The
fineness of the season has drawn away our chiefs on a hunting
excursion amidst the sandy steppes. May they meet with success, for
we Tartars have no fields--our bows and arrows are our sole means of
subsistence.
_Enter Minister of Han, reciting verses_.
MINISTER. Let a man have the heart of a kite, and the talons
of an eagle.
Let him deceive his superiors, and oppress those below
him;
Let him enlist flattery, insinuation, profligacy, and avarice
on his side,
And he will find them a lasting assistance through life. I am no
other than Maouyenshow, a minister of the sovereign of Han. By a
hundred arts of specious flattery and address I have deceived the
Emperor, until he places his whole delight in me alone. My words he
listens to; and he follows my counsel. Within the precincts of the
palace, as without them, who is there but bows before me--who is
there but trembles at my approach? But observe the chief art which I
have learned: It is this: to persuade the Emperor to keep aloof from
his wise counsellors, and seek all his pleasures amidst the women of
his palace. Thus it is that I strengthen my power and greatness.
But, in the midst of my lucubrations--Here comes the Emperor.
_Enter Emperor Yuente, attended by Eunuchs and Women_.
Pages:
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342