Three big, gawky helmet-headed beetles next followed, bearing rice-sprouts, with full heads of rice.
"Oh! oh! look there!" cried a little grub at the side of the road. "See the little grasshopper riding on his father's back!"
"Hai," said Mother Butterfly, putting one paw on her baby's neck, for fear of being arrested for making a noise.
It was so. The little 'hopper, tired of long walking, had climbed on his father's back for a ride, holding on by the feelers and seeing everything.
Finally, toward the end of the procession, was a great crowd of common 'hoppers, beetles, and bugs of all sorts, carrying the presents to be given in Yedo, and the clothing, food and utensils for the use of Lord Long-legs on the journey; for the hotels were sometimes very poor on the Tokaido high road, and the daimio liked his comforts. Besides, it was necessary for Lord Long-legs to travel with proper dignity, as became a daimio. His messengers always went before and engaged lodging-places, as the fleas, spiders and mosquitoes from other localities, who traveled up and down the great high road, sometimes occupied the places first. The procession wound up by the rear-guard of Daddy Long-legs, who prevented any insult or disrespect from the rabble. After the line had passed, insects could cross the road, traffic and travel were resumed, and the road was cleared, while the procession faded from view in the distance.
KIYOHIME, OR THE POWER OF LOVE.
