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AMONG THE PORCELAIN-MAKERS. 175
ing conversation with her. The dear old lady had evidently
made up her mind to convert the girl to Buddhism.
"My child," she said, "although your religion is a very
beautiful one, ours is much older and better. I think if you
were to read some good books, you would be converted to our
way of thinking."
Sallie answered politely, but endeavored to change the
conversation. Noticing an omocha-uri (toy-seller), who had
a stall in the grounds, she said, " I always laugh when I see
those figures of Daruma, they look so comical. Why do they
put a moustache on his face? Look at that dear little baby on
his nurse's back, he is pointing at the toys and crying, r
me ! give me !
'
Give
Mrs. Nambo did not pay any attention to the child, being
anxious to enlighten Sallie on Buddhism, so she said, " Daruma
was a very holy saint, and it is a shame to make toys, snow-
men, and tobacconists' signs in his image. He came from the
land of Shaka, therefore wore a beard and moustache. When
he crossed from Corea he had no boat, but rode over on an
ashi (rush) leaf. Before venturing on this perilous voyage,
he prepared himself by making a retreat that lasted nine years,
during which time he knelt with his face turned to the wall.
It is said that he thus wore off his lower limbs, so he is repre-
sented as having only head, arms, and body. Ah, my daugh-
ter,
if wr e could all be like him! "
Although Sallie felt very much inclined to smile, she preserved
her gravity, knowing that the worthy lady thoroughly
believed what she said. Her great fear was that Fitz, who
had eagerly listened to their conversation, would make one of
his thoughtless speeches.
" Shaka was so gentle," continued Mrs. Nambo, " he had
compassion for everything, and would neither cause pain nor