68 SLAV TALES

right ; I accept the invitation with pleasure, and all that you
have been so kind as to offer me. But wait, I pray you
wait for me; I must first thank my kind friends for the care
they have taken of me.”

A fresh warm breath of spring filled the air, while at the
same moment a deep precipice opened in the middle of
the floor. He descended lightly, and she, anxious to see
what would happen, followed him, holding on to his mantle.
Thus they both reached the bottom of the precipice. Down
there a new world opened itself before her eyes. To the
right flowed a river of liquid gold, to the left rose high
mountains of solid gold, in the centre lay a large meadow
covered with millions of flowers. The stranger went on,
the girl followed unnoticed. And as he went he saluted
the field flowers as old friends, caressing them and leaving
them with regret. Then they came to a forest where the
trees were of gold. Many birds of different kinds began to
sing, and flying round the young stranger perched familiarly
on his head and shoulders. He spoke to and petted each one.
While thus engaged, the girl broke off a branch from one of the
golden trees and hid it in remembrance of this strange land.

Leaving the forest of gold, they reached a wood where all
the trees were of silver. Their arrival was greeted by an
immense number of animals of various kinds. These crowded
together and pushed one against another to get close to their
friend. He spoke to each one and stroked and petted them.
Meanwhile the girl broke off a branch of silver from one of the
trees, saying to herself, “ These will serve me as tokens of this
wonderful land, for my sisters would not believe me if I only
told them of it.”