the good-natured prince and the princess
“The little hare looked up and saw a beautiful youth standing beside him. His experience with men made him think that it would be best to fly from the stranger; but the young man’s kind glance conquered his fear, and he answered: ‘I left the island of Oki to see the wonders of the mainland, and I have fared badly from the exchange.’ Then he told once more how he had left the island, and also about the bad advice the eighty princes had given him.
“The young man sighed. ‘They used you ill, little creature,’ he said. ‘You learned that it is foolish to meddle with beings stronger than yourself; now you see how wicked it is to torment those weaker. My brother princes should have told you to bathe in the fresh water of the river and to lie on the soft rushes. Now, good-by, little friend. May good luck attend you!’ And he walked quietly away, bending beneath the large burden he carried.
“The little hare knew that the stranger was the eighty-first of the princes, and so for a time, he feared to follow his advice. But he was in such pain that he decided to go to the river, which flowed like a silver ribbon through the fields toward the ocean. Into the cool water he plunged and immediately felt better, as the sand and bitter salt of the sea were washed from his wounds. Then he took a nap on the soft rushes.
“When he awoke he no longer was in pain, so he was filled with gratitude toward the young prince who had given him such kind and wise advice. He sat up, feeling quite strong again, and tried to think of a way in which he could repay his benefactor. In the distance he saw the roofs of the princess’s palace rising among the trees which surrounded it. This gave him an idea, and he lost no time in carrying it out.
“Across the fields he hopped toward the palace, never stopping till he reached the garden wall. He crept in under the high gate, and there stood the princess under a cherry-tree covered with blossoms. The little hare went up to her and said respectfully:
“‘Gracious Princess, I bring to you advice, if you will accept it from so insignificant a person as I.’
“‘Speak, little hare,’ the beautiful princess answered, for she knew that the best things are often found in unexpected places, and things are not always what they seem to be.
“‘Eighty princes are coming to-day as suitors for your hand. They are dressed in rich and beautiful robes, and their faces are gay and smiling; but all that is only to hide the cruelty of their hearts. Following them is a young man who is as wise as he is kind and gentle. Turn the eighty from your gate, but honor the youngest suitor as greater than they.’