They Had Eaten Every Onedetails

’A loaf of bread,’ the Walrus said,

    ‘Is what we chiefly need:

Pepper and vinegar besides

    Are very good indeed—

Now if you’re ready, Oysters dear,

    We can begin to feed.’

‘But not on us!’ the Oysters cried,

    Turning a little blue.

‘After such kindness, that would be

    A dismal thing to do!’

‘The night is fine,’ the Walrus said.

    ‘Do you admire the view?

‘It was so kind of you to come!

    And you are very nice!’

The Carpenter said nothing but

    ‘Cut us another slice:

I wish you were not quite so deaf—

    I’ve had to ask you twice!’

‘It seems a shame,’ the Walrus said,

    ‘To play them such a trick,

After we’ve brought them out so far,

    And made them trot so quick!’

The Carpenter said nothing but

    ‘The butter’s spread too thick!’

‘I weep for you,’ the Walrus said:

    ‘I deeply sympathize.’

With sobs and tears he sorted out

    Those of the largest size,

Holding his pocket-handkerchief

    Before his streaming eyes.

‘O Oysters,’ said the Carpenter,

    ‘You’ve had a pleasant run!

Shall we be trotting home again?’

    But answer came there none—

And this was scarcely odd, because

    They’d eaten every one.