The next morning the maiden asked him whether he would not like to stay with her always in this beautiful place , and as he did not answer immediately , she continued : ` You see how I always remain young and beautiful , and I am under no one 's orders , but can do just what I like , so that I have never thought of marrying before . But from the moment I saw you I took a fancy to you , so if you agree , we might be married and might live together like princes , because I have great riches . ' The youth could not but be tempted with the beautiful maiden 's offer , but he remembered how the birds had called her the witch , and their warning always sounded in his ears . Therefore he answered cautiously , ` Do not be angry , dear maiden , if I do not decide immediately on this important matter . Give me a few days to consider before we come to an understanding . ' ` Why not ? ' answered the maiden . ` Take some weeks to consider if you like , and take counsel with your own heart . ' And to make the time pass pleasantly , she took the youth over every part of her beautiful dwelling , and showed him all her splendid treasures . But these treasures were all produced by enchantment , for the maiden could make anything she wished appear by the help of King Solomon 's signet ring ; only none of these things remained fixed ; they passed away like the wind without leaving a trace behind . But the youth did not know this ; he thought they were all real . One day the maiden took him into a secret chamber , where a little gold box was standing on a silver table . Pointing to the box , she said , ` Here is my greatest treasure , whose like is not to be found in the whole world . It is a precious gold ring . When you marry me , I will give you this ring as a marriage gift , and it will make you the happiest of mortal men . But in order that our love may last for ever , you must give me for the ring three drops of blood from the little finger of your left hand . ' When the youth heard these words a cold shudder ran over him , for he remembered that his soul was at stake . He was cunning enough , however , to conceal his feelings and to make no direct answer , but he only asked the maiden , as if carelessly , what was remarkable about the ring ? She answered , ` No mortal is able entirely to understand the power of this ring , because no one thoroughly understands the secret signs engraved upon it . But even with my half-knowledge I can work great wonders .
If I put the ring upon the little finger of my left hand , then I can fly like a bird through the air wherever I wish XXXXX go .
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