Pinocchio [antikvár]

CHAPTER I Hotv it came to pass that Master Cherry the carpenter found a piece of wood that laughed and cried like a child. There was once upon a time . . . 'A king!' my little readers will instantly exclaim. No, children, you are wrong. There was once upon a time a piece of wood. This wood was not valuable: it was only a common log hke those that are burnt in winter in the stoves and fireplaces to make a cheerful blaze and warm the rooms. I cannot say how it came about, but the fact is, that one fine day this piece of wood was lying in the shop of an old carpenter of the name of Master Antonio. He was, however, called by everybody Master Cherry, on account of the end of his nose, which was always as red and poHshed as a ripe cherry. No sooner had Master Cherry set eyes on the piece of wood than his face beamed with dehght; and, rubbing his hands together with satisfaction, he said soiidy to himself: 'This wood has come at the right moment; it will just do to make the leg of a little table.' Having said this he immediately took a sharp axe with which to remove the bark and the rough surface. Just, however, as he was going to give the first stroke he remained with his arm suspended in the air, for he heard a very small voice saying imploringly, 'Do not strike me so hard!' Picture to yourselves the astonishment of good old Master Cherry!