Puss in Boots - French

You may think a cat is a humble inheritance, but I am no ordinary cat. My name is Puss, and when my poor master, the youngest son of a miller, was left with nothing but me, he thought his luck had run out. He sighed, looking at his two older brothers who had received the mill and the donkey, while he was left with, well, me. I, however, knew our adventure was just beginning. This is the story of how a clever cat in a fine pair of boots can change a man's destiny, a tale you now know as Puss in Boots. It all started the day I looked at my master's sad face and decided it was time to reveal my secret. I hopped onto his shoulder and said, 'Do not worry. Just fetch me a pair of boots and a sturdy bag, and I will show you that you are more fortunate than your brothers.' Can you imagine his face? His jaw dropped. He was shocked that I could speak, of course, but he was also desperate enough to trust me. He spent his last few coins on a handsome pair of leather boots that fit my paws perfectly and a strong bag. With my new boots on my feet and a bag slung over my shoulder, I gave him a confident wink. I set off into the world, a cat on a mission, ready to make my master a prince.

My plan was simple but required a dash of daring: build a magnificent reputation for my master. He didn't have a grand name, so I invented one: the Marquis of Carabas. It sounded important, don't you think? I strode into the woods, my boots making a satisfying crunch on the leaves, and used my cunning to catch a plump rabbit in my bag. I marched straight to the royal palace, past the astonished guards, and presented my catch to the King himself. 'A humble gift,' I announced with a deep bow, 'from my master, the Marquis of Carabas.' The King, who loved a good meal, was quite pleased. I continued this for weeks, bringing him the finest partridges and quails, always in the name of the mysterious and generous Marquis. The King grew very curious about this nobleman he had never met. One sunny afternoon, I learned the King and his beautiful daughter, the princess, were to ride their carriage along the riverbank. This was my chance. I rushed to my master. 'Quickly!' I urged him, 'Go and bathe in the river at the spot I show you!' He trusted me and did as I asked. While he was splashing in the water, I snatched his ragged clothes and hid them under a large stone. Just as the King's golden carriage rumbled into view, I began to shout at the top of my lungs, 'Help! Help! The Marquis of Carabas is drowning! His magnificent robes have been stolen by thieves!' The King, remembering the name of the man who had sent him so many delicious gifts, immediately ordered his guards to the rescue. They pulled my master from the water and, since his 'robes' were gone, the King offered him a magnificent suit of clothes from his own wardrobe. Dressed in silk and velvet, my master looked like a true prince. The princess certainly thought he was incredibly handsome, and she blushed when he smiled at her. My master, now looking the part, rode with them in the royal carriage, completely bewildered but playing along perfectly.

While they rode, I ran ahead, my boots flying over the road. I came upon farmers toiling in the fields. 'The King is coming,' I warned them with an important air. 'If he asks who owns this land, you must say it belongs to the Marquis of Carabas, or you'll be in big trouble!' They nervously agreed. I did this for every field and meadow until I reached a grand castle owned by a fearsome, shape-shifting ogre. I boldly knocked on his door. I flattered the ogre, telling him I'd heard of his incredible power to change into any creature. He proudly turned into a lion. I pretended to be terrified, but then I challenged him slyly, 'I'm sure you cannot change into something as small as a mouse.' The ogre, eager to prove his power was limitless, instantly became a tiny mouse. That was his final mistake. I pounced! When the King's carriage arrived, I welcomed them to the splendid castle of the Marquis of Carabas. The King, amazed by the vast lands and the magnificent home, was so impressed that he offered the princess's hand in marriage to my master. They were married that very day, and my master became a prince. As for me? I became a great lord, chasing mice only for my own amusement. My story, first written down in France by a man named Charles Perrault on January 11th, 1697, shows that wit and courage are more valuable than gold. It reminds people that even if you start with nothing, a clever plan can lead to a fairy-tale ending.