Page:Carroll - Rhyme and Reason.djvu/84

68 Volunteered his own suggestions, His ingenious suggestions.
 * First the Governor, the Father:

He suggested velvet curtains Looped about a massy pillar; And the corner of a table, Of a rosewood dining-table. He would hold a scroll of something, Hold it firmly in his left-hand; He would keep his right-hand buried (Like Napoleon) in his waistcoat; He would contemplate the distance With a look of pensive meaning, As of ducks that die in tempests.
 * Grand, heroic was the notion:

Yet the picture failed entirely: Failed, because he moved a little, Moved, because he couldn't help it.
 * Next, his better half took courage;

She would have her picture taken. She came dressed beyond description, Dressed in jewels and in satin Far too gorgeous for an empress.