Page:The Russian Garland of Fairy Tales.djvu/159

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BULAT THE BRAVE COMPANION

Bulat, the Brave Companion?' and I will instantly come to you and serve you faithfully in your need."

So saying, Bulat cried with a loud voice:


"Sivka Burka! he!
Fox of Spring! Appear!
Like a grass blade, here
Stand before me!"


Instantly a steed stood before Bulat the Brave, who crept into his ear, ate and drank his fill, and then crept out at the other ear; and he became such a handsome youth as no one can imagine, no pen can describe, nor story tell. Then Bulat mounted his horse and galloped off, exclaiming: Farewell, then, for the present, Ivan Tsarevich!"

Ivan now mounted his good steed and rode to his father, and with tears in his eyes, took leave of him; then, taking with him his squire, he rode forth into foreign lands. And after they had ridden for some time they came to a wood; the day was bright and hot, and Ivan Tsarevich grew thirsty. So they wandered all about the wood, seeking water, but could find none. At length they found a deep well, in which there was some water; and Ivan said to his squire: "Go down the well and

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