` As far as I could judge , ' replied Simon , ` it would take you nearly ten years in fair weather to sail there . But if the weather were stormy we might say twelve . I saw the army being reviewed . It is not so very large -- a hundred thousand men at arms and a hundred thousand knights . Besides these , he has a strong bodyguard and a good many cross-bowmen . Altogether you may say another hundred thousand , and there is a picked body of heroes who reserve themselves for great occasions requiring particular courage . ' The king sat for some time lost in thought . At last he said to the nobles and courtiers standing round : ' I am determined to marry the Princess Helena , but how shall I do it ? ' The nobles , courtiers and counsellors said nothing , but tried to hide behind each other . Then the third Simon said : ` Pardon me , your Majesty , if I offer my advice . You wish to go to the Island of Busan ? What can be easier ? In my ship you will get there in a week instead of in ten years . But ask your council to advise you what to do when you arrive -- in one word , whether you will win the princess peacefully or by war ? ' But the wise men were as silent as ever . The king frowned , and was about to say something sharp , when the Court Fool pushed his way to the front and said : ` Dear me , what are all you clever people so puzzled about ? The matter is quite clear . As it seems it will not take long to reach the island why not send the seventh Simon ? He will steal the fair maiden fast enough , and then the king , her father , may consider how he is going to bring his army over here -- it will take him ten years to do it ! -- no less !
What do you think XXXXX my plan ? '
Besides In as at by for if of to whether