Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 436

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Sketch of the Life of Confucius.

court in order to learn his doctrine more fully. After becoming well acquainted with him, and reposing confidence in his integrity, the young ruler committed the cotite management of the state to him; and the activity, courage, and disinterested conduct which he exhibited in the exercise of his power, soon had their happy effect upon the coun- try. By his wise rules and the authority of his example and his maxims, he in a short time reformed many vicious practices, and in- troduced order and sobriety in the place of waste and injustice. He occupied himself with agriculture, regulated the revenue and the manner of receiving it, so that soon, in consequence of his measures, the productions of the state were increased, the happiness of the peo- ple extended, and the revenue considerably augmented.

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He carried his reforms into every department of justice, in which soon after he entered upon his duties as minister, he had an opportu- nity of exhibiting his inflexibility. One of the most powerful nobles of the state had screened himself from the just punishment due to his many chimes, under the dread of his power and riches, and the num ber of bis retainers. Confucius caused him to be arrested, and order for his trial; and when the overwhelming proofs brought for- ward had convinced all of his guilt, he ordered him to lose his head and presided himself at his execution. This wholesome severity struck a dread into other men of rank, and likewise obtained the plaudits of all meu of sense, as well as of the people, who saw in the minister a courageous protector ready to defend them against the tyranny of men in power.

These salutary reforms had not been long in operation, before the neighboring states took alarm at the rising prosperity of Lú, and the prince of T'sí, who had recently usurped the throne by assassinating its occupant, resolved to ruin the plans of Confucius. To this end, he appointed an envoy to the young prince, with whose character he was well acquainted, desiring to renew the ancient league of friendship between the two countries. This envoy was charged with presents consisting of thirty fine horses beautifully caparisoned, a large number of curious rarities, and twenty-four of the most accomplished cour- tesans he could procure in his dominions. The scheme succeeded; before these seductive damsels, the austere etiquette of the court of Lú soon gave way; and fetes, comedies, dances and concerts took the place of propriety and decorum. The presence of the sage soon became irksome to his master, and he at last forbid him to come into his sight, having become quite charmed with his fair enchantresses and no longer able to endure the remonstrances of his ministe