All four mount their steeds and disappear in the distance.  “Rejoice, my trusty sword!” declares Farlaf as he rides away.  Ratmir already embraces Ludmila in his mind.  Rogdai worries, fearing unknown mysteries and suffering vain jealousy.  Leading the way, Ruslan pines in silence.  The four ride until evening shadows cover the river Dnieper.  “It is time to part!” they declare.

Ruslan rides away.  Suddenly, a cave appears before him.  He walks to it and sees an old man reading.  “Welcome!” the old one says with a smile.  “Fate has finally brought us together.

“Ruslan, you lost Ludmila; your steadfast spirit is losing strength.  But the moment of evil will rush by.  The man who offended you is the sorcerer Chernomor.  No one has ever penetrated his abode, but you will gain entrance and the villain will die at your hands.”

The prince falls before the old man and kisses his hand in joy.  Ruslan asks, “Who are you, unknown confidant of fate?”

With a sad smile, the old man answers, “I am a native Finn.  I drove a herd in our valleys.  Near our village, like a pleasant flower of solitude, lived Naina.  A year and half after I first saw her, I said with trepidation, ‘I love you, Naina.’ Naina answered indifferently, ‘Shepherd, I do not love you!’

“Nothing could lessen my anguish.  But in my homeland, a marvelous science is hidden.  Sorcerers live in the distant backwoods.  I, a greedy pursuer of love, decided to ignite love in my cold lady with magic.  After many years, I successfully cast the spell.  Suddenly, a decrepit old woman sat before me with sunken eyes and a hump.  It was Naina!

“She squeaked at me, ‘A flood of years has flown by.  But the loss of unfaithful youth doesn’t matter.  Perhaps I am hunchbacked, but I am a sorceress!’  Then she muttered a confession of love.  Imagine my suffering!  I couldn’t stand it and ran away.  Since then I have lived in seclusion.”  Having listened to his tale, Ruslan embraces the old wizard and departs.