PART I. 



HISTORY OP THE HUNGLEAGUE. 



The Chinese annals do not throw any light on the origin of the Hungleague: neither seems it 

 to have much occupied the attention of the members themselves, for we find nothing in the 

 books of this league, except the vagne allusions we have mentioned in our introduction. 



The same may be said of the society of freemasons; which, as a known body, commencei 

 only Avith the Greek- and Roman building corporations. 



z/In antiquity," says Dr. Schauberg, //masonry was most surely unknown, that is to gay,, 

 that ifcs principles were never known and practised by a large number of men. Masonry lie- 

 ver influenced the popular life. Some philosophers or religious sects may have taught some- 

 thing similar to masonry, but it was just only philosophy or mysticism, by which this rela- 

 tion is sufficiently characterized." ( T ) 



Covenants sworn to in the same manner as is done now by the Hung-brotherhood, viz: 

 lv shedding blood, existed already at the time of the Chau-dynasty. (B. C. 1122). Offïcers 

 were appointed at that time, in whose hands the oaths were taken, whilst private sworn 

 covenants were forbidden by law. ( 2 ) 



Parties who had sworn such an oath, considered each other as brothers and had the same 

 obligations to fulfil towards each other, as if they were real brothers. 



The people of the state of Yueh ( 3 ) pronounced the fo llo win g oath, when swearing friendship 



together, after having consecrated it by the sacrifice of a white dog and a red cock, on an earthen 



alt ar: 



ïou in a chariot may be seated, whilst I a bamboo hat do wear; 



But when some other day we'11 meet, your chariot leave and to me bend. 



You may afoot your steps be bending, whilst me a prancing steed doth bear; 



But when some other day we'11 meet, then from my horse will I descend. 



I 1 ) Symbolic d. Freim. I, 294. 



(-) Chun-tsiu (^ ^\ Yol. I. Pars I. Chapt. Yin-hung. ( |j| ^) 



Histoire Générale de la Chine. Yol. I, 310, at the note. Vol. II, p. 228. 

 ( 3 ) 1^) An ancient state during the civil wars B. C. 431—255. 



