Oldal 95 [95]
PINOCCHIO 81
“IT wish to know from you gentlemen,”
said the Fairy, turning to the three doctors
who were assembled round Pinocchio’s bed—
“ I wish to know from you gentlemen, if this
unfortunate puppet is alive or dead! . . .”
At this request the Crow, advancing first,
felt Pinocchio’s pulse; he then felt his nose,
and then the little toe of his foot: and having
done this carefully, he pronounced solemnly the
following words:
“To my belief the puppet is already quite
dead; but if unfor tunately . he should not be
dead, then it would’ be a sign that he is still
alive! is
“ I regret,” said the Owl, “ to be obliged to
contradict the Crow, my illustrious friend and
colleague; but in my opinion the puppet is still
alive: but if unfortunately he should not be
alive, then it would be a sign that he is dead
indeed! ”
" And you—have you nothing to say?”
asked the Fairy of the Talking-cricket.
“ In my opinion the wisest thing a prudent
doctor can do, when he does not know what he
is talking about, is to be silent. For the rest,
that puppet there has a face that is not new to
me. I have known him for some time! .. .”
Pinocchio, who up to that moment had lain
immovable, like a real piece of wood, was seized
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