Page:Carroll - Phantasmagoria and other poems (1869).djvu/208

196
 * The wisest of the land

Had gathered there, three solemn try sting-days, For high debate: men stood on either hand
 * To listen and to gaze.


 * The aged brows were bent,

Bent to a frown, half thought, and half annoy, That all their stores of subtlest argument
 * Were baffled by a boy.


 * In each averted face

I marked but scorn and loathing, till mine eyes Fell upon one that stirred not in his place,
 * Tranced in a dumb surprise


 * Surely within his mind

Strange thoughts are born, until he doubts the lore Of those old men, blind leaders of the blind,
 * Whose kingdom is no more.