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poem congratulating a young man who had graduated as chin shih; whereupon the father of the latter said to his son, "I do not congratulate you so much on having gained your degree as on having received a poem from Lo Yin."

1396 Lo Yu 羅友. 4th cent. A.D. A native of Hsiang-yang in Hupeh, who early distinguished himself by his scholarship. He was a petty but useful and energetic official under Huan Wên. On one occasion, when there was a general gathering for the purpose of "seeing off" a newly-appointed Governor, he arrived late for the function. Huan Wên asked why he was behind time. "I was stopped on the road ," he replied, "by a devil, who jeered at me, saying, I notice you are always going to see others off, but nobody ever goes to see you off." Struck by the point of this remark, Huan Wên made him Governor of Hsiang-yang. He had a weakness for wine, and moreover was not ashamed to go about asking to be allowed to share in sacrificial feasts. Huan Wên rebuked him for this, saying, "If you want food, why not come to me?" "Ah," said Lo Yu, "even if you were to give me food today, what should I do tomorrow?"

1397

Lou Hu 樓護 (T. 君卿). 1st cent. B.C. A native of Ch'i, whose family had been physicians for many generations. He himself studied under his father, and acquired a vast knowledge of drugs and their properties, showing such marked ability that he was advised to turn his energies to an official career. After a course of study he received a post at the capital, and ultimately rose to high office under Wang Mang. He got into trouble for alleged neglect of duty in regard to a raid of bandits and was cashiered; however for the sake of past services Wang Mang allowed him to retire with a patent of nobility. He was famous for his persuasive powers, and the "lips and tongue" of Lou Hu were coupled at Ch'ang-an with the "pen and memorials" of Ku Yung.