CHINESE OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS. 
391 
pal Ambassador was ill, a short delay was necessary. The third time he re- 
ported, the principal Ambassador was so ill, he could not come to an inter- 
view. I then ordered that the principal Ambassador should go to his lodg- 
ings, and a physician be conferred upon him to effect his cure. I then or- 
dered the assistant ambassador to enter to an interview the fourth time. He 
reported that the assistant ambassadors were both sick ; that it must be de- 
ferred till the principal Ambassador was recovered, and then they would 
come together to an interview. 
Chung-kwo (China, the central nation) is the sovereign of the whole 
world. For what reason should contumely and arrogance like this be en- 
dured with quiet temper ? I therefore sent down my pleasure to expel those 
Ambassadors, and send them back to their own country, without punishing 
the high crime they had committed. 
As before, Soo-lin-gih and Kwang-hwae were ordered to escort them to 
Canton, on board their ships. 
Within these few days, having called my courtiers together to an inter- 
view, I began to find out, that the Ambassador had travelled from Tung- 
chow directly to a room of the Palace, and that he had been on the road all 
night. He said, “ The court dresses, in which to enter and see majesty, 
are yet behind ; they have not come up yet ; how can I, in my ordinary 
garments, lift up my eyes to the Great Emperor ?” 
Why did not Ho-she-tae, when he saw me, state these circumstances? or 
if he forgot, why did he not, during the evening, add to what he had before 
reported ? Or the next day state it early ? All these ways he might have 
taken ; but to the last moment, when I was about to ascend the Hall of 
Audience, he never stated clearly these circumstances. The crime of these 
two men (Ho and Moo) is heavier than that of Soo-lin-gih. Had they pre- 
viously stated matters clearly to me, I must have changed the time for call- 
ing the Ambassador to an interview, and for his completing the ceremony. 
I never supposed that a stupid statesman would injure affairs to this extent. 
I, the Emperor, have really not the face (am ashamed) to appear before the 
ministers beneath me, who are labourers for the state. It only remains for 
me to take blame to myself. 
As for the crime of these four men, when the board has deliberated and 
sent up their opinion, I shall decide. 
Take this Imperial Declaration, and proclaim it fully to those within 
