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Li Shih-chih (d. 747) was a royal clansman and rose to the rank of vice prime minister. At court he was known for his poetry and love of wine, and he was ranked alongside Li Pai and Ho Chih-chang in his passion for both. As early as the third century, the Chinese referred to unfiltered rice wine as the hsien (able) and filtered rice wine as the sheng (sage). Thus, the poet’s seemingly polite remark in the first line implies he has been replaced by someone less worthy, while he consoles himself in the knowledge of his own virtue. Despite his apparent status and prestige, Li Shih-chih ended up on the wrong side of the infamous prime minister, Li Lin-fu, and was forced to resign in 746. The following year he was sent to a provincial post and ordered to commit suicide. This poem was written following his “resignation” and prior to his departure. During this brief period, he served as a counselor to the heir apparent. But those who once sought out his hospitality are now avoiding him, lest they be associated with a man whose days are numbered.

Resigning as Minister

LI SHIH-CHIH

Yielding my post to the able

enjoying the sage in a cup

I asked someone who came in the past

how many will visit today