"ah," she answered, "this is not my form; human eyes can only see me in this state of ugliness, but that thou mayst know what i am like, look in the mirror it does not let itself be misled it will show thee my image as it is in truth." she gave him the mirror in his hand, and he saw therein the likeness of the most beautiful maiden on earth, and saw, too, how the tears were rolling down her cheeks with grief. then said he, "how canst thou be set free? i fear no danger." she said, "he who gets the crystal ball, and holds it before the enchanter, will destroy his power with it, and i shall resume my true shape. ah," she added, "so many have already gone to meet death for this, and thou art so young; i grieve that thou shouldst encounter such great danger."