dragged the ponderous key from under the monster's head; and then
descending they all went to the outer door of the cave, where,
with some difficulty, they set wide open the folding iron gates.

They now determined to dispatch a messenger to the good Benefico
with the news, which they knew would be so welcome to him and all
his guests, and with one voice agreed that Fidus should bear the
joyful tidings; and then returned to observe the monster, and to
wait the coming of Benefico. The nimble Fidus soon reached the
giant's dwelling, where, at a little distance from the castle, he
met the good Benefico with a train of happy friends, enjoying the
pleasures of the evening, and the instructive and cheerful
conversation of their kind protector. Fidus briefly told his
errand; and instantly Benefico, with all his train, joyfully
hastened to behold the wonders he had related; for now many hearts
leapt for joy, in hopes of meeting some friend of whom they had
been bereft by the cruelty of the savage Barbarico.

They were not long before they arrived at the horrid cave, where
Benefico, proceeding directly to the monster's chamber, suddenly
appeared to him at the side of his couch. Barbarico, on seeing
him, gave a hideous yell, and rolled his glaring eyes in such a
manner as expressed the height of rage and envious bitterness.

Benefico, turning to all the company present, thus spoke, 'How
shall I enough praise and admire the gentle Mignon for having put
in my power to justice on this execrable wretch, and freeing you
all from an insufferable slavery, and the whole country from their
terror?' Then reaching the monster's own sword, which hung over
his couch, his hand yet suspended over the impious tyrant, he thus