The Hunting of the Snark

The Hunting of the Snark - An agony in eight fits - by Lewis Carroll.

I have read thousands of poems and find this one the most enjoyable - so please take the journey with me in volleys!

Fit the First

"Just the place for a Snark!" the Bellman cried,
As he landed his crew with care;
Supporting each man on the top of the tide
By a finger entwined in his hair.

"Just the place for a Snark! I have said it twice:
That alone should encourage the crew
Just the place for a Snark! I have said it thrice:
What I tell you three times is true."
The crew was complete: it included a Boots -
A maker of Bonnets and Hoods -  
A barrister, brought to arrange their disputes -
And a Broker, to value their goods.

A Billiard-marker, whose skills was immense,
Might perhaps have won more than his share -
But a Banker, engaged at enormous expense,
Had the whole of their cash in his care.

There was also a Beaver, that paced on the deck,
Or would sit making lace in the bow;
And often (the Bellman said) saved them from wreck,
Though none of the sailors knew how.

There was one who was famed for the number of things
He forgot when he entered the ship;
His umbrella, his watch, all his jewels and rings,
And the clothes he had bought for the trip.

He had forty two boxes, all carefully packed,
With his name painted clearly on each;
But, since he omitted to mention the fact,
They were all left behind on the beach.

.... to be continued