Page:Russian Fairy Book (N. H. Dole).djvu/63

Rh embroidery-frame and needle. Only keep the needle and it will sew of itself. When you reach the thrice-ninth empire, the thirtieth kingdom, and come to the blue sea, the Tsar's daughter will come to you, and she will want to buy the embroidery-frame and the needle; but, my pretty one, accept nothing in return. Only ask to have a look at the Bright-Hawk."

The young girl thanked the old dame, wept bitterly, but started off after the little ball. And now the forest began to grow thinner and thinner. Presently the blue sea, wide and free, spread out before her; and yonder, far, far away, glittering like fire, flamed golden towers on lofty marble palaces.

"That must be Finist the Bright-Hawk's empire," said the maiden to herself, and she sat down on the damp sea-sand, took out her silver distaff and her golden spindle and began to spin, and the golden thread was formed.

Soon there came along the beach the Tsar's daughter with her maidens, and when she saw the beautiful girl she stopped short and wanted to buy the silver distaff and the golden spindle.

"Only let me look at the Bright-Hawk, princess dear, and I will let you have them for nothing," replied the girl.