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-} -.pglink:hover { -background-color: #DCFFDC; -} -.catlink:hover { -background-color: #FFFFDC; -} -.exlink:hover, .wplink:hover, .biblink:hover { -background-color: #FFDCDC; -}body { -background: #FFFFFF; -font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; -} -body, a.hidden { -color: black; -} -h1, .h1 { -padding-bottom: 5em; -} -h1, h2, .h1, .h2 { -text-align: center; -font-variant: small-caps; -font-weight: normal; -} -p.byline { -text-align: center; -font-style: italic; -margin-bottom: 2em; -} -.figureHead, .noteref, .pseudonoteref, .marginnote, p.legend, .versenum -{ -color: #660000; -} -.rightnote, .pagenum, .linenum, .pagenum a { -color: #AAAAAA; -} -a.hidden:hover, a.noteref:hover { -color: red; -} -h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 { -font-weight: normal; -} -table { -margin-left: auto; -margin-right: auto; -} -.tablecaption { -text-align: center; -}.pagenum, .linenum { -speak: none; -} -</style> - -<style type="text/css"> -/* CSS rules generated from @rend attributes in TEI file */ -.xd21e114width -{ -width:506px; -} -.xd21e120 -{ -text-align:center; -} -.xd21e127width -{ -width:430px; -} -.xd21e2433 -{ -text-indent:2em; -} -.xd21e2460 -{ -text-indent:4em; -} -.xd21e3305 -{ -text-align:center; -} -@media handheld -{ -} -</style> -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Korean Folk Tales, by Im Bang and Yi Ryuk - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Korean Folk Tales - Imps, Ghosts and Faries - -Author: Im Bang - Yi Ryuk - -Translator: James S. Gale - -Release Date: January 22, 2016 [EBook #51002] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KOREAN FOLK TALES *** - - - - -Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project -Gutenberg (This file was produced from images generously -made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div class="front"> -<div class="div1 cover"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first"></p> -<div class="figure xd21e114width"><img src="images/frontcover.jpg" alt= -"Original Front Cover." width="506" height="720"></div> -<p class="par"><span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e118" href="#xd21e118" -name="xd21e118">1</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 cover"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first xd21e120">KOREAN IMPS<br> -GHOSTS AND FAIRIES <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e124" href= -"#xd21e124" name="xd21e124">3</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 titlepage"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first"></p> -<div class="figure xd21e127width"><img src="images/titlepage.jpg" alt= -"Original Title Page." width="430" height="720"></div> -<p class="par"></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="titlePage"> -<div class="docTitle"> -<div class="mainTitle">KOREAN FOLK TALES</div> -<br> -<div class="subTitle">IMPS, GHOSTS AND FAIRIES</div> -</div> -<div class="byline">TRANSLATED FROM THE KOREAN<br> -OF <span class="docAuthor">IM BANG</span> AND <span class= -"docAuthor">YI RYUK</span><br> -BY <span class="docAuthor">JAMES S. GALE</span></div> -<div class="docImprint"><span class="sc">London</span>: J. M. DENT -& SONS, <span class="sc">Ltd.</span><br> -<i><span class="sc">New York</span>: E. P. DUTTON & CO. -1913</i></div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e163" href="#xd21e163" name= -"xd21e163">4</a>]</span></p> -<div class="div1 copyright"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first xd21e120"><i>All rights reserved</i> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e169" href="#xd21e169" name= -"xd21e169">5</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 dedication"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first xd21e120">TO<br> -MY LITTLE SON<br> -GEORGE JAMES MORLEY<br> -THE DAYS OF WHOSE YEARS<br> -ARE<br> -TWO EASTERN SPRINGS AND AUTUMNS <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e184" -href="#xd21e184" name="xd21e184">7</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 preface"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">PREFACE</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">To any one who would like to look somewhat into -the inner soul of the Oriental, and see the peculiar spiritual -existences among which he lives, the following stories will serve as -true interpreters, born as they are of the three great religions of the -Far East, Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism.</p> -<p class="par">An old manuscript copy of Im Bang’s stories came -into the hands of the translator a year ago, and he gives them now to -the Western world that they may serve as introductory essays to the -mysteries, and, what many call, absurdities of Asia. Very gruesome -indeed, and unlovely, some of them are, but they picture faithfully the -conditions under which Im Bang himself, and many past generations of -Koreans, have lived.</p> -<p class="par">The thirteen short stories by Yi Ryuk are taken from a -reprint of old Korean writings issued last year (1911), by a Japanese -publishing company. Three anonymous stories are also added, “The -Geomancer,” to show how Mother Earth has given anxiety to her -chicks of children; “Im, the <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e194" href="#xd21e194" name="xd21e194">8</a>]</span>Hunter,” -to tell of the actualities that exist in the upper air; and “The -Man who lost his Legs,” as a sample of Korea’s Sinbad.</p> -<p class="par">The biographical notes that accompany the stories are -taken very largely from the <i>Kuk-cho In-mul-chi</i>, -“Korea’s Record of Famous Men.”</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">J. S. Gale.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e205" href="#xd21e205" name= -"xd21e205">9</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="toc" class="div1 contents"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">CONTENTS</h2> -<table class="tocList"> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum"></td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">PAGE</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">I</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch1" id="xd21e219" name= -"xd21e219">CHARAN</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">1</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">II</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch2" id="xd21e228" name= -"xd21e228">THE STORY OF CHANG TO-RYONG</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">18</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">III</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch3" id="xd21e237" name= -"xd21e237">A STORY OF THE FOX</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">26</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">IV</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch4" id="xd21e246" name= -"xd21e246">CHEUNG PUK-CHANG, THE SEER</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">29</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">V</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch5" id="xd21e255" name= -"xd21e255">YUN SE-PYONG, THE WIZARD</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">36</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">VI</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch6" id="xd21e264" name= -"xd21e264">THE WILD-CAT WOMAN</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">41</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">VII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch7" id="xd21e273" name= -"xd21e273">THE ILL-FATED PRIEST</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">44</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">VIII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch8" id="xd21e282" name= -"xd21e282">THE VISION OF THE HOLY MAN</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">47</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">IX</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch9" id="xd21e291" name= -"xd21e291">THE VISIT OF THE MAN OF GOD</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">52</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">X</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch10" id="xd21e300" name= -"xd21e300">THE LITERARY MAN OF IMSIL</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">54</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XI</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch11" id="xd21e310" name= -"xd21e310">THE SOLDIER OF KANG-WHA</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">58</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch12" id="xd21e319" name= -"xd21e319">CURSED BY THE SNAKE</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">60</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XIII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch13" id="xd21e328" name= -"xd21e328">THE MAN ON THE ROAD</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">63</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XIV</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch14" id="xd21e337" name= -"xd21e337">THE OLD MAN WHO BECAME A FISH</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">66</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XV</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch15" id="xd21e346" name= -"xd21e346">THE GEOMANCER</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">69</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XVI</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch16" id="xd21e355" name= -"xd21e355">THE MAN WHO BECAME A PIG</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">73</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XVII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch17" id="xd21e364" name= -"xd21e364">THE OLD WOMAN WHO BECAME A GOBLIN</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">78</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XVIII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch18" id="xd21e373" name= -"xd21e373">THE GRATEFUL GHOST</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">80</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XIX</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch19" id="xd21e382" name= -"xd21e382">THE PLUCKY MAIDEN</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">83</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XX</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch20" id="xd21e391" name= -"xd21e391">THE RESOURCEFUL WIFE</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">90</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXI</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch21" id="xd21e400" name= -"xd21e400">THE BOXED-UP GOVERNOR</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">92</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch22" id="xd21e410" name= -"xd21e410">THE MAN WHO LOST HIS LEGS</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">100</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXIII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch23" id="xd21e419" name= -"xd21e419">TEN THOUSAND DEVILS</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">104</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXIV</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch24" id="xd21e428" name= -"xd21e428">THE HOME OF THE FAIRIES</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">111</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXV</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch25" id="xd21e437" name= -"xd21e437">THE HONEST WITCH</a> <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e442" -href="#xd21e442" name="xd21e442">10</a>]</span></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">125</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXVI</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch26" id="xd21e447" name= -"xd21e447">WHOM THE KING HONORS</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">130</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXVII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch27" id="xd21e456" name= -"xd21e456">THE FORTUNES OF YOO</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">133</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXVIII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch28" id="xd21e465" name= -"xd21e465">AN ENCOUNTER WITH A HOBGOBLIN</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">141</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXIX</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch29" id="xd21e474" name= -"xd21e474">THE SNAKE’S REVENGE</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">146</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXX</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch30" id="xd21e483" name= -"xd21e483">THE BRAVE MAGISTRATE</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">150</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXXI</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch31" id="xd21e492" name= -"xd21e492">THE TEMPLE TO THE GOD OF WAR</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">153</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXXII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch32" id="xd21e501" name= -"xd21e501">A VISIT FROM THE SHADES</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">157</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXXIII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch33" id="xd21e511" name= -"xd21e511">THE FEARLESS CAPTAIN</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">162</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXXIV</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch34" id="xd21e520" name= -"xd21e520">THE KING OF YOM-NA (HELL)</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">165</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXXV</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch35" id="xd21e529" name= -"xd21e529">HONG’S EXPERIENCES IN HADES</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">171</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXXVI</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch36" id="xd21e538" name= -"xd21e538">HAUNTED HOUSES</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">177</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXXVII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch37" id="xd21e547" name= -"xd21e547">IM, THE HUNTER</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">182</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXXVIII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch38" id="xd21e556" name= -"xd21e556">THE MAGIC INVASION OF SEOUL</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">188</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XXXIX</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch39" id="xd21e565" name= -"xd21e565">THE AWFUL LITTLE GOBLIN</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">191</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XL</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch40" id="xd21e574" name= -"xd21e574">GOD’S WAY</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">194</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XLI</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch41" id="xd21e583" name= -"xd21e583">THE OLD MAN IN THE DREAM</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">196</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XLII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch42" id="xd21e592" name= -"xd21e592">THE PERFECT PRIEST</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">198</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XLIII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch43" id="xd21e601" name= -"xd21e601">THE PROPITIOUS MAGPIE</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">200</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XLIV</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch44" id="xd21e611" name= -"xd21e611">THE ‘OLD BUDDHA’</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">202</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XLV</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch45" id="xd21e620" name= -"xd21e620">A WONDERFUL MEDICINE</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">204</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XLVI</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch46" id="xd21e629" name= -"xd21e629">FAITHFUL MO</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">205</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XLVII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch47" id="xd21e638" name= -"xd21e638">THE RENOWNED MAING</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">208</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XLVIII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch48" id="xd21e647" name= -"xd21e647">THE SENSES</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">210</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">XLIX</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch49" id="xd21e656" name= -"xd21e656">WHO DECIDES, GOD OR THE KING?</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">211</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">L</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch50" id="xd21e665" name= -"xd21e665">THREE THINGS MASTERED</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">213</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">LI</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch51" id="xd21e674" name= -"xd21e674">STRANGELY STRICKEN DEAD</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">215</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">LII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch52" id="xd21e683" name= -"xd21e683">THE MYSTERIOUS HOI TREE</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">217</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tocDivNum">LIII</td> -<td class="tocDivTitle" colspan="7"><a href="#ch53" id="xd21e692" name= -"xd21e692">TA-HONG</a></td> -<td class="tocPageNum">219</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p><span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e697" href="#xd21e697" name= -"xd21e697">11</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 section"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">BIOGRAPHICAL</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Im Bang was born in 1640, the son of a provincial -governor. He was very bright as a boy and from earliest years fond of -study, becoming a great scholar. He matriculated first in his class in -1660, and graduated in 1663. He was a disciple of Song Si-yol, one of -Korea’s first writers. In 1719, when he was in his eightieth -year, he became governor of Seoul, and held as well the office of -secretary of the Cabinet. In the year 1721 he got into difficulties -over the choice of the Heir Apparent, and in 1722, on account of a part -he played in a disturbance in the government, he was exiled to North -Korea, where he died.</p> -<p class="par">(From <i>Kuk-cho In-mul-chi</i>, “Korea’s -Record of Famous Men.”)</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk</span> lived in the reign of -King Se-jo, matriculated in 1459, and graduated first in his class in -1564. He was a man of many offices and many distinctions in the way of -literary excellence.</p> -<p class="par signed">“Korea’s Record of Famous Men.” -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e716" href="#xd21e716" name= -"xd21e716">13</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="body"> -<div id="ch1" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e219">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="super">KOREAN IMPS, GHOSTS AND FAIRIES</h2> -<h2 class="label">I</h2> -<h2 class="main">CHARAN</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Some think that love, strong, true, and -self-sacrificing, is not to be found in the Orient; but the story of -Charan, which comes down four hundred years and more, proves the -contrary, for it still has the fresh, sweet flavour of a romance of -yesterday; albeit the setting of the East provides an odd and -interesting background.]</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">In the days of King Sung-jong (<span class= -"sc">A.D.</span> 1488–1495) one of Korea’s noted men became -governor of Pyong-an Province. Now Pyong-an stands first of all the -eight provinces in the attainments of erudition and polite society. -Many of her <i>literati</i> are good musicians, and show ability in the -affairs of State. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e737" href= -"#xd21e737" name="xd21e737">14</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">At the time of this story there was a famous dancing -girl in Pyong-an whose name was Charan. She was very beautiful, and -sang and danced to the delight of all beholders. Her ability, too, was -specially marked, for she understood the classics and was acquainted -with history. The brightest of all the <i>geisha</i> was she, famous -and far-renowned.</p> -<p class="par">The Governor’s family consisted of a son, whose -age was sixteen, and whose face was comely as a picture. Though so -young, he was thoroughly grounded in Chinese, and was a gifted scholar. -His judgment was excellent, and he had a fine appreciation of literary -form, so that the moment he lifted his pen the written line took on -admirable expression. His name became known as Keydong (The Gifted -Lad). The Governor had no other children, neither son nor daughter, so -his heart was wrapped up in this boy. On his birthday he had all the -officials invited and other special guests, who came to drink his -health. There were present also a company of dancing-girls and a large -band of musicians. The Governor, during a lull in the banquet, called -his son to him, and ordered the chief of the dancing-girls to choose -one of the prettiest of their number, that he and she might dance -together and delight the assembled guests. On hearing this, the -company, with one accord, called for Charan, <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e745" href="#xd21e745" name= -"xd21e745">15</a>]</span>as the one suited by her talents, attainments -and age to be a fitting partner for his son. They came out and danced -like fairies, graceful as the wavings of the willow, light and airy as -the swallow. All who saw them were charmed. The Governor, too, greatly -pleased, called Charan to him, had her sit on the dais, treated her to -a share in the banquet, gave her a present of silk, and commanded that -from that day forth she be the special dancing maiden to attend upon -his son.</p> -<p class="par">From this birthday forth they became fast friends -together. They thought the world of each other. More than all the -delightful stories of history was their love—such as had never -been seen.</p> -<p class="par">The Governor’s term of office was extended for six -years more, and so they remained in the north country. Finally, at the -time of return, he and his wife were in great anxiety over their son -being separated from Charan. If they were to force them to separate, -they feared he would die of a broken heart. If they took her with them, -she not being his wife, they feared for his reputation. They could not -possibly decide, so they concluded to refer the matter to the son -himself. They called him and said, “Even parents cannot decide as -to the love of their son for a maiden. What ought we to do? You love -Charan so that it will be very hard for you to part, and yet to have a -dancing-girl before <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e751" href= -"#xd21e751" name="xd21e751">16</a>]</span>you are married is not good -form, and will interfere with your marriage prospects and promotion. -However, the having of a second wife is a common custom in Korea, and -one that the world recognizes. Do as you think best in the -matter.” The son replied, “There is no difficulty; when she -is before my eyes, of course she is everything, but when the time comes -for me to start for home she will be like a pair of worn shoes, set -aside; so please do not be anxious.”</p> -<p class="par">The Governor and his wife were greatly delighted, and -said he was a “superior man” indeed.</p> -<p class="par">When the time came to part Charan cried bitterly, so -that those standing by could not bear to look at her; but the son -showed not the slightest sign of emotion. Those looking on were filled -with wonder at his fortitude. Although he had already loved Charan for -six years, he had never been separated from her for a single day, so he -knew not what it meant to say Good-bye, nor did he know how it felt to -be parted.</p> -<p class="par">The Governor returned to Seoul to fill the office of -Chief Justice, and the son came also. After this return thoughts of -love for Charan possessed Keydong, though he never expressed them in -word or manner. It was almost the time of the <i>Kam-see</i> -Examination. The father, therefore, ordered his son to go with some of -his friends to a neighbouring <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e763" -href="#xd21e763" name="xd21e763">17</a>]</span>monastery to study and -prepare. They went, and one night, after the day’s work was over -and all were asleep, the young man stole out into the courtyard. It was -winter, with frost and snow and a cold, clear moon. The mountains were -deep and the world was quiet, so that the slightest sound could be -heard. The young man looked up at the moon and his thoughts were full -of sorrow. He so wished to see Charan that he could no longer control -himself, and fearing that he would lose his reason, he decided that -very night to set out for far-distant Pyong-an. He had on a fur -head-dress, a thick coat, a leather belt and a heavy pair of shoes. -When he had gone less than ten <i>lee</i>, however, his feet were -blistered, and he had to go into a neighbouring village and change his -leather shoes for straw sandals, and his expensive head-cover for an -ordinary servant’s hat. He went thus on his way, begging as he -went. He was often very hungry, and when night came, was very, very -cold. He was a rich man’s son and had always dressed in silk and -eaten dainty fare, and had never in his life walked more than a few -feet from his father’s door. Now there lay before him a journey -of hundreds of miles. He went stumbling along through the snow, making -but poor progress. Hungry, and frozen nearly to death, he had never -known such suffering before. His clothes were <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e768" href="#xd21e768" name= -"xd21e768">18</a>]</span>torn and his face became worn down and -blackened till he looked like a goblin. Still on he went, little by -little, day after day, till at last, when a whole month had gone by, he -reached Pyong-an.</p> -<p class="par">Straight to Charan’s home he went, but Charan was -not there, only her mother. She looked at him, but did not recognize -him. He said he was the former Governor’s son and that out of -love for Charan he had walked five hundred <i>lee</i>. “Where is -she?” he asked. The mother heard, but instead of being pleased -was very angry. She said, “My daughter is now with the son of the -new Governor, and I never see her at all; she never comes home, and she -has been away for two or three months. Even though you have made this -long journey there is no possible way to meet her.”</p> -<p class="par">She did not invite him in, so cold was her welcome. He -thought to himself, “I came to see Charan, but she is not here. -Her mother refuses me; I cannot go back, and I cannot stay. What shall -I do?” While thus in this dilemma a plan occurred to him. There -was a scribe in Pyong-an, who, during his father’s term of -office, had offended, and was sentenced to death. There were -extenuating circumstances, however, and he, when he went to pay his -morning salutations, had besought and secured his pardon. His father, -out of regard for his son’s petition, had forgiven the -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e777" href="#xd21e777" name= -"xd21e777">19</a>]</span>scribe. He thought, “I was the means of -saving the man’s life, he will take me in;” so he went -straight from Charan’s to the house of the scribe. But at first -this writer did not recognize him. When he gave his name and told who -he was, the scribe gave a great start, and fell at his feet making -obeisance. He cleared out an inner room and made him comfortable, -prepared dainty fare and treated him with all respect.</p> -<p class="par">A little later he talked over with his host the -possibility of his meeting Charan. The scribe said, “I am afraid -that there is no way for you to meet her alone, but if you would like -to see even her face, I think I can manage it. Will you -consent?”</p> -<p class="par">He asked as to the plan. It was this: It being now a -time of snow, daily coolies were called to sweep it away from the inner -court of the Governor’s <i>yamen</i>, and just now the scribe was -in charge of this particular work. Said he, “If you will join the -sweepers, take a broom and go in; you will no doubt catch a glimpse of -Charan as she is said to be in the Hill Kiosk. I know of no other -plan.”</p> -<p class="par">Keydong consented. In the early morning he mixed with -the company of sweepers and went with his broom into the inner -enclosure, where the Hill Kiosk was, and so they worked at sweeping. -Just then the Governor’s son was sitting by the open window and -Charan was by him, but not visible <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e788" href="#xd21e788" name="xd21e788">20</a>]</span>from the -outside. The other workers, being all practised hands, swept well; -Keydong alone handled his broom to no advantage, knowing not how to -sweep. The Governor’s son, watching the process, looked out and -laughed, called Charan and invited her to see this sweeper. Charan -stepped out into the open hall and the sweeper raised his eyes to see. -She glanced at him but once, and but for a moment, then turned quickly, -went into the room, and shut the door, not appearing again, to the -disappointment of the sweeper, who came back in despair to the -scribe’s house.</p> -<p class="par">Charan was first of all a wise and highly gifted woman. -One look had told her who the sweeper was. She came back into the room -and began to cry. The Governor’s son looked in surprise and -displeasure, and asked, “Why do you cry?” She did not reply -at once, but after two or three insistent demands told the reason thus: -“I am a low class woman; you are mistaken in thinking highly of -me, or counting me of worth. Already I have not been home for two whole -months and more. This is a special compliment and a high honour, and so -there is not the slightest reason for any complaint on my part. But -still, I think of my home, which is poor, and my mother. It is -customary on the anniversary of my father’s death to prepare food -from the official quarters, and offer a sacrifice to his spirit, -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e792" href="#xd21e792" name= -"xd21e792">21</a>]</span>but here I am imprisoned and to-morrow is the -sacrificial day. I fear that not a single act of devotion will be paid, -I am disturbed over it, and that’s why I cry.”</p> -<p class="par">The Governor’s son was so taken in by this fair -statement that he trusted her fully and without a question. -Sympathetically he asked, “Why didn’t you tell me -before?” He prepared the food and told her to hurry home and -carry out the ceremony. So Charan came like flaming fire back to her -house, and said to her mother, “Keydong has come and I have seen -him. Is he not here? Tell me where he is if you know.” The mother -said, “He came here, it is true, all the way on foot to see you, -but I told him that you were in the <i>yamen</i> and that there was no -possible way for you to meet, so he went away and where he is I know -not.”</p> -<p class="par">Then Charan broke down and began to cry. “Oh, my -mother, why had you the heart to do so cruelly?” she sobbed. -“As far as I am concerned I can never break with him nor give him -up. We were each sixteen when chosen to dance together, and while it -may be said that men chose us, it is truer still to say that God hath -chosen. We grew into each other’s lives, and there was never such -love as ours. Though he forgot and left me, I can never forget and can -never give him up. The Governor, too, called me the beloved wife of his -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e801" href="#xd21e801" name= -"xd21e801">22</a>]</span>son, and did not once refer to my low station. -He cherished me and gave me many gifts. ’Twas all like heaven and -not like earth. To the city of Pyong-an gentry and officials gather as -men crowd into a boat; I have seen so many, but for grace and ability -no one was ever like Keydong. I must find him, and even though he casts -me aside I never shall forget him. I have not kept myself even unto -death as I should have, because I have been under the power and -influence of the Governor. How could he ever have come so far for one -so low and vile? He, a gentleman of the highest birth, for the sake of -a wretched dancing-girl has endured all this hardship and come so far. -Could you not have thought, mother, of these things and given him at -least some kindly welcome? Could my heart be other than broken?” -And a great flow of tears came from Charan’s eyes. She thought -and thought as to where he could possibly be. “I know of no -place,” said she, “unless it be at such and such a -scribe’s home.” Quick as thought she flew thence, and there -they met. They clasped each other and cried, not a word was spoken. -Thus came they back to Charan’s home side by side. When it was -night Charan said, “When to-morrow comes we shall have to part. -What shall we do?” They talked it over, and agreed to make their -escape that night. So Charan <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e803" -href="#xd21e803" name="xd21e803">23</a>]</span>got together her -clothing, and her treasures and jewels, and made two bundles, and thus, -he carrying his on his back and she hers on her head, away they went -while the city slept. They followed the road that leads toward the -mountains that lie between Yang-tok and Maing-san counties. There they -found a country house, where they put up, and where the -Governor’s son became a sort of better-class servant. He did not -know how to do anything well, but Charan understood weaving and sewing, -and so they lived. After some time they got a little thatched hut by -themselves in the village and lived there. Charan was a beautiful -sewing-woman, and ceased not day and night to ply her needle, and sold -her treasures and her jewels to make ends meet. Charan, too, knew how -to make friends, and was praised and loved by all the village. -Everybody felt sorry for the hard times that had befallen this -mysterious young couple, and helped them so that the days passed -peacefully and happily together.</p> -<p class="par">To return in the story: On awaking in the morning in the -temple where he and his friends had gone to study, they found Keydong -missing. All was in a state of confusion as to what had become of the -son of the Chief Justice. They hunted for him far and wide, but he was -nowhere to be found, so word was sent to the parents accordingly. There -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e807" href="#xd21e807" name= -"xd21e807">24</a>]</span>was untold consternation in the home of the -former governor. So great a loss, what could equal it? They searched -the country about the temple, but no trace or shadow of him was to be -found. Some said they thought he had been inveigled away and -metamorphosed by the fox; others that he had been eaten by the tiger. -The parents decided that he was dead and went into mourning for him, -burning his clothing in a sacrificial fire.</p> -<p class="par">In Pyong-an the Governor’s son, when he found that -he had lost Charan, had Charan’s mother imprisoned and all the -relatives, but after a month or so, when the search proved futile, he -gave up the matter and let them go.</p> -<p class="par">Charan, at last happy with her chosen one, said one day -to him, “You, a son of the gentry, for the sake of a dancing-girl -have given up parents and home to live in this hidden corner of the -hills. It is a matter, too, that touches your filial piety, this -leaving your father and mother in doubt as to whether you are alive or -not. They ought to know. We cannot live here all our lives, neither can -we return home; what do you think we ought to do?” Keydong made a -hopeless reply. “I am in distress,” said he, “and -know not.”</p> -<p class="par">Charan said brightly, “I have a plan by which we -can cover over the faults of the past, and win a new start for the -future. By means of it, you can <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e816" -href="#xd21e816" name="xd21e816">25</a>]</span>serve your parents and -look the world in the face. Will you consent?”</p> -<p class="par">“What do you propose?” asked he. Her reply -was, “There is only one way, and that is by means of the Official -Examination. I know of no other. You will understand what I mean, even -though I do not tell you more.”</p> -<p class="par">He said, “Enough, your plan is just the thing to -help us out. But how can I get hold of the books I need?”</p> -<p class="par">Charan replied, “Don’t be anxious about -that, I’ll get the books.” From that day forth she sent -through all the neighbourhood for books, to be secured at all costs; -but there were few or none, it being a mountain village. One day there -came by, all unexpectedly, a pack-peddler, who had in his bundle a book -that he wished to sell. Some of the village people wanted to buy it for -wall-paper. Charan, however, secured it first and showed it to Keydong. -It was none other than a special work for Examinations, with all the -exercises written out. It was written in small characters, and was a -huge book containing several thousand exercises. Keydong was delighted, -and said, “This is enough for all needed preparation.” She -bought it and gave it to him, and there he pegged away day after day. -In the night he studied by candle-light, while she sat by his side and -did silk-spinning. Thus they <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e824" -href="#xd21e824" name="xd21e824">26</a>]</span>shared the light -together. If he showed any remissness, Charan urged him on, and thus -they worked for two years. To begin with, he, being a highly talented -scholar, made steady advancement day by day. He was a beautiful writer -and a master of the pen. His compositions, too, were without a peer, -and every indication pointed to his winning the highest place in the -<i>Kwago</i> (Examination).</p> -<p class="par">At this time a proclamation was issued that there would -be a special examination held before His Majesty the King, so Charan -made ready the food required and all necessaries for him to go afoot to -Seoul to try his hand.</p> -<p class="par">At last here he was, within the Palace enclosure. His -Majesty came out into the examination arena and posted up the subject. -Keydong took his pen and wrote his finished composition. Under the -inspiration of the moment his lines came forth like bubbling water. It -was finished.</p> -<p class="par">When the announcement was made as to the winner, the -King ordered the sealed name of the writer to be opened. It was, and -they found that Keydong was first. At that time his father was Prime -Minister and waiting in attendance upon the King. The King called the -Prime Minister, and said, “It looks to me as though the winner -was your son, but he writes that his father is Chief Justice and not -Prime Minister; what can that <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e835" -href="#xd21e835" name="xd21e835">27</a>]</span>mean?” He handed -the composition paper to the father, and asked him to look and see. The -Minister gazed at it in wonder, burst into tears, and said, “It -is your servant’s son. Three years ago he went with some friends -to a monastery to study, but one night he disappeared, and though I -searched far and wide I have had no word of him since. I concluded that -he had been destroyed by some wild animal, so I had a funeral service -held and the house went into mourning. I had no other children but this -son only. He was greatly gifted and I lost him in this strange way. The -memory has never left me, for it seems as though I had lost him but -yesterday. Now that I look at this paper I see indeed that it is the -writing of my son. When I lost him I was Chief Justice, and thus he -records the office; but where he has been for these three years, and -how he comes now to take part in the examination, I know -not.”</p> -<p class="par">The King, hearing this, was greatly astonished, and at -once before all the assembled ministers had him called. Thus he came in -his scholar’s dress into the presence of the King. All the -officials wondered at this summoning of a candidate before the -announcement of the result. The King asked him why he had left the -monastery and where he had been for these three years. He bowed low, -and said, “I have been a very wicked man, have <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e839" href="#xd21e839" name= -"xd21e839">28</a>]</span>left my parents, have broken all the laws of -filial devotion, and deserve condign punishment.” The King -replied, saying, “There is no law of concealment before the King. -I shall not condemn you even though you are guilty; tell me all.” -Then he told his story to the King. All the officials on each side bent -their ears to hear. The King sighed, and said to the father, -“Your son has repented and made amends for his fault. He has won -first place and now stands as a member of the Court. We cannot condemn -him for his love for this woman. Forgive him for all the past and give -him a start for the future.” His Majesty said further, “The -woman Charan, who has shared your life in the lonely mountains, is no -common woman. Her plans, too, for your restoration were the plans of a -master hand. She is no dancing-girl, this Charan. Let no other be your -lawful wife but she only; let her be raised to equal rank with her -husband, and let her children and her children’s children hold -highest office in the realm.” So was Keydong honoured with the -winner’s crown, and so the Prime Minister received his son back -to life at the hands of the King. The winner’s cap was placed -upon his head, and the whole house was whirled into raptures of -joy.</p> -<p class="par">So the Minister sent forth a palanquin and servants to -bring up Charan. In a great festival <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e843" href="#xd21e843" name="xd21e843">29</a>]</span>of joy she -was proclaimed the wife of the Minister’s son. Later he became -one of Korea’s first men of State, and they lived their happy -life to a good old age. They had two sons, both graduates and men who -held high office.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e849" href="#xd21e849" name= -"xd21e849">30</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch2" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e228">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">II</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE STORY OF CHANG TO-RYONG</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Taoism has been one of the great religions of -Korea. Its main thought is expressed in the phrase <i>su-sim -yon-song</i>, “to correct the mind and reform the nature”; -while Buddhism’s is <i>myong-sim kyon-song</i>, “to -enlighten the heart and see the soul.”</p> -<p class="par">The desire of all Taoists is “eternal life,” -<i>chang-saing pul-sa</i>; that of the Buddhists, to rid oneself of -fleshly being. In the Taoist world of the genii, there are three great -divisions: the upper genii, who live with God; the midway genii, who -have to do with the world of angels and spirits; and the lower genii, -who rule in sacred places on the earth, among the hills, just as we -find in the story of Chang To-ryong.]</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">In the days of King Chung-jong (<span class= -"sc">A.D.</span> 1507–1526) there lived a beggar in Seoul, whose -face was extremely ugly and always dirty. He was forty years of age or -so, but still wore his hair down his back like an unmarried boy. He -carried <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e875" href="#xd21e875" name= -"xd21e875">31</a>]</span>a bag over his shoulder, and went about the -streets begging. During the day he went from one part of the city to -the other, visiting each section, and when night came on he would -huddle up beside some one’s gate and go to sleep. He was -frequently seen in Chong-no (Bell Street) in company with the servants -and underlings of the rich. They were great friends, he and they, -joking and bantering as they met. He used to say that his name was -Chang, and so they called him Chang To-ryong, To-ryong meaning an -unmarried boy, son of the gentry. At that time the magician Chon U-chi, -who was far-famed for his pride and arrogance, whenever he met Chang, -in passing along the street, would dismount and prostrate himself most -humbly. Not only did he bow, but he seemed to regard Chang with the -greatest of fear, so that he dared not look him in the face. Chang, -sometimes, without even inclining his head, would say, “Well, how -goes it with you, eh?” Chon, with his hands in his sleeves, most -respectfully would reply, “Very well, sir, thank you, very -well.” He had fear written on all his features when he faced -Chang.</p> -<p class="par">Sometimes, too, when Chon would bow, Chang would refuse -to notice him at all, and go by without a word. Those who saw it were -astonished, and asked Chon the reason. Chon said in reply, <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e879" href="#xd21e879" name= -"xd21e879">32</a>]</span>“There are only three spirit-men at -present in Cho-sen, of whom the greatest is Chang To-ryong; the second -is Cheung Puk-chang; and the third is Yun Se-pyong. People of the world -do not know it, but I do. Such being the case, should I not bow before -him and show him reverence?”</p> -<p class="par">Those who heard this explanation, knowing that Chon -himself was a strange being, paid no attention to it.</p> -<p class="par">At that time in Seoul there was a certain literary -undergraduate in office whose house joined hard on the street. This man -used to see Chang frequently going about begging, and one day he called -him and asked who he was, and why he begged. Chang made answer, -“I was originally of a cultured family of Chulla Province, but my -parents died of typhus fever, and I had no brothers or relations left -to share my lot. I alone remained of all my clan, and having no home of -my own I have gone about begging, and have at last reached Seoul. As I -am not skilled in any handicraft, and do not know Chinese letters, what -else can I do?” The undergraduate, hearing that he was a scholar, -felt very sorry for him, gave him food and drink, and refreshed -him.</p> -<p class="par">From this time on, whenever there was any special -celebration at his home, he used to call Chang in and have him share -it. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e887" href="#xd21e887" name= -"xd21e887">33</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">On a certain day when the master was on his way to -office, he saw a dead body being carried on a stretcher off toward the -Water Gate. Looking at it closely from the horse on which he rode, he -recognized it as the corpse of Chang To-ryong. He felt so sad that he -turned back to his house and cried over it, saying, “There are -lots of miserable people on earth, but who ever saw one as miserable as -poor Chang? As I reckon the time over on my fingers, he has been -begging in Bell Street for fifteen years, and now he passes out of the -city a dead body.”</p> -<p class="par">Twenty years and more afterwards the master had to make -a journey through South Chulla Province. As he was passing Chi-i -Mountain, he lost his way and got into a maze among the hills. The day -began to wane, and he could neither return nor go forward. He saw a -narrow footpath, such as woodmen take, and turned into it to see if it -led to any habitation. As he went along there were rocks and deep -ravines. Little by little, as he advanced farther, the scene changed -and seemed to become strangely transfigured. The farther he went the -more wonderful it became. After he had gone some miles he discovered -himself to be in another world entirely, no longer a world of earth and -dust. He saw some one coming toward him dressed in ethereal green, -mounted and carrying a <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e892" href= -"#xd21e892" name="xd21e892">34</a>]</span>shade, with servants -accompanying. He seemed to sweep toward him with swiftness and without -effort. He thought to himself, “Here is some high lord or other -coming to meet me, but,” he added, “how among these deeps -and solitudes could a gentleman come riding so?” He led his horse -aside and tried to withdraw into one of the groves by the side of the -way, but before he could think to turn the man had reached him. The -mysterious stranger lifted his two hands in salutation and inquired -respectfully as to how he had been all this time. The master was -speechless, and so astonished that he could make no reply. But the -stranger smilingly said, “My house is quite near here; come with -me and rest.”</p> -<p class="par">He turned, and leading the way seemed to glide and not -to walk, while the master followed. At last they reached the place -indicated. He suddenly saw before him great palace halls filling whole -squares of space. Beautiful buildings they were, richly ornamented. -Before the door attendants in official robes awaited them. They bowed -to the master and led him into the hall. After passing a number of -gorgeous, palace-like rooms, he arrived at a special one and ascended -to the upper storey, where he met a very wonderful person. He was -dressed in shining garments, and the servants that waited on him were -exceedingly fair. There were, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e897" -href="#xd21e897" name="xd21e897">35</a>]</span>too, children about, so -exquisitely beautiful that it seemed none other than a celestial -palace. The master, alarmed at finding himself in such a place, hurried -forward and made a low obeisance, not daring to lift his eyes. But the -host smiled upon him, raised his hands and asked, “Do you not -know me? Look now.” Lifting his eyes, he then saw that it was the -same person who had come riding out to meet him, but he could not tell -who he was. “I see you,” said he, “but as to who you -are I cannot tell.”</p> -<p class="par">The kingly host then said, “I am Chang To-ryong. -Do you not know me?” Then as the master looked more closely at -him he could see the same features. The outlines of the face were -there, but all the imperfections had gone, and only beauty remained. So -wonderful was it that he was quite overcome.</p> -<p class="par">A great feast was prepared, and the honoured guest was -entertained. Such food, too, was placed before him as was never seen on -earth. Angelic beings played on beautiful instruments and danced as no -mortal eye ever looked upon. Their faces, too, were like pearls and -precious stones.</p> -<p class="par">Chang To-ryong said to his guest, “There are four -famous mountains in Korea in which the genii reside. This hill is one. -In days gone by, for a fault of mine, I was exiled to earth, and in -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e905" href="#xd21e905" name= -"xd21e905">36</a>]</span>the time of my exile you treated me with -marked kindness, a favour that I have never forgotten. When you saw my -dead body your pity went out to me; this, too, I remember. I was not -dead then, it was simply that my days of exile were ended and I was -returning home. I knew that you were passing this hill, and I desired -to meet you and to thank you for all your kindness. Your treatment of -me in another world is sufficient to bring about our meeting in this -one.” And so they met and feasted in joy and great delight.</p> -<p class="par">When night came he was escorted to a special pavilion, -where he was to sleep. The windows were made of jade and precious -stones, and soft lights came streaming through them, so that there was -no night. “My body was so rested and my soul so refreshed,” -said he, “that I felt no need of sleep.”</p> -<p class="par">When the day dawned a new feast was spread, and then -farewells were spoken. Chang said, “This is not a place for you -to stay long in; you must go. The ways differ of we genii and you men -of the world. It will be difficult for us ever to meet again. Take good -care of yourself and go in peace.” He then called a servant to -accompany him and show the way. The master made a low bow and withdrew. -When he had gone but a short distance he suddenly found himself in the -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e911" href="#xd21e911" name= -"xd21e911">37</a>]</span>old world with its dusty accompaniments. The -path by which he came out was not the way by which he had entered. In -order to mark the entrance he planted a stake, and then the servant -withdrew and disappeared.</p> -<p class="par">The year following the master went again and tried to -find the citadel of the genii, but there were only mountain peaks and -impassable ravines, and where it was he never could discover.</p> -<p class="par">As the years went by the master seemed to grow younger -in spirit, and at last at the age of ninety he passed away without -suffering. “When Chang was here on earth and I saw him for -fifteen years,” said the master, “I remember but one -peculiarity about him, namely, that his face never grew older nor did -his dirty clothing ever wear out. He never changed his garb, and yet it -never varied in appearance in all the fifteen years. This alone would -have marked him as a strange being, but our fleshly eyes did not -recognize it.”</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e921" href="#xd21e921" name= -"xd21e921">38</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch3" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e237">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">III</h2> -<h2 class="main">A STORY OF THE FOX</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[The Fox.—Orientals say that among the -long-lived creatures are the tortoise, the deer, the crane and the fox, -and that these long-lived ones attain to special states of spiritual -refinement. If trees exist through long ages they become coal; if pine -resin endures it becomes amber; so the fox, if it lives long, while it -never becomes an angel, or spiritual being, as a man does, takes on -various metamorphoses, and appears on earth in various forms.]</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">Yi Kwai was the son of a minister. He passed his -examinations and held high office. When his father was Governor of -Pyong-an Province, Kwai was a little boy and accompanied him. The -Governor’s first wife being dead, Kwai’s stepmother was the -mistress of the home. Once when His Excellency had gone out on an -inspecting tour, the <i>yamen</i> was left vacant, and Kwai was there -with her. In the rear garden of the official quarters was a pavilion, -called the Hill Pagoda, that was connected by a narrow gateway with the -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e936" href="#xd21e936" name= -"xd21e936">39</a>]</span>public hall. Frequently Kwai took one of the -<i>yamen</i> boys with him and went there to study, and once at night -when it had grown late and the boy who accompanied him had taken his -departure, the door opened suddenly and a young woman came in. Her -clothes were neat and clean, and she was very pretty. Kwai looked -carefully at her, but did not recognize her. She was evidently a -stranger, as there was no such person among the dancing-girls of the -<i>yamen</i>.</p> -<p class="par">He remained looking at her, in doubt as to who she was, -while she on the other hand took her place in the corner of the room -and said nothing.</p> -<p class="par">“Who are you?” he asked. She merely laughed -and made no reply. He called her. She came and knelt down before him, -and he took her by the hand and patted her shoulder, as though he -greeted her favourably. The woman smiled and pretended to enjoy it. He -concluded, however, that she was not a real woman, but a goblin of some -kind, or perhaps a fox, and what to do he knew not. Suddenly he decided -on a plan, caught her, swung her on to his back, and rushed out through -the gate into the <i>yamen</i> quarters, where he shouted at the top of -his voice for his stepmother and the servants to come.</p> -<p class="par">It was midnight and all were asleep. No one replied, and -no one came. The woman, then, being <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e953" href="#xd21e953" name="xd21e953">40</a>]</span>on his back, -bit him furiously at the nape of the neck. By this he knew that she was -the fox. Unable to stand the pain of it, he loosened his grasp, when -she jumped to the ground, made her escape and was seen no more.</p> -<p class="par">What a pity that no one came to Kwai’s rescue and -so made sure of the beast!</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e961" href="#xd21e961" name= -"xd21e961">41</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch4" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e246">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">IV</h2> -<h2 class="main">CHEUNG PUK-CHANG, THE SEER</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Cheung Puk-chang.—The <i>Yol-ryok -Keui-sul</i>, one of Korea’s noted histories, says of Cheung -Puk-chang that he was pure in purpose and without selfish ambition. He -was superior to all others in his marvellous gifts. For him to read a -book once was to know it by heart. There was nothing that he could not -understand—astronomy, geology, music, medicine, mathematics, -fortune-telling and Chinese characters, which he knew by intuition and -not from study.</p> -<p class="par">He followed his father in the train of the envoy to -Peking, and there talked to all the strange peoples whom he met without -any preparation. They all wondered at him and called him “The -Mystery.” He knew, too, the meaning of the calls of birds and -beasts; and while he lived in the mountains he could see and tell what -people were doing in the distant valley, indicating what was going on -in each house, which, upon investigation, was found in each case to be -true. He was a Taoist, and received strange revelations. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e974" href="#xd21e974" name= -"xd21e974">42</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">While in Peking there met him envoys from the Court of -Loochoo, who also were prophets. While in their own country they had -studied the horoscope, and on going into China knew that they were to -meet a Holy Man. As they went on their way they asked concerning this -mysterious being, and at last reached Peking. Inquiring, they went from -one envoy’s station to another till they met Cheung Puk-chang, -when a great fear came upon them, and they fell prostrate to the -earth.</p> -<p class="par">They took from their baggage a little book inscribed, -“In such a year, on such a day, at such an hour, in such a place, -you shall meet a Holy Man.” “If this does not mean your -Excellency,” said they, “whom can it mean?” They -asked that he would teach them the sacred Book of Changes, and he -responded by teaching it in their own language. At that time the -various envoys, hearing of this, contended with each other as to who -should first see the marvellous stranger, and he spoke to each in his -own tongue. They all, greatly amazed, said, “He is indeed a man -of God.”</p> -<p class="par">Some one asked him, saying, “There are those who -understand the sounds of birds and beasts, but foreign languages have -to be learned to be known; how can you speak them without -study?”</p> -<p class="par">Puk-chang replied, “I do not know them from -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e983" href="#xd21e983" name= -"xd21e983">43</a>]</span>having learned them, but know them -unconsciously.”</p> -<p class="par">Puk-chang was acquainted with the three religions, but -he considered Confucianism as the first. “Its writings as handed -down,” said he, “teach us filial piety and reverence. The -learning of the Sages deals with relationships among men and not with -spiritual mysteries; but Taoism and Buddhism deal with the examination -of the soul and the heart, and so with things above and not with things -on the earth. This is the difference.”</p> -<p class="par">At thirty-two years of age he matriculated, but had no -interest in further literary study. He became, instead, an official -teacher of medicine, astrology and mathematics.</p> -<p class="par">He was a fine whistler, we are told, and once when he -had climbed to the highest peak of the Diamond Mountains and there -whistled, the echoes resounded through the hills, and the priests were -startled and wondered whose flute was playing.]</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">[There is a term in Korea which reads <i>he-an -pang-kwang</i>, “spiritual-eye distant-vision,” the seeing -of things in the distance. This pertains to both Taoists and -Buddhists.</p> -<p class="par">It is said that when the student reaches a certain stage -in his progress, the soft part of the head returns to the primal -thinness that is seen in the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1001" -href="#xd21e1001" name="xd21e1001">44</a>]</span>child to rise and fall -when it breathes. From this part of the head go forth five rays of -light that shoot out and up more and more as the student advances in -the spiritual way. As far as they extend so is the spiritual vision -perfected, until at last a Korean sufficiently advanced could sit and -say, “In London, to-day, such and such a great affair is taking -place.”</p> -<p class="par">For example, So Wha-tam, who was a Taoist Sage, once was -seen to laugh to himself as he sat with closed eyes, and when asked why -he laughed, said, “Just now in the monastery of Ha-in [300 miles -distant] there is a great feast going on. The priest stirring the huge -kettle of bean gruel has tumbled in, but the others do not know this, -and are eating the soup.” News came from the monastery later on -that proved that what the sage had seen was actually true.</p> -<p class="par">The History of Confucius, too, deals with this when it -tells of his going with his disciple An-ja and looking off from the Tai -Mountains of Shan-tung toward the kingdom of On. Confucius asked An-ja -if he could see anything, and An-ja replied, “I see white horses -tied at the gates of On.”</p> -<p class="par">Confucius said, “No, no, your vision is imperfect, -desist from looking. They are not white horses, but are rolls of white -silk hung out for bleaching.”] <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e1009" href="#xd21e1009" name="xd21e1009">45</a>]</span></p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The Master, Puk-chang, was a noted Korean. From -the time of his birth he was a wonderful mystery. In reading a book, if -he but glanced through it, he could recall it word for word. Without -any special study he became a master of astronomy, geology, medicine, -fortune-telling, music, mathematics and geomancy, and so truly a -specialist was he that he knew them all.</p> -<p class="par">He was thoroughly versed also in the three great -religions, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. He talked constantly of -what other people could not possibly comprehend. He understood the -sounds of the birds, the voices of Nature, and much else. He -accompanied his father in his boyhood days when he went as envoy to -Peking. At that time, strange barbarian peoples used also to come and -pay their tribute. Puk-chang picked up acquaintance with them on the -way. Hearing their language but once, he was readily able to -communicate with them. His own countrymen who accompanied him were not -the only ones astonished, nor the Chinamen themselves, but the -barbarians as well. There are numerous interesting stories hinted at in -the history of Puk-chang, but few suitable records were made of them, -and so many are lost. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1018" href= -"#xd21e1018" name="xd21e1018">46</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">There is one, however, that I recall that comes to me -through trustworthy witnesses: Puk-chang, on a certain day, went to -visit his paternal aunt. She asked him to be seated, and as they talked -together, said to him, “I had some harvesting to do in Yong-nam -County, and sent a servant to see to it. His return is overdue and yet -he does not come. I am afraid he has fallen in with thieves, or chanced -on a fire or some other misfortune.”</p> -<p class="par">Puk-chang replied, “Shall I tell you how it goes -with him, and how far he has come on the way?”</p> -<p class="par">She laughed, saying, “Do you mean to joke about -it?”</p> -<p class="par">Puk-chang, from where he was sitting, looked off -apparently to the far south, and at last said to his aunt, “He is -just now crossing the hill called Bird Pass in Mun-kyong County, -Kyong-sang Province. Hallo! he is getting a beating just now from a -passing <i>yangban</i> (gentleman), but I see it is his own fault, so -you need not trouble about him.”</p> -<p class="par">The aunt laughed, and asked, “Why should he be -beaten; what’s the reason, pray?”</p> -<p class="par">Puk-chang replied, “It seems this official was -eating his dinner at the top of the hill when your servant rode by him -without dismounting. The gentleman was naturally very angry and had his -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1034" href="#xd21e1034" name= -"xd21e1034">47</a>]</span>servants arrest your man, pull him from his -horse, and beat him over the face with their rough straw -shoes.”</p> -<p class="par">The aunt could not believe it true, but treated the -matter as a joke; and yet Puk-chang did not seem to be joking.</p> -<p class="par">Interested and curious, she made a note of the day on -the wall after Puk-chang had taken his departure, and when the servant -returned, she asked him what day he had come over Bird Pass, and it -proved to be the day recorded. She added also, “Did you get into -trouble with a <i>yangban</i> there when you came by?”</p> -<p class="par">The servant gave a startled look, and asked, “How -do you know?” He then told all that had happened to him, and it -was just as Puk-chang had given it even to the smallest detail.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1050" href="#xd21e1050" name= -"xd21e1050">48</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch5" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e255">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">V</h2> -<h2 class="main">YUN SE-PYONG, THE WIZARD</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Yun Se-pyong was a man of Seoul who lived to the -age of over ninety. When he was young he loved archery, and went as -military attaché to the capital of the Mings (Nanking). There he -met a prophet who taught him the <i>Whang-jong Kyong</i>, or Sacred -Book of the Taoists, and thus he learned their laws and practised their -teachings. His life was written by Yi So-kwang.]</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">[Chon U-chi was a magician of Songdo who lived about -1550, and was associated in his life with Shin Kwang-hu. At the -latter’s residence one day when a friend called, Kwang-hu asked -Chon to show them one of his special feats. A little later they brought -in a table of rice for each of the party, and Chon took a mouthful of -his, and then blew it out toward the courtyard, when the rice changed -into beautiful butterflies that flew gaily away.</p> -<p class="par">Chang O-sa used to tell a story of his father, who said -that one day Chon came to call upon him at his house and asked for a -book entitled <i>The Tu-si</i>, which <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e1070" href="#xd21e1070" name="xd21e1070">49</a>]</span>he gave to -him. “I had no idea,” said the father, “that he was -dead and that it was his ghost. I gave him the book, though I did not -learn till afterwards that he had been dead for a long time.”</p> -<p class="par">The <i>History of Famous Men</i> says, “He was a -man who understood heretical magic, and other dangerous teachings by -which he deceived the people. He was arrested for this and locked up in -prison in Sin-chon, Whang-hai Province, and there he died. His burial -was ordered by the prison authorities, and later, when his relatives -came to exhume his remains, they found that the coffin was -empty.”</p> -<p class="par"><i>This and the story of Im Bang do not agree as to his -death, and I am not able to judge between them.</i>—J. S. G.]</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">[The transformation of men into beasts, bugs and -creeping things comes from Buddhism; one seldom finds it in -Taoism.]</p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Yun Se-Pyong was a military man who rose to the -rank of minister in the days of King Choong-jong. It seems that Yun -learned the doctrine of magic from a passing stranger, whom he met on -his way to Peking in company with the envoy. When <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1091" href="#xd21e1091" name= -"xd21e1091">50</a>]</span>at home he lived in a separate house, quite -apart from the other members of his family. He was a man so greatly -feared that even his wife and children dared not approach him. What he -did in secret no one seemed to know. In winter he was seen to put iron -cleats under each arm and to change them frequently, and when they were -put off they seemed to be red-hot.</p> -<p class="par">At the same time there was a magician in Korea called -Chon U-chi, who used to go about Seoul plying his craft. So skilful was -he that he could even simulate the form of the master of a house and go -freely into the women’s quarters. On this account he was greatly -feared and detested. Yun heard of him on more than one occasion, and -determined to rid the earth of him. Chon heard also of Yun and gave him -a wide berth, never appearing in his presence. He used frequently to -say, “I am a magician only; Yun is a God.”</p> -<p class="par">On a certain day Chon informed his wife that Yun would -come that afternoon and try to kill him, “and so,” said he, -“I shall change my shape in order to escape his clutches. If any -one comes asking for me just say that I am not at home.” He then -metamorphosed himself into a beetle, and crawled under a crock that -stood overturned in the courtyard.</p> -<p class="par">When evening began to fall a young woman <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1099" href="#xd21e1099" name= -"xd21e1099">51</a>]</span>came to Chon’s house, a very beautiful -woman too, and asked, “Is the master Chon at home?”</p> -<p class="par">The wife replied, “He has just gone -out.”</p> -<p class="par">The woman laughingly said, “Master Chon and I have -been special friend’s for a long time, and I have an appointment -with him to-day. Please say to him that I have come.”</p> -<p class="par">Chon’s wife, seeing a pretty woman come thus, and -ask in such a familiar way for her husband, flew into a rage and said, -“The rascal has evidently a second wife that he has never told me -of. What he said just now is all false,” so she went out in a -fury, and with a club smashed the crock. When the crock was broken -there was the beetle underneath it. Then the woman who had called -suddenly changed into a bee, and flew at and stung the beetle. Chon, -metamorphosed into his accustomed form, fell over and died, and the bee -flew away.</p> -<p class="par">Yun lived at his own house as usual, when suddenly he -broke down one day in a fit of tears. The members of his family in -alarm asked the reason.</p> -<p class="par">He replied, “My sister living in Chulla Province -has just at this moment died.” He then called his servants, and -had them prepare funeral supplies, saying, “They are poor where -she lives, and so I must help them.” <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1111" href="#xd21e1111" name= -"xd21e1111">52</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">He wrote a letter, and after sealing it, said to one of -his attendants, “If you go just outside the gate you will meet a -man wearing a horsehair cap and a soldier’s uniform. Call him in. -He is standing there ready to be summoned.”</p> -<p class="par">He was called in, and sure enough he was a Kon-yun-no -(servant of the gods). He came in and at once prostrated himself before -Yun. Yun said, “My sister has just now died in such a place in -Chulla Province. Take this letter and go at once. I shall expect you -back to-night with the answer. The matter is of such great importance -that if you do not bring it as I order, and within the time appointed, -I shall have you punished.”</p> -<p class="par">He replied, “I shall be in time, be not -anxious.”</p> -<p class="par">Yun then gave him the letter and the bundle, and he went -outside the main gateway and disappeared.</p> -<p class="par">Before dark he returned with the answer. The letter -read: “She died at such an hour to-day and we were in straits as -to what to do, when your letter came with the supplies, just as though -we had seen each other. Wonderful it is!” The man who brought the -answer immediately went out and disappeared. The house of mourning is -situated over ten days’ journey from Seoul, but he returned ere -sunset, in the space of two or three hours.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1127" href="#xd21e1127" name= -"xd21e1127">53</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch6" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e264">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">VI</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE WILD-CAT WOMAN</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Kim Su-ik was a native of Seoul who matriculated -in 1624 and graduated in 1630. In 1636, when the King made his escape -to Nam-han from the invading Manchu army, Kim Su-ik <span class="corr" -id="xd21e1135" title="Source: acompanied">accompanied</span> him. He -opposed any yielding to China or any treaty with them, but because his -counsel was not received he withdrew from public life.]</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">[Tong Chung-so was a Chinaman of great note. He once -desired to give himself up to study, and did not go out of his room for -three years. During this time a young man one day called on him, and -while he stood waiting said to himself, “It will rain -to-day.” Tong replied at once, “If you are not a fox you -are a wild cat—out of this,” and the man at once ran away. -How he came to know this was from the words, “Birds that live in -the trees know when the wind will blow; beasts that live in the ground -know when it is going to rain.” The wild cat unconsciously told -on himself.] <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1142" href="#xd21e1142" -name="xd21e1142">54</a>]</span></p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The former magistrate of Quelpart, Kim Su-ik, -lived inside of the South Gate of Seoul. When he was young it was his -habit to study Chinese daily until late at night. Once, when feeling -hungry, he called for his wife to bring him something to eat.</p> -<p class="par">The wife replied, “We have nothing in the house -except seven or eight chestnuts. Shall I roast these and bring them to -you?”</p> -<p class="par">Kim replied, “Good; bring them.”</p> -<p class="par">The servants were asleep, and there was no one on hand -to answer a call, so the wife went to the kitchen, made a fire and -cooked them herself. Kim waited, meanwhile, for her to come.</p> -<p class="par">After a little while she brought them in a handbasket, -cooked and ready served for him. Kim ate and enjoyed them much. -Meanwhile she sat before his desk and waited. Suddenly the door opened, -and another person entered. Kim raised his eyes to see, and there was -the exact duplicate of his wife, with a basket in her hand and roasted -chestnuts. As he looked at both of them beneath the light the two women -were perfect facsimiles of each other. The two also looked back and -forth in alarm, saying, “What’s this that’s happened? -Who are you?”</p> -<p class="par">Kim once again received the roasted nuts, laid -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1160" href="#xd21e1160" name= -"xd21e1160">55</a>]</span>them down, and then took firm hold of each -woman, the first one by the right hand and the second by the left, -holding fast till the break of day.</p> -<p class="par">At last the cocks crew, and the east began to lighten. -The one whose right hand he held, said, “Why do you hold me so? -It hurts; let me go.” She shook and tugged, but Kim held all the -tighter. In a little, after struggling, she fell to the floor and -suddenly changed into a wild cat. Kim, in fear and surprise, let her -go, and she made her escape through the door. What a pity that he did -not make the beast fast for good and all!</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par"><i>Note by the writer.</i>—Foxes turning into -women and deceiving people is told of in <i>Kwang-keui</i> and other -Chinese novels, but the wild cat’s transformation is more -wonderful still, and something that I have never heard of. By what law -do creatures like foxes and wild cats so change? I am unable to find -any law that governs it. Some say that the fox carries a magic charm by -which it does these magic things, but can this account for the wild -cat?</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1177" href="#xd21e1177" name= -"xd21e1177">56</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch7" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e273">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">VII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE ILL-FATED PRIEST</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">A certain scribe of Chung-chong Province, whose -name was Kim Kyong-jin, once told me the following story. Said he: -“In the year 1640, as I was journeying past Big Horn Bridge in -Ta-in County, I saw a scholar, who, with his four or five servants, had -met with some accident and all were reduced to a state of -unconsciousness, lying by the river side. I asked the reason for what -had befallen them, and they at last said in reply, ‘We were -eating our noon meal by the side of the road, when a Buddhist priest -came by, a proud, arrogant fellow, who refused to bow or show any -recognition of us. One of the servants, indignant at this, shouted at -him. The priest, however, beat him with his stick, and when others went -to help, he beat them also, so that they were completely worsted and -unable to rise or walk. He then scolded the scholar, saying, “You -did not reprimand your servants for their insult to me, so I’ll -have to take it out of you as well.” The Buddhist gave him a -number of vicious <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1185" href= -"#xd21e1185" name="xd21e1185">57</a>]</span>blows, so that he -completely collapsed;’ and when I looked there was the priest a -<i>li</i> or two ahead.</p> -<p class="par">“Just then a military man, aged about forty or so, -came my way. He was poor in flesh and seemed to have no strength. -Riding a cadaverous pony, he came shuffling along; a boy accompanying -carried his hat-cover and bow and arrows. He arrived at the stream, -and, seeing the people in their plight, asked the cause. The officer -was very angry, and said, ‘Yonder impudent priest, endowed with -no end of brute force, has attacked my people and me.’</p> -<p class="par">“‘Indeed,’ said the stranger, ‘I -have been aware of him for a long time, and have decided to rid the -earth of him, but I have never had an opportunity before. Now that I -have at last come on him I am determined to have satisfaction.’ -So he dismounted from his horse, tightened his girth, took his bow, and -an arrow that had a ‘fist’ head, and made off at a gallop -after the priest. Soon he overtook him. Just as the priest looked back -the archer let fly with his arrow, which entered deep into the chest. -He then dismounted, drew his sword, pierced the two hands of the priest -and passed a string through them, tied him to his horse’s tail, -and came triumphantly back to where the scholar lay, and said, -‘Now do with this fellow as you please. I am going.’ -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1194" href="#xd21e1194" name= -"xd21e1194">58</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">“The scholar bowed before the archer, thanked him, -asked his place of residence and name. He replied, ‘My home is in -the County of Ko-chang,’ but he did not give his name.</p> -<p class="par">“The scholar looked at the priest, and never -before had he seen so powerful a giant, but now, with his chest shot -through and his hands pierced, he was unable to speak; so they arose, -made mincemeat of him, and went on their way rejoicing.”</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1203" href="#xd21e1203" name= -"xd21e1203">59</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch8" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e282">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">VIII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE VISION OF THE HOLY MAN</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Yi Chi-Ham (Master To-jong).—A story is told -of him that on the day after his wedding he went out with his -<i>topo</i> or ceremonial coat on, but came back later without it. On -inquiry being made, it was found that he had torn it into pieces to -serve as bandages for a sick child that he had met with on his -walk.</p> -<p class="par">Once on a time he had an impression that his -father-in-law’s home was shortly to be overtaken by a great -disaster; he therefore took his wife and disappeared from the place. In -the year following, for some political offence, the home was indeed -wiped out and the family wholly destroyed.</p> -<p class="par">To-jong was not only a prophet, but also a magician, as -was shown by his handling of a boat. When he took to sea the waters lay -quiet before him, and all his path was peace. He would be absent -sometimes for a year or more, voyaging in many parts of the world.</p> -<p class="par">He practised fasting, and would go sometimes for months -without eating. He also overcame <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e1220" href="#xd21e1220" name="xd21e1220">60</a>]</span>thirst, -and in the hot days of summer would avoid drinking. He stifled all pain -and suffering, so that when he walked and his feet were blistered he -paid no attention to it.</p> -<p class="par">While young he was a disciple of a famous Taoist, So -Wha-dam. As his follower he used to dress in grass cloth (the poor -man’s garb), wear straw shoes and carry his bundle on his back. -He would be on familiar terms with Ministers of State, and yet show -indifference to their greatness and pomp. He was acquainted with the -various magic practices, so that in boating he used to hang out gourd -cups at each corner of the boat, and thus equipped he went many times -to and from Quelpart and never met a wind. He did merchandising, made -money, and bought land which yielded several thousand bags of rice that -he distributed among the poor.</p> -<p class="par">He lived in Seoul in a little dug-out, so that his name -became “Mud Pavilion,” or To-jong. His cap was made of -metal, which he used to cook his food in, and which he then washed and -put back on his head again. He used also to wear wooden shoes and ride -on a pack saddle.</p> -<p class="par">He built a house for the poor in Asan County when he was -magistrate there, gathered in all the needy and had them turn to and -work at whatever they had any skill in, so that they lived and -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1228" href="#xd21e1228" name= -"xd21e1228">61</a>]</span>flourished. When any one had no special -ability, he had him weave straw shoes. He urged them on till they could -make as many as ten pairs a day.</p> -<p class="par">Yul-gok said of him that he was a dreamer and not -suitable for this matter-of-fact world, because he belonged to the -realm of flowers and pretty birds, songs and sweet breezes, and not to -the common clay of corn and beef and radishes. To-jong heard this, and -replied, “Though I am not of a kind equal to beans and corn, -still I will rank with acorns and chestnuts. Why am I wholly -useless?”</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Korea’s Record of Famous -Men.</span></p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Teacher To-jong was once upon a time a merchant, -and in his merchandising went as far as the East Sea. One night he -slept in a fishing village on the shore. At that time another stranger -called who was said to be an <i>i-in</i> or “holy man.” The -three met and talked till late at night—the master of the house, -the “holy man” and To-jong. It was very clear and -beautifully calm. The “holy man” looked for a time out over -the expanse of water, then suddenly gave a great start of terror, and -said, “An awful thing is about to happen.”</p> -<p class="par">His companions, alarmed at his manner, asked him what he -meant. He replied, “In two hours or so there will be a tidal wave -that will engulf this <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1248" href= -"#xd21e1248" name="xd21e1248">62</a>]</span>whole village, utterly -destroying everything. If you do not make haste to escape all will be -as fish in a net.”</p> -<p class="par">To-jong, being something of an astrologer himself, -thought first to solve the mystery of this, but could arrive at no -explanation.</p> -<p class="par">The owner of the house would not believe it, and refused -to prepare for escape.</p> -<p class="par">The “holy man” said, however, “Even -though you do not believe what I say, let us go for a little up the -face of the rear mountain. If my words fail we can only come down -again, and no one will be the worse for it. If you still do not wish to -trust me, leave your goods and furniture just as they are and let the -people come away.”</p> -<p class="par">To-jong was greatly interested, though he could not -understand it. The master, too, could no longer refuse this proposal, -so he took his family and a few light things and followed the -“holy man” up the hill.</p> -<p class="par">He had them ascend to the very top, “in -order,” said he, “to escape.”</p> -<p class="par">To-jong did not go to the top, but seated himself about -half-way up. He asked the “holy man” if he would not be -safe enough there.</p> -<p class="par">The “holy man” replied, “Others would -never escape if they remained where you are, but you will simply get a -fright and live through it.” <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e1264" href="#xd21e1264" name="xd21e1264">63</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">When cock-crow came, sure enough the sea suddenly lifted -its face, overflowed its banks, and the waves came rolling up to the -heavens, climbing the mountain-sides till they touched the feet of -To-jong. The whole town on the seashore was engulfed. When daylight -came the waters receded.</p> -<p class="par">To-jong bowed to the “holy man” and asked -that he might become his disciple. The “holy man,” however, -disclaimed any knowledge, saying that he had simply known it by -accident. He was a man who did not speak of his own attainments. -To-jong asked for his place of residence, which he indicated as near -by, and then left. He went to seek him on the following day, but the -house was vacant, and there was no one there.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1274" href="#xd21e1274" name= -"xd21e1274">64</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch9" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e291">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">IX</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE VISIT OF THE MAN OF GOD</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In the thirty-third year of Mal-yok of the Mings -(<span class="sc">A.D.</span> 1605), being the year <i>Eulsa</i> of the -reign of Son-jo, in the seventh moon, a great rain fell, such a rain as -had not been seen since the founding of the dynasty. Before that rain -came on, a man of Kang-won Province was cutting wood on the hill-side. -While thus engaged, an angel in golden armour, riding on a white horse -and carrying a spear, came down to him from heaven. His appearance was -most dazzling, and the woodman, looking at him, recognized him as a Man -of God. Also a Buddhist priest, carrying a staff, came down in his -train. The priest’s appearance, too, was very remarkable.</p> -<p class="par">The Man of God stopped his horse and seemed to be -talking with the priest, while the woodcutter, alarmed by the great -sight, hid himself among the trees.</p> -<p class="par">The Man of God seemed to be very angry for some reason -or other, raised his spear, and, pointing to the four winds, said, -“I shall flood all the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1292" -href="#xd21e1292" name="xd21e1292">65</a>]</span>earth from such a -point to such a point, and destroy the inhabitants thereof.”</p> -<p class="par">The priest following cried and prayed him to desist, -saying, “This will mean utter destruction to mortals; please let -thy wrath rest on me.” As he prayed thus earnestly the Man of God -again said, “Then shall I limit it to such and such places. Will -that do?”</p> -<p class="par">But the priest prayed more earnestly still, till the Man -replied emphatically, “I have lessened the punishment more than a -half already on your account; I can do no more.” Though the -priest prayed still, the Man of God refused him, so that at last he -submissively said, “Thy will be done.”</p> -<p class="par">They ended thus and both departed, passing away through -the upper air into heaven.</p> -<p class="par">The two had talked for a long time, but the distance -being somewhat great between them and the woodman, he did not hear -distinctly all that was said.</p> -<p class="par">He went home, however, in great haste, and with his wife -and family made his escape, and from that day the rain began to fall. -In it Mount Otai collapsed, the earth beneath it sank until it became a -vast lake, all the inhabitants were destroyed, and the woodcutter alone -made his escape.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1308" href="#xd21e1308" name= -"xd21e1308">66</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch10" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e300">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">X</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE LITERARY MAN OF IMSIL</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[The calling of spirits is one of the powers -supposed to be possessed by disciples of the Old Philosopher (Taoists), -who reach a high state of spiritual attainment. While the natural -desires remain they cloud and obstruct spiritual vision; once rid of -them, even angels and immortal beings become unfolded to the sight. -They say, “If once all the obstructions of the flesh are -eliminated even God can be seen.” They also say, “If I have -no selfish desire, the night around me will shine with golden light; -and if all injurious thoughts are truly put away, the wild deer of the -mountain will come down and play beside me.”</p> -<p class="par">Ha Sa-gong, a Taoist of high attainment, as an old man -used to go out fishing, when the pigeons would settle in flights upon -his head and shoulders. On his return one day he told his wife that -they were so many that they bothered him. “Why not catch one of -them?” said his wife. “Catch one?” said he. -“What would you do with it?” “Why, eat it, of -course.” So on the second day Ha went <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1318" href="#xd21e1318" name= -"xd21e1318">67</a>]</span>out with this intent in heart, but no birds -came near or alighted on him. All kept a safe distance high up in -mid-air, with doubt and suspicion evident in their flying.]</p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In the year 1654 there was a man of letters living -in Imsil who claimed that he could control spirits, and that two demon -guards were constantly at his bidding. One day he was sitting with a -friend playing chess, when they agreed that the loser in each case was -to pay a fine in drink. The friend lost and yet refused to pay his -wager, so that the master said, “If you do not pay up I’ll -make it hot for you.” The man, however, refused, till at last the -master, exasperated, turned his back upon him and called out suddenly -into the upper air some formula or other, as if he were giving a -command. The man dashed off through the courtyard to make his escape, -but an unseen hand bared his body, and administered to him such a set -of sounding blows that they left blue, seamy marks. Unable to bear the -pain of it longer, he yielded, and then the master laughed and let him -go.</p> -<p class="par">At another time he was seated with a friend, while in -the adjoining village a witch <i>koot</i> (exorcising ceremony) was in -progress, with drums and <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1331" href= -"#xd21e1331" name="xd21e1331">68</a>]</span>gongs banging furiously. -The master suddenly rushed out to the bamboo grove that stood behind -the official <i>yamen</i>, and, looking very angry and with glaring -eyes, he shouted, and made bare his arm as if to drive off the furies. -After a time he ceased. The friend, thinking this a peculiar -performance, asked what it meant. His reply was, “A crowd of -devils have come from the <i>koot</i>, and are congregating in the -grove of bamboos; if I do not drive them off trouble will follow in the -town, and for that cause I shouted.”</p> -<p class="par">Again he was making a journey with a certain friend, -when suddenly, on the way, he called out to the mid-air, saying, -“Let her go, let her go, I say, or I’ll have you punished -severely.”</p> -<p class="par">His appearance was so peculiar and threatening that the -friend asked the cause. For the time being he gave no answer, and they -simply went on their way.</p> -<p class="par">That night they entered a village where they wished to -sleep, but the owner of the house where they applied said that they had -sickness, and asked them to go. They insisted, however, till he at last -sent a servant to drive them off. Meanwhile the womenfolk watched the -affair through the chinks of the window, and they talked in startled -whispers, so that the scholar overheard them.</p> -<p class="par">A few minutes later the man of the house followed -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1347" href="#xd21e1347" name= -"xd21e1347">69</a>]</span>in the most humble and abject manner, asking -them to return and accept entertainment and lodging at his house. Said -he, “I have a daughter, sir, and she fell ill this very day and -died, and after some time came to life again. Said she, ‘A devil -caught me and carried my soul off down the main roadway, where we met a -man, who stopped us, and in fierce tones drove off the spirit, who let -me go, and so I returned to life.’ She looked out on your -Excellency through the chink of the window, and, behold, you are the -man. I am at my wits’ end to know what to say to you. Are you a -genii or are you a Buddhist, so marvellously to bring back the dead to -life? I offer this small refreshment; please accept.”</p> -<p class="par">The scholar laughed, and said, “Nonsense! Just a -woman’s haverings. How could I do such things?” He lived -for seven or eight years more, and died.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1355" href="#xd21e1355" name= -"xd21e1355">70</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch11" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e310">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XI</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE SOLDIER OF KANG-WHA</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[The East says that the air is full of invisible -constituents that, once taken in hand and controlled, will take on -various forms of life. The man of Kang-wha had acquired the art of -calling together the elements necessary for the butterfly. This, too, -comes from Taoism, and is called <i>son-sul</i>, Taoist magic]</p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was a soldier once of Kang-wha who was the -chief man of his village; a low-class man, he was, apparently, without -any gifts. One day his wife, overcome by a fit of jealousy, sat sewing -in her inner room. It was midwinter, and he was obliged to be at home; -so, with intent to cheer her up and take her mind off the blues, he -said to her, “Would you like to see me make some -butterflies?”</p> -<p class="par">His wife, more angry than ever at this, rated him for -his impudence, and paid no further attention.</p> -<p class="par">The soldier then took her workbasket and from it -selected bits of silk of various colours, tucked <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1376" href="#xd21e1376" name= -"xd21e1376">71</a>]</span>them into his palm, closed his hand upon -them, and repeated a prayer, after which he threw the handful into the -air. Immediately beautiful butterflies filled the room, dazzling the -eyes and shining in all the colours of the silk itself.</p> -<p class="par">The wife, mystified by the wonder of it, forgot her -anger. The soldier a little later opened his hand, held it up, and they -all flew into it. He closed it tight and then again opened his hand, -and they were pieces of silk only. His wife alone saw this; it was -unknown to others. No such strange magic was ever heard of before.</p> -<p class="par">In 1637, when Kang-wha fell before the Manchus, all the -people of the place fled crying for their lives, while the soldier -remained undisturbed at his home, eating his meals with his wife and -family just as usual. He laughed at the neighbours hurrying by. Said -he, “The barbarians will not touch this town; why do you run -so?” Thus it turned out that, while the whole island was -devastated, the soldier’s village escaped.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1386" href="#xd21e1386" name= -"xd21e1386">72</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch12" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e319">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XII</h2> -<h2 class="main">CURSED BY THE SNAKE</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Ha Yon graduated in the year 1396, and became -magistrate of Anak County. He built many pavilions in and about his -official place of residence, where people might rest. As he went about -his district, seeing the farmers busy, he wrote many songs and verses -to encourage them in their work. He became later a royal censor, and -King Tai-jong commended him, saying, “Well done, good and -faithful servant.” Later he became Chief Justice. He cleared out -the public offices of all disreputable officials, and made the Court -clean. When he had leisure it was his habit to dress in ceremonial -garb, burn incense, sit at attention, and write prayer verses the -livelong day.</p> -<p class="par">When he was young, once, in the Court of the Crown -Prince, he wrote a verse which was commented upon thus: -“Beautiful writing, beautiful thought; truly a treasure.” -He was a great student and a great inquirer, and grateful and lovable -as a friend. He studied as a boy under the patriot Cheung Mong-ju, and -was upright and pure in all <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1397" -href="#xd21e1397" name="xd21e1397">73</a>]</span>his ways. His object -was to become as one of the Ancients, and so he followed truth, and -encouraged men in the study of the sacred books. He used to awake at -first cock-crow of the morning, wash, dress, and never lay aside his -book. On his right were pictures, on his left were books, and he happy -between. He rose to be Prime Minister.]</p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The old family seat of Prince Ha Yun was in the -County of Keum-chon. He was a famous Minister of State in the days of -peace and prosperity, and used frequently to find rest and leisure in -his summer-house in this same county. It was a large and well-ordered -mansion, and was occupied by his children for many years after his -death.</p> -<p class="par">The people of that county used to tell a very strange -story of Ha and his prosperity, which runs thus: He had placed in an -upper room a large crock that was used to hold flour. One day one of -the servants, wishing to get some flour from the jar, lifted the lid, -when suddenly from the depths of it a huge snake made its appearance. -The servant, startled, fell back in great alarm, and then went and told -the master what had happened. The master sent his men-slaves and had -the jar brought down. They broke it open and let out a huge, -awful-looking snake, such as one had never seen <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1407" href="#xd21e1407" name= -"xd21e1407">74</a>]</span>before. Several of the servants joined in -with clubs and killed the brute. They then piled wood on it and set -fire to the whole. Vile fumes arose that filled the house. From the -fumes all the people of the place died, leaving no one behind to -represent the family. Others who entered the house died also, so that -the place became cursed, and was left in desolation. A little later a -mysterious fire broke out and burnt up the remaining buildings, leaving -only the vacant site. To this day the place is known as -“haunted,” and no one ventures to build upon it.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1413" href="#xd21e1413" name= -"xd21e1413">75</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch13" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e328">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XIII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE MAN ON THE ROAD</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In the Manchu War of 1636, the people of Seoul -rushed off in crowds to make their escape. One party of them came -suddenly upon a great force of the enemy, armed and mounted. The hills -and valleys seemed full of them, and there was no possible way of -escape. What to do they knew not. In the midst of their perplexity they -suddenly saw some one sitting peacefully in the main roadway just in -front, underneath a pine tree, quite unconcerned. He had dismounted -from his horse, which a servant held, standing close by. A screen of -several yards of cotton cloth was hanging up just before him, as if to -shield him from the dust of the passing army.</p> -<p class="par">The people who were making their escape came up to this -stranger, and said imploringly, “We are all doomed to die. What -shall we do?”</p> -<p class="par">The mysterious stranger said, “Why should you die? -and why are you so frightened? Sit down by me and see the barbarians go -by.” <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1425" href="#xd21e1425" -name="xd21e1425">76</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The people, perceiving his mind so composed and his -appearance devoid of fear, and they having no way of escape, did as he -bade them and sat down.</p> -<p class="par">The cavalry of the enemy moved by in great numbers, -killing every one they met, not a single person escaping; but when they -reached the place where the magician sat, they went by without, -apparently, seeing anything. Thus they continued till the evening, when -all had passed by. The stranger and the people with him sat the day -through without any harm overtaking them, even though they were in the -midst of the enemy’s camp, as it were.</p> -<p class="par">At last awaking to the fact that he was possessor of -some wonderful magic, they all with one accord came and bowed before -him, asking his name and his place of residence. He made no answer, -however, but mounted his beautiful horse and rode swiftly away, no one -being able to overtake him.</p> -<p class="par">The day following the party fell in with a man who had -been captured but had made his escape. They asked if he had seen -anything special the day before. He said, “When I followed the -barbarian army, passing such and such a point”—indicating -the place where the magician had sat with the people—“we -skirted great walls and precipitous <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e1434" href="#xd21e1434" name="xd21e1434">77</a>]</span>rocks, -against which no one could move, and so we passed by.”</p> -<p class="par">Thus were the few yards of cotton cloth metamorphosed -before the eyes of the passers-by.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1442" href="#xd21e1442" name= -"xd21e1442">78</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch14" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e337">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XIV</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE OLD MAN WHO BECAME A FISH</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Some years ago a noted official became the -magistrate of Ko-song County. On a certain day a guest called on him to -pay his respects, and when noon came the magistrate had a table of food -prepared for him, on which was a dish of skate soup. When the guest saw -the soup he twisted his features and refused it, saying, “To-day -I am fasting from meat, and so beg to be excused.” His face grew -very pale, and tears flowed from his eyes. The magistrate thought this -behaviour strange, and asked him two or three times the meaning of it. -When he could no longer withhold a reply, he went into all the -particulars and told him the story.</p> -<p class="par">“Your humble servant,” he said, “has -in his life met with much unheard-of and unhappy experience, which he -has never told to a living soul, but now that your Excellency asks it -of me, I cannot refrain from telling. Your servant’s father was a -very old man, nearly a hundred, when one day he was taken down with a -high fever, in which his body was like a fiery furnace. Seeing the -danger he was in, his <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1452" href= -"#xd21e1452" name="xd21e1452">79</a>]</span>children gathered about -weeping, thinking that the time of his departure had surely come. But -he lived, and a few days later said to us, ‘I am burdened with so -great a heat in this sickness that I am not able to endure it longer. I -would like to go out to the bank of the river that runs before the -house and see the water flowing by, and be refreshed by it. Do not -disobey me now, but carry me out at once to the water’s -edge.’</p> -<p class="par">“We remonstrated with him and begged him not to do -so, but he grew very angry, and said, ‘If you do not as I -command, you will be the death of me’; and so, seeing that there -was no help for it, we bore him out and placed him on the bank of the -river. He, seeing the water, was greatly delighted, and said, -‘The clear flowing water cures my sickness.’ A moment later -he said further, ‘I’d like to be quite alone and rid of you -all for a little. Go away into the wood and wait till I tell you to -come.’</p> -<p class="par">“We again remonstrated about this, but he grew -furiously angry, so that we were helpless. We feared that if we -insisted, his sickness would grow worse, and so we were compelled to -yield. We went a short distance away and then turned to look, when -suddenly the old father was gone from the place where he had been -seated. We hurried back to see what had happened. My father had taken -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1458" href="#xd21e1458" name= -"xd21e1458">80</a>]</span>off his clothes and plunged into the water, -which was muddied. His body was already half metamorphosed into a -skate. We saw its transformation in terror, and did not dare to go near -him, when all at once it became changed into a great flatfish, that -swam and plunged and disported itself in the water with intense -delight. He looked back at us as though he could hardly bear to go, but -a moment later he was off, entered the deep sea, and did not again -appear.</p> -<p class="par">“On the edge of the stream where he had changed -his form we found his finger-nails and a tooth. These we buried, and -to-day as a family we all abstain from skate fish, and when we see the -neighbours frying or eating it we are overcome with disgust and -horror.”</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1466" href="#xd21e1466" name= -"xd21e1466">81</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch15" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e346">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XV</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE GEOMANCER</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Yi Eui-sin was a specialist in Geomancy. His -craft came into being evidently as a by-product of Taoism, but has had -mixed in it elements of ancient Chinese philosophy. The Positive and -the Negative, the Two Primary Principles in Nature, play a great part; -also the Five Elements, Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. In the -selection of a site, that for a house is called a “male” -choice, while the grave is denominated the “female” -choice.</p> -<p class="par">Millions of money have been expended in Korea on the -geomancer and his associates in the hope of finding lucky homes for the -living and auspicious resting-places for the dead, the Korean idea -being that, in some mysterious way, all our fortune is associated with -Mother Earth.]</p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was a geomancer once, Yi Eui-sin, who in -seeking out a special mountain vein, started with the Dragon Ridge in -North Ham-kyong Province, and traced it as far as Pine Mountain in -Yang-ju <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1482" href="#xd21e1482" -name="xd21e1482">82</a>]</span>County, where it stopped in a -beautifully rounded end, forming a perfect site for burial. After -wandering all day in the hills, Yi’s hungry spirit cried out for -food. He saw beneath the hill a small house, to which he went, and -rapping at the door asked for something to eat. A mourner, recently -bereaved, came out in a respectful and kindly way, and gave him a dish -of white gruel. Yi, after he had eaten, asked what time the friend had -become a mourner, and if he had already passed the funeral. The owner -answered, “I am just now entering upon full mourning, but we have -not yet arranged for the funeral.” He spoke in a sad and -disheartened way.</p> -<p class="par">Yi felt sorry for him, and asked the reason. “I -wonder if it’s because you are poor that you have not yet made -the necessary arrangements, or perhaps you have not yet found a -suitable site! I am an expert in reading the hills, and I’ll tell -you of a site; would you care to see it?”</p> -<p class="par">The mourner thanked him most gratefully, and said, -“I’ll be delighted to know of it.”</p> -<p class="par">Yi then showed him the end of the great vein that he had -just discovered, also the spot for the grave and how to place its -compass points. “After possessing this site,” said he, -“you will be greatly enriched, but in ten years you will have -cause to arrange for another site. When that comes to <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1490" href="#xd21e1490" name= -"xd21e1490">83</a>]</span>pass please call me, won’t you? In -calling for me just ask for Yi So-pang, who lives in West School Ward, -Seoul.”</p> -<p class="par">The mourner did as directed, and as the geomancer had -foretold, all his affairs prospered. He built a large tiled house, and -ornamented the grave with great stones as a prosperous and high-minded -country gentleman should do.</p> -<p class="par">After ten years a guest called one day, and saluting him -asked, “Is that grave yonder, beyond the stream, yours?” -The master answered, “It is mine.” Then the stranger said, -“That is a famous site, but ten years have passed since you have -come into possession of it, and the luck is gone; why do you not make a -change? If you wait too long you will rue it and may meet with great -disaster.”</p> -<p class="par">The owner, hearing this, thought of Yi the geomancer, -and what he had said years before. Remembering that, he asked the -stranger to remain as his guest while he went next day to Seoul to look -up Yi in West School Ward. He found him, and told him why he had -come.</p> -<p class="par">Yi said, “I already knew of this.” So the -two journeyed together to the inquirer’s home. When there, they -went with the guest up the hill. Yi asked of the guest, “Why did -you tell the master to change the site?”</p> -<p class="par">The guest replied, “This hill is a Kneeling -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1502" href="#xd21e1502" name= -"xd21e1502">84</a>]</span>Pheasant formation. If the pheasant kneels -too long it cannot endure it, so that within a limited time it must -fly. Ten years is the time; that’s why I spoke.”</p> -<p class="par">Yi laughed and said, “Your idea is only a partial -view, you have thought of only one thing, there are other conditions -that enter.” Then he showed the peak to the rear, and said, -“Yonder is Dog Hill,” and then one below, -“which,” said he, “is Falcon Hill,” and then -the stream in front, “which,” said he, “is Cat River. -This is the whole group, the dog behind, the falcon just above, and the -cat in front, how then can the pheasant fly? It dares not.”</p> -<p class="par">The guest replied, “Teacher, surely your eyes are -enlightened, and see further than those of ordinary men.”</p> -<p class="par">From that day forth the Yis of Pine Hill became a great -and noted family.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Anon.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1515" href="#xd21e1515" name= -"xd21e1515">85</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch16" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e355">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XVI</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE MAN WHO BECAME A PIG</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Kim Yu was the son of a country magistrate who -graduated with literary honours in 1596. In 1623 he was one of the -faithful courtiers who joined forces to dethrone the wicked Prince -Kwang-hai, and place In-jo on the throne. He was raised to the rank of -Prince and became, later, Prime Minister. In the year 1624, when Yi -Kwal raised an insurrection, he was the means of putting it down and of -bringing many of his followers to justice. In 1648, he died at the age -of seventy-seven.</p> -<p class="par">In the last year of Son-jo the King called his -grandchildren together and had them write Chinese for him and draw -pictures. At that time In-jo was a little boy, and he drew a picture of -a horse. King Son-jo gave the picture to Yi Hang-bok, but when the -latter some years later went into exile he gave the picture to Kim Yu. -Kim Yu took it, and hung it up in his house and there it remained.</p> -<p class="par">Prince In-jo was one day making a journey out of the -Palace when he was overtaken by rain, and <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e1527" href="#xd21e1527" name="xd21e1527">86</a>]</span>took -refuge in a neighbouring gate-quarters. A servant-maid came out and -invited him in, asking him not to stand in the wet, but Prince In-jo -declined. The invitation, however, was insisted on, and he went into -the guest-room, where he saw the picture of a horse on the wall. On -examining it carefully he recognized it as the picture he had drawn -when a lad, and he wondered how it could have come here. Kim Yu then -came in and they met for the first time. Prince In-jo told him how he -had been overtaken by rain and invited in. He asked concerning the -picture of the horse that hung on the wall, and Kim Yu in reply asked -why he inquired. Prince In-jo said, “I drew that picture myself -when I was a boy.” Just as they spoke together a rich table of -food was brought in from the inner quarters. Kim Yu, not knowing yet -who his guest was, looked with wonder at this surprise, and after -Prince In-jo had gone, he inquired of his wife why she had sent such -delicious fare in to a stranger. The wife replied, “In a dream -last night, I saw the King come and stand in front of our house. I was -just thinking it over when the servant came in and said that some one -was standing before the door. I looked out, and lo, it was the man I -had seen in my dream! so I have treated him to the best of hospitality -that I was able.” Kim Yu soon learned who his caller had been, -and <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1529" href="#xd21e1529" name= -"xd21e1529">87</a>]</span>became from that time the faithful supporter -of Prince In-jo, and later helped to put him on the throne.</p> -<p class="par">After In-jo became king he asked privately of Kim Yu -where he had got the picture. Kim Yu said, “I got it from Prince -Yi Hang-bok.”</p> -<p class="par">Kim Yu then called Yi’s son and inquired of him as -to how his father had got it. The son said, “In the last year of -King Son-jo he called my father along with all his grandchildren, and -showed him the writings and drawings of the young princes. My father -looked at them with interest, but the King gave him only one as a -keepsake, namely, the drawing of the horse.” In the picture there -was a willow tree and a horse tied to it. Kim Yu then recognized the -thought that underlay the gift of the picture, namely, that Prince Yi -Hang-bok should support In-jo in the succession to the throne.]</p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">A certain Minister of State, called Kim Yu, living -in the County of Seung-pyong, had a relative who resided in a -far-distant part of the country, an old man aged nearly one hundred. On -a certain day a son of this patriarch came to the office of the -Minister and asked to see him. Kim ordered him to be admitted, and -inquired as to <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1541" href= -"#xd21e1541" name="xd21e1541">88</a>]</span>why he had come. Said he, -“I have something very important to say, a private matter to lay -before your Excellency. There are so many guests with you now that -I’ll come again in the evening and tell it.”</p> -<p class="par">In the evening, when all had departed, he came, and the -Minister ordered out his personal retainers and asked the meaning of -the call. The man replied, saying, “My father, though very old, -was, as you perhaps know, a strong and hearty man. On a certain day he -called us children to him and said, ‘I wish to have a siesta, so -now close the door and all of you go out of the room. Do not let any -one venture in till I call you.’</p> -<p class="par">“We children agreed, of course, and did so. Till -late at night there was neither call nor command to open the door, so -that we began to be anxious. We at last looked through the chink, and -lo, there was our father changed into a huge pig! Terrified by the -sight of it we opened the door and looked in, when the animal grunted -and growled and made a rush to get out past us. We hurriedly closed the -door again and held a consultation.</p> -<p class="par">“Some said, ‘Let’s keep the pig just -as it is, within doors, and care for it.’ Some said, -‘Let’s have a funeral and bury it.’ We ignorant -country-folk not knowing just what to do under such peculiar -circumstances, I have come to ask counsel of <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1549" href="#xd21e1549" name= -"xd21e1549">89</a>]</span>your Excellency. Please think over this -startling phenomenon and tell us what we ought to do.”</p> -<p class="par">Prince Kim, hearing this, gave a great start, thought it -over for a long time, and at last said, “No such mysterious thing -was ever heard of before, and I really don’t know what is best to -do under the circumstances, but still, it seems to me that since this -metamorphosis has come about, you had better not bury it before death, -so give up the funeral idea. Since, too, it is not a human being any -longer, I do not think it right to keep it in the house. You say that -it wants to make its escape, and as a cave in the woods or hills is its -proper abode, I think you had better take it out and let it go free -into the trackless depths of some mountainous country, where no foot of -man has ever trod.”</p> -<p class="par">The son accepted this wise counsel, and did as the -Minister advised, took it away into the deep mountains and let it go. -Then he donned sackcloth, mourned, buried his father’s clothes -for a funeral, and observed the day of metamorphosis as the day of -sacrificial ceremony.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1559" href="#xd21e1559" name= -"xd21e1559">90</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch17" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e364">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XVII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE OLD WOMAN WHO BECAME A GOBLIN</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was a Confucian scholar once who lived in -the southern part of Seoul. It is said that he went out for a walk one -day while his wife remained alone at home. When he was absent there -came by begging an old woman who looked like a Buddhist priestess, for -while very old her face was not wrinkled. The scholar’s wife -asked her if she knew how to sew. She said she did, and so the wife -made this proposition, “If you will stay and work for me -I’ll give you your breakfast and your supper, and you’ll -not have to beg anywhere; will you agree?”</p> -<p class="par">She replied, “Oh, thank you so much, I’ll be -delighted.”</p> -<p class="par">The scholar’s wife, well satisfied with her -bargain, took her in and set her to picking cotton, and making and -spinning thread. In one day she did more than eight ordinary women, and -yet had, seemingly, plenty of time to spare. The wife, delighted above -measure, treated her to a great feast. After five or six days, however, -the feeling <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1571" href="#xd21e1571" -name="xd21e1571">91</a>]</span>of delight and the desire to treat her -liberally and well wore off somewhat, so that the old woman grew angry -and said, “I am tired of living alone, and so I want your husband -for my partner.” This being refused, she went off in a rage, but -came back in a little accompanied by a decrepit old man who looked like -a Buddhist beggar.</p> -<p class="par">These two came boldly into the room and took possession, -cleared out the things that were in the ancient tablet-box on the -wall-shelf, and both disappeared into it, so that they were not seen at -all, but only their voices heard. According to the whim that took them -they now ordered eatables and other things. When the scholar’s -wife failed in the least particular to please them, they sent plague -and sickness after her, so that her children fell sick and died. -Relatives on hearing of this came to see, but they also caught the -plague, fell ill and died. Little by little no one dared come near the -place, and it became known at last that the wife was held as a prisoner -by these two goblin creatures. For a time smoke was seen by the -town-folk coming out of the chimney daily, and they knew that the wife -still lived, but after five or six days the smoke ceased, and they knew -then that the woman’s end had come. No one dared even to make -inquiry.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1579" href="#xd21e1579" name= -"xd21e1579">92</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch18" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e373">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XVIII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE GRATEFUL GHOST</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">It is often told that in the days of the Koryo -Dynasty (<span class="sc">A.D.</span> 918–1392), when an -examination was to be held, a certain scholar came from a far-distant -part of the country to take part. Once on his journey the day was -drawing to a close, and he found himself among the mountains. Suddenly -he heard a sneezing from among the creepers and bushes by the roadside, -but could see no one. Thinking it strange, he dismounted from his -horse, went into the brake and listened. He heard it again, and it -seemed to come from the roots of the creeper close beside him, so he -ordered his servant to dig round it and see. He dug and found a dead -man’s skull. It was full of earth, and the roots of the creeper -had passed through the nostrils. The sneezing was caused by the -annoyance felt by the spirit from having the nose so discommoded.</p> -<p class="par">The candidate felt sorry, washed the skull in clean -water, wrapped it in paper and reburied it in its former place on the -hill-side. He also brought a <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1592" -href="#xd21e1592" name="xd21e1592">93</a>]</span>table of food and -offered sacrifice, and said a prayer.</p> -<p class="par">That night, in a dream, a scholar came to him, an old -man with white hair, who bowed, thanked him, and said, “On -account of sin committed in a former life, I died out of season before -I had fulfilled my days. My posterity, too, were all destroyed, my body -crumbled back into the dust, my skull alone remaining, and that is what -you found below the creeper. On account of the root passing through it -the annoyance was great, and I could not help but sneeze. By good luck -you and your kind heart, blessed of Heaven, took pity on me, buried me -in a clean place and gave me food. Your kindness is greater than the -mountains, and like the blessing that first brought me into life. -Though my soul is by no means perfect, yet I long for some way by which -to requite your favour, and so I have exercised my powers in your -behalf. Your present journey is for the purpose of trying the official -Examination, so I shall tell you beforehand what the form is to be, and -the subject. It is to be of character groups of fives, in couplets; the -rhyme sound is ‘pong,’ and the subject ‘Peaks and -Spires of the Summer Clouds.’ I have already composed one for -you, which, if you care to use it, will undoubtedly win you the first -place. It is this— <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1596" href= -"#xd21e1596" name="xd21e1596">94</a>]</span></p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">‘The white sun rode high up in the heavens,</p> -<p class="line">And the floating clouds formed a lofty peak;</p> -<p class="line">The priest who saw them asked if there was a temple -there,</p> -<p class="line">And the crane lamented the fact that no pines were -visible;</p> -<p class="line">But the lightnings from the cloud were the flashings of -the woodman’s axe,</p> -<p class="line">And the muffled thunders were the bell calls of the -holy temple.</p> -<p class="line">Will any say that the hills do not move?</p> -<p class="line">On the sunset breezes they sailed -away.’”</p> -</div> -<p class="par first">After thus stating it, he bowed and took his -departure.</p> -<p class="par">The man, in wonder, awakened from his dream, came up to -Seoul; and behold, the subject was as foretold by the spirit. He wrote -what had been given him, and became first in the honours of the -occasion.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1622" href="#xd21e1622" name= -"xd21e1622">95</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch19" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e382">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XIX</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE PLUCKY MAIDEN</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Han Myong-hoi.—We are told in the -<i>Yol-ryok Keui-sul</i> that when Han was a boy he had for protector -and friend a tiger, who used to accompany him as a dog does his master. -One evening, when he started off into the hills, he heard the distant -tramp of the great beast, who had got scent of his going, and had come -rushing after him. When Han saw him he turned, and said, “Good -old chap, you come all this distance to be my friend; I love you for -it.” The tiger prostrated himself and nodded with his head -several times. He used to accompany Han all through the nights, but -when the day dawned he would leave him.</p> -<p class="par">Han later fell into bad company, grew fond of drink, and -was one of the boisterous companions of King Se-jo.]</p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Han Myong-hoi was a renowned Minister of the Reign -of Se-jo (<span class="sc">A.D.</span> 1455–1468). The King -appreciated and enjoyed him greatly, and there was no <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1644" href="#xd21e1644" name= -"xd21e1644">96</a>]</span>one of the Court who could surpass him for -influence and royal favour. Confident in his position, Han did as he -pleased, wielding absolute power. At that time, like grass before the -wind, the world bowed at his coming; no one dared utter a word of -remonstrance.</p> -<p class="par">When Han went as governor to Pyong-an Province he did -all manner of lawless things. Any one daring to cross his wishes in the -least was dealt with by torture and death. The whole Province feared -him as they would a tiger.</p> -<p class="par">On a certain day Governor Han, hearing that the Deputy -Prefect of Son-chon had a very beautiful daughter, called the Deputy, -and said, “I hear that you have a very beautiful daughter, whom I -would like to make my concubine. When I am on my official rounds -shortly, I shall expect to stop at your town and take her. So be ready -for me.”</p> -<p class="par">The Deputy, alarmed, said, “How can your -Excellency say that your servant’s contemptible daughter is -beautiful? Some one has reported her wrongly. But since you so command, -how can I do but accede gladly?” So he bowed, said his farewell, -and went home.</p> -<p class="par">On his return his family noticed that his face was -clouded with anxiety, and the daughter asked why it was. “Did the -Governor call you, father?” asked she; “and why are you so -anxious? Tell <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1654" href= -"#xd21e1654" name="xd21e1654">97</a>]</span>me, please.” At -first, fearing that she would be disturbed, he did not reply, but her -repeated questions forced him, so that he said, “I am in trouble -on your account,” and then told of how the Governor wanted her -for his concubine. “If I had refused I would have been killed, so -I yielded; but a gentleman’s daughter being made a concubine is a -disgrace unheard of.”</p> -<p class="par">The daughter made light of it and laughed. “Why -did you not think it out better than that, father? Why should a grown -man lose his life for the sake of a girl? Let the daughter go. By -losing one daughter and saving your life, you surely do better than -saving your daughter and losing your life. One can easily see where the -greater advantage lies. A daughter does not count; give her over, -that’s all. Don’t for a moment think otherwise, just put -away your distress and anxiety. We women, every one of us, are under -the ban, and such things are decreed by Fate. I shall accept without -any opposition, so please have no anxiety. It is settled now, and you, -father, must yield and follow. If you do so all will be -well.”</p> -<p class="par">The father sighed, and said in reply, “Since you -seem so willing, my mind is somewhat relieved.” But from this -time on the whole house was in distress. The girl alone seemed -perfectly unmoved, not showing the slightest sign of fear. She -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1660" href="#xd21e1660" name= -"xd21e1660">98</a>]</span>laughed as usual, her light and happy laugh, -and her actions seemed wonderfully free.</p> -<p class="par">In a little the Governor reached Son-chon on his rounds. -He then called the Deputy, and said, “Make ready your daughter -for to-morrow and all the things needed.” The Deputy came home -and made preparation for the so-called wedding. The daughter said, -“This is not a real wedding; it is only the taking of a -concubine, but still, make everything ready in the way of refreshments -and ceremony as for a real marriage.” So the father did as she -requested.</p> -<p class="par">On the day following the Governor came to the house of -the Deputy. He was not dressed in his official robes, but came simply -in the dress and hat of a commoner. When he went into the inner -quarters he met the daughter; she stood straight before him. Her two -hands were lifted in ceremonial form, but instead of holding a fan to -hide her face she held a sword before her. She was very pretty. He gave -a great start of surprise, and asked the meaning of the knife that she -held. She ordered her nurse to reply, who said, “Even though I am -an obscure countrywoman, I do not forget that I am born of the gentry; -and though your Excellency is a high Minister of State, still to take -me by force is an unheard-of dishonour. If you take me as your real and -true wife I’ll serve you <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1666" -href="#xd21e1666" name="xd21e1666">99</a>]</span>with all my heart, but -if you are determined to take me as a concubine I shall die now by this -sword. For that reason I hold it. My life rests on one word from your -Excellency. Speak it, please, before I decide.”</p> -<p class="par">The Governor, though a man who observed no ceremony and -never brooked a question, when he saw how beautiful and how determined -this maiden was, fell a victim to her at once, and said, “If you -so decide, then, of course, I’ll make you my real -wife.”</p> -<p class="par">Her answer was, “If you truly mean it, then please -withdraw and write out the certificate; send the gifts; provide the -goose; dress in the proper way; come, and let us go through the -required ceremony; drink the pledge-glass, and wed.”</p> -<p class="par">The Governor did as she suggested, carried out the forms -to the letter, and they were married.</p> -<p class="par">She was not only a very pretty woman, but upright and -true of soul—a rare person indeed. The Governor took her home, -loved her and held her dear. He had, however, a real wife before and -concubines, but he set them all aside and fixed his affections on this -one only. She remonstrated with him over his wrongs and unrighteous -acts, and he listened and made improvement. The world took note of it, -and praised her as a true and wonderful woman. She counted herself the -real wife, but the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1677" href= -"#xd21e1677" name="xd21e1677">100</a>]</span>first wife treated her as -a concubine, and all the relatives said likewise that she could never -be considered a real wife. At that time King Se-jo frequently, in the -dress of a commoner, used to visit Han’s house. Han entertained -him royally with refreshments, which his wife used to bring and offer -before him. He called her his “little sister.” On a certain -day King Se-jo, as he was accustomed, came to the house, and while he -was drinking he suddenly saw the woman fall on her face before him. The -King in surprise inquired as to what she could possibly mean by such an -act. She then told all the story of her being taken by force and -brought to Seoul. She wept while she said, “Though I am from a -far-distant part of the country I am of the gentry by ancestry, and my -husband took me with all the required ceremonies of a wife, so that I -ought not to be counted a concubine. But there is no law in this land -by which a second real wife may be taken after a first real wife -exists, so they call me a concubine, a matter of deepest disgrace. -Please, your Majesty, take pity on me and decide my case.”</p> -<p class="par">The King laughed, and said, “This is a simple -matter to settle; why should my little sister make so great an affair -of it, and bow before me? I will decide your case at once. Come.” -He then wrote out with his own hand a document making her a -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1681" href="#xd21e1681" name= -"xd21e1681">101</a>]</span>real wife, and her children eligible for the -highest office. He wrote it, signed it, stamped it and gave it to -her.</p> -<p class="par">From that time on she was known as a real wife, in rank -and standing equal to the first one. No further word was ever -slightingly spoken, and her children shared in the affairs of -State.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1689" href="#xd21e1689" name= -"xd21e1689">102</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch20" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e391">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XX</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE RESOURCEFUL WIFE</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In the last year of Yon-san terrible evils were -abroad among the people. Such wickedness as the world had never seen -before was perpetrated, of which his Majesty was the evil genius. He -even gave orders to his eunuchs and underlings to bring to him any -women of special beauty that they might see in the homes of the highest -nobility, and whoever pleased him he used as his own. “Never mind -objections,” said he, “take them by force and come.” -Such were his orders. No one escaped him. He even went so far as to -publish abroad that Minister So and So’s wife preferred him to -her husband and would like to live always in the Palace. It was the -common talk of the city, and people were dumbfounded.</p> -<p class="par">For that reason all hearts forsook him, and because of -this he was dethroned, and King Choong-jong reigned in his stead.</p> -<p class="par">In these days of trouble there was a young wife of a -certain minister, who was very beautiful in form and face. One day it -fell about that she was <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1701" href= -"#xd21e1701" name="xd21e1701">103</a>]</span>ordered into the Palace. -Other women, when called, would cry and behave as though their lives -were forfeited, but this young woman showed not the slightest sign of -fear. She dressed and went straight into the Palace. King Yon-san saw -her, and ordered her to come close to him. She came, and then in a -sudden manner the most terrible odour imaginable was noticeable. The -King held his fan before his face, turned aside, spat, and said, -“Dear me, I cannot stand this one, take her away,” and so -she escaped undefiled.</p> -<p class="par">How it came about was thus: She knew that she was likely -to be called at any moment, and so had planned a ruse by which to -escape. Two slices of meat she had kept constantly on hand, decayed and -foul-smelling, but always ready. She placed these under her arms as she -dressed and went into the Palace, and so provided this awful and -unaccountable odour.</p> -<p class="par">All that knew of it praised her bravery and -sagacity.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1711" href="#xd21e1711" name= -"xd21e1711">104</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch21" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e400">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXI</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE BOXED-UP GOVERNOR</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">A certain literary official was at one time -Governor of the city of Kyong-ju. Whenever he visited the Mayor of the -place, it was his custom, on seeing dancing-girls, to tap them on the -head with his pipe, and say, “These girls are devils, ogres, -goblins. How can you tolerate them in your presence?”</p> -<p class="par">Naturally, those who heard this disliked him, and the -Mayor himself detested his behaviour and manners. He sent a secret -message to the dancing-girls, saying, “If any of you, by any -means whatever, can deceive this governor, and put him to shame, -I’ll reward you richly.” Among them there was one girl, a -mere child, who said she could.</p> -<p class="par">The Governor resided in the quarter of the city where -the Confucian Temple was, and he had but one servant with him, a young -lad. The dancing-girl who had decided to ensnare him, in the dress of a -common woman of the town, used frequently to go by the main gateway of -the Temple, and in <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1723" href= -"#xd21e1723" name="xd21e1723">105</a>]</span>going would call the -Governor’s boy to her. Sometimes she showed her profile and -sometimes she showed her whole form, as she stood in the gateway. The -boy would go out to her and she would speak to him for a moment or two -and then go. She came sometimes once a day, sometimes twice, and this -she kept up for a long time. The Governor at last inquired of the boy -as to who this woman was that came so frequently to call him.</p> -<p class="par">“She is my sister,” said the boy. “Her -husband went away on a peddling round a year or so ago, and has not yet -returned; consequently she has no one else to help her, so she -frequently calls and confers with me.”</p> -<p class="par">One evening, when the boy had gone to eat his meal and -the Governor was alone, the woman came to the main gateway, and called -for the boy.</p> -<p class="par">His Excellency answered for him, and invited her in. -When she came, she blushed, and appeared very diffident, standing -modestly aside.</p> -<p class="par">The Governor said, “My boy is absent just now, but -I want a smoke; go and get a light for my pipe, will you, -please.”</p> -<p class="par">She brought the light, and then he said, “Sit down -too, and smoke a little, won’t you?”</p> -<p class="par">She replied, “How could I dare do such a -thing?” <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1737" href= -"#xd21e1737" name="xd21e1737">106</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">He said, “There is no one else here now; never -mind.”</p> -<p class="par">There being no help for it, she did as he bade her, and -smoked a little. He felt his heart suddenly inclined in her favour, and -he said, “I have seen many beautiful women, but I surely think -that you are the prettiest of them all. Once seeing you, I have quite -forgotten how to eat or sleep. Could you not come to me to live here? I -am quite alone and no one will know it.”</p> -<p class="par">She pretended to be greatly scandalized. “Your -Excellency is a noble, and I am a low-class woman; how can you think of -such a thing? Do you mean it as a joke?”</p> -<p class="par">He replied, “I mean it truly, no joke at -all.” He swore an oath, saying, “Really I mean it, every -word.”</p> -<p class="par">She then said, “Since you speak so, I am really -very grateful, and shall come.”</p> -<p class="par">Said he, “Meeting you thus is wonderful -indeed.”</p> -<p class="par">She went on to say, “There is another matter, -however, that I wish to call to your attention. I understand that where -your Excellency is now staying is a very sacred place, and that -according to ancient law men were forbidden to have women here. Is that -true?”</p> -<p class="par">The Governor clapped her shoulder, and said, -“Well, really now, how is it that you know of <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1755" href="#xd21e1755" name= -"xd21e1755">107</a>]</span>this? You are right. What shall we do about -it?”</p> -<p class="par">She made answer, “If you’ll depend on me, -I’ll arrange a plan. My home is near by, and I am also alone, so -if you come quietly at night to me, we can meet and no one will know. I -shall send a felt hat by the boy, and you can wear that for disguise. -With this commoner’s felt hat on no one will know you.”</p> -<p class="par">The Governor was greatly delighted, and said, “How -is it that you can plan so wonderfully? I shall do as you suggest. Now -you be sure to be on hand.” He repeated this two or three -times.</p> -<p class="par">The woman went and entered the house indicated. When -evening came she sent the hat by the boy. The Governor arrived as -agreed, and she received him, lit the lamp, and brought him -refreshments and drink. They talked and drank together, and he called -her to come to him. The woman hesitated for a moment, when suddenly -there was a call heard from the outside, and a great disturbance took -place. She bent her head to listen and then gave a cry of alarm, -saying, “That’s the voice of my husband, who has come. I -was unfortunate, and so had this miserable wretch apportioned to my -lot. He is the most despicable among mortals. For murder and arson he -has no <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1763" href="#xd21e1763" name= -"xd21e1763">108</a>]</span>equal. Three years ago he left me and I took -another husband, and we’ve had nothing to do with each other -since. I can’t imagine why he should come now. He is evidently -very drunk, too, from the sound of his voice. Your Excellency has -really fallen into a terrible plight. What shall I do?”</p> -<p class="par">The woman went out then and answered, saying, “Who -comes thus at midnight to make such a disturbance?”</p> -<p class="par">The voice replied, “Don’t you know my voice? -Why don’t you open the door?”</p> -<p class="par">She answered, “Are you not <i>Chol-lo</i> (Brass -Tiger), and have we not separated for good, years ago? Why have you -come?”</p> -<p class="par">The voice from without answered back, “Your -leaving me and taking another man has always been a matter of deepest -resentment on my part; I have something special to say to you,” -and he pounded the door open and came thundering in.</p> -<p class="par">The woman rushed back into the room, saying, “Your -Excellency must escape in some way or other.”</p> -<p class="par">In such a little thatched hut there was no place -possible for concealment but an empty rice-box only. “Please get -into this,” said she, and she lifted the lid and hurried him in. -The Governor, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1781" href= -"#xd21e1781" name="xd21e1781">109</a>]</span>in his haste and -déshabille, was bundled into the box. He then heard, from -within, this fellow come into the room and quarrel with his wife. She -said, “We have been separated three years already; what reason -have you to come now and make such a disturbance?”</p> -<p class="par">Said he, “You cast me off and took another man, -therefore I have come for the clothes that I left, and the other things -that belong to me.”</p> -<p class="par">Then she threw out his belongings to him, but he said, -pointing to the box, “That’s mine.”</p> -<p class="par">She replied, “That’s not yours; I bought -that myself with two rolls of silk goods.”</p> -<p class="par">“But,” said he, “one of those rolls I -gave you, and I’m not going to let you have it.”</p> -<p class="par">“Even though you did give it, do you mean to say -that for one roll of silk you will carry away this box? I’ll not -consent to it.” Thus they quarrelled, and contradicted each -other.</p> -<p class="par">“If you don’t give me the box,” said -he, “I’ll enter a suit against you at the -Mayor’s.”</p> -<p class="par">A little later the day dawned, and so he had the box -carried off to the Mayor’s office to have the case decided by -law, while the woman followed. When they entered the court, already the -Mayor was seated in the judgment-place, and here they presented their -case concerning the box. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1798" href= -"#xd21e1798" name="xd21e1798">110</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The Mayor, after hearing, decided thus: “Since you -each have a half-share in its purchase, there is nothing for me to do -but to divide it between you. Bring a saw,” said he.</p> -<p class="par">The servants brought the saw and began on the box, when -suddenly from the inner regions came forth a cry, “Save me; oh, -save me!”</p> -<p class="par">The Mayor, in pretended astonishment, said, “Why, -there’s a man’s voice from the inside,” and ordered -that it should be opened. The servants managed to find the key, and at -last the lid came back, and from the inner quarters there came forth a -half-dressed man.</p> -<p class="par">On seeing him the whole place was put into convulsions -of laughter, for it was none other than the Governor.</p> -<p class="par">“How is it that your Excellency finds yourself in -this box in this unaccountable way?” asked the Mayor. -“Please come out.”</p> -<p class="par">The Governor, huddling himself together as well as he -could, climbed on to the open verandah. He held his head down and -nearly died for shame.</p> -<p class="par">The Mayor, splitting his sides with laughter, ordered -clothes to be brought, and the first thing that came was a -woman’s green dress-coat. The Governor hastily turned it inside -out, slipped it on, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1813" href= -"#xd21e1813" name="xd21e1813">111</a>]</span>and made a dash for his -quarters in the Confucian Temple. That day he left the place never to -return, and even to the present time in Kyong-ju they laugh and tell -the story of the Boxed-up Governor.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1819" href="#xd21e1819" name= -"xd21e1819">112</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch22" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e410">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE MAN WHO LOST HIS LEGS</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was a merchant in Chong-ju who used to go to -Quelpart to buy seaweed. One time when he drew up on the shore he saw a -man shuffling along on the ground toward the boat. He crept nearer, and -at last took hold of the side with both his hands and jumped in.</p> -<p class="par">“When I looked at him,” said the merchant, -“I found he was an old man without any legs. Astonished, I asked, -saying, ‘How is it, old man, that you have lost your -legs?’</p> -<p class="par">“He said in reply, ‘I lost my legs on a trip -once when I was shipwrecked, and a great fish bit them -off.’”</p> -<p class="par">“However did that happen?” inquired the -merchant. And the old man said, “We were caught in a gale and -driven till we touched on some island or other. Before us on the shore -stood a high castle with a great gateway. The twenty or so of us who -were together in the storm-tossed boat were all exhausted from cold and -hunger, and lying <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1833" href= -"#xd21e1833" name="xd21e1833">113</a>]</span>exposed. We landed and -managed to go together to the house. There was in it one man only, -whose height was terrible to behold, and whose chest was many spans -round. His face was black and his eyes large and rolling. His voice was -like the braying of a monster donkey. Our people made motions showing -that they wanted something to eat. The man made no reply, but securely -fastened the front gate. After this he brought an armful of wood, put -it in the middle of the courtyard, and there made a fire. When the fire -blazed up he rushed after us and caught a young lad, one of our -company, cooked him before our eyes, pulled him to pieces and ate him. -We were all reduced to a state of horror, not knowing what to do. We -gazed at each other in dismay and stupefaction.</p> -<p class="par">“When he had eaten his fill, he went up into a -verandah and opened a jar, from which he drank some kind of spirit. -After drinking it he uttered the most gruesome and awful noises; his -face grew very red and he lay down and slept. His snorings were like -the roarings of the thunder. We planned then to make our escape, and so -tried to open the large gate, but one leaf was about twenty-four feet -across, and so thick and heavy that with all our strength we could not -move it. The walls, too, were a hundred and fifty feet high, and so we -could do nothing with them. We were like fish in a -pot—<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1837" href="#xd21e1837" -name="xd21e1837">114</a>]</span>beyond all possible way of escape. We -held each other’s hands, and cried.</p> -<p class="par">“Among us, one man thought of this plan: We had a -knife and he took it, and while the monster was drunk and asleep, -decided to stab his eyes out, and cut his throat. We said in reply, -‘We are all doomed to death, anyway; let’s try,’ and -we made our way up on to the verandah and stabbed his eyes. He gave an -awful roar, and struck out on all sides to catch us. We rushed here and -there, making our escape out of the court back into the rear garden. -There were in this enclosure pigs and sheep, about sixty of them in -all. There we rushed, in among the pigs and sheep. He floundered about, -waving his two arms after us, but not one of us did he get hold of; we -were all mixed up—sheep, pigs and people. When he did catch -anything it was a sheep; and when it was not a sheep it was a pig. So -he opened the front gate to send all the animals out.</p> -<p class="par">“We then each of us took a pig or sheep on the -back and made straight for the gate. The monster felt each, and finding -it a pig or a sheep let it go. Thus we all got out and rushed for the -boat. A little later he came and sat on the bank and roared his -threatenings at us. A lot of other giants came at his call. They took -steps of thirty feet or so, came racing after us, caught the boat, and -made it <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1843" href="#xd21e1843" -name="xd21e1843">115</a>]</span>fast; but we took axes and struck at -the hands that held it, and so got free at last and out to the open -sea.</p> -<p class="par">“Again a great wind arose, and we ran on to the -rocks and were all destroyed. Every one was engulfed in the sea and -drowned; I alone got hold of a piece of boat-timber and lived. Then -there was a horrible fish from the sea that came swimming after me and -bit off my legs. At last I drifted back home and here I am.</p> -<p class="par">“When I think of it still, my teeth are cold and -my bones shiver. My Eight Lucky Stars are very bad, that’s why it -happened to me.”</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Anon.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1854" href="#xd21e1854" name= -"xd21e1854">116</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch23" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e419">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXIII</h2> -<h2 class="main">TEN THOUSAND DEVILS</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Han Chun-kyom was the son of a provincial -secretary. He matriculated in the year 1579 and graduated in 1586. He -received the last wishes of King Son-jo, and sat by his side taking -notes for seven hours. From 1608 to 1623 he was <i>generalissimo</i> of -the army, and later was raised to the rank of Prince.]</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par">A certain Prince Han of Choong-chong Province had a -distant relative who was an uncouth countryman living in extreme -poverty. This relative came to visit him from time to time. Han pitied -his cold and hungry condition, gave him clothes to wear and shared his -food, urging him to stay and to prolong his visit often into several -months. He felt sorry for him, but disliked his uncouthness and -stupidity.</p> -<p class="par">On one of these visits the poor relation suddenly -announced his intention to return home, although the New Year’s -season was just at hand. Han urged him to remain, saying, “It -would be better <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1872" href= -"#xd21e1872" name="xd21e1872">117</a>]</span>for you to be comfortably -housed at my home, eating cake and soup and enjoying quiet sleep rather -than riding through wind and weather at this season of the -year.”</p> -<p class="par">He said at first that he would have to go, until his -host so insistently urged on him to stay that at last he yielded and -gave consent. At New Year’s Eve he remarked to Prince Han, -“I am possessor of a peculiar kind of magic, by which I have -under my control all manner of evil genii, and New Year is the season -at which I call them up, run over their names, and inspect them. If I -did not do so I should lose control altogether, and there would follow -no end of trouble among mortals. It is a matter of no small moment, and -that is why I wished to go. Since, however, you have detained me, I -shall have to call them up in your Excellency’s house and look -them over. I hope you will not object.”</p> -<p class="par">Han was greatly astonished and alarmed, but gave his -consent. The poor relation went on to say further, “This is an -extremely important matter, and I would like to have for it your -central guest hall.”</p> -<p class="par">Han consented to this also, so that night they washed -the floors and scoured them clean. The relation also sat himself with -all dignity facing the south, while Prince Han took up his station on -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1880" href="#xd21e1880" name= -"xd21e1880">118</a>]</span>the outside prepared to spy. Soon he saw a -startling variety of demons crushing in at the door, horrible in -appearance and awesome of manner. They lined up one after another, and -still another, and another, till they filled the entire court, each -bowing as he came before the master, who, at this point, drew out a -book, opened it before him, and began calling off the names. Demon -guards who stood by the threshold repeated the call and checked off the -names just as they do in a government <i>yamen</i>. From the second -watch it went on till the fifth of the morning. Han remarked, “It -was indeed no lie when he told me ‘ten thousand -devils.’”</p> -<p class="par">One late-comer arrived after the marking was over, and -still another came climbing over the wall. The man ordered them to be -arrested, and inquiry made of them under the paddle. The late arrival -said, “I really have had a hard time of it of late to live, and -so was obliged, in order to find anything, to inject smallpox into the -home of a scholar who lives in Yong-nam. It is a long way off, and so I -have arrived too late for the roll-call, a serious fault indeed, I -confess.”</p> -<p class="par">The one who climbed the wall, said, “I, too, have -known want and hunger, and so had to insert a little typhus into the -family of a gentleman who <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1889" -href="#xd21e1889" name="xd21e1889">119</a>]</span>lives in Kyong-keui, -but hearing that roll-call was due I came helter-skelter, fearing lest -I should arrive too late, and so climbed the wall, which was indeed a -sin.”</p> -<p class="par">The man then, in a loud voice, rated them soundly, -saying, “These devils have disobeyed my orders, caused disease -and sinned grievously. Worse than everything, they have climbed the -wall of a high official’s house.” He ordered a hundred -blows to be given them with the paddle, the <i>cangue</i> to be put on, -and to have them locked fast in prison. Then, calling the others to -him, he said, “Do not spread disease! Do you understand?” -Three times he ordered it and five times he repeated it. Then they were -all dismissed. The crowd of devils lined off before him, taking their -departure and crushing out through the gate with no end of noise and -confusion. After a long time they had all disappeared.</p> -<p class="par">Prince Han, looking on during this time, saw the man now -seated alone in the hall. It was quiet, and all had vanished. The cocks -crew and morning came. Han was astonished above measure, and asked as -to the law that governed such work as this. The poor relation said in -reply, “When I was young I studied in a monastery in the -mountains. In that monastery was an old priest who had a <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1899" href="#xd21e1899" name= -"xd21e1899">120</a>]</span>most peculiar countenance. A man feeble and -ready to die, he seemed. All the priests made sport of him and treated -him with contempt. I alone had pity on his age, and often gave him of -my food and always treated him kindly. One evening, when the moon was -bright, the old priest said to me, ‘There is a cave behind this -monastery from which a beautiful view may be had; will you not come -with me and share it?’</p> -<p class="par">“I went with him, and when we crossed the ridge of -the hills into the stillness of the night he drew a book from his -breast and gave it to me, saying, ‘I, who am old and ready to -die, have here a great secret, which I have long wished to pass on to -some one worthy. I have travelled over the wide length of Korea, and -have never found the man till now I meet you, and my heart is -satisfied, so please receive it.’</p> -<p class="par">“I opened the book and found it a catalogue list -of devils, with magic writing interspersed, and an explanation of the -laws that govern the spirit world. The old priest wrote out one magic -recipe, and having set fire to it countless devils at once assembled, -at which I was greatly alarmed. He then sat with me and called over the -names one after the other, and said to the devils, ‘I am an old -man now, am going away, and so am about to <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1905" href="#xd21e1905" name= -"xd21e1905">121</a>]</span>put you under the care of this young man; -obey him and all will be well.’</p> -<p class="par">“I already had the book, and so called them to me, -read out the new orders, and dismissed them.</p> -<p class="par">“The old priest and I returned to the Temple and -went to sleep. I awoke early next morning and went to call on him, but -he was gone. Thus I came into possession of the magic art, and have -possessed it for a score of years and more. What the world knows -nothing of I have thus made known to your Excellency.”</p> -<p class="par">Han was astonished beyond measure, and asked, “May -I not also come into possession of this wonderful gift?”</p> -<p class="par">The man replied, “Your Excellency has great -ability, and can do wonderful things; but the possessor of this craft -must be one poor and despised, and of no account. For you, a minister, -it would never do.”</p> -<p class="par">The next day he left suddenly, and returned no more. Han -sent a servant with a message to him. The servant, with great -difficulty, at last found him alone among a thousand mountain peaks, -living in a little straw hut no bigger than a cockle shell. No -neighbours were there, nor any one beside. He called him, but he -refused to come. He sent <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1917" href= -"#xd21e1917" name="xd21e1917">122</a>]</span>another messenger to -invite him, but he had moved away and no trace of him was left.</p> -<p class="par">Prince Han’s children had heard this story from -himself, and I, the writer, received it from them.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1925" href="#xd21e1925" name= -"xd21e1925">123</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch24" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e428">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXIV</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE HOME OF THE FAIRIES</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In the days of King In-jo (1623–1649) there -was a student of Confucius who lived in Ka-pyong. He was still a young -man and unmarried. His education had not been extensive, for he had -read only a little in the way of history and literature. For some -reason or other he left his home and went into Kang-won Province. -Travelling on horseback, and with a servant, he reached a mountain, -where he was overtaken by rain that wet him through. Mysteriously, from -some unknown cause, his servant suddenly died, and the man, in fear and -distress, drew the body to the side of the hill, where he left it and -went on his way weeping. When he had gone but a short distance, the -horse he rode fell under him and died also. Such was his plight: his -servant dead, his horse dead, rain falling fast, and the road an -unknown one. He did not know what to do or where to go, and reduced -thus to walking, he broke down and cried. At this point there met him -an old man with very wonderful eyes, and hair as white as snow. He -asked the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1933" href="#xd21e1933" -name="xd21e1933">124</a>]</span>young man why he wept, and the reply -was that his servant was dead, his horse was dead, that it was raining, -and that he did not know the way. The patriarch, on hearing this, took -pity on him, and lifting his staff, pointed, saying, “There is a -house yonder, just beyond those pines, follow that stream and it will -bring you to where there are people.”</p> -<p class="par">The young man looked as directed, and a <i>li</i> or so -beyond he saw a clump of trees. He bowed, thanked the stranger, and -started on his way. When he had gone a few paces he looked back, but -the friend had disappeared. Greatly wondering, he went on toward the -place indicated, and as he drew near he saw a grove of pines, huge -trees they were, a whole forest of them. Bamboos appeared, too, in -countless numbers, with a wide stream of water flowing by. Underneath -the water there seemed to be a marble flooring like a great pavement, -white and pure. As he went along he saw that the water was all of an -even depth, such as one could cross easily. A mile or so farther on he -saw a beautifully decorated house. The pillars and entrance approaches -were perfect in form. He continued his way, wet as he was, carrying his -thorn staff, and entered the gate and sat down to rest. It was paved, -too, with marble, and smooth as <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e1940" href="#xd21e1940" name="xd21e1940">125</a>]</span>polished -glass. There were no chinks or creases in it, all was of one perfect -surface. In the room was a marble table, and on it a copy of the Book -of Changes; there was also a brazier of jade just in front. Incense was -burning in it, and the fragrance filled the room. Beside these, nothing -else was visible. The rain had ceased and all was quiet and clear, with -no wind nor anything to disturb. The world of confusion seemed to have -receded from him.</p> -<p class="par">While he sat there, looking in astonishment, he suddenly -heard the sound of footfalls from the rear of the building. Startled by -it, he turned to see, when an old man appeared. He looked as though he -might equal the turtle or the crane as to age, and was very dignified. -He wore a green dress and carried a jade staff of nine sections. The -appearance of the old man was such as to stun any inhabitant of the -earth. He recognized him as the master of the place, and so he went -forward and made a low obeisance.</p> -<p class="par">The old man received him kindly, and said, “I am -the master and have long waited for you.” He took him by the hand -and led him away. As they went along, the hills grew more and more -enchanting, while the soft breezes and the light touched him with -mystifying favour. Suddenly, as he <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e1946" href="#xd21e1946" name="xd21e1946">126</a>]</span>looked -the man was gone, so he went on by himself, and arrived soon at another -palace built likewise of precious stones. It was a great hall, -stretching on into the distance as far as the eye could see.</p> -<p class="par">The young man had seen the Royal Palace frequently when -in Seoul attending examinations, but compared with this, the Royal -Palace was as a mud hut thatched with straw.</p> -<p class="par">As he reached the gate a man in ceremonial robes -received him and led him in. He passed two or three pavilions, and at -last reached a special one and went up to the upper storey. There, -reclining at a table, he saw the ancient sage whom he had met before. -Again he bowed.</p> -<p class="par">This young man, brought up poorly in the country, was -never accustomed to seeing or dealing with the great. In fear, he did -not dare to lift his eyes. The ancient master, however, again welcomed -him and asked him to be seated, saying, “This is not the dusty -world that you are accustomed to, but the abode of the genii. I knew -you were coming, and so was waiting to receive you.” He turned -and called, saying, “Bring something for the guest to -eat.”</p> -<p class="par">In a little a servant brought a richly laden table. It -was such fare as was never seen on earth, and <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1956" href="#xd21e1956" name= -"xd21e1956">127</a>]</span>there was abundance of it. The young man, -hungry as he was, ate heartily of these strange viands. Then the dishes -were carried away and the old man said, “I have a daughter who -has arrived at a marriageable age, and I have been trying to find a -son-in-law, but as yet have not succeeded. Your coming accords with -this need. Live here, then, and become my son-in-law.” The young -man, not knowing what to think, bowed and was silent. Then the host -turned and gave an order, saying, “Call in the -children.”</p> -<p class="par">Two boys about twelve or thirteen years of age came -running in and sat down beside him. Their faces were so beautifully -white they seemed like jewels. The master pointed to them and said to -the guest, “These are my sons,” and to the sons he said, -“This young man is he whom I have chosen for my son-in-law; when -should we have the wedding? Choose you a lucky day and let me -know.”</p> -<p class="par">The two boys reckoned over the days on their fingers, -and then together said, “The day after to-morrow is a lucky -day.”</p> -<p class="par">The old man, turning to the stranger, said, “That -decides as to the wedding, and now you must wait in the guest-chamber -till the time arrives.” He then gave a command to call So and So. -In a little an <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1965" href= -"#xd21e1965" name="xd21e1965">128</a>]</span>official of the genii came -forward, dressed in light and airy garments. His appearance and -expression were very beautiful, a man, he seemed, of glad and happy -mien.</p> -<p class="par">The master said, “Show this young man the way to -his apartments and treat him well till the time of the -wedding.”</p> -<p class="par">The official then led the way, and the young man bowed -as he left the room. When he had passed outside the gate, a red sedan -chair was in waiting for him. He was asked to mount. Eight bearers bore -him smoothly along. A mile or so distant they reached another palace, -equally wonderful, with no speck or flaw of any kind to mar its beauty. -In graceful groves of flowers and trees he descended to enter his -pavilion. Beautiful garments were taken from jewelled boxes, and a -perfumed bath was given him and a change made. Thus he laid aside his -weather-beaten clothes and donned the vestments of the genii. The -official remained as company for him till the appointed time.</p> -<p class="par">When that day arrived other beautiful robes were -brought, and again he bathed and changed. When he was dressed, he -mounted the palanquin and rode to the Palace of the master, twenty or -more officials accompanying. On arrival, a guide directed them to the -special Palace Beautiful. Here he saw preparations <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1973" href="#xd21e1973" name= -"xd21e1973">129</a>]</span>for the wedding, and here he made his bow. -This finished he moved as directed, further in. The tinkling sound of -jade bells and the breath of sweet perfumes filled the air. Thus he -made his entry into the inner quarters.</p> -<p class="par">Many beautiful women were in waiting, all gorgeously -apparelled, like the women of the gods. Among these he imagined that he -would meet the master’s daughter. In a little, accompanied by a -host of others, she came, shining in jewels and beautiful clothing so -that she lighted up the Palace. He took his stand before her, though -her face was hidden from him by a fan of pearls. When he saw her at -last, so beautiful was she that his eyes were dazzled. The other women, -compared with her, were as the magpie to the phœnix. So -bewildered was he that he dared not look up. The friend accompanying -assisted him to bow and to go through the necessary forms. The ceremony -was much the same as that observed among men. When it was over the -young man went back to his bridegroom’s chamber. There the -embroidered curtains, the golden screens, the silken clothing, the -jewelled floor, were such as no men of earth ever see.</p> -<p class="par">On the second day his mother-in-law called him to her. -Her age would be about thirty, and her <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e1979" href="#xd21e1979" name="xd21e1979">130</a>]</span>face was -like a freshly-blown lotus flower. Here a great feast was spread, with -many guests invited. The accompaniments thereof in the way of music -were sweeter than mortals ever dreamed of. When the feast was over, the -women caught up their skirts, and, lifting their sleeves, danced -together and sang in sweet accord. The sound of their singing caused -even the clouds to stop and listen. When the day was over, and all had -well dined, the feast broke up.</p> -<p class="par">A young man, brought up in a country hut, had all of a -sudden met the chief of the genii, and had become a sharer in his glory -and the accompaniments of his life. His mind was dazed and his thoughts -overcame him. Doubts were mixed with fears. He knew not what to do.</p> -<p class="par">A sharer in the joys of the fairies he had actually -become, and a year or so passed in such delight as no words can ever -describe.</p> -<p class="par">One day his wife said to him, “Would you like to -enter into the inner enclosure and see as the fairies see?”</p> -<p class="par">He replied, “Gladly would I.”</p> -<p class="par">She then led him into a special park where there were -lovely walks, surrounded by green hills. As they advanced there were -charming views, with springs of water and sparkling cascades. The -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e1992" href="#xd21e1992" name= -"xd21e1992">131</a>]</span>scene grew gradually more entrancing, with -jewelled flowers and scintillating spray, lovely birds and animals -disporting themselves. A man once entering here would never again think -of earth as a place to return to.</p> -<p class="par">After seeing this he ascended the highest peak of all, -which was like a tower of many stories. Before him lay a wide stretch -of sea, with islands of the blessed standing out of the water, and long -stretches of pleasant land in view. His wife showed them all to him, -pointing out this and that. They seemed filled with golden palaces and -surrounded with a halo of light. They were peopled with happy souls, -some riding on cranes, some on the phœnix, some on the unicorn; -some were sitting on the clouds, some sailing by on the wind, some -walking on the air, some gliding gently up the streams, some descending -from above, some ascending, some moving west, some north, some -gathering in groups. Flutes and harps sounded sweetly. So many and so -startling were the things seen that he could never tell the tale of -them. After the day had passed they returned.</p> -<p class="par">Thus was their joy unbroken, and when two years had gone -by she bore him two sons.</p> -<p class="par">Time moved on, when one day, unexpectedly, as he was -seated with his wife, he began to cry and <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e2000" href="#xd21e2000" name="xd21e2000">132</a>]</span>tears -soiled his face. She asked in amazement for the cause of it. “I -was thinking,” said he, “of how a plain countryman living -in poverty had thus become the son-in-law of the king of the genii. But -in my home is my poor old mother, whom I have not seen for these years; -I would so like to see her that my tears flow.”</p> -<p class="par">The wife laughed, and said, “Would you really like -to see her? Then go, but do not cry.” She told her father that -her husband would like to go and see his mother. The master called him -and gave his permission. The son thought, of course, that he would call -many servants and send him in state, but not so. His wife gave him one -little bundle and that was all, so he said good-bye to his -father-in-law, whose parting word was, “Go now and see your -mother, and in a little I shall call for you again.”</p> -<p class="par">He sent with him one servant, and so he passed out -through the main gateway. There he saw a poor thin horse with a worn -rag of a saddle on his back. He looked carefully and found that they -were the dead horse and the dead servant, whom he had lost, restored to -him. He gave a start, and asked, “How did you come -here?”</p> -<p class="par">The servant answered, “I was coming with you on -the road when some one caught me away and <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e2008" href="#xd21e2008" name="xd21e2008">133</a>]</span>brought -me here. I did not know the reason, but I have been here for a long -time.”</p> -<p class="par">The man, in great fear, fastened on his bundle and -started on his journey. The genie servant brought up the rear, but -after a short distance the world of wonder had become transformed into -the old weary world again. Here it was with its fogs, and thorn, and -precipice. He looked off toward the world of the genii, and it was but -a dream. So overcome was he by his feelings that he broke down and -cried.</p> -<p class="par">The genie servant said to him when he saw him weeping, -“You have been for several years in the abode of the immortals, -but you have not yet attained thereto, for you have not yet forgotten -the seven things of earth: anger, sorrow, fear, ambition, hate and -selfishness. If you once get rid of these there will be no tears for -you.” On hearing this he stopped his crying, wiped his cheeks, -and asked pardon.</p> -<p class="par">When he had gone a mile farther he found himself on the -main road. The servant said to him, “You know the way from this -point on, so I shall go back,” and thus at last the young man -reached his home.</p> -<p class="par">He found there an exorcising ceremony in progress. -Witches and spirit worshippers had been <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e2018" href="#xd21e2018" name="xd21e2018">134</a>]</span>called -and were saying their prayers. The family, seeing the young man come -home thus, were all aghast. “It is his ghost,” said they. -However, they saw in a little that it was really he himself. The mother -asked why he had not come home in all that time. She being a very -violent woman in disposition, he did not dare to tell her the truth, so -he made up something else. The day of his return was the anniversary of -his supposed death, and so they had called the witches for a prayer -ceremony. Here he opened the bundle that his wife had given him and -found four suits of clothes, one for each season.</p> -<p class="par">In about a year after his return home the mother, seeing -him alone, made application for the daughter of one of the village -<i>literati</i>. The man, being timid by nature and afraid of offending -his mother, did not dare to refuse, and was therefore married; but -there was no joy in it, and the two never looked at each other.</p> -<p class="par">The young man had a friend whom he had known intimately -from childhood. After his return the friend came to see him frequently, -and they used to spend the nights talking together. In their talks the -friend inquired why in all these years he had never come home. The -young man then told him what had befallen him in the land <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2028" href="#xd21e2028" name= -"xd21e2028">135</a>]</span>of the genii, and how he had been there and -had been married. The friend looked at him in wonder, for he seemed -just as he had remembered him except in the matter of clothing. This he -found on examination was of very strange material, neither grass cloth, -silk nor cotton, but different from them all, and yet warm and -comfortable. When spring came the spring clothes sufficed, when summer -came those for summer, and for autumn and winter each special suit. -They were never washed, and yet never became soiled; they never wore -out, and always looked fresh and new. The friend was greatly -astonished.</p> -<p class="par">Some three years passed when one day there came once -more a servant from the master of the genii, bringing his two sons. -There were also letters, saying, “Next year the place where you -dwell will be destroyed and all the people will become ‘fish and -meat’ for the enemy, therefore follow this messenger and come, -all of you.”</p> -<p class="par">He told his friend of this and showed him his two sons. -The friend, when he saw these children that looked like silk and jade, -confessed the matter to the mother also. She, too, gladly agreed, and -so they sold out and had a great feast for all the people of the town, -and then bade farewell. This was the year 1635. They left and were -never heard of again. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2034" href= -"#xd21e2034" name="xd21e2034">136</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The year following was the Manchu invasion, when the -village where the young man had lived was all destroyed. To this day -young and old in Ka-pyong tell this story.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2041" href="#xd21e2041" name= -"xd21e2041">137</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch25" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e437">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXV</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE HONEST WITCH</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Song Sang-in matriculated in 1601. He was a just -man, and feared by the dishonest element of the Court. In 1605 he -graduated and became a provincial governor. He nearly lost his life in -the disturbances of the reign of King Kwang-hai, and was exiled to -Quelpart for a period of ten years, but in the spring of 1623 he was -recalled.]</p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was a Korean once, called Song Sang-in, -whose mind was upright and whose spirit was true. He hated witches with -all his might, and regarded them as deceivers of the people. “By -their so-called prayers,” said he, “they devour the -people’s goods. There is no limit to the foolishness and -extravagance that accompanies them. This doctrine of theirs is all -nonsense. Would that I could rid the earth of them and wipe out their -names for ever.” <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2055" href= -"#xd21e2055" name="xd21e2055">138</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">Some time later Song was appointed magistrate of Nam Won -County in Chulla Province. On his arrival he issued the following -order: “If any witch is found in this county, let her be beaten -to death.” The whole place was so thoroughly spied upon that all -the witches made their escape to other prefectures. The magistrate -thought, “Now we are rid of them, and that ends the matter for -this county at any rate.”</p> -<p class="par">On a certain day he went out for a walk, and rested for -a time at <i>Kwang-han</i> Pavilion. As he looked out from his coign of -vantage, he saw a woman approaching on horseback with a witch’s -drum on her head. He looked intently to make sure, and to his -astonishment he saw that she was indeed a <i>mutang</i> (witch). He -sent a <i>yamen</i>-runner to have her arrested, and when she was -brought before him he asked, “Are you a <i>mutang</i>?”</p> -<p class="par">She replied, “Yes, I am.”</p> -<p class="par">“Then,” said he, “you did not know of -the official order issued?”</p> -<p class="par">“Oh yes, I heard of it,” was her reply.</p> -<p class="par">He then asked, “Are you not afraid to die, that -you stay here in this county?”</p> -<p class="par">The <i>mutang</i> bowed, and made answer, “I have -a matter of complaint to lay before your Excellency to be put right; -please take note of it and grant my request. It is this: There are true -<i>mutangs</i> <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2088" href= -"#xd21e2088" name="xd21e2088">139</a>]</span>and false <i>mutangs</i>. -False <i>mutangs</i> ought to be killed, but you would not kill an -honest <i>mutang</i>, would you? Your orders pertain to false -<i>mutangs</i>; I do not understand them as pertaining to those who are -true. I am an honest <i>mutang</i>; I knew you would not kill me, so I -remained here in peace.”</p> -<p class="par">The magistrate asked, “How do you know that there -are honest <i>mutangs</i>?”</p> -<p class="par">The woman replied, “Let’s put the matter to -the test and see. If I am not proven honest, let me die.”</p> -<p class="par">“Very well,” said the magistrate; “but -can you really make good, and do you truly know how to call back -departed spirits?”</p> -<p class="par">The <i>mutang</i> answered, “I can.”</p> -<p class="par">The magistrate suddenly thought of an intimate friend -who had been dead for some time, and he said to her, “I had a -friend of such and such rank in Seoul; can you call his spirit back to -me?”</p> -<p class="par">The <i>mutang</i> replied, “Let me do so; but -first you must prepare food, with wine, and serve it -properly.”</p> -<p class="par">The magistrate thought for a moment, and then said to -himself, “It is a serious matter to take a person’s life; -let me find out first if she is true or not, and then decide.” So -he had the food brought. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2130" href= -"#xd21e2130" name="xd21e2130">140</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The <i>mutang</i> said also, “I want a suit of -your clothes, too, please.” This was brought, and she spread her -mat in the courtyard, placed the food in order, donned the dress, and -so made all preliminary arrangements. She then lifted her eyes toward -heaven and uttered the strange magic sounds by which spirits are -called, meanwhile shaking a tinkling bell. In a little she turned and -said, “I’ve come.” Then she began telling the sad -story of his sickness and death and their separation. She reminded the -magistrate of how they had played together, and of things that had -happened when they were at school at their lessons; of the difficulties -they had met in the examinations; of experiences that had come to them -during their terms of office. She told secrets that they had confided -to each other as intimate friends, and many matters most definitely -that only they two knew. Not a single mistake did she make, but told -the truth in every detail.</p> -<p class="par">The magistrate, when he heard these things, began to -cry, saying, “The soul of my friend is really present; I can no -longer doubt or deny it.” Then he ordered the choicest fare -possible to be prepared as a sacrifice to his friend. In a little the -friend bade him farewell and took his departure. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2138" href="#xd21e2138" name= -"xd21e2138">141</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The magistrate said, “Alas! I thought -<i>mutangs</i> were a brood of liars, but now I know that there are -true <i>mutangs</i> as well as false.” He gave her rich rewards, -sent her away in safety, recalled his order against witches, and -refrained from any matters pertaining to them for ever after.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2151" href="#xd21e2151" name= -"xd21e2151">142</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch26" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e447">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXVI</h2> -<h2 class="main">WHOM THE KING HONOURS</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In the days of King Se-jong students of the -Confucian College were having a picnic to celebrate the Spring -Festival. They met in a wood to the north of the college, near a -beautiful spring of water, and were drinking and feasting the night -through. While they were thus enjoying themselves the rooms of the -college were left deserted. One student from the country, a -backwoodsman in his way, who was of no account to others, thought that -while the rest went away to enjoy themselves some one ought to stay -behind to guard the sacred precincts of the temple; so he decided that -he would forgo the pleasures of the picnic, stay behind and watch.</p> -<p class="par">The King at that time sent a eunuch to the college to -see how many of the students had remained on guard. The eunuch -returned, saying that all had gone off on the picnic, except one man, a -raw countryman, who was in sole charge. The King at once sent for the -man, asking him to come just as he was in his common clothes. -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2161" href="#xd21e2161" name= -"xd21e2161">143</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">On his arrival his Majesty asked, “When all have -gone off for a gay time, why is it that you remain alone?”</p> -<p class="par">He replied, “I, too, would like to have gone, but -to leave the sacred temple wholly deserted did not seem to me right, so -I stayed.”</p> -<p class="par">The King was greatly pleased with this reply, and asked -again, “Do you know how to write verses?”</p> -<p class="par">The reply was, “I know only very little about -it.”</p> -<p class="par">The King then said, “I have one-half of a verse -here which runs thus—</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">‘After the rains the mountains weep.’</p> -</div> -<p class="par first">You write me a mate for this line to go with -it.”</p> -<p class="par">At once the student replied—</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">“Before the wind the grass is tipsy.”</p> -</div> -<p class="par first">The King, delighted, praised him for his skill and -made him a special graduate on the spot, gave him his diploma, flowers -for his hat, and issued a proclamation saying that he had passed the -<i>Al-song</i> Examination. At once he ordered for him the head-gear, -the red coat, a horse to ride on, two boys to go before, flute-players -and harpers, saying, “Go now to the picnic-party and show -yourself.”</p> -<p class="par">While the picnickers were thus engaged, suddenly they -heard the sound of flutes and harps, and <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e2190" href="#xd21e2190" name="xd21e2190">144</a>]</span>they -questioned as to what it could mean. This was not the time for new -graduates to go abroad. While they looked, behold, here came a -victorious candidate, dressed in ceremonial robes, heralded by boys, -and riding on the King’s palfrey, to greet them. On closer view -they saw that it was the uncouth countryman whom they had left behind -at the Temple. They asked what it meant, and then learned, to their -amazement, that the King had so honoured him. The company, in -consternation and surprise, broke up and returned home at once.</p> -<p class="par">This special graduate became later, through the favour -of the King, a great and noted man.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2198" href="#xd21e2198" name= -"xd21e2198">145</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch27" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e456">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXVII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE FORTUNES OF YOO</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was a man of Yong-nam, named Yoo, who lived -in the days of Se-jong. He had studied the classics, had passed his -examinations, and had become a petty official attached to the Confucian -College. He was not even of the sixth degree, so that promotion was out -of the question. He was a countryman who had no friends and no -influence, and though he had long been in Seoul there was no likelihood -of any advancement. Such being the case, disheartened and lonely, he -decided to leave the city and go back to his country home.</p> -<p class="par">There was a palace secretary who knew this countryman, -and who went to say good-bye to him before he left.</p> -<p class="par">Taking advantage of the opportunity, the countryman -said, “I have long been in Seoul, but have never yet seen the -royal office of the secretaries. Might I accompany you some day when -you take your turn?”</p> -<p class="par">The secretary said, “In the daytime there is -always a crowd of people who gather there for <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2212" href="#xd21e2212" name= -"xd21e2212">146</a>]</span>business, and no one is allowed in without a -special pass. I am going in to-morrow, however, and intend to sleep -there, so that in the evening we could have a good chance to look the -Palace over. People are not allowed to sleep in the Palace as a rule, -but doing so once would not be specially noticed.” The secretary -then gave orders to the military guard who accompanied him to escort -this man in the next day.</p> -<p class="par">As the secretary had arranged, the countryman, on the -evening following, made his way into the Palace enclosure, but what was -his surprise to find that, for some reason or other, the secretary had -not come. The gates, also, were closed behind him, so that he could not -get out. Really he was in a fix. There chanced to be a body-servant of -the secretary in the room, and he, feeling sorry for the stranger, -arranged a hidden corner where he might pass the night, and then -quietly take his departure in the morning.</p> -<p class="par">The night was beautifully clear, and apparently every -one slept but Yoo. He was wide awake, and wondering to himself if he -might not go quietly out and see the place.</p> -<p class="par">It was the time of the rainy season, and a portion of -the wall had fallen from the enclosure just in front. So Yoo climbed -over this broken wall, and, not knowing where he went, found himself -suddenly <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2220" href="#xd21e2220" -name="xd21e2220">147</a>]</span>in the royal quarters. It was a -beautiful park, with trees, and lakes, and walks. “Whose house is -this,” thought Yoo, “with its beautiful garden?” -Suddenly a man appeared, with a nice new cap on his head, carrying a -staff in his hand, and accompanied by a servant, walking slowly towards -him. It was no other than King Se-jong, taking a stroll in the -moonlight with one of his eunuchs.</p> -<p class="par">When they met Yoo had no idea that it was the King. His -Majesty asked, “Who are you, and how did you get in -here?”</p> -<p class="par">He told who he was, and how he had agreed to come in -with the secretary; how the secretary had failed; how the gates were -shut and he was a prisoner for the night; how he had seen the bright -moonlight and wished to walk out, and, finding the broken wall, had -come over. “Whose house is this, anyway?” asked Yoo.</p> -<p class="par">The King replied, “I am the master of this -house.” His Majesty then asked him in, and made him sit down on a -mat beside him. So they talked and chatted together. The King learned -that he had passed special examinations in the classics, and inquiring -how it was that Yoo had had no better office, Yoo replied that he was -an unknown countryman, that his family had no influence, and that, -while he desired office, he was forestalled by the powerful families of -the capital. “Who is there,” <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e2229" href="#xd21e2229" name="xd21e2229">148</a>]</span>he asked, -“that would bother himself about me? Thus all my hopes have -failed, and I have just decided to leave the city and go back home and -live out my days there.”</p> -<p class="par">The King asked again, “You know the classics so -well, do you know something also of the Book of Changes?”</p> -<p class="par">He replied, “The deeper parts I do not know, but -the easier parts only.”</p> -<p class="par">Then the King ordered a eunuch to bring the Book of -Changes. It was the time when his Majesty was reading it for himself. -The book was brought and opened in the moonlight. The King looked up a -part that had given him special difficulty, and this the stranger -explained character by character, giving the meaning with convincing -clearness. The King was delighted and wondered greatly, and so they -read together all through the night. When they separated the King said, -“You have all this knowledge and yet have never been made use of? -Alas, for my country!” said he, sighing.</p> -<p class="par">Yoo remarked that he would like to go straight home now, -if the master would kindly open the door for him.</p> -<p class="par">The King said, however, that it was too early yet, and -that he might be arrested by the guards <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e2241" href="#xd21e2241" name="xd21e2241">149</a>]</span>who were -about. “Go then,” said he, “to where you were, and -when it is broad daylight you can go through the open gate.”</p> -<p class="par">Yoo then bade good-bye, and went back over the broken -wall to his corner in the secretary’s room. When morning came he -went out through the main gateway and returned to his home.</p> -<p class="par">On the following day the King sent a special secretary -and had Yoo appointed to the office of Overseer of Literature. On the -promulgation of this the officials gathered in the public court, and -protested in high dudgeon against so great an office being given to an -unknown person.</p> -<p class="par">His Majesty, however, said, “If you are so opposed -to it, I’ll desist.”</p> -<p class="par">But the day following he appointed him to an office one -degree still higher. Again they all protested, and his Majesty said, -“Really, if you so object, I’ll drop the matter.”</p> -<p class="par">The day following he appointed him to an office still -one degree higher. Again they all protested and he apparently yielded -to them. But the day following higher still he was promoted, and again -the protests poured in, so much so that his Majesty seemed to yield. On -the day following this the King wrote out for him the office of -Vice-President of all the <i>Literati</i>. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2256" href="#xd21e2256" name= -"xd21e2256">150</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The high officials gathered again and inquired of one -another as to what the King meant, and what they had better do about -it. “If we do not in some way prevent it, he will appoint him as -President of the <i>Literati</i>.” They decided to drop the -matter for the present, and see later what was best to do.</p> -<p class="par">A royal banquet was announced to take place, when all -the officials gathered. On this occasion the high Ministers of State -said quietly to the King, “It is not fitting that so obscure a -person have so important an office. Your Majesty’s promoting him -as you have done has thrown the whole official body into a state of -consternation. On our protest you have merely promoted him more. What -is your Majesty’s reason, please, for this action?”</p> -<p class="par">The King made no reply, but ordered a eunuch to bring -the Book of Changes. He opened it at the place of special difficulty, -and inquired as to its meaning. Even among the highest ministers not -one could give an answer. He inquired by name of this one and that, but -all were silent. The King then said, “I am greatly interested in -the reading of the Book of Changes; it is the great book of the sages. -Any one who understands it surely ought to be promoted. You, all of -you, fail to grasp its meaning, while Yoo, whom you protest -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2267" href="#xd21e2267" name= -"xd21e2267">151</a>]</span>against, has explained it all to me. Now -what have you to say? Yoo’s being promoted thus is just as it -ought to be. Why do you object? I shall promote him still more and -more, so cease from all opposition.”</p> -<p class="par">They were afraid and ashamed, and did not again mention -it.</p> -<p class="par">Yoo from that time on became the royal teacher of the -<i>Choo-yuk</i> (Book of Changes), and rose higher and higher in rank, -till he became Head of the Confucian College and first in influence, -surpassing all.</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par"><i>Note.</i>—Many people of ability have no chance -for promotion. It is difficult to have one’s gifts known in high -places; how much more difficult before a king? The good fortune that -fell to the first scholar was of God’s appointment. By caring for -a vacant house the honour came to him, and he was promoted. The -other’s going thus unbidden into the Palace was a great wrong, -but by royal favour he was pardoned, received and honoured.</p> -<p class="par">By one line of poetry a man’s ability was made -manifest, and by one explanation of the <i>Choo-yuk</i> another’s -path was opened to high promotion.</p> -<p class="par">If Se-jong had not been a great and enlightened king, -how could it have happened? Very rare are <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e2289" href="#xd21e2289" name="xd21e2289">152</a>]</span>such -happenings, indeed! So all men wondered over what had befallen these -two. I, however, wondered more over the King’s sagacity in -finding them. To my day his virtue and accomplishments are known, so -that the world calls him Korea’s King of the Golden Age.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2295" href="#xd21e2295" name= -"xd21e2295">153</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch28" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e465">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXVIII</h2> -<h2 class="main">AN ENCOUNTER WITH A HOBGOBLIN</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">I got myself into trouble in the year Pyong-sin, -and was locked up; a military man by the name of Choi Won-so, who was -captain of the guard, was involved in it and locked up as well. We -often met in prison and whiled away the hours talking together. On a -certain day the talk turned on goblins, when Captain Choi said, -“When I was young I met with a hobgoblin, which, by the fraction -of a hair, almost cost me my life. A strange case indeed!”</p> -<p class="par">I asked him to tell me of it, when he replied, “I -had originally no home in Seoul, but hearing of a vacant place in Belt -Town, I made application and got it. We went there, my father and the -rest of the family occupying the inner quarters, while I lived in the -front room.</p> -<p class="par">“One night, late, when I was half asleep, the door -suddenly opened, and a woman came in and stood just before the lamp. I -saw her clearly, and knew that she was from the home of a scholar -friend, for I had seen her before and had been greatly attracted -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2307" href="#xd21e2307" name= -"xd21e2307">154</a>]</span>by her beauty, but had never had a chance to -meet her. Now, seeing her enter the room thus, I greeted her gladly, -but she made no reply. I arose to take her by the hand, when she began -walking backwards, so that my hand never reached her. I rushed towards -her, but she hastened her backward pace, so that she eluded me. We -reached the gate, which she opened with a rear kick, and I followed on -after, till she suddenly disappeared. I searched on all sides, but not -a trace was there of her. I thought she had merely hidden herself, and -never dreamed of anything else.</p> -<p class="par">“On the next night she came again and stood before -the lamp just as she had done the night previous. I got up and again -tried to take hold of her, but again she began her peculiar pace -backwards, till she passed out at the gate and disappeared just as she -had done the day before. I was once more surprised and disappointed, -but did not think of her being a hobgoblin.</p> -<p class="par">“A few days later, at night, I had lain down, when -suddenly there was a sound of crackling paper overhead from above the -ceiling. A forbidding, creepy sound it seemed in the midnight. A moment -later a curtain was let down that divided the room into two parts. -Again, later, a large fire of coals descended right in front of me, -while an immense heat filled the place. Where I was seemed <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2313" href="#xd21e2313" name= -"xd21e2313">155</a>]</span>all on fire, with no way of escape possible. -In terror for my life, I knew not what to do. On the first cock-crow of -morning the noise ceased, the curtain went up, and the fire of coals -was gone. The place was as though swept with a broom, so clean from -every trace of what had happened.</p> -<p class="par">“The following night I was again alone, but had -not yet undressed or lain down, when a great stout man suddenly opened -the door and came in. He had on his head a soldier’s felt hat, -and on his body a blue tunic like one of the underlings of the -<i>yamen</i>. He took hold of me and tried to drag me out. I was then -young and vigorous, and had no intention of yielding to him, so we -entered on a tussle. The moon was bright and the night clear, but I, -unable to hold my own, was pulled out into the court. He lifted me up -and swung me round and round, then went up to the highest terrace and -threw me down, so that I was terribly stunned. He stood in front of me -and kept me a prisoner. There was a garden to the rear of the house, -and a wall round it. I looked, and within the wall were a dozen or so -of people. They were all dressed in military hats and coats, and they -kept shouting out, ‘Don’t hurt him, don’t hurt -him.’</p> -<p class="par">“The man that mishandled me, however, said in -reply, ‘It’s none of your business, none of your -business’; but they still kept up the cry, ‘Don’t -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2322" href="#xd21e2322" name= -"xd21e2322">156</a>]</span>hurt him, don’t hurt him’; and -he, on the other hand, cried, ‘Never you mind; none of your -business.’ They shouted, ‘The man is a gentleman of the -military class; do not hurt him.’</p> -<p class="par">“The fellow merely said in reply, ‘Even -though he is, it’s none of your business’; so he took me by -the two hands and flung me up into the air, till I went half-way and -more to heaven. Then in my fall I went shooting past Kyong-keui -Province, past Choong-chong, and at last fell to the ground in Chulla. -In my flight through space I saw all the county towns of the three -provinces as clear as day. Again in Chulla he tossed me up once more. -Again I went shooting up into the sky and falling northward, till I -found myself at home, lying stupefied below the verandah terrace. Once -more I could hear the voices of the group in the garden shouting, -‘Don’t hurt him—hurt him.’ But the man said, -‘None of your business—your business.’</p> -<p class="par">“He took me up once more and flung me up again, -and away I went speeding off to Chulla, and back I came again, two or -three times in all.</p> -<p class="par">“Then one of the group in the garden came forward, -took my tormentor by the hand and led him away. They all met for a -little to talk and laugh over the matter, and then scattered and were -gone, so that they were not seen again.</p> -<p class="par">“I lay motionless at the foot of the terrace till -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2333" href="#xd21e2333" name= -"xd21e2333">157</a>]</span>the following morning, when my father found -me and had me taken in hand and cared for, so that I came to, and we -all left the haunted house, never to go back.”</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par"><i>Note.</i>—There are various reasons by which a -place may be denominated a “haunted house.” The fact that -there are hobgoblins in it makes it haunted. If a good or -“superior man” enters such a place the goblins move away, -and no word of being haunted will be heard. Choi saw the goblin and was -greatly injured.</p> -<p class="par">I understand that it is not only a question of men -fearing the goblins, but they also fear men. The fact that there are so -few people that they fear is the saddest case of all. Choi was afraid -of the goblins, that is why they troubled him.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2347" href="#xd21e2347" name= -"xd21e2347">158</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch29" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e474">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXIX</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE SNAKE’S REVENGE</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There lived in ancient days an archer, whose home -was near the Water Gate of Seoul. He was a man of great strength and -famous for his valour.</p> -<p class="par">Water Gate has reference to a hole under the city wall, -by which the waters of the Grand Canal find their exit. In it are iron -pickets to prevent people’s entering or departing by that -way.</p> -<p class="par">On a certain afternoon when this military officer was -taking a walk, a great snake was seen making its way by means of the -Water Gate. The snake’s head had already passed between the bars, -but its body, being larger, could not get through, so there it was held -fast. The soldier drew an arrow, and, fitting it into the string, shot -the snake in the head. Its head being fatally injured, the creature -died. The archer then drew it out, pounded it into a pulp, and left -it.</p> -<p class="par">A little time later the man’s wife conceived and -bore a son. From the first the child was afraid of its father, and when -it saw him it used to cry and seem greatly frightened. As it grew it -hated <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2361" href="#xd21e2361" name= -"xd21e2361">159</a>]</span>the sight of its father more and more. The -man became suspicious of this, and so, instead of loving his son, he -grew to dislike him.</p> -<p class="par">On a certain day, when there were just the two of them -in the room, the officer lay down to have a midday siesta, covering his -face with his sleeve, but all the while keeping his eye on the boy to -see what he would do. The child glared at his father, and thinking him -asleep, got a knife and made a thrust at him. The man jumped, grabbed -the knife, and then with a club gave the boy a blow that left him dead -on the spot. He pounded him into a pulp, left him and went away. The -mother, however, in tears, covered the little form with a quilt and -prepared for its burial. In a little the quilt began to move, and she -in alarm raised it to see what had happened, when lo! beneath it the -child was gone and there lay coiled a huge snake instead. The mother -jumped back in fear, left the room and did not again enter.</p> -<p class="par">When evening came the husband returned and heard the -dreadful story from his wife. He went in and looked, and now all had -metamorphosed into a huge snake. On the head of it was the scar mark of -the arrow that he had shot. He said to the snake, “You and I were -originally not enemies, I therefore did wrong in shooting you as I did; -but your intention to take revenge through <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2367" href="#xd21e2367" name= -"xd21e2367">160</a>]</span>becoming my son was a horrible deed. Such a -thing as this is proof that my suspicions of you were right and just. -You became my son in order to kill me, your father; why, therefore, -should I not in my turn kill you? If you attempt it again, it will -certainly end in my taking your life. You have already had your -revenge, and have once more transmigrated into your original shape, let -us drop the past and be friends from now on. What do you -say?”</p> -<p class="par">He repeated this over and urged his proposals, while the -snake with bowed head seemed to listen intently. He then opened the -door and said, “Now you may go as you please.” The snake -then departed, making straight for the Water Gate, and passed out -between the bars. It did not again appear.</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par"><i>Note.</i>—Man is a spiritual being, and -different from all other created things, and though a snake has power -of venom, it is still an insignificant thing compared with a man. The -snake died, and by means of the transmigration of its soul took its -revenge. Man dies, but I have never heard that he can transmigrate as -the snake did. Why is it that though a spiritual being he is unable to -do what beasts do? I have seen many innocent men killed, but not one of -them has ever returned to <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2377" -href="#xd21e2377" name="xd21e2377">161</a>]</span>take his revenge on -the lawless one who did it, and so I wonder more than ever over these -stories of the snake. The Superior Man’s knowing nothing of the -law that governs these things is a regret to me.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2383" href="#xd21e2383" name= -"xd21e2383">162</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch30" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e483">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXX</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE BRAVE MAGISTRATE</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In olden times in one of the counties of North -Ham-kyong Province, there was an evil-smelling goblin that caused great -destruction to life. Successive magistrates appeared, but in ten days -or so after arrival, in each case they died in great agony, so that no -man wished to have the billet or anything to do with the place. A -hundred or more were asked to take the post, but they all refused. At -last one brave soldier, who was without any influence socially or -politically, accepted. He was a courageous man, strong and fearless. He -thought, “Even though there is a devil there, all men will not -die, surely. I shall make a trial of him.” So he said his -farewell, and entered on his office. He found himself alone in the -yamen, as all others had taken flight. He constantly carried a long -knife at his belt, and went thus armed, for he noticed from the first -day a fishy, stinking odour, that grew gradually more and more -marked.</p> -<p class="par">After five or six days he took note, too, that what -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2393" href="#xd21e2393" name= -"xd21e2393">163</a>]</span>looked like a mist would frequently make its -entry by the outer gate, and from this mist came this stinking smell. -Daily it grew more and more annoying, so that he could not stand it -longer. In ten days or so, when the time arrived for him to die, the -<i>yamen</i>-runners and servants, who had returned, again ran away. -The magistrate kept a jar of whisky by his side, from which he drank -frequently to fortify his soul. On this day he grew very drunk, and -thus waited. At last he saw something coming through the main gateway -that seemed wrapped in fog, three or four embraces in waist size, and -fifteen feet or so high. There was no head to it, nor were body or arms -visible. Only on the top were two dreadful eyes rolling wildly. The -magistrate jumped up at once, rushed toward it, gave a great shout and -struck it with his sword. When he gave it the blow there was the sound -of thunder, and the whole thing dissipated. Also the foul smell that -accompanied it disappeared at once.</p> -<p class="par">The magistrate then, in a fit of intoxication, fell -prone. The retainers, all thinking him dead, gathered in the courtyard -to prepare for his burial. They saw him fallen to the earth, but they -remarked that the bodies of others who had died from this evil had all -been left on the verandah, but his was in the lower court. They raised -him up in order to <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2400" href= -"#xd21e2400" name="xd21e2400">164</a>]</span>prepare him for burial, -when suddenly he came to life, looked at them in anger, and asked what -they meant. Fear and amazement possessed them. From that time on there -was no more smell.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2406" href="#xd21e2406" name= -"xd21e2406">165</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch31" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e492">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXXI</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE TEMPLE TO THE GOD OF WAR</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Yi Hang-bok.—When he was a child a blind -fortune-teller came and cast his future, saying, “This boy will -be very great indeed.”</p> -<p class="par">At seven years of age his father gave him for subject to -write a verse on “The Harp and the Sword,” and he -wrote—</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">“The Sword pertains to the Hand of the -Warrior</p> -<p class="line">And the Harp to the Music of the Ancients.”</p> -</div> -<p class="par first">At eight he took the subject of the “Willow -before the Door,” and wrote—</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">“The east wind brushes the brow of the cliff</p> -<p class="line">And the willow on the edge nods fresh and -green.”</p> -</div> -<p class="par first">On seeing a picture of a great banquet among the -fierce Turks of Central Asia, he wrote thus—</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">“The hunt is off in the wild dark hills,</p> -<p class="line xd21e2433">And the moon is cold and gray,</p> -<p class="line">While the tramping feet of a thousand horse</p> -<p class="line xd21e2433">Ring on the frosty way.</p> -<p class="line">In the tents of the Turk the music thrills</p> -<p class="line xd21e2433">And the wine-cups chink for joy,</p> -<p class="line">‘Mid the noise of the dancer’s savage -tread</p> -<p class="line xd21e2433">And the lilt of the wild hautboy.”</p> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2447" href="#xd21e2447" name= -"xd21e2447">166</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">At twelve years of age he was proud, we are told, and -haughty. He dressed well, and was envied by the poorer lads of the -place, and once he took off his coat and gave it to a boy who looked -with envy on him. He gave his shoes as well, and came back barefoot. -His mother, wishing to know his mind in the matter, pretended to -reprimand him, but he replied, saying, “Mother, when others -wanted it so, how could I refuse giving?” His mother pondered -these things in her heart.</p> -<p class="par">When he was fifteen he was strong and well-built, and -liked vigorous exercise, so that he was a noted wrestler and skilful at -shuttlecock. His mother, however, frowned upon these things, saying -that they were not dignified, so that he gave them up and confined his -attention to literary studies, graduating at twenty-five years of -age.</p> -<p class="par">In 1592, during the Japanese War, when the King escaped -to Eui-ju, Yi Hang-bok went with him in his flight, and there he met -the Chinese (Ming) representative, who said in surprise to his Majesty, -“Do you mean to tell me that you have men in Cho-sen like Yi -Hang-bok?” Yang Ho, the general of the rescuing forces, also -continually referred to him for advice and counsel. He lived to see the -troubles in the reign of the wicked Kwang-hai, and at last went into -exile to Puk-chong. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2455" href= -"#xd21e2455" name="xd21e2455">167</a>]</span>When he crossed the Iron -Pass near Wonsan, he wrote—</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">“From the giddy height of the Iron Peak,</p> -<p class="line xd21e2460">I call on the passing cloud,</p> -<p class="line xd21e2433">To take up a lonely exile’s tears</p> -<p class="line xd21e2460">In the folds of its feathery shroud,</p> -<p class="line xd21e2433">And drop them as rain on the Palace -Gates,</p> -<p class="line xd21e2460">On the King, and his shameless -crowd.”]</p> -</div> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">During the Japanese War in the reign of Son-jo, -the Mings sent a great army that came east, drove out the enemy and -restored peace. At that time the general of the Mings informed his -Korean Majesty that the victory was due to the help of Kwan, the God of -War. “This being the case,” said he, “you ought not -to continue without temples in which to express your gratitude to -him.” So they built him houses of worship and offered him -sacrifice. The Temples built were one to the south and one to the east -of the city. In examining sites for these they could not agree on the -one to the south. Some wanted it nearer the wall and some farther away. -At that time an official, called Yi Hang-bok, was in charge of the -conference. On a certain day when Yi was at home a military officer -called and wished to see him. Ordering him in he found him a great -strapping fellow, splendidly built. His request was that Yi should -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2476" href="#xd21e2476" name= -"xd21e2476">168</a>]</span>send out all his retainers till he talked to -him privately. They were sent out, and then the stranger gave his -message. After he had finished, he said good-bye and left.</p> -<p class="par">Yi had at that time an old friend stopping with him. The -friend went out with the servants when they were asked to leave, and -now he came back again. When he came in he noticed that the face of the -master had a very peculiar expression, and he asked him the reason of -it. Yi made no reply at first, but later told his friend that a very -extraordinary thing had happened. The military man who had come and -called was none other than a messenger of the God of War. His coming, -too, was on account of their not yet having decided in regard to the -site for the Temple. “He came,” said Yi, “to show me -where it ought to be. He urged that it was not a matter for time only, -but for the eternities to come. If we do not get it right the God of -War will find no peace. I told him in reply that I would do my best. -Was this not strange?”</p> -<p class="par">The friend who heard this was greatly exercised, but Yi -warned him not to repeat it to any one. Yi used all his efforts, and at -last the building was placed on the approved site, where it now -stands.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2486" href="#xd21e2486" name= -"xd21e2486">169</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch32" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e501">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXXII</h2> -<h2 class="main">A VISIT FROM THE SHADES</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Choi Yu-won.—(The story of meeting his -mother’s ghost is reported to be of this man.)</p> -<p class="par">Choi Yu-won matriculated in 1579 and graduated in 1602, -becoming Chief Justice and having conferred on him the rank of prince. -When he was a boy his great-aunt once gave him cloth for a suit of -clothes, but he refused to accept of it, and from this his aunt -prophesied that he would yet become a famous man. He studied in the -home of the great teacher Yul-gok, and Yul-gok also foretold that the -day would come when he would be an honour to Korea.</p> -<p class="par">Yu-won once met Chang Han-kang and inquired of him -concerning <i>Pyon-wha Keui-jil</i> (a law by which the weak became -strong, the wicked good, and the stupid wise). He also asked that if -one be truly transformed will the soul change as well as the body, or -the body only? Chang replied, “Both are changed, for how could -the body change without the soul?” Yu-won asked Yul-gok -concerning <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2501" href="#xd21e2501" -name="xd21e2501">170</a>]</span>this also, and Yul-gok replied that -Chang’s words were true.</p> -<p class="par">In 1607 Choi Yu-won memorialized the King, calling -attention to a letter received from Japan in answer to a communication -sent by his Majesty, which had on its address the name of the Prime -Minister, written a space lower than good form required. The Korean -envoy had not protested, as duty would require of him, and yet the King -had advanced him in rank. The various officials commended him for his -courage.</p> -<p class="par">In 1612, while he was Chief Justice, King Kwang-hai -tried to degrade the Queen Dowager, who was not his own mother, he -being born of a concubine, but Yu-won besought him with tears not to do -so illegal and unnatural a thing. Still the King overrode all -opposition, and did according to his unfilial will. In it all Choi -Yu-won was proven a good man and a just. He used to say to his -companions, even as a youth, “Death is dreadful, but still, -better death for righteousness’ sake and honour than life in -disgrace.” Another saying of his runs, “All one’s -study is for the development of character; if it ends not in that it is -in vain.”</p> -<p class="par">Korea’s ancient belief was that the blood of a -faithful son served as an elixir of life to the dying, so that when his -mother was at the point of death <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e2509" href="#xd21e2509" name="xd21e2509">171</a>]</span>Yu-won -with a knife cut flesh from his thigh till the blood flowed, and with -this he prepared his magic dose.]</p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was a minister in olden days who once, when -he was Palace Secretary, was getting ready for office in the morning. -He had on his ceremonial dress. It was rather early, and as he leaned -on his arm-rest for a moment, sleep overcame him. He dreamt, and in the -dream he thought he was mounted and on his journey. He was crossing the -bridge at the entrance to East Palace Street, when suddenly he saw his -mother coming towards him on foot. He at once dismounted, bowed, and -said, “Why do you come thus, mother, not in a chair, but on -foot?”</p> -<p class="par">She replied, “I have already left the world, and -things are not where I am as they are where you are, and so I -walk.”</p> -<p class="par">The secretary asked, “Where are you going, -please?”</p> -<p class="par">She replied, “We have a servant living at -Yong-san, and they are having a witches’ prayer service there -just now, so I am going to partake of the sacrifice.”</p> -<p class="par">“But,” said the secretary, “we have -sacrificial days, many of them, at our own home, those of the -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2525" href="#xd21e2525" name= -"xd21e2525">172</a>]</span>four seasons, also on the first and -fifteenth of each month. Why do you go to a servant’s house and -not to mine?”</p> -<p class="par">The mother replied, “Your sacrifices are of no -interest to me, I like the prayers of the witches. If there is no -medium we spirits find no satisfaction. I am in a hurry,” said -she, “and cannot wait longer,” so she spoke her farewell -and was gone.</p> -<p class="par">The secretary awoke with a start, but felt that he had -actually seen what had come to pass.</p> -<p class="par">He then called a servant and told him to go at once to -So-and-So’s house in Yong-san, and tell a certain servant to come -that night without fail. “Go quickly,” said the secretary, -“so that you can be back before I enter the Palace.” Then -he sat down to meditate over it.</p> -<p class="par">In a little the servant had gone and come again. It was -not yet broad daylight, and because it was cold the servant did not -enter straight, but went first into the kitchen to warm his hands -before the fire. There was a fellow-servant there who asked him, -“Have you had something to drink?”</p> -<p class="par">He replied, “They are having a big witch business -on at Yong-san, and while the <i>mutang</i> (witch) was performing, she -said that the spirit that possessed her was the mother of the master -here. On my appearance she called out my name and said, ‘This is -a servant from our house.’ Then she <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e2540" href="#xd21e2540" name="xd21e2540">173</a>]</span>called me -and gave me a big glass of spirit. She added further, ‘On my way -here I met my son going into the Palace.’”</p> -<p class="par">The secretary, overhearing this talk from the room where -he was waiting, broke down and began to cry. He called in the servant -and made fuller inquiry, and more than ever he felt assured that his -mother’s spirit had really gone that morning to share in the -<i>koot</i> (witches’ sacrificial ceremony). He then called the -<i>mutang</i>, and in behalf of the spirit of his mother made her a -great offering. Ever afterwards he sacrificed to her four times a year -at each returning season.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2555" href="#xd21e2555" name= -"xd21e2555">174</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch33" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e511">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXXIII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE FEARLESS CAPTAIN</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was formerly a soldier, Yee Man-ji of -Yong-nam, a strong and muscular fellow, and brave as a lion. He had -green eyes and a terrible countenance. Frequently he said, “Fear! -What is fear?” On a certain day when he was in his house a sudden -storm of rain came on, when there were flashes of lightning and heavy -claps of thunder. At one of them a great ball of fire came tumbling -into his home and went rolling over the verandah, through the rooms, -into the kitchen and out into the yard, and again into the -servants’ quarters. Several times it went and came bouncing -about. Its blazing light and the accompanying noise made it a thing of -terror.</p> -<p class="par">Yee sat in the outer verandah, wholly undisturbed. He -thought to himself, “I have done no wrong, therefore why need I -fear the lightning?” A moment later a flash struck the large elm -tree in front of the house and smashed it to pieces. The rain then -ceased and the thunder likewise.</p> -<p class="par">Yee turned to see how it fared with his family, -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2567" href="#xd21e2567" name= -"xd21e2567">175</a>]</span>and found them all fallen senseless. With -the greatest of difficulty he had them restored to life. During that -year they all fell ill and died, and Yee came to Seoul and became a -Captain of the Right Guard. Shortly after he went to North Ham-kyong -Province. There he took a second wife and settled down. All his -predecessors had died of goblin influences, and the fact that calamity -had overtaken them while in the official quarters had caused them to -use one of the village houses instead.</p> -<p class="par">Yee, however, determined to live down all fear and go -back to the old quarters, which he extensively repaired.</p> -<p class="par">One night his wife was in the inner room while he was -alone in the public office with a light burning before him. In the -second watch or thereabout, a strange-looking object came out of the -inner quarters. It looked like the stump of a tree wrapped in black -sackcloth. There was no outline or definite shape to it, and it came -jumping along and sat itself immediately before Yee Man-ji. Also two -other objects came following in its wake, shaped just like the first -one. The three then sat in a row before Yee, coming little by little -closer and closer to him. Yee moved away till he had backed up against -the wall and could go no farther. Then he said, “Who are you, -anyhow; what kind of devil, pray, that you dare to push towards me so -in my <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2573" href="#xd21e2573" name= -"xd21e2573">176</a>]</span>office? If you have any complaint or matter -to set right, say so, and I’ll see to it.”</p> -<p class="par">The middle devil said in reply, “I’m hungry, -I’m hungry, I’m hungry.”</p> -<p class="par">Yee answered, “Hungry, are you? Very well, now -just move back and I’ll have food prepared for you in -abundance.” He then repeated a magic formula that he had learned, -and snapped his fingers. The three devils seemed to be afraid of this. -Then Man-ji suddenly closed his fist and struck a blow at the first -devil. It dodged, however, most deftly and he missed, but hit the floor -a sounding blow that cut his hand.</p> -<p class="par">Then they all shouted, “We’ll go, -we’ll go, since you treat guests thus.” At once they -bundled out of the room and disappeared.</p> -<p class="par">On the following day he had oxen killed and a sacrifice -offered to these devils, and they returned no more.</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par"><i>Note.</i>—Men have been killed by goblins. This -is not so much due to the fact that goblins are wicked as to the fact -that men are afraid of them. Many died in North Ham-kyong, but those -again who were brave, and clove them with a knife, or struck them down, -lived. If they had been afraid, they too would have died.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2594" href="#xd21e2594" name= -"xd21e2594">177</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch34" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e520">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXXIV</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE KING OF YOM-NA (HELL)</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Pak Chom was one of the Royal Censors, and died -in the Japanese War of 1592.]</p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In Yon-nan County, Whang-hai Province, there was a -certain literary graduate whose name I have forgotten. He fell ill one -day and remained in his room, leaning helplessly against his arm-rest. -Suddenly several spirit soldiers appeared to him, saying, “The -Governor of the lower hell has ordered your arrest,” so they -bound him with a chain about his neck, and led him away. They journeyed -for many hundreds of miles, and at last reached a place that had a very -high wall. The spirits then took him within the walls and went on for a -long distance.</p> -<p class="par">There was within this enclosure a great structure whose -height reached to heaven. They arrived at the gate, and the spirits who -had him in hand led him in, and when they entered the inner courtyard -they laid him down on his face.</p> -<p class="par">Glancing up he saw what looked like a king seated -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2613" href="#xd21e2613" name= -"xd21e2613">178</a>]</span>on a throne; grouped about him on each side -were attendant officers. There were also scores of secretaries and -soldiers going and coming on pressing errands. The King’s -appearance was most terrible, and his commands such as to fill one with -awe. The graduate felt the perspiration break out on his back, and he -dared not look up. In a little a secretary came forward, stood in front -of the raised dais to transmit commands, and the King asked, -“Where do you come from? What is your name? How old are you? What -do you do for a living? Tell me the truth now, and no -dissembling.”</p> -<p class="par">The scholar, frightened to death, replied, “My -clan name is So-and-so, and my given name is So-and-so. I am so old, -and I have lived for several generations at Yon-nan, Whang-hai -Province. I am stupid and ill-equipped by nature, so have not done -anything special. I have heard all my life that if you say your beads -with love and pity in your heart you will escape hell, and so have -given my time to calling on the Buddha, and dispensing alms.”</p> -<p class="par">The secretary, hearing this, went at once and reported -it to the King. After some time he came back with a message, saying, -“Come up closer to the steps, for you are not the person -intended. It happens that you bear the same name and you have thus been -wrongly arrested. You may go now.” <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e2619" href="#xd21e2619" name="xd21e2619">179</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The scholar joined his hands and made a deep bow. Again -the secretary transmitted a message from the King, saying, “My -house, when on earth, was in such a place in such and such a ward of -Seoul. When you go back I want to send a message by you. My coming here -is long, and the outer coat I wear is worn to shreds. Ask my people to -send me a new outer coat. If you do so I shall be greatly obliged, so -see that you do not forget.”</p> -<p class="par">The scholar said, “Your Majesty’s message -given me thus direct I shall pass on without fail, but the ways of the -two worlds, the dark world and the light, are so different that when I -give the message the hearers will say I am talking nonsense. True, -I’ll give it just as you have commanded, but what about it if -they refuse to listen? I ought to have some evidence as proof to help -me out.”</p> -<p class="par">The King made answer, “Your words are true, very -true. This will help you: When I was on earth,” said he, -“one of my head buttons<a class="noteref" id="xd21e2626src" href= -"#xd21e2626" name="xd21e2626src">1</a> that I wore had a broken edge, -and I hid it in the third volume of the Book of History. I alone know -of it, no one else in the world. If you give this as a proof they will -listen.”</p> -<p class="par">The scholar replied, “That will be satisfactory, -but again, how shall I do in case they make the new coat?” -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2631" href="#xd21e2631" name= -"xd21e2631">180</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">The reply was, “Prepare a sacrifice, offer the -coat by fire, and it will reach me.”</p> -<p class="par">He then bade good-bye, and the King sent with him two -soldier guards. He asked the soldiers, as they came out, who the one -seated on the throne was. “He is the King of Hades,” said -they; “his surname is Pak and his given name is Oo.”</p> -<p class="par">They arrived at the bank of a river, and the two -soldiers pushed him into the water. He awoke with a start, and found -that he had been dead for three days.</p> -<p class="par">When he recovered from his sickness he came up to Seoul, -searched out the house indicated, and made careful inquiry as to the -name, finding that it was no other than Pak Oo. Pak Oo had two sons, -who at that time had graduated and were holding office. The graduate -wanted to see the sons of this King of Hades, but the gatekeeper would -not let him in. Therefore he stood before the red gate waiting -helplessly till the sun went down. Then came out from the inner -quarters of the house an old servant, to whom he earnestly made -petition that he might see the master. On being thus requested, the -servant returned and reported it to the master, who, a little later, -ordered him in. On entering, he saw two gentlemen who seemed to be -chiefs. They had him sit down, and then questioned him as to who he was -and what he had to say. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2641" href= -"#xd21e2641" name="xd21e2641">181</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">He replied, “I am a student living in Yon-nan -County, Whang-hai Province. On such and such a day I died and went into -the other world, where your honorable father gave me such and such a -commission.”</p> -<p class="par">The two listened for a little and then, without waiting -to hear all that he had to say, grew very angry and began to scold him, -saying, “How dare such a scarecrow as you come into our house and -say such things as these? This is stuff and nonsense that you talk. -Pitch him out,” they shouted to the servants.</p> -<p class="par">He, however, called back saying, “I have a proof; -listen. If it fails, why then, pitch me out.”</p> -<p class="par">One of the two said, “What possible proof can you -have?” Then the scholar told with great exactness and care the -story of the head button.</p> -<p class="par">The two, in astonishment over this, had the book taken -down and examined, and sure enough in Vol. III of the Book of History -was the button referred to. Not a single particular had failed. It -proved to be a button that they had missed after the death of their -father, and that they had searched for in vain.</p> -<p class="par">Accepting the message now as true, they all entered upon -a period of mourning.</p> -<p class="par">The women of the family also called in the scholar and -asked him specially of what he had seen. So they made the outer coat, -chose a day, and <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2656" href= -"#xd21e2656" name="xd21e2656">182</a>]</span>offered it by fire before -the ancestral altar. Three days after the sacrifice the scholar -dreamed, and the family of Pak dreamed too, that the King of Hades had -come and given to each one of them his thanks for the coat. They long -kept the scholar at their home, treating him with great respect, and -became his firm friends for ever after.</p> -<p class="par">Pak Oo was a great-grandson of Minister Pak Chom. While -he held office he was honest and just and was highly honoured by the -people. When he was Mayor of Hai-ju there arose a dispute between him -and the Governor, which proved also that Pak was the honest man.</p> -<p class="par">When I was at Hai-ju, Choi Yu-chom, a graduate, told me -this story.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2667" href="#xd21e2667" name= -"xd21e2667">183</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="footnotes"> -<hr class="fnsep"> -<p class="par footnote"><span class="label"><a class="noteref" id= -"xd21e2626" href="#xd21e2626src" name="xd21e2626">1</a></span> The head -button is the insignia of rank, and is consequently a valuable heirloom -in a Korean home.—J. S. G. <a class="fnarrow" href= -"#xd21e2626src">↑</a></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch35" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e529">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXXV</h2> -<h2 class="main">HONG’S EXPERIENCES IN HADES</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Hong Nai-pom was a military graduate who was born -in the year <span class="sc">A.D.</span> 1561, and lived in the city of -Pyeng-yang. He passed his examination in the year 1603, and in the year -1637 attained to the Third Degree. He was 82 in the year 1643, and his -son Sonn memorialized the King asking that his father be given rank -appropriate to his age. At that time a certain Han Hong-kil was chief -of the Royal Secretaries, and he refused to pass on the request to his -Majesty; but in the year 1644, when the Crown Prince was returning from -his exile in China, he came by way of Pyeng-yang. Sonn took advantage -of this to present the same request to the Crown Prince. His Highness -received it, and had it brought to the notice of the King. In -consequence, Hong received the rank of Second Degree.</p> -<p class="par">On receiving it he said, “This year I shall -die,” and a little later he died.</p> -<p class="par">In the year 1594, Hong fell ill of typhus fever, and -after ten days of suffering, died. They prepared his body for burial, -and placed it in a coffin. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2682" -href="#xd21e2682" name="xd21e2682">184</a>]</span>Then the friends and -relatives left, and his wife remained alone in charge. Of a sudden the -body turned itself and fell with a thud to the ground. The woman, -frightened, fainted away, and the other members of the family came -rushing to her help. From this time on the body resumed its functions, -and Hong lived.</p> -<p class="par">Said he, “In my dream I went to a certain region, -a place of great fear where many persons were standing around, and -awful ogres, some of them wearing bulls’ heads, and some with -faces of wild beasts. They crowded about and jumped and pounced toward -me in all directions. A scribe robed in black sat on a platform and -addressed me, saying, ‘There are three religions on earth, -Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. According to Buddhism, you know that -heaven and hell are places that decide between man’s good and -evil deeds. You have ever been a blasphemer of the Buddha, and a denier -of a future life, acting always as though you knew everything, -blustering and storming. You are now to be sent to hell, and ten -thousand kalpas<a class="noteref" id="xd21e2686src" href="#xd21e2686" -name="xd21e2686src">1</a> will not see you out of it.’</p> -<p class="par">“Then two or three constables carrying spears came -and took me off. I screamed, ‘You are wrong, I am innocently -condemned.’ Just at that moment a certain Buddha, with a face of -shining <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2693" href="#xd21e2693" -name="xd21e2693">185</a>]</span>gold, came smiling toward me, and said, -‘There is truly a mistake somewhere; this man must attain to the -age of eighty-three and become an officer of the Second Degree ere he -dies.’ Then addressing me he asked, ‘How is it that you -have come here? The order was that a certain Hong of Chon-ju be -arrested and brought, not you; but now that you have come, look about -the place before you go, and tell the world afterwards of what you have -seen.’</p> -<p class="par">“The guards, on hearing this, took me in hand and -brought me first to a prison-house, where a sign was posted up, marked, -‘Stirrers up of Strife.’ I saw in this prison a great -brazier-shaped pit, built of stones and filled with fire. Flames arose -and forked tongues. The stirrers up of strife were taken and made to -sit close before it. I then saw one infernal guard take a long rod of -iron, heat it red-hot, and put out the eyes of the guilty ones. I saw -also that the offenders were hung up like dried fish. The guides who -accompanied me, said, ‘While these were on earth they did not -love their brethren, but looked at others as enemies. They scoffed at -the laws of God and sought only selfish gain, so they are -punished.’</p> -<p class="par">“The next hell was marked, ‘Liars.’ In -that hell I saw an iron pillar of several yards in height, and great -stones placed before it. The offenders were called up, and made to -kneel before the pillar. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2699" href= -"#xd21e2699" name="xd21e2699">186</a>]</span>Then I saw an executioner -take a knife and drive a hole through the tongues of the offenders, -pass an iron chain through each, and hang them to the pillar so that -they dangled by their tongues several feet from the ground. A stone was -then taken and tied to each culprit’s feet. The stones thus -bearing down, and the chains being fast to the pillar, their tongues -were pulled out a foot or more, and their eyes rolled in their sockets. -Their agonies were appalling. The guides again said, ‘These -offenders when on earth used their tongues skilfully to tell lies and -to separate friend from friend, and so they are punished.’</p> -<p class="par">“The next hell had inscribed on it, -‘Deceivers.’ I saw in it many scores of people. There were -ogres that cut the flesh from their bodies, and fed it to starving -demons. These ate and ate, and the flesh was cut and cut till only the -bones remained. When the winds of hell blew, flesh returned to them; -then metal snakes and copper dogs crowded in to bite them and suck -their blood. Their screams of pain made the earth to tremble. The -guides said to me, ‘When these offenders were on earth they held -high office, and while they pretended to be true and good they received -bribes in secret and were doers of all evil. As Ministers of State they -ate the fat of the land and sucked the blood of the people, and yet -advertised themselves <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2703" href= -"#xd21e2703" name="xd21e2703">187</a>]</span>as benefactors and were -highly applauded. While in reality they lived as thieves, they -pretended to be holy, as Confucius and Mencius are holy. They were -deceivers of the world, and robbers, and so are punished -thus.’</p> -<p class="par">“The guides then said, ‘It is not necessary -that you see all the hells.’ They said to one another, -‘Let’s take him yonder and show him;’ so they went -some distance to the south-east. There was a great house with a sign -painted thus, ‘The Home of the Blessed.’ As I looked, there -were beautiful haloes encircling it, and clouds of glory. There were -hundreds of priests in cassock and surplice. Some carried fresh-blown -lotus flowers; some were seated like the Buddha; some were reading -prayers.</p> -<p class="par">“The guides said, ‘These when on earth kept -the faith, and with undivided hearts served the Buddha, and so have -escaped the Eight Sorrows and the Ten Punishments, and are now in the -home of the happy, which is called heaven.’ When we had seen all -these things we returned.</p> -<p class="par">“The golden-faced Buddha said to me, ‘Not -many on earth believe in the Buddha, and few know of heaven and hell. -What do you think of it?’</p> -<p class="par">“I bowed low and thanked him.</p> -<p class="par">“Then the black-coated scribe said, ‘I am -sending this man away; see him safely off.’ The spirit soldiers -took me with them, and while on the <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e2716" href="#xd21e2716" name="xd21e2716">188</a>]</span>way I -awakened with a start, and found that I had been dead for four -days.”</p> -<p class="par">Hong’s mind was filled with pride on this account, -and he frequently boasted of it. His age and Second Degree of rank came -about just as the Buddha had predicted.</p> -<p class="par">His experience, alas! was used as a means to deceive -people, for the Superior Man does not talk of these strange and -wonderful things.</p> -<p class="par">Yi Tan, a Chinaman of the Song Kingdom, used to say, -“If there is no heaven, there is no heaven, but if there is one, -the Superior Man alone can attain to it. If there is no hell, there is -no hell, but if there is one the bad man must inherit it.”</p> -<p class="par">If we examine Hong’s story, while it looks like a -yarn to deceive the world, it really is a story to arouse one to right -action. I, Im Bang, have recorded it like Toi-chi, saying, -“Don’t find fault with the story, but learn its -lesson.”</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2730" href="#xd21e2730" name= -"xd21e2730">189</a>]</span></p> -</div> -<div class="footnotes"> -<hr class="fnsep"> -<p class="par footnote"><span class="label"><a class="noteref" id= -"xd21e2686" href="#xd21e2686src" name="xd21e2686">1</a></span> -<i>Kalpa</i> means a Buddhistic age. <a class="fnarrow" href= -"#xd21e2686src">↑</a></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch36" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e538">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXXVI</h2> -<h2 class="main">HAUNTED HOUSES</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There once lived a man in Seoul called Yi Chang, -who frequently told as an experience of his own the following story: He -was poor and had no home of his own, so he lived much in quarters -loaned him by others. When hard pressed he even went into haunted -houses and lived there. Once, after failing to find a place, he heard -of one such house in Ink Town (one of the wards of Seoul), at the foot -of South Mountain, which had been haunted for generations and was now -left vacant. Chang investigated the matter, and finally decided to take -possession.</p> -<p class="par">First, to find whether it was really haunted or not, he -called his elder brothers, Hugh and Haw, and five or six of his -relatives, and had them help clean it out and sleep there. The house -had one upper room that was fast locked. Looking through a chink, there -was seen to be in the room a tablet chair and a stand for it; also -there was an old harp without any strings, a pair of worn shoes, and -some <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2740" href="#xd21e2740" name= -"xd21e2740">190</a>]</span>sticks and bits of wood. Nothing else was in -the room. Dust lay thick, as though it had gathered through long years -of time.</p> -<p class="par">The company, after drinking wine, sat round the table -and played at games, watching the night through. When it was late, -towards midnight, they suddenly heard the sound of harps and a great -multitude of voices, though the words were mixed and unintelligible. It -was as though many people were gathered and carousing at a feast. The -company then consulted as to what they should do. One drew a sword and -struck a hole through the partition that looked into the tower. -Instantly there appeared from the other side a sharp blade thrust out -towards them. It was blue in colour. In fear and consternation they -desisted from further interference with the place. But the sound of the -harp and the revelry kept up till the morning. The company broke up at -daylight, withdrew from the place, and never again dared to enter.</p> -<p class="par">In the South Ward there was another haunted house, of -which Chang desired possession, so he called his friends and brothers -once more to make the experiment and see whether it was really haunted -or not. On entering, they found two dogs within the enclosure, one -black and one tan, lying upon the open verandah, one at each end. Their -eyes were fiery red, and though the company <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2746" href="#xd21e2746" name= -"xd21e2746">191</a>]</span>shouted at them they did not move. They -neither barked nor bit. But when midnight came these two animals got up -and went down into the court, and began baying at the inky sky in a way -most ominous. They went jumping back and forth. At that time, too, -there came some one round the corner of the house dressed in ceremonial -robes. The two dogs met him with great delight, jumping up before and -behind in their joy at his coming. He ascended to the verandah, and sat -down. Immediately five or six multi-coloured demons appeared and bowed -before him, in front of the open space. The man then led the demons and -the dogs two or three times round the house. They rushed up into the -verandah and jumped down again into the court; backwards and forwards -they came and went, till at last all of them mysteriously disappeared. -The devils went into a hole underneath the floor, while the dogs went -up to their quarters and lay down.</p> -<p class="par">The company from the inner room had seen this. When -daylight came they examined the place, looked through the chinks of the -floor, but saw only an old, worn-out sieve and a few discarded brooms. -They went behind the house and found another old broom poked into the -chimney. They ordered a servant to gather them up and have them burned. -The dogs lay as they were all day long, and neither ate nor moved. Some -of the party <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2750" href="#xd21e2750" -name="xd21e2750">192</a>]</span>wished to kill the brutes, but were -afraid, so fearsome was their appearance.</p> -<p class="par">This night again they remained, desiring to see if the -same phenomena would appear. Again at midnight the two dogs got down -into the court and began barking up at the sky. The man in ceremonial -robes again came, and the devils, just as the day before.</p> -<p class="par">The company, in fear and disgust, left the following -morning, and did not try it again.</p> -<p class="par">A friend, hearing this of Chang, went and asked about it -from Hugh and Haw, and they confirmed the story.</p> -<p class="par">There is still another tale of a graduate who was out of -house and home and went into a haunted dwelling in Ink Town, which was -said to have had the tower where the mysterious sounds were heard. They -opened the door, broke out the window, took out the old harp, the -spirit chair, the shoes and sticks, and had them burned. Before the -fire had finished its work, one of the servants fell down and died. The -graduate, seeing this, in fear and dismay put out the fire, restored -the things and left the house.</p> -<p class="par">Again there was another homeless man who tried it. In -the night a woman in a blue skirt came down from the loft, and acted in -a peculiar and uncanny way. The man, seeing this, picked up his -belongings and left. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2763" href= -"#xd21e2763" name="xd21e2763">193</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">Again, in South Kettle Town, there were a number of -woodmen who in the early morning were passing behind the haunted house, -when they found an old woman sitting weeping under a tree. They -thinking her an evil bogey, one man came up behind and gave her a -thrust with his sickle. The witch rushed off into the house, her height -appearing to be only about one cubit and a span.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2770" href="#xd21e2770" name= -"xd21e2770">194</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch37" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e547">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXXVII</h2> -<h2 class="main">IM, THE HUNTER</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Im Kyong-up.—One of Korea’s most -famous generals, who fought in behalf of China in 1628 against the -Manchus. He is worshipped to-day in many parts of Korea.]</p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">When General Im Kyong-up was young he lived in the -town of Tallai. In those days he loved the chase, and constantly -practised riding and hunting. Once he went off on an excursion to track -the deer in Wol-lak Mountains. He carried only a sword, and made the -chase on foot. In his pursuit of the animal he went as far as Tai-paik -Mountain. There night overtook him, and the way was hidden in the -darkness. There were yawning chasms and great horns and cliffs on all -sides. While he was in a state of perplexity he met a woodman, and -asked him where the road was and how he ought to go. The woodman -directed him to a cliff opposite, “where,” said he, -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2784" href="#xd21e2784" name= -"xd21e2784">195</a>]</span>“there is a house.” Im heard -this and crossed over to the farther ridge. On approaching more nearly -he found a great tiled mansion standing alone without a single house -about it. He went in by the main gateway, but found all quiet and dark -and no one in sight. It was a vacant house, evidently deserted. After -travelling all day in the hills Im was full of fears and creepy -feelings. So he viewed the place with mistrust, fearing that there -might be hill goblins in it or tree devils, but a moment later some one -opened the room door and shouted out, “Do you sleep here? Have -you had something to eat?”</p> -<p class="par">Im looked and discovered that it was the same person -that had directed him on his way. He said in reply, “I have not -eaten anything and am hungry.” So the man opened the wall box and -brought him out wine and meat. He, being exceedingly hungry, ate all. -Then they sat down to talk together, and after a little the woodman got -up, opened the box once more, and took from it a great sword. Im asked, -“What is this you have; do you intend to kill me?”</p> -<p class="par">The woodman laughed and said, “No, no, but -to-night there is something on hand worth the seeing. Will you come -with me and not be afraid?”</p> -<p class="par">Im said, “Of course I am not afraid; I want to -see.” <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2792" href="#xd21e2792" -name="xd21e2792">196</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">It was then about midnight, and the woodman, with the -sword in his hand, took Im and went to one side through a succession of -gates that seemed never ending. At last they came to a place where -lights were reflected on a pond of water. There was a high pavilion -apparently in the middle of the lake, and from the inside of it came -the lights. There were sounds, too, of laughter and talking that came -from the upper storey. Through the sliding doors he could distinguish -two people seated together. There was another pavilion to the right of -the lake and a large tree near it, up which the woodman told Im to -climb.</p> -<p class="par">“When you get well up,” said he, “take -your belt, tie yourself fast to the trunk and keep perfectly -still.”</p> -<p class="par">Im climbed the tree as directed, and made himself -secure. From this point of vantage he looked intently, and the first -thing he saw was the woodman give a leap that cleared the lake and -landed him in the pavilion. At once he ascended to the upper storey, -and now Im could distinguish three persons sitting talking and -laughing. He heard the woodman, after drinking, say to his neighbour, -“We have made our wager, now let’s see it out.” The -man replied, “Let’s do so.” Then both arose, came -down to the entrance, and vaulted off into mid-air, where they -disappeared from sight. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2799" href= -"#xd21e2799" name="xd21e2799">197</a>]</span>Nothing could be -distinguished now but the clashing of steel and flashes of fire, which -kept up for a long time.</p> -<p class="par">In beholding this from the tree top, where he was -stationed, his bones grew cold and his hair stood stiff on end. He knew -not what to do. Then a moment later he heard something fall to the -ground with a great thud. A cry of victory arose too, and he recognized -that it was the woodman’s voice. Chills ran all over him, and -goose-flesh covered his skin; only after a long time could he gain -control of himself. He came down from the tree and the woodman met him, -took him suddenly under his arm, and vaulted over into the pavilion. -Here he met a beautiful woman with hair like fleecy clouds. Before the -fight the woman’s voice was evidently full of hilarity, but now -she was overcome with grief and tears.</p> -<p class="par">The woodman spoke roughly to her, saying, “Do you -not know that you, a wicked woman, have caused the death of a great -man?” The woodman said also to Im, “You have courage and -valour in your way, but it is not sufficient to meet a world like this. -I will now give you this woman, and this house, so you can bid farewell -to the dusty world and live here in peace and quiet for the rest of -your days.”</p> -<p class="par">Im replied, “What I have seen to-night I am at -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2807" href="#xd21e2807" name= -"xd21e2807">198</a>]</span>a loss to understand. I’d like to know -the meaning of it first; please tell me. After hearing that I’ll -do what you ask.”</p> -<p class="par">The woodman said, “I am not an ordinary mortal of -the world, but am an outlaw of the hills and woods. I am a robber, -really, and by robbing have many such a house as this. Not only here -but in all the provinces I have homes abundant, a beautiful woman in -each, and rich and dainty fare. All unexpectedly this woman has -neglected me for another man, and he and she have several times tried -to kill me. There being no help for it, I had to kill him. I have -killed the man, but I ought truly to have killed the woman. Take this -place, then, off my hands, will you, and the woman too?”</p> -<p class="par">But Im asked, “Who was the man, and where did he -live?”</p> -<p class="par">“There were,” said the woodman, -“mighty possibilities in him, though he lived humbly inside the -South Gate of Seoul and sold cut tobacco. He came here frequently, and -I knew it, though I winked at it all until they attempted to kill me, -and that brought matters to a head. It was not my wish to kill -him,” and here the woodman broke down and cried. “Alas, -alas!” said he, “I have killed a great and gifted man. -Think it over,” said he; “you have courage, but not enough -to make any mark in the world. You will fail half-way, <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2816" href="#xd21e2816" name= -"xd21e2816">199</a>]</span>the Fates have so decided. Cease from any -vain ambitions, for there is no way by which your name can ever become -famous. Do what I say, then, and take over this woman and this -home.”</p> -<p class="par">Im, however, shook his head and said, “I -can’t do it.”</p> -<p class="par">The woodman asked, “Why can you not? If you do -not, there is nothing for this woman but death, so here I’ll have -done with it,” and he struck her with his sword and cut off her -head.</p> -<p class="par">The day following he said to Im, “Since you are -determined to go forth and do valiantly, I cannot stop you, but if a -man goes forth thus and does not know the use of the sword he is -helpless, and at the mercy of the foe. Stay with me a little and learn. -I’ll teach you.”</p> -<p class="par">Im stayed for six days and learned the use of the -sword.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Anon.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2830" href="#xd21e2830" name= -"xd21e2830">200</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch38" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e556">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXXVIII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE MAGIC INVASION OF SEOUL</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">A gentleman of Seoul was one day crossing the Han -River in a boat. In the crossing, he nodded for a moment, fell asleep -and dreamed a dream. In his dream he met a man who had Gothic eyebrows -and almond eyes, whose face was red as ripened dates, and whose height -was eight cubits and a span. He was dressed in green and had a long -beard that came down to his belt-string. A man of majestic appearance -he was, with a great sword at his side and he rode on a red horse.</p> -<p class="par">He asked the gentleman to open his hand, which he did, -and then the august stranger dashed a pen-mark on it as the sign of the -God of War. Said he, “When you cross the river, do not go direct -to Seoul, but wait at the landing. Seven horses will shortly appear, -loaded with network hampers, all proceeding on their journey to the -capital. You are to call the horsemen, open your hand, and show them -the sign. When they see it they will all commit suicide in your very -presence. After that, you are to take the loads and pile them up, but -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2840" href="#xd21e2840" name= -"xd21e2840">201</a>]</span>don’t look into them. Then you are to -go at once and report the matter to the Palace and have them all -burned. The matter is of immense importance, so do not fail in the -slightest particular.”</p> -<p class="par">The gentleman gave a great start of terror and awoke. He -looked at his hand and there, indeed, was the strange mark. Not only -so, but the ink had not yet dried upon it. He was astonished beyond -measure, but did as the dream had indicated, and waited on the -river’s bank. In a little there came, as he was advised, the -seven loads on seven horses, coming from the far-distant South. There -were attendants in charge, and one man wearing an official coat came -along behind. When they had crossed the river the gentleman called them -to him and said, “I have something to say to you; come close to -me.” These men, unsuspecting, though with somewhat of a -frightened look, closed up. He then showed them his hand with the mark, -and asked them if they knew what it was. When they saw it, first of -all, the man in the official coat turned and with one bound jumped over -the cliff into the river. The eight or nine who accompanied the loads -likewise all rushed after him and dashed into the water.</p> -<p class="par">The scholar then called the boatmen, and explained to -them that the things in the hampers were dangerous, that he would have -to make it <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2846" href="#xd21e2846" -name="xd21e2846">202</a>]</span>known to the Palace, and that in the -meantime they were to keep close guard, but that they were not to touch -them or look at them.</p> -<p class="par">He hurried as fast as possible, and reported the matter -to the Board of War. The Board sent an official, and had the loads -brought into Seoul, and then, as had been directed, they were piled -high with wood and set on fire. When the fire developed, the baskets -broke open, and little figures of men and horses, each an inch or so -long, in countless numbers, came tumbling out.</p> -<p class="par">When the officials saw this they were frozen with fear; -their hearts ceased beating and their tongues lolled out. In a little, -however, the hampers were all burned up.</p> -<p class="par">These were the creation of a magician, and were intended -for a monster invasion of Seoul, until warned by Kwan.</p> -<p class="par">From that time on the people of Seoul began faithful -offerings to the God of War, for had he not saved the city?</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2860" href="#xd21e2860" name= -"xd21e2860">203</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch39" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e565">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XXXIX</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE AWFUL LITTLE GOBLIN</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was an occasion for a celebration in the -home of a nobleman of Seoul, whereupon a feast, to which were invited -all the family friends, was prepared. There was a great crowd of men -and women. In front of the women’s quarters there suddenly -appeared an uncombed, ugly-looking boy about fifteen years of age. The -host and guests, thinking him a coolie who had come in the train of -some visitor, did not ask specially concerning him, but one of the -women guests, seeing him in the inner quarters, sent a servant to -reprimand him and put him out. The boy, however, did not move, so the -servant said to him, “Who are you, anyway, and with whom did you -come, that you enter the women’s quarters, and even when told to -go out do not go?”</p> -<p class="par">The boy, however, stood stock-still, just as he had -been, with no word of reply.</p> -<p class="par">The company looked at him in doubt, and began to ask one -another whose he was and with whom <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e2872" href="#xd21e2872" name="xd21e2872">204</a>]</span>he had -come. Again they had the servant make inquiry, but still there was no -reply. The women then grew very angry, and ordered him to be put out. -Several took hold of him and tried to pull him, but he was like a fixed -rock, fast in the earth, absolutely immovable. In helpless rage they -informed the men.</p> -<p class="par">The men, hearing this, sent several strong servants, who -took hold all at once, but he did not budge a hair. They asked, -“Who are you, anyway?” but he gave no reply. The crowd, -then enraged, sent ten strong men with ropes to bind him, but like a -giant mountain he remained fast, so that they recognized that he could -not be moved by man’s power.</p> -<p class="par">One guest remarked, “But he, too, is human; why -cannot he be moved?” They then sent five or six giant fellows -with clubs to smash him to pieces, and they laid on with all their -might. It looked as though he would be crushed like an egg-shell, while -the sound of their pounding was like reverberating thunder. But just as -before, not a hair did he turn, not a wink did he give.</p> -<p class="par">Then the crowd began to fear, saying, “This is not -a man, but a god,” so they entered the courtyard, one and all, -and began to bow before him, joining their hands and supplicating -earnestly. They kept this up for a long time. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2880" href="#xd21e2880" name= -"xd21e2880">205</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">At last the boy gave a sarcastic smile, turned round, -went out of the gate and disappeared.</p> -<p class="par">The company, frightened out of their wits, called off -the feast. From that day on, the people of that house were taken ill, -including host and guests. Those who scolded him, those who tied him -with ropes, those who pounded him, all died in a few days. Other -members of the company, too, contracted typhus and the like, and died -also.</p> -<p class="par">It was commonly held that the boy was the Too-uk Spirit, -but we cannot definitely say. Strange, indeed!</p> -<hr class="tb"> -<p class="par"></p> -<p class="par"><i>Note.</i>—When the time comes for a clan to -disappear from the earth, calamity befalls it. Even though a great -spirit should come in at the door at such a feast time, if the guests -had done as Confucius suggests, “Be reverent and distant,” -instead of insulting him and making him more malignant than ever, they -would have escaped. Still, devils and men were never intended to dwell -together.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2898" href="#xd21e2898" name= -"xd21e2898">206</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch40" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e574">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XL</h2> -<h2 class="main">GOD’S WAY</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">In a certain town there lived a man of fierce and -ungovernable disposition, who in moments of anger used to beat his -mother. One day this parent, thus beaten, screamed out, “Oh, God, -why do you not strike dead this wicked man who beats his -mother?”</p> -<p class="par">The beating over, the son thrust his sickle through his -belt and went slowly off to the fields where he was engaged by a -neighbour in reaping buckwheat. The day was fine, and the sky -beautifully clear. Suddenly a dark fleck of cloud appeared in -mid-heaven, and a little later all the sky became black. Furious -thunder followed, and rain came on. The village people looked out -toward the field, where the flashes of lightning were specially -noticeable. They seemed to see there a man with lifted sickle trying to -ward them off. When the storm had cleared away, they went to see, and -lo, they found the man who <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2908" -href="#xd21e2908" name="xd21e2908">207</a>]</span>had beaten his mother -struck dead and riven to pieces.</p> -<p class="par">God takes note of evil doers on this earth, and deals -with them as they deserve. How greatly should we fear!</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2916" href="#xd21e2916" name= -"xd21e2916">208</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch41" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e583">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XLI</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE OLD MAN IN THE DREAM</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Kwon Jai was a man high in rank and well advanced -in years. He was, however, much given to sport and various kinds of -pleasure. One night he had a dream, when an old man came to him, who -bowed low, and in tears said, “Sir, Minister Hong wishes to kill -off me and all my posterity. Please save me, won’t -you?”</p> -<p class="par">Kwon asked, “How can I save you?” The old -man replied, “Hong will assuredly ask Your Excellency to help -him. Desist from it, please, for if you do, Hong will give it up and I -shall live and all mine.”</p> -<p class="par">A little later there came a rap at the door, when Kwon -awakened and asked, “Who is there?” It was Hong, who that -day had planned an excursion to Lotus Lake to fish for turtles, and now -had come specially to invite Kwon to go with him. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2928" href="#xd21e2928" name= -"xd21e2928">209</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">Then Kwon knew that the turtle had appeared to him in a -dream in the form of an old man, so he declined, saying he was ill. I -learned later that Hong also did not go.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2935" href="#xd21e2935" name= -"xd21e2935">210</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch42" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e592">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XLII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE PERFECT PRIEST</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was once a priest called Namnu who had -perfected his ways in the Buddhistic doctrine. Whenever he had clothing -of his own he would willingly undress and give it to those who were -cold. His spirit was gentle with no creases or corners in it. -Everybody, high and low, rich and poor, called him by the nickname of -Softy. Whenever he saw any one sentenced to a flogging in the temple or -official <i>yamen</i>, Namnu invariably begged that he might take the -culprit’s place. Once, when there was a great function in -progress at Pagoda Temple and many high officials were assembled, -Softy, too, was seen kneeling at the side and taking part. He suddenly -remarked to Prince Hong of Yon-san, “You are indeed a very great -man.”</p> -<p class="par">Hong replied, “What do you mean by ‘great -man,’ you impudent brat? Take that,” and he gave him a box -with his fist on the ear. Softy laughed, and said, “Please, Hong, -don’t do that, it hurts! it hurts!”</p> -<p class="par">Later I was in the train of Prince Yi of Yun-song, -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2950" href="#xd21e2950" name= -"xd21e2950">211</a>]</span>and other high officials were present, when -we stopped for a little before the Temple. Softy was there, and he -looked at Yi and said, “I know your face, but I have forgotten -your name.” Afterwards he said, “Oh, I remember now, you -are Yi Sok-hyong.” The priests of the monastery who heard this -familiarity were scandalized, and hurried to make no end of apology to -the Prince, saying, “Softy was born so, God made him so. Please, -Your Excellency, forgive him.” The Prince forgave him and so he -was not disturbed.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2956" href="#xd21e2956" name= -"xd21e2956">212</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch43" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e601">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XLIII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE PROPITIOUS MAGPIE</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">People say that when the magpie builds its nest -directly south of a home that the master of the house will be promoted -in office. King T’ai-jong had a friend once who was very poor and -had failed in all his projects. After various fruitless attempts he -decided to wait till the King went out on procession and then to send a -servant to build an imitation magpie’s nest in some propitious -place before him. The King saw it and asked the man what he was doing. -He said in reply that when a magpie builds its nest straight south of a -home the master of the house instantly gets promotion. His master, he -said, had waited so long and nothing had come, that he was building an -imitation nest to bring it about. The King took pity on him and ordered -his appointment at once.</p> -<p class="par">When I was young myself a magpie built its nest before -our home, but I, along with other boys, cut off the branch so that the -whole nest fell to the ground, and there were the young with their -pitiful yellow mouths. I felt sorry and afraid that they <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2966" href="#xd21e2966" name= -"xd21e2966">213</a>]</span>would die, so on a propitious site to the -south I had the nest hung up on a <i>neutie</i> tree, where the young -all lived and flourished and flew away. In that very winter my father -was promoted three degrees in rank and was attached to the office of -the Prime Minister.</p> -<p class="par">Afterwards I built a summer-house at Chong-pa, and -before the house, directly facing south, magpies built a nest in a date -tree. I had a woman slave, and she pulled it down and used the nest for -fuel, but they came again the next year and built once more. The year -following was 1469 when Ye-jong came to the throne. That year again I -was promoted. In the spring of 1471 magpies came and built their nest -in a tree just south of my office. I laughed and said, “There is -a spiritual power in the magpie surely, as men have said from olden -times and as I myself have proven.”</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2977" href="#xd21e2977" name= -"xd21e2977">214</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch44" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e611">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XLIV</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE “OLD BUDDHA”</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Prime Minister Choi Yun-tok was in mourning once -for his mother. With a single horse and one servant he made a journey -to the south where the road led through the county of Kai-ryong. At -that very time two or three of the district magistrates had pitched a -tent on the bank of the river and were having refreshments. They said -to one another, “Who is that mourner that goes riding by without -dismounting? It must be some country farmer who has never learned -proper manners. We shall certainly have to teach him a -lesson.”</p> -<p class="par">They sent an attendant to arrest and bring his servant, -whom they asked, “Who is your master?”</p> -<p class="par">He replied, “Choi, the Old Buddha.”</p> -<p class="par">“But what’s his real name?” they -demanded.</p> -<p class="par">“The old Buddha,” was the reply.</p> -<p class="par">Then they grew very angry at this, and said, “Your -master has offended in not dismounting, and you offend in concealing -his name. Both slave and master are equally ill-mannered.” And so -they beat him over the head. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e2995" -href="#xd21e2995" name="xd21e2995">215</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">Then the servant said slowly, “He is called Choi -the Buddha, but his real name is Yun-tok, and he is now on his way to -his country home in Chang-won.” At once they recognized that it -was no other than the Prime Minister, and great fear overcame them. -They struck their tent, cleared away the eatables, and ran to make -their deepest salaam and to ask pardon for their sin.</p> -<p class="par">The old Buddha was a special name by which this famous -minister was known.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3004" href="#xd21e3004" name= -"xd21e3004">216</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch45" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e620">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XLV</h2> -<h2 class="main">A WONDERFUL MEDICINE</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Prince Cheung had been First Minister of the land -for thirty years. He was a man just and upright, now nearly ninety -years of age. His son was called Whal, and was second in influence only -to his father. Both were greatly renowned in the age in which they -lived, and His Majesty treated them with special regard. Prince -Cheung’s home was suddenly attacked by goblins and devils, and -when a young official came to call on him, these mysterious beings in -broad daylight snatched the hat from his head and crumpled it up. They -threw stones, too, and kept on throwing them so that all the court was -reduced to confusion. Prince Cheung made his escape and went to live in -another house, where he prepared a special medicine called -<i>sal-kwi-whan</i> (kill-devil-pills), which he offered in prayer. -From that time the goblins departed, and now after five or six years no -sign of them has reappeared. Prince Cheung, too, is well and strong and -free from sickness.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3020" href="#xd21e3020" name= -"xd21e3020">217</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch46" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e629">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XLVI</h2> -<h2 class="main">FAITHFUL MO</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Prince Ha had a slave who was a landed proprieter -and lived in Yang-ju county. He had a daughter, fairest of the fair, -whom he called <i>Mo</i> (Nobody), beautiful beyond expression. An Yun -was a noted scholar, a man of distinction in letters. He saw Mo, fell -in love with her and took her for his wife. Prince Ha heard of this and -was furiously angry. Said he, “How is it that you, a slave, dare -to marry with a man of the aristocracy?” He had her arrested and -brought home, intending to marry her to one of his bondsmen. Mo learned -of this with tears and sorrow, but knew not what to do. At last she -made her escape over the wall and went back to An. An was delighted -beyond expression to see her; but, in view of the old prince, he knew -not what to do. Together they took an oath to die rather than to be -parted.</p> -<p class="par">Later Prince Ha, on learning of this, sent his -underlings to arrest her again and carry her off. After this all trace -of her was lost till Mo was discovered <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e3033" href="#xd21e3033" name="xd21e3033">218</a>]</span>one day -in a room hanging by the neck dead.</p> -<p class="par">Months of sorrow passed over An till once, under cover -of the night, he was returning from the Confucian Temple to his house -over the ridge of Camel Mountain. It was early autumn and the wooded -tops were shimmering in the moonlight. All the world had sunk softly to -rest and no passers were on the way. An was just then musing longingly -of Mo, and in heartbroken accents repeating love verses to her memory, -when suddenly a soft footfall was heard as though coming from among the -pines. He took careful notice and there was Mo. An knew that she was -long dead, and so must have known that it was her spirit, but because -he was so buried in thought of her, doubting nothing, he ran to her and -caught her by the hand, saying, “How did you come here?” -but she disappeared. An gave a great cry and broke into tears. On -account of this he fell ill. He ate, but his grief was so great he -could not swallow, and a little later he died of a broken heart.</p> -<p class="par">Kim Champan, who was of the same age as I, and my -special friend, was also a cousin of An, and he frequently spoke of -this. Yu Hyo-jang, also, An’s nephew by marriage, told the story -many times. Said he, “Faithful unto death was she. For even a -woman of the <i>literati</i>, who has been born <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3042" href="#xd21e3042" name= -"xd21e3042">219</a>]</span>and brought up at the gates of ceremonial -form, it is a difficult matter enough to die, but for a slave, the -lowest of the low, who knew not the first thing of Ceremony, -Righteousness, Truth or Devotion, what about her? To the end, out of -love for her husband, she held fast to her purity and yielded up her -life without a blemish. Even of the faithful among the ancients was -there ever a better than Mo?”</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3048" href="#xd21e3048" name= -"xd21e3048">220</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch47" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e638">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XLVII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE RENOWNED MAING</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Minister of State Maing Sa-song once upon a time, -dressed in plain clothes, started south on a long journey. On the way -he was overtaken by rain, and turned into a side pavilion for rest and -shelter. There was a young scholar already in the pavilion by the name -of Whang Eui-hon, who with his two hands behind his back was reading -the pavilion inscription board, on which verses were written. Long he -read and long he looked about as though no one else were there. At last -he turned to the old man, and said, “Well, grand-dad, do you know -the flavour of verses like these?” The famous Minister, -pretending ignorance, arose and said, “An old countryman like -myself, could you expect him to know? Please tell me the -meaning.”</p> -<p class="par">Whang said, “These verses were written by the -great men of the past. What they saw and experienced they wrote down to -inspire the souls of those who were to come after them. They are like -pictures <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3058" href="#xd21e3058" -name="xd21e3058">221</a>]</span>of sea and land, for there are living -pictures in poetry, you know.”</p> -<p class="par">The Minister said, “Indeed, that’s -wonderful; but if it were not for men like yourself how should I ever -come to know these things?”</p> -<p class="par">A little later came pack-horses loaded with all sorts of -things; servants and retainers, too, a great company of them, tent -poles, canvas packs and other equipment, a long procession.</p> -<p class="par">Whang, surprised by this, made inquiry, when, to his -amazement, he learned that the old man was none other than Maing -Sa-song. Unconsciously he dropped on to his knees in a deep and long -obeisance. The Minister laughed and said, “That will do; there is -no difference in the value of mere men, they are high or low according -to the thoughts that prompt them, but unfortunately all are born with a -proud heart. You are not a common scholar, why, therefore, should you -be so proud to begin with and so humble now?” The Minister took -him by the hand, led him to his mat, made him sit down, comforted him -and sent him away.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3070" href="#xd21e3070" name= -"xd21e3070">222</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch48" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e647">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XLVIII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE SENSES</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">The eyes are round like gems, so that they can -roll about and see things; the ears have holes in them so that they can -hear; the nose has openings by which it can perceive smell; and the -mouth is horizontal and slit so that it can inhale and exhale the -breath; the tongue is like an organ reed so that it can make sounds and -talk. Three of the four have each their particular office to fulfil, -while the mouth has two offices. But the member that distinguishes the -good from the bad is the heart, so that without the heart, even though -you have eyes you cannot see, though you have ears you cannot hear, -though you have a nose you cannot smell, and though you have a mouth -you cannot breathe, so they say that without the heart “seeing -you cannot see, and hearing you cannot hear.”</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3082" href="#xd21e3082" name= -"xd21e3082">223</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch49" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e656">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">XLIX</h2> -<h2 class="main">WHO DECIDES, GOD OR THE KING?</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">King Tai-jong was having a rest in Heung-yang -Palace, while outside two eunuchs were talking together over the law -that governs the affairs of men, as to whether it is man or God. A -said, “Riches and honour are all in the king’s hand.” -B said, “Nothing of the kind; every atom of wealth and every -degree of promotion are all ordered of God. Even the king himself has -no part in it and no power.”</p> -<p class="par">So they argued, each that he was right, without ever -coming to an agreement.</p> -<p class="par">The King, overhearing what was said, wrote a secret -despatch, saying, “Raise the Bearer of this letter one degree in -rank.” He sealed it and commanded A to take it to Se-jong, who -was then in charge of this office. A made his bow and departed, but -just when he was about to leave the palace enclosure a furious pain -took him in the stomach, so that he begged B to take his place and go -into the city.</p> -<p class="par">The next day, when the record of promotions <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3096" href="#xd21e3096" name= -"xd21e3096">224</a>]</span>was placed before the King, he read how B -had been advanced, but not one word was there about A.</p> -<p class="par">King Tai-jong made inquiry, and when he knew the -circumstances he gave a sudden start of wonder and remained long in -deep thought.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3104" href="#xd21e3104" name= -"xd21e3104">225</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch50" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e665">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">L</h2> -<h2 class="main">THREE THINGS MASTERED</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was a relative of the king, named Im -Sung-jong, who was a gifted man in thought and purpose. He was the -first performer of his time on the harp. King Se-jong said of him, -“Im’s harp knows but one master, and follows no other -man.”</p> -<p class="par">His home was outside the South Gate, and every morning -he was seen kneeling on the sill of his front door beating his hands -upwards and downwards on his knees, and this practice he carried on for -three years. People could not imagine what he meant by it, but thought -him mad. Thus he learned the motions required for the harp.</p> -<p class="par">Also he blew with his mouth and practised with his -fingers day and night without stopping, so that when people called on -him he would see them but would not perceive them. He kept this up for -three years and so learned the motions for the flute.</p> -<p class="par">He was a lightly built man in body, and poor at riding -and at archery. He often sighed over this defect, and said, -“Though I am weak and <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3118" -href="#xd21e3118" name="xd21e3118">226</a>]</span>stupid and not able -to shoot a long distance, I shall yet know how to hit the target and -make the bull’s-eye. This also must be acquired by -practice.” So every morning he took his bow and arrows and went -off into the hills. There he shot all day long, keeping it up for three -years, till he became a renowned archer. Thus you may perceive the kind -of man he was.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3124" href="#xd21e3124" name= -"xd21e3124">227</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch51" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e674">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">LI</h2> -<h2 class="main">STRANGELY STRICKEN DEAD</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">There was once a man called Kim Tok-saing, a -soldier of fortune, who had been specially honoured at the Court of -Tai-jong. He had several times been generalissimo of the army, and on -his various campaigns had had an intimate friend accompany him, a -friend whom he greatly loved. But Kim had been dead now for some ten -years and more, when one night this friend of his was awakened with a -start and gave a great outcry. He slept again, but a little later was -disturbed once more by a fright, at which he called out. His wife, not -liking this, inquired as to what he meant. The friend said, “I -have just seen General Kim riding on a white horse, with bow and arrows -at his belt. He called to me and said, ‘A thief has just entered -my home, and I have come to shoot him dead.’ He went and again -returned, and as he drew an arrow from his quiver, I saw that there -were blood marks on it. He said, ‘I have just shot him, he is -dead.’” The husband and wife in fear and wonder talked over -it together. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3132" href="#xd21e3132" -name="xd21e3132">228</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">When morning came the friend went to General Kim’s -former home to make inquiry. He learned that that very night -Kim’s young widow had decided to remarry, but as soon as the -chosen <i>fiancé</i> had entered her home, a terrible pain shot -him through, and before morning came he died in great agony.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3142" href="#xd21e3142" name= -"xd21e3142">229</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch52" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e683">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">LII</h2> -<h2 class="main">THE MYSTERIOUS HOI TREE</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Prince Pa-song’s house was situated just -inside of the great East Gate, and before it was a large Hoi tree. On a -certain night the Prince’s son-in-law was passing by the roadway -that led in front of the archers’ pavilion. There he saw a great -company of bowmen, more than he could number, all shooting together at -the target. A moment later he saw them practising riding, some throwing -spears, some hurling bowls, some shooting from horseback, so that the -road in front of the pavilion was blocked against all comers. Some -shouted as he came by, “Look at that impudent rascal! He attempts -to ride by without dismounting.” They caught him and beat him, -paying no attention to his cries for mercy, and having no pity for the -pain he suffered, till one tall fellow came out of their serried ranks -and said in an angry voice to the crowd, “He is my master; why do -you treat him so?” He undid his bonds, took him by the arm and -led him home. When the son-in-law reached the gate he looked back and -saw the man <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3150" href="#xd21e3150" -name="xd21e3150">230</a>]</span>walk under the Hoi tree and disappear. -He then learned, too, that all the crowd of archers were spirits and -not men, and that the tall one who had befriended him was a spirit too, -and that he had come forth from their particular Hoi tree.</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Yi Ryuk.</span> <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3156" href="#xd21e3156" name= -"xd21e3156">231</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div id="ch53" class="div1 chapter"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#xd21e692">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="label">LIII</h2> -<h2 class="main">TA-HONG</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">[Sim Heui-su studied as a young man at the feet of -No Su-sin, who was sent as an exile to a distant island in the sea. -Thither he followed his master and worked at the Sacred Books. He -matriculated in 1570 and graduated in 1572. In 1589 he remonstrated -with King Son-jo over the disorders of his reign, and was the means of -quelling a great national disturbance; but he made a <i>faux pas</i> -one day when he said laughingly to a friend—</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">“These sea-gull waves ride so high,</p> -<p class="line xd21e2433">Who can tame them?”</p> -</div> -<p class="par first">Those who heard caught at this, and it became a -source of unpopularity, as it indicated an unfavourable opinion of the -Court.</p> -<p class="par">In 1592, when the King made his escape to Eui-ju, before -the invading Japanese army, he was the State’s Chief Secretary, -and after the return of the King he became Chief Justice. He resigned -office, but the King refused to accept his resignation, saying, -“I cannot do without you.” He <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e3176" href="#xd21e3176" name="xd21e3176">232</a>]</span>became -chief of the <i>literati</i> and Special Adviser. Afterwards he became -Minister of the Right, then of the Left, at which time he wrote out ten -suggestions for His Majesty to follow. He saw the wrongs done around -the King, and resigned office again and again, but was constantly -recalled.</p> -<p class="par">In 1608 Im Suk-yong, a young candidate writing for his -matriculation, wrote an essay exposing the wrongs of the Court. Sim -heard of this, and took the young man under his protection. The King, -reading the essay, was furiously angry, and ordered the degradation of -Im, but Sim said, “He is with me; I am behind what he wrote and -approve; degrade me and not him,” and so the King withdrew his -displeasure. He was faithful of the faithful.</p> -<p class="par">When he was old he went and lived in Tun-san in a little -tumble-down hut, like the poorest of the <i>literati</i>. He called -himself “Water-thunder Muddy-man,” a name derived from the -Book of Changes.</p> -<p class="par">He died in 1622 at the age of seventy-four, and is -recorded as one of Korea’s great patriots.]</p> -<div class="div2 story"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h3 class="main"><i>The Story</i></h3> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Minister Sim Heui-su was, when young, handsome as -polished marble, and white as the snow, rarely and beautifully formed. -When eight years <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3196" href= -"#xd21e3196" name="xd21e3196">233</a>]</span>of age he was already an -adept at the character, and a wonder in the eyes of his people. The -boy’s nickname was Soondong (the godlike one). From the passing -of his first examination, step by step he advanced, till at last he -became First Minister of the land. When old he was honoured as the most -renowned of all ministers. At seventy he still held office, and one -day, when occupied with the affairs of State, he suddenly said to those -about him, “To-day is my last on earth, and my farewell wishes to -you all are that you may prosper and do bravely and well.”</p> -<p class="par">His associates replied in wonder, “Your Excellency -is still strong and hearty, and able for many years of work; why do you -speak so?”</p> -<p class="par">Sim laughingly made answer, “Our span of life is -fixed. Why should I not know? We cannot pass the predestined limit. -Please feel no regret. Use all your efforts to serve His Majesty the -King, and make grateful acknowledgment of his many favours.”</p> -<p class="par">Thus he exhorted them, and took his departure. Every one -wondered over this strange announcement. From that day on he returned -no more, it being said that he was ailing.</p> -<p class="par">There was at that time attached to the War Office a -young secretary directly under Sim. Hearing that his master was ill, -the young man went to pay <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3206" -href="#xd21e3206" name="xd21e3206">234</a>]</span>his respects and to -make inquiry. Sim called him into his private room, where all was -quiet. Said he, “I am about to die, and this is a long farewell, -so take good care of yourself, and do your part honourably.”</p> -<p class="par">The young man looked, and in Sim’s eyes were -tears. He said, “Your Excellency is still vigorous, and even -though you are slightly ailing, there is surely no cause for anxiety. I -am at a loss to understand your tears, and what you mean by saying that -you are about to die. I would like to ask the reason.”</p> -<p class="par">Sim smiled and said, “I have never told any -person, but since you ask and there is no longer cause for concealment, -I shall tell you the whole story. When I was young certain things -happened in my life that may make you smile.</p> -<p class="par">“At about sixteen years of age I was said to be a -handsome boy and fair to see. Once in Seoul, when a banquet was in -progress and many dancing-girls and other representatives of good cheer -were called, I went too, with a half-dozen comrades, to see. There was -among the dancing-girls a young woman whose face was very beautiful. -She was not like an earthly person, but like some angelic being. -Inquiring as to her name, some of those seated near said it was Ta-hong -(Flower-bud). <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3214" href= -"#xd21e3214" name="xd21e3214">235</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">“When all was over and the guests had separated, I -went home, but I thought of Ta-hong’s pretty face, and recalled -her repeatedly, over and over; seemingly I could not forget her. Ten -days or so later I was returning from my teacher’s house along -the main street, carrying my books under my arm, when I suddenly met a -pretty girl, who was beautifully dressed and riding a handsome horse. -She alighted just in front of me, and to my surprise, taking my hand, -said, ‘Are you not Sim Heui-su?’</p> -<p class="par">“In my astonishment I looked at her and saw that -it was Ta-hong. I said, ‘Yes, but how do you know me?’ I -was not married then, nor had I my hair done up, and as there were many -people in the street looking on I was very much ashamed. Flower-bud, -with a look of gladness in her face, said to her pony-boy, ‘I -have something to see to just now; you return and say to the master -that I shall be present at the banquet to-morrow.’ Then we went -aside into a neighbouring house and sat down. She said, ‘Did you -not on such and such a day go to such and such a Minister’s house -and look on at the gathering?’ I answered, ‘Yes, I -did.’ ‘I saw you,’ said she, ‘and to me your -face was like a god’s. I asked those present who you were, and -they said your family name was Sim and your given-name Heui-su, and -that your <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3219" href="#xd21e3219" -name="xd21e3219">236</a>]</span>character and gifts were very superior. -From that day on I longed to meet you, but as there was no possibility -of this I could only think of you. Our meeting thus is surely of -God’s appointment.’</p> -<p class="par">“I replied laughingly, ‘I, too, felt just -the same towards you.’</p> -<p class="par">“Then Ta-hong said, ‘We cannot meet here; -let’s go to my aunt’s home in the next ward, where -it’s quiet, and talk there.’ We went to the aunt’s -home. It was neat and clean and somewhat isolated, and apparently the -aunt loved Flower-bud with all the devotion of a mother. From that day -forth we plighted our troth together. Flower-bud had never had a lover; -I was her first and only choice. She said, however, ‘This plan of -ours cannot be consummated to-day; let us separate for the present and -make plans for our union in the future.’ I asked her how we could -do so, and she replied, ‘I have sworn my soul to you, and it is -decided for ever, but you have your parents to think of, and you have -not yet had a wife chosen, so there will be no chance of their advising -you to have a second wife as my social standing would require for me. -As I reflect upon your ability and chances for promotion, I see you -already a Minister of State. Let us separate just now, and I’ll -keep myself for you till the time when you win the first place at the -Examination and have your <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3226" -href="#xd21e3226" name="xd21e3226">237</a>]</span>three days of public -rejoicing. Then we’ll meet once more. Let us make a compact never -to be broken. So then, until you have won your honours, do not think of -me, please. Do not be anxious, either, lest I should be taken from you, -for I have a plan by which to hide myself away in safety. Know that on -the day when you win your honours we shall meet again.’</p> -<p class="par">“On this we clasped hands and spoke our farewells -as though we parted easily. Where she was going I did not ask, but -simply came home with a distressed and burdened heart, feeling that I -had lost everything. On my return I found that my parents, who had -missed me, were in a terrible state of consternation, but so delighted -were they at my safe return that they scarcely asked where I had been. -I did not tell them either, but gave another excuse.</p> -<p class="par">“At first I could not desist from thoughts of -Ta-hong. After a long time only was I able to regain my composure. From -that time forth with all my might I went at my lessons. Day and night I -pegged away, not for the sake of the Examination, but for the sake of -once more meeting her.</p> -<p class="par">“In two years or so my parents appointed my -marriage. I did not dare to refuse, had to accept, but had no heart in -it, and no joy in their choice.</p> -<p class="par">“My gift for study was very marked, and by -<span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3236" href="#xd21e3236" name= -"xd21e3236">238</a>]</span>diligence I grew to be superior to all my -competitors. It was five years after my farewell to Ta-hong that I won -my honours. I was still but a youngster, and all the world rejoiced in -my success. But my joy was in the secret understanding that the time -had come for me to meet Ta-hong. On the first day of my graduation -honours I expected to meet her, but did not. The second day passed, but -I saw nothing of her, and the third day was passing and no word had -reached me. My heart was so disturbed that I found not the slightest -joy in the honours of the occasion. Evening was falling, when my father -said to me, ‘I have a friend of my younger days, who now lives in -Chang-eui ward, and you must go and call on him this evening before the -three days are over,’ and so, there being no help for it, I went -to pay my call. As I was returning the sun had gone down and it was -dark, and just as I was passing a high gateway, I heard the -<i>Sillai</i> call.<a class="noteref" id="xd21e3241src" href= -"#xd21e3241" name="xd21e3241src">1</a> It was the home of an old -Minister, a man whom I did not know, but he being a high noble there -was nothing for me to do but to dismount and enter. Here I found the -master himself, an old gentleman, who put me through my humble -exercises, and then ordered me gently to come up and sit beside him. He -talked <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3244" href="#xd21e3244" name= -"xd21e3244">239</a>]</span>to me very kindly, and entertained me with -all sorts of refreshments. Then he lifted his glass and inquired, -‘Would you like to meet a very beautiful person?’ I did not -know what he meant, and so asked, ‘What beautiful person?’ -The old man said, ‘The most beautiful in the world to you. She -has long been a member of my household.’ Then he ordered a -servant to call her. When she came it was my lost Ta-hong. I was -startled, delighted, surprised, and speechless almost. ‘How do -you come here?’ I gasped.</p> -<p class="par">“She laughed and said, ‘Is this not within -the three days of your public celebration, and according to the -agreement by which we parted?’</p> -<p class="par">“The old man said, ‘She is a wonderful -woman. Her thoughts are high and noble, and her history is quite -unique. I will tell it to you. I am an old man of eighty, and my wife -and I have had no children, but on a certain day this young girl came -to us saying, “May I have the place of slave with you, to wait on -you and do your bidding?”</p> -<p class="par">“‘In surprise I asked the reason for this -strange request, and she said, “I am not running away from any -master, so do not mistrust me.”</p> -<p class="par">“‘Still, I did not wish to take her in, and -told her so, but she begged so persuasively that I yielded and let her -stay, appointed her work to do, <span class="pagenum">[<a id= -"xd21e3254" href="#xd21e3254" name="xd21e3254">240</a>]</span>and -watched her behaviour. She became a slave of her own accord, and simply -lived to please us, preparing our meals during the day, and caring for -our rooms for the night; responding to calls; ever ready to do our -bidding; faithful beyond compare. We feeble old folks, often ill, found -her a source of comfort and cheer unheard of, making life perfect peace -and joy. Her needle, too, was exceedingly skilful, and according to the -seasons she prepared all that we needed. Naturally we loved and pitied -her more than I can say. My wife thought more of her than ever mother -did of a daughter. During the day she was always at hand, and at night -she slept by her side. At one time I asked her quietly concerning her -past history. She said she was originally the child of a free-man, but -that her parents had died when she was very young, and, having no place -to go to, an old woman of the village had taken her in and brought her -up. “Being so young,” said she, “I was safe from -harm. At last I met a young master with whom I plighted a hundred years -of troth, a beautiful boy, none was ever like him. I determined to meet -him again, but only after he had won his honours in the arena. If I had -remained at the home of the old mother I could not have kept myself -safe, and preserved my honour; I would have been helpless; so I came -here for safety <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3256" href= -"#xd21e3256" name="xd21e3256">241</a>]</span>and to serve you. It is a -plan by which to hide myself for a year or so, and then when he wins I -shall ask your leave to go.”</p> -<p class="par">“‘I then asked who the person was with whom -she had made this contract, and she told me your name. I am so old that -I no longer think of taking wives and concubines, but she called -herself my concubine so as to be safe, and thus the years have passed. -We watched the Examination reports, but till this time your name was -absent. Through it all she expressed not a single word of anxiety, but -kept up heart saying that before long your name would appear. So -confident was she that not a shadow of disappointment was in her face. -This time on looking over the list I found your name, and told her. She -heard it without any special manifestation of joy, saying she knew it -would come. She also said, “When we parted I promised to meet him -before the three days of public celebration were over, and now I must -make good my promise.” So she climbed to the upper pavilion to -watch the public way. But this ward being somewhat remote she did not -see you going by on the first day, nor on the second. This morning she -went again, saying, “He will surely pass to-day”; and so it -came about. She said, “He is coming; call him in.”</p> -<p class="par">“‘I am an old man and have read much -history, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3263" href="#xd21e3263" -name="xd21e3263">242</a>]</span>and have heard of many famous women. -There are many examples of devotion that move the heart, but I never -saw so faithful a life nor one so devoted to another. God taking note -of this has brought all her purposes to pass. And now, not to let this -moment of joy go by, you must stay with me to-night.’</p> -<p class="par">“When I met Ta-hong I was most happy, especially -as I heard of her years of faithfulness. As to the invitation I -declined it, saying I could not think, even though we had so agreed, of -taking away one who waited in attendance upon His Excellency. But the -old man laughed, saying, ‘She is not mine. I simply let her be -called my concubine in name lest my nephews or some younger members of -the clan should steal her away. She is first of all a faithful woman: I -have not known her like before.’</p> -<p class="par">“The old man then had the horse sent back and the -servants, also a letter to my parents saying that I would stay the -night. He ordered the servants to prepare a room, to put in beautiful -screens and embroidered matting, to hang up lights and to decorate as -for a bridegroom. Thus he celebrated our meeting.</p> -<p class="par">“Next morning I bade good-bye, and went and told -my parents all about my meeting with Ta-hong and what had happened. -They gave consent that <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3271" href= -"#xd21e3271" name="xd21e3271">243</a>]</span>I should have her, and she -was brought and made a member of our family, really my only wife.</p> -<p class="par">“Her life and behaviour being beyond that of the -ordinary, in serving those above her and in helping those below, she -fulfilled all the requirements of the ancient code. Her work, too, was -faithfully done, and her gifts in the way of music and chess were most -exceptional. I loved her as I never can tell.</p> -<p class="par">“A little later I went as magistrate to Keumsan -county in Chulla Province, and Ta-hong went with me. We were there for -two years. She declined our too frequent happy times together, saying -that it interfered with efficiency and duty. One day, all unexpectedly, -she came to me and requested that we should have a little quiet time, -with no others present, as she had something special to tell me. I -asked her what it was, and she said to me, ‘I am going to die, -for my span of life is finished; so let us be glad once more and forget -all the sorrows of the world.’ I wondered when I heard this. I -could not think it true, and asked her how she could tell beforehand -that she was going to die. She said, ‘I know, there is no mistake -about it.’</p> -<p class="par">“In four or five days she fell ill, but not -seriously, and yet a day or two later she died. She said to me when -dying, ‘Our life is ordered, God decides it all. While I lived I -gave myself to you, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3279" href= -"#xd21e3279" name="xd21e3279">244</a>]</span>and you most kindly -responded in return. I have no regrets. As I die I ask only that my -body be buried where it may rest by the side of my master when he -passes away, so that when we meet in the regions beyond I shall be with -you once again.’ When she had so said she died.</p> -<p class="par">“Her face was beautiful, not like the face of the -dead, but like the face of the living. I was plunged into deepest -grief, prepared her body with my own hands for burial. Our custom is -that when a second wife dies she is not buried with the family, but I -made some excuse and had her interred in our family site in the county -of Ko-yang. I did so to carry out her wishes. When I came as far as -Keum-chang on my sad journey, I wrote a verse—</p> -<div class="lgouter"> -<p class="line">‘O beautiful Bud, of the beautiful Flower,</p> -<p class="line xd21e2433">We bear thy form on the willow bier;</p> -<p class="line">Whither has gone thy sweet perfumed soul?</p> -<p class="line xd21e2433">The rains fall on us</p> -<p class="line">To tell us of thy tears and of thy faithful -way.’</p> -</div> -<p class="par first">“I wrote this as a love tribute to my -faithful Ta-hong. After her death, whenever anything serious was to -happen in my home, she always came to tell me beforehand, and never was -there a mistake in her announcements. For several years it has -continued thus, till a few days ago she appeared in a dream saying, -‘Master, the time of your departure has come, and we are to meet -again. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3296" href="#xd21e3296" name= -"xd21e3296">245</a>]</span>I am now making ready for your glad -reception.’</p> -<p class="par">“For this reason I have bidden all my associates -farewell. Last night she came once more and said to me, -‘To-morrow is your day.’ We wept together in the dream as -we met and talked. In the morning, when I awoke, marks of tears were -still upon my cheeks. This is not because I fear to die, but because I -have seen my Ta-hong. Now that you have asked me I have told you all. -Tell it to no one.” So Sim died, as was foretold, on the day -following. Strange, indeed!</p> -<p class="par signed"><span class="sc">Im Bang.</span></p> -<p class="trailer xd21e3305">THE END</p> -<p><span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3307" href="#xd21e3307" name= -"xd21e3307">246</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="footnotes"> -<hr class="fnsep"> -<p class="par footnote"><span class="label"><a class="noteref" id= -"xd21e3241" href="#xd21e3241src" name="xd21e3241">1</a></span> A shrill -whistle by which graduates command the presence of a new graduate to -haze or honour, as they please. <a class="fnarrow" href= -"#xd21e3241src">↑</a></p> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="back"> -<div class="div1 imprint"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first xd21e120"><span class="sc">Richard Clay & Sons, -Limited</span>,<br> -BRUNSWICK STREET, STAMFORD STREET, S.E.,<br> -AND BUNGAY, SUFFOLK. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3318" href= -"#xd21e3318" name="xd21e3318">247</a>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="div1 ads"><span class="pagenum">[<a href= -"#toc">Contents</a>]</span> -<div class="divHead"> -<h2 class="main">SOME ROMANTIC VOLUMES IN EVERYMAN’S LIBRARY</h2> -</div> -<div class="divBody"> -<p class="par first">Le Morte D’Arthur (2 Vols.)</p> -<p class="par">Introduction by <span class="sc">Sir John -Rhys</span></p> -<p class="par">The Mabinogion</p> -<p class="par">Translated by <span class="sc">Lady Charlotte -Guest</span></p> -<p class="par">Kalevala, or the Land of Heroes (2 Vols.)</p> -<p class="par">Newly Translated from the Finnish by <span class="sc">W. -F. Kirby</span></p> -<p class="par">The Fall of the Nibelungs</p> -<p class="par">Translated by <span class="sc">Margaret -Armour</span></p> -<p class="par">The Story of Burnt Njal</p> -<p class="par">The High History of the Holy Grail</p> -<p class="par">Translated by <span class="sc">Dr. Sebastian -Evans</span></p> -<p class="par"><i>SEND FOR FREE ANNOTATED CATALOGUE OF 640 VOLUMES, -COVERING 13 DEPARTMENTS OF LITERATURE</i></p> -<p class="par">J. M. DENT & SONS, Ltd.</p> -<p class="par">Aldine House, Bedford Street, W.C. <span class= -"pagenum">[<a id="xd21e3368" href="#xd21e3368" name= -"xd21e3368">248</a>]</span></p> -<p class="par">JOLLY CALLE AND OTHER SWEDISH FAIRY TALES</p> -<p class="par">By HELENA NYBLOM</p> -<p class="par"><i>With Illustrations in Colour by CHARLES -FOLKARD</i></p> -<p class="par">Square Crown 8vo.</p> -<p class="par"><i>Outlook.</i>—“This volume of Swedish -fairy tales is marked with a great simplicity and a very real literary -skill. All lovers of Fairy-lore will welcome the pretty stories, and -will realise that in introducing us to ‘Jolly Calle,’ -‘Rolf of Orkanas’ and the ‘Bubbly-boy,’ they -have introduced us to near friends. Some of them are glad, some very -sad, but all charming. The illustrations are excellent.”</p> -<p class="par">J. M. DENT & SONS, Ltd.</p> -<p class="par">Aldine House, Bedford Street, W.C.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class="transcribernote"> -<h2 class="main">Colophon</h2> -<h3 class="main">Availability</h3> -<p class="par first">This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no -cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give -it away or re-use it under the terms of the <a class="exlink xd21e45" -title="External link" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license" rel= -"license">Project Gutenberg License</a> included with this eBook or -online at <a class="exlink xd21e45" title="External link" href= -"http://www.gutenberg.org/" rel="home">www.gutenberg.org</a>.</p> -<p class="par">This eBook is produced by the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at <a class="exlink xd21e45" title="External link" -href="http://www.pgdp.net/">www.pgdp.net</a>.</p> -<p class="par">A charming collection of folk-lore by Im Bang and Yi -Ryuk (in modern transcription Im Pang 임방, -1640–1724, and Yi Yuk 이육, 1443–1498) -translated from Korean by James S. Gale.</p> -<p class="par">Scans for this book are available from the internet -archive (copy <a class="seclink xd21e45" title="External link" href= -"https://archive.org/details/koreanfolktalesi00impaiala">1</a>, -<a class="seclink xd21e45" title="External link" href= -"https://archive.org/details/koreanfolktalesi00impa_0">2</a>, <a class= -"seclink xd21e45" title="External link" href= -"https://archive.org/details/koreanfolktalesi00impa_1">3</a>).</p> -<h3 class="main">Encoding</h3> -<p class="par first"></p> -<h3 class="main">Revision History</h3> -<ul> -<li>2016-01-21 Started.</li> -</ul> -<h3 class="main">External References</h3> -<p>This Project Gutenberg eBook contains external references. These -links may not work for you.</p> -<h3 class="main">Corrections</h3> -<p>The following corrections have been applied to the text:</p> -<table class="correctiontable" summary= -"Overview of corrections applied to the text."> -<tr> -<th>Page</th> -<th>Source</th> -<th>Correction</th> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="width20"><a class="pageref" href="#xd21e1135">53</a></td> -<td class="width40 bottom">acompanied</td> -<td class="width40 bottom">accompanied</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> -</div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Korean Folk Tales, by Im Bang and Yi Ryuk - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KOREAN FOLK TALES *** - -***** This file should be named 51002-h.htm or 51002-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/0/0/51002/ - -Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project -Gutenberg (This file was produced from images generously -made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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