34.  An Old Story

   The grand chamberlain was announced.

This grave person had come to inquire about his majesty’s 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.

35.  His Duties As Emperor

Pinocchio was served with a piece of elephant’s nose, cooked in a highly seasoned sauce.  How he twisted his face and ground his teeth!  Evidently the meal was not to his liking.  He would have preferred some fish, some grapes, and a dozen figs, but he was ashamed to ask for these dainties.  He gulped down the food as best he could, and drank from a gourd a great deal of water; then he felt more comfortable.

His ministers had been waiting some time, and Pinocchio did not think it wise to prolong his first meal.  With a truly stately stride he entered the audience chamber.