Untitled

184
THE WONDERFUL CITY OF TOKIO.
journey, he instructed the bozu not to touch the koro, saying,
f
If that were broken,
I should lose what could never be re-
placed.'
" One day, when he was away visiting the head of the
church, some country bozu came to the temple to see their
friends. The priests, on duty, forgetting their instructions, not
only exhibited the koro, but allowed their guests to handle it.
Alas! one of the party clumsily dropped the treasure upon the
floor.
? What shall we do! What shall we do!' cried the un-
happy bozu.
? The Shojo will never forgive us.'
;c
While they were lamenting and praying, a young novice,
named Ikiu, entered the apartment, and on learning the cause
of their agony, said,
c Do not be grieved, I can make this all right.'
'How?' they demanded. 'You cannot put the koro to-
gether again.'
r You will see,' he answered. 'Just leave it all to me and
do not feel any more anxiety about the matter.'
" He picked up a fragment of the porcelain and placed it
in his sleeve, then knelt and repeated his prayers until he
heard the cry, 'The Shojo is at the gate,' when he rose and
proceeded to the portal.
"As soon as the superior alighted from his kago, Ikiu
prostrated himself, bowed his head to the ground, and said,
?
Holy father, all living things what?"
f The venerable man regarded him for a few seconds, then
gravely replied,
<
Must die!'
"The boy thought awhile, after which he said,
c
f
what?"
All fragile things
Must be broken,' sadly responded the old priest.