Dobrynya Nikitich

Early in the morning, before the rooster has even crowed its morning call, you're already up bright and early. Almost immediately, you begin getting ready for duty—you are, after all, the messenger of the Prince of Kyiv himself. So, you put on your coat, trousers, and the rest of your attire, and grab your bow and arrows before heading out into the fresh air. On the way to the Prince's palace, under your chebots (chebots are ancient Russian men's or women's boots with a heel and a high shaft), you hear the rustle of grass on which the morning dew has settled. Upon arrival at the palace, the Prince of Kiev ordered that a Russian hero be notified of the decree: "to collect tribute from the Crimean Khan Betan." Also added to the document was "to take a messenger as an assistant." You headed to the required hut... Upon arrival, you immediately flung open the door, exclaiming, "A message from the Prince!" but the hero didn't wake. It was true what they said about him: "Until the sun rises, he'll sleep like a log!" You tried everything—pushed him, made noise, and shouted in his ear—but all to no avail. After numerous attempts to wake the good fellow, the unexpected happened: at that moment, you stood too close, and he grabbed you in your sleep and held you in a strong, heavy embrace... and he snored. After some time, the sun rose and the hero began to wake up.