THE MANDARIN'S DAUGHTER. CHAPTER XXV.--NANKING, THE CAPITAL OF TAIPINGDOM. EFORE the rays of the rising sun had tipped the distant mountain peaks, the junk slipped her moorings and sailed up the river under the influence of the morning breeze from the sea. The junkmen were anxious to get away from the lorcha and her rowdy crew of foreigners, so they silently sculled the junk across the river as soon as they returned on board, and were well on their course by daylight. When Cut-sing came back from inspecting the cargo of the lorcha, he explained the whole matter to Meng-kee, who thanked him for getting rid of such unruly visitors and settling so amicably a disturbance that at first threatened to be serious. A-Lee also joined her father in thanking the Taiping emissary, so that harmony was once more restored, and the slight jar of the previous day forgiven, if not forgotten. The sun was well up in the bright, bracing air when the party came in sight of Nanking, the famous "South Court" of the ancient dynasties, which at one time far excelled its rival Peking, or "North Court; " but now its grandeur has departed. Viewed from the river, its decay is not visible except here and there where breaches have been made in the massive walls that encompass the city during the assaults they have resisted. These walls can be traced by the eye over hill and plain in a triangular circuit of twenty-two miles, indicating the vast area comprised within its boundary. However, it must be understood that this immense space is not nor ever was covered with habitations and their ordinary amenities. In all Chinese cities a large tract of land is used for agricultural purposes for growing food in times of siege, and Nanking is no exception to the rule. This ancient southern capital of the most populous empire on earth not only exceeds the northern modern metropolis in extent, but its natural situation is vastly superior in picturesqueness, and its central position in relation to the eighteen provinces each in itself equal to a European kingdom of the first rank. Looking across the wide-flowing Yangtsze, the spectator beholds its crenellated wall frowning along the southern bank, like a gigantic fortress, greater than any on the banks of the Rhine; while within these battlements rises a fortified hill higher than that of Ehrenbreitstein. And as the rock on which that fortress is built is the termination of a mountain chain that trends far beyond, so in the background of Nanking mountains rise one above another of greater magnitude. In fine, both city and site, river and range, are upon a gigantic scale, unrivalled in Europe. These natural and artificial features of the city and its surroundings impressed Meng-kee and his daughter favourably towards the capital of the socalled "Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace." Alas! these favourable impressions were doomed to be disappointed when they beheld the devastation and ruin within its walls. Their junk was steered up a creek leading to the Water Gate. Here their baggage was landed, and a conveyance hired to take them into the city. As they moved along a well-paved road through the fields there was not much to be seen; but presently they came upon what was formerly called the "Tartar City," where not a brick or stone of its numerous buildings was left standing, with the exception of the Central Drum Tower, which is built on an eminence commanding an extensive prospect of the city. Passing this, they came to the inhabited portion adjoining the South Gate, outside of which once stood the famous Porcelain Tower. This was considered one of the "Seven Wonders of the World" in old times. Meng-kee recollected having seen it when young, as its graceful proportions rose to a height of more than three hundred feet, divided into nine segments or stories, each with a projecting roof covered with glazed green, blue, and yellow tiles, while from the eaves depended a hundred and fifty bells hung on chains, which tinkled in harmonious cadence as they swung to and fro in the wind. Although the inner bricks of the edifice were of ordinary manufacture, those which formed the basement and outer walls were of white porcelain, which gave the proportions of the tower a light and graceful form. It was erected by an emperor of the Ming dynasty to commemorate the goodness of the Empress Kao, his ancestor, and cost nearly a million sterling. When Meng-kee went to look for this "Temple of Gratitude as the Nankingese fondly used to call it the towering monument was gone. Two immense walls, divided by a narrow aperture, were the only portions left standing; all the rest was a mass of white ruins. This destruction of the finest example of his national architecture he ascertained was the work of the Taipings, and it produced on him a most depressing effect, especially as he had committed himself to the cause. In his mind this seemed to be the culminating point of their destructive tendencies, without his having yet seen the smallest advance on their part towards substituting new edifices; and when he did see them there was as much difference between their structure and those destroyed as between those of ancient and modern Rome. At the South Gate there was a large crowd assembled, many of whom were reading the following proclamation of the Tien Wang, posted on the gate:"The Heavenly Father, Christ, Myself, and my Son are Lords for ever. The Heavenly Kingdom is established everywhere, and the effulgence of the Father, Brother, Myself, and the Young Lord is spread upon the earth for a myriad myriad autumns." Then came a notification announcing that, "On the 9th of the 9th moon the Elder Brother descended upon earth and took upon himself the weighty responsibility of destroying the imps and exterminating the demons." This being the day in question, a great demonstration was about to take place. As it would show their loyalty to the Tien Wang, the emissary advised Meng-kee to stop and witness it, which he thought judicious himself, as it would give him an insight into the ceremonies of his new compatriots. He observed that a platform had been erected for those who were to take a leading part in the proceedings, around which the people gathered in great numbers. A cordon of soldiery kept the crowd within bounds by discharging fire-arms and the inevitable cracker on such occasions. Suddenly there shot up all round a number of gaudy banners, with the Tien Wang's attributes inscribed upon them. This was immediately followed by the harsh sounds of a band playing on execrable instruments, and banging upon gongs. Turning in the direction of this noise, Meng-kee saw a procession headed by a gaudily-dressed personage and his retinue riding on ponies. Room being made for them through the crowd, they dismounted and ascended the platform. The chief person was commandant of the city, who had undertaken to deliver a discourse to the people. His head was adorned with a crown of gilded brown paper, and his dress was of a blue material, decorated with dragons and other animals. After a salvo of three guns the commandant addressed the multitude, and in a loud voice told them to kneel. Upon this they all fell on their knees, when he murmured what was deemed a prayer. Another salvo was given, and all the people stood up, while he discoursed to them upon the blessings of Taipingism, and the obligations of its members. He said, "It is quite impossible for the Manchoo Emperor to destroy the Heavenly dynasty as long as the people continue loyal subjects of the Heavenly King. He has commanded us to slay all false worshippers, therefore let us move onward and exert our courage to the utmost to fulfil his commands. Those who are true believers shall lack neither food nor clothing, and ere the lapse of a hundred years we shall all go to Heaven." The proceedings terminated with a general salute all round, and the procession returned as they came. Meng-keo thought that these were strange doctrines to inculcate, and the mode of doing so no less strange. However, he made no comment upon the ceremony to Cut-sing; he thought it best to observe and listen, and keep his remarks to himself. He had now ventured too far to incur suspicion of disloyalty to the cause, which might bring disaster upon himself and his daughter. On her part she seemed to be more amused than edified by the demonstration and discourse, which appeared a mockery of the Christian religion. Cut-sing now gave orders to the driver to proceed in the direction of the Tien Wang's palace. When they reached that quarter they saw opposite each gate a high wall to screen the interior from the public gaze. However, the emissary being known to the janitors, the party had a look at the palace of the Taiping chief. It was of great size, enclosed in a yellow wall forty feet high, and very thick. Within they saw yellow and green roofs, and a couple of minarets. Passing through the gateway, they approached the grand door of the palace by a covered way apported by gilded columns; dragons of all sizes were carved upon the roof; and on the door, which was as gaudy as paint and gold could make it, was an inscription, "The sacred heavenly door." On either side were two gigantic drums; and in the inner chambers, gilded lanterns, suspended on silken cords, and ornamented with rich tassels, were hung about in every direction. A short distance from the Tien Wang's palace was that of the Kang Wang, in whose service Wo Cutsing acted a prominent part, and to whom he looked for a favourable reception of Meng-kee and his daughter. On arriving there they saw that it was redolent of red paint and gilding. They were ushered into the presence of the great Taiping minister, who was seated in a gilded chair, dressed in full robes, with attendants finely dressed standing by his side. He was a man of middle age, rather stout, and had an open and very pleasing countenance. He rose up on their entrance, and received them with great politeness, and pointing to where they should be seated "You have been long absent, Cut-sing," said he, addressing the emissary; "but I have heard of you from some new recruits, and also of your success in securing the adhesion of Loo Meng-kee and his daughter to our cause, whom I have no doubt I now see before me. Welcome to the capital of Taiping Tien Kwo," he added, turning to them, "and to my home, where everything is at your disposal." The ex-mandarin thanked him in proper terms on behalf of himself and A-lee, but excused himself from further conversation until they had recruited themselves. Accordingly, the attendants were dered to take them to the inner apartments, while Cut-sing remained to give an account of his mission. or A THE COMTE DE CHAMBORD. SHADOWY figure on the French political Louis XVI, who perished on the scaffold in 1793, and horizon, the Comte de Chambord, known in brother also to Louis XVIII, restored in 1814. The earlier life as the Duc de Bordeaux, has for more title of Comte d'Artois was given to him in infancy, than forty years inspired the hopes of his faithful and he retained it until the restoration of the adherents and excited the ridicule of his opponents. monarchy, when he was known as "monsieur." The month of October, 1873, may be marked as a The Duc de Berri married his Bourbon cousin, Maria memorable period in the calendar of the French Caroline of Naples, niece to Marie Amélie, wife of Legitimists. Never before did the dream of long Louis Philippe. When the gay and popular prince years seem so near its realisation,-never before did first set eyes on his affianced in the forest of Fonthe last of the elder Bourbons to the eye of his tainebleau he had no cause for disappointment. countrymen so distinctly emerge from the dim back- Fresh and blooming, with fair hair and light figure, ground and assume form and substance as their the gracefulness and vivacity of the young stranger de jure or rightful king. It appeared as if his foot captivated all hearts. The Duc de Berri fell by the was at last on the step to the throne, and that, hand of the assassin Louvel in February, 1820. already crowned Henry v in the hearts of loyal and Seven months later the Duchesse, his wife, who had devoted partisans, he was about to become de facto already borne daughters, one of whom then lived, Henry v of France. A majority of votes in the gave birth in the Tuileries, in the presence of Assembly was assured; Paris was preparing to wel- Marshal Suchet and other trustworthy eye-witnesses, come the new ruler; eager Royalists had already to a son. As the Duc d'Angoulême, the eldest son named the day for the proclamation of the monarchy, of the Comte d'Artois, was childless, and as by the and for the entry of the long-exiled Bourbon to take Salic law females are excluded from the succession, up his residence at the Elysée. All that was wanted there attached to this posthumous child-"the child to secure success was a declaration from the Comte of miracle"-an extraordinary interest as the last de Chambord himself confirmatory of his reported hope of continuing the direct Bourbon line on the desire to recognise the tricolour flag and accept con- throne of France. The city of Bordeaux, which had stitutional rule. Alas! for the fair superstructure shown its loyalty to the house of Bourbon, was built up by eager and over-sanguine enthusiasts. selected to give a title. When the infant was preThe Comte's manifesto at once dissipated all mis-sented to the grand-uncle, Louis XVIII, he exclaimed, understanding, and scattered to the winds the ardent "Here is a fine Duc de Bordeaux; he is born for us hopes which the monarchical party-Legitimist and all!" and, taking a few drops of the wine of Pau, Orleanist-had indulged in. Notwithstanding all the which, according to tradition, had anointed the lips. elaborate efforts made by fusionists and negotiators, of Henry IV before he received his mother's milk, the the Prince was found still faithful to the convictions old king did the same to his descendant; then taking and declarations of his life-to the white flag, and a glass, he filled it and drank to the health of the to the idea of divine inalienable right. But while Duchesse de Berri. "Sire," she replied, "I wish I by his words of outspoken honesty he let slip the knew the song of Jeanne d'Albret, that everything crown of his ancestors, he at least preserved his con- should be done here as at the birth of Henry IV." sistency and honour. In a subsequent manifesto issued Louis XVIII gratified the crowds gathered round the this year, when the Septennat of Marshal MacMahon Tuileries by appearing on the balcony holding the appeared undefined and unstable, he addressed the infant in his armus. The birth of the Prince, which French people, asserting the same claims, and with was received with much goodwill, even by the Rethe same result. A character in history so unique publican faction, threw the Royalists into transports as this "son of St. Louis" deserves attention, and throughout France. The corps diplomatique of Paris we now recount some of the events in his singular united to congratulate the king. "The child of grief, of regrets, of tears," they said, "is also the child of Europe-at once the guarantee and the pledge of repose and peace which should follow so many agitations." The Emperor Alexander of Russia wrote thus to King Louis :-"The birth of the Duc de Bordeaux is an event most fortunate for the peace career. The Comte de Chambord is the son of the Duc de Berri, the second son of the Comte d'Artois, afterwards Charles X of France. Charles x was the fifth and youngest son of the Dauphin Louis, the son of King Louis XV. He was brother to the unfortunate of Europe, and affords just consolation to your family. | resting-place was Lulworth Castle, in DorsetshireI pray your majesty to believe that I adopt the title their next the royal palace of Holyrood. of the Child of Europe,' which the diplomatic body have bestowed on him." Henri Charles Ferdinand Marie Dieudonné, the heir of the Bourbons, as became a true son of the Church, was baptized in water which had been brought from the Jordan by Chateaubriand; and among the preceptors which influenced his mind was Tharin, Bishop of Strasbourg, a Romish prelate who had advocated that all education should be committed to the Jesuits, and had published an acrimonious diatribe against the philosophy of the age. Louis XVIII died in 1824. As his last hour approached the royal family surrounded the sovereign. Love each other," said the king, "and by your affection console yourselves for the misfortunes of our house. The charter," he continued, addressing the Comte d'Artois, "is your best inheritance; preserve it, my brother, for your subjects, for yourself" then raising his hand to bless the Duc de Bordeaux (whom his mother had placed in the foreground), he added--"and for this child, to whom you should transmit the throne, after my son and daughter," as he affectionately styled the Duc and Duchesse d'Angoulême. Looking at the Duc de Bordeaux, he again said, "May you be wiser and happier than your father!" The dying advice of the moderate and wise Louis XVIII as to the government of the country was, however, lost upon his successor, Charles x. That monarch, sincere and well-intentioned though he was, did not understand his age; nor with his high notions of royal prerogative did he understand how to rule France. 66 'Louis XVIII," says Guizot, "in founding constitutional monarchy, brought back France to the paths of law; Charles x tore her forcibly from them." His reign of six years became more arbitrary and unpopular towards its close. In July, 1830, the constitution was suspended and ordinances issued against the press. This led to the Revolution of the three days. During this crisis Charles x, with the Duchesse de Berri and her children, were at St. Cloud. The one child ten and the other nine years of age, amused themselves playing at a game founded on the events going on in Paris; Mademoiselle heading the rebels, and the Duc de Bordeaux at the head of the royal guard repulsing them. From a window on the second story of the royal chateau, telescope in hand, the Duchesse de Berri directed her anxious gaze to the Tuileries, when she suddenly exclaimed, "Ah! mon Dieu, I see the coloured flag there." Since the Revolution of July, the white flag of the Bourbons has not floated over any of the royal palaces of France. It was with difficulty the impetuous Duchesse was restrained from rushing to Paris with her son to assert his claims to the throne. The Duc d'Angoulême, having shared the unpopular sentiments of his father, deemed it prudent to renounce his right to the succession, and Charles x accordingly abdicated in favour of his grandson the Duc de Bordeaux. A speech made in the Senate by Chateaubriand in favour of the young Prince had no effect in arresting the progress of events. Louis Philippe, son of the Duc d'Orleans, became the citizen king of the French nation, and the dethroned Charles x, with the young Duc de Bordeaux, the Duc and Duchesse d'Angoulême, and the Duchesse de Berri, sought the shores of England. Their first The exiles arrived on Wednesday, 20th of October, off the well-known fishing village of Newhaven, about two miles from Edinburgh. They landed, says an account, at four o'clock. The exking, dressed in a light-brown surtout and small English hat, looked remarkably well; the Duc de Bordeaux, a slender, fair-looking boy, about nine or ten years of age, wore a blue frock and trousers, As the royal party passed along the pier to the carriage the spectators began to increase. Here an amusing incident occurred. Pushing every one aside, a jolly Newhaven fishwife pressed forward until she reached the king, whom she grasped by the hand and shook it heartily, saying, "Oh, sir, I am happy to see you again among decent folk." Charles smiled and asked her name. "My name's Kirsty Ramsay, sir," she replied, " and mony a guid fish I hae gien ye, and mony a guid shillin' I got for 't, thirty years sin syne.' Honest Kirsty alluded to the former stay of Charles x (then Comte d'Artois) at Holyrood House, which had been granted to him by the British Government at once as a residence and as an asylum from his creditors. Freed from the trammels of kingship, Charles x appeared as he really was-a frank, amiable, and dignified gentleman. Sir Walter Scott, dreading some unpleasant manifestations of popular disrespect towards the august strangers, made an appeal to the better feelings of his fellow-citizens, through James Ballantyne's newspaper. This had an excellent effect, for notwithstanding the strong political feeling in the Scottish capital in favour of the Revolution of July, they were received with perfect decorum, which their modest bearing and kindness to the poor soon converted into affectionate respectfulness. Sir Walter Scott had a personal interest in King Charles. In 1826, when in Paris, he had met with him. "The king," Scott says in his diary of that date, "is the same in age as I knew him in youth at Holyrood House, débonnaire and courteous in the highest degree." From Holyrood the ex-king went to Prague, in Bohemia, where, with the Duc de Bordeaux, he occupied apartments in the Hradschin. Afterwards the exiled Bourbons settled at Goritz, in Styria, where Charles x died in 1836. At Goritz the Duc de Bordeaux continued to reside with his uncle, Louis Antoine (the Duc d'Angoulême), his aunt, Marie Thérèse (the Duchesse), and his sister Louise. His mother, the Duchesse de Berri, no longer formed one of the family circle of the royal exiles. Aided by a party of Legitimists, she had in 1832 fomented rebellion in France on behalf of her son. In April of that year an armed band in Marseilles hoisted on the church of St. Lawrence the white flag, amid cries of "Vive Henri Cinq," "Vive la Religion," "Vive la Drapeau Blanc." Drapeau Blanc." In May the Duchesse personally took part in the insurrection in La Vendée. At length she was arrested and conveyed to the citadel of Blaye, and afterwards removed to Italy. The Duc de Bordeaux, to complete his education, travelled with his preceptors in Germany and Italy. He resided for a time at Rome and Naples. When at Rome, it is said, he devoted himself sedulously to artistic study. His residence there was, however, distasteful to the French Government; and the French ambassador was instructed to remonstrate with Gregory XVI for receiving the young Bourbon |