 CHAPTER XVII. The White Hair and the Crocodiles Long, long ago, when all the animals could talk, there lived in the province of Inaba, in Japan a little white hair. His home was on the island of Okki, just across the sea from the mainland of Inaba. Now the hare wanted very much to cross over to Inaba. Day after day he would go out and sit on the shore and look longingly over the water in the direction of Inaba, and day after day he hoped to find some way of getting across. One day as usual the hare was standing on the beach, looking towards the mainland across the water, when he saw a great crocodile swimming near the island. This is very lucky, but the hare. Now I shall be able to get my wish. I will ask the crocodile to carry me across the sea. But he was doubtful whether the crocodile would consent to do what he wanted. So he thought, instead of asking a favour, he would try to get what he wanted by a trick. So with a loud voice he called to the crocodile and said, Oh, Mr. Crocodile, isn't it a lovely day? The crocodile, who had come out all by itself that day to enjoy the bright sunshine, was just beginning to feel a bit lonely when the hare's cheerful greeting broke the silence. The crocodile swam near the shore, very pleased to hear someone speak. I wonder who it was that spoke to me just now. Was it you, Mr. Hare? You must be very lonely all by yourself. Oh, no! I am not at all lonely, said the hare. But as it was such a fine day I came out here to enjoy myself. Won't you stop and play with me a little while? The crocodile came out of the sea and sat on the shore, and the two played together for some time. Then the hare said, Mr. Crocodile, you live in the sea and I live on this island, and we do not often meet, so I know very little about you. Tell me, do you think the number of your company is greater than mine? Of course, there are more crocodiles than hares, answered the crocodile. Can you not see that for yourself? You live on this small island, while I live in the sea, which spreads through all parts of the world. So if I call together all the crocodiles who dwell in the sea, you hares will be as nothing compared to us. The crocodile was very conceited. The hare, who meant to play a trick on the crocodile, said, Do you think it possible for you to call up enough crocodiles to form a line from this island across the sea to Inaba? The crocodile thought for a moment, then answered, Of course it is possible. Then do try, said the artful hare, and I will count the number from here. The crocodile, who was very simple-minded, and who hadn't the least idea that the hare intended to play a trick on him, agreed to do what the hare asked, and said, Wait a little while, while I go back into the sea and call my company together. The crocodile plunged into the sea and was gone for some time. The hare, meanwhile, waited patiently on the shore. At last the crocodile appeared, bringing with him a large number of other crocodiles. Look, Mr. Hare, said the crocodile. It is nothing for my friends to form a line between here and Inaba. There are enough crocodiles to stretch from here even as far as China or India. Did you ever see so many crocodiles? Then the whole company of crocodiles arranged themselves in the water, so as to form a bridge between the island of Oki and the mainland of Inaba. When the hare saw the bridge of crocodiles, he said, How splendid! I did not believe this was possible. Now let me count you all. To do this, however, with your permission, I must walk over on your backs to the other side. So please be so good as not to move, or else I shall fall into the sea and be drowned. So the hare hopped off the island onto the strange bridge of crocodiles, counting as he jumped from one crocodile's back to the other. Please keep quite still, or I shall not be able to count. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine. Thus the cunning hare walked right across to the mainland of Inaba. Not content with getting his wish, he began to jeer at the crocodiles instead of thanking them, and said as he leapt off the last one's back, Oh, you stupid crocodiles! Now I have done with you. And he was just about to run away as fast as he could, but he did not escape so easily. For so soon as the crocodiles understood that this was a trick played upon them by the hare so as to enable him to cross the sea, and that the hare was now laughing at them for their stupidity, they became furiously angry and made up their minds to take revenge. So some of them ran after the hare and caught him, then they all surrounded the poop little animal and pulled out all his fur. He cried out loudly, and then treated them to spare him, but with each tuft of fur they pulled out they said, Serve you right. When the crocodiles had pulled out the last bit of fur, they threw the poor hare on the beach, and all swam away laughing at what they had done. The hare was now in a pitiful plight, all his beautiful white fur had been pulled out, and his bare little body was quivering with pain and bleeding all over. He could hardly move, and all he could do was to lie on the beach quite helpless and weep over the misfortune that had befallen him. Notwithstanding that it was his own fault that had brought all this misery and suffering upon the white hare of Annaba, anyone seeing the poor little creature could not help feeling sorry for him in his sad condition, for the crocodiles had been very cruel in their revenge. Just at this time a number of men, who looked like king's sons, happened to pass by and seeing the hare lying on the beach crying, stopped and asked what was the matter. The hare lifted up his head from between his paws and answered them, saying, I had a fight with some crocodiles, but I was beaten, and they pulled out all my fur and left me to suffer here. That is why I am crying. Now one of these young men had a bad and spiteful disposition, but he feigned kindness and said to the hare, I feel very sorry for you. If you will only try, and I know of a remedy which will cure your sore body, go and bathe yourself in the sea, and then come and sit in the wind. This will make your fur grow again, and you will be just as you were before. Then all the young men passed on. The hare was very pleased, thinking he had found a cure. He went and bathed in the sea and then came out and sat where the wind could blow upon him. But as the wind blew and dried him, his skin became drawn and hardened, and the salt increased the pain so much that he rolled on the sand in his agony and cried aloud. Just then another king's son passed by, carrying a great bag on his back. He saw the hare and stopped and asked why he was crying so loudly. But the poor hare, remembering that he had been deceived by one very light the man who now spoke to him, did not answer but continued to cry. But this man had a kind heart and looked at the hare very pityingly and said, You poor thing, I see that your fur is all pulled out and that your skin is quite bare. Who can have treated you so cruelly? When the hare heard these kind words he felt very grateful to the man, and encouraged by his gentle manner, the hare told him all that had befallen him. The little animal hid nothing from his friend, but told him frankly how he had played a trick on the crocodiles, and how he had come across the bridge they had made, thinking that he wished to count their number, how he had jeered at them for their stupidity, and then how the crocodiles had revenged themselves on him. Then he went on to say how he had been deceived by a party of men who looked very like his kind friend, and the hare ended his long tale of woe by begging the man to give him some medicine that would cure him and make his fur grow again. When the hare had finished his story the man was full of pity towards him and said, I am very sorry for all you have suffered, but remember it was only the consequence of the deceit you practice on the crocodiles. I know, answered the sorrowful hare, but I have repented and made up my mind never to use deceit again, so I beg you to show me how I make cure my sore body and make the fur grow again. Then I will tell you of a good remedy, said the man, first go and bathe well in that pond over there and try to wash all the salt from your body, then pick some of those caba flowers that are growing near the edge of the water, spread them on the ground and roll yourself on them. If you do this the pollen will cause your fur to grow again and you will be quite well in a little while. The hare was very glad to be told what to do so kindly. He crawled to the pond, pointed out to him, bathed well in it, and then picked the caba flowers growing near the water and rolled himself on them. To his amazement, even while he was doing this, he saw his nice white fur growing again, the pain ceased and he felt just as he had done before all his misfortunes. The hare was overjoyed at his quick recovery and went hopping joyfully towards the young man who had so helped him, and kneeling down at his feet said, I cannot express my thanks for all you have done for me. It is my earnest wish to do something for you in return. Please tell me who you are. I am no king's son as you think me. I am a fairy, and my name is Okuni Nushino Mikoto, and said the man, and those beings who passed here before me are my brothers. They have heard of a beautiful princess called Yakami, who lives in this province of Inaba, and they are on their way to find her and ask her to marry one of them. But on this expedition I am only an attendant, so I am walking behind them with this great big bag on my back. The hare humbled himself before this great fairy, Okuni Nushino Mikoto, whom many in that part of the land worshipped as a god. Oh, I did not know you were Okuni Nushino Mikoto. How kind you have been to me. It is impossible to believe that that unkind fellow who sent me to bathe in the sea is one of your brothers. I am quite sure that the princess, whom your brothers have gone to seek, will refuse to be the bride of any of them, and will prefer you for your goodness of heart. I am quite sure that you will win her heart without intending to do so, and she will ask to be your bride. Okuni Nushino Mikoto took no notice of what the hare said, but bidding the little animal good-bye, he went on his way quickly and soon overtook his brothers. He found them just entering the princess's gate. Just as the hare had said, the princess could not be persuaded to become the bride of any of the brothers, but when she looked at the kind brother's face, she went straight up to him and said, To you I give myself. And so they were married. This is the end of the story. Okuni Nushino Mikoto is worshipped by the people in some parts of Japan as a god, and the hare has become famous as the white hare of Inaba. But what became of the crocodiles? Nobody knows. The Insignia of the Great Japanese Empire is composed of three treasures, which have been considered sacred, and guarded with jealous care from time immemorial. These are the Yatano no Kagami, or the Mirror of Yata, the Yasakami no Magatama, or the Jewel of Yasakami, and Murakumo no Surugi, or the Sword of Murakumo. Of these three treasures of the Empire, the Sword of Murakumo, afterwards known as Sanagi no Surugi, or the Grass-Cleaving Sword, is considered the most precious and most highly to be honored, for it is the symbol of strength to this nation of warriors and the talisman of invincibility for the Emperor, while he holds it sacred in the shrine of his ancestors. Nearly two thousand years ago, this sword was kept at the shrines of Ite, the temples dedicated to the worship of Amaterasu, the great and beautiful sun goddess from whom the Japanese emperors are said to be descended. There is a story of nightly adventure and daring which explains why the name of the sword was changed from that of Murakumo to Kasanagi, which means Grass-Cleaving. Once, many, many years ago, there was born a son to the Emperor Keiko, the twelfth and descent from the great Jimu, the founder of the Japanese dynasty. This prince was the second son of the Emperor Keiko, and he was named Yamato. From his childhood he proved himself to be of remarkable strength, wisdom and courage, and his father noticed with pride that he gave promise of great things, and he loved him even more than he did his elder son. Now when Prince Yamato had grown to manhood, in the olden days of Japanese history, a boy was considered to have reached man's estate at the early age of sixteen, the realm was much troubled by a band of outlaws, whose chiefs were two brothers, Kumaso and Takeru. These rebels seemed to delight in rebelling against the king, in breaking the laws and defying all authority. At last King Keiko ordered his younger son, Prince Yamato, to subdue the brigands, and, if possible, to rid the land of their evil lives. Prince Yamato was only sixteen years of age. He had but reached his manhood according to the law. Yet though he was such a youth in years, he possessed the dauntless spirit of a warrior of fuller age, and knew not what fear was. Even then there was no man who could rival him for courage in bold deeds, and he received his father's command with great joy. He had once made ready to start, and great was the stir in the precincts of the palace as he and his trusty followers gathered together and prepared for the expedition, and polished up their armor and donned it. Before he left his father's court, he went to pray at the shrine of Issei, and to take leave of his aunt, the Princess Yamato. For his heart was somewhat heavy at the thought of the dangers he had to face, and he felt that he needed the protection of his ancestors, Amaterasu, the Sangaras. The Princess, his aunt, came out to give him glad welcome, and congratulated him on being trusted with so great a mission by his father the king. She then gave him one of her gorgeous robes as a keepsake to go with him, and to bring him good luck, saying that it would surely be of service to him on this adventure. She then wished him all success in his undertaking, and bade him good speed. The young Prince bowed low before his aunt, and received her gracious gift with much pleasure and many respectful bows. I will now set out, said the Prince, and returning to the palace he put himself at the head of his troops. Thus cheered by his aunt's blessing, he felt ready for all that might befall, and marching through the land he went down to the southern island of Kyushu, the home of the Brighams. Before many days had passed he reached the southern island, and then slowly but surely made his way to the headquarters of the chiefs Kumaso and Takeru. He now met with great difficulties, for he found the country exceedingly wild and rough. The mountains were high and steep, the valleys dark and deep, and huge trees and boulders of rock blocked up the road and stopped the progress of his army. It was all but impossible to go on. Though the Prince was but a youth, he had the wisdom of years, and seeing that it was vain to try and lead his men further, he said to himself, To attempt to fight a battle in this impassable country unknown to my men only makes my task harder. We cannot clear the roads and fight as well. It is wiser for me to resort to strategy and come upon my enemies unawares. In that way I may be able to kill them without much exertion. So he now bade his army halt by the way. His wife, the princess, Oto Tachi Bana, had accompanied him, and he bade her bring him the robe his aunt the priestess of Issei had given him, and to help him attire himself as a woman. With her help he put on the robe and let his hair down till it flowed over his shoulders. Oto Tachi Bana then brought him her comb, which he put in his black tresses, and then adorned himself with strings of strange jewels just as you see in the picture. When he had finished his unusual toilet, Oto Tachi Bana brought him her mirror. He smiled as he gazed at himself. The disguise was so perfect. He hardly knew himself so changed was he. All traces of the warrior had disappeared, and in the shining surface only a beautiful lady looked back at him. Thus completely disguised he set out for the enemy's camp alone. In the folds of his silk gown, next to his strong heart, was hidden a sharp dagger. The two chiefs, Kumaso and Takeru, were sitting in their tent, resting in the cool of the evening when the prince approached. They were talking of the news which had recently been carried to them, that the king's son had entered their country with a large army, determined to exterminate their band. They had both heard of the young warrior's renown, and for the first time in their wicked lives they felt afraid. In a pause in their talk they happened to look up, and saw through the door of the tent a beautiful woman robed in sumptuous garments, coming towards them. Like an apparition of loveliness she appeared in the soft toilet. Little did they dream that it was their enemy whose coming they so dreaded, who now stood before them in this disguise. What a beautiful woman. Where has she come from? said the astonished Kumaso, forgetting war and council and everything as he looked at the gentle intruder. He beckon to the disguised prince, and bade him sit down and serve them with wine. Yamato Take felt his heart swell with a fierce glee, for he now knew that his plan would succeed. However he dissembled cleverly, and putting on a sweet air of shyness he approached the rebel chief with slow steps, and eyes glancing like a frightened deer. Charmed to distraction by the girl's loveliness, Kumaso drank cup after cup of wine for the pleasure of seeing her poured out for him, till at last he was quite overcome with the quantity he had drunk. This was the moment for which the brave prince had been waiting. Flinging down the wine jar he seized the tipsy and astonished Kumaso, and quickly stabbed him to death with the dagger which he had secretly carried hidden in his breast. Takeru, the brigand's brother, was terror-struck as soon as he saw what was happening and tried to escape, but Prince Yamato was too quick for him. Air he could reach the tent door the prince was at his heel. His garments were clutched by a hand of iron, and a dagger flashed before his eyes, and he lay stabbed to the earth, dying but not yet dead. Wait one moment! Guessed the brigand painfully, and he seized the prince's hand. Yamato relaxed his hold somewhat, and said, Why should I pause, thou villain? The brigand raised himself fearfully, and said, Tell me from whence you come, and whom I have the honor of addressing. Hitherto I believe that my dead brother and I were the strongest men in the land, and that there was no one who could overcome us. Alone you have ventured into our strong hold. Alone you have attacked and killed us. Surely you are more than mortal? Then the young prince answered with a proud smile, I am the son of the king, and my name is Yamato, and I have been sent by my father as the avenger of evil to bring death to all rebels. No longer shall robbery and murder hold my people in terror, and he held the dagger dripping red above the rebels' head. Guessed the dying man with a great effort, I have often heard of you. You are indeed a strong man to have so easily overcome us. Allow me to give you a new name. From henceforth you shall be known as Yamato Take. Our title I break with to you as the bravest man in Yamato, and with these noble words Takeru fell back and died. The prince, having thus successfully put an end to his father's enemies in the world, was prepared to return to the capital. On the way back he passed through the province of Idun. Here he met with another outlaw, named Izumo Takeru, who he knew had done much harm in the land. He again resorted to stratagem, and feigned friendship with the rebel under an assumed name. Having done this he made a sword of wood, and jammed it tightly in the shaft of his own strong sword. This he purposely buckled to his side in war on every occasion, when he expected to meet the third robber, Takeru. He now invited Takeru to the bank of the river Hinokawa, and persuaded him to try swim with him in the cool, refreshing waters of the river. As it was a hot summer's day, the rebel was nothing loath to take a plunge in the river. While his enemy was still swimming down the stream, the prince turned back and landed with all possible haste. Unperceived he managed to change swords, putting his wooden one in the place of the keen steel sword of Takeru. Knowing nothing of this, the brigand came up to the bank shortly. As soon as he had landed and dawned his clothes, the prince came forward and asked him to cross swords with him to prove his skill, saying, Let us prove which is the better swordsman of the two. The robber agreed with delight, feeling certain of victory, for he was famous as a fencer in his province, and he did not know who his adversary was. He seized quickly what he thought was his sword and stood on guard to defend himself. Alas for the rebel, the sword was the wooden one of the young prince, and in vain Takeru tried to unsheath it. It was jammed fast. Not all his exerted strength could move it. Even if his efforts had been successful, the sword would have been no use to him, for it was of wood. Yamato Take saw that his enemy was in his power, and swinging high the sword he had taken from Takeru, he brought it down with great might and dexterity, and cut off the robber's head. In this way, sometimes by using his wisdom, and sometimes by using his bodily strength, and at other times by resorting to craftiness which was as much as steamed in those days, as it is despised in these, he prevailed against all the king's foes one by one, and brought peace and rest to the land and the people. When he returned to the capital, the king praised him for his brave deeds, and held the feast in the palace in honor of his safe coming home, and presented him with many rare gifts. From this time forth the king loved him more than ever, and would not let Yamato Take go from his side, for he said that his son was now as precious to him as one of his arms. But the prince was not allowed to live an idle life long. When he was about thirty years old, news was brought that the Ainu race, the aborigines of the islands of Japan, who had been conquered and pushed northwards by the Japanese, had rebelled in the eastern provinces, and leaving the vicinity which had been allotted to them, were causing great trouble in the land. The king decided that it was necessary to send an army to do battle with them, and bring them to reason. But who was to lead the men? Prince Yamato Take had once offered to go and bring the newly arisen rebels into subjection. Now as the king loved the prince dearly, and could not bear to have him go out of his sight even for the length of one day, he was of course very loath to send him on his dangerous expedition. But in the whole army there was no warrior so strong or so brave as the prince's son, so that his majesty, unable to do otherwise, reluctantly complied with Yamato's wish. When the time came for the prince to start, the king gave him a spear called the Eight Arms Length Spear of the Holly Tree. The handle was probably made from the wood of the Holly Tree, and ordered him to set out to subjugate the eastern barbarians as the Ainu were then called. The Eight Arms Length Spear of the Holly Tree of those old days was prized by warriors just as much as the standard or banner is valued by regiment in these modern days, when given by the king to his soldiers on the occasion of setting up for war. The prince respectfully and with great reverence received the king's spear, and leaving the capital marched with his army to the east. On his way he visited first all of the temples of Issei for worship, and his aunt, the princess of Yamato and High Priestess, came out to greet him. She it was who had given him her robe which had proved such a boon to him before and helping him to overcome and slay the brigands of the west. He told her all that had happened to him, and of the great part her keepsake had played in the success of his previous undertaking, and thanked her very heartily. When she heard that he was starting out once again to do battle with his father's enemies, she went to the temple and reappeared bearing a sword in a beautiful bag which she had made herself, and which was full of flints, which in those times people used instead of matches for making fire. These she presented to him as a parting gift. The sword was the sword of Murakumo, one of those three sacred treasures which comprised the insignia of the Imperial House of Japan. No more auspicious talisman of luck and success could she have given her nephew, and she bade him use it in the hour of his greatest need. Yamato Take, now a bade farewell to his aunt, and once more placing himself with the head of his men, he marched to the farthest east through the province of Owari, and then he reached the province of Suruga. Here the governor welcomed the prince right heartily, and entertained him royally with many feasts. When these were over, the governor told his guests that his country was famous for its flying deer, and proposed a deer hunt for the prince's amusement. The prince was utterly deceived by the cordiality of his host, which was all feigned and gladly consented to join the hunt. The governor then led the prince to a wild and extensive plain where the grass grew high and in great abundance. Quite ignorant that the governor had laid a trap for him, with the desire to compass his death, the prince began to ride hard and hunt down the deer. When all of a sudden, to his amazement, he saw flames and smoke bursting out from the bush in front of him. Realizing his danger, he tried to retreat, but no sooner did he turn his horse in the opposite direction than he saw that even there the prairie was on fire. At the same time, the grass on his left and right burst into flames, and the ease began to spread swiftly towards him on all sides. He looked round for a chance of escape. There was none. He was surrounded by fire. This deer hunt was then only a cunning trick of the enemy, said the prince, looking round on the flames and the smoke that crackled and rolled in towards him on every side. What a fool I was to be lured into this trap like a wild beast, and he ground his teeth with rage as he thought of the governor's smiling treachery. Dangerous as was his situation now, the prince was not in the least confounded. In his dire extremity he remembered the gifts his aunt had given him when they parted, and it seemed to him as if she must with prophetic foresight have divined this hour of need. He coolly opened the flint-bag that his aunt had given him, and set fire to the grass near him. Then, drawing the sword of Murakumo from its sheath, he set to work to cut down the grass on either side of him with all speed. He determined to die if that were necessary fighting for his life, and not standing still waiting for death to come to him. Strange to say the wind began to change, and to blow from the opposite direction, and the fiercest portion of the burning bush which had hitherto threatened to come upon him was now blown right away from him. And the prince, without even a scratch on his body, or even a single hair burned, lived to tell the tale of his wonderful escape, while the wind rising to a gale overtook the governor, and he was burned to death in the flames he had set alight to kill Yamato Take. Now the prince ascribed his escape entirely to the virtue of the sword of Murakumo, and to the protection of Amatsarasu, the sun goddess of Issei, who controls the wind and all the elements and ensures the safety of all who pray to her in the hour of danger. Lifting the precious sword he raised it above his head many times in token of his great respect, and as he did this he renamed it Kusanagi no Surugi, or the grass-cleaving sword, and the place where he set fire to the grass round him and escaped from death in the burning prairie, he called Yaitzu. To this day there was a spot along the great Tokaido Railway named Yaitzu, which is said to be the very place where this thrilling event took place. Thus did the brave prince Yamato Take escape out of the snare laid for him by his enemy. He was full of resource and courage, and finally outwitted and subdued all his foes. Leaving Yaitzu he marched eastward and came to the shore at Yaitzu from whence he wished to cross to Katsusa. In these dangers and adventures he had been followed by his faithful loving wife, the princess Oto Tachibana. For his sake she counted the weariness of the long journeys, and the dangers of war is nothing, and her love for her warrior husband was so great that she felt well repaid for all her wanderings, if she could but hand him his sword when he sallied forth to battle, or ministered to his once when he returned weary to the camp. But the heart of the prince was full of war and conquest, and he cared little for the faithful Oto Tachibana. From long exposure and traveling, and from care and grief at her lord's goldenness to her, her beauty had faded, and her ivory skin was burnt brown by the sun. And the prince told her one day that her place was in the palace behind the screens at home, and not with him upon the warpath. But in spite of her buffs and indifference on her husband's part, Oto Tachibana could not find it in her heart to leave him. But perhaps it would have been better for her if she had done so. For on the way to Izuu, when they came to Owariu, her heart was well nigh broken. Here dwelt in a palace shaded by pine trees and approached by imposing gates, the princess Miyadzuu, beautiful as the cherry blossom in the blushing dawn of a spring morning. Her garments were dainty and bright, and her skin was white as snow, for she had never known what it was to be weary along the path of duty, or to walk in the heat of a summer sun. And the prince was ashamed of his sunburned wife and her travel-stained garments, and bade her remain behind while he went to visit the princess, Miyadzuu. Day after day he spent hours in the gardens and the palace of his new friend, thinking only of his pleasure in carrying little for his poor wife, who remained behind to weep in the tent at the misery which had come into her life. Yet she was so faithful a wife, and her character so patient that she never allowed her reproach to escape her lips, or a frown to maw the sweet sadness of her face, and she was ever ready with a smile to welcome her husband back, or usher him forth wherever he went. At last the day came when the prince Yamato Takei must depart for Izuu and cross over the sea to Katsusa, and he bade his wife follow in his retinue as an attendant, while he went to take a ceremony as farewell of the princess Miyadzuu. She came out to greet him dressed in gorgeous robes, and she seemed more beautiful than ever, and when Yamato Takei saw her, he forgot his wife, his duty, and everything except the joy of the idle present, and swore that he would return to Owari and marry her when the war was over. And as he looked up when he had said these words, he met the large almond eyes of Ototachi Bana fixed full upon him in unspeakable sadness and wonder, and he knew that he had done wrong, but he hardened his heart and rode on, carrying little for the pain he had caused her. When they reached the seashore at Izuu, his men sought for boats in which to cross the straits to Katsusa, but it was difficult to find boats enough to allow all the soldiers to embark. Then the prince stood on the beach, and in the pride of his strength he scoffed and said, This is not the sea, this is only a brook, why do you men want so many boats? I could jump this if I want. When at last they had all embarked and were fairly on their way across the straits, the sky suddenly clouded and a great storm arose. The waves rose mountains high, the wind howled and the lightning flashed and the thunder rolled, and the boat which held Ototachi Bana and the prince and his men were tossed from crest to crest of the rolling waves, till it seemed that every moment must be their last, and they must all be swallowed up in the angry sea. For Rinjin, the dragon king of the sea, had heard Yamato Takejir, and had braised this terrible storm in anger to show the scoffing prince how awful the sea could be, though it did but look like a brook. The terrified crew lowered the sails and looked after the rudder, and worked for their dear lives' sake. But all in vain, the storm only seemed to increase in violence, and all gave themselves up for lost. Then the faithful Ototachi Bana rose, and forgetting all the grief that her husband had caused her, forgetting even that he had worried of her in the one great desire of her love to save him, she determined to sacrifice her life to rescue him from death if it were possible. While the waves dashed over the ship and the wind whirled round them in a fury, she stood up and said, Surely all this has come because the prince has angered Rinjin, the god of the sea, by his jesting. If so, I, Ototachi Bana, will appease the wrath of the sea-god who desires nothing less than my husband's life. Then, addressing the sea, she said, I will take the place of his augustness, Yamato Take, I will now cast myself into your outraged depths, giving my life for his, therefore hear me and bring him safely to the shore of Kazusa. With these words, she leaped quickly into the boisterous sea, and the waves soon whirled her away, and she was lost to sight. Strange to say, the storm ceased at once, and the sea became as calm and smooth as the matting on which the astonished onlookers were sitting. The gods of the sea were now appeased, and the weather cleared, and the sun shone as on a summer's day. Yamato Take soon reached the opposite shore and landed safely, even as his wife, Ototachi Bana, had prayed. His prowess and war was marvelous, and he succeeded after some time in conquering the eastern barbarians, the Ainu. He ascribed his safe lending wholly to the faithfulness of his wife, who had so willingly and lovingly sacrificed herself in the hour of his utmost peril. His heart was softened at the remembrance of her, and he never allowed her to pass from his thoughts, even for a moment. Too late, he had learned to esteem the goodness of her heart and the greatness of her love for him. As he was returning on his homeward way, he came to the high pass of the Usui Toge, and here he stood engaged at the wonderful prospect beneath him. The country from this great elevation all lay open to his sight, a vast panorama of mountain and plain and forest, with rivers winding like silver ribbons through the land. Then far off he saw the distant sea which shimmered like a luminous mist in the great distance, where Ototachi Bana had given her life for him. And as he turned towards it, he stretched out his arms, thinking of her love, which he had scorned in his faithlessness to her. His heart burst out into a sorrowful and bitter cry. And to this day there is a district in Tokyo called Azuma, which commemorates the words of Prince Yamato Otake, and the place where his faithful wife leapt into the sea to save him is still pointed out. So though in life the Princess Ototachi Bana was unhappy, history keeps her memory green, and the story of her unselfishness and heroic death will never pass away. Yamato Otake had now fulfilled all his father's orders. He had subdued all rebels, and rid the land of all robbers and enemies to the peace. And his renown was great, for in the whole land there was no one who could stand up against him. He was so strong in battle and wise in counsel. He was about to return straight for home by the way he had come, when the thought struck him that he would find it more interesting to take another route. So he passed through the province of Owarri, and came to the province of Omi. When the Prince reached Omi he found the people in a state of great excitement and fear. In many houses as he passed along he saw the signs of mourning and heard loud lamentations. On inquiring the cause of this he was told that a terrible monster had appeared in the mountains, who daily came down from thence and made raids on the villages, devouring whoever he could seize. Many homes had been made desolate, and the men were afraid to go out to their daily work in the fields, or the women to go to the rivers to wash their rice. When Yamato Take heard this his wrath was kindled, and he said fiercely, From the western end of Kyushu to the eastern corner of Yezo, I have subdued all the king's enemies. There is no one who dares to break the laws or to rebel against the king. It is indeed a matter for wonder that here in this place so near the capital a wicked monster has dared to take up his abode and be the terror of the king's subjects. Not long shall it find pleasure in devouring innocent folk, and will start out and kill it at once. With these words he set out for the Ibuki Mountain, where the monster was said to live. He climbed up a good distance, when all of a sudden, at a winding in the path, a monster serpent appeared before him and stopped the way. This must be the monster, said the prince. I do not need my sword for a serpent. I can kill him with my hands. He thereupon sprang upon the serpent, and tried to strangle it to death with his bare arms. It was not long before his prodigious strength gained the mastery, and the serpent lay dead at his feet. Now a sudden darkness came over the mountain, and rain began to fall, so that for the gloom and the rain the prince could hardly see which way to take. In a short time, however, while he was groping his way down the pass, the weather cleared, and our brave hero was able to make his way quickly down the mountain. When he got back he began to feel ill, and to have burning pains in his feet, so he knew that the serpent had poisoned him. So great was his suffering that he could hardly move much less walk, so he had himself carried to a place in the mountains famous for its hot mineral springs, which rose bubbling out of the earth, and almost boiling from the volcanic fires beneath. Yamato Take bathed daily in these waters, and gradually he felt his strength come again, and the pains left him, till at last one day he found with great joy that he was quite recovered. He now hastened to the temples of Issei, where you will remember that he prayed before undertaking this long expedition. His aunt, Priestess of the Shrine, who had blessed him on his setting out, now came to welcome him back. He told her of the many dangers he had encountered, and of how marvelously his life had been preserved through all, and she praised his courage and his warrior's prowess. And then, putting on her most magnificent robes, she returned thanks to their ancestors, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, to whose protection they both described the Prince's wonderful preservation. Here ends the story of Princess Yamato Take of Japan. End of Chapter 18 The Story of Prince Yamato Take Recording by Scott Robbins Chapter 19 of Japanese Fairy Tales This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Scott Robbins Japanese Fairy Tales Chapter 19 Momotaro or The Story of the Son of a Peach Long, long ago there lived an old man and an old woman. They were peasants and had to work hard to earn their daily rice. The old man used to go and cut grass for the farmers around, and while he was gone the old woman, his wife, did the work of the house and worked in their own little rice field. One day the old man went to the hills as usual to cut grass, and the old woman took some clothes to the river to wash. It was nearly summer, and the country was very beautiful to see in its fresh greenness as the two old people went on their way to work. The grass on the banks of the river looked like emerald velvet, and the pussy willows along the edge of the water were shaking out their soft tassels. The breezes blew and ruffled the smooth surface of the water into wavelets, and passing on touched the cheeks of the old couple, who, for some reason they could not explain, felt very happy that morning. The old woman at last found a nice spot by the river bank and put her basket down. Then she set to work to wash the clothes. She took them one by one out of the basket and washed them in the river and rubbed them on the stones. The water was as clear as crystal, and she could see the tiny fish swimming to and fro and the pebbles at the bottom. As she was busy washing her clothes, a great peach came bumping down the stream. The old woman looked up from her work and saw this large peach. She was sixty years of age, yet in all her life she had never seen such a big peach as this. How delicious that peach must be! she said to herself. I must certainly get it and take it home to my old man. She stretched out her arm to try and get it, but it was quite out of her reach. She looked about for a stick, but there was not one to be seen, and if she went to look for one she would lose the peach. Stopping a moment to think what she would do, she remembered an old charm verse. Now she began to clap her hands to keep time to the rolling of the peach down the stream, and while she clapped, she sang this song. Distant water is bitter, the near water is sweet, pass by the distant water and come into the sweet. Strange to say, as soon as she began to repeat this little song, the peach began to come nearer and nearer the bank where the old woman was standing, till at last it stopped just in front of her so that she was able to take it up in her hands. The old woman was delighted. She could not go on with her work so happy and excited was she, so she put all the clothes back in her bamboo basket, and with the basket on her back and the peach in her hand she hurried homewards. It seemed a very long time to her to wait till her husband returned. The old man at last came back as the sun was setting with a big bundle of grass on his back, so big that he was almost hidden and she could hardly see him. He seemed very tired and used the scythe for a walking stick, leaning on it as he walked along. As soon as the old woman saw him, she called out, Oh Fisan, old man, I have been waiting for you to come home for such a long time today. What is the matter? Why are you so impatient? asked the old man, wondering at her unusual eagerness. Has anything happened while I have been away? Oh no! answered the old woman. Nothing has happened, only I have found a nice present for you. That is good, said the old man. He then washed his feet in a basin of water and stepped up to the veranda. The old woman now ran into the little room and brought out from the cupboard the big peach. It felt even heavier than before. She held it up to him, saying, Just look at this! Did you ever see such a large peach in all your life? When the old man looked at the peach, he was greatly astonished and said, This is indeed the largest peach I have ever seen. Wherever did you buy it? I did not buy it, answered the old woman. I found it in the river where I was washing. And she told him the whole story. I am very glad you have found it. Let us eat it now, for I am hungry, said the old fisan. He brought out the kitchen knife and placing the peach on a board was about to cut it when, wonderful to tell, the peach split in two of itself and a clear voice said, Wait a bit, old man! and outstepped a beautiful little child. The old man and his wife were both so astonished at what they saw that they fell to the ground. The child spoke again, Don't be afraid. I am no demon or fairy. I will tell you the truth. Heaven has had compassion on you. Every day and every night you have lamented that you had no child. Your cry has been heard and I am sent to be the son of your old age. On hearing this, the old man and his wife were very happy. They had cried night and day for sorrow at having no child to help them in their lonely old age. And now that their prayer was answered, they were so lost with joy that they did not know where to put their hands or their feet. First the old man took the child up in his arms, and then the old woman did the same. And they named him Mumultarul, or son of a peach, because he had come out of a peach. The years passed quickly by and the child grew to be fifteen years of age. He was taller and far stronger than any other boys of his own age. He had a handsome face and a heart full of courage, and he was very wise for his years. The old couple's pleasure was very great when they looked at him, for he was just what they thought a hero ought to be like. One day Mumultarul came to his foster father and said solemnly, Father, by a strange chance we have become father and son. Your goodness to me has been higher than the mountain grasses which it is your daily work to cut, and deeper than the river where my mother washes the clothes. I do not know how to thank you enough. Why? answered the old man. Is it a matter of course that a father should bring up his son? When you are older it will be your turn to take care of us, so after all there will be no profit or loss between us. All will be equal. Indeed I am rather surprised that you should thank me in this way. And the old man looked bothered. I hope you will be patient with me, said Mumultarul, but before I begin to pay back your goodness to me I have a request to make which I hope you will grant me above everything else. I will let you do whatever you wish, for you are quite different to all the other boys. Then let me go away at once. What do you say? Do you wish to leave your old father and mother and go away from your old home? I will surely come back again if you let me go now. Where are you going? You must think it's strange that I want to go away, said Mumultarul, because I have not yet told you my reason. Far away from here to the northeast of Japan there is an island in the sea. This island is the stronghold of a band of devils. I have often heard how they invade this land, kill and rob the people and carry off all they can find. They are not only very wicked, but they are disloyal to our emperor and disobey his laws. They are also cannibals, for they kill and eat some of the poor people who are so unfortunate as to fall into their hands. These devils are very hateful beings. I must go and conquer them and bring back all the plunder of which they have robbed this land. It is for this reason that I want to go away for a short time. The old man was much surprised at hearing all this from a mere boy of fifteen. He thought it best to let the boy go. He was strong and fearless, and besides all this, the old man knew he was no common child, for he had been sent to them as a gift from heaven, and he felt quite sure that the devils would be powerless to harm him. All you say is very interesting, Momotaro, said the old man. I will not hinder you in your determination. You may go if you wish. Go to the island as soon as ever you like and destroy the demons and bring peace to the land. Thank you for all your kindness, said Momotaro, who began to get ready to go that very day. He was full of courage and did not know what fear was. The old man and woman at once set to work to pound rice in the kitchen mortar to make cakes for Momotaro to take with him on his journey. At last the cakes were made and Momotaro was ready to start on his long journey. Partying is always sad, so it was now. The eyes of the two old people were filled with tears, and their voices trembled as they said, Go without care and speed. We expect you back victorious. Momotaro was very sorry to leave his old parents, though he knew he was coming back as soon as he could, for he thought of how lonely there would be while he was away, but he said goodbye quite bravely. I am going now. Take good care of yourselves while I am away. Goodbye. And he stepped quickly out of the house. In silence the eyes of Momotaro and his parents met in farewell. Momotaro now hurried on his way till it was midday. He began to feel hungry, so he opened his bag and took out one of the rice cakes and sat down under a tree by the side of the road to eat it. While he was thus having his lunch, a dog almost as large as a colt, came running out from the high grass. He made straight for Momotaro and showing his teeth, said in a fierce way, You are a rude man to pass my field without asking permission first. If you leave me all the cakes you have in your bag, you may go. Otherwise I will bite you till I kill you. Momotaro only laughed scornfully. What is that you are saying? Do you know who I am? I am Momotaro, and I am on my way to subdue the devils in their island stronghold in the northeast of Japan. If you try to stop me on my way there I will cut you in two from the head downwards. The dog's manner at once changed. His tail dropped between his legs, and coming near he bowed so low that his forehead touched the ground. What do I hear? The name of Momotaro? Are you indeed Momotaro? I have often heard of your great strength. Not knowing who you were, I have behaved in a very stupid way. Will you please pardon my rudeness. Are you indeed on your way to invade the island of devils? If you will take such a rude fellow with you, as one of your followers, I shall be very grateful to you. I think I can take you with me if you wish to go, said Momotaro. Thank you, said the dog. By the way, I am very, very hungry. Will you give me one of the cakes you are carrying? This is the best kind of cake there is in Japan, said Momotaro. I cannot spare you a whole one, and will give you half of one. Thank you very much, said the dog, taking the peace thrown to him. Then Momotaro got up and the dog followed. For a long time they walked over the hills and through the valleys. As they were going along an animal came down from a tree a little ahead of them. The creature soon came up to Momotaro and said, Good morning, Momotaro. You are welcome in this part of the country. Will you allow me to go with you? The dog answered jealously, Momotaro already has a dog to accompany him. Of what use is a monkey like you in battle? We are on our way to fight the devils. Get away! The dog and the monkey began to quarrel and bite. For these two animals always hate each other. Now don't quarrel, said Momotaro, putting himself between them. Wait a moment, dog. It is not at all dignified for you to have such a creature as that following you, said the dog. What do you know about it? asked Momotaro, pushing aside the dog. He spoke to the monkey. Who are you? I am a monkey living in these hills, replied the monkey. I heard of your expedition to the island of devils, and I have come to go with you. Nothing will please me more than to follow you. Do you really wish to go to the island of devils and fight with me? Yes, sir, replied the monkey. I admire your courage, said Momotaro. Here is a piece of one of my fine rice cakes. Come along. So the monkey joined Momotaro. The dog and the monkey did not get on well together. They were always snapping at each other as they went along, and always wanting to have a fight. This made Momotaro very cross, and at last he sent the dog on ahead with a flag, and put the monkey behind with a sword, and he placed himself between them with a war fan, which is made of iron. By and by they came to a large field. Here a bird flew down and alighted on the ground just in front of the little party. It was the most beautiful bird Momotaro had ever seen. On its body were five different robes of feathers, and its head was covered with a scarlet cap. The dog at once ran at the bird and tries to seize and kill it, but the bird struck out its spurs and flew at the dog's tail, and the fight went hard with both. Momotaro, as he looked on, could not help admiring the bird. It showed so much spirit in the fight. It would certainly make a good fighter. Momotaro went up to the two combatants, and holding the dog back, said to the bird, You rascal, you are hindering my journey. Surrender at once, and I will take you with me. If I don't, I will set this dog to bite your head off. Then the bird surrendered at once, and begged to be taken into Momotaro's company. I do not know what excuse to offer for quarreling with the dog. You're servant, but I did not see you. I am a miserable bird called a pheasant. It is very generous of you to pardon my rudeness and to take me with you. Please allow me to follow you behind the dog and the monkey. I congratulate you on surrendering so soon, said Momotaro, smiling. Come and join us, in our raid on the devils. Are you going to take this bird with you also? asked the dog, interrupting. Why do you ask such an unnecessary question? Didn't you hear what I said? I take the bird with me because I wish to. Huff! said the dog. Then Momotaro stood and gave this order. Now all of you must listen to me. The first thing necessary in an army is harmony. It is a wise saying which says that advantage on earth is better than advantage in heaven. Union amongst ourselves is better than any earthly gain. When we're not at peace amongst ourselves, it is no easy thing to subdue an enemy. From now you three, the dog, the monkey, and the pheasant, must be friends with one mind. The one who first begins a quarrel will be discharged on the spot. All three promised not to quarrel. The pheasant was now made a member of Momotaro's suite and received half a cake. Momotaro's influence was so great that the three became good friends and hurried onwards with him as their leader. Hurrying on day after day, they at last came out upon the shore of the Northeastern Sea. There was nothing to be seen as far as the horizon, not a sign of any island. All that broke the stillness was the rolling of the waves upon the shore. Now the dog and the monkey and the pheasant had come very bravely all the way through the long valleys and over the hills, but they had never seen the sea before, and for the first time since they set out, they were bewildered and gazed at each other in silence. How were they to cross the water to get to the island of devils? Momotaro soon saw that they were daunted by the sight of the sea, and to try them he spoke loudly and roughly. Why do you hesitate? Are you afraid of the sea? Ugh! What cowards you are! It is impossible to take such weak creatures as you with me to fight the demons. It will be far better for me to go alone. I discharge you all at once. The three animals were taken aback at this sharper proof, and clung to Momotaro's sleeve, begging him not to send them away. Please, Momotaro, said the dog. We have come this far, said the monkey. It is inhuman to leave us here, said the pheasant. We are not at all afraid of the sea, said the monkey again. Please do take us with you, said the pheasant. Two, please, said the dog. They had now gained a little courage, so Momotaro said. Well then, I will take you with me, but be careful. Momotaro now got a small ship, and they all got on board. The wind and weather were fair, and the ship went like an arrow over the sea. It was the first time they had ever been on the water, and so at first the dog, the monkey, and the pheasant were frightened of the waves and the rolling of the vessel, but by degrees they grew accustomed to the water, and were quite happy again. Every day they paced the deck of their little ship, eagerly looking out for the demon's island. When they grew tired of this, they told each other stories of all their exploits of which they were proud, and then played games together, and Momotaro found much to amuse himself in listening to the three animals, watching their antics, and in this way he forgot that the way was long, and that he was tired of the voyage and of doing nothing. He longed to be at work killing the monsters who had done so much harm in his country. As the wind blew in their favour, and they met no storms, the ship made a quick voyage, and one day when the sun was shining brightly, a sight of land rewarded the four watchers at the bow. Momotaro knew at once that what they saw was the devil's stronghold. On top of the precipitous shore, looking out to sea, was a large castle. Now that his enterprise was close at hand, he was deep in thought with his head leaning on his hands, wondering how he should begin the attack. His three followers watched him, waiting for orders. At last he called to the pheasant. It is a great advantage for us to have you with us, said Momotaro to the bird. For you have good wings. Fly at once to the castle and engage the demons to fight. We will follow you." The pheasant at once obeyed. He flew off from the ship, beating the air gladly with his wings. The bird soon reached the island and took up his position on the roof in the middle of the castle, calling out loudly. All you devils listen to me. The great Japanese general Momotaro has come to fight you, and to take your stronghold from you. If you wish to save your life, surrender at once, and in token of your submission, you must break off the horns that grow on your forehead. If you do not surrender at once, but make up your mind to fight, we, the pheasant, the dog and the monkey, will kill you all by biting and tearing you to death. The horned demons, looking up and seeing only a pheasant, left and said, A wild pheasant indeed. It is ridiculous to hear such words from a mean thing like you. Wait till you get a blow from one of our iron bars. Very angry indeed were the devils. They shook their horns and their shocks of red hair fiercely, and rushed to put on tiger skin trousers, and to make themselves look more terrible. They then brought out great iron bars and ran to where the pheasant perched over their heads, and tried to knock him down. The pheasant flew to one side to escape the blow, and then attacked the head of first one, and then another demon. He flew round and round them, beating the air with his wings so fiercely and ceaselessly, that the devils began to wonder whether they had to fight one or many more birds. In the meantime, Momotaro had brought his ship to land. As they had approached, he saw that the shore was like a precipice, and that the large castle was surrounded by high walls and large iron gates, and was strongly fortified. Momotaro landed, and with the hope of finding some way of entrance, walked up the path towards the top, followed by the monkey and the dog. They soon came upon two beautiful damsels washing clothes in a stream. Momotaro saw that the clothes were bloodstained, and that as the two maidens washed, the tears were falling fast down their cheeks. He stopped and spoke to them. Who are you, and why do you weep? We are captives of the demon king. We were carried away from our homes to this island, and though we are the daughters of Daimyo's, lords, we are obliged to be his servants, and one day he will kill us. And the maidens held up the bloodstained clothes, and eat us, and there is no one to help us. And their tears burst out afresh at this horrible thought. I will rescue you, said Momotaro. Do not weep any more, only show me how I may get into the castle. Then the two ladies led the way and showed Momotaro a little back door in the lowest part of the castle wall, so small that Momotaro could hardly crawl in. The pheasant, who was all this time fighting hard, saw Momotaro and his little band rush in at the back. Momotaro's onslaught was so furious that the devils could not stand against him. At first their foe had been a single bird, the pheasant, but now that Momotaro and the dog and the monkey had arrived they were bewildered, for the four enemies fought like a hundred so strong were they. Some of the devils fell off the parapet of the castle and were dashed to pieces on the rocks beneath. Others fell into the sea and were drowned, and many were beaten to death by the three animals. The chief of the devils at last was the only one left. He made up his mind to surrender, for he knew that his enemy was stronger than mortal man. He came up humbly to Momotaro and threw down his iron bar and kneeling down at the victor's feet. He broke off the horns on his head and token of submission, for they were the sign of his strength and power. I am afraid of you, he said meekly. I cannot stand against you. I will give you all the treasure hidden in this castle if you will spare my life. Momotaro laughed. It is not like you, big devil, to beg for mercy is it. I cannot spare your wicked life, however much you beg, for you have killed and tortured many people and robbed our country for many years. Then Momotaro tied the devil chief up and gave him into the monkey's charge. Having done this, he went into all the rooms of the castle and set the prisoners free, and gathered together all the treasure he found. The dog in the pheasant carried home the plunder, and thus Momotaro received triumphantly to his home, taking with him the devil chief as a captive. The two poor damsels, daughters of daimios, and others whom the wicked demon had carried off to be his slaves, were taken safely to their own homes and delivered to their parents. The whole country made a hero of Momotaro on his triumphant return, and rejoiced that the country was now freed from the robber devils, who had been a terror of the land for a long time. The old couple's joy was greater than ever, and the treasure Momotaro had brought with him enabled them to live in peace and plenty to the end of their days. End of Chapter 19 Momotaro or The Story of the Son of a Peach Chapter 20 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Japanese Fairy Tales by Ye Theodora Ozaki Chapter 20 The Ogre of Rashomon Long, long ago in Kyoto, the people of the city were terrified by accounts of a dreadful ogre, who, it was said, haunted the gate of Rashomon at twilight, and seized whoever passed by. The missing victims were never seen again, so it was whispered that the ogre was a horrible cannibal, who not only killed the unhappy victims, but ate them also. Now everybody in the town and neighborhood was in great fear, and no one durced venture out after sunset near the gate of Rashomon. Now at this time there lived in Kyoto a general named Raikou, who had made himself famous for his brave deeds. Some time before this he made the country ring with his name, for he had attacked Oyama, where a band of ogres lived with their chief, who instead of wine drank the blood of human beings. He had routed the mall and cut off the head of the chief monster. This brave warrior was always followed by a band of faithful knights. In this band there were five knights of great valor. One evening, as the five knights sat at a feast, Kwafein sake, in their rice bowls and eating all kinds of fish, raw and stewed and broiled, and toasting each other's healths and exploits, the first knight, Hojo, said to the others, Have you all heard the rumour that every evening after sunset there comes an ogre to the gate of Rashomon, and that he seizes all who pass by? The second knight, Watanabe, answered him, saying, Do not talk such nonsense. All the ogres were killed by our chief Raikou at Oyama. It cannot be true, because even if any ogres did escape from that great killing, they would not dare to show themselves in this city, for they know that our brave master would at once attack them if he knew that any of them were still alive. Then do you disbelieve what I say and think that I am telling you a falsehood? No, I do not think that you are telling a lie, said Watanabe, but you have heard some old woman's story which is not worth believing. Then the best plan is to prove what I say by going there yourself and finding out yourself whether it is true or not, said Hojo. Watanabe, the second knight, could not bear the thought that his companion should believe he was afraid, so he answered quickly, Of course, I will go at once and find out for myself. So Watanabe at once got ready to go. He buckled on his long sword and put on a coat of armour and tied on his large helmet. When he was ready to start, he said to the others, Give me something so that I can prove I have been there. Then one of the men got a roll of writing paper in his box of Indian ink and brushes, and the four comrades wrote their names on a piece of paper. I will take this, said Watanabe, and put it on the gate of Rashomon, so tomorrow morning you will all go and look at it. I may be able to catch an ogre or two by then. And he mounted his horse and rode off gallantly. It was a very dark night, and there was neither moon nor star to light Watanabe on his way. To make the darkness worse a storm came on. The rain fell heavily and the wind howled like wolves in the mountains. Any ordinary man would have trembled at the thought of going out of doors, but Watanabe was a brave warrior and dauntless, and his honour and word were at stake. So he sped on into the night, while his companions listened to the sound of his horse's hoofs dying away in the distance, then shut the sliding shutters close and gathered round the charcoal fire and wondered what would happen, and whether their comrade would encounter one of those horrible ony. At last Watanabe reached the gate of Rashomon, but peers he mied through the darkness, he could see no sign of an ogre. It is just as I thought, said Watanabe to himself. There are certainly no ogres here. It is only an old woman's story. I will stick this paper on the gate so that the others can see I have been here when they come to-morrow, and then I will take my way home and laugh at them all. He fastened the piece of paper, signed by all his four companions on the gate, and then turned his horse's head towards home. As he did so, he became aware that someone was behind him, and at the same time a voice called out to him to wait. Then his helmet was seized from the back. Who are you? said Watanabe fearlessly. He then put out his hand and groped around to find out who or what it was that held him by the helmet. As he did so, he touched something that felt like an arm. It was covered with hair, and as big round as the trunk of a tree, Watanabe knew at once that this was the arm of an ogre, so he drew his sword and cut at it fiercely. There was a loud yell of pain, and then the ogre dashed in front of the warrior. Watanabe's eyes grew large with wonder, for he saw that the ogre was taller than the Great Gate. His eyes were flashing like mirrors in the sunlight, and his huge mouth was wide open, and as the monster breathed, flames of fire shot out of his mouth. The ogre thought to terrify his foe, but Watanabe never flinched. He attacked the ogre with all his strength, and thus they fought face to face for a long time. At last the ogre finding that he could neither frighten nor beat Watanabe, and that he might himself be beaten, took to flight. But Watanabe determined not to let the monster escape, put spurs to his horse, and gave chase. But though the night rode very fast the ogre ran faster, and to his disappointment he found himself unable to overtake the monster, who was gradually lost to sight. Watanabe returned to the gate where the fierce fight had taken place, and got down from his horse. As he did so he stumbled upon something lying on the ground. Stooping to pick it up, he found that it was one of the ogre's huge arms, which he must have slashed off in the fight. His joy was great at having secured such a prize, for this was the best of all proofs of his adventure with the ogre. So he took it up carefully, and carried it home as a trophy of his victory. When he got back he showed the arm to his comrades, who one and all called him the hero of their band and gave him a great feast. His wonderful deed was soon noised abroad in Kyoto, and people from far and near came to see the ogre's arm. Watanabe now began to grow uneasy as to how he should keep the arm in safety, for he knew that the ogre to whom it belonged was still alive. He felt sure that one day or other, as soon as the ogre got over his scare, he would come to try to get his arm back again. Watanabe therefore had a box made of the strongest wood and banded with iron. In this he placed the arm, and then he sealed down the heavy lid, refusing to open it for anyone. He kept the box in his own room, and took charge of it himself, never allowing it out of his sight. Now one night he heard someone knocking at the porch, asking for admittance. When the servant went to the door to see who it was, there was only an old woman, very respectable in appearance. On being asked who she was and what was her business, the old woman replied with a smile that she had been nursed to the master of the house when he was a little baby. If the lord of the house were at home, she begged to be allowed to see him. The servant left the old woman at the door and went to tell his master that his old nurse had come to see him. Watanabe thought it strange that she should come at that time of night, but at the thought of his old nurse, who had been like a foster mother to him, and whom he had not seen for a long time, a very tender feeling sprang up for her in his heart. He ordered the servant to show her in. The old woman was ushered into the room, and after the customary bows and greetings were over, she said, Master, the report of your brave fight with the ogre at the gate of Rashomon is so widely known that even your poor old nurse has heard of it. Is it really true what everyone says, that you cut off one of the ogre's arms? If you did, your deed is highly to be praised. I was very disappointed, said Watanabe, that I was not able to take the monster captive, which was what I wished to do, instead of only cutting off an arm. I am very proud to think, answered the old woman, that my master was so brave as to dare to cut off an ogre's arm. There is nothing that can be compared to your courage. Before I die it is the great wish of my life to see this arm, she added pleadingly. No, said Watanabe, I am sorry, but I cannot grant your request. But why, asked the old woman. Because, replied Watanabe, ogres are very revengeful creatures, and if I open the box there is no telling but that the ogre may suddenly appear and carry off his arm. I have had a box made on purpose with a very strong lid, and in this box I keep the ogre's arm secure, and I never show it to anyone, whatever happens. Your precaution is very reasonable, said the old woman, but I am your old nurse, so surely you will not refuse to show me the arm. I have only just heard of your brave act, and not being able to wait till the morning I came at once to ask you to show it to me. Watanabe was very troubled at the old woman's pleading, but he still persisted in refusing. Then the old woman said, Do you suspect me of being a spy sent by the ogre? No, of course I do not suspect you of being the ogre's spy, for you are my old nurse, answered Watanabe. Then you cannot surely refuse to show me the arm any longer, and treated the old woman, for it is the great wish of my heart to see for once in my life the arm of an ogre. Watanabe could not hold out in his refusal any longer, so he gave in at last, saying, Then I will show you the ogre's arm, since you so earnestly wish to see it. Come, follow me, and he led the way to his own room, the old woman following. When they were both in the room, Watanabe shut the door carefully, and then going towards a big box which stood in a corner of the room, he took off the heavy lid. He then called to the old woman to come near and look in, for he never took the arm out of the box. What is it like? Let me have a good look at it, said the old nurse with a joyful face. She came nearer and nearer, as if she were afraid, till she stood right against the box. Suddenly she plunged her hand into the box and seized the arm, crying with a fearful voice which made the room shake. Oh joy! I have got my arm back again! And from an old woman she was suddenly transformed into the towering figure of the frightful ogre. Watanabe sprang back and was unable to move for a moment, so great was his astonishment, but recognizing the ogre who had attacked him at the gate of Rashomon, he determined with his usual courage to put an end to him this time. He seized his sword, drew it out of its sheath in a flash, and tried to cut the ogre down. So quick was Watanabe that the creature had a narrow escape, but the ogre sprang up to the ceiling and bursting through the roof disappeared in the mist and clouds. In this way the ogre escaped with his arm. The knight gnashed his teeth with disappointment, but that was all he could do. He waited in patience for another opportunity to dispatch the ogre, but the latter was afraid of Watanabe's great strength and daring, and never troubled Kyoto again. So once the people of the city were able to go out without fear even at night time, and the brave deeds of Watanabe have never been forgotten. Chapter 21 How an Old Man Lost His Wen Many, many years ago there lived a good old man who had a wen like a tennis ball growing out of his right cheek. This lump was a greatest figment to the old man, and so annoyed him that for many years he spent all his time and money in trying to get rid of it. He tried everything he could think of. He consulted many doctors far and near, and took all kinds of medicines both internally and externally. But it was all of no use. The lump only grew bigger and bigger till it was nearly as big as his face, and in despair he gave up all hopes of ever losing it, and resigned himself to the thought of having to carry the lump on his face all his life. One day the firewood gave out in his kitchen. So, as his wife wanted some at once, the old man took his axe and set out for the woods up among the hills not very far from his home. It was a fine day in the early autumn, and the old man enjoyed the fresh air, and was in no hurry to get home. So the whole afternoon passed quickly while he was chopping wood, and he had collected a goodly pile to take back to his wife. When the day began to draw to a close he turned his face homewards. The old man had not gone far on his way down the mountain pass when the sky clouded and rain began to fall heavily. He looked about for some shelter, but there was not even a charcoal burner's hut near. At last he aspired a large hole in the hollow trunk of a tree. The hole was near the ground, so he crept in easily, and sat down in hopes that he had only been overtaken by a mountain shower, and that the weather would soon clear. But much to the old man's disappointment, instead of clearing the rain fell more and more heavily, and finally a heavy thunderstorm broke over the mountain. The thunder roared so terrifically, and the heavens seemed to be so ablaze with lightning that the old man could hardly believe himself to be alive. He thought that he must die of fright. At last however the sky cleared, and the whole country was aglow in the rays of the setting sun. The old man's spirits revived when he looked out at the beautiful twilight, and he was about to step from his strange hiding-place in the hollow tree, when the sound of what seemed like the approaching steps of several people caught his ear. He had once thought that his friends had come to look for him, and he was delighted at the idea of having some jolly companions with whom to walk home. But on looking out from the tree, what was his amazement to see, not his friends, but hundreds of demons coming towards the spot? The more he looked, the greater was his astonishment. Some of the demons were as large as giants. Others had great big eyes, out of all proportion to the rest of their bodies. Others again had absurdly long noses, and some had such big mouths that they seemed to open from ear to ear. All had horns growing on their foreheads. The old man was so surprised at what he saw that he lost his balance and fell out of the hollow tree. Fortunately for him the demons did not see him, as the tree was in the background, so he picked himself up and crept back into the tree. While he was sitting there and wondering impatiently when he would be able to get home, he heard the sounds of gay music, and then some of the demons began to sing. What are these creatures doing? said the old man to himself. I will look out. It sounds very amusing. On peeping out, the old man saw that the demon chief himself was actually sitting with his back against the tree in which he had taken refuge, and all the other demons were sitting round, some drinking and some dancing. Food and wine was spread before them on the ground, and the demons were evidently having a great entertainment and enjoying themselves immensely. It made the old man laugh to see their strange antics. How amusing this is! laughed the old man to himself. I am now quite old, but I have never seen anything so strange in all my life. He was so interested and excited in watching all that the demons were doing that he forgot himself and stepped out of the tree and stood looking on. The demon chief was just taking a big cup of sake and watching one of the demons dancing. In a little while he said with a bored air, your dance is rather monotonous. I am tired of watching it. Isn't there any one amongst you all who can dance better than this fellow? Now the old man had been fond of dancing all his life, and was quite an expert in the art, and he knew that he could do much better than the demon. Shall I go and dance before these demons and let them see what a human being can do? It may be dangerous, for if I don't please them they may kill me, said the old fellow to himself. His fears, however, were soon overcome by his love of dancing. In a few minutes he could restrain himself no longer, and came out before the whole party of demons and began to dance at once. The old man, realizing that his life probably depended on whether he pleased these strange creatures or not, exerted his skill and wit to the utmost. The demons were at first very surprised to see a man so fearlessly taking part in their entertainment, and then their surprise soon gave place to admiration. How strange! exclaimed the horned chief. I never saw such a skillful dancer before. He dances admirably. When the old man had finished his dance, the big demon said, Thank you very much for your amusing dance. Now give us the pleasure of drinking a cup of wine with us. And with these words he handed him his largest wine cup. The old man thanked him very humbly. I did not expect such kindness from your lordship. I fear I have only disturbed your pleasant party by my unskillful dancing. No, no, answered the big demon. You must come often and dance for us. Your skill has given us much pleasure. The old man thanked him again and promised to do so. Then will you come again tomorrow, old man? asked the demon. Certainly I will, answered the old man. Then you must leave some pledge of your word with us, said the demon. Whatever you like, said the old man. Now what is the best thing he can leave with us as a pledge? asked the demon looking round. Then, said one of the demon's attendants kneeling behind the chief. The token he leaves with us must be the most important thing to him in his possession. I see the old man has a win on his right cheek. Now mortal men consider such a win very fortunate. Let my lord take the lump from the old man's right cheek, and he will surely come tomorrow if only to get that back. You are very clever, said the demon chief giving his horns and approving nod. Then he stretched out a hairy arm and claw-like hand, and took the great lump from the old man's right cheek. Strange to say it came off as easily as a ripe plum from the tree at the demon's touch. And then the merry troop of demons suddenly vanished. The old man was lost in bewilderment by all that had happened. He hardly knew for some time where he was. When he came to understand what had happened to him, he was delighted to find that the lump on his face, which had for so many years disfigured him, had really been taken away without any pain to himself. He put up his hand to feel if any scar remained, but found that his right cheek was as smooth as his left. The sun had long set, and the young moon had risen like a silver crescent in the sky. The old man suddenly realized how late it was, and began to hurry home. He padded his right cheek all the time, as if to make sure of his good fortune in having lost the when. He was so happy that he found it impossible to walk quietly. He ran and danced the whole way home. He found his wife very anxious, wondering what had happened to make him so late. He soon told her all that had passed since he left home that afternoon. She was quite as happy as her husband when he showed her that the ugly lump had disappeared from his face, for in her youth she had prided herself on his good looks, and it had been a daily grief to her to see the horrid growth. Now next door to this good old couple there lived a wicked and disagreeable old man. He too had for many years been troubled with the growth of a when on his left cheek, and he too had tried all manner of things to get rid of it, but in vain. He heard at once through the servant of his neighbor's good luck in losing the lump on his face, so he called that very evening and asked his friend to tell him everything that concerned the loss of it. The good old man told his disagreeable neighbor all that had happened to him. He described the place where he would find the hollow tree in which to hide, and advised him to be on the spot in the late afternoon towards the time of sunset. The old neighbor started out the very next afternoon, and after haunting about for some time came to the hollow tree just as his friend had described. Here he hid himself and waited for the twilight. Just as he had been told, the band of demons came at that hour and held a feast with dance and song. When this had gone on for some time, the chief of the demons looked around and said, It is now time for the old man to come as he promised us. Why doesn't he come? When the second old man heard these words he ran out of his hiding-place in the tree, and kneeling down before the ony, said, I have been waiting for a long time for you to speak. You are the old man of yesterday, said the demon chief. Thank you for coming. You must dance for us soon. The old man now stood up and opened his fan and began to dance. But he had never learned to dance and knew nothing about the necessary gestures in different positions. He thought that anything would please the demons, so he just hopped about waving his arms and stamping his feet, imitating as well as he could any dancing he had ever seen. The ony were very dissatisfied at this exhibition, and said amongst themselves, How badly he dances today. Then to the old man the demon chief said, Your performance today is quite different from the dance of yesterday. We don't wish to see any more of such dancing. We will give you back the pledge you left with us. You must go away at once. With these words he took out from a fold of his dress the lump which he had taken from the face of the old man who had danced so well the day before, and threw it at the right cheek of the old man who stood before him. The lump immediately attached itself to his cheek as firmly as if it had grown there always, and all attempts to pull it off were useless. The wicked old man, instead of losing the lump on his left cheek as he had hoped, found to his dismay that he had but added another to his right cheek in his attempt to get rid of the first. He put up first one hand and then the other to each side of his face to make sure if he were not dreaming a horrible nightmare. No, sure enough there was now a great when on the right side of his face as on the left. The demons had all disappeared, and there was nothing for him to do but to return home. He was a pitiful sight for his face with the two large lumps one on each side looked just like a Japanese gourd.