Читать книгу Приключения Пиноккио / The adventures of Pinocchio. Уровень 1 - Карло Коллоди - Страница 3

In that very instant, a loud knock sounded on the door.

“Come in,” said the carpenter.

The door opened and a dapper little old man came in. His name was Geppetto, but to the boys of the neighborhood he was Polendina (Cornmeal mush)[5], because his wig was just the color of yellow corn.

Geppetto had a very bad temper. He hated that name, Polendina. He became as wild as a beast easily.

“Good day, Master Antonio,” said Geppetto. “What are you doing on the floor?”

“I am teaching the ants their ABC’s.”

“Good luck to you!”

“What brought you here, friend Geppetto?”

“My legs. Master Antonio, I want to beg for a favor[6].”

“I am at your service,” answered the carpenter, and raised himself on to his knees.

“This morning a fine idea came to me.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“I want to make myself a beautiful wooden Marionette. It will be able to dance, fence, and turn somersaults[7]. With it I intend to go around the world, to earn my bread. What do you think of it?”

“Bravo, Polendina!” cried the same tiny voice.

Master Geppetto was red and said to the carpenter angrily:

“Why do you insult me?”

“Who? I don’t.”

“You called me Polendina.”

“I did not.”

“I know it was you.”

“No!”

“Yes!”

“No!”

“Yes!”

And finally they began to fight. When the fight was over, Master Antonio took Geppetto’s yellow wig and Geppetto found the carpenter’s curly wig in his mouth.

“Give me back my wig!” shouted Master Antonio.

“You return mine and we’ll be friends.”

The two little old men shook hands and swore to be good friends for the rest of their lives.

“Well then, Master Geppetto,” said the carpenter, “what is it you want?”

“I want a piece of wood to make a Marionette. Will you give it to me?”

Master Antonio, very glad indeed, went immediately to his bench to get the piece of wood which frightened him so much. But as he gave it to his friend, it slipped out of his hands and hit against poor Geppetto’s legs.

“Ah! Master Antonio, this is how you make your gifts! I’m almost lame!”

“I swear to you I did not do it!”

“It was I, of course!”

“This piece of wood.”

“You’re right; but remember you threw it at my legs.”

“I did not throw it!”

“Liar!”

“Geppetto, do not insult me or I’ll call you Polendina.”

“Idiot.”

“Polendina!”

“Donkey!”

“Polendina!”

“Ugly monkey!”

“Polendina!”

Geppetto lost his head with rage and threw himself upon the carpenter. The fight continued.

After this fight, Master Antonio and Geppetto shook hands and swore to be good friends again.

Then Geppetto took the fine piece of wood, thanked Master Antonio, and went home.