THE BIRD-GIRL WITH THE GOLDEN WINGS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2401, 16 January 1909, Page 9 (Supplement)

THE BIRD-GIRL WITH THE GOLDEN WINGS.

As Prince Jascha was hunting one da.’, in the Servian mountains, a lovely bii'd xvitlx golden wings fluttered by, aud he followed it, and eaxne to a high hill covered with white statues. As he was about to ascend, a hermit rushed out of a cave, and said: “Beware! A witch lives on this hill, and she sends out the golden bird to tempt travellers. If she sees you she will change you into a marble statue. But seize her hair before she spies you, and she will be in your power.” Prince Jascha did not follow the bird. Creeping np the hill by another way, he found the witch lying with her back towards him. He seized her hair, and she shrieked terrible, and the hill began to rock. But he did not let go. “Well, wlxat do you want, Jaselia r she said at last. “Give me the golden bird, and bring those statues to life, ’ said the prince. The witeli gave Jascha the bird, and it was so pretty that he kissed it. And as ho kissed, it, it turned into a sweet, beautiful girl. The witch then breathed a blue wind towards the statues,, and changed them hade unto handsome young men. After that, Jascha let go of her hair and she disappeared, aud all the merry company travelled to Belgrade, where the prince and the bird-girl wero happily married. x I —===== A