Alice in Wonderland (21)

Alice in Wonderland (21)

(6) Advice from a Caterpillar



The Caterpillar and Alice looked at each other for some time in silence.

At last the Caterpillar took the hookah out of its mouth, and asked her in a sleepy voice.
" Who are you ? "

This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation.

Alice replied, rather shyly.
" IーI hardly know, sir. At least I know who I was when I got up this morning,  but I think I  must have been changed several times  since them. "

" What do you mean by that?  Explain youself. "

" I can't explain myself, I'm afraid, sir.  Being so many different sizes in a day is very confusing. "

" You ! " said the Catterpillar, " Who are you ? "

" I Think you ought to tell me who you are, first. " said Alice.

" Why ? " said the Caterpillar.

Here was another puzzling question and Alice could not think of any good reason.
As the Catterpilar seemed to be in a very unpleasant state of mind, she turned away.

" Come back ! " the Caterpillar called after her.
" I've something important to say ! "

This sounded promising, certainly.
Alice turned and came back again.

" Keep your temper, " said the Caterpillar.
" So you think you're changed, do you ? "

" I'm afraid I am,sir." said Alice.
" I can't remember things as I used and I don't keep the same size for ten minutes together ! "

" Can't remember what things ? "said the Caterpillar.

"Well, I've tryed to say " How doth the little busy bee, " but it all came different ! " Alice replied in a very melancholy voice.

" Repeat, " You are old, Father William, " said the Caterpillar.

Alice folded her hands, and began:ー

(21/50)