orolevich was besieging the city of Anton on all sides.
When King Dadon heard this, he instantly commanded his whole army to
be assembled; and he collected above thrice one hundred thousand men,
and marched out to battle. But Bova did not wish to shed blood
needlessly, and ordered all his warriors not to stir from the spot.
Then he looked steadfastly at Dadon, rode at him full gallop, and
struck him a sword-blow on the head which, though a light one, cleft
his skull, and Dadon fell dead from his horse. Bova ordered the body
to be taken up and borne into the city of Anton that Queen Militrisa
should herself behold his end. Meanwhile he went to his father's grave
and wept over it, and then returned to the city of Sumin.

When Dadon's body was brought before Militrisa, she fell to weeping
bitterly; and, as she washed the blood off with her tears, she
perceived that he was still living. Instantly she sent her faithful
servants into all the kingdoms round about to fetch a doctor for King
Dadon, promising to reward him richly.

Bova, on learning that Dadon was still alive, and had sent to seek a
doctor, resolved to go himself to the city of Anton, disguised as a
physician, and to kill King Dadon. Thereupon he washed himself with
the black powder, and was instantly changed into an old man, dressed
himself like a doctor, and took with him Tervis and a sharp sword. On
reaching the city, Bova sent word to King Dadon that some physicians
had come from a foreign country to cure his wounds. When the King
heard this he instantly commanded the strangers to be brought before
him, and promised that if they healed his wounds they should be richly
rewarded. Then Bova Korolevich bowed himself, and said that he would
speedily cure the King; but that all the bystanders must go away, and
leave the King alone with him. Dadon instantly assented; and as soon
as they were alone, Bova seized him by his beard, drew the sword from
under his cloak, and exclaimed: "Villain, take the reward for letting
yourself be seduced by the beauty of Queen Militrisa treacherously to
murder my father."

So saying, Bova struck off King Dadon's head, laid it upon a silver
dish, covered it with a white cloth, and went to his mother Militrisa.
When he entered her chamber he said to her: "My gracious Mother, I am
come to inform you that your beloved husband Dadon is quite recovered
from his wounds, and has sent us to announce the glad tidings to you
with this present