+an Agony,
in Eight Fits.+
By
LEWIS CARROLL
Author of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,"
and "Through the Looking-Glass."
_WITH NINE ILLUSTRATIONS_
by
HENRY HOLIDAY
+London+:
MACMILLAN AND CO.
1876.
[_The Right of Translation and Reproduction is Reserved._]
London:
R. Clay, Sons, and Taylor, Printers,
Bread Street Hill.
+Inscribed to a dear Child:
in memory of golden summer hours
and whispers of a summer sea.+
Girt with a boyish garb for boyish task,
Eager she wields her spade: yet loves as well
Rest on a friendly knee, intent to ask
The tale he loves to tell.
Rude spirits of the seething outer strife,
Unmeet to read her pure and simple spright,
Deem, if you list, such hours a waste of life,
Empty of all delight!
Chat on, sweet Maid, and rescue from annoy
Hearts that by wiser talk are unbeguiled.
Ah, happy he who owns that tenderest joy,
The heart-love of a child!
Away, fond thoughts, and vex my soul no more!
Work claims my wakeful nights, my busy days--
Albeit bright memories of that sunlit shore
Yet haunt my dreaming gaze!