Theoldwomancutoffthepoorlittlebird'stongueandthendroveitaway.

JapaneseFairyTales

CONTENTS.

PREFACE.MYLORDBAGOFRICE.THETONGUE-CUTSPARROW.THESTORYOFURASHIMATARO,THEFISHERLAD.THEFARMERANDTHEBADGER.

THESHINANSHA,ORTHESOUTHPOINTINGCARRIAGE.THEADVENTURESOFKINTARO,THEGOLDENBOY.THESTORYOFPRINCESSHASE.ASTORYOFOLDJAPAN.THESTORYOFTHEMANWHODIDNOTWISHTODIE.

THEBAMBOO-CUTTERANDTHEMOON-CHILD.THEMIRROROFMATSUYAMA,ASTORYOFOLDJAPAN.THEGOBLINOFAPACHIGAHARA.THESAGACIOUSMONKEYANDTHEBOAR.THEHAPPYHUNTERANDTHESKILLFUL

FISHER.THESTORYOFTHEOLDMANWHOMADEWITHEREDTREESTOFLOWER.THEJELLYFISHANDTHEMONKEY.THEQUARRELOFTHEMONKEYANDTHECRAB.THEWHITEHAREANDTHECROCODILES.THESTORYOF

PRINCEYAMATOTAKE.MOMOTARO,ORTHESTORYOFTHESONOFAPEACH.THEOGREOFRASHOMON.HOWANOLDMANLOSTHISWEN.THESTONESOFFIVECOLORSANDTHEEMPRESSJOKWA.ANOLDCHINESESTORY.

TO

ELEANORMARION-CRAWFORD,

IDedicateThisBook

TOYOUANDTOTHESWEETCHILD-

FRIENDSHIPTHATYOUGAVEMEINTHEDAYSSPENTWITHYOUBYTHESOUTHERNSEA,WHENYOUUSEDTOLISTENWITHUNFEIGNEDPLEASURETOTHESE

FAIRYSTORIESFROMFARJAPAN.MAYTHEYNOWREMINDYOUOFMYCHANGELESSLOVEANDREMEMBRANCE.

Y.T.O.

PREFACE.

THIScollectionofJapanesefairytalesistheoutcomeofasuggestionmadetomeindirectlythroughafriendbyMr.AndrewLang.TheyhavebeentranslatedfromthemodernversionwrittenbySadanamiSanjin.Thesestoriesarenotliteraltranslations,andthoughthe

JapanesestoryandallquaintJapaneseexpressionshavebeenfaithfullypreserved,theyhavebeentoldmorewiththeviewtointerestyoungreadersoftheWestthanthetechnicalstudentoffolk-lore.GratefulacknowledgementisduetoMr.Y.Yasuoka,MissFusaOkamoto,mybrotherNobu-moriOzaki,Dr.YoshihiroTakaki,andMissKamekoYamao,whohave

helpedmewithtranslations.ThestorywhichIhavenamed"TheStoryoftheManwhodidnotWishtoDie"istakenfromalittlebookwrittenahundredyearsagobyoneShinsuiTamenaga.ItisnamedChoseiFuro,or"Longevity"."TheBamboo-cutterandtheMoon-child"istakenfromtheclassic"TaketariMonogatari",andisnotclassedbytheJapaneseamongtheirfairytales,

thoughitreallybelongstothisclassofliterature.ThepicturesweredrawnbyMr.KakuzoFujiyama,aTokyoartist.IntellingthesestoriesinEnglishIhavefollowedmyfancyinaddingsuchtouchesoflocalcolorordescriptionastheyseemedtoneedoraspleasedme,andinoneortwoinstancesIhavegatheredinanincidentfromanotherversion.Atalltimes,among

myfriends,bothyoungandold,EnglishorAmerican,IhavealwaysfoundeagerlistenerstothebeautifullegendsandfairytalesofJapan,andintellingthemIhavealsofoundthattheywerestillunknowntothevastmajority,andthishasencouragedmetowritethemforthechildrenoftheWest.

Y.T.O.TOKIO,1903.

JAPANESEFAIRYTALES

MYLORDBAGOFRICE.

LONG,longagotherelivedinJapanabravewarriorknowntoallasTawaraToda,or"MyLordBagofRice".HistruenamewasFujiwaraHidesato,andthereisaveryinterestingstoryofhowhecametochangehisname.

Onedayhesalliedforthinsearchofadventures,forhehadthenatureofawarriorandcouldnotbeartobeidle.Sohebuckledonhistwoswords,tookhishugebow,muchtallerthanhimself,inhishand,andslinginghisquiveronhisbackstartedout.HehadnotgonefarwhenhecametothebridgeofSeta-no-KarashispanningoneendofthebeautifulLakeBiwa.Nosoonerhadhesetfooton

thebridgethanhesawlyingrightacrosshispathahugeserpent-dragon.Itsbodywassobigthatitlookedlikethetrunkofalargepinetreeandittookupthewholewidthofthebridge.Oneofitshugeclawsrestedontheparapetofonesideofthebridge,whileitstaillayrightagainsttheother.Themonsterseemedtobeasleep,andasitbreathed,fireandsmokecameoutofitsnostrils.

AtfirstHidesatocouldnothelpfeelingalarmedatthesightofthishorriblereptilelyinginhispath,forhemusteitherturnbackorwalkrightoveritsbody.Hewasabraveman,however,andputtingasideallfearwentforwarddauntlessly.Crunch,crunch!hesteppednowonthedragon'sbody,nowbetweenitscoils,andwithoutevenoneglancebackwardhewentonhisway.

Hehadonlygoneafewstepswhenheheardsomeonecallinghimfrombehind.Onturningbackhewasmuchsurprisedtoseethatthemonsterdragonhadentirelydisappearedandinitsplacewasastrange-lookingman,whowasbowingmostceremoniouslytotheground.Hisredhairstreamedoverhisshouldersandwassurmountedbyacrownintheshapeofadragon'shead,and

hissea-greendresswaspatternedwithshells.Hidesatoknewatoncethatthiswasnoordinarymortalandhewonderedmuchatthestrangeoccurrence.Wherehadthedragongoneinsuchashortspaceoftime?Orhadittransformeditselfintothisman,andwhatdidthewholethingmean?Whilethesethoughtspassedthroughhismindhehadcomeuptothemanonthebridgeandnow

addressedhim:"Wasityouthatcalledmejustnow?""Yes,itwasI",answeredtheman:"Ihaveanearnestrequesttomaketoyou.Doyouthinkyoucangrantittome?""IfitisinmypowertodosoIwill",answeredHidesato,"butfirsttellmewhoyouare?"

PuttingasideallFear,hewentforwardDauntlessly.

JapaneseFairyTales

"IamtheDragonKingoftheLake,andmyhomeisinthesewatersjustunderthisbridge"."Andwhatisityouhavetoaskofme!"saidHidesato."Iwantyoutokillmymortalenemythecentipede,wholivesonthemountainbeyond",andtheDragonKingpointedtoahighpeakontheoppositeshoreofthelake."Ihavelivednowformany

yearsinthislakeandIhavealargefamilyofchildrenandgrandchildren.Forsometimepastwehavelivedinterror,foramonstercentipedehasdiscoveredourhome,andnightafternightitcomesandcarriesoffoneofmyfamily.Iampowerlesstosavethem.Ifitgoesonmuchlongerlikethis,notonlyshallIloseallmychildren,butImyselfmustfallavictimtothemonster.Iam,therefore,very

unhappy,andinmyextremityIdeterminedtoaskthehelpofahumanbeing.FormanydayswiththisintentionIhavewaitedonthebridgeintheshapeofthehorribleserpent-dragonthatyousaw,inthehopethatsomestrongbravemanwouldcomealong.Butallwhocamethisway,assoonastheysawmewereterrifiedandranawayasfastastheycould.YouarethefirstmanIhavefoundableto

lookatmewithoutfear,soIknewatoncethatyouwereamanofgreatcourage.Ibegyoutohavepityuponme.Willyounothelpmeandkillmyenemythecentipede?"HidesatofeltverysorryfortheDragonKingonhearinghisstory,andreadilypromisedtodowhathecouldtohelphim.Thewarrioraskedwherethecentipedelived,sothathemightattackthecreatureatonce.The

DragonKingrepliedthatitshomewasonthemountainMikami,butthatasitcameeverynightatacertainhourtothepalaceofthelake,itwouldbebettertowaittillthen.SoHidesatowasconductedtothepalaceoftheDragonKing,underthebridge.Strangetosay,ashefollowedhishostdownwardsthewaterspartedtoletthempass,andhisclothesdidnotevenfeeldampashepassed

throughtheflood.NeverhadHidesatoseenanythingsobeautifulasthispalacebuiltofwhitemarblebeneaththelake.HehadoftenheardoftheSeaKing'spalaceatthebottomofthesea,wherealltheservantsandretainersweresalt-waterfishes,butherewasamagnificentbuildingintheheartofLakeBiwa.Thedaintygoldfishes,redcarp,andsilverytrout,waitedUpontheDragon

Kingandhisguest.Hidesatowasastonishedatthefeastthatwaftspreadforhim.Thedisheswerecrystallizedlotusleavesandflowers,andthechopstickswereoftherarestebony.Assoonastheysatdown,theslidingdoorsopenedandtenlovelygoldfishdancerscameout,andbehindthemfollowedtenred-carpmusicianswiththekotoandthesamisen.Thusthehours

flewbytillmidnight,andthebeautifulmusicanddancinghadbanishedallthoughtsofthecentipede.TheDragonKingwasabouttopledgethewarriorinafreshcupofwinewhenthepalacewassuddenlyshakenbyatramp,tramp!asifamightyarmyhadbeguntomarchnotfaraway.Hidesatoandhishostbothrosetotheirfeetandrushedtothebalcony,andthe

warriorsawontheoppositemountaintwogreatballsofglowingfirecomingnearerandnearer.TheDragonKingstoodbythewarrior'ssidetremblingwithfear."Thecentipede!Thecentipede!Thosetwoballsoffireareitseyes.Itiscomingforitsprey!Nowisthetimetokillit".Hidesatolookedwherehishostpointed,and,inthedimlightofthestarlitevening,

behindthetwoballsoffirehesawthelongbodyofanenormouscentipedewindingroundthemountains,andthelightinitshundredfeetglowedlikesomanydistantlanternsmovingslowlytowardstheshore.Hidesatoshowednottheleastsignoffear.HetriedtocalmtheDragonKing."Don'tbeafraid.Ishallsurelykillthecentipede.Justbringmemybowandarrows".

TheDragonKingdidashewasbid,andthewarriornoticedthathehadonlythreearrowsleftinhisquiver.Hetookthebow,andfittinganarrowtothenotch,tookcarefulaimandletfly.Thearrowhitthecentipederightinthemiddleofitshead,butinsteadofpenetrating,itglancedoffharmlessandfelltotheground.Nothingdaunted,Hidesatotookanotherarrow,fitteditto

thenotchofthebowandletfly.Againthearrowhitthemark,itstruckthecentipederightinthemiddleofitshead,onlytoglanceoffandfalltotheground.Thecentipedewasinvulnerabletoweapons!"WhentheDragonKingsawthateventhisbravewarrior'sarrowswerepowerlesstokillthecentipede,helostheartandbegantotremblewithfear.Thewarriorsawthathehad

nowonlyonearrowleftinhisquiver,andifthisonefailedhecouldnotkillthecentipede.Helookedacrossthewaters.Thehugereptilehadwounditshorridbodyseventimesroundthemountainandwouldsooncomedowntothelake.Nearerandnearergleamedfireballsofeyes,andthelightofitshundredfeetbegantothrowreflectionsinthestillwatersofthelake.

Thensuddenlythewarriorrememberedthathehadheardthathumansalivawasdeadlytocentipedes.Butthiswasnoordinarycentipede.Thiswassomonstrousthateventothinkofsuchacreaturemadeonecreepwithhorror.Hidesatodeterminedtotryhislastchance.Sotakinghislastarrowandfirstputtingtheendofitinhismouth,hefittedthenotchtohisbow,tookcarefulaim

oncemoreandletfly.Thistimethearrowagainhitthecentipederightinthemiddleofitshead,butinsteadofglancingoffharmlesslyasbefore,itstruckhometothecreature'sbrain.Thenwithaconvulsiveshuddertheserpentinebodystoppedmoving,and!thefierylightofitsgreateyesandhundredfeetdarkenedtoadullglarelikethesunsetofastormyday,andthenwentoutin

blackness.Agreatdarknessnowoverspreadtheheavens,thethunderrolledandthelightningflashed,andthewindroaredinfury,anditseemedasiftheworldwerecomingtoanend.TheDragonKingandhischildrenandretainersallcrouchedindifferentpartsofthepalace,frightenedtodeath,forthebuildingwasshakentoitsfoundation.Atlastthedreadfulnightwasover.Day

dawnedbeautifulandclear.Thecentipedewasgonefromthemountain.ThenHidesatocalledtotheDragonKingtocomeoutwithhimonthebalcony,forthecentipedewasdeadandhehadnothingmoretofear.Thenalltheinhabitantsofthepalacecameoutwithjoy,andHidesatopointedtothelake.Therelaythebodyofthedeadcentipedefloatingonthewater,whichwasdyedred

withitsblood.ThegratitudeoftheDragonKingknewnobounds.Thewholefamilycameandboweddownbeforethewarrior,callinghimtheirpreserverandthebravestwarriorinallJapan.Anotherfeastwasprepared,moresumptuousthanthefirst.Allkindsoffish,preparedineveryimaginableway,raw,stewed,boiledandroasted,servedoncoraltrays

andcrystaldishes,wereputbeforehim,andthewinewasthebestthatHidesatohadevertastedinhislife.Toaddtothebeautyofeverythingthesunshonebrightly,thelakeglitteredlikealiquiddiamond,andthepalacewasathousandtimesmorebeautifulbydaythanbynight.Hishosttriedtopersuadethewarriortostayafewdays,butHidesatoinsistedon

goinghome,sayingthathehadnowfinishedwhatbehadcometodo,andmustreturn.TheDragonKingandhisfamilywereallverysorrytohavehimleavesosoon,butsincehewouldgotheybeggedhimtoacceptafewsmallpresents(sotheysaid)intokenoftheirgratitudetohimfordeliveringthemforeverfromtheirhorribleenemythecentipede.Asthewarriorstoodinthe

porchtakingleave,atrainoffishwassuddenlytransformedintoaretinueofmen,allwearingceremonialrobesanddragon'scrownsontheirheadstoshowthattheywereservantsofthegreatDragonKing.Thepresentsthattheycarriedwereasfollows:First,alargebronzebell.Second,abagofrice.Third,arollofsilk.Fourth,acookingpot.

Fifth,abell.Hidesatodidnotwanttoacceptallthesepresents,butastheDragonKinginsisted,hecouldDotwellrefuse.TheDragonKinghimselfaccompaniedthewarriorasfarasthebridge,andthentookleaveofhimwithmanybowsandgoodwishes,leavingtheprocessionofservantstoaccompanyHidesatotohishousewiththepresents.

Thewarrior'shouseholdandservantshadbeenverymuchconcernedwhentheyfoundthathedidnotreturnthenightbefore,buttheyfinallyconcludedthathehadbeenkeptbytheviolentstormandhadtakensheltersomewhere.Whentheservantsonthewatchforhisreturncaughtsightofhimtheycalledtoeveryonethathewasapproaching,andthewholehouseholdturnedouttomeet

him,wonderingmuchwhattheretinueofmen,bearingpresentsandbanners,thatfollowedhim,couldmean.AssoonastheDragonKing'sretainershadputdownthepresentstheyvanished,andHidesatotoldallthathadhappenedtohim.ThepresentswhichhehadreceivedfromthegratefulDragonKingwerefoundtobeofmagicpower.Thebellonlywasordinary,andas

Hidesatohadnouseforithepresentedittothetemplenearby,whereitwashungup,toboomoutthehourofdayoverthesurroundingneighborhood.Thesinglebagofrice,howevermuchwastakenfromitdayafterdayforthemealsoftheknightandhiswholefamily,nevergrewless—thesupplyinthebagwasinexhaustible.Therollofsilk,too,never

grewshorter,thoughtimeaftertimelongpieceswerecutofftomakethewarrioranewsuitofclothestogotoCourtinattheNewYear.Thecookingpotwaswonderful,too.Nomatterwhatwasputintoit,itcookeddeliciouslywhateverwaswantedwithoutanyfiring—trulyaveryeconomicalsaucepan.ThefameofHidesato'sfortunespreadfarandwide,

andastherewasnoneedforhimtospendmoneyonriceorsilkorfiring,hebecameveryrichandprosperous,andwashenceforthknownasMyLordBagofRice.

THETONGUE-CUT

SPARROW.

LONG,longagoinJapantherelivedanoldmanandhiswife.Theoldmanwasagood,kind-hearted,hard-workingoldfellow,buthiswifewasaregularcross-

patch,whospoiledthehappinessofherhomebyherscoldingtongue.Shewasalwaysgrumblingaboutsomethingfrommorningtonight.Theoldmanhadforalongtimeceasedtotakeanynoticeofhercrossness.Hewasoutmostofthedayatworkinthefields,andashehadnochild,forhisamusementwhenhecamehome,hekeptatamesparrow.Helovedthelittle

birdjustasmuchasifshehadbeenhischild.Whenhecamebackatnightafterhishardday'sworkintheopenairitwashisonlypleasuretopetthesparrow,totalktoherandtoteachherlittletricks,whichshelearnedveryquickly.Theoldmanwouldopenhercageandletherflyabouttheroom,andtheywouldplaytogether.Thenwhensupper-timecame,healwayssavedsome

tit-bitsfromhismealwithwhichtofeedhislittlebird.Nowonedaytheoldmanwentouttochopwoodintheforest,andtheoldwomanstoppedathometowashclothes.Thedaybefore,shehadmadesomestarch,andnowwhenshecametolookforit,itwasallgone;thebowlwhichshehadfilledfullyesterdaywasquiteempty.Whileshewaswonderingwhocouldhaveusedor

stolenthestarch,downflewthepetsparrow,andbowingherlittlefeatheredhead—atrickwhichshehadbeentaughtbyhermaster—theprettybirdchirpedandsaid:"ItisIwhohavetakenthestarch.Ithoughtitwassomefoodputoutformeinthatbasin,andIateitall.IfIhavemadeamistakeIbegyoutoforgiveme!tweet,tweet,tweet!"Youseefromthisthatthe

sparrowwasatruthfulbird,andtheoldwomanoughttohavebeenwillingtoforgiveheratoncewhensheaskedherpardonsonicely.Butnotso.Theoldwomanhadneverlovedthesparrow,andhadoftenquarreledwithherhusbandforkeepingwhatshecalledadirtybirdaboutthehouse,sayingthatitonlymadeextraworkforher.Nowshewasonlytoo

delightedtohavesomecauseofcomplaintagainstthepet.Shescoldedandevencursedthepoorlittlebirdforherbadbehavior,andnotcontentwithusingtheseharsh,unfeelingwords,inafitofragesheseizedthesparrow—whoallthistimehadspreadoutherwingsandbowedherheadbeforetheoldwoman,toshowhowsorryshewas—andfetchedthescissorsandcutoffthe

poorlittlebird'stongue."Isupposeyoutookmystarchwiththattongue!Nowyoumayseewhatitisliketogowithoutit!"Andwiththesedreadfulwordsshedrovethebirdaway,notcaringintheleastwhatmighthappentoitandwithoutthesmallestpityforitssuffering,sounkindwasshe!Theoldwoman,aftershehaddriventhesparrowaway,madesomemorerice-paste,

grumblingallthetimeatthetrouble,andafterstarchingallherclothes,spreadthethingsonboardstodryinthesun,insteadofironingthemastheydoinEngland.Intheeveningtheoldmancamehome.Asusual,onthewaybackhelookedforwardtothetimewhenheshouldreachhisgateandseehispetcomeflyingandchirpingtomeethim,rufflingoutherfeatherstoshowherjoy,and

atlastcomingtorestonhisshoulder.Butto-nighttheoldmanwasverydisappointed,fornoteventheshadowofhisdearsparrowwastobeseen.Hequickenedhissteps,hastilydrewoffhisstrawsandals,andsteppedontotheveranda.Stillnosparrowwastobeseen.Henowfeltsurethathiswife,inoneofhercrosstempers,hadshutthesparrowupinitscage.Sohe

calledherandsaidanxiously:"WhereisSuzumeSan(MissSparrow)to-day?"Theoldwomanpretendednottoknowatfirst,andanswered:"Yoursparrow?IamsureIdon'tknow.NowIcometothinkofit,Ihaven'tseenheralltheafternoon.Ishouldn'twonderiftheungratefulbirdhadflownawayandleftyouafterallyourpetting!"Butatlast,whentheoldman

gavehernopeace,butaskedheragainandagain,insistingthatshemustknowwhathadhappenedtohispet,sheconfessedall.Shetoldhimcrosslyhowthesparrowhadeatentherice-pasteshehadspeciallymadeforstarchingherclothes,andhowwhenthesparrowhadconfessedtowhatshehaddone,ingreatangershehadtakenherscissorsandcutouthertongue,andhowfinallyshe

haddriventhebirdawayandforbiddenhertoreturntothehouseagain.Thentheoldwomanshowedherhusbandthesparrow'stongue,saying:"HereisthetongueIcutoff!Horridlittlebird,whydiditeatallmystarch?""Howcouldyoubesocruel?Oh!howcouldyousocruel?"wasallthattheoldmancouldanswer.Hewastookind-heartedtopunishhisbe

shrewofawife,buthewasterriblydistressedatwhathadhappenedtohispoorlittlesparrow."WhatadreadfulmisfortuneformypoorSuzumeSantolosehertongue!"hesaidtohimself."Shewon'tbeabletochirpanymore,andsurelythepainofthecuttingofitoutinthatroughwaymusthavemadeherill!Istherenothingtobedone?"Theoldmanshedmanytears

afterhiscrosswifehadgonetosleep.Whilehewipedawaythetearswiththesleeveofhiscottonrobe,abrightthoughtcomfortedhim:hewouldgoandlookforthesparrowonthemorrow.Havingdecidedthishewasabletogotosleepatlast.Thenextmorningheroseearly,assoonaseverthedaybroke,andsnatchingahastybreakfast,startedoutoverthehillsandthroughthewoods,

stoppingateveryclumpofbamboostocry:"Where,ohwheredoesmytongue-cutsparrowstay?Where,ohwhere,doesmytongue-cutsparrowstay?"Heneverstoppedtorestforhisnoondaymeal,anditwasfaronintheafternoonwhenhefoundhimselfnearalargebamboowood.Bamboogrovesarethefavoritehauntsofsparrows,andtheresureenoughattheedgeofthe

woodhesawhisowndearsparrowwaitingtowelcomehim.Hecouldhardlybelievehiseyesforjoy,andranforwardquicklytogreether.Shebowedherlittleheadandwentthroughanumberofthetrickshermasterhadtaughther,toshowherpleasureatseeingheroldfriendagain,and,wonderfultorelate,shecouldtalkasofold.Theoldmantoldherhowsorryhewasforallthathadhappened,

andinquiredafterhertongue,wonderinghowshecouldspeaksowellwithoutit.Thenthesparrowopenedherbeakandshowedhimthatanewtonguehadgrowninplaceoftheoldone,andbeggedhimnottothinkanymoreaboutthepast,forshewasquitewellnow.Thentheoldmanknewthathissparrowwasafairy,andnocommonbird.Itwouldbedifficulttoexaggeratetheoldman's

rejoicingnow.Heforgotallhistroubles,heforgotevenhowtiredhewas,forhehadfoundhislostsparrow,andinsteadofbeingillandwithoutatongueashehadfearedandexpectedtofindher,shewaswellandhappyandwithanewtongue,andwithoutasignoftheill-treatmentshehadreceivedfromhiswife.Andaboveallshewasafairy.Thesparrowaskedhimto

followher,andflyingbeforehimsheledhimtoabeautifulhouseintheheartofthebamboogrove.Theoldmanwasutterlyastonishedwhenheenteredthehousetofindwhatabeautifulplaceitwas.Itwasbuiltofthewhitestwood,thesoftcream-coloredmatswhichtooktheplaceofcarpetswerethefinesthehadeverseen,andthecushionsthatthesparrowbroughtoutforhimtositweremadeof

thefinestsilkandcrape.Beautifulvasesandlacquerboxesadornedthetokonoma1ofeveryroom.Thesparrowledtheoldmantotheplaceofhonor,andthen,takingherplaceatahumbledistance,shethankedhimwithmanypolitebowsforallthekindnesshehadshownherformanylongyears.ThentheLadySparrow,as

wewillnowcallher,introducedallherfamilytotheoldman.Thisdone,herdaughters,robedindaintycrapegowns,broughtinonbeautifulold-fashionedtraysafeastofallkindsofdeliciousfoods,tilltheoldmanbegantothinkhemustbedreaming.Inthemiddleofthedinnersomeofthesparrow'sdaughtersperformedawonderfuldance,calledthe"Suzume-odori"or

the"Sparrow'sdance",toamusetheguest.Neverhadtheoldmanenjoyedhimselfsomuch.Thehoursflewbytooquicklyinthislovelyspot,withallthesefairysparrowstowaituponhimandtofeasthimandtodancebeforehim.Butthenightcameonandthedarknessremindedhimthathehadalongwaytogoandmustthinkabouttakinghisleaveandreturnhome.He

thankedhiskindhostessforhersplendidentertainment,andbeggedherforhissaketoforgetallshehadsufferedatthehandsofhiscrossoldwife.HetoldtheLadySparrowthatitwasagreatcomfortandhappinesstohimtofindherinsuchabeautifulhomeandtoknowthatshewantedfornothing.Itwashisanxietytoknowhowshefaredandwhathadreallyhappenedtoherthathadled

himtoseekher.Nowheknewthatallwaswellhecouldreturnhomewithalightheart.Ifevershewantedhimforanythingshehadonlytosendforhimandhewouldcomeatonce.TheLadySparrowbeggedhimtostayandrestseveraldaysandenjoythechange,buttheoldmansaidhemustreturntohisoldwife—whowouldprobablybecrossathisnotcominghomeatthe

usualtime—andtohiswork,andtherefore,muchashewishedtodoso,hecouldnotacceptherkindinvitation.ButnowthatheknewwheretheLadySparrowlivedhewouldcometoseeherwheneverhehadthetime.WhentheLadySparrowsawthatshecouldnotpersuadetheoldmantostaylonger,shegaveanordertosomeofherservants,andtheyatoncebroughtintwoboxes,one

largeandtheothersmall.Thesewereplacedbeforetheoldman,andtheLadySparrowaskedhimtochoosewhicheverhelikedforapresent,whichshewishedtogivehim.Theoldmancouldnotrefusethiskindproposal,andhechosethesmallerbox,saying:"Iamnowtoooldandfeebletocarrythebigandheavybox.AsyouaresokindastosaythatImaytakewhichever

Ilike,Iwillchoosethesmallone,whichwillbeeasierformetocarry".Thenthesparrowsallhelpedhimputitonhisbackandwenttothegatetoseehimoff,biddinghimgood-bywithmanybowsandentreatinghimtocomeagainwheneverhehadthetime.Thustheoldmanandhispetsparrowseparatedquitehappily,thesparrowshowingnottheleastill-willforallthe

unkindnessshehadsufferedatthehandsoftheoldwife.Indeed,sheonlyfeltsorrowfortheoldmanwhohadtoputupwithitallhislife.Whentheoldmanreachedhomehefoundhiswifeevencrosserthanusual,foritwaslateoninthenightandshehadbeenwaitingupforhimforalongtime"Wherehaveyoubeenallthistime?"sheaskedinabigvoice."Whydoyoucomebacksolate?"

Theoldmantriedtopacifyherbyshowinghertheboxofpresentshehadbroughtbackwithhim,andthenhetoldherofallthathadhappenedtohim,andhowwonderfullyhehadbeenentertainedatthesparrow'shouse."Nowletusseewhatisinthebox",saidtheoldman,notgivinghertimetogrumbleagain."Youmusthelpmeopenit".Andtheybothsatdownbeforetheboxand

openedit.Totheirutterastonishmenttheyfoundtheboxtilledtothebrimwithgoldandsilvercoinsandmanyotherpreciousthings.Thematsoftheirlittlecottagefairlyglitteredastheytookoutthethingsonebyoneandputthemdownandhandledthemoverandoveragain.Theoldmanwasoverjoyedatthesightoftherichesthatwerenowhis.Beyondhisbrightest

expectationswasthesparrow'sgift,whichwouldenablehimtogiveupworkandliveineaseandcomforttherestofhisdays.Hesaid:"Thankstomygoodlittlesparrow!Thankstomygoodlittlesparrow!"manytimes.Buttheoldwoman,afterthefirstmomentsofsurpriseandsatisfactionatthesightofthegoldandsilverwereover,couldnotsuppressthegreed

ofherwickednature.Shenowbegantoreproachtheoldmanfornothavingbroughthomethebigboxofpresents,forintheinnocenceofhishearthehadtoldherhowhehadrefusedthelargeboxofpresentswhichthesparrowshadofferedhim,preferringthesmalleronebecauseitwaslightandeasytocarryhome."Yousillyoldman",saidshe,"Whydidyounotbringthe

largebox?Justthinkwhatwehavelost.Wemighthavehadtwiceasmuchsilverandgoldasthis.Youarecertainlyanoldfool!"shescreamed,andthenwenttobedasangryasshecouldbe.Theoldmannowwishedthathehadsaidnothingaboutthebigbox,butitwastoolate;thegreedyoldwoman,notcontentedwiththegoodluckwhichhadsounexpectedlybefallenthemandwhichshe

solittledeserved,madeuphermind,ifpossible,togetmore.Earlythenextmorningshegotupandmadetheoldmandescribethewaytothesparrow'shouse.Whenhesawwhatwasinhermindhetriedtokeepherfromgoing,butitwasuseless.Shewouldnotlistentoonewordhesaid.Itis,strangethattheoldwomandidnotfeelashamedofgoingtoseethesparrow

afterthecruelwayshehadtreatedherincuttingoffhertongueinafitofrage.Buthergreedtogetthebigboxmadeherforgeteverythingelse.Itdidnotevenenterherthoughtsthatthesparrowsmightbeangrywithher—as,indeed,theywere—andmightpunishherforwhatshehaddone.EversincetheLadySparrowhadreturnedhomeinthesadplightinwhichtheyhadfirst

foundher,weepingandbleedingfromthemouth,herwholefamilyandrelationshaddonelittleelsebutspeakofthecrueltyoftheoldwoman."Howcouldshe",theyaskedeachother,"inflictsuchaheavypunishmentforsuchatriflingoffenseasthatofeatingsomerice-pastebymistake?"Theyalllovedtheoldmanwhowassokindandgoodandpatientunderallhistroubles,buttheoldwoman

theyhated,andtheydetermined,ifevertheyhadthechance,topunishherasshedeserved.Theyhadnotlongtowait.Afterwalkingforsomehourstheoldwomanhadatlastfoundthebamboogrovewhichshehadmadeherhusbandcarefullydescribe,andnowshestoodbeforeitcryingout:"Whereisthetongue-cutsparrow'shouse?Whereis

thetongue-cutsparrow'shouse?"Atlastshesawtheeavesofthehousepeepingoutfromamongstthebamboofoliage.Shehastenedtothedoorandknockedloudly.WhentheservantstoldtheLadySparrowthatheroldmistresswasatthedooraskingtoseeher,shewassomewhatsurprisedattheunexpectedvisit,afterallthathadtakenplace,andshe

wonderednotalittleattheboldnessoftheoldwomaninventuringtocometothehouse.TheLadySparrow,however,wasapolitebird,andsoshewentouttogreettheoldwoman,remember'ingthatshehadoncebeenhermistress.Theoldwomanintended,however,towastenotimeinwords,shewentrighttothepoint,withouttheleastshame,andsaid:

"Youneednottroubletoentertainmeasyoudidmyoldman.Ihavecomemyselftogettheboxwhichhesostupidlyleftbehind.Ishallsoontakemyleaveifyouwillgivemethebigbox—thatisallIwant!"TheLadySparrowatonceconsented,andtoldherservantstobringoutthebigbox.Theoldwomaneagerlyseizeditandhoisteditonherback,andwithouteven

stoppingtothanktheLadySparrowbegantohurryhomewards.Theboxwassoheavythatshecouldnotwalkfast,muchlessrun,asshewouldhavelikedtodo,soanxiouswasshetogethomeandseewhatwasinsidethebox,butshehadoftentositdownandrestherselfbytheway.Whileshewasstaggeringalongundertheheavyload,herdesiretoopenthebox

becametoogreattoberesisted.Shecouldwaitnolonger,forshesupposedthisbigboxtobefullofgoldandsilverandpreciousjewelslikethesmalloneherhusbandhadreceived.Atlastthisgreedyandselfisholdwomanputdowntheboxbythewaysideandopeneditcarefully,expectingtogloathereyesonamineofwealth.Whatshesaw,however,soterrifiedherthatshenearly

losthersenses.Assoonassheliftedthelid,anumberofhorribleandfrightfullookingdemonsbouncedoutoftheboxandsurroundedherasiftheyintendedtokillher.Noteveninnightmareshadsheeverseensuchhorriblecreaturesashermuch-covetedboxcontained.Ademonwithonehugeeyerightinthemiddleofitsforeheadcameandglaredather,monsterswithgaping

mouthslookedasiftheywoulddevourher,ahugesnakecoiledandhissedabouther,andabigfroghoppedandcroakedtowardsher.Theoldwomanhadneverbeensofrightenedinherlife,andranfromthespotasfastasherquakinglegswouldcarryher,gladtoescapealive.Whenshereachedhomeshefelltothefloorandtoldherhusbandwithtearsallthathadhappenedtoher,and

howshehadbeennearlykilledbythedemonsinthebox.Thenshebegantoblamethesparrow,buttheoldmanstoppedheratonce,saying:"Don'tblamethesparrow,itisyourwickednesswhichhasatlastmetwithitsreward.Ionlyhopethismaybealessontoyouinthefuture!"Theoldwomansaidnothingmore,andfromthatdaysherepentedofhercross,unkind

ways,andbydegreesbecameagoodoldwoman,sothatherhusbandhardlyknewhertobethesameperson,andtheyspenttheirlastdaystogetherhappily,freefromwantorcare,spendingcarefullythetreasuretheoldmanhadreceivedfromhispet,thetongue-cutsparrow

THESTORYOFURASHIMATARO,THEFISHERLAD.

LONG,longagointheprovinceofTangotherelivedontheshoreofJapaninthelittlefishingvillageofMizu-no-yeayoungfisherman

namedUrashimaTaro.Hisfatherhadbeenafishermanbeforehim,andhisskillhadmorethandoublydescendedtohisson,forUrashimawasthemostskillfulfisherinallthatcountryside,andcouldcatchmorebonitoandTaiinadaythanhiscomradescouldinaweek.Butinthelittlefishingvillage,morethanforbeingacleverfisheroftheseawasheknownforhiskindheart.In

hiswholelifehehadneverhurtanything,eithergreatorsmall,andwhenaboy,hiscompanionshadalwayslaughedathim,forhewouldneverjoinwiththeminteasinganimals,butalwaystriedtokeepthemfromthiscruelsport.Onesoftsummertwilighthewasgoinghomeattheendofaday'sfishingwhenhecameuponagroupofchildren.Theywereallscreamingand

talkingatthetopsoftheirvoices,andseemedtobeinastateofgreatexcitementaboutsomething,andonhisgoinguptothemtoseewhatwasthematterhesawthattheyweretormentingatortoise.Firstoneboypulleditthisway,thenanotherboypulleditthatway,whileathirdchildbeatitwithastick,andthefourth'hammereditsshellwithastone.NowUrashimafeltverysorry

forthepoortortoiseandmadeuphismindtorescueit.Hespoketotheboys:"Lookhere,boys,youaretreatingthatpoortortoisesobadlythatitwillsoondie!"Theboys,whowereallofanagewhenchildrenseemtodelightinbeingcrueltoanimals,tooknonoticeofUrashima'sgentlereproof,butwentonteasingitasbefore.Oneoftheolderboysanswered:

"Whocareswhetheritlivesordies?Wedonot.Here,boys,goon,goon!"Andtheybegantotreatthepoortortoisemorecruellythanever.Urashimawaitedamoment,turningoverinhismindwhatwouldbethebestwaytodealwiththeboys.Hewouldtrytopersuadethemtogivethetortoiseuptohim,sohesmiledatthemandsaid:"Iamsureyouareallgood,kindboys!Nowwon'tyou

givemethetortoise?Ishouldliketohaveitsomuch!""No,wewon'tgiveyouthetortoise",saidoneoftheboys."Whyshouldwe?Wecaughtitourselves"."Whatyousayistrue",saidUrashima,"butIdonotaskyoutogiveittomefornothing.Iwillgiveyousomemoneyforit—inotherwords,theOjisan(Uncle)willbuyitofyou."Won'tthatdoforyou,myboys?"Heheldup

themoneytothem,strungonapieceofstringthroughaholeinthecenterofeachcoin."Look,boys,youcanbuyanythingyoulikewiththismoney.Youcandomuchmorewiththismoneythanyoucanwiththatpoortortoise.Seewhatgoodboysyouaretolistentome"Theboyswerenotbadboysatall,theywereonlymischievous,andasUrashimaspoketheywere

wonbyhiskindsmileandgentlewordsandbegan"tobeofhisspirit",astheysayinJapan.Graduallytheyallcameuptohim,theringleaderofthelittlebandholdingoutthetortoisetohim."Verywell,Ojisan,wewillgiveyouthetortoiseifyouwillgiveusthemoney!"AndUrashimatookthetortoiseandgavethemoneytotheboys,who,callingtoeach

other,scamperedawayandweresoonoutofsight.ThenUrashimastrokedthetortoise'sback,sayingashedidso:"Oh,youpoorthing!Poorthing!—there,there!youaresafenow!Theysaythatastorklivesforathousandyears,butthetortoisefortenthousandyears.Youhavethelongestlifeofanycreatureinthisworld,andyouwereingreatdangerofhavingthat

preciouslifecutshortbythosecruelboys.LuckilyIwaspassingbyandsavedyou,andsolifeisstillyours.NowIamgoingtotakeyoubacktoyourhome,thesea,atonce.Donotletyourselfbecaughtagain,fortheremightbenoonetosaveyounexttime!"Allthetimethatthekindfishermanwasspeakinghewaswalkingquicklytotheshoreandoutupontherocks;

thenputtingthetortoiseintothewaterhewatchedtheanimaldisappear,andturnedhomewardshimself,forhewastiredandthesunhadset.ThenextmorningUrashimawentoutasusualinhisboat.Theweatherwasfineandtheseaandskywerebothblueandsoftinthetenderhazeofthesummermorning.Urashimagotintohisboatanddreamilypushedouttosea,throwinghislineashe

didso.Hesoonpassedtheotherfishingboatsandleftthembehindhimtilltheywerelosttosightinthedistance,andhisboatdriftedfurtherandfurtheroutuponthebluewaters.Somehow,heknewnotwhy,hefeltunusuallyhappythatmorning;andhecouldnothelpwishingthat,likethetortoisehesetfreethedaybefore,hehadthousandsofyearstoliveinsteadofhis

ownshortspanofhumanlife.Hewassuddenlystartledfromhisreveriebyhearinghisownnamecalled:"Urashima,Urashima!"Clearasabellandsoftasthesummerwindthenamefloatedoverthesea.Hestoodupandlookedineverydirection^thinkingthatoneoftheotherboatshadovertakenhim,butgazeashemightoverthewideexpanseofwater,nearorfartherewas

nosignofaboat,sothevoicecouldnothavecomefromanyhumanbeing.Startled,andwonderingwhoorwhatitwasthathadcalledhimsoclearly,helookedinalldirectionsroundabouthimandsawthatwithouthisknowingitatortoisehadcometothesideoftheboat.Urashimasawwithsurprisethatitwastheverytortoisehehadrescuedthedaybefore."Well,Mr.Tortoise",said

Urashima,"wasityouwhocalledmynamejustnow?':Thetortoisenoddeditsheadseveraltimesandsaid:"Yes,itwasI.Yesterdayinyourhonorableshadow(okagesamade)mylifewassaved,andIhavecometoofferyoumythanksandtotellyouhowgratefulIamforyourkindnesstome"."Indeed",saidUrashima,"thatisverypoliteofyou.Comeupintotheboat.I

wouldofferyouasmoke,butasyouareatortoisedoubtlessyoudonotsmoke/'andthefishermanlaughedatthejoke."He—he—he—he!"laughedthetortoise;"sake(ricewine)ismyfavoriterefreshment,butIdonotcarefortobacco"."Indeed,"saidUrashima,"IregretverymuchthatIhaveno"sake"inmyboattoofferyou,butcomeupanddryyourbackinthesun—

tortoisesalwayslovetodothat".Sothetortoiseclimbedintotheboat,thefishermanhelpinghim,andafteranexchangeofcomplimentaryspeechesthetortoisesaid:"HaveyoueverseenRinGin,thePalaceoftheDragonKingoftheSea,Urashima?"Thefishermanshookhisheadandreplied:"No;yearafteryeartheseahasbeenmyhome,butthoughIhaveoften

heardoftheDragonKing'srealmundertheseaIhaveneveryetseteyesonthatwonderfulplace.Itmustbeveryfaraway,ifitexistsatall!':"Isthatreallyso?YouhaveneverseentheSeaKing'sPalace?Thenyouhavemissedseeingoneofthemostwonderfulsightsinthewholeuniverse.Itisfarawayatthebottomofthesea,butifItakeyouthereweshallsoonreach

theplace.IfyouwouldliketoseetheSeaKing'slandIwillbeyourguide"."Ishouldliketogothere,certainly,andyouareverykindtothinkoftakingme,butyoumustrememberthatIamonlyapoormortalandhavenotthepowerofswimminglikeaseacreaturesuchasyouare"Beforethefishermancouldsaymorethetortoisestoppedhim,saying:

"What?Youneednotswimyourself.IfyouwillrideonmybackIwilltakeyouwithoutanytroubleonyourpart"."But",saidUrashima,"howisitpossibleformetorideonyoursmallback?""Itmayseemabsurdtoyou,butIassureyouthatyoucandoso.Tryatonce!Justcomeandgetonmyback,andseeifitisasimpossibleasyouthink!"

Asthetortoisefinishedspeaking,Urashimalookedatitsshell,andstrangetosayhesawthatthecreaturehadsuddenlygrownsobigthatamancouldeasilysitonitsback."Thisisstrangeindeed!"saidUrashima;"then,Mr.Tortoise,withyourkindpermissionIwillgetonyourback.Dokoisho!"2heexclaimedashejumpedon.

Thetortoise,withanunmovedface,asifthisstrangeproceedingwerequiteanordinaryevent,said:"Nowwewillsetoutatourleisure",andwiththesewordsheleaptintotheseawithUrashimaonhisback.Downthroughthewaterthetortoisedived.Foralongtimethesetwostrangecompanionsrodethroughthesea.Urashimanevergrewtired,norhisclothesmoistwiththewater.

Atlast,farawayinthedistanceamagnificentgateappeared,andbehindthegate,thelong,slopingroofsofapalaceonthehorizon."Ya",exclaimedUrashima,"thatlookslikethegateofsomelargepalacejustappearing!Mr.Tortoise,canyoutellwhatthatplaceiswecannowsee'!""ThatisthegreatgateoftheRinGinPalace.Thelargeroofthatyouseebehindthe

gateistheSeaKing'sPalaceitself"."ThenwehaveatlastcometotherealmoftheSeaKingandtohisPalace",saidUrashima."Yes,indeed",answeredthetortoise,"anddon'tyouthinkwehavecomeveryquickly?"Andwhilehewasspeakingthetortoisereachedthesideofthegate."Andhereweare,andyoumustpleasewalkfromhere".Thetortoisenowwentin

front,andspeakingtothegatekeeper,said:"ThisisUrashimaTaro,fromthecountryofJapan.Ihavehadthehonorofbringinghimasavisitortothiskingdom.Pleaseshowhimtheway".Thenthegatekeeper,whowasafish,atonceledthewaythroughthegatebeforethem.Theredbream,theflounder,thesole,thecuttlefish,andallthechiefvassalsofthe

DragonKingoftheSeanowcameoutwithcourtlybowstowelcomethestranger."UrashimaSama,UrashimaSama!welcometotheSeaPalace,thehomeoftheDragonKingoftheSea.Thricewelcomeareyou,havingcomefromsuchadistantcountry.Andyou,Mr.Tortoise,wearegreatlyindebtedtoyouforallyourtroubleinbringingUrashimahere".Then,turningagainto

Urashima,theysaid,"Pleasefollowusthisway",andfromherethewholebandoffishesbecamehisguides.Urashima,beingonlyapoorfisherlad,didnotknowhowtobehaveinapalace;but,strangethoughitwasalltohim,hedidnotfeelashamedorembarrassed,butfollowedhiskindguidesquitecalmlywheretheyledtotheinnerpalace.WhenhereachedtheportalsabeautifulPrincess

withherattendantmaidenscameouttowelcomehim.Shewasmorebeautifulthananyhumanbeing,andwasrobedinflowinggarmentsofredandsoftgreenliketheundersideofawave,andgoldenthreadsglimmeredthroughthefoldsofhergown.Herlovelyblackhairstreamedoverhershouldersinthefashionofaking'sdaughtermanyhundredsofyearsago,andwhenshe

spokehervoicesoundedlikemusicoverthewater.Urashimawaslostinwonderwhilehelookeduponher,andhecouldnotspeak.Thenherememberedthatheoughttobow,butbeforehecouldmakealowobeisancethePrincesstookhimbythehandandledhimtoabeautifulhall,andtotheseatofhonorattheupperend,andbadehimbeseated."UrashimaTaro,itgivesme

thehighestpleasuretowelcomeyoutomyfather'skingdom",saidthePrincess."Yesterdayyousetfreeatortoise,andIhavesentforyoutothankyouforsavingmylife,forIwasthattortoise.Nowifyoulikeyoushalllivehereforeverinthelandofeternalyouth,wheresummerneverdiesandwheresorrownevercomes,andIwillbeyourbrideifyouwill,andwewilllivetogether

happilyforeverafterwards!"AndasUrashimalistenedtohersweetwordsandgazeduponherlovelyfacehisheartwasfilledwithagreatwonderandjoy,andheansweredher,wonderingifitwasnotalladream:"Thankyouathousandtimesforyourkindspeech.ThereisnothingIcouldwishformorethantohepermittedtostayherewithyouinthisbeautifulland,ofwhichIhaveoftenheard,but

haveneverseentothisday.Beyondallwords,thisisthemostwonderfulplaceIhaveeverseen".Whilehewasspeakingatrainoffishesappeared,alldressedinceremonial,trailinggarments.Onebyone,silentlyandwithstatelysteps,theyenteredthehall,bearingoncoraltraysdelicaciesoffishandseaweed,suchasnoonecandreamof,andthiswondrousfeastwassetbefore

thebrideandbridegroom.Thebridalwascelebratedwithdazzlingsplendor,andintheSeaKing'srealmtherewasgreatrejoicing.Assoonastheyoungpairhadpledgedthemselvesintheweddingcupofwine,threetimesthree,musicwasplayed,andsongsweresung,andfisheswithsilverscalesandgoldentailssteppedinfromthewavesanddanced.Urashimaenjoyedhimselfwithallhis

heart.Neverinhiswholelifehadhesatdowntosuchamarvelousfeast.WhenthefeastwasoverthePrincessaskedthebridegroomifhewouldliketowalkthroughthepalaceandseealltherewastobeseen.Thenthehappyfisherman,followinghisbride,theSeaKing'sdaughter,wasshownallthewondersofthatenchantedlandwhereyouthandjoygo

handinhandandneithertimenoragecantouchthem.Thepalacewasbuiltofcoralandadornedwithpearls,andthebeautiesandwondersoftheplaceweresogreatthatthetonguefailstodescribethem.But,toUrashitna,morewonderfulthanthepalacewasthegardenthatsurroundedit.Herewastobeseenatonetimethesceneryofthefourdifferentseasons;thebeautiesofsummerand

winter,springandautumn,weredisplayedtothewonderingvisitoratonce.First,whenhelookedtotheeast,theplumandcherrytreeswereseeninfullbloom,thenightingalessanginthepinkavenues,andbutterfliesflittedfromflowertoflower.Lookingtothesouthallthetreesweregreeninthefullnessofsummer,andthedaycicadaandthenightcricketchirrupedloudly.

Lookingtothewesttheautumnmapleswereablazelikeasunsetsky,andthechrysanthemumswereinperfection.LookingtothenorththechangemadeUrashimastart,forthegroundwassilverwhitewithsnow,andtreesandbambooswerealsocoveredwithsnowandthepondwasthickwithice.Andeachdaytherewerenewjoysandnewwondersfor

Urashima,andsogreatwashishappinessthatheforgoteverything,eventhehomehehadleftbehindandhisparentsandhisowncountry,andthreedayspassedwithouthiseventhinkingofallhehadleftbehind.Thenhismindcamebacktohimandherememberedwhowas,andthathedidnotbelongtothiswonderfullandortheSeaKing'spalace,andhesaidtohimself:

"Ohdear!Imustnotstayonhere,forIhaveanoldfatherandmotherathome.Whatcanhavehappenedtothemallthistime?HowanxioustheymusthavebeenthesedayswhenIdidnotreturnasusual.Imustgobackatoncewithoutlettingonemoredaypass".Andhebegantoprepareforthejourneyingreathaste.Thenhewenttohisbeautifulwife,thePrincess,and

bowinglowbeforeherhesaid:"Indeed,Ihavebeenveryhappywithyouforalongtime,OtohimeSama"(forthatwashername),"andyouhavebeenkindertomethananywordscantell.ButnowImustsaygood-by.Imustgobacktomyoldparents".ThenOtohimeSamabegantoweep,andsaidsoftlyandsadly:"Isitnotwellwithyouhere,

Urashima,thatyouwishtoleavemesosoon?Whereisthehaste?Staywithmeyetanotherdayonly!"ButUrashimahadrememberedhisoldparents,andinJapanthedutytoparentsisstrongerthaneverythingelse,strongereventhanpleasureorlove,andhewouldnotbepersuaded,butanswered:"Indeed,Imustgo.DonotthinkthatIwishtoleaveyou.

Itisnotthat.Imustgoandseemyoldparents.LetmegoforonedayandIwillcomebacktoyou"."Then",saidthePrincesssorrowfully,"thereisnothingtobedone.Iwillsendyoubackto-daytoyourfatherandmother,andinsteadoftryingtokeepyouwithmeonemoreday,Ishallgiveyouthisasatokenofourlove—pleasetakeitbackwithyou;"andshebroughthima

beautifullacquerboxtiedaboutwithasilkencordandtasselsofredsilk.UrashimahadreceivedsomuchfromthePrincessalreadythathefeltsomecompunctionintakingthegift,andsaid:"ItdoesnotseemrightformetotakeyetanothergiftfromyouafterallthemanyfavorsIhavereceivedatyourhands,butbecauseitisyourwishIwilldoso",andthenhe

added:"Tellmewhatisthisbox?""That",answeredthePrincess"istheTamate-Bako(BoxoftheJewelHand),anditcontainssomethingveryprecious.Youmustnotopenthisbox,whateverhappens!Ifyouopenitsomethingdreadfulwillhappentoyou!Nowpromisemethatyouwillneveropenthisbox!"AndUrashimapromisedthathewouldnever,neveropen

theboxwhateverhappened.Thenbiddinggood-bytoOtohimeSamahewentdowntotheseashore,thePrincessandherattendantsfollowinghim,andtherehefoundalargetortoisewaitingforhim.Hequicklymountedthecreature'sbackandwascarriedawayovertheshiningseaintotheEast.HelookedbacktowavehishandtoOtohimeSamatillatlasthecouldseehernomore,and

thelandoftheSeaKingandtheroofsofthewonderfulpalacewerelostinthefar,fardistance.Then,withhisfaceturnedeagerlytowardshisownland,helookedfortherisingofthebluehillsonthehorizonbeforehim.Atlastthetortoisecarriedhimintothebayheknewsowell,andtotheshorefromwhencehehadsetout.Hesteppedontotheshoreandlookedabouthimwhilethe

tortoiserodeawaybacktotheSeaKing'srealm.ButwhatisthestrangefearthatseizesUrashimaashestandsandlooksabouthim?Whydoe»hegazesofixedlyatthepeoplethatpasshimby,andwhydotheyinturnstandandlookathim?Theshoreisthesameandthehillsarethesame,butthepeoplethatheseeswalkingpasthimhaveverydifferentfacestothosehehadknownsowell

before.Wonderingwhatitcanmeanhewalksquicklytowardshisoldhome.Eventhatlooksdifferent,butahousestandsonthespot,andhecallsout:"Father,Ihavejustreturned!"andhewasabouttoenter,whenhesawastrangemancomingout."PerhapsmyparentshavemovedwhileIhavebeenaway,andhavegonesomewhereelse",wasthe

fisherman'sthought.Somehowhebegantofeelstrangelyanxious,hecouldnottellwhy."Excuseme",saidhetothemanwhowasstaringathim,"buttillwithinthelastfewdaysIhavelivedinthishouse.MynameisUrashimaTaro.WherehavemyparentsgonewhomIlefthere?"Averybewilderedexpressioncameoverthefaceoftheman,and,stillgazingintently

onUrashima'sface,hesaid:"What?AreyouUrashimaTaro?""Yes",saidthefisherman,"IamUrashimaTaro!""Ha,ha!"laughedtheman,"youmustnotmakesuchjokes.ItistruethatonceuponatimeamancalledUrashimaTarodidliveinthisvillage,butthatisastorythreehundredyearsold.Hecouldnotpossiblybealivenow!"WhenUrashimaheardthese

strangewordshewasfrightened,andsaid:"Please,please,youmustnotjokewithme,Iamgreatlyperplexed.IamreallyUrashimaTaro,andicertainlyhavenotlivedthreehundredyears.TillfourorfivedaysagoIlivedonthisspot.TellmewhatIwanttoknowwithoutmorejoking,please"\.Buttheman'sfacegrewmoreandmoregrave,andhe

answered:"YoumayormaynotbeUrashimaTaro,Idon'tknow.ButtheUrashimaTaroofwhomIhaveheardisamanwholivedthreehundredyearsago.Perhapsyouarehisspiritcometorevisityouroldhome?"

"Whydoyoumockme?"saidUrashima."Iamnospirit!Iamalivingman—doyounot

seemyfeet;"and"don-don/'hestampedontheground,firstwithonefootandthenwiththeothertoshowtheman.(Japaneseghostshavenofeet.)

AbeautifullittlePurpleCloudroseoutoftheBox.

JapaneseFairyTales

"ButUrashimaTarolivedthreehundredyearsago,thatisallIknow;itiswritteninthevillagechronicles",persistedtheman,whocouldnotbelievewhatthefishermansaid.Urashimawaslostinbewildermentandtrouble.Hestoodlookingallaroundhim,terriblypuzzled,and,indeed,somethingintheappearanceofeverythingwasdifferenttowhatherememberedbefore

hewentaway,aridtheawfulfeelingcameoverhimthatwhatthemansaidwasperhapstrue.Heseemedtobeinastrangedream.ThefewdayshehadspentintheSeaKing'spalacebeyondtheseahadnotbeendaysatall;theyhadbeenhundredsofyears,andinthattimehisparentshaddiedandallthepeoplehehadeverknown,andthevillagehadwrittendownhisstory.Therewasnousein

stayinghereanylonger.Hemustgetbacktohisbeautifulwifebeyondthesea.Hemadehiswaybacktothebeach,carryinginhishandtheboxwhichthePrincesshadgivenhim.Butwhichwastheway?Hecouldnotfinditalone!Suddenlyherememberedthebox,theTamate-Bako."ThePrincesstoldmewhenshegavemetheboxnevertoopenit—thatitcontaineda

verypreciousthing.ButnowthatIhavenohome,nowthatIhavelosteverythingthatwasdeartomehere,andmyheartgrowsthinwithsadness,atsuchatime,ifIopenthebox,surelyIshallfindsomethingthatwillhelpme,somethingthatwillshowmethewaybacktomybeautifulPrincessoverthesea.Thereisnothingelseformetodonow.Yes,yes,Iwillopentheboxandlookin!"

Andsohisheartconsentedtothisactofdisobedience,andhetriedtopersuadehimselfthathewasdoingtherightthinginbreakinghispromise.Slowly,veryslowly,heuntiedtheredsilkcord,slowlyandwonderinglyheliftedthelidofthepreciousbox.Andwhatdidhefind?Strangetosayonlyabeautifullittlepurplecloudroseoutoftheboxinthreesoftwisps.Foraninstantit

coveredhisfaceandwaveredoverhimasifloathtogo,andthenitfloatedawaylikevaporoverthesea.Urashirna,whohadbeentillthatmomentlikeastrongandhandsomeyouthoftwenty-four,suddenllybecamevery,veryold.Hisbackdoubledupwithage,hishairturnedsnowywhite,hisfacewrinkledandhefelldowndeadonthebeach.PoorUrashima!becauseof

hisdisobediencehe•couldneverreturntotheSeaKing'srealmorthelovelyPrincessbeyondthesea.Littlechildren,neverbedisobedienttothosewhoarewiserthanyou,fordisobediencewasthebeginningofallthemiseriesandsorrowsoflife.

THEFARMERANDTHEBADGER.

LONG,longago,therelivedanoldfarmerandhiswifewhohadmadetheirhomeinthemountains,farfromanytown.Theironlyneighborwasabadandmalicious

badger.Thisbadgerusedtocomeouteverynightandrunacrosstothefarmer'sfieldandspoilthevegetablesandthericewhichthefarmerspenthistimeincarefullycultivating.Thebadgeratlastgrewsoruthlessinhismischievouswork,anddidsomuchharmeverywhereonthefarm,thatthegood-naturedfarmercouldnotstanditanylonger,anddeterminedtoputastoptoit.

Sohelayinwaitdayafterdayandnightafternight,withabigclub,hopingtocatchthebadger,butallinvain.Thenhelaidtrapsforthewickedanimal.Thefarmer'stroubleandpatiencewasrewarded,foronefinedayongoinghisroundshefoundthebadgercaughtinaholehehaddugforthatpurpose.Thefarmerwasdelightedathavingcaughthisenemy,andcarried

himhomesecurelyboundwithrope.Whenliereachedthehousethefarmersaidtohiswife:"Ihaveatlastcaughtthebadbadger.YoumustkeepaneyeonhimwhileIamoutatworkandnotlethimescape,becauseIwanttomakehimintosoupto-night".Sayingthis,hehungthebadgeruptotheraftersofhisstorehouseandwentouttohisworkinthefields.The

badgerwasingreatdistress,forhedidnotatallliketheideaofbeingmadeintosoupthatnight,andhethoughtandthoughtforalongtime,tryingtohituponsomeplanbywhichhemightescape.Itwashardtothinkclearlyinhisuncomfortableposition,forhehadbeenhungupsidedown.Verynearhim,attheentrancetothestorehouse,lookingouttowardsthegreenfieldsandthetreesandthe

pleasantsunshine,stoodthefarmer'soldwifepoundingbarley.Shelookedtiredandold.Herfacewasseamedwithmanywrinkles,andwasasbrownasleather,andeverynowandthenshestoppedtowipetheperspirationwhichrolleddownherface."Dearlady",saidthewilybadger,"youmustbeverywearydoingsuchheavyworkinyouroldage.Won'tyoulet

medothatforyou?Myarmsareverystrong,andIcouldrelieveyouforalittlewhile!""Thankyouforyourkindness",saidtheoldwoman,"butIcannotletyoudothisworkformebecauseImustnotuntieyou,foryoumightescapeifIdid,andmyhusbandwouldbeveryangryifhecamehomeandfoundyougone".Now,thebadgerisoneofthemostcunningofanimals,and

hesaidagaininaverysad,gentle,voice:"Youareveryunkind.Youmightuntieme,forIpromisenottotrytoescape.Ifyouareafraidofyourhusband,IwillletyoubindmeagainbeforehisreturnwhenIhavefinishedpoundingthebarley.Iamsotiredandsoretieduplikethis.IfyouwouldonlyletmedownforafewminutesIwouldindeedbethankful!"

Theoldwomanhadagoodandsimplenature,andcouldnotthinkbadlyofanyone.Muchlessdidshethinkthatthebadgerwasonlydeceivingherinordertogetaway.Shefeltsorry,too,fortheanimalassheturnedtolookathim.Helookedinsuchasadplighthangingdownwardsfromtheceilingbyhislegs,whichwerealltiedtogethersotightlythattheropeandtheknotswere

cuttingintotheskin.Sointhekindnessofherheart,andbelievingthecreature'spromisethathewouldnotrunaway,sheuntiedthecordandlethimdown.Theoldwomanthengavehimthewoodenpestleandtoldhimtodotheworkforashorttimewhilesherested.Hetookthepestle,butinsteadofdoingtheworkashewastold,thebadgeratoncesprangupontheold

womanandknockedherdownwiththeheavypieceofwood.Hethenkilledherandcutherupandmadesoupofher,andwaitedforthereturnoftheoldfarmer.Theoldmanworkedhardinhisfieldsallday,andasheworkedhethoughtwithpleasurethatnomorenowwouldhislaborbespoiledbythedestructivebadger.Towardssunsethelefthisworkandturnedtogohome.

Hewasverytired,butthethoughtofthenicesupperofhotbadgersoupawaitinghisreturncheeredhim.Thethoughtthatthebadgermightgetfreeandtakerevengeonthepooroldwomanneveroncecameintohismind.Thebadgermeanwhileassumedtheoldwoman'sform,andassoonashesawtheoldfarmerapproachingcameouttogreethimontheverandaofthelittlehouse,

saying:"Soyouhavecomebackatlast.Ihavemadethebadgersoupandhavebeenwaitingforyouforalongtime".Theoldfarmerquicklytookoffhisstrawsandalsandsatdownbeforehistinydinner-tray.Theinnocentmanneverevendreamedthatitwasnothiswifebutthebadgerwhowaswaitinguponhim,andaskedatonceforthesoup.Thenthebadgersuddenly

transformedhimselfbacktohisnaturalformandcriedout:"Youwife-eatingoldman!Lookoutforthebonesinthekitchen!"Laughingloudlyandderisivelyheescapedoutofthehouseandranawaytohisdeninthehills.Theoldmanwasleftbehindalone.Hecouldhardlybelievewhathehadseenandheard.Thenwhenheunderstoodthe

wholetruthhewassoscaredandhorrifiedthathefaintedrightaway.Afterawhilehecameroundandburstintotears.Hecriedloudlyandbitterly.Herockedhimselftoandfroinhishopelessgrief.Itseemedtooterribletoberealthathisfaithfuloldwifehadbeenkilledandcookedbythebadgerwhilehewasworkingquietlyinthefields,knowingnothingofwhatwasgoingonathome,and

congratulatinghimselfonhavingonceforallgotridofthewickedanimalwhohadsooftenspoiledhisfields.Andoh!thehorriblethought;hehadverynearlydrunkthesoupwhichthecreaturehadmadeofhispooroldwoman."Ohdear,ohdear,ohdear!"hewailedaloud.Now,notfarawaytherelivedinthesamemountainakind,good-naturedoldrabbit.Heheardtheoldmancryingand

sobbingandatoncesetouttoseewhatwasthematter,andiftherewasanythinghecoulddotohelphisneighbor.Theoldman-toldhimallthathadhappened.Whentherabbitheardthestoryhewasveryangryatthewickedanddeceitfulbadger,andtoldtheoldmantoleaveeverythingtohimandhewouldavengehiswife'sdeath.Thefarmerwasatlastcomforted,and,wipingawayhistears,

thankedtherabbitforhisgoodnessincomingtohiminhisdistress.Therabbit,seeingthatthefarmerwasgrowingcalmer,wentbacktohishometolayhisplansforthepunishmentofthebadger.Thenextdaytheweatherwasfine,andtherabbitwentouttofindthebadger.Hewasnottobeseeninthewoodsoronthehillsideorinthefieldsanywhere,sotherabbitwent

tohisdenandfoundthebadgerhidingthere,fortheanimalhadbeenafraidtoshowhimselfeversincehehadescapedfromthefarmer'shouse,forfearoftheoldman'swrath.Therabbitcalledout:"Whyareyounotoutonsuchabeautifulday?Comeoutwithme,andwewillgoandcutgrassonthehillstogether".Thebadger,neverdoubting

butthattherabbitwashisfriend,willinglyconsentedtogooutwithhim,onlytoogladtogetawayfromtheneighborhoodofthefarmerandthefearofmeetinghim.Therabbitledthewaymilesawayfromtheirhomes,outonthehillswherethegrassgrewtallandthickandsweet.Theybothsettoworktocutdownasmuchastheycouldcarryhome,tostoreitupfortheirwinter'sfood.When

theyhadeachcutdownalltheywantedtheytieditinbundlesandthenstartedhomewards,eachcarryinghisbundleofgrassonhisback.Thistimetherabbitmadethebadgergofirst.Whentheyhadgonealittlewaytherabbittookoutaflintandsteel,and,strikingitoverthebadger'sbackashesteppedalonginfront,sethisbundleofgrassonfire.Thebadgerheardtheflint

striking,andasked:"Whatisthatnoise,'Crack,crack'?""Oh,thatisnothing",repliedtherabbit;"Ionlysaid'Crack,crack,'becausethismountainiscalledCracklingMountain".

Therabbittookaflintandsteelandsetthebadger'sbundleofgrassonfire.

JapaneseFairyTales

Thefiresoonspreadinthebundleofdrygrassonthebadger'sback.Thebadger,hearingthecrackleoftheburninggrass,asked,"Whatisthat?""Nowwehavecometothe'BurningMountain",answeredtherabbit.Bythistimethebundlewasnearlyburnedoutandallthehairhadbeenburnedoffthebadger'sback.Henowknewwhathadhappenedbythe

smellofthesmokeoftheburninggrass.Screamingwithpainthebadgerranasfastashecouldtohishole.Therabbitfollowedandfoundhimlyingonhisbedgroaningwithpain."Whatanunluckyfellowyouare!"saidtherabbit."Ican'timaginehowthishappened!Iwillbringyousomemedicinewhichwillhealyourbackquickly!"Therabbitwentawayglad

andsmilingtothinkthatthepunishmentuponthebadgerhadalreadybegun.Hehopedthatthebadgerwoulddieofhisburns,forhefeltthatnothingcouldbetoobadfortheanimal,whowasguiltyofmurderingapoorhelplessoldwomanwhohadtrustedhim.Hewenthomeandmadeanointmentbymixingsomesauceandredpeppertogether.Hecarriedthistothebadger,

butbeforeputtingitonhetoldhimthatitwouldcausehimgreatpain,butthathemustbearitpatiently,becauseitwasaverywonderfulmedicineforburnsandscaldsandsuchwounds.Thebadgerthankedhimandbeggedhimtoapplyitatonce.Butnolanguagecandescribetheagonyofthebadgerassoonastheredpepperhadbeenpastedalloverhissoreback.Herolled

overandoverandhowledloudly.Therabbit,lookingon,feltthatthefarmer'swifewasbeginningtobeavenged.Thebadgerwasinbedforaboutamonth;butatlast,inspiteoftheredpepperapplication,hisburnshealedandhegotwell.Whentherabbitsawthatthebadgerwasgettingwell,hethoughtofanotherplanbywhichhecouldcompassthecreature'sdeath.Sohewentonedayto

paythebadgeravisitandtocongratulatehimonhisrecovery.Duringtheconversationtherabbitmentionedthathewasgoingfishing,anddescribedhowpleasantfishingwaswhentheweatherwasfineandtheseasmooth.Thebadgerlistenedwithpleasuretotherabbit'saccountofthewayhepassedhistimenow,andforgotallhispainsandhismonth's

illness,andthoughtwhatfunitwouldbeifhecouldgofishingtoo;soheaskedtherabbitifhewouldtakehimthenexttimehewentouttofish.Thiswasjustwhattherabbitwanted,soheagreed.Thenhewenthomeandbuilttwoboats,oneofwoodandtheotherofclay.Atlasttheywerebothfinished,andastherabbitstoodandlookedathisworkhefeltthatallhistroublewouldbewell

rewardedifhisplansucceeded,andhecouldmanagetokillthewickedbadgernow.Thedaycamewhentherabbithadarrangedtotakethebadgerfishing.Hekeptthewoodenboathimselfandgavethebadgertheclayboat.Thebadger,whoknewnothingaboutboats,wasdelightedwithhisnewboatandthoughthowkinditwasoftherabbittogiveittohim.

Theybothgotintotheirboatsandsetout.Aftergoingsomedistancefromtheshoretherabbitproposedthattheyshouldtrytheirboatsandseewhichonecouldgothequickest.Thebadgerfellinwiththeproposal,andtheybothsettoworktorowasfastastheycouldforsometime.Inthemiddleoftheracethebadgerfoundhisboatgoingtopieces,forthewaternowbegantosoftentheclay.He

criedoutingreatfeartotherabbittohelphim.Buttherabbitansweredthathewasavengingtheoldwoman'smurder,andthatthishadbeenhisintentionallalong,andthathewashappytothinkthatthebadgerhadatlastmethisdesertsforallhisevilcrimes,andwastodrownwithnoonetohelphim.Thenheraisedhisoarandstruckatthebadgerwithallhisstrengthtillhefellwiththe

sinkingclayboatandwasseennomore.Thusatlasthekepthispromisetotheoldfarmer.Therabbitnowturnedandrowedshore-wards,andhavinglandedandpulledhisboatuponthebeach,hurriedbacktotelltheoldfarmereverything,andhowthebadger,hisenemy,hadbeenkilled.Theoldfarmerthankedhimwithtearsinhiseyes.Hesaid

thattillnowhecouldneversleepatnightorbeatpeaceinthedaytime,thinkingofhowhiswife'sdeathwasunavenged,butfromthistimehewouldbeabletosleepandeatasofold.Hebeggedtherabbittostaywithhimandsharehishome,sofromthisdaytherabbitwenttostaywiththeoldfarmerandtheybothlivedtogetherasgoodfriendstotheendoftheirdays.

THESHINANSHA,

ORTHESOUTH

POINTINGCARRIAGE.

THEcompass,withitsneedle

alwayspointingtotheNorth,isquiteacommonthing,andnoonethinksthatitisremarkablenow,thoughwhenitwasfirstinventeditmusthavebeenawonder.NowlongagoinChina,therewasastillmorewonderfulinventioncalledtheShinansha.ThiswasakindofchariotwiththefigureofamanonitalwayspointingtotheSouth.Nomatterhowthechariotwasplacedthefigure

alwayswheeledaboutandpointedtotheSouth.ThiscuriousinstrumentwasinventedbyKotei,oneofthethreeChineseEmperorsoftheMythologicalage.KoteiwasthesonoftheEmperorYuhi.Beforehewasbornhismotherhadavisionwhichforetoldthathersonwouldbeagreatman.Onesummereveningshewentouttowalkinthemeadowstoseekthecool

breezeswhichblowattheendofthedayandtogazewithpleasureatthestar-litheavensaboveher.AsshelookedAttheNorthStar,strangetorelate,itshotforthvividflashesoflightningineverydirection.SoonafterthishersonKoteicameintotheworld.KoteiintimegrewtomanhoodandsucceededhisfathertheEmperorYuhi.Hisearlyreignwasgreatly

troubledbytherebelShiyu.ThisrebelwantedtomakehimselfKing,andmanywerethebattleswhichhefoughttothisend.Shiyuwasawickedmagician,hisheadwasmadeofiron,andtherewasnomanthatcouldconquerhim.AtlastKoteideclaredwaragainsttherebelandledhisarmytobattle,andthetwoarmiesmetonaplaincalledTakuroku.TheEmperorboldlyattackedtheenemy,

butthemagicianbroughtdownadensefoguponthebattlefield,andwhiletheroyalarmywerewanderingaboutinconfusion,tryingtofindtheirway,Shiyuretreatedwithhistroops,laughingathavingfooledtheroyalarmy.NomatterhoweverstrongandbravetheEmperor'ssoldierswere,therebelwithhismagiccouldalwaysescapeintheend.

KoteireturnedtohisPalace,andthoughtandpondereddeeplyastohowheshouldconquerthemagician,forhewasdeterminednottogiveupyet.AfteralongtimeheinventedtheShinan-shawiththefigureofamanalwayspointingSouth,fortherewerenocompassesinthosedays.Withthisinstrumenttoshowhimthewayheneednotfearthedensefogsraisedupbythemagiciantoconfoundhis

men.KoteiagaindeclaredwaragainstShiyu.HeplacedtheShinanshainfrontofhisarmyandledthewaytothebattlefield.Thebattlebeganinearnest.Therebelwasbeingdrivenbackwardbytheroyaltroopswhenlieagainresortedtomagic,anduponhissayingsomestrangewordsinaloudvoice,immediatelyadensefogcamedownuponthe

battlefield.Butthistimenosoldiermindedthefog,notonewasconfused.KoteibypointingtotheShinan-shacouldfindhiswayanddirectedthearmywithoutasinglemistake.Hecloselypursuedtherebelarmyanddrovethembackwardtilltheycametoabigriver.ThisriverKoteiandhismenfoundwasswollenbythefloodsandimpossibletocross.

Shiyubyusinghismagicartquicklypassedoverwithhisarmyandshuthimselfupinafortressontheoppositebank.WhenKoteifoundhismarchcheckedhewaswildwithdisappointment,forhehadverynearlyovertakentherebelwhentheriverstoppedhim.Hecoulddonothing,fortherewerenoboatsinthosedays,sotheEmperororderedhistenttobepitchedinthe

pleasantestspotthattheplaceafforded.Onedayhesteppedforthfromhistentandafterwalkingaboutforashorttimehecametoapond.Herehesatdownonthebankandwaslostinthought.Itwasautumn.Thetreesgrowingalongtheedgeofthewaterweresheddingtheirleaves,whichfloatedhitherandthitheronthesurfaceofthepond.Byandby,Kotei's

attentionwasattractedtoaspideronthebrinkofthewater.Thelittleinsectwastryingtogetontooneofthefloatingleavesnearby.Itdidsoatlast,andwassoonfloatingoverthewatertotheothersideofthepond.ThislittleincidentmadethecleverEmperorthinkthathemighttrytomakesomethingthatcouldcarryhimselfandhismenovertheriverinthesamewaythattheleafhad

carriedoverthespider.Hesettoworkandperseveredtillheinventedthefirstboat.Whenhefoundthatitwasasuccesshesetallhismentomakemore,andintimetherewereenoughboatsforthewholearmy.Koteinowtookhisarmyacrosstheriver,andattackedShiyu'sheadquarters.Hegainedacompletevictory,andsoputanendtothewarwhichhadtroubledhis

countryforsolong.ThiswiseandgoodEmperordidnotresttillhehadsecuredpeaceandprosperitythroughouthiswholeland.Hewasbelovedbyhissubjects,whonowenjoyedtheirhappinessofpeaceformanylongyearsunderhim.Hespentagreatdealoftimeinmakinginventionswhichwouldbenefithispeople,andhesucceededinmanybesidestheboatandtheSouth

PointingShinansha.Hehadreignedaboutahundredyearswhenoneday,asKoteiwaslookingupwards,theskybecamesuddenlyred,andsomethingcameglitteringlikegoldtowardstheearth.AsitcamenearerKoteisawthatitwasagreatDragon.TheDragonapproachedandboweddownitsheadbeforetheEmperor.TheEmpressandthecourtiersweresofrightened

thattheyranawayscreaming.ButtheEmperoronlysmiledandcalledtothemtostop,andsaid:"Donotbeafraid.ThisisamessengerfromHeaven.Mytimehereisfinished!"HethenmountedtheDragon,whichbegantoascendtowardsthesky.WhentheEmpressandthecourtierssawthistheyallcriedouttogether:"Waitamoment!Wewishto

cometoo".AndtheyallranandcaughtholdoftheDragon'sbeardandtriedtomounthim.ButitwasimpossibleforsomanypeopletorideontheDragon.Severalofthemhungontothecreature'sbeardsothatwhenittriedtomountthehairwaspulledoutandtheyfelltotheground.MeanwhiletheEmpressandafewofthecourtiersweresafelyseatedontheDragon's

back.TheDragonflewupsohighintheheavensthatinashorttimetheinmatesofthePalace,whohadbeenleftbehinddisappointed,couldseethemnomore.AftersometimeabowandanarrowdroppedtotheearthinthecourtyardofthePalace.TheywererecognizedashavingbelongedtotheEmperorKotei.Thecourtierstookthemupcarefullyandpreservedthemassacred

relicsinthePalace.

THEADVENTURESOFKINTARO,THEGOLDEN

BOY.

LONG,longagotherelivedinKyotoabravesoldiernamedKintoki.Nowhefell

inlovewithabeautifulladyandmarriedher.Notlongafterthis,throughthemaliceofsomeofhisfriends,hefellintodisgraceatCourtandwasdismissed.Thismisfortunesopreyeduponhismindthathedidnotlongsurvivehisdismissal—hedied,leavingbehindhimhisbeautifulyoungwifetofacetheworldalone.Fearingherhusband'senemies,shefledtotheAshigaraMountainsas

soonasherhusbandwasdead,andthereinthelonelyforestswherenooneevercameexceptwoodcutters,alittleboywasborntoher.ShecalledhimKintaroortheGoldenBoy.Nowtheremarkablethingaboutthischildwashisgreatstrength,andashegrewolderhegrewstrongerandstronger,sothatbythetimehewaseightyearsofagehewasabletocutdowntreesasquicklyas

thewoodcutters.Thenhismothergavehimalargeaxe,andheusedtogooutintheforestandhelpthewoodcutters,whocalledhim"Wonder-child",andhismotherthe"OldNurseoftheMountains",fortheydidnotknowherhighrank.AnotherfavoritepastimeofKintaro'swastosmashuprocksandstones.Youcanimaginehowstronghewas!Quiteunlikeotherboys,

Kintaro,grewupallaloneinthemountainwilds,andashehadnocompanionshemadefriendswithalltheanimalsandlearnedtounderstandthemandtospeaktheirstrangetalk.BydegreestheyallgrewquitetameandlookeduponKintaroastheirmaster,andheusedthemashisservantsandmessengers.Buthisspecialretainerswerethebear,thedeer,themonkeyandthehare.

ThebearoftenbroughthercubsforKintarotorompwith,andwhenshecametotakethemhomeKintarowouldgetonherbackandhavearidetohercave.Hewasveryfondofthedeertoo,andwouldoftenputhisarmsroundthecreature'snecktoshowthatitslonghornsdidnotfrightenhim.Greatwasthefuntheyallhadtogether.Oneday,asusual,Kintarowentupintothemountains,

followedbythebear,thedeer,themonkey,andthehare.Afterwalkingforsometimeuphillanddowndaleandoverroughroads,theysuddenlycameoutuponawideandgrassyplaincoveredwithprettywildflowers.Here,indeed,wasaniceplacewheretheycouldallhaveagoodromptogether.Thedeerrubbedhishornsagainstatreeforpleasure,the

monkeyscratchedhisback,theharesmoothedhislongears,andthebeargaveagruntofsatisfaction.Kintarosaid,"Hereisaplaceforagoodgame.Whatdoyouallsaytoawrestlingmatch?"Thebearbeingthebiggestandtheoldest,answeredfortheothers:"Thatwillbegreatfun",saidshe."Iamthestrongestanimal,soIwillmaketheplatformforthewrestlers;"

andshesettoworkwithawilltodiguptheearthandtopatitintoshape."Allright",saidKintaro,"Iwilllookonwhileyouallwrestlewitheachother.Ishallgiveaprizetotheonewhowinsineachround"."Whatfun!weshallalltrytogettheprize",saidthebear.Thedeer,themonkeyandtheharesettoworktohelpthebearraisetheplatformonwhichtheywereallto

wrestle.Whenthiswasfinished,Kintarocriedout:"Nowbegin!themonkeyandthehareshallopenthesportsandthedeershallbeumpire.Now,Mr.Deer,youaretobeumpire!""He,he!"answeredthedeer."Iwillbeumpire.Now,Mr.MonkeyandMr.Hare,ifyouarebothready,pleasewalkoutandtakeyourplacesontheplatform".Thenthemonkeyandthe

harebothhoppedout,quicklyandnimbly,tothewrestlingplatform.Thedeer,asumpire,stoodbetweenthetwoandcalledout:"Red-back!Red-back!"(thistothemonkey,whohasaredbackinJapan)."Areyouready?"Thenheturnedtothehare:"Long-ears!Long-ears!areyouready?"Boththelittlewrestlersfacedeachotherwhilethedeer

raisedaleafonhighassignal.Whenhedroppedtheleafthemonkeyandtheharerusheduponeachother,crying"Yoisho,yoisho!"Whilethemonkeyandtheharewrestled,thedeercalledoutencouraginglyorshoutedwarningstoeachofthemasthehareorthemonkeypushedeachotherneartheedgeoftheplatformandwereindangeroffallingover."Red-hack!Red-hack!stand

yourground!"calledoutthedeer."Longears!Long-ears!hestrong,bestrong—don'tletthemonkeybeatyou!"gruntedthebear.Sothemonkeyandthehare,encouragedbytheirfriends,triedtheirveryhardesttobeateachother.Thehareatlastgainedonthemonkey.Themonkeyseemedtotripup,andtheharegivinghimagoodpushsenthimflyingoff

theplattormwithabound.Thepoormonkeysatuprubbinghisback,andhisfacewasverylongashescreamedangrily,"Oh,oh!howmybackhurts—mybackhurtsme!"Seeingthemonkeyinthisplightontheground,thedeerholdinghisleafonhighsaid:"Thisroundisfinished—theharehaswon".Kintarothenopenedhisluncheonboxandtakingouta

rice-dumpling,gaveittotheharesaying:"Hereisyourprize,andyouhaveearneditwell!"Nowthemonkeygotuplookingverycross,andastheysayinJapan"hisstomachstoodup",forhefeltthathehadnotbeenfairlybeaten.SohesaidtoKintaroandtheotherswhowerestandingby:"Ihavenotbeenfairlybeaten.MyfootslippedandI

tumbled.Pleasegivemeanotherchanceandlettheharewrestlewithmeforanotherround".ThenKintaroconsenting,thehareandthemonkeybegantowrestleagain.Now,aseveryoneknows,themonkeyisacunninganimalbynature,andhemadeuphismindtogetthebestoftheharethistimeifitwerepossible.Todothis,hethoughtthatthebestandsurestwaywouldbeto

getholdofthehare'slongear.Thishesoonmanagedtodo.Theharewasquitethrownoffhisguardbythepainofhavinghislongearpulledsohard,andthemonkeyseizinghisopportunityatlast,caughtholdofoneofthehare'slegsandsenthimsprawlinginthemiddleofthedais.Themonkeywasnowthevictorandreceivedarice-dumplingfromKintaro,whichpleasedhimsomuchthathequite

forgothissoreback.Thedeernowcameupandaskedthehareifhefeltreadyforanotherround,andifsowhetherhewouldtryaroundwithhim,andthehareconsenting,theybothstooduptowrestle.Thebearcameforwardasumpire.Thedeerwithlonghornsandtheharewithlongears,itmusthavebeenanamusingsighttothosewhowatchedthisqueermatch.Suddenly

thedeerwentdownononeofhisknees,andthebearwiththeleafonhighdeclaredhimbeaten.Inthisway,sometimestheone,sometimestheother,conquering,thelittlepartyamusedthemselvestilltheyweretired.AtlastKintarogotupandsaid:"Thisisenoughforto-day.Whataniceplacewehavefoundforwrestling;letus

comeagainto-morrow.Now,wewillallgohome.Comealong!"Sosaying,Kintaroledthewaywhiletheanimalsfollowed.Afterwalkingsomelittledistancetheycameoutonthebanksofariverflowingthroughavalley.Kintaroandhisfourfurryfriendsstoodandlookedaboutforsomemeansofcrossing.Bridgetherewasnone.Theriverrushed"don,don"onitsway.

Alltheanimalslookedserious,wonderinghowtheycouldcrossthestreamandgethomethatevening.Kintaro,however,said:"Waitamoment.Iwillmakeagoodbridgeforyouallinafewminutes".Thebear,thedeer,themonkeyandtheharelookedathimtoseewhathewoulddonow.Kintarowentfromonetreetoanotherthatgrewalongthe

riverbank.Atlasthestoppedinfrontofaverylargetreethatwasgrowingatthewater'sedge.Hetookholdofthetrunkandpulleditwithallhismight,once,twice,thrice!Atthethirdpull,sogreatwasKintaro'sstrengththattherootsgaveway,and"meri,meri"(crash,crash),overfellthetree,forminganexcellentbridgeacrossthestream."There",saidKintaro,"what

doyouthinkofmybridge?Itisquitesafe,sofollowme",andhesteppedacrossfirst.Thefouranimalsfollowed.Neverhadtheyseenanyonesostrongbefore,andtheyallexclaimed:"Howstrongheis!howstrongheis!"Whileallthiswasgoingonbytheriverawoodcutter,whohappenedtobestandingonarockoverlookingthestream,hadseenallthat

passedbeneathhim.HewatchedwithgreatsurpriseKintaroandhisanimalcompanions.Herubbedhiseyestobesurethathewasnotdreamingwhenhesawthisboypulloveratreebytherootsandthrowitacrossthestreamtoformabridge.Thewoodcutter,forsuchheseemedtobebyhisdress,marveledatallhesaw,andsaidtohimself:"Thisisnoordinarychild.

Whosesoncanhebe?Iwillfindoutbeforethisdayisdone".Hehastenedafterthestrangepartyandcrossedthebridgebehindthem.Kintaroknewnothingofallthis,andlittleguessedthathewasbeingfollowed.Onreachingtheothersideoftheriverheandtheanimalsseparated,theytotheirlairsinthewoodsandhetohismother,whowaswaitingforhim.

Assoonasheenteredthecottage,whichstoodlikeamatchboxintheheartofthepine-woods,hewenttogreethismother,saying:"Okkasan(mother),hereIam!""O,Kimbo!"saidhismotherwithabrightsmile,gladtoseeherboyhomesafeafterthelongday."Howlateyouareto-day.Ifearedthatsomethinghadhappenedtoyou.Wherehaveyoubeenall

thetime?""Itookmyfourfriends,thebear,thedeer,themonkey,andthehare,upintothehills,andthereImadethemtryawrestlingmatch,toseewhichwasthestrongest.Weallenjoyedthesport,andaregoingtothesameplaceto-morrowtohaveanothermatch"."Nowtellmewhoisthestrongestofall?"askedhismother,pretendingnotto

know."Oh,mother",saidKintaro,"don'tyouknow-thatIamthestrongest?Therewasnoneedformetowrestlewithanyofthem"."Butnexttoyouthen,whoisthestrongest?""Thebearcomesnexttomeinstrength",answeredKintaro."Andafterthebear?"askedhismotheragain."Nexttothebearitisnoteasy

tosaywhichisthestrongest,forthedeer,themonkey,andthehareallseemtobeasstrongaseachother",saidKintaro.SuddenlyKintaroandhismotherwerestartledbyavoicefromoutside."Listentome,littleboy!Nexttimeyougo,takethisoldmanwithyoutothewrestlingmatch.Hewouldliketojointhesporttoo!"Itwastheoldwoodcutter

whohadfollowedKintarofromtheriver.Heslippedoffhisclogsandenteredthecottage.Yama-ubaandhersonwerebothtakenbysurprise.Theylookedattheintruderwonderingly,andsawthathewassomeonetheyhadneverseenbefore."Whoareyou?"theybothexclaimed.Thenthewoodcutterlaughedandsaid:"ItdoesnotmatterwhoIam

yet,butletusseewhohasthestrongestarm—thisboyormyself?"ThenKintaro,whohadlivedallhislifeintheforest,answeredtheoldmanwithoutanyceremony,saying:"Wewillhaveatryifyouwishit,butyoumustnotbeangrywhoeverisbeaten".ThenKintaroandthewoodcutterbothputouttheirrightarmsandgraspedeachother'shands.Foralongtime

Kintaroandtheoldmanwrestledtogetherinthisway,eachtryingtobendtheother'sarm,buttheoldmanwasverystrong,andthestrangepairwereevenlymatched.Atlasttheoldmandesisted,declaringitadrawngame."Youare,indeed,averystrongchild.Therearefewmenwhocanboastofthestrengthofmyrightarm!"saidthewoodcutter."Isawyoufirstonthebanksofthe

riverafewhoursago,whenyoupulledupthatlargetreetomakeabridgeacrossthetorrent.HardlyabletobelievewhatIsawIfollowedyouhome.Yourstrengthofarm,whichIhavejusttried,proveswhatIsawthisafternoon.Whenyouarefull-grownyouwillsurelybethestrongestmaninallJapan.Itisapitythatyouarehiddenawayinthesewildmountains".

ThenheturnedtoKintaro'smother:"Andyou,mother,haveyounothoughtoftakingyourchildtotheCapital,andofteachinghimtocarryaswordasbefitsasamurai(aJapaneseknight)?""Youareverykindtotakesomuchinterestinmyson",repliedthemother;"butheisasyousee,wildanduneducated,andIfearitwouldbeverydifficulttodo

asyousay.BecauseofhisgreatstrengthasaninfantIhidhimawayinthisunknownpartofthecountry,forhehurteveryonethatcamenearhim.IhaveoftenwishedthatIcould,oneday,seemyboyaknightwearingtwoswords,butaswehavenoinfluentialfriendtointroduceusattheCapital,Ifearmyhopewillnevercometrue"."Youneednottrouble

yourselfaboutthat.TotellyouthetruthIamnowoodcutter!IamoneofthegreatgeneralsofJapan.MynameisSadamitsu,andIamavassalofthepowerfulLordMinamoto-no-Raiko.Heorderedmetogoroundthecountryandlookforboyswhogivepromiseofremarkablestrength,sothattheymaybetrainedassoldiersforhisarmy.IthoughtthatIcouldbestdo

thisbyassumingthedisguiseofawoodcutter.Bygoodfortune,Ihavethusunexpectedlycomeacrossyourson.Nowifyoureallywishhimtobeasamurai(aknight),IwilltakehimandpresenthimtotheLordRaikoasacandidateforhisservice.Whatdoyousaytothis?"Asthekindgeneralgraduallyunfoldedhisplanthemother'sheartwasfilledwithagreatjoy.Shesawthatherewasa

wonderfulchanceoftheonewishofherlifebeingfulfilled—thatofseeingKintaroasamuraibeforeshedied.Bowingherheadtotheground,shereplied:"Iwillthenintrustmysontoyouifyoureallymeanwhatyousay".Kintarohadallthistimebeensittingbyhismother'ssidelisteningtowhattheysaid.Whenhismotherfinishedspeaking,heexclaimed:

"Oh,joy!joy!IamtogowiththegeneralandonedayIshallbeasamurai/"ThusKintare'sfatewassettled,andthegeneraldecidedtostartfortheCapitalatonce,takingKintarowithhim.ItneedhardlybesaidthatYama-ubawassadatpartingwithherboy,forhewasallthatwaslefttoher.Butshehidhergriefwithastrongface,astheysayinJapan.Sheknew

thatitwasforherboy'sgoodthatheshouldleavehernow,andshemustnotdiscouragehimjustasliewassettingout.Kintaropromisednevertoforgether,andsaidthatassoonasliewasaknightwearingtwoswordshewouldbuildherahomeandtakecareofherinheroldage.Alltheanimals,thosehehadtamedtoservehim,thebear,thedeer,themonkey,andthehare,assoonastheyfound

outthathewasgoingaway,cametoaskiftheymightattendhimasusual.Whentheylearnedthathewasgoingawayforgoodtheyfollowedhimtothefootofthemountaintoseehimoff."Kirnbo",saidhismother,"mindandbeagoodboy"."Mr.Kintaro,"saidthefaithfulanimals,"wewishyougoodhealthonyourtravels".Thentheyallclimbedatree

toseethelastofhim,andfromthatheighttheywatchedhimandhisshadowgraduallygrowsmallerandsmaller,tillhewaslosttosight.ThegeneralSadamitsuwentonhiswayrejoicingathavingsounexpectedlyfoundsuchaprodigyasKintaro.HavingarrivedattheirdestinationthegeneraltookKintaroatoncetohisLord,Minamoto-no-Raiko,andtoldhimallaboutKintaroand

howhehadfoundthechild.LordRaikowasdelightedwiththestory,andhavingcommandedKintarotobebroughttohim,madehimoneofhisvassalsatonce.LordRaiko'sarmywasfamousforitsbandcalled"TheFourBraves".Thesewarriorswerechosenbyhimselffromamongstthebravestandstrongestofhissoldiers,andthesmallandwell-pickedbandwas

distinguishedthroughoutthewholeofJapanforthedauntlesscourageofitsmen.WhenKintarogrewuptobeamanhismastermadehimtheChiefoftheFourBraves.Hewasbyfarthestrongestofthemall.Soonafterthisevent,newswasbroughttothecitythatacannibalmonsterhadtakenuphisabodenotfarawayandthatpeoplewerestrickenwithfear.LordRaikoordered

Kintarototherescue.Heimmediatelystartedoff,delightedattheprospectoftryinghissword.Surprisingthemonsterinitsden,hemadeshortworkofcuttingoffitsgreathead,whichhecarriedbackintriumphtohismaster.Kintaronowrosetobethegreatestheroofhiscountry,andgreatwasthepowerandhonorandwealththatcametohim.Henowkepthispromise

andbuiltacomfortablehomeforhisoldmother,wholivedhappilywithhimintheCapitaltotheendofherdays.Isnotthisthestoryofagreathero?

THESTORYOFPRINCESS

HASE.ASTORYOFOLDJAPAN.

MANY,manyyearsagotherelivedinNara,theancientCapitalofJapan,awiseState

minister,bynamePrinceToyonariFujiwara.Hiswifewasanoble,good,andbeautifulwomancalledPrincessMurasaki(Violet).TheyhadbeenmarriedbytheirrespectivefamiliesaccordingtoJapanesecustomwhenveryyoung,andhadlivedtogetherhappilyeversince.Theyhad,however,onecauseforgreatsorrow,forastheyearswentbynochildwasborntothem.This

madethemveryunhappy,fortheybothlongedtoseeachildoftheirownwhowouldgrowuptogladdentheiroldage,carryonthefamilyname,andkeepuptheancestralriteswhentheyweredead.ThePrinceandhislovelywife,afterlongconsultationandmuchthought,determinedtomakeapilgrimagetothetempleofHase-no-Kwannon(GoddessofMercyatHase),forthey

believed,accordingtothebeautifultraditionoftheirreligion,thattheMotherofMercy,Kwannon,comestoanswertheprayersofmortalsintheformthattheyneedthemost.Surelyafteralltheseyearsofprayershewouldcometothemintheformofabelovedchildinanswertotheirspecialpilgrimage,forthatwasthegreatestneedoftheirtwolives.Everythingelsetheyhadthatthislife

couldgivethem,butitwasallasnothingbecausethecryoftheirheartswasunsatisfied.SothePrinceToyonariandhiswifewenttothetempleofKwannonatHaseandstayedthereforalongtime,bothdailyofferingincenseandprayingtoKwannon,theHeavenlyMother,tograntthemthedesireoftheirwholelives.Andtheirprayerwasanswered.Adaughterwasbornatlastto

thePrincessMurasaki,andgreatwasthejoyofherheart.OnpresentingthechildtoherhusbandtheybothdecidedtocallherHase-Hime,orthePrincessofHase,becauseshewasthegiftoftheKwannonatthatplace.Theybothrearedherwithgreatcareandtenderness,andthechildgrewinstrengthandbeauty."Whenthelittlegirlwasfiveyearsoldhermotherfelldangerouslyillandallthe

doctorsandtheirmedicinescouldnotsaveher.Alittlebeforeshebreathedherlastshecalledherdaughtertoher,andgentlystrokingherhead,said:"Hase-Hime,doyouknowthatyourmothercannotliveanylonger?ThoughIdie,youmustgrowupagoodgirl.Doyourbestnottogivetroubletoyournurseoranyotherofyourfamily.Perhapsyourfatherwillmarryagain

andsomeonewillfillmyplaceasyourmother.Ifsodonotgrieveforme,butlookuponyourfather'ssecondwifeasyourtruemother,andbeobedientandfilialtobothherandyourfather.Rememberwhenyouaregrownuptobesubmissivetothosewhoareyoursuperiors,andtobekindtoallthosewhoareunderyou.Don'tforgetthis.Idiewiththehopethatyouwillgrowupamodel

woman".Hase-Himelistenedinanattitudeofrespectwhilehermotherspoke,andpromisedtodoallthatshewastold.Thereisaproverbwhichsays"Asthesoulisatthreesoitisatonehundred",andsoHase-Himegrewupashermotherhadwished,agoodandobedientlittlePrincess,thoughshewasnowtooyoungtounderstandhowgreatwasthelossofher

mother.Notlongafterthedeathofhisfirstwife,PrinceToyonarimarriedagain,aladyofnoblebirthnamedPrincessTerute.Verydifferentincharacter,alas!tothegoodandwisePrincessMura-saki,thiswomanhadacruel,badheart.Shedidnotloveherstep-daughteratall,andwasoftenveryunkindtothelittlemotherlessgirl,sayingtoherself:

"Thisisnotmychild!thisisnotmychild!"ButHase-Himeboreeveryunkindnesswithpatience,andevenwaiteduponherstep-motherkindlyandobeyedherineverywayandnevergaveanytrouble,justasshehadbeentrainedbyherowngoodmother,sothattheLadyTerutehadnocauseforcomplaintagainsther.ThelittlePrincesswasverydiligent,andherfavorite

studiesweremusicandpoetry.Shewouldspendseveralhourspracticingeveryday,andherfatherhadthemostproficientofmastershecouldfindtoteachherthekoto(Japaneseharp),theartofwritinglettersandverse.Whenshewastwelveyearsofageshecouldplaysobeautifullythatsheandherstep-motherweresummonedtothePalacetoperformbeforetheEmperor.

ItwastheFestivaloftheCherryFlowers,andthereweregreatfestivitiesattheCourt.TheEmperorthrewhimselfintotheenjoymentoftheseason,andcommandedthatPrincessHaseshouldperformbeforehimonthekoto,andthathermotherPrincessTeruteshouldaccompanyherontheflute.TheEmperorsatonaraiseddais,beforewhichwashungacurtainoffinely-sliced

bambooandpurpletassels,sothatHisMajestymightseeallandnotbeseen,fornoordinarysubjectwasallowedtolookeduponhissacredface.Hase-Himewasaskilledmusicianthoughsoyoung,andoftenastonishedhermastersbyherwonderfulmemoryandtalent.Onthismomentousoccasionsheplayedwell.ButPrincessTerute,herstep-mother,who

wasalazywomanandnevertookthetroubletopracticedaily,brokedowninheraccompanimentandhadtorequestoneoftheCourtladiestotakeherplace.Thiswasagreatdisgrace,andshewasfuriouslyjealoustothinkthatshehadfailedwhereherstep-daughtersucceeded;andtomakemattersworsetheEmperorsentmanybeautifulgiftstothelittlePrincesstorewardherforplayingsowell

atthePalace.TherewasalsonowanotherreasonwhyPrincessTerutehatedherstep-daughter,for'shehadhadthegoodfortunetohaveasonborntoher,andinherinmostheartshekeptsaying:"IfonlyHase-Himewerenothere,mysonwouldhavealltheloveofhisfather".Andneverhavinglearnedtocontrolherself,sheallowedthiswickedthoughttogrow

intotheawfuldesireoftakingherstep-daughter'slife.Soonedayshesecretlyorderedsomepoisonandpoisonedsomesweetwine.Thispoisonedwinesheputintoabottle.Intoanothersimilarbottleshepouredsomegoodwine.ItwastheoccasionoftheBoys'FestivalonthefifthofMay,andHase-Himewasplayingwithherlittlebrother.Allhistoysofwarriorsandheroeswere

spreadoutandshewastellinghimwonderfulstoriesabouteachofthem.Theywerebothenjoyingthemselvesandlaughingmerrilywiththeirattendantswhenhismotherentered^withthetwobottlesofwineandsomedeliciouscakes."Youarebothsogoodandhappy",saidthewickedPrincessTerutewithasmile,"thatIhavebroughtyousomesweetwineasareward—

andherearesomenicecakesformygoodchildren".Andshefilledtwocupsfromthedifferentbottles.Hase-Hime,neverdreamingofthedreadfulpartherstep-motherwasacting,tookoneofthecupsofwineandgavetoherlittlestepbrothertheotherthathadbeenpouredoutforhim.Thewickedwomanhadcarefullymarkedthepoisonedbottle,buton

comingintotheroomshehadgrownnervous,andpouringoutthewinehurriedlyhadunconsciouslygiventhepoisonedcuptoherownchild.AllthistimeshewasanxiouslywatchingthelittlePrincess,buttoheramazementnochangewhatevertookplaceintheyounggirl'sface.Suddenlythelittleboyscreamedandthrewhimselfonthefloor,doubledupwithpain.His

motherflewtohim,takingtheprecautiontoupsetthetwotinyjarsofwinewhichshehadbroughtintotheroom,andliftedhimup.Theattendantsrushedforthedoctor,butnothingcouldsavethechild—hediedwithinthehourinhismother'sarms.Doctorsdidnotknowmuchinthoseancienttimes,anditwasthoughtthatthewinehaddisagreedwiththeboy,

causingconvulsionsofwhichhedied.Thuswasthewickedwomanpunishedinlosingherownchildwhenshehadtriedtodoawaywithherstep-daughter;butinsteadofblamingherselfshebegantohateHase-Himemorethaneverinthebitternessandwretchednessofherownheart,andsheeagerlywatchedforanopportunitytodoherharm,whichwas,however,longin

coming.WhenHase-Himewasthirteenyearsofage,shehadalreadybecomementionedasapoetessofsomemerit.ThiswasanaccomplishmentverymuchcultivatedbythewomenofoldJapanandoneheldinhighesteem.ItwastherainyseasonatNara,andfloodswerereportedeverydayasdoingdamageintheneighborhood.TheriverTatsuta,which

flowedthroughtheImperialPalacegrounds,wasswollentothetopofitsbanks,andtheroaringofthetorrentsofwaterrushingalonganarrowbedsodisturbedtheEmperor'srestdayandnight,thataseriousnervousdisorderwastheresult.AnImperialEdictwassentforthtoalltheBuddhisttemplescommandingtheprieststoofferupcontinuousprayerstoHeaventostopthenoiseof

theflood.Butthiswasofnoavail.ThenitwaswhisperedinCourtcirclesthatthePrincessHase,thedaughterofPrinceToyonariFujiwara,secondministeratCourt,wasthemostgiftedpoetessoftheday,thoughstillsoyoung,andhermastersconfirmedthereport.Longago,abeautifulandgiftedmaiden-poetesshadmovedHeavenbyprayinginverse,had

broughtdownrainuponalandfamishedwithdrought—sosaidtheancientbiographersofthepoetessOno-no-Komachi.IfthePrincessHaseweretowriteapoemandofferitinprayer,mightitnotstopthenoiseoftherushingriverandremovethecauseoftheImperialillness?WhattheCourtsaidatlastreachedtheearsoftheEmperorhimself,andhesentanordertotheminister

PrinceToyonaritothiseffect.GreatindeedwasHase-Hime'sfearandastonishmentwhenherfathersentforherandtoldherwhatwasrequiredofher.Heavy,indeed,wasthedutythatwaslaidonheryoungshoulders—thatofsavingtheEmperor'slifebythemeritofherverse.Atlastthedaycameandherpoemwasfinished.Itwaswrittenonaleafletofpaper

heavilyfleckedwithgold-dust.WithherfatherandattendantsandsomeoftheCourtofficials,sheproceededtothebankoftheroaringtorrentandraisingupherhearttoHeaven,shereadthepoemshehadcomposed,aloud,liftingitheavenwardsinhertwohands.Strangeindeeditseemedtoallthosestandinground.Thewatersceasedtheirroaring,andtheriverwasquietin

directanswertoherprayer.AfterthistheEmperorsoonrecoveredhishealth.KisMajestywashighlypleased,andsentforhertothePalaceandrewardedherwiththerankofChinjo—thatofLieutenant-General—todistinguishher.FromthattimeshewascalledChinjo-hime,ortheLieutenant-GeneralPrincess,andrespectedandlovedbyall.Therewasonlyoneperson

whowasnotpleasedatHase-Hime'ssuccess.Thatonewasherstepmother.Foreverbroodingoverthedeathofherownchildwhomshehadkilledwhentryingtopoisonherstep-daughter,shehadthemortificationofseeingherrisetopowerandhonor,markedbyImperialfavorandtheadmirationofthewholeCourt.Herenvyandjealousyburnedinherheartlikefire.Manyweretheliesshe

carriedofher.

HerFathersentforher,andtoldherwhatwasRequiredtoherhusbandaboutHase-Hime,butailtonopurpose.Hewouldlistentononeofhertales,tellinghersharplythatshewas

quitemistaken.JapaneseFairyTales

Atlastthestep-mother,seizingtheopportunityofherhusband'sabsence,orderedoneofheroldservantstotaketheinnocentgirltotheHibariMountains,thewildestpartofthecountry,andtokillherthere.SheinventedadreadfulstoryaboutthelittlePrincess,sayingthatthiswastheonlywaytopreventdisgracefallinguponthefamily—bykillingher.Katoda,hervassal,was

boundtoobeyhismistress.Anyhow,hesawthatitwouldbethewisestplantopretendobedienceintheabsenceofthegirl'sfather,soheplacedHase-Himeinapalanquinandaccompaniedhertothemostsolitaryplacehecouldfindinthewilddistrict.Thepoorchildknewtherewasnogoodinprotestingtoherunkindstep-motheratbeingsentawayinthisstrangemanner,soshewentasshe

wastold.ButtheoldservantknewthattheyoungPrincesswasquiteinnocentofallthethingsherstepmotherhadinventedtohimasreasonsforheroutrageousorders,andhedeterminedtosaveherlife.Unlesshekilledher,however,hecouldnotreturntohiscrueltask-mistress,sohedecidedtostayoutinthewilderness.Withthehelpofsomepeasantshesoonbuilta

littlecottage,andhavingsentsecretlyforhiswifetocome,thesetwogoodoldpeopledidallintheirpowertotakecareofthenowunfortunatePrincess.Sheallthetimetrustedinherfather,knowingthatassoonashereturnedhomeandfoundherabsent,hewouldsearchforher.PrinceToyonari,aftersomeweeks,camehome,andwastoldbyhiswifethathisdaughterHase-Himehad

donesomethingwrongandhadrunawayforfearofbeingpunished.Hewasnearlyillwithanxiety.Everyoneinthehousetoldthesamestory—thatHase-Himehadsuddenlydisappeared,noneofthemknewwhyorwhither.Forfearofscandalhekeptthematterquiteandsearchedeverywherehecouldthinkof,butalltonopurpose.Oneday,tryingtoforgethis

terribleworry,hecalledallhismentogetherandtoldthemtomakereadyforaseveraldays'huntinthemountains.Theyweresoonreadyandmounted,waitingatthegatefortheirlord.HerodehardandfasttothedistrictoftheHibariMountains,agreatcompanyfollowinghim.Hewassoonfaraheadofeveryone,andatlastfoundhimselfinanarrowpicturesquevalley.

Lookingroundandadmiringthescenery,henoticedatinyhouseononeofthehillsquitenear,andthenhedistinctlyheardabeautifulclearvoicereadingaloud.Seizedwithcuriosityastowhocouldbestudyingsodiligentlyinsuchalonelyspot,hedismounted,andleavinghishorsetohisgroom,hewalkedupthehillsideandapproachedthecottage.Ashedrewnearerhissurpriseincreased,forhe

couldseethatthereaderwasabeautifulgirl.Thecottagewaswideopenandshewassittingfacingtheview.Listeningattentively,heheardherreadingtheBuddhistscriptureswithgreatdevotion.Moreandmorecurious,hehurriedontothetinygateandenteredthelittlegarden,andlookingupbeheldhislostdaughterHase-Hime.Shewassointentonwhatshewassayingthat

sheneitherheardnorsawherfathertillhespoke.

TakenbySurprise,shecouldhardlyrealizethatitwasherFather.JapaneseFairyTales

"Hase-Hime!"hecried,"itisyou,myHase-Hime!"Takenbysurprise,shecouldhardlyrealizethatitwasherowndearfatherwhowascallingher,andforamomentshewasutterlybereftofthepowertospeakormove."Myfather,myfather!Itisindeedyou—oh,myfather!"wasallshecouldsay,andrunningtohimshecaughtholdofhisthicksleeve,andburyingherfaceburstintoa

passionoftears.Herfatherstrokedherdarkhair,askinghergentlytotellhimallthathadhappened,butsheonlywepton,andhewonderedifhewerenotreallydreaming.ThenthefaithfuloldservantKatodacameout,andbowinghimselftothegroundbeforehismaster,pouredoutthelongtaleofwrong,tellinghimallthathadhappened,andhowitwasthathefound

hisdaughterinsuchawildanddesolatespotwithonlytwooldservantstotakecareofher.ThePrince'sastonishmentandindignationknewnobounds.Hegaveupthehuntatonceandhurriedhomewithhisdaughter.Oneofthecompanygallopedaheadtoinformthehouseholdofthegladnews,andthestep-motherhearingwhathadhappened,andfearfulof

meetingherhusbandnowthatherwickednesswasdiscovered,fledfromthehouseandreturnedindisgracetoherfather'sroof,andnothingmorewasheardofher.TheoldservantKatodawasrewardedwiththehighestpromotioninhismaster'sservice,andlivedhappilytotheendofhisdays,devotedtothelittlePrincess,whoneverforgotthatsheowed

herlifetothisfaithfulretainer.Shewasnolongertroubledbyanunkindstep-mother,andherdayspassedhappilyandquietlywithherfather.AsPrinceToyonarihadnoson,headoptedayoungersonofoneoftheCourtnoblestobehisheir,andtomarryhisdaughterHase-Hime,andinafewyearsthemarriagetookplace.Hase-Himelivedtoagoodoldage,

andallsaidthatshewasthewisest,mostdevout,andmostbeautifulmistressthathadeverreignedinPrinceToyo-nari'sancienthouse.Shehadthejoyofpresentingherson,thefuturelordofthefamily,toherfatherjustbeforeheretiredfromactivelife.TothisdaythereispreservedapieceofneedleworkinoneoftheBuddhisttemplesofKioto.Itisabeautifulpieceoftapestry,withthefigureof

Buddhaembroideredinthesilkythreadsdrawnfromthestemofthelotus.ThisissaidtohavebeentheworkofthehandsofthegoodPrincessHase.

THESTORYOFTHEMANWHODIDNOTWISHTODIE.

LONG,longagotherelivedamancalledSen-taro.Hissurnamemeant"Millionaire",butalthoughhewasnotsorichasallthat,hewasstill

veryfarremovedfrombeingpoor.Hehadinheritedasmallfortunefromhisfatherandlivedonthis,spendinghistimecarelessly,withoutanyseriousthoughtsofwork,tillhewasaboutthirty-twoyearsofage.Oneday,withoutanyreasonwhatsoever,thethoughtofdeathandsicknesscametohim.Theideaoffallingillordyingmadehimverywretched.

"Ishouldliketolive",hesaidtohimself,"tillIamfiveorsixhundredyearsoldatleast,freefromallsickness.Theordinaryspanofaman'slifeisveryshort".Hewonderedwhetheritwerepossible,bylivingsimplyandfrugallyhenceforth,toprolonghislifeaslongashewished.Heknewthereweremanystoriesinancienthistoryofemperorswhohadliveda

thousandyears,andtherewasaPrincessofYamato,who,itwassaid,livedtothe-ageoffivehundred.Thiswasthelateststoryofaverylonglifeonrecord.SentarohadoftenheardthetaleoftheChineseKingnamedShin-no-Shiko.HewasoneofthemostableandpowerfulrulersinChinesehistory.,Hebuiltallthelargepalaces,andalsothefamousgreatwallofChina.Hehad

everythingintheworldhecouldwishfor,butinspiteofallhishappinessandtheluxuryandthesplendorofhisCourt,thewisdomofhiscouncilorsandthegloryofhisreign,hewasmiserablebecauseheknewthatonedayhemustdieandleaveitall.WhenShin-no-Shikowenttobedatnight,whenheroseinthemorning,ashewentthroughhisday,thethoughtofdeathwasalwayswith

him.Hecouldnotgetawayfromit.Ah—ifonlyhecouldfindthe"ElixirofLife",hewouldbehappy.TheEmperoratlastcalledameetingofhiscourtiersandaskedthemalliftheycouldnotfindforhimthe"ElixirofLife"ofwhichhehadsooftenreadandheard.Oneoldcourtier,Jofukubyname,saidthatfarawayacrosstheseastherewasacountrycalledHoraizan,and

thatcertainhermitslivedtherewhopossessedthesecretofthe"ElixirofLife".Whoeverdrankofthiswonderfuldraughtlivedforever.TheEmperororderedJofukutosetoutforthelandofHoraizan,tofindthehermits,andtobringhimbackaphialofthemagicelixir.HegaveJofukuoneofhisbestjunks,fitteditoutforhim,andloadeditwithgreatquantities

oftreasuresandpreciousstonesforJofukutotakeaspresentstothehermits.JofukusailedforthelandofHoraizan,butheneverreturnedtothewaitingEmperor;buteversincethattimeMountFujihasbeensaidtobethefabledHoraizanandthehomeofhermitswhohadthesecretoftheelixir,andJofukuhasbeenworshippedastheirpatrongod.

NowSentarodeterminedtosetouttofindthehermits,andifhecould,tobecomeone,sothathemightobtainthewaterofperpetuallife.HerememberedthatasachildhehadbeentoldthatnotonlydidthesehermitsliveonMountFuji,butthattheyweresaidtoinhabitalltheveryhighpeaks.Sohelefthisoldhometothecareofhisrelatives,andstartedoutonhisquest.He

traveledthroughallthemountainousregionsoftheland,climbingtothetopsofthehighestpeaks,butneverahermitdidhefind.Atlast,afterwanderinginanunknownregionformanydays,hemetahunter."Canyoutellme",askedSentaro,"wherethehermitslivewhohavetheElixirofLife?""No,"saidthehunter;"Ican'ttell}'ouwheresuchhermits

live,butthereisanotoriousrobberlivingintheseparts.Itissaidthatheischiefofabandoftwohundredfollowers".ThisoddanswerirritatedSentaroverymuch,andliethoughthowfoolishitwastowastemoretimeinlookingforthehermitsinthisway,sohedecidedtogoatoncetotheshrineofJofuku,whoisworshippedasthepatrongodofthehermitsinthesouthof

Japan.Sentaroreachedtheshrineandprayedforsevendays,entreatingJofukutoshowhimthewaytoahermitwhocouldgivehimwhathewantedsomuchtofind.Atmidnightoftheseventhday,asSentarokneltinthetemple,thedooroftheinnermostshrineflewopen,andJofukuappearedinaluminouscloud,andcallingtoSentarotocomenearer,

spokethus:"Yourdesireisaveryselfishoneandcannotbeeasilygranted.YouthinkthatyouwouldliketobecomeahermitsoastofindtheElixirofLife.Doyouknowhowhardahermit'slifeis?Ahermitisonlyallowedtoeatfruitandberriesandthebarkofpinetrees;ahermitmustcuthimselfofffromtheworldsothathisheartmaybecomeaspureasgoldand

freefromeveryearthlydesire.Graduallyafterfollowingthesestrictrules,thehermitceasestofeelhungerorcoldorheat,andhisbodybecomessolightthathecanrideonacraneoracarp,andcanwalkonwaterwithoutgettinghisfeetwet."You,Sentaro,arefondofgoodlivingandofeverycomfort.Youarenotevenlikeanordinaryman,foryouareexceptionallyidle,and

moresensitivetoheatandcoldthanmostpeople.Youwouldneverbeabletogobarefootortowearonlyonethindressinthewintertime!Doyouthinkthatyouwouldeverhavethepatienceortheendurancetoliveahermit'slife?"Inanswertoyourprayer,however,Iwillhelpyouinanotherway.IwillsendyoutothecountryofPerpetualLife,wheredeathnever

comes—wherethepeopleliveforever!"

TheCraneflewaway,rightouttoSea.JapaneseFairyTales

Sayingthis,JofukuputintoSentaro'shandalittlecranemadeofpaper,tellinghimtositonitshackanditwouldcarryhimthere.Sentaroobeyedwonderingly.Thecranegrewlargeenoughforhimtorideonitwithcomfort.Itthenspreaditswings,rosehighintheair,andflewawayoverthemountainsrightouttosea.Sentarowasatfirstquitefrightened;butbydegreeshe

grewaccustomedtotheswiftflightthroughtheair.Onandontheywentforthousandsofmiles.Thebirdneverstoppedforrestorfood,butasitwasapaperbirditdoubtlessdidnotrequireanynourishment,andstrangetosay,neitherdidSentaro.Afterseveraldaystheyreachedanisland.Thecraneflewsomedistanceinlandandthenalighted.AssoonasSentarogotdown

fromthebird'sback,thecranefoldedupofitsownaccordandflewintohispocket.NowSentarobegantolookabouthimwonderingly,curioustoseewhatthecountryofPerpetualLifewaslike.Hewalkedfirstroundaboutthecountryandthenthroughthetown.Everythingwas,ofcourse,quitestrange,anddifferentfromhisownland.Butboththelandand

thepeopleseemedprosperous,sohedecidedthatitwouldbegoodforhimtostaythereandtookuplodgingsatoneofthehotels.Theproprietorwasakindman,andwhenSentarotoldhimthathewasastrangerandhadcometolivethere,hepromisedtoarrangeeverythingthatwasnecessarywiththegovernorofthecityconcerningSeutaro'ssojournthere.Heevenfoundahouse

forhisguest,andinthiswaySentaroobtainedhisgreatwishandbecamearesidentinthecountryofPerpetualLife.Withinthememoryofalltheislandersnomanhadeverdiedthere,andsicknesswasathingunknown.PriestshadcomeoverfromIndiaandChinaandtoldthemofabeautifulcountrycalledParadise,wherehappinessandblissandcontentmentfillallmen'shearts,butitsgates

couldonlybereachedbydying.Thistraditionwashandeddownforagesfromgenerationtogeneration—butnoneknewexactlywhatdeathwasexceptthatitledtoParadise.QuiteunlikeSentaroandotherordinarypeople,insteadofhavingagreatdreadofdeath,theyall,bothrichandpoor,longedforitassomethinggoodanddesirable.Theywerealltired

oftheirlong,longlives,andlongedtogotothehappylandofcontentmentcalledParadiseofwhichthepriestshadtoldthemcenturiesago.AllthisSentarosoonfoundoutbytalkingtotheislanders.Hefoundhimself,accordingtohisideas,inthelandofTopsyturvydom.Everythingwasupsidedown.Hehadwishedtoescapefromdying.HehadcometothelandofPerpetualLifewith

greatreliefandjoy,onlytofindthattheinhabitantsthemselves,doomednevertodie,wouldconsideritblisstofinddeath.Whathehadhithertoconsideredpoisonthesepeopleateasgoodfood,andallthethingstowhichhehadbeenaccustomedasfoodtheyrejected.Wheneveranymerchantsfromothercountriesarrived,therichpeoplerushedtothemeager

tobuypoisons.Thesetheyswallowedeagerly,hopingfordeathtocomesothattheymightgotoParadise.Butwhatweredeadlypoisonsinotherlandswerewithouteffectinthisstrangeplace,andpeoplewhoswallowedthemwiththehopeofdying,onlyfoundthatinashorttimetheyfeltbetterinhealthinsteadofworse.Vainlytheytriedtoimaginewhatdeathcouldbelike.The

wealthywouldhavegivenalltheirmoneyandalltheirgoodsiftheycouldbutshortentheirlivestotwoorthreehundredyearseven.Withoutanychangetoliveonforeverseemedtothispeoplewearisomeandsad.Inthechemistshopstherewasadrugwhichwasinconstantdemand,becauseafterusingitforahundredyears,itwassupposedtoturnthehairslightlygrayandto

bringaboutdisordersofthestomach.Sentarowasastonishedtofindthatthepoisonousglobe-fishwasservedupinrestaurantsasadelectabledish,andhawkersinthestreetswentaboutsellingsaucesmadeofSpanishflies.Heneversawanyoneillaftereatingthesehorriblethings,nordidheeverseeanyonewithasmuchasacold.Seutarowasdelighted.He

saidtohimselfthathewouldnevergrowtiredofliving,andthatheconsidereditprofanetowishfordeath.Hewastheonlyhappymanontheisland.Forhisparthewishedtolivethousandsofyearsandtoenjoylife.Hesethimselfupinbusiness,andforthepresentneverevendreamedofgoingbacktohisnativeland.Asyearswentby,however,thingsdidnotgoassmoothly

asatfirst.Hehadheavylossesinbusiness,andseveraltimessomeaffairswentwrongwithhisneighbors.Thiscausedhimgreatannoyance.Timepassedliketheflightofanarrowforhim,forhewasbusyfrommorningtillnight.Threehundredyearswentbyinthismonotonousway,andthenatlasthebegantogrowtiredoflifeinthiscountry,andhelongedtoseehisown

landandhisoldhome.Howeverlonghelivedhere,lifewouldalwaysbethesame,sowasitnotfoolishandwearisometostayonhereforever?Sentaro,inhiswishtoescapefromthecountryofPerpetualLife,recollectedJofuku,whohadhelpedhimbeforewhenhewaswishingtoescapefromdeath—andheprayedtothesainttobringhimbacktohisownlandagain.

Nosoonerdidhepraythanthepapercranepoppedoutofhispocket.Sentarowasamazedtoseethatithadremainedundamagedafteralltheseyears.Oncemorethebirdgrewandgrewtillitwaslargeenoughforhimtomountit.Ashedidso,thebirdspreaditswingsandflewswiftlyoutacrosstheseainthedirectionofJapan.Suchwasthewillfulnessoftheman'snaturethathe

lookedbackandregrettedallhehadleftbehind.Hetriedtostopthebirdinvain.Thecraneheldonitswayforthousandsofmilesacrosstheocean.Thenastormcameon,andthewonderfulpapercranegotdamp,crumpledup,andfellintothesea.Sentarofellwithit.Verymuchfrightenedatthethoughtofbeingdrowned,hecriedoutloudlytoJofukutosavehim.Helookedround,

buttherewasnoshipinsight.Heswallowedaquantityofsea-water,whichonlyincreasedhismiserableplight.Whilehewasthusstrugglingtokeephimselfafloat,hesawamonstroussharkswimmingtowardshim.Asitcameneareritopeneditshugemouthreadytodevourhim.Sentarowasallbutparalyzedwithfearnowthathefelthisendsonear,andscreamedoutas

loudlyaseverhecouldtoJofukutocomeandrescuehim.Lo,andbehold,Sentarowasawakenedbyhisownscreams,tofindthatduringhislongprayerhehadfallenasleepbeforetheshrine,andthatallhisextraordinaryandfrightfuladventureshadbeenonlyawilddream.Hewasinacoldperspirationwithfright,andutterlybewildered.Suddenlyabrightlightcame

towardshim,andinthelightstoodamessenger.Themessengerheldabookinhishand,andspoketoSentaro:"IamsenttoyoubyJofuku,whoinanswertoyourprayer,haspermittedyouinadreamtoseethelandofPerpetualLife.Butyougrewwearyoflivingthere,andbeggedtobeallowedtoreturntoyournativelandsothatyoumightdie.Jofuku,sothathemighttryyou,allowedyoutodrop

intothesea,andthensentasharktoswallowyouup.Yourdesirefordeathwasnotreal,forevenatthatmomentyoucriedoutloudlyandshoutedforhelp."Itisalsovainforyoutowishtobecomeahermit,ortofindtheElixirofLife.Thesethingsarenotforsuchasyou—yourlifeisnotaustereenough.Itisbestforyoutogobacktoyourpaternalhome,andtoliveagoodand

industriouslife.Neverneglecttokeeptheanniversariesofyourancestors,andmakeityourdutytoprovideforyourchildren'sfuture.Thuswillyoulivetoagoodoldageandbehappy,butgiveupthevaindesiretoescapedeath,fornomancandothat,andbythistimeyouhavesurelyfoundoutthatevenwhenselfishdesiresaregrantedtheydonotbringhappiness.

"InthisbookIgiveyoutherearemanypreceptsgoodforyoutoknow—ifyoustudythem,youwillbeguidedinthewayIhavepointedouttoyou".Theangeldisappearedassoonashehadfinishedspeaking,andSentarotookthelessontoheart.Withthebookinhishandhereturnedtohisoldhome,andgivingupallhisoldvainwishes,triedtoliveagoodanduseful

lifeandtoobservethelessonstaughthiminthebook,andheandhishouseprosperedhenceforth.

THEBAMBOO-CUTTERANDTHEMOON-

CHILD.

LONG,longago,therelivedanoldbamboowood-cutter.Hewasverypoorandsadalso,fornochildhadHeavensenttocheerhisoldage,and

inhishearttherewasnohopeofrestfromworktillhediedandwaslaidinthequietgrave.Everymorninghewentforthintothewoodsandhillswhereverthebambooreareditslithegreenplumesagainstthesky.Whenhehadmadehischoice,hewouldcutdownthesefeathersoftheforest,andsplittingthemlengthwise,orcuttingthemintojoints,wouldcarrythebamboowoodhomeand

makeitintovariousarticlesforthehousehold,andheandhisoldwifegainedasmalllivelihoodbysellingthem.Onemorningasusualhehadgoneouttohiswork,andhavingfoundaniceclumpofbamboos,hadsettoworktocutsomeofthemdown.Suddenlythegreengroveofbambooswasfloodedwithabrightsoftlight,asifthefullmoonhadrisenoverthespot.Lookingroundin

astonishment,hesawthatthebrilliancewasstreamingfromonebamboo.Theoldman,fullofwonder,droppedhisaxeandwenttowardsthelight.Onnearerapproachhesawthatthissoftsplendorcamefromahollowinthegreenbamboostem,andstillmorewonderfultobehold,inthemidstofthebrilliancestoodatinyhumanbeing,onlythreeinchesinheight,andexquisitelybeautifulin

appearance."Youmustbesenttobemychild,forIfindyouhereamongthebambooswhereliesmydailyWork",saidtheoldman,andtakingthelittlecreatureinhishandhetookithometohiswifetobringup.Thetinygirlwassoexceedinglybeautifulandsosmall,thattheoldwomanputherintoabaskettosafeguardherfromtheleastpossibilityofbeinghurtinanyway.

Theoldcouplewerenowveryhappier,forithadbeenalifelongregretthattheyhadnochildrenoftheirown,andwithjoytheynowexpendedalltheloveoftheiroldageonthelittlechildwhohadcometotheminsomarvelousamanner.Fromthistimeon,theoldmanoftenfoundgoldinthenotchesofthebambooswhenhehewedthemdownandcutthemup;notonlygold,but

preciousstonesalso,sothatbydegreeshebecamerich.Hebuilthimselfafinehouse,andwasnolongerknownasthepoorbamboowoodcutter,butasawealthyman.Threemonthspassedquicklyaway,andinthattimethebamboochildhad,wonderfultosay,becomeafull-growngirl,soherfoster-parentsdidupherhairanddressedherinbeautiful'kimonos.Shewasofsuchwondrousbeautythat

theyplacedherbehindthescreenslikeaprincess,andallowednoonetoseeher,waitinguponherthemselves.Itseemedasifsheweremadeoflight,forthehousewasfilledwithasoftshining,sothateveninthedarkofnightitwaslikedaytime.Pierpresenceseemedtohaveabenigninfluenceonthosethere.Whenevertheoldmanfeltsad,hehadonlytolookuponhisfoster-daughterand

hissorrowvanished,andhe"becameashappyaswhenhewasayouth.Atlastthedaycameforthenamingoftheirnew-foundchild,sotheoldcouplecalledinacelebratedname-giver,andhegaveherthenameofPrincessMoonlight,becauseherbodygaveforthsomuchsoftbrightlightthatshemighthavebeenadaughteroftheMoonGod.Forthreedaysthefestival

waskeptupwithsonganddanceandmusic.Allthefriendsandrelationsoftheoldcouplewerepresent,andgreatwastheirenjoymentofthefestivitiesheldtocelebratethenamingofPrincessMoonlight.Everyonewhosawherdeclaredthatthereneverhadbeenseenanyonesolovely;allthebeautiesthroughoutthelengthandbreadthofthelandwouldgrowpalebesideher,

sotheysaid.ThefameofthePrincess'slovelinessspreadfarandwide,andmanywerethesuitorswhodesiredtowinherhand,orevensomuchastoseeher.Suitorsfromfarandnearpostedthemselvesoutsidethehouse,andmadelittleholesinthefence,inthehopeofcatchingaglimpseofthePrincessasshewentfromoneroomtotheotheralongtheveranda.Theystayedthere

dayandnight,sacrificingeventheirsleepforachanceofseeingher,butallinvain.Thentheyapproachedthehouse,andtriedtospeaktotheoldmanandhiswifeorsomeoftheservants,butnoteventhiswasgrantedthem.Still,inspiteofallthisdisappointmenttheystayedondayafterday,andnightafternight,andcounteditasnothing,sogreatwastheirdesiretoseethePrincess.

Atlast,however,mostofthemen,seeinghowhopelesstheirquestwas,lostheartandhopeboth,andreturnedtotheirhomes.AllexceptfiveKnights,whoseardoranddetermination,insteadofwaning,seemedtowaxgreaterwithobstacles.Thesefivemenevenwentwithouttheirmeals,andtooksnatchesofwhatevertheycouldgetbroughttothem,sothattheymightalwaysstandoutside

thedwelling.Theystoodthereinallweathers,insunshineandinrain.SometimestheywroteletterstothePrincess,butnoanswerwasvouchsafedtothem.Thenwhenlettersfailedtodrawanyreply,theywrotepoemstohertellingherofthehopelesslovewhichkeptthemfromsleep,fromfood,fromrest,andevenfromtheirhomes.StillPrincessMoonlightgavenosignof

havingreceivedtheirverses.Inthishopelessstatethewinterpassed.Thesnowandfrostandthecoldwindsgraduallygaveplacetothegentlewarmthofspring.Thenthesummercame,andthesunburnedwhiteandscorchingintheheavensaboveandontheearthbeneath,andstillthesefaithfulKnightskeptwatchandwaited.Attheendoftheselongmonthstheycalled

outtotheoldbamboo-cutterandentreatedhimtohavesomemercyuponthemandtoshowthemthePrincess,butheansweredonlythatashewasnotherrealfatherhecouldnotinsistonherobeyinghimagainstherwishes.ThefiveKnightsonreceivingthissternanswerreturnedtotheirseveralhomes,andponderedoverthebestmeansoftouchingtheproud

Princess'sheart,evensomuchastograntthemahearing.Theytooktheirrosariesinhandandkneltbeforetheirhouseholdshrines,andburnedpreciousincense,prayingtoBuddhatogivethemtheirheart'sdesire.Thusseveraldayspassed,butevensotheycouldnotrestintheirhomes.Soagaintheysetoutforthebamboo-cutter'shouse.Thistimetheoldmancameoutto

seethem,andtheyaskedhimtoletthemknowifitwasthePrincess'sresolutionnevertoseeanymanwhatsoever,andtheyimploredhimtospeakforthemandtotellherthegreatnessoftheirlove,andhowlongtheyhadwaitedthroughthecoldofwinterandtheheatofsummer,sleeplessandrooflessthroughallweathers,withoutfoodandwithoutrest,intheardenthopeofwinningher,andthey

werewillingtoconsiderthislongvigilaspleasureifshewouldbutgivethemonechanceofpleadingtheircausewithher.Theoldmanlentawillingeartotheirtaleoflove,forinhisinmosthearthefeltsorryforthesefaithfulsuitorsandwouldhavelikedtoseehislovelyfoster-daughtermarriedtooneofthem.SohewentintoPrincessMoonlightandsaidreverently:

"Althoughyouhavealwaysseemedtometobeaheavenlybeing,yetIhavehadthetroubleofbringingyouupasmyownchildandyouhavebeengladoftheprotectionofmyroof.WillyourefusetodoasIwish?"ThenPrincessMoonlightrepliedthattherewasnothingshewouldnotdoforhim,thatshehonoredandlovedhimasherownfather,andthatasforherselfshecouldnot

rememberthetimebeforeshecametoearth.Theoldmanlistenedwithgreatjoyasshespokethesedutifulwords.Thenhetoldherhowanxioushewastoseehersafelyandhappilymarriedbeforehedied."Iamanoldman,overseventyyearsofage,andmyendmaycomeanytimenow.Itisnecessaryandrightthatyoushouldseethesefivesuitorsandchooseoneof

them"."Oh,why",saidthePrincessindistress,"mustIdothis?Ihavenowishtomarrynow"."Ifoundyou",answeredtheoldman,"manyyearsago,whenyouwerealittlecreaturethreeincheshigh,inthemidstofagreatwhitelight.Thelightstreamedfromthebambooinwhichyouwerehidandledmetoyou.SoIhavealwaysthoughtthatyouweremorethanmortal

woman.WhileIamaliveitisrightforyoutoremainasyouareifyouwishtodoso,butsomedayIshallceasetobeandwhowilltakecareofyouthen?ThereforeIprayyoutomeetthesefivebravemenoneatatimeandmakeupyourmindtomarryoneofthem!"ThenthePrincessansweredthatshefeltsurethatshewasnotasbeautifulasperhapsreportmadeherouttobe,and

thatevenifsheconsentedtomarryanyoneofthem,notreallyknowingherbefore,hisheartmightchangeafterwards.Soasshedidnotfeelsureofthem,eventhoughherfathertoldhertheywereworthyKnights,shedidnotfeelitwisetoseethem."Allyousayisveryreasonable/'saidtheoldman,"butwhatkindofmenwillyouconsenttosee?Idonot

callthesefivemenwhohavewaitedonyouformonths,light-hearted.Theyhavestoodoutsidethishousethroughthewinterandthesummer,oftendenyingthemselvesfoodandsleepsothattheymaywinyou.Whatmorecanyoudemand?"ThenPrincessMoonlightsaidshemustmakefurthertrialoftheirlovebeforeshewouldgranttheirrequesttointerviewher.Thefive

warriorsweretoprovetheirlovebyeachbringingherfromdistantcountriessomethingthatshedesiredtopossess.Thatsameeveningthesuitorsarrivedandbegantoplaytheirflutesinturn,andtosingtheirself-composedsongstellingoftheirgreatandtirelesslove.Thebamboo-cutterwentouttothemandofferedthemhissympathyforalltheyhadenduredand

allthepatiencetheyhadshownintheirdesiretowinhisfoster-daughter.Thenhegavethemhermessage,thatshewouldconsenttomarrywhosoeverwassuccessfulinbring,ingherwhatshewanted.Thiswastotestthem.Thefiveallacceptedthetrial,andthoughtitanexcellentplan,foritwouldpreventjealousybetweenthem.PrincessMoonlightthensent

wordtotheFirstKnightthatsherequestedhimtobringherthestonebowlwhichhadbelongedtoBuddhainIndia.TheSecondKnightwasaskedtogototheMountainofHorai,saidtobesituatedintheEasternSea,andtobringherabranchofthewonderfultreethatgrewonitssummit.Therootsofthistreewereofsilver,thetrunkofgold,andthebranchesboreasfruitwhitejewels.

TheThirdKnightwastoldtogotoChinaandsearchforthefire-ratandtobringheritsskin.TheFourthKnightwastoldtosearchforthedragonthatcarriedonitsheadthestoneradiatingfivecolorsandtobringthestonetoher.TheFifthKnightwastofindtheswallowwhichcarriedashellinitsstomachandtobringtheshelltoher.Theoldmanthoughtthese

veryhardtasksandhesitatedtocarrythemessages,butthePrincesswouldmakenootherconditions.Sohercommandswereissuedwordforwordtothefivemenwho,whentheyheardwhatwasrequiredofthem,werealldisheartenedanddisgustedatwhatseemedtothemtheimpossibilityofthetasksgiventhemandreturnedtotheirownhomesindespair.Butafteratime,whenthey

thoughtofthePrincess,theloveintheirheartsrevivedforher,andtheyresolvedtomakeanattempttogetwhatshedesiredofthem.TheFirstKnightsentwordtothePrincessthatliewasstartingoutthatdayonthequestofBuddha'sbowl,andhehopedsoontobringittoher.ButhehadnotthecouragetogoallthewaytoIndia,forinthosedaystravelingwasverydifficult

andfullofdanger,sohewenttooneofthetemplesinKyotoandtookastonebowlfromthealtarthere,payingthepriestalargesumofmoneyforit.Hethenwrappeditinaclothofgoldand,waitingquietlyforthreeyears,returnedandcarriedittotheoldman.PrincessMoonlightwonderedthattheKnightshouldhavereturnedsosoon.Shetookthebowlfromitsgold

wrapping,expectingittomaketheroomfulloflight,butitdidnotshineatall,sosheknewthatitwasashamthingandnotthetruebowlofBuddha.Shereturneditatonceandrefusedtoseehim.TheKnightthrewthebowlawayandreturnedtohishomeindespair.HegaveupnowallhopesofeverwinningthePrincess.TheSecondKnighttoldhisparentsthatheneededchange

ofairforhishealth,forhewasashamedtotellthemthatloveforthePrincessMoonlightwastherealcauseofhisleavingthem.Hethenlefthishome,atthesametimesendingwordtothePrincessthathewassettingoutforMountHoraiinthehopeofgettingherabranchofthegoldandsilvertreewhichshesomuchwishedtohave.Heonlyallowedhisservantstoaccompanyhim

halfway,andthensentthemback.Hereachedtheseashoreandembarkedonasmallship,andaftersailingawayforthreedayshelandedandemployedseveralcarpenterstobuildhimahousecontrivedinsuchawaythatnoonecouldgetaccesstoit.Hethenshuthimselfupwithsixskilledjewelers,andendeavoredtomakesuchagoldandsilverbranchashethoughtwouldsatisfythe

PrincessashavingcomefromthewonderfultreegrowingonMountHorai.EveryonewhomhehadaskeddeclaredthatMountHoraibelongedtothelandoffableandnottofact.Whenthebranchwasfinished,hetookhisjourneyhomeandtriedtomakehimselflookasifhewereweariedandwornoutwithtravel.Heputthejeweledbranchintoalacquerboxand

carriedittothebamboo-cutter,begginghimtopresentittothePrincess.Theoldmanwasquitedeceivedbythetravel-stainedappearanceoftheKnight,andthoughtthathehadonlyjustreturnedfromhislongjourneywiththebranch.SohetriedtopersuadethePrincesstoconsenttoseetheman.Butsheremainedsilentandlookedverysad.Theoldmanbegantotakeoutthe

branchandpraiseditasawonderfultreasuretobefoundnowhereinthewholeland.ThenhespokeoftheKnight,'howhandsomeandhowbravehewastohaveundertakenajourneytosoremoteaplaceastheMountofHorai.PrincessMoonlighttookthebranchinherhandandlookedatitcarefully.Shethentoldherfoster-parentthatsheknewitwas

impossibleforthemantohaveobtainedabranchfromthegoldandsilvertreegrowingonMountHoraisoquicklyorsoeasily,andshewassorrytosayshebelieveditartificial.TheoldmanthenwentouttotheexpectantKnight,whohadnowapproachedthehouse,andaskedwherehehadfoundthebranch.Thenthemandidnotscrupletomakeupalongstory.

"TwoyearsagoItookashipandstartedinsearchofMountHorai.AftergoingbeforethewindforsometimeIreachedthefarEasternSea.ThenagreatstormaroseandIwastossedaboutformanydays,losingallcountofthepointsofthecompass,andfinallywewereblownashoreonanunknownisland.HereIfoundtheplaceinhabitedbydemonswhoatonetimethreatenedtokillandeatme.

However,Imanagedtomakefriendswiththesehorriblecreatures,andtheyhelpedmeandmysailorstorepairtheboat,andIsetsailagain.Ourfoodgaveout,aridwesufferedmuchfromsicknessonboard.Atlast,onthefive-hundredthdayfromthedayofstarting,Isawfaroffonthehorizonwhatlookedlikethepeakofamountain.Onnearerapproach,thisprovedtobeanisland,inthecenter

ofwhichroseahighmountain.Ilanded,andafterwanderingaboutfortwoorthreedays,Isawashiningbeingcomingtowardsmeonthebeach,holdinginhishandsagoldenbowl.IwentuptohimandaskedhimifIhad,bygoodchance,foundtheislandofMountHorai,andheanswered:"Yes,thisisMountHorai!""WithmuchdifficultyIclimbedtothesummit,where

stoodthegoldentreegrowingwithsilverrootsintheground.Thewondersofthatstrangelandaremany,andifIbegantotellyouaboutthemIcouldneverstop.Inspiteofmywishtostaytherelong,onbreakingoffthebranchIhurriedback.Withutmostspeedithastakenmefourhundreddaystogetback,and,asyousee,myclothesarestilldampfromexposureon.thelongseavoyage.I

havenotevenwaitedtochangemyraiment,soanxiouswasItobringthebranchtothePrincessquickly".Justatthismomentthesixjewelers,whohadbeenemployedonthemakingofthebranch,butnotyetpaidbytheKnight,arrivedatthehouseandsentinapetitiontothePrincesstobepaidfortheirlabor.Theysaidthattheyhadworkedforovera

thousanddaysmakingthebranchofgold,withitssilvertwigsanditsjeweledfruit,thatwasnowpresentedtoherbytheKnight,butasyettheyhadreceivednothinginpayment.SothisKnight'sdeceptionwasthusfoundout,andthePrincess,gladofanescapefromonemoreimportunatesuitor,wasonlytoopleasedtosendbackthebranch.Shecalledintheworkmenandhadthempaid

liberally,andtheywentawayhappy.Butonthewayhometheywereovertakenbythedisappointedman,whobeatthemtilltheywerenearlydead,forlettingoutthesecret,andtheybarelyescapedwiththeirlives.TheKnightthenreturnedhome,raginginhisheart;andindespairofeverwinningthePrincessgaveupsocietyandretiredtoasolitarylifeamongthemountains.

NowtheThirdKnighthadafriendinChina,sohewrotetohimtogettheskinofthefire-rat.Thevirtueofanypartofthisanimalwasthatnofirecouldharmit.Hepromisedhisfriendanyamountofmoneyhelikedtoaskifonlyhecouldgethimthedesiredarticle.Assoonasthenewscamethattheshiponwhichhisfriendhadsailedhomehadcomeintoport,herodesevendaysonhorsebackto

meethim.Hehandedhisfriendalargesumofmoney,andreceivedthefire-rat'sskin.WhenhereachedhomeheputitcarefullyinaboxandsentitintothePrincesswhilehewaitedoutsideforheranswer.Thebamboo-cuttertooktheboxfromtheKnightand,asusual,carrieditintoherandtriedtocoaxhertoseetheKnightatonce,butPrincessMoonlightrefused,saying

thatshemustfirstputtheskintotestbyputtingitintothefire.Ifitweretherealthingitwouldnotburn.Soshetookoffthecrapewrapperandopenedthebox,andthenthrewtheskinintothefire.Theskincrackledandburntupatonce,andthePrincessknewthatthismanalsohadnotfulfilledhisword.SotheThirdKnightfailedalso.NowtheFourthKnightwasnomoreenterprisingthanthe

rest.Insteadofstartingoutonthequestofthedragonbearingonitsheadthefive-color-radiatingjewel,hecalledallhisservantstogetherandgavethemtheordertoseekforitfarandwideinJapanandinChina,andhestrictlyforbadeanyofthemtoreturntilltheyhadfoundit.

Hisnumerousretainersandservantsstartedoutin

differentdirections,withnointention,however,ofobeyingwhattheyconsideredanimpossibleorder.Theysimplytookaholiday,wenttopleasantcountryplacestogether,andgrumbledattheirmaster'sunreasonableness.TheKnightmeanwhile,thinkingthathisretainerscouldnotfailtofindthejewel,repairedtohishouse,andfitteditupbeautifullyfor

thereceptionofthePrincess,hefeltsosureofwinningher.Oneyearpassedawayinwearywaiting,andstillhismendidnotreturnwiththedragon-jewel.TheKnightbecamedesperate.Hecouldwaitnolonger,sotakingwithhimonlytwomenhehiredashipandcommandedthecaptaintogoinsearchofthedragon;thecaptainandthesailorsrefusedtoundertakewhattheysaidwasanabsurd

search,huttheKnightcompelledthematlasttoputouttosea.Whentheyhadbeenhutafewdaysouttheyencounteredagreatstormwhichlastedsolongthat,bythetimeitsfuryabated,theKnighthaddeterminedtogiveupthehuntofthedragon.Theywereatlastblownonshore,fornavigationwasprimitiveinthosedays.Wornoutwithhis

travelsandanxiety,thefourthsuitorgavehimselfuptorest.Hehadcaughtaveryheavycold,andhadtogotobedwithaswollenface.Thegovernoroftheplace,hearingofhisplight,sentmessengerswithaletterinvitinghimtohishouse.Whilehewastherethinkingoverallhistroubles,hisloveforthePrincessturnedtoanger,andheblamedherforallthehardshipshehad

undergone.Hethoughtthatitwasquiteprobableshehadwishedtokillhimsothatshemightberidofhim,andinordertocarryoutherwishhadsenthimuponhisimpossiblequest.Atthispointalltheservantshehadsentouttofindthejewelcametoseehim,andweresurprisedtofindpraiseinsteadofdispleasureawaitingthem.Theirmastertoldthemthathewasheartily

sickofadventure,andsaidthatheneverintendedtogonearthePrincess'shouseagaininthefuture.Likealltherest,theFifthKnightfailedinhisquest—hecouldnotfindtheswallow'sshell.BythistimethefameofPrincessMoonlight'sbeautyhadreachedtheearsoftheEmperor,andhesentoneoftheCourtladiestoseeifshewerereallyaslovelyasreport

said;ifsohewouldsummonhertothePalaceandmakeheroneoftheladies-in-waiting.WhentheCourtladyarrived,inspiteofherfather'sentreaties,PrincessMoonlightrefusedtoseeher.TheImperialmessengerinsisted,sayingitwastheEmperor'sorder.ThenPrincessMoonlighttoldtheoldmanthatifshewasforcedtogotothePalacein

obediencetotheEmperor'sorder,shewouldvanishfromtheearth.WhentheEmperorwastoldofherpersistenceinrefusingtoobeyhissummons,andthatifpressedtoobeyshewoulddisappearaltogetherfromsight,hedeterminedtogoandseeher.Soheplannedtogoonahuntingexcursionintheneighborhoodofthebamboo-cutter'shouse,andseethePrincesshimself.He

sentwordtotheoldmanofhisintention,andhereceivedconsenttothescheme.ThenextdaytheEmperorsetoutwithhisretinue,whichhesoonmanagedtooutride.Hefoundthebamboo-cutter'shouseanddismounted.HethenenteredthehouseandwentstraighttowherethePrincesswassittingwithherattendantmaidens.Neverhadheseenanyonesowonderfullybeautiful,andhe

couldnotbutlookather,forshewasmorelovelythananyhumanbeingassheshoneinherownsoftradiance.WhenPrincessMoonlightbecameawarethatastrangerwaslookingathershetriedtoescapefromtheroom,buttheEmperorcaughtherandbeggedhertolistentowhathehadtosay.Heronlyanswerwastohideherfaceinhersleeves.TheEmperorfelldeeplyin

lovewithher,andbeggedhertocometotheCourt,wherehewouldgiveherapositionofhonorandeverythingshecouldwishfor.HewasabouttosendforoneoftheImperialpalanquinstotakeherbackwithhimatonce,sayingthathergraceandbeautyshouldadornaCourt,andnotbehiddeninthebamboo-cutter'scottage.ButthePrincessstoppedhim.Shesaidthatifshewere

forcedtogotothePalaceshewouldturnatonceintoashadow,andevenasshespokeshebegantoloseherform.Herfigurefadedfromhissightwhilehelooked.TheEmperorthenpromisedtoleaveherfreeitonlyshewouldresumeherformershape,whichshedid.Itwasnowtimeforhimtoreturn,forhisretinuewouldbewonderingwhathadhappenedtotheirEoyal

masterwhentheymissedhimforsolong.Sohebadehergood-by,andleftthehousewithasadheart.PrincessMoonlightwasforhimthemostbeautifulwomanintheworld;allothersweredarkbesideher,andhethoughtofhernightandday.HisMajestynowspentmuchofhistimeinwritingpoems,tellingherofhisloveanddevotion,andsentthemtoher,andthoughsherefusedto

seehimagainsheansweredwithmanyversesofherowncomposing,whichtoldhimgentlyandkindlythatshecouldnevermarryanyoneonthisearth.Theselittlesongsalwaysgavehimpleasure.Atthistimeherfoster-parentsnoticedthatnightafternightthePrincesswouldsitonherbalconyandgazeforhoursatthemoon,inaspiritofthedeepestdejection,endingalwaysinaburstoftears.

Onenighttheoldmanfoundherthusweepingasifherheartwerebroken,andhebesoughthertotellhimthereasonofhersorrow.Withmanytearsshetoldhimthathehadguessedrightlywhenhesupposedhernottobelongtothisworld—thatshehadintruthcomefromthemoon,andthathertimeonearthwouldsoonbeover.OnthefifteenthdayofthatverymonthofAugustherfriends

fromthemoonwouldcometofetchher,andshewouldhavetoreturn.Herparentswereboththere,buthavingspentalifetimeontheearthshehadforgottenthem,andalsothemoon-worldtowhichshebelonged.Itmadeherweep,shesaid,tothinkofleavingherkindfoster-parents,andthehomewhereshehadbeenhappyforsolong.Whenherattendantsheard

thistheywereverysad,andcouldnoteatordrinkforsadnessatthethoughtthatthePrincesswassosoontoleavethem.TheEmperor,assoonasthenewswascarriedtohim,sentmessengerstothehousetofindoutifthereportweretrueornot.Theoldbamboo-cutterwentouttomeettheImperialmessengers.Thelastfewdaysofsorrowhadtoldupon

theoldman;hehadagedgreatly,andlookedmuchmorethanhisseventyyears.Weepingbitterly,hetoldthemthatthereportwasonlytootrue,butheintended,however,tomakeprisonersoftheenvoysfromthemoon,andtodoallhecouldtopreventthePrincessfrombeingcarriedback.ThemenreturnedandtoldHisMajestyallthathadpassed.Onthefifteenthday

ofthatmonththeEmperorsentaguardoftwothousandwarriorstowatchthehouse.Onethousandstationedthemselvesontheroof,anotherthousandkeptwatchroundalltheentrancesofthehouse.All,werewelltrainedarchers,withbowsandarrows.Thebamboo-cutterandhiswifehidPrincessMoonlightinaninnerroom.Theoldmangaveordersthatnoonewastosleepthat

night,allinthehouseweretokeepastrictwatch,andbereadytoprotectthePrincess.Withtheseprecautions,andthehelpoftheEmperor'smen-at-arms,hehopedtowithstandthemoon-messengers,butthePrincesstoldhimthatallthesemeasurestokeepherwouldbeuseless,andthatwhenherpeoplecameforhernothingwhatevercouldpreventthemfromcarryingouttheir

purpose.EventheEmperor'smenwouldbepowerless.Thensheaddedwithtearsthatshewasvery,verysorrytoleavehimandhiswife,whomshehadlearnedtoloveasherparents;thatifshecoulddoasshelikedshewouldstaywiththemintheiroldage,andtrytomakesomereturnforalltheloveandkindnesstheyhadshowereduponherdaringallherearthlylife.

Thenightworeon!Theyellowharvestmoonrosehighintheheavens,floodingtheworldasleepwithhergoldenlight.Silencereignedoverthepineandthebambooforests,andontheroofwherethethousandmen-at-armswaited.Thenthenightgrewgraytowardsthedawnandallhopedthatthedangerwasover—thatPrincessMoonlightwouldnothaveto

leavethemafterall.Thensuddenlythewatcherssawacloudformroundthemoon—andwhiletheylookedthiscloudbegantorollearthwards.Nearerandneareritcame,andeveryonesawwithdismaythatitscourselaytowardsthehouse.Inashorttimetheskywasentirelyobscured,tillatlastthecloudlayoverthedwellingonlytenfeetofftheground.Inthemidstofthe

cloudtherestoodaflyingchariot,andinthechariotabandofluminousbeings.Oneamongstthemwholookedlikeakingandappearedtobethechiefsteppedoutofthechariot,and,poisedinair,calledtotheoldmantocomeout."Thetimehascome",hesaid,"forPrincessMoonlighttoreturntothemoonfromwhenceshecame.Shecommittedagravefault,and

asapunishmentwassenttolivedownhereforatime.WeknowwhatgoodcareyouhavetakenofthePrincess,andwehaverewardedyouforthisandhavesentyouwealthandprosperity.Weputthegoldinthebamboosforyoutofind"."IhavebroughtupthisPrincessfortwentyyearsandneveroncehasshedoneawrongthing,thereforetheladyyouareseekingcannot

bethisone",saidtheoldman."Iprayyoutolookelsewhere".Thenthemessengercalledaloud,saying:"PrincessMoonlight,comeoutfromthislowlydwelling.Restnothereanothermoment".AtthesewordsthescreensofthePrincess'sroomslidopenoftheirownaccord,revealingthePrincessshininginherownradiance,bright'and

wonderfulandfullofbeauty.Themessengerledherforthandplacedherinthechariot.Shelookedback,andsawwithpitythedeepsorrowoftheoldman.Shespoketohimmanycomfortingwords,andtoldhimthatitwasnotherwilltoleavehimandthathemustalwaysthinkofherwhenlookingatthemoon.Thebamboo-cutterimploredtobeallowedtoaccompanyher,butthiswasnotallowed.

ThePrincesstookoffherembroideredoutergarmentandgaveittohimasakeepsake.

ThescreensofthePrincess'RoomslidopenrevealingthePrincessinherbeauty.

JapaneseFairyTales

Oneofthemoonbeingsinthechariotheldawonderfulcoatofwings,anotherhadaphialfulloftheElixirofLifewhichwasgiventhePrincesstodrink.Sheswallowedalittleandwasabouttogivetheresttotheoldman,hutshewaspreventedfromdoingso.Therobeofwingswasabouttobeputuponhershoulders,butshesaid:"Waitalittle.Imustnot

forgetmygoodfriendtheEmperor.Imustwritehimoncemoretosaygood-bywhilestillinthishumanform".Inspiteoftheimpatienceofthemessengersandcharioteersshekeptthemwaitingwhileshewrote.SheplacedthephialoftheElixirofLifewiththeletter,and,givingthemtotheoldman,sheaskedhimtodeliverthemtotheEmperor.

Thenthechariotbegantorollheavenwardstowardsthemoon,andastheyallgazedwithtearfuleyesattherecedingPrincess,thedawnbroke,andintherosylightofdaythemoon-chariotandallinitwerelostamongstthefleecycloudsthatwerenowwaftedacrosstheskyonthewingsofthemorningwind.PrincessMoonlight'sletterwascarriedtothePalace.HisMajestywasafraidtotouch

theElixirofLife,soliesentitwiththelettertothetopofthemostsacredmountainintheland,MountFuji,andtheretheRoyalemissariesburntitonthesummitatsunrise.SotothisdaypeoplesaythereissmoketoheseenrisingfromthetopofMountFujitotheclouds.

THEMIRROROF

MATSUYAMA,ASTORYOFOLDJAPAN.

LONGyearsagoinoldJapantherelivedintheProvinceofEchigo,averyremotepartof

Japaneveninthesedays,amanandhiswife.Whenthisstorybeginstheyhadbeenmarriedforsomeyearsandwereblessedwithonelittledaughter.Shewasthejoyandprideofboththeirlives,andinhertheystoredanendlesssourceofhappinessfortheiroldage.Whatgoldenletterdaysintheirmemorywerethosethathadmarkedhergrowingupfrombabyhood;thevisitto

thetemplewhenshewasjustthirtydaysold,herproudmothercarryingher,robedinceremonialkimono,tobeputunderthepatronageofthefamily'shouseholdgod;thenherfirstdollsfestival,whenherparentsgaveherasetofdolls'andtheirminiaturebelongings,tobeaddedtoasyearsucceededyear;andperhapsthemostimportantoccasionofall,onherthirdbirthday,whenherfirstobi

(broadbrocadesash)ofscarletandgoldwastiedroundhersmallwaist,asignthatshehadcrossedthethresholdofgirlhoodandleftinfancybehind.Nowthatshewassevenyearsofage,andhadlearnedtotalkandtowaituponherparentsinthoseseverallittlewayssodeartotheheartsoffondparents,theircupofhappinessseemedfull.TherecouldnotbefoundinthewholeoftheIsland

Empireahappierlittlefamily.Onedaytherewasmuchexcitementinthehome,forthefatherhadbeensuddenlysummonedtothecapitalonbusiness.Inthesedaysofrailwaysandrickshasandotherrapidmodesoftraveling,itisdifficulttorealizewhatsuchajourneyasthatfromMatsuyamatoKyotomeant.Theroadswereroughandbad,andordinarypeoplehadtowalkeverystep

oftheway,whetherthedistancewereonehundredorseveralhundredmiles.Indeed,inthosedaysitwasasgreatanundertakingtogouptothecapitalasitisforaJapanesetomakeavoyagetoEuropenow.Sothewifewasveryanxiouswhileshehelpedherhusbandgetreadyforthelongjourney,knowingwhatanarduoustasklaybeforehim.Vainlyshewishedthatshe

couldaccompanyhim,butthedistancewastoogreatforthemotherandchildtogo,andbesidesthat,itwasthewife'sdutytotakecareofthehome.Allwasreadyatlast,andthehusbandstoodintheporchwithhislittlefamilyroundhim."Donotbeanxious,Iwillcomebacksoon",saidtheman."WhileIamawaytakecareofeverything,andespeciallyofourlittle

daughter"."Yes,weshallbeallright—butyou—youmusttakecareofyourselfanddelaynotadayincomingbacktous",saidthewife,whilethetearsfelllikerainfromhereyes.Thelittlegirlwastheonlyonetosmile,forshewasignorantofthesorrowofparting,anddidnotknowthatgoingtothecapitalwasatalldifferentfromwalkingtothenextvillage,whichherfather

didveryoften.Sher;intohisside,andcaughtholdofhislongsleevetokeephimamoment."Father,IwillbeverygoodwhileIamwaitingforyoutocomeback,sopleasebringmeapresent".Asthefatherturnedtotakealastlookathisweepingwifeandsmiling,eagerchild,hefeltasifsomeonewerepullinghimbackbythehair,sohardwasitforhimto

leavethembehind,fortheyhadneverbeenseparatedbefore.Butheknewthathemustgo,forthecallwasimperative.Withagreateffortheceasedtothink,andresolutelyturningawayhewentquicklydownthelittlegardenandoutthroughthegate.Hiswife,catchinguptnechildinherarms,ranasfarasthegate,andwatchedhimashewentdowntheroadbetweenthepinestillhewas

lostinthehazeofthedistanceandallshecouldseewashisquaintpeakedhat,andatlastthatvanishedtoo."Nowfatherhasgone,youandImusttakecareofeverythingtillhecomesback",saidthemother,asshemadeherwaybacktothehouse."Yes,Iwillbeverygood",saidthechild,noddingherhead,"andwhenfathercomeshomepleasetellhimhow

goodIhavebeen,andthenperhapshewillgivemeapresent"."Fatherissuretobringyousomethingthatyouwantverymuch.Iknow,forIaskedhimtobringyouadoll.Youmustthinkoffathereveryday,andprayforasafejourneytillhecomesback"."Oh,yes,whenhecomeshomeagainhowhappyIshallbe",saidthechild,clappingherhands,andherface

growingbrightwithjoyatthegladthought.Itseemedtothemotherasshelookedatthechild'sfacethatherloveforhergrewdeeperanddeeper.Thenshesettoworktomakethewinterclothesforthethreeofthem.Shesetuphersimplewoodenspinning-wheelandspunthethreadbeforeshebegantoweavethestuffs.Intheintervalsofherworkshedirectedthelittlegirl'sgamesandtaughtherto

readtheoldstoriesofhercountry.Thusdidthewifefindconsolationinworkduringthelonelydaysofherhusband'sabsence.Whilethetimewasthusslippingquicklybyinthequiethome,thehusbandfinishedhisbusinessandreturned.Itwouldhavebeendifficultforanyonewhodidnotknowthemanwelltorecognizehim.Hehadtraveleddayafterday,exposedtoall

weathers,foraboutamonthaltogether,andwassunburnttobronze,buthisfondwifeandchildknewhimataglance,andflewtomeethimfromeitherside,eachcatchingholdofoneofhissleevesintheireagergreeting.Boththemanandhiswiferejoicedtofindeachotherwell.Itseemedaverylongtimetoalltill—themotherandchildhelping—hisstrawsandalswereuntied,

hislargeumbrellahattakenoff,andhewasagainintheirmidstintheoldfamiliarsitting-roomthathadbeensoemptywhilehewasaway.Assoonastheyhadsatdownonthewhitemats,thefatheropenedabamboobasketthathehadbroughtinwithhim,andtookoutabeautifuldollandalacquerboxfullofcakes."Here",hesaidtothelittlegirl,"isapresentforyou.Itis

aprizefortakingcareofmotherandthehousesowellwhileIwasaway"."Thankyou",saidthechild,asshebowedherheadtotheground,andthenputoutherhandjustlikealittlemapleleafwithitseagerwidespreadfingerstotakethedollandthebox,bothofwhich,comingfromthecapital,wereprettierthananythingshehadeverseen.Nowordscantellhowdelightedthelittlegirl

was—herfaceseemedasifitwouldmeltwithjoy,andshehadnoeyesandnothoughtforanythingelse.Againthehusbanddivedintothebasket,andbroughtoutthistimeasquarewoodenbox,carefullytiedupwithredandwhitestring,andhandingittohiswife,said:"Andthisisforyou".Thewifetookthebox,andopeningitcarefullytookoutametaldiskwithahandle

attached.OnesideWASbrightandshininglikeacrystal,andtheotherwascoveredwithraisedfiguresofpine-treesandstorks,whichhadbeencarvedoutofitssmoothsurfaceinlifelikereality.Neverhadsheseensucha,thinginherlife,forshehadbeenbornandbredintheruralprovinceofEchigo.Shegazedintotheshiningdisk,andlookingupwithsurpriseandwonder

picturedonherface,shesaid:"Iseesomebodylookingatmeinthisroundthing!Whatisitthatyouhavegivenme?"Thehusbandlaughedandsaid:"Why,itisyourownfacethatyousee.WhatIhavebroughtiscalledamirror,andwhoeverlooksintoitsclearsurfacecanseetheirownformreflectedthere.Althoughtherearenonetobefoundinthisoutoftheway

place,yettheyhavebeeninuseinthecapitalfromthemostancienttimes.Therethemirrorisconsideredaverynecessaryrequisiteforawomantopossess.Thereisanoldproverbthat'Astheswordisthesoulofasamurai,soisthemirrorthesoulofawoman,'andaccordingtopopulartradition,awoman'smirrorisanindextoherownheart—ifshekeepsitbrightand

clear,soisherheart-pureandgood.ItisalsooneofthetreasuresthatformtheinsigniaoftheEmperor.Soyou,mustlaygreatstorebyyourmirror,anduseitcarefully".Thewifelistenedtoallherhusbandtoldher,andwaspleasedatlearningsomuchthatwasnewtoher.Shewasstillmorepleasedatthepreciousgift—histokenofremembrancewhilehehad

beenaway."Ifthemirrorrepresentsmysoul,Ishallcertainlytreasureitasavaluablepossession,andneverwillIuseitcarelessly".Sayingso,shelifteditashighasherforehead,ingratefulacknowledgementofthegift,andthenshutitupinitsboxandputitaway.Thewifesawthatherhusbandwasverytired,andsetaboutservingtheevening

mealandmakingeverythingascomfortableasshecouldforhim.Itseemedtothelittlefamilyasiftheyhadnotknownwhattruehappinesswasbefore,sogladweretheytobetogetheragain,andthiseveningthefatherhadmuchtotellofhisjourneyandofallhehadseenatthegreatcapital.Timepassedawayinthepeacefulhome,andtheparentssawtheirfondest

hopesrealizedastheirdaughtergrewfromchildhoodintoabeautifulgirlofsixteen.Asagemofpricelessvalueisheldinitsproudowner'shand,sohadtheyrearedherwithunceasingloveandcare:andnowtheirpainsweremorethandoublyrewarded.Whatacomfortshewastohermotherasshewentaboutthehousetakingherpartinthehousekeeping,andhowproud

herfatherwasofher,forshedailyremindedhimofhermotherwhenhehadfirstmarriedher.But,alas!inthisworldnothinglastsforever.Eventhemoonisnotalwaysperfectinshape,butlosesitsroundnesswithtime,andflowersbloomandthenfade.Soatlastthehappinessofthisfamilywasbrokenupbyagreatsorrow.Thegoodandgentlewifeandmotherwas

onedaytakenill.Inthefirstdaysofherillnessthefatheranddaughterthoughtthatitwasonlyacold,andwerenotparticularlyanxious.Butthedayswentbyandstillthemotherdidnotgetbetter;sheonlygrewworse,andthedoctorWHSpuzzled,forinspiteofallhedidthepoorwomangrewweakerdaybyday.Thefatheranddaughterwerestrickenwithgrief,and

dayornightthegirlneverlefthermother'sside.Butinspiteofalltheireffortsthewoman'slifewasnottobesaved.Onedayasthegirlsatnearhermother'sbed,tryingtohidewithacheerysmilethegnawingtroubleatherheart,themotherrousedherselfandtakingherdaughter'shand,gazedearnestlyandlovinglyintohereyes.Herbreathwaslaboredandshespokewith

difficulty:"Mydaughter,Iamsurethatnothingcansavemenow.WhenIamdead,promisemetotakecareofyourdearfatherandtotrytobeagoodanddutifulwoman"."Oh,mother",saidthegirlasthetearsrushedtohereyes,"youmustnotsaysuchthings.Allyouhavetodoistomakehasteandgetwell—thatwillbringthegreatesthappinesstofatherand

myself"."Yes,Iknow,anditisacomforttomeinmylastdaystoknowhowgreatlyyoulongformetogetbetter,butitisnottobe.Donotlooksosorrowful,foritwassoordainedinmypreviousstateofexistencethatIshoulddieinthislifejustatthistime;knowingthis,Iamquiteresignedtomyfate.AndnowIhavesomethingtogiveyouwherebytorememberme

whenIamgone".Puttingherhandout,shetookfromthesideofthepillowasquarewoodenboxtiedupwithasilkencordandtassells.Undoingthisverycarefully,shetookoutoftheboxthemirrorthatherhusbandhadgivenheryearsago."Whenyouwerestillalittlechildyourfatherwentuptothecapitalandbroughtmebackasapresentthis

treasure;itiscalledamirror.ThisIgiveyou.beforeIdie.If,afterIhaveceasedtobeinthislife,youarelonelyandlongtoseemesometimes,thentakeoutthismirrorandintheclearandshiningsurfaceyouwillalwaysseeme—sowillyoubeabletomeetwithmeoftenandtellmeallyourheart;andthoughIshallnotbeabletospeak,Ishallunderstandandsympathizewithyou,

whatevermayhappentoyouinthefuture".Withthesewordsthedyingwomanhandedthemirrortoherdaughter.Themindofthegoodmotherseemedtobenowatrest,andsinkingbackwithoutanotherwordherspiritpassedquietlyawaythatday.Thebereavedfatheranddaughterwerewildwithgrief,andtheyabandonedthemselvestotheirbitter

sorrow.Theyfeltittobeimpossibletotakeleaveofthelovedwomanwho-tillnow-hadfilledtheirwholelivesandtocommitherbodytotheearth.Batthisfranticburstofgriefpassed,andthentheytookpossessionoftheirownheartsagain,crushedthoughtheywereinresignation.Inspiteofthisthedaughter'slifeseemedtoherdesolate.Herloveforherdeadmotherdidnotgrowless

withtime,andsokeenwasherremembrance,thateverythingindailylife,eventhefallingoftherainandtheblowingofthewind,remindedherofhermother'sdeathandofallthattheyhadlovedandsharedtogether.Onedaywhenherfatherwasout,andshewasfulfillingherhouseholddutiesalone,herlonelinessandsorrowseemedmorethanshecouldbear.Shethrewherselfdowninher

mother'sroomandweptasifherheartwouldbreak.Poorchild,shelongedjustforoneglimpseofthelovedface,onesoundofthevoicecallingherpetname,orforonemoment'sforgetfulnessoftheachingvoidinherheart.Suddenlyshesatup.Hermother'slastwordshadrungthroughhermemoryhithertodulledbygrief."Oh!mymothertoldmewhenshegavemethemirror

asapartinggift,thatwheneverIlookedintoitIshouldbeabletomeether—toseeher.Ihadnearlyforgottenherlastwords—howstupidIam;Iwillgetthemirrornowandseeifitcanpossiblybetrue!"Shedriedhereyesquickly,andgoingtothecupboardtookouttheboxthatcontainedthemirror,herheartbeatingwithexpectationassheliftedthemirrorout

andgazedintoitssmoothface.Behold,hermother'swordsweretrue!Intheroundmirrorbeforehershesawhermother'sface;but,oh,thejoyfulsurprise!Itwasnothermotherthinandwastedbyillness,buttheyoungandbeautifulwomanassherememberedherfarbackinthedaysofherownearliestchildhood.Itseemedtothegirlthatthefaceinthemirrormustsoonspeak,almostthat

sheheardthevoiceofhermothertellingheragaintogrowupagoodwomanandadutifuldaughter,soearnestlydidtheeyesinthemirrorlookbackintoherown."Itiscertainlymymother'ssoulthatIsee.SheknowshowmiserableIamwithoutherandshehascometocomfortme.WheneverIlongtoseehershewillmeetmehere;howgratefulIoughttobe!"

Andfromthistimetheweightofsorrowwasgreatlylightenedforheryoungheart.Everymorning,togatherstrengthfortheday'sdutiesbeforeher,andeveryevening,forconsolationbeforeshelaydowntorest,didtheyounggirltakeoutthemirrorandgazeatthereflectionwhichinthesimplicityofherinnocentheartshebelievedtobehermother'ssoul.Dailyshegrew

inthelikenessofherdeadmother'scharacter,andwasgentleandkindtoall,andadutifuldaughtertoherfather.Ayearspentinmourninghadthuspassedawayinthelittlehousehold,when,bytheadviceofhisrelations,themanmarriedagain,andthedaughternowfoundherselfundertheauthorityofastep-mother.Itwasatryingposition;butherdaysspentintherecollectionofherown

belovedmother,andoftryingtobewhatthatmotherwouldwishhertobe,hadmadetheyounggirldocileandpatient,andshenowdeterminedtobefilialanddutifultoherfather'swife,inallrespects.Everythingwentonapparentlysmoothlyinthefamilyforsometimeunderthenewregime;therewerenowindsorwavesofdiscordtorufflethesurfaceofeverydaylife,andthefather

wascontent.Butitisawoman'sdangertobepettyandmean,andstep-mothersareproverbialalltheworldover,andthisone'sheartwasnotasherfirstsmileswere.Asthedaysandweeksgrewintomonths,thestep-motherbegantotreatthemotherlessgirlunkindlyandtotryandcomebetweenthefatherandchild.Sometimesshewenttoherhusbandandcomplainedof

herstep-daughter'sbehavior,butthefatherknowingthatthiswastobeexpected,tooknonoticeofherill-naturedcomplaints.Insteadoflesseninghisaffectionforhisdaughter,asthewomandesired,hergrumblingsonlymadehimthinkofherthemore.Thewomansoonsawthathebegantoshowmoreconcernforhislonelychildthanbefore.Thisdidnotpleaseheratall,andshe

begantoturnoverinhermindhowshecould,bysomemeansorother,driveherstep-childoutofthehouse.Socrookeddidthewoman'sheartbecome.Shewatchedthegirlcarefully,andonedaypeepingintoherroomintheearlymorning,shethoughtshediscoveredagraveenoughsinofwhichtoaccusethechildtoherfather.Thewomanherselfwasalittle

frightenedtooatwhatshehadseen.Soshewentatoncetoherhusband,andwipingawaysomefalsetearsshesaidinasadvoice:"Pleasegivemepermissiontoleaveyouto-day".Themanwascompletelytakenbysurpriseatthesuddennessofherrequest,andwonderedwhateverwasthematter."Doyoufinditso

disagreeable",heasked,"inmyhouse,thatyoucanstaynolonger?""No!no!ithasnothingtodowithyou—eveninmydreamsIhaveneverthoughtthatIwishedtoleave}rourside;butifIgoonlivinghereIamindangeroflosingmylife,soIthinkitbestforallconcernedthatyoushouldallowmetogohome!"Andthewomanbegantoweepafresh.Herhusband,

distressedtoseehersounhappy,andthinkingthathecouldnothaveheardaright,said:"Tellmewhatyoumean!Howisyourlifeindangerhere?""Iwilltellyousinceyouaskme.Yourdaughterdislikesmeasherstep-mother.Forsometimepastshehasshutherselfupinherroommorningandevening,andlookinginasIpassby,Iam

convincedthatshehasmadeanimageofmeandistryingtokillmebymagicart,cursingmedaily.Itisnotsafeformetostayhere,suchbeingthecase;indeed,indeed,Imustgoaway,wecannotliveunderthesameroofanymore".Thehusbandlistenedtothedreadfultale,buthecouldnotbelievehisgentledaughterguiltyofsuchanevilact.Heknewthatbypopular

superstitionpeoplebelievedthatonepersoncouldcausethegradualdeathofanotherbymakinganimageofthehatedoneandcursingitdaily;butwherehadhisyoungdaughterlearnedsuchknowledge?—thethingwasimpossible.Yetherememberedhavingnoticedthathisdaughterstayedmuchinherroomoflateandkeptherselfawayfromeveryone,evenwhenvisitorscameto

thehouse.Puttingthisfacttogetherwithhiswife'salarm,hethoughtthattheremightbesomethingtoaccountforthestrangestory.Hisheartwastornbetweendoubtinghiswifeandtrustinghischild,andheknewnotwhattodo.Hedecidedtogoatoncetohisdaughterandtrytofindoutthetruth.Comfortinghiswifeandassuringherthatherfearsweregroundless,heglided

quietlytohisdaughter'sroom.Thegirlhadforalongtimepastbeenveryunhappy.Shehadtriedbyamiabilityandobediencetoshowhergoodwillandtomollifythenewwife,andtobreakdownthatwallofprejudiceandmisunderstandingthatsheknewgenerallystoodbetweenstep-parentsandtheirstep-children.Butshesoonfoundthatherefforts

wereinvain.Thestep-mothernevertrustedher,andseemedtomisinterpretallheractions,andthepoorchildknewverywellthatsheoftencarriedunkindanduntruetalestoherfather.Shecouldnothelpcomparingherpresentunhappyconditionwiththetimewhenherownmotherwasaliveonlyalittlemorethanayearago—sogreatachangeinthisshorttime!Morningandeveningshe

weptovertheremembrance.Whenevershecouldshewenttoherroom,andslidingthescreensto,tookoutthemirrorandgazed,asshethought,athermother'sface.Itwastheonlycomfortthatshehadinthesewretcheddays.Herfatherfoundheroccupiedinthisway.Pushingasidethefusama,hesawherbendingoversomethingorotherveryintently.Lookingoverhershoulder,toseewhowas

enteringherroom,thegirlwassurprisedtoseeherfather,forhegenerallysentforherwhenhewishedtospeaktoher.Shewasalsoconfusedatbeingfoundlookingatthemirror,forshehadnevertoldanyoneofhermother'slastpromise,buthadkeptitasthesacredsecretofherheart.Sobeforeturningtoherfathersheslippedthemirrorintoherlongsleeve.Herfathernotingher

confusion,andheractofhidingsomething,saidinaseveremanner:"Daughter,whatareyoudoinghere?Andwhatisthatthatyouhavehiddeninyoursleeve?"Thegirlwasfrightenedbyherfather'sseverity.Neverhadhespokentoherinsuchatone.Herconfusionchangedtoapprehension,hercolorfrom,scarlettowhite.Shesatdumbandshamefaced,

unabletoreply.Appearanceswerecertainlyagainsther;theyounggirllookedguilty,andthefatherthinkingthatperhapsafterallwhathiswifehadtoldhimwastrue,spokeangrily:"Then,isitreallytruethatyouaredailycursingyourstep-motherandprayingforherdeath!HaveyouforgottenwhatItoldyou,thatalthoughsheisyourstep-motheryoumustbeobedientandloyalto

her?Whatevilspirithastakenpossessionofyourheartthatyoushouldbesowicked?Youhavecertainlychanged,mydaughter!Whathasmadeyousodisobedientavidunfaithful?"Andthefather'seyesfilledwithsuddentearstothinkthatheshouldhavetoupbraidhisdaughterinthisway.Sheonherpartdidnotknowwhathemeant,forshehadneverheardofthe

superstitionthatbyprayingoveranimageitispossibletocausethedeathofahatedperson.Butshesawthatshemustspeakandclearherselfsomehow.Shelovedherfatherdearly,andcouldnotbeartheideaofhisanger.Sheputoutherhandonhiskneedeprecatingly:"Father!father!donotsaysuchdreadfulthingstome.Iamstillyourobedientchild.Indeed,Iam.Howeverstupid

Imaybe,Ishouldneverbeabletocurseanyonewhobelongedtoyou,muchlessprayforthedeathofoneyoulove.Surelysomeonehasbeentellingyoulies,andyouaredazed,andyouknownotwhatyousay—orsomeevilspirithastakenpossessionofyourheart.AsformeIdonotknow—no,notsomuchasadew-drop,oftheevilthingofwhichyouaccuseme".Butthefatherremembered

thatshehadhiddensomethingawaywhenhefirstenteredtheroom,andeventhisearnestprotestdidnotsatisfyhim.Hewishedtoclearuphisdoubtsonceforall."Thenwhyareyoualwaysaloneinyourroomthesedays?Andtellmewhatisthatthatyouhavehiddeninyoursleeve—showittomeatonce".Thenthedaughter,though

shyofconfessinghowshehadcherishedhermother'smemory,sawthatshemusttellherfatherallinordertoclearherself.Sosheslippedthemirroroutfromherlongsleeveandlaiditbeforehim."This",shesaid,"iswhatyousawmelookingatjustnow"."Why",hesaidingreatsurprise,"thisisthemirrorthatIbroughtasagifttoyourmotherwhenIwentuptothecapitalmanyyearsago".

"Andsoyouhavekeptitahthistime?Now,whydoyouspendsomuchofyourtimebeforethismirror?"Thenshetoldhimofhermother'slastwords,andofhowshehadpromisedtomeetherchildwhenevershelookedintotheglass.Butstillthefathercouldnotunderstandthesimplicityofhisdaughter'scharacterinnotknowingthatwhatshesawreflectedinthemirrorwasin

realityherownface,andnotthatofhermother."Whatdoyoumean?"heasked."Idonotunderstandhowyoucanmeetthesoulofyourlostmotherbylookinginthismirror?""Itisindeedtrue",saidthegirl;"andifyoudon'tbelievewhatIsay,lookforyourself",andsheplacedthemirrorbeforeher.There,lookingbackfromthesmoothmetaldisk,washerownsweetface.

Shepointedtothereflectionseriously:"Doyoudoubtmestill?"sheaskedearnestly,lookingupintohisface.Withanexclamationofsuddenunderstandingthefathersmotehistwohandstogether."HowstupidIam!AtlastIunderstand.Yourfaceisaslikeyourmother'sasthetwosidesofamelon—thusyouhavelookedatthereflection

ofyourfaceailthistime,thinkingthatyouwerebroughtfacetofacewithyourlostmother!Youaretrulyafaithfulchild.Itseemsatfirstastupidthingtohavedone,butitisnotreallyso.Itshowshowdeephasbeenyourfilialpiety,andhowinnocentyourheart.Livinginconstantremembranceofyourlostmotherhashelpedyoutogrowlikeherincharacter.Howcleveritwasofherto

tellyoutodothis.Iadmireandrespectyou,mydaughter,andIamashamedtothinkthatforoneinstantIbelievedyoursuspiciousstep-mother'sstoryandsuspectedyouofevil,andcamewiththeintentionofscoldingyouseverely,whileallthistimeyouhavebeensotrueandgood.BeforeyouIhavenocountenanceleft,andIbegyoutoforgiveme".Andherethefatherwept.He

thoughtofhowlonelythepoorgirlmusthavebeen,andofallthatshemusthavesufferedunderherstepmother'streatment.Hisdaughtersteadfastlykeepingherfaithandsimplicityinthemidstofsuchadversecircumstances—bearingallhertroubleswithsomuchpatienceandamiability—madehimcomparehertothelotuswhichrearsitsblossomofdazzlingbeautyoutofthe

slimeandmudofthemoatsandponds,fittingemblemofaheartwhichkeepsitselfunsulliedwhilepassingthroughtheworld.Thestep-mother,anxioustoknowwhatwouldhappen,hadallthiswhilebeenstandingoutsidetheroom.Shehadgrowninterested,andhadgraduallypushedtheslidingscreenbacktillshecouldseeallthatwenton.Atthismomentshesuddenly

enteredtheroom,anddroppingtothemats,shebowedherheadoverheroutspreadhandsbeforeherstep-daughter."Iamashamed!Iamashamed!"sheexclaimedinbrokentones."Ididnotknowwhatafilialchildyouwere.Throughnofaultofyours,butwithastep-mother'sjealousheart,Ihavedislikedyouallthetime.Hatingyousomuchmyself,itwasbut

naturalthatIshouldthinkyoureciprocatedthefeeling,andthuswhenIsawyouretiresooftentoyourroomIfollowedyou,andwhenIsawyougazedailyintothemirrorforlongintervals,IconcludedthatyouhadfoundouthowIdislikedyou,andthatyouwereoutofrevengetryingtotakemylifebymagicart.AslongasIliveIshallneverforgetthewrongIhavecloneyouinsomisjudgingyou,

andincausingyourfathertosuspectyou.FromthisdayIthrowawaymyoldandwickedheart,andinitsplaceIputanewone,cleanandfullofrepentance.IshallthinkofyouasachildthatIhavebornemyself.Ishallloveandcherishyouwithallmyheart,andthustrytomakeupforalltheunhappinessIhavecausedyou.Therefore,pleasethrowintothewaterallthathas

gonebefore,andgiveme,Ibegofyou,someofthefiliallovethatyouhavehithertogiventoyourownlostmother".Thusdidtheunkindstep-motherhumbleherselfandaskforgivenessofthegirlshehadsowronged.Suchwasthesweetnessofthegirl'sdispositionthatshewillinglyforgaveherstep-mother,andneverboreamoment'sresentmentor

malicetowardsherafterwards.Thefathersawbyhiswife'sfacethatshewastrulysorryforthepast,andwasgreatlyrelievedtoseetheterriblemisunderstandingwipedoutofremembrancebyboththewrong-doerandthewronged.Fromthistimeon,thethreelivedtogetherashappilyasfishinwater.Nosuchtroubleeverdarkenedthehomeagain,andtheyounggirl

graduallyforgotthatyearofunhappinessinthetenderloveandcarethatherstep-mothernowbestowedonher.Herpatienceandgoodnesswererewardedatlast.

THEGOBLINOF

APACHIGAHARA.

LONG,longagotherewasalargeplaincalledAdachigahara,intheprovinceofMutsuinJapan.Thisplacewassaidtobehauntedbyacannibalgoblinwhotookthe

formofanoldwoman.Fromtimetotimemanytravelersdisappearedandwereneverheardofmore,andtheoldwomenroundthecharcoalbraziersintheevenings,andthegirlswashingthehouseholdriceatthewellsinthemornings,whispereddreadfulstoriesofhowthemissingfolkhadbeenluredtothegoblin'scottageanddevoured,forthegoblinlivedonlyonhumanflesh.Noone

daredtoventurenearthehauntedspotaftersunset,andallthosewhocould,avoideditinthedaytime,andtravelerswerewarnedofthedreadedplace.Onedayasthesunwassetting,apriestcametotheplain.Hewasabelatedtraveler,andhisrobeshowedthathewasaBuddhistpilgrimwalkingfromshrinetoshrinetoprayforsomeblessingortocravefor

forgivenessofsins.Hehadapparentlylosthisway,andasitwaslatehemetnoonewhocouldshowhimtheroadorwarnhimofthehauntedspot.

HepressedtheOldWomantolethimStay,butsheseemedveryReluctant.

JapaneseFairyTales

Hehadwalkedthewholedayandwasnowtiredandhungry,andtheeveningswerechilly,foritwaslateautumn,andhebegantobeveryanxioustofindsomehousewherehecouldobtainanight'slodging.Hefoundhimselflostinthemidstofthelargeplain,andlookedaboutinvainforsomesignofhumanhabitation.Atlast,afterwanderingaboutforsomehours,hesawaclump

oftreesinthedistance,andthroughthetreeshecaughtsightoftheglimmerofasinglerayoflight.Heexclaimedwithjoy:"Oh,surelythatissomecottagewhereIcangetanight'slodging!"Keepingthelightbeforehiseyeshedraggedhisweary,achingfeetasquicklyashecouldtowardsthespot,andsooncametoamiserable-lookinglittlecottage.Ashe

drewnearhesawthatitwasinatumble-downcondition,thebamboofencewasbrokenandweedsandgrasspushedtheirwaythroughthegaps.ThepaperscreenswhichserveaswindowsanddoorsinJapanwerefullofholes,andthepostsofthehousewerebentwithageandseemedscarcelyabletosupporttheoldthatchedroof.Thehutwasopen,andbythelightofanoldlanternanold

womansatindustriouslyspinning.Thepilgrimcalledtoheracrossthebamboofenceandsaid:"0BaaSan(oldwoman),goodevening!Iamatraveler!Pleaseexcuseme,butIhavelostmywayanddonotknowwhattodo,forIhavenowheretoresttonight.Ibegyoutobegoodenoughtoletmespendthenightunderyourroof".

Theoldwomanassoonassheheardherselfspokentostoppedspinning,rosefromherseatandapproachedtheintruder."Iamverysorryforyou.Youmustindeedbedistressedtohavelostyourwayinsuchalonelyspotsolateatnight.UnfortunatelyIcannotputyouup,forIhavenobedtoofferyou,andnoaccommodationwhatsoeverforaguestinthispoor

place!""Oh,thatdoesnotmatter",saidthepriest;"allIwantisashelterundersomeroofforthenight,andifyouwillbegoodenoughjusttoletmelieonthekitchenfloorIshallbegrateful.Iamtootiredtowalkfurthertonight,soIhopeyouwillnotrefuseme,otherwiseIshallhavetosleepoutonthecoldplain".Andinthiswayhepressedtheoldwomantolethimstay.

Sheseemedveryreluctant,butatlastshesaid:"Verywell,Iwillletyoustayhere.leanofferyouaverypoorwelcomeonly,butcomeinnowandIwillmakeafire,forthenightiscold".Thepilgrimwasonlytoogladtodoashewastold.Hetookoffhissandalsandenteredthehut.Theoldwomanthenbroughtsomesticksofwoodandlitthefire,andbadeherguestdrawnearandwarm

himself."Youmustbehungryafteryourlongtramp",saidtheoldwoman."Iwillgoandcooksomesupperforyou".Shethenwenttothekitchentocooksomerice.Afterthepriesthadfinishedhissuppertheoldwomansatdownbythefire-place,andtheytalkedtogetherforalongtime.Thepilgrimthoughttohimselfthathehadbeenveryluckytocomeacrosssucha

kind,hospitableoldwoman.Atlastthewoodgaveout,andasthefirediedslowlydownhebegantoshiverwithcoldjustashehaddonewhenhearrived."Iseeyouarecold",saidtheoldwoman;"Iwillgooutandgathersomewood,forwehaveuseditall.YoumuststayandtakecareofthehousewhileIamgone"."No,no",saidthepilgrim,"letmegoinstead,foryouare

old,andIcannotthinkoflettingyougoouttogetwoodformethiscoldnight!"Theoldwomanshookherheadandsaid:"Youmuststayquietlyhere,foryouaremyguest".Thenshelefthimandwentout.Inaminuteshecamebackandsaid:"Youmustsitwhereyouareandnotmove,andwhateverhappensdon'tgonearorlookintotheinnerroom.Now

mindwhatItell!""Ifyoutellmenottogonearthebackroom,ofcourseIwon't",saidthepriest,ratherbewildered.Theoldwomanthenwentoutagain,andthepriestwasleftalone.Thefirehaddiedout,andtheonlylightinthehutwasthatofadimlantern.Forthefirsttimethatnighthebegantofeelthathewasinaweirdplace,andtheoldwoman'swords,"Whatever

youdodon'tpeepintothebackroom",arousedhiscuriosityandhisfear.Whathiddenthingcouldbeinthatroomthatshedidnotwishhimtosee?Forsometimetheremembranceofhispromisetotheoldwomankepthimstill,butatlasthecouldnolongerresisthiscuriositytopeepintotheforbiddenplace.Hegotupandbegantomoveslowlytowardstheback

room.Thenthethoughtthattheoldwomanwouldbeveryangrywithhimifhedisobeyedhermadehimcomebacktohisplacebythefireside.Astheminuteswentslowlybyandtheoldwomandidnotreturn,hebegantofeelmoreandmorefrightened,andtowonderwhatdreadfulsecretwasintheroombehindhim.Hemustfindout.

WhathesawfrozetheBloodinhisVeins.JapaneseFairyTales

"ShewillnotknowthatIhavelookedunlessItellher.Iwilljusthaveapeepbeforeshecomesback",saidthemantohimself.Withthesewordshegotuponhisfeet(forhehadbeensittingallthistimeinJapanesefashionwithhisfeetunderhim)andstealthilycrepttowardstheforbiddenspot.Withtremblinghandshepushedbacktheslidingdoorandlookedin.Whathesaw

frozethebloodinhisveins.Theroomwasfullofdeadmen'sbonesandthewallsweresplashedandthefloorwascoveredwithhumanblood.Inonecornerskulluponskullrosetotheceiling,inanotherwasaheapofarmbones,inanotheraheapoflegbones.Thesickeningsmellmadehimfaint.Hefellbackwardswithhorror,andforsometimelayinaheapwithfrightonthefloor,a

pitifulsight.Hetrembledalloverandhisteethchattered,andhecouldhardlycrawlawayfromthedreadfulspot."Howhorrible!"hecriedout."WhatawfuldenhaveIcometoinmytravels?MayBuddhahelpmeorIamlost.Isitpossiblethatthatkindoldwomanisreallythecannibalgoblin?Whenshecomesbackshewillshowherselfinhertruecharacterandeatmeupatone

mouthful!"Withthesewordshisstrengthcamebacktohimand,snatchinguphishatandstaff,herushedoutofthehouseasfastashislegscouldcarryhim.Outintothenightheran,hisonethoughttogetasfarashecouldfromthegoblin'shaunt.Hehadnotgonefarwhenheheardstepsbehindhimandavoicecrying:"Stop!stop!"Heranon,redoublinghis

speed,pretendingnottohear.Asheranheheardthestepsbehindhimcomenearerandnearer,andatlastherecognizedtheoldwoman'svoicewhichgrewlouderandlouderasshecamenearer."Stop!stop,youwickedman,whydidyoulookintotheforbiddenroom?"Thepriestquiteforgothowtiredhewasandhisfeetflewoverthegroundfasterthanever.Feargavehimstrength,

forheknewthatifthegoblincaughthimhewouldsoonbeoneofhervictims.WithallhisheartherepeatedtheprayertoBuddha:"NamuAmidaButsu,NamuAmidaButsu".Andafterhimrushedthedreadfuloldhag,herhairflyinginthewind,andherfacechangingwithrageintothedemonthatshewas.Inherhandshecarriedalargeblood-stainedknife,andshe

stillshriekedafterhim,"Stop!stop!"Atlast,whenthepriestfelthecouldrunnomore,thedawnbroke,andwiththedarknessofnightthegoblinvanishedandhewassafe.ThepriestnowknewthathehadmettheGoblinofAdachigahara,thestoryofwhomhehadoftenheardbutneverbelievedtobetrue.HefeltthatheowedhiswonderfulescapetotheprotectionofBuddhato

whomhehadprayedforhelp,sohetookouthisrosaryandbowinghisheadasthesunrosehesaidhisprayersandmadehisthanksgivingearnestly.Hethensetforwardforanotherpartofthecountry,onlytoogladtoleavethehauntedplainbehindhim.

THESAGACIOUSMONKEYANDTHEBOAR.

LONG,longago,therelivedintheprovinceofShinshininJapan,atravelingmonkey-man,whoearnedhislivingbytakingroundamonkey

andshowingofftheanimal'stricks.Oneeveningthemancamehomeinaverybadtemperandtoldhiswifetosendforthebutcherthenextmorning.Thewifewasverybewilderedandaskedherhusband:"Whydoyouwishmetosendforthebutcher?""It'snousetakingthatmonkeyroundanylonger,he'stoooldandforgetshis

tricks.IbeathimwithmystickallIknowhow,buthewon'tdanceproperly.ImustnowsellhimtothebutcherandmakewhatmoneyoutofhimIcan.Thereisnothingelsetobedone".Thewomanfeltverysorryforthepoorlittleanimal,andpleadedforherhusbandtosparethemonkey,butherpleadingwasallinvain,themanwasdeterminedtosellhimtothebutcher.

Nowthemonkeywasinthenextroomandoverheardeverywordoftheconversation.Hesoonunderstoodthathewastobekilled,andhesaidtohimself:"Barbarous,indeed,ismymaster!HereIhaveservedhimfaithfullyforyears,andinsteadofallowingmetoendmydayscomfortablyandinpeace,heisgoingtoletmebecutupbythebutcher,andmypoorbodyistoberoasted

andstewedandeaten?Woeisme!WhatamItodo.Ah!abrightthoughthasstruckme!Thereis,Iknow,awildboarlivingintheforestnearby.Ihaveoftenheardtellofhiswisdom.PerhapsifIgotohimandtellhimthestraitIaminhewillgivemehiscounsel.Iwillgoandtry".

TheMonkeybeganhisTaleofWoe.JapaneseFairyTales

Therewasnotimetolose.Themonkeyslippedoutofthehouseandranasquicklyashecouldtotheforesttofindtheboar.Theboarwasathome,andthemonkeybeganhistaleofwoeatonce."GoodMr.Boar,Ihaveheardofyourexcellentwisdom.Iamingreattrouble,youalonecanhelpme.Ihavegrownoldintheserviceofmymaster,andbecauseIcannotdanceproperlynowhe

intendstosellmetothebutcher.Whatdoyouadvisemetodo?Iknowhowcleveryouare!"Theboarwaspleasedattheflatteryanddeterminedtohelpthemonkey.Hethoughtforalittlewhileandthensaid:"Hasn'tyourmasterababy?""Oh,yes",saidthemonkey,"hehasoneinfantson"."Doesn'titliebythedoorinthemorningwhenyour

mistressbeginstheworkoftheday?Well,IwillcomeroundearlyandwhenIseemyopportunityIwillseizethechildandrunoffwithit"."Whatthen?"saidthemonkey."Whythemotherwillbeinatremendousscare,andbeforeyourmasterandmistressknowwhattodo,youmustrunaftermeandrescuethechildandtakeithomesafelytoitsparents,andyouwill

seethatwhenthebutchercomestheywon'thavethehearttosellyou".Themonkeythankedtheboarmanytimesandthenwenthome.Hedidnotsleepmuchthatnight,asyoumayimagine,forthinkingofthemorrow.Hislifedependedonwhethertheboar'splansucceededornot.Hewasthefirstup,waitinganxiouslyforwhatwastohappen.Itseemedtohimaverylong

timebeforehismaster'swifebegantomoveaboutandopentheshutterstoletinthelightofday.Thenallhappenedastheboarhadplanned.Themotherplacedherchildneartheporchasusualwhileshetidiedupthehouseandgotherbreakfastready.Thechildwascrooninghappilyinthemorningsunlight,dabbingonthematsattheplayoflightand

shadow.Suddenlytherewasanoiseintheporchandaloudcryfromthechild.Themotherranoutfromthekitchentothespot,onlyjustintimetoseetheboardisappearingthroughthegatewithherchildinitsclutch.Sheflungoutherhandswithaloudcryofdespairandrushedintotheinnerroomwhereherhusbandwasstillsleepingsoundly.Hesatupslowlyandrubbed

hiseyes,andcrosslydemandedwhathiswifewasmakingallthatnoiseabout.Bythetimethatthemanwasalivetowhathadhappened,andtheybothgotoutsidethegate,theboarhadgotwellaway,buttheysawthemonkeyrunningafterthethiefashardashislegswouldcarryhim.Boththemanandwifeweremovedtoadmirationatthepluckyconductofthe

sagaciousmonkey,andtheirgratitudeknewnoboundswhenthefaithfulmonkeybroughtthechildsafelybacktotheirarms."There!"saidthewife."Thisistheanimalyouwanttokill—ifthemonkeyhadn'tbeenhereweshouldhavelostourchildforever"."Youareright,wife,foronce",saidthemanashecarriedthechildintothehouse."Youmaysendthe

butcherbackwhenhecomes,andnowgiveusallagoodbreakfastandthemonkeytoo".Whenthebutcherarrivedhewassentawaywithanorderforsomeboar'smeatfortheeveningdinner,andthemonkeywaspettedandlivedtherestofhisdaysinpeace,nordidhismastereverstrikehimagain.

THEHAPPYHUNTERAND

THESKILLFULFISHER.

LONG,longagoJapanwasgovernedbyHoho-demi,thefourthMikoto(or

Augustness)indescentfromtheillustriousAmaterasu,theSunGoddess.Hewasnotonlyashandsomeashisancestresswasbeautiful,buthewasalsoverystrongandbrave,andwasfamousforbeingthegreatesthunterinthelaud.Becauseofhismatchlessskillasahunter,hewascalled"Yama-sachi-hiko"or"TheHappyHunteroftheMountains".Hiselderbrotherwasavery

skillfulfisher,andashefarsurpassedallrivalsinfishing,hewasnamed"Umi-sachi-hiko"orthe"SkillfulFisheroftheSea".Thebrothersthusledhappylives,thoroughlyenjoyingtheirrespectiveoccupations,andthedayspassedquicklyandpleasantlywhileeachpursuedhisownway,theonehuntingandtheotherfishing.OnedaytheHappyHuntercametohisbrother,the

SkillfulFisher,andsaid:"Well,mybrother,Iseeyougototheseaeverydaywithyourfishingrodinyourhand,andwhenyoureturnyoucomeladenwithfish.Andasforme,itismypleasuretotakemybowandarrowandtohuntthewildanimalsupthemountainsanddowninthevalleys.Foralongtimewehaveeachfollowedourfavoriteoccupation,sothatnowwemustbothbetired,

youofyourfishingandIofmyhunting.Woulditnotbewiseforustomakeachange?WillyoutryhuntinginthemountainsandIwillgoandfishinthesea?"TheSkillfulFisherlistenedinsilencetohisbrother,andforamomentwasthoughtful,butatlastheanswered:"0yes,whynot?Yourideaisnotabadoneatall.GivemeyourbowandarrowandIwillsetoutatonceforthe

mountainsandhuntforgame".Sothematterwassettledbythistalk,andthetwobrotherseachstartedouttotrytheother'soccupation,littledreamingofallthatwouldhappen.Itwasveryunwiseofthem,fortheHappyHunterknewnothingoffishing,andtheSkillfulFisher,whowasbadtempered,knewasmuchabouthunting.TheHappyHuntertookhis

brother'smuch-prizedfishinghookandrodandwentdowntotheseashoreandsatdownontherocks.Hebaitedhishookandthenthrewitintotheseaclumsily.Hesatandgazedatthelittlefloatbobbingupanddowninthewater,andlongedforagoodfishtocomeandbecaught.Everytimethebuoymovedalittlehepulleduphisrod,buttherewasneverafishattheendofit,onlythehookand

thebait.Ifhehadknownhowtofishproperly,hewouldhavebeenabletocatchplentyoffish,butalthoughhewasthegreatesthunterinthelandhecouldnothelpbeingthemostbunglingfisher.Thewholedaypassedinthisway,whilehesatontherocksholdingthefishingrodandwaitinginvainforhislucktoturn.Atlastthedaybegantodarken,andtheeveningcame;stillhehadcaughtnot

asinglefish.Drawinguphislineforthelasttimebeforegoinghome,hefoundthathehadlosthishookwithoutevenknowingwhenhehaddroppedit.Henowbegantofeelextremelyanxious,forheknewthathisbrotherwouldbeangryathishavinglosthishook,for,itbeinghisonlyone,hovalueditaboveallotherthings.TheHappyHunternowsettoworkto

lookamongtherocksandonthesandforthelosthook,andwhilehewassearchingtoandfro,hisbrother,theSkillfulFisher,arrivedonthescene.Hehadfailedtofindanygamewhilehuntingthatday,andwasnotonlyinabadtemper,butlookedfearfullycross.WhenhesawtheHappyHuntersearchingaboutontheshoreheknewthatsomethingmusthavegonewrong,sohesaidat

once:"Whatareyoudoing,mybrother?"TheHappyHunterwentforwardtimidly,forhefearedhisbrother'sanger,andsaid:"Oh,mybrother,Ihaveindeeddonebadly"."Whatisthematter?—whathaveyoudone?"askedtheelderbrotherimpatiently."Ihavelostyourpreciousfishinghook"Whilehewasstillspeakinghisbrotherstoppedhim,and

criedoutfiercely:"Lostmyhook!ItisjustwhatIexpected.Forthisreason,whenyoufirstproposedyourplanofchangingoverouroccupationsIwasreallyagainstit,butyouseemedtowishitsomuchthatIgaveinandallowedyoutodoasyouwished.Themistakeofourtryingunfamiliartasksissoonseen!Andyouhavedonebadly.Iwillnotreturnyouyourbowandarrowtill

youhavefoundmyhook.Looktoitthatyoufinditandreturnittomequickly".TheHappyHunterfeltthathewastoblameforallthathadcometopass,andborehisbrother'sscornfulscoldingwithhumilityandpatience.Hehuntedeverywhereforthehookmostdiligently,butitwasnowheretobefound.Hewasatlastobligedtogiveupallhopeoffindingit.Hethenwenthome,andin

desperationbrokehisbelovedswordintopiecesandmadefivehundredhooksoutofit.Hetookthesetohisangrybrotherandofferedthemtohim,askinghisforgiveness,andbegginghimtoacceptthemintheplaceoftheonehehadlostforhim.Itwasuseless;hisbrotherwouldnotlistentohim,muchlessgranthisrequest.TheHappyHunterthenmadeanotherfivehundredhooks,

andagaintookthemtohisbrother,beseechinghimtopardonhim."Thoughyoumakeamillionhooks",saidtheSkillfulFisher,shakinghishead,"theyareofnousetome.Icannotforgiveyouunlessyoubringmebackmyownhook".NothingwouldappeasetheangeroftheSkillfulFisher,forhehadabaddisposition,andhadalwayshatedhis

brotherbecauseofhisvirtues,andnowwiththeexcuseofthelostfishinghookheplannedtokillhimandtousurphisplaceasrulerofJapan.TheHappyHunterknewallthisfullwell,buthecouldsaynothing,forbeingtheyoungerheowedhiselderbrotherobedience;sohereturnedtotheseashoreandoncemorebegantolookforthemissinghook.Hewasmuchcastdown,forhehad

lostallhopeofeverfindinghisbrother'shooknow.Whilehestoodonthebeach,lostinperplexityandwonderingwhathehadbestdonext,anoldmansuddenlyappearedcarryingastickinhishand.TheHappyHunterafterwardsrememberedthathedidnotseefromwhencetheoldmancame,neitherdidheknowhowhewasthere—hehappenedtolookupandsawtheoldmancomingtowards

him."YouareHohodemi,theAugustness,sometimescalledtheHappyHunter,areyounot?"askedtheoldman."Whatareyoudoingaloneinsuchaplace?""Yes,Iamhe",answeredtheunhappyyoungman."Unfortunately,whilefishingIlostmybrother'spreciousfishinghook.Ihavehuntedthisshoreallover,butalas!Icannotfindit,andIamvery

troubled,formybrotherwon'tforgivemetillIrestoreittohim.Butwhoareyou?""MynameisShiwozuchinoOkina,andIlivenearbyonthisshore.Iamsorrytohearwhatmisfortunehasbefallenyou.Youmustindeedbeanxious.ButifItellyouwhatIthink,thehookisnowherehere—itiseitheratthebottomoftheseaorinthebodyofsomefishwhohasswallowedit,andforthis

reason,thoughyouspendyourwholelifeinlookingforithere,youwillneverfindit"."ThenwhatcanIdo?"askedthedistressedman."YouhadbettergodowntoRynGuandtellRynJin,theDragonKingoftheSea,whatyourtroubleisandaskhimtofindthehookforyou.Ithinkthatwouldbethebestway"."Yourideaisasplendidone",saidtheHappyHunter,"butI

fearIcannotgettotheSeaKing'srealm,forIhavealwaysheardthatitissituatedatthebottomofthesea"."Oh,therewillbenodifficultyaboutyourgettingthere",saidtheoldman;"Icansoonmakesomethingforyoutorideonthroughthesea"."Thankyou",saidtheHappyHunter,"Ishallbeverygratefultoyouifyouwillbesokind".

Theoldmanatoncesettowork,andsoonmadeabasketandofferedittotheHappyHunter.Hereceiveditwithjoy,andtakingittothewater,mountedit,andpreparedtostart.Hebadegood-bytothekindoldmanwhohadhelpedhimsomuch,andtoldhimthathewouldcertainlyrewardhimassoonashefoundhishookandcouldreturntoJapanwithoutfearofhisbrother's

anger.Theoldmanpointedoutthedirectionhemusttake,andtoldhimhowtoreachtherealmofRynGu,andwatchedhimrideouttoseaonthebasket,whichresembledasmallboat.TheHappyHuntermadeallthehastehecould,ridingonthebasketwhichhadbeengivenhimbyhisfriend.Hisqueerboatseemedtogothroughthewaterofitsownaccord,andthedistancewas

muchshorterthanhehadexpected,forinafewhourshecaughtsightofthegateandtheroofoftheSeaKing'sPalace.Andwhatalargeplaceitwas,withitsnumberlessslopingroofsandgables,itshugegateways,anditsgraystonewalls!Hesoonlanded,andleavinghisbasketonthebeach,hewalkeduptothelargegateway.Thepillarsofthegateweremadeofbeautiful

redcoral,andthegateitselfwasadornedwithglitteringgemsofallkinds.Largekatsuratreesovershadowedit.OurherohadoftenheardofthewondersoftheSeaKing'sPalacebeneaththesea,butallthestorieshehadeverheardfellshortoftherealitywhichhenowsawforthefirsttime.TheHappyHunterwouldhavelikedtoenterthegatethereandthen,buthesaw

thatitwasfastclosed,andalsothattherewasnooneaboutwhomhecouldasktoopenitforhim,sohestoppedtothinkwhatheshoulddo.Intheshadeofthetreesbeforethegatehenoticedawellfulloffreshspringwater.Surelysomeonewouldcomeouttodrawwaterfromthewellsometime,hethought.Thenheclimbedintothetreeoverhangingthewell,andseatedhimselftorestononeofthe

branches,andwaitedforwhatmighthappen.Erelonghesawthehugegateswingopen,andtwobeautifulwomencameout.NowtheMikoto(Augustness)hadalwaysheardthatRynGuwastherealmoftheDragonKingundertheSea,andhadnaturallysupposedthattheplacewasinhabitedbydragonsandsimilarterriblecreatures,sothatwhenhesawthesetwolovely

princesses,whosebeautywouldberareevenintheworldfromwhichhehadjustcome,hewasexceedinglysurprised,andwonderedwhatitcouldmean.Hesaidnotaword,however,butsilentlygazedatthemthroughthefoliageofthetrees,waitingtoseewhattheywoulddo.Hesawthatintheirhandstheycarriedgoldenbuckets.Slowlyandgracefullyintheirtrailing

garmentstheyapproachedthewell,standingintheshadeofthekatsuratrees,andwereabouttodrawwater,allunknowingofthestrangerwhowaswatchingthem,fortheHappyHunterwasquitehiddenamongthebranchesofthetreewherehehadpostedhimself.Asthetwoladiesleanedoverthesideofthetoletdowntheirgoldenbuckets,whichtheydideverydayinthe

year,theysawreflectedinthedeepstillwaterthefaceofahandsomeyouthgazingatthemfromamidstthebranchesofthetreeinwhoseshadetheystood.Neverbeforehadtheyseenthefaceofmortalman;theywerefrightened,anddrewbackquicklywiththeirgoldenbucketsintheirhands.Theircuriosity,however,soongavethemcourage,andtheyglancedtimidlyupwardsto

seethecauseoftheunusualreflection,andthentheybeheldtheHappyHuntersittinginthetreelookingdownatthemwithsurpriseandadmiration.Theygazedathimfacetoface,buttheirtongueswerestillwithwonderandcouldnotfindawordtosaytohim.WhentheMikotosawthathewasdiscovered,hesprangdownlightlyfromthetreeandsaid:

"Iamatraveler,andasIwasverythirstyIcametothewellinthehopesofquenchingmythirst,butIcouldfindnobucketwithwhichtodrawthewater.SoIclimbedintothetree,muchvexed,andwaitedforsomeonetocome.Justatthatmoment,whileIwasthirstilyandimpatientlywaiting,younobleladiesappeared,asifinanswertomygreatneed.ThereforeIprayyouofyourmercygive

mesomewatertodrink,forIamathirstytravelerinastrangeland".Hisdignityandgraciousnessoverruledtheirtimidity,andbowinginsilencetheybothoncemoreapproachedthewell,andlettingdowntheirgoldenbucketsdrewupsomewaterandpoureditintoajeweledcupandofferedittothestranger.Hereceiveditfromthemwithbothhands,raisingittothe

heightofhisforeheadintokenofhighrespectandpleasure,andthendrankthewaterquickly,forhisthirstwasgreat.Whenhehadfinishedhislongdraughthesetthecupdownontheedgeofthewell,anddrawinghisshortswordhecutoffoneofthestrangecurvedjewelsmagatama,anecklaceofwhichhungroundhisneckandfelloverhisbreast.Heplacedthejewelinthecup

andreturnedittothem,andsaid,bowingdeeply:"Thisisatokenofmythanks!':Thetwoladiestookthecup,andlookingintoittoseewhathehadputinside—fortheydidnotyetknowwhatitwas—theygaveastartofsurprise,fortherelayabeautifulgematthebottomofthecup."Noordinarymortalwouldgiveawayajewelsofreely.

Willyounothonorusbytellinguswhoyouare?"saidtheelderdamsel."Certainly",saidtheHappyHunter",IamHohodemi,thefourthMikoto,alsocalledinJapan,theHappyHunter"."AreyouindeedHohodemi,thegrandsonofAlinaterasu,theSunGoddess?"askedthedamselwhohadspokenfirst."IamtheeldestdaughterofRynJin,theKingoftheSea,andmynameisPrincess

Tayotama"."And",saidtheyoungermaiden,whoatlastfoundhertongue,"Iamhersister,thePrincessTamayori"."AreyouindeedthedaughtersofEynJin,theKingoftheSea?IcannottellyouhowgladIamtomeetyou",saidtheHappyHunter.Andwithoutwaitingforthemtoreplyhewenton:"TheotherdayIwentfishingwithmybrother'shookand

droppedit,how,IamsureIcan'ttell.Asmybrotherprizeshisfishinghookaboveallhisotherpossessions,thisisthegreatestcalamitythatcouldhavebefallenme.UnlessIfinditagainIcanneverhopetowinmybrother'sforgiveness,forheisveryangryatwhatIhavedone.Ihavesearchedforitmany,manytimes,butIcannotfindit,thereforeIammuchtroubled.WhileIwas

huntingforthehook,ingreatdistress,Imetawiseoldman,andhetoldmethatthebestthingIcoulddowastocometoRynGu,andtoRynJin,theDragonKingoftheSea,andaskhimtohelpme.Thiskindoldmanalsoshowedmehowtocome.NowyouknowhowitisIamhereandwhy.IwanttoaskRynJin,ifheknowswherethelosthookis.Willyoubesokindastotakemetoyour

father?Anddoyouthinkhewillseeme?"askedtheHappyHunteranxiously.PrincessTayotamalistenedtothislongstory,andthensaid:"Notonlyisiteasyforyoutoseemyfather,buthewillbemuchpleasedtomeetyou.Iamsurehewillsaythatgoodfortunehasbefallenhim,thatsogreatandnobleamanasyou,thegrandsonofAmaterasu,shouldcomedowntothebottomofthe

sea".Andthenturningtoheryoungersister,shesaid:"Doyounotthinkso,Tarnayori?""Yes,indeed",answeredthePrincessTama-yori,inhersweetvoice."Asyousay,wecanknownogreaterhonorthantowelcometheMikototoourhome"."ThenIaskyoutobesokindastoleadtheway",saidtheHappyHunter."Condescendtoenter,Mikoto

(Augustness)",saidboththesisters,andbowinglow,theyledhimthroughthegate.TheyoungerPrincesslefthersistertotakechargeoftheHappyHunter,andgoingfasterthanthey,shereachedtheSeaKing'sPalacefirst,andrunningquicklytoherfather'sroom,shetoldhimofallthathadhappenedtothematthegate,andthathersisterwasevennowbringingtheAugustnesstohim.The

DragonKingoftheSeawasmuchsurprisedatthenews,foritwasbutseldom,perhapsonlyonceinseveralhundredyears,thattheSeaKing'sPalacewasvisitedbymortals.RynJinatonceclappedhishandsandsummonedallhiscourtiersandtheservantsofthePalace,andthechieffishoftheseatogether,andsolemnlytoldthemthatthegrandsonoftheSunGoddess,Amaterasu,wascomingto

thePalace,andthattheymustbeveryceremoniousandpoliteinservingtheaugustvisitor.HethenorderedthemalltotheentranceofthePalacetowelcometheHappyHunter.EynJinthendressedhimselfinhisrobesofceremony,andwentouttowelcomehim.InafewmomentsthePrincessTayotamaandtheHappyHunterreachedtheentrance,andtheSeaKingandhiswife

bowedtothegroundandthankedhimforthehonorhedidthemincomingtoseethem.TheSeaKingthenledtheHappyHuntertotheguestroom,andplacinghimintheuppermostseat,hebowedrespectfullybeforehim,andsaid:"IamEynJin,theDragonKingoftheSea,andthisismywife.Condescendtorememberusforever!""AreyouindeedRynJin,the

KingoftheSea,ofwhomIhavesooftenheard?"answeredtheHappyHunter,salutinghishostmostceremoniously."ImustapologizeforallthetroubleIamgivingyoubymyunexpectedvisit".Andhebowedagain,andthankedtheSeaKing."Youneednotthankme",saidEynJin."ItisIwhomustthankyouforcoming.AlthoughtheSeaPalaceisa

poorplace,asyousee,Ishallbehighlyhonoredifyouwillmakeusalongvisit".TherewasmuchgladnessbetweentheSeaKingandtheHappyHunter,andtheysatandtalkedforalongtime.AtlasttheSeaKingclappedhishands,andthenahugeretinueoffishesappeared,allrobedinceremonialgarments,andbearingintheirfinsvarioustraysonwhichallkindsofseadelicacieswere

served.AgreatfeastwasnowspreadbeforetheKingandhisRoyalguest.Allthefishes-in-waitingwerechosenfromamongstthefinestfishinthesea,soyoucanimaginewhatawonderfularrayofseacreaturesitwasthatwaitedupontheHappyHunterthatday.AllinthePalacetriedtodotheirbesttopleasehimandtoshowhimthathewasamuchhonoredguest.Duringthelongrepast,whichlasted

forhours,RynJincommandedhisdaughterstoplaysomemusic,andthetwoPrincessescameinandperformedonthekoto(theJapaneseharp),andsanganddancedinturns.ThetimepassedsopleasantlythattheHappyHunterseemedtoforgethistroubleandwhyhehadcomeatalltotheSeaKing'sRealm,andhegavehimselfuptotheenjoymentofthiswonderfulplace,the

landoffairyfishes!Whohaseverheardofsuchamarvelousplace?ButtheMikotosoonrememberedwhathadbroughthimtoRynGu,andsaidtohishost:"Perhapsyourdaughtershavetoldyou,KingR}TnJin,thatIhavecomeheretotryandrecovermybrother'sfishinghook,whichIlost"whilefishingtheotherday.MayIaskyoutobesokindastoinquireofallyour

subjectsifanyofthemhaveseenafishinghooklostinthesea?""Certainly",saidtheobligingSeaKing,"Iwillimmediatelysummonthemallhereandaskthem".Assoonashehadissuedhiscommand,theoctopus,thecuttlefish,thebonito,theoxtailfish,theeel,thejellyfish,theshrimp,andtheplaice,'andmanyotherfishesofallkindscameinandsat

downbeforeRynJintheirKing,andarrangedthemselvesandtheirfinsinorder.ThentheSeaKingsaidsolemnly:"OurvisitorwhoissittingbeforeyouallistheaugustgrandsonofAmaterasu.HisnameisHohodemi,thefourthAugustness,andheisalsocalledtheHappyHunteroftheMountains.WhilehewasfishingtheotherdayupontheshoreofJapan,someone

robbedhimofhisbrother'sfishinghook.HehascomeallthiswaydowntothebottomoftheseatoourKingdombecausehethoughtthatoneofyoufishesmayhavetakenthehookfromhiminmischievousplay.Ifanyofyouhavedonesoyoumustimmediatelyreturnit,orifanyofyouknowwhothethiefisyoumustatoncetellushisnameandwhereheisnow".

Allthefishesweretakenbysurprisewhentheyheardthesewords,andcouldsaynothingforsometime.TheysatlookingateachotherandattheDragonKing.Atlastthecuttlefishcameforwardandsaid:"Ithinkthetai(theredbream)mustbethethiefwhohasstolenthehook!""Whereisyourproof?"askedtheKing."Sinceyesterdayeveningthe

taihasnotbeenabletoeatanything,andheseemstobesufferingfromabadthroat!ForthisreasonIthinkthehookmaybeinhisthroat.Youhadbettersendforhimatonce!':Allthefishagreedtothis,andsaid:"Itiscertainlystrangethatthetaiistheonlyfishwhohasnotobeyedyoursummons.Willyousendforhimandinquireintothematter.Then

ourinnocencewillbeproved"."Yes",saidtheSeaKing,"itisstrangethatthetaihasnotcome,forheoughttobethefirsttobehere.Sendforhimatonce!"WithoutwaitingfortheKing'sorderthecuttlefishhadalreadystartedfortheTai'sdwelling,andhenowreturned,bringingthetaiwithhim.HeledhimbeforetheKing.

TheTaisattherelookingfrightenedandill.Hecertainlywasinpain,forhisusuallyredfacewaspale,andhiseyeswerenearlyclosedandlookedbuthalftheirusualsize."Answer,ohTai!"criedtheSeaKing,"whydidyounotcomeinanswertomysummonsto-day?""Ihavebeenillsinceyesterday",answeredtheTai;"thatiswhyIcouldnot

come"."Don'tsayanotherword!"criedoutRynJinangrily."YourillnessisthepunishmentofthegodsforstealingtheMikoto'shook"."ItisonlytootrueI"saidtheTai;"thehookisstillinmythroat,andallmyeffortstogetitouthavebeenuseless.Ican'teat,andIcanscarcelybreathe,andeachmomentIfeelthatitwillchokeme,andsometimesitgivesmegreat

pain.IhadnointentionofstealingtheMikoto'shook.IheedlesslysnappedatthebaitwhichIsawinthewater,andthehookcameoffandstuckinmythroat.SoIhopeyouwillpardonme".Thecuttlefishnowcameforward,andsaidtotheKing:"WhatIsaidwasright.YouseethehookstillsticksintheTai'sthroat.IhopetobeabletopullitoutinthepresenceoftheMikoto,andthenwe

canreturnittohimsafely!""Opleasemakehasteandpullitout!"criedtheTai,pitifully,forhefeltthepainsinhisthroatcomingonagain;"IdosowanttoreturnthehooktotheMikoto"."Allright,TaiSan",saidhisfriendthecuttlefish,andthenopeningtheTai'smouthaswideashecouldandputtingoneofhisfeelersdownthoTai'sthroat,hequicklyandeasilydrewthehookoutof

thesufferer'slargemouth.HethenwasheditandbroughtittotheKing.RynJintookthehookfromhissubject,andthenrespectfullyreturnedittotheHappyHunter(theMikotoorAugustness,thefishescalledhim),whowasoverjoyedatgettingbackhishook.HethankedRynJinmanytimes,hisfacebeamingwithgratitude,andsaidthatheowedthehappyendingofhis

questtotheSeaKing'swiseauthorityandkindness.KynJinnowdesiredtopunishtheTai,buttheHappyHunterbeggedhimnottodoso;sincehislosthookwasthushappilyrecoveredhedidnotwishtomakemoretroubleforthepoorTai.ItwasindeedtheTaiwhohadtakenthehook,buthehadalreadysufferedenoughforhisfault,iffaultitcouldbecalled.Whathadbeendone

wasdoneinheedlessnessandnotbyintention.TheHappyHuntersaidheblamedhimself;ifhehadunderstoodhowtofishproperlyhewouldneverhavelosthishook,andthereforeallthistroublehadbeencausedinthefirstplacebyhistryingtodosomethingwhichhedidnotknowhowtodo.SohebeggedtheSeaKingtoforgivehissubject.Whocouldresistthepleadingofsowiseandcompassionate

ajudge?RynJinforgavehissubjectatonceattherequestofhisaugustguest.TheTaiwassogladthatheshookhisfinsforjoy,andheandalltheotherfishwentoutfromthepresenceoftheirKing,praisingthevirtuesoftheHappyHunter.NowthatthehookwasfoundtheHappyHunterhadnothingtokeephiminRynGu,andhewasanxioustogetbacktohisownkingdomand

tomakepeacewithhisangrybrother,theSkillfulFisher;buttheSeaKing,whohadlearnttolovehimandwouldfainhavekepthimasason,beggedhimnottogososoon,buttomakethetheSeaPalacehishomeaslongaseverheliked.WhiletheHappyHunterwasstillhesitating,thetwolovelyPrincesses,TayotamaandTamayori,came,andwiththesweetestofbowsandvoices

joinedwiththeirfatherinpressinghimtostay,sothatwithoutseemingungracioushecouldnotsaythem"Nay",andwasobligedtostayonforsometime.BetweentheSeaRealmandtheEarththerewasnodifferenceintheflightoftime,andtheHappyHunterfoundthatthreeyearswentfleetingquicklybyinthisdelightfulland.Theyearspassswiftlywhenanyoneis

trulyhappy.Butthoughthewondersofthatenchantedlandseemedtobeneweveryday,andthoughtheSeaKing'skindnessseemedrathertoincreasethantogrowlesswithtime,theHappyHuntergrewmoreandmorehomesickasthedayspassed,andhecouldnotrepressagreatanxietytoknowwhathadhappenedtohishomeandhiscountryandhisbrotherwhilehehadbeen

away.SoatlasthewenttotheSeaKingandsaid:"MystaywithyouherehasbeenmosthappyandIamverygratefultoyouforallyourkindnesstome,butIgovernJapan,and,delightfulasthisplaceis,Icannotabsentmyselfforeverfrommycountry.Imustalsoreturnthefishinghooktomybrotherandaskhisforgivenessforhavingdeprivedhimofitforsolong.

Iamindeedverysorrytopartfromyou,butthistimeitcannotbehelped.Withyourgraciouspermission,Iwilltakemyleaveto-day.Ihopetomakeyouanothervisitsomeday.Pleasegiveuptheideaofmystayinglongernow".KingRynJinwasovercomewithsorrowatthethoughtthathemustlosehisfriendwhohadmadeagreatdiversioninthePalaceofthe

Sea,andhistearsfellfastasheanswered:"Weareindeedverysorrytopartwithyou,Mikoto,forwehaveenjoyedyourstaywithusverymuch.Youhavebeenanobleandhonoredguestandwehaveheartilymadeyouwelcome.IquiteunderstandthatasyougovernJapanyououghttobethereandnothere,andthatitisvainforustotryandkeepyoulongerwithus,muchas

wewouldliketohaveyoustay.Ihopeyouwillnotforgetus.StrangecircumstanceshavebroughtustogetherandItrustthefriendshipthusbegunbetweentheLandandtheSeawilllastandgrowstrongerthanithaseverbeenbefore.WhentheSeaKinghadfinishedspeakingheturnedtohistwodaughtersandbadethembringhimthetwoTide-JewelsoftheSea.Thetwo

Princessesbowedlow,roseandglidedoutofthehall.Inafewminutestheyreturned,eachonecarryinginherhandsaflashinggemwhichfilledtheroomwithlight.AstheHappyHunterlookedatthemhewonderedwhattheycouldbe.TheSeaKingtookthemfromhisdaughtersandsaidtohisguest:"Thesetwovaluabletalismanswehaveinherited

fromourancestorsfromtimeimmemorial.Wenowgivethemtoyouasapartinggiftintokenofourgreataffectionforyou.ThesetwogemsarecalledtheNanjiuandtheKanjiu".TheHappyHunterbowedlowtothegroundandsaid:"Icanneverthankyouenoughforallyourkindnesstome.Andnowwillyouaddonemorefavortotherestandtellmewhatthesejewelsare

andwhatIamtodowiththem?""TheNanjiu",answeredtheSeaKing,"isalsocalledtheJeweloftheFloodTide,andwhoeverholdsitinhispossessioncancommandtheseatorollinandtofloodthelandatanytimethathewills.TheKanjiuisalsocalledtheJeweloftheEbbingTide,andthisgemcontrolstheseaandthewavesthereof,andwillcauseevenatidalwaveto

recede".ThenRynJinshowedhisfriendhowtousethetalismansonebyoneandhandedthemtohim.TheHappyHunterwasverygladtohavethesetwowonderfulgems,theJeweloftheFloodTideandtheJeweloftheEbbingTide,totakebackwithhim,forhefeltthattheywouldpreservehimincaseofdangerfromenemiesatanytime.Afterthankinghiskind

hostagainandagain,hepreparedtodepart.TheSeaKingandthetwoPrincesses,TayotamaandTarnayori,andalltheinmatesofthePalace,cameouttosay"Good-by",andbeforethesoundofthelastfarewellhaddiedawaytheHappyHunterpassedoutfromunderthegateway,pastthewellofhappymemorystandingintheshadeofthegreatkatsuratreesonhiswaytothebeach.

Herehefound,insteadofthequeerbasketonwhichhehadcometotheRealmofRynGu,alargecrocodilewaitingforhim.Neverhadheseensuchahugecreature.Itmeasuredeightfathomsinlengthfromthetipofitstailtotheendofitslongmouth.TheSeaKinghadorderedthemonstertocarrytheHappyHunterbacktoJapan.LikethewonderfulbasketwhichShiwozuchinoOkinahad

made,itcouldtravelfasterthananysteamboat,andinthisstrangeway,ridingonthebackofacrocodile,theHappyHunterreturnedtohisownland.Assoonasthecrocodilelandedhim,theHappyHunterhastenedtotelltheSkillfulFisherofhissafereturn.Hethengavehimbackthefishinghookwhichhadbeenfoundinthemouthofthetaiandwhichhadbeen

thecauseofsomuchtroublebetweenthem.Heearnestlybeggedhisbrother'sforgiveness,tellinghimallthathadhappenedtohimintheSeaKing'sPalaceandwhatwonderfuladventureshadledtothefindingofthehook.NowtheSkillfulFisherhadusedthelosthookasanexcusefordrivinghisbrotheroutofthecountry.Whenhisbrotherhadlefthimthatday

threeyearsago,andhadnotreturned,hehadbeenverygladinhisevilheartandhadatonceusurpedhisbrother'splaceasruleroftheland,andhadbecomepowerfulandrich.Nowinthemidstofenjoyingwhatdidnotbelongtohim,andhopingthathisbrothermightneverreturntoclaimhisrights,quiteunexpectedlytherestoodtheHappyHunterbeforehim.

HetookouttheJeweloftheFloodTide.JapaneseFairyTales

TheSkillfulFisherfeignedforgiveness,forhecouldmakenomoreexcusesforsendinghisbrotherawayagain,butinhishearthewasveryangryandhatedhisbrothermoreandmore,tillatlasthecouldnolongerbearthesightofhimdayafterday,andplannedandwatchedforanopportunitytokillhim.OnedaywhentheHappyHunterwaswalkinginthericefieldshisbrother

followedhimwithadagger.TheHappyHunterknewthathisbrotherwasfollowinghimtokillhim,andhefeltthatnow,inthishourofgreatdanger,wasthetimetousetheJewelsoftheFlo\vandEbboftheTideandprovewhetherwhattheSeaKinghadtoldhimwastrueornot.SohetookouttheJeweloftheFloodTidefromthebosomofhisdressandraisedittohisforehead.Instantly

overthefieldsandoverthefarmstheseacamerollinginwaveuponwavetillitreachedthespotwherehisbrotherwasstanding.TheSkillfulFisherstoodamazedandterrifiedtoseewhatwashappening.Inanotherminutehewasstrugglinginthewaterandcallingonhisbrothertosavehimfromdrowning.TheHappyHunterhadakindheartandcouldnotbearthesightofhisbrother'sdistress.

HeatonceputbacktheJeweloftheFloodTideandtookouttheJeweloftheEbbTide.Nosoonerdidheholditupashighashisforeheadthanthesearanbackandback,anderelongthetossingrollingfloodshadvanished,andthefarmsandfieldsanddrylandappearedasbefore.TheSkillfulFisherwasveryfrightenedattheperilofdeathinwhichhehadstood,andwasgreatlyimpressedby

thewonderfulthingshehadseenhisbrotherdo.Helearnednowthathewasmakingafatalmistaketosethimselfagainsthisbrother,youngerthanhethoughthewas,forhenowhadbecomesopowerfulthattheseawouldflowinandthetideebbathiswordofcommand.SohehumbledhimselfbeforetheHappyHunterandaskedhimtoforgivehimallthewronghehaddonehim.The

SkillfulFisherpromisedtorestorehisbrothertohisrightsandalsosworethatthoughtheHappyHunterwastheyoungerbrotherandowedhimallegiancebyrightofbirth,thathe,theSkillfulFisher,wouldexalthimashissuperiorandbowbeforehimasLordofallJapan.ThentheHappyHuntersaidthathewouldforgivehisbrotherifhewouldthrowintotherecedingtideallhisevil

ways.TheSkillfulFisherpromisedandtherewaspeacebetweenthetwobrothers.Fromthistimehekepthiswordandbecameagoodmanandakindbrother.TheHappyHunternowruledhisKingdomwithoutbeingdisturbedbyfamilystrife,andtherewaspeaceinJapanforalong,longtime.AboveallthetreasuresinhishouseheprizedthewonderfulJewelsoftheFlowandEbbofthe

TidewhichhadbeengivenhimbyKynJin,theDragonKingoftheSea.ThisisthecongratulatoryendingoftheHappyHunterandtheSkillfulFisher.

THESTORYOFTHEOLDMANWHOMADE

WITHEREDTREESTOFLOWER.

LONG,longagotherelivedanoldmanandhiswifewhosupportedthemselvesbycultivatingasmallplotofland.Theirlifehadbeenaveryhappyandpeacefulonesaveforonegreatsorrow,andthiswastheyhadnochild.TheironlypetwasadognamedShiro,andonhimtheylavishedalltheaffectionoftheiroldage.Indeed,theylovedhimsomuchthatwhenevertheyhadanything

nicetoeattheydeniedthemselvestogiveittoShiro.NowShiromeans"white",andhewassocalledbecauseofhiscolor.HewasarealJapanesedog,andverylikeasmallwolfinappearance.Thehappiesthourofthedaybothfortheoldmanandhisdogwaswhenthemanreturnedfromhisworkinthefield,andhavingfinishedhisfrugalsupperofriceandvegetables,wouldtakewhat

hehadsavedfromthemealouttothelittleverandathatranroundthecottage.Sureenough,Shirowaswaitingforhismasterandtheeveningtit-bit.Thentheoldmansaid"Chin,chin!"andShirosatupandbegged,andhismastergavehimthefood.Nextdoortothisgoodoldcoupletherelivedanotheroldmanandhiswifewhowerebothwickedandcruel,andwhohatedtheirgoodneighborsandthe

dogShirowithalltheirmight.WheneverShirohappenedtolookintotheirkitchentheyatoncekickedhimorthrewsomethingathim,sometimesevenwoundinghim.

ThedeeperheDugthemoreGoldCoinsdid

theOldManfind.JapaneseFairyTales

OnedayShirowasheardbarkingforalongtimeinthefieldatthebackofhismaster'shouse.Theoldman,thinkingthatperhapssomebirds•wereattackingthecorn,hurriedouttoseewhatwasthematter.AssoonasShirosawhismasterherantomeethim,wagginghistail,and,seizingtheendofhiskimono,draggedhimunderalargeyenokitree.Herehebegantodigvery

industriouslywithhispaws,yelpingwithjoyallthetime.Theoldman,unabletounderstandwhatitallmeant,stoodlookingoninbewilderment.ButShirowentonbarkinganddiggingwithallhismight.Thethoughtthatsomethingmightbehiddenbeneaththetree,andthatthedoghadscentedit,atlaststrucktheoldman.Heranbacktothehouse,fetchedhisspadeand

begantodigthegroundatthatspot.Whatwashisastonishmentwhen,afterdiggingforsometime,hecameuponaheapofoldandvaluablecoins,andthedeeperhedugthemoregoldcoinsdidhefind.Sointentwastheoldmanonhisworkthatheneversawthecrossfaceofhisneighborpeeringathimthroughthebamboohedge.Atlastallthegoldcoinslayshiningontheground.Shiro

satbyerectwithprideandlookingfondlyathismasterasiftosay,"Yousee,thoughonlyadog,Icanmakesomereturnforallthekindnessyoushowme".Theoldmanranintocallhiswife,andtogethertheycarriedhomethetreasure.Thusinonedaythepooroldmanbecamerich.Hisgratitudetothefaithfuldogknewnobounds,andhelovedandpettedhimmore

thanever,ifthatwerepossible.Thecrossoldneighbor,attractedbyShiro'sbarking,hadbeenanunseenandenviouswitnessofthefindingofthetreasure.Hebegantothinkthathe,too,wouldliketofindafortune.Soafewdayslaterhecalledattheoldman'shouseandveryceremoniouslyaskedpermissiontoborrowShiroforashorttime.

Shiro'smasterthoughtthisastrangerequest,becauseheknewquitewellthatnotonlydidhisneighbornotlovehispetdog,butthatheneverlostanopportunityofstrikingandtormentinghimwheneverthedogcrossedhispath.Butthegoodoldmanwastookind-heartedtorefusehisneighbor,soheconsentedtolendthedogonconditionthatheshouldbetakengreatcareof.

Thewickedoldmanreturnedtohishomewithanevilsmileonhisface,andtoldhiswifehowhehadsucceededinhiscraftyintentions.Hethentookhisspadeandhastenedtohisownfield,forcingtheunwillingShirotofollowhim.Assoonashereachedayenokitree,hesaidtothedog,threateningly:"Ifthereweregoldcoinsunderyourmaster'stree,theremustalsobegoldcoinsunder

mytree."Youmustfindthemforme!Wherearethey?Where?Where?"AndcatchingholdofShiro'sneckheheldthedog'sheadtotheground,sothatShirobegantoscratchanddiginordertofreehimselffromthehorridoldman'sgrasp.Theoldmanwasverypleasedwhenhesawthedogbegintoscratchanddig,forheat.oncesupposedthat

somegoldcoinslayburiedunderhistreeaswellasunderhisneighbor's,andthatthedoghadscentedthemasbefore;sopushingShiroawayhebegantodighimself,buttherewasnothingtobefound.Ashewentondiggingafoulsmellwasnoticeable,andheatlastcameuponarefuseheap.Theoldman'sdisgustcanbeimagined.Thissoongavewaytoanger.Hehadseenhis

neighbor'sgoodfortune,andhopingforthesameluckhimself,hehadborrowedthedogShiro;andnow,justasheseemedonthepointoffindingwhathesought,onlyahorridsmellingrefuseheaphadrewardedhimforamorning'sdigging.Insteadofblaminghisowngreedforhisdisappointment,heblamedthepoordog.Heseizedhisspade,andwithallhisstrengthstruckShiro:and

killedhimonthespot.Hethenthrewthedog'sbodyintotheholewhichhehadduginthehopeoffindingatreasureofgoldcoins,andcovereditoverwiththeearth.Thenhereturnedtothehouse,tellingnoone,notevenhiswife,whathehaddone.Afterwaitingseveraldays,asthedogShirodidnotreturn,hismasterbegantogrowanxious.Dayafterdaywentbyandthegoodoldman

waitedinvain.Thenhewenttohisneighborandaskedhimtogivehimbackhisdog.Withoutanyshameorhesitation,thewickedneighboransweredthathehadkilledShirobecauseofhisbadbehavior.AtthisdreadfulnewsShiro'smasterweptmanysadandbittertears.Greatindeed,washisawefulsurprise,buthewastoogoodandgentletoreproachhisbadneighbor.

LearningthatShirowasburiedundertheyenokitreeinthefield,heaskedtheoldmantogivehimthetree,inremembranceofhispoordogShiro.Eventhecrossoldneighborcouldnotrefusesuchasimplerequest,soheconsentedtogivetheoldmanthetreeunderwhichShirolayburied.Shiro'smasterthencutthetreedownandcarriedithome.Outofthetrunkhe

madeamortar.Inthishiswifeputsomerice,andhebegantopounditwiththeintentionofmakingafestivaltothememoryofhisdogShiro.Astrangethinghappened!Hiswifeputthericeintothemortar,andnosoonerhadhebeguntopoundittomakethecakes,thanitbegantoincreaseinquantitygraduallytillitwasaboutfivetimestheoriginalamount,andthe

cakeswereturnedoutofthemortarasifaninvisiblehandwereatwork.Whentheoldmanandhiswifesawthis,theyunderstoodthatitwasarewardtothemfromShirofortheirfaithfullovetohim.Theytastedthecakesandfoundthemnicerthananyotherfood.Sofromthistimetheynevertroubledaboutfood,fortheyliveduponthecakeswithwhichthemortar

neverceasedtosupplythem.Thegreedyneighbor,hearingofthisnewpieceofgoodluck,wasfilledwithenvyasbefore,andcalledontheoldmanandaskedleavetoborrowthewonderfulmortarforashorttime,pretendingthathe,too,sorrowedforthedeathofShiro,andwishedtomakecakesforafestivaltothedog'smemory.Theoldmandidnotintheleastwishtolendittohis

cruelneighbor,buthewastookindtorefuse.Sotheenviousmancarriedhomethemortar,butheneverbroughtitback.Severaldayspassed,andShiro'smasterwaitedinvainforthemortar,sohewenttocallontheborrower,andaskedhimtobegoodenoughtoreturnthemortarifhehadfinishedwithit.Hefoundhimsittingbyabigfiremadeofpiecesofwood.Onthe

groundlaywhatlookedverymuchlikepiecesofabrokenmortar.Inanswertotheoldman'sinquiry,thewickedneighboransweredhaughtily:"Haveyoucometoaskmeforyourmortar?Ibrokeittopieces,andnowIammakingafireofthewood,forwhenItriedtopoundcakesinitonlysomehorridsmellingstuffcameout".Thegoodoldmansaid:"Iamverysorryforthat.Itis

agreatpityyoudidnotaskmeforthecakesifyouwantedthem.Iwouldhavegivenyouasmanyaseveryouwanted.Nowpleasegivemetheashesofthemortar,asIwishtokeeptheminremembranceofmydog".

TheWitheredTreeatonceBurstintoFullBloom.

JapaneseFairyTales

Theneighborconsentedatonce,andtheoldmancarriedhomeabasketfullofashes.Notlongafterthistheoldmanaccidentallyscatteredsomeoftheashesmadebytheburningofthemortaronthetreesofhisgarden.Awonderfulthinghappened!Itwaslateinautumnandallthetreeshadshedtheirleaves,butnosoonerdidtheashestouchtheirbranchesthanthecherrytrees,the

plumtrees,andallotherblossomingshrubsburstintobloom,sothattheoldman'sgardenwassuddenlytransformedintoabeautifulpictureofspring.Theoldman'sdelightknewnobounds,andhecarefullypreservedtheremainingashes.Thestoryoftheoldman'sgardenspreadfarandwide,andpeoplefromfarandnearcametoseethewonderful

sight.Oneday,soonafterthis,theoldmanheardsomeoneknockingathisdoor,andgoingtotheporchtoseewhoitwashewassurprisedtoseeaKnightstandingthere.ThisKnighttoldhimthathewasaretainerofagreatDaimio(Earl);thatoneofthefavoritecherrytreesinthisnobleman'sgardenhadwithered,andthatthougheveryoneinhisservicehad

triedallmannerofmeanstoreviveit,nonetookeffect.TheKnightwassoreperplexedwhenhesawwhatgreatdispleasurethelossofhisfavoritecherrytreecausedtheDaimio.Atthispoint,fortunately,theyhadheardthattherewasawonderfuloldmanwhocouldmakewitheredtreestoblossom,andthathisLordhadsenthimtoasktheoldmantocometohim.

"And",addedtheKnight,"Ishallbeverymuchobligedifyouwillcomeatonce.".Thegoodoldmanwasgreatlysurprisedatwhatheheard,butrespectfullyfollowedtheKnighttothenobleman'sPalace.TheDairaio,whohadbeenimpatientlyawaitingtheoldman'scoining,assoonashesawhimaskedhimatonce:"Areyoutheoldmanwhocanmakewitheredtrees

flowerevenoutofseason?"Theoldmanmadeanobeisance,andreplied:"Iamthatoldman!"ThentheDaimiosaid:"Youmustmakethatdeadcherrytreeinmygardenblossomagainbymeansofyourfamousashes.Ishalllookon".Thentheyallwentintothegarden—theDaimioandhisretainersandtheladies-in-waiting,whocarriedthe

Daimio'ssword.Theoldmannowtuckeduphiskimonoandmadereadytoclimbthetree.Saying"Excuseme",hetookthepotofasheswhichhehadbroughtwithhim,andbegantoclimbthetree,everyonewatchinghismovementswithgreatinterest.Atlastheclimbedtothespotwherethetreedividedintotwogreatbranches,andtakinguphispositionhere,

theoldmansatdownandscatteredtheashesrightandleftalloverthebranchesandtwigs.

TheDaimioorderedhisRetainerstoputtheImpostorinPrison.

JapaneseFairyTales

Wonderful,indeed,wastheresult!Thewitheredtreeatonceburstintofullbloom!TheDaimiowassotransportedwithjoythathelookedasifhewouldgomad.Herosetohisfeetandspreadouthisfan,callingtheoldmandownfromthetree.Hehimselfgavetheoldmanawinecupfilledwiththebestsake,andrewardedhimwithmuchsilverandgoldandmanyotherpreciousthings.

TheDaimioorderedthathenceforththeoldmanshouldcallhimselfbythenameofHana-Saka-Jijii,or"TheOldManwhomakestheTreestoBlossom",andthathenceforthallweretorecognizehimbythisname,andhesenthimhomewithgreathonor.Thewickedneighbor,asbefore,heardofthegoodoldman'sfortune,andofallthathadsoauspiciouslybefallen

him,andhecouldnotsuppressalltheenvyandjealousythatfilledhisheart.Hecalledtomindhowhehadfailedinhisattempttofindthegoldcoins,andtheninmakingthemagiccakes;thistimesurelyhemustsucceedifheimitatedtheoldman,whomadewitheredtreestoflowersimplybysprinklingashesonthem.Thiswouldbethesimplesttaskofall.Sohesettoworkand

gatheredtogetheralltheasheswhichremainedinthefire-placefromtheburningofthewonderfulmortar.Thenhesetoutinthehopeoffindingsomegreatmantoemployhim,callingoutloudlyashewentalong:"Herecomesthewonderfulmanwhocanmakewitheredtreesblossom!Herecomestheoldmanwhocanmakedeadtreesblossom!"TheDaimioinhisPalace

heardthiscry,andsaid:"ThatmustbetheHana-Saka-Jijiipassing.Ihavenothingtodoto-day.Lethimtryhisartagain;itwillamusemetolookon".SotheretainerswentoutandbroughtintheimpostorbeforetheirLord.Thesatisfactionofthefalseoldmancannowbeimagined.ButtheDaimiolookingathim,thoughtitstrangethathewasnotatallliketheoldman

hehadseenbefore,soheaskedhim:"AreyouthemanwhomInamedHana-SdkaJijii?"Andtheenviousneighboransweredwithalie:"Yes,myLord!""Thatisstrange!"saidtheDaimio."IthoughttherewasonlyoneHana-Saka-Jijiiintheworld!Hashenowsomedisciples?""IamthetrueHana-Saka-Jijii.Theonewhocameto

youbeforewasonlymydisciple!"repliedtheoldmanagain."Thenyoumustbemoreskillfulthantheother.Trywhatyoucandoandletmesee!"Theenviousneighbor,withtheDaimioandhisCourtfollowing,thenwentintothegarden,andapproachingadeadtree,tookoutahandfuloftheasheswhichhecarriedwithhim,andscatteredthem

overthetree.Butnotonlydidthetreenotburstintoflower,butnotevenabudcameforth.Thinkingthathehadnotusedenoughashes,theoldmantookhandfulsandagainsprinkledthemoverthewitheredtree.Butalltonoeffect.Aftertryingseveraltimes,theasheswereblownintotheDaimio'seyes.Thismadehimveryangry,andheorderedhisretainerstoarrest

thefalseJlana-Saka-Jijiiatonceandputhiminprisonforanimpostor.Fromthisimprisonmentthewickedoldmanwasneverfreed.Thusdidhemeetwithpunishmentatlastforallhisevildoings.Thegoodoldman,however,withthetreasureofgoldcoinswhichShirohadfoundforhim,andwithallthegoldandthesilverwhichtheDaimiohadshoweredonhim,becamearichandprosperous

maninhisoldage,andlivedalongandhappylife,belovedandrespectedbyall.

THEJELLYFISHANDTHEMONKEY.

LONG,longago,inoldJapan,theKingdomoftheSeawasgovernedbyawonderfulKing.HewascalledEinJin,ortheDragonKingoftheSea.Hispower

wasimmense,forhewastherulerofallseacreaturesbothgreatandsmall,andinhiskeepingweretheJewelsoftheEbbandFlowoftheTide.TheJeweloftheEbbingTidewhenthrownintotheoceancausedtheseatorecedefromtheland,andtheJeweloftheFlowingTidemadethewavestorisemountainshighandtoflowinupontheshorelikeatidalwave.ThePalaceofRinJinwasat

thebottomofthesea,andwassobeautifulthatnoonehaseverseenanythinglikeitevenindreams.Thewallswereofcoral,theroofofjadestoneandchrysoprase,andthefloorswereofthefinestmother-of-pearl.ButtheDragonKing,inspiteofhiswide-spreadingKingdom,hisbeautifulPalaceandallitswonders,andhispowerwhichnonedisputedthroughoutthewholesea,

wasnotatallhappy,forhereignedalone.Atlasthethoughtthatifhemarriedhewouldnotonlybehappier,butalsomorepowerful.Sohedecidedtotakeawife.Callingallhisfishretainerstogether,hechoseseveralofthemasambassadorstogothroughtheseaandseekforayoungDragonPrincesswhowouldbehisbride.AtlasttheyreturnedtothePalacebringingwiththema

lovelyyoungdragon.Herscaleswereofglitteringgreenlikethewingsofsummerbeetles,hereyesthrewoutglancesoffire,andshewasdressedingorgeousrobes.Allthejewelsoftheseaworkedinwithembroideryadornedthem.TheKingfellinlovewithheratonce,andtheweddingceremonywascelebratedwithgreatsplendor.Everylivingthinginthesea,from

thegreatwhalesdowntothelittleshrimps,cameinshoalstooffertheircongratulationstothebrideandbridegroomandtowishthemalongandprosperouslife.NeverhadtherebeensuchanassemblageorsuchgayfestivitiesintheFish-Worldbefore.Thetrainofbearerswhocarriedthebride'spossessionstohernewhomeseemedtoreachacrossthewavesfromoneendofthe

seatotheother.Eachfishcarriedaphosphorescentlanternandwasdressedinceremonialrobes,gleamingblueandpinkandsilver;andthewavesastheyroseandfellandbrokethatnightseemedtoberollingmassesofwhiteandgreenfire,forthephosphorusshonewithdoublebrilliancyinhonoroftheevent.NowforatimetheDragonKingandhisbridelivedvery

happily.Theylovedeachotherdearly,andthebridegroomdayafterdaytookdelightinshowinghisbrideallthewondersandtreasuresofhiscoralPalace,andshewasnevertiredofwanderingwithhimthroughitsvasthallsandgardens.Lifeseemedtothembothlikealongsummer'sday.

TheDragonKingBlamedtheDoctorfornotCuringtheQueen.JapaneseFairyTales

Twomonthspassedinthishappyway,andthentheDragonQueenfellillandwasobligedto.stayinbed.TheKingwassorelytroubledwhenhesawhispreciousbridesoill,andatoncesentforthefishdoctortocomeandgivehersomemedicine.Hegavespecialorderstotheservantstonursehercarefullyandtowaituponherwithdiligence,butinspiteofallthenurses'assiduouscareand

themedicinethatthedoctorprescribed,theyoungQueenshowednosignsofrecovery,butgrewdailyworse.ThentheDragonKinginterviewedthedoctorandblamedhimfornotcuringtheQueen.ThedoctorwasalarmedatRinJin'sevidentdispleasure,andexcusedhiswantofskillb}'sayingthatalthoughheknewtherightkindofmedicinetogivetheinvalid,itwasimpossibleto

finditinthesea."Doyoumeantotellmethatyoucan'tgetthemedicinehere?"askedtheDragonKing."Itisjustasyousay!"saidthedoctor."TellmewhatitisyouwantfortheQueen?"demandedRinJin."Iwanttheliverofalivemonkey!"answeredthedoctor."Theliverofalivemonkey!

Ofcoursethatwillbemostdifficulttoget",saidtheKing."IfwecouldonlygetthatfortheQueen,HerMajestywouldsoonrecover",saidthedoctor."Verywell,thatdecidesit;wemustgetitsomehoworother.Butwherearewemostlikelytofindamonkey?"askedtheKing.ThenthedoctortoldtheDragonKingthatsome

distancetothesouththerewasaMonkeyIslandwhereagreatmanymonkeyslived."Ifonlyyoucouldcaptureoneofthesemonkeys?"saidthedoctor."Howcananyofmypeoplecaptureamonkey?"saidtheDragonKing,greatlypuzzled."Themonkeysliveondryland,whileweliveinthewater;andoutofourelementwearequitepowerless!Idon'tseewhat

wecando!""Thathasbeenmydifficultytoo",saidthedoctor."Butamongstyourinnumerableservantsyousurelycanfindonewhocangoonshoreforthatexpresspurpose!""Somethingmustbedone",saidtheKing,andcallinghischiefstewardheconsultedhimonthematter.Thechiefstewardthoughtforsometime,andthen,asifstruckbyasuddenthought,

saidjoyfully:"Iknowwhatwemustdo!Thereisthekurage(jellyfish).Heiscertainlyuglytolookat,butheisproudofbeingabletowalkonlandwithhisfourlegslikeatortoise.LetussendhimtotheIslandofMonkeystocatchone".ThejellyfishwasthensummonedtotheKing'spresence,andwastoldbyHisMajestywhatwasrequiredof

him.Thejellyfish,onbeingtoldoftheunexpectedmissionwhichwastobeintrustedtohim,lookedverytroubled,andsaidthathehadneverbeentotheislandinquestion,andashehadneverhadanyexperienceincatchingmonkeyshewasafraidthathewouldnotbeabletogetone."Well",saidthechiefsteward,"ifyoudependon

yourstrengthordexterityyouwillnevercatchamonkey.Theonlywayistoplayatrickonone!""HowcanIplayatrickonamonkey?Idon'tknowhowtodoit",saidtheperplexedjellyfish."Thisiswhatyoumustdo",saidthewilychiefsteward."WhenyouapproachtheIslandofMonkeysandmeetsomeofthem,youmusttrytogetveryfriendlywithone.

TellhimthatyouareaservantoftheDragonKing,andinvitehimtocomeandvisityouandseetheDragonKing'sPalace.TryanddescribetohimasvividlyasyoucanthegrandeurofthePalaceandthewondersoftheseasoastoarousehiscuriosityandmakehimlongtoseeitall!""ButhowamItogetthemonkeyhere?Youknowmonkeysdon'tswim?"said

thereluctantjellyfish."Youmustcarryhimonyourback.Whatistheuseofyourshellifyoucan'tdothat!"saidthechiefsteward."Won'thebeveryheavy?"queriedkurageagain."Youmustn'tmindthat,foryouareworkingfortheDragonKing",repliedthechiefsteward."Iwilldomybestthen",saidthejellyfish,andheswamawayfromthePalaceand

startedofftowardstheMonkeyIsland.Swimmingswiftlyhereachedhisdestinationinafewhours,andlandedbyaconvenientwaveupontheshore.Onlookingroundhesawnotfarawayabigpine,treewithdroopingbranchesandononeofthosebrancheswasjustwhathewaslookingfor—alivemonkey."I'minluck!"thoughtthejellyfish."NowImustflatter

thecreatureandtrytoenticehimtocomebackwithmetothePalace,andmypartwillbedone!"Sothejellyfishslowlywalkedtowardsthepinetree.Inthoseancientdaysthejellyfishhadfourlegsandahardshelllikeatortoise.Whenhegottothepine-treeheraisedhisvoiceandsaid:"Howdoyoudo,Mr.Monkey?Isn'titalovelyday?"

"Averyfineday",answeredthemonkeyfromthetree."Ihaveneverseenyouinthispartoftheworldbefore.Wherehaveyoucomefromandwhatisyourname?""Mynameiskurageorjellyfish.IamoneoftheservantsoftheDragonKing.IhaveheardsomuchofyourbeautifulislandthatIhavecomeonpurposetoseeit",answeredthejellyfish."Iamverygladtoseeyou",

saidthemonkey."Bythebye",saidthejellyfish,"haveyoueverseenthePalaceoftheDragonKingoftheSeawhereIlive?""Ihaveoftenheardofit,butIhaveneverseenit!"answeredthemonkey."Thenyououghtmostsurelytocome.Itisagreatpityforyoutogothroughlifewithoutseeingit.ThebeautyofthePalaceisbeyondalldescription—itiscertainlyto

mymindthemostlovelyplaceintheworld",saidthejellyfish."Isitsobeautifulasallthat?"askedthemonkeyinastonishment.Thenthejellyfishsawhischance,andwentondescribingtothebestofhisabilitythebeautyandgrandeuroftheSeaKing'sPalace,andthewondersofthegardenwithitscurioustreesofwhite,pinkandred

coral,andthestillmorecuriousfruitslikegreatjewelshangingonthebranches.Themonkeygrewmoreandmoreinterested,andashelistenedhecamedownthetreestepbystepsoasnottoloseawordofthewonderfulstory."Ihavegothimatlast!"thoughtthejellyfish,butaloudhesaid:"Mr.Monkey,Imustnowgoback.Asyouhaveneverseen

thePalaceoftheDragonKing,won'tyouavailyourselfofthissplendidopportunitybycomingwithme?Ishallthenbeabletoactasguideandshowyouallthesightsofthesea,whichwillbeevenmorewonderfultoyou—alandlubber"."Ishouldlovetogo",saidthemonkey,"buthowamItocrossthewater!Ican'tswim,asyousurelyknow!"."Thereisnodifficultyabout

that.Icancarryyouonmyback"."Thatwillbetroublingyoutoomuch",saidthemonkey."Icandoitquiteeasily.IamstrongerthanIlook,soyouneedn'thesitate",saidthejellyfish,andtakingthemonkeyonhisbackhesteppedintothesea.

"Pleasedon'tgosofast,orIamsureIshallfalloff",saidtheMonkey.JapaneseFairyTales

"Keepverystill,Mr.Monkey",saidthejellyfish."Youmustn'tfallintothesea;IamresponsibleforyoursafearrivalattheKing'sPalace"."Pleasedon'tgosofast,orIamsureIshallfalloff",saidthemonkey.Thustheywentalong,thejellyfishskimmingthroughthewaveswiththemonkeysittingonhisback.Whentheywereabouthalf-way,thejellyfish,whoknewvery

littleofanatomy,begantowonderifthemonkeyhadhisliverwithhimornot!"Mr.Monkey,tellme,haveyousuchathingasaliverwithyou?"Themonkeywasverymuchsurprisedatthisqueerquestion,andaskedwhatthejellyfishwantedwithaliver."Thatisthemostimportantthingofall",saidthestupidjellyfish,"soassoonasIrecollectedit,Iaskedyouif

youhadyourswithyou?"."Whyismyliversoimportanttoyou?"askedthemonkey."Oh!youwilllearnthereasonlater",saidthejellyfish.Themonkeygrewmoreandmorecuriousandsuspicious,andurgedthejellyfishtotellhimforwhathisliverwaswanted,andendedupbyappealingtohishearer'sfeelingsbysayingthathewasverytroubledatwhathehad

beentold.Thenthejellyfish,seeinghowanxiousthemonkeylooked,wassorryforhim,andtoldhimeverything.HowtheDragonQueenhadfallenill,andhowthedoctorhadsaidthatonlytheliverofalivemonkeywouldcureher,andhowtheDragonKinghadsenthimtofindone."NowIhavedoneasIwastold,andassoonaswearriveatthePalacethedoctorwill

wantyourliver,soIfeelsorryforyou!"saidthesillyjellyfish.Thepoormonkeywashorrifiedwhenhelearntallthis,andveryangryatthetrickplayeduponhim.Hetrembledwithfearatthethoughtofwhatwasinstoreforhim.Butthemonkeywasacleveranimal,andhethoughtitthewisestplannottoshowanysignofthefearhefelt,sohe

triedtocalmhimselfandtothinkofsomewaybywhichhemightescape."Thedoctormeanstocutmeopenandthentakemyliverout!WhyIshalldie!"thoughtthemonkey.Atlastabrightthoughtstruckhim,sohesaidquitecheerfullytothejellyfish:"Whatapityitwas,Mr.JellyFish,thatyoudidnotspeakofthisbeforewelefttheisland!"

"IfIhadtoldwhyIwantedyoutoaccompanymeyouwouldcertainlyhaverefusedtocome",answeredthejellyfish."Youarequitemistaken",saidthemonkey."Monkeyscanverywellsparealiverortwo,especiallywhenitiswantedfortheDragonQueenoftheSea.IfIhadonlyguessedofwhatyouwereinneed,Ishouldhavepresentedyouwithonewithoutwaiting

tobeasked.Ihaveseverallivers.Butthegreatestpityis,thatasyoudidnotspeakintime,Ihaveleftallmylivershangingonthepine-tree"."Haveyouleftyourliverbehindyou?"askedthejellyfish."Yes",saidthecunningmonkey,"duringthedaytimeIusuallyleavemyliverhanginguponthebranchofatree,asitisverymuchinthewaywhenIamclimbing

aboutfromtreetotree.To-day,listeningtoyourinterestingconversation,Iquiteforgotit,andleftitbehindwhenIcameoffwithyouIfonlyyouhadspokenintimeIshouldhaverememberedit,andshouldhavebroughtitalongwithme!"Thejellyfishwasverydisappointedwhenheheardthis,forhebelievedeverywordthemonkeysaid.The

monkeywasofnogoodwithoutaliver.Finallythejellyfishstoppedandtoldthemonkeyso."Well",saidthemonkey,"thatissoonremedied.Iamreallysorrytothinkofallyourtrouble;butifyouwillonlytakemebacktotheplacewhereyoufoundme,Ishallsoonbeabletogetmyliver".Thejellyfishdidnotatallliketheideaofgoingallthe

waybacktotheislandagain;butthemonkeyassuredhimthatifhewouldbesokindastotakehimbackhewouldgethisverybestliver,andbringitwithhimthenexttime.Thuspersuaded,thejellyfishturnedhiscoursetowardstheMonkeyIslandoncemore.Nosoonerhadthejellyfishreachedtheshorethantheslymonkeylanded,andgettingupintothepine-treewherethejellyfishhadfirstseen

him,hecutseveralcapersamongstthebrancheswithjoyatbeingsafehomeagain,andthenlookingdownatthejellyfishsaid:"Somanythanksforallthetroubleyouhavetaken!PleasepresentmycomplimentstotheDragonKingonyourreturn!'"Thejellyfishwonderedatthisspeechandthemockingtoneinwhichitwasuttered.Thenheaskedthemonkeyif

itwasn'thisintentiontocomewithhimatonceaftergettinghisliver.Themonkeyrepliedlaughinglythathecouldn'taffordtolosehisliver;itwastooprecious."Butrememberyourpromise!"pleadedthejellyfish,nowverydiscouraged."Thatpromisewasfalse,andanyhowitisnowbroken!"answeredthemonkey.Thenhebegantojeeratthejelly

fishandtoldhimthathehadbeendeceivinghimthewholetime;thathehadnowishtolosehislife,whichhecertainlywouldhavedonehadhegoneontotheSeaKing'sPalacetotheolddoctorwaitingforhim,insteadofpersuadingthejellyfishtoreturnunderfalsepretenses."Ofcourse,Iwon'tgiveyoumyliver,butcomeandgetitifyoucan!"addedthe

monkeymockinglyfromthetree.Therewasnothingforthejellyfishtodonowbuttorepentofhisstupidity,andtoreturntotheDragonKingoftheSeaandtoconfesshisfailure,sohestartedsadlyandslowlytoswimback.Thelastthingheheardasheglidedaway,leavingtheislandbehindhim,wasthemonkeylaughingathim.

TheservantsofthePalacebeattheJellyFishtoaflatpulp.

JapaneseFairyTales

MeanwhiletheDragonKing,thedoctor,thechiefsteward,andalltheservantswerewaitingimpatientlyforthereturnofthejellyfish.WhentheycaughtsightofhimapproachingthePalace,theyhailedhimwithdelight.TheybegantothankhimprofuselyforallthetroublehehadtakeningoingtoMonkeyIsland,andthentheyaskedhimwherethemonkeywas.Nowthedayofreckoning

hadcomeforthejellyfish.Hequakedalloverashetoldhisstory.Howhehadbroughtthemonkeyhalfwayoverthesea,andthenhadstupidlyletoutthesecretofhiscommission;howthemonkeyhaddeceivedhimbymakinghimbelievethathehadlefthisliverbehindhim.TheDragonKing'swrathwasgreat,andheatoncegaveordersthatthejellyfishwastobeseverelypunished.The

punishmentwasahorribleone.Allthebonesweretobedrawnoutfromhislivingbody,andhewastobebeatenwithsticks.Thepoorjellyfish,humiliatedandhorrifiedbeyondallwords,criedoutforpardon.ButtheDragonKing'sorderhadtobeobeyed.TheservantsofthePalaceforthwitheachbroughtoutastickandsurroundedthejellyfish,andafterpulling

outhisbonestheybeathimtoaflatpulp,andthentookhimoutbeyondthePalacegatesandthrewhimintothewater.Herehewaslefttosufferandrepenthisfoolishchattering,andtogrowaccustomedtohisnewstateofbonelessness.Fromthisstoryitisevidentthatinformertimesthejellyfishoncehadashellandbonessomethinglikeatortoise,but,eversincetheDragonKing'ssentencewas

carriedoutontheancestorofthejellyfishes,hisdescendantshaveallbeensoftandbonelessjustasyouseethemto-daythrownupbythewaveshighupontheshoresofJapan.

THEQUARRELOFTHEMONKEY

ANDTHECRAB.

LONG,longago,onebrightautumndayinJapan,ithappenedthatapink-faced

monkeyandayellowcrabwereplayingtogetheralongthebankofariver.Astheywererunningabout,thecrabfoundarice-dumplingandthemonkeyapersimmon-seed.Thecrabpickeduptherice-dumplingandshowedittothemonkey,saying:"LookwhatanicethingIhavefound!"Thenthemonkeyhelduphispersimmon-seedandsaid:

"Ialsohavefoundsomethinggood!Look!"Nowthoughthemonkeyisalwaysveryfondofpersimmonfruit,hehadnousefortheseedhehadjustfound.Thepersimoon-seedisashardanduneatableasastone.He,therefore,inhisgreedynature,feltveryenviousofthecrab'snicedumpling,andheproposedanexchange.Thecrabnaturallydidnotseewhyheshould

giveuphisprizeforahardstone-likeseed,andwouldnotconsenttothemonkey'sproposition.Thenthecunningmonkeybegantopersuadethecrab,saying:"Howunwiseyouarenottothinkofthefuture!Yourrice-dumplingcanbeeatennow,andiscertainlymuchbiggerthanmyseed;butifyousowthisseedinthegrounditwillsoongrowandbecomea

greattreeinafewyears,andbearanabundanceoffineripepersimmonsyearafteryear.IfonlyIcouldshowittoyouthenwiththeyellowfruithangingonitsbranches!Ofcourse,ifyoudon'tbelievemeIshallsowitmyself;thoughIamsure,lateron,youwillbeverysorrythatyoudidnottakemyadvice".Thesimple-mindedcrabcouldnotresistthemonkey's

cleverpersuasion.Heatlastgaveinandconsentedtothemonkey'sproposal,andtheexchangewasmade.Thegreedymonkeysoongobbledupthedumpling,andwithgreatreluctancegaveupthepersimmon-seedtothecrab.Hewouldhavelikedtokeepthattoo,buthewasafraidofmakingthecrabangryandofbeingpinchedbyhissharpscissor-likeclaws.Theythenseparated,themonkeygoing

hometohisforesttreesandthecrabtohisstonesalongtheriver-side.Assoonasthecrabreachedhomeheputthepersimmon-seedinthegroundasthemonkeyhadtoldhim.Inthefollowingspringthecrabwasdelightedtoseetheshootofayoungtreepushitswayupthroughtheground.Eachyearitgrewbigger,tillatlastitblossomedonespring,andinthefollowing

autumnboresomefinelargepersimmons.Amongthebroadsmoothgreenleavesthefruithunglikegoldenballs,andastheyripenedtheymellowedtoadeeporange.Itwasthelittlecrab'spleasuretogooutdaybydayandsitinthesunandputouthislongeyesinthesamewayasasnailputsoutitshorn,andwatchthepersimmonsripeningtoperfection."Howdelicioustheywillbe

toeat!"hesaidtohimself.Atlast,oneday,heknewthepersimmonsmustbequiteripeandhewantedverymuchtotasteone.Hemadeseveralattemptstoclimbthetree,inthevainhopeofreachingoneofthebeautifulpersimmonshangingabovehim;buthefailedeachtime,foracrab'slegsarenotmadeforclimbingtreesbutonlyforrunningalongthegroundandoverstones,bothofwhichhe

candomostcleverly.Inhisdilemmahethoughtofhisoldplaymatethemonkey,who,heknew,couldclimbtreesbetterthananyoneelseintheworld.Hedeterminedtoaskthemonkeytohelphim,andsetouttofindhim.Runningcrab-fashionupthestonyriverbank,overthepathwaysintotheshadowyforest,thecrabatlastfoundthemonkeytakinganafternoonnapinhisfavorite

pine-tree,withhistailcurledtightaroundabranchtopreventhimfromfallingoffinhisdreams.Hewassoonwideawake,however,whenheheardhimselfcalled,andeagerlylisteningtowhatthecrabtoldhim.Whenheheardthattheseedwhichhehadlongagoexchangedforarice-dumplinghadgrownintoatreeandwasnowbearinggoodfruit,hewasdelighted,forheatoncedeviseda

cunningplanwhichwouldgivehimallthepersimmonsforhimself.Heconsentedtogowiththecrabtopickthefruitforhim.Whentheybothreachedthespot,themonkeywasastonishedtoseewhatafinetreehadsprungfromtheseed,andwithwhatanumberofripepersimmonsthebrancheswereloaded.Hequicklyclimbedthetreeandbegantopluckandeat,as

fastashecould,onepersimmonafteranother.Eachtimehechosethebestandripesthecouldfind,andwentoneatingtillhecouldeatnomore.Notonewouldhegivetothepoorhungrycrabwaitingbelow,andwhenhehadfinishedtherewaslittlebutthehard,unripefruitleft.Youcanimaginethefeelingsofthepoorcrabafterwaitingpatiently,forsolongashe

haddone,forthetreetogrowandthefruittoripen,whenhesawthemonkeydevouringallthegoodpersimmons.Hewassodisappointedthatheranroundandroundthetreecallingtothemonkeytorememberhispromise.Themonkeyatfirsttooknonoticeofthecrab'scomplaints,butatlasthepickedoutthehardest,greenestpersimmonhecouldfindandaimeditatthecrab'shead.The

persimmonisashardasstonewhenitisunripe.Themonkey'smissilestruckhomeandthecrabwassorelyhurtbytheblow.Againandagain,asfastashecouldpickthem,themonkeypulledoffthehardpersimmonsandthrewthematthedefenselesscrabtillhedroppeddead,coveredwithwoundsalloverhisbody.Therehelayapitifulsightatthefootofthetreehehadhimselfplanted.

Whenthewickedmonkeysawthathehadkilledthecrabheranawayfromthespotasfastashecould,infearandtrembling,likeacowardashewas.Nowthecrabhadasonwhohadbeenplayingwithafriendnotfarfromthespotwherethissadworkhadtakenplace.Onthewayhomehecameacrosshisfatherdead,inamostdreadfulcondition—his

headwassmashedandhisshellbrokeninseveralplaces,andaroundhisbodylaytheunripepersimmonswhichhaddonetheirdeadlywork.Atthisdreadfulsightthepooryoungcrabsatdownandwept.Butwhenhehadweptforsometimehetoldhimselfthatthiscryingwoulddonogood;itwashisdutytoavengehisfather'smurder,andthishedeterminedtodo.

Helookedaboutforsomecluewhichwouldleadhimtodiscoverthemurderer.Lookingupatthetreehenoticedthatthebestfruithadgone,andthatallaroundlaybitsofpeelandnumerousseedsstrewnonthegroundaswellastheunripepersimmonswhichhadevidentlybeenthrownathisfather.Thenheunderstoodthatthemonkeywasthemurderer,forhenow

rememberedthathisfatherhadoncetoldhimthestoryoftherice-dumplingandthepersimmon-seed.Theyoungcrabknewthatmonkeyslikedpersimmonsaboveallotherfruit,andhefeltsurethathisgreedforthecovetedfruithadbeenthecauseoftheoldcrab'sdeath.Alas!Heatfirstthoughtofgoingtoattackthemonkeyatonce,forheburnedwithrage.Secondthoughts,however,

toldhimthatthiswasuseless,forthemonkeywasanoldandcunninganimalandwouldbehardtoovercome.Hemustmeetcunningwithcunningandasksomeofhisfriendstohelphim,forheknewitwouldbequiteoutofhispowertokillhimalone.Theyoungcrabsetoutatoncetocallonthemortar,hisfather'soldfriend,andtoldhimofallthathadhappened.Hebesoughtthemortarwith

tearstohelphimavengehisfather'sdeath.Themortarwasverysorrywhenheheardtheawfultaleandpromisedatoncetohelptheyoungcrabpunishthemonkeytodeath.Hewarnedhimthathemustbeverycarefulinwhathedid,forthemonkeywasastrongandcunningenemy.Themortarnowsenttofetchthebeeandthechestnut(alsothecrab'soldfriends)toconsultthemaboutthe

matter.Inashorttimethebeeandthechestnutarrived.Whentheyweretoldallthedetailsoftheoldcrab'sdeathandofthemonkey'swickednessandgreed,theybothgladlyconsentedtohelptheyoungcrabinhisrevenge.Aftertalkingforalongtimeastothewaysandmeansofcarryingouttheirplanstheyseparated,andMr.Mortarwenthomewiththeyoungcrabtohelphimburyhis

poorfather.Whileallthiswastakingplacethemonkeywascongratulatinghimself(asthewickedoftendobeforetheirpunishmentcomesuponthem)onallhehaddonesoneatly.Hethoughtitquiteafinethingthathehadrobbedhisfriendofallhisripepersimmonsandthenthathehadkilledhim.Still,smileashardashemight,hecouldnotbanishaltogetherthefearof

theconsequencesshouldhisevildeedsbediscovered.Ifhewerefoundout(andhetoldhimselfthatthiscouldnotbeforhehadescapedunseen)thecrab'sfamilywouldbesuretobearhimhatredandseektotakerevengeonhim.Sohewouldnotgoout,andkepthimselfathomeforseveraldays.Hefoundthiskindoflife,however,extremelydull,accustomedashewastothe

freelifeofthewoods,andatlasthesaid:"NooneknowsthatitwasIwhokilledthecrab!IamsurethattheoldthingbreathedhislastbeforeIlefthim.Deadcrabshavenomouths!WhoistheretotellthatIamthemurderer?Sincenooneknows,whatistheuseofshuttingmyselfupandbroodingoverthematter?Whatisdonecannotbeundone!"

Withthishewanderedoutintothecrabsettlementandcreptaboutasslylyaspossiblenearthecrab'shouseandtriedtoheartheneighbors'gossiproundabout.Hewantedtofindoutwhatthecrabsweresayingabouttheirchief'sdeath,fortheoldcrabhadbeenthechefofthetribe.Butheheardnothingandsaidtohimself:"Theyareallsuchfoolsthattheydon'tknowanddon't

carewhomurderedtheirchief!"Littledidheknowinhisso-called"monkey'swisdom"thatthisseemingunconcernwaspartoftheyoungcrab'splan.Hepurposelypretendednottoknowwhokilledhisfather,andalsotobelievethathehadmethisdeaththroughhisownfault.Bythismeanshecouldthebetterkeepsecrettherevengeonthemonkey,whichhewas

meditating.Sothemonkeyreturnedhomefromhiswalkquitecontent.Hetoldhimselfhehadnothingnowtofear.Onefineday,whenthemonkeywassittingathome,hewassurprisedbytheappearanceofamessengerfromtheyoungcrab.Whilehewaswonderingwhatthismightmean,themessengerbowedbeforehimandsaid:"Ihavebeensentbymy

mastertoinformyouthathisfatherdiedtheotherdayinfallingfromapersimmontreewhiletryingtoclimbthetreeafterfruit.This,beingtheseventhday,isthefirstanniversaryafterhisdeath,andmymasterhaspreparedalittlefestivalinhisfather'shonor,andbidsyoucometoparticipateinitasyouwereoneofhisbestfriends.Mymasterhopesyouwillhonorhishousewithyourkind

visit".Whenthemonkeyheardthesewordsherejoicedinhisinmostheart,forallhisfearsofbeingsuspectedwerenowatrest.Hecouldnotguessthataplothadjustbeensetinmotionagainsthim.Hepretendedtobeverysurprisedatthenewsofthecrab'sdeath,andsaid:"Iam,indeed,verysorrytohearofyourchief'sdeath.Weweregreatfriendsasyou

know.Irememberthatweonceexchangedarice-dumplingforapersimmon-seed.Itgrievesmemuchtothinkthatthatseedwasintheendthecauseofhisdeath.Iacceptyourkindinvitationwithmanythanks.Ishallbedelightedtodohonortomypooroldfriend!"Andhescrewedsomefalsetearsfromhiseyes.Themessengerlaughedinwardlyandthought,"The

wickedmonkeyisnowdroppingfalsetears,butwithinashorttimeheshallshedrealones".Butaloudhethankedthemonkeypolitelyandwenthome.Whenhehadgone,thewickedmonkeylaughedaloudatwhathethoughtwastheyoungcrab'sinnocence,andwithouttheleastfeelingbegantolookforwardtothefeasttobeheldthatdayinhonorofthedeadcrab,to

whichhehadbeeninvited.Hechangedhisdressandsetoutsolemnlytovisittheyoungcrab.Hefoundallthemembersofthecrab'sfamilyandhisrelativeswaitingtoreceiveandwelcomehim.Assoonasthebowsofmeetingwereover^theyledhimtoahall.Heretheyoungchiefmournercametoreceivehim.Expressionsofcondolenceandthankswereexchanged

betweenthem,andthentheyallsatdowntoaluxuriousfeastandentertainedthemonkeyastheguestofhonor.

"ItwasyourFather'sfault,notMine",gaspedtheunrepentantMonkey.

JapaneseFairyTales

Thefeastover,hewasnextinvitedtothetea-ceremonyroomtodrinkacupoftea.Whentheyoungcrabhadconductedthemonkeytothetearoomhelefthimandretired.Timepassedandstillhedidnotreturn.Atlastthemonkeybecameimpatient.Hesaidtohimself:"Thisteaceremonyisalwaysaveryslowaffair.Iamtiredofwaitingsolong.Iamverythirstyafterdrinkingsomuch

sakeatthedinner!":Hethenapproachedthecharcoalfire-placeandbegantopouroutsomehotwaterfromthekettleboilingthere,whensomethingburstoutfromtheasheswithagreatpopandhitthemonkeyrightintheneck.Itwasthechestnut,oneofthecrab'sfriends,whohadhiddenhimselfinthetire-place.Themonkey,takenbysurprise,jumpedbackward,andthen

startedtorunoutoftheroom.Thebee,whowashidingoutsidethescreens,nowflewoutandstunghimonthecheek.Themonkeywasingreatpain,hisneckwasburnedbythechestnutandhisfacebadlystungbythebee,butheranonscreamingandchatteringwithrage.Nowthestonemortarhadhiddenhimselfwithseveralotherstonesonthetopofthecrab'sgate,andasthe

monkeyranunderneath,themortarandallfelldownonthetopofthemonkey'shead.Wasitpossibleforthemonkeytobeartheweightofthemortarfallingonhimfromthetopofthegate?Helaycrushedandingreatpain,quiteunabletogetup.Ashelaytherehelplesstheyoungcrabcameup,and,holdinghisgreatclawscissorsoverthemonkey,hesaid:"Doyounowrememberthat

youmurderedmyfather?""Thenyou—are—my—enemy?"gaspedthemonkeybrokenly."Ofcourse",saidtheyoungcrab."It—was—your—father'sfault—not—mine!"gaspedtheunrepentantmonkey."Canyoustilllie?Iwillsoonputanendtoyourbreath!"andwiththathecutoffthemonkey'sheadwithhispincherclaws.Thusthe

wickedmonkeymethiswell-meritedpunishment,andtheyoungcrabavengedhisfather'sdeath.Thisistheendofthestoryofthemonkey,thecrab,andthepersimmon-seed.

THEWHITEHAREAND

THECROCODILES.

LONG,longago,whenalltheanimalscouldtalk,therelivedintheprovinceofInabainJapan,alittlewhitehare.Hishomewasontheisland

ofOki,andjustacrosstheseawasthemainlandofInaba.NowtheharewantedverymuchtocrossovertoInaba.DayafterdayhewouldgooutandsitontheshoreandlooklonginglyoverthewaterinthedirectionofInaba,anddayafterdayhehopedtofindsomewayofgettingacross.Onedayasusual,theharewasstandingonthebeach,lookingtowardsthemainlandacrossthewater,whenhe

sawagreatcrocodileswimmingneartheisland."Thisisverylucky!"thoughtthehare."NowIshallbeabletogetmywish.Iwillaskthecrocodiletocarrymeacrossthesea!"Buthewasdoubtfulwhetherthecrocodilewouldconsenttodowhatheasked,sohethoughtinsteadofaskingafavorhewouldtrytogetwhathewantedbyatrick.Sowithaloudvoicehecalled

tothecrocodile,andsaid:"Oh,Mr.Crocodile,isn'titalovelyday?"Thecrocodile,whohadcomeoutallbyitselfthatdaytoenjoythebrightsunshine,wasjustbeginningtofeelabitlonelywhenthehare'scheerfulgreetingbrokethesilence.Thecrocodileswamnearertheshore,verypleasedtohearsomeonespeak."1wonderwhoitwasthatspoketomejustnow!Wasit

you,Mr.Hare?Youmustbeverylonelyallbyyourself!""Oh,no,Iamnotatalllonely",saidthehare,"butasitwassuchafinedayIcameoutheretoenjoymyself.Won'tyoustopandplaywithmealittlewhile?"Thecrocodilecameoutoftheseaandsatontheshore,andthetwoplayedtogetherforsometime.Thentheharesaid:"Mr.Crocodile,youlivein

theseaandIliveonthisisland,andwedonotoftenmeet,soIknowverylittleaboutyou.Tellme,doyouthinkthenumberofyourcompanyisgreaterthanmine?""Ofcourse,therearemorecrocodilesthanhares",answeredthecrocodile."Canyounotseethatforyourself?Youliveonthissmallisland,whileIliveinthesea,whichspreadsthroughallpartsof

theworld,soifIcalltogetherallthecrocodileswhodwellintheseayouhareswillbeasnothingcomparedtous!"Thecrocodilewasveryconceited.Thehare,whomeanttoplayatrickonthecrocodile,said:"DoyouthinkitpossibleforyoutocallupenoughcrocodilestoformalinefromthisislandacrosstheseatoInaba?"Thecrocodilethoughtforamomentandthenanswered:

"Ofcourse,itispossible"."Thendotry",saidtheartfulhare,"andIwillcountthenumberfromhere!"Thecrocodile,whowasverysimple-minded,andwhohadn'ttheleastideathatthehareintendedtoplayatrickonhim,agreedtodowhatthehareasked,andsaid:

"WaitalittlewhileIgobackintotheseaandcallmycompanytogether!"

Thecrocodileplungedintotheseaandwasgoneforsometime.Thehare,meanwhile,waitedpatientlyontheshore.Atlastthecrocodileappeared,bringingwithhimalargenumberofothercrocodiles."Look,Mr.Hare!"saidthecrocodile,"itisnothingformyfriendstoformalinebetweenhereandInaba.Thereareenoughcrocodilestostretchfromhereevenas

farasChinaorIndia.Didyoueverseesomanycrocodiles?"ThenthewholecompanyofcrocodilesarrangedthemselvesinthewatersoastoformabridgebetweentheIslandofOkiandthemainlandofInaba.Whentheharesawthebridgeofcrocodiles,hesaid:"Howsplendid!Ididnotbelievethiswaspossible.NowletmecountyouallITodothis,however,withyour

permission,Imustwalkoveronyourbackstotheotherside,sopleasebesogoodasnottomove,orelseIshallfallintotheseaandbedrowned!"Sotheharehoppedofftheislandontothestrangebridgeofcrocodiles,countingashejumpedfromonecrocodile'sbacktotheother:"Pleasekeepquitestill,orIshallnotbeabletocount.One,two,three,four,five,

six,seven,eight,nine"ThusthecunningharewalkedrightacrosstothemainlandofInaba.Notcontentwithgettinghiswish,hebegantojeeratthecrocodilesinsteadofthankingthem,andsaid,asheleaptoffthelastone'sback:"Oh!youstupidcrocodiles,nowIhavedonewithyou!"Andhewasjustabouttorunawayasfastashecould.Buthedidnotescapesoeasily,

forsosoonasthecrocodilesunderstoodthatthiswasatrickplayeduponthembytheharesoastoenablehimtocrossthesea,andthattheharewasnowlaughingatthemfortheirstupidity,theybecamefuriouslyangryandmadeuptheirmindstotakerevenge.Sosomeofthemranafterthehareandcaughthim.Thentheyallsurroundedthepoorlittleanimalandpulledoutallhisfur.Hecriedout

loudlyandentreatedthemtosparehim,butwitheachtuftoffurtheypulledout.theysaid:"Serveyouright!"Whenthecrocodileshadpulledoutthelastbitoffur,theythrewthepoorhareonthebeach,andallswamawaylaughingatwhattheyhaddone.

SomeoftheCrocodilesranaftertheHareandcaughthim.

JapaneseFairyTales

Theharewasnowinapitifulplight,allhisbeautifulwhitefurhadbeenpulledout,andhisbarelittlebodywasquiveringwithpainandbleedingallover.Hecouldhardlymove,andallhecoulddowastolieonthebeachquitehelplessandweepoverthemisfortunethathadbefallenhim.Notwithstandingthatitwashisownfaultthathadbroughtallthismiseryandsuffering

uponthewhitehareofInaba,anyoneseeingthepoorlittlecreaturecouldnothelpfeelingsorryforhiminhissadcondition,forthecrocodileshadbeenverycruelintheirrevenge.Justatthistimeanumberofmen,wholookedlikeKing'ssons,happenedtopassby,andseeingtheharelyingonthebeachcrying,stoppedandaskedwhatwasthematter.Theharelifteduphishead

frombetweenhispaws,andansweredthem,saying:"Ihadafightwithsomecrocodiles,butIwasbeaten,andtheypulledoutallmyfurandleftmetosufferhere—thatiswhyIamcrying".Nowoneoftheseyoungmenhadabadandspitefuldisposition.Buthefeignedkindness,andsaidtothehare:"Ifeelverysorryforyou.Ifyouwillonlytryit,Iknowofaremedywhichwillcure

yoursorebody.Goandbatheyourselfinthesea,andthencomeandsitinthewind.Thiswillmakeyourfurgrowagain,andyouwillbejustasyouwerebefore".Thenalltheyoungmenpassedon.Theharewasverypleased,thinkingthathehadfoundacure.Hewentandbathedintheseaandthencameoutandsatwherethewindcouldblowuponhim.Butasthewindblewand

driedhim,hisskinbecamedrawnandhardened,andthesaltincreasedthepainsomuchthatherolledonthesandinhisagonyandcriedaloud.JustthenanotherKing'ssonpassedby,carryingagreatbagonhisback.Hesawthehare,andstoppedandaskedwhyhewascryingsoloudly.

ThisManhadakindHeartandlookedatthe

Hareverypityingly.JapaneseFairyTales

Butthepoorhare,rememberingthathehadbeendeceivedbyoneverylikethemanwhonowspoketohim,didnotanswer,butcontinuedtocry.Butthismanhadakindheart,andlookedatthehareverypityingly,andsaid:"Youpoorthing!Iseethatyourfurisallpulledoutandthatyourskinisquitebare.Whocanhavetreatedyousocruelly?"

Whenthehareheardthesekindwordshefeltverygratefultotheman,andencouragedbyhisgentlemannertheharetoldhimallthathadbe,fallenhim.Thelittleanimalhidnothingfromhisfriend,buttoldhimfranklyhowhehadplayedatrickonthecrocodilesandhowhehadcomeacrossthebridgetheyhadmade,thinkingthathewishedtocounttheirnumber;howhe

hadjeeredatthemfortheirstupidity,andthenhowthecrocodileshadrevengedthemselvesonhim.Thenhewentontosayhowhehadbeendeceivedbyapartyofmenwholookedverylikehiskindfriend;andthehareendedhislongtaleofwoebybeggingthemantogivehimsomemedicinethatwouldcurehimandmakehisfurgrowagain.Whentheharehadfinished

hisstory,themanwasfullofpitytowardshim,andsaid:"Iamverysorryforallyouhavesuffered,butremember,itwasonlytheconsequenceofthedeceityoupracticedonthecrocodiles"."Iknow,"answeredthesorrowfulhare,"butIhaverepentedandmadeupmymindnevertousedeceitagain,soIbegyoutoshowmehowImaycuremysorebodyandmakethefurgrow

again"."ThenIwilltellyouofagoodremedy",saidtheman."Firstgoandbathewellinthatpondoverthereandtrytowashallthesaltfromyourbody.Thenpicksomeofthosekabaflowersthataregrowingneartheedgeofthewater,spreadthemonthegroundandrollyourselfonthem.Ifyoudothisthepollenwillcauseyourfurtogrowagain,andyouwillbequite

wellinalittlewhile".Theharewasverygladtobetoldwhattodo,sokindly.Hecrawledtothepondpointedouttohim,bathedwellinit,andthenpickedthekabaflowersgrowingnearthewater,androlledhimselfonthem.Tohisamazement,evenwhilehewasdoingthis,liesawhisnicewhitefurgrowingagain,thepainceased,andhefeltjustashe

haddonebeforeallhismisfortunes.Theharewasoverjoyedathisquickrecovery,andwenthoppingjoyfullytowardstheyoungmanwhohadsohelpedhim,andkneelingdownathisfeet,said:"Icannotexpressmythanksforallyouhavedoneforme!Itismyearnestwishtodosomethingforyouinreturn.Pleasetellmewhoyouare?""IamnoKing'ssonasyou

thinkme.Iamafairy,andmynameisOkuni-nushi-no-Mikoto",answeredtheman,"andthosebeingswhopassedherebeforemearemybrothers.TheyhaveheardofabeautifulPrincesscalledYakamiwholivesinthisprovinceofInaba,andtheyareontheirwaytofindherandtoaskhertomarryoneofthem.ButonthisexpeditionIamonlyanattendant,soIamwalkingbehindthemwith

thisgreatbigbagonmyback".

WhenthePrincesshadlookedatthekindBrother'sfaceshewentstraightuptohim.

JapaneseFairyTales

TheharehumbledhimselfbeforethisgreatfairyOkuni-nushi-no-Mikoto,whommanyinthatpartofthelandworshippedasagod."Oh,IdidnotknowthatyouwereOkuni-nushi-no-Mikoto.Howkindyouhavebeentome!Itisimpossibletobelievethatthatunkindfellowwhosentmetobatheintheseaisoneofyourbrothers.IamquitesurethatthePrincess,whomyourbrothershave

gonetoseek,willrefusetobethebrideofanyofthem,aridwillpreferyouforyourgoodnessofheart.Iamquitesurethatyouwillwinherheartwithoutintendingtodoso,andshewillasktobeyourbride".Okuni-uushi-no-Mikototooknonoticeofwhattheharesaid,butbiddingthelittleanimalgood-by,wentonhiswayquicklyandsoonovertookhisbrothers.He

foundthemjustenteringthePrincess'sgate.Justastheharehadsaid,thePrincesscouldnotbepersuadedtobecomethebrideofanyofthebrothers,butwhenshelookedatthekindbrother'sfaceshewentstraightuptohimandsaid:"ToyouIgivemyself",andsotheyweremarried.Thisistheendofthestory.Okuni-nushi-no-Mikotoisworshippedbythepeoplein

somepartsofJapan,asagod,andtheharehasbecomefamousas"TheWhiteHareofInaba".Butwhatbecameofthecrocodilesnobodyknows.

THESTORYOFPRINCEYAMATOTAKE.

THEinsigniaofthegreatJapaneseEmpireiscomposedofthreetreasureswhichhavebeenconsideredsacred,andguardedwithjealouscare

fromtimeimmemorial.ThesearetheYatano-no-KagamiortheMirrorofYata,theYasakami-noMagatamaortheJewelofYasakami,andtheMurakumo-no-TsurugiortheSwordofMura-kumo.OfthesethreetreasuresoftheEmpire,theswordofMurakurno,afterwardsknownasKusanagi-no-Tsurugi,orthegrass-cleavingsword,isconsideredthemostpreciousandmosthighlyto

behonored,foritisthesymbolofstrengthtothisnationofwarriorsandthetalismanofinvincibilityfortheEmperor,whileheholdsitsacredintheshrineofhisancestors.NearlytwothousandyearsagothisswordwaskeptattheshrinesofIte,thetemplesdedicatedtotheworshipofAmaterasu,thegreatandbeautifulSunGoddessfromwhomtheJapaneseEmperors

aresaidtobedescended.ThereisastoryofknightlyadventureanddaringwhichexplainswhythenameoftheswordwaschangedfromthatofMurakumotoKusanagi^whichmeansgrasscleaving.Once,many,manyyearsago,therewasbornasontotheEmperorKeiko,thetwelfthindescentfromthegreatJimmu,thofounderoftheJapanesedynasty.ThisPrincewasthesecondsonofthe

EmperorKeiko,andhewasnamedYarnato.Fromhischildhoodheprovedhimselftobeofremarkablestrength,wisdomandcourage,andhisfathernoticedwithpridethathegavepromiseofgreatthings,andhelovedhimevenmorethanhedidhiselderson.NowwhenPrinceYamatohadgrowntomanhood(intheoldendaysofJapanesehistory,aboywasconsidered

tohavereachedman'sestateattheearlyageofsixteen)therealmwasmuchtroubledbyabandofoutlawswhosechiefsweretwobrothers,KumasoandTakeru.TheserebelsseemedtodelightinrebellingagainstthoKing,inbreakingthelawsanddefyingallauthority.AtlastKingKeikoorderedhisyoungersonPrinceYamatotosubduethebrigandsand,ifpossible,to

ridthelandoftheirevillives.PrinceYamatowasonlysixteenyearsofage,hehadbutreachedhismanhoodaccordingtothelaw,yetthoughhewassuchayouthinyearshepossessedthedauntlessspiritofawarrioroffullerageandknewnotwhatfearwas.Eventhentherewasnomanwhocouldrivalhimforcourageandbolddeeds,andhereceivedhisfather'scommandwithgreatjoy.

Heatoncemadereadytostart,andgreatwasthestirintheprecinctsofthePalaceasbeandhistrustyfollowersgatheredtogetherandpreparedfortheexpedition,andpolisheduptheirarmoranddonnedit.Beforehelefthisfather'scourthewenttoprayattheshrineofIseandtotakeleaveofhisauntthePrincessYamato,forhisheartwassomewhatheavyatthethoughtofthedangershehad

toface,andhefeltthatheneededtheprotectionofhisancestress,Ama-terasu,theSunGoddess.ThePrincesshisauntcameouttogivehimgladwelcome,andcongratulatedhimonbeingtrustedwithsogreatamissionbyhisfathertheKing.Shethengavehimoneofhergorgeousrobesasakeepsaketogowithhimandtobringhimgoodluck,sayingthatitwouldsurelybe

ofservicetohimonthisadventure.Shethenwishedhimallsuccessinhisundertakingandbadehimgoodspeed.TheyoungPrincebowedlowbeforehisaunt,andreceivedhergraciousgiftwithmuchpleasureandmanyrespectfulbows."Iwillnowsetout",saidthePrince,andreturningtothePalaceheputhimselfattheheadofhistroops.Thus

cheeredbyhisaunt'sblessing,hefeltreadyforallthatmightbefall,andmarchingthroughthelandhewentdowntotheSouthernIslandofKiushiu,thehomeofthebrigands.BeforemanydayshadpassedhereachedtheSouthernIsland,andthenslowlybutsurelymadehiswaytothehead-quartersofthechiefsKumasoandTakeru.Henowmetwithgreatdifficulties,forhefoundthecountry

exceedinglywildandrough.Themountainswerehighandsteep,thevalleysdarkanddeep,andhugetreesandbouldersofrockblockeduptheroadandstoppedtheprogressofhisarmy.Itwasallbutimpossibletogoon.ThoughthePrincewasbutayouthhehadthewisdomofyears,and,seeingthatitwasvaintotryandleadhismenfurther,hesaidtohimself:"Toattempttofightabattle

inthisimpassablecountryunknowntomymenonlymakesmytaskharder.Wecannotcleartheroadsandfightaswell.Itiswiserformetoresorttostratagemandcomeuponmyenemiesunawares.InthatwayImaybeabletokillthemwithoutmuchexertion".Sohenowbadehisarmyhaltbytheway.Hiswife,thePrincessOtotachibana,hadaccompaniedhim,andhe

badeherbringhimtherobehisauntthepriestessofIsehadgivenhim,andtohelphimattirehimselfasawoman.Withherhelpheputontherobe,andlethishairdowntillitflowedoverhisshoulders.Ototachibanathenbroughthimhercomb,whichheputinhisblacktresses,andthenadornedhimselfwithstringsofstrangejewelsjustasyouseeinthepicture.Whenhehadfinishedhis

unusualtoilet,Ototachibanabroughthimhermirror.Hesmiledashegazedathimself—thedisguisewassoperfect.Hehardlyknewhimself,sochangedwashe.Alltracesofthewarriorhaddisappeared,andintheshiningsurfaceonlyabeautifulladylookedbackathim.Thuscompletelydisguised,hesetoutfortheenemy'scampalone.Inthefoldsofhissilkgown,nexthisstrong

heart,washiddenasharpdagger.ThetwochiefsKumasoandTakeruweresittingintheirtent,restinginthecooloftheevening,whenthePrinceapproached.Theyweretalkingofthenewswhichhadrecentlybeencarriedtothem,thattheKing'ssonhadenteredtheircountrywithalargearmydeterminedtoexterminatetheirband.Theyhadbothheardoftheyoung

warrior'srenown,andforthefirsttimeintheirwickedlivestheyfeltafraid.Inapauseintheirtalktheyhappenedtolookup,andsawthroughthedoorofthetentabeautifulwomanrobedinsumptuousgarmentscomingtowardsthem.Likeanapparitionoflovelinesssheappearedinthesofttwilight.Littledidtheydreamthatitwastheirenemywhosecomingtheysodreadedwhonowstood

beforetheminthisdisguise."Whatabeautifulwoman!Wherehasshecomefrom?"saidtheastonishedKumaso,forgettingwarandcouncilandeverythingashelookedatthegentleintruder.HebeckonedtothedisguisedPrinceandbadehimsitdownandservethemwithwine.YamatoTakefelthisheartswellwithafiercegleeforhenowknewthathisplanwouldsucceed.However,he

dissembledcleverly,andputtingonasweetairofshynessheapproachedtherebelchiefwithslowstepsandeyesglancinglikeafrighteneddeer.Charmedtodistractionbythegirl'slovelinessKumasodrankcupaftercupofwineforthepleasureofseeingherpouritoutforhim,tillatlasthewasquiteovercomewiththequantityhehaddrunk.Thiswasthemomentfor

whichthebravePrincehadbeenwaiting.Flingingdownthewinejar,heseizedthetipsyandastonishedKumasoandquicklystabbedhimtodeathwiththedaggerwhichhehadsecretlycarriedhiddeninhisbreast.Takeru,thebrigand'sbrother,wasterror-struckassoonashesawwhatwashappeningandtriedtoescape,butPrinceYamatowastooquickforhim.Erehecouldreachthe

tentdoorthePrincewasathisheel,hisgarmentswereclutchedbyahandofiron,andadaggerflashedbeforehiseyesandhelaystabbedtotheearth,dyingbutnotyetdead."Waitonemoment!"gaspedthebrigandpainfully,andheseizedthePrince'shand.Yamatorelaxedhisholdsomewhatandsaid:"WhyshouldIpause,thouvillain?"'Thebrigandraisedhimself

fearfullyandsaid:"Tellmefromwhenceyoucome,andwhomIhavethehonorofaddressing?HithertoIbelievedthatmydeadbrotherandIwerethestrongestmenintheland,andthattherewasnoonewhocouldovercomeus.Aloneyouhaveventuredintoourstronghold,aloneyouhaveattackedandkilledus!Surelyyouaremorethanmortal?"ThentheyoungPrince

answeredwithaproudsmile:"IamthesonoftheKingandmynameisYamato,aridIhavebeensentbymyfatherastheavengerofeviltobringdeathtoallrebels!Nolongershallrobberyandmurderholdmypeopleinterror!"andheheldthedaggerdrippingredabovetherebel'shead."Ah",gaspedthedyingmanwithagreateffort,"Ihaveoftenheardofyou.Youare

indeedastrongmantohavesoeasilyovercomeus.Allowmetogiveyouanewname.FromhenceforthyoushallbeknownasYamatoTake.OurtitleIbequeathtoyouasthebravestmailinYamato".Andwiththesenoblewords,Takerufellbackanddied.ThePrincehavingthussuccessfullyputanendtohisfather'senemiesintheWest,nowpreparedtoreturntothecapital.Onthewaybackhe

passedthroughtheprovinceofIdzumo.HerehemetwithanotheroutlawnamedIdzumoTakeruwhoheknewhaddonemuchharmintheland.Heagainresortedtostratagem,andfeignedfriendshipwiththerebelunderanassumedname.Havingdonethishemadeaswordofwoodandjammedittightlyinthesheathofhisownsteelsword.Thishepurposelybuckledtohisside

andworeoneveryoccasionwhenheexpectedtomeetthethirdrobberTakeru.HenowinvitedTakerutothebankoftheRiverHinokawa,andpersuadedhimtotryaswimwithhiminthecootrefreshingwatersoftheriver.Asitwasahotsummer'sday,therebelwasnothingloathtotakeaplungeintheriver.WhilehisenemywasstillswimmingdownthestreamthePrinceturnedbackand

landedwithallpossiblehaste.Unperceived,hemanagedtochangeswords,puttinghiswoodenoneinplaceofthekeensteelswordofTakeru.Knowingnothingofthis,thebrigandcameuptothebankshortly.Assoonashehadlaudedanddonnedhisclothes,thePrincecameforwardandaskedhimtocrossswordswithhimtoprovehisskill,saying:"Letustwoprovewhichis

thebetterswordsmanofthetwo!"Therobberagreedwithdelight,feelingcertainofvictory,forhewasfamousasafencerinhisprovinceandhedidnotknowwhohisadversarywas.Heseizedquicklywhathethoughtwashisswordandstoodonguardtodefendhimself.Alas!fortherebel,theswordwasthewoodenoneoftheyoungPrince,andinvainTakeru

triedtounsheatheit—itwasjammedfast,notallhisexertedstrengthcouldmoveit.Evenifhiseffortshadbeensuccessfultheswordwouldhavebeenofnousetohimforitwasofwood.YamatoTakesawthathisenemywasinhispower,andswinginghightheswordhehadtakenfromTakeruhebroughtitdownwithgreatmightanddexterityandcutofftherobber'shead.

Inthisway,sometimesbyusinghiswisdomandsometimesbyusinghisbodilystrength,andatothertimesbyresortingtocraftiness,whichwasasmuchesteemedinthosedaysasitisdespisedinthese,heprevailedagainstalltheKing'sfoesonebyone,andbroughtpeaceandresttothelandandthepeople.WhenhereturnedtothecapitaltheKingpraisedhim

forhisbravedeeds,andheldafeastinthoPalaceinhonorofhissafecominghomeandpresentedhimwithmanyraregifts.FromthistimeforththeKinglovedhimmorethaneverandwouldnotletYamatoTakegofromhisside,forhesaidthathissonwasnowasprecioustohimasoneofhisarms.ButthePrincewasnotallowedtoliveanidlelifelong.Whenhewasabout

thirtyyearsold,newswasbroughtthattheAinurace,theaboriginesoftheislandsofJapan,whohadbeenconqueredandpushednorthwardsbytheJapanese,hadrebelledintheEasternprovinces,andleavingthevicinitywhichhadbeenallottedtothemwerecausinggreattroubleintheland.TheKingdecidedthatitwasnecessarytosendanarmytodobattlewiththemandbring

themtoreason.Butwhowastoleadthemen?PrinceYainatoTakeatonceofferedtogoandbringthenewlyarisenrebelsintosubjection.NowastheKinglovedthePrincedearly,andcouldnotbeartohavehimgooutofhissightevenforthelengthofoneday,hewasofcourseveryloathtosendhimonhisdangerousexpedition.Butinthewholearmytherewasnowarriorsostrongor

sobraveasthePrincehisson,sothatHisMajesty,unabletodootherwise,reluctantlycompliedwithYamato'swish.WhenthetimecameforthePrincetostart,theKinggavehimaspearcalledtheEight-Anns-Length-SpearoftheHollyTree(thehandlewasprobablymadefromthewoodofthehollytree),andorderedhimtosetouttosubjugatetheEastern

BarbariansastheAinuwerethencalled.TheEight-Arms-LengthSpearoftheHollyTreeofthoseolddays,wasprizedbywarriorsjustasmuchastheStandardorBannerisvaluedbyaregimentinthesemoderndays,whengivenbytheKingtohissoldiersontheoccasionofsettingoutforwar.ThePrincerespectfullyandwithgreatreverencereceived

theKing'sspear,andleavingthecapital,marchedwithhisarmytotheEast.OnhiswayhevisitedfirstofallthetemplesofIseforworship,andhisauntthePrincessofYamatoandHighPriestesscameouttogreethim.SheitwaswhohadgivenhimherrobewhichhadprovedsuchaboontohimbeforeinhelpinghimtoovercomeandslaythebrigandsoftheWest.Hetoldherallthathad

happenedtohim,andofthegreatpartherkeepsakehadplayedinthesuccessofhispreviousundertaking,andthankedherveryheartily.Whensheheardthathewasstartingoutonceagaintodobattlewithhisfather'senemies,shewentintothetemple,andreappearedbearingaswordandabeautifulbagwhichshehadmadeherself,andwhichwasfullofflints,whichinthose

timespeopleusedinsteadofmatchesformakingfire.Theseshepresentedtohimasapartinggift.TheswordwastheswordofMurakumo,oneofthethreesacredtreasureswhichcomprisetheinsigniaoftheImperialHouseofJapan.Nomoreauspicioustalismanofluckandsuccesscouldshehavegivenhernephew,andshebadehimuseitinthehourofhisgreatestneed.

YamatoTakenowbadefarewelltohisaunt,andoncemoreplacinghimselfattheheadofhismenhemarchedtothefarthestEastthroughtheprovinceofOwari,andthenhereachedtheprovinceofSuruga.HerethegovernorwelcomedthePrincerightheartilyandentertainedhimroyallywithmanyfeasts.Whenthesewereover,thegovernortoldhisguestthathiscountrywasfamousforits

finedeer,andproposedadeerhuntforthePrince'samusement.ThePrincewasutterlydeceivedbythecordialityofhishost,whichwasallfeigned,andgladlyconsentedtojoininthehunt.ThegovernorthenledthePrincetoawildandextensiveplainwherethegrassgrewhighandingreatabundance.Quiteignorantthatthegovernorhadlaidatrapforhimwiththedesireto

compasshisdeath,thePrincebegantoridehardandhuntdownthedeer,whenallofasuddentohisamazementhesawflamesandsmokeburstingoutfromthebushinfrontofhim.Realizinghisdangerhetriedtoretreat,butnosoonerdidheturnhishorseintheoppositedirectionthanhesawthateventheretheprairiewasonfire.Atthesametimethegrassonhisleftandright

burstintoflames,andthesebegantospreadswiftlytowardshimonallsides.Helookedroundforachanceofescape.Therewasnone.Hewassurroundedbyfire."Thisdeerhuntwasthenonlyacunningtrickoftheenemy!"saidthePrince,lookingroundontheflamesandthesmokethatcrackledandrolledintowardshimoneveryside."WhatafoolIwastobeluredintothistraplikea

wildbeast!"andhegroundhisteethwithrageashethoughtofthegovernor'ssmilingtreachery.Dangerousaswashissituationnow,thePrincewasnotintheleastconfounded.Inhisdireextremityherememberedthegiftshisaunthadgivenhimwhentheyparted,anditseemedtohimasifshemust,withpropheticforesight,havedivinedthishourofneed.Hecoolly

openedtheflint-bagthathisaunthadgivenhimandsetfiretothegrassnearhim.ThendrawingtheswordofMnrakumofromitssheathhesettoworktocutclownthegrassoneithersideofhimwithallspeed.Hedeterminedtodie,ifthatwerenecessary,fightingforhislifeandnotstandingstillwaitingfordeathtocometohim.Strangetosaythewindbegantochangeandtoblowfrom

theoppositedirection,andthefiercestportionoftheburningbushwhichhadhithertothreatenedtocomeuponhimwasnowblownrightawayfromhim,andthePrince,withoutevenascratchonhisbodyorasinglehairburned,livedtotellthetaleofhiswonderfulescape,whilethewindrisingtoagaleovertookthegovernor,andhewasburnedtodeathintheflameshehadsetalighttokill

YamatoTake.NowthePrinceascribedhisescapeentirelytothevirtueoftheswordofMurakumo,andtotheprotectionofAmaterasu,theSunGoddessofIse,whocontrolsthewindandalltheelementsandinsuresthesafetyofallwhopraytoherinthehourofdanger.Liftingthepreciousswordhoraiseditabovehisheadmanytimesintokenofhisgreatrespect,andashe

didthishere-nameditKusanacji-no-TsnrugiortheGrass-CleavingSword,andtheplacewherehesetfiretothegrassroundhimandescapedfromdeathintheburningprairie,hecalledYaidzu.TothisdaythereisaspotalongthegreatTokaidorailwaynamedYaidzu,whichissaidtobetheveryplacewherethisthrillingeventtookplace.ThusdidthebravePrince

YamatoTakeescapeoutofthesnarelaidforhimbyhisenemy.Hewasfullofresourceandcourage,andfinallyoutwittedandsubduedallhisfoes.LeavingYaidzubemarchedeastward,andcametotheshoreatIdzufromwhencehewishedtocrosstoKadzusa.InthesedangersandadventureshehadbeenfollowedbyhisfaithfullovingwifethePrincess

Ototachibana.Forhissakeshecountedthewearinessofthelongjourneysandthedangersofwarasnothing,andherloveforherwarriorhusbandwassogreatthatshefeltwellrepaidforallherwanderingsifshecouldbuthandhimhisswordwhenhesalliedforthtobattle,orministertohiswantswhenhereturnedwearytothecamp.ButtheheartofthePrincewasfullofwarandconquest

andhecaredlittleforthefaithfulOtotachibana.Fromlongexposureintraveling,andfromcareandgriefatherlord'scoldnesstoher,herbeautyhadfaded,andherivoryskinwasburntbrownbythesun,andthePrincetoldheronedaythatherplacewasinthePalacebehindthescreensathomeandnotwithhimuponthewarpath.Butinspiteofrebuffsandindifferenceon

herhusband'spart,Ototachibanacouldnotfinditinherhearttoleavehim.Butperhapsitwouldhavebeenbetterforherifshehaddoneso,foronthewaytoIdzu,whentheycametoOwari,herheartwaswell-nighbroken.HeredweltinaPalaceshadedbypine-treesandapproachedbyimposinggates,thePrincessMi-yadzu,beautifulasthecherryblossomintheblushingdawnofaspring

morning.Hergarmentsweredaintyandbright,andherskinwaswhiteassnow,forshehadneverknownwhatitwastobewearyalongthepathofdutyortowalkintheheatofasummer'ssun.AndthePrincewasashamedofhissunburntwifeinhertravel-stainedgarments,andbadeherremainbehindwhilehewenttovisitthePrincessMiyadzu.Dayafterdayhespenthoursinthegardens

andthePalaceofhisnewfriend,thinkingonlyofhispleasure,andcaringlittleforhispoorwifewhoremainedbehindtoweepinthetentatthemiserywhichhadcomeintoherlife.Yetshewassofaithfulawife,andhercharactersopatient,thatsheneverallowedareproachtoescapeherlips,orafrowntomarthesweetsadnessofherface,andshewaseverreadywithasmiletowelcomeher

husbandbackorusherhimforthwhereverhewent.AtlastthedaycamewhenthePrinceYamatoTakemustdepartforIdzuandcrossovertheseatoKadzusa,andhebadehiswifefollowinhisretinueasanattendantwhilehewenttotakeaceremoniousfarewellofthePrincessMiyadzu.Shecameouttogreethimdressedingorgeousrobes,andsheseemedmorebeautifulthan

ever,andwhenYamatoTakesawherheforgothiswife,hisduty,andeverythingexceptthejoyoftheidlepresent,andsworethathewouldreturntoOwariandmarryherwhenthewarwasover.AndashelookedupwhenhehadsaidthesewordshemetthelargealmondeyesofOtotachi-banafixedfulluponhiminunspeakablesadnessandwonder,andheknewthathehaddonewrong,buthe

hardenedhisheartandrodeon,caringlittleforthepainhehadcausedher.WhentheyreachedtheseashoreatIdzuhismensoughtforboatsinwhichtocrossthestraitstoKadzusa,butitwasdifficulttofindboatsenoughtoallowallthesoldierstoembark.ThenthePrincestoodonthebeach,andintheprideofhisstrengthhescoffedandsaid:"Thisisnotthesea!Thisis

onlyabrook!Whydoyoumenwantsomanyboats?IcouldjumpthisifIwould".Whenatlasttheyhadallembarkedandwerefairlyontheirwayacrossthestraits,theskysuddenlycloudedandagreatstormarose.Thewavesrosemountainshigh,thewindhowled,thelightningflashedandthethunderrolled,andtheboatwhichheldOtotachibanaandthePrinceandhismenwas

tossedfromcresttocrestoftherollingwaves,tillitseemedthateverymomentmustbetheirlastandthattheymustallbeswallowedupintheangrysea.ForRinJin,theDragonKingoftheSea,hadheardYamatoTakejeer,andhadraisedthisterriblestorminanger,toshowthescoffingPrincehowawfultheseacouldbethoughitdidbutlooklikeabrook.Theterrifiedcrewlowered

thesailsandlookedaftertherudder,andworkedfortheirdearlives'sake,butallinvain—thestormonlyseemedtoincreaseinviolence,andallgavethemselvesupforlost.ThenthefaithfulOtotachibanarose,andforgettingallthegriefthatherhusbandhadcausedher,forgettingeventhathehadweariedofher,intheonegreatdesireofherlovetosavehim,shedeterminedto

sacrificeherlifetorescuehimfromdeathifitwerepossible.Whilethewavesdashedovertheshipandthewindwhirledroundtheminfuryshestoodupandsaid:"SurelyallthishascomebecausethePrincehasangeredRinJin,theGodoftheSea,byhisjesting.Ifso,I,Ototachibana,willappeasethewrathoftheSeaGodwhodesiresnothinglessthanmy

husband'slife!':Thenaddressingtheseashesaid:"IwilltaketheplaceofHisAugustness,Ya-matoTake.Iwillnowcastmyselfintoyouroutrageddepths,givingmylifeforhis.ThereforehearmeandbringhimsafelytotheshoreofKadzusa".Withthesewordssheleapedquicklyintotheboisteroussea,andthewavessoonwhirledherawayandshewas

losttosight.Strangetosay,thestormceasedatonce,andtheseabecameascalmandsmoothasthemattingonwhichtheastonishedonlookersweresitting.Thegodsoftheseawerenowappeased,andtheweatherclearedandthesunshoneasonasummer'sday.YamatoTakesoonreachedtheoppositeshoreandlandedsafely,evenashiswifeOtotachibanahadprayed.His

prowessinwarwasmarvelous,andhesucceededaftersometimeinconqueringtheEasternBarbarians,theAinu.Heascribedhissafelandingwhollytothefaith,fulnessofhiswife,whohadsowillinglyandlovinglysacrificedherselfinthehourofhisutmostperil.Hisheartwassoftenedattheremembranceofher,andheneverallowedhertopass

fromhisthoughtsevenforamoment.Toolatehadhelearnedtoesteemthegoodnessofherheartandthegreatnessofherloveforhim.AshewasreturningonhishomewardwayhecametothehighpassoftheUsuiToge,andherehestoodandgazedatthewonderfulprospectbeneathhim.Thecountry,fromthisgreatelevation,alllayopentohissight,avastpanoramaof

mountainandplainandforest,withriverswindinglikesilverribbonsthroughtheland;thenfaroffhesawthedistantsea,whichshimmeredlikealuminousmistinthegreatdistance,whereOtotachibanahadgivenherlifeforhim,andasheturnedtowardsithestretchedouthisarms,andthinkingofherlovewhichhehadscornedandhisfaithlessnesstoher,hisheartburstoutintoasorrowfuland

bittercry:"Azuma,Azuma,Ya!"(Oh!mywife,mywife!)AndtothisdaythereisadistrictinTokiocalledAzuma,whichcommemoratesthewordsofPrinceYamatoTake,andtheplacewherehisfaithfulwifeleaptintotheseatosavehimisstillpointedout.So,thoughinlifethePrincessOtotachibanawasunhappy,historykeepshermemorygreen,andthestoryofher

unselfishnessandheroicdeathwillneverpassaway.YamatoTakehadnowfulfilledallhisfather'sorders,hehadsubduedallrebels,andridthelandofallrobbersandenemiestothepeace,andhisrenownwasgreat,forinthewholelandtherewasnoonewhocouldstandupagainsthim,hewassostronginbattleandwiseincouncil.Hewasabouttoreturnstraightforhomebytheway

hehadcome,whenthethoughtstruckhimthathewouldfinditmoreinterestingtotakeanotherroute,sohepassedthroughtheprovinceofOwariandcametotheprovinceofOmi.WhenthePrincereachedOmihefoundthepeopleinastateofgreatexcitementandfear.Inmanyhousesashepassedalonghesawthesignsofmourningandheardloudlamentations.Oninquiring

thecauseofthishewastoldthataterriblemonsterhadappearedinthemountains,whodailycamedownfromthenceandmaderaidsonthevillages,devouringwhoeverhecouldseize.Manyhomeshadbeenmadedesolateandthemenwereafraidtogoouttotheirdailyworkinthefields,orthewomentogototheriverstowashtheirrice.WhenYamatoTakeheardthishiswrathwaskindled,

andhesaidfiercely:"FromthewesternendofKiushiutotheeasterncornerofYezoIhavesubduedallthebreakthelawsortorebelagainsttheKing.Itisindeedamatterforwonderthathereinthisplace,sonearthecapital,awickedmonsterhasdaredtotakeuphisabodeandbetheterroroftheKing'ssubjects.Notlongshallitfindpleasureindevouringinnocentfolk.Iwillstartout

andkillitatonce".WiththesewordshesetoutfortheIbukiMountain,wherethemonsterwassaidtolive.Heclimbedupagooddistance,whenallofasudden,atawindinginthepath,amonsterserpentappearedbeforehimandstoppedtheway."Thismustbethemonster",saidthePrince;"Idonotneedmyswordforaserpent.Icankillhimwithmyhands".

Hethereuponsprangupontheserpentandtriedtostrangleittodeathwithhisbarearms.Itwasnotlongbeforehisprodigiousstrengthgainedthemasteryandtheserpentlaydeadathisfeet.Nowasuddendarknesscameoverthemountainandrainbegantofall,sothatforthegloomandtherainthePrincecouldhardlyseewhichwaytotake.Inashorttime,however,whilehewasgropinghisway

downthepass,theweathercleared,andourbraveherowasabletomakehiswayquicklydownthemountain.Whenhegotbackhebegantofeelillandtohaveburningpainsinhisfeet,soheknewthattheserpenthadpoisonedhim.Sogreatwashissufferingthathecouldhardlymove,muchlesswalk,sohebadhimselfcarriedtoaplaceinthemountainsfamousforitshotmineralsprings,which

rosebubblingoutoftheearth,andalmostboilingfromthevolcanicfiresbeneath.YamatoTakebatheddailyinthesewaters,andgraduallyhefelthisstrengthcomeagain,andthepainslefthim,tillatlastonedayhefoundwithgreatjoythathewasquiterecovered.HenowhastenedtothetemplesofIse,whereyouwillrememberthatheprayedbeforeundertakingthislongexpedition.Hisaunt,

priestessoftheshrine,whohadblessedhimonhissettingout,nowcametowelcomehimback.Hetoldherofthemanydangershehadencounteredandofhowmarvelouslyhislifehadbeenpreservedthroughall—andshepraisedhiscourageandhiswarrior'sprowess,andthenputtingonhermostmagnificentrobesshereturnedthankstotheirancestresstheSunGoddess

Amaterasu,towhoseprotectiontheybothascribedthePrince'swonderfulpreservation.HereendsthestoryofPrinceYamatoTakeofJapan.

MOMOTARO,ORTHE

STORYOFTHESONOFA

PEACH.

LONG,longagotherelivedanoldmanandanoldwoman;theywerepeasants,

andhadtoworkhardtoearntheirdailyrice.Theoldmanusedtogoandcutgrassforthefarmersaround,andwhilehewasgonetheoldwoman,hiswife,didtheworkofthehouseandworkedintheirownlittlericefield.Onedaytheoldmanwenttothehillsasusualtocutgrassandtheoldwomantooksomeclothestotherivertowash.Itwasnearlysummer,andthecountrywasverybeautifulto

seeinitsfreshgreennessasthetwooldpeoplewentontheirwaytowork.Thegrassonthehanksoftheriverlookedlikeemeraldvelvet,andthepussywillowsalongtheedgeofthewaterwereshakingouttheirsofttassels.Thebreezesblewandruffledthesmoothsurfaceofthewaterintowavelets,andpassingontouchedthecheeksoftheoldcouplewho,forsomereasontheycould

notexplain,feltveryhappythatmorning.Theoldwomanatlastfoundanicespotontheriverbankandputherbasketdown.Thenshesettoworktowashtheclothes;shetookthemonebyoneoutofthebasketandwashedthemintheriverandrubbedthemonthestones.Thewaterwasasclearascrystal,andshecouldseethetinyfishswimmingtoandfro,andthepebblesatthe

bottom.

ShesettoWorktoWashtheClothes.JapaneseFairyTales

Asshewasbusywashingherclothesagreatpeachcamebumpingdownthestream.Theoldwomanlookedupfromherworkandsawthislargepeach.Shewassixtyyearsofage,yetinallherlifeshehadneverseensuchabigpeachasthis."Howdeliciousthatpeachmustbe!"shesaidtoherself."Imustcertainlygetitandtakeithometomyoldman".Shestretchedoutherarmto

tryandgetit,butitwasquiteoutofherreach.Shelookedaboutforastick,buttherewasnotonetobeseen,andifshewenttolookforoneshewouldlosethepeach.Stoppingamomenttothinkwhatshewoulddo,sherememberedanoldcharm-verse.Nowshebegantoclapherhandstokeeptimetotherollingofthepeachdownstream,andwhilesheclappedshesangthissong:

"Distantwaterisbitter,Thenearwaterissweet;PassbythedistantwaterAndcomeintothesweet".Strangetosay,assoonasshebegantorepeatthislittlesongthepeachbegantocomenearerandnearerthebankwheretheoldwomanwasstanding,tillatlastitstoppedjustinfrontofhersothatshewasabletotakeitupinherhands.Theoldwomanwasdelighted.Shecouldnotgo

onwithherwork,sohappyandexcitedwasshe,sosheputalltheclothesbackinherbamboobasket,andwiththebasketonherbackandthepeachinherhandshehurriedhomewards.Itseemedaverylongtimetohertowaittillherhusbandreturned.Theoldmanatlastcamebackasthesunwassetting,withabigbundleofgrassonhisback—sobigthathewasalmosthiddenandshe

couldhardlyseehim.Heseemedverytiredandusedthescytheforawalkingstick,leaningonitashewalkedalong.Assoonastheoldwomansawhimshecalledout:"OFiiSan!(oldman)Ihavebeenwaitingforyoutocomehomeforsuchalongtimeto-day!""Whatisthematter?Whyareyousoimpatient?"askedtheoldman,wonderingather

unusualeagerness."HasanythinghappenedwhileIhavebeenaway?""Oh,no!"answeredtheoldwoman,"nothinghashappened,onlyIhavefoundanicepresentforyou!""Thatisgood",saidtheoldman.Hethenwashedhisfeetinabasinofwaterandsteppeduptotheveranda.Theoldwomannowranintothelittleroom'andbroughtoutfromthecupboardthebig

peach.Itfeltevenheavierthanbefore.Sheheldituptohim,saying:"Justlookatthis!Didyoueverseesuchalargepeachinallyourlife?"Whentheoldmanlookedatthepeachhewasgreatlyastonishedandsaid:"ThisisindeedthelargestpeachIhaveeverseen!Whereverdidyoubuyit?""Ididnotbuyit",answeredtheoldwoman."Ifounditin

theriverwhereIwaswashing".Andshetoldhimthewholestory."Iamverygladthatyouhavefoundit.Letuseatitnow,forIamhungry",saidtheOFiiSan.Hebroughtoutthekitchenknife,and,placingthepeachonaboard,wasabouttocutitwhen,wonderfultotell,thepeachsplitintwoofitselfandaclearvoicesaid:"Waitabit,oldman!"andout

steppedabeautifullittlechild.Theoldmanandhiswifewerebothsoastonishedatwhattheysawthattheyfelltotheground.Thechildspokeagain:"Don'tbeafraid.Iamnodemonorfairy.Iwilltellyouthetruth.Heavenhashadcompassiononyou.Everydayandeverynightyouhavelamentedthatyouhadnochild.Yourcryhasbeen

heardandIamsenttobethesonofyouroldage!»Onhearingthistheoldmanandhiswifewereveryhappy.Theyhadcriednightanddayforsorrowathavingnochildtohelpthemintheirlonelyoldage,andnowthattheirprayerwasansweredtheyweresolostwithjoythattheydidnotknowwheretoputtheirhandsortheirfeet.Firsttheoldmantookthechildupinhisarms,andthentheold

womandidthesame;andtheynamedhimMomotaro,orSonofaPeach,becausehehadcomeoutofapeach.Theyearspassedquicklybyandthechildgrewtobefifteenyearsofage.Hewastallerandfarstrongerthananyotherboysofhisownage,hehadahandsomefaceandaheartfullofcourage,andhewasverywiseforhisyears.Theoldcouple'spleasurewasverygreatwhen

theylookedathim,forhewasjustwhattheythoughtaherooughttobelike.OnedayMomotarocametohisfoster-fatherandsaidsolemnly:"Father,byastrangechancewehavebecomefatherandson.Yourgoodnesstomehasbeenhigherthanthemountaingrasseswhichitwasyourdailyworktocut,anddeeperthantheriverwheremymotherwashesthe

clothes.Idonotknowhowtothankyouenough"."Why",answeredtheoldman,"itisamatterofcoursethatafathershouldbringuphisson.Whenyouareolderitwillbeyourturntotakecareofus,soafteralltherewillbenoprofitorlossbetweenus—allwillbeequal.Indeed,Iamrathersurprisedthatyoushouldthankmeinthisway!"andtheoldmanlookedbothered.

"Ihopeyouwillbepatientwithme",saidMomotaro;"butbeforeIbegintopaybackyourgoodnesstomeIhavearequesttomakewhichIhopeyouwillgrantmeaboveeverythingelse"."Iwillletyoudowhateveryouwish,foryouarequitedifferenttoallotherboys!""Thenletmegoawayatonce!""Whatdoyousay?Doyouwishtoleaveyouroldfather

andmotherandgoawayfromyouroldhome?""Iwillsurelycomebackagain,ifyouletmegonow!"."Whereareyougoing?"."YoumustthinkitstrangethatIwanttogoaway".saidMomotaro,"becauseIhavenotyettoldyoumyreason.FarawayfromheretothenortheastofJapanthereisanislandinthesea.Thisislandisthestrongholdofabandof

devils.Ihaveoftenheardhowtheyinvadethisland,killandrobthepeople,andcarryoffalltheycanfind.TheyarenotonlyverywickedbuttheyaredisloyaltoourEmperoranddisobeyhislaws.Theyarealsocannibals,fortheykillandeatsomeofthepoorpeoplewhoaresounfortunateastofallintotheirhands.Thesedevilsareveryhatefulbeings.Imustgoandconquerthem

andbringbackalltheplunderofwhichtheyhaverobbedthisland.ItisforthisreasonthatIwanttogoawayforashorttime!"Theoldmanwasmuchsurprisedathearingallthisfromamereboyoffifteen.Hethoughtitbesttolettheboygo.Hewasstrongandfearless,andbesidesallthis,theoldmanknewhewasnocommonchild,forhehadbeensenttothemasagift

fromHeaven,andhefeltquitesurethatthedevilswouldbepowerlesstoharmhim."Allyousayisveryinteresting,Momotaro,'saidtheoldman."Iwillnothinderyouinyourdetermination.Youmaygoifyouwish.Gototheislandassoonaseveryoulikeanddestroythedemonsandbringpeacetotheland"."Thankyou.forallyour

kindness",saidMomotaro,whobegantogetreadytogothatveryday.Hewasfullofcourageanddidnotknowwhatfearwas.TheoldmanandwomanatoncesettoworktopoundriceinthekitchenmortartomakecakesforMomotarototakewithhimonhisjourney.AtlastthecakesweremadeandMomotaroreadytostartonhislongjourney.Partingisalwayssad.Soit

wasnow.Theeyesofthetwooldpeoplewerefilledwithtearsandtheirvoicestrembledastheysaid:"Gowithallcareandspeed.Weexpectyoubackvictorious!"Momotarowasverysorrytoleavehisoldparents(thoughheknewhewascomingbackassoonashecould),forhethoughtofhowlonelytheywouldbewhilehewasaway.Buthesaid"Good-byI"

quitebravely."Iamgoingnow.TakegoodcareofyourselveswhileIamaway.Good-by!"Andhesteppedquicklyoutofthehouse.InsilencetheeyesofMomotaroandhisparentsmetinfarewell".Momotaronowhurriedonhiswaytillitwasmidday.Hebegantofeelhungry,soheopenedhisbagandtookoutoneoftherice-cakesandsatdownunderatreebytheside

oftheroadtocatit.Whilehewasthushavinghislunchadogalmostaslargeasacoltcamerunningoutfromthehighgrass.HemadestraightforMomotaro,andshowinghisteeth,saidinafierceway:"Youarearudemantopassmyfieldwithoutaskingpermissionfirst.Ifyouleavemeallthecakesyouhaveinyourbagyoumaygo;otherwiseIwillbiteyoutillIkillyou!'"

Momotaroonlylaughedscornfully:"Whatisthatyouaresaying?DoyouknowwhoIam?IamMomotaro.andIamonmywaytosubduethedevilsintheirislandstrongholdinthenortheastofJapan.IfyoutrytostopmeonmywaythereIwillcutyouintwofromtheheaddownwards!"Thedog'smanneratoncechanged.Histaildroppedbetweenhislegs,andcoming

nearhebowedsolowthathisforeheadtouchedtheground."WhatdoIhear?ThenameofMomotaro!AreyouindeedMomotaro?Ihaveoftenheardofyourgreatstrength.NotknowingwhoyouwereIhavebehavedinaverystupidway.Willyoupleasepardonmyrudeness?AreyouindeedonyourwaytoinvadetheIslandofDevils?Ifyouwilltakesucharudefellowwithyouasoneofyourfollowers,

Ishallbeverygratefultoyou"."IthinkIcantakeyouwithmeifyouwishtogo",saidMomotaro."Thankyou!"saidthedog."Bytheway,Vamveryveryhungry.Willyougivemeoneofthecakesyouarecarrying?""ThisisthebestkindofcakethereisinJapan",saidMomotaro.l'Icannotspareyouawholeone;Iwillgive

youhalfofone"."Thankyouverymuch",saidthedog,takingthepiecethrowntohim.ThenMomotarogotupandthedogfollowed.Foralongtimetheywalkedoverthehillsandthroughthevalleys.Astheyweregoingalongananimalcamedownfromatreealittleaheadofthem.ThecreaturesooncameuptoMomotaroandsaid:"Goodmorning,Momotaro!

Youarewelcomeinthispartofthecountry.Willyouallowmetogowithyou?"Thedogansweredjealously:"Momotaroalreadyhasadogtoaccompanyhim.Ofwhatuseisamonkeylikeyouinbattle?Weareonourwaytofightthedevils!Getaway!"Thedogandthemonkeybegantoquarrelandbite,forthesetwoanimalsalwayshateeachother."Now,don'tquarrel!"said

Momotaro,puttinghimselfbetweenthem."Waitamoment,dog!""Itisnotatalldignifiedforyoutohavesuchacreatureasthatfollowingyou!"saidthedog."Whatdoyouknowaboutit?"askedMomotaro;andpushingasidethedog,hespoketothemonkey:"Whoareyou?""Iamamonkeylivinginthesehills",repliedthe

monkey."IheardofyourexpeditiontotheIslandofDevils,andIhavecometogowithyou.Nothingwillpleasememorethantofollowyou!""DoyoureallywishtogototheIslandofDevilsandfightwithme?""Yes,sir",repliedthemonkey."Iadmireyourcourage",saidMomotaro."Hereisapieceofoneofmyfinerice-cakes.Comealong!"

SothemonkeyjoinedMomotaro.Thedogandthemonkeydidnotgetonwelltogether.Theywerealwayssnappingateachotherastheywentalong,andalwayswantingtohaveafight.ThismadeMomotaroverycross,andatlasthesentthedogonaheadwithaflagandputthemonkeybehindwithasword,andheplacedhimselfbetweenthemwithawar-fan,whichismadeofiron.

Byandbytheycametoalargefield.Hereabirdflewdownandalightedonthegroundjustinfrontofthelittleparty.ItwasthemostbeautifulbirdMomotarohadeverseen.Onitsbodywerefivedifferentrobesoffeathersanditsheadwascoveredwithascarletcap.Thedogatonceranatthebirdandtriedtoseizeandkillit.Butthebirdstruckoutitsspursandflewatthedog's

tail,andthefightwenthardwithboth.Momotaro,ashelookedon,couldnothelpadmiringthebird;itshowedsomuchspiritinthefight.Itwouldcertainlymakeagoodfighter.Momotarowentuptothetwocombatants,andholdingthedogback,saidtothebird:"Yourascal!youarehinderingmyjourney.Surrenderatonce,andIwilltakeyouwithme.Ifyoudon't

Iwillsetthisdogtobiteyourheadoff!"Thenthebirdsurrenderedatonce,andbeggedtobetakenintoMomotaro'scompany."Idonotknowwhatexcusetoofferforquarrelingwiththedog,yourservant,butIdidnotseeyou.Iamamiserablebirdcalledapheasant.Itisverygenerousofyoutopardonmyrudenessandtotakemewithyou.Pleaseallowmetofollow

youbehindthedogandthemonkey!""Icongratulateyouonsurrenderingsosoon",saidMomotaro,smiling."Comeandjoinusinourraidonthedevils"."Areyougoingtotakethisbirdwithyoualso?"askedthedog,interrupting."Whydoyouasksuchanunnecessaryquestion?Didn'tyouhearwhatIsaid?ItakethebirdwithmebecauseI

wishto!""Humph!"saidthedog.ThenMomotarostoodandgavethisorder:"Nowallofyoumustlistentome.Thefirstthingnecessaryinanarmyisharmony.ItisaWisesayingwhichsaysthat'AdvantageonearthisbetterthanadvantageinHeaven!'Unionamongstourselvesisbetterthananyearthlygain.Whenwearenotatpeaceamongstourselvesitisno

easythingtosubdueanenemy.Fromnow,youthree,thedog,themonkeyandthepheasant,mustbefriendswithonemind.Theonewhofirstbeginsaquarrelwillbedischargedonthespot!"Allthethreepromisednottoquarrel.ThepheasantwasnowmadeamemberofMomotaro'aelite,andreceivedhalfacake.Momotaro'sinfluencewassogreatthatthethreebecame

goodfriends,andhurriedonwardswithhimastheirleader.HurryingondayafterdaytheyatlastcameoutupontheshoreoftheNorth-EasternSea.Therewasnothingtobeseenasfarasthehorizon—notasignofanyisland.Allthatbrokethestillnesswastherollingofthewavesupontheshore.Now,thedogandthemonkeyandthepheasanthadcome

verybravelyallthewaythroughthelongvalleysandoverthehills,buttheyhadneverseentheseabefore,andforthefirsttimesincetheysetouttheywerebewilderedandgazedateachotherinsilence.HowweretheytocrossthewaterandgettotheIslandofDevils?Momotarosoonsawthattheyweredauntedbythesightofthesea,andtotrythemhespokeloudlyandroughly:

"Whydoyouhesitate?Areyouafraidofthesea?Oh!whatcowardsyouare!Itisimpossibletotakesuchweakcreaturesasyouwithmetofightthedemons.Itwillbefarbetterformetogoalone.Idischargeyouallatonce!".Thethreeanimalsweretakenabackatthissharpreproof,andclungtoMomotaro'ssleeve,begginghimnottosendthemaway."Please,Momotaro!"saidthedog.

'•Wehavecomethusfar!"saidthemonkey.I'Itisinhumantoleaveushere!"saidthepheasant."Wearenotatallafraidofthesea",saidthemonkeyagain."Pleasedotakeuswithyou",saidthepheasant."Doplease",saidthedog.Theyhadnowgainedalittlecourage,soMomotarosaid:"Well,then,Iwilltakeyouwithme,butbecareful!"

Momotaronowgotasmallship,andtheyallgotonboard.Thewindandweatherwerefair,andtheshipwentlikeanarrowoverthesea.Itwasthefirsttimetheyhadeverbeenonthewater,andsoatfirstthedog,themonkeyandthepheasantwerefrightenedatthewavesandtherollingofthevessel,butbydegreestheygrewaccustomedtothewaterandwerequitehappyagain.

Everydaytheypacedthedeckoftheirlittleship,eagerlylookingoutforthedemonsIisland.Whentheygrewtiredofthis,theytoldeachotherstoriesofalltheirexploitsofwhichtheywereproud,andthenplayedgamestogether;andMomotarofoundmuchtoamusehiminlisteningtothethreeanimalsandwatchingtheirantics,andinthiswayheforgotthatthewaywas

longandthathewastiredofthevoyageandofdoingnothing.Helongedtobeatworkkillingthemonsterswhohaddonesomuchharminhiscountry.Asthewindblewintheirfavorandtheymetnostormstheshipmadeaquickvoyage,andonedaywhenthesunwasshiningbrightlyasightoflandrewardedthefourwatchersatthebow.Momotaroknewatoncethat

whattheysawwasthedevils'stronghold.Onthetopoftheprecipitousshore,lookingouttosea,wasalargecastle.Nowthathisenterprisewascloseathand,hewasdeepinthoughtwithhisheadleaningonhishands,wonderinghowheshouldbegintheattack.Histhreefollowerswatchedhim,waitingfororders.Atlasthecalledtothepheasant:"Itisagreatadvantageforustohaveyouwithus",said

Momotarotothebird,"foryouhavegoodwings.Flyatoncetothecastleandengagethedemonstofight.Wewillfollowyou".Thepheasantatonceobeyed.Heflewofffromtheshipbeatingtheairgladlywithhiswings,Thebirdsoonreachedtheislandandtookuphispositionontheroofinthemiddleofthecastle,callingoutloudly:"Allyoudevilslistentome!

ThegreatJapanesegeneralMomotarohascometofightyouandtotakeyourstrongholdfromyou.Ifyouwishtosaveyourlivessurrenderatonce,andintokenofyoursubmissionyoumustbreakoffthehornsthatgrowonyourforehead.Ifyoudonotsurrenderatonce,butmakeupyourmindtofight,we,thepheasant,thedogandthemonkey,willkillyouallbybitingandtearingyouto

death!"".Thehorneddemonslookingupandonlyseeingapheasant,laughedandsaid:"Awildpheasant,indeed!Itisridiculoustohearsuchwordsfromameanthinglikeyou.Waittillyougetablowfromoneofourironbars!"Veryangry,indeed,werethedevils.Theyshooktheirhornsandtheirshocksofredhairfiercely,andrushedtoputontigerskintrousersto

makethemselveslookmoreterrible.Theythenbroughtoutgreatironbarsandrantowherethepheasantperchedovertheirheads,andtriedtoknockhimdown.Thepheasantflewtoonesidetoescapetheblow,andthenattackedtheheadoffirstoneandthenanotherdemon.Heflewroundandroundthem,beatingtheairwithhiswingssofiercelyandceaselessly,thatthedevilsbeganto

wonderwhethertheyhadtofightoneormanymorebirds.Inthemeantime,Momotarohadbroughthisshiptoland.Astheyhadapproached,hesawthattheshorewaslikeaprecipice,andthatthelargecastlewassurroundedbyhighwallsandlargeirongatesandwasstronglyfortified.Momotarolanded,andwiththehopeoffindingsomewayofentrance,walkedupthe

pathtowardsthetop,followedbythemonkeyandthedog.Theysooncameupontwobeautifuldamselswashingclothesinastream.Momotarosawthattheclotheswereblood-stained,andthatasthetwomaidenswashed,thetearswerefallingfastdowntheircheeks.Hestoppedandspoketothem:"Whoareyou,andwhydoyouweep?""Wearecaptivesofthe

DemonKing.Wewerecarriedawayfromourhomestothisisland,andthoughwearethedaughtersofDaimios(Lords),weareobligedtobehisservants,andonedayhewillkillus"—andthemaidenshelduptheblood-stainedclothes—"andeatus,andthereisnoonetohelpus!"Andtheirtearsburstoutafreshatthishorriblethought."Iwillrescueyou",said

Momotaro."Donotweepanymore,onlyshowmehowImaygetintothecastle".ThenthetwoladiesledthewayandshowedMomotaroalittlebackdoorinthelowestpartofthecastlewall—sosmallthatMomotarocouldhardlycrawlin.Thepheasant,whowasallthistimefightinghard,sawMomotaroandhislittlebandrushinattheback.

MomotaroreturnedtriumphantlyHome,takingwithhimtheDevilChiefashis

Captive.JapaneseFairyTales

Momotaro'sonslaughtwassofuriousthatthedevilscouldnotstandagainsthim.Atfirsttheirfoehadbeenasinglebird,thepheasant,butnowthatMomotaroandthedogandthemonkeyhadarrivedtheywerebewildered,forthefourenemiesfoughtlikeahundred,sostrongwerethey.Someofthedevilsfellofftheparapetofthecastleandweredashedtopiecesontherocksbeneath;othersfellintothe

seaandweredrowned;manywerebeatentodeathbythethreeanimals.Thechiefofthedevilsatlastwastheonlyoneleft.Hemadeuphismindtosurrender,forheknewthathisenemywasstrongerthanmortalman.HecameuphumblytoMomotaroandthrewdownhisironbar,andkneelingdownatthevictor'sfeethebrokeoffthehornsonhis

headilltokenofsubmission,fortheywerethesignofhisstrengthandpower."Iamafraidofyou",hesaidmeekly."Icannotstandagainstyou.Iwillgiveyouallthetreasurehiddeninthiscastleifyouwillsparemylife!"Momotarolaughed."Itisnotlikeyou,bigdevil,tobegformercy,isit?Icannotspareyourwickedlife,howevermuchyoubeg,for

youhavekilledandtorturedmanypeopleandrobbedourcountryformanyyears".ThenMomotarotiedthedevilchiefupandgavehimintothemonkey'scharge.Havingdonethis,hewentintoalltheroomsofthecastleandsettheprisonersfreeandgatheredtogetherallthetreasurehefound.Thedogandthepheasantcarriedhometheplunder,andthusMomotaroreturned

triumphantlytohishome,takingwithhimthedevilchiefasacaptive.Thetwopoordamsels,daughtersofDaimios,andotherswhomthewickeddemonhadcarriedofftobehisslaves,weretakensafelytotheirownhomesanddeliveredtotheirparents.ThewholecountrymadeaheroofMomotaroonhistriumphantreturn,andrejoicedthatthecountrywas

nowfreedfromtherobberdevilswhohadbeenaterrorofthelandforalongtime.Theoldcouple'sjoywasgreaterthanever,andthetreasureMomotarohadbroughthomewithhimenabledthemtoliveinpeaceandplentytotheendoftheirdays.

THEOGREOFRASHOMON.

LONG,longagoinKyoto,thepeopleofthecitywereterrifiedbyaccountsofadreadfulogre,who,itwassaid,hauntedtheGateofRashomonattwilightandseizedwhoeverpassedby.Themissingvictimswere

neverseenagain,soitwaswhisperedthattheogrewasahorriblecannibal,whonotonlykilledtheunhappyvictimsbutatethemalso.Noweverybodyinthetownandneighborhoodwasingreatfear,andnoonedaredventureoutaftersunsetneartheGateofRashomon.NowatthistimetherelivedinKyotoageneralnamedRaiko,whohadmadehimselffamousforhisbravedeeds.

Sometimebeforethishemadethecountryringwithhisname,forhehadattackedOeyama,whereabandofogreslivedwiththeirchief,whoinsteadofwinedrankthebloodofhumanbeings.Hehadroutedthemallandcutofftheheadofthechiefmonster.Thisbravewarriorwasalwaysfollowedbyabandoffaithfulknights.Inthisbandtherewerefiveknightsof

greatvalor.Oneeveningasthefiveknightssatatafeastquaffingsakeintheirricebowlsandeatingallkindsoffish,raw,andstewed,andbroiled,andtoastingeachother'shealthsandexploits,thefirstknight,Hojo,saidtotheothers:"HaveyouallheardtherumorthateveryeveningaftersunsettherecomesanogretotheGateofRashomon,andthatheseizes

allwhopassby?"Thesecondknight,Watanabe,answeredhim,saying:"Donottalksuchnonsense!AlltheogreswerekilledbyourchiefRaikoatOeyarna!Itcannotbetrue,becauseevenifanyogresdidescapefromthatgreatkillingtheywouldnotdaretoshowthemselvesinthiscity,fortheyknowthatourbravemasterwouldatonceattackthemifheknew

thatanyofthemwerestillalive!""ThendoyoudisbelievewhatIsay,andthinkthatIamtellingyouafalsehood?""No,Idonotthinkthatyouaretellingalie",saidWatanabe;"butyouhaveheardsomeoldwoman'sstorywhichisnotworthbelieving"."ThenthebestplanistoprovewhatIsay,bygoingthereyourselfandfindingout

yourselfwhetheritistrueornot",saidHojo.Watanabe,thesecondknight,couldnotbearthethoughtthathiscompanionshouldbelievehewasafraid,soheansweredquickly:"Ofcourse,Iwillgoatonceandfindoutformyself!"SoWatanabeatoncegotreadytogo—hebuckledonhislongswordandputonacoatofarmor,andtiedonhislargehelmet.Whenhewas

readytostarthesaidtotheothers:"GivemesomethingsothatIcanproveIhavebeenthere!"ThenoneofthemengotarollofwritingpaperandhisboxofIndianinkandbrushes,andthefourcomradeswrotetheirnamesonapieceofpaper.

WatanabefindstheArmoftheOgre.JapaneseFairyTales

"Iwilltakethis",saidWatanabe,"andputitontheGateofRashomon,soto-morrowmorningwillyouallgoandlookatit?Imaybeabletocatchanogreortwobythen!"andhemountedhishorseandrodeoffgallantly.Itwasaverydarknight,andtherewasneithermoonnorstartolightWatanabeonhisway.Tomakethedarknessworseastormcameon,therainfellheavilyandthewind

howledlikewolvesinthemountains.Anyordinarymanwouldhavetrembledatthethoughtofgoingoutofdoors,butWatanabewasabravewarrioranddauntless,andhishonorandwordwereatstake,sohespedonintothenight,whilehiscompanionslistenedtothesoundofhishorse'shoofsdyingawayinthedistance,thenshuttheslidingshutterscloseandgatheredroundthecharcoalfireand

wonderedwhatwouldhappen—andwhethertheircomradewouldencounteroneofthosehorribleOni.AtlastWatanabereachedtheGateofRashomon,butpeerashemightthroughthedarknesshecouldseenosignofanogre."ItisjustasIthought",saidWatanabetohimself;"therearecertainlynoogreshere;itisonlyanoldwoman'sstory.Iwillstickthispaperonthe

gatesothattheotherscanseeIhavebeenherewhentheycometo-morrow,andthenIwilltakemywayhomeandlaughatthemall".Hefastenedthepieceofpaper,signedbyallhisfourcompanions,onthegate,andthenturnedhishorse'sheadtowardshome.Ashedidsohebecameawarethatsomeonewasbehindhim,andatthesametimeavoicecalledouttohim

towait.Thenhishelmetwasseizedfromtheback."Whoareyou?"saidWatanabefearlessly.Hethenputouthishandandgropedaroundtofindoutwhoorwhatitwasthatheldhimbythehelmet.Ashedidsohetouchedsomethingthatfeltlikeanarm—itwascoveredwithhairandasbigroundasthetrunkofatree!Watanabeknewatoncethatthiswasthearmofanogre,

sohedrewhisswordandcutatitfiercely.Therewasaloudyellofpain,andthentheogredashedinfrontofthewarrior.Watanabe'seyesgrewlargewithwonder,forhesawthattheogrewastallerthanthegreatgate,hiseyeswereflashinglikemirrorsinthesunlight,andhishugemouthwaswideopen,andasthemonsterbreathed,flamesoffireshotoutofhismouth.

Theogrethoughttoterrifyhisfoe,butWatanabeneverflinched.Heattackedtheogrewithallhisstrength,andthustheyfoughtfacetofaceforalongtime.Atlasttheogre,findingthathecouldneitherfrightennorbeatWatanabeandthathemighthimselfbebeaten,tooktoflight.ButWatanabe,determinednottoletthemonsterescape,putspurstohishorseandgavechase.

Butthoughtheknightrodeveryfasttheogreranfaster,andtohisdisappointmenthefoundhimselfunabletoovertakethemonster,whowasgraduallylosttosight.Watanabereturnedtothegatewherethefiercefighthadtakenplace,andgotdownfromhishorse.Ashedidsohestumbleduponsomethinglyingontheground.Stoopingtopickituphefoundthatitwasoneofthe

ogre'shugearmswhichhemusthaveslashedoffinthefight.Hisjoywasgreatathavingsecuredsuchaprize,forthiswasthebestofallproofsofhisadventurewiththeogre.Sohetookitupcarefullyandcarriedithomeasatrophyofhisvictory.Whenhegotback,heshowedthearmtohiscomrades,whooneandallcalledhimtheherooftheirbaudandgavehimagreatfeast.His

wonderfuldeedwassoonnoisedabroadinKyoto,andpeoplefromfarandnearcametoseetheogre'sarm.Watanabenowbegantogrowuneasyastohowheshouldkeepthearminsafety,forheknewthattheogretowhomitbelongedwasstillalive.Hefeltsurethatonedayorother,assoonastheogregotoverhisscare,hewouldcometotrytogethisarmbackagain.Watanabethereforehadabox

madeofthestrongestwoodandbandedwithiron.Inthisheplacedthearm,andthenhesealeddowntheheavylid,refusingtoopenitforanyone.Hekepttheboxinhisownroomandtookchargeofithimself,neverallowingitoutofhissight.Nowonenightheheardsomeoneknockingattheporch,askingforadmittance.Whentheservantwenttothedoortoseewhoitwas,there

wasonlyanoldwoman,veryrespectableinappearance.Onbeingaskedwhoshewasandwhatwasherbusiness,theoldwomanrepliedwithasmilethatshehadbeennursetothemasterofthehousewhenhewasalittlebaby.Ifthelordofthehousewereathomeshebeggedtobeallowedtoseehim.

SomeonewasknockingatthePorch,askingforAdmittance.

JapaneseFairyTales

Theservantlefttheoldwomanatthedoorandwenttotellhismasterthathisoldnursehadcometoseehim.Watanabethoughtitstrangethatsheshouldcomeatthattimeofnight,butatthethoughtofhisoldnurse,whohadbeenlikeafoster-mothertohimandwhomhehadnotseenforalongtime,averytenderfeelingsprangupforherinhisheart.Heorderedtheservanttoshowherin.

Theoldwomanwasusheredintotheroom,andafterthecustomarybowsandgreetingswereover,shesaid:"Master,thereportofyourbravefightwiththeogreattheGateofRashomonissowidely-knownthatevenyourpooroldnursehasheardofit.Isitreallytrue,whateveryonesays,thatyoucutoffoneoftheogre'sarms?Ifyoudid,yourdeedishighlytobepraised!"

"Iwasverydisappointed",saidWatanabe,"thatIwasnotabletakethemonstercaptive,whichwaswhatIwishedtodo,insteadofonlycuttingoffanarm!""Iamveryproudtothink",answeredtheoldwoman,"thatmymasterwassobraveastodaretocutoffanogre'sarm.Thereisnothingthatcanbecomparedtoyourcourage.BeforeIdieitisthegreatwishofmylifetoseethis

arm",sheaddedpleadingly."No",saidWatanabe,"Iamsorry,butIcannotgrantyourrequest"."Butwhy?"askedtheoldwoman."Because",repliedWatanabe,"ogresareveryrevengefulcreatures,andifIopentheboxthereisnotellingbutthattheogremaysuddenlyappearandcarryoffhisarm.Ihavehadaboxmadeonpurposewithaverystronglid,andin

thisboxIkeeptheogre'sarmsecure;andInevershowittoanyone,whateverhappens".

InthisWaytheOgreescapedwithhisArm.JapaneseFairyTales

"Yourprecautionisveryreasonable",saidtheoldwoman."ButIamyouroldnurse,sosurelyyouwillnotrefusetoshowmethearm.Ihaveonlyjustheardofyourbraveact,andnotbeingabletowaittillthemorningIcameatoncetoaskyoutoshowittome".Watanabewasverytroubledattheoldwoman'spleading,buthestillpersistedinrefusing.Thentheoldwoman

said:"Doyoususpectmeofbeingaspysentbytheogre?""No,ofcourseIdonotsuspectyouofbeingtheogre'sspy,foryouaremyoldnurse",answeredWatanabe."Thenyoucannotsurelyrefusetoshowmethearmanylonger",entreatedtheoldwoman;"foritisthegreatwishofmyhearttoseeforonceinmylifethearmofanogre!"

Watanabecouldnotholdoutinhisrefusalanylonger,sohegaveinatlast,saying:"ThenIwillshowyoutheogre'sarm,sinceyousoearnestlywishtoseeit.Come,followme!"andheledthewaytohisownroom,theoldwomanfollowing.WhentheywerebothintheroomWatanabeshutthedoorcarefully,andthengoingtowardsabigboxwhichstoodinacorneroftheroom,

hetookofftheheavylid.Hethencalledtotheoldwomantocomenearandlookin,forhenevertookthearmoutofthebox."Whatisitlike?Letmehaveagoodlookatit",saidtheoldnurse,withajoyfulface.Shecamenearerandnearer,asifshewereafraid,tillshestoodrightagainstthebox.Suddenlysheplungedherhandintotheboxandseizedthearm,cryingwithafearful

voicewhichmadetheroomshake:"Oh,joy!Ihavegotmyarmbackagain!"Andfromanoldwomanshewassuddenlytransformedintothetoweringfigureofthefrightfulogre!Watanabesprangbackandwasunabletomoveforamoment,sogreatwashisastonishment;butrecognizingtheogrewhohadattackedhimattheGateofRasbomon,

hedeterminedwithhisusualcouragetoputanendtohimthistime.Heseizedhissword,drewitoutofitssheathinaflash,andtriedtocuttheogredown.SoquickwasWatanabethatthecreaturehadanarrowescape.Buttheogrespranguptotheceiling,andburstingthroughtheroof,disappearedinthemistandclouds.Inthiswaytheogreescapedwithhisarm.Theknight

gnashedhisteethwithdisappointment,butthatwasallhecoulddo.Hewaitedinpatienceforanotheropportunitytodispatchtheogre.ButthelatterwasafraidofWata-nabe'sgreatstrengthanddaring,andnevertroubledKyotoagain.Sooncemorethepeopleofthecitywereabletogooutwithoutfearevenatnighttime,andthebravedeedsofWatanabehaveneverbeen

forgotten!

HOWANOLDMANLOSTHIS

WEN.

MANY,manyyearsagotherelivedagoodoldmanwhohadawenlikeatennis-ballgrowingoutofhisrightcheek.Thislumpwasagreatdisfigurementtotheoldman,

andsoannoyedhimthatformanyyearshespentallhistimeandmoneyintryingtogetridofit.Hetriedeverythinghecouldthinkof.Heconsultedmanydoctorsfarandnear,andtookallkindsofmedicinesbothinternallyandexternally.Butitwasallofnouse.Thelumponlygrewbiggerandbiggertillitwasnearlyasbigashisface,andindespairhegaveupallhopesofeverlosingit,

andresignedhimselftothethoughtofhavingtocarrythelumponhisfaceallhislife.Onedaythefirewoodgaveoutinhiskitchen,so,ashiswifewantedsomeatonce,theoldmantookhisaxeandsetoutforthewoodsupamongthehillsnotveryfarfromhishome.Itwasafinedayintheearlyautumn,andtheoldmanenjoyedthefreshairandwasinnohurrytogethome.Sothewholeafternoon

passedquicklywhilehewaschoppingwood,andhehadcollectedagoodlypiletotakebacktohiswife.Whenthedaybegantodrawtoaclose,heturnedhisfacehomewards.Theoldmanhadnotgonefaronhiswaydownthemountainpasswhentheskycloudedandrainbegantofallheavily.Helookedaboutforsomeshelter,buttherewasnotevenacharcoal-burner's

hutnear.Atlastheespiedalargeholeinthehollowtrunkofatree.Theholewasneartheground,sohecreptineasily,andsatdowninhopesthathehadonlybeenovertakenbyamountainshower,andthattheweatherwouldsoonclear.Butmuchtotheoldman'sdisappointment,insteadofclearingtherainfellmoreandmoreheavily,andfinallyaheavythunderstormbroke

overthemountain.Thethunderroaredsoterrifically,andtheheavensseemedtobesoablazewithlightning,thattheoldmancouldhardlybelievehimselftobealive.Hethoughtthathemustdieoffright.Atlast,however,theskycleared,andthewholecountrywasaglowintheraysofthesettingsun.Theoldman'sspiritsrevivedwhenhelookedoutatthebeautifultwilight,andhewas

abouttostepoutfromhisstrangehiding-placeinthehollowtreewhenthesoundofwhatseemedliketheapproachingstepsofseveralpeoplecaughthisear.Heatoncethoughtthathisfriendshadcometolookforhim,andhewasdelightedattheideaofhavingsomejollycompanionswithwhomtowalkhome.Butonlookingoutfromthetree,whatwashisamazementtosee,nothis

friends,buthundredsofdemonscomingtowardsthespot.Themorehelooked,thegreaterwashisastonishment.Someofthesedemonswereaslargeasgiants,othershadgreatbigeyesoutofallproportiontotherestoftheirbodies,othersagainhadabsurdlylongnoses,andsomehadsuchbigmouthsthattheyseemedtoopenfromeartoear.Allhadhornsgrowingontheirforeheads.

Theoldmanwassosurprisedatwhathesawthathelosthisbalanceandfelloutofthehollowtree.Fortunatelyforhimthedemonsdidnotseehim,asthetreewasinthebackground.Sohepickedhimselfupandcreptbackintothetree.Whilehewassittingthereandwonderingimpatientlywhenhewouldbeabletogethome,heheardthesoundsofgaymusic,andthensomeof

thedemonsbegantosing."Whatarethesecreaturesdoing?"saidtheoldmantohimself."Iwilllookout,itsoundsveryamusing".Onpeepingout,theoldmansawthatthedemonchiefhimselfwasactuallysittingwithhisbackagainstthetreeinwhichhehadtakenrefuge,andalltheotherdemonsweresittinground,somedrinkingandsomedancing.Foodandwinewasspreadbeforethem

ontheground,andthedemonswereevidentlyhavingagreatentertainmentandenjoyingthemselvesimmensely.Itmadetheoldmanlaughtoseetheirstrangeantics."Howamusingthisis!"laughedtheoldmantohimself"Iamnowquiteold,butIhaveneverseenanythingsostrangeinallmylife".Hewassointerestedand

excitedinwatchingallthatthedemonsweredoing,thatheforgothimselfandsteppedoutofthetreeandstoodlookingon.Thedemonchiefwasjusttakingabigcupofsakeandwatchingoneofthedemonsdancing.Inalittlewhilehesaidwithaboredair:"Yourdanceisrathermonotonous.Iamtiredofwatchingit.Isn'tthereanyoneamongstyouallwhocan

dancebetterthanthisfellow?"Nowtheoldmanhadbeenfondofdancingallhislife,andwasquiteanexpertintheart,andheknewthathecoulddomuchbetterthanthedemon."ShallIgoanddancebeforethesedemonsandletthemseewhatahumanbeingcando?Itmaybedangerous,forifIdon'tpleasethemtheymaykillme!"saidtheold

fellowtohimself.Hisfears,however,weresoonovercomebyhisloveofdancing.Inafewminuteshecouldrestrainhimselfnolonger,andcameoutbeforethewholepartyofdemonsandbegantodanceatonce.Theoldman,realizingthathislifeprobablydependedonwhetherhepleasedthesestrangecreaturesornot,exertedhisskillandwittotheutmost.

Thedemonswereatfirstverysurprisedtoseeamansofearlesslytakingpartintheirentertainment,andthentheirsurprisesoongaveplacetoadmiration."Howstrange!"exclaimedthehornedchief."Ineversawsuchaskillfuldancerbefore!Hedancesadmirably!"Whentheoldmanhadfinishedhisdance,thebigdemonsaid:

"Thankyouverymuchforyouramusingdance.Nowgiveusthepleasureofdrinkingacupofwinewithus",andwiththesewordshehandedhimhislargestwine-cup.Theoldmanthankedhimveryhumbly:"Ididnotexpectsuchkindnessfromyourlordship.IfearIhaveonlydisturbedyourpleasantpartybymyunskillfuldancing".

"No,no",answeredthebigdemon."Youmustcomeoftenanddanceforus.Yourskillhasgivenusmuchpleasure".Theoldmanthankedhimagainandpromisedtodoso."Thenwillyoucomeagainto-morrow,oldman?"askedthedemon."Certainly,Iwill",answeredtheoldman."Thenyoumustleavesomepledgeofyourwordwithus",

saidthedemon."Whateveryoulike",saidtheoldman."Nowwhatisthebestthinghecanleavewithusasapledge?"askedthedemon,lookinground.Thensaidoneofthedemon'sattendantskneelingbehindthechief:"Thetokenheleaveswithusmustbethemostimportantthingtohiminhispossession.Iseetheoldman

hasawenonhisrightcheek.Nowmortalmenconsidersuchawenveryfortunate.Letmylordtakethelumpfromtheoldman'srightcheek,andhewillsurelycometo-morrow,ifonlytogetthatback"."Youareveryclever",saidthedemonchief,givinghishornsanapprovingnod.Thenhestretchedoutahairyarmandclaw-likehand,andtookthegreatlumpfromtheold

man'srightcheek.Strangetosay,itcameoffaseasilyasaripeplumfromthetreeatthedemon'stouch,andthenthemerrytroopofdemonssuddenlyvanished.

TheDemontookthegreatLumpfromtheOldMan'sCheek.

JapaneseFairyTales

Theoldmanwaslostinbewildermentbyallthathadhappened.Hehardlyknewforsometimewherehewas.Whenhecametounderstandwhathadhappenedtohim,hewasdelightedtofindthatthelumponhisface,whichhadforsomanyyearsdisfiguredhim,hadreallybeentakenawaywithoutanypaintohimself.Heputuphishandtofeelifanyscarremained,butfoundthathisrightcheekwas

assmoothashisleft.Thesunhadlongset,andtheyoungmoonhadrisenlikeasilvercrescentinthesky.Theoldmansuddenlyrealizedhowlateitwasandbegantohurryhome.Hepattedhisrightcheekallthetime,asiftomakesureofhisgoodfortuneinhavinglostthewen.Hewassohappythathefounditimpossibletowalkquietly—herananddancedthewholewayhome.

Hefoundhiswifeveryanxious,wonderingwhathadhappenedtomakehimsolate.Hesoontoldherallthathadpassedsincehelefthomethatafternoon.Shewasquiteashappyasherhusbandwhenheshowedherthattheuglylumphaddisappearedfromhisface,forinheryouthshehadpridedherselfonhisgoodlooks,andithadbeenadailygrieftohertoseethehorridgrowth.

Nownextdoortothisgoodoldcoupletherelivedawickedanddisagreeableoldman.He,too,hadformanyyearsbeentroubledwiththegrowthofawenonhisleftcheek,andhe,too,hadtriedallmannerofthingstogetridofit,butinvain.Heheardatonce,throughtheservant,ofhisneighbor'sgoodluckinlosingthelumponhisface,sohecalledthatveryeveningandaskedhis

friendtotellhimeverythingthatconcernedthelossofit.Thegoodoldmantoldhisdisagreeableneighborallthathadhappenedtohim.Hedescribedtheplacewherehewouldfindthehollowtreeinwhichtohide,andadvisedhimtobeonthespotinthelateafternoontowardsthetimeofsunset.

TheOldMailtoldhisNeighborallthathadhappened.

JapaneseFairyTales

Theoldneighborstartedouttheverynextafternoon,andafterhuntingaboutforsometime,cametothehollowtreejustashisfriendhaddescribed.Herehehidhimselfandwaitedforthetwilight.Justashehadbeentold,thebandofdemonscameatthathourandheldafeastwithdanceandsong.Whenthishadgoneonforsometimethechiefofthedemons

lookedaroundandsaid:"Itisnowtimefortheoldmantocomeashepromisedus.Whydoesn'thecome?"Whenthesecondoldmanheardthesewordsheranoutofhishiding-placeinthetreeand,kneelingdownbeforetheoni,said:"Ihavebeenwaitingforalongtimeforyoutospeak!""Ah,youaretheoldmanofyesterday",saidthedemonchief."Thankyoufor

coming,youmustdanceforussoon".Theoldmannowstoodupandopenedhisfanandbegantodance.Buthehadneverlearnedtodance,andknewnothingaboutthenecessarygesturesanddifferentpositions.Hethoughtthatanythingwouldpleasethedemons,sohejusthoppedabout,wavinghisarmsandstampinghisfeet,imitatingaswellashecouldanydancing

hehadeverseen.Theoniwereverydissatisfiedatthisexhibition,andsaidamongstthemselves:"Howbadlyhedancesto-day!"Thentotheoldmanthedemonchiefsaid:"Yourperformanceto-dayisquitedifferentfromthedanceofyesterday.Wedon'twishtoseeanymoreofsuchdancing.Wewillgiveyoubackthepledgeyouleftwith

us.Youmustgoawayatonce".

TherewasnowagreatWenontheRightSideofhisFaceasontheLeft.JapaneseFairyTales

Withthesewordshetookoutfromafoldofhisdressthelumpwhichhehadtakenfromthefaceoftheoldmanwhohaddancedsowellthedaybefore,andthrewitattherightcheekoftheoldmanwhostoodbeforehim.Thelumpimmediatelyattacheditselftohischeekasfirmlyasifithadgrowntherealways,andallattemptstopullitoffwereuseless.Thewickedoldman,insteadoflosingthe

lumponhisleftcheekashehadhoped,foundtohisdismaythathehadbutaddedanothertohisrightcheekinhisattempttogetridofthefirst.Heputupfirstonehandandthentheothertoeachsideofhisfacetomakesureifhewerenotdreamingahorriblenightmare.No,sureenoughtherewasnowagreatwenontherightsideofhisfaceasontheleft.Thedemonshadall

disappeared,andtherewasnothingforhimtodobuttoreturnhome.Hewasapitifulsight,forhisface,withthetwolargelumps,oneoneachside,lookedjustlikeaJapanesegourd.

THESTONESOFFIVE

COLORSANDTHEEMPRESS

JOKWA.ANOLDCHINESESTORY.

LONG,longagotherelivedagreatChineseEmpresswhosucceededherbrothertheEmperorFuki.Itwastheageofgiants,andtheEmpressJokwa,forthatwashername,wastwenty-fivefeethigh,nearlyastallasherbrother.Shewasawonderfulwoman,andanableruler.Thereisaninterestingstoryofhowshemendedapartofthebroken

heavensandoneoftheterrestrialpillarswhichupheldthesky,bothofwhichweredamagedduringarebellionraisedbyoneofKingFuki'ssubjects.Therebel'snamewasKokai.Hewastwenty-sixfeethigh.Hisbodywasentirelycoveredwithhair,andhisfacewasasblackasiron.Hewasawizardandaveryterriblecharacterindeed.WhentheEmperorFukidied,

KokaiwasbittenwiththeambitiontobeEmperorofChina,buthisplanfailed,andJokwa,thedeadEmperor'ssister,mountedthethrone.Kokaiwassoangryatbeingthwartedinhisdesirethatheraisedarevolt.HisfirstactwastoemploytheWaterDevil,whocausedagreatfloodtorushoverthecountry.Thisswampedthepoorpeopleoutoftheirhomes,andwhenthe

EmpressJokwasawtheplightofhersubjects,andknewitwasKokai'sfault,shedeclaredwaragainsthim.NowJokwa,theEmpress,hadtwoyoungwarriorscalledHakoandEiko,andtheformershemadeGeneralofthefrontforces.HakowasdelightedthattheEmpress'schoiceshouldfallonhim,andhepreparedhimselfforbattle.Hetookupthelongestlancehecouldfindand

mountedaredhorse,andwasjustabouttosetoutwhenheheardsomeonegallopinghardbehindhimandshouting:"Hako!Stop!ThegeneralofthefrontforcesmustbeI!"HelookedbackandsawEikohiscomrade,ridingonawhitehorse,intheactofunsheathingalargeswordtodrawuponhim.Hako'sangerwaskindled,andasheturnedtofacehisrivalhecried:

"Insolentwretch!IhavebeenappointedbytheEmpresstoleadthefrontforcestobattle.DoyoudaretostopmeI""Yes",answeredEiko."Ioughttoleadthearmy.Itisyouwhoshouldfollowme".AtthisboldreplyHako'sangerburstfromasparkintoaflame."Dareyouanswermethus?Takethat",andhelungedathimwithhislance.ButEikomovedquickly

aside,andatthesametime,raisinghissword,hewoundedtheheadoftheGeneral'shorse.Obligedtodismount,Hakowasabouttorushathisantagonist,whenElko,asquickaslightning,torefromhisbreastthebadgeofcommandershipandgallopedaway.TheactionwassoquickthatHakostooddazed,notknowingwhattodo.TheEmpresshadbeena

spectatorofthescene,andshecouldnotbutadmirethequicknessoftheambitiousEiko,andinordertopacifytherivalsshedeterminedtoappointthembothtotheGeneralshipofthefrontarmy.SoHakowasmadecommanderoftheleftwingofthefrontarmy,andEikooftheright.Onehundredthousandsoldiersfollowedthemandmarchedtoput

downtherebelKokai.WithinashorttimethetwoGeneralsreachedthecastlewhereKokaihadfortifiedhimself.Whenawareoftheirapproach,thewizardsaid:"Iwillblowthesetwopoorchildrenawaywithonebreath".(Helittlethoughthowhardhewouldfindthefight.)WiththesewordsKokaiseizedanironrodandmountedablackhorse,and

rushedforthlikeanangrytigertomeethistwofoes.Asthetwoyoungwarriorssawhimtearingdownuponthem,theysaidtoeachother:"Wemustnotlethimescapealive",andtheyattackedhimfromtherightandfromtheleftwithswordandwithlance.Buttheall-powerfulKokaiwasnottobeeasilybeaten—hewhirledhisironrodroundlikeagreatwater-wheel,andforalongtime

theyfoughtthus,neithersidegainingnorlosing.Atlast,toavoidthewizard'sironrod,Hakoturnedhishorsetooquickly;theanimal'shoofsstruckagainstalargestone,andinafrightthehorserearedasstraightonendasascreen,throwinghismastertotheground.ThereuponKokaidrewhisthree-edgedswordandwasabouttokilltheprostrateHako,hutbeforethewizard

couldworkhiswickedwillthebraveEikohadwheeledhishorseinfrontofKokaianddaredhimtotryhisstrengthwithhim,andnottokillafallenman.ButKokaiwastired,andhedidnotfeelinclinedtofacethisfreshanddauntlessyoungsoldier,sosuddenlywheelinghishorseround,hefledfromthefray.Hako,whohadbeenonlyslightlystunned,hadbythistimegotuponhisfeet,andhe

andhiscomraderushedaftertheretreatingenemy,theoneonfootandtheotheronhorseback.Kokai,seeingthathewaspursued,turneduponhisnearestassailant,whowas,ofcourse,themountedEiko,anddrawingforthanarrowfromthequiverathisback,fittedittohisbowanddrewuponEiko.AsquickaslightningthewaryEikoavoidedtheshaft,

whichonlytouchedhishelmetstrings,andglancingoff,fellharmlessagainstHako'scoatofarmor.Thewizardsawthatbothhisenemiesremainedunscathed.Healsoknewthattherewasnotimetopullasecondarrowbeforetheywouldbeuponhim,sotosavehimselfheresortedtomagic.Hestretchedforthhiswand,andimmediatelyagreatfloodarose,andJokwa'sarmyand

herbraveyoungGeneralsweresweptawaylikeafallingofautumnleavesonastream.HakoandEikofoundthemselvesstrugglingneckdeepinwater,andlookingroundtheysawtheferociousKokaimakingtowardsthemthroughthewaterwithhisironrodonhigh.Theythoughteverymomentthattheywouldbecutdown,buttheybravelystruckoutto

swimasfarastheycouldfromKokai'sreach.Allofasuddentheyfoundthemselvesinfrontofwhatseemedtobeanislandrisingstraightoutofthewater.Theylookedup,andtherestoodanoldmanwithhairaswhiteassnow,smilingatthem.Theycriedtohimtohelpthem.Theoldmannoddedhisheadandcamedowntotheedgeofthewater.Assoonashisfeettouchedtheflooditdivided,

andagoodroadappeared,totheamazementofthedrowningmen,whonowfoundthemselvessafe.Kokaihadbythistimereachedtheislandwhichhadrisenasifbyamiracleoutofthewater,andseeinghisenemiesthussavedhewasfurious.Herushedthroughthewaterupontheoldman,anditseemedasifhewouldsurelybekilled.Buttheoldmanappearednotintheleast

dismayed,andcalmlyawaitedthewizard'sonslaught.AsKokaidrewnear,theoldmanlaughedaloudmerrily,andturningintoalargeandbeautifulwhitecrane,flappedhiswingsandflewupwardsintotheheavens.WhenHakoandEikosawthis,theyknewthattheirdelivererwasnomerehumanbeing—wasperhapsagodindisguise—andtheyhoped

laterontofindoutwhothevenerableoldmanwas.Inthemeantimetheyhadretreated,anditbeingnowthecloseofday,forthesunwassetting,bothKokaiandtheyoungwarriorsgaveuptheideaoffightingmorethatday.ThatnightHakoandEikodecidedthatitwasuselesstofightagainstthewizardKokai,forhehadsupernaturalpowers,while

theywereonlyhuman.SotheypresentedthemselvesbeforetheEmpressJokwa.Afteralongconsultation,theEmpressdecidedtoasktheFireKing,Shikuyu,tohelpheragainsttherebelwizardandtoleadherarmyagainsthim.NowShikuyu,theFireKing,livedattheSouthPole.Itwastheonlysafeplaceforhimtobein,forheburntupeverythingaroundhim

anywhereelse,butitwasimpossibletoburnupiceandsnow.Tolookathewasagiant,andstoodthirtyfeethigh.Hisfacewasjustlikemarble,andhishairandbeardlongandaswhiteassnow.Hisstrengthwasstupendous,andhewasmasterofallfirejustasKokaiwasofwater."Surely",thoughttheEmpress,"ShikuyucanconquerKokai".Soshesent

EikototheSouthPoletobegShikuyutotakethewaragainstKokaiintohisownhandsandconquerhimonceforall.TheFireKing,onhearingtheEmpress'srequest,smiledandsaid:"Thatisaneasymatter,tobesure!ItwasnoneotherthanIwhocametoyourrescuewhenyouandyourcompanionweredrowninginthefloodraisedbyKokai!"

Eikowassurprisedatlearningthis.HethankedtheFireKingforcomingtotherescueintheirdireneed,andthenbesoughthimtoreturnwithhimandleadthewaranddefeatthewickedKokai.Shikuyudidashewasasked,andreturnedwithEikototheEmpress.ShewelcomedtheFireKingcordially,andatoncetoldhimwhyshehadsentforhim—toaskhimtobetheGeneralissimoofher

army.Hisreplywasveryreassuring:"Donothaveanyanxiety.IwillcertainlykillKokai".Shikuyuthenplacedhimselfattheheadofthirtythousandsoldiers,andwithHakoandEikoshowinghimtheway,marchedtothe'enemy'scastle.TheFireKingknewthesecretofKokai'spower,andhenowtoldallthesoldierstogatheracertainkindofshrub.Thisthey

burnedinlargequantities,andeachsoldierwasthenorderedtofillabagfulloftheashesthusobtained.Kokai,ontheotherhand,inhisownconceit,thoughtthatShiknyuwasofinferiorpowertohimself,andhemurmuredangrily:"EventhoughyouaretheFireKing,Icansoonextinguishyou".Thenherepeatedanincantation,andthewater-

floodsroseandwelledashighasmountains.Shikuyu,notintheleastfrightened,orderedhissoldierstoscattertheasheswhichhehadcausedthemtomake.Everymandidashewasbid,andsuchwasthepoweroftheplantthattheyhadburned,thatassoonastheashesmingledwiththewaterastiffmudwasformed,andtheywereallsafefromdrowning.NowKokaithewizardwas

dismayedwhenhesawthattheFireKingwassuperiorinwisdomtohimself,andhisangerwassogreatthatherushedheadlongtowardstheenemy.Eikorodetomeethim,andthetwofoughttogetherforsometime.Theywerewellmatchedinahand-to-handcombat.Hako,whowascarefullywatchingthefray,sawthatEikobegantotire,andfearingthathis

companionwouldbekilled,hetookhisplace.ButKokaihadtiredaswell,andfeelinghimselfunabletoholdoutagainstHako,hesaidartfully:"Youaretoomagnanimous,thustofightforyourfriendandruntheriskofbeingkilled.Iwillnothurtsuchagoodman".Andhepretendedtoretreat,turningawaytheheadofhishorse.Hisintentionwasto

throwHakooffhisguardandthentowheelroundandtakehimbysurprise.ButShikuyuunderstoodthewilywizard,andhespokeatonce:"Youareacoward!YoucannotdeceivemeI"Sayingthis,theFireKingmadeasigntotheunwaryHakotoattackhim.KokainowturneduponShikuyufuriously,buthewastiredandunabletofightwell,and

hesoonreceivedawoundinhisshoulder.Henowbrokefromthefrayandtriedtoescapeinearnest.Whilethefightbetweentheirleadershadbeengoingonthetwoarmieshadstoodwaitingfortheissue.ShikuyunowturnedandbadeJokwa'ssoldierschargetheenemy'sforces.Thistheydid,androutedthemwithgreatslaughter,andthewizardbarelyescapedwithhislife.

ItwasinvainthatKokaicalledupontheWaterDeviltohelphim,forShikuyuknewthecounter-charm.Thewizardfoundthatthebattlewasagainsthim.Madwithpain,forhiswoundbegantotroublehim,andfrenziedwithdisappointmentandfear,hedashedhisheadagainsttherocksofMountShu,anddiedonthespot.TherewasanendofthewickedKokai,butnotof

troubleintheEmpressJokwa'sKingdom,asyoushallsee.Theforcewithwhichthewizardfellagainsttherockswassogreatthatthemountainburst,andfirerushedoutfromtheearth,andoneofthepillarsupholdingtheHeavenswasbroken,thatonecorneroftheskydroppedtillittouchedtheearth.Shikuyu,theFireKing,tookupthebodyofthewizardandcarriedittotheEmpress

Jokwa,whorejoicedgreatlythatherenemywasvanquished,andhergeneralsvictorious.SheshoweredallmannerofgiftsandhonorsuponShikuyu.ButallthistimefirewasburstingfromthemountainbrokenbythefallofKokai.Wholevillagesweredestroyed,rice-fieldsburntup,riverbedsfilledwiththeburninglava,andthehomelesspeoplewerein

greatdistress.SotheEmpressleftthecapitalassoonasshehadrewardedthevictorShikuyu,andjourneyedwithallspeedtothesceneofdisaster.ShefoundthatbothHeavenandearthhadsustaineddamage,andtheplacewassodarkthatshehadtolightherlamptofindouttheextentofthehavocthathadbeenwrought.Havingascertainedthis,shesettoworkatrepairs.Tothis

endsheorderedhersubjectstocollectstonesoffivecolors—blue,yellow,red,whiteandblack.Whenshehadobtainedthese,sheboiledthemwithakindofporcelaininalargecaldron,andthemixturebecameabeautifulpaste,andwiththissheknewthatshecouldmendthesky.Nowallwasready.Summoningthecloudsthatweresailingeversohighaboveherhead,shemounted

them,androdeheavenwards,carryinginherhandsthevasecontainingthepastemadefromthestonesoffivecolors.Shesoonreachedthecorneroftheskythatwasbroken,andappliedthepasteandmendedit.Havingdonethis,sheturnedherattentiontothebrokenpillar,andwiththelegsofaverylargetortoiseshemendedit.Whenthiswasfinishedshemountedthecloudsanddescendedtothe

earth,hopingtofindthatallwasnowright,buttoherdismayshefoundthatitwasstillquitedark.Neitherthesunshonebydaynorthemoonbynight.Greatlyperplexed,sheatlastcalledameetingofallthewisemenoftheKingdom,andaskedtheiradviceastowhatsheshoulddointhisdilemma.Twoofthewisestsaid:"TheroadsofHeavenhave

beendamagedbythelateaccident,andtheSunandMoonhavebeenobligedtostayathome.NeithertheSuncouldmakehisdailyjourneynortheMoonhernightlyonebecauseofthebadroads.TheSunandMoondonotyetknowthatyourMajestyhasmendedallthatwasdamaged,sowewillgoandinformthemthatsinceyouhaverepairedthemtheroadsaresafe".

TheEmpressapprovedofwhatthewisemensuggested,andorderedthemtosetoutontheirmission.Butthiswasnoteasy,forthePalaceoftheSunandMoonwasmany,manyhundredsofthousandsofmilesdistantintotheEast.Iftheytraveledonfoottheymightneverreachtheplace,theywoulddieofoldageontheroad.ButJokwahadrecoursetomagic.Shegavehertwoambassadors

wonderfulchariotswhichcouldwhirlthroughtheairbymagicpowerathousandmilesperminute.Theysetoutingoodspirits,ridingabovetheclouds,andaftermanydaystheyreachedthecountrywheretheSunandtheMoonwerelivinghappilytogether.ThetwoambassadorsweregrantedaninterviewwiththeirMajestiesofLightandaskedthemwhytheyhadfor

somanydayssecludedthemselvesfromtheUniverse?Didtheynotknowthatbydoingsotheyplungedtheworldandallitspeopleintouttermostdarknessbothdayandnight?RepliedtheSunandtheMoon:"SurelyyouknowthatMountShuhassuddenlyburstforthwithfire,andtheroadsofHeavenhavebeengreatlydamagedII,theSun,foundit

impossibletomakemydailyjourneyalongsuchroughroads—andcertainlytheMooncouldnotissueforthatnight!sowebothretiredintoprivatelifeforatime".Thenthetwowisemenbowedthemselvestothegroundandsaid:"OurEmpressJokwahasalreadyrepairedtheroadswiththewonderfulstonesoffivecolors,sowebegtoassureyourMajestiesthatthe

roadsarejustastheywerebeforetheeruptiontookplace".ButtheSunandtheMoonstillhesitated,sayingthattheyhadheardthatoneofthepillarsofHeavenhadbeenbrokenaswell,andtheyfearedthat,eveniftheroadshadbeenremade,itwouldstillbedangerousforthemtosallyforthontheirusualjourneys."Youneedhavenoanxiety

aboutthebrokenpillar",saidthetwoambassadors."OurEmpressrestoreditwiththelegsofagreattortoise,anditisasfirmaseveritwas".ThentheSunandMoonappearedsatisfied,andtheybothsetouttotrytheroads.TheyfoundthatwhattheEmpress'sdeputieshadtoldthem,wascorrect.Aftertheexaminationoftheheavenlyroads,theSunandMoonagaingavelighttothe

earth.Allthepeoplerejoicedgreatly,andpeaceandprosperityweresecuredinChinaforalongtimeunderthereignofthewiseEmpressJokwa.

NOTES

1.Analcovewherepreciousobjectsaredisplayed.

2."Allright"(onlyusedbylowerclasses).

THEEND