Mr. Davis on tlw Poetr-y of the Chinese. 437 



has had opportunities of making the observation, as a very important check, 

 under so absolute a despotism, upon the conduct of Chinese rulers. The 

 highest officers of government are not exempt from these covert attacks, 

 which are constantly made, notwithstanding the severest punishments in case 

 of detection. 



" I will ease my heart, 



Although it be with hazard of my head." 



The following are specimens of satirical passages introduced in the course 

 of a novel, to ridicule the worthless characters, both male and female. 



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ift s. /^ wj #] ^^ > ii 



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" He thought his flattering phrases needs must prove 

 Welcome — nor dream'd of foul repulse and shame: 

 And had not bounteous heav'n his forehead arm'd 

 With impudence unmatch'd, this keen rebuff 

 Had stung him ! 



" In pearls and gold all gorgeously attir'd. 

 No arts could deck her native ugliness ! 

 The demon king might view her as his own — 

 She carried terror to a bridegroom's eye !" 



Vol. II. 3 L 



