see him close.'

Another splendid feast was prepared, and when the stranger had eaten
and drunk as much as he was able, and had taken his departure, the king
asked Cannetella how she liked him.

'Not at all,' replied his daughter; 'what could you do with a man who
requires at least two servants to help him on with his cloak, because he
is too awkward to put it on properly himself?'

'If that's all you have against him,' said the king, 'I see how the land
lies. You are determined not to have a husband at all; but marry someone
you shall, for I do not mean my name and house to die out.'

'Well, then, my dear parent,' said Cannetella, 'I must tell you at once
that you had better not count upon me, for I never mean to marry unless
I can find a man with a gold head and gold teeth.'

The king was very angry at finding his daughter so obstinate; but as he
always gave the girl her own way in everything, he issued a proclamation
to the effect that any man with a gold head and gold teeth might come
forward and claim the princess as his bride, and the kingdom of Bello
Puojo as a wedding gift.

Now the king had a deadly enemy called Scioravante, who was a very
powerful magician. No sooner had this man heard of the proclamation than
he summoned his attendant spirits and commanded them to gild his head
and teeth. The spirits said, at first, that the task was beyond their
powers, and suggested that a pair of golden horns attached to his
forehead would both be easier to make and more comfortable to wear; but
Scioravante would allow no compromise, and insisted on having a head
and teeth made of the finest gold. When it was fixed on his shoulders he
went for a stroll in front of the palace. And the king, seeing the very
man he was in search of, called his daughter, and said: 'Just look out
of the window, and you will find exactly what you want.'

Then, as Scioravante was hurrying past, the king shouted out to him:
'Just stop a minute, brother, and don't be in such desperate haste. If
you will step in here you shall have my daughter for a wife, and I will
send attendants with her, and as many horses and servants as you wish.'

'A thousand thanks,' returned Scioravante; 'I shall be delighted to
marry your daughter, but it is quite unnecessary to send anyone to
accompany her. Give me a horse and I will carry off the princess in
front of my saddle, and will bring her to my own kingdom, where there is
no lack of courtiers or servants