beheld Bova, she was enraptured with his uncommon beauty. And
one day she said to the King: "My gracious father, you are indeed
powerful and renowned, not only in your own kingdom, but in all
countries far and near, and no King, Tsar, or Knight can compare with
you; but, O King! you have no trusty and clever steward in your
household. Now, I have heard that there is a young lad in our royal
stables whom you have purchased from some shipmen; his name is
Anhusei. This lad will prove trusty and useful in your service; order
him to be taken from the stable and employed in your household."

King Sensibri replied: "My dear daughter, I have never refused to
grant any one of your wishes, and in this matter too you are free to
do as you will." When the Princess Drushnevna heard these words, she
thanked her father, made her obeisance, and went out. Then she ordered
Bova to be called and desired him to leave his old task and to enter
on his new employment in the household.

The next day she called Bova to her and said: "Hark ye, Anhusei,
to-morrow my father will have a great feast, and all the princes,
boyars, and knights will be present to eat and drink and sport; you
must stand near me at the table to do my bidding." Thereupon Bova made
his bow and was going away, but the Princess Drushnevna called him
back, and said: "Tell me the truth, young fellow, what class do you
belong to--of boyar or kingly race? Or are you the son of some brave
knight, or of a merchant from a foreign land? And what is your true
name? I believe not that you are born of common folk as you told my
father." Then Bova replied: "Gracious Lady, I have told your royal
father truly my name and condition, and can only repeat it to you."
And so saying he left the room.

On the morrow the King held a great feast, and Bova had to hold a
roasted swan to the Princess Drushnevna, which she began to carve;
and, on purpose, she let fall a fork on the floor. Bova instantly
picked it up, and as he held it out to her she kissed him on the head.
As soon as the feast was ended, Bova lay down to sleep, and slept
three days and three nights; no shaking could arouse him. The fourth
day, when he awoke, he rode out into the open country, walked into the
forbidden meadows, gathered some beautiful flowers, and, making a
wreath, placed it on his head, and so went into the city. When the
Princess saw him thus decked out, she called him before her, and bade
him take the wreath from