Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-12-18
The SEVEN WISE BROTHERS.
A Wonder-Story From the Folk
Lore Of Russia.

strength.
On questioning them, he heard that
they were all but ten years of age,
| and having lost their parents, they
were compelled to earn their liveli-
| hood by their own labor.
The Gar thought them very clever,
and on returning to his court he called
together his councillors and advisers
and said:
| What think you of these seven
children? Would it not be we'll for
me to make of them such men as they
| will thank me for?''
The councillors thought this very
wise in the monarch, and forthwith
the brothers were summoned. When
they appeared Car ADDS addressed the
first one:
my good lad, what trade is it that
you would like to learn, for that shall
you be taught?"
Sire" answered the boy, Il want TO
learn no trade or art, but build for
me in your courtyard smithy, and l
shall make for you an iron tower that
shall reach to the skies"
When Gar ADDS heard this he said:
Surely this boy needs no more
learning, since he can do such a
deed"
And having seen some very fine
work that the first brother produced,
he commanded that the smithy be
built in the courtyard.
Then the second brother was ques-
toned, and he answered:
MY good liege, 1 desire to learn
neither art nor craft; but when my
brother shall have finished the iron
tower, | shall mount it and tell what
is happening in the world, even in the
thirtieth kingdom"
This brother also knows enough"
said the Car; and then the third one
was summoned. To the same question
he replied:
Let my brother, the smith, make
for me an axe, and l will build with it
a ship, in a moment of time
So pleased was the Gar by this
time that he could scarcely wait I'M
til the other brothers had been ques-
toned.
The fourth one said that if ever the
ship that his brother would build was
attacked by the enemy, he would
catch it by the PROV and drag it down
to the underground kingdom; and
when the enemy had disappeared he
would again place it on the seas.
You will indeed be a valuable mai =
the Gar cried; and the fifth brother
stepped forward.
Sire he said, give me but bow
and arrow, aud l will bring to the
earth any bird in the air, no matter
how high it may fly, if only l can see
it,"
you will be an excellent sports
man." cried ADDS; and the sixth
brother said:
Il will catch the bird that my
brother may shoot before it touches
the gound.'
And the Gar said:
You will do instead Of a dog in
the field, and fine sport we shall have"
Then turning to the seventh brother,
the Car said:
And what is it that you may wish
to learn, my lad; or do you, too, know
something wonderful?"
Sire" the boy answered; my gift
is even greater than my brothers.
have such power of speech, that l can
bring about whatsoevr 1 desire TO
happen
This is indeed good" cried ADDS.
Long, indeed, have l been waiting
for you, for there lies wish in my
heart that whole armies have been I'M
able to crafty"
ITO hear is to obey, my liege."
Know then, my lad, that for many
years l have sought the hand of the
beauteous Helena, the Star of the East;
but her father refuses to allow her TO
leave the kingdom. Indeed, l heard
that she never leaves her bower. Can
you wander over twenty-seven king
doms and into the thirtieth. and bring
the maiden to me? You shall be well
rewarded if you do.'
Il will see what l can do, my liege "
Just then word was brought tina.
the tower. of iron in the courtyard
was finished. The Gar rose with all
his train and proceed to look at it.
When they reached the court, they
were amazed at the height and work
manship of the tower.
But even while they looked the sec
ond brother sprung forth, and in d
fight swifter than that of a bird, he
ran up the winding staircase, till ne
reached the turret. CHANGING far away
over the horizon in all directions, he
suddenly exclaimed: