ter to be
brought, and you shall see whether I speak the truth." So they brought
a basin of water, and Bova washed himself before the eyes of
Drushnevna with the white powder, and instantly he was young and
handsome as before. And when the Princess saw this she jumped from her
seat for joy, threw her arms round Bova's neck, and said: "My dear
friend, Bova Korolevich, for your sake I have refused these three
years to obey my father and listen to the suit of King Marcobrun; but
not hearing any tidings of you for so long a time I thought you were
dead, and was compelled, against my will, to come with Marcobrun to
his kingdom. Here I have deferred the wedding from day to day, in the
hope of hearing some tidings of you; but now that I see you face to
face I can boldly dismiss Marcobrun and wander with you to the end of
the world."

"My dear Drushnevna," replied Bova Korolevich, "you may rely on my
valour; but we cannot now leave this place openly on account of the
great number of Marcobrun's warriors, and the multitudes of people,
whom not ten of the bravest knights could slay, especially in the
heart of their city. But take this powder and mix it in Marcobrun's
drink: he will then sleep soundly for nine days, and in this time we
can fly from his dominions."

Hardly had he spoken, given her the powder, and gone away, when King
Marcobrun came in. Then Drushnevna spoke with him softly and kindly,
brought him a glass of sweet mead on a silver tray, and shook the
sleeping powder into it: Marcobrun, charmed by her coaxing manner,
instantly took the mead, drank it off, and presently fell asleep.

The Princess Drushnevna went out and ordered her faithful servants to
bring her a good nag, and the kingly steed for Bova Korolevich. Then
she gave him a suit of armour, and in the darkness of the night they
fled out of the kingdom. For three days they rode on without stopping,
and on the fourth they chose out a pleasant spot, halted by a clear
brook, pitched a tent, and, tired with their journey, fell fast
asleep.

It was a fine morning when Bova Korolevich took his steed to water,
and on a sudden the horse began to neigh and stamp on the ground, and
thus gave Bova to understand that an enemy was advancing against him.
Then he saddled his steed, donned his armour, girded on his battle
sword, and went into the tent and took leave of Drushnevna saying: "My
dear Princess, I am going out to fight with a great army, but grieve
not for m