MINISTER Mtl-KWEI. 333 



proceeds from your heart ; but your magistrate is required to be 

 dutiful to his prince as well as considerate towards the people over 

 whom he has presided — this he dares not forget. Should it be known 

 to the rebel I.oo, at court, that presents have been received, your 

 magistrate would doubtless be accused of buying the people's affec- 

 tions to oppose the Emperor's will. It would be ten thousand to one 

 but what the rebel and his partisans would present a document ac- 

 cusing Mei-kwei of having purchased the hearts of the people, that 

 he might insult his Majesty and violate the nation's established usages. 

 Such an accusation would cause the dragon's (the Emperor's) coun- 

 tenance to frown — with loss of life, I should be allowed no place of 

 interment." Mei-kwei having thus spoken, the people, interrupting 

 him, said, " After what your Excellency has said, how may we dare 

 bring calamity hereafter on your person 1 It will be our misfortune 

 that we shall never again meet with any one who will resemble your 

 Excellency for disinterestedness and honourable feeling ; however, 

 on your leaving, we will each of us erect a tablet, and inscribe your 

 name thereon, before which we will offer incense, which shall be to 

 us instead of your person." Mei-kwei replied, " I receive your ex- 

 pressions of gratitude, and will not fail to speak to my successor in 

 your behalf." 



Mei-kwei now repaired to the inner apartments, where his lady 

 and son were waiting to take their leave. They all wept. The mo- 

 ther and son entered the sedans and were carried on board, who 

 were accompanied to Chang-chow by all the domestics. Mei-kwei 

 remained at court with only Tsang-tow Mei-pih, who had cha-ge 

 of his luggage. On the following day, Mei-kwei, accompanied by 

 his clerk, went and took leave of his superior officers and of the gen- 

 try. A day had not elapsed before his successor arrived. Mei-kwei 

 immediately delivered over to him the imperial measures, the standard 

 weights, and plan of the city ditches (their boundaries), and all books 

 and documents belonging to the court. In consequence of Mei-kwei'» 

 promotion, the new officer durst not oppose this hasty mode of pro- 

 ceeding. Mei-kwei having nothing that he wished to conceal, no 

 difficulties presented themselves. In a few days the whole business 

 was arranged, when he prepared to proceed to the capital. As he 

 left the court the people brought large presents, which they gave to 

 Mei-kwei, exhibiting, at the same time, the greatest decorum. In 

 their houses they had set up a tablet in honour of him, before which 

 incense was offered and sacred candles burning. Mei-kwei requested 

 the people to return home, for he was going to the temple that he 

 might offer incense. The people instantly rushed to the temple. The 

 priest came out to receive Mei-kwei and conduct him into the temple, 

 and (o assist him in offering incense. When he had done offering 

 incense and making prostrations, the people, with the presents of 

 clothes which they had brought, dressed Mei-kwei, even to the 

 changing of his boots, and then, with three glasses of wine, drank 

 prosperity to him, wliile some remained Aveeping on their kneea 

 (probably before the altar of the temple). Mei-kwei bade such arise, 

 and took an affectionate leave of all present, when he left the city. 

 Mei-pih, mentioned above as Tsang-tow Mei-pih, had by this 



