Snark hunting with Charles Darwin

See also: independent.academia.edu/GoetzKluge/Posts/5725223

If -- and the thing is wildly possible -- the charge of writing nonsense were ever brought against the author of this brief but instructive poem, it would be based, I [Lewis Carroll] feel convinced, on the line (in p.4) “Then the bowsprit got mixed with the rudder sometimes.” In view of this painful possibility, I will not (as I might) appeal indignantly to my other writings as a proof that I am incapable of such a deed: I will not (as I might) point to the strong moral purpose of this poem itself, to the arithmetical principles so cautiously inculcated in it, or to its noble teachings in Natural History -- I will take the more prosaic course of simply explaining how it happened.

369 . . “The method employed I would gladly explain,
370 . . . . While I have it so clear in my head,
371 . . If I had but the time and you had but the brain --
372 . . . . But much yet remains to be said.

373 . . “In one moment I’ve seen what has hitherto been
374 . . . . Enveloped in absolute mystery,
375 . . And without extra charge I will give you at large
376 . . . . A Lesson in Natural History.”

377 . . In his genial way he proceeded to say
378 . . . . (Forgetting all laws of propriety,
379 . . And that giving instruction, without introduction,
380 . . . . Would have caused quite a thrill in Society),

See also: independent.academia.edu/GoetzKluge/Posts/5725223 If -- and the thing is wildly possible -- the charge of writing nonsense were ever brought against the author of this brief but instructive poem, it would be based, I [Lewis Carroll] feel convinced, on the line (in p.4) “Then the bowsprit got mixed with the rudder sometimes.” In view of this painful possibility, I will not (as I might) a…  (read more)

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