Japan Folktales The Island of Eternal Youth

Ask me another thing," said the Wise Man. "Well, then, scent me the peony with the scent of the jessamine. The peony is brilliant, imperial; the jessamine is small, pale, foolish. Nevertheless, its perfume is sweet. Scent me the peony with the scent of the jessamine." But Jofuku stood silent and downcast. "By the gods," cried the Emperor, "this wise man is a fool! Here, some of you, off with his head." "Liege," said the Wise Man, "spare me my life and I will set sail for Horaizan where grows the herb Immortality. I will pluck this herb and bring it back to you again, that you may live and reign for ever." The Emperor considered. "Well, go," he said, "and linger not, or it will be the worse for you." Jofuku went and found brave companions to go with him on the great adventure, and he manned a junk with the most famous mariners of China, and he took stores on board, and gold; and when he had made all things ready he set sail in the seventh month, about the time of the full moon. The Emperor himself came down to the seashore. "Speed, speed, Wise Man," he said; "fetch me the herb Immortality, and see that you do it presently. If you return without it, you and your companions shall die the death.