the rebels were often in great straits, from which they were saved only by the jealousies of the lmperialist Generals and the constant pressure of Manchu incursions. The Emperor desired to rule Well, but his fear of parties led him to reappoint eunuchs to watch his Generals. In 1640 grain in Honan Was 10,000 cash a peck; and the province, after the capture of Honan and K‘ai- féng by Li Tzu-ch‘éng, was in a state of anarchy. In 1642 Li found himself strong enough to bid for the empire; and after easily scattering the raw levies of which the Imperialist armies were now composed, advanced into Shensi, where he assumed the Imperial title and issued a manifesto, and then through Shansi on Peking. In the capital all was confusion. The treasury was empty; the garrison were too few to man the Walls; and the Ministers were anxious each to secure his own safety. Li’s advance was scarcely opposed, the eunuch commanders of cities and passes hastening to surrender them; and on April 9, 1644, Peking fell. On the previous night the Emperor, who had refused to flee, slew the eldest Princess, commanded the Empress to commit suicide, and sent his three sons into hiding. At dawn the bell was struck for the Court to assemble; but no one came. His Majesty then ascended the ?? Wan Sui Hill in the palace grounds and wrote a last Decree on the lapel of his robe: “WE, poor in virtue and of contemptible personality, have incurred the wrath of God on high. My Ministers have deceived me. I am ashamed to meet my ancestors; and therefore I myself take off my crown, and with my hair covering my face await dismemberment at the hands of the rebels. Do not hurt a single one of my people!” He then hanged himself, as did one faithful eunuch. Li Tzu-ch‘éng caused his body and that of the Empress to be coffined, and they were buried by the Manchus. His three sons were caught by Li, and were taken with him when he
