to wait the wished event. In a few minutes the giant waked; and
opening his enormous eyes, he glared their horrid orbs around (but
without the least motion of his head or body) and spied the little
Mignon where he lay, close shrinking to avoid his baleful sight.

The giant no sooner perceived his little page at liberty, but his
heart sorely smote him, and he began to suspect the worst that
could befall; for, recollecting that he had carelessly left open
the little door leading from the dungeon to the great hall wherein
was placed the fatal magic statue, he was now entirely convinced
that Mignon had discovered the secret charm on which his power
depended; for he already found the magic of the fillet round his
neck fully to operate, his sinews all relax, his joints all
tremble; and when he would by his own hand have tried to free
himself, his shivering limbs he found refused obedience to their
office. Thus bereft of all his strength, and well nigh
motionless, in this extremity of impotence he cast about within
himself by what sly fraud (for fraud and subtlety were now his
only refuge) he best might work upon the gentle Mignon to lend his
kind assistance to unloose him. Wherefore with guileful words and
seeming courtesy, still striving to conceal his cursed condition,
he thus bespake his little captive:

'Come hither Mignon; my pretty gentle boy, come near me. This
fillet thou has bound around my neck, to keep me from the cold,
gives me some pain. I know thy gentle nature will not let thee
see thy tender master in the least uneasiness, without affording
him thy cheerful aid and kind relief. Come hither, my dear child,
I say, and loose the knot which in thy kind concern (I thank thee
for thy care) thou hast tied so hard, it somewhat frets my neck.'