Cao Ba’s horses

Prince Jiangdu was a master at painting horses but not like Cao Ba, who turned all eyes. Cao brought to life the sacred horse Chenghuang, who illuminated the palace like lightning bolts. Everyone wanted one of his paintings and everyone who got one marveled at it. * Cao Ba repainted the nine horses of war, each contending against the others. Each was more noble than their riders, models of spirit, strength, and bravery. We could all see that each of the nine horses could stand against a thousand others in battle. * The last time I was at the palace, I saw a parade of three thousand horses, and every one imitated a horse that Cao painted, but that was some time ago now. Now the emperor rests in his tomb, his horses are gone, and birds call in the wind.