`Your Majesty must excuse her,' the Red Queen said to Alice, taking
one of the White Queen's hands in her own, and gently stroking it:
`she means well, but she can't help saying foolish things, as a
general rule.'
The White Queen looked timidly at Alice, who felt she OUGHT to say
something kind, but really couldn't think of anything at the moment.
`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.
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