vowing by his two tails that he would eat all that he killed.  This bloody vow was accomplished, for they killed none; they returned discomfited, without their bows, or arrows, or their swords, fleeing before the rage of the Tartar chief.  Then rose the great Youantee in wrath, and issued another edict that the barbarians should be driven even into the sea which bounds the empire of the world.  And the armies were again sent forth, but again they returned discomfited, saying, “How can we, who eat rice with chopsticks, combat with barbarians, who not only ride on horses, but eat them too?” The celestial edict was not attended to by the Tartars, for they were barbarians, and knew no better; and they continued to advance until within one day’s progress of the celestial capital; and the brother of the sun and moon, the magnificent Youantee, was forced to submit to the disgrace of receiving an envoy from the barbarians, who thus spoke, in sugared words:—­

“The great khan of Tartary greets the magnificent Youantee; he has slaughtered some millions of his subjects, because they were traitors, and would not defend the celestial throne.  He has burnt some thousands of his towns, that the great Youantee may order them to be rebuilt in greater beauty.  All this has he done with much trouble and fatigue, to prove his regard to the magnificent Youantee.  All that he asks in return is, that he may receive as his bride the peerless Chaoukeun, the pearl beyond all price.”

The great Youantee spoke from his celestial throne—­“Return my thanks to the great khan your master, for his considerate conduct, and tell him, that he well deserves a bride from our celestial empire, but the pearl beyond all price is wedded to the brother of the sun and moon.  Any other maiden in our empire shall be sent to him with gifts worthy to be offered by the great Youantee, and worthy to be accepted by the great khan of Tartary.  Let it be an edict.”

But the Tartar replied, “O great monarch, the great khan my master does not require an edict, but the peerless Chaoukeun.  If I return without her, he enters the celestial city, and spares not man, or woman, or child.”  Then fell at the celestial feet all the princes and mandarins of every class, performing solemnly the great kow tow, and the chief minister of state spoke thus:—­“Lord of the universe, brother of the sun and moon, who governs the world with thine edicts, whose armies are invincible, and numerous as the sands upon the shores of the four seas, listen to thy faithful slaves.  Surrender up to this barbarian the pearl beyond all price, so shall we all live to humble ourselves before thee.”  And all the princes and mandarins cried out with one voice, “Surrender up the pearl beyond all price.”  And all the brave generals drew their swords, and waved them in the air, crying out, “Surrender up to this barbarian the pearl beyond all price.”  And all the army and all the people joined in the request.