Page:Chinese Merry Tales (1909).djvu/60

Chinese Merry Tales

HERE was a man of slow temper who bought a pair of new boots. He met a man of quick temper, who asked him: "Old brother, what is the cost of your boots?" The slow tempered man lifted one of his feet and told him: "Two taels and four mace." When the hot-tempered man heard this, he at once took hold of his servant and gave him a beating and said: "You impudent slave, you bought these boots for me, why do you charge 4 taels for them? Just like you! One who is overbearing to his master and loves money. You are a most contemptible fellow." The slow-tempered man stood by his side and advised him thus: "If you have anything to say, say it slowly; why be in such a rage." After he said this, he again slowly lifted his other foot and said: "Old brother, this one also cost 2 taels 4 mace."

HERE was a man named Chang, of Soochow, who was fond of a long nap. His friend Li has also the same habit. One day Chang made an appointment with Li to consult on some matter of importance. Li went to Chang's house early in the morning. Chang had not risen, so Li went to sleep on the sitting room couch. When Chang woke up, he went down to meet his guest and saw Li asleep. Chang slept again on the opposite side of the same couch. When Li woke up, seeing Chang still asleep, Li kept on sleeping. When Chang woke up and saw Li still asleep, he went to sleep again. When Li woke up, it was evening. Chang was still asleep, so Li went off quietly. When Chang awoke, he saw his friend had left, he hastily returned to his own room and went soundly to sleep again. These two men are always in the arms of Morpheus. When will they really awake?