Page:Russian Fairy Book (N. H. Dole).djvu/165

 me beyond the thrice-nine lands, in the thirtieth kingdom, at the ends of the earth, with Koshchei the Deathless."

So saying, she turned into a white swan and flew out of the window.

Prince Ivan wept bitterly, but you see there was no help for it. For a whole year Prince Ivan longed for his wife. The next year he made up his mind, asked his father's permission and his mother's blessing, said his prayers to God, bowing to all four sides, and started forth whither eyes look. He travelled far and near, he wandered up and down. At last he chanced to fall in with a little old man who accosted him:

"Your health, my dear lad! and what are you seeking for, and whither are you going?"

The prince told him about his misfortune. "Eh! Prince Ivan, why did you burn up the frogskin? You didn't have to put it on, and you didn't have to take it off. Yasilisa the All- Wise was born cleverer and keener witted than her father. That was why he was angry with her and commanded her to be a frog for three years. Here is a little ball for you; wherever it rolls, follow it boldly."

Prince Ivan thanked the old man and started