The Emperor used to rise about noon, so the morning hours were quite quiet, no unnecessary labour being permitted. The imperial réveillé was announced by a roll of drums, summoning all courtiers, physicians, and attendants to be in readiness for his Majesty’s appearance. Then the courts became thronged like a busy hive of bees; the courtiers got out of their chairs at the entrance, and were only allowed to bring in one or two attendants, while the remainder of their retinue waited outside. The court dress consists of a beautiful myrtle green coat, a square breastplate (betokening the official rank) fastened on by a thick belt standing out several inches from the body, black velvet top-boots with white soles, and a peculiar tall black cap made of horsehair, with ears of the same material standing out on each side of it. This costume forms the design on the cover of the book, and it was a Korean gentleman who kindly gave me the opportunity of sketching it. This costume was also worn by eunuchs when on duty in the palace. As in China, eunuchs have played a sorry part in the political game in Korea. The ordinary business of the court used to be transacted during the afternoon. Sometimes one of the ministers of the foreign legations would be received in audience by his Majesty, and sometimes there would be a special function with regard to ancestral worship. Once a year the Emperor would go to a certain field outside Seoul (which was pointed out to us near the east gate of the city) to plough the first furrow of the year. After sundown the gates of the palace were shut and barred, and no one might go in or out without special permission of the Emperor. During the night state business was transacted, and not only was his Majesty informed of matters of importance, but he was also entertained with the small talk of the palace. There were always one or two Ministers of State on duty throughout the night, and they left the palace at daybreak, when the Emperor retired to rest.