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. Unexpectedly from the summer and
autumn of this year I have been ill and have not been able to
assist in the multitudinous affairs of government with
tranquillity. Appetite and the power to sleep have gone. This has
continued for a long time until my strength is exhausted and I
have not dared to rest for even a day. On the 21st of this moon
[November 14th] came the sorrow of the death of the late Emperor,
and I was unable to control myself, so that my illness increased
till I was unable to rise from my bed. I look back upon our fifty
years of sorrow and trouble. I have been continually in a state
of high tension without a moment's respite. Now a reform in the
method of government has been commenced and there begins to be a
clue to follow. The Emperor now succeeding to the throne is in
his infancy. All depends upon his instruction and guidance. The
Prince Regent and all the officials of Peking and the provinces
should exert themselves to strengthen the foundations of our
empire. Let the Emperor now succeedings to the throne make his
country's affairs of first importance and moderate his sorrow,
diligently attending to his studies so that he may in future
illustrate the instruction which he has received. This is my
devout hope. Let the mourning period be for twenty-seven days
only. Let this be proclaimed to the empire that all may know.' "
Still one more edict was necessary to complete this remarkable
list, and this was sent to the legations on the 17th of November
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