Five thousand political mountebanks, contradicting each other, and exerting themselves for the amusement of the people, who, however, suffered rather severely from their mad tricks.
The second in command, explaining their system in an unknown tongue.
The emperor’s juggler, who astonished the whole empire by his extraordinary feats, and the rapidity with which he relieved them of all the money in their pockets.
The banner of Love.
The celestial secretary, with goose wings on his shoulders, goose-quills in each hand, looking very much like a goose, mounted on a mule, gaily caparisoned in colours quadripartite, and covered with jingling brass bells.
Five thousand old women, singing the praises of the said secretary and taking snuff to the flourish of hautboys.
The prosperity of the celestial empire, carried by the court fool, in a basket beautifully carved out of a wild cherry-stone; and guarded by...
Fifty thousand archers of the red dragon battalion, picking their teeth to soft music.
Ten thousand poets, each singing at the same time, and to a different tune, his ode upon this joyful occasion.
The immortal poet of the age, attired in velvet to his feet, and superbly ornamented with rings and chains of gold and precious stones. He carried his silver harp in his hand, and was mounted on a beautiful white jackass with his face towards the tail, that he might behold and be inspired by the charms of the peerless Chaoukeun, the pearl beyond all price.