THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK 767
''
Tis a pitiful tale," said the Bellman, whose face
Had grown longer at every word
:
"But, now that youVe stated the whole of your case.
More debate would be simply absurd.
"The rest of my speech" (he exclaimed to his men)
"You shall hear when Fve leisure to speak it.
But the Snark is at hand, let me tell you again!
'Tis your glorious duty to seek it!
"To seek it with thimbles, to seek it with care;
To pursue it with forks and hope;
To threaten its life with a railway-share;
To charm it with smiles and soap!
"For the Snark's a peculiar creature, that won't
Be caught in a commonplace way.
Do all that you know, and try all that you don't:
Not a chance must be wasted to-day!
"For England expects—I forbear to proceed
'Tis a maxim tremendous, but trite:
And you'd best be unpacking the things that you need
To rig yourselves out for the fight."
Then the Banker endorsed a blank cheque (which he
crossed).
And changed his loose silver for notes
The Baker with care combed his whiskers and hair.
And shook the dust out of his coats
The Boots and the Broker were sharpening a spade
Each working the grindstone in turn
But the Beaver went on making lace, and displayed
No interest in the concern
:

​

768 VERSE
Though the Barrister tried to appeal to its pride.
And vainly proceeded to cite
A number of cases, in which making laces
Had been proved an infringement of right.
The maker of Bonnets ferociously planned
A novel arrangement of bows
:
While the Billiard-marker with quivering hand
Was chalking the tip of his nose.
But the Butcher turned nervous, and dressed himself fine,
With yellow kid gloves and a ruff
—
Said he felt it exactly like going to dine,
Which the Bellman declared was all "stuff."
"Introduce me, now there's a good fellow," he said,
"If we happen to meet it together!"
And the Bellman, sagaciously nodding his head.
Said "That must depend on the weather."
The Beaver went simply galumphing about,
At seeing the Butcher so shy
:
And even the Baker, though stupid and stout,
Made an effort to wink with one eye.
"Be a man!" cried the Bellman in wrath, as he heard
The Butcher beginning to sob.
"Should we meet with a Jubjub, that desperate bird.
We shall need all our strength for the job!"