One-Inch Fellow (一寸法師) (2) [One-Inch Fellow 一寸法師]
One-Inch Fellow (一寸法師) (2)
Whenever One-Inch Fellow ventured out on the street alone, the good old woman worried.
”Old man, old man, what if the childen on the street should fight with One-Inch Fellow ? He would be crushed ! "
But she need not have worried.
Whenever the teasing children came toward One-Inch Fellow, he would dart away quick as a flash between their wooden clogs, so that they could not find him.
Fourteen summers went by and One-Inch Fellow was now a young man.
" Honourable Father, honourable Mother, " he said one day, bowing low before his parents.
They were seated at thier low table, which to One-Inch Fellow seemed like a high roof above him.
The old man looked down upon his son.
" What is it, my son ? "
" I should like your permission to go to the capital of Kyoto to make a name for myself.
" And why is that ? " asked the parents in surprise.
" Because I am a grown son now, " he answered, lifting his tiny head high.
" My gratitude to you is higher than the highest mountains and deeper than the deepest seas.
I want to make a name for myself so that you will be proud of me.
The old man looked down.
" I give you permission. Go, my son ! "
During the next days, the old parents were very busy.
The old woman made a new kimono for One-Inch Fellow.
" In Kyoto young men dress with style. I shall have my son look his best. "
The old mn also planned for his son.
" He is too small for a real boat. And he must have a sword.
No son of mine can step out into the world without a sword."
(2/9 続く)
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