As the day wore on , his strength began to fail , and when darkness fell he could hardly keep his eyes open . By midnight he knew he was no longer on his horse , but standing on the ground , though he could not have told how he got there . When the grey light of morning came , he was past standing on his feet , but fought now upon his knees . ` Make one more struggle ; it is nearly over now , ' said the horse , seeing that Petru 's strength was waning fast . Petru wiped the sweat from his brow with his gauntlet , and with a desperate effort rose to his feet . ` Strike the Welwa on the mouth with the bridle , ' said the horse , and Petru did it . The Welwa uttered a neigh so loud that Petru thought he would be deaf for life , and then , though she too was nearly spent , flung herself upon her enemy ; but Petru was on the watch and threw the bridle over her head , as she rushed on , so that when the day broke there were three horses trotting beside him . ` May your wife be the most beautiful of women , ' said the Welwa , ` for you have delivered me from my enchantment . ' So the four horses galloped fast , and by nightfall they were at the borders of the golden forest . Then Petru began to think of the crowns that he wore , and what they had cost him . ` After all , what do I want with so many ? I will keep the best , ' he said to himself ; and taking off first the copper crown and then the silver , he threw them away . ` Stay ! ' cried the horse , ` do not throw them away ! Perhaps we shall find them of use . Get down and pick them up . ' So Petru got down and picked them up , and they all went on . In the evening , when the sun is getting low , and all the midges are beginning to bite , Peter saw a wide heath stretching before him . At the same instant the horse stood still of itself . ` What is the matter ? '
asked XXXXX . '
Peter Petru Welwa evening first heath midges midnight morning neigh