The Gates of Paradise

A soldier came to the master, and asked: "Is there really a paradise and a hell?"

"Who are you?" inquired the master.

"I am a samurai," the warrior replied.

"You, a soldier!" exclaimed the master. "What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar."

The master's words angered the soldier so much that he began to draw his sword.  The master continued: "So you have a sword! Your weapon is probably much too dull to cut off my head."

As the soldier drew his sword the master remarked: "Here open the gates of hell!"

At these words the samurai, perceiving the master's discipline, sheathed his sword and bowed and replied "Here open the gates of paradise"

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