volved in the same destruction。 Though I am timorous； yet if I dared forget my duty； or failed to speak firmly； I should be unable to move Your Majesty。 Now I have prepared my coffin and bathed my body ready for the most condign punishment。〃
But the Ruler of Wei disregarded this memorial and only urged on the rapid pletion of the terrace。 Thereon he set up the bronze figure with the golden bowl。 Moreover； he sent forth a mand to select the most beautiful women in the empire for his garden of delight。 Many memorials were presented； but the Ruler of Wei heeded them not。
Now the Consort of the Ruler of Wei was of the Mao family of Henei。 In earlier days； when he was a prince； he had loved her exceedingly； and when he succeeded to the throne she became Empress Mao。 Later he favored Lady Guo； and his Consort Mao was neglected。 Lady Guo was beautiful and clever； and the Ruler of Wei delighted in her。 He neglected state affairs for her society and often spent a month at a time in retirement with her。 Every day there was some new gaiety。
In the spring； when the plants in the Fragrant Forest Park were in flower； the Ruler of Wei and Lady Guo came to the garden to enjoy them and to feast。
〃Why not invite the Empress？〃 asked Lady Guo。
〃If she came； nothing would pass my lips；〃 replied the Ruler of Wei。
He gave orders that his Consort should be kept in ignorance of these rejoicings。
But when a month passed without the appearance of the Emperor； Empress Mao and her ladies went to the Blue Flower Pavilion to entertain themselves。 Hearing music； she asked who was providing it； and they told her that the Emperor and Lady Guo were feasting in the grounds。
That day Empress Mao returned to her palace filled with sorrow。 Next day she