There was once a king of England who was called William the conqueror. He had three sons. Their names were Robert, William and Henry. They were all strong, brave and intelligent. The king loved them all the same. But he did not know which one of them ought to rule his country after he was dead.
"Let's ask each of them a question," said one of his wise men. "Then we can find out which one of them will be best fitted to rule the country in your place."
The wise men talked with the king for a little while, and then agreed that young princes should be brought in, one at a time, and that the same question should be put on them.
The first who came into the room was Robert.
"This wise man has a question to ask you," the king said to Robert. "Listen to him and answer him."
"What is your question, sir?" Robert asked the wise man.
"If you could change into a bird," said the wise man, "what bird would you like to be?"
"I would like to be a hawk," said Robert.
"Why would you like to be a hawk?" asked the wise man.
"If I changed into a hawk, I would be a bird of war." said Robert. "A hawk is very strong and brave and fights the other birds."
So saying, Robert went out. Then William went in.
"I have a question to ask you, William," asked the wise man. "Would you answer me, please?"
"What is your question, sir?"
"If you could turn to a bird," said the wise man, "what bird would you like to be, William?"
"I would like to be an eagle."
"Why would you like to be an eagle?" asked the wise man.
"If I turned to an eagle, I would be a king of birds," said William. "All the other birds are afraid when an eagle appears.
So saying, William left the room. Then Henry entered.
"I have a question to ask you," said the wise man to Henry. "Would you answer me, please?"
"What is your question, sir?" said Henry.
"If you could change into a bird," said the wise man, "what bird would you like to be, Henry?"
"I would like to be a starling?" answered Henry.
"Why would you like to be a starling?" asked the wise man.
"If I turned to a starling, I would be a weak but kind bird," said Prince Henry. "A starling does no harm to men, and it does not hurt other birds. Indeed, it helps those who work on the land, for it eats insects that do harm to the crops. That is why I would like to be a starling."
After two years the king died. The eldest Prince Robert succeeded to the throne. He was killed in a battle a year later. Then Prince William came to the throne after him. He was killed by his own men. At last Prince Henry was made king. He ruled his country peacefully.
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