The Fable of the Ships
(After 8 rounds of translation)
A newly wed Bride went to visit a Wizard.
“Why do we call down the stars upon our ships?” she asked
“We put the stars on our great sails as lanterns to guide our ships to safe harbour” he answered.
“What about those that sink?” she asked
“When an evil sorceror climbs to a high point to cast a spell, he throws a burning brand into the sea” explained the wizard
“Can this magic only be done at night?” asked the Bride
“If I had only a little more knowledge I would turn you into a frog!” answered the Wizard
“That would be good” said the Bride
The Great Fleet
(Original Text)
A young girl was speaking with her Great-Father.
“Why do we call the stars the Great Fleet?”
“The stars are the mast-lanterns of the Great-Parents. They shine in the night to guide our spirits home.”
“And what of falling stars?”
“Sometimes when one of the Great-Parents climbs the mast to light the lantern they drop their taper and it falls into the ocean.”
“Then why don’t falling stars appear only at dusk?”
“Don’t be too clever little one, or the Great-Parents will turn you into a seal-pup!”
“I’ll be good!”
