IMPERISHABLE 253

“What is the matter, my horse? Do you want any-
thing?”

“T am unhappy because I foresee a long and dangerous
journey.”

“You are right, for we are ordered to return to Yaga’s
house for the sword: but how can we get hold of it? doubtless
she guards it as the apple of her eye.”

The horse answered, ‘Do as I tell you and all will be
right.” And he gave him certain instructions. Niezguinek
came out of the stable, saddled his friend, and mounting
him 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 witch’s abode.”

The horse rose immediately as if he had been beckoned
to by some one in the clouds, and passing swiftly through the
air, crossed rivers and mountains, till at midnight he stopped
before old Yaga’s house.

Since the disappearance of the guzla the sword had been
placed on guard before the house, and whoever came near
it was cut to pieces.

Niezguinek traced a circle with holy chalk, and placing
himself on horseback in the centre of it, said:

“ Sword who of thyself can smite,
I come to brave thy ire ;
Peace or war upon this site
Of thee I do require.
If thou canst conquer, thine my life ;
Should I beat thee, then ends this strife.”