Lewis Carroll: Through the Looking Glass

CHAPTER 9: Queen Alice (continued)

`She never was really well brought up,' the Red Queen went on: `but it's amazing how good-tempered she is! Pat her on the head, and see how pleased she'll be!' But this was more than Alice had courage to do.

`A little kindness--and putting her hair in papers--would do wonders with her--'

The White Queen gave a deep sigh, and laid her head on Alice's shoulder. `I AM so sleepy?' she moaned.

`She's tired, poor thing!' said the Red Queen. `Smooth her hair--lend her your nightcap--and sing her a soothing lullaby.'

`I haven't got a nightcap with me,' said Alice, as she tried to obey the first direction: `and I don't know any soothing lullabies.'

`I must do it myself, then,' said the Red Queen, and she began:

        `Hush-a-by lady, in Alice's lap!
         Till the feast's ready, we've time for a nap:
         When the feast's over, we'll go to the ball--
         Red Queen, and White Queen, and Alice, and all!

`And now you know the words,' she added, as she put her head down on Alice's other shoulder, `just sing it through to ME. I'm getting sleepy, too.' In another moment both Queens were fast asleep, and snoring loud.

`What AM I to do?' exclaimed Alice, looking about in great perplexity, as first one round head, and then the other, rolled down from her shoulder, and lay like a heavy lump in her lap. `I don't think it EVER happened before, that any one had to take care of two Queens asleep at once! No, not in all the History of England--it couldn't, you know, because there never was more than one Queen at a time. `Do wake up, you heavy things!' she went on in an impatient tone; but there was no answer but a gentle snoring.