Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/223

RV 218 (LI PO) Li Po overlooked was that the Grand Eunuch was six foot nine, with a powerful body. Li Po reached for his sword, but of course in his nakedness, his sword was gone. He lowered his head and lunged forward with the roar of an excited bull. Kao stepped aside and the poet fell in a heap as he collided with a willow tree. For a moment he lay dazed.

Seizing the opportunity, Kao Li-shih grabbed him up and carted him back to where additional water was waiting. This time there was no getting away, for he was securely bound. Before long he was disgustingly saturated with water but sober. Powerful soldiers, summoned for the purpose, stepped forward and dressed him.

"The Emperor is calling you," explained Kao Li-shih. "You do not deserve such good fortune."

Of course he must go to the Emperor, Li Po knew that, but hatred for Kao Li-shih still smouldered. If he hadn't jumped out of the way, Li Po would not have bashed his head against a willow tree.

In the interim, at "The Pavilion of Aloes," the Emperor had turned his attention to other matters. Li Po waited nervously. He was sober but disconsolate. His head felt as though it were falling apart. He undid the button of his robe.

Finally his turn came. At the command of the Emperor, Li Lin-fu handed him the letter for deciphering, the letter that had proved a mysteiy to all the interpreters. RV 218 (218)