It was but natural that such an Emperor should congratulate himself upon
his goodness and worth; yet, as no human bliss is perfect, sorrow could not
fail to enter his mind.

"It is grievous to reflect," said he to his courtiers, "that if, as ye all
affirm, there hath not been any Emperor of equal merit with myself before
my time, neither will any such arise after me, my subjects must inevitably
be sufferers by my death."

To which the courtiers unanimously responded, "O Emperor, live for ever!"

"Happy thought!" exclaimed the Emperor; "but wherewithal shall it be
executed?"

The Prime Minister looked at the Chancellor, the Chancellor looked at the
Treasurer, the Treasurer looked at the Chamberlain, the Chamberlain looked
at the Principal Bonze, the Principal Bonze looked at the Second Bonze,
who, to his great surprise, looked at him in return.

"When the turn comes to me," murmured the inferior functionary, "I would
say somewhat."

"Speak!" commanded the Emperor.

"O Uncle of the stars," said the Bonze, "there are those in your Majesty's
dominions who possess the power of lengthening life, who have, in fact,
discovered the Elixir of Immortality."

"Let them be immediately brought hither," commanded the Emperor.