iron couch, deprived of all his wicked power. But first let us
unbar each cell, wherein is pent some wretched captive, that we
may share a general transport for this our glad deliverance.'

The faithful Fidus, whose heart had known but little joy since he
had lost his loved Amata, now felt a dawning hope that he might
once more chance to find her, if she had survived their fatal
separation; and, without one word of answer, he followed Mignon to
the several cells, and soon released all the astonished captives.

Mignon first carried them to behold their former terror, now, to
appearance, almost a lifeless corpse; who on seeing them all
surround his couch, gave a most hideous roar, which made them
tremble, all but the gentle Mignon, who was convinced of the
impotence of his rage, and begged them to give him their
attendance in the hall; where they were no sooner assembled than
he showed them the statue, read them the oracle, and told them
every circumstance before related.

They now began to bethink themselves of what method was to be
taken to procure their entire liberty; for the influence of the
magic fillet extended only to the gates of the hall; and still
they remained imprisoned within the dismal cave; and though they
knew from the oracle, as well as from what appeared, that the
monster's power was at an end, yet still were they to seek the
means of their escape from this his horrid abode. At length
Mignon again ascended the couch to find the massy key, and spying
one end of it peep out from under the pillow, he called to Fidus,
who first stepped up to his friend's assistance; the rest by his
example quickly followed; and now, by their united force, they