Page:Russian Fairy Book (N. H. Dole).djvu/140

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MARYA MOREVNA

The Eagle dived down into the blue sea, seized the cask, and brought it up on shore. The Hawk flew off and brought the Water of Life. The Raven flew off and brought the Water of Death. All three settled down in one place, broke open the cask, took out the bits of Prince Ivan, washed them, and put them together as they belonged. The Raven sprinkled them with the Water of Death; the body grew together again, all in one piece. The Hawk sprinkled it with the Water of Life; Prince Ivan shuddered a little, got to his feet, and said: Oh, how long I have been sleeping!"

You would have slept much longer if it had not been for us," replied his brothers-in-law. "Now come and make us a visit."

"No, brothers, I am going to find Marya Morevna," he answered. So a fourth time he went on his quest, and when he found her he entreated her: "Find out from Koshchei the Deathless where he got such a good steed."

So Marya Morevna seized a favorable opportunity and began to ply Koshchei with questions. Koshchei said in reply:

"Beyond the thrice-nine kingdoms, in the thirtieth realm, beyond the fiery river, lives the Baba Yaga. She has such a mare, and on it every day