The (almost really) Complete Works of Lewis Carroll

Verses for Christmas Cards

Source: manuscript written 1879 for three Christmas cards with drawings by E. Gertrude Thomson, but not published as such

Fly swiftly, gentle Monster! Bear me hence.
Grim Caliban shall work thee no offence.


I bring thee tales of other Hours—of Minutes rolled away—
And long-forgotten legends of a far-off Yesterday.


No budding beaks have they, no downy vest:
Then let us pity them, and guard their rest.

July 1/79