“There is nothing wonderful in such a pig.  Golden bristles, silver tusks,—­yes, it is fine.  But a pig remains a pig forever.  The brothers of thy son-in-law are bragging now that they will steal for thee out of the stables of the fiery dragon a mare with golden mane and diamond hoofs.”

The Tsar at once called the brothers of Ivanoushka the Simpleton, and ordered the golden-maned mare with the diamond hoofs.  The brothers swore that they never said such words, but the Tsar did not listen to their protests.

“Take as much gold as you want, take warriors as many as you wish, but bring me the beautiful mare with golden mane and diamond hoofs.  If you do it my reward will be great; if not, your fate is to become peasants as before.”

The brothers went, two sad heroes.  Their march was slow; where to go they did not know.  Ivanoushka also jumped upon a stick and went leaping toward the field.  Once in the wide, open field, he ordered his horse, crawled into one ear, came out of the other, and both started for a far-away country, for an island, a big island.  On that island in an iron stable the fiery dragon was watchfully guarding his glory—­the golden-maned mare with diamond hoofs, which was locked under seven locks behind seven heavy doors.

Our Ivanoushka journeyed and journeyed, how long we do not know, until at last he arrived at that island, struggled three days with the dragon and killed him on the fourth day.  Then he began to tear down the locks.  That took three days more.  When he had done this he brought out the wonderful mare by the golden mane and turned homeward.

The road was long, and before he reached his town Ivanoushka, according to his habit, pitched his tent with a diamond top, and laid him down for rest.  The brothers came along—­gloomy they were, fearing the Tsar’s anger.  Lo! they heard neighing; the earth trembled—­it was the golden-maned mare!  Though in the dusk of evening the brothers saw her golden mane shining like fire.  They stopped, awakened Ivanoushka the Simpleton, and wanted to trade for the wonderful mare.  They were willing to give him a bushel of precious stones each and promised even more.

Ivanoushka said:  “Though my mare is not for trade, yet if you want her I’ll give her to you.  And you, do you each give me your right ears.”

The brothers did not even argue, but let Ivanoushka cut off their ears, took hold of the bridle and went directly to the Tsar.  They presented to him the golden-maned mare with diamond hoofs, and there was no end of bragging.

“We went beyond seas, beyond mountains,” the brothers said to the Tsar; “we fought the fiery dragon who bit off our ears and fingers; we had no fear, but one desire to serve thee faithfully; we shed our blood and lost our wealth.”

The Tsar Pea poured gold over them, created them the very highest men after himself, and planned such a feast that the royal cooks were tired out with cooking to feed all the people, and the cellars were fairly emptied.