The treasury was empty; the garrison were too few to man the walls; and the ministers were anxious to secure each his own safety.

On April 9, 1644, Peking fell.

During the previous night the emperor, who had refused to flee, slew the eldest princess, commanded the empress to commit suicide, and sent his three sons into hiding.

At dawn the bell was struck for the court to assemble; but no one came.

His Majesty then ascended the Coal Hill in the palace grounds, and wrote a last decree on the lapel of his robe: "WE, poor in virtue and of contemptible personality, have incurred the wrath of God on high.