Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/194

RV 189 (LI PO) a cannibal. A creditor called upon him. He was very friendly, pleading with him to stay the night. First he fed the creditor to make him fat, gave him liquor to make him drunk. Then he made him into a stew. When the creditor's bones had been picked clean he never bothered the official again for the payment of the debt. At another time, this philosopher had a wife with a vicious tongue. He was hungry and decided she might be quieter if she were well-cooked. While he was preparing the fire, she escaped and complained to a Magistrate. After that, I don't know what happened but I scarcely believe the good wife again indulged in excessive arguing. Being a cannibal has its compensations."

They decided that they would go to Changan on horseback. "Only weaklings ride in sedan chairs," Li Po said. The tavern-keeper secured horses for them.

Ho Chih-chang mounted his horse jauntily and promptly fell off. As he rose to his feet, he seemed somewhat disgruntled.

"A man who drinks should only ride a sober horse," declared Li Po gravely.

Again Chih-chang mounted his horse; again he fell off. After that they decided they would be weaklings and journey to Changan by sedan chair.

Ming Huang held Court in the Golden Pavilion. The day had been a colorful triumphant pageant. Never had homage been more lavishly bestowed. The Envoy RV 189 (189)