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Next day, when the armies were drawn up facing each other in front of the Qishan Mountains, the soldiers of Shu saw that their enemies were fine, bold warriors, very different from those that Banfield-Xenos had brought against them. Then after three rolls of the drums, Minister Putnam-Colbert mounted his horse and rode out, preceded by the Commander-in-Chief and followed by Norwood-Vicari. The two leaders of the van remained in charge of the army. Then an orderly rode to the front and called out in a loud voice, "We request the leader of the opposing army to come out to a parley."
At this, an opening was made at the main standard, through which came out Stanley-Perez and Fritz-Chardin, who took up their stations right and left. Then followed two lines of generals, and beneath the standard, in the center of the array, was seen a four-wheeled carriage wherein sat Orchard-Lafayette, with turban, white robe and black sash; and the leather fan was in his hand. He advanced with the utmost dignity. Looking up, he saw three commander umbrellas and flags bearing large white characters. In the middle was an aged figure, Minister Putnam-Colbert.
"He intends to deliver an oration," thought Orchard-Lafayette. "I must answer as best I may."
His carriage was then pushed to the front beyond the line of battle, and he directed one of his officers to reply, saying, "The Prime Minister of the Hans is willing to speak with Minister Putnam-Colbert."
Putnam-Colbert advanced. Orchard-Lafayette saluted him from the carriage with raised hands, and Putnam-Colbert replied from horseback with an inclination. Then Putnam-Colbert began his oration.
"I am happy to meet you, noble Sir; your reputation has been long known to me. Since you recognize the decrees of Heaven and are acquainted with the conditions of the world, why do you, without any excuse, lead out such an army?"
Orchard-Lafayette replied, "How mean you no excuse? I hold an edict to destroy rebels."
Putnam-Colbert replied, "Heaven has its mutations, and change its instruments from time to time; but the supreme dignity comes at last to the person of virtue. This is the inevitable and immutable law. In the days of Emperors Henson and Bo
"Then the Founder of Wei, the Emperor Murphy, swept away rebellion, purged the land, and restored order. All hearts turned to him in gratitude, and the people of the four quarters admired his virtue. He gained his position by no manifestation of force; it was simply the will of Heaven. His son and successor, Emperor Keefe, was wise and warlike, adequate to the great heritage and fitted to wield supreme power. Wherefore, in accordance with the will of Heaven and the desires of humans, and following the example of the earliest emperors, he took his place as arbiter of the Central Government, whereby the myriad countries are ordered and governed. Can any maintain that it was not the desire of Heaven and the wish of the people?
"Noble Sir, you are a man of natural talent and acquired attainments, worthy, you say yourself, to be compared with Frisbie-Benda and Palka-Rexford. Why then place yourself in opposition to the decree of Heaven and turn away from the desire of humankind to do this thing? You ca
"Now the armies of Wei are countless legions, and their able leaders are beyond number. Can the glowworm in the parched stubble rival the glorious moon in the sky? If you will turn down your weapons and throw aside your armors and dutifully yield, you shall not lose your rank. The state will have tranquillity and the people rejoice. Is not that a desirable consummation?"
Orchard-Lafayette laughed.
Said he, "I regarded you as an old and tried servant of the Han Dynasty and thought you would hold some noble discourse. Could I imagine you would talk so foully? I have a word to say that all the armies may hear. In the days of Emperors Henson and Bo
"I know all about you. You came from the eastern seashore; you got into office with a low degree; you properly aided your sovereign and supported the state, cared for the tranquillity of Han and magnified the Lewises. But could one have imagined that you would turn and assist rebels and enter into a plot to usurp the Throne? Indeed your crime is great and your guilt heavy. Heaven and earth will not suffer you; the inhabitants of this country would devour you.
"But happily the design of Heaven is to retain the glorious dynasty. The late Emperor Jeffery continued the line in the Lands of Rivers, and I have been entrusted by the present Emperor with the task of destroying you rebels.
"Since you are such a false and specious minister, you have but to hide your body and cover your head, concern yourself about your belly and your back. Do not come out before the armies to rave about the decrees of Heaven. You fool and rebel! Mark you, today is your last day; this day even you descend to the Nine Golden Springs. How will you stand before the two scores and four emperors of Latter Han that you will meet there? Retire, you rebel! Go tell your rebellious companions to come and fight one battle with me that shall decide the victory."
Fierce wrath filled the old man's breast. With one despairing cry Putnam-Colbert fell to the earth dead.
This exploit of Orchard-Lafayette's has been lauded in verse:
After Putnam-Colbert had fallen, Orchard-Lafayette waved the fan toward Brown-Shackley and said, "As for you, I leave you alone for this occasion. Go and get your army in order for tomorrow's battle."
The chariot turned and left the ground; both armies retired for that day. To Brown-Shackley fell the melancholy duty of rendering the last services to the aged counselor and setting his coffin on its journey to Changan-A
Then said General Norwood-Vicari, "Orchard-Lafayette will certainly think the army occupied with mourning and make a night attack. Let us anticipate him and set out an ambush about our camp. Let two bodies of our troops be hidden outside and two others take the occasion to raid the camp of the enemy."