322 SLAV TALES

walk by the side of such a lovely and graceful creature.
So he said:

“At my behest, and by the orders of the pike,
To be both handsome, wise, and clever I should like.”

Suddenly he became as handsome, wise, and clever as it
was possible to be. Then he got into a gorgeous carriage
with Gapiomila, and they drove across the bridge that led
to the king’s palace.

There they were received with every mark of joy and
affection. The king gave them his blessing, and they were
married the same evening. An immense number of guests
were invited to the wedding feast; I, too, was there, and
drank freely of wine and hydromel. And this is the story I
have done my best to tell you as faithfully as possible.