Note 4 — Chapter XIV · : Folk Lore
Reading edition
Journeying on, they came to a city where a mighty tsar dwelt with his daughter. She, indeed, was of pure Christian blood. The travellers entered the palace and found two princes already there with their wedding apples4 laid upon a table. Then the young man also placed his apple on the table. When the tsar saw the newcomers he said to those around him: “What shall we do now? Those are imperial princes, and these men look like beggars!” Thereupon the angel said: “Let the contest be decided thus: the princess shall plant three vines in the garden, dedicating one to each of the three wooers; and he on whose vine grapes are found next morning, is to be the one whom the princess shall marry!” This plan was agreed to by all, and the princess accordingly planted three vines.