it ordered him to turn round and look at the glass chest which was standing opposite. how his admiration increased when he saw therein a maiden of the greatest beauty! she lay as if asleep, and was wrapped in her long fair hair as in a precious mantle. her eyes were closely shut, but the brightness of her complexion and a ribbon which her breathing moved to and fro, left no doubt that she was alive. the tailor was looking at the beauty with beating heart, when she suddenly opened her eyes, and started up at the sight of him in joyful terror. "just heaven!" cried she, "my deliverance is at hand! quick, quick, help me out of my prison; if thou pushest back the bolt of this glass coffin, then i shall be free." the tailor obeyed without delay, and she immediately raised up the glass lid, came out and hastened into the corner of the hall, where she covered herself with a large cloak. then she seated herself on a stone, ordered the young man to come to her, and after she had imprinted a friendly kiss on his lips, she said, "my long-desired deliverer, kind heaven has guided thee to me, and put an end to my sorrows. on the self-same day when they end, shall thy happiness begin. thou art the husband chosen for me by heaven, and shalt pass thy life in unbroken joy, loved by me, and rich to overflowing in every earthly possession. seat thyself, and listen to the story of my life: