SOVEREIGN OF THE MINERAL KINGDOM 57

of cloth of gold. The young bride, beside herelf with joy,
retired to complete her toilette. Meanwhile the anxious
mother, a prey to the blackest forebodings, said to her son-
in-law, “ My daughter has consented to share your bread, tell
me of what sort of flour it is made?”

“In our house we have bread of brass, of silver, and of
gold; my wife will be free to choose.”

Such a reply astonished her more than ever, and made
her still more unhappy. The daughter asked no questions,
was in fact content to know nothing, not even what her
mother suffered. She looked magnificent in her bridal
attire and golden mantle, but she left her home with the
prince without saying good-bye either to her mother or to
her youthful companions. Neither did she ask her mother’s
blessing, though the latter wept and prayed for her safety.

After the marriage ceremony they mounted the golden
carriage and set off, followed by the attendants of silver and
brass. The procession moved slowly along the road without
stopping until it reached the foot of a high rock. Here,
instead of a carriage entrance, was a large cavern which led
out into a steep slope down which the horses went lower and
lower. The giant Zémo-tras (he who makes the earthquakes)
closed the opening with a huge stone. They made their
way in darkness for some time, the terrified bride being
reassured by her husband.

“Fear nothing,” said he, ‘‘in a little while it will be
clear and beautiful.”

Grotesque dwarfs, carrying lighted torches, appeared on
all sides, saluted and welcomed their King Kovlad as they
illumined the road for him and his attendants. Then for