Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 574

1841.

Poo Nang Che tsăng sửn.

557

Another prince observed a soldier, on duty, steadfastly fixing his eyes on a favorits, a very beautiful lady; and, upon being asked what he was about, gave no answer; but, being sent against the enemy with the prospect of making the dainsel his wife in case of success, he manfully fought the battle, and obtained the hand of the fair one. This was a man of wisdom. ́

An emperor sent a eunuch to the western sea to purchase some extraordinary jewels. On his return they were hid, and even the record of the transaction was kept a secret. A minister asked the reason of this strange proceeding, and was sold, that the undertaking had entailed so much misery upon the soldiers as well as on the peo- ple, that the wisest thing to be done was to obliterate all remem brance of the affair. This was wisdom.

Kwang: Woo of the Han dynasty killed an officer, and then one of the underlings collected several thousand papers to slander him, and passed them over to the emperor. The latter handed them over to the lictors, and giving orders to burn them, requested to let the mad rest in peace. This is another sample of wisdom.

Some individuals seen to be gifted with this valuable attribute, which we might have been translated foresight. The book before us gives a number of instances, such as the suggestions of Chekwo, a statesman, who, by suitable advice and deep observation of the state of things, saved the life of his prince, and prevented a total defeat of his forces. But this was not his only prudent act, he always found out ways and means, and had he lived in our times, he ought to have been made a minister of finance to pay off national debt. Another worthy courtier, whenever he saw ang approaching danger, would on no account give himself up to joyous festivity, to which he was much addicted, but would remain sober and quiet, until the critical mo- ment was passed.

A very enterprizing scholar having arrived at the capital, and there proved himself very inquisitive, gave evidence of considerable accomplishments, so as to attract the notice of a densor. On nearer acquaintance, he was discovered to possess talents and abilities that fitted him to undertake the government of the whole country. The prudent sovereign having fully convinced himself, that this aspiring genius would prove troublesome, had him instantly killed.

One of the petty princes murdered a man, and wanted to employ his son in a high office, because he was of an unbending character and never swerved from the principles of rectitude. His minister however remonstrated, and proved that he would never forgive the