words it spoke:
I am Oz, the Great and Terrible. Who are you, and why do you seek me?
And the Lion answered, I am a Cowardly Lion, afraid of everything. I
came to you to beg that you give me courage, so that in reality I may
become the King of Beasts, as men call me.
Why should I give you courage? demanded Oz.
Because of all Wizards you are the greatest, and alone have power to
grant my request, answered the Lion.
The Ball of Fire burned fiercely for a time, and the voice said, Bring
me proof that the Wicked Witch is dead, and that moment I will give you
courage. But as long as the Witch lives, you must remain a coward.
The Lion was angry at this speech, but could say nothing in reply, and
while he stood silently gazing at the Ball of Fire it became so
furiously hot that he turned tail and rushed from the room. He was glad
to find his friends waiting for him, and told them of his terrible
interview with the Wizard.
What shall we do now? asked Dorothy sadly.
There is only one thing we can do, returned the Lion, and that is to
go to the land of the Winkies, seek out the Wicked Witch, and destroy
her.
But suppose we cannot? said the girl.
Then I shall never have courage, declared the Lion.
And I shall never have brains, added the Scarecrow.
And I shall never have a heart, spoke the Tin Woodman.
And I shall never see Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, said Dorothy,
beginning to cry.
62