Page:Carroll - Rhyme and Reason.djvu/98

82 Some desperate attempts were made
 * To start a conversation;

"Madam," the sportive Brown essayed,
 * "Which kind of recreation,

Hunting or fishing, have you made
 * Your special occupation?"

Her lips curved downwards instantly,
 * As if of india-rubber.

"Hounds in full cry I like," said she:
 * (Oh how I longed to snub her !)

"Of fish, a whale's the one for me,
 * It is so full of blubber!"

The night's performance was " King John.
 * "It's dull," she wept, "and so-so!"

A while I let her tears flow on,
 * She said they soothed her woe so!

At length the curtain rose upon
 * 'Bombastes Furioso.'

In vain we roared; in vain we tried
 * To rouse her into laughter: