Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/182

RV 177 (LADY T'AI CHÊN) like parched bamboo, and he walked as though the weight of centuries was upon his shoulders.

So concerned was the Emperor with his own affairs, it did not strike him as incongruous that the doctor who was bringing him youth was himself so parched by the years that a chance wind might have swept him away like a dried leaf. After he had made obeisance, the old Alchemist drew two jet black pills from a grassgreen bag. He mumbled a jargon that was unintelligible. The Emperor did not understand, so Ch'i-ch'i graciously interpreted the words.

"These pills are made from the black fungi that creep over jagged rocks on Purple City Hill. They are the only pills of the kind to be found in the whole of China. In them is youth. Take them in a large goblet of wine."

Kao procured the wine. He warmed it over a lamp while the Emperor waited restlessly.

Ch'i-ch'i, too, was perturbed but he reasoned that the wine would give the desired effect.

The Emperor dissolved the pills in the wine, then swallowed it eagerly. He felt revivified at once.

"Marvelous, Ch'i-ch'i!" he cried. "Your friend, the Alchemist, has performed a miracle. I feel younger already. And to show my appreciation for you both I shall have Tu Fu write a poem about your exploits that will live forever."

Ch'i-ch'i winced with disappointment. But he recovered himself at once.

"Gracious sovereign, may I speak?" RV 177 (177)