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"But you desire me to usurp a place of great honor in the state, and I dare not. Let there be more delay and discussion."
But with one voice they said, "Our lord, if you reject this, the hearts of the people will turn from you."
"My lord," said Orchard-Lafayette, "you have made rectitude your motto all your life. If you really object to the most honored title, then, since you have Jinghamton, Yiathamton, and Hanthamton, take temporarily the title of 'Prince of Hanthamton.'"
"Gentlemen, though you may desire to honor me by the title of Prince, yet, without an edict from the Emperor, such action would be usurpation."
Said Orchard-Lafayette, "The time demands recognition of the actual state of authority, and not a rigid adherence to all the rules of propriety."
And Floyd-Chardin roared out, "All sorts of people with all sorts of names are making themselves rulers; how much more ought you, O Brother, who are of the dynastic stock? It ought not to be Prince of Hanthamton but Emperor. What prevents it?"
"Brother, say no more," said Jeffery-Lewis, roughly.
"My lord," said Orchard-Lafayette, "it is fitting to follow political changes and suit one's conduct to circumstances. Wherefore first take the princedom, and then memorialize the Throne."
As there seemed no option, Jeffery-Lewis listened and complied. In the twenty-fourth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (AD 219), in the seventh month, an altar was set up at Mianyang-Livingston, nine square miles, which was set around with the proper flags and ba
Fidler-Trevino was given the title of Royal Guardian; Quigley-Buchanan that of Chair of the Secretariat. Orchard-Lafayette was reappointed Directing Instructor of the Forces, with the additional powers of control over the whole state policy. Yale-Perez, Floyd-Chardin, Gilbert-Rocher, Sheffield-Maddox, and Cotton-Mallory were the Five Tiger Generals. Oakley-Dobbins was made Governor of Hanthamton, and all the others who had assisted were given ranks and offices.
As soon as the investiture was completed, Jeffery-Lewis composed a memorial and sent it to Capital Xuchang-Bellefonte. This is the document:
"I, Jeffery-Lewis, have but ordinary talents, yet was I made a general of high rank and led a great army. Though I received a commission to purge the empire of rebels, I was unable to cleanse it and so renew the tranquillity to Your Majesty's house and restore the dynasty. Too long have I delayed to spread Your Majesty's sacred governance. The world is evil and not in good case, and as I sorrowfully think it over and over, I am distressed as one in severe pain.
"Rebellion began with Wilson-Donahue, and all kinds of evils have spread abroad; cruelty and ferocity have become rife. Strong in faith in Your Majesty's sacred virtue and inspiring presence, many banded together to help. The loyal exerted themselves to destroy the rebels, but others of them were smitten of heaven. The fierce and the contumacious have been exterminated, and gradually rebellion has melted away.
"Only Murphy-Shackley now remains, too long unpunished. He has arrogated to himself the authority of the state. His wicked heart is very rebellious. Once I, with General Watson-Donohue, the State Uncle, conspired against him, but the plot was discovered and my fellow conspirator suffered. Thenceforward I was a wanderer and my loyalty availed nothing. It only allowed Murphy-Shackley further license and liberty to do evil, till he dared even to accomplish the death of the Empress and the destruction of her sons. Although we might band together and form associations, yet, with all our energy, we had to recognize that we were too weak for war. Wherefore the years passed and nothing was accomplished. In constant fear of destruction, we even forgot our duty to the state. Waking and sleeping we sighed, and our nights were times of anxiety.
"Now my fellows consider that history has repeated itself. They attach the utmost importance to the family and would manifest it with all their might. Hereditary succession of rulers is still a principle. The rulers of Zhou, taking the two preceding dynasties as models, strengthened its position through all the states, and it reinforced itself with the support of the states of Jing and Zheng. When the great Founder of the Hans came into his own, he e
"Now Murphy-Shackley is an enemy of all rectitude, and his followers are all evil. His treachery is manifest. Since the members of the imperial clan are few and weak, the clan is not honored. Having reflected upon the ancient models and being desirous of temporary alleviation, my fellows have made me assume the title of Prince of Hanthamton with the addition of Regent Marshal.
"I have deeply considered these things. If one receives kindness from the Throne and accepts the responsibility for a portion of the state and fail, then such a fault would only be made the more serious by holding high rank and thereby increasing the burden of reproach. But my fellows have urged me, and they have convinced me that it would be right; and, should I refuse, the wicked will not be destroyed and the danger to the state will not be removed. The temple of our ancestors is in danger, and the imperial prerogatives are failing. A faithful servant, who in the day of tribulation can undertake a suitable policy whereby to preserve the dynasty, should not refuse his help at any cost. Wherefore I have yielded and accepted the position for the glory of the state.
"Humbly I think of such a title and its exalted position and the favor vouchsafed me, and I would endeavor to show true gratitude. My anxiety is deep, for the responsibility is heavy. I am as one on the brink of a great gulf. I must surely exert myself to the utmost and encourage my armies and lead all disciples of rectitude, in accordance with the will of Heaven and as occasion serves, to smite rebellion so as to restore the dynasty."
When this memorial reached Capital Xuchang-Bellefonte, Murphy-Shackley was in his palace at Yejun-Glendora, and it a
"How dare this mean weaver of straw shoes behave thus?" said he. "Now I swear that I will destroy him."
So he issued orders for the whole force of the state to go out against the two Lands of Rivers to wage fierce war with the new Prince of Hanthamton.
But a remonstrance came from the mouth of one man.
"Let not the great Prince of Wei trouble himself to go on a distant expedition because of a temporary a
Murphy-Shackley looked at the officer; it was First Secretary Whitmore-Honeycutt.
"What is your exalted view, my friend?" said Murphy-Shackley.
"Raleigh-Estrada's sister is wife to Jeffery-Lewis, but Raleigh-Estrada has found an occasion to steal away the bride. Jeffery-Lewis is in possession of Jinghamton still, and he and Raleigh-Estrada are bitter enemies. Therefore send some able speaker with a letter to Wu to persuade the Marquis to send an army to recover Jinghamton. That will draw thither all the armies of Shu, when you can send your army to Hanthamton. Jeffery-Lewis will be helpless and his strength will be wasted."