Zezolla was neglected as the daughters took her place.

The prince forgot Zezolla, too, and, much to his disgrace,

allowed her to be treated not as daughter but as maid,

and sent her to the kitchen.  It was there, alas, she stayed.

In misery she groveled in the ashes where she sat.

They soon forgot her name and called her “Cinderella Cat.”

One day, while in the garden, she was greeted by a dove.

“Poor girl.  We’ve seen what’s happened.  And the fairies send their love.

I’ve come here from Sardinia.  If ever you’ve a need

ask for the queen of fairies there and she will intercede.”

“I will, and thank you very much,” our poor Zezolla sighed,

and tucking up her ragged skirts, she hurried back inside.

Now it happened that the prince one day had reason to set sail

for the island of Sardinia.  “If my business does not fail

I’ll bring you all some presents.  Ask for anything you please.”

The sisters asked for toys and jewels and rouge and fineries.

“And you?”  he asked Zezolla almost as an afterthought.

“I do want something, yes, but what I want cannot be bought.

You must greet the queen of fairies.  And she’ll send me what she will.

If you don’t do this the boat you’re in won’t sail, but stay quite still.”

When the prince forgot Zezolla’s wish, her vow came true.  In short,

the boat in which he sailed for home refused to leave the port.

The captain had a dream in which a fairy told him why.

He told the prince who disembarked and hastened to comply.