And now, poor man, his thoughts turned where they had no right to go.

“Preziosa is the image of her mother.  That is so.

Why search the world when happiness is right at home?” he said.

“Our daughter, Preziosa, is the one that I should wed!”

Preziosa learned the awful thing her father had in mind.

She wept and wept in deep despair.  What answer could she find?

But then at night into her room there came her ancient nurse.

“You may calm yourself.  The cure you seek is here, inside my purse.

You’re beautiful.  And now you must be brave as well as good.”

She put into her hand a very special piece of wood.

“Place this wood between your teeth. you"ll turn into a bear.

Then hide out in the forest.  You’ll be safe and happy there.

Your fortune, which was wished for you the day that you were born,

is waiting for you, Preziosa.  Do not be forlorn.

When all is well remove the wood and you’ll change back again,

but use it with the greatest care and patience until then.”

The king arranged a feast so all could meet his chosen bride.

“My daughter, Preziosa, is the one,” he said with pride.

That very moment Preziosa bit down on the wood.

And where before a girl had been, a mighty she-bear stood.