Story, story! Let it go, let it come!
This is a tale about certain youths. In the days of old, three young men set out on a journey to an outlying village where beautiful young girls lived. These three were masters of their crafts: one was the King of Wrestlers, one was the King of Bowmen, and the third was the King of Prayer.
They traveled on until they came to a stream. At that time, there was little water in the road; the stream was shallow, coming only up to their ankles. They crossed easily and passed on.
They arrived where the maidens were. They greeted them kindly, and the maidens agreed to go with them. So the youths carried them off, returning along the same path. But when they came back to the stream, they found it full up with water! The river had risen in the night, and the crossing was gone.
They said, "Ah! When we passed this water, it was not so. How is this?"
One among them said, "Let us turn back." But the rest said, "No, we do not go back."
Now they were three, each a master of a great skill. They said, "Let each try to get out of this difficulty by resorting to his own particular art."
They said, "Let the one who is strong in prayer commence."
So the King of Prayer prostrated himself. He spat on his staff and struck the water. Immediately, the water opened before him! He took his maiden by the hand, and they passed over on dry ground. Then the water returned to where it was, blocking the way once more.
Next, the Prince of Bowmen stepped forward. He drew out his arrows from his quiver. He set them in a line upon the surface of the water, from one bank to the other, creating a bridge of wood and feather. He returned, lifted up his maiden, and they stepped on the arrows. They passed over safely. Then he came back and picked up his arrows.
There remained the King of Wrestlers. He too sought for what he should do, but he could not find a way. He tried this way, and failed. He made that plan, and failed. Until he was weary.
Then he got in a rage. He seized his maiden, and with a wrestling trick, he twisted his leg around hers. They jumped together, rising high in the air like birds. They did not fall until they landed on the edge of the far bank.
Now, among them, who was better than another? Who was the greatest, and who was the least? If you do not know, there you are.
Off with the rat's head.