a mute, they fet forward on their journey ; and obferving that the fun was gone down, they inquired how far it was to ^ong-cbuny a village in their way. The man who followed the mule anfwered,Threc leagues. Upoft which Tieb'cbttng'U whipped his beaft forward for about a league, till he caftic to a turning in the road, where was a great thicket of trees. Here on a fudden ftarted 6ut a young niaft with a linen bundle on his fhoulder, followed by a young Woman, who feem* cd to be in great fear and confufion. When they faw Tkb-cbung-u^ they Were

i6o HAU KIOU CHOAAN.

the more afraid, and endeavoured to hide thenifelves again in the woDd. The youth feeing them, and that their appearance was fufpicious, called out to them to flop ; and afked the young man, who he was, and where he was going with that young woman. Upon which in a fright (he begged, he would not kill her. The young man threw down his bundle and was running away : but Tieh-chung-u laid hold of him and flopped him; faying, '*Teli me truly who you are. I will do you no harm." The man replied, " This young woman belongs to the village there before you. Her name is Thao- cbei. vShe is the concubine oi Lee-thc^- congy a rich man of that place. Seeing that he was very old, flic would no: live

with

A CHINESE HISTORY* i6i

with him any longer, and therefore got me to help her to make her efcape.**^ " You arc fome feducing villain, faid the youth, that have enticed her away.** " Indeed I am not, replied the other, my name is Suan-yin-y I am coufin to the old man, and not liich a one as you Ipeak of.'*. Tieb-cbung-u believing what he faid, let him go. He then alked if it were true that Ihe was concubine to the perfon abovementioned. She anfwered fhe was, " Somebody, faid he, hath drawn you afide. Come, return home again. I will accompany you thither." She told him ihe was perfuaded to run away. '* But Lee-tboj/'Congj faid fhe, will not believe it. He will think it all my own contrivance; and I fliall be feverely ufed if I return. I had rather Vol. II. . M if

i62 . HAU KIOU CHOAAN.

if you pleafc, fcrvc and follow you.'*

  • Tieb'Cbung'U fmilcd at her offer, and

replied. "Come then; go along be- fore : and I will confidcr what you (hall do.'* He then bade his fervant take up the bundle and put it on the mule. The young woman finding it was in vain to rcfift, did as (he was direflied. They had fcarcely proceeded half a league before they faw a great many people coming towards them. Who, as foon as they were near enough to know the young woman, cried out, " Here (he is. Here (he is !'* and inftantly furround- cd her, together with Tieb-cbung-u and his fervant. At the fame time they difpatched two of their number to acquaint Lee-ibay-cong of it. •* Good people, faid the youth, you muft not c make

A CHINESE HISTORY, 16$

make fuch an outcry and difturbance. Had I been difpofed to carry oflF this woman, I could have taken a different road. I but jufl now met with her, and am carrying her back to Lee-tbajff- cong.*^ They replied, *' We know not what was your intention. You are z young man and (he a young wonlan. We know not whether you fpeak trutb or not. You muft go aloi^with us to the Mandarine/'

When they were got a little farther, there came running towards them agrest many more people with torches and laa« thorns, for it was now dark. Among them wasZ^M^^ay-r^himfelf } Whofee- ing a handlbme young man with his cofH cubine, was greatly enraged ^ and with-* out having patience to enquire into the matter, laid hold of him and faid, " Who are you, that dare feduce away my concubine?*' Tieb-cbung-u puflied him afide, faying, *' This old fellow is no better than a brute,' to behave in this uncivil manner with- out knowing whether he is right or wrong. Your concubine was going away with another, which I prevent- ed; and now when I would reftorc her to you again, fp far from thank- ing me, you treat me rudely." The old man faid, •• Who ftiould take her away ? She is my woman, and is along with you; and the bundle you have there is my property." Tieb-cbung-u feeing him too paflfionate to hearken to rcafon, faid, " Very well ! Be it fo !

It It is now night ; we cannot at prefcnt clear up this matter j when we con>e to the Mandarine of the village, wc fliall fee who is wrong/' They prefently arrived at the Mandarine's houfe. He inquired what all that diilurbance meant ; and was informed, that old Lee- fbay-cong had brought fome people, whom he had caught running away with his concubine.

This Mandarine, whofe name was Swin-kien-tze^ feldom had it in his power to fqueeze any one by reafoa of the poverty of his place: he w^ therefore very glad to hear he w^ to have before him fq rich a man as Lee-thay-cong*. He accordingly ordered • It is a common Proverb in China, The.Eqji-- t)eror lets loofe fo many han^mcxi) m>3x^'^x^sc%^

^^^ the belt robes he had to be brought him : and getting all the people he could mufter to fill out his audience, iet hiffifelf up, as if he had been the

Viceroy

dogi and wolves, to ruin and devour the poor People, when he creates new Mandarines to go- vern them. Fideplura apud P, Magal.p. 13^,

We are not to wonder among a People (b ava^ ritious as the Cbine/e^ and who have fo little notion of a future reckoning, that Power and Office are often productive of Tyranny and Oppreffion. Where there is no principle of confcience, it is not in the power of human laws to prevent inju(Uce« If we examine the Cbinefe Govern- ment in Theory, nothing feems better calculated for the good and happinefs of the people ; if in Praflice, we (hall no where find them more pil- laged by the great. A Love of Gain is fo ftrongly imprcfled on the minds of the Chinefe^ and every thing in their fituation and country contributes fo much to infpire and feed it, that we mud expedl to find it predominant over all other confiderations. The populoufnefs of their country, and the frequency of famines, renders their very lives precarious without great indus- try and great attention to private gain. [See V B/prit des^ Loix^ liv. xix. ch, 20.] Again, as Viceroy of a province. The firft, that made his appearance, was the old man. Who faid to him, ** Sir, my name is Lee-tba^'Cong. I had a concubine named

ThaO'chee.

their magiftratcs arc generally raifed by perfonal merit and application, and that even from the iowcft ranks, fo that they come poor to their governments ; they lie under ftrone temptations to be rapacious and greedy. [See aljonote hekiUyp. .] It is the buiinefs of their Laws to check andcorred this evil tendency: .and 'many fine Regulations to this end will be found among thofe of the Chinefe :^ fuch as the Eafinefs Si appeal to fuperior tribunals : the triennial la- qui£tions held upon the Conduct of the Manda- rines : the requiring them to give in exa6l ac- counts of their adminifb-ation : and the fending both publick and private Vifitors into the pro- vinces to infpedl their behaviour, and to receive the complaints of the People, &c. [Set P, Magal, p, 222, 223. P. Le Compte^ torn, 2. p, 21 — 29. uhi plura,] But after all, as the Chinefe Laws are merely political inlHtutions, and are backed by no fandions of future rewards and puniihments, though they may influence the exterior, they will not affed the heart, and therefore will rather create an ap- pearance of virtue, than the reality.

M 4 Pow^a Tbao'cbee. To-day, while my doors were open, and while I, unfulpcfting any thing, was bufy with the people of my houfe j ftie was feduced away by

a young

Power and Riches, as the Author obferves in a former page, are the fole objeAs of attention in ChinOf becaufe Power and Riches procure every thing which can render this life ddirable, and a Chimfe feldom looks beyond it. And where only principles of this kind prevail, and there is no check from confcience, we muft not wonder that general difhoncfty and corruption prevail too. The very beft Human Laws can only operate upon the hopes and fears of man- kind by prefent rewards and punilhmcnts : but a thoufand cafes will happen where the offender will hope to efcape detedlion ; or, if detected, to purchaff impunity.

This then is the gre^t deficiency of the Chi- tiffe Laws, that they are not fupportcd by higher fanftions, than what afFeft temporal hopes and fears. The not attending to which circumftancc hath betrayed two eminent Writers into miftake. The one regarding only the vifible corruption of the Chinejey hath conceived a mean opinion of their Laws. See LordAnfoifs Voyage j hook 3. ch. i o. The other rcflcfting on the excellency of their

Lawe a young man, whom I have taken with her.' But I neither know how he got her away ; nor whence he comes.; nor what is his name'* The Man-

Laws hath fuppofed this corruption only partial and of late Handing. See Mod. Uni'v. Hift. <voU 8./. 249, y^. Whereas that grand fource of cor- ruption, a ftrong Defire of Gain, mull always have prevailed in a country fo circumdanced as China : nor was it in the power of any Laws merely human to prevent its effefts.

Perhaps it is unneceflary to mention that the ancient Chinefe Lawgivers, although they incul- cated pretty juft notions of Providence, feem to have paid little or no attention to thofe of a t'uture Hate. Confucius himfelf hath fcarce dropt a hint on this fubjed. What opinions of this kind prevail have been chiefy adopted from the worfhippers of FO ; who have brought out of India the belief of the Metempfychofis. And even the influence which this might have, is leflened and removed by the corrupt doctrines of the Bonzees^ who propofe a thoufand ways to com- pound for iniquity, viz. by Failings, Penances, Pilgrimages, Alms to themfelves and Contribu- tions to their Pagodas ; in (hort by being any |hing elfe rather than Good and Virtuous. Marine commanded the feducer to be brought before him. Accordingly 7/>i- chung'U made his appearance : but when he was ordered to fall upon his knees, he only laughed at them. Upon which the Mandarine was very much affront- ed, and fay, " Who are you ? Do not you know the rcfpefl due to the Em- peror's tribunal ?'* " This place, faid the youth, is not the grand audience of the I.ec-pu * / If it be, I will tell you

my

  • Of the Six Sovereign courts at Pe-king whofe

power and authority extend over the whole Empire, the names of the/iry? and third are writ- ten by Europeans without any difference Lee- (or Li-) pu ; although they differ in their meaning, are differently pronounced by the Cbinefe^ and cxprcffed by very different characters.

The firft is the Li-pu^ or Tribunal of Manda- rines ; whofe bufinefs it is to furnifli all the pro- vinces with officers ; to watch over their condudl, K} examine their good and bad qualities, and to

give my name.** The Mandarine feeing how little he regarded him, faid, " What though you are never fo great : and not- withftanding you affed to laugh in this manner, you are guilty of a great of- fence.** " Are you fure then, replied

give an account thereof to the Emperor, that Tome may be raifed to the higheft offices as the reward of their vlrtae ; others degraded faitabljr to their demerits. Thefe are properly (peaking Inqiiifitors of State.

The tJbir^i fupreme court is called D-pu, or ne Tribunal of Rites * ; whofe province it is to (ec that the ancient rites and ceremonies are obieiv ved throughout the Empire ; to infpeft all reli- gious matters, all improvements in arts and (a- ences, all titles of honour and marks of diftinc- tion ; to examine thofe who are candidates for degrees; to defray the charges of the temples, facrifices, &c ; and to receive, entertain and dif^ mifs foreign amba^adors.

See P. Magal. p. 208, &c. P. Du Haldc, vol. i.pag. 249, &c.

• Not Rights, as it is erroneoufy printed in the Eng^ li/b verfion of'?. Du Halde folio y and from tbenee « Mod, Univ, Hift, viii. 146, &c.

He, he, that I took his concubine ? Where are your witnefles ? If it were fo, could

r

not I have gone off with her another way ? Be your office great or fmall, you hold it from the Emperor in order to adminifter juftice. But whoever fent you here, had but little difcernment*." The Mandarine was very much dif- turbed at this, and faid, •< You are fbme pradlifed deceiver, who have learnt to ipeak in this manner. I fancy you arefomc great villain, and prefume thus becaufe of the fmallnefs of my office. To-morrow I will have you before the Tao-yee-f. Then I Ihall fee whe- ther

• In the original, "Could not fee very ckarly.**

t The Fourth chair under the Fu-yeu or Vice- roy. Tranf.

The 7aB-yee (or, as it (hould be pronounced, Tau-yee) fcems to be the fame with what is writ-

tcr ther you will dare to talk in this man* ner." {Tieb-cbung-u did not think it worth while to reply.]

The Mandarine then called to the old mUn and faid, ^ How came you that are fo advanced in years, to take fuch a young creature for your con- cubine? To this (hameful inequality^ all the difturbance is owing. Let mc fee this ^bao-cbee*^ She was accord- ingly brought before him: but wheD he law (he was an ordinary poor-look- ten in P, Magalhaens* Htft. p. 244, Tai-ye, which he interprets The great oxfrftLord: being the name by which the people call the Che-che^^ or Governor of a city of the fecond order. See note above pag. 138.

N. B. In Lettres edijiant, xu 209, meation is made of the Tao^ as Governor of three cities, which probably is no other than the Officer here defcribed : a Che^ or city of the fecond order- having doubtlefs within its jurifdi^Uon, three or four Hien or cities of the third rauk. ing girl, he could nor forbear laugh- ing. •' What, faid he, did you con- trive this elopement youHelf ; or did any cme intice you to it ?'* She made him no anfwer. ^ Well, laid he, it is coo lace to make any farther inquiry inco this affair to-night. To-nK>rrow I will have you carried befOTc the Tao-jei-^ who will put yoCir fingers into the docks* and make you confefs the cruth." Then hz called to Lr^-sbay^ €9t^j and faid, ^' This young man and young woman I deliver into your cuf- tody. [Take panicular cue of them ;

• The Ch'tse/e name sccordisg to ihe Tranil lator here is fzAis-zib : See coir, pa^ 6-. Tlie greax diilcrence in the Eitrtfeam msjxLti of wri^ dag CcfiMf e vords hath beta already accoujucd kx io flotr, jpa?. 105.

N. B. This is ihr Tonore geBCTi!]y isiniftrd on WiMBCB. Sec Lettrw ediaacL &ciir. ic, Rrcaril sini. pag. 2Sy.

a-d] and] fee that they be forthcoming to- morrow, when I will go with you to a fuperior tribunal."

For the Mandarine obferving that 7ieb-cbung'U • was no ordinary perfon, and hearing him fpeak fo unconcerned- ly, was not a little afraid of going too farr and therefore chofe to refer the matter to a fuperior court. On the other hand Lee-ihay-cong perceiving the ftranger regarded the Mandarine fo little and fpoke.^to him fo fmartly, could not imagine who he was ; and when he* was ordered to take him home, was not a little perplexed how to treat him. To keep him without among his fervants, he was afraid would excite his refentmcnt. Again,

to to carry him into an inner chamber, alarmed his jealoufy. However re- membering that the Mandarine had ordered him to take particular care of him, he faid, " It is but for a night!" And therefore ordered him to be fliewn into an inner apartment : where he provided him a handfome fupper. When it was over he would have taken his concubine away ; but refleding that fhe was the Man- darine's prifoner; he faid, "That I cannot juftify. It is but for one night. Let them fleep together." At the fame time he prepared a place where he could fee all that pad between them. " Now, faid he, we (hall know all in the morning '*

C H A P.

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