long ago there lived at the foot of the mountain a poor farmer and his aged, widowed mother.

They
owned a bit of land which supplied them with food, and their humble were peaceful and happy.
At that time Shinano was governed by a despotic leader who though a warrior, had a great and
cowardly shrinking from anything suggestive of failing health and strength. This caused him to send
out a cruel proclamation.
As the governor of this village, I shall proclaim a strict order. That all aged people must be
removed!- gov. (mationg)
Those were the barbarous days and the custom of abandoning old people was not common.
When the farmer got home he told to his mother everything what the governor said with his heart
filled with sorrow.
Mother! Mother! Governor sent us a strict order, they will kill all aged people in this
village! Ill not let them touch you my mother farmer (ramses)
He decided to bring and leave his mother on the top of Obatsuyama Mountain The Abandoning of the
aged people and starve his mother to death.
--He lifted his helpless old mother to his back and stated on his painful journey up the mountain.
The eyes of the old mother were not so dim but that they noted the reckless hastening from one
path to another, and her loving heart grew anxious. Her son did not know the mountains many
paths and his return might be one of danger, so she stretched forth her hand and snapping the
twigs from brushes as they passed, she quietly dropped a handful every few steps of the way so
that they climbed, the narrow path behind them was dotted at frequently intervals with tiny piles
of twigs.
At last the summit was reached,the poor farmer gently released his mother and prepared a place of
comfort
The trembling mothers voice was full of unselfish love as she gave her last injunction.

Let not thine eyes be blinded, my son.. the mountain road is full of dangers. LOOK
Carefully and follow the path which holds the piles of twigs. They will guide you to the
familiar
way farther down- mother ( cathy mae)
The sons surprised eyes looked back over the path then at his aged mother.
Oh, my mother! Your kindness trust my heart, I will not leave you. Together we will follow
the path of twigs, and together we will die. farmer (ramses)
The poor farmer decided to hide his mother beneath the kitchen floor. And just supply her with
everything.
Time passed, and he was beginning to feel safe when again the governor sent forth heralds bearing an
unreasonable order, seemingly as a boast of his power. His demand was that his subject should
present him with a rope of ashes.

Poor farmers, the governor had sent a message. He demanding a rope of ashes that
should present to him- messenger (angelo)

One night, in great distress the son whispered the news to his hidden mother.
Mother! Mother! What should I do? The governor said make him a rope made of ashes .
farmer( ramses)
Wait, I will think.oh! make a rope of straw and burn it at night, when theres no air.aged mother ( cathy)
The farmer did what his mother told him. And he successfully made it! The, he called the people
together.
Wow, you made one! I will the others. co-farmer (mejia)
Shining needs more the strength of youth, ah! that I should have forgotten the wellknow saying, with the crown of snow, there cometh a wisdom!- gov. (mationg)
THE GOVERNOR ANOUNCED FROM THAT DAY, THE CRUEL LAW WILL BE ABOLISHED.