But the wise men were as silent as ever.

The king frowned, and was about to say something sharp, when the
Court Fool pushed his way to the front and said: 'Dear me, what are
all you clever people so puzzled about? The matter is quite clear.
As it seems it will not take long to reach the island why not send
the seventh Simon? He will steal the fair maiden fast enough, and
then the king, her father, may consider how he is going to bring his
army over here--it will take him ten years to do it!---no less! What
do you think of my plan?'

'What do I think? Why, that your idea is capital, and you shall be
rewarded for it. Come, guards, hurry as fast as you can and bring
the seventh Simon before me.'

Not many minutes later, Simon the seventh stood before the king,
who explained to him what he wished done, and also that to steal
for the benefit of his king and country was by no means a wrong
thing, though it was very wrong to steal for his own advantage.

The youngest Simon, who looked very pale and hungry, only
nodded his head.

'Come,' said the king, 'tell me truly. Do you think you could steal
the Princess Helena?'

'Why should I not steal her, sire? The thing is easy enough. Let my
brother's ship be laden with rich stuffs, brocades, Persian carpets,
pearls and jewels. Send me in the ship. Give me my four middle
brothers as companions, and keep the two others as hostages.'