forth upon the Russian hero, whistled with all his might, and tried to
slay him. But Iliya took his strong bow, and laying an arrow upon it,
shot straight into the nest and hit the Robber Nightingale in his
right eye; whereupon he fell down from the tree like a sheaf of oats.

Then Iliya of Murom bound the Robber Nightingale fast to his stirrup
and rode off to the famous city of Kiev. On the road he passed the
palace of the Nightingale, where he saw the daughters of the Robber
looking out of the window. "See!" cried the youngest, "here comes
riding our father, bringing a peasant bound to his stirrup." But the
eldest daughter eyed Iliya more closely, and fell to weeping bitterly,
exclaiming: "Nay, that is not our father, but some strange man,
bringing our father prisoner." Then they called aloud to their
husbands, beseeching them to ride out and meet the stranger, and
deliver their father. Now their husbands were famous horsemen, and
they rode out with their stout lances to meet the Russian rider, and
slay him. But the Robber Nightingale, seeing them approach, cried out:
"My sons, bring not disgrace upon yourselves, by provoking so brave a
rider to slay you; invite him rather to come to our palace and drink a
glass of vodka."

[Illustration: AT LENGTH THEY FELL IN WITH A CRIPPLE ON THE ROAD.]

Then Iliya of Murom, at their invitation, turned to go into the
palace, little anticipating the danger that awaited him, for the
eldest daughter had drawn up by a chain a huge rafter to let fall and
slay Iliya as he rode through the gate. But Iliya perceived her
design, and slew her with his lance. Thereupon he rode on toward Kiev,
and going straight to the palace, prayed to God and saluted the
nobles. And the Prince of Kiev said to Iliya, "Tell me, brave youth,
what is your name, and whence do you come?" "My lord," replied Iliya,
"my name is Iliyushka, and I was born in the city of Murom." Then the
Prince asked him which way he had come; and Iliya answered: "I rode
from Murom to Chernigov, where I slew a countless army of pagans, and
delivered the city. Thence I came straight hither, and on my road have
captured the mighty Robber Nightingale, and brought him prisoner bound
to my stirrup." But the Prince was wroth, for he thought Iliya was
deceiving him. Then two of the knights, Alescha Popovich and Dobrinja
Nikitich, rode forth to ascertain the truth of the matter; and when
the Prince was convinced, he ordered a glass of vo