Pinocchio, feeling free as a bird of the air, began his tale: "Know, then, that, once upon a time, I was a wooden Marionette, just as I am today.

One day I was about to become a boy, a real boy, but on account of my laziness and my hatred of books, and because I listened to bad companions, I ran away from home.

One beautiful morning, I awoke to find myself changed into a donkey--long ears, gray coat, even a tail! What a shameful day for me! I hope you will never experience one like it, dear Master.

I was taken to the fair and sold to a Circus Owner, who tried to make me dance and jump through the rings.

One night, during a performance, I had a bad fall and became lame.