Page:Carroll - Sylvie and Bruno.djvu/279

XVII] The Badgers did not care to talk to Fish:
 * They did not dote on Herrings' songs:

They never had experienced the dish
 * To which that name belongs:

'And oh, to pinch their tails,' (this was their wish,)
 * 'With tongs, yea, tongs, and tongs!'"

I ought to mention that he marked the parenthesis, in the air, with his finger. It seemed to me a very good plan. You know there's no sound to represent it——any more than there is for a question.

Suppose you have said to your friend "You are better to-day," and that you want him to understand that you are asking him a question, what can be simpler than just to make a "?" in the air with your finger? He would understand you in a moment!

And are not these the Fish,' the Eldest sighed,
 * 'Whose Mother dwells beneath the foam?'

'They are the Fish!' the Second one replied,
 * 'And they have left their home!'

'Oh wicked Fish,' the Youngest Badger cried,
 * 'To roam, yea, roam, and roam!'