Dialogue following No. 2

ALICE. Oh! dear, I’m sure those are not the right words, and I’m so very tired of being all alone here.

Comes opposite CATERPILLAR.

CATERPILLAR. Who are you? ALICE: I - I hardly know, Sir, just at present. At least I knew who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.

CATERPILLAR. What do you mean by that? Explain yourself.

ALICE. I can’t explain myself, I’m afraid, Sir, because I’m not myself, you see.

CATERPILLAR. I don’t see.

ALICE. I’m afraid I can’t put it more clearly, for I can’t understand it myself to begin with.

CATERPILLAR. You. Who are you?

ALICE. I think you ought to tell me who you are first.

CATERPILLAR. Why? (ALICE tosses her head and is going off) Come back! I’ve something important to say. (ALICE returns to him) Keep your temper.

ALICE. (indignantly) Is that all?

CATERPILLAR. No. So you think you’re changed, do you?

ALICE. I’m afraid I am, Sir. I can’t remember things as I used.

CATERPILLAR. Can’t remember what things?

ALICE. Well I’ve tried “How doth the little busy bee”, but it came out different.

CATERPILLAR. Try “You are old, Father William”.

ALICE. With pleasure, Sir.