AN OLD STORY
The grand chamberlain was announced.
This grave person had come to inquire about his majestys health, and
at the same time to notify him that the council had fixed the day for
the coronation.
Pinocchio the First listened and approved. The grand chamberlain, very
much pleased with his reception, made a deep bow, and was apparently
about to retire, when, as if he had forgotten something important, he
approached the emperor again and said with great respect, Your
majesty, in the name of the council I must announce to you that
to-morrow the lessons begin.
What lessons? said the marionette, feeling a chill creep down his
back.
Ah! I will explain, the chamberlain replied meekly. The things that
your majesty must do to straighten out the affairs of state are very
simple. Only two words are needed, Yes and No! But to say Yes or
No at the proper time requires at least one month of instruction. To
make sure that you learn, there will be, twice each day, a punishment
of ten lashes of the whip, to be given your majesty on whatever part of
the body you may desire. However, in view of the present wisdom of your
majesty, the council has agreed that the lessons and the lashings may
be delayed till the end of the month, if your majesty so decides.
Pinocchio had listened gloomily until he heard the last words, and then
he came near laughing outright. He kept his face very serious, however,
and bowed his head as if in deep thought. After a long silence he said,
I have decided to leave the lessons till the end of the month.
The grand chamberlain made a profound bow and went out.
The servants went away also, and Pinocchio, finding himself alone,
jumped about in great glee.
Compulsory fiddlesticks! What blockheads they were to think that I was
going to start to-day! At the end of the month, perhaps! There are
still thirty days, and in thirty days what may not happen! And he
looked about quite satisfied with himself. He was sure that everything
would go well during his stay in Africa.
If they sprinkled my hair with gold, they will fill my pockets with
money, he thought. And then to his surprise he found that the suit
they had put on him had no pockets.
I shall make pockets as soon as I have time, he said, and striking
the pan, ordered the servants to bring in his breakfast.