Four of Them

This blog is about twins, so we usually avoid covering higher-order multiples. We, do, however, have a long-standing exception for identical quadruplets.

In this spirit, I bring you the news that four identical quadruplet girls were born in Leipzig.

I take issue, however, with the following part of the news story:

They were conceived naturally and were delivered by Caesarean section.

Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I don't believe the circumstances of conception belong in a birth announcement.

It brings to mind the following lines from Douglas Adams:

 "You were about to ask me," she said, "a question."

"Yes," said Arthur.

"We can do it together if you like," said Fenchurch.

"Was I found..."

"...in a handbag," joined in Arthur.

"...in the Left Luggage office," they said together.

"...at Fenchurch Street Station," they finished.

"And the answer," said Fenchurch, "is no."

"Fine," said Arthur.

"I was conceived there."

"What?"

"I was con--"

"In the Left Luggage office?" hooted Arthur.

"No, of couse not. Don't be silly. What would my parents be doing in the Left Luggage office?" she said, rather taken aback by the suggestion.

"Well, I don't know," sputtered Arthur, "or rather--"

"It was in the ticket queue."

"The--"

"The ticket queue. Or so they claim. They refuse to elaborate. They only say you wouldn't believe how bored it is possible to get in the ticket queue at Fenchurch Street Station."