58 SLAV TALES

the first time the girl knew she had married Kovlad, but this
mattered little to her. On coming out from these gloomy
passages into the open they found themselves surrounded
by large forests and mountains, mountains that seemed to
touch the sky. And, strange to relate, all the trees of what-
soever kind, and even the mountains that seemed to touch
the sky, were of solid lead. When they had crossed these
marvellous mountains the giant Zémo-tras closed all the
openings in the road they had passed. They then drove
out upon vast and beautiful plains, in the centre of which
was a golden palace covered with precious stones. The
bride was weary with looking at so many wonders, and
gladly sat down to the feast prepared by the dwarfs. Meats
of many kinds were served, roast and boiled, but lo! they
were of metal—brass, silver, and gold. Every one ate heartily
and enjoyed the food, but the young wife, with tears in her
eyes, begged for a piece of bread.

“Certainly, madam, with pleasure,’ answered Kovlad.
But she could not eat the bread which was brought, for it was
of brass. Then the king sent for a piece of silver bread, still
she could not eat it; and again for a slice of golden bread,
that too she was unable to bite. The servants did all they»
could to get something to their mistress’s taste, but she found
it impossible to eat anything.

“T should be most happy to gratify you,” said Kovlad
“but we have no other kind of food.”

Then she realised for the first time in whose power she
had placed herself, and she began to weep bitterly and wish
she had taken her mother’s advice.

“Tt is of no use to weep and regret,” said Kovlad,