Page:History of Corea, ancient and modern; with description of manners and customs, language and geography (1879).djvu/95

 COREA ATTACKED. * 71 while the south one was occupied by the Gaogowli king, who kept the passes with some thousands of old and decrepit men, just as Whang had expected. It was Han again who proposed this mode of attack ; knowing that if the army pushed through in force to Wandoo, the capital of Graogowli, it must open its gates at once, the heart of the country would be laid bare, the northern Gaogowli army would be too late on the scene of action, and no serious oppo- sition could be apprehended. Han himself, with Moyoong Ba{ was in the van of this southern army. He attacked the Coreans as soon as he came in sight of them ; his vigorous attack being seconded by Whang with the main body. But old though they were, the Coreans fought with the valour of despair, knowing that all was lost if they were forced. They fought so bravely, that notwith- standing a general assault by Whang's army, they obstinately held their own. Yuliang, an officer of Whang's, said that he had received many favours at the hands of his sovereign, and now had come the opportunity of showing his gratitude by his death. Taking with him a few resolute horsemen, he plunged into the Graogowli ranka This sudden shock staggered them a little ; and as soon as the momentary movement slightly opened their ranks, the main body of Whang's troops pressed in, threw the Corean ranks into utter disorder, and their defeat was almost instantaneous, with a frightful slaughter necessarily ensuing from such close quarters. One of the Gaogowli generals was slain ; and Whang pursued the fugitives even into the city of Wandoo, where he took prisoners the mother and wife of the GaogowH king. This news soon reached the northern army; and the moral effects of it defeated them with ease, and Whang did not need to press the pursuit Jao, the Gaogowli king, was now a homeless fugitive, without any central point of government Whang sent messengers after him to treat of peace, but he would not see them. But when Whang would have retired. General Han declared that without some guarantees, the campaign would turn out a barren one; for the Gaogowli men would again re-appear from among the mountain gullies, where they were hiding, and cause much mischief. He, therefore, advised to