Thus we have seen that the Chinese, though standing high above other Asiatic nations in point of civilization, are yet as idolatrous as any. Buddhism and Taoism have somewhat lessened the hold of Confucius upon the great Chinese nation; and Christianity and western civilization have done much toward introducing a new order of things in China. THE GOD OF GAMBLING OUTWITTED. [Illustration: GOD OF GAMBLING.] A lady living in China narrates the following Chinese myth: A gambler once went to a temple, to secure the help of a certain god therein. His luck had been bad, and he was unable to bring any oblation besides incense and paper money; but he promised that, if the god would help him to win a certain sum, he would then bring a thank-offering having ten feet. The god reckoned the sorts of tribute usually paid to him; and, as the feet of a pig, a kid and a duck would together make ten, he supposed that these were the animals that would be laid upon his altar, should the gambler succeed. So he favored the gambler, and caused him to gain even more than the stipulated sum. The gambler fulfilled the letter of his promise by laying a single crab on the altar. The god was very angry at being thus duped, and thenceforth exerted so unpropitious an influence in the gambler’s affairs that he went and ascertained through a spirit medium the cause of his misfortunes. Again he came with fair words, promising that, if the god would once more grant his aid, he should have a whole pig as compensation. The god was mollified, and again favored the gambler, so that his winnings were large. He brought the pig as a thank-offering. It was a fine, strong one; but it was alive, and not in a condition in which it would be edible for either gods or men. While the god looked in astonishment at this departure from the established customs in the payment of a vow, the gambler fastened the pig by a strong rope to the leg of the throne on which the god sat, and began to light the fire-crackers, by which an offering is announced. The explosion of the fire-crackers frightened the pig, so that it ran away dragging both god and throne after it, till both were upset and broken. Thus the astute gambler outwitted the honest god. CHAPTER XXVI. BUDDHA, THE “LIGHT OF ASIA.” The Saviour of the World, Lord Buddha--Prince Siddartha styled on earth-- In Earth and Heavens and Hells Incomparable, All-honored, Wisest, Best, most Pitiful; The Teacher of Nirvana and the Law. EDWIN ARNOLD. Je n’hésite pas à ajouter que, sauf le Christ tout seul, il n’est point, parmi les fondateurs de religion, de figure plus pure ni plus touchante que celle du Bouddha.--BARTHÉLEMY SAINT-HILAIRE.