Once upon a time, two old serfs lived together for many years without a child. In their old age, they prayed for a child. After seven years, their prayers were answered and the old woman gave birth to seven sons, who were all named Simeons. When they were ten years old, their father died. Simeons tilled the ground which their father left them. One day, Tsar Ador drove past and was angry to see the little boys working in the field. The Tsar sent his nobleman to ask those children who they were and why they were working so hard. The eldest Simeon told the nobleman that they were orphans, and they had to work to earn. Also, they were all called Simeons. When the nobleman told this to Tsar Ador, he thought to teach some professions to the children and so ordered the nobleman to bring the boys to the palace.
The Eldest Simeon
When the Simeons reached the palace, the Tsar asked the eldest Simeon what art or profession he would like to learn. But Simeon answered, “Your Majesty, I don’t want to learn any art, but if you order a smithy to be put up in the middle of the court, I will raise a column which would reach the sky.” The Tsar commanded a smithy to be built in his courtyard, and the eldest Simeon, at once set to work. Then, the Tsar asked the second Simeon, “What art or profession would you learn?” The second Simeon replied, “Your Majesty, I will not learn any art but when my eldest brother has smithy the iron column, I will mount to the top of it. I will look all around and tell you what is going on in all the other kingdoms.” So, the Tsar thought that the second Simeon was very clever and a man of great intelligence and there was no need to teach him anything.
The other Three Simeons
Now, the Tsar asked the third Simeon the same question. The third Simeon replied, “Your Majesty, if my eldest brother makes an axe for me, I will build a ship in a very little time.” The Tsar exclaimed, “I want skilled workers like you!” Thereafter, he asked the fourth Simeon and he replied, “Your Majesty, I don’t want to learn anything. When my third brother has built a ship, and it is attacked by enemies, I will seize it by the prow, and draw it into the kingdom under the earth. When the enemy has departed, I will bring the ship back upon the sea.” The Tsar was amazed to hear such skills. He went on to ask the fifth Simeon. He answered, “I need no art, your Majesty; but if my eldest brother makes a gun for me, I will shoot every bird no matter how far it is.” And the Tsar said, “You will be a famous hunter one day!”
Seventh Simeon, the Thief
The Tsar approached the sixth Simeon and asked him. He answered, “Your Majesty, I will not follow any art, but when my fifth brother has shot a bird in the air, I will catch it before it falls on the ground, and will bring it to you.” “Bravo!” said the Tsar, “You will serve in the field very well.” Now, the Tsar asked the seventh and last Simeon. “Your Majesty,” he replied, “I will not learn any profession, for I am already skilled in a valuable art.” “What kind of art do you know?” asked the Tsar. “I am a thief and I can steal better than anyone else,” he replied. The Tsar was angry and wanted to punish him. But he offered to go to the distant kingdom and steal the beautiful Helen. The youngest Simeon cajoled Helen onto his ship and brought her across the ocean to the Tsar. The Tsar married her and the seven Simeons were richly rewarded with gold and silver coins. The spent the rest of their life luxuriously.
