Page:Carroll - Rhyme and Reason.djvu/178

162 The Beaver brought paper, portfolio, pens,
 * And ink in unfailing supplies:

While strange creepy creatures came out of their dens,
 * And watched them with wondering eyes.

So engrossed was the Butcher, he heeded them not.
 * As he wrote with a pen in each hand,

And explained all the while in a popular style
 * Which the Beaver could well understand.

"Taking Three as the subject to reason about—
 * A convenient number to state—

We add Seven, and Ten, and then multiply out
 * By One Thousand diminished by Eight.

"The result we proceed to divide, as you see,
 * By Nine-Hundred-and-Ninety-and-Two:

Then subtract Seventeen, and the answer must be
 * Exactly and perfectly true.

"The method employed I would gladly explain,
 * While I have it so clear in my head,

If I had but the time and you had but the brain —
 * But much yet remains to be said.