Путешествие в Страну Оз

           Asforthecompanyoffoxesassembledtodinewiththestrangers,theyweremostbeautifullycostumed,andtheirrichdressesmadeDorothy’ssimplegownandButton-Bright’ssailorsuitandtheshaggyman’sshaggyclotheslookcommonplace.ButtheytreatedtheirguestswithgreatrespectandtheKing’sdinnerwasaverygooddinnerindeed.Foxes,asyouknow,arefondofchickenandotherfowl;sotheyservedchickensoupandroastedturkeyandstewedduckandfriedgrouseandbroiledquailandgoosepie,andasthecookingwasexcellenttheKing’sguestsenjoyedthemealandateheartilyofthevariousdishes.

           Thepartywenttothetheater,wheretheysawaplayactedbyfoxesdressedincostumesofbrilliantlycoloredfeathers.Theplaywasaboutafox-girlwhowasstolenbysomewickedwolvesandcarriedtotheircave;andjustastheywereabouttokillherandeatheracompanyoffox-soldiersmarchedup,savedthegirl,andputallthewickedwolvestodeath.

           "Howdoyoulikeit?"theKingaskedDorothy.

           "Prettywell,"sheanswered."ItremindsmeofoneofMr.Aesop’sfables."

           "Don’tmentionAesoptome,Ibegofyou!"exclaimedKingDox."Ihatethatman’sname.Hewroteagooddealaboutfoxes,butalwaysmadethemoutcruelandwicked,whereaswearegentleandkind,asyoumaysee."

           "Buthisfablesshowedyoutobewiseandclever,andmoreshrewdthanotheranimals,"saidtheshaggyman,thoughtfully.

           "Soweare.Thereisnoquestionaboutourknowingmorethanmendo,"repliedtheKing,proudly.