Niezguinek bowed and went out. He went straight to the stable, where he found his charger looking very sad and thin, his head drooping before the trough, the hay untouched.
“What is the matter with you, my good steed? What grieves you?”
“I grieve for us both, for I foresee a long and perilous journey.”
“You are right, old fellow, but we have to go. And what is more, we have to take away and bring here old Yaga’s guzla; and how shall we do it, seeing that she knows us?”
“We shall certainly succeed if you do as I tell you.”
Then the horse gave him certain instructions, and when Niezguinek had led him out of the stable and mounted he said:
“Marvel of strength and of beauty so white,
Horse of my heart, do not wait on the road;
Rise in the air, like a bird take thy flight,
Haste to the wicked old Yaga’s abode.”