every question should be so proposed, and every answer so returned.
9. 18. For great entertainments[1] there should be no consulting the tortoise-shell, and no great display of wealth.
10. 19. By way of presents of introduction, the son of Heaven uses spirits of black millet; feudal princes, their symbols of jade; a high minister, a lamb; a Great officer, a goose; an (ordinary) officer, a pheasant; a common man, a duck. Lads should bring their article, and withdraw. In the open country, in the army, they do not use such presents;—a tassel from a horse's breast, an archer's armlet, or an arrow may serve the purpose. For such presents women use the fruits of the hovenia dulcis, or of the hazel tree, strings of dried meat, jujube dates, and chestnuts.
11. 20. In presenting a daughter for (the harem of) the son of Heaven it is said, "This is to complete the providers of sons for you;" for that of the ruler of a state, "This is to complete the providers of your spirits and sauces;" for that of a Great officer, "This is to complete the number of those who sprinkle and sweep
for you."
- ↑ Instead of "for great entertainments," P. Zottoli has "summo sacrificio;" but the Khien-lung editors decide in favour of the meaning which I have followed.
