“Very well,” said the snake, “I will forgive you, but on condition that whoever meets you first, when you reach home, you must give me for all eternity; and, if you deceive me, do not forget, nobody can ever hide himself from me: I shall find you wherever you are.”

The merchant agreed to the condition and came back home.

And the youngest daughter saw him from the window and ran out to meet him. Then the merchant hung his head, looked at his beloved daughter, and began to shed bitter tears.

“What is the matter with you? why are you weeping, bátyushka ?”

He gave her the blossom and told what had befallen him.

“Do not grieve, bátyushka ,” said the youngest daughter, “it is God’s gift: perhaps I shall fare well. Take me to the snake.”