The comely but still lifeless face -

And death is vanquished, gone its rigor;

Ruslan, full of fresh strength and vigour,

Stands up; life courses in his veins,

The past a ghastly dream remains

Behind him, dim.... O'erjoyed, he faces

The rising day that 'fore him blazes.

But he's alone.... Where's his young bride?..

Of fear a tremor passes through him;

Then his heart leaps, for at his side

He sees the Finn who now says to him:

"It's as Fate wills. Bliss is in store

For you, my son, but not before

A bloody feast you'll have attended

And with your sword put down the foe.

You'll see your bride and gladness know,

Once peace on Kiev has descended.

Here is a ring for you. Her brow

Touch wdth it, and from sleep she'll waken.

The very sight of you, I vow,

Will leave your foes confused and shaken

And put the lot of them to flight.

Then will maliciousness and spite,

My friend, and all things evil perish.

Be worthy of your love and cherish

Your bride, Ruslan.... And now goodbye...

Beyond the grave will you and I

Meet, not before." With this he vanished,

And Prince Ruslan, all his fears banished,

O'erjoyed to be to life restored,

Stands with his arms stretched out toward

His friend.... Alas! The grassy lea is

Deserted quite save for the bay

(The dwarfs still in the bag) who whinnies