Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/71

RV 66 (PORTRAIT OF AN EMPEROR) of wits. He was both brilliant and powerful. They remembered the occasion when an Envoy from Ta-shih had appeared at the Court bringing presents of beautiful horses and a magnificent girdle inlaid with rare jade. He refused to bow before Ming Huang. His excuse was noteworthy and rendered with considerable courage.

"In my country," he said firmly, "we bow to God alone. We acknowledge the position of a Prince but never bow before him."

The Emperor was annoyed but he had the grace not to show it. His Ministers were astounded. They went into hurried conference. It was an insult to China. He must die.

However, Kao Li-shih, because of his condition, was not so hot-headed as other members of the Court.

He approached the throne, knelt and touched his head to the ground.

"Great Master," said he gently, "I beg that the Envoy's breach of etiquette pass by unobserved. Perhaps it is not intended as an insult, but a difference in Court etiquette of a foreign country. It should not be considered as a crime."

"Rise, Kao Li-shih," said the Emperor. "The incident is forgotten but I shall remember with pride how you have interceded for a stranger, who, had I listened to the foolish chatter of certain Court luminaries, might have been branded as an enemy. It is my decree that this episode be preserved in the writings of Court Poets. RV 66 (66)