Page:The adventures of Pinocchio (Cramp 1904).djvu/133

 “Teach me how to do it. I should like to grow also. Do you not see? I am always the same height.”

“But you cannot grow.”

“Why?”

“Because marionettes never grow. They are born marionettes, they live marionettes, and they die marionettes.”

“Oh, I am tired of being always a marionette,” cried Pinocchio, hitting himself on the head. “I want to become a man.”

“And you will become one if you deserve to.”

“Truly? And what can I do to deserve it?”

“That is easy. Accustom yourself to be a good boy.”

“Oh, that is what I am now!”

“Not at all. Boys that are good are obedient, and you instead—”

“And I never obey.”

“Good boys like to study and work, and you—”

“I like to play and run around.”

“Good boys always tell the truth—”

“And I always tell stories.”

“Good boys go to school willingly—”

“And to me school is a horrible thing. But from to-day I will change my life.”

“You promise me?”