IMPERISHABLE 251

Niezguinek had led him out of the stable and mounted he
said :
“ Marvel of strength and of beauty so white,
Horse of my heart, do not wait on the road ;
Rise in the air, like a bird take thy flight,
Haste to the wicked old Yaga’s abode.”

The horse arose in the air as if he heard some one calling
to him from the clouds, and flitting rapidly along passed over
several kingdoms within a few hours, thus reaching old Yaga’s
dwelling before midnight. Niezguinek threw the leaves of
Sleep in at the window, and by means of another wonderful
herb caused all the doors of the house to open. On entering
he found old Yaga fast asleep, with her trough and iron
crutches beside her, while above her head hung the magic
sword and guzla.

While the old witch lay snoring with all her might, Niez-
guinek took the guzla and leapt on his horse, crying :

“Marvel of strength and of beauty so white,
Horse of my heart, while I sing,
Rise in the air, like a bird take thy flight,
Haste to the court of my king.”

Just as if the horse had seen something in the clouds, he
rose swift as an arrow, and flew through the air, above the fogs.
The same day about noon he neighed before his own manger
in the royal stable, and Niezguinek went in to the king and
presented him with the guzla. On pronouncing the two words,
“Guzla, play,” strains of music so gay and inspiriting were
heard that all the courtiers began dancing with one another.
The sick who listened were cured of their diseases, those who
were in trouble and grief forgot their sorrows, and all living