PACIFIC AND BEERING'S STRAIT. 2-21 



misled probably by the designing Emperor of Japan, 

 and imagining the immense preparations making by 

 that prince were intended for the invasion of China, 

 neglected to strengthen his defences, and was at 

 length surprised by the Japanese, who invaded his 

 dominions. 



Chang-ning, notwithstanding the invasion with 

 which he was also threatened, continued his tribute to 

 China ; and Ouan-li received his ambassadors with 

 the greatest possible respect, and rewarded their sove- 

 reign for his fidelity. Some years after, in 1610, the 

 Japanese renewed their menaces against Chang-ning, 

 who, as on the former occasion, acquainted the Em- 

 peror of China with his situation, and implored as- 

 sistance ; but China at that time was fully occupied 

 with her own troubles, and unable to render him any 

 service. In this state of things, a nobleman of Loo 

 Choo, named King-tchang, taking advantage of the 

 situation of Chang-ning, revolted, and retired to Sat- 

 zuma, where he fitted out an expedition consisting of 

 3000 Japanese, and took Chang-ning prisoner, killed 

 his father, Tching-hoey, because he would not ac- 

 knowledge his dependency to Japan, pillaged the 

 royal palace, and carried away the king prisoner to 

 Satzuma. 



The conduct of the King of Loo Choo throughout 

 all these disturbances is said to have been so mairnani- 

 mous and spirited, that it even appeased King-tchang, 

 and prepossessed the Japanese so much in his favour, 

 that after two years' captivity they restored him to his 

 throne with honour. He was scarcely reinstated, 

 when, always faithful to China, notwithstanding the 

 danger he had escaped, and the helpless condition of 

 the emperor, he sent ambassadors to that country to 



