Page 19 - The She-Bear

"Cheer up, my daughter, do not despair; there
is a remedy for every evil save death. Now
listen; if your father speaks to you thus once
again put this bit of wood into your mouth, and
instantly you will be changed into a she-bear;
then off with you! for in his fright he will let
you depart, and go straight to the wood, where
Heaven has kept good-fortune in store for you
since the day you were born, and whenever you
wish to appear a woman, as you are and will
remain, only take the piece of wood out of your
mouth and you will return to your true form."
Then Preziosa embraced the old woman, and,
giving her a good apronful of meal, and ham
and bacon, sent her away. As soon as the Sun
began to change his quarters, the King ordered
the musicians to come, and, inviting all his
lords and vassals, he held a great feast. And
after dancing for five or six hours, they all sat
down to table, and ate and drank beyond
measure. Then the King asked his courtiers to
whom he should marry Preziosa, as she was the
picture of his dead wife. But the instant
Preziosa heard this, she slipped the bit of wood
into her mouth, and took the figure of a
terrible she-bear, at the sight of which all
present were frightened out of their wits, and
ran off as fast as they could scamper.

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