`` Once , '' said the Mock Turtle at last , with a deep sigh , `` I was a real Turtle . '' These words were followed by a very long silence , broken only by an occasional exclamation of `` hjckrrh ! '' from the Gryphon , and the constant heavy sobbing of the Mock Turtle . Alice was very nearly getting up and saying , `` thank you , sir , for your interesting story , '' but she could not help thinking there must be more to come , so she sat still and said nothing . `` When we were little , '' the Mock Turtle went on , more calmly , though still sobbing a little now and then , `` we went to school in the sea . The master was an old Turtle -- we used to call him Tortoise -- '' `` Why did you call him Tortoise , if he was n't one ? '' asked Alice . `` We called him Tortoise because he taught us , '' said the Mock Turtle angrily , `` really you are very dull ! '' `` You ought to be ashamed of yourself for asking such a simple question , '' added the Gryphon , and then they both sat silent and looked at poor Alice , who felt ready to sink into the earth : at last the Gryphon said to the Mock Turtle , `` get on , old fellow ! Do n't be all day ! '' and the Mock Turtle went on in these words : `` You may not have lived much under the sea -- '' -LRB- `` I have n't , '' said Alice , -RRB- `` and perhaps you were never even introduced to a lobster -- '' -LRB- Alice began to say `` I once tasted -- '' but hastily checked herself , and said `` no , never , '' instead , -RRB- `` so you can have no idea what a delightful thing a Lobster Quadrille is ! '' `` No , indeed , '' said Alice , `` what sort of a thing is it ? '' `` Why , '' said the Gryphon , `` you form into a line along the sea shore -- '' `` Two lines ! '' cried the Mock Turtle , `` seals , turtles , salmon , and so on -- advance twice -- '' `` Each with a lobster as partner ! '' cried the Gryphon . -LSB- Illustration -RSB- `` Of course , '' the Mock Turtle said , `` advance twice , set to partners -- '' `` Change lobsters , and retire in same order -- '' interrupted the Gryphon . `` Then , you know , '' continued the Mock Turtle , `` you throw the -- '' `` The lobsters ! '' shouted the Gryphon , with a bound into the air . `` As far out to sea as you can -- '' `` Swim after them ! '' screamed the Gryphon .
`` Turn a somersault in the XXXXX ! ''
Illustration Tortoise exclamation line question sea silence sobbing thing words