Page:Collodi - The Story of a Puppet, translation Murray, 1892.djvu/86

 The doctors came immediately one after the other: namely a Crow, an Owl, and a Talking-cricket.

'I 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 unfortunately he should not be dead, then it would be a sign that he is still alive!'

'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