Well, not in nature, no, but she had failed to realize

an evil man with bad intent can conjure a disguise.

A magician, who despised the king, on hearing of the news

was overcome with joy for he had special arts to use.

He knew the ways of alchemy, and when his work was through

with golden head he strolled about within the sovereign’s view.

“I see him. There he is!” cried Cannetella’s father.  “There,

with golden teeth and golden eyes and nose and golden hair.”

When Cannetella saw him she said, “Father.  You are right,

and I must wed that loathsome man.”  She shuddered at the sight.

As soon as they were wed the wicked groom made haste to leave.

“But wait!” cried out the king.  “You’ll need some horses, I believe,

and what of servants to attend her in her new abode?”

“One horse will serve us both,” replied the groom.  And off they rode.

They went an hour, they went a day, and just at eventide

they reached a stable.  Here they stopped.  He pushed his bride inside.

“What place is this?” she asked.  He said, “It’s where you’re going to stay

for I must make a journey.  Seven years I’ll be away.

You may not set a foot outside nor ask for anything

or I will kill you, Cannetella, daughter of the king.”