SILA TSAREVICH AND IVASHKA WITH THE WHITE SMOCK
THERE was once a Tsar, named Chotei,
who had three sons—the first, Aspar Tsarevich; the second, Adam Tsarevich; and
the third and youngest son, Sila Tsarevich. The
two eldest brothers entreated their father's permission to travel in foreign countries and see the
world. Then the youngest brother, Sila Tsarevich,
also begged the Tsar's permission to travel with
his brothers. But Chotei said: "My dear son,
you are still young, and not used to the difficulties
of travelling; remain at home, and think no more
of this fancy you have taken." But Sila Tsarevich
had a great longing to see foreign lands, and
entreated his father so much that at length the
Tsar consented, and gave him a ship likewise. As
soon as the three brothers embarked, each on
board his ship, they all gave orders to set sail. And
when they were out on the open sea, the eldest
brother's ship sailed first, the second brother's
next, and Sila Tsarevich sailed last.
On the third day of the voyage they saw a coffin with iron bands floating on the waves. The two
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