534
Affairs between the English and Chinese.
OCT.
Really the virtue of our sacred lord pervades every realm, and reaches all their inhabitants, who unitedly look up to him; but now, for once, there are those who reject and separate themselves from their prince and relations, and personally follow the rebel insurgents. Verily these do not differ from the brute creation. And, moreover, the English are developing innumerable vicious schemes, seducing and leading astray in every direction, falsely calling for men to pro- ceed on board their ships, to be hired in discharging cargo; but really with no other desire than to use our flowery people in aiding them in their hostility—thus joining mutual friends in enmity. For- merly, there were many who coveted their (the English) wealth, and under mistaken ideas entered their ships, when their snare was made plainly manifest. At present, this is still carried on to a limited ex- tent, and it is decidedly necessary for you to attend to the purposes, for which you are required to be sent. Perhaps they may wish to instruct you in the use of musketry, down in the holds of their ships of war; or they may cut off your tails, and make you their soldiers; perhaps they may wish you to change your dress and become trai- torous spies for them, or perhaps, they may brand you on the face with their mark. Or, perhaps, they may dress you up in barbarian clothes, in order to make slaves of you, and now and then you will become remiss, when forthwith they will inflict upon you the punish- ment of the lash, and your distress and difficulties will be unspeaka- bly intense.
On a former occasion, I myself was taken in by their false preten- tions; but, becoming aware of their vicious practices, I after several days absconded by water and returned, fortunately escaping with my life. I perceived that many have been seduced into their ships, and my heart cannot really bear this, and I therefore specially issue this my fragment of a speech, in order to warn all good people. Let those who have at present entered the said ships, as workmen, become deeply sensible of their situation and return. If there are those, who, aware of their poverty, covet English wealth, and with ardent hearts desire to go, why do you not change your intentions and enter our army, in order to requite your country; and then, becoming victo- rious, you can reflect glory upon your ancestors; and should you perish, then would your fame be handed down to posterity. Would not this be praiseworthy! Ye gentle people of our most honorable and exhalted nation, how can ye be thus stupid! If you adhere to your blind pertinacity, repentance will ereloug be too late! My re- presentation of the state of affairs is destitute of falsehood, and siu-
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