Pinocchio had served the finest consommé with the air of a head waiter in an expensive restaurant. When he returned to serve a magnificent capon in jelly shaped like a cannon surrounded by hearts of green lettuce which appeared on the menu under the name "William's Wishes, with Evasions of German Financiers," he was struck by a strange sight. All the diners had fled from the table and were going hurriedly behind the hedge, overcome with nausea. A terrible idea flashed through Pinocchio's mind. He turned around and, his capon in his hand, rushed to the kitchen.
"Ciampanella! Ciampanella!"
"What's the matter?"
"The medicine?"
"What's the medicine got to do with dinner?"
"What did you put in the soup?"
"Are you crazy, youngster? Be quiet and let the officers eat."
"Ciampanella, are you perfectly sure of yourself?"
"Why do you ask me if I am sure of myself?"
"Because ... the officers aren't eating."