Author: Alexander Pushkin

In a distant land, in times long past, there lived a famous Tsar named Dadon. When he was young, his strength was admired by all his neighbors. He waged war whenever he thought it was right. But as he grew older, he became less eager to fight, longing for the peace he felt he deserved. He wanted the struggles to end and the noise of war to cease. His oppressed neighbors saw their chance and, armed with weapons, attacked his borders at will. This forced the old Tsar to maintain an army of twelve thousand men, with horses and weapons, and to appoint well-paid generals to guard the kingdom's threatened walls.

But when they watched the west, the eastern border, less secure, would be where hostile troops appeared. The danger was greatest where it was least expected. Eastward the generals would go, only to find that now the north border was where the danger lay. Tormented by this, Tsar Dadon cried hot tears of rage. He couldn't sleep. Enemies came over the land and from the sea. What was life worth when so attacked? Desperate, Dadon turned to magic, seeking the help of a sorcerer, who was also a eunuch, an interpreter of omens, stars, bird flights, and such things. The courtier sent to call the sage implied there'd be a handsome reward.

Arriving at court, the wise old man confidently revealed his plan. He took out a golden cockerel from his bag, which magically knew who would attack, when, and where, allowing the generals to prepare. "Just watch and listen," said the sage. Dadon responded, "If this works, I'll give you whatever you ask of me. So, set the cock as a weather vane on the highest spire. Stay watchful; he will show you when to arm and where to go. Superior intelligence will always be the best defense."