from the Greek idein "to see," just as _kalendae_ comes
from kalein "to proclaim."

As to many of the analogies, more or less interesting, to be found in
the literatures of China and of Western nations, it is not difficult to
say how they got into their Chinese setting.

For instance, we read in the History of the Ming Dynasty, A.D.
1368-1644, a full account of the method by which the Spaniards, in the
sixteenth century, managed to obtain first a footing in, and then the
sovereignty over, some islands which have now passed under the American
flag. The following words, not quite without interest at the present
day, are translated from the above-mentioned account of the
Philippines:--

"The Fulanghis (_i.e._ the Franks), who at that time had succeeded by
violence in establishing trade relations with Luzon (the old name of
the Philippines), saw that the nation was weak, and might easily be
conquered. Accordingly, they sent rich presents to the king of the
country, begging him to grant them a piece of land as big as a bull's
hide, for building houses to live in. The king, not suspecting guile,
conceded their request, whereupon the Fulanghis cut the hide into strips
and joined them together, making many hundreds of ten-foot measures in
length; and then, having surrounded with these a piece of ground, called
upon the king to stand by his promise. The king was much alarmed; but
his word had been pledged, and there was no alternative but to submit.
So he allowed them to have the ground, charging a small ground-rent as
was the custom. But no sooner had the Fulanghis got the ground than they
put up houses and ramparts and arranged their fire-weapons (cannon) and
engines of attack. Then, seizing their opportunity, they killed the
king, drove out the people, and took possession of the country."

It is scarcely credible that Chinese historians would have recorded such
an incident unless some trick of the kind had actually been carried out
by the Spaniards, in imitation of the famous classical story of the
foundation of Carthage.

A professional writer of marvellous tales who flourished in the
seventeenth century tells a similar story of the early Dutch settlers:--

"Formerly, when the Dutch were permitted to trade with China, the
officer in command of the coast defences would not allow them, on
account of their great numbers, to come ashore. The Dutch begged very
hard for the grant of a piece of land such as a carpet would co