CHAPTER XXXIII
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.”