Page:Russian Fairy Book (N. H. Dole).djvu/64

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40
THE BRIGHT-HAWK'S FEATHER

"Well, the Bright-Hawk is asleep now and has forbidden anyone to disturb him. However, give me your silver distaff and golden spindle and I will let you see him!"

The Tsar's daughter took the distaff and the golden spindle, hastened back to the palace, thrust into the Bright-Hawk's cloak an enchanted brooch, so that he might sleep more soundly and not wake from his sleep for a long, long time, and then she ordered the serving-women to bring the beautiful girl into the palace to see the Bright-Hawk, while she herself went out to walk.

Long the maiden beat her breast, long did she weep over her dear love.

"Awake, awake, my darling Finist, my Bright-Hawk!" she cried. "Your chosen maiden has come to you. I have broken three iron staves, I have worn out three pairs of iron shoes, I have devoured three iron wafers, and all this time I have been searching for you, my darling."

But Finist slept on and could not wake up.

The Tsar's daughter having walked as long as she wanted to, came home. She drove the girl away and took out the magic brooch.

Then the Bright-Hawk awoke.

"Uh! how long I have slept!" said he.