It stands to reason that I shall say it then . ' At this the king was more delighted than anyone could have believed . He made it known all through the country that there were to be great rejoicings , as the princess was going to be married . And everyone rejoiced to think that the princess , who had refused so many royal suitors , should have ended by falling in love with the staring-eyed shepherd . There was such a wedding as had never been seen . Everyone ate and drank and danced . Even the sick were feasted , and quite tiny new-born children had presents given them . But the greatest merry-making was in the king 's palace ; there the best bands played and the best food was cooked ; a crowd of people sat down to table , and all was fun and merry-making . And when the groomsman , according to custom , brought in the great boar 's head on a big dish and placed it before the king so that he might carve it and give everyone a share , the savoury smell was so strong that the king began to sneeze with all his might . ` To your very good health , ' cried the shepherd before anyone else , and the king was so delighted that he did not regret having given him his daughter . In time , when the old king died , the shepherd succeeded him . He made a very good king and never expected his people to wish him well against their wills ; but , all the same , everyone did wish him well , for they all loved him . -LSB- From Russische Mahrchen . -RSB- The Story of the Seven Simons Far , far away , beyond all sorts of countries , seas and rivers , there stood a splendid city where lived King Archidej , who was as good as he was rich and handsome . His great army was made up of men ready to obey his slightest wish ; he owned forty times forty cities , and in each city he had ten palaces with silver doors , golden roofs , and crystal windows . His council consisted of the twelve wisest men in the country , whose long beards flowed down over their breasts , each of whom was as learned as a whole college . This council always told the king the exact truth . Now the king had everything to make him happy , but he did not enjoy anything because he could not find a bride to his mind . One day , as he sat in his palace looking out to sea , a great ship sailed into the harbour and several merchants came on shore . Said the king to himself : ` These people have travelled far and beheld many lands .
I will ask them if they have seen any princess who is as clever and XXXXX handsome as I am . '
From In against as before beyond into of that through