AN OLD FABLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 252, 14 January 1928, Page 25

AN OLD FABLE

THE JAPANESE SPARROW

Once upon a time there lived in Japan an old couple who had tamed a sparrow. Every day he came to be fed, and fluttered about their house, sometimes alighting on their shoulders, where, quite at home, he would chirp as though he were on a forest tree. One day the old woman was in the garden when her bad-tempered neighbour called out: “You won't see your precious sparrow again. He came eating my rice, and I’v<? cut his tongue out." The spiteful woman laughed. The poor old couple were filled, with sorrow. They feared the bird would starve, and they, felt sure he would never trust himself near a human being again. m As they could not rest at home they wandered into the woods calling the bird. By and by they came to a clearing. There stood a most beautiful little house, only a few feet high. The sliding door was pushed • aside, and out flew their sparrow, followed by his wife and little ones, all twittering a welcome in which the old people could plainly distinguish the words. ‘‘How glad I am that my hosts should be my guests!" cried the sparrow. ‘‘How happy I am in this enchanted place to be able to tell you how thankful I am for the love you have shown me!" In and out flew the sparrows, bringing toy-like mats and bowls and cups, which gre\v quite big as soon as the old couple touched them. They all feasted together in the forest. The baby sparrows hung lanterns from tall plants, and then danced and played the lute to amuse their guests. At last the old couple said they must return. Then the father sparrow brought two little baskets, which he laid at their feet. ‘‘One is heavy, and one is light," he said; “which will you have?" The old people chose the light one, as they were not strong enough for great burdens. After tender farewells they returned. The basket grew from the size of a walnut to that of a trunk, and when they opened it at home they found it filled with brilliant silks, glittering jewels, all the loveliest things fairy hands could have packed into it. Never more would they be cold and hungry. Their neighbour, hearing the cries of excitement, ran in. As soon as she learned their story she hastened away to the woods. She came to the little house and knocked at the door. Out came Father Sparrow., and looked at her sternly. The woman said she was very sorry she had cut his tongue out, but everyone is apt to lose their temper sometimes! She hoped he would overlook it, and give her a present in memory of their having been neighbours. Without more ado the sparrows brought out two baskets. The greedy woman chose the heavier, and set off for home without wasting breath on a thank you. The basket grew and grew, till her arms ached and her back was nearly broken. Only the thought of treasure enabled the exhausted woman to drag it home. With weary hand she lifted the lid. Out sprang two enormous goblins, who carried her off to the dismal place where those who iliuse birds and animals are punished as they deserve.

THE DAY AFTER I had a birthday, yesterday, I had a party, too, And some of them wore yellow frocks, And some of them wore blue, And some of them wore pink and white, And some of them wore red, And all of them had tea and played Ana then went home to bed. I wish my birthday, yesterday, Had waited till to-day; I wish my pretty party frock Had not been put away; Yes, every time I think of it I wish it more and more; It is so beautiful to have A birthday and be four! FROM A FIVE-YEAR-OLD Dear Dawn Lady,— There was a little thrush in our hedge and it disappeared. We play ball with the fallen apples and we have apple fights. A lovely big poppy came out in my garden and it was red. Our cat, Fluff, sends you his love. Your faithful little Sunbeam, LESLIE WALLER. Tree. How is Bennet? Is he still in Hamilton? ' _ . Joyce Gallagher, Auckland: Welcome to Mistress Joyce. lam so glad that you have come to Happy Town. Joyce Gilbert is one of the very faithful Sunbeams. I am so glad that you know her. Gay du Faur, Howlck: Your most interesting letter has reached me safely, Gay. What a lovely family of little bantam chicks. You will be able to make pets of them. Yes, I expect little wild rabbits wonder why we don’t live down burrows too. Best love, Gay. Becky Pelham, Royal Oak: What a wonderful bathing suit and cap, Becky. You will be a real beach girl. The prizes are a little late in reaching the Sunbeams this time, as many of the children have been away, and I have been waiting for all the lists to come in. Yours will be in your hands very soon now. Nola Craig’s address is 4 Norwood Road, Mt. Albert. Rosie Evans, Birkdale: I am sorry to hear that this Sunbeam has been so ill. What was the matter? I hope you will take good care of yourself and soon be pei*fectly strong again. Best love from us all in Happy Town. Jean Eyre, Herne Bay: That will be a wonderful holiday trip, Jean, and I hope you will have a very happy time. It is unfortunate that the water-ball has burst. I think you must have felt vers* sad when it happened. Best love to my faithful little Jean. Dulcie Lindsey, Hamilton: It is splendid that you are now a Sunbeam, Dulcie, especially as you are so fond of the Happy Town page. I hope you will often write to me. Love and greetings from the Dawn Lady and the Little Thought. Edwyna Stone, Onehunga: How strange that your two sisters should have their birthdays on the same day, Edwyn. It must be a gala day in your house. You will soon be brown with all that swimming. All the hidden animals are correct.