Stranica 189 [189]
KING BIZARRE AND PRINCE CHARMING
rant men: he who knows nothing, he who talks of what he
does not know, and he who will learn nothing; all three
are fit for nothing but to be burned or hung.”
“That is a proverb. Do you know what proverbs are
called?"
“Yes, sire; they are called the wisdom of nations."
"And why are they called so?"
" Because they are mad; they say whatever you please;
they are of all colors, to suit all tastes. Proverbs are like
bells, which answer yes or no according to the humor of
their listener."
Upon which, springing with both feet from the ground,
Pazza caught a fly that was buzzing about the king’s nose;
then, leaving Bizarre astonished, she took her doll and,
seating herself on the ground, began to rock it in her arms.
" Well, sire,” the countess said, "what do you think of
this child?"
‘She has too much wit,” answered the king; "she will
not live long."
"Ab, sire,’ exclaimed Pazza, "you are not complimentary
to my aunt; she is considerably older than I am.”
“Hush, gipsy!”’ said the old lady, smiling; "dont you
know that nobody lectures kings?”’
**Countess,”’ said Bizarre, "an idea has just struck me,
which is so strange that I hardly dare tell it to you; yet I
have a violent wish to carry it out. I can do nothing with
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