The White Rabbit
Rabbit Island
Rabbit Island was near Japan and was full of lovely rabbits. As there were no other animals on the island, the rabbits lived without any fear.
A Dream of Adventure
Though there were many kinds of rabbits, there was only one white rabbit. This rabbit would lie on the sands and gaze at the blue sea, dreaming of going to Japan to see all the wonderful things he had heard about. All the other rabbits noticed his distracted state and asked what was wrong.
Seeking a Crossing
The white rabbit replied, “Ah! If I could only cross the sea and go to the land on the other side, I would be able to see all the wonderful things in the world. I must go there at least once in my lifetime.”
The other rabbits laughed and said, “Don’t be silly. If you leave this island, you will fall into danger. So don’t go.”
But the white rabbit was determined and continually thought about how he could cross over to the other side.
The Crocodile’s Temptation
A certain crocodile living in the sea spurred the rabbit’s curiosity by describing all the wonders of Japan. It spoke at length about the people and how finely they dressed and lived.
The crocodile said, “Well, you must have heard about the beautiful princess who lives on the mainland. Daily, hundreds of suitors come seeking her hand in marriage. Even now, I heard that five princes from a distant land are coming to Japan to woo her.”
Crossing the Sea
Unable to contain himself any longer, the white rabbit said, “Friend crocodile, I am eager to see Japan and the lovely princess. Please take me on your back and drop me on the other side.”
The crocodile replied, “Oh! How can that be? Won’t the other rabbits be annoyed if I do that?”
However, the white rabbit pleaded so much that eventually, the crocodile relented. Carrying him on its back, the crocodile crossed over to Japan. The white rabbit leaped ashore nimbly and skipped around in great joy. But suddenly, a dog pounced and bit him all over his body. Sorely wounded, the rabbit ran for dear life and landed in a salt mound, which only increased his pain.
In Search of Help
Hiding behind a tree, the poor creature bemoaned its fate. Determined to return to his island, he sought the help of the crocodile. When no one was around, he dashed toward the shore.
Just then, four horsemen dressed like princes came galloping along the shore. The rabbit stopped in his tracks and overheard them talking about the princess.
Dismissed by the Princes
As they neared, the rabbit boldly approached them and requested to be taken to the princess. They only laughed and said, “If the princess looks at you, she’ll turn her face away,” before galloping off.
Heartbroken, the rabbit rolled about on the sand, aggravating the pain from his raw wounds.
An Unexpected Ally
Soon, a man dragging a large load of luggage came that way and noticed the forlorn rabbit. Gently, he picked up the creature and asked, “Alas! Who has done this to you?”
The white rabbit recounted all that had happened, mentioning the four princes. The man replied, “Ah! Yes, those four are my older brothers. I am their youngest brother. We came to press our suit with the princess, but they treat me like a servant and I carry their luggage for them.”
A Kind Gesture
The white rabbit then asked, “Why don’t you marry the princess? You seem a good sort.”
The prince laughed at this simple statement, busily dressing the rabbit’s wounds, and said, “Oh! White rabbit, stay here and rest a while. I will put salve on your wounds, and you will become handsome again.”
To the Palace
After going away, the prince returned and took the sleeping rabbit with him to the palace.
At that time, the princess had rejected the suit of the other four princes. When the fifth prince entered the palace with the white rabbit, the princess was enchanted. Her eyes lit up as she held the rabbit in her arms, caressing him. The white rabbit related his adventure and urged her to marry the fifth prince, who was kind and good.
A Happy Ending
Thus, the princess married the fifth prince, and they lived happily ever after. Since that time, the white rabbit has also found a home in the palace.