patience endure his present affliction; adding that he himself had
long suffered the most rigorous fate, yet despaired not but that
one day would give them an opportunity to free themselves from the
wicked wretch, whose sole delight was in others' torments. 'As to
his inhuman commands,' continued he, 'I will sooner die than obey
them; and in a mutual friendship perhaps we may find some
consolation, even in this dismal cave.'

This little page the cruel Barbarico had stolen from his parents
at five years old; ever since which time he had tortured and
abused him, till he had now attained the age of one-and-twenty.
His mother had given him the name of Mignon; by which name the
monster always called him, as it gratified his insolence to make
use of that fond appellation whilst he was abusing him, only when
he said Mignon he would in derision add the word Dwarf; for, to
say the truth, Mignon was one of the least men that was ever seen,
though at the same time one of the prettiest: his limbs, though
small, were exactly proportioned; his countenance was at once
sprightly and soft; and whatever his head thought, or his heart
felt, his eyes by their looks expressed; and his temper was as
sweet as his person was amiable. Such was the gentle creature
Barbarico chose to torment. For wicked giants, no less than
wicked men and women, are constantly tormented at the appearance
of those perfections in another, to which they themselves have no
pretensions.

The friendship and affection of Fidus and Mignon now every day
increased; and the longer they were acquainted, the mere delight
they took in each other's company. The faithful Fidus related to
his companion the story of his loved Amata, whilst the tender