Now this Mr. Poom had long been the magistrate of a district, who had squeezed much money wrongly from the poor people over whom he ruled, and having won great wealth, had retired and come back to his native place to live. This man had two daughters married, but the third, the youngest and most beautiful, Miss Peach, was now eighteen years old.
Arriving at the Pooms’ grand mansion, Mr. Pak told of the suitor’s wealth, power and fame, high position and promise, and how he had made the old couple happy.
Old Poom had pricked up his ears from the first mention of riches and power, and became highly interested as Pak went on sounding the praises of his prospective son-in-law.
“And what is his name?” asked Mr. Poom.
Here Pak was in a quandary. He knew that the frog family was the oldest and most numerous [[174]]in the world and was famous for fine voices. He fell into a brown study for a few minutes. Then, looking up he declared that he had so long thought of the suitor’s graces and accomplishments, that he had forgotten his name and could not then recall it.
So Mr. Poom, in order to help Pak out, ran over the list of famous families in Korea, reciting the names of the Kims, Sims, Mins, the Hos, Chos, Kos, Quongs and Hongs, etc., etc., for Mr. Poom was an authority on the Korean peerage.
“It is none of these,” said Pak. “I deeply regret that I cannot recall the name.”
“Strange,” said Mr. Poom. “I have named all the families of any standing in the kingdom. What is his office or rank and where do his relations live?”
Pak was pressed so hard by Mr. Poom’s searching questions that at last he had to confess that the suitor for the beautiful maiden was not a man but a frog.
“What! do you want me to marry my daughter to a pond-croaker? You shall suffer for thus insulting me in my own house. Slaves, bring the cross-bench and give this wretch twenty blows.”