home a poetic rendition of
PRIDE PUNISHED
Day 4, Tale 10
The Gardener
A haughty princess mocked her father’s wish for her to wed.
Who in this world is worthy of me, father dear? she said.
Her beauty was immense. Her splendor could not be denied,
but equally as a great was her enormous dose of pride.
Brave men, good men, great men who asked were treated with disdain.
The more they pled their cause, it seemed, the less they had to gain.
One of these men, a nearby king, tried harder than the rest.
She looked upon him with contempt although he did his best.
At last, convinced she would not yield, he swore she would repent.
He took his goods and followers. Goodbye, he sneered, and went.
He let his beard grow long. He smeared some make-up on his face,
then as a peasant at her father’s door, he sought a place.
He was appointed gardener and he worked attentively.
One day he placed beneath her window where she’d surely see
a splendid robe, trimmed all in gold and heavily embossed.
She wanted it and sent her maids to ask what it might cost.
It’s not for sale, but tell your princess this: The robe is yours
if I may spend one night within your waiting rooms, indoors.
What do I have to lose? she thought. And so his fish was caught.
The princess let him in although she really hadn’t ought.
Next morning he laid out a skirt of similar design.
How much, she had her maids inquire, to make that garment mine?
One night within her ante-chamber is the only price.
All right. She let her greedy nature overcome her twice.
Next day it was a jacket which she very much desired.
One night spent in her bedroom was the price that he required.
You are a villain, said the princess. Next you’ll want my bed.
Then I will keep the garment for my own, the gardener said.
I offer you the jacket and a diamond chain what’s more
if you’ll but let me spend one night asleep upon the floor.
She acquiesced, but on the floor she drew a charcoal line.
That corner will be your place. Over here the bed is mine.
As soon as she was fast asleep, he lay down by her side
and gathered what he wanted. She half woke, but then she sighed.
The deed was done. To scream, she thought, was not the thing to do.
Besides, to tell the truth, she rather liked the feeling, too.
So on it went, night after night. The gardener claimed her heart
and she who had disdained crowned heads most willingly took part.
But then she was with child. Whatever will my father say?
The only thing, he told her, is for us to run away.
I know a house where we can stay until the child is born.
She left her home and went with him, despondent and forlorn.
His home was where he left her in a stable, to her shame.
He told his mother all, but begged that she would play the game.
I want revenge. She must not know that I am truly king.
At first she had to stay inside. He brought her everything.
One day he told his servants to invite the maiden in
while they were baking. Dear, he told her, you have grown too thin.
Go help the maids.They’re baking. Perhaps you can steal a scone.
She put one in her pocket when they left her quite alone.
Then, as himself, the king rushed in. Who bade you ask her here?
That little slut will steal from you the things you hold most dear.
Search her at once! They did. Of course the still warm scone was found.
She rushed back to the stable. Her disgrace was so profound
she cried for hours and hours. At night the gardener came again
and soothed her saying, Those in need can be forgiven when
they do a wrong which others free of hunger’s pains would shirk.
She must arise and go again.The ladies were at work
preparing cloth for dresses. She must take a piece or two
for napkins for the baby which by now was almost due.
She did, and once again the king came in and shouted, Thief!
The goods were found. They taunted her with jibes beyond belief.
At night the gardener told her not to care what others think,
that, Words are just opinions and with time opinions shrink.
But meanwhile they still needed many items for their child
which she must get despite the fact that she might be reviled.
This time she must assist the ladies sewing for a bride.
They’d make some money selling all the goods that she could hide.
Once more she ventured forth. Once more the king was heard to shout,
That girl’s a thief. Take back the stolen goods and throw her out!
Though once again the gardener brought some comfort to her there,
the leers and sneers, the wrath and grief were all too much to bear.
Her labor pains began. Queen-Mother learned about her case
and had her quickly moved to an exquisite birthing place.
Her bed had been of straw and now she lay on silken sheets.
And she was fed on cordials and the finest cut of meats.
In time she was delivered of two precious little boys.
The king came rushing in. He was alerted by the noise.
He shouted at his mother, Mother, where’s your common sense?
To lay this whore upon your bed? a bed of innocence?
Now throw the baggage out and we must disinfect the room.
His mother cried, Enough! You will no longer rant and fume
at this poor girl. By now her debt has fully been repaid.
You’ve made her suffer torments too severe for any maid.
Your vengeance is complete. Kneel at her feet and be contrite.
You have two gorgeous sons which she has borne for you tonight.
Her sons? At last she knew that king and gardener were the same
and that it was her haughtiness and pride that were to blame.
He smiled and he embraced her. Now. Will you accept my suit?
I will, she said. From that day on their joy was absolute.
