The General tried to get an apple, but all the apples grew so high that it was necessary to climb for them.

He tried to climb, but with no result, except that he tore his shirt to rags.

The General came to a stream, the fish were swimming there in swarms, as though in a fish-shop on the Fontanka canal.

"If we only had such fish in Pettifoggers Street!" said the General to himself, and he even changed countenance with hunger.
The General entered the forest, and there hazel-hens were whistling, blackcocks were holding their bragging matches, and hares were running.
"Heavens! What victuals! What victuals!" said the General, and he felt that he was becoming fairly sick at his stomach with hunger.
There was nothing to be done; he was obliged to return to the appointed place with empty hands.

He reached it but the other General was already waiting for him.
"Well, your Excellency, have you accomplished anything ?" "Yes, I have found an old copy of the 'Moscow News'; that is all." The Generals lay down to sleep again, but gnawing hunger kept them awake.