Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/245

RV 240 (LI PO) was becoming corrupt. He wondered if it were true as rumor whispered that the Emperor had given Li Lin-fu, the Premier, a year's revenue of the Palace as a token of appreciation for his years of faithful service? Or was it perhaps because Li Lin-fu never opposed Yang Kuei-fei who held the Emperor a virtual prisoner, ruling his bed and his heart? Li Po believed it would have been far better for the Empire if Li Lin-fu of the honeyed words had been turned over to the President of the Board of Punishments for decapitation.

Seven of his boon companions followed Li Po into self-imposed banishment. Wine was mixed with the blood of all of them, making them brothers. They journeyed onward until they discovered a tavern near which a Judas-tree bloomed, for they believed the tradition that where there is such a tree, there is also good fellowship. Near by was a small lake. In a boat, at anchor, an old man sat fishing. Frost was in his hair, and his beard was fleeced with snow, but he seemed contented, for the weight of years was no burden to him.

Li Po broke boisterously into song:

Old fisherman, Have you spread your nets To catch the wind? Like specks the sea gulls fly And wavelets sparkle. RV 240 (240)