Алиса в стране чудес / Alice in Wonderland

”

And she went closer to Alice’s side as she spoke.

Alice did not like it very much, because the Duchess was very ugly; and because she had a very sharp chin. However, Alice did not like to be rude.

“The game’s going on,” she said to keep up the conversation[69 - to keep up the conversation – чтобы поддержать разговор] a little.

“Exactly,” said the Duchess: “and the moral of that is �Oh, it’s love, it’s love, that makes the world go round[70 - it’s love, that makes the world go round – любовь движет миром]!’”

“Somebody says,” Alice whispered, “that it’s necessary to mind his own business!”

“Ah, well! It means the same thing,” said the Duchess, “and the moral of that is �Take care of the sense[71 - Take care of the sense! – Думай о смысле!]!’”

“Oh, she likes to find morals in everything!” Alice thought to herself.

“I’m not sure about the temper of your flamingo. Does it bite?”

“It may bite,” Alice cautiously replied.

“Very true,” said the Duchess: “flamingoes and mustard both bite. And the moral of that is “Birds of a feather flock together[72 - Birds of a feather flock together. – Рыбак рыбака видит издалека (буквально: Птицы одного оперения собираются вместе).].”’

“Only mustard isn’t a bird,” Alice remarked.

“Right, as usual,” said the Duchess, “what a clear mind!”

“It’s a mineral, I think,” said Alice.

“Of course it is,” said the Duchess, who was ready to agree to everything that Alice said.

“Oh, I know!” exclaimed Alice, “it’s a vegetable. It doesn’t look like one, but it is.”

“I quite agree with you,” said the Duchess; “and the moral of that is �Never imagine yourself not to be otherwise than you are otherwise.’”

“I think I must understand that better,” Alice said very politely, “if I write that down.

“Thinking again?” the Duchess asked, with the dig of her sharp little chin.

“I’ve a right to think,” said Alice sharply.

“You know, my dear,” said the Duchess, “the moral of this is—”

But here, to Alice’s great surprise, the Duchess’s arm began to tremble. Alice looked up, and there stood the Queen in front of them.

“A fine day, your Majesty!” the Duchess began in a low, weak voice.