He sent for the head of the family, was much surprised
on seeing so young a woman thus appear, and remarked: "Yours is a
singular family. I have never before seen one without sorrow, nor one
with so young a head. I will fine you for your impudence. Go and weave
me a piece of cloth as long as this road."
"Very well," responded the little woman; "so soon as your Excellency
shall have found the two ends of the road, and informed me as to the
number of feet in its length, I will at once begin the weaving."
Finding himself at fault, the mandarin added, "And I also fine you as
much oil as there is water in the sea."
"Certainly," responded the woman; "as soon as you shall have measured
the sea, and sent me correct information as to the number of gallons,
I will at once begin to press out the oil from my beans."
"Indeed," said the mandarin, "since you are so sharp, perhaps you can
penetrate my thoughts. If you can, I will fine you no more. I hold
this pet quail in my hand; now tell me whether I mean to squeeze it to
death, or to let it fly in the air."
"Well," said the woman, "I am an obscure commoner, and you are a famed
magistrate; if you are no more knowing than I, you have no right to
fine me at all.
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