344 SLAV TALES

no one to give me a morsel of food. Have pity on me and
give me a little bread.”

The fool sat down on the grass, and spreading out his
tablecloth, said :

“© Tablecloth, who for the poor,
The hungry, and thirsty, makes cheer,
May he who begs from door to door
Feed off you without stint or fear.”

A whistling was heard in the air, something bright shone
overhead, and then before them stood a table, spread as for
a royal feast, loaded with dainty dishes, mead, and costly
wines. When they had eaten and drunk as much as they
wanted the whistling was again heard, and then everything
vanished.

The fool was folding up his tablecloth, when the soldier
said :

“Will you give me your tablecloth in exchange for this
six-horned helmet? It will fire itself off and instantly destroy
the object pointed out. You have but to turn it round on
your head and repeat these words:

“OQ Magic Helmet, never thou
Dost want for powder nor shot ;
Allay my fears and fire now
Just where I point. Fail not.’

You will see that it fires off immediately: and even if your
enemy were a mile away he would fall.”

The fool was delighted with the idea, and thought how
useful such a hat would be in any sudden danger ; it would
even serve him to defend his country, the king, or himself.