was should marry
the Princess.

As soon as this decree was made known the people flocked in crowds from
all the ends of the world to try their luck. One said that it belonged
to an ape, another to a lynx, a third to a crocodile, and in short some
gave it to one animal and some to another; but they were all a hundred
miles from the truth, and not one hit the nail on the head. At last
there came to this trial an ogre who was the most ugly being in the
world, the very sight of whom would make the boldest man tremble and
quake with fear. But no sooner had he come and turned the skin round
and smelt it than he instantly guessed the truth, saying, "This skin
belongs to the king of fleas."

Now the King saw that the ogre had hit the mark; and not to break his
word he ordered his daughter Porziella to be called. Porziella had a
face like milk and roses, and was such a miracle of beauty that you
would never be tired of looking at her. And the King said to her, "My
daughter, you know who I am. I cannot go back from my promise whether a
king or a beggar. My word is given, I must keep it though my heart
should break. Who would ever have imagined that this prize would have
fallen to an ogre! But it never does to judge hastily. Have patience
then and do not oppose your father; for my heart tells me that you will
be happy, for rich treasures are often found inside a rough earthen
jar."

When Porziella heard this sad saying her eyes grew dim, her face turned
pale, her lips fell, her knees shook; and at last, bursting into tears,
she said to her father, "What crime have I committed that I should be
punished thus! How have I ever behaved badly toward you that I should
be given up to this monster. Is this, O Father, the affection you bear
to your own child? Is this the love you show to her whom you used to
call the joy of your soul? Do you drive from your sight her who is the
apple of your eye? O Father, O cruel Father! Better had it been if my
cradle had been my death-bed since I have lived to see this evil day."

Porziella was going on to say more when the King in a furious rage
exclaimed, "Stay your anger! Fair and softly, for appearances deceive.
Is it for a girl to teach her father, forsooth? Have done, I say, for
if I lay these hands upon you I'll not leave a whole bone in your skin.
Prithee, how long has a child hardly out of the nursery dared to oppose
my will? Quick then, I say, take his hand and set off with him home
thi