The wild chase is our trade; battle and
conquest our chief occupation. The Emperor Wunwong retired before
our Eastern tribes; Weikeang trembled at us, and sued for our
friendship. The ancient title of our chiefs has in the course of
time been changed to that which I now bear. When the two races of
Tsin and Han contended in battle, and filled the empire with tumult,
our tribes were in full power: numberless was the host of armed
warriors with their bended horns. For seven days my ancestor hemmed
in with his forces the Emperor Kaoute; until, by the contrivance of
the minister, a treaty was concluded, and the Princesses of China
were yielded in marriage to our K'hans. Since the time of Hoeyte and
the Empress Leuhow, [3] each successive generation has adhered to
the established rule, and sought our alliance with its daughters. In
the reign of the late Emperor Seuente, my brothers contended with
myself for the rule of our nation, and its power was weakened until
the tribes elected me as their chief. I am a real descendant of the
empire of Han. I command a hundred thousand armed warriors. We have
moved to the South, and approached the border, claiming an alliance
with the Imperial race. Yesterday I despatched an envoy with
tributary presents to demand a princess in marriage; but know not if
the Emperor will ratify the engagement with the customary oaths.
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