TRANSLATIONS FROM THE CHINESE.
71
To a Friend.
"I am removed from your splendid virtues. I stand looking towards you with anxious expectation. There is nothing for me but toiling along a dusty road.
To receive your advice, as well as pay my respects, are both out of my power. In sleep my spirit dreams of you; it induces a kind of intoxication.
A consider my virtuous brother, a happy man, eminent and adorned with all rectitude. You are determined in your good purposes, and rejoice in the path of reason. You are always and increasingly happy. On this account I am rejoiced and consoled more than can be expressed."[1]
THE END.
- ↑ The Chinese abound in complimentary professions of friendship; but, from the prevailing want of truth in China, there is amongst all ranks, a universal and very observable distrust, which clearly indicates that the true benevolence of social feelings is scarcely known.
