The next morning the soldier with the green whiskers came to the
Scarecrow and said:
Come with me, for Oz has sent for you.
So the Scarecrow followed him and was admitted into the great Throne
Room, where he saw, sitting in the emerald throne, a most lovely Lady.
She was dressed in green silk gauze and wore upon her flowing green
locks a crown of jewels. Growing from her shoulders were wings,
gorgeous in color and so light that they fluttered if the slightest
breath of air reached them.
When the Scarecrow had bowed, as prettily as his straw stuffing would
let him, before this beautiful creature, she looked upon him sweetly,
and said:
I am Oz, the Great and Terrible. Who are you, and why do you seek me?
Now the Scarecrow, who had expected to see the great Head Dorothy had
told him of, was much astonished; but he answered her bravely.
I am only a Scarecrow, stuffed with straw. Therefore I have no brains,
and I come to you praying that you will put brains in my head instead
of straw, so that I may become as much a man as any other in your
dominions.
Why should I do this for you? asked the Lady.
Because you are wise and powerful, and no one else can help me,
answered the Scarecrow.
I never grant favors without some return, said Oz; but this much I
will promise. If you will kill for me the Wicked Witch of the West, I
will bestow upon you a great many brains, and such good brains that you
will be the wisest man in all the Land of Oz.
I thought you asked Dorothy to kill the Witch, said the Scarecrow, in
surprise.
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