THE REALMS OF COPPER, SILVER AND GOLD
Once upon a time there was an old man and his old wife, and they had three sons. One was called Egórushko Zalyót;[1] the second was called Mísha Kosolápy;[2] and the third was called Iváshko Zapéchnik.[3] The parents wanted to secure wives for them, and sent the eldest son out to seek a bride. He went for a long time, and saw many maidens, but he took none to wife, for he liked none well enough. On the way he met a three-headed dragon, and was very frightened.
The dragon asked him, "Whither are you going, brave youth?"
"I am going a-wooing, but I cannot find a bride."
"Come with me; I will take you where you may find one."
So they journeyed together till they came to a great heavy stone; and the dragon said to him: "Lift that stone off, then you will find what you are seeking." And Egórushko endeavoured to lift the stone away, but he failed. Then the dragon said: "I have no bride for you here!"
So Egórushko went back home, and he told his father and mother all he had gone through. And the parents reflected for a long time. And they at last sent Mísha Kosolápy on the same journey. He met the dragon after many days, and asked him to show him how he should get a bride. The dragon bade him go with him. And they came to the stone. Mísha tried to lift it away, but
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