Humpty Dumpty repeated thoughtfully . ` An uncomfortable sort of age . Now if you 'd asked MY advice , I 'd have said `` Leave off at seven '' -- but it 's too late now . ' ' I never ask advice about growing , ' Alice said indignantly . ` Too proud ? ' the other inquired . Alice felt even more indignant at this suggestion . ' I mean , ' she said , ` that one ca n't help growing older . ' ` ONE ca n't , perhaps , ' said Humpty Dumpty , ` but TWO can . With proper assistance , you might have left off at seven . ' ` What a beautiful belt you 've got on ! ' Alice suddenly remarked . -LRB- They had had quite enough of the subject of age , she thought : and if they really were to take turns in choosing subjects , it was her turn now . -RRB- ` At least , ' she corrected herself on second thoughts , ' a beautiful cravat , I should have said -- no , a belt , I mean -- I beg your pardon ! ' she added in dismay , for Humpty Dumpty looked thoroughly offended , and she began to wish she had n't chosen that subject . ` If I only knew , ' she thought to herself , ` which was neck and which was waist ! ' Evidently Humpty Dumpty was very angry , though he said nothing for a minute or two . When he DID speak again , it was in a deep growl . ` It is a -- MOST -- PROVOKING -- thing , ' he said at last , ` when a person does n't know a cravat from a belt ! ' ' I know it 's very ignorant of me , ' Alice said , in so humble a tone that Humpty Dumpty relented .
` It 's a XXXXX , child , and a beautiful one , as you say .
Alice Dumpty PROVOKING cravat dismay growl left minute neck second