256 SLAV TALES

a silver vessel with golden masts lives Princess Sudolisu. If
the king wishes it, I will seek her for him.
“ (Signed) NIEZGUINEK.”

“Tt is true the writing is like unto mine; nevertheless, I
neither composed the letter nor wrote it.”

“No matter,” answered the king. ‘You will be able to
get this princess, as you did the guzla and the sword: if not,
I will have you killed.”

Niezguinek bowed and went out. He entered the stable
where stood his horse looking very weak and sad, with his
head bent down.

“What is the matter, dear horse? Are you in want of
anything ?”

“1 am sorrowful,” answered the horse, “ because I foresee
a long and difficult journey.”

“Vou are right, for we have to go beyond the nine
kingdoms, and far beyond the ocean, to find Princess Sudo-
lisu. Can you tell me what to do?”

“JT will do my best, and if it is God’s will we shall
succeed. Bring your club of four hundred and eighty
pounds weight, and let us be off.”

Niezguinek saddled his horse, took his club, and mount-
ing said:

“ Marvel of strength and of beauty so white,
Horse of my heart, do not lag on the road ;

Rise in the air, through the clouds take thy flight,
Haste to Princess Sudolisu’s abode.”

Then the horse looked up as if there were something
he wanted in the clouds, and with a spring flew through