Once upon a time there was an old man and his old wife, and they had three sons. One was called Egórushko Zalyót; 38 the second was called Mísha Kosolápy; 39 and the third was called Iváshko Zapéchnik. 40 The parents wanted to secure wives for them, and sent the eldest son out to seek a bride. He went for a long time, and saw many maidens, but he took none to wife, for he liked none well enough. On the way he met a three-headed dragon, and was very frightened.
The dragon asked him, “Whither are you going, brave youth?”
“I am going a-wooing, but I cannot find a bride.”
“Come with me; I will take you where you may find one.”