Chapter 2 2

As they advanced further, the trees thinned out, much to their delight. In the afternoon, they suddenly saw a wide river lying in front of them, and the river was rushing.They saw on the other side of the river a road of yellow bricks leading through a beautiful place.On the green pasture, dotted with glowing flowers; on both sides of the brick road, there are trees full of fresh fruits.They were all very happy to see such a beautiful place ahead of them. Dorothy asked, "How shall we cross the river?" The Scarecrow replied, "That's easy, if the Tin Woodman builds us a raft, and we can float to that side."

So the Tin Woodman felled some young trees with his axe, and made a raft.When he was busy working, the Scarecrow found a tree leaning against the river full of good fruits.This made Dorothy very happy, and having nothing to eat all day but the nuts, she made a nourishing meal of the ripe fruit. But it takes a lot of time to make a raft. Even if he is as industrious and tireless as the Tin Woodman, when night comes, the work is still not done.So they found a safe place under a tree, and slept there until the next morning; and Dorothy dreamed of the Emerald City, and Oz, the good magician, who wanted to send her back at once. to her own home.

Eight Deathly Poppy Fields The next morning, the small group of travelers awoke refreshed and hopeful. Dorothy ate her breakfast of peaches and plums picked from trees by the river, as a princess would eat.Behind them was a dark forest, through which they had passed safely, though many dangers had been painfully encountered.Before them lay a lovely place of light, which seemed to nod and beckon, inviting them to walk the way to the Emerald City. The wide river, of course, now separates them from the fair place; but the raft was nearly finished, and after the Tin Woodman had cut many pieces of wood and fastened them together with pegs, they were ready set off.Dorothy sat in the middle of the raft with Toto in her arms.When the Cowardly Lion got on the raft step by step, the raft tilted very badly, because it was so big and heavy; but the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman stood on the opposite side to make it steady.They all had a long wooden pole in their hands, and they supported the raft across the water of the big river.

At first they proceeded well, but when they reached the middle of the river, the rapids carried the raft downhill, taking them farther and farther away from the yellow brick road; Not to the bottom of the river. "Broken," said the Tin Woodman, "if we do not land, we shall be taken into the land of the Wicked Witch of the West, and she shall cast a spell upon us, and make us her slaves." "Then I shall lose my brain," said the Scarecrow. "I can't get the guts," said the Cowardly Lion. "I can't get my heart," said the Tin Woodman.

"I'll never go back to Kansas," said Dorothy. "We shall reach the Emerald City if we try hard enough," continued the Scarecrow. Holding the pole hard, he stuck it into the mud at the bottom of the river, and before he could pull it out again, or throw it away altogether, the wooden paper was swept away by the rapids; poor Scarecrow, he could only hug tightly. Inserted tightly on a wooden pole in the river, he was left to hang up. "Goodbye!" he called after them. They were sorry to leave him behind; indeed, the Tin Woodman began to cry, but fortunately he remembered that he was going to rust again, and wiped away his tears on Dorothy's apron.

Of course, this was bad luck for the Scarecrow. "I am worse now than when I first met Dorothy," he thought. "At that time, I was hung from a bamboo pole in a rice field. Anyway, there I could still pretend to be a person and frighten the crows, but here, a scarecrow poked on a wooden pole in the river is nothing. Useless. I'm so sad I will never have a brain! " The running water floated down the wooden paper, but the cold scarecrow fell far behind them. "We must try to free ourselves," said the Lion. "I think I can swim to the shore, and pull the raft behind me, if you hold my tail tight."

So the Lion jumped into the water, and when he began to swim with all his strength to the shore, the Tin Woodman pulled his tail tight, for the Lion was such a big body, and it was hard work.They were dragged out of the rapids a short time later.Dorothy took the Tin Woodman's long pole, and helped push the raft ashore. When at last they reached the shore, and stepped up the beautiful green meadow, weary, and knew that the current had carried them a long way away from the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. road. "What shall we do now?" asked the Tin Woodman, as the Lion lay in the grass, letting the sun dry.

"At any rate we must go back to that road," said Dorothy. "The best way," said the Lion, "is to walk along the bank of the river, and then go back to the road." So, when they had rested enough, Dorothy took her basket, and set off along the grassy bank, back to where the river had carried her away.It was a lovely place, with many flowers and fruit trees, and the sunshine cheered them up, and they would have been quite happy if they had not been sad about the Scarecrow. They ran on as fast as they could, and Dorothy stopped only once, to pluck a beautiful flower; after which the Tin Woodman cried out, "Look!"

They looked into the river together and saw the scarecrow clinging to the wooden pole in the river, looking very lonely and sad. "How can we get him out?" asked Dorothy. Both the Lion and the Tin Woodman shook their heads, not knowing what to do, so they sat down on the beach and stared at the Scarecrow silently and bitterly. Then a stork flew by, and the stork saw them, and went Stopped at the water's edge for a rest. "Who are you? Where are you going?" asked the stork. "I am Dorothy," answered the girl, "and these are my friends, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion; we are all going to the Emerald City."

"Not this way," said the stork, as he twisted his long neck and looked keenly at the strange group. "I know," replied Dorothy, "because we have lost the Scarecrow, and are discussing how to get him back." "Where is he?" asked the stork. "It's in this river." The little girl answered it. "If he hadn't been so big and heavy," said the stork, "I would have rescued him for you." Dorothy said earnestly, "He's not at all heavy, for he's stuffed with straw; and if you'll bring him back to us again, we'll be very grateful to you."

"Well, let me try," said the Stork, "and if I find him too heavy, I shall have to let him down on the pole in the middle of the river." In this way, the great stork flew up above the water and flew straight to the scarecrow holding the wooden pole. With its big claws, it grabbed the scarecrow's shoulders, lifted him into the air, and returned to the beach.Dorothy and the Lion, and the Tin Woodman and Toto, sat and waited. When the Scarecrow found himself among his friends again, he embraced them joyfully, even the Lion and Toto: and at every step they all went forward he sang "T-t-t-t-t-t- Ah!" how happy he is "I was afraid I should have to stay in the river forever," said the Scarecrow, "but the kind stork rescued me, and if I could get my brains, I would find the stork again and do something nice for him .” "That's good," said the stork, flying beside them. "I used to like to help someone who was in trouble. But now I must go, because my children are waiting for me in the nest. I hope you find the Emerald City, and Oz will help you. " "Thank you very much," replied Dorothy, and the gracious stork took off into the air, and was gone in a moment. They walked on, listening to the songs of the brightly colored birds, and seeing how the lovely flowers bloomed so luxuriantly that they covered the ground.There are big yellow, white, blue, purple flowers there. Besides these, there were great balls and bushes of crimson poppies, so brilliant in color that they almost dazzled Dorothy's eyes. As the little girl breathed in the scent of these flowers, she asked, "Aren't they beautiful?" "I think so," replied the Scarecrow. "Perhaps I shall like them better when I have brains." "If I had a heart, I must love them," continued the Tin Woodman. "I have often really liked flowers, too," said the Lion, "though they are so delicate and feeble. But the flowers in the forest are not so bright in color. " Now they ran to a place where the big crimson poppies bloomed more luxuriantly, and there were fewer and fewer flowers beside them; and after a while they found themselves walking in a field of big poppies.Everyone knows that when these flowers grow together, their fragrance is so strong that anyone who breathes it will fall into a drowsy sleep.If the sleeping man does not get away from these flowers, he will sleep forever.But Dorothy didn't know this, and didn't move away from the bright red bush, so her eyes were heavy at once, and she felt that she must sit down and rest, and go to sleep. But the Tin Woodman would not let her do this, saying, "We must be back on the yellow brick road before dark." The Scarecrow agreed, and they ran as hard as they could, till Dorothy stood no longer. When she couldn't get up, her eyes closed involuntarily, and she forgot that she fell asleep among the poppies. "What shall we do?" asked the Tin Woodman. "If we let her here, she will die," said the Lion. "The scent of these flowers will kill us too. Now I can open my eyes, but the dog is asleep." It was true, and Toto was already lying down beside his little mistress.But the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman, not made of flesh and blood, were not disturbed by the scent of these flowers. "Run," said the Scarecrow to the Lion, "as fast as you can," and out of this fatal bed.We carried this little girl with us, and if you fell asleep, it would be too big and heavy to carry you. " So the Lion encouraged himself, and jumped forward, as fast as he could, and in a moment he was gone. "Let us make a chair out of our hands and carry her along," said the Scarecrow.So they took Toto up in their arms and put them on her lap.Then they made a seat with their hands, and with their arms as handrails, they carried the sleeping girl through the flowers. As they walked forward, it seemed that this great carpet of deadly poppies surrounded them without bounds.They followed the crooked river, and overtook their friend the Lion, who lay down and slept soundly among the poppies.The scent of these flowers anesthetized the monster too strongly, and made it weaker and weaker, until at last, just a little distance from the end of the poppy bed, it fell down.In front of them, fragrant grass spread out in the beautiful green field. The Tin Woodman said sadly, "We can't do anything about it, because it's too heavy to lift. We have to let it sleep here forever, and the little Cowardly Lion can only find its courage in its dreams." "I'm sorry," said the Scarecrow, "the Lion is a very good company, he is so brave. Now let us go on." They carried the sleeping little girl to the river, and A beautiful place away from the fields of poppies from which she breathed no more poison; they laid her gently on the soft grass, and waited for the fresh breeze to wake her . Nine Voles Queen The Scarecrow stood beside the girl and said, "We will not be very far from the yellow brick road now, for we have traveled almost as far as the water has carried us." The Tin Woodman was about to answer, when he heard a low growl, and turning his head (his hinges were exquisitely made), he saw a strange beast running across the grass toward him.Really, it was a big yellow wild-cat, thought the Tin Woodman, and he must be hunting something; for his ears were pricked up close to his head, and his mouth was wide open, showing two terrible rows of teeth. , a pair of red eyes, glowing red like fireballs.As it came nearer, the Tin Woodman saw that ahead of him was a little gray field-mouse; and though he had no heart, he knew that it was wrong for the Wildcat to try to kill such a beautiful and harmless creature. . The Tin Woodman raised his axe, and just as the wild cat ran by, he gave it a swift blow. The head of the beast, clearly separated from its body, kicked away, and split into two pieces. Now the Field Mouse was free, and stopped running; and walking slowly up to the Tin Woodman, he cried out in a small voice, "Oh, thank you! Thank you for saving my life." "I beg you, don't say that," replied the Tin Woodman. "You know, I don't have a heart, so I pay special attention to helping friends in need, even if it's just a little mouse," "It's just a little mouse!" the little animal shouted angrily, "What! I'm a queen--queen of all voles!" "Ah, I'm sorry!" said the Tin Woodman and bowed. "So you saved my life, and not only did you do a great thing, but it was also a brave thing," continued the Queen of Voles. At this moment several voles came running up with the strength of their little legs, and when they saw the Queen, they cried out, "Oh, Queen, we thought you were killed! How did you escape from that big wild cat! "They all bowed low to the little queen, almost standing on the ground with their heads. "This good Tin Woodman," answered he, "has saved my life by killing the Wildcat. So you must serve him in the future, and obey his slightest will." "We know!" cried the field mice together in a high-pitched chorus.Then they fled in all directions, for Toto, awaking from sleep, and seeing the voles still about him, barked with delight, and jumped into the crowd.When Toto lived in Kansas, he used to like to chase mice, and he knew it couldn't do any harm. But the Tin Woodman caught the Dog, and held him in his arms, and held him tight when he said to the Field-Mouses, "Run back! Run back! Toto will not hurt you." The Queen Mole raised her head from the grass below, and asked in a timid voice, "Will you make sure he doesn't bite us?" The Tin Woodman said, "I won't let it go, so you don't have to be afraid." The voles came back one by one, and Toto stopped barking, though he still tried to wriggle out of the Tin Woodman's arms and bit him, not knowing that he was made of tin. Then one of the biggest voles spoke. It asked, "Is there anything we can do here in return for saving our queen's life?" "I don't know what's the matter," replied the Tin Woodman. The Scarecrow thought too, but he could not, for his head was stuffed with straw, and said quickly, "Ah, yes, you can go and save the Cowardly Lion, who is our friend, and now Sleeping in a field of poppies." "A lion!" cried the little queen, "oh, it will eat us all up." "Oh, no," said the Scarecrow firmly, "it's a Cowardly Lion." A field mouse asked, "Really?" "It says so," replied the Scarecrow. "It will never hurt anyone, it is our friend. If you help us rescue it, I promise it will treat you with kindness." "Very well," said the queen, "we trust you. But what shall we do?" "Many voles here, don't they all call you queen and are willing to obey you?" "Ah, yes, there are thousands here," it answered. "Then bid them all come here together as quickly as they can, and let each of them carry a long rope." The queen turned to the voles who were waiting on her, and told them to call all the people at once.As soon as they heard this order, they ran as fast as they could in every direction. "Now," said the Scarecrow to the Tin Woodman, "you must run to those woods by the river, and build a cart to carry the Lion." Immediately the Tin Woodman ran into the wood, and set to work; and soon he made a cart out of the boughs of the tree, and he cut off all the leaves and twigs, and fastened them together with pegs, and made a trunk of a great tree Cut into four wheels.He did it so swiftly and with such finesse that when the voles arrived the cart was ready and waiting for them. There were thousands of them coming from all over the place, large voles, small voles, and small voles; each with a piece of string in its mouth.Just at this moment Dorothy awoke from her long sleep, and opened her eyes.She was very surprised to find herself lying on the grass, with thousands of field mice standing around her, watching her timidly.But the Tin Woodman told her everything, and turning around, pointing to the noble Queen of Field Mouse, he asked, "May I introduce you to Queen Field Mouse?" Dorothy nodded solemnly, the Queen saluted, and soon he became quite friendly with the little girl. Now the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman began to fasten them to the cart by the ropes which the voles had brought. One end of the rope was wrapped around the neck of each field mouse, and the other end was tied to the cart.Of course, the body of the cart is a thousand times larger than that of any field mouse. But when all the voles are assembled, they can easily pull it.Even if the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman sat on it, these strange ponies could easily be pulled to the place where the lion was sleeping. The lion's body was heavy, and it was not until they had done much difficult work that they got him into the cart.Then the queen gave a hasty order to her people, "Pull!", for she was afraid that if the field mice stayed too long in the poppy-field, they too would fall asleep soundly. At first, although there were so many small animals, it was difficult to pull the heavy cart; but the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow pushed them from behind, and they were able to move forward quickly.In a little while they drew the Lion out of the poppy-field into green fields, where he could breathe the fresh air again, and exhale the poisonous gas from the flowers. Dorothy came up to meet them, and thanked the little field mice warmly for having brought her companion back from the dead.She misses the big lion, and she loves that it was saved. So the voles all unhooked the rope from the cart, and hurried across the grass to their old home. The Queen of Field Mouse said, "If you need anything more from us, please call in the fields, and we will hear and come to help you. Good-bye!" "Good-bye!" they answered in unison.The Queen of Field Mouse was gone, and Dorothy held Toto close, lest he should run after the Queen of Field Mouse, and terrorize him. After this they sat by the Lion's side until he woke up; and from a tree near by the Scarecrow gathered fruit for Dorothy's lunch. Ten Gatekeepers The Cowardly Lion slept in the field of poppies, and a long time passed before he awoke, for he breathed in the deadly aroma; but when he opened his eyes and rolled down from the cart, he found himself alive , very happy. "I ran as far as I could," said it, sitting up and yawning; "but the scent of the flowers poisoned me too much. How did you get me out?" So they reprimanded him; how bravely the voles rescued him from death. "I have often thought, myself," said the Cowardly Lion, "that I am very mighty and terrible; and yet how strange it is that something so small as a flower should have been almost killed, and something so small as a field-mouse saved my life." what! But, my friends, what shall we do now?" "We must go," said Dorothy, "and find the road paved with yellow bricks, so that we can get to the Emerald City." So the Lion listened, cheered himself up, and regained his senses, and he set off with the others, and walked very merrily on the soft fresh grass; Live in the Emerald City and walk. The way was smooth and level now, and the scenery all around was fairer; so the travelers were glad they were far from the forest, and the many dangers it encountered in its gloomy shadows.They saw also some walls built beside the road; but they were all painted green, and when they came to a little house where a peasant lived, that little house was also painted green. During this afternoon they passed several of these houses, and sometimes the inhabitants came to see them at the door, as if ready to ask some questions; but no one came near them, and no one spoke to them, because the big The lion frightened them very much.They were all dressed in a lovely emerald green, and had pointed hats like those of the Munchkins. "This must be the Land of Oz," said Dorothy, "and we must be near the Emerald City." The Scarecrow replied: "Yes, everything here is green. In the country of the Munchkins, blue is their favorite color. However, the people here seem not as friendly as the Munchkins. I fear we won't be able to find a place to spend the night." "I must eat something besides fruit," said the girl, "and I believe Toto is almost hungry too. Let us stop by the next house, and consult the inhabitants." So when they came to a modest clothes-house, Dorothy stepped forward boldly and knocked at the door.A woman opened the door just a crack, wide enough to see her, and said, "Son, what do you want, and why are you bringing a big lion with you?" "We would like to spend the night here with you, if you will allow us," replied Dorothy. "The Lion is my friend and companion, and he will never do you any harm." "Is it domesticated?" The woman opened the door a little wider. "Oh, yes," said the girl, "he is also the most timid; so he is more afraid of you than you are of him." After thinking about it carefully, the woman peeped at the lion again and said: "Well, if this is the case, you can come in, and I will give you a supper and a place to sleep." So they went into the house together: there lived, besides the woman, two little children and a man.The man had hurt his leg and was lying on a bed in the corner.They were very surprised to see such a strange group. When the woman was busy setting the table, the man asked, "Where are you going together?" "Go to the Emerald City," said Dorothy, "and visit the great Oz." "Oh, my God!" the man yelled loudly. "Do you believe that Oz will receive you?" "Why not?" she replied. "Ah, it is said that he never let anyone come near him. I have been many times to the Emerald City, and it is a beautiful and strange place; but I have never been allowed to see the great Oz, and I know either No one has ever seen him." "Has he never come out?" asked the Scarecrow. "Never. He sat every day on his great throne in his palace, and even those who waited on him never saw him face to face." "What does he look like?" asked the girl. "That's hard to say," the man said thoughtfully. "You see, Oz was a great magician, and he could be anything he wanted. That's why some say he looks like a bird; others say he looks like an elephant; others say he looks like a To others, he appears like a beautiful fairy, or like a little fairy, or whatever he likes. But the real Oz, his own appearance, no one can tell. " "That is very strange," said Dorothy, "but we must try and see him somehow, or our journey shall come to nothing." The man asked, "Why are you going to visit that terrible Oz?" The Scarecrow said urgently, "I ask him to give me a brain." "Oh, Oz can do that easily," said the man affirmatively. "He's got more brains than he needs." "I ask him to give me a heart," said the Tin Woodman. "That won't bother him," continued the man, "because Oz has a whole lot of hearts, big and small, in all shapes and sizes." "I asked him to give me a little courage," said the Cowardly Lion. "In Oz's palace he keeps a cauldron of guts," said the man. "He's covering them with a golden basin so they won't slip away. He'll give you some of it gladly." Dorothy said, "I asked him to send me back to Kansas." "Where is Kansas?" the man asked in amazement. "I don't know," replied Dorothy, very sadly; "but it's my hometown, and I believe it's somewhere." "Or yes. Well, Oz can do that; I suppose he'll find Kansas for you. But first you have to see him, and that's a very difficult thing; because the great magician doesn't like to meet anybody, and he often has his own ideas. ’ He went on asking Toto: ‘But what do you ask for? " Toto just wagged his tail; for, strange to say, he couldn't talk. Now the woman called them, and supper was ready, and they gathered round the table, and Dorothy ate with great pleasure some oatmeal, a plate of scrambled eggs, and a bowl of white bread. The Lion ate some oatmeal, but he didn't like it, and said it was made of brome, which is something horses eat, not for Lions.The Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman didn't eat anything.Toto ate a little of everything.It happily had another good supper. Now the woman gave Dorothy a bed to sleep in, and Toto beside her, and the Lion stood guard at the door of her room, so that she might not be disturbed.The Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman stood silently in a corner all night, though of course they could not sleep. Next morning, as soon as the sun had risen, they set out on their way, and presently saw a green light shining in the sky before them. "That must be the Emerald City," said Dorothy. As they set out on the road, the green light became brighter and brighter, and it seemed that they were finally approaching the destination of their journey.It was only afternoon before they reached the great walled city.The city wall is tall and thick, and it is a bright green color. In front of them was the end of the road paved with yellow bricks, a large city gate, all made of emeralds, shining brilliantly in the sun, even the painted eyes of the scarecrow could not Dazzled by its light. Beside the city gate was a bell, and Dorothy pressed the button, and heard the tinkling of a silver bell within.Then the door swung open slowly, and they went in together, and saw themselves walking in a high vaulted house, the walls of which were inlaid with innumerable emeralds, shining brightly. A small man the size of a Munchkin stood in front of them.He was dressed entirely in green from head to toe, even though his skin was also a light green.Beside him, there is a big green box. When he saw Dorothy and her companions, the man asked, "What business have you come to the Emerald City for?" "Here we are, to visit the great Oz," said Dorothy. The man was very surprised by this answer, he sat down and thought about it carefully. "It's been years since I've been asked to see Oz," he said, shaking his head in bewilderment. "He is powerful and terrifying. If you bother this great magician with a fantasy or something stupid, maybe he will get angry and kill you all in an instant." "We are not a stupid thing, nor a fancy," answered the Scarecrow, "but things are important. And we are told that Oz is a good magician." "He is kind," said the green man, "and he keeps the Emerald City in order. But to those who are dishonest, or who come to him out of curiosity, he looks very Terrible, few people dare to ask to see his face. I am the gatekeeper, because you ask to see the great Oz, I must take you to his palace. But first you must wear Glasses." Dorothy asked, "Why?" "Because if you don't wear glasses, the brilliant light of the Emerald City will blind your eyes. Even people living in this city must wear glasses day and night. The glasses are all locked with a key. When the city was first built, Oz ordered it like this. Only I have this unique key, which can open and remove the glasses. " He opened the big case, and Dorothy saw that it was filled with spectacles of all shapes and sizes.They are all green glass.The gatekeeper found a pair of spectacles that just fitted Dorothy, and put them on her spectacles.Two gold slings were fastened round the back of her head, and they were locked with a small key.At the end of this key was a chain which was wound around the gatekeeper's neck.Dorothy could not take them off when she had them on, and of course she did not want to be blinded by the light of the Emerald City without them, so she did not say a word. So the green man gave the glasses to the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Lion, and they all put them on.Even little Toto put it on; all locked with a key. Then the gatekeeper put on his spectacles himself and told them to lead them to the palace.He took a great golden key from a peg in the wall, and opened another door, and they followed him through the entrance and into the streets of the Emerald City. Eleven Magical Emerald City Dorothy and her friends, although their eyes were shaded by green eyes, were at first dazzled by the lights of this magical city.Beautiful houses dotted the streets, all made of green marble, and here and there adorned with glittering emeralds.They walked on the pavement paved with the same green marble, made of closely joined pieces of emerald, line by line, brilliantly shimmering in the bright sun.The windows were inlaid with green glass; even the sky above the city was of a faint green, tinted green by the rays of the sun. Here, many people came and went: men, women, and children, all dressed in green, even with greenish skin.They all watched Dorothy, and this strange company she led, with amazed eyes, and when they saw the Lion, all the children fled away, and hid behind their mother; but no one spoke to them. say.Many shops lined the street, and Dorothy saw that everything in the shops was green.Green candy, green popcorn, green shoes, green hats, and green shirts of all kinds are sold.In another place, there was a person who sold green lemonade, and when the children went to buy it, she saw that they paid for green lemonade as well. There seemed to be no horses here, and no beasts of any kind; there were men in little green carts, carrying loads, and pulling ahead.It seemed like everyone was happy, content, and everything was going well and happy. The gatekeepers led them through some streets until they came to a mansion, the palace of the great magician Oz, built just in the center of the city.There was a soldier standing in front of the door, in a green uniform and with a long green beard. The gatekeeper said to him: "Here are some guests who want to see the great Oz." The soldier replied, "Come inside. I will inform him of your intentions." 他们穿过官殿的大门，被领进铺着绿地毯的一间大屋子里。放着用翡翠做的可爱的绿家具。在走进这间屋子以前，那兵士叫他们一起在绿的席垫上擦干净他们的鞋底。等他们一起坐下以后，他很有礼貌地说：“让我进去到那王宫的门前，告诉奥芝说你们在这里要见他，请你们先在这里随便休息一下吧。” 他们等了一个很长时间。当士兵回来以后，多萝茜问道：“你有没有看见过奥芝？” “啊，没有；”兵士回答说：“我从来没有见过他。我只当他坐在帐幔的后面，向他说话，把你们的意思告诉他听。他说，你们这般地渴望着，允许你们去见他，但是，你们必须每一个单独地到他的面前，并且只准每天会见一个。所以你们必须在这宫中停留好几天，我要为你们开几个房间，在你们长途跋涉以后，可以休息得舒服一点儿。” “多谢你，”小女孩子回答说，“那是奥芝十分的美意。” 现在，兵士吹着一个录色的口笛，立刻有一个年青女郎，穿着一件美丽的绿丝袍，走进屋子来。她长着可爱的绿发和绿眼，当她说话的时候，还在多萝茜面前低低地鞠躬，“跟我去，我把你的房间指给你看。” 多萝茜向她的朋友们说声再会，只有托托除外，她把这狗抱起在臂弯里，跟着绿女郎穿过七个门廊，跑上三座楼梯，一直跑到宫殿前面的一间房间里，那是在世界上最美丽最可爱的小房间了，有一只柔软舒服的床，上面有绿绸的被，绿天鹅绒的褥。在房间的中央，有一个小喷水器，向空中射出一股绿色香水的水花，水花回落在一只雕刻得很美丽的绿色大理石的盆子里。一些美丽的绿花，安放在窗子的旁边，在那里还有一个放着一行绿色小书的书架。 当多萝茜去打开这些书来看时，发现里面满是引她好笑的奇怪的绿色的图画，多么有趣。 在一只衣橱里有许多绿衣服，用绸缎和天鹅绒做的，全部很适合多萝茜穿的。 “你完全当作在自己的家里一样，”绿女郎说，“倘使你要什么东西，就请摇这个铃。明天早晨，奥芝会差人来叫你。” 她让多萝茜独自留在房间里，自己再到别人那里去。 她也把他们领到各个房间里去，每一个都觉得是宿在这宫殿里的房间里，十分快乐有趣，当然，这样的优待，对于稻草人是毫无用处的；因为当稻草人发觉自己独个人待在他的房间里时，很笨拙地站在门口，傻乎乎地等待着天明，他不能够躺下去休息，也不能够闭着他的眼睛，所以整夜醒着，凝视着房间的一个角落里，有一只小蜘蛛，正在织它的网，好像在这个世界上，这还算不是一间最奇异的房间。 铁皮人因为记得过去他是血肉的身体，由于习惯势力，躺在床上：但是不能够入睡，整夜上上下下地运动着，使他的一些关节，确保能做良好的动作。 狮子宁愿在森林中有一只干叶子的床，并且不喜欢被关在一间房间里；但是它很聪明的，不让这事情来麻烦自己，所以它跃上床去，像一只猫样地滚着，并且呜呜地叫着，在一分钟里睡熟了。 第二天早晨，吃过早饭以后，绿女郎跑到多萝茜那里来，替她穿上衣裳中最美丽的一件——用绿锦缎做的。多萝茜还穿上一条绿绸的裙子，并且用一条绿丝带，缚在托托的颈项里，她们动身走向伟大的奥芝的王宫去。 最初，她们跑到一个大厅里，在那里有许多朝廷上的贵妇和绅士，完全穿戴着富丽的服装。这些人没有事情做，彼此只是在闲谈，虽然他们从来没有被允许进去见一见奥芝，但是每天早晨，总是跑来在王宫外面侍候。当多萝茜跑进去了，他们好奇地注视她，其中有个低声问道：“你可是真正想抬着头去看看那可怕的奥芝的脸吗？” 小女孩子回答说：“倘使他愿意会见我，当然要抬起头来看看他。” “唔，他愿意会见你，”那个把她的意思传达给魔术家的兵士说，“虽然他不喜欢有人去请求见他，真的，起初他是愤怒的，并且说要把你从来的地方送回去。后来他问我你像个什么样子，当我说到你的银鞋子时，他觉得十分有趣。最后，我把你额角上的记号也告斥了他，他就决定允许你到他的面前去。” 正在这时候，一声铃响了，绿女郎对多萝茜说：“这是信号，你必须独个儿走进王宫里去。” 女郎打开一个小门，多萝茜大胆地走进去，发觉自己到了一个神秘的地方。一个广大的圆屋子，盖着高拱形的房顶，四周的墙壁、天花板和地板，都是用大翡翠紧密地接连着的。在屋顶的中央是一盏很大的灯，亮得像太阳，也是用翡翠做的，在异样的光景中闪亮着。 使得多萝茜最有兴趣的，是放在屋子中央的一张巨大的绿色大理石宝座。形状像一只椅子，也像其他的东西一样，闪着宝石的光。在椅子的正中，是一个非常巨大的头，没有身体支持它，就是手或脚什么也都没有。这个头，没有头发，只有一双眼睛和鼻子及嘴巴，大得比最大的巨人的头还要大。 正当多萝茜在惊奇和恐惧中凝视着时，那一只眼睛慢慢地转动着，尖锐地坚定地注视着她。于是那嘴巴也动了，多萝茜听得一个声音说：“我是伟大的可怕的奥芝。你是谁？为什么要来找我？” 这声音不是像她预料着的，从那张大嘴巴里发出来的一个大声音，所以她壮了壮胆子，回答说：“我是渺小的温和的多萝茜。我为了请求帮助，才跑到你这里来。” 那一双眼睛，沉思地注视着她足足有一分钟。于是那声音说道：“你在什么地方得到这一双银鞋子的？” 她回答说：“当我的屋子掉在东方的恶女巫的身上，杀死了她的时候，我便从那里得到了这鞋子。” 声音继续他说：“你在什么地方得到了你额上的记号？” “当那位北方的善女巫同我说再会，她吻了我，要我到你这里来的时候，才有的。”小女孩子说。 那一双眼睛又尖锐地注视她，见她说的是真话。于是奥芝问道：“你要请求我做什么？” “送我回堪萨斯州去，那里有我的爱姆婶婶和亨利叔叔住着，”她恳切地回答。“虽然你的国土多么美丽，我却不喜欢。我相信爱姆婶婶将要为了我离开她这么长久而大大忧愁哩。” 那一双眼睛霎了三次，随亏又转着看到上面的天花板和下面的地板，并且那么怪异地四周滚动着，仿佛要看透这屋子里的每一个部分。最后又注视着多萝茜。 奥芝问：“为什么我要为你这样做？” “因为你是强者，我是弱者；因为你是一个伟大的魔术家，我只是一个无能的小女孩子。” 奥芝说：“但是，你却强得足够杀死东方的恶女巫呢。” 多萝茜简单地回答：“那只是碰巧的事情，我并不是有意的埃”“唔，”那个头说，“我回答你。除非你为我做一点事情作为代价，你没有权利希望我送你回到堪萨斯州去。在这个国土里，每一个人要导到每一件东西，就必须付出代价。倘使你要我使用魔术的力量，送你再回到家里去，第一你必须为我做一点事情。你帮助了我，随后我再帮助你。” 女孩子问：“我必须做点什么事？” 奥芝回答说：“杀死那个西方的恶女巫。” 多萝茜大吃一惊，高声地说，“这个，我不能够！” “你杀掉了东方的女巫，穿着这一双银鞋子，它有一种很大的神力。现在只剩下一个恶女巫在这世界上，当你能够告诉我她已经死去了时，我便送你回到堪萨斯州去——但是在这以前，不能够送你回家。” 这个小女孩子哭起来了，她多么地失望。 奥芝的那一双眼睛，霎着再霎着，烦恼地看着她，好像那伟大的奥芝觉得如果她愿意，她是能够帮助他的。 “我永远不愿意去杀死谁，”她呜咽着说，“即使我愿意去做，我怎么能够杀死那恶女巫？好像你，你是伟大而强有力的，你自己不能够杀死她，怎么能盼望我去做这个呢？” “我可不管，”那个头说，“这是我的回答，除非等到恶女巫死了，你将再也看不到你的叔叔和婶婶。记住，那女巫是可恶的——很可怕的女巫——她应当被杀死。现在去吧，不完成你的工作，不要再来请求我。” 多萝茜怏怏不乐地离开了宫殿跑回去，狮子、稻草人和铁皮人都守候在那里，要听听奥芝对她说些什么。 她忧愁地说：“我没有希望，因为除非我杀死了西方的恶女巫，奥芝才肯送我回家去；可是要杀死她。那是我永远做不到的事。” 她的朋友们都很忧愁，但是不能够帮助她做些什么；所以她到房间里去，躺在床上，哭着，叫着，不知不觉地睡着了。 第二天早晨，长着绿胡须的兵士跑到稻草人那里来说：“跟我来，奥芝差人来叫你了。” 因此稻草人跟着他走，被准许进入大宫殿，他看见翡翠宝座上，坐着一个非常可爱的妇人，穿着绿绸纱，戴上一顶摆动的绿色的宝石皇冠。从她的两只肩膀上，长出一对翅膀来，鲜明华丽，非常轻巧，就是空中有最轻微的气息触及了它们，也会使得它们摆动的。 当稻草人向着这个美丽的妇人鞠躬时，他尽了最大努力作出一个美丽的姿态。她温和地注视他，并且说道：“我是伟大的可怕的奥芝。你是谁？为什么要来找我？” 现在稻草人十分吃惊，他所盼望着看到的不是多萝茜告诉他的那个大头；但是他很勇敢地回答她：“我不过是一个稻草人，是用稻草填塞的，因此我没有脑子。我跑到你这里来，请求你在我的脑壳里放下一个脑子，替代着稻草，使得我能够变成像在你的国土上的不论哪一个一样。” 妇人问：“为什么我应当为你这样做？” 稻草人回答说：“因为你是聪明和强有力，没有其他的人能够帮助我。” “我从来不把恩惠允许给不付一些酬报的人，”奥芝说，“但是这件事我很高兴答应你。倘使你能够为我杀死西方的恶女巫，我将赏赐你一个大脑子，并且是极好的脑子，使得你在全奥芝地方，成为一个最最聪明的人。” 稻草人吃惊地说：“我想你已经要求多萝茜杀死那女巫了。” “我是这么说过的。我不在乎谁杀掉她。但是除非是她死了，我不会答应你的愿望。去吧，直到你可以得到这个渴望着的脑子以前，不要再来找我。” 稻草人很忧愁地跑回到他的朋友们那里去，把奥芝说的一些什么话告诉他们；多萝茜惊奇地发觉这位大魔术家，并不是像她所看见的一个大头，却是一位贵妇人。 稻草人说：“她虽然是一位美妇人，却和铁皮人一样，需要一颗心。” 第二天早晨，长着绿胡须的兵士，跑到铁皮人那里来说：“奥芝差人来叫你。跟我去。” 因此铁皮人跟着他到那宫殿中去。他不知道将要看见奥芝是一位贵妇人，还是一个头，但是他希望将是一个贵妇人。“因为，”他自己对自己说，“如果那是头，我相信我将得不到一颗心，因为一个头，它自己也没有心，所以不能够同情我。但是倘使那是贵妇人，我将苦苦地恳求着要一颗心，因为所有的妇人们，大都被认为有慈善心肠的。” 当铁皮人走进大宫殿中去，他所看见的既不是头，也不是妇人，因为奥芝变成了一只最可怕的野兽。它大得几乎像一只象，这个绿的宫殿，似乎载负不起它的重量。这只野兽有一个像犀牛的头，不过在它的脸上却有五只眼睛。在它身上长出五只长臂，也还有五条细长的腿。厚厚的羊毛似的毛盖满在全身，是一只样子可怕得不能想象的怪物。这是铁皮人的幸福，在那时候他还没有心，否则，他的心会因害怕而跳动得响而且快哩。只因为他是铁皮做的，虽然十分失望，却不大害怕。 “我是伟大的可怕的奥芝！”那野兽说话的声音是一声怒吼。“你是谁？ 你为什么要来找我？ " “我是一个樵夫，用铁皮做成的。我没有心，不能够恋爱。我请求你给我一颗心，使得我可以像旁的人一样。” 野兽问道：“为什么我应该这样做？” 铁皮人回答说：“我请求这个，因为只有你，才能够满足我的请求。” 奥芝对于这个回答，发出一个低低的咆哮，粗暴地说道：“倘使你真的要求一颗心，你必定能够得到它的。” 铁皮人问：“怎么样得到它呢？” “你去帮助多萝茜杀死西方的恶女巫，”野兽回答说。“当这个女巫死了的时候，跑到我这里来，我将把全奥芝地方那颗最大最仁慈和最可以表示爱情的心给你。” 铁皮人也被迫得忧愁地跑到他的朋友们那里来，把他所看见的可怕的野兽，告诉了他们。他们一齐大大地奇怪着，那大魔术家竟然能够把自己变化成许多的样子。狮子说：“当我去看他的时候，倘使他是一只野兽，我将发出我最大的吼声，恐吓它，吓得它会答应我的请求。倘使他是个贵妇人，我将假装扑到她身上去，强迫她做我所要求的事。倘使他是个大头，它将向我讨饶；因为我将在房间里滚动那个头，直滚到它答应给我们所盼望的事。我的朋友们，乐观些，一切都尚有可为呢。” 第二天早晨，长着绿胡须的兵士，领着狮子到那大宫殿里，吩咐它走进去，走到奥芝的面前。 狮子立刻穿过那门，向四周瞥视，使它吃惊的，在宝座前面的是一个火球，多么的猛烈和炽热，差不多不容它逼视。起初它想的是那奥芝遇到了不测的事情了，着了火烧了起来了；但是，当它想走近一点儿的时候，热度非常厉害，快要烧焦它的触须，就颤抖地爬着退回去，站到靠近门口的地方。 于是一个低沉的平静的声音，从火球里发出来，说出这一些话：“我是伟大的可怕的奥芝，你是谁？你为什么要来找我？” 狮子就回答说：“我是一只胆小的狮子，害怕一切的东西。我跑到你这里来请求你给我胆量，使得我能够名副其实地成为野兽们的皇帝，正像人们所称呼我的。” 奥芝问道：“为什么我应该给你胆量？” 狮子回答说：“因为在所有的魔术家中，你是最最伟大，唯一有权力答应我的要求。” 这时候，火球燃烧得更加猛烈了。 那声音说：“你把那恶女巫死了的证据带来给我，到那时候，我就把胆量给你。但是，只要那个女巫还活着，你一定仍旧是一只小胆狮。” 狮子对于这些话很愤怒，但是它没有什么可以回答，这时，它静静地站着，凝视着那火球，变得更加猛烈地灼热了，使得它转过尾巴来从宫中冲出去，它的朋友们在等候着它；它欢喜地找到了他们，把它和那魔术家会见的可怕情形，告诉了他们。 多萝茜忧愁地问：“现在我们怎么办？” “只有一件事情我们能够做，”狮子回答说，“那就是去到那温基人住的地方，找到那恶女巫，把她杀死。” “但是，假使我们做不到呢？”小女孩子说。 “那么，我将永远不能有胆量了，”狮子断然说。 “我将永远不会有脑子了，”稻草人再说。 “我将永远不会有一颗心了，”铁皮人说。 “我将永远不会看见爱姆婶婶和亨利叔叔了。”多萝茜说着，重新又哭起来了。 “当心！”绿女郎叫喊着，“那眼泪会掉在你的绿缎衣上，把它弄污了。” 因此多萝茜揩干了她的眼泪说道：“我以为我们必须去尝试一下；但是我相信即使为了要再见到爱姆婶婶，我也不想去杀死什么人。” “我同你一块儿去；但是要去杀死那个女巫，我太胆小了！”狮子说。 “我也去，”稻草人自告奋勇，“不过因为我是一个笨汉，对于你，我将没有多大的帮助。” “虽然是一个恶女巫，我也无心去伤害她，”铁皮人说，“不过倘使你去，我当然同你一块儿去。” 因此他们决定在第二天，出发走上他们的旅途了。铁皮人在绿的磨石上，磨快了他的斧头，他的一些关节，全部加了油。稻草人自己填进了新鲜的稻草，多萝茜还把新的油漆，涂在他的眼睛上，使他可以看得更加清楚一些。 那个绿女郎对待他们十分和善，把好的食品放满在多萝茜的篮子里，并且把一个小铃，用一条绿丝带缚紧在托托的颈项里。 他们很早上床去，并且酣睡着，一直睡到天亮，那时候，养在宫殿后院子里的绿公鸡，喔喔喔地啼，那一只母鸡，已经生下了一个绿蛋，正在咯咯地叫，他们才被吵醒了。 十二找寻恶女巫 那个长着绿胡须的兵士，领着他们穿过翡翠城中的一些街道，直送到守城门人住的地方。这个办事员，脱下他们的眼镜，放回到大箱子里，接着，又很有礼貌地替他们打开了城门。 多萝茜问：“到西方恶女巫那里去，走哪一条路？” “那里没有路的，”守城门的人回答说，“没有一个人愿意走上那条路。” 女孩子追问道：“那么，我们怎么好去找寻她？” “那很容易，”这人回答说，“因为当恶女巫知道你们在温基地方了，她就会找寻你们，把你们一起捉了去做她的奴隶。” “恐怕不见得吧，”稻草人说，“我们是要去杀死她的。” “啊，这就不同了，”守城门的人说。“在这以前，没有一个人想去杀死她，所以我自然而然地想到她会把你们当作奴隶，正像她对于其他的人一样，但请留神；她恶毒而又凶猛，也许你们杀不死她的。你们直向西走，在日落的地方，不会找不到她。” 他们谢谢他，并且向他说了声再会，就转向西面，走过柔软的草地，这里和那里，都生长着雏菊和毛茛。多萝茜仍旧穿着在宫殿中穿上了的美丽的绸衣，现在使她吃惊的，她发现不再是绿的了，却是纯白的了。围在托托项颈里的绿丝带，也像多萝茜的衣裳一样，褪去了它的绿色，变成白的了。 翡翠城很快就远远地落在后面。他们向前进的地方，变得更加不平坦，并且更加高起来了，因为在这西面的地方，没有田地，也没有屋子，这些地方都是没有耕种过的。 到了下午，太阳晒得他们的脸儿发烫，因为这里没有树木遮蔽；所以多萝茜和托托，还有狮子，在天黑以前都跑得很疲倦，躺下草地睡觉了，铁皮人和稻草人在旁边守护着。 那西方的恶女巫只有一只眼睛，然而那只眼睛却像望远镜一样地有力量，能够看到老远的各处地方。所以，当她坐在城堡的门口，偶然地向四周眺望时，就望见多萝茜睡熟了，还有她的朋友们围绕着卫护她。他们还距离着一个长长的路程，但是恶女巫已经看见了他们在她的国度里了，因此十分愤怒；吹着挂在她颈项里的一个银笛。 立刻，从各方面奔来了一群恶狼。它们的腿很长，瞪着凶恶的眼睛，露出尖利的牙齿。 女巫说：“跑到那些人那里去，把他们撕得粉碎。” 恶狼的头头问道：“你不把他们当作奴隶吗？” “不，”她回答说，“一个是铁皮人，一个是稻草人，一个是小女孩子，还有一只是狮子。他们不会做什么工作的，所以你们把他们撕成一小块一小块罢。” “很好，”这只狼说着，它迅速地跑去了，别的许多狼跟了上去。 总算是运气，铁皮人和稻草人清醒着，听得恶狼们冲过来了。 “这次我来战斗，”铁皮人说，“你们站在我的后面，等它们跑来时，我将跟它们战斗。” 他拿起已经磨得很快的斧头来，当恶狼的头头奔过来时，铁皮人挥动他的胳膊，把它的头从身上砍了下来，立刻就死了。另一只狼奔上来，当他又举起斧头来劈过去，也倒在铁皮人锐利的斧头下。总共有四十只恶狼，斧头挥动了四十次，每一次都有一只恶狼被砍死；所以到了最后，恶狼们一起躺在铁皮人面前，死成了一堆。 于是，他放下斧头，坐在稻草人旁边，说：“朋友，这是一场大战斗。” 直等到第二天早晨，多萝茜在醒来以后，看见了一大堆毛茸茸的恶狼们，这个小女孩子十分惊恐，铁皮人完完全全告诉了她。她谢谢他救了他们，坐下来吃着早餐，吃完以后，他们又出发上路了。 这天早晨，恶女巫来到城堡的门口，用她的一只眼睛向外面望着，嘹望远处。她看见她的恶狼们全都躺着死了，那些陌生的客人，仍旧在她的国土里向前行进。这使得她更加生气了，吹了两声银笛。 立刻一大群野乌鸦向她飞来，遮黑了天空。 恶女巫对乌鸦王说：“火速飞到那些陌生的客人那里去；啄出他们的眼睛，把他们撕成碎片罢。” 野乌鸦们一大群地飞向多萝茜和她的同伴。当这小女孩子看见它们飞来时，十分惊慌，但是稻草人说：“这次我来战斗；请你们躺在我的身旁，就不会被伤害了。” 这时，除了稻草人以外，他们一起躺在地上，他挺立着，伸出手臂。当这些乌鸦们看见了他，都很害怕，因为这些鸟儿们，经常被稻草人吓惯了的，所以不敢飞近来。 但是乌鸦王说着：“那不过是一个稻草人。我将啄出他的眼睛来。” 乌鸦王飞着向稻草人冲过去，稻草人捉住它的头，绞着它的脖子，一直把它绞到死去。接着另一只乌鸦向他飞来，稻草人也绞它的脖子。总共有四十只乌鸦，稻草人扭绞了四十次脖子，直等到最后它们都死了，躺在他的旁边，稻草人叫起他的同伴们，又走上旅途。 当恶女巫又望见她的乌鸦们死成一堆，大大地发怒，第三次吹着她的银笛。 立刻听得空中有一阵嗡嗡的很大的声音，一群黑蜂飞来了。 “到那些陌生的客人那里去，螫死他们罢！”女巫下着这个命令。 黑蜂转过弯来急速地飞着，直飞到多萝茜和她的朋友们赶路的地方。但是铁皮人已经看见它们来了，稻草人也已经决定怎么样干了。 他对铁皮人说：“把我身体里的稻草拿出来，散在小女孩子和狗以及狮子的身上，黑蜂们就不能螫他们了。” 铁皮人就这样敞，多萝茜靠近狮子身旁躺下去，还把托托抱在她的臂弯里，他们完全给稻草盖没了。 黑蜂们赶来，找不到一个人，只能螫着铁皮人，所以它们都飞集在他身上，却白白地在铁皮上面，毁损了它们所有的刺，铁皮人一丁点儿也没有受伤。