"Well then, neighbor Geppetto," said the carpenter, to prove that
peace was made, "what is the favor that you wish of me?"
"I want a little wood to make my puppet; will you give me some?"
Master Antonio was delighted, and he immediately went to the bench and
fetched the piece of wood that had caused him so much fear. Just as he
was going to give it to his friend the piece of wood gave a shake and
wriggling violently out of his hands struck with all its force against
the dried-up shins of poor Geppetto.
"Ah! is that the courteous way in which you make your presents, Master
Antonio? You have almost lamed me!"
"I swear to you that it was not I!"
"Then you would have it that it was I?"
"The wood is entirely to blame!"
"I know that it was the wood, but it was you that hit my legs with
it!"
"I did not hit you with it!"
"Liar!"
"Geppetto, don't insult me or I will call you Polendina!"
"Ass!"
"Polendina!"
"Donkey!"
"Polendina!"
"Baboon!"
"Polendina!"
On hearing himself called Polendina for the third time Geppetto, blind
with rage, fell upon the carpenter and they fought desperately.
When the battle was over, Master Antonio had two more scratches on his
nose, and his adversary had two buttons less on his waistcoat.
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