PREFACE. THIS little volume is published chiefly with the object of bringing before the English public some of the quaint ideas, &c. to be found in Chinese ballads and songs. The collection of the different pieces composing the book, and rendering them into English, has been a labour of love, and many agreeable hours have been passed by me in so pleasant and novel a pursuit. I freely admit that, in many cases, the versification might have been improved upon. Such as the book is, however, I offer it, feel ing assured, whatever its faults may be, the perusal will afford some amusement, and also disclose many curious customs of a country comparatively unknown to the general English reader. 4th December 1878. G. C. S. |