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NOVEMBER, 1883.)
CHINGHIZ KHÅN AND HIS ANCESTORS.
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and hope that thou wilt understand them. I hope also, that thou, having penetrated the principles of the great 'lao, sympathisest with all that is right, and wilt not resist the wishes of the people. Given on the first day of the 5th month 1219."
To this letter the sage replied as follows:-
"K'iu-Ch'u-ki from Si-Hia-hien" devoted to the Tao, received lately from afar the most high decree. I must observe that all the people near the seashore (i. e. of Shan-tung, Ch'ang-Ch'un's native country) are without talent. I confess that in worldly matters I am dull, and have not succeeded in investigating the Tao, although I tried hard in every possible way. I have got old and am not yet dead. My repnte has spread over all kingdoms, but as to my sanctity I am not better than ordinary people; and when I look inwards I am deeply ashamed of myself. Who knows my hidden thoughts ? Before this I have had several invitations from the southern capital (i.e. Kai-feng-fu), and from the Sung, and have not gone. But now at the first call of the Dragon court" I am ready. Why? I have heard that the emperor has been gifted by Heaven with sach valonr and wisdom as has never been seen in ancient times or in our own days. Majestic splendour je accompanied by justice. The Chinese people, as well as the barbarians, have acknowledged the Emperor's supremacy. At first I was undecided whether I would hide myself in the mountain cr flee into the sea (to an island) but I dared not oppose the order. I decided to brave frost and snow, in order to be once presented to the Emperor. I heard at first that your Majesty's chariot was not farther than north of Huanchan and Fu-chau." But after arriving in Yen (Pekin), I was informed that it had moved far away, it was not known how many thousand li. Storm and dust never cease obscuring the heavens. I am old and infirm, and fear that I shall be unable to endure the pains of such a long journey, and that perhaps I cannot reach your Majesty ; and even should I reach (I would not be good for anything). Public affairs and affairs of war are not within my capacity. The doctrine of Tao teaches to restrain
the passions, but that is a very difficult task. Considering these reasons I conferred with Liu-Chung-lu and asked him that I might wait in Yen (Pekin), or in Te-hing (now Paoan-chau) the return of your Majesty. But he would not agree to that, and thus I myself undertook to lay my case before the Emperor. I am anxious to satisfy the desire of your Majesty, and to brave frost and snow; wherefore I solicit the decision (whether I shall start or wait). We were four, who at the same time became ordained monks. Three have attained sanctity. Only I have undeservedly the repute of a sainted man. My appearance is parched, my body is weak. I am waiting for your Majesty's Order."
"Written in the 3rd month of 1220." The third letter is addressed thus:“The Emperor Chinghiz to the Teacher Ch'u.
"I read with pleasure your statement that, according to my commands. von have set out and I have taken into consideration all that you have written. In holiness you excel three learned men, your brilliant qualities are renowned in many countries. For this reason I sent an official with a tempting present, who travelled by post-horses to seek you near the ocean. The result was in accordance with my desire. Heaven did not set itself against man. Two Courts have several times invited you, but you did not go to them; but when my single envoy invited you but once, you resolved to leave your abode. Because I am favoured by heaven, you are coming to me. You did not refuse to brave wind and weather in the open air, and have determined to cross the sandy deserts. When your letter was presented to me, I need not say how glad and satisfied I was. Military and state affairs engross my attention, but not by my desire I must confess, but in the sense of the spirit Daude. Because of the insubordination of certain chiefs, I have threatened them severely; and abused them roundly. My army no sooner arrives than distant conntries become quiet and submit themselves. Whoever comes to me is on my side- and who ever leaves me is against me. I employ strength so that by some temporary labour I
-whisk'ou gate (great wall). 180 li distant, where the present Kurtar balghastin stande, Fa-chan was the old name of Karabalghasun. * Really a piece of cloth. "A mero figure of speech.
another name of the sage; Si-His-hien was his native place.
Lang-ting, meaning the Mongol court, » Ancient Han-chou according to the Ta-to'ing-ye-t'ung.
