'Only a thimble(just a small metal cap used in sewing to protect the finger [ˈoʊnli ə ˈθɪmbəl]),' said Alice sadly(Alice spoke in a sorrowful manner [sɛd ˈælɪs ˈsædli]).
'Hand it over here(give it to me; pass it to me [hænd ɪt ˈoʊvər hir]),' said the Dodo(the Dodo spoke [sɛd ðə ˈdoʊdoʊ]).
Then(following in time or sequence [ðɛn]) they all crowded round her(everyone gathered closely around her [ðeɪ ɔl ˈkraʊdɪd raʊnd hər]) once more(again; one more time [wəns mɔr]), while the Dodo(at the same time as the Dodo [waɪl ðə ˈdoʊdoʊ]) solemnly presented(formally and seriously gave [ˈsɔləmli pərˈzɛnəd]) the thimble(the small metal cap [ðə ˈθɪmbəl]), saying 'We beg your acceptance of this elegant thimble(of this refined and stylish thimble' [əv ðɪs ˈɛləgənt ˈθɪmbəl])'; and, when it had finished(and, after it completed [ənd wɪn ɪt hæd ˈfɪnɪʃt]) this short speech(this brief address [ðɪs ʃɔrt spiʧ]), they all cheered(everyone expressed their approval with shouts of joy [ðeɪ ɔl ʧɪrd]).
Alice(a proper noun, likely the name of the main character [ˈælɪs]) thought(past tense of 'think', meaning to have an opinion or belief [θɔt]) the whole thing(referring to the entire situation or event being discussed [ðə hoʊl θɪŋ]) very absurd(extremely ridiculous or nonsensical [ˈvɛri əbˈsərd]), but(a conjunction used to introduce a contrasting statement [bət]) they all(referring to a group of people or characters previously mentioned [ðeɪ ɔl]) looked(past tense of 'look', meaning to appear or seem [lʊkt]) so grave(very serious and solemn [soʊ greɪv]) that(a conjunction introducing a result or consequence [ðət]) she(referring to Alice [ʃi]) did not dare(did not have the courage or confidence [dɪd nɑt dɛr]) to laugh(to express amusement or happiness by making sounds and facial movements [tɪ læf]); and(a conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses [ənd]), as(a conjunction indicating a reason or cause [ɛz]) she(referring to Alice [ʃi]) could not(was unable to [kʊd nɑt]) think of(to come up with or imagine [θɪŋk əv]) anything to say(any words or statements to utter [ˈɛniˌθɪŋ tɪ seɪ]), she(referring to Alice [ʃi]) simply bowed(performed a respectful gesture of bending the body forward [ˈsɪmpli boʊd]), and(a conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses [ənd]) took(past tense of 'take', meaning to grasp or accept [tʊk]) the thimble(a small metal cap used in sewing to protect the finger [ðə ˈθɪmbəl]), looking(appearing or seeming [ˈlʊkɪŋ]) as solemn as(as serious and dignified as possible [ɛz ˈsɑləm ɛz]) she could(she was able to be [ʃi kʊd]).
The next thing(the subsequent event or action [ðə nɛkst θɪŋ]) was(past tense of 'be', linking the subject to the description [wɑz]) to eat(to consume food [tɪ it]) the comfits(sugar-coated candies or sweets [ðə comfits]): this(referring to the act of eating the comfits [ðɪs]) caused(past tense of 'cause', meaning to bring about or produce [kɔzd]) some noise(a certain amount of loud or disruptive sound [səm nɔɪz]) and confusion(a state of disorder or uncertainty [ənd kənfˈjuʒən]), as(because [ɛz]) the large birds(the bigger avian creatures [ðə lɑrʤ bərdz]) complained(expressed dissatisfaction or annoyance [kəmˈpleɪnd]) that(introducing a subordinate clause stating the reason for complaint [ðət]) they(referring to the large birds [ðeɪ]) could not(were unable to [kʊd nɑt]) taste(to perceive the flavor of [teɪst]) theirs(belonging to them, referring to the comfits [ðɛrz]), and(a conjunction connecting two related events [ənd]) the small ones(the smaller avian creatures [ðə smɔl wənz]) choked(had difficulty breathing because something was stuck in their throat [ʧoʊkt]) and(a conjunction connecting two related events [ənd]) had to be(were required to be [hæd tɪ bi]) patted(gently tapped or stroked [ˈpætɪd]) on the back(on their posterior side [ɔn ðə bæk]). However(a transitional word indicating a contrast or change in direction [ˌhaʊˈɛvər]), it(referring to the noisy and confusing situation [ɪt]) was over(had ended [wɑz ˈoʊvər]) at last(finally, after some time or difficulty [æt læst]), and(a conjunction connecting two related events [ənd]) they(referring to the group of characters, including the birds [ðeɪ]) sat down(took a seated position [sæt daʊn]) again(once more, repeating the action [əˈgɛn]) in a ring(arranged in a circular formation [ɪn ə rɪŋ]), and(a conjunction connecting two related actions [ənd]) begged(earnestly requested [bɛgd]) the Mouse(a character identified as a mouse [ðə maʊs]) to tell(to narrate or recount [tɪ tɛl]) them(referring to the group of characters [ðɛm]) something more(an additional story or information [ˈsəmθɪŋ mɔr]).
'You promised(Indicates that someone made a commitment or assurance in the past [ju ˈprɑməst]) to tell(To communicate information or narrate a story [tɪ tɛl]) me(The speaker or writer referring to themselves [mi]) your history(The story of your past experiences and events [jʊr ˈhɪstəri]), you know(A phrase used for emphasis or to seek agreement [ju noʊ]),' said(Spoken or uttered [sɛd]) Alice(A proper noun, referring to a specific person [ˈælɪs]), 'and why(Expressing the reason or cause for something [ənd waɪ]) it is(Referring to the reason or cause [ɪt ɪz]) you hate(To dislike intensely [ju heɪt])—C and D(Representing specific things or people that are disliked [si ənd di]),' she added(She included further information [ʃi ˈædɪd]) in a whisper(Speaking very softly [ɪn ə ˈwɪspər]), half afraid(Partially scared or apprehensive [hæf əˈfreɪd]) that it(Referring to something previously mentioned [ðət ɪt]) would be offended(To feel hurt or upset [wʊd bi əˈfɛndɪd]) again(Once more or repeatedly [əˈgɛn]).
'Mine is(Belonging to me; my possession [maɪn ɪz]) a long(Extended in length or duration [ə lɔŋ]) and a sad tale(A story that is both lengthy and sorrowful [ənd ə sæd teɪl])!' said(Spoken or uttered [sɛd]) the Mouse(A small rodent, the speaker in this context [ðə maʊs]), turning(Changing direction [ˈtərnɪŋ]) to Alice(Towards Alice, indicating the recipient of the speech [tɪ ˈælɪs]), and sighing(Emitting a long, deep breath expressing sadness or weariness [ənd saɪɪŋ]).
'It IS(Emphasizing that something is indeed the case [ɪt ɪz]) a long tail(A lengthy appendage at the rear of an animal [ə lɔŋ teɪl]), certainly(Without a doubt; definitely [ˈsərtənli]),' said(Spoken or uttered [sɛd]) Alice(A proper noun, referring to a specific person [ˈælɪs]), looking down(Directing one's gaze downwards [ˈlʊkɪŋ daʊn]) with wonder(With a feeling of amazement and curiosity [wɪθ ˈwəndər]) at the Mouse's tail(Observing the tail belonging to the Mouse [æt ðə mouses teɪl]); 'but why(Expressing the reason or cause for something [bət waɪ]) do you call(To refer to something as [du ju kɔl]) it sad(Describing something as causing sorrow or unhappiness [ɪt sæd])?' And she kept on(And she continued [ənd ʃi kɛpt ɔn]) puzzling(Thinking hard to solve a problem [ˈpəzəlɪŋ]) about it(Concerning the matter at hand [əˈbaʊt ɪt]) while(During the time that [waɪl]) the Mouse(A small rodent, the speaker in this context [ðə maʊs]) was speaking(Was in the process of talking [wɑz ˈspikɪŋ]), so that(With the result that [soʊ ðət]) her idea(Her mental concept or understanding [hər aɪˈdiə]) of the tale(Concerning the story being told [əv ðə teɪl]) was something like this(Resembled the following [wɑz ˈsəmθɪŋ laɪk ðɪs]):—
'Fury said(The character Fury spoke [fˈjʊri sɛd]) to a(Directed towards a [tɪ ə])
mouse(a small rodent with a pointed snout, relatively large ears and eyes, and a long tail [maʊs]), That(used to introduce a relative clause specifying the mouse [ðət]) he(pronoun referring to the mouse [hi])
met(past tense of 'meet', meaning to encounter or come into contact with [mɛt]) in(preposition indicating location or containment [ɪn]) the(definite article, referring to a specific house [ðə])
house(a building used as a dwelling [haʊs]),
"Let us(an invitation or suggestion for a group to do something together [lɛt ˈjuˈɛs])
both(referring to two individuals or things [boʊθ]) go(to move or travel [goʊ]) to(preposition indicating direction or purpose [tɪ])
law(the system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members [lɔ]): I(first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]) will(auxiliary verb used to express future tense or intention [wɪl])
prosecute(to institute legal proceedings against a person or organization [ˈprɑsəˌkjut])
YOU(second-person singular or plural pronoun, used to refer to the person or people being addressed [ju]).—Come(used to express encouragement or impatience [kəm]),
I'll(contraction of 'I will' [aɪl]) take(to seize or capture [teɪk]) no(not any [noʊ])
denial(the act of stating that something is not true [dɪˈnaɪəl]); We(first-person plural pronoun [wi])
must(expressing necessity or obligation [məst]) have(to possess or experience [hæv]) a(indefinite article, referring to one trial [ə])
trial(a formal examination of evidence before a judge, and typically a jury, in order to decide guilt or innocence in a case of criminal or civil proceedings [traɪəl]): For(used to introduce a reason or explanation [fər])
really(in fact; actually [ˈrɪli]) this(referring to the current morning [ðɪs])
morning(the period of time between sunrise and noon [ˈmɔrnɪŋ]) I've(contraction of 'I have' [aɪv])
nothing(not anything; no single thing [ˈnəθɪŋ])
to do(to perform an action or task [tɪ du])."
Said(past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]) the(definite article, referring to a specific mouse [ðə])
mouse(a small rodent [maʊs]) to(preposition indicating direction [tɪ]) the(definite article, referring to a specific cur [ðə])
cur(an aggressive mongrel dog, especially a worthless or unfriendly one [kər]), "Such(of the type previously mentioned [səʧ])
a trial(a formal examination of evidence before a judge, and typically a jury, in order to decide guilt or innocence in a case of criminal or civil proceedings [ə traɪəl]),
dear Sir(a polite way of addressing someone, especially in formal correspondence [dɪr sər]),
With(preposition indicating being together or being involved [wɪθ])
no(not any [noʊ]) jury(a body of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case on the basis of evidence submitted to them [ˈʤʊri])
or(used to link alternatives [ər]) judge(a public official appointed to decide cases in a law court [ʤəʤ]),
would(expressing a conditional or possible event [wʊd]) be(to exist or occur [bi])
wasting(using or expending carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose [ˈweɪstɪŋ])
our(belonging to or associated with the speaker and one or more other people [ɑr])
breath(the air inhaled or exhaled in respiration [brɛθ])."
"I'll(contraction of 'I will' [aɪl]) be(to exist or occur [bi])
judge(a public official appointed to decide cases in a law court [ʤəʤ]), I'll(contraction of 'I will' [aɪl])
be(to exist or occur [bi]) jury(a body of people sworn to give a verdict in a legal case on the basis of evidence submitted to them [ˈʤʊri]),"
Said(past tense of 'say', indicating that someone spoke [sɛd])
cunning(skillful in deceiving; sly [ˈkənɪŋ])
old(having lived for a long time; not young [oʊld]) Fury(intense anger; also, potentially a name in this context [fˈjʊri]):
"I'll(contraction of 'I will', indicating a future action [aɪl])
try(to make an attempt or effort to do something [traɪ]) the(definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə])
whole(complete; entire [hoʊl])
cause(a reason for an action or condition; a legal case [kɔz]),
and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd])
condemn(to express strong disapproval of; to sentence someone to a punishment [kənˈdɛm])
you(the person being addressed [ju])
to(preposition indicating direction or purpose [tɪ])
death(the end of life [dɛθ])."'
'You(referring to the person being spoken to [ju]) are(present tense of the verb 'to be' [ər]) not(used to negate a statement [nɑt]) attending(paying attention; being present in mind [əˈtɛndɪŋ])!' said(past tense of 'say', indicating that someone spoke [sɛd]) the(definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]) Mouse(a small rodent [maʊs]) to(preposition indicating direction [tɪ]) Alice(a proper noun, a name [ˈælɪs]) severely(in a strict or harsh manner [səˈvɪrli]). 'What(interrogative pronoun, asking about something [wət]) are(present tense of the verb 'to be' [ər]) you(referring to the person being spoken to [ju]) thinking(using one's mind to consider or reason about something [ˈθɪŋkɪŋ]) of(preposition indicating relationship or association [əv])?'
'I(first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]) beg(to ask earnestly or humbly [bɛg]) your(possessive pronoun, referring to the person being spoken to [jʊr]) pardon(forgiveness for an offense or mistake [ˈpɑrdən]),' said(past tense of 'say', indicating that someone spoke [sɛd]) Alice(a proper noun, a name [ˈælɪs]) very(to a great degree; extremely [ˈvɛri]) humbly(in a modest or respectful manner [ˈhəmbli]): 'you(referring to the person being spoken to [ju]) had(past perfect tense auxiliary verb [hæd]) got(past participle of 'get', meaning to reach or arrive at [gɑt]) to(preposition indicating direction [tɪ]) the(definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]) fifth(ordinal number, indicating position in a sequence [fɪθ]) bend(a curve or turn [bɛnd]), I(first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]) think(to have an opinion or belief [θɪŋk])?'
'I(first-person singular pronoun [aɪ]) had(past tense of 'have' [hæd]) NOT(used to negate a statement [nɑt])!' cried(past tense of 'cry', meaning to exclaim loudly [kraɪd]) the(definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]) Mouse(a small rodent [maʊs]), sharply(in a sudden and forceful manner [ˈʃɑrpli]) and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) very(to a great degree; extremely [ˈvɛri]) angrily(in a manner showing anger [ˈæŋgrəli]).
'A(indefinite article, referring to one of something [ə]) knot(a fastening made by tying a rope or string [nɑt])!' said(past tense of 'say', indicating that someone spoke [sɛd]) Alice(a proper noun, a name [ˈælɪs]), always(at all times; on every occasion [ˈɔlˌweɪz]) ready(prepared or willing to do something [ˈrɛdi]) to(preposition indicating purpose [tɪ]) make(to cause something to exist or happen [meɪk]) herself(reflexive pronoun, referring back to Alice [hərˈsɛlf]) useful(able to be used for a practical purpose or in several ways [ˈjusfəl]), and(conjunction used to connect words or phrases [ənd]) looking(using one's eyes to see [ˈlʊkɪŋ]) anxiously(in a worried or nervous way [ˈæŋkʃəsli]) about(preposition indicating location or direction [əˈbaʊt]) her(possessive pronoun, referring to Alice [hər]). 'Oh(exclamation expressing surprise or entreaty [oʊ]), do(auxiliary verb used for emphasis or to form questions [du]) let(to allow or permit [lɛt]) me(first-person singular object pronoun [mi]) help(to assist someone [hɛlp]) to(preposition indicating purpose [tɪ]) undo(to unfasten or untie [ənˈdu]) it(pronoun referring to the knot [ɪt])!'