Удивительный волшебник из Страны Оз / The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

“The silver shoes are yours,” explained the Witch of the North, “and you shall wear them.” She reached down and picked up the shoes, then gave them to Dorothy.

“The Witch of the East was proud of those silver shoes,” said one of the Munchkins, “and they are magical; but we don’t know what they can do.”

Dorothy carried the shoes into the house and placed them on the table. Then she came out again to the Munchkins and said:

“I want to to get back to my aunt and uncle. Can you help me find my way?”

The Munchkins and the Witch first looked at one another, and then at Dorothy, and then shook their heads.

“At the East, not far from here,” said one, “there is a great desert, and none could live to cross it.”

“It is the same at the South, in the country of the Quadlings.”

“I am told,” said the third man, “that it is the same at the West. And that country, where the Winkies live, is ruled by the Wicked Witch of the West, who would make you her slave if you passed her way.

“The North is my home,” said the old lady, “and at its edge is the same great desert that surrounds this Land of Oz. I’m afraid, my dear, you will have to live with us.”

Dorothy began to cry. The kind-hearted Munchkins began to cry as well. The little old woman took off her cap and balanced the point on the end of her nose. She counted “One, two, three”, and the cap changed to a slate, on which was written in big letters:

“LET DOROTHY GO TO THE CITY OF EMERALDS”

The little old woman read the words and asked, “Is your name Dorothy, my dear?”

“Yes,” answered the child.

“Then you must go to the City of Emeralds. Perhaps Oz will help you.”

“How can I get there?” asked Dorothy.

“You must walk. It is a long journey. However, I will use all the magic I know to keep you from harm.”

“Won’t you go with me?” pleaded the girl, who had begun to look upon the little old woman as her only friend.

“No, I cannot do that,” she replied, “but I will give you my kiss, and no one will dare injure a person who has been kissed by the Witch of the North.”

She came close to Dorothy and kissed her gently on the forehead. Where her lips touched the girl they left a round, shining mark, as Dorothy found out soon after.

“The road to the City of Emeralds is paved with yellow brick,” said the Witch, “so you cannot miss it. Good-bye, my dear.