“In former days Chia I begged to be sent on trial to a vassal State to be responsible for the arrest of Shan Yü; Chung Chün offered to bring the Prince of Nanyüeh as with a pair of long reins. The generous conduct of these youths has been much admired. In our day Lu Tsui and Yen Hsiang, remarkable for their talents, have been appointed among the secretaries. And Mi Hêng is no less capable. Should he be got, then all possibilities may be realised; the dragon may curvet through the celestial streets and soar along the Milky Way; fame will extend to the poles of the universe and hang in the firmament with rainbow glory. He would be the glory of all the present Ministers and enhance the majesty of the Palace itself. The air Chun-tʻien will acquire new beauties and the Palace will contain an excellent treasure. Men like Mi Hêng are but few. As in the recitation of Chi-chʻu and the singing of Yang-o the most skilful performers are sought, and such fleet horses as Fei-tʻu and Yao-miao were looked for by the famous judges of horses, Wang Liang and Pai Lo, so I, the humble one, dare not conceal this man. Your Majesty is careful in the selection of servants and should try him. Let him be summoned as he is, simply clad in his serge dress, and should he not appear worthy then may I be punished for the fault of deception.” The Emperor read the memorial and passed it to his Minister, who duly summoned Mi Hêng. He came, but after his formal salutations were over he was left standing and not invited to sit down. Looking up to heaven he sighed deeply, saying, “Wide as is the universe it cannot produce the man.” “Under my orders are scores of men whom the world call heroes. What do you mean by saying there is not the man?” said Tsʻao. “I should be glad to hear who they are,” said Mi. “Hsün Yü and Hsün Yu, Kuo Chia and Chʻêng Yü are all men of profound skill and long views, superior to Hsiao Ho and Chʻên Pʻing; Chang Liao and Hsü Chu, Li Tien and Yo Chin are bravest of the brave, better than Tsên Pʻêng and Ma Wu. Lü Chʻien and Man Chʻung are my secretaries, Yü Chin and Hsü Huang are my van-leaders; Hsiahou Tun is one of the world’s marvels and Tsʻao Tzŭ-hsiao is the most successful leader of the age. Now say you there are not the men?”