One-Inch Fellow 一寸法師 (4)

One-Inch Fellow 一寸法師 (4)

One-Inch Fellow started thus on his way to a famous career.
With his chopstick paddle he pushed on and on.

One stormy day he hid behind a support of a bridge and rested until the wind died and there was only a gentle breeze.

Finally one morning early he saw the city of Kyoto rising in the mist.

Happily he steered toward shore.
He stepped out of his boat, and he pushed it away.
"When I return to Naniwa, " he said,
" I shall have an attendant and shall not need this little boat. "

Compared to his quiet home of Naniwa, One -Inch Fellow found the capital big and noisy.

He walked briskly down the middle of a wide street where crowds of people passed back and forth.

No one noticed so tiny a fellow.

After passing several wooden gates, One-Inch Fellow stopped before the highest and longest walls.
"This must be a rich household. I shall offer my services here."

Through the largest gateway he made his way and, walking over a long road, came finally to the entrance of an immense mansion.
It belonged to a famous lord of Kyoto.

(4/9　続く)