Once upon a time there was a brilliant and beautiful princess, so sensitive that the death of a moth could distress her for weeks on end. Her family knew of no solution. Advisers wrung their hands, sages shook their heads, brave kings left unsatisfied. So it happened for many years, until one day, out walking in the forest, the princess came to the hut of an old hunchback who knew the secrets of magic. This ancient creature percieved in the princess a woman of great energy and resourcefulness.

"My dear," she said, "you are in danger of being burned by your own flame."

The hunchback told the princess that she was old, and wished to die, but could not because of her many responsibilities. She had in her charge a small village of homely people, to whom she was advisor and friend. Perhaps the princess would like to take over? Her duties would be:

1) To milk the goats
2) To educate the people
3) To compose songs for their festival

To assist her she would have a three-legged stool and all the books belonging to the hunchback. Best of all, the old woman's harmonium, an instrument of great antiquity and four octaves.

The princess agreed to stay and forgot all about the palace and the moths. The old woman thanked her, and died at once.

~ Jeannette Winterson, from Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit

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