Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/78

RV 73 (PORTRAIT OF AN EMPEROR) mantle of many colors which Chang Shou-kuei wrapped about his shoulders while he sat in residence at Kua-chou, enjoying the panorama spread out before him, or the soft caresses of one of his women. Truly, it seemed that with the appointment, the Emperor, under his great seal had given him a grove of characters and a page of diamonds. It was an experiment extremely palatable. Nevertheless, he refused to permit pleasure to gallop away with common sense. He had an important work to do. He was very devout in his appreciation of the twenty-first Ode of the Chi-king: 'Heaven created man, but not in order that man should rashly use the privilege of life.'

As was natural under this new plan of living, the soldiers of Chang Shou-kuei grew sleek and strong. Carefully they laid aside their arms, and turned to farming. They married and raised children and were tolerant of their neighbors. Meanwhile the story-tellers spread their absurd tales, carrying them to extremes beyond their instructions. But Chang Shou-kuei did not stop them. When an army is at peace, though ready for war, then is the garrison strong. Without any undue commotion, the men of the army drilled in small groups, and since they wore no uniforms, no decorations, few there were who realized they were fighting men. Sometimes, battles are more easily won by soldiers who are not crushed under the weight of their equipment and medals. Too many decorations are like too many sweets at a meal. They disturb the perfect balance of bodily functions. RV 73 (73)