With these words he hurried away, and returned with a mirror,
which he held up before Renzolla. At the sight of her ugly, hairy
face, the girl nearly fainted with horror, and she broke into
loud sobs at seeing her countenance so changed.

Then the old man said: ‘You must remember, Renzolla, that you are
a peasant's daughter, and that the fairy turned you into a queen;
but you were ungrateful, and never as much as thanked her for all
she had done for you. Therefore she has determined to punish you.
But if you wish to lose your long white beard, throw yourself at
the fairy's feet and implore her to forgive you. She has a tender
heart, and will, perhaps, take pity on you.'

Renzolla, who was really sorry for her conduct, took the old
man's advice, and the fairy not only gave her back her former
face, but she dressed her in a gold embroidered dress, presented
her with a beautiful carriage, and brought her back, accompanied
by a host of servants, to her husband. When the king saw her
looking as beautiful as ever, he fell in love with her once more,
and bitterly repented having caused her so much suffering.

So Renzolla lived happily ever afterwards, for she loved her
husband, honoured the fairy, and was grateful to the old man for
having told her the truth.

[From the Italian. Kletke.]