he not being used to fuch diet, was very much indifpofed: "He keeps his bed, proceeded he, and can neither drink tea, nor eat rice: every thing

from the people. Their pretence however for these severities, is to do penance in this life, that themselves and their votaries may be the better provided for in the next: which they fuppofe to confift in a tranfmigration into other bodies.

As it is well known they dare not touch flesh, the Reader will fmile at the flory told by P. Le Compte of their feafting on ducks, of which they had defrauded a peaiant, under pretence that the fouls of their father were tranfmigrated into them. This may fhew, what credit is to be given to fome other ftories told of the Bonzees by the Jefuits.

[Compare P. Le Compte, tom. 2. p. 117. with p. 120. Compare alfo P. Du Halde, vol. 1. p. 653. with p. 656. lin. 16. See aljo p. 654.655. &c]

Before we conclude this note, it may be proper to obferve, that the Miffionaries at firft affu. med the habits of the Bonzees, but finding those wretched difciplinarians in fmall repute among the Mandarines, &c. they afterwards chose to appear in the garb of the Literati, and ftiled themselves Doctors of the Western Law: by which means they were greatly refpected, while they were permitted to refide in China. Vide Let. ed. viij. 218. &c. P. Semedo, Martin. &c.

VOL. II.

offends

offends his ftomach, infomuch that he is light-headed." At this Shuey-pingfin began to fufpect fome mischief : "A little harmlefs diet, faid fhe, could never occafion fo fudden and dangerous an illness." She therefore fent back her fervant to gain more exact intelligence, and to fee if there were any phyfician with him. She was

informed there had been, and that it was his opinion, his illnefs proceeded as well from his having catched cold as his having been guilty of fome little excefs; but that he had given him a medicine, that would reftore him

*

on

I

* Phyficians in China never write any prefcriptions, but commonly give their own medicines: a boy carrying after them a cabinet with five drawers; each divided into more than forty little fquares, and all of them furnished with medicines ready prepared. When they have

felt

on the morrow.

When the morrow

came, fhe was informed that he had been very ill all night, and was become fo weak he could not rise from his bed. All her fears and fufpicions were

felt the pulfe, they make up two compofitions, one to be taken on the fpot, the other afterwards. Their medicines are only fimples; in the uses of which, and in the knowledge of the pulfe, their whole art confifts. Blood-letting is very rarely practised among them; and the ufe of Clyfters was not known till they learned it from the Portuguese at Ma-cao, which they therefore call "the Remedy of Barbarians."

The

Circulation of the blood is faid to have been known to them from time immemorial; but from their averfion to diffecting, and ignorance of Anatomy, they have made no improvements from it. The profeffion is chiefly handed down from father to fon, tho' they have good ancient Books of the art, Extracts from which may be feen in Du Halde. Their fees are very moderate; but they never repeat their vifits unless fent for: fo that the patient is at liberty to change his phyfician.

Vid. plura apud Du Halde, vol. 2. p. 183, &c. P. Semedo, p. 56. Mod. Un. Hift. VIII. 194. &c. Le Compte, Martin. &c.

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ROW

now confirmed. "He is indeed, faid fhe, fallen into the fnare." She revolved in her mind how to act her heart inclined her to go and lend him affiftance; but her fex and her youth rendered it impoffible: and yet she reflected that there were none befide herfelf interested in his welfare; and that all he fuffered was for her fake. Strongly moved with concern and compaffion, fhe at laft refolved to exert herself in his favour, be the confequence what it would. She called therefore her fervant, and inquired of him what attendants the young ftranger had with him. She was answered, only one, and he a boy of fourteen or fifteen years. She inquired about his understanding and capacity and was told he was a very fenfible

fenfible and likely youth.

"Well

then, said she to her fervants, go two

of you: one remain with the master, while the other brings the fervant to me." When he was come, the young lady inquired of him, what was the cause of his mafter's illness? "My mafter, faid he, hath hitherto enjoyed exceeding good health, till he went to the Che-bien's; where he drank wine, and became very fick after it : then going to the Bonzee's feaft, he grew ftill worfe and worfe." She then inquired whether he yet retained his memory and speech and was anfwered, he did. "Well then, haften home, added fhe, and with my fervice, tell him in his ear from me; that these invitations boded no good: that his coming

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