“‘For what reason do you pry into other people’s business?’ was the question in reply.  ’This is little concern to you.  It is past midnight now, and you had better get home as soon as you can.’

“’No, indeed.  I admit that it seems wrong for me to be so curious in regard to your affairs, but this case is so very extraordinary that I hope you will not refuse to tell me about it.  You may be sure that I shall not betray your confidence.’

“’Alas! why such persistence in trying to learn about other people’s business?’

“‘It is very important,’ replied the king, ’that I should obtain the information I have asked of you.  Further than that I cannot explain at present.’”

Yung Pak wanted to interrupt the storyteller here and say that he did not blame the man for objecting to telling his private business, but he had early been taught that it was highly improper for a Korean boy to break into the conversation of his elders.

The monk continued: 

“’As you are so urgent in your desire to know the cause of the strange proceedings you have witnessed, I will try to tell you.  Poverty has always been a burden upon my family.  In my house there has never been sufficient food for a solid meal, and I have not land enough even for an insect to rest upon.  I cannot even provide food for my poor old father.  This is the reason why my wife, from time to time, has cut off a portion of her hair and sold it for an amount sufficient to buy a bowl of bean soup, which she has generously given to my father.  This evening she cut off and sold the last tress of her hair, and thus she is now bald as a nun.’”

Yung Pak already knew that Korean women who devote their lives to religious service kept their hair closely clipped, so the monk did not need to explain his reference to a bald-headed nun.

“’On this account,” said the man to Cheng-chong, ’my father broke out into mourning in these words: 

“’"Why have I lived to this age?  Why did I not die years ago?  Why has this degradation come to my daughter-in-law?” Tears accompanied his words.  My wife and I tried to console him, and, besides urging him not to weep, she danced for his amusement.  I also danced and sang, and thus we diverted the old man’s thoughts and caused him to smile.  That is the true reason of our queer behaviour.  I trust you will not think it strange, and will now go away and leave us to our sorrow.’

“The king was very much impressed by the man’s story, particularly with the evidence of such great devotion to his father, even in the time of poverty and misfortune.  So he said:  ’This is really the most extraordinary instance of filial love that I ever saw.  I think you should present yourself at the examination to-morrow.’

“‘What examination?’

“’Why, there is to be an examination before the king of candidates for official position.  You know that all officials have to pass an examination before they can receive an appointment.  Be sure to be there, and you may be fortunate enough to secure a position which will remove all fear of poverty from your household.’