Mastro Cherry gives the piece of wood to his friend Geppetto, who takes it to
make himself a Marionette that will dance, fence, and turn somersaults
In that very instant, a loud knock sounded on the door. "Come in," said the
carpenter, not having an atom of strength left with which to stand up.
At the words, 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,[1] on
account of the wig he always wore which was just the color of yellow corn.
Geppetto had a very bad temper. Woe to the one who called him Polendina! He
became as wild as a beast and no one could soothe him.
"Good day, Mastro Antonio," said Geppetto. "What are you doing on the floor?"
"I am teaching the ants their A B C's."
"What brought you here, friend Geppetto?"
"My legs. And it may flatter you to know, Mastro Antonio, that I have come to you
"Here I am, at your service," answered the carpenter, raising himself on to his
"This morning a fine idea came to me."
