Lewis Carroll: Through the Looking Glass

CHAPTER 6: Humpty Dumpty (continued)

Alice felt that in that case she really OUGHT to listen to it, so she sat down, and said `Thank you' rather sadly.

            `In winter, when the fields are white,
             I sing this song for your delight--

only I don't sing it,' he added, as an explanation.

`I see you don't,' said Alice.

`If you can SEE whether I'm singing or not, you've sharper eyes than most.' Humpty Dumpty remarked severely. Alice was silent.

            `In spring, when woods are getting green,
             I'll try and tell you what I mean.'

`Thank you very much,' said Alice.

            `In summer, when the days are long,
             Perhaps you'll understand the song:
             In autumn, when the leaves are brown,
             Take pen and ink, and write it down.'

`I will, if I can remember it so long,' said Alice.

`You needn't go on making remarks like that,' Humpty Dumpty said: `they're not sensible, and they put me out.'

            `I sent a message to the fish:
             I told them "This is what I wish."

            The little fishes of the sea,
             They sent an answer back to me.

            The little fishes' answer was
             "We cannot do it, Sir, because--"'

`I'm afraid I don't quite understand,' said Alice.

`It gets easier further on,' Humpty Dumpty replied.

            `I sent to them again to say
             "It will be better to obey."

            The fishes answered with a grin,
             "Why, what a temper you are in!"