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History of the Southern Sung Dynasty.
Oct.
about, and on one occasion he was straying on a terrace, when he again beheld the yellow dragon, at which he ained a furious blow. This however took no effect, and the apparition dissolved in air. Shortly afterwards, the old emperor died (A. D. 954), and Kwang's bosom friend, whose reign is known under the name of Hiente, and his ancestorial designation Shitsung, succeeded to the throne.
From the moment Shitsung held the sceptre, Kwáng's fortune was made. He was now fully grown and exhibited such a portly figure, that he became the admiration of the whole court. His restless disposition soon found occupation enough, for as soon as Liú heard of Táitsú's death, he forthwith declared war, and engaged the Ketans to take his part; a most sanguinary contest followed, and notwithstanding Kwang's generalship and bravery, the imperialists could not main- tain themselves in the field. But people cannot fight for ever, and as both parties had become disgusted with bloodshed, they concluded a peace. The Tartars were the gainers in this treaty, for they return- ed with an immense booty to their country.
Shítsung, smarting under these losses, now looked about for some territory with which to indemnify himself. There was a prince of Táng reigning, who occupied the fairest portion of China, and to dis- possess him of his patrimony, the emperor dispatched an overwhelm- ing force. This war was protracted several years, and the losses suffered and advantages gained, were nearly equal. But Kwáng had obtained experience, and he therefore by masterly manœuvres repeat- edly beat the enemy and gained a triumph. The sovereign was so delighted at the success of the companion of his youth, that he no- minated him commander-in-chief of the body guard. This elevation made our hero still more devoted to his master, and he was willing to sacrifice life and property in his service.
When the wars were ended, Shitsung resolved upon enjoying biinself, and two houries having been presented to him, he built a splendid palace for their accommodation, and there spent his days in joyous oblivion of the past. When Kwang perceived this, he at once declared that all government would go to ruin, if the emperor did not abstain from his pastimes, and consulted with a companion how to put a stop to such a dissolute life. They themselves had al- ways been foremost in every revel, but on the present occasion thought that their master ought to attend to other things, and that if he gave himself up to pleasure, all his enemies would rise again, and they be obliged to refight all his battles. They therefore went to the monarch's apartment, and made him a present of some beautiful
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