when the feast was over, the bridegroom and bride were conducted to their apartment, with music, and torches, and a great procession. as soon as the door was shut, the lindworm turned to her and said, "fair maiden, shed a shift!" the shepherd's daughter answered him, "prince lindworm, slough a skin!" "no one has ever dared tell me to do that before!" said he. "but i command you to do it now!" said she.