"To seek it with thimbles, to seek it with care;

⁠To pursue it with forks and hope;

To threaten its life with a railway-share;

⁠To charm it with smiles and soap!

"For the Snark's a peculiar creature, that won't

⁠Be caught in a commonplace way.

Do all that you know, and try all that you don't:

⁠Not a chance must be wasted to-day!

"For England expects—I forbear to proceed:

⁠'Tis a maxim tremendous, but trite:

And you'd best be unpacking the things that you need

⁠To rig yourselves out for the fight."