Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/192

RV 187 (LI PO) The man who planted melons outside the Southeast city gate, Was, in former days, the Marquis of Tung-ning. Riches and honor are like this, Why, then, should one toil?'"

"I had to toil to get out of the well," sighed Chih-chang. "After I had saturated myself with the shrunken sky and the grandeur of that one bright star, I rose to my feet. I had no idea where I was. I tried to walk. The effort ended disastrously. I injured my nose against the moss grown wall. Philosophically, I sat down to wait patiently for my world to expand. Finally the tavernkeeper discovered my discomfiture, let down a rope and hauled me to the surface. He seemed extremely happy that he had recovered a steady customer. The sight of him reminded me that my mouth was even drier than the well."

"Let us drink," said Li Po.

Toward mid-day Ho Chih-chang was drunk enough to be dignified. Pompously he rose to his feet.

"I must return to Changan," he declared.

"Why?"

"The Emperor needs me to help run the government."

"Are you then a eunuch?" asked Li Po slyly. RV 187 (187)