his head and place it on hers. Bova did not
obey; but he took the wreath from his head, pulled it to pieces, and
flung it on the ground; then he left the room, and shut the door after
him with such force that he pulled out the silver handle, and a stone
fell from the wall and wounded him on the head. The fair Drushnevna
hearing this, cured his wound with her medicines; and when it was
healed Bova lay down again to sleep, and slept five days and five
nights.

Now at this time King Marcobrun came from the kingdom beyond the Don,
with many hundred thousand warriors; and surrounding the Armenian city
with his army, he sent an ambassador to Sensibri to demand the
Princess his daughter Drushnevna for wife; promising, in return, to
reward and defend him; but threatening, in case of his refusal, to
destroy the city with fire and sword, to throw him into prison, and
carry off his daughter by force. Then King Sensibri answered: "Tell
your Master, the renowned King Marcobrun that, until this day, I have
never had any disagreement with him, but have lived in friendship and
good-will; and that I have no desire now to quarrel with him; but
better it had been to have sent you with a simple request instead of
threats. I pardon him, however, on account of his youth, and invite
him to my royal castle to eat bread and salt, and to celebrate the
marriage with my daughter."

King Sensibri dismissed the messenger, and commanding the city gates
to be opened, went himself to meet King Marcobrun, took him by his
white hands, led him into the marble palace, seated him at an oaken
table spread with checkered tablecloths and sweetmeats, and they fell
to eating and drinking and disport.

Just then Bova Korolevich awoke from his five days' sleep, and heard
the confused sounds of men, and the neighing of horses, outside the
city. Whereupon he went into the white marble palace to Princess
Drushnevna, and said: "Gracious Lady, I hear the sounds of men and
horses outside the city, and people say that Marcobrun's nobles are
amusing themselves with holding a tournament. I have a wish to join in
it; command, I pray, a good steed to be given me, and allow me to go
forth and see the sports."

The Princess answered: "My little fellow Anhusei, how can you ride
with Marcobrun's nobles? You are still very young, and cannot sit fast
on a horse. However, if you have so great a longing to go, choose a
good horse and ride off to see the sport; but take no weapo