A JAPANESE TALE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 227, 14 December 1927, Page 6

A JAPANESE TALE

A Japanese knight" was once walking near the shore when he was amazed to see a hideous monster creeping inland. He drew his sword, but the creature turned its eyes on him meekly, and made no show of resistance. “What are you?” cried the knight. “My name is Samebito,” replied the creature. “I have been exiled because the Dragon King of the Sea is angry with me. On land I shall soon perish, even if you do not kill me.” The knight was moved to pity. He took the monster home, and let it live in a lake fringed with lilies and graceful trees. Every day the knight fed it with freshly caught fish. All went well till the .man fell in love with a beautiful damsel who vowed she would not marry him unless he gave her ten thousand jewels. Even if he sold his land and his armour.

his house and his. furniture, the unfortunate knight would not be able to make her such a present.

He went to bed, turned his face to the wall, and lay there without tasting food or water, for he no longer cared to live.

Samebito could not understand what had become of his master. At length he crept out of the water and drew his long scaly body into the house. The knight turned his head and murmured faintly: “Alas. Samebito, we must part for ever, for I am dying.” At these words the monster burst into tears. And 10, every tear was a ruby! The knight leapt out of bed, and began to pick up the jewels with exclamations of wonder and delight. “You have saved me. Samebito!” he cried. Then his face fell, for he saw that there were not ten thousands jewels yet. “Please weep again,” he asked. Samebito was indignant. “I cannot weep at will.” the monster exclaimed. “My tears welled up from the anguish of my heart. Now you are well I sorrow no longer.” However, when the knight explained his difficulty, the ruffled monster became pensive. After remaining for a moment deep in thought he said: “Take me to the sea, and' perhaps as I gaze at my old home I shall grow mournful and weep.”

So they brought a large wagon, and drove the monster to the sea. He had not contemplated the blue ocean for long before the precious tears began to ooze from his sad eyes. There was soon quite a mound of jewels, and the knight could hardly contain his exultation.

Suddenly a voice cried from the sea: Samebito! You are pardoned. You may return!” The two friends took a tender farewell. and parted, one for his bride, the other for his native sea. A MEMORY Each night beside my bed My mother sang so tenderly and low, While I, with snuggling head. Floated away on slumber’s quiet flow. — There are no songs like hers of long ago. Each night until I slept A little while beside my bed she stayed; ; And then away she crept While through the fields of wonderland I strayed. There are no prayers like those my mother prayed. Long years ago, she died. But sometimes when the silence seals the day, And slumber’s dreamlight tide Begins to bear me on its homeward I think I hear her sing. I hear her pray. j Arthur L. Salmon.