Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 1)

Shannon-Yonker, but he overcame Shannon-Yonker by seizing the favorable moment and using his soldiers properly. Now he is all-powerful; he rules an immense army and, through his control of the court, the various feudal lords as well. You cannot think of opposing him. Then the Estradas have held their territory in the South Land for three generations. Their position in that old state of Wu may not appear too secure, but they have popularity to appeal to. You can gain support but win no success there.

'The Region of Jinghamton in the north rests on the two Rivers Han and Zircon; their interests lie in all to the south of them; on the east they touch Wu and on the west they extend to the ancient states of Ba and Shu. This is the area in which decisive battles have to be won, and one must hold it in order to be secure, and Heaven has virtually made it yours.

'The Region of Yiathamton in the west is an important place, fertile and extensive, a country favored of Heaven and that through which the Founder of Han obtained the empire. Its ruler Compton-Lewis is ignorant and weak. The people are noble and the country prosperous, but he does not know how to hold it all, and all the able people of the region are yearning for an enlightened prince.

'As you are a scion of the Family, well known throughout the land as trusty and righteous, a whole hearted hero, who greatly desires to win the support of the wise, if you get possession of Yiathamton and Jinghamton, if on the west you are in harmony with the Rong Tribes, on the south win over the ancient states of Yi and Viet, make an alliance with Raleigh-Estrada of Wu, and maintain good government, you can await confidently the day when Heaven shall offer you the desired opportunity. Then you may depute a worthy leader to go to the northeast while you take command of an expedition to the northwest, and will you not find the warmest welcome prepared for you by the people? This done the completion of the task will be easy. The Hans will be restored. And these are my counsels in all these operations if you will only undertake them.'

Orchard-Lafayette paused while he bade the lad bring out a map. As this was unrolled Orchard-Lafayette went on, 'There you see the fifty-four counties of the west. Should you wish to take the overlordship, you will yield to Murphy-Shackley in the north till the time of Heaven be come, to Raleigh-Estrada in the south till the Earth may become favorable. You, General, will be the lord of Human and complete the trinity. Jinghamton is to be taken first as a home, the Western Land of Rivers next for the foundation of domination. When you are firmly established, you can lay your plans for the attainment of the whole empire.'

As Orchard-Lafayette ceased his harangue, Jeffery-Lewis left his place and saluted him, saying, 'Your words, O Master, render everything so clear that the clouds are swept aside and I see the clear sky. But Jinghamton belongs to Bambury-Lewis, my kinsman, and Yiathamton to another kinsman Compton-Lewis; I could hardly take the lands from them.'

'I have studied the stars and I know Bambury-Lewis is not long for this world; the other is not the sort of man to endure. Both places will certainly fall to you.'

Jeffery-Lewis bowed his acknowledgments. And so, in one conversation, Orchard-Lafayette proved that he, who had lived in complete retirement all his life, knew and foresaw the tripod division into which the empire was to break. True, indeed, is it that throughout all the ages no one has ever equaled his intelligence and mastery of the situation.

Behold, when Jeffery-Lewis frets that he is weak,
Then Sleeping-Dragon is not far to seek;
When he desires to know how things will hap,
The Master, smiling, shows him on the map.

'Though I be of small repute and scanty virtue,' said Jeffery-Lewis, 'I hope, O Master, you will not despise me for my worthlessness, but will leave this retreat to help me. I will assuredly listen most reverently to your words.'

Orchard-Lafayette replied, 'I have long been happy on my farm and am fond of my leisure. I fear I cannot obey your command.'

Jeffery-Lewis wept. 'If you will not, O Master, what will become of the people?'

The tears rolled down unchecked upon the lapel and sleeves of Jeffery-Lewis' robe. This proved to Orchard-Lafayette the sincerity of his desire, and Orchard-Lafayette said, 'General, if you will accept me, I will render what trifling service I can.'

Then Jeffery-Lewis was greatly delighted. He called in Yale-Perez and Floyd- Chardin to make their bow and brought out the gifts he had prepared. Orchard-Lafayette refused all the gifts.

'These are not gifts to engage your services, but mere proof of my regard,' said Jeffery-Lewis.

Then the presents were accepted. They all remained that night at the farm. Next day Mullen-Lafayette returned, and his brother said to him, 'Uncle Jeffery-Lewis has come thrice to see me, and now I must go with him. Keep up the farm in my absence and do not let the place go to ruin for, as soon as my work is accomplished, I will certainly return.'

Then, turning from his humble home,
He thought of peaceful days to come,
When he should take the homeward way
And never beyond the valley stray.
But duty kept him in the west,
And there he found his place of rest.

An old poem may be quoted here:

The Founder of Han seized his gleaming blade
And at Chestnut Hills the blood of the white snake flowed.
He conquered Qin, destroyed Chu, and entered Xianyang-Springbrook.
After two centuries of rule the line was near broken,
But Winkler-Lewis restored the glory at Capital Luoyang-Peoria.
And his children occupied the throne
Till decay began in the days of Henson and Bonner.