Silently, the snow-white swan
Pondered; then she said:
"Guidon– Yes–this maiden I can find;
But a wife's no mitten, mind,
From your lily hand to cast,
Or unto your belt make fast;
Listen now to my advice:
Weigh this matter well–think twice,
So that on your marriage morrow
You do not repent in sorrow."
Here Guidon with ardor swore
That he'd thought of this before; That 'twas high time he was married,
Too long single had he tarried;
That for this princess so fair
He would any perils dare, Sacrifice his very soul,
Barefoot, walk right to the pole.
Sighing thoughtfully, the swan
Murmured: "Why so far, Guidon?
Know, your future bride is here–
I am that princess, my dear."
Then she spread her wings, to soar
O'er the waves towards the shore.
There, amid a clump of trees,
Folded them with graceful ease,
Shook herself, and then and there
Turned into a maiden fair–
In her braids, a crescent beamed,
On her brow, a bright star gleamed;
She was sweet in form and face,
Full of majesty and grace.
When she spoke, her sweet voice seemed
Like the flow of tinkling streams.
He embraced the fair princess,
Folded her unto his breast.
Hand in hand with her he sped
To his mother dear, and said,
Falling on his bended knees:
"Mother darling– if you please,
I have chosen me a bride–
She will be your love and pride,
Your consent we crave to wed,
And your blessing, too," he said–
"Bless our marriage, so that we
Live in love and harmony."
O'er the kneeling pair, she stands,
Holy icon in her hands,
Smiling through her happy tears,
Saying: "God bless you, my dears."
Prince Guidon did not delay–
They were married that same day,