The Golden Queen
There was once a crippled man who swindled to survive. All across town he was known for his smooth air and hypnotic cadence. Few could resist his charms.
One day the cripple heard of a wealthy widow living just outside the town. He went to her home and charmed her all the same. For many weeks he entertained her, and she showered him with gold and good company. It was easy work on his part.
After a while, and for a long while, the swindler was no longer seen cheerfully prancing with his bouncing fat pockets. His friends grew curious and wary, then went to the widow’s house to investigate.
They found him standing straight and giggling happily in the widow’s garden - wearing a collar and watering the grass.
“The Lady loves my wicked tongue.” He said “She loves it much indeed.”
Image Source: Max Kurzweil, Dame im Gelben Kleid 1899
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