“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?”
