dle of this glade Stands a hill, of silver made. There it is that every morn Fire-Birds flock before the dawn, Water from the stream to drink. We will catch them there, I think." With these words, he swiftly ran To the glade, with our Ivan. What a meadow met their sight- Blades of grass, like emeralds bright! And the breezes, as they blew, Scattered sparkles through the dew; Flowers sweet of beauty rare Blossomed in the meadow there. In the middle of this glade Rose a hill, of silver made, Like an airy tower bright, With its summit hid from sight. And the sun, with gentle blaze, Gilds it with its summer rays Till the peak in splendour bright Flashes like a beacon light. Up the hill the humpback flew, And he climbed a mile or two- Then he stopped and tossed his head, Flapping both his ears, and said: "Look-it's getting dark, Ivan, You must watch as best you can; Mix some wine and grain-enough, But not more, to fill one trough; And to hide yourself from sight, 'Neath the other trough sit tight. Make no sound, and mind you keep Eyes and ears alert-don't sleep- You will see, at dawn of day, Flocks of Fire-Birds come this way. They will peck your grain, and chatter In their language-but no matter- Seize the nearest one, Ivan, Hold it fast as fast you can; When you have that Fire-Bird tight, Shout for me with all your might; I shall come without delay." "Won't they burn my fingers, say?" To his horse exclaimed Ivan As he spread out his kaftan. "Mittens I shall have to wear, They might be too hot to bear." Here, from sight his humpback swept; With a grund, Ivan then crept Underneath a trough, where he Lay as still as still could be. Suddenly, at dead of night, All the hill-side blazed with light, And it seemed as though 'twere day- Twas a flock of Fire-Birds-they Swooped upon the wine-soaked wheat, Screamed and hopped on drunken feet. While Ivan, from them well hidden In his trough, as he was bidden, Gazed on them in wonder and, Waving wildly with his hand, Murmured: "goodness gracious me! What strange creatures do I see! Now, if I could catch them all, It would make a lovely haul! Quite a half a hundred there! They are beauties, I declare! Feet all red, upon my word! But their tails-they're just absurd! Surely chickens never had Tails like that, Ivan my lad! Then again-this blinding light! Father's stove is not so bright!" Our Ivan his long speech ended And his heavy trough up-ended, Grunting softly from the strain, Crawled until he reached the grain. Then the nearest bird he seized By its shining tail-and sneezed; "Oh, my little humpback dear, Hurry fast-come, do you hear! I have caught a Fire-Bird-see," Roared our fool most lustily. Lo, the humpback stood beside him, Saying: "Good-now quickly hide him In your sack, and hold on tight, For we haven't got all night." But Ivan the Fool said: "Oh, Let me scare them ere we go. Look-they've had so much to eat That they can't stand on their feet!" Said Ivan, and then and there With his sack he beat the air. In a blinding blaze of light Started up the flock in fright, Wheeling in a ring of fire, Soaring to the clouds, and higher. While Ivan, with crazy laughter, Waved his mittens, running after, Yelling madly, just as though He had swallowed soap, you know. When the birds had gone from view, Our Ivan, without ado, Made the royal treasure fast And set off for home at last. Finally, they reached the Court, And the Tsar cried: "Have you brought Me the Fire-Bird? "-while he eyed His attendant by his side, Who (the chamberlain, I mean) Stood and bit his nails in spleen. "Yes, of course," replied Ivan. "Then, where is it, my young man?" "Wait a minute, and you'll see! Bid them first, Your Majesty, Shut the chamber casement tight, Draw the shades, keep out the light." All the lords-in-waiting ran, Closed the casement for Ivan. Flinging down his sack with pride, "Ups-a-daisy, dear," he cried. Blinded by the flood of light, They all screened their eyes in fright, And the Tsar, in accents dire, Shouted: "Gracious! We're on fire! Water-call the fire brigade! What a fire this fool has made!" Tears a-streaming from his eyes, Our bird-catcher, laughing, cries: "No, no-this is not a fire- It is but your Fire-Bird, Sire. It's a lovely plaything, see, That I've brought Your Majesty!" Said the Tsar for all to hear: "Vanya, friend, I love you, dear, And, in token of my joy, Be my Royal Groom, my boy!" Then the former Chief of Horse- (Yes, the chamberlain, of course) Muttered to himself in hate: "No, you ill-bred milksop-wait! You won't always prosper so, Have such foolish luck-oh no! I'll get you in trouble, yet! Yes, I will, my little pet!" Now, one evening, three weeks after, Loud the kitchen rang with laughter, Palace cooks and servants sat Round the table for a chat, Passing round the golden mead, While one "Yeruslan" did read; "You should see," another said, "What a lovely book I read- I just borrowed it today- Why, it takes your breath away! Actually, it's pretty small- Only has five tales in all, But I'm sure that you have never Heard of tales so strange and clever." In one voice, they cried aloud: "Tell us, brother, don't be proud." "Well then, make your choice," said he. "There are five-so let us see- First, we have 'The Beaver Beast'" Then-'The Lady from the East'; Next-God help me-here you are- Yes, the third's about a Tsar; 'Prince Bobyl' is number four Then, you know, there's just one more, Number five-the last of all... Which I simply can't recall." "Never mind, then"-"Wait a minute-" "Has it got a beauty in it?" "So it has. The fifth, I swear, Tells about the Tsar-Maid Fair. So, my friends, just choose and say Which one shall I read today?" "Of the Tsar-Maid," they replied, "We are tired of tsars," they cried. So the servant, then and there, Started with a solemn air: "In a distant clime, my brothers, Flows an ocean, like no others; And it washes foreign shores, And it's sailed by blackamoors; From true Christian soil, however, Noblemen, nor peasants, never Sailed those pagan waters-though Merchants who have sailed, and know, Tell about a maiden fair Living on that ocean there. She's no common maiden, see- Daughter to the moon is she, And she's sister to the sun; This fair maid, the stories run, In a scarlet dress arrayed, Sails a boat-of gold it's made; And she wields a silver oar, Steers that boat from shore to shore; Gusli in her hand, she sings As she plucks its silver strings." At these words, the chamberlain Bounded up, as if insane; To the Royal Chamber sped, Where he found the Tsar in bed; Bowed his head, and with a bang Hit the floor, and whining sang: "To confess, 0 Majesty, I have dared to come to thee! Be not angry with thy slave- Suffer me to speak, I crave!" "Speak up," was the Tsar's reply, "But be sure you do not lie." And the crafty chamberlain Murmured, as he bowed again: "We sat round the kitchen fire, Drinking to your health, 0 Sire; And we heard a story there Of the wondrous Tsar-Maid Fair. And your groom got up and said, Swearing by your Royal Head, That he knew this birdie-yes- So he called her, I confess; And, 0 Sire, it's also true That he bragged to catch her, too." And the chamberlain once more Banged his head upon the floor. "Hey! my groom at once to me!" Roared the Tsar impatiently. Satisfied, the chamberlain Raised himself erect again, While the lords-in-waiting ran - Hastily to fetch Ivan. In his nightshirt, straight from bed, To the Tsar Ivan was led. "Listen," thus the Tsar began, "I have been informed, Ivan, That just now, my lad, you said, Swearing by my Royal Head, That, did I but say the word, You could bring another bird For your Monarch-you did swear You could catch the Tsar-Maid Fair." "God save you from every harm," Cried the Tsar's groom in alarm. "Really, only in a dream Could I say such things, I deem. But no matter what you say You will not fool me this way!" Wrathfully, the Tsar's beard shook: "What-me argue with you? Look-If you do not bring to me That Tsar-Maid, in sennights three, To my Royal Chamber-now, By my Royal Beard, I vow- Hide yourself where e'er you please, Under ground, or under seas- I'll have you impaled, my man! Off, you scum!" In tears, Ivan To the hayloft made his way, Where his little humpback lay. "Why, Ivanushka, so sad? What's the matter now, my lad?" Little humpbacked horse enquired; "Are you ill? or only tired? What's the trouble? Tell me who Has upset you? Tell me, do." And Ivan, in bitter tears, Kissed his little horse's ears Sobbing: "Oh, my humpback dear, I must bring the Tsar-Maid here. Oh, whatever shall I do?" In reply, his horse said: "True Your misfortune's great, I know But I'll help you in your woe. You rejected my advice- Now, you have to pay the price; But, Ivan, 'twixt you and me, This is easy as can be. Service lies ahead, my man; Now, go to the Tsar, Ivan, Say: To catch the Tsar-Maid, Sire, Two large cloths I shall require, And a tent of gold brocade, And a dinner-service, made All of gold, from overseas; Sweetmeats, too, her taste to please.'" So Ivan with fearless tread Went back to the Tsar, and said: "For the Tsar-Maid's capture, Sire, Two large cloths I will require, And a tent of gold brocade, And a dinner-service, made All of gold, from overseas; Sweetmeats, too, her taste to please." "Ah-at last you've found your head," Yawned the Tsar, and from his bed Gave his lords most strict commands To fulfil Ivan's demands. Called Ivan a brave young man, Said: "God-speed to you, Ivan." Dawn had scarce begun to peep, Humpback roused Ivan from sleep: "Hey, my lad, stop snoring, do, Up! your duty's calling you." So Ivan got up and dressed Warmly for his royal quest; Took the tent of gold brocade, Took the dinner-service, made All of gold, from overseas, Sweetmeats, too, her taste to please. Took the cloths, and everything Tied up tightly with a string, Put it all into a sack, Climbed upon his horse's back, Chewing on a piece of bread, To the rising sun he sped, Off to seek the Tsar-Maid Fair. Seven days they rode, I swear; When the eighth day dawned, they stood In a dark and dense green wood, Here the humpback stopped, and said: "See-the ocean lies ahead- There it is, the whole year round, This Tsar-Maiden can be found; Only twice a year, not more, Does she spend the day on shore; And, tomorrow, I've a notion, We shall see her on the ocean." Then he galloped fast once more Till they reached the ocean shore; In the distance, they could see One white wave roll languidly. Then Ivan dismounted. "Here," Said the humpback in his ear, "Pitch your tent of gold brocade, Lay the cloth, and service, made All of gold from overseas, And the sweets her taste to please. Hide behind the tent, and see That you don't act foolishly. Yonder-see, the boat is nearing, With the Tsar-Maid in it, steering. She'll walk in the tent-but you Let her be, what e'er you do; Let her walk inside the tent, Eat and drink to heart's content. When you hear her Gusli play, Rush inside without delay, Seize the Tsar-Maid-hold her tight, Shout for me with all your might. You won't need to call me twice- I'll be with you in a trice, And we'll go-but mind you keep All your wits awake-don't sleep; For if you but let her go, You'll be in for lots of woe. " Then he flew off, like the wind, Leaving our Ivan behind; And Ivan, as he was told, Hid behind the tent of gold, There he pierced the gold brocade, So that he could watch the Maid. As the noonday sun shone clear, To the shore the Maid drew near; Gusli in her hand, she went Straight inside the golden tent. "Hm! So that's the Tsar-Maid Fair, " Breathed the groom-"! do declare All those tales were simply lies When they praised her to the skies; She is not the least bit pretty- Pale and skinny, more's the pity; And her chicken legs, so thin! Why-it really is a sin! Let who wills, take her to wife- 1 would not, to save my life." Here the Tsar-Maid plucked a string, And so sweetly did she sing That Ivan, quite unaware, Drooped his sleepy head right there, Closed his eyes in slumber deep, Lulled by her sweet voice to sleep. Slowly sank the sun from sight. Suddenly, he woke in fright; By him, furiously neighing, Stood his horse and kicked him, saying; "Sleep, my lad, sleep till tomorrow- Sleep, and wake to grief and sorrow- You will be impaled, not I!" Here Ivan began to cry, Sobbing on his horse's mane, Saying: "I won't sleep again- Pardon me this once, please do!" "Well, the Lord will pardon you," Said his humpback in reply- "Maybe all's not lost; we'll try And perhaps we'll mend things yet- But-no sleeping-don't forget! For again, at break of day, That Fair Maid will steer this way; She will go into the tent, On your honeyed mead intent; Only-mind what I have said, Otherwise, you'll lose your head." Humpback disappeared once more, And Ivan searched on the shore For some flints and rusty nails From the wrecks of stranded sails, To arouse him, should once more He, by chance, begin to snore. It was early morning when That Tsar-Maiden came again, Beached her boat once more and sped, By the fragrant odours led, To the dainties which were laid In the tent of gold brocade ... And again she plucked a string, And so sweetly did she sing That Ivanushka once more Felt as sleepy as before. "No, you nasty little cheat," Growled Ivan, upon his feet- "This time you won't get away You will not fool me today." And, unmoved by her sweet song, Seized her by her tresses long... "Help me, help me, Humpback dear, Hurry to me, do you hear!" In a flash, his horse stood there- Saying: "Well done, I declare! Mount me quickly, now, Ivan, Hold her tight as tight you can." At the Palace gates, at last They arrived; the Tsar ran fast To the Fair Tsar-Maiden and Led her by her lily hand 'Neath a silken canopy To his royal throne; then he Fondly gazing in her eyes Said, with honeyed voice, and sighs: "Peerless, beautiful princess- Be my bride! Agree-say yes! When I first saw you, desire Burned within my breast like fire! Oh! Your lovely eyes so bright- They will haunt me day and night! They will torture me by day And at nights, drive sleep away! Say but one sweet word to me Everything is ready, see- And tomorrow, oh my life, We'll be wedded man and wife, And live happy as the May.' She, however, turned away From the Tsar, with scornful eye, And refused to make reply. But this only added fire To his passionate desire- Kneeling, he her fingers pressed, Tenderly her hands caressed, And repeated foolishly: "Say but one sweet word to me! Wherein have I grieved you, pray? Is my love so hateful, say?" "Lack-a-day, and woe is me," Said the Tsar-Maid mournfully- "If you love me truly, bring Me in three days' time, my ring Lying in the ocean bed- Only then can we be wed." Eagerly the Tsar roared: "Hey! Fetch Ivan at once, I say!" And excited, almost ran Off himself to fetch Ivan! When Ivan appeared, the Tsar Turned to him and murmured: "Ah! Vanya-here's a job for you- Go down to the ocean blue; From its bottom, you must bring Me the Tsar-Maid's signet-ring. If you execute this task, I will give you all you ask." "But I've only just got back, And my joints are fit to crack; Now you've found another quest! Can't I even have a rest?" "Sirrah! dare you tell me tarry? Can't you see I want to marry?" Raged the Tsar, and with a roar Stamped his foot upon the floor. "No more arguments, I say- Now, be off without delay!" As Ivan turned round to go, The Tsarevna called out: "Oh, Listen-visit, on your way, My green mansions, and convey Greetings to my mother dear- Say, her daughter-do you hear- Asks, why she conceals her rays These three nights and these three days; Why my handsome brother shrouds His bright face in gloomy clouds, Never sending rays of love From the misty heights above? Don't forget my message, now." As Ivan made his last bow, "I will not forget," he said, "If it doesn't slip my head; But please tell me who's your brother? Also, tell me who's your mother? I don't know them, I confess." In reply, the fair princess Said: "The Moon-she is my mother, And the Sun-he is my brother." "See you're back in time, my man!" Called the bridegroom to Ivan, Who retired and made his way To his humpback in the hay. "Why, Ivanushka, so sad? What's the matter now, my lad?" Said his humpback with a neigh. "Help me, little humpback, pray, For the Tsar now wants to wed That there skinny girl, he said. And," Ivan said to his horse, "He must. send me off, of course, On a journey to the sea- Only gave three days to me- And some cursed signet-ring From the sea bed I must bring! For that skinny Tsar-Maid, I Have to travel to the sky- Give her compliments and love To the Sun and Moon above. And besides, there are a few Questions I must ask them, too. " Said his horse: "Twixt you and me, This is easy as can be; Service, brother, lies ahead! Now, you just go off to bed. Early in the morning, we Will be travelling to the sea." In the morning, fresh from rest, Our Ivan, now warmly dressed, Put three onions in his pack, Climbed upon his horse's back And sped on his distant quest... Brothers-let me have a rest! PART THREE Till yesterday, Makar used to follow the plough. But look at him today-he's a Voivode now! Ta-ra-n-ra, ta-ra-rai, All the horses ran away; But the peasants, at long last, Caught them all and bound them fast. Master Raven, croak, croak, croak, Blows his trumpet on an oak And amuses Christian true, Singing: "Now folks, listen, do- Once a peasant and his wife Led a very merry life. He was always blithe and gay, She was merry as the May; When he danced and when she sang, Then with mirth the village rang." This is but the prelude, friends, And my tale starts when it ends. Hark to what the house-fly's singing As upon our gates it's swinging: "What's the price for news today? News-fresh news-what will you pay? Have you heard? The new-wed wife Got the beating of her life From her husband's mother-who Tied her to the oven, too; Trussed her up, secure and neat, Took her shoes from off her feet. 'Leave the lads alone,' she said, And at nights just stay in bed.'" Now my prelude's said and done, And my story is begun. Well, Ivan rode off to bring Back the Tsar-Maid's signet-ring; And his horse flew like the wind, Leaving miles and leagues behind- Twenty thousand leagues, ere night, Covered in a single flight. Near the sea, he loudly neighed Saying: "We will reach a glade In a minute, maybe more, Leading to the ocean shore, Where, with monster head and tail, Lies the Monster-Marvel Whale. These ten years he lies in pain, Ignorant of how to gain Pardon, to this very day. He will humbly beg and pray That you pardon for him gain When we reach the Sun's domain. Promise him, Ivan, and see That you do so faithfully!" When they reached the glade, they flew Straight towards the ocean blue; There, across it, lay the whale- Monster head and monster tail; He was all one mass of holes, From his ribs grew stakes and poles; On his tail-a forest black; And a village on his back; Peasants on his lip drove ploughs, Children danced between his brows; Oak-trees on his huge jaws grew, Maidens there sought mushrooms, too. Clatter, clatter, clatter, clack, Rode the humpback o'er his back, While the Monster-Marvel Whale Eyed them as he swished his tail, Opening his huge jaws wide As most bitterly he sighed: "May God speed you, gentles two- Whither bound, and whence are you?" "We're the Tsar-Maid's envoys, see- From the capital are we," Little humpbacked horse replied- "Eastward, to the Sun, we ride, To his residence of gold." "Fathers, may I make so bold," Said the whale, "to beg of you, When you reach the heavens blue, Ask the Sun, how long must I Suffer this disgrace, and why? For what sins, let him explain, Must I bear this grief and pain?" "Yes, yes, Monster Whale, all right," Yelled Ivan with all his might, While the whale, with bitter cries, Begged Ivan, between his sighs: "Please have pity on poor me- These ten years I'm suffering, see- Do this favour for me, do, I will serve you some day too!" "Yes, yes, Monster Whale, all right!' Yelled Ivan with all his might. Then his horse, with one leap bore Vanya to the other shore, Leaving clouds of dust behind As he flew on like the wind. Near or far, or high or low, How they travelled, I don't know- Nor did anybody say If they saw them on the way; Tales, you know, are quickly spun, Deeds are sooner said than done; Only, brothers, I did hear (Indirectly, though, I fear) That the humpback came to where Earth meets sky; and it is there, Peasant maidens, spinning flax, Use the clouds as distaff racks. Bidding Mother Earth good-bye, Vanya rode up to the sky; Like a prince, he proudly flew Through the skies, his hat askew. "What a wonder-Oh, I say," Mused Ivan aloud, as they Rode the cloudy meadows blue- "Though our country's pretty, too, But compared with this blue sky, It's not worth a button-why, Our old Earth down there is so Black and muddy, as you know; Here, the soil is bright and blue, And how brilliant it is, too! But, my horse, what can that be In the East, up yonder, see- Gleaming like the dawn up there ? That must be, I do declare, Nothing but the sun's chief city, But-how high up, more's the pity!" "That's the Tsar-Maid's tower you see, Our Tsaritsa's that's to be," Neighed the humpback in his ear: "Every night the Sun sleeps here, And, here every day, the Moon Comes to take her rest at noon." Palace portals met their sight, Crowned in crystal, gleaming bright; All its pillars made of gold, Twisted cunningly, and scrolled On each pillar shone a star; Round the palace, near and far, Fragrant gardens, fair to see, Spread in verdant brilliancy. Birds of paradise were singing In their golden cages, swinging 'Mong the silver branches there. Mansions rose there, tall and fair. Stars upon the palace spire, Burning with a holy fire, Formed a Christian Cross, whose rays Set the heavens all ablaze. Through the portals then they rode And Ivan, dismounting, strode To the palace, with bare head. There he saw the Moon, and said: "Greetings, gracious Moon Moonovich, I'm Ivanushka Petrovich And from countries far away Greetings I bring you today." "Take a seat, Ivan Petrovich," Murmured gracious Moon Moonovich, "Tell me now, and let me know, Why you left the Earth below For our realms so bright and blue; From what people, land are you? How you found your way, confess- Tell me all the truth, no less!" "From a land on Earth I come, From a realm of Christiandom," Sitting down, Ivan replied. "I have crossed the ocean wide My Tsaritsa's will to do- In your palace, bow to you- Then repeat these words-now hear: Tell my darling mother dear That her daughter down below, On the Earth, desires to know Why, for these three nights and days, She conceals from her her rays; Why my handsome brother shrouds His bright face in gloomy clouds, Never sending rays of love From his misty heights above?-' This is all-I think-though young, She has got a silver tongue. It's not easy to recall Every word that she let fall." "Which Tsaritsa-who is she?" "Why, the Tsar-Maid, don't you see?" "What-our Tsar-Maid ?-you don't say It was you stole her away?" With a gasp cried Moon Moonovich. And Ivanushka Petrovich Answered: "Why, yes-surely Ma'am- I'm the Royal Groom, I am. And our Tsar gave me just three Weeks to find and fetch her, see? Otherwise, you see, he said, I would lose my curly head." Here the Moon in glad surprise Hugged Ivan and dried her eyes. "Okh, Ivanushka Petrovich," Murmured gracious Moon Moonovich, "You have brought such news today That I don't know what to say; When we lost our dear Princess, How we mourned, you'll never guess; That's the reason why, you see, I've been grieving bitterly These three nights and these three days, In dark clouds concealed my rays; All this time I mourned and wept, Never ate a crumb, nor slept- This is why her brother shrouds His bright face in gloomy clouds; Why he sends no warming rays Down to Earth these many days, Shedding many a bitter tear, Mourning for his sister dear. Let me know, though-is she well- Is she homesick for us, tell?" "She'd be pretty, I would say, But she's wasting right away; She's as skinny as can be Only skin and bones, you see- When she's married, though, no doubt She'll improve and get quite stout, For the Tsar will wed her soon." "What? The villain!" screamed the Moon- "Why-he's eighty, if a day, And he wants to wed with May! I declare, upon my life, She will never be his wife; See what that old nasty toad Wants-to reap, who never sowed. Why, he's greedy as he's vain!" Here Ivan spoke up again: "Please do not deny this boon For the whale, 0 gracious Moon- O'er the ocean down below Lies a Monster Whale, you know- He is all one mass of holes, From his ribs stick stakes and poles And, poor thing, he begged me to Speak for him when I saw you- Why has he deserved this pain, And how can he pardon gain? Will he get his freedom soon?" In reply, the lustrous Moon Said: "He bears this punishment, For, without the Lord's consent, Thirty ships, one day, he swallowed As their ocean course they followed. If he sets them free again God will take away his pain, All his wounds He will assuage And reward him with old age." Here Ivan rose from his chair, Said: "Farewell" with courtly air, Thrice he kissed the bright Moon's face, Clasping her in warm embrace. "Well, Ivanushka Petrovich," Murmured gracious Moon Moonovich, "Many, many thanks to you From my son and from me, too; Put my daughter's mind at ease With my blessing, Vanya, please; Tell my daughter that I say: 'Mother's with you night and day- Cease from grieving-sigh no more- Soon will end your sorrow sore, For you'll never never wed Any greybeard, toothless head, But a young and handsome man.' God be with you, now, Ivan." Bowing low as best he knew, Vanya climbed his humpback true, Whistled like a noble knight Then rode back with all his might. Next day, our Ivan once more Came up to the ocean shore; Clatter, clatter, clatter, clack Rode he over that whale's back, While the Monster-Marvel Whale Sighed and slowly waved his tail, Saying: "Sires-about my boon? Will I get my freedom soon?" But the humpback merely said: "Wait, 0 Whale," and ran ahead To the village market-place Where he called the populace; Tossed his coal-black mane and head, Snorted thrice, and loudly said: "Heed my words, 0 Christians true- Mark what I am telling you- If you wish to keep away From a briny grave today, Get you gone this minute, now; Wonders will take place, I vow, For the Monster Whale will turn And the sea will seethe and churn." Here the peasants, great and small, Christians true-they one and all Hurried off to home and farm, Crying out in wild alarm; Gathered all their carts, and placed All their goods on them in haste And, with many a woeful wail, Fled from off that Monster Whale; And, by noon, you could not find Anybody left behind. Twas as though Mamai's fierce horde Had swept the land with fire and sword. O'er its tail the humpback sped, Reached and bent down to its head, Shouted loud as loud could be: "Listen, Monster Whale, to me! All this is your punishment- For, without the Lord's consent, Thirty ships, one day, you swallowed As their ocean course they followed; If you set them free again He will take away your pain, All your wounds he will assuage, And reward you with old age." And, when his long speech was said, Bit his bridle, tossed his head, Gave one leap-and lo, once more Stood upon the distant shore. Then the Monster Whale turned round, Like a mighty heaving mound; Threshed the ocean with his tail, And a fleet of thirty sail One by one cast from his jaws, Sails and sailors, boats and oars. Such a din here rent the deep That the Sea-King woke from sleep. Brazen guns in broadsides flashed, Trumpets blared and cymbals crashed, And the chaplain with his choir Held a Mass amid the fire. White sails were unfurled at last, Flags flew gaily from each mast; And the sailors sang this song As they rowed their ships along: "O'er the billows, o'er the sea, O'er the ocean wide and free, At the bottom of the world, Fly our ships with sails unfurled." All the ships sailed out of view, Hidden by the billows blue, While the Monster-Marvel Whale Threshed the waters with his tail, Opened up his jaws so wide, Lifted up his voice, and cried: "Tell me, friends, what can I do In return, or give to you? Coloured sea-shells, do you wish? Would you care for golden fish? Lovely pearls? Oh-anything You may ask for, I will bring." "No, 0 Whale-fish," said Ivan- "We don't need them; if you can, We would rather have you bring Us the Tsar-Maid's signet-ring From the bottom of the sea, For our Tsar's bride that's to be." "Certainly-for friends like you There is nothing I won't do; Ere the sun sets, I will bring You the lovely Maiden's ring," Said the whale, and sank like lead To the very ocean bed. There, the Monster-Marvel Whale Raised his voice and thumped his tail, Called the tribe of sturgeons, and Thus delivered his command: "Ere the sun sets, you must bring Me the Fair Tsar-Maiden's ring It is hidden in a chest; Who fulfils this my behest Will receive a title-he Privy Counsellor will be; But, if I am not obeyed, On my word-I'll have you flayed." At these words, the sturgeons bowed And withdrew in order proud. In another hour or so, Two white sturgeons, swimming slow, Humbly bending head and tail, Thus addressed the Monster whale: "Be not wrathful, 0 great Tsar! All the oceans, near and far, We have searched and ploughed-but we Of that ring no sign could see. Of your subjects, but one fish- That's the perch-can do your wish; He's at home in all the seas, He will find that ring with ease; But, perhaps it was in spite, That he left his home last night." "Have him found and brought to me To my cabin, instantly." Thundered wrathfully the whale Wiggling whiskers, fins and tail. Bowing low, the sturgeons raced To the county Court in haste; There they had a Royal Writ Drawn up instantly-to wit: That the brawling perch, when caught, To His Majesty be brought; It was penned in copper-plate By the bream, in duplicate; And the sheat-fish (Counsellor) Signed without the least demur; Then the lobster and the eel Sealed it with the Royal Seal, Called a pair of dolphins, who Were forthwith commissioned to Institute a thorough search For that vagrant brawling perch; And, when they had found the same, Seize him, in the Royal Name, And immediately to hale Him before the Royal Whale. Here the dolphins bowed assent And to seek the perch they went. So they searched an hour, or more, All the seas from shore to shore; All the lakes they searched, and they Searched each river, creek and bay For the perch-but all in vain, And, chagrined, turned back again, Almost shedding tears for shame ... Suddenly, from somewhere came Unexpectedly, a cry (From a little pond nearby); To the pond they turned, and they Dived below without delay; There, the perch in furious war With a little carp they saw; "Hist-the devil take you now," Roared the runners-"What a row! One might think from your loud cries You were fighting for a prize!" "Who asked you to interfere?" Cried the perch, who showed no fear, "I'm no joker-for two pins I would rip you with my fins." "Oh, you brawling vagabond, You, of squabbling always fond- You would only gad about, Rascal you, and fight and shout! Home and you just don't agree! But-why argue with you-see- Here's the Tsar's ukase that you Come to him without ado." Then they dragged the vagabond By his whiskers, through the pond, To the whale; the perch-fish, he Yelled and struggled furiously: "Brothers-let me give him one Little punch, and I'll be done! Why, that carp-fish, publicly, Yesterday insulted me, Called me names, and cursed me, too- Let me get at him, please do. " Long and loud he shouted, till, Willy-nilly, he grew still; While the dolphins swam with him Through the seas, in silence grim, Hauling him by gills and fins To the whale, for his black sins. "Traitor's son-what does this mean? You are late-where have you been?" Wrathfully roared out the whale, And the perch, all meek and pale, Begged for pardon on his fins And confessed to all his sins. "Well, I'll pardon you this time If you expiate your crime And fulfil my Royal Wish," Said the monarch of the fish. "I shall only be too proud," On his fins, the perch squealed loud. "You are always in and out Of the oceans-and no doubt, Saw the Tsar-Maid's ring?" "Yea, yea! I can find it straightaway." "Well, be off with you, and see That you bring it instantly." Then the perch, with humble tail, Bowed and left the Royal Whale; Railed the servants to their face, Tried to kiss a pretty dace, Punched a dozen sprats in play, Ere he went upon his way, After which, he fearlessly Dived into the slimy sea And, from out the ocean-bed, Dug a casket with his head Weighing no less than a ton. "This is easier said than done," Cried the perch; he gave a shout For the herrings to come out. Though the herrings did their best, Pushed and crowded round the chest, Squeaking, squealing, high and low, "Yo heave ho!" and "Yo, ho ho!" All their efforts were in vain- They grew hoarse from cries and strain, While that casket still stuck fast Till the perch cried out at last: "You're real herrings, yes indeed! Vodka? Knouts is what you need! Then, in dudgeon, quickly made Off to seek the sturgeons' aid. All the sturgeons flocked around And, without a single sound, Raised the little jewel box Stuck fast in the mud and rocks. "Well, you fellows-just take care," Said the perch-"and now, repair To the Tsar; while I shall go Home, and take a rest below. My poor eyes, they just can't keep Open-they're so full of sleep ..." And the sturgeons, then and there, Swam off to the Tsar with care, While the brawling vagabond Made his way toward the pond (Whence he had been hauled away Somewhat earlier that day) Back to fight the carp, may be- I can't say-no fish told me. But-forget him, if you can, Let's return to our Ivan. Calm reigned on the ocean, and Humming mournful, on the sand, Vanya sat with great concern, Waiting for the whale's return; On the beach, by Vanya's side, Slept his humpback true and tried. Evening shadows fell apace, And the Sun had run his race, Tinged the heavens with the blaze Of his slowly dying rays; But-no token of the whale. "May you rot from head to tail, Nasty boaster," cried Ivan- "You deceiving Sea-shaitan !- Promised faithfully you'd bring, Ere night fell, the Tsar-Maid's ring; See-the Sun has almost set And you haven't brought it yet, Liar ..." Here, the ocean surged, And the Monster Whale emerged; "For the kindness you did me, I have kept my promise-see-" Quoth he to our Vanya, and Plumped the casket on the sand, So, the shore rocked to and fro. "Now I've paid my debt, I'll go, But should you need me anew, Call me, and I'll come to you; I'll remember till I die What you've done for me-good-bye!" More than this, he did not say, Gave one splash and swam away. Humpback horse jumped up, awake, Gave his mane and tail a shake, At Ivanushka he glanced, Turned a somersault, and pranced: "Whale Whaleovich! Marvellous! You have paid your debt to us! Thank you, Monster Whale," called out Little hum