Ján Francisci

“ In front of the castle stood an old woman, bent with age, leaning on a long, silver staff, and this was Jezibaba. "Ah! my son! How is it that you have come here? Here there is neither bird nor insect, much less a human being," cried Jezibaba to the prince: "if life is dear to you, flee away! for if my son comes, he will devour you." "Nay, old mother! he will hardly eat me; I bring him a greeting from his brother in the leaden castle." "Well, if you bring a greeting from the leaden castle, then come into the parlour, my son, and tell me what you are seeking." ”

“ Frightened by the clang of the sword, they rose on their wings and flew into the air above the lofty tree. "Hem! till now I haven't seen a living creature for a long while," said the prince to himself, springing from the ground. "I will go in the direction in which the ravens have flown; maybe some hope will disclose itself to me."
He went on, he went on anew for three whole days and three nights, till at last a lofty castle displayed itself to him at a distance. "Praise be to God! I shall not at any rate come to human beings," cried he, and proceeded further. ”

“ You will go up the glass hill, kneel under the tree, and hold up your hands. If the lemons are destined for you they will fall off into your hands of themselves; but if they are not destined for you, you will not pluck them whatever you do. When you are on your return, and are hungry or thirsty, cut one of the lemons into halves, and you will eat and drink your fill. And now go, and God be with you! But stay! I won't let you go hungry. Mother, here with the dumplings!" Jezibaba set a large golden dish on the table. "Eat!" said her son to the prince ”