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.  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.

EMPEROR [recites verses].  During the ten generations that
    have succeeded our acquisition of Empire, my race has alone
    possessed the four hundred districts of the world.  Long have the
    frontiers been bound in tranquillity by the ties of mutual oaths. 
    And our pillow has been undisturbed by grief or anxiety.  Behold in
    us the Emperor Yuente, of the race of Han.  Our ancestor Kaoute
    emerged from a private station, and raised his family by
    extinguishing the dynasty of Tsin, and slaughtering their race.  Ten
    generations have passed away since he left this inheritance to us. 
    The four boundaries of the empire have been tranquil; the eight
    regions at rest!  But not through our personal merits; we have wholly
    depended on the exertions of our civil and military rulers.  On the
    demise of our late father, the female inmates of the palace were all
    dispersed, and our harem is now solitary and untenanted; but how
    shall this be endured!