Of course, if you refuse, poor man,

I might just eat you.  Yes, I can.

Now choose!”  What could the peasant do? 

He moaned and grieved.  His wife did, too.

But then she said, “Husband, who knows?

Is this the luck to end our woes?

Go bring her.  I will not demur.

Some good will come of it for her.”

They kissed the babe goodbye, and then

he took her to the lizard’s den

and got, in turn, a bag of gold

which pleased them much, if truth be told.

The babe, Renzolla was her name,

was fortunate, for she became

a veritable princess.  She

had clothes and jewels and luxury,

and maids to serve her every need.

And she was beautiful.  Indeed

a king who sheltered there one night

observed her with intense delight.

She poured his wine with supple grace.

He loved her for her gorgeous face.

He asked the lizard for her hand.

“Your wish, oh king, is my command.