The (almost really) Complete Works of Lewis Carroll

Anagrammatic Sonnet

Source: sent to Maud Standen, December 18, 1877

[M]y “Anagrammatic Sonnet” will be new to you. Each line has 4 feet, and each foot is an anagram, i. e., the letters of it can be re-arranged so as to make one word. Thus there are 24 anagrams, which will occupy your leisure moments for some time, I hope. Remember, I don’t limit myself to substantives, as some do. I should consider “we dish = wished” a fair anagram.

As to the war, try elm. I tried.
The wig cast in, I went to ride.
“Ring? Yes.” We rang. “Let’s rap.” We don’t.
“O shew her wit!” As yet she won’t.
Saw eel in Rome. Dry one: he’s wet.
I am dry. O forge! Th’rogue! Why a net?

To these you may add “abcdefgi,” which makes a compound word—as good a word as “summer-house.”