Page 87 - Animals of the Sakhalin Region in myths and legends

— You are not mistaken, Kanchil, the way it is. I flew here with my wife and
children just so that you know how grateful we are to you. You helped us escape

from the enemy. Sparing no effort and not knowing fear, you came to our aid,
and my wife and children and I escaped a terrible danger. We were saved only
thanks to you, smart and kind Kanchil! How can we weak birds pay you back?
Only by the fact that we will always be faithful to you. Day and night we will
pray for your health! May God prolong your life, may he send you joy and
happiness!
— Thank you very much for your loyalty, — Mouse-deer replied. —Although
you are small in stature and weak, do not forget that life is different: sometimes
it happens that even a small animal helps a big one. Anything can be - the will
of God. Who knows when I will need your help. Well, there is no great merit
in the fact that I saved you from the peasant. If to God it was pleasing to save
your life, then he would have found ways to save you from danger without me.
Therefore, there is no need to say that I helped you — everything is God’s will.

Now I want to give you some advice. All of us living in this world should
always strive for good. Never do harm to anyone, do not cause grief to anyone.
When we do a good deed, our hearts are light, as it is easy for a person who
has paid off his debts — he no longer experiences shame or fear. When we do
what is supposed to be done, our souls feel good, as it is good for a patient who
has taken a remedy. About who is good, and after death the rumor is good. The
situation is quite different with those with an evil heart. They all the time hate
someone, take offenseat someone, do not know a restful sleep, always in fear, as
if surrounded by enemies. Is it possible to compare them with those who fulfill
the commandments of the Almighty! And their souls are pure, and there are no
vain aspirations. First of all, they think about how to please God and do good
to their neighbors. Therefore, the fame of them is good. Everyone who knows
them, everyone who hears about them, treats them with love. Therefore, they
will speak well of them even after their death.
— Thank you very much, Kanchil, for your words. With all my heart I want to
do as you advise. May God hear my prayers and send me more strength so that
I can come to the aid of animals in trouble. There is nothing impossible in the
world, everything is in the power of God.

— I am very glad that you have such good intentions. In the next world, bliss
awaits you.
— May your prayers come true, Kanchil. Now allow me, my wife and children
to leave you — after all, we have been here for a very long time.
— All the best, Snipe. I will pray that you will always be healthy and that
everything will be well in your family!
Snipe rose into the air and disappeared into the clouds. And Kanchil, left
alone, again lay down under the ficus and dozed off, blown by the wind. After a
while, he was already fast asleep.

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