Page:Carroll - Rhyme and Reason.djvu/67

Rh Twas my fault after all, I find—
 * Shake hands, old Turnip-top!"

The name was hardly to my mind, But, as no doubt he meant it kind,
 * I let the matter drop.

"Good-night, old Turnip-top, good-night! When I am gone, perhaps They'll send you some inferior Sprite, Who'll keep you in a constant fright
 * And spoil your soundest naps.

"Tell him you'll stand no sort of trick;
 * Then, if he leers and chuckles,

You just be handy with a stick (Mind that it's pretty hard and thick)
 * And rap him on the knuckles!

"Then carelessly remark 'Old coon!
 * Perhaps you're not aware

That, if you don't behave, you'll soon Be chuckling to another tune—
 * And so you'd best take care!'