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Chapter Twenty - Queen Gloria

Next morning the Scarecrow called upon all the courtiers and the people to

assemble in the throne room of the castle, where there was room enough for

all that were able to attend. They found the straw man seated upon the velvet

cushions of the throne, with the King's glittering crown still upon his stuffed

head. On one side of the throne, in a lower chair, sat Gloria, looking radiantly

beautiful and fresh as a new-blown rose. On the other side sat Pon, the

gardener's boy, still dressed in his old smock frock and looking sad and

solemn; for Pon could not make himself believe that so splendid a Princess

would condescend to love him when she had come to her own and was seated

upon a throne. Trot and Cap'n Bill sat at the feet of the Scarecrow and were

much interested in the proceedings. Button-Bright had lost himself before

breakfast, but came into the throne room before the ceremonies were over.

Back of the throne stood a row of the great Orks, with their leader in the

center, and the entrance to the palace was guarded by more Orks, who were

regarded with wonder and awe.

When all were assembled, the Scarecrow stood up and made a speech. He told

how Gloria's father, the good King Kynd, who had once ruled them and been

loved by everyone, had been destroyed by King Phearce, the father of Pon, and

how King Phearce had been destroyed by King Krewl. This last King had been

a bad ruler, as they knew very well, and the Scarecrow declared that the only

one in all Jinxland who had the right to sit upon the throne was Princess

Gloria, the daughter of King Kynd.

But," he added, "it is not for me, a stranger, to say who shall rule you. You

must decide for yourselves, or you will not be content. So choose now who

shall be your future ruler."

And they all shouted: "The Scarecrow! The Scarecrow shall rule us!"

Which proved that the stuffed man had made himself very popular by his

conquest of King Krewl, and the people thought they would like him for their

King. But the Scarecrow shook his head so vigorously that it became loose,

and Trot had to pin it firmly to his body again.

No," said he, "I belong in the Land of Oz, where I am the humble servant of

the lovely girl who rules us all--the royal Ozma. You must choose one of your

own inhabitants to rule over Jinxland. Who shall it be?"

The Scarecrow of Oz