156 COSSACK FAIRY TALES.

Then he took to farming and cattle-breeding, and he
became so rich that in the whole wide world there
was none richer than he. He kept to himself, and
his goods increased and multiplied exceedingly ; the
only thing wanting to his happiness was a wife, but
a wife he was afraid to take. Now near to where he
lived was a General who had a lovely daughter, and
this daughter fell in love with the rich man. So the
General went and said to him: “Come, why don’t
you marry? Tl give you my daughter and lots of
money with her.’—‘* How is it possible for me to
marry?” replied the man; ‘‘as soon as ever [ sit
down on the bridal bench, the Iron Wolf will come
and eat me up.” And he told the General all that
had happened.—‘‘ Oh, nonsense!” said the General,
“don’t be afraid. I have a mighty host, and when
the time comes for you to sit down on the bridal
bench, we'll surround your house with three strong
rows of soldiers, and they won't let the Iron Wolf get
at you, I can tell you.” So they talked the matter
over till he let himself be persuaded, and then they
began to make great preparations for the bridal
banquet. Everything went off excellently well, and
they made merry till the time came when bride and
bridegroom were to sit down together on the bridal
bench. Then the General placed his men in three
strong rows all round the house so as not to let the