s and
to be able to live a peaceful life. For this reason he chose a name
which well expressed its outward position--toward the rising sun--and
his own inward feelings,--Cho-sen, or Morning Calm. This is still the
official name of our country.

"But to come back to our story of Taijo. At the time of his birth, the
rulers of the country were very unpopular because of their wickedness
and oppression of the people. There was much suffering on account of the
misrule, and the people longed for a deliverer who should restore
prosperity to Cho-sen.

"Such a deliverer appeared in the person of Taijo. It is said that even
as a boy he surpassed his fellows in goodness, intelligence, and skill
in all sorts of boyish games."

Wang Ken improved this opportunity to tell Yung Pak how important it was
that all boys should follow such an example.

But while Yung Pak listened with apparent patience, he could hardly
conceal his inward desire that the tutor would go on with his story.
Like most boys, of all races, he felt that he could get along without
the moralizing.

"Hunting with the falcon was one of Taijo's favourite sports. One day,
while in the woods, his bird flew so far ahead that its young master
lost sight of it. Hurrying on to find it, Taijo discovered a hut beside
the path, into which he saw the falcon fly.

"Entering the hut, the youth found a white-bearded hermit priest, who
lived here alone and unknown to the outside world. For a moment Taijo
was speechless with surprise in the presence of the wise old hermit.

"Seeing his embarrassment, the old man spoke to him in these words:

"'What benefit is it for a youth of your abilities to be seeking a stray
falcon? A throne is a richer prize. Betake yourself at once to the
capital.'

"Now Taijo knew how to take a hint as well as any boy, so he immediately
left the hut of the hermit, forsaking his falcon, and went to Sunto,
then the capital of the kingdom.

"As I have already told you, Taijo was a wise youth. He did not rush
headlong into the accomplishment of the purpose hinted at by the hermit.
Had he done so, and at that time attempted to dethrone the king, he
would certainly have been overpowered and slain.

"He took a more deliberate and sensible way. First he enlisted in the
army of the king. As he was a young man of courage and strength, he was
not long in securing advancement. He rapidly rose through the various
grades, until he finally held the chief command