The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

—

As Viagens do Doutor Dolittle

Hugh Lofting

ESL Easy Read

Reading Comprehension A2 • Original Text • Português Support

AMOSTRA - contém apenas 15% do texto

Copyright

Fonte original - domínio público

Esta edição ESL Easy Read foi adaptada a partir de The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, de Hugh Lofting, publicado originalmente em 1922.

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 1922.

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 2018.

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: The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

Autor: Hugh Lofting

Primeira publicação: 1922

Local: New York

Primeiro editor: Frederick A. Stokes Company

Verifique você mesmo

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→ Project Gutenberg — https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1154

O registro do Project Gutenberg identifica esta obra como domínio público nos Estados Unidos.

→ Internet Archive — https://archive.org/details/bwb_O8-BQD-589

Preserva digitalizações e registros bibliográficos de edições impressas da obra original.

Esta adaptação ESL Easy Read

Nenhum direito autoral é reivindicado sobre o texto original em domínio público. A estrutura editorial desta edição, as versões de leitura simplificada, as traduções de apoio, o layout, a capa e o aparato pedagógico são protegidos por direitos autorais.

© 2026 MicMac from Las Vegas LLC. Todos os direitos reservados.

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 Português Integral ao mesmo parágrafo original.

Como usar o glossário

As palavras e expressões incluídas no glossário são marcadas no texto. Clique ou selecione uma delas para abrir a entrada correspondente.

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

Tommy Stubbins, the son of a cobbler, dreams of becoming a naturalist and begins studying with Doctor Dolittle, who can speak with animals. After helping the Doctor solve a mysterious crime, Tommy joins him, Bumpo, Polynesia, Jip, and other companions on a voyage to find the celebrated naturalist Long Arrow. Their journey brings dangerous weather, a shipwreck, and adventures in Spain before they reach the floating Spidermonkey Island. There they rescue Long Arrow, learn the island's secrets, save its people from cold and war, and help restore peace. Although Doctor Dolittle is made king, he eventually chooses his work as a naturalist and returns to England with his friends in the shell of the Great Glass Sea Snail.

Declaração sobre conteúdo gerado por inteligência artificial

Esta edição contém conteúdo gerado por ferramentas baseadas em inteligência artificial, incluindo o texto em inglês simplificado, traduções em português e elementos visuais da capa e/ou do interior. O conteúdo foi submetido a revisão editorial humana.

AI-generated content disclosure: This edition contains content generated by AI-based tools, including simplified English text, Portuguese translations, and visual elements used in the cover and/or interior. The content received human editorial review.

Como usar este livro

En/Pt → abre Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2), Original English Version e Tradução Integral em Português no mesmo bloco.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada e Go to the Original English Version retornam ao ponto exato.

Os links pontilhados do glossário voltam diretamente ao uso real da palavra.

Contato

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

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Reading Comprehension A2

Front Matter

Prologue

Part I

The Cobbler’s Son

I Hear of the Great Naturalist

The Doctor’s Home

The Wiff-waff

Polynesia

The Wounded Squirrel

Shellfish Talk

Contents

Prologue

En/Pt → Everything I wrote before about Doctor Dolittle came from people who knew him. Much of it happened before I was born. Now I will tell the part of his life that I saw and joined myself.

Many years ago, the Doctor allowed me to write this story. But we were very busy traveling around the world, having adventures, and writing notes about nature. I never had enough time to write about our experiences.

Now I am an old man, and my memory is not as good as before. When I cannot remember something, I always ask Polynesia, the parrot.

That wonderful bird is almost two hundred and fifty years old. She sits on my desk and usually sings sailors’ songs while I write this book. Polynesia has an amazing memory. When I am not sure about an event, she tells me exactly what happened, who was there, and every other detail. Sometimes I think I should say that Polynesia wrote this book instead of me.

En/Pt → Now I will begin. First, I must tell you about myself and explain how I met the Doctor.

The First Chapter the Cobbler’s Son

En/Pt → MY NAME WAS Tommy Stubbins. My father, Jacob Stubbins, was a shoemaker in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. I was nine and a half years old. Puddleby was a small town then. A river crossed its center. A very old stone bridge called Kingsbridge connected the market square on one side to the churchyard on the other.

Sailing ships traveled up the river from the sea and stopped near the bridge. I watched the sailors unload them beside the river. They sang strange songs while pulling the ropes, and I learned the songs. I sat beside the river with my feet above the water and sang with them, pretending that I was also a sailor.

I always wanted to leave with those brave ships when they sailed away from Puddleby toward the sea. I wanted to travel through the world and seek my fortune in Africa, India, China, and Peru. After the ships turned with the river, their great brown sails could still be seen above the town’s roofs. They moved slowly like quiet giants among the houses. I wondered what strange things they would see before returning to Kingsbridge. I sat there dreaming about unknown lands until the ships disappeared.

En/Pt → I had three close friends in Puddleby. One was Joe, who collected mussels and lived in a small hut near the water under the bridge. He was excellent at making things with his hands. He repaired my toy ships, built windmills from old wooden boxes and barrel pieces, and made wonderful kites from old umbrellas.

Sometimes Joe took me in his mussel boat. When the tide went out, we traveled down the river to the sea to collect mussels and lobsters to sell. In the cold, lonely marshes, we saw wild geese, curlews, redshanks, and many other seabirds among the plants and tall grass. In the evening, when the tide changed, we traveled back up the river. The lights on Kingsbridge shone in the darkness and reminded us of tea and warm fires.

“I sat beside the river with my feet hanging above the water.”

En/Pt → Another friend was Matthew Mugg, who sold meat for cats and dogs. He was a funny old man with crossed eyes. He looked frightening but was pleasant to talk to. He knew everyone in Puddleby and knew all the cats and dogs. In those days, selling animal meat was a normal job. A seller walked through the streets with pieces of meat on a wooden tray and shouted, “Meat!” People paid him to feed their cats and dogs instead of giving them biscuits or food from the table.

I enjoyed walking with old Matthew and watching cats and dogs run to the garden gates when they heard him. Sometimes he allowed me to feed them, which was great fun. He knew much about dogs and taught me the names of different kinds. He owned several dogs. One was a whippet that ran very fast and won prizes in Saturday races. Another was a terrier that caught rats well. Matthew caught rats for farmers and millers in addition to selling meat.

En/Pt → My third close friend was Luke the Hermit. I will tell you more about him later.

I did not attend school because my father could not pay for it. But I loved animals. I collected birds’ eggs and butterflies, fished in the river, searched the countryside for blackberries and mushrooms, and helped Joe repair his nets.

It was a pleasant life, although I did not understand that then. I was nine and a half and wanted to grow up, like all boys. I did not know how lucky I was to have no serious worries. I wanted to leave my father’s house, board a brave ship, travel through the misty marshes to the sea, and seek my fortune in the world.

The Second Chapter I Hear of the Great Naturalist

En/Pt → ONE SPRING MORNING, I was walking in the hills behind the town when I saw a hawk holding a squirrel. The squirrel fought hard for its life. My sudden arrival frightened the hawk, so it dropped the squirrel and flew away. I picked up the poor animal and saw that two legs were badly injured. I carried it back to town.

At the bridge, I entered Joe’s hut and asked if he could help. Joe put on his glasses and carefully examined the squirrel. Then he shook his head.

“This animal has one broken leg and another badly cut leg,” he said. “I can repair your boats, Tom, but I do not have the tools or knowledge to repair a squirrel. This work needs a very good surgeon. I know only one man who can save this animal: John Dolittle.”

“Who is John Dolittle?” I asked. “Is he a veterinarian?”

En/Pt → “No,” said Joe. “He is not a veterinarian. Doctor Dolittle is a naturalist.”

“What is a naturalist?”

“A naturalist,” said Joe as he put away his glasses and filled his pipe, “is a person who knows about animals, butterflies, plants, rocks, and many other things. John Dolittle is a great naturalist. I am surprised that you have never heard of him because you love animals. He knows much about shellfish. He is quiet and does not speak much, but some people say he is the greatest naturalist in the world.”

“Where does he live?” I asked.

“He lives on Oxenthorpe Road, on the other side of town. I do not know which house is his, but almost anyone there can tell you. Go and visit him. He is a great man.”

I thanked Joe, picked up the squirrel again, and walked toward Oxenthorpe Road.

When I entered the market square, the first thing I heard was someone shouting, “Meat! Meat!”

En/Pt → “That is Matthew Mugg,” I thought. “He will know where the Doctor lives because Matthew knows everyone.”

I hurried across the market square and reached him.

“Matthew,” I said, “do you know Doctor Dolittle?”

“Do I know John Dolittle?” he said. “Of course I do! I know him as well as I know my wife, and perhaps even better. He is a great man.”

“Can you show me where he lives?” I asked. “I want him to help this squirrel because it has a broken leg.”

“Certainly,” said Matthew. “I will soon pass his house. Come with me, and I will show you.”

So we left together.

“I have known John Dolittle for many years,” said Matthew as we left the market square. “But I do not think he is home now. He is traveling, though he may return any day. I will show you his house so that you know where to find him.”

En/Pt → Matthew talked about his great friend, Doctor John Dolittle, during our whole walk along Oxenthorpe Road. He talked so much that he forgot to shout “Meat!” Soon we noticed that a long line of dogs was patiently following us.

“Where did the Doctor go on this journey?” I asked while Matthew gave meat to the dogs.

“I cannot tell you,” he answered. “Nobody knows where he goes, when he leaves, or when he will return. He lives alone with his animals. He has made great journeys and discoveries. After his last journey, he told me about a tribe on two Pacific islands. The husbands lived on one island and the wives on the other. They met once each year for a great feast. The Doctor is a wonderful man, and nobody knows more about animals.”

“How did he learn so much about animals?” I asked.

Matthew stopped and bent down to whisper in my ear.

En/Pt → “He speaks their language,” Matthew said in a quiet, mysterious voice.

“The language of animals?” I cried.

“Certainly,” said Matthew. “All animals have a kind of language. Some speak more than others, and some use signs. The Doctor understands all birds and animals. We keep this secret because people laugh when we mention it. He can even write animal languages. He reads to his animals and has written history in monkey language, poems in canary language, and funny songs for magpies. Now he is learning shellfish language, but it is difficult. He has caught bad colds because he puts his head underwater so often. He is a great man.”

“He certainly is,” I said. “I wish he were home so that I could meet him.”

“There is his house,” said Matthew. “It is the small house high above the street, near the bend in the road.”

We had reached the edge of town. The small house stood alone and had a large garden. The garden was much higher than the road, so steps in the wall led to the front gate. Branches from many fruit trees hung over the high wall, but I could not see anything else inside.

En/Pt → At the house, Matthew climbed the steps, and I followed him. The gate was locked. A dog ran from the house. Matthew pushed pieces of meat and paper bags of corn and bran through the gate. The dog did not eat the meat. Instead, he carried everything to the house and disappeared. He wore a strange wide collar that looked like brass. Then we left.

“The Doctor has not returned,” said Matthew. “Otherwise, the gate would not be locked.”

“What was inside the paper bags you gave the dog?” I asked.

“They were food for the animals,” said Matthew. “The Doctor’s house is full of pets. While he is away, I give the food to the dog, and the dog gives it to the other animals.”

“What was the strange collar around his neck?”

“It is made of solid gold,” said Matthew. “He received it during one of the Doctor’s journeys many years ago because he saved a man’s life.”

En/Pt → “How long has the Doctor had him?” I asked.

“For a long time. Jip is old now, so the Doctor no longer takes him on journeys. He stays behind and guards the house. Every Monday and Thursday, I bring food and pass it through the gate. While the Doctor is away, Jip never allows anyone into the garden, not even me. You will know when the Doctor returns because the gate will be open.”

I returned to my father’s house and made a bed for the squirrel in an old wooden box full of straw. I cared for him as well as I could while waiting for the Doctor. Every day, I visited the small house and checked the gate. Sometimes Jip came to meet me. He wagged his tail and seemed happy to see me, but he never allowed me to enter.

The Third Chapter the Doctor’s Home

En/Pt → ONE MONDAY AFTERNOON near the end of April, my father asked me to deliver some repaired shoes to Colonel Bellowes, who lived on the other side of town and was very difficult to please.

I found the house and rang the front doorbell. The Colonel opened the door, showed his very red face, and told me to use the workers’ entrance at the back. Then he closed the door loudly.

I wanted to throw the shoes into his flower bed, but my father might become angry, so I did not. At the back door, the Colonel’s wife took the shoes. She was a small, nervous woman with flour on her hands because she was making bread. She seemed very afraid of her husband, who was still walking angrily through the house. In a whisper, she offered me a bun and a glass of milk. I accepted.

After eating, I thanked her and left. Before going home, I decided to check the Doctor’s house again, although I had already visited that morning. My squirrel was not improving, and I was becoming worried.

En/Pt → I turned onto Oxenthorpe Road and walked toward the Doctor’s house. The sky was becoming cloudy, and it looked ready to rain.

I reached the gate, but it was still locked. I felt very sad. I had come here every day for a week. Jip came to the gate and moved his tail, as usual. Then he sat down and watched me carefully to make sure I did not enter.

I began to fear that my squirrel would die before the Doctor returned. I sadly turned away, went down the steps to the road, and started walking home again.

I wondered if it was time for supper. I did not have a watch, but I saw a gentleman coming along the road. When he came closer, I saw that it was the Colonel taking a walk. He wore elegant coats, scarves, and bright gloves. The day was not very cold, but he wore so many clothes that he looked like a pillow inside many blankets. I asked him politely to tell me the time.

En/Pt → He stopped, made an angry sound, and stared down at me. His red face became even redder. When he spoke, his voice sounded like a cork coming out of a bottle.

“Do you really think,” he said angrily, “that I will unbutton all my clothes only to tell a little boy like you the time?” Then he walked heavily down the street, making angry sounds.

I stood still and watched him go. I wondered how old I needed to be before he would take out his watch for me. Then, suddenly, very heavy rain began to fall.

I had never seen such heavy rain. It became dark, almost like night. The wind blew, thunder sounded, and lightning crossed the sky. In a moment, water ran along the sides of the road like a river. There was nowhere near to hide from the storm, so I lowered my head against the strong wind and ran towards home.

En/Pt → I had not gone far when my head hit something soft, and I suddenly fell onto the pavement. I looked up to see whom I had hit. In front of me, sitting on the wet pavement too, was a short, round man with a very kind face. He wore an old tall hat and carried a small black bag.

“I am very sorry,” I said. “My head was down, and I did not see you coming.”

To my great surprise, the short man did not get angry because I knocked him down. Instead, he began to laugh.

“This reminds me of something,” he said. “Once, in India, I ran straight into a woman during a storm. She carried a pot of sweet syrup on her head. The syrup stayed in my hair for weeks, and flies followed me everywhere. I did not hurt you, did I?”

“No,” I said. “I am all right.”

En/Pt → “It was as much my fault as yours,” said the short man. “My head was down too. But we must not sit here talking. You must be completely wet. I know I am. How far do you have to go?”

“My home is on the other side of town,” I said as we stood up.

“Goodness, that pavement was wet!” he said. “And the rain is getting even heavier. Come to my house and get dry. A storm like this cannot last long.”

He took my hand, and we ran back along the road together. As we ran, I wondered who this funny little man was and where he lived. I was a complete stranger, but he was taking me to his home to get dry. He was very different from the old, red-faced Colonel, who would not even tell me the time! Soon we stopped.

“Here we are,” he said.

En/Pt → I looked up and saw that we were back at the bottom of the steps to the little house with the big garden! My new friend was already running up the steps. He took some keys from his pocket and opened the gate.

“Surely,” I thought, “this cannot be the great Doctor Dolittle!”

After hearing so much about him, I had expected someone very tall, strong, and wonderful. It was hard to believe that this funny little man with the kind, smiling face was really the Doctor. But there he was, running up the steps and opening the gate that I had watched for so many days!

Jip ran out, jumped up at the Doctor, and barked happily. The rain was falling harder than ever.

“Are you Doctor Dolittle?” I shouted as we hurried along the short garden path to the house.

“Yes, I am Doctor Dolittle,” he said, opening the front door with the same keys. “Come in! Do not clean your feet. Do not worry about the mud. Bring it inside. Just get out of the rain!”

En/Pt → I quickly went inside, and he and Jip followed me. Then the Doctor closed the door hard behind us.

The storm had made it dark outside, but inside the closed house it was as black as night. Then I heard the strangest noise of my life. Many animals and birds called, cried, and made sounds at the same time. Things came down the stairs and hurried through the halls. In the darkness, a duck quacked, a rooster crowed, a dove cooed, an owl hooted, a lamb cried, and Jip barked. Birds’ wings moved near my face. Animals hit my legs and almost made me fall. The front hall seemed full of them. Their noise and the loud rain were terrible. I began to feel afraid. Then the Doctor held my arm and shouted in my ear.

“Do not be afraid. These are only some of my pets. I was away for three months, and they are happy that I am home. Stand still until I make a light. What a storm! Listen to that thunder!”

En/Pt → I stood in the complete darkness while unseen animals made noises and pushed around me. It was a strange and funny feeling. From the front gate, I had often wondered what Doctor Dolittle was like and what was inside his little house. I had never imagined anything like this. But after I felt the Doctor’s hand on my arm, I was not afraid, only confused. It seemed like a strange dream. I was wondering if I was awake when the Doctor spoke again.

“My matches are all wet. They will not light. Do you have any?”

“No, I am afraid I do not,” I called back.

“It does not matter,” he said. “Perhaps Dab-Dab can find us a light somewhere.”

The Doctor made some funny clicking sounds with his tongue. I heard someone go up the stairs again and move around in the rooms above.

Then we waited for quite a long time, but nothing happened.

En/Pt → “Will the light take much longer?” I asked. “An animal is sitting on my foot, and I cannot feel my toes.”

“No, only a minute,” said the Doctor. “She will be back soon.”

Just then, I saw a small light near the top of the stairs. At once, all the animals became quiet.

“And in her right foot she carried a burning candle!”

“I thought you lived alone,” I said to the Doctor.

“I do,” he said. “Dab-Dab is bringing the light.”

I looked up the stairs and tried to see who was coming. I could not see around the corner, but I heard very strange steps. They sounded like someone jumping down from one step to another on only one leg.

As the light came down, it became brighter and made strange moving shadows on the walls.

“Ah, at last!” said the Doctor. “Good old Dab-Dab!”

Then I thought I really was dreaming. A clean white duck put her neck around the corner and came down the stairs, jumping on one leg. In her right foot, she carried a burning candle!

The Fourth Chapter the Wiff-waff

En/Pt → At last, I could look around. The hall was truly full of animals. Almost every kind of animal from the countryside seemed to be there: a pigeon, a white rat, an owl, a badger, and a black bird. There was even a small pig. He had just come from the wet garden and was carefully cleaning his feet on the mat. The candlelight shone on his wet pink back.

The Doctor took the candle from the duck and turned to me.

“Listen,” he said. “You must take off those wet clothes. By the way, what is your name?”

“Tommy Stubbins,” I said.

“Oh, are you Jacob Stubbins the shoemaker’s son?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Your father makes excellent boots,” said the Doctor. “Look at these.” He lifted his right foot and showed me his enormous boot. “Your father made these boots for me four years ago, and I have worn them ever since. They are wonderful. Now, Stubbins, you must change those wet clothes quickly. I will light more candles. Then we will go upstairs and find dry clothes. You can wear one of my old suits while your clothes dry by the kitchen fire.”

En/Pt → Soon there were more candles around the house, and we went upstairs. In a bedroom, the Doctor opened a large cupboard and took out two old suits. We put them on. Then we carried our wet clothes to the kitchen and lit a fire in the big fireplace. The Doctor’s coat was so large on me that I stepped on its long back while carrying wood from the cellar. Soon a great fire was burning, and we put our wet clothes on chairs around it.

“Now let us cook supper,” said the Doctor. “Of course you will stay and eat with me, Stubbins?”

I was already beginning to like this funny little man very much. He called me “Stubbins,” not “Tommy” or “little boy.” I hated being called “little boy”! The Doctor treated me like an adult friend from the start. When he invited me to supper, I felt very proud and happy. Then I remembered that I had not told my mother I would be late. Sadly, I answered.

En/Pt → “Thank you very much. I would like to stay, but my mother may worry and wonder where I am if I do not return.”

“But, my dear Stubbins,” said the Doctor, putting another piece of wood on the fire, “your clothes are not dry yet. You must wait for them. By the time they are dry, we can cook and eat supper. Did you see where I put my bag?”

“I think it is still in the hall,” I said. “I will go and look.”

I found the bag near the front door. It was made of black leather and looked very old. One lock was broken, so a piece of string was tied around the middle.

“Thank you,” said the Doctor when I brought it to him.

“Was that bag all you carried on your journey?” I asked.

“Yes,” said the Doctor as he untied the string. “I do not like a lot of luggage. It causes too much trouble. Life is too short to worry about it, and we do not really need it. Now, where did I put those sausages?”

En/Pt → The Doctor searched inside the bag. First, he took out a loaf of fresh bread. Next came a glass jar with a strange metal top. He carefully held it near the light before putting it on the table. I saw a strange little water animal swimming inside. At last, the Doctor took out a pound of sausages.

“Now,” he said, “we only need a frying pan.”

We went into the small washing room. Pots and pans hung on the wall. The Doctor took down a frying pan. It was very rusty inside.

“Oh dear, look at that!” he said. “This happens when I am away for so long. The animals are very good and keep the house as clean as they can. Dab-Dab is an excellent housekeeper. But there are some things they cannot do. It does not matter. We will soon clean it. Stubbins, there is some cleaning sand under the sink. Please give it to me.”

En/Pt → In a few minutes, the pan was clean and bright. We put the sausages over the kitchen fire, and a wonderful smell filled the house.

While the Doctor cooked, I went to look again at the funny little animal swimming in the glass jar.

“What is this animal?” I asked.

“That is a Wiff-Waff,” said the Doctor. “Its full name is hippocampus pippitopitus, but the local people call it a Wiff-Waff. Perhaps this is because it moves its tail from side to side when it swims. I went on my last journey to find it. I am now trying to learn the language of shellfish. I am sure they have languages. I can speak a little shark language and a kind of porpoise language, but now I especially want to learn shellfish language.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Some shellfish are among the oldest animals we know,” he said. “We find their shells inside rocks. They became stone thousands of years ago. If I can speak their language, perhaps I can learn a great deal about the world long, long ago. Do you understand?”

En/Pt → “But could the other animals not tell you too?”

“I do not think so,” said the Doctor, touching the sausages with a fork. “The monkeys I knew in Africa helped me learn about the past, but they only knew about the last thousand years. I am sure that only shellfish can tell us the oldest history. Most other animals from those ancient times no longer exist.”

“Have you learned any shellfish language yet?” I asked.

“No, I have only begun. I wanted this special pipefish because it is half shellfish and half ordinary fish. I travelled to the eastern Mediterranean to find it. But I fear it will not help me much. To tell the truth, I am disappointed by how it looks. It does not look very intelligent, does it?”

“No, it does not,” I agreed.

“Ah,” said the Doctor. “The sausages are perfectly cooked. Bring your plate closer, and I will give you some.”

En/Pt → Then we sat at the kitchen table and began a large, happy meal.

It was a wonderful kitchen. I ate there many times later, and I liked it more than the finest dining room. It was warm, comfortable, and close to all the food. We took hot food straight from the fire to the table. We could watch the bread near the fire while drinking soup. If we needed salt, its wooden box was close behind us. The fireplace was enormous, almost a room itself. We could sit inside it beside the burning wood, cook chestnuts, listen to the kettle, tell stories, or read picture books by the firelight. The kitchen was like the Doctor: comfortable, practical, friendly, and strong.

While we ate quickly, the door suddenly opened. Dab-Dab the duck and Jip the dog came in, pulling sheets and pillowcases across the clean floor. The Doctor saw my surprise and explained.

En/Pt → “They are putting my bedclothes near the fire to make them warm and dry. Dab-Dab is an excellent housekeeper and never forgets anything. I once had a sister who cared for my house. Poor Sarah! I wonder how she is. I have not seen her for years. But she was not nearly as good as Dab-Dab. Would you like another sausage?”

The Doctor turned and spoke to the dog and the duck with strange words and signs. They seemed to understand him perfectly.

“Can you speak squirrel language?” I asked.

“Oh yes. It is quite an easy language,” said the Doctor. “You could learn it yourself without much trouble. But why do you ask?”

“Because I have a sick squirrel at home,” I said. “I saved it from a hawk, but two of its legs are badly hurt. I want you to look at it, if you can. Shall I bring it tomorrow?”

En/Pt → “If its leg is badly broken, I should see it tonight. It may already be too late to help much, but I will go home with you and examine it.”

Soon we touched the clothes by the fire, and mine were completely dry. I took them upstairs and changed. When I came down, the Doctor was waiting for me. His little black bag was full of medicine and bandages.

“Come along,” he said. “The rain has stopped now.”

Outside, it was bright again. The evening sky was red with the setting sun, and birds sang in the garden as we opened the gate and went down to the road.

The Fifth Chapter Polynesia

En/Pt → “I think your house is the most interesting house I have ever visited,” I said as we walked towards the town. “May I visit you again tomorrow?”

“Certainly,” said the Doctor. “Come any day you like. Tomorrow I will show you the garden and my private zoo.”

“Oh, do you have a zoo?” I asked.

“Yes,” he said. “The larger animals are too big for the house, so I keep them in a zoo in the garden. It is not a very large group, but it is interesting.”

“It must be wonderful to speak all the different animal languages,” I said. “Do you think I could learn to do it?”

“Of course,” said the Doctor. “You can learn with practice, but you must be very patient. Polynesia should teach you at first. She gave me my first lessons.”

“Who is Polynesia?” I asked.

“Polynesia was a parrot from West Africa who lived with me. She is not with me now,” said the Doctor sadly.

En/Pt → “Why? Is she dead?”

“Oh no,” said the Doctor. “I hope she is still alive. When we reached Africa, she was so happy to return to her country that she cried with joy. When I had to come home, I could not take her away from that sunny land, although she offered to come. I left her in Africa, but I have missed her terribly. She cried again when we left. I think I did the right thing. She was one of my best friends. She first gave me the idea of learning animal languages and becoming an animal doctor. I often wonder if she stayed happy and if I will ever see her funny, serious old face again. Good old Polynesia! She was an extraordinary bird.”

At that moment, we heard someone running behind us. We turned and saw Jip rushing along the road as fast as he could. He was very excited. When he reached us, he barked and cried to the Doctor in a special way. The Doctor became excited too and answered with strange words and signs. At last, he turned to me with a happy face.

En/Pt → “Polynesia has returned!” he cried. “Imagine that! Jip says she has just arrived at the house. I have not seen her for five years. Excuse me for a moment.”

He turned to go home, but Polynesia was already flying towards us. The Doctor clapped his hands like a child with a new toy. Sparrows flew from the road to the fences, talking excitedly because a gray and red parrot was flying along an English country road.

She flew straight onto the Doctor’s shoulder and immediately began speaking in a language I could not understand. She had a great deal to say. Soon the Doctor forgot about me, my squirrel, Jip, and everything else. At last, the bird clearly asked him about me.

“Oh, excuse me, Stubbins!” said the Doctor. “I was very interested in my old friend’s story. We must go and see your squirrel. Polynesia, this is Thomas Stubbins.”

En/Pt → The parrot sat on the Doctor’s shoulder and gave me a serious nod. Then, to my great surprise, she spoke clearly in English.

“How do you do? I remember the night you were born. It was a terribly cold winter. You were a very ugly baby.”

“Stubbins wants to learn animal language,” said the Doctor. “I was telling him about you and the lessons you gave me when Jip arrived and said you had returned.”

“Well,” said the parrot, turning to me, “I may have helped the Doctor begin, but I could not have done that if he had not first taught me to understand the English words I spoke. Many parrots can talk like people, but very few understand their own words. They only speak because they think it sounds clever or because people give them biscuits.”

By then, we had turned towards my home. Jip ran ahead, and Polynesia remained on the Doctor’s shoulder. She talked all the time, mostly about Africa. Now she spoke English to be polite to me.

En/Pt → “How is Prince Bumpo?” asked the Doctor.

“I am glad you asked,” said Polynesia. “I almost forgot to tell you. Can you believe it? Bumpo is in England!”

“In England! Really?” cried the Doctor. “What is he doing here?”

“His father, the king, sent him here to a place called Bullford, I think, to study.”

“Bullford?” said the Doctor. “I have never heard of it. Oh, you mean Oxford.”

“Yes, Oxford,” said Polynesia. “I knew the name had something to do with cattle. That is where he went.”

“Well, well,” said the Doctor. “Imagine Bumpo studying at Oxford!”

“There was great excitement in Jolliginki when he left. He was terribly afraid to come because he was the first man from his country to travel abroad. He feared that white people might eat him. He knew very little about the world. But his father made him go. The king said all the other kings were sending their sons to Oxford, so Bumpo had to go too. Bumpo wanted to bring his six wives, but the king did not allow it. Poor Bumpo left in tears, and everyone in the palace cried too. The noise was terrible.”

En/Pt → “Do you know if he searched again for the Sleeping Beauty?” asked the Doctor.

“Oh yes,” said Polynesia. “He left the day after you did, and that was fortunate. The king learned that Bumpo had helped you escape and became extremely angry.”

“And did he ever find the Sleeping Beauty?”

“He returned with a woman whom he called the Sleeping Beauty. I think she was an African woman with very pale skin, red hair, and very large feet. Bumpo was delighted with her and finally married her during a great celebration. The feasts lasted seven days. She became his first wife and is now called Crown Princess Bum-pah, with the stress on the last part.”

“And tell me, did he remain white?”

“Only for about three months,” said the parrot. “Then his face slowly returned to its natural color. That was better. In his swimming clothes, his white face looked very strange beside the rest of his dark skin.”

En/Pt → “And how is Chee-Chee?” asked the Doctor. Then he explained to me, “Chee-Chee was my pet monkey years ago. I also left him in Africa when I returned home.”

En/Pt → “Chee-Chee is not completely happy,” said Polynesia. “I often saw him during the last few years. He missed you, the house, and the garden terribly. I felt the same. I had wanted very much to return to Africa, and it is a wonderful country. But after a few weeks, I could not settle there. One night, I decided to return and find you. I told Chee-Chee, and he understood because he felt the same. Africa seemed too quiet after our life with you. He missed your animal stories and our talks beside the kitchen fire on winter nights. The animals there were kind, but they seemed a little simple to us. Perhaps they had not changed; we had. When I left, poor Chee-Chee cried. He said his only friend was leaving, although he has millions of relatives there. He thought it unfair that I could fly here while he could not follow. But he is clever. I believe he may find a way to come one day.”

En/Pt → Then we reached my home. My father’s shop was closed, but my mother stood at the door and looked down the street.

“Good evening, Mrs. Stubbins,” said the Doctor. “It is my fault that your son is late. I asked him to stay for supper while his clothes dried. We were both completely wet. We hit each other during the storm, and I asked him to take shelter in my house.”

“I was beginning to worry about him,” said my mother. “Thank you, sir, for caring for him and bringing him home.”

“It was no trouble,” said the Doctor. “We had a very interesting conversation.”

“May I ask who you are?” said my mother, staring at the gray parrot on the Doctor’s shoulder.

“I am John Dolittle. I think your husband will remember me. He made excellent boots for me about four years ago. They are truly wonderful,” said the Doctor, looking happily at his feet.

En/Pt → “The Doctor came to cure my squirrel, Mother,” I said. “He knows everything about animals.”

“Oh no, Stubbins,” said the Doctor. “I certainly do not know everything about them.”

“It is very kind of you to come so far to care for his pet,” said my mother. “Tom is always bringing strange animals home from the woods and fields.”

“Is he?” said the Doctor. “Perhaps he will become a naturalist one day. Who knows?”

“Would you like to come in?” asked my mother. “The house is a little untidy because I have not finished cleaning it, but there is a warm fire in the sitting room.”

“Thank you!” said the Doctor. “What a lovely home you have!”

He cleaned his enormous boots very carefully on the mat and entered the house.

The Sixth Chapter the Wounded Squirrel

En/Pt → Inside, we found my father playing his flute beside the fire. He did this every evening after finishing his work.

The Doctor immediately began talking to him about flutes, piccolos, and bassoons. Soon my father said,

“Perhaps you play the flute too, sir. Would you play a song for us?”

“Well,” said the Doctor, “I have not played for a long time, but I would like to try. May I?”

The Doctor took my father’s flute and played for a long time. It was wonderful. My parents sat completely still and looked at the ceiling as if they were in church. I did not usually care much about music except the mouth organ, but even I felt sad and cold inside and wished I had been a better boy.

“Oh, that was beautiful!” said my mother when the Doctor finally stopped.

“You are a great musician, sir,” said my father. “Please play something else for us.”

En/Pt → “Certainly,” said the Doctor. “Oh, but I have completely forgotten the squirrel!”

“I will show him to you,” I said. “He is upstairs in my room.”

I took the Doctor to my bedroom at the top of the house and showed him the squirrel in a wooden box filled with straw.

The squirrel had always seemed afraid of me, although I tried to make him comfortable. But when the Doctor entered, he sat up and began to make little sounds. The Doctor answered in the same way. When the Doctor lifted him to examine his leg, the squirrel seemed happy instead of afraid.

I held a candle while the Doctor tied small supports around the leg. He made them from matchsticks with his small knife.

En/Pt → “His leg should get better very quickly now,” said the Doctor, closing his bag. “Do not let him run for at least two weeks. Keep him in the fresh air and cover him with dry leaves on cool nights. He says he is lonely and worries about his wife and children. I told him he can trust you. I will send a squirrel from my garden to find his family and bring news. He must stay cheerful. Squirrels are naturally happy and active, so it is hard for them to lie still. But do not worry. He will be all right.”

Then we returned to the sitting room, and my parents asked him to play the flute until after ten o’clock.

My parents liked the Doctor from the first moment and were proud that he visited and played music for us, because we were very poor. They did not know how famous he would become. Today, almost everyone knows Doctor Dolittle and his books. Above the old door of my father’s small shop in Puddleby, a stone now says: “John Dolittle, the famous naturalist, played the flute in this house in 1839.”

En/Pt → I often remember that distant night. When I close my eyes, I can see the room: the funny little man with a kind, round face playing the flute by the fire; my mother on one side and my father on the other, listening with closed eyes; Jip and me sitting on the carpet at his feet; and Polynesia beside his old tall hat, moving her head with the music. I can see it as clearly as if it were here now.

After the Doctor left, we returned to the sitting room and talked about him until very late. When I finally went to bed, later than ever before, I dreamed about him and a group of clever animals playing flutes, violins, and drums all night.

The Seventh Chapter Shellfish Talk

En/Pt → The next morning, although I had gone to bed late, I woke very early. The first sparrows were beginning to sing sleepily outside my attic window when I jumped out of bed and dressed.

I could hardly wait to return to the little house with the big garden and see the Doctor’s private zoo. For the first time, I forgot breakfast. I quietly went downstairs so I would not wake my parents, opened the front door, and entered the empty street.

At the Doctor’s gate, I wondered if it was too early to visit and if he was awake. The garden seemed empty, so I quietly opened the gate and went inside.

I turned left onto a path between some bushes. Then a nearby voice said,

“Good morning. You are very early!”

I turned around. The gray parrot, Polynesia, was sitting on top of a hedge.

Original English Text

Front Matter

Prologue

Part I

The Cobbler’s Son

I Hear of the Great Naturalist

The Doctor’s Home

The Wiff-waff

Polynesia

The Wounded Squirrel

Shellfish Talk

Contents

Prologue

Português → ALL THAT I have written so far about Doctor Dolittle I heard long after it happened from those who had known him - indeed a great deal of it took place before I was born. But I now come to set down that part of the great man’s life which I myself saw and took part in.

Many years ago the Doctor gave me permission to do this. But we were both of us so busy then voyaging around the world, having adventures and filling note-books full of natural history that I never seemed to get time to sit down and write of our doings.

Now of course, when I am quite an old man, my memory isn’t so good any more. But whenever I am in doubt and have to hesitate and think, I always ask Polynesia, the parrot.

That wonderful bird (she is now nearly two hundred and fifty years old) sits on the top of my desk, usually humming sailor songs to herself, while I write this book. And, as every one who ever met her knows, Polynesia’s memory is the most marvelous memory in the world. If there is any happening I am not quite sure of, she is always able to put me right, to tell me exactly how it took place, who was there and everything about it. In fact sometimes I almost think I ought to say that this book was written by Polynesia instead of me.

Português → Very well then, I will begin. And first of all I must tell you something about myself and how I came to meet the Doctor.

The First Chapter the Cobbler’s Son

Português → MY NAME WAS Tommy Stubbins, son of Jacob Stubbins, the cobbler of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh; and I was nine and a half years old. At that time Puddleby was only quite a small town. A river ran through the middle of it; and over this river there was a very old stone bridge, called Kingsbridge, which led you from the market-place on one side to the churchyard on the other.

Sailing-ships came up this river from the sea and anchored near the bridge. I used to go down and watch the sailors unloading the ships upon the river-wall. The sailors sang strange songs as they pulled upon the ropes; and I learned these songs by heart. And I would sit on the river-wall with my feet dangling over the water and sing with the men, pretending to myself that I too was a sailor.

For I longed always to sail away with those brave ships when they turned their backs on Puddleby Church and went creeping down the river again, across the wide lonely marshes to the sea. I longed to go with them out into the world to seek my fortune in foreign lands - Africa, India, China and Peru! When they got round the bend in the river and the water was hidden from view, you could still see their huge brown sails towering over the roofs of the town, moving onward slowly - like some gentle giants that walked among the houses without noise. What strange things would they have seen, I wondered, when next they came back to anchor at Kingsbridge! And, dreaming of the lands I had never seen, I’d sit on there, watching till they were out of sight.

Português → Three great friends I had in Puddleby in those days. One was Joe, the mussel-man, who lived in a tiny hut by the edge of the water under the bridge. This old man was simply marvelous at making things. I never saw a man so clever with his hands. He used to mend my toy ships for me which I sailed upon the river; he built windmills out of packing-cases and barrel-staves; and he could make the most wonderful kites from old umbrellas.

Joe would sometimes take me in his mussel-boat, and when the tide was running out we would paddle down the river as far as the edge of the sea to get mussels and lobsters to sell. And out there on the cold lonely marshes we would see wild geese flying, and curlews and redshanks and many other kinds of seabirds that live among the samfire and the long grass of the great salt fen. And as we crept up the river in the evening, when the tide had turned, we would see the lights on Kingsbridge twinkle in the dusk, reminding us of tea-time and warm fires.

“I would sit on the river-wall with my feet dangling over the water”

Português → Another friend I had was Matthew Mugg, the cat’s-meat-man. He was a funny old person with a bad squint. He looked rather awful but he was really quite nice to talk to. He knew everybody in Puddleby; and he knew all the dogs and all the cats. In those times being a cat’s-meat-man was a regular business. And you could see one nearly any day going through the streets with a wooden tray full of pieces of meat stuck on skewers crying, “Meat! M-E-A-T!” People paid him to give this meat to their cats and dogs instead of feeding them on dog-biscuits or the scraps from the table.

I enjoyed going round with old Matthew and seeing the cats and dogs come running to the garden-gates whenever they heard his call. Sometimes he let me give the meat to the animals myself; and I thought this was great fun. He knew a lot about dogs and he would tell me the names of the different kinds as we went through the town. He had several dogs of his own; one, a whippet, was a very fast runner, and Matthew used to win prizes with her at the Saturday coursing races; another, a terrier, was a fine ratter. The cat’s-meat-man used to make a business of rat-catching for the millers and farmers as well as his other trade of selling cat’s-meat.

Português → My third great friend was Luke the Hermit. But of him I will tell you more later on.

I did not go to school; because my father was not rich enough to send me. But I was extremely fond of animals. So I used to spend my time collecting birds’ eggs and butterflies, fishing in the river, rambling through the countryside after blackberries and mushrooms and helping the mussel-man mend his nets.

Yes, it was a very pleasant life I lived in those days long ago - though of course I did not think so then. I was nine and a half years old; and, like all boys, I wanted to grow up - not knowing how well off I was with no cares and nothing to worry me. Always I longed for the time when I should be allowed to leave my father’s house, to take passage in one of those brave ships, to sail down the river through the misty marshes to the sea - out into the world to seek my fortune.

The Second Chapter I Hear of the Great Naturalist

Português → ONE EARLY MORNING in the Springtime, when I was wandering among the hills at the back of the town, I happened to come upon a hawk with a squirrel in its claws. It was standing on a rock and the squirrel was fighting very hard for its life. The hawk was so frightened when I came upon it suddenly like this, that it dropped the poor creature and flew away. I picked the squirrel up and found that two of its legs were badly hurt. So I carried it in my arms back to the town.

When I came to the bridge I went into the mussel-man’s hut and asked him if he could do anything for it. Joe put on his spectacles and examined it carefully. Then he shook his head.

“Yon crittur’s got a broken leg,” he said - “and another badly cut an’ all. I can mend you your boats, Tom, but I haven’t the tools nor the learning to make a broken squirrel seaworthy. This is a job for a surgeon - and for a right smart one an’ all. There be only one man I know who could save yon crittur’s life. And that’s John Dolittle.”

“Who is John Dolittle?” I asked. “Is he a vet?”

Português → “No,” said the mussel-man. “He’s no vet. Doctor Dolittle is a nacheralist.”

“What’s a nacheralist?”

“A nacheralist,” said Joe, putting away his glasses and starting to fill his pipe, “is a man who knows all about animals and butterflies and plants and rocks an’ all. John Dolittle is a very great nacheralist. I’m surprised you never heard of him - and you daft over animals. He knows a whole lot about shellfish - that I know from my own knowledge. He’s a quiet man and don’t talk much; but there’s folks who do say he’s the greatest nacheralist in the world.”

“Where does he live?” I asked.

“Over on the Oxenthorpe Road, t’other side the town. Don’t know just which house it is, but ‘most anyone ‘cross there could tell you, I reckon. Go and see him. He’s a great man.”

So I thanked the mussel-man, took up my squirrel again and started off towards the Oxenthorpe Road.

The first thing I heard as I came into the market-place was some one calling “Meat! M-E-A-T!”

Português → “There’s Matthew Mugg,” I said to myself. “He’ll know where this Doctor lives. Matthew knows everyone.”

So I hurried across the market-place and caught him up.

“Matthew,” I said, “do you know Doctor Dolittle?”

“Do I know John Dolittle!” said he. “Well, I should think I do! I know him as well as I know my own wife - better, I sometimes think. He’s a great man - a very great man.”

“Can you show me where he lives?” I asked. “I want to take this squirrel to him. It has a broken leg.”

“Certainly,” said the cat’s-meat-man. “I’ll be going right by his house directly. Come along and I’ll show you.”

So off we went together.

“Oh, I’ve known John Dolittle for years and years,” said Matthew as we made our way out of the market-place. “But I’m pretty sure he ain’t home just now. He’s away on a voyage. But he’s liable to be back any day. I’ll show you his house and then you’ll know where to find him.”

Português → All the way down the Oxenthorpe Road Matthew hardly stopped talking about his great friend, Doctor John Dolittle - “M. D.” He talked so much that he forgot all about calling out “Meat!” until we both suddenly noticed that we had a whole procession of dogs following us patiently.

“Where did the Doctor go to on this voyage?” I asked as Matthew handed round the meat to them.

“I couldn’t tell you,” he answered. “Nobody never knows where he goes, nor when he’s going, nor when he’s coming back. He lives all alone except for his pets. He’s made some great voyages and some wonderful discoveries. Last time he came back he told me he’d found a tribe of Red Indians in the Pacific Ocean - lived on two islands, they did. The husbands lived on one island and the wives lived on the other. Sensible people, some of them savages. They only met once a year, when the husbands came over to visit the wives for a great feast - Christmas-time, most likely. Yes, he’s a wonderful man is the Doctor. And as for animals, well, there ain’t no one knows as much about ’em as what he does.”

“How did he get to know so much about animals?” I asked.

The cat’s-meat-man stopped and leant down to whisper in my ear.

Português → “ He talks their language ,” he said in a hoarse, mysterious voice.

“The animals’ language?” I cried.

“Why certainly,” said Matthew. “All animals have some kind of a language. Some sorts talk more than others; some only speak in sign-language, like deaf-and-dumb. But the Doctor, he understands them all - birds as well as animals. We keep it a secret though, him and me, because folks only laugh at you when you speak of it. Why, he can even write animal-language. He reads aloud to his pets. He’s wrote history-books in monkey-talk, poetry in canary language and comic songs for magpies to sing. It’s a fact. He’s now busy learning the language of the shellfish. But he says it’s hard work - and he has caught some terrible colds, holding his head under water so much. He’s a great man.”

“He certainly must be,” I said. “I do wish he were home so I could meet him.”

“Well, there’s his house, look,” said the cat’s-meat-man - “that little one at the bend in the road there - the one high up - like it was sitting on the wall above the street.”

We were now come beyond the edge of the town. And the house that Matthew pointed out was quite a small one standing by itself. There seemed to be a big garden around it; and this garden was much higher than the road, so you had to go up a flight of steps in the wall before you reached the front gate at the top. I could see that there were many fine fruit trees in the garden, for their branches hung down over the wall in places. But the wall was so high I could not see anything else.

Português → When we reached the house Matthew went up the steps to the front gate and I followed him. I thought he was going to go into the garden; but the gate was locked. A dog came running down from the house; and he took several pieces of meat which the cat’s-meat-man pushed through the bars of the gate, and some paper bags full of corn and bran. I noticed that this dog did not stop to eat the meat, as any ordinary dog would have done, but he took all the things back to the house and disappeared. He had a curious wide collar round his neck which looked as though it were made of brass or something. Then we came away.

“The Doctor isn’t back yet,” said Matthew, “or the gate wouldn’t be locked.”

“What were all those things in paper-bags you gave the dog?” I asked.

“Oh, those were provisions,” said Matthew - “things for the animals to eat. The Doctor’s house is simply full of pets. I give the things to the dog, while the Doctor’s away, and the dog gives them to the other animals.”

“And what was that curious collar he was wearing round his neck?”

“That’s a solid gold dog-collar,” said Matthew. “It was given to him when he was with the Doctor on one of his voyages long ago. He saved a man’s life.”

Português → “How long has the Doctor had him?” I asked.

“Oh, a long time. Jip’s getting pretty old now. That’s why the Doctor doesn’t take him on his voyages any more. He leaves him behind to take care of the house. Every Monday and Thursday I bring the food to the gate here and give it him through the bars. He never lets any one come inside the garden while the Doctor’s away - not even me, though he knows me well. But you’ll always be able to tell if the Doctor’s back or not - because if he is, the gate will surely be open.”

So I went off home to my father’s house and put my squirrel to bed in an old wooden box full of straw. And there I nursed him myself and took care of him as best I could till the time should come when the Doctor would return. And every day I went to the little house with the big garden on the edge of the town and tried the gate to see if it were locked. Sometimes the dog, Jip, would come down to the gate to meet me. But though he always wagged his tail and seemed glad to see me, he never let me come inside the garden.

The Third Chapter the Doctor’s Home

Português → ONE M ONDAY AFTERNOON towards the end of April my father asked me to take some shoes which he had mended to a house on the other side of the town. They were for a Colonel Bellowes who was very particular.

I found the house and rang the bell at the front door. The Colonel opened it, stuck out a very red face and said, “Go round to the tradesmen’s entrance - go to the back door.” Then he slammed the door shut.

I felt inclined to throw the shoes into the middle of his flower-bed. But I thought my father might be angry, so I didn’t. I went round to the back door, and there the Colonel’s wife met me and took the shoes from me. She looked a timid little woman and had her hands all over flour as though she were making bread. She seemed to be terribly afraid of her husband whom I could still hear stumping round the house somewhere, grunting indignantly because I had come to the front door. Then she asked me in a whisper if I would have a bun and a glass of milk. And I said, “Yes, please.”

After I had eaten the bun and milk, I thanked the Colonel’s wife and came away. Then I thought that before I went home I would go and see if the Doctor had come back yet. I had been to his house once already that morning. But I thought I’d just like to go and take another look. My squirrel wasn’t getting any better and I was beginning to be worried about him.

Português → So I turned into the Oxenthorpe Road and started off towards the Doctor’s house. On the way I noticed that the sky was clouding over and that it looked as though it might rain.

I reached the gate and found it still locked. I felt very discouraged. I had been coming here every day for a week now. The dog, Jip, came to the gate and wagged his tail as usual, and then sat down and watched me closely to see that I didn’t get in.

I began to fear that my squirrel would die before the Doctor came back. I turned away sadly, went down the steps on to the road and turned towards home again.

I wondered if it were supper-time yet. Of course I had no watch of my own, but I noticed a gentleman coming towards me down the road; and when he got nearer I saw it was the Colonel out for a walk. He was all wrapped up in smart overcoats and mufflers and bright-colored gloves. It was not a very cold day but he had so many clothes on he looked like a pillow inside a roll of blankets. I asked him if he would please tell me the time.

Português → He stopped, grunted and glared down at me - his red face growing redder still; and when he spoke it sounded like the cork coming out of a gingerbeer-bottle.

“Do you imagine for one moment,” he spluttered, “that I am going to get myself all unbuttoned just to tell a little boy like you the time !” And he went stumping down the street, grunting harder than ever.

I stood still a moment looking after him and wondering how old I would have to be, to have him go to the trouble of getting his watch out. And then, all of a sudden, the rain came down in torrents.

I have never seen it rain so hard. It got dark, almost like night. The wind began to blow; the thunder rolled; the lightning flashed, and in a moment the gutters of the road were flowing like a river. There was no place handy to take shelter, so I put my head down against the driving wind and started to run towards home.

Português → I hadn’t gone very far when my head bumped into something soft and I sat down suddenly on the pavement. I looked up to see whom I had run into. And there in front of me, sitting on the wet pavement like myself, was a little round man with a very kind face. He wore a shabby high hat and in his hand he had a small black bag.

“I’m very sorry,” I said. “I had my head down and I didn’t see you coming.”

To my great surprise, instead of getting angry at being knocked down, the little man began to laugh.

“You know this reminds me,” he said, “of a time once when I was in India. I ran full tilt into a woman in a thunderstorm. But she was carrying a pitcher of molasses on her head and I had treacle in my hair for weeks afterwards - the flies followed me everywhere. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No,” I said. “I’m all right.”

Português → “It was just as much my fault as it was yours, you know,” said the little man. “I had my head down too - but look here, we mustn’t sit talking like this. You must be soaked. I know I am. How far have you got to go?”

“My home is on the other side of the town,” I said, as we picked ourselves up.

“My Goodness, but that was a wet pavement!” said he. “And I declare it’s coming down worse than ever. Come along to my house and get dried. A storm like this can’t last.”

He took hold of my hand and we started running back down the road together. As we ran I began to wonder who this funny little man could be, and where he lived. I was a perfect stranger to him, and yet he was taking me to his own home to get dried. Such a change, after the old red-faced Colonel who had refused even to tell me the time! Presently we stopped.

“Here we are,” he said.

Português → I looked up to see where we were and found myself back at the foot of the steps leading to the little house with the big garden! My new friend was already running up the steps and opening the gate with some keys he took from his pocket.

“Surely,” I thought, “this cannot be the great Doctor Dolittle himself!”

I suppose after hearing so much about him I had expected some one very tall and strong and marvelous. It was hard to believe that this funny little man with the kind smiling face could be really he. Yet here he was, sure enough, running up the steps and opening the very gate which I had been watching for so many days!

The dog, Jip, came rushing out and started jumping up on him and barking with happiness. The rain was splashing down heavier than ever.

“Are you Doctor Dolittle?” I shouted as we sped up the short garden-path to the house.

“Yes, I’m Doctor Dolittle,” said he, opening the front door with the same bunch of keys. “Get in! Don’t bother about wiping your feet. Never mind the mud. Take it in with you. Get in out of the rain!”

Português → I popped in, he and Jip following. Then he slammed the door to behind us.

The storm had made it dark enough outside; but inside the house, with the door closed, it was as black as night. Then began the most extraordinary noise that I have ever heard. It sounded like all sorts and kinds of animals and birds calling and squeaking and screeching at the same time. I could hear things trundling down the stairs and hurrying along passages. Somewhere in the dark a duck was quacking, a cock was crowing, a dove was cooing, an owl was hooting, a lamb was bleating and Jip was barking. I felt birds’ wings fluttering and fanning near my face. Things kept bumping into my legs and nearly upsetting me. The whole front hall seemed to be filling up with animals. The noise, together with the roaring of the rain, was tremendous; and I was beginning to grow a little bit scared when I felt the Doctor take hold of my arm and shout into my ear.

“Don’t be alarmed. Don’t be frightened. These are just some of my pets. I’ve been away three months and they are glad to see me home again. Stand still where you are till I strike a light. My Gracious, what a storm! - Just listen to that thunder!”

Português → So there I stood in the pitch-black dark, while all kinds of animals which I couldn’t see chattered and jostled around me. It was a curious and a funny feeling. I had often wondered, when I had looked in from the front gate, what Doctor Dolittle would be like and what the funny little house would have inside it. But I never imagined it would be anything like this. Yet somehow after I had felt the Doctor’s hand upon my arm I was not frightened, only confused. It all seemed like some queer dream; and I was beginning to wonder if I was really awake, when I heard the Doctor speaking again:

“My blessed matches are all wet. They won’t strike. Have you got any?”

“No, I’m afraid I haven’t,” I called back.

“Never mind,” said he. “Perhaps Dab-Dab can raise us a light somewhere.”

Then the Doctor made some funny clicking noises with his tongue and I heard some one trundle up the stairs again and start moving about in the rooms above.

Then we waited quite a while without anything happening.

Português → “Will the light be long in coming?” I asked. “Some animal is sitting on my foot and my toes are going to sleep.”

“No, only a minute,” said the Doctor. “She’ll be back in a minute.”

And just then I saw the first glimmerings of a light around the landing above. At once all the animals kept quiet.

“And in her right foot she carried a lighted candle!”

“I thought you lived alone,” I said to the Doctor.

“So I do,” said he. “It is Dab-Dab who is bringing the light.”

I looked up the stairs trying to make out who was coming. I could not see around the landing but I heard the most curious footstep on the upper flight. It sounded like some one hopping down from one step to the other, as though he were using only one leg.

As the light came lower, it grew brighter and began to throw strange jumping shadows on the walls.

“Ah - at last!” said the Doctor. “Good old Dab-Dab!”

And then I thought I really must be dreaming. For there, craning her neck round the bend of the landing, hopping down the stairs on one leg, came a spotless white duck. And in her right foot she carried a lighted candle!

The Fourth Chapter the Wiff-waff

Português → WHEN AT LAST I could look around me I found that the hall was indeed simply full of animals. It seemed to me that almost every kind of creature from the countryside must be there: a pigeon, a white rat, an owl, a badger, a jackdaw - there was even a small pig, just in from the rainy garden, carefully wiping his feet on the mat while the light from the candle glistened on his wet pink back.

The Doctor took the candlestick from the duck and turned to me.

“Look here,” he said: “you must get those wet clothes off - by the way, what is your name?”

“Tommy Stubbins,” I said.

“Oh, are you the son of Jacob Stubbins, the shoemaker?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Excellent bootmaker, your father,” said the Doctor. “You see these?” and he held up his right foot to show me the enormous boots he was wearing. “Your father made me those boots four years ago, and I’ve been wearing them ever since - perfectly wonderful boots - Well now, look here, Stubbins. You’ve got to change those wet things - and quick. Wait a moment till I get some more candles lit, and then we’ll go upstairs and find some dry clothes. You’ll have to wear an old suit of mine till we can get yours dry again by the kitchen-fire.”

Português → So presently when more candles had been lighted round different parts of the house, we went upstairs; and when we had come into a bedroom the Doctor opened a big wardrobe and took out two suits of old clothes. These we put on. Then we carried our wet ones down to the kitchen and started a fire in the big chimney. The coat of the Doctor’s which I was wearing was so large for me that I kept treading on my own coat-tails while I was helping to fetch the wood up from the cellar. But very soon we had a huge big fire blazing up the chimney and we hung our wet clothes around on chairs.

“Now let’s cook some supper,” said the Doctor. - “You’ll stay and have supper with me, Stubbins, of course?”

Already I was beginning to be very fond of this funny little man who called me “Stubbins,” instead of “Tommy” or “little lad” (I did so hate to be called “little lad”!) This man seemed to begin right away treating me as though I were a grown-up friend of his. And when he asked me to stop and have supper with him I felt terribly proud and happy. But I suddenly remembered that I had not told my mother that I would be out late. So very sadly I answered,

Português → “Thank you very much. I would like to stay, but I am afraid that my mother will begin to worry and wonder where I am if I don’t get back.”

“Oh, but my dear Stubbins,” said the Doctor, throwing another log of wood on the fire, “your clothes aren’t dry yet. You’ll have to wait for them, won’t you? By the time they are ready to put on we will have supper cooked and eaten - Did you see where I put my bag?”

“I think it is still in the hall,” I said. “I’ll go and see.”

I found the bag near the front door. It was made of black leather and looked very, very old. One of its latches was broken and it was tied up round the middle with a piece of string.

“Thank you,” said the Doctor when I brought it to him.

“Was that bag all the luggage you had for your voyage?” I asked.

“Yes,” said the Doctor, as he undid the piece of string. “I don’t believe in a lot of baggage. It’s such a nuisance. Life’s too short to fuss with it. And it isn’t really necessary, you know - Where did I put those sausages?”

Português → The Doctor was feeling about inside the bag. First he brought out a loaf of new bread. Next came a glass jar with a curious metal top to it. He held this up to the light very carefully before he set it down upon the table; and I could see that there was some strange little water-creature swimming about inside. At last the Doctor brought out a pound of sausages.

“Now,” he said, “all we want is a frying-pan.”

We went into the scullery and there we found some pots and pans hanging against the wall. The Doctor took down the frying-pan. It was quite rusty on the inside.

“Dear me, just look at that!” said he. “That’s the worst of being away so long. The animals are very good and keep the house wonderfully clean as far as they can. Dab-Dab is a perfect marvel as a housekeeper. But some things of course they can’t manage. Never mind, we’ll soon clean it up. You’ll find some silver-sand down there, under the sink, Stubbins. Just hand it up to me, will you?”

Português → In a few moments we had the pan all shiny and bright and the sausages were put over the kitchen-fire and a beautiful frying smell went all through the house.

While the Doctor was busy at the cooking I went and took another look at the funny little creature swimming about in the glass jar.

“What is this animal?” I asked.

“Oh that,” said the Doctor, turning round - “that’s a Wiff-Waff. Its full name is hippocampus pippitopitus . But the natives just call it a Wiff-Waff - on account of the way it waves its tail, swimming, I imagine. That’s what I went on this last voyage for, to get that. You see I’m very busy just now trying to learn the language of the shellfish. They have languages, of that I feel sure. I can talk a little shark language and porpoise dialect myself. But what I particularly want to learn now is shellfish.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Well, you see, some of the shellfish are the oldest kind of animals in the world that we know of. We find their shells in the rocks - turned to stone - thousands of years old. So I feel quite sure that if I could only get to talk their language, I should be able to learn a whole lot about what the world was like ages and ages and ages ago. You see?”

Português → “But couldn’t some of the other animals tell you as well?”

“I don’t think so,” said the Doctor, prodding the sausages with a fork. “To be sure, the monkeys I knew in Africa some time ago were very helpful in telling me about bygone days; but they only went back a thousand years or so. No, I am certain that the oldest history in the world is to be had from the shellfish - and from them only. You see most of the other animals that were alive in those very ancient times have now become extinct.”

“Have you learned any shellfish language yet?” I asked.

“No. I’ve only just begun. I wanted this particular kind of a pipe-fish because he is half a shellfish and half an ordinary fish. I went all the way to the Eastern Mediterranean after him. But I’m very much afraid he isn’t going to be a great deal of help to me. To tell you the truth, I’m rather disappointed in his appearance. He doesn’t look very intelligent, does he?”

“No, he doesn’t,” I agreed.

“Ah,” said the Doctor. “The sausages are done to a turn. Come along - hold your plate near and let me give you some.”

Português → Then we sat down at the kitchen-table and started a hearty meal.

It was a wonderful kitchen, that. I had many meals there afterwards and I found it a better place to eat in than the grandest dining-room in the world. It was so cozy and home-like and warm. It was so handy for the food too. You took it right off the fire, hot, and put it on the table and ate it. And you could watch your toast toasting at the fender and see it didn’t burn while you drank your soup. And if you had forgotten to put the salt on the table, you didn’t have to get up and go into another room to fetch it; you just reached round and took the big wooden box off the dresser behind you. Then the fireplace - the biggest fireplace you ever saw - was like a room in itself. You could get right inside it even when the logs were burning and sit on the wide seats either side and roast chestnuts after the meal was over - or listen to the kettle singing, or tell stories, or look at picture-books by the light of the fire. It was a marvelous kitchen. It was like the Doctor, comfortable, sensible, friendly and solid.

While we were gobbling away, the door suddenly opened and in marched the duck, Dab-Dab, and the dog, Jip, dragging sheets and pillow-cases behind them over the clean tiled floor. The Doctor, seeing how surprised I was, explained:

Português → “They’re just going to air the bedding for me in front of the fire. Dab-Dab is a perfect treasure of a housekeeper; she never forgets anything. I had a sister once who used to keep house for me (poor, dear Sarah! I wonder how she’s getting on - I haven’t seen her in many years). But she wasn’t nearly as good as Dab-Dab. Have another sausage?”

The Doctor turned and said a few words to the dog and duck in some strange talk and signs. They seemed to understand him perfectly.

“Can you talk in squirrel language?” I asked.

“Oh yes. That’s quite an easy language,” said the Doctor. “You could learn that yourself without a great deal of trouble. But why do you ask?”

“Because I have a sick squirrel at home,” I said. “I took it away from a hawk. But two of its legs are badly hurt and I wanted very much to have you see it, if you would. Shall I bring it to-morrow?”

Português → “Well, if its leg is badly broken I think I had better see it to-night. It may be too late to do much; but I’ll come home with you and take a look at it.”

So presently we felt the clothes by the fire and mine were found to be quite dry. I took them upstairs to the bedroom and changed, and when I came down the Doctor was all ready waiting for me with his little black bag full of medicines and bandages.

“Come along,” he said. “The rain has stopped now.”

Outside it had grown bright again and the evening sky was all red with the setting sun; and thrushes were singing in the garden as we opened the gate to go down on to the road.

The Fifth Chapter Polynesia

Português → “ I THINK your house is the most interesting house I was ever in,” I said as we set off in the direction of the town. “May I come and see you again to-morrow?”

“Certainly,” said the Doctor. “Come any day you like. To-morrow I’ll show you the garden and my private zoo.”

“Oh, have you a zoo?” I asked.

“Yes,” said he. “The larger animals are too big for the house, so I keep them in a zoo in the garden. It is not a very big collection but it is interesting in its way.”

“It must be splendid,” I said, “to be able to talk all the languages of the different animals. Do you think I could ever learn to do it?”

“Oh surely,” said the Doctor - “with practise. You have to be very patient, you know. You really ought to have Polynesia to start you. It was she who gave me my first lessons.”

“Who is Polynesia?” I asked.

“Polynesia was a West African parrot I had. She isn’t with me any more now,” said the Doctor sadly.

Português → “Why - is she dead?”

“Oh no,” said the Doctor. “She is still living, I hope. But when we reached Africa she seemed so glad to get back to her own country. She wept for joy. And when the time came for me to come back here I had not the heart to take her away from that sunny land - although, it is true, she did offer to come. I left her in Africa - Ah well! I have missed her terribly. She wept again when we left. But I think I did the right thing. She was one of the best friends I ever had. It was she who first gave me the idea of learning the animal languages and becoming an animal doctor. I often wonder if she remained happy in Africa, and whether I shall ever see her funny, old, solemn face again - Good old Polynesia! - A most extraordinary bird - Well, well!”

Just at that moment we heard the noise of some one running behind us; and turning round we saw Jip the dog rushing down the road after us, as fast as his legs could bring him. He seemed very excited about something, and as soon as he came up to us, he started barking and whining to the Doctor in a peculiar way. Then the Doctor too seemed to get all worked up and began talking and making queer signs to the dog. At length he turned to me, his face shining with happiness.

Português → “Polynesia has come back!” he cried. “Imagine it. Jip says she has just arrived at the house. My! And it’s five years since I saw her - Excuse me a minute.”

He turned as if to go back home. But the parrot, Polynesia, was already flying towards us. The Doctor clapped his hands like a child getting a new toy; while the swarm of sparrows in the roadway fluttered, gossiping, up on to the fences, highly scandalized to see a gray and scarlet parrot skimming down an English lane.

On she came, straight on to the Doctor’s shoulder, where she immediately began talking a steady stream in a language I could not understand. She seemed to have a terrible lot to say. And very soon the Doctor had forgotten all about me and my squirrel and Jip and everything else; till at length the bird clearly asked him something about me.

“Oh excuse me, Stubbins!” said the Doctor. “I was so interested listening to my old friend here. We must get on and see this squirrel of yours - Polynesia, this is Thomas Stubbins.”

Português → The parrot, on the Doctor’s shoulder, nodded gravely towards me and then, to my great surprise, said quite plainly in English,

“How do you do? I remember the night you were born. It was a terribly cold winter. You were a very ugly baby.”

“Stubbins is anxious to learn animal language,” said the Doctor. “I was just telling him about you and the lessons you gave me when Jip ran up and told us you had arrived.”

“Well,” said the parrot, turning to me, “I may have started the Doctor learning but I never could have done even that, if he hadn’t first taught me to understand what I was saying when I spoke English. You see, many parrots can talk like a person, but very few of them understand what they are saying. They just say it because - well, because they fancy it is smart or, because they know they will get crackers given them.”

By this time we had turned and were going towards my home with Jip running in front and Polynesia still perched on the Doctor’s shoulder. The bird chattered incessantly, mostly about Africa; but now she spoke in English, out of politeness to me.

Português → “How is Prince Bumpo getting on?” asked the Doctor.

“Oh, I’m glad you asked me,” said Polynesia. “I almost forgot to tell you. What do you think? - Bumpo is in England! ”

“In England! - You don’t say!” cried the Doctor. “What on earth is he doing here?”

“His father, the king, sent him here to a place called - er - Bullford, I think it was - to study lessons.”

“Bullford! - Bullford!” muttered the Doctor. “I never heard of the place - Oh, you mean Oxford.”

“Yes, that’s the place - Oxford,” said Polynesia “I knew it had cattle in it somewhere. Oxford - that’s the place he’s gone to.”

“Well, well,” murmured the Doctor. “Fancy Bumpo studying at Oxford - Well, well!”

“There were great doings in Jolliginki when he left. He was scared to death to come. He was the first man from that country to go abroad. He thought he was going to be eaten by white cannibals or something. You know what those niggers are - that ignorant! Well! - But his father made him come. He said that all the black kings were sending their sons to Oxford now. It was the fashion, and he would have to go. Bumpo wanted to bring his six wives with him. But the king wouldn’t let him do that either. Poor Bumpo went off in tears - and everybody in the palace was crying too. You never heard such a hullabaloo.”

Português → “Do you know if he ever went back in search of The Sleeping Beauty?” asked the Doctor.

“Oh yes,” said Polynesia - “the day after you left. And a good thing for him he did: the king got to know about his helping you to escape; and he was dreadfully wild about it.”

“And The Sleeping Beauty? - did he ever find her?”

“Well, he brought back something which he said was The Sleeping Beauty. Myself, I think it was an albino niggeress. She had red hair and the biggest feet you ever saw. But Bumpo was no end pleased with her and finally married her amid great rejoicings. The feastings lasted seven days. She became his chief wife and is now known out there as the Crown-Princess Bum pah - you accent the last syllable.”

“And tell me, did he remain white?”

“Only for about three months,” said the parrot. “After that his face slowly returned to its natural color. It was just as well. He was so conspicuous in his bathing-suit the way he was, with his face white and the rest of him black.”

Português → “And how is Chee-Chee getting on? - Chee-Chee,” added the Doctor in explanation to me, “was a pet monkey I had years ago. I left him too in Africa when I came away.”

Português → “Well,” said Polynesia frowning, - “Chee-Chee is not entirely happy. I saw a good deal of him the last few years. He got dreadfully homesick for you and the house and the garden. It’s funny, but I was just the same way myself. You remember how crazy I was to get back to the dear old land? And Africa is a wonderful country - I don’t care what anybody says. Well, I thought I was going to have a perfectly grand time. But somehow - I don’t know - after a few weeks it seemed to get tiresome. I just couldn’t seem to settle down. Well, to make a long story short, one night I made up my mind that I’d come back here and find you. So I hunted up old Chee-Chee and told him about it. He said he didn’t blame me a bit - felt exactly the same way himself. Africa was so deadly quiet after the life we had led with you. He missed the stories you used to tell us out of your animal books - and the chats we used to have sitting round the kitchen-fire on winter nights. The animals out there were very nice to us and all that. But somehow the dear kind creatures seemed a bit stupid. Chee-Chee said he had noticed it too. But I suppose it wasn’t they who had changed; it was we who were different. When I left, poor old Chee-Chee broke down and cried. He said he felt as though his only friend were leaving him - though, as you know, he has simply millions of relatives there. He said it didn’t seem fair that I should have wings to fly over here any time I liked, and him with no way to follow me. But mark my words, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he found a way to come - some day. He’s a smart lad, is Chee-Chee.”

Português → At this point we arrived at my home. My father’s shop was closed and the shutters were up; but my mother was standing at the door looking down the street.

“Good evening, Mrs. Stubbins,” said the Doctor. “It is my fault your son is so late. I made him stay to supper while his clothes were drying. He was soaked to the skin; and so was I. We ran into one another in the storm and I insisted on his coming into my house for shelter.”

“I was beginning to get worried about him,” said my mother. “I am thankful to you, Sir, for looking after him so well and bringing him home.”

“Don’t mention it - don’t mention it,” said the Doctor. “We have had a very interesting chat.”

“Who might it be that I have the honor of addressing?” asked my mother staring at the gray parrot perched on the Doctor’s shoulder.

“Oh, I’m John Dolittle. I dare say your husband will remember me. He made me some very excellent boots about four years ago. They really are splendid,” added the Doctor, gazing down at his feet with great satisfaction.

Português → “The Doctor has come to cure my squirrel, Mother,” said I. “He knows all about animals.”

“Oh, no,” said the Doctor, “not all, Stubbins, not all about them by any means.”

“It is very kind of you to come so far to look after his pet,” said my mother. “Tom is always bringing home strange creatures from the woods and the fields.”

“Is he?” said the Doctor. “Perhaps he will grow up to be a naturalist some day. Who knows?”

“Won’t you come in?” asked my mother. “The place is a little untidy because I haven’t finished the spring cleaning yet. But there’s a nice fire burning in the parlor.”

“Thank you!” said the Doctor. “What a charming home you have!”

And after wiping his enormous boots very, very carefully on the mat, the great man passed into the house.

The Sixth Chapter the Wounded Squirrel

Português → I NSIDE WE FOUND my father busy practising on the flute beside the fire. This he always did, every evening, after his work was over.

The Doctor immediately began talking to him about flutes and piccolos and bassoons; and presently my father said,

“Perhaps you perform upon the flute yourself, Sir. Won’t you play us a tune?”

“Well,” said the Doctor, “it is a long time since I touched the instrument. But I would like to try. May I?”

Then the Doctor took the flute from my father and played and played and played. It was wonderful. My mother and father sat as still as statues, staring up at the ceiling as though they were in church; and even I, who didn’t bother much about music except on the mouth-organ - even I felt all sad and cold and creepy and wished I had been a better boy.

“Oh I think that was just beautiful!” sighed my mother when at length the Doctor stopped.

“You are a great musician, Sir,” said my father, “a very great musician. Won’t you please play us something else?”

Português → “Why certainly,” said the Doctor - “Oh, but look here, I’ve forgotten all about the squirrel.”

“I’ll show him to you,” I said. “He is upstairs in my room.”

So I led the Doctor to my bedroom at the top of the house and showed him the squirrel in the packing-case filled with straw.

The animal, who had always seemed very much afraid of me - though I had tried hard to make him feel at home, sat up at once when the Doctor came into the room and started to chatter. The Doctor chattered back in the same way and the squirrel when he was lifted up to have his leg examined, appeared to be rather pleased than frightened.

I held a candle while the Doctor tied the leg up in what he called “splints,” which he made out of match-sticks with his pen-knife.

Português → “I think you will find that his leg will get better now in a very short time,” said the Doctor closing up his bag. “Don’t let him run about for at least two weeks yet, but keep him in the open air and cover him up with dry leaves if the nights get cool. He tells me he is rather lonely here, all by himself, and is wondering how his wife and children are getting on. I have assured him you are a man to be trusted; and I will send a squirrel who lives in my garden to find out how his family are and to bring him news of them. He must be kept cheerful at all costs. Squirrels are naturally a very cheerful, active race. It is very hard for them to lie still doing nothing. But you needn’t worry about him. He will be all right.”

Then we went back again to the parlor and my mother and father kept him playing the flute till after ten o’clock.

Although my parents both liked the Doctor tremendously from the first moment that they saw him, and were very proud to have him come and play to us (for we were really terribly poor) they did not realize then what a truly great man he was one day to become. Of course now, when almost everybody in the whole world has heard about Doctor Dolittle and his books, if you were to go to that little house in Puddleby where my father had his cobbler’s shop you would see, set in the wall over the old-fashioned door, a stone with writing on it which says: “JOHN DOLITTLE, THE FAMOUS NATURALIST, PLAYED THE FLUTE IN THIS HOUSE IN THE YEAR 1839.”

Português → I often look back upon that night long, long ago. And if I close my eyes and think hard I can see that parlor just as it was then: a funny little man in coat-tails, with a round kind face, playing away on the flute in front of the fire; my mother on one side of him and my father on the other, holding their breath and listening with their eyes shut; myself, with Jip, squatting on the carpet at his feet, staring into the coals; and Polynesia perched on the mantlepiece beside his shabby high hat, gravely swinging her head from side to side in time to the music. I see it all, just as though it were before me now.

And then I remember how, after we had seen the Doctor out at the front door, we all came back into the parlor and talked about him till it was still later; and even after I did go to bed (I had never stayed up so late in my life before) I dreamed about him and a band of strange clever animals that played flutes and fiddles and drums the whole night through.

The Seventh Chapter Shellfish Talk

Português → THE NEXT MORNING , although I had gone to bed so late the night before, I was up frightfully early. The first sparrows were just beginning to chirp sleepily on the slates outside my attic window when I jumped out of bed and scrambled into my clothes.

I could hardly wait to get back to the little house with the big garden - to see the Doctor and his private zoo. For the first time in my life I forgot all about breakfast; and creeping down the stairs on tip-toe, so as not to wake my mother and father, I opened the front door and popped out into the empty, silent street.

When I got to the Doctor’s gate I suddenly thought that perhaps it was too early to call on any one: and I began to wonder if the Doctor would be up yet. I looked into the garden. No one seemed to be about. So I opened the gate quietly and went inside.

As I turned to the left to go down a path between some hedges, I heard a voice quite close to me say,

“Good morning. How early you are!”

I turned around, and there, sitting on the top of a privet hedge, was the gray parrot, Polynesia.

Versão em Português A2

Páginas Iniciais

Prólogo

Parte I

O Filho do Sapateiro

Ouço Falar do Grande Naturalista

A Casa do Doutor

O Wiff-waff

Polynesia

O Esquilo Ferido

A Linguagem dos Moluscos

Contents

Prólogo

English → Tudo o que escrevi antes sobre o Doutor Dolittle veio de pessoas que o conheceram. Grande parte aconteceu antes de eu nascer. Agora contarei a parte de sua vida que eu mesmo vi e da qual participei.

Há muitos anos, o Doutor me permitiu escrever esta história. Mas estávamos muito ocupados viajando pelo mundo, vivendo aventuras e escrevendo anotações sobre a natureza. Eu nunca tinha tempo suficiente para escrever sobre nossas experiências.

Agora sou um homem velho, e minha memória já não é tão boa como antes. Quando não consigo me lembrar de alguma coisa, sempre pergunto a Polinésia, o papagaio.

Aquela ave maravilhosa tem quase duzentos e cinquenta anos. Ela fica sobre minha escrivaninha e costuma cantar canções de marinheiros enquanto escrevo este livro. Polinésia tem uma memória extraordinária. Quando não tenho certeza sobre um acontecimento, ela me diz exatamente o que aconteceu, quem estava presente e todos os outros detalhes. Às vezes, penso que deveria dizer que Polinésia escreveu este livro em meu lugar.

English → Agora começarei. Primeiro, preciso falar sobre mim e explicar como conheci o Doutor.

Capítulo 1. O Filho do Sapateiro

English → MEU NOME ERA Tommy Stubbins. Meu pai, Jacob Stubbins, era sapateiro em Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. Eu tinha nove anos e meio. Naquele tempo, Puddleby era uma cidade pequena. Um rio atravessava seu centro. Uma ponte de pedra muito antiga, chamada Kingsbridge, ligava a praça do mercado de um lado ao cemitério da igreja do outro.

Navios a vela subiam o rio vindos do mar e paravam perto da ponte. Eu observava os marinheiros descarregá-los junto ao rio. Eles cantavam canções estranhas enquanto puxavam as cordas, e eu aprendia as músicas. Sentava-me junto ao rio com os pés sobre a água e cantava com eles, fingindo que também era marinheiro.

Eu sempre queria partir com aqueles navios corajosos quando eles deixavam Puddleby e seguiam para o mar. Desejava viajar pelo mundo e buscar minha fortuna na África, na Índia, na China e no Peru. Depois que os navios acompanhavam a curva do rio, suas grandes velas marrons ainda podiam ser vistas acima dos telhados da cidade. Moviam-se devagar como gigantes silenciosos entre as casas. Eu me perguntava que coisas estranhas veriam antes de voltar a Kingsbridge. Ficava ali sonhando com terras desconhecidas até os navios desaparecerem.

English → Eu tinha três grandes amigos em Puddleby. Um deles era Joe, que recolhia mexilhões e morava numa pequena cabana perto da água, debaixo da ponte. Ele era excelente em fazer coisas com as mãos. Consertava meus navios de brinquedo, construía moinhos de vento com caixas de madeira e partes de barris e fazia pipas maravilhosas com guarda-chuvas velhos.

Às vezes, Joe me levava em seu barco de mexilhões. Quando a maré baixava, seguíamos pelo rio até o mar para recolher mexilhões e lagostas para vender. Nos pântanos frios e solitários, víamos gansos selvagens, maçaricos, pernas-vermelhas e muitas outras aves marinhas entre as plantas e a grama alta. À noite, quando a maré mudava, voltávamos rio acima. As luzes de Kingsbridge brilhavam na escuridão e nos lembravam do chá e de fogueiras quentes.

- Eu me sentava junto ao rio com os pés suspensos sobre a água.

English → Outro amigo era Matthew Mugg, que vendia carne para gatos e cães. Era um velho engraçado e estrábico. Parecia assustador, mas era agradável conversar com ele. Conhecia todos em Puddleby e também todos os gatos e cães. Naquele tempo, vender carne para animais era um trabalho comum. O vendedor caminhava pelas ruas com pedaços de carne numa bandeja de madeira e gritava: - Carne! - As pessoas lhe pagavam para alimentar seus gatos e cães, em vez de lhes dar biscoitos ou restos da mesa.

Eu gostava de caminhar com o velho Matthew e observar os gatos e cães correrem para os portões dos jardins quando o ouviam. Às vezes, ele me deixava alimentá-los, o que era muito divertido. Sabia muito sobre cães e me ensinava os nomes de diferentes tipos. Tinha vários cães. Um era um whippet que corria muito depressa e ganhava prêmios nas corridas de sábado. Outro era um terrier que caçava ratos muito bem. Além de vender carne, Matthew caçava ratos para agricultores e moleiros.

English → Meu terceiro grande amigo era Luke, o Eremita. Contarei mais sobre ele depois.

Eu não frequentava a escola porque meu pai não podia pagar. Mas adorava os animais. Colecionava ovos de aves e borboletas, pescava no rio, procurava amoras e cogumelos nos campos e ajudava Joe a consertar suas redes.

Era uma vida agradável, embora eu não compreendesse isso naquele tempo. Tinha nove anos e meio e queria crescer, como todos os meninos. Não sabia como era feliz por não ter preocupações sérias. Desejava deixar a casa de meu pai, embarcar num navio corajoso, atravessar os pântanos cobertos de névoa até o mar e buscar minha fortuna pelo mundo.

Capítulo 2. Ouço Falar do Grande Naturalista

English → NUMA MANHÃ DE PRIMAVERA, eu caminhava pelas colinas atrás da cidade quando vi um falcão segurando um esquilo. O esquilo lutava muito para salvar a vida. Minha chegada repentina assustou o falcão, que soltou o animal e voou para longe. Peguei o pobre esquilo e vi que duas pernas estavam gravemente feridas. Levei-o de volta à cidade.

Ao chegar à ponte, entrei na cabana de Joe e perguntei se ele poderia ajudar. Joe colocou os óculos e examinou cuidadosamente o esquilo. Depois, sacudiu a cabeça.

- Este animal tem uma perna quebrada e outra gravemente cortada - disse ele. - Posso consertar seus barcos, Tom, mas não tenho as ferramentas nem o conhecimento para consertar um esquilo. Este trabalho precisa de um cirurgião muito bom. Conheço apenas um homem que pode salvar este animal: John Dolittle.

- Quem é John Dolittle? - perguntei. - Ele é veterinário?

English → - Não - disse Joe. - Ele não é veterinário. O Doutor Dolittle é naturalista.

- O que é um naturalista?

- Um naturalista - disse Joe enquanto guardava os óculos e enchia o cachimbo - é uma pessoa que conhece animais, borboletas, plantas, rochas e muitas outras coisas. John Dolittle é um grande naturalista. Fico surpreso por você nunca ter ouvido falar dele, pois adora animais. Ele sabe muito sobre moluscos. É quieto e não fala muito, mas algumas pessoas dizem que é o maior naturalista do mundo.

- Onde ele mora? - perguntei.

- Mora na estrada de Oxenthorpe, do outro lado da cidade. Não sei qual é sua casa, mas quase qualquer pessoa de lá poderá lhe dizer. Vá visitá-lo. É um grande homem.

Agradeci a Joe, peguei novamente o esquilo e caminhei em direção à estrada de Oxenthorpe.

Quando entrei na praça do mercado, a primeira coisa que ouvi foi alguém gritando: - Carne! Carne!

English → - É Matthew Mugg - pensei. - Ele saberá onde o Doutor mora, pois Matthew conhece todo mundo.

Atravessei depressa a praça do mercado e o alcancei.

- Matthew - eu disse - , você conhece o Doutor Dolittle?

- Se conheço John Dolittle? - disse ele. - Claro que conheço! Conheço-o tão bem quanto conheço minha esposa, talvez até melhor. É um grande homem.

- Pode me mostrar onde ele mora? - perguntei. - Quero que ajude este esquilo, pois ele tem uma perna quebrada.

- Claro - disse Matthew. - Logo passarei diante da casa dele. Venha comigo, e eu lhe mostrarei.

Então partimos juntos.

- Conheço John Dolittle há muitos anos - disse Matthew enquanto deixávamos a praça do mercado. - Mas não creio que esteja em casa agora. Está viajando, embora possa voltar a qualquer momento. Mostrarei a casa dele para que você saiba onde encontrá-lo.

English → Matthew falou sobre seu grande amigo, o Doutor John Dolittle, durante todo o caminho pela estrada de Oxenthorpe. Falou tanto que se esqueceu de gritar: - Carne! - Logo percebemos que uma longa fila de cães nos seguia pacientemente.

- Para onde o Doutor foi nessa viagem? - perguntei enquanto Matthew dava carne aos cães.

- Não posso lhe dizer - respondeu ele. - Ninguém sabe para onde vai, quando parte ou quando voltará. Mora sozinho com seus animais. Fez grandes viagens e descobertas. Depois da última viagem, contou-me sobre uma tribo que vivia em duas ilhas do Pacífico. Os maridos moravam numa ilha e as esposas na outra. Encontravam-se uma vez por ano para uma grande festa. O Doutor é um homem maravilhoso, e ninguém sabe mais sobre animais.

- Como ele aprendeu tanto sobre os animais? - perguntei.

Matthew parou e se inclinou para sussurrar em meu ouvido.

English → - Ele fala a língua deles - disse Matthew numa voz baixa e misteriosa.

- A linguagem dos animais? - exclamei.

- Claro - disse Matthew. - Todos os animais têm algum tipo de linguagem. Alguns falam mais do que outros, e alguns usam sinais. O Doutor compreende todas as aves e todos os animais. Mantemos isso em segredo porque as pessoas riem quando falamos a respeito. Ele consegue até escrever nas linguagens dos animais. Lê para seus animais e já escreveu história na língua dos macacos, poemas na língua dos canários e canções engraçadas para as gralhas. Agora está aprendendo a linguagem dos moluscos, mas é difícil. Pegou resfriados fortes porque põe a cabeça debaixo d'água com muita frequência. É um grande homem.

- Com certeza - eu disse. - Gostaria que estivesse em casa para que eu pudesse conhecê-lo.

- Ali está a casa dele - disse Matthew. - É a pequena casa acima da rua, perto da curva da estrada.

Havíamos chegado à extremidade da cidade. A pequena casa ficava sozinha e tinha um grande jardim. O jardim era muito mais alto do que a estrada; por isso, degraus na parede levavam ao portão da frente. Galhos de muitas árvores frutíferas pendiam sobre o muro alto, mas eu não conseguia ver mais nada lá dentro.

English → Ao chegarmos à casa, Matthew subiu os degraus, e eu o segui. O portão estava trancado. Um cão correu desde a casa. Matthew passou pelo portão pedaços de carne e sacos de papel com milho e farelo. O cão não comeu a carne. Em vez disso, levou tudo para a casa e desapareceu. Usava uma coleira larga e estranha que parecia de latão. Depois fomos embora.

- O Doutor ainda não voltou - disse Matthew. - Caso contrário, o portão não estaria trancado.

- O que havia nos sacos de papel que você deu ao cão? - perguntei.

- Era comida para os animais - disse Matthew. - A casa do Doutor está cheia de animais. Enquanto ele está fora, entrego a comida ao cão, e o cão a distribui aos outros animais.

- O que era aquela coleira estranha em torno do pescoço dele?

- É feita de ouro puro - disse Matthew. - Ele a recebeu durante uma das viagens do Doutor, há muitos anos, porque salvou a vida de um homem.

English → - Há quanto tempo o Doutor o tem? - perguntei.

- Há muito tempo. Jip já está velho; por isso, o Doutor não o leva mais nas viagens. Ele fica e protege a casa. Todas as segundas e quintas-feiras, trago comida e a passo pelo portão. Enquanto o Doutor está fora, Jip não permite que ninguém entre no jardim, nem mesmo eu. Você saberá quando o Doutor voltar porque o portão estará aberto.

Voltei para a casa de meu pai e preparei uma cama para o esquilo numa velha caixa de madeira cheia de palha. Cuidei dele tão bem quanto pude enquanto esperava pelo Doutor. Todos os dias, visitava a pequena casa e verificava o portão. Às vezes, Jip vinha me receber. Balançava a cauda e parecia feliz em me ver, mas nunca permitia que eu entrasse.

Capítulo 3. A Casa do Doutor

English → NUMA TARDE DE SEGUNDA-FEIRA, perto do fim de abril, meu pai pediu que eu entregasse alguns sapatos consertados ao Coronel Bellowes, que morava do outro lado da cidade e era muito difícil de agradar.

Encontrei a casa e toquei a campainha da porta da frente. O Coronel abriu a porta, mostrou seu rosto muito vermelho e ordenou que eu usasse a entrada dos trabalhadores nos fundos. Depois, fechou a porta com força.

Tive vontade de jogar os sapatos no canteiro de flores, mas meu pai poderia ficar zangado; por isso, não fiz isso. Na porta dos fundos, a esposa do Coronel recebeu os sapatos. Era uma mulher pequena e nervosa, com farinha nas mãos porque estava fazendo pão. Parecia ter muito medo do marido, que ainda caminhava irritado pela casa. Num sussurro, ofereceu-me um pãozinho e um copo de leite. Eu aceitei.

Depois de comer, agradeci e fui embora. Antes de voltar para casa, decidi verificar novamente a casa do Doutor, embora já a tivesse visitado naquela manhã. Meu esquilo não estava melhorando, e eu começava a ficar preocupado.

English → Entrei na estrada de Oxenthorpe e caminhei em direção à casa do Doutor. O céu estava ficando nublado e parecia que choveria.

Cheguei ao portão, mas ele ainda estava trancado. Fiquei muito triste. Eu vinha ali todos os dias havia uma semana. Jip veio até o portão e abanou o rabo, como sempre. Depois, sentou-se e me observou com atenção para ter certeza de que eu não entraria.

Comecei a temer que meu esquilo morresse antes de o Doutor voltar. Virei-me com tristeza, desci os degraus até a estrada e comecei a caminhar para casa outra vez.

Perguntei-me se já era hora do jantar. Eu não tinha relógio, mas vi um cavalheiro vindo pela estrada. Quando ele se aproximou, percebi que era o Coronel dando um passeio. Ele usava casacos elegantes, cachecóis e luvas coloridas. O dia não estava muito frio, mas ele vestia tantas roupas que parecia um travesseiro dentro de vários cobertores. Pedi-lhe educadamente que me dissesse as horas.

English → Ele parou, soltou um som irritado e me encarou de cima. Seu rosto vermelho ficou ainda mais vermelho. Quando falou, sua voz soou como uma rolha saindo de uma garrafa.

- Você realmente acha - disse ele, irritado - que vou desabotoar toda a minha roupa só para dizer as horas a um garotinho como você? - Então, seguiu pesadamente pela rua, soltando sons de irritação.

Fiquei parado, observando-o ir embora. Perguntei-me quantos anos eu precisaria ter para que ele tirasse o relógio para mim. Então, de repente, começou a cair uma chuva muito forte.

Eu nunca tinha visto uma chuva tão forte. Ficou escuro, quase como se fosse noite. O vento soprou, o trovão ressoou e relâmpagos cruzaram o céu. Em um instante, a água corria pelas laterais da estrada como um rio. Não havia nenhum lugar próximo onde me abrigar da tempestade, então abaixei a cabeça contra o vento forte e corri em direção a casa.

English → Eu não tinha ido muito longe quando minha cabeça bateu em algo macio, e de repente caí na calçada. Olhei para cima para ver em quem havia esbarrado. Diante de mim, também sentado na calçada molhada, estava um homem baixo e redondo, de rosto muito bondoso. Ele usava uma cartola velha e carregava uma pequena bolsa preta.

- Sinto muito - eu disse. - Eu estava de cabeça baixa e não vi o senhor chegando.

Para minha grande surpresa, o homem baixo não ficou zangado por eu tê-lo derrubado. Em vez disso, começou a rir.

- Isso me faz lembrar de uma coisa - disse ele. - Certa vez, na Índia, esbarrei de frente em uma mulher durante uma tempestade. Ela carregava um pote de calda doce na cabeça. A calda ficou no meu cabelo por semanas, e as moscas me seguiam por toda parte. Eu não machuquei você, machuquei?

- Não - respondi. - Estou bem.

English → - A culpa foi tanto minha quanto sua - disse o homem baixo. - Eu também estava de cabeça baixa. Mas não podemos ficar sentados aqui conversando. Você deve estar completamente molhado. Sei que eu estou. Até onde você precisa ir?

- Minha casa fica do outro lado da cidade - respondi, enquanto nos levantávamos.

- Nossa, como aquela calçada estava molhada! - disse ele. - E a chuva está ficando ainda mais forte. Venha à minha casa para se secar. Uma tempestade assim não pode durar muito.

Ele segurou minha mão, e corremos juntos de volta pela estrada. Enquanto corríamos, perguntei-me quem era aquele homenzinho engraçado e onde ele morava. Eu era um completo desconhecido, mas ele estava me levando para sua casa a fim de me secar. Como era diferente do velho Coronel de rosto vermelho, que nem sequer quis me dizer as horas! Logo paramos.

- Chegamos - disse ele.

English → Olhei para cima e vi que estávamos de volta ao pé dos degraus que levavam à casinha com o grande jardim! Meu novo amigo já subia os degraus correndo. Tirou algumas chaves do bolso e abriu o portão.

- Certamente - pensei - este não pode ser o grande Doutor Dolittle!

Depois de ouvir tantas coisas sobre ele, eu esperava alguém muito alto, forte e extraordinário. Era difícil acreditar que aquele homenzinho engraçado, de rosto bondoso e sorridente, fosse realmente o Doutor. Mas lá estava ele, subindo os degraus correndo e abrindo o portão que eu havia observado por tantos dias!

Jip saiu correndo, pulou no Doutor e latiu de alegria. A chuva caía mais forte do que nunca.

- O senhor é o Doutor Dolittle? - gritei, enquanto corríamos pelo curto caminho do jardim até a casa.

- Sim, sou o Doutor Dolittle - disse ele, abrindo a porta da frente com as mesmas chaves. - Entre! Não limpe os pés. Não se preocupe com a lama. Traga-a para dentro. Apenas saia da chuva!

English → Entrei depressa, e ele e Jip vieram atrás de mim. Então, o Doutor fechou a porta com força.

A tempestade havia deixado o lado de fora escuro, mas, dentro da casa fechada, tudo estava negro como a noite. Então ouvi o barulho mais estranho da minha vida. Muitos animais e pássaros chamavam, gritavam e faziam sons ao mesmo tempo. Coisas desciam as escadas e corriam pelos corredores. Na escuridão, um pato grasnava, um galo cantava, uma pomba arrulhava, uma coruja piava, um cordeiro balia e Jip latia. As asas dos pássaros batiam perto do meu rosto. Animais esbarravam nas minhas pernas e quase me faziam cair. O vestíbulo parecia cheio deles. O barulho dos animais e a chuva forte eram terríveis. Comecei a sentir medo. Então, o Doutor segurou meu braço e gritou no meu ouvido.

- Não tenha medo. Estes são apenas alguns dos meus animais. Fiquei fora por três meses, e eles estão felizes porque voltei para casa. Fique parado até eu acender uma luz. Que tempestade! Escute esse trovão!

English → Fiquei parado na escuridão completa, enquanto animais que eu não podia ver faziam barulho e se empurravam ao meu redor. Era uma sensação estranha e engraçada. Do portão da frente, eu muitas vezes havia imaginado como era o Doutor Dolittle e o que havia dentro de sua casinha. Nunca imaginei algo assim. Mas, depois de sentir a mão do Doutor no meu braço, já não estava com medo, apenas confuso. Tudo parecia um sonho estranho. Eu me perguntava se estava acordado quando o Doutor falou novamente.

- Meus fósforos estão todos molhados. Eles não acendem. Você tem algum?

- Não, infelizmente não tenho - respondi em voz alta.

- Não faz mal - disse ele. - Talvez Dab-Dab consiga encontrar uma luz em algum lugar.

O Doutor fez alguns sons engraçados com a língua. Ouvi alguém subir novamente a escada e se mover pelos quartos no andar de cima.

Então esperamos por bastante tempo, mas nada aconteceu.

English → - A luz vai demorar muito mais? - perguntei. - Um animal está sentado sobre meu pé, e não consigo sentir os dedos.

- Não, só um minuto - disse o Doutor. - Ela voltará logo.

Naquele instante, vi uma pequena luz perto do alto da escada. Imediatamente, todos os animais ficaram em silêncio.

- E, no pé direito, ela carregava uma vela acesa!

- Pensei que o senhor morasse sozinho - eu disse ao Doutor.

- E moro - respondeu ele. - É Dab-Dab quem está trazendo a luz.

Olhei para o alto da escada e tentei ver quem estava chegando. Eu não conseguia enxergar além da curva, mas ouvi passos muito estranhos. Pareciam os de alguém que descia pulando de um degrau para outro com apenas uma perna.

À medida que a luz descia, ficava mais forte e criava estranhas sombras em movimento nas paredes.

- Ah, finalmente! - disse o Doutor. - Boa e velha Dab-Dab!

Então pensei que realmente estava sonhando. Uma pata branca e muito limpa esticou o pescoço além da curva e desceu a escada pulando sobre uma perna. No pé direito, carregava uma vela acesa!

Capítulo 4. O Wiff-waff

English → Finalmente, pude olhar ao redor. O vestíbulo estava realmente cheio de animais. Quase todo tipo de animal do campo parecia estar ali: um pombo, um rato branco, uma coruja, um texugo e um pássaro preto. Havia até um porquinho. Ele acabara de entrar do jardim molhado e limpava cuidadosamente os pés no capacho. A luz da vela brilhava em suas costas rosadas e molhadas.

O Doutor pegou a vela da pata e se virou para mim.

- Escute - disse ele. - Você precisa tirar essas roupas molhadas. A propósito, qual é o seu nome?

- Tommy Stubbins - respondi.

- Ah, você é filho de Jacob Stubbins, o sapateiro?

- Sim - respondi.

- Seu pai faz botas excelentes - disse o Doutor. - Veja estas. - Ele levantou o pé direito e me mostrou sua enorme bota. - Seu pai fez estas botas para mim há quatro anos, e eu as uso desde então. São maravilhosas. Agora, Stubbins, você precisa trocar essas roupas molhadas depressa. Vou acender mais velas. Depois subiremos e encontraremos roupas secas. Você pode usar um dos meus ternos velhos enquanto suas roupas secam junto ao fogo da cozinha.

English → Logo havia mais velas pela casa, e subimos. Em um quarto, o Doutor abriu um grande armário e tirou dois ternos velhos. Nós os vestimos. Depois levamos nossas roupas molhadas para a cozinha e acendemos o fogo na grande lareira. O casaco do Doutor era tão grande em mim que eu pisava na parte comprida de trás enquanto carregava lenha do porão. Logo um grande fogo ardia, e colocamos nossas roupas molhadas sobre cadeiras ao redor dele.

- Agora vamos preparar o jantar - disse o Doutor. - É claro que você ficará para comer comigo, Stubbins?

Eu já começava a gostar muito daquele homenzinho engraçado. Ele me chamava de “Stubbins”, e não de “Tommy” ou “garotinho”. Eu odiava ser chamado de “garotinho”! Desde o início, o Doutor me tratava como um amigo adulto. Quando me convidou para jantar, senti muito orgulho e alegria. Então me lembrei de que não havia avisado à minha mãe que voltaria tarde. Com tristeza, respondi.

English → - Muito obrigado. Eu gostaria de ficar, mas minha mãe pode se preocupar e se perguntar onde estou se eu não voltar.

- Mas, meu caro Stubbins - disse o Doutor, colocando outro pedaço de lenha no fogo - , suas roupas ainda não estão secas. Você precisa esperar por elas. Quando estiverem secas, poderemos preparar e comer o jantar. Você viu onde coloquei minha bolsa?

- Acho que ainda está no vestíbulo - respondi. - Vou procurar.

Encontrei a bolsa perto da porta da frente. Era feita de couro preto e parecia muito velha. Um dos fechos estava quebrado, por isso havia um barbante amarrado ao redor dela.

- Obrigado - disse o Doutor quando a levei até ele.

- Essa bolsa era tudo o que o senhor levou na viagem? - perguntei.

- Sim - disse o Doutor, enquanto desamarrava o barbante. - Não gosto de muita bagagem. Ela causa problemas demais. A vida é curta demais para nos preocuparmos com isso, e na verdade não precisamos dela. Agora, onde coloquei aquelas salsichas?

English → O Doutor procurou dentro da bolsa. Primeiro, tirou um pão fresco. Depois veio um pote de vidro com uma tampa de metal estranha. Ele o segurou cuidadosamente perto da luz antes de colocá-lo sobre a mesa. Vi um pequeno e estranho animal aquático nadando lá dentro. Por fim, o Doutor tirou meio quilo de salsichas.

- Agora - disse ele - só precisamos de uma frigideira.

Fomos até a pequena área de serviço. Panelas e frigideiras estavam penduradas na parede. O Doutor pegou uma frigideira. Ela estava muito enferrujada por dentro.

- Minha nossa, veja isso! - disse ele. - É o que acontece quando fico fora por tanto tempo. Os animais são muito bons e mantêm a casa tão limpa quanto podem. Dab-Dab é uma excelente dona de casa. Mas há algumas coisas que eles não conseguem fazer. Não faz mal. Logo vamos limpá-la. Stubbins, há um pouco de areia de limpeza debaixo da pia. Por favor, entregue-a para mim.

English → Em poucos minutos, a frigideira estava limpa e brilhante. Colocamos as salsichas sobre o fogo da cozinha, e um cheiro maravilhoso encheu a casa.

Enquanto o Doutor cozinhava, fui olhar novamente o pequeno animal engraçado que nadava no pote de vidro.

- Que animal é este? - perguntei.

- Esse é um Wiff-Waff - disse o Doutor. - Seu nome completo é hippocampus pippitopitus, mas as pessoas da região o chamam de Wiff-Waff. Talvez seja porque ele move a cauda de um lado para o outro quando nada. Fiz minha última viagem para encontrá-lo. Agora estou tentando aprender a língua dos animais com concha. Tenho certeza de que eles possuem línguas. Sei falar um pouco da língua dos tubarões e uma espécie de língua dos botos, mas agora quero aprender especialmente a língua dos animais com concha.

- Por quê? - perguntei.

- Alguns animais com concha estão entre os animais mais antigos que conhecemos - disse ele. - Encontramos suas conchas dentro das rochas. Elas viraram pedra há milhares de anos. Se eu conseguir falar a língua deles, talvez possa aprender muitas coisas sobre como era o mundo há muito, muito tempo. Você entende?

English → - Mas os outros animais também não poderiam lhe contar?

- Acho que não - disse o Doutor, tocando as salsichas com um garfo. - Os macacos que conheci na África me ajudaram a aprender sobre o passado, mas só conheciam os últimos mil anos. Tenho certeza de que apenas os animais com concha podem nos contar a história mais antiga. A maioria dos outros animais daqueles tempos antigos já não existe.

- O senhor já aprendeu alguma língua dos animais com concha? - perguntei.

- Não, apenas comecei. Eu queria este peixe-cachimbo especial porque ele é metade animal com concha e metade peixe comum. Viajei até o Mediterrâneo oriental para encontrá-lo. Mas temo que ele não me ajude muito. Para dizer a verdade, estou decepcionado com sua aparência. Ele não parece muito inteligente, parece?

- Não, não parece - concordei.

- Ah - disse o Doutor. - As salsichas estão perfeitamente assadas. Aproxime seu prato, e eu lhe darei algumas.

English → Então nos sentamos à mesa da cozinha e começamos uma refeição farta e alegre.

Era uma cozinha maravilhosa. Mais tarde, comi ali muitas vezes e gostava mais dela do que da mais elegante sala de jantar. Era quente, confortável e ficava perto de toda a comida. Levávamos a comida quente diretamente do fogo para a mesa. Podíamos observar o pão perto do fogo enquanto tomávamos sopa. Se precisássemos de sal, sua caixa de madeira estava logo atrás de nós. A lareira era enorme, quase um cômodo inteiro. Podíamos nos sentar dentro dela, ao lado da lenha acesa, assar castanhas, ouvir a chaleira, contar histórias ou ler livros ilustrados à luz do fogo. A cozinha era como o Doutor: confortável, prática, acolhedora e sólida.

Enquanto comíamos depressa, a porta se abriu de repente. Dab-Dab, a pata, e Jip, o cão, entraram puxando lençóis e fronhas pelo chão limpo. O Doutor viu minha surpresa e explicou.

English → - Eles estão colocando minhas roupas de cama perto do fogo para aquecê-las e secá-las. Dab-Dab é uma excelente dona de casa e nunca esquece nada. Certa vez, tive uma irmã que cuidava da minha casa. Pobre Sarah! Pergunto-me como ela está. Não a vejo há anos. Mas ela não era nem de longe tão boa quanto Dab-Dab. Você gostaria de outra salsicha?

O Doutor se virou e falou com o cão e a pata usando palavras e sinais estranhos. Eles pareciam entendê-lo perfeitamente.

- O senhor sabe falar a língua dos esquilos? - perguntei.

- Ah, sim. É uma língua bastante fácil - disse o Doutor. - Você mesmo poderia aprendê-la sem muita dificuldade. Mas por que pergunta?

- Porque tenho um esquilo doente em casa - respondi. - Eu o salvei de um falcão, mas duas de suas pernas estão muito machucadas. Quero que o senhor o examine, se puder. Devo trazê-lo amanhã?

English → - Se a perna dele está muito quebrada, devo examiná-lo esta noite. Talvez já seja tarde demais para ajudar muito, mas irei com você até sua casa e o examinarei.

Logo tocamos nas roupas junto ao fogo, e as minhas estavam completamente secas. Levei-as para cima e me troquei. Quando desci, o Doutor estava esperando por mim. Sua pequena bolsa preta estava cheia de remédios e ataduras.

- Vamos - disse ele. - A chuva já parou.

Lá fora, estava claro outra vez. O céu da tarde estava vermelho com o pôr do sol, e pássaros cantavam no jardim enquanto abríamos o portão e descíamos até a estrada.

Capítulo 5. Polynesia

English → - Acho que sua casa é a casa mais interessante que já visitei - disse eu, enquanto caminhávamos em direção à cidade. - Posso visitá-lo novamente amanhã?

- Certamente - disse o Doutor. - Venha no dia que quiser. Amanhã mostrarei o jardim e meu zoológico particular.

- Ah, o senhor tem um zoológico? - perguntei.

- Sim - disse ele. - Os animais maiores são grandes demais para a casa, então os mantenho em um zoológico no jardim. Não é um grupo muito grande, mas é interessante.

- Deve ser maravilhoso falar todas as diferentes línguas dos animais - eu disse. - O senhor acha que eu poderia aprender?

- É claro - disse o Doutor. - Você pode aprender com prática, mas precisa ter muita paciência. Polynesia deveria ensiná-lo no começo. Foi ela quem me deu as primeiras lições.

- Quem é Polynesia? - perguntei.

- Polynesia era uma papagaia da África Ocidental que morava comigo. Ela não está mais comigo agora - disse o Doutor, com tristeza.

English → - Por quê? Ela morreu?

- Ah, não - disse o Doutor. - Espero que ainda esteja viva. Quando chegamos à África, ela ficou tão feliz por voltar ao seu país que chorou de alegria. Quando precisei voltar para casa, não consegui tirá-la daquela terra ensolarada, embora ela tivesse se oferecido para vir. Deixei-a na África, mas senti muitíssimo sua falta. Ela chorou novamente quando partimos. Acho que fiz a coisa certa. Era uma das minhas melhores amigas. Foi ela quem primeiro me deu a ideia de aprender as línguas dos animais e me tornar médico de animais. Muitas vezes me pergunto se continuou feliz e se algum dia verei novamente seu rosto velho, engraçado e sério. Boa e velha Polynesia! Era uma ave extraordinária.

Naquele momento, ouvimos alguém correndo atrás de nós. Viramos e vimos Jip avançando pela estrada tão depressa quanto podia. Ele estava muito agitado. Quando nos alcançou, latiu e choramingou para o Doutor de um jeito especial. O Doutor também ficou agitado e respondeu com palavras e sinais estranhos. Por fim, virou-se para mim com o rosto feliz.

English → - Polynesia voltou! - gritou ele. - Imagine só! Jip diz que ela acaba de chegar à casa. Não a vejo há cinco anos. Com licença por um instante.

Ele se virou para voltar para casa, mas Polynesia já voava em nossa direção. O Doutor bateu palmas como uma criança com um brinquedo novo. Pardais voaram da estrada até as cercas, falando agitados porque uma papagaia cinzenta e vermelha voava por uma estrada rural inglesa.

Ela voou diretamente para o ombro do Doutor e começou logo a falar em uma língua que eu não entendia. Tinha muitas coisas para contar. Logo, o Doutor se esqueceu de mim, do meu esquilo, de Jip e de todo o resto. Por fim, a ave claramente lhe perguntou sobre mim.

- Ah, desculpe-me, Stubbins! - disse o Doutor. - Fiquei muito interessado na história de minha velha amiga. Precisamos ir examinar seu esquilo. Polynesia, este é Thomas Stubbins.

English → A papagaia estava sentada no ombro do Doutor e fez um sério gesto de cumprimento para mim. Então, para minha grande surpresa, falou claramente em inglês.

- Como vai? Lembro-me da noite em que você nasceu. Foi um inverno terrivelmente frio. Você era um bebê muito feio.

- Stubbins quer aprender a língua dos animais - disse o Doutor. - Eu lhe contava sobre você e as lições que me deu quando Jip chegou e disse que você havia voltado.

- Bem - disse a papagaia, virando-se para mim - , talvez eu tenha ajudado o Doutor a começar, mas não poderia ter feito isso se ele não tivesse primeiro me ensinado a entender as palavras em inglês que eu pronunciava. Muitos papagaios falam como pessoas, mas pouquíssimos entendem as próprias palavras. Eles só falam porque acham que parece inteligente ou porque as pessoas lhes dão biscoitos.

Àquela altura, havíamos seguido em direção à minha casa. Jip corria à frente, e Polynesia permanecia no ombro do Doutor. Ela falava o tempo todo, principalmente sobre a África. Agora usava o inglês para ser educada comigo.

English → - Como está o Príncipe Bumpo? - perguntou o Doutor.

- Fico feliz que tenha perguntado - disse Polynesia. - Quase me esqueci de contar. Pode acreditar? Bumpo está na Inglaterra!

- Na Inglaterra! É verdade? - exclamou o Doutor. - O que ele está fazendo aqui?

- O pai dele, o rei, enviou-o para cá, para um lugar chamado Bullford, eu acho, a fim de estudar.

- Bullford? - disse o Doutor. - Nunca ouvi falar desse lugar. Ah, você quer dizer Oxford.

- Sim, Oxford - disse Polynesia. - Eu sabia que o nome tinha algo a ver com gado. Foi para lá que ele foi.

- Bem, bem - disse o Doutor. - Imagine Bumpo estudando em Oxford!

- Houve uma grande agitação em Jolliginki quando ele partiu. Estava com muito medo de vir porque era o primeiro homem de seu país a viajar para o exterior. Temia que os brancos pudessem comê-lo. Ele conhecia muito pouco do mundo. Mas seu pai o obrigou a ir. O rei disse que todos os outros reis estavam enviando os filhos para Oxford, então Bumpo também precisava ir. Bumpo queria trazer suas seis esposas, mas o rei não permitiu. O pobre Bumpo partiu chorando, e todos no palácio também choraram. O barulho foi terrível.

English → - Você sabe se ele voltou a procurar a Bela Adormecida? - perguntou o Doutor.

- Ah, sim - disse Polynesia. - Ele partiu no dia seguinte ao senhor, e isso foi uma sorte. O rei descobriu que Bumpo havia ajudado o senhor a escapar e ficou extremamente zangado.

- E ele chegou a encontrar a Bela Adormecida?

- Ele voltou com uma mulher a quem chamava de Bela Adormecida. Acho que era uma mulher africana de pele muito clara, cabelos ruivos e pés muito grandes. Bumpo ficou encantado com ela e por fim se casou durante uma grande celebração. As festas duraram sete dias. Ela se tornou sua primeira esposa e agora é chamada de Princesa Herdeira Bum-pah, com a força na última parte do nome.

- E me diga: ele continuou branco?

- Só por cerca de três meses - disse a papagaia. - Depois, o rosto dele voltou lentamente à cor natural. Foi melhor assim. Com a roupa de banho, seu rosto branco parecia muito estranho ao lado do restante de sua pele escura.

English → - E como está Chee-Chee? - perguntou o Doutor. Depois explicou para mim: - Chee-Chee era meu macaco de estimação, anos atrás. Também o deixei na África quando voltei para casa.

English → - Chee-Chee não está completamente feliz - disse Polynesia. - Eu o via muitas vezes nos últimos anos. Ele sentia uma falta terrível do senhor, da casa e do jardim. Eu sentia o mesmo. Queria muito voltar para a África, e ela é um país maravilhoso. Mas, depois de algumas semanas, não consegui me acostumar. Certa noite, decidi voltar e procurar o senhor. Contei a Chee-Chee, e ele entendeu porque sentia o mesmo. A África parecia silenciosa demais depois de nossa vida com o senhor. Ele sentia falta de suas histórias sobre animais e de nossas conversas junto ao fogo da cozinha nas noites de inverno. Os animais de lá eram bondosos, mas nos pareciam um pouco simples. Talvez eles não tivessem mudado; nós é que mudamos. Quando parti, o pobre Chee-Chee chorou. Disse que sua única amiga estava indo embora, embora tivesse milhões de parentes ali. Achava injusto que eu pudesse voar até aqui enquanto ele não podia me seguir. Mas ele é inteligente. Acredito que um dia poderá encontrar um jeito de vir.

English → Então chegamos à minha casa. A loja de meu pai estava fechada, mas minha mãe permanecia à porta, olhando a rua.

- Boa noite, senhora Stubbins - disse o Doutor. - É minha culpa que seu filho esteja atrasado. Pedi que ficasse para jantar enquanto suas roupas secavam. Nós dois estávamos completamente molhados. Esbarramos um no outro durante a tempestade, e pedi que ele se abrigasse em minha casa.

- Eu estava começando a me preocupar com ele - disse minha mãe. - Obrigada, senhor, por cuidar dele e trazê-lo para casa.

- Não foi incômodo algum - disse o Doutor. - Tivemos uma conversa muito interessante.

- Posso perguntar quem é o senhor? - disse minha mãe, olhando para a papagaia cinzenta no ombro do Doutor.

- Sou John Dolittle. Acho que seu marido se lembrará de mim. Ele fez excelentes botas para mim há cerca de quatro anos. São realmente maravilhosas - disse o Doutor, olhando com satisfação para os próprios pés.

English → - O Doutor veio curar meu esquilo, mamãe - eu disse. - Ele sabe tudo sobre animais.

- Ah, não, Stubbins - disse o Doutor. - Certamente não sei tudo sobre eles.

- É muita bondade sua vir de tão longe para cuidar do animal dele - disse minha mãe. - Tom está sempre trazendo animais estranhos dos bosques e campos para casa.

- É mesmo? - disse o Doutor. - Talvez um dia ele se torne naturalista. Quem sabe?

- Gostaria de entrar? - perguntou minha mãe. - A casa está um pouco desarrumada porque ainda não terminei a limpeza, mas há um fogo agradável na sala.

- Obrigado! - disse o Doutor. - Que casa encantadora vocês têm!

Ele limpou suas enormes botas com muito cuidado no capacho e entrou na casa.

Capítulo 6. O Esquilo Ferido

English → Lá dentro, encontramos meu pai tocando flauta junto ao fogo. Ele fazia isso todas as noites depois de terminar o trabalho.

O Doutor começou imediatamente a conversar com ele sobre flautas, flautins e fagotes. Logo meu pai disse:

- Talvez o senhor também toque flauta. Poderia tocar uma música para nós?

- Bem - disse o Doutor - , não toco há muito tempo, mas gostaria de tentar. Posso?

O Doutor pegou a flauta de meu pai e tocou por muito tempo. Foi maravilhoso. Meus pais ficaram completamente imóveis, olhando para o teto como se estivessem na igreja. Eu normalmente não me importava muito com música, exceto com a gaita, mas até eu senti uma tristeza e um frio por dentro e desejei ter sido um menino melhor.

- Ah, isso foi lindo! - disse minha mãe quando o Doutor finalmente parou.

- O senhor é um grande músico - disse meu pai. - Por favor, toque mais alguma coisa para nós.

English → - Certamente - disse o Doutor. - Ah, mas esqueci completamente o esquilo!

- Vou mostrá-lo ao senhor - eu disse. - Ele está lá em cima, no meu quarto.

Levei o Doutor ao meu quarto, no alto da casa, e mostrei-lhe o esquilo em uma caixa de madeira cheia de palha.

O esquilo sempre parecera ter medo de mim, embora eu tentasse deixá-lo confortável. Mas, quando o Doutor entrou, ele se sentou e começou a fazer pequenos sons. O Doutor respondeu da mesma forma. Quando o levantou para examinar a perna, o esquilo pareceu feliz em vez de assustado.

Segurei uma vela enquanto o Doutor prendia pequenos suportes ao redor da perna. Ele os fez com palitos de fósforo usando seu pequeno canivete.

English → - A perna dele deve melhorar muito depressa agora - disse o Doutor, fechando a bolsa. - Não o deixe correr por pelo menos duas semanas. Mantenha-o ao ar livre e cubra-o com folhas secas nas noites frescas. Ele diz que está sozinho e preocupado com a esposa e os filhos. Eu lhe disse que pode confiar em você. Enviarei um esquilo de meu jardim para encontrar a família dele e trazer notícias. Ele precisa continuar alegre. Os esquilos são naturalmente felizes e ativos, por isso é difícil para eles ficarem imóveis. Mas não se preocupe. Ele ficará bem.

Então voltamos à sala, e meus pais pediram que ele tocasse flauta até depois das dez horas.

Meus pais gostaram do Doutor desde o primeiro instante e ficaram orgulhosos porque ele nos visitou e tocou música para nós, pois éramos muito pobres. Eles não sabiam como ele se tornaria famoso. Hoje, quase todos conhecem o Doutor Dolittle e seus livros. Acima da velha porta da pequena loja de meu pai em Puddleby, uma pedra agora diz: “John Dolittle, o famoso naturalista, tocou flauta nesta casa em 1839.”

English → Muitas vezes me lembro daquela noite distante. Quando fecho os olhos, consigo ver a sala: o homenzinho engraçado, de rosto redondo e bondoso, tocando flauta junto ao fogo; minha mãe de um lado e meu pai do outro, ouvindo de olhos fechados; Jip e eu sentados no tapete aos pés dele; e Polynesia ao lado de sua velha cartola, movendo a cabeça com a música. Consigo ver tudo tão claramente como se estivesse aqui agora.

Depois que o Doutor partiu, voltamos à sala e conversamos sobre ele até muito tarde. Quando finalmente fui para a cama, mais tarde do que nunca, sonhei com ele e com um grupo de animais inteligentes tocando flautas, violinos e tambores a noite inteira.

Capítulo 7. A Linguagem dos Moluscos

English → Na manhã seguinte, embora tivesse ido dormir tarde, acordei muito cedo. Os primeiros pardais começavam a cantar sonolentos do lado de fora da janela do sótão quando pulei da cama e me vesti.

Eu mal podia esperar para voltar à casinha com o grande jardim e conhecer o zoológico particular do Doutor. Pela primeira vez, esqueci o café da manhã. Desci em silêncio para não acordar meus pais, abri a porta da frente e saí para a rua vazia.

No portão do Doutor, perguntei-me se era cedo demais para uma visita e se ele estava acordado. O jardim parecia vazio, então abri o portão em silêncio e entrei.

Virei à esquerda por um caminho entre alguns arbustos. Então uma voz próxima disse:

- Bom dia. Você chegou muito cedo!

Virei-me. A papagaia cinzenta, Polynesia, estava sentada no alto de uma cerca viva.

Prologue

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Tudo o que escrevi antes sobre o Doutor Dolittle veio de pessoas que o conheceram. Grande parte aconteceu antes de eu nascer. Agora contarei a parte de sua vida que eu mesmo vi e da qual participei.

Há muitos anos, o Doutor me permitiu escrever esta história. Mas estávamos muito ocupados viajando pelo mundo, vivendo aventuras e escrevendo anotações sobre a natureza. Eu nunca tinha tempo suficiente para escrever sobre nossas experiências.

Agora sou um homem velho, e minha memória já não é tão boa como antes. Quando não consigo me lembrar de alguma coisa, sempre pergunto a Polinésia, o papagaio.

Aquela ave maravilhosa tem quase duzentos e cinquenta anos. Ela fica sobre minha escrivaninha e costuma cantar canções de marinheiros enquanto escrevo este livro. Polinésia tem uma memória extraordinária. Quando não tenho certeza sobre um acontecimento, ela me diz exatamente o que aconteceu, quem estava presente e todos os outros detalhes. Às vezes, penso que deveria dizer que Polinésia escreveu este livro em meu lugar.

Original English Version

ALL THAT I have written so far about Doctor Dolittle I heard long after it happened from those who had known him - indeed a great deal of it took place before I was born. But I now come to set down that part of the great man’s life which I myself saw and took part in.

Many years ago the Doctor gave me permission to do this. But we were both of us so busy then voyaging around the world, having adventures and filling note-books full of natural history that I never seemed to get time to sit down and write of our doings.

Now of course, when I am quite an old man, my memory isn’t so good any more. But whenever I am in doubt and have to hesitate and think, I always ask Polynesia, the parrot.

That wonderful bird (she is now nearly two hundred and fifty years old) sits on the top of my desk, usually humming sailor songs to herself, while I write this book. And, as every one who ever met her knows, Polynesia’s memory is the most marvelous memory in the world. If there is any happening I am not quite sure of, she is always able to put me right, to tell me exactly how it took place, who was there and everything about it. In fact sometimes I almost think I ought to say that this book was written by Polynesia instead of me.

Tradução Integral em Português

TUDO O QUE escrevi até agora sobre o Doutor Dolittle eu soube, muito depois de ter acontecido, por aqueles que o conheceram - na verdade, boa parte ocorreu antes de eu nascer. Agora, porém, passo a registrar a parte da vida desse grande homem que eu próprio presenciei e da qual participei.

Muitos anos atrás, o Doutor me deu permissão para fazer isso. Mas nós dois estávamos tão ocupados naquela época, viajando pelo mundo, vivendo aventuras e enchendo cadernos com anotações de história natural, que eu nunca parecia encontrar tempo para me sentar e escrever sobre nossos feitos.

Agora, é claro, que já sou um homem bastante idoso, minha memória não é mais tão boa. Mas, sempre que tenho alguma dúvida e preciso parar para pensar, pergunto a Polynesia, a papagaia.

Essa ave extraordinária (ela está agora com quase duzentos e cinquenta anos) fica empoleirada em cima da minha escrivaninha, geralmente cantarolando para si mesma canções de marinheiros, enquanto escrevo este livro. E, como sabe qualquer pessoa que a tenha conhecido, a memória de Polynesia é a mais prodigiosa do mundo. Se há algum acontecimento do qual não tenho plena certeza, ela sempre é capaz de me corrigir, dizer exatamente como se passou, quem estava presente e todos os detalhes. Na verdade, às vezes quase acho que deveria dizer que este livro foi escrito por Polynesia, e não por mim.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Agora começarei. Primeiro, preciso falar sobre mim e explicar como conheci o Doutor.

Original English Version

Very well then, I will begin. And first of all I must tell you something about myself and how I came to meet the Doctor.

Tradução Integral em Português

Muito bem, então, vou começar. E, antes de tudo, preciso contar um pouco sobre mim e sobre como vim a conhecer o Doutor.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

The First Chapter the Cobbler’s Son

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

MEU NOME ERA Tommy Stubbins. Meu pai, Jacob Stubbins, era sapateiro em Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. Eu tinha nove anos e meio. Naquele tempo, Puddleby era uma cidade pequena. Um rio atravessava seu centro. Uma ponte de pedra muito antiga, chamada Kingsbridge, ligava a praça do mercado de um lado ao cemitério da igreja do outro.

Navios a vela subiam o rio vindos do mar e paravam perto da ponte. Eu observava os marinheiros descarregá-los junto ao rio. Eles cantavam canções estranhas enquanto puxavam as cordas, e eu aprendia as músicas. Sentava-me junto ao rio com os pés sobre a água e cantava com eles, fingindo que também era marinheiro.

Eu sempre queria partir com aqueles navios corajosos quando eles deixavam Puddleby e seguiam para o mar. Desejava viajar pelo mundo e buscar minha fortuna na África, na Índia, na China e no Peru. Depois que os navios acompanhavam a curva do rio, suas grandes velas marrons ainda podiam ser vistas acima dos telhados da cidade. Moviam-se devagar como gigantes silenciosos entre as casas. Eu me perguntava que coisas estranhas veriam antes de voltar a Kingsbridge. Ficava ali sonhando com terras desconhecidas até os navios desaparecerem.

Original English Version

MY NAME WAS Tommy Stubbins, son of Jacob Stubbins, the cobbler of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh; and I was nine and a half years old. At that time Puddleby was only quite a small town. A river ran through the middle of it; and over this river there was a very old stone bridge, called Kingsbridge, which led you from the market-place on one side to the churchyard on the other.

Sailing-ships came up this river from the sea and anchored near the bridge. I used to go down and watch the sailors unloading the ships upon the river-wall. The sailors sang strange songs as they pulled upon the ropes; and I learned these songs by heart. And I would sit on the river-wall with my feet dangling over the water and sing with the men, pretending to myself that I too was a sailor.

For I longed always to sail away with those brave ships when they turned their backs on Puddleby Church and went creeping down the river again, across the wide lonely marshes to the sea. I longed to go with them out into the world to seek my fortune in foreign lands - Africa, India, China and Peru! When they got round the bend in the river and the water was hidden from view, you could still see their huge brown sails towering over the roofs of the town, moving onward slowly - like some gentle giants that walked among the houses without noise. What strange things would they have seen, I wondered, when next they came back to anchor at Kingsbridge! And, dreaming of the lands I had never seen, I’d sit on there, watching till they were out of sight.

Tradução Integral em Português

MEU NOME ERA Tommy Stubbins, filho de Jacob Stubbins, o sapateiro de Puddleby-on-the-Marsh; eu tinha nove anos e meio. Naquela época, Puddleby era apenas uma cidadezinha. Um rio corria pelo seu centro; e, sobre esse rio, havia uma ponte de pedra muito antiga, chamada Kingsbridge, que levava da praça do mercado, de um lado, ao cemitério da igreja, do outro.

Navios à vela subiam esse rio vindos do mar e ancoravam perto da ponte. Eu costumava descer até lá para observar os marinheiros descarregando os navios junto ao cais. Eles cantavam canções estranhas enquanto puxavam as cordas; e eu as aprendia de cor. Então me sentava no cais, com os pés balançando sobre a água, e cantava junto com os homens, fingindo para mim mesmo que também era marinheiro.

Pois eu sempre ansiava por partir naqueles bravos navios quando eles davam as costas à igreja de Puddleby e tornavam a deslizar rio abaixo, atravessando os vastos e solitários pântanos até o mar. Queria acompanhá-los mundo afora em busca de fortuna em terras estrangeiras - África, Índia, China e Peru! Quando contornavam a curva do rio e a água desaparecia de vista, ainda era possível ver suas enormes velas marrons erguendo-se acima dos telhados da cidade e avançando devagar - como gigantes bondosos que caminhassem silenciosamente entre as casas. Que coisas estranhas teriam visto, eu me perguntava, quando voltassem a ancorar em Kingsbridge? E, sonhando com as terras que nunca vira, eu permanecia ali, observando-os até sumirem de vista.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Eu tinha três grandes amigos em Puddleby. Um deles era Joe, que recolhia mexilhões e morava numa pequena cabana perto da água, debaixo da ponte. Ele era excelente em fazer coisas com as mãos. Consertava meus navios de brinquedo, construía moinhos de vento com caixas de madeira e partes de barris e fazia pipas maravilhosas com guarda-chuvas velhos.

Às vezes, Joe me levava em seu barco de mexilhões. Quando a maré baixava, seguíamos pelo rio até o mar para recolher mexilhões e lagostas para vender. Nos pântanos frios e solitários, víamos gansos selvagens, maçaricos, pernas-vermelhas e muitas outras aves marinhas entre as plantas e a grama alta. À noite, quando a maré mudava, voltávamos rio acima. As luzes de Kingsbridge brilhavam na escuridão e nos lembravam do chá e de fogueiras quentes.

- Eu me sentava junto ao rio com os pés suspensos sobre a água.

Original English Version

Three great friends I had in Puddleby in those days. One was Joe, the mussel-man, who lived in a tiny hut by the edge of the water under the bridge. This old man was simply marvelous at making things. I never saw a man so clever with his hands. He used to mend my toy ships for me which I sailed upon the river; he built windmills out of packing-cases and barrel-staves; and he could make the most wonderful kites from old umbrellas.

Joe would sometimes take me in his mussel-boat, and when the tide was running out we would paddle down the river as far as the edge of the sea to get mussels and lobsters to sell. And out there on the cold lonely marshes we would see wild geese flying, and curlews and redshanks and many other kinds of seabirds that live among the samfire and the long grass of the great salt fen. And as we crept up the river in the evening, when the tide had turned, we would see the lights on Kingsbridge twinkle in the dusk, reminding us of tea-time and warm fires.

“I would sit on the river-wall with my feet dangling over the water”

Tradução Integral em Português

Naqueles dias, eu tinha três grandes amigos em Puddleby. Um deles era Joe, o marisqueiro, que morava numa cabaninha à beira da água, debaixo da ponte. Esse velho era simplesmente extraordinário na arte de fabricar coisas. Nunca vi homem tão habilidoso com as mãos. Ele consertava os barquinhos de brinquedo que eu punha para navegar no rio; construía moinhos de vento com caixotes e aduelas de barril; e fazia as pipas mais maravilhosas com guarda-chuvas velhos.

Às vezes, Joe me levava em seu barco de apanhar mariscos e, quando a maré estava baixando, remávamos rio abaixo até a beira do mar para buscar mexilhões e lagostas que ele venderia. E lá fora, nos pântanos frios e solitários, víamos gansos selvagens voando, além de maçaricos, pernilongos e muitas outras espécies de aves marinhas que vivem entre a salicórnia e o capim alto da grande várzea salgada. Ao subirmos devagar o rio ao entardecer, depois que a maré virava, víamos as luzes de Kingsbridge cintilando no crepúsculo e nos lembrando da hora do chá e de lareiras aquecidas.

“Eu me sentava no cais, com os pés balançando sobre a água”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Outro amigo era Matthew Mugg, que vendia carne para gatos e cães. Era um velho engraçado e estrábico. Parecia assustador, mas era agradável conversar com ele. Conhecia todos em Puddleby e também todos os gatos e cães. Naquele tempo, vender carne para animais era um trabalho comum. O vendedor caminhava pelas ruas com pedaços de carne numa bandeja de madeira e gritava: - Carne! - As pessoas lhe pagavam para alimentar seus gatos e cães, em vez de lhes dar biscoitos ou restos da mesa.

Eu gostava de caminhar com o velho Matthew e observar os gatos e cães correrem para os portões dos jardins quando o ouviam. Às vezes, ele me deixava alimentá-los, o que era muito divertido. Sabia muito sobre cães e me ensinava os nomes de diferentes tipos. Tinha vários cães. Um era um whippet que corria muito depressa e ganhava prêmios nas corridas de sábado. Outro era um terrier que caçava ratos muito bem. Além de vender carne, Matthew caçava ratos para agricultores e moleiros.

Original English Version

Another friend I had was Matthew Mugg, the cat’s-meat-man. He was a funny old person with a bad squint. He looked rather awful but he was really quite nice to talk to. He knew everybody in Puddleby; and he knew all the dogs and all the cats. In those times being a cat’s-meat-man was a regular business. And you could see one nearly any day going through the streets with a wooden tray full of pieces of meat stuck on skewers crying, “Meat! M-E-A-T!” People paid him to give this meat to their cats and dogs instead of feeding them on dog-biscuits or the scraps from the table.

I enjoyed going round with old Matthew and seeing the cats and dogs come running to the garden-gates whenever they heard his call. Sometimes he let me give the meat to the animals myself; and I thought this was great fun. He knew a lot about dogs and he would tell me the names of the different kinds as we went through the town. He had several dogs of his own; one, a whippet, was a very fast runner, and Matthew used to win prizes with her at the Saturday coursing races; another, a terrier, was a fine ratter. The cat’s-meat-man used to make a business of rat-catching for the millers and farmers as well as his other trade of selling cat’s-meat.

Tradução Integral em Português

Outro amigo meu era Matthew Mugg, o vendedor de carne para gatos. Era um velho engraçado, muito estrábico. Tinha uma aparência um tanto assustadora, mas, na verdade, era muito agradável conversar com ele. Conhecia todo mundo em Puddleby; e conhecia todos os cães e todos os gatos. Naquela época, vender carne para gatos era uma profissão de verdade. Quase todos os dias se podia ver um desses vendedores percorrendo as ruas com uma bandeja de madeira cheia de pedaços de carne espetados em varetas, gritando: “Carne! C-A-R-N-E!” As pessoas lhe pagavam para dar essa carne aos seus cães e gatos, em vez de alimentá-los com biscoitos para cães ou sobras da mesa.

Eu gostava de acompanhar o velho Matthew e ver os cães e gatos correrem até os portões dos jardins sempre que ouviam seu chamado. Às vezes, ele me deixava entregar pessoalmente a carne aos animais; e eu achava aquilo muito divertido. Ele sabia muito sobre cães e me dizia os nomes das diferentes raças enquanto atravessávamos a cidade. Tinha vários cães; uma delas, uma galga whippet, corria muito depressa, e Matthew costumava ganhar prêmios com ela nas corridas de perseguição aos sábados; outro, um terrier, era um excelente caçador de ratos. Além de vender carne para gatos, o vendedor também trabalhava no extermínio de ratos para moleiros e fazendeiros.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Meu terceiro grande amigo era Luke, o Eremita. Contarei mais sobre ele depois.

Eu não frequentava a escola porque meu pai não podia pagar. Mas adorava os animais. Colecionava ovos de aves e borboletas, pescava no rio, procurava amoras e cogumelos nos campos e ajudava Joe a consertar suas redes.

Era uma vida agradável, embora eu não compreendesse isso naquele tempo. Tinha nove anos e meio e queria crescer, como todos os meninos. Não sabia como era feliz por não ter preocupações sérias. Desejava deixar a casa de meu pai, embarcar num navio corajoso, atravessar os pântanos cobertos de névoa até o mar e buscar minha fortuna pelo mundo.

Original English Version

My third great friend was Luke the Hermit. But of him I will tell you more later on.

I did not go to school; because my father was not rich enough to send me. But I was extremely fond of animals. So I used to spend my time collecting birds’ eggs and butterflies, fishing in the river, rambling through the countryside after blackberries and mushrooms and helping the mussel-man mend his nets.

Yes, it was a very pleasant life I lived in those days long ago - though of course I did not think so then. I was nine and a half years old; and, like all boys, I wanted to grow up - not knowing how well off I was with no cares and nothing to worry me. Always I longed for the time when I should be allowed to leave my father’s house, to take passage in one of those brave ships, to sail down the river through the misty marshes to the sea - out into the world to seek my fortune.

Tradução Integral em Português

Meu terceiro grande amigo era Luke, o Eremita. Mas falarei mais sobre ele adiante.

Eu não frequentava a escola, porque meu pai não era rico o bastante para me mandar estudar. Mas gostava imensamente de animais. Por isso, passava o tempo colecionando ovos de pássaros e borboletas, pescando no rio, percorrendo os campos em busca de amoras e cogumelos e ajudando o marisqueiro a remendar suas redes.

Sim, era uma vida muito agradável a que eu levava naqueles tempos distantes - embora, naturalmente, eu não pensasse assim na época. Tinha nove anos e meio e, como todos os meninos, queria crescer - sem saber quanto era afortunado por não ter cuidados nem preocupações. Eu ansiava o tempo todo pelo dia em que me permitiriam deixar a casa de meu pai, embarcar num daqueles bravos navios e descer o rio, atravessando os pântanos enevoados até o mar - para sair pelo mundo em busca de fortuna.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

The Second Chapter I Hear of the Great Naturalist

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

NUMA MANHÃ DE PRIMAVERA, eu caminhava pelas colinas atrás da cidade quando vi um falcão segurando um esquilo. O esquilo lutava muito para salvar a vida. Minha chegada repentina assustou o falcão, que soltou o animal e voou para longe. Peguei o pobre esquilo e vi que duas pernas estavam gravemente feridas. Levei-o de volta à cidade.

Ao chegar à ponte, entrei na cabana de Joe e perguntei se ele poderia ajudar. Joe colocou os óculos e examinou cuidadosamente o esquilo. Depois, sacudiu a cabeça.

- Este animal tem uma perna quebrada e outra gravemente cortada - disse ele. - Posso consertar seus barcos, Tom, mas não tenho as ferramentas nem o conhecimento para consertar um esquilo. Este trabalho precisa de um cirurgião muito bom. Conheço apenas um homem que pode salvar este animal: John Dolittle.

- Quem é John Dolittle? - perguntei. - Ele é veterinário?

Original English Version

ONE EARLY MORNING in the Springtime, when I was wandering among the hills at the back of the town, I happened to come upon a hawk with a squirrel in its claws. It was standing on a rock and the squirrel was fighting very hard for its life. The hawk was so frightened when I came upon it suddenly like this, that it dropped the poor creature and flew away. I picked the squirrel up and found that two of its legs were badly hurt. So I carried it in my arms back to the town.

When I came to the bridge I went into the mussel-man’s hut and asked him if he could do anything for it. Joe put on his spectacles and examined it carefully. Then he shook his head.

“Yon crittur’s got a broken leg,” he said - “and another badly cut an’ all. I can mend you your boats, Tom, but I haven’t the tools nor the learning to make a broken squirrel seaworthy. This is a job for a surgeon - and for a right smart one an’ all. There be only one man I know who could save yon crittur’s life. And that’s John Dolittle.”

“Who is John Dolittle?” I asked. “Is he a vet?”

Tradução Integral em Português

CERTA MANHÃ BEM CEDO, na primavera, quando eu vagava pelas colinas atrás da cidade, deparei por acaso com um falcão que segurava um esquilo nas garras. Estava pousado numa rocha, e o esquilo lutava desesperadamente pela vida. O falcão ficou tão assustado quando apareci assim de repente que soltou a pobre criatura e voou para longe. Recolhi o esquilo e vi que duas de suas pernas estavam gravemente feridas. Então o carreguei nos braços de volta à cidade.

Ao chegar à ponte, entrei na cabana do marisqueiro e perguntei se ele podia fazer alguma coisa pelo animal. Joe pôs os óculos e o examinou com cuidado. Depois, balançou a cabeça.

“Esse bichinho aí quebrou uma perna”, disse ele, “e a outra também está muito cortada. Posso consertar seus barcos, Tom, mas não tenho as ferramentas nem o estudo para deixar um esquilo quebrado em condições de navegar. Esse é trabalho para um cirurgião - e dos bons. Só conheço um homem capaz de salvar a vida desse bichinho. É John Dolittle.”

“Quem é John Dolittle?”, perguntei. “É veterinário?”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Não - disse Joe. - Ele não é veterinário. O Doutor Dolittle é naturalista.

- O que é um naturalista?

- Um naturalista - disse Joe enquanto guardava os óculos e enchia o cachimbo - é uma pessoa que conhece animais, borboletas, plantas, rochas e muitas outras coisas. John Dolittle é um grande naturalista. Fico surpreso por você nunca ter ouvido falar dele, pois adora animais. Ele sabe muito sobre moluscos. É quieto e não fala muito, mas algumas pessoas dizem que é o maior naturalista do mundo.

- Onde ele mora? - perguntei.

- Mora na estrada de Oxenthorpe, do outro lado da cidade. Não sei qual é sua casa, mas quase qualquer pessoa de lá poderá lhe dizer. Vá visitá-lo. É um grande homem.

Agradeci a Joe, peguei novamente o esquilo e caminhei em direção à estrada de Oxenthorpe.

Quando entrei na praça do mercado, a primeira coisa que ouvi foi alguém gritando: - Carne! Carne!

Original English Version

“No,” said the mussel-man. “He’s no vet. Doctor Dolittle is a nacheralist.”

“What’s a nacheralist?”

“A nacheralist,” said Joe, putting away his glasses and starting to fill his pipe, “is a man who knows all about animals and butterflies and plants and rocks an’ all. John Dolittle is a very great nacheralist. I’m surprised you never heard of him - and you daft over animals. He knows a whole lot about shellfish - that I know from my own knowledge. He’s a quiet man and don’t talk much; but there’s folks who do say he’s the greatest nacheralist in the world.”

“Where does he live?” I asked.

“Over on the Oxenthorpe Road, t’other side the town. Don’t know just which house it is, but ‘most anyone ‘cross there could tell you, I reckon. Go and see him. He’s a great man.”

So I thanked the mussel-man, took up my squirrel again and started off towards the Oxenthorpe Road.

The first thing I heard as I came into the market-place was some one calling “Meat! M-E-A-T!”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Não”, disse o marisqueiro. “Não é veterinário. O Doutor Dolittle é naturarista.”

“O que é naturarista?”

“Um naturarista”, disse Joe, guardando os óculos e começando a encher o cachimbo, “é um homem que sabe tudo sobre animais, borboletas, plantas, pedras e o resto. John Dolittle é um naturarista muito importante. Fico admirado que você nunca tenha ouvido falar dele - ainda mais sendo maluco por animais. Ele sabe muitíssimo sobre moluscos - disso eu mesmo posso dar testemunho. É um homem calado e não fala muito; mas há quem diga que é o maior naturarista do mundo.”

“Onde ele mora?”, perguntei.

“Lá na estrada de Oxenthorpe, do outro lado da cidade. Não sei exatamente qual é a casa, mas acho que quase qualquer pessoa por lá poderá lhe dizer. Vá procurá-lo. É um grande homem.”

Agradeci ao marisqueiro, tornei a pegar meu esquilo e parti em direção à estrada de Oxenthorpe.

A primeira coisa que ouvi ao chegar à praça do mercado foi alguém gritando: “Carne! C-A-R-N-E!”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- É Matthew Mugg - pensei. - Ele saberá onde o Doutor mora, pois Matthew conhece todo mundo.

Atravessei depressa a praça do mercado e o alcancei.

- Matthew - eu disse - , você conhece o Doutor Dolittle?

- Se conheço John Dolittle? - disse ele. - Claro que conheço! Conheço-o tão bem quanto conheço minha esposa, talvez até melhor. É um grande homem.

- Pode me mostrar onde ele mora? - perguntei. - Quero que ajude este esquilo, pois ele tem uma perna quebrada.

- Claro - disse Matthew. - Logo passarei diante da casa dele. Venha comigo, e eu lhe mostrarei.

Então partimos juntos.

- Conheço John Dolittle há muitos anos - disse Matthew enquanto deixávamos a praça do mercado. - Mas não creio que esteja em casa agora. Está viajando, embora possa voltar a qualquer momento. Mostrarei a casa dele para que você saiba onde encontrá-lo.

Original English Version

“There’s Matthew Mugg,” I said to myself. “He’ll know where this Doctor lives. Matthew knows everyone.”

So I hurried across the market-place and caught him up.

“Matthew,” I said, “do you know Doctor Dolittle?”

“Do I know John Dolittle!” said he. “Well, I should think I do! I know him as well as I know my own wife - better, I sometimes think. He’s a great man - a very great man.”

“Can you show me where he lives?” I asked. “I want to take this squirrel to him. It has a broken leg.”

“Certainly,” said the cat’s-meat-man. “I’ll be going right by his house directly. Come along and I’ll show you.”

So off we went together.

“Oh, I’ve known John Dolittle for years and years,” said Matthew as we made our way out of the market-place. “But I’m pretty sure he ain’t home just now. He’s away on a voyage. But he’s liable to be back any day. I’ll show you his house and then you’ll know where to find him.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Ali está Matthew Mugg”, disse a mim mesmo. “Ele saberá onde esse Doutor mora. Matthew conhece todo mundo.”

Então atravessei depressa a praça do mercado e o alcancei.

“Matthew”, eu disse, “você conhece o Doutor Dolittle?”

“Se conheço John Dolittle!”, respondeu ele. “Ora, é claro que conheço! Conheço-o tão bem quanto conheço minha própria mulher - melhor, às vezes penso. É um grande homem - um homem realmente extraordinário.”

“Pode me mostrar onde ele mora?”, perguntei. “Quero levar este esquilo até ele. Está com uma perna quebrada.”

“Claro”, disse o vendedor de carne para gatos. “Daqui a pouco vou passar bem diante da casa dele. Venha comigo, que eu lhe mostro.”

E lá fomos juntos.

“Ah, conheço John Dolittle há anos e anos”, disse Matthew enquanto saíamos da praça do mercado. “Mas tenho quase certeza de que ele não está em casa agora. Partiu numa viagem. Só que pode voltar a qualquer dia. Vou lhe mostrar a casa e, assim, você saberá onde encontrá-lo.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Matthew falou sobre seu grande amigo, o Doutor John Dolittle, durante todo o caminho pela estrada de Oxenthorpe. Falou tanto que se esqueceu de gritar: - Carne! - Logo percebemos que uma longa fila de cães nos seguia pacientemente.

- Para onde o Doutor foi nessa viagem? - perguntei enquanto Matthew dava carne aos cães.

- Não posso lhe dizer - respondeu ele. - Ninguém sabe para onde vai, quando parte ou quando voltará. Mora sozinho com seus animais. Fez grandes viagens e descobertas. Depois da última viagem, contou-me sobre uma tribo que vivia em duas ilhas do Pacífico. Os maridos moravam numa ilha e as esposas na outra. Encontravam-se uma vez por ano para uma grande festa. O Doutor é um homem maravilhoso, e ninguém sabe mais sobre animais.

- Como ele aprendeu tanto sobre os animais? - perguntei.

Matthew parou e se inclinou para sussurrar em meu ouvido.

Original English Version

All the way down the Oxenthorpe Road Matthew hardly stopped talking about his great friend, Doctor John Dolittle - “M. D.” He talked so much that he forgot all about calling out “Meat!” until we both suddenly noticed that we had a whole procession of dogs following us patiently.

“Where did the Doctor go to on this voyage?” I asked as Matthew handed round the meat to them.

“I couldn’t tell you,” he answered. “Nobody never knows where he goes, nor when he’s going, nor when he’s coming back. He lives all alone except for his pets. He’s made some great voyages and some wonderful discoveries. Last time he came back he told me he’d found a tribe of Red Indians in the Pacific Ocean - lived on two islands, they did. The husbands lived on one island and the wives lived on the other. Sensible people, some of them savages. They only met once a year, when the husbands came over to visit the wives for a great feast - Christmas-time, most likely. Yes, he’s a wonderful man is the Doctor. And as for animals, well, there ain’t no one knows as much about ’em as what he does.”

“How did he get to know so much about animals?” I asked.

The cat’s-meat-man stopped and leant down to whisper in my ear.

Tradução Integral em Português

Durante todo o caminho pela estrada de Oxenthorpe, Matthew mal parou de falar sobre seu grande amigo, o Doutor John Dolittle - “M.D.” Falou tanto que se esqueceu completamente de gritar “Carne!”, até que ambos percebemos de repente uma procissão inteira de cães nos seguindo com paciência.

“Onde o Doutor foi nessa viagem?”, perguntei enquanto Matthew distribuía a carne entre eles.

“Não saberia dizer”, respondeu. “Ninguém nunca sabe aonde ele vai, nem quando parte, nem quando volta. Mora sozinho, salvo pelos bichos de estimação. Fez grandes viagens e descobertas maravilhosas. Da última vez que voltou, contou que encontrara uma tribo de índios no oceano Pacífico - moravam em duas ilhas, veja só. Os maridos viviam numa ilha e as mulheres, na outra. Gente sensata, pelo menos alguns desses selvagens. Só se encontravam uma vez por ano, quando os maridos iam visitar as esposas para um grande banquete - provavelmente na época do Natal. Sim, o Doutor é um homem extraordinário. E, quando se trata de animais, bem, não existe ninguém que saiba tanto quanto ele.”

“Como ele aprendeu tanto sobre os animais?”, perguntei.

O vendedor de carne para gatos parou e se inclinou para cochichar no meu ouvido.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Ele fala a língua deles - disse Matthew numa voz baixa e misteriosa.

- A linguagem dos animais? - exclamei.

- Claro - disse Matthew. - Todos os animais têm algum tipo de linguagem. Alguns falam mais do que outros, e alguns usam sinais. O Doutor compreende todas as aves e todos os animais. Mantemos isso em segredo porque as pessoas riem quando falamos a respeito. Ele consegue até escrever nas linguagens dos animais. Lê para seus animais e já escreveu história na língua dos macacos, poemas na língua dos canários e canções engraçadas para as gralhas. Agora está aprendendo a linguagem dos moluscos, mas é difícil. Pegou resfriados fortes porque põe a cabeça debaixo d'água com muita frequência. É um grande homem.

- Com certeza - eu disse. - Gostaria que estivesse em casa para que eu pudesse conhecê-lo.

- Ali está a casa dele - disse Matthew. - É a pequena casa acima da rua, perto da curva da estrada.

Havíamos chegado à extremidade da cidade. A pequena casa ficava sozinha e tinha um grande jardim. O jardim era muito mais alto do que a estrada; por isso, degraus na parede levavam ao portão da frente. Galhos de muitas árvores frutíferas pendiam sobre o muro alto, mas eu não conseguia ver mais nada lá dentro.

Original English Version

“ He talks their language ,” he said in a hoarse, mysterious voice.

“The animals’ language?” I cried.

“Why certainly,” said Matthew. “All animals have some kind of a language. Some sorts talk more than others; some only speak in sign-language, like deaf-and-dumb. But the Doctor, he understands them all - birds as well as animals. We keep it a secret though, him and me, because folks only laugh at you when you speak of it. Why, he can even write animal-language. He reads aloud to his pets. He’s wrote history-books in monkey-talk, poetry in canary language and comic songs for magpies to sing. It’s a fact. He’s now busy learning the language of the shellfish. But he says it’s hard work - and he has caught some terrible colds, holding his head under water so much. He’s a great man.”

“He certainly must be,” I said. “I do wish he were home so I could meet him.”

“Well, there’s his house, look,” said the cat’s-meat-man - “that little one at the bend in the road there - the one high up - like it was sitting on the wall above the street.”

We were now come beyond the edge of the town. And the house that Matthew pointed out was quite a small one standing by itself. There seemed to be a big garden around it; and this garden was much higher than the road, so you had to go up a flight of steps in the wall before you reached the front gate at the top. I could see that there were many fine fruit trees in the garden, for their branches hung down over the wall in places. But the wall was so high I could not see anything else.

Tradução Integral em Português

“Ele fala a língua deles”, disse numa voz rouca e misteriosa.

“A língua dos animais?”, exclamei.

“Mas é claro”, disse Matthew. “Todos os animais têm algum tipo de língua. Algumas espécies falam mais do que outras; algumas só se comunicam por sinais, como os surdos-mudos. Mas o Doutor entende todas elas - tanto aves quanto outros animais. Nós dois mantemos isso em segredo, porque as pessoas só riem quando se fala no assunto. Ora, ele consegue até escrever nas línguas dos animais. Lê em voz alta para seus bichos. Escreveu livros de história na língua dos macacos, poesia na língua dos canários e canções cômicas para as pegas cantarem. É verdade. Agora está ocupado aprendendo a língua dos moluscos. Mas diz que é um trabalho difícil - e pegou resfriados terríveis por manter tanto tempo a cabeça debaixo d’água. É um grande homem.”

“Sem dúvida deve ser”, respondi. “Como eu queria que estivesse em casa, para poder conhecê-lo.”

“Bem, ali está a casa dele, veja”, disse o vendedor de carne para gatos. “Aquela pequena na curva da estrada - a que fica lá no alto, como se estivesse sentada sobre o muro acima da rua.”

Já havíamos ultrapassado os limites da cidade. A casa apontada por Matthew era bem pequena e ficava isolada. Parecia haver um grande jardim em volta; e esse jardim ficava muito acima da estrada, de modo que era preciso subir uma escadaria no muro antes de alcançar o portão da frente, lá no alto. Eu podia ver que havia muitas e belas árvores frutíferas no jardim, pois em alguns lugares seus galhos pendiam por cima do muro. Mas o muro era tão alto que não consegui enxergar mais nada.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Ao chegarmos à casa, Matthew subiu os degraus, e eu o segui. O portão estava trancado. Um cão correu desde a casa. Matthew passou pelo portão pedaços de carne e sacos de papel com milho e farelo. O cão não comeu a carne. Em vez disso, levou tudo para a casa e desapareceu. Usava uma coleira larga e estranha que parecia de latão. Depois fomos embora.

- O Doutor ainda não voltou - disse Matthew. - Caso contrário, o portão não estaria trancado.

- O que havia nos sacos de papel que você deu ao cão? - perguntei.

- Era comida para os animais - disse Matthew. - A casa do Doutor está cheia de animais. Enquanto ele está fora, entrego a comida ao cão, e o cão a distribui aos outros animais.

- O que era aquela coleira estranha em torno do pescoço dele?

- É feita de ouro puro - disse Matthew. - Ele a recebeu durante uma das viagens do Doutor, há muitos anos, porque salvou a vida de um homem.

Original English Version

When we reached the house Matthew went up the steps to the front gate and I followed him. I thought he was going to go into the garden; but the gate was locked. A dog came running down from the house; and he took several pieces of meat which the cat’s-meat-man pushed through the bars of the gate, and some paper bags full of corn and bran. I noticed that this dog did not stop to eat the meat, as any ordinary dog would have done, but he took all the things back to the house and disappeared. He had a curious wide collar round his neck which looked as though it were made of brass or something. Then we came away.

“The Doctor isn’t back yet,” said Matthew, “or the gate wouldn’t be locked.”

“What were all those things in paper-bags you gave the dog?” I asked.

“Oh, those were provisions,” said Matthew - “things for the animals to eat. The Doctor’s house is simply full of pets. I give the things to the dog, while the Doctor’s away, and the dog gives them to the other animals.”

“And what was that curious collar he was wearing round his neck?”

“That’s a solid gold dog-collar,” said Matthew. “It was given to him when he was with the Doctor on one of his voyages long ago. He saved a man’s life.”

Tradução Integral em Português

Quando chegamos à casa, Matthew subiu os degraus até o portão da frente e eu o acompanhei. Pensei que fosse entrar no jardim, mas o portão estava trancado. Um cão veio correndo da casa; ele recebeu vários pedaços de carne que o vendedor de carne para gatos empurrou por entre as grades do portão, além de alguns sacos de papel cheios de milho e farelo. Notei que o cão não parou para comer a carne, como faria qualquer cão comum; levou tudo de volta à casa e desapareceu. Em volta do pescoço, usava uma curiosa coleira larga, que parecia feita de latão ou de algum material semelhante. Depois fomos embora.

“O Doutor ainda não voltou”, disse Matthew, “senão o portão não estaria trancado.”

“O que eram todas aquelas coisas nos sacos de papel que você deu ao cão?”, perguntei.

“Ah, eram provisões”, disse Matthew, “comida para os animais. A casa do Doutor é simplesmente cheia de bichos de estimação. Enquanto ele está fora, entrego as coisas ao cão, e o cão as distribui aos outros animais.”

“E o que era aquela coleira curiosa que ele usava no pescoço?”

“É uma coleira de ouro maciço”, disse Matthew. “Ele a recebeu quando acompanhava o Doutor numa de suas viagens, muito tempo atrás. Salvou a vida de um homem.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Há quanto tempo o Doutor o tem? - perguntei.

- Há muito tempo. Jip já está velho; por isso, o Doutor não o leva mais nas viagens. Ele fica e protege a casa. Todas as segundas e quintas-feiras, trago comida e a passo pelo portão. Enquanto o Doutor está fora, Jip não permite que ninguém entre no jardim, nem mesmo eu. Você saberá quando o Doutor voltar porque o portão estará aberto.

Voltei para a casa de meu pai e preparei uma cama para o esquilo numa velha caixa de madeira cheia de palha. Cuidei dele tão bem quanto pude enquanto esperava pelo Doutor. Todos os dias, visitava a pequena casa e verificava o portão. Às vezes, Jip vinha me receber. Balançava a cauda e parecia feliz em me ver, mas nunca permitia que eu entrasse.

Original English Version

“How long has the Doctor had him?” I asked.

“Oh, a long time. Jip’s getting pretty old now. That’s why the Doctor doesn’t take him on his voyages any more. He leaves him behind to take care of the house. Every Monday and Thursday I bring the food to the gate here and give it him through the bars. He never lets any one come inside the garden while the Doctor’s away - not even me, though he knows me well. But you’ll always be able to tell if the Doctor’s back or not - because if he is, the gate will surely be open.”

So I went off home to my father’s house and put my squirrel to bed in an old wooden box full of straw. And there I nursed him myself and took care of him as best I could till the time should come when the Doctor would return. And every day I went to the little house with the big garden on the edge of the town and tried the gate to see if it were locked. Sometimes the dog, Jip, would come down to the gate to meet me. But though he always wagged his tail and seemed glad to see me, he never let me come inside the garden.

Tradução Integral em Português

“Há quanto tempo o Doutor o tem?”, perguntei.

“Ah, há muito tempo. Jip já está ficando bem velho. É por isso que o Doutor não o leva mais nas viagens. Deixa-o aqui para tomar conta da casa. Toda segunda e quinta-feira, trago comida até o portão e a entrego a ele por entre as grades. Enquanto o Doutor está fora, ele não deixa ninguém entrar no jardim - nem mesmo eu, embora me conheça muito bem. Mas você sempre poderá saber se o Doutor voltou ou não, porque, se estiver em casa, o portão certamente estará aberto.”

Então voltei para a casa de meu pai e acomodei o esquilo numa velha caixa de madeira cheia de palha. Ali cuidei dele pessoalmente, fazendo o melhor que podia até chegar o dia em que o Doutor voltasse. Todos os dias, eu ia até a casinha com o grande jardim nos limites da cidade e experimentava o portão para ver se continuava trancado. Às vezes, Jip descia até o portão para me receber. Mas, embora sempre abanasse o rabo e parecesse contente em me ver, nunca me deixava entrar no jardim.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

The Third Chapter the Doctor’s Home

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

NUMA TARDE DE SEGUNDA-FEIRA, perto do fim de abril, meu pai pediu que eu entregasse alguns sapatos consertados ao Coronel Bellowes, que morava do outro lado da cidade e era muito difícil de agradar.

Encontrei a casa e toquei a campainha da porta da frente. O Coronel abriu a porta, mostrou seu rosto muito vermelho e ordenou que eu usasse a entrada dos trabalhadores nos fundos. Depois, fechou a porta com força.

Tive vontade de jogar os sapatos no canteiro de flores, mas meu pai poderia ficar zangado; por isso, não fiz isso. Na porta dos fundos, a esposa do Coronel recebeu os sapatos. Era uma mulher pequena e nervosa, com farinha nas mãos porque estava fazendo pão. Parecia ter muito medo do marido, que ainda caminhava irritado pela casa. Num sussurro, ofereceu-me um pãozinho e um copo de leite. Eu aceitei.

Depois de comer, agradeci e fui embora. Antes de voltar para casa, decidi verificar novamente a casa do Doutor, embora já a tivesse visitado naquela manhã. Meu esquilo não estava melhorando, e eu começava a ficar preocupado.

Original English Version

ONE M ONDAY AFTERNOON towards the end of April my father asked me to take some shoes which he had mended to a house on the other side of the town. They were for a Colonel Bellowes who was very particular.

I found the house and rang the bell at the front door. The Colonel opened it, stuck out a very red face and said, “Go round to the tradesmen’s entrance - go to the back door.” Then he slammed the door shut.

I felt inclined to throw the shoes into the middle of his flower-bed. But I thought my father might be angry, so I didn’t. I went round to the back door, and there the Colonel’s wife met me and took the shoes from me. She looked a timid little woman and had her hands all over flour as though she were making bread. She seemed to be terribly afraid of her husband whom I could still hear stumping round the house somewhere, grunting indignantly because I had come to the front door. Then she asked me in a whisper if I would have a bun and a glass of milk. And I said, “Yes, please.”

After I had eaten the bun and milk, I thanked the Colonel’s wife and came away. Then I thought that before I went home I would go and see if the Doctor had come back yet. I had been to his house once already that morning. But I thought I’d just like to go and take another look. My squirrel wasn’t getting any better and I was beginning to be worried about him.

Tradução Integral em Português

NUMA TARDE DE SEGUNDA-FEIRA, perto do fim de abril, meu pai me pediu que levasse alguns sapatos que havia consertado a uma casa do outro lado da cidade. Eram para o Coronel Bellowes, um homem muito exigente.

Encontrei a casa e toquei a campainha da porta da frente. O Coronel a abriu, pôs para fora um rosto muito vermelho e disse: “Dê a volta até a entrada dos fornecedores - vá pela porta dos fundos.” Em seguida, bateu a porta.

Tive vontade de jogar os sapatos no meio do canteiro de flores dele. Mas pensei que meu pai poderia ficar zangado, e por isso não o fiz. Dei a volta até a porta dos fundos; ali, a esposa do Coronel me recebeu e pegou os sapatos. Parecia uma mulher pequena e tímida, com as mãos todas cobertas de farinha, como se estivesse fazendo pão. Parecia ter um medo terrível do marido, que eu ainda podia ouvir pisoteando pela casa em algum lugar e resmungando indignado porque eu fora até a porta da frente. Então, em voz baixa, ela me perguntou se eu queria um pãozinho e um copo de leite. E eu respondi: “Sim, por favor.”

Depois de comer o pãozinho e tomar o leite, agradeci à esposa do Coronel e fui embora. Então pensei que, antes de voltar para casa, passaria para ver se o Doutor já havia retornado. Eu já estivera na casa dele naquela manhã, mas queria dar só mais uma olhada. Meu esquilo não estava melhorando, e eu começava a me preocupar com ele.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Entrei na estrada de Oxenthorpe e caminhei em direção à casa do Doutor. O céu estava ficando nublado e parecia que choveria.

Cheguei ao portão, mas ele ainda estava trancado. Fiquei muito triste. Eu vinha ali todos os dias havia uma semana. Jip veio até o portão e abanou o rabo, como sempre. Depois, sentou-se e me observou com atenção para ter certeza de que eu não entraria.

Comecei a temer que meu esquilo morresse antes de o Doutor voltar. Virei-me com tristeza, desci os degraus até a estrada e comecei a caminhar para casa outra vez.

Perguntei-me se já era hora do jantar. Eu não tinha relógio, mas vi um cavalheiro vindo pela estrada. Quando ele se aproximou, percebi que era o Coronel dando um passeio. Ele usava casacos elegantes, cachecóis e luvas coloridas. O dia não estava muito frio, mas ele vestia tantas roupas que parecia um travesseiro dentro de vários cobertores. Pedi-lhe educadamente que me dissesse as horas.

Original English Version

So I turned into the Oxenthorpe Road and started off towards the Doctor’s house. On the way I noticed that the sky was clouding over and that it looked as though it might rain.

I reached the gate and found it still locked. I felt very discouraged. I had been coming here every day for a week now. The dog, Jip, came to the gate and wagged his tail as usual, and then sat down and watched me closely to see that I didn’t get in.

I began to fear that my squirrel would die before the Doctor came back. I turned away sadly, went down the steps on to the road and turned towards home again.

I wondered if it were supper-time yet. Of course I had no watch of my own, but I noticed a gentleman coming towards me down the road; and when he got nearer I saw it was the Colonel out for a walk. He was all wrapped up in smart overcoats and mufflers and bright-colored gloves. It was not a very cold day but he had so many clothes on he looked like a pillow inside a roll of blankets. I asked him if he would please tell me the time.

Tradução Integral em Português

Entrei, portanto, na estrada de Oxenthorpe e parti em direção à casa do Doutor. No caminho, percebi que o céu estava ficando encoberto e que parecia prestes a chover.

Cheguei ao portão e o encontrei ainda trancado. Fiquei muito desanimado. Já fazia uma semana que eu vinha ali todos os dias. Jip chegou ao portão, abanou o rabo como de costume e depois se sentou, observando-me atentamente para ter certeza de que eu não entraria.

Comecei a temer que meu esquilo morresse antes que o Doutor voltasse. Afastei-me com tristeza, desci os degraus até a estrada e tornei a seguir em direção a casa.

Perguntei-me se já seria hora do jantar. Eu não tinha relógio, naturalmente, mas vi um cavalheiro que vinha pela estrada em minha direção; quando se aproximou, reconheci o Coronel, que saíra para passear. Estava todo embrulhado em sobretudos elegantes, cachecóis e luvas de cores vivas. O dia não estava muito frio, mas ele usava tantas roupas que parecia um travesseiro enrolado em cobertores. Pedi, por favor, que me dissesse as horas.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Ele parou, soltou um som irritado e me encarou de cima. Seu rosto vermelho ficou ainda mais vermelho. Quando falou, sua voz soou como uma rolha saindo de uma garrafa.

- Você realmente acha - disse ele, irritado - que vou desabotoar toda a minha roupa só para dizer as horas a um garotinho como você? - Então, seguiu pesadamente pela rua, soltando sons de irritação.

Fiquei parado, observando-o ir embora. Perguntei-me quantos anos eu precisaria ter para que ele tirasse o relógio para mim. Então, de repente, começou a cair uma chuva muito forte.

Eu nunca tinha visto uma chuva tão forte. Ficou escuro, quase como se fosse noite. O vento soprou, o trovão ressoou e relâmpagos cruzaram o céu. Em um instante, a água corria pelas laterais da estrada como um rio. Não havia nenhum lugar próximo onde me abrigar da tempestade, então abaixei a cabeça contra o vento forte e corri em direção a casa.

Original English Version

He stopped, grunted and glared down at me - his red face growing redder still; and when he spoke it sounded like the cork coming out of a gingerbeer-bottle.

“Do you imagine for one moment,” he spluttered, “that I am going to get myself all unbuttoned just to tell a little boy like you the time !” And he went stumping down the street, grunting harder than ever.

I stood still a moment looking after him and wondering how old I would have to be, to have him go to the trouble of getting his watch out. And then, all of a sudden, the rain came down in torrents.

I have never seen it rain so hard. It got dark, almost like night. The wind began to blow; the thunder rolled; the lightning flashed, and in a moment the gutters of the road were flowing like a river. There was no place handy to take shelter, so I put my head down against the driving wind and started to run towards home.

Tradução Integral em Português

Ele parou, resmungou e me lançou um olhar feroz - o rosto vermelho ficando ainda mais vermelho; quando falou, sua voz soou como a rolha saltando de uma garrafa de cerveja de gengibre.

“Por acaso você imagina”, esbravejou ele, “que vou desabotoar toda a minha roupa só para dizer as horas a um garotinho como você?” E seguiu rua abaixo a passos pesados, resmungando mais do que nunca.

Fiquei parado por um instante, olhando-o se afastar e me perguntando que idade eu precisaria ter para que ele se desse ao trabalho de tirar o relógio do bolso. Então, de repente, a chuva desabou em torrentes.

Nunca vi chover tão forte. Escureceu quase como se fosse noite. O vento começou a soprar; o trovão ribombava; relâmpagos cortavam o céu; e, num instante, as sarjetas da estrada corriam como um rio. Não havia por perto nenhum lugar onde me abrigar, por isso baixei a cabeça contra o vento impetuoso e comecei a correr em direção a casa.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Eu não tinha ido muito longe quando minha cabeça bateu em algo macio, e de repente caí na calçada. Olhei para cima para ver em quem havia esbarrado. Diante de mim, também sentado na calçada molhada, estava um homem baixo e redondo, de rosto muito bondoso. Ele usava uma cartola velha e carregava uma pequena bolsa preta.

- Sinto muito - eu disse. - Eu estava de cabeça baixa e não vi o senhor chegando.

Para minha grande surpresa, o homem baixo não ficou zangado por eu tê-lo derrubado. Em vez disso, começou a rir.

- Isso me faz lembrar de uma coisa - disse ele. - Certa vez, na Índia, esbarrei de frente em uma mulher durante uma tempestade. Ela carregava um pote de calda doce na cabeça. A calda ficou no meu cabelo por semanas, e as moscas me seguiam por toda parte. Eu não machuquei você, machuquei?

- Não - respondi. - Estou bem.

Original English Version

I hadn’t gone very far when my head bumped into something soft and I sat down suddenly on the pavement. I looked up to see whom I had run into. And there in front of me, sitting on the wet pavement like myself, was a little round man with a very kind face. He wore a shabby high hat and in his hand he had a small black bag.

“I’m very sorry,” I said. “I had my head down and I didn’t see you coming.”

To my great surprise, instead of getting angry at being knocked down, the little man began to laugh.

“You know this reminds me,” he said, “of a time once when I was in India. I ran full tilt into a woman in a thunderstorm. But she was carrying a pitcher of molasses on her head and I had treacle in my hair for weeks afterwards - the flies followed me everywhere. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No,” I said. “I’m all right.”

Tradução Integral em Português

Eu não tinha ido muito longe quando minha cabeça bateu em algo macio e, de repente, caí sentado na calçada. Ergui os olhos para ver em quem havia esbarrado. E ali, diante de mim, sentado na calçada molhada como eu, estava um homenzinho redondo, de rosto muito bondoso. Usava uma cartola gasta e carregava uma pequena bolsa preta.

“Desculpe-me”, eu disse. “Estava com a cabeça baixa e não vi o senhor chegando.”

Para minha enorme surpresa, em vez de se zangar por ter sido derrubado, o homenzinho começou a rir.

“Sabe, isto me faz lembrar”, disse ele, “de uma vez em que eu estava na Índia. Durante uma tempestade, fui de encontro a uma mulher a toda velocidade. Mas ela carregava na cabeça uma jarra de melaço, e fiquei semanas com melado nos cabelos - as moscas me seguiam por toda parte. Não machuquei você, machuquei?”

“Não”, respondi. “Estou bem.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- A culpa foi tanto minha quanto sua - disse o homem baixo. - Eu também estava de cabeça baixa. Mas não podemos ficar sentados aqui conversando. Você deve estar completamente molhado. Sei que eu estou. Até onde você precisa ir?

- Minha casa fica do outro lado da cidade - respondi, enquanto nos levantávamos.

- Nossa, como aquela calçada estava molhada! - disse ele. - E a chuva está ficando ainda mais forte. Venha à minha casa para se secar. Uma tempestade assim não pode durar muito.

Ele segurou minha mão, e corremos juntos de volta pela estrada. Enquanto corríamos, perguntei-me quem era aquele homenzinho engraçado e onde ele morava. Eu era um completo desconhecido, mas ele estava me levando para sua casa a fim de me secar. Como era diferente do velho Coronel de rosto vermelho, que nem sequer quis me dizer as horas! Logo paramos.

- Chegamos - disse ele.

Original English Version

“It was just as much my fault as it was yours, you know,” said the little man. “I had my head down too - but look here, we mustn’t sit talking like this. You must be soaked. I know I am. How far have you got to go?”

“My home is on the other side of the town,” I said, as we picked ourselves up.

“My Goodness, but that was a wet pavement!” said he. “And I declare it’s coming down worse than ever. Come along to my house and get dried. A storm like this can’t last.”

He took hold of my hand and we started running back down the road together. As we ran I began to wonder who this funny little man could be, and where he lived. I was a perfect stranger to him, and yet he was taking me to his own home to get dried. Such a change, after the old red-faced Colonel who had refused even to tell me the time! Presently we stopped.

“Here we are,” he said.

Tradução Integral em Português

“A culpa foi tanto minha quanto sua, sabe”, disse o homenzinho. “Eu também estava com a cabeça baixa. Mas veja, não podemos ficar aqui sentados conversando. Você deve estar encharcado. Sei que eu estou. Ainda precisa ir muito longe?”

“Minha casa fica do outro lado da cidade”, respondi, enquanto nos levantávamos.

“Meu Deus, como esta calçada estava molhada!”, disse ele. “E juro que a chuva está ficando pior do que nunca. Venha até minha casa para se secar. Uma tempestade assim não pode durar muito.”

Ele pegou minha mão e começamos a correr juntos de volta pela estrada. Enquanto corríamos, comecei a me perguntar quem poderia ser aquele homenzinho engraçado e onde morava. Eu era um completo desconhecido para ele e, ainda assim, ele me levava à própria casa para me secar. Que diferença em relação ao velho Coronel de rosto vermelho, que se recusara até a me dizer as horas! Pouco depois, paramos.

“Chegamos”, disse ele.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Olhei para cima e vi que estávamos de volta ao pé dos degraus que levavam à casinha com o grande jardim! Meu novo amigo já subia os degraus correndo. Tirou algumas chaves do bolso e abriu o portão.

- Certamente - pensei - este não pode ser o grande Doutor Dolittle!

Depois de ouvir tantas coisas sobre ele, eu esperava alguém muito alto, forte e extraordinário. Era difícil acreditar que aquele homenzinho engraçado, de rosto bondoso e sorridente, fosse realmente o Doutor. Mas lá estava ele, subindo os degraus correndo e abrindo o portão que eu havia observado por tantos dias!

Jip saiu correndo, pulou no Doutor e latiu de alegria. A chuva caía mais forte do que nunca.

- O senhor é o Doutor Dolittle? - gritei, enquanto corríamos pelo curto caminho do jardim até a casa.

- Sim, sou o Doutor Dolittle - disse ele, abrindo a porta da frente com as mesmas chaves. - Entre! Não limpe os pés. Não se preocupe com a lama. Traga-a para dentro. Apenas saia da chuva!

Original English Version

I looked up to see where we were and found myself back at the foot of the steps leading to the little house with the big garden! My new friend was already running up the steps and opening the gate with some keys he took from his pocket.

“Surely,” I thought, “this cannot be the great Doctor Dolittle himself!”

I suppose after hearing so much about him I had expected some one very tall and strong and marvelous. It was hard to believe that this funny little man with the kind smiling face could be really he. Yet here he was, sure enough, running up the steps and opening the very gate which I had been watching for so many days!

The dog, Jip, came rushing out and started jumping up on him and barking with happiness. The rain was splashing down heavier than ever.

“Are you Doctor Dolittle?” I shouted as we sped up the short garden-path to the house.

“Yes, I’m Doctor Dolittle,” said he, opening the front door with the same bunch of keys. “Get in! Don’t bother about wiping your feet. Never mind the mud. Take it in with you. Get in out of the rain!”

Tradução Integral em Português

Olhei para cima para ver onde estávamos e me encontrei outra vez ao pé da escadaria que levava à casinha com o grande jardim! Meu novo amigo já subia correndo os degraus e abria o portão com algumas chaves que tirara do bolso.

“Não é possível”, pensei, “este não pode ser o próprio grande Doutor Dolittle!”

Suponho que, depois de ouvir tanto a seu respeito, eu esperasse alguém muito alto, forte e extraordinário. Era difícil acreditar que aquele homenzinho engraçado, de rosto bondoso e sorridente, fosse realmente ele. Contudo, ali estava, sem dúvida, subindo correndo os degraus e abrindo justamente o portão que eu vigiara por tantos dias!

Jip veio correndo ao nosso encontro, começou a pular sobre ele e a latir de felicidade. A chuva caía cada vez mais forte.

“O senhor é o Doutor Dolittle?”, gritei enquanto corríamos pelo curto caminho do jardim até a casa.

“Sim, sou o Doutor Dolittle”, respondeu ele, abrindo a porta da frente com o mesmo molho de chaves. “Entre! Não se preocupe em limpar os pés. Não faz mal sujar de lama. Traga-a consigo. Entre e saia da chuva!”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Entrei depressa, e ele e Jip vieram atrás de mim. Então, o Doutor fechou a porta com força.

A tempestade havia deixado o lado de fora escuro, mas, dentro da casa fechada, tudo estava negro como a noite. Então ouvi o barulho mais estranho da minha vida. Muitos animais e pássaros chamavam, gritavam e faziam sons ao mesmo tempo. Coisas desciam as escadas e corriam pelos corredores. Na escuridão, um pato grasnava, um galo cantava, uma pomba arrulhava, uma coruja piava, um cordeiro balia e Jip latia. As asas dos pássaros batiam perto do meu rosto. Animais esbarravam nas minhas pernas e quase me faziam cair. O vestíbulo parecia cheio deles. O barulho dos animais e a chuva forte eram terríveis. Comecei a sentir medo. Então, o Doutor segurou meu braço e gritou no meu ouvido.

- Não tenha medo. Estes são apenas alguns dos meus animais. Fiquei fora por três meses, e eles estão felizes porque voltei para casa. Fique parado até eu acender uma luz. Que tempestade! Escute esse trovão!

Original English Version

I popped in, he and Jip following. Then he slammed the door to behind us.

The storm had made it dark enough outside; but inside the house, with the door closed, it was as black as night. Then began the most extraordinary noise that I have ever heard. It sounded like all sorts and kinds of animals and birds calling and squeaking and screeching at the same time. I could hear things trundling down the stairs and hurrying along passages. Somewhere in the dark a duck was quacking, a cock was crowing, a dove was cooing, an owl was hooting, a lamb was bleating and Jip was barking. I felt birds’ wings fluttering and fanning near my face. Things kept bumping into my legs and nearly upsetting me. The whole front hall seemed to be filling up with animals. The noise, together with the roaring of the rain, was tremendous; and I was beginning to grow a little bit scared when I felt the Doctor take hold of my arm and shout into my ear.

“Don’t be alarmed. Don’t be frightened. These are just some of my pets. I’ve been away three months and they are glad to see me home again. Stand still where you are till I strike a light. My Gracious, what a storm! - Just listen to that thunder!”

Tradução Integral em Português

Entrei num salto; ele e Jip vieram atrás. Então o Doutor bateu a porta às nossas costas.

A tempestade já deixara o lado de fora bastante escuro; mas, dentro da casa, com a porta fechada, estava negro como a noite. Então começou o barulho mais extraordinário que já ouvi. Parecia que animais e aves de todas as espécies chamavam, guinchavam e grasnavam ao mesmo tempo. Eu ouvia coisas descendo aos trambolhões pela escada e correndo pelos corredores. Em algum lugar da escuridão, um pato grasnava, um galo cantava, uma pomba arrulhava, uma coruja piava, um cordeiro balia e Jip latia. Senti asas de aves esvoaçando e abanando perto do meu rosto. Coisas continuavam esbarrando nas minhas pernas e quase me derrubando. Todo o vestíbulo parecia estar se enchendo de animais. O ruído, somado ao estrondo da chuva, era tremendo; eu começava a ficar um pouco assustado quando senti o Doutor segurar meu braço e gritar ao meu ouvido.

“Não se alarme. Não tenha medo. São apenas alguns dos meus bichos de estimação. Passei três meses fora e eles estão felizes porque voltei para casa. Fique parado onde está até eu acender uma luz. Minha nossa, que tempestade! - Escute só esse trovão!”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Fiquei parado na escuridão completa, enquanto animais que eu não podia ver faziam barulho e se empurravam ao meu redor. Era uma sensação estranha e engraçada. Do portão da frente, eu muitas vezes havia imaginado como era o Doutor Dolittle e o que havia dentro de sua casinha. Nunca imaginei algo assim. Mas, depois de sentir a mão do Doutor no meu braço, já não estava com medo, apenas confuso. Tudo parecia um sonho estranho. Eu me perguntava se estava acordado quando o Doutor falou novamente.

- Meus fósforos estão todos molhados. Eles não acendem. Você tem algum?

- Não, infelizmente não tenho - respondi em voz alta.

- Não faz mal - disse ele. - Talvez Dab-Dab consiga encontrar uma luz em algum lugar.

O Doutor fez alguns sons engraçados com a língua. Ouvi alguém subir novamente a escada e se mover pelos quartos no andar de cima.

Então esperamos por bastante tempo, mas nada aconteceu.

Original English Version

So there I stood in the pitch-black dark, while all kinds of animals which I couldn’t see chattered and jostled around me. It was a curious and a funny feeling. I had often wondered, when I had looked in from the front gate, what Doctor Dolittle would be like and what the funny little house would have inside it. But I never imagined it would be anything like this. Yet somehow after I had felt the Doctor’s hand upon my arm I was not frightened, only confused. It all seemed like some queer dream; and I was beginning to wonder if I was really awake, when I heard the Doctor speaking again:

“My blessed matches are all wet. They won’t strike. Have you got any?”

“No, I’m afraid I haven’t,” I called back.

“Never mind,” said he. “Perhaps Dab-Dab can raise us a light somewhere.”

Then the Doctor made some funny clicking noises with his tongue and I heard some one trundle up the stairs again and start moving about in the rooms above.

Then we waited quite a while without anything happening.

Tradução Integral em Português

Ali fiquei, portanto, na mais completa escuridão, enquanto todo tipo de animais que eu não conseguia ver tagarelava e se empurrava ao meu redor. Era uma sensação curiosa e engraçada. Muitas vezes, ao espiar pelo portão da frente, eu me perguntara como seria o Doutor Dolittle e o que haveria dentro daquela casinha engraçada. Mas nunca imaginei que seria algo assim. No entanto, depois de sentir a mão do Doutor no meu braço, de algum modo deixei de ter medo e fiquei apenas confuso. Tudo parecia um sonho estranho; eu começava a me perguntar se estava realmente acordado quando ouvi o Doutor falar de novo:

“Meus benditos fósforos estão todos molhados. Não acendem. Você tem algum?”

“Não, receio que não”, respondi em voz alta.

“Não faz mal”, disse ele. “Talvez Dab-Dab consiga arranjar uma luz em algum lugar.”

O Doutor fez então uns sons engraçados de estalo com a língua, e ouvi alguém subir outra vez aos trambolhões pela escada e começar a se mover nos cômodos de cima.

Depois esperamos bastante tempo sem que nada acontecesse.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- A luz vai demorar muito mais? - perguntei. - Um animal está sentado sobre meu pé, e não consigo sentir os dedos.

- Não, só um minuto - disse o Doutor. - Ela voltará logo.

Naquele instante, vi uma pequena luz perto do alto da escada. Imediatamente, todos os animais ficaram em silêncio.

- E, no pé direito, ela carregava uma vela acesa!

- Pensei que o senhor morasse sozinho - eu disse ao Doutor.

- E moro - respondeu ele. - É Dab-Dab quem está trazendo a luz.

Olhei para o alto da escada e tentei ver quem estava chegando. Eu não conseguia enxergar além da curva, mas ouvi passos muito estranhos. Pareciam os de alguém que descia pulando de um degrau para outro com apenas uma perna.

À medida que a luz descia, ficava mais forte e criava estranhas sombras em movimento nas paredes.

- Ah, finalmente! - disse o Doutor. - Boa e velha Dab-Dab!

Então pensei que realmente estava sonhando. Uma pata branca e muito limpa esticou o pescoço além da curva e desceu a escada pulando sobre uma perna. No pé direito, carregava uma vela acesa!

Original English Version

“Will the light be long in coming?” I asked. “Some animal is sitting on my foot and my toes are going to sleep.”

“No, only a minute,” said the Doctor. “She’ll be back in a minute.”

And just then I saw the first glimmerings of a light around the landing above. At once all the animals kept quiet.

“And in her right foot she carried a lighted candle!”

“I thought you lived alone,” I said to the Doctor.

“So I do,” said he. “It is Dab-Dab who is bringing the light.”

I looked up the stairs trying to make out who was coming. I could not see around the landing but I heard the most curious footstep on the upper flight. It sounded like some one hopping down from one step to the other, as though he were using only one leg.

As the light came lower, it grew brighter and began to throw strange jumping shadows on the walls.

“Ah - at last!” said the Doctor. “Good old Dab-Dab!”

And then I thought I really must be dreaming. For there, craning her neck round the bend of the landing, hopping down the stairs on one leg, came a spotless white duck. And in her right foot she carried a lighted candle!

Tradução Integral em Português

“A luz vai demorar?”, perguntei. “Algum animal está sentado no meu pé, e meus dedos estão adormecendo.”

“Não, só um minuto”, disse o Doutor. “Ela voltará em um instante.”

E foi então que vi os primeiros lampejos de luz em torno do patamar superior. Imediatamente, todos os animais se aquietaram.

“E, na pata direita, ela carregava uma vela acesa!”

“Pensei que o senhor morasse sozinho”, eu disse ao Doutor.

“E moro”, respondeu ele. “Quem está trazendo a luz é Dab-Dab.”

Olhei escada acima, tentando distinguir quem vinha. Eu não conseguia enxergar além da curva do patamar, mas ouvi o passo mais curioso no lance superior. Parecia alguém que saltava de um degrau para o outro, como se usasse uma só perna.

À medida que a luz descia, tornava-se mais intensa e começava a projetar nas paredes sombras estranhas e saltitantes.

“Ah - finalmente!”, disse o Doutor. “Boa e velha Dab-Dab!”

Então pensei que eu realmente devia estar sonhando. Pois ali, esticando o pescoço em torno da curva do patamar e descendo a escada aos pulos numa só perna, vinha uma pata branca e imaculada. E, na pata direita, carregava uma vela acesa!

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

The Fourth Chapter the Wiff-waff

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Finalmente, pude olhar ao redor. O vestíbulo estava realmente cheio de animais. Quase todo tipo de animal do campo parecia estar ali: um pombo, um rato branco, uma coruja, um texugo e um pássaro preto. Havia até um porquinho. Ele acabara de entrar do jardim molhado e limpava cuidadosamente os pés no capacho. A luz da vela brilhava em suas costas rosadas e molhadas.

O Doutor pegou a vela da pata e se virou para mim.

- Escute - disse ele. - Você precisa tirar essas roupas molhadas. A propósito, qual é o seu nome?

- Tommy Stubbins - respondi.

- Ah, você é filho de Jacob Stubbins, o sapateiro?

- Sim - respondi.

- Seu pai faz botas excelentes - disse o Doutor. - Veja estas. - Ele levantou o pé direito e me mostrou sua enorme bota. - Seu pai fez estas botas para mim há quatro anos, e eu as uso desde então. São maravilhosas. Agora, Stubbins, você precisa trocar essas roupas molhadas depressa. Vou acender mais velas. Depois subiremos e encontraremos roupas secas. Você pode usar um dos meus ternos velhos enquanto suas roupas secam junto ao fogo da cozinha.

Original English Version

WHEN AT LAST I could look around me I found that the hall was indeed simply full of animals. It seemed to me that almost every kind of creature from the countryside must be there: a pigeon, a white rat, an owl, a badger, a jackdaw - there was even a small pig, just in from the rainy garden, carefully wiping his feet on the mat while the light from the candle glistened on his wet pink back.

The Doctor took the candlestick from the duck and turned to me.

“Look here,” he said: “you must get those wet clothes off - by the way, what is your name?”

“Tommy Stubbins,” I said.

“Oh, are you the son of Jacob Stubbins, the shoemaker?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Excellent bootmaker, your father,” said the Doctor. “You see these?” and he held up his right foot to show me the enormous boots he was wearing. “Your father made me those boots four years ago, and I’ve been wearing them ever since - perfectly wonderful boots - Well now, look here, Stubbins. You’ve got to change those wet things - and quick. Wait a moment till I get some more candles lit, and then we’ll go upstairs and find some dry clothes. You’ll have to wear an old suit of mine till we can get yours dry again by the kitchen-fire.”

Tradução Integral em Português

QUANDO FINALMENTE PUDE olhar ao redor, vi que o vestíbulo estava mesmo repleto de animais. Parecia-me que quase toda espécie de criatura dos campos devia estar ali: um pombo, um rato branco, uma coruja, um texugo, uma gralha - havia até um porquinho recém-chegado do jardim chuvoso, limpando cuidadosamente as patas no capacho enquanto a luz da vela reluzia em seu dorso rosado e molhado.

O Doutor pegou o castiçal da pata e se virou para mim.

“Veja bem”, disse ele, “você precisa tirar essas roupas molhadas. A propósito, qual é o seu nome?”

“Tommy Stubbins”, respondi.

“Ah, você é filho de Jacob Stubbins, o sapateiro?”

“Sim”, respondi.

“Seu pai é um excelente fabricante de botas”, disse o Doutor. “Está vendo estas?” E levantou o pé direito para me mostrar as enormes botas que usava. “Seu pai fez estas botas para mim quatro anos atrás, e tenho usado desde então - botas absolutamente extraordinárias. Bem, agora veja, Stubbins: você precisa trocar essas coisas molhadas - e depressa. Espere um momento, até eu acender mais algumas velas; depois subiremos para encontrar roupas secas. Você terá de usar um terno velho meu até conseguirmos secar as suas junto ao fogo da cozinha.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Logo havia mais velas pela casa, e subimos. Em um quarto, o Doutor abriu um grande armário e tirou dois ternos velhos. Nós os vestimos. Depois levamos nossas roupas molhadas para a cozinha e acendemos o fogo na grande lareira. O casaco do Doutor era tão grande em mim que eu pisava na parte comprida de trás enquanto carregava lenha do porão. Logo um grande fogo ardia, e colocamos nossas roupas molhadas sobre cadeiras ao redor dele.

- Agora vamos preparar o jantar - disse o Doutor. - É claro que você ficará para comer comigo, Stubbins?

Eu já começava a gostar muito daquele homenzinho engraçado. Ele me chamava de “Stubbins”, e não de “Tommy” ou “garotinho”. Eu odiava ser chamado de “garotinho”! Desde o início, o Doutor me tratava como um amigo adulto. Quando me convidou para jantar, senti muito orgulho e alegria. Então me lembrei de que não havia avisado à minha mãe que voltaria tarde. Com tristeza, respondi.

Original English Version

So presently when more candles had been lighted round different parts of the house, we went upstairs; and when we had come into a bedroom the Doctor opened a big wardrobe and took out two suits of old clothes. These we put on. Then we carried our wet ones down to the kitchen and started a fire in the big chimney. The coat of the Doctor’s which I was wearing was so large for me that I kept treading on my own coat-tails while I was helping to fetch the wood up from the cellar. But very soon we had a huge big fire blazing up the chimney and we hung our wet clothes around on chairs.

“Now let’s cook some supper,” said the Doctor. - “You’ll stay and have supper with me, Stubbins, of course?”

Already I was beginning to be very fond of this funny little man who called me “Stubbins,” instead of “Tommy” or “little lad” (I did so hate to be called “little lad”!) This man seemed to begin right away treating me as though I were a grown-up friend of his. And when he asked me to stop and have supper with him I felt terribly proud and happy. But I suddenly remembered that I had not told my mother that I would be out late. So very sadly I answered,

Tradução Integral em Português

Pouco depois, quando mais velas estavam acesas em diferentes partes da casa, subimos; ao chegarmos a um quarto, o Doutor abriu um grande guarda-roupa e tirou dois ternos velhos. Nós os vestimos. Depois levamos nossas roupas molhadas para a cozinha e acendemos o fogo na grande lareira. O casaco do Doutor que eu usava era tão grande em mim que eu não parava de pisar nas próprias abas enquanto ajudava a trazer lenha do porão. Mas logo uma enorme fogueira ardia na lareira, e penduramos nossas roupas molhadas em cadeiras ao redor.

“Agora vamos preparar o jantar”, disse o Doutor. “Você vai ficar e jantar comigo, Stubbins, é claro?”

Eu já começava a gostar muito daquele homenzinho engraçado que me chamava de “Stubbins”, em vez de “Tommy” ou “garotinho” (eu detestava que me chamassem de “garotinho”!). Ele começou imediatamente a me tratar como se eu fosse um amigo adulto. E, quando me convidou a ficar e jantar, senti-me terrivelmente orgulhoso e feliz. Mas de repente lembrei que não avisara minha mãe de que chegaria tarde. Então, muito triste, respondi:

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Muito obrigado. Eu gostaria de ficar, mas minha mãe pode se preocupar e se perguntar onde estou se eu não voltar.

- Mas, meu caro Stubbins - disse o Doutor, colocando outro pedaço de lenha no fogo - , suas roupas ainda não estão secas. Você precisa esperar por elas. Quando estiverem secas, poderemos preparar e comer o jantar. Você viu onde coloquei minha bolsa?

- Acho que ainda está no vestíbulo - respondi. - Vou procurar.

Encontrei a bolsa perto da porta da frente. Era feita de couro preto e parecia muito velha. Um dos fechos estava quebrado, por isso havia um barbante amarrado ao redor dela.

- Obrigado - disse o Doutor quando a levei até ele.

- Essa bolsa era tudo o que o senhor levou na viagem? - perguntei.

- Sim - disse o Doutor, enquanto desamarrava o barbante. - Não gosto de muita bagagem. Ela causa problemas demais. A vida é curta demais para nos preocuparmos com isso, e na verdade não precisamos dela. Agora, onde coloquei aquelas salsichas?

Original English Version

“Thank you very much. I would like to stay, but I am afraid that my mother will begin to worry and wonder where I am if I don’t get back.”

“Oh, but my dear Stubbins,” said the Doctor, throwing another log of wood on the fire, “your clothes aren’t dry yet. You’ll have to wait for them, won’t you? By the time they are ready to put on we will have supper cooked and eaten - Did you see where I put my bag?”

“I think it is still in the hall,” I said. “I’ll go and see.”

I found the bag near the front door. It was made of black leather and looked very, very old. One of its latches was broken and it was tied up round the middle with a piece of string.

“Thank you,” said the Doctor when I brought it to him.

“Was that bag all the luggage you had for your voyage?” I asked.

“Yes,” said the Doctor, as he undid the piece of string. “I don’t believe in a lot of baggage. It’s such a nuisance. Life’s too short to fuss with it. And it isn’t really necessary, you know - Where did I put those sausages?”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Muito obrigado. Gostaria de ficar, mas tenho medo de que minha mãe comece a se preocupar e a imaginar onde estou se eu não voltar.”

“Ah, mas, meu caro Stubbins”, disse o Doutor, jogando outra tora no fogo, “suas roupas ainda não estão secas. Você terá de esperar por elas, não terá? Quando estiverem prontas para vestir, já teremos preparado e comido o jantar. Você viu onde coloquei minha bolsa?”

“Acho que ainda está no vestíbulo”, respondi. “Vou procurar.”

Encontrei a bolsa perto da porta da frente. Era feita de couro preto e parecia muito, muito velha. Um dos fechos estava quebrado, e ela se encontrava amarrada no meio com um pedaço de barbante.

“Obrigado”, disse o Doutor quando a levei até ele.

“Essa bolsa era toda a bagagem que o senhor levou na viagem?”, perguntei.

“Sim”, disse o Doutor enquanto desatava o barbante. “Não acredito em muita bagagem. É um estorvo. A vida é curta demais para se preocupar com isso. E, na verdade, nem é necessário, sabe. Onde coloquei aquelas linguiças?”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

O Doutor procurou dentro da bolsa. Primeiro, tirou um pão fresco. Depois veio um pote de vidro com uma tampa de metal estranha. Ele o segurou cuidadosamente perto da luz antes de colocá-lo sobre a mesa. Vi um pequeno e estranho animal aquático nadando lá dentro. Por fim, o Doutor tirou meio quilo de salsichas.

- Agora - disse ele - só precisamos de uma frigideira.

Fomos até a pequena área de serviço. Panelas e frigideiras estavam penduradas na parede. O Doutor pegou uma frigideira. Ela estava muito enferrujada por dentro.

- Minha nossa, veja isso! - disse ele. - É o que acontece quando fico fora por tanto tempo. Os animais são muito bons e mantêm a casa tão limpa quanto podem. Dab-Dab é uma excelente dona de casa. Mas há algumas coisas que eles não conseguem fazer. Não faz mal. Logo vamos limpá-la. Stubbins, há um pouco de areia de limpeza debaixo da pia. Por favor, entregue-a para mim.

Original English Version

The Doctor was feeling about inside the bag. First he brought out a loaf of new bread. Next came a glass jar with a curious metal top to it. He held this up to the light very carefully before he set it down upon the table; and I could see that there was some strange little water-creature swimming about inside. At last the Doctor brought out a pound of sausages.

“Now,” he said, “all we want is a frying-pan.”

We went into the scullery and there we found some pots and pans hanging against the wall. The Doctor took down the frying-pan. It was quite rusty on the inside.

“Dear me, just look at that!” said he. “That’s the worst of being away so long. The animals are very good and keep the house wonderfully clean as far as they can. Dab-Dab is a perfect marvel as a housekeeper. But some things of course they can’t manage. Never mind, we’ll soon clean it up. You’ll find some silver-sand down there, under the sink, Stubbins. Just hand it up to me, will you?”

Tradução Integral em Português

O Doutor tateava dentro da bolsa. Primeiro, tirou um pão recém-assado. Em seguida, veio um frasco de vidro com uma tampa metálica curiosa. Ele o ergueu com muito cuidado contra a luz antes de colocá-lo sobre a mesa; pude ver que uma estranha criaturinha aquática nadava lá dentro. Por fim, o Doutor tirou meio quilo de linguiças.

“Agora”, disse ele, “só precisamos de uma frigideira.”

Fomos à copa e encontramos algumas panelas e frigideiras penduradas na parede. O Doutor tirou a frigideira do gancho. Estava bastante enferrujada por dentro.

“Meu Deus, olhe só para isto!”, disse ele. “Esse é o pior de passar tanto tempo fora. Os animais são muito bons e mantêm a casa admiravelmente limpa até onde conseguem. Dab-Dab é uma verdadeira maravilha como governanta. Mas, naturalmente, há coisas que eles não podem fazer. Não faz mal, logo a limparemos. Você encontrará um pouco de areia fina ali embaixo, sob a pia, Stubbins. Pode entregá-la a mim?”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Em poucos minutos, a frigideira estava limpa e brilhante. Colocamos as salsichas sobre o fogo da cozinha, e um cheiro maravilhoso encheu a casa.

Enquanto o Doutor cozinhava, fui olhar novamente o pequeno animal engraçado que nadava no pote de vidro.

- Que animal é este? - perguntei.

- Esse é um Wiff-Waff - disse o Doutor. - Seu nome completo é hippocampus pippitopitus, mas as pessoas da região o chamam de Wiff-Waff. Talvez seja porque ele move a cauda de um lado para o outro quando nada. Fiz minha última viagem para encontrá-lo. Agora estou tentando aprender a língua dos animais com concha. Tenho certeza de que eles possuem línguas. Sei falar um pouco da língua dos tubarões e uma espécie de língua dos botos, mas agora quero aprender especialmente a língua dos animais com concha.

- Por quê? - perguntei.

- Alguns animais com concha estão entre os animais mais antigos que conhecemos - disse ele. - Encontramos suas conchas dentro das rochas. Elas viraram pedra há milhares de anos. Se eu conseguir falar a língua deles, talvez possa aprender muitas coisas sobre como era o mundo há muito, muito tempo. Você entende?

Original English Version

In a few moments we had the pan all shiny and bright and the sausages were put over the kitchen-fire and a beautiful frying smell went all through the house.

While the Doctor was busy at the cooking I went and took another look at the funny little creature swimming about in the glass jar.

“What is this animal?” I asked.

“Oh that,” said the Doctor, turning round - “that’s a Wiff-Waff. Its full name is hippocampus pippitopitus . But the natives just call it a Wiff-Waff - on account of the way it waves its tail, swimming, I imagine. That’s what I went on this last voyage for, to get that. You see I’m very busy just now trying to learn the language of the shellfish. They have languages, of that I feel sure. I can talk a little shark language and porpoise dialect myself. But what I particularly want to learn now is shellfish.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Well, you see, some of the shellfish are the oldest kind of animals in the world that we know of. We find their shells in the rocks - turned to stone - thousands of years old. So I feel quite sure that if I could only get to talk their language, I should be able to learn a whole lot about what the world was like ages and ages and ages ago. You see?”

Tradução Integral em Português

Em poucos minutos, a frigideira estava toda limpa e reluzente; as linguiças foram postas sobre o fogo da cozinha, e um delicioso cheiro de fritura espalhou-se pela casa inteira.

Enquanto o Doutor se ocupava da comida, fui dar outra olhada na criaturinha engraçada que nadava no frasco de vidro.

“Que animal é este?”, perguntei.

“Ah, esse”, disse o Doutor, virando-se, “é um Wiff-Waff. Seu nome completo é hippocampus pippitopitus. Mas os nativos o chamam apenas de Wiff-Waff - por causa do modo como agita a cauda ao nadar, imagino. Foi para conseguir este animal que fiz minha última viagem. Veja, estou muito ocupado agora tentando aprender a língua dos moluscos. Eles têm línguas, disso tenho certeza. Sei falar um pouco da língua dos tubarões e do dialeto dos botos. Mas o que quero particularmente aprender agora é a língua dos moluscos.”

“Por quê?”, perguntei.

“Bem, veja, alguns moluscos estão entre as espécies de animais mais antigas do mundo que conhecemos. Encontramos suas conchas nas rochas - transformadas em pedra - com milhares de anos de idade. Por isso, tenho certeza de que, se conseguisse falar a língua deles, poderia aprender muitíssimo sobre como era o mundo em tempos remotíssimos. Entende?”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Mas os outros animais também não poderiam lhe contar?

- Acho que não - disse o Doutor, tocando as salsichas com um garfo. - Os macacos que conheci na África me ajudaram a aprender sobre o passado, mas só conheciam os últimos mil anos. Tenho certeza de que apenas os animais com concha podem nos contar a história mais antiga. A maioria dos outros animais daqueles tempos antigos já não existe.

- O senhor já aprendeu alguma língua dos animais com concha? - perguntei.

- Não, apenas comecei. Eu queria este peixe-cachimbo especial porque ele é metade animal com concha e metade peixe comum. Viajei até o Mediterrâneo oriental para encontrá-lo. Mas temo que ele não me ajude muito. Para dizer a verdade, estou decepcionado com sua aparência. Ele não parece muito inteligente, parece?

- Não, não parece - concordei.

- Ah - disse o Doutor. - As salsichas estão perfeitamente assadas. Aproxime seu prato, e eu lhe darei algumas.

Original English Version

“But couldn’t some of the other animals tell you as well?”

“I don’t think so,” said the Doctor, prodding the sausages with a fork. “To be sure, the monkeys I knew in Africa some time ago were very helpful in telling me about bygone days; but they only went back a thousand years or so. No, I am certain that the oldest history in the world is to be had from the shellfish - and from them only. You see most of the other animals that were alive in those very ancient times have now become extinct.”

“Have you learned any shellfish language yet?” I asked.

“No. I’ve only just begun. I wanted this particular kind of a pipe-fish because he is half a shellfish and half an ordinary fish. I went all the way to the Eastern Mediterranean after him. But I’m very much afraid he isn’t going to be a great deal of help to me. To tell you the truth, I’m rather disappointed in his appearance. He doesn’t look very intelligent, does he?”

“No, he doesn’t,” I agreed.

“Ah,” said the Doctor. “The sausages are done to a turn. Come along - hold your plate near and let me give you some.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Mas os outros animais não poderiam lhe contar também?”

“Creio que não”, respondeu o Doutor, espetando as linguiças com um garfo. “É verdade que os macacos que conheci na África, algum tempo atrás, foram muito úteis ao me contar sobre épocas passadas; mas suas lembranças só recuavam cerca de mil anos. Não, tenho certeza de que a história mais antiga do mundo deve ser obtida dos moluscos - e somente deles. Veja, a maioria dos outros animais que viviam naqueles tempos muito remotos já se extinguiu.”

“O senhor já aprendeu alguma língua de molusco?”, perguntei.

“Não. Apenas comecei. Eu queria esta espécie particular de peixe-cachimbo porque ele é metade molusco e metade peixe comum. Fui buscá-lo no extremo leste do Mediterrâneo. Mas temo muito que não vá me ser de grande ajuda. Para dizer a verdade, sua aparência me decepcionou um pouco. Ele não parece muito inteligente, parece?”

“Não, não parece”, concordei.

“Ah”, disse o Doutor. “As linguiças estão no ponto. Venha - aproxime o prato e deixe-me servir algumas.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Então nos sentamos à mesa da cozinha e começamos uma refeição farta e alegre.

Era uma cozinha maravilhosa. Mais tarde, comi ali muitas vezes e gostava mais dela do que da mais elegante sala de jantar. Era quente, confortável e ficava perto de toda a comida. Levávamos a comida quente diretamente do fogo para a mesa. Podíamos observar o pão perto do fogo enquanto tomávamos sopa. Se precisássemos de sal, sua caixa de madeira estava logo atrás de nós. A lareira era enorme, quase um cômodo inteiro. Podíamos nos sentar dentro dela, ao lado da lenha acesa, assar castanhas, ouvir a chaleira, contar histórias ou ler livros ilustrados à luz do fogo. A cozinha era como o Doutor: confortável, prática, acolhedora e sólida.

Enquanto comíamos depressa, a porta se abriu de repente. Dab-Dab, a pata, e Jip, o cão, entraram puxando lençóis e fronhas pelo chão limpo. O Doutor viu minha surpresa e explicou.

Original English Version

Then we sat down at the kitchen-table and started a hearty meal.

It was a wonderful kitchen, that. I had many meals there afterwards and I found it a better place to eat in than the grandest dining-room in the world. It was so cozy and home-like and warm. It was so handy for the food too. You took it right off the fire, hot, and put it on the table and ate it. And you could watch your toast toasting at the fender and see it didn’t burn while you drank your soup. And if you had forgotten to put the salt on the table, you didn’t have to get up and go into another room to fetch it; you just reached round and took the big wooden box off the dresser behind you. Then the fireplace - the biggest fireplace you ever saw - was like a room in itself. You could get right inside it even when the logs were burning and sit on the wide seats either side and roast chestnuts after the meal was over - or listen to the kettle singing, or tell stories, or look at picture-books by the light of the fire. It was a marvelous kitchen. It was like the Doctor, comfortable, sensible, friendly and solid.

While we were gobbling away, the door suddenly opened and in marched the duck, Dab-Dab, and the dog, Jip, dragging sheets and pillow-cases behind them over the clean tiled floor. The Doctor, seeing how surprised I was, explained:

Tradução Integral em Português

Então nos sentamos à mesa da cozinha e começamos uma refeição substanciosa.

Era uma cozinha maravilhosa. Depois, fiz muitas refeições ali e descobri que era um lugar melhor para comer do que a mais grandiosa sala de jantar do mundo. Era muito aconchegante, acolhedora e aquecida. E tudo era muito prático para servir a comida. Bastava tirá-la quente do fogo, pô-la na mesa e comer. Enquanto tomava a sopa, você podia observar o pão tostando diante da lareira para se certificar de que não queimasse. E, se tivesse esquecido de pôr o sal na mesa, não precisava se levantar e ir buscá-lo em outro cômodo; bastava estender o braço para trás e pegar a grande caixa de madeira em cima do armário. E a lareira - a maior que você já viu - era como um cômodo por si só. Era possível entrar nela mesmo quando as toras ardiam, sentar-se nos largos bancos dos dois lados e assar castanhas depois da refeição - ou ouvir a chaleira cantar, contar histórias ou olhar livros ilustrados à luz do fogo. Era uma cozinha magnífica. Parecia-se com o Doutor: confortável, sensata, amistosa e sólida.

Enquanto devorávamos a comida, a porta se abriu de repente, e entraram marchando Dab-Dab, a pata, e Jip, o cão, arrastando lençóis e fronhas pelo chão limpo de ladrilhos. Vendo minha surpresa, o Doutor explicou:

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Eles estão colocando minhas roupas de cama perto do fogo para aquecê-las e secá-las. Dab-Dab é uma excelente dona de casa e nunca esquece nada. Certa vez, tive uma irmã que cuidava da minha casa. Pobre Sarah! Pergunto-me como ela está. Não a vejo há anos. Mas ela não era nem de longe tão boa quanto Dab-Dab. Você gostaria de outra salsicha?

O Doutor se virou e falou com o cão e a pata usando palavras e sinais estranhos. Eles pareciam entendê-lo perfeitamente.

- O senhor sabe falar a língua dos esquilos? - perguntei.

- Ah, sim. É uma língua bastante fácil - disse o Doutor. - Você mesmo poderia aprendê-la sem muita dificuldade. Mas por que pergunta?

- Porque tenho um esquilo doente em casa - respondi. - Eu o salvei de um falcão, mas duas de suas pernas estão muito machucadas. Quero que o senhor o examine, se puder. Devo trazê-lo amanhã?

Original English Version

“They’re just going to air the bedding for me in front of the fire. Dab-Dab is a perfect treasure of a housekeeper; she never forgets anything. I had a sister once who used to keep house for me (poor, dear Sarah! I wonder how she’s getting on - I haven’t seen her in many years). But she wasn’t nearly as good as Dab-Dab. Have another sausage?”

The Doctor turned and said a few words to the dog and duck in some strange talk and signs. They seemed to understand him perfectly.

“Can you talk in squirrel language?” I asked.

“Oh yes. That’s quite an easy language,” said the Doctor. “You could learn that yourself without a great deal of trouble. But why do you ask?”

“Because I have a sick squirrel at home,” I said. “I took it away from a hawk. But two of its legs are badly hurt and I wanted very much to have you see it, if you would. Shall I bring it to-morrow?”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Eles só vão arejar minha roupa de cama diante do fogo. Dab-Dab é um tesouro de governanta; nunca se esquece de nada. Certa vez tive uma irmã que cuidava da minha casa (pobre e querida Sarah! Como será que está? Não a vejo há muitos anos). Mas ela não era nem de longe tão boa quanto Dab-Dab. Quer outra linguiça?”

O Doutor se virou e disse algumas palavras ao cão e à pata numa linguagem estranha, acompanhada de sinais. Eles pareceram entendê-lo perfeitamente.

“O senhor sabe falar a língua dos esquilos?”, perguntei.

“Ah, sim. É uma língua bem fácil”, disse o Doutor. “Você mesmo poderia aprendê-la sem grande dificuldade. Mas por que pergunta?”

“Porque tenho um esquilo doente em casa”, respondi. “Eu o salvei de um falcão. Mas duas de suas pernas estão muito machucadas, e eu queria muito que o senhor o examinasse, se puder. Devo trazê-lo amanhã?”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Se a perna dele está muito quebrada, devo examiná-lo esta noite. Talvez já seja tarde demais para ajudar muito, mas irei com você até sua casa e o examinarei.

Logo tocamos nas roupas junto ao fogo, e as minhas estavam completamente secas. Levei-as para cima e me troquei. Quando desci, o Doutor estava esperando por mim. Sua pequena bolsa preta estava cheia de remédios e ataduras.

- Vamos - disse ele. - A chuva já parou.

Lá fora, estava claro outra vez. O céu da tarde estava vermelho com o pôr do sol, e pássaros cantavam no jardim enquanto abríamos o portão e descíamos até a estrada.

Original English Version

“Well, if its leg is badly broken I think I had better see it to-night. It may be too late to do much; but I’ll come home with you and take a look at it.”

So presently we felt the clothes by the fire and mine were found to be quite dry. I took them upstairs to the bedroom and changed, and when I came down the Doctor was all ready waiting for me with his little black bag full of medicines and bandages.

“Come along,” he said. “The rain has stopped now.”

Outside it had grown bright again and the evening sky was all red with the setting sun; and thrushes were singing in the garden as we opened the gate to go down on to the road.

Tradução Integral em Português

“Bem, se a perna está seriamente quebrada, acho melhor examiná-lo ainda hoje. Talvez já seja tarde demais para fazer muita coisa; mas irei com você até sua casa para dar uma olhada.”

Pouco depois, tocamos as roupas que estavam junto ao fogo e vimos que as minhas já haviam secado completamente. Levei-as ao quarto no andar de cima e me troquei; quando desci, o Doutor estava pronto à minha espera, com sua pequena bolsa preta cheia de remédios e ataduras.

“Vamos”, disse ele. “Agora a chuva parou.”

Lá fora, tudo voltara a ficar claro, e o céu do entardecer estava inteiramente vermelho com o pôr do sol; tordos cantavam no jardim quando abrimos o portão para descer até a estrada.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

The Fifth Chapter Polynesia

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Acho que sua casa é a casa mais interessante que já visitei - disse eu, enquanto caminhávamos em direção à cidade. - Posso visitá-lo novamente amanhã?

- Certamente - disse o Doutor. - Venha no dia que quiser. Amanhã mostrarei o jardim e meu zoológico particular.

- Ah, o senhor tem um zoológico? - perguntei.

- Sim - disse ele. - Os animais maiores são grandes demais para a casa, então os mantenho em um zoológico no jardim. Não é um grupo muito grande, mas é interessante.

- Deve ser maravilhoso falar todas as diferentes línguas dos animais - eu disse. - O senhor acha que eu poderia aprender?

- É claro - disse o Doutor. - Você pode aprender com prática, mas precisa ter muita paciência. Polynesia deveria ensiná-lo no começo. Foi ela quem me deu as primeiras lições.

- Quem é Polynesia? - perguntei.

- Polynesia era uma papagaia da África Ocidental que morava comigo. Ela não está mais comigo agora - disse o Doutor, com tristeza.

Original English Version

“ I THINK your house is the most interesting house I was ever in,” I said as we set off in the direction of the town. “May I come and see you again to-morrow?”

“Certainly,” said the Doctor. “Come any day you like. To-morrow I’ll show you the garden and my private zoo.”

“Oh, have you a zoo?” I asked.

“Yes,” said he. “The larger animals are too big for the house, so I keep them in a zoo in the garden. It is not a very big collection but it is interesting in its way.”

“It must be splendid,” I said, “to be able to talk all the languages of the different animals. Do you think I could ever learn to do it?”

“Oh surely,” said the Doctor - “with practise. You have to be very patient, you know. You really ought to have Polynesia to start you. It was she who gave me my first lessons.”

“Who is Polynesia?” I asked.

“Polynesia was a West African parrot I had. She isn’t with me any more now,” said the Doctor sadly.

Tradução Integral em Português

“ACHO QUE SUA casa é a casa mais interessante em que já estive”, eu disse enquanto partíamos em direção à cidade. “Posso voltar para visitá-lo amanhã?”

“Claro”, respondeu o Doutor. “Venha no dia que quiser. Amanhã lhe mostrarei o jardim e meu zoológico particular.”

“Ah, o senhor tem um zoológico?”, perguntei.

“Sim”, respondeu ele. “Os animais maiores são grandes demais para a casa, por isso os mantenho num zoológico no jardim. Não é uma coleção muito grande, mas é interessante à sua maneira.”

“Deve ser esplêndido”, eu disse, “poder falar todas as línguas dos diferentes animais. O senhor acha que algum dia eu conseguiria aprender?”

“Ah, certamente”, disse o Doutor, “com prática. É preciso ter muita paciência, sabe. Para começar, você deveria mesmo ter Polynesia como professora. Foi ela quem me deu as primeiras lições.”

“Quem é Polynesia?”, perguntei.

“Polynesia era uma papagaia da África Ocidental que eu tinha. Agora ela não está mais comigo”, disse o Doutor com tristeza.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Por quê? Ela morreu?

- Ah, não - disse o Doutor. - Espero que ainda esteja viva. Quando chegamos à África, ela ficou tão feliz por voltar ao seu país que chorou de alegria. Quando precisei voltar para casa, não consegui tirá-la daquela terra ensolarada, embora ela tivesse se oferecido para vir. Deixei-a na África, mas senti muitíssimo sua falta. Ela chorou novamente quando partimos. Acho que fiz a coisa certa. Era uma das minhas melhores amigas. Foi ela quem primeiro me deu a ideia de aprender as línguas dos animais e me tornar médico de animais. Muitas vezes me pergunto se continuou feliz e se algum dia verei novamente seu rosto velho, engraçado e sério. Boa e velha Polynesia! Era uma ave extraordinária.

Naquele momento, ouvimos alguém correndo atrás de nós. Viramos e vimos Jip avançando pela estrada tão depressa quanto podia. Ele estava muito agitado. Quando nos alcançou, latiu e choramingou para o Doutor de um jeito especial. O Doutor também ficou agitado e respondeu com palavras e sinais estranhos. Por fim, virou-se para mim com o rosto feliz.

Original English Version

“Why - is she dead?”

“Oh no,” said the Doctor. “She is still living, I hope. But when we reached Africa she seemed so glad to get back to her own country. She wept for joy. And when the time came for me to come back here I had not the heart to take her away from that sunny land - although, it is true, she did offer to come. I left her in Africa - Ah well! I have missed her terribly. She wept again when we left. But I think I did the right thing. She was one of the best friends I ever had. It was she who first gave me the idea of learning the animal languages and becoming an animal doctor. I often wonder if she remained happy in Africa, and whether I shall ever see her funny, old, solemn face again - Good old Polynesia! - A most extraordinary bird - Well, well!”

Just at that moment we heard the noise of some one running behind us; and turning round we saw Jip the dog rushing down the road after us, as fast as his legs could bring him. He seemed very excited about something, and as soon as he came up to us, he started barking and whining to the Doctor in a peculiar way. Then the Doctor too seemed to get all worked up and began talking and making queer signs to the dog. At length he turned to me, his face shining with happiness.

Tradução Integral em Português

“Por quê? Ela morreu?”

“Ah, não”, respondeu o Doutor. “Espero que ainda esteja viva. Mas, quando chegamos à África, ela pareceu tão feliz por voltar ao próprio país. Chorou de alegria. E, quando chegou a hora de eu voltar para cá, não tive coragem de tirá-la daquela terra ensolarada - embora seja verdade que ela se ofereceu para vir. Deixei-a na África. Ah, bem! Senti muitíssimo sua falta. Ela tornou a chorar quando partimos. Mas acho que fiz o que era certo. Foi uma das melhores amigas que já tive. Foi ela quem primeiro me deu a ideia de aprender as línguas dos animais e de me tornar médico de animais. Muitas vezes me pergunto se continuou feliz na África e se algum dia voltarei a ver seu engraçado, velho e solene rosto. Boa e velha Polynesia! - Uma ave extraordinária. Bem, bem!”

Naquele exato momento, ouvimos o ruído de alguém correndo atrás de nós; ao nos virarmos, vimos Jip vindo em disparada pela estrada, tão depressa quanto suas pernas permitiam. Parecia muito agitado com alguma coisa e, assim que nos alcançou, começou a latir e ganir para o Doutor de um modo peculiar. O Doutor também ficou muito excitado e começou a falar e a fazer sinais estranhos para o cão. Por fim, voltou-se para mim, com o rosto iluminado de felicidade.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Polynesia voltou! - gritou ele. - Imagine só! Jip diz que ela acaba de chegar à casa. Não a vejo há cinco anos. Com licença por um instante.

Ele se virou para voltar para casa, mas Polynesia já voava em nossa direção. O Doutor bateu palmas como uma criança com um brinquedo novo. Pardais voaram da estrada até as cercas, falando agitados porque uma papagaia cinzenta e vermelha voava por uma estrada rural inglesa.

Ela voou diretamente para o ombro do Doutor e começou logo a falar em uma língua que eu não entendia. Tinha muitas coisas para contar. Logo, o Doutor se esqueceu de mim, do meu esquilo, de Jip e de todo o resto. Por fim, a ave claramente lhe perguntou sobre mim.

- Ah, desculpe-me, Stubbins! - disse o Doutor. - Fiquei muito interessado na história de minha velha amiga. Precisamos ir examinar seu esquilo. Polynesia, este é Thomas Stubbins.

Original English Version

“Polynesia has come back!” he cried. “Imagine it. Jip says she has just arrived at the house. My! And it’s five years since I saw her - Excuse me a minute.”

He turned as if to go back home. But the parrot, Polynesia, was already flying towards us. The Doctor clapped his hands like a child getting a new toy; while the swarm of sparrows in the roadway fluttered, gossiping, up on to the fences, highly scandalized to see a gray and scarlet parrot skimming down an English lane.

On she came, straight on to the Doctor’s shoulder, where she immediately began talking a steady stream in a language I could not understand. She seemed to have a terrible lot to say. And very soon the Doctor had forgotten all about me and my squirrel and Jip and everything else; till at length the bird clearly asked him something about me.

“Oh excuse me, Stubbins!” said the Doctor. “I was so interested listening to my old friend here. We must get on and see this squirrel of yours - Polynesia, this is Thomas Stubbins.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Polynesia voltou!”, exclamou. “Imagine só. Jip diz que ela acaba de chegar à casa. Minha nossa! E faz cinco anos que não a vejo. Dê-me licença por um instante.”

Ele se virou como se fosse voltar para casa. Mas Polynesia já voava em nossa direção. O Doutor bateu palmas como uma criança que recebe um brinquedo novo; enquanto isso, o bando de pardais na estrada esvoaçou, tagarelando, até as cercas, muito escandalizado ao ver uma papagaia cinzenta e escarlate rasando uma estrada rural inglesa.

Ela veio direto para o ombro do Doutor e imediatamente começou a falar sem parar numa língua que eu não conseguia entender. Parecia ter uma quantidade enorme de coisas a dizer. Em pouco tempo, o Doutor se esquecera por completo de mim, do meu esquilo, de Jip e de todo o resto; até que, por fim, a ave lhe perguntou claramente alguma coisa a meu respeito.

“Ah, desculpe-me, Stubbins!”, disse o Doutor. “Fiquei tão interessado em ouvir esta minha velha amiga. Precisamos continuar e examinar seu esquilo. Polynesia, este é Thomas Stubbins.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

A papagaia estava sentada no ombro do Doutor e fez um sério gesto de cumprimento para mim. Então, para minha grande surpresa, falou claramente em inglês.

- Como vai? Lembro-me da noite em que você nasceu. Foi um inverno terrivelmente frio. Você era um bebê muito feio.

- Stubbins quer aprender a língua dos animais - disse o Doutor. - Eu lhe contava sobre você e as lições que me deu quando Jip chegou e disse que você havia voltado.

- Bem - disse a papagaia, virando-se para mim - , talvez eu tenha ajudado o Doutor a começar, mas não poderia ter feito isso se ele não tivesse primeiro me ensinado a entender as palavras em inglês que eu pronunciava. Muitos papagaios falam como pessoas, mas pouquíssimos entendem as próprias palavras. Eles só falam porque acham que parece inteligente ou porque as pessoas lhes dão biscoitos.

Àquela altura, havíamos seguido em direção à minha casa. Jip corria à frente, e Polynesia permanecia no ombro do Doutor. Ela falava o tempo todo, principalmente sobre a África. Agora usava o inglês para ser educada comigo.

Original English Version

The parrot, on the Doctor’s shoulder, nodded gravely towards me and then, to my great surprise, said quite plainly in English,

“How do you do? I remember the night you were born. It was a terribly cold winter. You were a very ugly baby.”

“Stubbins is anxious to learn animal language,” said the Doctor. “I was just telling him about you and the lessons you gave me when Jip ran up and told us you had arrived.”

“Well,” said the parrot, turning to me, “I may have started the Doctor learning but I never could have done even that, if he hadn’t first taught me to understand what I was saying when I spoke English. You see, many parrots can talk like a person, but very few of them understand what they are saying. They just say it because - well, because they fancy it is smart or, because they know they will get crackers given them.”

By this time we had turned and were going towards my home with Jip running in front and Polynesia still perched on the Doctor’s shoulder. The bird chattered incessantly, mostly about Africa; but now she spoke in English, out of politeness to me.

Tradução Integral em Português

A papagaia, no ombro do Doutor, fez para mim um aceno grave com a cabeça e depois, para minha enorme surpresa, disse com toda a clareza em inglês:

“Como vai? Lembro-me da noite em que você nasceu. Foi um inverno terrivelmente frio. Você era um bebê muito feio.”

“Stubbins está ansioso para aprender a língua dos animais”, disse o Doutor. “Eu justamente lhe falava de você e das lições que me deu quando Jip veio correndo nos contar que havia chegado.”

“Bem”, disse a papagaia, virando-se para mim, “posso ter iniciado o Doutor nos estudos, mas nem isso teria conseguido se ele não tivesse primeiro me ensinado a compreender o que eu dizia quando falava inglês. Veja, muitos papagaios conseguem falar como uma pessoa, mas pouquíssimos entendem o que dizem. Apenas repetem as palavras porque... bem, porque acham elegante ou porque sabem que receberão biscoitos.”

A essa altura, já havíamos nos virado e seguíamos em direção à minha casa, com Jip correndo à frente e Polynesia ainda empoleirada no ombro do Doutor. A ave tagarelava sem parar, principalmente sobre a África; agora, porém, falava em inglês, por cortesia comigo.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Como está o Príncipe Bumpo? - perguntou o Doutor.

- Fico feliz que tenha perguntado - disse Polynesia. - Quase me esqueci de contar. Pode acreditar? Bumpo está na Inglaterra!

- Na Inglaterra! É verdade? - exclamou o Doutor. - O que ele está fazendo aqui?

- O pai dele, o rei, enviou-o para cá, para um lugar chamado Bullford, eu acho, a fim de estudar.

- Bullford? - disse o Doutor. - Nunca ouvi falar desse lugar. Ah, você quer dizer Oxford.

- Sim, Oxford - disse Polynesia. - Eu sabia que o nome tinha algo a ver com gado. Foi para lá que ele foi.

- Bem, bem - disse o Doutor. - Imagine Bumpo estudando em Oxford!

- Houve uma grande agitação em Jolliginki quando ele partiu. Estava com muito medo de vir porque era o primeiro homem de seu país a viajar para o exterior. Temia que os brancos pudessem comê-lo. Ele conhecia muito pouco do mundo. Mas seu pai o obrigou a ir. O rei disse que todos os outros reis estavam enviando os filhos para Oxford, então Bumpo também precisava ir. Bumpo queria trazer suas seis esposas, mas o rei não permitiu. O pobre Bumpo partiu chorando, e todos no palácio também choraram. O barulho foi terrível.

Original English Version

“How is Prince Bumpo getting on?” asked the Doctor.

“Oh, I’m glad you asked me,” said Polynesia. “I almost forgot to tell you. What do you think? - Bumpo is in England! ”

“In England! - You don’t say!” cried the Doctor. “What on earth is he doing here?”

“His father, the king, sent him here to a place called - er - Bullford, I think it was - to study lessons.”

“Bullford! - Bullford!” muttered the Doctor. “I never heard of the place - Oh, you mean Oxford.”

“Yes, that’s the place - Oxford,” said Polynesia “I knew it had cattle in it somewhere. Oxford - that’s the place he’s gone to.”

“Well, well,” murmured the Doctor. “Fancy Bumpo studying at Oxford - Well, well!”

“There were great doings in Jolliginki when he left. He was scared to death to come. He was the first man from that country to go abroad. He thought he was going to be eaten by white cannibals or something. You know what those niggers are - that ignorant! Well! - But his father made him come. He said that all the black kings were sending their sons to Oxford now. It was the fashion, and he would have to go. Bumpo wanted to bring his six wives with him. But the king wouldn’t let him do that either. Poor Bumpo went off in tears - and everybody in the palace was crying too. You never heard such a hullabaloo.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Como está o Príncipe Bumpo?”, perguntou o Doutor.

“Ah, ainda bem que perguntou”, disse Polynesia. “Quase me esqueci de contar. O que acha disto? - Bumpo está na Inglaterra!”

“Na Inglaterra! - Não me diga!”, exclamou o Doutor. “O que ele está fazendo aqui?”

“O pai dele, o rei, mandou-o para cá, para um lugar chamado... hum... Bullford, acho que era, a fim de estudar.”

“Bullford! - Bullford!”, murmurou o Doutor. “Nunca ouvi falar desse lugar. Ah, você quer dizer Oxford.”

“Sim, é esse o lugar - Oxford”, disse Polynesia. “Eu sabia que havia alguma coisa de gado no nome. Oxford - foi para lá que ele foi.”

“Bem, bem”, murmurou o Doutor. “Imagine Bumpo estudando em Oxford. Bem, bem!”

“Houve uma enorme agitação em Jolliginki quando ele partiu. Estava morrendo de medo de vir. Era o primeiro homem daquele país a viajar para o exterior. Achava que seria devorado por canibais brancos ou coisa parecida. Você sabe como são esses negros - de uma ignorância! Bem! Mas o pai o obrigou a vir. Disse que todos os reis negros agora mandavam os filhos para Oxford. Estava na moda, e ele teria de ir. Bumpo queria trazer consigo suas seis esposas. Mas o rei também não permitiu. O pobre Bumpo partiu em lágrimas - e todos no palácio também choravam. Nunca se ouviu tamanho alvoroço.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Você sabe se ele voltou a procurar a Bela Adormecida? - perguntou o Doutor.

- Ah, sim - disse Polynesia. - Ele partiu no dia seguinte ao senhor, e isso foi uma sorte. O rei descobriu que Bumpo havia ajudado o senhor a escapar e ficou extremamente zangado.

- E ele chegou a encontrar a Bela Adormecida?

- Ele voltou com uma mulher a quem chamava de Bela Adormecida. Acho que era uma mulher africana de pele muito clara, cabelos ruivos e pés muito grandes. Bumpo ficou encantado com ela e por fim se casou durante uma grande celebração. As festas duraram sete dias. Ela se tornou sua primeira esposa e agora é chamada de Princesa Herdeira Bum-pah, com a força na última parte do nome.

- E me diga: ele continuou branco?

- Só por cerca de três meses - disse a papagaia. - Depois, o rosto dele voltou lentamente à cor natural. Foi melhor assim. Com a roupa de banho, seu rosto branco parecia muito estranho ao lado do restante de sua pele escura.

Original English Version

“Do you know if he ever went back in search of The Sleeping Beauty?” asked the Doctor.

“Oh yes,” said Polynesia - “the day after you left. And a good thing for him he did: the king got to know about his helping you to escape; and he was dreadfully wild about it.”

“And The Sleeping Beauty? - did he ever find her?”

“Well, he brought back something which he said was The Sleeping Beauty. Myself, I think it was an albino niggeress. She had red hair and the biggest feet you ever saw. But Bumpo was no end pleased with her and finally married her amid great rejoicings. The feastings lasted seven days. She became his chief wife and is now known out there as the Crown-Princess Bum pah - you accent the last syllable.”

“And tell me, did he remain white?”

“Only for about three months,” said the parrot. “After that his face slowly returned to its natural color. It was just as well. He was so conspicuous in his bathing-suit the way he was, with his face white and the rest of him black.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Sabe se ele alguma vez voltou a procurar a Bela Adormecida?”, perguntou o Doutor.

“Ah, sim”, disse Polynesia. “No dia seguinte à sua partida. E foi uma sorte para ele ter ido: o rei descobriu que Bumpo ajudara você a fugir e ficou furioso com isso.”

“E a Bela Adormecida? Ele chegou a encontrá-la?”

“Bem, voltou trazendo alguém que ele dizia ser a Bela Adormecida. Eu, pessoalmente, acho que era uma negra albina. Tinha cabelos ruivos e os maiores pés que você já viu. Mas Bumpo ficou satisfeitíssimo com ela e por fim se casou, em meio a grandes festejos. Os banquetes duraram sete dias. Ela se tornou sua esposa principal e agora é conhecida por lá como Princesa Herdeira Bum-pá - o acento cai na última sílaba.”

“E diga-me: ele continuou branco?”

“Só por uns três meses”, respondeu a papagaia. “Depois disso, seu rosto voltou lentamente à cor natural. Foi melhor assim. Do jeito que estava, chamava demais a atenção quando vestia roupa de banho, com o rosto branco e o resto do corpo negro.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- E como está Chee-Chee? - perguntou o Doutor. Depois explicou para mim: - Chee-Chee era meu macaco de estimação, anos atrás. Também o deixei na África quando voltei para casa.

Original English Version

“And how is Chee-Chee getting on? - Chee-Chee,” added the Doctor in explanation to me, “was a pet monkey I had years ago. I left him too in Africa when I came away.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“E como vai Chee-Chee? Chee-Chee”, acrescentou o Doutor, explicando para mim, “era um macaco de estimação que tive anos atrás. Também o deixei na África quando fui embora.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Chee-Chee não está completamente feliz - disse Polynesia. - Eu o via muitas vezes nos últimos anos. Ele sentia uma falta terrível do senhor, da casa e do jardim. Eu sentia o mesmo. Queria muito voltar para a África, e ela é um país maravilhoso. Mas, depois de algumas semanas, não consegui me acostumar. Certa noite, decidi voltar e procurar o senhor. Contei a Chee-Chee, e ele entendeu porque sentia o mesmo. A África parecia silenciosa demais depois de nossa vida com o senhor. Ele sentia falta de suas histórias sobre animais e de nossas conversas junto ao fogo da cozinha nas noites de inverno. Os animais de lá eram bondosos, mas nos pareciam um pouco simples. Talvez eles não tivessem mudado; nós é que mudamos. Quando parti, o pobre Chee-Chee chorou. Disse que sua única amiga estava indo embora, embora tivesse milhões de parentes ali. Achava injusto que eu pudesse voar até aqui enquanto ele não podia me seguir. Mas ele é inteligente. Acredito que um dia poderá encontrar um jeito de vir.

Original English Version

“Well,” said Polynesia frowning, - “Chee-Chee is not entirely happy. I saw a good deal of him the last few years. He got dreadfully homesick for you and the house and the garden. It’s funny, but I was just the same way myself. You remember how crazy I was to get back to the dear old land? And Africa is a wonderful country - I don’t care what anybody says. Well, I thought I was going to have a perfectly grand time. But somehow - I don’t know - after a few weeks it seemed to get tiresome. I just couldn’t seem to settle down. Well, to make a long story short, one night I made up my mind that I’d come back here and find you. So I hunted up old Chee-Chee and told him about it. He said he didn’t blame me a bit - felt exactly the same way himself. Africa was so deadly quiet after the life we had led with you. He missed the stories you used to tell us out of your animal books - and the chats we used to have sitting round the kitchen-fire on winter nights. The animals out there were very nice to us and all that. But somehow the dear kind creatures seemed a bit stupid. Chee-Chee said he had noticed it too. But I suppose it wasn’t they who had changed; it was we who were different. When I left, poor old Chee-Chee broke down and cried. He said he felt as though his only friend were leaving him - though, as you know, he has simply millions of relatives there. He said it didn’t seem fair that I should have wings to fly over here any time I liked, and him with no way to follow me. But mark my words, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he found a way to come - some day. He’s a smart lad, is Chee-Chee.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Bem”, disse Polynesia, franzindo a testa, “Chee-Chee não está inteiramente feliz. Convivi bastante com ele nestes últimos anos. Sentia uma saudade terrível de você, da casa e do jardim. É engraçado, mas comigo aconteceu exatamente o mesmo. Lembra como eu estava louca para voltar à querida terra natal? E a África é um país maravilhoso - não me importa o que digam. Pois bem, pensei que passaria momentos absolutamente magníficos. Mas, de algum modo... não sei... depois de algumas semanas, tudo pareceu ficar cansativo. Eu simplesmente não conseguia me estabelecer. Bem, para encurtar a história, certa noite decidi que voltaria para cá e procuraria você. Fui atrás do velho Chee-Chee e contei meu plano. Ele disse que não me censurava nem um pouco - sentia exatamente o mesmo. A África era mortalmente silenciosa depois da vida que havíamos levado com você. Ele sentia falta das histórias que você lia para nós em seus livros de animais - e das conversas que tínhamos sentados ao redor do fogo da cozinha nas noites de inverno. Os animais de lá eram muito gentis conosco e tudo o mais. Mas, de algum modo, as queridas criaturas pareciam um pouco tolas. Chee-Chee disse que também havia notado. Suponho, porém, que não fossem eles que tinham mudado; nós é que éramos diferentes. Quando parti, o pobre e velho Chee-Chee desabou em lágrimas. Disse que parecia que sua única amiga o abandonava - embora, como você sabe, ele tenha literalmente milhões de parentes por lá. Disse que não era justo eu ter asas para voar até aqui quando quisesse, enquanto ele não tinha como me seguir. Mas pode anotar o que digo: não ficaria nem um pouco surpresa se ele encontrasse um modo de vir - algum dia. Chee-Chee é um rapaz esperto.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Então chegamos à minha casa. A loja de meu pai estava fechada, mas minha mãe permanecia à porta, olhando a rua.

- Boa noite, senhora Stubbins - disse o Doutor. - É minha culpa que seu filho esteja atrasado. Pedi que ficasse para jantar enquanto suas roupas secavam. Nós dois estávamos completamente molhados. Esbarramos um no outro durante a tempestade, e pedi que ele se abrigasse em minha casa.

- Eu estava começando a me preocupar com ele - disse minha mãe. - Obrigada, senhor, por cuidar dele e trazê-lo para casa.

- Não foi incômodo algum - disse o Doutor. - Tivemos uma conversa muito interessante.

- Posso perguntar quem é o senhor? - disse minha mãe, olhando para a papagaia cinzenta no ombro do Doutor.

- Sou John Dolittle. Acho que seu marido se lembrará de mim. Ele fez excelentes botas para mim há cerca de quatro anos. São realmente maravilhosas - disse o Doutor, olhando com satisfação para os próprios pés.

Original English Version

At this point we arrived at my home. My father’s shop was closed and the shutters were up; but my mother was standing at the door looking down the street.

“Good evening, Mrs. Stubbins,” said the Doctor. “It is my fault your son is so late. I made him stay to supper while his clothes were drying. He was soaked to the skin; and so was I. We ran into one another in the storm and I insisted on his coming into my house for shelter.”

“I was beginning to get worried about him,” said my mother. “I am thankful to you, Sir, for looking after him so well and bringing him home.”

“Don’t mention it - don’t mention it,” said the Doctor. “We have had a very interesting chat.”

“Who might it be that I have the honor of addressing?” asked my mother staring at the gray parrot perched on the Doctor’s shoulder.

“Oh, I’m John Dolittle. I dare say your husband will remember me. He made me some very excellent boots about four years ago. They really are splendid,” added the Doctor, gazing down at his feet with great satisfaction.

Tradução Integral em Português

Nesse momento, chegamos à minha casa. A oficina de meu pai estava fechada, e as venezianas, cerradas; mas minha mãe permanecia à porta, olhando rua abaixo.

“Boa noite, senhora Stubbins”, disse o Doutor. “É minha culpa que seu filho tenha se atrasado tanto. Fiz com que ficasse para jantar enquanto suas roupas secavam. Ele estava ensopado até os ossos; e eu também. Esbarramos um no outro durante a tempestade, e insisti para que entrasse em minha casa e se abrigasse.”

“Eu já começava a ficar preocupada com ele”, disse minha mãe. “Agradeço ao senhor por ter cuidado tão bem dele e por trazê-lo para casa.”

“Não há de quê - não há de quê”, respondeu o Doutor. “Tivemos uma conversa muito interessante.”

“E com quem tenho a honra de falar?”, perguntou minha mãe, olhando fixamente para a papagaia cinzenta empoleirada no ombro do Doutor.

“Ah, sou John Dolittle. Creio que seu marido se lembrará de mim. Ele fez para mim umas botas excelentes cerca de quatro anos atrás. São realmente magníficas”, acrescentou o Doutor, contemplando os pés com grande satisfação.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- O Doutor veio curar meu esquilo, mamãe - eu disse. - Ele sabe tudo sobre animais.

- Ah, não, Stubbins - disse o Doutor. - Certamente não sei tudo sobre eles.

- É muita bondade sua vir de tão longe para cuidar do animal dele - disse minha mãe. - Tom está sempre trazendo animais estranhos dos bosques e campos para casa.

- É mesmo? - disse o Doutor. - Talvez um dia ele se torne naturalista. Quem sabe?

- Gostaria de entrar? - perguntou minha mãe. - A casa está um pouco desarrumada porque ainda não terminei a limpeza, mas há um fogo agradável na sala.

- Obrigado! - disse o Doutor. - Que casa encantadora vocês têm!

Ele limpou suas enormes botas com muito cuidado no capacho e entrou na casa.

Original English Version

“The Doctor has come to cure my squirrel, Mother,” said I. “He knows all about animals.”

“Oh, no,” said the Doctor, “not all, Stubbins, not all about them by any means.”

“It is very kind of you to come so far to look after his pet,” said my mother. “Tom is always bringing home strange creatures from the woods and the fields.”

“Is he?” said the Doctor. “Perhaps he will grow up to be a naturalist some day. Who knows?”

“Won’t you come in?” asked my mother. “The place is a little untidy because I haven’t finished the spring cleaning yet. But there’s a nice fire burning in the parlor.”

“Thank you!” said the Doctor. “What a charming home you have!”

And after wiping his enormous boots very, very carefully on the mat, the great man passed into the house.

Tradução Integral em Português

“O Doutor veio curar meu esquilo, mamãe”, eu disse. “Ele sabe tudo sobre animais.”

“Ah, não”, disse o Doutor. “Não tudo, Stubbins, de modo algum tudo sobre eles.”

“É muita gentileza sua vir de tão longe para cuidar do bichinho dele”, disse minha mãe. “Tom está sempre trazendo para casa criaturas estranhas dos bosques e campos.”

“É mesmo?”, disse o Doutor. “Talvez um dia ele cresça e se torne naturalista. Quem sabe?”

“Não quer entrar?”, perguntou minha mãe. “A casa está um pouco desarrumada porque ainda não terminei a limpeza de primavera. Mas há um belo fogo aceso na sala.”

“Obrigado!”, disse o Doutor. “Que casa encantadora a senhora tem!”

E, depois de limpar suas enormes botas com muitíssimo cuidado no capacho, o grande homem entrou na casa.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

The Sixth Chapter the Wounded Squirrel

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Lá dentro, encontramos meu pai tocando flauta junto ao fogo. Ele fazia isso todas as noites depois de terminar o trabalho.

O Doutor começou imediatamente a conversar com ele sobre flautas, flautins e fagotes. Logo meu pai disse:

- Talvez o senhor também toque flauta. Poderia tocar uma música para nós?

- Bem - disse o Doutor - , não toco há muito tempo, mas gostaria de tentar. Posso?

O Doutor pegou a flauta de meu pai e tocou por muito tempo. Foi maravilhoso. Meus pais ficaram completamente imóveis, olhando para o teto como se estivessem na igreja. Eu normalmente não me importava muito com música, exceto com a gaita, mas até eu senti uma tristeza e um frio por dentro e desejei ter sido um menino melhor.

- Ah, isso foi lindo! - disse minha mãe quando o Doutor finalmente parou.

- O senhor é um grande músico - disse meu pai. - Por favor, toque mais alguma coisa para nós.

Original English Version

I NSIDE WE FOUND my father busy practising on the flute beside the fire. This he always did, every evening, after his work was over.

The Doctor immediately began talking to him about flutes and piccolos and bassoons; and presently my father said,

“Perhaps you perform upon the flute yourself, Sir. Won’t you play us a tune?”

“Well,” said the Doctor, “it is a long time since I touched the instrument. But I would like to try. May I?”

Then the Doctor took the flute from my father and played and played and played. It was wonderful. My mother and father sat as still as statues, staring up at the ceiling as though they were in church; and even I, who didn’t bother much about music except on the mouth-organ - even I felt all sad and cold and creepy and wished I had been a better boy.

“Oh I think that was just beautiful!” sighed my mother when at length the Doctor stopped.

“You are a great musician, Sir,” said my father, “a very great musician. Won’t you please play us something else?”

Tradução Integral em Português

LÁ DENTRO, ENCONTRAMOS meu pai ocupado, praticando flauta junto ao fogo. Ele sempre fazia isso todas as noites, depois de terminar o trabalho.

O Doutor começou imediatamente a conversar com ele sobre flautas, flautins e fagotes; pouco depois, meu pai disse:

“Talvez o senhor mesmo toque flauta. Não gostaria de tocar uma música para nós?”

“Bem”, disse o Doutor, “faz muito tempo que não toco no instrumento. Mas gostaria de tentar. Posso?”

Então o Doutor pegou a flauta de meu pai e tocou, tocou e tocou. Foi maravilhoso. Minha mãe e meu pai ficaram imóveis como estátuas, olhando para o teto como se estivessem na igreja; até eu, que não ligava muito para música, salvo quando tocada numa gaita de boca - até eu fiquei triste, senti um frio e um arrepio e desejei ter sido um menino melhor.

“Ah, achei simplesmente lindo!”, suspirou minha mãe quando o Doutor finalmente parou.

“O senhor é um grande músico”, disse meu pai, “um músico realmente extraordinário. Poderia, por favor, tocar mais alguma coisa?”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- Certamente - disse o Doutor. - Ah, mas esqueci completamente o esquilo!

- Vou mostrá-lo ao senhor - eu disse. - Ele está lá em cima, no meu quarto.

Levei o Doutor ao meu quarto, no alto da casa, e mostrei-lhe o esquilo em uma caixa de madeira cheia de palha.

O esquilo sempre parecera ter medo de mim, embora eu tentasse deixá-lo confortável. Mas, quando o Doutor entrou, ele se sentou e começou a fazer pequenos sons. O Doutor respondeu da mesma forma. Quando o levantou para examinar a perna, o esquilo pareceu feliz em vez de assustado.

Segurei uma vela enquanto o Doutor prendia pequenos suportes ao redor da perna. Ele os fez com palitos de fósforo usando seu pequeno canivete.

Original English Version

“Why certainly,” said the Doctor - “Oh, but look here, I’ve forgotten all about the squirrel.”

“I’ll show him to you,” I said. “He is upstairs in my room.”

So I led the Doctor to my bedroom at the top of the house and showed him the squirrel in the packing-case filled with straw.

The animal, who had always seemed very much afraid of me - though I had tried hard to make him feel at home, sat up at once when the Doctor came into the room and started to chatter. The Doctor chattered back in the same way and the squirrel when he was lifted up to have his leg examined, appeared to be rather pleased than frightened.

I held a candle while the Doctor tied the leg up in what he called “splints,” which he made out of match-sticks with his pen-knife.

Tradução Integral em Português

“Claro”, respondeu o Doutor. “Ah, mas veja só, esqueci completamente o esquilo.”

“Vou mostrá-lo ao senhor”, eu disse. “Está lá em cima, no meu quarto.”

Levei, portanto, o Doutor ao meu quarto no alto da casa e mostrei-lhe o esquilo dentro do caixote cheio de palha.

O animal, que sempre parecera ter muito medo de mim - embora eu me esforçasse para fazê-lo sentir-se em casa - , sentou-se imediatamente quando o Doutor entrou no quarto e começou a tagarelar. O Doutor respondeu com o mesmo tipo de sons; e o esquilo, ao ser erguido para que examinassem sua perna, pareceu antes satisfeito do que assustado.

Segurei uma vela enquanto o Doutor imobilizava a perna com o que chamou de “talas”, que fez de palitos de fósforo usando seu canivete.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

- A perna dele deve melhorar muito depressa agora - disse o Doutor, fechando a bolsa. - Não o deixe correr por pelo menos duas semanas. Mantenha-o ao ar livre e cubra-o com folhas secas nas noites frescas. Ele diz que está sozinho e preocupado com a esposa e os filhos. Eu lhe disse que pode confiar em você. Enviarei um esquilo de meu jardim para encontrar a família dele e trazer notícias. Ele precisa continuar alegre. Os esquilos são naturalmente felizes e ativos, por isso é difícil para eles ficarem imóveis. Mas não se preocupe. Ele ficará bem.

Então voltamos à sala, e meus pais pediram que ele tocasse flauta até depois das dez horas.

Meus pais gostaram do Doutor desde o primeiro instante e ficaram orgulhosos porque ele nos visitou e tocou música para nós, pois éramos muito pobres. Eles não sabiam como ele se tornaria famoso. Hoje, quase todos conhecem o Doutor Dolittle e seus livros. Acima da velha porta da pequena loja de meu pai em Puddleby, uma pedra agora diz: “John Dolittle, o famoso naturalista, tocou flauta nesta casa em 1839.”

Original English Version

“I think you will find that his leg will get better now in a very short time,” said the Doctor closing up his bag. “Don’t let him run about for at least two weeks yet, but keep him in the open air and cover him up with dry leaves if the nights get cool. He tells me he is rather lonely here, all by himself, and is wondering how his wife and children are getting on. I have assured him you are a man to be trusted; and I will send a squirrel who lives in my garden to find out how his family are and to bring him news of them. He must be kept cheerful at all costs. Squirrels are naturally a very cheerful, active race. It is very hard for them to lie still doing nothing. But you needn’t worry about him. He will be all right.”

Then we went back again to the parlor and my mother and father kept him playing the flute till after ten o’clock.

Although my parents both liked the Doctor tremendously from the first moment that they saw him, and were very proud to have him come and play to us (for we were really terribly poor) they did not realize then what a truly great man he was one day to become. Of course now, when almost everybody in the whole world has heard about Doctor Dolittle and his books, if you were to go to that little house in Puddleby where my father had his cobbler’s shop you would see, set in the wall over the old-fashioned door, a stone with writing on it which says: “JOHN DOLITTLE, THE FAMOUS NATURALIST, PLAYED THE FLUTE IN THIS HOUSE IN THE YEAR 1839.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Acho que agora você verá a perna dele melhorar em muito pouco tempo”, disse o Doutor, fechando a bolsa. “Não o deixe correr por pelo menos mais duas semanas; mantenha-o ao ar livre e cubra-o com folhas secas se as noites esfriarem. Ele me diz que se sente bastante solitário aqui, sozinho, e se pergunta como estarão a esposa e os filhos. Garanti-lhe que você é um homem digno de confiança; mandarei um esquilo que vive no meu jardim descobrir como está sua família e trazer notícias. É preciso mantê-lo animado a todo custo. Os esquilos são por natureza uma raça muito alegre e ativa. Para eles, é muito difícil ficar quietos sem fazer nada. Mas você não precisa se preocupar. Ele ficará bem.”

Depois voltamos à sala, e minha mãe e meu pai continuaram pedindo que ele tocasse flauta até depois das dez horas.

Embora meus pais tenham gostado imensamente do Doutor desde o primeiro instante em que o viram e se sentissem muito orgulhosos por tê-lo ali tocando para nós (pois éramos de fato terrivelmente pobres), naquela época eles não compreenderam o homem verdadeiramente grande que ele um dia se tornaria. Naturalmente, hoje, quando quase todos no mundo inteiro já ouviram falar do Doutor Dolittle e de seus livros, se você fosse àquela casinha de Puddleby onde meu pai tinha a oficina de sapateiro, veria, fixada no muro acima da porta antiga, uma pedra com a seguinte inscrição: “JOHN DOLITTLE, O FAMOSO NATURALISTA, TOCOU FLAUTA NESTA CASA NO ANO DE 1839.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Muitas vezes me lembro daquela noite distante. Quando fecho os olhos, consigo ver a sala: o homenzinho engraçado, de rosto redondo e bondoso, tocando flauta junto ao fogo; minha mãe de um lado e meu pai do outro, ouvindo de olhos fechados; Jip e eu sentados no tapete aos pés dele; e Polynesia ao lado de sua velha cartola, movendo a cabeça com a música. Consigo ver tudo tão claramente como se estivesse aqui agora.

Depois que o Doutor partiu, voltamos à sala e conversamos sobre ele até muito tarde. Quando finalmente fui para a cama, mais tarde do que nunca, sonhei com ele e com um grupo de animais inteligentes tocando flautas, violinos e tambores a noite inteira.

Original English Version

I often look back upon that night long, long ago. And if I close my eyes and think hard I can see that parlor just as it was then: a funny little man in coat-tails, with a round kind face, playing away on the flute in front of the fire; my mother on one side of him and my father on the other, holding their breath and listening with their eyes shut; myself, with Jip, squatting on the carpet at his feet, staring into the coals; and Polynesia perched on the mantlepiece beside his shabby high hat, gravely swinging her head from side to side in time to the music. I see it all, just as though it were before me now.

And then I remember how, after we had seen the Doctor out at the front door, we all came back into the parlor and talked about him till it was still later; and even after I did go to bed (I had never stayed up so late in my life before) I dreamed about him and a band of strange clever animals that played flutes and fiddles and drums the whole night through.

Tradução Integral em Português

Muitas vezes recordo aquela noite de tanto, tanto tempo atrás. E, se fecho os olhos e penso com atenção, consigo ver a sala exatamente como era então: um homenzinho engraçado de fraque e rosto redondo e bondoso tocando flauta diante do fogo; minha mãe de um lado e meu pai do outro, prendendo a respiração e escutando de olhos fechados; eu próprio, com Jip, agachado no tapete aos pés dele e olhando fixamente para as brasas; e Polynesia empoleirada sobre a lareira, ao lado da cartola gasta do Doutor, balançando solenemente a cabeça de um lado para o outro no ritmo da música. Vejo tudo como se estivesse agora diante de mim.

E então me lembro de como, depois de nos despedirmos do Doutor à porta da frente, todos voltamos à sala e falamos sobre ele até ainda mais tarde; e, mesmo depois de finalmente ir para a cama (nunca antes eu ficara acordado até tão tarde), sonhei a noite inteira com ele e com uma banda de animais estranhos e inteligentes que tocavam flautas, violinos e tambores.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

The Seventh Chapter Shellfish Talk

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (A2)

Na manhã seguinte, embora tivesse ido dormir tarde, acordei muito cedo. Os primeiros pardais começavam a cantar sonolentos do lado de fora da janela do sótão quando pulei da cama e me vesti.

Eu mal podia esperar para voltar à casinha com o grande jardim e conhecer o zoológico particular do Doutor. Pela primeira vez, esqueci o café da manhã. Desci em silêncio para não acordar meus pais, abri a porta da frente e saí para a rua vazia.

No portão do Doutor, perguntei-me se era cedo demais para uma visita e se ele estava acordado. O jardim parecia vazio, então abri o portão em silêncio e entrei.

Virei à esquerda por um caminho entre alguns arbustos. Então uma voz próxima disse:

- Bom dia. Você chegou muito cedo!

Virei-me. A papagaia cinzenta, Polynesia, estava sentada no alto de uma cerca viva.

Original English Version

THE NEXT MORNING , although I had gone to bed so late the night before, I was up frightfully early. The first sparrows were just beginning to chirp sleepily on the slates outside my attic window when I jumped out of bed and scrambled into my clothes.

I could hardly wait to get back to the little house with the big garden - to see the Doctor and his private zoo. For the first time in my life I forgot all about breakfast; and creeping down the stairs on tip-toe, so as not to wake my mother and father, I opened the front door and popped out into the empty, silent street.

When I got to the Doctor’s gate I suddenly thought that perhaps it was too early to call on any one: and I began to wonder if the Doctor would be up yet. I looked into the garden. No one seemed to be about. So I opened the gate quietly and went inside.

As I turned to the left to go down a path between some hedges, I heard a voice quite close to me say,

“Good morning. How early you are!”

I turned around, and there, sitting on the top of a privet hedge, was the gray parrot, Polynesia.

Tradução Integral em Português

NA MANHÃ SEGUINTE, embora tivesse ido dormir tão tarde na noite anterior, levantei-me terrivelmente cedo. Os primeiros pardais mal começavam a chilrear sonolentos nas telhas do lado de fora da janela do sótão quando saltei da cama e vesti as roupas às pressas.

Eu mal podia esperar para voltar à casinha com o grande jardim - para ver o Doutor e seu zoológico particular. Pela primeira vez na vida, esqueci completamente o café da manhã; descendo a escada na ponta dos pés para não acordar meus pais, abri a porta da frente e saí de um salto para a rua vazia e silenciosa.

Ao chegar ao portão do Doutor, ocorreu-me de repente que talvez fosse cedo demais para visitar alguém; comecei a me perguntar se o Doutor já estaria acordado. Olhei para dentro do jardim. Não parecia haver ninguém por ali. Então abri o portão em silêncio e entrei.

Quando virei à esquerda para seguir por um caminho entre algumas cercas-vivas, ouvi uma voz bem perto de mim dizer:

“Bom dia. Como você chegou cedo!”

Virei-me, e ali, sentada no alto de uma cerca-viva de ligustro, estava Polynesia, a papagaia cinzenta.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Glossary: New Words

Priority words from the simplified reading and post-nominal letters found in this book. Post-nominals are abbreviations placed after a person's name to identify honours, professional memberships, academic titles or qualifications. Each entry shows up to six real uses; Back to A2 opens the exact simplified sentence, while Back to Original opens the exact paragraph in Original English.

addition /əˈdɪʃən/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: adição; além; complemento

Simple English: Calculation of the total of two or more numbers combined.

Example: In math class, we learned that addition is combining numbers together.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Matthew caught rats for farmers and millers in addition to selling meat. Go to

angrily /ˈæŋɡrɪli/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: com raiva; furiosamente

Simple English: In a way that shows anger.

Example: He shouted angrily at the door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. She seemed very afraid of her husband, who was still walking angrily through the house. Go to

2. “Do you really think,” he said angrily, “that I will unbutton all my clothes only to tell a little boy like you the time?” Then he walked heavily down the street, making angry sounds. Go to

badger /ˈbædʒər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: texugo

Simple English: A stocky burrowing mammal with a striped face.

Example: A badger emerged from its burrow at dusk.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Almost every kind of animal from the countryside seemed to be there: a pigeon, a white rat, an owl, a badger, and a black bird. Go to

Original English Version

1. It seemed to me that almost every kind of creature from the countryside must be there: a pigeon, a white rat, an owl, a badger, a jackdaw - there was even a small pig, just in from the rainy garden, carefully wiping his feet on the mat while the light from the candle glistened on his wet pink back. Go to

bandages /ˈbændɪdʒɪz/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ataduras; bandagens

Simple English: Long strips of cloth wrapped round a wound.

Example: The nurse changed his bandages every morning.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. His little black bag was full of medicine and bandages. Go to

Original English Version

1. I took them upstairs to the bedroom and changed, and when I came down the Doctor was all ready waiting for me with his little black bag full of medicines and bandages. Go to

barked /bɑːrkt/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: latiu

Simple English: Made the short, loud sound that a dog makes.

Example: The dog barked at the stranger.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Jip ran out, jumped up at the Doctor, and barked happily. Go to

2. In the darkness, a duck quacked, a rooster crowed, a dove cooed, an owl hooted, a lamb cried, and Jip barked. Go to

3. When he reached us, he barked and cried to the Doctor in a special way. Go to

bassoons /bəˈsuːnz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fagotes

Simple English: Large woodwind instruments that produce low, deep notes.

Example: The orchestra included flutes, piccolos, and bassoons.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. The Doctor immediately began talking to him about flutes, piccolos, and bassoons. Go to

Original English Version

1. The Doctor immediately began talking to him about flutes and piccolos and bassoons; and presently my father said, Go to

bedclothes /ˈbedkloʊz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: roupa de cama

Simple English: The sheets and covers put on a bed.

Example: He gathered up his bedclothes and moved.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “They are putting my bedclothes near the fire to make them warm and dry. Go to

bellowes /ˈbɛloʊz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Bellowes

Simple English: the surname of a difficult, hard-to-please colonel in the story

Example: My father asked me to deliver some repaired shoes to Colonel Bellowes, who was very difficult to please.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. ONE MONDAY AFTERNOON near the end of April, my father asked me to deliver some repaired shoes to Colonel Bellowes, who lived on the other side of town and was very difficult to please. Go to

Original English Version

1. They were for a Colonel Bellowes who was very particular. Go to

bent (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dobrado; curvado; torto

Simple English: not straight

Example: The old nail was bent.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Matthew stopped and bent down to whisper in my ear. Go to

blackberries /ˈblækberiz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: amoras-pretas

Simple English: Small sweet black fruit that grows on a thorny bush.

Example: They picked blackberries along the hedge.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I collected birds’ eggs and butterflies, fished in the river, searched the countryside for blackberries and mushrooms, and helped Joe repair his nets. Go to

Original English Version

1. So I used to spend my time collecting birds’ eggs and butterflies, fishing in the river, rambling through the countryside after blackberries and mushrooms and helping the mussel-man mend his nets. Go to

bran /bræn/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: farelo

Simple English: The outer skin of grain, left over after making flour.

Example: He filled the head with bran.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Matthew pushed pieces of meat and paper bags of corn and bran through the gate. Go to

Original English Version

1. A dog came running down from the house; and he took several pieces of meat which the cat’s-meat-man pushed through the bars of the gate, and some paper bags full of corn and bran. Go to

bullford /ˈbʊlfərd/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Bullford

Simple English: the name of a fictional place

Example: “His father, the king, sent him here to a place called Bullford, I think, to study.”

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “His father, the king, sent him here to a place called Bullford, I think, to study.” Go to

2. “Bullford?” said the Doctor. Go to

Original English Version

1. “His father, the king, sent him here to a place called - er - Bullford, I think it was - to study lessons.” Go to

2. “Bullford! - Bullford!” muttered the Doctor. Go to

bumpo /ˈbʌmpoʊ/ (226 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Bumpo

Simple English: the name of a prince character

Example: The King lived there with his Queen, Ermintrude, and their son, Prince Bumpo.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “How is Prince Bumpo?” asked the Doctor. Go to

2. Bumpo is in England!” Go to

3. “Imagine Bumpo studying at Oxford!” Go to

4. The king said all the other kings were sending their sons to Oxford, so Bumpo had to go too. Go to

5. Bumpo wanted to bring his six wives, but the king did not allow it. Go to

6. Poor Bumpo left in tears, and everyone in the palace cried too. Go to

Original English Version

1. “How is Prince Bumpo getting on?” asked the Doctor. Go to

2. What do you think? - Bumpo is in England! ” Go to

3. “Fancy Bumpo studying at Oxford - Well, well!” Go to

4. Bumpo wanted to bring his six wives with him. Go to

5. Poor Bumpo went off in tears - and everybody in the palace was crying too. Go to

6. But Bumpo was no end pleased with her and finally married her amid great rejoicings. Go to

bush /bʊʃ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Bush; arbusto; mato

Simple English: A dense plant with many small branches.

Example: They planted a bush in the garden to add color and beauty.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I turned left onto a path between some bushes. Go to

canary /kəˈneri/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: canário

Simple English: A small yellow singing bird kept as a pet.

Example: A canary sang in a cage by the window.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. He reads to his animals and has written history in monkey language, poems in canary language, and funny songs for magpies. Go to

Original English Version

1. He’s wrote history-books in monkey-talk, poetry in canary language and comic songs for magpies to sing. Go to

candlelight /ˈkændəllaɪt/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: luz de vela

Simple English: The light given by a candle.

Example: They ate by candlelight that evening.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. The candlelight shone on his wet pink back. Go to

Celebration /ˌsɛlɪˈbreɪʃən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: celebração; comemoração; festa

Simple English: Act of observing or honoring something important publicly.

Example: The festival was a joyful celebration of diversity and culture.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Bumpo was delighted with her and finally married her during a great celebration. Go to

Chair /tʃɛər/ (17 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cadeira; poltrona; presidente

Simple English: A seat with a back.

Example: Please sit on the chair.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Soon a great fire was burning, and we put our wet clothes on chairs around it. Go to

chee /tʃiː/ (180 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Chee (parte do nome Chee-Chee)

Simple English: Part of the name Chee-Chee, the doctor's pet monkey.

Example: Chee-Chee was different from the other animals.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “And how is Chee-Chee?” asked the Doctor. Go to

2. Then he explained to me, “Chee-Chee was my pet monkey years ago. Go to

3. “Chee-Chee is not completely happy,” said Polynesia. Go to

4. I told Chee-Chee, and he understood because he felt the same. Go to

5. When I left, poor Chee-Chee cried. Go to

Original English Version

1. “And how is Chee-Chee getting on? - Chee-Chee,” added the Doctor in explanation to me, “was a pet monkey I had years ago. Go to

2. “Well,” said Polynesia frowning, - “Chee-Chee is not entirely happy. Go to

3. So I hunted up old Chee-Chee and told him about it. Go to

4. Chee-Chee said he had noticed it too. Go to

5. When I left, poor old Chee-Chee broke down and cried. Go to

6. He’s a smart lad, is Chee-Chee.” Go to

chestnuts /ˈtʃesnʌts/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: castanhas

Simple English: Sweet brown nuts that grow inside a prickly case.

Example: They roasted chestnuts over the fire.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. We could sit inside it beside the burning wood, cook chestnuts, listen to the kettle, tell stories, or read picture books by the firelight. Go to

Original English Version

1. You could get right inside it even when the logs were burning and sit on the wide seats either side and roast chestnuts after the meal was over - or listen to the kettle singing, or tell stories, or look at picture-books by the light of the fire. Go to

churchyard /ˈtʃɜːrtʃjɑːrd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: adro; cemitério junto à igreja

Simple English: The ground around a church, often used as a burial place.

Example: We walked through the churchyard reading the names on the stones.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. A very old stone bridge called Kingsbridge connected the market square on one side to the churchyard on the other. Go to

Original English Version

1. A river ran through the middle of it; and over this river there was a very old stone bridge, called Kingsbridge, which led you from the market-place on one side to the churchyard on the other. Go to

clapped /klæpt/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bateu (palmas); bateu um contra o outro

Simple English: Hit two things together, especially the hands.

Example: She clapped the heels of her shoes together.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. The Doctor clapped his hands like a child with a new toy. Go to

Original English Version

1. The Doctor clapped his hands like a child getting a new toy; while the swarm of sparrows in the roadway fluttered, gossiping, up on to the fences, highly scandalized to see a gray and scarlet parrot skimming down an English lane. Go to

click /klɪk/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: clique; estale; mouse

Simple English: To press a button on a mouse or screen.

Example: Click the link to open the page.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. The Doctor made some funny clicking sounds with his tongue. Go to

colds /koʊldz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: resfriados

Simple English: Common minor illnesses affecting the nose and throat.

Example: Ginger tea is often taken for colds.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. He has caught bad colds because he puts his head underwater so often. Go to

Original English Version

1. But he says it’s hard work - and he has caught some terrible colds, holding his head under water so much. Go to

colonel's /ˈkɜːrnəlz/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de um coronel

Simple English: Belonging to a high army officer.

Example: She worked in a colonel's house.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. At the back door, the Colonel’s wife took the shoes. Go to

Original English Version

1. I went round to the back door, and there the Colonel’s wife met me and took the shoes from me. Go to

2. After I had eaten the bun and milk, I thanked the Colonel’s wife and came away. Go to

cooed /kuːd/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: arrulhavam

Simple English: Made the soft low sound of a dove.

Example: Doves cooed on the warm roof.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. In the darkness, a duck quacked, a rooster crowed, a dove cooed, an owl hooted, a lamb cried, and Jip barked. Go to

crowed /kroʊd/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: gritou de alegria; guinchou de contente

Simple English: Made a loud, happy sound.

Example: The baby crowed and laughed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. In the darkness, a duck quacked, a rooster crowed, a dove cooed, an owl hooted, a lamb cried, and Jip barked. Go to

cupboard /ˈkʌbərd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: armário

Simple English: A piece of furniture with shelves and doors for keeping things.

Example: The dishes were kept in a cupboard.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. In a bedroom, the Doctor opened a large cupboard and took out two old suits. Go to

cure /kjʊər/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cura; curar; curam

Simple English: A treatment that makes an illness go away.

Example: Scientists are looking for a cure.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “The Doctor came to cure my squirrel, Mother,” I said. Go to

curlews /ˈkɜːrluːz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: maçaricos-de-bico-curvo

Simple English: Large wading birds with long legs and long downward-curving bills.

Example: Wild geese and curlews fed among the marsh grass.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. In the cold, lonely marshes, we saw wild geese, curlews, redshanks, and many other seabirds among the plants and tall grass. Go to

Original English Version

1. And out there on the cold lonely marshes we would see wild geese flying, and curlews and redshanks and many other kinds of seabirds that live among the samfire and the long grass of the great salt fen. Go to

dab /dæb/ (127 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: passar de leve; aplicar aos toques

Simple English: Part of the name Dab-Dab, the doctor's duck housekeeper.

Example: Dab-Dab snorted and said I should have known better.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “Perhaps Dab-Dab can find us a light somewhere.” Go to

2. “Dab-Dab is bringing the light.” Go to

3. “Good old Dab-Dab!” Go to

4. Dab-Dab is an excellent housekeeper. Go to

5. Dab-Dab the duck and Jip the dog came in, pulling sheets and pillowcases across the clean floor. Go to

6. Dab-Dab is an excellent housekeeper and never forgets anything. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Perhaps Dab-Dab can raise us a light somewhere.” Go to

2. “It is Dab-Dab who is bringing the light.” Go to

3. “Good old Dab-Dab!” Go to

4. Dab-Dab is a perfect marvel as a housekeeper. Go to

5. While we were gobbling away, the door suddenly opened and in marched the duck, Dab-Dab, and the dog, Jip, dragging sheets and pillow-cases behind them over the clean tiled floor. Go to

6. Dab-Dab is a perfect treasure of a housekeeper; she never forgets anything. Go to

delighted /dɪˈlaɪtɪd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: encantado; deleitado; deliciar

Simple English: Experiencing great joy or pleasure from something positive.

Example: I was delighted to receive an award for my hard work and dedication.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Bumpo was delighted with her and finally married her during a great celebration. Go to

detail /ˈdiːteɪl/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: detalhe; pormenor; detalhar

Simple English: To explain something thoroughly with specific information.

Example: In her presentation, she will detail the findings of her latest research project.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. When I am not sure about an event, she tells me exactly what happened, who was there, and every other detail. Go to

dolittle /ˈduːlɪtl/ (112 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Dolittle (nome próprio)

Simple English: The family name of John Dolittle, the famous animal doctor.

Example: I, Thomas Stubbins, was secretary to John Dolittle.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Everything I wrote before about Doctor Dolittle came from people who knew him. Go to

2. I know only one man who can save this animal: John Dolittle.” Go to

3. “Who is John Dolittle?” I asked. Go to

4. Doctor Dolittle is a naturalist.” Go to

5. John Dolittle is a great naturalist. Go to

6. “Matthew,” I said, “do you know Doctor Dolittle?” Go to

Original English Version

1. ALL THAT I have written so far about Doctor Dolittle I heard long after it happened from those who had known him - indeed a great deal of it took place before I was born. Go to

2. And that’s John Dolittle.” Go to

3. “Who is John Dolittle?” I asked. Go to

4. Doctor Dolittle is a nacheralist.” Go to

5. John Dolittle is a very great nacheralist. Go to

6. “Matthew,” I said, “do you know Doctor Dolittle?” Go to

doorbell /ˈdɔːbel/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: campainha

Simple English: A bell or button used to signal someone inside a building.

Example: The doorbell rang loudly at eleven o'clock.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I found the house and rang the front doorbell. Go to

excitedly /ɪkˈsaɪtɪdli/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: excitadamente; agitadamente

Simple English: In a way that shows strong happy feeling.

Example: The boy talked excitedly about his new bike.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Sparrows flew from the road to the fences, talking excitedly because a gray and red parrot was flying along an English country road. Go to

excuse /ɪkˈskjuːs/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

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.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Excuse me for a moment.” Go to

2. “Oh, excuse me, Stubbins!” said the Doctor. Go to

extraordinary /ɪkˈstrɔːrdɪnəri/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: extraordinário

Simple English: Remarkable or very unusual, often in a positive way.

Example: His performance in the competition was extraordinary, earning him first place.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. She was an extraordinary bird.” Go to

extreme /ɪkˈstriːm/ (13 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: extrema; radicais; exagerado

Simple English: Very high in intensity or degree of conditions.

Example: We experienced extreme temperatures this summer, leading to heat advisories everywhere.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. The king learned that Bumpo had helped you escape and became extremely angry.” Go to

fault /fɔːlt/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: culpa; falha; defeito

Simple English: Responsibility attributed for a mistake or misfortune.

Example: It's not my fault that the meeting was canceled last minute.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “It was as much my fault as yours,” said the short man. Go to

2. “It is my fault that your son is late. Go to

feasts /fiːsts/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: banquetes; festins; festas

Simple English: Large special meals, usually for a celebration.

Example: The village holds two feasts every summer.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. The feasts lasted seven days. Go to

feed (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: alimentar; alimentação; ração

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. A seller walked through the streets with pieces of meat on a wooden tray and shouted, “Meat!” People paid him to feed their cats and dogs instead of giving them biscuits or food from the table. Go to

2. Sometimes he allowed me to feed them, which was great fun. Go to

firelight /ˈfaɪərlaɪt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: luz da fogueira; clarão do fogo

Simple English: The light given out by a fire.

Example: They read by firelight because the lamp had failed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. We could sit inside it beside the burning wood, cook chestnuts, listen to the kettle, tell stories, or read picture books by the firelight. Go to

fished /fɪʃt/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pescou; tirou de dentro de

Simple English: Tried to catch fish; also pulled something out of a place.

Example: He fished a coin out of his coat pocket.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I collected birds’ eggs and butterflies, fished in the river, searched the countryside for blackberries and mushrooms, and helped Joe repair his nets. Go to

flutes /fluːts/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: flautas

Simple English: Long wind instruments played by blowing across an opening.

Example: The musicians played cheerful flutes and tambourines.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. The Doctor immediately began talking to him about flutes, piccolos, and bassoons. Go to

2. When I finally went to bed, later than ever before, I dreamed about him and a group of clever animals playing flutes, violins, and drums all night. Go to

Original English Version

1. The Doctor immediately began talking to him about flutes and piccolos and bassoons; and presently my father said, Go to

2. And then I remember how, after we had seen the Doctor out at the front door, we all came back into the parlor and talked about him till it was still later; and even after I did go to bed (I had never stayed up so late in my life before) I dreamed about him and a band of strange clever animals that played flutes and fiddles and drums the whole night through. Go to

forgets /fərˈɡɛts/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: esquece

Simple English: Does not keep something in the mind.

Example: He never forgets a face.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Dab-Dab is an excellent housekeeper and never forgets anything. Go to

Original English Version

1. Dab-Dab is a perfect treasure of a housekeeper; she never forgets anything. Go to

fortune /ˈfɔːrtʃən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

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.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I wanted to travel through the world and seek my fortune in Africa, India, China, and Peru. Go to

2. I wanted to leave my father’s house, board a brave ship, travel through the misty marshes to the sea, and seek my fortune in the world. Go to

frying /ˈfraɪɪŋ/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fritando; ardendo

Simple English: Cooking food in hot oil or fat.

Example: He smelled bacon frying in the pan.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “Now,” he said, “we only need a frying pan.” Go to

2. The Doctor took down a frying pan. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Now,” he said, “all we want is a frying-pan.” Go to

2. The Doctor took down the frying-pan. Go to

3. In a few moments we had the pan all shiny and bright and the sausages were put over the kitchen-fire and a beautiful frying smell went all through the house. Go to

geese /ɡiːs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: gansos

Simple English: Large water birds with long necks.

Example: Wild geese flew over the marsh.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. In the cold, lonely marshes, we saw wild geese, curlews, redshanks, and many other seabirds among the plants and tall grass. Go to

Original English Version

1. And out there on the cold lonely marshes we would see wild geese flying, and curlews and redshanks and many other kinds of seabirds that live among the samfire and the long grass of the great salt fen. Go to

hearing /ˈhɪərɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: audiência; ouvir; escutando

Simple English: Ability to perceive sounds or voices through ears.

Example: His hearing is so sharp that he can hear whispers.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. After hearing so much about him, I had expected someone very tall, strong, and wonderful. Go to

hedges /ˈhedʒɪz/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sebes; cercas vivas

Simple English: Lines of bushes planted close together as a boundary.

Example: The lane runs between two tall hedges.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. As I turned to the left to go down a path between some hedges, I heard a voice quite close to me say, Go to

hermit /ˈhɜːrmɪt/ (42 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: eremita; pessoa reclusa

Simple English: a person who lives alone and away from society, often for religious reasons

Example: A holy hermit lived alone in the distant hills.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. My third close friend was Luke the Hermit. Go to

Original English Version

1. My third great friend was Luke the Hermit. Go to

hippocampus /ˌhɪpəˈkæmpəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: hipocampo; cavalo-marinho

Simple English: A seahorse, or a curved brain structure important for memory.

Example: The creature's scientific name began with hippocampus.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “Its full name is hippocampus pippitopitus, but the local people call it a Wiff-Waff. Go to

Original English Version

1. Its full name is hippocampus pippitopitus . Go to

hold /hoʊld/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: segurar; prender; preensão

Simple English: To have something in your hand or arms.

Example: Hold the baby carefully.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. ONE SPRING MORNING, I was walking in the hills behind the town when I saw a hawk holding a squirrel. Go to

hooted /ˈhuːtɪd/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: vaiou; gritou zombando

Simple English: Made the long deep call of an owl.

Example: An owl hooted twice and then was silent.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. In the darkness, a duck quacked, a rooster crowed, a dove cooed, an owl hooted, a lamb cried, and Jip barked. Go to

housekeeper /ˈhaʊskiːpər/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: governanta; caseira

Simple English: A person employed to manage a household.

Example: The housekeeper kept every key on one ring.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Dab-Dab is an excellent housekeeper. Go to

2. Dab-Dab is an excellent housekeeper and never forgets anything. Go to

Original English Version

1. Dab-Dab is a perfect marvel as a housekeeper. Go to

2. Dab-Dab is a perfect treasure of a housekeeper; she never forgets anything. Go to

humming /ˈhʌmɪŋ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cantarolando

Simple English: Singing a tune with the lips closed.

Example: She was humming while she washed the plates.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. That wonderful bird (she is now nearly two hundred and fifty years old) sits on the top of my desk, usually humming sailor songs to herself, while I write this book. Go to

hurried /ˈhɜːrid/ (19 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: correram; foram depressa

Simple English: Moved or went quickly.

Example: The mice hurried away through the grass.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I hurried across the market square and reached him. Go to

2. “Are you Doctor Dolittle?” I shouted as we hurried along the short garden path to the house. Go to

3. Things came down the stairs and hurried through the halls. Go to

Original English Version

1. So I hurried across the market-place and caught him up. Go to

jip /dʒɪp/ (120 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Jip (nome próprio)

Simple English: The name of John Dolittle's dog.

Example: I thought Jip might help me write the story.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Jip is old now, so the Doctor no longer takes him on journeys. Go to

2. While the Doctor is away, Jip never allows anyone into the garden, not even me. Go to

3. Sometimes Jip came to meet me. Go to

4. Jip came to the gate and moved his tail, as usual. Go to

5. Jip ran out, jumped up at the Doctor, and barked happily. Go to

6. I quickly went inside, and he and Jip followed me. Go to

Original English Version

1. Sometimes the dog, Jip, would come down to the gate to meet me. Go to

2. The dog, Jip, came to the gate and wagged his tail as usual, and then sat down and watched me closely to see that I didn’t get in. Go to

3. The dog, Jip, came rushing out and started jumping up on him and barking with happiness. Go to

4. I popped in, he and Jip following. Go to

5. Somewhere in the dark a duck was quacking, a cock was crowing, a dove was cooing, an owl was hooting, a lamb was bleating and Jip was barking. Go to

6. While we were gobbling away, the door suddenly opened and in marched the duck, Dab-Dab, and the dog, Jip, dragging sheets and pillow-cases behind them over the clean tiled floor. Go to

joe's /dʒoʊz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: de Joe

Simple English: belonging to a character named Joe, referring to his train ticket

Example: He would send his trunk to Shelly Hot Springs on Joe's ticket.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. At the bridge, I entered Joe’s hut and asked if he could help. Go to

jolliginki /ˌdʒɒlɪˈdʒɪŋki/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Jolliginki

Simple English: the invented name of an African kingdom in the story

Example: "The King of the Jolliginki," the man answered.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “There was great excitement in Jolliginki when he left. Go to

Original English Version

1. “There were great doings in Jolliginki when he left. Go to

kingsbridge /ˈkɪŋzbrɪdʒ/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Kingsbridge

Simple English: the name of a stone bridge connecting parts of a town in the story

Example: A very old stone bridge called Kingsbridge connected the market square to the churchyard.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. A very old stone bridge called Kingsbridge connected the market square on one side to the churchyard on the other. Go to

2. I wondered what strange things they would see before returning to Kingsbridge. Go to

3. The lights on Kingsbridge shone in the darkness and reminded us of tea and warm fires. Go to

Original English Version

1. A river ran through the middle of it; and over this river there was a very old stone bridge, called Kingsbridge, which led you from the market-place on one side to the churchyard on the other. Go to

2. What strange things would they have seen, I wondered, when next they came back to anchor at Kingsbridge! Go to

3. And as we crept up the river in the evening, when the tide had turned, we would see the lights on Kingsbridge twinkle in the dusk, reminding us of tea-time and warm fires. Go to

kites /kaɪts/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pipas; papagaios (de vento); milhafres (aves)

Simple English: Light frames flown on a string in the wind, or a kind of hawk-like bird.

Example: Children ran across the field flying paper kites.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. He repaired my toy ships, built windmills from old wooden boxes and barrel pieces, and made wonderful kites from old umbrellas. Go to

Original English Version

1. He used to mend my toy ships for me which I sailed upon the river; he built windmills out of packing-cases and barrel-staves; and he could make the most wonderful kites from old umbrellas. Go to

line (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: linha; fila; limites

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. He talked so much that he forgot to shout “Meat!” Soon we noticed that a long line of dogs was patiently following us. Go to

loaf /loʊf/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pão; fôrma de pão

Simple English: Bread that has been baked in one large piece.

Example: We bought a warm loaf on the way home.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. First, he took out a loaf of fresh bread. Go to

Original English Version

1. First he brought out a loaf of new bread. Go to

lobsters /ˈlɑːbstərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: lagostas

Simple English: Sea animals with hard shells and large claws.

Example: Lobsters moved slowly over the sandy bottom.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. When the tide went out, we traveled down the river to the sea to collect mussels and lobsters to sell. Go to

Original English Version

1. Joe would sometimes take me in his mussel-boat, and when the tide was running out we would paddle down the river as far as the edge of the sea to get mussels and lobsters to sell. Go to

lower /ˈloʊər/ (11 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: inferior; abaixar; menor

Simple English: To make something smaller in amount, degree, or size.

Example: The company decided to lower their prices to attract more customers.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. There was nowhere near to hide from the storm, so I lowered my head against the strong wind and ran towards home. Go to

magpies /ˈmæɡpaɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pegas

Simple English: Black-and-white birds with long tails, noted in folklore for collecting bright objects.

Example: Two magpies landed on the garden wall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. He reads to his animals and has written history in monkey language, poems in canary language, and funny songs for magpies. Go to

Original English Version

1. He’s wrote history-books in monkey-talk, poetry in canary language and comic songs for magpies to sing. Go to

marshes /ˈmɑːrʃɪz/ (16 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pântanos; brejos

Simple English: Areas of low, wet ground.

Example: The country was full of bogs and marshes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. In the cold, lonely marshes, we saw wild geese, curlews, redshanks, and many other seabirds among the plants and tall grass. Go to

2. I wanted to leave my father’s house, board a brave ship, travel through the misty marshes to the sea, and seek my fortune in the world. Go to

Original English Version

1. For I longed always to sail away with those brave ships when they turned their backs on Puddleby Church and went creeping down the river again, across the wide lonely marshes to the sea. Go to

2. And out there on the cold lonely marshes we would see wild geese flying, and curlews and redshanks and many other kinds of seabirds that live among the samfire and the long grass of the great salt fen. Go to

3. Always I longed for the time when I should be allowed to leave my father’s house, to take passage in one of those brave ships, to sail down the river through the misty marshes to the sea - out into the world to seek my fortune. Go to

matchsticks /ˈmætʃstɪks/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: palitos de fósforo

Simple English: small wooden sticks used to light a fire

Example: He struck two matchsticks.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. He made them from matchsticks with his small knife. Go to

millers /ˈmɪlərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: moleiros; pessoas que trabalham moendo grãos

Simple English: People who grind grain in a mill.

Example: The millers worked beside the river.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Matthew caught rats for farmers and millers in addition to selling meat. Go to

Original English Version

1. The cat’s-meat-man used to make a business of rat-catching for the millers and farmers as well as his other trade of selling cat’s-meat. Go to

misty /ˈmɪsti/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: enevoado; embaçado; nebuloso

Simple English: Covered with mist, or not clear to see or understand.

Example: The valley was misty until midday.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I wanted to leave my father’s house, board a brave ship, travel through the misty marshes to the sea, and seek my fortune in the world. Go to

Original English Version

1. Always I longed for the time when I should be allowed to leave my father’s house, to take passage in one of those brave ships, to sail down the river through the misty marshes to the sea - out into the world to seek my fortune. Go to

mugg /mʌɡ/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Mugg (nome próprio)

Simple English: The family name of Matthew, a friend of Doctor Dolittle.

Example: Next I went to Matthew Mugg.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Another friend was Matthew Mugg, who sold meat for cats and dogs. Go to

2. “That is Matthew Mugg,” I thought. Go to

Original English Version

1. Another friend I had was Matthew Mugg, the cat’s-meat-man. Go to

2. “There’s Matthew Mugg,” I said to myself. Go to

mussel /ˈmʌsəl/ (13 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mexilhão

Simple English: A small shellfish that can be eaten.

Example: They collected mussels by the shore.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Sometimes Joe took me in his mussel boat. Go to

Original English Version

1. One was Joe, the mussel-man, who lived in a tiny hut by the edge of the water under the bridge. Go to

2. Joe would sometimes take me in his mussel-boat, and when the tide was running out we would paddle down the river as far as the edge of the sea to get mussels and lobsters to sell. Go to

3. So I used to spend my time collecting birds’ eggs and butterflies, fishing in the river, rambling through the countryside after blackberries and mushrooms and helping the mussel-man mend his nets. Go to

4. When I came to the bridge I went into the mussel-man’s hut and asked him if he could do anything for it. Go to

5. “No,” said the mussel-man. Go to

6. So I thanked the mussel-man, took up my squirrel again and started off towards the Oxenthorpe Road. Go to

mussels /ˈmʌsəlz/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mexilhões

Simple English: Small shellfish that can be eaten.

Example: We ate steamed mussels.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. One was Joe, who collected mussels and lived in a small hut near the water under the bridge. Go to

2. When the tide went out, we traveled down the river to the sea to collect mussels and lobsters to sell. Go to

Original English Version

1. Joe would sometimes take me in his mussel-boat, and when the tide was running out we would paddle down the river as far as the edge of the sea to get mussels and lobsters to sell. Go to

mysterious /mɪˈstɪriəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: misterioso

Simple English: Having puzzling qualities suggesting hidden motives or secrets.

Example: The old house had a mysterious aura that intrigued the children.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “He speaks their language,” Matthew said in a quiet, mysterious voice. Go to

naturalist /ˈnætʃərəlɪst/ (42 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: naturalista

Simple English: A person who studies plants and animals.

Example: The naturalist wrote down every bird he saw.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Doctor Dolittle is a naturalist.” Go to

2. “What is a naturalist?” Go to

3. “A naturalist,” said Joe as he put away his glasses and filled his pipe, “is a person who knows about animals, butterflies, plants, rocks, and many other things. Go to

4. John Dolittle is a great naturalist. Go to

5. He is quiet and does not speak much, but some people say he is the greatest naturalist in the world.” Go to

6. “Perhaps he will become a naturalist one day. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Perhaps he will grow up to be a naturalist some day. Go to

2. Of course now, when almost everybody in the whole world has heard about Doctor Dolittle and his books, if you were to go to that little house in Puddleby where my father had his cobbler’s shop you would see, set in the wall over the old-fashioned door, a stone with writing on it which says: “JOHN DOLITTLE, THE FAMOUS NATURALIST, PLAYED THE FLUTE IN THIS HOUSE IN THE YEAR 1839.” Go to

naturally /ˈnætʃərəli/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: naturalmente; evidentemente; claro

Simple English: In a logical or expected manner.

Example: She naturally understood the problem without needing any explanation.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Squirrels are naturally happy and active, so it is hard for them to lie still. Go to

nodded /ˈnɑːdɪd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: acenou com a cabeça

Simple English: Moved the head up and down to say yes or to greet someone.

Example: The figure nodded kindly at her.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The parrot, on the Doctor’s shoulder, nodded gravely towards me and then, to my great surprise, said quite plainly in English, Go to

opening /ˈoʊpənɪŋ/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

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.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. But there he was, running up the steps and opening the gate that I had watched for so many days! Go to

2. “Yes, I am Doctor Dolittle,” he said, opening the front door with the same keys. Go to

organ /ˈɔːrɡən/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: órgão

Simple English: A vital body part with a specific biological function.

Example: The heart is an organ that pumps blood throughout the body.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I did not usually care much about music except the mouth organ, but even I felt sad and cold inside and wished I had been a better boy. Go to

otherwise /ˈʌðərwaɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: caso contrário; senão; contrariamente

Simple English: If not, then a different result would occur.

Example: You must hurry; otherwise, you'll miss the train.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “Otherwise, the gate would not be locked.” Go to

oxenthorpe /ˈɒksənθɔːrp/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Oxenthorpe

Simple English: the name of a road mentioned in the story

Example: I really want to see that old wall over the Oxenthorpe Road again, Dab-Dab.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “He lives on Oxenthorpe Road, on the other side of town. Go to

2. I thanked Joe, picked up the squirrel again, and walked toward Oxenthorpe Road. Go to

3. Matthew talked about his great friend, Doctor John Dolittle, during our whole walk along Oxenthorpe Road. Go to

4. I turned onto Oxenthorpe Road and walked toward the Doctor’s house. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Over on the Oxenthorpe Road, t’other side the town. Go to

2. So I thanked the mussel-man, took up my squirrel again and started off towards the Oxenthorpe Road. Go to

3. All the way down the Oxenthorpe Road Matthew hardly stopped talking about his great friend, Doctor John Dolittle - “M. Go to

4. So I turned into the Oxenthorpe Road and started off towards the Doctor’s house. Go to

pah /pɑː/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bah! (desprezo)

Simple English: A sound people make to show disgust or scorn.

Example: Pah! I do not believe a word of that story.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. She became his first wife and is now called Crown Princess Bum-pah, with the stress on the last part.” Go to

Original English Version

1. She became his chief wife and is now known out there as the Crown-Princess Bum pah - you accent the last syllable.” Go to

pans /pænz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: panelas; frigideiras

Simple English: Metal containers used for cooking.

Example: Two black pans hung above the fire.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Pots and pans hung on the wall. Go to

Original English Version

1. We went into the scullery and there we found some pots and pans hanging against the wall. Go to

parrot /ˈpærət/ (37 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: papagaio

Simple English: A brightly coloured bird that can copy words.

Example: The parrot repeated everything we said.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. When I cannot remember something, I always ask Polynesia, the parrot. Go to

2. “Polynesia was a parrot from West Africa who lived with me. Go to

3. Sparrows flew from the road to the fences, talking excitedly because a gray and red parrot was flying along an English country road. Go to

4. The parrot sat on the Doctor’s shoulder and gave me a serious nod. Go to

5. “Well,” said the parrot, turning to me, “I may have helped the Doctor begin, but I could not have done that if he had not first taught me to understand the English words I spoke. Go to

6. “Only for about three months,” said the parrot. Go to

Original English Version

1. But whenever I am in doubt and have to hesitate and think, I always ask Polynesia, the parrot. Go to

2. “Polynesia was a West African parrot I had. Go to

3. But the parrot, Polynesia, was already flying towards us. Go to

4. The Doctor clapped his hands like a child getting a new toy; while the swarm of sparrows in the roadway fluttered, gossiping, up on to the fences, highly scandalized to see a gray and scarlet parrot skimming down an English lane. Go to

5. The parrot, on the Doctor’s shoulder, nodded gravely towards me and then, to my great surprise, said quite plainly in English, Go to

6. “Well,” said the parrot, turning to me, “I may have started the Doctor learning but I never could have done even that, if he hadn’t first taught me to understand what I was saying when I spoke English. Go to

parrots /ˈpærəts/ (32 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: papagaios

Simple English: Brightly coloured birds that can copy words.

Example: Green parrots screamed above the trees.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Many parrots can talk like people, but very few understand their own words. Go to

Original English Version

1. You see, many parrots can talk like a person, but very few of them understand what they are saying. Go to

patient /ˈpeɪʃənt/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: paciente; doente; pacientes

Simple English: A person receiving medical care.

Example: The doctor saw the patient.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “You can learn with practice, but you must be very patient. Go to

patiently /ˈpeɪʃəntli/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pacientemente; com paciência

Simple English: In a calm way, without complaining while waiting.

Example: He waited patiently until morning came.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. He talked so much that he forgot to shout “Meat!” Soon we noticed that a long line of dogs was patiently following us. Go to

Original English Version

1. D.” He talked so much that he forgot all about calling out “Meat!” until we both suddenly noticed that we had a whole procession of dogs following us patiently. Go to

piccolos /ˈpɪkkɒlɒs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: flautins

Simple English: Here, piccolos is used as a noun; in this context it means flautins.

Example: It was not a small five-piece group, but a full group with oboes, trombones, saxophones, viols, cornets, piccolos, and drums.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. The Doctor immediately began talking to him about flutes, piccolos, and bassoons. Go to

Original English Version

1. The Doctor immediately began talking to him about flutes and piccolos and bassoons; and presently my father said, Go to

pick (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: escolher; buscá; picareta

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I picked up the poor animal and saw that two legs were badly injured. Go to

2. I thanked Joe, picked up the squirrel again, and walked toward Oxenthorpe Road. Go to

pillowcases /ˈpɪllæʊkæsɛs/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: fronhas

Simple English: Here, pillowcases is used as a adjective; in this context it means fronhas.

Example: Instead of making the bed, she would pull off the pillowcases, push her woolly head into the pillows, and sometimes come out with feathers stuck all over it.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Dab-Dab the duck and Jip the dog came in, pulling sheets and pillowcases across the clean floor. Go to

pipefish /ˈpaɪpˌfɪʃ/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: peixe-cachimbo

Simple English: A long, very slender fish related to the seahorse, with a narrow tube-shaped snout.

Example: The unusual pipefish had a long body and a tube-shaped mouth.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I wanted this special pipefish because it is half shellfish and half ordinary fish. Go to

pippitopitus /ˌpɪpɪtoʊˈpaɪtəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pipitopito

Simple English: an invented Latin-sounding species name for a fictional sea creature called the Wiff-Waff

Example: “Its full name is hippocampus pippitopitus, but the local people call it a Wiff-Waff.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “Its full name is hippocampus pippitopitus, but the local people call it a Wiff-Waff. Go to

Original English Version

1. Its full name is hippocampus pippitopitus . Go to

politely /pəˈlaɪtli/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: educadamente; com cortesia

Simple English: In a way that shows good manners.

Example: I am quite well, thank you, she replied politely.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I asked him politely to tell me the time. Go to

polynesia /ˌpɑːlɪˈniːʒə/ (297 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Polynésia (nome próprio)

Simple English: The name of John Dolittle's wise old parrot.

Example: Polynesia the parrot asked if I was a good noticer.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. When I cannot remember something, I always ask Polynesia, the parrot. Go to

2. Polynesia has an amazing memory. Go to

3. Sometimes I think I should say that Polynesia wrote this book instead of me. Go to

4. Polynesia should teach you at first. Go to

5. “Who is Polynesia?” I asked. Go to

6. “Polynesia was a parrot from West Africa who lived with me. Go to

Original English Version

1. But whenever I am in doubt and have to hesitate and think, I always ask Polynesia, the parrot. Go to

2. In fact sometimes I almost think I ought to say that this book was written by Polynesia instead of me. Go to

3. You really ought to have Polynesia to start you. Go to

4. “Who is Polynesia?” I asked. Go to

5. “Polynesia was a West African parrot I had. Go to

6. I often wonder if she remained happy in Africa, and whether I shall ever see her funny, old, solemn face again - Good old Polynesia! - A most extraordinary bird - Well, well!” Go to

polynesia's /ˌpɑːlɪˈniːʒəz/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Polynésia

Simple English: Belonging to Polynesia, the Doctor's wise old parrot.

Example: He had exaggerated Polynesia's adaptability and endurance.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. And, as every one who ever met her knows, Polynesia’s memory is the most marvelous memory in the world. Go to

porpoise /ˈpɔːrpəs/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: toninha

Simple English: a small sea mammal like a dolphin

Example: A porpoise leaped beside the boat.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I can speak a little shark language and a kind of porpoise language, but now I especially want to learn shellfish language.” Go to

Original English Version

1. I can talk a little shark language and porpoise dialect myself. Go to

practical /ˈpræktɪkəl/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: prático; concretas

Simple English: Likely to work well or achieve intended results realistically.

Example: This guide provides practical tips for improving your writing skills.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. The kitchen was like the Doctor: comfortable, practical, friendly, and strong. Go to

princess /prɪnˈsɛs/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: princesa

Simple English: Female royal family member, typically king's or queen's daughter.

Example: The princess was admired for her kindness towards her people.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. She became his first wife and is now called Crown Princess Bum-pah, with the stress on the last part.” Go to

puddleby /ˈpʌdlbi/ (80 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Puddleby (nome próprio)

Simple English: The small English town where Doctor Dolittle lives.

Example: Puddleby-on-the-Marsh was Tommy Stubbins's home.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. My father, Jacob Stubbins, was a shoemaker in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. Go to

2. Puddleby was a small town then. Go to

3. I always wanted to leave with those brave ships when they sailed away from Puddleby toward the sea. Go to

4. I had three close friends in Puddleby. Go to

5. He knew everyone in Puddleby and knew all the cats and dogs. Go to

6. Above the old door of my father’s small shop in Puddleby, a stone now says: “John Dolittle, the famous naturalist, played the flute in this house in 1839.” Go to

Original English Version

1. MY NAME WAS Tommy Stubbins, son of Jacob Stubbins, the cobbler of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh; and I was nine and a half years old. Go to

2. At that time Puddleby was only quite a small town. Go to

3. For I longed always to sail away with those brave ships when they turned their backs on Puddleby Church and went creeping down the river again, across the wide lonely marshes to the sea. Go to

4. Three great friends I had in Puddleby in those days. Go to

5. He knew everybody in Puddleby; and he knew all the dogs and all the cats. Go to

6. Of course now, when almost everybody in the whole world has heard about Doctor Dolittle and his books, if you were to go to that little house in Puddleby where my father had his cobbler’s shop you would see, set in the wall over the old-fashioned door, a stone with writing on it which says: “JOHN DOLITTLE, THE FAMOUS NATURALIST, PLAYED THE FLUTE IN THIS HOUSE IN THE YEAR 1839.” Go to

quacked /kwækt/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: grasnou

Simple English: Made the sound of a duck.

Example: The duck quacked beside the pond.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. In the darkness, a duck quacked, a rooster crowed, a dove cooed, an owl hooted, a lamb cried, and Jip barked. Go to

redder /ˈredər/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mais vermelho

Simple English: More red in colour than before.

Example: His face grew redder as he spoke.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. His red face became even redder. Go to

Original English Version

1. He stopped, grunted and glared down at me - his red face growing redder still; and when he spoke it sounded like the cork coming out of a gingerbeer-bottle. Go to

redshanks /ˈrɛdˌʃæŋks/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pernas-vermelhas; maçaricos-de-pernas-vermelhas

Simple English: Wading birds with long reddish legs, often found on marshes and shores.

Example: Redshanks fed among the plants of the salt marsh.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. In the cold, lonely marshes, we saw wild geese, curlews, redshanks, and many other seabirds among the plants and tall grass. Go to

Original English Version

1. And out there on the cold lonely marshes we would see wild geese flying, and curlews and redshanks and many other kinds of seabirds that live among the samfire and the long grass of the great salt fen. Go to

rooster /ˈruːstər/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: galo

Simple English: A male chicken.

Example: A rooster crowed loudly at dawn.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. In the darkness, a duck quacked, a rooster crowed, a dove cooed, an owl hooted, a lamb cried, and Jip barked. Go to

rush /rʌʃ/ (15 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Rush; apressar; pressa

Simple English: To move or act very quickly or hastily.

Example: In the morning, I always rush to catch the bus.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. We turned and saw Jip rushing along the road as fast as he could. Go to

sausages /ˈsɔːsɪdʒɪz/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: salsichas

Simple English: Meat cut small and pressed into a long thin case.

Example: They cooked sausages over the fire.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Now, where did I put those sausages?” Go to

2. At last, the Doctor took out a pound of sausages. Go to

3. We put the sausages over the kitchen fire, and a wonderful smell filled the house. Go to

4. “I do not think so,” said the Doctor, touching the sausages with a fork. Go to

5. “The sausages are perfectly cooked. Go to

Original English Version

1. And it isn’t really necessary, you know - Where did I put those sausages?” Go to

2. At last the Doctor brought out a pound of sausages. Go to

3. In a few moments we had the pan all shiny and bright and the sausages were put over the kitchen-fire and a beautiful frying smell went all through the house. Go to

4. “I don’t think so,” said the Doctor, prodding the sausages with a fork. Go to

5. “The sausages are done to a turn. Go to

scarves /skɑːrvz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: cachecóis; lenços; echarpes

Simple English: Pieces of cloth worn around the neck or head.

Example: They sell woollen scarves at the market in winter.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. He wore elegant coats, scarves, and bright gloves. Go to

seabirds /ˈsiːbɜːrd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: aves marinhas

Simple English: Birds that live and feed near or over the sea.

Example: Thousands of seabirds nested on the cold marshes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. In the cold, lonely marshes, we saw wild geese, curlews, redshanks, and many other seabirds among the plants and tall grass. Go to

Original English Version

1. And out there on the cold lonely marshes we would see wild geese flying, and curlews and redshanks and many other kinds of seabirds that live among the samfire and the long grass of the great salt fen. Go to

seek /siːk/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: procurar; buscar; busco

Simple English: To attempt to find or obtain a particular object or information.

Example: They will seek help from experts to solve the complicated problem.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I wanted to travel through the world and seek my fortune in Africa, India, China, and Peru. Go to

2. I wanted to leave my father’s house, board a brave ship, travel through the misty marshes to the sea, and seek my fortune in the world. Go to

settle (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: resolver; estabelecer; assentar

Simple English: to decide, arrange, or make a home

Example: They settled the argument peacefully.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. But after a few weeks, I could not settle there. Go to

shadow /ˈʃædoʊ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sombra; sombrear

Simple English: Dark shape made when an object blocks light.

Example: The tree cast a long shadow on the ground during the sunset.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. As the light came down, it became brighter and made strange moving shadows on the walls. Go to

shellfish /ˈʃelfɪʃ/ (54 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mariscos

Simple English: Sea animals with shells, such as crabs and oysters.

Example: The market sold fresh shellfish every morning.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. He knows much about shellfish. Go to

2. Now he is learning shellfish language, but it is difficult. Go to

3. I am now trying to learn the language of shellfish. Go to

4. I can speak a little shark language and a kind of porpoise language, but now I especially want to learn shellfish language.” Go to

5. “Some shellfish are among the oldest animals we know,” he said. Go to

6. I am sure that only shellfish can tell us the oldest history. Go to

Original English Version

1. He knows a whole lot about shellfish - that I know from my own knowledge. Go to

2. He’s now busy learning the language of the shellfish. Go to

3. You see I’m very busy just now trying to learn the language of the shellfish. Go to

4. But what I particularly want to learn now is shellfish.” Go to

5. “Well, you see, some of the shellfish are the oldest kind of animals in the world that we know of. Go to

6. No, I am certain that the oldest history in the world is to be had from the shellfish - and from them only. Go to

shelter /ˈʃɛltər/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: abrigo; refúgio

Simple English: A place providing food and housing to very poor people.

Example: The local shelter offers meals and beds for homeless individuals each night.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. We hit each other during the storm, and I asked him to take shelter in my house.” Go to

shoemaker /ˈʃuːmeɪkər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sapateiro

Simple English: A person who makes or mends shoes.

Example: The shoemaker measured the boy's feet.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. My father, Jacob Stubbins, was a shoemaker in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Oh, are you the son of Jacob Stubbins, the shoemaker?” Go to

shoemaker's ʃumeɪkɜrz (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sapateiro

Simple English: a person who makes or repairs shoes

Example: At last he needed to put down his tool and pick up his shoemaker's knife.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “Oh, are you Jacob Stubbins the shoemaker’s son?” Go to

shone /ʃoʊn/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: brilhavam; reluziam

Simple English: Gave out or reflected light.

Example: The little stars shone in the sun like diamonds.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. The lights on Kingsbridge shone in the darkness and reminded us of tea and warm fires. Go to

2. The candlelight shone on his wet pink back. Go to

sighed /saɪd/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: suspirou

Simple English: Let out a long, slow breath to show sadness or relief.

Example: The Scarecrow sighed and said nothing.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. “Oh I think that was just beautiful!” sighed my mother when at length the Doctor stopped. Go to

sleepily /ˈsliːpɪli/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sonolentamente

Simple English: In a way that shows you want to sleep.

Example: The child answered sleepily from his bed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. The first sparrows were beginning to sing sleepily outside my attic window when I jumped out of bed and dressed. Go to

Original English Version

1. The first sparrows were just beginning to chirp sleepily on the slates outside my attic window when I jumped out of bed and scrambled into my clothes. Go to

sparrows /ˈspæroʊz/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pardais

Simple English: small common brown and gray birds

Example: Sparrows searched the path for crumbs.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Sparrows flew from the road to the fences, talking excitedly because a gray and red parrot was flying along an English country road. Go to

2. The first sparrows were beginning to sing sleepily outside my attic window when I jumped out of bed and dressed. Go to

Original English Version

1. The Doctor clapped his hands like a child getting a new toy; while the swarm of sparrows in the roadway fluttered, gossiping, up on to the fences, highly scandalized to see a gray and scarlet parrot skimming down an English lane. Go to

2. The first sparrows were just beginning to chirp sleepily on the slates outside my attic window when I jumped out of bed and scrambled into my clothes. Go to

splashing /ˈsplæʃɪŋ/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: chapinhando; atravessando a água

Simple English: Walking through water so that it flies about.

Example: The dog came splashing through the stream.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The rain was splashing down heavier than ever. Go to

squirrels /ˈskwɜːrəlz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: esquilos

Simple English: Small animals with bushy tails that live in trees.

Example: Toto chased birds and squirrels.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Squirrels are naturally happy and active, so it is hard for them to lie still. Go to

Original English Version

1. Squirrels are naturally a very cheerful, active race. Go to

stare /stɛər/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

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.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. He stopped, made an angry sound, and stared down at me. Go to

2. “May I ask who you are?” said my mother, staring at the gray parrot on the Doctor’s shoulder. Go to

step /stɛp/ (25 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: passo; etapa; pisar

Simple English: A flat surface used for moving up or down.

Example: He fell down the step outside the front door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. The garden was much higher than the road, so steps in the wall led to the front gate. Go to

2. At the house, Matthew climbed the steps, and I followed him. Go to

3. I sadly turned away, went down the steps to the road, and started walking home again. Go to

4. I looked up and saw that we were back at the bottom of the steps to the little house with the big garden! Go to

5. My new friend was already running up the steps. Go to

6. But there he was, running up the steps and opening the gate that I had watched for so many days! Go to

strangest /ˈstreɪndʒɪst/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: o mais estranho

Simple English: The most strange of all.

Example: The strangest thing was the people who lived there.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Then I heard the strangest noise of my life. Go to

stubbins /ˈstʌbɪnz/ (89 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Stubbins (nome próprio)

Simple English: The family name of Tommy, the Doctor's young secretary.

Example: I, Thomas Stubbins, am trying to write our story.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. MY NAME WAS Tommy Stubbins. Go to

2. My father, Jacob Stubbins, was a shoemaker in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. Go to

3. “Tommy Stubbins,” I said. Go to

4. “Oh, are you Jacob Stubbins the shoemaker’s son?” Go to

5. Now, Stubbins, you must change those wet clothes quickly. Go to

6. “Of course you will stay and eat with me, Stubbins?” Go to

Original English Version

1. MY NAME WAS Tommy Stubbins, son of Jacob Stubbins, the cobbler of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh; and I was nine and a half years old. Go to

2. “Tommy Stubbins,” I said. Go to

3. “Oh, are you the son of Jacob Stubbins, the shoemaker?” Go to

4. “Your father made me those boots four years ago, and I’ve been wearing them ever since - perfectly wonderful boots - Well now, look here, Stubbins. Go to

5. “Now let’s cook some supper,” said the Doctor. - “You’ll stay and have supper with me, Stubbins, of course?” Go to

6. Already I was beginning to be very fond of this funny little man who called me “Stubbins,” instead of “Tommy” or “little lad” (I did so hate to be called “little lad”!) This man seemed to begin right away treating me as though I were a grown-up friend of his. Go to

swarm /swɔːrm/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: enxame

Simple English: A large group of insects flying together.

Example: A swarm of black bees flew toward her.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The Doctor clapped his hands like a child getting a new toy; while the swarm of sparrows in the roadway fluttered, gossiping, up on to the fences, highly scandalized to see a gray and scarlet parrot skimming down an English lane. Go to

swims /swɪmz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: nada

Simple English: Moves through water using the body.

Example: A fish knows the water it swims in.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Perhaps this is because it moves its tail from side to side when it swims. Go to

tear /tɪər/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

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.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Poor Bumpo left in tears, and everyone in the palace cried too. Go to

terrier /ˈtɛriər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: terrier (cão pequeno e vivo)

Simple English: A small brave dog often kept for hunting.

Example: The little terrier barked at the horse.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Another was a terrier that caught rats well. Go to

Original English Version

1. He had several dogs of his own; one, a whippet, was a very fast runner, and Matthew used to win prizes with her at the Saturday coursing races; another, a terrier, was a fine ratter. Go to

timid /ˈtɪmɪd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tímido; receoso

Simple English: Shy and easily frightened.

Example: The timid child hid behind her mother.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. She looked a timid little woman and had her hands all over flour as though she were making bread. Go to

Trouble /ˈtrʌbəl/ (18 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: problemas; apuros; sarilhos

Simple English: Situation causing difficulty or distress.

Example: She was in trouble after forgetting to do her homework again.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. It causes too much trouble. Go to

2. “You could learn it yourself without much trouble. Go to

3. “It was no trouble,” said the Doctor. Go to

trust /trʌst/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: confiar; confiança; fideicomisso

Simple English: To believe someone is honest or reliable.

Example: I trust her completely.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I told him he can trust you. Go to

umbrellas /ʌmˈbrɛləz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: guarda-sóis; guarda-chuvas

Simple English: Round covers on a stick that keep off rain or sun.

Example: Gold umbrellas shone above the palace.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. He repaired my toy ships, built windmills from old wooden boxes and barrel pieces, and made wonderful kites from old umbrellas. Go to

Original English Version

1. He used to mend my toy ships for me which I sailed upon the river; he built windmills out of packing-cases and barrel-staves; and he could make the most wonderful kites from old umbrellas. Go to

unbutton /ənˈbətən/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: desabotoar

Simple English: to open clothing by releasing its buttons

Example: Do you really think, he said angrily, that I will unbutton all my clothes only to tell a little boy like you the time? Then he walked heavily down the street, making angry sounds.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “Do you really think,” he said angrily, “that I will unbutton all my clothes only to tell a little boy like you the time?” Then he walked heavily down the street, making angry sounds. Go to

unknown (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desconhecido

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I sat there dreaming about unknown lands until the ships disappeared. Go to

unload /ʌnˈloʊd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: descarregar

Simple English: to remove goods from a vehicle or ship

Example: They unload the cargo at dawn.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. I watched the sailors unload them beside the river. Go to

untidy /ʌnˈtaɪdi/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desarrumado; desordenado

Simple English: Not clean and not in good order.

Example: His untidy room made his mother angry.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “The house is a little untidy because I have not finished cleaning it, but there is a warm fire in the sitting room.” Go to

Original English Version

1. “The place is a little untidy because I haven’t finished the spring cleaning yet. Go to

untied /ʌnˈtaɪd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desamarrados; soltos

Simple English: Had their knots or strings loosened.

Example: The mice were untied from the truck.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “Yes,” said the Doctor as he untied the string. Go to

veterinarian /ˌvɛtərəˈnɛriən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: veterinário

Simple English: a doctor who treats sick animals

Example: Is he a veterinarian?

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “Is he a veterinarian?” Go to

2. “He is not a veterinarian. Go to

violins /ˌvaɪəˈlɪnz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: violinos

Simple English: small wooden string instruments played with a bow

Example: They played flutes, violins, and drums all night.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. When I finally went to bed, later than ever before, I dreamed about him and a group of clever animals playing flutes, violins, and drums all night. Go to

voyages /ˈvɔɪɪdʒɪz/ (13 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: viagens marítimas

Simple English: Long journeys by sea or in space.

Example: He wrote of his voyages to the East.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. He’s made some great voyages and some wonderful discoveries. Go to

2. “It was given to him when he was with the Doctor on one of his voyages long ago. Go to

3. That’s why the Doctor doesn’t take him on his voyages any more. Go to

waff /wɪf wæf/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Wiff-Waff

Simple English: the invented name of a rare kind of bird or creature in the story

Example: "That is a Wiff-Waff," said the Doctor.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “That is a Wiff-Waff,” said the Doctor. Go to

2. “Its full name is hippocampus pippitopitus, but the local people call it a Wiff-Waff. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Oh that,” said the Doctor, turning round - “that’s a Wiff-Waff. Go to

2. But the natives just call it a Wiff-Waff - on account of the way it waves its tail, swimming, I imagine. Go to

wagged /wæɡd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: abanou o rabo

Simple English: Moved the tail from side to side.

Example: Toto wagged his tail to show that he understood.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. He wagged his tail and seemed happy to see me, but he never allowed me to enter. Go to

Original English Version

1. But though he always wagged his tail and seemed glad to see me, he never let me come inside the garden. Go to

2. The dog, Jip, came to the gate and wagged his tail as usual, and then sat down and watched me closely to see that I didn’t get in. Go to

whippet /ˈwɪpət/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: whippet (cão parecido com um galgo pequeno)

Simple English: a small thin dog like a greyhound, very fast at racing

Example: One was a whippet that ran very fast.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. One was a whippet that ran very fast and won prizes in Saturday races. Go to

Original English Version

1. He had several dogs of his own; one, a whippet, was a very fast runner, and Matthew used to win prizes with her at the Saturday coursing races; another, a terrier, was a fine ratter. Go to

whisper /ˈwɪspər/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

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.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. Matthew stopped and bent down to whisper in my ear. Go to

2. In a whisper, she offered me a bun and a glass of milk. Go to

wiff /wɪf wæf/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Wiff-Waff

Simple English: the invented name of a strange creature in the story

Example: That is a Wiff-Waff, said the Doctor.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. “That is a Wiff-Waff,” said the Doctor. Go to

2. “Its full name is hippocampus pippitopitus, but the local people call it a Wiff-Waff. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Oh that,” said the Doctor, turning round - “that’s a Wiff-Waff. Go to

2. But the natives just call it a Wiff-Waff - on account of the way it waves its tail, swimming, I imagine. Go to

windmills /ˈwɪndˌmɪlz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: moinhos de vento

Simple English: tall machines with long arms that the wind turns

Example: We reached country roads with windmills, farms, and fields.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (A2) English Version

1. He repaired my toy ships, built windmills from old wooden boxes and barrel pieces, and made wonderful kites from old umbrellas. Go to

Original English Version

1. He used to mend my toy ships for me which I sailed upon the river; he built windmills out of packing-cases and barrel-staves; and he could make the most wonderful kites from old umbrellas. Go to

Original Text: Rare Words

Compact help for additional rare words found only in the original text. Each entry gives the spelling, pronunciation, common Portuguese meanings and one exact return to the source paragraph.

alarmed /əˈlɑːrmd/ — alarmado; assustado; apreensivo. “Don’t be alarmed. Return to Original English Version

albino /ælˈbiːnoʊ/ — pessoa albina; albino. Myself, I think it was an albino niggeress. Return to Original English Version

anchored /ˈæŋkərd/ — ancorado; fixado firmemente. Sailing-ships came up this river from the sea and anchored near the bridge. Return to Original English Version

bedding /ˈbɛdɪŋ/ — roupa de cama. “They’re just going to air the bedding for me in front of the fire. Return to Original English Version

blazing /ˈbleɪzɪŋ/ — flamejante; ardente; em chamas. But very soon we had a huge big fire blazing up the chimney and we hung our wet clothes around on chairs. Return to Original English Version

bleating /ˈbliːtɪŋ/ — balindo. Somewhere in the dark a duck was quacking, a cock was crowing, a dove was cooing, an owl was hooting, a lamb was bleating and Jip was barking. Return to Original English Version

bootmaker /ˈbuːtmeɪkər/ — sapateiro. “Excellent bootmaker, your father,” said the Doctor. Return to Original English Version

bumped /bʌmpt/ — bateu; esbarrou. I hadn’t gone very far when my head bumped into something soft and I sat down suddenly on the pavement. Return to Original English Version

bumping /ˈbʌmpɪŋ/ — esbarrando. Things kept bumping into my legs and nearly upsetting me. Return to Original English Version

bygone /ˈbaɪɡɔːn/ — passado; de outrora. “To be sure, the monkeys I knew in Africa some time ago were very helpful in telling me about bygone days; but they only went back a thousand years or so. Return to Original English Version

candlestick /ˈkændəlstɪk/ — castiçal; candelabro. The Doctor took the candlestick from the duck and turned to me. Return to Original English Version

cannibals /ˈkænɪbəlz/ — canibais. He thought he was going to be eaten by white cannibals or something. Return to Original English Version

cat's /kæts/ — do gato; da gata. Another friend I had was Matthew Mugg, the cat’s-meat-man. Return to Original English Version

chats /tʃæts/ — conversas; conversa. He missed the stories you used to tell us out of your animal books - and the chats we used to have sitting round the kitchen-fire on winter nights. Return to Original English Version

chatter /ˈtʃætər/ — tagarelice; tagarelar; matraquear. The animal, who had always seemed very much afraid of me - though I had tried hard to make him feel at home, sat up at once when the Doctor came into the room and started to chatter. Return to Original English Version

chattered /ˈtʃætərd/ — tagarelou; matraqueou. So there I stood in the pitch-black dark, while all kinds of animals which I couldn’t see chattered and jostled around me. Return to Original English Version

chirp /tʃɜːrp/ — pio; voz aguda. The first sparrows were just beginning to chirp sleepily on the slates outside my attic window when I jumped out of bed and scrambled into my clothes. Return to Original English Version

clouding /ˈklaʊdɪŋ/ — encobrindo-se; obscurecendo. On the way I noticed that the sky was clouding over and that it looked as though it might rain. Return to Original English Version

coals /koʊlz/ — brasas; carvões. And if I close my eyes and think hard I can see that parlor just as it was then: a funny little man in coat-tails, with a round kind face, playing away on the flute in front of the fire; my mother on one side of him and my father on the other, holding their breath and listening with their eyes shut; myself, with Jip, squatting on the carpet at his feet, staring into the coals; and Polynesia perched on the mantlepiece beside his shabby high hat, gravely swinging her head from side to side in time to the music. Return to Original English Version

cobbler /ˈkɑːblər/ — sapateiro remendão. MY NAME WAS Tommy Stubbins, son of Jacob Stubbins, the cobbler of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh; and I was nine and a half years old. Return to Original English Version

cobbler's /ˈkɑːblərz/ — do sapateiro. Of course now, when almost everybody in the whole world has heard about Doctor Dolittle and his books, if you were to go to that little house in Puddleby where my father had his cobbler’s shop you would see, set in the wall over the old-fashioned door, a stone with writing on it which says: “JOHN DOLITTLE, THE FAMOUS NATURALIST, PLAYED THE FLUTE IN THIS HOUSE IN THE YEAR 1839.” Return to Original English Version

conspicuous /kənˈspɪkjuəs/ — conspícuo; notório; que salta à vista. He was so conspicuous in his bathing-suit the way he was, with his face white and the rest of him black.” Return to Original English Version

cooing /ˈkuːɪŋ/ — arrulho. Somewhere in the dark a duck was quacking, a cock was crowing, a dove was cooing, an owl was hooting, a lamb was bleating and Jip was barking. Return to Original English Version

coursing /ˈkɔːrsɪŋ/ — correndo; percorrendo. He had several dogs of his own; one, a whippet, was a very fast runner, and Matthew used to win prizes with her at the Saturday coursing races; another, a terrier, was a fine ratter. Return to Original English Version

crackers /ˈkrækərz/ — bolachas; biscoitos secos. They just say it because - well, because they fancy it is smart or, because they know they will get crackers given them.” Return to Original English Version

craning /ˈkreɪnɪŋ/ — esticando o pescoço. For there, craning her neck round the bend of the landing, hopping down the stairs on one leg, came a spotless white duck. Return to Original English Version

crept /krɛpt/ — esgueirou-se; foi de mansinho. And as we crept up the river in the evening, when the tide had turned, we would see the lights on Kingsbridge twinkle in the dusk, reminding us of tea-time and warm fires. Return to Original English Version

crittur's /ˈkrɪtərz/ — da criatura. “Yon crittur’s got a broken leg,” he said - “and another badly cut an’ all. Return to Original English Version

crowing /ˈkroʊɪŋ/ — canto do galo; cantando. Somewhere in the dark a duck was quacking, a cock was crowing, a dove was cooing, an owl was hooting, a lamb was bleating and Jip was barking. Return to Original English Version

daft /dæft/ — tolo. I’m surprised you never heard of him - and you daft over animals. Return to Original English Version

dangling /ˈdæŋɡəlɪŋ/ — pendente; balançando. And I would sit on the river-wall with my feet dangling over the water and sing with the men, pretending to myself that I too was a sailor. Return to Original English Version

doings /ˈduːɪŋz/ — atos; atividades. But we were both of us so busy then voyaging around the world, having adventures and filling note-books full of natural history that I never seemed to get time to sit down and write of our doings. Return to Original English Version

dreadfully /ˈdrɛdfəli/ — terrivelmente; extremamente. And a good thing for him he did: the king got to know about his helping you to escape; and he was dreadfully wild about it.” Return to Original English Version

dresser /ˈdresər/ — assistente hospitalar; enfermeiro que faz curativos. And if you had forgotten to put the salt on the table, you didn’t have to get up and go into another room to fetch it; you just reached round and took the big wooden box off the dresser behind you. Return to Original English Version

dusk /dʌsk/ — anoitecer; crepúsculo. And as we crept up the river in the evening, when the tide had turned, we would see the lights on Kingsbridge twinkle in the dusk, reminding us of tea-time and warm fires. Return to Original English Version

fanning /ˈfænɪŋ/ — abanando; ventilando. I felt birds’ wings fluttering and fanning near my face. Return to Original English Version

feastings /ˈfiːstɪŋz/ — banquetes; festejos com comida. The feastings lasted seven days. Return to Original English Version

fen /fen/ — pântano; brejo. And out there on the cold lonely marshes we would see wild geese flying, and curlews and redshanks and many other kinds of seabirds that live among the samfire and the long grass of the great salt fen. Return to Original English Version

fender /ˈfendər/ — grade de lareira; anteparo. And you could watch your toast toasting at the fender and see it didn’t burn while you drank your soup. Return to Original English Version

fiddles /ˈfɪdəlz/ — violinos. And then I remember how, after we had seen the Doctor out at the front door, we all came back into the parlor and talked about him till it was still later; and even after I did go to bed (I had never stayed up so late in my life before) I dreamed about him and a band of strange clever animals that played flutes and fiddles and drums the whole night through. Return to Original English Version

flashed /flæʃt/ — lampejaram; refletiram. The wind began to blow; the thunder rolled; the lightning flashed, and in a moment the gutters of the road were flowing like a river. Return to Original English Version

fluttered /ˈflʌtərd/ — esvoaçavam; adejavam. The Doctor clapped his hands like a child getting a new toy; while the swarm of sparrows in the roadway fluttered, gossiping, up on to the fences, highly scandalized to see a gray and scarlet parrot skimming down an English lane. Return to Original English Version

fluttering /ˈflʌtərɪŋ/ — esvoaçante; que tremula. I felt birds’ wings fluttering and fanning near my face. Return to Original English Version

footstep /ˈfʊtstep/ — passo; pegada. I could not see around the landing but I heard the most curious footstep on the upper flight. Return to Original English Version

frightfully /ˈfraɪtfəli/ — terrivelmente. THE NEXT MORNING , although I had gone to bed so late the night before, I was up frightfully early. Return to Original English Version

frowning /ˈfraʊnɪŋ/ — franzindo o cenho. “Well,” said Polynesia frowning, - “Chee-Chee is not entirely happy. Return to Original English Version

gazing /ˈɡeɪzɪŋ/ — contemplando; olhando fixamente. They really are splendid,” added the Doctor, gazing down at his feet with great satisfaction. Return to Original English Version

gingerbeer /ˌdʒɪndʒər ˈbɪr/ — cerveja de gengibre. He stopped, grunted and glared down at me - his red face growing redder still; and when he spoke it sounded like the cork coming out of a gingerbeer-bottle. Return to Original English Version

glared /ɡlɛrd/ — lançou um olhar furioso. He stopped, grunted and glared down at me - his red face growing redder still; and when he spoke it sounded like the cork coming out of a gingerbeer-bottle. Return to Original English Version

glimmerings /ˈɡlɪmərɪŋz/ — primeiros indícios; vislumbres. And just then I saw the first glimmerings of a light around the landing above. Return to Original English Version

glistened /ˈɡlɪsənd/ — reluzia; reluziu. It seemed to me that almost every kind of creature from the countryside must be there: a pigeon, a white rat, an owl, a badger, a jackdaw - there was even a small pig, just in from the rainy garden, carefully wiping his feet on the mat while the light from the candle glistened on his wet pink back. Return to Original English Version

gobbling /ˈɡɑːbəlɪŋ/ — devorando. While we were gobbling away, the door suddenly opened and in marched the duck, Dab-Dab, and the dog, Jip, dragging sheets and pillow-cases behind them over the clean tiled floor. Return to Original English Version

gossiping /ˈɡɑːsɪpɪŋ/ — fofocando; mexericando. The Doctor clapped his hands like a child getting a new toy; while the swarm of sparrows in the roadway fluttered, gossiping, up on to the fences, highly scandalized to see a gray and scarlet parrot skimming down an English lane. Return to Original English Version

grandest /ˈɡrændɪst/ — o mais grandioso; o mais imponente. I had many meals there afterwards and I found it a better place to eat in than the grandest dining-room in the world. Return to Original English Version

gravely /ˈɡreɪvli/ — gravemente; seriamente. The parrot, on the Doctor’s shoulder, nodded gravely towards me and then, to my great surprise, said quite plainly in English, Return to Original English Version

grunted /ˈɡrʌntɪd/ — grunhiu; resmungou. He stopped, grunted and glared down at me - his red face growing redder still; and when he spoke it sounded like the cork coming out of a gingerbeer-bottle. Return to Original English Version

grunting /ˈɡrʌntɪŋ/ — que grunhem; roncantes. She seemed to be terribly afraid of her husband whom I could still hear stumping round the house somewhere, grunting indignantly because I had come to the front door. Return to Original English Version

gutters /ˈɡʌtərz/ — sarjetas; valetas. The wind began to blow; the thunder rolled; the lightning flashed, and in a moment the gutters of the road were flowing like a river. Return to Original English Version

hearty /ˈhɑːrti/ — caloroso; vigoroso; saudável. Then we sat down at the kitchen-table and started a hearty meal. Return to Original English Version

hoarse /hɔːrs/ — rouco; áspero. “ He talks their language ,” he said in a hoarse, mysterious voice. Return to Original English Version

homesick /ˈhoʊmsɪk/ — com saudades de casa. He got dreadfully homesick for you and the house and the garden. Return to Original English Version

hooting /huːt/ — piando; vaiando. Somewhere in the dark a duck was quacking, a cock was crowing, a dove was cooing, an owl was hooting, a lamb was bleating and Jip was barking. Return to Original English Version

hopping /ˈhɑːpɪŋ/ — saltitando; pulando num pé. It sounded like some one hopping down from one step to the other, as though he were using only one leg. Return to Original English Version

hullabaloo /ˌhʌləbəˈluː/ — algazarra; alvoroço. You never heard such a hullabaloo.” Return to Original English Version

hurrying /ˈhʌriɪŋ/ — apressando-se; apressado. I could hear things trundling down the stairs and hurrying along passages. Return to Original English Version

incessantly /ɪnˈsesəntli/ — incessantemente. The bird chattered incessantly, mostly about Africa; but now she spoke in English, out of politeness to me. Return to Original English Version

indignantly /ɪnˈdɪɡnəntli/ — indignadamente. She seemed to be terribly afraid of her husband whom I could still hear stumping round the house somewhere, grunting indignantly because I had come to the front door. Return to Original English Version

jackdaw /ˈdʒækdɔː/ — gralha-de-nuca-cinzenta. It seemed to me that almost every kind of creature from the countryside must be there: a pigeon, a white rat, an owl, a badger, a jackdaw - there was even a small pig, just in from the rainy garden, carefully wiping his feet on the mat while the light from the candle glistened on his wet pink back. Return to Original English Version

jip's /dʒɪps/ — de Jip. Jip’s getting pretty old now. Return to Original English Version

jostled /ˈdʒɑːsəld/ — empurrada; acotovelada. So there I stood in the pitch-black dark, while all kinds of animals which I couldn’t see chattered and jostled around me. Return to Original English Version

latches /ˈlætʃɪz/ — trincos; ferrolhos. One of its latches was broken and it was tied up round the middle with a piece of string. Return to Original English Version

leant /lent/ — apoiou-se; inclinou-se. The cat’s-meat-man stopped and leant down to whisper in my ear. Return to Original English Version

lighted /ˈlaɪtɪd/ — acesa; iluminada. “And in her right foot she carried a lighted candle!” Return to Original English Version

longed /lɔːŋd/ — ansiava; desejava profundamente. For I longed always to sail away with those brave ships when they turned their backs on Puddleby Church and went creeping down the river again, across the wide lonely marshes to the sea. Return to Original English Version

mantlepiece /ˈmæntəlpiːs/ — prateleira da lareira. And if I close my eyes and think hard I can see that parlor just as it was then: a funny little man in coat-tails, with a round kind face, playing away on the flute in front of the fire; my mother on one side of him and my father on the other, holding their breath and listening with their eyes shut; myself, with Jip, squatting on the carpet at his feet, staring into the coals; and Polynesia perched on the mantlepiece beside his shabby high hat, gravely swinging her head from side to side in time to the music. Return to Original English Version

mend /mɛnd/ — consertar; remendar. He used to mend my toy ships for me which I sailed upon the river; he built windmills out of packing-cases and barrel-staves; and he could make the most wonderful kites from old umbrellas. Return to Original English Version

mended /ˈmɛndɪd/ — consertado; remendado. ONE M ONDAY AFTERNOON towards the end of April my father asked me to take some shoes which he had mended to a house on the other side of the town. Return to Original English Version

molasses /məˈlæsɪz/ — melaço. But she was carrying a pitcher of molasses on her head and I had treacle in my hair for weeks afterwards - the flies followed me everywhere. Return to Original English Version

morrow /ˈmɒrəʊ/ — amanhã. Shall I bring it to-morrow?” Return to Original English Version

mufflers /ˈmʌflərz/ — cachecóis; silenciadores. He was all wrapped up in smart overcoats and mufflers and bright-colored gloves. Return to Original English Version

murmured /ˈmɜːrmərd/ — murmuraram. “Well, well,” murmured the Doctor. Return to Original English Version

mustn't /ˈmʌsənt/ — não deve (contração de must not). “I had my head down too - but look here, we mustn’t sit talking like this. Return to Original English Version

muttered /ˈmʌtərd/ — resmungou; murmurou. “Bullford! - Bullford!” muttered the Doctor. Return to Original English Version

nacheralist /ˈnætʃərəlɪst/ — naturalista. Doctor Dolittle is a nacheralist.” Return to Original English Version

nearer /ˈnɪrər/ — mais perto; mais próximo. Of course I had no watch of my own, but I noticed a gentleman coming towards me down the road; and when he got nearer I saw it was the Colonel out for a walk. Return to Original English Version

needn't /ˈniːdənt/ — não preciso; não é preciso. But you needn’t worry about him. Return to Original English Version

niggeress /ˌnɪɡəˈrɛs/ — mulher negra (termo arcaico e extremamente ofensivo). Myself, I think it was an albino niggeress. Return to Original English Version

niggers /ˈnɪɡərz/ — termo racista usado no texto de 1901 para indianos. You know what those niggers are - that ignorant! Return to Original English Version

nside /ɪnˈsaɪd/ — dentro. I NSIDE WE FOUND my father busy practising on the flute beside the fire. Return to Original English Version

nursed /nɜːrst/ — cuidou; amamentou. And there I nursed him myself and took care of him as best I could till the time should come when the Doctor would return. Return to Original English Version

onday /ˈmʌndeɪ/ — segunda-feira. ONE M ONDAY AFTERNOON towards the end of April my father asked me to take some shoes which he had mended to a house on the other side of the town. Return to Original English Version

onward /ˈɑːnwərd/ — adiante; para a frente; em diante. When they got round the bend in the river and the water was hidden from view, you could still see their huge brown sails towering over the roofs of the town, moving onward slowly - like some gentle giants that walked among the houses without noise. Return to Original English Version

overcoats /ˌɑʊvərkɑʊts/ — fazer coat em excesso. He was all wrapped up in smart overcoats and mufflers and bright-colored gloves. Return to Original English Version

paddle /ˈpædəl/ — remo curto; remar com pá. Joe would sometimes take me in his mussel-boat, and when the tide was running out we would paddle down the river as far as the edge of the sea to get mussels and lobsters to sell. Return to Original English Version

parlor /ˈpɑːrlər/ — sala de visitas. But there’s a nice fire burning in the parlor.” Return to Original English Version

perched /pɜːrtʃt/ — empoleirado. By this time we had turned and were going towards my home with Jip running in front and Polynesia still perched on the Doctor’s shoulder. Return to Original English Version

plainly /ˈpleɪnli/ — claramente. The parrot, on the Doctor’s shoulder, nodded gravely towards me and then, to my great surprise, said quite plainly in English, Return to Original English Version

politeness /pʌlaɪtnʌs/ — cortesia. The bird chattered incessantly, mostly about Africa; but now she spoke in English, out of politeness to me. Return to Original English Version

practising /ˈpræktɪsɪŋ/ — praticando; ensaiando. I NSIDE WE FOUND my father busy practising on the flute beside the fire. Return to Original English Version

privet /ˈprɪvɪt/ — ligustro. I turned around, and there, sitting on the top of a privet hedge, was the gray parrot, Polynesia. Return to Original English Version

prodding /ˈprɑːdɪŋ/ — cutucando; incitando. “I don’t think so,” said the Doctor, prodding the sausages with a fork. Return to Original English Version

quacking /ˈkwækɪŋ/ — grasnando (pato). Somewhere in the dark a duck was quacking, a cock was crowing, a dove was cooing, an owl was hooting, a lamb was bleating and Jip was barking. Return to Original English Version

rambling /ˈræmblɪŋ/ — desconexa; construída sem plano. So I used to spend my time collecting birds’ eggs and butterflies, fishing in the river, rambling through the countryside after blackberries and mushrooms and helping the mussel-man mend his nets. Return to Original English Version

ratter /ˈrætər/ — caçador de ratos. He had several dogs of his own; one, a whippet, was a very fast runner, and Matthew used to win prizes with her at the Saturday coursing races; another, a terrier, was a fine ratter. Return to Original English Version

rejoicings /rɪˈdʒɔɪsɪŋz/ — festejos; regozijos. But Bumpo was no end pleased with her and finally married her amid great rejoicings. Return to Original English Version

roadway /ˈroʊdweɪ/ — leito da estrada; pista. The Doctor clapped his hands like a child getting a new toy; while the swarm of sparrows in the roadway fluttered, gossiping, up on to the fences, highly scandalized to see a gray and scarlet parrot skimming down an English lane. Return to Original English Version

samfire /ˈsæmfaɪər/ — salicórnia. And out there on the cold lonely marshes we would see wild geese flying, and curlews and redshanks and many other kinds of seabirds that live among the samfire and the long grass of the great salt fen. Return to Original English Version

savages /ˈsævɪdʒɪz/ — selvagens. Sensible people, some of them savages. Return to Original English Version

scandalized /ˈskændəlaɪzd/ — escandalizado. The Doctor clapped his hands like a child getting a new toy; while the swarm of sparrows in the roadway fluttered, gossiping, up on to the fences, highly scandalized to see a gray and scarlet parrot skimming down an English lane. Return to Original English Version

scrambled /ˈskræmbəld/ — mexidos. The first sparrows were just beginning to chirp sleepily on the slates outside my attic window when I jumped out of bed and scrambled into my clothes. Return to Original English Version

scraps /skræps/ — restos; sobras. M-E-A-T!” People paid him to give this meat to their cats and dogs instead of feeding them on dog-biscuits or the scraps from the table. Return to Original English Version

screeching /ˈskriːtʃɪŋ/ — guinchando; estridente. It sounded like all sorts and kinds of animals and birds calling and squeaking and screeching at the same time. Return to Original English Version

scullery /ˈskʌləri/ — copa. We went into the scullery and there we found some pots and pans hanging against the wall. Return to Original English Version

seaworthy /ˈsiːwɜːrði/ — em condições de navegar; próprio para o mar. I can mend you your boats, Tom, but I haven’t the tools nor the learning to make a broken squirrel seaworthy. Return to Original English Version

shabby /ˈʃæbi/ — surrado; maltrapilho; mesquinho. He wore a shabby high hat and in his hand he had a small black bag. Return to Original English Version

shutters /ˈʃʌtərz/ — venezianas; postigos. My father’s shop was closed and the shutters were up; but my mother was standing at the door looking down the street. Return to Original English Version

skewers /ˈskjuɜr/ — espeto. And you could see one nearly any day going through the streets with a wooden tray full of pieces of meat stuck on skewers crying, “Meat! Return to Original English Version

skimming /ˈskɪmɪŋ/ — lendo por alto; roçando a superfície. The Doctor clapped his hands like a child getting a new toy; while the swarm of sparrows in the roadway fluttered, gossiping, up on to the fences, highly scandalized to see a gray and scarlet parrot skimming down an English lane. Return to Original English Version

slates /slˈeɪts/ — ripa. The first sparrows were just beginning to chirp sleepily on the slates outside my attic window when I jumped out of bed and scrambled into my clothes. Return to Original English Version

solemn /ˈsɑləm/ — solene. I often wonder if she remained happy in Africa, and whether I shall ever see her funny, old, solemn face again - Good old Polynesia! - A most extraordinary bird - Well, well!” Return to Original English Version

spectacles /ˈspɛktəkəlz/ — óculos. Joe put on his spectacles and examined it carefully. Return to Original English Version

sped /sped/ — correu veloz; acelerou. “Are you Doctor Dolittle?” I shouted as we sped up the short garden-path to the house. Return to Original English Version

splints /splɪnts/ — talas. I held a candle while the Doctor tied the leg up in what he called “splints,” which he made out of match-sticks with his pen-knife. Return to Original English Version

spluttered /ˈsplʌtərd/ — balbuciou; falou aos cuspes. “Do you imagine for one moment,” he spluttered, “that I am going to get myself all unbuttoned just to tell a little boy like you the time !” And he went stumping down the street, grunting harder than ever. Return to Original English Version

spotless /ˈspɑːtləs/ — impecável; imaculado; sem mancha. For there, craning her neck round the bend of the landing, hopping down the stairs on one leg, came a spotless white duck. Return to Original English Version

springtime /ˈsprɪŋtaɪm/ — primavera. ONE EARLY MORNING in the Springtime, when I was wandering among the hills at the back of the town, I happened to come upon a hawk with a squirrel in its claws. Return to Original English Version

squatting /ˈskwɑːtɪŋ/ — agachado; de cócoras. And if I close my eyes and think hard I can see that parlor just as it was then: a funny little man in coat-tails, with a round kind face, playing away on the flute in front of the fire; my mother on one side of him and my father on the other, holding their breath and listening with their eyes shut; myself, with Jip, squatting on the carpet at his feet, staring into the coals; and Polynesia perched on the mantlepiece beside his shabby high hat, gravely swinging her head from side to side in time to the music. Return to Original English Version

squeaking /ˈskwiːkɪŋ/ — chiando. It sounded like all sorts and kinds of animals and birds calling and squeaking and screeching at the same time. Return to Original English Version

squint /skwɪnt/ — olhar enviesado. He was a funny old person with a bad squint. Return to Original English Version

staves /steɪvz/ — aduelas; bastões. He used to mend my toy ships for me which I sailed upon the river; he built windmills out of packing-cases and barrel-staves; and he could make the most wonderful kites from old umbrellas. Return to Original English Version

stumping /ˈstʌmpɪŋ/ — andando com passos pesados. She seemed to be terribly afraid of her husband whom I could still hear stumping round the house somewhere, grunting indignantly because I had come to the front door. Return to Original English Version

syllable /ˈsɪləbəl/ — sílaba. She became his chief wife and is now known out there as the Crown-Princess Bum pah - you accent the last syllable.” Return to Original English Version

thrushes /ˈθrʌʃɪz/ — tordos. Outside it had grown bright again and the evening sky was all red with the setting sun; and thrushes were singing in the garden as we opened the gate to go down on to the road. Return to Original English Version

thunderstorm /ˈθʌndərstɔːrm/ — tempestade com trovões. I ran full tilt into a woman in a thunderstorm. Return to Original English Version

tiled /taɪld/ — de telhas; ladrilhado. While we were gobbling away, the door suddenly opened and in marched the duck, Dab-Dab, and the dog, Jip, dragging sheets and pillow-cases behind them over the clean tiled floor. Return to Original English Version

tiresome /ˈtaɪərsəm/ — cansativo; irritante. But somehow - I don’t know - after a few weeks it seemed to get tiresome. Return to Original English Version

toasting /ˈtoʊstɪŋ/ — aquecendo junto ao fogo. And you could watch your toast toasting at the fender and see it didn’t burn while you drank your soup. Return to Original English Version

torrents /ˈtɔːrənts/ — torrentes. And then, all of a sudden, the rain came down in torrents. Return to Original English Version

towering /ˈtaʊərɪŋ/ — altíssimo; imponente; descomunal. When they got round the bend in the river and the water was hidden from view, you could still see their huge brown sails towering over the roofs of the town, moving onward slowly - like some gentle giants that walked among the houses without noise. Return to Original English Version

tradesmen's /ˈtreɪdzmənz/ — dos comerciantes; dos artesãos. The Colonel opened it, stuck out a very red face and said, “Go round to the tradesmen’s entrance - go to the back door.” Then he slammed the door shut. Return to Original English Version

treacle /ˈtrikəl/ — melaço. But she was carrying a pitcher of molasses on her head and I had treacle in my hair for weeks afterwards - the flies followed me everywhere. Return to Original English Version

treading /ˈtredɪŋ/ — pisando; caminhando sobre. The coat of the Doctor’s which I was wearing was so large for me that I kept treading on my own coat-tails while I was helping to fetch the wood up from the cellar. Return to Original English Version

tremendously /trɪˈmɛndəsli/ — tremendamente; muitíssimo. Although my parents both liked the Doctor tremendously from the first moment that they saw him, and were very proud to have him come and play to us (for we were really terribly poor) they did not realize then what a truly great man he was one day to become. Return to Original English Version

trundle /ˈtrʌndəl/ — rolar devagar; de rodízios. Then the Doctor made some funny clicking noises with his tongue and I heard some one trundle up the stairs again and start moving about in the rooms above. Return to Original English Version

trundling /ˈtrʌndlɪŋ/ — rolando; avançando pesadamente. I could hear things trundling down the stairs and hurrying along passages. Return to Original English Version

twinkle /ˈtwɪŋkəl/ — brilho travesso; cintilação. And as we crept up the river in the evening, when the tide had turned, we would see the lights on Kingsbridge twinkle in the dusk, reminding us of tea-time and warm fires. Return to Original English Version

unbuttoned /ˌʌnˈbʌtnd/ — desabotoou. “Do you imagine for one moment,” he spluttered, “that I am going to get myself all unbuttoned just to tell a little boy like you the time !” And he went stumping down the street, grunting harder than ever. Return to Original English Version

undid /ʌnˈdɪd/ — desfez; abriu. “Yes,” said the Doctor, as he undid the piece of string. Return to Original English Version

unloading /ʌnˈloʊdɪŋ/ — descarregando. I used to go down and watch the sailors unloading the ships upon the river-wall. Return to Original English Version

voyaging /ˈvɔɪɪdʒɪŋ/ — viajando por mar; navegando. But we were both of us so busy then voyaging around the world, having adventures and filling note-books full of natural history that I never seemed to get time to sit down and write of our doings. Return to Original English Version

wept /wɛpt/ — chorou; derramou lágrimas. She wept for joy. Return to Original English Version

wiping /ˈwaɪpɪŋ/ — enxugando; limpando. Don’t bother about wiping your feet. Return to Original English Version

yon /jɑn/ — aquele ali; aquela ali; acolá. “Yon crittur’s got a broken leg,” he said - “and another badly cut an’ all. Return to Original English Version