k 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 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 said, 'Speak, wretch,
if yet the power of speech is left