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Updated: June 16, 2025
At last the cakes were made and Momotaro was ready to start on his long journey. Parting is always sad. So it was now. The eyes of the two old people were filled with tears and their voices trembled as they said: "Go with all care and speed. We expect you back victorious!" But he said "Good-by!" quite bravely. "I am going now. Take good care of yourselves while I am away. Good-by!"
Then Peach-Prince, with a wave of his fan bade them rise up and carry the treasures to the largest ship they had, and to point the prow to the land. This done, Momotaro and his company got on board, and the onis bowed farewell. A stiff breeze sprang up and sent the ship plowing through the waters, and bent out the great white sail like a bow.
Then Momotaro stood and gave this order: "Now all of you must listen to me. The first thing necessary in an army is harmony. It is a wise saying which says that 'Advantage on earth is better than advantage in Heaven! Union amongst ourselves is better than any earthly gain. When we are not at peace amongst ourselves it is no easy thing to subdue an enemy.
While he was thus having his lunch a dog almost as large as a colt came running out from the high grass. He made straight for Momotaro, and showing his teeth, said in a fierce way: "You are a rude man to pass my field without asking permission first. If you leave me all the cakes you have in your bag you may go; otherwise I will bite you till I kill you!"
All together called takare mono, or precious treasures. Momotaro made up his mind to conquer these demons, and get their treasures. He prepared his weapons and asked the old woman to make him some millet dumplings.
The three animals were taken aback at this sharp reproof, and clung to Momotaro's sleeve, begging him not to send them away. "Please, Momotaro!" said the dog. "We have come thus far!" said the monkey. "It is inhuman to leave us here!" said the pheasant. "We are not at all afraid of the sea," said the monkey again. "Please do take us with you," said the pheasant. "Do please," said the dog.
He longed to be at work killing the monsters who had done so much harm in his country. As the wind blew in their favor and they met no storms the ship made a quick voyage, and one day when the sun was shining brightly a sight of land rewarded the four watchers at the bow. Momotaro knew at once that what they saw was the devils' stronghold.
He had made up his mind to attack an island where lived a very dreadful ogre. The old woman gave him plenty of food to eat on the way corn and rice wrapped in a bamboo-leaf, and many other things and away he went. He had not gone far when he met a wasp. "Give me a share of your food, Momotaro," said the wasp, "and I will go with you and help you to overcome the ogre."
The bird soon reached the island and took up his position on the roof in the middle of the castle, calling out loudly: "All you devils listen to me! The great Japanese general Momotaro has come to fight you and to take your stronghold from you. If you wish to save your lives surrender at once, and in token of your submission you must break off the horns that grow on your forehead.
"I congratulate you on surrendering so soon," said Momotaro, smiling. "Come and join us in our raid on the devils." "Are you going to take this bird with you also?" asked the dog, interrupting. "Why do you ask such an unnecessary question? Didn't you hear what I said? I take the bird with me because I wish to!" "Humph!" said the dog.
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