Opis
Puss in Boots
Charles Perrault
Once upon a time, an old miller died and left all his property to his three sons. To his oldest son: the mill, to his middle son: the donkey and to his youngest son: the cat. A fine cat, indeed, but still, just a cat. Luckily, the youngest son discovered, that Puss is no ordinary cat. He is smart. He can talk. In addition, he has a plan for his master. Therefore, in the days that followed, Puss in Boots regularly visited the castle, carrying rabbits, hares, partridges, and skylarks, presenting them all to the King in the name of the Marquis of Carabas. One day the Puss in Boots discovered that the King and Queen were taking the Princess on a carriage ride that very afternoon. The cat hurried home in great excitement: »Master, come along« he cried. »It is time to carry out my plan,« So they went to the river, and when the King’s carriage appeared the cat pushed his master into the water. »Help« cried the cat »The Marquis of Carabas is drowning«. The King heard his cries, sent his escorts to the rescue, and ordered new clothes to be brought for the Marquis of Carabas.
The cat overheard one of the ministers remark that they must find out how rich he was. »He is very rich indeed, » said Puss in Boots. »He owns the castle and all this land. Come and see for yourself. I will meet you at the castle.« And with these words, the cat rushed off in the direction of the castle. There he knocked at the gate and when the door opened, Puss in Boots removed his feather hat, exclaiming, »My Lord Ogre, my respects«! »What do you want cat?« asked the ogre rudely. »Sire, I’ve heard you possess great powers. That, for instance, you can change into a lion or an elephant, but I don’t believe you can change into a tiny little creature, like a mouse.« »Well just watch this!« retorted the ogre, turning into a mouse. In a flash, the cat leaped on the mouse and ate it whole. Then he dashed to the castle gate, just in time, for the King’s carriage was drawing up. With a bow, Puss in Boots said, »Sire, welcome to the castle of the Marquis of Carabas«! The miller’s son, now Marquis of Carabas, married the Princess and lived happily with her in the castle.
Puss became a great lord and never ran after mice anymore but only for his diversion.
