The king sent for the seven Simons . ' A thousand thanks to you , my brave fellows , ' he cried . ` Take what gold , silver , and precious stones you will out of my treasury . Tell me if there is anything else you wish for and I will give it you , my good friends . Do you wish to be made nobles , or to govern towns ? Only speak . ' Then the eldest Simon bowed and said : ` We are plain folk , your Majesty , and understand simple things best . What figures should we cut as nobles or governors ? Nor do we desire gold . We have our fields which give us food , and as much money as we need . If you wish to reward us then grant that our land may be free of taxes , and of your goodness pardon the seventh Simon . He is not the first who has been a thief by trade and he will certainly not be the last . ' ` So be it , ' said the king ; ` your land shall be free of all taxes , and Simon the seventh is pardoned . ' Then the king gave each brother a goblet of wine and invited them to the wedding feast . And what a feast that was ! -LSB- From Ungarischen Mahrchen . -RSB- The Language of Beasts Once upon a time a man had a shepherd who served him many years faithfully and honestly . One day , whilst herding his flock , this shepherd heard a hissing sound , coming out of the forest near by , which he could not account for . So he went into the wood in the direction of the noise to try to discover the cause . When he approached the place he found that the dry grass and leaves were on fire , and on a tree , surrounded by flames , a snake was coiled , hissing with terror .
The shepherd stood wondering how the poor snake could escape , for the wind was blowing the flames XXXXX way , and soon that tree would be burning like the rest .
From So by if in into of that upon with