166 SLAV TALES

“You have conquered, my master and husband,” she
said, “ you have succeeded in preventing my escape. Hence-
forth I am yours, both by right of conquest and of my own
free will.”

The young man’s courtesy, strength, and gentleness, as
well as his beauty, were very pleasing to the princess; but
her father, the king, was not so ready to approve of her
choice, and he resolved not to let her go with them. But this
did not trouble Matthias, who determined to carry her off,
aided by his three comrades. They soon all left the palace.

The king was furious, and ordered his guards to follow
them and bring them back under pain of death. Meanwhile
Matthias, the princess, and the three comrades had already
travelled a distance of some miles. When she heard the steps
of the pursuers she begged the Man with Eyes of Flame to
see who they were. Having turned to look, he told her that
a large army of men on horseback were advancing at a gallop.

“They are my father’s guards,” said she, “we'shall have
some difficulty in escaping them.”

Then, seeing the horsemen draw nearer she took the veil
from her face, and throwing it behind her in the direction
of the wind, said, “I command as many trees to spring up
as there are threads in this veil.”

Instantly, in the twinkling of an eye, a high thick forest
rose up between them. Before the soldiers had time to clear
for themselves a pathway through this dense mass, Matthias
and his party had been able to get far ahead, and even to
take a little rest.

“Took,” said the princess, “‘and see if they are still

coming after us.”