(A Folktale Long Current in the Region of the Volga)
Emelyán was a labourer and worked for a master. Crossing the meadows one day on his way to work, he nearly trod on a frog that jumped right in front of him, but he just managed to avoid it. Suddenly he heard someone calling to him from behind.
Emelyán looked round and saw a lovely lassie, who said to him: “Why don’t you get married, Emelyán?”
“How can I marry, my lass?” said he. “I have but the clothes I stand up in, nothing more, and no one would have me for a husband.”
“Take me for a wife,” said she.
Emelyán liked the maid. “I should be glad to,” said he, “but where and how could we live?”
“Why trouble about that?” said the girl. “One only has to work more and sleep less, and one can clothe and feed oneself anywhere.”