I was now, as near as I can compute, in the heart of China, aboutthirty degrees north of the line, for we were returned from Nankin.I had indeed a mind to see the city of Pekin, which I had heard somuch of, and Father Simon importuned me daily to do it. At lengthhis time of going away being set, and the other missionary who wasto go with him being arrived from Macao, it was necessary that weshould resolve either to go or not; so I referred it to my partner,and left it wholly to his choice, who at length resolved it in theaffirmative, and we prepared for our journey. We set out with verygood advantage as to finding the way; for we got leave to travel inthe retinue of one of their mandarins, a kind of viceroy orprincipal magistrate in the province where they reside, and whotake great state upon them, travelling with great attendance, andgreat homage from the people, who are sometimes greatlyimpoverished by them, being obliged to furnish provisions for themand all their attendants in their journeys. I parti…