The White Rabbit put on his spectacles. ‘Where shall I begin, please

your Majesty?’ he asked. 🔊

‘Begin at the beginning,’ the King said gravely, ‘and go on till you

come to the end: then stop.’ 🔊

These were the verses the White Rabbit read:-- 🔊

‘They told me you had been to her,

And mentioned me to him: 🔊

She gave me a good character,

But said I could not swim. 🔊

He sent them word I had not gone

(We know it to be true): 🔊

If she should push the matter on,

What would become of you? 🔊

I gave her one, they gave him two,

You gave us three or more; 🔊

They all returned from him to you,

Though they were mine before. 🔊

If I or she should chance to be

Involved in this affair, 🔊

He trusts to you to set them free,

Exactly as we were. 🔊