I WONDER IF I FALL RIGHT
THROUGH THE EART ?

 

The rabbit-hole went straight on like a tunnel for some way, and them dipped suddenly down, so suddenly that Alice had not a moment to think about stopping herself before she found herself falling down what seemed to be a very deep well.

Either the well was very deep, or she fell very slowly, for she had plenty of time as she went down to look about her, and to wonder what was going to happen next. First, she tried to look down and make out what she was coming to, but it was too dark to see anything : then she looked at the sides of the well, and noticed that they were filled with cupboards and book-shelves : here and there she saw maps and pictures hung upon pegs. (...)

ALICE 1

« Well ! thought Alice to herself. After such a fali as this, I shall think nothing of tumbling down-stairs ! How brave thev'll all think me at home ! Why, I wouldn't say anything about it, even if I fell off the top of the house ! » (Which was very likely true.)

Down, down, down. Would the fall never come to an end ? « I wonder how m'any miles I've fallen by this time ? she said aloud. I must be getting somewhere near the centre of the eart. Let me see : that would be four thousand miles down... (...) - Yes, that's about the right distance - but then I wonder what Latitude or Longitude I've got to ? »

« Presently she began again. I wonder if I shall fall right through the earth! How funny it'll seem to come out among the people that walk with their heads downwards !

The antipathies, I think - (she was rather glad there was no one listening, this time, as it didn't sound at all the right word) - but I shall have to ask them what the name of the country is, you know. Please, Ma'am, is this New Zealand ? Or Australia ? (and she tried to curtsey as she spoke-fancy, curtseying as you're falling- through the air !) (...) No, it'll never do to ask : perhaps I shall see it written up somewhere. »

Down, down, down. There was nothing else to do.

 

Lewis Carrol, 1865
"Alice's adventures in wonderland"

Illustration : Sir John Tenniel, 1896

 

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