SUMMARY OF THE LESSON
Taro was a young woodcutter. He lived with his parents on a lonely hillside. Though he worked very hard, he earned very little money. So the family was very poor.
One evening Taro and his parents were sitting in their hut. A cold strong wind was blowing. Taro's father wished he had a cup of sake to warm him. Taro could not buy that expensive drink for his old father. He became very sad. He decided to work harder than before.
Next morning he went to the forest early. He felt tired working by noon. His mouth was dry. He felt thirsty. Suddenly he heard the sound of rushing water. He had never seen a stream there before. He ran to the waterfall behind a rock. He put the water to his lips. It tasted like sake.
Taro quickly filled his pitcher with that water. At home the old father found the liquid tasty as well as heart warming. He began to dance. He offered a cup of sake to an old lady and also told her the story of that magic waterfall. She spread the news in the village.
So many villagers took a sip of the sake. Next morning they went to that waterfall with jars and pitchers. But they were . disappointed. To them the water tasted like ordinary cold water.' They cursed Taro and looked for him to punish him. But Taro saved his life cleverly.
The story of Taro and his magic waterfall reached the Emperor of Japan. He called Taro and rewarded him for his goodness and his service to his old parents. He named the city's best fountain after Taro. He wanted all children to respect and obey their parents.