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naughty-boy | " oh let me in ! let me in ! i am cold , and i 'm so wet ! " exclaimed suddenly a child that stood crying at the door and knocking for admittance , while the rain poured down , and the wind made all the windows rattle . " poor thing ! " said the old poet , as he went to open the door . there stood a little boy , quite naked , and the water ran down from his long golden hair . he trembled with cold , and had he not come into a warm room he would most certainly have perished in the frightful tempest . | why did the boy ask to come inside ? | he was cold and wet . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
naughty-boy | " poor child ! " said the old poet , as he took the boy by the hand . " come in , come in , and i will soon restore thee ! thou shalt have wine and roasted apples , for thou art verily a charming child ! " and the boy was so really . his eyes were like two bright stars . although the water trickled down his hair , it waved in beautiful curls . he looked exactly like a little angel , but he was so pale , and his whole body trembled with cold . he had a nice little bow in his hand , but it was quite spoiled by the rain , and the tints of his many - colored arrows ran one into the other . | what did the poet offer the child ? | wine and roasted apples . | local | action | explicit | ||
naughty-boy | the old poet seated himself beside his hearth , and took the little fellow on his lap . he squeezed the water out of his dripping hair , warmed his hands between his own , and boiled for him some sweet wine . then the boy recovered , his cheeks again grew rosy , he jumped down from the lap where he was sitting , and danced round the kind old poet . " you are a merry fellow , " said the old man . " what 's your name ? " " my name is cupid , " answered the boy . " do n't you know me ? there lies my bow . it shoots well , i can assure you ! look , the weather is now clearing up , and the moon is shining clear again through the window . " | what did the boy do after he jumped down from the poet's lap ? | danced around . | local | action | explicit | ||
naughty-boy | the old poet seated himself beside his hearth , and took the little fellow on his lap . he squeezed the water out of his dripping hair , warmed his hands between his own , and boiled for him some sweet wine . then the boy recovered , his cheeks again grew rosy , he jumped down from the lap where he was sitting , and danced round the kind old poet . " you are a merry fellow , " said the old man . " what 's your name ? " " my name is cupid , " answered the boy . " do n't you know me ? there lies my bow . it shoots well , i can assure you ! look , the weather is now clearing up , and the moon is shining clear again through the window . " | what is the boy's name ? | cupid . | local | character | explicit | ||
naughty-boy | " why , your bow is quite spoiled , " said the old poet . " that were sad indeed , " said the boy , and he took the bow in his hand and examined it on every side . " oh , it is dry again , and is not hurt at all . the string is quite tight . i will try it directly . " and he bent his bow , took aim , and shot an arrow at the old poet , right into his heart . " you see now that my bow was not spoiled , " said he laughing ; and away he ran . the naughty boy , to shoot the old poet in that way ! he who had taken him into his warm room , who had treated him so kindly , and who had given him warm wine and the very best apples ! the poor poet lay on the earth and wept , for the arrow had really flown into his heart . " fie ! " said he . " how naughty a boy cupid is ! i will tell all children about him , that they may take care and not play with him , for he will only cause them sorrow and many a heartache . " | who will the poet tell about naughty cupid ? | all the children . | local | prediction | explicit | ||
naughty-boy | " why , your bow is quite spoiled , " said the old poet . " that were sad indeed , " said the boy , and he took the bow in his hand and examined it on every side . " oh , it is dry again , and is not hurt at all . the string is quite tight . i will try it directly . " and he bent his bow , took aim , and shot an arrow at the old poet , right into his heart . " you see now that my bow was not spoiled , " said he laughing ; and away he ran . the naughty boy , to shoot the old poet in that way ! he who had taken him into his warm room , who had treated him so kindly , and who had given him warm wine and the very best apples ! the poor poet lay on the earth and wept , for the arrow had really flown into his heart . " fie ! " said he . " how naughty a boy cupid is ! i will tell all children about him , that they may take care and not play with him , for he will only cause them sorrow and many a heartache . " | why did the poet cry ? | because cupid shot an arrow into his heart . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
naughty-boy | and all good children to whom he related this story , took great heed of this naughty cupid ; but he made fools of them still , for he is astonishingly cunning . when the university students come from the lectures , he runs beside them in a black coat , and with a book under his arm . it is quite impossible for them to know him , and they walk along with him arm in arm , as if he , too , were a student like themselves . then , unperceived , he thrusts an arrow to their bosom . when the young maidens come from being examined by the clergyman , or go to church to be confirmed , there he is again close behind them . yes , he is forever following people . at the play , he sits in the great chandelier and burns in bright flames , so that people think it is really a flame , but they soon discover it is something else . he roves about in the garden of the palace and upon the ramparts : yes , once he even shot your father and mother right in the heart . ask them only and you will hear what they 'll tell you . | why does cupid dress up like a student ? | so he can be sneaky . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
naughty-boy | and all good children to whom he related this story , took great heed of this naughty cupid ; but he made fools of them still , for he is astonishingly cunning . when the university students come from the lectures , he runs beside them in a black coat , and with a book under his arm . it is quite impossible for them to know him , and they walk along with him arm in arm , as if he , too , were a student like themselves . then , unperceived , he thrusts an arrow to their bosom . when the young maidens come from being examined by the clergyman , or go to church to be confirmed , there he is again close behind them . yes , he is forever following people . at the play , he sits in the great chandelier and burns in bright flames , so that people think it is really a flame , but they soon discover it is something else . he roves about in the garden of the palace and upon the ramparts : yes , once he even shot your father and mother right in the heart . ask them only and you will hear what they 'll tell you . | where does cupid sit at the play ? | on the great chandelier . | local | setting | explicit | ||
naughty-boy | oh , he is a naughty boy , that cupid ; you must never have anything to do with him . he is forever running after everybody . only think , he shot an arrow once at your old grandmother ! but that is a long time ago , and it is all past now ; however , a thing of that sort she never forgets . fie , naughty cupid ! but now you know him , and you know , too , how ill - behaved he is ! | what did cupid do to your old grandmother ? | shot an arrow at her . | local | action | explicit | ||
naughty-boy | " oh let me in ! let me in ! i am cold , and i 'm so wet ! " exclaimed suddenly a child that stood crying at the door and knocking for admittance , while the rain poured down , and the wind made all the windows rattle . " poor thing ! " said the old poet , as he went to open the door . there stood a little boy , quite naked , and the water ran down from his long golden hair . he trembled with cold , and had he not come into a warm room he would most certainly have perished in the frightful tempest . and all good children to whom he related this story , took great heed of this naughty cupid ; but he made fools of them still , for he is astonishingly cunning . when the university students come from the lectures , he runs beside them in a black coat , and with a book under his arm . it is quite impossible for them to know him , and they walk along with him arm in arm , as if he , too , were a student like themselves . then , unperceived , he thrusts an arrow to their bosom . when the young maidens come from being examined by the clergyman , or go to church to be confirmed , there he is again close behind them . yes , he is forever following people . at the play , he sits in the great chandelier and burns in bright flames , so that people think it is really a flame , but they soon discover it is something else . he roves about in the garden of the palace and upon the ramparts : yes , once he even shot your father and mother right in the heart . ask them only and you will hear what they 'll tell you . oh , he is a naughty boy , that cupid ; you must never have anything to do with him . he is forever running after everybody . only think , he shot an arrow once at your old grandmother ! but that is a long time ago , and it is all past now ; however , a thing of that sort she never forgets . fie , naughty cupid ! but now you know him , and you know , too , how ill - behaved he is ! | why did cupid really show up at the poet's door ? | to shoot an arrow at him . | summary | causal relationship | implicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | at the time that the tang dynasty was reigning there lived a man named liu i , who had failed to pass his examinations for the doctorate . so he traveled home again . he had gone six or seven miles when a bird flew up in a field , and his horse shied and ran ten miles before he could stop him . there he saw a woman who was herding sheep on a hillside . he looked at her and she was lovely to look upon , yet her face bore traces of hidden grief . astonished , he asked her what was the matter . | who had failed to pass his examinations for the doctorate ? | liu i . | local | character | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | the woman began to sob and said : " fortune has forsaken me , and i am in need and ashamed . since you are kind enough to ask i will tell you all . i am the youngest daughter of the dragon - king of the sea of dungting , and was married to the second son of the dragon - king of ging dschou . yet my husband ill - treated and disowned me . i complained to my step - parents , but they loved their son blindly and did nothing . and when i grew insistent they both became angry , and i was sent out here to herd sheep . " when she had done , the woman burst into tears and lost all control of herself . then she continued : " the sea of dungting is far from here ; yet i know that you will have to pass it on your homeward journey . i should like to give you a letter to my father , but i do not know whether you would take it . " | who was youngest daughter of the dragon-king of the sea of dungting ? | the woman . | local | character | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | the woman began to sob and said : " fortune has forsaken me , and i am in need and ashamed . since you are kind enough to ask i will tell you all . i am the youngest daughter of the dragon - king of the sea of dungting , and was married to the second son of the dragon - king of ging dschou . yet my husband ill - treated and disowned me . i complained to my step - parents , but they loved their son blindly and did nothing . and when i grew insistent they both became angry , and i was sent out here to herd sheep . " when she had done , the woman burst into tears and lost all control of herself . then she continued : " the sea of dungting is far from here ; yet i know that you will have to pass it on your homeward journey . i should like to give you a letter to my father , but i do not know whether you would take it . " | why did the woman complain to her step-parents ? | her husband ill - treated and disowned her . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | the woman began to sob and said : " fortune has forsaken me , and i am in need and ashamed . since you are kind enough to ask i will tell you all . i am the youngest daughter of the dragon - king of the sea of dungting , and was married to the second son of the dragon - king of ging dschou . yet my husband ill - treated and disowned me . i complained to my step - parents , but they loved their son blindly and did nothing . and when i grew insistent they both became angry , and i was sent out here to herd sheep . " when she had done , the woman burst into tears and lost all control of herself . then she continued : " the sea of dungting is far from here ; yet i know that you will have to pass it on your homeward journey . i should like to give you a letter to my father , but i do not know whether you would take it . " | how did the woman feel when she finished telling liu i her story ? | sad . | local | feeling | implicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | the woman began to sob and said : " fortune has forsaken me , and i am in need and ashamed . since you are kind enough to ask i will tell you all . i am the youngest daughter of the dragon - king of the sea of dungting , and was married to the second son of the dragon - king of ging dschou . yet my husband ill - treated and disowned me . i complained to my step - parents , but they loved their son blindly and did nothing . and when i grew insistent they both became angry , and i was sent out here to herd sheep . " when she had done , the woman burst into tears and lost all control of herself . then she continued : " the sea of dungting is far from here ; yet i know that you will have to pass it on your homeward journey . i should like to give you a letter to my father , but i do not know whether you would take it . " | what did the woman want liu i to do ? | give a letter to her father . | local | action | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | liu i answered : " your words have moved my heart . would that i had wings and could fly away with you . i will be glad to deliver the letter to your father . yet the sea of dungting is long and broad , and how am i to find him ? " " on the southern shore of the sea stands an orange - tree , " answered the woman , " which people call the tree of sacrifice . when you get there you must loosen your girdle and strike the tree with it three times in succession . then some one will appear whom you must follow . when you see my father , tell him in what need you found me , and that i long greatly for his help . " | how will liu i find the woman's father ? | find an orange - tree on the southern shore of the sea . | local | prediction | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | then she fetched out a letter from her breast and gave it to liu i. she bowed to him , looked toward the east and sighed , and , unexpectedly , the sudden tears rolled from the eyes of liu i as well . he took the letter and thrust it in his bag . then he asked her : " i can not understand why you have to herd sheep . do the gods slaughter cattle like men ? " | how did liu i feel after hearing the woman's story ? | sad . | local | feeling | implicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | and when he looked more closely he noticed that these sheep walked around in proud , savage fashion , quite different from ordinary sheep . liu i added : " but if i deliver the letter for you , and you succeed in getting back to the sea of dungting in safety , then you must not use me like a stranger . " the woman answered : " how could i use you as a stranger ? you shall be my dearest friend . " | what did liu i notice about these rain-sheep ? | noticed that these sheep walked around in proud , savage fashion , quite different from ordinary sheep . | local | action | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | and when he looked more closely he noticed that these sheep walked around in proud , savage fashion , quite different from ordinary sheep . liu i added : " but if i deliver the letter for you , and you succeed in getting back to the sea of dungting in safety , then you must not use me like a stranger . " the woman answered : " how could i use you as a stranger ? you shall be my dearest friend . " and with these words they parted . in course of a month liu i reached the sea of dungting , asked for the orange - tree and , sure enough , found it . he loosened his girdle , and struck the tree with it three times . at once a warrior emerged from the waves of the sea , and asked : " whence come you , honored guest ? " | what will happen when liu i reaches the sea of dungting ? | a warrior will emerge from the waves of the sea . | summary | prediction | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | liu i had waited for the king a long time . to all his questions the warrior replied : " our master is pleased at this moment to talk with the priest of the sun up on the coral - tower about the sacred book of the fire . he will , no doubt , soon be through . " liu i went on to ask : " why is he interested in the sacred book of the fire ? " the reply was : " our master is a dragon . the dragons are powerful through the power of water . they can cover hill and dale with a single wave . the priest is a human being . human beings are powerful through fire . they can burn the greatest palaces by means of a torch . fire and water fight each other , being different in their nature . for that reason our master is now talking with the priest , in order to find a way in which fire and water may complete each other . " before they had quite finished there appeared a man in a purple robe , bearing a scepter of jade in his hand . | why was the king interested in the sacred book of the fire ? | the king wanted to find a way in which fire and water may complete each other . | summary | causal relationship | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | the reply was : " our master is a dragon . the dragons are powerful through the power of water . they can cover hill and dale with a single wave . the priest is a human being . human beings are powerful through fire . they can burn the greatest palaces by means of a torch . fire and water fight each other , being different in their nature . for that reason our master is now talking with the priest , in order to find a way in which fire and water may complete each other . " before they had quite finished there appeared a man in a purple robe , bearing a scepter of jade in his hand . the warrior said : " this is my master ! " liu i bowed before him . the king asked : " are you not a living human being ? what has brought you here ? " | who was the man in a purple robe, bearing a scepter of jade in his hand ? | the king . | summary | character | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | liu i gave his name and explained : " i have been to the capital and there failed to pass my examination . when i was passing by the ging dschou river , i saw your daughter , whom you love , herding sheep in the wilderness . the winds tousled her hair , and the rain drenched her . i could not bear to see her trouble and spoke to her . she complained that her husband had cast her out and wept bitterly . then she gave me a letter for you . and that is why i have come to visit you , o king ! " with these words he fetched out his letter and handed it to the king . when the latter had read it , he hid his face in his sleeve and said with a sigh : " it is my own fault . i picked out a worthless husband for her . instead of securing her happiness i have brought her to shame in a distant land . you are a stranger and yet you have been willing to help her in her distress , for which i am very grateful to you . " then he once more began to sob , and all those about him shed tears . thereupon the monarch gave the letter to a servant who took it into the interior of the palace ; and soon the sound of loud lamentations rose from the inner rooms . | what will the king do when liu i gives him the letter ? | hide his face in his sleeve and say with a sigh : " it is my own fault . " . | summary | prediction | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | the king was alarmed and turned to an official : " go and tell them within not to weep so loudly ! i am afraid that tsian tang may hear them . " " who is tsian tang ? " asked liu i. " he is my beloved brother , " answered the king . " formerly he was the ruler of the tsian - tang river , but now he has been deposed . " liu i asked : " why should the matter be kept from him ? " " he is so wild and uncontrollable , " was the reply , " that i fear he would cause great damage . the deluge which covered the earth for nine long years in the time of the emperor yau was the work of his anger . because he fell out with one of the kings of heaven , he caused a great deluge that rose and covered the tops of five high mountains . then the king of heaven grew angry with him , and gave him to me to guard . i had to chain him to a column in my palace . " | why did the king want to keep this matter from tsian tang ? | the king feared tsian tang would cause great damage . | summary | causal relationship | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | before he had finished speaking a tremendous turmoil arose , which split the skies and made the earth tremble , so that the whole palace began to rock , and smoke and clouds rose hissing and puffing . a red dragon , a thousand feet long , with flashing eyes , blood - red tongue , scarlet scales and a fiery beard came surging up . he was dragging along through the air the column to which he had been bound , together with its chain . thunders and lightnings roared and darted around his body ; sleet and snow , rain and hail - stones whirled about him in confusion . there was a crash of thunder , and he flew up to the skies and disappeared . liu i fell to earth in terror . the king helped him up with his own hand and said : " do not be afraid ! that is my brother , who is hastening to ging dschou in his rage . we will soon have good news ! " then he had food and drink brought in for his guest . when the goblet had thrice made the rounds , a gentle breeze began to murmur and a fine rain fell . a youth clad in a purple gown and wearing a lofty hat entered . a sword hung at his side . his appearance was manly and heroic . behind him walked a girl radiantly beautiful , wearing a robe of misty fragrance . and when liu i looked at her , lo , it was the dragon - princess whom he had met on his way ! a throng of maidens in rosy garments received her , laughing and giggling , and led her into the interior of the palace . the king , however , presented liu i to the youth and said : " this is tsian tang , my brother ! " | what will liu i do when he sees the red dragon ? | fall to earth in terror . | summary | prediction | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | he raised his goblet and drank to the health of his guest , and all sorrow departed from them . both rulers thanked liu i in verses , and liu i answered them in a rimed toast . the crowd of courtiers in the palace - hall applauded . then the king of the sea of dungting drew forth a blue cloud - casket in which was the horn of a rhinoceros , which divides the water . tsian tang brought out a platter of red amber on which lay a carbuncle . these they presented to their guest , and the other inmates of the palace also heaped up embroideries , brocades and pearls by his side . surrounded by shimmer and light liu i sat there , smiling , and bowed his thanks to all sides . when the banquet was ended he slept in the palace of frozen radiance . | what did the king give liu i ? | the horn of a rhinoceros . | local | action | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | on the following day another banquet was held . tsian tang , who was not quite himself , sat carelessly on his seat and said : " the princess of the dungting sea is handsome and delicately fashioned . she has had the misfortune to be disowned by her husband , and to - day her marriage is annulled . i should like to find another husband for her . if you were agreeable it would be to your advantage . but if you were not willing to marry her , you may go your way , and should we ever meet again we will not know each other . " | what did tsian tang want to do for the princess ? | find another husband for her . | local | action | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | liu i was angered by the careless way in which tsian tang spoke to him . the blood rose to his head and he replied : " i served as a messenger , because i felt sorry for the princess , but not in order to gain an advantage for myself . to kill a husband and carry off a wife is something an honest man does not do . and since i am only an ordinary man , i prefer to die rather than do as you say . " | why was liu i angered by tsian tang ? | liu i was angered by the careless way in which tsian tang spoke to him . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | liu i was angered by the careless way in which tsian tang spoke to him . the blood rose to his head and he replied : " i served as a messenger , because i felt sorry for the princess , but not in order to gain an advantage for myself . to kill a husband and carry off a wife is something an honest man does not do . and since i am only an ordinary man , i prefer to die rather than do as you say . " tsian tang rose , apologized and said : " my words were over - hasty . i hope you will not take them ill ! " and the king of the dungting sea also spoke kindly to him , and censured tsian tang because of his rude speech . so there was no more said about marriage . on the following day liu i took his leave , and the queen of the dungting sea gave a farewell banquet in his honor . | what will tsian tang do when liu i is angered ? | apologize . | summary | prediction | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | when , on his return home , he sold no more than a hundredth part of what he had received , his fortune already ran into the millions , and he was wealthier than all his neighbors . he decided to take a wife , and heard of a widow who lived in the north with her daughter . her father had become a taoist in his later years and had vanished in the clouds without ever returning . the mother lived in poverty with the daughter ; yet since the girl was beautiful beyond measure she was seeking a distinguished husband for her . liu i was content to take her , and the day of the wedding was set . and when he saw his bride unveiled on the evening of her wedding day , she looked just like the dragon - princess . he asked her about it , but she merely smiled and said nothing . | why was liu i wealthier than all of his neighbors ? | liu i sold no more than a hundredth part of what he had received . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | when , on his return home , he sold no more than a hundredth part of what he had received , his fortune already ran into the millions , and he was wealthier than all his neighbors . he decided to take a wife , and heard of a widow who lived in the north with her daughter . her father had become a taoist in his later years and had vanished in the clouds without ever returning . the mother lived in poverty with the daughter ; yet since the girl was beautiful beyond measure she was seeking a distinguished husband for her . liu i was content to take her , and the day of the wedding was set . and when he saw his bride unveiled on the evening of her wedding day , she looked just like the dragon - princess . he asked her about it , but she merely smiled and said nothing . after a time heaven sent them a son . then she told her husband : " to - day i will confess to you that i am truly the princess of dungting sea . when you had rejected my uncle 's proposal and gone away , i fell ill of longing , and was near death . my parents wanted to send for you , but they feared you might take exception to my family . and so it was that i married you disguised as a human maiden . i had not ventured to tell you until now , but since heaven has sent us a son , i hope that you will love his mother as well . " then liu i awoke as though from a deep sleep , and from that time on both were very fond of each other . | what will happen when liu i finds a wife ? | the wife will be the princess of dungting sea . | summary | prediction | implicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | after a time heaven sent them a son . then she told her husband : " to - day i will confess to you that i am truly the princess of dungting sea . when you had rejected my uncle 's proposal and gone away , i fell ill of longing , and was near death . my parents wanted to send for you , but they feared you might take exception to my family . and so it was that i married you disguised as a human maiden . i had not ventured to tell you until now , but since heaven has sent us a son , i hope that you will love his mother as well . " then liu i awoke as though from a deep sleep , and from that time on both were very fond of each other . | why was the princess of the dungting sea disguised as a human maiden ? | the princess of the dungting sea 's family feared liu i might take exception to her family . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | one day his wife said : " if you wish to stay with me eternally , then we can not continue to dwell in the world of men . we dragons live ten thousand years , and you shall share our longevity . come back with me to the sea of dungting ! " ten years passed and no one knew where liu i , who had disappeared , might be . then , by accident , a relative went sailing across the sea of dungting . suddenly a blue mountain rose up out of the water . | why did the princess of the dungting sea want liu i to come back with her to the sea of dungting ? | the dragons lived for ten thousand years , and liu i would share their longevity . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
the-disowned-princess | then liu i gave him fifty pills and said : " each pill will extend your life for the space of a year . when you have lived the tale of these years , come to me and dwell no longer in the earthly world of dust , where there is nothing but toil and trouble . " | what did liu i give to his cousin ? | fifty pills . | local | action | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | did you ever hear the story of the old street lamp ? it is not remarkably interesting , but for once you may as well listen to it . it was a most respectable old lamp , which had seen many , many years of service and now was to retire with a pension . it was this very evening at its post for the last time , giving light to the street . its feelings were something like those of an old dancer at the theater who is dancing for the last time and knows that on the morrow she will be in her garret , alone and forgotten . | how does the street lamp feel on its last night of service ? | sad . | local | feeling | implicit | ||
old-street-lamp | did you ever hear the story of the old street lamp ? it is not remarkably interesting , but for once you may as well listen to it . it was a most respectable old lamp , which had seen many , many years of service and now was to retire with a pension . it was this very evening at its post for the last time , giving light to the street . its feelings were something like those of an old dancer at the theater who is dancing for the last time and knows that on the morrow she will be in her garret , alone and forgotten . | is the street lamp young or old ? | old . | local | character | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | the lamp had very great anxiety about the next day , for it knew that it had to appear for the first time at the town hall to be inspected by the mayor and the council , who were to decide whether it was fit for further service ; whether it was good enough to be used to light the inhabitants of one of the suburbs , or in the country , at some factory . if the lamp could not be used for one of these purposes , it would be sent at once to an iron foundry to be melted down . in this latter case it might be turned into anything , and it wondered very much whether it would then be able to remember that it had once been a street lamp . this troubled it exceedingly . | what will happen if the town hall decides the street lamp can't be used ? | it will be sent to an iton foundry and melted down . | local | prediction | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | the lamp had very great anxiety about the next day , for it knew that it had to appear for the first time at the town hall to be inspected by the mayor and the council , who were to decide whether it was fit for further service ; whether it was good enough to be used to light the inhabitants of one of the suburbs , or in the country , at some factory . if the lamp could not be used for one of these purposes , it would be sent at once to an iron foundry to be melted down . in this latter case it might be turned into anything , and it wondered very much whether it would then be able to remember that it had once been a street lamp . this troubled it exceedingly . | why was the lamp anxious ? | because it did n't know if it would remember anything once it was melted down . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
old-street-lamp | whatever might happen , it seemed certain that the lamp would be separated from the watchman and his wife , whose family it looked upon as its own . the lamp had first been hung up on the very evening that the watchman , then a robust young man , had entered upon the duties of his office . ah , well ! it was a very long time since one became a lamp and the other a watchman . his wife had some little pride in those days ; she condescended to glance at the lamp only when she passed by in the evening -- never in the daytime . but in later years , when all of them -- the watchman , the wife , and the lamp -- had grown old , she had attended to it , cleaning it and keeping it supplied with oil . the old people were thoroughly honest ; they had never cheated the lamp of a single drop of the oil provided for it . | what did the watchman's wife use to clean the streetlamp ? | oil . | local | action | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | this was the lamp 's last night in the street , and to - morrow it must go to the town hall -- two very dark things to think of . no wonder it did not burn brightly . how many persons it had lighted on their way , and how much it had seen ! as much , very likely , as the mayor and corporation themselves ! none of these thoughts were uttered aloud , however , for the lamp was good and honorable and would not willingly do harm to any one , especially to those in authority . as one thing after another was recalled to its mind , the light would flash up with sudden brightness . at such moments the lamp had a conviction that it would be remembered . | why didn't the light burn brightly ? | because it was worried . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
old-street-lamp | this was the lamp 's last night in the street , and to - morrow it must go to the town hall -- two very dark things to think of . no wonder it did not burn brightly . how many persons it had lighted on their way , and how much it had seen ! as much , very likely , as the mayor and corporation themselves ! none of these thoughts were uttered aloud , however , for the lamp was good and honorable and would not willingly do harm to any one , especially to those in authority . as one thing after another was recalled to its mind , the light would flash up with sudden brightness . at such moments the lamp had a conviction that it would be remembered . | what happened when the lamp remembered things ? | the light would flash up with sudden brightness . | local | outcome resolution | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | " there was a handsome young man , once , " thought the lamp ; " it is certainly a long while ago , but i remember that he had a little note , written on pink paper with a gold edge . the writing was elegant , evidently a lady 's . twice he read it through , and kissed it , and then looked up at me with eyes that said quite plainly , ' i am the happiest of men ! ' only he and i know what was written on this , his first letter from his lady - love . ah , yes , and there was another pair of eyes that i remember ; it is really wonderful how the thoughts jump from one thing to another ! a funeral passed through the street . a young and beautiful woman lay on a bier decked with garlands of flowers , and attended by torches which quite overpowered my light . all along the street stood the people from the houses , in crowds , ready to join the procession . but when the torches had passed from before me and i could look around , i saw one person standing alone , leaning against my post and weeping . never shall i forget the sorrowful eyes that looked up at me . " | who was the letter from ? | the young man 's lady love . | local | character | implicit | ||
old-street-lamp | " there was a handsome young man , once , " thought the lamp ; " it is certainly a long while ago , but i remember that he had a little note , written on pink paper with a gold edge . the writing was elegant , evidently a lady 's . twice he read it through , and kissed it , and then looked up at me with eyes that said quite plainly , ' i am the happiest of men ! ' only he and i know what was written on this , his first letter from his lady - love . ah , yes , and there was another pair of eyes that i remember ; it is really wonderful how the thoughts jump from one thing to another ! a funeral passed through the street . a young and beautiful woman lay on a bier decked with garlands of flowers , and attended by torches which quite overpowered my light . all along the street stood the people from the houses , in crowds , ready to join the procession . but when the torches had passed from before me and i could look around , i saw one person standing alone , leaning against my post and weeping . never shall i forget the sorrowful eyes that looked up at me . " | what was the person who leaned against the street lamp doing ? | weeping . | local | action | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | these and similar reflections occupied the old street lamp on this the last time that its light would shine . the sentry , when he is relieved from his post , knows , at least , who will be his successor , and may whisper a few words to him . but the lamp did not know its successor , or it might have given him a few hints respecting rain or mist and might have informed him how far the moon 's rays would reach , and from which side the wind generally blew , and so on . | why did the street lamp want to know its successor ? | so it could give tips . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
old-street-lamp | on the bridge over the canal stood three persons who wished to recommend themselves to the lamp , for they thought it could give the office to whomsoever it chose . the first was a herring 's head , which could emit light in the darkness . he remarked that it would be a great saving of oil if they placed him on the lamp - post . number two was a piece of rotten wood , which also shines in the dark . he considered himself descended from an old stem , once the pride of the forest . the third was a glowworm , and how he found his way there the lamp could not imagine ; yet there he was , and could really give light as well as the others . but the rotten wood and the herring 's head declared most solemnly , by all they held sacred , that the glowworm only gave light at certain times and must not be allowed to compete with them . the old lamp assured them that not one of them could give sufficient light to fill the position of a street lamp , but they would believe nothing that it said . when they discovered that it had not the power of naming its successor , they said they were very glad to hear it , for the lamp was too old and worn out to make a proper choice . | why did the herring's head think he should replace the lamp ? | it would save oil . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | on the bridge over the canal stood three persons who wished to recommend themselves to the lamp , for they thought it could give the office to whomsoever it chose . the first was a herring 's head , which could emit light in the darkness . he remarked that it would be a great saving of oil if they placed him on the lamp - post . number two was a piece of rotten wood , which also shines in the dark . he considered himself descended from an old stem , once the pride of the forest . the third was a glowworm , and how he found his way there the lamp could not imagine ; yet there he was , and could really give light as well as the others . but the rotten wood and the herring 's head declared most solemnly , by all they held sacred , that the glowworm only gave light at certain times and must not be allowed to compete with them . the old lamp assured them that not one of them could give sufficient light to fill the position of a street lamp , but they would believe nothing that it said . when they discovered that it had not the power of naming its successor , they said they were very glad to hear it , for the lamp was too old and worn out to make a proper choice . | which of the three could only give light at certain times ? | the glowworm . | local | character | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | at this moment the wind came rushing round the corner of the street and through the air - holes of the old lamp . " what is this i hear ? " it asked . " are you going away to - morrow ? is this evening the last time we shall meet ? then i must present you with a farewell gift . i will blow into your brain , so that in future not only shall you be able to remember all that you have seen or heard in the past , but your light within shall be so bright that you will be able to understand all that is said or done in your presence . " " oh , that is really a very , very great gift , " said the old lamp . " i thank you most heartily . i only hope i shall not be melted down . " " that is not likely to happen yet , " said the wind . " i will also blow a memory into you , so that , should you receive other similar presents , your old age will pass very pleasantly . " " that is , if i am not melted down , " said the lamp . " but should i , in that case , still retain my memory ? " " do be reasonable , old lamp , " said the wind , puffing away . | who came rushing around the corner ? | the wind . | local | character | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | at this moment the wind came rushing round the corner of the street and through the air - holes of the old lamp . " what is this i hear ? " it asked . " are you going away to - morrow ? is this evening the last time we shall meet ? then i must present you with a farewell gift . i will blow into your brain , so that in future not only shall you be able to remember all that you have seen or heard in the past , but your light within shall be so bright that you will be able to understand all that is said or done in your presence . " " oh , that is really a very , very great gift , " said the old lamp . " i thank you most heartily . i only hope i shall not be melted down . " " that is not likely to happen yet , " said the wind . " i will also blow a memory into you , so that , should you receive other similar presents , your old age will pass very pleasantly . " " that is , if i am not melted down , " said the lamp . " but should i , in that case , still retain my memory ? " " do be reasonable , old lamp , " said the wind , puffing away . | what will the wind's present do ? | help the street lamp remember . | local | action | implicit | ||
old-street-lamp | at this moment the moon burst forth from the clouds . " what will you give the old lamp ? " asked the wind . " i can give nothing , " she replied . " i am on the wane , and no lamps have ever given me light , while i have frequently shone upon them . " with these words the moon hid herself again behind the clouds , that she might be saved from further importunities . just then a drop fell upon the lamp from the roof of the house , but the drop explained that it was a gift from those gray clouds and perhaps the best of all gifts . " i shall penetrate you so thoroughly , " it said , " that you will have the power of becoming rusty , and , if you wish it , can crumble into dust in one night . " but this seemed to the lamp a very shabby present , and the wind thought so , too . " does no one give any more ? will no one give any more ? " shouted the breath of the wind , as loud as it could . then a bright , falling star came down , leaving a broad , luminous streak behind it . | what did the moon give the streetlamp ? | nothing . | local | action | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | at this moment the moon burst forth from the clouds . " what will you give the old lamp ? " asked the wind . " i can give nothing , " she replied . " i am on the wane , and no lamps have ever given me light , while i have frequently shone upon them . " with these words the moon hid herself again behind the clouds , that she might be saved from further importunities . just then a drop fell upon the lamp from the roof of the house , but the drop explained that it was a gift from those gray clouds and perhaps the best of all gifts . " i shall penetrate you so thoroughly , " it said , " that you will have the power of becoming rusty , and , if you wish it , can crumble into dust in one night . " but this seemed to the lamp a very shabby present , and the wind thought so , too . " does no one give any more ? will no one give any more ? " shouted the breath of the wind , as loud as it could . then a bright , falling star came down , leaving a broad , luminous streak behind it . | who gifted the street lamp a drop ? | the gray clouds . | local | character | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | " what was that ? " cried the herring 's head . " did not a star fall ? i really believe it went into the lamp . certainly , when such high - born personages try for the office we may as well go home . " and so they did , all three , while the old lamp threw a wonderfully strong light all around . | why did the three go home ? | because they were intimidated by their competitors . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
old-street-lamp | " what was that ? " cried the herring 's head . " did not a star fall ? i really believe it went into the lamp . certainly , when such high - born personages try for the office we may as well go home . " and so they did , all three , while the old lamp threw a wonderfully strong light all around . " this is a glorious gift , " it said . " the bright stars have always been a joy to me and have always shone more brilliantly than i ever could shine , though i have tried with my whole might . now they have noticed me , a poor old lamp , and have sent me a gift that will enable me to see clearly everything that i remember , as if it still stood before me , and to let it be seen by all those who love me . and herein lies the truest happiness , for pleasures which we can not share with others are only half enjoyed . " | what did the lamp do to show that it was happy with its gifts ? | lit up really bright . | summary | action | implicit | ||
old-street-lamp | " this is a glorious gift , " it said . " the bright stars have always been a joy to me and have always shone more brilliantly than i ever could shine , though i have tried with my whole might . now they have noticed me , a poor old lamp , and have sent me a gift that will enable me to see clearly everything that i remember , as if it still stood before me , and to let it be seen by all those who love me . and herein lies the truest happiness , for pleasures which we can not share with others are only half enjoyed . " | who will be able to see the street lamps memories ? | all those who love it . | local | character | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | " that sentiment does you honor , " said the wind ; " but for this purpose wax lights will be necessary . if these are not lighted in you , your peculiar faculties will not benefit others in the least . the stars have not thought of this . they suppose that you and every other light must be a wax taper . but i must go down now . " so it laid itself to rest . " wax tapers , indeed ! " said the lamp ; " i have never yet had these , nor is it likely i ever shall . if i could only be sure of not being melted down ! " | what does the wind think the streetlamp will need ? | wax tapers . | local | action | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | the next day -- well , perhaps we had better pass over the next day . the evening had come , and the lamp was resting in a grandfather 's chair ; and guess where ! why , at the old watchman 's house . he had begged as a favor that the mayor and corporation would allow him to keep the street lamp in consideration of his long and faithful service , as he had himself hung it up and lighted it on the day he first commenced his duties , four and twenty years ago . he looked upon it almost as his own child . he had no children , so the lamp was given to him . | where was the streetlamp resting ? | at the watchman 's house . | local | setting | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | the next day -- well , perhaps we had better pass over the next day . the evening had come , and the lamp was resting in a grandfather 's chair ; and guess where ! why , at the old watchman 's house . he had begged as a favor that the mayor and corporation would allow him to keep the street lamp in consideration of his long and faithful service , as he had himself hung it up and lighted it on the day he first commenced his duties , four and twenty years ago . he looked upon it almost as his own child . he had no children , so the lamp was given to him . | why did the watchman look upon the lamp as his child ? | because he had no children . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | there lay the lamp in the great armchair near the warm stove . it seemed almost to have grown larger , for it appeared quite to fill the chair . the old people sat at their supper , casting friendly glances at it , and would willingly have admitted it to a place at the table . it is quite true that they dwelt in a cellar two yards below ground , and had to cross a stone passage to get to their room . but within , it was warm and comfortable , and strips of list had been nailed round the door . the bed and the little window had curtains , and everything looked clean and neat . on the window seat stood two curious flowerpots , which a sailor named christian had brought from the east or west indies . they were of clay , and in the form of two elephants with open backs ; they were filled with earth , and through the open space flowers bloomed . in one grew some very fine chives or leeks ; this was the kitchen garden . the other , which contained a beautiful geranium , they called their flower garden . | how far below ground was the cellar ? | two yards . | local | setting | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | there lay the lamp in the great armchair near the warm stove . it seemed almost to have grown larger , for it appeared quite to fill the chair . the old people sat at their supper , casting friendly glances at it , and would willingly have admitted it to a place at the table . it is quite true that they dwelt in a cellar two yards below ground , and had to cross a stone passage to get to their room . but within , it was warm and comfortable , and strips of list had been nailed round the door . the bed and the little window had curtains , and everything looked clean and neat . on the window seat stood two curious flowerpots , which a sailor named christian had brought from the east or west indies . they were of clay , and in the form of two elephants with open backs ; they were filled with earth , and through the open space flowers bloomed . in one grew some very fine chives or leeks ; this was the kitchen garden . the other , which contained a beautiful geranium , they called their flower garden . | what did they call the garden that contained a geranium ? | the flower garden . | local | action | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | on the wall hung a large colored print , representing the congress of vienna and all the kings and emperors . a clock with heavy weights hung on the wall and went " tick , tick , " steadily enough ; yet it was always rather too fast , which , however , the old people said was better than being too slow . they were now eating their supper , while the old street lamp , as we have heard , lay in the grandfather 's armchair near the stove . | what sound did the clock make ? | tick tick . | local | action | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | at this moment the wind came rushing round the corner of the street and through the air - holes of the old lamp . " what is this i hear ? " it asked . " are you going away to - morrow ? is this evening the last time we shall meet ? then i must present you with a farewell gift . i will blow into your brain , so that in future not only shall you be able to remember all that you have seen or heard in the past , but your light within shall be so bright that you will be able to understand all that is said or done in your presence . " " oh , that is really a very , very great gift , " said the old lamp . " i thank you most heartily . i only hope i shall not be melted down . " " that is not likely to happen yet , " said the wind . " i will also blow a memory into you , so that , should you receive other similar presents , your old age will pass very pleasantly . " " that is , if i am not melted down , " said the lamp . " but should i , in that case , still retain my memory ? " " do be reasonable , old lamp , " said the wind , puffing away . it seemed to the lamp as if the whole world had turned round . but after a while the old watchman looked at the lamp and spoke of what they had both gone through together -- in rain and in fog , during the short , bright nights of summer or in the long winter nights , through the drifting snowstorms when he longed to be at home in the cellar . then the lamp felt that all was well again . it saw everything that had happened quite clearly , as if the events were passing before it . surely the wind had given it an excellent gift ! | why was the lamp able to see everything that happened so clearly ? | because of the wind 's gift . | summary | causal relationship | implicit | ||
old-street-lamp | it seemed to the lamp as if the whole world had turned round . but after a while the old watchman looked at the lamp and spoke of what they had both gone through together -- in rain and in fog , during the short , bright nights of summer or in the long winter nights , through the drifting snowstorms when he longed to be at home in the cellar . then the lamp felt that all was well again . it saw everything that had happened quite clearly , as if the events were passing before it . surely the wind had given it an excellent gift ! | who was speaking to the lamp ? | the old watchman . | local | character | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | the old people were very active and industrious ; they were never idle for even a single hour . on sunday afternoons they would bring out some books , generally a book of travels which they greatly liked . the old man would read aloud about africa , with its great forests and the wild elephants , while his wife would listen attentively , stealing a glance now and then at the clay elephants which served as flowerpots . " i can almost imagine i am seeing it all , " she said . ah ! how the lamp wished for a wax taper to be lighted in it , for then the old woman would have seen the smallest detail as clearly as it did itself ; the lofty trees , with their thickly entwined branches , the naked negroes on horseback , and whole herds of elephants treading down bamboo thickets with their broad , heavy feet . | what did the old people do on sunday afternoons ? | bring out some books . | local | action | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | the old people were very active and industrious ; they were never idle for even a single hour . on sunday afternoons they would bring out some books , generally a book of travels which they greatly liked . the old man would read aloud about africa , with its great forests and the wild elephants , while his wife would listen attentively , stealing a glance now and then at the clay elephants which served as flowerpots . " i can almost imagine i am seeing it all , " she said . ah ! how the lamp wished for a wax taper to be lighted in it , for then the old woman would have seen the smallest detail as clearly as it did itself ; the lofty trees , with their thickly entwined branches , the naked negroes on horseback , and whole herds of elephants treading down bamboo thickets with their broad , heavy feet . | on what continent was the book set ? | africa . | local | setting | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | the old people were very active and industrious ; they were never idle for even a single hour . on sunday afternoons they would bring out some books , generally a book of travels which they greatly liked . the old man would read aloud about africa , with its great forests and the wild elephants , while his wife would listen attentively , stealing a glance now and then at the clay elephants which served as flowerpots . " i can almost imagine i am seeing it all , " she said . ah ! how the lamp wished for a wax taper to be lighted in it , for then the old woman would have seen the smallest detail as clearly as it did itself ; the lofty trees , with their thickly entwined branches , the naked negroes on horseback , and whole herds of elephants treading down bamboo thickets with their broad , heavy feet . | why did the lamp wish for wax taper ? | so it could share what he was seeing with her . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
old-street-lamp | " what is the use of all my capabilities , " sighed the old lamp , " when i can not obtain any wax lights ? they have only oil and tallow here , and these will not do . " one day a great heap of wax - candle ends found their way into the cellar . the larger pieces were burned , and the smaller ones the old woman kept for waxing her thread . so there were now candles enough , but it never occurred to any one to put a little piece in the lamp . " here i am now , with my rare powers , " thought the lamp . " i have faculties within me , but i can not share them . they do not know that i could cover these white walls with beautiful tapestry , or change them into noble forests or , indeed , to anything else they might wish . " | what showed up in the cellar one day ? | wax candles ends . | local | outcome resolution | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | " what is the use of all my capabilities , " sighed the old lamp , " when i can not obtain any wax lights ? they have only oil and tallow here , and these will not do . " one day a great heap of wax - candle ends found their way into the cellar . the larger pieces were burned , and the smaller ones the old woman kept for waxing her thread . so there were now candles enough , but it never occurred to any one to put a little piece in the lamp . " here i am now , with my rare powers , " thought the lamp . " i have faculties within me , but i can not share them . they do not know that i could cover these white walls with beautiful tapestry , or change them into noble forests or , indeed , to anything else they might wish . " | why could the lamp still not share its powers ? | because no one knew to put wax tapers on the lamp . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
old-street-lamp | the lamp , however , was always kept clean and shining in a corner , where it attracted all eyes . strangers looked upon it as lumber , but the old people did not care for that ; they loved it . one day -- it was the watchman 's birthday -- the old woman approached the lamp , smiling to herself , and said , " i will have an illumination to - day , in honor of my old man . " the lamp rattled in its metal frame , for it thought , " now at last i shall have a light within me . " but , after all , no wax light was placed in the lamp -- only oil , as usual . | did the old people feel love or hate for the lamp ? | love . | local | feeling | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | the lamp , however , was always kept clean and shining in a corner , where it attracted all eyes . strangers looked upon it as lumber , but the old people did not care for that ; they loved it . one day -- it was the watchman 's birthday -- the old woman approached the lamp , smiling to herself , and said , " i will have an illumination to - day , in honor of my old man . " the lamp rattled in its metal frame , for it thought , " now at last i shall have a light within me . " but , after all , no wax light was placed in the lamp -- only oil , as usual . | what did the old woman place on the lamp ? | only oil . | local | action | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | the lamp burned through the whole evening and began to perceive too clearly that the gift of the stars would remain a hidden treasure all its life . then it had a dream ; for to one with its faculties , dreaming was not difficult . it dreamed that the old people were dead and that it had been taken to the iron foundry to be melted down . this caused the lamp quite as much anxiety as on the day when it had been called upon to appear before the mayor and the council at the town hall . but though it had been endowed with the power of falling into decay from rust when it pleased , it did not make use of this power . it was therefore put into the melting furnace and changed into as elegant an iron candlestick as you could wish to see -- one intended to hold a wax taper . the candlestick was in the form of an angel holding a nosegay , in the center of which the wax taper was to be placed . it was to stand on a green writing table in a very pleasant room , where there were many books scattered about and splendid paintings on the walls . | what did the lamp dream of ? | being sent to the foundry . | local | action | implicit | ||
old-street-lamp | the lamp burned through the whole evening and began to perceive too clearly that the gift of the stars would remain a hidden treasure all its life . then it had a dream ; for to one with its faculties , dreaming was not difficult . it dreamed that the old people were dead and that it had been taken to the iron foundry to be melted down . this caused the lamp quite as much anxiety as on the day when it had been called upon to appear before the mayor and the council at the town hall . but though it had been endowed with the power of falling into decay from rust when it pleased , it did not make use of this power . it was therefore put into the melting furnace and changed into as elegant an iron candlestick as you could wish to see -- one intended to hold a wax taper . the candlestick was in the form of an angel holding a nosegay , in the center of which the wax taper was to be placed . it was to stand on a green writing table in a very pleasant room , where there were many books scattered about and splendid paintings on the walls . | what was on the walls of the room in the lamp's dream ? | splendid paintings . | local | setting | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | the owner of the room was a poet and a man of intellect . everything he thought or wrote was pictured around him . nature showed herself to him sometimes in the dark forests , sometimes in cheerful meadows where the storks were strutting about , or on the deck of a ship sailing across the foaming sea , with the clear , blue sky above , or at night in the glittering stars . | who owned the room ? | a poet . | local | character | explicit | ||
old-street-lamp | " what powers i possess ! " said the lamp , awaking from its dream . " i could almost wish to be melted down ; but no , that must not be while the old people live . they love me for myself alone ; they keep me bright and supply me with oil . i am as well off as the picture of the congress , in which they take so much pleasure . " and from that time it felt at rest in itself , and not more so than such an honorable old lamp really deserved to be . | why didn't the lamp want to be melted down ? | because it is loved by the old people . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
old-street-lamp | " what powers i possess ! " said the lamp , awaking from its dream . " i could almost wish to be melted down ; but no , that must not be while the old people live . they love me for myself alone ; they keep me bright and supply me with oil . i am as well off as the picture of the congress , in which they take so much pleasure . " and from that time it felt at rest in itself , and not more so than such an honorable old lamp really deserved to be . | why will the lamp stay with the old people as long as it can ? | because it feels loved . | local | prediction | implicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | once upon a time a man named hu - wu - bau , who lived near the great mountain , went walking there one day . and there , under a tree , he met a messenger in a red robe who called out to him : " the lord of the great mountain would like to see you ! " the man was much frightened , but dared offer no objection . the messenger bade him shut his eyes , and when he was allowed to open them again after a short time , he found himself standing before a lofty palace . he entered it to see the god . the latter had a meal prepared for him and said : " i only sent for you to - day because i had heard you intended traveling to the west . and in that case i should like to give you a letter to take to my daughter . " | where did hu-wu-bau live ? | near the great mountain . | local | setting | explicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | once upon a time a man named hu - wu - bau , who lived near the great mountain , went walking there one day . and there , under a tree , he met a messenger in a red robe who called out to him : " the lord of the great mountain would like to see you ! " the man was much frightened , but dared offer no objection . the messenger bade him shut his eyes , and when he was allowed to open them again after a short time , he found himself standing before a lofty palace . he entered it to see the god . the latter had a meal prepared for him and said : " i only sent for you to - day because i had heard you intended traveling to the west . and in that case i should like to give you a letter to take to my daughter . " | where did hu-wu-bau find himself after he opened his eyes ? | a lofty palace . | local | setting | explicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | once upon a time a man named hu - wu - bau , who lived near the great mountain , went walking there one day . and there , under a tree , he met a messenger in a red robe who called out to him : " the lord of the great mountain would like to see you ! " the man was much frightened , but dared offer no objection . the messenger bade him shut his eyes , and when he was allowed to open them again after a short time , he found himself standing before a lofty palace . he entered it to see the god . the latter had a meal prepared for him and said : " i only sent for you to - day because i had heard you intended traveling to the west . and in that case i should like to give you a letter to take to my daughter . " | why did the lord of the great mountain send for hu-wu-bau ? | the lord of the great mountain wanted hu - wu - bau to take a letter to his daughter . | local | causal relationship | implicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | " but where is your daughter ? " asked the man . " she is married to the river - god , " was the reply . " all you need to do is to take along the letter lying there . when you reach the middle of the yellow river , beat against the side of the ship and call out : ' greencoat ! ' then some one will appear and take the letter from you . " and with these words he handed hu - wu - bau the letter , and he was taken back again to the upper world . when he came to the yellow river on his journey , he did what the lord of the great mountain had told him , and cried : " greencoat ! " and sure enough , a girl in green garments rose from the water , took him by the hand and told him to close his eyes . then she led him into the palace of the river - god and he delivered the letter . the river - god entertained him splendidly , and thanked him as best he knew how . at parting he said : " i am grateful that you have made this long journey to see me . i have nothing to give you , however , save this pair of green silk shoes . while you are wearing them you can keep on walking as long as you like and never grow weary . and they will give you the second sight , so that you will be able to see the spirits and gods . " | what will happen when hu-wu-bau returns to the upper world ? | he will go on a journey to deliver the letter . | summary | prediction | implicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | when he came to the yellow river on his journey , he did what the lord of the great mountain had told him , and cried : " greencoat ! " and sure enough , a girl in green garments rose from the water , took him by the hand and told him to close his eyes . then she led him into the palace of the river - god and he delivered the letter . the river - god entertained him splendidly , and thanked him as best he knew how . at parting he said : " i am grateful that you have made this long journey to see me . i have nothing to give you , however , save this pair of green silk shoes . while you are wearing them you can keep on walking as long as you like and never grow weary . and they will give you the second sight , so that you will be able to see the spirits and gods . " | what did the river-god give hu-wu-bau as a gift ? | green silk shoes . | local | action | explicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | when he came to the yellow river on his journey , he did what the lord of the great mountain had told him , and cried : " greencoat ! " and sure enough , a girl in green garments rose from the water , took him by the hand and told him to close his eyes . then she led him into the palace of the river - god and he delivered the letter . the river - god entertained him splendidly , and thanked him as best he knew how . at parting he said : " i am grateful that you have made this long journey to see me . i have nothing to give you , however , save this pair of green silk shoes . while you are wearing them you can keep on walking as long as you like and never grow weary . and they will give you the second sight , so that you will be able to see the spirits and gods . " the man thanked him for the gift and returned to his ship . he continued on his journey to the west , and after a year had passed , came back again . when he reached the great mountain , he thought it would be fit and proper to report to the god . so he once more knocked against the tree and gave his name . in a moment the red - clad messenger appeared and led him to the lord of the mountain . so he reported that he had delivered the letter to the river - god , and how all things were there , and the lord of the mountain thanked him . during the meal which the god had prepared for him , he withdrew for a few moments to a quiet spot . suddenly he saw his deceased father , bound and loaded with chains , who together with several hundred other criminals , was doing menial labor . | what will the lord of the great mountain do after hu-wu-bau delivers the letter ? | thank him . | summary | prediction | explicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | moved to tears , he asked : " o my father , why are you here ? " his father replied : " during my life on earth i happened to tread on bread , hence i was condemned to hard labor at this spot . i have passed two years in this manner , yet their bitterness has been unspeakable . since you are acquainted with the lord of the mountain , you might plead for me , and beg him to excuse me from this task and make me the field - god in our village . " | what did hu-wu-bau's father want his son to do ? | plead for him , and beg him to excuse him from this task and make him the field- god in their village . | local | action | explicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | moved to tears , he asked : " o my father , why are you here ? " his father replied : " during my life on earth i happened to tread on bread , hence i was condemned to hard labor at this spot . i have passed two years in this manner , yet their bitterness has been unspeakable . since you are acquainted with the lord of the mountain , you might plead for me , and beg him to excuse me from this task and make me the field - god in our village . " his son promised to do so , and went back and pleaded with the lord of the mountain as he had agreed . the latter seemed inclined to listen to his prayer , yet said warningly : " the quick and the dead tread different paths . it is not well for the dead and the living to abide near one another permanently . " | what will happen when hu-wu-bau begs to the lord of the mountain ? | the lord of the mountain will listen to his prayer . | summary | prediction | explicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | the man returned home . yet , in about a year 's time nearly all his children had died . in the terror of his heart he turned to the lord of the great mountain . he beat on the tree ; the red - coat came and led him into the palace . there he told of his misfortune and begged the god to protect him . the lord of the mountain smiled : " did i not tell you in the start that the quick and the dead tread different paths , and that it is not well if they abide near each other permanently ? now you see what has happened ! " yet he sent his messenger to fetch the man 's father . the father came and the god spake to him as follows : " i forgave you your offense and sent you back to your home as a field - god . it was your duty to bring happiness to your family . instead , nearly all of your grand - children have died off . why is this ? " | what happened when hu-wu-bau's father was appointed as the field god ? | in about a year 's time nearly all his children had died . | local | outcome resolution | explicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | the man returned home . yet , in about a year 's time nearly all his children had died . in the terror of his heart he turned to the lord of the great mountain . he beat on the tree ; the red - coat came and led him into the palace . there he told of his misfortune and begged the god to protect him . the lord of the mountain smiled : " did i not tell you in the start that the quick and the dead tread different paths , and that it is not well if they abide near each other permanently ? now you see what has happened ! " yet he sent his messenger to fetch the man 's father . the father came and the god spake to him as follows : " i forgave you your offense and sent you back to your home as a field - god . it was your duty to bring happiness to your family . instead , nearly all of your grand - children have died off . why is this ? " | how did hu-wu-bau feel when his children had died ? | scared . | local | feeling | implicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | the man returned home . yet , in about a year 's time nearly all his children had died . in the terror of his heart he turned to the lord of the great mountain . he beat on the tree ; the red - coat came and led him into the palace . there he told of his misfortune and begged the god to protect him . the lord of the mountain smiled : " did i not tell you in the start that the quick and the dead tread different paths , and that it is not well if they abide near each other permanently ? now you see what has happened ! " yet he sent his messenger to fetch the man 's father . the father came and the god spake to him as follows : " i forgave you your offense and sent you back to your home as a field - god . it was your duty to bring happiness to your family . instead , nearly all of your grand - children have died off . why is this ? " | what did the lord of the grat mountain do when hu-wu-bau told of his misfortune ? | sent his messenger to fetch the man 's father . | local | action | explicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | the man returned home . yet , in about a year 's time nearly all his children had died . in the terror of his heart he turned to the lord of the great mountain . he beat on the tree ; the red - coat came and led him into the palace . there he told of his misfortune and begged the god to protect him . the lord of the mountain smiled : " did i not tell you in the start that the quick and the dead tread different paths , and that it is not well if they abide near each other permanently ? now you see what has happened ! " yet he sent his messenger to fetch the man 's father . the father came and the god spake to him as follows : " i forgave you your offense and sent you back to your home as a field - god . it was your duty to bring happiness to your family . instead , nearly all of your grand - children have died off . why is this ? " | what was hu-wu-bau's father's duty as the field god ? | bring happiness to his family . | local | action | explicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | and the father said : " i had been away from home so long that i was overjoyed to return . besides i had meat and drink in overflowing measure . so i thought of my little grand - children and called them to me . " then the lord of the great mountain appointed another field - god for that village , and also gave the father another place . and from that time no further misfortune happened to the family of hu - wu - bau . | why did hu-wu-bau's children die ? | hu - wu - bau 's father thought of his little grand - children and called them to him . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
the-dangerous-reward | the man returned home . yet , in about a year 's time nearly all his children had died . in the terror of his heart he turned to the lord of the great mountain . he beat on the tree ; the red - coat came and led him into the palace . there he told of his misfortune and begged the god to protect him . the lord of the mountain smiled : " did i not tell you in the start that the quick and the dead tread different paths , and that it is not well if they abide near each other permanently ? now you see what has happened ! " yet he sent his messenger to fetch the man 's father . the father came and the god spake to him as follows : " i forgave you your offense and sent you back to your home as a field - god . it was your duty to bring happiness to your family . instead , nearly all of your grand - children have died off . why is this ? " and the father said : " i had been away from home so long that i was overjoyed to return . besides i had meat and drink in overflowing measure . so i thought of my little grand - children and called them to me . " then the lord of the great mountain appointed another field - god for that village , and also gave the father another place . and from that time no further misfortune happened to the family of hu - wu - bau . | what will the lord of the mountain do when hu-wu-bau's father does not fulfill his duty ? | appoint another field - god for that village , and also give the father another place . | summary | prediction | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | before the earth was separated from the heavens , all there was was a great ball of watery vapor called chaos . and at that time the spirits of the five elemental powers took shape , and became the five ancients . the first was called the yellow ancient , and he was the ruler of the earth . the second was called the red lord , and he was the ruler of the fire . the third was called the dark lord , and he was the ruler of the water . the fourth was known as the wood prince , and he was the ruler of the wood . the fifth was called the mother of metals , and ruled over them . these five ancients set all their primal spirit into motion , so that water and earth sank down . the heavens floated upward , and the earth grew firm in the depths . | who was the ruler of the earth ? | yellow ancient . | local | character | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | then they allowed the waters to gather into rivers and seas , and hills and plains made their appearance . so the heavens opened and the earth was divided . and there were sun , moon and all the stars , wind , clouds , rain , and dew . the yellow ancient set earth 's purest power spinning in a circle , and added the effect of fire and water thereto . then there came forth grasses and trees , birds and beasts , and the tribes of the serpents and insects , fishes and turtles . the wood prince and the mother of metals combined light and darkness , and thus created the human race as men and women . and thus the world gradually came to be . | how did the wood prince and the mother of metals create the human race ? | the wood prince and the mother of metals combined light and darkness . | local | action | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | at that time there was one who was known as the true prince of the jasper castle . he had acquired the art of sorcery through the cultivation of magic . the five ancients begged him to rule as the supreme god . he dwelt above the three and thirty heavens , and the jasper castle , of white jade with golden gates , was his . before him stood the stewards of the eight - and - twenty houses of the moon , and the gods of the thunders and the great bear , and in addition a class of baneful gods whose influence was evil and deadly . they all aided the true prince of the jasper castle to rule over the thousand tribes under the heavens , and to deal out life and death , fortune and misfortune . the lord of the jasper castle is now known as the great god , the white jade ruler . | who acquired the art of sorcery through the cultivation of magic ? | the true prince of the jasper castle . | local | character | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | the five ancients withdrew after they had done their work , and thereafter lived in quiet purity . the red lord dwells in the south as the god of fire . the dark lord dwells in the north , as the mighty master of the somber polar skies . he lived in a castle of liquid crystal . in later ages he sent confucius down upon earth as a saint . hence this saint is known as the son of crystal . the wood prince dwells in the east . he is honored as the green lord , and watches over the coming into being of all creatures . in him lives the power of spring and he is the god of love . the mother of metals dwells in the west , by the sea of jasper , and is also known as the queen - mother of the west . she leads the rounds of the fairies , and watches over change and growth . the yellow ancient dwells in the middle . he is always going about in the world , in order to save and to help those in any distress . | what did the five ancients do when they withdrew after they had done their work ? | lived in quiet purity . | local | action | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | the five ancients withdrew after they had done their work , and thereafter lived in quiet purity . the red lord dwells in the south as the god of fire . the dark lord dwells in the north , as the mighty master of the somber polar skies . he lived in a castle of liquid crystal . in later ages he sent confucius down upon earth as a saint . hence this saint is known as the son of crystal . the wood prince dwells in the east . he is honored as the green lord , and watches over the coming into being of all creatures . in him lives the power of spring and he is the god of love . the mother of metals dwells in the west , by the sea of jasper , and is also known as the queen - mother of the west . she leads the rounds of the fairies , and watches over change and growth . the yellow ancient dwells in the middle . he is always going about in the world , in order to save and to help those in any distress . | where did the dark lord live ? | in a castle of liquid crystal . | local | setting | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | the five ancients withdrew after they had done their work , and thereafter lived in quiet purity . the red lord dwells in the south as the god of fire . the dark lord dwells in the north , as the mighty master of the somber polar skies . he lived in a castle of liquid crystal . in later ages he sent confucius down upon earth as a saint . hence this saint is known as the son of crystal . the wood prince dwells in the east . he is honored as the green lord , and watches over the coming into being of all creatures . in him lives the power of spring and he is the god of love . the mother of metals dwells in the west , by the sea of jasper , and is also known as the queen - mother of the west . she leads the rounds of the fairies , and watches over change and growth . the yellow ancient dwells in the middle . he is always going about in the world , in order to save and to help those in any distress . | what did the dark lord do in later ages ? | sent confucius down upon earth as a saint . | local | action | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | the first time he came to earth he was the yellow lord , who taught mankind all sorts of arts . in his later years he fathomed the meaning of the world on the ethereal mount , and flew up to the radiant sun . under the rule of the dschou dynasty he was born again as li oerl , and when he was born his hair and beard were white , for which reason he was called laotsze , " old child . " he wrote the book of " meaning and life " and spread his teachings through the world . he is honored as the head of taoism . at the beginning of the reign of the han dynasty , he again appeared as the old man of the river , ( ho schang gung ) . he spread the teachings of tao abroad mightily , so that from that time on taoism flourished greatly . these doctrines are known to this day as the teachings of the yellow ancient . there is also a saying : " first laotsze was , then the heavens were . " and that must mean that laotsze was that very same yellow ancient of primal days . | why did the yellow ancient fly up to the radiant sun ? | he fathomed the meaning of the world on the ethereal mount . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | the first time he came to earth he was the yellow lord , who taught mankind all sorts of arts . in his later years he fathomed the meaning of the world on the ethereal mount , and flew up to the radiant sun . under the rule of the dschou dynasty he was born again as li oerl , and when he was born his hair and beard were white , for which reason he was called laotsze , " old child . " he wrote the book of " meaning and life " and spread his teachings through the world . he is honored as the head of taoism . at the beginning of the reign of the han dynasty , he again appeared as the old man of the river , ( ho schang gung ) . he spread the teachings of tao abroad mightily , so that from that time on taoism flourished greatly . these doctrines are known to this day as the teachings of the yellow ancient . there is also a saying : " first laotsze was , then the heavens were . " and that must mean that laotsze was that very same yellow ancient of primal days . | why was li oerl called laotsze ? | when he was born his hair and beard were white . | local | causal relationship | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | the first time he came to earth he was the yellow lord , who taught mankind all sorts of arts . in his later years he fathomed the meaning of the world on the ethereal mount , and flew up to the radiant sun . under the rule of the dschou dynasty he was born again as li oerl , and when he was born his hair and beard were white , for which reason he was called laotsze , " old child . " he wrote the book of " meaning and life " and spread his teachings through the world . he is honored as the head of taoism . at the beginning of the reign of the han dynasty , he again appeared as the old man of the river , ( ho schang gung ) . he spread the teachings of tao abroad mightily , so that from that time on taoism flourished greatly . these doctrines are known to this day as the teachings of the yellow ancient . there is also a saying : " first laotsze was , then the heavens were . " and that must mean that laotsze was that very same yellow ancient of primal days . | what will happen when the yellow ancient flies up to the radiant sun ? | he will be born again as li oerl . | summary | prediction | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | before the earth was separated from the heavens , all there was was a great ball of watery vapor called chaos . and at that time the spirits of the five elemental powers took shape , and became the five ancients . the first was called the yellow ancient , and he was the ruler of the earth . the second was called the red lord , and he was the ruler of the fire . the third was called the dark lord , and he was the ruler of the water . the fourth was known as the wood prince , and he was the ruler of the wood . the fifth was called the mother of metals , and ruled over them . these five ancients set all their primal spirit into motion , so that water and earth sank down . the heavens floated upward , and the earth grew firm in the depths . | what will happen when the five ancients set all their primal spirit into motion ? | water and earth will sink down . | summary | prediction | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | then they allowed the waters to gather into rivers and seas , and hills and plains made their appearance . so the heavens opened and the earth was divided . and there were sun , moon and all the stars , wind , clouds , rain , and dew . the yellow ancient set earth 's purest power spinning in a circle , and added the effect of fire and water thereto . then there came forth grasses and trees , birds and beasts , and the tribes of the serpents and insects , fishes and turtles . the wood prince and the mother of metals combined light and darkness , and thus created the human race as men and women . and thus the world gradually came to be . | how did the yellow ancient create grasses and trees, birds and beasts, and the tribes of the serpents and insects, fishes and turtles ? | the yellow ancient set earth 's purest power spinning in a circle , and added the effect of fire and water . | local | action | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | the first time he came to earth he was the yellow lord , who taught mankind all sorts of arts . in his later years he fathomed the meaning of the world on the ethereal mount , and flew up to the radiant sun . under the rule of the dschou dynasty he was born again as li oerl , and when he was born his hair and beard were white , for which reason he was called laotsze , " old child . " he wrote the book of " meaning and life " and spread his teachings through the world . he is honored as the head of taoism . at the beginning of the reign of the han dynasty , he again appeared as the old man of the river , ( ho schang gung ) . he spread the teachings of tao abroad mightily , so that from that time on taoism flourished greatly . these doctrines are known to this day as the teachings of the yellow ancient . there is also a saying : " first laotsze was , then the heavens were . " and that must mean that laotsze was that very same yellow ancient of primal days . | what will the yellow ancient do when he is born again ? | he will write the book of " meaning and life " and spread his teachings through the world . | summary | prediction | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | the first time he came to earth he was the yellow lord , who taught mankind all sorts of arts . in his later years he fathomed the meaning of the world on the ethereal mount , and flew up to the radiant sun . under the rule of the dschou dynasty he was born again as li oerl , and when he was born his hair and beard were white , for which reason he was called laotsze , " old child . " he wrote the book of " meaning and life " and spread his teachings through the world . he is honored as the head of taoism . at the beginning of the reign of the han dynasty , he again appeared as the old man of the river , ( ho schang gung ) . he spread the teachings of tao abroad mightily , so that from that time on taoism flourished greatly . these doctrines are known to this day as the teachings of the yellow ancient . there is also a saying : " first laotsze was , then the heavens were . " and that must mean that laotsze was that very same yellow ancient of primal days . | who did the yellow ancient appear as during the han dynasty ? | the old man of the river . | local | character | explicit | ||
how-the-five-ancients-became-men | the first time he came to earth he was the yellow lord , who taught mankind all sorts of arts . in his later years he fathomed the meaning of the world on the ethereal mount , and flew up to the radiant sun . under the rule of the dschou dynasty he was born again as li oerl , and when he was born his hair and beard were white , for which reason he was called laotsze , " old child . " he wrote the book of " meaning and life " and spread his teachings through the world . he is honored as the head of taoism . at the beginning of the reign of the han dynasty , he again appeared as the old man of the river , ( ho schang gung ) . he spread the teachings of tao abroad mightily , so that from that time on taoism flourished greatly . these doctrines are known to this day as the teachings of the yellow ancient . there is also a saying : " first laotsze was , then the heavens were . " and that must mean that laotsze was that very same yellow ancient of primal days . | what did the old man of the river do to have taoism flourish greatly ? | spread the teachings of tao abroad mightily . | local | action | explicit |