Page:Carroll - Rhyme and Reason.djvu/180

164 "In one moment I've seen what has hitherto been
 * Enveloped in absolute mystery,

And without extra charge I will give you at large
 * A Lesson in Natural History."

In his genial way he proceeded to say
 * (Forgetting all laws of propriety,

And that giving instruction, without introduction,
 * Would have caused quite a thrill in Society).

"As to temper the Jubjub's a desperate bird,
 * Since it lives in perpetual passion:

Its taste in costume is entirely absurd—
 * It is ages ahead of the fashion:

"But it knows any friend it has met once before:
 * It never will look at a bribe:

And in charity-meetings it stands at the door,
 * And collects—though it does not subscribe.

"Its flavour when cooked is more exquisite far
 * Than mutton, or oysters, or eggs:

(Some think it keeps best in an ivory jar,
 * And some, in mahogany kegs:)