It was not long before Avenant saw the monster approach, and he immediately challenged him; but there was no occasion for this, for he lifted his iron mace, and had certainly beat out the gentle Avenant’s brains at the first blow, had not a crow at that instant perched upon the giant’s head, and with his bill pecked out both his eyes.  The blood trickled down his face, whereat he grew desperate, and laid about him on every side; but Avenant took care to avoid his blows, and gave him many great wounds with his sword, which he pushed up to the very hilt; so that the giant fainted, and fell down with loss of blood.  Avenant immediately cut off his head; and while he was in an ecstasy of joy, for his good success, the crow perched upon a tree, and said, “Avenant, I did not forget the kindnesses I received at your hands, when you killed the eagle that pursued me; I promised to make you amends, and now I have been as good as my word.”  “I acknowledge your kindness, Mr. Crow,” replied Avenant; “I am still your debtor, and your servant.”  So saying, he mounted his courser, and rode away with the giant’s horrid head.  When he arrived at the city, every body crowded after him, crying out, “Long live the valiant Avenant, who has slain the cruel monster!” so that the princess, who heard the noise, and trembling for fear she should have heard of Avenant’s death, durst not inquire what was the matter.  But presently after, she saw Avenant enter with the giant’s head; at the sight of which she trembled, though there was nothing to fear.  “Madam,” said he, “behold your enemy is dead; and now, I hope, you will no longer refuse the king my master.”  “Alas!” replied the Fair One with Locks of Gold, “I must still refuse him, unless you can find means to bring me some of the water of the gloomy cave.  Not far from hence,” continued she, “there is a very deep cave, about six leagues in compass; the entrance into which is guarded by two dragons.  The dragons dart fire from their mouths and eyes; and when you have got into this cave, you will meet with a very deep hole, into which you must go down, and you will find it full of toads, adders and serpents.  At the bottom of this hole there is a kind of cellar, through which runs the fountain of beauty and health.  This is the water I must have; its virtues are wonderful; for the fair, by washing in it, preserve their beauty; and the deformed it renders beautiful; if they are young, it preserves them always youthful; and if old it makes them young again.  Now judge you, Avenant, whether I will ever leave my kingdom without carrying some of this water along with me.”  “Madam,” said he, “you are so beautiful, that this water will be of no use to you; but I am an unfortunate ambassador, whose death you seek.  However, I will go in search of what you desire, though I am certain never to return.”