Sung by a Member of the Cadoch Israel Family. Tetuan, 1956.

In another version entitled La infantina (The Little Princess) a knight, having lost his way in a lonely forest, finds a young princess on top of a tall oak tree with golden roots and silver branches. The light from her eyes illuminates the forest. The rest is like the version given here, except that her disappearance is explained: her father and brothers, a king and dukes, carry her off.

“I am a human being, good sir,
Like you, I was born;
Seven years I was paid for
Cared for by one of my aunts.

“I stayed seven years
a dark mountain
And today the seven years end
In the morning of this day.

“I beg you, sir
Take me with you
Take me as your wife
Or take me as your friend,
Or take me as your slave
To serve your all your life.”

I have an old mother at home
Whose advice I will take.”
The advice she gave him was:
“Take her as your friend.”
When the gentleman returned
He found neither oak tree not girl.

A man who loses such a jewel
What punishment does he deserve?
Let his feet and hands be tied
And be dragged down the road.

Sung by a Member of the Cadoch Israel Family. Tetuan, 1956.

“Persona soy yo, el buen sidi,
como tu fuí yo nacida:
siete años me pagaron
en haldas de una mi tías

“Que me quedé siete año
en una oscura montiña,
y hoy se acaban los siete años
en esta mañana en el día.

“Por tu vida, el caballero,
llévame en tu campañía
o llévame por mujer,
o llévame por amiga,
o llévame por esclava
a servirte toda la vida

“Madre vieja tengo en casa,
Su consejo tomaría .”
El consejo que le daba:
“Que la tome por amiga.”
Cuando volvió el caballero
no encontró ni roble ni a la niña.

Hombre que tal prenda pierda
Que castigo mercía?
Que le aten pies y manos
Y le arrastren por la vía.