CHAPTER XXXVII. _ethics_

ETHICS

Peculiar customs--Formalities of surrender--A number of instances of succession rules--Status of wives-Cases where the Emperor himself breaks the rules--Instances of irregular succession in various states--Customs of war--Cutting off the left ear as trophy--Rewards for heads--Principles of facing north and south-- Turning towards Mecca--Left and Right princes--Modern instances of official seating--North and south facing houses--Chivalrous rules about mourning--Funeral missions--The feudal yearnings of Confucius explained--Respect even of barbarians for mourning--Many other quaint instances of funeral and mourning rules--Promises made to a dying non compos of no avail--Mencius and the diplomatists.