and
join us.'

And the dragon's horse plunged and reared, and the dragon fell on a
rock, which broke him in pieces. Then the empress mounted his horse,
and rode back with her husband to her kingdom, over which they ruled for
many years.

(Volksmarchen der Serben.)

THE LUTE PLAYER

Once upon a time there was a king and queen who lived happily and
comfortably together. They were very fond of each other and had nothing
to worry them, but at last the king grew restless. He longed to go out
into the world, to try his strength in battle against some enemy and to
win all kinds of honour and glory.

So he called his army together and gave orders to start for a distant
country where a heathen king ruled who ill-treated or tormented everyone
he could lay his hands on. The king then gave his parting orders and
wise advice to his ministers, took a tender leave of his wife, and set
off with his army across the seas.

I cannot say whether the voyage was short or long; but at last he
reached the country of the heathen king and marched on, defeating all
who came in his way. But this did not last long, for in time he came
to a mountain pass, where a large army was waiting for him, who put his
soldiers to flight, and took the king himself prisoner.

He was carried off to the prison where the heathen king kept his
captives, and now our poor friend had a very bad time indeed. All night
long the prisoners were chained up, and in the morning they were yoked
together like oxen and had to plough the land till it grew dark.

This state of things went on for three years before the king found
any means of sending news of himself to his dear queen, but at last he
contrived to send this letter: 'Sell all our castles and palaces,
and put all our treasures in pawn and come and deliver me out of this
horrible prison.'

The queen received the letter, read it, and wept bitterly as she said to
herself, 'How can I deliver my dearest husband? If I go myself and the
heathen king sees me he will just take me to be one of his wives. If I
were to send one of the ministers!--but I hardly know if I can depend on
them.'

She thought, and thought, and at last an idea came into her head.

She cut off all her beautiful long brown hair and dressed herself in
boy's clothes. Then she took her lute and, without saying anything to
anyone, she went forth into the wide world.

She travelled through many lands and saw many cities, and went through
ma