Аліса в Країні чудес
Advice from a Caterpillar
"Youareold,"saidtheyouth,"asImentionedbefore,
Andhavegrownmostuncommonlyfat;
Yetyouturnedaback-somersaultinatthedoor—
Pray,whatisthereasonofthat?"
"Inmyyouth,"saidthesage,asheshookhisgreylocks,
"Ikeptallmylimbsverysupple
Bytheuseofthisointment—oneshillingthebox—
Allowmetosellyouacouple?"
"Youareold,"saidtheyouth,"andyourjawsaretooweak
Foranythingtougherthansuet;
Yetyoufinishedthegoose,withthebonesandthebeak—
Pray,howdidyoumanagetodoit?"
"Inmyyouth,"saidhisfather,"Itooktothelaw,
Andarguedeachcasewithmywife;
Andthemuscularstrength,whichitgavetomyjaw
Haslastedtherestofmylife."
"Youareold,"saidtheyouth,"onewouldhardlysuppose
Thatyoureyewasassteadyasever;
Yetyoubalancedaneelontheendofyournose—
Whatmadeyousoawfullyclever?"