Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/188

RV 183 (LI PO) him, breathe new life into him, whatever is necessary, do, ere I die of despair."

"Or too much wine."

"My friend, wine doesn't kill. It educates. In good wine one finds the sages."

"But not Ho Chih-chang."

"He isn't a sage, he's a bad poet and a good statesman who piddles away his time at the Court of Ming Huang. Whatever does an illustrious Emperor want with such a wastrel?"

"Why do you want him?"

"I came in here with him, and I'm going out of here with him. Besides, his mind is as brilliant as the sky on a summer night."

"But you said he was a bad poet!"

"Did I? I forgot, that's what comes of drinking your bad wine."

"My wine is good."

"So is my poet."

"I'll go look for him."

"First bring me a large pot of wine and see that it is warm. I'll fill my own cup when necessary."

"Drink slowly."

"It kills the flavor. Besides, why slow up happiness?" After the tavern-keeper had departed, Li Po settled down to some serious drinking. He had traded Ho Chih-chang for wine. He would not be cheated. Soon he grew philosophical. After all the wine had more spirit than Ho Chih-chang. He wanted Chih-chang to be found but not too quickly. While he reflected over RV 183 (183)