Page:Carroll - Rhyme and Reason.djvu/190

174 He offered large discount—he offered a cheque
 * (Drawn "to bearer") for seven-pounds-ten:

But the Bandersnatch merely extended its neck
 * And grabbed at the Banker again.

Without rest or pause—while those frumious jaws
 * Went savagely snapping around—

He skipped and he hopped, and he floundered and flopped,
 * Till fainting he fell to the ground.

The Bandersnatch fled as the others appeared
 * Led on by that fear-stricken yell:

And the Bellman remarked "It is just as I feared!"
 * And solemnly tolled on his bell.

He was black in the face, and they scarcely could trace
 * The least likeness to what he had been:

While so great was his fright that his waistcoat turned white—
 * A wonderful thing to be seen!

To the horror of all who were present that day,
 * He uprose in full evening dress,