My dear Christie,
 I greatly fear
 I’m wanted here,
 Which makes it clear
 I can’t appear
 At your “pour rire”—
 Would I were freer!
 So, with a tear
 (At which don’t sneer),
 I am, my dear,
 Your most sincere
 C. L. Dodgson
Source: sent to Sophia Christina “Christie” Taylor, October 1869?
My dear Christie,
 I greatly fear
 I’m wanted here,
 Which makes it clear
 I can’t appear
 At your “pour rire”—
 Would I were freer!
 So, with a tear
 (At which don’t sneer),
 I am, my dear,
 Your most sincere
 C. L. Dodgson