Mignon consoled his friend's inward sorrows, and supplied him with
necessaries, notwithstanding the venture he run of the cruel
tyrant's heavy displeasure. The giant ceased not every day to
view the hapless Fidus, to see if the cruelty of his intentions
had in any degree wrought its desired effect; but perceiving in
him no alteration, he now began to be suspicious that the little
Mignon had not punctually obeyed his savage command. In order
therefore to satisfy his wicked curiosity, he resolved within
himself narrowly to watch every occasion these poor unhappy
captives had of conversing with each other. Mignon, well knowing
the implacable and revengeful disposition of this barbarous
tyrant, had taken all the precautions imaginable to avoid
discovery; and therefore generally sought every opportunity of
being alone with Fidus, and carrying him his daily provisions at
those hours he knew the giant was most likely to be asleep.

It so befell that, on a certain day, the wicked giant had, as was
his usual custom, been abroad for many hours in search of some
unhappy creature on whom to glut his hateful inhumanity; when,
tired with fruitless roaming, he returned to his gloomy cave,
beguiled of all his horrid purposes; for he had not once that day
espied so much as the track of man, or other harmless animal, to
give him hopes even to gratify his rage or cruelty; but now raving
with inward torment and despair, he laid him down upon his iron
couch, to try if he could close his eyes and quiet the tumultuous
passions of his breast. He tossed and tumbled and could get no
rest, starting with fearful dreams, and horrid visions of
tormenting furies.

Meanwhile the gentle Mignon had prepared a little delicate repast,