English

SAVING THE BIRDS One day in spring four men were riding on horseback along a country road. These men were lawyers, and they were going to the next town to attend court. There had been a rain, and the ground was very soft. Water was dripping from the trees, and the grass was wet. The four lawyers rode along, one behind another; for the pathway was narrow, and the mud on each side of it was deep.

THE KING AND THE BEES One day King Solomon was sitting on his throne, and his great men were standing around him. Suddenly the door was thrown open and the Queen of Sheba came in. "O King," she said, "in my own country, far, far away, I have heard much about your power and glory, but much more about your wisdom. Men have told me that there is no riddle so cunning that you cannot solve it. Is this true?" "It is as you say, O Queen," answered Solomon. "Well, I have here a puzzle which I think will test your wisdom.

SAVED BY A DOLPHIN In the city of Corinth there once lived a wonderful musician whose name was Arion. No other person could play on the lyre or sing so sweetly as he; and the songs which he composed were famous in many lands. The king of Corinth was his friend. The people of Corinth never grew tired of praising his sweet music. One summer he went over the sea to Italy; for his name was well known there, and many people wished to hear him sing. He visited several cities, and in each place he was well paid for his music. At last, having become quite rich, he decided to go home.