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Негде, в тридевятом царстве,

В тридесятом государстве,

Жил-был славный царь Дадон.

С молоду был грозен он

И соседям то и дело

Наносил обиды смело,

Но под старость захотел

Отдохнуть от ратных дел

И покой себе устроить;

Тут соседи беспокоить

Стали старого царя,

Страшный вред ему творя.

Чтоб концы своих владений

Охранять от нападений,

Должен был он содержать

Многочисленную рать.

Воеводы не дремали,

Но никак не успевали:

Ждут, бывало, с юга, глядь, —

Ан с востока лезет рать.

Справят здесь, — лихие гости

Идут от моря. Со злости

Инда плакал царь Дадон,

Инда забывал и сон,

Что и жизнь в такой тревоге!

Вот он с просьбой о подмоге

Обратился к мудрецу,

Звездочету и скопцу —

Шлет за ним гонца с поколоном.

Вот мудрец перед Дадоном

Стал и вынул из мешка

Золотого петушка.

«Посади ты эту птицу, —

Молвил он царю, — на спицу;

Петушок мой золотой

Будет верный сторож твой:

Коль кругом все будет мирно,

Так сидеть он будет смирно;

Но лишь чуть со стороны

Ожидать тебе войны,

Иль набега силы бранной,

Иль другой беды незванной,

В миг тогда мой петушок

Приподымет гребешок,

Закричит и встрепенется,

И в то место обернется».

Царь скопца благодарит,

Горы золота сулит:

«За такое одолженье, —

Говорит он в восхищенье, —

Волю первую твою

Я исполню, как мою».

Петушок с высокой спицы

Стал стеречь его границы.

Чуть опасность где видна,

Верный сторож, как со сна,

Шевельнется, встрепенется,

К той сторонке обернется

И кричит: «Кири-ку-ку!

Царствуй, лежа на боку!»

И соседи присмирели,

Воевать уже не смели:

Таковой им царь Дадон

Дал отпор со всех сторон!

Год, другой проходит мирно,

Петушок сидит все смирно;

Вот однажды царь Дадон

Страшным шумом пробужден:

«Царь ты наш! Отец народа! —

Возглашает воевода, —

Государь! проснись! беда!» —

— «Что такое, господа? —

Говорит Дадон, зевая, —

А?.. Кто там?.. беда какая?»

Воевода говорит:

«Петушок опять кричит,

Страх и шум во всей столице».

Царь к окошку, — ан на спице,

Видит, бъется петушок,

Обратившись на восток.

Медлить нечего: «Скорее!

Люди, на конь! Эй, живее!»

Царь к востоку войско шлет,

Старший сын его ведет.

Петушок угомонился,

Шум утих, и царь забылся.

Вот проходит восемь дней,

А от войска нет вестей:

Было ль, не было ль сраженья —

Нет Дадону донесенья.

Петушок кричит опять.

Кличит царь вторую рать.

Сына он теперь меньшого

Шлет на выручку большого;

Петушок опять утих.

Снова вести нет от них,

Снова восемь дней проходит;

Люди в страхе дни проводят,

Петушок кричит опять,

Царь скликает третью рать

И ведет ее к востоку,

Сам не зная, быть ли проку.

Войска идут день и ночь;

Им становится невмочь.

Ни побоища, ни стана,

Ни надгробного кургана

Не встречает царь Дадон.

«Что за чудо?» — мыслит он.

Вот осьмой уж день проходит,

Войско в горы царь приводит

И промеж высоких гор

Видит шелковый шатер.

Все в безмолвии чудесном

Вкруг шатра; в ущелье тесном

Рать побитая лежит.

Царь Дадон к шатру спешит…

Что за страшная картина!

Перед ним его два сына

Без шеломов и без лат

Оба мертвые лежат,

Меч вонзивши друг во друга.

Бродят кони их средь луга,

По протоптанной траве,

По кровавой мураве…

Царь завыл: «Ох, дети, дети!

Горе мне! попались в сети

Оба наши сокола!

Горе! смерть моя пришла».

Все завыли за Дадоном,

Застонала тяжким стоном

Глубь долин, и сердце гор

Потряслося. Вдруг шатер

Распахнулся… и девица,

Шамаханская царица,

Вся сияя, как заря,

Тихо встретила царя.

Как пред солнцем птица ночи,

Царь умолк, ей глядя в очи,

И забыл он перед ней

Смарть обоих сыновей.

И она перед Дадоном

Улыбнулась — и с поклоном

Его за руку взяла

И в шатер свой увела.

Там за стол его сажала,

Всяким яством угощала,

Уложила отдыхать

На парчовую кровать.

И потом, неделю ровно,

Покорясь ей безусловно,

Околдован, восхищен,

Пировал у ней Дадон.

Наконец и в путь обратный

Со своею силой ратной

И с девицей молодой

Царь отправился домой.

Перед ним молва бежала.

Быль и небыль разглашала.

Под столицей, близ ворот

С шумом встретил их народ, —

Все бегут за колесницей,

За Дадоном и царицей;

Всех приветствует Дадон…

Вдруг в толпе увидел он:

В сарачинской шапке белой,

Весь, как лебедь, поседелый

Старый лруг его, скопец.

«А, здорово, мой отец, —

Молвил царь ему, — что скажешь?

Подь поближе. Что прикажешь?»

— «Царь! — ответствует мудрец, —

Разочтемся наконец.

Помнишь? за мою услугу

Обещался мне, как другу,

Волю первую мою

Ты исполнить, как свою.

Подари ж ты мне девицу,

Шамаханскую царицу».

Крайне царь был изумлен.

«Что ты? — старцу молвил он, —

Или бес в тебя ввернулся,

Или ты с ума рехнулся.

Что ты в голову забрал?

Я, конечно, обещал,

Но всему же есть граница.

И зачем тебе девица?

Полно, знаешь ли, кто я?

Попроси ты от меня

Хоть казну, хоть чин боярский,

Хоть коня с конюшни царской,

Хоть полцарства моего».

— Не хочу я ничего!

Подари ты мне девицу,

Шамаханскую царицу», —

Говорит мудрец в ответ.

Плюнул царь: «Так лих же: нет!

Ничего ты не получишь.

Сам себя ты, грешник, мучишь;

Убирайся, цел пока;

Оттащите старика!»

Старичок хотел заспорить,

Но с иным накладно вздорить;

Царь схватил его жезлом

По лбу; тот упал ничком,

Да и дух вон. — Вся столица

Содрогнулась, а девица —

Хи-хи-хи да ха-ха-ха!

Не боится, знать, греха.

Царь, хоть был встревожен сильно,

Усмехнулся ей умильно.

Вот — въезжает в город он…

Вдруг раздался легкий звон,

И в глазах у всей столицы

Петушок спорхнул со спицы,

К колеснице полетел

И царю на темя сел,

Встрепенулся, клюнул в темя

И взвился… и в то же время

С колесницы пал Дадон —

Охнул раз, — и умер он.

А царица вдруг пропала,

Будто вовсе не бывало.

Сказка ложь, да в ней намек!

Добрым молодцам урок.

90000 90001 Russian literature — The tale of the golden cockerel 90002 90003 90004 90005 In the realm of Threeteenseventy, 90004 Commonwealth of Thriceleventy, 90004 Lived the famous Tsar Dadon. 90004 Fierce he was from boyhood on, 90004 And when scarcely more than twenty 90004 Wrought his neighbors wrongs aplenty. 90004 Aging now, he changed in mind, 90004 Would give up the warlike grind 90004 For a life serene and festive.90004 But his neighbors, growing restive, 90004 Caused the grizzled Tsar alarm, 90004 Dealing him a world of harm. 90004 To protect the tsardom’s borders 90004 From the raids of bold marauders, 90004 He was forced to raise and post 90004 An unconscionable host. 90004 Field commanders, never drowsing, 90004 Still would scarce have finished dousing 90004 Flames at left when, ho! at right 90004 Hostile banners hove in sight.90004 These fought off, some visitation 90004 Came by sea. The Tsar’s frustration 90004 Drove him wild enough to weep 90004 And forgo the balm of sleep. 90004 Who could thrive when thus infested? 90004 So he pondered and requested 90004 Succour from a gelding sage, 90004 Planet-reckoner and mage; 90004 Sent a runner to implore him 90004 And the magus, brought before him, 90004 From beneath his ample frock 90004 Drew a golden weathercock.90004 «Let this golden bird,» he chanted, 90004 «High atop the spire be planted, 90004 And my clever Cockerel 90004 Be your faithful sentinel. 90004 While there’s naught of martial riot, 90004 He will sit his perch in quiet; 90004 Let there be on any side 90004 Signs of war to be espied, 90004 Of some squadron border-poaching, 90004 Or some other ill approaching, 90004 Straight my bird upon the dome 90004 Will awaken, perk his comb, 90004 Crow and veer, his ruff a-fluffing, 90004 Point where harm is in the offing.»90004 Rapt, the Tsar allowed the sage 90004 Heaps of gold for ready wage. 90004 «Such momentous boon afforded,» 90004 He rejoiced, «shall be rewarded 90004 By a wish, to be fulfilled 90004 Like my own as soon as willed. «90004 Cockerel atop the spire 90004 Started guarding march and shire, 90004 Scarce a danger reared its head, 90004 Up he perked as though from bed, 90004 Slewed about, his collar ruffled, 90004 To that side and, wings unshuffled, 90004 Crew aloud «Keeree-kookoo! 90004 Reign abed, your guard is true.»90004 Kings, the Tsar’s domains investing, 90004 Henceforth never dared molest him: 90004 Tsar Dadon on every hand 90004 Hurled them back by sea and land! 90004 One year, two, the shrewd informant 90004 Had been roosting all but dormant, 90004 When one morning they broke in 90004 On Dadon with fearful din.90004 «Tsar of ours! The realm’s defender!» 90004 Cries the household troop’s commander, 90004 «Majesty! Wake up! Alert!» 90004 «Eh?.. .What’s up?.. .Is someone hurt?» 90004 Drawled the Tsar amid a double 90004 Yawn, «who is this? What’s the trouble?» 90004 Answered him the Captain thus: 90004 «Hark, the rooster’s warning us; 90004 Look below and see the people 90004 Mill in fear, and on the steeple 90004 See the rooster, ruffle-fleeced, 90004 Crowing, pointing to the East.»90004 «Up! No time to lose!» their Master 90004 Spurred them on, «mount horses! Faster! ‘ 90004 Eastward thus a force he sped, 90004 With his eldest at its head. 90004 Cockerel gave over screaming, 90004 And the Tsar continued dreaming. 90004 Seven days go by and more, 90004 But no message from the corps: 90004 Has the march been rough or quiet- 90004 Naught to tell it or deny it.90004 Cockerel goes off once more! 90004 Tracking down the elder’s corps, 90004 Rides the younger with another 90004 To the rescue of his brother. 90004 Presently subsides the bird; 90004 And again no more is heard! 90004 And again the people, troubled, 90004 Wait a week, their fears redoubled.90004 Yet again the cock is heard, 90004 And Dadon sends out a third 90004 Host, himself commander of it, 90004 Though unsure what this might profit. 90004 Day and night the columns wind, 90004 Then it preys upon each mind: 90004 Not a camp or battleground, 90004 Not a warriors ‘burial mound, 90004 Is encountered near or far.90004 «Strange and stranger,» thinks the Tsar. 90004 One week gone, the country changes, 90004 Rising, high through hills and ranges, 90004 Then, amid the peaks ahead, 90004 Look! a silken tent is spread. 90004 Wondrous hush enfolds the scene 90004 Round the tent; a gaunt ravine 90004 Cradles hosts in battle rent.90004 Now Dadon has reached the tent … 90004 Staggers backward: sight appalling, 90004 Hard before his eyes lie fallen, 90004 Stripped of helm and armour chain, 90004 Both his noble princes, slain, 90004 Pierced each by the other’s charge; 90004 And their wandering mounts at large 90004 On the mead all stamped and scored, 90004 On the bloodied meadow-sward.. . 90004 «Boys.. .My boys…» the father groaned, 90004 «Strangled both my hawks,» he moaned, 90004 «Life is forfeit — woe is me… 90004 Here were killed not two but three. «90004 Wail of men and master merges 90004 Soon resound with heavy dirges 90004 Gorge and cliff, the mountain’s heart 90004 Shakes.Behold, the curtains part 90004 On the tent. . .The prize of maidens, 90004 Queen of Shamakhan, in radiance 90004 Lambent like the morning star, 90004 Quietly salutes the Tsar. 90004 Silenced by her brilliant gaze 90004 Like a nightbird by the day’s, 90004 Numb he stands — her sight outstuns 90004 Aye! the death of both his sons.90004 Now she looked at him, beguiling, 90004 Swept a graceful bow and, smiling, 90004 Took his hand and drew him on 90004 To her tent came Tsar Dadon. 90004 At her table did she seat him, 90004 To all sorts of victuals treat him, 90004 And for rest his body laid 90004 On an othman of brocade.90004 Thus full seven days he lavished, 90004 All enslaved by her and ravished, 90004 On delight and merriment 90004 In the royal maiden’s tent. 90004 At long last, though, forth he sallied, 90004 His surviving forces rallied, 90004 And, the maiden in his train, 90004 Led his army home again.90004 Rumor started to outspeed him, 90004 Tales of hap and no-hap breeding. . . 90004 Throngs of subjects small and great 90004 Swirl beyond the city gate 90004 Round the coach of Tsar and Empress, 90004 Fabled Shamakhanian temptress; 90004 Tsar Dadon salutes them there. . . 90004 All at once he is aware 90004 Of his friend, the wise old eunuch, 90004 In his white tarboosh and tunic, 90004 Snowy-thatched now, like a swan.90004 «Father mine,» exclaimed Dadon, 90004 «Hail! How fare you? At your leisure Come and speak; what is your pleasure? «90004 «Tsar!» replied the aged mage, 90004 «Now we square desert and wage. 90004 For the aid I once accorded, 90004 You recall, I was awarded 90004 My first wish — to be fulfilled, 90004 Like your own, as soon as willed.90004 Let this maid be what I won, 90004 This young queen of Shamakhan. «90004 «What?» Dadon fell back, amazed. 90004 «What possessed you? Are you crazed? 90004 Does some wicked demon ride you? 90004 Have your wits dried up inside you? 90004 What’s your game, in heaven’s name? 90004 Pledge I did; but all the same 90004 There are limits, well you knew; 90004 And — what use is she to you? 90004 Kindly lodge it in your head 90004 Who I am! Why, ask instead 90004 For my mint, a magnate’s sable, 90004 Stallion from the royal stable, 90004 Half my tsardom if you please! «90004 «No, I wish for none of these! 90004 Just you give me what I won, 90004 This young queen of Shamakhan, «90004 Piped the sage in former fashion.90004 «No!» the Tsar spat, in a passion; 90004 «You yourself have brought this on! 90004 You’ll have nothing! There! Be gone 90004 While you’re in one piece! I say! 90004 Drag the scarecrow from my way! «90004 Whitebeard wanted to pursue it, 90004 But with some, you’re apt to rue it; 90004 With an angry scepter blow 90004 Tsar Dadon has laid him low, 90004 Not to breathe again.- The city 90004 Gave a shudder, but our pretty: 90004 «Ha-ha-ha» and «hi-hi-hi,» 90004 Not a pious thought, you see. 90004 Tsar Dadon, though greatly flustered, at her, Smiled as soft as custard, 90004 And proceeded cityward. 90004 Then a tiny sound was heard, 90004 And in sight of all the people, 90004 Look! The cock whirred off the steeple, 90004 Swooped upon the coach of state, 90004 Perched upon the monarch’s pate, 90004 Fluffed his ruff and pecked and clink! 90004 Soared aloft.. .Without a blink 90004 Tsar Dadon slid off his seat, 90004 Gave a wheeze and stretched his feet. 90004 Gone the empress sight unseen, 90004 Just as though she’d never been. 90004 Tale of sense, if not of truth! 90004 Food for thought to honest youth. 90227 90228 1834 90227 90230 90231.90000 The Tale of the Golden Cockerel by Pushkin 90001 90002 The Tale of the Golden Cockerel 90003 90002 by Alexander Sergeevitch Pushkin, тисяча вісімсот тридцять чотири 90003 90002 Somewhere, in a thrice-nine kingdom, in a thrice-ten state, lived the great Tsar Dadon. In his youth he had been bold and ruthless, and waged terrible wars against the rulers of neighbouring kingdoms — but in his old age he wanted to rest from war, and build a peaceful life. Then the neighbouring rulers started to attack the old king, as viciously as he had done before.To guard the borders of his kingdom he had to maintain a huge army. His officers tried hard, but they just could not succeed — if they were expecting the enemy from the south, the armies would appear from the east. If they were organized against attack on land, the savage intruders would appear from the sea. Tsar Dadon could not sleep; he wept with fury. Life was becoming unbearable. So he turned for help to a sorcerer, and astrologer; he sent a messenger begging him to come to the court. 90003 90002 The sorcerer came up close to Dadon’s throne, and pulled from his bag a golden cockerel.»Take this bird,» he said to the tsar, «and place it on top of the highest pinnacle. My cockerel will guard you faithfully — as long as all is peaceful, he will sit in silence on the spire. But if there is a threat of war from any side, or forces massed for attack, or an unexpected danger, in a flash the cockerel will raise his crest, spread his wings and crow aloud, and will turn on his spire to face the direction from which danger comes. » 90003 90002 The tsar was delighted with the sorcerer, and made him a promise.»In return for this favour,» he said, «I will grant your first wish, whatever it may be, as if it were my own.» 90003 90002 The cockerel kept watch over the kingdom from his high spire. Whenever danger could be seen, the faithful sentry would rouse himself as if from a sleep, spread his wings, and turning towards the danger, cry: «Cock-a-doodle-doo! Reign in peace, tsar!» And the neighbouring rulers grew quiet, and did not dare to go to war, for Tsar Dadon could now fend them off from all sides.90003 90002 A year, and then another, went by in peace. The cockerel sat in silence. Then, one day, Tsar Dadon was awakened by a terrible noise: «Tsar, your Majesty!» shouted the commander, «Sir, wake up, please!» 90003 90002 «That’s the matter?» asked Dadon, yawning. «Who’s there — what’s the trouble?» The commander told him: «The cockerel is crowing; the whole city is filled with fear and chaos.» The tsar went to the window — he saw that the cockerel had turned on the spire to face the east.There was no time to lose. «Quickly! Men — to horse! Faster — faster!» The tsar sent out an army to the east, with his eldest son in command. The cockerel calmed down, the clamour quietened, and the tsar settled down again. 90003 90002 Eight days passed, and no news came from the war. No one knew whether or not there had been a battle, and Dadon received no messenger. Then the cockerel crowed again. The tsar called up another army force, and this time he sent his younger son to the rescue of the elder.The cockerel was silent. 90003 90002 Once again, no news came. And again, eight days passed. The people of the town spent the days in terror … then the cockerel shrilled once more. The tsar called up a third army, and himself lead them away to the east, not knowing what they would find. 90003 90002 Day and night they moved on; it was becoming unbearable. They found no sign of killing, no camp site, no burial place. A week had already passed, and the tsar was leading his men into the mountains.Suddenly, among the highest peaks, they saw a silken tent. In a narrow mountain pass lay the bodies of the defeated army; men stood around the tent in silent amazement. Tsar Dadon rushed forward — what a terrible sight! Before him his two sons lay dead, without their armour, their swords driven through each other. Their horses wandered loose in the crushed and blood-stained grass. The tsar began to weep: «My sons, my sons! Both my proud falcons caught in one net! I shall die from grief!» The people began to mourn with their tsar.With a heavy moan the depths of the hills echoed, and the heart of the mountains shook at its foundation 90003 90002 Suddenly, the silken tent swept open, and a girl, a princess of Shamakhan, shimmering with beauty like the dawn, stepped out to meet the king. Like the birds of night before the sun, the tsar was silenced. At the sight of her, he forgot the death of his sons. She smiled at Dadon — and with a little bow, took his hand and led him into her tent. There she sat him at the head of the table, and feasted him with sumptuous food, and he lay on a bed of brocade.A week passed, as Dadon stayed with her in utter entrancement, spellbound. 90003 90002 At length, Dadon set out on his journey home, with his armies and the young princess. Before them galloped the rumours, spreading both fact and fiction. The townspeople met them at the city gates, with a noisy welcome. Everyone ran behind Dadon and his princess in the royal carriage, and Dadon greeted everyone. Then, in the town, he caught sight of his old friend the sorcerer, whose turbaned head rose in the crowd like the head of a grizzled swan.»Greetings, old man» called the tsar. «Come over here and tell me if there is anything you want.» «Tsar,» replied the wise man, «do you remember? You promised me that, in return for my favour to you, you would grant the first thing I ask for. So please let me now have the girl, the Shamakhan princess. » 90003 90002 «What!» cried Dadon, aghast. «Either a devil has got into you, or you have lost your senses. What can you be thinking of? Of course I gave you my promise, but everything must have its limits.And remember who I am — ask me rather for a chest of gold, or a noble title, or a horse from the royal stables — ask for half my kingdom! «90003 90002 «I want none of those. Let me take the Shamakhan princess,» the wise man replied. The tsar spat with fury: «What an evil man! No, you will get nothing! You have brought trouble on yourself, old man — drag him away!» 90003 90002 The old man wanted to argue in his defense, but with some people it is best not to argue. Tsar Dadon hit him on the forehead with his staff; the old man fell to the ground, and died.The whole crowd shuddered in horror, but the princess burst into high peals of laughter. The tsar, although he was greatly alarmed, smiled at her. Then, as Dadon was moving on into the town, a sudden slight sound was heard, and the assembled townspeople watched as the cockerel swooped down from the spire, flew to the carriage, and alighted on top of the tsar’s head. He spread his wings, pecked once a the tsar’s head, and soared up into the sky … and Dadon fell from his carriage, sighed once — and died.And the princess vanished, as if she had never existed …. 90003 90002 This story is not true, but there’s a hint in it; a lesson for all the young and ruthless. 90003 90002 (1834 Pushkin’s Fairy Tales) 90003 .90000 The Tale of the Golden Cockerel by Alexander Pushkin 90001 90002 Somewhere in a secret kingdom, 90003 In a far and distant kingdom, 90003 Lived the famous Tsar Dadon. 90003 Fierce one when took the throne 90003 Put to rubbish all the neighbors 90003 Never thought about sequels; 90003 But when matured and turned gray 90003 Wished to find a peaceful way 90003 And to take repose and slumber. 90003 Then the neighbors made much trouble 90003 For the old and feeble king 90003 Giving him a lot of sting.90003 To defend his distant borders 90003 From the permanent disorders 90003 He was urged to maintain 90003 Cohogorts of defensive men. 90003 Chiefs of guard refused to sleep, 90003 Tried to get the faithful tip: 90003 Whether from the South blast, 90003 From the East assault on us? 90003 Beat them here — savage people 90003 From the sea. Without sleeping 90003 Wept with fury Tsar Dadon, 90003 Troubles meanwhile carried on. 90003 Could one live in such a fever! 90003 Asked for help he from the clever 90003 Wise old eunuh, sorcerer, 90003 Astrologer, conjurer.90003 Begging him to come to chamber. 90031 90032 90033 90031 90002 90003 Came he with a tricky number — 90003 Pulled from figured tissue sack 90003 Golden Cockerel by neck. 90003 «Place — he said — this golden bird — 90003 On the top of your abode 90003 And my Golden Cockerel 90003 Will perform his duty well: 90003 While it’s quiet on the border 90003 He will sit in peace and order 90003 But at minor threat of war 90003 From each quarter of the World 90003 Or of military invasion, 90003 Or of unexpected danger, 90003 In a flash my Cockerel 90003 Will upraise his caruncle, 90003 Give a loud crow of glory 90003 And will gaze at source of worry «.90003 Tsar with grace to sorcerer 90003 Vows him a bag of pearls. 90003 «In return for this your favor, — 90003 Tsar at that time was enamoured — 90003 I would grant your premier will 90003 As my own — to fulfill». 90031 90002 Cockerel from the top of spire 90003 Watches round for the fire. 90003 Is the danger seen by chance — 90003 Faithful sentry wakes at once 90003 Spread his wings and make a turn 90003 Towards the side it’s coming from 90003 Issuing a loud cry — 90003 «Reign in peace and sidelong lie!» 90003 And the neighbor kings grew quiet, 90003 Could not further war provide: 90003 Since that year Tsar Dadon 90003 Stopped them all of fighting on.90003 Quietly runs year after year; 90003 Cockerel keeps to watch and hear. 90003 All of a sudden Tsar Dadon 90003 Was awaked with noise and storm: 90003 «Tsar, your majesty, Godfather! — 90003 Claims the general, — the bother, 90003 Sir! Wake up! We need defense!» 90003 «What’s the matter, dear friends? — 90003 Asked Dadon with loud yawn — 90003 Who is there, what is wrong?» 90003 Chief of troops replies in fever: 90003 «Cockerel shrills just more than ever; 90003 Funk and noise across the town» 90003 Tsar — to window.Makes sound, 90003 Jumps and flatters Cockerel 90003 Screaming as the warning bell 90003 «Quickly, folks, to horse, do hurry! 90003 Do not loose time, for time is money!»; 90003 Tsar sends army to the East 90003 Elder son leads it abreast 90003 Cockerel’s concern abated, 90003 Clamor calmed, Tsar dissipated. 90003 Eight days passed without roar 90003 No news came from the war; 90003 Whether happened any battle — 90003 Can not Dadon wise up and settle. 90003 Cockerel starts again to crow. 90003 Tsar collects the second crowd; 90003 Which the younger son will run 90003 To assist the elder one; 90003 Cockerel again keeps level.90003 No news about travel! 90003 Came within eight lasting days; 90003 People fear, wait and pray; 90003 Cockerel starts again to crow, 90003 Tsar collects another crowd 90003 And he leads them to the East 90003 Hoping to return at least. 90003 Troops are marching day and night; 90003 All the men are deadly tired. 90003 Neither battlefield, camp ground, 90003 Nor a hill or burial mound 90003 Had encountered Tsar Dadon. 90003 «What’s the miracle?» — looks he on. 90003 Week had passed of trip almighty, 90003 Tsar brought troops to highland country 90003 There, amidst sky-touching peaks 90003 Stands a silky tent on sticks.90003 Valley lays in deep, fine silence 90003 No sound over mountains 90003 In the narrow canyon 90003 Murdered crowds sees Dadon. 90003 Near tent he sees two bodies 90003 His two sons without clothes, 90003 No armors, helmetless 90003 Swords run through each others ‘chests, 90003 Cold and breathless. Their horses 90003 Wander lose — free from remorses 90003 In the crushed and blood-stained grass 90003 By the narrow mountain pass 90003 Tsar gave weep: «My sons, my children! 90003 Woe is me! They both are beaten 90003 Both of proud falcons my — 90003 Nothing else I want but die! » 90003 All the army mourned and grieved 90003 Heavy echo was received 90003 From the mountains before 90003 Suddenly the silky door 90003 Of the tent was quickly opened 90003 And Shemakha Queen was gotten — 90003 Stunning beauty, like the dawn 90003 Quietly stepped to meet Dadon.90003 Like the owl in the morning 90003 Silenced Tsar not feeling warning 90003 He forgot death of his sons 90003 At the sight of Queen at once 90003 She gave smile as rose in bloom 90003 To Dadon with little bow 90003 Took with tenderness his hand 90003 And led him inside the tent. 90003 There she sat him at the table, 90003 Feasted him with viands of fable, 90003 Bedded brocade bed for rest 90003 Tsar got in the homey nest 90003 After, for a week exactly, 90003 Captured by her charm directly, 90003 Caught in network, caught in trap, 90003 Stayed Dadon within her lap.90031 90002 So at length Dadon decided 90003 Back to kingdom he resided 90003 With his army and the Queen 90003 Tsar returned to home in sheen 90003 In the front of him the talking, 90003 Truth and false were widely walking. 90003 At the capital gateway 90003 Swarms of people met them gay 90003 Crowds run behind the carriage 90003 Greetings for the coming marriage 90003 Greets his people Tsar Dadon … 90003 Suddenly he stared upon 90003 Ancient, like the swan gray-headed 90003 Wearing Saracen’s , unbearded 90003 Old friend, eunuch, sapient 90003 «How are you, eminent — 90003 Called the Tsar- Come over here, 90003 Tell me what you want, I hear» 90003 — Tsar! — replied the old wise sage, 90003 Let us settle at this stage.90003 I remind you of your promise 90003 In return for my good service 90003 You would grant my premier will 90003 As your own — to fulfill. 90003 Let me now have this maiden, 90003 Queen of Shemakha, you’ve taken. 90003 Tsar could not keep from great amazement 90003 «Why requiring such payment? A 90003 Either devil stole your mind? 90003 Or you’re definitely blind? 90003 What accrued inside your head? 90003 If I knew you were so mad 90003 I wouldn ‘t promise you at all. 90003 And besides, why just the girl? 90003 Easy, be aware of mine 90003 You may ask for things just fine 90003 Ask for place at royal table, 90003 Any horse from royal stable, 90003 Ask for half my kingdom yet «90003 -» I want none of those, instead 90003 Let me take this maiden charming, 90003 Queen of Shemakha «- diviner 90003 So answered — old white hat.90003 Spat Dadon — «Be damned for that! 90003 You will get just less than nothing. 90003 Need you, sinner, for adjusting; 90003 You’ll bring trouble on your head; 90003 Drag away this ancient bat «; 90003 The old man began to argue 90003 But it’s harmful with the ugly; 90003 Tsar knocked him with iron staff 90003 On the forehead — that’s enough 90003 Shuddered and recoiled the crowd, 90003 Girl resumed to laugh and shout — 90003 Ha-ha-ha, then he-he-he! 90003 Say, not fears own sin. 90003 Although Tsar was frightened much, 90003 Gave to her a gentle touch.90003 Now carriage moves to town … 90003 There arose a gentile sound 90003 And in presence of the folks 90003 Cockerel swooped from spire’s top, 90003 Flew to carriage and alighted, 90003 On Tsar’s crown like the cockfighter, 90003 Spread his wings, pecked once the Tsar 90003 And soared up in deep blue sky 90003 From the carriage Tsar Dadon 90003 Fell on earth and he was gone. 90003 And the Queen — she disappeared, 90003 As if she was never here. 90003 Tale is lie, but there’s a hint! 90003 For good fellows a tip.90031 .90000 The Tale of the Golden Cockerel 90001 90002 Sometime long, long ago, in a kingdom you would not know, lived Tsar Dadon the Glorious who began his reign in a notorious way by invading his neighbors, destroying their homes and their labors. Later, though, nearing old age his life entered a new phase, and the tsar wanted peace. But now his enemies unleashed barrage of their own attacks. The tsar was hardly able to relax before he needed to protect his borders from the armies and marauders.90003 90002 A fine war machine he did preserve and his generals would serve him well, but now he would need an astute strategy to succeed. You see, if his army guarded the south, the foe took an eastern route. Defend that flank, and the next guest would emerge from the sea. Never a rest! 90003 90002 In private the tsar would weep, cutting into his dignity, and his sleep. In such fear, it’s hardly a life, so he turned to another for advice. He summoned an old soothsayer, a eunuch, an astrologer, and sent a courier to get the man.Soon the eunuch arrived, and with great elan, lifted from a sack a cockerel of gold. To the tsar this is what he told: 90003 90002 «On a high spire place this bird so he can be seen and heard. There my cockerel, golden from head to tail, will help protect the city without fail. If things are quiet for miles around the rooster will sit quietly, not a sound. But if unwelcome strangers do appear, if the horror of war approaches near, then the bird will size up the enemy force, and map out its expected course.Boldly the rooster will cry out, flutter its wings, stiffen its red comb, eyes fixed on the danger, away from home. » 90003 90002 The tsar, elated, bid the sage farewell, promising to fulfill any desire the man might have. The sage was quiet, call it savvy, as he would wait for events to unfold, while dreaming of fortunes untold. 90003 90002 And so the cockerel from his high perch, for the enemy would diligently search. The minute he sensed danger, like a trustworthy farm rooster at daybreak, he would come to life.Turning in that direction, while confirming his suspicions, he’d cry, «Kiri-ku-ku! Careful, they are coming for you!» 90003 90002 Soon the enemies day and night lost their will to fight. Their forces, regardless of number, by Dadon were ripped asunder. Two years passed in peace, and the cockerel stood at ease. Then the tsar was awakened from his sleep by loud voices and shuffling feet. 90003 90002 «Sir! Father of our nation!» began a general’s exclamation. «Sir, wake up! There’s trouble!» «What is it, people?» the tsar said, breaking a yawn.»What’s the matter? What’s wrong?» «Sir, the bird has a threat in focus. He’s giving us notice that evil winds are blowing near. People are on edge, our fate’s unclear. » 90003 90002 The tsar looked at the agitated bird, and saw that it was pointed eastward. «Hurry, no time to waste! To your horses! Make haste! «The tsar sent an army to the east, his oldest son he chose to lead. The cockerel soon stood quietly, and Dadon waited patiently in the solemn city. Soon came day eight, still no news on the army’s fate.If a savage battle occurred, would he have heard? 90003 90002 Then the cockerel cried out again, and the tsar rounded up more men. He sent his other son — he had but two — to investigate and perhaps rescue his first brave unit. The cockerel quieted again and time crawled in the city for the next eight days, people worried, their thoughts strayed. 90003 90002 Then the rooster cried out again. The tsar ordered a third set of men and led it himself to the east, uncertain if he could help in the least.Traveling day and night, his army tired quickly. Neither a fight, nor camps, nor battlefields, nor burial mounds in hills did Dadon and his troops encounter. «What’s going on?» he would wonder. 90003 90002 Now it was the eighth day ahead, and into the hills the army was led. Between two majestic hills, the verdant meadow seemed unduly still. Further down, a silk tent was seen. And in a tight ravine … lay the tsar’s first two armies, perished. 90003 90002 To the tent Dadon rushed and witnessed a sight he feared: at the door, his two sons dear, without their helmets or armor, lay motionless, not a stir.Each had driven a lethal blade into the other. Their horses in the glade, meanwhile, roamed on trampled grass, over blood-stained sward they’d pass. The tsar wailed, «Oh, the horror! My sons! Both my warriors caught in a trap. Oh, the misery! Death come soon unto me! » 90003 90002 Everyone grieved behind the tsar. Hills and valleys, near and far, it seemed, with pent up sorrow moaned, as well. Suddenly the tent opened … and a stunning beauty was seen. Her name was the Shamakha Queen. Her radiance, like the new day’s dawn, quietly wrapped itself around Dadon.Like a nightbird’s song is stifled by sunrise, the tsar was speechless, peering into her eyes. It was here he forgot at once the tragic death of his two sons. 90003 90002 She led the tsar inside the tent of silk. Her skin’s sweet scent, her bewitching smile, her figure’s allure, were heaven-sent, the tsar was sure. At the table she gave him a seat, the finest food she served to eat. On a brocade bed he rested, captured by her beauty, arrested by her charm. For a week exactly he was hers completely, seemingly trapped under the maiden’s spell.And he feasted like a king, as well! Eventually, though, he needed to go back to his kingdom. So with the army intact, they returned to their more familiar haven, together with the lovely young maiden. 90003 90002 Truths and falsehoods were rife as the city before them sprang to life. In their carriages, Dadon and the queen were followed by the masses. What a scene! Dadon greeted all, even tossed a few coins to the crowd. Then he noticed a man with a strange hat on. 90003 90002 It was the eunuch.»Welcome, Tsar Dadon!» to his majesty the sage bellowed. «Ah, greetings my dear fellow,» the tsar replied, «what do you say? Can I throw a little your way?» «Yes, sir,» replied the wise man. «Indeed, it is time to settle the best we can. Remember you said you’d acquire and grant me anything I desire. Well, there is something I’ve seen. I want her, the Shamakha Queen! » 90003 90002 The tsar was shocked. «Surely you jest,» he mocked. «Has the devil gotten to you? How could such thoughts accrue in your head ?! I gave you my word, of course, but such rubbish I’ve never heard.Your request needs to be within reason. And why the maiden? Is this some kind of test? From you I’d take almost any request. Take money, or the title of a noble. Take a horse from the royal stable. Take half my empire. «» My dear tsar, all I desire is the maiden I’ve seen, the Shamakha Queen. » 90003 90002 The tsar spat in disgust. «Such evil, this is hardly fitting. Enough! You will not receive a thing, sinner, except for perhaps suffering. Be off! Take the old goat away. You’re lucky you’re still alive today.» The old man started to argue, but such acts you do not do with the tsar, who hit him with his staff across the lips; the eunuch fell flat. 90003 90002 He died on the spot, before a whole city shuddering. But the beauty seemed to giggle at the whole affair; for the sage’s fate she did not care. The tsar, although shaken, looked lovingly at the maiden. They began to head towards town, when from above they heard a faint sound. 90003 90002 The whole capital looked on as the cockerel headed toward Dadon.Like a shot he flew down, landing on the tsar’s crown. He fluttered wildly, pecking into his head, and flew off … It can be said that from the carriage the tsar fell. Exactly what killed him, no one could tell. Mysteriously, the queen disappeared. It’s as if she were never there. 90003 90002 The End 90003 .