In 1278 Canton was taken, and the heroic Wen T'ien-hsiang was captured through the treachery of a subordinate.

In 1279 the last stronghold of the Sungs was beleaguered by land and sea.

Shut up in their ships which they formed into a compact mass and fortified with towers and breastworks, the patriots, deprived of fresh water, harassed by attacks during the day and by fire-ships at night, maintained the unequal struggle for a month.

But when, after a hard day's fighting, the Sung commander found himself left with only sixteen vessels, he fled up a creek.

His retreat was cut off; and then at length despairing of his country, he bade his wife and children throw themselves overboard.