178 Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [Dec. 



deals le?s in mystery, and is more in bearing with supposed historical 

 facts. They are as follows : — 



" Panthay Version. Once upon a time, China was subjected to a 

 plague of evil spirits, who desolated the whole country, and in fact 

 put a stop to the regular course of nature. The sun ceased to shew 

 itself, excepting now and then, in obscure and fitful gleams ; and the 

 land refused to produce, or yield fruit in due seasson. During this 

 calamitous state of affairs, the Emperor ' dreamed a dream,' in 

 which a form was prominently revealed to him, in the dress of an 

 Arab ; but indicating at the same time, every appearance of peace and 

 friendly goodwill. Astrologers and experts in such matters, inter- 

 preted the Emperor's dream to signify, that the plague of evil spirits 

 would cease on the appearance of a force of Mahomedan Arabs who 

 were well known to be a source of terror to evil spirits and devils of 

 every description. The Emperor was convinced, and sent a mission 

 direct to the Prophet Mahomed, in which he begged the assistance of 

 a few of the Prophet's followers. Mahomed sent 360 men, who, in 

 due time, reached China. By virtue of their presence, the evil spirits 

 vanished, and the country was restored to its former prosperity. The 

 Arabs were treated with becoming honour, and allowed to settle and 



O 7 



establish themselves, in the vicinity of the Royal Capital. But in 

 course of time their numbers increased to such an extent that the 

 Chinese Grovernment became anxious about its own safety ; and an 

 arrangement was effected, by which the Arab population near Pekin 

 was broken up, and sent in small parties to the confines of the Em- 

 pire ; where they have since established themselves, more or less 

 firmly, and in some instances proclaimed their independence. 



" Chinese Version.— About a thousand years ago, there was a great 

 rebellion in China, and the Government was in danger. The reign- 

 ing Sovereign at the time was Oung-lo-show ; and being in tribulation, 

 he sent for assistance to a certain King, named Kazzee or Khazee, 

 who ruled over the countries to the West of China. A Mahomedan 

 contingent of 10,000 men was sent, and with their assistance, the 

 rebellion was suppressed, and the services of the contingent dispensed 

 with. But a difficulty now arose, as to the return of the Mahome- 

 dans to their own country. They had been greatly reduced in 

 numbers, and their inclination to stay where they were and settle 



