THE SPIRIT OF THE STEPPES 193

angrily it made you numb with fear, and you were instantly
changed into a block of ice. She was waited upon by her
twelve companions, who were almost as charming as their
mistress, to whom they were devotedly attached. Rumours
of the loveliness of Princess Sudolisu spread far and wide.
People came to see her from all parts of the world, so that it
was soon no longer a desert island, but a thickly populated
and magnificent city.

Many a prince came from afar and entered the lists as
suitor for the hand of Sudolisu, but none succeeded in winning
her love, Those who bore with good temper and resignation
the disappointment of being refused returned home safe and
sound, but woe to the unlucky wretch who rebelled against
her will and attempted to use an armed force; his soldiers
perished miserably, while he, frozen to the heart by her angry
glance, was turned into a block of ice.

Now it happened that the famous ogre, Kostey, who
lived underground, was a great admirer of beauty. And he
took it into his head to see what the creatures above ground
were doing. By the help of his telescope he was able to
observe all the kings and queens, princes and _ princesses,
gentlemen and ladies, living on the earth. As he was looking
his eye fell upon a beautiful island, where, bright as many
stars, stood twelve maidens ; while in their midst, upon a couch
of swan’s-down, slept a young princess lovely as the dawn
of day. Sudolisu was dreaming of a young knight who rode
a spirited horse; on his breast was a golden cuirass, and in
his hand an invisible club. And in her dream she admired
this knight, and loved him more than life itself. The wicked

Kostey longed to have her for his own, and determined to
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