nable that I should suddenly abandon the great heritage for such nonsense？〃
Then Wang Lang said； 〃Wax and wane has been the law of all things from the beginning； every period of glory is followed by one of obscurity。 Has any rule endured forever or any House never failed？ The rule of Han； handed down through four centuries to Yourself； has lost its vigor； and the time has e to yield。 Retirement may not be delayed； or confusion will ensue。〃
The Emperor wept aloud and retired to his private chamber； while the officers left the hall laughing。
Next morning they assembled in the court； but the Emperor did not appear。 So they sent the Palace officers to request his presence。 Still he feared to show himself。
Empress Cao asked him； 〃Why do Your Majesty not hold the court as usual； especially when you are requested to go out？〃
〃Because your brother wishes to depose me and bee Emperor himself。 He has set the whole host of officers against me to force me to abdicate； and I will not expose myself to this pulsion。〃
〃But what can have induced my brother to do such a dreadfully rebellious thing？〃 said she angrily。
Just as she spoke； Cao Hong and Cao Xiu； both armed； forced their way into the inner apartments and requested His Majesty to e to the Hall of Audience。
The Empress broke out into abuse： 〃So you are two of the disorderly rebels who； for the sake of your own ends； have conspired to upset all the good service of my father。 Though he overshadowed the whole land； yet he never dared to aspire to the sacred Throne。 But my brother； who has only just succeeded him； sets no bounds to his ambition and temerity and would usurp the Throne。 Heaven will surely cut off his offspring！〃
She wept bitterly as she went away； and the