The Sons of William the Conqueror

The story tell us about king of England, William, who had to make his wise wise choice about who of his three sons will rule a kingdom.

"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."

James Baldwin, "Fifty Famous Stories Retold", 4.13

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The Bell of Atri

This story teach reader to be responsible to their pets, and remind someone that animals also could sometimes ring into bell of justice. "One hot afternoon, when no one was upon the street, the horse chanced to wander into the market place. Not a man nor child was there, for the heat of the sun had driven them all indoors. The gates were wide open; the poor beast could roam where he pleased. He saw the grapevine rope that hung from the bell of justice. The leaves and tendrils upon it were still fresh and green, for it had not been there long. What a fine dinner they would be for a starving horse! He stretched his thin neck, and took one of the tempting morsels in his mouth. It was hard to break it from the vine. He pulled at it, and the great bell above him began to ring. All the people in Atri heard it. It seemed to say,— “Some one has done me wrong! Some one has done me wrong! Oh! come and judge my case! Oh! come and judge my case! For I’ve been wronged!” The judges ...

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