the fire-bird

The Fire- Bird
A man by name Chang of Hainan island on coming to the mainland wanted to present himself before the emperor. He made himself a court dress in silk with sashes and embroidered work.
But to his great dismay while he was lodged in the city of Sun and the Moon, his dress was eaten by moths. These moths, upon enquiries he found, were the personal property of a fabled bird. An immortal advised hapless Chang thus,“You can make your complaints to the bird with the speech of man and who guards the gates of heaven. He will surely pay for damages.”
“Surely I will make him pay.” Chang was angry and dismayed. With the aid of an experienced guide he reached where the phoenix used to roost on a cherry tree.
After hearing his complaint the fire-bird said that those moths were indeed part of his plumage.
“Then you shall be happy to help me out?” the man was hopeful, ” It is with great effort that I got this court dress.”
“How many times do you think that I have risen from ashes?” the bird asked.
“But I get to see the emperor only once.” The man was really put out, ” I have no time to make another dress.” The fire- bird continued as if he did not hear him,” those moths have survived fire each time.”
“But they damaged my dress!” “Fair enough.” The phoenix replied, “you give your dress, in exchange for mine.”
Chang thought for a while but the idea of a dress from a bird known for self consuming in its own fire seemed too overwhelming. ”What if I should develop its very nature?” After a pause he exclaimed in horror,
”Why, I will be reduced to ashes!”
“Oh no!” he shrank from its presence, saying, “I will borrow from one who is about my size.” He was for forgetting the whole thing.

A note for example middle C on a piano is regular vibrations at the rate of 262 per second. If the wings of a humming bird could produce so many vibrations at the same rate it is middle C. No one by any stretch of imagination will, on that account conclude the bird and the piano are one and the same. The bird has truth of nature, too distinct to be confused for anything else. This truth is drawn from Truth.

benny