The Hunting of the Snark

Chat on, sweet maid, and rescue from annoyThe heart-love of a child!

— The Hunting of the Snark

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.

— The Hunting of the Snark

He had bought a large map representing the sea, A map they could all understand.

— The Hunting of the Snark

'Other maps are such shapes, with their islands and capes!A perfect and absolute blank!'

— The Hunting of the Snark

Then the bowsprit got mixed with the rudder sometimes: When a vessel is, so to speak, "snarked."

— The Hunting of the Snark

But the principal failing occurred in the sailing,That the ship would not travel due West!

— The Hunting of the Snark

Its habit of getting up late you'll agreeAnd dines on the following day.

— The Hunting of the Snark

They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care; They charmed it with smiles and soap.

— The Hunting of the Snark

As to temper the Jubjub's a desperate bird,It is ages ahead of the fashion.

— The Hunting of the Snark

"My poor client's fate now depends on your votes." Than the Witnesses ever had said!

— The Hunting of the Snark

He was black in the face, and they scarcely could traceA wonderful thing to be seen!

— The Hunting of the Snark

In the midst of the word he was trying to say,For the Snark was a Boojum, you see.

— The Hunting of the Snark