Page:Tales and Legends from the Land of the Tzar.djvu/246

230 commenced. In a very short time the king defeated his enemy, and gained a splendid victory.

We have already said that Simeon-the-Youthful fell into the deep blue sea. As he was falling the King of the Sea caught him in his arms and took him down into the very depths below. He lived with that king for about a year, and then growing very dull and miserable, began to cry bitterly.

"What is the matter, Simeon-the-Youthful?" asked the King of the Sea. "Do you find it dull down here?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I am beginning to feel dull."

"Would you like to have a look at the Russian world?"

"I should like nothing better, if Your Majesty will allow me."

The King of the Sea took him up at midnight, and left him on the shore, while he vanished in the sea.

Simeon-the-Youthful, when left to himself, began to pray to the saints for sun. His wish was granted, but just as the sun rose, the King of the Sea appeared, and seizing Simeon carried him off once more into the depths below.

Simeon-the-Youthful lived with the King of the Sea for another whole year, and again became very dull and miserable, and shed many a tear.

"What, are you beginning to feel dull again?" asked the King of the Sea.

"Yes, Your Majesty," replied Simeon.

"Would you like to have another look at the Russian world?"

"I should very much, Your Majesty."