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Preface
The Hunting of the Snark
Publisher’s Ads

The Hunting of the Snark

AN EASTER GREETING

TO

EVERY CHILD WHO LOVES

THE HUNTING
OF THE SNARK

an Agony, in Eight Fits.

BY
LEWIS CARROLL

AUTHOR OF “ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND,”
AND “THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS.”

WITH NINE IMAGES
BY
HENRY HOLIDAY

MACMILLAN & CO.
1876.

[The Right of Translation and Reproduction is Reserved.]

LONDON:
R. CLAY, SONS, AND TAYLOR, PRINTERS,
BREAD STREET HILL.

Inscribed to a dear Child:
in memory of golden summer hours
and whispers of a summer sea.

Girt with a boyish garb for boyish task,

Gearing up in a youthful outfit for a youthful job,

Eager she wields her spade: yet loves as well

Eagerly, she grabs her spade: but she loves just the same.

Rest on a friendly knee, intent to ask

Rest on a friendly knee, ready to ask

The tale he loves to tell.

His favorite story to share.

Rude spirits of the seething outer strife,

Rude spirits of the chaotic outside conflict,

Unmeet to read her pure and simple spright,

Unfit to read her pure and simple spirit,

Deem, if you list, such hours a waste of life,

Deem, if you like, such hours a waste of life,

Empty of all delight!

Void of all joy!

Chat on, sweet Maid, and rescue from annoy

Chat on, sweet girl, and save me from annoyance.

Hearts that by wiser talk are unbeguiled.

Hearts that aren’t fooled by clever talk.

Ah, happy he who owns that tenderest joy,

Ah, lucky is the person who has that sweetest happiness,

The heart-love of a child!

The love of a child!

Away, fond thoughts, and vex my soul no more!

Away, sweet memories, and torment my soul no more!

Work claims my wakeful nights, my busy days—

Work takes over my sleepless nights, my hectic days—

Albeit bright memories of that sunlit shore

Yet haunt my dreaming gaze!

Yet haunt my dreams!

PREFACE.

If—and the thing is wildly possible—the charge of writing nonsense were ever brought against the author of this brief but instructive poem, it would be based, I feel convinced, on the line (in p. 18)

If—and it's quite possible—the accusation of writing nonsense could ever be made against the author of this short but insightful poem, it would likely be based, I believe, on the line (in p. 18)

“Then the bowsprit got mixed with the rudder sometimes.”

“Then the bowsprit sometimes got tangled with the rudder.”

In view of this painful possibility, I will not (as I might) appeal indignantly to my other writings as a proof that I am incapable of such a deed: I will not (as I might) point to the strong moral purpose of this poem itself, to the arithmetical principles so cautiously inculcated in it, or to its noble teachings in Natural History—I will take the more prosaic course of simply explaining how it happened.

In light of this painful possibility, I will not (as I could) angrily reference my other writings as proof that I am incapable of such an act: I will not (as I could) highlight the strong moral purpose of this poem, the mathematical principles carefully embedded in it, or its admirable lessons in Natural History—I will take the more straightforward approach of simply explaining how it came to be.

The Bellman, who was almost morbidly sensitive about appearances, used to have the bowsprit unshipped once or twice a week to be revarnished, and it more than once happened, when the time came for replacing it, that no one on board could remember which end of the ship it belonged to. They knew it was not of the slightest use to appeal to the Bellman about it—he would only refer to his Naval Code, and read out in pathetic tones Admiralty Instructions which none of them had ever x been able to understand—so it generally ended in its being fastened on, anyhow, across the rudder. The helmsman* used to stand by with tears in his eyes: he knew it was all wrong, but alas! Rule 42 of the Code, “No one shall speak to the Man at the Helm,” had been completed by the Bellman himself with the words “and the Man at the Helm shall speak to no one.” So remonstrance was impossible, and no steering could be done till the next varnishing day. During these bewildering intervals the ship usually sailed backwards.

The Bellman, who was extremely sensitive about appearances, had the bowsprit taken off once or twice a week to be revarnished. More than once, when it was time to put it back on, nobody on board could remember which end of the ship it belonged to. They knew it wouldn’t help to ask the Bellman—he would just refer to his Naval Code and read out Admiralty Instructions in such a sad tone that none of them ever understood. So it usually ended up being attached, regardless, across the rudder. The helmsman used to stand by with tears in his eyes: he knew it was all wrong, but unfortunately! Rule 42 of the Code, “No one shall speak to the Man at the Helm,” had been expanded by the Bellman himself to read “and the Man at the Helm shall speak to no one.” So complaining was impossible, and no steering could happen until the next varnishing day. During these confusing times, the ship usually sailed backwards.

As this poem is to some extent connected with the lay of the Jabberwock, let me take this opportunity of answering a question that has often been asked me, how to pronounce “slithy toves.” The “i” in “slithy” is long, as in “writhe”; and “toves” is pronounced so as to rhyme with “groves.” Again, the first “o” in “borogoves” is pronounced like the “o” in “borrow.” I have heard people try to give it the sound of the “o” in “worry.” Such is Human Perversity.

As this poem is somewhat connected to the story of the Jabberwock, I want to take this chance to answer a question I’ve often been asked: how to pronounce “slithy toves.” The “i” in “slithy” is long, like in “writhe”; and “toves” is pronounced to rhyme with “groves.” Also, the first “o” in “borogoves” is pronounced like the “o” in “borrow.” I’ve heard people try to pronounce it like the “o” in “worry.” Such is human oddity.

This also seems a fitting occasion to notice the other hard words in that poem. Humpty-Dumpty’s theory, of two meanings packed into one word like a portmanteau, seems to me the right explanation for all.

This also seems like a good time to point out the other tough words in that poem. Humpty-Dumpty’s idea of having two meanings crammed into one word, like a suitcase, seems to me to be the right explanation for everything.

For instance, take the two words “fuming” and “furious.” Make up your mind that you will say both xi words, but leave it unsettled which you will say first. Now open your mouth and speak. If your thoughts incline ever so little towards “fuming,” you will say “fuming-furious;” if they turn, by even a hair’s breadth, towards “furious,” you will say “furious-fuming;” but if you have that rarest of gifts, a perfectly balanced mind, you will say “frumious.”

For example, consider the two words “fuming” and “furious.” Decide that you'll say both words, but keep it open which one you'll say first. Now, open your mouth and speak. If your thoughts lean even slightly towards “fuming,” you'll say “fuming-furious;” if they shift, even just a tiny bit, towards “furious,” you’ll say “furious-fuming;” but if you have that rare ability of a perfectly balanced mind, you’ll say “frumious.”

Supposing that, when Pistol uttered the well-known words—

Supposing that, when Pistol said the famous words—

“Under which king, Bezonian? Speak or die!”

“Which king was it, loser? Speak up or face the consequences!”

Justice Shallow had felt certain that it was either William or Richard, but had not been able to settle which, so that he could not possibly say either name before the other, can it be doubted that, rather than die, he would have gasped out “Rilchiam!”

Justice Shallow was sure it was either William or Richard, but he couldn't decide which one, so he couldn't possibly say one name before the other. Is there any doubt that, rather than die, he would have gasped out “Rilchiam!”?

* This office was usually undertaken by the Boots, who found in it a refuge from the Baker’s constant complaints about the insufficient blacking of his three pair of boots.

* This office was typically handled by the Boots, who found it a refuge from the Baker’s endless complaints about the inadequate polishing of his three pairs of boots.

xiii

	PAGE
Fit the First. The Landing Fit the First. The Landing	3
Fit the Second. The Bellman’s Speech Fit the Second. The Bellman’s Speech	15
Fit the Third. The Baker’s Tale Fit the Third. The Baker’s Tale	27
Fit the Fourth. The Hunting Fit the Fourth. The Hunt	37
Fit the Fifth. The Beaver’s Lesson Fit the Fifth. The Beaver’s Lesson	47
Fit the Sixth. The Barrister’s Dream Fit the Sixth. The Barrister’s Dream	61
Fit the Seventh. The Banker’s Fate Fit the Seventh. The Banker’s Fate	71
Fit the Eighth. The Vanishing Fit the Eighth. The Vanishing	79

FIT I.—THE LANDING.

THE LANDING.

“Just the place for a Snark!” the Bellman cried,

“Just the perfect spot for a Snark!” the Bellman shouted,

As he landed his crew with care;

As he carefully landed his crew;

Supporting each man on the top of the tide

Supporting each man on top of the tide

By a finger entwined in his hair.

By a finger tangled in his hair.

“Just the place for a Snark! I have said it twice:

“Just the spot for a Snark! I’ve said it twice:

That alone should encourage the crew.

That alone should motivate the crew.

Just the place for a Snark! I have said it thrice:

Just the spot for a Snark! I've said it three times:

What I tell you three times is true.”

The crew was complete: it included a Boots—

A maker of Bonnets and Hoods—

A maker of bonnets and hoods—

A Barrister, brought to arrange their disputes—

A barrister is brought in to sort out their disputes—

And a Broker, to value their goods.

And a broker to assess their goods.

A Billiard-marker, whose skill was immense,

A billiard marker with incredible skill,

Might perhaps have won more than his share—

Might have possibly gained more than his share—

But a Banker, engaged at enormous expense,

But a banker, working at great cost,

Had the whole of their cash in his care.

Had all of their money in his possession.

There was also a Beaver, that paced on the deck,

There was also a Beaver that walked back and forth on the deck,

Or would sit making lace in the bow:

Or would sit making lace in the boat:

And had often (the Bellman said) saved them from wreck,

And had often (the Bellman said) saved them from shipwreck,

Though none of the sailors knew how.

the ship's crew

There was one who was famed for the number of things

There was one who was famous for the number of things

He forgot when he entered the ship:

He lost track of time when he got on the ship:

His umbrella, his watch, all his jewels and rings,

His umbrella, his watch, all his jewelry and rings,

And the clothes he had bought for the trip.

He had forty-two boxes, all carefully packed,

He had forty-two boxes, all neatly packed,

With his name painted clearly on each:

With his name written clearly on each:

But, since he omitted to mention the fact,

But, since he failed to mention it,

They were all left behind on the beach.

The loss of his clothes hardly mattered, because

The loss of his clothes barely mattered, because

He had seven coats on when he came,

He was wearing seven coats when he arrived,

With three pair of boots—but the worst of it was,

With three pairs of boots—but the worst part was,

He had wholly forgotten his name.

He had completely forgotten his name.

He would answer to “Hi!” or to any loud cry,

He would respond to “Hi!” or to any loud shout,

Such as “Fry me!” or “Fritter my wig!”

To “What-you-may-call-um!” or “What-was-his-name!”

To “What do you call it?” or “What was his name?”

But especially “Thing-um-a-jig!”

But especially “Thingamajig!”

While, for those who preferred a more forcible word,

While, for those who preferred a stronger word,

He had different names from these:

He had names other than these:

His intimate friends called him “Candle-ends,”

His close friends called him "Candle-ends,"

And his enemies “Toasted-cheese.”

“His form is ungainly—his intellect small—”

“His shape is awkward—his mind small—”

(So the Bellman would often remark)

“But his courage is perfect! And that, after all,

Is the thing that one needs with a Snark.”

Is the thing that you need with a Snark.”

He would joke with hyænas, returning their stare

He would joke with hyenas, matching their gaze.

With an impudent wag of the head:

With a cheeky shake of the head:

And he once went a walk, paw-in-paw, with a bear,

And he once took a walk, hand in hand, with a bear,

“Just to keep up its spirits,” he said.

“Just to stay optimistic,” he said.

He came as a Baker: but owned, when too late—

He arrived as a Baker: but admitted, when it was too behind schedule—

And it drove the poor Bellman half-mad—

And it drove the poor Bellman almost crazy—

He could only bake Bridecake—for which, I may state,

He could only bake Bridecake—for which, I should mention,

No materials were to be had.

No materials were accessible.

The last of the crew needs especial remark,

The last of the crew deserves special attention,

Though he looked an incredible dunce:

Though he looked like an absolute fool:

He had just one idea—but, that one being “Snark,”

He had just one idea—but that idea was "Snark,"

The good Bellman engaged him at once.

The good Bellman immediately hired him.

He came as a Butcher: but gravely declared,

He showed up as a butcher, but seriously stated,

When the ship had been sailing a week,

When the ship had been sailing for a week,

He could only kill Beavers. The Bellman looked scared,

He could only kill Beavers. The Bellman looked frightened,

And was almost too frightened to speak:

And was nearly too scared to talk:

But at length he explained, in a tremulous tone,

But eventually he explained, in a shaky voice,

There was only one Beaver on board;

And that was a tame one he had of his own,

And that was a gentle one he had for himself,

Whose death would be deeply deplored.

Whose death would be deeply mourned.

The Beaver, who happened to hear the remark,

The Beaver, who happened to hear the comment,

Protested, with tears in its eyes,

That not even the rapture of hunting the Snark

That not even the thrill of hunting the Snark

Could atone for that dismal surprise!

Could make up for that awful shock!

the Butcher and the Beaver

It strongly advised that the Butcher should be

It is highly recommended that the Butcher should be

Conveyed in a separate ship:

Sent on a different ship:

But the Bellman declared that would never agree

But the Bellman said that he would never agree

With the plans he had made for the trip:

With the plans he made for the trip:

Navigation was always a difficult art,

Navigation was always a challenging skill,

Though with only one ship and one bell:

Though with just one ship and one bell:

And he feared he must really decline, for his part,

And he was worried that he really had to say no, as far as he was concerned,

Undertaking another as well.

Taking on another as well.

The Beaver’s best course was, no doubt, to procure

The Beaver’s best move was, without a doubt, to get

A second-hand dagger-proof coat—

A pre-owned bulletproof coat—

So the Baker advised it—and next, to insure

So the Baker suggested it—and next, to make sure

Its life in some Office of note:

Its life in some notable office:

This the Banker suggested, and offered for hire

This the Banker suggested, and offered for rent

(On moderate terms), or for sale,

Two excellent Policies, one Against Fire,

Two excellent policies, one against fire,

And one Against Damage From Hail.

Yet still, ever after that sorrowful day,

Yet still, after that sad day,

Whenever the Butcher was by,

Whenever the Butcher was around,

The Beaver kept looking the opposite way,

The Beaver kept looking the other way,

And appeared unaccountably shy.

And seemed surprisingly shy.

FIT II.—THE BELLMAN’S SPEECH.

THE BELLMAN’S SPEECH.

The Bellman himself they all praised to the skies—

The Bellman himself they all praised to the skies

Such a carriage, such ease and such grace!

Such a carriage, such ease, and such grace!

Such solemnity, too! One could see he was wise,

Such seriousness, too! You could tell he was wise,

The moment one looked in his face!

The moment you looked at his face!

He had bought a large map representing the sea,

He had bought a large map of the ocean,

Without the least vestige of land:

No land in sight:

And the crew were much pleased when they found it to be

And the crew was very happy when they discovered it to be

A map they could all understand.

An easy-to-understand map.

“What’s the good of Mercator’s North Poles and Equators,

“What’s the point of Mercator’s North Poles and Equators,

Tropics, Zones, and Meridian Lines?”

"Tropics, Zones, and Meridian Lines?"

So the Bellman would cry: and the crew would reply

So the Bellman would shout: and the crew would respond

“They are merely conventional signs!

"They're just conventional signs!"

“Other maps are such shapes, with their islands and capes!

“Other maps have such shapes, with their islands and coastlines!

But we’ve got our brave Captain to thank”

But we owe our gratitude to our brave Captain.

(So the crew would protest) “that he’s bought us the best—

(So the crew would protest) “that he’s bought us the best

A perfect and absolute blank!”

A complete and total blank!

17 OCEAN-CHART.

This was charming, no doubt: but they shortly found out

This was charming, no doubt: but they soon found out

That the Captain they trusted so well

That the Captain they trusted so much

Had only one notion for crossing the ocean,

Had just one idea for crossing the ocean,

And that was to tingle his bell.

And that was to ring his bell.

He was thoughtful and grave—but the orders he gave

He was serious and contemplative—but the instructions he gave

Were enough to bewilder a crew.

Were enough to confuse a crew.

When he cried “Steer to starboard, but keep her head larboard!”

When he shouted, “Turn to the right, but keep her facing to the left!”

What on earth was the helmsman to do?

What was the helmsman supposed to do?

Then the bowsprit got mixed with the rudder sometimes:

Then the bowsprit occasionally got tangled with the rudder:

A thing, as the Bellman remarked,

A thing, as the Bellman said,

That frequently happens in tropical climes,

That often happens in tropical climates,

When a vessel is, so to speak, “snarked.”

When a ship is, so to speak, "snarked."

But the principal failing occurred in the sailing,

But the main issue happened during the sailing,

And the Bellman, perplexed and distressed,

And the Bellman, confused and upset,

Said he had hoped, at least, when the wind blew due East,

That the ship would not travel due West!

That the ship would not sail directly West!

But the danger was past—they had landed at last,

But the danger was over—they had finally landed,

With their boxes, portmanteaus, and bags:

With their boxes, suitcases, and bags:

Yet at first sight the crew were not pleased with the view,

Yet at first glance, the crew were not happy with the view,

Which consisted of chasms and crags.

Which consisted of deep gorges and cliffs.

The Bellman perceived that their spirits were low,

The Bellman noticed that their spirits were down,

And repeated in musical tone

And repeated in a musical tone

Some jokes he had kept for a season of woe—

Some jokes he had saved for a time of trouble

But the crew would do nothing but groan.

But the crew just kept groaning.

He served out some grog with a liberal hand,

He poured out some drinks generously,

And bade them sit down on the beach:

And asked them to sit down on the beach:

And they could not but own that their Captain looked grand,

And they couldn't help but admit that their Captain looked impressive,

As he stood and delivered his speech.

As he stood there and gave his speech.

“Friends, Romans, and countrymen, lend me your ears!”

“Friends, Romans, and fellow citizens, listen to me!”

(They were all of them fond of quotations:

They all loved quotes:

So they drank to his health, and they gave him three cheers,

So they raised their glasses to his health and cheered him three times.

While he served out additional rations).

While he handed out extra rations.

“We have sailed many months, we have sailed many weeks,

“We have sailed for many months, we have sailed for many weeks,

(Four weeks to the month you may mark),

(Four weeks to the month you can note),

But never as yet (’tis your Captain who speaks)

But never yet (it's your Captain speaking)

Have we caught the least glimpse of a Snark!

Have we caught even the slightest glimpse of a Snark!

“We have sailed many weeks, we have sailed many days,

“We have sailed for many weeks, we have sailed for many days,

(Seven days to the week I allow),

But a Snark, on the which we might lovingly gaze,

But a Snark, on which we could gaze affectionately,

We have never beheld till now!

We have never seen anything like this before!

“Come, listen, my men, while I tell you again

“Come, listen, guys, while I tell you again

The five unmistakable marks

The five clear signs

By which you may know, wheresoever you go,

By which you may know, wherever you go,

The warranted genuine Snarks.

The authentic Snarks.

“Let us take them in order. The first is the taste,

“Let’s go through them one by one. The first is the taste,

Which is meagre and hollow, but crisp:

Which is thin and empty, but crunchy:

Like a coat that is rather too tight in the waist,

Like a coat that’s a bit too tight around the waist,

With a flavour of Will-o-the-wisp.

With a hint of Will-o'-the-wisp.

“Its habit of getting up late you’ll agree

“Its habit of getting up late, you’ll agree

That it carries too far, when I say

That it goes too far when I say

That it frequently breakfasts at five-o’clock tea,

That it often has breakfast at five o’clock tea,

And dines on the following day.

And has dinner the next day.

“The third is its slowness in taking a jest.

“The third is its slowness in getting a joke.

Should you happen to venture on one,

Should you happen to go on one,

It will sigh like a thing that is deeply distressed:

It will sigh like something that is really troubled:

And it always looks grave at a pun.

And it always seems serious when there's a pun.

“The fourth is its fondness for bathing-machines,

“The fourth is its love for bathing machines,

Which it constantly carries about,

Which it continuously keeps with,

And believes that they add to the beauty of scenes—

And believes that they enhance the beauty of scenes—

A sentiment open to doubt.

A feeling open to doubt.

“The fifth is ambition. It next will be right

“The fifth is ambition. It will be the next right one."

To describe each particular batch:

To describe each specific batch:

Distinguishing those that have feathers, and bite,

Distinguishing those that have feathers and bite,

From those that have whiskers, and scratch.

From those that have whiskers and scratch.

“For, although common Snarks do no manner of harm,

“For, even though regular Snarks don't cause any harm,

Yet, I feel it my duty to say,

Yet, I feel it’s my responsibility to say,

Some are Boojums—” The Bellman broke off in alarm,

Some are Boojums—” The Bellman suddenly stopped in alarm,

For the Baker had fainted away.

For the baker had passed out.

FIT III.—THE BAKER’S TALE.

THE BAKER’S TALE.

They roused him with muffins—they roused him with ice—

They woke him up with muffins—they woke him up with ice—

They roused him with mustard and cress—

They woke him up with mustard and watercress

They roused him with jam and judicious advice—

They woke him up with jam and smart tips

They set him conundrums to guess.

They gave him riddles to solve.

When at length he sat up and was able to speak,

When he finally sat up and could speak,

His sad story he offered to tell;

His sad story he offered to share;

And the Bellman cried “Silence! Not even a shriek!”

And the Bellman shouted, “Quiet! Not even a scream!”

And excitedly tingled his bell.

And excitedly rang his bell.

There was silence supreme! Not a shriek, not a scream,

There was total silence! Not a yell, not a shout,

Scarcely even a howl or a groan,

Scarcely a howl or a groan,

As the man they called “Ho!” told his story of woe

As the man they called “Ho!” shared his sad story

In an antediluvian tone.

In an ancient tone.

“My father and mother were honest, though poor—”

“My dad and mom were honest, though poor—”

“Skip all that!” cried the Bellman in haste.

“Forget all that!” shouted the Bellman urgently.

“If it once becomes dark, there’s no chance of a Snark—

“If it gets dark, there’s no chance of a Sarcasm—

We have hardly a minute to waste!”

We barely have a minute to waste!”

“I skip forty years,” said the Baker, in tears,

“And proceed without further remark

"Continue without further comment."

To the day when you took me aboard of your ship

To the day you brought me on your ship

To help you in hunting the Snark.

To assist you in finding the Snark.

“A dear uncle of mine (after whom I was named)

Remarked, when I bade him farewell—”

Said when I said goodbye—”

“Oh, skip your dear uncle!” the Bellman exclaimed,

“Oh, forget your dear uncle!” the Bellman exclaimed,

As he angrily tingled his bell.

As he angrily rang his bell.

“He remarked to me then,” said that mildest of men,

“He said to me then,” said that mildest of men,

“‘If your Snark be a Snark, that is right:

“‘If your Snark is a Snark, that's correct:

Fetch it home by all means—you may serve it with greens,

Fetch it home by all means—you can serve it with greens,

And it’s handy for striking a light.

And it’s useful for starting a fire.

“‘You may seek it with thimbles—and seek it with care;

“‘You can look for it with thimbles—and look for it carefully;

You may hunt it with forks and hope;

You can chase it with forks and hope;

You may threaten its life with a railway-share;

You might threaten its existence with a railway stock;

You may charm it with smiles and soap—’”

You can win it over with smiles and soap

(“That’s exactly the method,” the Bellman bold

In a hasty parenthesis cried,

In a quick aside cried,

“That’s exactly the way I have always been told

“That’s exactly how I've always been told

That the capture of Snarks should be tried!”)

That the capture of Snarks should be attempted!”)

“’But oh, beamish nephew, beware of the day,

“’But oh, bright nephew, watch out for the day,

If your Snark be a Boojum! For then

If your Snark is a Boojum! Because then

You will softly and suddenly vanish away,

You will quietly and unexpectedly disappear,

And never be met with again!’

And never be seen again!

the Baker and his uncle

“It is this, it is this that oppresses my soul,

“It is this, it is this that weighs down my soul,

When I think of my uncle’s last words:

When I think about my uncle’s last words:

And my heart is like nothing so much as a bowl

And my heart is nothing more than a bowl

Brimming over with quivering curds!

Overflowing with trembling curds!

“It is this, it is this—” “We have had that before!”

“It’s this, it’s this—” “We’ve been through that before!”

The Bellman indignantly said.

The Bellman said angrily.

And the Baker replied “Let me say it once more.

And the Baker replied, "Let me say it again.

It is this, it is this that I dread!

It’s this, it’s this that I fear!

“I engage with the Snark—every night after dark—

“I engage with the Snark—every night after dark

In a dreamy delirious fight:

In a surreal, wild battle:

I serve it with greens in those shadowy scenes,

I serve it with greens in those dimly lit scenes,

And I use it for striking a light:

And I use it to light a fire:

“But if ever I meet with a Boojum, that day,

“But if I ever run into a Boojum, that day,

In a moment (of this I am sure),

In a moment (of this I'm sure),

I shall softly and suddenly vanish away—

I will quietly and quickly disappeargone—

And the notion I cannot endure!”

And I can't stand that idea!

FIT IV.—THE HUNTING.

THE HUNTING.

The Bellman looked uffish, and wrinkled his brow.

The Bellman looked grumpy and furrowed his brow.

“If only you’d spoken before!

“If only you had spoken earlier!

It’s excessively awkward to mention it now,

It’s really awkward to bring it up now,

With the Snark, so to speak, at the door!

“We should all of us grieve, as you well may believe,

“We should all grieve, as you can imagine,

If you never were met with again—

If you never see again—

But surely, my man, when the voyage began,

But surely, my friend, when the journey started,

You might have suggested it then?

You might have suggested it back then?

“It’s excessively awkward to mention it now—

“It’s really awkward to bring it up now—

As I think I’ve already remarked.”

As I think I’ve already mentioned.

And the man they called “Hi!” replied, with a sigh,

“I informed you the day we embarked.

“I told you the day we started.”

“You may charge me with murder—or want of sense—

“You can accuse me of murder—or lack of feeling—

(We are all of us weak at times):

(We all have our moments of weakness):

But the slightest approach to a false pretence

But even the smallest hint of a lie

Was never among my crimes!

Was never one of my crimes!

“I said it in Hebrew—I said it in Dutch—

I said it in German and Greek:

But I wholly forgot (and it vexes me much)

But I completely forgot (and it annoys me a lot)

That English is what you speak!”

That's the English you use!

“’Tis a pitiful tale,” said the Bellman, whose face

“It's a sad story,” said the Bellman, whose face

Had grown longer at every word:

Had gotten longer with every word:

“But, now that you’ve stated the whole of your case,

More debate would be simply absurd.

More discussion would be just ridiculous.

“The rest of my speech” (he explained to his men)

“The rest of my speech,” he explained to his men.

“You shall hear when I’ve leisure to speak it.

“You'll hear when I have time to say it.

But the Snark is at hand, let me tell you again!

But the Snark is here, let me tell you again!

’Tis your glorious duty to seek it!

It’s your glorious duty to seek it!

“To seek it with thimbles, to seek it with care;

“To look for it carefully, to look for it with small efforts;

To pursue it with forks and hope;

To chase it with forks and hope;

To threaten its life with a railway-share;

To put its life at risk with a railway share;

To charm it with smiles and soap!

To win it over with smiles and soap!

“For the Snark’s a peculiar creature, that won’t

Be caught in a commonplace way.

Be caught in an ordinary way.

Do all that you know, and try all that you don’t:

Do everything you know, and try everything you don’t:

Not a chance must be wasted to-day!

Not a chance should be wasted today!

“For England expects—I forbear to proceed:

“For England expects—I won’t go on:"

’Tis a maxim tremendous, but trite:

It’s a great saying, but it's overused:

And you’d best be unpacking the things that you need

And you’d better unpack the things you need.

To rig yourselves out for the fight.”

To gear yourselves up for the fight.

the crew and more

Then the Banker endorsed a blank cheque (which he crossed),

Then the Banker signed a blank check (which he made non-transferable),

And changed his loose silver for notes.

And traded his loose change in silver for bills.

The Baker with care combed his whiskers and hair,

The baker carefully groomed his beard and hair,

And shook the dust out of his coats.

And shook the dust out of his coat.

The Boots and the Broker were sharpening a spade—

The Boots and the Broker were sharpening a spade

Each working the grindstone in turn:

Each taking a turn at the grindstone:

But the Beaver went on making lace, and displayed

But the Beaver continued making lace and showed

No interest in the concern:

No interest in the issue.

Though the Barrister tried to appeal to its pride,

Though the lawyer tried to appeal to its pride,

And vainly proceeded to cite

And foolishly went on to cite

A number of cases, in which making laces

Had been proved an infringement of right.

Had been proven as a violation of rights.

The maker of Bonnets ferociously planned

The maker of Bonnets fiercely planned

A novel arrangement of bows:

A new way to tie bows:

While the Billiard-marker with quivering hand

While the billiard marker with a trembling hand

Was chalking the tip of his nose.

Was putting chalk on the tip of his nose.

But the Butcher turned nervous, and dressed himself fine,

But the Butcher got anxious and put on his best clothes,

With yellow kid gloves and a ruff—

With yellow gloves and a ruff—

Said he felt it exactly like going to dine,

Said he felt it just like going out to eat,

Which the Bellman declared was all “stuff.”

Which the Bellman declared was all "nonsense."

“Introduce me, now there’s a good fellow,” he said,

“Introduce me, now there’s a good guy,” he said,

“If we happen to meet it together!”

“If we happen to run into it together!”

And the Bellman, sagaciously nodding his head,

And the Bellman, wisely nodding his head,

Said “That must depend on the weather.”

Said, "That probably depends on the weather."

The Beaver went simply galumphing about,

The Beaver was rushing around,

At seeing the Butcher so shy:

At seeing the Butcher so bashful:

And even the Baker, though stupid and stout,

And even the Baker, though dim-witted and heavyset,

Made an effort to wink with one eye.

“Be a man!” said the Bellman in wrath, as he heard

“Be a man!” shouted the Bellman angrily when he heard

The Butcher beginning to sob.

The butcher starts to cry.

“Should we meet with a Jubjub, that desperate bird,

We shall need all our strength for the job!”

We’re going to need all our strength for this task!

FIT V.—THE BEAVER’S LESSON.

THE BEAVER’S LESSON.

They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care;

They searched for it with thimbles, they looked for it carefully;

They pursued it with forks and hope;

They chased it with forks and optimism;

They threatened its life with a railway-share;

They threatened its life with a railway stock.

They charmed it with smiles and soap.

They captivated it with smiles and soap.

Then the Butcher contrived an ingenious plan

Then the Butcher came up with a clever plan.

For making a separate sally;

For making a separate sortie;

And had fixed on a spot unfrequented by man,

And had chosen a place that wasn't often visited by people,

A dismal and desolate valley.

A bleak and empty valley.

But the very same plan to the Beaver occurred:

But the same plan happened to the Beaver:

It had chosen the very same place:

It picked the exact same spot:

Yet neither betrayed, by a sign or a word,

The disgust that appeared in his face.

The disgust that showed on his face.

Each thought he was thinking of nothing but “Snark”

Each thought he was thinking about nothing but “Snark”

And the glorious work of the day;

And the amazing accomplishment of the day;

And each tried to pretend that he did not remark

And each tried to act like he didn't notice

That the other was going that way.

But the valley grew narrow and narrower still,

But the valley became narrower and narrower,

And the evening got darker and colder,

And the evening became darker and colder,

Till (merely from nervousness, not from goodwill)

Till (just from nervousness, not from kindness)

They marched along shoulder to shoulder.

They walked together.

Then a scream, shrill and high, rent the shuddering sky,

Then a scream, loud and piercing, tore through the trembling sky,

And they knew that some danger was near:

And they knew that danger was nearby:

The Beaver turned pale to the tip of its tail,

The Beaver turned white all the way to the end of its tail,

And even the Butcher felt queer.

And even the Butcher felt off.

He thought of his childhood, left far far behind—

He thought about his childhood, which was left far, far behind

That blissful and innocent state—

The sound so exactly recalled to his mind

The sound perfectly brought to his mind

A pencil that squeaks on a slate!

A pencil that squeaks on a chalkboard!

“’Tis the voice of the Jubjub!” he suddenly cried.

“It's the voice of the Jubjub!” he suddenly shouted.

(This man, that they used to call “Dunce.”)

(This man, whom they used to call "Dunce.")

“As the Bellman would tell you,” he added with pride,

“As the Bellman would tell you,” he said proudly,

“I have uttered that sentiment once.

“I have expressed that feeling before.

“’Tis the note of the Jubjub! Keep count, I entreat;

“It's the sound of the Jubjub! I urge you to keep track;

You will find I have told it you twice.

You’ll see that I’ve mentioned it to you twice.

’Tis the song of the Jubjub! The proof is complete,

'Tis the song of the Jubjub! The proof is complete,

If only I’ve stated it thrice.”

If only I had said it three times.

The Beaver had counted with scrupulous care,

The Beaver had counted with meticulous attention,

Attending to every word:

Listening to every word:

But it fairly lost heart, and outgrabe in despair,

But it completely lost its spirit and let out a cry of despair,

When the third repetition occurred.

When the third repetition happened.

It felt that, in spite of all possible pains,

It felt that, despite any possible pain,

It had somehow contrived to lose count,

It somehow managed to lose track,

And the only thing now was to rack its poor brains

And all there was left to do was to stress over it.

By reckoning up the amount.

By calculating the amount.

“Two added to one—if that could but be done,”

“Two plus one—if only that could happen,”

It said, “with one’s fingers and thumbs!”

It said, “with your fingers and thumbs!”

Recollecting with tears how, in earlier years,

It had taken no pains with its sums.

It hadn't put any effort into its calculations.

“The thing can be done,” said the Butcher, “I think.

The thing must be done, I am sure.

The thing has to be done, I'm sure.

The thing shall be done! Bring me paper and ink,

The job will be done! Bring me paper and ink,

The best there is time to procure.”

The best there is time to get.

the Butcher does sums

The Beaver brought paper, portfolio, pens,

The Beaver brought paper, a portfolio, and pens,

And ink in unfailing supplies:

And ink in reliable supplies:

While strange creepy creatures came out of their dens,

While weird creepy creatures emerged from their dens,

And watched them with wondering eyes.

And watched them with curious eyes.

So engrossed was the Butcher, he heeded them not,

So focused was the Butcher, he didn't pay attention to them,

As he wrote with a pen in each hand,

And explained all the while in a popular style

And explained all along in a relatable way

Which the Beaver could well understand.

Which the Beaver could easily understand.

“Taking Three as the subject to reason about—

“Taking Three as the subject to reason regarding—

A convenient number to state—

A handy number to state—

We add Seven, and Ten, and then multiply out

We add seven and ten and then multiply them out.

By One Thousand diminished by Eight.

By 992.

“The result we proceed to divide, as you see,

“The result we’re about to divide, as you see,

By Nine Hundred and Ninety and Two:

By 992:

Then subtract Seventeen, and the answer must be

Then subtract seventeen, and the answer has to be

Exactly and perfectly true.

“The method employed I would gladly explain,

“The method I used, I’d be happy to explain,

While I have it so clear in my head,

While I have it so clear in my mind,

If I had but the time and you had but the brain—

If I only had the time and you only had the brain—

But much yet remains to be said.

But there’s still a lot more to say.

“In one moment I’ve seen what has hitherto been

"In one moment I've seen what has previously been"

Enveloped in absolute mystery,

Shrouded in total mystery,

And without extra charge I will give you at large

And for no additional cost, I will provide you with plenty.

A Lesson in Natural History.”

A Lesson in Nature.

In his genial way he proceeded to say

In his friendly manner, he went on to say

(Forgetting all laws of propriety,

(Disregarding all social norms,

And that giving instruction, without introduction,

And that providing guidance, without preamble,

Would have caused quite a thrill in Society),

“As to temper the Jubjub’s a desperate bird,

“As for the Jubjub, it's a pretty desperate bird,

Since it lives in perpetual passion:

Since it exists in constant passion:

Its taste in costume is entirely absurd—

Its taste in costume is completely ridiculous

It is ages ahead of the fashion:

It is way ahead of the trends:

“But it knows any friend it has met once before:

“But it recognizes any friend it has encountered before:

It never will look at a bribe:

It will never accept a bribe:

And in charity-meetings it stands at the door,

And at charity meetings, it stands at the door,

And collects—though it does not subscribe.

And collects—though it doesn't follow.

“Its flavour when cooked is more exquisite far

“Its flavor when cooked is far more exquisite”

Than mutton, or oysters, or eggs:

(Some think it keeps best in an ivory jar,

And some, in mahogany kegs:)

And some, in mahogany barrels :)

“You boil it in sawdust: you salt it in glue:

“You boil it in sawdust; you salt it in glue;

You condense it with locusts and tape:

You shrink it down with locusts and tape:

Still keeping one principal object in view—

Still keeping one main goal in view—

To preserve its symmetrical shape.”

To maintain its symmetrical shape.

The Butcher would gladly have talked till next day,

The Butcher would have happily talked until the next day,

But he felt that the Lesson must end,

But he felt that the lesson had to come to a close,

And he wept with delight in attempting to say

And he cried tears of joy while trying to say

He considered the Beaver his friend.

He thought of the Beaver as his friend.

While the Beaver confessed, with affectionate looks

While the Beaver admitted it, with loving glances

More eloquent even than tears,

More expressive than tears,

It had learned in ten minutes far more than all books

It had learned in ten minutes much more than any books.

Would have taught it in seventy years.

They returned hand-in-hand, and the Bellman, unmanned

They returned hand in hand, and the Bellman, without a crew

(For a moment) with noble emotion,

(For a moment) with a deep sense of honor,

Said “This amply repays all the wearisome days

Said, “This definitely makes up for all the tiring days.”

We have spent on the billowy ocean!”

We have spent on the swaying ocean!”

Such friends, as the Beaver and Butcher became,

Such friends as the Beaver and Butcher became,

Have seldom if ever been known;

Have rarely, if ever, been known;

In winter or summer, ’twas always the same—

In winter or summer, it was always the same

You could never meet either alone.

You could never meet either one of them alone.

And when quarrels arose—as one frequently finds

And when arguments came up—as is often the case

Quarrels will, spite of every endeavour—

Quarrels will persist despite every endeavour—

The song of the Jubjub recurred to their minds,

The song of the Jubjub came back to their minds,

And cemented their friendship for ever!

And solidified their friendship for good!

FIT VI.—THE BARRISTER’S DREAM.

THE BARRISTER’S DREAM.

They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care;

They searched for it with thimbles, they searched for it carefully;

They pursued it with forks and hope;

They chased it with forks and hope;

They threatened its life with a railway-share;

They threatened its life with a train track share;

They charmed it with smiles and soap.

They won it over with smiles and soap.

But the Barrister, weary of proving in vain

But the lawyer, tired of trying in vain

That the Beaver’s lace-making was wrong,

Fell asleep, and in dreams saw the creature quite plain

Fell asleep, and in my dreams, I clearly saw the creature.

That his fancy had dwelt on so long.

That his imagination had focused on for so long.

the Barrister's dream

He dreamed that he stood in a shadowy Court,

He dreamed that he was standing in a dimly lit courtroom,

Where the Snark, with a glass in its eye,

Dressed in gown, bands, and wig, was defending a pig

Dressed in a gown, bands, and wig, was defending a pig

On the charge of deserting its sty.

On the charge of leaving its pen.

The Witnesses proved, without error or flaw,

The Witnesses demonstrated, without any mistakes or issues,

That the sty was deserted when found:

That the pigpen was empty when discovered:

And the Judge kept explaining the state of the law

And the Judge kept explaining the legal situation.

In a soft under-current of sound.

In a gentle background of sound.

The indictment had never been clearly expressed,

The indictment had never been clearly stated,

And it seemed that the Snark had begun,

And it seemed that the Snark had started,

And had spoken three hours, before any one guessed

And had talked for three hours before anyone figured it out.

What the pig was supposed to have done.

The Jury had each formed a different view

The jury each had their own opinions.

(Long before the indictment was read),

(Long before the charges were read),

And they all spoke at once, so that none of them knew

And they all talked at the same time, so none of them knew

One word that the others had said.

“You must know—” said the Judge: but the Snark exclaimed “Fudge!

“You should know—” said the Judge: but the Snark interrupted, “No way!”

That statute is obsolete quite!

That law is totally outdated!

Let me tell you, my friends, the whole question depends

On an ancient manorial right.

On an old estate right.

“In the matter of Treason the pig would appear

“In the matter of Treason, the pig would appear

To have aided, but scarcely abetted:

To have helped, but hardly encouraged:

While the charge of Insolvency fails, it is clear,

While the charge of insolvency fails, it's clear,

If you grant the plea ‘never indebted.’

If you agree to the request 'never in debt.'

“The fact of Desertion I will not dispute:

“The fact of desertion I will not dispute:

But its guilt, as I trust, is removed

But I hope its guilt is gone.

(So far as relates to the costs of this suit)

(As far as the costs of this suit are concerned)

By the Alibi which has been proved.

With the verified alibi.

“My poor client’s fate now depends on your votes.”

“My poor client's fate now relies on your votes.”

Here the speaker sat down in his place,

Here the speaker took a seat in his spot,

And directed the Judge to refer to his notes

And instructed the Judge to look at his notes

And briefly to sum up the case.

And to quickly summarize the case.

But the Judge said he never had summed up before;

But the Judge said he had never wrapped things up like that before;

So the Snark undertook it instead,

So the Snark took it on instead,

And summed it so well that it came to far more

And summed it up so well that it ended up being much more

Than the Witnesses ever had said!

Than the Witnesses ever mentioned!

When the verdict was called for, the Jury declined,

When the verdict was requested, the jury refused,

As the word was so puzzling to spell;

As the word was so confusing to spell;

But they ventured to hope that the Snark wouldn’t mind

But they dared to hope that the Snark wouldn’t care

Undertaking that duty as well.

Taking on that duty too.

So the Snark found the verdict, although, as it owned,

So the Snark reached a conclusion, although, as it admitted,

It was spent with the toils of the day:

It was spent working hard throughout the day:

When it said the word “GUILTY!” the Jury all groaned,

When it shouted the word “GUILTY!”, the jury all sighed.

And some of them fainted away.

And some of them passed out.

Then the Snark pronounced sentence, the Judge being quite

Then the Snark issued the verdict, with the Judge being completely

Too nervous to utter a word:

Too anxious to speak up.

When it rose to its feet, there was silence like night,

When it stood up, there was silence like nighttime,

And the fall of a pin might be heard.

And you could hear a pin drop.

“Transportation for life” was the sentence it gave,

“Transportation for life” was the sentence it handed down,

“And then to be fined forty pound.”

“And then to be fined £40.”

The Jury all cheered, though the Judge said he feared

The jury all cheered, although the judge said he was worried

That the phrase was not legally sound.

That the phrase wasn't legally valid.

But their wild exultation was suddenly checked

But their wild excitement was suddenly halted

When the jailer informed them, with tears,

When the jailer told them, with tears,

Such a sentence would have not the slightest effect,

Such a sentence wouldn't have any effect at all,

As the pig had been dead for some years.

As the pig had been dead for several years.

The Judge left the Court, looking deeply disgusted:

The judge left the courtroom, looking thoroughly disgusted:

But the Snark, though a little aghast,

But the Snark, although a bit shocked,

As the lawyer to whom the defence was intrusted,

As the lawyer who was given the responsibility of the defense,

Went bellowing on to the last.

Went shouting on to the end.

Thus the Barrister dreamed, while the bellowing seemed

Thus the lawyer dreamed, while the loud noises seemed

To grow every moment more clear:

To become clearer with each passing moment:

Till he woke to the knell of a furious bell,

Till he woke to the sound of an angry bell,

Which the Bellman rang close at his ear.

Which the Bellman rang right next to his ear.

FIT VII.—THE BANKER’S FATE.

THE BANKER’S FATE.

They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care;

They looked for it with thimbles, they searched for it carefully;

They pursued it with forks and hope;

They chased it with forks and hope;

They threatened its life with a railway-share;

They threatened its life with a railroad share;

They charmed it with smiles and soap.

They won it over with smiles and soap.

And the Banker, inspired with a courage so new

And the Banker, filled with a newfound courage

It was matter for general remark,

Everyone noticed it.

Rushed madly ahead and was lost to their view

Rushed ahead wildly and disappeared from their sight

In his zeal to discover the Snark.

In his enthusiasm to find the Snark.

But while he was seeking with thimbles and care,

But while he was searching with thimbles and caution,

A Bandersnatch swiftly drew nigh

A Bandersnatch quickly approached

And grabbed at the Banker, who shrieked in despair,

And lunged at the Banker, who screamed in despair,

For he knew it was useless to fly.

For he knew it was pointless to run away.

He offered large discount—he offered a cheque

He offered a big discount—he offered a check.

(Drawn “to bearer”) for seven-pounds-ten:

(Drawn “to bearer”) for £7.10:

But the Bandersnatch merely extended its neck

But the Bandersnatch just stretched its neck

And grabbed at the Banker again.

And grabbed at the banker again.

Without rest or pause—while those frumious jaws

Without rest or pause—while those furious jaws

Went savagely snapping around—

Went wildly snapping around—

He skipped and he hopped, and he floundered and flopped,

He skipped and hopped, and he stumbled and flopped,

Till fainting he fell to the ground.

Till he fainted and collapsed on the ground.

The Bandersnatch fled as the others appeared

The Bandersnatch ran away when the others showed up.

Led on by that fear-stricken yell:

Led on by that terrified shout:

And the Bellman remarked “It is just as I feared!”

And the Bellman said, “It’s exactly what I was afraid of!”

And solemnly tolled on his bell.

And rang his bell seriously.

He was black in the face, and they scarcely could trace

He had a dark expression, and they could hardly make out

The least likeness to what he had been:

The least resemblance to who he used to be:

While so great was his fright that his waistcoat turned white—

While he was so frightened that his waistcoat turned white

A wonderful thing to be seen!

A stunning sight to see!

To the horror of all who were present that day.

To the shock of everyone who was there that day.

He uprose in full evening dress,

He got up in a full evening outfit,

And with senseless grimaces endeavoured to say

And with pointless facial expressions tried to say

What his tongue could no longer express.

What he could no longer say.

the Banker in a chair

Down he sank in a chair—ran his hands through his hair—

Down he sank in a chair—ran his hands through his hair

And chanted in mimsiest tones

And chanted in the softest tones

Words whose utter inanity proved his insanity,

Words that showed how ridiculous he was proved his insanity,

While he rattled a couple of bones.

While he shook a couple of bones.

“Leave him here to his fate—it is getting so late!”

“Leave him here to his fate—it’s getting really late!”

The Bellman exclaimed in a fright.

The Bellman shouted in alarm.

“We have lost half the day. Any further delay,

“We've already lost half the day. Any more delay,

And we sha’n’t catch a Snark before night!”

And we won’t catch a Snark before night!”

FIT VIII.—THE VANISHING.

THE VANISHING.

They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care;

They looked for it with thimbles, they searched for it carefully;

They pursued it with forks and hope;

They chased it with forks and hope;

They threatened its life with a railway-share;

They threatened its life with a railroad stock;

They charmed it with smiles and soap.

They won it over with smiles and soap.

They shuddered to think that the chase might fail,

They shuddered at the thought that the chase might fail,

And the Beaver, excited at last,

And the Beaver, finally hyped,

Went bounding along on the tip of its tail,

Went leaping along on the tip of its tail,

For the daylight was nearly past.

For the daylight was almost gone.

“There is Thingumbob shouting!” the Bellman said.

“There’s Thingumbob yelling!” the Bellman said.

“He is shouting like mad, only hark!

“He's shouting like crazy, but listen!”

He is waving his hands, he is wagging his head,

He’s waving his hands, he’s shaking his head,

He has certainly found a Snark!”

He has definitely found a Snark!”

They gazed in delight, while the Butcher exclaimed

They looked on in delight, while the Butcher exclaimed

“He was always a desperate wag!”

“He was always a hopeless jokester!”

They beheld him—their Baker—their hero unnamed—

They watched him—their Baker—their hero unnamed—

On the top of a neighbouring crag,

On the top of a nearby cliff,

Erect and sublime, for one moment of time.

Erect and sublime, for just a moment.

In the next, that wild figure they saw

In the next, that wild person they saw

(As if stung by a spasm) plunge into a chasm,

(As if jolted by a sudden shock) dive into a void,

While they waited and listened in awe.

While they waited and listened in amazement.

“It’s a Snark!” was the sound that first came to their ears,

“It’s a Snark!” was the first thing they heard,

And seemed almost too good to be true.

And seemed almost too good to be real.

Then followed a torrent of laughter and cheers:

Then there was a flood of laughter and cheers:

Then the ominous words “It’s a Boo–”

Then, silence. Some fancied they heard in the air

Then, silence. Some thought they heard something in the air

A weary and wandering sigh

A tired and wandering sigh

That sounded like “–jum!” but the others declare

That sounded like “–jum!” but the others say

It was only a breeze that went by.

It was just a passing breeze.

a face in the underbrush

They hunted till darkness came on, but they found

They hunted until it got dark, but they found

Not a button, or feather, or mark,

By which they could tell that they stood on the ground

By which they could tell that they were standing on the ground

Where the Baker had met with the Snark.

Where the Baker had met the Snark.

In the midst of the word he was trying to say,

In the middle of the word he was trying to say,

In the midst of his laughter and glee,

In the middle of his laughter and joy,

He had softly and suddenly vanished away—

He had gently and suddenly disappeared gone—

For the Snark was a Boojum, you see.

THE END.

LONDON:
R. CLAY, SONS, AND TAYLOR, PRINTERS,
BREAD STREET HILL.

[TURN OVER.

[FLIP OVER.

WORKS BY LEWIS CARROLL.

Forty-ninth Thousand.

49th Thousand.

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND. With Forty-two Illustrations by Tenniel. Crown 8vo. cloth, gilt edges, price 6s.

“An excellent piece of nonsense.” —Times.

“That most delightful of children’s stories.” —Saturday Review.

“Elegant and delicious nonsense.” —Guardian.

“Chic and tasty nonsense.” —Guardian.

GERMAN, FRENCH, AND ITALIAN TRANSLATIONS of the same, with Tenniel’s Illustrations. Crown 8vo. cloth, gilt edges, price 6s. each.

GERMAN, FRENCH, AND ITALIAN TRANSLATIONS of the same, with Tenniel's Illustrations. Crown 8vo. cloth, gilt edges, price 6s. each.

The Spectator in speaking of the German and French translations says: “On the whole, the turn of the original has been followed with surprising fidelity, and it is curious to see what slight verbal alterations have often sufficed to preserve the humour of the English.”

The Spectator when discussing the German and French translations says: “Generally, the essence of the original has been followed with surprising accuracy, and it's interesting to note how minor verbal changes have often been enough to maintain the humor of the English.”

Thirty-eighth Thousand.

38,000.

THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS, AND WHAT ALICE FOUND THERE. With Fifty Illustrations by Tenniel. Crown 8vo. cloth, gilt edges, 6s.

THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS, AND WHAT ALICE FOUND THERE. With Fifty Illustrations by Tenniel. Crown 8vo. cloth, gilt edges, 6shillings.

“Will fairly rank with the tale of her previous experiences.” —Daily Telegraph.

“Will fairly compete with the story of her past experiences.” —Daily Telegraph.

“Many of Mr. Tenniel’s designs are masterpieces of wise absurdity.” —Athenæum.

“Many of Mr. Tenniel’s designs are masterpieces of clever absurdity.” —Athenæum.

“Whether as regarding author or illustrator, this book is a jewel rarely to be found now a days.” —Echo.

“Whether it’s about the author or the illustrator, this book is a gem that’s hard to find these days.” —Echo.

“Not a whit inferior to its predecessor in grand extravagance of imagination, and delicious allegorical nonsense.” —British Quarterly Review.

“Not at all inferior to its predecessor in grand extravagance of imagination, and delightful allegorical nonsense.” —British Quarterly Review.

MACMILLAN & CO., LONDON

It Was a Boojum

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THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK

BY LEWIS CARROLL

AUTHOR OF “ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND,” AND “THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS.”

WITH NINE IMAGES BY HENRY HOLIDAY

MACMILLAN & CO. 1876.

[The Right of Translation and Reproduction is Reserved.]

LONDON: R. CLAY, SONS, AND TAYLOR, PRINTERS, BREAD STREET HILL.

Inscribed to a dear Child: in memory of golden summer hours and whispers of a summer sea.

THE LANDING.

THE BELLMAN’S SPEECH.

THE BAKER’S TALE.

THE HUNTING.

THE BEAVER’S LESSON.

THE BARRISTER’S DREAM.

THE BANKER’S FATE.

THE VANISHING.

THE END.

LONDON: R. CLAY, SONS, AND TAYLOR, PRINTERS, BREAD STREET HILL.

THE HUNTING
OF THE SNARK

BY
LEWIS CARROLL

AUTHOR OF “ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND,”
AND “THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS.”

WITH NINE IMAGES
BY
HENRY HOLIDAY

MACMILLAN & CO.
1876.

LONDON:
R. CLAY, SONS, AND TAYLOR, PRINTERS,
BREAD STREET HILL.

Inscribed to a dear Child:
in memory of golden summer hours
and whispers of a summer sea.

LONDON:
R. CLAY, SONS, AND TAYLOR, PRINTERS,
BREAD STREET HILL.