Page:Russian Fairy Book (N. H. Dole).djvu/134

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MARYA MOREVNA

Now Prince Ivan wept bitterly, and started down the road.

"Whatever happens I will go and find Marya Morevna," he said.

He went one day, he went two days, and at dawn of the third he saw a wonderful palace, and near the palace stood an oak-tree, and on the oak-tree sat a bright Hawk. The Hawk flew down from the oak-tree and as soon as he lighted on the ground he turned into a fine young man and cried out:

"Ah, my beloved brother-in-law! I hope the Lord is good to you!"

The Princess Mary a came running out, and she joyously welcomed Prince Ivan, and began to ask him about his health, and to tell him all about her manner of life.

The prince stayed with them three days, and then said: "I cannot stay any longer with you; I am going in search of my wife, Marya Morevna, the beautiful queen."

"It will be hard for you to find her," said the Hawk. "Leave here your silver spoon at all events; we shall be able to look at it and remember you by it."

Prince Ivan left his silver spoon with the Hawk and went on his way. He went one day, went