Page:Tales and Legends from the Land of the Tzar.djvu/109

Rh and rushed to the balconies and windows; and what was their amazement when they beheld a carriage of pure gold, with diamond windows, drive up to the palace-gates, with six beautiful white horses and powdered footmen! But out of this wonderful vehicle there stepped a most beautiful princess, clad in garments of gold and silver, with such a number of diamonds about her that, together with her marvellous beauty, they dazzled the eyes of the lookers-on, and lighted up the palace and court as though by lightning. Prince Akem felt rather puzzled; but she went straight up to him, and put her arm through his, and led him into the grand reception-room, where the king and his courtiers were waiting. They were greatly charmed with this beautiful frog-princess. As for the king himself, he was too delighted to speak or do anything. A grand feast was then ordered, and they all descended into the dining-hall, where they made merry, eating and drinking as much as they pleased, and then they proposed the health of Prince Akem and his frog-princess. The most remarkable thing about the frog-princess was that, whenever there was any wine left in her glass, she at once poured it down her left sleeve, and what little meat there was left on her plate she threw down her right sleeve.

Prince Egor's wife, having noticed this, thought she would do the same. Later on in the evening the frog-princess danced with Prince Akem. While the rest looked on as they danced, she waved her left hand three times in the air, and lo! and behold a little pond appeared. She then waved her right hand, and