holiday. And as the youth did
not answer immediately, she added, "I am young and fair, as you see
yourself, and I am under no one's authority, and can do what I like.
Until now, it never entered my head to marry, but from the moment when I
saw you, other thoughts came suddenly into my mind, for you please me.
If we should both be of one mind, let us wed without delay. I possess
endless wealth and goods, as you may easily convince yourself at every
step, and thus I can live in royal state day by day. Whatever your
heart desires, that can I provide for you."

The cajoleries of the fair maid might well have turned the youth's head,
but by good fortune he remembered that the birds had called her the
Hell-Maiden, and had warned him to give her no blood, and that he had
received the same warning at night, though whether sleeping or waking he
knew not. He therefore replied, "Dear lady, do not be angry with me if I
tell you candidly that marriage should not be rushed upon at racehorse
speed, but requires longer consideration. Pray therefore allow me a few
days for reflection, until we are better acquainted." "Why not?"
answered the fair maid. "I am quite content that you should think on the
matter for a few weeks, and set your mind at rest."

Lest the youth might feel dull, the maiden led him from one part of the
magnificent house to another, and showed him all the rich storehouses
and treasure-chambers, thinking that it might soften his heart. All
these treasures were the result of magic, for the maiden could have
built such a palace with all its contents on any day and at any place
with the aid of Solomon's Seal. But everything was unsubstantial, for it
was woven of wind, and dissolved again into the wind, without leaving a
trace behind. But the youth was not aware of this, and looked upon all
the glamour as reality.

One day the maiden led him into a secret chamber, where a gold casket
stood on a silver table. This she showed him, and then said, "Here is
the most precious of all my possessions, the like of which is not to be
found in the whole world. It is a costly golden ring. If you will marry
me, I will give it you for a keepsake, and it will make you the happiest
of all mankind. But in order that the bond of our love should last for
ever, you must give me three drops of blood from the little finger of
your left hand in exchange for the ring."

The youth turned cold when he heard her ask for blood, for he remembered
t