THE WOMAN BEHIND THE MASK

The fairest maid in all the land
Hid her smile behind her hand.
Every man who saw her face,
Even through a veil of lace,
Had to fall in love with her.
That was how bewitched they were.

Her older sister was not as pretty
But, she was clever and she was witty..
People admired her beautiful hair.
She walked and talked with a delicate air,
But, all the men who would have kissed her
Fell in love with her younger sister.

To give the eldest an equal chance,
The youngest avoided every glance.
She took upon herself the task
Of creating a really hideous mask.
She shielded her lovely features
With the scowl of the ugly creature's.

Whenever men would come to call,
She took the mask down from the wall.
And even though it made them stare,
She wore it while the men were there.
She kept it on till they had gone,
From dusk until the early dawn.

When the older sister found a lover,
The youngest did not need her cover.
The curse was broken and she was free.
She ran, and danced, and sang with glee.
The prince saw her and gave her praise.
They married, living happily all their days.