L.Frank Baum. The marvelous land of Oz -
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Emerald City, or what he wants. Tell me, what shall we do with him?"
The Soldier with the Green Whiskers looked at Jack with much care and
curiosity. Finally he shook his head so positively that little waves
rippled down his whiskers, and then he said:
"I must take him to His Majesty, the Scarecrow."
But what will His Majesty, the Scarecrow, do with him?" asked the
Guardian of the Gates.
"That is His Majesty's business," returned the soldier. "I have
troubles enough of my own. All outside troubles must be turned over to His
Majesty. So put the spectacles on this fellow, and I'll take him to the
royal palace."
So the Guardian opened a big box of spectacles and tried to fit a
pair to Jack's great round eyes.
"I haven't a pair in stock that will really cover those eyes up,"
said the little man, with a sigh; "and your head is so big that I shall be
obliged to tie the spectacles on."
"But why need I wear spectacles?" asked Jack.
"It's the fashion here," said the Soldier, "and they will keep you
from being blinded by the glitter and glare of the gorgeous Emerald City."
"Oh!" exclaimed Jack. "Tie them on, by all means. I don't wish to be
blinded."
"Nor I!" broke in the Saw-Horse; so a pair of green spectacles was
quickly fastened over the bulging knots that served it for eyes.
Then the Soldier with the Green Whiskers led them through the inner
gate and they at once found themselves in the main street of the
magnificent Emerald City.
Sparkling green gems ornamented the fronts of the beautiful houses
and the towers and turrets were all faced with emeralds. Even the green
marble pavement glittered with precious stones, and it was indeed a grand
and marvelous sight to one who beheld it for the first time.