` Yes , all his horses and all his men , ' Humpty Dumpty went on . ` They 'd pick me up again in a minute , THEY would ! However , this conversation is going on a little too fast : let 's go back to the last remark but one . ' ` I 'm afraid I ca n't quite remember it , ' Alice said very politely . ` In that case we start fresh , ' said Humpty Dumpty , ` and it 's my turn to choose a subject -- ' -LRB- ` He talks about it just as if it was a game ! ' thought Alice . -RRB- ` So here 's a question for you . How old did you say you were ? ' Alice made a short calculation , and said ` Seven years and six months . ' ` Wrong ! ' Humpty Dumpty exclaimed triumphantly . ` You never said a word like it ! ' ' I though you meant `` How old ARE you ? '' ' Alice explained . ` If I 'd meant that , I 'd have said it , ' said Humpty Dumpty . Alice did n't want to begin another argument , so she said nothing . ` Seven years and six months ! ' 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 , ' XXXXX said indignantly .
Alice Dumpty argument calculation horses minute months question remark years