Doctor Dolittle's Circus

O Circo do Doutor Dolittle

Hugh Lofting

ESL Easy Read

Reading Comprehension A2 • Original Text • Português Support

SAMPLE

Copyright

Fonte original - domínio público

Esta edição ESL Easy Read foi adaptada a partir de Doctor Dolittle's Circus, de Hugh Lofting, publicado originalmente em 1924.

A obra original encontra-se em domínio público e pode ser utilizada, reproduzida, distribuída e adaptada de acordo com a legislação aplicável.

Autor

Hugh Lofting (1886 - 1947)

Estados Unidos

Esta obra foi publicada originalmente em 1924.

Nos Estados Unidos, obras publicadas antes de 1930 encontram-se normalmente em domínio público.

Com base no ano de publicação disponível, esta obra encontra-se em domínio público nos Estados Unidos desde 1º de janeiro de 2020.

Brasil

Autor: Hugh Lofting (1886 - 1947)

De acordo com a Lei nº 9.610/1998, os direitos patrimoniais expiram 70 anos após a morte do autor, contados a partir de 1º de janeiro do ano seguinte ao falecimento.

Hugh Lofting faleceu em 1947.

Situação no Brasil: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Portugal

Autor: Hugh Lofting (1886 - 1947)

De acordo com o Código do Direito de Autor e dos Direitos Conexos, a proteção patrimonial dura 70 anos após a morte do autor.

Hugh Lofting faleceu em 1947.

Situação em Portugal: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Dados da publicação original

Obra original: Doctor Dolittle's Circus

Autor: Hugh Lofting

Primeira publicação: 1924

Local: New York, USA

Primeiro editor: Frederick A. Stokes Company

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Esta adaptação ESL Easy Read

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Introdução

Como ler este livro

Cada livro desta coleção é apresentado em um nível de leitura simplificada, de acordo com o CEFR - Quadro Europeu Comum de Referência para Línguas.

A2 - Básico: indicado para leitores que já compreendem frases simples, vocabulário frequente e textos curtos sobre situações do cotidiano.

B1 - Intermediário: indicado para leitores que conseguem compreender as ideias principais de textos claros e acompanhar uma narrativa com vocabulário e estruturas de dificuldade moderada.

B2 - Intermediário avançado: indicado para leitores que já conseguem compreender textos mais complexos, acompanhar descrições detalhadas e reconhecer uma variedade maior de vocabulário e estruturas gramaticais.

Este livro foi adaptado para o nível A2.

Você pode começar a lê-lo mesmo sem dominar completamente o inglês. O texto foi simplificado para facilitar a compreensão, preservando a história, os personagens, o ambiente e os principais acontecimentos da obra original.

O objetivo não é substituir a obra original, mas criar uma passagem gradual entre o inglês que você já conhece e a linguagem literária do texto completo.

Como usar En/Pt

No texto simplificado em inglês, En/Pt abre a página correspondente.

A página En/Pt apresenta três camadas independentes, sempre nesta ordem: a tradução em português do texto simplificado; o trecho correspondente do original em inglês; e a tradução em português do original.

No texto original em inglês, Pt abre diretamente o mesmo parágrafo na versão portuguesa. Nessa versão, En retorna ao mesmo parágrafo no texto original em inglês. Na página En/Pt, Original English retorna de Original Português ao mesmo parágrafo original.

Como usar o glossário

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Cada entrada apresenta:

• a palavra ou expressão original em inglês;

• a sua pronúncia fonética;

• a tradução em português;

• um exemplo de uso em português;

• um exemplo de uso em inglês;

• até seis trechos do livro em que a palavra ou expressão aparece, ou todos os trechos disponíveis quando houver menos de seis ocorrências.

Cada ocorrência apresentada no glossário inclui um link direto para o ponto exato do livro em que a palavra ou expressão foi usada.

Depois de consultar uma ocorrência, o leitor pode retornar diretamente ao ponto do texto de onde abriu o glossário ou navegar para qualquer outra ocorrência da mesma palavra ou expressão dentro do livro.

A função da tradução em português

Procuramos oferecer traduções em português claras, naturais e literariamente agradáveis, tanto para o texto simplificado quanto para o texto original.

Ainda assim, a tradução deve ser entendida apenas como instrumento de apoio. Este livro não foi concebido para ser lido principalmente em português: seu objetivo é ajudar você a ler em inglês e recorrer ao português somente quando necessário.

Sempre que possível, tente primeiro compreender o trecho em inglês. Consulte a tradução para confirmar o sentido, esclarecer uma dificuldade ou comparar estruturas; depois, retorne ao texto em inglês.

Sobre este livro

Com pouco dinheiro, o doutor Dolittle entra para um circo itinerante e exibe o raro pushmi-pullyu de duas cabeças para conseguir os recursos de que precisa. Por trás das tendas e da serragem, descobre animais sobrecarregados, mal alimentados e maltratados, e não descansa até melhorar suas condições. Como fala as línguas deles, conhece suas queixas e histórias, incluindo as tristezas de um velho cavalo de carroça e os planos de animais artistas muito espertos. Dolittle organiza os animais, engana administradores gananciosos ou cruéis e cria números humanos e divertidos que conquistam o público. No caminho, ajuda uma foca saudosa a escapar para o mar e defende a dignidade de cada criatura sob a lona. Cheio de humor, aventura e sentimento, o livro transforma o espetáculo do circo numa lição de bondade e justiça.

Contato

MicMac from Las Vegas LLC
Contato: admin@esleasyread.com

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Reading Comprehension A2

1 - THE FIRST CHAPTER - THE FIRESIDE CIRCLE

2 - THE SECOND CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR MEETS A FRIEND - AND A RELATIVE

3 - THE THIRD CHAPTER - BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS

4 - THE FOURTH CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOVERED

5 - THE FIFTH CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOURAGED

6 - THE SIXTH CHAPTER - SOPHIE, FROM ALASKA

THE FIRST CHAPTER - THE FIRESIDE CIRCLE

En/Pt This is a story about one part of Doctor Dolittle’s adventures. It began when he joined a circus and traveled with it. At first, he did not plan to do this for long. He only wanted to show the pushmi-pullyu long enough to earn enough money to pay back the sailor for the boat that had been borrowed and wrecked.

En/Pt Too-Too was right. It was not hard for John Dolittle to become rich, because he did not need much money. But it was hard for him to stay rich. Dab-Dab said that in the years she knew him, he was well off five or six times. But when he had more money, he soon became poor again.

En/Pt Dab-Dab did not think of a fortune as very large. But during the time with the circus, the Doctor often had enough money to seem well off. Then, just as often, he had no money again by the end of the week or month.

En/Pt We begin when the Dolittle party came back to the little house in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh after their long trip from Africa. The group was Jip the dog, Dab-Dab the duck, Too-Too the owl, Gub-Gub the pig, the pushmi-pullyu, and the white mouse. It was hard to feed so many. The Doctor had no money and worried about food. But Dab-Dab had brought up the food left from the pirates’ ship. She said it would last one or two days if they used it carefully.

En/Pt At first, everyone was so happy to be home that they forgot all worries, except Dab-Dab. She went straight to the kitchen and started cleaning and cooking. The others, including the Doctor, went into the garden to look at their old favorite places. They were still wandering around when Dab-Dab called them to lunch with a frying pan and spoon. They ran back inside and were glad to eat in the old kitchen again.

En/Pt “It will be cold enough for a fire tonight,” said Jip as they sat down at the table. “This September wind feels cold. Will you tell us a story after supper, Doctor? It has been a long time since we sat by the hearth together.”

En/Pt “Or read to us from your animal story books,” said Gub-Gub. “Read the one about the Fox who tried to steal the King’s goose.”

En/Pt “Maybe,” said the Doctor. “We will see. We will see. These sardines are very good. The pirates had them from Bordeaux, I think. Real French sardines taste like this.”

En/Pt Just then, the Doctor was called to the surgery to see a patient. It was a weasel with a broken claw. Soon after that, a rooster came from a nearby farm with a sore throat. He said he could only crow in a whisper, so nobody on the farm woke up in the morning. Then two pheasants came with a small chick that had never been able to peck properly since birth.

En/Pt He could only crow in a soft whisper.

En/Pt People in Puddleby did not yet know the Doctor had come. But the animals and birds already knew. All afternoon, he was busy with bandages, advice, and medicine. A big, mixed crowd of creatures waited outside the surgery door.

En/Pt “Ah me! Just like old times,” said Dab-Dab with a sigh. “No peace. Patients want to see him all the time.”

En/Pt Jip was right. By night, it was very cold. They found enough wood in the cellar to make a happy fire in the big chimney. After supper, the animals sat round it and asked the Doctor for a story or a chapter from one of his books.

En/Pt “But listen,” he said. “What about the circus? If we want money to pay the sailor back, we must think about that. We have not even found a circus to join yet. I wonder how best to begin. They travel everywhere, you know. Let me see: who can I ask?”

En/Pt “Sh!” said Too-Too. “Was that the front door bell?”

“Strange!” said the Doctor as he stood up. “Visitors already?”

En/Pt “Maybe it is the old lady with rheumatism,” said the white mouse as the Doctor went into the hall. “Maybe her Oxenthorpe doctor was not as good as she thought.”

En/Pt When John Dolittle lit the candles in the hall, he opened the front door. There, on the step, stood the Cat’s-Meat-Man.

En/Pt “Why, it’s Matthew Mugg, as I’m alive!” he cried. “Come in, Matthew, come in. But how did you know I was here?”

En/Pt "It’s Matthew Mugg!"

En/Pt "I knew it, Doctor," said the Cat’s-Meat-Man as he came into the hall. "This morning I told my wife, Theodosia, that the Doctor was back. So I came to your house tonight to look."

En/Pt "I’m glad to see you," said John Dolittle. "Let’s go into the kitchen where it is warm."

En/Pt The Cat's-Meat-Man said he came to see the Doctor. But he brought presents: a bone for Jip, cheese for the white mouse, a turnip for Gub-Gub, and a pot of flowers for the Doctor. The visitor sat in a chair by the fire. John Dolittle gave him tobacco for his pipe.

En/Pt "I got your letter about the sparrow," said Matthew. "I suppose he found you all right."

En/Pt "Yes, and he helped me a lot. He left the ship near Devon because he wanted to get back to London."

En/Pt "Are you home for a long time now?"

En/Pt "Well, yes and no," said the Doctor. "I want to stay here for a few quiet months and fix my garden. But first I must make some money."

En/Pt Matthew puffed his pipe. "I have tried to do that all my life," he said. "I was never very good at it. But I have saved twenty-five shillings, if that helps you."

En/Pt "That is very kind of you, Matthew," said the Doctor. "I need a lot of money. I have debts to pay. But listen, I have a strange new animal called a pushmi-pullyu. He has two heads. The monkeys in Africa gave him to me after I cured a sickness there. They wanted me to travel with him in a circus. Would you like to see him?"

En/Pt “I surely would,” said the Cat’s-Meat-Man. “It sounds very new.”

En/Pt “He is in the garden,” said the Doctor. “Do not stare at him too much. He is not used to it yet. He gets very shy. Let us take a bucket of water and act like we brought him a drink.”

En/Pt When Matthew came back to the kitchen with the Doctor, he was smiling and full of excitement.

En/Pt “John Dolittle,” said he, “you will make a lot of money, sure enough. No one has ever seen anything like that. I always thought you should work in a circus. You are the only man who knows animal language. When will you start?”

En/Pt “That is the point. Maybe you can help me. I want to make sure I go with a nice circus, with people I would like.”

En/Pt Matthew Mugg bent forward and tapped the Doctor’s knee with his pipe.

En/Pt “I know just the circus you want,” said he. “Right now, at Grimbledon, there is a very nice little circus. Grimbledon Fair is on this week, and they will stay until Saturday. Me and Theodosia saw them on the first day. It is not a big circus, but it is a good one. What do you say if I take you there tomorrow and you talk with the ringmaster?”

En/Pt “That would be splendid,” said the Doctor. “But do not tell anyone about it yet. We must keep the pushmi-pullyu secret until he is shown to the public.”

THE SECOND CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR MEETS A FRIEND - AND A RELATIVE

En/Pt Matthew Mugg was a strange man. He liked to try new jobs. That was perhaps why he never made much money. But he usually came back to selling cat’s meat and catching rats for farmers and millers near Puddleby.

En/Pt Matthew tried to get a job with the circus before but they said no. Now the Doctor is going to start a circus with a pushmi-pullyu. Matthew hopes again. He imagines he and the Doctor will run the biggest circus in the world.

En/Pt The next day he came to the little house early. Dab-Dab made sardine sandwiches for their lunch, and then they left.

En/Pt It was a long walk from Puddleby to Grimbledon. After some time, the Doctor and the Cat’s-Meat-Man heard hoofs behind them. They turned and saw a farmer coming in a trap. He wanted to give them a ride. But his wife did not like the Cat’s-Meat-Man’s ragged look, and she told her husband not to stop.

En/Pt “What do you think of that for Christian kindness?” said the Cat’s-Meat-Man as the cart went past. “They sit in comfort and leave us to walk! That is Isidore Stiles, the biggest potato-grower here. I often catch rats for him. And his wife, the proud old scarecrow! Did you see how she looked at me? A rat-catcher is not good enough for her!”

En/Pt “But look,” said the Doctor. “They are stopping and turning the trap around.”

En/Pt The farmer’s horse knew the Doctor very well. He saw the little man on the road and knew him at once as the famous John Dolittle. The horse was happy that his friend was back. So he turned around by himself and trotted back, even while the driver pulled on him, to greet the Doctor and ask about his health.

En/Pt “Where are you going?” asked the horse when he came up.

“We are going to Grimbledon Fair,” said the Doctor.

En/Pt “So are we,” said the horse. “Why do you not get into the back of the trap beside the old woman?”

En/Pt “They did not invite me,” said the Doctor. “And your farmer is trying to turn you back toward Grimbledon. Do not make him angry. Go on. Do not worry about us. We will be all right.”

En/Pt At last the horse obeyed the driver. He turned around and started back to the fair. But after only half a mile, he thought, “It is a shame that the great man must walk while these country people ride. I will not leave him behind.”

En/Pt Then he acted as if something in the road scared him. He turned the trap quickly and raced back to the Doctor. The farmer’s wife screamed, and her husband pulled hard on the reins. But the horse ignored them. When he reached the Doctor, he reared and jumped like a wild young horse.

En/Pt “Get into the trap, Doctor,” he whispered. “Get in, or I will throw these fools into the ditch.”

En/Pt The Doctor was afraid of an accident. He took the horse’s bridle and patted his nose. At once the horse became calm and gentle.

En/Pt The Doctor took hold of the bridle.

En/Pt “Your horse is a little nervous, sir,” the Doctor said to the farmer. “Would you let me drive him for a while? I am an animal doctor.”

En/Pt “Of course,” said the farmer. “I thought I knew something about horses myself. But I cannot do anything with him this morning.”

En/Pt Then the Doctor climbed up and took the reins. The Cat’s-Meat-Man got in behind and sat next to the angry wife, laughing with pleasure.

En/Pt “Nice day, Mrs. Stiles,” said Matthew Mugg. “How are the rats in the barn?”

En/Pt They reached Grimbledon in the middle of the morning. The town was busy and full of holiday people. In the cattle market were fine cows, prize pigs, fat sheep, and horses with ribbons in their manes.

En/Pt The Doctor and Matthew walked slowly through the kind crowd in the street to the circus. The Doctor worried that he might have to pay to go in, because he had no money. But at the entrance they found a high platform with curtains behind it, like a small outdoor stage. A man with a very big black moustache stood there. Now and then people in bright clothes came out from behind the curtains. The man introduced them to the crowd and said they could do amazing things. He said every one of them was the greatest in the world. The crowd believed him. Little by little, people paid and went into the circus.

En/Pt “There you are,” the Cat’s-Meat-Man whispered in the Doctor’s ear. “Didn’t I tell yer it was a good show? Look! People going in by hundreds.”

En/Pt “Is that big man the manager?” asked the Doctor.

“Yes, that’s him. That’s Blossom himself - Alexander Blossom. He’s the man we’ve come to see.”

En/Pt The Doctor pushed through the people with Matthew behind him. At last he got to the front. He tried to tell the big man on the platform that he wanted to speak to him. But Mr. Blossom was very busy shouting about his show, and the Doctor was small in the big crowd, so the man did not notice him.

En/Pt “Get up on the platform,” said Matthew. “Climb up and talk to him.”

En/Pt So the Doctor climbed up one corner of the stage. Then he felt very shy because so many people were watching. But he became brave. He touched the shouting man on the arm and said:

En/Pt “Excuse me.”

En/Pt Mr. Blossom stopped shouting about the “greatest show on earth” and looked down at the little round man beside him.

En/Pt “Er - er - ” the Doctor began.

Then there was silence. The people began to laugh quietly.

En/Pt Blossom, like most showmen, always knew what to say. He also liked to be funny at other people’s cost. John Dolittle was still thinking how to start when the manager turned to the crowd and pointed at the Doctor. Then he shouted:

En/Pt “And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the real Humpty-Dumpty, the one who gave the king’s men so much trouble. Pay your money and come in! Come and see him fall off the wall!”

En/Pt The crowd laughed loudly. The poor Doctor felt even more embarrassed.

“Talk to him, Doctor, talk to him!” shouted the Cat’s-Meat-Man from below.

En/Pt Soon the laughter died down. The Doctor tried again. He had just opened his mouth when a sharp cry came from the crowd: “John!”

En/Pt The Doctor turned and looked over the people’s heads to see who was calling him. Far at the edge of the crowd, he saw a woman waving to him with a green parasol.

En/Pt “Who is it?” said the Cat’s-Meat-Man.

En/Pt “Good heaven!” groaned the Doctor. He climbed down from the stage in shame. “What shall we do now? Matthew - it’s Sarah!”

THE THIRD CHAPTER - BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS

En/Pt “Well, well, Sarah!” said John Dolittle when he finally reached her. “My, you look so healthy and plump!”

En/Pt “I am not, John,” said Sarah in a hard voice. “Please tell me why you are acting like a clown on that platform. Was it not enough to throw away your best work in the West Country for pet mice and frogs? Do you have no pride? What are you doing up there?”

En/Pt “I was thinking of joining the circus,” said the Doctor.

En/Pt Sarah gasped and put her hand to her head. She looked like she might faint. Then a tall thin man in a parson’s clothes, who stood behind her, came and took her arm.

En/Pt “What is it, my dear?” he said.

En/Pt “Launcelot,” said Sarah weakly, “this is my brother, John Dolittle. John, this is the Reverend Launcelot Dingle, rector of Grimbledon, my husband. But, John, you cannot be serious. Join the circus! How shameful! You must be joking. And who is this man?” she asked as Matthew Mugg came up to them.

En/Pt “This is Matthew Mugg,” said the Doctor. “Of course you remember him.”

“Ugh! The rat-catcher,” said Sarah, closing her eyes in fear.

En/Pt “No, not at all. He is a meat merchant,” said the Doctor. “Mr. Mugg, this is the Reverend Launcelot Dingle.” The Doctor introduced his rough, dirty friend as if he were a king. “He is my most important patient,” he added.

En/Pt “Listen, John,” said Sarah, “if you really do this mad thing, promise me you will use another name. Think what people would say if they knew the Rector’s brother-in-law was a common showman!”

En/Pt The Doctor thought for a moment. Then he smiled.

“All right, Sarah, I will use another name. But I cannot help it if someone knows me, can I?”

En/Pt After they said goodbye to Sarah, the Doctor and Matthew went to the manager again. They found him counting money at the gate. This time, they could talk to him easily.

En/Pt John Dolittle told him about the amazing animal at home. He said he wanted to join the circus with it. Alexander Blossom said he wanted to see the animal, and he told the Doctor to bring it there. But John Dolittle said it would be better if the manager came to Puddleby to see it.

En/Pt This was agreed. After they told Blossom how to find the little house on the Oxenthorpe Road, they went home again. They were very happy with their success.

En/Pt “If you go with Blossom’s Circus,” Matthew asked as they walked along the road and ate sardine sandwiches, “will you take me with you, Doctor? I could help a lot. I could take care of the caravan, feed the animals, and clean.”

En/Pt “You are welcome to come, Matthew,” said the Doctor. “But what about your own work?”

En/Pt “Oh, that,” said Matthew, biting hard into another sandwich. “There is no money in it. And it is very boring, giving meat on sticks to fat poodles! There is no adventure in it. I like adventure. I have always been like that. The circus is real life. That is a man’s job.”

En/Pt He waved his sandwich up toward the sky.

“But what about your wife?” asked the Doctor.

En/Pt “Theodosia? Oh, she would come. She is brave like me. She could mend clothes and do small jobs. What do you think?”

En/Pt “What do I think?” asked the Doctor, still looking at the road as he walked. “I was thinking about Sarah.”

En/Pt “That is a strange man she married, isn’t he,” said Matthew. “The Reverend Dangle?”

En/Pt “Dingle,” the Doctor said. “Yes. He is brave too. It is a funny world. Poor dear Sarah. Poor old Dingle. Well, well.”

En/Pt Late that night, after the Grimbledon Fair closed, Mr. Blossom, the ringmaster, came to the Doctor’s house in Puddleby.

En/Pt A lantern showed him the pushmi-pullyu eating grass on the lawn. Then he went back into the library with the Doctor and said:

En/Pt “How much do you want for that animal?”

“No, no, he is not for sale,” said the Doctor.

En/Pt “Oh, come now,” said the manager. “You do not want him. Anyone can see you are not a real showman. I will give you twenty pounds for him.”

En/Pt “No,” said the Doctor.

“Thirty pounds,” said Blossom.

Still the Doctor said no.

En/Pt “Forty pounds - fifty pounds,” said the manager. Then he offered more and more money. The Cat’s-Meat-Man, who was listening, opened his eyes wider and wider in surprise.

En/Pt “It is no use,” said the Doctor at last. “You must either take me and the animal into your circus, or leave him here. I promised that I would see that he is treated well.”

En/Pt The showman asked, "What do you mean? Is he not your animal? Who did you promise?"

En/Pt “He is his own property,” said the Doctor. “He came here to help me. I gave my promise to him, the pushmi-pullyu.”

En/Pt “What! Are you mad?” asked the showman.

En/Pt Matthew Mugg was going to tell Blossom that the Doctor could speak animal language. But John Dolittle signaled to him to be quiet.

En/Pt “So, you see,” he went on, “you must take both me and the animal, or take neither.”

En/Pt Then Blossom said no, he would not agree. Matthew felt very sad and sorry. Blossom took his hat and left.

En/Pt But he thought the Doctor would change his mind and agree. He had been away only ten minutes when he rang the doorbell and said he had come back to talk more.

En/Pt In the end, the showman agreed to all the Doctor's wishes. The pushmi-pullyu and his group would get a new wagon of their own. They would travel with the circus, but they would be free. The money would be shared equally between the Doctor and the manager. When the pushmi-pullyu wanted a day off, he would get it. Blossom would bring any food he wanted.

En/Pt After everything was planned, the man said he would send the caravan the next day. Then he got ready to leave.

En/Pt At the front door, he stopped and said, “By the way, what is your name?”

The Doctor was going to tell him, but then he remembered Sarah's request.

“Oh, call me John Smith,” he said.

“All right, Mr. Smith,” said the showman. “Have your group ready by eleven in the morning. Good night.”

“Good night,” said the Doctor.

En/Pt When the door closed, Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Jip, Too-Too, and the white mouse came out. They had been hiding and listening in different parts of the house. They all began to talk loudly in the hall.

En/Pt “Hooray!” grunted Gub-Gub. “Hooray for the circus!”

"Hooray for the circus!"

En/Pt "My," said Matthew to the Doctor, "you are a good business man after all! You got Blossom to agree to everything. He did not want to miss the chance. Did you see how fast he came back when he thought the deal was over? I think he wants to make a lot of money from us."

En/Pt "Poor old home," said Dab-Dab. She dusted the hat-rack kindly. "We have to leave it again so soon!"

En/Pt "Hooray!" yelled Gub-Gub. He tried to stand on his back legs and balance the Doctor’s hat on his nose. "Hooray for the circus! Tomorrow! Whee!"

THE FOURTH CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOVERED

En/Pt Very early the next morning, Dab-Dab made the whole house busy. She said they must eat breakfast and clear the table before seven. Then they could be ready to leave by eleven.

En/Pt Dab-Dab worked very hard. She closed the house and had everyone waiting outside on the front steps hours before the wagon came. But the Doctor was still busy. Right up to the last minute, sick animal patients kept coming from the countryside.

En/Pt At last Jip came running back. He had been looking around outside. He ran to the others in the garden.

En/Pt "The wagon is coming," he said, out of breath. "It is red and yellow. It is just around the bend."

En/Pt Then everybody became excited and grabbed their things. Gub-Gub had a bundle of turnips. As he hurried down the steps, the string broke. The white turnips rolled everywhere.

En/Pt When the wagon finally came into view, it was very beautiful. It looked like a gypsy caravan, with windows, a door, and a chimney. It was painted in bright colors and was quite new.

En/Pt Waiting on the front steps.

En/Pt The horse was not new at all. He was very old. The Doctor said he had never seen an animal so tired and worn out. He talked with the horse and learned that he had worked in the circus for thirty-five years. The horse said he was very tired of it. His name was Beppo. The Doctor decided to tell Blossom that Beppo should retire and live quietly.

En/Pt Even though the van was new, Dab-Dab swept it out before she put the packages inside. She tied the Doctor’s bedding in a sheet like clothes for the laundry. She made sure it would not get dirty.

En/Pt When all the animals and bags were inside, the Doctor worried that the old horse could not pull so much weight. He wanted to push from behind to help. But Beppo said he could manage. The Doctor did not get in, because that would add more weight. Then they shut the door and drew the curtains so no one could see the pushmi-pullyu on the way. They set off for Grimbledon, with the man who brought the wagon driving and the Doctor and the Cat’s-Meat-Man walking behind.

En/Pt On the way through Puddleby Market-place, the driver stopped at a shop. While the caravan waited outside, a crowd came around the wagon. They wanted to know where it was going and what was inside. Matthew Mugg wanted to tell them, but the Doctor would not let him speak.

En/Pt They reached the Grimbledon Fair-grounds about two o’clock in the afternoon. They went into the circus area by a back gate. Inside, they found Blossom waiting to welcome them.

En/Pt Blossom was surprised when the van was opened and he saw the strange animals the Doctor had brought. He was especially surprised by the pig. But he was so happy to have the pushmi-pullyu that he did not mind.

En/Pt Blossom took them to their stand. He said he had built it that very morning. The Doctor saw that it was like the place where he first spoke with Blossom. It was a platform three feet high, with a board-and-canvas room on top. There were steps up to it. Curtains covered the front entrance, so no one could see inside unless they paid.

En/Pt In front of it was a sign.

The Pushmi-pullyu!

Come and see the amazing

two-headed animal

from the jungles of Africa!

Admission sixpence.

En/Pt The red and yellow wagon, where the Doctor’s group would live, was moved behind the stand, except for the pushmi-pullyu. Dab-Dab at once made beds and put things inside to make it feel like home.

En/Pt Blossom wanted to show the pushmi-pullyu at once, but the Doctor said no. He said a wild animal needed rest after the journey from Puddleby. He also wanted the shy creature to get used to the noise of circus life before many holiday-makers stared at it.

En/Pt Blossom was not happy, but he agreed. He offered to show the Doctor around the circus. After they put the Pushmi-Pullyu in his new home, they walked around with Alexander Blossom.

En/Pt The main show happened only two times a day, in a big tent in the middle. Around it were smaller tents and stands. Many needed extra money to enter. The Doctor’s place would be one of them. There were shooting games, guessing games, wild men, bearded ladies, merry-go-rounds, strong men, snake charmers, a menagerie, and more.

En/Pt First, Blossom took them to the menagerie. It was a dirty, poor collection. Most animals were dirty and sad. The Doctor was very sad and wanted to argue with Blossom. But the Cat's-Meat-Man whispered in his ear.

En/Pt “Don’t start trouble now, Doctor. Wait a little. After the boss sees how useful you are with performing animals, you can do what you like with him. If you make a fuss now, we may lose our jobs. Then you can do nothing.”

En/Pt John Dolittle thought this was good advice. For the moment, he only whispered to the animals through the cage bars. He told them he hoped to help them later.

En/Pt When they came in, a dirty man was showing a group of country people around the collection. He stopped at a cage with a small furry animal inside and said:

En/Pt “And this, ladies and gents, is the famous Hurri-Gurri, from the forests of Patagonia. It hangs from trees by its tail. Move on to the next cage.”

En/Pt The Doctor, with Gub-Gub behind him, went over and looked at the “famous Hurri-Gurri.”

“Why,” he said, “that is only a common opossum from America. It is a marsupial.”

“It is a marsupial.”

En/Pt “How do you know it is a Ma Soupial, Doctor?” asked Gub-Gub. “She has no children with her. Maybe it is a Pa Soupial.”

En/Pt At the next cage, the man shouted, “And this is the largest elephant in captivity.”

“It is almost the smallest one I ever saw,” the Doctor said softly.

En/Pt Then Mr. Blossom said they should go to the next show, Princess Fatima, the snake charmer. He led them out of the hot, bad-smelling animal house into the open air. As the Doctor walked past the cages, he looked down and frowned sadly. The animals knew John Dolittle and wanted him to stop and talk.

En/Pt They went into the snake charmer's tent. Only they were there. Princess Fatima was there. She had a big box of snakes. Matthew looked and was very scared. He ran away.

En/Pt “It’s all right, Matthew,” the Doctor called. “Don’t be afraid. They cannot hurt you.”

En/Pt “What do you mean, cannot hurt?” said Princess Fatima angrily, looking at the Doctor. “They are king cobras from India. They are the most dangerous snakes alive.”

En/Pt “That is not true,” said the Doctor.

“They are American blacksnakes. They are not poisonous.” He tickled one under the chin.

“Leave those snakes alone!” shouted Fatima, standing up from her chair. “Or I will hit your head.”

“Leave those snakes alone!”

Then Blossom stepped in and introduced the upset Princess to Mr. Smith.

En/Pt They talked, but Fatima was still angry. Then other people came to see the show. Mr. Blossom took the Doctor's group to a corner and spoke quietly.

En/Pt "She is wonderful, Smith. She is one of my best acts. Watch her now."

En/Pt Behind the back curtains, someone began to beat a drum and play a pipe. Then Fatima stood up, took two snakes from the box, and put them around her neck and arms.

En/Pt "Please come a little closer, ladies and gentlemen," she said softly to the crowd. "Then you can see better."

"Why does she talk like that?" Gub-Gub whispered to the Doctor.

"Sh! I think she is trying to speak with an Oriental accent," said John Dolittle.

"It sounds to me like a hot-potato accent," Gub-Gub muttered. "Isn't she fat and shaky!"

When the Doctor did not seem pleased, the circus master took them to see the other shows.

En/Pt Near the strong man's booth, Gub-Gub saw the Punch and Judy show. At that moment, Toby the dog was biting Mr. Punch on the nose. Gub-Gub loved it. They could hardly pull him away. During the whole circus visit, this was his favorite thing. He never missed a show. The play was always the same, but he never got tired of it.

En/Pt At the next booth, many people were watching the strong man lift huge weights into the air. This was real, not fake. John Dolittle, who was very interested, clapped and watched with them.

En/Pt The strong man was a serious-looking man with very big muscles. The Doctor liked him at once. One trick was to lie on his back and lift a huge dumb-bell with his feet until his legs were straight up. He needed good balance too, because a bad fall could hurt him. That day, just as the crowd was watching him with wonder, a board on the stage broke. At once, the heavy dumb-bell fell onto his chest.

En/Pt The crowd screamed, and Blossom jumped onto the stage. Two men had to lift the dumb-bell off the strong man’s body. But he still did not get up. He lay still, with his eyes closed and his face very white.

En/Pt “Get a doctor,” Blossom shouted to the Cat’s-Meat-Man. “Hurry! He is hurt and unconscious. A doctor, quick!”

En/Pt John Dolittle was already on the stage. He stood over the ringmaster, who knelt beside the injured man.

“Move away and let me look at him,” he said quietly.

“What can you do? He is badly hurt. Look, he is breathing strangely. We must get a doctor.”

“I am a doctor,” said John Dolittle. “Matthew, run to the van and get my black bag.”

En/Pt “You are a doctor!” said Blossom, getting up from his knees. “I thought you called yourself Mr. Smith.”

En/Pt “Of course he is a doctor,” said a voice from the crowd. “There was a time when he was the best known doctor in the West Country. I know him. His name is Dolittle - John Dolittle, from Puddleby-on-the-Marsh.”

THE FIFTH CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOURAGED

En/Pt The doctor found that the dumb-bell had broken two of the strong man’s ribs. But he said the man should get well soon because he was so strong. The injured man was put to bed in his own caravan. Until he was well, the doctor visited him four times a day, and Matthew slept in the wagon to care for him.

En/Pt The strong man, whose show name was Hercules, was very thankful to John Dolittle. He became fond of him and helped him many times later.

En/Pt That night the Doctor went to bed. He thought Fatima was his enemy. He was happy Hercules was his friend.

En/Pt Now people knew him. He was the strange animal doctor from Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. So there was no reason to hide his name anymore. Soon all the circus people called him "the Doctor" or "the Doc." Hercules told everyone that the Doctor was very good. So people came to him all the time with their small health problems. Everyone came - from the bearded lady to the clown.

En/Pt The next day, the pushmi-pullyu was shown for the first time. People loved him. They had never seen a two-headed animal in a circus before, so many came to look at him. At first he was very shy and hid one head in the straw. Then people did not believe he really had two heads, so the Doctor asked him to keep both heads in view.

En/Pt "You do not need to look at the people," he said. "Just let them see that you really have two heads. You can turn your back to the crowd with both ends."

En/Pt But some silly people still said one head must be fake, even when they could see both. They poked the poor shy animal with sticks to see if he was stuffed. One day, two country men did this, and the pushmi-pullyu became angry. He quickly lifted both heads and poked the two men in the legs. Then they knew he was real and alive.

En/Pt When the Cat’s-Meat-Man was free from caring for Hercules, he left his wife to do it. Then the Doctor put him on guard inside the stall so stupid visitors would not hurt the animal. The poor creature had a hard time at first. But when Jip told him how much money they were making, he decided to stay for John Dolittle. After a while, he thought very badly of people, but he got used to their silly faces and looked back at them from both heads with fear and scorn.

En/Pt During the show the Doctor sat and took money. He smiled at people. He met old friends from Puddleby.

En/Pt Poor Dab-Dab was busier than ever. She still did the housework, and she also watched the Doctor all the time. She scolded him many times because he let children come in for free when she was not looking.

En/Pt At the end of each day, Blossom the manager came to share out the money. Too-Too the mathematician was always there when they counted it, to make sure the Doctor got the right share.

En/Pt The pushmi-pullyu was very popular. But the Doctor soon saw that it would take a long time to earn enough money to pay the sailor back for the boat. He also needed money for himself and his family.

En/Pt Too-Too was always there.

En/Pt The Doctor was sorry. He did not like many things about the circus, and he wanted to leave it. His own show was honest, but many other parts were fake. He hated fake things. He also felt bad because many games were made so people would lose their money.

En/Pt The Doctor worried most about the animals. He thought they were unhappy. At the end of his first day, after the crowd left, he went to the menagerie and spoke to them. Most of them had complaints. Their cages were not clean, they had too little space and exercise, and some food was wrong for them.

En/Pt The Doctor heard all this and became very angry. At once, he went to the ringmaster in his private caravan and told him clearly what should be changed.

En/Pt Blossom listened until the Doctor finished. Then he laughed.

En/Pt Blossom said: "If I do all that, I will lose money. I would be poor. You want me to give horses a pension? Send the hurri-gurri home? Clean cages all day? Buy special food? Walk animals every day? You are crazy. I let you do your part your way. But I will do the rest my way. Do not tell me what to do. I will not lose money for your ideas."

En/Pt Sad, the Doctor left the manager's rooms and went back to his own caravan. On the steps, he saw the Cat's-Meat-Man smoking his evening pipe. Near by, Beppo, the old horse, was eating the short grass in the moonlight.

En/Pt "Nice night," said Matthew. "You look worried, Doctor. Is anything wrong?"

En/Pt "Yes," said John Dolittle, sitting sadly on the steps beside him. "Everything is wrong. I just talked to Blossom about making things better in the menagerie. He will not do one thing I ask. I think I will leave the circus."

En/Pt "Oh, come now," said Matthew. "Doctor, you have hardly started. Blossom does not even know yet that you can speak animal language. Circuses do not have to be bad. You could make a new kind. It could be clean, honest, and special. People from everywhere would come to see it. But first you need money. Do not give up so soon."

En/Pt "No, it is no use, Matthew. I am not helping here, and I cannot stay and watch animals be unhappy. I should never have gone into this work."

En/Pt At that moment the old horse, Beppo, heard his friend's voice. He came near and gently put his nose against the Doctor's ear.

En/Pt "Hello," said John Dolittle. "Beppo, I am afraid I can do nothing for you. I am sorry, but I am going to leave the circus."

En/Pt "But, Doctor," said the old horse, "you are our only hope. I heard the elephant and the Talking Horse today. They said they were glad you had come. Be patient. You cannot change everything at once. If you go, we will never get what we want. But if you stay, you will soon run the show the right way. We are not worried while you are with us. Please stay. I know the day will come when the new circus, 'The Dolittle Circus,' will be the greatest in the world."

En/Pt For a moment the Doctor said nothing. Matthew did not understand the talk with the horse, and he waited for him to speak.

En/Pt At last he stood up and went into the caravan.

"Well," said the Cat's-Meat-Man worriedly, "are you going to stay?"

"Yes, Matthew," said the Doctor. "It seems I must. Good night."

En/Pt At the end of that week, the Grimbledon Fair was over, and the circus had to go to the next town. Packing up a big show for a long road trip was hard work. All day Sunday the place was busy. Men ran everywhere and shouted orders. The big tent and the small tents were taken down and rolled up. The stands were taken apart and put into wagons. The bright place soon became dull and messy. The Doctor's pets had never seen this before. Dab-Dab helped with the packing, but the others loved the excitement and new sights.

En/Pt One thing they found very funny was how the performers looked when they took off their circus clothes to travel. Gub-Gub was very confused, because he could not tell who anyone was. The clown took off the white paint from his face. Princess Fatima took off her fine clothes and looked like a good house cleaner ready for a holiday. The Wild Man of Borneo put on a collar and tie and spoke very naturally. The Bearded Lady took off her beard, folded it, and packed it in a trunk.

En/Pt Then the circus started on the road in a long line of caravans. The next town was fifty miles away. They could not reach it in one day by walking slowly. At night they slept in tents by the road or in open places they could find. So the animals had two pleasures. They saw the country by day from their home on wheels, and they slept outside at night like gypsies, wherever dark came. Jip had much fun chasing rats from the ditches and sometimes running across a field after a fox smell. The slow pace gave him time for many small adventures, and he could always catch up. But Gub-Gub liked best to guess where they would sleep each night.

En/Pt Following the smell of a fox.

En/Pt This part of the trip, when they stopped to sleep, seemed to make everyone happy. When the kettle boiled over the fire by the road, everyone cheered up and began to talk. Jip’s two friends, the clown’s dog and Toby, the Punch-and-Judy dog, always came when the procession stopped for the night and joined Doctor Dolittle’s group. They also seemed to like the idea of John Dolittle running the show or having his own circus. When they were not telling wonderful stories about life as show dogs, they kept saying that a real Dolittle Circus would be a very fine thing.

En/Pt John Dolittle had always said that dogs are as different from each other as people are, and maybe even more. He wrote a book to prove it. He called it Dog Psychology. Many clever men laughed at it and said only a foolish person would write about such a subject. But they only said this because they did not understand it.

En/Pt These two dogs, Swizzle, the clown’s dog, and Toby, the Punch-and-Judy dog, were very different. Swizzle looked like an ordinary mixed-breed dog, but he had a great sense of humor. He made jokes about everything. Part of this was because of his work helping a clown make people laugh. But it was also how he thought about life. He had told Doctor Dolittle and Jip many times that, when he was a puppy, he decided nothing in the world was worth taking too seriously. Still, he was a true artist, and he could always see the joke, even when it was about himself.

En/Pt Swizzle’s sense of humor gave Doctor Dolittle an idea for the first funny papers for animals, later when he started the Rat-and-Mouse Club. They were called Cellar Life and Basement Humor. They were meant to give light fun to animals who lived in dark places.

En/Pt Toby was very different from Swizzle. He was a small dwarf white poodle. He took life very seriously. The main thing about him was that he wanted to get everything he thought he should have. But he was not selfish. Doctor Dolittle said this careful, business-like way was common in small dogs, who often had to make up for their small size by being bold. The first time Toby visited John Dolittle’s caravan, he climbed onto the Doctor’s bed and made himself comfortable. Dab-Dab was shocked and tried to move him, but he would not go. He said the Doctor did not mind, and he was the owner of the bed. After that, whenever he visited, he always took that place in the evening group. He had won a special right by being bold. He often asked for special things, and he usually got them.

En/Pt But Toby and Swizzle were alike in one thing. They were both very proud of their friendship with John Dolittle, whom they thought was the greatest man in the world.

En/Pt Toby and Swizzle

En/Pt One night, on the first trip between towns, the group stopped by the road as usual. A nice old farm was near by, and Gub-Gub went to see if there were any pigs in the pigpen. So the Doctor’s group was all there. Soon after the kettle started to boil, Toby and Swizzle came. The night was cool, so Dab-Dab used the stove in the caravan instead of making a fire outside. Everyone sat around it and talked.

En/Pt “Have you heard the news, Doctor?” said Toby, as he jumped on the bed.

“No,” said John Dolittle. “What is it?”

“At the next town, Ashby, which is quite big, we are to pick up Sophie.”

“Who is Sophie?” asked the Doctor, taking his slippers from behind the stove.

En/Pt Swizzle said, "She was with us before you came. Sophie is a performing seal. She balances balls on her nose and does tricks in water. She was sick, so Blossom left her behind a month ago. She is better now. Her keeper will meet us at Ashby. She will join us. Sophie is a nice girl. I think you will like her."

En/Pt He got up tired from his bed, where he had not slept.

En/Pt The circus reached Ashby about nine o’clock on a Wednesday evening. It would open to the public the next morning. So all night the men worked by flare light. They put up tents, booths, and tanbark. Even after the pushmi-pullyu’s stand was ready and the Doctor’s family went to sleep, no one rested. The ground shook with hammering, and people kept shouting. Then dawn came over Ashby and showed the city of canvas made in one night.

En/Pt John Dolittle got out of bed. He was very tired. He thought circus life was hard. After breakfast, he left Matthew at his stand. He went to meet the performing seal.

THE SIXTH CHAPTER - SOPHIE, FROM ALASKA

En/Pt Sophie’s keeper, like the other showmen, had got his part of the circus ready for the public. The seal performed in the big tent twice a day, after the Pinto Brothers and the Talking Horse. But at other times she was a side show like the pushmi-pullyu. In a tank, she dived for fish for people who paid threepence to watch her.

En/Pt It was still early that morning. Sophie’s keeper was eating breakfast outside on the steps when the Doctor came into the stand. Inside was a tank about twelve feet wide, sunk into the ground. Around it was a platform with a rail, where people stood to watch. Sophie was a fine Alaskan seal, about five feet long, with smooth skin and smart eyes. She was lying sadly in the water. When the Doctor spoke to her in her own language, she knew who he was and began to cry.

En/Pt “What is the matter?” asked John Dolittle.

The seal kept crying and did not answer.

En/Pt “Calm yourself,” said the Doctor. “Do not get upset. Tell me, are you still ill? I thought you were better.”

En/Pt “Oh, yes, I got over that,” said Sophie through her tears. “It was only a bad stomach. They feed us this old fish, you know.”

En/Pt “Then what is the matter?” asked the Doctor. “Why are you crying?”

En/Pt “I was crying for joy,” said Sophie. “I was just thinking, when you came in, that John Dolittle was the only person who could help me. I had heard about you through the Post Office and the Arctic Monthly. I even wrote to you. I wrote those stories about swimming under water. Do you remember The Alaskan Wiggle? The double overhand stroke? It was in the August issue of your magazine. We were very sorry when you had to stop the Arctic Monthly. The seals loved it.”

En/Pt “But what trouble did you mean?” asked the Doctor.

En/Pt “Oh, yes,” said Sophie, crying again. “That only shows how happy I am. I had forgotten it for a moment. When you came in, I thought you were just a visitor. But when you spoke the first word of seal language, and Alaskan seal language too, I knew who you were. John Dolittle, the one man I wanted to see! It was too much. I - ”

En/Pt “Come, come!” said the Doctor. “Don’t cry again. Tell me what is wrong.”

“Well,” said Sophie, “this is the trouble: while I - ”

At that moment, there was a noise outside. It was a bucket rattling.

En/Pt “Sh! The keeper is coming,” whispered the Doctor quickly. “Keep doing your tricks. I will not let them know I can talk to the animals.”

En/Pt When the keeper came in to clean the floor, Sophie was jumping and diving for one small man. He wore a damaged tall hat on the back of his head. The keeper looked at him and then went to work. He thought the man was just an ordinary person.

En/Pt When the keeper finished cleaning and left, Sophie spoke again.

En/Pt “You know,” said the seal, “when I became sick, we were performing at Hatley-on-Sea. My keeper, Higgins, and I stayed there for two weeks while the circus went on without us. There is a small zoo at Hatley near the sea front. They have made ponds there for seals and otters. Higgins spoke to the keeper of the seals and told him I was sick. They thought I needed company, so they put me in the pond with the other seals until I got better. One older seal came from the same part of the Behring Straits as I did. He told me very bad news about my husband. Since I was taken away, he has been sad and has refused to eat. He was once the leader of the herd. But after I left, he became thin and weak, and another seal was made leader. Now people do not expect him to live.” Sophie began to cry again. “I understand it. We loved each other very much. He was big and strong, and the other seals were afraid to argue with him. But without me, he was lost. He was like a baby. He depended on me for everything. And now I do not know what is happening to him. It is terrible, terrible!”

En/Pt “Wait,” said the Doctor. “Don’t cry. What do you think should be done?”

En/Pt “I should go to him,” said Sophie, lifting herself in the water and opening her flippers. “I should be by his side. He is the true leader of the herd, and he needs me. I hoped I could escape at Hatley, but I had no chance.”

En/Pt “Hmm,” muttered the Doctor. “The Behring Straits are very far away. How could you get there?”

En/Pt "That is why I wanted to talk to you," said Sophie. "By land, I move very slowly. If I had gotten away from Hatley, I would have been all right. Because," she said, and her tail splashed much of the water out of the tank, "once I got to the sea, I could be in Alaska very fast."

En/Pt "I ought to go to him."

En/Pt "Yes," the Doctor said as he shook water out of his boots. "I see you are a strong swimmer. How far are we from the coast?"

En/Pt "About one hundred miles," said Sophie. "Oh dear! Poor Slushy! My poor Slushy!"

"Poor who?" asked the Doctor.

En/Pt "Slushy," said the seal. "That is my husband's name. He trusted me in everything, poor, simple Slushy. What can I do? What can I do?"

En/Pt John Dolittle said, "Listen. It is not easy to take you to the sea secretly. But it is possible. I need to think. Maybe I can get you free in another way. I will send a bird to tell your husband not to worry. The bird will bring news about him. Cheer up. Some people are coming to see you."

Original English Text

1 - THE FIRST CHAPTER - THE FIRESIDE CIRCLE

2 - THE SECOND CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR MEETS A FRIEND - AND A RELATIVE

3 - THE THIRD CHAPTER - BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS

4 - THE FOURTH CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOVERED

5 - THE FIFTH CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOURAGED

6 - THE SIXTH CHAPTER - SOPHIE, FROM ALASKA

THE FIRST CHAPTER - THE FIRESIDE CIRCLE

Pt THIS IS THE story of that part of Doctor Dolittle’s adventures which came about through his joining and traveling with a circus. He had not planned in the beginning to follow this life for any considerable time. His intention had only been to take the pushmi-pullyu out on show long enough to make sufficient money to pay the sailor back for the boat which had been borrowed and wrecked.

Pt But a remark Too-Too had made was true; it was not so hard for John Dolittle to become rich - for indeed he was easily satisfied where money was concerned - but it was a very different matter for him to remain rich. Dab-Dab used to say that during the years she had known him he had, to her knowledge, been quite well off five or six times; but that the more money he had, the sooner you could expect him to be poor again.

Pt Dab-Dab’s idea of a fortune was not of course very large. But certainly during his experience with the circus the Doctor repeatedly had enough money in his pockets to be considered well to do; and, as regular as clockwork, by the end of the week or the month he would be penniless again.

Pt Well, the point from which we are beginning, then, is where the Dolittle party (Jip the dog, Dab-Dab the duck, Too-Too the owl, Gub-Gub the pig, the pushmi-pullyu and the white mouse) had returned at last to the little house in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh after their long journey from Africa. It was a large family to find food for. And the Doctor, without a penny in his pockets, had been a good deal worried over how he was going to feed it, even during the short time they would be here before arrangements were made to join a circus. However, the thoughtful Dab-Dab had made them carry up from the pirates’ ship such supplies as remained in the larder after the voyage was done. These, she said, should last the household - with economy - for a day or two at least.

Pt The animals’ delight had at first, on getting back home, banished every care or thought of the morrow from the minds of all - except Dab-Dab. That good housekeeper had gone straight to the kitchen and set about the cleaning of pots and the cooking of food. The rest of them, the Doctor included, had gone out into the garden to re-explore all the well-known spots. And they were still roaming and poking around every nook and corner of their beloved home when they were suddenly summoned to luncheon by Dab-Dab’s dinner-bell - a frying pan beaten with a spoon. At this there was a grand rush for the back door. And they all came trundling in from the garden, gabbling with delight at the prospect of taking a meal again in the dear old kitchen where they had in times past spent so many jolly hours together.

Pt “It will be cold enough for a fire to-night,” said Jip as they took their places at the table. “This September wind has a chilly snap in it. Will you tell us a story after supper, Doctor? It’s a long time since we sat around the hearth in a ring.”

Pt “Or read to us out of your animal story books,” said Gub-Gub, “the one about the Fox who tried to steal the King’s goose.”

Pt “Well, maybe,” said the Doctor. “We’ll see. We’ll see. What delicious sardines these are that the pirates had! From Bordeaux, by the taste of them. There’s no mistaking real French sardines.”

Pt At this moment the Doctor was called away to see a patient in the surgery - a weasel who had broken a claw. And he was no sooner done with that when a rooster with a sore throat turned up from a neighboring farm. He was so hoarse, he said, he could only crow in a whisper, and nobody on his farm woke up in the morning. Then two pheasants arrived to show him a scrawny chick which had never been able to peck properly since it was born.

Pt “He could only crow in a whisper”

Pt For, although the people in Puddleby had not yet learned of the Doctor’s arrival, news of his coming had already spread among the animals, and the birds. And all that afternoon he was kept busy bandaging, advising and physicking, while a huge motley crowd of creatures waited patiently outside the surgery door.

Pt “Ah me! - just like old times,” sighed Dab-Dab. “No peace. Patients clamoring to see him morning, noon and night.”

Pt Jip had been right: by the time darkness came that night it was very chilly. Wood enough was found in the cellar to start a jolly fire in the big chimney. Round this the animals gathered after supper and pestered the Doctor for a story or a chapter from one of his books.

Pt “But look here,” said he. “What about the circus? If we’re going to make money to pay the sailor back we’ve got to be thinking of that. We haven’t even found a circus to go with yet. I wonder what’s the best way to set about it. They travel all over the place, you know. Let me see: who could I ask?”

Pt “Sh!” said Too-Too. “Wasn’t that the front door bell ringing?”

Pt “Strange!” said the Doctor, getting up from his chair “Callers already?”

Pt “Perhaps it’s the old lady with rheumatism,” said the white mouse as the Doctor walked out into the hall. “Maybe she didn’t find her Oxenthorpe doctor was so very good after all.”

Pt When John Dolittle had lit the candles in the hall he opened the front door. And there standing on the threshold was the Cat’s-Meat-Man.

Pt “Why, it’s Matthew Mugg, as I’m alive!” he cried. “Come in Matthew, come in. But how did you know I was here?”

Pt “‘Why, it’s Matthew Mugg!’”

Pt “I felt it in my bones, Doctor,” said the Cat’s-Meat-Man, stumping into the hall. “Only this morning I says to my wife, ‘Theodosia,’ I says, ‘something tells me the Doctor’s got back. And I’m going up to his house to-night to take a look.’”

Pt “Well, I’m glad to see you,” said John Dolittle. “Let’s go into the kitchen where it’s warm.”

Pt Although he said he had only come on the chance of finding the Doctor, the Cat’s-Meat-Man had brought presents with him: a knuckle bone off a shoulder of mutton for Jip; a piece of cheese for the white mouse; a turnip for Gub-Gub and a pot of flowering geraniums for the Doctor. When the visitor was comfortably settled in the armchair before the fire John Dolittle handed him the tobacco-jar from the mantelpiece and told him to fill his pipe.

Pt “I got your letter about the sparrow,” said Matthew. “He found you all right, I s’pose.”

Pt “Yes, and he was very useful to me. He left the ship when we were off the Devon coast. He was anxious to get back to London.”

Pt “Are you home for a long stay now?”

Pt “Well - yes and no,” said the Doctor. “I’d like nothing better than to enjoy a few quiet months here and get my garden to rights. It’s in a shocking mess. But unfortunately I’ve got to make some money first.”

Pt “Humph,” said Matthew, puffing at his pipe. “Meself*, I’ve bin trying to do that all my life - Never was very good at it. But I’ve got twenty-five shillings saved up, if that would help you.”

Pt “It’s very kind of you, Matthew, very. The fact is I - er - I need a whole lot of money. I’ve got to pay back some debts. But listen: I have a strange kind of new animal - a pushmi-pullyu. He has two heads. The monkeys in Africa presented him to me after I had cured an epidemic for them. Their idea was that I should travel with him in a circus - on show, you know. Would you like to see him?”

Pt “I surely would,” said the Cat’s-Meat-Man. “Sounds like something very new.”

Pt “He’s out in the garden,” said the Doctor. “Don’t stare at him too hard. He isn’t used to it yet. Gets frightfully embarrassed. Let’s take a bucket of water with us and just pretend we’ve brought him a drink.”

Pt When Matthew came back into the kitchen with the Doctor he was all smiles and enthusiasm.

Pt “Why, John Dolittle,” said he, “you’ll make your fortune - sure as you’re alive! There’s never bin anything seen like that since the world began. And anyway, I always thought you ought to go into the circus business - you, the only man living that knows animal language. When are you going to start?”

Pt “That’s just the point. Perhaps you can help me. I’d want to be sure it was a nice circus I was going with - people I would like, you understand.”

Pt Matthew Mugg bent forward and tapped the Doctor on the knee with the stem of his pipe.

Pt “I know the very concern you want,” said he. “Right now over at Grimbledon there’s the nicest little circus you ever saw. Grimbledon Fair’s on this week and they’ll be there till Saturday. Me and Theodosia saw ’em the first day they was on. It isn’t a large circus but it’s a good one - select like. What do you say if I take you over there to-morrow and you have a chat with the ringmaster?”

Pt “Why that would be splendid,” said the Doctor. “But in the meantime don’t say anything to anyone about the idea at all. We must keep the pushmi-pullyu a secret till he is actually put on show before the public.”

THE SECOND CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR MEETS A FRIEND - AND A RELATIVE

Pt N OW , M ATTHEW M UGG was a peculiar man. He loved trying new jobs - which was one reason, perhaps, that he never made much money. But his attempts to get into some new kind of work usually ended in his coming back to selling cat’s meat and rat-catching for farmers and millers around Puddleby.

Pt Matthew had already at Grimbledon Fair tried to get a job with the circus and been refused. But now that he found the Doctor was going into the business - and with such a wonderful exhibition as a pushmi-pullyu - his hopes rose again. And as he went home that night he already in imagination saw himself in partnership with his beloved Doctor, running the biggest circus on earth.

Pt Next day he called at the little house early. After Dab-Dab had made them up some sardine sandwiches to take with them for lunch, they set out.

Pt It was a long walk from Puddleby to Grimbledon. But after the Doctor and the Cat’s-Meat-Man had been trudging down the road a while they heard a sound of hoofs behind them. They turned round; and there was a farmer coming toward them in a trap. Seeing the two travelers upon the road, the farmer was going to offer them a ride. But his wife did not like the ragged looks of the Cat’s-Meat-Man, and she forbade her husband to stop for them.

Pt “What d’yer think of that for Christian charity?” said the Cat’s-Meat-Man as the cart went spinning by them. “Sit comfortable in their seats and leave us to walk! That’s Isidore Stiles, the biggest potato-grower in these parts. I often catches rats for him. And his wife, the snobby old scarecrow! Did yer see that look she gives me? A rat-catcher ain’t good enough company for her!”

Pt “But look,” said the Doctor. “They’re stopping and turning the trap around.”

Pt Now this farmer’s horse knew the Doctor very well both by sight and reputation. And as he had trotted by he had recognized the little man tramping along the road as none other than the famous John Dolittle. Delighted to find that his friend had returned to these parts, the horse had then turned around of his own accord, and was now trotting back - in spite of his driver’s pulling - to greet the Doctor and inquire for his health.

Pt “Where are you going?” asked the horse as he came up.

Pt “We’re going to Grimbledon Fair,” said the Doctor.

Pt “So are we,” said the horse. “Why don’t you get into the back of the trap beside the old woman?”

Pt “They haven’t invited me,” said the Doctor. “See your farmer is trying to turn you around again toward Grimbledon. Better not anger him. Run along. Don’t bother about us. We’ll be all right.”

Pt Very unwillingly the horse finally obeyed the driver, turned about and set off once more for the fair. But he hadn’t gone more than half a mile before he said to himself, “It’s a shame the great man should have to walk, while these bumpkins ride. I’m hanged if I’ll leave him behind!”

Pt Then he pretended to shy at something in the road, swung the trap around again suddenly and raced back toward the Doctor at full gallop. The farmer’s wife screamed and her husband threw all his weight on the reins. But the horse took not the slightest notice. Reaching the Doctor he started rearing and bucking and carrying on like a wild colt.

Pt “Get into the trap, Doctor,” he whispered. “Get in, or I’ll spill these boobies into the ditch.”

Pt The Doctor, fearing an accident, took hold of the horse’s bridle and patted him on the nose. Instantly he became as calm and gentle as a lamb.

Pt “The Doctor took hold of the bridle”

Pt “Your horse is a little restive, sir,” said the Doctor to the farmer. “Would you let me drive him for a spell? I am a veterinary surgeon.”

Pt “Why, certainly,” said the farmer. “I thought I knew something about horses meself. But I can’t do a thing with him this morning.”

Pt Then, as the Doctor climbed up and took the reins, the Cat’s-Meat-Man got in behind and, chuckling with delight, sat beside the indignant wife.

Pt “Nice day, Mrs. Stiles,” said Matthew Mugg. “How are the rats in the barn?”

Pt They reached the Grimbledon about the middle of the morning. The town was very full and busy and holidayfied. In the cattle-market fine beeves, prize pigs, fat sheep and pedigreed draft horses with ribbons in their manes filled the pens.

Pt Through the good-natured crowds that thronged the streets the Doctor and Matthew made their way patiently toward the enclosure where the circus was. The Doctor began to get worried that he might be asked to pay to go in, because he hadn’t a single penny in his pockets. But at the entrance to the circus they found a high platform erected, with some curtains at the back. It was like a small outdoor theater. On this platform a man with an enormous black moustache was standing. From time to time various showily-dressed persons made their appearance through the curtains; and the big man introduced them to the gaping crowd and told of the wonders they could perform. Whatever they were, clowns, acrobats or snake-charmers, he always said they were the greatest in the world. The crowd was tremendously impressed; and every once in a while people in ones and twos would make their way through the throng, pay their money at the little gate and pass into the circus enclosure.

Pt “There you are,” the Cat’s-Meat-Man whispered in the Doctor’s ear. “Didn’t I tell yer it was a good show? Look! People going in by hundreds.”

Pt “Is that big man the manager?” asked the Doctor.

Pt “Yes, that’s him. That’s Blossom himself - Alexander Blossom. He’s the man we’ve come to see.”

Pt The Doctor began to squirm his way forward through the people, with Matthew following behind. Finally he reached the front and started making signs to the big man on the platform above to show that he wanted to speak to him. But Mr. Blossom was so busy bellowing about the wonders of his show that the Doctor - a small man in a big crowd - could not attract his attention.

Pt “Get up on the platform,” said Matthew. “Climb up and talk to him.”

Pt So the Doctor clambered up one corner of the stage and then suddenly got frightfully embarrassed to find himself facing so large a gathering of people. However, once there, he plucked up his courage and, tapping the shouting showman on the arm, he said:

Pt “Excuse me.”

Pt Mr. Blossom stopped roaring about the “greatest show on earth” and gazed down at the little round man who had suddenly appeared beside him.

Pt “Er - er - ” the Doctor began.

Pt Then there was a silence. The people began to titter.

Pt Blossom, like most showmen, was never at a loss for words and seldom missed an opportunity of being funny at somebody else’s expense. And while John Dolittle was still wondering how to begin, the manager suddenly turned to the crowd again and, waving his arm towards the Doctor, shouted:

Pt “And this, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the original Humpty-Dumpty - the one what gave the king’s men so much trouble. Pay your money and come in! Walk up and see ’im fall off the wall!”

Pt At that the crowd roared with laughter and the poor Doctor got more embarrassed than ever.

Pt “Talk to him, Doctor, talk to him!” called the Cat’s-Meat-Man from down below.

Pt Soon, when the laughter had subsided, the Doctor made another attempt. He had just opened his mouth when a single piercing cry rang from amidst the crowd - “ John!”

Pt The Doctor turned and gazed over the heads of the people to see who was calling him by name. And there on the outskirts of the throng he saw a woman waving violently to him with a green parasol.

Pt “Who is it?” said the Cat’s-Meat-Man.

Pt “Heaven preserve us!” groaned the Doctor, shamefacedly climbing down off the stage. “What’ll we do now? Matthew - it’s Sarah!”

THE THIRD CHAPTER - BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS

Pt “ W ELL , WELL , S ARAH !” said John Dolittle when he had finally made his way to her. “My, how well and plump you’re looking!”

Pt “I’m nothing of the sort, John,” said Sarah, severely. “Will you please tell me what you mean by gallivanting around on that platform like a clown? Wasn’t it enough for you to throw away the best practice in the West Country for the sake of pet mice and frogs and things? Have you no pride? What are you doing up there?”

Pt “I was thinking of going into the circus business,” said the Doctor.

Pt Sarah gasped and put her hand to her head as thought about to swoon. Then a long lean man in parson’s clothes who was standing behind her came and took her by the arm.

Pt “What is it, my dear?” said he.

Pt “Launcelot,” said Sarah weakly, “this is my brother, John Dolittle. John, this is the Reverend Launcelot Dingle, rector of Grimbledon, my husband. But, John, you can’t be serious. Go into the circus business! How disgraceful! You must be joking - and who is this person?” she added as Matthew Mugg shuffled up and joined the party.

Pt “This is Matthew Mugg,” said the Doctor. “You remember him, of course?”

Pt “Ugh! - the rat-catcher,” said Sarah, closing her eyes in horror.

Pt “Not at all. He’s a meat merchant,” said the Doctor. “Mr. Mugg, the Reverend Launcelot Dingle.” And the Doctor introduced his ragged greasy friend as if he had been a king. “He’s my most prominent patient,” he added.

Pt “But, listen, John,” said Sarah, “if you do go into this mad business, promise me you’ll do it under some other name. Think what it would mean to our position here if it got known that the Rector’s brother-in-law was a common showman!”

Pt The Doctor thought a moment. Then he smiled.

Pt “All right, Sarah, I’ll use some other name. But I can’t help it if some one recognizes me, can I?”

Pt After they had bidden farewell to Sarah, the Doctor and Matthew again sought out the manager. They found him counting money at the gate, and this time were able to talk to him at their ease.

Pt John Dolittle described the wonderful animal that he had at home and said he wanted to join the circus with him. Alexander Blossom admitted he would like to see the creature, and told the Doctor to bring him here. But John Dolittle said it would be better and easier if the manager came to Puddleby to look at him.

Pt This was agreed upon. And after they had explained to Blossom how to get to the little house on the Oxenthorpe Road, they set out for home again, very pleased with their success so far.

Pt “If you do go with Blossom’s Circus,” Matthew asked, as they tramped along the road chewing sardine sandwiches, “will you take me with you, Doctor? I’d come in real handy, taking care of the caravan, feeding and cleaning and the likes o’ that.”

Pt “You’re very welcome to come, Matthew,” said the Doctor. “But what about your own business?”

Pt “Oh, that,” said Matthew, biting viciously into another sandwich. “There ain’t no money in that. Besides, it’s so tame, handing out bits of meat on skewers to overfed poodles! There’s no - no what d’y’ call it?” - (he waved his sandwich towards the sky) - “no adventure in it. I’m naturally venturesome - reckless like - always was, from my cradle up. Now the circus: that’s the real life! That’s a man’s job.”

Pt “He waved his sandwich towards the sky”

Pt “But how about your wife?” asked the Doctor.

Pt “Theodosia? Oh, she’d come along. She’s venturesome, like me. She could mend the clothes and do odd jobs. What do you think?”

Pt “What do I think?” asked the Doctor, who was staring down at the road as he walked. “I was thinking of Sarah.”

Pt “Queer gent, that what she married, ain’t he,” said Matthew, “the Reverend Dangle?”

Pt “Dingle,” the Doctor corrected. “Yes. He’s venturesome too. It’s a funny world - Poor dear Sarah! - Poor old Dingle! - Well, well.”

Pt Late that night, when the Grimbledon Fair had closed, Mr. Blossom, the ringmaster, came to the Doctor’s house in Puddleby.

Pt After he had been shown by the light of a lantern the pushmi-pullyu grazing on the lawn, he came back into the library with the Doctor and said:

Pt “How much do you want for that animal?”

Pt “No, no, he’s not for sale,” said the Doctor.

Pt “Oh, come now,” said the manager. “You don’t want him. Any one could see you’re not a regular showman. I’ll give you twenty pounds for him.”

Pt “No,” said the Doctor.

Pt “Thirty pounds,” said Blossom.

Pt Still the Doctor refused.

Pt “Forty pounds - fifty pounds,” said the manager. Then he went up and up, offering prices that made the Cat’s-Meat-Man who was listening open his eyes wider and wider with wonder.

Pt “It’s no use,” said the Doctor at last. “You must either take me with the animal into your circus or leave him where he is. I have promised that I myself will see he is properly treated.”

Pt “What do you mean?” asked the showman. “Ain’t he your property? Who did you promise?”

Pt “He’s his own property,” said the Doctor. “He came here to oblige me. It was to himself, the pushmi-pullyu, that I gave my promise.”

Pt “What! - Are you crazy?” asked the showman.

Pt Matthew Mugg was going to explain to Blossom that the Doctor could speak animals’ language. But John Dolittle motioned to him to be silent.

Pt “And so, you see,” he went on, “you must either take me and the animal or neither.”

Pt Then Blossom said no, he wouldn’t agree to that arrangement. And to Matthew’s great disappointment and grief he took his hat and left.

Pt But he had expected the Doctor to change his mind and give in. And he hadn’t been gone more than ten minutes before he rang the door-bell and said that he had come back to talk it over.

Pt Well, the upshot of it was that the showman finally consented to all the Doctor asked. The pushmi-pullyu and his party were to be provided with a new wagon all to themselves and, although traveling as part of the circus, were to be entirely free and independent. The money made was to be divided equally between the Doctor and the manager. Whenever the pushmi-pullyu wanted a day off he was to have it, and whatever kind of food he asked for was to be provided by Blossom.

Pt When all the arrangements had been gone into, the man said he would send the caravan here next day, and prepared to go.

Pt “By the way,” he said, pausing at the front door. “What’s your name?”

Pt The Doctor was just about to tell him, when he remembered Sarah’s request.

Pt “Oh, well, call me John Smith,” said he.

Pt “All right, Mr. Smith,” said the showman. “Have your party ready by eleven in the morning. Good night.”

Pt “Good night,” said the Doctor.

Pt As soon as the door had closed Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Jip, Too-Too and the white mouse, who had been hiding and listening in various corners of the house, all came out into the hall and started chattering at the top of their voices.

Pt “Hooray!” grunted Gub-Gub. “Hooray for the circus!”

Pt “‘Hooray for the circus!’”

Pt “My,” said Matthew to the Doctor, “you’re not such a bad business man after all! You got Blossom to give in to everything. He wasn’t going to let the chance slip. Did you see how quickly he came back when he thought the deal was off? I’ll bet he expects to make a lot of money out of us.”

Pt “Poor old home,” sighed Dab-Dab, affectionately dusting off the hat-rack. “To leave it again so soon!”

Pt “Hooray!” yelled Gub-Gub, trying to stand on his hind legs and balance the Doctor’s hat on his nose - “Hooray for the circus! - To-morrow! - Whee!”

THE FOURTH CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOVERED

Pt V ERY EARLY THE next morning Dab-Dab had the whole house astir. She said breakfast must be eaten and the table cleared before seven, if everything was to be got in readiness for their departure by eleven.

Pt As a matter of fact, the diligent housekeeper had the house closed and everybody waiting outside on the front steps hours before the wagon arrived. But the Doctor, for one, was still kept busy. For up to the last minute animal patients were still coming in from all parts of the countryside, with various ailments to be cured.

Pt At last Jip, who had been out scouting, came rushing back to the party gathered in the garden.

Pt “The wagon’s coming,” he panted - “all red and yellow - it’s just around the bend.”

Pt Then everybody got excited and began grabbing their parcels. Gub-Gub’s luggage was a bundle of turnips; and just as he was hurrying down the steps to the road the string broke and the round, white vegetables went rolling all over the place.

Pt The wagon, when it finally came in sight, was certainly a thing of beauty. It was made like a gypsy caravan, with windows and door and chimney. It was very gayly painted and quite new.

Pt “Waiting on the front steps”

Pt Not so the horse; he was quite old. The Doctor said that never had he seen an animal so worn out and weary. He got into conversation with him and found out that he had been working in the circus for thirty-five years. He was very sick of it he said. His name was Beppo. The Doctor decided he would tell Blossom that it was high time Beppo should be pensioned off and allowed to live in peace.

Pt In spite of the newness of the van, Dab-Dab swept it out before she put the packages in it. She had the Doctor’s bedding tied up in a sheet, like a bundle of clothes for the laundry. And she was most careful that this should not get dirty.

Pt When the animals and the baggage were all in, the Doctor got terribly afraid that the load would be too much for the old horse to pull. And he wanted to push behind, to help. But Beppo said he could manage it all right. However, the Doctor would not add to the weight by getting in himself. And when the door was shut and the window curtains drawn, so no one should see the pushmi-pullyu on the way, they set out for Grimbledon, with the man who had brought the wagon driving and the Doctor and the Cat’s-Meat-Man walking behind.

Pt On the way through Puddleby Market-place the driver stopped to get something at a shop. And while the caravan waited outside a crowd gathered about the wagon, wanting to know where it was going and what was inside. Matthew Mugg, his chest now swelling with pride, was dying to tell them, but the Doctor wouldn’t let him make any speeches.

Pt They reached the Grimbledon Fair-grounds about two o’clock in the afternoon and entered the circus enclosure by a back gate. Inside they found the great Blossom himself, waiting to welcome them.

Pt He seemed quite surprised, on the van’s being opened, to find the odd collection of creatures the Doctor had brought with him - he was particularly astonished at the pig. However, he was so delighted to have the pushmi-pullyu that he didn’t mind.

Pt He at once led them to what he called their stand - which, he said, he had had built for them that very morning. This the Doctor found to be similar to the place where he had first spoken with Blossom. It was a platform raised three feet from the ground, so that the board-and-canvas room on the top of it could be seen. It had steps up to it, and a little way back from the front edge of the platform curtains covered the entrance to the room, so no one could see inside unless they paid to go in.

Pt Across the front of it was a sign:

Pt THE PUSHMI-PULLYU!

Pt COME AND SEE THE MARVELOUS

Pt TWO-HEADED ANIMAL

Pt FROM THE JUNGLES OF AFRICA!

Pt ADMISSION SIXPENCE

Pt The red and yellow wagon (in which the Doctor’s party, with the exception of the pushmi-pullyu, were to live) was backed behind the “stand”. And Dab-Dab immediately set about making up beds and arranging the inside so it would be homelike.

Pt Blossom wanted to have the pushmi-pullyu put on show at once, but the Doctor refused. He said any wild animal would need to rest after the journey from Puddleby. And he wished the timid beast to get used to the noisy bustle of circus life before he was stared at by a crowd of holiday-makers.

Pt Blossom was disappointed, but he had to give in. Then, to the animals’ delight, he offered to show the Doctor around the circus and introduce him to the various performers. So after the pushmi-pullyu had been moved to his new home in the stand and the Doctor had seen that he was provided with hay and water and bedding, the Puddleby party started out to make a tour of the circus under the guidance of the great Alexander Blossom, ringmaster.

Pt The main show took place only twice a day (at two in the afternoon and at six thirty at night), in a big tent in the middle of the enclosure. But all around this there were smaller tents and stands, most of which you had to pay extra to get into. Of these the Doctor’s establishment was now to form one. They contained all manner of wonders: shooting galleries; guessing games; wild men of Borneo; bearded ladies; merry-go-rounds; strong men, snake charmers; a menagerie and many more.

Pt Blossom took the Doctor and his friends to the menagerie first. It was a dingy third-rate sort of collection. Most of the animals seemed dirty and unhappy. The Doctor was so saddened he was all for having a row with Blossom over it. But the Cat’s-Meat-Man whispered in his ear:

Pt “Don’t be starting trouble right away, Doctor. Wait a while. After the boss sees how valuable you are with performing animals you’ll be able to do what you like with him. If you kick up a shindy* now we’ll maybe lose our job. Then you won’t be able to do anything.”

Pt This struck John Dolittle as good advice. And he contented himself for the present with whispering to the animals through the bars of their cages that later he hoped to do something for them.

Pt Just as they had entered a dirty man was taking around a group of country folk to show them the collection. Stopping before a cage where a small furry animal was imprisoned, the man called out:

Pt “And this, ladies and gents, is the famous Hurri-Gurri, from the forests of Patagonia. ’E ‘angs from the trees by ’is tail. Pass on to the next cage.”

Pt The Doctor, followed by Gub-Gub, went over and looked in at “the famous Hurri-Gurri.”

Pt “Why,” said he, “that’s nothing but a common opossum from America. One of the marsupials.”

Pt “One of the marsupials”

Pt “How do you know it’s a Ma Soupial, Doctor?” asked Gub-Gub. “She hasn’t any children with her. Perhaps, it’s a Pa Soupial.”

Pt “And this,” roared the man, standing before the next cage, “is the largest elephant in captivity.”

Pt “Almost the smallest one I ever saw,” murmured the Doctor.

Pt Then Mr. Blossom suggested that they go on to the next show, Princess Fatima, the snake charmer. And he led the way out of the close, evil-smelling menagerie into the open air. As the Doctor passed down the line of cages he hung his head, frowning unhappily. For the various animals, recognizing the great John Dolittle, were all making signs to him to stop and talk with them.

Pt When they entered the snake charmer’s tent there were no other visitors there for the moment but themselves. On the small stage they beheld the Princess Fatima, powdering her large nose and swearing to herself in cockney. Beside her chair was a big shallow box full of snakes. Matthew Mugg peeped into it, gasped with horror, and then started to run from the tent.

Pt “It’s all right, Matthew,” the Doctor called out. “Don’t be alarmed, they’re quite harmless.”

Pt “What d’yer mean, harmless?” snorted the Princess Fatima, glaring at the Doctor. “They’re king cobras, from India - the deadliest snakes livin’.”

Pt “They’re nothing of the sort,” said the Doctor.

Pt “They’re American blacksnakes - non-poisonous.” And he tickled one under the chin.

Pt “Leave them snakes alone!” yelled the Fatima, rising from her chair - “or I’ll knock yer bloomin’ ‘ead orf.”

Pt “‘You leave them snakes alone!’”

Pt At this moment Blossom interfered and introduced the ruffled Princess to Mr. Smith.

Pt The conversation which followed (Fatima was still too angry to take much part in it) was interrupted by the arrival of some people who had come to see the snake charmer perform. Blossom led the Doctor’s party off into a corner, whispering:

Pt “She’s marvelous, Smith. One of the best turns I’ve got. Just you watch her.”

Pt Behind the curtains at the back somebody started beating a drum and playing a pipe. Then Fatima arose, lifted two snakes out of the box and wound them around her neck and arms.

Pt “Will ze ladies and ze gentlemen step a little closair,” she cooed softly to her audience. “Zen zay can see bettair - zo!”

Pt “What’s she talking like that for?” Gub-Gub whispered to the Doctor.

Pt “Sh! I suppose she thinks she’s speaking with an Oriental accent,” said John Dolittle.

Pt “Sounds to me like a hot-potato accent,” muttered Gub-Gub. “Isn’t she fat and wobbly!”

Pt Noticing that the Doctor did not seem favorably impressed, the circus master led them out to see the other sideshows.

Pt Crossing over to the strong man’s booth, Gub-Gub caught sight of the Punch and Judy show which is going on at that moment. The play had just reached that point where Toby the dog bites Mr. Punch on the nose. Gub-Gub was fascinated. They could hardly drag him away from it. Indeed, throughout the whole time they spent with the circus this was his chief delight. He never missed a single performance - and, although the play was always the same and he got to know it every word by heart, he never grew tired of it.

Pt At the next booth a large audience was gathered and yokels were gasping in wonder as the strong man lifted enormous weights in the air. There was no fake about this show. And John Dolittle, deeply interested, joined in the clapping and the gasping.

Pt The strong man was an honest-looking fellow, with tremendous muscles. The Doctor took a liking to him right away. One of his tricks was to lie on the stage on his back and lift an enormous dumb-bell with his feet till his legs were sticking right up in the air. It needed balance as well as strength, because if the dumb-bell should fall the wrong way the man would certainly be injured. To-day when he had finally brought his legs into an upright position and the crowd was whispering in admiration, suddenly there was a loud crack. One of the boards of the stage had given way. Instantly down came the big dumb-bell right across the man’s chest.

Pt The crowd screamed and Blossom jumped up on the platform. It took two men’s strength to lift the dumb-bell off the strong mans’ body. But even then he did not arise. He lay motionless, his eyes closed, his face a deathly white.

Pt “Get a doctor,” Blossom shouted to the Cat’s-Meat-Man. “Hurry! He’s hurt hisself - unconscious. A doctor, quick!”

Pt But John Dolittle was already on the stage, standing over the ringmaster, who knelt beside the injured man.

Pt “Get out of the way and let me examine him,” he said quietly.

Pt “What can you do? He’s hurt bad. Look, his breathing’s queer. We got to get a doctor.”

Pt “I am a doctor,” said John Dolittle. “Matthew, run to the van and get my black bag.”

Pt “You a doctor!” said Blossom, getting up off his knees. “Thought you called yourself Mr. Smith.”

Pt “Of course, he’s a doctor,” came a voice out of the crowd. “There wur a time when he wur the best known doctor in the West Country. I know un. Dolittle’s his name - John Dolittle, of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh.”

THE FIFTH CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOURAGED

Pt THE D OCTOR FOUND that two of the strong man’s ribs had been broken by the dumb-bell. However, he prophesied that with so powerful a constitution the patient should recover quickly. The injured man was put to bed in his own caravan and until he was well again the Doctor visited him four times a day and Matthew slept in his wagon to nurse him.

Pt The strong man (his show name was Hercules) was very thankful to John Dolittle and became greatly attached to him - and very useful sometimes, as you will see later on.

Pt So the Doctor felt, when he went to bed that first night of his circus career, that if he had made an enemy in Fatima, the snake charmer, he had gained a friend in Hercules, the strong man.

Pt Of course, now that he had been recognized as the odd physician of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, there was no longer any sense in his trying to conceal who he was. And very soon he became known among the circus folk as just “the Doctor” - or “the Doc.” On the very high recommendation of Hercules, he was constantly called upon for the cure of small ailments by everyone, from the bearded lady to the clown.

Pt The next day, the pushmi-pullyu was put on show for the first time. He was very popular. A two-headed animal had never before been seen in a circus and the people thronged up to pay their money and have a look at him. At first he nearly died of embarrassment and shyness, and he was forever hiding one of his heads under the straw so as not to have to meet the gaze of all those staring eyes. Then the people wouldn’t believe he had more than one head. So the Doctor asked him if he would be so good as to keep both of them in view.

Pt “You need not look at the people,” he said. “But just let them see that you really have two heads. You can turn your back on the audience - both ends.”

Pt But some of the silly people, even when they could see the two heads plainly, kept saying that one must be faked. And they would prod the poor, timid animal with sticks to see if part of him was stuffed. While two country bumpkins were doing this one day the pushmi-pullyu got annoyed, and bringing both his heads up sharply at the same time, he jabbed the two inquirers in the legs. Then they knew for sure that he was real and alive all over.

Pt But as soon as the Cat’s-Meat-Man could be spared from nursing Hercules (he turned the job over to his wife) the Doctor put him on guard inside the stall to see that the animal was not molested by stupid visitors. The poor creature had a terrible time those first days. But when Jip told him how much money was being taken in, he determined to stick it out for John Dolittle’s sake. And after a little while, although his opinion of the human race sank very low, he got sort of used to the silly, gaping faces of his audiences and gazed back at them - from both his heads - with fearless superiority and the scorn that they deserved.

Pt During show hours the Doctor used to sit in a chair on the front platform, taking the sixpences and smiling on the people as they went in - for all the world as though every one of them were old friends visiting his home. And, in fact, he did in this way re-meet many folks who had known him in years gone by, including the old lady with rheumatism, Squire Jenkyns and neighbors from Puddleby.

Pt Poor Dab-Dab was busier than ever now. For in addition to the housekeeping duties she always had to keep one eye on the Doctor; and many were the scoldings she gave him because he would let the children in for nothing when she wasn’t looking.

Pt At the end of each day Blossom, the manager, came to divide up the money. And Too-Too, the mathematician, was always there when the adding was done, to see that the Doctor got his proper share.

Pt Although the pushmi-pullyu was so popular, the Doctor saw very early in his new career that it would take quite a time to earn sufficient money to pay the sailor back for the boat - let alone to make enough for himself and his family to live on besides.

Pt “Too-Too was always there”

Pt He was rather sorry about this; for there were a lot of things in the circus business that he did not like and he was anxious to leave it. While his own show was a perfectly honest affair, there were many features of the circus that were faked; and the Doctor, who always hated fake of any kind, had an uncomfortable feeling that he was part of an establishment not strictly honest. Most of the gambling games were arranged so that those who played them were bound to lose their money.

Pt But the thing that worried the Doctor most was the condition of the animals. Their life, he felt, was in most cases an unhappy one. At the end of his first day with the circus, after the crowds have gone home and all was quiet in the enclosure, he had gone back into the menagerie and talked to the animals there. They nearly all had complaints to make: their cages were not kept properly clean; they did not get exercise or room enough; with some the food served was not the kind they liked.

Pt The Doctor heard them all and was so indignant he sought out the ringmaster in his private caravan right away and told him plainly of all the things he thought ought to be changed.

Pt Blossom listened patiently until he had finished and then he laughed.

Pt “Why, Doc,” said he, “if I was to do all the things you want me to I might as well leave the business! I’d be ruined. What, pension off the horses? Send the hurri-gurri back to his home? Keep the men cleaning out the cages all day? Buy special foods? Have the animals took out for walks every day, like a young lady’s academy? Man, you must be crazy! Now, look here: You don’t know anything about this game - nothing, see? I’ve given in to you in all you asked. I’m letting you run your part of the show your own way. But I’m going to run the rest of it my way. Understand? I don’ want no interference. It’s bad enough to have the strong man on the sick list. I ain’t going to go broke just to please your Sunday school ideas. And that’s flat.”

Pt Sad at heart, the Doctor left the manager’s quarters and made his way across to his own caravan. On the steps of his wagon, he found the Cat’s-Meat-Man smoking his evening pipe. Close by, Beppo, the old horse, was cropping the scrubby grass of the enclosure by the light of the moon.

Pt “Nice night,” said Matthew. “You look kind of worried, Doctor. Anything wrong?”

Pt “Yes,” said John Dolittle, sitting down miserably on the steps beside him. “Everything’s wrong. I’ve just been talking to Blossom about improving conditions in the menagerie. He won’t do a single thing I ask. I think I’ll leave the circus.”

Pt “Oh, come now,” said Matthew. ‘Why, you ain’t hardly begun, Doctor! Blossom doesn’t know yet that you can talk animal language even! Circuses don’t have to be bad. You could run one that would be a new kind; clean, honest, special - one that everybody in the world come to see. But you got to get money first. Don’t give up so easy.”

Pt “No, it’s no use, Matthew. I’m doing no good here and I can’t stay and see animals unhappy. I never should have gone into the business.”

Pt At this moment the old horse, Beppo, hearing his friend’s voice, drew near and pushed his muzzle affectionately into the Doctor’s ear.

Pt “Hulloa,” said John Dolittle. “Beppo, I’m afraid I can be of no help to you. I’m sorry - but I am going to leave the circus.”

Pt “But, Doctor,” said the old horse, “you’re our one hope. Why, only to-day I heard the elephant and the Talking Horse - the cob who performs in the big show - they were saying how glad they were that you had come. Be patient. You can’t change everything in a minute. If you go, then we’ll never get anything we want. But we know that if you stay, before long you will be running the whole show the way it should be run. We’re not worried as long as you’re with us. Only stay. And mark my words, the day will come when the new circus, ‘The Dolittle Circus,’ will be the greatest on earth.”

Pt For a moment the Doctor was silent. And Matthew, who had not understood the conversation with the horse, waited impatiently for him to speak.

Pt At last he arose and turned to go into the caravan.

Pt “Well,” said the Cat’s-Meat-Man anxiously, “are you going to stay?”

Pt “Yes, Matthew,” said the Doctor. “It seems I’ve got to. Good night.”

Pt At the end of that week the Grimbledon Fair was over and the circus had to move on to the next town. It was a big job, this packing up a large show for a long journey by road. And all day Sunday the enclosure was a very busy place. Men ran around everywhere shouting orders. The big tent and the little tents were pulled down and rolled up. The stands were taken apart and piled into wagons. The large space that had looked so gay was quickly changed into a drab, untidy mess. It was all very new to the Doctor’s pets; and though Dab-Dab joined in the general hustle of packing, the rest of them enjoyed the excitement and the newness of it no end.

Pt One thing that amused them very much was the change in the appearance of the performers when they got out of their circus dress to travel. Gub-Gub was very confused, because he couldn’t recognize anybody any more. The clown took the white paint off his face. The Princess Fatima laid aside her gorgeous garments and appeared like a respectable charwoman ready for a holiday. The Wild Man of Borneo put on a collar and tie and talked quite naturally. And the Bearded Lady took off her beard, folded it up and packed it in a trunk.

Pt Then in a long procession of caravans the circus set out upon the road. The next town to be visited was fifty miles off. This journey could not, of course, be covered in a single day, going at a walk. The nights were to be spent camping out by the roadside or in whatever convenient clear spaces could be found. So, beside the new amusement of seeing the country by day from a home on wheels, the animals had the thrill of spending the nights gypsy-fashion, wherever darkness found them. Jip got lots of fun chasing the rats out of the ditches along the road and often going off across a meadow on the scent of a fox. The slowness of the circus’s pace gave him time for all sorts of small adventures; and he could always catch up. But Gub-Gub’s chief delight was guessing where they would spend the night.

Pt “On the scent of a fox”

Pt This part of the life, the halting for sleep, seemed to be enjoyed by all. When the kettle was put on to boil over the roadside fire every one cheered up and got talkative. Jip’s two friends, the clown’s dog and Toby, the Punch-and-Judy dog, always came around as soon as the procession stopped for the night, and joined the Doctor’s party. They, too, seemed to be much in favor of John Dolittle’s taking charge of the show or running a circus of his own. And when they weren’t amusing the family circle with wonderful stories of a show-dog’s life they kept telling the Doctor that a real Dolittle Circus would, to their way of thinking, be a perfect institution.

Pt John Dolittle had always said that there were just as many different characters and types among dogs as there were among people - in fact, more. He had written a book to prove this. He called it Dog Psychology . Most metaphysicians had pooh-poohed it, saying that no one but a hair-brain would write on such a subject. But this was only to hide the fact that they couldn’t understand it.

Pt Certainly these two, Swizzle, the clown’s dog, and Toby, the Punch-and-Judy dog, had very different personalities. Swizzle (to look at, he was nothing but a common mongrel) had a great sense of humor. He made a joke out of everything. This may have been partly on account of his profession - helping a clown make people laugh. But it was also part of his philosophy. He told both the Doctor and Jip more than once that when he was still a puppy he had decided that nothing in this world was worth taking seriously. He was a great artist, nevertheless, and could always see the most difficult jokes - even when they were made at his own expense.

Pt It was Swizzle’s sense of humor that gave the Doctor the idea for the first comic papers printed for animals - when later he founded the Rat-and-Mouse Club. They were called Cellar Life and Basement Humor and were intended to bring light entertainment to those who live in dark places.

Pt Toby, the other, was as different from his friend Swizzle as it is possible to be. He was a small dog, a dwarf white poodle. And he took himself and life quite seriously. The most noticeable thing about his character was his determination to get everything which he thought he ought to get. Yet he was not selfish, not at all. The Doctor always said that this shrewd business-like quality was to be found in most little dogs - who had to make up for their small size by an extra share of cheek. The very first time Toby came visiting to John Dolittle’s caravan he got on the Doctor’s bed and made himself comfortable. Dab-Dab, highly scandalized, tried to put him off. But he wouldn’t move. He said the Doctor didn’t seem to mind and he was the owner of the bed. And from that time on he always occupied this place in the caravan’s evening circle when he came to visit. He had won a special privilege for himself by sheer cheek. He was always demanding privileges, and he usually got them.

Pt But there was one thing, in which Toby and Swizzle were alike; and that was the pride they took in their personal friendship with John Dolittle, whom they considered the greatest man on earth.

Pt “Toby and Swizzle”

Pt One night on the first trip between towns the procession had stopped by the side of the road as usual. There was a nice old-fashioned farm quite near and Gub-Gub had gone off to see if there were any pigs in the stye. Otherwise the Doctor’s family circle was complete. And soon after the kettle had been put on to boil along came Toby and Swizzle. The night was cool; so, instead of making a fire outside, Dab-Dab was using the stove in the caravan, and everybody was sitting around it chatting.

Pt “Have you heard the news, Doctor?” said Toby, jumping up on the bed.

Pt “No,” said John Dolittle. “What is it?”

Pt “At the next town - Ashby, you know, quite a large place - we are to pick up Sophie.”

Pt “Who in the world is Sophie?” asked the Doctor, getting out his slippers from behind the stove.

Pt “She left us before you joined,” said Swizzle. “Sophie’s the performing seal - balances balls on her nose and does tricks in the water. She fell sick and Blossom had to leave her behind about a month ago. She’s all right now, though, and her keeper is meeting us at Ashby so she can join us again. She’s rather a sentimental sort of girl, is Sophie. But she’s a good sport, and I’m sure you will like her.”

Pt “Climbed wearily from his sleepless bed”

Pt The circus reached Ashby about nine o’clock on a Wednesday evening. It was to open to the public the first thing the following morning. So all through that night, by the light of flares, the men were busy hoisting tents, setting up booths, and spreading tanbark. Even after the pushmi-pullyu’s stand was put together and the Doctor’s family retired to rest, no one got any sleep; for the ground still shook with the hammers driving pegs; and the air was full of shouts and the spirits of work, till the dusk of dawn crept over the roofs of Ashby and showed the city of canvas that had been built in a night.

Pt John Dolittle decided, as he climbed wearily from his sleepless bed that circus life took a lot of getting used to. After breakfast, leaving Matthew in charge of his stand, he set out to make the acquaintance of the performing seal.

THE SIXTH CHAPTER - SOPHIE, FROM ALASKA

Pt S OPHIE ’ S KEEPER , LIKE the rest of the showmen, had by this time got his part of the circus in readiness to open to the public. The seal was accustomed to perform in the big tent twice a day, following the Pinto Brothers (trapeze acrobats) and the Talking Horse. But during the rest of the day she was a side-show like the pushmi-pullyu. Here in an enclosed tank she dived after fish for the amusement of anyone who paid threepence to come and see her.

Pt This morning - it was still quite early - Sophie’s keeper was eating his breakfast outside on the steps when the Doctor entered the stand. Inside, a tank about twelve feet across had been let into the ground; and around it was a platform with a railing where visitors stood to watch the performance. Sophie, a fine five-foot Alaskan seal, with sleek skin and intelligent eyes, was wallowing moodily in the water of the tank. When the Doctor spoke to her in her own language, and she realized who her visitor was, she burst into a flood of tears.

Pt “What is the matter?” asked John Dolittle.

Pt The seal, still weeping, did not answer.

Pt “Calm yourself,” said the Doctor. “Don’t be hysterical. Tell me, are you still sick? I understood you had recovered.”

Pt “Oh, yes, I got over that,” said Sophie through her tears. “It was only an upset stomach. They will feed us this stale fish, you know.”

Pt “Then what’s the matter?” asked the Doctor. “Why are you crying?”

Pt “I was weeping for joy,” said Sophie. “I was just thinking as you came in that the only person in the world who could help me in my trouble was John Dolittle. Of course, I had heard all about you through the Post Office and the Arctic Monthly . In fact, I had written to you. It was I who contributed those articles on under-water swimming - you remember? - The Alaskan Wiggle , you know - double overhand stroke. It was printed in the August number of your magazine. We were awfully sorry when you had to give up the Arctic Monthly . It was tremendously popular among the seals.”

Pt “But what was this trouble you were speaking of?” asked the Doctor.

Pt “Oh, yes,” said Sophie, bursting into tears again. “That just shows you how glad I am; I had forgotten all about it for the moment. You know, when you first came in I thought you were an ordinary visitor. But the very first word of sealish that you spoke - and Alaskan sealish at that - I knew who you were; John Dolittle, the one man in the world I wanted to see! It was too much, I - ”

Pt “Come, come!” said the Doctor. “Don’t break down again. Tell me what your trouble is.”

Pt “Well,” said Sophie, “it’s this: While I - ”

Pt At that moment there was a noise outside, the rattling of a bucket.

Pt “Sh! It’s the keeper coming,” whispered the Doctor quickly. “Just carry on with your tricks. I’m not letting them know I can talk to the animals.”

Pt When the keeper entered to swab the floor, Sophie was frisking and diving for an audience of one: a quite little fat man with a battered high hat on the back of his head. The keeper just glanced at him, before setting to work, and decided that he was quite an ordinary person, nobody in particular at all.

Pt As soon as the man had finished his mopping and disappeared again, Sophie continued:

Pt “You know,” said the seal, “when I fell sick we were performing at Hatley-on-Sea, and I and my keeper - Higgins is his name - stayed there two weeks while the circus went on without us. Now, there’s a zoo at Hatley - only a small one - near the esplanade. They have artificial ponds there with seals and otters in them. Well, Higgins got talking to the keeper of these seals one day, and told him about my being sick. And they decided I needed company. So they put me in the pond with the other seals till I should recover. Among them there was an older one who came from the same part of the Behring Straits as I did. He gave me some very bad news about my husband. It seems that ever since I was captured he has been unhappy and refused to eat. He used to be leader of the herd. But after I was taken away he had worried and grown thin and finally another seal was elected leader in his place. Now he wasn’t expected to live.” (Quietly Sophie began to weep again.) “I can quite understand it. We were devoted to one another. And although he was so big and strong and no other seal in the herd ever dared to argue with him, without me, well, he was just lost, you know - a mere baby. He relied on me for everything. And now - I don’t know what’s happening to him. It’s just terrible - terrible!”

Pt “Well, wait a minute,” said the Doctor. “Don’t cry. What do you think ought to be done?”

Pt “I ought to go to him,” said Sophie, raising herself in the water and spreading out her flippers. “I ought to be by his side. He is the proper leader of the herd and he needs me. I hoped I might escape at Hatley, but not a chance did I get.”

Pt “Humph!” muttered the Doctor. “It’s an awful long way to the Behring Straits. How on earth would you get there?”

Pt “That’s just what I wanted to see you about,” said Sophie. “Overland, of course, my rate of travel is very slow. If I could only have got away at Hatley I’d have been all right. Because, of course,” she added with a powerful swish of her tail that slopped half the water out of the tank, “once I reached the sea I’d be up to Alaska in no time.”

Pt “‘I ought to go to him’”

Pt “Ah, yes,” the Doctor agreed, as he shook the water out of his boots. “I see you are a powerful swimmer. How far are we from the coast here?”

Pt “About a hundred miles,” said Sophie. “Oh dear! Poor Slushy! My poor, poor Slushy!”

Pt “Poor who?” asked the Doctor.

Pt “Slushy,” said the seal. “That’s my husband’s name. He relied on me in everything, poor, simple Slushy. What shall I do? What shall I do?”

Pt “Well, now listen,” said John Dolittle. “This is no easy matter, to smuggle you to the sea. I don’t say it’s impossible. But it needs thinking out. Perhaps I can get you free some other way - openly. In the meantime I’ll send word up to your husband by bird messenger and tell him to stop worrying, because you are all right. And the same messenger can bring us back news of how he is getting on. Now, cheer up. Here come some people to see you perform.”

Versão em Português A2

1 - O PRIMEIRO CAPÍTULO - O CÍRCULO AO PÉ DA LAREIRA

2 - O SEGUNDO CAPÍTULO - O DOUTOR ENCONTRA UM AMIGO - E UM PARENTE

3 - O TERCEIRO CAPÍTULO - ACORDOS DE NEGÓCIOS

4 - O QUARTO CAPÍTULO - O DOUTOR É DESCOBERTO

5 - O QUINTO CAPÍTULO - O DOUTOR FICA DESANIMADO

6 - O SEXTO CAPÍTULO - SOPHIE, DO ALASCA

O PRIMEIRO CAPÍTULO - O CÍRCULO AO PÉ DA LAREIRA

En Esta é uma história de parte das aventuras do Doutor Dolittle. Começou quando ele entrou para um circo e viajou com ele. No início, não planejava fazer isso por muito tempo; queria apenas mostrar o pushmi-pullyu até ganhar dinheiro suficiente para pagar ao marinheiro o barco emprestado e destruído.

En Too-Too tinha razão. Não era difícil John Dolittle ficar rico, pois não precisava de muito dinheiro. Mas era difícil continuar rico. Dab-Dab dizia que, nos anos em que o conhecera, ele estivera bem de vida cinco ou seis vezes. Quando tinha mais dinheiro, logo ficava pobre outra vez.

En Dab-Dab não considerava uma fortuna algo muito grande. Mas, durante o tempo no circo, o Doutor muitas vezes tinha dinheiro suficiente para parecer próspero. Com a mesma frequência, ficava sem dinheiro ao fim da semana ou do mês.

En Começamos quando o grupo Dolittle voltou à pequena casa em Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, depois da longa viagem da África. O grupo era Jip, o cão; Dab-Dab, a pata; Too-Too, a coruja; Gub-Gub, o porco; o pushmi-pullyu; e o camundongo branco. Era difícil alimentar tantos animais. O Doutor não tinha dinheiro e preocupava-se com a comida. Mas Dab-Dab trouxera os alimentos que sobraram do navio dos piratas. Disse que durariam um ou dois dias se fossem usados com cuidado.

En A princípio, todos estavam tão felizes por estar em casa que esqueceram as preocupações, exceto Dab-Dab. Ela foi direto à cozinha, começou a limpar e cozinhar. Os outros, inclusive o Doutor, foram ao jardim rever seus lugares favoritos. Ainda passeavam quando Dab-Dab os chamou para o almoço com uma frigideira e uma colher. Correram para dentro e ficaram felizes por comer novamente na velha cozinha.

En - Hoje à noite fará frio suficiente para acender o fogo - disse Jip quando se sentaram à mesa. - Este vento de setembro está frio. Doutor, contará uma história depois do jantar? Faz muito tempo que não nos sentamos juntos junto à lareira.

En - Ou leia para nós seus livros de histórias de animais - disse Gub-Gub. - Leia aquele sobre a Raposa que tentou roubar o ganso do rei.

En - Talvez - disse o Doutor. - Veremos. Estas sardinhas são muito boas. Acho que os piratas as trouxeram de Bordeaux. Sardinhas francesas de verdade têm este sabor.

En Nesse momento chamaram o Doutor à clínica para atender um paciente: uma doninha com a garra quebrada. Logo depois, um galo veio de uma fazenda próxima com dor de garganta. Disse que só conseguia cantar num sussurro, por isso ninguém na fazenda acordava de manhã. Depois vieram dois faisões com um pintinho que desde o nascimento nunca conseguira bicar direito.

En Ele só conseguia cantar num sussurro suave.

En As pessoas de Puddleby ainda não sabiam que o Doutor voltara, mas os animais e as aves já sabiam. A tarde inteira ele ficou ocupado com curativos, conselhos e remédios. Uma grande multidão de criaturas esperava diante da porta da clínica.

En - Ai de mim! Como nos velhos tempos - suspirou Dab-Dab. - Nada de paz. Os pacientes querem vê-lo o tempo todo.

En Jip tinha razão. À noite fez muito frio. Encontraram lenha suficiente na adega para acender um fogo alegre na grande lareira. Depois do jantar, os animais sentaram-se ao redor e pediram ao Doutor uma história ou um capítulo de seus livros.

En - Mas escutem - disse ele. - E o circo? Se queremos dinheiro para pagar ao marinheiro, precisamos pensar nisso. Ainda nem encontramos um circo para integrar. Como seria melhor começar? Eles viajam por toda parte. Deixe-me ver: a quem posso perguntar?

En - Psiu! - disse Too-Too. - Foi a campainha da porta da frente?

En - Estranho! - disse o Doutor, levantando-se. - Já temos visitantes?

En - Talvez seja a velha senhora com reumatismo - disse o camundongo branco, enquanto o Doutor ia ao corredor. - Talvez o médico de Oxenthorpe não fosse tão bom quanto ela pensava.

En Quando John Dolittle acendeu as velas do corredor e abriu a porta da frente, viu no degrau o Homem da Carne de Gato.

En - Ora, é Matthew Mugg, se estou vivo! - exclamou. - Entre, Matthew. Mas como soube que eu estava aqui?

En - É Matthew Mugg!

En - Eu sabia, Doutor - disse o Homem da Carne de Gato ao entrar. - Esta manhã disse à minha esposa, Theodosia, que o Doutor voltara. Então vim à sua casa hoje à noite para verificar.

En - Fico feliz em vê-lo - disse John Dolittle. - Vamos à cozinha, onde está quente.

En O Homem da Carne de Gato disse que viera visitar o Doutor, mas trouxe presentes: um osso para Jip, queijo para o camundongo branco, um nabo para Gub-Gub e um vaso de flores para o Doutor. Sentou-se numa cadeira junto ao fogo, e John Dolittle lhe deu tabaco para o cachimbo.

En - Recebi sua carta sobre o pardal - disse Matthew. - Imagino que ele o tenha encontrado bem.

En - Sim, e ajudou-me muito. Deixou o navio perto de Devon porque queria voltar a Londres.

En - Vai ficar em casa por muito tempo agora?

En - Sim e não - disse o Doutor. - Quero ficar aqui alguns meses tranquilos e consertar o jardim. Mas primeiro preciso ganhar algum dinheiro.

En Matthew soprou o cachimbo. - Tentei fazer isso a vida inteira - disse. - Nunca fui muito bom. Mas economizei vinte e cinco xelins, se isso puder ajudá-lo.

En - É muito bondoso, Matthew - disse o Doutor. - Preciso de muito dinheiro e tenho dívidas para pagar. Mas escute: tenho um animal estranho chamado pushmi-pullyu, com duas cabeças. Os macacos da África deram-no a mim depois que curei uma doença por lá. Queriam que eu viajasse com ele num circo. Gostaria de vê-lo?

En - Certamente - disse o Homem da Carne de Gato. - Parece algo muito novo.

En - Ele está no jardim - disse o Doutor. - Não o encare demais. Ainda não está acostumado. Fica muito tímido. Vamos levar um balde de água e fingir que lhe trouxemos uma bebida.

En Quando Matthew voltou à cozinha com o Doutor, estava sorrindo e muito animado.

En - John Dolittle - disse ele - , você certamente ganhará muito dinheiro. Ninguém jamais viu algo assim. Sempre achei que deveria trabalhar num circo. Você é o único homem que conhece a língua dos animais. Quando começará?

En - Esse é o problema. Talvez você possa ajudar. Quero ter certeza de entrar num circo agradável, com pessoas de quem eu goste.

En Matthew Mugg inclinou-se e bateu no joelho do Doutor com o cachimbo.

En - Sei exatamente qual circo você quer - disse ele. - Agora há um pequeno circo muito bom em Grimbledon. A Feira de Grimbledon acontece esta semana, e eles ficarão até sábado. Theodosia e eu os vimos no primeiro dia. Não é grande, mas é bom. Que tal levá-lo amanhã para conversar com o diretor?

En - Seria excelente - disse o Doutor. - Mas ainda não conte a ninguém. Precisamos manter o pushmi-pullyu em segredo até mostrá-lo ao público.

O SEGUNDO CAPÍTULO - O DOUTOR ENCONTRA UM AMIGO - E UM PARENTE

En Matthew Mugg era um homem estranho. Gostava de experimentar novos trabalhos, talvez por isso nunca ganhasse muito dinheiro. Mas geralmente voltava a vender carne de gato e a caçar ratos para fazendeiros e moleiros perto de Puddleby.

En Matthew já tentara conseguir trabalho no circo, mas recusaram-no. Agora o Doutor ia começar um circo com um pushmi-pullyu, e Matthew voltava a ter esperança. Imaginava que ele e o Doutor dirigiriam o maior circo do mundo.

En No dia seguinte, chegou cedo à pequena casa. Dab-Dab fez sanduíches de sardinha para o almoço, e então partiram.

En Era uma longa caminhada de Puddleby a Grimbledon. Depois de algum tempo, o Doutor e o Homem da Carne de Gato ouviram cascos atrás deles. Viraram-se e viram um fazendeiro numa carroça. Ele queria lhes dar carona, mas sua esposa não gostou da aparência esfarrapada de Matthew e mandou o marido não parar.

En - O que acha disso como bondade cristã? - disse o Homem da Carne de Gato quando a carroça passou. - Eles viajam confortavelmente e nos deixam caminhar! É Isidore Stiles, o maior produtor de batatas daqui. Muitas vezes caço ratos para ele. E sua esposa, aquela velha espantalha orgulhosa! Viu como olhou para mim? Um caçador de ratos não é bom o bastante para ela!

En - Mas veja - disse o Doutor. - Eles estão parando e virando a carroça.

En O cavalo do fazendeiro conhecia muito bem o Doutor. Viu o homenzinho na estrada e reconheceu imediatamente o famoso John Dolittle. Ficou feliz que o amigo voltara. Então virou sozinho e trotou de volta, mesmo enquanto o cocheiro o puxava, para cumprimentar o Doutor e perguntar por sua saúde.

En - Para onde vão? - perguntou o cavalo quando chegou.

En - Vamos à Feira de Grimbledon - disse o Doutor.

En - Nós também - disse o cavalo. - Por que não entram na parte de trás da carroça, ao lado da velha senhora?

En - Eles não me convidaram - disse o Doutor. - E seu fazendeiro está tentando fazê-lo voltar para Grimbledon. Não o deixe zangado. Continue. Não se preocupe conosco; ficaremos bem.

En Por fim o cavalo obedeceu ao cocheiro, virou-se e voltou à feira. Mas, depois de apenas meia milha, pensou: ‘É uma vergonha o grande homem ter de caminhar enquanto essa gente do campo viaja sentada. Não o deixarei para trás.’

En Então fingiu assustar-se com algo na estrada. Virou a carroça rapidamente e correu de volta ao Doutor. A esposa do fazendeiro gritou, e o marido puxou as rédeas com força, mas o cavalo ignorou-os. Quando chegou ao Doutor, empinou e saltou como um potro selvagem.

En - Entre na carroça, Doutor - sussurrou. - Entre, ou jogarei esses tolos na vala.

En O Doutor temeu um acidente. Pegou o freio do cavalo e afagou seu nariz. Imediatamente o animal ficou calmo e dócil.

En O Doutor segurou o freio.

En - Seu cavalo está um pouco nervoso, senhor - disse o Doutor ao fazendeiro. - Permite que eu o conduza por algum tempo? Sou médico de animais.

En - Claro - disse o fazendeiro. - Eu pensava entender de cavalos, mas esta manhã não consigo fazer nada com ele.

En O Doutor subiu e pegou as rédeas. O Homem da Carne de Gato entrou atrás e sentou-se ao lado da esposa zangada, rindo de prazer.

En - Belo dia, senhora Stiles - disse Matthew Mugg. - Como estão os ratos do celeiro?

En Chegaram a Grimbledon no meio da manhã. A cidade estava movimentada e cheia de pessoas em férias. No mercado de gado havia vacas bonitas, porcos premiados, ovelhas gordas e cavalos com fitas nas crinas.

En O Doutor e Matthew atravessaram lentamente a multidão até o circo. O Doutor temia ter de pagar para entrar, pois não tinha dinheiro. Mas na entrada havia uma plataforma alta com cortinas, como um pequeno palco ao ar livre. Um homem de enormes bigodes pretos ficava ali, apresentando à multidão pessoas de roupas coloridas que saíam das cortinas. Dizia que faziam coisas incríveis e que cada uma era a maior do mundo. A multidão acreditava, pagava e entrava pouco a pouco.

En - Aí está - sussurrou o Homem da Carne de Gato ao ouvido do Doutor. - Eu não disse que era um bom espetáculo? Veja! Centenas de pessoas entrando.

En - Aquele homem grande é o gerente? - perguntou o Doutor.

En - Sim. É o próprio Blossom, Alexander Blossom. É o homem que viemos procurar.

En O Doutor abriu caminho entre as pessoas, com Matthew atrás. Chegou à frente e tentou dizer ao homem da plataforma que queria falar com ele. Mas o senhor Blossom estava ocupado gritando sobre o espetáculo, e o Doutor era pequeno no meio da multidão; o homem não o notou.

En - Suba à plataforma - disse Matthew. - Suba e fale com ele.

En O Doutor subiu por um canto do palco. Ficou tímido ao perceber quantas pessoas o observavam, mas criou coragem, tocou o homem que gritava no braço e disse:

En - Com licença.

En O senhor Blossom parou de anunciar o ‘maior espetáculo do mundo’ e olhou para o homenzinho redondo ao seu lado.

En - Hum... hum... - começou o Doutor.

En Então fez-se silêncio. As pessoas começaram a rir baixinho.

En Blossom, como a maioria dos empresários de espetáculos, sempre sabia o que dizer e gostava de ser engraçado à custa dos outros. John Dolittle ainda pensava em como começar quando o gerente se virou para a multidão, apontou para ele e gritou:

En - E esta, senhoras e senhores, é a verdadeira Humpty-Dumpty, que tanto trabalho deu aos homens do rei. Paguem e entrem! Venham vê-lo cair do muro!

En A multidão riu alto. O pobre Doutor ficou ainda mais constrangido.

En - Fale com ele, Doutor, fale com ele! - gritou o Homem da Carne de Gato lá de baixo.

En Logo o riso diminuiu. O Doutor tentou novamente. Acabara de abrir a boca quando um grito agudo veio da multidão: - John!

En O Doutor se virou e olhou por cima das cabeças para ver quem o chamava. Bem na borda da multidão viu uma mulher acenando para ele com uma sombrinha verde.

En - Quem é? - perguntou o Homem da Carne de Gato.

En - Céus! - gemeu o Doutor. Desceu da plataforma envergonhado. - O que faremos agora? Matthew, é Sarah!

O TERCEIRO CAPÍTULO - ACORDOS DE NEGÓCIOS

En - Ora, ora, Sarah! - disse John Dolittle quando finalmente chegou até ela. - Você parece tão saudável e gordinha!

En - Não estou, John - disse Sarah com voz dura. - Diga-me por que está agindo como palhaço naquela plataforma. Não bastou abandonar seu melhor trabalho no Oeste por camundongos e sapos de estimação? Não tem orgulho? O que está fazendo lá em cima?

En - Estava pensando em entrar para o circo - disse o Doutor.

En Sarah suspirou e levou a mão à cabeça, parecendo prestes a desmaiar. Então um homem alto e magro, vestido como pastor, aproximou-se e segurou seu braço.

En - O que foi, querida? - perguntou ele.

En - Launcelot - disse Sarah, fraca - , este é meu irmão, John Dolittle. John, este é o reverendo Launcelot Dingle, reitor de Grimbledon, meu marido. Mas, John, você não pode estar falando sério. Entrar para o circo! Que vergonha! Deve estar brincando. E quem é este homem? - perguntou quando Matthew Mugg chegou.

En - Este é Matthew Mugg - disse o Doutor. - É claro que se lembra dele.

En - Eca! O caçador de ratos - disse Sarah, fechando os olhos de medo.

En - Não, de modo algum. Ele é comerciante de carne - disse o Doutor. - Senhor Mugg, este é o reverendo Launcelot Dingle. O Doutor apresentou seu amigo rude e sujo como se fosse um rei. - É meu paciente mais importante - acrescentou.

En - Escute, John - disse Sarah. - Se realmente fizer essa loucura, prometa usar outro nome. Imagine o que diriam ao saber que o cunhado do reitor é um simples artista de circo!

En O Doutor pensou por um instante e sorriu.

En - Está bem, Sarah, usarei outro nome. Mas não posso impedir que alguém me reconheça, posso?

En Depois de se despedirem de Sarah, o Doutor e Matthew voltaram ao gerente. Encontraram-no contando dinheiro no portão e, dessa vez, puderam falar facilmente.

En John Dolittle contou-lhe sobre o animal extraordinário que tinha em casa e disse que queria entrar para o circo com ele. Alexander Blossom quis ver o animal e mandou o Doutor levá-lo, mas John Dolittle disse que seria melhor o gerente ir a Puddleby conhecê-lo.

En Concordaram. Depois de explicarem a Blossom como encontrar a pequena casa na estrada de Oxenthorpe, voltaram para casa muito felizes com o sucesso.

En - Se você entrar para o Circo de Blossom - perguntou Matthew enquanto caminhavam e comiam sanduíches de sardinha - , me levará com você, Doutor? Posso ajudar muito: cuidar da caravana, alimentar os animais e limpar.

En - Será bem-vindo, Matthew - disse o Doutor. - Mas e seu trabalho?

En - Ah, isso - disse Matthew, mordendo outro sanduíche. - Não dá dinheiro e é muito chato dar carne em palitos a poodles gordos! Não há aventura. Gosto de aventura, sempre fui assim. O circo é vida de verdade, trabalho para um homem.

En Ele ergueu o sanduíche em direção ao céu.

En - Mas e sua esposa? - perguntou o Doutor.

En - Theodosia? Ela viria. É corajosa como eu. Poderia remendar roupas e fazer pequenos trabalhos. O que acha?

En - O que acho? - perguntou o Doutor, ainda olhando a estrada enquanto caminhava. - Eu estava pensando em Sarah.

En - O homem com quem ela se casou é estranho, não é? O reverendo Dangle? - disse Matthew.

En - Dingle - corrigiu o Doutor. - Sim. Ele também é corajoso. O mundo é engraçado. Pobre Sarah querida. Pobre velho Dingle. Ora, ora.

En Tarde naquela noite, depois que a Feira de Grimbledon fechou, o senhor Blossom, o mestre de cerimônias, foi à casa do Doutor em Puddleby.

En Uma lanterna mostrou-lhe o pushmi-pullyu comendo grama no gramado. Depois ele voltou à biblioteca com o Doutor e perguntou:

En - Quanto quer por esse animal?

En - Não, ele não está à venda - disse o Doutor.

En - Ora, vamos - disse o gerente. - Você não precisa dele. Qualquer um vê que não é um verdadeiro artista. Dou-lhe vinte libras por ele.

En - Não - disse o Doutor.

En - Trinta libras - disse Blossom.

En O Doutor continuou dizendo não.

En - Quarenta libras, cinquenta - disse o gerente. Depois ofereceu cada vez mais. O Homem da Carne de Gato, que escutava, arregalou os olhos de surpresa.

En - Não adianta - disse o Doutor por fim. - Você precisa levar a mim e ao animal para o circo, ou deixá-lo aqui. Prometi garantir que ele fosse bem tratado.

En O empresário perguntou: - O que quer dizer? Ele não é seu animal? A quem prometeu?

En - Ele é dono de si mesmo - disse o Doutor. - Veio aqui para me ajudar. Fiz minha promessa a ele, ao pushmi-pullyu.

En - O quê! Está louco? - perguntou o empresário.

En Matthew Mugg ia contar a Blossom que o Doutor falava a língua dos animais, mas John Dolittle fez sinal para que ficasse quieto.

En - Portanto, veja - continuou - , você precisa levar nós dois ou nenhum.

En Então Blossom disse que não concordaria. Matthew ficou muito triste. Blossom pegou o chapéu e foi embora.

En Mas pensou que o Doutor mudaria de ideia. Tinha saído havia apenas dez minutos quando tocou a campainha e voltou para conversar mais.

En Por fim, o empresário aceitou todos os desejos do Doutor. O pushmi-pullyu e o grupo teriam uma carroça nova. Viajariam com o circo, mas seriam livres. O dinheiro seria dividido igualmente entre o Doutor e o gerente. Quando o pushmi-pullyu quisesse folga, teria folga. Blossom forneceria qualquer comida que ele desejasse.

En Depois de planejarem tudo, o homem disse que enviaria a caravana no dia seguinte e preparou-se para partir.

En Na porta da frente, parou e perguntou: - A propósito, qual é seu nome?

En O Doutor ia dizer, mas lembrou-se do pedido de Sarah.

En - Ah, chame-me de John Smith - disse.

En - Está bem, senhor Smith - disse o empresário. - Deixe o grupo pronto às onze da manhã. Boa noite.

En - Boa noite - disse o Doutor.

En Quando a porta se fechou, Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Jip, Too-Too e o camundongo branco saíram. Tinham se escondido e escutado em diferentes partes da casa. Todos começaram a falar alto no corredor.

En - Viva! - grunhiu Gub-Gub. - Viva o circo!

En - Viva o circo!

En - Ora - disse Matthew ao Doutor - , afinal você é um bom homem de negócios! Fez Blossom concordar com tudo. Ele não queria perder a oportunidade. Viu como voltou depressa quando pensou que o acordo acabara? Acho que quer ganhar muito dinheiro conosco.

En - Pobre casa velha - disse Dab-Dab, espanando carinhosamente o cabide. - Vamos deixá-la de novo tão depressa!

En - Viva! - gritou Gub-Gub. Tentou ficar sobre as patas traseiras e equilibrar o chapéu do Doutor no nariz. - Viva o circo! Amanhã! Uhu!

O QUARTO CAPÍTULO - O DOUTOR É DESCOBERTO

En Bem cedo na manhã seguinte, Dab-Dab deixou a casa inteira ocupada. Disse que deveriam tomar o café e tirar a mesa antes das sete, para ficarem prontos às onze.

En Dab-Dab trabalhou muito. Fechou a casa e deixou todos esperando nos degraus da frente horas antes da chegada da carroça. Mas o Doutor ainda estava ocupado: até o último minuto chegavam pacientes animais doentes do campo.

En Por fim Jip voltou correndo. Estivera observando do lado de fora e correu para os outros no jardim.

En - A carroça está chegando - disse, sem fôlego. - É vermelha e amarela. Está logo depois da curva.

En Todos ficaram animados e pegaram seus pertences. Gub-Gub tinha um feixe de nabos. Ao descer os degraus, o cordão arrebentou e os nabos brancos rolaram por toda parte.

En Quando a carroça apareceu, era muito bonita. Parecia uma caravana cigana, com janelas, porta e chaminé. Era nova e pintada de cores vivas.

En Esperando nos degraus da frente.

En O cavalo não era novo. Era muito velho. O Doutor disse que nunca vira um animal tão cansado e gasto. Conversou com ele e soube que trabalhara no circo por trinta e cinco anos. O cavalo disse estar muito cansado. Chamava-se Beppo, e o Doutor decidiu dizer a Blossom que deveria aposentar-se e viver tranquilamente.

En Embora a carroça fosse nova, Dab-Dab a varreu antes de colocar os pacotes dentro. Amarrou a roupa de cama do Doutor num lençol, como roupas para a lavanderia, para que não ficasse suja.

En Quando todos os animais e malas estavam dentro, o Doutor se preocupou que o cavalo velho não conseguisse puxar tanto peso. Quis empurrar por trás para ajudar, mas Beppo disse que conseguiria. O Doutor não entrou, pois isso acrescentaria peso. Fecharam a porta e puxaram as cortinas para ninguém ver o pushmi-pullyu durante o caminho. Partiram para Grimbledon, com o homem que trouxera a carroça dirigindo e o Doutor e o Homem da Carne de Gato caminhando atrás.

En Ao passar pelo mercado de Puddleby, o motorista parou numa loja. Enquanto a caravana esperava, uma multidão cercou a carroça, querendo saber para onde ia e o que havia dentro. Matthew queria contar, mas o Doutor não o deixou falar.

En Chegaram ao terreno da Feira de Grimbledon por volta das duas da tarde e entraram no circo por um portão dos fundos. Lá dentro, Blossom esperava para recebê-los.

En Blossom ficou surpreso quando abriram a van e ele viu os animais estranhos trazidos pelo Doutor, especialmente o porco. Mas estava tão feliz por ter o pushmi-pullyu que não se importou.

En Blossom levou-os ao estande, que construíra naquela manhã. O Doutor viu que era parecido com o lugar onde falara com Blossom pela primeira vez: uma plataforma de um metro de altura, com uma sala de madeira e lona em cima, acessível por degraus. Cortinas cobriam a entrada, para ninguém ver lá dentro sem pagar.

En À frente havia uma placa.

En O Pushmi-pullyu!

En Venha ver o incrível

En animal de duas cabeças

En das selvas da África!

En Entrada: seis pence.

En A carroça vermelha e amarela onde o grupo do Doutor viveria foi colocada atrás do estande, exceto o pushmi-pullyu. Dab-Dab imediatamente fez camas e arrumou tudo para parecer uma casa.

En Blossom queria mostrar o pushmi-pullyu imediatamente, mas o Doutor recusou. Disse que um animal selvagem precisava descansar depois da viagem de Puddleby e que o tímido animal precisava acostumar-se ao barulho do circo antes de ser observado por muitos visitantes.

En Blossom não ficou feliz, mas concordou. Ofereceu-se para mostrar o circo ao Doutor. Depois de colocar o pushmi-pullyu em sua nova casa, caminharam com Alexander Blossom.

En O espetáculo principal acontecia apenas duas vezes por dia, numa grande tenda central. Ao redor havia tendas e estandes menores, muitos cobrando entrada extra. O lugar do Doutor seria um deles. Havia jogos de tiro, adivinhações, homens selvagens, mulheres barbadas, carrosséis, homens fortes, encantadores de serpentes, um zoológico e muito mais.

En Primeiro Blossom levou-os ao zoológico. Era uma coleção suja e pobre. A maioria dos animais estava suja e triste. O Doutor ficou muito triste e quis discutir com Blossom, mas o Homem da Carne de Gato sussurrou-lhe ao ouvido:

En - Não arrume confusão agora, Doutor. Espere um pouco. Depois que o chefe vir como você é útil com animais artistas, poderá fazer o que quiser com ele. Se reclamar agora, podemos perder nossos empregos e então você não poderá fazer nada.

En John Dolittle achou que era um bom conselho. Por enquanto, apenas sussurrou aos animais através das grades, dizendo que esperava ajudá-los mais tarde.

En Quando entraram, um homem sujo mostrava a coleção a algumas pessoas do campo. Parou diante de uma gaiola com um pequeno animal peludo e disse:

En - E este, senhoras e senhores, é o famoso Hurri-Gurri, das florestas da Patagônia. Pendurava-se nas árvores pela cauda. Passemos à próxima gaiola.

En O Doutor, com Gub-Gub atrás, aproximou-se e olhou para o ‘famoso Hurri-Gurri’.

En - Ora - disse ele - , é apenas um gambá comum da América. É um marsupial.

En - É um marsupial.

En - Como sabe que é um ‘mar-supial’, Doutor? - perguntou Gub-Gub. - Ela não tem filhotes com ela. Talvez seja um ‘pai-supial’.

En Na gaiola seguinte, o homem gritou: - E este é o maior elefante em cativeiro.

En - É quase o menor que já vi - disse o Doutor baixinho.

En Então o senhor Blossom disse que deveriam assistir ao próximo número, a Princesa Fatima, a encantadora de serpentes. Levou-os da casa quente e malcheirosa dos animais para o ar livre. Ao passar pelas gaiolas, o Doutor olhou para baixo e franziu a testa. Os animais conheciam John Dolittle e queriam que ele parasse para conversar.

En Entraram na tenda da encantadora de serpentes. Só eles estavam lá. A Princesa Fatima estava junto a uma grande caixa de cobras. Matthew olhou, ficou apavorado e fugiu.

En - Está tudo bem, Matthew - chamou o Doutor. - Não tenha medo. Elas não podem machucá-lo.

En - Como assim, não podem? - perguntou Fatima, zangada, olhando para o Doutor. - São najas-reais da Índia, as serpentes mais perigosas que existem.

En - Isso não é verdade - disse o Doutor.

En - São cobras-pretas americanas. Não são venenosas. - Ele fez cócegas no queixo de uma delas.

En - Deixe essas cobras em paz! - gritou Fatima, levantando-se da cadeira. - Ou baterei na sua cabeça.

En - Deixe essas cobras em paz!

En Então Blossom interveio e apresentou a Princesa irritada ao senhor Smith.

En Conversaram, mas Fatima continuou zangada. Depois outras pessoas chegaram para ver o número. O senhor Blossom levou o grupo do Doutor a um canto e falou baixo.

En - Ela é maravilhosa, Smith. É um dos meus melhores números. Observe agora.

En Atrás das cortinas, alguém começou a tocar tambor e flauta. Fatima levantou-se, tirou duas cobras da caixa e colocou-as no pescoço e nos braços.

En - Aproximem-se um pouco, senhoras e senhores - disse suavemente à multidão. - Assim poderão ver melhor.

En - Por que ela fala desse jeito? - sussurrou Gub-Gub ao Doutor.

En - Psiu! Acho que está tentando falar com sotaque oriental - disse John Dolittle.

En - Para mim parece sotaque de batata quente - murmurou Gub-Gub. - Ela não é gorda e trêmula?

En Como o Doutor não parecia satisfeito, o mestre do circo levou-os para ver os outros números.

En Perto da barraca do homem forte, Gub-Gub viu o teatro de Punch e Judy. Naquele momento, Toby, o cão, mordia o nariz do senhor Punch. Gub-Gub adorou e mal conseguiram afastá-lo. Durante toda a visita ao circo, aquilo foi seu favorito. Nunca perdia um espetáculo. A peça era sempre igual, mas ele nunca se cansava.

En Na barraca seguinte, muitas pessoas observavam o homem forte levantar pesos enormes. Era de verdade, não uma fraude. John Dolittle, muito interessado, bateu palmas e assistiu com elas.

En O homem forte tinha aparência séria e músculos enormes. O Doutor gostou dele imediatamente. Um número consistia em deitar de costas e levantar com os pés um haltere enorme, até as pernas ficarem apontadas para cima. Também precisava de bom equilíbrio, pois uma queda ruim poderia machucá-lo. Naquele dia, enquanto a multidão o admirava, uma tábua do palco quebrou e o pesado haltere caiu sobre seu peito.

En A multidão gritou, e Blossom subiu ao palco. Dois homens tiveram de tirar o haltere do corpo do homem forte, mas ele ainda não se levantou. Ficou imóvel, de olhos fechados e rosto muito pálido.

En - Chamem um médico - gritou Blossom ao Homem da Carne de Gato. - Depressa! Ele está ferido e inconsciente. Um médico, rápido!

En John Dolittle já estava no palco. Ficou diante do mestre de cerimônias, que se ajoelhara ao lado do ferido.

En - Afaste-se e deixe-me examiná-lo - disse calmamente.

En - O que pode fazer? Ele está muito ferido. Veja, está respirando de modo estranho. Precisamos de um médico.

En - Eu sou médico - disse John Dolittle. - Matthew, corra à carroça e pegue minha bolsa preta.

En - Você é médico! - disse Blossom, levantando-se dos joelhos. - Pensei que se chamasse senhor Smith.

En - É claro que ele é médico - disse uma voz da multidão. - Houve uma época em que era o médico mais conhecido do Oeste. Eu o conheço. Seu nome é Dolittle, John Dolittle, de Puddleby-on-the-Marsh.

O QUINTO CAPÍTULO - O DOUTOR FICA DESANIMADO

En O médico descobriu que o haltere quebrara duas costelas do homem forte, mas disse que ele se recuperaria logo por ser tão forte. O ferido foi colocado na cama de sua própria carroça. Enquanto se recuperava, o Doutor visitava-o quatro vezes por dia e Matthew dormia na carroça para cuidar dele.

En O homem forte, cujo nome artístico era Hercules, agradeceu muito a John Dolittle. Tornou-se amigo dele e mais tarde ajudou-o muitas vezes.

En Naquela noite, o Doutor foi dormir. Pensava que Fatima era sua inimiga e estava feliz por Hercules ser seu amigo.

En Agora as pessoas o conheciam: era o estranho médico de animais de Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. Não havia mais motivo para esconder o nome. Logo todos no circo o chamavam de ‘Doutor’. Hercules dizia a todos que ele era excelente, e pessoas de todos os tipos, da mulher barbada ao palhaço, começaram a procurá-lo para pequenos problemas de saúde.

En No dia seguinte, o pushmi-pullyu foi mostrado pela primeira vez. As pessoas o adoraram. Nunca tinham visto um animal de duas cabeças num circo, e muitos vieram observá-lo. No início ele era tímido e escondia uma cabeça na palha. Como ninguém acreditava que tivesse duas cabeças, o Doutor pediu que mantivesse ambas à vista.

En - Você não precisa olhar para as pessoas - disse ele. - Apenas deixe que vejam que tem realmente duas cabeças. Pode virar as costas para a multidão com as duas extremidades.

En Mas algumas pessoas tolas continuaram dizendo que uma cabeça era falsa, mesmo vendo as duas. Cutucavam o pobre animal com paus para saber se era empalhado. Certo dia, dois homens do campo fizeram isso, e o pushmi-pullyu ficou zangado. Levantou rapidamente as duas cabeças e cutucou as pernas dos dois homens. Então eles souberam que era real e vivo.

En Quando o Homem da Carne de Gato deixou de cuidar de Hercules, deixou a esposa encarregada. Depois o Doutor colocou-o de guarda dentro do estande, para impedir que visitantes tolos machucassem o animal. A pobre criatura sofreu no começo, mas, quando Jip lhe contou quanto dinheiro ganhavam, decidiu ficar por John Dolittle. Depois de algum tempo passou a pensar muito mal das pessoas, embora se acostumasse com seus rostos tolos e olhasse para elas com medo e desprezo pelas duas cabeças.

En Durante o espetáculo, o Doutor sentava-se e recebia o dinheiro, sorrindo para as pessoas. Também encontrava velhos amigos de Puddleby.

En A pobre Dab-Dab estava mais ocupada que nunca. Continuava cuidando da casa e também vigiava o Doutor o tempo todo. Muitas vezes ralhava com ele por deixar crianças entrarem de graça quando ela não estava olhando.

En Ao fim de cada dia, Blossom, o gerente, vinha dividir o dinheiro. Too-Too, o matemático, estava sempre presente na contagem para garantir que o Doutor recebesse a parte certa.

En O pushmi-pullyu era muito popular, mas o Doutor logo percebeu que levaria muito tempo para ganhar o bastante para pagar ao marinheiro o barco. Também precisava de dinheiro para si e sua família.

En Too-Too estava sempre presente.

En O Doutor ficou triste. Não gostava de muitas coisas no circo e queria deixá-lo. Seu próprio número era honesto, mas muitas outras partes eram falsas. Ele odiava falsidades. Também se sentia mal porque muitos jogos eram feitos para fazer as pessoas perderem dinheiro.

En O Doutor preocupava-se sobretudo com os animais, que julgava infelizes. Ao fim do primeiro dia, depois que a multidão partiu, foi ao zoológico conversar com eles. A maioria tinha queixas: as gaiolas não eram limpas, havia pouco espaço e exercício, e alguns recebiam comida inadequada.

En O Doutor ouviu tudo e ficou muito zangado. Imediatamente foi à carroça particular do mestre de cerimônias e explicou claramente o que deveria mudar.

En Blossom escutou até o Doutor terminar e depois riu.

En Blossom disse: - Se eu fizer tudo isso, perderei dinheiro e ficarei pobre. Quer que eu dê aposentadoria aos cavalos? Mande o hurri-gurri para casa? Limpe gaiolas o dia inteiro? Compre comida especial? Passeie com os animais todos os dias? Você está louco. Deixo que faça sua parte do seu jeito, mas farei o restante do meu. Não me diga o que fazer. Não perderei dinheiro por suas ideias.

En Triste, o Doutor saiu dos aposentos do gerente e voltou à própria carroça. Nos degraus viu o Homem da Carne de Gato fumando o cachimbo da noite. Perto dali, Beppo, o cavalo velho, comia a grama curta ao luar.

En - Bela noite - disse Matthew. - Você parece preocupado, Doutor. Há algum problema?

En - Sim - disse John Dolittle, sentando-se tristemente nos degraus. - Tudo está errado. Acabei de falar com Blossom sobre melhorar o zoológico, mas ele não fará nada do que pedi. Acho que deixarei o circo.

En - Ora, vamos - disse Matthew. - Você mal começou. Blossom nem sabe que você fala a língua dos animais. Circos não precisam ser ruins. Você poderia criar um novo tipo, limpo, honesto e especial. Pessoas de toda parte viriam vê-lo. Mas primeiro precisa de dinheiro. Não desista tão depressa.

En - Não adianta, Matthew. Não estou ajudando aqui e não posso ficar vendo animais infelizes. Nunca deveria ter entrado nesse trabalho.

En Nesse momento, o cavalo velho Beppo ouviu a voz do amigo. Aproximou-se e encostou gentilmente o nariz no ouvido do Doutor.

En - Olá - disse John Dolittle. - Beppo, receio não poder fazer nada por você. Sinto muito, mas vou deixar o circo.

En - Mas, Doutor - disse o cavalo velho - , você é nossa única esperança. Hoje ouvi o elefante e o Cavalo Falante. Eles disseram estar felizes com sua chegada. Tenha paciência; não pode mudar tudo de uma vez. Se partir, nunca conseguiremos o que queremos. Mas, se ficar, logo dirigirá o espetáculo do modo certo. Não nos preocupamos enquanto você está conosco. Por favor, fique. Sei que chegará o dia em que o novo circo, ‘O Circo Dolittle’, será o maior do mundo.

En Por um momento, o Doutor não disse nada. Matthew não compreendia a conversa com o cavalo e esperou que ele falasse.

En Por fim, levantou-se e entrou na caravana.

En - Bem - disse o Homem da Carne de Gato, preocupado - , você vai ficar?

En - Sim, Matthew - disse o Doutor. - Parece que preciso ficar. Boa noite.

En No fim daquela semana, a Feira de Grimbledon terminou, e o circo teve de seguir para a próxima cidade. Arrumar um grande espetáculo para uma longa viagem era um trabalho pesado. Todo o domingo o local ficou movimentado: homens corriam e gritavam ordens, tendas eram desmontadas e enroladas, e os estandes eram desmontados e colocados nas carroças. O lugar colorido logo ficou sem graça e desordenado. Os animais do Doutor nunca tinham visto isso. Dab-Dab ajudou na arrumação, enquanto os outros adoraram a agitação e as novidades.

En Uma coisa muito engraçada foi ver como os artistas pareciam quando tiravam as roupas de circo para viajar. Gub-Gub ficou confuso, pois não reconhecia ninguém. O palhaço tirou a tinta branca do rosto. A Princesa Fatima tirou as roupas finas e pareceu uma boa faxineira pronta para as férias. O Homem Selvagem de Bornéu vestiu colarinho e gravata e falou naturalmente. A Mulher Barbada tirou a barba, dobrou-a e guardou-a num baú.

En Então o circo pegou a estrada numa longa fila de caravanas. A próxima cidade ficava a cinquenta milhas, distância que não alcançariam em um dia caminhando devagar. À noite dormiam em tendas junto à estrada ou em espaços abertos. Assim os animais tinham dois prazeres: viam o campo de dia de sua casa sobre rodas e dormiam fora à noite como ciganos. Jip divertia-se perseguindo ratos nas valas e às vezes correndo atrás do cheiro de uma raposa. O ritmo lento lhe dava tempo para pequenas aventuras, e ele sempre conseguia alcançar o grupo. Gub-Gub gostava sobretudo de adivinhar onde dormiriam a cada noite.

En Seguindo o cheiro de uma raposa.

En Essa parte da viagem, quando paravam para dormir, parecia deixar todos felizes. Quando a chaleira fervia sobre o fogo junto à estrada, todos se animavam e começavam a conversar. Os dois amigos de Jip, o cão do palhaço e Toby, o cão de Punch e Judy, sempre chegavam quando a procissão parava e se juntavam ao grupo do Doutor. Também gostavam da ideia de John Dolittle dirigir o espetáculo ou ter seu próprio circo. Quando não contavam histórias maravilhosas da vida de cães artistas, diziam que um verdadeiro Circo Dolittle seria excelente.

En John Dolittle sempre dizia que os cães eram tão diferentes uns dos outros quanto as pessoas, talvez até mais. Escreveu um livro para provar isso, chamado Psicologia Canina. Muitos homens inteligentes riram e disseram que só um tolo escreveria sobre tal assunto, mas diziam isso apenas porque não o entendiam.

En Swizzle, o cão do palhaço, e Toby, o cão de Punch e Judy, eram muito diferentes. Swizzle parecia um cão mestiço comum, mas tinha grande senso de humor. Fazia piadas sobre tudo, em parte por ajudar o palhaço a fazer as pessoas rirem, mas também por seu modo de ver a vida. Muitas vezes contou ao Doutor e a Jip que, quando filhote, decidiu que nada no mundo merecia ser levado a sério demais. Ainda assim, era um artista verdadeiro e sempre enxergava a graça, até quando a piada era sobre ele mesmo.

En O humor de Swizzle deu ao Doutor a ideia dos primeiros jornais humorísticos para animais, quando mais tarde fundou o Clube dos Ratos e Camundongos. Chamavam-se Vida de Adega e Humor de Porão e pretendiam oferecer diversão leve aos animais que viviam em lugares escuros.

En Toby era muito diferente de Swizzle. Era um pequeno poodle branco anão e levava a vida muito a sério. O principal nele era querer obter tudo o que achava que deveria ter, sem ser egoísta. O Doutor dizia que esse jeito cuidadoso e prático era comum em cães pequenos, que muitas vezes precisavam compensar o tamanho sendo ousados. Na primeira vez que Toby visitou a caravana de John Dolittle, subiu na cama do Doutor e acomodou-se. Dab-Dab ficou chocada e tentou tirá-lo, mas ele recusou, dizendo que o Doutor não se importava e que ele era o dono da cama. Depois, sempre que visitava, ocupava aquele lugar no grupo da noite. Conquistara um direito especial por sua ousadia e costumava pedir coisas especiais, que geralmente recebia.

En Mas Toby e Swizzle tinham uma coisa em comum: ambos eram muito orgulhosos de sua amizade com John Dolittle, que consideravam o maior homem do mundo.

En Swizzle e Toby

En Certa noite, na primeira viagem entre cidades, o grupo parou junto à estrada como de costume. Havia uma bela fazenda perto, e Gub-Gub foi ver se havia porcos no chiqueiro. Assim, o grupo do Doutor estava reunido. Logo que a chaleira começou a ferver, Toby e Swizzle chegaram. Como a noite estava fresca, Dab-Dab usou o fogão da caravana em vez de fazer fogo fora. Todos se sentaram ao redor e conversaram.

En - Souberam da novidade, Doutor? - disse Toby, pulando na cama.

En - Não - disse John Dolittle. - O que é?

En - Na próxima cidade, Ashby, que é bem grande, vamos buscar Sophie.

En - Quem é Sophie? - perguntou o Doutor, tirando os chinelos de trás do fogão.

En Swizzle disse: - Ela estava conosco antes de você chegar. Sophie é uma foca artista. Equilibra bolas no nariz e faz truques na água. Ficou doente, por isso Blossom a deixou para trás há um mês. Agora está melhor. O cuidador a encontrará em Ashby e ela se juntará a nós. É uma garota simpática; acho que gostará dela.

En Ele levantou-se cansado da cama, onde não dormira.

En O circo chegou a Ashby por volta das nove da noite de quarta-feira. Abriria ao público na manhã seguinte, então os homens trabalharam durante toda a noite à luz de tochas. Montaram tendas, barracas e serragem. Mesmo depois que o estande do pushmi-pullyu ficou pronto e a família do Doutor foi dormir, ninguém descansou. O chão tremia com as marteladas e as pessoas gritavam. Depois veio a madrugada, mostrando a cidade de lona construída numa noite.

En John Dolittle saiu da cama muito cansado. Achava a vida de circo difícil. Depois do café, deixou Matthew no estande e foi encontrar a foca artista.

O SEXTO CAPÍTULO - SOPHIE, DO ALASCA

En O cuidador de Sophie, como os outros artistas, preparara seu número para o público. A foca se apresentava duas vezes por dia na grande tenda, depois dos irmãos Pinto e do Cavalo Falante. Em outros momentos era uma atração lateral como o pushmi-pullyu: num tanque, mergulhava em busca de peixes para quem pagasse três pence.

En Ainda era cedo. O cuidador de Sophie tomava café nos degraus quando o Doutor entrou no estande. Dentro havia um tanque de cerca de quatro metros de largura, enterrado no chão, cercado por uma plataforma com grade. Sophie era uma bela foca do Alasca, com quase um metro e meio, pele lisa e olhos inteligentes. Estava triste na água. Quando o Doutor falou em sua língua, ela o reconheceu e começou a chorar.

En - O que aconteceu? - perguntou John Dolittle.

En A foca continuou chorando sem responder.

En - Acalme-se - disse o Doutor. - Não fique perturbada. Diga-me: ainda está doente? Pensei que tivesse melhorado.

En - Sim, melhorei - disse Sophie entre lágrimas. - Foi apenas uma forte dor de estômago. Eles nos dão este peixe velho, sabe.

En - Então qual é o problema? - perguntou o Doutor. - Por que está chorando?

En - Eu chorava de alegria - disse Sophie. - Quando você entrou, eu pensava que John Dolittle era a única pessoa que poderia me ajudar. Soube de você pelo Correio e pela Monthly Ártica. Até lhe escrevi. Fui eu que escrevi aquelas histórias sobre nadar debaixo d’água. Lembra-se do Movimento do Alasca? Da braçada dupla? Saiu na edição de agosto da sua revista. Ficamos muito tristes quando você precisou interromper a Monthly Ártica. As focas adoravam-na.

En - Mas que problema você mencionou? - perguntou o Doutor.

En - Ah, sim - disse Sophie, chorando novamente. - Isso só mostra como estou feliz. Esqueci por um momento. Quando entrou, pensei que fosse apenas um visitante. Mas, quando falou a primeira palavra na língua das focas, e ainda na língua das focas do Alasca, soube quem era. John Dolittle, o único homem que eu queria ver! Foi emoção demais. Eu...

En - Vamos, vamos! - disse o Doutor. - Não chore outra vez. Diga-me o que está errado.

En - Bem - disse Sophie - , este é o problema: enquanto eu...

En Nesse momento ouviram um barulho do lado de fora: um balde chacoalhando.

En - Psiu! O cuidador está chegando - sussurrou rapidamente o Doutor. - Continue fazendo seus truques. Não deixarei que saibam que falo com os animais.

En Quando o cuidador entrou para limpar o chão, Sophie saltava e mergulhava para um homenzinho que usava uma cartola danificada na parte de trás da cabeça. O cuidador olhou para ele e começou a trabalhar, pensando que era apenas uma pessoa comum.

En Quando o cuidador terminou e saiu, Sophie voltou a falar.

En - Quando fiquei doente - disse a foca - , estávamos nos apresentando em Hatley-on-Sea. Meu cuidador, Higgins, e eu ficamos lá duas semanas enquanto o circo prosseguia sem nós. Há um pequeno zoológico perto do mar, em Hatley, com tanques para focas e lontras. Higgins contou ao cuidador das focas que eu estava doente. Pensaram que eu precisava de companhia e puseram-me com as outras focas até melhorar. Uma foca mais velha era da mesma região do estreito de Behring que eu. Ela me deu notícias terríveis de meu marido. Desde que fui levada, ele está triste e se recusa a comer. Antes era o líder do grupo, mas depois que parti ficou magro e fraco, e outra foca virou líder. Agora não esperam que ele viva. - Sophie começou a chorar de novo. - Eu entendo: nós nos amávamos muito. Ele era grande e forte, e as outras focas tinham medo de discutir com ele. Mas, sem mim, perdeu-se. Era como um bebê, dependia de mim para tudo. E agora não sei o que está acontecendo com ele. É terrível!

En - Espere - disse o Doutor. - Não chore. O que acha que deveria ser feito?

En - Devo ir até ele - disse Sophie, erguendo-se na água e abrindo as nadadeiras. - Devo ficar ao lado dele. Ele é o verdadeiro líder do grupo e precisa de mim. Eu esperava escapar em Hatley, mas não tive oportunidade.

En - Hum - murmurou o Doutor. - O estreito de Behring fica muito longe. Como chegaria lá?

En - É por isso que queria falar com você - disse Sophie. - Por terra, movo-me muito devagar. Se tivesse escapado de Hatley, ficaria bem, pois, quando alcançasse o mar, chegaria rapidamente ao Alasca.

En - Preciso ir até ele.

En - Sim - disse o Doutor, sacudindo a água das botas. - Vejo que é uma nadadora forte. A que distância estamos da costa?

En - Cerca de cem milhas. Oh, pobre Slushy! Meu pobre Slushy!

En - Pobre quem? - perguntou o Doutor.

En - Slushy - disse a foca. - Esse é o nome do meu marido. O pobre e simples Slushy confiava em mim para tudo. O que posso fazer?

En John Dolittle disse: - Escute. Não é fácil levá-la secretamente ao mar, mas é possível. Preciso pensar. Talvez consiga libertá-la de outro modo. Mandarei uma ave avisar seu marido para não se preocupar e trazer notícias dele. Anime-se; algumas pessoas vêm vê-la.

THE FIRST CHAPTER - THE FIRESIDE CIRCLE

A2 Português (simplified)

Esta é uma história de parte das aventuras do Doutor Dolittle. Começou quando ele entrou para um circo e viajou com ele. No início, não planejava fazer isso por muito tempo; queria apenas mostrar o pushmi-pullyu até ganhar dinheiro suficiente para pagar ao marinheiro o barco emprestado e destruído.

Original English

THIS IS THE story of that part of Doctor Dolittle’s adventures which came about through his joining and traveling with a circus. He had not planned in the beginning to follow this life for any considerable time. His intention had only been to take the pushmi-pullyu out on show long enough to make sufficient money to pay the sailor back for the boat which had been borrowed and wrecked.

Original Português

ESTA É A história daquela parte das aventuras do Doutor Dolittle que surgiu por ele ter se juntado e viajado com um circo. No começo, ele não planejara seguir essa vida por muito tempo. Sua intenção fora apenas levar o pushmi-pullyu para ser exibido tempo bastante para juntar dinheiro suficiente e pagar ao marinheiro o barco que havia sido emprestado e naufragado.

Back to A2    Original English

A2 Português (simplified)

Too-Too tinha razão. Não era difícil John Dolittle ficar rico, pois não precisava de muito dinheiro. Mas era difícil continuar rico. Dab-Dab dizia que, nos anos em que o conhecera, ele estivera bem de vida cinco ou seis vezes. Quando tinha mais dinheiro, logo ficava pobre outra vez.

Original English

But a remark Too-Too had made was true; it was not so hard for John Dolittle to become rich - for indeed he was easily satisfied where money was concerned - but it was a very different matter for him to remain rich. Dab-Dab used to say that during the years she had known him he had, to her knowledge, been quite well off five or six times; but that the more money he had, the sooner you could expect him to be poor again.

Original Português

Mas uma observação feita por Too-Too era verdadeira: não era tão difícil para John Dolittle ficar rico - pois, na verdade, ele se satisfazia facilmente no que dizia respeito a dinheiro - , mas era uma coisa muito diferente continuar rico. Dab-Dab costumava dizer que, durante os anos em que o conhecera, ele fora, que ela soubesse, bastante bem de vida cinco ou seis vezes; mas que, quanto mais dinheiro tinha, mais cedo se podia esperar que ficasse pobre outra vez.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Dab-Dab não considerava uma fortuna algo muito grande. Mas, durante o tempo no circo, o Doutor muitas vezes tinha dinheiro suficiente para parecer próspero. Com a mesma frequência, ficava sem dinheiro ao fim da semana ou do mês.

Original English

Dab-Dab’s idea of a fortune was not of course very large. But certainly during his experience with the circus the Doctor repeatedly had enough money in his pockets to be considered well to do; and, as regular as clockwork, by the end of the week or the month he would be penniless again.

Original Português

A ideia de fortuna de Dab-Dab, naturalmente, não era muito grande. Mas, com certeza, durante sua experiência com o circo, o Doutor teve repetidas vezes dinheiro suficiente nos bolsos para ser considerado abastado; e, com regularidade de relógio, ao fim da semana ou do mês, estava sem um tostão outra vez.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Começamos quando o grupo Dolittle voltou à pequena casa em Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, depois da longa viagem da África. O grupo era Jip, o cão; Dab-Dab, a pata; Too-Too, a coruja; Gub-Gub, o porco; o pushmi-pullyu; e o camundongo branco. Era difícil alimentar tantos animais. O Doutor não tinha dinheiro e preocupava-se com a comida. Mas Dab-Dab trouxera os alimentos que sobraram do navio dos piratas. Disse que durariam um ou dois dias se fossem usados com cuidado.

Original English

Well, the point from which we are beginning, then, is where the Dolittle party (Jip the dog, Dab-Dab the duck, Too-Too the owl, Gub-Gub the pig, the pushmi-pullyu and the white mouse) had returned at last to the little house in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh after their long journey from Africa. It was a large family to find food for. And the Doctor, without a penny in his pockets, had been a good deal worried over how he was going to feed it, even during the short time they would be here before arrangements were made to join a circus. However, the thoughtful Dab-Dab had made them carry up from the pirates’ ship such supplies as remained in the larder after the voyage was done. These, she said, should last the household - with economy - for a day or two at least.

Original Português

Pois bem, o ponto de onde começamos, então, é aquele em que o grupo de Dolittle - Jip, o cão; Dab-Dab, a pata; Too-Too, a coruja; Gub-Gub, o porco; o pushmi-pullyu; e o camundongo branco - havia finalmente retornado à pequena casa em Puddleby-on-the-Marsh depois da longa viagem da África. Era uma família grande para alimentar. E o Doutor, sem um tostão nos bolsos, andava bastante preocupado com a maneira de sustentá-la, mesmo durante o curto período em que ficariam ali antes de se fazerem os arranjos para ingressar num circo. Contudo, a previdente Dab-Dab fizera com que trouxessem do navio dos piratas todas as provisões que restavam na despensa ao fim da viagem. Estas, disse ela, deveriam sustentar a casa - com economia - por um ou dois dias, pelo menos.

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A2 Português (simplified)

A princípio, todos estavam tão felizes por estar em casa que esqueceram as preocupações, exceto Dab-Dab. Ela foi direto à cozinha, começou a limpar e cozinhar. Os outros, inclusive o Doutor, foram ao jardim rever seus lugares favoritos. Ainda passeavam quando Dab-Dab os chamou para o almoço com uma frigideira e uma colher. Correram para dentro e ficaram felizes por comer novamente na velha cozinha.

Original English

The animals’ delight had at first, on getting back home, banished every care or thought of the morrow from the minds of all - except Dab-Dab. That good housekeeper had gone straight to the kitchen and set about the cleaning of pots and the cooking of food. The rest of them, the Doctor included, had gone out into the garden to re-explore all the well-known spots. And they were still roaming and poking around every nook and corner of their beloved home when they were suddenly summoned to luncheon by Dab-Dab’s dinner-bell - a frying pan beaten with a spoon. At this there was a grand rush for the back door. And they all came trundling in from the garden, gabbling with delight at the prospect of taking a meal again in the dear old kitchen where they had in times past spent so many jolly hours together.

Original Português

A alegria dos animais, a princípio, ao voltarem para casa, banira todos os cuidados ou pensamentos do dia seguinte da mente de todos - exceto de Dab-Dab. Aquela boa governanta foi direto para a cozinha e pôs-se a limpar panelas e a preparar comida. O restante deles, incluindo o Doutor, saiu para o jardim a fim de reexplorar todos os lugares conhecidos. E ainda estavam vagando e mexendo em cada canto e recanto de seu lar querido quando foram subitamente chamados para o almoço pelo sino de jantar de Dab-Dab - uma frigideira batida com uma colher. A isso seguiu-se uma grande corrida para a porta dos fundos. E todos entraram trotando do jardim, tagarelando de alegria diante da perspectiva de tomar novamente uma refeição na querida velha cozinha onde, em tempos passados, haviam passado juntos tantas horas alegres.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Hoje à noite fará frio suficiente para acender o fogo - disse Jip quando se sentaram à mesa. - Este vento de setembro está frio. Doutor, contará uma história depois do jantar? Faz muito tempo que não nos sentamos juntos junto à lareira.

Original English

“It will be cold enough for a fire to-night,” said Jip as they took their places at the table. “This September wind has a chilly snap in it. Will you tell us a story after supper, Doctor? It’s a long time since we sat around the hearth in a ring.”

Original Português

“Vai estar frio o bastante para acender a lareira esta noite”, disse Jip, enquanto tomavam seus lugares à mesa. “Este vento de setembro tem um corte gelado. O senhor nos contará uma história depois do jantar, Doutor? Faz muito tempo que não nos sentamos em roda ao redor do fogo.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Ou leia para nós seus livros de histórias de animais - disse Gub-Gub. - Leia aquele sobre a Raposa que tentou roubar o ganso do rei.

Original English

“Or read to us out of your animal story books,” said Gub-Gub, “the one about the Fox who tried to steal the King’s goose.”

Original Português

“Ou leia para nós um dos seus livros de histórias de animais”, disse Gub-Gub, “aquele sobre a Raposa que tentou roubar a gansa do Rei.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Talvez - disse o Doutor. - Veremos. Estas sardinhas são muito boas. Acho que os piratas as trouxeram de Bordeaux. Sardinhas francesas de verdade têm este sabor.

Original English

“Well, maybe,” said the Doctor. “We’ll see. We’ll see. What delicious sardines these are that the pirates had! From Bordeaux, by the taste of them. There’s no mistaking real French sardines.”

Original Português

“Bem, talvez”, disse o Doutor. “Veremos. Veremos. Que sardinhas deliciosas são estas que os piratas tinham! De Bordeaux, pelo gosto. Não há como confundir verdadeiras sardinhas francesas.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Nesse momento chamaram o Doutor à clínica para atender um paciente: uma doninha com a garra quebrada. Logo depois, um galo veio de uma fazenda próxima com dor de garganta. Disse que só conseguia cantar num sussurro, por isso ninguém na fazenda acordava de manhã. Depois vieram dois faisões com um pintinho que desde o nascimento nunca conseguira bicar direito.

Original English

At this moment the Doctor was called away to see a patient in the surgery - a weasel who had broken a claw. And he was no sooner done with that when a rooster with a sore throat turned up from a neighboring farm. He was so hoarse, he said, he could only crow in a whisper, and nobody on his farm woke up in the morning. Then two pheasants arrived to show him a scrawny chick which had never been able to peck properly since it was born.

Original Português

Nesse momento, o Doutor foi chamado para atender um paciente na cirurgia - uma doninha que havia quebrado uma garra. E mal terminou esse atendimento quando apareceu, vindo de uma fazenda vizinha, um galo com dor de garganta. Estava tão rouco, disse ele, que só conseguia cantar em sussurro, e ninguém em sua fazenda acordava de manhã. Depois chegaram dois faisões para mostrar-lhe um pintinho mirrado que nunca conseguira bicar direito desde que nascera.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Ele só conseguia cantar num sussurro suave.

Original English

“He could only crow in a whisper”

Original Português

“Ele só conseguia cantar em sussurro”

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A2 Português (simplified)

As pessoas de Puddleby ainda não sabiam que o Doutor voltara, mas os animais e as aves já sabiam. A tarde inteira ele ficou ocupado com curativos, conselhos e remédios. Uma grande multidão de criaturas esperava diante da porta da clínica.

Original English

For, although the people in Puddleby had not yet learned of the Doctor’s arrival, news of his coming had already spread among the animals, and the birds. And all that afternoon he was kept busy bandaging, advising and physicking, while a huge motley crowd of creatures waited patiently outside the surgery door.

Original Português

Pois, embora as pessoas de Puddleby ainda não tivessem sabido da chegada do Doutor, a notícia de seu retorno já se espalhara entre os animais e as aves. E durante toda aquela tarde ele se manteve ocupado enfaixando, aconselhando e medicando, enquanto uma enorme multidão heterogênea de criaturas esperava pacientemente do lado de fora da porta da cirurgia.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Ai de mim! Como nos velhos tempos - suspirou Dab-Dab. - Nada de paz. Os pacientes querem vê-lo o tempo todo.

Original English

“Ah me! - just like old times,” sighed Dab-Dab. “No peace. Patients clamoring to see him morning, noon and night.”

Original Português

“Ah, meu Deus! - exatamente como nos velhos tempos”, suspirou Dab-Dab. “Sem paz. Pacientes clamando por ele de manhã, de tarde e de noite.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Jip tinha razão. À noite fez muito frio. Encontraram lenha suficiente na adega para acender um fogo alegre na grande lareira. Depois do jantar, os animais sentaram-se ao redor e pediram ao Doutor uma história ou um capítulo de seus livros.

Original English

Jip had been right: by the time darkness came that night it was very chilly. Wood enough was found in the cellar to start a jolly fire in the big chimney. Round this the animals gathered after supper and pestered the Doctor for a story or a chapter from one of his books.

Original Português

Jip tinha razão: quando a escuridão chegou naquela noite, fazia muito frio. Encontrou-se lenha suficiente no porão para acender um fogo alegre na grande chaminé. Ao redor dele os animais se reuniram depois do jantar e importunaram o Doutor por uma história ou por um capítulo de um de seus livros.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Mas escutem - disse ele. - E o circo? Se queremos dinheiro para pagar ao marinheiro, precisamos pensar nisso. Ainda nem encontramos um circo para integrar. Como seria melhor começar? Eles viajam por toda parte. Deixe-me ver: a quem posso perguntar?

Original English

“But look here,” said he. “What about the circus? If we’re going to make money to pay the sailor back we’ve got to be thinking of that. We haven’t even found a circus to go with yet. I wonder what’s the best way to set about it. They travel all over the place, you know. Let me see: who could I ask?”

Original Português

“Mas, olhem aqui”, disse ele. “E o circo? Se vamos ganhar dinheiro para pagar o marinheiro, temos de pensar nisso. Nem sequer encontramos ainda um circo para acompanhar. Pergunto-me qual será a melhor maneira de começar. Eles viajam por toda parte, vocês sabem. Deixem-me ver: a quem eu poderia perguntar?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Psiu! - disse Too-Too. - Foi a campainha da porta da frente?

- Estranho! - disse o Doutor, levantando-se. - Já temos visitantes?

Original English

“Sh!” said Too-Too. “Wasn’t that the front door bell ringing?”

“Strange!” said the Doctor, getting up from his chair “Callers already?”

Original Português

“Sh!”, disse Too-Too. “Não foi a campainha da porta da frente que tocou?”

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Original Português

“Estranho!”, disse o Doutor, levantando-se da cadeira. “Visitas já?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Talvez seja a velha senhora com reumatismo - disse o camundongo branco, enquanto o Doutor ia ao corredor. - Talvez o médico de Oxenthorpe não fosse tão bom quanto ela pensava.

Original English

“Perhaps it’s the old lady with rheumatism,” said the white mouse as the Doctor walked out into the hall. “Maybe she didn’t find her Oxenthorpe doctor was so very good after all.”

Original Português

“Talvez seja a velha senhora com reumatismo”, disse o camundongo branco enquanto o Doutor saía para o vestíbulo. “Talvez ela não tenha achado, afinal, que o médico de Oxenthorpe fosse tão bom assim.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Quando John Dolittle acendeu as velas do corredor e abriu a porta da frente, viu no degrau o Homem da Carne de Gato.

Original English

When John Dolittle had lit the candles in the hall he opened the front door. And there standing on the threshold was the Cat’s-Meat-Man.

Original Português

Quando John Dolittle acendeu as velas no vestíbulo, abriu a porta da frente. E ali, parado no limiar, estava o Homem da Carne de Gato.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Ora, é Matthew Mugg, se estou vivo! - exclamou. - Entre, Matthew. Mas como soube que eu estava aqui?

Original English

“Why, it’s Matthew Mugg, as I’m alive!” he cried. “Come in Matthew, come in. But how did you know I was here?”

Original Português

“Ora, é Matthew Mugg, tão certo como eu estou vivo!”, exclamou ele. “Entre, Matthew, entre. Mas como soube que eu estava aqui?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- É Matthew Mugg!

Original English

“‘Why, it’s Matthew Mugg!’”

Original Português

“‘Ora, é Matthew Mugg!’”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Eu sabia, Doutor - disse o Homem da Carne de Gato ao entrar. - Esta manhã disse à minha esposa, Theodosia, que o Doutor voltara. Então vim à sua casa hoje à noite para verificar.

Original English

“I felt it in my bones, Doctor,” said the Cat’s-Meat-Man, stumping into the hall. “Only this morning I says to my wife, ‘Theodosia,’ I says, ‘something tells me the Doctor’s got back. And I’m going up to his house to-night to take a look.’”

Original Português

“Senti nos ossos, Doutor”, disse o Homem da Carne de Gato, entrando pesadamente no vestíbulo. “Ainda esta manhã eu disse à minha mulher, ‘Theodosia’, eu disse, ‘alguma coisa me diz que o Doutor voltou. E esta noite vou subir até a casa dele para dar uma olhada.’”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Fico feliz em vê-lo - disse John Dolittle. - Vamos à cozinha, onde está quente.

Original English

“Well, I’m glad to see you,” said John Dolittle. “Let’s go into the kitchen where it’s warm.”

Original Português

“Bem, estou contente em vê-lo”, disse John Dolittle. “Vamos para a cozinha, onde está quente.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O Homem da Carne de Gato disse que viera visitar o Doutor, mas trouxe presentes: um osso para Jip, queijo para o camundongo branco, um nabo para Gub-Gub e um vaso de flores para o Doutor. Sentou-se numa cadeira junto ao fogo, e John Dolittle lhe deu tabaco para o cachimbo.

Original English

Although he said he had only come on the chance of finding the Doctor, the Cat’s-Meat-Man had brought presents with him: a knuckle bone off a shoulder of mutton for Jip; a piece of cheese for the white mouse; a turnip for Gub-Gub and a pot of flowering geraniums for the Doctor. When the visitor was comfortably settled in the armchair before the fire John Dolittle handed him the tobacco-jar from the mantelpiece and told him to fill his pipe.

Original Português

Embora tivesse dito que viera apenas na esperança de encontrar o Doutor, o Homem da Carne de Gato trouxera presentes consigo: um osso de junta de uma paleta de carneiro para Jip; um pedaço de queijo para o camundongo branco; um nabo para Gub-Gub; e um vaso de gerânios floridos para o Doutor. Quando o visitante se instalou confortavelmente na poltrona diante do fogo, John Dolittle entregou-lhe o pote de tabaco da prateleira da lareira e disse-lhe que enchesse o cachimbo.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Recebi sua carta sobre o pardal - disse Matthew. - Imagino que ele o tenha encontrado bem.

Original English

“I got your letter about the sparrow,” said Matthew. “He found you all right, I s’pose.”

Original Português

“Recebi sua carta sobre o pardal”, disse Matthew. “Ele encontrou o senhor direitinho, suponho.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Sim, e ajudou-me muito. Deixou o navio perto de Devon porque queria voltar a Londres.

Original English

“Yes, and he was very useful to me. He left the ship when we were off the Devon coast. He was anxious to get back to London.”

Original Português

“Sim, e foi muito útil para mim. Deixou o navio quando estávamos ao largo da costa de Devon. Estava ansioso para voltar a Londres.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Vai ficar em casa por muito tempo agora?

Original English

“Are you home for a long stay now?”

Original Português

“O senhor voltou para ficar muito tempo agora?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Sim e não - disse o Doutor. - Quero ficar aqui alguns meses tranquilos e consertar o jardim. Mas primeiro preciso ganhar algum dinheiro.

Original English

“Well - yes and no,” said the Doctor. “I’d like nothing better than to enjoy a few quiet months here and get my garden to rights. It’s in a shocking mess. But unfortunately I’ve got to make some money first.”

Original Português

“Bem - sim e não”, disse o Doutor. “Nada me agradaria mais do que desfrutar alguns meses tranquilos aqui e pôr meu jardim em ordem. Ele está numa confusão terrível. Mas infelizmente preciso ganhar algum dinheiro primeiro.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Matthew soprou o cachimbo. - Tentei fazer isso a vida inteira - disse. - Nunca fui muito bom. Mas economizei vinte e cinco xelins, se isso puder ajudá-lo.

Original English

“Humph,” said Matthew, puffing at his pipe. “Meself*, I’ve bin trying to do that all my life - Never was very good at it. But I’ve got twenty-five shillings saved up, if that would help you.”

Original Português

“Humph”, disse Matthew, soprando a fumaça do cachimbo. “Eu mesmo tenho tentado fazer isso a vida inteira - nunca fui muito bom nisso. Mas tenho vinte e cinco xelins guardados, se isso ajudasse o senhor.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- É muito bondoso, Matthew - disse o Doutor. - Preciso de muito dinheiro e tenho dívidas para pagar. Mas escute: tenho um animal estranho chamado pushmi-pullyu, com duas cabeças. Os macacos da África deram-no a mim depois que curei uma doença por lá. Queriam que eu viajasse com ele num circo. Gostaria de vê-lo?

Original English

“It’s very kind of you, Matthew, very. The fact is I - er - I need a whole lot of money. I’ve got to pay back some debts. But listen: I have a strange kind of new animal - a pushmi-pullyu. He has two heads. The monkeys in Africa presented him to me after I had cured an epidemic for them. Their idea was that I should travel with him in a circus - on show, you know. Would you like to see him?”

Original Português

“É muita bondade sua, Matthew, muita. O fato é que eu - hum - preciso de uma grande quantia. Tenho algumas dívidas a pagar. Mas escute: tenho um estranho tipo de animal novo - um pushmi-pullyu. Ele tem duas cabeças. Os macacos da África o presentearam a mim depois que curei uma epidemia entre eles. A ideia deles era que eu viajasse com ele num circo - em exibição, sabe. Gostaria de vê-lo?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Certamente - disse o Homem da Carne de Gato. - Parece algo muito novo.

Original English

“I surely would,” said the Cat’s-Meat-Man. “Sounds like something very new.”

Original Português

“Com certeza gostaria”, disse o Homem da Carne de Gato. “Parece uma coisa bem nova.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Ele está no jardim - disse o Doutor. - Não o encare demais. Ainda não está acostumado. Fica muito tímido. Vamos levar um balde de água e fingir que lhe trouxemos uma bebida.

Original English

“He’s out in the garden,” said the Doctor. “Don’t stare at him too hard. He isn’t used to it yet. Gets frightfully embarrassed. Let’s take a bucket of water with us and just pretend we’ve brought him a drink.”

Original Português

“Ele está no jardim”, disse o Doutor. “Não olhe fixamente demais para ele. Ainda não está acostumado. Fica terrivelmente constrangido. Vamos levar conosco um balde de água e fingir que apenas lhe trouxemos uma bebida.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Quando Matthew voltou à cozinha com o Doutor, estava sorrindo e muito animado.

Original English

When Matthew came back into the kitchen with the Doctor he was all smiles and enthusiasm.

Original Português

Quando Matthew voltou à cozinha com o Doutor, estava todo sorrisos e entusiasmo.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- John Dolittle - disse ele - , você certamente ganhará muito dinheiro. Ninguém jamais viu algo assim. Sempre achei que deveria trabalhar num circo. Você é o único homem que conhece a língua dos animais. Quando começará?

Original English

“Why, John Dolittle,” said he, “you’ll make your fortune - sure as you’re alive! There’s never bin anything seen like that since the world began. And anyway, I always thought you ought to go into the circus business - you, the only man living that knows animal language. When are you going to start?”

Original Português

“Ora, John Dolittle”, disse ele, “o senhor vai fazer fortuna - tão certo como está vivo! Nunca se viu nada parecido desde que o mundo começou. E, de qualquer modo, sempre achei que o senhor devia entrar no negócio de circo - o senhor, o único homem vivo que conhece a língua dos animais. Quando vai começar?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Esse é o problema. Talvez você possa ajudar. Quero ter certeza de entrar num circo agradável, com pessoas de quem eu goste.

Original English

“That’s just the point. Perhaps you can help me. I’d want to be sure it was a nice circus I was going with - people I would like, you understand.”

Original Português

“Esse é justamente o ponto. Talvez você possa me ajudar. Eu gostaria de ter certeza de que seria um circo agradável o que eu fosse acompanhar - pessoas de quem eu gostasse, entende.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Matthew Mugg inclinou-se e bateu no joelho do Doutor com o cachimbo.

Original English

Matthew Mugg bent forward and tapped the Doctor on the knee with the stem of his pipe.

Original Português

Matthew Mugg inclinou-se para a frente e bateu no joelho do Doutor com a haste do cachimbo.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Sei exatamente qual circo você quer - disse ele. - Agora há um pequeno circo muito bom em Grimbledon. A Feira de Grimbledon acontece esta semana, e eles ficarão até sábado. Theodosia e eu os vimos no primeiro dia. Não é grande, mas é bom. Que tal levá-lo amanhã para conversar com o diretor?

Original English

“I know the very concern you want,” said he. “Right now over at Grimbledon there’s the nicest little circus you ever saw. Grimbledon Fair’s on this week and they’ll be there till Saturday. Me and Theodosia saw ’em the first day they was on. It isn’t a large circus but it’s a good one - select like. What do you say if I take you over there to-morrow and you have a chat with the ringmaster?”

Original Português

“Conheço exatamente a companhia que o senhor quer”, disse ele. “Agora mesmo, lá em Grimbledon, há o circo mais simpático que o senhor já viu. A Feira de Grimbledon está acontecendo esta semana, e eles ficarão lá até sábado. Eu e Theodosia os vimos no primeiro dia em que se apresentaram. Não é um circo grande, mas é bom - seleto, por assim dizer. Que me diz se eu o levar até lá amanhã e o senhor bater um papo com o mestre do picadeiro?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Seria excelente - disse o Doutor. - Mas ainda não conte a ninguém. Precisamos manter o pushmi-pullyu em segredo até mostrá-lo ao público.

Original English

“Why that would be splendid,” said the Doctor. “But in the meantime don’t say anything to anyone about the idea at all. We must keep the pushmi-pullyu a secret till he is actually put on show before the public.”

Original Português

“Ora, isso seria esplêndido”, disse o Doutor. “Mas, enquanto isso, não diga nada a ninguém sobre a ideia. Devemos manter o pushmi-pullyu em segredo até que ele seja realmente posto em exibição diante do público.”

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THE SECOND CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR MEETS A FRIEND - AND A RELATIVE

A2 Português (simplified)

Matthew Mugg era um homem estranho. Gostava de experimentar novos trabalhos, talvez por isso nunca ganhasse muito dinheiro. Mas geralmente voltava a vender carne de gato e a caçar ratos para fazendeiros e moleiros perto de Puddleby.

Original English

N OW , M ATTHEW M UGG was a peculiar man. He loved trying new jobs - which was one reason, perhaps, that he never made much money. But his attempts to get into some new kind of work usually ended in his coming back to selling cat’s meat and rat-catching for farmers and millers around Puddleby.

Original Português

ORA, MATTHEW MUGG era um homem peculiar. Gostava de experimentar trabalhos novos - o que talvez fosse uma das razões por que nunca ganhava muito dinheiro. Mas suas tentativas de entrar em algum novo ramo de serviço geralmente terminavam com ele voltando a vender carne de gato e a caçar ratos para fazendeiros e moleiros nos arredores de Puddleby.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Matthew já tentara conseguir trabalho no circo, mas recusaram-no. Agora o Doutor ia começar um circo com um pushmi-pullyu, e Matthew voltava a ter esperança. Imaginava que ele e o Doutor dirigiriam o maior circo do mundo.

Original English

Matthew had already at Grimbledon Fair tried to get a job with the circus and been refused. But now that he found the Doctor was going into the business - and with such a wonderful exhibition as a pushmi-pullyu - his hopes rose again. And as he went home that night he already in imagination saw himself in partnership with his beloved Doctor, running the biggest circus on earth.

Original Português

Matthew já tentara, na Feira de Grimbledon, conseguir um emprego no circo e fora recusado. Mas agora, ao descobrir que o Doutor ia entrar no negócio - e com uma atração tão maravilhosa como um pushmi-pullyu - , suas esperanças se ergueram de novo. E, quando foi para casa naquela noite, já se via, em imaginação, em sociedade com seu querido Doutor, dirigindo o maior circo da Terra.

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A2 Português (simplified)

No dia seguinte, chegou cedo à pequena casa. Dab-Dab fez sanduíches de sardinha para o almoço, e então partiram.

Original English

Next day he called at the little house early. After Dab-Dab had made them up some sardine sandwiches to take with them for lunch, they set out.

Original Português

No dia seguinte, chamou à pequena casa bem cedo. Depois que Dab-Dab preparou para eles alguns sanduíches de sardinha para levarem como almoço, partiram.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Era uma longa caminhada de Puddleby a Grimbledon. Depois de algum tempo, o Doutor e o Homem da Carne de Gato ouviram cascos atrás deles. Viraram-se e viram um fazendeiro numa carroça. Ele queria lhes dar carona, mas sua esposa não gostou da aparência esfarrapada de Matthew e mandou o marido não parar.

Original English

It was a long walk from Puddleby to Grimbledon. But after the Doctor and the Cat’s-Meat-Man had been trudging down the road a while they heard a sound of hoofs behind them. They turned round; and there was a farmer coming toward them in a trap. Seeing the two travelers upon the road, the farmer was going to offer them a ride. But his wife did not like the ragged looks of the Cat’s-Meat-Man, and she forbade her husband to stop for them.

Original Português

Era uma longa caminhada de Puddleby a Grimbledon. Mas, depois que o Doutor e o Homem da Carne de Gato caminharam por algum tempo pela estrada, ouviram atrás de si um som de cascos. Viraram-se; e lá vinha um fazendeiro em uma charrete. Vendo os dois viajantes na estrada, o fazendeiro ia oferecer-lhes carona. Mas sua esposa não gostou da aparência esfarrapada do Homem da Carne de Gato e proibiu o marido de parar para eles.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- O que acha disso como bondade cristã? - disse o Homem da Carne de Gato quando a carroça passou. - Eles viajam confortavelmente e nos deixam caminhar! É Isidore Stiles, o maior produtor de batatas daqui. Muitas vezes caço ratos para ele. E sua esposa, aquela velha espantalha orgulhosa! Viu como olhou para mim? Um caçador de ratos não é bom o bastante para ela!

Original English

“What d’yer think of that for Christian charity?” said the Cat’s-Meat-Man as the cart went spinning by them. “Sit comfortable in their seats and leave us to walk! That’s Isidore Stiles, the biggest potato-grower in these parts. I often catches rats for him. And his wife, the snobby old scarecrow! Did yer see that look she gives me? A rat-catcher ain’t good enough company for her!”

Original Português

“Que acha disso como caridade cristã?”, disse o Homem da Carne de Gato quando a charrete passou veloz por eles. “Sentados confortáveis nos bancos e deixando a gente andar! Aquele é Isidore Stiles, o maior plantador de batatas destas bandas. Muitas vezes pego ratos pra ele. E a mulher dele, aquela velha espantalho esnobe! Viu o olhar que ela me deu? Um caçador de ratos não é companhia boa o bastante pra ela!”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Mas veja - disse o Doutor. - Eles estão parando e virando a carroça.

Original English

“But look,” said the Doctor. “They’re stopping and turning the trap around.”

Original Português

“Mas olhe”, disse o Doutor. “Eles estão parando e virando a charrete.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O cavalo do fazendeiro conhecia muito bem o Doutor. Viu o homenzinho na estrada e reconheceu imediatamente o famoso John Dolittle. Ficou feliz que o amigo voltara. Então virou sozinho e trotou de volta, mesmo enquanto o cocheiro o puxava, para cumprimentar o Doutor e perguntar por sua saúde.

Original English

Now this farmer’s horse knew the Doctor very well both by sight and reputation. And as he had trotted by he had recognized the little man tramping along the road as none other than the famous John Dolittle. Delighted to find that his friend had returned to these parts, the horse had then turned around of his own accord, and was now trotting back - in spite of his driver’s pulling - to greet the Doctor and inquire for his health.

Original Português

Ora, o cavalo desse fazendeiro conhecia muito bem o Doutor, tanto de vista quanto de reputação. E, quando passara trotando, reconhecera o homenzinho que caminhava pela estrada como ninguém menos que o famoso John Dolittle. Encantado ao descobrir que seu amigo havia voltado àquelas partes, o cavalo então dera meia-volta por conta própria e agora vinha trotando de volta - apesar dos puxões do condutor - para cumprimentar o Doutor e perguntar por sua saúde.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Para onde vão? - perguntou o cavalo quando chegou.

- Vamos à Feira de Grimbledon - disse o Doutor.

Original English

“Where are you going?” asked the horse as he came up.

“We’re going to Grimbledon Fair,” said the Doctor.

Original Português

“Para onde vão?”, perguntou o cavalo ao chegar.

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Original Português

“Vamos à Feira de Grimbledon”, disse o Doutor.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Nós também - disse o cavalo. - Por que não entram na parte de trás da carroça, ao lado da velha senhora?

Original English

“So are we,” said the horse. “Why don’t you get into the back of the trap beside the old woman?”

Original Português

“Nós também”, disse o cavalo. “Por que não sobe na parte de trás da charrete, ao lado da velha?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Eles não me convidaram - disse o Doutor. - E seu fazendeiro está tentando fazê-lo voltar para Grimbledon. Não o deixe zangado. Continue. Não se preocupe conosco; ficaremos bem.

Original English

“They haven’t invited me,” said the Doctor. “See your farmer is trying to turn you around again toward Grimbledon. Better not anger him. Run along. Don’t bother about us. We’ll be all right.”

Original Português

“Eles não me convidaram”, disse o Doutor. “Veja, seu fazendeiro está tentando fazê-lo virar outra vez para Grimbledon. É melhor não irritá-lo. Vá andando. Não se preocupe conosco. Ficaremos bem.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Por fim o cavalo obedeceu ao cocheiro, virou-se e voltou à feira. Mas, depois de apenas meia milha, pensou: ‘É uma vergonha o grande homem ter de caminhar enquanto essa gente do campo viaja sentada. Não o deixarei para trás.’

Original English

Very unwillingly the horse finally obeyed the driver, turned about and set off once more for the fair. But he hadn’t gone more than half a mile before he said to himself, “It’s a shame the great man should have to walk, while these bumpkins ride. I’m hanged if I’ll leave him behind!”

Original Português

Com muita relutância, o cavalo finalmente obedeceu ao condutor, virou-se e partiu mais uma vez para a feira. Mas não havia andado mais de meia milha quando disse consigo mesmo: “É uma vergonha que o grande homem tenha de andar a pé enquanto esses caipiras vão montados. Que me enforquem se eu o deixar para trás!”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Então fingiu assustar-se com algo na estrada. Virou a carroça rapidamente e correu de volta ao Doutor. A esposa do fazendeiro gritou, e o marido puxou as rédeas com força, mas o cavalo ignorou-os. Quando chegou ao Doutor, empinou e saltou como um potro selvagem.

Original English

Then he pretended to shy at something in the road, swung the trap around again suddenly and raced back toward the Doctor at full gallop. The farmer’s wife screamed and her husband threw all his weight on the reins. But the horse took not the slightest notice. Reaching the Doctor he started rearing and bucking and carrying on like a wild colt.

Original Português

Então fingiu assustar-se com alguma coisa na estrada, virou a charrete de repente outra vez e correu de volta para o Doutor a galope completo. A esposa do fazendeiro gritou, e o marido pôs todo o peso nas rédeas. Mas o cavalo não lhe deu a menor atenção. Ao chegar junto do Doutor, começou a empinar, a dar coices e a fazer estardalhaço como um potro selvagem.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Entre na carroça, Doutor - sussurrou. - Entre, ou jogarei esses tolos na vala.

Original English

“Get into the trap, Doctor,” he whispered. “Get in, or I’ll spill these boobies into the ditch.”

Original Português

“Entre na charrete, Doutor”, sussurrou ele. “Entre, ou vou jogar esses bobos na vala.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O Doutor temeu um acidente. Pegou o freio do cavalo e afagou seu nariz. Imediatamente o animal ficou calmo e dócil.

Original English

The Doctor, fearing an accident, took hold of the horse’s bridle and patted him on the nose. Instantly he became as calm and gentle as a lamb.

Original Português

O Doutor, temendo um acidente, segurou a cabeçada do cavalo e lhe deu umas palmadinhas no focinho. Instantaneamente ele ficou tão calmo e manso quanto um cordeiro.

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A2 Português (simplified)

O Doutor segurou o freio.

Original English

“The Doctor took hold of the bridle”

Original Português

“O Doutor segurou a cabeçada”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Seu cavalo está um pouco nervoso, senhor - disse o Doutor ao fazendeiro. - Permite que eu o conduza por algum tempo? Sou médico de animais.

Original English

“Your horse is a little restive, sir,” said the Doctor to the farmer. “Would you let me drive him for a spell? I am a veterinary surgeon.”

Original Português

“Seu cavalo está um pouco inquieto, senhor”, disse o Doutor ao fazendeiro. “Permitiria que eu o conduzisse por um trecho? Sou cirurgião veterinário.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Claro - disse o fazendeiro. - Eu pensava entender de cavalos, mas esta manhã não consigo fazer nada com ele.

Original English

“Why, certainly,” said the farmer. “I thought I knew something about horses meself. But I can’t do a thing with him this morning.”

Original Português

“Por que não, certamente”, disse o fazendeiro. “Eu pensava que entendia alguma coisa de cavalos eu mesmo. Mas esta manhã não consigo fazer nada com ele.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O Doutor subiu e pegou as rédeas. O Homem da Carne de Gato entrou atrás e sentou-se ao lado da esposa zangada, rindo de prazer.

Original English

Then, as the Doctor climbed up and took the reins, the Cat’s-Meat-Man got in behind and, chuckling with delight, sat beside the indignant wife.

Original Português

Então, enquanto o Doutor subia e tomava as rédeas, o Homem da Carne de Gato entrou atrás e, rindo baixinho de satisfação, sentou-se ao lado da esposa indignada.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Belo dia, senhora Stiles - disse Matthew Mugg. - Como estão os ratos do celeiro?

Original English

“Nice day, Mrs. Stiles,” said Matthew Mugg. “How are the rats in the barn?”

Original Português

“Belo dia, senhora Stiles”, disse Matthew Mugg. “Como vão os ratos no celeiro?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Chegaram a Grimbledon no meio da manhã. A cidade estava movimentada e cheia de pessoas em férias. No mercado de gado havia vacas bonitas, porcos premiados, ovelhas gordas e cavalos com fitas nas crinas.

Original English

They reached the Grimbledon about the middle of the morning. The town was very full and busy and holidayfied. In the cattle-market fine beeves, prize pigs, fat sheep and pedigreed draft horses with ribbons in their manes filled the pens.

Original Português

Chegaram a Grimbledon por volta do meio da manhã. A cidade estava muito cheia, movimentada e em clima de feriado. No mercado de gado, belos bois gordos, porcos premiados, ovelhas cevadas e cavalos de tração de pedigree, com fitas nas crinas, enchiam os currais.

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A2 Português (simplified)

O Doutor e Matthew atravessaram lentamente a multidão até o circo. O Doutor temia ter de pagar para entrar, pois não tinha dinheiro. Mas na entrada havia uma plataforma alta com cortinas, como um pequeno palco ao ar livre. Um homem de enormes bigodes pretos ficava ali, apresentando à multidão pessoas de roupas coloridas que saíam das cortinas. Dizia que faziam coisas incríveis e que cada uma era a maior do mundo. A multidão acreditava, pagava e entrava pouco a pouco.

Original English

Through the good-natured crowds that thronged the streets the Doctor and Matthew made their way patiently toward the enclosure where the circus was. The Doctor began to get worried that he might be asked to pay to go in, because he hadn’t a single penny in his pockets. But at the entrance to the circus they found a high platform erected, with some curtains at the back. It was like a small outdoor theater. On this platform a man with an enormous black moustache was standing. From time to time various showily-dressed persons made their appearance through the curtains; and the big man introduced them to the gaping crowd and told of the wonders they could perform. Whatever they were, clowns, acrobats or snake-charmers, he always said they were the greatest in the world. The crowd was tremendously impressed; and every once in a while people in ones and twos would make their way through the throng, pay their money at the little gate and pass into the circus enclosure.

Original Português

Através das multidões bem-humoradas que enchiam as ruas, o Doutor e Matthew abriram caminho pacientemente em direção ao recinto onde ficava o circo. O Doutor começou a preocupar-se com a possibilidade de lhe pedirem dinheiro para entrar, pois não tinha um único penny nos bolsos. Mas, na entrada do circo, encontraram uma plataforma alta erguida, com algumas cortinas ao fundo. Parecia um pequeno teatro ao ar livre. Nessa plataforma estava de pé um homem de enorme bigode preto. De tempos em tempos, várias pessoas vistosamente vestidas apareciam por entre as cortinas; e o homem grande as apresentava à multidão boquiaberta e contava as maravilhas que sabiam fazer. Fossem o que fossem, palhaços, acrobatas ou encantadores de serpentes, ele sempre dizia que eram os maiores do mundo. A multidão ficava tremendamente impressionada; e, de vez em quando, pessoas sozinhas ou em duplas abriam caminho pela massa, pagavam seu dinheiro no pequeno portão e entravam no recinto do circo.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Aí está - sussurrou o Homem da Carne de Gato ao ouvido do Doutor. - Eu não disse que era um bom espetáculo? Veja! Centenas de pessoas entrando.

Original English

“There you are,” the Cat’s-Meat-Man whispered in the Doctor’s ear. “Didn’t I tell yer it was a good show? Look! People going in by hundreds.”

Original Português

“Aí está”, sussurrou o Homem da Carne de Gato ao ouvido do Doutor. “Não lhe disse que era um bom espetáculo? Olhe! Gente entrando às centenas.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Aquele homem grande é o gerente? - perguntou o Doutor.

- Sim. É o próprio Blossom, Alexander Blossom. É o homem que viemos procurar.

Original English

“Is that big man the manager?” asked the Doctor.

“Yes, that’s him. That’s Blossom himself - Alexander Blossom. He’s the man we’ve come to see.”

Original Português

“Aquele homem grande é o gerente?”, perguntou o Doutor.

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Original Português

“Sim, é ele. É o próprio Blossom - Alexander Blossom. É o homem que viemos ver.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O Doutor abriu caminho entre as pessoas, com Matthew atrás. Chegou à frente e tentou dizer ao homem da plataforma que queria falar com ele. Mas o senhor Blossom estava ocupado gritando sobre o espetáculo, e o Doutor era pequeno no meio da multidão; o homem não o notou.

Original English

The Doctor began to squirm his way forward through the people, with Matthew following behind. Finally he reached the front and started making signs to the big man on the platform above to show that he wanted to speak to him. But Mr. Blossom was so busy bellowing about the wonders of his show that the Doctor - a small man in a big crowd - could not attract his attention.

Original Português

O Doutor começou a se espremer para a frente por entre as pessoas, com Matthew atrás dele. Por fim chegou à frente e começou a fazer sinais ao homem grande na plataforma acima, para mostrar que queria falar com ele. Mas o senhor Blossom estava tão ocupado berrando sobre as maravilhas de seu espetáculo que o Doutor - um homem pequeno numa multidão grande - não conseguia atrair sua atenção.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Suba à plataforma - disse Matthew. - Suba e fale com ele.

Original English

“Get up on the platform,” said Matthew. “Climb up and talk to him.”

Original Português

“Suba na plataforma”, disse Matthew. “Trepe lá e fale com ele.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O Doutor subiu por um canto do palco. Ficou tímido ao perceber quantas pessoas o observavam, mas criou coragem, tocou o homem que gritava no braço e disse:

Original English

So the Doctor clambered up one corner of the stage and then suddenly got frightfully embarrassed to find himself facing so large a gathering of people. However, once there, he plucked up his courage and, tapping the shouting showman on the arm, he said:

Original Português

Assim, o Doutor subiu por um canto do palco e, de repente, ficou terrivelmente constrangido ao se ver diante de uma reunião tão grande de pessoas. No entanto, uma vez ali, criou coragem e, tocando no braço do empresário que gritava, disse:

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Com licença.

Original English

“Excuse me.”

Original Português

“Com licença.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O senhor Blossom parou de anunciar o ‘maior espetáculo do mundo’ e olhou para o homenzinho redondo ao seu lado.

Original English

Mr. Blossom stopped roaring about the “greatest show on earth” and gazed down at the little round man who had suddenly appeared beside him.

Original Português

O senhor Blossom parou de bradar sobre o “maior espetáculo da Terra” e olhou para baixo, para o homenzinho redondo que de repente aparecera a seu lado.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Hum... hum... - começou o Doutor.

Então fez-se silêncio. As pessoas começaram a rir baixinho.

Original English

“Er - er - ” the Doctor began.

Then there was a silence. The people began to titter.

Original Português

“Er - er - ”, começou o Doutor.

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Original Português

Então houve um silêncio. As pessoas começaram a rir baixinho.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Blossom, como a maioria dos empresários de espetáculos, sempre sabia o que dizer e gostava de ser engraçado à custa dos outros. John Dolittle ainda pensava em como começar quando o gerente se virou para a multidão, apontou para ele e gritou:

Original English

Blossom, like most showmen, was never at a loss for words and seldom missed an opportunity of being funny at somebody else’s expense. And while John Dolittle was still wondering how to begin, the manager suddenly turned to the crowd again and, waving his arm towards the Doctor, shouted:

Original Português

Blossom, como a maioria dos homens de espetáculo, nunca ficava sem palavras e raramente perdia uma oportunidade de fazer graça à custa de outra pessoa. E enquanto John Dolittle ainda se perguntava como começar, o gerente virou-se de repente outra vez para a multidão e, acenando com o braço na direção do Doutor, gritou:

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A2 Português (simplified)

- E esta, senhoras e senhores, é a verdadeira Humpty-Dumpty, que tanto trabalho deu aos homens do rei. Paguem e entrem! Venham vê-lo cair do muro!

Original English

“And this, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the original Humpty-Dumpty - the one what gave the king’s men so much trouble. Pay your money and come in! Walk up and see ’im fall off the wall!”

Original Português

“E este, Senhoras e Senhores, é o Humpty-Dumpty original - aquele que deu tanto trabalho aos homens do rei. Paguem seu dinheiro e entrem! Aproximem-se e vejam-no cair do muro!”

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A2 Português (simplified)

A multidão riu alto. O pobre Doutor ficou ainda mais constrangido.

- Fale com ele, Doutor, fale com ele! - gritou o Homem da Carne de Gato lá de baixo.

Original English

At that the crowd roared with laughter and the poor Doctor got more embarrassed than ever.

“Talk to him, Doctor, talk to him!” called the Cat’s-Meat-Man from down below.

Original Português

A isso a multidão caiu na gargalhada, e o pobre Doutor ficou mais constrangido do que nunca.

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Original Português

“Fale com ele, Doutor, fale com ele!”, gritou o Homem da Carne de Gato lá de baixo.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Logo o riso diminuiu. O Doutor tentou novamente. Acabara de abrir a boca quando um grito agudo veio da multidão: - John!

Original English

Soon, when the laughter had subsided, the Doctor made another attempt. He had just opened his mouth when a single piercing cry rang from amidst the crowd - “ John!”

Original Português

Pouco depois, quando o riso diminuiu, o Doutor fez nova tentativa. Mal abrira a boca quando um único grito penetrante soou no meio da multidão - “John!”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O Doutor se virou e olhou por cima das cabeças para ver quem o chamava. Bem na borda da multidão viu uma mulher acenando para ele com uma sombrinha verde.

Original English

The Doctor turned and gazed over the heads of the people to see who was calling him by name. And there on the outskirts of the throng he saw a woman waving violently to him with a green parasol.

Original Português

O Doutor voltou-se e olhou por sobre as cabeças das pessoas para ver quem o chamava pelo nome. E ali, na orla da multidão, viu uma mulher acenando violentamente para ele com uma sombrinha verde.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Quem é? - perguntou o Homem da Carne de Gato.

Original English

“Who is it?” said the Cat’s-Meat-Man.

Original Português

“Quem é?”, disse o Homem da Carne de Gato.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Céus! - gemeu o Doutor. Desceu da plataforma envergonhado. - O que faremos agora? Matthew, é Sarah!

Original English

“Heaven preserve us!” groaned the Doctor, shamefacedly climbing down off the stage. “What’ll we do now? Matthew - it’s Sarah!”

Original Português

“Que o céu nos proteja!”, gemeu o Doutor, descendo envergonhado do palco. “O que faremos agora? Matthew - é Sarah!”

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THE THIRD CHAPTER - BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS

A2 Português (simplified)

- Ora, ora, Sarah! - disse John Dolittle quando finalmente chegou até ela. - Você parece tão saudável e gordinha!

Original English

“ W ELL , WELL , S ARAH !” said John Dolittle when he had finally made his way to her. “My, how well and plump you’re looking!”

Original Português

“BEM, BEM, SARAH!”, disse John Dolittle quando finalmente conseguiu chegar até ela. “Ora, como você está corada e gordinha!”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Não estou, John - disse Sarah com voz dura. - Diga-me por que está agindo como palhaço naquela plataforma. Não bastou abandonar seu melhor trabalho no Oeste por camundongos e sapos de estimação? Não tem orgulho? O que está fazendo lá em cima?

Original English

“I’m nothing of the sort, John,” said Sarah, severely. “Will you please tell me what you mean by gallivanting around on that platform like a clown? Wasn’t it enough for you to throw away the best practice in the West Country for the sake of pet mice and frogs and things? Have you no pride? What are you doing up there?”

Original Português

“Não estou nada disso, John”, disse Sarah, severa. “Poderia me dizer, por favor, o que pensa que está fazendo, saracoteando naquela plataforma como um palhaço? Não foi suficiente jogar fora a melhor prática médica do West Country por causa de ratinhos de estimação, sapos e coisas assim? Você não tem orgulho? O que está fazendo lá em cima?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Estava pensando em entrar para o circo - disse o Doutor.

Original English

“I was thinking of going into the circus business,” said the Doctor.

Original Português

“Eu estava pensando em entrar no ramo de circo”, disse o Doutor.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Sarah suspirou e levou a mão à cabeça, parecendo prestes a desmaiar. Então um homem alto e magro, vestido como pastor, aproximou-se e segurou seu braço.

Original English

Sarah gasped and put her hand to her head as thought about to swoon. Then a long lean man in parson’s clothes who was standing behind her came and took her by the arm.

Original Português

Sarah ofegou e levou a mão à cabeça, como se estivesse prestes a desmaiar. Então um homem alto e magro, vestido como pastor, que estava atrás dela, aproximou-se e segurou-a pelo braço.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- O que foi, querida? - perguntou ele.

Original English

“What is it, my dear?” said he.

Original Português

“O que há, minha querida?”, disse ele.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Launcelot - disse Sarah, fraca - , este é meu irmão, John Dolittle. John, este é o reverendo Launcelot Dingle, reitor de Grimbledon, meu marido. Mas, John, você não pode estar falando sério. Entrar para o circo! Que vergonha! Deve estar brincando. E quem é este homem? - perguntou quando Matthew Mugg chegou.

Original English

“Launcelot,” said Sarah weakly, “this is my brother, John Dolittle. John, this is the Reverend Launcelot Dingle, rector of Grimbledon, my husband. But, John, you can’t be serious. Go into the circus business! How disgraceful! You must be joking - and who is this person?” she added as Matthew Mugg shuffled up and joined the party.

Original Português

“Launcelot”, disse Sarah, fraca, “este é meu irmão, John Dolittle. John, este é o reverendo Launcelot Dingle, reitor de Grimbledon, meu marido. Mas, John, você não pode estar falando sério. Entrar no ramo de circo! Que vergonha! Só pode estar brincando - e quem é esta pessoa?”, acrescentou ela quando Matthew Mugg se arrastou até junto do grupo.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Este é Matthew Mugg - disse o Doutor. - É claro que se lembra dele.

- Eca! O caçador de ratos - disse Sarah, fechando os olhos de medo.

Original English

“This is Matthew Mugg,” said the Doctor. “You remember him, of course?”

“Ugh! - the rat-catcher,” said Sarah, closing her eyes in horror.

Original Português

“Este é Matthew Mugg”, disse o Doutor. “Você se lembra dele, naturalmente?”

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Original Português

“Ugh! - o caçador de ratos”, disse Sarah, fechando os olhos de horror.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Não, de modo algum. Ele é comerciante de carne - disse o Doutor. - Senhor Mugg, este é o reverendo Launcelot Dingle. O Doutor apresentou seu amigo rude e sujo como se fosse um rei. - É meu paciente mais importante - acrescentou.

Original English

“Not at all. He’s a meat merchant,” said the Doctor. “Mr. Mugg, the Reverend Launcelot Dingle.” And the Doctor introduced his ragged greasy friend as if he had been a king. “He’s my most prominent patient,” he added.

Original Português

“De modo algum. Ele é comerciante de carne”, disse o Doutor. “Senhor Mugg, o reverendo Launcelot Dingle.” E o Doutor apresentou seu amigo esfarrapado e engordurado como se ele fosse um rei. “Ele é meu paciente mais importante”, acrescentou.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Escute, John - disse Sarah. - Se realmente fizer essa loucura, prometa usar outro nome. Imagine o que diriam ao saber que o cunhado do reitor é um simples artista de circo!

Original English

“But, listen, John,” said Sarah, “if you do go into this mad business, promise me you’ll do it under some other name. Think what it would mean to our position here if it got known that the Rector’s brother-in-law was a common showman!”

Original Português

“Mas escute, John”, disse Sarah, “se você entrar mesmo nesse negócio louco, prometa-me que o fará sob outro nome. Pense no que significaria para nossa posição aqui se se soubesse que o cunhado do Reitor era um empresário de feira comum!”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O Doutor pensou por um instante e sorriu.

- Está bem, Sarah, usarei outro nome. Mas não posso impedir que alguém me reconheça, posso?

Original English

The Doctor thought a moment. Then he smiled.

“All right, Sarah, I’ll use some other name. But I can’t help it if some one recognizes me, can I?”

Original Português

O Doutor pensou por um momento. Depois sorriu.

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Original Português

“Muito bem, Sarah, usarei outro nome. Mas não posso evitar se alguém me reconhecer, posso?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Depois de se despedirem de Sarah, o Doutor e Matthew voltaram ao gerente. Encontraram-no contando dinheiro no portão e, dessa vez, puderam falar facilmente.

Original English

After they had bidden farewell to Sarah, the Doctor and Matthew again sought out the manager. They found him counting money at the gate, and this time were able to talk to him at their ease.

Original Português

Depois de se despedirem de Sarah, o Doutor e Matthew procuraram novamente o gerente. Encontraram-no contando dinheiro no portão, e dessa vez puderam falar com ele à vontade.

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A2 Português (simplified)

John Dolittle contou-lhe sobre o animal extraordinário que tinha em casa e disse que queria entrar para o circo com ele. Alexander Blossom quis ver o animal e mandou o Doutor levá-lo, mas John Dolittle disse que seria melhor o gerente ir a Puddleby conhecê-lo.

Original English

John Dolittle described the wonderful animal that he had at home and said he wanted to join the circus with him. Alexander Blossom admitted he would like to see the creature, and told the Doctor to bring him here. But John Dolittle said it would be better and easier if the manager came to Puddleby to look at him.

Original Português

John Dolittle descreveu o animal maravilhoso que tinha em casa e disse que queria entrar no circo com ele. Alexander Blossom admitiu que gostaria de ver a criatura e disse ao Doutor que a trouxesse ali. Mas John Dolittle disse que seria melhor e mais fácil se o gerente fosse a Puddleby examiná-la.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Concordaram. Depois de explicarem a Blossom como encontrar a pequena casa na estrada de Oxenthorpe, voltaram para casa muito felizes com o sucesso.

Original English

This was agreed upon. And after they had explained to Blossom how to get to the little house on the Oxenthorpe Road, they set out for home again, very pleased with their success so far.

Original Português

Isso ficou combinado. E, depois de explicarem a Blossom como chegar à pequena casa na Estrada de Oxenthorpe, partiram de volta para casa, muito satisfeitos com o sucesso obtido até então.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Se você entrar para o Circo de Blossom - perguntou Matthew enquanto caminhavam e comiam sanduíches de sardinha - , me levará com você, Doutor? Posso ajudar muito: cuidar da caravana, alimentar os animais e limpar.

Original English

“If you do go with Blossom’s Circus,” Matthew asked, as they tramped along the road chewing sardine sandwiches, “will you take me with you, Doctor? I’d come in real handy, taking care of the caravan, feeding and cleaning and the likes o’ that.”

Original Português

“Se o senhor for mesmo com o Circo de Blossom”, perguntou Matthew, enquanto caminhavam pela estrada mastigando sanduíches de sardinha, “vai me levar junto, Doutor? Eu seria bem útil, cuidando da caravana, alimentando e limpando e coisas desse tipo.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Será bem-vindo, Matthew - disse o Doutor. - Mas e seu trabalho?

Original English

“You’re very welcome to come, Matthew,” said the Doctor. “But what about your own business?”

Original Português

“Você será muito bem-vindo, Matthew”, disse o Doutor. “Mas e o seu próprio negócio?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Ah, isso - disse Matthew, mordendo outro sanduíche. - Não dá dinheiro e é muito chato dar carne em palitos a poodles gordos! Não há aventura. Gosto de aventura, sempre fui assim. O circo é vida de verdade, trabalho para um homem.

Original English

“Oh, that,” said Matthew, biting viciously into another sandwich. “There ain’t no money in that. Besides, it’s so tame, handing out bits of meat on skewers to overfed poodles! There’s no - no what d’y’ call it?” - (he waved his sandwich towards the sky) - “no adventure in it. I’m naturally venturesome - reckless like - always was, from my cradle up. Now the circus: that’s the real life! That’s a man’s job.”

Original Português

“Oh, aquilo”, disse Matthew, mordendo ferozmente outro sanduíche. “Não dá dinheiro nenhum. Além disso, é tão sem graça, entregar pedacinhos de carne em espetos para poodles superalimentados! Não há - não há como é que se chama?” - (ele acenou com o sanduíche para o céu) - “não há aventura nisso. Sou naturalmente aventureiro - meio imprudente - sempre fui, desde o berço. Agora, o circo: essa é a vida de verdade! Esse é trabalho de homem.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Ele ergueu o sanduíche em direção ao céu.

- Mas e sua esposa? - perguntou o Doutor.

Original English

“He waved his sandwich towards the sky”

“But how about your wife?” asked the Doctor.

Original Português

“Ele abanou o sanduíche em direção ao céu”

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Original Português

“Mas e a sua esposa?”, perguntou o Doutor.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Theodosia? Ela viria. É corajosa como eu. Poderia remendar roupas e fazer pequenos trabalhos. O que acha?

Original English

“Theodosia? Oh, she’d come along. She’s venturesome, like me. She could mend the clothes and do odd jobs. What do you think?”

Original Português

“Theodosia? Ah, ela viria junto. É aventureira, como eu. Poderia remendar as roupas e fazer uns servicinhos. Que acha?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- O que acho? - perguntou o Doutor, ainda olhando a estrada enquanto caminhava. - Eu estava pensando em Sarah.

Original English

“What do I think?” asked the Doctor, who was staring down at the road as he walked. “I was thinking of Sarah.”

Original Português

“O que acho?”, perguntou o Doutor, que caminhava olhando para baixo, para a estrada. “Eu estava pensando em Sarah.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- O homem com quem ela se casou é estranho, não é? O reverendo Dangle? - disse Matthew.

Original English

“Queer gent, that what she married, ain’t he,” said Matthew, “the Reverend Dangle?”

Original Português

“Um sujeito esquisito, aquele com quem ela se casou, não é?”, disse Matthew. “O reverendo Dangle?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Dingle - corrigiu o Doutor. - Sim. Ele também é corajoso. O mundo é engraçado. Pobre Sarah querida. Pobre velho Dingle. Ora, ora.

Original English

“Dingle,” the Doctor corrected. “Yes. He’s venturesome too. It’s a funny world - Poor dear Sarah! - Poor old Dingle! - Well, well.”

Original Português

“Dingle”, corrigiu o Doutor. “Sim. Ele também é aventureiro. É um mundo engraçado - pobre querida Sarah! - pobre velho Dingle! - Bem, bem.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Tarde naquela noite, depois que a Feira de Grimbledon fechou, o senhor Blossom, o mestre de cerimônias, foi à casa do Doutor em Puddleby.

Original English

Late that night, when the Grimbledon Fair had closed, Mr. Blossom, the ringmaster, came to the Doctor’s house in Puddleby.

Original Português

Tarde naquela noite, quando a Feira de Grimbledon já havia fechado, o senhor Blossom, o mestre de picadeiro, foi à casa do Doutor em Puddleby.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Uma lanterna mostrou-lhe o pushmi-pullyu comendo grama no gramado. Depois ele voltou à biblioteca com o Doutor e perguntou:

Original English

After he had been shown by the light of a lantern the pushmi-pullyu grazing on the lawn, he came back into the library with the Doctor and said:

Original Português

Depois de lhe mostrarem, à luz de uma lanterna, o pushmi-pullyu pastando no gramado, ele voltou à biblioteca com o Doutor e disse:

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Quanto quer por esse animal?

- Não, ele não está à venda - disse o Doutor.

Original English

“How much do you want for that animal?”

“No, no, he’s not for sale,” said the Doctor.

Original Português

“Quanto o senhor quer por esse animal?”

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Original Português

“Não, não, ele não está à venda”, disse o Doutor.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Ora, vamos - disse o gerente. - Você não precisa dele. Qualquer um vê que não é um verdadeiro artista. Dou-lhe vinte libras por ele.

Original English

“Oh, come now,” said the manager. “You don’t want him. Any one could see you’re not a regular showman. I’ll give you twenty pounds for him.”

Original Português

“Ah, vamos lá”, disse o empresário. “O senhor não precisa dele. Qualquer um vê que o senhor não é um homem de espetáculos de verdade. Dou-lhe vinte libras por ele.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Não - disse o Doutor.

- Trinta libras - disse Blossom.

O Doutor continuou dizendo não.

Original English

“No,” said the Doctor.

“Thirty pounds,” said Blossom.

Still the Doctor refused.

Original Português

“Não”, disse o Doutor.

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Original Português

“Trinta libras”, disse Blossom.

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Original Português

Ainda assim o Doutor recusou.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Quarenta libras, cinquenta - disse o gerente. Depois ofereceu cada vez mais. O Homem da Carne de Gato, que escutava, arregalou os olhos de surpresa.

Original English

“Forty pounds - fifty pounds,” said the manager. Then he went up and up, offering prices that made the Cat’s-Meat-Man who was listening open his eyes wider and wider with wonder.

Original Português

“Quarenta libras - cinquenta libras”, disse o empresário. Depois foi subindo e subindo, oferecendo quantias que fizeram o Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato, que escutava, arregalar os olhos cada vez mais de espanto.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Não adianta - disse o Doutor por fim. - Você precisa levar a mim e ao animal para o circo, ou deixá-lo aqui. Prometi garantir que ele fosse bem tratado.

Original English

“It’s no use,” said the Doctor at last. “You must either take me with the animal into your circus or leave him where he is. I have promised that I myself will see he is properly treated.”

Original Português

“Não adianta”, disse por fim o Doutor. “O senhor terá de me levar com o animal para o seu circo, ou deixá-lo onde está. Prometi que eu mesmo cuidaria para que fosse bem tratado.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O empresário perguntou: - O que quer dizer? Ele não é seu animal? A quem prometeu?

Original English

“What do you mean?” asked the showman. “Ain’t he your property? Who did you promise?”

Original Português

“O que quer dizer?”, perguntou o homem do espetáculo. “Ele não é propriedade sua? A quem o senhor prometeu?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Ele é dono de si mesmo - disse o Doutor. - Veio aqui para me ajudar. Fiz minha promessa a ele, ao pushmi-pullyu.

Original English

“He’s his own property,” said the Doctor. “He came here to oblige me. It was to himself, the pushmi-pullyu, that I gave my promise.”

Original Português

“Ele é propriedade de si mesmo”, disse o Doutor. “Veio aqui para me fazer um favor. Foi a ele mesmo, ao pushmi-pullyu, que fiz minha promessa.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- O quê! Está louco? - perguntou o empresário.

Original English

“What! - Are you crazy?” asked the showman.

Original Português

“O quê! - O senhor está louco?”, perguntou o homem do espetáculo.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Matthew Mugg ia contar a Blossom que o Doutor falava a língua dos animais, mas John Dolittle fez sinal para que ficasse quieto.

Original English

Matthew Mugg was going to explain to Blossom that the Doctor could speak animals’ language. But John Dolittle motioned to him to be silent.

Original Português

Matthew Mugg ia explicar a Blossom que o Doutor sabia falar a língua dos animais. Mas John Dolittle fez-lhe sinal para ficar calado.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Portanto, veja - continuou - , você precisa levar nós dois ou nenhum.

Original English

“And so, you see,” he went on, “you must either take me and the animal or neither.”

Original Português

“E assim, está vendo”, prosseguiu ele, “o senhor terá de levar a mim e ao animal, ou nenhum dos dois.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Então Blossom disse que não concordaria. Matthew ficou muito triste. Blossom pegou o chapéu e foi embora.

Original English

Then Blossom said no, he wouldn’t agree to that arrangement. And to Matthew’s great disappointment and grief he took his hat and left.

Original Português

Então Blossom disse que não, que não concordaria com aquele arranjo. E, para grande decepção e tristeza de Matthew, pegou o chapéu e foi embora.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Mas pensou que o Doutor mudaria de ideia. Tinha saído havia apenas dez minutos quando tocou a campainha e voltou para conversar mais.

Original English

But he had expected the Doctor to change his mind and give in. And he hadn’t been gone more than ten minutes before he rang the door-bell and said that he had come back to talk it over.

Original Português

Mas ele esperava que o Doutor mudasse de ideia e cedesse. E não se haviam passado mais de dez minutos desde sua saída quando tocou a campainha e disse que voltara para conversar melhor.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Por fim, o empresário aceitou todos os desejos do Doutor. O pushmi-pullyu e o grupo teriam uma carroça nova. Viajariam com o circo, mas seriam livres. O dinheiro seria dividido igualmente entre o Doutor e o gerente. Quando o pushmi-pullyu quisesse folga, teria folga. Blossom forneceria qualquer comida que ele desejasse.

Original English

Well, the upshot of it was that the showman finally consented to all the Doctor asked. The pushmi-pullyu and his party were to be provided with a new wagon all to themselves and, although traveling as part of the circus, were to be entirely free and independent. The money made was to be divided equally between the Doctor and the manager. Whenever the pushmi-pullyu wanted a day off he was to have it, and whatever kind of food he asked for was to be provided by Blossom.

Original Português

Bem, o resultado foi que o homem do espetáculo acabou consentindo em tudo o que o Doutor pedia. O pushmi-pullyu e seu grupo receberiam um carroção novo só para eles e, embora viajassem como parte do circo, seriam inteiramente livres e independentes. O dinheiro ganho seria dividido igualmente entre o Doutor e o empresário. Sempre que o pushmi-pullyu quisesse um dia de folga, deveria tê-lo; e qualquer tipo de comida que pedisse deveria ser fornecido por Blossom.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Depois de planejarem tudo, o homem disse que enviaria a caravana no dia seguinte e preparou-se para partir.

Original English

When all the arrangements had been gone into, the man said he would send the caravan here next day, and prepared to go.

Original Português

Quando todos os arranjos foram examinados, o homem disse que mandaria a caravana para lá no dia seguinte e preparou-se para ir embora.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Na porta da frente, parou e perguntou: - A propósito, qual é seu nome?

O Doutor ia dizer, mas lembrou-se do pedido de Sarah.

- Ah, chame-me de John Smith - disse.

- Está bem, senhor Smith - disse o empresário. - Deixe o grupo pronto às onze da manhã. Boa noite.

- Boa noite - disse o Doutor.

Original English

“By the way,” he said, pausing at the front door. “What’s your name?”

The Doctor was just about to tell him, when he remembered Sarah’s request.

“Oh, well, call me John Smith,” said he.

“All right, Mr. Smith,” said the showman. “Have your party ready by eleven in the morning. Good night.”

“Good night,” said the Doctor.

Original Português

“A propósito”, disse ele, parando à porta da frente. “Qual é o seu nome?”

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Original Português

O Doutor estava justamente para lhe dizer, quando se lembrou do pedido de Sarah.

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Original Português

“Ah, bem, chame-me John Smith”, disse ele.

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Original Português

“Está certo, senhor Smith”, disse o homem do espetáculo. “Tenha seu grupo pronto às onze da manhã. Boa noite.”

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Original Português

“Boa noite”, disse o Doutor.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Quando a porta se fechou, Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Jip, Too-Too e o camundongo branco saíram. Tinham se escondido e escutado em diferentes partes da casa. Todos começaram a falar alto no corredor.

Original English

As soon as the door had closed Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Jip, Too-Too and the white mouse, who had been hiding and listening in various corners of the house, all came out into the hall and started chattering at the top of their voices.

Original Português

Assim que a porta se fechou, Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Jip, Too-Too e o camundongo branco, que estavam escondidos e escutando em vários cantos da casa, saíram todos para o corredor e começaram a tagarelar a plenos pulmões.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Viva! - grunhiu Gub-Gub. - Viva o circo!

- Viva o circo!

Original English

“Hooray!” grunted Gub-Gub. “Hooray for the circus!”

“‘Hooray for the circus!’”

Original Português

“Viva!”, grunhiu Gub-Gub. “Viva o circo!”

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Original Português

“‘Viva o circo!’”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Ora - disse Matthew ao Doutor - , afinal você é um bom homem de negócios! Fez Blossom concordar com tudo. Ele não queria perder a oportunidade. Viu como voltou depressa quando pensou que o acordo acabara? Acho que quer ganhar muito dinheiro conosco.

Original English

“My,” said Matthew to the Doctor, “you’re not such a bad business man after all! You got Blossom to give in to everything. He wasn’t going to let the chance slip. Did you see how quickly he came back when he thought the deal was off? I’ll bet he expects to make a lot of money out of us.”

Original Português

“Ora”, disse Matthew ao Doutor, “o senhor afinal não é tão mau negociante assim! Fez Blossom ceder em tudo. Ele não ia deixar escapar a oportunidade. Viu como voltou depressa quando pensou que o acordo tinha fracassado? Aposto que espera ganhar muito dinheiro conosco.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Pobre casa velha - disse Dab-Dab, espanando carinhosamente o cabide. - Vamos deixá-la de novo tão depressa!

Original English

“Poor old home,” sighed Dab-Dab, affectionately dusting off the hat-rack. “To leave it again so soon!”

Original Português

“Pobre velho lar”, suspirou Dab-Dab, espanando com carinho o cabide de chapéus. “Deixá-lo outra vez tão cedo!”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Viva! - gritou Gub-Gub. Tentou ficar sobre as patas traseiras e equilibrar o chapéu do Doutor no nariz. - Viva o circo! Amanhã! Uhu!

Original English

“Hooray!” yelled Gub-Gub, trying to stand on his hind legs and balance the Doctor’s hat on his nose - “Hooray for the circus! - To-morrow! - Whee!”

Original Português

“Viva!”, gritou Gub-Gub, tentando ficar de pé nas patas traseiras e equilibrar o chapéu do Doutor no focinho - “Viva o circo! - Amanhã! - Uii!”

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THE FOURTH CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOVERED

A2 Português (simplified)

Bem cedo na manhã seguinte, Dab-Dab deixou a casa inteira ocupada. Disse que deveriam tomar o café e tirar a mesa antes das sete, para ficarem prontos às onze.

Original English

V ERY EARLY THE next morning Dab-Dab had the whole house astir. She said breakfast must be eaten and the table cleared before seven, if everything was to be got in readiness for their departure by eleven.

Original Português

BEM CEDO na manhã seguinte, Dab-Dab pôs a casa inteira em movimento. Disse que o café da manhã precisava ser comido e a mesa retirada antes das sete, se tudo tivesse de ficar pronto para a partida às onze.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Dab-Dab trabalhou muito. Fechou a casa e deixou todos esperando nos degraus da frente horas antes da chegada da carroça. Mas o Doutor ainda estava ocupado: até o último minuto chegavam pacientes animais doentes do campo.

Original English

As a matter of fact, the diligent housekeeper had the house closed and everybody waiting outside on the front steps hours before the wagon arrived. But the Doctor, for one, was still kept busy. For up to the last minute animal patients were still coming in from all parts of the countryside, with various ailments to be cured.

Original Português

Na verdade, a diligente governanta já tinha a casa fechada e todos esperando do lado de fora, nos degraus da frente, horas antes de o carroção chegar. Mas o Doutor, por sua parte, ainda continuava ocupado. Pois até o último minuto chegavam pacientes animais de todas as partes da região, com vários males a serem curados.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Por fim Jip voltou correndo. Estivera observando do lado de fora e correu para os outros no jardim.

Original English

At last Jip, who had been out scouting, came rushing back to the party gathered in the garden.

Original Português

Por fim Jip, que havia saído em reconhecimento, voltou correndo para junto do grupo reunido no jardim.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- A carroça está chegando - disse, sem fôlego. - É vermelha e amarela. Está logo depois da curva.

Original English

“The wagon’s coming,” he panted - “all red and yellow - it’s just around the bend.”

Original Português

“O carroção vem vindo”, ofegou ele - “todo vermelho e amarelo - acabou de dobrar a curva.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Todos ficaram animados e pegaram seus pertences. Gub-Gub tinha um feixe de nabos. Ao descer os degraus, o cordão arrebentou e os nabos brancos rolaram por toda parte.

Original English

Then everybody got excited and began grabbing their parcels. Gub-Gub’s luggage was a bundle of turnips; and just as he was hurrying down the steps to the road the string broke and the round, white vegetables went rolling all over the place.

Original Português

Então todos se agitaram e começaram a agarrar seus embrulhos. A bagagem de Gub-Gub era um maço de nabos; e, justamente quando ele se apressava descendo os degraus para a estrada, o barbante se rompeu e os legumes redondos e brancos saíram rolando por todo lado.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Quando a carroça apareceu, era muito bonita. Parecia uma caravana cigana, com janelas, porta e chaminé. Era nova e pintada de cores vivas.

Original English

The wagon, when it finally came in sight, was certainly a thing of beauty. It was made like a gypsy caravan, with windows and door and chimney. It was very gayly painted and quite new.

Original Português

O carroção, quando finalmente apareceu, era certamente uma coisa bonita. Fora feito como uma caravana cigana, com janelas, porta e chaminé. Era pintado de cores muito alegres e estava novinho em folha.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Esperando nos degraus da frente.

Original English

“Waiting on the front steps”

Original Português

“Esperando nos degraus da frente”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O cavalo não era novo. Era muito velho. O Doutor disse que nunca vira um animal tão cansado e gasto. Conversou com ele e soube que trabalhara no circo por trinta e cinco anos. O cavalo disse estar muito cansado. Chamava-se Beppo, e o Doutor decidiu dizer a Blossom que deveria aposentar-se e viver tranquilamente.

Original English

Not so the horse; he was quite old. The Doctor said that never had he seen an animal so worn out and weary. He got into conversation with him and found out that he had been working in the circus for thirty-five years. He was very sick of it he said. His name was Beppo. The Doctor decided he would tell Blossom that it was high time Beppo should be pensioned off and allowed to live in peace.

Original Português

O mesmo não se podia dizer do cavalo; ele era bastante velho. O Doutor disse que jamais vira um animal tão gasto e cansado. Pôs-se a conversar com ele e descobriu que trabalhava no circo havia trinta e cinco anos. Estava muito farto daquilo, disse ele. Chamava-se Beppo. O Doutor decidiu que diria a Blossom que já era mais do que tempo de Beppo ser aposentado e autorizado a viver em paz.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Embora a carroça fosse nova, Dab-Dab a varreu antes de colocar os pacotes dentro. Amarrou a roupa de cama do Doutor num lençol, como roupas para a lavanderia, para que não ficasse suja.

Original English

In spite of the newness of the van, Dab-Dab swept it out before she put the packages in it. She had the Doctor’s bedding tied up in a sheet, like a bundle of clothes for the laundry. And she was most careful that this should not get dirty.

Original Português

Apesar da novidade da carroça, Dab-Dab varreu-a por dentro antes de pôr os pacotes nela. Tinha a roupa de cama do Doutor amarrada num lençol, como um trouxa de roupas para a lavanderia. E tomou o maior cuidado para que aquilo não se sujasse.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Quando todos os animais e malas estavam dentro, o Doutor se preocupou que o cavalo velho não conseguisse puxar tanto peso. Quis empurrar por trás para ajudar, mas Beppo disse que conseguiria. O Doutor não entrou, pois isso acrescentaria peso. Fecharam a porta e puxaram as cortinas para ninguém ver o pushmi-pullyu durante o caminho. Partiram para Grimbledon, com o homem que trouxera a carroça dirigindo e o Doutor e o Homem da Carne de Gato caminhando atrás.

Original English

When the animals and the baggage were all in, the Doctor got terribly afraid that the load would be too much for the old horse to pull. And he wanted to push behind, to help. But Beppo said he could manage it all right. However, the Doctor would not add to the weight by getting in himself. And when the door was shut and the window curtains drawn, so no one should see the pushmi-pullyu on the way, they set out for Grimbledon, with the man who had brought the wagon driving and the Doctor and the Cat’s-Meat-Man walking behind.

Original Português

Quando os animais e a bagagem estavam todos dentro, o Doutor ficou terrivelmente receoso de que a carga fosse pesada demais para o velho cavalo puxar. E quis empurrar por trás, para ajudar. Mas Beppo disse que conseguiria dar conta muito bem. Ainda assim, o Doutor não quis aumentar o peso entrando também. E, quando a porta foi fechada e as cortinas das janelas puxadas, para que ninguém visse o pushmi-pullyu no caminho, partiram para Grimbledon, com o homem que trouxera o carroção guiando e o Doutor e o Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato caminhando atrás.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Ao passar pelo mercado de Puddleby, o motorista parou numa loja. Enquanto a caravana esperava, uma multidão cercou a carroça, querendo saber para onde ia e o que havia dentro. Matthew queria contar, mas o Doutor não o deixou falar.

Original English

On the way through Puddleby Market-place the driver stopped to get something at a shop. And while the caravan waited outside a crowd gathered about the wagon, wanting to know where it was going and what was inside. Matthew Mugg, his chest now swelling with pride, was dying to tell them, but the Doctor wouldn’t let him make any speeches.

Original Português

No caminho, ao atravessarem a praça do mercado de Puddleby, o cocheiro parou para comprar alguma coisa numa loja. E, enquanto a caravana esperava do lado de fora, formou-se uma multidão em torno do carroção, querendo saber para onde ele ia e o que havia dentro. Matthew Mugg, com o peito agora estufado de orgulho, estava morrendo de vontade de contar, mas o Doutor não o deixou fazer nenhum discurso.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Chegaram ao terreno da Feira de Grimbledon por volta das duas da tarde e entraram no circo por um portão dos fundos. Lá dentro, Blossom esperava para recebê-los.

Original English

They reached the Grimbledon Fair-grounds about two o’clock in the afternoon and entered the circus enclosure by a back gate. Inside they found the great Blossom himself, waiting to welcome them.

Original Português

Chegaram aos terrenos da Feira de Grimbledon por volta das duas da tarde e entraram no recinto do circo por um portão dos fundos. Lá dentro encontraram o grande Blossom em pessoa, esperando para recebê-los.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Blossom ficou surpreso quando abriram a van e ele viu os animais estranhos trazidos pelo Doutor, especialmente o porco. Mas estava tão feliz por ter o pushmi-pullyu que não se importou.

Original English

He seemed quite surprised, on the van’s being opened, to find the odd collection of creatures the Doctor had brought with him - he was particularly astonished at the pig. However, he was so delighted to have the pushmi-pullyu that he didn’t mind.

Original Português

Ele pareceu bastante surpreso, quando a carroça foi aberta, ao encontrar a estranha coleção de criaturas que o Doutor trouxera consigo - ficou especialmente espantado com o porco. Contudo, estava tão encantado por ter o pushmi-pullyu que não se importou.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Blossom levou-os ao estande, que construíra naquela manhã. O Doutor viu que era parecido com o lugar onde falara com Blossom pela primeira vez: uma plataforma de um metro de altura, com uma sala de madeira e lona em cima, acessível por degraus. Cortinas cobriam a entrada, para ninguém ver lá dentro sem pagar.

Original English

He at once led them to what he called their stand - which, he said, he had had built for them that very morning. This the Doctor found to be similar to the place where he had first spoken with Blossom. It was a platform raised three feet from the ground, so that the board-and-canvas room on the top of it could be seen. It had steps up to it, and a little way back from the front edge of the platform curtains covered the entrance to the room, so no one could see inside unless they paid to go in.

Original Português

Levou-os imediatamente ao que chamava de seu estande - que, disse ele, mandara construir para eles naquela mesma manhã. O Doutor viu que era parecido com o lugar onde falara primeiro com Blossom. Era uma plataforma elevada a três pés do chão, de modo que o cômodo de tábuas e lona sobre ela pudesse ser visto. Tinha degraus para subir e, um pouco recuadas da borda dianteira da plataforma, cortinas cobriam a entrada do cômodo, de modo que ninguém pudesse ver o interior sem pagar para entrar.

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A2 Português (simplified)

À frente havia uma placa.

O Pushmi-pullyu!

Venha ver o incrível

animal de duas cabeças

das selvas da África!

Entrada: seis pence.

Original English

Across the front of it was a sign:

THE PUSHMI-PULLYU!

COME AND SEE THE MARVELOUS

TWO-HEADED ANIMAL

FROM THE JUNGLES OF AFRICA!

ADMISSION SIXPENCE

Original Português

Na frente havia uma tabuleta:

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Original Português

O PUSHMI-PULLYU!

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Original Português

VENHAM VER O MARAVILHOSO

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Original Português

ANIMAL DE DUAS CABEÇAS

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Original Português

DAS SELVAS DA ÁFRICA!

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Original Português

ENTRADA: SEIS PENCE

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A2 Português (simplified)

A carroça vermelha e amarela onde o grupo do Doutor viveria foi colocada atrás do estande, exceto o pushmi-pullyu. Dab-Dab imediatamente fez camas e arrumou tudo para parecer uma casa.

Original English

The red and yellow wagon (in which the Doctor’s party, with the exception of the pushmi-pullyu, were to live) was backed behind the “stand”. And Dab-Dab immediately set about making up beds and arranging the inside so it would be homelike.

Original Português

O carroção vermelho e amarelo (no qual o grupo do Doutor, com exceção do pushmi-pullyu, viveria) foi encostado atrás do “estande”. E Dab-Dab tratou imediatamente de arrumar camas e ajeitar o interior para que ficasse com ar de casa.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Blossom queria mostrar o pushmi-pullyu imediatamente, mas o Doutor recusou. Disse que um animal selvagem precisava descansar depois da viagem de Puddleby e que o tímido animal precisava acostumar-se ao barulho do circo antes de ser observado por muitos visitantes.

Original English

Blossom wanted to have the pushmi-pullyu put on show at once, but the Doctor refused. He said any wild animal would need to rest after the journey from Puddleby. And he wished the timid beast to get used to the noisy bustle of circus life before he was stared at by a crowd of holiday-makers.

Original Português

Blossom queria pôr o pushmi-pullyu em exibição imediatamente, mas o Doutor recusou. Disse que qualquer animal selvagem precisaria descansar depois da viagem desde Puddleby. E desejava que a criatura tímida se acostumasse ao barulho e à agitação da vida de circo antes de ser encarada por uma multidão de veranistas.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Blossom não ficou feliz, mas concordou. Ofereceu-se para mostrar o circo ao Doutor. Depois de colocar o pushmi-pullyu em sua nova casa, caminharam com Alexander Blossom.

Original English

Blossom was disappointed, but he had to give in. Then, to the animals’ delight, he offered to show the Doctor around the circus and introduce him to the various performers. So after the pushmi-pullyu had been moved to his new home in the stand and the Doctor had seen that he was provided with hay and water and bedding, the Puddleby party started out to make a tour of the circus under the guidance of the great Alexander Blossom, ringmaster.

Original Português

Blossom ficou desapontado, mas teve de ceder. Então, para alegria dos animais, ofereceu-se para mostrar o circo ao Doutor e apresentá-lo aos vários artistas. Assim, depois que o pushmi-pullyu foi levado para sua nova casa no estande, e o Doutor viu que lhe haviam dado feno, água e cama, o grupo de Puddleby saiu para fazer uma visita ao circo sob a orientação do grande Alexander Blossom, mestre de picadeiro.

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A2 Português (simplified)

O espetáculo principal acontecia apenas duas vezes por dia, numa grande tenda central. Ao redor havia tendas e estandes menores, muitos cobrando entrada extra. O lugar do Doutor seria um deles. Havia jogos de tiro, adivinhações, homens selvagens, mulheres barbadas, carrosséis, homens fortes, encantadores de serpentes, um zoológico e muito mais.

Original English

The main show took place only twice a day (at two in the afternoon and at six thirty at night), in a big tent in the middle of the enclosure. But all around this there were smaller tents and stands, most of which you had to pay extra to get into. Of these the Doctor’s establishment was now to form one. They contained all manner of wonders: shooting galleries; guessing games; wild men of Borneo; bearded ladies; merry-go-rounds; strong men, snake charmers; a menagerie and many more.

Original Português

O espetáculo principal acontecia apenas duas vezes por dia (às duas da tarde e às seis e meia da noite), numa grande tenda no meio do recinto. Mas ao redor dela havia tendas e barracas menores, em quase todas as quais era preciso pagar à parte para entrar. O estabelecimento do Doutor passaria agora a ser uma delas. Continham todo tipo de maravilhas: galerias de tiro; jogos de adivinhação; homens selvagens de Bornéu; mulheres barbadas; carrosséis; homens fortes, encantadores de serpentes; uma coleção de feras e muitas outras coisas.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Primeiro Blossom levou-os ao zoológico. Era uma coleção suja e pobre. A maioria dos animais estava suja e triste. O Doutor ficou muito triste e quis discutir com Blossom, mas o Homem da Carne de Gato sussurrou-lhe ao ouvido:

Original English

Blossom took the Doctor and his friends to the menagerie first. It was a dingy third-rate sort of collection. Most of the animals seemed dirty and unhappy. The Doctor was so saddened he was all for having a row with Blossom over it. But the Cat’s-Meat-Man whispered in his ear:

Original Português

Blossom levou primeiro o Doutor e seus amigos à coleção de feras. Era uma espécie de coleção sombria e de terceira categoria. A maioria dos animais parecia suja e infeliz. O Doutor ficou tão entristecido que estava disposto a ter uma briga com Blossom por causa disso. Mas o Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato sussurrou-lhe ao ouvido:

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Não arrume confusão agora, Doutor. Espere um pouco. Depois que o chefe vir como você é útil com animais artistas, poderá fazer o que quiser com ele. Se reclamar agora, podemos perder nossos empregos e então você não poderá fazer nada.

Original English

“Don’t be starting trouble right away, Doctor. Wait a while. After the boss sees how valuable you are with performing animals you’ll be able to do what you like with him. If you kick up a shindy* now we’ll maybe lose our job. Then you won’t be able to do anything.”

Original Português

“Não vá começar confusão logo de saída, Doutor. Espere um pouco. Depois que o patrão vir quanto o senhor vale com animais amestrados, poderá fazer o que quiser com ele. Se levantar um escândalo agora, talvez percamos o emprego. Aí o senhor não poderá fazer nada.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

John Dolittle achou que era um bom conselho. Por enquanto, apenas sussurrou aos animais através das grades, dizendo que esperava ajudá-los mais tarde.

Original English

This struck John Dolittle as good advice. And he contented himself for the present with whispering to the animals through the bars of their cages that later he hoped to do something for them.

Original Português

Isso pareceu a John Dolittle um bom conselho. E por enquanto ele se contentou em sussurrar aos animais, através das grades das gaiolas, que mais tarde esperava poder fazer alguma coisa por eles.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Quando entraram, um homem sujo mostrava a coleção a algumas pessoas do campo. Parou diante de uma gaiola com um pequeno animal peludo e disse:

Original English

Just as they had entered a dirty man was taking around a group of country folk to show them the collection. Stopping before a cage where a small furry animal was imprisoned, the man called out:

Original Português

Assim que entraram, um homem sujo conduzia um grupo de camponeses para lhes mostrar a coleção. Parando diante de uma jaula onde um pequeno animal peludo estava preso, o homem gritou:

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A2 Português (simplified)

- E este, senhoras e senhores, é o famoso Hurri-Gurri, das florestas da Patagônia. Pendurava-se nas árvores pela cauda. Passemos à próxima gaiola.

Original English

“And this, ladies and gents, is the famous Hurri-Gurri, from the forests of Patagonia. ’E ‘angs from the trees by ’is tail. Pass on to the next cage.”

Original Português

“E este, senhoras e cavalheiros, é o famoso Hurri-Gurri, das florestas da Patagônia. Ele se pendura nas árvores pelo rabo. Passem para a próxima jaula.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O Doutor, com Gub-Gub atrás, aproximou-se e olhou para o ‘famoso Hurri-Gurri’.

- Ora - disse ele - , é apenas um gambá comum da América. É um marsupial.

- É um marsupial.

Original English

The Doctor, followed by Gub-Gub, went over and looked in at “the famous Hurri-Gurri.”

“Why,” said he, “that’s nothing but a common opossum from America. One of the marsupials.”

“One of the marsupials”

Original Português

O Doutor, seguido por Gub-Gub, aproximou-se e olhou para “o famoso Hurri-Gurri”.

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Original Português

“Ora”, disse ele, “isso não passa de um gambá comum da América. Um dos marsupiais.”

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Original Português

“Um dos marsupiais”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Como sabe que é um ‘mar-supial’, Doutor? - perguntou Gub-Gub. - Ela não tem filhotes com ela. Talvez seja um ‘pai-supial’.

Original English

“How do you know it’s a Ma Soupial, Doctor?” asked Gub-Gub. “She hasn’t any children with her. Perhaps, it’s a Pa Soupial.”

Original Português

“Como sabe que é uma Mãe-supial, Doutor?”, perguntou Gub-Gub. “Ela não tem nenhum filho com ela. Talvez seja um Pai-supial.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Na gaiola seguinte, o homem gritou: - E este é o maior elefante em cativeiro.

- É quase o menor que já vi - disse o Doutor baixinho.

Original English

“And this,” roared the man, standing before the next cage, “is the largest elephant in captivity.”

“Almost the smallest one I ever saw,” murmured the Doctor.

Original Português

“E este”, rugiu o homem, parado diante da jaula seguinte, “é o maior elefante em cativeiro.”

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Original Português

“Quase o menor que já vi”, murmurou o Doutor.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Então o senhor Blossom disse que deveriam assistir ao próximo número, a Princesa Fatima, a encantadora de serpentes. Levou-os da casa quente e malcheirosa dos animais para o ar livre. Ao passar pelas gaiolas, o Doutor olhou para baixo e franziu a testa. Os animais conheciam John Dolittle e queriam que ele parasse para conversar.

Original English

Then Mr. Blossom suggested that they go on to the next show, Princess Fatima, the snake charmer. And he led the way out of the close, evil-smelling menagerie into the open air. As the Doctor passed down the line of cages he hung his head, frowning unhappily. For the various animals, recognizing the great John Dolittle, were all making signs to him to stop and talk with them.

Original Português

Então o senhor Blossom sugeriu que passassem ao espetáculo seguinte, a princesa Fatima, encantadora de serpentes. E conduziu-os para fora daquela coleção abafada e malcheirosa, ao ar livre. Quando o Doutor passou pela fileira de jaulas, baixou a cabeça, franzindo a testa com tristeza. Pois os vários animais, reconhecendo o grande John Dolittle, faziam-lhe todos sinais para que parasse e conversasse com eles.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Entraram na tenda da encantadora de serpentes. Só eles estavam lá. A Princesa Fatima estava junto a uma grande caixa de cobras. Matthew olhou, ficou apavorado e fugiu.

Original English

When they entered the snake charmer’s tent there were no other visitors there for the moment but themselves. On the small stage they beheld the Princess Fatima, powdering her large nose and swearing to herself in cockney. Beside her chair was a big shallow box full of snakes. Matthew Mugg peeped into it, gasped with horror, and then started to run from the tent.

Original Português

Quando entraram na tenda da encantadora de serpentes, não havia outros visitantes ali no momento além deles. No pequeno palco viram a princesa Fatima, empoando o grande nariz e praguejando sozinha em cockney. Ao lado de sua cadeira havia uma caixa grande e rasa cheia de serpentes. Matthew Mugg espiou para dentro dela, soltou um arquejo de horror e começou a correr para fora da tenda.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Está tudo bem, Matthew - chamou o Doutor. - Não tenha medo. Elas não podem machucá-lo.

Original English

“It’s all right, Matthew,” the Doctor called out. “Don’t be alarmed, they’re quite harmless.”

Original Português

“Está tudo bem, Matthew”, chamou o Doutor. “Não se assuste, elas são perfeitamente inofensivas.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Como assim, não podem? - perguntou Fatima, zangada, olhando para o Doutor. - São najas-reais da Índia, as serpentes mais perigosas que existem.

Original English

“What d’yer mean, harmless?” snorted the Princess Fatima, glaring at the Doctor. “They’re king cobras, from India - the deadliest snakes livin’.”

Original Português

“Que quer dizer com inofensivas?”, bufou a princesa Fatima, fuzilando o Doutor com os olhos. “São cobras-reais da Índia - as serpentes mais mortais que existem.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Isso não é verdade - disse o Doutor.

- São cobras-pretas americanas. Não são venenosas. - Ele fez cócegas no queixo de uma delas.

- Deixe essas cobras em paz! - gritou Fatima, levantando-se da cadeira. - Ou baterei na sua cabeça.

- Deixe essas cobras em paz!

Então Blossom interveio e apresentou a Princesa irritada ao senhor Smith.

Original English

“They’re nothing of the sort,” said the Doctor.

“They’re American blacksnakes - non-poisonous.” And he tickled one under the chin.

“Leave them snakes alone!” yelled the Fatima, rising from her chair - “or I’ll knock yer bloomin’ ‘ead orf.”

“‘You leave them snakes alone!’”

At this moment Blossom interfered and introduced the ruffled Princess to Mr. Smith.

Original Português

“Não são nada disso”, disse o Doutor.

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Original Português

“São cobras-negras americanas - não venenosas.” E fez cócegas em uma delas sob o queixo.

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Original Português

“Deixe essas cobras em paz!”, berrou a Fatima, levantando-se da cadeira - “ou eu lhe arrebento a cabeça, seu maldito.”

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Original Português

“‘Você deixe essas cobras em paz!’”

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Original Português

Nesse momento Blossom interferiu e apresentou a princesa eriçada ao senhor Smith.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Conversaram, mas Fatima continuou zangada. Depois outras pessoas chegaram para ver o número. O senhor Blossom levou o grupo do Doutor a um canto e falou baixo.

Original English

The conversation which followed (Fatima was still too angry to take much part in it) was interrupted by the arrival of some people who had come to see the snake charmer perform. Blossom led the Doctor’s party off into a corner, whispering:

Original Português

A conversa que se seguiu (Fatima ainda estava furiosa demais para participar muito dela) foi interrompida pela chegada de algumas pessoas que vinham ver a encantadora de serpentes se apresentar. Blossom levou o grupo do Doutor para um canto, sussurrando:

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Ela é maravilhosa, Smith. É um dos meus melhores números. Observe agora.

Original English

“She’s marvelous, Smith. One of the best turns I’ve got. Just you watch her.”

Original Português

“Ela é maravilhosa, Smith. Uma das melhores atrações que tenho. Fique só olhando.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Atrás das cortinas, alguém começou a tocar tambor e flauta. Fatima levantou-se, tirou duas cobras da caixa e colocou-as no pescoço e nos braços.

Original English

Behind the curtains at the back somebody started beating a drum and playing a pipe. Then Fatima arose, lifted two snakes out of the box and wound them around her neck and arms.

Original Português

Atrás das cortinas, nos fundos, alguém começou a bater um tambor e a tocar uma flauta. Então Fatima se ergueu, tirou duas serpentes da caixa e enrolou-as no pescoço e nos braços.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Aproximem-se um pouco, senhoras e senhores - disse suavemente à multidão. - Assim poderão ver melhor.

- Por que ela fala desse jeito? - sussurrou Gub-Gub ao Doutor.

- Psiu! Acho que está tentando falar com sotaque oriental - disse John Dolittle.

- Para mim parece sotaque de batata quente - murmurou Gub-Gub. - Ela não é gorda e trêmula?

Como o Doutor não parecia satisfeito, o mestre do circo levou-os para ver os outros números.

Original English

“Will ze ladies and ze gentlemen step a little closair,” she cooed softly to her audience. “Zen zay can see bettair - zo!”

“What’s she talking like that for?” Gub-Gub whispered to the Doctor.

“Sh! I suppose she thinks she’s speaking with an Oriental accent,” said John Dolittle.

“Sounds to me like a hot-potato accent,” muttered Gub-Gub. “Isn’t she fat and wobbly!”

Noticing that the Doctor did not seem favorably impressed, the circus master led them out to see the other sideshows.

Original Português

“As senhoras e os senhores queiram dar um passinho mais perto”, arrulhou ela suavemente para o público. “Assim poderão ver melhor - assim!”

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Original Português

“Por que ela está falando desse jeito?”, cochichou Gub-Gub ao Doutor.

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Original Português

“Sh! Suponho que pense estar falando com sotaque oriental”, disse John Dolittle.

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Original Português

“Para mim parece sotaque de batata quente”, murmurou Gub-Gub. “Como ela é gorda e bamboleante!”

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Original Português

Percebendo que o Doutor não parecia favoravelmente impressionado, o mestre do circo levou-os para ver as outras barracas laterais.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Perto da barraca do homem forte, Gub-Gub viu o teatro de Punch e Judy. Naquele momento, Toby, o cão, mordia o nariz do senhor Punch. Gub-Gub adorou e mal conseguiram afastá-lo. Durante toda a visita ao circo, aquilo foi seu favorito. Nunca perdia um espetáculo. A peça era sempre igual, mas ele nunca se cansava.

Original English

Crossing over to the strong man’s booth, Gub-Gub caught sight of the Punch and Judy show which is going on at that moment. The play had just reached that point where Toby the dog bites Mr. Punch on the nose. Gub-Gub was fascinated. They could hardly drag him away from it. Indeed, throughout the whole time they spent with the circus this was his chief delight. He never missed a single performance - and, although the play was always the same and he got to know it every word by heart, he never grew tired of it.

Original Português

Ao atravessarem para a barraca do homem forte, Gub-Gub avistou o teatro de Punch e Judy, que acontecia naquele momento. A peça acabara de chegar à parte em que Toby, o cão, morde o senhor Punch no nariz. Gub-Gub ficou fascinado. Mal conseguiram arrancá-lo dali. Na verdade, durante todo o tempo que passaram no circo, esse foi seu maior prazer. Não perdeu uma única apresentação - e, embora a peça fosse sempre a mesma e ele viesse a sabê-la de cor, palavra por palavra, nunca se cansou dela.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Na barraca seguinte, muitas pessoas observavam o homem forte levantar pesos enormes. Era de verdade, não uma fraude. John Dolittle, muito interessado, bateu palmas e assistiu com elas.

Original English

At the next booth a large audience was gathered and yokels were gasping in wonder as the strong man lifted enormous weights in the air. There was no fake about this show. And John Dolittle, deeply interested, joined in the clapping and the gasping.

Original Português

Na barraca seguinte, um grande público estava reunido e os caipiras arquejavam de espanto enquanto o homem forte erguia enormes pesos no ar. Não havia fraude alguma naquele espetáculo. E John Dolittle, profundamente interessado, juntou-se aos aplausos e aos suspiros de admiração.

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A2 Português (simplified)

O homem forte tinha aparência séria e músculos enormes. O Doutor gostou dele imediatamente. Um número consistia em deitar de costas e levantar com os pés um haltere enorme, até as pernas ficarem apontadas para cima. Também precisava de bom equilíbrio, pois uma queda ruim poderia machucá-lo. Naquele dia, enquanto a multidão o admirava, uma tábua do palco quebrou e o pesado haltere caiu sobre seu peito.

Original English

The strong man was an honest-looking fellow, with tremendous muscles. The Doctor took a liking to him right away. One of his tricks was to lie on the stage on his back and lift an enormous dumb-bell with his feet till his legs were sticking right up in the air. It needed balance as well as strength, because if the dumb-bell should fall the wrong way the man would certainly be injured. To-day when he had finally brought his legs into an upright position and the crowd was whispering in admiration, suddenly there was a loud crack. One of the boards of the stage had given way. Instantly down came the big dumb-bell right across the man’s chest.

Original Português

O homem forte era um sujeito de aparência honesta, com músculos tremendos. O Doutor simpatizou com ele imediatamente. Um de seus truques era deitar-se de costas no palco e erguer com os pés um enorme haltere até que as pernas ficassem bem retas para o alto. Exigia equilíbrio além de força, porque, se o haltere caísse para o lado errado, o homem certamente se machucaria. Naquele dia, quando finalmente havia posto as pernas em posição vertical e a multidão cochichava de admiração, ouviu-se de repente um forte estalo. Uma das tábuas do palco cedeu. No mesmo instante, o grande haltere caiu bem atravessado sobre o peito do homem.

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A2 Português (simplified)

A multidão gritou, e Blossom subiu ao palco. Dois homens tiveram de tirar o haltere do corpo do homem forte, mas ele ainda não se levantou. Ficou imóvel, de olhos fechados e rosto muito pálido.

Original English

The crowd screamed and Blossom jumped up on the platform. It took two men’s strength to lift the dumb-bell off the strong mans’ body. But even then he did not arise. He lay motionless, his eyes closed, his face a deathly white.

Original Português

A multidão gritou e Blossom saltou para a plataforma. Foi necessária a força de dois homens para levantar o haltere de cima do corpo do homem forte. Mas, mesmo então, ele não se levantou. Ficou deitado, imóvel, de olhos fechados, o rosto branco como a morte.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Chamem um médico - gritou Blossom ao Homem da Carne de Gato. - Depressa! Ele está ferido e inconsciente. Um médico, rápido!

Original English

“Get a doctor,” Blossom shouted to the Cat’s-Meat-Man. “Hurry! He’s hurt hisself - unconscious. A doctor, quick!”

Original Português

“Chame um médico”, gritou Blossom ao Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato. “Depressa! Ele se machucou - está inconsciente. Um médico, rápido!”

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A2 Português (simplified)

John Dolittle já estava no palco. Ficou diante do mestre de cerimônias, que se ajoelhara ao lado do ferido.

- Afaste-se e deixe-me examiná-lo - disse calmamente.

- O que pode fazer? Ele está muito ferido. Veja, está respirando de modo estranho. Precisamos de um médico.

- Eu sou médico - disse John Dolittle. - Matthew, corra à carroça e pegue minha bolsa preta.

Original English

But John Dolittle was already on the stage, standing over the ringmaster, who knelt beside the injured man.

“Get out of the way and let me examine him,” he said quietly.

“What can you do? He’s hurt bad. Look, his breathing’s queer. We got to get a doctor.”

“I am a doctor,” said John Dolittle. “Matthew, run to the van and get my black bag.”

Original Português

Mas John Dolittle já estava no palco, de pé sobre o mestre de picadeiro, que se ajoelhava ao lado do homem ferido.

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Original Português

“Saia da frente e deixe-me examiná-lo”, disse ele calmamente.

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Original Português

“O que o senhor pode fazer? Ele está muito ferido. Veja, a respiração dele está estranha. Temos de chamar um médico.”

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Original Português

“Eu sou médico”, disse John Dolittle. “Matthew, corra até a carroça e pegue minha maleta preta.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Você é médico! - disse Blossom, levantando-se dos joelhos. - Pensei que se chamasse senhor Smith.

Original English

“You a doctor!” said Blossom, getting up off his knees. “Thought you called yourself Mr. Smith.”

Original Português

“O senhor, médico!”, disse Blossom, levantando-se. “Pensei que se chamasse senhor Smith.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- É claro que ele é médico - disse uma voz da multidão. - Houve uma época em que era o médico mais conhecido do Oeste. Eu o conheço. Seu nome é Dolittle, John Dolittle, de Puddleby-on-the-Marsh.

Original English

“Of course, he’s a doctor,” came a voice out of the crowd. “There wur a time when he wur the best known doctor in the West Country. I know un. Dolittle’s his name - John Dolittle, of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh.”

Original Português

“Claro que ele é médico”, veio uma voz da multidão. “Houve tempo em que era o médico mais conhecido do West Country. Eu o conheço. Dolittle é o nome dele - John Dolittle, de Puddleby-on-the-Marsh.”

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THE FIFTH CHAPTER - THE DOCTOR IS DISCOURAGED

A2 Português (simplified)

O médico descobriu que o haltere quebrara duas costelas do homem forte, mas disse que ele se recuperaria logo por ser tão forte. O ferido foi colocado na cama de sua própria carroça. Enquanto se recuperava, o Doutor visitava-o quatro vezes por dia e Matthew dormia na carroça para cuidar dele.

Original English

THE D OCTOR FOUND that two of the strong man’s ribs had been broken by the dumb-bell. However, he prophesied that with so powerful a constitution the patient should recover quickly. The injured man was put to bed in his own caravan and until he was well again the Doctor visited him four times a day and Matthew slept in his wagon to nurse him.

Original Português

O DOUTOR DESCOBRIU que duas costelas do homem forte haviam sido quebradas pelo haltere. Contudo, previu que, com uma constituição tão poderosa, o paciente se recuperaria depressa. O ferido foi posto na cama em sua própria caravana e, até que estivesse bom de novo, o Doutor o visitou quatro vezes por dia, e Matthew dormiu no carroção dele para cuidar dele.

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A2 Português (simplified)

O homem forte, cujo nome artístico era Hercules, agradeceu muito a John Dolittle. Tornou-se amigo dele e mais tarde ajudou-o muitas vezes.

Original English

The strong man (his show name was Hercules) was very thankful to John Dolittle and became greatly attached to him - and very useful sometimes, as you will see later on.

Original Português

O homem forte (seu nome artístico era Hércules) ficou muito agradecido a John Dolittle e afeiçoou-se muito a ele - e às vezes se mostrou bastante útil, como vocês verão mais adiante.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Naquela noite, o Doutor foi dormir. Pensava que Fatima era sua inimiga e estava feliz por Hercules ser seu amigo.

Original English

So the Doctor felt, when he went to bed that first night of his circus career, that if he had made an enemy in Fatima, the snake charmer, he had gained a friend in Hercules, the strong man.

Original Português

Assim, o Doutor sentiu, quando foi para a cama naquela primeira noite de sua carreira circense, que, se fizera uma inimiga em Fatima, a encantadora de serpentes, ganhara um amigo em Hércules, o homem forte.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Agora as pessoas o conheciam: era o estranho médico de animais de Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. Não havia mais motivo para esconder o nome. Logo todos no circo o chamavam de ‘Doutor’. Hercules dizia a todos que ele era excelente, e pessoas de todos os tipos, da mulher barbada ao palhaço, começaram a procurá-lo para pequenos problemas de saúde.

Original English

Of course, now that he had been recognized as the odd physician of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, there was no longer any sense in his trying to conceal who he was. And very soon he became known among the circus folk as just “the Doctor” - or “the Doc.” On the very high recommendation of Hercules, he was constantly called upon for the cure of small ailments by everyone, from the bearded lady to the clown.

Original Português

Naturalmente, agora que fora reconhecido como o estranho médico de Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, já não havia sentido em tentar esconder quem era. E muito em breve passou a ser conhecido entre o pessoal do circo simplesmente como “o Doutor” - ou “o Doc”. Pela altíssima recomendação de Hércules, era constantemente chamado para curar pequenos males de todos, da mulher barbada ao palhaço.

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A2 Português (simplified)

No dia seguinte, o pushmi-pullyu foi mostrado pela primeira vez. As pessoas o adoraram. Nunca tinham visto um animal de duas cabeças num circo, e muitos vieram observá-lo. No início ele era tímido e escondia uma cabeça na palha. Como ninguém acreditava que tivesse duas cabeças, o Doutor pediu que mantivesse ambas à vista.

Original English

The next day, the pushmi-pullyu was put on show for the first time. He was very popular. A two-headed animal had never before been seen in a circus and the people thronged up to pay their money and have a look at him. At first he nearly died of embarrassment and shyness, and he was forever hiding one of his heads under the straw so as not to have to meet the gaze of all those staring eyes. Then the people wouldn’t believe he had more than one head. So the Doctor asked him if he would be so good as to keep both of them in view.

Original Português

No dia seguinte, o pushmi-pullyu foi posto em exibição pela primeira vez. Fez muito sucesso. Nunca antes se vira num circo um animal de duas cabeças, e as pessoas se acotovelavam para pagar e dar uma olhada nele. No começo ele quase morreu de embaraço e timidez, e vivia escondendo uma das cabeças sob a palha para não ter de encarar todos aqueles olhos fitos nele. Então as pessoas não acreditavam que ele tivesse mais de uma cabeça. Por isso o Doutor lhe pediu que fizesse o favor de manter ambas à vista.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Você não precisa olhar para as pessoas - disse ele. - Apenas deixe que vejam que tem realmente duas cabeças. Pode virar as costas para a multidão com as duas extremidades.

Original English

“You need not look at the people,” he said. “But just let them see that you really have two heads. You can turn your back on the audience - both ends.”

Original Português

“Você não precisa olhar para as pessoas”, disse ele. “Mas deixe que vejam que você realmente tem duas cabeças. Pode virar as costas para o público - as duas pontas.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Mas algumas pessoas tolas continuaram dizendo que uma cabeça era falsa, mesmo vendo as duas. Cutucavam o pobre animal com paus para saber se era empalhado. Certo dia, dois homens do campo fizeram isso, e o pushmi-pullyu ficou zangado. Levantou rapidamente as duas cabeças e cutucou as pernas dos dois homens. Então eles souberam que era real e vivo.

Original English

But some of the silly people, even when they could see the two heads plainly, kept saying that one must be faked. And they would prod the poor, timid animal with sticks to see if part of him was stuffed. While two country bumpkins were doing this one day the pushmi-pullyu got annoyed, and bringing both his heads up sharply at the same time, he jabbed the two inquirers in the legs. Then they knew for sure that he was real and alive all over.

Original Português

Mas algumas pessoas tolas, mesmo quando podiam ver claramente as duas cabeças, continuavam dizendo que uma delas devia ser falsa. E cutucavam o pobre e tímido animal com bengalas para ver se parte dele era empalhada. Enquanto dois caipiras faziam isso certo dia, o pushmi-pullyu ficou irritado e, erguendo as duas cabeças bruscamente ao mesmo tempo, espetou os dois investigadores nas pernas. Então eles souberam com certeza que ele era real e vivo por inteiro.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Quando o Homem da Carne de Gato deixou de cuidar de Hercules, deixou a esposa encarregada. Depois o Doutor colocou-o de guarda dentro do estande, para impedir que visitantes tolos machucassem o animal. A pobre criatura sofreu no começo, mas, quando Jip lhe contou quanto dinheiro ganhavam, decidiu ficar por John Dolittle. Depois de algum tempo passou a pensar muito mal das pessoas, embora se acostumasse com seus rostos tolos e olhasse para elas com medo e desprezo pelas duas cabeças.

Original English

But as soon as the Cat’s-Meat-Man could be spared from nursing Hercules (he turned the job over to his wife) the Doctor put him on guard inside the stall to see that the animal was not molested by stupid visitors. The poor creature had a terrible time those first days. But when Jip told him how much money was being taken in, he determined to stick it out for John Dolittle’s sake. And after a little while, although his opinion of the human race sank very low, he got sort of used to the silly, gaping faces of his audiences and gazed back at them - from both his heads - with fearless superiority and the scorn that they deserved.

Original Português

Mas assim que o Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato pôde ser dispensado de cuidar de Hércules (passou a tarefa para a esposa), o Doutor o pôs de guarda dentro da barraca, para garantir que o animal não fosse incomodado por visitantes estúpidos. A pobre criatura passou maus bocados naqueles primeiros dias. Mas, quando Jip lhe contou quanto dinheiro estava entrando, decidiu aguentar firme por causa de John Dolittle. E depois de algum tempo, embora sua opinião sobre a raça humana caísse muito, ele se acostumou mais ou menos às caras tolas e boquiabertas de seus públicos e passou a olhá-las de volta - com ambas as cabeças - com superioridade destemida e o desprezo que mereciam.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Durante o espetáculo, o Doutor sentava-se e recebia o dinheiro, sorrindo para as pessoas. Também encontrava velhos amigos de Puddleby.

Original English

During show hours the Doctor used to sit in a chair on the front platform, taking the sixpences and smiling on the people as they went in - for all the world as though every one of them were old friends visiting his home. And, in fact, he did in this way re-meet many folks who had known him in years gone by, including the old lady with rheumatism, Squire Jenkyns and neighbors from Puddleby.

Original Português

Durante as horas de espetáculo, o Doutor costumava sentar-se numa cadeira na plataforma da frente, recebendo os seis pence e sorrindo para as pessoas enquanto entravam - exatamente como se cada uma delas fosse uma velha amiga visitando sua casa. E, de fato, desse modo reencontrou muita gente que o conhecera em anos passados, incluindo a velha senhora com reumatismo, o senhor rural Jenkyns e vizinhos de Puddleby.

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A2 Português (simplified)

A pobre Dab-Dab estava mais ocupada que nunca. Continuava cuidando da casa e também vigiava o Doutor o tempo todo. Muitas vezes ralhava com ele por deixar crianças entrarem de graça quando ela não estava olhando.

Original English

Poor Dab-Dab was busier than ever now. For in addition to the housekeeping duties she always had to keep one eye on the Doctor; and many were the scoldings she gave him because he would let the children in for nothing when she wasn’t looking.

Original Português

A pobre Dab-Dab estava agora mais ocupada do que nunca. Pois, além dos deveres domésticos, tinha sempre de manter um olho no Doutor; e muitas foram as broncas que lhe deu porque ele deixava as crianças entrarem de graça quando ela não estava olhando.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Ao fim de cada dia, Blossom, o gerente, vinha dividir o dinheiro. Too-Too, o matemático, estava sempre presente na contagem para garantir que o Doutor recebesse a parte certa.

Original English

At the end of each day Blossom, the manager, came to divide up the money. And Too-Too, the mathematician, was always there when the adding was done, to see that the Doctor got his proper share.

Original Português

Ao fim de cada dia, Blossom, o empresário, vinha dividir o dinheiro. E Too-Too, o matemático, estava sempre presente quando a soma era feita, para garantir que o Doutor recebesse sua parte correta.

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A2 Português (simplified)

O pushmi-pullyu era muito popular, mas o Doutor logo percebeu que levaria muito tempo para ganhar o bastante para pagar ao marinheiro o barco. Também precisava de dinheiro para si e sua família.

Original English

Although the pushmi-pullyu was so popular, the Doctor saw very early in his new career that it would take quite a time to earn sufficient money to pay the sailor back for the boat - let alone to make enough for himself and his family to live on besides.

Original Português

Embora o pushmi-pullyu fosse tão popular, o Doutor percebeu muito cedo em sua nova carreira que levaria bastante tempo para ganhar dinheiro suficiente para pagar ao marinheiro pelo barco - sem falar em ganhar o bastante para ele e sua família viverem também.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Too-Too estava sempre presente.

Original English

“Too-Too was always there”

Original Português

“Too-Too estava sempre presente”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O Doutor ficou triste. Não gostava de muitas coisas no circo e queria deixá-lo. Seu próprio número era honesto, mas muitas outras partes eram falsas. Ele odiava falsidades. Também se sentia mal porque muitos jogos eram feitos para fazer as pessoas perderem dinheiro.

Original English

He was rather sorry about this; for there were a lot of things in the circus business that he did not like and he was anxious to leave it. While his own show was a perfectly honest affair, there were many features of the circus that were faked; and the Doctor, who always hated fake of any kind, had an uncomfortable feeling that he was part of an establishment not strictly honest. Most of the gambling games were arranged so that those who played them were bound to lose their money.

Original Português

Ele lamentava um pouco isso; pois havia muitas coisas no negócio do circo de que não gostava, e estava ansioso para abandoná-lo. Embora seu próprio espetáculo fosse perfeitamente honesto, havia muitos aspectos do circo que eram falsificados; e o Doutor, que sempre odiara falsificação de qualquer tipo, tinha a sensação desconfortável de fazer parte de um estabelecimento que não era estritamente honesto. A maioria dos jogos de azar era armada de modo que quem jogasse fosse inevitavelmente perder dinheiro.

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A2 Português (simplified)

O Doutor preocupava-se sobretudo com os animais, que julgava infelizes. Ao fim do primeiro dia, depois que a multidão partiu, foi ao zoológico conversar com eles. A maioria tinha queixas: as gaiolas não eram limpas, havia pouco espaço e exercício, e alguns recebiam comida inadequada.

Original English

But the thing that worried the Doctor most was the condition of the animals. Their life, he felt, was in most cases an unhappy one. At the end of his first day with the circus, after the crowds have gone home and all was quiet in the enclosure, he had gone back into the menagerie and talked to the animals there. They nearly all had complaints to make: their cages were not kept properly clean; they did not get exercise or room enough; with some the food served was not the kind they liked.

Original Português

Mas o que mais preocupava o Doutor era a condição dos animais. A vida deles, ele sentia, era infeliz na maioria dos casos. Ao fim de seu primeiro dia no circo, depois que as multidões foram para casa e tudo ficou quieto no recinto, ele voltara à coleção de feras e conversara com os animais dali. Quase todos tinham queixas a fazer: suas jaulas não eram mantidas devidamente limpas; não recebiam exercício nem espaço suficientes; para alguns, a comida servida não era do tipo de que gostavam.

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A2 Português (simplified)

O Doutor ouviu tudo e ficou muito zangado. Imediatamente foi à carroça particular do mestre de cerimônias e explicou claramente o que deveria mudar.

Original English

The Doctor heard them all and was so indignant he sought out the ringmaster in his private caravan right away and told him plainly of all the things he thought ought to be changed.

Original Português

O Doutor ouviu a todos e ficou tão indignado que foi procurar imediatamente o mestre de picadeiro em sua caravana particular e lhe disse claramente todas as coisas que achava que deveriam ser mudadas.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Blossom escutou até o Doutor terminar e depois riu.

Original English

Blossom listened patiently until he had finished and then he laughed.

Original Português

Blossom escutou pacientemente até ele terminar e então riu.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Blossom disse: - Se eu fizer tudo isso, perderei dinheiro e ficarei pobre. Quer que eu dê aposentadoria aos cavalos? Mande o hurri-gurri para casa? Limpe gaiolas o dia inteiro? Compre comida especial? Passeie com os animais todos os dias? Você está louco. Deixo que faça sua parte do seu jeito, mas farei o restante do meu. Não me diga o que fazer. Não perderei dinheiro por suas ideias.

Original English

“Why, Doc,” said he, “if I was to do all the things you want me to I might as well leave the business! I’d be ruined. What, pension off the horses? Send the hurri-gurri back to his home? Keep the men cleaning out the cages all day? Buy special foods? Have the animals took out for walks every day, like a young lady’s academy? Man, you must be crazy! Now, look here: You don’t know anything about this game - nothing, see? I’ve given in to you in all you asked. I’m letting you run your part of the show your own way. But I’m going to run the rest of it my way. Understand? I don’ want no interference. It’s bad enough to have the strong man on the sick list. I ain’t going to go broke just to please your Sunday school ideas. And that’s flat.”

Original Português

“Ora, Doc”, disse ele, “se eu fosse fazer todas as coisas que o senhor quer, podia muito bem sair do negócio! Eu estaria arruinado. Como é? Aposentar os cavalos? Mandar o hurri-gurri de volta para casa? Deixar os homens limpando jaulas o dia todo? Comprar comidas especiais? Levar os animais para passear todos os dias, como se fosse uma escola de moças? Homem, o senhor deve estar louco! Agora escute aqui: o senhor não sabe nada deste jogo - nada, entendeu? Cedi em tudo o que o senhor pediu. Estou deixando o senhor tocar sua parte do espetáculo à sua maneira. Mas vou tocar o resto à minha maneira. Entendeu? Não quero interferência nenhuma. Já basta ter o homem forte na lista dos doentes. Não vou quebrar só para agradar suas ideias de escola dominical. E ponto final.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Triste, o Doutor saiu dos aposentos do gerente e voltou à própria carroça. Nos degraus viu o Homem da Carne de Gato fumando o cachimbo da noite. Perto dali, Beppo, o cavalo velho, comia a grama curta ao luar.

Original English

Sad at heart, the Doctor left the manager’s quarters and made his way across to his own caravan. On the steps of his wagon, he found the Cat’s-Meat-Man smoking his evening pipe. Close by, Beppo, the old horse, was cropping the scrubby grass of the enclosure by the light of the moon.

Original Português

De coração pesado, o Doutor deixou os aposentos do empresário e atravessou até sua própria caravana. Nos degraus de seu carroção, encontrou o Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato fumando seu cachimbo da noite. Perto dali, Beppo, o velho cavalo, pastava a grama rala do recinto à luz da lua.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Bela noite - disse Matthew. - Você parece preocupado, Doutor. Há algum problema?

Original English

“Nice night,” said Matthew. “You look kind of worried, Doctor. Anything wrong?”

Original Português

“Noite bonita”, disse Matthew. “O senhor parece meio preocupado, Doutor. Há algo errado?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Sim - disse John Dolittle, sentando-se tristemente nos degraus. - Tudo está errado. Acabei de falar com Blossom sobre melhorar o zoológico, mas ele não fará nada do que pedi. Acho que deixarei o circo.

Original English

“Yes,” said John Dolittle, sitting down miserably on the steps beside him. “Everything’s wrong. I’ve just been talking to Blossom about improving conditions in the menagerie. He won’t do a single thing I ask. I think I’ll leave the circus.”

Original Português

“Sim”, disse John Dolittle, sentando-se abatido nos degraus ao lado dele. “Tudo está errado. Acabei de falar com Blossom sobre melhorar as condições na coleção de feras. Ele não fará uma única coisa que peço. Acho que vou deixar o circo.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Ora, vamos - disse Matthew. - Você mal começou. Blossom nem sabe que você fala a língua dos animais. Circos não precisam ser ruins. Você poderia criar um novo tipo, limpo, honesto e especial. Pessoas de toda parte viriam vê-lo. Mas primeiro precisa de dinheiro. Não desista tão depressa.

Original English

“Oh, come now,” said Matthew. ‘Why, you ain’t hardly begun, Doctor! Blossom doesn’t know yet that you can talk animal language even! Circuses don’t have to be bad. You could run one that would be a new kind; clean, honest, special - one that everybody in the world come to see. But you got to get money first. Don’t give up so easy.”

Original Português

“Ah, vamos lá”, disse Matthew. “Ora, o senhor mal começou, Doutor! Blossom nem sabe ainda que o senhor fala a língua dos animais! Circos não precisam ser ruins. O senhor poderia dirigir um de um tipo novo; limpo, honesto, especial - um que todo mundo no mundo viesse ver. Mas primeiro precisa conseguir dinheiro. Não desista tão fácil.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Não adianta, Matthew. Não estou ajudando aqui e não posso ficar vendo animais infelizes. Nunca deveria ter entrado nesse trabalho.

Original English

“No, it’s no use, Matthew. I’m doing no good here and I can’t stay and see animals unhappy. I never should have gone into the business.”

Original Português

“Não, não adianta, Matthew. Não estou fazendo bem algum aqui e não posso ficar vendo animais infelizes. Eu nunca deveria ter entrado nesse negócio.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Nesse momento, o cavalo velho Beppo ouviu a voz do amigo. Aproximou-se e encostou gentilmente o nariz no ouvido do Doutor.

Original English

At this moment the old horse, Beppo, hearing his friend’s voice, drew near and pushed his muzzle affectionately into the Doctor’s ear.

Original Português

Nesse momento, o velho cavalo, Beppo, ouvindo a voz do amigo, aproximou-se e enfiou carinhosamente o focinho no ouvido do Doutor.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Olá - disse John Dolittle. - Beppo, receio não poder fazer nada por você. Sinto muito, mas vou deixar o circo.

Original English

“Hulloa,” said John Dolittle. “Beppo, I’m afraid I can be of no help to you. I’m sorry - but I am going to leave the circus.”

Original Português

“Olá”, disse John Dolittle. “Beppo, temo que não posso ajudá-lo. Sinto muito - mas vou deixar o circo.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Mas, Doutor - disse o cavalo velho - , você é nossa única esperança. Hoje ouvi o elefante e o Cavalo Falante. Eles disseram estar felizes com sua chegada. Tenha paciência; não pode mudar tudo de uma vez. Se partir, nunca conseguiremos o que queremos. Mas, se ficar, logo dirigirá o espetáculo do modo certo. Não nos preocupamos enquanto você está conosco. Por favor, fique. Sei que chegará o dia em que o novo circo, ‘O Circo Dolittle’, será o maior do mundo.

Original English

“But, Doctor,” said the old horse, “you’re our one hope. Why, only to-day I heard the elephant and the Talking Horse - the cob who performs in the big show - they were saying how glad they were that you had come. Be patient. You can’t change everything in a minute. If you go, then we’ll never get anything we want. But we know that if you stay, before long you will be running the whole show the way it should be run. We’re not worried as long as you’re with us. Only stay. And mark my words, the day will come when the new circus, ‘The Dolittle Circus,’ will be the greatest on earth.”

Original Português

“Mas, Doutor”, disse o velho cavalo, “o senhor é nossa única esperança. Ora, ainda hoje ouvi o elefante e o Cavalo Falante - o cavalo castrado que se apresenta no espetáculo principal - dizendo como estavam contentes por o senhor ter vindo. Tenha paciência. O senhor não pode mudar tudo em um minuto. Se for embora, nunca conseguiremos nada do que queremos. Mas sabemos que, se ficar, em pouco tempo estará dirigindo todo o espetáculo como ele deve ser dirigido. Não estamos preocupados enquanto o senhor estiver conosco. Apenas fique. E guarde minhas palavras: chegará o dia em que o novo circo, ‘O Circo Dolittle’, será o maior da Terra.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Por um momento, o Doutor não disse nada. Matthew não compreendia a conversa com o cavalo e esperou que ele falasse.

Original English

For a moment the Doctor was silent. And Matthew, who had not understood the conversation with the horse, waited impatiently for him to speak.

Original Português

Por um momento o Doutor ficou em silêncio. E Matthew, que não entendera a conversa com o cavalo, esperou impaciente que ele falasse.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Por fim, levantou-se e entrou na caravana.

- Bem - disse o Homem da Carne de Gato, preocupado - , você vai ficar?

- Sim, Matthew - disse o Doutor. - Parece que preciso ficar. Boa noite.

Original English

At last he arose and turned to go into the caravan.

“Well,” said the Cat’s-Meat-Man anxiously, “are you going to stay?”

“Yes, Matthew,” said the Doctor. “It seems I’ve got to. Good night.”

Original Português

Por fim ele se levantou e virou-se para entrar na caravana.

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Original Português

“Bem”, disse o Homem-da-Carne-de-Gato ansiosamente, “o senhor vai ficar?”

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Original Português

“Sim, Matthew”, disse o Doutor. “Parece que tenho de ficar. Boa noite.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

No fim daquela semana, a Feira de Grimbledon terminou, e o circo teve de seguir para a próxima cidade. Arrumar um grande espetáculo para uma longa viagem era um trabalho pesado. Todo o domingo o local ficou movimentado: homens corriam e gritavam ordens, tendas eram desmontadas e enroladas, e os estandes eram desmontados e colocados nas carroças. O lugar colorido logo ficou sem graça e desordenado. Os animais do Doutor nunca tinham visto isso. Dab-Dab ajudou na arrumação, enquanto os outros adoraram a agitação e as novidades.

Original English

At the end of that week the Grimbledon Fair was over and the circus had to move on to the next town. It was a big job, this packing up a large show for a long journey by road. And all day Sunday the enclosure was a very busy place. Men ran around everywhere shouting orders. The big tent and the little tents were pulled down and rolled up. The stands were taken apart and piled into wagons. The large space that had looked so gay was quickly changed into a drab, untidy mess. It was all very new to the Doctor’s pets; and though Dab-Dab joined in the general hustle of packing, the rest of them enjoyed the excitement and the newness of it no end.

Original Português

No fim daquela semana a Feira de Grimbledon terminou e o circo teve de seguir para a cidade seguinte. Era um trabalho enorme, empacotar um grande espetáculo para uma longa viagem por estrada. E durante todo o domingo o recinto foi um lugar muito movimentado. Homens corriam por toda parte gritando ordens. A tenda grande e as tendas pequenas foram desmontadas e enroladas. As barracas foram desmontadas e empilhadas em carroções. O grande espaço que parecera tão alegre transformou-se rapidamente numa bagunça cinzenta e desordenada. Tudo isso era muito novo para os bichos de estimação do Doutor; e, embora Dab-Dab se juntasse à correria geral de empacotar, os demais apreciaram imensamente a excitação e a novidade.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Uma coisa muito engraçada foi ver como os artistas pareciam quando tiravam as roupas de circo para viajar. Gub-Gub ficou confuso, pois não reconhecia ninguém. O palhaço tirou a tinta branca do rosto. A Princesa Fatima tirou as roupas finas e pareceu uma boa faxineira pronta para as férias. O Homem Selvagem de Bornéu vestiu colarinho e gravata e falou naturalmente. A Mulher Barbada tirou a barba, dobrou-a e guardou-a num baú.

Original English

One thing that amused them very much was the change in the appearance of the performers when they got out of their circus dress to travel. Gub-Gub was very confused, because he couldn’t recognize anybody any more. The clown took the white paint off his face. The Princess Fatima laid aside her gorgeous garments and appeared like a respectable charwoman ready for a holiday. The Wild Man of Borneo put on a collar and tie and talked quite naturally. And the Bearded Lady took off her beard, folded it up and packed it in a trunk.

Original Português

Uma coisa que os divertiu muito foi a mudança na aparência dos artistas quando tiraram suas roupas de circo para viajar. Gub-Gub ficou muito confuso, porque já não conseguia reconhecer ninguém. O palhaço tirou a tinta branca do rosto. A princesa Fatima deixou de lado suas vestes suntuosas e apareceu como uma respeitável faxineira pronta para um feriado. O Homem Selvagem de Bornéu pôs colarinho e gravata e falou com toda naturalidade. E a Mulher Barbada tirou a barba, dobrou-a e guardou-a num baú.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Então o circo pegou a estrada numa longa fila de caravanas. A próxima cidade ficava a cinquenta milhas, distância que não alcançariam em um dia caminhando devagar. À noite dormiam em tendas junto à estrada ou em espaços abertos. Assim os animais tinham dois prazeres: viam o campo de dia de sua casa sobre rodas e dormiam fora à noite como ciganos. Jip divertia-se perseguindo ratos nas valas e às vezes correndo atrás do cheiro de uma raposa. O ritmo lento lhe dava tempo para pequenas aventuras, e ele sempre conseguia alcançar o grupo. Gub-Gub gostava sobretudo de adivinhar onde dormiriam a cada noite.

Original English

Then in a long procession of caravans the circus set out upon the road. The next town to be visited was fifty miles off. This journey could not, of course, be covered in a single day, going at a walk. The nights were to be spent camping out by the roadside or in whatever convenient clear spaces could be found. So, beside the new amusement of seeing the country by day from a home on wheels, the animals had the thrill of spending the nights gypsy-fashion, wherever darkness found them. Jip got lots of fun chasing the rats out of the ditches along the road and often going off across a meadow on the scent of a fox. The slowness of the circus’s pace gave him time for all sorts of small adventures; and he could always catch up. But Gub-Gub’s chief delight was guessing where they would spend the night.

Original Português

Então, numa longa procissão de caravanas, o circo pôs-se na estrada. A próxima cidade a ser visitada ficava a cinquenta milhas. Essa viagem, naturalmente, não podia ser feita em um só dia, indo a passo. As noites seriam passadas acampando à beira da estrada ou em quaisquer clareiras convenientes que se encontrassem. Assim, além da nova diversão de ver o campo durante o dia de uma casa sobre rodas, os animais tinham a emoção de passar as noites à moda cigana, onde quer que a escuridão os encontrasse. Jip se divertia muito perseguindo ratos para fora das valas ao longo da estrada e muitas vezes saindo através de um prado no rastro de uma raposa. A lentidão do passo do circo dava-lhe tempo para todo tipo de pequenas aventuras; e ele sempre conseguia alcançá-los. Mas o maior prazer de Gub-Gub era adivinhar onde passariam a noite.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Seguindo o cheiro de uma raposa.

Original English

“On the scent of a fox”

Original Português

“No rastro de uma raposa”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Essa parte da viagem, quando paravam para dormir, parecia deixar todos felizes. Quando a chaleira fervia sobre o fogo junto à estrada, todos se animavam e começavam a conversar. Os dois amigos de Jip, o cão do palhaço e Toby, o cão de Punch e Judy, sempre chegavam quando a procissão parava e se juntavam ao grupo do Doutor. Também gostavam da ideia de John Dolittle dirigir o espetáculo ou ter seu próprio circo. Quando não contavam histórias maravilhosas da vida de cães artistas, diziam que um verdadeiro Circo Dolittle seria excelente.

Original English

This part of the life, the halting for sleep, seemed to be enjoyed by all. When the kettle was put on to boil over the roadside fire every one cheered up and got talkative. Jip’s two friends, the clown’s dog and Toby, the Punch-and-Judy dog, always came around as soon as the procession stopped for the night, and joined the Doctor’s party. They, too, seemed to be much in favor of John Dolittle’s taking charge of the show or running a circus of his own. And when they weren’t amusing the family circle with wonderful stories of a show-dog’s life they kept telling the Doctor that a real Dolittle Circus would, to their way of thinking, be a perfect institution.

Original Português

Essa parte da vida, a parada para dormir, parecia ser apreciada por todos. Quando a chaleira era posta para ferver sobre a fogueira da beira da estrada, todos se animavam e ficavam conversadores. Os dois amigos de Jip, o cão do palhaço e Toby, o cão de Punch e Judy, vinham sempre por ali assim que a procissão parava para a noite e se juntavam ao grupo do Doutor. Eles também pareciam muito a favor de John Dolittle assumir o comando do espetáculo ou dirigir um circo próprio. E, quando não entretinham o círculo familiar com histórias maravilhosas da vida de um cão de espetáculo, ficavam dizendo ao Doutor que um verdadeiro Circo Dolittle seria, a seu modo de ver, uma instituição perfeita.

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A2 Português (simplified)

John Dolittle sempre dizia que os cães eram tão diferentes uns dos outros quanto as pessoas, talvez até mais. Escreveu um livro para provar isso, chamado Psicologia Canina. Muitos homens inteligentes riram e disseram que só um tolo escreveria sobre tal assunto, mas diziam isso apenas porque não o entendiam.

Original English

John Dolittle had always said that there were just as many different characters and types among dogs as there were among people - in fact, more. He had written a book to prove this. He called it Dog Psychology . Most metaphysicians had pooh-poohed it, saying that no one but a hair-brain would write on such a subject. But this was only to hide the fact that they couldn’t understand it.

Original Português

John Dolittle sempre dissera que havia entre os cães tantos caracteres e tipos diferentes quanto entre as pessoas - na verdade, mais. Ele escrevera um livro para provar isso. Chamara-o Psicologia Canina. A maioria dos metafísicos zombara dele, dizendo que só um cabeça-de-vento escreveria sobre tal assunto. Mas isso era apenas para esconder o fato de que não conseguiam entendê-lo.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Swizzle, o cão do palhaço, e Toby, o cão de Punch e Judy, eram muito diferentes. Swizzle parecia um cão mestiço comum, mas tinha grande senso de humor. Fazia piadas sobre tudo, em parte por ajudar o palhaço a fazer as pessoas rirem, mas também por seu modo de ver a vida. Muitas vezes contou ao Doutor e a Jip que, quando filhote, decidiu que nada no mundo merecia ser levado a sério demais. Ainda assim, era um artista verdadeiro e sempre enxergava a graça, até quando a piada era sobre ele mesmo.

Original English

Certainly these two, Swizzle, the clown’s dog, and Toby, the Punch-and-Judy dog, had very different personalities. Swizzle (to look at, he was nothing but a common mongrel) had a great sense of humor. He made a joke out of everything. This may have been partly on account of his profession - helping a clown make people laugh. But it was also part of his philosophy. He told both the Doctor and Jip more than once that when he was still a puppy he had decided that nothing in this world was worth taking seriously. He was a great artist, nevertheless, and could always see the most difficult jokes - even when they were made at his own expense.

Original Português

Certamente esses dois, Swizzle, o cão do palhaço, e Toby, o cão de Punch e Judy, tinham personalidades muito diferentes. Swizzle (na aparência, não passava de um vira-lata comum) possuía um grande senso de humor. Fazia piada de tudo. Isso talvez se devesse em parte à sua profissão - ajudar um palhaço a fazer as pessoas rirem. Mas era também parte de sua filosofia. Disse ao Doutor e a Jip mais de uma vez que, quando ainda era filhote, decidira que nada neste mundo valia a pena ser levado a sério. Era, ainda assim, um grande artista e sempre conseguia perceber as piadas mais difíceis - mesmo quando feitas à sua própria custa.

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A2 Português (simplified)

O humor de Swizzle deu ao Doutor a ideia dos primeiros jornais humorísticos para animais, quando mais tarde fundou o Clube dos Ratos e Camundongos. Chamavam-se Vida de Adega e Humor de Porão e pretendiam oferecer diversão leve aos animais que viviam em lugares escuros.

Original English

It was Swizzle’s sense of humor that gave the Doctor the idea for the first comic papers printed for animals - when later he founded the Rat-and-Mouse Club. They were called Cellar Life and Basement Humor and were intended to bring light entertainment to those who live in dark places.

Original Português

Foi o senso de humor de Swizzle que deu ao Doutor a ideia dos primeiros jornais cômicos impressos para animais - quando mais tarde fundou o Clube dos Ratos e Camundongos. Chamavam-se Vida de Porão e Humor de Subsolo e destinavam-se a levar entretenimento leve aos que vivem em lugares escuros.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Toby era muito diferente de Swizzle. Era um pequeno poodle branco anão e levava a vida muito a sério. O principal nele era querer obter tudo o que achava que deveria ter, sem ser egoísta. O Doutor dizia que esse jeito cuidadoso e prático era comum em cães pequenos, que muitas vezes precisavam compensar o tamanho sendo ousados. Na primeira vez que Toby visitou a caravana de John Dolittle, subiu na cama do Doutor e acomodou-se. Dab-Dab ficou chocada e tentou tirá-lo, mas ele recusou, dizendo que o Doutor não se importava e que ele era o dono da cama. Depois, sempre que visitava, ocupava aquele lugar no grupo da noite. Conquistara um direito especial por sua ousadia e costumava pedir coisas especiais, que geralmente recebia.

Original English

Toby, the other, was as different from his friend Swizzle as it is possible to be. He was a small dog, a dwarf white poodle. And he took himself and life quite seriously. The most noticeable thing about his character was his determination to get everything which he thought he ought to get. Yet he was not selfish, not at all. The Doctor always said that this shrewd business-like quality was to be found in most little dogs - who had to make up for their small size by an extra share of cheek. The very first time Toby came visiting to John Dolittle’s caravan he got on the Doctor’s bed and made himself comfortable. Dab-Dab, highly scandalized, tried to put him off. But he wouldn’t move. He said the Doctor didn’t seem to mind and he was the owner of the bed. And from that time on he always occupied this place in the caravan’s evening circle when he came to visit. He had won a special privilege for himself by sheer cheek. He was always demanding privileges, and he usually got them.

Original Português

Toby, o outro, era o mais diferente possível de seu amigo Swizzle. Era um cão pequeno, um poodle branco anão. E levava a si mesmo e à vida muito a sério. A coisa mais notável em seu caráter era a determinação de conseguir tudo aquilo que achava que devia conseguir. Ainda assim, não era egoísta, de modo algum. O Doutor sempre dizia que essa qualidade esperta e prática se encontrava na maioria dos cães pequenos - que tinham de compensar o tamanho reduzido com uma porção extra de atrevimento. Da primeira vez que Toby veio visitar a caravana de John Dolittle, subiu na cama do Doutor e se pôs à vontade. Dab-Dab, profundamente escandalizada, tentou tirá-lo dali. Mas ele não se mexeu. Disse que o Doutor não parecia se importar, e que ele era o dono da cama. E, daquele dia em diante, sempre ocupou esse lugar no círculo noturno da caravana quando vinha visitar. Havia conquistado para si um privilégio especial por puro descaramento. Estava sempre exigindo privilégios, e geralmente os conseguia.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Mas Toby e Swizzle tinham uma coisa em comum: ambos eram muito orgulhosos de sua amizade com John Dolittle, que consideravam o maior homem do mundo.

Original English

But there was one thing, in which Toby and Swizzle were alike; and that was the pride they took in their personal friendship with John Dolittle, whom they considered the greatest man on earth.

Original Português

Mas havia uma coisa em que Toby e Swizzle eram parecidos: o orgulho que tinham de sua amizade pessoal com John Dolittle, a quem consideravam o maior homem da Terra.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Swizzle e Toby

Original English

“Toby and Swizzle”

Original Português

“Toby e Swizzle”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Certa noite, na primeira viagem entre cidades, o grupo parou junto à estrada como de costume. Havia uma bela fazenda perto, e Gub-Gub foi ver se havia porcos no chiqueiro. Assim, o grupo do Doutor estava reunido. Logo que a chaleira começou a ferver, Toby e Swizzle chegaram. Como a noite estava fresca, Dab-Dab usou o fogão da caravana em vez de fazer fogo fora. Todos se sentaram ao redor e conversaram.

Original English

One night on the first trip between towns the procession had stopped by the side of the road as usual. There was a nice old-fashioned farm quite near and Gub-Gub had gone off to see if there were any pigs in the stye. Otherwise the Doctor’s family circle was complete. And soon after the kettle had been put on to boil along came Toby and Swizzle. The night was cool; so, instead of making a fire outside, Dab-Dab was using the stove in the caravan, and everybody was sitting around it chatting.

Original Português

Certa noite, na primeira viagem entre cidades, a procissão parara à beira da estrada como de costume. Havia uma bela fazenda antiga bem perto, e Gub-Gub tinha ido ver se havia porcos no chiqueiro. Fora isso, o círculo familiar do Doutor estava completo. E, pouco depois de a chaleira ter sido posta para ferver, apareceram Toby e Swizzle. A noite estava fresca; por isso, em vez de fazer fogo do lado de fora, Dab-Dab usava o fogão da caravana, e todos estavam sentados ao redor dele, conversando.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Souberam da novidade, Doutor? - disse Toby, pulando na cama.

- Não - disse John Dolittle. - O que é?

- Na próxima cidade, Ashby, que é bem grande, vamos buscar Sophie.

- Quem é Sophie? - perguntou o Doutor, tirando os chinelos de trás do fogão.

Original English

“Have you heard the news, Doctor?” said Toby, jumping up on the bed.

“No,” said John Dolittle. “What is it?”

“At the next town - Ashby, you know, quite a large place - we are to pick up Sophie.”

“Who in the world is Sophie?” asked the Doctor, getting out his slippers from behind the stove.

Original Português

“Ouviu as novidades, Doutor?”, disse Toby, saltando para a cama.

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Original Português

“Não”, disse John Dolittle. “Quais são?”

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Original Português

“Na próxima cidade - Ashby, sabe, um lugar bem grande - vamos buscar Sophie.”

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Original Português

“Quem no mundo é Sophie?”, perguntou o Doutor, tirando os chinelos de trás do fogão.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Swizzle disse: - Ela estava conosco antes de você chegar. Sophie é uma foca artista. Equilibra bolas no nariz e faz truques na água. Ficou doente, por isso Blossom a deixou para trás há um mês. Agora está melhor. O cuidador a encontrará em Ashby e ela se juntará a nós. É uma garota simpática; acho que gostará dela.

Original English

“She left us before you joined,” said Swizzle. “Sophie’s the performing seal - balances balls on her nose and does tricks in the water. She fell sick and Blossom had to leave her behind about a month ago. She’s all right now, though, and her keeper is meeting us at Ashby so she can join us again. She’s rather a sentimental sort of girl, is Sophie. But she’s a good sport, and I’m sure you will like her.”

Original Português

“Ela saiu antes de o senhor entrar”, disse Swizzle. “Sophie é a foca amestrada - equilibra bolas no nariz e faz truques na água. Ficou doente e Blossom teve de deixá-la para trás há cerca de um mês. Agora está bem, porém, e o tratador dela vai nos encontrar em Ashby para que ela se junte a nós de novo. Sophie é uma moça um tanto sentimental. Mas é boa companheira, e tenho certeza de que o senhor vai gostar dela.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Ele levantou-se cansado da cama, onde não dormira.

Original English

“Climbed wearily from his sleepless bed”

Original Português

“Subiu cansado de sua cama sem sono”

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A2 Português (simplified)

O circo chegou a Ashby por volta das nove da noite de quarta-feira. Abriria ao público na manhã seguinte, então os homens trabalharam durante toda a noite à luz de tochas. Montaram tendas, barracas e serragem. Mesmo depois que o estande do pushmi-pullyu ficou pronto e a família do Doutor foi dormir, ninguém descansou. O chão tremia com as marteladas e as pessoas gritavam. Depois veio a madrugada, mostrando a cidade de lona construída numa noite.

Original English

The circus reached Ashby about nine o’clock on a Wednesday evening. It was to open to the public the first thing the following morning. So all through that night, by the light of flares, the men were busy hoisting tents, setting up booths, and spreading tanbark. Even after the pushmi-pullyu’s stand was put together and the Doctor’s family retired to rest, no one got any sleep; for the ground still shook with the hammers driving pegs; and the air was full of shouts and the spirits of work, till the dusk of dawn crept over the roofs of Ashby and showed the city of canvas that had been built in a night.

Original Português

O circo chegou a Ashby por volta das nove horas de uma quarta-feira à noite. Abriria ao público logo cedo na manhã seguinte. Assim, durante toda aquela noite, à luz de tochas, os homens se ocuparam em içar tendas, montar barracas e espalhar serragem curtida. Mesmo depois que o estande do pushmi-pullyu foi montado e a família do Doutor se retirou para descansar, ninguém conseguiu dormir; pois o chão ainda tremia com os martelos cravando estacas, e o ar estava cheio de gritos e de espírito de trabalho, até que a penumbra da alvorada se insinuou sobre os telhados de Ashby e mostrou a cidade de lona que fora construída numa noite.

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A2 Português (simplified)

John Dolittle saiu da cama muito cansado. Achava a vida de circo difícil. Depois do café, deixou Matthew no estande e foi encontrar a foca artista.

Original English

John Dolittle decided, as he climbed wearily from his sleepless bed that circus life took a lot of getting used to. After breakfast, leaving Matthew in charge of his stand, he set out to make the acquaintance of the performing seal.

Original Português

John Dolittle decidiu, ao levantar-se cansado de sua cama sem sono, que a vida de circo exigia bastante tempo para a gente se acostumar. Depois do café da manhã, deixando Matthew encarregado de seu estande, saiu para conhecer a foca amestrada.

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THE SIXTH CHAPTER - SOPHIE, FROM ALASKA

A2 Português (simplified)

O cuidador de Sophie, como os outros artistas, preparara seu número para o público. A foca se apresentava duas vezes por dia na grande tenda, depois dos irmãos Pinto e do Cavalo Falante. Em outros momentos era uma atração lateral como o pushmi-pullyu: num tanque, mergulhava em busca de peixes para quem pagasse três pence.

Original English

S OPHIE ’ S KEEPER , LIKE the rest of the showmen, had by this time got his part of the circus in readiness to open to the public. The seal was accustomed to perform in the big tent twice a day, following the Pinto Brothers (trapeze acrobats) and the Talking Horse. But during the rest of the day she was a side-show like the pushmi-pullyu. Here in an enclosed tank she dived after fish for the amusement of anyone who paid threepence to come and see her.

Original Português

O TRATADOR DE SOPHIE, COMO o restante do pessoal do espetáculo, já tinha a essa altura sua parte do circo pronta para abrir ao público. A foca estava acostumada a se apresentar na tenda grande duas vezes por dia, depois dos irmãos Pinto (acrobatas de trapézio) e do Cavalo Falante. Mas, durante o resto do dia, era uma atração lateral, como o pushmi-pullyu. Ali, num tanque fechado, mergulhava atrás de peixes para divertir quem pagasse três pence para vê-la.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Ainda era cedo. O cuidador de Sophie tomava café nos degraus quando o Doutor entrou no estande. Dentro havia um tanque de cerca de quatro metros de largura, enterrado no chão, cercado por uma plataforma com grade. Sophie era uma bela foca do Alasca, com quase um metro e meio, pele lisa e olhos inteligentes. Estava triste na água. Quando o Doutor falou em sua língua, ela o reconheceu e começou a chorar.

Original English

This morning - it was still quite early - Sophie’s keeper was eating his breakfast outside on the steps when the Doctor entered the stand. Inside, a tank about twelve feet across had been let into the ground; and around it was a platform with a railing where visitors stood to watch the performance. Sophie, a fine five-foot Alaskan seal, with sleek skin and intelligent eyes, was wallowing moodily in the water of the tank. When the Doctor spoke to her in her own language, and she realized who her visitor was, she burst into a flood of tears.

Original Português

Naquela manhã - ainda era bem cedo - o tratador de Sophie tomava seu café da manhã do lado de fora, nos degraus, quando o Doutor entrou no estande. Lá dentro, um tanque de cerca de doze pés de largura fora encaixado no chão; ao redor dele havia uma plataforma com corrimão, onde os visitantes ficavam para assistir à apresentação. Sophie, uma bela foca do Alasca de cinco pés, com pele lustrosa e olhos inteligentes, remexia-se melancolicamente na água do tanque. Quando o Doutor lhe falou em sua própria língua, e ela percebeu quem era o visitante, desatou num dilúvio de lágrimas.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- O que aconteceu? - perguntou John Dolittle.

A foca continuou chorando sem responder.

Original English

“What is the matter?” asked John Dolittle.

The seal, still weeping, did not answer.

Original Português

“Qual é o problema?”, perguntou John Dolittle.

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Original Português

A foca, ainda chorando, não respondeu.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Acalme-se - disse o Doutor. - Não fique perturbada. Diga-me: ainda está doente? Pensei que tivesse melhorado.

Original English

“Calm yourself,” said the Doctor. “Don’t be hysterical. Tell me, are you still sick? I understood you had recovered.”

Original Português

“Acalme-se”, disse o Doutor. “Não fique histérica. Diga-me, ainda está doente? Entendi que havia se recuperado.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Sim, melhorei - disse Sophie entre lágrimas. - Foi apenas uma forte dor de estômago. Eles nos dão este peixe velho, sabe.

Original English

“Oh, yes, I got over that,” said Sophie through her tears. “It was only an upset stomach. They will feed us this stale fish, you know.”

Original Português

“Ah, sim, sarei disso”, disse Sophie entre lágrimas. “Foi apenas um desarranjo no estômago. Eles insistem em nos dar peixe velho, sabe.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Então qual é o problema? - perguntou o Doutor. - Por que está chorando?

Original English

“Then what’s the matter?” asked the Doctor. “Why are you crying?”

Original Português

“Então qual é o problema?”, perguntou o Doutor. “Por que está chorando?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Eu chorava de alegria - disse Sophie. - Quando você entrou, eu pensava que John Dolittle era a única pessoa que poderia me ajudar. Soube de você pelo Correio e pela Monthly Ártica. Até lhe escrevi. Fui eu que escrevi aquelas histórias sobre nadar debaixo d’água. Lembra-se do Movimento do Alasca? Da braçada dupla? Saiu na edição de agosto da sua revista. Ficamos muito tristes quando você precisou interromper a Monthly Ártica. As focas adoravam-na.

Original English

“I was weeping for joy,” said Sophie. “I was just thinking as you came in that the only person in the world who could help me in my trouble was John Dolittle. Of course, I had heard all about you through the Post Office and the Arctic Monthly . In fact, I had written to you. It was I who contributed those articles on under-water swimming - you remember? - The Alaskan Wiggle , you know - double overhand stroke. It was printed in the August number of your magazine. We were awfully sorry when you had to give up the Arctic Monthly . It was tremendously popular among the seals.”

Original Português

“Eu chorava de alegria”, disse Sophie. “Estava justamente pensando, quando o senhor entrou, que a única pessoa no mundo capaz de me ajudar em minha aflição era John Dolittle. É claro que eu ouvira tudo a seu respeito pelo Correio e pela Revista Mensal do Ártico. Na verdade, escrevi para o senhor. Fui eu que contribuí com aqueles artigos sobre natação subaquática - lembra? - A Ondulação Alasca, sabe - braçada dupla por cima. Saiu no número de agosto de sua revista. Ficamos terrivelmente tristes quando o senhor teve de abandonar a Revista Mensal do Ártico. Era tremendamente popular entre as focas.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Mas que problema você mencionou? - perguntou o Doutor.

Original English

“But what was this trouble you were speaking of?” asked the Doctor.

Original Português

“Mas qual era essa aflição de que falava?”, perguntou o Doutor.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Ah, sim - disse Sophie, chorando novamente. - Isso só mostra como estou feliz. Esqueci por um momento. Quando entrou, pensei que fosse apenas um visitante. Mas, quando falou a primeira palavra na língua das focas, e ainda na língua das focas do Alasca, soube quem era. John Dolittle, o único homem que eu queria ver! Foi emoção demais. Eu...

Original English

“Oh, yes,” said Sophie, bursting into tears again. “That just shows you how glad I am; I had forgotten all about it for the moment. You know, when you first came in I thought you were an ordinary visitor. But the very first word of sealish that you spoke - and Alaskan sealish at that - I knew who you were; John Dolittle, the one man in the world I wanted to see! It was too much, I - ”

Original Português

“Ah, sim”, disse Sophie, rompendo em lágrimas outra vez. “Isso só mostra como estou contente; por um momento eu me esqueci completamente dela. Sabe, quando o senhor entrou, pensei que fosse um visitante comum. Mas a primeira palavra em foquês que o senhor pronunciou - e foquês do Alasca, ainda por cima - eu soube quem era: John Dolittle, o único homem no mundo que eu queria ver! Foi demais, eu - ”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Vamos, vamos! - disse o Doutor. - Não chore outra vez. Diga-me o que está errado.

- Bem - disse Sophie - , este é o problema: enquanto eu...

Nesse momento ouviram um barulho do lado de fora: um balde chacoalhando.

Original English

“Come, come!” said the Doctor. “Don’t break down again. Tell me what your trouble is.”

“Well,” said Sophie, “it’s this: While I - ”

At that moment there was a noise outside, the rattling of a bucket.

Original Português

“Vamos, vamos!”, disse o Doutor. “Não desmorone outra vez. Diga-me qual é a sua aflição.”

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Original Português

“Bem”, disse Sophie, “é o seguinte: enquanto eu - ”

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Original Português

Nesse momento ouviu-se um barulho lá fora, o tinir de um balde.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Psiu! O cuidador está chegando - sussurrou rapidamente o Doutor. - Continue fazendo seus truques. Não deixarei que saibam que falo com os animais.

Original English

“Sh! It’s the keeper coming,” whispered the Doctor quickly. “Just carry on with your tricks. I’m not letting them know I can talk to the animals.”

Original Português

“Sh! É o tratador chegando”, cochichou rapidamente o Doutor. “Continue apenas com seus truques. Não estou deixando que saibam que posso falar com os animais.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

Quando o cuidador entrou para limpar o chão, Sophie saltava e mergulhava para um homenzinho que usava uma cartola danificada na parte de trás da cabeça. O cuidador olhou para ele e começou a trabalhar, pensando que era apenas uma pessoa comum.

Original English

When the keeper entered to swab the floor, Sophie was frisking and diving for an audience of one: a quite little fat man with a battered high hat on the back of his head. The keeper just glanced at him, before setting to work, and decided that he was quite an ordinary person, nobody in particular at all.

Original Português

Quando o tratador entrou para esfregar o piso, Sophie saltitava e mergulhava para um público de uma pessoa: um homenzinho gordo e bastante quieto, com uma cartola amassada na parte de trás da cabeça. O tratador apenas olhou para ele de relance antes de começar o trabalho e decidiu que era uma pessoa perfeitamente comum, ninguém em particular.

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A2 Português (simplified)

Quando o cuidador terminou e saiu, Sophie voltou a falar.

Original English

As soon as the man had finished his mopping and disappeared again, Sophie continued:

Original Português

Assim que o homem terminou de passar pano e desapareceu de novo, Sophie continuou:

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Quando fiquei doente - disse a foca - , estávamos nos apresentando em Hatley-on-Sea. Meu cuidador, Higgins, e eu ficamos lá duas semanas enquanto o circo prosseguia sem nós. Há um pequeno zoológico perto do mar, em Hatley, com tanques para focas e lontras. Higgins contou ao cuidador das focas que eu estava doente. Pensaram que eu precisava de companhia e puseram-me com as outras focas até melhorar. Uma foca mais velha era da mesma região do estreito de Behring que eu. Ela me deu notícias terríveis de meu marido. Desde que fui levada, ele está triste e se recusa a comer. Antes era o líder do grupo, mas depois que parti ficou magro e fraco, e outra foca virou líder. Agora não esperam que ele viva. - Sophie começou a chorar de novo. - Eu entendo: nós nos amávamos muito. Ele era grande e forte, e as outras focas tinham medo de discutir com ele. Mas, sem mim, perdeu-se. Era como um bebê, dependia de mim para tudo. E agora não sei o que está acontecendo com ele. É terrível!

Original English

“You know,” said the seal, “when I fell sick we were performing at Hatley-on-Sea, and I and my keeper - Higgins is his name - stayed there two weeks while the circus went on without us. Now, there’s a zoo at Hatley - only a small one - near the esplanade. They have artificial ponds there with seals and otters in them. Well, Higgins got talking to the keeper of these seals one day, and told him about my being sick. And they decided I needed company. So they put me in the pond with the other seals till I should recover. Among them there was an older one who came from the same part of the Behring Straits as I did. He gave me some very bad news about my husband. It seems that ever since I was captured he has been unhappy and refused to eat. He used to be leader of the herd. But after I was taken away he had worried and grown thin and finally another seal was elected leader in his place. Now he wasn’t expected to live.” (Quietly Sophie began to weep again.) “I can quite understand it. We were devoted to one another. And although he was so big and strong and no other seal in the herd ever dared to argue with him, without me, well, he was just lost, you know - a mere baby. He relied on me for everything. And now - I don’t know what’s happening to him. It’s just terrible - terrible!”

Original Português

“Sabe”, disse a foca, “quando adoeci, estávamos nos apresentando em Hatley-on-Sea, e eu e meu tratador - Higgins é o nome dele - ficamos lá duas semanas enquanto o circo seguia sem nós. Ora, há um zoológico em Hatley - pequeno apenas - perto do passeio à beira-mar. Eles têm lá tanques artificiais com focas e lontras. Pois Higgins pôs-se a conversar com o tratador dessas focas certo dia e contou-lhe que eu estava doente. E eles decidiram que eu precisava de companhia. Então me puseram no tanque com as outras focas até que eu me recuperasse. Entre elas havia uma mais velha, que vinha da mesma parte do Estreito de Bering que eu. Ela me deu notícias muito ruins sobre meu marido. Parece que desde que fui capturada ele ficou infeliz e se recusou a comer. Costumava ser o líder da manada. Mas, depois que fui levada embora, preocupou-se, emagreceu e finalmente outra foca foi eleita líder em seu lugar. Agora não esperavam que vivesse.” (Sophie começou a chorar de novo, baixinho.) “Consigo entender muito bem. Éramos devotados um ao outro. E, embora ele fosse tão grande e forte, e nenhuma outra foca da manada jamais ousasse discutir com ele, sem mim, bem, ele simplesmente ficou perdido, sabe - um bebê. Dependia de mim para tudo. E agora - não sei o que está acontecendo com ele. É simplesmente terrível - terrível!”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Espere - disse o Doutor. - Não chore. O que acha que deveria ser feito?

Original English

“Well, wait a minute,” said the Doctor. “Don’t cry. What do you think ought to be done?”

Original Português

“Bem, espere um minuto”, disse o Doutor. “Não chore. O que você acha que deve ser feito?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Devo ir até ele - disse Sophie, erguendo-se na água e abrindo as nadadeiras. - Devo ficar ao lado dele. Ele é o verdadeiro líder do grupo e precisa de mim. Eu esperava escapar em Hatley, mas não tive oportunidade.

Original English

“I ought to go to him,” said Sophie, raising herself in the water and spreading out her flippers. “I ought to be by his side. He is the proper leader of the herd and he needs me. I hoped I might escape at Hatley, but not a chance did I get.”

Original Português

“Eu devo ir até ele”, disse Sophie, erguendo-se na água e abrindo as nadadeiras. “Devo estar ao lado dele. Ele é o verdadeiro líder da manada e precisa de mim. Tive esperança de escapar em Hatley, mas não tive nenhuma oportunidade.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Hum - murmurou o Doutor. - O estreito de Behring fica muito longe. Como chegaria lá?

Original English

“Humph!” muttered the Doctor. “It’s an awful long way to the Behring Straits. How on earth would you get there?”

Original Português

“Hum!”, murmurou o Doutor. “É uma distância terrivelmente longa até o Estreito de Bering. Como, no mundo, você chegaria lá?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- É por isso que queria falar com você - disse Sophie. - Por terra, movo-me muito devagar. Se tivesse escapado de Hatley, ficaria bem, pois, quando alcançasse o mar, chegaria rapidamente ao Alasca.

Original English

“That’s just what I wanted to see you about,” said Sophie. “Overland, of course, my rate of travel is very slow. If I could only have got away at Hatley I’d have been all right. Because, of course,” she added with a powerful swish of her tail that slopped half the water out of the tank, “once I reached the sea I’d be up to Alaska in no time.”

Original Português

“Era justamente sobre isso que eu queria vê-lo”, disse Sophie. “Por terra, é claro, minha velocidade é muito baixa. Se eu ao menos tivesse conseguido fugir em Hatley, tudo estaria bem. Porque, naturalmente”, acrescentou ela com uma vigorosa batida da cauda, que derramou metade da água para fora do tanque, “uma vez chegando ao mar, eu estaria no Alasca em pouco tempo.”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Preciso ir até ele.

Original English

“‘I ought to go to him’”

Original Português

“‘Eu devo ir até ele’”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Sim - disse o Doutor, sacudindo a água das botas. - Vejo que é uma nadadora forte. A que distância estamos da costa?

Original English

“Ah, yes,” the Doctor agreed, as he shook the water out of his boots. “I see you are a powerful swimmer. How far are we from the coast here?”

Original Português

“Ah, sim”, concordou o Doutor, sacudindo a água das botas. “Vejo que você é uma nadadora poderosa. A que distância estamos da costa aqui?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Cerca de cem milhas. Oh, pobre Slushy! Meu pobre Slushy!

- Pobre quem? - perguntou o Doutor.

Original English

“About a hundred miles,” said Sophie. “Oh dear! Poor Slushy! My poor, poor Slushy!”

“Poor who?” asked the Doctor.

Original Português

“Cerca de cem milhas”, disse Sophie. “Ai, meu Deus! Pobre Slushy! Meu pobre, pobre Slushy!”

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Original Português

“Pobre quem?”, perguntou o Doutor.

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A2 Português (simplified)

- Slushy - disse a foca. - Esse é o nome do meu marido. O pobre e simples Slushy confiava em mim para tudo. O que posso fazer?

Original English

“Slushy,” said the seal. “That’s my husband’s name. He relied on me in everything, poor, simple Slushy. What shall I do? What shall I do?”

Original Português

“Slushy”, disse a foca. “Esse é o nome do meu marido. Ele dependia de mim em tudo, pobre e simples Slushy. O que farei? O que farei?”

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A2 Português (simplified)

John Dolittle disse: - Escute. Não é fácil levá-la secretamente ao mar, mas é possível. Preciso pensar. Talvez consiga libertá-la de outro modo. Mandarei uma ave avisar seu marido para não se preocupar e trazer notícias dele. Anime-se; algumas pessoas vêm vê-la.

Original English

“Well, now listen,” said John Dolittle. “This is no easy matter, to smuggle you to the sea. I don’t say it’s impossible. But it needs thinking out. Perhaps I can get you free some other way - openly. In the meantime I’ll send word up to your husband by bird messenger and tell him to stop worrying, because you are all right. And the same messenger can bring us back news of how he is getting on. Now, cheer up. Here come some people to see you perform.”

Original Português

“Bem, agora escute”, disse John Dolittle. “Isto não é nada fácil, contrabandear você até o mar. Não digo que seja impossível. Mas precisa ser pensado. Talvez eu consiga libertá-la de algum outro modo - abertamente. Enquanto isso, enviarei uma mensagem a seu marido por um mensageiro pássaro, dizendo-lhe que pare de se preocupar, porque você está bem. E o mesmo mensageiro poderá trazer-nos notícias de como ele está. Agora, anime-se. Aí vêm algumas pessoas para vê-la se apresentar.”

Back to A2    Original English

Glossary: New Words

Priority words from the simplified reading, selected by CEFR level, rarity and editorial usefulness. Each entry shows up to six real sentences from this book; every Back to A2 link opens the exact sentence in the simplified version.

arms /ɑːrmz/ (6)

Português: braços; armas; armamento

Simple English: Weapons mainly used by military forces in battles.

Example: The soldiers carried various arms to prepare for the conflict ahead.

Uses in this book:

1. Then Fatima stood up, took two snakes from the box, and put them around her neck and arms. Back to A2

beat /biːt/ (2)

Português: bater; vencer; batida

Simple English: The main rhythm or pulse of a musical piece or poem.

Example: The beat of the song made everyone want to dance immediately.

Uses in this book:

1. Behind the back curtains, someone began to beat a drum and play a pipe. Back to A2

bent (4)

Português: dobrado; curvado; torto

Simple English: not straight

Example: The old nail was bent.

Uses in this book:

1. Matthew Mugg bent forward and tapped the Doctor’s knee with his pipe. Back to A2

catch /kætʃ/ (23)

Português: pegar; apanhar; pegá

Simple English: To successfully grab a moving object that is thrown.

Example: He managed to catch the ball just before it hit the ground.

Uses in this book:

1. But he usually came back to selling cat’s meat and catching rats for farmers and millers near Puddleby. Back to A2

2. I often catch rats for him. Back to A2

3. A rat-catcher is not good enough for her!” Back to A2

4. The rat-catcher,” said Sarah, closing her eyes in fear. Back to A2

5. The slow pace gave him time for many small adventures, and he could always catch up. Back to A2

Chair /tʃɛər/ (4)

Português: cadeira; poltrona; presidente

Simple English: A seat with a back.

Example: Please sit on the chair.

Uses in this book:

1. The visitor sat in a chair by the fire. Back to A2

2. “Leave those snakes alone!” shouted Fatima, standing up from her chair. Back to A2

collection /kəˈlɛkʃən/ (2)

Português: coleção; recolha; cobrança

Simple English: Series of new clothes designed by fashion house.

Example: The designer's new collection was showcased at the fashion show last week.

Uses in this book:

1. It was a dirty, poor collection. Back to A2

2. When they came in, a dirty man was showing a group of country people around the collection. Back to A2

comfort /ˈkʌmfərt/ (6)

Português: conforto; confortar; consolo

Simple English: To lessen someone's emotional pain by showing kindness.

Example: I tried to comfort my friend after she lost her beloved pet.

Uses in this book:

1. “They sit in comfort and leave us to walk! Back to A2

creature /ˈkriːtʃər/ (7)

Português: criatura

Simple English: Any living being that can move on its own.

Example: The forest is full of strange creatures at night.

Uses in this book:

1. A big, mixed crowd of creatures waited outside the surgery door. Back to A2

2. He also wanted the shy creature to get used to the noise of circus life before many holiday-makers stared at it. Back to A2

3. The poor creature had a hard time at first. Back to A2

cure /kjʊər/ (4)

Português: cura; curar; curam

Simple English: A treatment that makes an illness go away.

Example: Scientists are looking for a cure.

Uses in this book:

1. The monkeys in Africa gave him to me after I cured a sickness there. Back to A2

damage /ˈdæmɪdʒ/ (1)

Português: danos; dano; danificar

Simple English: To cause physical harm to something, reducing its function.

Example: The storm caused serious damage to many houses in the area.

Uses in this book:

1. He wore a damaged tall hat on the back of his head. Back to A2

debt /dɛt/ (4)

Português: dívida; débito; endividamento

Simple English: Money or favor that is owed.

Example: She worked hard to pay off her credit card debt last year.

Uses in this book:

1. I have debts to pay. Back to A2

equally /ˈiːkwəli/ (1)

Português: igualmente; da mesma forma

Simple English: To the same degree or amount.

Example: Both players performed equally well in the tournament this year.

Uses in this book:

1. The money would be shared equally between the Doctor and the manager. Back to A2

excuse /ɪkˈskjuːs/ (8)

Português: desculpa; Desculpe; perdoe

Simple English: To forgive someone for an error or offense.

Example: Please excuse my mistake; I didn't mean to offend anyone.

Uses in this book:

1. “Excuse me.” Back to A2

feed (6)

Português: alimentar; alimentação; ração

Uses in this book:

1. It was hard to feed so many. Back to A2

2. I could take care of the caravan, feed the animals, and clean.” Back to A2

3. They feed us this old fish, you know.” Back to A2

fortune /ˈfɔːrtʃən/ (3)

Português: fortuna; sorte; fonseca

Simple English: Very large sum of money or valuable assets.

Example: She inherited a fortune from her grandparents and became very wealthy.

Uses in this book:

1. Dab-Dab did not think of a fortune as very large. Back to A2

Forward /ˈfɔːrwərd/ (7)

Português: encaminhar; frente; avançar

Simple English: To send received email or message to another person.

Example: Please forward the email to everyone on the team.

Uses in this book:

1. Matthew Mugg bent forward and tapped the Doctor’s knee with his pipe. Back to A2

free /friː/ (24)

Português: enciclopédia; livre; grátis

Simple English: To release someone from captivity or arrest legally.

Example: The judge decided to free the innocent man after the trial.

Uses in this book:

1. They would travel with the circus, but they would be free. Back to A2

2. When the Cat’s-Meat-Man was free from caring for Hercules, he left his wife to do it. Back to A2

3. She scolded him many times because he let children come in for free when she was not looking. Back to A2

4. Maybe I can get you free in another way. Back to A2

friendship /ˈfrɛndʃɪp/ (1)

Português: amizade

Simple English: A close bond between people marked by trust, loyalty, and support.

Example: Our friendship has lasted for over ten years without any problems.

Uses in this book:

1. They were both very proud of their friendship with John Dolittle, whom they thought was the greatest man in the world. Back to A2

grab /ɡræb/ (3)

Português: agarrar; pegue; pegar

Simple English: To take someone or something suddenly or violently.

Example: She decided to grab her bag and leave quickly.

Uses in this book:

1. Then everybody became excited and grabbed their things. Back to A2

heaven /ˈhɛvən/ (15)

Português: céu; paraíso; céus

Simple English: The place where God and angels live, promised to believers.

Example: Many people hope to go to heaven after they die and find peace.

Uses in this book:

1. “Good heaven!” groaned the Doctor. Back to A2

hold /hoʊld/ (19)

Português: segurar; prender; preensão

Simple English: To have something in your hand or arms.

Example: Hold the baby carefully.

Uses in this book:

1. The Doctor took hold of the bridle. Back to A2

ignore /ɪɡˈnɔːr/ (1)

Português: ignorar

Simple English: To intentionally pay no attention to someone or something.

Example: It's not polite to ignore someone when they are speaking to you.

Uses in this book:

1. But the horse ignored them. Back to A2

line (6)

Português: linha; fila; limites

Uses in this book:

1. Then the circus started on the road in a long line of caravans. Back to A2

Master /ˈmæstər/ (4)

Português: mestre; dominar; patrão

Simple English: Highly skilled person in an art, often historically recognized.

Example: Vincent van Gogh is considered a master of post-impressionist painting.

Uses in this book:

1. When the Doctor did not seem pleased, the circus master took them to see the other shows. Back to A2

mixed /mɪkst/ (3)

Português: misto; misturado; mixado

Simple English: Consisting of different types combined together.

Example: The salad was a mixed variety, containing both leafy greens and colorful vegetables.

Uses in this book:

1. A big, mixed crowd of creatures waited outside the surgery door. Back to A2

2. Swizzle looked like an ordinary mixed-breed dog, but he had a great sense of humor. Back to A2

naturally /ˈnætʃərəli/ (1)

Português: naturalmente; evidentemente; claro

Simple English: In a logical or expected manner.

Example: She naturally understood the problem without needing any explanation.

Uses in this book:

1. The Wild Man of Borneo put on a collar and tie and spoke very naturally. Back to A2

obey /oʊˈbeɪ/ (3)

Português: obedecer; obedecei; cumpra

Simple English: To follow rules, commands, orders given by authority.

Example: Children must learn to obey their parents and teachers at school.

Uses in this book:

1. At last the horse obeyed the driver. Back to A2

opening /ˈoʊpənɪŋ/ (6)

Português: abertura; abrir; inauguração

Simple English: First public presentation of a play, movie, or entertainment.

Example: The opening of the new play was attended by many celebrities.

Uses in this book:

1. “I should go to him,” said Sophie, lifting herself in the water and opening her flippers. Back to A2

outdoor /ˈaʊtdɔːr/ (1)

Português: ao ar livre; exterior

Simple English: Located outside in open air rather than indoors.

Example: We went on an outdoor picnic in the park yesterday.

Uses in this book:

1. But at the entrance they found a high platform with curtains behind it, like a small outdoor stage. Back to A2

pace /peɪs/ (1)

Português: ritmo; passo; palma

Simple English: The speed at which someone moves or runs.

Example: She maintained a steady pace during the long marathon run.

Uses in this book:

1. The slow pace gave him time for many small adventures, and he could always catch up. Back to A2

patient /ˈpeɪʃənt/ (10)

Português: paciente; doente; pacientes

Simple English: A person receiving medical care.

Example: The doctor saw the patient.

Uses in this book:

1. Just then, the Doctor was called to the surgery to see a patient. Back to A2

2. Patients want to see him all the time.” Back to A2

3. “He is my most important patient,” he added. Back to A2

4. Right up to the last minute, sick animal patients kept coming from the countryside. Back to A2

5. Be patient. Back to A2

pension /ˈpɛnʃən/ (1)

Português: pensão; Pensões; previdência

Simple English: Regular payments given to someone after retirement from their job.

Example: She plans to travel the world with her pension after she retires.

Uses in this book:

1. You want me to give horses a pension? Back to A2

pick (5)

Português: escolher; buscá; picareta

Uses in this book:

1. “At the next town, Ashby, which is quite big, we are to pick up Sophie.” Back to A2

pointed /ˈpɔɪntɪd/ (4)

Português: apontou; aguçado; pontiagudo

Simple English: Having an end or tip that is sharp or tapered.

Example: He used a pointed pencil to draw the fine details of the picture.

Uses in this book:

1. John Dolittle was still thinking how to start when the manager turned to the crowd and pointed at the Doctor. Back to A2

Poisonous /ˈpɔɪzənəs/ (1)

Português: venenoso; peçonhento; tóxico

Simple English: Containing toxic substances capable of causing death.

Example: Some mushrooms are poisonous and can be fatal if eaten.

Uses in this book:

1. They are not poisonous.” He tickled one under the chin. Back to A2

properly /ˈprɒpərli/ (1)

Português: corretamente; adequadamente; devidamente

Simple English: In a correct and satisfactory way.

Example: Make sure you install the software properly to avoid errors.

Uses in this book:

1. Then two pheasants came with a small chick that had never been able to peck properly since birth. Back to A2

psychology /saɪˈkɑːlədʒi/ (1)

Português: psicologia

Simple English: Scientific study of the mind, behavior, and cognitive processes.

Example: He studied psychology to understand human behavior better in his job.

Uses in this book:

1. He called it Dog Psychology. Back to A2

request /rɪˈkwɛst/ (1)

Português: solicitação; pedido; requisição

Simple English: To ask for something politely or formally from others.

Example: I would like to request a meeting to discuss the project.

Uses in this book:

1. The Doctor was going to tell him, but then he remembered Sarah's request. Back to A2

scream /skriːm/ (6)

Português: gritar; grito

Simple English: To make a loud, sharp cry expressing strong emotion.

Example: She couldn't help but scream when she saw the spider in her room.

Uses in this book:

1. The farmer’s wife screamed, and her husband pulled hard on the reins. Back to A2

2. The crowd screamed, and Blossom jumped onto the stage. Back to A2

sense /sɛns/ (5)

Português: sentido; senso; sensação

Simple English: Natural ability to perceive touch, sight, taste, smell.

Example: My sense of smell helps me enjoy food more.

Uses in this book:

1. Swizzle looked like an ordinary mixed-breed dog, but he had a great sense of humor. Back to A2

2. Swizzle’s sense of humor gave Doctor Dolittle an idea for the first funny papers for animals, later when he started the Rat-and-Mouse Club. Back to A2

shame (4)

Português: vergonha; pena; lástima

Uses in this book:

1. But after only half a mile, he thought, “It is a shame that the great man must walk while these country people ride. Back to A2

2. He climbed down from the stage in shame. Back to A2

Ship /ʃɪp/ (3)

Português: navio; nave; barco

Simple English: A large boat.

Example: The ship crossed the ocean.

Uses in this book:

1. But Dab-Dab had brought up the food left from the pirates’ ship. Back to A2

2. He left the ship near Devon because he wanted to get back to London." Back to A2

shocked /ʃɒkt/ (1)

Português: chocado; chocados; choc

Simple English: Very surprised or upset from something unexpected.

Example: I was shocked to hear about the sudden cancellation of the event.

Uses in this book:

1. Dab-Dab was shocked and tried to move him, but he would not go. Back to A2

shooting /ˈʃuːtɪŋ/ (1)

Português: atirando; tiroteio; tiro

Simple English: An event where gunfire injures or kills someone.

Example: The shooting outside the nightclub left several people injured and scared.

Uses in this book:

1. There were shooting games, guessing games, wild men, bearded ladies, merry-go-rounds, strong men, snake charmers, a menagerie, and more. Back to A2

silence (6)

Português: silêncio; quietude; calma

Simple English: the absence of sound

Example: A deep silence filled the room.

Uses in this book:

1. Then there was silence. Back to A2

stare /stɛər/ (5)

Português: olhar; encarar; fitar

Simple English: To look at someone or something without blinking for long.

Example: The child couldn't help but stare at the magician's tricks.

Uses in this book:

1. “Do not stare at him too much. Back to A2

2. He also wanted the shy creature to get used to the noise of circus life before many holiday-makers stared at it. Back to A2

subject /səbˈdʒɛkt/ (1)

Português: assunto; sujeito; objecto

Simple English: The topic being discussed or studied.

Example: History is my favorite subject.

Uses in this book:

1. Many clever men laughed at it and said only a foolish person would write about such a subject. Back to A2

surgery /ˈsɜːrdʒəri/ (2)

Português: cirurgia; operação

Simple English: Medical practice involving cutting body parts for treatment.

Example: She needs surgery to repair her damaged knee ligament.

Uses in this book:

1. Just then, the Doctor was called to the surgery to see a patient. Back to A2

2. A big, mixed crowd of creatures waited outside the surgery door. Back to A2

tank /tæŋk/ (11)

Português: tanque; reservatório; depósito

Simple English: Container holding fuel for a vehicle or machine.

Example: The gas tank was nearly empty, so we stopped to refuel.

Uses in this book:

1. In a tank, she dived for fish for people who paid threepence to watch her. Back to A2

2. Inside was a tank about twelve feet wide, sunk into the ground. Back to A2

3. Because," she said, and her tail splashed much of the water out of the tank, "once I got to the sea, I could be in Alaska very fast." Back to A2

tear /tɪər/ (4)

Português: lágrima; rasgo; rasgar

Simple English: Drop of salty liquid produced by the eyes naturally.

Example: A tear rolled down her cheek during the sad movie.

Uses in this book:

1. “Oh, yes, I got over that,” said Sophie through her tears. Back to A2

trip /trɪp/ (24)

Português: viagem; desengate; tropeçar

Simple English: A journey.

Example: We took a trip to Rome.

Uses in this book:

1. We begin when the Dolittle party came back to the little house in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh after their long trip from Africa. Back to A2

2. Packing up a big show for a long road trip was hard work. Back to A2

3. This part of the trip, when they stopped to sleep, seemed to make everyone happy. Back to A2

4. One night, on the first trip between towns, the group stopped by the road as usual. Back to A2

Trouble /ˈtrʌbəl/ (27)

Português: problemas; apuros; sarilhos

Simple English: Situation causing difficulty or distress.

Example: She was in trouble after forgetting to do her homework again.

Uses in this book:

1. “And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the real Humpty-Dumpty, the one who gave the king’s men so much trouble. Back to A2

2. “Don’t start trouble now, Doctor. Back to A2

3. “But what trouble did you mean?” asked the Doctor. Back to A2

4. “Well,” said Sophie, “this is the trouble: while I - ” Back to A2

trust /trʌst/ (8)

Português: confiar; confiança; fideicomisso

Simple English: To believe someone is honest or reliable.

Example: I trust her completely.

Uses in this book:

1. He trusted me in everything, poor, simple Slushy. Back to A2

unconscious /ʌnˈkɒnʃəs/ (1)

Português: inconsciente; desmaiado; subconsciente

Simple English: Unresponsive and unaware of surroundings, usually from an injury.

Example: He was unconscious after the fall and required immediate medical attention.

Uses in this book:

1. He is hurt and unconscious. Back to A2

wherever (1)

Português: onde quer que; em qualquer lugar; onde quer

Simple English: in any place or to any place

Example: Sit wherever you like.

Uses in this book:

1. They saw the country by day from their home on wheels, and they slept outside at night like gypsies, wherever dark came. Back to A2

whisper /ˈwɪspər/ (46)

Português: sussurro; sussurrar; cochichar

Simple English: To speak very quietly so others nearby cannot easily hear.

Example: She had to whisper so the teacher wouldn’t hear their conversation.

Uses in this book:

1. He said he could only crow in a whisper, so nobody on the farm woke up in the morning. Back to A2

2. He could only crow in a soft whisper. Back to A2

3. “Get into the trap, Doctor,” he whispered. Back to A2

4. “There you are,” the Cat’s-Meat-Man whispered in the Doctor’s ear. Back to A2

5. But the Cat's-Meat-Man whispered in his ear. Back to A2

6. For the moment, he only whispered to the animals through the cage bars. Back to A2