This day, when the audience was concluded, an envoy arrived from the Tartars to demand Chaoukeun in marriage, as the only condition of peace.  It is my duty to report this to his Majesty, who has retired to his western palace.  Here I must enter. [Perceiving the Emperor.] I report to your Majesty that Hanchenyu, the leader of the northern foreigners, sends an envoy to declare that Maouyenshow has presented to him the portrait of the princess, and that he demands her in marriage as the only condition of peace.  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.  The late minister, Maouyenshow,
    took with him the portrait of a beautiful lady, and presented it to
    the K’ban, who now sends me, his envoy, on purpose to demand the
    Lady Chaoukeun, and no other, as the only condition of peace between
    the two nations.  Should your Majesty refuse, the K’han has a
    countless army of brave warriors, and will forthwith invade the
    South to try the chances of war.  I trust your Majesty will not err
    in your decision.