Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/368

RV 363 (VICTORY) touched his forehead to the marble path twelve times.

"Arise," said Ming Huang. "It is not necessary to pay homage. I no longer am Emperor of China. I have abdicated in favor of my son."

"In my heart," said the Priest softly, "Your Majesty remains Emperor. Such allegiance is difficult to change. When one is old it is hard to learn new songs."

"I am gratified," said Ming Huang quickly. "But tell me, is it true that you are able to speak with the spirits of those who have departed from this earth?"

"Yes, it is true," said the Priest, "and so at the request of Lan Jen I have journeyed many miles that I may have audience with my Emperor."

Ming Huang gazed thoughtfully into space for a few moments, as though trying to see with an inner vision those strange pictures that lie over the threshold of reality.

"In your wanderings," began Ming Huang hesitantly, "in your wanderings have you ever beheld the face of my loved one, Yang Kuei-fei?"

The Priest closed his eyes and remained so still he seemed to be sleeping. Finally he spoke, slowly, thoughtfully, as though choosing his words with consummate care.

"Borne on the wings of the clouds," he said, "and with the speed of lightning I have searched the empyrean. Returning to earth, I have gone unto the Yellow Springs but nowhere in these vast distances have I beheld her countenance. But now I have heard of the Isles of the Blest that lie beyond the blue earth's rim. RV 363 (363)