The sun was shining on the sea,

He did his very best to make

And this was odd, because it was

The moon was shining sulkily,

Had got no business to be there

"It's very rude of him," she said,

The sea was wet as wet could be,

You could not see a cloud because

No birds were flying overhead—

The Walrus and the Carpenter

They wept like anything to see

"If this were only cleared away,"

"If seven maids with seven mops

Do you suppose," the Walrus said,

"I doubt it," said the Carpenter,

"0 Oysters, come and walk with us!"

"A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,

We cannot do with more than four,

The eldest Oyster looked at him,

The eldest Oyster winked his eye,

Meaning to say he did not choose

But four young Oysters hurried up,

Their coats were brushed, their faces washed,

And this was odd, because, you know,

Four other Oysters followed them,

And thick and fast they came at last,

All hopping through the frothy waves,

The Walrus and the Carpenter

And then they rested on a rock

And all the little Oysters stood

"The time has come," the Walrus said,

Of shoes—and ships—and sealing-wax—

And why the sea is boiling hot—

"But wait a bit," the Oysters cried,

For some of us are out of breath,

"No hurry!" said the Carpenter.

"A loaf of bread," the Walrus said,

Pepper and vinegar besides -Are very good indeed— Now, if you're ready, Oysters dear,

"But not on us!" the Oysters cried,

"After such kindness, that would be

"The night is fine," the Walrus said,

"It was so kind of you to come!

The Carpenter said nothing but

I wish you were not quite so deaf—

"It seems a shame," the Walrus said,

After we've brought them out so far,

The Carpenter said nothing but

"I weep for you," the Walrus said:

With sobs and tears he sorted out

Holding his pocket-handkerchief

"0 Oysters," said the Carpenter,

Shall we be trotting home again?"

And this was scarcely odd, because