Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 558

540

**

History of the Southern Sung Dynasty.

OCT.

satiated with the glory of a warrior, and from a thoughtless youth, he had become sedate. Under these circumstances, he convoked a general council, and explained to the officers the plan of his future course. You," he said, "are my companions in arms, and have nobly stood the brunt of battle. But I am afraid, that if occasion offers, you will be tempted to assume the diadem, and then there will be another dreadful slaughter between the contending parties, and the empire never be at rest." Though all protested against such ambitious views on their part, Kwáng continued to say, “It is useless to spend your existence in this miserable way, and I therefore confer appropriate titles upon you. Let every one return to his home, forget his past dangers, and live at his own house.” This proposal was relished by most of those present, and soon they returned to their estates, honored with titles, and holding civil employments. Kwáng now created a new staff, from among his own followers. He procur- ed food for the people, and obtained great popularity. In addition to all his good fortune he was enabled to subjugate the adjacent pro- vinces of Central China, and thus became able to cope with all his rivals. He did not, however, live to see the end of this conflict, but died in a. d. 976. This history does not bring us to his death, but abruptly closes at the occupation of Kiángnán province.

One fault we find with this book is its erroneous title, for it does not contain, as it pretends, a history of the Southern Sung dynasty. It is, however, one of the most interesting Chinese books we have read. The style is not only lucid and simple, but exhibits beauties of the highest order, and may be looked upon as a model of good writing. We do not believe that there is one obscure passage throughout the five volumes. There is not the least pretence, no affectation, no show of learning or quotations. The author's descriptions are vivid ; one supposes himself a spectator of the events, and follows the heroes through their adventurous course. On he leads you, showing you a man's character by his actions, and leaving you to judge of their worth. You never lose the thread of history by long discussions, or the introduction of subordinate personages. The great aim of the author is to show, how the Sung dynasty arrived to universal power, and he performs the task with masterly skill. The book is well fitted for beginners, and the best sinologue may learn from it the secret of writing in a flowing style, and using elegant expressions without pedantry. It is rather extraordinary that these volumes have never yet, to our knowledge been noticed, but their unpretending form, which partakes of the commion novel, may account for the oversight.