“You say well, my friends,” observed the Czar, and he went and said to the thief—
“Now, Simeon, can you wander over seven and twenty countries into the thirtieth and steal for me the beautiful princess, Helena? I love her very much, and if you procure her for me you shall be well rewarded.”
“We will see to it,” said he, “you have but to command.”
“I do not merely command,” said the Czar, “but I beg of you not to remain longer at my court, but to take what armies you wish to effect your purpose.”
“I do not want either your armies or your treasure,” said the thief. “Only send all of us together, for I can do nothing without the others.”
The Czar did not wish for all the brothers to go, but though he thought it hard, he was obliged to consent.
In the meantime the eldest brother had completed the iron column in the smithy in the court of the palace. The second brother climbed up to the top, and from there he saw the kingdom of the fair Helena’s father. He called out to the Czar Ados—
“Your majesty, beyond twenty-seven countries in the thirtieth there sits, at a window, the Czarina, the beautiful Helena. How fair she is! One can see every blue vein in her white skin.”
Then the Czar was more in love with her than ever, and cried out to the Simeons—
“My friends, set out as quickly as you can and return soon. I can live no longer without the beautiful Helena.”