_HOW THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE WIND WENT OUT TO DINNER._
One day the Sun, the Moon and the Wind went out to dine with their
uncle and aunt, the Thunder and Lightning. Their mother (one of the
most distant Stars you see far up in the sky) waited alone for her
children's return.
Now both the Sun and the Wind were greedy and selfish. They enjoyed
the great feast that had been prepared for them, without a thought of
saving any of it to take home to their mother; but the gentle Moon did
not forget her. Of every dainty dish that was brought round she placed
a small portion under one of her beautiful long finger-nails, that the
Star might also have a share in the treat.[74]
[74] See Notes at the end.
On their return, their mother, who had kept watch for them all night
long with her little bright eye, said, "Well, children, what have you
brought home for me?" Then the Sun (who was eldest) said, "I have
brought nothing home for you. I went out to enjoy myself with my
friends, not to fetch a dinner for my mother!" And the Wind said,
"Neither have I brought anything home for you, mother. You could
hardly expect me to bring a collection of good things for you, when I
merely went out for my own pleasure." But the Moon said, "Mother,
fetch a plate; see what I have brought you." And shaking her hands she
showered down such a choice dinner as never was seen before.
Then the Star turned to the Sun and spoke thus: "Because you went out
to amuse yourself with your friends, and feasted and enjoyed yourself
without any thought of your mother at home, you shall be cursed.
Henceforth, your rays shall ever be hot and scorching, and shall burn
all that they touch. And men shall hate you and cover their heads when
you appear."
(And that is why the Sun is so hot to this day.)
Then she turned to the Wind and said: "You also, who forgot your
mother in the midst of your selfish pleasures, hear your doom. You
shall always blow in the hot, dry weather, and shall parch and shrivel
all living things. And men shall detest and avoid you from this very
time."
(And that is why the Wind in the hot weather is still so
disagreeable.)
But to the Moon she said: "Daughter, because you remembered your
mother, and kept for her a share in your own enjoyment, from
henceforth you shall be ever cool and calm and bright. No noxious
glare shall accompany your pure rays, and men shall always call you
'blessed.'"
(And that is why the Moon's light is so soft and cool and beautiful
even to this day.)
[Decoration]
[Decoration]