"gate of extensive peace," which is a superb building of white marble, one hundred and ten feet high, ascended by five flights of steps, the centre of which is reserved for the emperor. It is here that he receives the congratulations of his officers, who prostate themselves to the ground before the imperial presence, on the new year's day, and the anniversary of the emperor's birth. Two more halls and three flights of steps, lead to the palace of the sovereign, which is called the "tranquil region of heaven," while that of his consort is entitled "the palace of earth's repose;" to keep up the idea of the inseparable connection subsisting, in the Chinese mind, between the powers of nature, and the monarch of China; the latter of whom is, in the estimation of that idolatrous and superstitious people, the representative and counterpart of the former. Into this private retreat of the emperor, no one is allowed to approach, without special leave; and here the great autocrat deliberates upon the affairs of state, or gives audience to those who solicit his favour.
The Russian traveller, Timkowski, represents this as the "loftiest, richest, and most magnificent of all the palaces. In the court before it, is a tower of gilt copper, adorned with a great number of figures, which are beautifully executed. On each side of the tower, is a large vessel, likewise of gilt copper, in which incense is burned, day and night;" doubtless, to flatter the vanity of the imperial inhabitant, who fancies himself a god, though he must die like men. Beyond the residence of the emperor and empress, is the imperial flower-garden, laid out in beautiful walks, and adorned with pavilions, temples, and grottoes; interspersed with sheets of water, and rising rocks, which vary and
