| The Bandersnatch fled as the others appeared
|
| Led on by that fear-stricken yell
|
| The Bellman remarked It is just as I feared!
|
| And solemnly tolled on his bell.
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| Leave him here to his fate—it is getting so late!
|
| The Bellman exclaimed in a fright.
|
| We have lost half the day. |
| Any further delay,
|
| And we won’t catch a Snark before night!
|
| He was black in the face, and they scarcely could trace
|
| The least likeness to what he had been.
|
| While so great was his fright that his waistcoat turned white—
|
| A very strange thing to be seen!
|
| To the horror of all who were present that day.
|
| He uprose in full evening dress.
|
| And with senseless grimaces endeavoured to say
|
| What his tongue could no longer express.
|
| Down he sank in a chair—ran his hands through his hair—
|
| And chanted in mimsiest tones
|
| Words whose utter inanity proved his insanity,
|
| While he rattled his bones.
|
| He offered a large discount—he offered a cheque
|
| Drawn to bearer for seven-pounds-ten
|
| But the Bandersnatch merely extended its neck
|
| And grabbed at the Banker again.
|
| Without rest or pause—while those frumious jaws
|
| Went savagely snapping around—
|
| He skipped and he hopped, and he floundered and flopped,
|
| Till fainting he fell to the ground. |