"why so silent, wise men? why so deep in thought? you have big heads and long beards; it would seem that there is plenty of wisdom, so why not show it? to go to the island of buzan to obtain the bride does not mean to lose gold or army. have you already forgotten the seventh simeon? why, it will be simple enough for him to steal the princess helena. afterwards let the king of buzan come here to fight us, and we will welcome him as an honored guest. but do not forget that he must take ten years' time to reach us, and in ten years ah me! i have heard that some wise man somewhere undertook to teach a horse to talk in ten years!"