progress in your studies, you will be able to hold a high position in
the service of the king."

In explanation of this remark, you should understand that no young man
was able to enter into the government service of Korea until he could
pass a very hard examination in many studies.

Many things besides book-learning did Wang Ken teach his pupil. In all
the rules of Korean etiquette he was carefully and persistently drilled.

As you have already been told, Yung Pak had from his earliest days been
taught the deepest reverence and honour for his father. This kind of
instruction was continued from day to day. He was told that a son must
not play in his father's presence, nor assume free or easy posture
before him. He must often wait upon his father at meal-times, and
prepare his bed for him. If the father is old or sickly, the son sleeps
near him by night, and does not leave his presence by day. If for any
reason the father is cast into prison, the son makes his home near by in
order that he may provide such comforts for his unfortunate parent as
the prison officials will allow.

If, by chance, the father should be banished from the country for his
misdeeds, the son must accompany him at least to the borders of his
native land, and in some instances must go with him into exile.

When the son meets his father in the street, he must drop to his knees
and make a profound salute, no matter what the state of the roadway. In
all letters which the son writes to his father he uses the most exalted
titles and honourable phrases he can imagine.