When he realized what was going on, Svatopluk’s smile soon turned sour.  This was especially true after Arpad’s emissaries appeared before him with the following message:  “Arpad, ruler of the Magyars, is letting you know that you have sold this country to him.  He has bought it from you, although it was already his by virtue of inheritance.  He bought this land for a horse, its grasses for a bridle, and its waters for a saddle.  You gave them away because of your poverty and avarice.  So don’t waste any time.  Pack up and leave before it’s too late.”

Having heard Arpad’s message, Svatopluk was barely able to force a smile upon his lips as he replied: “I shall have the stallion killed, the bridle buried in the meadow, and the golden saddle cast into the Danube.”

But Arpad’s envoy replied: “But sire, think! What bereavement would this cause to the Magyars?  If you have the stallion killed, it will be their dogs that will feed upon its flesh; if you have the bridle buried, it will be their peasants who will find and profit by its gold; and if you have the golden saddle cast into the Danube, it will be their fishermen who will fish it out and enrich themselves.  One who owns the land, the grass, and the waters also owns everything in and upon them.”

Hearing this, Svatopluk became very angry and he swiftly gathered his army.  He also asked his neighboring rulers to aid him against the Magyars.