Never let my cheek grow pale ! While the moon is waning nightly , May the maiden bloom more brightly , May her freshness never fail ! ' Then she dried her face with her long hair , and was about to go away , when her eye suddenly fell upon the spot where the young man was sitting , and she turned towards the tree . The youth rose and stood waiting . Then the maiden said , ` You ought to have a heavy punishment because you have presumed to watch my secret doings in the moonlight . But I will forgive you this time , because you are a stranger and knew no better . But you must tell me truly who you are and how you came to this place , where no mortal has ever set foot before . ' The youth answered humbly : ` Forgive me , beautiful maiden , if I have unintentionally offended you . I chanced to come here after long wandering , and found a good place to sleep under this tree . At your coming I did not know what to do , but stayed where I was , because I thought my silent watching could not offend you . ' The maiden answered kindly , ` Come and spend this night with us . You will sleep better on a pillow than on damp moss . ' The youth hesitated for a little , but presently he heard the birds saying from the top of the tree , ` Go where she calls you , but take care to give no blood , or you will sell your soul . ' So the youth went with her , and soon they reached a beautiful garden , where stood a splendid house , which glittered in the moonlight as if it was all built out of gold and silver . When the youth entered he found many splendid chambers , each one finer than the last . Hundreds of tapers burnt upon golden candlesticks , and shed a light like the brightest day . At length they reached a chamber where a table was spread with the most costly dishes . At the table were placed two chairs , one of silver , the other of gold . The maiden seated herself upon the golden chair , and offered the silver one to her companion . They were served by maidens dressed in white , whose feet made no sound as they moved about , and not a word was spoken during the meal .
Afterwards the XXXXX and the Witch-maiden conversed pleasantly together , until a woman , dressed in red , came in to remind them that it was bedtime .
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