Cantastoria's Tale - Testa di Moro

In old Sicily, there lived a maiden. Of noble birth, hair black as jet, and eyes like rising suns.

She nurtured a garden, verdant and full. The aromas intoxicated all who wandered by.

Drawn by the perfume, a Moor was stunned to see the maiden. At once he declared her beauty unmatched. He returned the next day bearing gifts for her garden.

Enchanted by his words and charm, the maiden became overwhelmed with desire and a love blossomed.

The pair spent blissful days together in the garden, with their love growing ever stronger.

As their hearts became entwined, the thought of being apart became impossible. All thoughts of anything else left their minds.

Blinded by passion, the maiden and the Moor saw not the danger that their union posed.

Diverted by love, the maiden’s garden became overgrown. Is she ill? Lost her mind? Broken a bone?

Hearing the news of the garden’s plight, the maiden’s dear brother came to see what had transpired.

Rather than finding his sister dead, he was shocked to find a stranger in her bed.

Enraged at the perceived dishonor the brother drew out his sword. One cut, then two, and the couple were sent to the lord.

The lovers’ heads were turned into vases, and raised up in the garden. But they remained as ever, side by side.

The brother’s soul never recovered from guilt, but our couple remained forever in the garden they’d built.