Penrhyn Wingfield Coussens

“ Opulo bowed his head to the ground, and Jofuku said to him, "Your request is selfish and therefore hard to grant. You imagine that you would like to become a hermit such as those you seek, and so partake of the Elixir of Life. A hermit's life is a hard one and not suited to an idle man who is used to enjoy every possible comfort. To be a hermit one must obey strict rules; he must eat only fruit and berries, and cut himself off from the ways of the world, so that he may become pure and free from unworthy desire.
"You, Opulo, have always been a lazy man, and have been too fond of good living. ”

“ A long time ago there lived in Japan a man named Opulo who was quite rich. There was really nothing about which he need worry, but one day the thought came to him that he might fall sick and die. Probably the only reason for this was because he didn't have to earn his living, and so had very little to occupy his time.
"It seems to me," said he to himself, "that a man ought to live a much longer life than he does. I am very comfortable here, with all I want to eat and drink, and plenty of money to spend, so why should I not enjoy life for hundreds of years without sickness or worry?" ”

“ As you have prayed, so has Jofuku permitted you in a dream to see the land of Continual Life. You were not contented there and wished to return to your own country that you might die. And even your desire for death was not real, for when the fish was there to swallow you, you called on Jofuku to save you. There is only one thing for you to do; return to your home and live an industrious life, be helpful to yourself and to others, and thus will you be happy and live to a good old age. And be sure that any selfish desire you may have, even if it be granted, will never bring you happiness. ”