[366] Alluding to an old legend of a letter conveyed by a bird.
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[367] See No. V., [note 49.]
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[368] The “Spinning Damsel,” or name of a star in Lyra, connected with which there is a celebrated legend of its annual transit across the Milky Way.
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[369] These are of course only the equivalents of the Chinese names in the text.
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[370] To keep off the much-dreaded wind, which disturbs the rest of the departed.
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[371] For which a very high price is obtained in China.
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[372] Of the Ming dynasty; reigned A.D. 1426–1436.
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[373] These beadles are chosen by the officials from among the respectable and substantial of the people to preside over a small area and be responsible for the general good behaviour of its inhabitants. The post is one of honour and occasional emolument, since all petitions presented to the authorities, all mortgages, transfers of land, &c., should bear the beadle’s seal or signature in evidence of their bonâ fide character. On the other hand, the beadle is punished by fine, and sometimes bambooed, if robberies are too frequent within his jurisdiction, or if he fails to secure the person of any malefactor particularly wanted by his superior officers. And other causes may combine to make the post a dangerous one; but no one is allowed to refuse acceptance of it point-blank.
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[374] A favourite Chinese expression, signifying the absence of food.
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[375] That is to say, his spirit had entered, during his period of temporary insanity, into the cricket which had allowed itself to be caught by his father, and had animated it to fight with such extraordinary vigour in order to make good the loss occasioned by his carelessness in letting the other escape.
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