ge, and will now go away and leave us to our sorrow.'

"The king was very much impressed by the man's story, particularly with
the evidence of such great devotion to his father, even in the time of
poverty and misfortune. So he said: 'This is really the most
extraordinary instance of filial love that I ever saw. I think you
should present yourself at the examination to-morrow.'

"'What examination?'

"'Why, there is to be an examination before the king of candidates for
official position. You know that all officials have to pass an
examination before they can receive an appointment. Be sure to be
there, and you may be fortunate enough to secure a position which will
remove all fear of poverty from your household.'

"Having thus spoken, Cheng-chong bade the man good night and went at
once to his palace.

"Very early in the morning he caused proclamation to be made that an
examination would be held that day, at a certain hour. Notwithstanding
the brief time for preparation, when the hour arrived a large number of
men presented themselves at the king's palace as candidates.

"In the crowd was the poor man whom the king, in his disguise, had
talked with the night before. Though he understood little of the matter,
he felt that his visitor of the previous night must have known perfectly
about it.

"When all had assembled, the following was announced as the subject of
the examination: 'The song of a man in mourning, the dance of a nun, the
tears of an old man.'

"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