The Renowned Maing

Minister of State Maing Sa-song once upon a time, dressed in plain

clothes, started south on a long journey. On the way he was overtaken

by rain, and turned into a side pavilion for rest and shelter. There

was a young scholar already in the pavilion by the name of Whang

Eui-hon, who with his two hands behind his back was reading the

pavilion inscription board, on which verses were written. Long he read

and long he looked about as though no one else were there. At last

he turned to the old man, and said, "Well, grand-dad, do you know

the flavour of verses like these?" The famous Minister, pretending

ignorance, arose and said, "An old countryman like myself, could you

expect him to know? Please tell me the meaning."

Whang said, "These verses were written by the great men of the

past. What they saw and experienced they wrote down to inspire the

souls of those who were to come after them. They are like pictures

of sea and land, for there are living pictures in poetry, you know."

The Minister said, "Indeed, that's wonderful; but if it were not for

men like yourself how should I ever come to know these things?"

A little later came pack-horses loaded with all sorts of things;

servants and retainers, too, a great company of them, tent poles,

canvas packs and other equipment, a long procession.

Whang, surprised by this, made inquiry, when, to his

amazement, he learned that the old man was none other than Maing

Sa-song. Unconsciously he dropped on to his knees in a deep and long

obeisance. The Minister laughed and said, "That will do; there is no

difference in the value of mere men, they are high or low according

to the thoughts that prompt them, but unfortunately all are born with

a proud heart. You are not a common scholar, why, therefore, should

you be so proud to begin with and so humble now?" The Minister took

him by the hand, led him to his mat, made him sit down, comforted

him and sent him away.

Yi Ryuk.