PINOCCHIO IS PLACED IN A CAGE
Alas! there was the prime minister. He had caught hold of the
marionette and tied a rope around his neck.
It would be impossible to describe the wrath of the poor emperor. He
wanted to say a few things and to do even more, but the cruel minister
struck him with a whip.
This kind of argument convinced the emperor that it was best to remain
quiet.
That is how I like to see you, said the minister, pushing Pinocchio
forward, and holding him by the rope as the farmers do their donkeys on
returning from market.
Thus they walked a great distance, until they came to the top of a hill
from which could be seen a large tract of country covered with huts.
The minister turned toward Pinocchio and spoke as follows: My dear
emperor, we must decide upon some plan of action, if we do not wish to
starve. You see to what a miserable state we are reduced. We have no
money, nor have we any food; in short, if we do not earn something
before night, we shall not only be compelled to sleep in the open, but
we shall go to bed supperless. If you were not made of wood, things
would not be so hopeless, because I could eat you up and you would last
some time. But since this is impossible, I have resolved to carry you
around the village and place you on exhibition before the public. You
will make money, do you understand? Now be good enough to give me your
aid. Help me to put together a cage from the bark of these trees. We
shall make money,much money! And the minister rubbed his hands
gleefully.
The marionette did not share in his joy. In fact, he was on the point
of showering bitter reproaches upon this unfaithful servant, who was
now going to exhibit him in the public squares, but he decided to wait
for a better opportunity. Accordingly, he began to strip the bark from
the trees without making any objection.
When the cage was completed, the minister turned to the marionette and
said: Enter. From now on, there shall be no more talk of emperor. I am
your master, and you are my faithful slave.Forward, march!
The command had been given in a way which made its repetition
unnecessary, and Pinocchio knew that he must obey.