rought to
Korea in 1122 B.C.

To the monk the warm food was very refreshing, and after he had eaten a
generous amount he entered into conversation with his hosts.

He told of the monastery where he made his home, and his account of the
various religious ceremonies and their origin was very interesting to
Yung Pak, who found that the visitor not only knew a great deal of the
history of the country, but was also familiar with its fables and
legends.

Like many who live in retirement and dwell in a world apart from their
fellows, this monk thought the people of former times were superior to
the men of his own day. Especially did he praise the kings of years long
gone by.

"Do you think," said Yung Pak, "that the old kings were any better than
our own gracious ruler?"

Yung Pak was very jealous of the honour of his king.

"Why, yes," replied the monk. "And to prove my statement let me tell you
a story:

"Many years ago there was in Cho-sen a king named Cheng-chong. He was
celebrated throughout his kingdom for his goodness. It was a habit with
him to disguise himself in ordinary clothing and then to go out and
mingle with the common people. In this way he was often able to
discover opportunities for doing much good to his subjects.

"One night Cheng-chong disguised himself as a countryman, and, taking a
single friend along, started out to make a tour of inspection among his
people, that he might learn the details of their lives.

"Coming to a dilapidated-looking house, he suspected that within there
might be miserable people to whom he could render assistance. Desiring
to see the inside of the house, he punched a peep-hole in the paper
door. Looking through this hole, the king perceived an old man weeping,
a man in mourning garb singing, and a nun or widow dancing.

"Cheng-chong was unable to imagine the cause of these strange
proceedings, so he asked his companion to call the master of the house.

"In answer to the summons, the man in mourning made his appearance. The
king, with low and respectful salutation, said:

"'We have never before met.'

"'True,' was the reply, 'but whence are you? How is it that you should
come to find me at midnight? To what family do you belong?'

"Cheng-chong answered: 'I am Mr. Ni, living at Tong-ku-an. As I was
passing before your house I was attracted by strange sounds. Then
through a hole in the door I saw an old man crying, a dancing nun, and a
man in mourning singing. Why