SILA TSAREVICH AND IVASHKA
heroes who had been suitors to Queen Truda. Sila shuddered on hearing this, and wished to return home without showing himself to the father of Truda; but Ivashka told him to fear nothing and go with him boldly; so Sila went on.
When they entered the kingdom, Ivashka said: "Hearken, Sila Tsarevich, I will be your servant, and when you enter the royal halls, salute King Salom humbly: then he will ask you whence you came, and whose son you are, what is your name and business. Tell him everything and conceal nothing; but say that you are come to sue for his daughter's hand; he will give her to you with great joy." So Sila Tsarevich went into the palace, and, as soon as Prince Salom saw him, he went himself to meet him, took him by his white hands, led him into the marble halls, and asked him: "Fair youth, from what country do you come, whose son are you, what is your name, and what is your business?" "I am from the kingdom of my father the Tsar Chotei," replied Sila; "my name is Sila Tsarevich, and I am come to sue for your daughter, the beautiful Queen Truda."
King Salom was overjoyed that the son of such a renowned Tsar should be his son-in-law, and immediately ordered his daughter to prepare for the wedding. And when the day for the marriage
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