Phantastes, A Faerie Romance

"'But you have not actually fought for life and death?' said she.

"We were forced to confess we had not.

"'So much the better in some respects,' she replied. 'Now listen to me.

Go first and work with an armourer, for as long time as you find needful

to obtain a knowledge of his craft; which will not be long, seeing your

hearts will be all in the work. Then go to some lonely tower, you two

alone. Receive no visits from man or woman. There forge for yourselves

every piece of armour that you wish to wear, or to use, in your coming

encounter. And keep up your exercises. As, however, two of you can be no

match for the three giants, I will find you, if I can, a third brother,

who will take on himself the third share of the fight, and the

preparation. Indeed, I have already seen one who will, I think, be the

very man for your fellowship, but it will be some time before he comes

to me. He is wandering now without an aim. I will show him to you in a

glass, and, when he comes, you will know him at once. If he will share

your endeavours, you must teach him all you know, and he will repay you

well, in present song, and in future deeds.'

"She opened the door of a curious old cabinet that stood in the room.

On the inside of this door was an oval convex mirror. Looking in it for

some time, we at length saw reflected the place where we stood, and the

old dame seated in her chair. Our forms were not reflected. But at the

feet of the dame lay a young man, yourself, weeping.

"'Surely this youth will not serve our ends,' said I, 'for he weeps.'

"The old woman smiled. 'Past tears are present strength,' said she.

"'Oh!' said my brother, 'I saw you weep once over an eagle you shot.'

"'That was because it was so like you, brother,' I replied; 'but indeed,

this youth may have better cause for tears than that--I was wrong.'

"'Wait a while,' said the woman; 'if I mistake not, he will make you

weep till your tears are dry for ever. Tears are the only cure for

weeping. And you may have need of the cure, before you go forth to fight

the giants. You must wait for him, in your tower, till he comes.'

"Now if you will join us, we will soon teach you to make your armour;

and we will fight together, and work together, and love each other as

never three loved before. And you will sing to us, will you not?"