The Professor’s Problem

Please Aslan, said Polly, could you say something to – to unfrighten him? . . .

I cannot tell that to this old sinner, and I cannot comfort him either, he has made himself unable to hear my voice. If I spoke to him, he would hear only growlings and roarings. Oh, Adam’s sons, how cleverly you defend yourself against all that might do you good!

I’m sure Aslan would have, if you’d asked him, said Fledge.

Would he know without being asked? said Polly.

I’ve no doubt he would, said the Horse. But I’ve a sort of idea he likes to be asked

Now the trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed.