佛教的故事:Prince Goodspeaker and the Water Demon_少儿英语故事

佛教的故事:Prince Goodspeaker and the Water Demon

　　When both his brothers did not return， Prince Goodspeaker began to worry that they might be in some danger. So he himself went down to the beautiful dark blue lake. As he was a wise and careful person， he did not go directly into the water. Instead， he investigated and saw that there were two sets of foot prints leading into the lake but not coming out again! To protect himself， he go this sword and bow and arrows ready. He began to walk around the lake.

　　Seeing that this prince did not go straight into the lake， the water demon appeared to him disguised as a humble villager. He said to him， My dear friend， you look tired and dirty from much walking. Why dont you get into the water and bathe， drink， and eat some lotus roots?

　　Remembering the one-way footprints， Prince Goodspeaker said， You must be some kind of demon disguised as a human! What have you done with my brothers? Surprised at being recognized so quickly， the water demon returned to his true ferocious appearance. He replied to the wise prince， By my rights， I have captured your brothers!

　　The prince asked， For what reason? So that soon I can gobble them up!， the demon answered， I have permission from my demon ruler to eat all those who go into this lake who do not know the teaching of the gods. If anyone does know the teaching of the gods， I am not allowed to eat him.

　　The Prince asked， Why do you need to know this? What is the advantage to a demon like you， to know the teaching of the gods? The water demon replied， I know there must be some advantage to me. Then I will tell you what the gods teach， said Prince Goodspeaker， but I have a problem. Look at me. I am covered with dust and dirt from traveling. I cannot speak about wise teachings in this condition.