Page:Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There.djvu/94

74

 'I doubt it,' said the Carpenter,
 * And shed a bitter tear.

'O Oysters, come and walk with us!'
 * The Walrus did beseech.

'A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,
 * Along the briny beach:

We cannot do with more than four,
 * To give a hand to each.

The eldest Oyster looked at him,
 * But never a word he said:

The eldest Oyster winked his eye,
 * And shook his heavy head—

Meaning to say he did not choose
 * To leave the oyster-bed.

But four young Oysters hurried up,
 * All eager for the treat:

Their coats were brushed, their faces washed,
 * Their shoes were clean and neat—

