220 SLAV TALES

prayed he turned to follow the pin-cushion, which had already
started, and was rolling ever higher and higher. On reaching
the top of the mountain he saw a silver palace supported on a
cock’s foot, and at one of the windows, shining in the sun’s
rays, a head of golden hair which could belong to no one but
the princess. Suddenly a hot wind began to blow from the
south, and the heat became so intense that leaves withered
and dropped from the trees, the grass dried up, and large
cracks appeared in several places of the earth’s surface. Thirst,
heat, and weariness began to tell upon the young prince, so he
took the cooling flagon from his pocket and cried:

“Flagon, bring me quick relief
From this parching heat ;
In thy draught I have belief,
Coolness it will mete.”

After drinking deeply he felt stronger than ever, and so
continued to ascend. Not only was he relieved from the great
heat, but was even obliged to button up his coat to keep
himself warm.

The pin-cushion still led the way, ever climbing higher and
higher, while the prince followed close behind. After crossing
the region of clouds they came to the topmost peak of the
mountain. Here the prince came close to the palace, which
can only be likened to a dream of perfect beauty. It was
supported on a cock’s foot, and was built entirely of silver,
except for its steel gates and roof of solid gold. Before the
entrance was a deep precipice over which none but the birds
could pass. As the prince gazed upon the splendid building
the princess leaned out of one of the windows, and seeing him