Charan

[Some think that love, strong, true, and self-sacrificing, is not to be found in the Orient; but the story of Charan, which comes down four hundred years and more, proves the contrary, for it still has the fresh, sweet flavour of a romance of yesterday; albeit the setting of the East provides an odd and interesting background.]

〔強く、真実で、身を捧げる愛は東洋には見いだせないと考える人もいる。けれども四百年あまりの昔から伝わるチャランの話はその反対を証している。この話には今も昨日の恋物語のみずみずしく甘い味わいがあるからである。もっとも、東洋という舞台が、風変わりで興味深い背景をなしてはいるのだが。〕

In the days of King Sung-jong (A.D. 1488-1495) one of Korea's noted men became governor of Pyong-an Province. Now Pyong-an stands first of all the eight provinces in the attainments of erudition and polite society. Many of her literati are good musicians, and show ability in the affairs of State.

成宗王の時代(西暦1488〜1495年)、朝鮮の名高い人の一人が平安道の観察使になった。さて、平安道は八道のなかで、学識と上品な社交のたしなみにおいて第一に立つ道である。その儒者の多くはよい楽人で、国の務めにも才を示している。

At the time of this story there was a famous dancing girl in Pyong-an whose name was Charan. She was very beautiful, and sang and danced to the delight of all beholders. Her ability, too, was specially marked, for she understood the classics and was acquainted with history. The brightest of all the geisha was she, famous and far-renowned.

この話のころ、平安道にチャランという名高い妓生がいた。たいそう美しく、歌も舞も見る者みなを喜ばせた。その才もまたとりわけ際立っていて、経書を理解し、歴史にも通じていた。妓生のなかでいちばん聡明なのがチャランで、名高く、遠くまで名が知れていた。

The Governor's family consisted of a son, whose age was sixteen, and whose face was comely as a picture. Though so young, he was thoroughly grounded in Chinese, and was a gifted scholar. His judgment was excellent, and he had a fine appreciation of literary form, so that the moment he lifted his pen the written line took on admirable expression. His name became known as Keydong (The Gifted Lad). The Governor had no other children, neither son nor daughter, so his heart was wrapped up in this boy. On his birthday he had all the officials invited and other special guests, who came to drink his health. There were present also a company of dancing-girls and a large band of musicians. The Governor, during a lull in the banquet, called his son to him, and ordered the chief of the dancing-girls to choose one of the prettiest of their number, that he and she might dance together and delight the assembled guests. On hearing this, the company, with one accord, called for Charan, as the one suited by her talents, attainments and age to be a fitting partner for his son. They came out and danced like fairies, graceful as the wavings of the willow, light and airy as the swallow. All who saw them were charmed. The Governor, too, greatly pleased, called Charan to him, had her sit on the dais, treated her to a share in the banquet, gave her a present of silk, and commanded that from that day forth she be the special dancing maiden to attend upon his son.

観察使の家族には十六歳の息子が一人いて、その顔は絵のように端正だった。まだ若いのに、漢文をしっかり身につけていて、才ある学者だった。判断力に優れ、文の形をよく味わう力があったので、筆をとるやいなや、書いた行はみごとな表現になった。その名はキドン(才ある少年)として知られるようになった。観察使にはほかに子どもがなく、息子も娘もいなかったので、その心はこの少年でいっぱいだった。息子の誕生日に、観察使は役人たちみなとほかの特別な客を招き、客たちは息子の健康を祝して杯をあげに来た。妓生の一団と大勢の楽人たちもその場にいた。宴が一段落したところで、観察使は息子を呼び寄せ、妓生の頭に、そのなかからいちばん美しい者を一人選んで、息子と一緒に舞わせ、集まった客を楽しませるよう命じた。これを聞くと、一同は声をそろえてチャランを呼んだ。才もたしなみも年ごろも、息子にふさわしい相手だというのである。二人は進み出て、仙女のように舞った。柳のなびくように優雅で、燕のように軽やかだった。見る者はみな魅了された。観察使もたいそう喜んで、チャランを呼び寄せて壇の上に座らせ、宴の料理を分け与え、絹を贈り、その日から息子に付き添う特別の舞姫とするよう命じた。

From this birthday forth they became fast friends together. They thought the world of each other. More than all the delightful stories of history was their love--such as had never been seen.

この誕生日から、二人は固い仲になった。互いのことを何よりも大切に思った。歴史のどんな楽しい物語にもまさる二人の愛は、それまで一度も見られたことのないものだった。

The Governor's term of office was extended for six years more, and so they remained in the north country. Finally, at the time of return, he and his wife were in great anxiety over their son being separated from Charan. If they were to force them to separate, they feared he would die of a broken heart. If they took her with them, she not being his wife, they feared for his reputation. They could not possibly decide, so they concluded to refer the matter to the son himself. They called him and said, "Even parents cannot decide as to the love of their son for a maiden. What ought we to do? You love Charan so that it will be very hard for you to part, and yet to have a dancing-girl before you are married is not good form, and will interfere with your marriage prospects and promotion. However, the having of a second wife is a common custom in Korea, and one that the world recognizes. Do as you think best in the matter." The son replied, "There is no difficulty; when she is before my eyes, of course she is everything, but when the time comes for me to start for home she will be like a pair of worn shoes, set aside; so please do not be anxious."

観察使の任期はさらに六年延びたので、一家は北の国にとどまった。とうとう帰る時が来ると、観察使夫婦は息子がチャランと引き離されることをたいそう心配した。無理に引き離せば、息子が悲しみのあまり死んでしまうのではないかと恐れた。チャランを連れていけば、妻ではないので、息子の評判にかかわるのではないかと恐れた。どうしても決められないので、息子自身に任せることにした。二人は息子を呼んで言った。「息子が娘を愛することについては、親でさえ決めることはできない。どうしたらよいだろう。お前はチャランを愛しているから、別れるのはたいそうつらいだろう。けれども、結婚する前に妓生を持つのは体裁がよくないし、お前の縁談や出世のさまたげにもなるだろう。とはいえ、二番目の妻を持つのは朝鮮ではよくある習わしで、世も認めていることだ。このことは、お前がいちばんよいと思うようにしなさい。」息子は答えた。「何も難しいことはありません。目の前にいるときは、もちろんあれがすべてですが、家へ発つ時が来たら、すり切れた一足の靴のように、わきへ置いてしまうでしょう。ですから、どうかご心配なく。」

The Governor and his wife were greatly delighted, and said he was a "superior man" indeed.

観察使夫婦は大喜びして、まことに「君子」だと言った。

When the time came to part Charan cried bitterly, so that those standing by could not bear to look at her; but the son showed not the slightest sign of emotion. Those looking on were filled with wonder at his fortitude. Although he had already loved Charan for six years, he had never been separated from her for a single day, so he knew not what it meant to say Good-bye, nor did he know how it felt to be parted.

別れの時が来ると、チャランは激しく泣いたので、そばに立っている者たちは見ていられなかった。けれども息子は少しも心の動きを見せなかった。見ていた者たちは、その気丈さに感心した。息子はもう六年もチャランを愛していたが、一日たりとも離れたことがなかったので、別れを告げるとはどういうことか、引き離されるとはどんな気持ちかを知らなかったのである。

The Governor returned to Seoul to fill the office of Chief Justice, and the son came also. After this return thoughts of love for Charan possessed Keydong, though he never expressed them in word or manner. It was almost the time of the Kam-see Examination. The father, therefore, ordered his son to go with some of his friends to a neighbouring monastery to study and prepare. They went, and one night, after the day's work was over and all were asleep, the young man stole out into the courtyard. It was winter, with frost and snow and a cold, clear moon. The mountains were deep and the world was quiet, so that the slightest sound could be heard. The young man looked up at the moon and his thoughts were full of sorrow. He so wished to see Charan that he could no longer control himself, and fearing that he would lose his reason, he decided that very night to set out for far-distant Pyong-an. He had on a fur head-dress, a thick coat, a leather belt and a heavy pair of shoes. When he had gone less than ten lee, however, his feet were blistered, and he had to go into a neighbouring village and change his leather shoes for straw sandals, and his expensive head-cover for an ordinary servant's hat. He went thus on his way, begging as he went. He was often very hungry, and when night came, was very, very cold. He was a rich man's son and had always dressed in silk and eaten dainty fare, and had never in his life walked more than a few feet from his father's door. Now there lay before him a journey of hundreds of miles. He went stumbling along through the snow, making but poor progress. Hungry, and frozen nearly to death, he had never known such suffering before. His clothes were torn and his face became worn down and blackened till he looked like a goblin. Still on he went, little by little, day after day, till at last, when a whole month had gone by, he reached Pyong-an.

観察使はソウルへ戻って大司憲の職につき、息子も一緒に帰ってきた。帰ってからというもの、チャランを恋い慕う思いがキドンをとらえたが、キドンはそれを言葉にもそぶりにも一度も表さなかった。監試(カムシ)の試験がもう間近だった。そこで父は息子に、友たちと一緒に近くの寺へ行って学問をし、試験に備えるよう命じた。一同は出かけていったが、ある夜、一日の勉強が終わってみなが眠ってしまうと、若者はこっそり中庭へ出た。冬で、霜と雪があり、冷たく澄んだ月が出ていた。山は深く、世は静まりかえって、ほんのかすかな音も聞こえるほどだった。若者は月を見上げ、その思いは悲しみでいっぱいになった。チャランに会いたくてたまらず、もう自分を抑えられなくなって、正気を失いはしまいかと恐れ、その夜のうちに遠い平安道へ向けて発とうと決めた。若者は毛皮の頭巾をかぶり、厚い上着を着て、革の帯をしめ、重い靴をはいていた。けれども十里も行かないうちに足にまめができて、近くの村に入り、革の靴をわらじに、高価な頭巾をありふれた召し使いの笠に取り替えなければならなかった。こうして若者は物乞いをしながら道を続けた。しばしばひどく腹が減り、夜になると、ひどく、ひどく寒かった。若者は金持ちの息子で、いつも絹を着て、ごちそうを食べ、生まれてこのかた父の家の戸口から数フィートより遠くへ歩いたことがなかった。今、その前には何百マイルもの旅があった。若者は雪のなかをよろめきながら進み、なかなかはかどらなかった。腹を減らし、凍え死にそうになって、これほどの苦しみはそれまで知らなかった。着物は破れ、顔はやつれて黒ずみ、鬼のような姿になった。それでも若者は少しずつ、来る日も来る日も進み続け、とうとうまる一月たって平安道に着いた。

Straight to Charan's home he went, but Charan was not there, only her mother. She looked at him, but did not recognize him. He said he was the former Governor's son and that out of love for Charan he had walked five hundred lee. "Where is she?" he asked. The mother heard, but instead of being pleased was very angry. She said, "My daughter is now with the son of the new Governor, and I never see her at all; she never comes home, and she has been away for two or three months. Even though you have made this long journey there is no possible way to meet her."

若者はまっすぐチャランの家へ行ったが、チャランはおらず、母親だけがいた。母親は若者を見たが、誰だかわからなかった。若者は、前の観察使の息子で、チャランを慕って五百里を歩いてきたのだと言った。「チャランはどこにいるのですか」と若者は尋ねた。母親はそれを聞いたが、喜ぶどころかひどく腹を立てた。母親は言った。「うちの娘は今、新しい観察使さまの息子さんのところにいて、わたしはちっとも会えません。家には一度も帰ってこなくて、もう二、三か月も留守なのです。あなたがこんな長い旅をしてきても、会える手立てはまったくありません。」

She did not invite him in, so cold was her welcome. He thought to himself, "I came to see Charan, but she is not here. Her mother refuses me; I cannot go back, and I cannot stay. What shall I do?" While thus in this dilemma a plan occurred to him. There was a scribe in Pyong-an, who, during his father's term of office, had offended, and was sentenced to death. There were extenuating circumstances, however, and he, when he went to pay his morning salutations, had besought and secured his pardon. His father, out of regard for his son's petition, had forgiven the scribe. He thought, "I was the means of saving the man's life, he will take me in;" so he went straight from Charan's to the house of the scribe. But at first this writer did not recognize him. When he gave his name and told who he was, the scribe gave a great start, and fell at his feet making obeisance. He cleared out an inner room and made him comfortable, prepared dainty fare and treated him with all respect.

母親は若者を招き入れもせず、それほど冷たいもてなしだった。若者は心のなかで思った。「チャランに会いに来たのに、ここにはいない。母親はわたしを拒む。帰ることもできず、とどまることもできない。どうしたらよいだろう。」こうして途方に暮れていると、ひとつの手立てが思い浮かんだ。平安道に一人の書吏がいて、父の在任中に罪を犯して死罪を言い渡されたことがあった。けれども情状を酌むべき事情があったので、若者は朝の挨拶に行ったとき、その者の赦しを願って聞き入れてもらったのだった。父は息子の願いを重んじて、書吏を赦したのである。若者は思った。「わたしはあの男の命を救うもとになったのだから、泊めてくれるだろう。」そこで若者はチャランの家からまっすぐ書吏の家へ行った。けれども初め、この書き役は若者が誰だかわからなかった。若者が名を告げて何者かを話すと、書吏はひどく驚いて、その足もとにひれ伏してお辞儀をした。書吏は奥の部屋を空けて若者をくつろがせ、ごちそうを支度して、あらゆる敬意を尽くしてもてなした。

A little later he talked over with his host the possibility of his meeting Charan. The scribe said, "I am afraid that there is no way for you to meet her alone, but if you would like to see even her face, I think I can manage it. Will you consent?"

しばらくして、若者は主とチャランに会える見込みについて話し合った。書吏は言った。「二人きりでお会いになる手立ては、残念ながらないと思います。けれども、せめて顔だけでもご覧になりたいのでしたら、なんとかできると思います。承知なさいますか。」

He asked as to the plan. It was this: It being now a time of snow, daily coolies were called to sweep it away from the inner court of the Governor's yamen, and just now the scribe was in charge of this particular work. Said he, "If you will join the sweepers, take a broom and go in; you will no doubt catch a glimpse of Charan as she is said to be in the Hill Kiosk. I know of no other plan."

若者はその手立てを尋ねた。こういうことだった。今は雪の季節なので、観察使の役所の奥の庭から雪を掃き出すために、毎日人夫が呼ばれていて、ちょうど今、書吏がその仕事の係をしていた。書吏は言った。「掃除人夫に加わって、ほうきを持って入れば、きっとチャランの姿をちらりと見られるでしょう。チャランは山の亭にいるそうですから。ほかに手立ては思いつきません。」

Keydong consented. In the early morning he mixed with the company of sweepers and went with his broom into the inner enclosure, where the Hill Kiosk was, and so they worked at sweeping. Just then the Governor's son was sitting by the open window and Charan was by him, but not visible from the outside. The other workers, being all practised hands, swept well; Keydong alone handled his broom to no advantage, knowing not how to sweep. The Governor's son, watching the process, looked out and laughed, called Charan and invited her to see this sweeper. Charan stepped out into the open hall and the sweeper raised his eyes to see. She glanced at him but once, and but for a moment, then turned quickly, went into the room, and shut the door, not appearing again, to the disappointment of the sweeper, who came back in despair to the scribe's house.

キドンは承知した。朝早く、キドンは掃除人夫の一団にまじって、ほうきを持って山の亭のある奥の囲いへ入り、一同は掃除に取りかかった。ちょうどそのとき、観察使の息子は開いた窓のそばに座っていて、チャランもそのそばにいたが、外からは見えなかった。ほかの人夫たちはみな慣れた者たちなので上手に掃いたが、キドンだけは掃き方を知らないので、ほうきをうまく扱えなかった。観察使の息子はその仕事ぶりを見ていて、外を見て笑い、チャランを呼んでこの掃除人夫を見てごらんと誘った。チャランが開いた広間に出てくると、掃除人夫は目を上げて見た。チャランは一度だけ、ほんの一瞬ちらりと見たが、すぐに向きを変えて部屋に入り、戸を閉めて、二度と姿を見せなかった。掃除人夫はがっかりして、絶望して書吏の家へ帰った。

Charan was first of all a wise and highly gifted woman. One look had told her who the sweeper was. She came back into the room and began to cry. The Governor's son looked in surprise and displeasure, and asked, "Why do you cry?" She did not reply at once, but after two or three insistent demands told the reason thus: "I am a low class woman; you are mistaken in thinking highly of me, or counting me of worth. Already I have not been home for two whole months and more. This is a special compliment and a high honour, and so there is not the slightest reason for any complaint on my part. But still, I think of my home, which is poor, and my mother. It is customary on the anniversary of my father's death to prepare food from the official quarters, and offer a sacrifice to his spirit, but here I am imprisoned and to-morrow is the sacrificial day. I fear that not a single act of devotion will be paid, I am disturbed over it, and that's why I cry."

チャランは何よりもまず、賢くたいそう才のある女だった。ひと目見ただけで、掃除人夫が誰なのかわかったのである。チャランは部屋に戻ってくると泣きだした。観察使の息子は驚いて不機嫌な顔で見て、尋ねた。「どうして泣くのだ。」チャランはすぐには答えなかったが、二度三度しつこく問いただされると、こうわけを話した。「わたしは卑しい女です。わたしを高く思ったり、値打ちがあると考えたりなさるのはお間違いです。わたしはもうまる二か月以上も家に帰っておりません。これは特別なお褒めで、たいそうな誉れですから、わたしのほうに不平を言うわけなど少しもございません。それでも、貧しいわが家と母のことを思うのです。父の命日には、お役所の台所から食べ物を支度して、父の霊に供えるのが習わしですのに、わたしはここに閉じ込められていて、明日がその祭祀の日なのです。ひとつの供養もなされないのではないかと心配で、心が乱れて、それで泣いているのです。」

The Governor's son was so taken in by this fair statement that he trusted her fully and without a question. Sympathetically he asked, "Why didn't you tell me before?" He prepared the food and told her to hurry home and carry out the ceremony. So Charan came like flaming fire back to her house, and said to her mother, "Keydong has come and I have seen him. Is he not here? Tell me where he is if you know." The mother said, "He came here, it is true, all the way on foot to see you, but I told him that you were in the yamen and that there was no possible way for you to meet, so he went away and where he is I know not."

観察使の息子はこのもっともらしい話にすっかりだまされて、何の疑いもなくチャランを信じきった。息子は同情して尋ねた。「どうしてもっと前に言わなかったのだ。」息子は食べ物を支度させて、急いで家へ帰って儀式をすませてくるよう言った。そこでチャランは燃える火のように家へ飛んで帰って、母に言った。「キドンさまがいらして、わたしはお姿を見ました。ここにいらっしゃらないの。ご存じなら、どこにいらっしゃるか教えてちょうだい。」母は言った。「たしかにここへ来たよ。お前に会いにはるばる歩いてね。でも、お前はお役所にいて会える手立てはまったくないと言ったら、行ってしまって、どこにいるのかは知らないよ。」

Then Charan broke down and began to cry. "Oh, my mother, why had you the heart to do so cruelly?" she sobbed. "As far as I am concerned I can never break with him nor give him up. We were each sixteen when chosen to dance together, and while it may be said that men chose us, it is truer still to say that God hath chosen. We grew into each other's lives, and there was never such love as ours. Though he forgot and left me, I can never forget and can never give him up. The Governor, too, called me the beloved wife of his son, and did not once refer to my low station. He cherished me and gave me many gifts. 'Twas all like heaven and not like earth. To the city of Pyong-an gentry and officials gather as men crowd into a boat; I have seen so many, but for grace and ability no one was ever like Keydong. I must find him, and even though he casts me aside I never shall forget him. I have not kept myself even unto death as I should have, because I have been under the power and influence of the Governor. How could he ever have come so far for one so low and vile? He, a gentleman of the highest birth, for the sake of a wretched dancing-girl has endured all this hardship and come so far. Could you not have thought, mother, of these things and given him at least some kindly welcome? Could my heart be other than broken?" And a great flow of tears came from Charan's eyes. She thought and thought as to where he could possibly be. "I know of no place," said she, "unless it be at such and such a scribe's home." Quick as thought she flew thence, and there they met. They clasped each other and cried, not a word was spoken. Thus came they back to Charan's home side by side. When it was night Charan said, "When to-morrow comes we shall have to part. What shall we do?" They talked it over, and agreed to make their escape that night. So Charan got together her clothing, and her treasures and jewels, and made two bundles, and thus, he carrying his on his back and she hers on her head, away they went while the city slept. They followed the road that leads toward the mountains that lie between Yang-tok and Maing-san counties. There they found a country house, where they put up, and where the Governor's son became a sort of better-class servant. He did not know how to do anything well, but Charan understood weaving and sewing, and so they lived. After some time they got a little thatched hut by themselves in the village and lived there. Charan was a beautiful sewing-woman, and ceased not day and night to ply her needle, and sold her treasures and her jewels to make ends meet. Charan, too, knew how to make friends, and was praised and loved by all the village. Everybody felt sorry for the hard times that had befallen this mysterious young couple, and helped them so that the days passed peacefully and happily together.

するとチャランは泣きくずれた。「ああ、お母さん、どうしてそんなむごいことをするお心になれたの」とチャランはすすり泣いた。「わたしのほうは、けっしてあの方と縁を切ることも、あきらめることもできないのです。二人で舞うよう選ばれたとき、わたしたちはどちらも十六でした。人がわたしたちを選んだと言えるかもしれませんが、天が選んだと言うほうがもっと本当です。わたしたちは互いの暮らしのなかに溶け込んで、わたしたちのような愛はほかにありませんでした。あの方がわたしを忘れて去っていったとしても、わたしはけっして忘れられず、けっしてあきらめられません。観察使さまも、わたしを息子さんの愛しい妻と呼んでくださって、わたしの卑しい身分には一度も触れられませんでした。大切にしてくださって、たくさんの贈り物をくださいました。何もかもこの世ではなく、天のようでした。平安道の町には、人が舟に押し寄せるように、両班や役人たちが集まってきます。わたしはたくさんの人を見てきましたが、品のよさでも才でも、キドンさまのような人は一人もいませんでした。あの方を見つけなければなりません。たとえあの方がわたしを捨てても、わたしはけっしてあの方を忘れません。わたしは、そうすべきだったように死ぬまで操を守ることもしませんでした。観察使さまの力と威勢のもとにあったからです。それなのに、どうしてあの方は、こんな卑しい汚れた女のために、あんな遠くから来てくださったのでしょう。この上なく高い生まれの紳士であるあの方が、みじめな妓生のために、あれほどの苦労に耐えて、あんな遠くまで来てくださったのです。お母さん、そういうことを考えて、せめていくらかでもやさしく迎えてさしあげられなかったの。わたしの胸が張り裂けずにいられましょうか。」そしてチャランの目からは涙がとめどなく流れた。チャランは、あの方はいったいどこにいるのだろうと考えに考えた。「思い当たるところはどこにもないわ」とチャランは言った。「しかじかの書吏の家でなければ。」思いつくが早いか、チャランはそこへ飛んでいき、そこで二人は会った。二人は抱き合って泣き、ひと言も口にしなかった。こうして二人は並んでチャランの家へ戻ってきた。夜になると、チャランは言った。「明日になったら、わたしたちは別れなければなりません。どうしましょう。」二人は相談して、その夜のうちに逃げようと決めた。そこでチャランは着物と宝物と宝石をまとめて包みを二つこしらえ、キドンは自分の包みを背に負い、チャランは自分の包みを頭に載せて、町が眠っているあいだに去っていった。二人は、陽徳(ヤンドク)郡と孟山(メンサン)郡のあいだにある山々へ通じる道をたどった。そこで二人は一軒の田舎の家を見つけて身を寄せ、観察使の息子は上等な召し使いのようなものになった。キドンは何ひとつ上手にできなかったが、チャランは機織りと縫い物を心得ていたので、それで二人は暮らしを立てた。しばらくして、二人は村に自分たちだけの小さなわらぶきの小屋を手に入れて、そこで暮らした。チャランはみごとな縫い子で、昼も夜も休まず針を動かし、宝物や宝石を売って暮らしをやりくりした。チャランはまた人と仲よくなるすべも心得ていて、村じゅうの者にほめられ愛された。誰もがこの謎めいた若い夫婦にふりかかった苦しい暮らしを気の毒に思って助けてくれたので、二人は安らかに幸せに日々を過ごした。

To return in the story: On awaking in the morning in the temple where he and his friends had gone to study, they found Keydong missing. All was in a state of confusion as to what had become of the son of the Chief Justice. They hunted for him far and wide, but he was nowhere to be found, so word was sent to the parents accordingly. There was untold consternation in the home of the former governor. So great a loss, what could equal it? They searched the country about the temple, but no trace or shadow of him was to be found. Some said they thought he had been inveigled away and metamorphosed by the fox; others that he had been eaten by the tiger. The parents decided that he was dead and went into mourning for him, burning his clothing in a sacrificial fire.

話を戻そう。キドンが友たちと学問をしに行った寺で、朝目を覚ますと、一同はキドンがいないのに気づいた。大司憲の息子がどうなったのかと、みな大騒ぎになった。一同は遠く広く探したが、どこにも見つからなかったので、そのとおり両親に知らせが送られた。前の観察使の家は言いようもないほどうろたえた。これほどの失い物に、何が比べられよう。寺のあたりの土地を探したが、何の跡も影も見つからなかった。狐にたぶらかされて連れ去られ、姿を変えられたのだと思うと言う者もいれば、虎に食われたのだと言う者もいた。両親は息子は死んだものと決めて喪に服し、その着物を祭祀の火で焼いた。

In Pyong-an the Governor's son, when he found that he had lost Charan, had Charan's mother imprisoned and all the relatives, but after a month or so, when the search proved futile, he gave up the matter and let them go.

平安道では、観察使の息子がチャランを失ったことに気づくと、チャランの母と身内をみな牢に入れたが、一月ほどして探しても無駄だとわかると、あきらめて一同を放してやった。

Charan, at last happy with her chosen one, said one day to him, "You, a son of the gentry, for the sake of a dancing-girl have given up parents and home to live in this hidden corner of the hills. It is a matter, too, that touches your filial piety, this leaving your father and mother in doubt as to whether you are alive or not. They ought to know. We cannot live here all our lives, neither can we return home; what do you think we ought to do?" Keydong made a hopeless reply. "I am in distress," said he, "and know not."

とうとう選んだ人と幸せになったチャランは、ある日キドンに言った。「あなたは両班の息子なのに、妓生のために両親も家も捨てて、この山の隠れた片隅で暮らしていらっしゃいます。それに、あなたが生きているのかどうかお父さまとお母さまにわからないままにしておくのは、あなたの孝にかかわることです。ご両親は知るべきです。わたしたちは一生ここで暮らすわけにもいかず、家へ帰るわけにもいきません。どうすべきだとお思いになりますか。」キドンは望みのない答えをした。「困っているのだ」とキドンは言った。「どうしたらよいかわからない。」

Charan said brightly, "I have a plan by which we can cover over the faults of the past, and win a new start for the future. By means of it, you can serve your parents and look the world in the face. Will you consent?"

チャランは明るく言った。「過去のあやまちを覆い隠して、この先の新しい出発を勝ち取れる手立てがあります。それによって、あなたはご両親にお仕えし、世の人に顔向けできるようになります。承知なさいますか。」

"What do you propose?" asked he. Her reply was, "There is only one way, and that is by means of the Official Examination. I know of no other. You will understand what I mean, even though I do not tell you more."

「どうしようというのだ」とキドンは尋ねた。チャランの答えはこうだった。「道はただひとつ、官吏の試験によってです。ほかには思いつきません。これ以上申し上げなくても、わたしの言うことはおわかりでしょう。」

He said, "Enough, your plan is just the thing to help us out. But how can I get hold of the books I need?"

キドンは言った。「わかった。あなたの考えは、まさにわたしたちを救ってくれるものだ。けれども、入り用な本をどうやって手に入れよう。」

Charan replied, "Don't be anxious about that, I'll get the books." From that day forth she sent through all the neighbourhood for books, to be secured at all costs; but there were few or none, it being a mountain village. One day there came by, all unexpectedly, a pack-peddler, who had in his bundle a book that he wished to sell. Some of the village people wanted to buy it for wall-paper. Charan, however, secured it first and showed it to Keydong. It was none other than a special work for Examinations, with all the exercises written out. It was written in small characters, and was a huge book containing several thousand exercises. Keydong was delighted, and said, "This is enough for all needed preparation." She bought it and gave it to him, and there he pegged away day after day. In the night he studied by candle-light, while she sat by his side and did silk-spinning. Thus they shared the light together. If he showed any remissness, Charan urged him on, and thus they worked for two years. To begin with, he, being a highly talented scholar, made steady advancement day by day. He was a beautiful writer and a master of the pen. His compositions, too, were without a peer, and every indication pointed to his winning the highest place in the Kwago (Examination).

チャランは答えた。「それはご心配なく。わたしが本を手に入れます。」その日からチャランは、どんな値を払っても手に入れようと、近所じゅうに本を求めて人をやった。けれども山の村なので、本はほとんど、あるいはまったくなかった。ある日、まったく思いがけず、一人の担ぎ商人が通りかかって、その包みに売りたい本を一冊持っていた。村の者のなかには、それを壁紙にしようと買いたがる者もいた。けれどもチャランが先にそれを手に入れて、キドンに見せた。それはほかならぬ試験のための特別な本で、あらゆる課題が書き出してあった。小さな字で書かれていて、何千もの課題を収めた大きな本だった。キドンは大喜びして言った。「これで入り用な備えはみな足りる。」チャランはそれを買ってキドンに与え、キドンはそこで来る日も来る日もこつこつと励んだ。夜にはキドンがろうそくの明かりで学び、チャランはそのそばに座って絹糸を紡いだ。こうして二人は明かりを分かち合った。キドンが少しでも怠けるそぶりを見せると、チャランは励まし、こうして二人は二年のあいだ励んだ。もともとキドンはたいそう才のある学者だったので、日ごとに着実に進歩した。美しい字を書き、筆の達人だった。その文章もまた並ぶ者がなく、科挙(試験)で最高の席を勝ち取ることはあらゆる兆しから明らかだった。

At this time a proclamation was issued that there would be a special examination held before His Majesty the King, so Charan made ready the food required and all necessaries for him to go afoot to Seoul to try his hand.

このころ、国王陛下の御前で特別な試験が行われるというお触れが出たので、チャランは入り用な食べ物と必要な品々をみな支度して、キドンがソウルまで歩いて行って腕試しができるようにした。

At last here he was, within the Palace enclosure. His Majesty came out into the examination arena and posted up the subject. Keydong took his pen and wrote his finished composition. Under the inspiration of the moment his lines came forth like bubbling water. It was finished.

とうとうキドンは宮殿の囲いのなかにいた。陛下は試験場にお出ましになって、題を掲げた。キドンは筆をとって、仕上がった文章を書いた。その場の霊感を受けて、文はわき出る水のようにあふれ出た。書き終えた。

When the announcement was made as to the winner, the King ordered the sealed name of the writer to be opened. It was, and they found that Keydong was first. At that time his father was Prime Minister and waiting in attendance upon the King. The King called the Prime Minister, and said, "It looks to me as though the winner was your son, but he writes that his father is Chief Justice and not Prime Minister; what can that mean?" He handed the composition paper to the father, and asked him to look and see. The Minister gazed at it in wonder, burst into tears, and said, "It is your servant's son. Three years ago he went with some friends to a monastery to study, but one night he disappeared, and though I searched far and wide I have had no word of him since. I concluded that he had been destroyed by some wild animal, so I had a funeral service held and the house went into mourning. I had no other children but this son only. He was greatly gifted and I lost him in this strange way. The memory has never left me, for it seems as though I had lost him but yesterday. Now that I look at this paper I see indeed that it is the writing of my son. When I lost him I was Chief Justice, and thus he records the office; but where he has been for these three years, and how he comes now to take part in the examination, I know not."

勝者の発表のとき、王は封じた作者の名を開くよう命じた。開いてみると、キドンが首席だとわかった。そのとき、その父は領議政で、王のそばに仕えていた。王は領議政を呼んで言った。「勝ったのはそなたの息子のように見えるが、その父は領議政ではなく大司憲だと書いている。どういうことだろう。」王は答案を父に渡して、見てみるよう言った。大臣は不思議そうにそれをじっと見て、泣きだして言った。「わたくしの息子でございます。三年前、息子は学問をしに友たちと寺へ行きましたが、ある夜いなくなり、遠く広く探しましたが、それきり何の知らせもございませんでした。何かの獣に殺されたのだと思い、葬式を出して家じゅうで喪に服しました。わたくしにはこの息子のほかに子はございませんでした。たいそう才のある子で、それをこんな不思議なかたちで失ったのです。その思い出は一度も離れず、まるで昨日失ったかのようでございます。今この答案を見ますと、まことに息子の筆跡とわかります。息子を失ったとき、わたくしは大司憲でしたので、息子はその官を記しているのです。けれども、この三年どこにいたのか、どうして今試験を受けに来たのか、わたくしにはわかりません。」

The King, hearing this, was greatly astonished, and at once before all the assembled ministers had him called. Thus he came in his scholar's dress into the presence of the King. All the officials wondered at this summoning of a candidate before the announcement of the result. The King asked him why he had left the monastery and where he had been for these three years. He bowed low, and said, "I have been a very wicked man, have left my parents, have broken all the laws of filial devotion, and deserve condign punishment." The King replied, saying, "There is no law of concealment before the King. I shall not condemn you even though you are guilty; tell me all." Then he told his story to the King. All the officials on each side bent their ears to hear. The King sighed, and said to the father, "Your son has repented and made amends for his fault. He has won first place and now stands as a member of the Court. We cannot condemn him for his love for this woman. Forgive him for all the past and give him a start for the future." His Majesty said further, "The woman Charan, who has shared your life in the lonely mountains, is no common woman. Her plans, too, for your restoration were the plans of a master hand. She is no dancing-girl, this Charan. Let no other be your lawful wife but she only; let her be raised to equal rank with her husband, and let her children and her children's children hold highest office in the realm." So was Keydong honoured with the winner's crown, and so the Prime Minister received his son back to life at the hands of the King. The winner's cap was placed upon his head, and the whole house was whirled into raptures of joy.

王はこれを聞いてたいそう驚き、すぐさま居並ぶ大臣たちみなの前にキドンを呼ばせた。こうしてキドンは書生の服のまま王の御前にやって来た。役人たちはみな、結果の発表の前に受験者を呼び出したことを不思議に思った。王はキドンに、どうして寺を出たのか、この三年どこにいたのかと尋ねた。キドンは深くお辞儀をして言った。「わたくしはたいそう悪い者でございました。両親を捨て、孝の道をすべて破り、それ相応の罰を受けるべき者でございます。」王は答えて言った。「王の前で隠しごとをしてよいという法はない。たとえ罪があってもそなたを罰しはしない。すべて話せ。」そこでキドンは王に身の上を話した。両わきの役人たちはみな耳をそばだてて聞いた。王はため息をついて父に言った。「そなたの息子は悔い改めて、あやまちの埋め合わせをした。首席を勝ち取って、今は朝廷の一員として立っている。この女を愛したことで罰するわけにはいかない。過去のことはすべて赦して、この先の出発をさせてやりなさい。」陛下はさらに言った。「寂しい山でそなたと暮らしを分かち合ったチャランという女は、ただの女ではない。そなたを立ち直らせるためのその手立ても、名人の手になるものだ。このチャランは妓生などではない。この女のほかに正妻を持つことはならぬ。夫と同じ位に上げ、その子らと孫らを国の最高の官につけるようにせよ。」こうしてキドンは勝者の冠で誉れを受け、こうして領議政は王の手から息子を生き返ったように取り戻した。勝者の冠がキドンの頭に載せられ、家じゅうが歓喜の渦に巻き込まれた。

So the Minister sent forth a palanquin and servants to bring up Charan. In a great festival of joy she was proclaimed the wife of the Minister's son. Later he became one of Korea's first men of State, and they lived their happy life to a good old age. They had two sons, both graduates and men who held high office.

そこで大臣は輿と召し使いたちを送り出して、チャランを迎えに行かせた。大きな喜びの祝いのなかで、チャランは大臣の息子の妻であると告げ知らされた。のちにキドンは朝鮮の第一の政治家の一人となり、二人は幸せな暮らしを送って長生きした。二人には息子が二人いて、どちらも及第して高い官職についた。

Im Bang.

任埅(イム・バン)