Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 554

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History of the Southern Sung Dynasty.

Oct.

aids observing what he was going to do, dashed it upon the ground, and then called upon him to avenge this vile treatment. Even then the brave man remonstrated, and showed the wickedness of resisting his sovereign. His reasonings, however, were soon overruled, by the assurance, that he did not rebel against the monarch, but only against a depraved minister, and that the sole object of the expedition would be the change of counselors, and the restoration of the em- peror to the full exercise of his power. With such sophisms the officers overpersuaded him, and he therefore led his veteran bands into the field. The struggle was long and doubtful, but his soldiers inured to all hardships, obtained the supremacy, and on their ap- proach to the capital, the emperor loosened his girdle, and hanged himself. Thus ended the short-lived Hau Hán dynasty in a. v. 948.

Kwóh Wei, on hearing of the catastrophe, shed bitter tears, and accused himself as the author of all the misfortunes that had befallen the land. But no repentance could recall the monarch to life, and he hastened to the empress dowager, and proposed the nomination of another emperor. Her choice fell upon general Liú, the brother of the deceased monarch, and an envoy was dispatched to the prince to announce his election. Whilst Kwoh was a waiting his answer, there arrived a messenger, stating, that the Ketans had made an in- road into the country, and were advancing with a formidable army upon the capital. The empress therefore constituted him general- issimo, and the brave warrior ordered his soldiers to prepare them- selves anew to march. They were all drawn up in beautiful order on the parade ground, and the drums and gongs sounded a march, when some officers boldly stepped forth and ordered a halt. Kwóh Wei, incensed at this insubordination rode up to them, and asked the reason of their conduct. One of them replied, "You have aided in choosing a new monarch, who will never forget that we once acted as rebels, and seize on a favorable time to punish us for our refractory example. We therefore shall not wait his arrival, nor shall we ever submit to his sway, but now proclaim you, our beloved commander, emperor." The words had scarcely passed his mouth, when the air resounded on all sides with cries of Wán sui! and the loyal Kwóh, notwithstanding all his expostulation, was scated on a throne of sods, which was suddenly erected on the spot. But all this homage could not blind the eyes of the veteran, and when he heard of the approach of Liú, he was about tendering his homage, but his officers anticipated his design. One amongst their number seduced the fol- lowers of Liù from their allegiance, and then all forced the loyal