t the sinking sun. Receive him on the horizon,
and carefully extinguish all the sparks every evening, lest any harm
should ensue, and lead him to his setting. Koit, my active son, let it
be thy care to receive the sun from the hands of Aemarik when he is ready
to begin his course, and to kindle new light, that there may never be
any deficiency."

The two servants of the sun did their duty with diligence, so that the
sun was never absent from the sky for a day. Then began the long summer
nights when Koit and Aemarik join their hands, when their hearts beat and
their lips meet in a kiss, while the birds in the woods sing sweet songs
each according to his note, when flowers blossom, the trees flourish,
and all the world rejoices. At this time the Creator descended from his
golden throne to earth to celebrate the festival of Lijon.[20] He found
all his works and affairs in good order, and rejoiced in his creation,
and said to Koit and Aemarik, "I am well pleased with your management,
and desire your lasting happiness. From henceforth be husband and wife."

But the two exclaimed with one voice, "Father, let us enjoy our
happiness undisturbed. We are content with our lot, and will remain
lover and beloved, for thus we enjoy a happiness which is ever young and
new."

Then the Creator granted them their desire, and returned to his golden
heaven.

* * * * *

The versions given by Boecler and Jannsen differ slightly.

[Footnote 18: This story has been already printed in English, (Jones and
Kropf, _Folk-Tales of the Magyars_, pp. 326-328), but I was unwilling to
omit it.]

[Footnote 19: The constellation of the Great Bear is of course
intended.]

[Footnote 20: The dictionary gives no further explanation than "Name of
a mythical personage."]

THE MAIDEN AT THE VASKJALA BRIDGE.

(KREUTZWALD.)

On a beautiful and quiet summer evening many years ago, a pious maiden
went to the Vaskjala[21] Bridge to bathe and refresh herself after the
heat of the day. The sky was clear, and the song of the nightingale
re-echoed from the neighbouring alder thicket. The Moon ascended to his
heavenly pavilion, and gazed down with friendly eyes on the wreath of
the maiden with the golden hair and rosy cheeks. The maiden's heart was
pure and innocent, and modest and clear as the waters of the spring to
its very depths. Suddenly she felt her heart beat faster, and a strange
longing seized her, and she co