and when she went away, he saw with joy that she had already become white to the tips of her fingers. and now he had only one night more to go through, but it was the worst. the hob-goblins came again: "art thou there still?" cried they, "thou shalt be tormented till thy breath stops." they pricked him and beat him, and threw him here and there, and pulled him by the arms and legs as if they wanted to tear him to pieces, but he bore everything, and never uttered a cry. at last the devils vanished, but he lay fainting there, and did not stir, nor could he raise his eyes to look at the maiden who came in, and sprinkled and bathed him with the water of life. but suddenly he was freed from all pain, and felt fresh and healthy as if he had awakened from sleep, and when he opened his eyes he saw the maiden standing by him, snow-white, and fair as day. "rise," said she, "and swing thy sword three times over the stairs, and then all will be delivered." and when he had done that, the whole castle was released from enchantment, and the maiden was a rich king’s daughter. the servants came and said that the table was already set in the great hall, and dinner served up. then they sat down and ate and drank together, and in the evening the wedding was solemnized with great rejoicings.