144 SLAV TALES

There is nothing to hinder you from taking possession of
your carpet and ring, they are hidden in the king’s treasure-
house. Then go with your cap and club and conquer Kostey,
rescue the princess, and deliver the king and his subjects.”

The fisherman would have thrown himself at the old
man’s feet to pour out his gratitude, but he suddenly vanished.
So he thanked God for all His mercies, put on his invisible
cap, and taking his club, made his way towards the capital.

At the end of three days he entered the royal city. All
the inhabitants were sleeping the enchanted sleep, from which
they were powerless to rouse themselves. The fisherman
went straight to the royal treasure-house, took the magic ring
and carpet, then seating himself upon the latter and repeating
the magic words, away he went like a bird, over rustling forests
and under clouds, floating across the blue sky.

After some days of travel he alighted in Kostey’s court-
yard. Without a moment’s delay he folded up his carpet,
put the magic cap on his head, and with club in hand entered
Kostey’s room. ‘There, to his astonishment, stood the magi-
cian himself, admiring the wondrous beauty of the princess.
For she was perfectly beautiful; eye had never seen nor ear
heard of such loveliness. With a low bow full of pride and
an ironical smile he was saying to her: “ Beauteous princess,
you have sworn a most solemn oath to marry none but that
man who can solve your six riddles. It is in vain that I strive
to guess them. Now there are only two courses open to you:
either to release yourself from your vow, putting the riddles
aside and consenting to be my wife; or to persist in your
vow and thus deliver yourself up to my anger, which you
will bitterly regret. I give you three minutes to decide.”