Our Little Japanese CousinWade, Mary Hazelton Blanchard
General
Our Little Japanese Cousin
Wade, Mary Hazelton Blanchard
Children -- Japan -- Juvenile literature; Japan -- Social life and customs -- Juvenile literature
Almost the first words that Toyo learned to speak were, "Thank you,"
and "If you please." Don't think for a moment that he ever did such a
rude thing in his life as to answer "no" or "yes" without some very
polite expression with it. For instance, if his mamma asked him a
question, he would answer with his baby lips, "No, thank you, most
admirable mother," or, "If you please, my adorable, honoured parent,"
at the same time bowing his little body over till his head reached the
ground. Why! he and Lotus Blossom are taught to speak respectfully even
of the potatoes or the dishes or the table. For example, they say, "the
highly respected cup," etc. Isn't it funny? But, after all, isn't it
nice, too, to act kindly toward every one and everything in the world?
If her little brother should step on Lotus Blossom's doll and break
its arm, what would she do? Give him a slap and say, "Oh, you bad,
bad boy?" By no means. A slap is unknown in her land. The little
woman would not even let herself look cross or unhappy, while Toyo
would spend five minutes in telling her how unutterably sad and
broken-hearted he was made by his cruel, ungentlemanly carelessness.
And then, to make them forget all about it, mamma would bring a new
doll from the cupboard.
But perhaps Lotus Blossom is tired of playthings, so she and Toyo run
out in the garden to have a frolic with their pets. They have new ones
nearly every day, for they are fond of every creature that is alive.
To-day they are going to hunt for some big beetles, as Toyo has planned
a little carriage which he will make out of paper, with pasteboard
wheels and reins of silk thread for the paper doll. The beetles will be
harnessed, and the children will train them to draw the carriage. Jolly
fun! The whole afternoon is spent in finding some black beauties and
playing with them.
Another day the children will catch some grasshoppers and tame them.
Toyo will make a pretty paper cage to hold them, while both he and
Lotus Blossom will be very careful to feed them regularly on the
dainties they like best. When night comes the turtles must be looked
after and fed, for Toyo has some beauties. He likes to fasten a string
through the shell and take them walking, just as his American cousins
do, but he would not willingly torture them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account