Many of the following stories are the tales a Japanese mother narrates1 to her child, for animal stories make a universal appeal to the child-mind. They are generally regarded as fairy stories, but they contain so much legendary2 material that it is necessary to include them in a book of this kind, for they tend to illustrate3 our subject in a lighter4 vein5, where the miraculous6 is mingled7 with the humorous. We have devoted8 a separate chapter to fox legends on account of the importance of the subject, but it must be borne in mind that the supernatural characteristics of this animal apply also to the badger9 and cat, for in Japanese legend all three animals have been associated with an incalculable amount of mischief10.
The Hare
The hare is supposed to attain11, like the fox, tortoise, crane, and tiger, a fabulous12 age, extending to no less than a thousand years. In Taoist legends the hare is said to live in the moon, and is occupied in pounding, with pestle13 and mortar14, the drugs that compose the Elixir15 of Life, while in other legends, as we have seen elsewhere, this animal is represented as pounding rice. Shaka Muni (the Lord Buddha16), according to legend, is said to have sacrificed himself as a hare in order that he might appease17 the hunger of Indra, who drew the animal upon the moon by way of showing his admiration18. The fur of the hare becomes white when it has lived for five hundred years, and we give below the famous legend from the Kojiki known as "The White Hare of Inaba."
[Pg 256]
The White Hare of Inaba
In ancient days there were eighty-one brothers, who were Princes in Japan. With the exception of one brother they were quarrelsome fellows, and spent their time in showing all manner of petty jealousy20, one toward the other. Each wanted to reign21 over the whole kingdom, and, in addition, each had the misfortune to wish to marry the Princess of Yakami, in Inaba. Although these eighty Princes were at variance22 in most things, they were at one in persistently23 hating the brother who was gentle and peaceful in all his ways.
At length, after many angry words, the eighty brothers decided24 to go to Inaba in order to visit the Princess of Yakami, each brother fully25 resolved that he and he alone should be the successful suitor. The kind and gentle brother accompanied them, not, indeed, as a wooer of the fair Princess, but as a servant who carried a large and heavy bag upon his back.
At last the eighty Princes, who had left their much-wronged brother far behind, arrived at Cape26 Keta. They were about to continue their journey when they saw a white hare lying on the ground looking very miserable27 and entirely28 divested29 of fur.
The eighty Princes, who were much amused by the sorry plight30 of the hare, said: "If you want your fur to grow again, bathe in the sea, and, when you have done so, run to the summit of a high mountain and allow the wind to blow upon you." With these words the eighty heartless Princes proceeded on their way.
The hare at once went down to the sea, delighted at the prospect31 of regaining32 his handsome white fur. Having bathed, he ran up to the top of a mountain and lay down upon it; but he quickly perceived that the cold wind blowing on a skin recently immersed in salt water[Pg 257] was beginning to crack and split. In addition to the humiliation33 of having no fur he now suffered considerable physical pain, and he realised that the eighty Princes had shamefully34 deceived him.
While the hare was lying in pain upon the mountain the kind and gentle brother approached, slowly and laboriously35, owing to the heavy bag he carried. When he saw the weeping hare he inquired how it was that the poor animal had met with such a misfortune.
"Please stop a moment," said the hare, "and I will tell you how it all happened. I wanted to cross from the Island of Oki to Cape Keta, so I said to the crocodiles: 'I should very much like to know how many crocodiles there are in the sea, and how many hares on land. Allow me first of all to count you.' And having said these words the crocodiles formed themselves into a long line, stretching from the Island of Oki to Cape Keta. I ran across their horny bodies, counting each as I passed. When I reached the last crocodile, I said: 'O foolish crocodiles, it doesn't matter to me how many there are of you in the sea, or how many hares on land! I only wanted you for a bridge in order that I might reach my destination.' Alas36! my miserable boast cost me dear, for the last crocodile raised his head and snapped off all my fur!"
"Well," said the gentle brother, "I must say you were in the wrong and deserved to suffer for your folly37. Is that the end of your story?"
"No," continued the hare. "I had no sooner suffered this indignity38 than the eighty Princes came by, and lyingly told me that I might be cured by salt water and wind. Alas! not knowing that they deceived me, I carried out their instructions, with the result that my body is cracked and extremely sore."
"Bathe in fresh water, my poor friend," said the[Pg 258] good brother, "and when you have done so scatter39 the pollen40 of sedges upon the ground and roll yourself in it. This will indeed heal your sores and cause your fur to grow again."
The hare walked slowly to the river, bathed himself, and then rolled about in sedge pollen. He had no sooner done so than his skin healed and he was covered once more with a thick coat of fur.
The grateful hare ran back to his benefactor41. "Those eighty wicked and cruel brothers of yours," said he, "shall never win the Princess of Inaba. It is you who shall marry her and reign over the country."
The hare's prophecy came true, for the eighty Princes failed in their mission, while the brother who was good and kind to the white hare married the fair Princess and became King of the country.
The Crackling Mountain
An old man and his wife kept a white hare. One day a badger came and ate the food provided for the pet. The mischievous42 animal was about to scamper43 away when the old man, seeing what had taken place, tied the badger to a tree, and then went to a neighbouring mountain to cut wood.
When the old man had gone on his journey the badger began to weep and to beg that the old woman would untie44 the rope. She had no sooner done so than the badger proclaimed vengeance45 and ran away.
When the good white hare heard what had taken place he set out to warn his master; but during his absence the badger returned, killed the old woman, assumed her form, and converted her corpse46 into broth19.
"I have made such excellent broth," said the badger, when the old man returned from the mountain. "You[Pg 259] must be hungry and tired: pray sit down and make a good meal!"
The old man, not suspecting treachery of any kind, consumed the broth and pronounced it excellent.
"Excellent?" sneered47 the badger. "You have eaten your wife! Her bones lie over there in that corner," and with these words he disappeared.
While the old man was overcome with sorrow, and while he wept and bewailed his fate, the hare returned, grasped the situation, and scampered49 off to the mountain fully resolved to avenge50 the death of his poor old mistress.
When the hare reached the mountain he saw the badger carrying a bundle of sticks on his back. Softly the hare crept up, and, unobserved, set light to the sticks, which began to crackle immediately.
"This is a strange noise," said the badger. "What is it?"
"The Crackling Mountain," replied the hare.
The fire began to burn the badger, so he sprang into a river and extinguished the flames; but on getting out again he found that his back was severely51 burnt, and the pain he suffered was increased by a cayenne poultice which the delighted hare provided for that purpose.
When the badger was well again he chanced to see the hare standing52 by a boat he had made.
"Where are you going in that vessel53?" inquired the badger.
"To the moon," replied the hare. "Perhaps you would like to come with me?"
"Not in your boat!" said the badger. "I know too well your tricks on the Crackling Mountain. But I will build a boat of clay for myself, and we will journey to the moon."
Down the river went the wooden boat of the hare[Pg 260] and the clay boat of the badger. Presently the badger's vessel began to come to pieces. The hare laughed derisively54, and killed his enemy with his oar55. Later on, when the loyal animal returned to the old man, he justly received much praise and loving care from his grateful master.
The Badger
The badger in legend has much in common with the fox. It can adopt human form and assume the shape of the moon; but in many legends it is described as a humorous creature, an animal intensely fond of a practical joke. The badger is frequently depicted56 in legend and art as playing a tattoo57 on its protuberant58 and drum-like stomach, and it is for this reason that Japanese jesters are sometimes called badgers59.
Kadzutoyo and the Badger
On one occasion Kadzutoyo and his retainer went fishing. They had had excellent sport, and were about to return home, when a violent shower came on, and they were forced to take shelter under a willow-tree. After waiting for some time the rain showed no sign of abating60, and as it was already growing dark they decided to continue their journey in spite of the inclement61 weather. They had not proceeded far when they perceived a young girl weeping bitterly. Kadzutoyo regarded her with suspicion, but his retainer was charmed by the maiden62's great beauty, and inquired who she was and why she lingered on such a stormy night.
"Alas! good sir," said the maiden, still weeping, "my tale is a sad one. I have long endured the taunts63 and cruelties of my wicked stepmother, who hates me. To-night she spat64 upon me and beat me. I could bear[Pg 261] the bitter humiliation no longer, and I was on the way to my aunt, who lives in yonder village, there to receive peace and shelter, when I was stricken down with a strange malady65, and compelled to remain here until the pain subsided66."
These words much affected67 the kind-hearted retainer, and he fell desperately68 in love with this fair maiden; but Kadzutoyo, after carefully considering the matter, drew his sword and cut off her head.
"Oh! my lord," said the retainer, "what awful deed is this? How can you kill a harmless girl? Believe me, you will have to pay for your folly."
"You do not understand," replied Kadzutoyo, "but all I ask is that you keep silence in the matter."
When they reached home Kadzutoyo soon fell asleep; but his retainer, after brooding over the murder of the fair maiden, went to his lord's parents and told them the whole pitiful story.
Kadzutoyo's father was stricken with anger when he heard the dreadful tale. He at once went to his son's room, roused him, and said: "Oh, miserable murderer! How could you slay69 an innocent girl without the least provocation70? You have shamed the honourable71 name of samurai, a name that stands for true chivalry72 and for the defence of the weak and helpless. You have brought dishonour73 upon our house, and it is my duty to take your life." Having said these words, he drew his sword.
"Sir," replied Kadzutoyo, without flinching74 at the shining weapon, "you, like my retainer, do not understand. It has been given me to solve certain mysteries, and with that knowledge I assure you that I have not been guilty of so foul75 a crime as you suppose, but have been loyal to the fair calling of a samurai. The girl I cut down with my sword was no mortal. Be pleased[Pg 262] to go to-morrow with your retainers to the spot where this scene occurred. If you find the corpse of a girl you will have no need to take my life, for I will disembowel myself."
Early next day, when the sun had scarce risen in the sky, Kadzutoyo's father, together with his retainers, set out upon the journey. When they reached the place where the tragedy had taken place the father saw lying by the roadside, not the corpse of a fair maiden as he had feared, but the body of a great headless badger.
When the father reached home again he questioned his son: "How is it," said he, "that what appeared to be a girl to your retainer seemed to you to be a badger?"
"Sir," replied Kadzutoyo, "the creature I saw last night appeared to me as a girl; but her beauty was strange, and not like the beauty of earthly women. Moreover, although it was raining hard, I observed that the garments of this being did not get wet, and having noticed this weird76 occurrence, I knew at once that the woman was none other than some wicked goblin. The creature took the form of a lovely maiden with the idea of bewitching us with her many charms, in the hope that she might get our fish."
The old Prince was filled with admiration for his son's cleverness. Having discovered so much foresight77 and prudence78, he resolved to abdicate79, and proclaim Kadzutoyo Prince of Tosa in his stead.
The Miraculous Tea-kettle
One day a priest of the Morinji temple put his old tea-kettle on the fire in order that he might make himself a cup of tea. No sooner had the kettle touched the fire than it suddenly changed into the head, tail, and legs of a badger. The novices80 of the temple were[Pg 263] called in to see the extraordinary sight. While they gazed in utter astonishment81, the badger, with the body of a kettle, rushed nimbly about the room, and finally flew into the air. Round and round the room went the merry badger, and the priests, after many efforts, succeeded in capturing the animal and thrusting it into a box.
Shortly after this event had taken place a tinker called at the temple, and the priest thought it would be an excellent idea if he could induce the good man to buy his extraordinary tea-kettle. He therefore took the kettle out of its box, for it had now resumed its ordinary form, and commenced to bargain, with the result that the unsuspecting tinker purchased the kettle, and took it away with him, assured that he had done a good day's work in buying such a useful article at so reasonable a price.
That night the tinker was awakened82 by hearing a curious sound close to his pillow. He looked out from behind his quilts and saw that the kettle he had purchased was not a kettle at all, but a very lively and clever badger.
When the tinker told his friends about his remarkable83 companion, they said: "You are a fortunate fellow, and we advise you to take this badger on show, for it is clever enough to dance and walk on the tight-rope. With song and music you certainly have in this very strange creature a series of novel entertainments which will attract considerable notice, and bring you far more money than you would earn by all the tinkering in the world."
The tinker accordingly acted upon this excellent advice, and the fame of his performing badger spread far and wide. Princes and princesses came to see the show, and from royal patronage84 and the delight of the[Pg 264] common people he amassed85 a great fortune. When the tinker had made his money he restored the kettle to the Morinji temple, where it was worshipped as a precious treasure.
The Cat
"Feed a dog for three days and he will remember your kindness for three years; feed a cat for three years and she will forget your kindness in three days."
A Japanese Proverb.
The Japanese cat, with or without a tail, is very far from being popular, for this animal and the venomous serpent were the only two creatures that did not weep when the Lord Buddha died. Nipponese cats seem to be under a curse, and for the most part they are left to their own resources, resources frequently associated with supernatural powers. Like foxes and badgers, they are able to bewitch human beings. Professor B. H. Chamberlain writes in Things Japanese: "Among Europeans an irreverent person may sometimes be heard to describe an ugly, cross old woman as a cat. In Japan, the land of topsy-turvydom, that nickname is colloquially88 applied89 to the youngest and most attractive—the singing-girls." The comparison seems strange to us, but the allusion90 no doubt refers to the power of witchery common alike to the singing-girl and the cat.
The Japanese cat, however, is regarded with favour among sailors, and the mike-neko, or cat of three colours, is most highly prized. Sailors the world over are said to be superstitious91, and those of Japan do their utmost to secure a ship's cat, in the belief that this animal will keep off the spirits of the deep. Many sailors believe that those who are drowned at sea never find spiritual repose92; they believe that they everlastingly93 lurk94 in the waves and shout and wail48 as junks pass by.[Pg 265] To such men the breakers beating on the seashore are the white, grasping hands of innumerable spirits, and they believe that the sea is crowded with O-baké, honourable ghosts. The Japanese cat is said to have control over the dead.
The Vampire95 Cat
The Prince of Hizen, a distinguished96 member of the Nabéshima family, lingered in the garden with O Toyo, the favourite among his ladies. When the sun set they retired97 to the palace, but failed to notice that they were being followed by a large cat.
O Toyo went to her room and fell asleep. At midnight she awoke and gazed about her, as if suddenly aware of some dreadful presence in the apartment. At length she saw, crouching98 close beside her, a gigantic cat, and before she could cry out for assistance the animal sprang upon her and strangled her. The animal then made a hole under the verandah, buried the corpse, and assumed the form of the beautiful O Toyo.
The Prince, who knew nothing of what had happened, continued to love the false O Toyo, unaware99 that in reality he was caressing100 a foul beast. He noticed, little by little, that his strength failed, and it was not long before he became dangerously ill. Physicians were summoned, but they could do nothing to restore the royal patient. It was observed that he suffered most during the night, and was troubled by horrible dreams. This being so his councillors arranged that a hundred retainers should sit with their lord and keep watch while he slept.
The watch went into the sick-room, but just before ten o'clock it was overcome by a mysterious drowsiness101. When all the men were asleep the false O Toyo crept into the apartment and disturbed the Prince until[Pg 266] sunrise. Night after night the retainers came to guard their master, but always they fell asleep at the same hour, and even three loyal councillors had a similar experience.
During this time the Prince grew worse, and at length a priest named Ruiten was appointed to pray on his behalf. One night, while he was engaged in his supplications, he heard a strange noise proceeding102 from the garden. On looking out of the window he saw a young soldier washing himself. When he had finished his ablutions he stood before an image of Buddha, and prayed most ardently103 for the recovery of the Prince.
Ruiten, delighted to find such zeal104 and loyalty105, invited the young man to enter his house, and when he had done so inquired his name.
"I am Ito Soda106," said the young man, "and serve in the infantry107 of Nabéshima. I have heard of my lord's sickness and long to have the honour of nursing him; but being of low rank it is not meet that I should come into his presence. I have, nevertheless, prayed to the Buddha that my lord's life may be spared. I believe that the Prince of Hizen is bewitched, and if I might remain with him I would do my utmost to find and crush the evil power that is the cause of his illness."
Ruiten was so favourably108 impressed with these words that he went the next day to consult with one of the councillors, and after much discussion it was arranged that Ito Soda should keep watch with the hundred retainers.
When Ito Soda entered the royal apartment he saw that his master slept in the middle of the room, and he also observed the hundred retainers sitting in the chamber86 quietly chatting together in the hope that they would be able to keep off approaching drowsiness. By ten o'clock all the retainers, in spite of their efforts, had[Pg 267] fallen asleep. Ito Soda tried to keep his eyes open, but a heaviness was gradually overcoming him, and he realised that if he wished to keep awake he must resort to extreme measures. When he had carefully spread oil-paper over the mats he stuck his dirk into his thigh109. The sharp pain he experienced warded110 off sleep for a time, but eventually he felt his eyes closing once more. Resolved to outwit the spell which had proved too much for the retainers, he twisted the knife in his thigh, and thus increased the pain and kept his loyal watch, while blood continually dripped upon the oil-paper.
While Ito Soda watched he saw the sliding doors drawn111 open and a beautiful woman creep softly into the apartment. With a smile she noticed the sleeping retainers, and was about to approach the Prince when she observed Ito Soda. After she had spoken curtly112 to him she approached the Prince and inquired how he fared, but the Prince was too ill to make a reply. Ito Soda watched every movement, and believed she tried to bewitch the Prince, but she was always frustrated113 in her evil purpose by the dauntless eyes of Ito Soda, and at last she was compelled to retire.
In the morning the retainers awoke, and were filled with shame when they learnt how Ito Soda had kept his vigil. The councillors loudly praised the young soldier for his loyalty and enterprise, and he was commanded to keep watch again that night. He did so, and once more the false O Toyo entered the sick-room, and, as on the previous night, she was compelled to retreat without being able to cast her spell over the Prince.
It was discovered that immediately the faithful Soda had kept guard the Prince was able to obtain peaceful slumber114, and, moreover, that he began to get better, for the false O Toyo, having been frustrated on two occasions, now kept away altogether, and the guard was[Pg 268] not troubled with mysterious drowsiness. Soda, impressed by these strange circumstances, went to one of the councillors and informed him that the so-called O Toyo was a goblin of some kind.
That night Soda planned to go to the creature's room and try to kill her, arranging that in case she should escape there should be eight retainers outside waiting to capture her and despatch115 her immediately.
At the appointed hour Soda went to the creature's apartment, pretending that he bore a message from the Prince.
"What is your message?" inquired the woman.
"Kindly116 read this letter," replied Soda, and with these words he drew his dirk and tried to kill her.
The false O Toyo seized a halberd and endeavoured to strike her adversary117. Blow followed blow, but at last perceiving that flight would serve her better than battle she threw away her weapon, and in a moment the lovely maiden turned into a cat and sprang on to the roof. The eight men waiting outside in case of emergency shot at the animal, but the creature succeeded in eluding118 them.
The cat made all speed for the mountains, and caused trouble among the people who lived in the vicinity, but was finally killed during a hunt ordered by the Prince Hizen. The Prince became well again, and Ito Soda received the honour and reward he so richly deserved.
The Dog
Generally speaking the dog in Japan is looked upon as a friendly animal, and in most legends he acquits119 himself well; but in the Oki Islands many of the inhabitants believe that all dogs have supernatural power, attributed to the fox elsewhere. Professor B. H. Chamberlain writes: "The human beings in league[Pg 269] with them are termed inu-gami-mochi—that is, 'dog-god owners.' When the spirit of such a magic dog goes forth120 on an errand of mischief its body remains121 behind, growing gradually weaker, and sometimes dying and falling to decay. When this happens the spirit on its return takes up its abode122 in the body of a wizard, who thereupon becomes more powerful than ever."
Shippeitarō and the Phantom123 Cats
A certain knight124 took shelter in a lonely and dilapidated mountain temple. Towards midnight he was awakened by hearing a strange noise. Gazing about him, he saw a number of cats dancing and yelling and shrieking125, and over and over again he heard these words: "Tell it not to Shippeitarō!"
At midnight the cats suddenly disappeared, stillness reigned126 in the ruined temple, and our warrior127 was able to resume his slumber.
The next morning the young knight left the haunted building, and came to one or two small dwellings128 near a village. As he passed one of these houses he heard great wailing129 and lamentation130, and inquired the cause of the trouble.
"Alas!" said those who thronged131 about the knight, "well may you ask why we are so sorely troubled. This very night the mountain spirit will take away our fairest maiden in a great cage to the ruined temple where you have spent the night, and in the morning she will be devoured132 by the wicked spirit of the mountain. Every year we lose a girl in this way, and there is none to help us."
The knight, greatly moved by these pitiful words, and anxious to be of service, said: "Who or what is Shippeitarō? The evil spirits in the ruined temple used the name several times."
[Pg 270]
"Shippeitarō," said one of the people, "is a brave and very fine dog, and belongs to the head man of our Prince." The knight hastened off, was successful in securing Shippeitarō for one night, and took the dog back with him to the house of the weeping parents. Already the cage was prepared for the damsel, and into this cage he put Shippeitarō, and, with several young men to assist him, they reached the haunted temple. But the young men would not remain on the mountain, for they were full of fear, and, having performed their task, they took their departure, so that the knight and the dog were left alone.
At midnight the phantom cats again appeared, this time surrounding a tomcat of immense size and of great fierceness. When the monster cat saw the cage he sprang round it with screams of delight, accompanied by his companions.
The warrior, choosing a suitable opportunity, opened the cage, and Shippeitarō sprang out and held the great cat in his teeth. In another moment his master drew forth his sword and slew133 the wicked creature. The other cats were too amazed at what they had seen to make good their escape, and the valiant134 Shippeitarō soon made short work of them. Thus the village was no longer troubled with ravages135 of the mountain spirit, and the knight, in true courtly fashion, gave all the praise to the brave Shippeitarō.
The Old Man Who Made the Trees to Blossom
One day, while an old man and his wife were in the garden, their dog suddenly became very excited as he lowered his head and sniffed136 the ground in one particular place. The old people, believing that their pet had detected something good to eat, brought a spade and commenced to dig, and to their amazement138 they dug up a great number of gold and silver pieces and a variety of[Pg 271] precious treasures as well. With this newly acquired wealth the old couple lost no time in distributing alms among the poor.
When the people next door heard about their neighbours' good fortune they borrowed the dog, and spread before him all manner of delicacies139 in the hope that the animal would do them a good turn too. But the dog, who had been on previous occasions ill-treated by his hosts, refused to eat, and at length the angry couple dragged him into the garden. Immediately the dog began to sniff137, and exactly where he sniffed the greedy couple began to dig; but they dug up no treasure, and all they could find was very objectionable refuse. The old couple, angry and disappointed, killed the dog and buried him under a pine-tree.
The good old man eventually learnt what had befallen his faithful dog, and, full of sorrow, he went to the place where his pet was buried, and arranged food and flowers on the grave, weeping as he did so.
That night the spirit of the dog came to his master, and said: "Cut down the tree where I am buried, and from the wood fashion a mortar, and think of me whenever you use it."
The old man carried out these instructions, and he found that when he ground the grains of rice in the pine mortar every grain turned into a precious treasure.
The wicked old couple, having borrowed the dog, had no compunction in borrowing the mortar too, but with these wicked people the rice immediately turned into filth140, so that in their anger they broke and burnt the precious vessel.
Once again the spirit of the dog appeared before his master, and informed him what had taken place, adding: "If you will sprinkle the ashes of the mortar over withered141 trees they will immediately become full of[Pg 272] blossom," and having uttered these words the spirit departed.
The kind-hearted old man secured the ashes, and, placing them in a basket, journeyed from village to village and from town to town, and over withered trees he threw the ashes, and, as the dog had promised, they suddenly came into flower. A prince heard of these wonders, and commanded the old man to appear before him, requesting that he would give an exhibition of his miraculous power. The old man did so, and joyfully142 departed with the many royal gifts bestowed143 upon him.
The old man's neighbours, hearing of these miracles, collected together the remaining ashes of the wonderful mortar, and the wicked fellow went about the country claiming to be able to revive withered or dead trees. Like the original worker of wonders, the greedy old man appeared in the palace, and was commanded to restore a withered tree. The old man climbed up into a tree and scattered144 the ashes, but the tree still remained withered, and the ashes almost blinded and suffocated145 the Prince. Upon this the old impostor was almost beaten to death, and he went away in a very miserable state indeed.
The kind old man and his wife, after rebuking146 their neighbours for their wickedness, allowed them to share in their wealth, and the once mean, cruel, and crafty147 couple led good and virtuous148 lives.
The Jelly-fish and the Monkey [1]
Rin-Jin, the King of the Sea, took to wife a young and beautiful Dragon Princess. They had not been[Pg 273] married long when the fair Queen fell ill, and all the advice and attention of the great physicians availed nothing.
The Jelly Fish and the Monkey.
"Oh," sobbed149 the Queen, "there is only one thing that will cure me of my illness!"
"What is that?" inquired Rin-Jin.
"If I eat the liver of a live monkey I shall immediately recover. Pray get me a monkey's liver, for I know that nothing else will save my life."
So Rin-Jin called a jelly-fish to his side, and said: "I want you to swim to the land and return with a live monkey on your back, for I wish to use his liver that our Queen may be restored to health again. You are the only creature who can perform this task, for you alone have legs and are able to walk about on shore. In order to induce the monkey to come you must tell him of the wonders of the deep and of the rare beauties of my great palace, with its floor of pearl and its walls of coral."
The jelly-fish, delighted to think that the health and happiness of his mistress depended upon the success of his enterprise, lost no time in swimming to an island. He had no sooner stepped on shore than he observed a fine-looking monkey playing about in the branches of a pine-tree.
"Hello!" said the jelly-fish, "I don't think much of this island. What a dull and miserable life you must lead here! I come from the Kingdom of the Sea, where Rin-Jin reigns150 in a palace of great size and beauty. It may be that you would like to see a new country where there is plenty of fruit and where the weather is always fine. If so, get on my back, and I shall have much pleasure in taking you to the Kingdom of the Sea."
"I shall be delighted to accept your invitation," said[Pg 274] the monkey, as he got down from the tree and comfortably seated himself on the thick shell of the jelly-fish.
"By the way," said the jelly-fish, when he had accomplished151 about half of the return journey, "I suppose you have brought your liver with you, haven't you?"
"What a personal question!" replied the monkey. "Why do you ask?"
"Our Sea Queen is dangerously ill," said the foolish jelly-fish, "and only the liver of a live monkey will save her life. When we reach the palace a doctor will make use of your liver and my mistress will be restored to health again."
"Dear me!" exclaimed the monkey, "I wish you had mentioned this matter to me before we left the island."
"If I had done so," replied the jelly-fish, "you would most certainly have refused my invitation."
"Believe me, you are quite mistaken, my dear jelly-fish. I have several livers hanging up on a pine-tree, and I would gladly have spared one in order to save the life of your Queen. If you will bring me back to the island again I will get it. It was most unfortunate that I should have forgotten to bring a liver with me."
So the credulous152 jelly-fish turned round and swam back to the island. Directly the jelly-fish reached the shore the monkey sprang from his back and danced about on the branches of a tree.
"Liver" said the monkey, chuckling153, "did you say liver? You silly old jelly-fish, you'll certainly never get mine!"
The jelly-fish at length reached the palace, and told Rin-Jin his dismal154 tale. The Sea King fell into a great passion. "Beat him to a jelly!" he cried to those about him. "Beat this stupid fellow till he hasn't a bone left in his body!"
[Pg 275]
So the jelly-fish lost his shell from that unfortunate hour, and all the jelly-fishes that were born in the sea after his death were also without shells, and have remained nothing but jelly to this day.
The Horse of Bronze
Upon the festival of the Minige, or "The Body-escaping," the Deity155 of Kitzuki, Oho-kuninushi, is said to ride through the streets on the Bronze Horse. The rite87 connected with the festival is of so mysterious a kind that the officiating priest can only impart the secret after his death to his son through the medium of the deceased man's spirit. The great carved dragon of Kitzuki was supposed at one time to crawl over the roofs of many houses, but when his wooden throat was cut he remained simply a work of art and no longer troubled the inhabitants. Bronze deer of Matsue, a stag and a doe, also had miraculous power and were able to run about the streets at night. These visitations were so frequent and so disturbing that eventually their heads were cut and their escapades came to an end. The gigantic tortoise of the Gesshōji temple, a stone colossus very nearly sixteen feet in height, was on many occasions seen endeavouring to swim across a pond covered with lotus. This creature, like those we have just mentioned, was mutilated, and his midnight wanderings permanently156 checked.
[1] The Three Mystic Apes figure in Japanese legend. Mizaru is represented with his hands over his eyes, Kikazaru with his hands covering his ears, and Iwazaru with his hands laid upon his mouth. These mystic apes symbolise (1) He who sees no evil, (2) He who hears no evil, (3) He who speaks no evil.
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1
narrates
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| v.故事( narrate的第三人称单数 ) | |
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legendary
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| adj.传奇（中）的，闻名遐迩的；n.传奇（文学） | |
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illustrate
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| v.举例说明，阐明；图解，加插图 | |
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4
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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vein
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| n.血管，静脉；叶脉，纹理；情绪；vt.使成脉络 | |
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miraculous
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| adj.像奇迹一样的，不可思议的 | |
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mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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badger
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| v.一再烦扰，一再要求，纠缠 | |
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10
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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12
fabulous
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| adj.极好的；极为巨大的；寓言中的，传说中的 | |
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13
pestle
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| n.杵 | |
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14
mortar
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| n.灰浆，灰泥；迫击炮；v.把…用灰浆涂接合 | |
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15
elixir
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| n.长生不老药，万能药 | |
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16
Buddha
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| n.佛；佛像；佛陀 | |
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17
appease
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| v.安抚，缓和，平息，满足 | |
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18
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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19
broth
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| n.原(汁)汤(鱼汤、肉汤、菜汤等) | |
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20
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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21
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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22
variance
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| n.矛盾，不同 | |
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persistently
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| ad.坚持地；固执地 | |
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24
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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cape
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| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
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miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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divested
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| v.剥夺( divest的过去式和过去分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
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plight
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| n.困境，境况，誓约，艰难；vt.宣誓，保证，约定 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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regaining
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| 复得( regain的现在分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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humiliation
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| n.羞辱 | |
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shamefully
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| 可耻地； 丢脸地； 不体面地； 羞耻地 | |
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laboriously
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| adv.艰苦地；费力地；辛勤地；（文体等）佶屈聱牙地 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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indignity
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| n.侮辱，伤害尊严，轻蔑 | |
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scatter
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| vt.撒，驱散，散开；散布/播；vi.分散，消散 | |
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40
pollen
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| n.[植]花粉 | |
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41
benefactor
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| n. 恩人，行善的人，捐助人 | |
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42
mischievous
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| adj.调皮的，恶作剧的，有害的，伤人的 | |
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scamper
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| v.奔跑，快跑 | |
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untie
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| vt.解开，松开；解放 | |
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45
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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46
corpse
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| n.尸体，死尸 | |
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47
sneered
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| 讥笑，冷笑( sneer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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wail
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| vt./vi.大声哀号，恸哭；呼啸，尖啸 | |
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scampered
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| v.蹦蹦跳跳地跑，惊惶奔跑( scamper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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50
avenge
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| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
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severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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52
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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53
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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54
derisively
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| adv. 嘲笑地，嘲弄地 | |
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55
oar
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| n.桨，橹，划手；v.划行 | |
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56
depicted
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| 描绘，描画( depict的过去式和过去分词 )； 描述 | |
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57
tattoo
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| n.纹身，(皮肤上的)刺花纹；vt.刺花纹于 | |
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58
protuberant
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| adj.突出的，隆起的 | |
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59
badgers
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| n.獾( badger的名词复数 )；獾皮；（大写）獾州人（美国威斯康星州人的别称）；毛鼻袋熊 | |
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60
abating
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| 减少( abate的现在分词 )； 减去； 降价； 撤消（诉讼） | |
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inclement
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| adj.严酷的，严厉的，恶劣的 | |
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maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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63
taunts
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| 嘲弄的言语，嘲笑，奚落( taunt的名词复数 ) | |
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64
spat
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| n.口角，掌击；v.发出呼噜呼噜声 | |
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malady
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| n.病，疾病(通常做比喻) | |
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66
subsided
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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68
desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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provocation
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| n.激怒，刺激，挑拨，挑衅的事物，激怒的原因 | |
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honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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chivalry
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| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
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73
dishonour
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| n./vt.拒付（支票、汇票、票据等）；vt.凌辱，使丢脸；n.不名誉，耻辱，不光彩 | |
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74
flinching
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| v.（因危险和痛苦）退缩，畏惧( flinch的现在分词 ) | |
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75
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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76
weird
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| adj.古怪的，离奇的；怪诞的，神秘而可怕的 | |
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foresight
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| n.先见之明，深谋远虑 | |
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prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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abdicate
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| v.让位，辞职，放弃 | |
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novices
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| n.新手( novice的名词复数 )；初学修士（或修女）；（修会等的）初学生；尚未赢过大赛的赛马 | |
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astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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82
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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84
patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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amassed
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| v.积累，积聚( amass的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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rite
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| n.典礼，惯例，习俗 | |
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colloquially
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| adv.用白话，用通俗语 | |
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applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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91
superstitious
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| adj.迷信的 | |
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repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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everlastingly
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| 永久地，持久地 | |
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94
lurk
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| n.潜伏，潜行；v.潜藏，潜伏，埋伏 | |
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vampire
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| n.吸血鬼 | |
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96
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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98
crouching
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| v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的现在分词 ) | |
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99
unaware
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| a.不知道的，未意识到的 | |
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100
caressing
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| 爱抚的，表现爱情的，亲切的 | |
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101
drowsiness
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| n.睡意；嗜睡 | |
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102
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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103
ardently
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| adv.热心地，热烈地 | |
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104
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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106
soda
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| n.苏打水；汽水 | |
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107
infantry
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| n.[总称]步兵(部队) | |
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108
favourably
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| adv. 善意地，赞成地 =favorably | |
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thigh
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| n.大腿；股骨 | |
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warded
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| 有锁孔的，有钥匙榫槽的 | |
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111
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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112
curtly
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| adv.简短地 | |
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113
frustrated
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| adj.挫败的，失意的，泄气的v.使不成功( frustrate的过去式和过去分词 )；挫败；使受挫折；令人沮丧 | |
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114
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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115
despatch
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| n./v.(dispatch)派遣；发送；n.急件；新闻报道 | |
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116
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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117
adversary
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| adj.敌手，对手 | |
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118
eluding
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| v.（尤指机敏地）避开( elude的现在分词 )；逃避；躲避；使达不到 | |
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119
acquits
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| 宣判…无罪( acquit的第三人称单数 )； 使（自己）作出某种表现 | |
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120
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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121
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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122
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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123
phantom
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| n.幻影，虚位，幽灵；adj.错觉的，幻影的，幽灵的 | |
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knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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shrieking
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| v.尖叫( shriek的现在分词 ) | |
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reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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dwellings
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| n.住处，处所( dwelling的名词复数 ) | |
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wailing
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| v.哭叫，哀号( wail的现在分词 )；沱 | |
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lamentation
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| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
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thronged
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| v.成群，挤满( throng的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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slew
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| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
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valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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ravages
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| 劫掠后的残迹，破坏的结果，毁坏后的残迹 | |
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sniffed
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| v.以鼻吸气，嗅，闻( sniff的过去式和过去分词 )；抽鼻子（尤指哭泣、患感冒等时出声地用鼻子吸气）；抱怨，不以为然地说 | |
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137
sniff
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| vi.嗅…味道；抽鼻涕；对嗤之以鼻，蔑视 | |
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amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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139
delicacies
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| n.棘手( delicacy的名词复数 )；精致；精美的食物；周到 | |
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140
filth
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| n.肮脏，污物，污秽；淫猥 | |
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141
withered
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| adj. 枯萎的，干瘪的，（人身体的部分器官）因病萎缩的或未发育良好的 动词wither的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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joyfully
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| adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地 | |
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bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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suffocated
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| （使某人）窒息而死( suffocate的过去式和过去分词 )； （将某人）闷死； 让人感觉闷热； 憋气 | |
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rebuking
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| 责难或指责( rebuke的现在分词 ) | |
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crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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sobbed
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| 哭泣，啜泣( sob的过去式和过去分词 )； 哭诉，呜咽地说 | |
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reigns
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| n.君主的统治( reign的名词复数 )；君主统治时期；任期；当政期 | |
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accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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152
credulous
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| adj.轻信的，易信的 | |
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153
chuckling
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的现在分词 ) | |
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dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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deity
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| n.神，神性；被奉若神明的人(或物) | |
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permanently
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| adv.永恒地，永久地，固定不变地 | |
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