"Сказка о Мертвой царевне и семи богатырях"-1, А.С.Пушкин

For best definition, click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLWW9hT9cgc&fmt=18 "Сказка о Мертвой царевне и 7 богатырях" А.С.Пушкин, часть 1, производство "Союзмультфильм", СССР, Москва, 1951 год Чтобы смотреть мультик в лучшем качестве, кликните линк, приведенный ниже: To watch this video in high quality, use this link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLWW9hT9cgc&fmt=18 Please, visit my site about Russian folklore: http://lexis.110mb.com/folklore.html Text of tale- With his suite the Tsar departed. The Tsaritsa tender-hearted At the window sat alone, Wishing he would hurry home. All day every day she waited, Gazing till her dedicated Eyes grew weak from overstrain, Gazing at the empty plain, Not a sign of her beloved! Nothing but the snowflakes hurried Heaping drifts upon the lea. Earth was white as white could be. Nine long months she sat and waited, Kept her vigil unabated. Then from God on Christmas Eve She a daughter did receive. Next day early in the morning, Love and loyalty rewarding, Home again from travel far Came at last the father-Tsar. One fond glance at him she darted, Gasped for joy with thin lips parted, Then fell back upon her bed And by prayer-time was dead. Long the Tsar sat lonely, brooding. But he, too, was only human. Tears for one sad year he shed... And another woman wed. She (if one be strictly truthful) Was a born Tsaritsa—youthful, Slim, tall, fair to look upon, Clever, witty—and so on. But she was in equal measure Stubborn, haughty, wilful, jealous. In her dowry rich and vast Was a little looking-glass. It had this unique distinction: It could speak with perfect diction. Only with this glass would she In a pleasant humour be. Many times a day she'd greet it And coquettishly entreat it: "Tell me, pretty looking-glass, Nothing but the truth, I ask: Who in all the world is fairest And has beauty of the rarest?" And the looking-glass replied: "You, it cannot be denied. You in all the world are fairest And your beauty is the rarest." The Tsaritsa laughed with glee, Shrugged her shoulders merrily, Puffed her cheeks and bat her eyelids, Flicked her fingers coyly, slyly, Pranced around with hand on hips, Arrogance upon her lips. All this time the Tsar's own daughter Quietly, as Nature taught her, Grew and grew, and came quite soon Like a flower into bloom: Raven-browed, of fair complexion, Breathing kindness and affection. And the choice of fiance Lighted on Prince Yelisei. Suit was made. The Tsar consented And her dowry was indented: Seven towns with wealthy store, Mansion-houses — sevenscore. On the night before the wedding For a bridal party dressing The Tsaritsa, time to pass, Chatted with her looking-glass: "Who in all the world is fairest And has beauty of the rarest?" Then what did the glass reply? "You are fair, I can't deny. But the Princess is the fairest And her beauty is the rarest." Up the proud Tsaritsa jumped. On the table how she thumped, Angrily the mirror slapping, Slipper heel in fury tapping! "O you loathsome looking-glass, Telling lies as bold as brass! By what right is she my rival? Such young folly I shall bridle. So she's grown up—me to spite! Little wonder she's so white: With her bulging mother gazing At that snow—what's so amazing! Now look here, explain to me How can she the fairer be? Scour this realm of ours and seek well, Nowhere shall you find my equal. Is not that the truth?" she cried. Still the looking-glass replied: "But the Princess is the fairest And her beauty is the rarest." The Tsaritsa burst with spite, Hurled the mirror out of sight Underneath the nearest cupboard, And when breath she had recovered Summoned Smudge, her chamber maid, And to her instructions gave: "Take the Princess to the forest, Bind her hand and foot and forehead To a tree! When wolves arrive Let them eat the girl alive!" Link to full text of tale (English translation): http://russian-crafts.com/russian-folk-tales/tale-about-dead-princess.html