Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 538

1841.

Illustrations of Men and Things in China.

The sunken rocks then shoaled the steamer (Atalanta); All who saw it witnessed to the justice of heaven.

None of the plans of the foreigners took effect,

Which greatly delighted the hearts of men.

521

The lines annexed to the picture describing the battle are as follows:

The English barbarians excited commotion, Outrageously opposing all principles divine. On the third day of the last fourth month, They seditiously attacked the city of Rams. The god of the North displaying his sanctity,* The sunken rocks straight shoaled a vessel. Moreover, going into Neishing,

Their men-of-war grounded on the sands, And the devilish soldiers were completely routed. On the sixth of the month (May 26), The rockets were fired into the city, One gun gave even three reports. Heaven rained down red rain,

And the fire of the guns was extinguished.

The villagers on the north of the city,

Their valor roused, drove them before them;

From the White Cloud hills,

The lord of heaven sent down rain,

*

And several hundred devilish barbarians,

Were by it quite destroyed.

The head of one was caged in terrorem,

His name was called Bremer.

Their courage and heart failing,

Routed, they threw off their clothes and run.

Our people rousing their martial courage, From all parts cut off their retreat,

And the whole crew was clean swept away. The barbarian ships all retired,

Going out far beyond the Tiger's Gate. It is hard to endure heavenly justice;- At this time the climate was pestilential, And they died of grievous diseases. Caused by the incensed deities. Henceforth there will be general peace, Every one enjoying an honorable life,

And the people hereabouts will be very happy.

1

One of the shot from the English ships hit an image of this deity in a temple near the southern wall, and broke its arm; the Atalanta soon after got on the rocks near the Dutch Folly, which the people ascribed to the wrath of the god.

VOL. X. NO. IX.

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