THE PRINCESS TO BE KISSED AT A CHARGE
We still say that we are clever, but our elders go and quarrel with us and say, "No, we had more sense than you." But the tale tells that, even when our grandfathers had not learned their lessons and our great-great-great-great-grandfathers had not been born, in a certain kingdom, in a certain land, once there lived an old man who had taught his three sons reading and writing.
"Now, children," he said to them, "I shall die; do you come and read prayers over my grave."
"Very well, bátyushka" the three sons answered. And the two elder brothers were indeed fine lads, and they grew up fine stout fellows; but the youngest, Vanyúshka,[1] was under-sized, like a starved duckling, and flat-chested. The old man, their father, died.
Just about then a decree was issued by the Tsar that his daughter, Eléna Tsarévna the Fair, had ordered a temple to be built for her, with twelve columns and twelve wreaths. She was going to sit in this temple on a lofty throne, and was going to wait for the bridegroom—the valiant man who should on a flying horse, at a single spring, kiss her on the lips. All the young folks were bustling about, washing themselves clean, combing their hair, and considering to whom should the great honour fall.
"Brothers," Vanyúshka said, "our father is dead: who of us will go and read prayers on his grave?"
"Whoever wishes may go," answered the brothers.
So the youngest went. But the elders got ready and mounted their horses, curled their hair, dyed their hair; and all their kinsmen gathered round.
- ↑ Diminutive of Iván; so too Ványa.
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