once upon a time many, many years ago, there lived in china two friends named ki-wu and pao-shu. these two young men, like damon and pythias, loved each other and were always together. no cross words passed between them; no unkind thoughts marred their friendship. many an interesting tale might be told of their unselfishness, and of how the good fairies gave them the true reward of virtue. one story alone, however, will be enough to show how strong was their affection and their goodness.
it was a bright beautiful day in early spring when ki-wu and pao-shu set out for a stroll together, for they were tired of the city and its noises.
"let us go into the heart of the pine forest," said ki-wu lightly. "there we can forget the cares that worry us; there we can breathe the sweetness of the flowers and lie on the moss-covered ground."
"good!" said pao-shu, "i, too, am tired. the forest is the place for rest."
happy as two lovers on a holiday, they passed along the winding road, their eyes turned in longing toward the distant tree-tops. their hearts beat fast in youthful pleasure as they drew nearer and nearer to the woods.
"for thirty days i have worked over my books," sighed ki-wu. "for thirty days i have not had a rest. my head is stuffed so full of wisdom, that i am afraid it will burst. oh, for a breath of the pure air blowing through the greenwood."
