If refused,
he will invade the South with a great power, and our rivers and
hills will be exposed to rapine.
EMPEROR. In vain do we maintain and send forth armies; vain
are the crowds of civil and military officers about our palace!
Which of them will drive back for us these foreign troops? They are
all afraid of the Tartar swords and arrows! But if they cannot exert
themselves to expel the barbarians, why call for the princess to
propitiate them?
PRESIDENT. The foreigners say that through your Majesty's
devoted fondness for the princess, the affairs of your empire are
falling into ruin. They declare that if the government does not
yield her up, they will put their army in motion, and subdue the
country. Your servant reflects, that Chow-wong [3] who lost his
empire and life entirely through his blind devotion to Takee, is a
fit example to warn your Majesty. Our army is weak, and needs the
talents of a fit general. Should we oppose the Tartars, and be
defeated, what will remain to us? Let your Majesty give up your
fondness for the princess, to save your people.
OFFICER. The envoy waits without for an audience.
EMPEROR. Well; command that he approach us.
_Enter Envoy_.
ENVOY. Hanchenyu, K'han of the Tartars, sends me, his minister,
to state before the great Sovereign of Han, that the Northern tribes
and the Southern empire have long been bound in peace by mutual
alliances; but that envoys being twice sent to demand a princess,
his requisitions have been refused.
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