
Three fair maidens, late one night, Sat and spun by
candlelight. "Were our tsar to marry me," Said the eldest of the
three, "I would cook and I would bake -Oh, what royal feasts I'd
make." Said the second of the three: "Were our tsar to
marry me, I would weave a cloth of gold Fair
and wondrous to behold."
But the youngest of the three Murmured: "If
he married me -I would give our tsar an heir Handsome, brave, beyond
compare." At these words their chamber door Gently creaked-and lo, before These
three maidens' very eyes Stood their tsar, to their surprise. He had listened
by their gate Whither he'd been led by
fate, And the words that he heard last Made
his heart with love beat fast. "Greetings, maiden fair," said he - "My tsaritsa
you shall be, And, ere next September's done, See that you bear me a son.
As for you, fair sisters two, Leave your home
without ado; Leave your home and follow me And my bride that is to be. Royal
weaver, YOU I'll make, YOU as royal cook I'll take." Then the tsar strode
forth, and they Palacewards all made
their way. There, he lost no time nor tarried That same evening he was married;
Tsar Saltan and his young bride At the feast sat side by side. Then the guests,
with solemn air,
Led the newly wedded pair To their iv'ry couch,
snow-white, Where they left them for the night.
Bitterly, the weaver sighed, And the cook in
passion cried, Full of jealousy and hate Of their sister's happy fate. But, by
love and duty fired, She conceived, ere night expired, In her royal husband's
arms. These were days of war's alarms. Ere he rode forth for the strife, Tsar
Saltan embraced his wife,
Bidding her to take good care Of herself and
coming heir; While he battled on the field,
Forcing countless foes to yield, God gave unto her an heir - Lusty, large of
limb, and fair. Like a mother eagle, she Guarded him most jealously; Sent the
news of God's glad gift To the tsar, by rider swift. But the royal cook, and
weaver, And their mother, sly deceiver, Sought to ruin her, so they Had him
kidnapped on the way, Sent another in his stead. Word for word, his message
read: "Your tsaritsa, sire, last night
Was delivered of a fright - Neither son nor
daughter, nor Have we seen its like before." At these words, the royal
sire Raved and raged in furious ire, "Hang that messenger!" roared
he, "Hang him on the nearest tree!" But, relenting, spared him, and Sent him back with this command: "From
all hasty steps refrain Till the tsar
comes home again." Back the messenger rode fast, Reached the city gates at
last.
But the royal cook, and weaver, With their mother, sly deceiver, Made him
drunk; and in his sleep
Stole the message from his keep And, before he
could recover, They replaced it by another.
So, with feet unsteady, he Reached the court
with this decree: "Have the queen and have her spawn
Drowned in secret ere the dawn." Grieving
for their monarch's heir, For the mother young and fair,
Solemnly the tsar's boyards Told the queen of
this ukaz, Of the cruel doom which fate So unkindly had in wait. This
unpleasant duty done, Put the queen and put her son In a cask, and sealed it
fast; Tarred it well, and then they cast Cask and burden in the sea - Such, forsooth,
the tsar's decree. Stars gleam in the dark blue sky, Dark blue billows heave
and sigh. Storm clouds o'er the blue sky creep, While the cask rides o'er the
deep. Like a widowed bride distressed, Sobbed the queen and beat her breast, While
the babe to manhood grew As the hours swiftly flew. Morning dawned, the queen still wailed But her son the billows hailed: "O,
you wanton waves so blue - Free to come and go are you, Dashing when and where
you please, Wearing rocks away with ease -
You, who flood the mountains high, You, who ships raise to the sky - Hear my
prayer, o waves, and spare us -Safely onto dry land bear us." So the
waves, without ado, Bore the cask and prisoners two Gently to a sandy shore, Then,
receding, splashed no more. Son and mother, safe and sound, Feel that they're on
solid ground. From their cask, though, who
will take them? Surely God will not
forsake them? Murmuring: "I wonder how We could break our prison
now?" Up the son stood on his toes, Stretched himself, and said:
"Here goes!" -Thrust his head against the lid, Burst it out - and
forth he slid. Son and mother, free again, Saw a hillock on a plain; On its
crest, an oak tree grew; Round them flowed the ocean blue. Quoth the son:
"Some food and drink Wouldn't come amiss, I think." From the oak, a
branch he rent And a sturdy bow he bent. With the silken cord that hung Round his
neck, the bow he strung. From a slender reed and light, Shaped an arrow, true
in flight. Then explored the isle for game, Till he to the sea-shore came. Just
as he approached the beach, Our young hunter heard a screech... Of distress at
sea it told. He looked round him, and, behold, Saw a swan in evil plight; Circling
over it - a kite, Talons spread, and bloodstained beak Poised, prepared her
death to wreak, While the helpless bird was splashing, With her wings the
waters lashing. But his shaft, with baneful note, Struck the kite full in the
throat. Bleeding, in the sea it fell, Screeching
like a soul in hell. He, with lowered bow, looked on As, with beak and wings,
the swan, Dealing ruthless blow on blow On the cruel kite, her foe, Sped its
death, till finally Lifeless it sank in the sea. Then, in Russian accents, she Murmured
plain as plain could be: "O, tsarevich, champion peerless, My deliverer so
fearless - Grieve not that because of me Your good shaft is in
the sea; That you'll have to fast three morrows - This is but the least of
sorrows. Your kind deed I will repay -I will serve you too, one day; Tis no swan
that you set free, But a maiden charmed, you see; Twas a wizard, not a kite, That
you slew, O noble knight; I shall ne'er forget your deed - I'll be with you in
your need. Now go back and take your rest - All will turn out for the
best." Then the swan-bird flew from view While, perforce, the luckless
two, Famished, laid them down to sleep, Praying God their souls to keep. Driving
slumber from his eyes As the sun rose in the skies, Our tsarevich, much amazed,
At a spacious city gazed, Girdled by a wide and tall, Strong- mbattled
snow-white wall. Churches golden-domed stood there, Holy cloisters, mansions
fair. "Mother mine, wake!" cried he -"Oh!" she
gasped; he said: "I see Things have only just begun - My white swan is
having fun." Citywards their steps they bent, Through the city gates they
went. Belfries thundered overhead Loud
enough to wake the dead. Round them
poured a mighty throng, Choir boys praised the Lord in song; Nobles, splendidly
arrayed, Came in coaches, gold inlaid. All the people cheered them madly, As
their prince acclaimed him gladly. With his mother's blessing, he, Acquiescing
graciously, That same day began to reign In his newly-found domain, Sat in
state upon the throne And was crowned as
Prince Guidon. Breezes o'er the ocean play, Speed a barque upon its way; Sails
all spread, it skims the seas, Running swiftly 'fore the breeze. Sailors, merchants, crowd the decks, Marvel loud and crane their necks. Wondrous
changes meet their view On an island which they knew! There, a golden
city grand Newly built, and fortress stand. Cannons with a mighty roar Bid the
merchants put to shore. When the merchants land, Guidon Bids them be his guests
anon; Feasts them first with meats and wine, Then he says: "Now, masters
mine - Tell me what you have for sale, Whither bound, and whence you
hail?" Said the merchants: "If you please, We have sailed the seven
seas; Costly furs, prince, were our ware, Silver fox and sables rare. Now our time is overstayed, East-due East-our course
is laid, Past the island of Buyan, Back to gracious Tsar Saltan." "Gentles,"
murmured Prince Guidon - "May fair breezes speed you on, And, when Tsar
Saltan you see Bow down low to him for me." Here the merchants made their bows,
And the prince, with pensive brows, Watched their ship put out from shore Till
it could be seen no more. Suddenly, before GuidonSwam the graceful snow-white
swan. "Greetings, my fair
prince," said she - "Why are you so sad, tell me? Why are you so
dismal, say, Like a gloomy, cloudy day?" "Grief is gnawing at my
breast," Answered Prince Guidon, distressed. "I have only one desire- I should like to see my sire." "Is
that all?" was her reply - "Listen-would you like to fly, Overtake
that ship at sea? Why, then-a mosquito be!" Then she flapped her pinions
two, Loudly thrashed the waters blue, Drenching him from head to toe Ere he
could say yes or no. And he hovered, then and there, A mosquito, in the air. Buzzed,
and flying rapidly, Overtook the ship at sea, Settled noiselessly, and stole Out
of sight, into a hole. Merrily the breeze is singing, O'er the waves a ship is
winging Past the Island of Buyan To the realm of Tsar Saltan. Now his
longed-for land so dear Stands out in the distance, clear. Now the ship at
anchor rests And the merchants, honoured guests, Palacewards their footsteps
make With our gallant in their wake. There, in regal raiments, sate Tsar Saltan
in royal state. On his head - his jewelled
crown; On his face - a pensive frown, While the royal cook, and weaver, And
their mother, sly deceiver, Sitting on his left and right, Stared at him with
all their might. Tsar Saltan, with royal grace, Gave the merchants each his
place, Then he said: "Now, masters mine, Sailed you far across the brine? Are
things well where you have been? What strange wonders have you seen?" Quoth
the merchants: "If you please, We have sailed the seven seas; Peace reigns
overseas, serene.There, we saw this wondrous scene: There's an island in the
sea, Shores as steep as steep can be; Cheerless
once, deserted, bare - Nothing but an oak grew there. Now it has a
new-built city, Stately mansions, gardens pretty, Churches tall with domes of
gold, Fair and wondrous to behold. Prince Guidon reigns there, and he Sends his
compliments to thee." Here the tsar
said, in amaze: "If but God prolong my days, I shall visit this strange
isle, Guest with this Guidon a while." But the royal cook, and weaver, With
their mother, sly deceiver,Did not wish to let their tsar See this wondrous
isle so far. "What a wonder," quoth the cook, Winking at the
others-"Look: There's city by the shore! Have you heard the like before? Here's a wonder, though, worth telling - There's a
little squirrel dwelling In a fir tree; all day long, Cracking nuts, it sings a
song. Nuts-most wondrous to behold! Every shell is solid gold; Kernels - each
an emerald pure! That's a wonder, to be sure." Tsar Saltan thought this
most curious, Our mosquito waxed most furious And, with his mosquito might, Stung
his aunt's right eye, in spite. Turning pale, she swooned from pain - But her
eye ne'er saw again. Sister, serving maids and mother Chased him, tripping one
another, Screamed: "You cursed insect, you! Only wait!" But he just
flew Through a casement, o'er the main, Swiftly to his own domain. Pensively
Guidon once more Gazes seaward from the shore. Suddenly, before his sight Swam the graceful swan, snow-white. "Greetings,
my fair prince," said she - "Why are you so sad, tell me? Why are you
so dismal, say, Like a gloomy, cloudy day?" "Grief is gnawing at my
breast," Answered Prince Guidon, distressed - "There's a wonder, I
confess, That I'm burning to possess. Tis a wonder well worth telling - Somewhere,
there's a squirrel dwelling In a fir tree; all day long, Cracking nuts, it
sings a song. Nuts, most wondrous, I am told; Every shell is solid gold, Kernels
- each an emerald pure. But can I of this be sure?" Here the swan said in
reply: "Yes - this rumour does not lie; Marvel - not-though this may be Strange
for you, 'tis not for me. Grieve not - I
will gladly do This slight service, prince, for you." Home he sped with
cheerful stride, Gained his palace courtyard wide. There, beneath a fir-behold!
- Cracking nuts all made of gold, Emeralds left and right a-flinging, Sat that
wonder-squirrel, singing: "Through the garden there she goes, Tripping on
her dainty toes." With its tail the squirrel sweeps Shells and stones in
tidy heaps, While a charmed and happy throng Listened to the squirrel's song. Struck
with wonder, Prince Guidon Whispered softly: "Thank you, swan! God grant
you felicity And such joy as you gave me." Then a squirrel's house he
built, Crystal, glass, and silver gilt; Set a guard, a scribe as well, Who
recorded every shell. Thus the prince's treasures grew, And the squirrel's glory
too. Breezes o'er the ocean play, Speed a
barque upon its way; Sails all spread, it skims the seas, Running swiftly 'fore
the breeze Past a craggy island, where Stands a city, proud and fair. Cannons
with a mighty roar Bid the merchants put to shore; When the merchants land,
Guidon Bids them be his guests anon; Feasts them first with meats and wine, Then
he says: "Now, masters mine -Tell me what you have for sale, Whither
bound, and whence you hail?" Said the merchants: "If you please, We
have sailed the seven seas,Selling horses, Prince Guidon-Stallions from the
steppes of Don. We are overdue, you know, And we still have far to go - Past
the Island of Buyan, Back to gracious Tsar Saltan." "Gentles,"
murmured Prince Guidon - "May fair breezes speed you on O'er the ocean,
o'er the main, Back to Tsar Saltan again. When your gracious tsar you see, Give him
compliments from me." Bowing low before him, they Left Guidon and sailed
away. He, though, hastened to the shore, Where he met the swan once more, Told
her that his heart was burning, For his sire, his soul was yearning. .. In the twinkling of an eye He became a tiny fly, And
he flew across the sea Where, 'twixt sky and ocean, he Settled on the deck and
stole Out of sight into a hole. Merrily the
breeze is singing. O'er the waves a ship is winging, Past the Island of Buyan, To
the realm of Tsar Saltan. Now his
longed-for land so dear, Stands out in the distance, clear, Now the ship at
anchor rests, And the merchants, honoured guests, Palacewards their footsteps
make With our gallant in their wake. There,
in regal raiments, sate Tsar Saltan in royal state. On his head-his
jewelled crown, On his face-a pensive frown, While the one-eyed cook, and
weaver, And their mother, sly deceiver, Sit around the Tsar and stare At him
with a toad-like glare. Tsar Saltan, with royal grace, Gave the merchants each
his place, Then he said: "Now, masters mine -Sailed you far across the
brine? Are things well where you have been? What strange wonders you have
seen?" Quoth the merchants: "If you please, We have sailed the seven
seas; Peace reigns overseas, serene. There, we
saw this wondrous scene: On an island, far away, Stands a city, grand and gay -
Churches tall, with golden domes, Gardens green and stately homes; By the
palace grows a fir In whose shade, O royal sir, Stands a crystal cage; and
there Dwells a squirrel, strange and rare- Full of frolic; all day long, Cracking
nuts, it sings a song, Nuts, most wondrous to behold -Every shell is solid
gold, Kernels - each an emerald bright; Sentries guard it day and night.
It
has slaves, like any lord, Yes, and scribes each nut record. Troops in passing
give salute
With the martial drum and flute. Maidens store these
gems away Under lock and key each day;
Coins are minted from each shell, Coins with
which they buy and sell. People live in plenty there,
Not in huts, but mansions fair. Prince Guidon
reigns there, and he Sends his compliments to thee."
Here the tsar said, in amaze: "If but God
prolong my days, I shall visit this strange isle
Guest with this Guidon a while." But the
cook, and royal weaver, With their mother, sly deceiver,
Did not wish to let the tsar See this wondrous
isle so far. And the weaver, smiling wryly,
Thus addressed the tsar, most slyly: "Wherein
lies this wonder, pray? Squirrels cracking nuts all day -
Heaping emeralds, we're told, Left and right
a-throwing gold! Nothing strange in this see I!
Be this true, or but a lie, I know of a better
wonder. Lo! The ocean swells in thunder, Surges with a mighty roar, Overflows a
barren shore, Leaving, wonderful to see, Thirty stalwart knights and three,
All in mail a-gleaming bright, Marching proudly
left and right; Each one brave beyond compare,
Tall of stature, young and fair, All alike
beyond belief, Led by Chernomor, their chief. That's a wonder, now, for you, Marvellously
strange, but true." Wisely, though, the guests were mute -They with her
did not dispute. But the tsar waxed very curious, And Guidon waxed very
furious. Fiercely buzzed and settled right On his aunt's left eye, in spite. Turning
pale, she gave a cry - She was blinded in her eye.
Screams of anger filled the air - "Catch
it! Kill that insect there! O you nasty insect, you!" But Guidon just
calmly flew Through the casement, o'er the main, Swiftly to his own domain. By
the blue sea he is pacing, On the blue sea he is gazing: And once more, before
his sight Swam the graceful swan,
snow-white. "Greetings, my fair prince," said she, "Why are you
so sad, tell me? Why are you so dismal, say,
Like a gloomy, cloudy day?" "Grief is
gnawing at my breast," Answered Prince Guidon, distressed-
"There's a wonder, I confess, That I'm
longing to possess." "Tell me then, what is this wonder?"
"Somewhere swells the sea in thunder, Breakers
surge, and with a roar,Sweeping o'er a barren shore,
Leave behind, for all to see Thirty stalwart
knights and three, All in mail a-gleaming bright, Marching proudly left and
right; Each one brave beyond compare, Tall of stature, young and fair.All alike
beyond belief, Led by Chernomor, their chief." In reply, the snow-white
swan Murmured: "Is this all, Guidon?
Wonder not-though this may be' Strange for you,
'tis not for me, For these sea-knights, prince, are none
But my brothers, every one. Do not grieve; go
home and wait, Meet my brothers at your gate." He obeyed her cheerfully, Climbed
his tower and scanned the sea: Lo! The waters, with a roar, Seethed and swept
the barren shore, Leaving, wonderful to see, Thirty stalwart knights and three,
All in mail a-gleaming bright, Marching proudly left and right, Two by two; and
Chernomor, Hoary-headed, went before,
Leading them in martial state Right up to the
city gate. Prince Guidon, with flying feet, Ran in haste his guests to greet; Crowds
pressed round in unbelief "Prince," proclaimed the hoary chief - "It
is by the swan's request And, at her express behest, We have come from out the
sea Your fair city's guards to be. Henceforth, from the ocean blue, We will
always come to you, Every day, on guard to stand By your lofty
walls so grand. Now, however, we must go - We're not used to land, you know; We'll
return, I promise you. "And they disappeared from view. Breezes o'er the
ocean play, Speed a barque upon its way;
Sails all spread, it skims the seas, Running
swiftly 'fore the breeze, Past a craggy island, where Stands a city, proud and
fair. Cannons with a mighty roar Bid the merchants put to shore; When the
merchants land, Guidon Bids them be his guests anon; Feasts them first with
meats and wine, Then he says: "Now, masters mine - Tell me what you have for sale, Whither
bound, and whence you hail?" Said the erchants: "If you please, We have sailed
the seven seas; Swords of Damask steel we've sold, Virgin silver, too, and gold.
Now we're overdue, you know, And we still have far to go- Past the Island of
Buyan, Back to racious Tsar
Saltan." "Gentles," murmured Prince Guidon - "My fair
breezes speed you on, O'er the ocean, o'er the main, Back to Tsar Saltan again.
Yes, and when your tsar you see, Give him compliments from me." Bowing low
before him, they Left the prince and sailed away. He, though, hastened to the
shore Where he met the swan once more; Told her that his heart was burning, For
his sire, his soul was yearning..
So she drenched him, head to toe. In a trice, he
shrank, and lo! Ere he could even gasp, He had turned into a wasp. Then he
buzzed, and rapidly Overtook the ship at sea; Gently settled aft, and stole Out of sight, into a hole. Merrily the breeze
is singing, O'er the waves a ship is winging Past the Island of Buyan To the
realm of Tsar Saltan. Now his longed-for land so dear Stands
out in the distance, clear. Now the ship at anchor rests, And the merchants,
honoured guests, Palacewards their footsteps make With our gallant in their
wake. There, in regal raiments, sate Tsar Saltan in royal state. On his
head-his jewelled crown, On his face - a pensive frown, Near him-royal cook,
and weaver, And their mother, sly deceiver.
With four eyes, though they be three, Stare at
him voraciously. Tsar Saltan, with royal grace, Gave the merchants each his
place. Then he said: "Now, masters mine - Sailed you far across the brine?
Are things well where you have been? What strange wonders have you seen?" Quoth the merchants: "If you please,
We have sailed the seven seas; Peace reigns
overseas, serene,There we saw this wondrous scene: There's an island far away-On
this isle - a city gay; There, each dawn brings in new wonders:There, the ocean
swells and thunders, Breakers, with a
mighty roar, Foaming, flood its barren shore, Leaving, wonderful to see, Thirty
stalwart knights and three, All in mail a-gleaming bright, Marching proudly
left and right; Each one brave beyond
compare, Tall of stature, young and fair,All alike beyond belief; Hoary
Chernomor, their chief, Marches with
them from the deep, Counts them off, by
twos, to keep Guard of this fair isle; and they Cease patrol nor night nor day. Nor can you find guards so true, Vigilant and
fearless, too. Prince Guidon reigns there, and he Sends his compliments to
thee." Here the tsar said, in amaze: "If but God prolong my days, I
shall visit this strange isle, Guest with this Guidon a while." Silent were the
cook and weaver. But their mother, sly deceiver, Said, as she smiled crookedly:
"You may think this strange - not we! Fancy! Idle mermen play Sentry-go on land all day! Be this true, or
but a lie, Nothing strange in this see I - Stranger things exist, mark you - This
report, though, is quite true: There's a young rincess, they say,That she charms all hearts
away. Brighter than the sun at noon, She outshines the midnight moon, In her
braids a crescent beams, On her brow, a bright star gleams.She herself is sweet
f face,
Full of majesty and grace. When she speaks, her voice doth seem Like the
music of a stream.
That's a wonder, now, for you - Marvellously
strange, but true." Wisely, though, the guests prefer
Not to bandy words with her. Tsar Saltan, he
waxed most curious, Our tsarevich waxed most furious,
But decided that he'd spare Granny's eyes for her grey hair. Buzzing like
a bumble-bee, Round his granny circled
he, Stung her nose with all his might,Raising blisters red and white. Panic
once more filled the air: "Murder! Catch that insect there! Help! O don't
you let it go! Catch it! - Hold it! - Kill it!- O!
O you nasty insect, you! Just you wait!"
Guidon, though, flew Through the casement, o'er the main,
Back to his domain again. By the sea, the prince
now paces, On the blue sea now he gazes. Suddenly, before Guidon Swam the
graceful snow-white swan. "Greetings,
my fair prince," said she - "Why are you so sad, tell me? Why are you
so dismal, say, Like a gloomy, cloudy day?" "Grief is
gnawing at my breast,"
Answered Prince Guidon, distressed - "Every
youth has his own bride - Only I unmarried bide." "Who is she you
wish to wed? Tell me, now." Guidon then said: "There's a fair
princess; they sayThat she charms all hearts away - Brighter than the sun at
noon, She outshines the midnight moon; In her braids, a crescent beams, On her brow, a bright star
gleams. She herself is sweet of face, Full of majesty and grace. When she
speaks, her sweet voice seems Like the flow of tinkling streams. Is this true,
though, or a lie?" Anxiously, he waits reply. Silently, the snow-white swan
Pondered; then she said: "Guidon - Yes-this maiden I can find; But a
wife's no mitten, mind, From your lily
hand to cast, Or unto your belt make fast; Listen now to my advice: Weigh this
matter well - think twice, So that on your marriage morrow
You do not repent in sorrow." Here Guidon
with ardour swore That he'd thought of this before; That 'twas high time he was
married, Too long single had he tarried; That for this princess so fair He
would any perils dare, Sacrifice his very soul, Barefoot, walk right to the
pole. Sighing thoughtfully, the swan
Murmured: "Why so far, Guidon? Know, your
future bride is here - I am that princess, my dear." Then she spread her
wings, to soar O'er the waves towards
the shore. There, amid a clump of trees, Folded them with graceful ease, Shook
herself, and then and there Turned into a maiden fair - In her braids, a
crescent beamed, On her brow, a bright star gleamed; She was sweet in form and
face, Full of majesty and grace. When she spoke, her sweet voice seemed Like
the flow of tinkling streams. He embraced the fair princess, Folded her unto
his breast. Hand in hand with her he
sped To his mother dear, and said,
Falling on his bended knees: "Mother
darling - if you please, I have chosen me a bride - She will be your love and
pride. Your consent we crave to wed, And your blessing, too," he said - "Bless
our marriage, so that we Live in love and harmony." O'er the kneeling
pair, she stands,Holy icon in her hands, Smiling through her happy tears, Saying:
"God bless you, my dears." Prince Guidon did not delay - They were married
that same day, Settled down, a happy pair,Lacking nothing but an heir. Breezes
o'er the ocean play, Speed a barque upon its way; Sails all spread, it skims
the seas, Running swiftly Tore the breeze,
Past a craggy island, where Stands a city proud
and fair. Cannons with a mighty roar Bid the merchants put to shore. When the
merchants land, Guidon Bids them be his guests anon; Feasts them first with
meats and wine, Then he says: "Now,
masters mine - Tell me what you have for sale,Whither bound and whence you
hail?" Said the merchants: "If you please, We have sailed the seven
seas, Contraband, prince, was our ware, And our profits-rich and rare. We have
far to travel yet - Homewards - East - our course is set,Past the Island of
Buyan, Back to gracious Tsar Saltan." "Gentles," murmured Prince
Guidon -
"May fair breezes speed you on, O'er the
ocean, o'er the main, Back to Tsar Saltan again. Pray remind your tsar from me,
That his gracious majesty Said he'd visit us some day; We regret his long
delay.
Give him my regards." Thereon Off the
merchants went. Guidon This time stayed with his fair bride,
Never more to leave her side. Merrily the breeze
is singing, O'er the waves a ship is winging Past the Island of Buyan To the
realm of Tsar Sal tan. Now his longed-for land, so dear, Stands out in the istance,
clear. Now each merchant is the guest Of the tsar, by his behest. On his royal throne of state, Crowned in
glory, there he sate, While the royal cook, and weaver, And their mother, sly
deceiver, With four eyes, though they be three, Stared at him voraciously. Tsar
Saltan, with royal grace, Gave the merchants each his place. Then he said:
"Now, masters mine- Sailed you far across the brine? Are things well where
you have been? What strange wonders have you seen?"Quoth the merchants:
"If you please, We have sailed the seven seas. Peace reigns overseas,
serene.There, we saw this wondrous scene: On an island, far away,
Stands a city grand and gay- Churches tall with
golden domes, Gardens green, and stately homes. Near its palace grows a fir In
whose shade, O royal sir, Stands a crystal cage; and there Dwells a squirrel
strange and rare, Full of frolic; all day long, Cracking nuts, it sings a song.
Nuts, most wondrous to behold - Shells of purest yellow gold, All the kernels -
emeralds bright.Sentries guard it day and night. There we saw another wonder - Every
morn, the breakers thunder And the
waves, with mighty roar, Overflow the barren shore, Leaving, wonderful to see, Thirty
stalwart knights and three. Each one brave beyond compare,Tall of stature,
young and fair, All in mail a-gleaming bright, Marching proudly left and right;
All alike beyond belief, Led by Chernomor, their chief. Nor will you find
guards so true, Vigilant and fearless, too. Prince Guidon reigns there in
glory, He is praised in song and story And his wife is fair, O sire - Gaze on
her - you'll never tire. Brighter than the sun at noon, She outshines the
midnight moon; In her braids, a crescent beams, On her brow, a bright star
gleams. Prince Guidon sends his respects, Bade us say he still expects You to
visit him one day And regrets your long delay." All impatient, Tsar Saltan Gave command his fleet to man, But the royal
cook, and weaver, And their mother, sly deceiver,Did their best to keep their
tsar From this wondrous isle so far. He, to their persuasions deaf, Bade the
women hold their breath. "I'm your
tsar and not a child!" Shouted he in passion wild - "We will sail
today. No more!"
Stamped his foot and slammed the door. From his
casement, silently, Prince Guidon gazed at the sea.
Scarce a ripple stirred the deep As it sighed as
though in sleep. On the far horizon blue Sails came one by one in view. Tsar
Saltan's fleet, at long last, O'er the seas was sailing fast.At this sight,
Guidon rushed out, Uttering a mighty
shout: "Mother dear, come hither, do - You, my fair princess, come too -
Only look out yonder – there Sails my father, I
declare!" Through his spyglass, Prince Guidon Sees the royal fleet sail
on; While on deck, his father stands, Spyglass also in his hands.With him are
the cook, and weaver, And their mother, sly deceiver; Wonder in their gaze, they stare At this isle
so strange and fair. In salute the cannons roared, Carols sweet from belfries
soared. To the shore Guidon then ran,
There to welcome Tsar Saltan, And the royal
cook, and weaver, And their mother, sly deceiver.
Citywards the tsar led he - Not a single word
said he. Now the palace came in sight, Sentries, clad in armour bright. Tsar
Saltan looked on to see Thirty stalwart knights and three - Each one brave
beyond compare, Tall of stature, young and fair, All alike beyond belief, Led
by Chernomor, their chief. Then he reached the courtyard wide, Where a lofty
fir he spied. In its shadow - lo, behold, Creacking nuts of solid gold, Sat a little squirrel, singing, Emeralds into
sacklets flinging. Golden nutshells lay around On the spacious courtyard
ground. Further on the guests now press, Meet the wonderful princess: In her
braids, a crescent beams, On her brow, a bright star gleams; She is fair of
form and face, Full of majesty and grace, Tsar Saltan's own wife beside her. He
gazed on and recognised her.And his heart began to leap.
"Am I dreaming in my sleep?" Gasped the tsar in stark
surprise, Tears a-streaming from his eyes. He embraced his wife in pride, Kissed
his son, his son's fair bride; Then they all sat down to feast Where their
laughter never ceased. While the cook, and royal weaver, And their mother, sly eceiver,
Fled and hid beneath the stairs But were
dragged out by their hairs. Weeping, each her crimes confessed, Begged
forgiveness, beat her breast. So the tsar, in his great glee Sent them home across the sea. Late at night,
with tipsy head, Tsar Saltan was put to bed. I drank beer and mead there - yet
Only got my whiskers wet.