Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 228

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Topography of Kiángsu.

APRIL,

he got a large family of sons and daughters, all of whom without ex- ception proved reprobates, unworthy of such parents.

A mandarin was on his way to the capital, bat fell very sick; and being unable to proceed, stopped in his boat, whilst his complaint grew every day worse. His servants observing that their master was dying, immediately resolved to throw him overboard, and then seize upon his effects. Their consultations, however, were overheard by a female, who went on board, took away the body, put it into her own boat, and then pulled away. On perceiving the livid color of the whole body, she addressed the dying man, saying, you are wandering amongst the dark regions of the grave, and cannot expect to live much longer, but I have a medicine, that will restore you to health again. She therefore handed him a pill, which he immediately swal- lowed, and then began gradually to recover. After this he was nursed by the same woman with a wife's care, and thus soon recovered. Having arrived at the capital he received fresh proofs of the fervent attachment of this lady, but could never persuade himself that she was a human being. Once he had lost the seal of his office, and could nowhere discover it, but the officious and kind-hearted nurse indicated its place in an instant, and thus saved the officer from de- gradation. Instead however of showing gratitude, the officer became more and more suspicious, and on a certain night, when he had re- turned home at a late hour, he discovered his benefactress to be a spirit, and would immediately have dispatched her with his sword. She awoke, however, betimes, and with a scornful look said: "Un- grateful wretch, thou canst not feel the obligations thou owest to me; receive therefore the award of thy base behavior, and throw

up the pill that saved thy life!" He did so instantly, was again afflicted with his former disease, and died in consequence.

ART. III. Topography of Kiángsú; boundaries and situation of

the province; its area and population; departments and districts; rivers, lakes, mountains, productions, &c.

FORMERLY, and until the peaceful and prosperous times of the pre- sent dynasty, the provinces of Kiángsú and A ́nhwui were united in one, under the name of Kiángnán; so they are described by Du