Curious Case of a King
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Transcript of Curious Case of a King
SLM English – Three Questions – The Quiet Life
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Self-Learning Material
Method I – English
Prose: Three Questions
Poem: The Quiet Life
Sanjay Daniel Aind
ID: 14162016
B.Ed. 2014-15
Navrachana University Vadodara
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Table of Content
I. About the Author
II. Introduction
III. Learning Objectives
IV. Instructions/Guidelines
Chapter 1. Prose – Three Questions
1. Three Question – Part I
2. Comprehension Self-check Exercises
3. Three Question – Part II
4. Comprehension Self-check Exercises
5. Answer Keys to Comprehension Self-check Exercises
Chapter 2. Poem – The Quiet Life
1. The Quiet Life
2. About the poet
3. Central Idea of the Poem
4. Understanding the Poem
5. Comprehension Self-check Exercises
6. Answer keys to Comprehension Self-check Exercises
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I. About the author
Sanjay Daniel Aind, the author of the self-learning material on English
subject for the students of 7th standard, is currently pursuing B.Ed. with
English and Social Science at Navrachana University Vadodara.
Presently he lives in Vadodara. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English
Literature from Gujarat University and Masters in Philosophy from
Madras University. He is on formation period for quite a few years,
including language studies, philosophical and spiritual studies, to be a
teacher and missionary, and desires to work for the upliftment of the
rural children in the missionary schools of Gujarat. He believes in
teamwork and prefers participative kind of leadership. He enjoys
reading and writing. He likes to spend his leisure time in drawing
cartoons and sketches, reading novels, listening to music, and spend
quality time with children of various age groups. In the years ahead he
looks forward to reading many books and magazines, writing often, and
developing his own interest and skill at writing.
He can be contacted through email [email protected] or blog
http://sanjugujju.blogspot.in/, or on his mobile: 8128362009.
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II. Introduction:
Self-study or Self Learning Material is self-explanatory. Learners can
understand the content without external support. Such material is self-
contained. So, learners may not need any additional materials. It is self-
directed where in learners are given necessary guidance, hints, and
suggestions at each stage of learning. It is, in fact, a means of self-
motivation. Such materials are developed in order to arouse curiosity,
raise problems, relate to familiar situations, and make learning
meaningful. It is further self-evaluating which contains Short Answer
Questions, exercises, activities, unit-end questions, etc. for providing
feedback.
The present/following Self Learning Material consists of a prose titled
“Three Questions” and a poem titled “The Quiet Life”. The story is
based on the three questions which the king needs to find out the answer
for. The prose has been divided into two parts. At the end of each part
there is a section for self-check exercises. The second chapter consists
of a poem. It is followed by the central idea of the poem. At the end of
it there is a section for self-check exercises. The key answers are given
at the end of each chapter. This particular Self learning material has
been designed for those students/children who cannot have the access
to regular classroom/school. With the help of this learning material they
would benefit in terms of learning in the absence of any teacher or
assistance.
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III. Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this Self-Study Material:
1. Learners will be able to comprehend the story “Three
Questions”.
2. Learners will be able to develop the four basic skills of
listening, speaking, reading and writing in a well -developed
manner.
3. Leaners will be able to use English for day to day
communication in academic and social life.
4. Learners will be able to develop, nurture and enrich their
vocabulary in English language and literature.
5. Learners will be able to acquire a sound knowledge of
grammar and the ability to apply it in spoken and written
communication.
6. Learners will be able to equip themselves with the skills and
abilities required for learning on their own with a view to
promoting learner autonomy.
7. Learners will be able to inculcate in themselves the habit of
reading extensively and appreciating the literature in the
language.
8. Learners will be able to perceive opportunities to realize their
creative potential in English language and literature.
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IV. Instructions and Guidelines:
a. Students are supposed to read the following instructions
carefully.
b. Read the content (Prose and Poem) carefully and make note of
the important points, for example, the characters, dialogues,
new words, idioms and phrases, etc.
c. Read the self-check exercises given at the end of each section
carefully and answer them all in your own words.
d. Make efforts to relate the characters, incidences, values, etc. of
the story with the real life situation.
e. The three questions in the opening paragraph, though
philosophical in nature, may be of practical significance to
individuals in self-realization and value inculcation.
f. ‘Comprehension Check’ at the end of each section is a recall
of what students have read so far.
g. Illustrations are there not merely for decoration but mainly for
comprehension.
h. Questions under ‘Working with the Text’ to be answered
orally, later to be written in the copybook.
i. At the end of the lesson, draw attention to the three questions
in the context of the present day life.
j. Refer to the glossary given at the end of each section for the
difficult words.
k. Read the poem carefully and pay attention to the finer details
the way it is composed.
l. Make effort to comprehend the central idea of the poem and
analyze it critically in your own words.
m. Make effort to solve the self-check exercises given at the end
of the poem.
n. Refer to the glossary given at the end of the poem for difficult
words.
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Chapter 1: Prose – Three Questions
A king has three questions and he is seeking answers to them. What are
the questions? Does the king get what he wants?
Part I
he thought came to a certain king that he would never fail if he
knew three things. These three thing were: what is the right time
to begin something? Which people should he listen to? What is
the most important thing for him to do?
The king, therefore, sent messengers throughout his kingdom,
promising a large sum of money to anyone who would answer these
three questions.
Many wise men came to the king, but they all answered his questions
differently.
In reply to the first question, some said the king must prepare a
timetable, and then follow it strictly. Only in this way, they said, could
he do everything at its proper time. Others said that it was impossible
to decide in advance the right time for doing something. The king
should notice all that was going on, avoid foolish pleasures, and always
do whatever seemed necessary at that time. Yet others said that the king
needed a council of wise men who would help him act at the proper
time. This was because one man would find it impossible to decide
correctly, without help from others, the right time for every action.
But then others said that there were some things which could be urgent.
These things could not wait for the decision of the council. In order to
decide the right time for doing something, it is necessary to look into
T
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the future. And only magicians could do that. The king, therefore,
would have to go to magicians.
In their answers to the second question, some said that the people most
necessary to the king were his councilors; others said, the priests. A few
others chose the doctors. And yet others said that his soldiers were the
most necessary.
To the third question, some said science. Others chose fighting, and yet
others religious worship.
As the answers to his questions were so different, the king was not
satisfied and gave no reward. Instead, he decided to seek the advice of
a certain hermit, who was widely known for his wisdom.
The hermit lived in a wood which he never left. He saw no one but
simple people, and so the king put on ordinary clothes. Before he
reached the hermit’s hut the king left his horse with his bodyguard, and
went on alone.
As the king came near the hermit’s hut, he saw the hermit digging the
ground in front of his hut. He greeted the king and continued digging.
The hermit was old and weak, and as he worked, he breathed heavily.
The king went up to the hermit and said, “I have come to you, wise
hermit, to ask you to answer three questions: How can I learn to do the
right thing at the right time? Who are the people I need most? And what
affairs are the most important?”
The hermit listened to the king, but did not speak. He went on digging.
“You are tired,” said the king. “Let me take the spade and work in your
place.”
“Thanks,” said the hermit, giving the king his spade. Then he sat down
on the ground.
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When the king had dug
two beds, he stopped
and repeated his
questions. The hermit
gave no answer, but
stood up, stretching
out his hand for the
spade, and said, “Now
you rest, and let me
work.”
But the king did not give him the spade and continued to dig.
One hour passed, then another. The sun went down behind the trees,
and at last the king stuck the spade into the ground and said, “I came to
you, wise man, for an answer to my questions. If you can give me no
answer, tell me so and I will return home.”
“Here comes someone running,” said the hermit.
Comprehension Check I
I. Choose the correct option from the given multiple choices:
1. Why did the king want to know answers to three questions?
a. He wanted to fail always
b. He wanted to win sometimes
c. So that he would never fail
d. So that he would always fail
2. Messengers were sent throughout the kingdom
a. to fetch wise men.
b. to find answers to the questions.
c. to look for the wise hermit.
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d. to announce a reward for those who could answer the
questions.
3. What did the king promise to offer if someone came back with
the answers to his questions?
a. Large sum of money
b. Large sum of gold
c. Large sum of silver
d. Large sum of diamond
4. Was king happy and satisfied when several people came up with
varieties of answers to his questions?
a. Completely happy
b. Partially happy
c. Not satisfied
d. None of the above
II. Answer the following questions in brief:
1. What were the three things or questions the king wanted the
answers for?
2. What was the answer for the first question given by many wise
men?
3. What was the answer for the second question given by many wise
men?
5. What was the answer for the third question given by many wise
men?
6. Why was the king not satisfied with the answers given by many
people?
7. What did the king do next? Whom did he send for the answer?
Whom did he go to meet?
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Part II
The king turned round and saw a bearded man running towards them.
His hands were pressed against his stomach, from which blood was
flowing. When he reached the king he fainted and fell to the ground.
The king and the hermit removed the man’s clothing and found a large
wound in his stomach. The king washed and covered it with his
handkerchief, but the blood would not stop flowing. The king re-
dressed the wound until at last the bleeding stopped.
The man felt better and asked for something to drink. The king brought
fresh water and gave
it to him. By this time
the sun had set and
the air was cool. The
king with the hermit’s
help carried the
wounded man into
the hut and laid him
on the bed. The man
closed his eyes and
lay quiet. The king,
tired by his walk and
the work he had done,
lay down on the floor and slept through the night. When he awoke, it
was several minutes before he could remember where he was or who
the strange bearded man lying on the bed was.
“Forgive me!” said the bearded man in a weak voice, when he saw that
the king was awake.
“I do not know you and have nothing to forgive you for,” said the king.
“You do not know me, but 1 know you. 1 am that enemy of yours who
swore revenge on you, because you put my brother to death and seized
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my property. I knew you had gone alone to see that hermit, and I made
up my mind to kill you on your way home. But the day passed and you
did not return. So I left my hiding-place, and I came upon your
bodyguard, who recognized me and wounded me. I escaped from him
but I should have died if you had not dressed my wounds. I wished to
kill you, and you have saved my life. Now, if I live, I will serve you as
your most faithful servant and will order my sons to do the same.
Forgive me!”
The king was very happy to have made peace with his enemy so easily,
and to have won him over as a friend. He not only forgave him but said
he would send his servants and his own doctor to look after him, and
he promised to give back the man his property.
Leaving the wounded man, the king went out of the hut and looked
round for the hermit. Before going away he wished once more to get
answers to his questions. The hermit was on his knees sowing seeds in
the beds that had been dug the day before. The king went up to the
hermit and said, “For the last time I beg you to answer my questions,
wise man.”
“You have already been answered!” said the hermit still bending down
to the ground and looking up at the king as he stood before him.
“How have I been answered? What do you mean?”
“Do you not see?” replied the hermit. “If you had not pitied my
weakness yesterday and had not dug these beds for me, you would have
gone away. Then that man would have attacked you and you would
have wished you had stayed with me. So the most important time was
when you were digging the beds. And I was the most important man,
and to do me good was your most important business. Afterwards,
when the man ran to us, the most important time was when you were
caring for him, because if you had not dressed his wounds he would
have died without having made peace with you. So he was the most
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important man, and what you did for him was your most important
business.
“Remember then, there is only one time that is important and that time
is ‘Now’. It is the most important time because it is the only time we
have any power to act.
“The most necessary person is the person you are with at a particular
moment, for no one knows what will happen in the future and whether
we will meet anyone else. The most important business is to do that
person good, because we were sent into this world for that purpose
alone.”
LEO TOLSTOY
(Retold)
Comprehension Check II
I. Complete the following sentences by adding the appropriate parts
of the sentences given in the following box.
1. Many wise men answered the king’s questions,
___________________________________________________
2. Someone suggested that there should be a council of wise men
___________________________________________________
3. Someone else suggested that the king should have a timetable
___________________________________________________
4. The king requested the hermit __________________________
5. The king washed and dressed the bearded man’s wound,
___________________________________________________
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Working with the Text
Answer the following questions:
1. Why was the king advised to go to magicians?
2. In answer to the second question, whose advice did the people say
would be important to the king?
3. What suggestions were made in answer to the third question?
4. Did the wise men win the reward? If not, why not?
5. How did the king and the hermit help the wounded man?
6. (i) Who was the bearded man?
(ii) Why did he ask for the king’s forgiveness?
7. The king forgave the bearded man. What did he do to show his
forgiveness?
8. What were the hermit’s answers to the three questions?
Note: Write each answer separately. Which answer do you like most,
and why?
Working with Language
1. Match items in List A with their meanings in List B.
Eg. fainted: lost consciousness
A B
(i) wounded got up from sleep
(ii) awoke give back
(iii) forgive small patches of ground for plants
(iv) faithful severely injured
• but the bleeding would not stop.
• to answer three questions.
• but their answers were so varied that the king was not satisfied.
• and follow it strictly.
• to help the king act at the right time.
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(v) pity pardon
(vi) beds loyal
(vii) return feel sorry for
Note: Use any three of the above words in sentences of your own. You
may change the form of the word.
2. Each of the following sentences has two blanks. Fill in the blanks
with appropriate forms of the word given in brackets.
Example: He has__________________ to help me. Do you think he
will remember his____________? (promise)
He has promised to help me. Do you think he will remember his
promise?
(i) The ______________ said that only fresh evidence would
make him change his ___________________. (judge)
(ii) I didn’t notice any serious ___________________ of opinion
among the debaters, although they ________________ from
one another over small points. (differ)
(iii) It’s a fairly simple question to ______________, but will you
accept my ________________ as final? (answer)
(iv) It isn’t ____________________ that _____________ should
always be the mother of invention. (necessary)
(v) Hermits are _______________ men. How they acquire their
____________________ no one can tell. (wise)
(vi) The committee has _________________ to make Jagdish
captain of the team. The ________________ is likely to please
everyone. (decide)
(vii) Asking for _______________ is as noble as willingness to
______________. (forgive)
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Speaking and Writing creatively
1. Imagine you are the king. Narrate the incident of your meeting the
hermit. Begin like this:
The wise men answered my questions, but I was not satisfied with
their answers. One day I decided to go and meet the hermit...
2. Imagine you are the hermit. Write briefly the incident of your meeting
the king. Begin like this:
One day I was digging in my garden. A man in ordinary clothes
came to see me. I knew it was the king...
Vocabulary:
Messenger: a person who carries a message or is employed to carry messages
Council: a group of people chosen to give advice or to make rules
Councilors: members of the council
Reward: a thing given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement
Hermit: a person who lives alone and leads a simple life
Wood/woods: a small forest
Spade: a tool with a sharp-edged, typically rectangular, metal blade and a long
handle, used for digging or cutting earth, sand, turf, etc.
Affairs: things; matters; business
Beds: small patches of ground for plants
Fainted: lost consciousness
Re-dressed: dressed again
Strange: unusual or surprising; difficult to understand or explain
Seized: took by force
Escaped: break free from confinement or control
Faithful: loyal and true
Find out…
Does an ostrich really stick its head in the sand to hide from an
enemy?
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Answer Keys:
Comprehension Check I
I. Choose the correct option.
1. c. So that he would never fail
2. a. to fetch wise men
3. a. Large sum of money
4. c. Not satisfied
Comprehension Check II
I. Complete the following sentence
1. but their answers were so varied that the king was not satisfied
2. to help the king act at the right time
3. and follow it strictly
4. to answer three questions
5. but the bleeding would not stop
Working with language:
1. Match the following:
(i) wounded: severely injured
(ii) awoke: got up from sleep
(iii) forgive: pardon
(iv) faithful: loyal
(v) pity: feel sorry for
(vi) beds: small patches of ground for plants
(vii) return: give back
2. Fill in the blanks:
(i) Judge, judgment
(ii) Difference, differ
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(iii) Answer, answer
(iv) Necessary, necessity
(v) Wise, wisdom
(vi) Decided, decision
(vii) Forgiveness, forgive
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Poetry Section: The Quiet Life
(How important are modern gadgets to you? Poet Alexander Pope lived long before mobile
phones, computers and televisions. His idea of a balanced life meant living simply off the fruits
of the land. Read his poem and see if such a life appeals to you.)
Happy the man, whose wish and care
A few paternal acres bound,
Content to breathe his native air
In his own ground.
Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread,
Whose flocks supply him with attire;
Whose trees in summer yield him shade,
In winter fire.
Blest, who can unconern’dly find
Hours, days, and years slide soft away
In health of body, peace of mind,
Quiet by day,
Sound deep by night; study and ease
Together mix’d; sweet recreation,
And innocence, which most does please
With meditation.
Thus let me live, unseen, unknown;
Thus unlamented let me die;
Steal from the world, and not a stone
Tell where I lie.
Alexander Pope
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About the Poet:
Alexander Pope once said: “The proper study of mankind is man”. To
him belongs the greatest number of quotations in the English language.
Man was the fittest subject for his
poetry. In an imaginative treatment,
he illuminates the knowledge about
man in relation to individuals,
society and the Universe. Born a
catholic in the protestant England,
he was forbidden to live in London
Vocabulary:
Paternal: passed down by his father
Native air: familiar atmosphere like in one’s own hometown
Herd: a group of cattle or domestic animals of the same kind
Flock: a group of sheep, goats, or birds
Attire: clothing
Shade: shelter under the tree
Unconcern’dly: unconcernedly, indifferently, disinterestedly
Slide: move or pass smoothly
Mix’d: mixed, combined
Recreation: enjoyable pastimes
Meditation: deep thought
Unseen: not seen, hidden
Unknown: not known, far from recognition
Unlamented: not grieved over
Steal: take away, move somewhere quietly
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city and was liable for a double taxation. Besides, he was suffering from
a series of diseases. To combat these handicaps, he possessed more than
the courage of a lion. The Rape of the Lock, Essay on Man, Essay on
Criticism and The Temple of Fame are a few of his major poems. The
Quiet Life is an alternative title for the poem Ode on Solitude, which is
justified. In this poem Pope is describing the characteristics of a happy
life, which are satisfaction, self-sufficiency and piety.
Central Idea of the Poem:
The central idea of the poem is happiness amidst solitude. Contentment
or happiness is at the centre of life of human beings. The poet, through
various illustrations
of man’s daily life,
presents before the
reader his own life
style and the
ultimate desire of
leading a simple and
humble life and
depart quietly
without being
noticed or
recognized by
people.
Understanding the Poem:
Happy the man,………………………………………… in his own ground.
The happy man is satisfied with what he is having at present. He is not
interested in increasing his landed properties. His wish and care are
bound within the few acres of land given to him by his ancestors. He
also wishes not to go abroad to France or anywhere else to make money
or to enjoy, as others in his times did. He is content to breathe his native
air and live a simple and humble life in his own backyard. Thus
satisfaction is characteristic of a happy life.
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Whose herds with milk,……………………………………… in winter fire.
The happy man would be self-sufficient also. His herds would supply
him with milk and his flocks of black sheep with wool for his attire. He
would be earning his bread by cultivating his fields. And he would have
planted enough number of trees in his farmhouse which would yield
him a cool shade in the summer and enough firewood to burn in the
winter. Thus self-sufficiency is another characteristic of a happy life.
Blest, who can unconcern’dly……………………………… Quiet by day,
If somebody can watch without anxiety the passing of time, then he is
a blessed person indeed. Hours, days and years slide soft away as if a
sledge is sliding over the snow. Time progresses in a straight line and
no point in it will ever be repeated. The feelings and passions attached
to a particular moment can never be enjoyed anymore. Right actions of
the tiny moments constitutes what is happiness in life. Therefore the
happy man can unconcernedly observe the passing of time, in health of
body and peace of mind. It is the perfect attitude to Time. They still
remain healthy, happy and peaceful throughout the day.
Sound sleep by night;…………………………………… With meditation.
The nights of the happy man would be spent on sleeping sound. His
day time would be devoted to a recreation-like studying and some time
for leisure. It must be remembered here that not everyone are blessed
with successful book publishing and heavy royalties like the poet.
Study and ease together mixed is a sweet recreation indeed. A 30%
book reading, 10% life experience and the rest 60% travel makes
anyone’s life perfect. The happy man’s innocence, perfection and his
meditative traits makes him pleasing to the world. Thus piety, or
unchanging belief, also is characteristic of a happy life.
Thus let me live,…………………………………………… tell where I lie.
Like a truly happy man, the poet wishes to live unseen and unknown
and die unlamented. He wishes to withdraw quietly from this world and
urges not to mourn over his death. He pleads people that not a stone
should be placed over his grave to tell where he lies. Thus he refuses to
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allow any sort of unwanted glory and recognition on his existence. The
happy poet is here contemplating Solitude.
Comprehension Exercises
Choose the most suitable option:
1. What does a happy man wish and care?
a. A few paternal acres bound
b. A bank deposit
c. A loan
d. Neighbour’s land
2. What is the man content with?
a. Lot of property
b. Breathing his native air
c. Gold and silver
d. Company of neighbours
3. Where does the man get milk from?
a. Dairy at the town
b. Neighbour’s cow
c. His own herd of cows
d. Milkman
4. Where does the man get his bread from?
a. Neighbour’s kitchen
b. Municipality kitchen
c. Ration shop in the town
d. His own fields
5. What does the word ‘unconcern’dly’ mean in this poem?
a. The happy man does not care whether his animals and
fields prosper or not
b. The happy man is unconcerned about his health
c. The happy man has no worries or botheration about hours,
days or years because his simple life gives him all he
needs
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d. The happy man is unconcerned about making lots of
money
6. Why doesn’t the man want any stone to be placed on his grave?
a. Wants to be remembered by others
b. Wants to be lamented over
c. Wants an unlamented and unknown death
d. Wants to live longer
Answer in your own words:
1. Is this true of today’s young people? Explain your answer.
2. How are these provided for in the poet’s idea of a perfect life?
3. Do you find study hours relaxing?
4. What pressures do you face when you study in ways that the
poet does not mention here?
5. Which two words suggest a quiet life?
6. Which three consecutive words suggest that the poet does not
want an inscription on his grave?
7. Do you think that the lifestyle recommended by the poet is a
balanced one?
8. How could the modern farmer enrich his life by using
technology in his life and work?
Activity:
Agree with your teacher that you will not watch TV at home for a
certain number of days. Keep a diary of what you did instead and make
notes on how you felt during this time. Bring your diary notes to the
class at the end of this period and share your experience with the class.
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Answer Keys:
Comprehension Exercises
Choose the most suitable option:
1. a. a few paternal acres bound
2. b. breathing his native air
3. c. his own herd of cows
4. d. his own fields
5. c. The happy man has no worries or botheration about hours, days
or years because his simple life gives him all he needs
6. c. wants an unlamented and unknown death
***THE END***