Thompson J2377 — The philosophical watchman

The philosophical watchman. A master sets his servant to keep watch over his horse at night. He soon asks the servant if he is asleep. "No, I was thinking of who created so many stars in the sky." The second time the servant answers, "No, I was thinking of who dug the sea. Where did he put the soil?" The third time: "I was wondering who would carry the saddle now that the horse is stolen." *Zachariae Zs. f. Vksk. XXX-XXXII 51; *Krappe Bulletin Hispanique XXXIX 23.