Chinese Merry Tales (1909)/17

Chapter XVII.—The Hen-pecked Husbands' Club.  (正夫綱.)

THERE are many men who are afraid of their wives. Most of them are illtreated by their wives at their homes. One day they happened to meet together. Everyone had an opinion. They found a temple. They said: "We ten people will burn incense to-day before the Fuh-yeh (Joss) and declare ourselves to be sworn brothers." They determined to have a day of merry feasting. Everyone returned to his home and again suffered ill-treatment. After having made all arrangements, they bought wine and meat. Just when they were enjoying the feast at its height, unthought of the ten wives, though not by appointment, found their way to the temple. Nine of the brothers all tried to find a place of concealment, from whence they could peep. Only one man was left sitting there, who made no movement, and allowed all the women to create a tumult, but did not interfere with them. The women harangued for a half day, then dispersed. Several of the men said: "We are not so courageous as he is; let us appoint him as our chief." They ventured to have a look at him, then said: "Behold, our chief has been frightened to death and has become a saint while sitting there."