Print - Alice in Wonderland - Trial of the Knave of Hearts

Alice's Evidence with the King and the Jury, in the trial of the Knave of Hearts.

“Why, there they are!” said the King triumphantly, pointing to the tarts on the table. “Nothing can be clearer than that. Then again—‘ before she had this fit—’ you never had fits, my dear, I think ?” he said to the Queen.

“Never!” said the Queen furiously, throwing an inkstand at the Lizard as she spoke. (The unfortunate little Bill had left off writing on his slate with one finger, as he found it madeno mark; but he now hastily began again, using the ink, that was trickling down his face, as long as it lasted.)

“Then the words don't fit you,” said the King, looking round the court with a smile. There was a dead silence. “It’s a pun!” the King added in an angry tone, and everybody laughed.

“Let the jury consider their verdict,” the King said, for about the twentieth time that day. “No, no!” said the Queen. “Sentence first— verdict afterwards.”

“Stuff and nonsense !” said Alice loudly. “The idea of having the sentence first !”

“Hold your tongue!” said the Queen, turning purple. “I won’t!” said Alice. “Off with her head!” the Queen shouted at the top of her voice.

Nobody moved. “Who cares for you?” said Alice, (she had grown to her full size by this time.) “You’re nothing but a pack of cards!”