pt, and returned to his native country. When his
father and mother saw their dear son again they rejoiced exceedingly.
Not long afterwards King Filon died, and Prince Astrach wore his
father's crown, and lived with his beloved Queen Osida in all joy and
happiness until they died.

THE SEVEN BROTHERS SIMEON

There were once upon a time two old serfs, who lived together for many
years without children; and in their old age they prayed for a child
to keep them from want when they were no longer able to labour. After
seven years the good woman gave birth to seven sons, who were all
named Simeon; but when these boys were in their tenth year, the old
folk died, and the sons tilled the ground which their father left
them.

It chanced one day that the Tsar Ador drove past, and wondered sore to
see such little fellows all busy at work in their field. So he sent
his oldest boyar to ask them whose children they were, and why they
were working so hard, and the eldest Simeon answered, that they were
orphans, and had no one to work for them, and that they were all
called Simeon. When the boyar told this to Tsar Ador, he ordered the
boys to be brought along with him.

On returning to the palace, the Tsar called together all his boyars,
and asked their advice, saying: "My boyars, you see here seven poor
orphans, who have no kinsfolk; I am resolved to make such men of them
that they shall hereafter have cause to thank me; and therefore I ask
your advice--what handicraft or art shall I have them taught?" Then
the boyars replied: "Your Majesty, seeing that they are old enough to
have understanding, it would be well to ask each brother separately
what craft he wishes to learn."

This answer pleased the Tsar, and he said to the eldest Simeon: "Tell
me, friend, what art or trade would you like to learn? I will
apprentice you to it." But Simeon answered: "Please your Majesty, I
wish to learn no art; but if you will command a smithy to be put up in
the middle of your court, I will raise a column which shall reach to
the sky." By this time the Tsar at once saw that the first Simeon
wanted indeed no teaching if he was so good a smith as to do such
work; but he did not believe that he could make so tall a pillar; so
he ordered a smithy to be built in his courtyard, and the eldest
Simeon straightway set to work.

Then the Tsar asked the second Simeon: "What craft or art would you
learn, my friend?" and the lad replied: "Your Majest