And on the third day they were still fighting , but as the morning sky began to redden Petru somehow managed -- how I can not tell -- to throw the bridle over the head of the tired Welwa . In a moment , from the Welwa sprang a horse -- the most beautiful horse in the world . ` Sweet be your life , for you have delivered me from my enchantment , ' said he , and began to rub his nose against his brother 's . And he told Petru all his story , and how he had been bewitched for many years . So Petru tied the Welwa to his own horse and rode on . Where did he ride ? That I can not tell you , but he rode on fast till he got out of the copper wood . ` Stay still , and let me look about , and see what I never have seen before , ' said Petru again to his horse . For in front of him stretched a forest that was far more wonderful , as it was made of glistening trees and shining flowers . It was the silver wood . As before , the flowers began to beg the young man to gather them . ` Do not pluck them , ' warned the Welwa , trotting beside him , ` for my brother is seven times stronger than I ' ; but though Petru knew by experience what this meant , it was no use , and after a moment 's hesitation he began to gather the flowers , and to twist himself a wreath . Then the storm wind howled louder , the earth trembled more violently , and the night grew darker , than the first time , and the Welwa of the silver wood came rushing on with seven times the speed of the other . For three days and three nights they fought , but at last Petru cast the bridle over the head of the second Welwa . ` Sweet be your life , for you have delivered me from enchantment , ' said the second Welwa , and they all journeyed on as before . But soon they came to a gold wood more lovely far than the other two , and again Petru 's companions pleaded with him to ride through it quickly , and to leave the flowers alone . But Petru turned a deaf ear to all they said , and before he had woven his golden crown he felt that something terrible , that he could not see , was coming near him right out of the earth . He drew his sword and made himself ready for the fight . ' I will die ! ' cried he , ` or he shall have my bridle over his head . '
He had hardly said the words when a thick fog wrapped itself around him , and so thick was it that he could not see his own hand , or hear the sound XXXXX his voice .
As In against beside for from near of that till