That same day began to reign
In his newly-found domain,
Sat in state upon the throne
And was crowned as Prince Guidon.
Breezes o'er the ocean play,
Speed a barque upon its way;
Sails all spread, it skims the seas,
Running swiftly 'fore the breeze.
Sailors, merchants, crowd the deck,
Marvel loud and crane their necks.
Wondrous changes meet their view
On an island which they knew!
There, a golden city grand,
Newly built, and fortress stand,
Cannons with a mighty roar
Bid the merchants put to shore.
When the merchants land, Guidon
Bids them be his guests anon;
Feasts them first with meats and wit
Then he says:
"Now, masters mine– Tell me what you have for sale,
Whither bound, and whence you hail?"
Said the merchants:
"If you please. We have sailed the seven seas;
Costly furs, prince, were our ware.
Silver fox and sables rare.
Now our time is overstayed,
East–due East–our course is laid,
Past the Island of Buyan,
Back to gracious Tsar Saltan."
"Gentles," murmured Prince Guidon,
"May fair breezes speed you on,
And, when Tsar Saltan you see
Bow down low to him for me."
Here the merchants made their bows,
And the prince, with pensive brows,
Watched their ship put out from shore Till it could be seen no more.
Suddenly, before Guidon Swam the graceful snow-white swan.
"Greetings, my fair prince," said she–
"Why are you so sad, tell me? Why are you so dismal, say, Like a gloomy, cloudy day?"
"Grief is gnawing at my breast," Answered Prince Guidon, distressed.
"I have only one desire–
I should like to see my sire."
"Is that all?" was her reply–
"Listen–would you like to fly,
Overtake that ship at sea?
Why, then–a mosquito be!"
Then she flapped her pinions two,
Loudly thrashed the waters blue,
Drenching him from head to toe