‘But she must have a prize herself, you know,’ said the Mouse. 🔊

‘Of course,’ the Dodo replied very gravely. ‘What else have you got in

your pocket?’ he went on, turning to Alice. 🔊

‘Only a thimble,’ said Alice sadly. 🔊

‘Hand it over here,’ said the Dodo. 🔊

Then they all crowded round her once more, while the Dodo solemnly

presented the thimble, saying ‘We beg your acceptance of this elegant

thimble’; and, when it had finished this short speech, they all cheered. 🔊

Alice thought the whole thing very absurd, but they all looked so grave

that she did not dare to laugh; 🔊 and, as she could not think of anything

to say, she simply bowed, and took the thimble, looking as solemn as she

could. 🔊

The next thing was to eat the comfits: this caused some noise and

confusion, as the large birds complained that they could not taste

theirs, and the small ones choked and had to be patted on the back. 🔊

However, it was over at last, and they sat down again in a ring, and

begged the Mouse to tell them something more. 🔊