lls of a rocky ravine.
Yung Pak was delighted at his first sight of the great temple and the
surrounding buildings. Through the swaying branches of the forest-trees
he caught brief glimpses of the granite walls and turrets reddening in
the sunset glow. The deepening gloom of the gorge was lighted by the
slant beams of the setting sun, and on the water in the stream below
flecks of foam sparkled and danced in the light of the dying day.
At first conversation was out of the question in the presence of such a
majestic display of nature's wonders combined with the handiwork of man.
Coming to a gate of red stone, Yung Pak asked the meaning of the carved
arrow in the arch overhead.
"That arrow," replied his father, "signifies that the temples to which
this gate is the outer entrance are under the patronage of the king.
Wherever you see that sign, you may know that the king has a special
interest, and his messengers will be treated with respect and
hospitality. Consequently we may expect to be well cared for during our
visit to this place."
Passing through the gate, our friends found themselves at once in the
midst of the Chang-an-sa monastery buildings. In addition to the great
chief temple, there were many smaller places of worship, with bell and
tablet houses. There were also cells and sleeping-rooms for the monks,
servants' quarters, stables, a huge kitchen, and an immense dining-room,
together with a large guest-hall and a nunnery. In addition there were
several buildings devoted to the care of the aged, the infirm, and the
sick. All these places, during his stay, Yung Pak visited in company
with Wang Ken and guided by one of the monks.
Besides the buildings already mentioned there were several houses that
had been erected by the king on purpose for the use of his officials,
and it was to one of these that Ki Pak and his son and Wang Ken were led
by several of the priests of the monastery. In the meantime, the
servants and the ponies were cared for in other places assigned for the
purpose.
Yung Pak was not sorry to arrive at his journey's end, even though he
had enjoyed himself every moment of the time since he left Seoul. A four
days' ride on the back of a pony will make the most enthusiastic
traveller tired, and Yung Pak was glad to get to bed in the comfortable
room provided just as soon as he had eaten his supper. His night's sleep
was a sound one, though at midnight, and again at four o'clock in the
mo
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