THE TSAR AND THE ANGEL. 175

heretofore, and justice was done in all the tribunals,
and no bribes were taken.

But the Tsar, the real Tsar, grew more and more
wretched. Then, after three years, a ukase went forth
that on such and such a day all the people were to
come together to a great banquet given by the Tsar,
all were to be there, both rich and poor, both high
and lowly. And all the people came, and the un-
happy Tsar came too. And so many long tables were
set out in the Tsar’s courtyard that all the people
praised God when they saw the glad sight. And
they all sat down at table and ate and drank, and the
Tsar himself and his courtiers distributed the meat
and drink to the guests as much as they would, but
to the unfortunate Tsar they gave a double portion of
everything. And they all ate and drank their fill,
and then the Tsar began to inquire of the people
whether any had suffered wrong or had not had
justice done him. And when the people began to
disperse, the Tsar stood at the gate with a bag of
money, and gave to every one a grind,’ but to the
unhappy Tsar he gave three.

And after three years the Tsar gave another
banquet, and again entertained all the people. And
when he had given them both to eat and to drink
as much as they would, he inquired of them what

1 About twopence.