"With the exception of the poor man, not a single one of the candidates
was able to make a bit of sense out of the subject. He alone knew it
perfectly well, because of his own personal sad experience. Consequently
he was able to turn in a clear essay upon the subject, which, upon
examination, the king found to be free from error.

"Cheng-chong then bestowed the degree of doctor upon the man, and
ordered that he be brought into his presence.

"Upon the man's appearance, the king asked: 'Do you know who I am? It is
I who last night advised you to be present at this examination. Raise
your head and look at me.'

"With fixed gaze the man looked at the king, and recognized his
benefactor. He at once bowed himself to the ground in gratitude, and in
words of the most humble sort returned his thanks.

"'Go at once,' said Cheng-chong, 'and return to your wife and old
father. Make them happy with the good news you have for them.'

"This story of royal generosity has been handed down from generation to
generation, and I give it to you," concluded the monk, "as an example of
the goodness of our ancient kings and the rich inheritance we have from
them. True devotion to parents has never been unrewarded in Korea."

His story concluded, the monk expressed a desire to retire for the
night. At Ki Pak's command a servant led him to a sleeping-room. Yung
Pak and the other members of the family also retired, and were soon
buried in peaceful slumber.