ABSTRACT
In the year 1615, a European writer sends the second half of his major work to his patron, prefaced with a dedicatory letter in which he reports that the already published first half has proven so universally popular that the author has received an invitation from no less a personage than the Emperor of China, begging him to send his book right away. According to his emissary, the great ruler means to found a college where the author's native language will be taught using the best-selling novel as primer and principal textbook, with the author himself as rector of the college. Unfortunately for the chosen candidate, the emperor's enthusiasm for founding academic centers and the talent-scouting of his headhunters have gotten ahead of their fund-raising efforts. When the rector-designate asks whether the flattering offer includes travel expenses, it turns out that such practical details have not crossed his would-be employer's mind. At this point the dream-bubble bursts, the prestigious appointment evaporates, and the whole affair is unmasked as a pretext for offering thanks to a longstanding patron for commute-free employment at home.
