Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1891-07-04

of-arms. Go, my dear, and ask your gold
en- bird II she can do this; and IL so, then
I will be satisfied and happy. But fear
this will be too hard task for a bird to
accomplish, for she will have to change
my complexion, make my hands and feet
smaller and my figure better, give me
some education and refinement and some
knowledge of music, art, and literature.
Now, dear Ivanushka, for the sake OF your
wifes happiness go and ask your golden
bird IL she can confer upon me these great
favors."
Ivan, though feeling ashamed to make
so many requests, proceeded thoughtfully
to the forest. He called the bird again,
and she came cheerfully and asked, What
Is the matter now, 1vanushka!-What
does your wife want? She has every
thing"
"Oh, my dear bird" said Ivan, /" she is
still unsatisfied and wants to become q
boUdrinid, with a beautiful complexion,
smaller hands and feet and better figure,
and to be educated and refined. She wants
horses and carriages, with coronet and
coat-of-arms, and to be surrounded by
many mobiles and servants. II those favors
be granted her she says she will then be
contented and happy"
| The bird smiled sarcaStically, but read
| lily granted the demands of Ivan's dlssatis-
| fed wife.
When Ivan returned home he was more
than surprised to find that his wife's
wishes had been complied with. He found
her surrounded by mobiles in full uniform
and many servants running in all direc-
lions, attending to her ladyship's orders.
Shining like the sun, and literally covered
| with gold. diamonds, and other precious
stones, she scarcely deigned to recognize
Ivan; and, with a stately bow, ordered
him into the kitchen with the servants.
| Ivan, after remaining some time in the
kitchen, concluded that the joke, which he
supposed it to be, had proceeded far
enough, and returned to the apartment In
which his wife was seated, saying to her
"How do you do, my dear wifc?"
| "Moujik, how dare you call me your
wife? Leave this room; your place Is in
tho kitchen with the servants" was her
ladyship's rejoinder; aud, calling an at
| tendant, ordered him to be removed and
severely chastised for his impertinence.
Poor Ivan was obliged to perform mental
labor in the stables and gardens, not dar-
ing again to appear in the presence of her
ladyship. After some time had elapsed,
| however, he was summoned to como be-
| fore her, when she said:
Il am tired of being bOUdritid. 1 want
| to be the Empress. Go Immediately to the
golden bird and tell her that it is my de-
sire to become Empress of all Russia, sur
~
erals and the ambassadors OF all foreign
nations; and to live in the Great Palace"
Ivan was Disguised with his wife, and
was not inclined to obey her command;
but, being ordered in such a poremptory
manner, was obliged to submit and went
sadly to the woods, who're no called in a
loud voice for the golden bird. The par
fridge came obedient to his call, and said /:
do not worry, my dear friend. / know
L nj flA'G lntnSf wish and rn-
turn to your home, for it has been
granted"
Ivan, appearing once more In his wife's
presence, was amazed to learn that her
desires were still unsatlshed, for she
wanted to be greater even than tho Carl
ma, saying to him:
II want to be ruler of the forests and
streams and to have control of every liv-
ing thing therein"
when his wife in an angry voice exclaimed,
IF you do not instantly do my bidding
your head will pay the penalty"
So Ivan, with a breaking heart. went
once more to the forest, and the golden
partridge, responding to his loud call,
gave him one long, Sorrowful look and dis
appeared in the woods. The heavens sud-
denly opened, terrific lightning appeared,
and loud crashes of thunder rent the air.
Ivan was terribly frightened and feared to
return to his home but when the storm
had subsidized ho directed his weary stepa
toward his unreasonable wife, dreading
the punishment which awaited him.
He could scarcely believe his senses
when he reached the spot where the palace
once stood, for there confronting him was
the little old shanty in which he had spent
so many happy days.
Upon the floor his wife lay dead.