[25] Yven-ming-yven, and Tchang-tchun-yven—Are Gardens near Pe-king, belonging to the present Emperors of China.
[26] Joss—A corruption of Dios, God.
[27] Miao kao, etc.—Muttering expressions from Hoang-fou-tse, or Confucius.
[28] For though pure wine, etc.—It is remarkable, that our Orator draws most of his similes and allusions either from the kitchen or the cellar; whether this particularity proceeded from any skill of his in the culenary art, from his affection for good living, or from any other hidden motive; or whether it was merely accidental, the Editor never could learn with any degree of certainty.
[29] In China they have an innumerable multitude of connoisseurs and criticks; who, with a very superficial knowledge, a few general maxims, and some hard words, boldly decide on subjects they do not understand: hence the whole fraternity is fallen into disrepute. They have, indeed, like us, some real connoisseurs amongst them; but these are very rare in China.
[30] The imperial bird, or foung hoang, is a fabulous being, of the nature of the phœnix, by the Chinese poets, accounted the emperor of birds, as the dragon is of all the scaly tribe: he is said never to appear, but in great pomp, attended by a numerous train of all the most brilliant and extraordinary of the volatile race.
[31] Hurry of face-making—The Chinese call portrait painting, or modelling portraits in coloured clay, which was Chet-qua's particular profession, face-making.
[32] Eat rice or drink brandy—The Chinese call dining, eating rice; and their common liquors, at meals, are spirits, of various sorts.