Slowly the Hans had declined but renewed their vigour with Kuang-Wu, Twelve were the rulers before him, followed him also twelve others. Foolish were two of the latest, dangers surrounded the altars, These were degenerate days, with authority given to eunuchs. Then did Ho Chin the simple, the inept, who commanded the army, Warriors call to the capital, wishing to drive out the vermin; Though they drove out the leopard, tigers and wolves quickly entered, All kinds of evil were wrought by a low class creature from Hsichou. Wang Yün, honest of heart, beguiled this wretch with a woman, Much desired of his henchman, thus sowing seeds of dissension. Strife resulted, and peace no longer dwelt in the Empire. No one suspected that Li and Kuo would continue the evil, Much to the sorrow of China; yet they strove for a trifle. Famine stalked in the palace, grief for the clashing of weapons; Why did the warriors strive? Why was the land thus partitioned? We had turned aside from the way appointed of Heaven. Kings must ponder these things; heavy the burden lies on them, Chiefest in all the realm theirs is no common appointment, Should the King falter or fail, calamities fall on the people, The Empire is drenched with their blood, grisly ruin surrounds them. Steeped in sorrow and sad, read I the ancient records, Long is the tale of years; the tale of sorrow is longer. Wherefore he who would rule, chiefly must exercise forethought. This and his keen-edged blade, these must suffice to maintain him. Kuo Ssŭ’s army arrived and Li Tsʻui went out to give battle. Kuo’s men had no success and retired. Then Li Tsʻui removed the imperial captives to Meiwu with his nephew as gaoler. Supplies were reduced and famine showed itself on the faces of the eunuchs. The Emperor sent to Li to request five measures of rice and five sets of bullock bones for his attendants. Li angrily replied, “The Court gets food morning and evening; why do they ask for more?” He sent putrid meat and rotten grain and the Emperor was very vexed at the new insult. Yang Piao counselled patience. “He is a base creature but, under the present circumstances, Your Majesty must put up with it. You may not provoke him.” The Emperor bowed and was silent, but the tears fell on his garments. Suddenly some one came in with the tidings that a force of cavalry, their sabres glittering in the sun, was approaching to rescue them. Then they heard the gongs beat and the roll of the drums.