414 LINES BY LADY JIN-SUE. 



a great number of years, and have enjoyed all the blessings that the 

 subjects of the empire enjoy. The emperor has noticed the peace- 

 able manner in which you have lived, and expects that you will con- 

 tinue thus to live. Among you reside many foreigners, the Hung- 

 maou-kwei" (on the individual alluded to above, looking the Manda- 

 rin hard in the face, as he was close by his side, and touching his 

 hair, the Mandarin perceived that the epithet did not please, and 

 immediately said, "the English, live among you also; it is therefore 

 important that you live peaceably and orderly, if so, the emperor will 

 ever take care of you." Having thus spoken, they arose, and were 

 attended to their chairs by the person alluded to above ; when, pre- 

 ceded by their troops, they went through the city to Casa Branca 

 fort. From the manner in which the Mandarin made use of the term 

 Hung-maou-kwei, it was evident that it came involuntarily from 

 him, and the smile of approbation which followed on his correcting 

 what seemed to give offence, convinces the writer that we have 

 hitherto generally misunderstood its meaning, or that they are not 

 aware we take offence at it. 



The writer having as far back as the year 1822 discovered, satis- 

 factorily, the reasons for removing the trade from Amoy to Canton, as 

 mentioned already, is convinced that the idea of opening other ports 

 in China is just as likely as that they will suffer the Russians to trade at 

 Canton, which we know full well they will not, as that has been tried. 

 With respect to the imports, it is true that they frequently treble the 

 duties levied. This is an error of their government; but it is not 

 confined to the imports, it extends to every department of the revenue. 

 The stipulated income of an officer is the same now that it was 500 

 years since, but, as this is now inadequate to his support, he makes 

 up the deficiency by surcharges. It is absurd to expect that a people 

 like the Chinese, who so tenaciously adhere to long-established 

 usages, will be induced to yield to the notions of foreigners, whether 

 we appeal to the Viceroy or to the Emperor. 



12, Warwick Square. P. P. T. 



LINES BY LADY JIN-SHE. 



FROM THE CHINESE. 



Why do I weep ? Awake my soothing lyre, 

 And charm the sorrows of my heart away, 



Lest grief should prove a self-consuming tire, 



And blight the opening flower of life's young day. 



O sing of love, and charm the listening ear 



Of one who may the tender passion feel ; 

 Some future day, these lines may bright appear. 



With smiles of joy that two fond hearts reveal. 



My verse, inscribed on an autumnal leaf. 

 May gentle zephyrs waft to that soft breast, 



Where love shall melt in pity for my grief, 



And in a mutual flame our hearts be blest. P. P T. 



