大唐西域記 3.3.5

3.3.5

because of his attachment to the good his fame is in every mouth." The king listening to her seducing words, agreed willingly with the vile plot, and forthwith gave orders to his eldest son in these words : "I have received my royal inheritance in succession, and I desire to hand it down to those who follow me ; my only fear is lest I should lose aught of it and so dishonour my ancestors. I now confide to you the government of Ta-ch'a-shi-lo. The affairs of a country are of serious importance ; the feelings of men are contradictory ; undertake nothing rashly, so as to endanger your authority ; verify the orders sent you ; my seal is the impression of my teeth ; here in my mouth is my seal. There can be no mistake." On this the prince, receiving his orders, went to establish order. And so months passed on, yet the step-mother's hatred did but increase. Accordingly she wrote a dispatch and sealed it with red wax, and then, waiting till the king was asleep, she stamped it secretly with his tooth impression, and sent it off by a messenger with all dispatch as a letter of accusation. His ministers having read the letter, were confused, and looked at one another with dismay.