Page:A Chinese Biographical Dictionary.djvu/461

 442 that his desire for such progress has simply railed a very natural wish to see his own countrymen paramount and the barbarian once more at their feet.

Li I (T. ) Died  A.D. 713. A native of Chao-chon in Ghihli, who graduated as chin shih, and rose to be President of the Board of Punishments, being also ennobled as Duke. An upright and fearless official, he chiefly distinguished himself as a poet. His writings, together with those of his two elder brothers, were published under the title of.

Li I (T.). Died A.D.? 827. A poet and official of the T'ang dynasty. At one time his poems were in great demand, and were sung to music all over the empire. Somewhat disgusted with official life, he took to wandering; but later on returned to Court and became a sub-Librarian in the Imperial Library, ultimately retiring as President of the Board of Bites. He was known as Literary Li I, to distinguish him from a contemporary official of the same name.

Li I-fu. Died A.D. 666. A native of Jao-yang in Chihli. He was recommended to the second Emperor of the T'ang dynasty who made him a Censor, and gained the favour of his successor by advising in 655 that the Lady Wu should be raised to the rank of Empress. By her influence he became Minister and was ennobled as Duke; a house was bestowed on him; his infant sons received offices; and he was allowed to bury his mother beside the Imperial Mausoleum. He presumed on his position to sell appointments in the most open manner, and in 658 was condemned to banishment to Yünnan. Being excepted from the general pardon, of 666, he died of mortification. It was said that there was "a knife in his smile;" and from his smooth and treacherous manner, coupled with great cruelty, he received the nickname of Li the Cat.