Page 67 - English_Spark_8

near, the old man, taking a pinch of ashes from his basket, sprinkled it over the tree. In

a moment it burst into blossom.
The delighted daimio ordered the train to be stopped and got out to see the magic.

Calling the old man to him, he thanked him and ordered he should be presented with
silk robes, sponge-cake, fans and other rewards. He even invited him to his palace.

So the old man went joyfully home to share his joy with his dear old wife.
But when the greedy neighbour heard of it, he took some of the magic ashes and

reached the highway. There he waited until a daimio’s train came along and, forgetting
of kneeling down like the crowd, he climbed a withered cherry tree.

Seeing the daimio himself was almost directly under him, he sprinkled a handful of
ashes over the tree, which did not do any magic this time. The wind blew the fine dust

in the noses and eyes of the daimio and his wife. Such sneezing and choking!
It spoiled all the ceremony and dignity of the march. The man whose business it was to

cry, “Get down on your knees,” detained the old fool by the collar, pulled him down from
the tree, and tumbled him and his ash-basket into the ditch by the road. He thrashed

him soundly and left him for death.
Thus the wicked old man died in the mud, but the kind friend of the dog lived in peace

and plenty, and both he and his wife lived to a green old age.
—WILLIAM ELLIOT GRIFFIS (a Japanese tale)

daimios — wealthy landowners (in 19th century japan); tidbits— small but very nice pieces of food;
covetous — unsatisfied; competent — having necessary abilities; palanquin — royal van/cart; desirous
— showing a strong wish for something.

ASSESS YOURSELF
ASSESS YOURSELF

Let's Read and Reflect Comprehension

A. Tick (3) the correct option.

1. The farmer couple loved the dog as if it were their .

(a) child (b) master (c) servant
2. Which of the following is referred to as O TentoSama?

(a) Earth (b) Moon (c) Sun

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