THE THOUGHTLESS ABBOT

Thomas Crane was an American scholar and writer, mostly known as a collector and publisher of folk-tales and legends. A master of many languages, Crane translated French, Italian and Spanish works, having become one of the most popular adapters of children’s fairy tales. 

«The Thoughtless Abbot» is Italian fairy tale which follows of a priest who became and abbot with specific thoughts. He thought only of eating, drinking, and sleeping. He needed nothing so other priests called him as the story titles. One day the Kingdom's king was told about this carefree person and asked him a favor to count all stars in the sky and this within three days and three nights, otherwise abbot would be beheaded. Lots of people would say it is an impossible task, so probably the abbot could perform it.