some more Carroll

from the Complete Works of Lewis Carroll.


how doth the little crocodile
improve his shining tail,
and pour the waters of the nile
on every golden scale!

how cheerfully he seems to grin,
how neaty spread his claws,
and welcome little fishes in,
with gently smiling jaws!

...

the sun was shining on the sea,
shining with all his might:
he did his very best to make
the billows smooth and bright --
and this was odd, because it was
the middle of the night

the moon was shining sulkily,
because she thought the sun
had got no business to be there
after the day was done --
"it's very rude of him", she said,
"to come and spoil the fun!"

...

in winter when the fields are white
i sing this song for your delight --

in spring, when the woods are getting green,
i'll try and tell you what i mean.

in summer, when the days are long,
perhaps you'll understan the song:

in autumn, when the leaves are brown,
take pen and ink, and write it down.