Page:Tales and Legends from the Land of the Tzar.djvu/298

282 "It is of no use," replied Elie; "I certainly do feel strong all at once, but I cannot get up. I have no power in my legs."

"Try again," said the beggars for the third time.

Elie felt stronger and stronger; he raised himself from his chair, and—actually stood on his feet, and managed to walk.

"Go!" said the beggars to him, "fetch us some beer, for we are thirsty."

Elie felt so strong now that it was nothing to him to go down into the deep dark cellar and pour out two bowls full of frothy beer, and take them up to the beggars, who had so generously given him back his strength.

"Drink it yourself!" said they to him, when he brought them the beer.

Elie seized both bowls, and drank off the contents at a draught!

"Go down and fetch more beer and give it to us," said the beggars again.

Elie once more descended into the cellar, this time bringing forth beer in larger bowls; but the beggars only said as before,—

"Drink it yourself!"

Elie obeyed.

"Well, Elie," said the men, "do you feel your strength?

"I do."

"Do you feel very strong?"

"Yes, very!"

"How strong?"

"As strong as a post from here to heaven.