A Japanese miscellany - University of Oregon

60 Japanese Miscellany
it the power of the Lord Buddha came to our
aid, and the Gates of Birth were opened, . . .
And for that which you have done you shall be
fitly rewarded. To a brave samurai no gift can
be more serviceable than strength : therefore,
not only to you, but likewise to your children
and to your children's children, great strength
shall be given."
And, with this promise, the divinity disap-
peared.
Umetsu Chiibei, wondering greatly, resumed
his way to the castle. At sunrise, on being
relieved from duty, he proceeded as usual to
wash his face and hands before making his
morning prayer. But when he began to wring
the towel which had served him, he was sur-
prised to feel the tough material snap asunder
in his hands. He attempted to twist together
the separated portions ; and again the stuff
parted—like so much wet paper. He tried to
wring the four thicknesses; and the result was
the same. Presently, after handling various ob-
jects of bronze and of iron which yielded to his
touch like clay, he understood that he had come
into full possession of the great strength prom-