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THE SONS OF WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR . There was once a great king of England who was called William the Conqueror , and he had three sons . One day King William seemed to be thinking of something that made him feel very sad ; and the wise men who were about him asked him what was the matter . " I am thinking , " he said , " of what my sons may do after I am dead . For , unless they are wise and strong , they cannot keep the kingdom which I have won for them . Indeed , I am at a loss to know which one of the three ought to be the king when I am gone . " " O king ! " said the wise men , " if we only knew what things your sons admire the most , we might then be able to tell what kind of men they will be . Perhaps , by asking each one of them a few questions , we can find out which one of them will be best fitted to rule in your place . " " The plan is well worth trying , at least , " said the king . " Have the boys come before you , and then ask them what you please . " The wise men talked with one another for a little while , and then agreed that the young princes should be brought in , one at a time , and that the same questions should be put to each . The first who came into the room was Robert . He was a tall , willful lad , and was nicknamed Short Stocking . " Fair sir , " said one of the men , " answer me this question : If , instead of being a boy , it had pleased God that you should be a bird , what kind of a bird would you rather be ? " " A hawk , " answered Robert . " I would rather be a hawk , for no other bird reminds one so much of a bold and gallant knight . " The next who came was young William , his father's namesake and pet . His face was jolly and round , and because he had red hair he was nicknamed Rufus , or the Red . " Fair sir , " said the wise man , " answer me this question : If , instead of being a boy , it had pleased God that you should be a bird , what kind of a bird would you rather be ? " " An eagle , " answered William . " I would rather be an eagle , because it is strong and brave . It is feared by all other birds , and is therefore the king of them all . " Lastly came the youngest brother , Henry , with quiet steps and a sober , thoughtful look . He had been taught to read and write , and for that reason he was nicknamed Beauclerc , or the Handsome Scholar . " Fair sir , " said the wise man , " answer me this question : If , instead of being a boy , it had pleased God that you should be a bird , what kind of a bird would you rather be ? " " A starling , " said Henry . " I would rather be a starling , because it is good - mannered and kind and a joy to every one who sees it , and it never tries to rob or abuse its neighbor . " Then the wise men talked with one another for a little while , and when they had agreed among themselves , they spoke to the king .
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