The Adventures of Pinocchio (1904)/Chapter 25
At first the good little woman protested that she was not the Fairy with the Blue Hair; but afterward, seeing that she was discovered and not wishing to prolong the comedy, she made herself known and said to Pinocchio: “Scoundrel of a marionette! How did you ever think that it was I?”
“Because I like you so much. That is what told me.”
“You remember me? You left me a baby and now you find me a woman so old that I might be your mamma.”
“And I should like very much to call you so. I should like to have a mamma like all the other boys. But how did you grow up so quickly?”
“It is a secret.”
“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?”
“I promise you. I want to become a good little boy and a comfort to my papa. Where is he at this time?”
“I do not know.”
“Shall I ever have the good fortune to see him again?”
“I believe so. Indeed, I am sure of it.”
At this reply Pinocchio was so happy that he was nearly crazy with joy. Then, raising his face and looking at the Fairy lovingly, he said to her, “Tell me, Mamma; is it true you are not dead?”
“It appears not,” replied the Fairy.
“If you only knew with what grief I heard you were buried under that stone—”
“I do know it; and that is why I forgive you. The sincerity of your grief proves that you have a good heart. There is always hope for boys with good hearts. Even if they sometimes act like scamps, there is always hope that they will finally get on the right road. That is why I have come here. I will be your mamma.”
“Oh, how nice!” said Pinocchio, jumping with joy.
“Will you obey me and always do what I tell you?”
“Willingly, willingly, willingly!”
“Then to-morrow,” said the Fairy, “you will begin by going to school.”
Pinocchio became suddenly a little less lively.
“After that you can choose a trade or some business.”
Pinocchio became serious.
“What are you mumbling through your teeth?” asked the Fairy.
“I said that now it is a little late to go to school.”
“No, sir. Remember that it is never too late to learn.”
“But I do not wish to learn a trade.”
“Why?”
“Because to work makes me tired.”
“My boy, those who say that always end either in prison or in the almshouse. Every man, whether rich or poor, ought to work at something. Woe to the one that leaves himself to idleness! Idleness is a very bad disease and should be cured quickly or else when you are old you will never get over it.”
These words touched the soul of Pinocchio. Quickly raising his head, he said to the Fairy: “I will study, I will work, I will do all you wish, because the life of a marionette is tiresome and I want to become a boy through and through. You have promised me that, haven’t you?”
“I promise you; and now it depends upon how you behave.”