Part 14 (1/2)

They thanked him much for that

”A loaf of bread,” the Walrus said, ”Is what we chiefly need: Pepper and vinegar besides Are very good indeed-- Now, if you're ready, Oysters dear, We can begin to feed.”

”But not on us!” the Oysters cried, Turning a little blue.

”After such kindness, that would be A dismal thing to do!”

”The night is fine,” the Walrus said, ”Do you admire the view?

”It was so kind of you to come!

And you are very nice!”

The Carpenter said nothing but ”Cut us another slice.

I wish you were not quite so deaf-- I've had to ask you twice!”

”It seems a shame,” the Walrus said, ”To play them such a trick.

After we've brought them out so far, And made them trot so quick!”

The Carpenter said nothing but ”The b.u.t.ter's spread too thick!”

”I weep for you,” the Walrus said: ”I deeply sympathize.”

With sobs and tears he sorted out Those of the largest size, Holding his pocket-handkerchief Before his streaming eyes.

”O Oysters,” said the Carpenter, ”You've had a pleasant run!

Shall we be trotting home again?”

But answer came there none-- And this was scarcely odd, because They'd eaten every one.

_Lewis Carroll._

A LOBSTER QUADRILLE

”Will you walk a little faster?” said a whiting to a snail, ”There's a porpoise close behind us, and he's treading on my tail.

See how eagerly the lobsters and the turtles all advance!

They are waiting on the s.h.i.+ngle--will you come and join the dance?

Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, will you join the dance?

Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, won't you join the dance?

”You can really have no notion how delightful it will be When they take us up and throw us, with the lobsters, out to sea!”

But the snail replied, ”Too far, too far!” and gave a look askance-- Said he thanked the whiting kindly, but he would not join the dance.

Would not, could not, would not, could not, would not join the dance.

Would not, could not, would not, could not, could not join the dance.

”What matters it how far we go?” his scaly friend replied, ”There is another sh.o.r.e, you know, upon the other side.

The further off from England the nearer is to France-- Then turn not pale, beloved snail, but come and join the dance.

Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, will you join the dance?

Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, won't you join the dance?”