Page:Russian Fairy Book (N. H. Dole).djvu/84

 when the Gray Wolf came galloping into Tsar Afron's realm the prince was utterly dejected and began to weep tearfully.

The Gray Wolf asked him: "What are you weeping about, Prince Ivan?"

And in reply Prince Ivan said to him: "My friend Gray Wolf, how can I help weeping and help feeling dejected? I have fallen over head and ears in love with the beautiful Queen Helena and now I must give her up to Tsar Afron in exchange for the gold-maned horse; and if I don't give her up to him, then Tsar Afron will proclaim me dishonourable to all the nations."

"I have served you greatly, Prince Ivan," said the Gray Wolf, "but I will serve you in this service also. Listen, Prince Ivan! I will take the form of the beautiful Queen Helena, and you must give me to Tsar Afron and take the gold-maned horse. He will regard me as the real queen. And when you have mounted the gold-maned horse and have gone far, far away, then I will ask Tsar Afron to go and take a walk in the open field. And as soon as he lets me go with the maidens and nobles of the court, and I am with them in the open field, then do you call me to mind and I will be with you again."