The long-hoped-for month and day drew nigh, and the hearts of the lovers were troubled lest rain should fall; for the Silver River, full at all times, is at that season often in flood, and the bird-bridge might be swept away.

The day broke cloudlessly bright.  It waxed and waned, and one by one the lamps of heaven were lighted.  At nightfall the magpies assembled, and Shokujo, quivering with delight, crossed the slender bridge and fell into the arms of her lover.  Their transport of joy was as the joy of the parched flower, when the raindrop falls upon it; but the moment of parting soon came, and Shokujo sorrowfully retraced her steps.

Year follows year, and the lovers still meet in that far-off land on the seventh night of the seventh month, save when rain has swelled the Silver River and rendered the crossing impossible.  The hope of a permanent reunion still fills the hearts of the Star-Lovers, and is to them as a sweet fragrance and a beautiful vision.

MYTHS OF THE SLAVS

THE TWO BROTHERS

ADAPTED BY ALEXANDER CHODSKO

Once upon a time there were two brothers whose father had left them but a small fortune.  The eldest grew very rich, but at the same time cruel and wicked, whereas there was nowhere a more honest or kinder man than the younger.  But he remained poor, and had many children, so that at times they could scarcely get bread to eat.  At last, one day there was not even this in the house, so he went to his rich brother and asked him for a loaf of bread.  Waste of time!  His rich brother only called him beggar and vagabond, and slammed the door in his face.

The poor fellow, after this brutal reception, did not know which way to turn.  Hungry, scantily clad, shivering with cold, his legs could scarcely carry him along.  He had not the heart to go home, with nothing for the children, so he went towards the mountain forest.  But all he found there were some wild pears that had fallen to the ground.  He had to content himself with eating these, though they set his teeth on edge.  But what was he to do to warm himself, for the east wind with its chill blast pierced him through and through.  “Where shall I go?” he said; “what will become of us in the cottage?  There is neither food nor fire, and my brother has driven me from his door.”  It was just then he remembered having heard that the top of the mountain in front of him was made of crystal, and had a fire forever burning upon it.  “I will try and find it,” he said, “and then I may be able to warm myself a little.”  So he went on climbing higher and higher till he reached the top, when he was startled to see twelve strange beings sitting round a huge fire.  He stopped for a moment, but then said to himself, “What have I to lose?  Why should I fear?  God is with me.  Courage!”

So he advanced towards the fire, and bowing respectfully, said:  “Good people, take pity on my distress.  I am very poor, no one cares for me, I have not even a fire in my cottage; will you let me warm myself at yours?” They all looked kindly at him, and one of them said:  “My son, come sit down with us and warm yourself.”