A Peep Over the Wall with Master Lee

A Peep Over the Wall with Master Lee A late 15th Century story from Küm-d Sitihwa by Kim Si-sup Translated by David P. Mesler In the city of Song-do, in a house beside the Camel Bridge there lived a certain Master Lee. At eighteen years of age, he was cultured and handsome and of outstanding natural talent. For some time he had attended the National Academy and had developed the habit of studying poems along the way to school. Near the Sön-juk village bridge there lived a certain Miss Ch'oe, daughter of an old family, perhaps fifteen or sixteen years of age, poised and pleasantly coquettish, skilled in needlework and very strong in the making of poems. People all said, Charming Master Lee Refined Daughter of Ch'oe If talent and looks were good to eat An empty stomach they could treat. Master Lee had made a practice of passing by Miss Ch'oe's house, a book tucked under his arm for school. The north wall of the Ch'oe compound was ringed by a few dozen weeping willows under which Master Lee was inclined to rest. One day he peeped inside the wall. Pretty flowers were in full bloom and birds and bees were vieing for ascendancy. To one side there was a small pavilion, where inviting sunlight filtered down among the flowering bushes. The jeweled blind in the pavilion was half raised and a thin silk curtain hung low. Inside was a beautiful girl, tired of embroidering, her needle poised, her chin resting on her hand. She mused: Alone I lean against my window... Needlework is slow. Among the many flower clusters 190\Mesler Trills the yellow warbler. Somehow, deep down I'm tired of spring imaginations. I cannot speak but poise my needle And it occurs to meSomeone is on the road, A handsome fellow. His colorful green gown and great belt Bright as the willow. How could one Domesticate a swallow Swooping down and stealing under The jeweled curtain Oblique across the wall. Upon hearing this, Master Lee could not conceal his agitation. But the girl was of a family of high standing and the way in was treacherous. The inner gate in the garden was deep and secluded. He had no alternative but to leave in complete frustration. When he returned, it was with a blank sheet of paper. On it he composed three stanzas of verse, tied it to a piece of broken tile and threw it inside. The poem read: Peaks of Mt. Wu, six on six, Enfolded in mist— Sharp peaks half in dew layered purple and greenish blue. Vex King Liang Dreaming alone on his pillow. Dare he like clouds and rain Come in? Hsiang-Ju wanted Lady Cho. Something of that desire is already done. Pink petals on the wall. With peach and plum I'm charmed. Following the wind, where will they fall Disarmed? Over the Wall/191 Is fate good? Or is it ill... In vain my fears, My day becomes years. With this verse The match is done. When shall I meet my heavenly one? Miss Ch'oe ordered her attendant Hyang-a to go get the message and indeed it was Master Lee's poem. She opened it and studied it through many times. She was secretly delighted. On the same paper she added another eight words* and cast it back over the wall. My lord, no doubt Dusk is the time. Master Lee did as she said and went up with the dusk. Suddenly he saw the shadow of a branch laden with peach blossoms crossing over the wall and waving. Going to investigate, he found a swing rope and a bamboo seat hanging down. By this means he climbed over. The moon was just rising over the mountain to the east and flowers cast shadows on the ground. The pure fragrance was lovely. Master Lee thought he had already entered heaven. Even though deep down he was secretly happy, still the affair had to be kept quiet His hair stood on end as he gave a quick look all around. The girl and Hyang-a were...