But having made themselves known to
their friends, all that were there of old and young gathered together
to gaze upon and hear what they had to say. And they were amazed.
Then each of them, having opened his box, found therein an unguent,
rich and fragrant, and with this they rubbed their bodies completely.
And they were ever after so fragrant from the divine anointing that all
sought to be near them. Happy were they who could but sniff at the
blessed smell which came from them.
Now he who had been despised for his deformity and weakness and
meanness became beautiful and strong and stately as a pine-tree. There
was no man in all the land so graceful or of such good behavior.
And he who had desired abundance had it, in all fullness, his wish. For
the moose and caribou came to him in the forest, the fish leaped into
his nets, all men gave unto him, and he gave unto all freely, to the
end.
And he that had been wicked and of evil mind, hasty and cruel, became
meek and patient, good and gentle, and he made others like himself. And
he had his reward, for there was a blessing upon him as upon all those
who had wished wisely even unto the end of their days. [Footnote: This
beautiful story, in its original simplicity, reminds one of the
tenderest biblical narratives. There is in it nothing reflected or
second-hand; it is a very ancient or truly aboriginal tale.
Pages:
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128