Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/221

RV 216 (LI PO) into Changan by the Arabs. It is made from the poppy. I have never tasted it but they tell me that one drink would make a poet out of a stable monkey."

"Let's seek it. My tongue is like ashes. Fm anxious to see what effect it will have upon you, Duke Frog."

Several days later Ming Huang inquired about Li Po. That morning certain ambassadors had arrived at the Imperial Court from the East, carrying a letter written in grass characters. None of the Court interpreters were able to decipher it.

Ming Huang was very angry. "What use is the Forest of Pencils," he cried, "if they turn out scholars of such amazing stupidity? Send for Li Po, the brilliant poet who was spumed by Hanlin Officials. Bring Li Po to me, he will put you all to shame."

A hundred eunuchs sped about the Palace grounds in search of the poet. But he could not be found. They returned, nervously excited. In high pitched, tremulous voices they reported to Kao Li-shih, who transmitted their words to the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, Li Po has left the Palace."

"But not Changan," said Ming Huang. "Search every grain of sand and every blade of grass in the city; most likely you will find him where a wine flag floats."

The eunuchs scurried away like white mice. This time their search was quickly over, for they found Li Po sleeping in a lonely road while near by Ho Chih-chang was propped against a tree snoring magnificently.

Without waiting to awaken Li Po, they lifted him up and hurried him back to the Palace, while he RV 216 (216)