the spirit in the eight jars, and dipping a head into each, did not leave a drop in them. The strength of the spirit speedily took effect, so that the monster fell an easy prey to the brave Susa No. Now, as serpents are said to join readily again when cut, he hewed the orochi to pieces all but the tail. This resisted his efforts, so cutting it open he found therein the blade of a sword, now known as Mura Kumo Isurugi.
Susa No subsequently erected a shrine, and composed a poem, which may be rendered thus:—
Countless piling clouds
Idzumo's rocky heights envelop,
My spouse there have I placed,
A fence around her raised,
My strong arm protects her.
MOMOTARO.
NCE upon a time there was an old couple who had no children, and, being poor, could not adopt any. They grieved over their lonely lot, and often prayed and paid visits to neighbouring shrines, that they might not be left deserted in their last days, They were kind, honest, and devout, and their neighbours agreed that they were worthy, deserving folk.
One day, after returning from a visit to a shrine, Granny was at the stream washing, when she saw floating along a fine ripe peach. Instead of at once greedily eating it, she put it carefully away to give to her old man. When she had given it to him, and he was about to divide it with a knife to give her half, it burst open and out dropped a little boy.
The old couple were delighted, and, believing the gods had sent them at last the long-hoped-for child, they planned a round of thanksgiving visits, to be made as soon as possible.
The boy was named Momotaro, and in course of time grew to be a fine lad, and the old man had him taught all the manly accomplishments, for poverty was not necessarily a hindrance to a willing and apt pupil.
When he had reached the age to think and act for himself, he was
