` 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 to go . If I put it on the third finger of my left hand I am invisible , and I can see everything that passes around me , though no one can see me . If I put the ring upon the middle finger of my left hand , then neither fire nor water nor any sharp weapon can hurt me . If I put it on the forefinger of my left hand , then I can with its help produce whatever I wish . I can in a single moment build houses or anything I desire .
Finally , as long as I wear the ring on the thumb of my left hand , that XXXXX is so strong that it can break down rocks and walls .
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