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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 151
