Stray may steeds, sheep, cows and all;
Perish may the haughty Pole!
We finish with a few Ruthenian ballads, having no political reference. The first is interesting as illustrating a peculiar popular superstition. The Leshes are a kind of Satyrs; covered like them with hair, and of a very malicious nature. They steal[pg.363] children and young women. Their presence has a certain benumbing influence; a person whom they visit cannot move or stir; although, in the case of our ballad, we have some suspicion that "the brandy, the wine, and the mead," had some preparatory influence.
The second exhibits the whole plaintive, yielding mood of a Russian loving maid; and may be considered as a characteristic specimen.
SIR SAVA AND THE LESHES.
With the Lord at Nemirov
Sir Sava dined so gladly;
Nor thought he that his life